Chapter 1 The Night It All Began

(Gretel's POV)

I had just got back from work, tired as fuck, as I walked into my small apartment.

I had barely even kicked off my shoes, when my cell phone rang, and the screen flashed, "Aunt Linda Calling". A weary sigh escaped my lips before I swiped to answer.

"Hey, Aunt Melly. Good..." I began, trying to sound cheerful.

"Don't you 'hey' me," she cut me off sharply. "Have you forgotten how many months it's been since you've contributed anything to help your family?" She began.

I flinched at her tone, frustration bubbling beneath my forced calm. "I know, I'm really sorry. These past few months have been brutal with rent and expenses."

The apology tasted bitter in my mouth, knowing she never once offered to help me despite my struggles.

"Excuses! Excuses!!" her voice pierced through the speaker. "You've been in the city for what, two years now? And what do you have to show for it except excuses? Isn't that Shameful!?"

'If only you knew I came here to escape you,' I thought, biting back the retort. She had no clue how hard it was surviving alone in this concrete jungle with zero credentials or connections.

"I don't just get crazy money handed to me for living in the city," I said, straining to keep my voice level despite my anger.

"Without a degree, minimum wage is the best I could find." I'd lost count of how many times we'd had this conversation.

"Then quit that dead-end job! Girls your age shouldn't waste their time as shop clerks." She paused before adding, "Try modeling - you've got the looks. At least then we'd eat better." She suggested.

I rolled my eyes at her suggestion, frustrated when I replied her. "Modeling? They don't hire awkward introverts like me," I responded flatly. "Besides, I've told you before - I'm not interested." I added firmly.

She launched into her usual lecture about sending more money and family obligations. I half-listened, making occasional sounds of acknowledgment while my mind wandered.

Finally, she wound down her rant. "Well, I've said my piece. Try to send something soon." She concluded.

"I'll try my best," I replied mechanically, ready to get off the phone. Tell Violet and Marco I say hi and I miss them, okay?" I waved off.

"Okay, okay, I hope I hear from you soon." She dismissed before abruptly hanging up.

I tossed my phone aside and collapsed onto my lumpy mattress, emotionally drained from the call. Our few calls with my Aunt Melinda were always like that.

It felt like she'd only send me out of her home just to turn me into her personal ATM, constantly demanding money when I could barely make ends meet.

Yet I couldn't bring myself to resent her - she was the only family who stood by me after Mom vanished when I was barely seven.

And Dad? That's another story entirely. Nobody knows him - probably ran when Mom got pregnant. No wonder Aunt Linda expected payback for every penny she's spent on me now that I am grown.

After thinking about my miserable life for a while, I forced myself up and shuffled to the kitchen to scrounge some dinner from my leftovers. As I finished the last cold bites, I checked the time and cursed under my breath.

"Crap! It's 11 already."

I needed to hurry if I wanted to make it to tonight's pool cleaning gig.

Grabbing my backpack, I hurried out into the sketchy neighborhood, keeping my eyes down to avoid the drunks lingering on corners. I quickly flagged down a taxi, climbing in gratefully.

The location of the house was uptown, out of my neighborhood and I watched the city as the driver drove.

The city transformed at night, bright lights making even the grimiest streets glamorous compared to my neighborhood. Sometimes I wished I could experience more of this nightlife, maybe venture into some clubs.

But social anxiety always held me back. Plus, who would I go with? I had no friends to speak of. Pathetic, right?

The cab finally pulled up to my destination. "That'll be twenty dollars," the cab driver announced. I handed over the cash with a wince - there went a good chunk of tonight's pay.

The cool night air ruffled my dark hair as I turned around and decided where to head nest.

Then I walked towards the gleaming entrance. A muscular security guard materialized from the shadows, folding his arms. I nearly flinched away.

"State your business." he demanded gruffly.

"I'm Gretel... here for the pool cleaning?" My voice lifted uncertainly.

He gave me a once-over look before stepping aside. "Make it quick." He commanded.

I swallowed hard. "Thank you," I mumbled, slipping past him.

The luxury complex took my breath away - it was more water than building, with floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere.

The beautiful sprawling pool area was predictably trashed after the party - cups and bottles scattered everywhere.

And was that a panty I saw on one of the loungers?

I shook my head and bent to work. The sight of water stirred sweet memories of my childhood swimming spot back home. It was too long since I had time to swim. Now being in the city.

Pushing nostalgia aside, I got to work with my familiar routine - sweeping the dirt, skimming the pool, and wiping the loungers.

Abruptly, a group of scantily-clad young women spilled out of the living room, laughing and talking loudly.

As they sauntered away to the exit, it was clear they were some of the party guests who had stayed late to keep enjoying themselves. Watching their bubbly exit, I felt a pang of wistfulness.

They must have had some fun. After they're gone, I turn my focus back to the bizarre situation at hand. I suppose wild parties and popularity would never be for me.

In no time I was nearly done. I stood up straight, stretching my sore shoulders and glancing at my watch. It was past 12am. Just had to pack up my gear and I could head home.

Just then, a movement in the building caught my eye, removing me from my thoughts. Seeing through the glass walls into the living area, I saw a man walking in absolutely nothing. Unclad!

Had he no shame? Living in a glass house demands you to be more discreet. But looking at the man, I realized he was more handsome than most models I see in magazines.

Toned muscles, sharp features, dark hair and.. I wonder what he'll look up close.

He sprawled on one of the white couches, stretching on it, oblivious to my presence.

I shook my head and bent down to pick up my bag when I thought I caught a glimpse of him moving. My eyes snapped up at him again.

And my jaws dropped at the scene before me. I froze, blinking rapidly as I saw the man... transforming?! His figure was somehow changing.

Hair sprouted all over his skin and he punched forward. Then two more legs appeared and suddenly he was on all fours. Now some kind of a dog- a huge husky, replaced the man.

I let out a sharp gasp, as my mind reeled. What the hell did I just see? That was impossible!

Then I sighed. I must be more exhausted than I thought. "Because I'm seeing things," I shook my head. Stuff like that doesn't happen in real life.

I stepped backward trying to leave the premises before I was noticed.

But shit! My foot hit the lounger behind me that made a sound.

"Oh, oh!"

The dog's head snapped in my direction and it looked at me with its glowing yellow eyes. I've never been more terrified in my life. I froze in place and my heart dropped to my stomach.

"Shit!" I gasped and fled. Reminding myself I needed to disappear. I didn't know why him noticing me was more terrifying than seeing him transform.

I slowed down by the gate and told the guard that I was done. He stepped aside and I walked out. I dashed when I heard men running after me. I found a dark shade under a tree and hid there. I knew I couldn't outrun them.

I saw huge men in black look around. "Where the fuck did she go?" One of them cursed.

"We better not tell the boss we lost her." Another burly figure hissed, running his hand through his hair. I caught my breath in my throat and willed my thumping heart to slow down.

"We better look in the other direction." Another one suggested and they retreated. But I couldn't move. The street was too quiet for me to think of making a move.

I waited there for more than ten minutes before I moved out of the shadows. I nearly peed in my pants. I stopped a cab and entered.

I was halfway home when I realized I forgot my backpack. Now I know they'll find me. My ID card was in my backpack. I wish I could disappear and leave town but I had no money to begin with.

And that bizarre encounter marked the beginning of my life's strange new chapter. One I couldn't erase or control, even if I wanted to.