Village – November 4th, 1954
The pen in her hand tapped against the surface of the paper. A list of supplies needed for the coming week. The weather was getting colder. It wouldn't be long before the first flakes of snow fell from the sky. Summer was over, and autumn had been too short-lived. Such was the routine in this northern landscape.
The blonde eyed the tip of her writing instrument, tracing the faintest lines of ink across the final letter she had written down. "Hmm…" She tapped the pen again. Nothing else could come to mind. The woman rotated her body over her chair, glancing at the bed in the corner of the wall. "Mother, are you sure that there is nothing else we need?"
The sickly lady nodded her head as she lay there. "No. That should be all." She spoke with such a groggy tone, but the energy was still there. The last few months have seen a gradual decline in her health. Her daughter had hoped to be further up that slope than they were now, but winter often led to a shortage of supplies in the region.
If they didn't get any now, then who knew how far down the slope they would be by spring? She wanted to make it to the summer. The Duke could procure additional medicine by then, most likely. Sighing at her chest as she leaned back in the chair, the daughter could only press her lips together as she shut her eyes.
The tapping of the pen still would not stop.
"Alright, Mother," she said with a breath, "I'm going to head out for a little bit to get what we need." The woman rose from her chair. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable?"
Her mother coughed violently as she tried to respond. The fit lasted for a few good seconds, prompting her child to move in closer, just to see if she needed to be elevated with some more pillows. Her semi-wrinkled face was red with pressure, and it took the woman a great deal of effort to push the mucus out of her throat.
Her daughter picked up a small napkin to collect the discharge. She had grown used to it by now. The last two years of watching over her mother's health had seen an upsurge in her tolerance for unsanitary conditions. Gone were the days when she was a free-spirited young girl. She had a job to do now, and she would see it done.
"There you go," she told her. "Just get it all out." As soon as her mother was done coughing, she rolled up the napkin and set it aside. Her hand graced the top of the woman's hand, feeling the dull blonde, frazzled hair underneath it. She was greeted with a warm smile by the one who had brought her into this world.
"Thank you, …."
"Of course," the young woman replied as she smiled back. "I might as well add some more napkins to our list, then."
"More napkins would be lovely," her mother said. "Tell your father to stop wasting them all on his tools."
The blonde's smile dropped ever so slowly. She did not want to have to remind her mother that her husband died several years ago. It left a stone in her heart to see that she was starting to forget those kinds of things. It made her fear that summer would come too late. Then again, there was nothing that medicine could do to change what was happening.
It was a losing battle, but she would fight it day by day.
"I'll be sure to remind him," she assured her. The corner of her mouth curled into a frown. She hated lying, especially to someone she cared so deeply about. Out of all the people in this world, why had her mother been stricken with such bad luck? Ever since her husband passed away, it had been nothing but bouts of extreme depression, which only worsened after her body became weak. Then the breathing issues began. Now, it was her memory.
Had she done something to earn this, she wondered? Why did she have to bear the burden of losing everyone in her life?
Her mother giggled as she reached for her daughter's hand, who took it without hesitation. "I sometimes wonder why he and I only had one child. It was always the plan to have several."
Her daughter's frown opened into that signature wide grin of hers. "I guess I was just too much for you two to handle."
"Oh, far from it," her parent replied. "You made motherhood so easy, my child. Always so self-sufficient. You couldn't wait to do things on your own."
There was no rush to step out of that door. All she wanted to do was just sit here with her mother, locked in a moment like this forever. The overcast sky shaded the room with a dull glow as the clouds roared above the windows. She felt so comfortable in her mother's presence. It reminded her of the winters of her childhood.
While her father chopped wood and prepared the exterior of the home, she and her mother would weave additional blankets and garments for the coming cold. Food in the small kitchen would be neatly sorted and stowed away. It made for many lovely mornings of dancing and singing, laughing as the old man stepped inside and shook his head at the site of his joyous family.
"All that energy you two have could send my axe through a whole forest," he'd remark from time to time. The man would do anything he could to keep them warm and protected during the treacherous season. They'd save him a hot dish for when his work was done and would be at the table to provide him company while he ate.
Such a happy family they were. He wasn't the only villager to go missing that spring, but his loss still came as a total shock, nonetheless. She remembered the night he never came home. How her mother stood by the window, anxiously studying each passing soul, praying that it was him.
