I shoot up wide-eyed. My heart spinning nearly as much as my head as a tear slips down my cheek.

You are a monster.

I shake my head, squeezing my eyes shut. I don't want it to be true, I'm not a monster. I'm human. Wiping the tear away I get up and organize my room, placing my clothes in the dresser and my only nice dress in the closet. Sad how all of my worldly possessions were unpacked in under five minutes.

A knock draws my attention to the door and Winnie opens it with a stack of clothes flopped over on her arm. "Did you unpack already?" She asks eyeing my empty duffel bag.

"Yes, and I took a quick nap as well." I smile and open the closet door. Winnie brushes past me and hangs two deep navy aprons, three white long-sleeved blouses, two long skirts, one white and the other black, black dress pants, and an off-white dress.

"Wow," I stare in awe at the cloths, "are these mine?"

"Of course," Winnie smiles and pushes a strand of hair from her eyes, "it will however be taken off of your first paycheck. Now I need you to pick an outfit and follow me. Your training will begin once you are cleaned up and changed."

Bouncing out of my room she waits in the hall as I grab a blouse, apron, and a black skirt. Winnie directs me to the washrooms and shows me how the showers work. I lock the door behind me and turn on the water. The cleanliness and warmth of the water and steam wrap itself around my body while the months of soot, grease, and sweat wash away.

I hop out quickly and dry off leaving in my new clothes. When Winnie's eyes meet mine her smile widens, "You look so much better." She pushes me back into the washroom, "but we aren't done yet darling." Blow drying my hair she places it in a bun before taking my hand and dragging me down the stairs. I find a smile spreading across my face, I feel pretty. I feel warm.

Winnie introduces me to a few maids before dragging me out of the bunker and into the mansion through a side door. We are instantly greeted with the aroma of spices and cooking herbs. A familiar girl with straight black hair works on putting the plates of food together, pushing a beautiful woman who picks at food and plops it into her mouth.

"Oh come on Ren!" The woman teases wriggling her eyebrows. She has long curly brown hair, flawless skin, and pale green eyes. "Relax it's your first day working! Plus I have to ensure that it is presentable for my father."

"My name is Reneveir, not Ren. And we all know you have the best chef out of the top households. You do not need to taste the food, Miss Sanders."

"I told you to call me Leila!" Leila pouts, her hands dangling by her sides helplessly.

"Miss Sanders, leave now before you eat the entire meal for your family." Reneveir retorts impatiently.

"So cold." Leila turns as her eyes meet mine, they twinkle for a moment as she approaches me completely dismissive of Winnie's greeting. "Hello." She whispers under her breath.

"Hello..." I pause maintaining her eye contact.

"Miss Sanders, this is a new maid, Elysia Gale." Winnie introduces me as Leila takes my hand in hers and shakes it.

Without breaking eye contact she smiles back, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Elysia. I am Leila."

"The pleasure is mine Miss Sanders." I release her hand and clear my throat before breaking eye contact.

"Oh please," Leila sighs, "I am tired of the formalities. Call me Leila."

"Won't I get in trouble?" I ask peeking at her through my eyelashes.

Leila takes a step closer and rests the back of her hand on my cheek before leaning her cheek on mine. "No worries, I'll protect you."

Heat rushes to my cheeks and I let a nervous laugh out. Resting a hand on her shoulder I distance myself. "Thank you, Leila, but I think I can take care of myself."

Leila removes her hand and smirks, "I like you, Elysia. What kind of maid are you?"

I hesitate as my eyes dart to Winnie who waits patiently at my side. Cluelessly she stares at me with a blank expression before she gasps. "Oh! Sorry, she's one of our standard maids."

"What?" Leila scoffs, "That can't be right... she's far too beautiful and bold to be a standard maid. I'll have her transferred to be under my care immediately."

"Wait, Miss Sanders." Winnie takes a step forward, "You want her to be one of your ladies in waiting?"

"Yes Winnie, I want her to be one of my personal maids. It's perfect timing actually, my old one retired recently." Leila smiles and switches her gaze to me, "What do you think Elysia?"

My stomach sinks, what is going on? Will I be able to keep up with the demands of being a different maid? How could she even trust me to be one of her personal maids?

I gulp, "I'm not sure if I'm able to keep up. It's my first day and I don't know my way around or my regular duties."

"Don't fret," she grabs my hands and squeezes them, "I will help you and so will my other ladies in waiting. I'll take care of you."

I turn to Winnie and she widens her eyes and nods, "It's by far the best job to have as a maid. Well, that and cleaning the young Mr. Sanders bedroom." She giggles as Leila rolls her eyes.

"Ew, that's disgusting! He is my older brother." Leila releases my hands, "So will you join me?"

I purse my lips together and nod. "I'd be honored to work for you."

Leila smirks and nods her head, "You will start tomorrow. I just have to get the paperwork organized. Have a good day ladies." Walking past me she gives a wink before slipping past the door

Winnie turns to me bouncing from excitement. "This is so exciting! She's really taken to you, Elysia. This is great! Most standard maids would kill to be in your shoes."

"Why me though?" I ask skeptical of the interaction. "What sets me apart?"

"I am not sure, but take that as the highest of compliments." Winnie begins to walk through the kitchen and passes me a plate with food, "Now eat up, we have a long day ahead of us."

₪ ₪ ₪

I feel guilty for being disappointed in not running into Amell. He must be very busy, but as far as I am concerned he is the only person I trust.

My feet and backaches from the constant walking, while Winnie seems to still have an abundance of energy. The sun is beginning to set and we've just finished our tour and greetings. My mind is flooded with information and names I know I will forget by tomorrow.

"How are you not tired yet?" I ask slumping over a railing and shut my eyes as the fading daylight warms my skin. The balcony we stand on peers out to the jade garden filled with mature trees and fully bloomed flowers. A fountain spits out crystal water, something Third Generations would beg, pled, and die for. How could something so precious be used as a decoration?

"It's all an act, you get used to it. Do you need a break?" Winnie sighs and leans against the railing beside me.

"No, let's keep going." I stretch my hands over my head and groan.  "Winnie?"

"Yes?" She replies, curiosity tilting her head.

"What if I'm not a good maid?" I avoid her eye contact and keep my head down. Shame, insecurity, and fear grips their hands around my throat, whispering, If you fail your family dies.

Winnie's face softens as she grabs my shoulders, turns me around, and pulls my body into her arms. "Don't worry darling, you will do great. It will take time to get used to but eventually, you will get a hold of things."

"Thank you." I rest my head down on her shoulder before backing away. "So, what's next?"

"We need to prep the dining room for dinner. The family will be eating within the hour so everything will have to be prepared for their arrival. We will also help the kitchen with serving the food."

I nod and sigh. "Okay, then what?"

"I will drop you off at Miss Sanders room as per her request."

"Sounds good, so should we go then?" I ask and turn around before my eyes catch a striking familiar set. I turn around and pretend that I haven't seen him but it's too late.

"Elysia?"

I gulp and lean close to Winnie, "I remember where the kitchen is. I'll meet you there."

She nods and leaves as the tensions in the room threatens to crack my rib cage. I turn around as the sun illuminates his face and confused expression.

"Zale."