Fyre

I wonder what would've happened if Ethan didn't hurry up with his men. I mean, they are usually lazy when it comes to urgent matters like this, which is why being someone he fancies sort of has its perks.

I even trusted Daniella with him before I left. Whatever happened to that man, I hope he gets locked up for good.

The towering gates of the grand Victorian mansion stretched from one end of the hill to the other. The guards guarding the gates allowed me through immediately after I gave my name.

I knew I would be working for family but wasn't expecting this type of family; it's rare they hire anybody without due process. By that I meant connections.

Mrs. Hawthorne, who had written to me days back, stood at the entrance waiting for me with a smile on her face.

"You came quite early," she said, holding her hands out to me. "Are you scared of dogs? Forget it, I will need you to come in quietly, not a single sound."

I followed, not giving me the chance to even greet her.

When we entered, I was stunned by the opulence of the entire house, from the chandelier to the marble floors, and I've barely seen anything yet, but I was very much impressed.

"So when do you wish to start, dear?" Mrs. Hawthorne brought to me a glass of orange juice and biscuits.

"Thank you so much," I said, sitting down on the chair she pulled for me.

"I see you are quite young, but you have so much experience," she said, impressed but still surprised by it.

I already had my story planted in my head, so I was ready for it.

"I started working with my hands when I was twelve," I replied.

"My dear... Yet your palms feel so soft, like you haven't labored a day in your life. I'm so happy to have you here; we were really in need of a replacement since the other lady who filled the position had chosen to leave after a month..." Mrs. Hawthorne sighed.

"She didn't like it? Did something happen?" I asked, though I wanted to know more.

She breathed out, "It's been like that... Nothing new... I hope you will be different, dear; I do feel bad for the little one; she's the one having to deal with it all the time."

OH... So I'm guessing the family has a child. Bella wasn't wrong to have thought of that after all.

"As you can see, I already like you; now it all depends on the master of the house. I'll go call him." As she was about to turn, she stopped at the foot of the stairs, seeing who was coming. "He's already here; just be yourself."

"Mrs. Hawthorne, she's here?" the voice came down, calm, deep, and authoritative.

When my eyes fell on him, there was something that certainly felt amiss; I wasn't surprised, nor was I shocked.

I was just there.

It was him.

The tall, mysterious man from the last three nights, the one who I got arrested-I never actually got his name, not like I was bothered by it; I already knew I wasn't going to see him again, except now.

"I see you don't stay with your employer for more than three years; why is that? The day care was a surprise." He said, coming down the stairs with my file in his hand, having a smirk stuck on his lips.

"You also don't keep your employees for more than a month; why is that?" I asked back, already knowing I wasn't getting the job, so why don't I tire him out with my miserable life?

"I see someone has been doing a lot of talking..." His eyes shifted to Mrs. Hawthorne, who pretended like she was dusting the banister.

"I'll leave you two then, and you, be nice to her," Mrs. Hawthorne warned.

He gave a warm smile, which sort of hinted that he will be nothing short of nice.

"Do you have something to say?" He closed my file, resting his arm on the rail, feeling like some kind of god right now; it made my stomach churn.

"You aren't going to hire me," I said with a nonchalant shrug.

"Don't say that... I was expecting you to give me a speech about how you lost your parent or your uncle or someone is suffering, or something to convince me to give you the job, but you just gave up," he mused.

"Because I know how entitled people like you get, all high and mighty, always wanting to-"

"Is your real name Lara?" He interrupted me just to ask, "I sort of feel like it is something else." He left his comfort zone to get closer.

I was puzzled how that was in any relation to the job.

"How is that your concern?"

He lifted his shoulders. "I don't know, I normally do not even get this invested in anyone Mrs. Hawthorne tries to hire... but you... You should be pleased." He leaned forward, nowhere close to me but poised in an intimidating manner. "Lara..." he just called and then paused; he kept staring into my soul as though he was trying to read me. "Your face sort of gives off Margaret, maybe Agatha... or Eleanor, not Lara."

"Well, Lara is my name..."

"I know, but if I were to have named you, I would have given you that," he said simply.

"Why? You hate the names, don't you?"

He was taken aback by how quick I was able to read him.

He gave a slow smile, as though he was sort of pleased by my sharp wit.

"How did you know?"

"It's easy; men like yourself think the same; it's not that hard to decipher." I took a deep breath. "I should go home; I'm clearly not getting the job, and I don't want it either."

