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Chapter Text

“It is not possible that this label is wrong, too! It is obvious that this way we are going to continue losing artefacts" you think while reading an old book-register and an excel document "I will never finish this update", you type with your fingers angrily on the keyboard.

*knock knock*

"Come in" and now what

"Boss, I'm sorry to disturb you but the orders have arrived from Eastern Europe" one of the young researchers peeps in from the door

Your eyes light up at those words "Where are they??"

"They left the four boxes in the secondary entrance; some young volunteers are taking them inside"

"Did you say four?"

"Yes…"

You raise an eyebrow "They told me they would send three, do you have the documents?"

"Down with the boys, I lead the way"

You nod and follow her.

---

“Here are the sending sheets” the researcher shows you a series of dates, sender’s names, cities, labels. Quickly you browse for the fourth dispatch information, not finding it "Where is the data of the fourth?"

"Is it not there?" asks the young woman.

"I would not ask if I had found them" you reply with an irritated tone "Show me the box, move away"

The volunteers move quickly noticing the stern voice. You approach a large wooden trunk. The material is unadorned but sturdy. You stretch an ear "I don't hear it ticking, there probably isn't a bomb inside"

You hear gasps behind you "I'm kidding..." Not so much

“Bring it to my office. I will personally take care of its content”

---

“Thanks, you can go” you tell the volunteers. As soon as they leave your office, you lock the door

No documents, huh? Let's see what you contain

You take a crowbar from one of your shelves, it's not the first time you've found yourself opening trunks in your office.

You pry the four sides of the box alternately until you feel the pins loosen. It takes you longer than expected You are a tough nut to crack, I see, but you manage to lift the lid after the last stud is blown. With a little fear you move it until it falls to the ground with a thud Are you kidding me? You think nervously as soon as you discover that there is another trunk inside, this time black, with a sheet attached. Cursive hastily written. You grab it and start reading

“Whoever you are, take care of them. The Duke"

“What the fuck it means? The duke? Who is this man?” you throw the sheet on the ground more and more irritated and violently you manage to open the new trunk.

Threads of newspapers and straw form a thickness between objects of various kinds. You put your hand in and grab the first one you happen to touch: an old brown leather hat with a visor, inside it some dark glasses with round lenses. First, you inspect the hat from which a strong smell of rust and tobacco comes "What a strange combination of essences", then you look at the glasses wearing them against the light "They still protect from the rays, but none of this seems useful for display" you put them down next to you and dip your hands again between the straw and the newspapers. Something soft catches your attention, you grab whatever it is and bring it into your sight but immediately drop it with a scream "Oh my god, is this a joke?" you jump back “No, dolls no. Damn"

You take a long sigh and move back to the container. An old doll with a reconstructed face, almost patched up stares at you through her big eyes "Who had the insane idea of dressing you up as a bride?" you ask her taking it in hand again with hesitation "You could be put on display, maybe during Halloween" you place it near the hat and sunglasses.

From the box you then extract a sort of long dark blue band, almost grey with a series of bones embedded, you raise an eyebrow "What the hell is this?" you touch the bones "This goes straight to the palaeontologists"

Again, you look inside the straw "Ouch!" you pull out your hand quickly and notice a deep cut on your middle finger. You bring the wound to your mouth to wipe the blood off "Who the hell would stick something sharp without wrapping it in cloth?"

Paying more attention, you decide to remove some filling material from the box and little by little you notice four crystals, one bigger than the others. This one catches your attention the most, and carefully you take it to your desk, near the lamp.

The crystal seems to recreate a suffering female form with the chest opened by a deep wound. No arms, but big wings. You have a hard time handling the crystal due to the numerous pointed parts, but you are totally fascinated by them "Whoever created an object like this must be a great artist. Was it the work of the Duke?" all of a sudden all the anger and stress you accumulated during the day disappear while looking at it.

Unconsciously you touch the wound of the crystal with your cut finger and a drop of blood stains the statue. You gasp and with the sleeve of your shirt you try to quickly clean up the mistake made, but the stain does not come out. Indeed, it seems to be below the first layer of crystal "Shit, I ruined you"

You put the statue on the desk and yawn. You look behind you, the window shows late at night. The clock strikes 11 p.m.  "It's late. I'll come back for you tomorrow, lady" you pat the almost-head of the crystal and leave your office turning off all the lamps. Only the moon lights up the interior of the four walls as you lock the door and go home.

The human bloodstain inside the crystal pulsates and swells before rapidly expanding and dividing towards each end of the crystal. The figure shines for a moment.

"Where I am?" a tired and deep female voice echoes inside the office "What place is this?"

Chapter Text

You cross the entrance of the Museum towards your office when your assistant approaches you "Director, in half an hour they will be waiting for you for the usual meeting at the beginning of the month"

"What?" you ask sleepily

“The meeting with the department heads"

"Damn, I totally forgot about it," you exclaim

"Did you also forget that in the afternoon you have to meet the heads of the museum club for the weekend of the nights at the museum?"

"Is it Today?"

"I take it as an affirmative answer...Do you want some coffee to start the day?"

You put a hand on the shoulder of the young woman “Veronica, I would be lost without you. I'm going to get some paperwork and join you. Would you bring me the coffee in the meeting room?"

"Of course!" the girl replies, moving away quickly

You sigh as you enter the elevator "Where the hell is my head", you walk down the corridor and open your office. You freeze as soon as you look at the chaos you left the previous night. You laugh "It reminds me of the returns from paleontological expeditions" you take some sheets from the desk and you notice the crystal in plain sight "I'll come back to you later, crystal lady" you say touching her head with the tip of your finger.

----

The morning passes quickly as the battle plan for the new month is decided. Events, new finds, collections to be cleaned, school groups. You have just the time to eat a sandwich and in no time, you are catapulted among the great leaders of the other museums in the city.

You are at the point of falling asleep on the chair that you feel an elbow gently touching you "Hey, I heard you got a secret package yesterday, is that true?"

You turn to the man next to you "False, this is not a package, but a wooden box" you correct him.

The man laughs scratching his short blond curls "And did you accept it? Do you still have the habit of accepting gifts from strangers?"

“Marco, we are not all as lucky as you of the modern art galleries that each week have a new exhibition to sell to the public. And the answer is yes, I accepted the mailing, and I have already opened it" you look at him defiantly

"Are you serious?"

"Very serious"

"Did you open a package, sorry, an unknown wooden box from Eastern Europe? Like it was nothing?"

"I see your spies have given you all the details"

"What was inside?"

"Top Secret, I'm sorry"

"Come on!"

You make the gesture of closing your mouth like a zipper and throwing away the keys as you return to pay attention to the head talker.

"You are perfidious" he whispers to you, turning away

----

After saying goodbye to your colleagues, you walk towards your office, you find Veronica at the door handing you a cup "I think a bit of hot tea can cheer you up, Director"

You look at her and smile as you take the drink "Tell me, do we pay you enough for everything you do for us?"

The girl blushes "Yes, Miss" she replies "Miss ... have you already opened the box?"

You take a sip of tea “As a matter of fact, I did. Yesterday, do you want to have a look? "

"Can I?"

"Sure, come in ... but don't pay attention to the disorder you will find inside the room"

Both enter the room "Should I call the cleaning team?" she asks you while she looks at the hay and the newspapers on the ground.

"No, not yet. I will notify you when it is necessary"

Veronica walks and looks at the hat, the remains of bones, the doll.

"I think this is one of the most important pieces of value" you explain, pointing to the crystal on your desk.

The young woman approaches and you turn on the light, it’s almost sunset. You notice that the bloodstain you left has disappeared "Mmhmm, maybe I dreamed I dirty it"

"It's beautiful, why do you think it's a valuable piece?"

"Look at the attention to detail, whoever made this was an artist and I'll also tell you that was avant-garde. It has something between the monstrous and the fascinating"

The assistant approaches a hand to the crystal "Be careful..." you don't have time to warn her that the young woman cuts herself as happened to you "...welcome to the club" you tell her, showing your index finger.

“Too much curiosity hurts” she exclaims pressing the cut with a handkerchief “Oh my God! I ... I'm sorry Director ... I ruined the figurine "

“Dejavu” you think “Don't worry” you take the piece gently, noting how the stain has passed the first layer of material. You raise an eyebrow.

"I'm going to get something to clean right away," says the young woman

"Forget it, Veronica, go home," you tell her

"But…"

"Don’t worry, and thanks for the tea"

You wait for your assistant to close the door behind her and sit behind the desk putting the portable light on the crystal. You run your fingers over the stain. As the last rays of the sun disappear behind the skyscrapers the blood expands to disappear towards each end of the crystal "What the..."

"Could you kindly take your hands off my chest?"

The statue slips from your hands in fright "What the hell?"

"What rude ways"

Again that voice, you look around in search of the intruder "Who are you? Where are you?"

"I'm in front of you, woman"

You look over the desk, but you see nothing but clutter.

"Lower"

The eyes fall on the crystal.

“You got it, finally” the material glows to the rhythm of the voice.

"Oh, sure, right" you fall back on the chair "I must be exhausted and I'm hallucinating" you laugh.

“What do you find so funny? I found your way of manipulating me of very bad taste” you notice annoyance in the tone of the words, but the female voice that seems to come from that small semi-humanoid figure fascinates you.

You approach your head as if looking for an answer and touch the center of the crystal again, where an open wound appears to be carved.

“Get away from my body. NOW… or… ” thunders the voice.

"OR?"

You hear the crystal snort as if a crystal could snort "I would slap you, giant, if it weren't for ... I can't feel my arms" the words come out suffering and sad "Why can't I move?"

"Giant? Arm?" you ask curiously "I'm not a giant and you can't move for obvious reasons"

"Of course you are a giant, you are extremely taller than me, and believe me it takes a lot to be so... reasons?"

You tilt your head to one side "Er ... sorry, but, do you know what you are?"

“You're talking to a statue, you fool, do you realize? I'm daydreaming there is no other explanation” you think pinching your arm while waiting for an answer, but the pain is real.

"What are? WHO I am you mean ... I am the Countess Alcina Dimitrescu, the matriarch of House Dimitrescu, devoted to Moth... "

"Wait, wait" you interrupt, waving your hands in front of you "Countess?" you burst out laughing "Oh my God, this is fantastic"

"How dare you laugh?" she says more and more annoyed

"I think I have to show you something" you get up taking the statue in your hand and walk to the office door. You open it slowly and peek out with your head looking left and right. "We are alone" you whisper

“Where are you taking me, giant? Leave me alone!"

"SShhh !!" you try to silence her "And I'm Rebecca, again, I'm not a giant." Quickly, you run to the women's bathroom and open the door, always checking that there is no one on the other side. All the bathrooms seem free, you keep the statue hidden in your hands and you bring yourself in front of the large mirror behind the sinks for hands. You lean the crystal with its head towards your direction "You see me right now, don’t you?"

"Sure, what kind of stupid question is it?"

"I ask because I don't see eyes carved on you"

"Carved? How are you talking? Explain yourself better"

"See for yourself," you say turning the crystal towards the mirror.

You hear a gasp and something that sounds like a sobbing "Are you…ok?” you try to ask worriedly

"Is ... is ... this ME?" her words are cut by a kind of cry, but unfortunately you don't see tears dripping anywhere.

"It seems so, I'm sorry" "You're apologizing to a talking crystal"

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?" she screams.

"I? NOTHING!" you realize you are yelling back and immediately lower your tone of voice so as not to be heard from outside “I found you like this! They sent you like this!"

“What do you mean they sent me? From where? Who?"

"From Romania ...A certain…Duke"

Chapter Text

Silence fills the bathroom for seemingly endless seconds.

You start tapping your foot on the floor.

“The Duke sent me here. Why?" she asks

"I have no idea and to be precise ... you wasn't Just For You but for all the things that came With You"

"What do you mean?"

"Let's go back to my office and I'll show you, but please be quiet"

Gently you take the statue and run closing the door to your room behind your back, sure that no one has followed you.

Yuo take a chair and lean the crystal in the direction of the big box.

"Listen, Countess or whatever you are .. I think I'm going crazy because I'm talking to you and this must surely be a long and weird dream" you say waving your hand in the air "Therefore, I will follow the flow and I'm going to show you all the things there were inside of this gift from the Duke because you seem to be more desperate and confused than me. After that you are going to answer some of my questions. Do we have a deal? "

The crystal lights up "Deal"

“Very well. Let's see ..." you take the leather hat and the rounded sunglasses "We have these" and show them to the crystal

"... Karl ..." she murmurs in a shaky voice

"Karl?"

“Lord Karl Heisenberg. These things belonged to him. He was my brother. Adoptive brother” she tries to explain

"I see" you place the objects on the ground This is becoming more and more strange the more time passes and you take that strange necklace with the remains of who knows what animal "This one is super weird"

The crystal sighs “Lord Salvatore Moreau. We mocked him about that, but it was very precious to him” you feel the sadness in her words

"What about this creepy doll?"

"Angie!" the statue gasps

"Lady Angie?" you ask

“Oh, no no” she chuckles “Angie Beneviento. She was my sister's puppet, Lady Donna Beneviento. She is ... was ... very shy and she talked through her "

“... sure…” Anyone normal in your family? you think to yourself "What happened to them?"

"I ... I don't know. I thought of something similar to me, but ... I'm still here while they ... they are gone" the statue seems to be starting to sob but quickly comes together

"Were you close to each other?"

She doesn't answer, for a moment you think she is gone out, but the glow is still there

"I see ..." you get up from the floor adjusting your clothes "Listen, I have to go home because it's starting to be late, but ..." you look around "I don't trust to leave you here" you continue while you rummage through the shelves This can be useful you think taking a canvas bag "so I'll take you with me"

You put on your jacket and when you are about to wear a wool scarf you realize that it can be perfect for another purpose, to protect the crystal 

"Countess? Are you still there? Can you hear me?"

“Yes, I think I have no other choice. I can't go anywhere by myself "she responds coldly, hiding in vain the melancholy and sadness that surround her.

“This is one of my favorite scarves. My maternal grandmother made it for me when I was little and it is still intact. I will wrap you in it and put you into this fabric bag" you explain showing the fabrics feeling quite stupid at having to explain yoursefl to a small and delicate object "then we'll take public transport and we'll be at my house in an hour"

"Public transport?" asks the countess

"Yes, underground"

"I never heard of it"

"Are you kidding me?"

"No, I'm not kidding"

"It's like a train, but in the underground, that crosses the entire city"

"A train...in the underground"

"YES!" you answer enthusiastically “and there is a stop close to home, like one near the museum. Really comfortable and does not pollute much. Where have you lived all this time? Locked up in a castle isolated from the world? " you ask making fun of her

"Exactly"

You freeze and your eyes widen "The what? I'm not a fool"

“I had a castle. Castle Dimitrescu"

"You are joking" you say pointing a finger at her

You do not receive an answer

“You are not joking” Who are you?  “Well, if you want you will explain everything to me later BUT while we are around please don't say a word. Mandatory. No words, nothing. Nada. Got it? "

"I will not talk" she always replies with the same sad tone

You take a long sigh and grab her gently starting to wrap the scarf around her,but before covering her face there is a moment of hesitation "I'm sorry" you start saying "I know what it means to be alone, all of a sudden. It sucks" you tighten the scarf between your fingers" I have no family left, too" you finish the protection around the statue. You close the bag and you dash out of the museum.

Throughout the journey you hold your treasure tight to your chest as if for no reason in the world you should lose sight of it Why this attachment for something like this? you think to yourself shaking your head Maybe because of the mystery around her? Her? iI's a statue ... behind It ... or what if she was really a countess ... and her brothers and her sister ... oh, don't be an idiot. You quickly open the door of your apartment and with the same speed you close it double-sided behind you, taking a long sigh of relief.

Place the bag on the kitchen table and before taking out the contents you decide to open a bottle of wine Mama needs fuel for round 2

You leave the bottle on the table and a goblet ready for use and take off the scarf around the statue "Well, this is my place. It is not a castle, and it’s not mine but I’m saving to buy my own house "you talk while you uncork the bottle you pour part of the contents into the glass

"Is that wine?"

"Oh, you are still with us!" you exclaim “Yes, it is. I would offer you some but I don't think you can drink as you are"

"I'm afraid I can't"

"I'll drink for two, then"

She chuckles

"I heard you!"

She immediately stifles the laugh "I had a winery in my castle"

"No way!" you shout amused as you throw down the first glass pouring a second immediately after

"It's true. The finest wine you could ever drink"

“I wish i could taste it” you say sitting in front the crystal

"It was ... special ... I would dare to say"

"What was her name?" you ask while drinking

"Sanguis virginis"

The wine falls sideways and you start coughing at the name “Virgin's blood? *cough* Why a name like that? *cough* What’s wrong with you, people? Sanguis virginis?"

"It was the perfect name, to be fair"

You keep coughing for a few seconds and pour yourself another glass of wine

"Why in the fucking name of god someone would call a wine like that?"

"Because ..." the countess stops "... reasons"

You raise an eyebrow “I guess you don't want to blurt out the manufacturing secrets. Got it” you yawn. The wine begins to take effect.

You rest one elbow on the table to help support your tired head

"Who was the Duke?" you ask without thinking

The crystal gives a quick glow “He ... he is a friend. I suppose"

"Do you suppose?"

“He is a merchant. He has his interests that sometimes coincided with mine, sometimes not"

"Well, I think he saved your life if you're here with me now"

"I guess so"

“So he is absolutely a friend” you sip more wine “Do you have any idea where he might find? to contact him?"

"I do not know. He came and went in the village near the castle"

"Name of the village?"

"I don't know," the woman replies softly

"Don't you know the name of the place where you lived?"

"I lived in the castle ... the village ... came after"

"What do you mean by it came after?"

She falls silent again

"Listen, I can't help you if you don't give me some details about your life"

"I didn't ask for help"

"So you don't want to know why the Duke sent you here and why you're trapped inside that thing?"

She sighs "I want to know, yes"

"So..." you move your hand as if asking for more words

"I am a countess ..."

"I already know that"

"And I wasn't a crystal"

“Oh god! Tell me something I don't already know!" you start to get nervous

She clears her throat "The castle was given to me in exchange for my services"

"Services?" repeat intrigued

“Yes, towards Mother Miranda. She is ... maybe was ... a visionary. A very brilliant and powerful woman. She saved my life "

"Saved? From what?"

"I had a blood disease. I was dying when I met her. She gave me a second chance at life and a home. In return, I would carry out her orders, every request from her. I had to be devoted to her without asking too many questions"

“Without asking too many questions. That’s weird" you think aloud as you take your last sip of wine. The night sky begins to lighten "How did she save you?"

"She gave me ... something. And I just came back to life"

"Simple as that?"

"Simple as that" she lies

"And she gave you a castle"

"Yes, she did"

"And you started to produce wine as The Countess Dimitrescu"

"Exactly" she confirms

“All alone, in the castle, with your wine” you are trying hard to understand and still you feel something is not right

"I wasn't all alone. After some time she gave me the greatest gift"

"More than your life?"

“Yes, more than my own life. She gave me ... three daughters" the first light of dawn peeps out behind the buildings

“Did she give you daughters? What the heck did she do? Wait ... " your head starts to ache "Mother Miranda was a woman, right? "

"Of course!" she replies.

“Ok, ok. I needed you to confirm it, maybe it was just a funny name for a guy...uh ... so ... how? Daughters?"

"Well ... she ... brought them to me, into the castle"

"From the village?"

"Yes! That’s it, from the village" luckily for her you were suggesting all the answers in your intoxicated state

"Were they orphans? If so, that makes sense, I lost my parents, too "

"Orphans indeed"

“Got it. Well, lucky them! " you say raising the glass towards the ceiling as if to make a toast, but the glass is now empty

"I was the lucky one"

"Where are they now?"

"I ... I don't know ... I mean ... if ...." her words begin to get intermittent

"Hey? Lady? Are you still with me? " you touch the crystal

"If they are gone ... my brothers ... maybe my babies ... they are gone, too, while I'm still here .."

"Did you say they were three?" Why does that number rings a bell?

"Bela, Daniela and Cass ..." her sentence stops abruptly while a ray of sunshine illuminates the table and everything above it

"Cass? Cass what? Lady? "

You don't get any response. You move the crystal, but her glow is gone.

You use an edge of the statue to voluntarily cut your finger. Spilled blood but the glow doesn't come back “What the fuck? I thought it worked like this!" you snort and lean your head against the wood, continuing to look at the Countess Three adoptive daughters. What a family. Three you think while you fall asleep, drunk, in the kitchen.

Chapter Text

"Ngh..." you grumble finding it hard to open your eyes because of the light that invades the kitchen "Jeez" your mouth is lapped in the attempt to utter the word

"My head, it's spinning" you try to get up feeling a strong circle at your head "Everything is spinning".

You feel the contact with the wood of the table "What the ... shit. SHIT SHIT SHIT !!" in one jump you straighten up on your chair planting your palms on the surface in front of you. You look around "Wine ... crystal .... bottle" you collect the details of the room hoping your brain will react, but it's the clock on the wall that makes you take a hit "FUCK FUCK FUCK I'm fucking late!" Staggering you make your way to the cupboard "Fucking hangover. Drunk spinster". You approach the coffee machine, empty filter "Of course! Lucky me!" you pick up the phone, and with your eyes still clouded you start typing a message "Hi, could you make me the strongest coffee you can make and bring it to my office as soon as I arrive? I'm late. Please and thank you ... Sent" a long sigh of surrender comes out from your mouth while leaning against the counter "Your fault" you whisper looking at the crystal still on the table "You and your talk, your voice and your story about your children, your three girls ... your three. Three? Family number ... three daughters" you frown "THREE!!" quickly you run to the entrance of your apartment, you pick up your bag, jacket, and scarf and rush towards the bus stop "I hope I remember well!" you think wrapped in excitement.

You cross the corridors of the museum arriving at the door of your office, Veronica is waiting for you with an outstretched arm "Your coffee, Boss, the strongest I have been able to do"
You take a deep sigh "You are a life savior" you exclaim grabbing the cup and inhaling the aroma.
The young woman smiles "I guess you took a drop too much yesterday" she interrupts the sentence by extending the other arm and showing a paper bag "Here is a brioche, a muffin with chocolate chips, a banana for the hangover potassium and an aspirin. Later, I'll bring you some tea to hydrate you"
"I absolutely have to ask the administration to raise your salary" you answer swallowing the pill
"Make me sign a permanent contract and I'm happy with it"
"Deal!" you respond enthusiastically as you walk into your office.
You close the door behind you, put things on the desk and with the cup still in your hands you stand in front of the wooden box. You swallow two sips of concentrated caffeine and shake your head "React, damn it."
You start rummaging inside the box "I hope I remember well" moving your hands carefully you hear a tinkle "Gotcha!" gently extract one, two and three crystals. One at a time you observe them near the window "You are made of the same workmanship as Alcina, but ... more minute and partial" you stammer, place the crystals on your desk and open the laptop. In the search bar, you quickly type "Alcina dimitrscu romania"

A series of results from the same web page appear in succession:
"The four lords, the cult of Mother Miranda, a village disappeared into thin air, archaeological expedition"
"Wooooooah" the amazement envelops you as you click on the main page "The story thickens" you start reading
"Welcome to the Home Page of the Muzeul Bizarului. Our aim is to show the lesser-known stories at an international level. The exhibition currently on display comes from an expedition that began in 2022, where a group of archaeologists, fascinated by the recent stories about vampirism, not related to Vladimir Dracula, found fragments of diaries relating to the cult of the dark figure named Mother Miranda. Their only map was the words of people around the region. Their long search led them to the remains of an ancient village enclosed by a dense forest. The town seemed to have been razed to the ground by some explosion of which there is no documentation, but some structures remained standing like an ancient underground metallurgical forge, a swamp, the remains of what can be reminiscent of a doll museum and an imposing castle remained extraordinarily intact. Precisely in the latter, in 2026 our Muzeul Bizarului was built, only here you can find the remains of the myth known as The cult of Mother Miranda and the Four Lords"

Click on the page about the village "Unnamed mountainous community ... medieval period .... too old this part, what's next .... military endeavor, yada yada yada, divine figure ... Mother Miranda who saved the villagers from poverty teaching them new methods of agriculture and defending themselves against the dark creatures that inhabit the forests" you stop and think "I don't think there is much to defend themselves beyond wolves and bears, calling them dark creatures seems somewhat excessive to me" you continue with the next page "Mother Miranda, who are you? According to the collected remains and testimonies, Mother Miranda was an important figure who brought the community of the area back to life, so much so that she was worshiped. It seems that the woman actually used the citizens as guinea pigs for his genetic experiments, but these are only reconstructions. Her figure is connected to the presence of lycans ... lycans? This is funny ... and to the four adopted children: Lady Dimitrescu, here you are, Lord Heisenberg ... time to know more about you, my lady" another click, another page opened "Countess Alcina Dimitrescu was one of the four lords of the region. For more than sixty years, Dimitrescu was feared by the locals over allegations of mass murder and" you freeze "cannibalism. At the age of 44 she met Mother Miranda, and following notes found on some pages of her diary, she took over the family's winery and wine-distribution business as a way to support herself. She was famous for a particular type of wine called Sanguis Virginis, villagers claimed it was made with true blood. The Countess adopts three daughters" you stop reading and rub your eyes "Fuck, this is insane" you scroll the pages "Vampirism, murders, not confirmed" scroll and scroll "The remains of her clothes show signs of gigantism ... Jeez" you keep reading until finding what are you looking for "There!" you take a piece of sheet and writes quickly. You grab the phone and type in a series of numbers "Vero! Hi, listen, I urgently need you to book me a flight and a hotel for Romania, I will send you details by email"
"Boss, what about the exhibition? The night at the museum?"
"Shit ... when is it?"
"In three weeks"
"I'll be back by then" you put the phone down "I'll bring you home, my lady, but I need so many answers...so so many" you think as you continue reading.

