Chapter 60 Chapter 60
Violet
I must have sunk deeper into sleep than I intended, because when the knock came, it didn’t sound real at first and felt more like it was happening in some echoing hallway inside my dream rather than just outside my door.
I groaned, rolled onto my side, and dragged the blanket higher over my head.
“Please… not now,” I mumbled, my voice thick and hoarse from exhaustion. “Let me sleep.”
Silence followed, and for a few blissful seconds, I thought whoever it was had taken the hint. Mom probably. My body loosened again into the mattress, heavy, boneless, grateful.
Then another knock came, firmer, but still polite.
“Miss Violet?”
The voice was unfamiliar. Certainly not my mom nor any maids at my pack though we didn’t have a habit of waking people up early in the morning.
I blinked awake slowly, forcing my eyes open, though the room still swam as my brain tried to catch up.
I was not at home.
I was wrapped in sheets made of finest silk that made me feel like I was sleeping in clouds.
A dim wash of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting faint shadows across the ornate ceiling painted with flowers and birds amongst other things.
My head still felt foggy, like my thoughts were wading through cotton.
“We have been sent to attend to you for the duration of your stay, Miss Violet.”
Attend?
I frowned, rolled onto my back, then slowly pushed myself upright, all the sleep flying out of my eyes.
“Attend… me?”
I stared at the door as if the word itself might rearrange into something else and suddenly make sense.
The handle turned and the door opened to reveal five women standing outside the entrance.
They were wearing perfectly pressed maid uniforms made of muted gray fabric, crisp white aprons, neatly fastened hair, and polished shoes that barely made a sound on the floor. They stood in a small formation with their backs straight and hands clasped politely in front of them.
My first irrational thought was that I had walked into the wrong mansion, into some historical estate where tourists wore costumes that had gone out of style long back.
My second was that this had to be a prank.
“I, um,” I managed after a few stunned heartbeats. “This… must be a mistake. I only just arrived. I’m not staying long.”
The woman at the front who was clearly the one in charge took a graceful step forward and dipped her head in a small bow.
“We are assigned to you personally, Miss Violet.”
Personally.
The word landed heavier than it should have.
My brows knit together.
“For… how long?” I asked slowly.
Her eyes flickered just briefly before her composure smoothed again.
“For the length of your visit.”
“I’m not even here for more than a day,” I insisted with a weak laugh, rubbing my temple. “There’s really no need. I just want to sleep, if that’s alright. And then Cassie is going to give me a tour of the manor.”
Instead of withdrawing, the maids exchanged subtle glances, like I had said something slightly alarming.
The head maid offered a gentle, practiced smile.
“Lady Aurelia extends her apologies for not being able to welcome you personally last night. She asked that we tend to you on her behalf.”
Lady Aurelia.
I blinked again, trying to process and recall who that might be. Werewolves referred to the lady in charge as Luna not lady but if I were to take a wild guess, she was Alpha Deveraux's partner. I should have really asked Cassie what her name was when I still had time.
“She… sent you to assist me?” I asked.
“Yes, Miss.”
My confusion deepened.
“I appreciate the gesture, truly, but this is too much. Why would she assign all of you? I’ll only be here for a few hours.”
Wasn’t the dinner earlier postponed to lunch today? I planned to leave by evening.
Had there been another change of plan? Then why rush us to fly in haste yesterday?
My statement earned another round of quick, careful glances among the group but the head maid covered it with another serene smile.
“It is simply our custom,” she replied smoothly. “Guests of importance are not left unattended.”
I was a guest of importance? That made even less sense.
I opened my mouth to argue again and right then, my stomach growled so loudly that every single one of them heard it.
Perfect timing.
I swallowed and cleared my throat, feeling ridiculously small as I muttered, “I… haven’t eaten since yesterday. If it isn’t too much trouble, could I maybe just get something small? Anything is fine, really.”
One of the maids stepped forward immediately, eyes brightening almost eagerly.
“We will bring you breakfast,” she said, voice warm with pride. “We have a selection prepared for you that includes but is not limited to roasted herb omelet, smoked salmon with citrus glaze, honeyed bread, fresh fruit platters, spiced porridge, or venison broth if you prefer something light.”
My head spun. That sounded like enough options to feed an entire wedding party.
“I…” I stammered, shrinking back into the pillows. “Just toast would be fine. Or porridge. I don’t want to cause too much trouble.”
She dipped her head like I had just issued a royal decree. “Sandwiches and some tea then miss?”
I nodded before she would throw me another five course meal option to choose from.
“It is no trouble at all, Miss. I will have it prepared at once.”
And just like that, she disappeared with silent efficiency.
I stared after her for a second, still dazed. This was surreal and so very different to my parents’ pack or even Nate’s for that matter.
Before I could gather my thoughts, another maid approached the foot of the bed and began laying out dresses in soft fabrics, muted jewel tones, and elegant cuts that looked nothing like my simple travel clothing.
“Lady Aurelia selected a few options for your comfort,” she explained pleasantly. “We took the liberty of bringing attire suitable for this evening’s dinner.”
I blinked again.
“This evening…?” I echoed weakly.