How a Dimitrescu Heart Beats

Chapter 8: Pain and Trauma

Plotzensee Prison

Berlin, Nazi Germany

Late December 1940

Within the damp cell, a quiet yet eerie drip sound from a water pipe, fairly old leaking somewhere on the floor in a puddle that probably started a mere little drop, had likely become much larger. The floor, concrete yet cracked in various places, had started to show the age of not just the cold, dark room she was in but the age of the facility.

Hanging 3 feet off the ground, strung as if a butchered animal, a human form groaning in sharp pain, the body swinging very slowly. A once beautiful silky dress torn and damaged, long brown hair tangled and matted through the person's inability to maintain it. For the 49 year old war widow, Ludmilla Stahler, that wasn't the worst of it.

It wasn't that she had not just eaten or bathed, but the true hell of it, came from the physical torture, from the endless whippings across her arms, feet, legs, and back to the endless punches and slaps across those same lashed areas. After three days, it had gotten so bad, not just the bruises and contusions being formed, but the endless scars or ripped human tissue coming off the women's body. Then the interrogators introduced her to the next round of...questioning.

That night, the woman's face was pushed into a barrel of ice cold water, screamed at by two coated men to give her fiance's information, contacts, to understand the rat line established for smuggling Jews out of not just Germany, but the occupied territories to neutral countries. But through the endless hours and days of that and water torture,

Ludmilla would say nothing but endure and show her loyalty and love to her Ernst Heisenberg, the Jewish man she was to marry and run away to America. She would dare the Nazis to do their worst. Despite the woman's love for her country being strong, this was not her country. Not since Hitler came into it's disgraceful picture.

Yet through all this time of the brutal punishments, hoping the Gestapo and SS would give and merely flog Ludmilla to prison for a lengthy sentence, her husband to be, wasn't as strong.

While slowly swinging and hanging from the ceiling, she was brought out of her semi conscious state to the cell's door beginning to be unlocked and starting to open up. An elderly SS sentry guard stood at attention, while holding the door open for the man entering into the dimly lit room.

Walking in slowly, one hand in his pocket while eyeing Ludmilla's battered body up and down, Victor Raddu carried a small brown folder under his other arm. Dressed in his grey SD (Reich Security Operations) uniform, the woman gave an absolutely horrified look at the young Raddu sibling.

Her last memory was Victor entering into the army, although she still was appalled by him going to war, it was much better and honorable, than the group of monsters the nephew chose to be a part of. To see this man who she had taken the time to help educate, feed, clothe, almost another mother form when he lost his was breaking the woman's heart, and worst to have been arrested by him, almost no emotion like a machine instrumental to Hitler's tyranny across Europe.

Finally approaching a fair sized wooden table, Victor dropped the brown folder on top, removed his SS cap. Brushing his light brown hair to the side, sat on the table's edge, while glancing at his battered Aunt Ludmilla, hanging and staring back at him, mouth wide open, eyes showing absolute sadness.

Almost in a whispered tone, the young man spoke up, "We found some of the people we were looking for."

Ludmilla's bruised eyes closed, feeling the sting of warm tears start to trickle down her face. Her thoughts to the innocent men, women and even children that were now victims to Hitler's ruthless actions against Jews. She felt a surge of anger boil deep into her stomach, as if almost like that of a volcanic eruption, spilling out such emotions towards her nephew,

"Victor, why are you telling me this? Why are you even here? Where is my Ernst?"

Upon the end of flurry of emotional outburst, the youngest Raddu sibling stood off the table, before going into his tunic breast pocket, and pulling out a silver coloured square case, opening it and pulling a cigarette and lighting it, blowing a small line of air from his mouth, speaking in a very neutral tone,

"My dearest Auntie Ludmilla. I am very impressed by your inability to talk through your questioning period with my subordinates. Saddened however that here we are in such a moment in this room. All based around your disgraceful desire to betray your nation, just to slut yourself in bed with a Jewish swine. If you truly wish to know, your dearest Ernst….he's still hanging around. Not as quiet as you I'm afraid, quite helpful in bringing us information to help deal with his...uncle's ratline of smuggling out members of the tribe you're so fond of."

The woman could hold nothing back but absolute disgust, rage and gritted her teeth practically shouting at the youngest Raddu sibling, "VICTOR THOSE ARE INNOCENT PEOPLE YOU ARE CHOOSING TO HURT! WHAT KIND OF A PERSON ARE YOU? YOUR PARENTS AND SIBLINGS WOULD BE ASHAMED THAT YOU SOLD YOUR SOUL TO THE SWASTIKA!"

As if stung right in the heart, Victor immediately stood off the table and walked quickly over to the woman. To which Ludmilla immediately saw stars, at the impact of the backhand that came across her already battered face from her nephew's rageful outburst of emotion.

Victor glared with deep blue eyed daggers within her eyes, before going into a firm tone, "Those people have corrupted this country, the continent, you with their lies and deceit. The world has no place for people that care nothing but themselves. Have you forgotten the pain I've shared with you? Those nights, I stayed in your home and spilled to you my nightmares and tears of the horrible memories I had endured."

Continuing, "That I had just watched my parents murdered and ran away with Anton and Lucille, all the way starving into a small town. I sought to find food for me and my brother and sister. I did, and then that fat Jewish prick of a man, instead of asking if I was hungry and allowing me to eat a loaf of bread, lashed me with his belt. Humiliating me in front of what was left of my family. So how would they take me being this way, me doing these actions to those who wronged us? They would embrace the strength I've endured, the man I've become. My parents would want me to be that as well. That I've brought justice not just to me and the family, but to the thousands of other families across Europe, who were disgraced and humiliated by this Jewish menace. You forget what they did to this country when the Great War was lost. How would your dear late husband respond to you betraying this country he loved and spilled his guts for?"

Ludmilla, couldn't help but sob at those painful words and thoughts, "Ernst isn't what Hitler and Nazi party rant him to be, he's a good man, he's been there for me. My husband abandoned me to fight a stupid war. What was I supposed to do to be alone for the rest of my life?"

Victor merely sighed a slow huff, before turning away back to the table with the brown folder, opening and pulling out a small white piece of paper with various words on it, holding it and turning around to face his aunt. Using a neutral tone,

"There is a chance for you, Auntie Ludmilla. Through my connections, you can be saved and forgiven by me, the Reich, and your late husband."

Ludmilla gave her nephew a look as if he announced that the war was over, "What do you mean?"

