How a Dimitrescu Heart Beats

by Steiger4045

After an argument ensues after a stressful day with Bela Dimitrescu and her sisters. A quiet getaway turns into something that will build into much more than the eldest Dimitrescu discovered

12. Chapter 12 - Reunion

How a Dimitrescu Heart Beats

Chapter 12 - Reunion

Castle Dimitrescu

Romania

January 1, 1941

The footsteps echoed across the dimly lit hallway of the vast mansion, made in slow movement from a robed dark haired woman. Mother Miranda had just left the guest room, her head swimming with thoughts of the unthinkable that had just transpired, another failed experiment with the Cadou, and another victim taken amongst the thousands of others to its rejection of allowing the parasite to do its work.

What went wrong? The sole question raced through the priestess's mind, torturing her so.

She already accepted her profession working with science and medicine that regardless of how much experience, skills, knowledge, and resources available, there was never a guarantee always for success especially when working with the black substance.

No further proof was needed from the past showing with the countless villagers and even the lords and their constituents, although that came with more mutation and deformation than fatal after results.

But perhaps it wasn't the mold too, perhaps the infection had spread through the man's blood stream and had been far past the time that any medical attention either she or Lady Dimitrescu provided was far beyond a time to fix anything.

Regardless of what it was, it was hard enough to swallow that the experiment was a failure, and that Miranda had gambled with a human life and lost.

Perhaps had she done a better job, assessed the wound or weapon that caused such, could have provided her with answers perhaps even medicine to develop an antidote for this illness, that proper action would've helped than just throwing something that she knew would come to such a fatal result would happen.

Anger and fury seethed like a hot kettle just boiling deep in the priestess like no other. And the reality that she came to a conclusion, that no other human would be tested with such a method again. And that she would like other means in her research to find a solution to resurrect her dear Eva.

Above all, the secret had to be kept from not just the other lords, but the village as well. To hear that one man sacrificed to the black god's power, would most likely stir fear, outrage, resentment, and a loss of trust amongst the great priestess.

But this was not the time to dwell on potential chaos, Miranda now braced for the impactful moment to come. Although she did not expect neither Alcina and Heisenberg to potentially exhibit such painful emotions like that of what Bela had shown, there was a great sense of embarrassment that their revered leader, who was supposed to know it all, failed, and lost control of such a situation.

Perhaps the worst hurt came from the moment in the guest room for Alcina's daughter Bela, to look so upset, so hateful at the priestess.

Miranda had originally made the blonde vampiric Dimitrescu to be just another enforcer in the group of siblings to maintain order amongst the village and castle. She was astonished by the level of maturity, integrity and well mannered the eldest had become. Bela's acute and rabid fascination in biology, chemistry, medicine, anatomy, astrology, and understanding also how to help run the Dimitrescu wine business was beyond anything that the other lords, let alone what Miranda expected. It was also through such an ability as a fast learner, careful and cautious that Bela was revered as someone who would advise, assist and help lead the Dimitrescu family in the event some unfortunate event would've happened to Alcina.

Miranda would find herself discussing with the eldest Dimitrescu frequently on matters the blonde woman had read and studied, and through that connection a mutual trust. Bela was loyal as Alcina was to the priestess and the other lords and villagers, but bonded fairly well, although Miranda didn't share all her research and findings, but assist with reading and providing supplies acquired from the Duke to provide to Miranda.

Now, all seemed shattered, the trust, bonding, acceptance that Miranda was a failure too rash and quick before understanding what was needing to be done.

Finally, the dark haired woman approached the private of Lady Dimitrescu, huffing a small breath, and opened the door.

Upon entering the lavish room, the dark haired woman observed only the two lords were present in the room, Alcina Dimitrescu and Karl Heisenberg.

The countess was seated on a large chair, just putting out a cigarette in a glass ashtray that already contained a number of finished cigarettes in it. Heisenberg was standing in front of the window looking out, his back turned but faced Miranda once she entered.

The room was filled with the mood of tension and silence, Alcina spoke first her expression remained composed and neutral but her voice, seemingly hopeful, "Mother Miranda. Did everything go as you planned?"

Closing her dark eyes for a second, Miranda finally spoke firmly with no emotion, "I regret to inform, that the accident did not proceed with satisfactory results."

Heisenberg was becoming annoyed and removed his sunglasses, approaching the priestess and glared firmly into the woman, "Meaning what exactly?"

Alcina gave her brother a nasty look, "Heisenberg watch your manners."

But the priestess would not allow any more bickering at that point, placing a palm up, huffing another defeated sigh, "The results did not work in the young man's favour. It also means that I regret to inform you that he has passed from this world."

Allowing the words to process into the two lords for what seemed like an eternity, their reactions were staring at one another with mouths open then back at the priestess trying to figure what else to say.

Another breath in and out slowly, "I am afraid I no longer possess anything else to assist with Mr. Raddu, I give my condolences for the loss of the Duke's assistant, as I am aware his services were of great benefit to you both, as well as condolences to his family, I am fully aware they were a close acquaintance with you Heisenberg."

The man was aghast, he didn't overly publicize his social life with the Raddu family to anyone in the family, equally shocked as he was at that mention was Alcina, giving her brother a confused look.

Before the countess could say another word, Miranda continued, "Again I do remind the two of you that what had transpired and resulted, must not leave this room to anyone."

Both nodded, although Karl was surging with hidden fury in his gut, at how cold the woman was being and so insensitive as to treat such a good man like Anton Raddu, as if a mere number in Miranda's sick experiments. But fought the urge to let out such feelings, it would accomplish nothing. Anton was dead, reunited with his parents. Now the hardest part was to give the grave news to the sweet and innocent beautiful sister of his, Lucille.

Alcina then looked around behind Miranda, confused as to why her eldest daughter, Bela had not accompanied the priestess with the news. Although she had some gut feeling since she had seen the way her daughter's golden amber orbs looked so deep into that man thing's form. Not to mention, Karl letting the countess know how it was clear to him so well, that Bela had fallen in love with the man that had passed in her guest room.

A sense of dread, guilt and somehow…relief overcame the mood of Lady Dimitrescu, that in Bela's absence might have been an acceptable matter. But the dread and guilt, of the feelings that her daughter would be feeling over the loss of someone she felt such a close bond to, and Alcina carried such strong resentment of men, that she did not care to talk about with her dear Bela about this man in her life. But a relief that perhaps, the man's passing would help the blonde woman get over such a loss, and with comfort provided would eventually carry on with other matters in life.

Returning to the moment, Alcina still pushed the question, "Where is Bela? Mother Miranda, I thought she was with you."

Huffing a sigh, the robed woman slowly shook her head, before looking to Alcina with eyes of sadness, "She requested a moment…to say goodbye to Mr. Raddu. I am sure she will be out shortly."

Nothing more was needed, Alcina's suspicions were now practically confirmed, her daughter Bela had such strong feelings for the man. But in that sense, it did make sense as Anton did sacrifice his life so Bela could live on, but the countess couldn't help but feel a sense and wanted to just hold the definite heartbroken woman down the hall.

Alcina just nodded while frowning at that, whilst Heisenberg let out a small smirk, but faded quickly feeling pain towards his niece's feelings of such grief at that moment, which would only be a tip of the iceberg compared to the emotional trauma and outburst that Lucille would show.

Then Mother Miranda proceeded to the window, which she opened up letting in such brisk icy winds and air, to that end Alcina was thankful Bela was not in the room at that time. Miranda then turned to face the two lords, their expressions showing that of focus and attentive listening, the robed woman spoke,

"I will take my leave now. I hope that my orders of the secrecy of this matter were clear."

Both in unison, "Yes Mother Miranda."

Finally, the priestess gave a deep look into the yellow orbs of Lady Dimitrescu, her voice with a soft and sympathetic touch, "Please ensure to let your daughter, Bela know that I am most pleased with the care and effort she provided to Mr. Raddu. And that I am sorry that the experiment did not work better."

Alcina slowly nodded, then Miranda looked to the floor for a second, before giving a very deep look and talk of advice to the matriarch, "Finally Alcina, as a mother to another mother, Bela is going to be in a lot of pain. Comfort her, be close and hear your daughter out. Above all continue that close care to her, as any mother would to their dear child."

Nothing had ever happened like that before from the revered priestess's mouth before either of the lords, and Alcina could only stare in disbelief at the emotional parenting advice provided by the robed woman.

Alcina nodded, a soft response, "Yes Mother Miranda."

And without another word, the woman turned to the window before shifting her form into a dozen black birds and flew out the window away from the castle, flapping across the dense frigid skies.

Once Miranda had left, Alcina was left merely staring off, silent and thinking over the priestess's words. The silence was shattered in a million pieces by Karl Heisenberg walking up to the window and slamming the glass with almost enough force to shatter the expensive aperture.