It wasn't until the following week that his bloodied shoes were located at the edge of a tiny clearing in the forest by several hunters. That would be the only thing they found of his, but it was enough. Her mother's cries could have awakened a giant, as could her own.
The blonde missed her father terribly, but she picked up the pieces as best she could. Someone had to be there for her mother. That following winter, neighbors pitched in to help with the tasks that the man usually did on his own. While they were of great assistance, it still wasn't done the same way. There was that extra bit of love gone from the finishing touch. A hot plate would still be made for the end of the night, but there would be no bearded man entering the home with a wave. No one at all.
She'd eat the meal with her mother, even after they just had dinner. The widow could not break her old habits. She had to cook. It helped her feel like he was still alive, somehow, somewhere. Her daughter regretted partaking in such actions, even if it was in good faith. Perhaps, she thought, it would have been better to just confront the truth right then and there.
The pain might have ended sooner if they had. She didn't know.
"I wanted to be just like you, Mother. You taught me everything that I know."
"And you ran with it," the woman responded, tightening her hold on her hand. "I raised the perfect daughter."
Her smile grew wider than it was now. She flashed her teeth in the happiest pull, only to press her lips and avert her eyes. A single tear rolled down her cheek. She couldn't control it, not in times like these. That was all she needed to hear.
Her mother's brow furrowed at the sight of it. "Do not cry, my dear."
"It's okay, Mother." Her eyes opened, gazing at the hazel orbs of the woman she loved so much. Before she could speak again, the edges of her cheeks tensed up, ready to push a crack through her throat. She was more fragile than she had thought. "I'm just happy that you think of me that way. All I have ever wanted to do was make you happy."
The woman pulled her daughter closer, as if the delusions of her ongoing mental deterioration could not affect her in this short moment. "You have never needed to earn my love, …., as a mother's love is unbreakable."
That second tear escaped. "Thank you."
"While you're out there, can you see if your father is still fussing with the wheelbarrow? I'm worried he's going to get himself hurt trying to push it." The moment could only last for so long. It was back to the hardest part again.
With a sigh and lowered eyes, the young lady stood up and glanced at the door ahead. "I'll go see."
"Thank you, my dear."
She swallowed her heart before she breathed. This was all too much for her. She wanted to challenge her mother's perception of reality, seeking to convince her of the truth. It was a fool's errand. She had tried in the past. All it led to was nothing but complication. Frustrations between both parties regarding things they couldn't agree on. The greatest anguish of hers was seeing her mother's confusion as she questioned why her daughter was suddenly getting so upset, unaware of the issues at hand.
The blonde couldn't do it. Not again. She'd rather have what was left until it was no more.
Donning her scarf after she slipped the knitted long-sleeve over her gown, she pocketed the shopping list and bag of lei that had been saved up for the trip. Before she left, she ensured that her mother was tucked in, comfortable as can be. "I'll be back soon, Mother," she said. "I love you."
"I love you, too." The woman rested her head against the pillow, coughing mildly before she settled in. "Don't be gone too long. It is cold outside."
"I won't be. I promise." With that said, she extended her hand to the doorknob, twisting it as a gust of wind snuck into the home. She would have stuck around a little more to interact with her mother, but for the sake of not filling the house up with a chill, she opted to make her exit as quickly as she could. The door was shut behind her once both her feet touched the soil.
With the list still in her pocket, she shrugged off the sting of the breeze. It was a more frigid morning than usual. Winter was well on its way; there was no doubt about that. With the way things were going, this one was on track to be especially harsh. The plan was to gather the supplies and begin preparing as soon as she could.
Many others were already well on their way to doing the same. Most of the men toiled with the crops. Others were vigorously chopping away at blocks of wood, working in teams so that the job got done faster. Livestock were being cared for. Some were already getting butchered. The cycle of this peaceful little village, rolling along before her very eyes.
Groups of children played on the hardened dirt, enjoying their childhood as best they could. Some were assisting their folks with the tasks that they were engaged in. Mothers washed clothes and hung them out to dry en masse, ensuring a fresh batch before the snow could freeze them solid.
Watching the families go about their day caused the woman to lower her shoulders as she cupped her hands at her hips. She bowed her head. "I wish you were here..."
