[Author's Note: Arc 2: The Maya Arc has begun, delving into the captivating story of Maya's enigmatic past and the circumstances that led her to become Cian's personal maid. While explicit scenes will be scarce, this pivotal segment of the narrative offers invaluable insights into Maya's character and sheds light on Cian's persona. It is important to note that occasional explicit content may arise, so readers are advised to proceed with caution.]
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Maya Heartwood.
A seemingly ordinary girl, possessed an insatiable curiosity that set her apart from her peers. While most children her age were engrossed in play and carefree adventures, Maya's mind delved into realms far beyond her years.
At the tender age of four, she exhibited a level of contemplation and foresight that surpassed expectations. While her contemporaries reveled in the present moment, Maya's thoughts wandered into the realm of maximizing her potential and seizing every opportunity that life presented.
But Maya's disposition went beyond mere calculation. There was a cunning and manipulative edge to her character, a shrewdness that belied her tender age. She possessed an innate ability to navigate the complexities of human interactions, effortlessly manipulating circumstances to her advantage.
It was as if Maya possessed a sixth sense, an uncanny understanding of the world around her. Her keen perception allowed her to discern the desires, weaknesses, and motivations of those she encountered, enabling her to effortlessly orchestrate events to suit her needs.
While other children may have been content with the simplicity of childhood, Maya's mind was a labyrinth of intricate plans and calculated moves. Her intellect and strategic thinking were beyond her years, setting her apart from the ordinary.
She also possessed a complex and multifaceted nature that defied easy categorization. Alongside her calculative tendencies and manipulative inclinations, there lurked a streak of sadism that set her apart from her peers.
At an age where children reveled in innocent play, Maya derived a twisted satisfaction from witnessing the pain and tears of her unsuspecting playmates. Although she couldn't fully comprehend these dark inclinations, there was an undeniable allure in the sight of their suffering, a satisfaction that stirred something within her.
However, beneath this disturbing facade lay a contrasting layer of kindness, an angelic essence that seemed incongruous with her darker tendencies. Maya possessed an innate capacity for compassion and demonstrated unwavering kindness toward others. Her benevolent nature shone through, casting a captivating aura of warmth and goodness that enveloped those fortunate enough to experience it. Rarely did she reveal her darker side, leaving others astounded when confronted with the stark contrast between the sweet facade she projected and the hidden depths of cruelty that lay within her.
She was a paradox, embodying both kindness and cruelty in equal measure. Like a siren with a captivating smile, Maya could effortlessly transition from a gentle and caring demeanor to a merciless force that left others reeling.
Maya Heartwood stood as a living embodiment of the phrase "sweet but psycho," a complex amalgamation of seemingly conflicting traits.
And so, that's why...
From the moment Cian laid eyes on her, a profound certainty settled within his mind, as if the universe had orchestrated their meeting. He couldn't help but be drawn to her presence, like a moth to a flame.
His eyes locked onto the girl standing beneath the shades of the window, where a courtyard tree swayed gently in the breeze. She wore a smile that seemed to radiate both warmth and an intriguing darkness.
"Vera, what is her name?"
Vera responded calmly, "I believe she belongs to the Heartwood family. But why do you ask? Is there something about her that troubles you?"
Cian's gaze remained fixed on the girl below, his mind lost in thought. "It's her smile," he confessed. "There's something captivating about it, something that exudes a certain darkness."
As he continued to watch her, he felt an inexplicable connection, as if her smile held a familiarity that tugged at the edges of his memory.
"Vera, I have an unshakable feeling that this girl will play a pivotal role in our grand plan," Cian declared, a spark of excitement igniting within him.
Perplexed, Vera inquired, "And what leads you to believe so?"
"That kind of smile... it reminds me of someone I know all too well. My mother possesses a similar calculating demeanor, one that has outwitted even my father on multiple occasions. I believe this girl, even without amplifying her abilities, has the potential to become a puppet master, effortlessly manipulating the threads of this world. And that puppet master... would ultimately be controlled by me. Don't you think that's rather intriguing?"
"But do you truly believe she possesses the qualities we seek? The qualities required to execute our grand plan?"
Cian's lips curled into a knowing smirk, a glimmer of confidence in his eyes. "I have faith in my instincts, Vera. There is something about her, an aura of untapped potential. That's why I refuse to let this opportunity slip away. When she return in our manor, inform her that I request her presence in my room."
Vera's composure wavered ever so slightly, though she managed to conceal her flustered state. Conflicting emotions tugged at her heart as she tried to find the right words to express her concerns.
"...Your room? But..."
Cian interrupted her with a sly smile, his tone laced with playful mischief. "...Are you perhaps feeling a twinge of jealousy, Vera? Is it because another girl will have the privilege of entering my personal space?"
Vera's voice faltered as she hurriedly responded, her words devoid of emotion. "N-No, that's not... I mean, despite our different upbringings and mothers, we are still siblings. So, I am not experiencing jealousy."
Deep down, however, Vera's heart clenched with an indescribable pang, her unspoken emotions swirling within her.
Cian leaned closer, his gaze piercing into her soul. "...It's alright if you feel jealous, Vera. I find your jealous expression quite fascinating."
