Wanderlust Beastkin, Beauty and the Beastkin

Lirit’s Perspective

I lounged in the extravagant drawing room, waiting for the guy who claimed he could help me with my little dilemma. I mean, I had sent out a whole army of hunters and mercenaries to track him down, but my father was all in because, let’s be real, the next Awakening Ceremony is mine, and the full moon is creeping up fast. I made it crystal clear to my mom’s main guy that I would only consider the general as my first mate, but honestly, I’d settle for someone else if I had to. I refuse to end up like that pathetic Elara, locked away in some dreary village cabin, practically tied up and waiting for her fate, with guards making sure she doesn’t even think about escaping.

Honestly, she’s such a fool for not just picking a random guy for her first mate. Who cares if she doesn’t like him? There are plenty of ways to handle a male you’re not into. The best trick I’ve seen? Send them off to hunt down high-quality mana gems from monsters. If they come back with the goods, great! That just brings me closer to immortality. If they don’t come back? Well, that solves my problem too.

I lounged in my exquisite high-backed chair, a delicate tea set elegantly placed beside me, while the unsightly male shuffled in. I took a sip of my delightful tea, relishing how it masked the revolting odors of the lowly males around me. Honestly, it was so much easier to tolerate their presence when I couldn’t smell their filth. Hunters always prattled on about how staying clean would alert the beasts they chase, but I think that’s just a pathetic excuse to wallow in their own grime.

A hunter, dragging a hideous, tattered sack made of some scratchy, cheap material, plopped it down next to him. I couldn’t help but glare at it, praying it wouldn’t leak some disgusting mess all over my pristine floor. I absolutely detest anything messy, foul smells, and weak men—there’s just so much to loathe. Then there was that repulsive orange-haired hunter, grinning at me with his gap-toothed smile and filthy appearance. I seriously considered having my guard teach him a lesson by punching him in his cheeky smile.

"Seriously, are you just going to gawk at me all day, or do you actually have something useful to say about where General Kai is? I mean, I’m offering one hundred clear gems for solid intel on his location, and ten elemental gems if you can actually bring him to me. So, what’s it going to be?"

"You see, the price is due, for I have him right here," he hissed, his fingers gliding over the rough surface of the brown sack.

"You’ve got him right here..." My eyes practically popped out of my head as I stared at that pathetic, tied-up sack that was just lying there, completely lifeless. Ugh, I could feel my stomach churning, and honestly, it was so gross. I shot a glance at the guard next to me, who was just standing there like a statue. "Gabe," I managed to squeak out and my voice sounded so weird.

He looked at me, probably noticing my panic, and then sauntered over to the hunter, who scooted away. Gabe had that cold, uninterested look on his face as he crouched down and started untying the sack, yanking it open like it was some kind of trash bag. And there he was—General Kai. But seriously, he looked like a ghost, all pale and lifeless, like a creepy marble statue. The only hint of color was that stupid gash on his forehead, and honestly, it didn’t even look like he was breathing.

"Did you do this? Did you actually kill him?" I asked, my voice dripping with murderous intent.

The hunter gave out a dark and menacing chuckle. "Kill him, no. I only temporarily petrified him. You can have the antidote to release him from the petrification after I get paid and other doses that you’ll need will be sent every day for the next week. There’s no reason to worry as long as I’m allowed to leave here unharmed and I get paid what I’ve been promised." He smiled widely and the two teeth that appeared missing at first, extended out, he’d just been hiding them at first, long pointy fangs. I swallowed instinctively while looking at them as I watched the pupils of his eyes elongate.

"Wandering Snake Beastkin," I breathed, a mix of intrigue and dread bubbling up inside me. I mean, who wouldn’t be captivated? I’d only heard the wildest tales about them. Everyone warned us young beastkin to steer clear of the forest, claiming the snake beastkin would snatch you away, never to be seen again. So dramatic, right?

"Exactly," he replied, that smug grin plastered on his face as he flicked his long, forked tongue.

"I’ll give you double the elemental gems if you shift into your snake form for me," I proposed, my voice low and calculated. Honestly, snake beastkin have always been this perfect blend of terrifying and fascinating to me. I’d dragged guards into the woods so many times, desperate to catch a glimpse, but they always managed to evade me. This was my moment, and I wasn’t about to let it slip away.

He let out a slight chuckle that was mildly disgusted as he stared into my horror-filled and fascinated eyes.

"You’re just one of those delicate little flowers, in your cozy corner, peeking at peril from afar. One day, that thrill you crave will ensnare you in a web of trouble you can’t escape. Just a little wisdom from me, but if you wish to gaze upon my serpentine self, it’ll cost you thirty poison gems."

"Deal!" I leaned in, practically purring with excitement as I watched the snake beastkin morph right before my eyes. His features stretched and elongated, enveloped in this green glow while scales erupted from his skin. Then, bam! The light got so blinding I could barely see, and suddenly, there was this stunning light orange snake where he used to be. Sure, it wasn’t as massive as I expected, but honestly, those shiny orange scales were to die for. Too bad he wasn’t really my type; that bright orange hair was a total turn-off, and his personality? Ugh, a total snooze. Still, I wouldn’t mind snagging a snake beastkin guy—preferably one with a bit more bite, if you know what I mean.