The whistle of the passing wind sang a somber melody past her ears. Its cold breath chilled the fabric against her skin, forcing a shiver as she broke from her mindset. She had spent enough moments like this to know that it wouldn't get better. Life had to go on, and so would she.
.
The blonde's walk across the small village had yielded no success when it came to finding the local merchant. His usual spots at the center, near the Maiden of War statue, were absent of the exceptionally large businessman. While her body had grown warmer from the pace she took, she did not want to stay out for too long.
"Good morning," she said as she approached another young woman going about her day. "Have you seen the Duke anywhere today?"
The brunette glanced over before she scanned her eyes around the circle of homes. A tiny smile formed along her face as she respectfully replied, "No. I haven't seen him at all."
"Ah." She hung her head down with a groan. "Thank you. I'm sorry to bother you. I was just hoping that I would have found him by now. He's usually here."
"I'm a little surprised myself," the girl remarked as she crossed her arms to fight off the wind. "I saw several people waiting around, but the Duke hasn't shown up as of yet."
"It's fine," she ended her words with a breath, watching as the mist flowed from the edges of her lips. "I'll just walk around some more and see if I can find him. If not, then I'll try again later, I suppose."
"He's bound to pop up. Funny how a man so large could be so hard to find at times." The girl tried to inject some humor to brighten up the conversation. She could see how dismayed the blonde appeared to be.
"Yeah," she chuckled. "Perhaps if I shake this bag of coins, he'll come running up."
"I've never seen him walk, so I would be most impressed if he did," she giggled back. It helped lift the woman's spirits, as she had often strayed away from interacting with others due to the time she set aside for her mother. The two ladies shared a laugh before the air got the better of them.
"Well, I'd best be on my way then," she said to the brunette. "I've seen you a lot before. What is your name?"
"Olivia," the woman replied. "Yours?"
"…."
"Well, it was nice to meet you, …. I hope you find what you are looking for."
The blonde offered a smile before she departed. "You too, Olivia. Where are you off to?"
"Oh, just helping out my family with some things," she said as she gripped her coat tighter. "I might go check up on a friend of mine later. She's been having a tough time lately."
"What a good friend she has."
.
With the dense clouds in the sky blanketing the sun, the grey tide that loomed over the valley was poised to last for the remainder of the day. Trekking through toward the southern region of the village, she found the urge to turn back and go home growing by the minute. The Duke was still unlocated, and those she asked did not seem to know where he could have gone.
Her frustrations rose, but she would stay composed. Keeping a level head on her shoulders was what had gotten her through the last couple of years. It would have been so easy to fall to her knees and scream, but her problems wouldn't solve themselves. She was the only one who could.
"Where is he?" She muttered to herself, shaking as the wind picked up. The patter of rapid footsteps and a heavy panting caught her ear. In an instant, the blonde spun around with excitement. "Gunther!" She knelt as the grey and white dog came running into her open arms.
The mutt was the happiest that it could ever have been whenever he saw her. Lapping his tongue across her soft cheeks, the dog barked as she hugged her arms around his back. "Aww," she said, petting him as he stood on his hind legs. "Where were you yesterday, mister? You had me looking all over the place."
The hound licked her face some more, and she returned the gesture of love with a kiss on the top of his head. "You better not run off on me again." She waved her finger at him, giggling as his brown eyes followed it like a hypnotist's watch. "Promise me you won't go missing a second time."
The dog cleaned the edges of his snout with his tongue before he let out an adorable grunt. The blonde put out her hand, and her palm opened toward the sky. And just like that, Gunther stuck his paw out and placed it on top. Her fingers closed in, and the two shook on it.
"Good boy." She smiled before she let him go. "Now, have you seen the Duke?"
He tilted his head with wide eyes, and his left ear flopped over against the top. Another grunt, but one that could have been considered a sign of confusion. The blonde didn't know what she expected, but talking to him had already helped calm her nerves. She loved him just as much as she loved her mother. Gunther was a stray, and in a valley as cut off from the outside world as it was, nobody was certain of where he came from.
She recalled seeing him rummage around the piles of trash a few years before her father passed away. He was skittish at first, unsure if the humans meant harm. After a few weeks of her going out of her way to give him food, the pooch began to warm up to her. That led to many afternoons of playing together in the grass, laughing as he chased her around while she dangled any stick she could find.