With an audacity that seemed to define him, Cian pressed his lips gently against her cheek, a brazen display of affection.
"...And if you follow my instructions faithfully, there will be more rewards for you."
Vera could feel her cheeks growing warmer by the second, the blush spreading across her face like a ripening tomato. Yet, her stoic expression remained unchanged, concealing the turmoil within her.
Amused by Vera's crimson complexion, Cian chuckled softly and stepped back, creating a slight distance between them. "Now then, let's begin gathering our pieces, shall we?"
With those words, Cian gracefully walked away, leaving Vera standing there, her body still as a statue. Steam seemed to dissipate from her flushed face, yet her countenance remained devoid of any emotion.
•••••
Three days elapsed, each passing with a relentless pace, until Maya returned to the grand manor once more. She made her way to the courtyard, seeking solace beneath the protective embrace of a towering tree.
As Maya arrived, a young woman dressed in a maid's uniform approached her. Maya instinctively deduced that this was one of the manor's maids.
"Pardon me, but may I have a moment of your time?" the maid requested politely.
"What is it?" Maya responded, her voice tinged with curiosity. She couldn't fathom why a maid from such an esteemed household would approach a child like her, who lacked noble lineage.
"Would you please accompany me to the room upstairs? The young master wishes to meet you."
"The young master?" Maya's eyebrows furrowed slightly, puzzled by the request. She wondered why the young master, someone of presumably higher status, would want to interact with her.
"You see, our young master lacks companions of his own age. He rarely ventures outside the confines of his home. It would mean a great deal to him if you could spare some time to play with him."
Maya's heart softened, touched by the maid's words. Her innate kindness and willingness to assist others propelled her response. "Play with the young master? Of course, I'd be happy to!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Maya agreed, her compassionate nature driving her to extend a helping hand to someone in need. If she possessed the power to bring joy or alleviate loneliness, she was more than willing to share it with others.
Maya dusted off her clothes, removing the dirt from her bottom, and then obediently followed the lead of the maid. As she stepped inside the manor, a wave of extraordinary sensations washed over her, as if she had entered a realm entirely different from her own.
Every detail captivated her senses, from the intricately designed floors to the ornate walls, the elegant furnishings, and even the meticulously placed picture frames. The sheer otherworldliness of it all left Maya gaping in awe.
"It's like stepping into a whole new world," she murmured to herself, unable to contain her amazement.
Unfazed by Maya's muttered words, the maid paid her no mind, continuing to stride through the hallway with regal poise and grace. Maya trailed behind, her thoughts wandering.
'I wonder what kind of person the young lord is,' Maya pondered silently, her curiosity piqued. She had heard whispers about the extraordinary talents of the Lambhart's young master. Rumors circulated that his intelligence surpassed that of adults, rendering them in awe. Some even believed that he possessed an unrivaled brilliance, capable of ruling over others with unmatched prowess.
'But I won't truly know unless I see him with my own eyes,' Maya mused, acknowledging that the tales alone couldn't fully capture the essence of a person. She wondered if the tales were an exaggeration, if his brilliance would truly leave her in awe..
At last, the pair reached the foot of the staircase leading to the upper floor. The head maid turned towards Maya, her lips parting as if she intended to speak, but no words escaped her mouth. With an abrupt pivot, she continued her ascent, leaving Maya to gaze at her retreating figure for a moment before following suit.
Step by step, they climbed the stairs until they finally arrived on the second floor. The maid led Maya through a hallway, navigating the maze-like corridors with practiced ease. When they reached a particular door, the maid paused, taking a deep breath to compose herself, and then rapped on the door's surface.
"She's here, little— I mean, young master..." the maid's voice faltered for a moment, her words on the verge of slipping into an odd choice of address. She quickly corrected herself, realizing her mistake.
Confusion flickered in Maya's eyes as she tilted her head, trying to make sense of the maid's momentary lapse
In the next moment, a response resonated from behind the closed door, permeating the air with a peculiar combination of youth and maturity. "Come on in."
The voice sounded remarkably young, as if belonging to an infant taking their first steps into language, yet it carried a discerning tone that defied the speaker's apparent age.
As the door swung open, Maya's eyes didn't immediately fixate on the room's opulence or its grandeur. Instead, her gaze was drawn irresistibly to the person seated within—a boy of her own age.
He sat upon a throne-like chair, his legs crossed with a hand cradling his cheek in an air of nonchalant poise. With his raven-black hair and piercing blue eyes, an aura of enigma enveloped him. Though young, there was an undeniable presence about him that made it difficult for Maya to believe they were the same age.
Her breath caught in her throat, her heart thundering within her chest so forcefully that she feared its palpitations would echo throughout the room.
"...What is this feeling?" Maya whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. She couldn't comprehend the rapid acceleration of her heartbeat or the unfamiliar sensation coursing through her veins.
With each passing second, as she continued to gaze at the enigmatic boy, her pulse quickened, threatening to break free from the confines of her chest.
In that transformative moment, a realization dawned upon Maya, illuminating her thoughts like a burst of sunlight. 'Ah, so that's it...' she silently mused. 'This... this boy is my destined... master♡'
Love, unabashed and instantaneous, blossomed within Maya's heart. In that very instant, she had fallen deeply, inexplicably in love at first sight.