Chapter Text
The wars never stopped, up until today, humans still fight among themselves for silly reasons instead of working together to be united. Anyone would want to take a break from all these occurrences--especially someone who has been doing everything they could to, at least, lessen or slow the effects of these unending wars. That is exactly what Denise Rodriguez is going to do. She took a break from everything and flew back to her country hoping to feel snow or anything again. She really loves the snow despite having low tolerance for cold. If she were fortunate, there might be children on the street who would be willing to have a snowball fight with her. A smile broke the straight line on her lips at the thought, heart warming at the images of children smiling as they threw the snowballs at each other. She couldn't wait to reach her destination, she made sure that the place is snowing this time of the year. Having been born from the tropical side of the planet, snow can quite be something desirable for someone like Denise. Something spectacular and worthy of attention and praise.
Here Denise was, sitting by the window seat and staring at the bright and cloudy yet calm view outside, her lips slightly curved upward as the plane continued heading towards its destination. Only a few more hours until she comes home. Her heart bloomed at the thought of returning to a land that it acknowledged as home more than her land of origin, eyes closing as fatigue started taking its toll on her body.
When Denise opened her eyes, the sun did not greet her. The blue sky has turned dark and stars were scattered across the sky, making the heavens look like a work of art--one that no prominent artist could ever best. A grin swept all the tiredness on her face.
The person beside Denise stared at her, brows furrowed, before going off with their own life. Denise couldn't care less about what anyone thought about her; she has had enough of that. The moment she could recognize words and understand them, she has always been taught to act accordingly because she might embarrass her family if she did not. Why would she care now when she is finally back home? She would never allow a mere stranger or the ghosts of the past to ruin her vacation here. She will be staying here for some time, taking the opportunity to stay here for as long as she'd like to. She badly needs a break from handling a lot of environmental issues and having to provide for hundreds of students, she almost forgot about her company. Yes, when she says she needs a break, she needs a damn break--from everything, especially her other country that has been a shit show ever since she became aware of her surroundings—this having started when she reached twelve years of age, and she is in her early 30's now. It has been a long time yet within the years she lived in her country, not even a single road in her street has been fixed.
"Alright," She muttered, bracing herself while her hands gripped her baggage tightly. "Romania, here I come!"
Denise went straight to her house and after organizing the stuff she brought, she glanced at her phone. A big and bold in black 19:34 was shown on the bright screen before her eyes wandered to the other time zones as well.
The way to her house was splendid and she couldn't help but to marvel at the various infrastructures that passed as she rode the taxi despite seeing them for the nth time. She has observed how great the difference is between this foreign land and her own, and then she was again further disappointed with her own land. Enough of that, she tells herself. I am here to be stress-free, Denise reminds herself.
Almost immediately after she settled in her house, Denise took her car and drove off. It has been two years since she has been in Romania. Her departure wasn’t pleasant as she didn’t even want to leave the place, but she had to take care of matters involving her sponsees or as she’d like to call them, her children. Her eyes gleamed, the gloom and anger in them from earlier were immediately wiped off when they caught sight of the marble structure that she has been longing to go to ever since she left.
This is the place where it all began, the moment her search for a home had started taking place. Nostalgia washed over her as the memories flooded her mind. This building was where she would usually go when she was starting to settle in Romania, when she was still alone and lost. Although that changed when the owner of this place started taking notice of her, and eventually, a friendship bloomed.
"Miss Rodriguez!"
Denise smiled at the chipper servant and greeted them back just as happily. She is glad to know that they are the same servant from two years ago. Even the other staff smiled at their guest, knowing that she is a regular and a person that actually treats them properly than how the usual customers would.
"Denise!"
Her head turned toward the all-too-familiar light voice, almost squeaking, as soon as their eyes caught sight of Denise. A wide grin set itself comfortably on her lips, turning around to open her arms, preparing to envelop the person that had greeted her.
"Sophie!" Denise was too slow to react as the other woman practically threw herself in her arms. "Looks like someone missed me," she chuckled, patting her best friend on the back.
"You damn bet I did," Sophie pulled away but her hands never left Denise, the smile on her lips was relentless. "I told them all to prepare your favorites as soon as you informed me that you will be coming here, and it seems like I am not the only one who missed you,"
Confusion was briefly on Denise's face then her eyes darted behind Sophie. There she saw people carrying a tray, enough to feed all the people inside, with smiles plastered on their faces. Denise knew herself that she couldn't finish it all by herself despite being a sucker for the food here. Sophie also seemed to close her restaurant earlier than usual because the only people here are the staff, herself, and Denise. Warmth spread through the small woman like the cream of a drop of milk to a black coffee.
