Chapter 3
…
When leather got stained, it was near impossible to get rid of. The only resort was to buy a dye and have the shoe polished. There were plenty of young boys across the streets of London who did it for you for a fee, and as I stood there, in front of the Phantomhive manor's doors, I couldn't help but stare at the awful smear of my front right boot.
What was it? Sauce? Tea? Something white that was neglected for far too long and now it had stuck like glue.
I kicked myself for not seeing to it before coming here. I had spent the entire morning combing my hair and picking out the best clothes I owned, only to come with the same worn out boots that were probably older than I was. I didn't own anything better.
So I stood there for a few good minutes without knocking.
Was it even necessary? I didn't have to go through an interview. That boy hired me on the spot when I called and scheduled for me to come a little before noon.
Still, I wanted to look decent, especially in a manor as grand as the one I was standing before now. It was…interesting. Never in my life did I imagine I would be working in a place like this.
"Welcome." The familiar, bored voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
I was so deep into them I didn't notice the door had opened. The noble from yesterday stood there, this time without the coat and hat.
"S-sorry! I didn't notice you there." I stuttered, face slightly flushed with embarrassment.
"That's quite alright, please come in." He stepped aside to let me through.
It was going to take time to get used to the fact that a child was my boss. I was surprised when I learned he himself was an earl. That would mean his parents were deceased, but I felt it to be too rude to pry.
"Thank you." I gave a low bow, surveying the inside of the manor as I stepped inside.
It was nice, with a checkerboard pattern floor and clean red carpet going up the split stairs. The chandeliers weren't lit, given it was daylight. Instead, sunlight shone through large windows decorated with elegant drapes. Ciel liked the color blue, and it was fitting for someone with his kind of coloring.
There were paintings hanged on the second floor walls, with a big one in the middle of the stairs where they split, gold frames a good match against the smooth mahogany of the railings.
"Sebastian will take your suitcase." Ciel nodded towards the butler, who was standing by the door with an outstretched hand.
I had failed to notice him there despite his tall frame. If I didn't get my act together soon and focus they would think I was simpleminded.
"Oh, thank you!" I handed the taller male my belongings.
My smile wasn't reciprocated, and I had to quickly look away. I hoped the rest of the servants in the household weren't as cold as the earl and the butler.
"This way, I'll introduce you to the other servants." The boy turned, blue outfit matching the vibrant blue of his eye.
Our footsteps echoed against the glossy floor as we moved. There was a corridor he was leading me to, and I could smell something sweet was baked not too long ago. The more we walked, the better I could hear the nearby sounds of silverware and pots being moved around.
Just short of the corner, there was an open door and I followed Ciel in with Sebastian in tow.
It was a kitchen.
Spacy with pots and pans hung along the wall, right above the stove ovens.
There was a tall blond man with a gruff exterior, clad in a chef's coat, standing right before them. He was seemingly putting away cutlery while a red haired maid in glasses that were way too big for her face scrubbed at the countertop with a wool rag, rather clumsily.
"Bard, Mey-Rin." They stopped at the sound of Ciel's voice and looked over.
I tried not to look as shy as I felt.
"This is Sela, she'll be working here from now on." The young boy stepped aside to nod towards me, blue eye half-lidded.
"Hi…nice to meet you." I forced an awkward wave.
It took them a moment to process it, every second giving me a little more anxiety. They were hard to read, the blonde because of his blank stare and the red head because of the glasses, and I hated not being able to read people.
I didn't have to worry for long.
The male of the duo cracked a smile, long arm reaching up to scratch the back of his head as he broke the ice.
"Wut? A new hire? Didn't know the young master was lookin." He stepped forward and offered his hand, which I took.
He shook it a little too vigorously, large hand squeezing my much smaller one.
"Good to have ya little lady." His grin was wide.
"Thank you." I relaxed my shoulders, easing up a tad bit now that he had spoken.
"She's almost as small as the young master!" The woman almost shouted, voice shrill and high pitched as she crept over.
Her maids outfit was cute, and her hair was made up into pigtails behind her maids hat. It was difficult to tell her age with the way she held herself.
"Yup, only about an inch taller." The man, whom I assumed to be bard nodded in agreement.
"Where's Finny and Snake?" Ciel interrupted stoically.
"Finny might be in the garden, Snake I'm not so sure, haven't seen him this mornin." The blond muttered with a thoughtful expression.