Victor merely smiled warmly, his blue eyes glimmering with optimism and hope to end this charade. "I have here a statement, I've done personally. That you said to me you were threatened with your life by marrying into the Heisenberg family by herr Ernst Heisenberg. In signing it, you free yourself of any involvement in harboring or protecting the Jew. Furthermore, you will be released from the prison and face conditions of having to cooperate fully with me and the authorities in helping obtain further information on the Heisenberg family and other known Jews to them. By doing this, the Reich will grant you full immunity from being harassed by any of the authorities or military personnel. A chance at a new life."

The woman's brown eyes narrowed at Victor, not even a split second decision made, "You dare come at me with such rubbish, just to save my neck, and put the noose around all those people that never have done me wrong."

Victor's smile faded right away, a depressed expression took over, his tone quite firm and almost desperate, "Ludmilla! Do you know the strings I pulled to have this document put together, your life could be saved, with one signature."

Ludmilla took on an almost mocking grin to Victor, but her voice was clearly resigned to whatever fate awaits her, "What kind of life could I live, knowing I betrayed so many others to their end with you Nazi assholes having a hand in it."

The document that was being held by the young Raddu sibling, was then crickled up before the woman's face, then tossed at her, bouncing off her bruised chest, falling to the floor, Victor frowning, a hateful expression crossed his face.

"Fine, you want your Jews, have them. That what I've done to that paper, is what you consider your life to be, nothing but garbage. In fact, I suspected this would be your answer. I do not worry, I've already laid out the perfect honeymoon for you newlyweds for your happily ever after. I will arrange for you and your filthy Jewish prick of a man, herr Ernst Heisenberg, to be transported to Dachau Concentration Camp. Auf Weider Sein Ludmilla Stahler."

With that, Victor turned away, knocking on the cell door which was opened by the guard, and walked out away from the tear stained eyes of his aunt, still shackled to the ceiling, the drop of the broken pipe slowly draining away.

--

Castle Dimitrescu

Romania

Late December 1940

Early morning hours began to creep into the sleepy isolated Romanian village and majestic home of the Dimitrescus. Yet the storm outside continued to rage with all its might of snow and ice, decorating the vast land.

But inside the castle, another storm flurried, built of emotions of despair, distraught, depression.

Another ceaseless attack had occurred, with all but two of the Dimitrescu daughters barely surviving the situation.

And the incredible courage of one man, a stranger to most of the family except the one who embraced his wounded form, Bela Dimitrescu, the eldest daughter, holding that man close to her who had gone out of his way to protect her sister, Cassandra even after she lashed out at Anton Raddu's mere presence let alone closeness to the blonde Dimitrescu and their home.

If not for his fast thinking, decisions, Cassandra and even her would not be here where they are today.

The situation in the main hall, was now present before that of Cassadra Dimitrescu who was descending down the stairs, her black gloved hand covering her mouth, is absolute shock and horror that this selfless man's actions had just saved her life, and could've ended his.

A weakened redheaded Daniela Dimitrescu, who had just come from the kitchen, her arms crossed over her badly mauled form, although her regenerative condition had healed the attack of bullet wounds, the holes in her dark dress and dried dark blood had all but wrecked the outfit. Her look of a frightened animal who had just been through intense hell and barely survived if not for Bela's quick actions dispersing the young hunter. Yet Daniela was also in a state of shock and confusion, why didn't she see Bela finish the young man off? Why did she let him go? Those answers she felt would be sought later, Daniela was just ever grateful to be alive.

Yet despite the mass confusion and shock over the situation, a set of brown eyes began to water. Lucille's form was trembling and shaking, mortified at the sight of her dear older brother, Anton laying on the ground with two deadly arrows embedded into his lower stomach. She wasn't a stranger to seeing her brother physically hurt, Anton had a stubborn side that did get into physical altercations with some other people in the area and the occasional tussle with Uncle Mihai. But Lucille had never been a witness to this extent of injuries.

With that, the woman still wearing his red dress, dark shoes, and now her dark blue woolen coat made an all out spring and dash across the floor, reaching her downed brother in mere seconds. Then kneeling beside the man's downed body, her soft hands beginning to shake, her breathing increasing, brown eyes scanning all over Anton's wounds, her worst fear seeing him unconscious was that it was too late and he had passed.

Lucille's shaking breath and sniffles finally spoke, "A-Anton, wha-t happened to Anton?"

Somehow or some way, Bela took her amber orbs away from Anton and brought them forward to look at this young girl, clear to her that it was Anton's sister Lucille. She saw it to herself, to calm her emotions, take charge, panic would solve nothing and cause Anton's sister to go into hysterics, something Bela sensed could happen any moment.

The blonde Dimitrescu finally spoke, calm and soft, "The castle was attacked, your brother finished delivering our supplies for the Duke. He came inside to warm up, then these man thi…..erm I mean men attacked. He helped save me and my sister Cassandra. He sacrificed himself to stop one attack, which….came and resulted to this."

Lucille's brown eyes began to slowly form with tears, one finally escaped her eye quickly trickling down her face, her voice trembling "My brother...saved you and your family? Anton was always the kind of man who loved helping so many people."

Bela gave the middle Raddu sibling a soft smile, sniffled, wiped her eyes, and reached her gloved hand to hold Lucilles, spoke in a soothing tone, "And he will still continue to show that wonderful part of him, he will be okay, I will help look after Anton, you have my word Lucille."

Lucille's brown eyes widened, shocked at how warm and comforting this woman was with her, neither had ever met one another, yet this moment felt like they had known each other forever.

This was the Dimitrescu family, the group of people she had been told about were merciless cannibalistic vampires, to stay away from. But yet they were showing such human emotions, at least this blonde woman was, and promising to help look after Anton.

Before Lucille could say another word, the two were approached by the giant form of Lady Dimitrescu, who had reclined her massive claws back into her hand.

The woman looked down, her pale face taking on a saddened expression. Was it guilt? Embarrassment? Confusion? For as far as Alcina Dimitrescu was concerned, she had no deep love for any men. Constantly branding them as man things, and teaching her daughters to do the same, her distrust ran deep with them. Despite her strictest of rules, directed to no men allowed in the castle, except the Duke or others on business.

But the woman was completely taken back, by her eldest daughter, Bela, reporting that this man, the Duke's assistant, had sacrificed himself so her children could live. To that, Alcina was eternally grateful and a part of her prayed she could show that gratitude to the man laying on her floor.

Speaking in a soft tone in front of Lucille and Bela, "This man saved my daughters, I cannot be ever so thankful you my darlings are okay. You my little dear and your brother are absolute honored guests and will stay until Mr. Raddu recovers. Bela, take this man to a guest room immediately, see he is cared for with your best efforts."

