This is the first time I have ever lied to Rae...

I relied on her a lot, looked up to her artistically, and always looked for her when I needed to share anything I was going through. Now I wouldn't be able to share to her what was happening to me. I needed to keep what was happening at Ravenwolf a secret.

I didn't know how long I could keep this up. An entire year could very well be a century.

"Why does your aunt want you to move back in with her? Your commute will be longer."

"She said it would only be for a year."

"A year is a long time."

"Not in the long scheme of things, if you think about it..."

"But why?"

"Rae... I didn't want to ask her any more questions. I think it's because she wants someone to take care of her plants. She's been going on longer business trips lately. She doesn't trust many people. You know how she is."

"That woman doesn't have a kind bone in her--"

"Rae."

"What? It's the truth..."

I felt a twinge of guilt in my gut. It was the only excuse I could find for Rae not being able to visit me in my apartment. Even if I 'moved,' she would want to visit me, and hang out as usual. If it was my aunt, someone she didn't get along with. She would prioritize seeing me. Ask me to come over to her place.

"I won't ask any more questions then, but still..." Rae leaned in to hug me, "don't let her... you know what I mean, right?" I nodded and smiled. I pushed Rae back lightly and cupped her cheeks in my hands. Rae smiled at me and I giggled.

Later that day, after a few of my classes, I went home to pack.

There was only one day left before I moved into that place. Only one more day.

I tried thinking through it over and over again. Even with having more time away from that intimidating environment. I thought I would grow more detached from what was at stake. But anytime I hesitated, I remembered the old man's words. I thought about what would happen if I didn't go through with this. My life would be relatively normal.

When I thought about what I would bring to that mansion I didn't think I wouldn't fit in. I didn't own any extravagant, elegant, or expensive pieces. I didn't have any trust funds in my name, no vacation homes in Dubai and Palm Springs. I didn't own a sliver of gold. I didn't ride in an expensive car. Instead, I had hand-me-downs, a single stamp in my passport when I went to Mexico a few years ago, and a few thrift-shopped rings and necklaces. I also certainly rode public transportation most of my life, and wouldn't dare of dreaming of wasting money on more than one home to lounge in.

Aside from clearing my student debt, I had no kind of comprehension of what I would begin to do with that kind of money. It seemed too much of a ridiculous amount in the first place. I sighed.

After zipping up one of my suitcases, I looked out at the side window. I walked over to it, watching the bustling street below me. I wouldn't see this view as often as I would like. I turned around, looking at my small apartment.

I wouldn't be able to make waffles in the same space. Spill tea accidentally on the floor while on my way to the couch. I wouldn't be able to complain to the landholder about the heat in the winter or the showers going cold too quick (not that I would miss that for a year). There were little memories in different corners in this house.

I stood a little higher and decided to let it all wash away for now. I approached my bedroom again and continued to pack.

***

When Nathan picked me up from my apartment, I looked behind me once. I took a brief glance at my apartment window and then walked towards the car. The driver refused to let me help him put my luggage in the trunk. I already felt a bit like royalty.

On the way to Ravenwolf, Nathan was quiet. He was attached to his phone, as usual. Taking calls from time to time. Answering and speaking in French, German, and Japanese... I thought about what a capable assistant truly looked like.

When we passed through the gates, I let out a nervous sigh. I had come this far with resolve. There was plenty to be afraid of but I wouldn't let it get to me.

Nathan tapped my arm when we arrived. I shook my head. I must have dazed off. When I walked into the house, I was welcomed by the housekeeper, who was in charge of running the mansion. Keeping everyone doing their duties: cooking and cleaning, for instance.

"Please call me Edna," I nodded while she warmly shook my hand. I'm sure she would be the only one to greet me this kindly, just as Nathan had...

Nathan left to take some calls. I already knew what my 'duties,' were as the heir... but it all seemed surreal...

After Edna showed me my grand new room, I went back to the foyer to greet Nathan.

"This way, Hazel..." I followed Nathan down the hallway, past a few rooms. We turned right and walked for a few more minutes. We walked into a room, which I assumed was one of the many lounging areas in the house, where everyone was gathered. I had already learned their identities from the video Henry left for me...

Kai was sitting on the couch, reading through a document. Jackson was glued to his phone. James was reading a text book and taking a few side notes. Cassandra was sliding her fingers through her hair while pacing near the window. Her husband, Gerald, was staring out the window as well. Their daughter Mackenzie was sitting on the floor reading a book. When I arrived, everyone looked up at me.

