The grand gates of the palace loomed before me, their iron bars coated in frost from the early morning chill. Exactly as the head of staff had instructed, I arrived promptly, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and dread. I couldn’t stop my gaze from wandering over the castle’s towering silhouette—its turrets piercing the pale sky, walls aged with centuries yet somehow alive with stories. To think that this majestic place was now my workplace felt surreal, like stepping into a dream I hadn’t dared to dream before.

For years, I’d wished for this. Now that the impossible had happened, my mind swirled with disbelief. A human, a mere shadow among the magical beings of The Vale, entrusted with serving the royal family? It felt almost too good to be true. I clutched my lone suitcase, the weight of my few belongings grounding me amidst the whirl of emotions.

My entire experience boiled down to caring for my mother until she passed last month. She had been my anchor, the only family I had left after my father died serving as a military patrol enforcer—his death still a fresh ache in my chest. Their absence left me hollow, but this new role was a step toward reclaiming my place in a world that often felt too vast and cold.

As I took a deep breath, two enormous figures approached, their tall forms casting long shadows on the stone path. The faint glow in their eyes marked them clearly as werewolves, common now since the Great War that had shaken the world a century ago. Their presence was both intimidating and oddly reassuring—a reminder that magic and mystery were woven into every corner of this realm.

The guards halted before me, weapons at the ready, eyes scanning me with a mixture of duty and suspicion. "Declare your purpose," one commanded, voice low and gravelly.

I straightened my spine, forcing confidence into my voice. "Acela Shaw, new maid to the royal household. Here's my identification and employment authorization." My hand trembled slightly as I extended my ID card, tightly gripping my suitcase.

They examined it meticulously, their scanners humming softly, before one nodded. The heavy gates groaned open, granting me passage. With a polite nod, I stepped through, my heart pounding louder as the grandeur of the palace came into full view.

Memories of my schooling flickered through my mind: lessons about King Black’s reign, the devastating war that exposed the magical underworld to humans, the lost millions. We had thought creatures like werewolves and grim were mere fairy tales, but here they were—alive, powerful, and real.

Just beyond the entrance, two figures awaited. An older woman with pale skin and sharp features stood with a small, bug-eyed creature that I recognized as a grim. The woman’s demeanor was crisp yet inviting.

“Hello,” I said, steadying my voice. “Acela Shaw. Are you Elizabeth?”

Her lips curved into a genuine smile. “Yes, dear. I saw you arrive at the gate—right on time, I like that. Come inside; I’ll show you your room and the essentials. And this,” she gestured to the grim who grunted in acknowledgment, “is Brim.”

Brim’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, and I felt a subtle chill as he scrutinized me. I managed a polite hello, noting the clear disapproval in his gaze. I had a feeling this little creature was not easily impressed.

As we crossed the vast marble foyer, the palace’s splendor overwhelmed me. Towering ceilings stretched far above, their ornate moldings lost in shadows. The walls were adorned with paintings of stern-faced figures and mythical scenes, their colors rich and deep. Statues crafted from gleaming marble stood guard along corridors, their features both regal and mysterious, all framed with delicate gold linings that caught the light.

“This is the main entrance,” Elizabeth explained, her tone businesslike. “We rarely use it except when preparing for grand events or during cleaning. Now, let me show you your quarters, then Brim will provide your schedule.”

I followed her brisk pace, trying to memorize every detail as we passed. The palace was a maze of opulence, yet the staff area we entered next felt more modest—simple furnishings, muted colors, and practical decor. Hundreds of workers bustled quietly behind the scenes, their presence essential yet invisible to most.

Suddenly, Elizabeth halted abruptly, causing me to stumble slightly. She pointed to a sturdy wooden door. “Room 859,” she announced. “This is yours.”

She handed me a small brass key and a set of instructions. “Your uniform and essentials are already inside. Brim will deliver your schedule shortly. Tomorrow morning, someone will collect you at five for your first training session. Any questions?”

I shook my head, overwhelmed but eager.

“Excellent!” Elizabeth beamed. “Brim?”

The grim grunted and thrust a black folder toward me, emblazoned with the royal Black insignia in gleaming gold. “That contains everything you need: maps, schedules, rules. Remember, Miss Shaw, the palace rules are strict. King Black demands absolute obedience, and there are no second chances.” Her expression hardened, and I nodded, swallowing my nerves.

“Good luck,” she said warmly before turning on her heel. She and Brim disappeared down the corridor, leaving me alone in the quiet hallway.

Exhaling deeply, I released the tension coiled in my shoulders. The nervous energy that had bound me all morning began to ease, replaced by a tentative excitement.

Balancing the folder, key, and suitcase, I opened my door carefully, stepping inside my new life. The room was modest—nothing like the palace’s grandeur—but to me, it was a haven. A small kitchen nook, tidy bathroom, and a cozy bedroom with soft linens welcomed me. It had been so long since I had a place of my own; for a moment, I let myself feel safe.

My gaze drifted to the window where the sprawling royal gardens stretched out, emerald fields fading into misty horizons. The view was breathtaking, far better than the cramped city apartment my mother and I had shared.

I sank to the floor, overwhelmed by the reality of my situation. I was here—inside the palace walls I had only dreamed of. But beneath the thrill lurked a whisper of fear. This world was new and strange, filled with magic and creatures I barely understood. My mother had longed to see The Vale’s beauty, and though she was gone, I vowed to live for both of us.

Still, I pushed the ache of loss aside. Tomorrow was my first day, and I needed to be strong. I had no choice—I had to prove myself or risk losing everything. The landlord had thrown me out with nothing but the clothes on my back and a few precious keepsakes. This job was my lifeline.

After unpacking, I took a long shower, the warm water washing away the day’s anxieties. My muscles ached from tension, my mind racing with thoughts of what awaited me.

Before turning out the light, I placed a small framed photo of my mother and me on the bedside table. The soft glow of the lamp cast gentle shadows across her smiling face.

“I hope you’re proud of me, Momma,” I whispered, voice trembling. “Goodnight.”

Morning came swiftly, the alarm ringing sharp at five. Dressed in my crisp uniform, hair tied neatly away from my face, I felt a flutter of nerves mixed with anticipation. The weight of the Black insignia on my folder reminded me of the responsibility ahead.

A firm knock at the door startled me from my thoughts. Heart racing, I smoothed down my uniform and moved to open it, ready to face whatever the palace had in store for me.