Three months had past, Fasutine started to blend in with the locals. She was acquainted with most of the townspeople, she worked all day everyday to make up for her presence at Encanto. The archeologists had been helping to restore and document the village's history, making herself very popular with the kids, who would come running to help her or watch her on top of trees or the church, swinging down the ropes.

Not all the city was yet happy with her presence. There were many rumors going around, people still made her prove herself. The Madrigals were slowly warming to her, despite their cheerful reception, she knew it was out of politeness.

One day, Faustine was restoring the outside of the church, when Pepa passed, gusting the wind and making the wood scaffolding come partially undone.

Bruno foresaw that, that exact morning, that exact moment. He ran as fast as he could, after the loud gasps and screams. Pepa was terrified, which only made the wind stronger. Trying to remember his vision, he saw the path he could jump to get closer and help her.

The years running and jumping the breaking pieces of the house had to be worth something. With the best of his skills, Bruno gets to one floor below on the scaffolding, just in time to hold Faustine by the hand.

- you are going to get hurt! - Faustine said.

- I'm not! - he pulled her up.

More parts of the scaffolding fell. Making the portion that they were on start to swing. She got some rope that had got untied. Rolling one of the ends around her free hand, she started to direct the way the structure swung.

Both jumped, somehow Faustine managed to make the rope tie itself around the tree she was aiming, sliding them down safely to the ground. The rest of the scaffolding tipped down, just in time to Luisa hold it. However, the objects that were at the top were shooting down. Bruno moved to be in front of Faustine, shielding her with his back.

When all the scene was finished, Bruno released Faustine, him completely unscathed.

- Saving me two times in a row… - she whispered. - thank you, my hero. - she kissed his cheek.

- knock knock knock, knock on wood. - he said, after looking at her, wide eyed.

- oh no! - Pepa ran to them. - Are you safe? Are you hurt?! I'm so sorry! - Pepa hugged Bruno. - mi hermano.

- don't worry. - Faustine smiled. - It happens. - she shrugged.

- the better question is "what made you this angry?" - asked Bruno.

- Don't remember it anymore! I'm so sorry! - Pepa hugged both, before being taken by Luisa, who had seen Faustine kiss Bruno.

Luisa updated her Aunt and sisters on what happened. The couple helped the townspeople clean the rumble. After all was clean and clear, both started to make their way to the Madrigals.

- I'm sorry I didn't warn you before. I looked for you, but I had an unusual amount of requests today.

- no problem. I'm no stranger to structures falling under my feet. - she laughed. - I just can't wait for an arepa. I have a rope burn.

- aren't you angry?

- why would I? That is the most fun part of my job! The thrill! The excitement!

Even if he had trouble saying, Bruno was certain that he had fallen in love. At least, he knew that he needed to be sure she felt the same. How could she not? She kissed him! That had to mean something! On the way back home, she told him stories of old ruins crumbling around her. The family had dinner ready and were waiting for both.

At first, everything was easy, they talked about the day and just being a family. Faustine was relieved that her hand was healed and she was ready for another one. All of the Madrigals could see her excitement, even after going through such a traumatic experience, she was still in high spirits.

- Tía Faustine - Antonio called.

- Yes, bambino?

- Do you like my Tío Bruno?

Everyone at the table choked on their food. Fuastine giggled for the small boy's question. The Madrigals tried to make the boy stop questioning. However, no amounts of parenting would stop the boy from getting the answers he wanted.

- Well… of course. - Faustine started. - Because, first of all, he saved me by bringing me here. I would have to be crazy and a bad person if I didn't like any of you for that. And besides, he is really nice, he is polite and a real sweetheart. Anyone would like your uncle if they give him a little chance.

- So… Do you like him or not?

- Why do you ask, sweety?

- I think you should date my Tío. I think he likes you. - Antonio said, making the family choke on their food again.

- why do you say that, bambino?

- because tio is usually very quiet and he talks a lot when he is with you. And smiles a lot more too.

- you are very observant, piccolo! - Faustine said, impressed.

- my animals tell me everything.

- Ok, Antonio! That's enough! - Félix said.

- But papá! - Antonio protested.

- Antonio...

- will you think about it? - the child hastly asked Faustine.

- I will, bambino. - Faustine said.

- Tío?

- I… ah- knock knock knock, knock on wood.

- Tío!

- Bambino, let your uncle decide for himself. He has a lot to deal with. - Fausrine said, making the boy frown.

Faustine was silent once more. The idea of going on a date with Bruno had been on her mind for the past few days. What she said of him to Antônio was the truth, she just didn't add the fact that she thought that he was cute. How could she get his attention?

