Morning came quickly and Oakley woke up in the unfamiliar bed, unsure of where she was.
How did she get here?
She sat up, trying to recall what might have happened. Then it hit her. She was now officially a slave, and was brought here yesterday, still yet to meet her mysterious owner.
She got out of the bed, walking up to the thick curtains that caused the room to remain in dim lighting. Oakley opens them allowing the sunlight to pour in.
She gasped. Momentarily mesmerized by the view – lush garden, beautiful, blooming flowers, a water fountain. It was a sight to behold. It was calm and refreshing. But why did it all feel fake? Why did it feel like an illusion? A dream she wasn't allowed to enjoy?
The knock at the door started her.
A maid walked in, fresh clothes in hand, avoiding eye contact.
She had locked the door, yet the maid was able to come in without her opening it. It made her wonder if the workers had a spare key to the room.
"Mr. Anthony says you are allowed to explore the house if you wish." The maid said after placing the clothes on the bed. "Breakfast will be served soon in the dining." And then she left.
Taking the clothes, Oakley walked into the bathroom to freshen up.
....
She left her room, deciding that it was best to get herself acquainted with the mansion that way it would be easier to escape.
She walks the halls slowly, doing her best to memorize every nook and cranny of the place – at the same time, admiring the interior of the mansion.
There were paintings on the wall – some looked old, some looked new, while some others... it was hard to tell. The chandeliers on the ceiling were emitting such bright lights that she would get blinded if she dared to look at it directly. The cold marble floors were so clean that she could even see her own reflection on it. No doubt; a lot of money was put into building this place, and she didn't even want to imagine how much it must have cost.
The staffs passed by her silently. Respectful but distant like they weren't allowed to speak – at least not to her.
She made her way downstairs, somehow managing to find the dining room – or rather the dining hall – on her own.
A long table sat in the middle of the room, and the place was very quiet. The only person present was a maid who was standing at a distance.
Her food was already there – still steaming hot. She immediately dug in, feeling as though she hadn't eaten in days. It was delicious and before she realized it, she was already done eating.
The maid approached the table, ready to take away the plates.
"Who owns this house?" Oakley asked, hoping she would get an answer. She did, but not the answer she was looking for.
"You'll meet him soon."
Cryptic. Just like this place.
The maid left. Now, boredom and unease pushes her to continue exploring. There was nothing else to do anyway.
She went back upstairs.
Oakley passed several rooms that she had yet to see. Some were locked, others weren't.
Eventually, she soon realized that she was lost, somehow ending up in a wing she was clearly not meant to be in.
The place was quiet. Even more quiet than the rest of the house – if that was even possible.
"Oakley, what have you gotten yourself into?" She scolded herself, feeling a shiver run down her spine.
Trying to find her way out, she comes across an eerie, dark wooden door left slightly ajar. Something about it feels... heavy. Wrong. Cold air flowing out of it.
She steps closer, just a little as curiousty wins. Then she heard it. A faint sound inside. A man's voice.
Deep. Calm. Lethal.
"Have it ready before sunset. No delays."
She felt her breath hitch in her throat, sudden fear enveloping her. She tries to peek through the gap. Maybe it was the man she had yet to see. Her owner.
"Miss, you shouldn't be here." She heard a sharp voice behind her.
She jumps, turning around to see who it was.
Anthony.
"I- I'm sorry." She quickly apologized, feeling flustered. "I got lost and ended up here."
"Let me show you to the garden." Anthony suggested, a polite, professional smile on his face. "It is a much nicer place to explore."
Oakley nodded, letting the man lead the way.
****
Inside the room, a man stood there, back turned to the door; Calm, collected, dangerous aura.
He knows the girl was outside yet he says nothing. Just tilts his head a bit to the side, a small hum escaping his lips.
.
.
.
.