The day flows between the various commitments and duties of your being a director, preparations, meetings, performances, but your head is distracted by all the information you read earlier. When the exit time is approaching, you receive an email from Veronica "Boss, here I send you the details of the trip, as you requested. Unfortunately, there is no public transport to get to the Museum. The director of the place was so kind to send us the name of an agency and I have already rented a driver and a car. It seems to be the only way to get to that building ... it all seems very strange to me, Boss. I hope it is not a dangerous and reckless journey"
You smile "She is always very kind to me ... departure in three days, I guess I'll have to buy clothes for harsh winter"
You hurry to get the three crystals and go home. A strange sense of excitement envelops you as you think of the upcoming adventure "Like old times".

You arrive home, drop the bag on the sofa after taking carefully the crystals. You make your way to the kitchen. Lady Dimitrescu is still there "Of course, stupid, do you think she can move?" you arrange the three new statues on the table. You are nervous, as if you were organizing an important event, your leg drums while you look at the table "Cannibalism ... my blood .... using my blood she is able to talk, but, it didn't work this morning, why .... wait ... vampirism! Only by night! Of course! It makes sense! " you slap your forehead "Really? Are you really believing the story of vampirism? Are you an idiot? Oh, well, you are already talking to a crystal" you put both hands on the table "Let's give it a try, then" again you make a small cut on your finger and touch the crystallized Lady. Outside the sunset is giving way to the night, you cover the new crystals with a blanket and wait.
The last ray of sunshine disappears behind the lower buildings. Lady Dimitrescu lights up.
"Good morning" she greets with her deep voice
"Good afternoon" you reply smiling "I have a surprise for you"
"Do you?" she asks curiously
"Yes, I do" you spell "But first I need you to answer a question"
"Very well, go ahead" she allows you
"Are you a vampire?" you ask without making too many words
"I beg you pardon?" she replies slightly shaken
"Did you hear me right, are you or aren't you a vampire?"
The statue lights up violently "No, I am not" she states "I have a blood disease" she continues then changes the tone of her voice as if she were ashamed "Why are you asking?"
"Because I found information about you"
"For real?"
"Yes, and I had to check what was true"
"I understand"
"Well, cleared my first doubt" you turn the statue towards the blanket "This is for you" you raise the fabric showing the hidden content. A deep gasp echoes from the statue.
"These are .... these .... are they?" she asks worried, hesitant to want the answer but anxious to know the truth
"I think so, I suppose these are you daughters, Countess"
"How?" she is totally incredulous, she can't say any more words and starts sobbing
"Lady? Are you alright?" you ask as you approach her
"It's just ... my arms, I need to touch them and I can't" she sighs
You instinctively bring the four statues closer together, so that they come into contact "Is it working somehow?"
The lady waits for a few seconds "They are so cold" she whispers "My wonderful creatures, I am so sorry" she continues
"Let me try something," you say as you touch each statue with your blooding finger "It should work with them, too"
You both wait with bated breath. The minutes go by. No reaction.
"Why isn't it working?" she asks sadly worried
"I don't know"
"Why ... doesn't it ... work ... what's going on? Your blood?" you feel a deep disappointment in her words, you feel like you have betrayed her expectations. 
"I don't know" you repeat. You squeeze your chest, you wish it worked "They are like you, it should have worked, they are crystals as much as you are"
"They are not like me" she interrupts you
"What do you mean?"
"They didn't have the same disease. They were dead when Miranda brought them to the castle for me," she explains
Your breath stops and your eyes widen "Dead?? but you said you have three daughters, who kept you company ... were they corpses?" you're stunned, you don't understand "I'm losing my mind"
"All you say is true, but Miranda was a visionary. She brought them back to life, but blood was not their main source of energy."
You shake your head "Maybe everything I've read is true"
"I am sorry. There are many things you need to know"
"I think I noticed" you can barely enunciate
"I wasn't sure I could trust you," she admits
You shrug "Very well, we will go to Romania. Once we arrive, I suppose, I understand everything better. We will find the Duke and the rest."
"Are you serious?"
"Never been so certain in my life. We leave in three days, everything is already settled"
The statue shines strongly again "Thank you, Rebecca. As soon as I have returned to my true nature, I will find a way to repay you" she promises
"You will have to pay for my therapy, that's for sure"

Chapter Text

You take a damp rag and clean the three small crystals from bloodstains, still a little sad by the unsuccessful experiment. The stomach starts to grumble "Dinner time" you exclaim as you open the refrigerator "Yesterday rice, uhm, veggies… .ooooh fried rice!". You take all the ingredients without noticing Alcina's watchful eye on your movements.

If the crystal could, she would tilt her head to one side raising an intrigued eyebrow from the beginning of your hum. The veggies are already stir-frying as you look for the soy sauce.

"You like to cook, I see" Alcina interrupts.

You stop singing “I almost forgot you were there! Yeah, I like it very much. But living alone, I don't always want to prepare special dishes"

"Understandable"

"You cook?" ask

"Me? Oh no. I mean, I suppose I can, I did… but I had servants who prepared whatever I asked for, for me and for the girls "

“Lucky you, I wish I have someone cleaning or sometimes cooking for me, mostly during heavy days at work” you sigh

"I was wondering ... what do you do as a job?" asks the Lady

"You are right, I never told you. Well, I suppose you kinda understood I work in a museum… the day you woke up. I'm an archeologist, but I have a second degree in Natural Sciences, right now I'm the director of the Museum of Natural Sciences of the city"

"Director? Are you a powerful person? "

You bust in a laugh “Powerful?? Oh no! The government continues to cut money on culture, I wish I had power enough to say something! But, yeah I have control over the Museum. That’s why I could open your box without anyone asking"

"I see"

Your dish is ready and you sit in front of the crystal. You start eating "When you are in human form I will offer you food" you murmur with your mouth full.

Alcina chuckles.

"I heard that!"

You continue to devour your dinner as thoughts envelop you and new doubts arise. You put your fork on the plate "Dimitrescu?" you call

"Yes?"

"How did you become a crystal?"

The Lady's light dims for an instant "I know how, but I don't know why"

"Explain ... please"

The woman takes time "Putting it simply: someone killed me"

"WHAT?!?!" your jaw drops "Killed? Who did that? And why? "

"It's ... it's complicated"

"You can begin at least by telling me who killed you," you say, approaching the torso to the table terribly interested by the revelation and at the same time worried

"His name is Ethan Winters"

"Never heard of him. Go on"

"He came into my castle claiming I was hiding a thing from him, and he killed my daughters first and then he came for me"

You put your hand in front of your mouth in shock "How can someone enter a house and start killing because of looking for something?"

"I told you, it's not that simple"

You do not answer and ponder a little before uttering the words "Is it related with the cult of Mother Miranda?" you ask hesitantly

The crystal shines violently intermittently "What do you know about her?"

“I read about her while looking for information about you. They wrote she was worshipped by the villagers of whatever place you were living in. That she kinda saved them but at the same time it seems she used them for experiments, and she adopted you and your brothers. Is there something true in all this?"

“Something, yes” she replies shortly

“Do you know I need you to tell me more? To build a little trust? I don't know what I'm getting into with this trip to Romania, some hints will be very appreciated"

"I am sorry. You are right" Alcina pauses briefly "Mother Miranda was a scientist, and since she has brought innovation to poor and ignorant people, obviously they have begun to adore her. I was not yet in my family's castle during that first part of her life, I returned when my illness became more and more serious"

"When was that?"

"During the late 50s"

“Less than 70 years ago? This is so fucked up” you think worried.

"I met Miranda, as I told you she saved my life with, let's say, cutting-edge medical methodology in exchange for my services. One of the favors she asked for was to help her"

"What kind of help?"

"Finding things she could have used, guinea pigs"

"Human guinea pigs?"

"... sometimes ..."

Your heartbeat begins to get faster and stronger with every detail that the crystal exhibits. You are worried “Is she evil? Should I awaken her?" with each answer obtained new doubts arise, a continuous branching more and more intricate

"And have you always respected her orders?"

"Always"

“What about Ethan Winters? Why was he in your castle? Were you hiding something for Miranda? "

She sighs "Rose"

"A rose?"

“No, Rose. She is his daughter of him"

You punch with your hands the table violently and you get up "Have you kidnapped her daughter?" you yell at her

"I didn't. Miranda needed her, he thought I had her. But I didn’t ... he didn’t believe me and ... he did what he did to my family"

You walk back and forth, alternating hands crossed in front of the chest with hands to the head. You fix your hair, you touch your temples. Nervousness catches you.

"How did he kill you?"

"With a poisoned dagger and ended me with a gun"

"This is insane, Dimitrescu, totally insane"

"I know" she whispers feeling guilty.

You notice the change in her tone "I'm confused, but, for what you are suggesting you are not guilty of the fact that he has entered your castle. You were following orders, but you didn’t have his daughter. Have you ever questioned Miranda's methods?"

"Never!" she replies without hesitation “she gave me a second chance to live. My daughters. With some collateral effects, clearly, but manageable"

"What do you mean with collateral effects?"

"I ... I ... needed a particular diet after Miranda saved me besides normal food"

"Don't ask, don't ask... I know I'm going to regret asking this, what kind of diet?"

"Human blood ..."

You bring your index finger and thumb to the root of your nose, between your eyes and start talking “You told me less than an hour ago you are not a vampire and NOW YOU ARE TELLING ME YOU DRINK BLOOD???? WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU???" you try in every way to keep calm but anger seizes you "You lied to me!"

“NO, I DID NOT! I AM NOT A VAMPIRE” she thunders

"THEN WHY ON EARH YOU NEED BLOOD?"

She clears her throat "First of all, I don't like to yell. Secondly, after Miranda's treatment, my hereditary disease changed. From incurable it became manageable, but that meant I had to regularly feed on human flesh and blood "

"This is horrible!" is the only thing you can say.

"To be fair, I fed only on prisoners and on people who have broken laws and were declared on pain of death by Mother Miranda"

You shake your head "I don't know what to say. She mutated you and used you, Dimitrescu"

"She saved me, Rebecca, and she adopted me even if I was like that"

You don't answer "She seems like ... brainwashed ... who is this Mother Miranda?"

Silence envelops the kitchen. The clock shows that it has been past midnight for some time.

"I need to go to sleep" you state "I’ll see you tomorrow" you walk out of the kitchen when the Lady calls you.

"Rebecca ..."

"What do you want?"

“I know you are trying to process everything, but… can I ask you to put me near the window? I would like to see the night "

Her request unexpectedly squeezes your heart, you feel sorry for that woman.

"Of course" you reply, taking her gently. You go to the window, but you stop "I have a better idea". You exit the kitchen and enter the bedroom. You turn on the light and place the crystal on the internal windowsill "This view is far better"

From the window stands a children's park, a municipal road and, beyond it, a thick forest illuminated by the moon.

"It's beautiful" Alcina exclaims

"It's still the city, but, I live in the suburbs ... so ... yeah ... nature"

"Thank you"

"You are welcome" you reply while yawning "I'll be right back, I can't change here ... with you ... I mean, you are a crystal, but a person, I suppose ... and yeah, changing clothes in the bathroom it's better” you try to nervously explain

"Sure"

A few minutes later you are back into your room, with a shirt and shorts "I'm going to sleep, please, don't make sounds"

"I won’t"

You slip under the blanket "Dimitrescu?"

"Yes?"

“What do you feel when the first rays of the sun show up? I mean, now that you are in this...form?"

"Tiredness, sleep and suddenly the darkness embraces me like an old friend"

“She must feel lonely, just like me” is the last thought crossing your mind before Morpheus takes your hand.

Chapter Text

Alcina looks at the panorama in front of her, the street lamps that illuminate the park, some cars crossing the road "I suppose this is the modernization Karl always talked about" her view travels towards the vastness of the forest in the background "Sadly too much artificiality prevents us from appreciating nature” thinks the woman

Coo-coo

"Oh, I didn't see you, Columba livia"

Coo-coo

The pigeon jumps near the crystal and tilts its head. The animal exceeds the sparkling statue in height.

"Do you find me curious? I suppose so"

It comes closer again and pokes the crystal with its beak

"Hey, don't you dare! Stay away from me, bird!"

It keeps pecking.

“Shoo, shoo. Wait for me to get back to my shape, I could crush you with one hand! Shoo!"

The pigeon raises a paw and places it on Alcina's side.

“Get your claws off my body! Immediately!"

Upon hearing Alcina's complaints, the pigeon begins to flap its wings and continue pecking.

"Shoo!"

"What is happening?" you grumble as you move between the blankets awakened by the din "Shut up, I need to sleep"

"I'm sorry I woke you up but right now they are attacking me...SHOO STUPID BIRD!!!!"

"What…OH SHIT!!!" you jump down and run to the window "GO AWAY!!" you yell at the pigeon waving your arms. The bird does not have it repeated twice and jumps out of the window, but in that sudden gesture, it lets go of its paw, and the crystal slides into the room "REBECCA!" Alcina screams as she falls

"NO NO NO" you throw yourself on the ground extending a hand "GOTCHA!" you exclaim as you fall on your back to the ground. It takes you a couple of seconds to react to the hit you just took.

"Thank you" you hear from behind your hand "You saved me"

You open your fingers, full of scratches for the sharp edges of the statue "Are you ok?" you ask in pain.

"Nothing broken, but you ... you are bleeding" every little drop in contact with the crystal disappears. Absorbed.

"Yeah, you're not easy enough to handle" you sigh as you set it down on the tiles. You sit down"I think I stretched my back in order to save you. In addition to the blow from the fall"

"I am sorry"

"No, it is my fault. I left the window open… I should have at least closed the glass, but I always sleep with everything open, with the shutter down. Well, what has done… has done” you take a long sigh.

"That damned pigeon ..."

You burst out laughing.

"What do you find funny?"

"Seeing how you tried in words to convince the bird to leave you alone while it pecked you, I'm sorry ... it was funny ... I know I shouldn't laugh ... but ...." you continue laughing.

"He was lucky I wasn’t in my normal form"

"Yeah, sure, lucky him" you take the crystal back in your hand and walk swinging towards the bed "I need to go to sleep"

You disappear between the covers again, this time with the statue in your hand. Without thinking you bring it to your chest as if it were a stuffed animal.

"Goodnight" you murmur

"Rebecca?"

"Mhm?" you grumble

"Er ... can you put me on that little table?" she asks wrapped in the fabric of your tank top

"Yeah...sure..." you answer without listening.

"Now?"

"..."

"Rebecca?"

"..."

"Splendid, she fell asleep and I can’t move from here. I am trapped between these rough fabrics” Alcina sighs, Rebecca's hand closest to her is the one with the fresh cuts. She feels embarrassed and guilty “I am not trapped… I am protected. If only these things were made of silk..." her mind travels while embraced by Rebecca's warmth.

---

The alarm rings and you stretch on the bed, kicking the sheets. Your arm collides with the statue "Damnit, I forgot about you!" you take it and bring it to the kitchen "I was so sleepy yesterday night that I kept you with me" you put it on the table "I suppose we can say we slept together" you finger gun the crystal knowing she can't listen to you "How can I be so stupid first thing in the morning? I need coffee"

---

The morning at work passes quickly. The researchers of the anthropology section cleaned the doll dressed as a bride “This can go to display, maybe with the collection of old toys from the second post-war period. What do you think?" you suggest to the colleagues.

"Sure, why not? What will its label be, boss?" asks one of them

You bring your index finger to your chin thinking. You tap it a couple of times “Write down Angie. Property of Lady Donna Beneviento. Romania. Year: unknown"

"Is this information correct?"

"Do you doubt my sources?" you ask raising an inquisitive eyebrow

“No, no, no. I'm sorry, boss!"

"Vey well, then. Put her in a good spot, she is ... special"

"Special?"

You think back to how the Lady with great sadness remembered her sister “Yes, do what I said. Quickly, I want her shown today"

The boys run off on your way back to the office.

You're lost in the paperwork when you hear a knock on the door. Without looking up, you answer "It's open"

"Hello, sunshine" greets you a male voice from the doorway

You continue to write, recognizing the intonation "Marco, what do you want?"

"First, a Hi"

"Yeah, Hi... what do you want?" you reply annoyed by sitting back in the chair to be able to see the man

“Better, I have something that needs your sign” he waves some documents and walks over to your desk

"Do YOU have documents for me??"

"Not exactly, I was at the Mayor's office for some questions regarding an exhibition by a young abstract artist that I discovered a few days ago on a trip to New York, a fantastic guy ..."

"Go to the point" you cut it short

“Sure, the Mayor has given me the permits for the night of the open museums and is collecting the signatures of the participants. He asks who will also set up food, or other events not strictly related to the exhibitions"

"I'm not going to let people eat in the corridors of my museum" you answer as you start reading the documents "But I could think of something to show in the inner courtyard"

"Fantastic… listen, is it true that you are leaving for some days?"

You sign and hand the documents to Marco "Not your business" while he rolls up the papers and looks at the center of the room.

"Something related to that?" he points to the closed wooden box. You had the housekeepers tidy up all the day before.

You spell “Not. Your. Business"

"I know you are going to Romania, and the box comes from there"

"Who gave you that information?"

“I saw you put a new puppet on display in the toys section. The label of it speaks clearly about the origin. And I asked your secretary how your preparations for the big event were going and she said you were in a hurry to leave. From there, one thing leads to another..."

"I have to tell Veronica not to talk to Marco" you grit your teeth and bite your tongue to avoid insulting the man "I don't know why you are so interested in my things. You know, if you wanted to spend so much time in this building, why didn't you take the director's license when it was offered to you? "

Marco walks towards the shelves and notices Heisenberg's round glasses. He gently touches them "Because I like money, history, and natural sciences don’t produce that much"

You snort getting up from your seat “Get your hands off my objects. They are invaluable. Values... that thing you don't have"

He lets out a laugh "I like when you answer me like that"

"Lucky for me, I don't like you. You had your papers signed. Now, fuck off” you push him out of your office

“Have a safe trip! Don't let the vampiric folklore get you" he manages to tell you before you close the door in his face.

You freeze thinking that he knows something about Alcina "What do you know about that?" you ask from your side of the door.

"C'mon, everyone knows about Transilvania"

"Right, Vlad..." you close your eyes and put a hand to your chest. Your heartbeat has accelerated for a while fearing danger "Fuck him" you mentally insult your colleague, while you wait for him to go away.

You pick up the phone "Veronica, is he gone?"

"Yes, boss"

"Perfect, oh, next time ... don't say to him a single word about my businesses. I don't want him to know what I do"

"I am deeply sorry, boss, he has a smart talk"

"I know, that is why I am warning you"

---

"I hate him so much" you storm into your house and throw your bag, jacket and scarf on the sofa "Fuck him, god, he is odious" you enter the kitchen and as if it were a habitual gesture you prick your finger and pour blood on the crystal on the table. The sunset is now ending and Alcina comes to life.

"He is such gah I can't even with him like I'm hot and smart and rich and I can do whatever I want" you open a bottle of wine "You know what? He is not! He is not hot, he just buys anyone. He and his stupid rich friends” you pour the liquid into glasses and take two large sips

"Capitalism, that’s what it is. He doesn't care about art at all. He just pays for art, he knows nothing about the artists and their ideas. He just wants to create those elaborate exhibitions"

The Lady watches you pacing back and forth in the kitchen

"For him, it's like having a fashion magazine, something to sell"

"I have no idea what are you talking about" the countess replies while you are busy drinking

"I'm talking about Marco"

"If I could move I'd shrug my shoulders to show you that I don't know who he is"

"I'm sorry ... I'm just venting. My day was doing great, I displayed Angie, but then Marco came to my office"

“Did you display Angie? What do you mean with that?" she asks

“It means that we cleaned her and now every person who enters the museum, in the collection of antique toys, will find Angie to welcome them. She is still creepy, but I think she looks good in her own special way... and your sister will not be forgotten"

Alcina shines intermittently "That's ... a beautiful gesture. Thank you, very much… Rebecca" she is moved.

"Oh, nothing to thank me"

"Now, tell me more about this Marco who is bothering you"

You smile big, you're not used to having someone interested in listening to you "That man, a slimy" you take the crystal and the glass of wine "Let's talk while checking for my clothes, we must start to think about the travel. It must be cold now, in Romania"

"It's surely does"

Chapter Text

Rebecca opens her wardrobe, after placing Alcina on the bedside table "Wet cold or dry cold?" you ask

"Wet" replies the crystal

“Damn, the one that goes straight to your bones,” you sigh sadly

"It never bothered me"

"Probably because you have lived there your whole...long life..."

"Probably"

You rummage through the clothes and every dress that seems to be congruent for the trip goes straight on the bed “This is a first selection, I will have to bring only the essential. Carrying you crystals will already be a problem"

"A problem? What are you referring to?"

“You are valuables, I had to ask my secretary for a special travel format with the Museum stamp so you will pass as a collector's item and you can travel in the cabin with me. Not with the rest of the baggage"

"I understand, where will you keep us?"

“I was thinking inside a backpack, in turn, placed inside a box. Inside the backpack so I can always take you with me. I won't move without you… I'm not going to leave you… in the sense… leave all of you… alone” your last words come out a little embarrassed and you immediately turn your gaze to the pile of clothes on the bed.

While making a further selection, you remember how in the morning you woke up with the crystal in the bed "Dimitrescu?"

"Uh?"

"Listen, I wanted to apologize for tonight" the merry-go-round comes back between the words as you nervously scratch your shoulder.

"Last night? You saved me from a fall… why are you apologizing?"

“You know why… I was sleepy… and I took you to bed with me. Sometimes I forget that PROBABLY you are a person imprisoned in there" you say pointing to the crystallized structure "I suppose it has been hours of discomfort for you"

The Lady is silent for a moment "They were, at the beginning"

A curious expression appears on your face.

“But… It was nice to feel warm, for a few hours” continues the voice.

"Oh, well, you are welcome then ..." you absolutely do not know how to respond to those words and your gestures get nervous while you rearrange the fabrics in front of you, your ears on fire.

Alcina gets a hint of your discomfort "Did I say something wrong?"

You quickly shake your head "No ... nothing ... just ... nothing, nothing" you leave the room now perceiving the blushing cheekbones "This is totally awkward" you think as you take your old scarf from the entrance and the crystals from the kitchen. You go back to your room.

"I was afraid you had left me here alone," the crystal exclaims

"I would never! I went to take them, I think it is appropriate to put them away"

With extreme caution, you open your leather backpack, what you consider to be your battlefield shield. Great companion of old adventures. Wrap the inside of it with part of the long scarf and one at a time accommodate the small crystals of Alcina's daughters, wrapping them partially "Done!" you say triumphally "I'll put you last, before leaving"

"Very well" Alcina replies shortly.

“Dimitrescu, I was thinking” you begin to say as you sit on the edge of the bed, in front of the crystal “I will not wake you until I consider that we are safe in the hotel. I don't want to create road accidents, I don't want to take you out of the bag among the people. Is it OK for you?"

"In these static conditions, I can only rely on your decision"

"I consider it as a yes"

“Rebecca… in case you manage to take me home… what are your true intentions? I feel that you are still not sure about my story"

You shrug your shoulders and grab your knees in tension “Honestly, Dimitrescu, I don't know what to answer. I think first I will want to gather all the possible information, to know why the Duke wanted to send you far from your lands, what is left of Miranda's cult… and from there, I will make a decision. I'm sorry I can't give you an answer now. I hope you understand ... I'm not used to believing in folklore of this type "

“Don't worry, I understand that very well. I have lived long enough to understand the human mind. You need concrete proof and not stories, this makes you a person I can trust"

Alcina manages to snatch a smile from you in the middle of that serious conversation "Thank you" you whisper

---

On the day of the trip, you decide to set the alarm clock before dawn, you feel it is correct to say one last goodbye to the crystal before closing it inside a box for who knows how long.

The alarm sounds accompanied by the deep and warm voice you are pleasantly accustomed to "I hope you rested well, Rebecca. How come you wake up before my sleep? "

You stretch and, with great effort, you sit leaning against the head of the bed "I wanted to say goodbye before the sun appeared" you say still sleepy and with half-closed eyes. Yawning, you get out of bed, take the crystal and go to the window. Alcina stands now on the windowsill "No pigeons this morning" you chuckle.

"It's not funny" replies the Lady pretending to be offended

"For you ..." you let your gaze go to the stars, while the sky starts to clear, you feel that the night is ending too quickly "Dimitrescu, in a few minutes I will put you with your daughters. I will protect you throughout the journey, hoping to be the first thing you will see as soon as you wake up” a sense of fear invades you while thinking the last words.

"Is something troubling you, mind to talk?"

"We have no time for that, the sun is coming"

"True"

"I will see you in your home country, Lady Dimitrescu"

"I will see you soon, Rebecca, and thank you" the crystal barely manages to finish the sentence that the first rays hit it, extinguishing its flame.

You take a deep breath closing your eyes, while the sun lights up "A new adventure to come" you utter your lungs trying to overcome your latent worry.

---

The journey is fast. The permits made by Veronica were impeccable and the crystals pass all the checks without the need to take them out of the box one at a time unlike you, who are stopped by the metal detector despite not wearing metal "Lucky me, as usual"

Arriving at the airport of your destination, you find, in the crowd, a man, wearing the attire of a certain rank, moving a sign with your name on it. The man looks around for you.

You wave your hand and his tense face calms down. He quickly approaches you and takes your largest luggage. “Miss, the director of the Museum sends me. I'll be your personal driver"

“Personal driver? I don't think there is a need ..."

"Boss's orders" he replies without further explanation

"...I understand"

You walk towards the exit. You hold the package with the crystals to your chest, almost wanting to incorporate it inside you for the terror of losing it. The sliding doors open and the cold slaps your face violently "Fuck, I am going to die frozen" you exclaim bluntly.

The driver laughs "Welcome officially to Romania"

"Thank you ... I suppose" you answer while rummaging in a pocket with one hand and pulling out a handwritten piece of paper "This is the address of the hotel where I have my reservation. So you know where to go next"

“Don't worry, I already have all the details from your secretary. But we will not go directly to the hotel"

"We won't?"