- Why don't I tell you a story?

- I'm not a baby. I don't like stories anymore.

- Are you sure, piccolo? Everyone loves a good story. But if you are such a big boy… How about a scary story?

- fine! - he said.

- Perfect! - she smiled. - just give me some days for me to gather some stuff. Everyone is invited, of course!

They were excited for some entertainment. Faustine helped out cleaning the kitchen before going to her house. Walking down the street she pondered which story to tell. Maybe a little risk couldn't hurt…. Too much…

For the next few days, Faustine worked relentlessly in the city to pay for what she had commissioned. The Faustine gathered what she could, and with permission from the Madrigal's, took the items to the house.

She had missed using her double slit long skirt, and it would be fun for the story. The Madrigals gathered chairs and placed them where she had pointed before leaving the house. Soon enough, her makeshift scenario was done, her "costume" was ready and the story was told to the casita first, to help with the "special effects".

She was ready,standing in front of a box, long enough to fit a person, hidden under a black cape that hid her entirely, except her vivid red smile.

- once upon a time… - she started. - there was a great king. He ruled with an iron fist. He was ruthless, evil and powerful. However there was only one thing missing for him to have it all. Love. - she made a dramatic pause. - there was this beautiful woman, who had taken his heart, the only who saw good in him.

Faustine saw the Madrigals shift and get more comfortable in their seats, getting caught in the ambience of the story. Faustine had asked casita to dim its lights so the moonlight gave the right effect.

- just before they wed, the king went to fight in a war. The battle lasted many days and nights. But he was the best warrior the kingdom had seen. - Faustine pretending that was sword fighting, with her back turned to them, so they didn't see the dress. - but even the best, one day, will die…

Faustine fell to her knees and then to the floor, as she was the one being killed. Casita, on cue, took her to the second floor slowly, for dramatic effect. The silence was thick and the Madrigals remained watching.

- However, he had killed too many people. - she said, still on the ground. - the king had too much blood on his hands. So much that the afterlife didn't want him. So he was sent back to life. - she started to rise to her knees. - he was cursed to walk, in an endless life, feeding in the blood of the others.

Antonio had moved to sit on his mother's and father's lap, all attentive to the story. Faustine slowly turned to face her audience, still on the second floor.

- the king then returned to his castle, only to find that his beloved was dead. Poisoned by one of his enemies. - Faustine waited for the Family to discuss their quiet gasps. - There he was. Alone and cursed. He tried to join his beloved, only to come back each time. He walked into the sunlight that she loved the most, only to find that the pain was too unbearable. Food that he had in abundance, no longer fed him.

The Madrigals were holding tight to their seats. Antonio was hiding in his father's chest, Camilo was hypnotized, holding Dolores' hands for support. The others remained silent, but tense. All still watching.

- Soon enough, he learned. Blood was his only option. At first he fed on rats. - she said

Given the line, she grabbed one of Bruno's Friends, pretending to bite it, making the man startled when the mouse didn't move on the railing.

- but it wasn't enough. Not nutritious enough. One by one, people in his castle started disappearing, only to be found the next day dried out of blood. It kept happening, one by one, until there was only the king left. That night, he walked down to his basement, protected from sunlight. - she said, going down the stairs.

Now, going down, the dress was revealed. The slits danced on her body, showing skin step after step, making all of them shy, but too hypnotized to look away.

- how scandalous! - Alma mumbled, trying to both look away and pay attention.

Most of the Madrigals were trying to avoid looking at her, the dress was beautiful, but too scandalous! She had behaved until now! From where she took that sort of garment? Camilo, Isabella and Dolores watched mesmerized. There wasn't a single drop of shame, no insecurities, exuding power from simply walking down the stairs.

- there he had ready his new resting place. - she opened the box and casita raised her to help her enter the container. - his coffin, secure for his slumber of many, many years.

Faustine laid inside the box, closing it on top of her. From inside she could hear them fidget around waiting, growing in anticipation. After a minute or so, she opened the box again, lowering her hand to cross her arms above her chest to continue the story.

- then, during the night the moon turns red, the king rises from his sleep. - she said, rising to a sitting position. To get out of the box, with Casita's help. - he goes out to roam and hunt for his next victim. - she said walking around the family. Eyes shimmering dark under the golden lights. - This king…. A man so powerful and charming, using all of his powers, became unstoppable. When he chooses his next victim…- Faustine walked by Antonio, gently stroking his hair, making the boy flinch. - he will look deep into their eyes, to find your deepest and darkest secrets… - she said looking into Bruno's eyes and offering her hand.

