The Wolves Belong Underground

Chapter 1

A new set of loneliness and dread seeped into her stomach, making Maria feel all the more motion sick. As the carriage shook and rattled, she watched as the dying trees waved goodbye to her at each passing. Through the new sets of these hands grew larger and larger as they carried on, further away from the city. She began to wonder if this was a good idea; being so far away from town. Leaving her sister alone with people who promise to take care of her. Charlotte was growing into a beautiful, but troublesome girl. As much as it worried Maria, she did feel some compassion towards her sister's increasing temperament. She had gone through more than she should have. Maria could not protect her from everything. But at least now she could give her a chance. Both of them, now.
Maria pulled the newspaper clipping from her pocket, wrinkled from holding on to it for days now. She could only hope that she wasn't too late, and she would have to return empty handed and start back to square one. Just thinking about it made her feel humiliated.
The carriage gave one last great shake as its wheels went from dirt to cobblestone, her attention snapping up from the clipping to the window. She was finally at the manor. It came to a sudden halt as it pulled up to the grand entrance, the driver opening the door in a haste to escort her out. She was in awe of the manor's dark beauty, the golden sun shining its rays behind it.
"Thank you," she said to the rider, who only shoved her suitcase at her. She stumbled back a bit as she grabbed hold of it. She glared at him, annoyed by his urgency. "If you don't mind, please wait a moment. I will be back to let you know if I'm staying the night."
The rider huffed, glancing up at the manor and then back to her. "Make it quick." He snorted. She gave him a puzzled look, wondering why he was in such a hurry to leave. She simply gave him a nod an approached the grand entrance, lifting the large stone knocker held in the mouth of a ferocious lion. With a few good slams, the door opened, and she was greeted by an older man. The butler, she presumed.
"Hello," Maria offered her a friendly smile and presented him with the newspaper clipping "My name is Maria DeRose. I saw your masters job advertisement; I'd like to speak with him."
"Oh, yes. Here, please come in." The butler returned the smile, stepping away to let her in "Please, let me take your suitcase and follow me."
Maria stepped in and handed her the suitcase. Stunning was an understatement for the main foyer. Grey marble floors adorned with crimson red carpet, leading up to the grand staircase. Large columns stood at the sides of the room, along with silver candelabra's dimly illuminating the room. To give her credit, Maria had never been in such a wealthy home. However, this place was breathtaking in the mists of such a gloomy home.
She followed the butler up the stairs, leading her down endless corridors. Suits of armor and massive oil paintings lined with exquisite frames stood against the dark wood walls. Maria hoped and prayed to however could hear her would help her get this job, yet the dark ambiance of the manor did in fact make her a bit uneasy.
"Right this way, ma'am." The butler said as they came to a door. He gave it a few knocks before entering.
"Master, another girl is here for the job opening." He informed him. Maria could not get a good look inside, only hearing a sigh at the end of the room.
"Let them in." Replied a deep, yet bored voice. The butler stepped aside, allowing her in. The room reeked of cigarettes and booze, papers and books scattered around the office. At the end of the room was floor to ceiling windows, dark velvet curtains draped around them. In front sat a man at the desk, the master of the manor. A burning cigarette was held between his pale fingers, he looked up from his paperwork with tired eyes. His eyes were so brown they nearly rusted into a red color. Lord Zorath Wolfsbane, she could only assume by the name in the paper.
"Thank you, Mr. Clarke. You may leave us." He excused his butler. Mr. Clarke left, leaving the two alone as he shut the door behind him.
"I saw your advertisement, sir." Maria started, sounding much more nervous than she intended. Yet this man's stoic aura left her feeling rather intimated. "I would be honored to serve as your maid."
"Hm," he grunted, putting out his cigarette on the marble ashtray next to him. "Are you qualified?"
"Yes, I believe I am. Here," She pulled out paperwork that was tucked into her coat and handed it to him. "I'm a very hard worker. I've taken over my mother's floral shop for the last few years. I'm a great cleaner too, I have an eye for detail and perfection. I can assure you; I would make an excellent maid for your beautiful home."
Zorath looked over the paperwork as he listened to her explain. "What happened to the shop?" He inquired.
"It... well, it went out of business." She sheepishly admitted "I suppose I'd make a better maid than a businesswoman."
His eyes finally lifted from the paper and looked at her. It was like he was studying her, rather too long for Maria's comfort.
"I detect an accent. Are you French?" Though he sounded bored just asking.
"Yes, my family and I moved here when I was 10 years old."
"Why?" He quirked an eyebrow. It was a fair question, not many people would be thrilled to move to London.
"My father was presented with a job opportunity to work in a factory. Was a chance for a better life back then." She held her hands behind her to hide her trembling, hoping he would stop asking so many questions about her personal life. Thankfully he did not. Instead, he presented harder questions.
"Why should I hire you?"
"I promise I will not disappoint you. I have the upmost respect for you and your home. I would do my very best every day to please you." She was nearly begging at this point, worried that she wasn't doing her very best to convince him. His stone mask did not break.
"I've had many maids give me the exact speech, and yet I have no maids now." He reached out to hand her back the paperwork. "I wish you the best, Miss. DeRose."
"No, please sir." She stepped forward, releasing her clammy hands but refusing to take back the papers "I mean it, I would do anything you ask of me. Not only would I be working for you, but for my younger sister. She has only me, I need this job." She mustered up any courage she had left in her, taking a stand to him "I cannot go back, she needs me. Please, just give me a week to prove myself. Then you can kick me out and I will never bother you again. I promise."
He stared her down, his eyes heavy on her. He seemed displeased with her defying his rejection, but he couldn't bother to tell her once more to leave.
"One week." He dropped the papers and took his cigarette case. "If you cannot live up to my expectations, you will be sent back. Do I make myself clear?"
Maria's heart fluttered with joy and relief. She nearly jumped over the desk and kissed him. "Thank you, thank you, sir." She rejoiced "I promise it will not come to that. You will be most pleased with my work."
He grunted as he tucked a new cigarette between his lips. "We will see. I run a tight ship here. My butler will write down your duties, I expect you to have them memorized by the end of the week. However, mistakes will not be tolerated. One thing I do ask is not to enter my chambers without my permission, that is strictly prohibited unless asked. Payments will be given every fortnight. Understood?"
"Yes sir." She beamed, already imagining what she will write to Charlotte when she gets the chance.
"Another thing," He added as he lit his cigarette "You will refer to me as Master or Lord."
"Yes, of course my Lord." She nodded, feeling stupid for not calling him that beforehand.
"Very well." He puffed out smoke. "Mr. Clarke will show you to the servants' quarters."
"Wonderful, thank you again." She gave him a small curtsy. "You don't know what this means to me."
He locked eyes with her, his gaze so powerful she honestly felt like she could not move. "Do not disappoint me, Miss. DeRose." His tone made it sound more like a threat. At least she felt a bit threatened.
"Yes, my Lord." She nodded once more before taking her leave. She closed the door behind her and clutched her hands together. She bounced on her tiptoes excitedly, unable to wipe the massive smile across her face.