The Dark Prince

The Hunt

I tugged at my sleeves uselessly, straining to pull the fabric every which way. The material however, would not stretch no matter how much I wrestled with it.

I hated these uniforms, so tight and tacky. They were meant to allow more movement, but they seemed to do just the opposite.

I was walking through town, down the main market pathway. The street was lined with twinkling lights and hanging lanterns, casting a warm glow that illuminated the night.

Purple was hung from every house. Streamers blew in the shop awnings, violet flowers placed on the windowsills, purple confetti lining the brick walkway. It made me intent to see the festivity brought to life.

The air hung with chatter. My fellow contestants followed me in heading through town, toward Ogwin forest where the hunt would take place.

My nerves threatened to explode me. I felt I could simply die of excitement. I had been dreaming of this moment for long, and here it was right around the corner.

Still, a part of me felt uneasy. I had already expected Dominic wouldn't leave me untouched during the hunt. But now after his words to me at dinner, I knew there was no doubt going to be a trick up his sleeve.

I couldn't dwell on it too much. I wasn't going to let Dominic ruin my night. Especially this, something so important and momentous for me.

Again, I found myself aimlessly tugging at my shirt, feeling almost unbearably uncomfortable.

The contestants of the luck hunt all had to wear the same uniforms for the hunt. They consisted of a dark purple long sleeve shirt and black pants.

I understand the clothes were meant to be tight as to not restrict our movement with any baggy material.

I guess I'm just used to the flowy dresses Ingrid always attires me in. I'm not too fond of the tight fitting, as it deeply accentuates my curves.

It makes me feel vulnerable if anything. But I presume it's better than competing in the dress I wore earlier.

I can start to see the tips of the evergreen trees over the buildings. The realization of getting closer to the luck hunt sets in. My hands are almost shaking with nerves.

The Ogwin forest finally comes into view, it's trees swaying in the light breeze. The forest looks darker now at night, with no sunlight to peak through its branches.

I stand for a moment at the entrance, bracing myself for what's to come. I roll my neck and shake my shoulders, hoping to relieve some of the tension.

"Is someone nervous?" a voice pitches from behind me. I almost cringe at the sound.

Angeline comes into veiw beside me, dressed in the same outfit as I am. Her hair is tied back into a slick ponytail. She looks ready to comepete, excluding her nails. I don't know how she'll do anything without breaking one of her claws.

"No" I say, replying back to her comment. I don't give her anything more than that. I turn my head and walk again, straight into the forest.

"Well you should be."

I freeze at that. I whip my head around to meet Dominics cold eyes, a smirk already on his face.

He now stood beside Angeline, towering over her in his height. Just the sight of him made me queasy, anxious to get as far away as possible.

"Dominic I swear, if you do anything to me I'll-"

"You'll what?" Dominic chimed, cutting off my threat.

I bite my tongue, unable to think of any reasonable comeback. There was nothing I could do, as much as I hated the fact.

Dominic chuckled at my silence, taking steps ever so slowly toward me.