How a Dimitrescu Heart Beats

Chapter 10 - Sworn to Secrecy

Castle Dimitrescu

Romania

January 1, 1941

Chapped lips clapped together, as brown eyes opened up and were slowly scanning around into a most pleasant atmosphere of plush comfort.

A room that seemed to be very lavish and majestic in size, as was the bed, which could easily fit ten of the women who resided in this room. The bed that Lucille Raddu was beginning to just wake up to was covered with enough pillows, allowing the feeling of cotton and plush press into every area of the middle Raddu siblings body.

But it was not uncomfortable by any stretch, no the winner was that horrifying chair she had most of her time in the chair, some in the bed but found that too uncomfortable and firm.

But the bed that Lucille got to share that was offered by the youngest Dimitrescu daughter, Daniela, was beyond heaven. The comfort was so great, that mere minutes upon practically crashing on it, took only seconds it seemed to go back to sleep, Lucille was beyond exhausted and sore.

She had been warned by the redhead's middle sibling, Cassandra, that Daniela snores very loud. Whether by chance or coincidence, that wasn't the case. Lucille slept like a baby in a dreamless world, surrounded by such comfort and warmth, regardless if the young Dimitrescu daughter was that loud in her sleep.

Now waking up in the lavish room that was reminiscent of something from the late 19th century, the furniture was oak wood with red plush colours and paintings depicting medieval castles or depicting couples from a renaissance era in scenes by rivers, forests, and towns. Her brown eyes scanned in absolute fascination to what felt like she was living in that timeline.

Even prior to resting in Daniela's massive bed, she was offered a change of clothes, which was a great reprieve having a chance to remove her heavily damaged, dirty and smelly red dress. A sad shame, for it was her favourite but she would find the time to clean it. Daniela provided the French braided woman, a fresh change into a black silk nightgown.

Although not Lucille's style, she was more than pleased to just have something different to wear, and more in debt to Daniela's generosity.

But waking up, moving a couple pillows and stuffed animals of mostly teddy bears and plush dolls, there was no sight of the red headed Dimitrescu anywhere.

Lucille chuckled to herself at the entire atmosphere, guessing Daniela to be similar in mannerisms and behaviour like herself, sometimes being a free spirited positive person.

Sitting upright, stretching and yawning, Lucille could see a bit of light peek through the curtains, but didn't know whether to approach and open the curtains. She didn't even know how long she had rested for either, nor what time it was.

Snapping the middle Raddu sibling out her state of mind and waking her up, was the large wooden white door, open and in walked in a wide smiling Daniela Dimitrescu carrying a small silver breakfast tray, the smell of the food was heavenly making Lucille's mouth water in delight.

The tray had a ceramic plate with rose designs, steam emanating off the incredible dish as her brown eyes widened with pure mirth, Friganele, six bread slices dipped in egg, sugar, and vanilla, then covered with the darkened paste of blueberry jam. On it were two small rose decorated ceramic cups steaming, the smell of the freshest tea along with saucers of milk and sugar. The smell was so divine.

As the red headed Dimitrescu approached, such a wide smile beamed on her as she hummed a musical tone, speaking in a jolly playful almost French accented voice, "Breeeeaklkfast at the Dimitrescus, mademoiselle Raddu." With that, Daniela placed the small silver tray on the bed, softly and sitting beside Lucille.

The brown eyed Raddu girl could only give a gracious smile, softly speaking, "Good morning and thank you my lady."

As Daniela was just picking up her tea, gave Lucille a playful disapproving look, "Ohhh pfft, none of that silly formal stuff hun, Daniela works more than fine with me."

Lucille chuckled lightly, before her eyes donned the meal in front of her, her brown irises widened as wide as the bed, speaking in such awe, "Oh my god, is that Friganele? I haven't had this in years and years."

The youngest Dimitrescu's smile was ever radiant as she nodded her head, while sipping her cup and placing it on her lap. Overjoyed, the meal selection was more than satisfactory to the French braided woman who had been through so much turmoil.

Clearly more hungry than she realized, Lucille picked up the delicious looking bread, bringing the first slice of three into her mouth. The sweet, moist, and mouth watering taste brought such delight to the young girl, to the point Lucille felt she was eating room service in some expensive hotel.

While indulging in such an excellent meal, she scanned eyes over the two slices and then brought her brown eyes to Daniela's yellow orbs, to which Lucille had a puzzled look and stopped eating for a second.

"Daniela, aren't you going to join me? There is more than enough."

Sipping the cup of tea, and swallowing the redhead just shook her head and spoke with a playful answer, "Ohh no you go right ahead Lucille, I've already eaten. Besides all this is gonna go to my hips, girl I gotta keep a good figure like this going." As Daniela answered, she brought a gloved finger to point at her body form.

The answer elicited a light laugh from Lucille, who went back to resuming her meal, but while laughing had to bring a hand to cover from nearby spitting crumbs out.

While continuing towards the second slice, Lucille just shook her head, amazed at how well the meal was done, "Daniela this is so amazing. Did you make it yourself l?"

The youngest Dimitrescu just gave a funny face, "Pffft, me? Uh uh. After my last attempt to make a family meal in the kitchen. Let's just say, I and the kitchen aren't very close friends anymore."

Both girls giggled in unison. But at a split second, that moment it all changed , Lucille's face went from a beautiful smile to sadness and while holding the second piece began to feel her brown eyes water.

Her face turned away from Daniela, and Lucille began to sniffle, as the redhead took a concerned expression tilting her head to try to get her guest to look her ways. Asking softly, "Hey Lucille, what's wrong hun?"

Shaking her head slowly, and taking one hand to wipe her eyes, Lucille spoke in an emotional but light tone, "I remember so well, like it was just yesterday. This was the last meal I got to have with mama and papa."

Yellow eyes widening at that, and still visibly concerned, Daniela asked dumbfounded, "Your last meal with your parents?"

Lucille merely nodded and began while looking down at the plate and cup in front of her, her tone soft and neutral,

"I had just turned 11 years old. I remember the day, summer, it was so beautiful on my parent's farm. It was a meal mama made for all of us. We all sat together at the table. We were talking and laughing just like we are doing now, Daniela."

Continuing her story, her tone became more emotional, "But despite how wonderful the meal was, I mean my brothers Anton and Victor were having a wonderful morning talking about some chores that needed to be done. But papa….that look he carried, he looked so worried and angry. Even mama was starting to look so scared. I decided to ask, what's wrong papa. He just looked my way and gave me such a warm smile and told me everything is okay, to eat and enjoy my day."

