Chapter 2 - Belli Castle.

It was late. Riccardo had still not returned for his wallet and Sarah seemed worried. She sat down at the dinner table for her soup before bed.

"Uncle..?"

Sarah's uncle laid the soup on the table and sat down with her.

"What's wrong Sarah?"

Sarah played with her soup, staring down at it.

"There was a man in today. He wore this brown outfit. And he had his face covered with a hood...who is he?"

He smiled and slurped at his soup hungrily.

"That's Riccardo. He is one of my regulars. I told you about him. He the guy from Belli Castle that comes to the store regularly."

Sarah's eyes grew wide. She remembered him gazing at her. It made her feel uncomfortable. Even more uncomfortable now knowing who he was...but she had this feeling. Like she knew him.

"He left his wallet today when a police officer came in. He hasn't come back for it. I was thinking we could go up to that castle and give it back."

Sarah's uncle gave a terrified stare.

"There's no way I'm going up there! And I don't want you going anywhere near that place you hear?"

"But-"

"I said no, Sarah!"

Sarah looked down. She wished she never mentioned it to him. Tears built up in her eyes. She wished her mum was still alive. She would know what to do and Sarah felt it was right to do this.

"Goodnight." she replied as she left the room. Sarah slumped down onto her bed. It wasn't long before she began to cry. She began to wonder about her father. She knew nothing about him. Her mother didn't talk about him much. She took out a small picture she kept hidden in her drawer. It was of her mother and father long before she was born. Her mother just looked like her. Young and beautiful. Her father looked so handsome.

Miss Catherine Belli was written underneath her mother's picture. And Sir Alonzo Belli underneath her fathers. She always thought her fathers name seemed funny. She remembered one thing her mother had mentioned about her father.

"He told me to call you Sarah. Sarah means princess you know. You're his little princess."

Sarah sighed, putting away the picture. Tomorrow she would go to Belli Castle. She didn't care what her uncle said. It would be her own fault if anything was to happen. Sarah slowly shut her eyes, drifting off into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Sarah went for an early shower. She hadn't showered since she got here and felt filthy. Climbing into the shower, she turned it on. The water sprayed down onto her pale body. Sarah rubbed at the edge of her back. She was born with a strange birthmark on her back. She thought it was an odd looking shape but thought nothing of it. She never fit in with other kids at school. They would make fun of her for no real reason except maybe she was always slightly overweight. She wasn't a perfect woman and she didn't really wish to be. They just didn't like her. Her childhood was something she would rather forget. Sarah rinsed her long brown hair. It flowed down to her hips and tickled the bottom of her back. Sarah crawled out of the shower, wrapping a warm towel around herself. She began to plan how she would get to Belli Castle.

"I guess I can walk there...I good do with the exercise." she chuckled to herself.

A few hours past. She waited for her uncle to leave. He usually went into town for a while.

Sarah took Riccardo's wallet and placed it securely in her coat pocket. She then locked up the store and began to walk down the long silent road.

"Master. Is everything alright?"

Daniella stood silently beside Riccardo who was carrying the sculpture of Fiona he had made out of the music room.

"I am fine. I must put this away somewhere..."

He stumbled outside with the sculpture, Daniella curiously watching as he threw it across the wall.

"Ha! That took care of that!" he laughed.

Daniella gave him one of her emotionless stares and walked off. She knew that he had lost interest in Fiona. Why though, was another matter.

As she walked down the corridor, she heard a large knock on the main door. Daniella approached the door, opening slowly and peering at who was on the other side.

"Um hi..." said a voice.

"Can I help you, miss?"

Sarah stood there, her arms folded in the freezing cold.

"Yes. A man called Riccardo...he left his wallet at the store and I brought it here to return it to him."

Daniella smiled. She could sense the azoth that Sarah had. It all made perfect sense why Riccardo was acting strange.

"Please come in, miss. I shall fetch my master for you. I'm sure he will be pleased to see you."

Daniella opened the door wide as Sarah cautiously walked in.

"This way, miss."

Sarah followed Daniella. She could feel something was odd about Daniella. The cold way she talked. She looked lifeless yet extremely beautiful.

"So um...Must be hard work looking after a castle like this!"

Daniella did not say a word. She stopped outside a door and beckoned Sarah to enter.

"Wait inside, miss. My master shall be here shortly."