The action snapped and even caused Alcina to jump, glaring practical daggers at the scruffy man and almost feeling a need to slice her brother to pieces, "Damn you Heisenberg, be careful. Break anything in my home, and I'll break your.."

At that, Heisenberg snapped right around with such rage, "She killed that man Alcina! Mother Miranda killed Anton!"

Alcina was still visibly angry but showed a look of confusion, "What do you mean Karl? You don't know if he didn't die of his wounds. We can't go and blame Mother Miranda if we don't damn well know."

The scruffy hatted man, was not convinced and still spewing his angry emotions out, "I told you dammit Alcina, we didn't need to get Miranda involved in this. But you wouldn't listen to me."

Alcina just stared, angry and wanted to really let out such an angry outburst for the way he was speaking, but Heisenberg would not back down, "We could of gotten Anton to a fucking hospital..we could've given Bela time to fix up some antidote..but no, you just had to call mother bitch face…and now we fed that good man to her, Miranda even told us she wasn't sure it was gonna work out. Guess what Alcina, news fucking flash to ya…it didn't work…and now a damn good man, I knew and saw growing up…gone…dead…another list of Miranda's victims."

Then Alcina saw something once, she had never ever seen from once Heisenberg let out all his emotions at that. The man leaned up against the fireplace, and sunk down..exhausted…defeated…a lone tear escaped down the brim of his sunglasses.

Huffing a light breath, "Now what Alcina…we have to face the others…what in the fuck are we gonna say?"

Nodding and staring for a moment, Alcina snapped to and cleared her throat, clearly moved of the emotions her brother was displaying, opened up softly, "We will have my daughters and Mr. Raddu's sister, come to the study and we will…pass this most unfortunate news Karl."

Heisenberg, not even looking at Lady Dimitrescu, while wiping his eyes, could only mutter, "Whatever."

And with that somehow found the strength to get himself off the floor, and leave the room, bracing with such unbearable news for Lucille to be delivered.

What seemed like such a wonderful set of moments of joy, laughter and comfort put alongside such friendship and bonding, had dissipated so quickly.

The mood now in the redheaded Dimitrescu's chambers was now tense and nerve wrecking. As Daniela, now sitting on the massive bed holding a small stuffed teddy bear with a, fidgeting with it with her ungloved grey skinned fingers, still wearing her old pink oversized gown she had entertained the French braided girl with, with her yellow golden orbs watched the middle Raddu sibling pace across from her countless times.

Lucille's head was swimming with too many thoughts. So many feelings of anxiety, excitement, and fear took over. She just longed to be free of it, to be giving something with what was being done with Anton, how he was feeling? Or even if he was awake? Just something..her pacing continuing and breathing becoming very shakingly in slow huffs.

Finally Daniela could watch no more, spoke softly to Lucille with as genuine a smile she could provide, "I am telling ya Lucille, Bela has got this . And ya know what, I don't think Mother Miranda is even here for your brother, in fact she's probably here to see my mother."

At that, the middle Raddu stopped her pacing, and Lucille shut her eyes tightly, "I'm not worried so much about why Mother Miranda is here. Just…it's been so long since I've had a chance to be around Anton, to see him, that he still hasn't awakened. I know and trust Bela…it's just…it's the waiting that's killing me Daniela."

Nodding slowly, then placed her one hand beside her patting and inviting Lucille to sit beside the youngest Dimitrescu on the massive bed. After a momentary stare, Lucille relented and joined her friend, Daniela on the bed.

Once seated, Lucille took a breath in and out, then looked down at the small stuffed animal that Daniela was holding onto, let out a small chuckle and smiled, "It's a cute bear you have Daniela."

Giggling softly, Daniela glanced at the stuffed toy for a moment before looking back at Lucille, "I know, he is wonderful. Lucille Raddu, please meet Sir Honeybear." Then Daniela brought the bear close to cover part of her face, and used a playful tone to mock the stuffed toy speaking, while using her fingers to control the bear's woollen arm to wave, "Pleased to meet you Lucille Raddu."

Lucille, going along with the playful moment, giggled softly, before giving a small bow, "Pleased to be in your presence oh wonderful Sir Honeybear."

Both girls giggled together loudly, another warm moment shared. But the moment started to fade, as Daniela merely smiled while looking down at her teddy bear, holding onto to it tightly, something was clearly pressing deep into the redhead, Lucille could see that but before asking, Daniela beat her to the punch and sighed before speaking softly and neutral,

"You know this little guy here…he's been with me and I've kept him for so long. A special reminder, that when the world has gone to shit, things will always brighten up."

Lucille nodded but had a look of concern, the youngest Dimitrescu continued while looking up but staring down at her dress,

"I remember a good many years back, probably before you were born…things were somewhat different…I still had this condition..but didn't want to believe it. One summer, I wandered into town, and met a really handsome young man..oh the times Lucille. We played together, sang together, talked together, even shared our first kiss….he said as far as he was concerned, I would be the one for his heart…he told me he loved me…and I truly believed it just like the fairy tales I've read or had read to me, our happily ever after would happen."

The brown eyed Raddu merely continued to stare with a saddened expression, while Daniela carried on with her story and voice began to quiver and shake, "Then one day, I wore this exact dress that I got for my birthday one time, I was so excited to see him, I practically ran to the village…but when I found him, another woman was in his arms…they held eachother tightly, kissed, and he told her he loved her and wanted to be with her always…"

Lucille's brown eyes widened in horror at that detail, brought a hand to bear covering her mouth, Daniela just sat, as a lone tear escaped out her one golden eye and down her pale cheek, "I was so mad Lucille *sniff*…so mad…and the anger turned into the hunger what I wanted…*sniff*…I…I…ended up not just becoming something so terrifying….something *sniff* of a monster…I attacked that woman…began to…to…tear into the woman…she was screaming…crying….begging me to stop….and I c..consumed her flesh and organs…in front of that man who I thought he loved me…*sniff*sniff*….I ate the…woman alive…and that man ran back to the village…me…I was alone…covered in so much blood f..from that woman…then…all these men came…with t..torches…pitchforks…called me a…demon…monster…I was so ashamed of what I did….I cried Lucille so hard, like what's happening to me right now."

The tears were now flowing rapidly from Daniela, in hard shaking sobs, the middle Raddu put her arm on the redhead's back, while landing her chin on Daniela's shoulder. The French braided girl took a pair of fingers to remove a strand of red hair from the youngest Dimitrescu's face, with that Daniela looked while wiping her eyes, huffed a sigh before continuing,

"I ran home…I cried so hard when I got to the room. Bela heard me, came to see and comforted me..I told her what happened..she stayed with me that night, kept me safe, saw me cry my eyes out…I didn't sleep that night or many nights after…just endless nightmares..of those men…of what I did…Bela was really scared for me…then one day, she got this and gave it to me." At that Daniela showed her stuffed animal.

Holding and staring at it for a few seconds, "She told me that…this is Sir Honeybear protector of such a pure beautiful soul in you Daniela, my sister that I will do everything to help you through the hardest of times and you will always be loved…your not a monster…no monster can carry the kind of special meaning you are to me."

Sniffling and wiping her eyes, "Since then I've kept this little guy so close to me, I look at him and know he will bring such protection and good fortune to you too Lucille, and I want you to have him."

The response from Lucille was that of absolute bewilderment, shaking her head she took back her arm and placed two hands in front of Daniela, "No…no…Daniela he is yours…Bela gave that to you as a gift."

Still the redhead persisted, "It's okay girl. Your brother Anton gave Bela something truly special that she deserved. I want to give you something special for being there for me and being such a good friend."

Lucille didn't know what to say, she didn't wanna take this prized valued item out of Daniela's life, a symbol of her sister's love away, instead gave a soft smile, "Okay, how about I just hold him for you Daniela, but I can't take him away from you."

Daniela just nodded, smiling genuinely, and pulled Lucille into a practical bone crushing embrace catching the middle Raddu off guard, "Come here you…bear hug." All Lucille could do was grunt while wrapping her arms around the redhead's back.

At that moment, a knock came on the door in which the two girls broke their embrace and Daniela yelled at the door, "Come in."

The door opened at the permission given, and strode in Karl Heisenberg, his face expressionless as he stepped a few steps into Daniela's room.

Both girls stood up from the bed, Daniela went first with a wide smile, "Hey Unckie Heisenberg. Do ya like my dress." And the redhead did a playful twirl showing the beautiful garment's colour and design.

The scruffy man glanced with a confused look across his dark eyes, before removing his hat and sunglasses, looking down for a second before looking at the two girls. At that the playful mood changed right away.

Lucille not missing a beat, her hands already shaking slightly in anticipation, "Mr. Heisenberg. What's going on with Anton? Any change? Has he woken up?"

