(Amaia)

(Bonus Chapter since @MissyDionne sent a beautiful gift. I also received a castle and it’s Valentine’s day, so enjoy everyone.)

The eyes were like glowing embers, pitch-black hair held back in a half ponytail. Porcelain white flawless skin. Perfection seems to be his second name. He doesn’t appear to be older than mid-thirties but I know that vampires age differently than us.

"That’s Hathial Kane. The strongest vampire in existence," Alnilam tells me and I nod.

King Hathial Kane is busy speaking with the man sitting beside him. Golden hair and blue eyes, he is the perfect older version of Ramian and I can guess that he is his father.

"That’s Ramian’s father, the Werewolf King Kalit Heaz, from the state of Diera," Alnilam whispers and I can see the uncanny resemblance.

"Why is Ramian training at Orion when his father is part of the renowned five and they have their own training academy?" I can’t help but ask, seeing that the State of Diera has sent their own recruits.

"Their state is pure werewolf state while Orion has hybrids, even tribrids like Mintaka and Alnitak. Our training is advanced and provides more opportunities to learn, training alongside stronger opponents helps you grow." Alnilam’s words hold wisdom and I understand why Ramian is part of Orion and not his kingdom’s academy.

Finally, my eyes shift to the last king, the one I am not familiar with. I don’t even know his name. He is seated on the left side of King Orion, not speaking to anyone, just leaning back in the chair and drinking from the gold chalice he is holding.

He has deep forest green eyes and long black hair that is perfectly draped on his left shoulder, held in a braid with a green ribbon attached to it.

Confident, nonchalant and self-absorbed. That’s the vibe he carries. His eyes are focused on a table in front of him where most likely the recruits from his state are seated.

"King Xamian Wu of Kingdom Saratopia. He is a very powerful warlock," Alnilam introduces the last king. Maybe he senses my gaze on him. His eyes flicker towards us and stay for a few seconds.

Unreadable, there are zero emotions on his face. Just mere indifference and coldness which seeps into my bones. Unsettling, the man possesses a powerful aura. As quietly as he has glanced towards me, he sweeps his gaze away.

"The smug bastards are not here. Are they probably going to make a special entry?" Alnitak mutters from beside me, pointing with his eyes towards the empty table with Istrale’s card on it.

As if to answer Alnitak’s question. The door opens and Gaslne Marslo enters, followed by her recruits. All of them wear similar garbs. Long white gowns with shimmering blue cloaks tied at the back.

Right behind Gaslne is a short girl, her height is even shorter than mine, and her face holds such innocence. Round face, rich blue eyes like some crystal clear lake. Long obsidian shaded hair which is open and bounces in waves behind her as she moves with finesse. Her tiny hands clasped in front. The red shoes she is wearing remind me of a ballerina.

King Natianu stands up seeing them and begins to clap and cheer. His face split with joy.

"That’s Meissa, the youngest daughter of Natianu. She will be our opponent this year. Don’t be fooled by her innocent face. She is ruthless," Alnitak murmurs in my ear, leaving me stunned.

She appears rather innocent but I know looks can be deceiving. Kacir and Rahria pass us looks from the other side of the table. It’s clear they also know about her.

They settle themselves on their designated table and Natianu finally sits down, beaming with pride.

The Officiant Jabal Tilns along with Gaslne approach the high table where the kings sit and bow.

"We would like to request permission to present this year’s recruits. May they approach the table and introduce themselves before we begin with the dinner?" Gaslne respectfully asks.

Natianu raises his hand and silence falls over. Every eye in the hall focuses on him.

He brings his hand down and bangs it twice on the table.

"Permission granted."

A half-hearted cheer goes through the hall. Gaslne turns to face us while smiling like a maniac. She spreads her hands. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"On behalf of the State of Istrale, I welcome you all to this year’s Inter Guild Wars. The competition will begin tomorrow. Let’s take this moment to introduce ourselves and enjoy some tasty food."

Again half-hearted claps follow.

"Let’s begin with the State of Deira." She gestures towards the table where five recruits with their mentor are sitting.

Strong and muscular builds show they are all werewolves. Gold and red are prevalent in their garments with gold-buttoned overcoats. Their group is composed of four boys and one girl.

Their mentor leads them forward and they form a uniform line in front of the table with their hands clasped behind their backs and legs slightly spread. A power and confident move.

Kalit Heaz beams at them as their mentor begins the introductions. They bow to the kings as their name is called by their mentor and place their hands on their hearts in a gesture of respect.

After their introduction, the recruits from the State of Fudaria are called forward. Hathial Kane finally stops talking and keenly watches the recruits from his state. Their colours are mostly black and red. Their lean builds and ghostly skins reveal most of them are vampires but I can see a few are probably hybrids.

"May Fudaria come out prosperous this year," Hathial Kane speaks in an enigmatic voice. It’s almost haunting and draws you in. I guess it’s the charm of being such a powerful vampire.

After them, the chosen five from the Kingdom of Saratopia step forward. They wear colourful attire and range from short-statured girls like me to tall guys like the twins. I am not sure if they are witches and warlocks or hybrids. Just like our guild they seem to be mixed and not from one supernatural species.

"Make me proud tomorrow," King Xamian speaks in a heavy voice and they bow to him with perfected smiles.