Daniela's face then took a saddened look, but merely nodded as the middle Raddu sibling breathed in and out slowly, continuing,

"I knew something was up because I remember seeing mama's eyes tear up. But we all ate, I was so scared that something bad was gonna happen. When we were done, we went about the day like nothing was gonna happen. I helped mama clean up and my brothers went outside to help papa with chores. I went outside to feed our chickens, and at some point, mama called Anton back into the house, after a few minutes he came back outside. He was…*sniff* wiping his eyes, went back to join Victor and papa."

Then a tear finally escaped Lucille's one brown eye, leaving the wet trail down her cheek, she continued, "It wasn't long after that…these men came. Papa called me Anton and Victor….*sniff* told us to get out of here…hide in the woods….*sniff* and if anything happened….to run as fast as we could….to our uncles farm."

Daniela then took her black glove off her hand, as a pale palm came to wipe the lonely tear off Lucille's cheek, but undeterred she continued,

"Something did happen, Anton watched and Victor….so young *sniff* covered my eyes, those men they….they….."

The red headed Dimitrescu would hear no more and pulled Lucille into a tight embrace, her hands tapping softly the girls back, speaking softly, "Shhh, I got ya girl, I got ya, you're okay with me, you're safe Lucille."

Daniela felt Lucille's warm tears begin to dampen the shoulder of her black robed dress, as the middle Raddu began to sob softly, practically mumbling, "They s-hot mama and papa….*huff* they killed *sniffle*…in front of me….the-y…looked at me…at us….oh my god Daniela…..*sniff* *huff* I…..was so scared."

Nothing to the redhead was more important to her than family, regardless of how many arguments or bickering matches she had with her sisters and even at times her mother. Daniela loved her family, there were already far too many close calls from so many attacks that nearly took her or her sister's lives.

Even the youngest Dimitrescu began to feel her eyes water, so saddened by the moments of trauma that this girl had gone through.

Daniela obliged to embrace Lucille for a few silent minutes, a chance to grieve and mourn the loss of people so special to her. After those moments had passed, the brown eyed Raddu lifted her head while wiping her eyes, still she looked with red swollen eyes into Daniela's yellow amber orbs, a look of desperation and voice overtook the Middle sibling,

"And that's why….I can't lose Anton…he's my only world….he and Victor are my only family I have left….I do have my uncle, my aunt …but Anton…I'm so scared…just seeing him in that bed…so helpless….and at this point I'm so scared…he maybe…he's."

Her golden eyes widened, the youngest Dimitrescu sprung into action, bringing a pointed finger and landing it on Lucille's lips, to which she took on a look of puzzlement.

Daniela used a soft voice, clicking her tongue to hush off Lucille's negative outlook on her brother. And also gave the middle Raddu girl, a bright smile,

"Hey….hey…hey, none of that you. Your brother, Anton is in the Dimitrescu house, for what he did for us, he will not die. My sister, the smartest, most wonderful person I know, she will make sure he's fine and looked after."

Then the youngest Dimitrescu daughter, handed a small napkin to help Lucille clean her tear stained eyes and nose. A small smile was the gratitude she received, and Lucille spoke, "Thank you…Daniela…I really needed that."

Still beaming with optimism, the redhead gave a playful wave of her bare pale hand, piping up, "Anytime, are you kidding me, my sister would not let anything happen to that man, he means the world to her since they have spent so much time together, and even kiss..." Her voice trailed off and the redhead hushed up right away, and her pale face turned extremely red in embarrassment.

The reaction from Lucille was absolute shock and awe, jaw nearly falling off and her brown eyes widening, while Daniela turned her entire body 90 degrees away from the face that Lucille had made. Her gloved hand covering her mouth, her breathing coming very shallow, Daniela brought a palm to her head with a sudden slap, cursing herself loudly,

"Dammit stupid….so stupid, Bela is gonna kill me. Oh my god I'm such an idiot, so much for Daniela Dimitrescu keeping her mouth shut."

Slowly closing her jaw, snapping out of the moment, Lucille felt a sense of admiration to this redhead, damned to the rumours and horrible things said about this family. Lucille's eyes brightened at this moment, respecting the youngest Dimitrescu greatly, her desire to love her family and loyalty to them to hold secrets even if one of those said family members accidentally let one slip.

An arm reached behind Daniela, grabbing her shoulder and forcing her to turn to face her. The redhead reluctantly did so, still holding a gloved hand to cover her mouth, her face taking on a combination of an embarrassed and terrified look.

All Lucille could do was give the redhead such a warm and wonderful smile, at the same time raised an eyebrow, speaking softly and slowly as if to check what Daniela had said, also brought a hand to try to pry the youngest Dimitrescu's hand away to no avail, Daniela was not talking.

"Hey Daniela…stop…you're not an idiot..talk to me."

The redhead vampire's reaction was a rapid shake of her head and a gloved hand covering her mouth so tightly, a muffled voice with widened and fearful yellow eyes, "Mmm mmm, it was supposed to be a secret."

But the middle Raddu sibling would not give in, her brown eyes showing such mirth and solitude, easing Daniela's anxiety, but still holding her firm position.

Lucille would give such a smile, so warm and her voice was anything like her mood which seemed….happy,

"Daniela, I'm not angry…I'm actually quite surprised and happy they have been together and shared a kiss."

As if the youngest Dimitrescu saw the woman across from her had grown an extra head, she slowly but shakingly brought her gloved hand off her mouth, an unsure tone to her voice,

"Your….not *gulp* mad?"

At that moment, Lucille gave such a brightened smile that lit the room up it seemed, speaking softly, "No I am not, surprised a little but definitely not mad, as a matter of fact, it's okay I won't say anything to Bela or anyone."

All Daniela could do was stare, her mouth still open wide, at which the brown eyed girl chuckled and spoke again, "Actually, I know to ensure we keep that secret good."

With that said, Lucille brought her one hand up, closing all her fingers except leaving her pinky finger sticking out. The redhead gave a puzzled expression, saying unsure, "What are you doing?"

The French braided woman giggled softly, while looking at her finger, "It's called a pinky swear silly." But all she got was a tilted head from a puzzled Daniela Dimitrescu, who clearly had no experience in this form of actions.

Lucille then reached for Daniela's hand bringing it forward, with a small amount of difficulty, finally got the redhead vampire's pinky to stick out, all at the same time a puzzled but smell smile creeped across the redhead's face amused, Lucille finally explained softly and smiling so brightly,

"Here you curl your fingers into the palm of your hand like this….okay, then you stick the pinky out like this…perfect. It's something me and Anton did a lot when we were younger and to this day, guess we have a lot of secrets on us."

