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

13. Chapter 13 - Endurance and Loss

How a Dimitrescu Heart Beats

Chapter 13 - Endurance and Loss

Castle Dimitrescu

Romania

January 1, 1941

A pair of amber orbs zipped from one end of the room to the next, carrying such fright. Bela Dimitrescu, slowly got off the floor bewildered, confused, frustrated, just so many emotions to which she felt like was beginning to lose her mind.

As the eldest in the Dimitrescus, she didn't feel right this way. For she could confront any foe with her brilliant mind. Learning to study their patterns, behaviours, mannerisms, and through her deep analysis find potential strengths and weaknesses rather quickly. Proceeding with caution, gave the blonde woman time to organize a set plan, before launching any sort of assault. Something she learned greatly, from just watching Cassandra's mindless aggression that often spelled trouble for the middle daughter.

But this foe was nothing Bela had ever faced against. There were no patterns or anything to study. It was just random, ruthless assaults on her mental and physical being. Haunting her at every blink of every move, every thought. It was unnerving. One moment she could be as happy as a clam, the next this shadowy thing would assault her with either such terrifying visions or words, nearly breaking the eldest Dimitrescu.

In short, Bela was scared, very scared, and what made her scared also made her angry.

Her breaths were shallow, teeth gritting so tightly together, and orbs carried such rage. She walked over to her nightstand, and opened the drawer to choose her weapon, her trusty sickle. Noting that it did need some sharpening, as the curve of the blade was beginning to show rust, in her state of mind she thought deeply…

Has it been that long since I've used this? That is not good at all…

Pushing her irrelevant thoughts aside, she stood at the centre of her bedroom. Looking to the ceiling, she snapped in frustration, having had enough of these attacks with such fury, "You fucking coward..I am done being afraid...you want me, come face me now..I'll show you who's afraid of whom."

Once letting out her outburst, she stood and waited, her gloved hands firmly holding her curved weapon waiting...waiting...waiting...nothing but the silence that made the moment so eerie...she could hear the wind from outside her window, her breath, and her thumping of her heart beating wildly.

Then the silence ended, as a familiar voice beckoned from behind, speaking and nearly sending the blonde woman to the roof with such a scare, "Bela!"

The woman turned with her dark brows and amber orbs widened as large as the room herself, facing of all people with such a bewildered expression, "Anton? What are you doing here? You should be in your room resting." But the dark haired man, his sharp blue eyes, and that incredible smile put any such confusion aside, he replied softly while carrying a small guilty look, "I am sorry my love. I just wanted to see you once more tonight, perhaps a good night kiss?"

Bela could only stare with a suspicious look, her orbs searching the man's blue eyes for something, as she tried to make sense of his presence here. Something seemed off, but she couldn't put her finger on it. But the man's smile clearly paused any alarm, as did his request. She did not want to send this man away requesting her lips, as much as she hungered for his, and gave in with a small smile,

"Okay...okay Anton, one good night kiss. And then I'm taking you back to bed." The man nodded triumphantly, as he held his sleeved arms out, welcoming the blonde woman to approach for the passionate moment to share. Yet as inviting as Anton was, there was still something off, Bela could practically smell it but still couldn't figure it out. She relented and slowly approached closing in and the two embraced.

Then their heads leaned in and his warm lips latched onto the blonde vampire's dark lips softly and...hungrily. The woman even brought her robed arms to wrap around the back of the eldest Raddu's neck, pulling him in further. The moment was so desirable and she longed for more of the man's touch and taste. She was at peace, even feeling weak across her body that she dropped her sickle on the floor that made a large clank. Her anger, sorrows, stress were almost gone...until.

The man's lips and tongue tasted like...rotted burning flesh. And she heard what sounded like screaming people in anguish. Her heart sank and felt terrified at that moment, she opened her orbs to the scariest moment in front of her. Anton was no longer there, holding the mortified blonde woman, but the demonic entity that held the blonde woman firmly in its shadowy grip.

Jumping back with a shriek of terror, the woman stumbled and fell back landing on the floor hard. Her eyes and body trembled in horror at the sight before her. There stood that shadowy foe, its form like that of a human. But it's body was built of thick smoke swirling around almost transparently. But the most frightening part of it's form was the sound it made. Like the sounds of terrified people, even children could be vaguely heard. It was a nightmare standing before the eldest daughter.

The creature just gave it's trademark sinister smile, while glaring with bright red eyes, "Mmmm tasty dear Blea, but you know I think we can have..a talk when I don't look so overwhelming. Would you like that?" But the woman just shook, uncertain of what to expect next, as the creature proceeded to shift it's form. First the smoke whirled like that of a tornado around itself, going faster and the screams growing louder as if being tortured. The blonde woman covered her ears firmly with her gloved hands, not wanting to hear anymore.

Then as quick as it started, just was left shocked at the new sight before her. Bela just stared puzzled and still visibly afraid, as she felt it was like looking into a mirror. Standing across from her as the blonde woman slowly rose from the floor, the creature manifested it's form to look exactly like the eldest Dimitrescu. The only notable difference was that the robed dress had its hood up, and the face was smeared with dried blood. It's amber eyes were closed for a moment then opened as the creature's disguised form slowly smiled,

"Ahh now this is..this is far more inviting and delightful, am I right little one?"

But all the blonde woman could do while staring with mouth agape, was just reply with a trembling voice, "Wha...What are you?" The creature's new form gave a small pout, before smiling after that widely and even doing a playful twirl with the robed garment flowing outwards, "Isn't it obvious? I am you. The sweet, smart, well astute eldest Dimitrescu, Bela."

Frowning, the blonde woman shook her head and snapped, "You are not me...You could never be me...you're just a heartless monster." The creature frustrated the woman even more, using her same giggle, "But I am you Bela...we at least the part of you that you seem to love having buried, as you relish such pitiful moments with these humans."

Glaring daggers and visibly upset with that comment, Bela let out, "How can I not show any such affection to the man I love and the girl who's shown so much kindness to my family when others hated us." But the creature just shook its head, "Oh please, do you not realize how pathetic you sound defending such primitive behaviours? Don't you realize he's a human dearie? Humans are such pathetic creatures and hence the reason why they make such fine meals indeed, am I right? And you embrace them, without regard to what your family thinks so much of your affections towards them."

The blonde woman blinked, in disbelief at that accusation, while seeking some truth to the words, "What do you mean? My family loves those people, they protected us when nobody else would ever come to our aid." But the creature's disguised form just held a pointy finger up, "Ah, but that's the thing. We have survived through so many moments over the years Bela. You know, one time you, your sisters and mother instilled such fear and commanded such obedience amongst the village below. The desire to indulge in what makes us what we are and always will be. Not this foolish sense of pretending to be something else, because some pathetic human gave you a useless necklace to cry over his dead mommy, all for what? Love? Ugh! Please excuse me while I throw up in my mouth a little."

Sneering at the creature with absolute rage, at the ready to tear this deplorable thing to shreds with her sickle, "Fuck you! You dare speak about such a good man to me, and accuse my family of being so murderous. Anton is a man who went through such pain. Anton recognizes such pain in my life, and we connect through it both through our affection and love for each other."

The disguised form just rolled it's amber eyes, while crossing it's robed arms, "Pleeeasse. Do you not hear how pathetic you sound? You are just too blind, and here I thought you were the super smart one. For all your subtlety this is clearly no wisdom. Do you realize dearie he's a man? All men shower their women with such gifts, and use those three pathetic words all the time." Then the evil twin approached the visibly infuriated eldest Dimitrescu, sliding it's form along Bela, while glancing it's golden orbs to the woman's lower body, it's slow mocking tone, "While seeking such pleasure under the skirt, ya know?"

With such fury, Bela pushed the disguised creature away from her, snapping, "Ugh! Get away from me you disgusting bastard!" That brought the disguised form to giggle again loudly, then setting it's eyes deep into the enraged orbs of Bela, "Ohhh how delightful you are to play with dearie! And I am sorry you must hear such harsh words, but it's true. These humans these days are truly something. Men especially. Seeking only such meak pleasures. Most men are only satisfied with two things, an bottle of some foul tasting liquid to suck, and some blonde hussy to fuck. And now, they seek such conquest causing such endless amounts of death and misery across the globe for mere patches of land, while punishing the innocent."

Her mouth agape, Bela felt at a loss of words being given such a lesson on human behaviour. She knew her mother resented men, particularly for what one such did to her heart, merely seeking possible pleasure or the family wealth. While another man ripped her youngest sister's heart to pieces, using the poor redhead for mere pleasure and then moving onto another woman, tossing the traumatized girl like a useless toy. It was so disheartening. And the blonde woman's eyes narrowed in deep thought…

Is Anton only after me to take me to bed? Will he use me to get access to the family's wealth? Toss me away once he's got what he needs? Participate in this...war? Cause so much death and misery to the innocent?

The disguised creature just stared with a sinister smile, seeing a clear victory having broken the eldest Dimitrescu, answering with a mocking tone, "Yes...yes...and yes again Bela, he will. It's only a matter of time, all men are like this, this thing you call love? Every pathetic mortal says it to their partner. And when they finish with what they want. Toss them like garbage. Oh I bet you are surprised I was able to read what you were thinking...hmmm well I can read every last thought that crosses your mind." Shaking her head profusely, not believing what she was being told, Bela snapped, "No...no...stop...Anton is not like that, he does love me. He would never harm anyone. His family is so wonderful. You are just trying to trick me. You're a liar and a coward."

The disguised form brought it's robed arms clasping them behind, as it spoke again with such a modest tone, "Ahh did I hit a truth nerve perhaps again? The worst part is that allowing this man thing to exist more into your life shall bring the worst part. You think your family will ever love a pathetic creature? No dearie, they loathe and hate him...they just haven't said anything yet. And the more you defend your man and defy your family, the more you face them turning their back to you and hate you. Eventually you will be casted out, and when that man turns his back to you and tosses your little heart...you will feel such pain of being left alone with nobody to turn to...aww." As the creature ended with a pout of its dark lips.

Bright amber orbs began to water, as the evil twin began to slowly take the eldest daughter apart piece by piece, Bela let out a soft sob with a plea, "Please….stop….no more...please leave me alone." But the creature would not relent it's mental assault, "Aww don't cry dearie, I am not here to watch you fall into this dark abyss of isolation. I am here to help free you of this miserable destiny you face."