Bela immediately stood up, wiping her eyes and nose, and replied with a soft smile softly, "Of course mother."

Alcina then turned to Cassandra and Daniela, speaking firmly, "You girls need to get cleaned up, it is late and we shall retire from this tortuous event. Let us rest and deal with further matters in the morning."

Both daughters nodded, speaking at the same time, "Yes mother." Upon that, both proceeded up the stairs to their chambers to get ready for bed.

Finally Lady Dimitrescu turned to her brother, with an annoyed look to her brother, Karl Heisenberg, spoke in a sarcastic tone, "I guess my dear Heisenberg, your filthy hyde may stay in my home tonight, but dear god man, bathe...I will not have your horrid stench infect my home's bedding."

Heisenberg merely threw his sister a soft grin before chuckling, "So nice to see you again sis, love ya."

Alcina merely brought her pale fingers to pinch her nose in annoyance and disgust, as her brother smelled like he had not bathed or showered in weeks.

At the same time, Bela had gone down to pick up the unconscious eldest Raddu carefully. She was shocked to get assistance from her middle sister Cassandra, who threw Bela a quick wink and smile. It wasn't something Bela expected or would forget. As the two made their way to the stairs, Bela felt an arm grab her elbow softly.

The blonde Dimitrescu turned around to look at the sobbing form of Anton's sister, Lucille, who spoke in a pleading manner, "I want to be with Anton, please I cannot leave him my lady."

Bela merely returned a wonderful smile, "Of course Lucille, I would never deny you to be with your dear brother, and please call me Bela."

Lucille smiled and joined the two Dimitrescu daughters as they were beginning their ascent up the stairs, both taking each arm of Anton's wounded body.

They were stopped before reaching halfway up the stairs, as Alcina called out to Bela in a firm tone, "Bela, once the task is completed, come see me in my chambers after."

To that, Bela responded sombre "Of course mother." And with that the three continued up the stairs towards the guest room to perform whatever care to save the man she cared so deeply for.

--

Through methodical precision, almost as if Bela had fingers like a surgeon, the blonde Dimitrescu who had acquired close assistance from her brunette sister, went to careful work. The arrows were removed slowly and carefully, as Anton was unconscious during the whole matter, not even waking or flinching as the care from the two Dimitrescus was applied.

Lucille sat beside her older sibling, watching, praying, holding his hand tightly through the entire process, her brown eyes and thoughts never leaving these traumatic and dire moments.

Bela's soothing tone towards Lucille was more than enough, even Cassandra cracked in an occasional joke that kept the poor girl's mind at such ease.

Once the arrows were removed, the eldest Dimitrescu began to clean the wounds carefully and smoothly. At one point though, Bela's mind thought it unusual by glancing at a weird coloured liquid that came from the man's lower abdomen, but pushed the thought aside as merely nothing but perhaps Anton's body ridding any bacterial matter.

She applied a set of bandages across the man's lower stomach, and adjusted his pillows to make Anton more comfortable. Once her work was complete, Cassandra bid Lucille a good night and her sister Bela before leaving the room.

Bela then let Lucille know she had to see her Lady Dimitrescu, and would return shortly, leaving the siblings alone in the peace and quiet of the warm room, with one more glance looking back, smiling softly and muttering "You will be okay Anton, I'll see you soon."

--

In her vast bed chambers, Alcina Dimiterscu sat in her massive chair, her mind and amber eyes scanning and deeply focused on writing in some small book on her large oak made desk. A brass coloured goblet, holding a mix of the woman's vintage wine, grape, raspberry and a touch of blood mixed in, sitting beside the matriarch offered to her as a nightcap, was all she needed before retiring from the eventful evening.

Interrupted, a knock came at her chamber's door. Alcina beckoned in a soft tone but did not look, merely continued to write, "Come in"

The large wooden but white coloured door with golden knobs, opened, and in strolled her eldest daughter, Bela as requested by Alcina, to speak in regards to some matters.

Although much of Bela's mind was at ease now that her dear Anton was looked after and resting, part of the other end of her mind was worried, thoughts trailing deeply…

Did Cassandra mention anything about me and Anton? Did Daniela say anything about me letting that hunter go with his life? Does she hate me for allowing him to come into our home, after she specifically said no men ever? Breathe Bela...Breathe...it's just a chat..

Finally speaking while standing quite rigid like a statue, both her gloved hands behind her back, softly but with a tense and nervous tone, "You wanted to speak with me mother?"

A soft response but some form of anger to it, "Yes Bela, please come in and sit down."

The eldest Dimitrescu, inhaled deeply and breathed a small sigh of relief before approaching her mother's desk, a small red coloured padded chair provided her the opportunity to sit down, which she proceeded to do.

A few minutes of unnerving silence put Bela at great nervousness, looking down and rubbing her gloved hands alone the seams of her dark robed dress.

Finally Alcina breaking the silence, a concerned tone to her voice, "And how is Mr. Raddu now Bela?"

The blonde woman spoke with a calmed tone, "He is..comfortable. I've removed the arrows from the man's stomach. Thankfully no vital organs or arteries were damaged. I found it quite peculiar during my cleaning of the wounds, a unique liquid came from the holes where the arrows were."

That said, Alcina stopped writing for a moment before looking to her eldest daughter for some form of reassurance, "Anything to be concerned about?"

Bela's yellow eyes told no lies, softly smiling, "I don't think so mother."

Alcina returned that soft smile, before returning to her writings, spoke then in a neutral tone, "I've just spoken to the Duke about Mr. Raddu's condition. He is concerned but confident with him in our care, and is quite confident we will be able to assist in restoring his health in time. Further adding that if we require anything from him to let him know."

The blonde woman merely nodded and replied, "I'll keep you informed mother."

Alcina then spoke again, giving Bela new instructions, "Please do my dear, I am giving you the responsibility to look after him, I have no doubt you will provide him with the utmost care in helping Mr. Raddu's recovery that will make House Dimitrescu proud."

Nothing warmed Bela's heart at those instructions more, knowing she would be able to look after and help Anton get better and at the same time spend much quality time she had longed for so long.

At least she doesn't know about how close we've gotten

Bela's thoughts trailed, while nodding and replying softly, "I will do my best mother."

But despite the warmth of the moment to her, a sense of dread hit her watching her mother's next actions. Alcina put her pen down and closed her book, before opening a small gold case, pulling out a cigarette and attaching it to a long dark cigarette holder. She lit it, before turning to face her eldest daughter.