"The director would like to see you immediately, she is waiting for you in her office here in the city"

You give a long sigh of surrender “I guess I don't have a choice. Let's go, and hurry up. The journey was very tiring "

"Sure, Miss"

"I didn't catch your name ..."

"Andrei, you can call me Andrei"

"Very well, Andrei ... call me Rebecca, there is no need for the Miss thing"

He nods as he closes your luggage in the trunk.

---

After a long drive, in which you got lost observing the architecture of the city, the car stops in front of a tall building, probably over 12 floors. With large vertical windows.

"We are here"

"Great!" you exclaim opening the box and taking out the backpack, behind the driver. The man gets out of the car and helps you to get out. You follow him inside the building, to the elevator. He presses the button on the fifth floor and while waiting you try to put your hair in order and regain your normal body temperature.

The elevator bell warns you that you have arrived at your destination and Andrei leads you on again. You pass a long corridor of doors, until he stops abruptly, so much so that you almost end up on him distracted by reading the names on the doors.

Andrei knocks and peeps his head into the office "Boss, she is here"

“OH LET HER IN!! QUICKLY!! " a shrill voice gives the order to pass.

You shyly enter the office. A contrast of modern and ancient strikes your gaze. The large windows of an architectural avant-garde building illuminate an office filled with ancient relics, paintings, vases, weapons. All strictly under lock and key and probably under alarm.

"I see you like my furniture"

You are brought back to reality “I am very sorry. Professional deviation” you turn your gaze to a female figure who gets up from the desk to approach you. You hold out your hand "Rebecca ..." you try to introduce yourself trying to grasp the details of the person. Long blonde hair wrapped in a defined ponytail. Two locks frame her pale face.

“Hildgerd” continues the woman “I read about you, Doctor Hildgerd, and I am very glad to meet you. I am Ioana Tradascun, please sit. You must be very exhausted"

"Indeed I am, and I am sorry I look like this ... but the driver took me directly from the airport. He says you wanted to see me"

“Yes, it was my order. I wanted to be sure you arrived safe and to meet you before I leave the city"

"Are you leaving?"

"I'm going back to my museum office. I have two, one here in the city for when I have to have meetings and one in the little village, to check events, new objects, etc."

"I understand, I wish I had two offices!" you try to joke "So you must have work to do"

“We have an upcoming event planned, but before I talk about my stuff… Rebecca, can I call you by your name? Why are you here?" her green eyes light up with inquisition as she leans in front of you, on the edge of the desk, crossing her legs from standing.

You swallow while hiding the agitation "Rebecca is fine, only if I can call you Ioana"

The blonde smiles positively.

“You already know I am a director of a Museum, just like you, so I'm curious by nature. During an anthropological event of Eastern European traditions, which they did in different parts of my city, I came across a group of kids who OBVIOUSLY spoke of vampires, from Transylvania, you know, the usual clichés"

“Oh god, I know I know… boring stories…” she replies

“And one of them started talking about the fact that there are several families around here that have ties to vampire cults, and they mentioned a missing city. Sadly at the time, I could not understand the names they gave ... but the internet is salvation in these cases! "

"Do not say that to me! Thanks to the internet we have tourism in these parts!" Ioana says raising her hands to the sky as a sign of thanks to the technology

“Searching assiduously, I ended up on the page of Muzeul Bizarului… and well, here” you conclude by shrugging your shoulders as if everything is perhaps obvious.

"That’s wonderful, and you decided to make a trip all the way here just because of those guys"

"Exactly, well, actually ... I had some days to use for vacation and I was really intrigued by the cult things ... Mother Mirei ..." you try to wrong on purpose the name

"Miranda" promptly corrects her

“Yeah, Miranda. I mean, what an absurd story about her! And the archaeologists who found the remains of the village! I guess they work at the museum” you try to ask covertly

Ioana stands up “Unfortunately they have abandoned the excavations, which are still in progress. They have dedicated themselves to other projects" the woman approaches a photo hanging on one of the walls where four men and two young girls are portrayed, one has something familiar "This was our research group. The four archaeologists, and these two girls were the trainees. This is me” she says pointing to the young woman you found familiar.

"What is the name of the other girl?" you ask as you get up to get a better look at the photo

"Hopsia"

"Such a particular name," you notice that at the base of the photo only the names of the men are marked, you take a mental photo to remember them

“Yes, perfect for her” Ioana cuts short

“I would like to continue talking about this later… in front of a drink? Maybe?" you dare to propose.

Ioana looks at the clock "I will leave before sunset, I think I will have time for that"

"Fantastic, I know that in the hotel where I'm staying they have an interesting list of cocktails. Do you mind meeting me there?"

"Sounds perfect to me"

"Excellent, I will see you later then. I really have to go ... I need a shower" you greet quickly as you leave the office finding Andrei in front of you, just behind the door, waiting.

"To the hotel, please?"

"Sure"

You squeeze your backpack "When I wake you up I will already have a lot to tell you"

Chapter Text

You rush into the booked bedroom, lean the suitcase against the wall and carefully close the door with the maximum number of key-turns possible, for further safety you place the back of a chair under the lock "Since when have I become so paranoid?" you think as you open the backpack on the desk. Now sunset is near and it's time to wake up the Lady. You don't have much time before the appointment. You open the suitcase and take out your Swiss army knife, you touch its tip and the drop that comes out falls directly on the crystal "I think that in less than an hour you will be awake, in the meantime, I start to change my clothes" you say to the nothing all around, since no one can yet listen to you “So, first of all, shower and then let's see what to wear”, you lock yourself in the bathroom and slip in the shower. Hot water envelops you and your muscles relax. Suddenly you feel like you are losing twenty kilos, you didn't notice the tension you carried on your shoulders "I wonder, Ioana, you are definitely younger than me, how can you already be the director of a museum? The excavations are recent ... yet you are the boss. And the archaeologists? Never, ever would I have abandoned such excavations, with still so much to discover and with all that mystery to unravel. Is it possible that all four have left the countryside? This stinks too much… I need to know more”. With utmost sadness you get out of the shower, despite the heating on, the change in temperature from the warmth of the steam and the bath is high. With the towel on, you walk carefully towards the bedroom, taking small steps, so as not to slip. You notice from the window that the first rays of the sun are disappearing, quickly you put on a pair of socks and grab the crystal to bring it near the window. You open the curtains completely and wait. The crystal begins to emit a shy glow.

"Here you are" you murmur.

"Good evening, Rebecca" the warm voice of the Lady greets you

“Good evening to you, Dimitrescu. You are home" you enunciate accompanying those words with the hand outwards showing the window "How do you feel being here again?"

A few moments pass. No reply.

"So?" you try to animate the answer.

"This is not my home" responds the Lady.

"I'm sorry, what? We are in Romania"

"I understand, but this is not my village. I don't know this place"

"But we are close to the village and your castle, you should also recognize these areas"

"Actually ..." the woman tries to explain

"Yes?"

"I never left the village. At least for the last century"

"Have you ever ever ever gone away?" you ask upset “How? You were a powerful Lady and you never left? Why? I…gah…I thought this vision would have been a nice surprise for you… finally home” you snort.

"I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention to spoil the moment, but I really don't know this place"

You gesticulate in the air walking back towards the center of the room "Yeah, yeah, never mind, I don't even know why I feel irritated" the crystal points partly towards the window and partly towards you. The matriarch looks at you "Particular clothing you are wearing now" she tries to change the subject.

You look at yourself, you are still wearing a towel around your body, and your socks. You start laughing "Sexy, huh?" you bow. Alcina chuckles "I was more worried about waking you up than getting dressed" you explain to her "Oh, by the way, I have interesting news. First of all: we will have company"

While you change in the bathroom, you tell the crystal about your meeting with Ioana and that you intend to get as much information from her as possible, but that you won't have much time.

"You know that you have to be silent all the time and just listen, don't you?" you ask her “We are literally walking on glass. If the Duke has sent you far from here there must be a reason and Ioana is the closest thing we have now to your Castle and to some answers"

"But I have many questions"

"I understand, but we can't risk it" you finish putting on your lipstick and walk to the window. You stoop to be eye level with the Lady "What do you think will happen if they discover that in my bag there is a talking crystal that strangely comes from their own excavations?"

Alcina makes a sequence of flashes. She has mixed feelings, she would like to know more but she must be patient and trust the human person "You're right" she replies surrendered "I will silence and listen, but I have to ask you something"

"Tell me"

"I need to know what happened to Ethan Winters, maybe that woman may have found something about him" she speaks as if through gritted teeth.

You stop to think and slap yourself on the forehead “I don't know why I didn't think about it before! Wait for me a moment” you move away from the crystal and grab the phone. You look for the wifi and type in the password “Ethan Winters…” you start reading among the results “There are so many. Pictures… let me check… Hair color? Description?"

“Blond, short hair, long face, 5 ft 11 inches more or less, typical white man. No particular sign” she replies almost annoyed.

"Could it be him?" you ask by showing a photo to the crystal.

Her brightness becomes more and more intense so that you have to cover your eyes "I take it as a yes" you turn away for fear of being blind. You blink your lashes a couple of times, everything around you is in dots. The sight takes a few seconds to recover "Damn it, Dimitrescu, I need my eyes!"

"I'm sorry, it's just that ..."

"I know, I know ... the massacre ... I know, but a YES was more than enough" you press on the photo of the man "I must tell you that at first glance he seems an empty being, who knows how he managed to kill so many people if that's really what happened," you think, as you read "FUCK, FUCK ... Dim"

"What happens?"

"He...he is...dead"

"No, he is not. I have to kill him with my hands"

"You can't ... I'm not kidding ... the obituary is online..." again you turn the phone to the Lady. You suppose the matriarch is reading and wait a few moments before retrieving the phone. She doesn't say a word.

Silence envelops the room. You don't know what to say. You sit on the edge of the bed and crawl your feet on the ground "I'm sorry" you whisper "I can't understand how you feel knowing that the person who reduced you to that state and who possibly killed your family is now dead"

Alcina's glow is tenuous “My revenge… ruined… my daughters… my brothers… Miranda… everything is gone… he is gone… I..." her voice cracks "I wish I could destroy myself...and disappear...It makes no sense to go back to my form. To what for?"

“Don't talk like that, please" you get up quickly and grab the crystal "Listen to me carefully, Dimitrescu" you say pointing the index finger at her "I didn't make a trip up here for nothing" you push the finger once on her chest "There must be something more. This Ethan died in February 2021, you ... when did you die?"

"The same month, but ... how is it possible?"

“Someone must have killed him! But the Duke ... he sent you after. Why? If that man has been eliminated, what reason did this Duke have for sending you away from home and with that request to take care of all of you"

"I don't know" Alcina can't follow your reasoning

"You do not understand? There is something else behind it! The Duke was protecting you from something bigger than that cheap blondie...there's more and I'm not going to stop until I have all the answers. Are you with me?"

With a strong glow the woman replies "I am with you"

A big smile appears on your face “FANTASTIC! Now, my Lady, we have a person to meet" you gently put the crystal back into the backpack "Remember, silence"

"Yes" Alcina mumbles from inside the scarf as you leave the room towards the main hall of the Hotel.

----

You sit at the bar, the bartender approaches you "What can I bring you?"

"A gin and tonic, please" you answer automatically "... no wait ... we are close to Russia, I bet you will have some excellent bottles of vodka, a vodka lemon, please" the bartender smiles "Right away, nuts?"

"Yes, please!"

The man brings you a bowl with peanuts, as soon as you bite into one you realize how hungry you are. You find a list near you and scroll through it by reading any solid food to go with the drink.

"I found you!" you feel a hand touching your shoulder, you turn quickly and cross Ioana's lively but scrutinizing eyes.

"Hi!" you greet.

"Were you waiting for too long?"

“No, no, I just arrived. I ordered a drink while I was waiting..."

"What did you ask for?"

"Vodka-lemon"

"Sounds great" she exclaims gesturing to the bartender to prepare one for her too "So, what do you want to know about these areas and the great mysteries that surround them?" the woman asks you jokingly.

"Let's see" you sit better on the stool "There are so many things I would like to know!" you pretend embarrassment “I don't know, why none of the archaeologists work at the museum? You told me they all left and you took over the direction of the place"

Ioana tilts her head "I see that you go straight to the point"

“My usual professional bias, I have a tendency to want to know everything… I apologize in case that is an inappropriate question. I don't want to make you uncomfortable"

"No, do not worry"

"It's just that, from colleague to colleague," you say placing a hand on her arm "I envy you a little, so young and already in charge of a museum"

The blonde blushes "I'm not much younger than you!"

"Of course, you are! And so I was wondering how you did it. I honestly don't know how things work here in Romans for jobs of a certain level"

“Well, let's say that our excavation campaign, as you saw from the photo in my office, was made up of six persons. Obviously, we had people for low labor, but in the end, it was four doctors and two trainees. Each archaeologist had a different task, each one dedicated to one of the lords, but they all worked together, mixing things"

"And why did they abandon everything?"

Ioana ties her hair behind her ears as if to buy time “You see, they were pretty superstitious. Do you know when they find an Egyptian sarcophagus and say not to open it for who knows what curse can be unleashed on humanity?"

You laugh "Oh my God, yes yes I know very well!"

“Well, when they realized they were entering the depths of some dark cult they pulled back. The lenders, on the other hand, wanted to know more… and with the data I had, I quickly finished my Ph.D. in order to take charge of the Museum. Those who gave the money preferred someone already aware of the excavations"

"Mhmm it makes sense" you think to yourself "I understand, I understand. What about Hope… Hostia…Ho…"

"Hopsia..."

"Yes, what about her? Wasn't she a trainee like you?"

The woman sighs “Yes, she was a local student. She took a lot of notes. I once asked her what she was working on and she didn't want to answer me. She was always very mysterious. She only spoke to our archaeologists. Between you and me” Ioana leans towards you and starts whispering “Once I got to see her notebooks, I couldn't read anything. Indecipherable. In my opinion, it was a bit…coo…coo" she makes a noise as if to describe a mentally unstable person.

"Poor girl"

Ioana shrugs "To tell you the truth, when she no longer appeared in the excavations was a great relief for me"

"Nice with colleagues eh..." you take a sip of your drink “And the village? How did it disappear? Was it really an earthquake?"

"Yes, exactly. A fault earthquake took away all the buildings. Unfortunately, the hypocenter was just below the village. A tragedy, not one person survived"

"Nobody?"

Ioana nods her head negatively “Zero. This brings even more tourists to these parts. No survivors but only the Castle, now a place of mysticism, standing after a natural event ... imagine..."

"I can only guess the kind of tourists that get here!"

"True, but money is money!" she responds by raising her glass as if making a toast to the Money God. You follow the gesture by raising your cocktail.

Chapter Text

You gesture to the bartender to bring you another cocktail "Why hasn't anyone decided to rebuild houses over there?" you continue talking to Ioana.

"Well, you see, the area is still an archaeological excavation, then with the story of the curses plus the cult... no one will ever want to go and live there again"

“I understand… and how do the visits to the Castle work? Were you commenting that you are preparing a special event?"

"Yup!" the woman changes the tone of voice as if the new theme interests her more "We are close to the winter solstice, the day when the night is the longest of the year. Well, the week of the solstice, which would then be the day after tomorrow, we will close the daytime visits and we will only make night visits to all the areas of the Castle that we leave open for tourists"

"That’s awesome!" your enthusiasm is genuine "Can I attend one of those visits?"

"Of course, I would be honored!"

"But ... would it be possible to see the Museum even during the day?"

“Mhmm, actually we will be closed, but I can turn a blind eye to a colleague if you come tomorrow. Some guides are in the area to prepare for the event. Someone can take you for a quick tour"

"Fantastic ... and what is the theme of the event?"

"The Bloodthirsty Lords"

"Do you mean the Four Lords?"

“Yeah, a couple of them were basically killers. In particular Lady Dimitrescu, she completely devoured her victims leaving only their bones"

"That's not true!" a hidden voice tries to object to that statement.

You instinctively cover the backpack.

"What was that?"

"What was what?"

"Someone said what I said wasn't true..."

"You have people behind you talking" you try to respond quickly pointing behind the blonde "Shit, Dimitrescu, shit" you think.

Ioana turns around.

"Someone will have raised their voice" you shrug

"Maybe, yeah, probably" the woman is not entirely convinced, she continues to look around her.

“Er… can you excuse me for a second? I need the bathroom…” you try to change the subject as you grab your bag.

"Sure, but you can leave your things here, don't worry"

You hold your backpack tight to you "No, you see… er… I have… my… period, yes, I have my period I need..."

Ioana waves her hands in front of you "It is not necessary to add more, I understand you"

You quickly walk away, closing the bathroom door behind you. Leave the backpack at the sink and place your hands on the marble edge taking a long, heavy breath.

You put your hand inside the backpack, rummage for a few seconds and move the crystal so you can just see it “I told you to shut up! You almost got us caught!" you whisper through clenched teeth.

“I am deeply sorry but she was lying” Lady Dimitrescu tries to explain

"Was she?"

"Yes, sort of ..."

“You need to follow my plan, what would have happened if she had understood that it was you talking? Do you know the mess we would have run into? She could have said that you are material from her museum, that you belong to the excavations"

The crystal pulsates faintly.

"She would have taken you away from me, Dimitrescu" you put your hands in your hair "Damn, pray she has taken the bait" you turn and lean your low back against the sink "You can say something, now"

"The excuse of the period was spot on"

“Thank you” you laugh “It was somehow brilliant. Anyways… you have to trust me, Dimitrescu"

"I will, I am sorry"

Again, you hide the crystal inside the backpack “I know this is an embarrassing situation for you, but we can't let our guard down for a second. I will tell you when you can talk. We need answers. Trust me. Now we have to go outside and pretend nothing has happened"

The bathroom door opens as you are finishing the sentence and Ioana appears. You stiffen.

"Are you ok? It was taking a long time and I thought I'd come and see if you were okay… who were you talking to?" she asks looking around.

“Er…” you hang the backpack on your shoulder “With… myself. I was, yes, I was telling my body to pretend nothing has happened because of the pain in my lower abdomen,” you say touching your belly.

"I see...I am sorry for that"

"Don't worry. Once a month I can take it” you say, smiling nervously

“Uhm, listen I have to go. I received a call and I really have to go on the road now"

"Oh ... ok ... I had so many questions to ask"

“Tomorrow my guides will be able to help you. I've already paid the bill, don't worry about that"

“You shouldn’t have…”

“It's the least I can do after all the trip you made to visit my museum. I hope to see you tomorrow, Rebecca” she lowers her head to greet you and disappears between the tables.

"Shit ... shit ... shit ..." you repeat inside the bathroom as soon as Ioana disappears "Shit ..." you walk through the corridors of the hotel to your room "Shit ..." you put the crystal on the desk.

"What is bothering you?"

"You did not see? I think she heard us talk, or at least she heard me talk...shit..."

"Don't worry, worst case scenario she might think you are crazy"

“Oh, great, would this be your way to cheer up people? And, for the record, I am crazy because I am talking to you"

The Lady makes a long and strong glow and you notice it "I am sorry" you shake your head "I am just tired and nervous. I need to sleep, I am sorry. I shouldn't have stormed like this"

"Have some rest, Rebecca" replies the crystal "I will guard your dreams"

At those words you approach the statue, you bring your hand closer to caress its head but you stop the gesture in mid-air. You sit next to her “I appreciate it, Dimitrescu. Tomorrow, I will try to visit your Castle. Unfortunately during the day, but it will be a way to make a first reconnaissance lap"

“First lap? What do you mean?"

"I don't have a plan, for now, just an idea. Listen. Ioana said she is planning a night event, correct?"

"Yes, I heard everything she said"

"So, I'll see the area during the day. I will try to understand which rooms are open and which are not. What is the route like, what type of tour they do, museum details, etc. All this information I will tell you in the evening because you only know your home and you only can tell me if things have changed compared to your time there. I'll try to understand what the evening event consists of and if I will be able to get away from the group. I don't know what I will find, but any details will be important. Dimitrescu, do you remember where in the castle you "died"?"

"I fought against Ethan Winters on top of one of the towers of the castle, the Tower of Worship"

"Fought?" you ask amazed "Do you mean a melee?"

"One to one"

Your jaw falls "You must be so strong" your thoughts take voice "You are not just a simple Lady ..."

Alcina chuckles "Surely I'm not"

"Please, continue the story"

"We had this fight, it was very intense and we finished crumbling some parts of the tower"

“Wait, wait, wait… how? How did you manage to destroy part of a tower?"

"I told you that it was an intense fight ..."

"But" you try to interrupt

"He had weapons, such as rifles, and guns"

"and you?"

The crystal stops the story "I ... I had my strength"

“Dimitrescu, I won't be a combat expert, but without weapons, it's not that easy to fight with someone who had them. How could you have thought not to hurt yourself against guns? Using only your body?"

"I could, because my strength came from my illness and from the treatment I was given"

"Are we talking about some kind of mutagenic thing?"

"Yes, we are"

You get up from your chair "Holy shit, this is insane ... are you telling me that not only Miranda's cure gave you some kind of vampiric diet but also super strength? I don't believe you, I mean, c'mon ... you're kidding me"

"I am not. Rebecca. I was strong but I don't think you can believe my words at this very moment"

"It's hard to believe this story. A cult, mutagens, a kidnapping ... I feel like I am inside some weird videogame"

"I suppose you will believe me when this curse has been broken"

"I guess so ... but, back to your story ... Tower of Worship, what happened next?"

"After the struggle, we fell for a few floors, up to the base of the tower and he ..." the crystal starts flashing non-stop "he ..."

"I got it, it's ok" you put your index finger on what you think might be the shoulder of the statue as comfort "Base of the tower, this is the information I need. Don't continue if you don't feel like it "

"Thank you"

"My mission tomorrow will be to try to see if that area can be visited and find anything that can help me free you from this crystallized form of yours" you let yourself fall into bed "You made me very curious to see your true form, Dimitrescu" you say yawning between the tiredness of the journey and of the day mixed with ingested alcohol "Promise me one thing" you groan while your eyes get heavy.

"Tell me" Alcina asks curiously

"When you will be back ... Don't eat me"

"I could never" she responds softly as sleep conquers you.

Chapter Text

You get up a little nauseated by the after-effects of the previous evening, so you decide to take a shower. Before going down for breakfast, you pick up the phone and send a message to the driver Andrei asking him to be found at the entrance in an hour and a half to take you to the Museum.

"Ready to go, Doctor?"

"Sure. I can't wait to visit the Castle!" you answer enthusiastically entering quickly into the car, the backpack containing the crystals always tight to you "After this trip, I will need several sessions at the physiotherapist, all this weight is destroying my back" you think.

Leaving the city the landscape begins to change, the road rises gently between the hills dedicated to agriculture, but this is not what catches your attention. In the distance, an immense mountain range dominates all around, with herbaceous vegetation alternating with forest: "WOW!" is the only thing you can say.

"Amazing landscape, isn't it?"

"I have no words, those mountains are so high!"

"In Romania, we have the tallest rock relief of Europe"

"For real?"

"Yes, doctor. And in a moment we are going through some of them. I really hope you are not car-sick"

"Why are you saying that?"

"You will see"

And he was not wrong, after about 40 minutes of travel, the road becomes winded, dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves, and sharp descents. Luckily for you, you don't suffer from extreme curves, but the breakfast you had earlier starts to peep out of your stomach.

"Are you all right back there?"

You nod quickly "Yes, but I didn't think the road was like this"

"This is nothing, the Transfăgărășan is much worse!"

You try to distract yourself by looking outside. The sun shines all around. There are a lot of glacial lakes and forests covered by snow "What a wonderful vegetation"

"We have oaks, beeches, conifers. You should stay longer and visit all the country"

"I wish I could..."

"Who knows, maybe you will find something that will make you come back"

At those words, you instinctively squeeze your bag more "Maybe"

"We are almost there" the driver quickly changes the subject "Just a couple of curves and we will be in the village"

You sharpen your eyes so as not to miss the smallest detail. After the second curve, the road suddenly changes and the mountains seem to move away from each other, widening the horizon towards a ghostly landscape. You find yourself catapulted into another dimension where the sun seems to no longer exist.

In front of you, stands the desolation of a destroyed village dominated by fog. The car starts to slow down, the streets inside the village are drying from the ice formed during the night. You can see that most of the few houses present are razed and covered with snow. Dry and broken trees increase the discomfort you feel looking around. A shiver runs through the body "I begin to understand the reason for all those macabre stories about the four lords."

You notice some people busy among the remains.

"Are they excavators?" you ask

"Exactly, here the investigation never ends"

"And do they also work with this fog?"

“Yes, but it will soon disappear. In the morning we always have it in this area ... look to your right, on the top" he says, pointing outside.

You move to that side of the car, the fog becomes less dense and a dark and immense figure begins to make its way behind it.

"Holy..." the words remain in your throat while your jaw hangs in midair as you see the building in the distance more and more clear "Is that Castle ..."

"... Dimitrescu" he finishes.

"That motherfucker" you exclaim aloud thinking about how Alcina has not prepared you for that majesty.

"I'm sorry?"

"Oh no, sorry, I wasn't talking to you ... sorry ... it's just ..." you lower the window regardless of the cold slap that hits your face "It's fucking huge!! Stop the car!!" you order and without waiting for the car to stop you completely open the door.

You stand still a few moments, turrets and battlements adorn the castle's fog-enshrouded towers and snowy balustrades. You notice that although some areas have collapsed, the grandeur remains. You put a hand to your face in amazement "That’s her Castle. Oh my god. That is HER frigging castle. I did it. I am almost there" you caress the backpack "We are almost there"

You turn to the car "How long does it take to walk up there?"

"At least an hour ... why?"

"Great, wait for me at the entrance. I want to take a tour around here"

"But they will be waiting for you"

“I didn't give Ioana a specific time. Go ahead and tell her I'll be there in about an hour. She will certainly use that time to continue organizing for the big event"

"As you wish, Doc" he replies not entirely convinced.