Finally satisfied, Lucille interlocked her pinky with Danielas, who just looked into Lucille's amused brown eyes, finally continuing, "It means that we have promised to hold whatever secrets to ourselves, too never break a pinky swear." And with that both girls shook their pinky fingers together, swearing the secret would never leave their mouths.

Upon that deed, Lucille released her pinky along with Daniela, to which Lucille leaned forward, bringing a cupped hand over the side of her mouth, whispering, "So don't worry girl, your secret is safe with me always."

With that both girls giggled in unison, their bonding moment so warm and strong.

Lucille beaming with her beautiful smile continued, "Actually I couldn't be more happy seeing my brother with someone like Bela for a few good reasons."

Daniela smiled ear to ear, nodded clearly motioning Lucille to give those reasons of her blessing,

The brown eyed girl continued, "Bela is so beautiful, kind, friendly, and strong. Above all, Anton gave something that belonged to mama and put it on Bela. That's not something he'd give to just any woman. He wanted to give it to a special someone, that shares much of the same qualities as what mama had, and would know mama would love her just as much as Anton will. As far as my brother is concerned, she has his beautiful heart."

The redhead was just gushing and nearly tearing up at those warm words, "Awwww, that definitely sounds like my sweet sister."

With that Lucille nodded slowly, before rising off the bed, walking over to the massive oak dresser, it's design dating back to almost late 1800s. Her brown eyes scanned all around the lavish furniture of the youngest Dimitrescu bed chambers.

Brown eyes widening with every glance over every detail, spoke with such fascination, "Your room Daniela, is absolutely breathtaking, I feel like I'm living in such an old time line, doesn't it feel like we are in such a time when the world was a lot more peaceful?"

Daniela's face beamed in radiance, nodding before rising off her bed, bringing her yellow eyes in admiration over the design and architecture of her room, before speaking excitedly, "Oh it is something isn't it, yes those times were so wonderful, I remember living with mother and sisters back then."

Lucille raised an eyebrow, before speaking with sheer puzzlement written on her face, "You lived in those times? How is that possible? You look almost my age."

The redhead then looked at Lucille, biting on her lip not realizing she had let out something that wasn't recommended by Lady Dimitrescu to say to anyone. But the cat was out of the bag now, gave a sigh and spoke softly, "I may look your age Lucille, but the truth is…..I'm not…I am just over 135 years old."

The brown eyed girl's jaw had nearly fallen off, before uttering another word, Daniela continued walking slowly around the vast chamber, looking at the paintings all around, speaking in a somber tone, "I am not what you may expect Lucille…..I have a……condition, I have had it for a long long time. It requires me to….indulge in things I…..don't wanna do."

Lucille had a bit of a nervous look, her brown eyes deeply searching into what the youngest Dimitrescu was gonna say, but inclined to ask anyway, "What condition Daniela….like a disease? Is it fatal? And indulge in what you don't wanna do?"

A huffed sigh as Daniela, as she approached her large oak wood designed dresser, looking at her reflection in the massive mirror, a saddened look overtook her, she spoke nervously, "No…I mean I don't know..it's not fatal, at least as long as I'm not…I don't know…And indulge….in…..in…."

The more that the redheaded woman tried to find words, the more she stuttered, absolutely terrified of what Lucille may think, fearful of losing her friendship, her bond….her sisterhood. That she may run away or maybe even try to kill her.

She couldn't bear the shame anymore, and brought her gloved hand to cover her mouth slowly and shakingly, a sob went from light with huffs then went harder. Tears of guilt, shame and horror ran down the young Dimitrescu's pale face.

Just as Daniela consoled Lucille in her most vulnerable and pain riddled state, she sprung into return the favour, she would no longer let this mysterious woman beat herself up, though she suspected what the youngest Dimitrescu would say.

Approaching slowly, walking from behind Daniela, Lucille then wrapped her arms around the redhead's chest. The redhead just broke down in absolute endless tears, while bringing one gloved hand to place on top of the girl holding her. Her body quivering, Lucille spoke ever softly, "Hey Daniela…it's okay…we don't have to talk about it if you don't want to…just know I'm your friend…you don't have to be afraid of what I will say…friends are there for each other always."

Shaking her head, Daniela finally breathed in, while wiping her tears, finally brought herself to turn around, and face Lucille's concerned eyes but giving her brightened smile, speaking in such a saddened tone, "Your….my…..friend? But…..*sniff* if I tell you, you might hate me."

Lucille just shook her head lightly, still smiling with such a warm tone, placing two arms on Daniela's shoulders, "Mama always told me, a true friend walks alongside through the harshest of times, when the rest of your world walks out."

Wiping her tear stained eyes, widened at such compassionate words and smiled, "I don't know….it was so bad."

Rubbing Daniela's tense shoulders, Lucille brought her hand up curled into a pinky sticking out, smiling and speaking in her soothing tone, "I swear I won't hate you Daniela."

Immediately, while tears of joy came down, the youngest Dimitrescu daughter, huffed a sigh and slowly grinned, then connected her gloved pinky to the middle Raddu siblings.

Finally, Daniela spoke slowly, her yellow eyes carrying such unease, "This horrible condition I have…..it makes me have to consume…..human…..flesh and blood."

Bracing for the worst, Daniela immediately looked down and closed her eyes shut.

Lucille's reaction was her eyes narrowed to the floor, she spoke in a neutral but soothing tone, as if reciting a scripture, "My uncle and…..the village spoke of such stories and tales…"

The redhead brought her head up and opened her eyes slowly not before widening ever so, her yellow eyes in sheer disbelief at the next set of words,

Continuing, "Tales of a place, plagued with such vile evil. A dark woman with her daughters. That lived in such a place that consumed a thousand screams of men and another thousand more of women who parched the thirst of the dark ones. To those who looked into the demon's golden eyes, found forever into the eternity of pain and darkness."

After speaking, Lucille brought her brown eyes back to the widened yellow eyes of a puzzled and shocked Daniela Dimitrescu.

Huffing a sigh, "I cannot see such darkness in someone who has such pain, that like my brother said, to title and hate, without knowing the heart of someone. My uncle always told me to beware of coming into the Dimitrescu home. But there is no darkness in people that would give their heart, blood, sweat and tears to people unknown to their lives."

With that, Lucille gave a heart warming smile, to which Daniela began to feel tears well up and wrapped her arms in a near bone crushing embrace around her new best friend.

The redhead would've never fathomed in a hundred life times, someone with a heart so golden would exist amongst the villagers below, believing nothing but contempt, resentment, fear and loathing existed. But today, Daniela was proven so wrong by one of them who she didn't just consider a friend, or a best friend, but a sister she would do anything for.

