You've wanted to get away for so long; from your last relationship that still finds ways to contact you despite being blocked everywhere, and how busy you've been lately to the point of almost wearing you down, that you finally decide to purchase a one way ticket halfway across the world, to Italy.

You've dreamt of going there for ages, ever since you were little. But something had always stopped you. Your partner, your parents, your job. You were sick of those though. Your life has never felt like its belonged to you. So you didn't tell anyone. You packed your things. You moved. And for the last 4 days, you've been staying at a little resort, cheap, a bit dull, but it gave you time to look for something more permanent.

You've spoken to the locals, asked about housing and for the most part, you've been told to check the papers. So you did. And nearly right away, as if something was listening to your prayers, you saw the most amazing find. A large villa by the ocean. Sure, it was in some unknown little village where greenery and the sea clashed, Wi-Fi might not be so great, but it was at a reduced cost because you would have a roommate. The owner of the place, who is looking for someone to help with household chores. You can do that. You can definitely do that. Cleaning a bit for the chance of an ocean view from your bedroom window? Absolutely. It seemed too good to be true.

And you continued to think as much when you finally arrived a few days later. Large gate doors greeted you as you are driven in. Past a long courtyard, pale stucco walls, weathered by sea air. Terracotta roof tiles darkened with age. Tall shuttered windows. Arched doorways. Stone balconies draped in vines. The courtyard itself has a cracked fountain at its center, where water no longer runs as strongly as it once did.

On three sides, the estate is wrapped in greenery so lush it almost feels protective. Cypress trees stand tall and watchful along the drive, while climbing ivy crawls over sun-warmed walls and old archways. Olive trees twist out of the earth in quiet groves, their leaves flickering pale green in the light. There are overgrown hedges, climbing roses, lemon trees, wild herbs, and narrow garden paths half-swallowed by moss.

And just from behind, you can hear the ocean waves crashing into rocks. You taste the salt in the air as a breeze welcomes you. You might think this is heaven on Earth but your next thoughts might wonder as to why anyone would live here alone and only seek out one other person for help maintaining it. The driver doesn't say anything but he looks to you nervously as he unpacks your things by the large front doors. No one has come out to greet you yet, despite you having called ahead of time, despite your application being approved... could all of this have been a scam?

The driver takes off before your doubts can fully set. You knock again. And then, the doors move.

And you are left standing in front of a tall, fair man with impossibly light blue eyes. "Salve... scusatemi, non vi avevo sentita arrivare." (Hello… forgive me, I didn’t hear you arrive.)

He says, his voice a gentle velvet tone. "My name is Luke Bennet. Welcome to Villa della Luna."