Wymond, The Cursed Beast.

Arabella's Point of View

"...That's all for today. Have a splendid weekend," Ms. Marshall wished us as she packed up her big textbooks.

Daphne scoffed beside me, packing up her books angrily and recklessly.

"This weekend is gonna be anything but splendid," she grumbled lowly. "I can't believe I'll be sacrificing myself for the sake of other girls," she said aloud this time.

"Sacrificing yourself?" I asked.

"Yeah. The selection parade has been brought forward, and who knows—we might not come out alive."

I nodded in agreement. She had just reminded me how near we are to the selection parade—my heart is about to rip out of my chest in fear.

"I might as well start writing my will now."

She paused and tilted her head. A deep frown appeared on her face—I knew exactly what she was gonna say next.

"Do you think I should will all my allowance to Dante or put them up for charity?"

I twisted my lips and thought briefly.

"Judging by how much Dante has scammed you, I'd advise you put it up for charity. Those old people and orphans need your money more than Dante. He's earned enough of your money from his dirty scams," I said.

Daphne and I laughed as we found my words funny.

"Exactly my thought," she agreed.

We continued packing up, and finally, we were done and set to go home. This was our last class for today. We carried our bags and headed out.

My phone vibrated in my pocket just when we were about to take a curve down our class hallway. I reached for it and saw it was Pete calling. Pete is my manager at my part-time job.

"Hey, Pete," I answered the call, handing the big textbook I was holding to Daphne.

"Ara, your mom called and said you wanna quit your job," he said.

My brows furrowed instantly. I gave Daphne a questioning look, but she shook her head.

I don’t recall ever telling Mom I was gonna quit my job. Why did she say that to him? In fact, there’s no reason for me to quit my job.

"Yeah, she said you needed time to get ready for the selection parade..."

I tuned out the rest of his words and released a sigh.

"Okay, thanks," I said and hung up.

I shoved my phone back in my pocket, and we continued walking.

"I think your mom is nervous. She must be scared of what’s gonna happen to us," Daphne said.

"Yeah. We don’t know what’s gonna happen to us in there. What’s gonna happen to whoever is selected this time? Are we gonna come back with our memories intact?"

Daphne simply shrugged, because that’s all she could do. She had no answers to my questions—she’s just as clueless as me.

"Hey, Ara!"

I heard the voice I dreaded most. Daphne snorted quietly, and we stopped walking. Daphne took a step forward and stood in front of me in a protective stance.

"Ingrid Michaelson," I said under my breath.

"What does this evil elf want this time?" she growled lowly. "I'll beat her up if she doesn’t filter her words."

I laughed.

Daphne is all bark and no bite. She sure loves me and is willing to fight for me, but she runs off at the very last moment. Like I said before, my wolf is stronger than hers.

Ingrid stopped in front of us, with her three minions standing behind her. I rolled my eyeballs. Don’t they have anything to do other than following Ingrid around?

"Ara, are you also going to the selection parade?" Ingrid asked.

"Yes. Am I not entitled to?" I asked her back.

She chuckled, looking at her minions to join her—and they did.

"I heard my dad saying the Beast King is secretly searching for his mate. That’s why girls are taken to his palace. I bet you didn’t know that."

"So? What are you implying?" Daphne asked.

"I don’t think you’re eligible. You’re just wasting your time because you can never be the Beast King's mate with this ugly face of yours," Ingrid laughed.

I pushed Daphne aside gently and walked around Ingrid as I was assessing her. Then I stopped in front of her and stared at her face.

A sigh left my mouth as I shook my head in disappointment.

"What’s with your expression?" she asked.

"You call me ugly..." I sighed. "...but I’m still more beautiful than you—even with your plastic face."

"What are—"

"Take a look at your body. You’re too straight. But look at all my curves," I gestured at my body as I made a sexy pose.

She looked down at herself. From the corner of my eye, I could see Daphne trying to hold back her laugh.

"Did your mama iron your backside when you were a pup?" I asked.

She quickly touched her butt.

"Your ass is so flat. But take a look at my heavy ass," I turned and twerked in front of her briefly.

Daphne couldn’t hold it in anymore. She burst into uncontrollable laughter—and even some of Ingrid’s minions joined in the laughter.

I turned back to face Ingrid and winked at her. Her face had turned crimson red from anger or embarrassment.

"Don’t worry, Ingrid. I’m not gonna snatch him away from you, because I’m too hot and beautiful to be mated with a beast."

My eyes trailed her body, taking note of all her flaws—both her physical flaws and her innermost flaw, which is her rudeness.

"He’s more suitable for mean, wicked, and evil elves like you. I believe the Moon Goddess already paired you two—that’s a perfect match for sure," I said.

"That’s right. Go, Ara!" Daphne hyped me, still laughing her guts out.

Ingrid pointed a finger at me.

"You’re... you’re... you’re..."

"I’m what?" I cut her off. "I’m too hot compared to you," I told her.

Her eyelids twitched as tears brimmed in her eyes. She threw her minions a glare, and they stopped laughing immediately.

I reached forward and held up her chin, because I’m a little taller than her.

"Ingrid Michaelson, you’ve forgotten I’m not one of those weak female elves in your clan who you mess with. I don’t take shit from anybody—not even the Beast King."

She slapped my hand away and pushed me very hard. I would have lost my balance if I wasn’t standing upright.

"Your words can’t get to me. You’re still inferior to me," she said.

I stepped closer to her and looked in her eyes, then released a short laugh.

"My words already got to you. Go home and cry." I turned away from her and faced Daphne. "Dolphin, let’s go."

I flipped my hair back and walked away, although I heard Daphne blowing raspberries at her before running after me.

Daphne threw an arm around my shoulders when she caught up to me. She kissed my cheek and howled shortly.