Heisenberg could only stand and stare at those questions, deeply into Anton's sister. So many emotions swirled through the man and couldn't help but freeze unsure what to say. He wanted to tell Lucille and longed to comfort her right here and now. The scruffy man knew the girl had enough pain after losing her parents but couldn't bear to be the messenger of such horrific news.

Finally huffing a sigh, let it out, "Hey you two, Lady Dimitrescu wants to see you in her study, she'll give you the news there. I have to go find Cassandra, where is she?"

Daniela answered, "Ahh dear Cass. Where else would she be, in her second home, her little gladiator arena." To which Heisenberg nodded, but his eyes carrying such emotion.

Somehow and someway, as best a performance that Karl tried to do, he sensed that Lucille was not convinced at all. Her brown eyes began to water, but she didn't say a word, just nodded.

At the end of that, the two girls moved to the exit and left the room, Heisenberg put his hat and sunglasses on and closed the door.

A slash of the blade, making impact with an armoured suit, causing a loud metallic clank that echoed across the medium sized room, littered with various weaponry from centuries of warfare. This was Cassandra's play room, the arena.

Unlike the middle Dimitrescu's other siblings, Bela who enjoyed her large library, Daniela who enjoyed the grande Opera Hall, there was no other place where the brunette Dimitrescu felt more at home. A place to unwind, exercise, and even vent when such arguments with her sisters had gotten too far, and the middle sibling's anger was as such that required her to withdraw from the situation and unleash her steam in this chamber.

But Cassandra also shared moments with her sisters in this room, although not as physically adept as she was, sometimes training with the various items made available or participating in small competitions. Nobody really ended up that badly hurt either, Cassandra generally knew her sibling's lack of interest in generally participation in any over violent activities and reclined to more serene activities.

It was also a place that none of the castle staff were ever permitted to enter although they were employed by Lady Dimitrescu to clean all areas of the large mansion, Cassandra refused to allow anyone other than her mother and sisters to enter her private space.

The medium sized hall, had large banners of tribes or clans from a long time ago, made of various colours and designs, not just from the Dimitrescu clan that dated all the way back to the mid 15th century, but other countries. There were also various displays of armour collected, donated or bought from the Duke over the many years from around the world, thanks to the countess' great wealth providing her middle daughter with such wonders.

Perhaps the greatest joy to Cassandra, was the wide collection of weapons at her disposal, although she loved her razor sickle, she also enjoyed experimenting, practicing and playing with various other weapons from swords, spears, maces, axes, knives, and various other melee weapons. Cassandra also possessed a small number of firearms including muskets, revolvers, rifles and a few machine guns from the Great War, but did not use them as much as her mother was highly against such brutal weaponry in or out of the house. Most importantly, the brunette vampire showed little interest in it, she was a hunter and prided herself on performing hunts with her prey using either her skills with a melee weapon, mind and tactics. She also felt a better sense of honour fighting one on one melee combat, and none to those who would use such cowardly devices, to not relish in the art of the kill seeing the victim's face for the final blow, but to recline to using foolish tactics to take your victim such a great distance away, spoiling the moment. Even though the middle Dimitrescu was fully aware that the world today was exactly like that, working with such cowardly devices.

Across from the weaponry, shelves containing manuals and guides of the art of the various fighting styles from the many countries. Her ability to learn and adapt such skills from the most ancient cultures in China and Japan of the martial arts brought a great sense of pride into her long list of skills she prided as a fighter, especially when it came to fighting against such man thing challengers.

Cassandra also enjoyed the odd book, Sun Tzu's Art of War during some downtime as well.

Now the brunette was working with both a combination of her trusted sickle in one hand, as well as a French Rapier in the other hand, her hands working so well with her foot work approaching the target in front of her. A display of armour built up of some knight from a distant country. She stepped into a ready position, holding her weapon like a trust blade master, swiping the sword the whoosh making an echo in the arena. Then Cassandra stepped closer, yelping with a quick swing across the chest area of the motionless armour, such a slash would've indefinitely cut a human almost in two with the deadly weapon. A clank echoed, then with such precision, Cassandra rolled to the side quickly, with her sickle brought the weapon with a brutal slash into the lower abdomen of the target, imbedding the deadly blade into the armour as if a can opener. Finally the brunette Dimitrescu, pulled her grip across with a malicious smile and her final words, "And just like that….lemme feel your warm blood and intestines that I can wrap around my neck like a pendant." And with her inhuman strength, the brunette pulled her hand back slicing across the armored plate that had it been a real person, would've been screaming in such pain.

Satisfied with her kill, Cassandra nodded in appreciation while wiping her sweaty tattooed brow. At that, she heard the echo of footsteps approaching the arena, and frowned, feeling a sense of anger as well…

Ugh...really, can't I ever get some fucking privacy around here.

But her mood went from annoyed to overjoyed as her yellow eyes sighted the silhouette and then full form of the tall scruffy man, donning his usual sunglasses and hat. She beamed such a radiant smile, and approached while placing her sickle in her holster attached to her black dress, while carrying her sword.

"Uncle Heisenberg! I am so glad you stopped by to see me."

Heisenberg wanted to feel such elation at seeing another of his favourite nieces, but the situation would give him no mirth at the events that had transpired today. Still he had to keep it together, until they returned to his sister's study. A light smile came about, with the best attempt at an honest tone, "Hey kiddo! You still playing with your toys here?"

Cassandra giggled playfully, before wrapping her robed arms around the scruffy man's neck. "You know I love being here...my privacy...where I'm not disturbed" the brunette beamed happily.

The man longed to enjoy watching her niece in action with such amusement of entertainment, sometimes Heisenberg would even join in using either the weapons provided or even his hammer, but relented during those times, as it would do far too much damage. But this was not a day or time, to enjoy such physical activity, it was a day to mourn. But before Heisenberg could say a word, the brunette Dimitrescu turned away from him, approaching and selecting another French rapier, then spoke,

"Hey you know Uncle Heisenberg, it is my birthday next week...you do know what I would love to get from you."

Heisenberg could only stare, the entire atmosphere seemingly so surreal as the middle Dimitrescu was going about her day like any other, unaware of the horrible news that had encompassed. And also then, the man felt like slapping himself off the wall, he forgot Cassandra's birthday was coming up.

Still, playing the best and honest role, he smiled as genuine as he could, replying with some optimism, "Yeah...that's right...umm old Uncle Heisenberg needs another reminder Cassie."

Rolling her golden orbs, Cassandra surprisingly was not angry but slightly irritated, "Oh c'mon uncle. I've only told you like some a thousand times you've been around. I wanna have a spar match against you, well a couple. Let's see what you're made of." And at the end of that, Cassandra giggled so playfully, while Heisenberg could just stare, with such a silly smile and look, trying to go along with the act.

Heisenberg laughed out loud, "Ahh that's right of course. Hell yeah, Cassie, you and your Uncle Heis will square it off. A match for the ages." Yet somehow it seemed like Casandra carried some suspicion in her yellow eyes, scanning the man like an alert feline, as if she sensed the man was hiding something. But merely shrugged, before speaking again with another playful tone,

"Anyways, here take this, you're going to need lots of practice against your dear niece Uncle Heisie. C'mon a quick match, what do ya say?"

As excited as Cassandra was, Heisenberg could not feel the same way, and felt an urgency to get the girl up to Lady Dimitrescu's study. Still withholding the tragic news, the man spoke, "Maybe later Cassie. Your mother sent me down to come and get you. She has some….news."

Now the brunette scoffed in annoyance, huffing a breath and rolling her eyes, she returned the two swords to their place on the shelf, before turning around to face Heisenberg in the distance, "Ugh really! What's the latest news….is it about that filthy man thing?"

Heisenberg shuddered and felt a sense of anger, to have his niece use such a disrespectful word around him towards a truly decent human being, regardless of what Alcina had taught her daughters to regard all men as. Burying his anger, he shook his head at Cassandra, before huffing an annoyed sigh, "Cass, this isn't the time. We have to go see your mom now. She will explain."

Although Cassandra started to slowly move, she had her arms crossed and was frowning, annoyed she spoke, "It is about that man thing isn't it? Oh I do wonder what the news is indeed. I know my dear smart sister, Bela, is with her man thing. She is "looking after" him. Hmm perhaps the news is, that mother walked in on them, and Bela's clothes just magically disappeared." Cassandra laughed loudly, but Heisenberg, that was the last straw.

He turned to face the brunette Dimitrescu, seething with deep fury, and let out a loud voice, "SERIOUSLY CASSANDRA ENOUGH!" Cassandra jumped at her uncle's tone and level, and remained staring in shock. At that, Heisenberg went red with a small feeling of guilt, but shook his head and breathed in and out, "Cassandra. Your mother will tell you what's going on. Let's just go, okay?"

