A Master In A Maid's Form

"Do you know me?" I questioned him as we stood in an empty space next to a forest opening at the back of the restaurant.

I leaned against a tree, my hands folded across my chest, and I watched her prance the small area, fastening her waves into an urgent ponytail.

"No," he nodded reluctantly. "I do not know you…yet."

"Why are you here? Were you sent to me? Why did you think interfering would help me? I didn't ask for your help, okay? So do what you're here for and leave. Don't make things even worse."

Quite the direct one. It just made her fit more into the criteria that I wanted. She turned to leave, but I called her back, addressing her by her name, and that seemed to bear more results than I expected. What was even funnier was how she wore a smile through it all.

"How do you even know my name?"

"Do you like it here? How long do you want to keep pretending? In all honesty, I'm here for a quest, and I seem to have found what I was looking for. If you could spare me a few moments, this wouldn't be so bad for us both."

"Leave."

"Luna, please-"

She sighed exasperatedly. "This better be good; if my master arrives before then, he might as well kill us both."

I chuckled. "That's a nice joke."

She didn't smile back, so my smile faded too, with the realization that she, in fact, wasn't joking. "I'd be direct then if that's what you'd want. Be my Master."

Too fast? Too direct? I watched a series of emotions cross her face ranging from nervousness to fear, to brief contemplation. I waited through it.

"What?"

"You heard me. Be my Master, Luna. That's my proposal, and I can handle the rest. I can take care of everything else you'd ever need as long as you agree to train me."

She squinted, patting some of the hair that escaped the bond. "Make me understand what you're trying to say. I'm just an ordinary—"

"No, you're not. You're anything but ordinary, Luna, and we both know that. I sensed it the moment you walked in."

"Which means you're not human either…what are you then? Looks like I failed to hide properly this time. I'd expected only humans to be in this town," Luna responded, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"Eh…a wolf, but that's where the problem comes in. I've decided, and I just need you to agree to be my Master, train me, and teach me how to harness my powers, and I'd be responsible for you for as long as you want." I expressed, desperate for her response.

Luna stared into an empty space for a while. "What makes you think I can do what you want? I'm not master material."

"I feel it. That sense of victory dawned on me when I set eyes on you. It is questionable, and I know…but how can we be sure if we don't try?"

This was absurd in so many ways. I wondered how I'd feel if a random stranger had walked in and asked me to be their master. That must be what Luna was feeling too.

Her lips parted slightly after a brief moment. "No, thank you. I'm over okay here and I do hope you find the master you're looking for. It's just not me."

"Luna…you have to think about this. A restaurant isn't where you're supposed to use all that mystical powers locked inside of you."

"How would you know what's right for me? You don't even know me. I'd appreciate it if you took your leave right now. My master will be here soon, and I can assure you, he's not as welcoming as Bane was."

Bane was welcoming? Ironic. At the mention of her master, another idea breezed into my mind. I didn't plan to return empty-handed this time, and I was so sure Luna was the right person.

The only way to have her come with me was to purchase her from the Shadowmaws family. "I don't plan on leaving without you."

"What does that even mean?"

"Luna?" Another voice called out from behind her. It was a middle-aged man whom I hadn't seen earlier. His frame commanded respect and obedience, and he had quite a number of tattoos crawling up his arms. "Aren't you supposed to be working the restaurant?"

There was so much anger in his voice even as he tried to tone it down. The man stomped angrily towards her, and he looked ready to hit her despite our contrasting size difference.

How much of a brute were these people going to be?

"Hey, hey…hey." I stood before Luna immediately, blocking the angry man's path. "Let's take it easy, shall we?"

The man stopped and examined my appearance. A pleased expression rested on his face as he seemed to sum up my worth.

"... and who might you be?" His voice was harsh and resounding by nature. He spoke thunder.

Oh, you have no idea. I shrugged. "Someone who's interested in purchasing this maid. Strike a deal with me, gentleman."

"What are you even saying!?" Luna yelled from behind me. I didn't need a soothsayer to know that she was shooting me death glares. Her gaze was strong enough to poke holes in the back of my head.

"I like the sound of that. You want to purchase Luna?" His voice was skeptical. "Are you sure you want that one? There are plenty of others that seem useful in different aspects, unlike her…she's pretty tedious that one."

"No," I shook my head. "I want her. She's the one who caught my eyes."

"You do realize I'm right here behind you! Stop this madness, right now!" Luna protested. "I do not wish to be sold!"

"Who cares what you wish, you parasite? Come with me then to my office. I'd love nothing more than to sell her away." The man said to me as he began walking. "I'm Vik Shadowmaws, by the way, and you are?"

"Indrik. Indrik Fridolf."

I completed the process, and Luna was mine. It didn't take much to pay Vik off for her. I couldn't believe that he didn't see the same greatness that I did. But that also made me glad. My search had finally come to an end.

It was evening already, and I had very little time to return to my pack. I could envision everything already and how much I'd progress if Luna were by my side.

Although I didn't understand the depth of her powers, I was very sure that she could help me. She just had to be willing. After I left Vik's office, the next and most necessary step was for her to accompany me.

And that was precisely what she'd refused to do. Throughout the time the transaction went on, she'd been glued to a chair, unwilling to do anything.

I understood her plight, but I needed her more than she'd ever imagined. I would rather purchase her than have her waste away in this crooked hellhole; I was convinced that I could take care of her.

"It's time…" I said, observing the worried expression on her face. "...master," I completed, and she glared at me.

"I'm not your master," she mouthed. "And I do not have any intentions of going with you to live at the top of mountains and whatnot!"

I snickered. "Druid Peak Pack, actually. You're quite defensive, contrary to the adorable look that you carry. The deal has been done, Luna. You have to come with me willingly, or I will walk for us both while you're over my shoulders," I declared simply, an amused smile on my face.

"You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, I most definitely will!" With a tough movement, I was able to pry her arms away from the chair and carried her over my shoulders.

My arm wrapped delicately around her waist while the other steadied her back as she fought to get off me. Her petite size didn't make that possible.

"Put me down right now, you asshole." Luna screamed, swinging her legs in protest.

"Hey! Stay still, alright? I'm not as strong as a normal wolf would be."

I ventured into the woods once again with my master in my arms. I found her— the ray of light in the dark, dark tunnel.