When the snow arrived that year, the blonde's caring nature prompted her to lead the animal into her home, where her folks reluctantly allowed him to stay. But the sight of their happy daughter changed their opinion, as they knew that taking the creature in was a symbol of her goodwill. They had raised a kind and loving woman.
By the time the season ended, Gunther was a part of the family. Now, years later, the dynamic between him and his rescuer had not changed one bit. They were the best of friends.
She shook the bag of coins in front of him. He sniffed the tiny pouch, hoping that it was food. She could read him like a book. "Nope. But if you stop running off, I might be inclined to buy you a new treat."
It was like he understood her loud and clear. The dog's mouth opened, and its corners pulled into a long smile as he panted loudly. She stood up and adjusted her gown, once again shivering as a passage of cold air blew past them.
"It is cold, Gunther. Do you want to go back home?"
The dog circled her some more, eager to continue to play. She clutched the coin bag in her hand, wondering if it was still worth it to search for the merchant. Returning home empty-handed was not something that she wanted to do. Her mother needed the supplies, and pushing their arrival further toward the right only complicated the situation more.
She rolled her bottom lip and bit it as her blue eyes gazed at the landscape of the mountainous region. The snow that covered the massive formations was a warning. More could arrive any day now. She and her mother needed tools, storable food, and additional quantities of medicine and first aid. It would have been easier if her father were still here, but that wasn't her life anymore.
The responsibility of maintaining the home was left to her. It was her duty now, and she could not fail.
"Hey boy," she said as she leaned over and petted him. "Look what I got!" The blonde reached down and picked up a stick off the ground and shook it above her head. The dog's ears practically stood up as he broke from his stance and began to dance around her.
Laughing with excitement, she threw the stick down the path that led to one of the houses, eyeing the red chimney that stuck out so well. "Fetch!"
Gunther sprinted down the dirt trail, mouth wide open, as his eyes set upon the tossed object. He snagged it between his teeth as soon as his head dived down, before kicking back and returning to the woman just as quickly. Panting through the gaps of his occupied jaw, the dog set the stick down in front of her as he waited for it to be thrown again.
She gave it another go, taking the time to relax as she watched the animal have fun. It reminded her of the way her father would play games with her outside when she was a child. Cold days such as this one were nothing when she had her mother's stew to look forward to. Her old man was a hard-working fellow who could never take his mind off his task until it was finished.
That was, of course, unless his daughter came strolling about. Something about her just made him forget. She had not noticed it in her early days or during her years as a teenager. Her father's willingness to spend time with her just felt natural. Now, as an adult and with only one parent, she had begun to realize the full extent of the care that he had shown.
His death had cut a path of emptiness through her heart that she couldn't have ever imagined. It opened her eyes to the world in so many ways. Her sense of innocence had died alongside him. She was no longer that child. She was the caregiver now, but she'd be lying to herself if she said she didn't wish for just one more afternoon in that blissful state.
She longed for it so deeply. The only thing she could do now was give that feeling to Gunther. He was the only other fragment of the family she once had. She knew that her mother would eventually pass, and when that day came, it would be just them.
Gunther ran back to the woman, awakening her from the cloud of nostalgia that her mind had played for the last half-minute. She gasped as soon as he set the stick down, shocked to realize how oblivious she had been, to the point where she had not seen him approach her. "You're faster than I thought," she said.
The dog anxiously waited for her to pick the stick up again, and as she bent over to retrieve it, she watched as his expression went from one of joy to one of fright.
Gunther's ears lowered as he bowed his head, his eyes firmly affixed to whatever it was that was approaching them. He grew smaller and smaller in his stance as the seconds wore on, until a subtle whimper finally prompted the blonde to turn around. "Gunther, what is it?"
She craned her neck over her shoulder, only to witness the prophet herself—Mother Miranda—just feet away from her.
"Oh!" She stood straight up, rotating her body so that she could face the lady before her. "Mother Miranda! Good afternoon." She bowed at that instant, offering respect to the village leader.
With her fingers crowned with claw-like jewelry, Miranda extended her hand, palm up. "Rise, my child," she said. "How are you on this special day?"
Special? It was a strange choice of words, but the young woman would never dare question Miranda. With her sleek hair and sharp features, the prophet's piercing glare shone through the holes in her mask. She was as mysterious as she was imposing. To what extent her great powers went could only be left to the imagination.
