Annie's presence was enigmatic, exuding humbleness and loyalty. There was a unique scent about her, one I couldn’t quite identify. But it wasn’t her scent that drew me in; it was her demeanor, the way she carried herself around me. Her suggestion of raw meat for breakfast was a bit unsettling—an idea that didn’t entirely sit right with me. I found her proposal somewhat unusual, something that added to the mystery surrounding her.

"Raw? You mean like... uncooked meat?"

Annie nodded, as er green eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, my lord. As a werewolf, your primal nature may be better satisfied with a diet of raw meat."

I paused, considering her approach. Her sudden presence at the estate filled my mind with questions. "You seem quite knowledgeable about werewolves. Are you not afraid of them?"

"Not really. I've served among your kind before. Fear is something I've learned to set aside. Understanding your nature is the key to serving you properly. My family has served the Reinhart estate for decades. This house was my birthplace. Werewolves have always been a part of my life, and I have grown up knowing and understanding their ways."

Her words resonated with me, reminding me of the importance of loyalty and the bonds that will shape our future. I began to understand that Annie's presence at the estate could held a bigger purpose, one that might transcend her duties. She represents a connection to the past, a thread tied to the history of the Reinhart family that remains shrouded in mystery.

I glanced at her servant outfit and turned away, feeling distaste. "I'm afraid I can't let you stay in this house," I said, looking back at her. "At least, not while you wear those clothes."

Confusion flickers in her eyes. "I don't understand. My mother always prepared me for the return of the Reinhart family. Wearing this is a tradition—it keeps the culture of the house intact."

I walked towards her, gently grabbing her arms. "Annie, you won't be a servant in this house. I want you to be a part of it, an equal, not someone who merely serves. Now that we've come to an understanding, remove your servant attire and join me for lunch."

Annie looked confused by my request, but she obediently unsnapped the buttons of her dress, letting it slide to the floor.

Immediately, I realized the unintended implications of my words. "I apologize, Annie. I didn't mean for you to undress right now. I simply meant that I want you to see yourself as more than just a servant."

Hurriedly, I picked up the dress from the floor and helped her slip it back on. "I'm sorry if my words were unclear and caused you any discomfort," I said, stepping back a few paces, feeling a flush of embarrassment. "Besides, you're making me nervous."

Annie's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as she nodded. "I understand, My Lord. If I am not here to serve you, then what would you like me to do to help?"

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, considering all that needed to be done to revitalize the estate. "Can you tell me more about the duties your family performed for the previous residents of this estate?"

"Absolutely. Perhaps we could discuss it over lunch?"

I took her suggestion to discuss past family duties over lunch as an amazing proposal. "Excellent. Don't make me wait long."

After our conversation, I made my way downstairs. The clock on the wall indicated it was already noon—a little late for breakfast, but the enticing aroma coming through the dining room reassured me it would be worth the wait. I took a seat at the table, directly in front of my plate, which was still covered with a gold lid.

As I wait, I can hear the sound of footsteps approaching from the kitchen. "I apologize for keeping you waiting," Annie said, with a warm smile as she entered the dining room. She wore a vibrant red dress, and without the apron, she no longer bore the visual markers of servitude. Her widening smile caught my attention, highlighting her unique beauty.

"You look beautiful, Annie. Are we ready to eat? I'm starving."

"Absolutely, My Lord. But before I sit down, I will bring the first meal option, which is eggs and bacon. It won't take me long."

Annie hurried off to the kitchen, retrieving the food she had prepared earlier that morning. When she returned, she carried a tray with a steaming plate and a bottle of deep crimson wine. "Care for a glass of vin de sânge?" she offered.

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"It's sounds expensive."

"It is. According to my mother, it was the drink of choice for the family." She placed a goblet beside my plate and poured the dark wine.

She set the first meal she prepared next to my plate and removed the lid. Instantly, a foul odor wafted up from the eggs, stirring a sense of repulsion in my stomach. "Eating that doesn't seem like a good idea. It doesn't smell appetizing at all."

Annie smiles and takes the plate away from the table. "that's expected. Your taste has changed and most of this human food may not be as appealing to you anymore."

I picked up the goblet, captivated by the potent aroma of blood, alcohol, and a hint of anise. The scent was intoxicating, unlike anything I'd ever encountered.

"Wow, this wine smells incredible. But I'm not sure if I should drink it. Even with the scent of blood making my mouth water, I still can't see myself actually drinking it."

