Hello everyone! Thanks as always for reading. We are coming down to the finish line soon. In this chapter, we will see Bela recovered; Daniela is given a special gift from Cassandra; and a new maiden has entered into the castle. But beware for she is not what she seems. Thanks again!

"How is that, Bela?" Alcina helping her into a sitting position with three pillows supporting her back and a fourth to cushion her head.

"It is perfect, thank you, Mother." Bela winced, closing her eyes as a sharp pain drilled through her skull.

"Here," Alcina said, handing her a cup of steaming blood tea. "That should help with some of the pain.

"I feel guilty you are having to attend to me hand and foot like this…" Bela took the cup.

"Nonsense, my love, and I do not want to hear any more about it," Alcina said, kissing her cheek.

Bela took a small sip, watching her mother pick up a few pieces of wood and set them on the fire.

"Mother? H-how exactly did I get in this condition?"

Alcina turned back to Bela, observing how hard she was trying to remember. The same thing yet again. Already having answered this question before, but she would maintain patience.

Despite Bela having finally come out of her coma, she was suffering terrible headaches. Not only that, but Bela's memories were not affected as Alcina had been fearing. The events of the entire day of the incident were gone from her memory.

She slept and when she awoke, she would only ask what she missed. Always the same questions. She would then forget and Alcina would have to repeat herself over and over. Eventually Bela would grow tired of asking and fall back to sleep.

"It was an accident. You were in the cellar when one of the experiments got loose. You fought against it and it got the better of you…," Alcina said, leaving the story vague.

Bela touched the side of her head, gritting her teeth.

"I just do not remember that. I wish I could, but I do not."

"Bela," Alcina walked back over to her and took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"I hate this, Mother. It scares me."

"Listen to me, listen. All that happened is in the past now. There is no need to keep causing yourself unnecessary stress and pain by forcing yourself to try and remember. We are here together and we shall start fresh today."

A single tear slid down Bela's cheek.

"No tears," Alcina said, brushing it away. "You must finish your tea before it grows cold. Go on, my love."

A calmness settled in the room. Bela finishing her tea, continued to hold a light conversation with her mother. Mostly about strange dreams she had had while asleep. The main theme of Bela's dream were always about them being altogether underneath a cherry tree. Either having a picnic or Alcina just reading them a book.

"The sun blazing down on my face. Oh, it felt like I was actually there and could truly feel its beams warming my skin," Bela said.

"That does not have to be only a dream," Alcina said. "You, your sisters and I can do that once summer arrives."

"I would like that, Mother," Bela said.

"Then it shall be done after your sisters punishment is through."

"What do you mean?"

"Those two hooligans found some of my vintages and more than splurged themselves. They are currently detained in the guest room together."

Bela smiled.

"I wonder who is really feeling the end of this punishment."

Alcina tittered.

"Their imprisonment will be up by the end of this day. I should probably go and check in to ensure they have not killed one another."

"I wish I could join you, but my head is still spinning."

Alcina placed a kiss to her cheek.

"Soon." She took the cup from Bela and set it down on the bedside table. "I will return shortly with something for you to eat."

"Thank you, Mother."

{…}

Alcina took her time reaching the guest room. Within the castle, the new staff was already getting to work. Some of the girls in the kitchen and preparing breakfast, while others got to work cleaning and doing the regular chores, though there were four who had the unlucky pick of being the ones to clean up the nursery after Daniela and Cassandra's little party. Along with the mess Daniela had left in front of the Wine Room door.

'Oh, Cassandra,' Alcina shook her head.

She had been complaining about sharing a bed with Daniela. Her feet were too cold. She smelt awful. She wouldn't stop rolling around on the bed. She hogged all the blankets. Did we mention she smells awful?!

'You should have considered the consequences of your actions and now you will be punished!' Alcina had said. 'And if I catch either of you out of this room before I give the word for your release, the consequences will be far graver than three nights of sharing this room!'

Alcina sighed, continuing her march.

'I suppose I can let them out early. I think the lesson has sunk in enough.'

The morning sky a dreary grey. Cassandra blinked her eyes open and groaned. Rubbing at her orbs to remove the sleep out of them.