"I am well, Mother Miranda. I was just on my way to go find the Duke." She showed Miranda the list of items. Gunther, meanwhile, appeared to be restless. It was as if the dog was troubled by the woman's presence.
Miranda peered at the piece of paper, donning a small grin as she reared her head back and curled her left hand beside her face. "I see…"
"Do you happen to know where he is?" She asked with a sense of hope. If Miranda could not find him, then nobody would.
"Hmm…" Miranda kept her in suspense for a second as her eyes studied the young woman's features. "Unfortunately, he is not around."
The blonde's face sunk with disappointment. Nevertheless, she still tried to retain a positive attitude. "Very well. You saved me some time, and I thank you for that."
"However…" Miranda took a step closer. "I believe that I can be of some assistance."
"Really?" She wanted to jump for joy, smiling with those excited, curled eyes. "This is all for my mother. She is getting sick, and I don't want her to suffer this winter. It has been a –"
"A daughter's love needs no explanation, my child." Miranda's gaze slowly fell to the list. "Give me that paper. I will see to it that your needs are met."
"Thank you, Mother Miranda!" She handed her the list. The bag of lei was right up to follow.
Miranda denied the payment with a wave of her hand. "I already have what I want."
It was hard to hold back the tear in her eye, but she did. The generosity that Miranda had shown warmed the blonde's heart immensely. Her lungs filled, ready to express her unending gratitude, but the prophet would demand no praise right now. With a flick of her forefinger, she beckoned the villager to her side as she pointed to the castle that loomed above them.
Miranda spoke to the girl, "You have met Lord Dimitrescu, have you not?"
"Not personally," she responded.
"She is perhaps my most trusted lord," Miranda explained. "Loyal and providing. Not just to myself, but to this village. I do not doubt that her castle holds everything you seek. If you would just follow me, I will see to it that you acquire what you need."
"Of course!" The woman began to follow alongside the prophet as they walked down the dirt path that led back to the village center. In the corner of her ear, she heard the whimpers of Gunther as he stayed behind.
She turned to him, clapping her hands and whistling for him to join. "Come here, boy!"
The dog did not budge. His eyes would not leave Miranda.
The masked lady shook her head. "Lord Dimitrescu does not allow dogs inside her castle."
"My apologies, Mother Miranda." The blonde bowed again. "I did not know."
"You will learn everything you need to know in time, my child. Life is a journey fraught with knowledge. And its ending is only the beginning."
"I thank you for your wise teachings, Mother Miranda."
"Such is my purpose." Miranda pointed toward the castle, instructing the blonde to resume her walk. As the young woman in front of her moved on ahead, the prophet turned around again and glared at Gunther, who bolted off the second he saw her eyes flash yellow.
.
The interior of Castle Dimitrescu was unlike anything the blonde had ever seen. The ornate fixtures and decorative halls were truly the pinnacle of royalty. For a villager who lived in squalor, such things could only have existed in her mind. The sounds of their footsteps echoed down the corridors and against the ceiling as they stepped into the Main Hall.
The blonde's eyes were immediately captured by the overwhelmingly large chandelier that dangled above the center. The crackles of the flames in the fireplace nearby were a comforting touch. She stared at the designs on the tile floor, marveling at how such a thing was possible.
"This castle is beautiful!" She graced the top of one of the nearby sofas with her fingertips as they passed by. "If I had a home like this, I would seek to live forever."
Miranda smiled, tilting her head toward her as they stopped by the stairs. "Would you, now?"
She laughed it off. "Forgive me. I sometimes let my excitement get the better of me."
"Forgiveness is not necessary in moments like these. We all have our desires. Our wants. A beautiful young soul like you should believe in living forever. But someone like me, who has: I can promise you that you will spend those years always wanting what you want the most." Miranda traced the seams of the wooden banister with her clawlike adornments. "Eternal life is but a bigger ocean to drown in."
"As long as you are my guide, so shall I swim."
Miranda withdrew her hand from the banister at that very second and took the list out of the pocket of her gown. "Luckily for you, the ocean will freeze. Winter is approaching. It is with these items that you shall not have to worry."
"Thank you, Mother Miranda." As soon as the blonde spoke, she could see Lord Dimitrescu emerging from the balcony. The woman had not made a single sound, or at least, the conversation with the prophet had been so engaging that her ears had not registered the noise.