"What if I want to give it to you?"

"I would still reject it; nobody in their right mind will become a maid in a house where the house owner requires you to do all of the chores all by yourself because they can't stand humans."

"Mrs. Hawthorne already briefed you?"

"She didn't exactly have to; I've got eyes. I can see there is no one here except Mrs. Hawthorne," I replied sharply.

"True, but where did you get the idea that I can't stand humans? You are human, and I can stand you... That's why I want you to stay... I'll pay a hefty price if you don't mind," he added.

This man... He really is not going to ask about the whole child trafficking thing or how he managed to get out.

Oh, how silly of me to think someone who lives here won't be able to bribe his way out.

This could be a trap.

He draped himself over the rail, surprisingly intrigued for some reason, wearing a grin on his lips. Amused for some reason.

"What was your first opinion of me?" He asked.

I was taken aback as to what he meant by that; seriously, he didn't want to hear what I had to say.

"I'll take a quick guess: tall, brooding... mysterious, arrogant... arrogant. I kind of get that a lot; people often misunderstand my confidence for arrogance. What other thing... Mhm... handsome too." He finally walked down the stairs. "I should kick you out of my house, agreed?"

"I was already leaving."

"No stay, I'm just saying there is a possibility of that happening, but I'll let it slide since you already apologized."

"I never apologized."

"But you will," He said with absolute certainty; he was indeed arrogant. He glanced at his watch. "Still have time... Come, Margaret, I mean Lara..." He said with a chuckle, "I think I can spare a little of my time to give you a tour of my abode and show you to your room. I never do this for anybody; you should be delighted."

"Why?" I hissed, rolling my eyes.

He mistook my tone for a question, thinking I'd ask that, wanting to know why he never did a tour for others. Meanwhile, it was just rhetoric because why on earth should I be delighted to have him give me a tour?

"Why? Why because it has a tail and two branches?" he replied. He turned to catch me utterly confused. "Danielle would've laughed, even Mrs. Hawthorne. I see you are very hard to please, Lara."

"I didn't understand," I admitted, my forehead furrowed, because I genuinely wanted to.

He paused mid-step, seeing my expression, to try and explain what he meant.

"You ask why? What letter sounds like why?" He asked, giving me a soft lecture on his supposed joke.

"Y?"

"Correct. So Y has a tail and two branches, see... " He demonstrated with his hand before walking away, "Even now you still couldn't laugh."

I mean, I get why Danielle or Mrs. Hawthorne would've laughed; Danielle probably won't understand, and Mrs. Hawthorne fears for her wages.

I almost wanted to force a laugh, but then he said, "Don't try to fake it, Lara; it won't feel genuine."

We stopped at a room, which was closed and was on the second floor of the house.

"So this is where you will be staying." He opened the door to reveal a large bedroom. The decor was beautiful; you would think it belonged to a guest. I mean, I've lived in better places because I can afford it, but this was a better upgrade, I guess.

"It's nice," I said.

He chuckled, finding that amusing, I suppose.

"Very Lara... I would've expected a little bit of enthusiasm, but I guess it being nice is alright." He added, "Oh, that is Danielle's room. The closer you are to her, the faster you attend to her needs. When it's time, you pick her up from school, and also... I think you get it-"

"I should-" I stopped myself from speaking as it seemed he had more to say.

"I just wanted to let you know the room at the extreme end is mine, the master bedroom..." He continued.

"Okay,"

"Great. I think I'll hand over to Mrs. Hawthorne now." He took a step back from my room in case I wanted to go in.

"I haven't said that I wanted to work here; the work is still a lot."

"It's not. You only get to manage this part of the house; the other side is off-limits, and I wouldn't want you going there." His words were firm as he emphasized "off-limits."

"Okay, Mr. Montague,"

He still had the smile from earlier stamped on his face; it was hard to tell exactly what it was for. Was he amused, or was it genuine?

Why was he even smiling so much? And has he moved on from that day?

Even when he walked away, I couldn't stop trying to read him. He was like an open book.

I rubbed my obsidian bracelet to ease the worry creeping inside of me, hoping I was making a good choice by choosing to stay here, something I've never done.

Alistair

I miss her...

In my silence, I can only admit that to myself and not to everyone who demands a lot from me.

I can still remember her scent; she wore jasmine and amber, and even her hair oil was a mix of coconut, vanilla, and myrrh.

