The Dark Noble

I

It was damning, the way she rushed under the heavy fall of rain that severely beat her already trudged soul. The clouds showed no sign of relenting, opening up even further with another torrential downpour, as if mocking her already soaked state and daring her to curse the heavens.

'Why does this always happen to me on important days?' she thought, nearing the huge building where she was supposed to be in attendance.
The tall structure loomed proudly over her, and she hurried inside, shivering, hoping her attire would dry off before her crucial meeting. Once again, she was attempting to find a job among the elite, hoping they would hire her as a maid or nanny. For some strange reason, her previous options had declined her requests, stating that she didn't look 'fancy' enough. If she were fancy, why on earth would she be seeking a job as a maid or nanny? What kind of fancy people choose such work?

She went by the name Mora, short for Kamora. Sadly, that was the only thing about herself that she could remember. She had been found deep in the forest by some hunters, barely alive. Fortunately, they had taken her away from the forest and helped her recover. According to them, she had been unconscious for over a month. When she woke up, she couldn't remember anything about herself, except her name.

And the strange voice that called it.

She hurried into the building, rubbing her hands up and down her arms in an attempt to warm herself. She tried squeezing the wet part of her dress so that she wouldn't enter the meeting room dripping like a wet dog. Though she wouldn't be surprised if that's what she looked like.

When she felt more presentable, she took a good look around the building. Just a few people were standing at the entrance, and like her, they were soaked.

'Thank the heavens,' she whispered under her breath. At least she wasn't the only one who would come in looking like a soaked dog.

Mora made her way through the building. The halls were dark just from the entrance, and the single torch hung on the wall did nothing to dispel that darkness. She continued down and finally walked into a huge room. She paused, taking in the room with awe. She had never seen something as beautiful as this—or perhaps she had, but she couldn't remember. The room had huge chandeliers made with candles and glass that illuminated the room. Two huge halls extended from either side, and different paintings adorned every area, even on the floors and the ceiling.

Suddenly, someone bumped into her, and she turned around quickly, bowing her head as a form of apology.

'I am sorry,' she said, looking downwards.

'No, I am,' a soft voice answered, causing her to raise her gaze. In front of Mora stood a girl who looked close to her age. Her skin was as dark as copper, and her brown hair fell in soft curls over her shoulder, almost reaching her knees. She smiled kindly at Mora, who smiled in return.

'I guess you are here for the interview.'

'Yes,' Mora answered, nodding.

'Well then, it's nice to see someone who looks my age for once. Most people who apply are far older than me.' Waving her hands, she smiled. 'I am Petal.'

'Kamora,' Mora answered, waving back.

Petal raised her brows, curious. 'Kamora? I haven't heard that sort of name before.'

'I could say the same for you.' Mora countered, chuckling. 'I mean, it's strange to hear the name Petal,' she corrected, thinking her remark might be seen as harsh. 'I have heard of people bearing the names of flowers, but I haven't heard anyone bearing the name of a part of it...'

'It's okay,' Petal said, chuckling awkwardly. 'I also understand. You are not the first person to think the same.' She grinned.

Mora sighed in relief, then looked around. 'Do you know where the meeting will be held? I had planned on asking around.'