The tears released in droves over Lucille's shoulder, as Daniela let out all her pain, misery and joy in that moment.

After a minute of silent weeping, the two broke their embrace, Lucille with that affectionate and radiant smile, huffed a joyful breath, before speaking again, "So you lived in those old days. Tell me what it was like. I've read stories and what not, but would've loved to see what those times were like."

Finally finishing wiping her eyes, Daniela spoke with a perky tone, "Oh those days girl, they were really something. So many wonderful people, and some very cute boys too."

Both girls giggled together, then Daniela went into a stare into one painting on her wall. The depiction scene of a woman sitting under a tree, with three smaller girls as they huddled together to which the woman was holding a book, Daniela began,

"I don't remember too much though, it was so long ago. I want to…I mean I believe I was someone who came here with an important role, like a maiden or something. But after that, it was really a blank to me."

As the redhead's golden amber orbs narrowed to which, Daniela was now playing with her fingers, before huffing a sigh and shrugging her shoulders.

After a few seconds of silence, Daniela's eyes widened and her mood became that of a playful child, beaming such a bright smile as she quickly walked up to Lucille, such excitement in her voice, "Oh my god, do ya wanna see something from those days I still have?"

The excitement that the redheaded Dimitrescu carried was considerably contagious as it beamed into Lucille now, who nodded enthusiastically.

To that, Daniela gave a playful giggle, then spoke with the same playful voice, "Okay. Wait here, I'll show you, now close your eyes and no peeking."

Lucille laughed loudly, and then closed her brown eyes, excitement and even a little nervousness overtook her.

The redhead quickly dashed off into a closet, for a few minutes. Noises could be heard of things either falling over or crashing lightly, still Lucille felt a little concerned, spoke loud enough, "Everything okay in there Daniela?"

A voice popped back, which seemed that the situation the red headed vampire was in was satisfactory, "Yup I am all good here. Be right out, and no peeking yet."

Slowly shaking her head but convinced, the brown eyed Raddu kept her eyes closed tightly.

After a few moments, Daniela finally slowly returned back from the closet. A radiant smile showing off her face, speaking with the same mocking French accent she greeted the middle Raddu sibling with breakfast, "Et Voila. You can open your eyes now."

To that, Lucille finally opened her eyes slowly to a mesmerizing sight, Daniela Dimitrescu in all her glory wearing a wide massive pink dress with straps hanging over her present dark robed dress. Although Daniela would hate to admit it, it was clearly five times too big, and Lucille became concerned that during Daniela's playtime, she might trip.

Surprisingly, the redhead did not but instead twirled so elegantly, Lucille couldn't help but stare in amazement and awe, "Oh my god…Daniela you look so stunningly beautiful. Where did you get that?"

Daniela giggled, before looking over the dress with her yellow eyes and gave a playful look and bowed, "Merci mademoiselle." To that she shrugged, smiling, "Ummm I'm not sure, some big country."

At that, her yellow eyes went from puzzlement to absolute joy as Daniela began performing a little show for Lucille, she began to shift her hip from one side then to the other playfully, "But oh la la la, look at me, my hips are here. My hips are there."

Lucille began laughing so hard, tears forming from such amusement, it had been so long since she had so much fun.

Then Daniela walked quickly towards Lucille, before turning around and pressing herself back towards the middle Raddu, laughing hysterically at this moment. The redhead brought her one black gloved hand towards her mouth, playfully embarrassed while looking behind giggling, "Oh my monsieur, pardon my behind."

Both were laughing so hard, tears were coming from both girls from such amusement.

But as wonderful as the moment was, the mood changed when a sound of what sounded like….dozens of birds flapping outside, the caws heard in the distance. The playful moment took a sense of seriousness, and Daniela carried an alarming look, to which she quickly approached her chamber window, still fresh with frost from the winter weather.

Lucille followed, carrying a sense of unease, as she approached Daniela now staring through the window at something approaching, a look of shock and awe.

The brown eyed girl didn't know whether to be scared but the question of what was happening overtook the fear, speaking softly, "Daniela…..what is it?"

The redhead just stared for a second in the distance, the haze of black birds coming into range, her yellow orbs focused before looking at Lucille, speaking in a near whisper, "Mother Miranda is coming here."

Lucille's brown eyes widened in shock, she knew of the woman, revered by all in the village, as the priestess. She had never met the highly respected woman personally but had attended a small number of sermons with many in the village during her time with Uncle Mihai and Aunt Ester. But her final approach to the castle elicited one deep thought from the brown eyed woman…

Is she here for Anton?

—————————————

The echoes launched across the wintry landscape and village below of dozens of darkened birds flying in the direction of the towering spires of Castle Dimitrescu.

Gathered together closely, with one carrying a large case with its claws, built of the shape-shifted form of the renowned priestess, Mother Miranda. The group of birds flew with all haste and speed across the chilled skies, their sole purpose, to oblige an urgent meeting and assistance from her most loyal of lords, Lady Alcina Dimitrescu.

She was the one person that not only Miranda entrusted with various tasks, advice and loyalty, but also a person that she could speak to on almost any matter, so that their discussions were held in such secrecy, not even Alcina's daughters had anything revealed to.

To that, Miranda greatly favoured and admired Alcina for such service, as well as her show of love and protection she gave to her children, something Miranda could relate to, as a mother not just to the lords and villagers, but her most special possession she had lost, her daughter Eva.

Stolen by such a sickness, that had ravaged much of the village and country, that made the bubonic plague almost pale in comparison. And her yearning needs to have her dear Eva back in her life.

Although many in the village considered the priestess mysterious and some intimidated, over the last few years Miranda took a whole different approach to her treatment of all around her, as is something she once had in her awakened.

She became an avid listener to everyone's concerns, worries, despairs, and blessings. From not just the local small village, but took it upon herself to visit various smaller towns and villages, usually adopting a more normal shape-shifted form of a woman carrying Miranda's exact face and body, but wore more common clothes around these areas, so as to not attract unwanted attention or instill fear.

In fact, she was overwhelmed by the sheer number of women and girls who pledged their bodies to volunteer to be the vessel or donor to help Miranda achieve her ultimate goal, regardless of their fate. Their gratitude for all that Miranda would provide families with medicines, food and other vital resources.

Initially taken aback, but also concerned Miranda didn't want to tear families apart, and opted on not conducting the most extreme of experimentations with the substance that granted such a power to her, the black fungal substance, the Cadou. She could not bring using some methods, to the point it nearly caused horrendous mutation or even death, she would not instill such pain to a loved one's family to the loss of their child, to make them feel the same pain as Miranda did.

