Bela smiled gently as she quietly entered the part of the sickbay where her mother and Ethan were recovering. Warm, morning sunlight poured through the room's portholes, bathing the occupants in a soft glow. The serene setting of the light blue room was truly heartwarming for the blonde daughter.
Four hospital beds were placed in a straight line; only two of them occupied - the opposite ones. The leftmost bed held Lady Alcina Dimitrescu while the rightmost one held Ethan Winters. Both patients were soundly asleep. Daniela was kneeling next to Alcina's bed, her auburn head pressing into her mother's eager palm. The redhead appeared snoozing herself, making her elder sibling let out a light chuckle of affection.
Bela felt so much love for both her little sister and mother in that moment that tears were threatening to come out of her amber eyes, once again.
I am so happy you're back with us, my mother…
Deciding not to bother the sleeping beauties for a moment, Bela moved towards the room's two other occupants, her white sneakers not making a sound as she did so.
Ethan appeared to be at peace now, both his fever and shaking having subsided. Gently laying her palm on his temple, the blonde woman hummed softly as his skin had just the right warmth.
"Hello, Auntie Bela…daddy is still sleeping..."
Rose was sitting in a small, kid-sized chair next to Ethan's bed, watching the blonde woman with curiosity in her tiny eyes. In a greeting of her own, Bela gave the child a loving smile, which she meant.
Such a precious girl… I am so sorry about all this nasty business with your mother, dear one… How could I possibly offer any comfort to this poor child?
Bela quickly but quietly pulled another, normal-sized chair before sitting on it. With her palm, the blonde Dimitrescu patted her own knee, inviting the child to perch on her lap.
"Come here, little one."
The girl, already experienced in how warm and welcoming Bela's lap was, did not hesitate. As the child approached her sitting form, the tall woman carefully lifted the tiny Winters up and placed the girl on her own waiting lap. Rose giggled slightly at the motion with Bela's gentle arms closing over her, protectively but not oppressively so.
Holding this tiny being in her arms, Bela couldn't help but wonder - how would it feel to have a child of her own. A moot query, however, as never once did a Dimitrescu daughter got pregnant, despite all of them indulging in their carnal desires at least a couple of times over the long years spent in the castle. One dark thought called for another and Bela soon found herself whispering an apology into the girl's ear.
"I am so sorry dear one… your father got hurt protecting us… because I was careless - again."
"It's alright, Auntie Bela… daddy will be alright - the good doctor lady said so. And… he wanted to protect you!"
Still holding the child with her left arm, the elder Dimitrescu daughter started gently rubbing the girl's blonde head with her right hand, eliciting another pleased giggle.
"It's not good enough, little one. I have to do better. I will do better. I… Your daddy is a precious person to me, you know that, dear one? I will do everything in my power to keep you two safe, from now on. I promise you that."
"You are a precious person to daddy, as well, Auntie Bela!"
The blonde woman's cheeks heated up from hearing that, just a little bit.
"Did… did he say so himself, dearest Rose?"
The girl shook her head slightly, before looking towards an empty corner of the room for a moment.
"No… but I just know it, Aunt Bela. Daddy likes you… a lot…"
"Oh, little one… I like him so… so much, as well…"
Bela kept playing with the girl's curly hair, marveling at how bright the child was. She was so young, yet already so keen in her perception of the world. The pleasant mood couldn't last, however, as Rose's next words made Dimitrescu's black heart skip a beat.
"Mommy is not coming back… is she?"
Who told her that? Did Ethan regain consciousness for a while and spoke about it already? Was it Daniela!? Damn it.
"I am sorry Rosie… it's not a simple thing that happened to your mother. Let us wait for your daddy to wake up and then we shall talk more about it, alright dear? I'll be right here for you, until then."
"Alright, Aunt Bela...but I already know that mommy is not coming back any time soon… She is really mad at daddy and you."
The girl kept staring at that same empty corner as she spoke; her words making Bela herself unnerved.
Who the fuck can't keep their mouth shut? Cassandra, if that was you, I swear…
"Did you guys do… something bad to make mommy so mad that she hates daddy now?"
Oh my God.
Bela suddenly found her normally sharp wit unresponsive. Rose herself helped the woman out of her dumbstruck predicament with her next spoken sentence.
"Mommy's not here...but she is alright… and daddy's alright, and you're alright… and your own mommy is alright... "
Despite the girl's reassuring words, she started sobbing slightly and Bela felt fresh wetness dropping down on the bare skin of her own arms. Desperate to bring at least some comfort to the distraught child, the blonde Dimitrescu cuddled Rose close to her own chest; Bela's palm tracing gentle patterns on the girl's head all the while. Through snot and tears, the tiny child choked out a question that made Bela's own heart ache with pain.
"Does... mommy... hate me... too, Auntie Bela? Did I do...something... wrong?"
