~ Iris POV ~ I walked back to my room, my heart heavy with guilt and confusion. I couldn't shake off the look Leigh had given me when he saw Chad and I. There was a mix of hurt, anger, and disappointment in his eyes. I felt like I had betrayed him, even though I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. As I entered my room, I let out a deep sigh and collapsed onto my bed. Why did I still have feelings for Leigh? I had already rejected him, and he was engaged to someone else. I even thought that I had been able to condition my heart to not think about him. But seeing him today, looking so hurt and angry... it brought all my emotions flooding back. I scurried to my drawer and brought out the handkerchief he had given me when we first met. I had hidden it away, hoping that if I didn't see it, then I would stop thinking about him, but it wasn't working. I caressed the T emblem on it, it felt warm but his smell no longer lingered on this piece of clothing. Now it just smelled like old clothe
We walked all the way to the back of the servants quarter, and when I felt we were at a safe distance where we could talk without being eaves dropped on, I stopped on my tracks and turned to her. Her expression was neutral but her hands were still folded. I dropped the bag of sorvenir Chad had handed to me on a wooden seat by the side."You have something to say to me, don't you?" I broke the silence.She lowered her gaze, before raising it up to meet mine again. "Remember when we first started working here, I had asked you to be careful of the Masters right?" Her voice was strict, and I felt like I knew the direction this conversation was heading. I bit my lips and lowered my gaze."Just say what you want to say Gina." I mumbled and she sighed before moving closer to me and unfolding her arms."I know," she started, "I know you are confused about this whole issue with the Masters, and now there is Miss Eleanor to worry about. And avoiding them is not an option either because you work
"Move your lazy asses, we have a ball to plan!" A senior servant yelled and clapping her hands together to get everyone's attention. "Pack Master wants this to be a night to remember, so let's get to work! And mistakes would not be tolerated or Miss Felice would be sure to kick you out." She warned.The other servants scurried into action, each knowing their tasks. Clara, a young and nimble servant who was part of the new recruits, began arranging the silverware and fine china in the dining hall. "Tara, have you polished the candelabras?" she asked a fellow servant."Not yet, I couldn't find them. The older servants would search for them.""We need to get it done quickly or we would be yelled at." She said worried.Meanwhile, in the kitchen, The senior kitchen servant was barking orders at the kitchen staff. "More flour, Anne! We need to make sure those pastries are light as air. And don't forget to add the sugar!""I'm going to die!" Anne whined as usual as she struggled to keep up.
As the bathroom door creaked open, Eleanor emerged, her face pale. My eyes widened with concern as I approached her. Eleanor's usually impeccable hair was now tangled and damp, her eyes sunken and her skin sallow. She had also washed off her make-up she spent so much time on. She leaned against the doorframe, her hand on her stomach, as if still trying to catch her breath."Are you okay?" I asked worried as I approached her."Don't come near me! Stay there." She said weakly and I stopped on my steps.I felt a surge of worry as I watched her, my mind racing with possibilities. She suddenly had the urge to throw up after sniffing on the croissant I had brought from the kitchen. Maybe she was allergic to something in it?Eleanor's gaze met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. I saw a flicker of embarrassment and annoyance in her eyes, followed by a stern warning. Eleanor's lips pressed together, and she shook her head slightly, as if to say, "Don't ask, don't tell."I no
I was on my bed some where between being half asleep and awake when my alarm rang aggressively in my ears. It was 3:30pm on the dot and I needed to wake Miss Eleanor up by 4::00pm to start getting ready. I hurried to the bathroom and freshened up before rushing to her room. She hasn't even picked out her outfit yet."Hey," someone held onto my arms as I was scurrying along. I looked up to see Chad's smiling face. "Where are you hurrying off to?" He asked."I need to make sure Miss Eleanor is settled and ready on time." I said hastily as I continued on my step but he pulled me back and held me in place."I know you are in a hurry but please walk carefully. You might bump into someone with this pace, and you know the guards are busy lifting heavy objects." He said concerned. I smiled and nodded at him as I released myself from his grip and strided more carefully to my destination.I arrived at her room at exactly 3:56pm. I knocked lightly and let myself in. She was still in bed, so I w
The grand ballroom was abuzz with excitement and elegance, filled with the cream of society, all gathered to see and be seen. The air was electric with anticipation, as guests mingled and chatted, their laughter and conversations mingling with the sweet strains of the orchestra. Everyone showcasing their lovely outfits, wanting to outshine the other.Gentlemen, dashing in their finery, escorted their partners with ease, their eyes shining with charm and sophistication.Candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the scene, as the scent of flowers and expensive perfume wafted through the air. The dance floor was a whirlwind of movement, with couples gliding with ease across the floor in perfect harmony.Servants moved discreetly through the crowds, refilling glasses and offering delicate canapés, their faces expressionless but their eyes shining with curiosity as they moved around."Make sure we aren't out of champagne." Gina ordered the servants. Miss Felice was with the Pack mast
