Hannah cursed under her breath when a hot itch burned beneath her skin, knowing exactly what that meant. Ziva had placed a magical mark there, not just to alert her when they needed to talk, but to torment, and constantly remind her who really held control here.
She hurried to a secure, isolated spot within the North house and pulled a compact mirror from her pocket. The small, circular piece was no larger than her palm. It was so simple and unassuming that no one would think twice about it even if they caught her holding it.
The outer casing was plain white, its surface smooth and innocent-looking, though a trained magic caster or a fellow witch would immediately sense the powerful enchantments woven into it. Inside, the top held a magnifying mirror, while the bottom was a regular mirror that gave a flawless reflection.
Except when Hannah whispered the activation spell, the reflection shimmered and Zivaâs unsmiling face appeared, her sharp eyes filled with authority and disdain.
"Well?" Ziva demanded, her voice cutting through the night like a blade.
Hannah fought the overwhelming urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she forced her tone into clipped obedience, speaking through gritted teeth. "I just arrived today. You certainly donât expect me to have information for you already."
Zivaâs expression didnât soften in the slightest. If anything, she said callously, "Your usefulness to this family is beginning to dwindle, Hannah. You do realize I can have you replaced. Donât think for a second that distance keeps you safe."
"Violet now has a third mate," Hannah confessed.
"What?!" Zivaâs face twisted with ugly rage. "That certainly canât be true."
"The news is all over the North pack," Hannah said flatly. "And Iâve confirmed it. Violet Purple and Alaric Storm are in the middle of a mating fever right now."
"What is even so special about that girl?" Ziva muttered bitterly under her breath. "All she does is collect dick like some whore."
For the first time, Hannah saw the jealousy shining in Zivaâs eyes. The mighty, untouchable Ziva was threatened by Violetâs very existence, though she herself didnât realize it.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Ziva snapped.
"Nothing." Hannah quickly pursed her lips together.
A sharp, burning sensation suddenly flared beneath Hannahâs skin, making her yelp and almost drop the mirror. She scratched at the mark in agony, glaring at Ziva through the reflection.
"Donât even think of defying me," Ziva sneered. "Youâre only out there because I deemed it so. Violet cannot save you. The only reason that bitch is still breathing is because Father wouldnât let us loose on her. Otherwise, sheâd have been ripped apart by now. So be a good little doll, do your job, and youâll be rewarded."
She added with a dark tone, her face hardening into pure malice. "And donât you ever dare lie to me again."
"Ahh!" Hannah screamed as a fresh wave of torment seared through the mark. By the time she blinked the tears from her eyes, the mirror had gone dim meaning Ziva had severed the connection.
"That fucking bitch!" Hannah cursed through her teeth, rubbing at the mark, but it only worsened the throbbing pain. The skin was raw and swollen now. She shouldâve known this mission would be hell from the very beginning.
Suddenly drained, Hannah slid down the cold wall and wrapped her arms around her knees, curling in on herself. A single tear escaped, trailing down her cheek.
This mission had given her a desperate hope that she might be free from her family soon. But now, it seemed freedom was nothing more than a cruel dream.
"You, there!"
A guard shouted as a beam of torchlight flashed directly in Hannahâs face. She hissed under her breath, raising her palm to shield her eyes from the sudden glare.
The guard was on her in an instant, boots thudding against the ground. "What are you doing here at this hour?" he asked with suspicion.
Hannah lifted her tear-streaked face, letting her reddened eyes and shaky breath sell the illusion.
"S-sorry, sir," she stammered. "Itâs my first day on the job and I couldnât sleep. Everything here is just so overwhelming."
Hannah had studied about werewolves
and knew they were incredibly skilled at detecting lies. Thankfully, she was so good at lying it had become second nature to her. Hence, it was not difficult to play along.
"You work in the kitchen." The guard noted, his gaze taking in her uniform.
"Yes, sir."
And yes, the uniform she had stolen earlier to blend in
. Hannah thought to herself.
The manâs posture eased a little as he lowered his defenses. Of course, he could scent that she was human. Wolves rarely saw humans as threats, which worked perfectly in her favor.
"I know how rough the first day can be," the guard said with a sigh, sympathizing with her. "But you should head back to your station. The packhouse is in disarray tonight, and you donât want to get caught up in it."
"Of course, sir." Hannah sniffled, making a show of wiping her eyes. "Youâre so kind."
The compliment made the man blush. He gave a small, awkward laugh. "Itâs nothing."
"Go on, then." He said, gesturing to her to leave, "Take it one day at a time."
Hannah turned and started walking away casually.
"Itâs that way," the guard called after her, pointing in the opposite direction.
"Oh! Right!" Hannah laughed lightly, slapping her forehead. "Where is my head tonight?"
She faked a sheepish grin and quickly corrected her path, disappearing into the night while the guard watched, unsuspecting.
However, the moment Hannah was sure no eyes were on her, she scaled the walls with a bit of difficulty thanks to the snow. However, she held on, her fingers finding every hold, and it wasnât long before she reached the roof of the nearest building.
Once atop the roof, Hannah finally breathed, the tension leaving her shoulders. She crouch down, staring at the dark night sky that would soon give way to the first light of day.
The guard had been right.
She would take this one day at a time.