The brunette Dimitrescu merely nodded slowly, before letting out a defeated sigh, "Fine...whatever...let's go and see what the big news is about."

And the two left together out towards the staircase.

Two lips were locked so deeply, passion, hunger, lust devouring each other. The heat of the moment radiating. Their mouths explored one another, their tongues entwined, circling in a playful motion. At one point, Bela had a thought of concern, that if they kept this going the man would suffocate, but it riddled out the more that the man's dry lips now moistened, thanks to the blonde Dimitrescu's saliva, wet tongue and lips.

It was a moment that Bela felt was almost like a dream. The man she carried such deep feelings for, and had now admitted to him what she felt. The best part was that Anton, despite in his semi conscious state, admitted those same feelings of his love to her. And if it was a dream, then it was that it had come true. Anton was alive.

And during that moment of such deep passion and love, Bela couldn't help but wonder what brought this man of hers back to life, was it that disgusting smelling stuff that Mother Miranda used? Or what is...some divine presence that Bela felt in the room, shortly after she made a small prayer while holding the locket so close to her heart.

It didn't matter what it was, Anton was alive, and the tears of joy spewed like a fountain down her pale cheeks onto her man's face. Finally, the two broke their lip lock that seemed like an eternity, slowly backing away as she opened her yellow orbs staring back into the gorgeous oceanic blue coloured eyes of the man in front of her. Bela had to fight such an urge to slam her lips back onto Anton, but relented to give the man a time to catch his breath. She smiled ever so radiantly, while wiping her red swollen eyes with tear stains. Her soft pale hand cupped Anton's face, to which he softly grabbed her hand placing it on his cheek firmly.

Bela stared in such disbelief that Anton somehow made it through the worse from the infection all the way to the use of that back goop that burrowed into her stomach. She couldn't help but bring her eyes to look down momentarily at the man's lower stomach, and saw that whatever it was, the entire skin was a light peach colour, and the puncture wounds were gone completely. The blonde woman was aghast, she had never seen such a healing method in her years of studying, reading, and even experimenting with various medicines and other remedies to acquire the ability to heal such an injured human before, or even return one from the dead.

Finally letting the shock subside, Bela spoke ever softly in between sniffles, "I can't believe you're awake...and alive...oh my god Anton...are you okay?"

The man just blinked and nodded slowly, speaking almost as slow as well, "Just...thirsty...Bela...so...thirsty."

Nodding and breathing rapidly, although unsure at first if providing water to the man in his condition was wise especially after that..thing was planted inside of him. Still Bela knew the man was seriously dehydrated and providing some of the life-giving fluid may not be as harmful as she was concerned, huffed a quick breath, "Okay..okay Anton, wait a minute okay."

The dark haired man just nodded, and at that the eldest Dimitrescu leaned in for one brief peck from her dark lips into Anton's parched and cracked lips. Within a flash, Bela left the room to retrieve water for the man in the guest room.

Not even a few seconds passed before the door flew open, and the eldest Dimitrescu returned with large cup of water, she returned quickly approaching and sitting on the bed. Anton attempted to sit up, but groaned in pain and felt to weak, in which Bela assisted helping Anton adjust to a more upright position. Finally in a comfortable position, Bela brought the cup to the man's lips.

The refreshing fluid that touched Anton's lips, was a cool taste of heaven, and down his dry throat the man hungrily and greedily gulped and drank the water at such an astonishing speed. Bela could only stare with concerned yellow eyes, while helping Anton hold the cup.

Anton though didn't realize he was drinking way too fast, and after almost finishing the cup, began to cough from choking on the fluid. The man spat some amount of water that spilled onto the blanket, front of his shirt, and even some landed on Bela's black robed dress.

The man went red with embarrassment, while the blonde woman just shook her head but offered a reassuring smile, reached for a small rag on the nightstand beside them, and wiped the water mixed with the man's saliva off him, "You can't drink so fast Anton, you need to take it easy, slow sips at a time or you'll make this mess silly." And with that, Bela wiped the mess off the man's face before playfully tapping the man's nose tip and gave a playful wink.

A moment passed, with the two staring at each other deeply, Bela asked softly, "How are you feeling now?" A breath in and out, then Anton replied, speaking a little easier, "A little..thank you..for being here with me Bela."

Smiling so widely, and let out a small chuckle, "There isn't any other place I'd rather be than at your side you…my precious man thing…Anton Raddu." And with that brought her hands to hold firm onto her man's tightly. Bela then looked down for a moment before bringing her yellow orbs and look with a sense of pride into Anton's blue eyes again, "I just am so happy we are together, and I love you so much Anton. And I don't care who knows about us."

The man frowned with widened eyes, spoke with concern in the tone, "No..Bela..don't say that…your sisters..your mother…we have to be careful with what we have."

But the blonde woman refused that direction, shaking her head slowly, and softly speaking, "My sisters…they know. Daniela will definitely accept us that quick, she's a hopeless romantic, but Cass…she may take sometime but she will eventually warm up to us. And mother…" her voice trailed off as Bela's eyes narrowed, then continued in a quiet tone, "I think she suspects…but hasn't said anything…yet…I will tell her soon. And I know she loves seeing me happy. And if she wants to still see me happy, she will accept my choices in life, and respect them."

Anton couldn't help but stare deeply, his high admiration for this strikingly gorgeous woman he loved so, grew ten fold, her strength that was shown to face off against those who would feel against the relationship the two were willing to have, and to share such a bright future. He merely nodded slowly,

Then he brought his blue eyes to look around the room, it was so lavish and beautiful with such exquisite designed furniture, but the man asked "Where…am I?"

Smiling, the eldest Dimitrescu told him, "Your in my family's castle, we put you in the guest room after you were….wounded." Anton nodded, while staring deeply into his lover's eyes, clearly sensing an emotional tone from Bela at that last comment, and ever so thankful the man returned.

The main question that crossed Anton's mind, finally came out, "How long…was I out?" Bela could only stare giving a look of somewhat worry, but would not ever lie or hurt this man, her sole promise made to the man's late mother would ensure that would be done, she finally spoke, "A few days."

Anton carried a look, as if the man's eyes would pop out, his mouth open, he had no idea he'd been away from his work, his home, his aunt and uncle….away from Lucille. The man felt so worried, that Anton attempted to sit up fully, in which Bela held her robed arms out to attempt to physically stop the man from getting out of bed, still Anton pressed, a panicky voice,

"A few days?…I need to get home right away…I need to see Aunt Ester and Uncle Mihai…and Lucille."

Bela interjected, and authoritative tone, "No Anton…stop this…your too weak…you can't leave…you need to take it easy, to rest." Still the man tried to move the blonde woman's arms out of his way, but failed from both his weak body and that Bela carried 10 times the strength that Anton or many other men could carry, she easily pushed the man back carefully.

Anton frowning and clearly upset, "Bela you don't understand…I need to get home…make sure everyone's…okay…and I have missed so much work, the Duke will be quite mad." The blonde vampire would not remove her arms, using a more firm voice, "Anton…stop..your not helping anyone with you still this weak, my mother has already spoken to the Duke. He's given you all the time you need off, to get better."

The man looked at Bela somewhat puzzled but stopped trying to out do the blonde woman's incredible strength, his body was clearly still tired and weak, gave up trying to getting out of bed. Nodding, "Alright…alright…you win I'll stop. But my family.." as he looked into the eldest Dimitrescu interjected quickly with a wide smile, "It's okay you. Your aunt and uncle will see you soon, and Lucille is absolutely perfect, she's going to be so happy to see you awake."

Anton's jaw nearly fell off, letting out a breath of disbelief, had to speak, "Lucille….here? How did she get here? Bela what is happening?"

Smiling so radiantly, she comforted the puzzled look of her man with her soothing voice, "It's okay Anton, she's been with us since you got hurt. She's absolutely wonderful, as to how she got here, she was with my uncle Heisenberg when they came."

Shaking his head in shock, "She was with Mr. Heisenberg? Okay now my head is starting to hurt, I know that man and do trust him as my family has over the years, but what is going on?"

Giggling at the funny expressions that Anton was making, Bela couldn't help but admire how even more attractive the man looked for having such concern and caring to know such a wonderful girl, her thoughts triggered…

He's such a good brother…family man…your sister, Lucille at this point is practically family with us now..

Shaking her head, the blonde woman leaned down into Anton's puzzled face, which then took on a smile feeling the warmth of his cheeks, she muttered so softly, "You're so cute when you care like that so much little one."

Anton just smiled, and pulled the woman in for a deep kiss, although brief, the two merely put their heads together, the man spoke so quietly, "How can I ever thank you enough for looking after my sister Bela?"

The blonde vampire just chuckled playfully, while giving the man such a deep look, "Stay alive, do as you're told, and enjoy our moments together…my man thing."

