ADJUSTMENT

As she slowly emerged from the darkness, Sophia's head throbbed with a dull ache, her muscles heavy with a numbness that seemed to seep into her very bones. She forced her eyes open, blinking away the haze as she struggled to adjust to the dimly lit room.

The space around her was shrouded in shadows, the absence of light seeming to heighten her other senses. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and leather, and Sophia's nostrils flared as she breathed it in.

As she sat up, a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her to pause. Her gaze darted around the room, taking in the simple yet elegant decor. The bed she lay on was massive, with intricately carved posters that seemed to reach up to the ceiling.

But it was the memories that came flooding back that made Sophia's heart skip a beat. The forest, the beast, the stranger... His piercing eyes, his chiseled features, his low, husky voice.

Sophia's skin prickled with goosebumps as she recalled the stranger's touch, his fingers brushing against hers as he saved her from the jaws of death. She felt a shiver run down her spine, her heart racing with anticipation.

Yesterday was supposed to be her last day on earth. But now, as she sat in this dark, mysterious room, Sophia couldn't help but wonder... What lay ahead?

She just hoped she hadn’t entered the devils Den . Just then, She heard a soft knock on the door . A small chubby woman with curves stepped into the room.Her hair was tied down.She wore a deep blood red gown which clinged to her bosom.As Sophia gazed at the woman, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of curiosity. She couldn’t help but wonder Who was this woman ? and What was her connection to the stranger that saved her life?

The woman's voice was laced with disdain as she spoke, her eyes raking over Sophia's disheveled form. "I see you've awoken. Someone will bring you a change of clothes. When you're done, you'll join the other servants in the quarters."

Sophia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. "May I speak with the man who brought me here?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of defiance.

The woman's expression turned glacial. "Prince Azriel doesn't associate with servants. And that's what you are now."

Sophia's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what?"

The woman's voice rose, her tone dripping with malice. "You heard me, young lady. Margaret !!

A timid-looking girl scurried into the room, a pile of clothes in her arms. "Yes, ma'am?"

The woman's gaze flicked to Sophia. "Make sure she's dressed and familiar with the rules. We don't want any... accidents."

Margaret nodded, her eyes darting to Sophia. "Yes, ma'am."

As the woman swept out of the room, Margaret turned to Sophia. "She's the head of the servants here. If you want to survive, you'll need to stay on her good side."

Sophia's eyes flashed with anger. "I didn't sign up for this. I'm not a servant."

Margret’s expression was sympathetic. "We're the lucky ones, trust me. Now, go change. The bathroom is to your right."

As Sophia stepped into the bathroom, she felt a wave of despair wash over her. Had her mysterious savior saved her only to condemn her to a life of servitude?

The dress Margret had given her was a plain white gown, devoid of any embellishments. Sophia's eyes narrowed as she changed. She was determined to uncover the truth behind her situation.

As she emerged from the bathroom, Margret smiled. "You look lovely. Now, let's get you familiar with the rules."

Margret voice dropped to a whisper as she rattled off the rules. "We only answer to Prince Azriel , the master of this place. He's the one who holds our fate in his hands, and we'd do well to remember that."

Sophia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. "And what about Madam Grace?" she asked, her tone laced with a hint of defiance.

Margret expression turned wary. "Madam Grace is the head of the servants, and we do as she says. No questions asked."

Sophia's gaze locked onto Margret’s . "And what about our... freedom?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Margrets eyes darted around the room, as if she feared being overheard. "We don't leave the servant quarters without permission. Ever."

Sophia's eyes flashed with anger, but Margret continued, her voice firm. "We show respect to our betters at all times. That means bowing our heads when we greet them."

Sophia's lips curled into a snarl, but Margret wasn't finished. "And finally, lights out are at nine o'clock . After dinner, we retire to our quarters and stay there until morning."

Sophia's eyes blazed with rebellion, but Margrets expression remained firm. "These are the rules, Sophia. Break them, and you'll face the consequences."

Sophia was one who hated taking others . She knew she wasn’t going to last here. As she and Gwen made their way towards the kitchen, she saw other servants who were also dressed like her . Most of them , their head down to the floor. Gwen nodded to the ones who greeted her . She noticed their prying eyes ,they spoke words she couldn’t fathom. On reaching the kitchen , Sophia's eyes scanned the bustling kitchen, her gaze locking onto the flurry of activity. Servants darted back and forth, their faces set in determined expressions. The air was thick with tension, the scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread hanging heavy over the space.

At the farther end , she saw the head of the servants, for a moment, their eyes met ,

Madam Graces eyes seemed to bore into her soul .Sophia’s skin crawled, her senses on high alert . She knew she had to be careful or she would face the wrath of the woman .

“ Sophia “ She turned around as Margret called her “ Your assigned to the serving section “

“ Okay “ she replied “ Where should I Stand?”

“ Over there at the right , the food will be ready soon “