4

Rina Zante

Twenty-five minutes ago

From the hallway, Mia walked us down the stairs into an empty space. By our right was the living room which overlooked the spacious lobby. My eyes slid across, taking in the elephant tusks that rimmed the center table and the life-sized wolf stationed beside the fireplace.

Shivers ran down my spine. The good kind, though.

Mia turned to us, her swift motion snatched the breath out of my lungs. Oh, Cavolo.

"This is where we assemble every morning for the disbursement of duties. 4am, you are here. If you aren't, Signora Lucia puts your name down. Understood?"

Mamma nodded; I didn't. I didn't think I liked this Mia girl, but then what could I do? She was my senior. Therefore, I had to ignore my bad opinion of her and do as she said.

"This way. We don't have all day." She marched forward. The room next to the empty space was the dining. I couldn't help but notice how inexpensive it looked, given its moderate size and the fact that there weren't any forms of gold or silver embellishments. However, deep down within me I knew it wasn't the case. The furniture, cabinets and door frames were wooden. They'd been freshly polished and were gleaming. My best bet was that they were made from oak.

Flower bowls were placed at strategic places such as the table and the cabinets on the walls. Antique-looking light fixtures hung from the ceiling

We left the dining room and entered the kitchen which stood by the far end of the dining room. As we entered, the chefs and a few maids around didn't spare us a glance. It left my heart squeezed, but I chose not to dwell on that. Not everyone was nice after all.

The kitchen looked antique, just like every room we'd come across. However, this one was quite dainty in appearance, all thanks to its off-white theme. There were lots and lots of cabinets on the wall, and everywhere was sparkling clean. The whiteness was further enhanced by a large window that offered extra lighting. It was beautiful.

"Now, listen," Mia said as we left the kitchen. "To reiterate my earlier statement, this mansion is divided into regions: One, those that are very accessible—to aid your small brains, I'll explain."

I looked at Mamma who passed me a side glance. She winked, the sign she gave me whenever she didn't want me to think too much about something.

Mia noticed our exchange of glances. I could tell from how smug her smile was. "Guisto," she continued, "places such as your duty post, the kitchen and your room belong to this class, the first class. For the second class, you can only be seen there if you are granted permission. The Alpha's bedroom, Luna's and their son's. Same as The Alpha's library.

"Then for the third class, on no account should you be seen there. Never, ever. La Stanza Nera counts as that."

La Stanza Nera? I didn't know why, but I felt unnerved hearing about this. Could be because of the name. The Black room... What could possibly be happening there to have earned it its name? My mind went through a list of possibilities, all of which were quite grim. However, I shushed myself. This wasn't my house; I shouldn't poke my head into things that weren't my business.

"...very well, let's continue, shall we?" Mia said.

I mentally chided myself for trailing off in thoughts. Now, I hadn't grabbed what Mia had said.

We spent a total of twenty minutes navigating through the mansion. I knew this because I'd glanced at the wall clock in one of the hallways as we passed. And I knew we had started the tour at approximately two-thirty.

As soon as we returned to our room, I slumped on the bed, my eyes closed. I was tired, and I was sure Mamma was too. It only surprised me because I enjoyed touring and traveling—anything that had to do with adventure. However, this tour had felt like a burden. I hadn't been able to wait to get back to our room.

"Rina." Mamma's voice entered my ears.

"Hmmm," I slurred from my half-sleepy state.

"Svegliarsi! Oh, Cavolo."

I reluctantly pulled out of the bed, slouching as I sat. Oh boy, how had I forgotten that we were here to work. To work and not to lay around like sloths. Mira had assigned our tasks to us. Mamma was to join one of the drivers and head to town for some groceries. And for me, it was in my place to wash the dishes.

"Mamma, don't you think we're off on a good start?" I said, lifting from the bed.

Mamma had her back turned to me. She was stashing our bags under her bed.

"Signora Lucia trusts you enough to let you do the shopping."

Getting the bags properly in, she turned to me. Her beautiful wrinkled smile on her face. "Well, like I've always told you: le cose buone arrivano alle persone buone. The mood goddess is always watching, and soon enough, you will have a new song in your mouth."

My heart lightened up on hearing that. Mamma had a way of livening up my spirit. I couldn't be more thankful for a mother like her.

"Now, Rina. We have got to get going."

"Sure, Mamma. Lemme take off my brace—" My eyes widened as I looked at my empty wrist. "Wait first. Where is my bracelet?"

"Your bracelet?"

"Yes." I looked around the floor in search of it. "I had it on, Mamma."

"Oh, no. It must have fallen. Wait, calm down."

Calm down? How could I calm down? That bracelet meant the world to me. It was everything. It was all Papa left for me before he passed. Oh no.

"Rina."

Mamma called again when I didn't reply, "Rina. Okay, you go down the hallway and check. I'll look around here. No need to panic."

I swallowed, my brows still pulled together in worry.

"You're sure you had it on before we left the room?"

"Sí, Mamma."

"Then, do as I say. We will find it."

I nodded and skipped out of the room. My eyes staring wide on the floor. I couldn't spot anything even as I reached the end of the hallway and at the mouth of the stairs. My worry was mounting and I was on the verge of tearing up. Please, moon goddess. Lemme find it. Please, dear one.

I descended the stairs while still on the lookout for the glittery piece, and made it into the empty space. Oh moon goddess, please—

My eyes picked up something. Across the room, in the dining room was a shiny object lying on the floor. I took two steps forward and confirmed it was my bracelet. Grazie al cielo!

I shut my eyes, silently giving reverence to the moon goddess for having pity on me, and strode into the dining. As I got inside, something hit my ears. A cry. It was feeble, almost like someone was in pain.

I lifted my bracelet from the floor and stood still, waiting to know if I would catch the sound again. I did much more this time, because it was drawn out.

"Fuck."

Yes. Someone was hurt. The noise appeared to be coming from another dining room facing the kitchen by the left. I padded close and curled my fingers around the door handle. Gulping down some saliva, I pulled the door open. Quietly shutting it as I stepped into a dark space, the gentle brush off my arm across a tapestry made me realize there was possibly a room at the other side. I pulled the fabric apart and stepped in. What I saw next would definitely haunt me for life.