The girl was sniffing hard as she whimpered out the harsh words, making something snap in the blonde woman. Recovering her wit and once again finding her voice, which was firm, yet gentle, Bela responded.
"No, my dearest Rose. Your mother loves you, despite everything - that much I can tell you with certainty. And you did nothing wrong, precious one…"
The girl continued to sob and sniffle quietly, yet Bela's soothing voice and gentle touch eventually caused Rose to calm down a little. Still staring into that empty corner, the child yawned cutely, implying that she was quite tired. They all were - the violent night was exhausting both physically and mentally.
Bela smiled lovingly upon the daughter that was not hers and started humming a lullaby that brought the three sisters much comfort, during their own formative years. Even though none of them ever had a child's body themselves, the Dimitrescu daughters' minds were all blank states upon their rebirths.
"Culca-te, puiut micut,
Culca-te si te abua
Pâna mâine-n dalba ziua.
Si te culca si adormi
Pâna mâine-n dalbe zori."
Rose snuggled closer into Bela's warm embrace, her tiny hands enveloping themselves around the woman's left arm. The blonde Dimitrescu's free hand kept stroking the girl's head, ever so gently.
"Abua – bua – bua,
Abua, tucu-l maica,"
Bela took a moment to place a tiny peck at the top of the girl's head.
"Nu te teme tu de zmei,
I-a goni maica pe ei."
Rose's sniffing almost completely subsided, Bela's dulcet voice doing its magic, despite the unfamiliar words being spoken.
"Puisor cu ochi de mure,
Maica-i dusa la padure,
Ti-a aduce gatejoare
Si ti-a face scovergioare."
Soon, likely from the combination of grief, exhaustion and Bela's melodic voice, the girl fell asleep - her light snoring betraying her lack of presence in the waking world. The blonde Dimitrescu smiled down upon the precious child of the man she swore to protect and fully relaxed herself, embracing the sudden silence that engulfed the pleasant light-blue hospital room.
Glancing at the peacefully sleeping form of Ethan next to her, the elder daughter couldn't suppress a wide, tired yawn of her own. The hectic events of the violent night had finally caught up to her, as well, it seemed.
Feeling completely safe and secure among her loved ones, Bela closed her amber orbs slowly and simply sat there, still holding on to Rose protectively. Her free right hand drifted towards Ethan's own one, on its own volition - placing itself gently on top of it. As minutes turned into an hour, the blonde woman drifted into her own exhaustion-induced slumber.
As Alcina roused from her dreamless sleep, she immediately mentally prepared for the next, inevitable round of agony. Surely, a butcher in a white coat will come in soon, eager for yet another pound of her flesh. And that horrid little woman would be watching, as she always did. Always watching. Always watching…
Hardening her resolve, Alcina was determined not to yield, not until her dying breath. No matter what came her way, she would not break. Not to a man. Nor to a woman.
Instead, as her tired yellow eyes opened - expecting to once again gaze upon that spotless, clinical white cell of hers - they saw soothing light blue. The recollection of the previous night immediately rushed in like a tidal wave, making the countess audibly gasp.
My daughters… they came for me… it was not a mere dream, after all...
For a moment, overcome by emotion, Alcina made no motion, simply staring blankly at the calming light blue ceiling. The unpleasant part of her newest joyous reality came knocking soon enough, however.
The countess felt her whole body itch. The kindly doctor did inform her to expect that particular irritation, since her numerous rashes would sting painfully as they healed rapidly. She gave a small sigh in gratitude for the fact that at least some small part of her previously prodigious regeneration remained. Yet her body felt so weak. So unbelievably, disgustingly weak. Her fragile left fist clenched in impotent rage.
Perhaps one day, she could regain her former glory, but for now Lady Dimitrescu had to rely on the kindness of strangers and that very notion was simply unbearable to the prideful noblewoman. Nevertheless, the dark thoughts were swiftly dismissed as she beheld the familiar auburn-haired head, snuggling into her right palm. A thin line of drool was trailing down from Daniela's partially-open mouth, hydrating her mother's parched skin.
My precious baby girl...
Alcina couldn't suppress a loving smile at the sight of her cherished youngest kneeling at the side of her bed like that.
My beautiful daughters… I still scarcely believe my own eyes as I see you again… you came for me...after everything… What did I ever do to deserve so much love from you?
Her clenched fist was quick to morph into an open palm as she tried to gently pat her beloved daughter's head with it.
Even that smallest of motions was enough to awaken the redhead, however.
Daniela's now wide open molten gold eyes were hazy for a moment, yet they were quick to shift to a focused gaze filled with so much love that Alcina couldn't suppress the urge to gulp from shame.
How can this feeble body of mine deserve such adoration? My Daniela… how can I ever repay you for such kindness?
"Mama! You're awake! You need some maiden's blood!? I'll go fetch it! I'll get Cassi here, as well! Don't go anywhere! Be right back!"
