Chapter 5 Marionette Blue

Knock, knock, knock.

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound struck her dreams for the third time, pulling her from sleep as though she'd been running in her mind.

"Who's there?" she called out, still groggy.

A soft voice responded through the door, polite and careful.

"Hope you don't mind, miss. We're the caretakers. Master Lace asked that we come and invite you to dinner."

"Dinner?" she echoed, confused.

She glanced at the window. The sky was deep and dark. Night? Had she slept from morning until evening?

As the questions formed in her head-What do I wear? How do I even start getting ready?-the maid continued:

"Master Lace also asked us to inform you that the family is gathered at the table. They would very much like to see you."

The family?

Panic flickered across her chest. I'm not ready for this. I haven't even showered!

Almost as if reading her thoughts, the maid added:

"If you'd like, miss, we've prepared a bath for you. And a gown. Forgive us-we entered your room while you were asleep. We thought it necessary."

There was a pause before Chloe responded, loud enough for them to hear through the door:

"It's fine! Really! Thank you for drawing the bath-I appreciate it!"

She rushed across the room.

But then she stopped.

There, resting on the far side of the enormous bed, was a gown. A gown so beautiful she almost didn't believe it was real.

She stared at it for a moment, wide-eyed.

These people must be filthy rich, she thought. If I wore this in public, people would call me a princess...

Snapping back to the moment, she darted toward the bath, quickly cleaned up, and began preparing herself.

---

Downstairs, the long dining table was alive with silverware and quiet murmurs. One of the maids leaned in close to Lace and whispered, "She'll be joining shortly."

That was when he smiled.

Not a polite smile.

Not a courteous one.

A real one.

The truest smile he'd shown all day.

Then a voice filled the hall-cool, refined, yet unmistakably laced with warmth and command.

"Children," the woman said calmly, "let us prepare ourselves for dinner."

Her tone turned firm, regal.

"Remember: no one wastes food in this house. And animosities, rivalries-they do not exist at this table."

Her eyes scanned the faces before her.

"Not on my watch."

She didn't need to raise her voice. Her presence was enough.

She looked like a queen-graceful, composed. But it was her eyes that silenced the room. Eyes that sparkled with mystery, power, and something unspoken.

No one needed to be told.

This was the head of the house.

Her name was Maria.

Short for Marionette.

---

Just as everyone sat admiring Maria in all her elegance, a sudden noise broke the calm-a sharp thud echoed from the hallway beyond.

It was the sound of someone falling.

Lace stood up abruptly, a look of realization flashing across his face. Without a word, he hurried away from the table. No one stopped him-they all knew exactly where he was going.

He reached the base of the grand staircase and found her-Chloe-kneeling on the floor, clearly trying to steady herself. She looked up, slightly embarrassed.

"Lace, I'm so sorry," she said, brushing herself off. "I just... I just don't like heels."

He offered her a hand, helping her up gently. "It's okay," he said with a reassuring smile. "Next time, I'll find you something more comfortable. Promise."

She smiled softly, grateful, and as they began walking together toward the dining room, they were met by a vision of poise and power-Maria herself.

With a warm yet commanding smile, Maria stepped toward them, her gaze scanning Chloe from head to toe. Chloe, unsure of who this majestic woman was, simply said, "Hi."

Lace gave her a look-subtle but telling. Be polite. Careful.

Maria extended her hand gracefully. "Good evening," she said. "My name is Marionette Lurk Blue, and I am the head of this house. An alpha of the Wing Pack."

Chloe blinked in surprise. Alpha? she thought, unsure what to make of it.

Lace stepped in gently, lifting Chloe's hand toward Maria. "This is my mother," he said softly.

Realizing her mistake, Chloe gave a small, respectful bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Marionette."

Maria's eyes glinted, pleased. "Chloe. That's a sweet name. It suits you."

Chloe smiled nervously.

"You're a guest in this house now, under my son's care," Maria said smoothly. "That makes you family... for now. So I suggest you feel at home. But remember-everything in this house has its place. Even wolves."

Chloe hesitated, unsure how to respond. Was that a welcome... or a warning?

"Understood," she murmured.

Maria turned without another word, her gown flowing like water as she moved. "Come," she called behind her, "the food will get cold."

As Chloe and Lace followed, Chloe leaned toward him and whispered, "Did she say... wolves?"

Lace smiled faintly. "You'll understand. In time."

Unbeknownst to them, from the shadows of the hall, that cold figure still watched-silent, unseen. Neither Lace nor Chloe sensed it, but it had seen everything.

Dinner was only beginning. But something else... something deeper, older or newer and far more dangerous... had already appeared.