For some reason, my heart felt stiff and I found it very hard to breathe all of a sudden. His gaze was icy and it belittled me even more."Are the servants in this household so unruly?" His voice harsh as he spoke. I should apologize and leave but I couldn't bring myself to do it, I couldn't even speak or move my feet."We are sorry, I apologise." Gina said from behind me as she grabbed my hands and pulled me to the side."Apologize now!" She whispered to me."I am sorry." I managed to utter. He gave me a condescending look before going his way. He moved fluidly as the guest gave way for him. He was certainly a man that commanded respect. I was too busy staring at him that I didn't notice Archie and his Mate, Ethel Lane walk past me. Or maybe I just didn't care."Are you okay Iris?" Gina asked concerned."I'm fine, I just.." I struggled to say."It's okay, just get some rest." She advised and I nodded. It's not like I could just go ahead and rest anyway, I still needed to serve Miss E
I followed Ethel through the winding corridors of the grand estate, my mind racing with curiosity. What could Ethel Lane want to discuss with me in private? We have nothing to do with each other.As we walked, the sounds of the ball grew fainter, replaced by the soft rustling of Ethel's gown and the creaking of the old wooden floorboards. We eventually arrived at a small, secluded garden, surrounded by tall hedges and filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers at the edge of the Troy mansion.Ethel stopped beneath a willow tree, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. She turned to me, her expression neutral."Iris, I wanted to speak with you about my husband, Archie. I am sure you are very familiar with him," Ethel began, her voice gentle but firm. "I know he still has feelings for you, and I understand why. You were his first love, after all."Feelings? What feelings? He must be very stupid and those feelings can rot with him for all I care."But I must ask you, Iris, to sta
I was feeling so frustrated and I didn’t even want to be here or do any of these. There was actually no use having me here since the head servant practically picked out everything herself. From the dress to shoes to the jewellery. I just sat there like a pile of nothing as my thoughts kept wandering around like someone lost. Well, I was lost. My memory was. After the hassle, we were finally done and the servants escorted me back to my room. It was like procession, as the servants walked in front of and behind me, as if shielding me from something dangerous. I felt suffocated and trapped here. "Could I… could I take a short walk?" I asked the head servant, my voice barely audible. I knew I wouldn’t be allowed, but I just wanted to try. "Just a brief look around the grounds? And we’ll be back.” I said innocently.But she shook her head. "I am afraid that would not be possible, Mistress Amore. Master Luka would not approve and he gave strict instructions to not let you wander."“But...
The air in the grand dressing room was thick, not with dust, but with the nerve wrenching sweetness of a hundred different floral perfumes, all battling for dominance to get to my nostrils. I was perched on a soft royal blue cushion, and I could feel the weight and pressure on my shoulders, though my mind was currently miles away, lost in the swirling, fragmented images of my dream. It was still a puzzle that I couldn’t quite piece together, so it bothered me so much. Much more than having to pick out the perfect dress for my mating ceremony.Around me, a flurry of activity unfolded, a meticulously choreographed dance of silks and laces as designers, with faces etched with practiced professional smiles and a hint of desperation, paraded their creations before me, sampling them as the best of the best for the occasion. Each gown was a masterpiece of its own, having intricate beadings and embroidery, meant to enhance my beauty for the upcoming mating ceremony. But to me, they were just…
"Betrothed?" I repeated extremely surprised, it possibly can’t be true. Isn’t he too..too old? "But aren't you… aren't you old enough to be my father?" I asked him.His eyes narrowed at me as the grey turned to ice. "You had no problems with it before. Besides, you have been betrothed to me since your birth." He sounded a bit annoyed as he spoke."But…" I tried to counter, but the words got caught in my throat as he cut me off, his voice sharper and firmer this time.“I won't blame you for the misunderstanding this time Amore. You got into an accident and lost your memory. It happens. Anyway, our mating ceremony is in a few days. I do not wish to postpone it. You better get yourself ready." He turned away and dismissed me with a wave of his hand. I stood there, completely frozen, unable to process his words. Betrothed to him? To a man who could easily be my father? He was handsome, undeniably so, with his sharp features and piercing grey eyes, but the thought of marrying him… it was