Although generally, Lady Dimitrescu did try to avoid smoking around her daughters, there were times where they were present, generally Bela which it happened. Although the blonde woman paid little attention or cared little about it, she knew her mother smoked when she felt angered or upset over a matter, and Bela dreaded this was that moment, where should be confronted about her actions with Anton.

The blonde Dimitrescu, inhaled sharpy, nearly holding her breath while playing nervously with her gloved hands.

Oh shit, here it comes, mother knows doesn't she…..

Finally after a moment, Alcina spoke in a clearly upset tone, "Despite everything, this matter with that treacherous swine, Elena Benzar, how dare she betray us after all you and I did my dear. I cannot believe that after all we gave her, she would choose such foolish actions as to attempt to harm our family."

Finally Bela could let her breath out, slowly as to not arise suspicion, her thoughts in relief

Thank you Mother Miranda, my mother still doesn't know...I need to try to keep it that way...for now..

Replying softly back, her eyes showing sadness over the chambermaid who had gained such respect and been revered by nearly all in the castle, including Bela,

"I know, it was a horrible shock to us, poor Daniela was very close to her, it really impacted her greatly."

Alcina took another drag of her cigarette, her eyes widened at that and responded, "How is your dear sister doing now?"

The blonde Dimitrescu wished she could give good news, but was deeply troubled knowing that Daniela would have a hell of a time to recover from both the attack physically and mentally. A mere saddened tone from Bela responding,

"Daniela...she's been in her room since I provided care to Anton...she's not been heard since, I suspect she is probably asleep as the night's activities were very trying on us all."

Alcina's face went into deep anger, taking a long drag from her cigarette before responding, "My poor baby draga mea. I am pleased to know she feasted on that fool Elena's flesh to regather her strength."

Bela felt a wave of nausea in her stomach on that note, although she knew sustenance was required through the consumption of human flesh and blood to keep her, her mother, and her sisters alive. She longed to be rid of that mere practical ritual that caused such deep fear around so many in the village, to prove to all including Anton she was more than just a cannibalistic vampire monster.

Her mother then spoke up again, her tone clearly upset "With Elena's demise, we will need to replace her quickly, how many servants do we have with us left? And who would you recommend Bela?"

The eldest Dimitrescu had great knowledge on this topic, her mother generally charged her with watching and reviewing the performances from the other servants in the castle. She would provide recommendations and suggestions to Lady Dimitrescu, and rarely oversee or demand such punishment for mere infractions. Quite the opposite, she would generally pull servants in the middle of their duties to the side, and offer assistance to help correct mistakes and help ease their duties. In short, Bela Dimitrescu was known by the staff as the one person they could trust, listen, and talk to on almost any matter, a perk for working with the Dimitrescu home.

Bela spoke with a wide smile, "We have Chloe, Fantine, Rita and Zerlina with us. Out of my personal recommendations for a promotion, would be Rita. I have overseen her excellent capabilities and skills as a leader towards helping the other servants with their duties. She is also dedicated, loyal, and committed to absolute perfection of all her work detail."

Alcina merely nodded at that, "This is splendid news Bela, ensure you speak to Rita tomorrow and offer her the position."

A mere returned nod and reply from her blonde daughter, "Of course mother, I will."

But as joyful as the news was to hear to Bela, the mood became darker as her mother spoke again, "And out of the other servants, over the past three months of service and work, who would you decree as...most unsatisfactory."

Those words were not something Bela did want to hear, and that wave of nausea and unease hit her like a sledgehammer, knowing she was potentially the judge, jury and executioner on some poor woman's fate. She longed not to respond, but she knew her mother would then likely speak to his middle sister which would be far worse.

Finally huffing a sigh, Bela spoke with a soft and depressed tone, "Fantine has struggled greatly lately mother. She has had great difficulty in performing her duties as of late. Elena was assisting her but all but four months ago, that assistance stopped and Fantine was having a hard time keeping up."

Alcina merely stared for a few moments, while continuing to smoke, thick lines of air breathed out of her ruby coloured lips, finally replied, "I am most displeased with this, for all we know she was conspiring those treacherous deeds that Elena proceeded with. The house of Dimitrescu would expect nothing but pure perfection, Fantine has been in our service for over a year now, there is no excuse for that lack of effort."

Bela could only slowly nod, before uttering another word, her mother spoke, "You will find Cassandra tomorrow, and inform her to speak to Fantine...privately in the cellar, effectively relieving Fantine of her duties. This will provide her to be shown as an example to any of the staff to understand the consequences for betrayal upon the House of Dimitrescu."

The blonde Dimitrescu was flabbergasted, she wanted to refuse, her yellow eyes widened at the fate that the poor struggling maid was going to face at her cruel middle sister, who would definitely vent all her rage that she wanted to exact on Elena from before and would definitely with someone who was close friends with the maid that betrayed the family. It wasn't right...It was completely unfair...Bela found the courage to stand up to this somehow, although she avoided such confrontation with anyone in the family, she had to make a stand, which she did.

Bela then stood up, here yellow eyes taking on a pleading look, spoke firmly to Alcina,

"Mother, may I speak freely?"

Her mother merely nodded slowly, before replying softly, "Please my darling."

Finding the courage to stand up to someone like Lady Dimitrescu took a lot, but the eldest Dimitrescu found somewhere that form to build and use to build the strength to do so, breathing in deeply, she began.

"Mother, I completely understand your displeasure at staff that don't pick their weight up in doing their duties, as would I. But Fantine has truly struggled, I have been a witness to this. If you remember she ran away from her home in Bulgaria. Her father was an alcoholic and abusive to her. She came to us, and we took her in a year ago."

Continuing, "She came also with the inability to read, I took it upon myself to teach her, Elena also took her under wing teaching her the duties of a servant and worked very well with her. Fantine was incredibly shy towards many here, I highly doubt she worked with Elena in her treacherous methods that happened."

Her thoughts trailed deeply on her next set of words before the matriarch of the family…

Here goes nothing, I must change and help inspire my mother to be a much better person..

Inhaling deeply, Bela spoke firmly, "Mother, we have to come to the understanding that we cannot harm our staff for minor infractions. In Fantine's case, I would personally recommend either we can end her employment with us and ask her to leave the castle, or I can speak to her and recommend her to work alongside Rita, if she accepts the position, but if not would help Fantine improve her performance in her work detail. This way it works for both parties, Rita will benefit from your love to help others, and Fantine will grow to be an excellent servant in the castle."