And with that, Bela could hold no further back and lashed her dark lips back onto Anton's waiting hungry lips, her hand softly stroking the man's face. After another moment, the lips broke off and Bela pulled her face back before speaking with a joyful tone, "Oh, I better tell the others your awake, I'll be right back handsome." As Bela started to get off the bed, she was pulled back by Anton who grabbed her arm at the last second. Bela crashed almost on top of the dark haired man, which she yelped, "Hey!"

Once back on the bed, Anton put his arms around the blonde woman's head just staring hungrily at Bela and so deep with his hypnotic blue eyes, "Hold on love…I just returned to the living…can't I get some…extra care from you my dear?"

Bela just giggled playfully, then put her arms back around Anton, pulling him in close enough to feel her breath, the blonde Dimitrescu then licked her lips seductively, her eyes ready to devour this man, "We will have…more than enough time to give each other…extra care Anton…we have all the time in the world…but right now, you have some visitors that want to see you."

Groaning, the man dropped his head back in annoyance, "Can't you just tell them…I'm sleeping still."

Bela laughed at that heartily, used a playful tone, "You've slept more than enough…so the answer is no…time to wake up and say hello to people who want to see you…what did I just tell you as well Mr. Raddu?"

Anton muttered, "Ugh…fine…yes do as I am told…Nurse Dimitrescu."

The blonde vampire giggled, and nodded with a victorious finger tapping Anton's temple, "Exactly Mr. Raddu."

And at that, Bela got off the bed before turning to blow a kiss and give a wink, then moved towards the door and left the room, to pass the most wonderful news to the others.

Anton just stared at the door, before huffing a small breath, grinning and glancing around the fascinating architecture of the vast room he was bestowed to witness.

Approaching the study, with a wide smile, as Bela got closer she couldn't help but hear some anguish howls and sobbing, as well as voices from the other end.

The blonde woman's golden eyes widened at that, feeling unsure as to why there seemed like everyone who was seemingly gathered in Alcina's study was in some form of despair. Her thoughts ran…

Perhaps they are all together with the wrong presumption, that Anton isn't going to wake up….ohhh I cannot wait to give the greatest of news…can't wait..

Nodding at that, Bela approached the door and knocked. A voice seemingly neutral beckoned, low and soothing, Bela recognized instantly as her mother, "Come in."

Satisfied and smiling from ear to ear, Bela opened the door to a scene she was in such disbelief before her. She frowned scanning the faces of her mother, sisters, and Heisenberg holding onto Anton's sister Lucille, the girls face tucked into the man's chest, letting out painful wails and sobs.

The mood of the room was extremely depressing as were the looks of everyone. Bela saw Daniela, her watery eyes beginning to water, seemingly barely holding her emotions at bay. Heisenberg was whispering comfort words to Lucille, while firmly holding his coated arms around the sobbing girl's form, his head absent of his sunglasses and hat. Even Cassandra, of all people seemed quiet but had a frown, despite her feelings towards that man thing, as if the moment somehow pained her to see, for whatever reason. Then Lady Dimitrescu's expression was one of sorrow, her face looking saddened towards the middle Raddu sibling, clearly feeling sorry for what Lucille was feeling. Bela also noticed the absence of Mother Miranda, which surprised her as she would have loved to give the news to her, but passed it off as the priestess was likely tired and took her leave from the Dimitrescu home.

Bela's smile faded quickly, as her face took on a look of concern, "What is going on?" With that said, Daniela quickly walked up to her eldest sister, and wrapped her dark clothed arms around Bela in a tight embrace. Her voice quivered, "Oh Bela…I am so sorry…you did the best you could…but it's okay sis, I got you…we don't have to do this alone, It will hurt for sometime now that Anton is dead."

Bela's golden orbs nearly fell out of her head having widened so heavily, in such confusion, pushed her redhead sister off her, "Dani..what are you talking about? Anton isn't dead. He is awake and talking."

Daniela just stood back with a look of mixed with both concern and puzzlement, while Bela just stared and tried to give the best smile she could, which was not convincing her youngest sister for was certain that Bela was still going through some form of frustration and shock.

Shaking her head, the blonde woman looked around the room, increasing her voice tone, "Everyone…it's true I'm not making this up. Anton is awake and talking…he is not dead."

But the looks of all in the room, including the swollen red eyes of Lucille bringing her head off on Heisenberg's chest looked at the frantic blonde woman. Finally Cassandra, huffed an annoyed sigh and quickly walked over with her arms crossed, tried to talk sense into Bela, "Listen…Bela…it sucks I know, but the man's gone…he's dead, you have to deal with it, you clearly look drained and need sleep, your thinking clearly…but he is gone."

And at that, Cassandra attempted to put an arm on her upset sister, which in turn was smacked away ferociously, Bela gave an angry glare while Cassandra frowned, "Cassandra…just shut up, I am not crazy, I am not tired…and Anton is alive dammit. But why do you care? You never liked him from day one." And Bela huffed an angry breath and walked away from the still frowning look of her middle sibling.

Now the blonde vampire was growing increasingly frustrated, seeking now to convince her mother, who had believed, praised and trusted everything Bela had ever said or done. She walked up to the massive form of the countess, who was looking down with saddened yellow eyes at her eldest child, Bela pushed her point, "Mother..mother..you believe me…tell them I'm not crazy…I am not lying…I've seen Mr. Raddu, I took care of him, I've spoken to him…he's fine, tired and weak, but alive and awake."

The countess though was not convinced, clearly Bela was going through shock, frustration, and deep down such sadness having failed her duties as a caregiver that she had entrusted her to…but above all it was clear her daughter had such feelings towards the man and couldn't bear the loss of him. She looked down, and spoke with the best comfort of words while cupping Bela's pale cheek,

"Ohh my sweet ladybug…I know you did all you could for the young man. But please don't punish yourself. It was not to be, and I am proud you did all you could. But my dove…he is gone, Mother Miranda was only here but a few minutes ago and told us the unfortunate news. He is gone Bela. I know you feel responsible after looking after him, but you are tired and stressed from this matter, and you probably aren't thinking clearly, that you are talking and pretending the man is alive when he is not. It's over."

Now the blonde vampire was outraged, and pulled away quickly from the tall matriarch still trying to push her point, she was now feeling angry and frustrated beyond comprehension, "Dammit what the hell is wrong with you all…I am not lying…I am not making this up…Anton is alive and talking…you must believe me."

Now it was the uncle's turn, seemingly feeling he had heard enough, broke away from his hold on the man's sister, and walked up to Bela forcing her to face his determined brown eyes, he placed two hands on Bela's shoulders, soothingly speaking, "Bela…you heard your mother, it's over. Anton is gone, you have to accept it."

But the blonde woman, shook her head rapidly, her eyes widened in disbelief and started to water she could not convince anyone in the room, it was painful to be treated like some crazy loon, she refused to relent, "He is not gone uncle…I've seen him and spoken to him. After Mother Miranda left, I grabbed this." And grabbed her locket and shook it in front of Heisenberg's face. Then she continued, "And I made….a small prayer…after that I was going to leave, then I felt something, and I turned around and he woke up."

But Karl Heisenberg was not convinced, he even looked at his niece almost with the same bedazzled look as Bela's sisters were doing. Almost defeated, she was saved by one person, as the sobbing form of Lucille Raddu stopped pouring her emotions, and looked at Bela with such widened tear stained eyes in shock, she slowly approached the blonde Dimitrescu, stopping short mere inches from her, with Heisenberg at her side looking just as confused. Lucille finally spoke, "What…what did you just say?"

Bela then turned to Lucille, looking deep into the shock of her dear friend's eyes, gave a firm look, "I was holding your mother's locket…spoke to her…and I felt something and Lucille, you would not believe it, but Anton he woke up."

While staring, Lucille brought her hand forward and touched the necklace around the blonde vampire's neck, as if feeling something strongly connected, she finally looked deeply into Bela, her mouth agape, and feeling tears form again. There was no longer any doubt to Bela's statement, speaking in a near whisper, "I believe you…Bela."

While the rest of the room looked ever puzzled, Bela smiled softly, and Lucille repeated herself a touch louder with tears sliding down her soft face, huffing between a sob and breath, slowly smiling herself, "I believe Bela everyone…she is telling the truth…she spoke to mama…and I just know she was there, and gave life back to Anton, he really is alive."

Heisenberg was bewildered, he did believe in some things that couldn't be explained…but for some unknown presence to make its way and resurrect a dead human wasn't something he would ever consider, unsure he asked, "How do you know Lucille?"

The French braided girl just shook her head, "I know it does sound crazy…but it's true, mama was such a pure golden person, and saw that with Anton…and now with Bela, she would not take someone that divine connection is set with." Then she brought her brown eyes and spoke to a very happy blonde woman in front of her, "Oh my god, Anton is alive Bela…what did he say? Is he okay? Can I see him please?"