"Y'all," Denise shook her head in disbelief. "C'mere, let's eat. I cannot finish these all by myself!"
The place was filled with laughter. The faint glow of gold surrounding the place added to the calm and light atmosphere. They all took a seat on the long table that they made by combining the other tables with Denise on the head and Sophie on her side while the staff sat along with them. They all looked genuinely happy, as if this was the only time they could take a break from all the stress the day had brought upon. The wide grins, sounds of soft laughter filling the room, and the gleam in each of their eyes were enough to take Denise's worries away, even for the briefest moment.
"Y'all didn't have to do this," She told them, shaking her head.
"But we wanted to!" chorused most of the staff while some just kept smiling at her. Sophie then raised a brow in her direction. "Save your irrational guilt, iubi ," Denise seemed to be rethinking her decision of informing her best friend of her arrival. "We missed you and this is our way of showing you. So, shut up and eat, young lady, we've got so much to catch up on."
"Alright," Denise sighed in defeat yet the grin never left her face. "Y'all dig in too! I'm tipping all of you extra because y'all look extremely happy right now," and that warms my heart , Denise wanted to add but didn't want to sound cheesy or seem soft.
Sophie hummed her disagreement. "Ugh ugh, this one's on the house! You keep eat—"
"No." interrupted Denise with a frown. "The least I can do is to pay and leave a huge tip for you all individually, and no Sophie Tanase, this is not up for a debate."
Denise was determined and Sophie knew that there is no way she can convince the raven-haired woman when she is determined. She shook her head and released a sigh. "Fine, you are lucky you're handsome."
Denise was thankful for her brown complexion that a blush didn't appear on her cheeks at the sudden compliment. She wouldn't want to be blushing in front of anyone. She coughed, "So, how's everything with you?" She asked, clearly dismissing the compliment and hoping that her friend wouldn't push it.
"Eh, nothing eventful while you were gone. Same old same.." Sophie shrugged, mind wandering to the events in her life in the past two years that Denise was gone. "How about you, busy bee? I saw you on some article while I was surfing the net last night and the other past nights.." She grinned then teased the smaller woman, nudging her side softly with her elbow while wiggling her brows, "You're really doing something big out there,"
At this, Denise's hand crept to the back of her head where her palm was able to feel her shaved head, all while she huffed as she smiled. Maybe it was the time where she joined in one of the protests against the passing of a ridiculous nonsensical bill. "I'm not doing 'something big', you silly," She rolled her eyes at the exaggeration. She doesn't want anyone thinking that what she is doing is grand, especially with all her wealth. "I'm just doing my responsibility...." She shrugged, and in her defense, she really was although Sophie has told her quite a lot of times that she is being a hero by doing so. But, Denise had quickly countered that what she does is not a heroic act but her moral obligation as a human. It would be natural to want to help in any way you can--especially if it’s the nature you’re trying to help, at least that is how Denise thinks, which further amazes Sophie.
"Well, whatever you say," Sophie took a sip from her glass. "How long do you plan to stay? And tell me all the places you'll explore!! Maybe I can tag along if you want to or if I've got the time that is..."
"I think I'm gonna stay for a while and go old.." Denise explained when confusion crossed Sophie's expression. "I plan on visiting this ancient village. I heard that the scenery there is spectacular.. I'm going for this old-y vibe for a change of pace.. and I plan to take pictures as well..." Then she showed Sophie her phone which displayed the village she is referring to. The other woman nodded approvingly at her choice as she kept scrolling through the pictures.
"Well, what exactly are you looking for?"
Denise shrugged as she put her phone back in her pocket. "Nothing really specific.. If I go there and feel it, I would immediately take a picture. I hope to find abandoned infrastructure or if I'm lucky enough, maybe a castle?"
Sophie grinned at her. "Look at you being all things at once," an elbow nudged Denise again, urging her to shake her head. "I really wonder how the hell you're able to do all your responsibilities at once. I can’t even travel because I have to take care of my restaurant!"
Denise rolled her eyes. "That is why I'm taking a break, silly. And maybe, it’s a good idea that you consider it too,"
A chuckle bubbled its way out of her throat. Laughter filled the room along with the small conversations among the staff and themselves. Having this unfold in front of her prompted another smile on Denise's lips as one word screamed loud in her mind;
Home..