Snake…was that really someone's name? I couldn't imagine my parents naming me something like that.
"I see, I am hoping I can entrust you two to give Sela a tour of the mansion." His eye shifted towards the maid, encouraging her to stand straight up in full alertness. "Mey-Rin, would training Sela be too much to ask? I'm expecting her to share in your particular duties."
"Of course not young master! Whatever I can do to help I shall do it!" She blurted, cheeks rosy with color.
"Good, Sebastian and I have a matter to attend to and won't be back until the next few weeks, possibly less, I am entrusting the manor to you." Even young as he was, his voice was authoritative.
"You're leaving?" I was surprised by my own interruptance. Getting this job as quickly as I did already felt weird, it felt even more so to be left to the care of the servants, whom I had just barely met.
"Not for long, we'll be back as soon as we can." Ciel reassured me.
I glanced at Sebastian, who was staring down with cool eyes, brown meeting blue. He said nothing that was of comfort.
"Have a safe trip." Was all I could mutter as Ciel mouthed a thanks before turning to head out of the kitchen door.
The butler was silent, choosing instead to tear his hard gaze from my own and turned to follow behind Ciel like a silent shadow.
He still had my suitcase.
"Are you taking my suitcase?!" I exclaimed, raising my eyebrows in confusion.
"Sebastian will leave it in your room before we go." Ciel's voice echoed even inside the kitchen.
"Oh, of course." My cheeks flushed.
Of course he wouldn't take off with my belongings, it was silly of me to even think so.
Their silhouettes disappeared beyond the hallway as they left, leaving the three of us to stand in silence.
"So, whaddaya think about the place so far?" Bard gave a wink, leaning against the doorframe casually.
"I don't think that butler likes me." I muttered, staring ahead with a blank look.
They were both taken aback by my comment, it was an appropriate reaction. My answer was far off from his question after all.
"Mister Sebastian?" There was puzzlement in the way the maid tilted her head.
"You probably feel that way cause you're new." Bard encouraged.
"Maybe…" my voice trailed off.
Even if he was right, it did little to make me feel better. There was a tension there and I had no idea where it was coming from, or why it was even there in the first place. It was only a few days ago that he was open and even a little flirtatious, but now it was like I stepped all over his freshly watered flowers.
Perhaps it was for the best that they were leaving for a trip so soon upon my arrival.
Having him around right now would likely make it harder for me to adapt.
"Let's give you a tour of the place like the young master wanted." Bard suggested, changing the subject.
I nodded, grateful for it. I just barely knew the guy, but I could feel he was good at making the atmosphere comfortable.
"I'm assuming you're the chef?" I nodded towards his apparel.
"Yup, I mean I try, I'm more of Sebastian's sous chef to be honest, but that doesn't mean I ain't good!" The blond puffed his chest as we exited the kitchen and entered the dining room.
A grand room with rows of tall windows and a long elegant table. The red covering above it was flawless, adorned with gold and topped with candles of equal color.
The chandeliers above gleamed against the sunlight, reflecting the beams like a sparkling diamond.
The fireplace rested to the right of the room, large enough to heat up the entire area if needed.
"This is the dining room, the young master will only eat here with guests." Bard explained.
"I thought as much." I responded with a smile.
"Sebastian works hard to keep it clean he does." Mey-Rin chipped in, mousy face half-hidden behind her glasses.
"Oh? But aren't you the maid?." I asked, puzzled.
"Ah! Oh yeah that's true." She cocked her head to the side, looking as dumbfounded as I probably did.
It seemed like that butler did a lot around here, was that why the earl was looking for more help? It made sense. He was kind to cut them some slack like that. Bard didn't look like a regular chef, and Mey-Rin was super nice, and sweet, but she didn't seem like the sharpest tool in the shed. Perhaps there was more to them than I knew, it was only day one for me after all.
A noble didn't keep incompetent people around for no reason.
The rest of the tour went fairly fast despite the size of the manor. I was shown the laundry room, the guest bathrooms, the guest rooms on the upper floor, the master room, and the servants rooms. Even the cellar, which was as well kept as a cellar could be. It was a lot to take in, and a lot to remember.
The manor was like a maze, and there were rules to take note of, things that the earl didn't like.
No loud noises, especially after dark.
No spicy foods.
No entering his room when he's sleeping unless it's an emergency.
No entering the bath while he's bathing unless it's an emergency.