Sarah entered the room feeling rather awkward. The room was full of musical instruments and books. Sarah guessed obviously that it was some sort of music room. She sat down nervously. She did not know what she would say to Riccardo. She took out the wallet, nervously handling it. She ran her hand along the torn leather. It was so cold. Sarah found that rather odd as leather was usually rather warm. Then suddenly the door opened. There he was. Still in the same outfit and his hood still hiding his face. He slowly shut the door behind him.

"Ahhh Miss! It is very nice to see you again! I heard you have brought my wallet back to me." He walked over and sat down on the seat opposite her.

Sarah nervously handed him the wallet.

"Well I thought it was the right thing to do, sir."

She saw a smirk appear underneath his hood, putting his wallet away.

"Thank you, Miss. May I ask your name?"

"Sarah"

"Ahhh. I am Riccardo. Keeper of the castle. Would you like a drink, Miss Sarah?"

Sarah felt rather thirsty from the walking she did. She should have brought something with her.

"Yes please."

Riccardo got up and walked over to a cabinet, pouring some wine into two glasses. He then walked back to his seat, handing her a glass. He leaned forward on the seat; leaning in towards Sarah. Riccardo had to find out more about her. To know if she did have Azoth. He had to find out who her father was. He would know then.

"I've never seen you in the store before... and you don't sound from around these parts Sarah. It's nice to hear a Scottish accent for a change."

Sarah smiled at him. She enjoyed Riccardo's friendly nature.

"I moved down here to stay with my uncle. The man who owns the store."

Riccardo had to know more soon. He was desperate to know. His hand grasped the glass of wine tightly.

"Why if you mind me asking?"

Sarah paused. She stared down into her glass. The memories of her mother coming back to her.

"My parents are dead..."

Riccardo leaned further in; Sarah could see more detail on his face. His facial structure was handsome. She still could only see his mouth which made her wonder why he was hiding the rest.

"What were your parent's names?"

Sarah seemed surprised by his sudden interest in her parents.

"Um... my mother was called Catherine. My father, he was called Alonzo. He died before I was born so I do not know much about him..."

That was enough for Riccardo to know. Alonzo. He was one of Lorenzo's creations. Just like himself and Ugo. Sarah did have azoth. She was just like Fiona. He couldn't believe his luck. A wide smile grew on his face. Sarah felt disturbed by his smile. He placed his hand on hers.

"Well if you ever need someone to talk to, I am here."

His skin did not feel human. It felt cold and leathery like the wallet she touched. It frightened her. But being around this stranger felt right. She didn't understand why but it did.

"Thank you, Riccardo...I best be off."

Sarah stood up as Riccardo panicked, trying to think of anything to make her stay without sounding forceful. He knew doing that would only make Sarah run like Fiona did.

"Why don't you stay for dinner, Sarah? I'd enjoy the company."

Sarah shook her head. She really did want to stay but her uncle would be home soon and she didn't want to be found out. He would never forgive her.

"I can't. I'm sorry."

Riccardo let out a sigh. He knew he couldn't stop her as much as he wanted to. He didn't want to lose this girl. He had azoth in the palm of his hands if he played safe. He did enjoy the idea of chasing her but he knew it wasn't a good idea for now. He knew she had a great deal of trust in him already and they had just met. That was enough to win her over. . To make her his own. Like Fiona would have been. He did not see interest in Fiona now that Sarah was here. He had found another beautiful azoth that only lived miles away.

"Well at least let me drive you back to your home, miss."

Sarah smiled. She had no idea why she was putting so much trust in this stranger. It was madness but she felt so drawn to him. She nodded. Riccardo smiled and they both walked through the castle and outside.

They both got into the car. Riccardo started up the car, his mind on Sarah. He was excited at the thought of winning her over. He knew he could. She would be his. She would be the one carrying his child. Not Fiona. He would worry about her another time he thought. Urges built in his head. He longed to just stop the car and have her here and then. Force himself inside of her. Yet he had to be strong and hold back his urges. Not now. It wasn't the right time.

Sarah sat quietly gazing out the window. She didn't know what to say to Riccardo and blamed herself for being shy. On the other hand, Riccardo longed to know more about her. She was different looking in many ways to Fiona. Fiona was very beautiful to Riccardo. She had such a perfect body and such a gentle face. Sarah also was beautiful but in different aspects. Yet Riccardo was attracted to Sarah more. She had more curves which he found interesting since he lived with Daniella who was rather thin, She had larger breasts, beautiful long hair and also a gentle bright face like Fiona. Although she was pale and something was darker about her. He could tell Sarah's life wasn't easy. He didn't know Alonzo. Lorenzo created him before himself and Ugo. Yet he knew that he did the same as Ugo and fell for a woman. Lorenzo would always say to Ugo, that we was just turning into Alonzo. Now he knew why. He didn't know what to do about showing his face. He was hoping Sarah would not notice since she never knew her father. They were clones. No doubt they would look the same. Except from his scars. Riccardo would try his best to help Sarah feel comfortable around him.