"We've arrived," Kai immediately stood up after Nathan spoke.

"I did what I promised I would, Nathan. Now I'm leaving," he was about to walk right past me, but Nathan grabbed a hold of his arm.

"Yes, but I did say I would politely be taking a few minutes of your time, as well?" Nathan smiled, and Kai paused, then obediently stepped back. I wasn't sure of the relationship they had, but anytime Kai was around Nathan, there seemed to be a deep form of respect he had for him.

"Hazel..." Nathan said, encouraging me to step forward. He told me in the car I should properly introduce myself to the 'family.'

"Hello everyone... I know we didn't meet under more positive circumstances... but I'll be in your care for a year..." I heard Cassandra scoff in the background. When I looked up, Gerald seemed to be scolding her.

James looked up at me and then down, looking uninterested. Jackson, who also had put down his phone to pay attention, nodded, and then returned back to his business. I realized I hadn't even registered that Charlie was here. He was on the other side of the room, looking over a comic.

"Great... and thank you all for showing up for introductions. Now, Cassandra... if you'd like to start?" at that moment, Cassandra stepped forward dramatically. Her arms were crossed, and Gerald was right beside her.

"I'm Cassandra. This is my husband Gerald, and our daughter Mackenzie. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," I stared at her, and nodded.

"I'm James," he finally looked up at me. "I'm Jackson's fraternal twin," I also nodded, realizing there was a reason I thought the two were similar. Jackson laughed and piped in, "that's my cue... the other twin. Jackson. Social media influencer," with that, he tilted his head playfully, laughed, and returned to his phone. Charlie quietly piped up in the background. He held the comic to his chest while he said, "I'm Charlie..." I nodded again, and then looked at Kai.

The one who seemingly had the most animosity towards me.

I was expecting him to stick his nose high in the air and walk past me again but instead he said: "I'm Kai. The eldest son. Acting president of Ravenwolf. Enjoy your stay here..." he smirked at me and I tried to hold my composure.

Enjoy my stay here? What about this situation was bringing me joy?

I bit my lower lip, and stared up at this 'family,' and before I said anything else, Nathan touched my arm lightly and then said to them, "everyone, have a good rest this evening, and I'll see you all at later times..." Nathan seemed to be a solid foundation. I could only imagine what it would be like without him here. I would truly be thrown into a lion's den.

We left together and I instantly felt like I had shaved several years off of my life. I held my chest, trying to find an even ground in my mind and body again. Without saying anything to me, and instead of understanding how I might be feeling, Nathan just held my arm and escorted me up to my 'new room' again.

*

After I was taken up the staircase, I went down corridor after corridor, finally arriving at my room I was briefly introduced to earlier.

My luggage was already there. When I was brought inside, I couldn't help but gasp at the size. It was triple the size of my small apartment. It felt excessive. While Nathan pointed out a few of the rooms features Edna walked in, brightly smiling at me.

"Hi Miss, I forgot to ask... do you have any requests for your dinner?"

"You can call me Hazel," she smiled and nodded. I then asked, "does this family eat together?"

"Hmm, only Miss. Cassandra, Mr. Gerald, and Mackenzie from time to time..."

"So, everyone else?"

"Mr. Kai is usually at his office. Jackson is usually... travelling. James is at the hospital or studying at the library. And our Charlie... well, usually he's in his room. Most of the times he orders take away..."

I sighed. This family was incredibly scattered, just as the old man had said...

"I can cook for myself, Edna. Just show me where the kitchen is--"

"Oh heavens no! You mustn't" she held onto my arm as though I had committed a sin.

"You will be served meals here, dear" I let out a burst of nervous laughter.

"Alright... then a garden salad and lentil soup?" Edna smiled and then made her way out. Nathan chuckled at me and said, "she is someone you can trust here, Hazel"

"She seems like a genuine person... she reminds me of you. Or you remind me of her, slightly," at that he said, "she's kind of like a surrogate mother for me... when I came to Ravenwolf years ago... she was the first person I met... I wasn't always the way I am right now..." I paused, wondering what kinds of secrets this man had as well...

"What an interesting situation I've found myself in," I admitted, and he patted my shoulder lightly before wishing me a good night. I couldn't believe the tall order I was filling, and I had just moved in here moments ago...

*

When I was done unpacking, I decided to explore the mansion.