Just like that, in a swarm of happily-buzzing insects, Daniela was gone, leaving only the mirthful atmosphere behind. Regardless of her own condition, how could Alcina be sad when such a bundle of joy was always nearby, so eager to lighten her day, no matter how dark it turned?
Smiling, the countess turned her head to her left, with some effort. The soft smile immediately shifted into a confused frown as she beheld the sight that greeted her in that direction.
There sat her beloved eldest, her chair angled sideways, allowing Alcina to gaze freely upon her pride and joy.
The confusion came from the fact that Bela was clutching that woman's child close to her heart, as she seemingly slept next to that woman's husband's bed, with her own hand on top of his.
Alcina trusted her eldest implicitly, especially after the events that took place two years ago, yet this newest development was...worrisome.
What is it that you feel for that man, my daughter, that you hold his child as if she was your own?
The man in question, to Alcina's surprise, suddenly lurched his upper body up, horror plain in his wide brown-grey eyes and sweat cascading down his brows. Ethan's left hand shot to his thigh, likely where a pistol or a knife holster was normally located. Failing to procure the desired weapon, the distressed man looked around wildly, before his panicked gaze stopped on a figure sitting to his immediate right.
Slowly, but surely, fear of the monsters from his nightmares was replaced by fondness, as his emotional eyes returned to their normal shape - raw affection glinting in them now, instead. The way he was looking at Alcina's elder daughter was not that different from the way Daniela gazed at the countess herself just moments ago. With adoration one would only direct at the person he or she cherished with every fiber of their being.
Lady Dimitrescu narrowed her own yellow eyes as she beheld this presumptuous man-thing that dared to gaze upon her daughter that way. This brazen little mortal, so shameless in taking the whole of her beloved child's form with his wandering, insatiable man-eyes.
Alcina had to stifle an indignant gasp as the man's lecherous orbs lingered at a spot near the top of Bela's unbuttoned blouse. Any maid that used to be in Dimitrescu's employ would've been subject to a severe lashing, courtesy of Cassandra, at the very least, for such an affront. Their other 'guests' would've paid for it with their very eyes.
Yet this vile man went unpunished for such a transgression. This very man that had caused such upheaval in their lives, two years ago. This little weak man that Alcina's eldest chose to be her accomplice in her plot to depose Miranda, going behind her own family's back in the process.
Ethan Winters
Alcina couldn't stop her chapped lips from curling in distaste at that name. She didn't like it. She didn't like the uncouth man behind that name, either. His unkempt dirty blonde hair. His hideous, three-fingered left hand. His plebeian brown-gray eyes. His stupid loving smile as he couldn't get enough of the sight that was her daughter, sleeping peacefully with his child, at his side.
The vile man-thing's many shortcomings were plain to Alcina's scrutinizing gaze, yet his biggest sin was one born from association.
Mia Winters
The woman that made Alcina what she was today - weak, sickly, infirm. Reliant on others for everything. The so-called scientist in charge of 'harvesting', as they had called that tormenting procedure.
The countess couldn't possibly forget the excruciating agony as they took her flesh, again and again and again and again! Never having enough. Never satisfied. Not until they took everything she had to give.
And Mia Winters was always there, always watching, just behind that accursed black glass. Alcina could never see her, but she always felt her foul presence without mistake - standing in cold judgement, always watching. What she wouldn't give to have a chance at tearing that atrocious woman apart with her own claws.
Yet Mia Winters was beyond Alcina's reach. Because this cowardly, weak man-thing could not pull the trigger, even when Mia - his own wife - had ordered his death. The countess' fists clenched, gripping the bed sheets in silent fury.
Alcina Dimitrescu wanted to hate Ethan Winters. She truly did.
But how can one hate the person so clearly beloved by her own cherished daughter? In addition to her gentle soul, Bela had a keen mind and a keener yet intuition. If her eldest saw something worthy of love in that crass man, was it truly Alcina's right to claim otherwise? To say that this man deserved nothing but derision and contempt?
No...
The Dimitrescu matriarch's hands relaxed once more. She couldn't help but focus on the aspects of his character she intentionally overlooked previously.
The man was instrumental in ending Miranda's reign over the valley, finally setting their family of four free, seemingly so long ago now. More recently, Alcina could not suppress her shock at the fact that Ethan - their own briefly held captive, of all people! - had helped her daughters in their quest to rescue her. Whatever his own reasonings were, it was clear to the countess that the man had provided vital aid to her dear girls, and Dimitrescu always pays her debts.
Finally, could she truly blame him for letting that horrid snake of a wife of his go? Despite everything, Mia was still the mother of his child.
Would I, myself, have done differently in his position? No...
Two years ago, Alcina was in a position somewhat similar to Ethan's, in fact. But even then, when - just for a few moments - she was sure that Bela had betrayed her, her whole family, the countess could not even entertain the idea of ending her beloved daughter. That whole concept was simply inconceivable to Alcina. Back then, she briefly pondered upon the possibility of exile, but in that freezing weather that would've been the same as killing Bela herself. And Alcina would never go through with that, regardless of what she thought Bela had done.
