Lupin; The Awakening

Bruchetta and mango juice was what Zoe prepared for breakfast. Even though I didn’t like that meal, I had to eat it because of Zoe. Zoe has been my nanny since I was three years old. Since my mom left, I have been under her care. I could not believe what I had heard just two days ago. Living alone is an experience I never wanted. I had spent all my life in my father’s mansion, right here in Amman. Zoe was my best friend—and now, I was supposed to leave her behind and move to Salzburg, south of Birmingham. A “new beginning,” they called it, but I had a bad feeling about leaving my father and Zoe behind. My name is Renetta Mason. Just who I am doesn’t matter—but discovering who I really am does. When I woke, I found myself in a large, beautifully decorated room inspired by the Renaissance. I couldn’t believe I was already at Salzburg, in my uncle’s mansion—which looked more like a castle to me. A few minutes later, a tall, beautiful-looking woman walked into the room. “Good morning, Miss Mason,” she said. “Good morning. Where am I, please?” I asked. “Hi, my name is Rae. This is your temporary room. Later, I’ll show you your proper room. Right now, you need to take a bath and come down for breakfast. Your uncle would like to see you.” “Okay,” I said quietly. I climbed out of bed and followed her to the bathroom. Everything was different—luxurious in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My head ached slightly as I dressed in a pink dress. When I walked down the stairs, my jaw nearly dropped. The mansion was vast, far larger than my father’s home. The delicious smell of breakfast led me to the dining hall, and my stomach rumbled. “Oh, my dear Rennie,” said a familiar voice. “Holy… Uncle Gary! Nice to see you this morning,” I exclaimed. “Rennie, it’s been eleven years since I’ve seen you. Come, let’s have breakfast and get to know each other,” he said warmly. The dining hall was magnificent. Even my father’s mansion didn’t compare. The table was filled with delicacies, and I ate roasted beef, bread, and milk. It was so delicious I wanted to lick my fingers—but I restrained myself, courtesy rules and all. “So, Rennie, how is Ivan doing? And everyone in the house?” Uncle Gary asked. “They’re all fine,” I replied. “I was scared about coming here, but now I’m okay.” “That’s good to hear,” he said. “I’m mostly busy, so you’ll have to explore yourself, or ask for help if needed. This is your personal meeting, Rennie.” “Thanks, Uncle. I hope my father’s trip won’t last more than two months,” I murmured. After breakfast, I decided to explore the mansion. I followed a passage to my right, and my eyes were drawn to a door with a beautiful, intricate design and an emblem. I felt nervous. What if it was a secret room? I placed my hand on the doorknob—and the light went out, just like in the movies. Then it flickered back on. The door didn’t budge. I noticed a small button on the emblem, pushed it, and the door opened. Inside, the room seemed empty—plain white walls, no furniture… except a mirror shaped like the number five. I lifted it and discovered a hidden library behind it. Rows of books filled the room, and one shelf’s glow drew me closer. The book was titled Lupin. It felt… alive, pulsing with some strange energy. Just then, the lunch bell rang. I ran to the dining hall, only to find it empty. I placed the book on my chair and sat. Rae arrived moments later. “Where have you been?” she asked. “I was… exploring,” I said quickly. “No problems. I just wanted to see some rooms.” “Have your lunch, and I’ll show you your room afterward,” Rae said. I ate quickly, then rushed back to the secret library. There was something strange about the book—something looping. I didn’t understand it, but I knew it was connected to wolves. Does that mean my uncle is a wolf… or is it just the book? Knock. Knock. “Yes, you may come in,” I called. “Hi, Rennie,” Rae said. “You need to rest and pack your bags from the other side of the room.” I lay down on the bed and fell asleep immediately. When I woke, I couldn’t believe my eyes—the ceiling of my room was transparent. I could see the moon, the stars, and constellations I didn’t recognize. The moving, shining patterns on the walls drew me forward… into another room… another world. A garden, perfectly managed, spread out before me. I wandered through it, trying to find my way, when a voice called out: “Hmm. So this is you, Annetta Mason,” it said. I turned, startled. “Is anyone here? Show yourself!” A man appeared—tall, handsome, with strange blue hair and elf-like ears. “Don’t be scared, princess,” he said. Before I could respond, another figure appeared. “Hey, Renny, my name is Topaz, son of nobody,” the second man said. I stammered, “Well… you guys are elves, aren’t you?” They cursed under their breath. “Mah! Nakabu! Give me a second,” they muttered. And that was my first night in Salzburg.