Chapter One – Unbridled Night
A voice echoed from the corridor, sharp and cold.
"Who do you think you are?"
"You tiny rat! What on earth are you doing here?"
Walking backwards away from the scene, Monise tried to keep her heartbeat steady—but it thundered in her chest like loud church bells, far too loud for the night creatures of this house. And at this unholy hour, she was sure of one thing: if they caught her, she'd end up abandoned without a grave, her blood drained and her body tossed into the nearby lake that sat proudly beside the mansion.
It had only been a week since she arrived here to serve, but already she could barely breathe.
So lost in her racing thoughts, Monise didn't realize she'd reached the end of the corridor. She took one more step backward—and her foot found nothing but air. A second later, the other followed.
She was falling—down, down, from the third floor. Her mind braced for the cold, hard crash of stone.
But then, something caught her.
Strong arms wrapped around her midair, holding her as if they were flying. Gently, her feet touched the wet ground. She had kept her eyes shut from fear, but now they fluttered open. Her heart pounded, mind spinning. She turned quickly, looking for her savior.
No one was there.
She sucked in a sharp breath, eyes scanning the shadows.
"What just happened?" she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath.
Who had saved her?
Or rather—what?
Still trembling, she brought her hands to her face. That embrace… it had felt warm. Comforting, even. Had it been waiting for her? Lurking in the shadows, watching her? Waiting to strike—or to protect?
Before her thoughts could spiral further, a voice called out—familiar, clear, and close.
"Wake up, Monise… it's morning.