The car starts up again and you take a deep breath as if you wanted to inhale the little fog left.

"Ok, let's have a look around here" you turn your head left and right. You walk as far as possible away from the groups of researchers and diggers, trying not to arouse suspicion.

"Tourist, I'm a tourist, I'm not looking for anything, I just walking" you repeat to yourself with your hands in your pockets sure that you are imitating a natural walk when in reality you feel extremely tense.

The remains of the houses are partly made of stone and partly of wood. You find parts of chariots probably pulled by horses "The earthquake happened a few years ago and there are no remains of cars ... as if time stopped here decades ago" you reflect as you continue walking. No houses remained standing. No fences anchored to the ground "Fault earthquake, it doesn't make any sense. With an earthquake of that magnitude there should be cracks in the ground and broken houses as well as signs of collapse. But here" you kneel on the ground and touch crumbs of stones "everything is destroyed as if the destruction had been caused by..."

"An explosion"

The unexpected completion of your sentence makes you fall with your butt on the ground. You grab your backpack and turn to the voice "Who the fuck are you?" you ask frightened of a hooded figure.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to scare you,” they tell you, extending a hand towards you to help you get up. You realize that the voice is female.

You do not accept the gesture and, placing one knee and one hand on the ground, you place yourself in front of the stranger "Suddenly appearing is anything but refreshing!" you exclaim pointing the index finger at him "And you didn't answer me. Who are you?"

The hooded figure looks around “I have no time for futile presentations. Who told you that an earthquake destroyed this village?"

"No name, no answers" you cut it short by crossing your hands in front of your chest.

"It was Ioana, right?"

You squeeze your fingers in your arms without saying a word.

"Do you trust her?"

You frown "I don't like her at all" you would like to answer.

"Your body language gave me the answer I'm looking for"

"Fuck" you pronounce through gritted teeth.

The female figure puts a hand in an inside pocket of her cape and pulls out a note “Show up in this pub after midnight. No driver. Use a taxi. I will be waiting for you"

You take the ticket and look down to read it, it is an address and house number "I am not used to date strangers" you answer looking again at the woman "What the fuck?" but to your surprise, no one stands in front of you. You turn around looking for her. Nobody. "What the actual fucking fuck just happened? Where is she?". You look at the note again for fear that it too has disappeared, but it is still in your hands "I don't like this. Nope” you shake your head “Not at all”.

You hide the ticket inside your backpack and you walk quickly towards the Castle "Don't be scared. You are a grown woman ... in a village abandoned by God ... where people probably ate people... without friends ... without contacts ... alone ... to break a curse ... everything is fine"

--

From the other end of the village, there is a stone arch on the top of which you can read a double inscription, recently carved than the structure "Bine ati venit" and "Welcome"

"I suppose this is the entrance" you sigh breathlessly.

You cross the arch, but, with regret, you realize that the castle is still far away. Around you a creepy vineyard with scarecrows scattered here and there.

"Could it be the wine for Sanguis Virginis?" you ask yourself crossing the area at a fast pace “The vine is not dry, they probably still grow it. During the summer, everything will be lush out here. Oh! Finally!" you have almost finished the road and the majestic manor looms over you in all its grandeur. The overall structure of the estate dates back to the European Middle Ages and largely conforms to architectural concepts derived during its High Renaissance period, crafted from stratified limestone.

"This is amazing" you exclaim as you notice three figures a few meters away from you. One quickly waves her hand “Rebecca! You're finally here!"

"Ioana..." you reply trying to find the most jovial fake tone possible "I apologize, I wanted to entertain myself from the excavations and time has flown!"

"There is no need to apologize. Andrei warned me. I just hope you haven't caught cold! Don't worry, we have the heating on inside” she says taking you by the arm “This is Wadim. He will show you something of the Castle, not all because I want some things to be a surprise for you too on the day, or rather, on the first evening of the solstice week"

"Very pleased, I'm Rebecca" you reach out to the young man.

“Nice to meet you” he replies with a smile.

Ioana starts walking, taking you with her "Well, this is the main entrance. As you can see, there was this large gate that opens and closes only from inside the Castle. A first defense of the place to avoid entry by strangers. Now we leave it open, it only closes during the night" she explains to you as you cross a short external corridor surrounded by tall dry trees "While beyond this door, well, the magic begins" she points to a door, not in detail decorated but from which they protrude two small knockers in the shape of a lion's head from whose mouths a large ring extends "Who knows who had the courage to knock at this door ..." you think.

"Open up Wadim"

He pushes hard on the two doors of the main door. You hold your breath with a beating heart as your pupils focus on what is a few meters away from you.

You tilt your head as dissatisfied.

Ioana notices "Something wrong?"

"Er ... isn't it a bit modest as an entrance for this huge castle?"

The director laughs “I know, I know… but this is not the Main Hall. I believe that the Lady somehow used it as a ploy. You'll see ... I'll leave her to you, Wadim. I'd go, Andrei, come with me, please"

Ioana releases her hold on you and precedes you by moving away.

The guide gestures for you to follow him, going up a few steps which are located one meter from the door and in the small hall he shows a painting of three women.

"Who are they?" you ask

"They are a representation of the Lady's daughters: Bela, Daniela and Cassandra Dimitrescu"

You widen your eyes "Are these the daughters?"

"We believe so"

"Why do you believe?"

“Because the stories describe them as bloodthirsty killers. They attracted men and women and, by deceit, carried them into the castle without ever letting them see the sun again ... while the portrait, well, paints them as well-mannered girls" he explains to you as you get closer to the painting.

"They look so pure"

"Exactly ... they look ... they weren't"

You sigh following the boy towards a corridor "Now, this should be what you expected" he pushes a door ajar and finally there it is.

"The Main Hall" you exclaim raising your head on that two-sfloors room dominated by an immense chandelier "Yeah, this is what I was expecting from Lady Dimitrescu"

“As you can see heavily Baroque style. This room provides access to the upper floors of the Castle. There a fireplace that we will light for the nocturnal visits, probably the Lady took her tea or sipped her wine sitting on this large sofa"

“Sofa, wine and fireplace. I'd put my signature on it!"

“Not in the company of the Lady of the Castle. Trust me" he chuckles "Just the thought of all the people who lost their lives in here... brrrrr ..."

"They are all stories ..." you try to lighten the theme.

"Not so much. Follow me this way" he points you to the door to the right of the fireplace "I'll show you the vastness of the dining room and what we found in the kitchens"

"Okay, but what is behind that other door?" you point to the third one in the Main Hall.

“Oh, that is the door to the Hall of Four, which we are lighting up for night visits. In addition to that, there is the Tower of Warship"

"Tower of Warship?!" your curiosity has been fueled "The one I am looking for"

Wadim assumes your voice change is due to the tower name “Sadly, that area is off-limits for now. The tower has totally collapsed, probably following the earthquake that destroyed the village. We managed to break through the base, but it hasn't been completely cleared yet. We have found accumulations of ash and furthermore, for every stone we move, the walls around that are still standing could collapse. Unfortunately, we cannot let tourists through"

“I understand…I have to find a way to sneak in there. I am so close"

Chapter Text

[A few years earlier...]

"Come on, beautiful, this is the last effort I ask to both of you" the man shouts trying to encourage his horses to run faster. They neigh in the pouring rain as the carriage sways from side to side as if about to break into a thousand pieces at the next jump. Lightning opens the sky, one of the horses rears “We are almost there, don't stop. I have to secure them as soon as possible"
The man shakes the reins of the horses "I'm sorry. It wasn't supposed to be like that. He had to take down only Miranda, not all of you. I failed you. I am sorry” he says sobbing, some tears camouflaged among the raindrops.
The road is partially flooded, the man moves the reins to the right and the horses turn towards a dirt path. After a few meters, a small wooden house appears in the distance. "Here we are" the carriage stops a few steps from the entrance.
The door opens and a girl with long raven hair comes out quickly “Uncle! Wait! With this rain, you risk slipping!" she warns him as she approaches the man, extending her arm to help him "Where do you have the cane?"
"Here, under the seat" he answers leaning against the young woman on one side and pointing the stick on the other side.
With difficulty, they walk towards the entrance. The size of the man makes the steps difficult.
Just below the threshold, he drops his cane and takes a seat in a near wheelchair. The young woman takes two towels, she hands one to the man "Maybe I should prepare you a hot bath, uncle" and with the other, she gently begins to dry his blond curls.
"There is no time, my little one"
"Why this urgency?" she asks worried, placing herself in front of him.
The man gives a long sigh "Do you remember when I took you to Lady Beneviento and later told you how she could..."
"...bring her dolls to life?"
"And when we went to Lady Dimitrescu's"
"She called me little Raven the first time she met me because of my dark hair"
"Yes and I told you that all the bugs you saw around the castle"
"...were her daughters ... yeah, I remember your stories, why are you telling me that?"
"They are not stories..."
"Uncle, don't start this again"
"My baby, listen to me, please...I don't have much time"
"What do you mean?"
“Listen, you have to do something for me. Unfortunately, with my weight I can't do much more" he says, touching his huge belly "Inside the carriage, there are two trunks. One is very heavy, the other contains very fragile objects. I know it's raining outside but I need you to take them and bring them in as soon as possible"
"But uncle, can't everything wait until morning?"
"I am afraid not…"
The girl sees a strong concern and resignation in the man's eyes and she understands that she must do the favor immediately. With a little more reluctance, she goes outside and brings the two trunks one at a time. She places the lighter one in front of his uncle, while she drops the second and the heavier one immediately behind the door.
"What's in there?"
"You'll find out right away, first: open the one next to you"
The young woman opens the trunk. Inside, books upon books upon diaries.
"Take the red-brown one, with an engraved metal rhombus"
"This one?"
"Yes ... read the title"
The girl blows off some dust. She sees handwritten words "Donna's medical report" she states. A shiver runs down her body "Uncle..."
"There must be three other similar ones nearby ... read them"
"Salvatore's medical report, Karl's medical ... Alcina's ... oh my god..." the girl's hands begin to tremble as she grabs another notebook, this time simpler. Blue with a small strap to close it. She opens a random page

“October 2, a cloudy day.

4 of the people from the village are dead this morning.
1 is almost a lycan.
I sent it to my lab on the mountain.

I failed again. Mother wants strong vessels but I cannot get any.

I will need more people from the village."

“Vessels? You told me that Miranda used people for experiments... it was all so absurd that I thought..."
"that they were all stories invented by a poor old man using real people as main characters?"
The young woman nods.
"Do you believe me now?"
"I ... I ... am sorry, uncle"
"It's ok, my little one. ... come here and open this other trunk"
She drops the diaries and carries out the order.
Her jaw drops "But these are theirs..."
The man nods.
"Angie..." she murmurs stroking the porcelain doll "Uncle ... what happened? Why did Salvatore have bodies in his laboratory?"
"I wish I had more time to explain"
“Why do you have these things? Where are they? "
"They are gone. All of them,” he replies, his voice full of guilt
"Gone? Do you mean ... dead?"
"Yes, my dear"
The young woman drops to the ground and bursts into tears "But...how?"
“My darling, there are many things I haven't told you. Most of them are written in the diaries and books that are in there. But among these objects, there is more, not just relics. Open that cloth, do it with extreme caution"
Sobbing, she removes Karl's hat and finds a dark green cloth. She unfolds it.
"What are these?"
"That's what remains of the Dimitrescu's clan"
She takes the larger crystal in her bare hands feeling like a distant vibration emanating from the material. She frowns curiously.
The man observes that change in his niece "Did you feel it?"
She is afraid of what she is going to say "Alcina is trapped in there, isn't she?"
He smiles "She is still in there, as well as her daughters in the other crystals"
"How do we free them?"
"I think the answer is in the books, but you have to be the one to find it"
"What do you mean?"
He moves the wheelchair towards his niece "You have inherited from me my iced blue eyes and the passion for the extravagant, but from your mother, from my wonderful sister, you have not only taken her raven hair, and you know it..."
"I don't want to use those powers..."
“Not now, but there will be a time when you have to. Read all the books and diaries and you will understand. Meanwhile, I need you to save them. Send them away. Far from here."
"But to whom?"
“Someone who has no ties to this place, but who can be attracted to it. I must not know" the man drags the wheelchair towards the door and makes an attempt to get up.
His niece runs to him and helps, passing him the cane.
“Uncle… the rain hasn't stopped yet. You should wait a little longer"
"I can not. Accompany me to the carriage "
The raindrops have become less thick "I still don't understand why you don't want to buy a car"
"With the car, I would make fewer sales. It's less folkloristic"
She giggles.
The man tries to get into the carriage and stops. He turns to his niece "You know that you are the most important thing I have, right?"
"I know, uncle ..."
"I love you, little raven" he pronounces as if they were the most sacred and delicate words that can be uttered as he sits down and takes the reins of the horses.
"I love you, too" the girl replies.
The carriage moves and goes away.
The young woman feels a knot in her stomach.

--

"Faster and farther" the blond short curls are wet again while he makes the carriage run through the woods "It's only just a matter of time"
The horses' hooves echo quickly between asphalt and puddles, as if aware of the imminent danger.
“Now it's all in her hands, I hope I made the right choice. I can't afford to be wrong a second time…Ethan…why all of them?" he thinks looking at the darkness in front of him.
The horses suddenly neigh "Damn..." three cars pass the carriage and brake fiercely blocking the way.
Six men get out of the cars. Five in military clothing point a knee on the ground and a rifle towards the carriage, the sixth man covered by a white and red umbrella and wrapped in a raincoat stands between the two fronts.
"Get out, now"
"I am afraid I can't"
"I said get out of that carriage immediately, Duke"
"... I'm a little overweight ... I'll need help" he jokes
The man in the raincoat gestures to one of the soldiers who promptly approaches the Duke and drags him down.
"What a gentleman," he says sarcastically
"Give us the trunks"
"I don't know what you're talking about" the Duke shrugs, while the soldier under a new order climbs behind the carriage
"There's nothing here, sir"
"Where did you hide them?"
"You will never find out"
 “Duke, I used good manners. Tell me where the diaries and their remains are, now" the man in the raincoat moves his hand towards an internal pocket and takes out a gun which promptly points at the opponent "otherwise I promise you will not see the sunlight"
"You are just a pawn in this game"
"Pawn?" the agent laughs "I know everything ... I am not a simple soldier anymore. I know about the virus" he removes the safety from the gun "That’s why we need the diaries"
"Agent M, I'm not afraid of you"
“Tell me where are those fucking trunks. NOW!" the agent shouts in the rain.
"Never ..." the Duke smiles, stroking the side of one of the horses "They are safe, now"
The trigger is touched.
A first shot cuts the rain.
The Duke takes a heavy step backward grabbing the front of the carriage "The heart is a few centimeters to the left" he exclaims bringing a hand towards the base of the reins.
"It was the first warning..."
“Thank you, my friends” the duke whispers releasing the nail that held the reins in place. The horses feel the loss of tension and rear.
"What are you doing!?"
A second shot echoes.
"Run way from here!!!" the Duke shouts in ecstasy. The animals flee while the military fires into the confusion.
Agent M runs towards the man now lying on the ground "The only thing I envy you is how you have always managed to keep your blonde hair always so tidy, mine is a mess"
"You are finished, Duke"
"I was from the very beginning" the man feels the barrel of the gun on his forehead "But at least they are safe ... raven ... now it's all in your hands, Sophia ..."
The trigger clicks one last time.

Chapter Text

They leave the Main Hall behind them to enter a new area. From the wide-open door appears a long table prepared in detail for a meal that will never happen. On a thin white tablecloth, you notice a dessert holder, a teapot, and four porcelain teacups; four cups of wine, and several bottles with well-kept labels.

“In here the Dimitrescu family probably spent some domestic moments chatting. As you can see, everything is four in number. The cups, the goblets, and even the chairs "

"Exclusively for the Lady and her daughters?"

"You've read a little history from the Museum website, I guess"

You nod.

“There are two things you surely haven't noticed. Look around you closely"

You start walking slowly around. You see a fireplace, and another chandelier hanging from the roof. Green walls. Three more doors. You walk over to the table while Wadim looks at you. Your eye falls on the wine "Sanguis Virginis" you read whispering "Alcina's wine" then you think. You point to the bottles "These?"

The guide claps his hands victoriously “This is one. Lady Alcina Dimitrescu produced wine, some exported. You will surely have seen the vineyard beyond the entrance to the Castle. While another part, let's call it more valuable, she kept to herself"

"More valuable?"

The man approaches you and changes his tone of voice, lowering it and talking to you as if it were a big secret "the Lady occasionally bled young virgins from the village and used blood as a secret ingredient for her wine ... hence the name"

"Do you have any evidence of this?"

"Certainly, the liquid contained was taken to the analysis laboratory, and elements were found that can only be connected to blood"

"Why do you say it was human's?"

"For what we found in the basement ... but we will show the evening of the visit" he replies and then continues "You still missed one thing, but I will give you the solution. Look at the arrangement of the chairs"

You are tired of those games but you need to win their trust “A big one near the fireplace and three on the opposite side. Mother and daughters"

“You said right, the chairs are on the sides. Nobody at the head of the table"

You suddenly find that detail interesting "Nobody at the head of the table" you repeat "All the same, all equal"

“Although the four women had been ruthless and bloodthirsty, Lady Dimitrescu never felt superior to her three adoptive daughters. We understand this precisely from details such as the arrangement of the chairs. Underneath her skin, she had maternal instinct..."

"Even the worst killers have a heart"

"I disagree, but perhaps hers was one of the rare cases... well ... the door on the left takes us to the kitchens"

You raise your hand to interrupt him "I think the kitchens are the same in every castle" you begin to say "Where does this other door lead?"

Wadim smiles and approaches the third wooden entrance. He pushes it hard and a breeze of cold air envelops you “The courtyard. Follow me"

You are in a large open-air place. Four alternating stairways between as many small gardens lead to a central statue depicting a human being pierced, or perhaps sacrificed, by three other figures while a fifth and last one overlooks the entire scene. All around are arcades and other doors "You can easily get lost in this Castle!" you exclaim looking around.

“Yes, you have to be very careful. I'm sure there are also many secret passages that we have unfortunately not found, yet"

"Where do the other doors of the courtyard lead?"

“Northern stairwell leading to family leisure areas including Opera Hall, Bookstore, Atelier..."

"Music, reading and painting?"

“Lady Dimitrescu was a very gifted woman in all arts. We found short musical compositions and spectacular paintings by her, a source of genius or perhaps better to say, of madness. She was still an executioner"

"Wow ..." you exclaim "What can't this woman do?" you think to yourself more and more upset and fascinated by the duality of the Lady.

"While that door goes to the external area and the last one to the southern stairwell, it leads towards the private rooms of the matriarch"

"Do you mean the bedroom?"

"Yep, but there is one thing I want to show you that I think is more interesting"

“More interesting than the bedroom? The most private area of the Lady?"

The guide laughs “Unfortunately, I can't show you everything now, that area is quite particular and takes time. Let's go back inside"

You snort because the idea of seeing a little into Alcina's intimacy tickled your brain, but sadly, you are a guest and you have to play along.

You walk back into the Main Hall.

“Time to take a few steps,” he says

"Let's see what the upper floor hides," you think, making your eye fall on the passage to the Hall of Four.

At the end of the stairs, Wadim opens a small door from which a strong smell of wine comes out "This is the Wine Room"

"I can bet ... you can smell wine all around now"

The room is small, with a central table accompanied by four chairs. Bottles of wine almost everywhere. You don't notice anything that might interest your curiosity.

“I got it. She was very very very fond of wine "

“Totally, but look to the sides of the balcony. There we showcased really really interesting things"

You move along the left side and notice two huge vertical display cases containing mannequins wrapped in black fabrics. You walk next to the first.

The outfit consists of a long v-neck black hooded dress, accompanied by black gloves, a black tank top, two sets of necklaces with swords and pendants, flower brooches on the sides of the dress, a choker with a flashy yellow pendant. The dress is tightened at the waist by a black corset that centrally carries a long series of small black buttons.

While you follow the path dictated by the buttons you notice the golden descriptive plate at the base of the case and you gasp, bringing one hand to your mouth "Daughter's clothing" you read while with the other hand you instinctively tighten one of the shoulder straps of the backpack "This belonged to one of the girls" you feel a knot in your stomach. The more you advance in the visit, the more you realize how it is all so true. “Those crystals I carry… one of them is… her, but who… Daniela? Bela? Cassandra?" you think moving quickly taking a few steps towards the second case. You find a mannequin dressed in the same way, but this time the gem in the chocker is green.

You watch everything in subdued silence. Without paying attention to the guide, which curiously observes your every move.

"Everything OK?" he asks you.

"Yeah..of course..of course ... it's just ..." you stop "how can I lie?" you look again at the case near you "It is absurd to think that such cruel people really existed" your stomach tightens at those words. Deep inside you feel that there must be a plausible explanation for that life so twisted "Alcina seems so kind ... I can't understand"

"Appearances are deceiving. But the interesting thing is that the daughters had a totally different style from their mother. You will understand what I am saying by checking the other side of the balcony"

You don't have to let those words be repeated twice and rush into the opposite area. The first case is the same as the others, but the chocker is now red. In place of the second display case, there is an indication of "Dressing room" you turn your gaze in the direction of the arrow. A narrow, well-lit corridor opens up. You do not wait for the guide to invite you to that passage, you just follow the lighting and directions. Once you have crossed the threshold you can only open your mouth wide.

You do not notice the fact that it is the first totally white room you enter.

You don't notice the marble decorations.

You don't notice the large closet on your right.

But the central case.

The gigantic, huge, mighty central case.

"Oh my fucking ... goddess?"

You walk around the case over and over again in disbelief.

"Fuck!"

Wadim is on the threshold amused by the scene “This is the reaction you all have. I never get tired"

"This is HUGE. She is HUGE!" you keep repeating pointing to what is kept under the glass “How?? I mean… wow, I had read that she suffered from gigantism but this… she is really gigantic… is this a real dress?" you feel like a child totally conquered by a new wonder

"One of many"

“Oh my god… and the black hat! That's class, you guys! And the gloves! No way… and what is this… no no no way !! A cigarette holder?!?"

“She was indeed a very classy sassy cannibal. We had to have a mannequin made on purpose to fill that dress"

You put a hand in your hair. The long cream-colored dress shows how the Lady was a curvy woman not at all worried about showing her bosom "Jeez, that dress can make anyone's head spin" you think to yourself "Damn..." your cheekbones suddenly turn red

"I didn't show you her portrait, did I?"

"Do you have a portrait of her? And just now you tell me? Are you kidding me?"

"It's on the other side of this floor"

"Bring me there immediately!"

You are exiting the small corridor when a young man approaches you. The same skinny young man you noticed on the ground floor.

"What are you doing here? You should be downstairs"

"I know, I am sorry, but they are calling you from the basement it seems they are having issues con la disposition of some barrels and they need your help"

The guide rolls his eyes and turns to you "I'm sorry Rebecca, I have to leave you" and then continues to the boy "Can you accompany her to the exit? The castle is a labyrinth and I do not want her to get lost or to be found in the most destroyed areas and at risk of collapse"

The young man nods.

"Again, I'm sorry. I'll look for your driver as I get off. I will see you the opening night! " the guide runs quickly down the stairs, while the young man nervously scratches his arm.

"So, are you Ioana's special guest?"

"Just a guest, not so special"

"That is how she is calling you ..."

"I see ..." you frown "I don't like that at all"

"Have you seen the dressing room and the armory?"

"Just the dressing room, is there also an armory in the same corridor?"

“Yeah. Very useful, in my opinion, to have weapons at hand in a moment of weakness such as during changing clothes ... the Dimitrescu family had many enemies"

“You speak as if it is right for them to defend themselves. After all, weren't they murderers?" you ask intrigued by the way he is talking about the four women.

"So they say..." he seems lost in his thoughts.

You snap your fingers in front of his eyes. You swear that for a moment his hazel pupils have turned bright yellow.

“Back to me, young man. Can you take me to the armory? Or to where the portrait of the Lady is located?"

"No, I have to follow orders" he replies quickly

"Pretty please?"

"I am sorry. I have to follow the orders, Doctor Rebecca. Trust me, it's better this way" he precedes you on the way back to the ground floor. You do not understand why you need someone always by your side, Main Hall, a corridor and you are at the entrance.

"That is the exit. I leave you here. I need to continue the cleaning"

"Of course, and thank you ... I am sorry, I didn’t get your name"

"Because I didn't tell you. I am Călin” he responds with a bow before disappearing down the corridor.

You are alone all of a sudden. "Should I..." you look carefully around "Yeah. ... totally". With a soft step and very close to the walls you return to the Main Hall paying attention to any sounds nearby. You look in the direction of the door towards the Hall of Four "Nobody in the area" you bring the backpack to your chest and you tighten it "Let's go".

You push the door. It squeaks.

"Fuck fuck fuck ... shhh door ... shhhh!" you manage to open a crack and slip into it. You almost fly down the steps "Who the fuck puts stairs behind a door!?" you let it slip while holding your chest. Your heart is racing with fright.

An immense room surrounded by a balcony centralizes the attention toward four statues rising from the floor. On the opposite side of you is a massive red door with some kind of inscription.

You approach the statues, to see if they have any plaques. Each of them carries a pair of wings behind and is defined by a single word. Different for each one.

Pleasure. Joy. Rage. Sorrow.

“Two good and two bad. Specular. Is this your vision of life, Dimitrescu?" you wonder when you hear a rapid sound of heels approaching.

"Fuck ..." you look for where to hide, but as soon as you rush to the side of the ladder a familiar blonde hair appears.

“Rebecca! What are you doing here?"

"Er ... I'm sorry Ioana ... but ... Wadim was called for an emergency and the driver did not arrive, so I decided to take a ride while waiting"

"This area is dangerous, didn't he tell you?"

