4. Valen

CHAPTER 4

VALEN

I study my hand, fingers splayed, remembering the moment I grabbed her arm. Ariana. Soft skin beneath my rough grip, her startled eyes locking with mine. Her warmth lingers on my fingertips, a reminder of what I can't quite grasp. Fate has a twisted sense of humor, binding me to a human maid.

She didn't know it, but in that fleeting touch, I realized she was my fated mate. A connection deeper than any I've known, and yet she's so... ordinary. Human. Lower class. Hardly the partner I'd envisioned. If I ever envisioned having one at all.

"Sir?" My aide's voice breaks through my thoughts.

I glance up. "Yes?"

"You wanted information on the girl?"

"Yes. What did you find out?"

He hesitates before speaking. "Her name is Ariana Hayes. Lives in the old district, barely making ends meet."

I nod slowly, processing this information. "I want to make her a permanent part of my staff. Draft the proper paperwork, I'll go to her this afternoon."

The aide looks surprised but quickly masks it. "Of course, sir."

My mind races with possibilities. Keeping her close could be strategic. Easier to protect her, understand her... even if I'm not ready to tell her she's my mate.

"Is there something special about her?" he asks cautiously.

"More than you know," I reply, eyes narrowing.

He nods and leaves the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts again. My gaze drifts back to my hand, now a symbol of this unexpected bond.

Ariana is an enigma—so different from the women in my world of opulence and power. Her resilience and genuine nature intrigue me. The contrast between us couldn't be starker: she's warm where I'm cold; she's open where I'm closed off.

I remember the way she looked at me after our brief exchange—curious but cautious. It's a look I've seen countless times but never from someone like her.

The idea of bringing her into my mansion feels both right and absurd. How will she react? Will she understand why I'm doing this? Probably not.

But I have to keep her close. For both our sakes.

As I watch the city lights flicker off in the distance, useless as the morning sun rises, I can't shake the feeling that this decision will change everything. For better or worse remains to be seen.

I clench my fist, feeling the ghost of her touch once more. Fate has dealt its hand, and now it's up to me to play it right.

And so, Ariana Hayes will enter my world—a world she can't possibly comprehend yet but will soon become intimately familiar with. Whether she likes it or not is another matter entirely.

I stride through the decaying remnants of Armstrong's old district, the place reeking of despair and forgotten dreams. Every step kicks up dust, settling into the creases of my polished boots. My eyes scan the environment—crumbling facades, shattered windows, the occasional ragged child darting into an alley. It's exactly what I expected but knowing Ariana —my fated mate— lives here, it fuels a silent rage within me.

Finally, I reach her door. A battered piece of wood that’s seen better days, just like everything else around here. I knock firmly.

After a moment, it opens to reveal Ariana. Her wide-set eyes blink in surprise, and for a split second, I catch the embarrassment in them. "Mr. Valen?"

"May I come in?" I keep my voice steady, professional.

She hesitates but steps aside to let me enter. The apartment is as sad as the rest of the district—barely furnished, cluttered with bills and empty shelves. She wrings her hands nervously.

"I'm sorry," she says, her voice small. "I don't have anything to offer you."

"That's not why I'm here," I assure her, scanning the room once more before meeting her gaze.

She looks relieved but still on edge. "Then why...?"

"I have a job offer for you," I say simply.

Her eyes widen again. "A job?"

"Yes," I confirm. "At my estate."

She blinks several times, clearly taken aback. "Why me?"

I fold my arms across my chest and lean against the wall, studying her reaction closely. "You impressed me at the party. You're diligent and... different from others."

"Diligent?" She almost laughs, shaking her head. "I almost spilled drinks all over you."

"Almost," I correct her with a hint of a smile. "But you didn't."

Her cheeks flush slightly as she looks away, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "What kind of job?"

"Housekeeping," I reply smoothly. "You'd live on-site, have meals provided... far better than this." I gesture subtly around her tiny apartment.

She bites her lip, clearly mulling it over. "It sounds... too good to be true."

"It's real," I say firmly, taking a step closer to emphasize my point. "And it starts tomorrow if you accept."