Smiling so radiantly, Bela nodded and spoke while cupping Lucille's cheek wiping the tears, "He is doing so well Lucille, didn't say too much though, but would love to see you…he would love to see all of you."

Daniela jumped with her arms in the air letting out a cheer, overly excited, "Woooo hooo, told ya Lucille, girl that man would never die, my sister is like super smart…Bela you kicked awesome ass on that one, I wanna meet this man too, c'mon let's go everyone."

Bela and Lucille laughed, Heisenberg gave such a smile, "I'm looking forward to seeing Anton as well, catching up on old times, heh it's been so long, I'll come along too."

Bela then brought her eyes to the last person, who was still frowning, causing the blonde Dimitrescu to let her smile fade, her yellow eyes glaring down Cassandra sharpley, to which the brunette vampire responded, "What? Why is everyone looking at me…you all can go and have a little party…the man is awake! It's a miracle…wooo." The eldest Dimitrescu was not impressed by her sister mocking the moment so, and left Lucille and went up to talk to Cassandra, looking at her deeply, "Cass…I know you're not his biggest fan…but let it go for now…and you should apologize and thank the man for saving you."

Huffing annoyingly, Cassandra finally spoke, "Fine…let's go see your little man th…man." And she left Bela's side and joined the group about to leave Alcina's study to greet the man who was awake in the guest room. The blonde vampire couldn't help but smile so brightly at the mood in the room, simply overjoyed and her stress of not being believed evaporated.

And with that, the group finally left the study, talking and laughing amongst each other, and the door closed leaving Bela and Lady Dimitrescu alone in the room. Not wanting to miss joining and watching the joyful moment to happen, Bela turned to her mother who stood while staring her daughter sharply, giving a sense of unease in the blonde Dimitrescu's stomach.

Bela then tried to pass through the deep glare from her mother, gave a serene smile and beckoned, "C'mon mother, let's go see Mr. Raddu with everyone." But the countess frowned, before making one step forward, spoke, "Bela…wait…we need to talk."

Moving no more than two steps, Bela came to a stop and turned to face a deep look from the tall matriarch, the blonde woman spoke softly, "Yes mother." Slowly moving forward, Alcina stopped a few inches from her eldest daughter, looking down, "I want to talk to you about Mr. Raddu, what is that man to you?"

Bela felt absolutely terrified, cornered and a sense of making some way out of it, she did her best impression, with her most innocent look and her robed arms clasped behind her back, "Mr. Raddu is just in my care. And I just want to ensure he is looked well after in the care of the Dimitrescu house."

But Alcina was clearly unconvinced, and brought a larger tone, looking deeply, "That Bela is a slogan not an answer, do you have some…feelings towards that man?"

As much as Bela would try to lie out of it, it clearly was not working and she would be cornered no more, she responded with, "Mother…this isn't the right time, we can talk about it later, c'mon everyone is waiting for us." And with that she turned to walk to the door as fast as she could.

Alcina would have no more of it, using a loud voice, "Bela…BELA DIMITRESCU! You will stop right there young lady…and speak to me now…do you have feelings for that man?" At that, it was clear that Bela's mother knew there was no turning back, and the blonde turned to look with her yellow eyes, she finally replied, "Yes mother….yes I have feelings for that man."

The tall matriarch's skin went from grey to white almost in a second, Alcina's became riddled with deep anger as she walked right up to her daughter, "You…have…feelings…for that man." Huffing a breath of disappointment, she turned and then looked back down at her eldest, speaking again, "What were you thinking…he is a man have you not forgotten what such men are capable of Bela?"

Now feeling a surge of anger, she defended her decision and Anton, she would not be treated this way or have her man spoke about in such a way, "Mother…he is not like that at all, he saved me, Cassandra..this family…other men maybe as dark as you think them or make us believe them to be, but Anton is different, he cares for me too."

Alcina would hear none of it, stomping her foot down visibly showing a twitch in her face, "How do you know what he thinks Bela? Granted he has done a great service to the castle with his work alongside the Duke, but he is still a man, a filthy man thing…they are childish, greedy, and seek only what gives them pleasure."

Now the blonde vampire was seething with anger at that, her yellow eyes welling up with tears, she lashed back holding her palms out, "Mother that's enough…just stop please…just stop…your starting to sound like Cassandra..enough." With that outburst, Alcina could only stare angrily, she knew she would never strike her own child but her eldest was now showing the respect that was due before the tall countess.

Bela would not back down still, and continued, "Anton is not like all these men that we have…dealt with over the years, he's not what you think, he's so kind, gentle, compassionate, he makes me feel so wonderful..he also believes in me, he doesn't look down on me like the rest of the damn village does us, he doesn't title or hate me…he does care for me..he…has strong feelings to me…and I feel that exact way to him…he would never hurt or break my heart, and I would never to him either."

It was not enough and Alcina couldn't help but feel her golden orbs water in anger and frustration, as her eldest clearly didn't understand what men were about, something she could very well feel the painful memories of a long time ago still linger. Alcina spoke again with such determination, "You don't understand, you're merely a child Bela. You don't know what such men are about, I am trying to protect you."

At that, Bela had the last straw and practically screamed at her own mother hard, holding her angry tears back as best she could, "I am not a child anymore, I have grown up! I know I don't look at it but I am feeling it more and more everyday. Stop treating me like a child mother!"

Alcina felt hot tears escaping her eyes at that, she lashed, "Bela you are a child!" No longer holding her anger or tears, Bela burst, "I AM NOT A CHILD!" Alcina stepped forward again, "You are my child dammit Bela! My lovely dove…I know you are growing up, but I cannot let you take on this cruel world that has chosen such death and misery. Poisoned with such horrible men. You don't understand them like I do."

Bela could only stare, while wiping her eyes, exhausted from arguing with her mother, Alcina stepped away from her eldest, as she continued, "Bela…these men they have hurt people…you think my distaste for men just happened like that? No…I have distrusted men because of what I have experienced with them."

The blonde Dimitrescu merely gawked with surprised wide eyes, not realizing that her mother had experienced moments with men…possibly even fallen in love, despite being trusted, Lady Dimitrescu did not disclose her past to her or anyone in the family, but eclipsed it deeply. Bela merely stood as her mother began, while looking down while fidgeting with her white gloved fingers,

"I too experienced men in my life…a long time ago Bela…I was young like you..I even found I thought a true one, who's heart was so pure, as he was so kind, gentle, caring, compassionate all the things you feel from Mr. Raddu my dear. I relished our happy times so strongly, and felt we would be together forever…but I changed with the condition that we carry…and he witnessed one time, I…became this…he was disgusted…he refused to help me…he refused to care for me…to love me…he left me after as you said Bela to title and hate…and calling me…so many horrible things…monster, filthy, disgusting, hideous, vile and cruel."

Now the blonde vampire began to understand why her mother felt such a way towards all men, to everyone…such pain because who could love her monstrous form when she does not love herself in return. Bela's heart ached as she watched her mother, letting small tears escape her eyes to match that of Lady Dimitrescus.

Then Alcina looked back at her daughter, "Now you see Bela…why I love you and you girls so much. Daniela has already experienced the pain already with the fact of someone turning their back on her that she claimed she loved too. Nobody can show that care for us Bela…they fear us…he will too, I just want to protect you from being hurt like any mother would do for their child regardless of you believing to be such a grown woman."

Bela moved towards her mother, now feeling so sorry for the dear woman, approached and looked up at Alcina now wiping her eyes, the eldest huffed a small sigh, "Anton won't hurt me mother…I know this because…he gave me this."

Alcina looked down, as the eldest Dimitrescu placed her fingers to show the beautiful locket in her possession, Bela spoke while looking at it, "If you want to know why mother. Because he gave me this. Anton lost his parents when he was younger, this is all he has left to remember them. He entrusted me to carry a part of his mother he loved so much, just like I love you, as a symbol of my strength, compassion, and pure heart that he believes deep down there is something so beautiful and not this monster regardless of what others have said or I have done."

The tall countess brought her hand to hold and look at this gorgeous jewellery around her eldest's neck, admiring its radiance, and how beautiful it looked around her daughter. Smiling now down at her eldest child.

Bela looked deeply into her mother, with such a soothing tone, knocking the woman's doubts to pieces, "I love Anton mother…so much…and I know you love me too..and if you truly love me, you will respect my decisions and choices as well as embrace how happy I am with him, and how happy he makes me feel."