The blonde woman continued her most important point, "Above all mother, I am tired, even Cassandra and Daniela are clearly tired as well. For the last hundred years, we have endured ceaseless amounts of attacks for various hunter groups, all brought on by the rage of hearing or even seeing these...examples we have made of so many of our staff. There aren't many that have been dealt with in the cellar, that were related to a family member who we had to fight against made up within these ranks of these hunters. As long as we keep hurting and killing these staff for minor acts or infractions, the rage built around the village and the area will continue to build and more attacks will come. We can protect ourselves for so long, but this war against our family needs to stop, Cassandra and Daniela and even me, were almost lost if not for the quick actions of the man laying and fighting for his life in our guest room. We need to change how we treat our people, you mother, are the village's lord, we need to inspire or be inspired by the people not make them fear us, to be titled and hated is not the way of living, not the way House Dimitrescu should be represented."

Upon conclusion of her speech and lecture, Bela prepared for the worse from Alcina, who's yellow eyes merely stared in shere shock, widened as large as her body form was. But the true shock came from the next set of actions.

Lady Dimitrescu, upon staring for a few moments and blinking, went to put her cigarette out, then stood her massive towering form approaching Bela as she looked down, almost expressionless. Bela braced for impact.

At that, Alcina bent down to mere inches from Bela's face, and placed her crimson coloured lips on her eldest daughter's cheek. Backing away slowly with a warm smile, then speaking almost softly,

"I thank you for that draga mea, I will definitely think over what we have discussed about, how did my ladybug ever get to be so smart."

Bela's cheeks flushed at that, warmth soothing her tension, briefing replying, "Practice I guess."

Alcina chuckled lightly, before speaking, "It is quite late this morning my dove, we shall retire for this evening, have a talk with Rita about the position when you see her."

The blonde woman stood slowly, nodding, and speaking, "I will mother, thank you, good night." And made her way to the chamber door, just starting to turn the golden knob to exit but was stopped by her mother's soft voice.

"I have also decided, you will not speak to Cassandra about Fantine, you will speak to her privately and ask her to pair with Rita. I expect a much better performance, upon which you will bring me your personal review of such, if she does not show any improvement, we will end her employment with us and she will be escorted out of this castle."

A great sense of relief went into Bela's heart, breathing soothingly, replied, "I will ensure it to be done, mother."

Once more, Alcina smiled at her daughter's direction, "I love you my ladybug."

Bela looked and smiled warmly, "I love you mother." And with that exited the chambers of Alcina Dimitrescu hurriedly before proceeding back towards the guest room where that special man was resting.

--

For a guest room in Castle Dimitrescu, it was a very large room, beige coloured walls, a fair sized oak made dresser and large chest. The bed Anton Raddu was sleeping in was large enough to fit three people, but his dear sister chose the small red coloured chair to sit beside. The large, dark red curtains were pulled open, and the mad snowstorm that raged had all but gone.

The landscape outside and across Castle Dimitrescu, sparkled with the mounds of snow as the skies were clear and bright full moon's light shined across it and into the room, onto Anton's peaceful resting form, almost as if a spotlight was cast by someone on someone so pure. The fireplace's flames had died most off, a small trail of smoke emanated a delicious burning wooden odour into the room.

It was a serene feeling of peace and comfort, but the true warmth felt in Bela's stomach and heart was the scene before her.

Her yellow eyes glanced and her smile so wide showing her pearl fanged teeth, as she entered into the room slowly, to check on how Anton was doing, was now witness to such a beautiful scene of brother and sister, their hands entwined as, the middle sister Lucille Raddu had pulled her chair close to Anton's bed side and was also resting her French braided head on a small space close to the man's side.

Bela's thoughts trailing so deep…

You truly are not just a good man, but have such a lovely family. I will make sure nothing ever happens to them ever, I promise you Anton.

The eldest Dimitrescu then proceeded to walk quietly over to the large chest, opening it and pulling out a large woolen brown blanket. Then quietly proceeded over to the resting form of Lucille, placing the large garment over her bent over form laying beside Anton Raddu. Then standing straight, but placing a comforting gloved hand softly on her hair.

Bela then proceeded to walk quietly, before reaching the opposite side of the bed. She then sat very slowly down on to the mattress, slightly sinking it with her form, but not disturbing the peacefully resting man, his breathing as calm as the wind in the trees. The blonde woman breathed slowly, staring with her golden orbs at the absolute handsome dashing man, illuminated by the lunar light piercing into the darkened room. She then pulled off her gloves, and brought one arm to cup the man's face ever so gently, while the other hand pinched the locket so dear to her.

Speaking in a near whisper, "Anton, if you can hear me...rest and get better, your sister needs you, your younger brother needs you, and...I know I need you."

With that, she brushed a strand of his dark brown hair from his face, while watching his breathing, then leaned in to place her soft dark lips onto his very slowly and carefully, so as to not awake the man. Backing away slowly and watching the man for a few moments.

Somehow, Bela sensed a pair of eyes watching this moment, and turned her head slowly and nervously to an awakened Lucille Raddu, staring with shocked brown eyes almost as wide as the moon that lit the room outside.

Clearing her throat, but speaking very quietly, "I'm sorry if I awoke you, I just wanted to check on your brother."

Lucille's eyes were wide, but her mood was almost as relaxed somehow as Anton was, replied softly with a serene smile, "I'm okay my lady, and I thank you for everything you have done, for me and Anton." At that, she slowly got up from the chair and joined the blonde Dimitrescu on the same side of the bed that she sat beside Anton on, Lucille held onto the blanket wrapped around much of her body, parts of her blue woolen coat and red dress visible.

Staring her brown eyes into Bela's yellow eyes, Lucille looked down and took one of her hands and placed it into the eldest Dimitrescus. The middle Raddu sibling then spotted something that caught her attention, her eyes widened and she voiced that observation carefully, "You are wearing my mother's necklace."

The eldest Dimitrescu's eyes widened at that comment, fearful she had upset Anton's sister, huffed a slow sigh before reaching behind her neck to unhook the chain to remove the piece of jewellery. A saddened expression took her, she loved being entrusted to carry this important emblem of Anton's family and felt a strong bond to him.

Before Bela could even wrap her fingers around the small chain, an arm reached out to stop her from continuing the removal process, a warm smile came across Lucille's face and a smooth voice came about, "Don't take it off, you look amazingly beautiful my lady. My brother trusts you to hold something that our mother would be proud of someone like you wearing. And after all you have done, I truly know I trust you too."

The eldest Dimitrescu immediately stopped at that comment, blushing brightly across her pale face and smiled contently, "Thank you so much Lucille, and please no more formalities, just Bela is fine enough."

Lucille smiled back, before her face looked towards the window, "I can feel her presence looking down at this moment, at you, she was such a good person, loved life and everyone, she read a lot to me, not so much children's tales but a lot of poetry she'd write and other wonderful stuff."