"Yes ... but I like the risk"

"Curiosity kills ... they say ..." she says raising a corner of her mouth "Come, Andrei is waiting for you to take you back to town"

"Coming" you answer while Ioana picks up the cell phone.

You arrive at the entrance...again. Andrei is waiting for you "This sucks" you think and you turn to the director who is a few meters away immersed in a phone call. Lend your ear trying to catch a few words

"Yeah ... I know ... time ... but ... I ... them ... yes ... well ... almost ... trust me on this" she puts her hand on the phone and turns to you with a fake smile "Business calling"

"I understand" you reply, returning with an equally false smile.

You look at Andrei "Drive me home"

Chapter Text

You make the return trip in silence or by replying shortly to the driver.

"Do you have any plans for the evening?"

"I suppose I will sleep"

When you arrive at the hotel your belly is grumbling, remembering how you skipped lunch you ask for room service and wait for your food while you take a hot shower.

You eat voraciously and sit in bed opening your laptop. You decide to enter the Muzeul Bizarului page again to search for the email contacts of the four researchers who first found the remains of the village and also look for the address marked on the ticket that the hooded woman left you to understand how to get there without Andrei.

You send an email to each researcher, luckily you found their information. You tried to write something short and concise introducing you, saying that you wanted to know why they left, and above all that you have visited the place and that you fear that the earthquake theory in your opinion does not hold up very much and that you would like to have the geological evidence they used, lying that you were interested in the geological history of the area.

You close the computer and fall asleep while the words of the guide, the images of the castle, and the thought of how it would be possible to slip into the tower without being seen are repeated in your head.

The afternoon hours pass quickly and you are woken up by the phone.

Three emails, two automatic replies of wrong addresses and one ... very strange.

“Fellow researcher!

I must admit that your theory sounds interesting

Nevertheless, I have to confirm that on several fronts and with insistence of evidence the

Destruction of the area was caused by a violent but localized earthquake

Sadly I can't help you more with the geological aspect

On the other side, about the lords and the cult

Peculiar things you can find in the castle if you look with a very open mind

Hopefully, you will have time to find your answers

I can't write you details at this specific moment but

A particular kind of people are very interested and invested in the Castle”

"What the heck? What kind of answer is this? It is so absurdly convoluted ... it seems that it does not agree with my theory because there is evidence to the contrary, but at the same time he cannot help on that part by contradicting himself and that I have to look better? How do I get around in that museum it seems like everyone has their eyes on me ... wait a moment ... maybe that's the meaning of the last sentence? Don't they leave me alone because they are hiding something? I'm at a dead end with the researchers ... I understand" you snort as you approach the window, the time of sunset is approaching and with it the time to wake up the crystal. You have so many thoughts on your mind, everything you saw at the museum, the strange hooded girl, the phone call from Ioana, the little boy "I am sure his eyes changed color ... I need a drink"

You call for room service again.

Immediately, you uncorked the bottle of beer that the waiter holds out to you and leave the wine on the table near the crystal "This for later" you think to yourself, while the sun hides behind the buildings. You quickly throw down a few sips of the golden elixir and you injure your finger, as is now a tradition at that hour.

"Good evening, M'lady"

“Good evening, Rebecca. Did we have a productive day?"

“You have no idea! Everything happened!" you exclaim waving "I met several people, I think Ioana is not telling me the right story, the village is completely razed to the ground and you know what? I believe the earthquake story is not true" you walk back and forth “They didn't leave me alone in the castle for a minute. The guide showed me perhaps a third of that place and you could have also told me that your castle was so ... so ... huge and twisted ... and ..."

The crystal flashes amused "Calm down, Rebecca!"

“No no, I keep finding out about you and your family and I only have piles and piles of questions to ask! For example: how tall are you?"

"Somehow odd as first question"

"Not so much, I saw one of your dresses on display"

"On display?" the tone of the Lady's voice changes radically "What do you mean?"

You notice the change, between intrigued, melancholy, sad and confused. You take a chair and drag it near the table by turning the back towards the crystal so that you sit with your chest resting on the wooden support.

“Excuse me, I was a raging river… the castle has become a museum that showcases everything that was found including your wardrobe. To be precise, I saw your gorgeous cream dress and a majestic black hat inside what your dressing room should be. But around the stairs on the second floor, there were long black dresses which, according to the plates, belonged to your daughters"

The crystal lowers its brightness considerably "My poor children..." the words are pronounced with suffering "I wish I could at least shed a tear, one for each of them, but I can't. This thing that traps me prevents me from fully embracing my pain"

"Dimitrescu, we will find a way to solve this situation" you try to cheer her up, but the Lady does not answer "I promise I will do my best"

The crystal light grows a little “I know you will, you are already doing it. Thank you. And I'm sorry, my maternal side has pervaded me knowing that my girls' clothes are shown as lifeless objects, only so that tourists with questionable tastes can increase their thirst for the absurd"

“You don't have to apologize, in fact, it's my fault. I am very busy with all the things I have seen that I did not think that this is actually your home and that strangers have taken possession of it. Shall we start over?"

"I suppose we can"

"Very well, I have no idea where to start"

"Why don't you try to start from the beginning" suggests the Lady "From the village"

"Sure" you reply with a hint of a smile "Be tactful, Rebecca, damnit"

You tell her that you don't believe in the earthquake theory.

"An explosion?"

"Yes, like a bomb, you know? The remains of the houses do not match those of an earthquake. A couple of my neurons have vague memories of geology and do you know what was even more absurd?"

"Tell me"

“Just when I was immersed in that thought, scanning the village, a hooded figure appears behind me. She almost gave me a heart attack! I fell on my buttocks, in fact, I still have pain"

“Who was she? Did she hurt you? " asks the worried matriarch

"No, no, don't worry ... quite the opposite" you continue telling about the card and the invitation.

“And you haven't been able to see anything of her face? Hands?"

“Nothing, Dimitrescu. She was very good in hiding"

Then you talk to her about the castle, about the guide absolutely fixed on the fact that the family was extremely evil "He told me that the basements would confirm who you really are ... something related to your wine"

"What exactly did he tell you?" she asks, letting out a few flashes.

“There is blood in your Sanguis Virginis. I remember you telling me that you need to eat human flesh and blood because of your illness, I was shocked, but for some strange reason, I didn't want to believe it until, well, I saw the wine and the guide told me they did analysis"

"I didn't lie to you" she states.

"I know ... but I still don't understand how you were able to do it ... how many people do you have ... I mean ..."

"How many people have I killed?" she asks you in a deep and severe voice

You bite your lips nervously "Yes, how many?"

"A lot. I did it to survive, Rebecca, and those people deserved it"

You get up from your chair "How can you be so sure?"

“The village had certain rules and anyone who went against them was punished. One of the maximum penalties was to end up in the hands of one of the Four Lords. I have tried in every way to avoid bleeding innocent people. You have to believe me"

You feel your stomach turning over "Who decided their fate?"

"Mother Miranda"

“I see” you start walking nervously around the room “She blindly followed her orders, all her orders. Fucking disease"

"Talk to me, what is bothering you?"

"I am confused, Dimitrescu, I know you were ill ... but maybe there were other ways ... I mean there are blood banks, hospitals ..." you scratch your head trying to find a logical explanation.

“We couldn't leave the village, we had to keep everything under control and we had everything there. Miranda said we didn't need to look for things elsewhere"

“They were somehow prisoners of that woman… unaware prisoners… can it be possible? Makes sense ..." you think "I can't fully understand yet, but I believe you"

"I can't expect you to understand the situation I was in"

"And where you will be"

"What do you mean?"

"When and if I manage to get you out of that crystal ... you will always be sick"

"I ... I guess so ..." the Lady is worried "I will not hurt you"

"You promised me you won't, but we will have to figure that out sooner or later" the topic has overloaded your chest, your heart is agitated and you are in a mild state of anxiety, "I asked the guide to take me to your rooms, but he didn't want to" you try to change the subject "so he took me to see your closet, but ... in the end, I managed to see the door that takes you to the Tower of Worship"

The statue lights up strongly "Did you find it, then?"

“I found where it is but it is off-limits. They told me it's very dangerous to go near it because it could crash at any moment. You told me you had partially destroyed it, but I didn't think like that"

“I'm afraid you have to overstate the things I tell you. Your perception is different from mine. The tower practically collapsed on me"

You gasp "Were you trapped in the rubble when Ethan… killed you?"

"Yes, I was"

"But it's terrible"

"It was a fight for survival and he got the better of it"

“Not quite… he's really dead… you can still talk. Laughs best who laughs last"

"You're right. So what's the plan now?"

"The plan ..." you take the card with the hooded woman's address in your hand "We have an appointment here later and I think we should go. Whoever she is she hates Ioana, too, and the enemy of my enemy is my friend"

"Do you always think that director is lying to us?"

"I heard her talking on the phone in a way that stank to me and she didn't allow me to be alone in the castle. She says that I am, and I quote, her special guest. I fear she is up to something… but I don't know what. She can't know that you are with me"

"We need more information"

“We'll go to the pub, but in the meantime, I tried to do some more research, and I looked up the names of the researchers from the first excavation group. Only one answered me, but ... what you wrote makes absolutely no sense "

"May I read it?" Alcina asks you.

"Of course, wait while I look in the phone ... here" you turn the screen towards the crystal "Can you see?"

"Yes, Fellow researcher..." she continues to read in a low voice muttering a few words here and there "Mhmm, at least, a very particular answer"

"Isn't it?" you confirm by touching the mobile phone screen, reducing the size of the letters “It makes absolutely no sense. I mean, why write like this when a simple I can't help you would be enough"

“You're not wrong, a language that has to make you think. Please show me the answer again"

You turn the display again "I'll enlarge the screen"

"No ..." she stops you "Wait ... who is Sophia?"

"Sophia?"

“Look closely, Rebecca, now that you've reduced the screen size. The sentences wrap around without much sense, sometimes breaking apart ... but if you read the first letter of each sentence, only the capital letters..."

“Fellow, I, Nevertheless, Destruction, Sadly, On, Peculiar, Hopefully, I, A… FIND SOPHIA… HOLY SHIT !!!! OH MY GOD, YOU ARE A FUCKING GENIUS, LADY DIMITRESCU !!!!! HE LEFT US A CLUE !!! " you put your hands on your head shocked and exalted “We need to find this person! She might be able to help us! Oh my god! We have a lead! I could kiss you right now!"

"You would cut your beautiful lips" she replies with a chuckle

You blush for apparent no reason “You're right, but you don't know how happy I am with this new information. Sophia. Brilliant!"

"What time do we have to be at the pub?"

"After midnight" you look at the clock, it's a quarter past eleven "I'll change my clothes, and we leave. I will take a taxi, I hope Andrei isn't out here ... because in that case, I would have another confirmation that Ioana is spying on me"

Chapter Text

[A memory...] “Goodmorning, Alcina. Are you checking the fruits of this year? " he says stopping the carriage along the road

"Goodmorning, Duke" she replies, stroking a bunch of vines "We will have a good year, the grapes are very big and juicy. What wind brings you to my Castle?"

"I found a couple of paintings that could be suitable for your Opera Hall and I wanted to give you the contact of that blacksmith, you know, for your broken chandelier"

"Marvelous! The girls did a great deal of damage this time. I hope it can be fixed"

“He's very good, don't worry… just… let him go when he's done. It's getting more and more difficult to find people who want to work here"

Lady Dimitrescu smirks “No biting. I promise. I will tell the same to the girls"

"Very well, just let me find ... the piece of paper ..." with difficulty the Duke turns towards the inside of the carriage.

"Uncle, are you looking for this?" a shrill voice is heard behind the wood.

Alcina takes a couple of steps toward the horses, intrigued by the sound she has just heard.

"Yes, sweetie. Be quiet, we'll be leaving soon” the Duke sits back and gasps seeing the Lady now closer.

She points to the inside of the carriage "Who called you Uncle?"

A little head with long thick black hair appears on the Duke's shoulder "Hi! It was me!"

Alcina raises an eyebrow "Good afternoon!"

The duke puts a hand to his forehead "I told you to stay quiet while I'm working, I beg your pardon Alcina"

"Are you the real Lady Dimitrescu?" the little girl tries to push her uncle a little to the side and she widens her eyes, tidying her black hair behind the ears “My uncle told me everything about you! You are very beautiful!"

Alcina laughs “Lively and impertinent! Like you, my dear friend” she says looking at the Duke

"This is my niece..." he starts introducing her but the Lady interrupts him.

"I am Countess Alcina Dimitrescu, you can call me Lady Dimitrescu ... and you are a very unique Little Raven" the woman states by touching the girl's dark as the night hair with her fingertips.

"You are so big!" the kid says not at all frightened

"Oh, dear ..." the Duke sighs

"A very unique chatty Little Raven"

-

You leave the bathroom, changed, you walk to the table to grab the statue and doubt arises "Dimitrescu, I was thinking that maybe we should start using signals"

The crystal makes a long blunder "What use?"

"You see" you sit next to her "When I have you in my bag, I always tell you not to make noises ... but now that we are officially in your territory, maybe while I'm talking to people, you hear something that I don't understand and you would like to tell me...you know like how before you noticed the clue in the email. I don't have a big big brain and I could miss some pieces"

"I understand, and I agree with everything but one thing"

"What's that?"

"That you don't have a big big brain"

You laugh.

“I'm serious, Rebecca. You are very clever. If we have come this far it is because we have been very cautious and have followed your instincts and your plan. Sadly, in my position, I can't help much and I am glad that I can help with small things"

"I don't think the email thing was that small, Dimitrescu"

"Believe me when I tell you that I could do a lot more in my most human form"

"If your exterior is even only a tenth of what your brain and your ways are, then all you do is to increase my curiosity to see you in full"

The crystal chuckles.

"But for now, we have to work like this"

"For now we work fine as a couple"

“You can bet… now… the signal. Any ideas?"

The Lady mumbles "I might cough in case I want to tell you something in private"

"Sounds good, and in case you sense that I'm in danger?"

The crystal lets out a harmonious whistle "This could distract any person who might have put you in the corner for a moment"

"Dimitrescu, how the hell can you whistle without lips and tongue?"

"The same way I talk to you and I'm somehow alive"

"That is to say?"

"I have no idea" she sighs.

"You almost got me there" you answer smiling as you gently hand her into your backpack, wrapped in your favorite scarf.

Quickly, you move down the stairs, passing the entrance counter.

"Miss, do you want me to call your driver?" the guy at the front door stops in front of you.

"Oh, no no thank you"

"I was told to call him whenever you needed"

"What if I want to take a walk?"

"But it's very late, Miss"

A whistle interrupts the conversation. The boy looks around. You hold the bag "Well played" you think while you take some bills from your pocket and show them to the young man.

"Listen, what if you didn’t see me at all?"

He grabs the money "I don't know who you are, Miss"

"Good boy" you reply, winking and leaving as fast as possible.

You move away from the building looking for the busiest streets, you open your backpack "I wasn't in much danger, but I thank you"

“We couldn't waste any more time with that person. You were right, they are spying on us"

"Yes," you reply looking around "Do you say that the taxi drivers around here will be able to speak English?"

"I could speak for you"

"It would be ridiculous, I don't know lipsyncing in Romanian"

"Put on your scarf and put me under your jacket"

"I will not be credible"

“My voice under your jacket will be as if you were speaking from the fabric of the scarf. Also, it is night, the drivers will be tired. Just show him the paper with the address and I'll do the rest"

"Dimitrescu ..."

"Rebecca, if there really is someone following our footsteps we don't have much time to waste. This is the only way I can help you. Let me do this… just… hold tight the bag. My girls won't be protected by anything for a while"

You let out a long sigh “I give up. Your plan is the only viable. I'll keep you under my jacket until we arrive”. You approach an alley, not too dark. Looking around you take out the scarf and wrap it tightly around your neck. You take the crystal and try to put it inside the jacket "Ok, we are two idiots ... I can't hold you, while holding the bag and having a hand free for the taxi".

"You have no internal pockets"

"No" you lean your back against the wall and look at your clothes. Layers and layers of sweaters and shirts “Wait! I don't wear a bra!"

The crystal lights up intermittently "And what does this have to do with our situation?"

“I am sorry, I mean that I am wearing a sports bra, you know in case we have to run… it holds up better…nevermind… it tightens enough and can work as an inside pocket. I can put you in there” you exclaim enthusiastically to have found a solution.

"I ... I ... I don't think it's appropriate"

"Why not?"

"Do you remember that I am a human being in some way?"

"So...?"

"And you would like to put me inside your bra ... private part ... your bosom ..."

"But ... oh ... ooooooooh ...." you blush "I see now your point" you cover your eyes with one hand trying to hide the red of your face.

Alcina realizes your reaction "You can be both rational and impulsive, impressive"

"I am very sorry, maybe you are right. Sometime I forget there is a person behind all that mineral"

"Nothing to be ashamed of and on a second thought, I think this is the only solution we have and we're wasting time"

"Are you sure?"

"Go ahead, and don't worry. You have nothing that I haven't already seen"

You blush again "Did you see me without clothes at night while you were awake?"

"No, you silly! I am a woman, just like you"

"Sure, right..."

You move the fabric of the bra a little while trying to insert the crystal, leaving what appears to be the head sticking out. Sharp edges scratch your skin, and extremely small drops of blood make their way. The crystal absorbs them "I'm hurting you" Alcina murmurs with guilt.

"It's ok. The price to pay for my stupid idea"

"You shouldn't be so mean to yourself"

“I would just like to sink. I'm acting like a fool"

“Rebecca, I need the strong side of you back to me. We have to meet a mysterious woman and I need the Doctor that I met these days in action"

You smile and close your jacket "You can be very persuasive" you answer while holding out your hand calling a taxi.

After several attempts, a car pulls up and you get in. As soon as you sit down you stretch out your arm with the address. Alcina understands the movement "Duceti-ma la aceasta adresa, va rog"

The man understands, he doesn't ask questions. He reads the address and starts driving. You look out to avoid conversation "It seems to be working"

"Cartierul barurilor" he tells you, catching you off guard.

You meet his eyes in the rearview mirror. You panic, but you have someone who has your back.

"Sper să găsesc un pahar bun de vin"

The taxi driver laughs “Te înțeleg” and after a few meters, he stops the car “Lată-ne” he tells you. Quickly you take out some bills and hand them to him. You leave the change while the crystal speaks "Mulțumesc mult"

"Sa aveti o seara placuta" replies the man as he drives away.

You take a long, deep breath.

“Your heart is pounding, Rebecca. I can hear it from here"

"I was afraid he would find us out"

"I told you to trust me"

"I know ... what did you say?"

"Nothing special, he said we were going to the club district and I replied that I needed a glass of wine"

"Very clever!"

"Thank you. Which building should we go to now?"

You read the number on the ticket and look around "It seems that one" you reply pointing to a pub full of people "A little too crowded"

"The best way to hide is in a crowd"

"Or inside a castle in a remote village" you say ironically

"Touché"

"I think I'll still keep you close, in case no one speaks English"

"Are you sure? I think I'm not necessary. I hear the sound of many young people. You can make yourself understood" she says, but your heartbeat gets faster "I understand"

You touch your jacket at chest height "At least until I enter, then I'll find a way to hide you back in the backpack"

"Okay, but be careful"

You approach the pub entrance, open the huge door and you are immediately enveloped in the acrid scent of alcohol. You walk to an empty stool on the counter, you sit down. A bartender approaches "Foreigner, what are you ordering?"

You take a sigh of relief when you hear those words “A beer, please. A red one. I am waiting for someone"

"A red beer for the beautiful girl" he replies with a big smile as he walks away. He draws the beer and you notice that he gestures towards a mate pointing at you. The colleague, much larger and with a long black beard, moves into the back room. You follow him with your eyes and you get agitated. The first bartender brings you the beer "On the house" he tells you.

"Thank you..." you answer hesitantly taking a couple of sips.

The bearded man reappears and walks towards you. You pretend nothing has happened. He stops in front of your face. “As soon as you finish your beer, go behind the counter. At the bottom on the right, you will find some stairs. At the top, she will be waiting for you"

"She?" you ask, but he pretends not to listen to you and takes the order of a girl next to you.

You finish drinking and you carry out the orders given to you. You are very upset. Alcina hears it and coughs. You feel it when you are at the bottom of the stairs. It's all in dim light, you take off your scarf “What's going on? Why did you cough?"

“I needed to talk to you. Rebecca, take a long, deep breath "

"Why?"

"Because they can hear your heartbeat up to the Castle"

"I'm sorry, I feel that everything is getting more dangerous"

"It's normal to be a little afraid"

"I am not scared"

"Are you sure?"

"Let's just say that I am very very veeeeeery worried"

"Then it means we will be very worried together"

"Thank you"

“Now, put me in your bag. I don't want to scratch your skin any longer, and you'd better be freer to move"

"Roger, that" you bring the backpack close to the opening of the jacket and stealthily pass the crystal from one hiding place to another, then wrap her and the other three crystals in the scarf "Let's go" and go up the stairs.

You knock on the door a couple of times. Notice it's armored. You don't have to wait long before you hear a series of locks opening.

The door opens a little showing the hooded figure you know. "Come in, quickly," she tells you making room for you.

You enter and the woman immediately closes all the locks "Did someone follow you?"

"I hope not" you reply, turning your gaze towards the interior of what appears to be an apartment. The entrance consists of a short corridor that opens to a kitchen with yellow walls. The furniture is dark wood, with scattered plates, and cups with yellow-orange tones. In the center, there is a little dinner table, also made of wood, on which a series of books and paperwork are placed. The light is warm, strangely you don't feel in danger.

"You can sit in one of those chairs and you can leave your jacket and bag wherever you want"

"Thank you" you say as you sit down. Drop the jacket onto the back of the chair and rest the backpack on your knees.

"Can I offer you some tea or coffee?"

"A tea is fine, thanks" you reply without adding anything else.

The woman moves gracefully among the dishes and boils some water while she prepares a tray with cups, sugar and milk. She puts it on the table "I'm sorry I scared you this morning, my first approach was not the best"

"I was just wondering why you were so nice now"

"I simply can't trust anyone, this also applies to you"

"If you did not trust me you would not let me enter what appears to be your hiding place ... you have quite a few locks"

"Every now and then I have to take some risks and how you answered my questions this morning was enough to make me understand that you are not in league with Ioana"

The water is boiling. The woman pours the contents into the cups and hands you a container of dried black tea leaves "Don't worry, they're not poisoned. I am going to use them, too” she reassures you by preparing the drinks for both equally.

You wrap the cup with both hands. The heat warms your hands and a thrill of pleasure flows down your body "I traveled so much that this is the first thing I feel like similar to my home" you say "but I don't think I can speak to you freely if you don't show me your face.

The woman sits down "I'll start with this" she replies dropping the hood behind her showing short light brown hair and deep hazel eyes.

You observe her, she has something familiar.

"What do you want from me? Why am I here?"

"Why were you alone among the remains?"

"Why were YOU alone in the village?"

"How do you know Ioana?"

You start laughing "Is this a Quiz Game?"

The woman drinks some tea “This is my house, so you go first. Do you really think it wasn't an earthquake that destroyed the village? "

You look at her, she still has her nose and mouth covered. She looks a few years younger than you "Let's give her something ... well, I guess not. If it had been an earthquake, even if it was limited, there should be consequences in the surroundings. In addition, the houses, the structures, are all razed to the ground. No fractures. It seems to be more the consequence of a very strong explosion, but unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to look for the center. Sure there is a crater somewhere in the village ... and if I have the chance, by checking any seismic control unit I could see the magnitudes of tremors in the area for the year of the alleged earthquake" you explain in one breath. You told the truth.

The woman in front of you listens to you with interest. As soon as you're done talking, she starts rummaging through the papers on one side of the table. She takes out one folded in several parts, she opens it.

"Is this ..." you widen your eyes.

"Three seismograms for 2021, in particular for the days of the alleged earthquake" she explains turning it towards you "Look..."

You get up from your chair, leaving your backpack in your place, and run your fingers along the graph “If I remember correctly, the waveforms should be different between an earthquake and an explosion. An explosion is an energy released by some device, all from one point and close to the surface, while an earthquake can have varying depths but still underground"

"You know enough"

"One of my degrees had a lot of geology to study ... The explosion starts strong, so strong initial waves should appear in the seismogram and then gradually weaker and weaker waves, and all seismographs should record them in a similar way if they are nearby, while a fault earthquake leads to initial waves in very low depth and to waves which are subsequently larger in amplitude and slower"

"How do you see them here?"

"The three graphs are the same, with strong initial waves ... it was an explosion. They are lying"

"Exactly" the young woman replies by getting up and putting her hands to her face, dropping the last fabrics that covered her "That's better"

You look at her and jump back "Fuck!" pointing at her.

She jumps out of her chair and looks behind herself thinking you're pointing to some danger "What?"

"You! It's you! I know you looked familiar! The photo in Ioana's office!"

She understands and smiles

"YOU ARE HOPSIA!!"

Chapter Text

The young woman nods "In flesh and blood"

You drop with a thud on the edge of the chair so as not to damage the crystals “Why have you kept it hidden so far? Why didn't you tell me who you were at our first meeting?"

"It is not clear? None of them must know that I am here "

"By them, you mean who works at the Museum?"

She shakes her head “Ioana and those she works for, her bosses. They don't want me around and I don't want to be seen by them"

"Mmhmm" you don't know exactly what to say about this last statement, "I think I got into a bigger situation than me"

"Also, I wasn't sure enough if you were the person I'm looking for"

You tilt your head with a questioning look “What do you mean? Were you looking for me?"

"You have something that belongs to these lands and that is somehow related to me"

Instinctively you push your back against the bag behind you. "To my knowledge, I have nothing that belongs to you, or I would have known" your heartbeat accelerates and a burst of heat envelops you. Hopsia seems to have noticed.

"Or maybe you didn't know it, yet"

"Be clearer"

 "Cough cough" something interrupts the exchange of words "The signal"

Hopsia looks at you "Aren't you feeling well?"