—————
Denise would have already started her travel, or adventure as she likes to call it, the day after she met with Sophie; however, works keep holding her back and as a result, she has been occupied by them for a whole week, unable to do anything exciting and relaxing other than to play her musical instruments or catch up on the episodes of the series where she left off.
Denise isn't certain if the area she plans to go to has internet or even electricity, which is why she’s trying to accomplish all her tasks before she starts her travel.
"Fucking finally," She sighs, leaning back on her office chair after closing her laptop. She rubs her eyes before closing them. The silence in her home provided a calming effect after her long day of work. Imagine coming here to relax only to be haunted by those damned paperworks , Denise massaged her temples. The city was calm. The loud sirens fading from a distance, honking of the car horns, and sometimes a loud chatter would bloom from a small crowd below, created a soft cadence that lulled Denise to sleep in her position that she would surely regret the next morning. But, whatever worry she may have for tomorrow was left unthought of as the night progressed with much ease that she hasn't had for quite a while.
The same calm she has been seeking for.
The following morning, the ache on her back was quicker than her eyes to open and be aware of their surroundings. "Dammit," grumbled Denise with her voice hoarse. She slowly stood up, still groggy from waking from such a deep slumber that she hasn't had for a while. Her hand immediately reached to rub her back, seeking for even the briefest relief, before she proceeded to go to the bathroom to clean herself. After doing her morning routine—cleaning herself, exercising then eating breakfast, Denise started prepping for her long journey. She had informed Sophie that she will be gone for quite a while and asked her to occupy her house during her leave, to which the restaurant owner quickly agreed to—saving both of them time and money.
Denise felt like a scout because of all the things she is going to bring with her. She nearly brought her house with her. Better ready than not, she thinks to herself as she packs her razor that she uses to keep her head shaved. Along with that are the various tools she deemed necessary (she brought her toolbox), and some weapons that are easy to hide and bring, for precaution. She also packed a lot of food and clothings, and of course, money. After packing all of her stuff, she went to put her portable generator on the back of her van, just in case.
When she is satisfied with everything, Denise ceases her movements before sitting on her couch, a sigh escaping past her lips before she could even think of it. She took a deep breath and then closed her eyes, letting the silence envelop her in its tranquilizing arms. The comfort she found in silence made her mind go back to a moment from her childhood. Something she didn't want to remember. It was midnight back then and she jolted up from her bed because of the painful sensation in her abdomen. Realizing this, she stood up and went downstairs, only to halt on her way as she heard a whimper below among the white noise—in the living room where her parents sleep. The lights were off but the soft glow emanating from the television was enough to show her father strangling her mother. At that very moment, Denise completely forgot about her bladder's needs and went straight back to the bedroom she shared with her siblings as silent as she could. The confusion, fear, anger, disappointment, and sadness that she felt that night were too overwhelming. Since then, she promised to herself that she would never marry or have children if she would only act like her father.
"I am so ready!!" Denise practically bounced as she moved, hopping like a bunny on a meadow, as she stepped into her huge van. She decided to bring some of her musical instruments and some of her books to have something to keep herself entertained. Sophie stood by her doorway, waving and smiling at her as she drove away and into the unknown.
Denise had promised that she would take a lot of pictures so that when she showed them to her, Sophie would feel as if she were with her all along her journey. She hasn't reached her destination yet, however, the tall trees she kept passing by as she was hours into her drive were always able to amaze and put a smile on her face. Nature has always been enough to make all her worries drift away, one of the reasons why she does all her best to take care of it. She is a devoted environmentalist, writing articles about the issues regarding nature in her free time while also using her resources for further development of restoration of deforested lands. It may seem like a big work, just like what Sophie insists, but for Denise herself, it isn't. She loves what she is doing, and she wouldn't feel the exhaustion if she weren't human. Unfortunately, she must take breaks every now and then for her to be able to continue doing her passion.
After almost three days of driving and taking breaks to get some sleep, Denise finally arrived at the said village. She immediately felt the atmosphere she needed and wanted. The village itself wasn't grand, quite the opposite. The way of living here seemed to be simple almost as if the people here are still living in the olden days, and she thought it is possible that they still are. She parked her van near the entrance of the village. The village was small so she didn't bother bringing her van inside because it would be easier to leave it outside of the village. She greeted the people who met her eyes with a small smile, hoping that they are not hostile to tourists. Thankfully, she felt welcomed enough although some just glanced at her and didn't really pay her any attention, but at least, no one scowled at her. She doesn't plan on staying here for too long. In fact, after she bought some supplies and asked the elder for permission to take pictures, she was already bidding her goodbye and gratitude to the elder before she hopped back to her van. She expected warnings or even instructions, but there were none.