Continuing, "Love looks not with the eyes, but the mind, and is therefore winged Cupid painted blind."

Bela smiled widely at that one, her yellow eyes taking an admiring posture, "Shakespeare? I am impressed Lucille, I love his plays, do you have a favourite?"

The middle Raddu sibling nodded excitedly, quietly whispering, "Oh I have so many, I was so enticed by Macbeth, and Richard III. How about you my l….I mean Bela." As the girl blushed, feeling embarrassed.

All the blonde woman could do was chuckle softly, "That's fine Lucille, I really loved Hamlet, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Julius Caesar, so many, he was a genius."

At that Lucille, smiled then glanced behind Bela at her resting older brother to which the blonde Dimitrescu followed the same action, before both looked at each other again, Lucille had a playful tone in her, "Now reading any plays like that to my dear brother, that's something else, he'd probably crack some silly joke to ruin the moment."

Bela giggled at that reminder, "I'll make sure if he tries that, to whack him on the head with the book I'm reading to him."

Both girls laughed softly, which after a few moments silence overtook them. Finally Lucille spoke again, but her eyes narrowed not looking at Bela,

"You know one thing my mother told me, before my youngest Victor was born, she had hoped so deeply for having another girl, but she was still overjoyed with having Victor. I was too, but still always wanted to know what it would be like to have a sister."

The eldest Dimitrescu smiled warmly at that thought, before speaking in a playful tone, "Aww, well having a sister...take it from experience sometimes it can be more of a handful than you know and you feel like you're going mad with how they can act. But in the long run we all love each other deeply, and would do anything for one another."

Lucille let out a sigh, "I would've loved to know." Finally her expression went sad, before Bela's face showed concern, and she glazed her yellow eyes into the Raddu siblings, "Lucille, what's wrong?"

Her eyes started to water at the thoughts going through her, finally spoke in a choked sob, "You Bela, are being so wonderful to me. All the years I've lived on my Uncle Mihai's farm, the horrible things he would say about this place, about you and your sisters, the same with the villagers, do stay away from such a place or murderous, vampiric, monstrous, cannibals. I feel disgusted that I listened to them, because here you are talking to me like I was your sister, and treating me so wonderfully with Anton."

Bela's hand then went to Lucille's cheek, rubbing it so gently, "I've heard all the talk from down there too, but think about where your heart is, then make your mind up, not let some people decide. I know you're smart like your brother here."

To that, Lucille just smiled, while wiping her eyes, speaking, "Thank you Bela, I really needed that. And that's the reason that I….I...I wanna help out here, I want to repay you for everything your sisters, and mother have done for me and Anton."

The blonde woman's eyes widened at that request, her face taking on a look of shock and surprise, it wasn't commonplace that the castle's staff openly requested to work in the castle in the past. Unsure, but still pressed the question across Anton's enthusiastic sister, "You want to be a servant in the castle?"

For Lucille Raddu, she couldn't be any more sure of her decision, she wanted to be there and help out such a family that's already given this much to her, nodding at that question from Bela, but taking on a pout while narrowing her eyes to now her both hands laying on top of the blonde woman's sitting beside her on the bed, "I do want to help, I know you probably have a lot of other servants here..I mean I know it's a lot of hard work and commitment, but I can do it, I swear...unless...you feel I don't have enough experience."

Bela merely looked warmly with your amber orbs, and gave such a serene smile, a proud look onto Lucille's words, "Experience has nothing to do with it, and you know what I think you can do it. I believe in you and I do believe you have the heart to help people out." She playfully took one hand and drummed her palm on top of Anton's sister, before speaking in a quiet soothing tone, "You know what, let me talk to mother about that offer first, and I will let you know."

Lucille beamed brightly with such a smile, almost yelping and jumping up and down on the bed in excitement, but kept a level head so as to not wake her sleeping brother or anyone else in the home. Her excitement died off in a second when she felt a dread of something else she would have to face, her uncle. Speaking in a sombre tone, "I understand...hell I'm gonna have to find some way to convince my Uncle Mihai to let me do this."

Bela just grinned, taking her hands away from Lucilles and placing them both on her shoulder, looking at her deeply like a proud sister would, "You talk to your uncle first Lucille, I'll talk to my mother, and we discuss about it soon, don't worry everything will work out."

Lucille could only nod slowly, before the blonde woman spoke again, "In the meantime, we both need to get some rest, you're safe here, and you're both welcome to stay as long as you want. And if you need anything or walk to talk about anything Lucille, just come find me."

The warmth the Raddu sibling felt from the eldest Dimitrescu was too overwhelming, yawning but smiling from ear to ear, both closed off their discussion in a warm, tight embrace, before Bela broke it off and got off the bed slowly and walked towards the exit door of the guest room.

Opening the knob and looking back at Lucille smiling warmly, as the sister got onto the bed, adjusting the blanket over her form, and closing her brown eyes, now resting comfortably beside her dear brother.

Bela muttered, "I'll protect the two of you till my dying breath, good night Lucille, good night Anton."

And exited the room, quietly closing the door.

--

After a few moments, Bela returned to her massive bed chambers, drained, exhausted all of energy after an scary evening. But whatever stress had happened before, was almost gone with the wind.

The eldest Dimitrescu beamed with such pride and delight, feeling like she just acquired a fourth sister, in the friendship she had just established with Anton's sister. And as far as she was concerned, Anton would be okay. She had done all her work ensuring the man was comfortable and his wounds were cleaned and fixed. Still a part of her was unsure over that unusual liquid that had emanated from the puncture holes in the man's abdomen. She merely shook her head at any negative thoughts. Bela was in a good mood.

Quickly removing her black robed dress, and changing into a vanilla coloured silk nightgown with long sleeves. It was one thing that Bela saw her different from her other sisters, who generally enjoyed dark colours, primarily black for designs of their night clothes, whilst Bela and Lady Dimitrescu enjoyed brighter colours for their nightgowns. The blonde woman then proceeded to her vanity, standing in front of the mirror and staring contently, her fingers holding with the locket piece of the necklace Anton had given and most importantly trusted to her.

She closed her eyes, speaking softly to herself, "I know your with me Mrs. Raddu, I wish I had the chance to meet and get to know you. I'll hold you close to my heart much as your children have to you. And I will ensure I will be there for them too."

The response she got was not anything she expected or would want. Dark fog came from the floor, billowing up, and a malicious laugh echoed across Bela's room.

The blonde woman this time, would not give in to whatever this thing's desire to drag such fear into her was requesting. She held her place, standing with her arms to her sides, finally shouting and frowning, "Show yourself."