Wiping her tear filled eyes, the woman huffed a breath with a raised eyebrow, "What...What can I do?" A more sinister smile creeped on the disguised form, bringing a finger curved under its chin, "Mmm I have quite the idea..but as I can read you like a book dear Bela, I hardly doubt you're willing to take that step to protect yourself and your family from the inevitable." The eldest shook her head profusely and held a hand out, a desperate plea, "No wait! I need to know how I can protect my family, please help me. I will do anything."

The creature grinned maliciously, "Anything? Mmm let's see, I have an idea how we can protect all you care about...we can let's see indulge in the sweet savoury man flesh and blood and kill your man thing...you'll free yourself of this world of misery and despair...and gain such praise from your family...especially your dear mother."

Now came the fight whether to tear this demonic entity with either her sickle or bare hands. The fury in the blonde daughter was so large, she snapped with fresh tears welling in her molten golden orbs, "YOU BASTARD! THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT! FOR ME TO KILL ANTON! I WILL NOT KILL HIM! I LOVE HIM! HE LOVES ME! I WILL NOT TAKE THE LIFE OF THE ONLY MAN I LOVE! MY FAMILY LOVES ME BECAUSE I AM THAT CARING PERSON AS DOES ANTON! YOU WILL NOT MAKE ME KILL HIM!"

Frowning, the creature just shook its head, "But dearie I am trying to help you understand..he's using you...and ending his wretched life isn't that hard, lemme show you." And with that it disappeared into a cloud of smoke in an instant. Leaving the wide eyed Dimitrescu in shock, looking slowly around for what the creature had planned next. She didn't have to wait long.

All of a sudden, the disguised creature appeared behind the blonde woman who yelled and screamed in terror, as the foul being held the petrified Dimitrescu with an arm around her upper chest and a hand on the woman's tattooed forehead, pulling the woman's entire head back. It's grip was so firm and tight, it was unnerving to say the least beyond words. Bela tried to squirm and kick but couldn't move a muscle, as if she was paralyzed by some unseen force. Nor could she call her insect form to flutter away from the danger. The blonde Dimitrescu was trapped and at the mercy of this sinister being. Tears sprang from her amber orbs like a river stream, and her whole body trembled as Bela sobbed hard.

That was only the tip of the iceberg, before the real terror began. The disguised creature brought from underneath it's robe a black coloured lengthy blade as it brought it's gloved hand to the mortified blonde woman's pale skinned throat, it spoke directly into Bela's ear, "Ahh doesn't this bring back memories my dear...I remember the last time you did this yourself. Wasn't it delightful, smelling the fear from that pathetic man thing, feeling the wrench piss himself, while pleading for his life. Ahh it is just wonderful. Even better is how you went ahead to end that man thing's life, like you could end Antons too." Bela just closed her eyes as tightly as she could, attempting to breathe but was absolutely terrified to her core. The creature's words sparked memories of her holding many of the victims, leaving them in a state she was feeling right now, and her tears of shame and guilt flew freely down her pale face. The endless screams and pleas from so many men and even women, left the eldest daughter with one feeling and thought..

I now know how you all felt...I am truly sorry for what me and my sisters did to you...I will not become what I regretted being...

And with that, another set thought went through her mind.. .Her endurance . To stand fast in the face of hell this creature predicted. She would not back down and lower herself to kill someone she deeply loved. And she would not become this monster, the creature accused her of. She closed her eyes, while listening to her inner thoughts…

I hear you Mrs. Raddu. I will not do what this thing wants me to do to your son, the man I love. Together we will fight whatever comes our way. Let your spirit be my strength, my willingness to fight, my undying love for those around me, my core being.

As if the prayer was answered, Bela found a new found strength somehow, breaking free of the demonic creature's firm hold backing away. She glared it down defiantly, "You don't understand the humans, the men and women like I do. There may be dark ones out there, but that doesn't justify me to end all those that I once did and hate myself for doing. I will not kill another to satisfy your quims. I will not kill Anton. My love for him and everyone will see us through whatever the storm may be coming our way. And if I end up alone and isolated, at least I will be knowing I spared the heart of a man, that if I took I will wish it was me that was gone and not him."

Shaking its head, the creature resumed it's terrifying shadowy form, the screams echoing in the eldest daughter's bedroom. It glared with angry crimson eyes into the amber orbs, that for once didn't show terror but defiance. It snarled and growled, "Foolish girl...you have no idea what you have set in motion. So many of those you say you love and care about will die because you let that pathetic human live. Fine have him, have your life of misery and grief. And remember what I said to you once creature...as long as he lives, I will always control you."

And with that, the entity's form disappeared in an instant before the shocked amber orbs of Bela. Leaving her in the room again, as she wiped her eyes and caught her breath. She then removed her leather gloves off her hands, setting them on the floor as she brought her pale hands to hold onto her locket tightly and bring it to her dark lips, kissing the Raddu heirloom. Closing her eyes tightly and muttering a quiet, "Thank you."

A moment of silence and gratitude was then interrupted by a loud knock at her bedroom door, bringing Bela to jump in surprise at that. She raised an eyebrow while looking at the door, and spoke loud enough, "Who is it?" The voice on the other side, similar in volume to the eldest daughters, spoke back, "My lady. It's me Rita. I must speak with you please."

A raised eyebrow, with a small smile creeping on the pale face of the eldest, she walked to her door and opened it to see the servant girl Rita, standing at firm attention, her light blue eyes holding both focus and somewhat concern. The blonde woman just smiled brightly, she thought..

Ahh just the person I wanted to see...boy do I have news for your Rita.

Opening with a soothing voice, "Good evening Rita. You are looking well. Is there something I can help you with?" The maiden bowed but kept her face in it's neutral expressive state, "Lady Bela. I am well, thank you for asking. Yes the countess has requested you to see her in her chambers, saying it was very important."

Bela nodded with a raised dark brow shown on her face. She began to wonder what her mother was requesting, as it was important. Although part of the blonde woman suspected it had little to do with Anton, since his health appeared to be quite stable. Likely the woman thought, it was about some business matter. She would find out shortly.

Responding back to the maiden, "Thank you Rita, I will see my mother shortly." While still smiling radiantly, the blonde vampire nibbled on her lip as she stared deeply into the maiden's soft face, "I also have something important to talk to you about, please come in." Nervously and unsure, the maiden obliged and slowly entered the bed chambers of the eldest Dimitrescu. After a few steps, Rita stopped and stood like a statue, eager to know what was to be said.

After a few tense seconds, Bela began with such an enthusiastic look, "Rita. You have been an invaluable member of the staff for so many years. You are dedicated, detailed, accurate, punctual, organized, and a capable leader with all the assistance you have given to the other staff. And for that, I have spoken to my mother and we both agree that you shall be elected as the castle chambermaid."

The light blue eyed girl looked as if she would pass out from such incredible news, left speechless at that moment. She knew she just acquired the most important role in the castle which was the main reason she worked her tail off. She was truly a dedicated worker, since her arrival in the castle. A runaway from a small town home, filled with abuse and grief. She came from a sad life, to which her father, a highly decorated man from the Great War, was wounded twice and returned home, only to pass a year later from his injuries sustained. The mother was quite sinister. To the woman, the word marriage was nothing but a title, as she showed no compassion, dedication or commitment. Constantly ridiculing her husband around others and subjecting the man to abuse both physically and verbally. Then when her husband went to fight, she took her time to chase practically anything in the village with trousers, bringing a new man home each night while subjecting such sinful behaviour to her daughter, Rita. When the mother's husband returned, badly wounded, only Rita cared for her, while her mother became an alcoholic and continued to verbally and physically abuse the two. Once Rita's father passed, it was the breaking point and she ran away from home. All the way to the isolated village by Castle Dimitrescu and into the massive mansion itself.

Her arrival came with mixed reception of confusion and resentment. A filthy outside venturing up to Lady Dimitrescu's front door, pleading for solitude in her home and asking to assist in the castle wasn't something she greatly valued. But through the weeks, that became months and later years. She became a person with strong resolve and fixated will to restart her life. Dedicated, loyal and committed to performing any tasks assigned with flawless perfection through her experience slaving through her depressing home life. It would gain great praise and notice from the Dimitrescu daughters and the countess herself. The work was stressful and rigorous, as was the ever watchful amber eyes like that of a hawk. Waiting for just a slight mistake to happen, especially from the middle daughter, Cassandra, to claim her prey and punish the woman in the castle's lower levels, the cellar. Rita had already witnessed many other young women sacrifice to the aggressive temperament of the brunette Dimitrescu, paying with their lives for such minor infractions or a missed task.

But Rita took on all those tasks, acquiring a great amount of respect from both staff and the castle's denizens with such dedication. Unfortunately despite her hard work, the daughter's would fall for electing and favouring another maiden to be the head maiden or castle chambermaid. Her name was Elena. A move the family would nearly regret with their life in later years. Despite Rita being upset from being bypassed, she still fixated herself as working harder than ever. She even dedicated herself to help ensure the other staff's details were made with perfected results.

And now the words she longed to hear for so long, had come to fruition, as the eldest Dimitrescu daughter stood before her giving her the role of castle chamber maiden. It was a dream come true, as the girl was bedazzled by the moment that seemed so surreal. Even Bela giggled at the hilarious expression that Rita was showing and visibly excited but not overly showing it.

Finally breathing in, the girl composed herself professionally, while still remaining at such firm attention, she spoke softly, "My lady...I...I am so truly honored to have such a title attached. I cannot thank you enough..it is something I have greatly desired...I am willing to fulfill my duties as such to the family, my lady." Smiling widely, the eldest daughter approached taking the speechless girl's hand in hers, tapping it lightly once, "I am so pleased to hear you say that Rita. You truly deserve it." But as joyful as the moment felt, a lingering thought came across the light blue eyed girl…

But what about Elena lady Bela?