Ultimately, even if her tormentor had escaped and was likely plotting the next way she could harm the Dimitrescu family, the matriarch could not deny a simple fact.
Ethan could've joined Mia and together they would've surely ended all four of them - helpless as they were in that moment. He didn't. The man stood in defense of Alcina and her three daughters instead, demanding aid for them; fighting and bleeding for them.
It would take more than that to convince Alcina that this man was truly worthy of her precious child's affection, yet she could not deny his remarkable efforts. At the very least, he was worthy of her genuine gratitude and a measure of her respect.
Her frown shifted into a small, barely perceptible smile. Suddenly, that commoner name of his was no longer that offensive to her sensibilities, neither was his uncouth appearance. As she spoke her first words to him, Alcina's somewhat hoarse voice still had all the regality and dignity it held two years ago.
"Well well, Ethan Winters..."
Ethan almost screamed out loud as he awoke from a particularly horrific nightmare. Goddamn Jack Baker with an axe carving a hole in the wooden door Ethan himself hid behind; just to try and fit his maniacally-grinning head in through the opening and yell: "Here's Johnny!"
His left hand instinctively shot towards his non-existent holster, which was a surprise on its own, since his dominant hand was the right one. Apparently, his healthy arm was occupied by something more important than immaterial threats, as his gaze soon found out.
Any feeling of danger or distress evaporated the very instant Ethan's eyes fell upon the peacefully still forms of his beloved ones. The man simply couldn't tear his gaze away from this majestic, enchanting sight, so he simply marveled at it for a few moments.
Bela Dimitrescu sat on a chair right next to his bed; his Rosie perching on her lap. Both the woman and the girl appeared soundly asleep - completely at ease with their current entanglement. Bela held one arm protectively over the child, who in turn had her tiny head resting on the woman's shoulder. The woman's right palm was placed right over his own, once again making him marvel at how soft and warm her skin was.
Despite all the horror and brutal violence that had occurred over the last week, Ethan realized that he wouldn't have traded this beautiful, wholesome moment for anything.
Seeing Rose, so secure and so comfortable within the larger woman's loving embrace made Ethan's own heart swell with a particularly potent feeling that he dreaded to give name to. Still, he was no coward, and he could run from the simple truth no longer. Regardless of how wrong this was, or how improper their relationship could be, the man finally admitted the uncomfortable fact, internally - for now.
Ethan Winters loved Bela Dimitrescu. He wanted to be with her.
Freed from doubt, for just a moment, Ethan's gaze couldn't help itself as it wandered towards the woman's exposed cleavage, which was partially visible as Rosie's tiny form leaned to her side. The man gave an audible gulp as improper thoughts immediately started rushing through his mind at the lovely sight of her perfect breasts, their shape clearly visible through the thin blouse and the black bra behind it.
The tiniest speck of shame was quick to ignite a roaring inferno of regret. The ghost of Mia that still haunted him would not relent so easily as memories flooded his guilty conscience. The man couldn't help but conjure images of his beloved wife in their happier moments and try to compare them to this current picture of tranquility before him. One moment of heartwrenching betrayal, no matter how cruel or unexpected, could not overwrite years of genuine love. A thousand 'what ifs' danced around his erratic mind, none of them helpful, yet all of them too persistent to simply dismiss.
Before the man was completely consumed by the phantoms of his past, a voice - an oh-so-familiar voice - took him out of his guilt-filled rumination. The tone and the words spoken were exactly the same as he still vividly recalled. His blood chilled in his veins as the horrific memories of that day replaced the regrets and remorse over his wife's status completely.
"Well well, Ethan Winters..."
Turning his gaze towards the source of the fear-inducing voice, Ethan was surprised that he had missed the bedridden woman before. Bela's enchanting visage in that same direction likely had a big part to play in that particular issue, however.
Ethan was more than a little bit shocked at Lady Alcina Dimitrescu's current appearance. In that facility, he only had a brief moment where he could witness and process her newest condition, and even then it was overshadowed by his confrontation with Mia and her guards, but now…
Now Ethan could do nothing but gape at the pale, small, sickly-looking woman that stared back at him with her vicious yellow orbs - they alone remained the same. Alcina's skin looked like it was a size or two too big for her own feeble body now and her face appeared gaunt, as if it was drained of all fluids by some malicious mastermind - likely his own wife, the man realized with some discomfort.
Unamused by his likely rude staring, the countess just clicked her tongue in annoyance and turned her face to gaze at the ceiling, instead.
The lone father wanted to say something, yet found his mind in a blank state. He was absolutely unsure about how to start a casual conversation with a previously gorgeous nine foot-tall vampire lady that had captured him to be eaten alive; only to end up as a shriveled, shrunken husk on a hospital bed next to him.
