Bela could hardly recall a time when she was in that desperate need of a shower.
Her disgusting, blood and filth covered black shirt was not coming off voluntarily, so the blonde woman took great joy in tearing her way out from the offending article of clothing.
True, she could've simply used her witch-like powers to leave it behind, in one piece. However, the elder daughter would be lying if she said that an occasional act of wanton destruction like this one did not bring her a likely unhealthy amount of satisfaction.
As her, by now, almost claw-like digits left the horrid, oversized, itchy and plain shirt that she was forced to wear lying in pieces, Bela breathed a sigh of contentment. She absolutely did not do it out of petty revenge for the uncomfortable hours spent in it. She did it in the name of fashion.
Her sweaty and dirty boots were next to go, followed by blood-smeared nylon military pants. Bela decided to show mercy to these items, as they were both quite agreeable to wear and even somewhat eye-pleasing.
Clicking her tongue at the reflection of her muck and grime covered body, with its own fair share of smears of blood mixed with sweat and tears on it, the tall woman proceeded into her little shower.
The feeling of hot, rushing water on her skin was simply divine. Bela couldn't suppress a soft moan of pleasure as all the accumulated filth of the violent night was washed off, leaving her body almost pristine, once again.
Cleanliness is next to godliness
Bela was never one to walk long periods of time smeared in blood of her hapless victims, but, to Daniela's endless chagrin, the blonde sister turned into a true clean freak after the family departed their ancient castle and no longer had servants to tidy up for them.
The blonde Dimitrescu hummed contentedly as almost scalding current purified her flesh. Sometimes, she liked to pretend that in addition to dirt, it also washed her sins away. Bela never mentioned that particular childish fantasy to anyone, however.
Her humming turned into a full-blown soothing bedtime tune mother used to sing to her, so long ago. The eldest daughter couldn't help but be joyous; she grinned wide at the memory of the past two hours, even as her skin turned pink from the searing water running over it.
Chris and his soldiers kept their word and delivered the moldy gang back to the Duke's ship, in one piece. What a warm welcome they had received back on the vessel! The humongous merchant himself was there to greet them, akin to returning heroes. Tom was there to embrace Millie in a warm hug, which she returned eagerly; little Rose did not hesitate to attach herself to Bela, who still carried her poor father.
They hardly wasted any time in delivering both Ethan and Alcina to the medical bay. That same kindly elderly doctor from before was quick to dispel everyone's worries. Lady Dimitrescu suffered from extreme exhaustion and a severe dehydration, while Ethan himself shared the former symptom with a moderate blood-poisoning and infection on top. Yet they both would be fine.
Before Bela could blame herself for the infection, the lady doctor firmly assured her that removing the numerous bullets in time was the only thing that kept the man from developing a severe lead poisoning that could've been fatal.
Alcina proceeded to quickly drift into a dreamless deep slumber, as an infusion of fresh blood, donated by an eager crewman, was provided to her. The last thing their exhausted mother mumbled out, before the dreamscape took her in its unyielding grasp was a declaration of undying love for her three grime-covered daughters, which they all returned with joyous tears.
Despite shivering and sweating like a waterfall, Ethan would likely be up and about in a day or two, the doctor had assured. His internal mold, which was almost depleted from the repeated injuries, was quick to regrow to its former levels as soon as the nutrient tube was attached to his side. From there, his own regeneration, with a little assistance, would handle his internal injuries - slowly but steadily.
The three sisters, not satisfied with assurances from the staff, took their silent vigil over the two beds. It took an hour for a particularly brave nurse to gather courage and note out loud that they stunk as if they waded through a mountain of corpses and that they created an unsanitary condition in her pristine workspace.
Cassandra just smirked as she took it as a compliment. Daniela looked sheepish and apologized. Bela huffed in indignation but yielded the point - their stench was palpable. Reluctantly, giving the two bedridden people they cared so much about one last fond glance, the siblings had taken their leave.
And so Bela had found herself performing one of her more unusual rituals - scrubbing her human flesh until it was red and raw, almost to the point of pain.