Something in the north caught her eye as she scrolled through the pictures she had taken, which pulled her gaze away from her camera. The sun was still up, there's still time for her to travel further and find a place to park her van safely— she doesn't need to spend the night in a hotel or motel since her van is big enough to host, but she still needs a place to stay for security. Denise carefully placed her camera back to its place, securing it, then proceeded to drive further up north. What caught her eyes is the enormous structure that seems like a mountain covered in snow on top, a perfect scenery to add to her collection. But as she neared the said mountain, another caught her sight. This time, she also completely forgot what it is that she went for when this sight seemed perfect and had rendered her utterly amazed.
Her mind couldn't think of anything except;
Wow.
A castle. It hadn't been on the map, nor did the elder of the village inform her of this. It wasn't even on Google when she searched for this area. She thought that maybe this beauty was meant to remain hidden from the outside world. The reason behind this possibility? She couldn't care. All she could give a damn about is that she finally found what she is hoping to see. So, she did what any other person would do. She took her bag and her camera before stepping out of her van—making sure to bring the keys with her, after she parked it in front of the gates.
"Woah," Denise couldn't help but gape at the infrastructure.
Jackpot , she internally celebrates.
The structure seemed to be a mixture of both Gothic and Romanesque style, with its round walls yet pointed arches and stained glasses. Overall, the castle was impressive. Its walls were enough to tell about its age, which to Denise's opinion, this castle might have been built around the 18th century or earlier. She went to the gate, searching for any doorbell or anything that would notify the residents of the castle—if there were—of its visitors, only to find none. But, luckily, she found out that the gate was left unlocked. Maybe the castle is abandoned? Denise smiles as she proceeds further outside the castle grounds. The gate squeaked as Denise pushed it slightly just enough for her figure to fit perfectly.
Denise walked around as if she were strolling around the zoo for the first time, gaping at the size and the details of the castle. The castle emanated a vibe she can't quite put her finger on. She wasn't sure what it was but she felt calm and relaxed. She felt like a person entering an aquarium for the first time, amazed by all the aquatic creatures.
When she was in the middle of the property, not inside the castle yet since the outside was a wide space that would have been green if it weren't winter, Denise finally pulled her camera to her chest. Hesitation kept holding her back. She doesn't want to take pictures without the owner's or at least the caretaker's permission, but whom would she ask if there seemed to be no one to ask for? Denise felt as if she just invaded the property despite not going fully inside the castle. She felt horrible, knowing that she shouldn’t have entered in the first place. She must desert the place because she doesn't have the permission to be here, yet the curiosity and wonder in her became stronger than the guilt she felt creeping in her earlier. And soon enough, the latter completely overthrew any hesitation she had.
"Just one picture," Denise promised to no one in particular, trying to drown the voice in her head that screams at her to just walk away. "Let me take just one picture of this masterpiece, then I will leave." Her eyes closed in concentration as she did her best to drown any guilt creeping in her. Obviously, she didn't listen to the rational part of herself as she went to crouch and angled her camera where it covers mostly the upper part of the castle together with the plain sky and the snow falling.
It was perfect, the shot she took was splendid. Denise smiled to herself as she dusted herself off while getting up. A smile graced her face before she could even process it. She took another look at the single picture she took, after all she promised that she would only take one picture then she would go away, and that was what she was about to do if it weren't for the picture she took. The curve on her lips was immediately set straight.
Something caught her eyes the longer she stared at the picture. There. In one of the castle windows, there stood something—someone, she wasn't sure which, but it seemed to be a figure dressed in white and smiling down at her? Denise shook her head, closed her eyes then took a deep breath before looking at the picture again, squinting her eyes at it. It was still there, the...she wasn't sure what name to put on it... The creature? Either way, it doesn't seem like this castle is abandoned at all. She took one last glance at the part of the castle where she also caught the figure. There was no one there. Not the dress, not the smile, not the figure, nothing. Only darkness. Weird. Maybe it had been one of her imaginations? But she looked at the picture and the same figure was smiling at her. It couldn't just be her mind's doing. Maybe the castle wasn't abandoned at all, and maybe she could ask for permission? All while Denise thinks about what she could do to be more polite to whoever is living inside the wondrous castle, standing dumbly in the middle of nowhere, another thought occurs to her. This one she didn't like;
What if they're not human?