She still had to ask, as she nervously spoke, "But I am confused, my lady. I thought Elena was the castle chambermaid?" The eldest breathed a sigh, composing her thoughts over the painful memory. The treachery, vicious actions, sneakiness from that slime of a woman. She glared deeply into Rita with a soft tone, "Elena...was dismissed by my mother. A recent argument ensued between the two, and my mother surprisingly dismissed her services." Even Bela couldn't believe she just used such a lame excuse. Anyone who argued with Lady Dimitrescu would be terminated...permanently, but she hoped that the curious maiden would buy it.

Rita merely stared for a moment, but nodded not saying a word more about the countess' actions. After a mere moment, Bela then continued while giving the girl a sincere look, soft speaking, "Now Rita, as you will take this role and I am happy to see you taking the responsibility, I need something else from you as well." The girl replied without hesitancy, "Absolutely my lady." Smiling radiantly, Bela began with a sincere expression, "Wonderful Rita, I knew I could count on you. I need you to work and take the maiden Fantine under your wing. Lately her work effort has shown a lot of sloppiness and lack of effort. You do know what my mother expects of all the staff. I need to please help her rectify those issues and help her improve her work etiquette. I know your fit to do so, as you have always done an amazing job helping so many that have needed your help. Can you do it Rita?"

The light blue eyes went into a shocked look at the mention of her fellow coworker Fantine, not being able to show the flawless detail as she always regarded the young girl as someone who was able to keep up with most tasks. She also knew that Fantine was partnered with Elena, but with her dismissal from the staff, Rita could understand why Fantine would struggle as the two were close friends. She would not let the struggling girl suffer, and nodded at Bela's request, "I..I would be delighted to help Fantine, my lady. You can count on me."

Tapping the newly promoted girl's hand again in elation, Bela nodded, "Excellent Rita, I am so pleased you have continued to show that team spirit. I know you will do incredibly well in your new role and with helping Fantine. Please enjoy your evening and rest well, you have a big day tomorrow. We will speak more tomorrow about the matter. I will go see my mother now and have your schedule and work assignments adjusted in conjunction with Fantines. Good night Rita and congratulations again."

Rita clicked her heels together, bowing and gave a small smile, "Good night Lady Bela." And with that turned to leave the eldest daughter's bedroom, faintly making a squealing sound of excitement that could be heard as she softly closed the door. The blonde Dimitrescu chuckled lightly at that, feeling satisfied with the meeting, she turned to straighten her hair and dark dress before shifting into her form of blowflies, and flew outside of her room towards her mother's chambers.

A thin line of transparent smokey air floated over a white porcelain telephone, as the countess sat in front of her massive immaculate golden vanity, her pale fingers curved under her chin as Lady Dimitrescu was in deep thought having finished an usual telephone call.

Her mood was mixed with satisfaction, elation, and even a small bit of skepticism. An opportunity in seeing potential expansion for the Dimitrescu business was too good to pass up, but still would this move bring any resentment from her children or the rest of the family was the lingering thought.

Alcina prided herself modestly working with various clientele in the exporting of her various vintage wines, regarded as the best in the country. Her customers came from various large families of nobility across the region, connected through The Duke's most prestigious clientele. Her reputation as a wine connoisseur and winery entrepreneur was revered with great respect and admiration from across her large clientele. But her business demanded a great rise, and the chance to build into a larger firm spread across, greatly intrigued the matriarch. Still it had to be done with great caution.

While the woman lingered in deep thought, she reached over to a golden case and opened pulling out a white cigarette. Then picked her black stick and attached the cigarette to it, lighting the tip, inhaling, and blowing a thin line of smoky air. She stared across the room, seemingly in a trance while holding the lengthy stick.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the approach of a loud hissing and buzzing sound, growing closer and louder. Then it stopped abruptly. In a moment a knock came at the large white coloured door with gold wavy designs across the frame. Alcina let a smile slowly creep on her face, as she stood from her vanity expecting the person to enter was one of her daughters. She spoke in an enthusiastic tone, "Come in dear."

The door opened, and in strode the woman's eldest daughter smiling widely as she only stepped in and closed the door softly. Her voice tone carried joy as did her expression, "Hello mother. You are looking well this evening. You wanted to see me?" Smiling radiantly at her eldest, the matriarch walked over to her daughter wearing her crimson red coloured housecoat, brown slippers, and wore her wide brimmed vanilla coloured hat, "Hello my love bug. I am well thank you. Please come in my dear." As she approached her eldest, she bent down and received a soft peck from the blonde daughter. The two smiled for a moment enjoying the time together.

At that, Alcina spoke with an excited tone, "Please come Bela, sit I have some news and things we must discuss." The blonde eldest nodded, smiling from ear to ear. The two then sat, Bela chose her mother's white coloured French sofa while Alcina sat at the stool in front of her vanity. After a moment of exchanging smiles, Bela perked up with an elated tone, "I too have great news too mother." Alcina nodded and spoke with enthusiasm, "Of course, please tell me my dove."

Huffing a joyful breath out, her eyes radiated such glee, "So I saw and spoke to Rita about her new duty that we offered, to the chambermaid role. You should have seen her face mother. She was so happy and delighted to accept the position. I also spoke to her about helping Fantine as well, and she jumped at the opportunity, isn't this great mother?" The countess smiled contently at that news, her soft tone was clear towards her pleasure at replacing the rat Elena, with a much better maiden in her role, "I am very pleased to hear that Rita has taken up on our offer my dear, and even more happier to hear she will assist in helping improve Fantine's work routine. I will demand nothing less in the house." Bela slowly nodded, still smiling before speaking curiously with excitement in her tone, "I agree mother, now let's hear the news you were gonna tell me, it sounds exciting."

The woman's smile slowly faded but her neutral soothing tone still contained the good mood in the room, Alcina huffed a sigh and began, "Yes my dear, some interesting news indeed. Your mother will be having a most important meeting with a potential client who is an esteemed wine connoisseur and highly regarded by another of my highly revered clients. There is an opportunity to expand our family business into the greater sphere of much of Europe if all goes well."

Bela nodded excitedly, with such a radiant expression of elation as well as her tone, "It does sound like a very exciting business venture mother, I am quite excited for you." But the blonde Dimitrescu noticed her mother's face trail and her eyes going into a trance-like state just staring away from her, Alcina muttered quietly almost unheard of to her daughter, "Still...we must use caution I feel."

The eldest daughter's smile faded in an instant, and her amber orbs carried concern, "Is something wrong mother?" The matriarch closed her eyes for a moment before reopening them, then looked at her daughter. Alcina huffed another slow sigh, "He is a man, but it's not just my distaste in men that I have such reservations of feeling towards with such mixed emotions towards this meeting." Bela just blinked at that, although a gut feeling told her there was some perhaps..anxiety...and it began to worry the blonde daughter. Before even inquiring, Alcina sensed her daughter's concern, and continued, "His name is Werner Back my dove. He is a government official working for the German Foreign Ministry in Bucharest." Now seemingly confused at the prestigious title, Bela inquired but tried to grin to assure her mother everything would be okay, "A government diplomat? Mother, that does sound impressive, perhaps everything will be okay."

But as much as Alcina relished her daughter's motion of confidence, it did little to comfort the tense woman, she continued with worry in her voice, "He is a government official, and his credentials are quite impressive as well as his well mannered and formal personality. But he is also a member of such a foolish regime, who carry such a mindless ideology and beliefs towards their nation and other people. Often carrying such brutish violent tendencies and behaviours to poison the minds of others to think as they should as well. Worst, they carry themselves through with such a childish mentality to wage such an idiotic game of war against the continent."

The blonde woman felt her amber orbs, lower to the ground as she lingered in deep thought towards those other people . Her mind, thinking deeply and feeling empathy to that group of men, women and children, especially thinking about when Anton showed her that specific sketch, was so overpowering in emotion and a depressing moment for those other people. And Bela felt that thought turn into such a question, buried like a tick in her brain. She huffed a sigh, and asked softly while her eyes showed sadness, "Mother I must ask something."

The matriarch frowned at that moment, sensing something troubling her eldest, but replied softly, "Of course my dove, ask me anything you want." Nodding slowly at that but keeping a neutral tone, "Mother I want to know. Do the Germans treat...their people and others okay?" The woman merely blinked with confusion radiating all over her pale face, "What do you mean my dear?"

Standing up slowly, Bela took a deep breath in and then soothed it out her lips. She began to walk towards the window, while playing with her pale fingers, rubbing the tips, nervously, "Anton...he once showed me two of his sketches. They were incredibly detailed mother, just really something. The first one he showed was done when he stayed in Berlin before the war. It depicted such a magnificent scene. Buildings with these blood coloured banners dangling, large rows of people with their arms in the air, as they watched this large military parade. It was an incredible scene that seemed so intriguingly patriotic. The people seemed very happy." Alcina merely nodded while allowing a smile to form on her face, "That doesn't sound to be too worrisome my lovebug."

Finally arriving at the window, she stared contently with amber orbs scanning to darkness outside, she was visibly perturbed and continued, "It didn't seem worrisome at all mother. But then he showed me his second sketch mother. And...well it depicted a scene of three people. A man, woman and small child standing out front, to what I assume was their business. They looked so scared and sad, mother. They watched this uniformed man, standing in front of the window of the building, painting an unusual looking star and writing two words on top. It said the words "Juden Verboten," Anton told me what it meant...it means Jews Forbidden."

The matriarch frowned, before speaking warmly, "My dear, I do not think…" Bela jumped in right away as she turned to face her mother, her eyes watering, "Mother! Anton told me how the Germans hate and have committed such violence to Jewish people. Innocent men, women and children subjected to the cruelest actions humans are capable of." Shaking her head, Alcina stood up and approached her daughter, just stopping and staring, "Bela, what do you concern yourself with such talk?" Angrily, the eldest daughter snapped, "Mother! There are Jewish people part of our staff. I know at least two maidens who are Jewish. We even have Jewish people in our family. Yes mother. I know about Uncle Heisenberg, I know what he is, he told me."

Alcina nearly fainted as her ruby lips were open so wide in shock and surprise as were her golden orbs, "Bela..when did you find..you?" Shaking her head, the eldest responded emotionally, "Mother it doesn't matter when or how. The fact of the matter is that I know now. It concerns me with all this hate and violence, because we were like that for years and years. And people grew to hate us and attack us, so focused on their rage just like these Nazis are capable of doing. And it frightens me mother, because perhaps the Germans may hunt for Jews across other parts of Europe, perhaps even here." Tears were welling up in Bela's eyes, as her voice trailed. Alcina quickly arrived to embrace her blonde daughter tightly, as she let out her emotions, sobbing softly, "Mother...I just want all these attacks...and these violent people to leave us alone...I want us to just be happy...I am scared mother...and I am so tired of being scared, I just want all this to go away."

