Chapter 7

Elyssa Raine

I toyed with the frayed edge of my shirt, my fingers restless as I was led along the sandy path. The guard had shown up this morning and is taking me down this path with no words at all.

I was beginning to wonder if he was leading me into the woods to kill me, when we suddenly stopped in front of a massive manor.

I always thought moonbeam pack house was regal-- well guess what? My thoughts changed-- it's nothing compared to this one. The house stood like a masterpiece carved into reality--tall, symmetrical and utterly breathtaking.

I was too stunned to walk for a while until a tug from the guard who realize I want moving, sent me almost stumbling on my own feet.

The door to the building clicked open and we stepped in-- or more like I tumbled in while the guard gave me the stinkiest eyes possible. If I had said the outside looks breathtaking, guess what the inside looks like.

It felt like I had stepped into another world.

The floors were smooth, polished marble, gleaming under the soft light of chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling. Everything was just pristine and intentional--as if it was all handpicked to fit in. A curved staircase swept up to the second floor, its railing looking like it was carved from woods with precision.

The windows were dressed with deep crimson curtains that added warmth and color to the space. The air smelled clean and expensive--like polished wood and something faintly floral. This place isn't even flashy-- everything was just...in place. Everything just blends in and that's what makes it regal.

I found myself slowing down, quietly taking it all in. But then a thought cross my mind...Is this building really the pack house? I mean it's beautiful and all but is a whole pack really going to fit in in this two storied building?

Or maybe they have multiple pack house and this is just one of them.

I didn't have time to figure it out because the guard beside me suddenly stopped. He turned to a smaller door tucked to the left under the staircase, knocked once, then stepped aside.

Within seconds, the door creaked open, and out came a woman who looked like she'd seen too many winters to still be on her feet--but there she was, tall and stern-faced, with white hair pulled into the tightest bun I'd ever seen. Her sharp eyes scanned me once before she gave a short nod, almost like a silent judgment had already been passed.

Behind her two other women emerge, both looking around my age, or perhaps older...I don't know. One was petite, with bouncy, short, arburn hair and slightly tanned skin that seemed to glow even in the low lighting. The other had a sharp jawline, a fringe hairstyles and a no-nonsense expression that gave off instant "don't try me" energy.

Then came the men--three of them. The first was hunched, balding, with a weathered face that looked permanently unimpressed. The second was taller, broader, and had that tired air of someone who'd been working for decades and was ready to fight anyone who messed up his rhythm. The last one--well, he stood out as a young man with twinkling blue eyes and wide smile in this sombre environment, could.

The guard finally spoke. "New maid." he said with a nod in my direction. I have a name, duh... Then, as if this was all he needed to do, he turned and walked away without a glance back.

Seriously?

I was left standing awkwardly in front of six strangers, all looking at me like I was a new piece of furniture they hadn't decided where to place yet. My hand twitched at my side, unsure if I should wave, smile, or just disappear into the marble floor. None of them moved, and for a few seconds, the silence between us felt like a punishment.

"Don't just stand there looking lost, with your mouth opened" the older woman finally snapped, her voice crisp like dry leaves. "Follow me."

I blinked...and blink again. Then closed my mouth and took a hesitant step forward. Great. First impressions? Absolutely stellar.

_____

The older woman didn't wait for a response--she turned sharply and started down a hallway with the others falling into place behind her. I had no choice but to trail along, half-walking, half-speed-walking just to keep up.

We moved through a quieter wing of the house. The grand marble floors gave way to smooth tiles, still clean but clearly more functional. The lighting shifted too--jwarmer, dimmer, with fewer chandeliers and more wall sconces casting a soft glow.

"This way," the woman said briskly, turning into a narrower corridor lined with several doors on either side.

She stopped in front of one, pushed it open, and stepped aside so I could enter. "Room Four. You'll be with Mara."

The room was small but neat, with two single beds pushed to opposite walls. A narrow window let in some late afternoon light, and the air smelled faintly of lavender and something soapy. There was a wardrobe against the wall, a small desk in the corner, and two hooks near the door where clothes were hung . One bed was already made up with a soft green duvet and a few books stacked neatly on the floor beside it. The other bed was bare--clearly waiting for me.

"You can settle in," the woman said, arms crossed. "Dinner's at seven. You'll meet me tomorrow morning at 4:30 am to learn your duties. Until then, don't wander."

Then she turned and left without waiting for a reply. Seems like an habit . The door clicked shut behind her.

I exhaled slowly and looked around. So this was it. My new home...

A second later, the door opened again. The girl with soft brown bouncy, short hair came in. Oh...she's Mara. Her wide brown eyes looked too excited to see me sitting in her..our room.

"You're so gorgeous," she said, setting down a tray of folded towels she was holding. "I'm Mara."

I gave a nod, awkwardly. "Uhmn, thanks. I'm Elyssa."

She smiled faintly and walked over to her side of the room. "You can take the left bed. Sheets are in the drawer. It's not bad here--once you get used to the routines and the weird silence."

I huffed a soft laugh, mostly out of relief that someone here didn't look like they hated me. "Thanks."

Mara sat cross-legged on her bed and watched as I began unpacking my the bedsheets from the small drawer beside my bed. "So," she said, " I heard you're from the Moonbeam pack . What's it like over there?"