All the horror movies Denise watched came running back to her like a fucking truck with malfunctioning breaks. She vividly remembered the scene in the movie 'The Nun' as the demon appeared in one of the castle's windows just like this. Her heart spiked at that thought. I shouldn't have taken a step in this property not being granted the permission to! Oh my fucking god. Panic starts to infiltrate her veins as her thoughts keep progressing. She suddenly questions herself on why horror is her favorite genre of movie when she is more of a coward than a chicken.
Denise kept her head down, eyes seemingly glued to her camera, when in reality, she is occasionally glancing at the gates. They're far; it took her quite some time to reach where she is standing right now. Running would be the quickest way to get to the gates; however, it would notify whoever or whatever was in the castle that she is aware of their existence, and they might do something to prevent her from escaping. Denise sighed. Walking is her only safest option. She didn't know yet what was lurking in the castle, but she knew deep inside that she must be wary of whatever it was. She wasn't even sure if there's only one or if there were more. Either way, she must get out of here as soon as possible. The turmoil in her stomach starts to worsen.
Denise turned on her heel, head looking around her, pretending to still be surveying the place—not that she wasn't, the place was surrealistic. She didn't change the pace of her walking so that whoever is up there in the castle would think that she hasn't seen anything. She kept bringing her camera up and ceasing her movement as if she were actually taking pictures. Just a few more steps ... But just as she was nearing the gates, she felt a strong gust of wind. Thankful to her fast reflexes, she ducked and stepped aside, sensing something unusual.
Denise let her camera hang on her chest, crouched down and ready to pounce on whatever creature this wind brought. The wind that was so strong turned out to be a hooded figure. She thinks that its back is what she is seeing. When her gaze focused, she saw that the figure was a woman in black dress with a cloak seeming to be made of lace, and she was holding a...sickle..? Denise's posture never changed, legs crouched and fists raised up to her mouth level, ready to hit anytime the other person makes a move, being extra careful now that she has seen the weapon. Suddenly, she doubts herself.
But... I mean.. I am an intruder so they have every right to be angry and hostile to me..?
Denise made the mistake of taking her eyes off the woman to look on the ground beneath because as soon as the hooded figure realized that her prey's attention was not on her, she took her by the throat and raised her up. The air was suddenly knocked out of Denise, hands immediately shooting up to touch the woman's wrist softly, only touching it not being forceful or anything—a silent plea to let her go. This action made the redhaired woman squint at Denise but she didn't let go. Meanwhile, Denise suddenly smelled rotten flesh mixing with the strong scent of iron or something close upon being brought closer to her captor.
Denise started speaking in Romanian with all the air she could while being held on the throat. She felt like she was floating, well she was, seeing the height difference between them, but she is becoming light-headed as seconds pass by which makes her feel as if she is floating away from this world. She stood at five feet and three inches while the other woman seemed to be more or less than five feet and ten inches. While she spoke Romanian, the woman just furrowed her eyebrows. Denise took this as a sign that she is not speaking Romanian. She tried the other European languages she knows.
“Est-ce que....” Denise grimaced, repeating her question properly: “Est-ce que vous p-parlez anglais..??”
Still, the woman just squinted her eyes at the human. She just gave the intruder a blank stare before she suddenly felt the energy to speak, only to threaten Denise.
"If you try to run away, you will be killed immediately."
Denise noted how serious and determined the woman's eyes were and she knew then that she must also take her words just as equally. She nodded helplessly in the woman's grip, feeling more air leave her which made her think that she'd die of asphyxia instead of whatever this woman has in her sleeves, before she felt herself being pulled by the ground, choking and suddenly feeling dizzy. Denise shook her head in a poor attempt to compose herself, hands creeping up to the side of her forehead. The other woman stared blankly at her which soon turned into a glare.
"Stand up," Denise was quick to obey, but apparently not, as she was grabbed by the collar of her coat, pale hands tightly gripping the back of it. "I will show you to Mother, and you will do exactly as she asks."
Before Denise could even ask about her mother or even respond, the woman was already dragging her towards the castle. "I-I understand.." she felt the need to respond despite being handled roughly like some kind of rag.