Beside her Daniela was still fast asleep. Her mouth wide open. Her limbs splayed out in all directions. No wonder she was just hanging on to the edge of the bed.

"Baby brat."

Smack!

Daniela whipped her arm out and smacked her in the midsection. She was still fast asleep.

"Why you!" Cassandra then roughly shoved Daniela away.

Crash!

Daniela plummeted to the floor in a tangle of blankets.

Cassandra sitting calmly and waiting for Daniela to get up, remained on the floor and did not move.

"Is she dead? No, I would not be that lucky."

She rose out of the bed and walked over to the window. She could feel the cold seeping in. The window glass frozen and covered with ice. Cassandra released another growl, making her way over to the door and found it unlocked.

"Mother and her games," Cassandra said. "Of course there is no point in locking us in. Oh no, this is just her way of daring us, me, to even try and disobey her. I bet she is with Bela and they are laughing at me right now." She started to pace back and forth, fingers twitching. She was growing antsier, like a caged lion waiting to be set free. The minutes ticking away and still no release.

Daniela still on the floor.

Back and forth. Back and forth.

Click. Clack. Click. Clack.

Cassandra stopped her pacing. Ears perked at the sound of the familiar steps that belonged to only one person.

"Cassandra," Alcina called out to her.

Cassandra glided over to the door and was permitted to exit the room, not looking up at her mother, and rather she leaned against the wall; eyes cast down to the floor.

"Where is Daniela?"

"On the floor passed out still."

Alcina sighed in annoyance, just barely able to squeeze her frame through the doorway to collect her youngest. Out she came from the room, Daniela tucked in her arms with a blanket wrapped around her.

"I hope you both have learned a lesson from this," Alcina said, leading the way through the hall and in the direction of the nursery.

"Yes, Mother," Cassandra said, happy to be free from her prison.

"Once I have placed Daniela into bed, you and I will have breakfast, or is your stomach still in turmoil?"

"Not at all," Cassandra said. "My stomach has been growling the moment I awoke."

That did not surprise Alcina to hear.

"I am hungry, too," Daniela released a yawn.

"And how are you feeling, dearest?"

"Better, Mother."

"And have we learned our lesson about where gluttony can lead us?" Alcina said sternly.

"Yes, Mother," Daniela squeaked, wishing she was somewhere other than in her mother's arms in that moment.

Alcina had no doubt both her children had indeed learned the lesson well. Setting Daniela down as they approached the stairs, she stood at the top and watched them both. The first time they had climbed these stairs. The first time they had entered into the Main Hall and observed the chandelier with such awe. Strange how so much nostalgia was hitting her in these past days. Perhaps it was to take a step back and recognize herself. She had raised them well. Right? They still had a long way to go, but she was doing well so far. Oh, she could only hope.

There would always be threats. Always be a fire to smother out, but she was unafraid. For she would make them even stronger.

'Whatever comes our way next. We will deal with it in the Dimitrescu way. We will conquer.'

{…}

Evening:

Alcina could hear Daniela talking to Bela from inside her bedchamber. Despite Bela's rapid recovery, she did not like Daniela and Cassandra disturbing her for long periods of time.

"… I cannot believe it either. She just appeared; dropped her into my lap and left without a word."

"Odd. I just hope Mother is prepared."

Alcina quirked a brow. Unable to decipher what exactly this topic of conversation was all about. Assuming Cassandra had given Daniela something? But what exactly could that be?

She was soon to find out.

Opening the doors, Bela and Daniela turned their focus to their mother, who was eyeing Daniela over first. The child quickly shifting something behind the chair she was seated in, her yellows eyes nearly bulging out of her head.

"Daniela?"

"Good evening, Mother," she said, scooting back into the chair where a distinct 'meow' could be heard.

Bela just smiled. Not giving away a single hint as to what had Daniela so unsettled.

"You best tell me no-" Suddenly the familiar tickle in her nose made Alcina wince. Her eyes watering. She tried to hold it in, but the sneeze exploded out of her. Another and then another. "Where is it? Daniela show me!" Alcina managed to get out, stumbling back towards the door.

"Please do not be mad, Mother!" Daniela said. "Cassandra found her in the cellar and gave her to me."