At that, the shadowy figure formed, almost a human form but quite different, red eyes and the entire body made of smoke, the sound from him was quite terrifying almost like that of hundreds of screaming people echoing, as if the body was made up of so many trapped souls, his voice very low and demonic sounding. Still Bela held her place standing in front of this thing, determined to defeat whatever it may try to do to her.

The shadowy creature spoke first, "I see your feelings for him are growing stronger, and now you have given your friendship to the man's dear sister...how noble, but futile for what's to come."

Bela merely frowned with an angered expression but a defiant tone took its place and spoke, "If you're coming to tell me you predicted and thought Anton Raddu would die, you failed creature. He's safe, and going to grow stronger."

As if nothing phased whatever she planned to do or say, the shadow spoke again, "You think I was gonna waste time and end that man you're so deeply fond of so quickly on the whims of a mindless oversized buffoon and his gang? HA! That was just a tease for my ultimate plan, you monstrous fool." Continuing his mocking of the blonde woman, the shadow figure placed his hands behind his back and started to slowly walk around the frowning blonde woman, like a predator stalking its prey, red eyes scanning the woman up and down. Finally speaking after a moment in his demonic mocking voice, "Now you my dear, are quite the interesting one, I believed you to be one of such violence, such aggression, and you had the chance to end a person who wanted to do nothing but kill your family, but you hesitated and decided to let him go. For that, you will find you are indeed a great failure, a worthless being, and when the time comes, you will be given a choice of whose lives you intend to save, to show that loyalty, and the clock is ticking on their time being here."

At that threat, Bela's face went beat red with rage and growl overtook her body, to which she screamed with venomous fury, "YOU WILL LEAVE EVERYONE ALONE!! DO YOU HEAR ME!!!YOU LEAVE ME AND EVERYONE ALONE!"

Ending that, the shadowy figure dissipated in a flash, the floor dense with fog gone. Leaving Bela alone in her room, sweat pouring down her tattooed temple, breathing hard at the scene that just happened.

A knock snapped the blonde woman's trance, to which Bela snapped out of her thoughts and looked towards the door's direction, wiping her brow and clearing her throat, now feeling tender from her outburst, "Come in" she spoke as calm as she could allow her voice.

The door knob turned, and the large ornate door opened, slowly coming in a set of red hair, with the form of a concerned look from a woman wearing a dark blue night gown, as Daniela Dimitrescu entered slowly, speaking curiously, "Are you okay Bela? I heard you yelling."

Bela gave the best serene smile she could, although shaking, was too tired to feel upset, "Yeah, yeah, I'm doing pretty good, nothing I can't handle. What are you doing here Dani? I thought you were asleep."

The redhead's look went from concerned to a deeply saddened look, yellow eyes starting to glimmer with tears forming as she entered into her sister's room, visibly upset.

"I can't sleep, Bells, I have too much on my mind." And with that, Daniela walked quickly over to Bela, wrapping her arms around sister's neck and began to softly sob into the blonde woman's shoulder.

Bela grabbed a handful of the red hair, patting it softly like a parent soothing a child, "Shhh...shhh..it's okay Dani, it's over now sis."

Daniela slightly raised her head, tears steadily coming down her face, shaking her head and babbling almost incoherently, "No...no...it's not, they'll keep coming I just know it...Bela I want it all to stop….why did Elena do this to me..to us? I thought she was my friend…..I thought she was so nice to me."

The eldest sibling could only purse her lips, looking content while smiling sadly, "I know...I know...I don't know why Elena did this, we all thought she was nice...but she's gone now, it's over, I'm here for you."

At that, the redhead could just wipe her nightgown sleeve across her wet nose, wiping excess fluid emanating from her nosti, breathing shakily, "I didn't want to….but I had to….feed….I was crying so hard the whole time, saying sorry Elena...I'm sorry I'm doing this to you, but I have to….I just want all this pain to stop."

Nothing could make the eldest Dimitrescu feel ever so bad that Daniela had to go that point, but she also knew Daniela had to feast, to regenerate her body that was so weakened from being shot and attacked by the frozen air, Bela spoke in such an assuring warm voice, "I know it was hard Daniela, but you had to feed, it was the only thing to keep you alive. Elena would've been dealt with either way by mother or Cassandra if you didn't deal with her, it was honestly for the best. Things will get better, I know it."

Daniela's breathing at those words calmed more, and she gave a wipe of her yellow watery eyes and face, began to give an expression wanting to ask something, "Can I stay with you tonight sis? I really don't want to be alone."

Her sister's answer was that of pure warmth, in fact she brought an arm up, and placed it behind Daniela's hair, pulling her head into that Bela's temple, softly coming together, then whispering softly, "Of course Dani, you can stay with me."

The redhead beamed with delight, giggling softly, pleased at the response to her request, "I promise I'll be good...and I won't snore like you and Cass always accuse me of doing."

Bela just giggled at that, rolling her eyes, "Sure Dani, sure."

But the mood changed from light, to a very sombre moment, unsure but Daniela had seen something she did not expect her oldest sister to do, to spare someone's life. The thought of her sister's actions pressed the million dollar question, carefully, looking with careful amber orbs into Belas.

"Bela, I have to ask you something important….when we were in the kitchen, and you had that young man thing….why did you let him live and get away?"

It was something, the blonde woman had hoped would not come up, she did feel some guilt not fulfilling what her sister's would, especially Cassandra would request Bela to do. The dreaded question, sent a shiver down her spine, but she breathed carefully in, and out then speaking softly, at the same time looking down her chest at the necklace, glimmering in the light on her room, picking it up with her fingertips to present to the curious look glanced from Daniela.

"You see this, that man who saved me and Cassandra gave this to me."

Daniela's golden eyes, widened as large as her face, and her expression in amazement at the beautiful jewellery on Bela's neck, "Oh my...it's gorgeous...I've seen it on you, but not like up this close."

Bela merely nodded slowly, "That man resting in the guest room, he gave it to me, it belonged to his mother, and he put it around me. He said his mother was someone who gave such courage and kindness to all those around, he felt I should carry an emblem that reminded so much of her, because he believes me to be like that too, or to try to be."

Continuing while staring at the small locket, "I couldn't do it Dani, I couldn't take his life, no matter what his purpose was. I'm not a killer as everyone would want me to be. And I know it's something Anton's mother would know I am not either, and to be better than what so many expect me and us to be, or what they call us."

Daniela nodded and smiled, an excited tone to her voice, "He sounds like such a wonderful man, so romantic, giving such beautiful gifts." Then changing to a mere playful tone, "Oh sir Anton, such a dashing knight, saving the damsel from a fire breathing dragon erm...guess in this case an arrow breathing dragon."