It felt like an eternity before they got to the entrance of the castle. The doors were wooden and huge with intricate patterns carved on them. Denise still found time to admire the details put into building this enormous castle, the danger of the situation seemingly fading away as she kept on studying the details of the interior.
"Mother, I have the intruder!"
Denise's head perked at the announcement, still she was in her captor's ironclad grip. She couldn't really complain nor would she, since the interior of the castle was enough to shut her up. Why did she even think that this place was abandoned? Well, there was no guard on the gates or whatsoever; however, her thoughts didn't matter anymore, for she is now certain that this is a life and death situation. The command was left hanging, and the petite woman was sure that if she were to do otherwise, her life would be on the line. What these beings didn't know is that Denise actually didn't care what they do to her, as long as she gets to make one last call to her best friend then they can do whatever pleases them.
Too caught up in her head, Denise didn't notice another presence joining her together with her captor. She was thinking of all her students and responsibilities. She has that handled. Her students, she will make sure they will graduate even if her life has already ended. All handled, only if these people would allow her to make her last call.
"My, my, what a surprise,"
Denise's brown eyes shot up from the ground and onto the new presence. A powerful presence, it seems to her, utterly powerful. Any trail of thoughts seemed to have evaporated as soon as her ears were penetrated with the person's deep and sultry voice. A single statement of surprise albeit lacking it, sounding rather amused by Denise's unexpected appearance, voice full of authority was enough to take absolute control of her mind. It was rendered blank, like a canvas yet to be painted, a paper yet to be written or drawn upon.
If the person's voice affected her that way, imagine what their eyes did. Bright yellow orbs seemingly glowing and forming burning rings along their irises hiding under a big black hat, overflowing with a commanding presence that Denise thinks they're enough to render anyone helpless under their piercing yet calm gaze. She was so caught up staring at the person and absorbing their enthralling yet enigmatic aura that she didn't notice herself being freed of her captor's ironclad grip, and her knees immediately kissed the ground with a loud thud as she continued to look up at the person.
"Well, this is interesting.." They spoke again as their eyes pierced the human, blessing Denise's ears with the tempting appeal of their voice.
They started descending down the staircase, their long cream gown flowing smoothly. Every move was laced with grace, and Denise couldn't help but to be in awe. How can a person be this calm yet threatening ? This person is the epitome of beauty and grace yet laced with menace. Denise's mouth was ajar and her heart was hammering against her chest—not that she could be bothered to care about it. She was being open about her unexplainable admiration for this person, yet she couldn't be bothered to care about it. If the sight of this person towering over her and looking down on her as if she were lower than dirt were the last thing she sees before her inevitable death, Denise would never complain.
"What brought you upon my castle, nosy little mouse?"
It took moments before Denise processed that she was being asked and uttered something comprehensible that sparked curiosity within the Lady of the castle.
"I-I am a traveller!" Denise blurted out nervously, however she knew herself that it wasn't from fear—even her captor seemed to have sensed that. "I---Well, I live in this country but I am yet to explore all of it—" She ceased herself from rambling, feeling embarrassment enveloping her.
Denise looked up to meet the gorgeous being's eyes again, receiving a deathly yet curious glare from the other party. She felt the need to explain herself and so she started rambling again. "Look, I know that I have intruded your property, and for that, I shall receive my punishment," she paused, waiting for any interruption, then went on when there was none. "But, please, allow me to explain myself. May I..?"
The lady of the house stared at the human knelt before her. There was something familiar in this one, but she cannot put her finger on it yet. She allowed the human to explain their side with a soft hum that both of them knew meant the opposite of its tone.
"I travelled to the nearby village in the south, and I plan to keep on driving until I find more spectacular views because I need to take pictures of them for myself and for my best friend—I plan to bring her lots of photos," Denise chuckled, surprising both the inhabitants of the castle.
The cloaked woman stared up at her mother, eyes wide, meeting glowing golden eyes. They both had one thought in their minds: How can this human see fit to express amusement?!
"And I was really hoping to find a castle! I guess the odds have been on me since I stumbled upon this place.." Denise chuckled again, then she realized that her hands were free which made her reach for her backpack. "But, the strange thing is that this castle," she pulled out her map. "Look here, this is the village I came from before I arrived here," she showed the map to the woman behind her, who just stared blankly at the map, before standing up to show it to her mother.