Bela just crossed her arms, awaiting what her mother would say about this, while Daniela's eyes were glowing with happiness.

"Isn't she beautiful?"

Alcina covering her nose and mouth, peered down and stared at an all black cat in her daughter's arms.

"No. Daniela you cannot—" Alcina stopped, fighting back another round of sneezes.

Bela on standby with an unused handkerchief ready, just shook her head as her mother wiped at her nose and frantically waved her opposite hand at Daniela.

"Do you not want to hold her, Mother? Please go on she has the softest fur in the world!" Daniela had hopped out of the chair and boldly followed after her mother who was powerwalking away from her, but Daniela remained right on her heels. Whining at her to hold the damn beast. "Mother! Mother!" Around and around they went in the room.

"Daniela!" Alcina said, now cornered by her youngest and unable to maneuver around her, she turned her focus over to Bela who was smirking. Clearly her eldest was leaving her adrift. Wonderful.

"But Motherrrr!" Daniela whined, sticking out her bottom lip. "Just pet her once."

Alcina growled, which sounded a lot like Cassandra when she grew annoyed.

"V-very well," she said. "One time, that is all!"

Daniela nodded, holding the ball of fluff up to her mother with a giant grin.

Alcina gritting her teeth as if the action was causing her great discomfort, she removed her glove and used her pointer finger to run it along the black mane. How soft it was. Perfect fur to create a cozy hat or pair of gloves.

"Well? Is it not the softest fur in the world?"

"Indeed," Alcina said, stifling another sneeze attack.

"Would you like to know what I named her?" Daniela said, rubbing her nose against its tiny head. "Mother?"

Alcina stood on the lip of the doorway, turning and staring down at her youngest for a moment, her countenance softening.

"I would, dearest one."

Daniela looked right up at her mother with that grin still plastered across her lips.

"Little Alcina, because she has the same beautiful black mane like you…"

Alcina's lips lifted into a smile.

"Thank you…, Daniela" she said, bowing her head to her child.

The action leaving Daniela speechless. Her attention locked on to her mother as she turned and walked away.

A few months later.

Thunder shook the very sky. Lightning cracking like a whip and lighting up the dark landscape for a moment. Alcina watched from inside her personal chamber at the strange weather. Snow mixed with rain coming down and turning the landscape treacherous.

She exhaled smoke through her nostrils, turning at the sound of light tapping at her door.

"Enter."

"My lady," Anya bowed her head.

"What is the matter this time?" Alcina said, accustomed to her grand chambermaid coming to her with some sort of crisis.

"There is a young woman in the Entrance Hall. The poor thing is soaked to the bone and looking for shelter."

Alcina sniffed.

"Does this look like a basilica?"

"No, my lady, shall I send her away, then?"

Alcina thought a moment.

"How old is she?"

"Early twenties."

Alcina weighed out the options. The odds of her being a virgin was low considering if she was in her twenties, but still.

"I will go and see her."

Alcina exited her room and considered what she would do with this young woman. To send her away would be a waste. There was always a use for everyone no matter how short their existence may be. She hastily walked through the courtyard, shivering as the snow hit her skin. The dining room a warm relief once she got back inside. The fires all burning strong to maintain the exact temperature for her daughters.

She considered where they all were in that moment. No doubt Cassandra was tormenting a soul in the dungeons. A recent foreigner had arrived earlier that week and had been given a very personal tour by her middle child; Bela going through paperwork, and Daniela… well, there were a few places she could be. Either with Bela or in the nursery. Then of course she could be in the library poking through the books, or on some rare occasions she would be with Cassandra torturing alongside her.

Alcina opened the door and stepped into the Entrance Hall. There she saw the young woman staring at the portrait of her daughters. She was a pretty little thing. Her blue eyes focused straight on the faces of each girl.

"I see you have interest in the portrait."

The young woman jumped, spinning fully around to face Alcina. Her jaw dropping at the sight of this massive figure.

"Do you have a name girl?"

"Name? Y-yes. I am Miriam."

"Miriam, what brings you to my castle?" Alcina probed.

"I just entered the village before the storm unleashed. I have nothing. I left my home in search of a fresh start."

"I see, and you came here in hopes for a job?"