It was fair enough, I didn't fancy walking into a nude preteen. It made more sense for the butler to assist with that particular task.
"What happened to Ciel's parents? If you don't mind me asking." I asked as we descended the stairs to head back down into the hall.
There was a silence that stretched for a good minute before Bard answered, both of their faces uncomfortable.
"Ah that, well ya see there was a fire in this manor a while back, they didn't make it out." The blonds voice was solemn.
I almost regretted asking.
"Oh…I see." I looked down with a saddened expression.
For someone as young as Ciel to have to carry the title of earl after a tragedy like that, and at such a young age. It was no wonder why he walked around with a rigid frown.
He had a strength very few people had, and it was admirable.
"We don't speak of it, especially in front of the young master." Mey-Rin added.
"Of course." I had no intention of doing so.
I had walked into nearly every room in this manor and not one wall had a family picture. There were so many paintings, but I didn't catch any with people that resembled the earl.
He didn't want to be reminded of them. It was probably too painful.
I knew how he felt.
"Anyway, let's show you to the garden, that's the last stop." Bard walked on ahead with the redhead in tow.
"That's the master's favorite place for tea time and picnics!" She chirped, nearly dancing as I was led towards a pair of double doors.
If the inside of the manor was nice, the garden was even better. It was a sight to behold, with plenty of space to have a jog and feel like it was spent at a park. There was a balcony from the master's bedroom that overlooked it. Ciel really did have a nice view from his sleeping chambers. The stone statue sitting in between the four square bush only added to the garden's beauty. Beside it, I couldn't help but notice a much darker shade of blond hair moving below the stairs.
"Would that be the gardener?" I asked, pointing towards it.
"That would be Finny." Bard laughed, giving me a nudge before descending the stone steps.
I followed enthusiastically, previous shyness long gone. Indeed, it was a person, sporting a plain shirt and plaid yellow pants. Because of the large green doe eyes, long lashes, and hair clips, I would have mistaken him for a female if it wasn't for the Adam's apple.
"Aye! Finny we got ourselves a new addition to the Phantomhives, this is Sela, Sela, this is Finny the gardener like ya guessed." Bard hurriedly introduced us before the boy even noticed me.
He looked up from his crouch over the bed of flowers he was watering with gloved hands, blinking against the afternoon wind.
He couldn't have been older than eighteen, the straw hat behind his back fluttered as he stood to better assess me.
"Nice to meet you." This time I was first to offer my hand.
He took it with slight hesitation, no doubt still trying to process Bards aggressive intrusion upon his quiet activity. His grip was soft, as if he was afraid my hand would break if he tightened it.
"A new hire?" He asked, looking from me to the red haired maid.
"Yes! We just got told today we did! Just as she arrived!" I had to get used to her manner of speaking.
Her accent was the thickest of them all.
"That's a surprise! So soon after Snake, it's nice to meet ya miss!" The confusion in his eyes was replaced with that of excitement rather quickly.
"Thank you, I look forward to working with you." I shot a smile at the young male.
"Where are ya from? Ya don't sound like you're from around here." He asked, stepping back to give me space.
"I noticed it too." Mey-Rin added, smiling as if she was pleased she caught on.
"I was born and raised in the Netherlands, I actually only recently got to London only a few days ago." I explained briefly.
I had repeated that sentence enough times for me to begin growing tired of doing so.
"That's interesting, we do get a lot of Dutch folk in the city as tourists, are ya plannin on stayin?" Bard pried.
I nodded. "I want to make London my home, though I'm unsure…if it turns out well I'll be looking to stay."
"We hope you do! You'll love it here! You'll see." Finny sounded hopeful, with those big green eyes gleaming against the sun.
"Thank you for having me." I bowed, or was I supposed to do a curtsy?
Too late to correct it now.
"Have ya seen Snake?" Bard asked, looking around the massive green that made up the Phantomhive garden.
"Might be in his room, said he wasn't feeling well after all the Easter desserts." Finny responded with a shrug.
"That makes sense, Sela, too bad ya missed it, if only ya came in a little earlier." Met-Rin gave a sigh.
"That's okay, there's next year." I assured, though I wasn't sure how true those words were.
"That's the spirit!" Bard laughed, giving me a slap on the back that was a little too hard.
I did my best to stand my ground and not stagger forward into the gardener.
"I-is his name really Snake?" I mumbled, regaining my composure with a half grin.
