After getting dressed and ready for the long day. I headed to where we were supposed to meet every morning with the head maid, Gerta. Thanks to my nightmares, I was the first one up and out of the room, even though Emma and Zoe wanted me to wait for them.
Instead of doing as they wished, I walked out since nothing settled me more into the right space than a stroll after a night terror. All I could remember was the loneliness and agony I felt during the events that happened in my dream.
Loneliness still infected me in my waking moments, but the agony I felt during the dreams was on another level. It was like I was truly alone, unheard, and forsaken.
No matter how much I scream or shriek, my voice feels like it doesn’t reach a single soul.
Slowly, I wandered through the empty halls as the sun wasn’t entirely out, not that it mattered in Night City, but it marked our day of work. Even though empty, the castle itself felt like it had life to it.
Memories everywhere… I wonder how many lives have passed through here.
Steadily, I made my way to where Gerta was waiting for us. Though I thought she wouldn’t be there yet since it was earlier than the time she gave us. But I soon found how wrong I was when I saw her setting up our meals.
This old woman took her job seriously, even though she didn’t expect us to survive five days. Noticing my presence, she stopped placing the plates on the table, turning to me.
“Wow, I surely thought the twins would’ve done a number on you last night. Call me impressed, Vivian.” She smirked, placing her hands on her hips.
Ah… You already know my name. What a diligent maid…
Her expression only showed pure curiosity—something I didn’t want directed at me.
The more attention I get, the worse it is to move around. I really don’t want to say anything to you, but I can see why Oswald said not to report it. You already know everything they are up to. It’s why these jobs go up weekly.
“Oh, good morning, did I surprise you, madam?” I bowed to greet her.
Hmm… This makes me wonder what would’ve happened if I had accepted their offer.
“Indeed, you did. How did you escape the little demons?” Gerta asked straightforwardly.
I tilted my head, “What makes you think I escaped?”
The best way to fish for details is to make your opponent trip up.
My response caused her to relax onto the table behind her. The work in front of her wasn’t as crucial as dissecting me.
“Well, the last few girls that Loki called out like that were found outside in a daze in the weirdest lingerie,” Gerta smirked, triggering shivers to run down my spine.
I remembered the outfit they had picked for me.
Those toys, too.Crap... How close did I… Ah… The world ending isn’t bad anymore.
The old woman wasn’t done with me as she continued, “You see, Loki’s bite is the worst I’ve seen in any vampire. He isn’t even a pureblood, but his venom turns anyone crazy for sex. When she came out of that trance, the poor girls shatter upon realizing what they were doing.”
“Hah… I see.” I mumbled, shifting my gaze toward the side.
You two are…
“To be honest, those girls deserved it. I don’t get why Asher wants his grandkids to have three maids each. I know I’m getting old, but I can still do everything and more! Instead, we have little roaches approaching our princes like moths to a flame.” Gerta sighed, shaking her head, stepping away from the table, and coming towards me.
Crap…
I took a step back only to hit the wall behind me.
“So, what makes you different? Is it true what you said in the throne room or is it bullshit? Did you lie your way out of last night? Or did you trick them?” She barraged me with questions as her approach didn’t cause fear to grip me, but it was intimidating.
Hah… How ridiculous for me to feel on edge because of this old lady?
This was new as her soul was stronger than the ones I usually interacted with.
“Ah, well, he didn’t bite me. I guess that’s where we differ.” I answered vaguely.
The less you know, the better for me.
“Yes, I can see he didn’t make a mess out of you. Why, though? All the girls before you were bitten by the time the night ended and quit within hours of coming too. They seemed to be stronger than you.” Gerta pointed out, circling me like a shark that had found a fresh piece of meat in the water.
Is anyone in this castle normal? Then again, that would be boring.
“Perhaps it was because Oswald stopped Loki before he took it too far,” I informed her, prompting her eyes to fly open and jaw to drop.
“What? Oz did?” She gasped, covering her mouth before snickering. “Well, well! That makes everything much more interesting! Just the thought of something as delicate as you surviving those two demons amazes me!”
After those words left her lips, she started laughing as tears formed at the corners of her eyes because of it.
“Eh? I’m not that interesting. I’m simply here to do a job which is needed for my life to continue as it is.” I sighed, shaking my head.
Huh? Why do I feel like you might become torn on my side?
Suddenly, she stopped, shifting her gaze onto me as she studied every reaction I had.
“Well, dear child, you’ll have to give me lessons on how you handled those boys. In these past three years, there’s been non-ending chaos in this castle.” She announced, taking another step toward me.
“Hm... I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. I was simply honest with them, madam.” I answered.
“Honest?” Gerta scoffed, rolling her eyes.
From her reaction, I could tell that was usually missing in the royal court she was surrounded by.
“Yes. I assured them I have no intention of mating with them. Anything that comes from us doing so would only be an abomination.” I politely smiled, trying not to remember how Loki’s skin felt on mine.
Stupid… hormones… surely… that’s all.
In response, Gerta smirked, facing me straight on. She was significantly smaller than I, yet still packed an aura of not to be messed with.
Who knew such a tiny package could hold such a feisty woman inside? Hah, I guess this is how you’ve survived all these years.
“Oh, ho!” Gerta started, eyeing me down before grabbing my hands and checking for any signs of mischief left by the two troublemakers.
Unable to help it, I quickly shifted my gaze away from her as she inspected me.
“Wow, Loki really didn’t bite you. When he does it on the wrist.” She mumbled, shifting her gaze.
I sighed. “Nothing that can be undone, madam.”
“Huh… Come on... Tell me, child—” Gerta stopped upon noticing footsteps down the hall.
For being old, you’re too sharp.
“Well, Vivian, we’ll talk later, but know you’ve impressed me.” She winked, walking back to work, when Emma and Zoe rushed into the room.
“Vivian, there you are!” Emma gushed, running to me.
“Vivian! Why would you leave us like that?” Zoe complained, cheeks puffed as I focused on them instead of the dangerous old woman.
I think I’ll have to make a habit of going with you from now on.
This little witch was the youngest of us at seventeen, as Emma was nineteen, yet she always acted like the mother in our group, even though we had been together for a day at most.
Probably had to do with all the sisters she had.
“Well, we’ll have to go our separate ways soon, either way.” I smiled politely again.
They weren’t there to serve me—something they had a hard time adjusting to. The moment they noticed Gerta staring at us was when they watched their surroundings.
“Argh… Still, I know work is work and we need the money, but I’d rather do other things.” Emma sighed, attempting to cover their tracks as I shook my head.
“To live, we need to work,” I assured her, prompting a small smile to rise on her lips.
These girls would be the death of me, as well as my salvation. However, I didn’t know which one they would ultimately be.