Chapter Five - Consequence
Lena POV
From the window, I could see the fight. The infamous Van Helsing, rushing headlong into a situation he didn't understand. Catalina, my dearest friend, nay, the sister I never had, defending herself with only thoughts of peace. A stake being thrust through her stomach, as I gasped, only to see her smile. It was dropped to the ground as she took flight, crimson feathers and black iridescence left in her wake. My heart clenched in dawning horror as she flew, not towards the palace, but away, to the north and east.
She is leaving. An attendant called in concern when I staggered backwards, my breath coming in broken, short inhalations. She is leaving us. What will become of us? Why does she fly away? "That man… Van Helsing!" My fists clenched, fury unlike any I had experienced coursing through my body. Spinning on my heel, I shouted orders. "Apprehend him, and bring him to me."
A sudden feeling of dread seized me. "Oh no…" I broke into a run, pushing past couriers and various officials in my haste. Twice, I tripped, nearly falling, but caught my balance as the urge grew stronger. "Please… please…" I prayed, almost unconsciously. Finally, I reached the impressive double doors, flinging them open without hesitation. My stomach dropped as my fears were realized.
Giovanni, my twin brother, the only person I had left, was struggling to breathe, twisting on his bed. "Doctor! Surgeon! Nurse! Anyone…!" I screamed in desperation as my hands held my brother upright. His mouth worked, with no words. Green eyes glazed over with panic, and a few tears slipped down his cheeks. I dried them with my sleeve. The royal physicians finally arrived, and a maid ushered me from the room. Even without seeing or being told, I knew that my brother's condition was rapidly worsening. At this rate of deterioration, he wouldn't last much more than a month.
When my eyes raised again, several military officials stood before me. My heart grew cold with anger, and my expression filled with icy authority. "Bring Van Helsing and his companion to me, no matter the cost." Turning to gaze out at the streets, a large congregation stalled the bounty hunter. Words of affirmation, filled with respect, greeted my ears. "No matter the cost, he must be escorted to me." My back straightened, authority swelling my courage, turning the words spilling from my mouth into someone that was not me. "He will face my justice, even if he must be dragged before me." I turned to look my most trusted commander dead in the eyes. "If he resists… kill him."