Lady Alcina likely found herself in a similar conundrum as the tense silence ensued. The woman briefly glanced towards the porthole - she now recalled that it was early morning when she was brought in here. The last dying light of the sun was visible through it, implying that it was evening already.
Suddenly, a loud stomping noise broke the quiet serenity of the sickbay as a pair of powerful legs made their way inside. Alcina recognized the gait immediately. Her most obedient daughter, always eager to enforce her will.
Cassandra, my dear child… What have I ever done to deserve such devotion from you?
The fierce brunette was standing in the doorway, her eyes alight with passionate emotions. Normally, Alcina would berate her beloved but, admittedly, somewhat crass child on her choice of attire for the day - that horrid metalhead shirt - but today, she could not contain the joy from simply seeing her lovely daughter.
"Hello, my beautiful dove."
"Mom… you're alright!"
The middle Dimitrescu child wasted no time in lying down on the helpfully large hospital bed Alcina occupied, huddling herself close to her mother. Again, Ethan could only gape at such an emotional display of affection from the normally violent and even somewhat nasty woman. Alcina was not surprised in the least, however, as she gently embraced her child.
"Because of you, my love."
Bela herself finally roused from all the spoken words; her bright eyes still with sleep in them. Switching her gaze from checking on her mother and sister to looking down at Ethan; she gave the man the loveliest smile he had ever received in his whole life, making the butterflies in his stomach flutter.
"You're all awake, and I missed it! Ah, shame on me!"
Her melodic voice, so full of joy now, sounded beyond merely beautiful to Ethan's ears. Bela was quick to clutch his hand as her own was still on top of it. The man couldn't help but blush slightly, once again feeling himself a mere schoolboy from his reactions to the simple gestures of affection.
Rosie was the last one to finally rejoin them in the waking world. Her tiny eyes widened instantly as she saw her father awake. The little girl did not hesitate to leap upon him, crying in mirth, Bela letting the child go with a happy laugh of her own.
Even though his still sore chest hurt from the sudden pressure, the father did not miss a beat in embracing his precious daughter in a warm hug of his own, as Bela finally let go of his hand, to accommodate the motion.
As if in payment for the sudden loss of touch, Bela's soft lips were quick to engulf his own, in a passionate yet painfully brief kiss. Propriety and decency was the last thing on his mind at this most pleasant of gestures from her. The slight tinge of iron that would've surely disturbed him before only excited the man this time. Before he could return the favor in kind - to truly get a taste of her divine lips - the woman broke contact, yet her playful eyes held the promise of more to come, later.
Bela made her way to Alcina's bed, before repeating the motion Cassandra did moments ago, taking her own place on the other side of her mother, her arm placing itself over both Alcina's and Cassandra's forms.
Even as he hugged his own dear child, Ethan could not help but admire the love the Dimitrescu girls had for Lady Alcina. Even if the purity of that singular emotion could not completely eclipse all the evil deeds committed by the family, it sure as hell made Ethan believe in second chances.
Not letting him ponder too long on that, a light cough brought his attention to a corner of the hospital room on the other side of his bed.
There stood Eveline, still in that somewhat goth dress of hers. The girl stood with her arms folded, as if annoyed at being left out. She spoke in a condescending whisper as she realized that his attention was finally on her.
"I told some things to Rose while you were in La La Land. In a nice way, of course." - Eveline added as she noticed Ethan's eyes narrowing at her previous statement. - "She needed some comfort, too, you know…"
Ethan momentarily felt ashamed that he immediately assumed the worst of Eveline. Despite her own atrocious past deeds, the girl was nothing but helpful to him lately, literally saving his life - multiple times. And now, she was also comforting Rosie, even as she stood aside - an outsider. Checking over his shoulder to make sure none of the attention was on him, the man whispered a short request to the goth girl.
"Come here…"
Eveline's light green eyes widened in surprise, as Ethan held one hand out, as if inviting her to join them in their familial embrace. Thinking for a moment, the girl grinned wide as she jumped in, Rose making way for her and the father himself embracing them both in a loving hug.
Even though he knew it was merely his mind playing tricks on him, and she was not actually there, her body felt quite solid to his hand, nevertheless. The man could only hope that nobody would look their way right now, as they looked mighty weird - hugging an invisible person - indeed.
The loud buzzing that came next finally heralded the arrival of Daniela, a tall glass with dark red liquid carried along by her swarm. Seeing the situation and desperate to join in, the insects were quick to place the glass on a small table nearby, before fluttering right over Alcina's bed and coalescing together as the familiar redheaded girl in a colorful summer dress.
With a joyous shriek, Daniela slammed down on the bed, right on top of Alcina - her sisters making sure to catch her with their own limbs, lest she'd crush their diminished mother in her unbridled display of affection.
"Daniela!"
"Be careful dofus!"
The two older sisters were careful not to mention the reason for the newfound need of caution, showing their considerate natures. Daniela, realizing her blunder quickly, went red in the face from the shame.