Despite Miranda's knowledge and skills as an brilliant scientist, many of these experiments did not work, because she had opted usage with not as concentrated versions of the black fungus, but merely experimental phases of it, in doing so went a lighter approach, and to that it wasn't enough to work.

The women that volunteered were saddened and stricken with guilt, their thoughts that they had failed the priestess. But Miranda would only smile, saying she considered nobody a failure for pledging their body to give something that means such happiness to one and which she would too, put herself in the same position if it were one of her volunteers who asked for their deceased child to be reborn. Miranda thanked those women who had came to her pleas, blessing their souls, and wishing for nothing but happiness in their lives.

Regardless of how many attempts did not succeed, soon Miranda was acquiring letters now from many women and girls who received word from others, desiring to please the priestess with giving themselves as a donor.

One letter that had come to Miranda, came from a 31 year old Jewish woman from the nearby town of Lasi, Alina Luca. The priestess went through the letter, the woman was mother to a very sick 7 year old girl, who offered her body as a vessel in exchange for medicines from the priestess, as her family had little money to help save the little girl.

Miranda, her heart bleeding from the pain that Alina and her family were going through and not wanting to see a mother lose their child l, something so painful that she endured. Wrote immediately back, that she was happy to accept her arrangements and would see her the following week to bring her back to the village.

It was a most unfortunate day for the two. Although the skies were beautiful blue, the sun shining, the air refreshingly warm, almost as if Miranda sensed her daughter Eva looking down. Something in her that morning she awoke, gave her a sense of such hope, she would see her daughter once again.

Miranda had shifted into her black bird form for the flight to Lasi, then once arriving in the town took shape in the form of her normal body but wearing a beautiful floral designed dress and dark heels. She was in an absolute delightful mood for what she was having such high hopes to come.

As Miranda came closer to the street that Alina's family resided. Her brown eyes widened at the screams and yelling occurring on the donor's street. Miranda ran to a scene she would never forget again.

As the priestess came around the corner, she was witness to the absolute horrors around her. Over a dozen men, dressed in dark green shirts, black pants, with leather straps across their chests, were causing such a terrified scene carrying with them clubs, lead pipes, rifles and pistols.

The scene for the many on the street, clearly a Jewish neighborhood, was so many elderly men and women, younger couples and their children, being victimized. Screams of anguish and terror echoed across. People were being thrown onto trucks. Some were being beaten badly or randomly shot but these barbaric men. Homes and businesses with smashed windows, furniture and valuables looted and stolen.

Amongst such a dreadful scene, Miranda could only stare bringing one hand to cover her mouth, trembling at the one horrific sight before her, her dark eyes watering.

On the ground lay the donor, Alina Luca. A round hole through the centre of her head, oozing blood out onto the pavement where she laid. Wearing a most beautiful green dress, her brown shoes, her hair and makeup done. She was looking clearly so forward to helping Miranda's dream come true, now she laid on the ground on her side, her green eyes still open as if holding a sorry expression looking directly into Miranda.

Before Miranda could even blink an even worse moment came about. She looked to a house, where she witnessed the unthinkable. Two men came to a balcony of one of the damaged homes, pushing a wheelchair with a small blonde girl sitting on it.

A true sense of terror was felt like nasty bile in Miranda's throat, as she sensed this was Alina's sick daughter. Then the moment happened as if in slow motion, watching the terrified little girl's face.

The two green shirted men lifted the wheelchair together over the balcony, and turned it to its side, sending the screaming child to the pavement below, some 10 feet off the ground. Her body made a clump on the ground, to which became absolutely motionless.

Miranda could hold back no more, tears freely came about of her dark eyes, she cried openly at the serene moment of absolute horror. She never believed humans to be capable of such heinous actions, that overdid whatever she had been a witness to from the cellar of the middle Dimitrescu, Cassandra's actions.

A sense of rage overtook her at the same time, and Miranda knew she could obtain her robed form and use her powers sending her tendrils to slay these despicable green shirted men for their murder spree. But held off, it would accomplish nothing, revenge would not bring back Alina or her deceased daughter now.

Miranda turned away and ran out of town, to which on the outskirts shortly, shifted back into her black bird form and flew the creature's caws, echoing the cries of all those innocent people who had died this day.

By the time she had reached the village, she landed not at her laboratory but at the steps of Castle Dimitrescu. Wiping her eyes, she opened the massive doors and entered into the main hall, barely holding her emotions together and called out to Alcina.

Lady Dimitrescu was not far and utterly surprised to see the priestess, to whom she requested to speak Alcina in private. The two went to Alcina's chambers in private, not heard from for what seemed like hours.

After almost sunset, the two emerged from the study to the stunned faces of the Dimitrescu daughters, Miranda nodded at the three girls clearly shaken and with tear stains on the priestess face, she took her leave from the Dimitrescu home.

At that point, the youngest Daniela looked at the shocked face of her mother and asked if everything was okay or what had happened. All Alcina could reply with a neutral tone, that it was the only time she had ever seen Mother Miranda cry so openly.

And from that moment, Miranda had changed her experiments on women and other villagers had almost come to a halt. Her mood and personality around the village and the lords was that of quiet, reserved and saddening but embraced the family as if it was her own. To value their lives, feelings and actions far more than what she did not so much do.

The last meeting was centred around hostility to villagers and towards Alcina's conduct to the discipline imposed around her castle staff for minor infractions, all this must cease effective immediately. Too many attacks had been launched, mostly at Castle Dimitrescu, too much unwanted attention and raged had built towards the lords.

Only in defence of the family, would the lords be allowed to attack.

But above all, Miranda pledged that nobody in the family or village would be harmed, she would protect all, to not allow this war to be waged across the lands.

Now at this moment, as her shape shifted form of birds were slowly coming down towards the earth and onto the front steps of Castle Dimitrescu, she was to show her form of gratitude and mercy, after hearing of another and near fatal attempt at the Dimitrescu family.

More shocking, was the Alcina included in her discussion the family protected by an man, who obtained a profession as the Duke's assistant.

To that end, Miranda would do all in her power to try to save the man, Anton Raddu, she knew of the family and their contributions from the Uncle and Aunt to the community as well as valued the Duke's services in the delivery of vast supplies from equipment to her lab to the various other items.

As soon as her form reached the ground, she returned to that of the black robed priestess, not wearing her unusual gold beaked mask, but her long black hair and soft face, as she approached the massive doors of the castle, she brought her one hand and knocked loudly.

The door was answered by a middle aged auburn coloured maid, medium build with blue eyes, bowing at the sight of the priestess carrying a look of concern on her, the maiden bowed and spoke softly,

"Welcome priestess, to Castle Dimitrescu. The countess and his lordship are expecting you."