"Yeah, I mean as far as we know, he's an…eccentric type." The blond said carefully.
"Eccentric?" I was no stranger to the eccentric type.
"You'll see when you meet em." Mey Rin added.
I nodded, relaxing my shoulders and turning beyond the garden to catch a view of where it extended to. At the far back of the Garden, a small path lead to what looked like rows of trees and shrubs. A forest? This manor rested on the outskirts of London, it would make sense for there to be woods in between. It reminded me of home, and a tug of homesickness silently befell me.
I had to remember to ask Ciel for permission to spend time in it, that is, if it was safe.
.
…
.
Just as I had foreshadowed, I couldn't sleep.
It wasn't the room, which was located in the same hallway Mey-Rins was. It was a good size for a single bedroom, with clean linen sheets, a window that overlooked the back of the manor, a desk and chair, and a kerosene lamp. The wardrobe at the side of the closet was more than big enough to house my clothes, and the most shocking of all was the gift that awaited me inside it.
A blue maids dress, similar to the one the red haired maid had. The white apron and white cuffs weren't too frilly, but not too plain.
He must have noticed my shoes too, because there was also a pair of brown, knee high leather boots on there. Spotless and new. I didn't know if I should have been horrified or excited.
The letter attached to the dress was signed by the young earl himself.
'Enjoy the gifts'
I didn't have to go through the trouble of finding and buying these items myself, and when I tried them on, they were a perfect fit. I made a mental note to thank the earl when he got back.
It was perfect, it was too kind really. The perfectly air conditioned room was definitely not the cause of my restless predicament.
The reason was much sillier than that.
I simply had the urge to call sis from back home and talk of my good luck.
I accepted the earls' generosity despite his grouchy butler, for the hopes of not only making a better life for myself, but to help sis out.
She was sick, I knew the meds were expensive.
I was certain hearing from me would lighten her mood, however, it was midnight, with the clock hitting twelve.
Everyone in the manor was asleep, all of the lights were out. My room didn't have a phone and I couldn't recall if the other rooms did. Or if communication would even reach the Netherlands. My best bet was sending a letter, it sounded like a better option than roaming around in the dark and getting lost.
I sat up against the bed, pulling the sheets up over my nightgown. I had laid the tarot deck on the desk right beside me and I reached out for them.
Reading my own cards was something that often crossed my mind, but they never seemed to make any sense to me. I chalked it up to it not being how it worked, if I wanted guidance, I needed to search for someone else like me. I never told the others about my hobby, for I was worried I would be singled out as another eccentric.
They all seemed so normal.
The only people who really knew were the earl and the butler, and I hoped they planned on keeping it to themselves. I regretted not voicing my wish when I had the chance.
I took the cards out, fumbling with them and squeezing my eyes shut.
"What awaits me?" My voice was just barely above a whisper, audible only to me in the still, silent night.
The wind moaned, fallen leaves flew against the window, sliding against the smooth surface of the glass before being hit with a branch.
Hard.
The window rattled, I jumped in surprise, dropping the cards and failing to catch them as they slid down onto the floor.
"Great." I breathed, throwing the sheets off and reaching down to fumble around the hard wood surface.
It was dark, I had to feel around to pick up each card, and paused when one stood out in particular. It stood out because it was visible under the moonlight.
I crept over to it, turning it over to see the clear picture of the devil. I stared at the image with a faraway look before adding it to the pile I had gathered.
I didn't have time to dwell on it.
I nearly jumped out of my skin again when I heard a distant sound from somewhere downstairs. A shattering, like glass breaking. Was the earl and his butler back from their trip already?
I stood, bare feet firmly planted on the ground, and held my breathing to better hear.
Nothing, the sound was quick and only silence followed. What if someone had broken in? How common was it for thieves to target a manor? I reached down for the lamp and fiddled with it, pleased when the wick lit up to brighten my surroundings.
Picking it up with a cold hand, I crept over to the door. My shadow danced against the walls as the flame burned, spitting and flailing wildly in its confinement.
The door creaked when I opened it, loud in the deafening silence. It may as well have been a bomb going off. I stepped out slowly, extending the lamp forward to get a better view of the hallway.
The manor was eerie at night, vibrant colors and sunlit shine lost in shadow and deep black. Old Victorian furniture only made it look more haunted. I did my best to tip toe towards Mey-Rin's room, which was only about two doors away from my own. I tapped against the door, leaning in to hear any signs of movement. Was she even up at this hour?
