THE HOUSEBOY'S SECRET

A Supernatural Romance Novel Chapter One — The Stranger at the Gate The rain had been falling since dawn. By late afternoon, the wealthy neighborhood of Greenridge had become unusually quiet. Water streamed down the windows of enormous houses, the gardens glistened beneath the gray sky, and the roads were almost empty. Inside one of the largest houses stood Amara Bennett, a twenty-six-year-old woman who had everything money could buy. Everything except happiness. Amara stood beside the tall living-room window, watching the rain. Her father owned several hotels across the country. Her mother had died when Amara was nineteen, leaving behind a silence that money had never managed to fill. She had grown up surrounded by servants, expensive cars, private schools, and people who smiled because of her family's wealth. But she had never experienced real love. Her phone vibrated. She looked at the screen. Dad: I'm sending someone to help around the house. His name is Daniel. Treat him respectfully. Amara frowned. Another houseboy. She sighed. “Wonderful,” she muttered. Her previous housekeeper had resigned unexpectedly, and her father had decided that Amara needed someone to help with the house while she concentrated on managing one of the family businesses. She had argued against it. Her father had ignored her. A few minutes later, headlights appeared through the rain. A small old car stopped outside the gate. Amara watched as a young man stepped out. He was tall. Very tall. He wore a simple dark shirt, faded trousers, and worn shoes. His clothes looked inexpensive, but there was something about him that immediately caught Amara's attention. He stood in the rain without moving. He looked toward the house. For one strange moment, Amara felt as though he was looking directly at her. She stepped away from the window. Then the doorbell rang. Amara opened the door. The young man stood on the porch, completely soaked. “Good evening,” he said. His voice was deep and calm. “Are you Daniel?” “Yes, ma'am.” “Please don't call me ma'am.” He hesitated. “What should I call you?” “Amara.” He looked at her for a moment. “Amara.” Something about the way he said her name made her heart beat faster. She quickly looked away. “Come inside before you catch pneumonia.” Daniel stepped inside. As he crossed the doorway, his body suddenly stiffened. His eyes moved toward the hallway. Amara noticed. “Are you okay?” “Yes.” “You look frightened.” “I'm not frightened.” “Then what is it?” Daniel looked at her. For a second, his eyes seemed unusually bright. Almost golden. Then they returned to normal. “Nothing,” he said. Amara shrugged. “Your room is upstairs. I'll show you.” Daniel followed her. As they climbed the staircase, Amara noticed something strange. He moved almost silently. She couldn't hear his footsteps. When they reached the second floor, she opened a small bedroom door. “This is your room.” Daniel looked inside. “Thank you.” “You can unpack later. The kitchen is downstairs. You'll help with cleaning, groceries, and whatever else is necessary.” “Yes.” “And Daniel?” He turned. “Don't be afraid of this house.” His expression changed. “I am not afraid of the house.” “Then what are you afraid of?” Daniel stared at her. For several seconds, he said nothing. Finally, he whispered: “Myself.” Amara smiled awkwardly. She thought he was joking. She had no idea that the words were completely serious. That night, Amara woke suddenly. Something had disturbed her. She sat up in bed. The house was silent. Then she heard it. A low growl. Amara froze. It came from outside. She slowly walked toward her window. The rain had stopped. The garden was covered in darkness. Then she saw two glowing eyes near the trees. She gasped. The creature moved. Amara stepped backward. Before she could scream, the creature disappeared into the darkness. The following morning, Daniel was standing in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Amara stared at him. “You were awake last night?” Daniel stopped. “What makes you ask?” “I heard something outside.” “What did you hear?” “A growl.” Daniel's face became pale. “Probably a dog.” “There are no dogs in this neighborhood.” He looked at her. “Then you should forget what you heard.” “Why?” “Because some things are better left unknown.” Amara laughed. “You're strange, Daniel.” He gave her a faint smile. “You have no idea.” And somewhere beyond the garden, hidden among the trees, something howled. Daniel lowered his eyes. He knew exactly what it was. And he knew the truth would eventually find Amara. The only question was whether she would still love him when she discovered what he really was.