Miranda, just a soft smile and nodded while carrying a large brown leather case. At that moment, the priestess was approached by Alcina, Heisenberg and Bela.

Alcina in her massive towering size, looked down at Miranda with soft yellow eyes, giving a bow before speaking softly, "Welcome to my home Mother Miranda, I am so pleased you were able to acquiesce to my request so quickly."

Miranda nodded at Lady Dimitrescu and then at Heisenberg and the eldest Dimitrescu daughter who slightly bowed at her. Finally speaking, a neutral but with a soft tone, "I am pleased to see you all in good health, and little harm done from these ignorant foolish men who dare attack this house."

Bela could only stare with content yellow eyes, but chewing her lip nervously, unsure what was to come, and more importantly if Miranda would even be able to save that man held so dear to the blonde vampire's heart, Anton. She banished that thought and held strong and faithful for the best outcome she could hope for.

But her concealment of such a nervous look did not succeed, Miranda eyed the blonde Dimitrescu's expression, and approached slowly to within a few feet and finally spoke, softly, "Hello my child. I've been told you arranged and looked after Mr. Raddu quite well."

Bela blushed, but shyly nodded although her tone showed some sadness when she responded, "Thank you Mother Miranda. I have given the best care as required of me. I….sadly how nothing more I can give Mr. Raddu….he is quite…*gulp*…ill."

Miranda just gave a serene smile, nodding and placing a hand on the blonde woman's shoulder, speaking softly, "Do not condemn yourself for any further inaction child. You have given the man all you could. I am here to help whichever I can."

Bela just slowly nodded but her golden amber orbs carried mirth and hope, that it was possible for this nightmare to end, that Anton could be saved.

To that Miranda, beckoned to the three in the hall and spoke firmly, "I must speak to all of you in private about the next course of actions."

Alcina nodded at that and spoke, "Yes Mother Miranda, let us continue in my study."

With that said, the three accompanied Mother Miranda to the private room.

—————————————

Once in the vastly large study, the priestess approached the large ornate wooden desk, placing her case on the table. Opening the case and pulling out a large jar of a midnight black coloured looking fungus, setting it softly on the table.

The three in the room, just carried such widened eyes, Heisenberg's face took on a shade of red and anger was clearly seen. Before anything could be spoken, Alcina directed her attention to her eldest daughter, speaking softly, "Bela dear. Please can you return to Mr. Raddu and monitor his condition."

The blonde carried a very tense and nervous look, but reluctantly obliged, nodding and speaking, "Yes mother." And at that took her leave to return to the guest room with Anton.

Once Bela had departed, Mother Miranda turned to face both Lady Dimitrescu and Heisenberg, while holding the jar of the blackened substance, speaking, "I believe I can assist with helping not only heal Mr. Raddu. But it requires me to do a procedure that I am unsure of the outcome."

The two merely stared although Heisenberg wanted to interject, Miranda continued stopping the lord in his tracks, "What I am going to use, is this form of the Cadou. Many years ago, I had experimented with a small concentrated form to test the regenerative capabilities of human cells with it. Through doing it, I had obtained incredible success and also some failure."

While looking at the jar, the priestess continued, "It will carry quick regenerative powers if used on a human, and will not assimilate the rest of his body nor catalogue him with the black god."

Finally huffing a sigh, continued with an unsure tone, "But it can only be used once. For when it is placed into Mr. Raddu's body will help eject any bacteria from the body and help the damaged cells repair and heal rapidly. However, I am unsure of the side effects or if it will work at all because it has not been used in many years."

Alcina nodded slowly, accepting the conditions but Heisenberg was not so convinced and spoke firmly, "Mother Miranda. C'mon isn't there any other way or method you can use? It could kill Mr. Raddu as you just said."

The priestess saw the concern in Heisenberg's brown eyes, and shook her head, speaking softly, "I wish I had more to give, but this is all I have to provide the man. Time is also short, we cannot afford further inaction if we are to save Mr. Raddu."

Finally Alcina spoke up, loudly and with almost a desperate tone, "I accept the circumstances we are faced with Mother Miranda, as he is in my care, please proceed."

Heisenberg looked as if he wanted to tear the room apart, his teeth gritting, he promised to watch and protect Anton already once to the man's uncle and late father, and now he felt like he had failed. Finally huffing a defeated sigh, spoke, "I…..accept what you must do as well Mother Miranda."

Nodding, the priestess spoke one more time to the two lords, "Once this is done, you must not speak about this to anyone outside of this room. If told to anyone in the village or to Mr. Raddu or his family, there could be hostility and anger, we do not need any more aggression brought against our family."

Both lords nodded and spoke in unison, "Yes Mother Miranda."

Finally the priestess satisfied with the answers, took her leave from Alcina's study, opening the door and proceeding to the guest room, leaving the two lords alone.

At that, Heisenberg took his hat off and brushed his greasy strands of light hair, huffing a sigh, looked at his sister, speaking, "I hope this works Alcina."

Lady Dimitrescu had already lit a cigarette and blew thin air, sitting on an oversized plush red chair, before speaking but not looking at Heisenberg, "So do I Karl."

—————————————-

Sitting on the bedside, holding the eldest Raddu sibling's hand, was a pale hand rubbing soft circles on top of the motionless but warm palm.

Bela could only stare with her deepened yellow eyes over the sleeping form of this dear special man to her. Although the mood was relaxed and soothing in the room, Bela's was not, just carrying far too much anxiety and nervousness.

She did not know if Mother Miranda had arrived too little too late. If the infection had spread to more of a point that it was futile and even…….fatal.

All Bela could do is keep her man comfortable, her black gloves removed and soft fingers running through Anton's brown sweaty hair. Only his breathing kept the blonde woman at such ease. And for the first time in her life, she felt such powerful emotions she did not expect herself to have…towards this man that she first hated and was digested with…but in time began to feel something, she never thought she would have, Bela spoke to the man resting, soothing and softly with watery yellow eyes,

"Anton….I know you can hear me. You cannot die…you have so many people that want you alive to hear your laugh, to see your amazing drawings, to see you carry through life with such an incredible heart…..the truth is I cannot lose you…you are my world….my everything…you saved me more than once and not just me….but my family too…I am eternally grateful to you. But you cannot leave, I need you so much….you once said to me that day when you were delivering our supplies here….you have me that gorgeous rose..*sniff* …there are many flowers in a man's life, but *sniff* there can be only one rose….I have kept it still *sniff*…and will always keep it because of what you mean to me…because I am so truly happy to be your one rose…..because I know in my heart…..*sniff*…I love you…I love you so much Anton Raddu and *sniff*….I'll never stop loving you….and I will always be here for you."