The tall woman then pulled her eldest tightly into her, as she dampness on her housecoat's waistline from the tears of her daughter. The moment so calm, so peaceful as the mother and daughter shared such a moment where one's worries and sorrows would fade in a heartbeat, Alcina spoke soothingly, "Shhh...please do not linger draga mea on such timorous thoughts...you are safe here...your mother will always protect you...I am just talking to a man...he will not harm you or any of your sisters...I promise you everything will be okay."

After a moment, the two broke their embrace slowly, as Bela wiped her eyes and Lady Dimitrescu brought her pale hands to cup her daughter's cheeks, smiling so smoothly, "There you are draga mea...look at you my beautiful love bug...see your mother is right here." Sobbing a chuckle, and slowly smiling, "I'm sorry mother, I don't know what got into me." The woman just shook her head slowly, continuing to give such an affectionate smile, melting the eldest daughter's anxiety away, "No my dear. You do not need to apologize, I love you so dearly for being that love bug that just cares and loves everyone so much."

Huffing a calm breath out, "Thank you mother." Alcina nodded, before continuing softly as she rose up, "That's what your mother is for draga mea. Now as it goes for tomorrow, the meeting will be held in my tea room. We will have the staff prepare everything accordingly for Mr. Beck. Please ensure we have the best vintages made available for Mr. Beck's taste." The eldest nodded, understanding what was required, "Yes mother, I have an idea of a couple bottles that Mr. Beck will especially enjoy." Smiling at the cleverness of her blonde daughter, "Ahh that's my smart little ladybug. Excellent Bela. Now I must retire from this evening, we do have a lot to prepare for tomorrow, and will have an early start."

The blonde Dimitrescu nodded, and approached her mother as she leaned one more time and received a soft peck from her dark lips on the pale cheek of the matriarch. Alcina looked down quietly whispering, "Sleep well draga mea, I love you so." Bela smiled and returned, "Good night mother, I love you too."

And with that, the blonde daughter formed into her group of insects, the buzzing echoing in the countess' bedroom, then after a moment flew out of the room. Alcina just smiled before removing her housecoat and crawling into the massive bed. Sleep came fast for the exhausted Lady Dimitrescu.

A group of fascinated brown eyes, glared at such wonders around the massive castle. Lucille was ever captivated by such incredible and beautiful details to the architecture from walls, furniture and the immaculate paintings. She felt she was in a dream, and felt excitement creep into her stomach with such a heartfelt desire to assisting in the castle as a servant.

Lucille also had the pleasure to meet some of the castle staff, although many were seemingly shy, but they were nice when the odd girl spoke to her, and the brunette Raddu was becoming increasingly excited to participate in the various work details across the castle. Then came a moment that brought such elation to the girl. One maiden, Chloe approached the two exploring the kitchen and presented with the girl's red dress and coat, washed and repaired from the damage sustained during the frightening encounter with the feral beasts. Lucille was nearly in tears, when she saw her favourite outfit shown as good as new and hugged the maiden much to her surprise but smiled and nodded. Not wasting a minute, Lucille found a large closet and took her outfit, quickly relieving herself of the dirty and sweaty black nightgown she had worn for so long, and putting her favourite dress back on, followed by the navy blue woolen coat left open.

When the French braided Raddu came out of the closet and faced Daniela, the redhead gleamed with intrigue as such a beautiful outfit, mesmerized and complimenting that her friend looked so beautiful. Even hinting at Lucille with a whisper, "Hey if you have any more dresses like this, and they don't fit you or you like them, pass them this way. I have a nice, good eye for style girl." Eliciting a hard giggle from the French braided girl.

While the tour continued, Lucille had already picked her two favourite areas of the castle. The greenhouse, which carried so many exotic plants, herbs, vegetables and fruits. But perhaps what impressed the Raddu girl the most, was the rose bushes. Various colours of bright red, light pink, and Lady Dimitrescu's personal favourite, black coloured roses. Lucille took such an interest in the scene, but felt teary eyed as it was something she enjoyed younger with gardening alongside her late mother.

Her dearest friend, Daniela Dimitrescu sensed the moment becoming deeply emotional and troubling, and happily escorted the French braided girl out of the greenhouse to continue exploring the castle together.

When Lucille approached and entered the immaculate grande opera hall, her jaw nearly dropped off. She was such an avid lover of music and the arts, and became very entertained especially when Daniela took the time to perform her talent on the piano, playing a piece of Mozart. Lucille just stood there, so engaged and captivated by the serene and calm feeling from such beautiful music.

Without a shout of a doubt, the redheaded Dimitrescu daughter was the highlight of the tour carrying such a detailed description of every major section of the castle. Its history and significance fascinated the wide brown eyed Raddu girl to the core. Daniela also provided such amusement with her sense of humour, cracking jokes and showing her mischievous side, bringing Lucille to tears from laughing so hard.

But as wonderful as the moments were they got to share with each other, there were two places where the silence enveloped between the two, and a sense of dread carried deep into their guts.

When the two girls approached the door to the lower area of the castle, Daniela carried a dreadful look to a curious brown eyed glance from her friend. When Lucille asked what was downstairs, the redhead just stared with visible signs of apprehension, before speaking with concern, "It's forbidden Lucille. None of the staff are allowed anywhere near there." Just the way the redhead described the lower area of the mansion, sent shivers down Lucille's spine. To ensure the girl understood to stay away, Daniela stole a page to get that assurance and used Lucille's trademark pinky swear, which the French braided girl cooperated fully and swore on it.

The second area that was made off limits, was the arena. As Daniela explained, that it was Cassandra's "private space" which again Lucille had no problem showing compliance to those rules, acquiring a wide smile from the redheaded Dimitrescu.

Finally the tour was winding down as the two girls approached the main hall. The redheaded Dimitrescu looked to see something catch her eye at that moment, as her amber orbs widened. Next, Daniela grabbed her while visibly overly excited, tugging on the French braided girl with such force she could've almost heard a pop from where her arm was latched and muttered an, "oof." Nearly tripping as she watched the perky redhead skip, approaching quickly what was a tall armoured statuette, standing in all its glory, the metal shining like a diamond in the light, bearing a shield with beautiful colours. Lucille also took note of the symbols, recognizing them of the infamous French fleur de lis , clearly seeing the origin of the gorgeous and impressive piece.

While admiring another wonderful feature of the home like a tourist, Daniela jumped beside it happily and went into her playful mode, her theatrical act started with a bow and her amusing foreign accent attempt, "Ahh Mademoiselle, may I introduce to you to the O' Sir Gallant Knight Pierre Dimitrescu the Brave. Protector of the most beautiful Dimitrescu, Princess Daniela." Lucille giggled heartily, her eyes carrying such elation, she bowed elegantly joining the performance, "Charmed and honoured to hold your acquaintance O' Brave Sir Knight." To which she momentarily stared with morbid fascination at the statue, taking in it's impressive design. The redhead beamed a smile at her friend's performance, then leaned in closer practically whispering, "Ya he's quite shy and doesn't say much as you can see." The brunette Raddu girl laughed loudly, relishing the redhead's humour with every moment together.

Turning to face the statue, the redhead looked at it dreamingly for a moment, then perked up with something she thought Lucille might enjoy seeing, "Oh almost forgot girl. Pierre loves it when I do this impressive trick, do ya wanna see?"

Not knowing what Daniela was planning but seeing her excitement brought a sense of being curious, plus the middle Raddu girl's smile gave enough of an answer, she answered quite enthusiastically, "Oh yes Daniela, I'd love to see what you have planned. I mean if Pierre loves it, I'm sure I will just as much."

Excitement radiated within the young Dimitrescu, even muttering a soft, "Yay," she began. Her body gave off a loud buzzing sound as she giggled loudly feeling the swarm of dozens of flies begin to engulf her body in a dark cloud. After a few moments, the redhead's body was all gone and she and her insects became one cloud of buzzing and giggling.

But the reaction opposite her, was anything but exciting, only sheer terror. Lucille screamed in horror, thinking a massive swarm of bugs were eating her best friend. She yelled, "Oh my god Daniela! NO! Someone help! Please help...Daniela is in trouble...these things are hurting her!" Her brown eyes were widened in such disbelief, as the petrified girl felt her eyes well with tears, her hand covering her mouth to block any further shrieks of distress.

The redhead felt a strong sense of sadness and guilt for freaking the French braided girl out, and she resumed to her human form as the insects returned inside her body, and the buzzing stopped and the two were left in silence. Visibly nervous, the redhead bit her dark lip while narrowing her molten gold orbs to the floor in shame. Lucille slowly removed the hand covering her mouth, staring in absolute disbelief and not knowing whether to hug her friend, that was seemingly okay with no signs of injury or wounds. And yet something creeped deep inside the middle Raddu sibling, a feeling of guilt for overreacting towards something that was likely a part of her friend.

Before uttering a single word, Daniela began emotionally, "Hey...um..I am sorry I shouldn't have done that...you were clearly upset...and you probably think I'm some kind of bug monster too now." Now a strong sense of shame took over Lucille's mood, she truly felt bad for screaming her face off in front of her friend, when this was something...perhaps a condition...but she saw in her amber orbs, that her dear hilarious, caring, perky friend who had been nothing short of like a sister to her, that she was no monster and did not deserve to be treated like that.

The French braided girl approached slowly and applied a soft hand on the redhead's robed shoulder, causing Daniela to slowly look up with shock in her yellow eyes. A warm grin from the girl gave a sense of relief and warmth to her upset friend, "Daniela. You are not a bug monster, or any monster. I am really sorry I screamed at you, it just really surprised me. I thought those creatures were eating you alive, and I got so scared. I shouldn't have acted like that."