You put your hand around your neck "No, I'm fine...cough" and pretend to hack "My saliva went down bad due to the confusion of the situation ... cough ... can I use your bathroom?"

"Sure ... yes ... corridor ... second door on the left"

You get up quickly grabbing the bag "Thank you" and walk quickly towards the door that has been pointed out to you.

You lock the door, lower the toilet seat and the lid. You sit rummaging inside the backpack "What happens?" you whisper bringing half crystal out of the scarf.

"I know that person" Alcina also responds whispering.

"Of course we know, she is Hopsia ... you heard it"

"No, Rebecca, this is not what I meant...I know that person, I recognized her voice"

"You're joking, right?"

"I am not. She is someone very dear to me"

"Are you super sure about this?"

“Rebecca, I was a hunter. My ears were extremely sensitive to sounds. I'm more than sure I'm not wrong"

"But now you are not in your body, you may be wrong"

“I'm not wrong. I know that voice. I need to see that girl"

"Yes, of course I'll get you out of the backpack," you say wryly

"I think you should"

"ARE YOU INSANE?" you try to scream through clenched teeth so that you don't hear, “I can't show you to the first person that comes along. What if she could catch you in a moment of distraction? I can't allow that"

"Please" she begs

You bring a hand to your hair, bewildered "At least can you tell me who she is?"

"I think she is the reason for this trip"

"What do you mean?"

* TOC TOC * "Are you ok in there?" you recognize Hopsia's voice

“Show just me, keep my daughters hidden” Alcina finishes telling you while you hide her back inside the backpack.

"I am fine, coming out in a second!" you answer. You flush the toilet "Shit, shit ... I am going to regret this" and wash your hands, to let the water flow.

Going out the door you find Hopsia "I am sorry, I thought something had happened to you"

"No, no ...everything all right" you cut short.

"It is not my intention to hurt you, Doctor" she begins to tell you.

"If the movies have taught me anything it is that these are the typical words flaunted by someone who really intends to hurt you"

"You are not wrong, but it is the truth ... I do not want to do anything to you, on the contrary, I need you" her voice suddenly becomes sad "Please, open your backpack. I need to see them" her words seem to struggle to get out of her mouth now "Just see. I need to know they are safe"

You get a lump in your throat “She doesn't seem to be lying… why is she so sad? Alcina asked me to see her ... and Hopsia asks the same ..." you go to a knife holder and put your bag in the kitchen counter "I'll show it to you just because she asked me to. But take three steps back. I don't want you near my bag or…” you bring a knife close to you.

Hopsia doesn't have it repeated twice, she walks backward and intertwines her hands in front of her heart.

You open your backpack, put your hand inside and with extreme delicacy you pull out Lady Dimitrescu's crystal, placing her next to you. You grab the knife and turn your gaze to Hopsia.

The woman has shining eyes "Al ... ci ... na" she can barely say while a tear runs down her face.

The crystal starts shining violently and repeating "What's going on?" you ask her.

"You don't look like her ... why do you have her voice? What have you done to her? " Alcina is obviously confused.

You do not understand what is happening and you squeeze the handle of the knife stronger, while with the other hand you do to reborn the crystal in the backpack.

"No! Wait! " Hopsia tries to stop you “I did nothing to anyone. This is my voice. It has always been"

"Liar!" Alcina yells

"I am telling you the truth! But… this is not how you remember me"

Hopsia opens her palms and a soft glow envelops them.

"What the fuck?" she barely exclaims that the young woman puts her hands on her head, sliding them along her hair, forehead, nose, up to her chin. Her short hair lengthens, changing its color to a glossy jet black, and her hazel eyes turn color, pupils now clear as ice.

You gasp, dropping the knife to the ground, but it wasn't her that Hopsia was waiting for her reaction.

You turn your gaze to Alcina. The glare of her has become more tenuous "Oh my ..." she just murmurs, the flashing has become less agitated.

"It's me, do you recognize me now?"

"Little ... little ... raven ..." from the crystal come words broken by a melancholy and poignant emotion.

"Yes, Alcina. It's me, your little raven. I waited a long time for your return, aunt"

"Aunt? Raven?" repeat mentally in disbelief.

It seems like the cristal is somehow trying to cry “You are still alive. This is the best news you have received in recent times. You are all grown up and so beautiful. I cannot believe it's you"

The girl takes a step forward but you place yourself between the two "Not yet" you are and look towards the figurine "I am done with secrets. I need explanations. Now” you thunder looking at the crystal

"You're right" Alcina replies

“Why did you tell me she's the reason we're here? And you" you turn to the girl "how did you know she was in my backpack? And your look? Are you a witch?"

“I can answer all the questions, Doctor” the young woman says “Yes, I am somehow a witch. I am the one who sent you the wooden box. I am the Duke's niece"

“Are you fucking kidding me? You are joking”

"She is telling you the truth, Rebecca. No more secrets "

“No more secrets” echoes the young woman

“I am not falling for this, Dimitrescu. How is it possible that you didn't know that the Duke's niece's name was Hopsia? "

"I ... I ..." Alcina pauses.

“She never knew my name. I was lucky enough that she didn’t decide to kill me for my impertinence. That’s actually a funny story"

"I am not in the mood for laughs" you kneel on the ground to take the knife back and put it in her place. Then take the figurine and place it on the table, returning to sit down.

“Please, my darling, come closer” the Countess calls the brunette. The young woman smiles, wipes her tears, and sits down in front of her "The last time I saw you, you were leaving abroad to study" you observe in silence.

"It was years ago, even if not so many" replies Hopsia, her voice seems less tense without abandoning a melancholy note "but everything has changed since then" she concludes by gently touching the crystal.

Alcina replies with a faint glow “What happened to you? Where is your uncle?"

"And why am I here?" you add by pulling out of a pocket the ticket in which you had marked the address of the pub and the name of the person that the researcher had helped you. You frown as you read.

"I do not know where to start"

"Maybe from your real name" you propose by throwing the ticket on the table, letting it slide up in front of the young woman "I can't trust you if you can't tell me the truth. I don't care if both of you are related, I will not give her away," you say pointing to the crystal "to anyone that is not telling me the truth"

The young woman takes the piece of paper in her hand "Who told you this information?"

"One of the scientists who first got here, someone who worked with you"

Her hands start shaking "Did he write it to you that easily?"

"No, it was hidden in a message. He told me I had to find this person… and now I am sure he was talking about you"

"He risked a lot doing this, but yes, it is me" she takes a pen from the table and scribbles on the card "If you change the order of the letters that make up the name Hopsia" she draws lines and changes the order of the letters "you get ... "

"Sophia" Alcina replies "is this your real name, little raven?"

"My mama gave it to me"

“Wisdom in Greek. Extremely appropriate,” she says warmly.

The corners of the young woman's mouth rise timidly to form a sad smile "He is gone, now, just like her and my father"

"By he do you mean this Duke?" you ask.

She nods “I am going to tell you everything. I need your help as much as you need mine. I hope you will trust me, Doctor"

"We will see about that, start talking"

“As Alcina said earlier. I left this land to study, seven years ago I received a telegram from my uncle saying that I urgently had to go home and not to reply to the message. I didn't have to ask questions, just come back, and so I did. I gathered some of my things and set off. When I arrived at the airport some friends took me to my uncle's house, a hidden place in the woods. The rain beat insistently. They left me alone waiting. Only late at night did the uncle's carriage arrive. He was as if scared and shaken. He was in a hurry"

Sophia begins to tell about the two boxes and how one contained books while the other all the objects that arrived at the museum. He describes the sensation he felt when he took Alcina's crystal in his hand and how he understood that she was there, alive, trapped "He told me that I was the only one able to do something, it was his fault that I resumed practicing magic. I didn't want to"

"The witchy thing?"

"Yeah, my mother was one. I stopped practicing the day she died… but, my uncle was quite insistent that night. I didn't understand his agitation on the spot, he kept repeating that he didn't have time to explain everything to me but that I would find my answers in the books. He greeted me, disappearing into the night and it was the last time I saw him alive. The next day they found his horses lost in the fields and his body lying in the middle of the road. Shot dead” Sophia speaks stoically even though her tears have started to run down her face again.

"I am very sorry for your loss" you try to say.

“My poor friend” Alcina has a broken voice “Who did this to him? It was Ethan Winters?"

"No, he was already dead before I was here. The Duke was killed a few days after… all of you"

“But… did you say seven years ago? Raven… Rebecca… what year are we in?"

You look at Sophia and she looks back at you "Don't you know?" she asks "It's 2028"

The crystal flashes rapidly. Sophia gets scared "What is happening?"

"Don't worry" you reply "I speak crystal ... Dimitrescu, calm down"

“How can I calm down knowing I was asleep for seven years?? How can it be possible?? How old are you, Raven?"

"I'm 33 ..." she hesitantly replies "I was 26 when everything happened. I am sorry, auntie… but you are here now and maybe soon you will be yourself again” she concludes, peeking at you.

"I am sorry, it is my fault. I should have told you, I foolishly assumed you knew what they were in. Again, I am sorry"

"I don't blame you. It is just ... I don't understand this form of mine. I don't have control over it. Raven, please continue your story. Tell us ... who killed my dear friend?"

“They found this on his body,” she says opening a notebook of notes. She takes out a piece of paper torn at the edges and she pulls it to you.

“Give us the relics voluntarily, otherwise you will meet his same end. We always collect our belongings. We are everywhere” she reads it aloud. Ending trembling. You notice that there is not a signature but a logo, like a two-color umbrella: white and red "Who are they?"

"That's the Umbrella Corporation logo"

"Never heard of them"

"I was sure of it ... they are a pharmaceutical company, or at least pretended to be one, in reality, they were dedicated to genetic engineering. On paper they went bankrupt ... but thy are still around"

"Why are they looking for those items?"

Alcina starts blinking "My raven, is it about ... the cadoux?"

"Unfortunately yes, aunt. Somehow they managed to know you are still alive and they want you and your daughters. By the way ... where are they?"

You take the backpack and expose the other three smaller crystals.

Sophia breathes a sigh of relief "You always carry them with you"

"I never leave them"

"This reassures me a lot"

“But I haven't been able to wake them up. They are not like her. It seems they work differently"

"It is because they were not born like Alcina"

"What do you mean?"

"Raven ..." interrupts the Lady "She doesn't know ... how ... I adopted them"

“I see, this complicates things a little. You should have done it"

"I know, but at that moment I was afraid she wouldn't believe me and she wouldn't help me"

"Dimitrescu? Why would you have thought of something like this about me?"

"Because it's complicated to explain"

"You could have at least tried"

“No, I watched your reactions when I told you about my diet, my strength. I couldn't risk"

You don't know how to answer. Alcina is right, for a long time you made it hard to believe her, but now those speeches seem almost normal to you "I've changed ..." you murmur, lowering your eyes.

Sophia stands up "Doctor, can you follow me for a moment in the other room? Aunt, can we leave you alone for a few minutes?"

"Of course, but for what reason?"

"We have to get some books and we need both hands free"

"I understand. I will wait here. I couldn't do anything else"

Sophia takes you by her arm "Follow me"

"I don't want to leave her alone"

"What if ..." the girl extends her arm and turns a palm towards the entrance door "flammae si introieritis" the four sides of the door turn bright red "If someone tries to enter they will be burned alive"

"Shit ... that's deep. Ok, we can leave her alone" you say following her "What do you want to show me?"

The two enter a huge room full of books, but Sophia approaches a wooden box very similar to the one that arrived at your museum, but bigger. She opens it "I can't show these things in front of my aunt"

"Why not?"

"Because I'm sure she doesn't know some things"

"What do you mean?"

"What do you know about her state before crystallization?"

“In short, a certain Miranda saved her life and for this reason, she was absolutely devoted to her, thanks to her she had daughters. Although she has become something of a predator, she does nothing but speaks well of this woman, but the way she says it ... it is as if she ... did nothing but defend her"

"As I had supposed"

"I have to say that sometimes I thought she was kinda brainwashed"

“Doctor, Miranda was one of the evilest and manipulative people there can be. She has built a cult around her. And when you are inside a cult, you find yourself in a distorted reality. My uncles were all manipulated, not the Duke of course, and only one of them had noticed and wanted to do something about it: Heisenberg"

"How do you know all these things?"

Sophia takes some volumes "For this reason"

You read the titles "Miranda's Diary, Donna's medical report, Alcina Dimitrescu's Diary ... oh my god"

"Everything is written here. I need you to read them with a very open mind, secretly from my poor aunt. You will read things that you will not be able to believe, even I did not believe it ... but unfortunately, it is all true. When you get the picture of the situation you will have to tell Alcina the truth"

“And why should I do it? Why not you? You are the last part of the family left to her"

“Because I am part of these lands, my uncle Duke never liked Miranda. The countess knows this and she might think that I was influenced by this idea, but you ... you do not belong to this world and you are holding Miranda's diary, you will read it for the first time, without any external influence. Let yourself be guided by your instincts and make the decision you think is right. I just ask you to do everything by tomorrow afternoon, I am afraid we don't have much time "

"They know I am here?"

"Since the very first day"

Chapter Text

“How do we free her? Because I have an idea ... but I don't know if it is the right one"

"How do you wake her up every time you want to talk to her?" she asks you "The only and last time I saw her in that state, I felt her life inside the crystal, but she wasn't talking. It was a trapped life"

“The crystal is activated shortly after sunset ... I, just before the sun disappears, I make a small cut on my finger and let blood, just a little, just a few drops, drip on the mineral. As soon as the last ray of sunshine disappears, it seems that the blood passes through the first crystallized layer and disperses inside the entire figurine, entering the circulation. She lights up and starts talking to me as if she just woke up from a long sleep"

“Understandable given her illness. This implies that to free her from that form, a blood sacrifice must be made"

"Sacrifice?" you ask hesitantly

Sophia waves her hands in front of her "Don't misunderstand, sacrifice in a good way"

"Blood sacrifice has anything but a positive connotation"

"You're right, but in reality, no one should be killed. It's just giving Alcina a large amount of blood, but not so much that…someone has to bleed to death. But that's not enough. The present crystalline form does not represent my aunt's entire body. Fortunately, her ashes are still inside the castle"

"The Tower of Worship?"

The girl tilts her head slightly "Did she tell you about it?"

Your voice becomes lower and sad "She told me something about how she was killed by a certain Ethan Winters ... and the last thing she remembers is falling at the base of that tower"

"Exactly, there you will find her remains"

"So hypothetically, carrying the crystal into the ashes and bathing it all in blood might be enough"

"Yes and no ... if I have learned something in these years of research on the occult ... there are two ways to break spells: with another spell, which would imply that someone extremely evil uses someone else's blood, in this case, I think it would be a sacrifice like you mean it, to try to summon the trapped for its use and consumption ... what I fear the Umbrella people want to do"

"And using her like what?"

"A very dangerous slave...they are going to do that...I am sure about it"

"Including Iolanda?"

"Including Iolanda"

"And the second option?"

“That someone willfully set her free. Donate their blood voluntarily, so that it does not hide ulterior motives in the heart. In that case, Alcina would be free in body and spirit"

You look down at the books, the responsibility is too much "This is too much, but if I don't ... and I let them free her..." you frown and look the girl straight in the eye: "Sophia ... what would happen if I decide to do not go on? You could wake her up anyway, right? I'm just a simple human being ... this whole situation is bigger than me and sometimes I find it hard to believe it's true"

 “Doc, unfortunately, I can't do anything. I am a witch, my blood is filled with magic. I fear that if my blood comes into contact with her cadou there could be unpredictable consequences for better or for worse. I'd rather never have to discover them"

"What if they wake her up?"

"At best they would use her as a weapon, after trying to awaken her daughters too, at worst they would test her blood and the fungus inside her on other people, making experiments on her"

Your eyes begin to swell with tears at the thought of her trapped on a hypothetical bed surrounded by insane people experimenting on her "I don't want anyone to hurt her..."

The girl gently places a hand on your forearm "Rebecca ... she needs you"

Those last words make your heart tremble, in a mixture of fragility, smallness, but also warmth and something else that you can't define "She needs us", you reply, sending back every emotion.

“Of course… but we don't have much time. Tomorrow night the Castle will be open for the night visit. Tomorrow night will be the best time to wake Alcina"

You nod "I have to still think about it"

"You have every reason to do it, that's why I want you to take away these diaries and books"

You wipe your eyes with the sleeve of your jacket “Where do I hide them? You don't have to know "

Sophia looks around "There" and approaches a shelf from which she takes out a canvas bag. She hands it to you "Put everything in here and let's go back to the kitchen, your aunt sure will be wondering why we're taking so long here"

"Sure" you answer hiding the notebooks. Your hand trembles as you touch Alcina's diary again.

-

"I was afraid you forgot me," exclaims the crystal as soon as you appear in the room

"Not even as a joke," Sophia replies

"It's my fault. Your niece has lots of books and I got lost in the shelves" you continue, hiding your face that is still a little red from the last emotions you felt. Unfortunately, you cannot hide from the countess as you would like.

"Rebecca, are you okay?"

"Yeah yeah, just ... dust ... old books ... teary eyes ... you know ..."

"No, I don't"

"Allergies?"

"Neither"

"Sneezing"

"Rarely"

"Right ... you are some kind of superhuman"

Sophia puts a hand in front of her lips, hiding a whispered laugh

"What now?" you ask

"It's just ... You two are funny together"

Your cheekbones get unexpectedly hot and red "I ... we should go now ..."

"I will ask one of my men to take you to the hotel. Better not to go around in a taxi at this late hour"

"Thank you very much"

The girl takes a slip of paper and a pen. She writes something and hands it to you "This is a private and encrypted number" she comes closer to you "You can only use it for a short phone call" she says lowering her tone "Call me when you've made your decision, whatever it is"

"Little raven ...?" Alcina calls from the table

Sophia approaches the crystal "Tell me, aunt"

"Can we trust your people?"

“They are few but trustworthy. One person in particular watches over your castle"

"Who is it?" you ask while listening to the conversation

“Everything in its time. Too much information in the air can be dangerous for everyone. I hope you can understand"

"Sure, my dear" replies Alcina "Your uncle would be really proud of you"

“I hope so, aunt. I really hope so" Sophia says sadly "Now let's go down, you have to go back and rest"

Sophia breaks the spell at the entrance door, puts on her hood again, and completely covers her face, returning her eyes to the colors of Hopsia.

You take the crystal in your hand "Ready to go?"

"I am. Seeing Sophia filled me with hope. Thanks, Rebecca” her brightness changes, the only way you can think to describe it is "Sweet" not that she hadn't reacted like that in some speech at other times, but this time it was different. Somehow vulnerable. It squeezes your stomach. You feel guilty for having thought not to go on.

“You don't have to thank me, Dimitrescu. I am glad to know that someone from your family is still alive. Now I have to put you back in the backpack"

"I'll be silent"

You wrap her in your scarf as usual, next to her daughters.

Sophia leaves you in the hands of the bigger bartender, who takes you to a small minivan that seems to you to be dark blue, but being night you could be wrong.

The man does not speak to you, but you feel safe. For the first time, you don't look around nervously. You arrive at the hotel entrance. You are about to open the door, but he quickly gets out and does the gesture for you. He walks alongside you looking around, with clenched fists. He warns.

He opens the main door of the hotel and looks inside: "Do you want me to accompany you to your room?" he asks you in English with a strong Romanian accent.

“Thank you, but it is not necessary. Better not to be too conspicuous"

"Very good. Good night and good luck” he bows his head and walks back to the car.

"He was really protecting us" you think aloud and walk to your room.

-

You close the door behind you and put a chair that blocks the handle. You take out all the crystals.

"It's late. Only a few hours to dawn"

"You should rest"

“I have a lot to read in the morning,” you say showing the bag.

"What did Sophia give you?"

“Mostly books about the new owners of the castle, notes from the archaeologists” you lie

"I hope you can find useful information"

“I hope so too… I'm going to change. I'll be right back" you take some clothes from the suitcase still upside down, you also grab your wool scarf and lock yourself in the bathroom. You lean your back against the door and let yourself slide down to sit on the ground. You look at the ceiling, lost "What should I do?" you think "Is she really the monster that is described in the museum? If so, I shouldn't free her ... but ... what if she's the person Sophia is talking about? Should I trust the witch?" bring your knees to your chest and lean the scarf over them, folding it several times to create soft support. You close your eyes and sink your face into it "Grandma, this would be the perfect moment for one of your tips" you mutter letting the wool caress your skin "But if I asked you how to behave, you would tell me to breathe deeply and listen to what my body has to say. But I fear the answer" you start banging your head up and down against the scarf "Why am I afraid? And what am I afraid of? And why did I end up here? One last adventure ... Rebecca you are a genius ... one last adventure that brought you to the brink of a clash with who knows what organization ready to kill for talking crystals and for a cadou whatever it is. I'm just a museum director, I know how to fight, sure, but I've barely learned to use a bow and arrows. I could perhaps defend myself, but others? Sneak into a Castle that will be full of this Umbrella's guards and spies at this point, to bleed my blood out on the ashes without having the slightest idea what might happen next. What if the Countess wakes up and decides to make me her first meal?" you jump up and walk towards the mirror. You point your finger at your reflection "Becca, you're a fool if you just think she could hurt you at the first chance, after everything you've done for her so far. Did you see the way she thanked you today?" you heave a long sigh "Not to mention the reaction I had when Sophia found us funny ... Us ..." your heartbeats get closer and closer "And it must be tomorrow night, yes or yes. This could be the last time you speak with her” something tightens your chest. Your brain goes haywire, needle and thread sewing different thoughts one after the other. Free her or not. Her illness. Read the diaries. Brainwashing. Cult. The warmth of her voice. The trust she places in you. Miranda. In an instant you feel small "I can't do this" your breath starts to cut. A panic attack is approaching. You open the tap and dip your cupped hands into the flow of water. You pick up a little and throw it on your face to cool off. “Calm down. Slow. Don't get carried away by thoughts. The first thing you need to do tomorrow is read the diaries. Calm” you try to return to yourself. You focus your attention on the flowing water. Breathing returns to normal.

You turn your gaze to the small bathroom window and notice that the night is ending. You feel the strange need to want to say goodbye to the Lady before she lose her power over the day, therefore you change quickly.

"I'm sorry if it took me so long"

"You've had a long day, and I'm afraid the next few hours will be just as intense"

"Nothing that I can't handle" you reply, but in reality, it is as if you were saying it to yourself

The crystal laughs "I have no doubts about it, but I really want you to go to bed now"

“I don't feel like I'm very sleepy…” you say, but a yawn gives you away

"Why?"

"I just ... don't want to go to sleep ... yet ..."

"For what reason?" the Lady asks you

"I want to keep listening to your voice ... I don't know what will happen tomorrow ... I am scared" you think but "Too much information altogether that I am still processing" comes out of your mouth

“One more reason to go to bed. You need to rest"

"But ..."

"Rebecca ..." she cuts your eventual response calling you by name in a warm and funnily severe voice

A corner of your mouth rises, tearing you a smile “With that tone, I can't say no to you. I give up"

You turn on the bedside light and turn off the main one in the room, move the sheets and lie down with your eyes towards the crystal.

"My dear, I feel that something is troubling you and you don't want to tell me"

“I am sorry, I tend to think too much sometimes. Nothing important"

“If something makes you think too much, it means it's anything but important. Do you want to talk about it? Is it about me?"

"I don't want to talk about it"

"I understand. I respect your decision"

"Maybe you're right, I just have to sleep on it a little ... but today I don't feel like I want to turn off all the lights"

"I can help you with that. Turn off the one you have close"

"I don't want darkness tonight"

"You did so much for me, Rebecca, let me guide you into these last hours of the night"

You smile and accept the proposal. Turn off the light and immediately Alcina's glow becomes suffused and seems to expand around her figure. In the center tending to the right, perhaps where her heart should probably be, a small flame is intermittent. But that tenuous, internal splendor does not disturb you, rather it reassures you.

"I will watch over you" Lady Dimitrescu whispers as the hypnosis of her light quickly envelops you towards a night of deep sleep.

Chapter Text

The alarm sound wakes you up and you promptly turn it off. You call room service to bring you a breakfast laden with tea and coffee. "It's going to be a long morning," you sigh as you slip into the shower. You get out in time to catch up with the waiter.

You bring the tray to the table and bite into a piece of bread with jam before deciding to walk over to the bag full of books and journals. One at a time you bring them close to the food.

"I can't read them all, I don't have enough time ... but I'm sure I have to start with Miranda's ... among her notes, I will find the answers I am looking for and that I am afraid to read"

You keep the first diary in front of you by looking at the leather cover for a few minutes. The heartbeat gets slightly faster.

To calm down you pour yourself a cup of tea and add a few drops of milk and honey. You take the first sip. The warm nectar envelops your throat and hugs your stomach. A shy smile appears on your face "I can do this" you convince yourself and open the first pages.

“My Eva...

It's been one hundred years since I lost you to the Spanish flu. ["HUNDRED YEARS?!?!"] I was so powerless back then.

But now... Now I can bring you back to life from the Megamycete. ["Is she talking about the Cadou? It’s a fungus…Still…Hundred years??"]

I had to test your new vessel's regenerative abilities.

I took her apart ["Holy shit…"] and revived her in the Megamycete regulator, the Giant's Chalice. All that is left is to merge her with the Megamycete.

The ceremony can finally begin! ["Ceremony? Is it dark magic?"]

After I lost you I was so stricken with grief that I wandered into a cave to die... I so wanted to be with you again. And that's when I found it. The Megamycete! Completely by accident!

When I touched the black substance my mind was overcome with knowledge.

The Megamycete breaks down and absorbs the consciousness of those who have perished ["My god…what is this thing?"].

I knew that if your consciousness was in there too then there would be a way to bring you back. ["This woman is…was...crazy…insane"]

I just needed the right vessel ...

When I returned to the village I implanted the villagers with mold from the Megamycete.

That way I could control them, experiment on them ["She used the whole country as her mega experiment, and the citizens her guinea pigs. How can you be so monstrous? Was she a nazi?"]

