Heirs, 13

(POV: Renata)

I wake up as the daylight floods into the room, stretching and remaining lying down. I slept through the night, and my muscles are so relaxed that I can only thank the comfortable bed. I take a deep breath, and my thoughts drift to my mother.

"Mom, I managed to reach the people who harmed you. I managed to infiltrate the house of your enemy, Lina. And well, she's exactly as you described. She has a serene, beautiful face and a calm smile – a perfect combination for a deceiver," I speak through my thoughts, as if my mother could real hear them.

"I wish I could see you. This distance is making me miss you so much. I'm not used to being away from you. This is the first time I find myself truly alone on a mission, surrounded by strangers, and worse, malicious strangers. I can't wait to help you get revenge on these people and finally come back home to tell you about the entire journey I've been through. And to tell you about the handsome man I met in the mountains. Deniel, a beautiful name for a beautiful man – perfect, I would say. He's always on my mind." How will my mother react when I tell her that maybe, with less than a 0. 001% chance, I might be developing feelings for a man? Will she approve?

I wish I had someone to talk to and share about the handsome man from the mountains. I'm so confused; all of this is so new to me. My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Can I come in?" I recognize Lina's voice. I get up and sit on the bed.

"Sure, Lina," I reply.

She enters the room, and once again, she pauses for a few seconds and studies me. She seems lost, looking deep into my eyes, and it's even a bit creepy. She notices my discomfort and starts speaking.

"Well, I would like to know how you ended up here and where you're from," she asks all at once as she approaches and sits down on the bed next to me. I had already imagined she would ask these kinds of questions.

"I came from the mountains, not exactly sure how far from here. I escaped from there. The people who were supposed to take care of me mistreated me and beat me every day, making me a slave, forcing me to do all sorts of work..." (Wow, I never imagined I could lie so convincing! So I continue): "I did everything willingly, at least they gave me some sheets to protect myself from the cold. A bit of food and water so I wouldn't die of thirst or hunger."

I pause for a moment, sigh, and start pretending to cry in distress. I see pity in her expression, and I'm pleased with my performance. I would make a great actress. I continue with my story:

"But then, the males of the species started wanting me to do more intimate tasks" – I make air quotes with my fingers – "and I couldn't accept that. So I followed the advice of an older friend who had been through the same thing and escaped with her help. That's how I ended up here. Thank you so much for reaching out to a complete stranger. I don't know how I'll ever repay you for all the help you've given me. I was real exhausted, physical and emotional" – I put on my best pitiful face and wipe away a tear I've artificial conjured. I see Lina take a deep breath. I lied so well that even a snake like her managed to shed a tear, one even faker than me, treacherous!

"Well, it seems you've been through a lot of difficulties in your life. If you want, the doors of my house will be open to you. If you'd like to stay, I'll arrange a spot for you in the academy. You can start a new life here, if you want," she offers.

"I want to, yes!" I exclaim ecstatical. "I can't even find the words to thank you for your immense generosity. You're a good person, Lina" – I think to myself, "You sneaky one."

I crawl closer to her and hug her. She hugs me back, and her embrace is so warm and comforting. I feel a sense of peace in her arms, a good feeling that reminds me of my mother's hug...

No!

There's no way this imposter's hug could compare to my mother's warm embrace. As I regain my senses, I release the hug and move back a bit.

"Well, put on the clothes you brought yesterday," she points to the bedside table where I left the clothes she gave me. "They might be a bit big, but no one will notice. Then come have breakfast. After that, we'll go buy you some clothes," she touches my shoulder, and I'm uncomfortable with this new contact, but I don't show it. "Oh, one more thing. What species did you escape from?"

Crap! I actually don't know what species my mother is. She told me witches were wiped out by werewolves, but she never showed any kind of supernatural power... Could my mother be human? Most likely, and I probably am too. I can't say I fled from humans when I don't know much about them either.

"From... vampires," I say, averting my gaze and lowering my head. I've never seen a vampire, but I need to maintain my lie.

"Poor thing, vampires are scum!" Lina says angrily. Seems like she doesn't like that species, good for me. "Do you know what we are, then?" she asks.

"What do you mean?" I pretend to be surprised.

"Well," she takes a moment to think, "we're wolves." I pretend to be shocked. "But don't worry, we don't mistreat or hurt humans."

"I know there are wolves, but I never imagined you were..." I say calmly. "You don't look like the ones in books, you know, with a furry body and a long snout."

"Reality isn't like in books, Lena," I agree with her, nodding. I know what their true form is; my mother taught me. But I need to seem as innocent as possible. "You'll be safe here, Lena."

With that, she leaves the room, and I change into the clothes she provided. I go downstairs, and upon reaching the last step, I hear voices coming from the corridor next to the stairs. I follow the voices and enter a dining room where everyone is already seated, serving their plates.

"Good morning," I say and walk to an empty chair at the table.

"Good morning, Lena. Did you sleep well?" Lucca asks, taking a bite of bread.

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Rapha smacks his brother's neck.

"Ouch! You mutt," Lucca growls at Rapha, while massaging his neck. I suppress a laugh; the two of them get along so well.

"I did sleep well, thank you," I reply timidly under the watchful eye of their father.

I sit down and start serving myself.

"Mom said she's going to enroll you in the academy," Rapha comments. "Do you know

how to fight?"

"Quite well, actually," I boast a little.

"Who trained you?" Nicollas asks. Damn it! I need to keep up my sad life story – where would a slave learn to fight?