The redhead just shook her head rapidly, her tone still carrying shame for her actions, "No...No you don't have to be sorry, I should have told you about...my condition...I shouldn't have done something so stupid like that, I was just so excited to show you and I didn't think about that you have never seen anyone do that...I wasn't considerate to how it may make you feel...because nobody has really ever asked me to do it, they just run away screaming...yelling monster...monster..run away...they run and yell horrible things at me, before they even try to understand me."

A small tear welled in the redhead's eye and escaped down her pale cheek at that. Lucille just stared deeply, thoughts lingering over the pain her friend had felt so deeply being mocked and resented by others. Curiosity also crept into the girl slowly, and she spoke softly and quietly with a neutral expression, "Daniela...show me again...please." A set of widened amber orbs met Lucille's serious brown ones, with surprise. Clearly unsure, Daniela spoke shakingly, "Are…*gulp*...Are you sure?"

The brunette Raddu nodded with a soft smile without saying a word but her deep brown eyes said yes. The redhead squealed happily, clapping with such excitement rapidly. Then took a few steps back from Lucille, she stared for a moment then closed her eyes tightly.

The grande hall then echoed with such a near deafening hiss, as the onlooking French braided girl watched with morbid surprise and even fascination while carrying such a beaming smile. Over a dozen dark fluttering insects returned and engulfed the entire redhead's form as Daniela cackled with delight. Once her shifting was complete, the swarm around her body took flight lifting off the earth and zipped across the massive hall. Lucille felt like she was watching some incredible act, it was so surreal as she never had seen anything like it in her life.

Doing loops and twirls, Daniela shouted with such excitement as she performed, "Weeee...watch this girl...whoa...haven't done that one in a long time….yaaaa….ohh shit, almost knocked mother's plant over….wooo….oookay...here I come...yaaa….okay I'm getting dizzy...I'm coming back down."

Then the swarm returned back to the earth, as the redhead's human shape was coming back into view. The blacked flies began to disappear as was the buzzing slowly quieting it down as they returned within the youngest Dimitrescu's body. The redhead's eyes closed finally opened as her amber orbs carried such delight. Beaming from ear to ear, Daniela did a small bow as her performance was complete, perking up with a, "Ta da! So what did ya think?"

The French braided girl blushed, as her mouth was left open for so long a small bit of saliva nearly dropped off the lip, to which she quickly wiped her mouth embarrassingly. But nodded visibly overjoyed at the spectacle she witnessed, "Daniela that was incredible! I never knew that something like that was ever possible. Does it hurt when you transform into that? What's it like?"

The redhead giggled at her friend's clear fascination with the condition, feeling proud and no longer ashamed that she found someone so acceptant of one of her abilities. Trying to answer the questions as best she could, while smiling, "I know, these little guys are pretty impressive eh. Umm wouldn't say it hurts per say...just feels like something tickling you a lot...heh...and I will say I hate being tickled too, but no it feels like your body is floating. It is quite fun because flying around is something surreal, and you feel so free...so light...like nothing can touch you...it feels so wonderful."

Suddenly, a set of rapid footsteps approached from the opposite end of the castle as Karl Heisenberg was seen running towards the two girls, clear concern on his face. Nearly out of breath and visibly groggy as if he was resting, "Hey you two...is everything okay? I heard screaming and cries for help."

The two girls giggled and their faces went red in embarrassment, receiving a puzzled look from the scruffy man in front of them. Lucille responded, while smiling, "It's okay Mr. Heisenberg, me and Daniela were playing hide and seek. And she spooked me quite crazy...and...we nearly knocked over this large shelf that almost fell on top of Daniela...but it's okay, we got it..everyone and everything is still in one piece, see." As the French braided girl held out her hands towards the redhead, as if showing no harm done, while winking playfully at Daniela.

Heisenberg brought two fingers to pink his nose while narrowing his head, groaning in annoyance, "Ugh! You two are gonna be the death of me. As if it wasn't bad waking me from a nap, now you two, nearly breaking my sister's house...geez, thought you two were touring around?" To which the girls giggled in amusement over pulling one over the confused and frustrated scruffy man.

Daniela gave her uncle saddened puppy like amber orbs, nodding then smiling quite radiantly, "Oh yes Uncle Heisie, we did wander around and I showed so much to Lucille. We had so much fun too." Heisenberg nodded with a smile finally, while turning to face Lucille with a sense of calamity, feeling something unusual in him he had never felt before.

Standing before the long brown haired man, was the absolute ravishing young French braided girl in all her immaculate beauty. Her gorgeous face, soft pink lips, incredibly toned slim figure, and her beautiful sparkling red dress partially covered with her navy blue woolen coat opened. Heisenberg felt quite warm inside, as his brown eyes glanced over the incredible girl with considerable attraction. Even though Heisenberg had already seen the girl in that outfit, the light beaming off her like almost a spotlight of such beauty was overwhelming

It was visibly clear to Lucille that the man before her was quite appealed by her appearance, causing her to lightly blush but she too was quite intrigued by the man before her. His unique look with his leather brimmed hat, round sunglasses, dark brown trench coat, white shirt, black pants, light coloured goatee and strands of hair like straw running down his face. His rough face and muscular structure made the girl feel so elated and intrigued as well as calm. Karl Heisenberg was clearly very appealing to the girl's brown eyes.

The stare down continued between the man and girl, and the redhead watched with glee, finally perking up with her hands on her hips, "Aww...look at you two...you look so cute together...ohh now girl I swear if there is a wedding I am so your maid of honor, and we are going to have an insane wedding and party, and I am gonna have the biggest wedding cake with so much chocolate in it...mmmm I can't wait. Ugh! Now I have a craving for chocolate now..dammit!"

Lucille giggled at that loudly, while Heisenberg put a hand on his niece's attempt to stop the bouncing redhead from nearly jumping off the walls in excitement. He used a soft tone that sounded seemingly half truthful, "Ok easy kiddo. Geez there isn't a wedding happening. Me and Lucille are just friends." Lucille had a small look of disappointment with that mention of "just friends," as if the French braided girl wished for more but wouldn't say, and could clearly see the same feeling in the man's brown orbs, she used her best attempt with an honest tone, "Exactly Daniela, me and Mr. Heisenberg are just good friends like us. Let's ease off on the wedding planning for now, okay?" Daniela just gave a small playful pout, before returning to her chirpy self and put two arms around her friend, "Ohh speaking of parties, Cassi is having one next week. It's for her birthday, you are so coming! It's gonna be so wonderful with you and the rest of the family here. Oh wait what the hell am I saying you already will be working here, so you will be here. Don't worry girl, I'll make sure to save a slice of cake or two or three."

The middle Raddu girl just giggled heartily at the hyperactivity of her redheaded friend as did Heisenberg. But after a moment of laughter, it died off as Lucille's thoughts triggered towards a frightening prospect that acted like a large brick wall from blocking the brunette Raddu's dreams.

Uncle Mihai...he will never agree to let me work here, let alone for me even setting a single foot on this property…

The smile melted off the middle Raddu girl in an instant as did the laughter in the room. Lucille's face took on that of sadness as her eyes narrowed towards the floor. Sensing tension from the girl, Daniela approached and placed a robed arm on her friend's visibly uneasy shaking form, "Hey hun. Are you okay?"

Falsely nodding and answering with a small grin but not a very convincing look, "Yeah...yeah I'll be fine...just a little scared is all." Now Heisenberg carried a concerned look, but before getting a word, Daniela's alarming tone took over, "Oh I bet you're worried about Cassi wanting you at her party! That's it! I don't care, you're totally gonna be there..and we will have such delightful fun, and Cass is gonna like it. And if she gives you any shit." At that the redhead removed on of her black shoes, holding it to Lucille's face, Daniela's tone carried on with her threat, "I'll take this size ten shoe on my foot, and shove it so far of my sister's fat ass, she'll be spitting it out of her mouth is what I'll do."

Nervously laughing at that, but visibly intimidated by the fiery temper of the youngest Dimitrescu, Lucille just shook her head, "No...no it's not me being at the party...or me getting the job working here if you're wondering too." Returning her shoe on her foot, Daniela tilted her head confused, "Oh, then what is it Lucille?" Finally huffing a sigh, it was clear there was no escaping her true stressful feelings, the French braided girl relented, "I am scared...of my Uncle Mihai." Heisenberg and Daniela exchanged glances of confusion, to which the girl continued while looking at Daniela directly with saddened brown orbs, "I'm scared because he hates this place, this home, your family...he doesn't have a single clue of what wonderful people you are...he just rants and raves of how you people are monsters and listens to all the village idiots trash talking your family left right and centre. And I hate it, and I know he'll deny me from getting a job, something I have been working my ass off at trying to get! Now there is a chance for me to have one, he won't agree to it, especially when I want this one so bad because I want to show my appreciation to your family for being so wonderful to me and Anton."

Daniela just stared in absolute shock. She had never seen anyone feel so desperate as to come into let alone work in her home ever. She had heard of endless people slandering the Dimitrescu home and family which became quite upsetting. But here someone, so special to her, so kind, fun, warm, so many wonderful feelings, now left the redhead feeling unsupportive as she didn't know what to do. Only using soft words to try to comfort the upset brunette Raddu, "Hey hun. Don't worry, I'm sure he'll get around to it. Just try and see what you can do, and hope for the best, right?"

As nice as it was to feel such a supportive gloved hand on her shoulder, Lucille felt little as she knew the real truth of what would envelop bringing the job offer to her uncle. She knew her uncle and his temperament towards this home. She couldn't hold her anger back, "No Daniela. You don't understand, he won't listen to a damn thing I'll say, he'll just rant and rave about this place and then lose it all at me. I don't know what to do."

But like a ray of sunshine, Heisenberg came to the rescue. Seeing the girl in serious emotional pain and anger, he perked up, "Ya know what Lucille, I think I have an idea. I'll accompany you to your uncle's house and talk to him about this job working at the castle. We are good friends, and if anyone has a chance cracking his icy stubbornness, I think I can. I'll tell him how much this really means to you. Let Heisenberg work it out."

The girl's brown eyes widened in disbelief and elation, her pink lips wide open but smiling slowly. The glimmer of hope she wished for had come at that moment. She jumped with such force hugging the scruffy man with a joyful squeal, nearly knocking Heisenberg over. The man chuckled while wrapping one arm around the smooth back of Lucille's red dress. He inhaled her scene which was that of most potent roses, perhaps the soap used to wash her dress, but it was quite invigorating. The two embraced for a few moments, ignoring the high pitched, "Aww" from the joyful expression of the red headed Dimitrescu.

