Castle Dimitrescu was more than just a sinister structure on the outskirts of the forest; it was a fortified landmark with years of rich history, constructed with the blood of the unfortunate. Irina was both thrilled and nervous to enter its doors, sticking close to Alcina as she led the cautious woman through the entrance hall and into the foyer.

It was all so gorgeous. Irina couldn't believe Alcina lived here.

For so long, no one, including her, thought anyone lived in the castle. It looked abandoned from the village, looming over the trees in the frozen forest. It was magical to say at least.

How long had Alcina been in the castle?

Coming to a stop near the staircase, the tall woman glanced around, looking for someone or something.

"I'm home," she announced. "Come down, daughters. There is someone I want you to meet."

Irina heard the sound of buzzing, like thousands of tiny insect wings fluttering in unison, then she saw them. Large clusters bugs soared down the staircase and before her eyes formed into three beautiful women with flowing black dresses.

These are her daughters?

"Welcome home," a blond with a red pendant around her neck said.

The redhead made eye contact with Irina and laughed. "Did you bring us a treat, mother? I'm so hungry."

"I want to play with her first," the daughter with the yellow pendant argued, yanking on the hood of her mantel.

Irina pulled away from her and she laughed.

"I like when they fight back," she mentioned.

She and her red-headed sister snickered.

"Enough arguing," Alcina ordered, narrowing her eyes. "She's an honored guest and no one will be eating her. Mother Miranda entrusted her to me and as long as she is here in this castle, she will not be harmed."

The redhead pouted. "But mother I––

"I said enough. Am I clear?"

She nodded in fear and remained silent.

The blond daughter looked at Irina, then to her mother. "Why was she entrusted to us, mother? If you don't mind me asking?"

"She's carrying a great power; one that will be of great use to us once she remembers how to use it," Alcina explained.

The brunette widened her eyes. "She's the one?"

The one? Again, with this nonsense.

These people had her mistaken for someone else. Irina had no power; she was nothing more than a lowly villager.

"Yes, so do as I say, and don't harm her. There will be dire consequences if any of you do," she ordered.

The daughters agreed.

"Very good," Alcina said with a sigh.

She looks down at the newcomer and frowned.

"Bela, get her clean and redressed, then bring her to my room. There are some instructions I need to go over with her."

Bela – the daughter with the red pendant – nodded.

"Yes, mother."

She ushered Irina along and hesitantly she followed, going up the winding staircase and down the right corridor with her. Bela took out a key and opened a door, leading her through a white hall adorned with gold trim; it was the most beautiful décor she had ever seen.

Leading Irina to a room, she opened a door leading to the bathroom and let her go in.

"Undress and clean up," she ordered. "Mother asked that I get you something proper to wear, so get in the bath while I find you an outfit."

Irina nodded and she left her to clean up.

Turning the faucet on, Irina sat and wait for the clawfoot tub to fill with warm water, thoughts running rapidly through her head. Once the tub was full, she undressed and sunk into the water with a shiver. It felt nice, but the water started to become dirty as the dirt and dried blood washed off her body. Quickly she washed her hair, gritting her teeth in pain as soap burned her injured arm.

As she was rinsing the suds from her body and hair, Bela knocked and came in; an elegant dress in her hand. She stared at Irina's arm, then glanced away, eyes gleaming with hunger.

Irina covered it. "Sorry."

She frowned. "No need to apologize. It wasn't you who made me this way."

It's not my business to ask, she thought to herself.

Irina finished up and stood, retrieving a plush towel from the hook next to the tub. Bela handed her the dress and stepped out of the room so she could redress.

Once she was done, Irina rejoined Bela in the bedroom. She looked over her and grinned.

"Better than I expected," she stated. "Mother will be pleased."

The dress was nice, made of lace and cotton with silver beaded flowers embroidered into the shoulders and waistline of the dress, but it was not her cup of tea.

"What will become of my mantel? It's important to me."

Bela hummed. "I can have it washed and tailored; I suppose."

"I'd appreciate it," Irina stated with a grin.

Motioning for Irina to follow her, Bela led her to another room down the hall and stopped in front of the door, knocking on it. She let the newcomer walk in first, before shutting the door behind her, leaving her alone with Alcina.

Said woman rested in a chair near the fireplace smoking a cigarette attached to a long holder, looking Irina over.

With a sigh, she stood, resting the holder in the ashtray, and ordered her to sit at the vanity. Irina did as she asked, nervous about being alone with her, considering the last time she was alone with her, the tall woman tried to kill you.

Alcina grabbed a silver brush and began to comb the tangles from Irina's long damp hair; she tensed up.

"What's your name?"

"Irina Adamescu, ma'am."

She hummed.

"If you are going to reside in my castle, you are going to address me only as Lady Dimitrescu. Is that clear?"

Irina nodded. "Yes ma'am."

She grinned. "My daughters and I are going to take good care of you and in return, you are going to show us some respect and not cause us any trouble."

The brush caught a knot and Irina grunted in pain as Alcina pulled her hair, forcing it out. It felt more like a warning.

"I understand," she said in agreement.

Alcina continued to brush her hair in silence as Irina watched her from the mirror. Her yellow eyes narrowed at her reflection.

"Lady Dimitrescu?"

She hummed to show that she was listening.

"This power Mother Miranda claims I have," Irina mentioned. "It seems important to you and the others. Why is that?"

Alcina sat down the brush and rested her hand against the woman's shoulder. "Because it's going to set us free."

"Set you free? I don––

"Soon you will know," she interrupted. "Now be quiet."

Irina wasn't sure she wanted to know.

One thing was for certain though, something strange happened to Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters; something they wanted Irina's power to fix.

But what could it be?