The morning light filtering through large windows didn’t make me feel as excited much. It was just like any other day, just like the rest I had spent here. Days and nights has passed by like a continuous endless cycle. A cycle of sleep, bland meals delivered by silent servants, and endless waiting. They all called me ‘Mistress,’ yet I had no recollection of who I was, what this place was, or why I was even here. All I knew was that the servants, though unfailingly polite, were also all awfully tight lipped that it grated on my nerves so much that I felt like pulling my hair some times.“The Master will see you soon and tell you everything you need to know Mistress." They would say, as their eyes evaded mine.Frustration clawed at my chest and I yearned for answers, for a glimpse of the outside world too. The door was always locked when they left, as if they wanted to mock my imprisonment. Why was I even imprisoned here? These questions I couldn’t answer. I scrambled to my feet as my
~ Iris POV ~The first thing that I was aware of was the sound around me. A low unfamiliar hum, like a distant buzzing in my ear. Then voices, muffled and indistinct, like words spoken under water. I tried to open my eyes, but they felt heavy, glued shut with heavy weights. It took a lot of effort, a desperate struggle against the thick pressure that seemed to surround me to finally peer them open.Finally, a sliver of light pierced the darkness, and I blinked, the sudden assault of bright light in my eyes making me to wince and recoil, shutting my eyelids once again. I heard a gasp, a soft, feminine voice, and then a flurry of movement. “She’s awake.” The soft voice said."Get the master quick!" another voice, sharper and more urgent commanded and I could hear clattering around as people moved about. I struggled to open my eyes again to see the people making the sounds, but the light intensified, blinding me again. I squeezed my eyes shut, groaning softly from the sudden sting
So he was dead? Everything he selfishly desired were gone just like that. I moved closer to him as I transformed to my human form. I held his lifeless body as I sobbed. I just couldn’t control the tears as they streamed down. No matter what, and no matter how I claimed to hate him, Chad was still my brother. The one I wished so badly to be close to as a child that I never doubted him. Even as I grew up, I still secretly wished to be accepted by him and father. I was bitter, and full of hatred, but I had never imagined that I would end up killing him with my own hands. I sobbed even harder, holding his lifeless body closer to me.“I hope in your next life you can have a better heart and stop thinking so negatively that you feel you would have to deceive and use others.” I said with a broken heart as I shut his eyes with my hands. I could hear the ringing of my phone at the corner, probably fell there when my clothes ripped as I transformed. I laid him carefully on the ground as I
The air crackled with an unseen energy as Chad transformed. His veins bulged beneath his skin, each muscle rippling with raw power. This was not the frail wolf he used to be, but a monster advanced by cursed medicine and as he would call it, ‘science’.The wolf let out a guttural roar, a sound that seemed to shake the very ground beneath our feet, and he charged at me with a deadly strike.I rolled, dodging the initial attack, I retaliated, a flurry of punches and kicks aimed at the beast he had become, but it was like hitting a wall of granite. He sidestepped, his movements fluid and graceful despite its size, and retaliated with a swipe of its massive claw. His body seemed to be adapting to all my attacks and countering them as he grew stronger with every strike.I barely managed to deflect the blow, the air whistling past my ear as his claws raked across my arm. A sharp pain exploded through me. I gritted my teeth, adrenaline surging through my veins.My men were also being ove
“No one is leaving!” he sneered. Chad stood before us, transformed. His aura exuded a kind of unnatural power. A power that seemed dangerous.“Step back.” I instructed my men. His dangerous aura was pulsing, and his eyes gleaming with malice."What have you done Chad?" I demanded.Chad's maniacal laughter echoed off the walls. "I've evolved Leigh," he sneered. "Beyond human limits. I am a new being that even the so called moon goddess cannot touch." He laughed hysterically.Gina's voice trembled. "What have you taken? Surely it is defective. You didn’t get the divine blood."Chad's smile twisted. "My masterpiece. A pill designed for perfection. Defective? Yes. But potent? Of course, and that so called divine blood will enhance its powers.” He laughed.“You are crazy!” she spat at him. "Oho! No little bunny. I’m not crazy, but I am a new specie created with my own hands. Enhanced strength, unmatched intelligence. I am the perfect being." His eyes blazed. "I'm unstoppable.""You'r
“Iris?” I called out softly but she didn’t seem to hear me as her eyes seemed completely empty. I rushed to Iris's side, embracing her warmly."Iris thank the goddess! We're here to save you. You hear me?" But she pushed me off, her eyes blazing a golden glow.Unfamiliar intensity surrounded her. An energy I couldn’t recognise."Iris?" I called out again but she didn’t respond to her name.What's wrong? This....she seems so unfamiliar like I’m looking at a different person entirely.She turned to Chad, anger flaring up in her burning gaze."Chad Troy,” her voice echoed in the room and it sent a chill down my spine. “you have tampered with divine blood," she declared. "Do you confess to your heinous crimes?" She sneered.Chad's lab men trembled. "She.. she’s evolved" one stammered."I think something went wrong. What are we going to do?” Another said as he trembled.Chad glared at them. "Silence! The blood we’ve got...check it." He said panicked, but before he could move, she moved