"Mey-Rin?" I whispered, tapping again, a little harder this time.
Silence.
I was going to have to check it out alone, I didn't quite remember Bards or Finny's rooms. Hell, I wasn't sure if they even let me know their locations. So much had happened today, and the manor was huge. It was a lot to take in all in one day. With a sigh, I gripped the lamp and moved to make my way down the stairs. It was easy enough to remember where they were, even in the dark.
The stairwell intersection was T-shaped, all I had to do was keep walking right and I was sure to bump into it. The hallway stretched as I walked, rows of paintings looking familiar till I reached the one I was hoping to see. The biggest painting in the manor. I remembered because of its size, and it rested right across the stairs.
One look down and I was proved right.
My feet were cool against the carpet as I descended, nightgown lightly caressing my legs as I moved. It was cold, I should have brought a sheet to cover myself with. Each step took me closer to the front hall, I was starting to see the faint pattern of checkerboard. Once the door came into view, I sped up, the stairs were so tall they were almost never ending.
Moonlight shone down through the windows, giving me more light to see, and I was thankful no one pulled down the drapes. I could hear the faint howling of wind when I approached, lowering the lamp and peering out into the cold, night air. I could see nothing, and the windows weren't broken. I was certain the noise had come from around this direction, was I mistaken?
Another sound echoed, this time coming from my left.
I gasped, whirling around to shove the lamp forward. There was a faint light coming from the hallway going towards the kitchen.
The kitchen?
Was Bard up? Why would he be cooking at twelve in the morning…
I gathered the courage to step forward and walk towards the source of the racket. The light grew stronger the closer I crept, someone had left the lights on.
"Bard?" I called out, a little too low.
No answer, I peeked around the opened door, scanning the area carefully before stepping in. There was no one in sight, but I could clearly see the shattered pieces of pretty ceramic strewn all over the floor.
"Really…" I breathed, eyebrow twitching.
Someone came down and helped themselves to whatever snack they wanted, dropped a cup, and left without cleaning it up.
It was the best explanation I could think of anyway.
I set the lamp down on the counter and bent to gather the pieces into a pile as best I could with my hands. It wasn't the best idea, but I would have to look for a broom and something to pick it up with. I really should have tried harder to wake Mey-Rin up. I was honestly surprised I was even able to hear the cup breaking. Sound carried throughout the manor like gossip carried in a small town.
Once the shards were piled up I stood to wash my hands off, stopping midway when I heard it.
The soft, subtle crinkling of something plastic.
Like a bag.
I turned, staring at the lone trash bin that rested near the site of the cup accident. I hadn't noticed it there, it appeared that whoever dropped the cup dragged it over. They were attempting to clean it up after all.
The bag moved again, I stepped back in slight alarm. What was it? A bug? No, it was too loud and sounded too big to be a bug.
A rat? Probable.
It was the kitchen after all.
"Ugh…gross." I whimpered, reaching below the cabinets to search for anything I could use.
The best tool I could find was a pin roller. Great, I couldn't believe I was mad enough to whack a rat with a pin roller. Someone had to get rid of it, and I was the only one here. I stepped forward, raising the cooking tool high above my shoulder.
The bag was still writhing and rustling.
I crept closer, heart pounding so hard I thought it would burst out of my chest. My hands were clammy with sweat as I gripped the tool, daring to get close enough to peer inside. I held my breath, adrenaline pumping fast, teeth clenching in readiness.
With swift movement, I looked in, and screamed.
Ear-Splitting and shrill.
It was a snake, a green snake that coiled around a rat with fangs outstretched as it hissed.
My scream was cut off by a hand suddenly clamping down around my mouth.
I staggered, back falling upon a torso.
"You'll wake the entire household." The deep,smooth voice chastised.
I removed the hand to step away from him, I knew who the voice belonged to. Sebastian stood, with his usual cold stare, which looked more than a little irritated. I didn't bother to welcome him back, surprise at his sudden presence didn't even settle in yet.
"There's a snake! Please kill it!" I exclaimed, pointing at the trash can, which was now a good distance away from me.
"First you startle me, then you insist I be killed? How rude, says Oscar." Another voice carried through the room.
This one I didn't know, it was unfamiliar. The owner of it stood by the doorway, clad in a suit similar to Sebastian's but a lot more simpler.