Alcina, wearing her trademark white gown and wide-brimmed black hat, leaned over the railing as she happily eyed the villager down below. Mother Miranda flashed the list at her, but Dimitrescu's eyes would not deviate from the visitor. Her amber eyes shone as her smile broadened.
"Hiding from the cold?" She chuckled.
Miranda lowered her arm. "I've brought you this young lady, who requires a collection of provisions to keep her home stable throughout this coming winter. See to it that she receives what is needed."
"Yes, Mother Miranda." Alcina stood up and straightened out her hat before she began to descend the stairs. Step by step, she entered the scene like the powerful lord that she was. The blonde could feel her heart thumping with each landing of the lord's heel. Dimitrescu was an imposing figure on her own, having grown at least several inches over the last few years, placing her at just over six feet.
Her height may as well have emulated her influence, which, in contrast, had expanded over time. Castle Dimitrescu's winemaking business brought in a sizable income, which helped provide much-needed resources that could not be obtained within the valley. The Duke was eager to take the money and procure what was needed for the populace.
Without this castle, according to Miranda, the village would be in shambles. It needed to continue to run—at all costs.
"May I have this list?" Alcina asked as soon as she got to the bottom of the stairs. The woman who had been brought in almost backed away, as she feared she had placed herself in the mistress's path, but Miranda stepped in front of her, handing her the paper. "Thank you, Mother Miranda, from the bottom of my heart."
"As you have provided for me, so too shall I provide for you," Miranda replied, stepping away right before she locked eyes with the blonde. "As the teachings go..."
The girl did not see Alcina crumple the list in her hand as she turned back up the steps. "Follow me, little one."
The villager was hesitant to go at first, but at the wave of Miranda's hand, she abided by Alcina's wishes. "Yes, my lord," she said with a hint of shame for having doubted her safety. "I am sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry about, my child." Miranda began to step away, seemingly on her way out.
Alcina briefly turned to glance at the prophet as she exited the room. "Mother Miranda, what about..."
"If there are any other ladies that need your help, I will find them."
From the edge of her hat, the blonde could see the grin on Alcina's pale face. "Of course, Mother Miranda. Thank you." The tall lady continued her ascent. "Come!" She directed the woman to follow her, and so they went.
.
The walk eventually led to the section of the upper floor that held Alcina's private chamber. The blonde who followed her kept quiet, nervous to speak to the influential woman who had led her there. That did not mean that the pale lady remained quiet herself. No. She was indeed quite vocal, if not oddly excited to have her there.
"So, what do you think of my castle?" Alcina asked the woman.
"It is very lovely, Lord Dimitrescu," she replied meekly, cupping her hands together at her waist as they strolled down the hallway, approaching the entrance. Alcina opened the door that led to the room, motioning for her to enter.
When the girl hesitated, she offered a smile to calm her nerves. "Do not fear. It's easy to get lost if you're not careful. You may wait here until I return with your supplies."
With a soft grin of her own, the young lady nodded as she entered. "Thank you, once again, Lord Dimitrescu. You are most gracious and kind."
Alcina's smile broadened, flashing her bright teeth. "It is what I do."
The blonde bowed before she passed through, entering the room and finding her place at the center. The windows to the outside offered a view of the landscape that she had never seen before. It was so serene. There was no wonder why someone like Alcina would have found this to be the perfect place to rest. With her hands still cupped in front of her, the woman stood there as her blue eyes turned back to the castle's owner.
Alcina giggled as she looked back at her. "You look so natural here."
She chuckled back, though unsure of what to make of that statement. "In a dream, my lord."
"Dreams have a way of coming true." The lord departed, leaving the girl in the room by herself.
When the door shut, all she could think about was what she would do with the supplies when she returned home. Her thoughts then moved to those of her mother, reflecting on the memories they shared.
Back when she was a child, she and her mother would take a moment to stop and gaze at the castle during their springtime walks around the settlement. The woman would pick her daughter up, carrying the girl in her arms as she theorized what the interior of such a place must have looked like. She yearned for the day that they could go in together and see it for themselves.
She figured it must have been that old picture book she had during those days. The images of medieval castles and princesses had to have sparked the desire in her mind. Her mother was just as eager about it as she had been. In hindsight, the lady was likely just happy that her daughter had something to be excited about.