Finally breaking their embrace, Lucille stood before Heisenberg breathing calmly but eyeing the attractive muscular form and noting how wonderful his arms felt around her frame. She began to blush. Heisenberg took note of how incredible the girl felt in his arms, her softness, smell, the silky brown hair tied in a braid that ran over his shoulder, it was most incredible and the man's stomach felt like butterflies fluttering deep in his insides.

The girl composed herself, clearing her throat but carrying that very beaming smile, "Ohh my god, thank you so much Mr. Heisenberg. That would mean the world to me, if you could convince my uncle to let me work here. I will do anything...anything to help out here. You have no idea how happy you have just made me."

Heisenberg chuckled at that, his brown eyes glazing over the adorable expression the French braided girl showed. Letting his breath out, he spoke softly, "Well if I can help you with convincing your uncle, I need something in return if you don't mind." The girl shook her head still smiling, "Not at all." Chuckling, the man continued, "I need a ride back to my factory. I have got some work to do and make sure it's getting done. Plus I don't think my sister is too keen on having me around here, probably thinking I've moved in or something. I'm overstaying my welcome I think and should get going."

The girl just laughed lightly, while admiring the man's sense of humor. She nodded, "Consider it done Mr. Heisenberg." The man smiled before adding, "And please, just go with Karl. This formal shit, just isn't my style." Giggling at that, she spoke while giving the man a deep brown eyed affectionate look, " Alright sounds good Karl."

The moment had come, where the two would be leaving, and as Lucille turned to face Daniela felt some worry that the redhead almost looked like she was going to cry. She quickly approached and embraced her redheaded friend tightly, adding some comfort to the youngest daughter that was visibly going to miss her. Tucking the large amount of red hair into her shoulder, Lucille hear a sniffle from the saddened red haired vampire. The moment lasted briefly, as the two slowly broke away. Daniela wiped her nose, before speaking whiney with a small smile, "Now...you get home girl...no tears...ugh! I hate goodbyes...but you're totally coming back here...you're gonna smash that meeting with my mother...and you'll be back here working your ass off and having fun with me...rest up, shake off the cold feet, and come back soon, mmkay?"

Lucille nodded vigorously, returning a bright smile while tearing up in her brown orbs, "I will...thank you so much Daniela for everything. And please give all my love and thanks to Bela, hug her tight for me. I wish I could say goodbye, but I know she's busy. And you're right, I'll be back to see everyone sooner than you think."

And with that, the two gave one more tight embrace, before Lucille turned to make her way walking alongside Heisenberg. The French braided girl turned to give a quick wave, met with a goofy expression on the redhead, as the two laughed. Then she and Heisenberg were gone, leaving the youngest Dimitrescu in the grande hall. Sighing a breath out, she continued her little play with the knight statue, "Well my handsome knight. It's just you and me. Hmm, would you like to hear a story? I have a beautiful romantic tale as we can cuddle by the fire." And with that, the redhead shifted into her insect form and fluttered upstairs quickly to the library to select an activity for her evening with her motionless metallic friend.

Pale hands struggled to balance a large silver tray of hot items and other breakable dishes, as Bela maneuvered with such a slow amount of movement. Multi tasking between moving around corners, the slippery floor, and any incoming staff or family in her direction. She could have opted for a staff for assistance to carry the large tray, but wanted to take care of this matter personally. She was practically antsy and overly excited in such a way to spend an evening with her lover, Anton Raddu.

Barely finishing her dinner, being consumed with such eagerness, Bela quickly cleaned her dishes and went to work preparing her man's dinner. With such culinary expertise and skill, she first turned on the stove to which a large pot containing the mouth water meal Ciorba de Perisoare . A divine soup, with meat chunks drowned in a tomato broth. Once the soup was hot enough, she put a large bowl together, then sprinkled the top with herbs and parsley. She then added some small cheese pieces and a slice of brown bread. Finally she boiled and prepared a small pot of tea, placing two porcelain black rose decorated cups on the tray. Huffing a breath of satisfaction, the blonde woman beamed happily and excitement, as she remembered her youngest sister's interesting advice,

The way to a man's heart, is through their stomach

In most cases, Bela would consider such advice to seem childish. But then thought over, that Anton would be delighted with such an excellently put together meal. Finished with the preparation, the blonde woman lifted the tray, grunting and yelping as she attempted to balance and prevent a shift making a hot broken mess of food and her mother's dishes. Struggling to hold the tray straight as she left the kitchen slowly.

She could've sought assistance from a nearby maiden. But decided against it, she would not have another staff bring Anton his dinner, it was now her time to enjoy the remainder of the evening together. Smiling radiantly at the thought of his soothing voice, drownable blue eyes, perhaps even...those delicious lips on hers. So the blonde woman continued until she was faced with an obstacle she didn't plan to prepare for. The staircase.

Huffing an annoyed sigh, she glanced at the meal in her hands and almost requested assistance, but Bela was a determined woman that would find some way to make her way up the massive set of stairs, muttering to herself, "If only we had an elevator built." Then let out a breath blowing a blonde strand out of her face.

Then the idea came into play, she called upon her insects to shift her form. As the buzzing initiated, and her human self began to slowly disfade into the swarm. Bela then used a small number of insects to hold onto the handles of the large silver tray, with flawless precision. Now she was prepared and the swarm all together with the tray in the winged creature's grip of its legs, flew up the stairs carefully but quicker than what the blonde Dimitrescu could do in her human form.

After a few minutes, the swarm approached the door to the guest room. The winged insects formed together quickly, as Bela's human self returned to its shape, with the silver food tray placed in her two hands. She opened her amber orbs, grinning in anticipation for such a wonderful night planned. Then she dispatched two more of her little fluttery friends to open the door for her, which they turned the knob and Bela carefully and quietly opened the large white with gold wavy designed door. She practically snuck in, ever quietly while calling her insects back into her body, then carefully walked into the dimly lit room so as not to arouse Anton if he was asleep. As Bela entered, she was met with a most astonishing and unnerving sight. The bed was empty, and Anton was not in it.

Tension and nervousness made the blonde daughter's smile fade away in an instant. Her mind raced to where the dark haired man had gone. Panic then started to creep inside her stomach feeling like her insides were being knotted. And so many worries of what happened to her man carried through like a raging wildfire. Could he be injured? Could he have somehow left the room and gone somewhere into the castle? Worse, he could've left the castle, as he was clearly worried about his Uncle and Aunt and wanted to get home to them. Bela's hands then began to shake with such worried feelings, that the silver tray began to rattle and clank with dishes.

Then the moment of reprieve happened, as she tilted her head and saw a relief of a sight. There was Anton Raddu, standing at the base of a massive dresser, his hands firmly on it as he used the furniture to support his weight. Slowly sliding down towards something in the room that the blonde daughter couldn't figure out what. Her expression went then from relief to considerable anger, shrieking in frustration, "Anton! What in the world are you doing? You should be in bed resting, or you're going to injure yourself further." The dark haired man turned his head, giving a devilish smile to try to smooth over one on the blonde daughter, but knew he was caught and could see he was in trouble. Still he thought he'd try.

Smiling embarrassingly, his tone with elation, "Ahh hello my love. Mmmm room service looks great. Don't mind me, I'm just trying to get to my coat." The look from the blonde Dimitrescu went from anger to confusion, a raised dark brow on the pale face told the tale, as she curiously inquired, "Your coat? You're cold Anton? I can get you a blanket or start the fireplace if you want." The man laughed lightly at that, shaking his head slowly, "No Bela I'm not cold, actually far from it. I'm dying in heat unfortunately. No, I am just trying to reach my coat for something."

The blonde woman was even more confused, if not cold, then what was the man up to? She clearly saw that Anton was having serious trouble in between groaning and eliciting grunts of pain. He'd been bed ridden for a few days, and his legs had lost their use, causing the immobility she was seeing. Bela quickly went to the end of the bed, and set the large silver tray softly on the mattress, before returning to Anton's side, with her arms prepared to catch him if he fell.

He turned and smiled at the beautiful pale face riddled with concern, ever grateful for her presence and assistance. Slowly inching closer to a large dark coat rack with his brown coat hung up. Wearing his white silk shirt, dark pants, and moving around in his bare feet, he creeped closer, while groaning in pain, the sounds became slightly louder.

Finally Bela had enough watching the disheartening sight of her man struggling to reach his jacket. She left his side for a moment and quickly went to retrieve the large garment, pulling it off the rack with ease. Relishing the odour of Anton's cologne lingering to the garment with an odd smell of burnt tobacco as well. Bela quickly returned to the man's side, tucking an robed arm under the man's shirted arm, and became the man's support as the two moved slowly with the brown coat under Bela's arm, towards the bed. The man groaned louder in discomfort, sending the blonde daughter alarming signs and stopped moving as did Anton. For a moment the two looked into each other deeply, deep blue eyes glaring into amber coloured ones, followed with a moment of silence as the two locked into each other, warmth filled their cheeks.

Bela, visibly concerned, softly spoke, "Are you okay?" Anton closed his eyes, making another painful grunt, and then gave that delicious smile, "I will be when I get back to bed." Nodding at that, the two continued a careful pace towards the plush oversized mattress. Although Bela fully knew that she could easily carry the man due to her incredible feat of strength, she withdrew the idea for fear of causing any further injury to her man.

After a few minutes, the two reached the bed and Bela slowly set Anton down onto the bed, as the eldest Raddu made a slight groan of pain and let out a breath of relief. She also helped lift his limp legs onto the mattress, not getting much other than a light grunt from Anton. After her hard work with helping Anton into bed, Bela helped with getting the man to sit up and adjust a couple of pillows, helping Anton to get comfortable. Finally the blonde woman let out a breath of air, having put incredible and rigorous work into helping her man, she was able to relax. Pulling a large white chair, with a red plush cushion, she plopped onto the chair with a hard force, but not enough to break the chair, exhausted from the amount of work put in.