With her true feelings poured, and tears slowly escaping her eyes trailing down her pale cheeks, Bela leaned in to plant a soft and slow kiss, her dark lips embracing the person that had stolen her heart.

At that moment, the door to the guest room opened, snapping Bela away from the man to look in the direction of Mother Miranda entering into the room carrying a mysterious large jar, holding something dark in it.

The blonde woman was desperate to save this man but felt strangely uneasy and felt shivers up her spine, something she felt was gonna happen and wasn't sure if it was a good sign.

Still Bela stood up from the bed, quickly wiping her eyes, and smiled as genuine towards the woman entering the guest room approaching her and Anton slowly, speaking softly and quietly, "Hello Mother Miranda."

The priestess returned a small smile, looking at the blonde vampire carefully, clearly seeing tear stains across the woman's pale face, and spoke gently, "Hello my child. Any change in Mr. Raddu's condition?"

To that, the eldest Dimitrescu merely huffed a sigh and shook her head, speaking "I am sorry…he had still now awakened."

Nodding slowly, with her fingers drumming the glass jar, Miranda approached closer to the eldest Raddu's bedside.

Bela's golden amber orbs went from the priestess to the jar held in her two hands, suspicious of what she was planning to do, but still this woman may be the only salvation for Anton to live. Still inclined to ask, Bela spoke shyly, "Mother Miranda, what is that you have?"

The priestess was neither surprised nor angered to be asked such a question, but merely smiled softly, answering, "It is something….that I truly feel can help this man."

Although unconvinced, Bela simply nodded allowing Miranda to begin her work. While at the same time, gripping her pale fingers around the locket on her neck nervously.

The tension in the room was nearly unbearable, but still Miranda proceeded. Approaching Anton's body she lowered the blankets over his upper half and lifted his drenched in sweat shirt above the waistline.

Miranda's brown eyes widened at the sight when she took off the bandages around Anton's sternum, the discolouration and swelling where the two major puncture holes indicated that the infection had been going on for sometime, still the priestess but her faith into what the black Cadou could do to rectify the situation and clear the infection for good…hopefully.

Not wasting anymore time pondering, Miranda opened the jar and pulled the substance out. It resembled that of a small black squid creature, with waving tentacles almost looking like some monstrous creature. And the odour that emanated from it was ever vile and disgusting, so bad that Bela had to cover her mouth feeling almost nauseated and nearly lurching from the sight and smell of whatever Miranda was using.

Even her yellow eyes widened as they were, and had started to squint almost burning from the smell of this horrendous thing being used. Bela had so much going through her mind….

Is this even going to work? Where did this even come from? What is this even called? Oh my god please get rid of it…it smells so bad….no…Bela hold it together it will cure Anton…

At that moment, Miranda grabbed the squishy gooey substance and placed it on Anton's stomach, smearing it's goo across the punctured areas of the skin.

Then nothing prepared Bela for the sight she would witness then. The black fungus began to slither like that of a darkened serpent, and began to enter into the holes where Anton was wounded from the deadly arrows.

Her golden eyes widened and her hand coming off her mouth slowly, staring in disbelief, watching and slowly creeping forward to almost alongside where Miranda stood.

The two watched in shock and hope , as the parasite-like substance was seen moving inside the man's lower stomach.

Then at that, the movement stopped, a green almost yellow fluid came out of the wounds sliding down the man's stomach onto the covers to his side. But even more shocking the colour started to change around the sternum area of Anton, losing its bright colour and began taking on a normal skin colour. And the puncture holes had sealed as well. It was a miracle.

The blonde Dimitrescu could only continue to stare in absolute fascination and feel a sense of a smile creep slowly on her face, it seemed like whatever was placed into Anton's body was working.

But nothing prepared the two for what would happen over the next moment, of absolute terror witnessed in the yellow eyes of the eldest Dimitrescu.

At that, Anton's body snapped high off the bed, and began furiously shaking, his teeth gritting and his painful grunts overtaking, as if something possessed the man. Constantly bouncing off the bed in such violent convulsions.

Bela was mortified at this scene, and stepped forward to try to do whatever to save the man in whatever state of what was happening to him. Launching herself forward, Mother Miranda stopped Bela just mere feet, receiving a harsh angry and shocked look from the eldest Dimitrescu daughter.

Speaking with such panic, "Mother Miranda, what are you doing, we have to help him…please do something."

Mother Miranda looked directly into such panic stricken and freshly ready yellow eyes, speaking firmly, "I cannot do anything, the process has started. We have to let it finish. We have to wait."

The blonde woman had angry tears, she couldn't believe this was happening right now, she felt so helpless enough not being able to do anything before to help Anton get better, and now when there was a chance that he could be saved, the priestess she respected would not let anything be done. Bela was outraged and flabbergasted with the lack of action being done.

Then as sudden as Anton's body convulsed, it stopped and his body that was practically levitating, slammed hard to the bed. And the next horrifying sight happened. Anton laid absolutely motionless, worse he stopped breathing.

Mother Miranda's eyes widened as large as saucers, she did not expect this, and motioned the blonde Dimitrescu to make room. The priestess approached the man's still form slowly.

Bela could only stand and stare, her heart was sunk and nearly shattered, but only that was a tip of the iceberg to come.

She watched Miranda stand beside Anton, lowering to the man's level, and placing a thumb to the man's throat. The look that Miranda had was enough, and then those brown eyes penetrated the yellow ones in their widest state of Bela.

Nothing had ever made the eldest Dimitrescu daughter feel so numb. She could not believe it….she would not believe it.

Mother Miranda stood, looking down for a second and then deeply into Bela, speaking with such a somber tone, "Bela…..I am truly sorry….he is dead."

The first feeling that came was nausea, then anger, then denial, then just too much. It felt like Bela's mind would explode, she stepped back her hand held up directing the priestess to stop, "No….no….Mother Miranda no…..your wrong….he's fine….he's just sleeping, Anton is fine…..Anton wake up, your fine…"

But as much as she could be angry or in such denial, the tears couldn't stop coming, running down Bela's pale soft cheeks. Then the panic breaths, as if her lungs were going to explode.

Mother Miranda carried such a look of sorrow and concern, and approached Bela trying to place a hand on the blonde woman that was shattered beyond belief. The blonde woman pushed the hand away, snapping with such fury, "HE IS NOT DEAD….HE IS FINE…"

Bela ran up at that point up to Anton, landing on the bed hard. Unable to practically see the man in front of her, as her golden amber orbs were blinded so bad by the endless stream of tears. The blonde Dimitrescu began to tremble so hard, but went into absolute panic and started to shake Anton's limp body, then smacking his cheeks, practically screaming,

"Anton…dammit wake up now…your not doing this to me…wake the fuck up now…Lucille wants to see you and everyone….stop this now and wake up….don't leave me please.."