It's been years since I last saw her, all in pain, and yet I could do nothing but inflict more on her.

Did she ever forgive me? Because I never did myself. I will never forget how cruel I was to her.

My fingers trembled on the black opal ring I wanted to give her; I wanted to tell her that she is the only one I would always love. I will never forgive myself.

"My lord Alistair," Sahel burst into the office without seeking my permission. He'd brought news, and not very good news, given the scroll in his hand.

"Did something happen?" I asked, pulling one of my drawers and placing the Fyre ring in it.

"It's the Goddess of Nature; she has asked when the wedding will take place." She doesn't seem pleased that it has been postponed more than it should've," Sahel reported.

"I decide when I marry; I will not be rushed," I snapped.

"Four hundred human years, Alistair... You have in no way been rushed; you are only wasting time." The Goddess of Water, Isola, appeared in my office. My mother. "If for anything that poor child has been kept waiting for you, that shouldn't be so. Leave us, Sahel."

She waited until Sahel had left before continuing.

"Don't tell me you are still thinking about that cursed girl. You know how dangerous she was going to be in the coming if you hadn't been done with her... Stop blaming yourself for trapping her; you did it for your people," Mother said softly as she pressed my shoulder.

I shrug off her hands. "Ronan's people, and he is not here to look over them. I had to take over responsibility and stand in his place."

"Don't speak about that degenerate here, who abandoned his own people to go live with that human girl... I don't wish for you to remind me of him. Stop it!" she shouted.

"I'm sorry, but Ronan is still very much the rightful ruler of the land; it's never going to change," I replied calmly.

Brother, leaving this place was the sole reason I had to step in, and by so doing, I hurt the one person that has brought me happiness.

I was never going to be happy if duty was involved.

"Stop calling his name, Alistair!" she roared, her voice thundering, making the room shake. "Do you know the amount of shame for a god like him to reduce himself to the level of a mere mortal? Do you know the humiliation he brought to our family? The damage he has caused to our lineage?" Mother continued. I know she hates that she had to send Ronan down to restore order on earth, only for him to fall in love with a human.

It was four hundred human years ago; he was only to stay for a few years, but as things worsened on earth, he stayed longer, which was why he wasn't present when I had to betray Fyre.

One of my worst regrets.

Now, when it was time for him to return ten human years ago, he never did and was said to have fallen in love and would rather choose that over his family and people.

Mother had been devastated; she made humans suffer with endless rain, but they saw it as abundance. It was only later that she stopped hoping for his return.

Those years I worked tirelessly to fill his shoes; it was the only way I could wait out marrying Liora, Fyre's stepsister.

Mother exhaled and said, "Every time I get angry like this, there are people who suffer for my anger... You are this family's only hope." She held my face. "Please marry that girl so I won't have to get nature disturbing me. I'm going to have an ice bath."

She swept gracefully away from the room.

As soon as she left, Sahel returned, dropping the red file he had in his hand.

"What is this for?" I took it up from the table.

"It's the report of Lady Fyre," Sahel explained.

My face lit up; the last I had heard, she was a clerk working in a hotel. Hotels were like places where guests are received. That was what I understood from it, so it was not unsafe.

"It is like the color has drained from your face. Should I be worried, Sahel?" I tore open the file to read out the report.

"She is married, with two children, and is believed to be doing well..." Sahel said, his voice utterly low.

"You should've allowed me to read." The paper crumpled in my hands, and I allowed it to fall off. "Leave me."

"My lord Alistair,"

"Sahel, leave me!"

Lightning ripped through the sky, and thunder cracked the heavens, searing the world apart. I could feel myself having no absolute control of who I was becoming. I pulled out the drawer and took out the Fyre ring that I never got to give her, closed my eyes, and tried to imagine what we could've been.

Fyre

The house had barely welcomed me when the lights went out, I hurried out of the room to see what has happened.

"Be careful with your steps or you'll fall," a familiar voice called behind me, I took a deep breath.

I spared him a glance only to be greeted by that lazy grin and effortless arrogance he wore on his sleeves.

I wanted to believe he was just worried but his roguish charm said otherwise.

He flicked the lighter he held, lighting one of the candle in the house. I brought the candle with me guiding it carefully so that the wind from the open windows won't blow it.

"I think one of the lines went out, I'll go check it out, but it is windy outside, might be dangerous. We would have to stay in the darkness until after the rain," Mr. Montague said, I knew his name was Leonard but proper etiquette demand I don't use that.