He didn't want to ruin the mood, despite his heart being thumping in his ears for quite some time now. She got him hypnotized, just like the king in her story, he felt his body completely under her control. Faustine guided Bruno to the front, to continue the narrative.

- the king will charm and hypnotize you, leaving his prey completely defenseless. - she walked around him, standing behind him. - all he does is just a diversion. The gentle touch, the sweet and melodious voice. - she described, one arm sliding to hold his waist, the other covering his eyes. - just to…

Her breath tickled his skin, giving goosebumps. Gently swinging him, in no time, Faustine had Bruno on the floor, her cape covering them both. Tried to grab the air before he realized he was safe. She still had his eyes closed, and her hand on his chest to keep him down. The family gasped in shock and horror. Could Faustine do the same as the king did?

The Family gasps and mumbled prayers. Some shook, some leaned forward, some hid to not see what would happen. When all was silent again, Faustine slowly rose to keep her cape hiding Bruno.

- there are three outcomes that can happen when the king takes you. - she said, looking down. - he leaves you dry, dead. - she better positioned herself, her knee holding his shoulder down. - he marks you to be his food until the day you die. - her hand slid from his eyes, cupping his cheek before getting up, holding his hand. - or he can make you like him…- Fasutine helped him up. - a creature of the night, the perfect predator always in search of blood.

Faustine covered her face with the cape, walking closer to and taking Antonio from Félix's arms to jump scare the boy and tickle him. The poor kid was shaking, holding her dress so tight, making her embrace him protectively. Casita brought its lights back to a normal level, to indicate the story was over. The family talked amongst themselves. Faustine walked back and closed the box to sit on top of it, after getting a book from inside.

- but it isn't real, right? - Antonio asked.

- which part? The king truly existed. - she said softly, watching Antonio. And the family was paying attention again. - but the part where he drank blood? No. People made that up to make him even more scary than he was. Look.

Faustine opened the book for Antonio to see and the rest of the family gathered around. She explained who the king was. What he had done and why the story existed.

- I went to his castle once.

- you did? - Antonio asked, eyes halfway closed.

- yes. When I went to the King's castle, it was a dream coming true.

- Encanto is more beautiful?

- it is, piccolo …

Antonio's eyes closed right after he heard the answer. Faustine gave back the boy to his parents. One by one the family members went to sleep, leaving Faustine, by her request, to tidy up the patio.

The story had its effect on her as well. Everything was in its place, besides the box that was too heavy to carry without making too much noise. Taking the opportunity she laid on top of it to watch the night sky. Without realizing, her eyes also closed and soon she was sleeping.

In the dead of the night, Bruno walked out of his room to gather some snacks. How could he sleep after a story like that? Then he saw her, sleeping under the moonlight, dress splitting open on her waist and down her leg.

Hernando walked down the stairs, to cover her up. It wasn't a little bit of flesh that would make him back up to his room again. The courageous man used the cape to cover her up, waking her to the touch of the fabric.

- Bruno? - sleepy eyes looked at him.

- you looked cold. - He said, lowering his hood.

- I… slept… - she giggled.- thank you… for taking care of me yet again… - she kissed his cheek. - Good night.

- you should take the guest room for tonight … bye. - Bruno scurried away, making Faustine giggle.

The next morning, after Faustine left to explore, Alma called in the family for a meeting. She had everyone sit at the table during breakfast. Her expression was stern and hard, making the other family members worried.

- I do not want anyone close to the forastera again.

- what? Why? - the children asked.

- Because she will teach you bad manners! Have you not seen how she was dressed last night? That is non way for a respectful woman to present herself.

- Abuela… - Antonio called, sad. - She's my friend. We play a lot together.

- Tonito… - Alma gently held his small hand. - you are, yet, too small to understand. But that decision is final. I don't want you children learning to misbehave or other scandalous manners from her.

- But abuela…. Tìo Bruno likes her.

- Then we find another person for him. Like Maria.

- Mamá… I am a 50 year old man… I think I can choose who I want to be my compañera.

- Nonsense, Brunitto. - Alma smiled. - You spent too much time hiding. I will help you. When we are in town, I will be talking to Maria's mother.

- Mamá…

- Everything will work out just fine.

- Mamá! I do not get along with Maria, Maria despises me and you said that you wouldn't hold us this close.

- This is different. I am protecting you from making bad choices, so you can live your lives happily. End of discussion. Let's get to work.

Bruno pulled his hood up and Hernando left without saying a word. Back in his room, he would reject any person who came for him for a vision. He needed to put an end to his mother's orders before she fell back to her old habits. Maybe Mirabel could help him once more.