Two Hunters, from different worlds.

Chapter 4

I've been stalking this 'Chloe' for days. Ever since that night, she has occupied my every thought. And yet... she should be my prey, not my obsession.

I don't know why, but I need to see what this woman is capable of.

That night, after returning her home, I faded back into the shadows, hunting for my next trophy. I found two men at the perfect moment—negotiating the sale of other females. S'yuit-de (pathetic). They had no idea that, soon enough, their heads would be mine, and their victims avenged.

I have Yin'tekai (honor), and I have a mission. To become an elite, I must hunt in this city, unseen, among my enemies and prey alike—a perfect stalker, a perfect killer. And that is exactly what I did.

I wasted no time. I let my prey feel the fear first. Clicking sounds, slow at first, then louder, sharper, slicing through the night. By the time they reacted, I had already descended from above, a phantom in the darkness.

They knew something was there. Their wide, panicked eyes darted around, muscles tensed. Their breathing turned shallow as the clicking grew closer.

Then, a low growl.

Both men stiffened. They pulled out their weapons, slipping into combat stance. Good.

I lived for the thrill of worthy opponents. But these?

Pathetic.

Remaining cloaked, I moved. My fighting stick struck the first man’s abdomen before he could blink. He doubled over, choking on a scream. The second barely had time to react—I grabbed him by his shirt, yanked him forward, and in one brutal motion, drove my weapon through the first one's body.

The second man watched in horror as his companion crumpled to the ground, a gurgling mess. His own breath hitched. S'yuit-de.

None of them were worthy. So why—why do I persist in thinking one of these humans could ever match me? That one of them could ever challenge me?

The last one trembled, his mind already breaking. I released him, letting him believe—hope—that he had a chance to escape.

He ran.

I let him.

Then, with one smooth motion, I hurled my spear. It found his back with ease, avoiding the spine—his legs gave out, and he crashed forward, choking on his own blood.

I reeled him in.

One final strike, and his Th’syra (skull) was mine.

Adrenaline rushed through me. Another trophy. Another spine torn fresh from a kill.

Hunting is everything to me.

But that female... that woman... she saw me.

Even in her drunken state, I did not feel safe.

For my kind, secrecy is absolute. No one must witness us. No one must know.

And yet, here I am, tracking her—why?

For now, I simply watch. She wakes, drinks, works, follows a case, then disappears into the police headquarters. But she's not just an officer. She moves differently. Undercover.

I saw her tonight, hiding behind a building. A man approached, spoke briefly, then left. I considered following—until my communicator buzzed.

My clan leader. My Elder.

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TIME SKIP

"I was waiting for you, Vor’Mekta." His voice was low, measured. "Have you found your primary prey, or are you wasting time on that female?"

"That female did not see me," I said, my tone firm. I lowered my head in respect. "She only stumbled through a doorway—drunk, my sire."

"I know. I saw." His voice did not waver, but the weight in his tone was sharp as a blade. "Then tell me—why do you follow her? You know the rule. No interaction. Only the hunt."

"I understand, my lord. But..." I hesitated. "When she seemed lost in her own world, for a moment, she became aware. She spoke—perhaps to herself, perhaps to me. Maybe I was mistaken, but as she lay on the ground, staring at the sky, she asked if there were other species in this world. Then she passed out. I am certain she remembers nothing. But to be sure, I have been observing her movements."

Silence.

"I see," my Elder murmured, voice unreadable. Then, a warning. "Curiosity will be your downfall. If you lose sight of your goal, you will fail. No one will aid you in your hunt. If you wish to become Elite, you must remain focused. No mistakes, hunter."

His words were final.

I bowed deeper, letting his warning settle.

He was not wrong.

And yet…

Later that night, I found myself outside her building.

She was asleep. Unaware.

Slowly, I moved closer.

Inside her room, I stood over her. I could see her—truly see her. Even through my mask, I wanted more. Her face, her skin, her body... Pauk.

It had been cycles since I last saw a female of my kind. But why did this prey haunt my thoughts? Why her?

She shifted, murmuring in her sleep.

Then—

She woke up.

A sharp gasp.

She shot upright, breath unsteady, eyes darting in the dark.

I did not move. Not a single muscle. Invisible, I remained still, waiting for the perfect moment to leave.

I never imagined I would be the one retreating from a human woman.

It would be so easy—so effortless—to take her by that delicate neck, squeeze until her struggles faded, until she lay lifeless beneath me.

But that would destroy my honor. My reputation. I would be marked ic’jit (Bad Blood).

No.

I only intended to leave.

But then—

Her gaze locked onto my position.

Did she see me?

If she truly saw me, I would have no choice.

I would have to kill her.

But first...

I want to see how she reacts.

When she is sober—when she is truly aware—will she scream? Will she run?

If so…

Then my Kv'var (hunt) will become far more interesting.