As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft amber glow across the sky, Seraphina stood at the doorway of their modest home in Gloomshire, clutching a letter in her trembling hands. Her heart raced, torn between excitement and a heavy sense of guilt. She was leaving her mother behind.
"I'll come back every weekend, Mama. I promise," she whispered, her voice wavering as she glanced back at her mother, who stood leaning against the doorframe with a tender smile.
Her mother, once vibrant with cascading waves of fiery red hair, now looked more fragile than ever. Illness had drained her, leaving her paler, but her soulful eyes still sparkled with determination. "Be careful, my beautiful daughter," her mother said, her voice soft but firm. "And remember, no one can know the truth about what you are."
"I know, Mama." Seraphina stepped forward to hug her mother tightly. "I'll be careful. I'll send letters, and I'll come back as often as I can."
Her mother kissed her forehead. "I know you will."
With one last glance, Seraphina turned and walked toward the small station where the carriage would take her to Luxhaven, the grand city where the palace loomed.
The carriage rattled down the dirt roads, her thoughts wandering as the landscape around her slowly shifted. She stared out the window, watching the rundown homes of Gloomshire fade behind her and the lush estates of Luxhaven appear. As they approached the town, the sharp contrast between her humble beginnings and this world of grandeur became all too clear. She was stepping into a place where wealth and power ruled and where she had to hide what she truly was.
The grand palace of Luxhaven loomed before her as the carriage rolled to a stop. Seraphina gazed out the window, feeling a wave of awe and nervousness wash over her. The palace was enormous, its gleaming walls and tall spires reaching toward the sky. The town of Luxhaven, with its cobbled streets and ornate buildings, was a stark contrast to the modest, worn-down streets of Gloomshire.
She stepped out of the carriage, noticing the immediate attention her appearance garnered. The striking color of her fiery red hair, a rare sight among the people of Luxhaven, drew curious eyes. Men and women alike glanced at her with a mix of admiration and surprise, some whispering as she passed by. But Seraphina was used to the stares; wherever she went, people always noticed her. It wasn't just her hair that made her stand out, but also her natural grace and the way she carried herself. From what her mother had told her, she was one of the few blood fairies with such vibrant hair, making her even more unique and sought after.
She made her way through the bustling streets, her heart pounding with anticipation. The grandeur of Luxhaven was overwhelming, and Seraphina couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size and beauty of the town. Every corner was lined with lavish estates and bustling markets, a stark contrast to the worn-down streets of Gloomshire.
She took a deep breath, reminding herself of her purpose. This was her chance to earn money for her mother's treatment, a chance to turn their fortunes around. After sending her letter days ago, she had received an invitation to come for an interview. With her head held high,she handed her invitation letter to the palace guard. The man examined it briefly before nodding and stepping aside, allowing her to enter.
She approached the palace's grand entrance, her heart thudding in her chest. The butler, an older man with a stern expression, stood at the door. His gaze softened slightly as she introduced herself.
"I am Seraphina, here to begin my service," she said, her voice steady despite her nerves.
The butler nodded curtly, his hands clasped behind his back. "Welcome. Follow me."
As she followed him through the grand halls of the palace, Seraphina couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size and beauty of the place. The ceilings were high, adorned with glittering chandeliers, and the walls were lined with rich tapestries depicting stories of the kingdom's history. She'd never seen anything like it.
"You'll be assigned to the servant quarters," the butler said as they walked. "You'll start tomorrow. Keep your head down, do your job well, and you'll have no trouble here."
They stopped in front of a young boy with sandy brown hair and a bright, curious expression. He straightened up when he saw them.
"Oliver," the butler said. "This is Seraphina. Show her to her room."
Oliver nodded eagerly. "Of course, sir."
As the butler walked away, Oliver turned to Seraphina with a wide grin. "Follow me. I'll show you where the servants stay."
Seraphina smiled back, grateful for his friendly demeanor. She followed him through the maze of corridors, her footsteps echoing softly on the stone floors.
"It's easy to get lost in here," Oliver said, glancing at her. "But don't worry. You'll get the hang of it. Some people here can be… difficult, but you seem like someone who can handle it."
"I hope so," Seraphina said with a small laugh, trying to keep her nerves at bay.
They reached the servant quarters, a narrow hallway lined with simple wooden doors. Oliver stopped in front of one of them and gestured. "This is your room. It's not much, but it's home for now."
Seraphina opened the door and stepped inside. The room was small, with just a bed, a wardrobe, and a nightstand. It was plain, but after living in Gloomshire, it felt like a luxury.
"We have dinner at seven. If you're up for it, I'll see you there. It's always a bit hectic, but it's fun too!"
"I'd love that," she replied, feeling a flutter of excitement at the thought of meeting her fellow staff members.
With a wave, Oliver left, and Seraphina set her bag down and took a deep breath. She sat on the edge of the bed, looking around her new room. It was a far cry from the life she had known, but it was a start. A chance to save her mother, to give her the life she deserved.
She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she had no choice. She had to succeed, no matter what it took.