Chapter 3: The monster
After only five minutes of walking, I realized something horrifying—I was lost.
I didn't know the way home. I didn't know where Sera was. I didn't even know where I was in this massive estate!
The duke's property was enormous—gardens stretching endlessly, beautifully paved walkways, towering trees, and grand fountains. It was unlike anything I had ever seen.
But there was one thing I could recognize clearly.
The duke's mansion.
The massive, castle-like structure loomed in the distance, a clear landmark in the middle of this overwhelming estate.
"I'm not dumb enough to just walk into that place—" I muttered under my breath before stopping.
Wait.
"Don't maids work inside the residence…?"
My eyes shone brightly. That was a good reason to enter! If I went inside, maybe I could find Sera!
But then… doubt crept in.
"What if Sera isn't working there today…? What if I get caught by the guards…?"
I swallowed nervously, gripping my skirt.
No. It was too risky.
I'd better search for her out here first.
There were maids and butlers walking past me, but they all looked so busy.
I didn't want to disturb them. What if I ended up being a burden to Sera?
So, I just kept walking.
And walking.
Until I stumbled upon something breathtaking.
A massive flower-covered wall—no, a gate—stood before me, taller than anything I'd ever seen. It even had a door.
"The duke is really rich…" I murmured in awe.
But even that didn't do justice to this beauty.
I stepped inside.
"It's beautiful..." I whispered as I gazed around in wonder. Roses of every color bloomed in perfect harmony. There were smaller garden buildings scattered around, each blending into the scenery like something out of a dream.
It was so vast, so stunning... I should read a book about gardens like this!
Wandering deeper inside, I spotted a small structure with stairs leading up.
Curious, I ran toward it.
Inside, the stairs led me to a large open room. It looked like… a tea lounge? Or a luxurious living area? I wasn't sure.
But it was gorgeous!
I gasped in admiration. "So beautiful—"
That's when I noticed him.
A boy stood near the window, staring outside as if lost in thought.
Black hair.
Oh no.
He turned toward me.
Panicking, I ducked behind a large vase.
"I can see you."
His voice was calm. Unbothered.
I peeked at him cautiously.
He was beautiful. More than this garden. More than anything I had ever seen.
His black eyes, deep like the night sky, were fixed on me. The wind from the open window ruffled his thick, slightly tousled hair, making him look even more ethereal.
"Who are you?" he asked, his tone unreadable.
"I...I… I'm the new maid!" I blurted out.
Was I? Would I be working in the horse stables instead? Or somewhere else? I had no idea!
"But you seem so small," he observed. His expression didn't change.
"Umm... s-starting early...?" Ugh! What did I just say!?
Then, before I could stop myself—
"Who are you?"
Why did I ask that!? The words just slipped out of my mouth!
The boy's lips curled slightly. "Who do you think I am?"
He was dressed too finely to be a servant. Too refined.
"A…a noble's son?" I guessed hesitantly.
His smile grew ever so slightly.
"Then answer this—who let you inside this garden?"
My breath hitched.
"N-No one. It was open..."
His gaze sharpened. Slowly, he stepped closer. "This garden is only accessible to the Mandees family."
I froze.
He was standing right before me now, tall enough that he had to tilt his head slightly downward to meet my eyes. The strands of his dark hair shifted in the breeze, framing his face.
"M-Mandees...? Who's that?"
He laughed.
"The duke."
I stopped breathing.
"W-What!?"
The realization hit me like a lightning strike.
I had been casually wandering around a place that only the duke's family was allowed to enter.
I gasped, turned, and ran.
I ran.
I didn't care where—I just had to get away!
If this was a restricted area, then—then what if I got Sera in trouble!?
Tears welled up in my eyes as panic overwhelmed me.
Far behind, standing by the window, the young duke watched me flee.
His expression unreadable.
But his eyes never left me.
"So comfy..."
I hadn't even realized that I had walked from the window to the bed. Now, I was lying on it, curled up in the soft fabric of my dress.
I must have been lost in thought.
It was still raining.
The patter of raindrops against the glass blended with the occasional rumble of thunder, wrapping the room in a cocoon of eerie quiet.
I sensed a figure standing beside me.
It must be that maid.
"I told you, I'll eat!" I snapped, not bothering to look up.
Silence.
She didn't respond.
Tch. It didn't matter. No matter what I said, she would do whatever he had ordered her to do.
I closed my eyes, sighing.
But then—
A hand suddenly grabbed me, yanking me to the edge of the bed.
My breath hitched.
Lightning struck outside, illuminating the room for a fleeting second—
And his face was the only thing I saw.
That bastard!
His arms caged me in, hands planted firmly on the bed. One leg slid between mine, trapping me further beneath him.
I instinctively looked up.
A mistake.
Because in that moment, I saw him—
No longer a boy. No longer the same person I met in the garden.
But a monster.
His features were painfully refined, almost inhumanly perfect. The flickering candlelight cast sharp shadows across his sculpted jawline and the bridge of his straight nose. His dark hair, slightly damp from the humidity, fell messily over his forehead, framing his deep, night-black eyes.
And those eyes—
They weren't just looking at me.
They were devouring me.
Unwavering. Piercing. Holding me in place without so much as a touch.
Like a predator studying its prey.
There was nothing else in his vision. Nothing else that mattered.
Just me.