The past gives way to the future
Ten minutes later, finally satisfied, Bela finished her bathing and proceeded to select her outfit for the day. Applying a fresh bandage to her rapidly healing but still sore shoulder first, the woman quickly glanced through her modest collection of clothing, most of them gracefully provided by the Duke. Eventually, her mirthful orbs stopped on that little get up that Ethan's own eyes just couldn't get enough of the last time she wore it.
A pristine white blouse. Casual dark blue jeans. A pair of simple white sneakers. Beautiful in its simplicity. And in the way it showed her figure.
She could not possibly forget mother, either. Bela's molten gold eyes fell upon the precious gift, its value to her not diminished even with the many years that have passed. She held it with reverence, even as she took a minute to admire it, once again.
A priceless square-patterned necklace with a large ruby as a centerpiece, one out of the set of three, specifically commissioned to celebrate the Dimitrescu newfound sisterhood, so long ago. The blonde daughter felt fresh wetness gathering in her eyes at the still vivid memory of that beautiful, wholesome moment they had shared that day. It happened before the endless atrocities committed in Miranda's name - when there were just the four of them - joyous together, as a family, untarnished by sins.
After a brief moment of reminiscence, Bela wiped her glinting eyes with a handkerchief before putting on the necklace, slowly and respectfully - the mere act of it emboldening her. The past could not haunt her when the future looked so bright.
Next, the elder daughter put on a touch of dark mascara, further highlighting her expressive eyes. A speck of earthy perfume was applied a moment later, giving Bela a minor but pleasant and natural aroma. Her golden hair was done just as she liked it - cascading down her head freely.
Humming in satisfaction at her reflection, the tall woman couldn't suppress a small frown from taking place a moment later as one imperfection became apparent to her scrutinizing gaze. Her deft fingers were quick to rectify the issue by undoing the top button of her blouse, however. A bit more won't hurt. And the second one.
Taking one more glance to admire herself, Bela gave her reflection a playful wink, feeling upbeat and finally at ease. Things were looking up and the woman was proud that her appearance reflected that. Moreover, Ethan was sure to appreciate the effort she'd put in today...
Her full pink lips narrowed to a thin line as, for a moment, the elder daughter questioned the validity of her approach.
Is this what Ethan truly needs right now, though? Perhaps a more reserved, comforting approach is in order? No… how can I mend his broken heart without having access to it?
A soft knock brought the woman out of her momentarily reverie. Giving herself one last careful glance and liking what she saw, Bela approached the door to her cabin and beheld her visitor.
The blonde daughter's good mood was immediately soured as her amber orbs fell down upon the shorter woman that now stood in her presence.
"The Duke would like a word, Miss Bela."
Bela couldn't help but narrow her yellow eyes, as Millie addressed her curtly, with an unmistakable hint of fear in her metallic grey ones. Thanks to her internal predator, that fear immediately ignited the dying embers of suspicion and aggression that were still warm in the blonde's mind.
Boiling inside, yet maintaining outward civility, Bela just nodded as she left her modest cabin and offered a friendly greeting of her own.
"Ah, Millie. I trust the last couple of hours were kind to you? We did go through quite an experience tonight, wouldn't you say?"
Bela was genuine in that sentiment. The elder daughter reckoned that the horrific trek through the forlorn mines and the ghost town would not be leaving her own dreamscape any time soon, if ever. One cannot simply forget the mind-shattering mental assault like that, not to mention the creepy-ass soldiers. The only reason Bela was so upbeat herself right now was the fact that her family was whole once again and her adaptive mind was able to focus on brighter aspects of her future.
"Indeed, Miss Bela. I am not looking forward to ever seeing these featureless masks ever again. But we made it - that's what's important! Your mother is safe and secure!"
Humming in agreement, the taller woman proceeded towards the Duke's cabin, Millie trailing behind. Feeling confrontational, Bela couldn't suppress a biting jibe that rushed out of her mouth.
"And your own goal is accomplished, as well, isn't it? How truly convenient. What was in that backpack, I wonder, hmm?"
"What are you saying, Miss Be..."
Millie's voice was shaky and Bela's own patience for playing games was at its end. Stopping dead in her previously brisk pace, making the smaller woman bump into her back; Bela hissed out in a mockingly playful voice, interrupting her whimpering mumblings.