"Then," Denise pulled out her phone, and scrolled through the screenshot of the map of the area that she took from Google Earth. "Here we are, this castle is around this area but there is no castle to be seen, which lured me further into this castle despite not being allowed to." She put her phone back into her pocket and took steps away from the lady, going back to her place earlier but didn't kneel this time. Her nerves that wrecked her earlier are now starting to calm down.
"What I want to say is that," Denise started again after glancing at both women, doing her best to let her voice flow softly and smoothly. "I mean no harm.. I came here in peace, and I shall depart likewise; however, I will accept any punishment you will bestow upon me. I am willing to do anything it takes to attain your forgiveness,"
Again, both the inhabitants were beyond shocked at this human's straightforwardness and calmness, more the cloaked woman than the tall lady, who didn't show her surprise but instead curiosity started to mask her features.
"But, if that still doesn't satisfy you, then I shall accept my demise," Denise stated, not even faltering for a bit, which sparked something in the lady of the castle but caused more confusion to the woman behind her. "But please, before you kill me, let me make one last call—"
"For what exactly?!" A woman who suddenly appeared behind her shouted, interrupting Denise, about to pounce the human right on the spot if it weren't for the glare coming from her mother. "To invite more of your kind to our home?! Like that—"
"Cassandra," Sharp golden eyes bore into the brunette, and she immediately silenced herself.
Denise glanced behind her before continuing what was interrupted. "No, I need to call my best friend to inform her that I won't be returning and that she has to take care of my students. The decision is all yours..." She turned her head back to the lady of the castle and let her statement hang, waiting for the woman to finish it. Denise didn't really care whether she dies today as long as matters get taken care of, then she's good to go.
"You speak as if you do not value your life anymore, human ." The lady stated in a matter of fact more to herself than to Denise, voice deep and flowing with elegance. "I am Alcina Dimitrescu, the Countess of this castle. It will be Mistress or Lady Dimitrescu for you, pet ." The lady started approaching Denise with light footsteps.
How can a person with this stature be so graceful?! Denise suddenly forgot the tension in the room and all she's focused on was this mysterious woman.
"Tell me, dear," Lady Dimitrescu's gloved hand reached for Denise's chin and made her look into her golden eyes. "What is your name?"
And with the sudden proximity, Denise's nerves were back in no time. "I-I am Denise Rodriguez,"
A smirk fell on Lady Dimitrescu's full red lips at the stuttering. She removed her glove and let her hand roam the human, exploring her face, all her curves and all skin exposed despite them being minimal as Denise was fully covered. This little exploration elicited shivers from Denise, not being accustomed to the touch of another person, much the person being a woman.
At least they aren't men.. The last thing I wouldn’t even want is to serve men.. Also, if this woman doesn't stop what she's doing, I might collapse because I'm too gay for this..
"This one's obedient.." Lady Dimistrescu praised with a smirk. Still, the attitude of this little human did not cease to intrigue her. "Too obedient that they care the least for themself.."
The use of a neutral pronoun put shock right on Denise's face. Just when I thought I couldn't be more disappointed in humanity ... It's an insult, really. Someone who is not human is able to comprehend how neutral pronouns work. She was also beaming inside for having her androgyny acknowledged.
The Countess surely noticed her surprise but chose not to comment on it. Lady Dimitrescu pulled her hand away, slipping it back into her black shiny leather glove, eyes never leaving her prey. "You mentioned that you are willing to do anything to attain my forgiveness, yes?"
"Yes, Mistress, "
The smirk on Lady Dimitrescu's lips grew at the immediate obedience. "From now on, you will be my maiden. You will do everything I ask, and I expect total submission from you. My words are absolute, therefore, they hold complete power over you. You will be safe under my care as long as you remain obedient," Lady Dimitrescu made eye contact with Cassandra and her sisters, who came to the room after hearing the commotion, before she uttered her next words. "My daughters are not to touch you in any way unless I allow them to. Is that understood?"
Both Daniela and Cassandra scowled but chorused, “Yes, Mother,”
Lady Dimitrescu's smirk grew. She hasn't had a human's company for quite a while, and she has quite been wanting one again ever since. The last time was...it was perfect but not pleasant. But, she hopes that this time will be different from the past; however, something tells her that it won't be any different from the last time.
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Denise was officially welcomed inside the home of Dimitrescu. The Countess introduced her to her daughters. The three of them looked strikingly similar that if it weren't for their hair color and the sigils on their foreheads, she would've mistaken them for each other. She was ushered further inside the castle. It was huge for her, but for Lady Dimitrescu it was not. She has to duck to be able to get through the doorways, which Denise found to be adorable and cute. She would've expressed her adoration if only Daniela didn't throw her a deathly glare as if the redhead had read her mind, and the human thought that it might be possible that they could read minds.