"Sorry, mama…"
Whatever reply Alcina made was lost on Ethan, as the press of three bodies around her muffled it too badly for the man to hear. The three girls took a moment adjusting themselves, letting Daniela keep her spot on top without exerting too much pressure on Alcina herself.
The whole tangled mess of bodies looked awkward to say the least, but Ethan imagined that this 'group hug' was an important ritual for the Dimitrescu family for a long time. The dimensions might have changed, but the feelings have not…
"Auntie Bela is so nice… I am glad her mom is okay…'sniff' when will my mommy come back, daddy? Evie says she is mad at you..."
The only reason Ethan wasn't dreading this moment was the fact that the man was unconscious for the majority of the time that passed since his confrontation with Mia. Still holding his baby girl tight, the father racked his brain for any consoling thought to give voice to.
"We don't need her anymore. Aunt Bela is nice, isn't she? She could be our new mom!"
Eveline, breaking free of their embrace, now lounged on the edge of the bed, her legs dangling playfully as she spoke the cruel words. On one level, Ethan could even relate to her statement, but the husband of ten years in him was appalled at the expressed callousness. The father couldn't help but hiss out a reprimand.
"Don't say stuff like that, Eveline! Regardless of what happened between us, Mia is still Rose's mother! Nothing can ever change that fact…" Having whispered that, Ethan gently detached Rose from himself to look her right in the eyes as he spoke the next part, as softly as he could.
"Even though I cannot condone what your mom has done, I know with all my heart that she still loves you more than the whole world, my dear Rosie. I don't know when, but I am sure that we will think of a way to reunite you two, one day. Just stay strong for me, until then? Can you stay strong for daddy?"
His child just nodded, even as she continued sniffing. Ethan's heart was heavy with grief. Surprising him, Evie turned back to lovingly smile upon Rose. The imaginary girl then proceeded to place her palm on the real one's shoulder, as she spoke her own reassurance.
"I guess daddy is right, for once. Mia is your mom, and it's okay that you miss her. But think about all the wonderful new people we've met already on this adventure! Bela and her sisters are so fun, right? Uncle Tom is a great guy and his stories are amazing! The Duke is...kinda shady, not gonna lie, but his yacht is the best thing ever!"
Amazingly, Rosie gave a soft giggle at that. Ethan was utterly flabbergasted that the ghostly girl that was responsible for so much suffering, his own included, was now effectively consoling his daughter.
The father attempted to place a gentle hand on Eveline's shoulder as he muttered out a muffled 'thank you' but this time, to the man's surprise, his hand went right through her incorporeal form.
Seeing his hand poking through her imaginary body, Eveline merely snickered, before proving an explanation for the curious phenomenon.
"Sorry, daddy, it actually takes some effort on my part for you to be able to touch me."
As if in on the joke, Rosie let out a small laugh, which Eveline quickly picked up, even as they shared a small embrace of their own.
Ethan himself let out a small chuckle before taking a moment to check up on the Dimitrescu family with his gaze. The three girls still encircled their beloved mother, yet their positions were shifted to be more comfortable. As the bed was not large enough to accommodate four people lying on it vertically, the women took it as their cue to lay horizontally, throwing the pillow and the sheets out of the way.
All of them but Daniela were lying with their legs towards the entrance to the room, the redhead doing the opposite. The youngest Dimitrescu, who was slightly raised on her elbows, was directing her curious gaze right at Ethan, making the man's heart skip a beat. Her lips were open in an obvious question. Who are you talking to?
Oh, fuck...
An annoying giggling immediately followed, as Eveline herself was clearly amused at his newfound predicament. The laughter quickly died out, however, as another person entered the sickbay. Suddenly, the joyful ghostly girl lost her mirthful spark as she shot up to her feet and leapt back to her original place at the corner of the room. With her horrified expression, she reminded Ethan of a scared and cornered animal and the father couldn't help but feel a tinge of sympathy for the monstrous child. The source of her distress became apparent as a large, powerfully-built man slowly but surely made his way towards Ethan's bed.
The harsh, emotionless grimace on Chris' face made Ethan force himself to suppress a gulp, as the fearsome man stopped right at the foot of his bed. While Winters was pleasantly surprised to finally see Chris keeping his word and coming to his family's aid, the coldness of his features was unnerving. The staring contest that ensued lasted mere five seconds, yet it felt like an eternity to Ethan. Finally, the large man forced himself to give a strained smile, which took a genuine tone as Chris switched his gaze to Rose's tiny form. His greeting was warm, but it betrayed the enormous strain the captain was under. Ethan could only imagine the weight that was put on that man's wide shoulders.
"Ethan… I am truly glad to see you in one piece. It's unfortunate that you wake up to the world that wants you gone."