Bela just giggled at that comment, her sister was such a child always so infatuated with romance and children's tales, "He is truly wonderful...the kind of man that anyone should be so lucky to be around."

Then the redhead gave a curious look to her sister, which Bela looked at her puzzled, Daniela spoke, "So have you two….you know."

Bela gave Daniela a confused look, although sensing what was gonna be asked, finally played dumb, "Have we what?"

Yellow eyes rolled around, as Daniela grabbed her two hands at Bela's hands, her yellow eyes pressing deep content into getting an answer out, practically whispering, "You know….kissed."

Her jaw dropped, with a small grin, and face blushed in embarrassment, yellow eyes widened at that, responded quickly, "Daniela, I don't believe that's any of your business."

Nothing deterred the redhead's determination to extract the answer, but wanted to ensure trust between the two, spoke, "Oh hey, if you're worried of anyone finding out, don't worry I can keep a secret, you can trust me." With that, Daniela brought her fingertips, in a playful posture pretended to run her fingers across her lips to zip them up, then pretended to place a lock on them, finally tossing an imaginary key away.

The whole action caused Bela to laugh heartily, her sister was such a light when the darkest moments happened. Although Bela didn't need much convincing, she knew she could trust Daniela, and she would constantly be bugged for an answer on the couple's latest actions. Finally the blonde woman whispered back, shyly speaking with a defeated sigh, "Yes we have kissed….a couple times."

Daniela beamed in excitement, now jumping like a mere child and capping her hands softly, then stopping and looking closer into Bela's expression fully amused by her sister's hyperactivity, asking another question, "With tongues?"

Bela's eyes nearly fell out of her head, jaw wide as it would allow even in fact to make a cracking sound, she could merely stare before speaking, "Daniela Dimitrescu, I am not answering that, in fact it's getting really late. We should rest now, and if you snore, I'll kick your ass to the floor."

Daniela gave a small pout, before finally nodding satisfied with the answers she got.

Finally both huffed small giggles, embraced each other warmly, before getting into the vast dark brown coloured oak wooden bed. The blonde Dimitrescu reached over once she and Daniela were in a comfortable position in the bed. Bela finally turned the light off, before turning to her side away from her sister, closing her eyes, and preparing for well needed hours of rest.

Suddenly almost into the deep sleep Bela yearned for, an arm snaked around her stomach, and a face with red hair dipped over her cheek, a voice mocking low pretending no doubt to be that of Anton's whispered in the eldest Dimitrescu's ear, "How about a kiss goodnight dear."

With her eyes closed, Bela couldn't help but grin playfully, before responding with the snapping of her arm back to push Daniela off her back onto her side of the bed. The blonde woman softly responded while a light giggle escaped her, "Kiss that dear."

Daniela merely spat in a mocking tone, "Asshole."

Bela, with her eyes still closed, muttered, "Love you too little sis."

--

What seemed like hours asleep, was not in fact that long. A large amount of vibration felt by the sleeping form of Lucille, brought her state to awake right away as she saw a horrifying sight come before her, her brown eyes scanned Anton with terror and panic.

Anton was beginning to sweat and shake rapidly, his eyes were open but blue irises were completely upward, as if in some sort of trance. He was convulsing and shaking.

The frightened middle Raddu, brought her hands to cover her mouth, but could hold nothing back and screamed in the darkness, "ANTON..NO NO….SOMEONE HELP ME...BELA HELP ME PLEASE!"

At that, the entire castle practically responded to that action in seconds.

First the door was practically slammed open, and Bela was first on scene running with all possible haste, her bare feet in her white silk nightgown running to Anton's bedside.

After that, the others came first Karl Heisenberg, wearing just his length beige shirt only, somehow covering his pantless lower half but not exposing any of his bare area below. Then Alcina with a crimson red house coat, then the two sisters Cassandra and Daniela. All had widened eyes and mouths agape on the scene unfolding.

After a mere second however, Alcina glanced at her brother, her eyes in disgust before speaking with mere contempt, "Ugh Heisenberg, could you not have put pants on."

Heisenberg then glanced at his sister, scoffing an annoying look and sigh, "Didn't see you offering me any chance of clothes, and this is what I had."

Shaking her head, Alcina glanced at the frightening scene of Anton practically shaking almost off the bed, and then at Bela speaking to Lucille in her attempts to calm the frightened sister down.

Lucille got off the bed right away, her face sweating too, but tears started to slowly come down her cheeks, her sobs and voice cracking, "Bela...talk to me what's happening?"

To the blonde woman, she was in absolute dread and felt a wave of unease. She felt utterly stupid to pass off that fluid that had drained from the man's penetrating wounds. She eyed closely at Anton's shaking form, somehow finding courage to keep calm and examine him.

Bela brought a hand towards Anton's face, eyeing the endless drops of sweat, finally spoke in a somewhat calm tone, "He's burning up."

Then clued in to examine further, went to remove the covers, and Bela lifted the man's shirt above his waist line, she carefully removed the bandages but in a quick pace as well. Once done, the sight before her was not good at all.

Anton's abdomen was swollen, and the colours were not of his skin tone but a greenish yellow, with fluid still oozing out of the holes where the arrows penetrated during the attack.

Bela should've known better, than a hunter that would just attack with simple weapons, these were done with some form of toxin meant to kill her and the family. Anton was now in a bad place and she felt utterly horrible.

The situation was not any easier to handle, as the man's sister in practical hysterics was pressing for some or any bit of information from Bela.

"Oh my god Anton. Bela what's going on, is he gonna be okay?" Breathing shakingly and her hands and body trembling.

Bela could only give a saddened look, shaking her head, "He has a sepsis infection."

Lucille could only look with puzzlement before the blonde woman spoke again to clarify, "He has blood poisoning."

The mouths in the room dropped, eyes widened, and the middle Raddu sibling began to sob harder. Bela looked at Anton with absolute focus in her deep yellow eyes, whispered, "You hang in there Anton, I'll save you no matter what I have to do."

Author's Notes

--

-I know this chapter went long as all gets out, but I felt this was one I wanted to do carefully and ensure I got Victor's moment with his Aunt out of the way. As well as bring close bonds between the Dimitescus and the Raddus. As I mentioned, I wanted to give the RE Village villains a softer tone, based around more family bonding. I think I've done well so far, with a combination of drama, tragedy, romance, fluff, and pain.

-Much more coming soon, again thank you everyone for your support, kudos and comments, can't wait to share more of this with you all. :D