"Are you playing coy with me, little one? Are you sure it's wise?"
An audible gulp preceded a whispered excuse.
"Please, my lady...I am just doing what I am told. I guarantee you that we have no ill intent towards any of you, whatsoever...but...the world doesn't revolve around you four, either."
Bela rotated 180 degrees in heartbeat, coming face to face with an obviously scared young woman. The eldest daughter was angry. In this moment of raw fury, she could vividly picture her own hand, clutched tightly around Millie's neck as she savagely slammed the dark-haired girl against the hallway's wall again and again, until she finally started speaking straight.
The unexpectedly cruel imagery must have been visible through either Bela's slightly-narrowed amber orbs, or her menacing, wide smile, since Millie visibly shuddered and made one more meek attempt to placate the taller woman.
"Please… I am sure the Duke will explain everything… I truly never meant you any harm… I wanted us... to become friends…"
"Hmph. Friends do not keep each other in the dark."
Millie had what appeared to be a genuine expression of hurt at that accusation. The dark-haired woman brought her head down and kept quiet.
Bela, saying nothing else herself, turned around and resumed her brisk walk towards the Duke's cabin. With some apprehension, she noted that her right fist was clenched tightly.
I am quite eager to consider resorting to violence lately… Perhaps the meditation techniques I recommended to Daniela would do me some good, as well...
As they reached the luxurious cabin Millie excused herself and went on her way, not meeting Bela's judging gaze again.
A single dark eyebrow went up as Bela entered the extravagantly-decorated room and saw the occupants. The Duke himself was not yet present, but Chris and one of his men were, as was Cassandra.
Both Chris and his underling - a smaller tanned young man in a pair of heavy-duty glasses and with a short, military-cut black hair, were in their casual wear, bereft of equipment now.
Bela had to suppress an urge to cover her face with a palm in embarrassment at seeing Cassandra's dress.
The brunette had her prized black shirt with a 'Death Metal or Die!' written on it and below she wore her exercising shorts and dark shoes. Cassandra lounged in an armchair casually, one long leg across the other - eager to show off her powerful and well-toned limbs.
Bela let out a mental groan, already knowing where this was going. Her younger sister, seeing her exasperated expression, only grinned widely. The blonde Dimitrescu simply asked her a question.
"Sister. Our gracious host has summoned you as well, I gather?"
"Nah. I just felt like being here."
"Of course you did."
The elder sibling took her place in an armchair next to Cassandra, opposing the two men in the room.
Huh, I was pretty sure there was a huge jade statue in the middle before...Guess the Duke had it moved or something.
The loaded silence ensued as two sides eyed each other warily - neither quite trusting the other, just yet. Cassandra was the only person in the large room who appeared fully comfortable with the present company as her face was locked in her trademark calm yet somewhat menacing smile.
As tense moments passed, Bela couldn't have possibly missed an occasional glance the men would shoot them. The sight of a battle-hardened veteran like Chris sneaking a peak at Cassandra as she slowly, seductively even, shifted her legs around; before quickly averting his gaze again made the blonde sister snicker. Cassandra herself would do her signature soft giggling, somewhat less evilly than usual, though.
Gosh, this is awkward. Where the hell is Duke? Ah, fuck it.
"So… Chris, was it? Ethan did mention you. I am Bela, by the way. You're already acquainted with my dear sister Cassandra here. What's your little friend's name?"
The tanned man in question just snorted and adjusted his glasses, before mumbling out a forced greeting. A measure of hostility was plain in his voice.
"I can speak for myself. It's Lieutenant Rolando Elba to you, Dimitrescu."
"Oooh! So formal!" Cassandra just giggled at the shorter man before turning her gaze at the unshaven form of the captain. "By the way, Chris. Our mutual friend - Ethan - mentioned that you could take me on in a fight. After I had handed him his own sorry ass. Care to back that statement up?" Bela couldn't suppress a small groan of embarrassment now.
Called it! Ugh… here we go again. Why did you have to relay that particular bit, Daniela? You really need to keep your mouth shut sometimes, dearest sister… At least Cassi seems to be finally warming up to Ethan.