And with that, the blonde Dimitrescu closed in and wrapped her robed arms around her mother, locking in such a deep embrace holding her tightly, sobbing into her large white silk dress. At that Alcina grabbed and held onto her daughter so softly, bringing her hands to comb through Bela's golden hair, embracing her dearest daughter. She spoke softly, "I do love you with all my heart Bela…you're my dearest most wonderful daughter." And she pulled Bela off while wiping the tears from her pale cheeks, speaking with a sigh, while smiling, "And if Mr. Raddu does truly make you happy, then I am happy too. I will be honest, my dove, I don't like it, but I respect it and your choice."

Bela smiled softly, "Thank you mother." Returning that radiant smile, Alcina softly finished, "Now we should not be rude and keep the others waiting, shall we greet Mr. Raddu?"

A soft reply from a beaming smile of the eldest Dimitrescu, "Yes let's go mother."

The small group was gathered in front of the door to the guest room, and all eyes turned at the approach of Bela and Lady Dimitrescu as they arrived, huffing an annoyed sigh and voice, Cassandra went, "Ugh…you slow pokes took forever, c'mon let's get this over with."

Alcina then replied, "Manners my dear Cassandra, let us see how Mr. Raddu is doing now." Before entering Heisenberg gave a funny smile to his sister who had been holding hands with a smile beaming off his blonde niece, Alcina rolled her eyes and gave her brother a sharp look but grin, "Don't start with me Karl."

Heisenberg merely chuckled, before shrugging and giving innocent brown eyes, "What? Why do ya gotta accuse me of something every time Alcina?" Lady Dimitrescu just rolled her eyes, while Bela chuckled and spoke to the group with a playful tone, "Everyone ready?"

The reaction was instant nods while Cassandra scoffed annoyingly put in a smart comment, "I've only been waiting forever, just open the fucking door already Bela." That comment got a glare of doom from the matriarch, "I said manners Cassandra Dimitrescu, now!" The brunette shut up right away.

With that, Bela opened the door, and the group assembled entered the guest room. All eyes were widened in such disbelief, witnessing Bela telling the truth, that Anton was alive and awake. His smile beaming at the sight of all slowly entering into the room.

Lucille could only stare so deeply with brown eyes, she felt her heart beating rapidly, her breathing heavy, and tears welling in her eyes. She huffed a small sob, before quietly muttering her eldest brother's name, "A…Anton." And with that, the girl broke from the group and dashed at the bed with the man, jumping and landing on him hard, nearly breaking both the bed and the man.

That action elicited a groan of pain as Anton caught the French braided girl, but embraced her tightly as she cried into him, sobbing hard, "Oh my god Anton….your alive…you are alive…I seriously thought you were gone…you scared me…Lady Dimitrescu said you were…dead…but here you are…your okay."

The eldest Raddu chuckled, pulling her teary eyed sister out of his shoulder, holding and looking into her brown eyes and wiping them, before giving her a wide smile speaking playfully, "Well Lucille I am alive sis…but you know you do weigh I think just over 150 lbs, and if you jump on me like that ya might kill me next time."

Lucille gave the man a sharp glare, and punched his arm lightly, before speaking, "Asshole…you calling me fat?" Anton just laughed lightly, "Well I didn't say that, but my sore ribs may think otherwise after that leap."

With that, the French braided girl pulled her brother close to her face, sobbing and laughing, "Scare me like that again, and I'll break your ribs with a good shot from this next time." The two then laughed and hugged so tightly at their teasing but warm sibling love to one another.

After a few moments of holding each other, amidst the laughs and sobs of joy, and the laughter coming from the others gathered in the large room, Lucille finally got off the bed while looking and continuing to smile at this moment of disbelief and happiness. She then motioned the others to come to the bedside.

First to approach was Daniela, who glanced over the man's form so hungrily, she thought he truly was a gem, so handsome, that Bela was so lucky to find such a divine looking individual, she couldn't help but stare dreamily. Lucille piped up, "Now dear brother I want you to meet someone special, this is Bela's sister and my best friend, Daniela Dimitrescu." And at that Lucille turned to the redheaded Dimitrescu, and introduced her playfully, "And Daniela my dear asshole of a brother, and my world, Anton."

Anton shook the hand of the youngest Dimitrescu, still staring deeply at the man, he cleared his throat and smiled, "Please to meet you my lady." Daniela then frowned, and spoke clearly irritated but playful, "Ugh…enough with this formal shit…your sister can call me Daniela, you earned it buster after saving my sisters to call me by my first name." The man laughed at that, "Alright Daniela, I'll make sure I do that. And thank you for looking after and being so nice to Lucille."

Daniela beamed with a satisfied smile, while wrapping a robed arm around the neck of Lucille and pulling her in, the youngest Dimitrescu added, "That's me and Lucille, bestest of friends here. We're just like white on grass." Anton laughed heartily at that lame comparison, but didn't correct the redhead just enjoyed the comical moment of the two.

Daniela then broke her hold on Lucille and approached and beckoned a question, "By the way…are there anymore guys you know…single…in your family?" Anton chuckled at thay, while Lucille and the other sisters, Alcina and Heisenberg glared at Daniela's question. But the man just shook his head, laughing, "Sorry Daniela, it's just me, I haven't spoken too much to the family in years. Although I do have a brother..he's a swell guy..single don't know. He's in the German army, somewhere in France or wherever."

Alcina glared with a shocking stare at that, followed by the others in shock, while Anton glanced at the floor, a moment of silence as he began to think of his youngest sibling, memories of the times they played, laughed, talked, and deeply wishing to see him again soon.

Huffing a sigh, Anton spoke softly while smiling at the youngest Dimitrescu, "Who knows Daniela, ya might get a chance to meet him still, I hope to soon." To which Daniela nodded before stepping away to rejoin her sisters at the front of the bed.

Next to approach, the scruffy Karl Heisenberg who walked up beside the man. Removing his sunglasses offered a hand, clutching on Anton's hand tightly, locked in the strength of their friendship, Karl spoke first, "Anton…damn I am glad to see ya alive and kicking…I told your uncle I'd watch out for you two, my my you sure have grown over the years." Anton nodded and replied, "Thank your seeing me Mr. Heisenberg, my uncle and aunt are doing well too, I hope you're still doing well too, it has been years."

Heisenberg laughed loudly, "We will definitely catch up, be good, get better, and if ya need anything, you let Lady Dimitrescu's sisters know and be good to them, their good kids like you and Lucille." And the man winked, shaking Anton's hand one more time before backing away.

At that moment, Bela was smiling, enjoying the moment for the family to meet the man she deeply loved, and felt such strong love to this man with every wonderful moment of laughter, she was truly happy. But one thing was missing, she looked beside her to see a neutral expression on her middle sibling, Cassandra as she watched the family greet Anton.

The blonde Dimitrescu would wait no longer, and she nudged an elbow into the side of her brunette sister. It elicited an annoyed glare from the middle Dimitrescu, to which Bela would not have any of that attitude and shook her head slightly towards Anton's direction, motioning Cassandra to approach the man.

The middle Dimitrescu still refused, until Bela huffed an annoyed sigh and grabbed the brunette by the arm, pulling her by force towards the bedside of a surprised and somewhat intimidated Anton Raddu.

Lucille stepped away making room, while Bela pushed Cassandra closer to the bedside, the blonde woman spoke first with some firmness, "Cassandra. I think you were dying to say something you told me earlier to Anton."

Clearly the brunette vampire was not getting out of the moment, apologizing and admitting she was wrong to her mother or sisters was one thing, but to do so to….a man thing, wasn't something that ever came a thought, they were her prey time and time again, she didn't show mercy or apologize, that wasn't her style. Still she did feel some gratitude towards this man, he saved her when she treated Anton like garbage, putting his life in jeopardy so Cassandra could enjoy hers. And also saved her dear sister, Bela as much as they did nag, bicker and argue, Cassandra deeply loved her eldest sibling, and could not bear to imagine her life without Bela.

Clearing her throat, she swallowed and spoke, "Okay Mr. Raddu, here I go. I….I…am….sorry…Ugh why is this so hard?" Bela just glared at her middle sister angrily. Cassandra huffed a sigh, "Alright…look I'm sorry I was such a bitch to you, there I said it."

Yellow eyes glared daggers from the blonde woman, and just before she nearly tore into her middle sister, Anton smiled and spoke up looking deeply into Cassandra, "Hey..you don't need to be sorry for anything, you care for your sister my lady. I just wanted to let you know that I do care for you, you mean a lot to Bela and everyone. You're a good fighter Cassandra, and if you ever need a partner to help you out in any future battles, I'll help ya through, what do ya say?" And with that offered his hand.

Cassandra almost felt like passing out, this man not only accepted her apology, but said he cared for her and offered his friendship through whatever the brunette was going through. Nobody other than her sisters had ever offered or shown such compassion, she always thought nobody ever liked her. A ton of emotions were starting to hit Cassandra like a tidal wave, and her yellow eyes began to water as she stared in disbelief as the friendly gesture from this man thing…this man.