"Give it a chance. For werewolves, the taste of blood is sweet, like sugar." Her humble smile immediately caught my attention, leaving me intrigued by her sincerity and apparent good intentions.

"You have a beautiful smile."

Annie's cheeks flushed slightly as her smile widened. "Thank you, My Lord."

As I uncovered my plate, I was met with an unexpected sight. The plate was filled with chunks of raw meat, perfectly cut and coated in a sauce that sent my hunger into overdrive. I didn't want to sound ungrateful—because I wasn't—but this dish was different. Normally, if something looked appealing, it usually tasted good. This, however, was the opposite; it didn't look appetizing until the sweet, metallic scent of the raw meat hit me. My mouth flooded, as I imagined sinking my teeth into it.

Without hesitating any longer, I picked up a fork and cautiously took a small bite of the meat, moving it around in my mouth as I tried to discern the flavors of the sauce.

"This is amazing! What's in the sauce?"

"I'm glad you like it, my lord. The sauce is a blend of herbs and spices designed to complement the natural flavor of the meat. There's a hint of garlic and rosemary, mixed with an ancient family recipe that includes a few secret ingredients meant to heighten your senses and help you absorb the nutrients more efficiently."

"It's excellent. But I can't say the same for the burnt meat and those eggs. They smell awful!"

Annie chuckled. "You'll get used to it. Everything you once ate will taste different now. As a werewolf, your senses and preferences are entirely different."

I continue to enjoy the company of my new friend. Her beauty and well-mannered nature made our interactions pleasant and comfortable. As we spent more time together, a sense of trust began to develop between us. But amidst the enjoyment, the questions that lingered in my mind about the events that had unfolded and the mystery surrounding my father's disappearance remained ever-present.

"You went quiet, my lord. Is something troubling your mind?"

I thought about all the sudden changes my life had undergone recently, especially my father's unexplained disappearance. "We arrived yesterday, and everything has taken a turn for the worse."

"Lisa filled us in. I understand your father is missing."

"Yeah, for now. The enforcers in this town weren't helpful. I need to find out what happened to him, and I need to do it fast."

"I can assist with that. My family has served this estate for generations, and I know a great deal about its history, as well as the alliances and tensions within Adams Town. The best way to start is by getting acquainted with the people. Someone might know something about your father's whereabouts."

"I already met the hunters and their trackers. They nearly killed me at first sight."

"Some people in these clans take their job very seriously. Just like Lisa and the restoration team."

"Definitely. I'm still surprised by how quickly she's able to fix things. It almost feels like magic."

"It is. Lisa and her team belong to the warlock trade clan. They control everything that enters and leaves this town. Adams Town is exposed to the outside world and balancing both realities while keeping the secrets of the founding families intact is tricky. The Reinharts, for instance, were responsible for most of the real estate."

Her comment took me by surprise. "Really?"

"According to my mother, the lady of this house oversaw all transactions concerning land and commercial buildings. Each founding family had a role in managing the town's economy."

"That's interesting. When you say the lady of the house, you mean the woman surrounded by wolves in the portrait inside the gathering room?"

"Yes, my lord. Helena Reinhart. I never met her in person, but my mother spent most of her life working for her."

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my stomach, and I doubled over, vomiting up all the raw meat I had just eaten. Annie immediately stood from her chair, rushing to grab some rags to clean up the mess. "Are you okay?" she asked.

I wiped my mouth, staring at the meat on the floor. "That was not fun."

"How long ago was your first transformation?" she asked, crouching down to clean the floor.

"Just last night."

"Are you sure?" Annie asked as she cleaned the floor. "Usually, first-time werewolves are fine consuming fresh meat after their first transformation. It's after the second turn that the human body begins to reject it—at least until you’re able to morph freely between man and beast."

I thought about Annie's words, but deep down, I was convinced last night was my first transformation—or at least, I thought it was. Then again, the uncertainty gnawed at me. Whether it was my first or not, I had no memory of any other.

"I think it’s best if I return to my room. Sorry for the mess."

Annie offered a smile, then nodded. "I hope you feel better, my lord. We can finish our conversation later when you’re ready."

As I made my way upstairs, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that there was more to my past than I realized. Something about it all felt off, and I knew, sooner or later, that I’d have to dig deeper into the mystery that surrounded my parents if I wanted to get to the bottom of it.