hell's high

At the Mansion on Earth**

Maeve stood in the grand foyer of the mansion, her black hair cascading over her shoulders and her grey eyes scanning the room with meticulous attention. "Alright, I think that's everything," she said, a note of finality in her voice.

Brianna, struggling slightly, dragged a large suitcase into the living room. "Are you sure you can't come along?" she asked, her tone tinged with disappointment.

Maeve offered a reassuring smile. "Trust me, I'm fine staying back. Besides, I'm already busy with the agency."

Just then, the chauffeur, William, entered the room, his posture straight and professional. "Mistress, we should be heading out now, or we might miss our flight," he informed Miss Hellen, who nodded in agreement.

"You're probably right, William," Miss Hellen said, glancing at the clock.

Brianna turned to Maeve, her eyes pleading. "Aren't you at least going to take us to the airport?"

Maeve shook her head, her expression apologetic but firm. "No can do. I've got places to be. Just go on ahead without me, but call me once you land." She pulled Brianna into a hug. "Now go on, you've got a flight to catch."

As they broke apart, Brianna sighed. "Whatever. I'll see you on New Year's."

Maeve watched as they left, the door closing behind them with a soft click. She turned to the maid standing nearby. "Carol," she called.

The maid, a young woman with a neat uniform, stepped forward. "Yes, young miss?"

"I'll be heading out," Maeve said, turning around to face the maid fully. "You can finish up and let the rest of the staff know they have leave."

"Leave?" Carol echoed, surprise flickering across her face.

"The holidays are around, after all," Maeve explained with a small smile.

"But what about you, young mistress?" Carol asked, concern evident in her voice.

"I'll be fine on my own. Besides, I won't even be staying in the mansion. Just enjoy the holidays," Maeve reassured her.

Carol bowed slightly. "Thank you, young mistress."

**Later, at the Airport**

Maeve sat in a quiet corner of the bustling airport, her phone in hand. She tapped on the screen, initiating a video call. The familiar faces of Bridgit and Jess appeared, Bridgit's blonde hair and hazel eyes contrasting with Jess's ginger hair and green eyes.

"I can't believe you're not coming," Bridgit said, disappointment clear in her voice.

"Yeah, what came over you?" Jess added, her tone curious.

Maeve shrugged, a hint of regret in her eyes. "I just have places to be, that's all."

"Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find us," Bridgit said with a smile.

Maeve nodded. "Anyway, I've got to get going. I'll call you guys later."

"Bye, Maeve," Bridgit said.

"See you later," Jess echoed.

Maeve ended the call and sighed, pocketing her phone. She stood up and made her way out of the airport, her mind already shifting to the tasks ahead.

**Scene Change: Maeve at the Agency**

Maeve sat at her desk in the dimly lit agency office, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the keyboard. The room was eerily quiet, save for the hum of computers and the occasional rustle of papers. She sighed inwardly. *This is going to be one boring day,* she thought.

Suddenly, the computer emitted a sharp beep. "System breach detected," it announced in a robotic monotone.

"System what now?" Maeve muttered, her eyes widening in alarm. A countdown began on the screen, the numbers ticking down ominously.

Realizing the imminent danger, Maeve leaped behind the counter just as an explosion rocked the room. Smoke filled the air, making it hard to see and breathe. Coughing, Maeve struggled to her feet. "What in the world..." she murmured, waving her hand to disperse the smoke.

As the haze cleared, she saw three figures in strange clothing, their eyes red and fangs visible. They had claws that looked sharp enough to cut through steel.

"Your Highness!" all three exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with a mix of relief and urgency.

Startled, Maeve took a step back. "Your Highness?" she repeated, confused. *Do they mean Kira?* she wondered.

"No time for chitchat, we've got to head back. The royal family must be worried," one of them said.

"I'm not—" Maeve began, but before she could finish, the leader of the group interrupted.

"Here we go," he said, and in an instant, they were teleported away.

**In Another World, Inside a Castle**

The sudden change in scenery was disorienting. Maeve found herself in a grand, unfamiliar room. The three figures bowed as maids hurried over.

"Welcome back, Your Highness," the maids said, bowing deeply.

Overwhelmed, Maeve's vision blurred and she fainted, the world around her fading to black.

**Later**

Maeve slowly regained consciousness, her eyes fluttering open. "It was all just a..." she began, but the unfamiliar surroundings told her otherwise. She sat up in bed, her heart pounding. "Dream," she finished weakly.

Realizing she needed to escape, Maeve got out of bed and crept to the window. She carefully climbed out, her feet hitting the ground softly as she made her way across the palace grounds.

**Meanwhile, in the Castle**

The head maid entered Maeve's room, her hands full of fine garments. "It's time to get dressed, Your Highness. We have a lot to do today. Your Highness?" she called, but the room was empty.

**Outside the Palace**

Maeve moved quickly, her eyes scanning for an escape route. "There's got to be some way out of here," she whispered to herself.

A voice interrupted her thoughts. "There you are!" Maeve turned to see a girl with brunette hair and amber eyes approaching. "Come on, Ethan's waiting," the girl said, grabbing Maeve's arm and dragging her along.

**Meanwhile**

Cornor, a young man with pale blue hair and matching eyes, looked out the window with concern. "What do you mean she lost her memory?!" he demanded.

The chancellor, standing nearby, responded calmly. "She doesn't seem to be familiar with anyone, Your Highness."

Cornor's eyes narrowed as he spotted Maeve in the distance. "Don't let news of the princess's amnesia reach the people, and especially not the demon lord," he ordered.

"Of course, Your Highness," the chancellor replied with a bow.

Cornor sighed, worry etched on his face.

**At the Palace Grounds**

Ethan, a young man with a confident stance, greeted them. "You finally made it," he said, noticing Maeve's outfit. "What's up with your outfit?"

Maeve shook her head. "Don't ask. You won't believe me, but—"

Before she could explain, a guard's voice cut through the air. "Over here!"

Maeve's eyes widened. "Sorry, but I've got to get going," she said, turning to run.

"Wait!" Ethan called after her, but she was already gone.

Maillie, the girl who had dragged Maeve earlier, watched her go with a puzzled expression. "Is it just me, or does Jade seem different?"

Ethan crossed his arms, his brow furrowing. "And by different, you mean...?"

**Later**

Maeve stopped to catch her breath, her heart racing. "I finally got away," she panted, only to sense danger a split second later. She dodged just in time to avoid an incoming arrow. "Or maybe not," she muttered, preparing herself for whatever came next.