I shut the door behind me and took a stroll around the house. I brought my iPod with me and walked around, seemingly endlessly. There was an indoor and outdoor pool. There was a pool hall, a game centre, a mini movie theatre, a fully equipped gym and sauna.

There was a huge kitchen and dining area. There was a large hall for what I presumed to be for functions. There was a 2-story library and a meditation garden. The more I discovered, the more audacious I thought the rich were...

When I ended up back at the rec room, I sat on one of the couches. Completely exhausted, I kicked my feet up, wanting to nap. Before I dozed off, I open my eyes slightly, only to see a pair of eyes staring at me. I yelped and fell off of the couch. I turned, and no one was there. I took my headphones out of my ears and looked around. I stood up, turned around, and saw nothing. Then I turned around again, and a young girl was in front of me. I jumped.

"I'm not a ghost" she said.

"I didn't think you were..." I looked down at her. She was wearing an interesting unicorn inspired onesie. She had been wearing a frilly dress and stockings barely an hour ago.

"What are you doing here?"

"Resting" I said.

"Don't you have your own bedroom now?" I thought this child was a little curt.

"How old are you?"

"How old do you think I am?" she crossed her arms.

"Old enough to be smart with me, for sure," she rolled her eyes, turned around, and started walking away. I reached forward and grabbed the back of her unicorn hood. I had to find some way to connect myself to this family. Maybe I could try and relate to this brat in front of me.

"I'm a little bored... want to compete?" I nodded over to some of the games. She seemed a little tempted but crossed her arms again.

"What are the stakes? I don't even know you."

This kid knew how to play her cards well.

"What would you like me to do?"

"The loser... has to steal a pair of car keys from one of my cousin's rooms and then start it for a minute in the garage" my jaw dropped and I stared at her.

"That's so childish," I scoffed while folding my arms across one another like she was doing.

"Scared?" she tested and I bit my lower lip. I glared at her.

"Sure, you've got yourself a deal. You seem pretty confident..."

She smirked and then headed over towards one of the car racing games. I followed after her. I suppose loving cars ran through this family's blood...

"The best of five games to determine a winner," I looked at her seriously. I wondered if I was about to get myself into some deep trouble.

I jumped into a racing seat beside her, watching the flashy lights pop out from the screen. Seconds later, we were racing.

I don't know how much time we spent together, but 5 turned into 10 rounds. We moved onto a zombie apocalypse game with interaction handheld weapons. We then moved onto air hockey and DDR. There were endless rounds of competition, to the point where I lost count on who won.

About 2 hours later we were laughing off of the recent game we played. We sat next to each other. There seemed to be less tension between the two of us. Though that moment soon dissolved. She straightened up and sat a little further from me. I could understand her hesitation. Since she hardly knew me.

"So, who lost?" she balled her fists together. She seemed to have lost track just as much as I did. I smiled, thinking about how I misjudged her. She was just a kid living in a scary mansion, possibly without much contact with people outside of her intermediate family.

"Why don't we call it a draw? We can try again another time?" she looked at me, a little happy that there would be a next time. But her smile stopped midday.

"Whatever, it's not like it matters..." she stood up abruptly and I walked her. Sweat was pouring from both of our bodies. I wiped my forehead.

"Anyway... I'll just say it for today. I had fun..." she walked away coolly. I smiled, watching her race out of the rec room. I looked at my phone and saw some messages. But the most surprising thing was the time. It was already 6pm.

I raced out of the rec room. Edna told me she would bring up my dinner around that time and I didn't want to be inconsiderate.

But I was lost.

This place was just too big. I slid on the floor when running, and halted, looking left and right. I couldn't find the front foyer. There should be a map here... I turned a few more corners and saw a familiar plant. I smiled, racing forward. While I did, the front door swung open and I tried halting to a stop, but I lost my balance. The person walking through the door turned right, only to see me bumping into them.

It was like hitting a wall. I was prepared to fall backwards, but the person grabbed a hold of me, breaking my fall. I felt his hand on the small of my back. When I looked up, it was Kai. He didn't seem pleased to see me. We barely made eye contact for more than several seconds before he lifted me up, and pushed me the other way. I hopped a little until I found my balance. It looked like he was about to say something, but I cut him off.

"Sorry!" I said while racing up the staircase, taking on 2 steps at a time. I didn't dare look behind me.

When I arrived at my door, Edna looked like she just arrived. Out of breath, she watched me gather my senses. I thanked her for bringing up my dinner.