I can see it plainly in her eyes: she's afraid. Why shouldn't she be? A kilgari like me showing such sudden interest in a young woman like her should be raising every red flag in her good sense. I'm not sure how, if at all, I could ease those fears. So I simply wait, patiently, for her to work out that the reward of financial stability ought to outweigh any risk I might represent.

Her eyes search mine for any hint of deception but find none. Slowly, she nods. "It sounds like a good offer. But.. I'd like to know more about what the actual job entails."

She seems to be considering it, and relief trickles through me. Keeping tabs on her out here would be a pain, not to mention dangerous. I lay out the terms, leaning casually against her rickety table.

"You'll live on-site," I begin, watching her reaction closely. "You'll have your own room, three meals a day, and a standard uniform."

Her eyes widen slightly. "My own room?"

"Yes," I confirm, nodding. "And you'll be expected to work every day, with occasional days off approved in advance."

"Every day?" She bites her lip, considering.

"Correct. And you'll be appropriately compensated for such work. You'll learn how to properly cook and keep my estate clean." I pause, then add with a slight smirk, "And provide any other services I require."

Her cheeks flush instantly, her eyes darting away from mine. "Other... services?" she stammers.

I can't resist leaning in slightly, lowering my voice. "Don't worry," I say smoothly, enjoying the way her blush deepens. "Nothing you can't handle."

She looks back at me, bewildered but not entirely opposed. There's a spark of something—curiosity? Attraction? —in her eyes.

"I... I don't know," she says softly.

I straighten up, giving her space. "Gardening, event planning, that sort of thing. We'll decide when we see where your skills lie."

Obvious relief washes over her, along with the slightest hint of disappointment. I can't help but feel she is going to be very fun to have around.

"Think it over," I suggest. "It's a good offer, Ariana. Better than this place." I gesture around her apartment again. "Better than taking temporary contract jobs as they come. You'll have real stability. Real pay."

She glances around, taking in the stark reality of her situation compared to what I'm offering. Her shoulders slump slightly before she looks back at me.

"I'll consider it," she says finally.

"Good." I allow myself a small smile. "I'll expect your answer soon."

She nods slowly, still processing everything. The vulnerability in her expression tugs at something deep within me—a protective instinct I've long buried.

I turn to leave but pause at the door. "One more thing," I say over my shoulder.

"Yes?"

"Pack light," I advise with a hint of amusement. "You won't need much."

Her lips twitch into a hesitant smile as she nods again. As I step out into the dusty streets of Armstrong's old district, the feeling of relief mixes with anticipation.

The walk back to my estate gives me time to mull over this new development. Ariana is more than just a maid. Her presence stirs something in me—a curiosity, a need to understand her. It's not just the fated bond; it's the way she carries herself with quiet dignity despite her circumstances.

She's resilient, and that resilience could be an asset. Someone who’s faced adversity and survived has a strength I respect. In my world, loyalty and reliability are rare commodities, and Ariana might possess both.

When I reach my estate, the stark contrast between here and the old district strikes me anew. The sprawling mansion with its meticulously maintained grounds seems almost obscene compared to Ariana’s tiny apartment. Yet it's this very opulence that allows me to manipulate power structures and gather information.

I step inside and find my aide waiting for me in the grand foyer.

"Sir," he greets, bowing slightly.

"Any updates?" I ask, shrugging off my coat.

"None significant," he replies. "Preparations for Miss Hayes' arrival are underway."

"Good," I say, nodding. "I want everything ready by tomorrow."

He hesitates before speaking again. "If I may, sir... why this sudden interest in her?"

I arch an eyebrow at him. "Are you questioning my judgment?"

"No, sir," he says quickly. "Just... curious."

I study him for a moment before answering. "She has potential," I say simply.

He nods, accepting my explanation without further comment. He knows better than to pry too deeply into my motives.

I make my way to my private quarters, thoughts of Ariana still swirling in my mind. This decision could bring unforeseen complications but also untapped opportunities.

As I settle into my chair by the window overlooking the vast estate grounds, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Bringing Ariana into my world will change everything—for both of us.

The journey ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Ariana Hayes is now part of my life whether she realizes it or not. And I'm determined to uncover every layer of this intriguing woman who fate has inexplicably bound to me.