The Duke smoked a cigar as he observed his two most loyal companions. Both of them looked uneasy. At their expression of anxiety he gave a short but mirthful chuckle. Both of them were still young, inexperienced in ways of life. Predictably, Millie spoke first, even as Tom folded his arms and looked at his boss dejectedly.
"I just hope all this stuff is gonna be worth it. I've gone through hell and back to get it here…"
"Don't forget all the people who died for it…" Tom was quick to mention that grisly detail.
"I do truly apologize for all the hardships you've endured in the last week, Millicent. But I assure you, what you found will be a gamechanger. That Dire Wolf prisoner - good call in bringing him alive, by the way - in addition to the recovered items from the facility will prove instrumental in our fight against our enemies. And as regrettable as the loss of life was, it was a cost that had to be paid."
The woman just scoffed and nodded. She got more than a few grey hairs in the last week. Tom was next to voice his thoughts, once again, in a predictable direction. The young man's kind and caring nature was a blessing, even if sometimes it was also a hindrance.
"So… what did you tell them, boss?"
The Duke took a long huff of his cigar, even as he admired the beautiful
'Lady with an Ermine' painting. He truly couldn't get enough of that majestic piece.
Such a masterpiece…
Finally giving in to the questioning gazes directed at him, he answered the question.
"Everything they needed to know, Thomas."
Millie gave an audible sigh of relief at that, before speaking in turn - her voice still bitter, however. "Thank God…"
Thomas was not satisfied, as his own response made that plain. "So you are still keeping the truth from them, then? Don't you think they deserve to know it, especially after everything they've been through?"
Millie herself exploded at hearing that, her metallic-grey eyes burning holes in the taller man's side. "God, Tom, I swear sometimes I think that you've been dropped on your head as a baby!"
The man responded to that in an unsteady voice, his own soft green eyes narrowed in pensive thought. "Surely they will understand if we just apologize and explain the situation properly... They are not bad people…"
The shorter woman just scoffed at that. "Must be nice, playing Rosie's babysitter! You are not the one being constantly treated to thinly-veiled death threats by Bela and Cassandra. It sucks, just so you know."
"Well, I am done with all this deceit and half-truth. It's not fair on them. They are hardly the monsters I thought them to be... All they wanted was a life of peace - a second chance. If you're not willing to come clean, then I'll…"
Tom could not finish his thought, as a large, titanium pen Millie always carried inside her breast pocket suddenly found itself hovering mere inches from his throat, its sharp edge poised to cut deep. Her voice was just as biting.
"Don't you fucking dare to finish that sentence! Do you want to die!? Fucking Bela almost murdered me in the hallway today, just because of a hunch she had! I…"
"Millicent Stout! There will be no acts of aggression under my roof, thank you very much!"
Like a berated child, the dark-haired woman immediately took on an apologetic look, with the dangerous-looking pen quickly returning to its rightful place inside her grey shirt's pocket.
"Sorry Duke...but you should've seen her fucking eyes! I could vividly picture that monstrous hand of hers breaking my neck like a twig. Tell Tom that he is a moron for even considering all that honesty bullshit…"
The Duke's harsh visage at having his golden rule almost broken quickly shifted to a mirthful one, once again. "Ah, Millie, surely this is just your vivid imagination playing tricks on you! Miss Bela, breaking your neck? Preposterous!" The Duke took another long huff, savoring the taste for a moment before exhaling the deep plume of smoke and continuing.
"That said… I do believe that we would, in a point of harsh fact, win no new friends if we do it the way you propose, Thomas. Some bitter truths are best left forgotten - that's a lesson I've learned long ago."
The young man was glaring daggers at his female counterpart, who in turn looked back at him with genuine remorse. The woman mouthed a silent apology, with Tom nodding in consent shortly after. They traded small smiles of forgiveness next, the Duke grinning in turn at the sight of true camaraderie taking place before him.
Everyone present here knew that Millie wouldn't have actually hurt Tom, but her temper had always run hot, with anger quick to manifest, which in turn would sometimes lead to displays of physical aggression and intimidation. A trait the fierce young woman inherited from her father, no doubt. The daughter in question meekly continues Duke's own thoughts, her voice no longer aggressive, yet still bitter.
"How would you even explain it to Dimitrescu without them biting your head off?" Millie adopted an apologetic pose once again, with her palms connecting together in a mocking gesture of peace, as she continued her thought in a playfully soft tone.
"We are really sorry to tell you that we actually knew all along about Darius' betrayal but decided to go along with it anyway, since we really wanted to find that mold laboratory we just raided and your dear mom was the perfect bait? But, since everything ended well, let us forgive each other and part our ways amicably?" Millie dropped her pretentious pose and tone before concluding her performance: "HAH! Cassandra will fucking murder all of us on the spot!"
Tom scratched his chin as he slowly muttered out a monologue of his own. "That's the gist of it, but the devil's in the details, my dear. At that point, it was a statistical inevitability that they would've been found - sooner or later. We merely took the opportunity to play out that scenario in a semi-controlled environment." The man paused for a second, before leveling an admiring gaze at his boss.