I have experimented on hundreds of people just to find you the perfect vessel ["Jeez…"].

I even tried to increase the efficiency of finding a vessel by creating a parasite I called Cadou ["Oh, so she first used the fungus as it was… then she created the Cadou. She was a scientist…"]. Yet none of my experiments came to fruition ["This means that many people died in front of her and she didn't lift a finger for them… my god… who was helping her in this process?"].

There were some, like Alcina [Your heart leaps to read the Lady's name so unexpectedly], who were close to being perfect [You smile… "Perfect"], but most turned into lycans ["So it was true… there were lycans in the area … Where are they now? Destroyed by the explosion? All of them?"].

I was once approached by an organization who said they would assist me. I gave them some of the mold and your DNA ["I can bet all I have she is talking about Umbrella… it means they have the Cadou"].

But all they created was another defect, Eveline ["That’s it…they need Alcina because they kept failing"]

Then again, not a complete failure. I learned of Rose thanks to them and I knew she would be the perfect vessel ["Rose…Rose…holy shit…Ethan’s daughter"].

There was some interference, but I was able to verify her suitability. Now my research is finally complete.

Eva... I have waited for too long to see you again”

You read in one breath, so much so that you barely have time to think about the flow of words. You get up from your chair putting your hands through your hair “This woman was a fool, how could she really do these things? Yet…This is her writing…she made them…It is real...This is totally insane. Who helped you with all those guinea pigs? And failing...she took Alcina ... indeed ... she convinced her ..." you look at the crystal "How could you have been so foolish as to fall into that trap, Dimitrescu? Were there no other options for you? Did you help her too? I remember you told me you captured anyone who didn't follow Miranda's rules… did those people end up in her hands? Were they guinea pigs to create Eve?" you shake your head "How can such a thing happen on this planet?" you go back to the table and eat some bread again while sipping other teas "What else are you hiding, Miranda, in these pages?"

You read through quickly and your eye falls on the name of Salvatore "One of the Lords ... it would seem that ... oh no ... he worked on the bodies together with Miranda" you quickly grabs the man's diary:

“October 1, a sunny day.

Mother Miranda brought me 5 peoples from the village. Just like I askeded.

I made them sleep with some liquid and then I put Cadou in their tummies.

I am looking forward to the Cadou to grow in their tummies [He writes in a peculiar way...].

October 2, a cloudy day

4 of the people from the village are dead this morning.

1 is almost a lycan [Did he create the lycans??].

I sent it to my lab on the mountain.

I failed again. Mother wants strong vessels but I cannot get any.

I will need more people from the village [Fuck…].

Mother Miranda gave me a Rose jar [Rose jar ?! What does it mean??].

No one likes me which is why I thought they would leave me out again [Does he mean the ceremony?].

But Heisenberg said that was why we each get a Rose. The ceremony cannot happen without us all there.

Mother didn't seem to care though... [He writes Mother as thinking about Miranda like she was for real his mother...creepy somehow]

Mother said Rose is a vessel ["Did they break the little girl into several pieces?" you stop reading for a moment "...Did they tear her into pieces?" you bring a hand to your chest "... I ... Oh my god ... I can't ... even ... process this"]

With a vessel Mother can get her real child back.

Even though she has been dead for a very long time.

But if Mother does then... what will happen to me?

I'm not her real child... Would she abandon me?

No! I don't want that!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

No! No! No! No! No! No! No!”

You close Salvatore's diary even more upset "I'm about to throw up everything I've eaten so far ... They were all monsters ... or maybe just the two of them? He was following orders… and his writing… and the abandonment syndrome… Did she have all this power over the lords? Salvatore writes as a child ... yet he is described as an adult, could he have some mental issue? I can't rule it out ... writing like this ... attached to Miranda in some kind of morbid way..."

You take Miranda's diary back in your hand, you leaf through it and you notice that from a certain page onwards the words are as if reversed. You turn the notebook over. You can now read the pages and they are all scientific notes "Fuck ... her experiments ..."

"Subjects: 174 - 181

Subject 174: Mihai M

Characteristics:

21, male, Silversmith

Scars from pneumonia

Results: Low affinity. Cadou failed to grow.

Body transformation, drop in cognition.

(Another lycan)

Sent to pasture.

Subject 177: Bernadette B

Characteristics:

21, female, no occupation

No history of illness.

Results: Death

Subject 181: Alcina D [D for Dimitrescu…]

Characteristics:

44, female, noble descendant

Not from the village

Hereditary blood disease

Results: Very high affinity. No loss of cognition.

Arbitrarily able to control body transformation.

Applied cognition control procedure.

Sent for observation."

"Maybe I should check everyone's specific medical reports ... where is Dimi's ... Oh ... here it is"

"Subject Name: Alcina Dimitrescu

Cadou Affinity: Most favorable

Brain Functions: Normal

Regeneration rate is incredibly fast. The subject [You can't even write her name, can you? Subject?? You didn't care about her at all] can heal any external wound within seconds, and grow her nails into claws in mere moments [Like Wolverine…holy crap]. Rapid regeneration also means an increased body size [This explains her clothes].

Notes: Due to a hereditary blood disease the subject must ingest human flesh and blood on a regular basis to maintain regeneration properties [Ok, I knew this].

I suspect that if the subject's regeneration is not properly balanced then she may mutate uncontrollably [I don't like this sentence].

An unfit vessel for Eva [Neither this one...].

The other notes in Miranda's diary continue with other experiments that failed or turned into Werewolves, to move on to Donna and Karl for whom you also read the reports "Heisenberg was the most suitable of the four, poor Donna ..."

You close the diary and look at the clock. It's been an hour and a half since you started browsing the first diaries "Time is running out" you think aloud "I think it's your turn, Lady" you say to the dull crystal "I feel like I'm invading your privacy, you know, but it is the only way to know the truth to the end…I am sorry about this”.

You move your hand hesitantly to the Countess's diary and bring it in front of you. Run your fingers through the cover and pause on the engraving "Diary of Alcina Dimitrescu". You take a long sigh and open the first page. An elegant large oblique cursive lettering stands before your eyes. The letters have an elegant and hypnotic sinuosity. No ink smears. You stroke the page as if you want to get in touch with the person who wrote those words, but a loud laugh escapes your mouth as you read what lies behind the aesthetic beauty of the handwriting.

"Uninvited reader, you signed your death opening this diary. I can hear your pulse racing as you scroll through the pages. Your time in this land is at its conclusion."

“Jeez, woman. You are really a devil in disguise!"

Chapter Text

The diary is quite thick, you don't have time to read it all so you decide to open it towards the last written pages.
Quickly, you scroll through the pages. You notice that some of them have titles.
Your eye falls on one, in particular, written a little hastily, as if for fear of forgetting a thought "Insect Observations Journal"

"What do insect observations with a personal diary have to do with it?" you exclaim

Scientific name: None

Size: 5 - 6cm

Similar body structure to blow flies, although there are differences in the head.

They are carnivorous and vigorously consume meat.

In order to catch unsuspecting prey, they'll gather using pheromones to mimic a human [They are scientific notes in the true sense of the word ... why?]

They are produced when a Cadou lays eggs in its host, but the flies themselves are unable to

reproduce [The Cadou… sure… where was he feeling it? So she was also involved in the experiments? Not just Salvatore and Miranda? ... shit ... ]

They are weak to sudden drops in temperatures.

Especially if the temperature drops below 10 ° C (50 ° F), their metabolism lowers and they go into a dormant, cryptobiotic state.

Similar to the cryptobiosis of Tardigrade or Polypedilum vanderplanki?

The line breaks, there are no more notes on the following pages.

You shake your head "She was experimenting too ..."

You scroll through the pages again looking for anything related to flies or cadou. Time is running out.

"An insect flew out of the eldest's mouth"

"THERE!!" you squeak since you find a clue in the middle of a random paragraph. You go back in words.

One day since treatment [Treatment? Another experiment?...Please it's not human, please not human]

The three girls have stopped moving. They seem almost dead ["Fuck me ..." you throw a fist on the table "Not you too, Dimitrescu ... they were still alive"]

An insect flew out of the eldest's mouth. It appears to be a common fly [I suppose they are dead… who brought those bodies to her? Three girls ... why does it sound to me "you frown" I'm missing something"]

Two days since treatment.

All three bodies are covered in flies. It appears the flies are consuming their flesh.

When I opened a window some of the flies dropped dead onto the floor. It would seem the cold petrifies them. I quickly closed the window to avoid weakening the insects further [“They are the same insects born from the Cadou… they died in the cold… they are consuming the bodies and she takes note. I don't understand if she is detached as a scientific observer and I would also understand her, or if she is morbidly fascinated by the macabre of the scene ... or both"]

Four days since treatment.

All three bodies have almost been completely consumed by the insects. All that is left is a dark, writhing human-shaped mass of creatures ["This is creepy… the flies took a human body dark shape? What the heck?"]

It is just after noon and the insects have started to change color. Those around the face turned pale and those around the lips turned a deep crimson [“Wait a second… .wait a second… .WAIT A FUCKING SECOND. Pale in the face and crimson in the lips?"]

Six days since treatment.

The mass of insects has transformed into human bodies again ["HOLY SHIT!" you jump from your chair “Oh no, this is not possible… how? How the Cadou can do that?"]

All three girls awoke, looking at me like newborns. I sense a bond between us. Like mother and daughters ["Daughters ... no way ... don't tell me they are..."]

Suddenly you remember the exchange you had with Sophia about the three remaining crystals

"It is because they were not born like Alcina"

"What do you mean?"

I have already decided their names: Bela, Daniela, and Cassandra

You bring both hands to your head and jump up from the chair "Holy shit… .fuck… .fuck" you walk back and forth across the room "Shit, did she create her daughters ?! She had told me that Miranda had brought them to her castle, that she had adopted them. That Miranda had brought them back to life ... she lied to me "you look at the crystal" You lied to me ... for "not born" I thought maybe they were adopted in a different way, slaves? Did you buy them? Did you save them? Instead, you experimented on them. They were dying ... and those insects genetically modified or possessed by that thing, that Cadou, fed on them ... how could you have allowed it ... I ... "

You drop onto the mattress of the bed.

“Arrange your ideas, Rebecca, calm down. Remember well what she told you ... Miranda gave her three girls, in the first version she made me understand that she adopted them as they were alive. Then she told me that the crazy one saved their lives… then Sophia. Why didn't she tell me the truth?"

"I watched your reactions when I told you about my diet, my strength. I couldn't risk"

You recall Alcina's reaction “It was my fault. You didn't want to tell me everything because you thought I wouldn't help you anymore..." you turn to the crystal again "I am sorry. Everything it's just so confusing. This goes beyond my area of knowledge ... Miranda brought you dying bodies, perhaps there wasn't much to do by now ... I want to believe that ... and you experimented with insects. Somehow you gave those three girls life back and she made her daughters.” You gulp “I can't be mad at you. This is all creepy, but I remember your voice and your shine very well every time you talked about them. You felt like you were their mother and you suffered when that Ethan killed them. You want them back with you, she has created and established a maternal relationship with them ... a strange relationship ... but I understand that you love them" you smile getting out of bed and going back to the diary "Let's see if I am able to find anything else"

You leaf through the pages again, and at one point you chuckle “Did you have to teach them to talk and eat too? I would have signed up to see you doing that to these girls!"

You look at the clock, it starts to get late. You read the last written page:

We were all called by Mother Miranda to decide the fate of the child's father.

Just thinking of that "family" meeting makes me shudder. To think I am treated like a sister to those miscreants.

Especially Heisenberg! That riffraff wouldn't know proper manners if they slapped him in the face! ["Oh dear ... you reacted almost crying when I told you that I had not found any trace of your brothers ... and now it turns out that you hated them?"]

I would have sliced him to ribbons if Mother hadn't stopped me.

Why ... Why does she treat me the same as them !?

She gave me this castle, obedient daughters, everlasting life, did she not?

Am I not her favorite of hers? Am I not special? ["I read a veil of morbidity like in Salvatore's diary, this is somehow disturbing ... this Miranda had to have a not indifferent personality to make it fall at her feet"]

You read aloud the last sentence "I need a drink"

"Me too ..." you reply to the diary by scrolling through the next completely blank pages "You wrote the last page full of anger. The baby's fate… she means Rose, I am sure about it. They were about to get together to decide what to do about it. Then Miranda gave Salvatore a jar with a part of Rose and to Karl, too… all four Lords had Rose pieces? How… right… Miranda was manipulative, it was a cult… and as Sophia confirmed to me, they somehow got brainwashed. What if the Cadou was a direct way to control them? But now that Miranda is dead… maybe Dimitrescu is free from her control… She must know, she must understand that Miranda was insane. She must read her diaries. Yes. She, as soon as she returns to human form...I will let her read them, and she will understand. What if she doesn’t? What if she doesn't realize she was under some strange form of mind control? She appears to be very confident, she would not accept manipulation. You have to believe me, you have to. She will break her heart. Betrayed by the person she most adored and admired, in a morbid way among other things" you resume walking around the room, every now and then you glance at the pile of books "This is all real, everything. A talking crystal, secret organization, witches, some sort of vampirism… I am just a human. I don't know if I can do this ... but ... Sophia can't. Nobody else can. If I woke her up ... would she go back to being the executioner that everyone describes? Or is it the beloved aunt that Sophia describes? Or maybe it's both, but if Umbrella took it first" your stomach closes "... it would become a weapon, they would use her..." you approach the table "I don't want them to hurt her" rummaging through the sheets on the surface, looking for one in particular "I can not allow it..." you grab the phone in the room "and I will not allow it" you digit a series of numbers.

The phone is ringing.

Once.

Twice…

"What is your answer?" a female voice asks you from the other side of the handset

You gasp in tension "Yes"

"Very good"

"What should I do?"

“Tonight at the Castle, join the second sightseeing tour. Someone will accompany you to the ashes of Alcina"

"Who will be?"

"You will know when you get there"

The call abruptly ends.

"Hello? Raven?"

No reply. You lower the handset.

"Now, I can't go back"

-

You spend the last few hours before sunset in a state of high anxiety and alertness. Doubts grip you, but every time you think of taking the first flight back home you remember how everyone is placing their destinies on you.

You are sitting on the bed, stroking and squeezing your wrists alternately “How deep will I have to cut? How much blood will it need? Who will be waiting for me at the Castle? Will I be able to trust it? Is it someone I've already crossed paths with? " thoughts repeat themselves.

You take your backpack, and carefully insert all the crystals inside "Hopefully, this will be the last time I'll have to carry you like this" you whisper to them. You look around "I don't have a weapon. I have nothing with which to defend myself if something happens" on the table, there is still the lunch cutlery that you left intact "I'll take this knife with me ... even if it doesn't cut much, maybe with a little force of the cuts on the wrist I will be able to make them" you laugh unexpectedly "I'll cut my veins for someone, literally...anyway..." you rush into the bathroom and grab a towel and toilet paper "I need this to stop any bleeding."

You hide everything inside the backpack and decide to call the driver.

"I'll be there in a few minutes, Doctor, wait for me downstairs at the entrance" is his reply.

Quickly, you descend the stairs, exit, and let yourself be enveloped by the cold of the sunset.

You shiver, but the thrill penetrates you “I am scared” you think “But that's right. I need adrenaline and fear will keep me alert ”you convince yourself.

A few moments pass and Andrei arrives. He gets out of the car and opens the door for you: “Ready for tonight? It will be an extraordinary event and we look forward to seeing you too" he tells you smiling.

You turn towards him, and for a moment you think he has glimpsed a grin that disappeared immediately "Yeah, sure, I am more than ready" you stutter trying to see other reactions on his face but he has already turned and got back into the driver's seat.

"Let's go then!" he enthusiastically states

You hug your backpack while you think "I have no fucking idea of what I am doing" but murmur "Let's go!"

-

The journey seemed quicker to you than the first time.

Andrei drops you a few meters from the entrance to the Castle "I can't take you any further, too many people"

Indeed, a river of tourists has crowded a short distance from you "No problem" you answer by going down quickly.

You make your way among the people, you notice goths, Wiccans, some kind of warlock, and people dressed as elves among the people dressed casually and comfortably. In your attempt to cross the throng of people, some stop you "Hey, you can't pass us!"

"Sorry, I'm ..." you try to answer

"She is our special guest" a familiar voice replies. You turn suddenly, Ioana smiles at you and with a gesture invites you to come closer to her. The crowd splits to let you pass. Hesitant, you walk with your eyes on you "Great way to go unnoticed" you think.

"Sorry, the tickets for this event sold out in a few hours and everyone is very jealous of their spot"

"I understand them, thanks for saving me in some way"

"Do not mention it. Follow me"

A series of ancient torches, with their immense flame, illuminate the path that leads to the main door.

The whole building in this way is much scarier. You are amazed.

“Not bad right? I told you that we will do things big"

"And you didn't lie"

"We also lit the fireplaces inside the Castle, to maintain the same atmosphere that is found outside"

"It will certainly also help keep visitors warm"

"Absolutely"

You look out at the first small room at the entrance.

"Rebecca, in which of the shifts do you want to accompany us?"

“If you don't mind, I wouldn't want to start with the first one. I'm curious to see what kind of people will cross the entrance. I will participate in the second"

“Excellent, then the two guides over there will accompany you,” she says, pointing to two young people “Rocsena! Călin! Come over here please"

A girl and a boy turn and come towards you, you recognize the young man "The golden eyes!" you think inside yourself.

"What happens, Ioana?" asks the girl.

"Doctor Rebecca will join your tour"

"Fantastic! We will wait half an hour from the start of the first shift. Meanwhile, you can wait for us in the largest room, next the staircase"

"Certainly" you reply

“I can lead you, Doctor” Călin joins the conversation.

"Oh, but I remember the way, don't worry"

"I insist" he exclaims

You look at him inquisitively. He doesn't blink.

“Having a bodyguard inside this Castle on this special night is not bad,” Ioana chuckles. “See you later, Rebecca. I have to welcome guests"

The director walks away towards the exit, in a regal manner, as if that evening belonged to her and exclusively to her.

Călin starts walking "Follow me, Doctor"

You slip into the first corridor and you feel your hand grabbed. You try to free the hold "What the fuck, man?" strangely he lets you go immediately "SSSSHHH!" he replies ... you feel something between your fingers.

A small butterfly knife.

Călin looks around as he continues walking “Hide it, you'll need it in here. I do not have much time. Sophia sent me to you. You don't have to trust anyone else but me. Understood?"

"But ... but ..." you stammer "You?" you look at him wide-eyed. Călin has everything but the appearance of someone strong and able to protect you in case something happened. He perhaps barely reaches 1.75m, very thin despite a slight hint of muscle. Medium-short dark brown hair, well combed back, polished for the event.

"Yes, me" he replies almost annoyed "I know I don’t look like a warlock or the guards that Sophia has at the pub, but here you need to be as anonymous as possible"

"You have a point" you admit "I am sorry"

"It's fine. Wait for me in the Main Hall. You will be close to me all the way and I will take you at the right time to the Lady. Stay alert"

You nod, hiding the knife in your pocket.

Călin goes back to her colleague.

You are alone.

You hear the creak of the wood burning in the fireplace

You squeeze the handle of the blade.

You swallow.

Now, you are really scared.

Chapter Text

You walk back and forth along the room, at one point you hear the sound of footsteps. Many steps. Too many steps.

"Shit, the first group is coming" instinctively you look around to find where to hide then clap your palm on your forehead "Why should I hide?! I'm just waiting for my turn, I haven't done anything wrong… yet”. Your nerves had deceived you, the tension gripped you. What looks like a guide enters the room, you approach an armor, looking around and smiling at the tourists "This is so awkward" you don't see Ioana "Maybe she will be waiting for the second group, how long has it been?" you look at the clock "Not enough"

“So this is the Main Hall. You can see the grandeur of this room on which this immense chandelier hangs over... " the guide begins the talk, you get distracted by looking at the ceiling. You have no time to waste with those explanations, you feel hot but it's not for the fireplace. Agitation embraces you "I don't think I am ready" you think.

"Probably here the Lady and her daughters let their future meals in, and I think it is therefore appropriate to show you the dining room"

"Excuse me!" a tourist raises her hand

"Tell me" replies the guide

"Will we also see the torture room?"

"Of course! I just tell you that you have no idea what they were doing in there, you just couldn't imagine it" a general and excited buzz spreads "Now, follow me this way"

"Sure, the story of the murderous and bloody Dimitrescu family, if only you knew that they were all controlled and dominated by Miranda ... Alcina is not as you describe her" you clench your fists irritably and take a long breath waiting for the first group to walk towards the dining room "I think half an hour has passed"

You slip into the corridor leading to the entrance, and the director's voice echoes...

"Good morning dear admirers of the occult, the macabre, the strange, and the iniquitous. My name is Ioana, I am the owner and director of this wonderful Castle now a museum for your use and consumption"

“Owner??? I didn't know that…” you come a little closer. You see Călin and smile at him. He immediately turns his gaze to the group.

"First of all, thank you for being present in this extraordinary opening, it is only thanks to you that we remain standing and keep this place alive"

"Bullshit... you have research funds"

"And I take this opportunity to really thank you from the bottom of my heart" Ioana sniffs.

"Are you pretending to cry?"

"For making this event sold out" you notice that she puts a sleeve of her shirt close to her eyes, Călin shakes his head in annoyance.

"Great actress, she deserves a round of applause ... I think the young man thinks like me"

“Give yourself a big round of applause and get ready, you are going to see unforgettable things. You think you know everything because you may have read the web page of the Castle, but that is only a small part of what awaits you "

Tourists look at each other. Ioana is satisfied with her short speech, then she claps her hands once making everyone jump “Very well, now I leave you in the hands of our precious guides. See you all outside… hoping you get out alive” She winks at her audience and moves to let people pass.

"I must admit that she knows how to do her job"

The wave of people approaches you, you walk towards Călin. His colleague starts talking, and he whispers to you “Rocsena and I share rooms to explain. It is my turn at the entrance, the dining room and kitchen, then her part is the floor above. When we bring the group to the library we will give them a way to scatter for a few minutes, it will be the right time for us to move and ..." Rocsena gestures to Călin to lead the group "Excuse me, I have to go" he says walking and making a big smile with 32 teeth, you notice that his canines are very voluminous "Good evening everyone, or should I perhaps say GOOD NIGHT!" he enunciates in a loud and deep voice.

"Their theater starts too" you sigh "Time to follow the group"

You stay in the queue, not too far behind because you don't want to get noticed by people. You try to imitate what tourists do and pretend to be amazed by the same objects and stories, even though you know that some of the things said are most likely wrong. Every now and then you tighten your backpack, you fear that somehow the crystals may have fallen, stolen, disappeared "Soon...you will be free soon" you strangely repeating that thought as to reassure yourself "I wonder, how you are ... how you really are, Lady" you walk towards the kitchen “Are you so good looking as they describe you? Your voice is… warm… and enveloping… and… sen… sual...somehow…" you blush "Stupid Rebecca, what are these thoughts?"

“Now, Roxy will lead you to the first floor. There you will see the rooms that the Countess actually used together with her daughters. Lady Dimitrescu was a very learned and intellectual woman. Her knowledge touched art, philosophy, history, music ... she was a jazz singer in her youth, imagine ... and she was also passionate about science "Călin leaves room for her colleague" exactly, the number of books and musical instruments that we will see above will be exaggerated. But we will not only see those rooms, we will also visit the bedrooms and I know these are areas that all of you are very interested in! Follow me!"

Rocsena opens the group, Călin immediately gets behind, next to your side "Now we will go up and as I told you we will pass a series of rooms and finally in the library"

"Călin can I ask you a question?" a guy talks.

"Fuck, why do you have to interrupt us" you think, but he turns around smiling.

"Of course!"

"Lady Dimitrescu had preferences ... in the sense ... in her ... let's say ... meals" asks the boy

"What do you mean?"

"Young people, children, adults ... men ... women ..." continues the young woman next to him, probably his girlfriend.

Călin understands where the young couple wants to land “The Lady did not feed on infants, but only on adults. Her diet wasn't just made up of human blood, and she didn't distinguish between sex… in any area of her life,” he concludes. The two blush and thank him as they leave. That last part of the sentence makes you react in a strange way, you feel warm.

"What did you mean in any area of her life?" you dare to ask

“I meant that the Lady was immortal, she had a long life… and she tried everything she liked, without distinction. She has always been very passionate with men, women and people in between "

You clear your throat as in a tender discomfort "Women too..."

Călin looks at you and smiles "Women too, as I said"

The group climbs the stairs and the boy changes the subject “Doctor, about the plan, we will leave the library. From then on, every moment will be good for them to raise the alarm"

You widen your eyes "Alarm?"

“I shouldn't be separated from the group… they will notice that I won't be there and neither will you. Ioana has her eyes on you. She knows you have crystals and she wants them, but she won't be able to get them that easily in front of everyone. She, fortunately, for some time will be distracted by the incoming groups but then she will come looking for you. For that reason, I gave you the knife. We will have little time. I will immediately take you to the Tower and there you will have to do your magic"

“I am not a witch”

“It was a joke…”

"Yeah, I am sorry ... I'm very nervous"

“I understand… you are in enemy territory. We are in enemy territory"

"What will happen when I wake up the Lady?"

"From the tower, there is a secret passage, Alcina knows it. You will pass by and end up in a network of dungeons that will take you close to the ancient residence of Lord Heisenberg. Sophia will be waiting for you there, at which point the alarm will have already been raised ... and they will come"

"Who?"

"Umbrella..."

"WHAT???" you screech to not be heard.

“Alcina will be free… they will look for her… but this time they will have no way of destroying her. At that point, we will have to wake up her daughters"

"Călin, why are you helping the Countess?"

"I ..." she falls silent for a moment "... I ... I was born in this village and I am one of the few survivors"

"Are there survivors????" you don't believe what you're listening to "Why didn't Sophia tell me this before?"