He was smaller too, with a thin frame, white hair, and eyes so bright they looked yellow. There was an odd blemish to his cheeks, I couldn't tell if it was a burn or a birthmark.
"Um…I wasn't talking about you." I stammered.
"Obviously, says Oscar." The young man repeated that last sentence again.
I blinked, confused. What was he talking about?
"Allow me to clear up any misunderstanding, Sela, this is Snake, Snake, this is Sela." Sebastian smiled, eyes closed.
He looked like a sly fox when he did that.
I nodded, so that was Snake. I could only assume the snake in the trash was his. In fact, now that the adrenaline had come down a bit, I could see he had a few other Snakes hiding around his body.
One stuck out from under his cuff, another was half-wrapped around his lower leg, and a very tiny one rested above his ear.
My eyes grew big and I backed off from him. He had snakes around his body, what kind of person walked around with snakes on them?
"He speaks through his snakes, it may seem strange but I promise you he and his snakes are relatively harmless." Sebastian added, stepping aside as the smaller male walked towards the bin, reaching an arm out to let the snake coil up around it.
I gasped, trying my hardest not to grimace too obviously. He talked through his snakes…?
'He's an…eccentric type'.
Bards words from earlier came back to me, now I understood what he meant. I wasn't sure what to make of it. One thing was for sure, I wasn't thrilled at the thought of there being snakes around the manor. I didn't fancy them, but at least now I didn't have to worry about being the weird one of the servants. There was always a bigger fish.
"Harmless? Not quite right, not unless you plan on hitting us with that thing in your hand, says Emily." The young man, Snake, muttered in a different, smoother tone.
He had a different accent for each of them too, I honestly didn't know what to say. Where the servants and the earl really playing along with this?
"S-sorry." I mumbled, lowering the rolling pin at once.
"Well now, Snake, if you would please take care of the mess at present, I have a few matters to discuss with our new servant." Sebastian clapped, giving a smile of approval as the smaller male moved towards the shards with a small broom in hand.
"With me?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, the young master has sent for you." Sebastian's voice was low as he handed me a letter.
"Now? It's twelve, shouldn't you be sleeping? Wait…where is Ciel?" I didn't mean to throw more questions than he could handle, but I was confused.
Why was Sebastian even here alone? How did he get in here without making a sound?
"I could ask you the same thing." It was his turn to raise an eyebrow.
"I couldn't sleep, and you didn't answer my question." I retorted.
"I would much rather speak about this matter privately." Sebastian responded cooly, he was being dodgy.
"Okay…" I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and opened the letter.
My eyes scanned the words written in fine ink as I read. The room was silent save for the noises of shard rubbing against shard as Snake dumped the last remnants of the cup into the bin.
I squeezed the paper, eyes going big.
It was certainly a request from the earl, on my very first day, to be asked something like this…
"Is he serious?" My mouth was dry as I spoke.
"I do hope you can consider the request, it is of most importance to the earl, and of course, there is an incentive." Sebastian's smile was forced.
I understood then, why he was here without the earl. This letter wasn't a request, it was more like an order. Sebastians job was to convince me if I refused. I couldn't imagine the butler taking me by force, no. It would be in the form of a bribe. An incentive, he says.
How did Sebastian get here so fast from where Ciel traveled anyway?
"I'll think about it, I need to rest." I muttered, repressing a yawn.
The night was dragging on, my body was starting to feel most tired. I needed a clear head to decide on such a task, this wasn't a typical maids job. Actually, this wasn't what I signed up for at all.
"You have until the morning to decide, I shall be around to accompany you." Sebastian almost looked annoyed.
He didn't like this any more than I did. I knew it, he didn't like me.
"Sure…" I turned away from him to glance at Snake.
The young man was looking towards us with a curious gaze, eyes looking as tired as I felt. He was ready to go to bed as well.
"G-goodnight." I gave a small wave, trying not to appear too fearful of the snakes hugging his body.
"Don't fret girl, we'll be staying out of YOUR room, says Emily." I thought he would have made a great actor.
To be able to speak like that with a straight face must take skill.
I nodded, murmuring a thank you before turning to leave the room and wander again through the dark corridors of the manor.
…
...
Authors note: Sorry for the delay in this chapter! this previous week was a busy one, my sister got married :3 had a lot going on with the event, thank you again for reading this far and thank you for the reviews! any feedback is welcome!
I'll update as soon as I can, until then, enjoy!
~Gummie