While Daniela seemed so aggravated by Denise's presence, one of the Countess's daughters has quite taken some liking to the human—or more to the thought of someone being their pet, someone to play with. She has long blonde hair and has a different sigil on her forehead, Bela. Of all the daughters, she is the only one who didn't show too much hostility to Denise, and the human was very grateful for that. The other daughter named Cassandra, the one with the dark brown hair, was nonchalant but still hostile to Denise like Daniela but less aggressive.
After she was introduced to the daughters, Lady Dimitrescu went on with her rules. There are only three rules that she must follow:
"As I have said, my words are absolute and you are to follow my every whim .." Lady Dimitrescu watched as the human nodded at her words, eyes bearing enthusiasm that never faltered, not even once. "Secondly, you are not to leave the castle grounds unless I allow you to. Any attempt of escape will result in your death. And lastly," The Countess paused to inch her face closer to her human. "Do not go to places you are not told to go. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Mistress." answered Denise politely bowing her head like a dog as if her mind didn't process what her Mistress just said. Although she noted the rules in her head: 1) Never disobey 2) Do not leave without permission 3) Know your place . All easy, she thinks to herself.
Lady Dimitrescu leaned back, staring down at her human with a cocked eyebrow. "The only places you are allowed to go to anytime are the kitchen, the bathroom, and your own room. Bela will show you around the castle later after I inform you of your duties as my maiden."
After receiving a verbal response from the human, Lady Dimitrescu proceeded to explain Denise's new duties as the castle's maiden. She was told that her duties may vary from time to time, according to her Lady’s desires, but what will remain constant is that she has to maintain the cleanliness and order of the castle and serve the four ladies. Serving food wasn't mentioned, and honestly, Denise wasn't sure if she wanted to know what these people eat albeit having a hunch on what it is.
"Will you provide for my food or—"
"I would be a terrible host if I did not, don't you think so, pet?"
Denise looked up at her with her eyebrows furrowed. "Well, I can always go to the village—" She ceased her explanation, seeing Daniela's glare. "What? I have my preferences.. I don't expect them to be provided. That'd be too much."
"Well," Lady Dimitrescu spoke softly, hiding her voice's threat. "What are your preferences, pet?" She has been calling Denise a lot of pet names yet elicited no violent reactions from the human so far. If the human had any objections, she didn't voice it out, which, again, further intrigued her.
"Well.." Denise briefly glanced down at the floor to her Mistress then averted her gaze elsewhere, suddenly regretting that she even spoke. "I… I will accept anything you'll give me. Thank you, Mistress."
"Do I need to repeat myself?" Impatience was thick in the Countess's voice, urging the human to ramble that took away any impatience Lady Dimitrescu had, a smirk falling on her lips.
"W-well I… I eat meat, mostly.. and, umm.. Also, rice is a necessity of mine… or any heavy meal.. I also have to drink coffee to function properly..? I.... but.. Well, um, I can also cook for myself if there are enough ingredients, and maybe for you too?? That is if you like my cooking...." Denise's right hand crept up to the back of her head, a small grin breaking the line on her lips while her face felt hot of embarrassment she didn't know the reason for.
Denise's timid actions ignited sparks within the Countess. Nostalgia washed over her. The brightness in her eyes decreased as melancholy and longing started to cloud her golden orbs. She felt a pinch in her heart upon remembering a piece of her past. Alcina took a deep breath.
Her daughters glanced curiously at their mother before glancing at each other, creating a silent conversation between them. Daniela furrowed her eyebrows at her two sisters while Bela shrugged and Cassandra stayed focused on their mother, her worry and concern growing.
"I will think about it." Lady Dimitrescu finally spoke, her voice firm and strong as if she didn't get lost just now. She turned her head to her daughters. "For now, settle down. Cassandra, accompany her as she retrieves her stuff outside."
Cassandra nodded silently, worry still evident in her eyes and she raised her eyebrows at her mother as if to ask her if everything's okay. Lady Dimitrescu nodded before shooting her a small smile then gestured with her hand. She nodded again and ushered Denise to follow her outside.
Lady Dimitrescu peered at Denise's and her daughter's retreating figure, eyes holding something none of her daughters can figure out.
I cannot let you go. At least, not yet.