"I have, my lady."

"Mm, and what skills do you have? What can you do?"

"I have always done outside work. Chopping wood. Hunting. Cooking."

"So you are accustomed to any kind of weather?" Alcina said, observing her shaking.

"Y-yes, my lady."

Alcina nodded her head.

"Very well, I am sure we can find something for you. Come with me, Miriam, we will get you into something dry and warm you up. I am Alcina Dimitrescu, the Tsar of Castle Dimitrescu. I bid you welcome to my home…"

"Thank you, Lady Dimitrescu," Miriam said, a faint flicker of a smile drawing on her lips… everything was going accordingly so far. /He/ will be very pleased.

{-}

Bela galloped her nails on the desk top, yellow eyes watching the new maid's every move with both suspicion and disgust. It had been about three weeks now since her mother had allowed her into the castle, given her a job and a comfortable spot to sleep with the other maidens.

The one thing Bela disliked the most about her, though was how she cozied right up to Alcina. Every time Bela would enter her mother's study to help her with work, she would find Miriam already inside and seated in her chair. Seeing her mother smiling and laughing gaily with Miriam. Barely even noticing as she approached the desk and had to clear her throat to grab her mother's attention.

The bitch had moved, but there she still remained in the room. Dusting off shelves, rearranging books, sweeping the rugs and whatever else. Bela could not understand why she was so irritating. Perhaps it was because she was always listening to their private conversation.

Alcina discussing numbers with Bela, who was quickly writing them down and trying to do the math, when Miriam announced the answer boldly.

"Well, well," Alcina chuckled. "Quite the mathematician, aren't you? Thank you, Miriam."

Miriam smiled at her mistress.

Bela swallowed down a growl crawling up her throat, crumpling up the paper in her hand and focusing back on the next page.

It did not matter where Bela went with her mother the wretch was there. Following along like a loyal lap dog.

Cassandra could not help but find the whole thing amusing. Lounging on her bed and observing her sister's foul mood. The way she snapped at everyone. Acting out in hot tantrums and tossing things against the wall.

"You are acting like Daniela," Cassandra said.

"Shut your mouth!"

"Good lord, Bela. I cannot believe you are jealous of this blood bag."

"Me?!" Bela snarled, wild eyed. Her hair sticking up at odd angles. "How dare you suggest that!"

"All right," Cassandra sighed, jumping up to her feet and grabbing her sister's arm. "Time to go."

"Go? Go where?"

"We are going to take a nice hot blood bath. I have just finished filling the tub up with the blood of the babies from the village," Cassandra laughed. "They squealed like little piglets when I slit their throats."

"You are not supposed to go down to the village," Bela chided her.

"Oh no, no, Queen B, you see Mother gave me permission. She has been craving baby flesh and gave me the task of obtaining them for her."

"I do not believe it."

"It does not matter what you believe. Now come on already."

"Hey!" Daniela had just entered the room, looking up from the book she was reading with Little Alcina clinging to her shoulder. "Where are you going?"

"Taking a blood bath. You may come if you like."

Daniela tossed the book on to her bed and gently set Little Alcina down, too, before she followed after her sisters. Excited to be joining them. It was a rare treat to be taking a blood bath. It was only exclusive to their mother unless she invited them, which was starting to make Daniela worry if Cassandra had inquired their mother first. Doubtful, but still. If Bela was going it must be fine…

"Let me go, Cassandra! I don't want to go to the bath."

Cassandra ignored her and kept on dragging her in the direction of their mother's private chambers and to the Hall of Ablution. Daniela having to literally push Bela into the room and take off her dress.

"Ahh," Cassandra sighed, stripping off her dress and settling in the blood. "Get in you sour-faced biddy."

"Come on, Bela," Daniela said, beckoning for her to come in.

Bela growled in annoyance, slowly slumping down in the blood. She did not outwardly express it, but the warm blood was indeed soothing just as Cassandra had said. For the moment she felt at ease. Relaxing back and lowering her body further into the blood until only her head remained above the surface.

She listened to Cassandra and Daniela talk. The conversations mostly about Cassandra's escapades torturing the maidens below. How they begged and begged. Claiming they had families and all the same silly; boring things.