Grinning at his lover, clearly drained from the hard work put in, Anton reached for his coat, running his hands inside the pockets, while Bela sat up looking curious as to what the trouble was about for Anton to nearly hurt himself further to get his jacket. Once he found what he was looking for, let out a breath of relief as he pulled the item that was seemingly important to him. And Bela's eyes grew wide in disbelief.

Pulled out of his coat pocket, Anton held a small white pack of cigarettes as he looked excitedly shaking the open pack. Bela's expression was originally that of shock and disbelief to absolute anger, and she didn't hide it as she nearly ripped the man's head off, loudly, "Cigarettes? You went ahead nearly getting yourself so badly injured for a stupid pack of cigarettes? Anton I nearly had a heart attack thinking you were badly hurt or left the room...and here I find you pushing yourself out of bed, using the furniture to get to a pack of cigarettes. You are an absolute idiot."

Attempting to find a way out of the woman's scolding mood, like a teacher addressing an ill behaved student firmly, Anton tried to give a serene smile and used a witty remark, "An overdue cigarette love, haven't had one in a few days. And I didn't get hurt, I knew what I was doing, I'm okay now." With that said, Anton lit the tip and inhaled, leaving a thick plume of smoke from his lips.

Shaking her head, fighting between removing the man's dinner and using the food tray to smack the man some sense into his head or lashing him, opted instead to give Anton a piece of her mind. With her legs crossed and arms folded, the woman huffed in annoyance, "Ugh! It's such a filthy, disgusting, smelly habit, how can you enjoy such a wasteful thing?" The man chuckled lightly, as he inhaled and exhaled more smoke from his mouth and nose, "What can I say my dear, I'm a creature of bad habits." Just wanting to smack that look off the man, the blonde Dimitrescu shocked both him and herself with her next bewildering action.

Reaching and snatching the cigarette from Anton's fingers, which the man frowned with a loud, "Hey!" Then Bela brought the cigarette towards her dark lips, looking a little nervous, but relented and brought it to her mouth. She inhaled at the tip, as it lit like that of a candle, as Bela glared with a smug look at the blue eyed disbelief expression of Anton. What came next switched from a look of anger to disgust and regret of even doing what she did.

Hacking, choking, and gagging at the taste, smell, and burning effect on the blonde daughter's throat so hard. Nearly lurching her dinner on Anton beside her, she was repulsed and immediately handed the cigarette back to her man. Anton was laughing so hard, throwing his head back in absolute amusement at the most unusual scene that he saw, with his lover attempting to smoke.

Swatting plumes of burning tobacco air away from her face and body, and wiping her mouth of excessive saliva, with a disgusted look, Bela chokingly spoke, "Ugh! You, my mother, and my uncle can keep that filthy shit to yourselves...blah!" Still chuckling, Anton cocking puffed on his cigarette with a victorious nod. Bela just shook her head in disappointment, but after another moment while smiling, Anton put it out in a small ashtray.

Huffing a sigh, Bela gave a firm look at the blue eyed man, "Now that you have had your desperate injury risking cigarette, let's get some food into you." Nodding at that in enthusiasm, the blonde daughter got off the chair and brought the large food tray and set it down softly on Anton's midsection. The man brought blue eyes down as they widened, with his mouth watering, then glared at Bela in delight, joy in his tone, "Bela...did you make all this? This is incredible, you read my mind. I have craved Ciorba de Perisoare for so long, even my Aunt could never put it together right. But look at all this, it's amazing. And I am famished."

Such excitement returned a radiant smile on the eldest daughter, giggling in delight at the man's elated reaction to her hard work putting the meal together. It didn't take long for Anton to grab a spoon and slowly indulge in the savoury broth and fair sized pieces of meat. Moaning in such a delicious meal, the woman stared dreamingly into his gorgeous facial features, she licked her lips in desire as a clear want for the man's lips smashed against hers. But shook the naughty thought from her mind, and went to reach for the small boiling teapot. Pouring herself and Anton a cup, she added her favourite ingredients to hers with a small amount of honey and blood.

Anton saw this while eating, but did not show any sign of disgust or fear. Or even felt any sign of a loss of appetite. But stared deeply into the blonde Dimitrescu, as she winked at him while bringing the beautiful designed cup to her dark lips, sipping the hot beverage.

The remainder of the meal went in silence, in between winks and beaming smiles between the two lovers. The two shared the plate of exotic cheese pieces, still locking their orbs into each other deeply, with such affection, passion and desire for each other.

Finally the meal finished, Anton had his last gulp of the savoury hot beverage and set the cup down. He looked with a satisfying look at Bela, as she looked with an anxious glare as to hear what the man was going to say about the meal. She had some idea, but found out quickly with an elated reaction, "Bela. That was the most incredible meal I have had in a long time. You really outdid yourself, you didn't need to go to all the trouble for this." But the blonde vampire shook her head, while finishing her tea and setting the cup down. She brought her pale hand with a small grin, she entwined it into the man's digits, "But I really wanted to make you dinner Anton, you deserve it and more, for everything you've done for me and my family. And it's very important for you to get good healthy food into you, regain your strength especially."

Smiling softly, the man looked with a deep penetrating gaze into Bela's golden orbs, Anton huffed a sigh, before he became emotional with the moment two shared, "You know the first time we met, at the lake, last summer, when I "trespassed" onto your property." As he chuckled lightly, the blonde woman just smiled radiantly, nodding. Continuing, "I was going through some tough times, I was, and . Dealing with the loss of my parents still, the hard working life on my uncle's farm, and with...Victor seemingly abandoned us. A lot seemed just...lost. It changed all of us there...Lucille took our younger brother's leave the hardest...he just couldn't find any happiness where he was and left for Germany to go with my Aunt, guess he wanted to find a better life there. Now he's a soldier, fighting a brutal war, and can't help but worry about him ya know, if he's really happy, if he's okay." While letting out his emotions, Bela moved the chair closer to her man's bedside then leaned closer towards Anton, she brought her pale digits and started to brush his dark brown hair, trying to calm the blue eyed man down.

Although as soothing as the feeling was, he still continued while looking deeply into Bela's amber orbs locked on him, listening thoroughly. Anton continued, "I guess with all the worry and stress I feel, that's why I draw so much, sketch so much. I pour my passion, my emotions out on the paper. I make sure every detail is done right, like a push to ensure when the work is done, it's like you can feel you're there...like you can touch what you can see...feeling such powerful emotions of joy, despair, love, happiness, sadness...and feel your mind swallowed into the scene...like when you see the a picture of say, your family. You can feel everything all at once, warmth, happiness, even laughter because you think you look silly in the picture, or look at it like "I can't believe I was that small, where did the time go by?" Just the energy that brings such a state of peace."

Mesmerized by the warmth and passion of Anton's words, she just stared into the dream of a man. He looked into Bela with such a deep reflection of his blue orbs, with such a peaceful feeling, "And that's what love truly feels like to me, like doing a sketch. You put such work, energy, passion into everything that's done, and the thrill that you can look back at a masterpiece of something you have accomplished in life, that you feel when you have that special someone," Squeezing the pale hand softly, "You…feel that god sent an angel down, just for you. To become so whole, to share the joyful moments, to laugh, love, sometimes argue, but to feel like two hearts just became one."

Sighing into the dream of a man with a slow breath, Bela merely blinked with her beaming smile. The man nodded, looking down for a moment then up, his voice carried such emotion, "That's something I envy so much about you Bela, is your passion and dedication to your family. That you all are so strongly there for each other and most importantly have each other as well. I….I don't have much left…just me and Lucille…yes my uncle and aunt…but Victor is gone…I don't know if we'll ever see each other again." As his voice trailed off and he looked away from Bela.

With such endearing words said to the blonde woman, she couldn't feel anymore than obliged to help her man she loved so dearly, and pained to see feeling so sad as to not see his youngest brother. An idea came to her mind, she softly spoke, "Anton." The man looked back at her curiously, as the blonde daughter smiled with an elated look, "I think we can reach out to your brother, Victor." Widened blue eyes in disbelief, "How Bela? How do we reach out to him?" Breathing out slowly, she leaned in closer landing her blonde head softly on the man, connecting the two, she told him, "We can write him a letter Anton. You can tell him how you really want to see him, and arrange something I am sure. At least you'll be able to reach him. I am sure he misses you and your sister too."

Unsure, his voice was hesitant, "I don't know Bela. We haven't spoken in so long. I don't know what I would say. And he's in the German Army too, I don't think they will just let him pack and go on vacation down here like that." The blonde woman just shook her head, "You never know until you try my man thing. And if you feel it might be too hard to write, I'll help you with writing it."

Anton could just smile so widely, his blue eyes radiating with such gratitude he couldn't imagine how to repay, "Bela…I…thank you, I don't know what to say." The eldest Dimitrescu just shook her head still grinning wildly, "Anton, there is nothing you need to say or even thank for, it's me that is thank you. For everything from saving me, my sister Cassandra, my family to what you especially mean to me. That I would do anything for you or your family."

The two then shared a soft but slow kiss, a moment they had hungered for too long now. As they broke their lip lock, Bela stood slowly leaving the man's grip, as Anton looked at the woman with saddened eyes. The blonde daughter just giggled lightly, "Now you need some sleep Mr. Raddu, and so do I. And if I catch you sneaking out of bed again, I'll chain you to it." The man just winked while remarking, "Kinky my dear." The two shared one more laugh before the woman turned to head out of the room to bed.

At almost halfway, she felt strange, as images snapped like that from a camera of seemingly memories or visions.

Snap….Snap….Snap….Snap

A group gathered, laughing and embracing a man, then BANG! A wedding chapel, red and white dress, vows, running to his hand BOOM! Screaming and accusations of lies and deceit…tears of anger… BANG! Embracing a small baby in loving arms, rocking it while singing softly, the sky crying on two in the moment… SNAP!

And then a shriek of terror, as Bela grabbed her head dropping herself on the wooden floor. Anton was terrified something had happened and nearly jumped out of bed, yelling, "Bela!" He began limping and dragging his one leg, groaning in pain as he slowly approached the trembling form of the blonde Dimitrescu.

Arriving, Anton decided to take care of the shaking and frightened blonde woman, and wrapped his arms around her body, holding her tightly, softly speaking, "Are you okay?" Shaking and sobbing into the man's shoulder, she was visibly a nervous wreck, "Anton…hold me please…I don't wanna be alone tonight…please let me stay with you."