"Excuse me, Miss Dimitrescu?" Chris looked at Cassandra with his blue eyes open wide; Bela couldn't miss a glimmer of intrigue that sparkled in them. That man was a glutton for punishment!
"You heard me. I challenge you to a fight! No weapons other than our own bodies." Cassandra took a moment to smirk evilly, before continuing. "Or is the big, strong man afraid of a little weak woman like myself?" Chris only stared at her with a pensive, evaluating look, while Elba scoffed and spoke, with derision.
"You ain't a woman - you're a fuckin' monster!" Cassandra just hung her head back and let out a booming, guttural howl of laughter. If she was offended by the insult, she didn't show it. Bela, however, once again found herself clenching her own fists. She was not amused by that statement. Even though that was a natural reaction - expected, really - from the humans who knew their true natures, the elder sibling still loathed it with every fiber of her being.
As the brunette's laughter died down, Chris finally responded, in a surprisingly friendly tone.
"Well, I suppose one bout couldn't hurt. I haven't had a new sparring partner in quite a while… I'd like to conclude our business with the Duke, first, however. Also… I won't hold back."
Chris noted that last part with a hint of menace of his own. Hearing his answer, Cassandra's amber orbs widened in glee as her fingers started that annoying little twitching of hers. She was already exhilarated at the prospect of violence. The brunette's voice was unsteady in its undisguised excitement.
"That's the spirit! I'd love to see what you're truly made of, so I hope you'll give it your all!"
Chris just nodded and gave her a reserved grin, which she returned, eagerly. A brief silence ensued, letting the elder sister think in peace for a moment.
Bela was actually amazed at how relaxed and easygoing Cassandra appeared to be. Surely that mind-numbing incident they've just lived through mere hours ago left a mark, even on her sister's resilient mind? Yet if the fierce brunette was bothered by it at all, she did a splendid job at hiding it behind her playful and combative facade. The elder sibling couldn't help but ask the question that burned in her own mind, taking them all back to that horrifying moment.
"So...just what the fuck was that back there - these soldiers? Care to enlighten us?
"A lot of unnatural fuckery, that's what… but I guess you would be no stranger to that… you fuc…"
"That's enough, Elba." Chris looked pointedly at his man, arms folded. Bela narrowed her own eyes at the bespectacled man - clearly he had a problem with them.
"As for your question, Miss Dimitrescu, what you saw back there was an abomination my own organization - Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance - chose to embrace." Bela leaned in, interested. She was familiar with the organization, of course - it was kind of a big deal in 2023 - but their family had avoided attracting their attention, for obvious reasons; this was her first contact with an actual B.S.A.A. member. Seeing her interest, the large man continued.
"There is...no simple way to put it. These soldiers you saw in that little town - not exactly human."
"No shit." That was painfully obvious to both Bela and Cassandra, so they replied in synchronicity, eliciting a glance from each other and a small giggle from both of them, as well. Chris, with some amusement on his face, scoffed and proceeded with his explanation.
"I see you're not easily spooked - that's good. I'll skip the detailed background and give you a short version then. These were the so-called 'Replica Force' - an army of genetically engineered and enhanced clones, conditioned for obedience and efficiency." Chris paused for a moment, licking his chapped lips and gathering his thoughts. Finally, clearing his throat, he concluded his brief explanation.
"The icing on the cake though… is something that's even harder to swallow. They receive their orders not by verbal commands or coded messages… instead, their 'commander' actually employs telepathy, believe it or not."
The man gave the Dimitrescu siblings a minute to process that information. Cassandra just laughed, as if hearing a good joke, while Bela sat with her palm supporting her jaw as she pondered on that bit.
Telepathy, huh? Never knew it was a thing...but somehow I am not actually surprised. Perhaps, it is how we ourselves operate in our swarm form? What was that horrible noise that stopped them, then?
"You've previously mentioned that you've 'saved your collective asses'. How, exactly?"
Both men suddenly became uncomfortable as they fidgeted with their fingers and avoided Bela's gaze. Finally Chris answered, even as he awkwardly ran a hand through his black hair.
"The details are… unimportant. The less you know about it - the better you will sleep at night. Suffice it to say that we used an ...ahm… a powerful force to temporarily sever the connection the troopers have to their commander - causing them to enter a forced hibernation."
