The Message

Iris

I felt a bright light hit my face, and I sat up with a grunt. It was morning, and it seemed like the sun was perched right at my window.

I sat up rubbing my eyes with one hand, and rubbing my forehead with the other. A panging headache gripped me as I recalled the events of the day before.

The last thing I remembered were the butler's words, “No, milady, I'm a ghoul,” before I blacked out.

The first thought that came to mind at that moment was to run, but instead, I passed out. How did I get back to my room? Was it the butler that brought me here?

I shivered at the thought of him picking me up. Of course, I had the right to be scared; who wouldn't be? I was face to face with a freaking ghoul and I’d have to see him probably everyday.

Ghouls are creatures that rob graves and feed on dead bodies. Maybe he eats the dead bodies of Lucian's wives after he kills them.

“Shit! I have to get out of here.” I muttered.

I should have expected this from someone like Lucian, with the reputation he had. The Lycan beast king was his title, of course it would be befitting to have a ghoul as a butler.

Since Lucian left with Azariel on the day of our arrival, I hadn't seen him. I didn't know when he would be back, but I should make good my escape before then. 

As much as I had nowhere to go, I’d rather be lost than be the next victim. I could probably disguise and work as a maid somewhere, or do menial jobs, but at least I would be free.

I sat up thinking about my next move. It was no wonder how the butler recognised me, they must have been informed of my arrival beforehand.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts, and I jerked in fear.

“Come in.” I managed to say.

The door was pushed open, and the cold chief maid entered alongside two young-looking girls with bright eyes.

“Good morning milady, hope you had a good, nice rest. Ivan told me what happened. You do not have to be scared, he is harmless.” She said in one go.

I forced a smile and scratched my head awkwardly.

“He he he…I guess I’m not used to seeing other creatures apart from werewolves.” I laughed weirdly.

For some reason, I felt she could see right through me. I put on an act to show that I was alright, so she wouldn't get a whiff of what I was planning.

“I understand. The fault is from us, I should have informed you beforehand.” She bowed.

“It's alright, we are all good now.”

“These are your personal maids, Samantha and Eloise.” She introduced herself, and the two girls took a step forward.

Samantha was tall and brown-haired with mischievous hazel-coloured eyes. Eloise, on the other hand, reminded me of a doll; she was much petite than I was. Her face was nicely rounded, and she had glassy dark eyes and long black hair.

“We’ll make sure to give you our best services, Luna.” They bowed.

Luna? I cringed at that and almost laughed. It felt like a joke being called that title. Lucian was an alpha, and as his wife, I was automatically the Luna.

“They’ll aid you with anything you need and be by your side at all times except when you dismiss them.” The chief lady said. “If their services do not satisfy you, you can always reach out to me or Ivan. I’ll take my leave now.” She bowed.

“Wait.” I called out when she turned, “You haven't told me your name.”

For a moment, she looked flustered before she composed herself and with an expressionless face, she said, “Petra, milady.”

“Hmm, Petra. Nice name.” I found myself saying.

She gave another bow again before she left. I wondered if her back didn't ache with the number of times she bowed.

It seemed Lucian didn't trust me enough for two personal maids to be assigned to me. I guessed his previous wives must have attempted to escape, so I wouldn't be an exception.

Since these maids would be with me at all times, I would escape at night. I’ll just get them to tour me around the mansion.

“Uh, I just woke up now. And I’d like you guys to tour me around the mansion. I’ll just quickly freshen up and have breakfast, then we’ll go.” I said with an assuring smile.

“All right, milady, we'll help you shower,” Samantha said.

Huh? Did I hear that right?

“No need for that, it's fine. I can shower.”

“It would be unsightly and unruly if we let the Luna do such menial duties herself,” Eloise added.

I looked at both of them like they had grown horns. When did taking a shower themselves become a duty?

“I would shower myself,” I said with a tone of finality.

“It isn't that we wish to disobey your orders, milady. But we could get in trouble if we don't do our duty.” Eloise bit her lips with her head down.

They were right, this was the way the Royals were treated. But I didn't get such treatment back home, as my father was of the opinion that I didn't deserve it. Well, I didn't mind it at all. I didn't even feel comfortable having maids surrounding me.

“I understand, but I insist. You guys can just sit around, I’ll be done quickly. You don't have to worry about getting punished, I'll make sure of that.” I looked at them.

They glanced at each other, “If it pleases you, milady.” They smiled, and I couldn't help but smile back.

I picked my phone and walked into the bathroom. I quickly checked if I had any messages from my mother when I saw a message pop up from an anonymous number.

The message had been sent since late noon yesterday. It was a Voice message, I clicked on it.

“Still the same answer. Lady Mica's body is perfectly clean, no traces of poison, cuts or anything.” A voice said.

The voice seemed familiar. it was…Azariel. I stood confused, and then I heard another voice speak, which made me freeze on the spot.

“I see. If we get no report by midnight, we'll bury her body. It's been months now.” The voice rang out.

It was Lucian.