"What do you wish to do with your life, my dear?"

Sarah hated herself too much to know what she wanted. Her confidence was terribly low.

"I don't really know...people just see me as a geek I guess."

Riccardo frowned at her remark.

"There is nothing wrong with expanding the mind. I'm an alchemist myself."

Sarah turned to him, her eyes locked on him as he concentrated on the road.

"You sound like you have an exciting job."

"Ha! My dear...it's not much of a job. But it keeps me busy."

The car arrived at the store. Sarah suddenly noticed she was late. Her uncle would be home. Her heart raced. He knew he would be even madder knowing she got a lift home from Riccardo of all people. Riccardo knew she was worried too. Her expression said it all.

"He doesn't know you came to the castle now does he?"

Sarah nodded, feeling choked up and nervous. Riccardo gave Sarah's hand a squeeze.

"I will come inside with you. I will take responsibility my dear."

They both got out of the car, Riccardo walking in first. Sarah hid behind him. There was her uncle, standing at the counter with his arms folded.

"I knew it! You went to that Bloody castle! I told you not to!" He ran over to Sarah, grabbing her roughly by the wrist and pulling her away from Riccardo.

"I'm sorry!" Sarah cried. Riccardo frowned at him. He knew what he had to do.

"It was my fault. Don't blame the girl."

Sarah's uncle gave Riccardo a harsh look.

"You stay away from my niece, you hear? You could be a bloody pervert for all I know! I bet you did kidnap that poor girl that was on the news!"

Riccardo was losing his patience. He had to tell Sarah the truth.

"Sarah…my dear. You are related to me. You are part of my family."

Sarah could not believe what she was hearing. It couldn't be true.

"Bullshit! Sarah would never be related to a freak like you!"

Riccardo's teeth were grinding together with rage. Anyone who bad mouthed him would be punished. He knew he would end up doing something he'd regret if Sarah's uncle did not shut up. His hand reached down to his pocket, there lay his gun. He grasped it firmly and slowly pulled it out.

"Don't make me get nasty now. Sarah is mine. She is part of me if you like it or not, sir..."

Sarah's uncle gasped, holding onto Sarah firmly. He suddenly lunged towards Riccardo, giving all his final strength to protect her. Riccardo let out a loud laugh at him, his attempt at protecting her was amusing.

"BANG!"

He fell to the floor, blood gushed from his head. Sarah screamed in horror. Her uncle was dead.

"How could you…? Riccardo! You killed him!" Sarah burst into tears, backing off towards the counter. Riccardo knew what he just did was not wise but the man was getting in the way of his dream. His Azoth. Riccardo slowly approached her, his gun still in his hand firmly.

"Come now. I do not wish to hurt you."

Sarah could not believe this was happening, she quickly made a dash for the stairs up to the rooms. Riccardo followed her, his footsteps heard thudding up the wooden stairs as Sarah shut her room door. She pushed her chair in front of the door, doing anything she could to stop him getting in. She heard his deep laugh outside of her door.

"I know you are in there, Sarah. Playing hard to get are we?"

Sarah stumbled onto the bed, there was nothing she could so. She was trapped. He would kill her and that would be the end. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched the chair being pushed out of the way by the door with a forceful push. Riccardo stepped in, shutting the door behind him. With surprise, he put down his gun. His hands rose up to his hood and pulled it down to reveal his full face.

"? Dad…?"

Riccardo laughed, approaching the quivering Sarah.

"So you have seen a picture of your father then?"

He climbed onto the bed, his body hovering over hers. His hand caressed up her side, pleasure and lust was powering up in him.

"mmmm, Sarah. You are mine now."

Sarah struggled as he pinned her hands down firmly on the bed.

"Please... tell me what is going on! Why do you look like my dad? Is this a dream?"

Riccardo smiled down at her. It was a warm smile. She could tell he did not wish her any harm.

"It's hard to believe…Me and your father. We were created. We are clones my dear Sarah. And I am complete now that I have found you..."

He lowered his face down, pressing his lips against hers. Sarah's eyes once again built up with tears. She could not believe what he had just told her. This couldn't be real. Sarah soon felt rather odd. Riccardo's laughter was all she could hear, his breathing grew heavy against her neck. Before she knew it, her eyes blurred and slowly shut.