Cassandra piped in at that, her black lips curling in disappointment.
"So, are they completely worthless without their commander, then? Meh, I should've tasted some of their blood in that case." The brunette shot a glare Bela's way as she spoke, the blonde returning the favor by playfully sticking her tongue out. Chris simply responded to the question, his blue orbs glued to Cassandra toned form all the while.
"Errr… Not quite. They are quite capable of independent operation and would've been eager to splatter you across the ground were they awakened. The forced hibernation upon a sudden loss of connection with a commander is simply a failsafe we exploited, hardwired into them after an incident a year ago. But that's a different, particularly gruesome and bloody story."
"Oooh! I love stories, especially the gruesome and bloody kind! Why don't you tell it to me in private, after we have our little spar, Chris?" The brunette spoke even as she once again shifted her long legs around in a slow - clearly intentionally so - motion.
Cassi really has no shame!
"...Maybe later, Miss Dimitrescu."
"Enough with that Miss Dimitrescu crap! I am not Miss Uptight over there!" Bela clicked her tongue in slight annoyance at that remark. "Call me Cassandra."
"Alright, Cassandra." The middle child gave a wide, toothy grin at that, Chris returning a small smile, instead. Rolando looked at this whole interaction with apprehension plain in his eyes, but the man clearly had far too much respect for his captain to openly question his choice of acquaintances - instead, he merely switched his gaze to observe the expensive paintings.
Bela was quite surprised herself. It wasn't anything special for Cassandra to be direct like that, or to crave a good fight. Indeed, back during their old lives in the Castle, the brunette would sometimes give Miranda's captives the Dimitrescus held an offer: to fight her and have a chance at winning their freedom. Often, she would even fight multiple opponents at a time. Any intruder, be it a hapless lost tourist or a greedy treasure hunter would be treated to the same offer.
Naturally, nobody ever escaped them that way, since the middle child would not hesitate to use her swarm form if her human shape was ever truly threatened. For all her bravado, Cassandra was not above playing dirty whenever she was in actual danger.
What truly shocked Bela were the displays of affection her sister was giving to the battle-hardened veteran. Again, while Cassandra had a number of flings with both their prisoners and even an occasional maid or a villager, she was not known for being subtle or flirty. If the middle Dimitrescu daughter saw something she wanted, she took it. Anyone who had the misfortune of catching her fancy would be offered a simple choice: to please her either carnally or with their tortured screams. Cassandra never cared about the feelings of outsiders.
Are you finally ready to leave our old ways behind, sister? If so...I am so happy for you…
"Forgive me for the delay, my dear guests! I truly do hope that you all have made wonderful new friendships in my absence, however!
The Duke's jolly voice quickly grounded everyone present. Everyone, except Cassandra, that is. Unperturbed, she continued playfully nibbling on her black lower lip as her amber orbs were locked on Chris' deep blue ones. Temporarily forgetting about her sister's unexpected romantic adventure, Bela focused on the Duke instead.
The rotund merchant's grand entrance almost made her giggle as his bulk struggled to fit through his own doorway, for a moment - making the man himself let out a mirthful chuckle.
"My my, I really should cut down on the proteins!"
The instant their obese host plopped inside his own humongous seat behind a desk, Chris exploded in an angry tirade.
"What the hell is this, Duke!? I asked you to keep Ethan and Rose safe and instead I find him unconscious, surrounded by fucking Replicas after he took part in a reckless raid of a high-security Connections facility. By tomorrow, his face will be all over Interpol's most fucking wanted! How is this even remotely safe!?"
The merchant put his large hands up in a calming gesture, as he responded with a somber voice.
"I am sorry Mister Redfield, but other than chaining him down in the brig, I don't see a way I could've kept him from the action! That man's heart is too large to lay back and simply watch his newfound friends risk everything to rescue their mother!"
The captain just scoffed as he folded his arms. A moment later a small, mirthless chuckle was heard in the luxurious cabin as Chris yielded the point. Bela herself smiled at the mention of Ethan's noble nature. That man truly was a treasure… and she was determined to keep him safe from now on. Anyone who dared to try and do him harm would have to go through her, first...and that included his snake of a wife, as well.
