Chapter 3: The First Step

The days passed in a blur of routine, but Elena couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed. Her thoughts, once filled with the monotony of daily chores, now often wandered to Kael. His presence haunted her even when he wasn’t there, lingering in her mind long after he left the estate. She found herself remembering his gaze, the intensity in his eyes that made her feel both exposed and alive.

Despite her best efforts to focus on her work, Elena couldn’t help but notice the subtle shifts in her world. It wasn’t just the way Kael looked at her—it was the way he moved through the estate with an air of quiet defiance. He didn’t bow to Lord Aldric’s authority like the other guests. Instead, he held himself with a certain strength, as though he had nothing to lose. Elena couldn’t help but wonder why someone like him would associate with Lord Aldric. What was his purpose here? And why did it matter to her?

One morning, as Elena was preparing the breakfast in the kitchen, one of the senior servants informed her that she was to attend to Lord Aldric’s guest—Kael. Her heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name.

“I expect you to show him the proper respect,” the senior servant warned, giving Elena a stern look. “He’s a man of importance. Don’t forget your place.”

Elena nodded silently, her hands trembling as she arranged the plates of food on the tray. The words stung, but she didn’t dare show any sign of resistance. She had learned long ago that disobedience led to punishment, and Elena had no desire to bring attention to herself.

Carrying the tray with practiced grace, Elena made her way to the guest chambers. As she approached the door, she hesitated for a moment, her pulse quickening. She had no idea what to expect from Kael, but the thought of seeing him again sent a flutter through her chest. She couldn’t afford to let herself become distracted. She was a servant, nothing more, and that was all she would ever be.

She knocked gently on the door.

“Enter,” came Kael’s voice, low and calm.

Taking a deep breath, Elena pushed open the door. The room was richly furnished, sunlight streaming through the windows, but it felt suffocating to her. She set the tray down on the table without looking up, keeping her movements swift and efficient.

“Lord Aldric sends his regards,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael didn’t respond immediately. Elena could feel his gaze on her, and it made her nervous. She busied herself with adjusting the plates, trying to ignore the pull she felt toward him. But she couldn’t help it. Something about his silence, the way he observed her, made her feel both seen and vulnerable.

After a moment, Kael’s voice broke the stillness. “You’re Elena, aren’t you?”

Elena’s hands froze for a brief second before she turned to face him. She had never expected him to remember her name, but there it was, spoken in his deep, steady tone.

“Yes, my lord,” she replied quickly, keeping her eyes lowered, a practiced habit she could never shake.

Kael stood from his chair and walked toward her, his movements fluid and effortless. Elena took an instinctive step back, her heart pounding in her chest. His presence filled the room, making the space feel smaller, tighter.

“I wasn’t aware Lord Aldric had such a beautiful servant,” Kael said, his words slow and deliberate. His eyes were fixed on her now, searching, studying.

Elena felt her cheeks flush, her throat tight with the weight of his words. She wasn’t used to being spoken to in such a manner, especially not by someone like Kael. She had been taught to remain invisible, to never draw attention to herself, yet here he was, doing the opposite.

“Thank you, my lord,” she murmured, unsure of what else to say. Her heart raced in her chest, her thoughts a tangled mess. She wanted to ask him why he was here, what he wanted from Lord Aldric, but she knew better than to ask questions. It was never her place.

Kael didn’t speak for a moment, as though considering something. His gaze never left hers, and Elena could feel the intensity of his attention. It made her feel exposed, yet oddly empowered. She had always been a shadow, an invisible part of the household. But in this moment, she was something more—something Kael seemed to notice, something worth looking at.

Finally, he broke the silence. “You’re not like the others, are you, Elena?”

Elena’s breath caught in her throat. What did he mean by that? She couldn’t bring herself to answer, not trusting her voice to remain steady.

Kael took a step closer, closing the distance between them. Elena felt her pulse quicken. “I can tell you’re not like the others who serve here. There’s something different about you. Something…” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. “…something that makes you stand out.”

Elena’s mind raced. She didn’t know how to respond. What could she say? She was just a servant, nothing more.

But Kael wasn’t finished. “You don’t belong here, Elena. You’re too strong, too…” His voice trailed off for a moment as though unsure of what he wanted to say. “You don’t belong in this place. Not with the likes of them.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Was he hinting at something? Was he offering her a way out, or was this just another passing comment, a fleeting moment that meant nothing? She didn’t know, but the way his words lingered in the air made her feel something she hadn’t felt in a long time: hope.

Kael stepped back, breaking the moment. Elena quickly lowered her gaze, unsure of what to do next. She had already crossed a line by speaking to him directly, and she didn’t want to push her luck further.

“Thank you for your service, Elena,” Kael said, his tone no longer as intense. “You may leave now.”

Elena nodded, her heart still pounding in her chest. As she turned to leave, she couldn’t help but wonder if the words he’d spoken had meant anything at all. And if they had, what did they mean for her future?

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