All those talks over the years, but when the time finally came, it was just the blonde who got to see it for herself. Even though her mother was still alive, she was not well enough to leave the house. Her heart sank as she considered the reality that she would never be able to stand or walk again.
So, this was what it felt like to be in a world all by herself? She figured she might as well get used to it. That day was coming. Maybe not now. Maybe not soon. But one day.
She looked up at the glistening ceiling and then at the elegant wallpaper, approaching it as she pressed her hand against the surface. A sigh broke through her lips, and her hand fell. She shut her eyes, lifting her chin as she took a long-winded breath. It shuddered out of her lungs.
This wasn't the place to cry.
Clearing her throat, the woman decided to just stand by and wait. Lord Dimitrescu should return soon. As soon as she had those supplies, she would be back out on her way home. There was solace in knowing that she would be able to finally tell her mother what the castle was like.
There would be some closure to that childhood dream.
.
The wait had stretched on longer than she expected. There was no way to keep track of the time, but if she were to guess, she'd say that Alcina had been gone for almost an hour. What was taking so long? The supply list was not that lengthy. Had she forgotten?
That didn't sound right. Perhaps there was an issue locating some of the items. That was the only comforting thought. The young woman did not want to leave her mother home alone for too long. She was probably already getting worried by now. Anxiety had already begun to creep in. It ignited a tide of bad thoughts that she did not want to have.
She shook her head, trying not to overstress about it. Looking through the window, she could see that it was still daylight. She'd be home before she knew it. She just needed the –
The door suddenly opened. The first thing she saw was the white sleeve of Alcina's dress. The girl's heart raced with joy. She couldn't wait to take hold of the items and present them to her mother. Best of all, they would still have the money to use in case of an emergency. It was looking to be an easy winter.
Instead of a bag full of necessities in Alcina's arms, however, the only thing she brought in tow was another young woman—a redhead.
The blonde's smile fell amidst the wave of confusion that swept over her. Who was this other girl, and why was she here? She bit her tongue before she could ask anything that might come off as rude or demanding. She did not want to upset Alcina at all. There had to be a plan, she thought. There just had to be.
The second girl entered the room, appearing almost bewildered, if not as nervous as she was. They locked eyes for a moment, which caused the girl to pause as she stepped in. Alcina was quick to nudge her along. "Remember what I promised you, my dear."
With a gulp and parted lips, the redhead nodded and proceeded ahead. "Yes, my lord."
The door shut behind them soon after, leaving the two alone as the sound of her footsteps could be heard down the hall. The blonde was left with many questions, but it was the new girl who asked the first one, "Should I be scared?"
The blonde gazed at the door for a couple more seconds, unsure of what to tell her. She wanted to express her deepest felt emotions, but she sought to avoid worrying her even more than she was now. Not all emotions could remain hidden, however, as her lips twitched before she answered, "No. Just trust Lord Dimitrescu's plan. She will take care of us."
.
When Alcina finally returned with a third woman, a brunette, the concept of trust had been put to the ultimate test. It was a harrowing endeavor, as the lord's questions soon became personal, inquiring about the trio's retention of virginity. It was as if she wanted them to meet a certain standard, for whatever reason. The mistress's kindness soon vanished when the brunette challenged her on the matter; the entire situation had gone to hell.
Violence quickly erupted as the brunette attempted to escape, forcing Alcina to reveal a set of immensely long claws that jetted out fiercely from her fingertips. A swipe intended to corral that brunette back into the group caused the youngest of the trio, the redhead, to stumble and fall. When her head was struck and the bleeding began, the callous disregard that Dimitrescu showed as she glanced down and turned away cemented itself in the blonde's mind.
This wasn't what it was promised to be, but she was too afraid to act. She remained where she was, listening to the other woman's screams as she escaped down the hall. The blonde stood frozen until the moment Miranda suddenly returned with the unconscious brunette. Panic set in, but the prophet was quick to engulf her. What followed was all a blur, and then after that, infinite darkness.
The last sensation that she felt in this life was a great tunneling pain in her left temple.
.
By dusk, the sun had begun to set over the quiet mountain village. The men were finishing up their tasks. Children had come inside to play, while their mothers ensured that everyone was accounted for and safe. The sky had adopted a dull, orange tinge that evolved into a purple hue that could be seen for miles until the crest of the valley itself. Clouds continued to populate the sky, but they morphed into a colorful painting of their own as the rotation of the Earth went on.