The Duke continued, undaunted - this time addressing the two Dimitrescu women, looking apologetic.
"As for you, my dear girls, I do apologize for keeping the big picture from you. Perhaps some refreshments are in order, before we start in earnest?"
Bela and the two soldiers just shook their heads, abstaining. Cassandra did the opposite, naturally.
"Some... delicious... fresh...chilled... man-blood would hit the spot, I think."
The brunette expressed her desire in a husky tone, taking her sweet time with every descriptive word, her amber orbs not leaving Chris' eyes even for a moment. The large man visibly shivered, even as he returned the stare. Rolando's own eyes were glued to the 'Lady with an Ermine' painting, as if desperate to avoid glancing at the middle Dimitrescu child.
As if on a cue, a crewman in a steward's uniform entered the cabin. The man carried an exquisitely-decorated tray with a pair of large, transparent wine glasses on it, filled with dark red liquid. Bela could only raise a brow at the Duke's state of preparedness. He didn't even invite Cassandra, yet he had two glasses - for the two of them, at the ready, nevertheless.
The steward wasted no time in approaching the middle daughter, before offering her the desired drink, which she accepted gracefully.
The men were mesmerized as she drank the vital fluids like one would a fine wine - with slow, careful sips - making sure to savor every single drop.
"Mmmm…"
Looking at her carefree sister enjoying herself like that made Bela herself acutely aware of her own parched throat. Without saying a word, she stood up and briskly marched up to the servant herself, taking the second glass and downing it all on the spot.
Ah… it does hit the spot…
Satisfied and invigorated, the blonde woman thanked the steward as she put the empty glass back on the tray, before returning to her original seat. The men looked thoroughly unnerved by the casual display of blood-drinking that just took place, but said nothing.
The Duke, seeing his guests' thirst quenched, finally spoke out, once again - in that somber tone of his.
"Miss Bela, you've been suspecting something was amiss for quite a while - and it's true. While rescuing Lady Alcina herself was an important goal for all of us, I also happened to have an ulterior motive in raiding that facility." Bela folded her own arms as she leveled a piercing gaze at Duke. The woman nodded her head slightly, in a bid for him to continue.
"The truth is: myself, as well as multiple interested parties - very powerful parties, indeed - were working together on dismantling The Connections for a while now! They are...quite bad for our collective business, you see." The Duke paused again, taking a moment to admire a painting behind Bela. Clearing his throat, he continued.
"The items Millie had obtained from that facility will be instrumental for that very purpose, I believe. And we have you to thank for the ultimate success of that operation!"
Bela could only frown as thoughts ran through her head.
Were we being used all along? Then again, does it even matter? We got our mother back, he got what he wanted. Everyone's happy. ...Something doesn't add up though, why would he keep that information from us all this time?
"So… why didn't you just say so from the start?" Cassandra beat Bela to a punch, the brunette voice curious, but not accusing. After giving voice to her question, the middle daughter made a show of slowly licking some leftover blood off her full black lips, to Rolando's distress and Chris' confusing mix of discomfort and delight.
"Ah, but my dear girls, I merely did not want to lay my burdens on you as our goals were so perfectly aligned! I wanted you to focus completely on doing what was truly important - bringing our beloved Lady Alcina back to us - and trusting my own companion to tag along and do our own little task, without inconveniencing you in any way or form."
Cassandra nodded, apparently satisfied. Bela herself kept silent, with her lips in a thin line. The explanation made sense to her, yet the blonde couldn't rid herself of an itch at the back of her mind.
Something stinks, and it's not me this time…
A few moments of tense silence passed. Finally, letting the issue go for now, the elder sister nodded, as well. The Duke smiled pleasantly at her, before clapping his enormous hands together and continuing.
"A long journey is ahead of us now, my friends. A number of contacts await us at the gilded shores of Nice… ah France, such a beautiful country, so full of romance and love! But, I digress... the items and documents we've recovered, in the right hands, could prove instrumental in delivering a decisive blow against our mutual nemesis."
"What about us then? Will my family be safe there? Will Ethan be safe there?"