Finally, she gave Anton her gloved hand, and Cassandra and Anton shook. Daniela noticed the watery emotional eyes of her sister, and began flapping her gloved fingers, giggling with an emotional tone, "Oh my god…Cass is gonna cry…I am gonna mark this on a calendar…ohh my god I'm gonna cry."

The middle Dimitrescu scoffed annoyingly at the redhead, before lashing out, "I…was not crying…just had something in my eye."

But all in the room watched such an emotional moment of bonding, Bela beamed a smile at Anton showing such kindness to her family. And with that the middle Dimitrescu stepped away letting go of the man's hand.

Finally approaching was the massive tall Lady Dimitrescu, her size sent chills down Anton and Bela glared nervously, but her look was not anything frightening or angry, but admiration to the warmth the man gave to her daughters, she smiled, "Well…well…we finally meet Mr. Raddu."

Anton adjusting his position, sat up but Alcina held a gloved hand up making the man cease his action, speaking softly, "You gave us all quite the scare Mr. Raddu, I am very pleased to see your condition significantly improved."

Anton merely bowed, speaking somewhat nervously, "I am sorry my lady for any inconvenience or any intrusion I have made into your home." The women shook her head, and continued, "You have performed an excemplery feat Mr. Raddu in the form of protecting my family, and services to the house of Dimitrescu and have my most sincerest end of gratitude. I am forever in your debt for such a gracious action done."

Bela almost squeeled in overjoyment, while Daniela looked at Anton and piped in, "It means you are the bestest friend to the family now…no it means you practically are in the family."

Alcina chuckled lightly at that comment, before being approached by Lucille all of a sudden, the girl spoke while looking so deeply into Lady Dimitrescu's brown eyes, "It also means I cannot thank everyone here enough for being there for me and Anton, and I want to make it up to you my lady. I want to help in this castle and be a member of the staff."

The tall woman in conjunction with the rest of the room looked at the French braided girl like she grew an extra head, and Lucille felt the eyes like they were disappointment, she relented, "Unless you feel my lady, I am not experienced, but I can do it I swear, I'll make you all so proud."

After staring for a few moments, "Alright Miss. Raddu, come see the day after tomorrow where we will have an interview at 9:00 am sharp, please do not be late."

Lucille fought every fiber in her body not to jump up and hug the countess, and gave a courtesy gracefully to the matriarch, "Thank you my lady, I will not be late. I just have to let my uncle know."

The countess smiled and nodded at that, while Daniela piped up excitedly, jumping up and down like a perky hyper child, "Oh my god…Lucille girl if you come here, that will be so great…ohh I can't wait, I'll help ya learn the castle now too, c'mon let's go for a tour, you tag along too Cass…cause we're all like sisters now."

And with that, the redhead grabbed both Lucille and Cassandra pulling them forcefully out of the room, where Lucille could give a quick wave and with that was pulled out of the guest room.

Finally with that, Alcina chuckled lightly before looking at Bela warmly, then to Heisenberg speaking, "Alright Karl, let's give these two some time alone." And with that she gave one last glance but her smile was gone and gave a serious glare to the man in the bed, "We will speak again soon Mr. Raddu on other matters. Good day Mr. Raddu." Then Alcina made her leave with Heisenberg following and nodding with a finger tip bowing his hat. The door opened, and Anton watched in amazement at the large form of Lady Dimitrescu, duck slightly under and leave the two of Bela and Anton alone, closing the door softly.

Once the group was gone, Bela approached the bed and laid beside Anton curling up to her handsome man. The two kissed lightly a few times, before the blonde woman took the man's hand in hers, looking deeply into Anton, "Thank you for being so wonderful to my family Anton Raddu, you are the most wonderful man I have ever met."

Anton smiled, kissing the blonde's head, speaking softly, "I meant what I said Bela, to everyone, Cassandra especially. I also can't believe Lucille wants to work here, that will be great, I think she can do it. Just has to somehow convince Uncle Mihai first, that may be a hard one, knowing how he feels about this place and you and your family."

Bela huffed a sigh, playing with the man's fingers, "I think Lucille will be fine and will for sure convince her Uncle that she will be okay working here. She is a great person, your sister, I'm so happy she and Dani are close friends too." The man drew light circles on Bela's back hand, speaking soothingly, "So am I my love, I think things are looking so well for everyone now." And then Anton reached down and held Bela's necklace gripping the locket with his fingers, looked at Bela deeply with his blue eyes, "I also know my mother…she's looking down at all of us, and is so happy Bela…she would love you so deeply if she were around still."

The blonde woman cupped the man's face and pulled him in with her gratitude, a deep kiss, before pulling back slightly and speaking, "Thank you Anton…how did I ever get so lucky to find such a man like you?"

Anton replied, smiling and connecting his head to Bela's tattooed temple, speaking quietly, "You weren't very careful at the lake, remember." The blonde Dimitrescu giggled out loud at that, before the two shared another round of light kisses.

After a few moments of holding each other, Bela was starting to feel drained, and let out a yawn quite wide, which Anton chuckled at that, and the blonde woman smiled and laughed lightly too, before bringing her body up and stretching, she finally spoke with almost half shut eyes, "I think I am going to turn in and catch some rest Anton."

The man just smiled and nodded, "Of course, Bela you've had a hell of a day, take a rest, I'm definitely not going anywhere, just don't mind the tied blankets leading outside the window."

Bela giggled at his joke before leaning in, Anton went first, "Sleep well my beautiful rose…see you in my dreams." Bela just stared deep with her golden orbs, and leaned in closer to the man's face, "Get some rest…see you in my dreams…my man thing." And the two closed with another deep kiss.

At that, the eldest Dimitrescu got off the bed and made her way to the door before turning around and blowing a kiss back at Anton, the man made a gesture of grabbing the kiss and placing it in his heart.

And with that, the blonde woman was gone. Leaving Anton to adjust his pillows, and shift his body to a comfortable position, he pulled his blankets close, and closed his eyes, longing to enter his rose's dreams.

Once back in her bed chambers, Bela closed the door and stood for a moment with her back to the door, her smile beaming so wide. She then landed on her bed with a loud plump on the massive mattress.

Closing her eyes deeply, she would have elected to sleep right there being in such deep comfort. But Bela rose from her bed, and wanted to get out of her dark robed dress and into her nightgown. Yawning and scratching her head, she approached sluggishly to her massive wardrobe and opened the door.

All of a sudden, the shadowy figure leapt out at the frightened form of Bela who tried backing away quickly, but found the shadow creature taking a more human-like form, ensnaring the blonde woman with his shadowy hand around her throat, squeezing tightly.

Tears welled and her golden orbs showed absolute terror, Bela wanted to scream but couldn't make a sound, just trembled in the clutch of this terrifying creature. It pulled Bela close to its face, to which its red eyes shifted into blue, its shadow form sounded like the screams of people in anguish or being tortured.

The shadow thing spoke grinning maliciously, while Bela clawed desperately at trying to pry the hand off her throat, "You think he is safe? Ha! You have merely postponed the inevitable…and remember this Bela…as long as he lives…I will always control you."

Laughing maniacally, the shadow tossed the blonde woman to the floor hard and disappeared. Bela feeling such feelings of anxiety and panic, looked all around while grabbing her head, and at that grabbed her locket, closing her eyes, she spoke with a determined mind, "You and his mother will protect Anton with our lives. You will not claim the man I love."

Authors Notes:

-Weeeelll, happy to get that one out of the way…sorrry made it so long but there were scenes I couldn't cut to the next part and just went on a mad typing spree, hope you don't mind.

-Mother Miranda is quite upset her experiment didn't work, she will not turn to the dark side, but she won't be as friendly that much either…

-The idea of giving a stuffed animal to Daniela with a name…that's kudos to two people, NoxEterna for naming Danis toy and well the name Sir Honeybear belongs to the bear that voice actor Nicole Tompkins gave to hers, she's the voice of Daniela Dimitrescu and Jill Valentine in the Resident Evil Village game and Resident Evil 3: Remake for anyone who doesn't know who that is.

-I did also a small backstory to both Daniela and Lady Dimitrescu, as to why they don't like men so much, which could make sense even if it seems oc…I think it works well..

-Lucille joining the castle staff, this will be fun, she will connect well with the others and especially Fantine as well.

-Look I know, we saw the castle in game and there weren't any guest rooms and an arena, but when I saw the castle I thought geez this place is massive and let's make it bigger in the story, give it some extra rooms and that. I think it sounds nicer, eh?

-Incoming, Cassandra having a birthday soon…that one will be fun..stay tuned ;)

-The shadow figure returns, and it will do that a lot, everyone will be leaning and comforting Bela…but who is it based around? We will see soon.