Men like himself were often particular when it comes to honorifics.

I nodded quietly.

He seriously did not have to explain.

We both stood there in awkward silence, him just standing there staring and I'm just here...

"I'll go see if Mrs. Hawthorne needs any help." I offered.

The darkness in the hallway made it impossible for me to see, my leg knocking out one of the porcelain vases.

"Ow.."

Mr. Montague stood still, staring at the jagged pieces scattered across the floor.

"That was made by the best porcelain maker in the country," He murmured, showing emotion to the vase.

Of course my sorry could never repay but I said it anyway.

"It's alright. I'll simply take it out of your salary," He replied calmly.

"That will take forever to pay," I said, wringing my hands together with worry yet lifting my chin stubbornly.

Mr. Montague didn't respond, he shrugged, "And who said that?"

"You said it was from the best porcelain maker, he was likely famous," I argued, straightening my legs.

"Are you hurt?" He finally took notice.

"Not really, I think--"

"Quickly now," He urged ignoring again, "The vase only cost a shilling which is equivalent to an average day's wage, taken it off won't be problem"

"Of course not." I muttered through gritted teeth.

"Wait." He called, I stopped myself from going any further.

"Need anything else?"

"No. But I see you are settling in well, I saw you brought most of your things earlier this afternoon." He observed.

"I did."

"Okay... And your room?" He scratched his head, "How does it feel? Like home?"

"I haven't stayed a night there to decide if it feels anything close to home," I answered.

It almost felt like he wanted to say something but didn't know how to begin.

"Maybe if you... Wait! Where is Danielle?" He asked, looking around to find her, "good lord above," He cursed, hurrying down, "I can't believe I forgot."

"It's okay, I already picked her up... Saw the sky changing and knew it wasn't a good thing, so I hurried to go bring her, she is also in her room resting. And please, don't put this on Lara, she was busy setting her room up," Mrs. Hawthorne explained.

"Thank you so much," I mouthed the words immediately she glanced at me.

"You don't have to thank me; this is also part of my job. I'll go to the kitchen now, Lara if you are not too busy please join me," Mrs. Hawthorne said warmly.

"She's busy," Mr. Montague decided that for me, as I stared blankly on why he came to that conclusion, "Have you forgotten? you have to take care of Danielle"

"No she did not. Lara dear, I think you should go do that, I already arranged what she can change into on her bed." Mrs. Hawthorne was kind enough to intervene.

"Thank you," I said with gratitude, immediately following behind Mr. Montague as he lifted Danielle and place her on his shoulders.

"So how was lessons today?" He asked playfully.

"Fine," Danielle answered as they played together leaving me behind.

When we got to the room, he had started taking off her clothes getting her ready for her nightclothes as she chattered on about her new friends to him and he just listens following through with every of her words, laugh where it was needed.

He raises his head to see how clueless I was given he was handling this well, "Don't just stand there Lara, come introduce yourself, I know you two already know each other. Do you remember her?"

Danielle shook her head.

I crouched next to her, offering a gentle smile, "Uhm... It's me," I was quite awkward around her, must be the environment.

"Something wrong?" Mr. Montague asked.

I shook my head in response but I did not speak.

"It's okay, Danielle acts like this to people she doesn't like," He added lightly.

I stiffened slightly.

Does he think that will in anyway make me feel better?

"I'll take today, tomorrow you can try again with her. You can join Mrs. Hawthorne in the kitchen if you'd like or you settle in your room, you've barely settled in since you came." He was considerate enough to take notice.

I seized the opportunity but I didn't return to my room. Rather I went to the Kitchen to help with dinner.

I went straight to work, didn't even ask questions on where things were kept, I just followed my instincts and did what was needed.

"You are quite skilled," Mrs. Hawthorne said, impressed, she stood there in awe, pleased at me.

I continued with my duties, even helped in lighting up the stove so we can get cooking.

I wanted to make small talk, even though I know it wasn't necessary, I just wanted to know certain things, especially about Mr. Montague lifestyle, it seem like he was a private man.

Keeps things hidden for a reason.

"How long have you decided you will be staying here for?" Mrs. Hawthorne asked as I stirred the pot, the smoke rising slowly.

I covered my nose seeking for fresh air.

"Did my question--"

"No, not at all, actually I really don't know what to decide, it's not like I can say yes and then tomorrow say no," I answered honestly.