Bela wasn't in the mood for playing games anymore. Her loved ones' welfare was paramount to her. She didn't give a shit about the 'big picture'. The blonde's voice reflected it. Chris answered that question himself.
"There are a number of uncompromised safehouses in that region which I still have access to. I suppose I can pull a couple of favors and request one of them for confidential witness protection or some such." The Duke was quick to pipe in, next.
"And we can discuss more permanent arrangements soon after. I do have a couple of promising locations where you would not be bothered and could once again live in peace and prosperity!"
At the previous statement from his captain, Rolando finally had enough.
"Really, captain? Witnesses - them? How many innocent people do you think met their end in the Dimitrescu family dungeons? Hundreds, probably! And now you want to use our limited resources to shelter these murderers...these monsters? Just because they helped one person?"
Chris sighed, as these very thoughts ran through his head as well. Nevertheless, to Bela's utter shock, the large captain came to their defense.
"I understand how you feel, believe me - I do. But, regardless of their past deeds, this is bigger than all of us and they've already proved their merit against The Connections, multiple times. You know, what's at stake, don't you?" The shorter man just nodded, not meeting the captain's gaze. "We can't afford to be picky about our allies and moreover, now that they are on the organization's shitlist, they are just as much a victim as anyone else. Moreover, I do happen to trust Ethan's judgement. I've doubted that man enough times already."
Chris had genuine remorse plainly visible in his expression as he muttered the last part of his reasoning. Both Bela and Cassandra were surprised. They honestly didn't expect this stranger to be willing to expend valuable resources for their own benefit. Chris didn't let them ponder too much on that, however, as he stood up and addressed the Duke.
"You got a lot of data to sift through. Tell me when you find something on Mia Winters. I told Ethan that I would find her, and I won't rest till I do."
Cassandra leapt to her own feet at that, her molten gold eyes almost burning in the intensity of their gaze now.
"Oh, I'll join you on that. I do want to find dear Mia myself, you know. I'd love to have a heart-to-heart moment with her. Or maybe… a heart-to-hand one."
Bela herself shuddered at the amount of loathing radiating from Cassandra in that instant. Her brunette sister was not a forgiving type… and for once, Bela could share her desire.
Chris looked at Cassandra with narrowed eyes and spoke slowly, a hint of menace now present in his voice.
"You know something I don't?"
Before Cassandra could launch into an undoubtedly lengthy tirade about all the wrongs the mentioned woman committed and how she would enjoy tearing her apart, Bela interjected herself.
"We do… but I think Ethan should be the one to explain that. I am going to visit him and mother myself, I'll call for you when he awakens. If that be all, I'll excuse myself now."
The Duke just nodded, having said his piece. Bela stood up, giving Cassandra a pointed, questioning gaze. The brunette made an inaudible sigh before conceding to the unvoiced demand and giving a slight nod. Knowing that her latest wish would be respected, the elder daughter gave everyone present a polite smile and a small nod, before taking her leave.
On her way to the sickbay, the blonde woman felt giddy as the previous interactions helped to unburden her immensely and now she was free to spend some quality time with her loved ones. The Duke's explanation made some sense and the blonde found herself trusting the powerful captain. Somehow, Bela felt that the man would help keep her family safe. She couldn't help but ponder further on that particular display from her younger sister, however.
Cassandra's newfound obsession is most curious, yet perhaps it's not a bad thing. What if it is truly the sign that my beloved sister is finally ready to move forward - to leave our past behind? Could this man help smooth out some of her unbearably sharp edges? Would she be able to find happiness without hurting so many others then? That would be so wonderful...
Unable to help herself, Bela started humming a cheerful melody, a wide smile on her beautiful face and a spring to her step.
A new day dawns for us all...
Author's Note:
Ah, I finally found a spot where I could put that beautiful "little one" quote from Bela. Poor Millie - Bela was quite scary in that moment.
I do apologize for having Ethan in the background for like two chapters now, hopefully the next chapter will help rectify that issue!
Even though there was nothing particularly exciting happening in this chapter, I do hope it was an enjoyable read, nevertheless! Cass/Chris relationship will sure be an interesting one to write.
As always, feel free to leave any opinions, suggestions or thoughts in the comments! Thank you for reading :)