A/N: So this chapter takes me back to my old fics. You'll see what I mean as the chapter goes on. I don't write this much anymore. I write fewer stories where the plot calls for this. I debated if this was okay. However, with the moral support of my fanfic group chat, I've decided to trudge forward. To quote Mirabel Madrigal, "I am ready!"


Dolores squeaked as she was pulled under a table. Camilo was quick to shush her. "We have to be quiet," Camilo whispered. "Listen, you need to hide here. Wait until you hear them thinking you were taken away."

"Why would they think that?" Dolores asked. Camilo then shifted into her form. "No-"

"I can distract him while you get away," Camilo whispered. "Once we're in the mountains, I'm going to shift again. I'll fight him off before running back. That should give you and Mariano enough time."

"He could kill you," Dolores whispered.

"And he'd do worse to you," Camilo whispered. Camilo pressed a kiss into his sister's head. "I'll see you soon."

He climbed out under the table. Before she could get out, it was too late. The only comfort she had was seeing Mariano's pants leg.


"This could have been so simple," Adrien complained. He took Camilo up the mountains. He was still disguised as Dolores. He would just need to stay like this for a moment. "It would be only a one-time fling. Now you Madrigals are going to pay. My blood traitor brother will pay too."

Adrien turned around. "No witty response?" Adrien asked.

"None," Camilo said. They were high enough in the mountains. "I just have some advice. Next time you wish to kidnap a Madrigal, make sure you get who you want. Not the shapeshifter."

Camilo swapped back into his regular form. He was shoved off the horse, landing on his side. "Where is your sister?" Adrien asked.

"Far away by now," Adrien responded. Adrien stomped on Camilo's chest. It knocked the wind out of the boy. "Trying to play the hero I see. It's okay. You'll do into they discover the obvious."

He pulled out his knife. Camilo tried to crawl away and shift. Luisa was the form he was going for. However, before he could, the knife entered his stomach. A crimson liquid stained his suit.

He was stabbed about fourteen more times. The knife attacked his legs, arms, and back. Once Adrien was satisfied with his attack, he left him to die. Camilo tried to crawl off, blood starting to stream from his mouth. He only made it as far as the lake where his Abuelo died.


"This is all my fault," Dolores said. "I should have just given myself up."

Most people in the search party were still in their wedding attire. Dolores ended up cutting her dress so she could move more efficiently. "That wouldn't make the situation any better," Mariano said. "It would just change who was in danger."

He kissed his wife's cheek. "Everything will be okay, mi Hermosa esposa," he whispered.

"What did I do to deserve you?" Dolores asked.

"I must have been a saint in my past life to get you," Mariano whispered.

"Great," Isabela groaned. "You guys are gonna be that couple."

"Guys, I found something over here," Luisa called. "It doesn't look good."


"I need everyone out," Julieta ordered. "Dolores is the only one who I need in here. I need you to listen out for any changes in breathing or heartbeat. Can you also put pressure on the wound?"

"Yes, tía," Dolores asked. She had been trying to keep her calm ever since she got back to the Casita. She couldn't help but feel responsible for this. She turned to her brother. "I am so sorry."

Camilo coughed up some blood. He stirred to wake. "Dolores?" he asked.

"Save your strength," Dolores said. "Tía is gonna take care of you."

"I'm going to need to make another arepa," Julieta explained. "This could take a while."

He passed out again. "I don't think he has the strength to eat," Dolores said.

"I'll try to make a smoothie then," Julieta said. That's when Dolores noticed something. She could only hear two heartbeats.

"No," Dolores repeated.

"What is it?" Julieta asked.

"I can't hear it," Dolores asked. She could only hear all of his bodily functions slowing down. As that happened, the light on his door flickered away. The crack of thunder's wip was heard over the Casita.