The man was in shock at that request and didn't think Bela was thinking clearly either, he pulled her sobbing form and made a gesture to check by gazing into her amber orbs, "Bela…are you sure? Your mother or sisters.." The eldest Dimitrescu stopped the man right there talking while wiping her tear filled eyes, filled with fright, pleading, "Please Anton…let me be with you."

Nothing was more convincing than that of the woman he loved so dearly, the look of terrified frightened eyes, crying into his shoulder, and feeling so helpless to make whatever had hit the blonde daughter so hard to make her feel this way. He pulled her blonde head back into his shoulder, softly speaking, "Okay…okay…you can stay with me. Come let's go to bed." All he got was a sniffly, "Thank you Anton."

With that, the two slowly approached the bed, as Anton struggled to keep his strength going but fueled on adrenaline managed with almost no assistance from Bela. They both got into bed, under the large amount of covers in the massive bed. Then turned to face each other. The two locked their eyes deeply into each other, their hands gently rubbing and caressing their cheeks slowly, as Bela's rapid breathing from before had eased considerably.

Then the eldest daughter moved closer to the man and laid her head on his chest. Anton went ahead to return the favour that she had done with the soothing touch of her fingers through his dark hair, and ran his hands through the blonde silky hair of his lover. The moment was too soothing for words that Bela felt as was a pair of warm lips, pecking her top of her brown hair.

She laid there, listening to the man's heartbeat, and felt her amber orbs become heavy with every beat. She drifted to a deep sleep, while Anton made one more kiss to her head and went to sleep as well.

Raddu Farm

Romania

January 1, 1941

A bright red truck drove through the vastly snow covered road, through the village, managing the slippery conditions and difficult traction with flawless precision. Brown eyes widened in such disbelief, as Lucille Raddu watched the driver, Karl Heisenberg with an intense look unsure how he was able to manage such weather, while looking so calm with one hand on the wheel and his elbow leaned against his seat.

Shortly after leaving the doors to Castle Dimitrescu, Heisenberg offered the girl to drive her uncle's vehicle back home, but she decided against it as she was just too nervous to drive let alone think, and requested Heisenberg to take the wheel, which he obliged without complaint.

Now as the vehicle was now leaving the village and on the last main road towards Raddu farm, very little was spoken on the way. Although the two did glance at one another every few moments, eliciting a hum or cough, there was clearly some form of attraction as mischievous thoughts danced through their heads.

Seeing the silhouette in the distance of the farm house light up, Lucille began to shake feverishly, tensing up as she began to ponder what she could possibly say as to convince her firm uncle to be allowed to work in Castle Dimitrescu. Noticing the tense look, and the girl shivering, Heisenberg softly called to Lucille, "Hey! You alright over there?" The girl in deep thought snapped and then looked to the concerned look of the dark eyed man beside her, giving a simple nod and smile, "Mm hm." Unconvinced, Heisenberg glanced her way one more time, checking, "You wanna talk?" The middle Raddu just shook her head vigorously, but after a moment asked, "You don't mind if I take something to relieve the stress do you?"

Heisenberg just glared puzzingly at Lucille, but smiled with a nod, "Yeah...hey of course do what you gotta do there." Giving a small grin, the girl went into her dark blue coat, fumbling with something in her pockets, muttering quietly, "Where the fuck are they?" The man just glanced over, chuckling to himself, admiring how cute the girl looked when she got angry. Finally, Lucille let out, "Finally there they are." As she pulled a small pack of...cigarettes from her coat, and took out one and brought it to her lips, letting out a happy sigh. The man nearly felt his eyes pop out of his head in absolute bewilderment, watching his friend's niece take up smoking, "What are you….Does your uncle know?" The girl pulled the cigarette out of her mouth, holding two hands up, her face guilty but holding visible signs of fear, "Are you kidding me? Do you know what Uncle Mihai would say, let alone do to me if he found out?" The man chuckled and nodded, muttering, "Well said." Next the French braided girl was searching through her coat clearly for something to light her cigarette, becoming increasingly frustrated as she groaned in annoyance. Like a knight in shining armour, Heisenberg came to the rescue, and pulled a zippo lighter out of his breast pocket on his coat. Flipping the copper cover up, and using his thumb to ignite the flame, he brought it towards Lucille's direction. The girl raised an eyebrow, before taking the cigarette in two fingers, and placing it into her lip, then leaning into the flame, lighting it and puffing a small plume of smokey air.

Then Heisenberg pulled a small cigar from his coat, quickly lighting it as the man winked looking at the girl, "Don't ya worry Lucille, nothing leaves the grand vault of Karl Heisenberg." Lucille chuckled at that comment, blushing lightly, and speaking softly, "Thank you Mr...I mean Karl...Thank you Karl." Laughing lightly, Heisenberg added with a small grin, "Good to know, besides my super sized bitch of a sister, I'm not the only smoker around."

Lucille giggled at that, feeling some of the tension slowly fade, "Oh Anton can join our little club too Karl." With a raised eyebrow but smiling, "Anton smokes? Geez. Well I'll add another thing to the Heisenberg vault. Wow, at this point I'm gonna run out of room in there in no time." The girl laughed loudly at that, just smiling and enjoying both her cigarette and this man's humorous conversation. She also thought he was very easy on the eyes.

After the laughter died off, Lucille took another inhale of her cigarette before looking down for a second, visibly thinking of something. After a moment, looked at the driver and asked, "You don't seem to like your sister?" Heisenberg didn't look this time, merely took a puff of his small cigar and let out a breath, causing a puff of burning tobacco air. Finally let out a sigh, while driving casually, "We...we...ahh another time Lucille, it's pretty complex." Nodding, but feeling a trend of concern hit her. She saw something hidden in the man's eyes but decided against prying or upsetting the man.

So the silence returned, unnerving but at least the two enjoyed a moment to relieve their stress with their tobacco habit.

Finally, just before returning back to Raddu Farm, Lucille made sure to toss her cigarette out quickly, before her uncle saw her with it. The fear crept back into the girl's throat, as Lucille was surprised that her uncle didn't rip apart the entire region looking for Anton and her. Something seems off , she thought because it wasn't ever a good thing for either to not make their way home and leave their uncle waiting.

Although she knew they were likely asleep at this late hour, as the vehicle pulled into the driveway leading to the farm house. Something was very off indeed, as the headlights shone across the vast pathway towards the house, with its lights on...and the door left open.

The two exchanged worrisome looks, as the vehicle stopped beside a fair sized wooden barn. Heisenberg turned the truck off, and exited followed by Lucille cautiously. The girl didn't know to be either overjoyed to finally be home or fearful of facing her uncle..or something she was about to see, and felt her whole body start to shiver from both the cold and anxiety.

Heisenberg looked over the area, his boots crunching in the snow and looked not too far from the house to an alarming sight. He rapidly approached and leaned down to pick up with his hand, four shell casings. Someone had fired what seemed like a shotgun at something or someone. Lucille approached with widened eyes, shivering with her arms crossed over her body to add some warmth. She asked softly, "What is it?" Heisenberg gave such a look that was bringing significant alarm to the French braided girl, he softly replied, "Something happened here, I don't know what though."

Shaking her head, and beginning to panic, Lucille turned around and ran to the lit up house, up the steps quickly while shouting, "Uncle Mihai! Aunt Ester!...Uncle Mihai! Aunt Ester! I'm home now...where are you?"

Carrying a look of sadness in his dark eyes, the man stood up but saw something not too far from the gun casings, and approached noticing darkened blood splattered in the snow, squatting down he put a hand in the pool of darkened crimson fluid, and closed his eyes. He knew.

Lycans have been here, one was partially wounded but not killed…

Then the sound that Heisenberg would never forget hearing. A blood curdling scream echoing in the home and outside multiple times, so loud of a girl terrified of what she clearly just found. The man got off the snow immediately and ran into the house, shouting, "Lucille! Where are you?"

He then heard hard sobs in the other room, and noticed a blood trail on the floor. With such widened eyes in shock, the man slowly approached in the direction of the sobs. Finally managing his way through the hallway approached a room, to a sight that was too unbearable for words, that he had to remove his sunglasses.

There on the floor, laid too bodies. Mihai Raddu, with his stomach ripped open, his insides sticking out with pieces of skin on the floor with a pool of blood under him. On the other side of the room, Ester Mihai laid there on her side with her throat slashed, claw marks had ripped the skin open like a sardine can, bringing a large amount of blood on the brown carpet. The two laid there motionless, with their eyes and mouths open.

And Lucille..just there on her knees with two hands covering her mouth her sobs coming uncontrollable and she began to shake like a leaf. Heisenberg slowly approached and sat on the floor with her, pulling the mortified girl into him and pulling her face away from the scene of such horror, as he gave one last glance at the scene. The uncle and aunt, another set of victims of an attack from the feral beasts, lycans.

Author's Notes:

-After constant rewrites, revisions, redoings, and everything...re….now leaving me with a need for rehab...CHAPTER 13 IS DONE!

-I do apologize if it's massively long, but I knew it was going to be just that long, characters were brought in, content added, but stuff also removed cause it just got too long.

-The shadow creature makes appearances now and then. It's more based off Bela's anxiety and self doubt, like a mix of angel or devil..guess in this case more of a devil, and won't be going away anytime soon.

-Rita's role in the story will be growing larger and larger, she will have a pretty fair sized role. Don't think so much villain however.

- Werner Beck, starts off fairly nice, a dedicated man. Doesn't classify himself as a Nazi, just a servant. But will be in close contact with them. More of him later :)

-Thought it over well, and went for YES, I'm going to pair Heisenberg and Lucille. Not as fast as Bela/Anton, but will grow closer as well.

-So Bela will help Anton write to Victor, he will respond, he will show, and it will get more interesting as he meets this part of the family.

-Sorry all, but Uncle Mihai and Aunt Ester had little purpose in my story and felt to create their death, the grief after and so many will find solace in each other.

-Now with this massive chapter done. I am so happy. More will be planned, likely released a lot shorter and quicker. Was delayed for soooo long, preparing kids for school, work projects, and hospital trip (busted ankle :\ )

-As always, appreciate comments, suggestions, and kudos. Peace all, and thx for reading. :D