The wind had gained strength over the hours. It would only get worse as the night drew closer. Gunther walked through the now-sparse village as the breath of nature blew past his fur. He kept his head low, braving the elements, as his eyes searched for the blonde woman who had so long cared for him. It had been hours since he last saw her, and with no sign of where she was, his worries had set in.
As he entered the town square, he caught a glimpse of a young woman standing beside the Maiden of War statue. His ears perked up, briefly excited to have finally found her, only to realize that the brunette holding the coat in her hand was not his owner. Like him, she appeared concerned. The girl clutched the coat against her chest, shivering as she shook her head.
"Where are you?" She whispered into the air, but there was no response. The dog who stood at the corner of one of the nearby homes would not be noticed by her. The brunette turned around with lowered shoulders as she made her way back home.
On the other end of the village, the dog could see a young man walking by himself, his eyes turning in all directions. Just like the brunette, he seemed to be searching for somebody else as well. The man shivered as the cold wind spun around him, tucking his head as he turned around. He vanished behind one of the homes, his footsteps overtaken by the howl of the current.
Seeing that he was now alone, Gunther traveled back to the dwelling, where he had a place to sleep. If all went well, the blonde would be there to greet him. His desperation forced him to cling to the routine that he had grown so accustomed to. It was his only hope.
Just as the sun disappeared behind the mountains, Gunther returned home, finding the front door to be shut. With a soft whimper, he began to scratch at the wood. She must be here.
The voice of the older woman inside could be heard faintly from the back of the living room, "Hello? Are you back?"
Gunther whimpered again, scratching at the door some more. As the minutes ticked by, he soon gave up and sat down in front of the entrance, crying to be let in. The outside temperature was getting colder, and the gusts were even more vicious. Darkness would arrive, and under the glistening moonlight that shined through the parted clouds, he stared at Castle Dimitrescu, listening as the air whistled past his ears.
For a second, he thought he had heard her call his name in the breeze, but there was nobody to be seen. Maybe she was lost in the wind after all.
It would be a long night. The first of many. It was the night that three different families would anxiously await the arrival of their daughters, unaware of the horrible actions taking place inside that castle upon the hill. The years would go by, and the memory of them would eventually fade away, lost to time as generations changed.
Those new generations would grow to learn about the existence of three noblewomen, daughters of the feared Lord Dimitrescu, who resided in that very same castle. Three ladies, who had been reborn as the manifestation of a greedy woman's most heartfelt desires.
Three lives were stolen on one very cold afternoon, in more ways than one.
NOTES:
And the truth has been revealed.
Much like Cassandra's past in Flies, only a snippet of Bela's life is revealed. We don't know exactly who she was, but we see a woman who understood devotion and love. That sense of duty she carried into her new life had its roots in her forgotten one. Her loyalty kept her composed, even when she knew danger was close.
I always thought these three women kept some pieces of themselves along the way. The allure regarding them is probably that we will never know a single thing about them. Respecting the canon, I chose to keep it that way.
Each story in this trilogy will depict the respective daughter's past life in an intertwined tale. I like to think of these flashback chapters as their own little tragic stories. I'm sure some readers of Flies may have recognized Olivia, who was Cassandra's best friend. The chapter in that story, also titled 'Daughter,' depicts more of what went down inside Castle Dimitrescu. I didn't want to rehash the same details across all stories, as each one is intended as a separate piece of a greater tale.
To clear up any possible confusion, the reason Bela's name came up the way it did is because the Cadou experiment completely wiped all traces of it, to the point where not even magic could uncover the truth. Such was the same thing in Flies, as it will be in the Daniela installment.
Expect the next chapter to open with a bang as Bela has finally witnessed the truth, seeing firsthand the way Alcina and Miranda doctored her mind into what she became after. It's going to hit her hard, but you can be sure that Ethan will be there to help her.
I'm aiming to do a double-release next weekend, so be ready for what comes after!
I hope you all enjoyed this new chapter! Once again, thank you for all your continued support and enthusiasm regarding my work! It makes me so happy to hear that you look forward to this. I'm still making plans for when to release additional works outside of this trilogy, so if you're happy to be here, then be happy for even more 😊
Seriously, thank you so much. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and stay safe! Looking forward to seeing you all again! 😊