Mrs Hawthorne smiled softly.

"It's alright dear, do take your time. Let us know if you start to feel uncomfortable and want to leave... We will understand."

I nodded my head.

"It's quiet," She said softly.

I looked around curiously.

"The mansion I mean... It's quiet. It's never was like this. When someone leaves you tend to feel the absence again."

"But why are there barely any staff? Lack of funds perhaps?" I asked carefully.

"No..." Mrs. Hawthorne waved off the suggestion with a horrified wave of her hand.

"I doubt Mr. Montague will ever struggle, he is very much blessed with bountiful wealth ever since I knew him."

"Then he must hate people," I tilted my head, meeting the confirmation for myself.

Mrs. Hawthorne made a disapproving sound.

"It's not in my place to speak and you are still very new here. I wouldn't want you having to deal with any issues."

"You are right I should know my place," I said quietly.

I retreated returning to chop up the vegetables on the counter.

Mrs. Hawthorne touched me gently on my shoulder.

Ronan

"Is there a problem?"

"You and the new maid..."

"What about us?"

"Mr. Montague, I know I told you to try and be nice to the new maid..." Mrs. Hawthorne said, clasping her hands together anxiously.

"And that I have been, or have I not been doing enough... I think I've tried my best to make her comfortable as you wanted, somehow I feel like I'm making myself out to be creep who lurks around her." I said dryly, took personal notice of that.

Wasn't so fun to agree with myself.

"Well.... I wanted to point out that you aren't giving her the maid treatment,"

"However do you mean the maid treatment?"

"You gave a guest room... She is supposed to sleep in the servants' quarters"

I let out a low groan, rubbing the back of my neck.

"I gave it to her so she can be close to my daughter, besides, there are so many rooms in this entire house nobody uses, if you want one, you can take it," I replied with a careless shrug.

"It's not just that, what about having her sit with you at the table?"

"Her stomach was grumbling; thought she was hungry. Again, it's not a problem but if you feel I'm doing too much and want me to stop, then I will."

I paused, confused on Mrs. Hawthorne expression. What was she concerned over if she gave me a full lecture days back on how I should be more considerate towards the new help.

"You should, there should be a line between a maid and her master, going close to her and treating her like a guest will only ruin that boundary" Mrs Hawthorne said carefully, worry clear in her voice.

I squinted slightly, studying her face.

"Has she being any trouble?" I asked.

"No," She answered sharply.

"Then what is the problem?"

Mrs. Hawthorne hesitated to utter another word to convince me, there certainly was something she was hiding and refuses to let me know and now I am curious, more interested than I should and would like to know.

"I've heard, I'll try and create that distance. But now I can't have her change rooms, it will be silly of me," I finally accepted.

"It's okay. I see you trust her because you went through all that trouble to test her that night, she seems down to earth and very trustworthy," Mrs. Hawthorne said reassuringly.

"She is amazing I suppose but for some reason, she doesn't laugh at any of my jokes, she acts like I'm not funny,"

"It depends"

"Depends?" I repeated, "You laugh at my jokes, Danielle too... Unless... Unless you fake it,"

I leaned forward suddenly, eyes widening.

"No sir, I laugh because it's funny. Miss Lara might just find something else funny and maybe your jokes aren't one of them," Mrs. Hawthorne said with a small smile.

I stared skeptically into the glass of brandy on my desk. I've had several attempts with her and all seemed to no avail, certainly there was something wrong with my humor.

" I'll leave, I still have to make room for where the laundry could be hanged, the rain has refused to stop," Mrs. Hawthorne said.

"It's been days," I murmured, glancing toward the window at the relentless downpour. "Worry less about cleaning up that place, it will stop."

"The rain?"

"Yes."

Mrs. Hawthorne looked at me in disbelief at my confidence.

"It's raining heavily sir, even if it stops briefly it will pick up again, there is no chance for a clear sky in the next two hours." She sighed, "I will hold out hope, it's not the first time you've predicted it."

Mrs. Hawthorne turned to leave.

"Mrs. Hawthorne, where is Lara? Haven't seen her today." I asked casually.

"She is in the conservatory; do you need her for anything? Should I call her?"

"Yes... No. No. Never mind." I waved off the thought, "I will probably see her around the house."

"Alright sir."

Mrs. Hawthorne left closing the study door behind her.

I walked over slowly to the window.

"I wonder who offended her."