"It is no longer fun. I wish the prey would be less predictable. It makes the game mind-numbing. It is driving me insane."

"You are insane," Daniela giggled, splashing Cassandra.

"Hey!" she said, splashing her back.

Soon the two were splashing one another. Making a great mess on the tiles on the floor.

"Will you two—"

Bela was struck straight in the face by her sisters splashing. Both instantly stopped and stared at Bela in preparation for her to lash out. To their surprise she just laughed. Wiping the blood away and licking it off the back of her hand.

"Delicious."

Cassandra cackled.

"See!" she slid right next to her sister, resting her arm around Bela's shoulders. "Feeling better, right?"

"A little bit, I suppose, yes."

"I wish we could do this every day," Daniela sighed, stretching her arms upwards.

"We cannot sadly. Mother is very stingy when it comes to blood," Cassandra said.

"No, I know," Daniela said, lowering her arms. "I am impressed you managed to convince Mother to allow us to do this."

"Yes about that…" Cassandra said.

"You did not ask her, did you?" Bela shook her head.

Click. Clack. Click. Clack.

Daniela's eyes widened to the size of saucers, the other two not having to ask sensing their mother was now standing behind them. The smell of her cigarette filling the room.

"Enjoying ourselves I see."

"Mother…"

Both Cassandra and Bela slowly turned and stared up at their mother who was removing her hat.

"We thought you would enjoy a bath, Mother," Cassandra ventured.

"Oh? Yet you never bothered to tell me about it, darling."

"I had ordered that useless maid, Veronica, to tell you," Cassandra said. "I will see to it personally she is punished for her laziness."

Bela quirked a brow at Cassandra, clearly seeing she was lying through her teeth. No doubt Alcina could read right through her daughter's lies, but chose to let it go as she then removed her gloves.

"How very considerate of you, my darlings. Will one of you help me out of this dress?"

"Yes, Mother!" Daniela shot right up from the tub and got right to work helping her mother. Cassandra having to get out a few minutes later to help Daniela with the final part, the three were settled back into the tub. Cassandra and Daniela on their better behavior now that Alcina had joined them, Bela remained close to her mother and tried to bring up the conversation of the shipment that was to be sent out.

"Not now, my love," Alcina said, exhaling smoke out her mouth. "Let us relax for the time and talk about it later."

"Yes, Mother," Bela said, starting to smile at the feel of her mother's wandering fingers. Biting down on her bottom lip when Alcina ran her digits across her breasts. She tried to shift herself, but Alcina snaked her arm around her midsection and held her steady, smiling.

"You seem tense," Alcina said, kissing her temple. "Is the workload getting too much for you?"

"Of course not!" Bela said indignantly.

"Then what is it?"

"Nothing, Mother, I promise you." She kissed the corner of her mouth.

Alcina said nothing, turning her attention over to Daniela and Cassandra who were whispering to one another. Planning whatever diabolic plot. She smiled at the two. Relieved they had settled and were getting along better than when they were younger.

Cassandra who had always been a bully to Daniela now treated her fairly. Not kindness. There was not much kindness in that child, but she was mindful. She was much more attentive to Daniela. Taking care of her. Including her in whatever activities she had planned for the day.

"… sounds like fun." Alcina overheard Daniela say.

"What are you two planning over there, hmm?"

"Nothing to worry about, Mother," Cassandra said, smiling impishly at her.

"You little devils," Alcina tittered, noticing Cassandra and Daniela's eyes then shift passed Alcina and over to the doorway.

She turned and spotted it was Miriam.

"My dear Miriam, is something wrong?"

Bela flinched and turned around to look at her. Seeing the horror play across her face. The sight filled Bela with joy.

'Yes, you blood bag, take a long good look. This may just be your fate, and if I have my way it will be.'

"There is a phone call for you, my lady. The individual would not give me her name, but she said it was important."

"I see," she rose up out of the tub. "Fetch me a towel, Miriam."

"Oh, will you rejoin us, Mother?" Daniela said, sticking out her bottom lip.

"Perhaps, my darling," Alcina said, winking over at her. "In the meantime enjoy yourselves and please try not to make any more of a mess on the floor…"