In His Humble Home

“You will have everything that you will be needing in this house . I already provided all the necessities that you will be needing in time. That includes food, clothes , your own chamber-“

I gasped. With furrowed eyebrows, he flinched at me in confusion.

“I have my own chamber?” I asked.

“Yes, darling. You do,” he smirked at me.

I nodded while holding myself back from crying out of happiness. And probably, trying not to scream this excitement. Imagine, I have no room all my life.

I lived off in the basements or storage rooms or anywhere that can house me for a short period of time. And now, here I am, being told about all the benefits I will receive.

“I will also give you a mentor who can teach you how to read, write and study,” I smiled when I heard those things.

If there is something I really love to want in this lifetime, that will be education. I want to know a lot of things and be smart. Though I already know how to read and write unlike the other blood slaves. I do think that I need to learn a lot.

The large Victorian doors of the mansion opened, revealing people who stood in a line and abreast. They greeted us with their big smiles. At first, I felt the warmth of their welcome. But as I entered the mansion, I could already feel the growing tension. Obviously, they looked mad at me despite how friendly their approach was.

“They will be your companion in this house. Just like you, they are serving only to me,” I nodded at my Master.

“Atlas, take this darling to her chamber,” my Master loosened the cuffs of his sleeves. “Tell her everything she needs to know and get her ready for tonight.”

“As you wish, Lord Minir,” Atlas moved her head a little.

A gesture that is telling me to follow her. As obedient as I can, I followed her into the dark hallways. Only the small candlelight gave us enough clarity of the floor.

The mansion was filled with a deafening silence. I can’t even say a single word because of the eerie atmosphere. It is a place where you can feel fear in every corner. But I have gotten used to fear that I don’t quite remember the last time I felt it in me.

“I must get you ready for tonight,” she pulled a chair and lit up the candle on the other side of the bed.

“Thank you,” I told her when I sat on the seat that she prepared for me.

I licked my lower lips upon seeing my own reflection on the mirror in front of me. Atlas was standing behind me and her eyes were focused only on my small face. Her hand caressed the edge of my jaw.

“You are beautiful. If you will please Our Lord, he will give to you all your whims,” she said with pride but I can hear her bitter tongue, clicking.

She looked away, frantic for a few seconds before smiling at me warmly. She said, “There is only one rule in this house. Obey our Lord and only our Lord."

I stared at her, not wanting to utter a word.

“Lord Minir is kind. He gave us shelter and fed us using his wealth. And there is only one thing that he asks in return. That is our service,” she pulled my short back unto nape but failed to hold them all.

“But I must warn you, blood slave. Our Lord is merciless. He does not take pity to anyone who can give no benefit from him,” Atlas frowned.

"Oh, don’t scare the poor girl, Atlas!” someone slammed the door and entered with a big smile.

It was a woman wearing a maid uniform. I bet she’s the only one who looked nice around here.

“Don’t believe whatever she’s brainwashing you with. Lord Minir is ruthless, probably a bastard but still, he sheltered us. Accepted us without even asking about who we really are. He let us in and in return for our safety, we must serve him. “

“You’re just telling that because you find him charming, Gerber. He may have the looks but a monster is always a monster. No matter what skin they’re wearing,” Atlas’ eyes darkened, showing how angry she is right now.

I looked down at my hands. This doesn’t really feel right at all.

“Still hostile towards me, Atlas?”

My eyes widened. His voice echoed through the walls of the chamber.

“M-My Lord?” Gerber panicked and stood from sitting on the bed.

“This isn’t hostility, Lord Minir,” Atlas bowed his head down a little.

He smirked and placed a dress on the desk by the door. His eyes dropped on mine. My heart almost skipped a bit when his lips rose on the side, creating a dimple.

“Wear this tonight, darling,” I looked away when his stares stayed on me. He turned to Atlas, “And no more backstabbing me.”

When he left the room, we were covered in an agonizing silence. I couldn’t even tell how awkward that was. Luckily, Gerber was jolly enough to break the ice around us.

She clapped her hands, “Let’s get you prepared!”

Gerber and Atlas dressed me into this white gown. It was like the gown was made exclusively for me to wear. They also made me wear black pumps and tightened the corset around my waist. My hair was braided and small white clips embedded with diamonds hung just above my ears.

I don’t really care about how I look. My appearance is the least interesting thing about me. And whoever likes my appearance must not have seen my head. I am more terribly depressed than everyone here. That’s why if the Master will end up losing control in drinking my blood, I will not even bother to stop him.

Life has been meaningless for me in many ways.

“Do you mind sharing what caused you to be this silent?"

I was snapped out from my own thoughts when the Master poured some wine on my glass. I glanced at him and brought my eyes back to the food.

“It is not good to speak while eating, Master,” I said but it almost sounded like a whisper.

A smirk formed on his lips, “Is that so, darling?”

I nodded.

“Well, then there is nothing that I could do for that. But isn’t dinner a good time to have a conversation?” He leaned close to the table.

Wow. Can vampires even eat food? I tried to stay calm. I succeeded though.

“I don’t know, Master,” I bit my lower lip.

I don’t want to sound loud to him. I don’t want any more trouble.

His eyes studied me. I can feel how suspicious he really is. I munched the food silently and tried not to look at him. When I caught him raising his hand through my peripheral point of view, I covered my head right away.

Please don’t hit me. Please!

“Darling?” I heard how his voice croaked.

I shrunk on my own seat, wanting to be swallowed into the shadows.

I heard his wry chuckle, “I am not going to hit you.”

I shrunk even more. The last person who told me that beat me to death.

“I am no monster. Not to you.”

Should I believe him? Or Should I not? I don't know exactly whether I should give all of my trust to him. But I think it is only rightful to let him do everything that he wants to do to me. I have sold myself to him.

I am his slave.