"You can let me out here." Phoenix told her chauffeur, Ruby, a young woman in her early 20s with pale white skin and shoulder blood red shoulder length hair.

"What?" Ruby asked, unsure if she heard her boss correctly.

"I said, you can let me out here." Phoenix repeated.

"But, it's pouring down out there . Are you sure Miss Tethe.."

"Ruby, We have been over this a thousand times, call me by my first name." She snapped, the sudden outburst caused Ruby to slam on the breaks making the limo come to a screeching halt.

" I'm sorry Miss Phoenix I…" Ruby apologized in a trembling voice.

"No, just call me Phoenix. Why can't you get that through that damn head of yours?" Phoenix yelled.

"I'm sorry. I'm really trying my best." She retorted. Phoenix immediately regretted her actions when she caught a glimpse of tears forming in Ruby's eyes in the rear view mirror. She gave a regretful sigh before reaching into her coat pocket to retrieve a white handkerchief with initials P.T.

"I'm the one who should be apologizing. I was out of line." She said, handing her the hankie. Teary eyed Ruby gave her boss a reassuring smile.

" It's alright Miss.. I mean Phoenix. We all have our crazy moments from time to time." She told her while wiping the mascara from her eyes.

"Thank you for being understanding. I can't stand when my maids, butlers and drivers call me ma'am, Miss and madam." Phoenix told her grabbing an umbrella off the floor. Ruby returned the handkerchief back to her. She shoved the cloth back in her coat pocket prior to exiting the limousine into the pouring rain.

"I will call you when I need to be picked up. Also, if I was you I would check the inside of your cap." Phoenix advised her with a toothy grin. Confused, ruby removed her hat and examined the inside. The red haired woman's mouth dropped open in shock the moment she laid her eyes on a 100 dollar bill taped to the inside of her hat.

"Treat yourself to something nice red." Phoenix said closing the car door. She waved goodbye as the black limo drove away into the night. Phoenix opened her umbrella then held it over her head. She lowered her head in shame at the thought of why she was there.

" I can't believe I'm related to that monster." Phoenix thought to herself while she began her journey down the sidewalk. Phoenix Tetherby, a 30 year old woman with baby blue eyes and golden blonde hair that was tied into a bun. She was born into an upper class family and raised Royal woods. At age 18, Phoenix moved to Columbus Ohio with her parents to get a fresh start. After graduating from college she created a successful book publishing company that made her over 90 million dollars in the last decade. She was a millionaire, a millionaire just like her grandfather, Lord Tetherby. He was the only reason why she returned to the town she once called home. However, it wasn't for a happy reunion, but to sever all ties from him.

Phoenix knew that the day her grandfather took his last breath that half of his money will go to her parents and the other half will go to her. In her eyes she saw his money as dirty and disgusting and had no need for it.

Tetherby was once the apple of Phoenix's eye. But as she got older she started to notice what a horrible and selfish person he really was. But the straw that broke the camel's back was an incident involving lord Tetherby that occurred a few months before she graduated highschool.

April 20, 2009:

Phoenix was walking home from another day of school. After walking straight for two blocks she turned a corner only to stop dead in her tracks. She saw several yards in front of her was her grandfather's golden limo parked in front of the local homeless shelter. Sirens began to go off inside her head. Phoenix knew for a fact that her grandpa Tetherby never donated a cent to charity. Even in past conversation the snobby geezer stated he wouldn't be caught dead near a place like a homeless shelter. Phoenix quickly hid behind a nearby tree when she saw some body exit the back passenger side door. The blonde immediately recognized the individual as her grandpa. A short overweight man with grey hair and a grey mustache. The gentleman's outfit consisted of khaki pants, blue suit, a red ascot and a black top hat. Standing nearby was a group of men. The men looked disheveled and seemed like they hadn't shaved in months. Lord Tetherby smiled confidently as he called them over to him. Phoenix watched as the group walked over to where he was standing. She was too far away to hear what they were saying , but everything soon became clear once lord tetherby pulled out a large wad of cash from his pocket. The mes mouths fell open when they saw the large amount of money. The conversation continued on for about two more minutes before the old man got back in his limo. Phoenix scratched her head confused, wondering why her grandfather would just flash money like that then get back in his limousine. Soona scowl appeared on her face once she figured it out . He just wanted to show off how rich he was. The whole idea made the 18 year old sick to her stomach. Phoenix was about to cross the street and continue her journey home when a fight began between the homeless men. The young blonde watched in horror as blows and punches were exchanged. The scuffle quickly came to a tragic end when one of the Beggars was struck in the face causing him to lose his balance and fall head first on a rock nearby killing him instantly. Phoenix immediately covered her mouth to prevent herself from screaming. Without any further delay, She fled the scene, not daring to give a second glance.

Present day:

Phoenix arrived at the front entrance of the manor. Behind the large black gates was a gigantic mansion built out of limestone. It had five stories with a vast array of windows. The residence also had an enormous front driveway with a water fountain smackdown in the center of it all. A faint smile appeared on the young woman's face as she reminisced on the summers she would spend playing dungeons and dragons in the backyard while her grandpa watched in joy from the kitchen window. Sadly, it was all those pleasant and warm memories were tainted by that one day he caused the murder of an innocent man. Phoenix was returned to reality by an ominous sound. Chills ran down her spin while she desperately searched for the origin of the noise. Phoenix eventually looked upwards to find a raven sitting on top of the fence. The business woman breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank god, you're just a raven." She laughed nervously.

" Yes I am." The black bird replied. Phoenix stood there staring at the raven in amazement.

"Oh my god you're one of those domesticated ravens aren't you." Phoenix asked, pointing at it. The bird didn't say a word, it just silently nodded. This time instead of being blown away by this gesture she was, disturbed. The way it spoke sounded extremely human which made her feel uncomfortable. That when Phoenix decided to test it intelligent a little bit more.

"Can you quote something?"

"Down unlit and illimitable corridors of eldritch phantasy sweeps the black, shapeless Nemesis that drives me to self-annihilation." The raven responded with. Phoenix was left Speechless by the bird

" By the way the gates open." The raven added before flying away into the night. The terrified woman pushed the gate to discover it was actually open which freaked her out even more. She closed her umbrella then hurried through the driveway to the base of the front steps. Paranoid, the millionaire glanced over her shoulder to make sure nobody was behind her.

"Never thought I see your ass back here so soon."

Phoenix looked forward to see a lady standing at the top of the steps smoking a cigarette. She was a elderly woman in her early 60s with white hair. The lady wore a Victorian maids outfit and had an annoyed expression plastered on her face. Phoenix rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"Weird. I thought the next time I saw you. You would be in a pine wood box buried six feet under. I was hoping to read, here lies Angelina Goldstein." The blonde retorted.

"Baby girl, I'm too pretty for death. You know that." Angelina told her, take a long drag from her cigarette.

"I doubt it. I bet the satan can't wait to grab a piece of your behind when you take that long dirt name." Phoenix told her with a sinister smile. She rubbed her hands together at the thought of the maid burning in hellfire for eternity.

"He finally lost it you know. He has been hiding in his bunker for days now." Angelina explained throwing down her cigarette and stomping it out. Phoenix stared at the old lady like she was a monster not of this planet.

"What are you talking about?" She shouted.

" I mean the old man woke up screaming one night and took shelter in his bunker and never came out since." She couldn't believe the words that were coming out of Angelina's mouth. She sighed then made her way up the step.

" I guess it runs in the family." Angelina remarked. Phoenix paused turning to the old maid with a hateful glare.

"Fuck you Angie." She said to her as she entered inside.