"Of course, I am still amazed that everything went out almost exactly like you predicted it, Duke: Alcina herself captured but the daughters escaped the ambush and successfully pursued the invaders while following the breadcrumbs they left behind. Truly astonishing… how could you be certain it would go that way? The girls could've been taken as well, simply left lost and confused… or even killed outright."
The enigmatic merchant merely gave a hearty chuckle at that, before responding in his jolly tone. "My dear boy, when you get to be my age, you'll know the value of preparing for an eventuality beforehand. That day, I had quite a few pieces moving in the way that benefited us while hindering these crass mercenaries, allowing that horrid and unpleasant event to play out in our favor."
The Duke's expression adopted a more somber tone, his beady eyes showing genuine remorse as he continued his mini-lecture. "There is never a certainty in anything, however... Our good friend Ethan taught me that much, two years ago." The large man took another pause, once again considering the unbelievable events that had transpired, seemingly so long ago now. Giving a sigh, the rotund merchant proceeded, his tone regretful, but firm.
"Nevertheless, sometimes, you just have to take a gamble. And this time we won big. The Dimitrescus are whole and we got exactly what we needed. Let us not ruin our grand victory and the long, fruitful partnership with the unnecessary, ugly truths, especially since our guests are recovering happily, none the wiser. If there is nothing but grief that awaits you at the end of your chosen path, why take it in the first place?"
Seeing the younger man still not satisfied, the Duke concluded his idea with an offer. "And if that's not enough, from now on, let us do our best in ensuring that our beloved Dimitrescu clients will be secure and happy."
Tom clicked his tongue at that, in annoyance. "And to do that...well, we will have to dismantle The Connections, won't we? Everything goes back to these fuckers..."
The Duke gave a booming laugh at that, even as he beheld his most trusted companions with almost parental affection. Two forgotten children that he had found long ago, during one of his trips out from the valley, at Miranda's behest. They have grown to be fine young people and he was proud of his role as their guardian.
"Too true, my dear boy. The sooner we are done with them, the sooner we can all breathe free."
Millie, more relaxed now, played around with her pen - the object flying around in the air as if held by an invisible hand. The inconspicuous writing instrument was both a surprisingly deadly weapon and an effective stress relief toy. Her voice was remarkably more calm now, as her primary source of anxiety was partially alleviated. Still, she sounded unsure as she spoke out her mind slowly and carefully.
"Can't happen fast enough, if you ask me… And… once we are done with these bastards… maybe I can get to spend some time with the Dimitrescu family… get to know them a bit better. Believe it or not, Tom - I do like them and I am sorry for what they went through… and since we are - in a very twisted way - related, I do wish the best for them."
"As do I, Millie." The young man gazed upon his adopted sister-like figure with genuine affection. He knew that she was not a bad person, despite her sometimes ruthless personality and a short temper. Still, he was glad to hear that she shared his sentiment, at least partially.
The Dimitrescu girls' been through too much, and I wish it could've gone differently, but all we can do now is make sure the future will be kind to them. The Duke is right... the truth will only hurt everyone and help no one… Poor Rosie doesn't need any more drama in her life, as well...
Their little meeting concluded, the two lieutenants exchanged a small but heartfelt hug and went to attend their own tasks, leaving the obese merchant alone. The enigmatic man decided to take the opportunity and catch a quick nap, even as worry gnawed on his own mind. Their chosen path was rife with hurdles and setbacks, and the grey clouds were gathering on the horizon - a bad omen - yet he was determined to move forward. The time for doubts was behind him now, and the regret could wait its turn. They will yet see the light, if only they could persevere in the face of such an adversary.
Author's Note:
Believe it or not, I actually had a really hard time writing this chapter, as the details kept eluding me. It was incredible fun writing it, however, so I hope it turned out enjoyable!
Originally I wanted to have a conversation-like Alcina/Ethan segment here, but then I felt it would really fit better if it was mostly done through observation/thoughts. They'll still talk later, of course :D
Next chapter we will have some actual politics in this AU explained, as well as a built-up for the, ahm, action-intensive chapter after it.
As, always, I'd love to hear any opinions and ideas you might have, my dear readers! I'd really love to hear your thoughts about that last segment here, in particular :D
If anyone cares about the lullaby translation (I actually had my Romanian acquaintance confirm its translation for me):
Go to asleep my tiny baby,
Try to sleep and get asleep
Till the white dawns break the day.
Then wake up as a grown child. Fall asleep, my tiny baby
Till tomorrow in the dawn.
Fall asleep– asleep – asleep,
Fall asleep, your mother will gently kiss you
Don't be afraid of bad creatures in the forest
Your mother is forever guarding and protecting you.
Little sweetest mother's baby
With small eyes as dark blackberries
Your mother will go to forest
She's going to bring you wooden pieces from the trees
And make crullers just for you.