CHAPTER 8 – Low lives

Ingrid visited the mansion the following day. On her way to Theodore’s room, she came across Aurora, who seemed to be heading out of the house.

“Greetings, madam.” Aurora greeted.

“Who are you?” Ingrid asked curiously, sniffing the air, “Human. What are you doing here?”

Aurora felt offended; she lifted her arm a little and took discreet, brief sniffs. ‘Is she implying that I smell bad?’ She thought to herself.

Ingrid saw Aurora’s action, “Exactly,” as though she read Aurora’s mind, “Humans smell awful, they disgust me.”

Aurora clenched her fists tightly. She didn’t know this woman, nor had she ever met her before in her life, and she dared to make such a statement? Was she asking for a fight?

“I’m sorry if my presence disgusts you.” Aurora apologized, bowing her head.

She was a stranger in this house and didn’t want to disappoint Brynn by repaying his kindness by annoying a guest, who might be of great importance to the family.

“I shall leave now.” Aurora turned to leave.

“I believe I have yet to get an answer from you,” Ingrid said, “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

‘I am part of this family.’ She thought.

No, she couldn’t say that. What if she asked how? For all she knew, Brynn might be the only one who could answer that question. Moira, her biological mother, couldn’t even answer the question when she was asked yesterday.

“Well, I…”

“Ingrid?”

A voice cut Aurora off from behind,

‘Well, if it isn’t Mr. chicken.’ Aurora thought to herself when she turned and saw who it was.

Ingrid’s face lit up as she rushed towards him, purposely brushing Aurora aside.

The impact was so strong that with such little effort, Aurora stumbled, landing on her side. She bit her lower lip, trying to hold her anger.

“Who is she?” Ingrid asked, wrapping her hand around Theodore’s waist, showing her ownership of him.

“She is our butler’s daughter.”

“What is she doing here?”

“To visit her mother,” Theodore said, “forget about her, she’s nobody.”

He wrapped his hands around her waist, and Ingrid held his arms in response. “Don’t let her bother you,” he kissed her forehead, “I’m so sorry about yesterday. It was a big misunderstanding.”

“I should be the one to apologize,” Ingrid said.

Aurora was still on the floor, seeing the acts they displayed, her stomach churned.

“I let my emotions get the best of me, and I overreacted. I’m sorry.” Ingrid added.

“Wow! If it isn’t Mr. and Mrs. Chicken,” Aurora voiced out, obviously tired of their display.

“You both make me sick.” She stood up, “Ugh. Get a room already.” She rolled her eyes.

“Did she just refer to us as chickens?” Ingrid asked, her eyes widening at the audacity.

“Ignore her,” Theodore drew Ingrid closer to himself, closing the gap between them.

“She must be the one you have been talking to,” Aurora said, folding her arms on her chest. “You both deserve each other. I sincerely hope your union lasts forever.”

Ingrid grabbed Theodore’s shirt in anger, “So much nerve for a nobody.” Ingrid turned to Theodore, “Don’t you agree?”

“Trust me, Ingrid, we have to let her be.” He tried to lead her away, “Let’s just go in, now, please.”

“And why so?” Ingrid burst out in anger, holding back, “She needs to be taught a lesson.”

“Bite me,” Aurora said.

She'd always hoped for the day when she’d use her defensive skills; maybe today was the day.

“How dare you?” Came the angry voice of Ingrid, followed by her right hand in the air, ready to deliver a superhuman slap across Aurora’s face.

“Ingrid!”

A powerful voice was heard; it echoed along the mansion’s walkway. It sent cold shivers down Ingrid’s spine, causing her to quickly retract her hand.

Brynn was at the entrance of the house, standing not far away from the scene, with arms crossed behind him.

“Master Brynn,” Ingrid’s eyes flickered in shock as she bowed her head in fear. “I was trying to put this good-for-nothing human…”

“Complete that statement and I’ll have your tongue,” Brynn said with an expressionless face.

Ingrid was shocked. She looked at Theodore, who did nothing, and looked at Brynn without meeting his eyes, “B…but Master Brynn,”

“Silence!” Brynn lifted his hand to cut Ingrid off, then he stretched forth his hand. “Aurora, come walk with me, child.”

Aurora gave Ingrid a menacing smile, and Ingrid bit her lip in restrained anger. Then Aurora walked to Brynn, while Ingrid walked towards Theodore’s room in anger, with Theodore following behind.

From a window not far away from the scene, a figure stood still, witnessing everything that transpired.

“Get me the butler.”

An order was given, and steps were made towards Moira’s room.

At the sound of the knock, the door opened with Moira on the other end.

“You have been summoned,” The servant said aloud. “And it doesn’t look good.”

Moira’s thought quickly went to her daughter. What could have happened to her?

She gulped, “By who?” she fearfully asked.

“Madam Bianca.”

Moira’s heart dropped, and she started to imagine the worst scenario.

Her heart beat faster as she was escorted by the servant into the madam’s room. She saw Bianca’s back turned towards her, while her face looked out the window.

“You called, Madam?” Moira’s voice cracked.

A moment of silence followed,

“Your daughter seems to be making waves in this house,” Came the taunting voice of Bianca, “she moves like she owns the place. Well, not for long.”

“I am sorry, Madam Bianca,” Moira said, bowing her head. “I will call her to order.”

“I strongly advise you do,” Bianca said, “For I will not hesitate to pull the plug if I sense her going out of line.” Her voice sounded cold, like it had no regard for human lives.

“Rest assured that I will call her to order, Madam Bianca,” Moira said, her head still bowed.

“Good for you. Because I would hate to be the reason for your twenty-two years of service in this house to end in a dire way,” Bianca said.

Silence fell.

 “Not that I would regret it, though. Now off you go.” She waved Moira off, her back turned to Moira the whole time.

“Thank you, Madam,” Moira said, bowing her head before hurrying out.

“Filthy low lives.” Bianca blurted out.