"I’ll throw in an extra ten poison gems if you let me touch you in your beast form."

He shot me a look with those bright orange eyes and gave a little nod. My heart did this ridiculous leap, but I stood up and strutted over to him. The guards around the room were closing in, looking all nervous and jumpy. Honestly, what a bunch of cowards! But hey, at least they were doing their job, even if it was clear they were shaking in their boots at the sight of a snake beastkin.

I strutted over to him with a smirk plastered on my face, completely unfazed. Clearly, I was on a whole different level than these losers. Standing right in front of him, I extended my hand, and his slitted eyes locked onto me, that fiery orange glowing like a mini sun—totally mesmerizing. I reached out to feel his scales, and wow, they were smoother and tougher than I expected, a little cool but also strangely soft, like the finest silk, yet way more durable than any armor. I ran my palm over them, practically swooning in delight. Honestly, I could totally see him as one of my guys after a little makeover. I mean, he might clean up nicely.

"I believe that’s quite enough of your gentle touches, young female. I have no wish to be enveloped in your scent," the way his voice slithered out was almost musical, smooth with a subtle hiss trailing off.

My hand froze, and honestly, I didn’t want to pull it away. But after what he said, it would just scream that I wanted to mark him with my scent, and I have no intention of appearing desperate, especially with General Kai still waiting for me.

"Gabe, get this guy his poison gems—make it all forty, plus the hundred clear ones." freewёbnoνel.com

"But miss, we agreed on just ten poison gems originally."

"Well, that’s ancient history now. We negotiated, and I got what I wanted, so I’m happy with him. You, on the other hand, are really testing my patience. Your job is to keep me safe and follow my orders, not to question me or try to undermine my authority. Seriously, what’s forty poison gems? A drop in the bucket compared to keeping me in a good mood. You know what happens when I’m not happy, right?"

He practically threw himself into a dramatic bow, then stumbled back a few steps before bolting out of the room like he was escaping a horde of ravenous lions.

Moments later, Gabe burst back in, clutching two pristine white silk sacks. Normally, I wouldn’t waste such exquisite items on a filthy hunter, but he was the first snake beastkin I’d ever met, and I was oddly captivated by the whole thing. But seriously, why did his hair have to be that obnoxious bright orange? Any other color would have been so much better, and why was he acting like I wasn’t even here? I mean, come on, I’m obviously stunning—why wouldn’t he be all over me?

Gabe handed me the sacks, and I peeked inside to ensure he wasn’t trying to pull a fast one on me. I counted the poison gems, and they were all there. The clear ones? I didn’t even bother counting; they looked about right. I flashed him my sweetest smile, the one I perfected in front of the mirror to get exactly what I want. I don’t just give that smile to anyone, so he should definitely feel lucky.

"Thank you, Mr..."

The snake beastkin laughed, and suddenly, his upper body morphed into a stunning humanoid form while his lower half remained serpentine. Honestly, he looked incredible. I couldn’t help but think about how I might charm him, feeling my cheeks heat up as I gazed at him.

"Mr. you say? How flattering, but I can’t say I’ve ever heard that before."

He let out a soft hiss, flicking his tongue out as he took me in, sizing me up. Then, he flicked his tongue again, and I realized that he was literally smelling me. Another chuckle escaped him, and my face flushed even more. Clearly, he could sense my interest. But let’s be real, it’s not just him; I’ve always had a thing for snake beastkin, and he’s the first one I’ve ever encountered.

"My name is Helio."

"Will you be in the area for a while?"

He darted his tongue out once more, his head tilting ever so slightly as he scrutinized me. " I could stay, provided the compensation is satisfactory and I’m not mistreated. I wouldn’t mind lingering for a while."

Gabe took a step closer. "We would appreciate it if you could remain in town, but we kindly request that you keep our business matters confidential and refrain from revealing your snake form in public, as it might lead to unnecessary alarm. Of course, we have no objections if you wish to transform into your snake form in private, and we can arrange accommodations for your stay in our village. I have the authority to offer you a welcome package."

He cast a fleeting look at Gabe, then turned his gaze to me, before morphing back into his beastkin shape. "Your hospitality would be most welcome. It’s been far too long since I’ve felt the warmth of a village." He seized the two coin bags, pried them open to inspect their treasures, and after a brief rummage, he fastened them back up and attached them to his belt. With a sly grin, he presented me a transparent bottle brimming with a dark purple elixir. "Give this to General Kai, and he’ll rouse from his slumber shortly."

I took the bottle but instead of giving it to General Kai, I tucked it into my own sack and made sure it was nice and secure. I sauntered over to Kai, crouching down to admire him—so quiet, so peaceful, so stunning. From now on, he was going to be mine. A smirk crept onto my face as I reached out to caress his flawless jawline.

Coming Next Time: Sending Help to Elara