It was hopeless and Bela knew that too, bringing a gloved hand to her mouth, the sobs that started soft…got harder…and harder….and harder…the blonde woman's body was shaking, the heartache too much to bear,

She had lost the only man she truly felt such strong feelings of love…she felt like such a failure to her family, to Lucille, and most importantly to herself.

Broken, she could only land her trembling body, her arms crossing over her face as the tears and wails of her pain released onto her lover, having to witness the harshest of times that Bela Dimitrescu had ever experienced.

An hand came to the blonde Dimitrescu's shoulder, a soft voice spoke of Mother Miranda almost in tears to that of the broken woman, grieving a loss too hard to endure,

"Bela….we should go….and tell the others…I am so sorry it didn't work."

Finally finding some strength in her, Bela lifted her head, her face swollen so red from tears and nostrils flared with such fluid coming from, she spoke softly not facing the priestess, "Please Mother Miranda…you can go….I want to say goodbye to Anton…"

At that simple request, Mother Miranda merely nodded. Not saying a word, picked up the jar and quietly left the room, closing the door ever silently.

Yet something deep in Bela, brought her to put faith in much more than just science and medicine, faith in her unshakeable love…her desire to be with man even if hell froze over…she found the strength to lift her still trembling body off of Anton and the bed. Now standing over the man motionless.

The blonde woman brought her hand to hold onto the dear locket so close to her, tightening a grip around it as if holding her heart, closed her eyes and spoke so softly but huffing and sniffling in between, Bela began,

"Mrs. Raddu. It's me Bela again. *sniff* I promised you I would always look after your son…*sniff* …and I mean to fulfill that promise…please do not take Anton away….he's so young…*sniff*…he has not experienced so much wonderful parts of life….*sniff*….he has such a golden heart, he is an incredible man….and I want to share so much of my life *sniff* with him…everyday…I want to laugh with him….grow angry at him…*sniff*…see more of his drawings…just to enjoy such peace…I love him so much…*sniff*…please don't take him away from me….I will forever give him my heart….*sniff* and I will never hurt him or break his heart…just give him back to me and I'll never do another wrongful thing in my life again…"

As much as Bela wished for the prayer to be heard, she opened her eyes slowly to which Anton just laid there, not moving or breathing….it was hopeless…it was over…

Huffing a shaking defeated sigh, Bela could only turn away, unable to process in her mind what she would say to everyone, and began walking towards the door to the guest room to bring such dreadful news.

Just as her pale hand wrapped around the door knob, a whiff of wind passed by Bela's face and golden hair, as if something touched her. But more importantly, something stopped her from leaving and she somehow felt a reason to turn around to a sight that her yellow eyes would never believe in a thousand life times…

Turning with such widened eyes, now seeing a man who had thought to have passed, was breathing and even more incredible opening his eyes slowly.

Anton was awake.

Her pale hand cupped the blonde Dimitrescu's mouth, such disbelief, fresh tears welling in her yellow eyes, a slow approach as if Bela was in a dream.

Anton was awake, blinking slowly and then brought his ocean coloured blue eyes to bear and deeply penetrate into the shocked yellow orbs of Bela, a woman who never expected this moment to happen, it was too good to be true.

As Bela had finally come to the bedside, with tears running down of such joy, she sat slowly down beside this man. Bringing her pale hand to hold onto the man so tightly, too never wanting to let go.

Finally bringing the hand off her mouth still held open, Bela smiled so widely, she was with her man, Anton. Alive.

Anton spoke first, very incoherently and mumbling, "Bela…"

Squeezing the hand so hard, all that the blonde woman could respond with is, "Hey…yes it's me. I'm here."

Speaking clearly with difficulty, "Bela….your…okay."

Nodding between sniffles and tears, "Yes Anton….You saved me….You saved all of us, it's over."

Nodding slowly, but speaking again clearly remembering a key detail, "Cassandra….okay?"

Bela nodded, fresh tears welling up at her man's selfless actions that saved her dear sister who she loved deeply, regardless of what fights ensued, "She's okay…you saved her Anton…I cannot thank you enough."

A lone tear escaped the man's one blue eye, speaking, "Are….you…mad…at…me?"

Bela gave a puzzled teary eyed look, "Mad? Anton, why would I be mad at you? You did so much for me."

Anton could only respond but his blue eyes showing guilt, "Didn't…..listen….didn't…stay…put."

The blonde vampire, merely shaking her head with a teary chuckle, finally brought her head with golden hair around the side of the man's face, blue eyes so deep with joy and mirth.

Speaking so softly, "No you didn't stay put…but in doing as you weren't told you saved my sister, and me and my family…I cannot thank you for everything you have done for me Anton Raddu. And now you are back to me…and I don't care who knows about us anymore…I just want to be with you forever Anton…you hear me…never leave me again….I love you so much.."

Anton's eyes in such disbelief, and feeling tears escaping his eyes, spoke softly, "I….love…you…Bela….Dimitrescu…will……..never….leave…you…my….beautiful….rose.."

Both cried at the end of that, sharing the moment with such a deep kiss, the love the two would carry as they would be there no matter what would come their way, the hearts bound.

Authors notes:

-I took a crazy gamble at this one, as it was under heavy debate of how I was gonna deal with Mother Miranda and the healing of Anton Raddu. So I took a swing with introducing the mold used into Anton's body to help the healing process and cure his infection, damned with canon or non canon. As well as giving Miranda a less evil approach, as to me she's a mother who lost her child and would go to whatever lengths to bring her deceased child back. Whether people enjoy it or not is really up to you all, she will come more into the story later on as well as the Cadou.

-Friganele used in this is basically Romanian French toast, highly recommended for anyone to try, my hunger was growing in that scene when Dani did room service.

-Historical Note: The darkest of parts with Miranda witnessing the Jews being murdered and beaten did happen in the actual town of Lasi, just not early January but late. Similar to the Night of Broken Glass in Nazi Germany a few years prior, happened here done by right wing activists known as the Iron Guard Legion, that went nuts on Jews, otherwise known as the Lasi Progrom. The government official, Ion Antonescu had all those Legion people arrested shortly after, to look like a saint to the rest of Romania, thus securing his rise to power and becoming leader in 1941. Scary times /

-Anyways many thanks for everyone who's read and commented and given kudos, more to come for our loving couple of Bela and Anton I guess shipped as Banton…lol…thank you everyone…I'll give more soon :D