As I lay in bed, drifting off into a light slumber, I managed to sleep but a few minutes later, my eyes flew open quickly from a sudden creak, which jolted me awake, my heart racing at the unexpected sound. I quickly realized it was just one of the other girls shifting in her sleep, causing the bed to creak so loudly. The silence that followed felt so loud, and my mind conjured up all sorts of imagined scenarios in the darkness of the room.
Unable to shake off the unease that settled within me, I got up and attempted to calm my restless nerves. Moving as quietly as possible, I tiptoed around the cramped quarters, trying not to disturb the others. The dim light filtering through the curtains offered little solace, casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance in the corners of the room, but that didn't calm my racing thoughts.
Finally, I made up my mind to step outside, seeking refuge in the cool night air. The back door of the building creaked softly as I pushed it open, revealing the dark night. The half-crescent moon shone in the sky, its weak glow offering modest illumination as I walked further.
As I navigated the darkened pathways, I made sure to avoid the gaze of the night guards stationed around the manor. Being a newcomer, I couldn't afford to raise any suspicions that might brand me as an intruder. Every rustle of the bushes, every distant hoot of an owl, seemed magnified in the stillness of the night, setting my senses on edge.
Despite my efforts to go unseen, the quietness of the manor's grounds only served to heighten my anxiety.
I stumbled upon a calm pond not far from the maid's quarters. There was a variety of colourful and pint-sized fishes gracefully swimming around, seemingly in harmony with their surroundings. It was a fascinating sight to behold, observing the different colours and sizes of the fishes as they elegantly moved through the water. They all seemed to gather near the edges of the pond, almost as if they were awaiting a meal to be served but unfortunately, I didn't have any to spare.
As I stood there, captivated by the mesmerizing display of aquatic life, my mind unconsciously wandered back to a time when I resided with my mother and stepfather. Despite being her own flesh and blood, my mother never regarded me as a daughter, let alone as a human being. She hurled hurtful insults at me, accusing me of stealing her real child from her. Physical abuse was a norm in our household, with my mother subjecting me to beatings for the slightest of reasons, withholding food from me, and violently yanking my hair while spewing venomous words about the colour of my hair being white. She claimed it was a sign of some sinister heritage, and she needed to get rid of the devil's illegitimate daughter before I brought woe upon her household.
Her husband, my stepfather, was no less of a tormentor. He took delight in ridiculing my appearance, especially targeting my eye colour, and would openly inflict pain upon me in front of my mother. However, when she was absent, he would try to cross unspeakable boundaries with me, but I narrowly evaded his predatory advances as he was only emboldened to do so when intoxicated and incapacitated.
Living in such a toxic and abusive environment, I often found solace in fleeting moments of solitude, like the one I experienced in the serene pond with the fish. The contrast between the peacefulness of nature and the turmoil of my past only served to highlight the profound impact that trauma and mistreatment can have on an individual's psyche.
Yet, despite the hardships I endured, I clung to a glimmer of hope and resilience, finding strength in the fact that all hope isn't lost.
I lifted my head when I heard the sound of rustling leaves in the distance. Who could be here so late? Except me of course… It could have been a squirrel but I found myself going to check it out. I moved a couple of branches out of the way but there was nothing indeed. Must have been the wind.
"What're you looking for?" I heard a deep masculine voice from behind me and I could swear my heart jumped right out of my chest. I turned to look at who the person was and I saw it was the same man I saw in bed with Daizy.
"Sorry Sir, I…I t..thought I heard something" I stammered, unable to calm my racing heart. His eyes narrowed at me but I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
"You know it's dangerous at night around here?" He asked and I kept my eyes to my feet unable to utter another word.
"You're the master's slave, are you not?" He asked and I nodded.
"White hair…" He said moving closer to me. I looked around thinking of the best way to escape him without offending him. From his looks and dress, it seems he's highly ranked around here; maybe a captain or an elder and I wouldn't want to offend him.
"Interesting," he said, lifting my head up to look at him. I looked at him and his lips curved into a smirk.
"...finally. Something different from the rest" he said, moving some strands of hair from my face; his seemingly large blue ring touching my face.
He suddenly pulled me closer to himself, holding me by my waist, and sniffing my hair. His hands felt like needles to my dry skin as I hated being touched.
"...smells nice too," he said and I mustered enough strength to push him away from me, running away.
I entered the maid's quarters, shutting the door behind me. His hands on me repulsed me so much as I thought of it.
Something tells me that I hate him already and this won't be the last time I'll come across him.