He smiles “Sophia doesn't want to give too much information, it's a way to protect all of us… and to answer your question… yes some of us was saved. Not many, but enough"

"How?"

The boy looks around as if he wanted to check everyone was listening to his colleague and not him "Below the residences of the four lords there was a dense network of tunnels. Fortunately, some were strong enough to withstand the collapse due to the bomb dropped on the village"

"The same we are going to walk through with the Lady?"

"Yes ... they were built to protect the experiments"

"Miranda?"

“She created many, but not all of them were useful for her purposes. Some of them were eliminated and, at times, donated to the Lords. Fortunately, the four did not have a heart of stone like Mother Miranda"

"But they had their brain gone"

“Not Lord Heisenberg. He tried until his last breath to rebel against Miranda"

"Seriously?"

“Yes, but…” Călin clenches his fists “he was stopped before completing his plan. If that Ethan had not appeared ... perhaps Karl could have stopped Miranda ... and the massacre of the village, too"

"Were you related to that Lord?"

The young man shows a melancholy smile on his face "That Lord taught me everything I know about the arts of war and how to defend myself"

You check the boy from top to bottom "Well ... he must have felt sorry for having such a skinny young man in front of you" you think "Nice gesture on his part ... that's why you want to help me. Vendetta?"

He nods. “Miranda has been eliminated. I'm afraid Iolanda thinks she is a worthy heir to Umbrella, but she has nothing of the knowledge of that woman. Power and madness together never bring anything good. We have to stop her ... stop them ... once and for all ... or die in intent"

"I would very much appreciate to stay alive" you mutter between your teeth as you pass the display cases with the Dimitrescu sisters' clothes.

“Well, these dark fabrics belong to Bela, Daniela and Cassandra. The daughters of the Countess. Each of them had a personalized scythe, with it they killed without restraint some of the poor unfortunates who entered the castle. Others were later tortured, given to their mother, or used in the basement.

The group moves. You keep listening to Rocsena "Here on the left we will enter Lady Dimitrescu's Atelier, as I mentioned earlier, she had knowledge of everything. Almost like a female Leonardo da Vinci, she ranged the reading on different subjects. Come in. We left some of her paintings under the display case. But I don't think it will be the one that will catch your attention"

As people enter the room you hear gasps. Seized by the reactions you step forward, you pass the door jamb, turning your gaze to where everyone is looking and...you understand.

Her eyes seem to reach your soul "Is this...?" you can barely ask.

Rocsena smiles “Well yes. In this huge painting behind me, you see depicted none other than Lady Dimitrescu. Don't you find her so diabolically fascinating?"

Tourists mutter among themselves.

You bring your hand to your chest. You can't take your eyes off the painting. The face. The hand was finely placed on the dress and the other holding a cup of red wine in plain sight. The dress takes up the same cream color as the one you saw under the display case, but the couture is older. The black hat is decorated with white feathers, but the black is taken up by three roses on the chest. The lips are almost burgundy red. As soon as you let your eyes fall on them you blush. You just can't stop looking at her.

The boy notices "She is beautiful, isn't she?"

"She ... she ... I ..."

"I know"

"I didn't think she was so ... I ... is it really her?"

"I admit this painting doesn't do her justice"

Your heart leaps "I am sorry, what?"

“I'm not lying to you. But soon you will see it"

You swallow and try to look away from the other paintings “Am I helping that woman? That one? She is stunning ... no ... stunning is not enough ... and she is also smart as far as it seems, I mean, yeah, she was part of a cult ... but ... oh my god ..." you cast your eye again on the painting "Damnit, Dimitrescu, you are one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen" you feel your sweaty hands "Now this ... This complicates things...I can't even think, in front of your painting"

"Now let's proceed to the library"

Călin squeezes your arm “Roxy will tell people that they can move freely. That will be our signal "

The male voice will bring you back to the reality of things. You shake your head quickly "Got it" you put your hand in your pocket and squeeze the knife. Feel your pulse accelerate "Almost there"

The group enters the large room. The amount of books present is indescribable.

Rocsena claps her hands once to call attention "I would like to give you some free time on the shelves of this room, before telling you other anecdotes about this family. If you agree"

Of course, tourists are enthusiastic about being able to move freely, but not you. You quickly look around. You wait. Hold the bag tight to you. Your breathing gets faster and faster.

“Calm down” Călin whispers to you.

"I am scared" you gasp

“We all are, but fear is part of the game. It will give us the adrenaline we need to go forward" he looks at his colleague. She left with some tourists “It's time. Follow me without getting noticed "

You do as he tells. You follow his back, without even noticing where you are walking, which room and corridors you are crossing. You look at his feet, and the only sound you hear is your breath "I can’t do this" you keep walking quickly. Go down the stairs. If you come across any of the castle workers, Călin simply says that he is accompanying you to the entrance because you think you have lost some documents from your purse. Nobody asks questions.

You finally enter the Hall of Four. Sneak away until you arrive in front of the imposing red door. You notice that it is just slightly ajar. The last time you were here you were discovered by Ioana. You watch your back.

"No one has followed us, for now" says Călin "We have to open the door quickly"

"How? It seems very heavy, there must be some gimmick to open it"

"We will use strenght"

"I don't think that ..." you don't have time to finish the sentence as Călin sticks all his fingers into the small space between the two doors that make up the passage. The muscles in his arms contract, they seem to get more and more swollen.

You don't understand where all that strength comes from.

Something starts to creak.

The door seems to open. The boy bends his legs and takes a half step back. The opening becomes wider. Călin brings the door further towards her and turns towards you. His eyes went golden. “Quick, come in. I don't know how long I can still hold her!"

You have many questions. You rush towards the opening, in front of you is a dark corridor, and a current of cold slaps you.

The door closes with a thud. You turn suddenly scared. Călin is by your side.

"You made it"

"I'm as fast as I am strong," he says as he moves through the darkness.

"How?"

He appears to be grabbing something from a wall. Hear the sound of something metallic scratching and immediately a flame appears. The boy shows you a lighter and a torch "and there was light!"

"You are avoiding my question, Călin!" you exclaim nervously.

"Doctor, I am an experiment, too. There is not much to add" he cuts short.

"But ..."

"We don't have time. I'm sure we'll have them on our back"

“Why is it so cold in here? I will freeze to death"

"We are close to the tower ... and the tower was destroyed"

"From the fight between Ethan and Dimitrescu?"

“Exactly, there is no longer a superior structure. Only the foundations that connect to the cellars and basements"

"So we're close?"

"Follow me, now we have to run"

Chapter Text

He precedes you while you are trying to keep up. The corridor is very long and ends up some stairs. The young man sheds “Here we are”

Around you ruins, cold, more ruins and more cold. The tower seems to have imploded. As if something very large and heavy had been thrown violently towards the base of the structure.

"How the hell did this happen?" you ask surprised and terrified.

"Lady Dimitrescu was very strong"

"The woman in that painting?"

"She wasn't just that, let's go downstairs"

The steps of the stairs that descend to the foundations of the tower are very steep, and you are afraid of losing your balance and falling into the void at any moment. You rest a hand on the little that remains of the walls.

"We are close," the young man tells you. But those words don't cheer you up. On the contrary, you know they only mean one thing, your moment.

“Here she is…” Călin walks towards one side of that circular pseudo-room. He lights up a mountain of ash with his torch.

"Here she is?" you ask tilting your head.

“These are her ashes. What remains of the Lady"

A shiver overwhelms you "What remains" you repeat to yourself as you approach that fine dust "what remains"

"It's a lot ... how is it possible? How did she turn to ashes? And a cremated person does not produce this quantity” you reason randomly. You can't think rationally at this point.

"A normal person does not become a talking crystal statue, Doctor"

You try to answer but the words remain in mid-air. He is right.

"Now it's your turn" he concludes by hooking the flashlight to a metal structure between the bricks "I'll leave you to your duty"

"Are you leaving me alone?" you ask upset.

"Someone has to guard the stairs"

"What if I need help?"

“You will know what to do. You do not need me. I only had to accompany you and protect you from them"

"Are you going without light?"

He points to his golden eyes "I can see in the dark"

"Călin ... don't go. Please" you beg.

The boy smiles at you “Sophia trusts you. The countess trusts you. Maybe you should too. I have to protect the entrance. Good luck"

You don't have time to reply that he has already run up the stairs with an agility that you cannot explain.

You approach the mountain of ash. Hesitant you kneel and stretch out your hand. The fingertips sink into the remains "It's soft" you retract your arm and blow away some particles that have remained attached to the skin.

You carry the backpack in front of you and open it. Gently extracted Alcina's crystal and touches part of her face “I did it, Countess. We arrived at the tower" you put it on the ground "Now it's time to give yourself a little of my blood for the last time".

You put your hand in your pocket and take out the knife Călin gave you “Well, I don't think the usual drop will be enough to wake you up, considering the amount of ash in front of me. Don't you think?" you speak aloud as if the crystal could answer you. You do it to give yourself courage and to be able to continue on your mission “I suppose I have to bury you? In the sense ... to unite you" you point to the crystal "with ... you?" point to the ash "Yes, I think so ... but how deep?"

With the blade, you open a hole, deeper than the height of the crystal. You look at the statuette one last time before inserting it into the new space. You smile a little sadly “I don't know what will happen to you, if you break, if you disappear, if you merge with the rest of you… or… if nothing… no no… you will wake up. You will" you cover it with more ash "See you in a bit, I guess"

You clean the blade on your pants and move it. The light of the moon reflects on the tip of the weapon "Now it's my turn" you close your eyes and sigh "Let's do this, Rebecca"

You turn the lower part of the wrist of the other hand towards you and make a not very deep horizontal incision. You make a grimace of pain, but it's bearable. A few drops of blood peeps "It's not enough" you think aloud. You rest the blade on the skin again, this time cutting deeper, gritting your teeth. Your blood comes out with a little more strength. You turn your wrist towards the ash, at the height of where you buried the crystal. Little by little, a few drops fall. You see them sinking and disappearing over the remains.

You wait.

There is no sound around but your breath.

You wait.

"Nothing is happening…"

You shed more blood. You start to think that you have done something wrong. Maybe awakening wasn't that easy. Maybe a ritual was needed. Maybe your blood is no longer good or suitable for the task. Maybe…

*CRACK*

Something has fractured.

Something inside the ash has fractured.

"THE CRYSTAL!"

Frightened because you think you have done damage, you dig with your bare hands and there it is.

"Oh ... no ... no ..."

The opening on the chest, the one that characterized the statue, has opened wide.

"No ... no ... please ... no"

Trembling, you take the Countess in her hands, but as soon as you touch her, her slit opens further and she finally breaks in half. Leaving a part of her for each of your hands.

"No ... no...what have I done ..."

Like a child who has just broken a toy, you try to make the two halves fit together. But the statue seems to have lost the little crystalline color it had, it looked like “Dead… it's dead” you keep moving the pieces not realizing that, because of your trembling, every sharp edge of the crystal is tearing your hands. The statue gradually gets soaked in your blood that it slips from your hands. During the fall, the two halves open your wrists further. The new cuts amplify the ones you had self-inflicted on. You let out a short scream of pain.

[Călin leans towards you from the top of the stairs, but you don't notice him. He sees you are still kneeling and bleeding. He thinks you are still in the middle of the ritual and he goes back to look down the long corridor.]

The crystal is now breaded with blood and ash. Your arms are in deep bleeding.

"I failed. I failed you” you speak towards the remains. You try to stand up, but your head starts to turn and you collapse on your knees "I am sorry".

Your blood continues to dribble onto the ash, which rapidly continues to absorb it as if there was no end. As if it were thirsty as if it needed more.

“I am sorry… I really am” you drop your hands forward to hold the weight of your body and sink your arms into the remains of the Countess. You think you are hallucinating when you notice that the dust seems to rise along your skin as if in a sudden expansion. Every tiny particle of gray runs towards your wounds.

You make another attempt to get up, but the ground doesn't stand still. You think your legs are shaking, but in reality, it is the tower that is moving from the ground up.

An earthquake. You laugh "I am having a severe head trip"

[Călin stands at the entrance "You did it, Doc! I think you did it! " he rejoices while he leans his ear. You hear something in the distance "They are coming" he whispers, grinding his teeth and tensing his muscles "An earthquake does not go unnoticed"]

Another tremor hits the tower, some bricks fall to the ground near you, but you don't budge. You feel that your body is leaving you.

You pull your arms out of the ash with force, as if the mountain of dust does not want to let you go from that point immersed in blood. The crystal finally shatters, you gasp frightened as the gray matter begins to swell.

"What the fuck is happening, now?" you crawl back as the mountain of ash seems to get bigger and bigger. The particles roll along the sides, you keep looking at the strange phenomenon thinking you have lost the statue forever, but something weird happens in front of your eyes: the gray mass begins to change shape as it continues to grow in size. What was initially the round top begins to lengthen and on the orthogonal axis an ovalescent protuberance peeps out, detaching itself along one end. The base becomes narrower and a fracture branches off from the ground towards half height. The mass seems to open up as if it had been folded up to that moment and trying to stand up.

You widen your eyes and open your mouth in amazement "I ... is this forming blob ... I mean ... is that you?" you stammer without taking your eyes off the movements made by the ashes.

[“Come on, Countess. Wake up. We have no more time left” the boy hears the footsteps getting closer and closer. In a matter of minutes, they will cross the door "This must work"]

The bump at the top gradually changes color, it seems to be getting darker and the particles come together to form like short waves along the ash, while the rest of the blob is getting lighter and lighter. The dull gray gives way to more bright and lively alabaster.

"Lady ..."

The ash pillar does not stop changing shape. The moonlight hits it in full and you notice how the entire surface is no longer coarse, but smooth, almost giving off a sense of softness. The forms are becoming more and more defined.

"That ... that's a head!" you squeak while the eyes are created and a first furrow between the future lips forms "Arms!" two extensions depart from the upper trunk ending in a series of long, thin and sinuous fingers "Your legs!" the no-longer-blob bends her knees as if testing her weight, but loses a little balance to the side "Be careful, Dimitrescu!" you exclaim instinctively "I don't even know if you can hear me, I don't see ears on you ... yet ..." but the figure quickly creates the feet, the nose, and there they are ... ears! The hips become slightly wider, and the chest also begins to swell. You can't ignore it and you blush, you think back to the portrait of her "It's her" you think "IT'S YOU!" you yell.

You try to get up again with a sudden strength acquired at the sight of the awakening Lady. You point one knee to the ground and push with the opposite foot to give you the momentum to get up, opening your arms to keep you balanced. You stretch your bent leg and gradually stand up "I got this" you look up and there she is, standing in front of you. Iced gray eyes towering over you, looking at you, focusing on you. You swallow, unable to react, you don't know whether from the shock of having her in front of you or from the copious loss of blood.

Her dark crimson lips curl up. A sweet smile appears on the Lady's face as she holds out a hand towards you. In response, you try to raise an arm and get closer, but a whistle goes through your ears and the room begins to spin.

"Dimi ..." you feel the floor fail from under your feet "I ..." you lose control of the weight of your body, you look with terror at the Countess in front of you "Help ... me" everything turns black.

Alcina flexes her knees and leaps forward. She wraps you in her arms a few centimeters from the ground "Rebecca ..." she exclaims worried "Rebecca" she repeats moving locks of hair from your face, trembling "My darling, wake up" tenderly she pats you on the cheek "Please, wake up". Her nostrils suddenly dilate and her gaze runs down your body "Oh my goddess" she gasps as soon as she notices the open bleeding. She wears a forefinger on your neck, she has a hard time controlling her movements. She finds your carotid artery "Your heartbeat is slowing down," her eyes get shiny, and teary.

"ALCINA!" Călin screams with all the voice he has in his body "RUN!!!"

The Lady looks up and recognizes the boy "Rebecca is seriously injured"

"THEY ARE COMING, YOU HAVE TO GO!"

"I CAN'T!" she answers raising her voice. That reaction of sudden anger mixed with fear leads to the formation of two growths on her back.

"Not now, please, not now" her face cracks a little as she brings both of your wrists to her mouth. With slow and careful movements she leans her lips to your wounds, and with the tip of her tongue licks away the blood that comes out. The contact with her saliva slows down your bleeding and closes fractures in her skin.

Then she opens your jacket "I apologize for what I'm about to do", she raises your sweater and tears off a part of your shirt creating two strips of cloth to use on your wrists "I will buy you new clothes, I promise" she whispers while trying to cover your wounds.

She realizes that her muscles are tingling, they are asleep. She can't guide her gestures as she would like.

"ALCINA, YOU MUST GO, NOW!!!!"

"I WILL NOT LEAVE WITHOUT HER!" she yells back to Călin. The new rush of anger causes the growths on her back to open into two massive dragon-like wings "I will not leave without you" she repeats to you.

As soon as she has decided that the bandage was passable, she takes you in her arms and tries to stand up, but her knees give way "I run out of strength" she hugs you tighter, closing her wings to protect you and to cover up.

"CĂLIN!!" she calls desperate

The boy turns to the countess, then looks back at the door "They are opening it"

“I AM NOT ABLE TO CARRY HER WITH ME, I NEED YOU IMMEDIATELY” she orders.

He is initially hesitant, but he could never disobey the Countess. He throws himself down the stairs and approaches the two women "My Lady, it's wonderful to see you again in the flesh and ..."

“I don't have time for pleasantries, take the backpack on the floor that contains my daughters and grab Rebecca. I can't stand up, my strength is returning too slowly and I don't have total control over my body. I am barely holding back my final transformation" Lady Dimitrescu hesitantly approaches her arms towards the boy and makes him take you "There is a passage nearby, follow me"

The Countess extends her wings and closes them in front of her, to cover herself, and walks towards one side of the tower. Călin follows her, trying not to drop either you or the backpack.

“They are crossing the corridor,” he says

"I can hear them" she replies without turning and accelerating her pace until she stops in front of a wall. She reaches out and touches a sequence of bricks. The wall vibrates, a sound of gears is heard muffled coming from the inside and a rectangular area of bricks collapses in unison, then moves to one side. An entrance towards a dark corridor opens in front of the Countess. She leans forward and crosses it.

“The ash! She has disappeared! " a voice shouts from the top of the stairs.

"There's someone down there!" another voice replies nervously.

Călin turns around “Shit. Alcina, run, now! " he orders by pushing the base of the wall behind her with his heel. A new noise of gears starts.

The odoor is closing.

He throws the backpack with the crystals inwards. Alcina grabs it on the fly.

 "Pass me Rebecca!"

"You have no strength, and there is no time."

"NO!" she holds out an arm "I can do this!" but the wall closes in front of her.

The young man approaches the wall "I am sorry, my Lady" 

Alcina clenches her free fist and starts hitting the wall "CĂLIN !!" she screams angrily

"Go to Sophia, she is waiting for you"

"I cannot leave her behind!"

“Regain your power, awaken your daughters and come and set us free. I will try to buy some time” he replies walking away.

The matriarch tries to push the structure, but she is still too weak. Tears run down her face "Rebecca ..." she throws another punch against the bricks "Hold on".

She then carries the backpack towards her heart "I'll wake up the girls and I'll come back to get you" she continues "I promise" holding back her sobs "I will find you even if I had to bring down the entire castle. I will find you."

She turns around and walks into the darkness.

-

"Călin, what happened here? And why is the Doctor in that state?"

"I arrived too late ... she managed to wake her up ..." he replies to his colleague

"Well, well, well," someone chants from behind them

"Iolanda ..." he gasps

"In the end, she succeeded"

Călin lowers his gaze "So it would seem, I'm sorry I couldn't stop her in time"

“It's not a problem, on the contrary, she solved an issue for us. Were you able to see her?"

"Who?"

"Lady Dimitrescu, who else if not?"

“Unfortunately no, I arrived that the Doctor was lying on the ground. I bandaged her wrists, she lost a lot of blood… I think she… is dying.” his words break in his throat.

"Are you worried about the girl?" Iolanda teases him "Don't be. She was just an instrument, a pawn for our plan. A way to have the Lady. Great job, Călin"

"Thank you, Boss" he answers between his teeth "What do we do with her, then?" he asks referring to you.

“Take her to the second floor, to my private offices. I will take care of her"

"Sure ..."

"Anyway, I'm disappointed"

"From what?"

“I thought the Lady would take the girl away with her, but she left her behind. How cruel can be that monster?"

Călin grinds his teeth, his nostrils open and close quickly "Only a monster can do that" he replies, feeling guilty for the words just uttered "I need to buy time"

Iolanda shrugs “Now that we know she has been awakened I can warn the others. We will capture her, she can't escape"

Chapter Text

"Thinking again...You" Iolanda calls one of the men by her side "Take the girl"

The man approaches Călin, he pulls back for a moment and an inquisitive look appears on Iolanda's face "What are you waiting for? Give her to him"

"Why can't I take her anymore?" he answers

"Because you have other groups of people waiting at the entrance. You shouldn't even be here… in fact… how did you get in this place before us?" she asks.

Călin does not let himself be taken in check “I was on break and I heard a noise going down the stairs in this direction. Instead of questioning me, Iolanda, you should thank me that at least I have taken the doctor" he replies advancing towards the woman.

She bursts into a loud laugh “My dear Călin, I never would have thought that such a skinny being would have the guts to answer like that. I may have underestimated you, but do as I told you. Now"

The young man can't play much with fire and reluctantly gives up your body to his colleague "Rebecca, forgive me ... Alcina, Sophia ... forgive me" he thinks, the blood boiling inside his veins "Soon we will make them pay".

“Let everyone return to their place, we will soon have important guests. I want all the visits concluded for the set time. The Countess will be recovering her strength and will soon be returning to her Castle. We must be ready"

The people close to her disappear, while the man who has you in custody remains still.

“Take her upstairs, tie her up. I will arrive shortly"

"Boss, I don't think it's necessary to tie her up ... she lost a lot of blood"

"Do what I tell you"

The man nods and disappears down the corridor.

Iolanda waits to be alone and takes a cellphone out of her trouser pocket. She taps the screen looking for a number in the phone book. The line rings.

"Give me good news" replies a male voice on the other side.

"Telling you she woke up is good enough as news?"

"Excellent, what about the girl who was with er?"

"Alive... for a little while longer"

"What do you mean?"

“She lost a lot of blood during the rite of awakening the Countess. I don't think she has little left"

"I want her alive"

"But…"

“Extort the information we need from her, the way you think is most appropriate, but I want her alive. Understood?"

"Sure ..." the call ends abruptly. Iolanda puts her cell phone back in her pocket "Fuck him ... he will have her alive, of course, but no one has told him in what state she was found. I'll have my fun"

-

The underground tunnel seems to never end. The woman's breathing becomes more and more labored “I have almost no strength left, I need to feed” she says, grinding her teeth “But I can't give up now. After everything she has done for me" she rolls up the straps of the backpack that hold her daughters in her hand "No. The Dimitrescu family does not give up so easily" she continues to trudge "Raven ... where are you hiding?" she asks in the darkness. Not even her sight has recovered. Once the darkness was her best friend. She feels a chill starting from her chest and going towards her wings “No, not now. Not yet. Your time will come, Dragon, but not now. We have to find our niece"

Alcina closes her eyes and inhales deeply, squeezing her diaphragm.

"RAAAAVEEEEEEN!" she screams, shaking the rocks that make up the tunnel. The call echoes as far as there is a road. The woman waits for a few seconds. The answer comes almost immediately: a small blue flame peeks out in the distance, quickly zigzagging like a firefly.

"Aunt!"

"Raven ... is that you?" the matriarch replies confused and curious.

“Yes and no, it's a spell. Follow this blue light and you will find me. I'm not very far ... but ... where is Rebecca? And Călin?"

Alcina looks to the side, a tear escapes her control "I'm alone, they took them"

“I see… we will save them. Aunt, trust me. Reach me as soon as possible"

The woman wipes her eyes and nods "Coming".

Talking to her niece has made her regain some strength and Alcina decides to try to run as long as her body holds up.

The blue flame lights the way, deciding the direction to go, quickly. Alcina no longer has to think, just follows. Time is not on her side.

"Aunt, I feel your presence ever closer" Sophia's voice reappears "You're almost there"

The woman makes a last effort, the tunnel begins to get brighter and brighter. A series of torches now lead her way. A sound of short footsteps approaches as she is about to enter what appears to be a room.

"RAVEN!" the lady screams desperate and exhausted, Alcina collapses on her knees while the young girl throws herself around her neck sobbing.

"Aunt ..." she can barely say "Finally, I missed you so much."

The countess wraps the small body in her arms, paying attention to the backpack with crystals "I missed you too, little raven"

Sophia holds the woman for a few more moments before coming to her senses. She sniffles and tries to get serious "Before you tell me what happened and why you are alone ... I have a couple of things to give you," she says moving away inwards.

Alcina struggles to get up and cross the entrance to the room, partially lowering her back. She finds herself immersed in what looks like a mixture of a weapons warehouse, a witch's workshop, a bedroom, and more "What is this place?" she asks as she leans her backpack against a shelf nailed to the wall.

"It was my hiding place for a while ... after the Duke died ... I had to keep a low profile" Sophia replies as she takes from the table a large jug filled with red liquid "Drink this, you definitely need it" she hands it to the aunt who instantly dilates her nostrils. Her instinct strikes her before good manners and she grabs the container without too many hesitations, drinking from it in one breath as if that could be her last chance to do so.

"Slow down, I have more ..." Sophia tries to joke.

Alcina comes to her senses, her totally dilated pupils are turned to her niece. "I'm desolate, I still can't control my actions" she replies with her face stained with blood.

Sophia hands her a handkerchief.

"Thank you," she replies, wiping elegantly as if the bloodthirsty creature had calmed down and hidden under her alabaster skin.

“I have something more for you… that… you might need” Sophia says, pointing to her aunt's naked body.

The countess covers herself with her wings "The transformation does not include clothes, I'm afraid"

The witch seems to be looking for something inside a chest near the bed "Here it is!" she exclaims proud of the discovery and with great speed disposes something on her bed. Then she turns to her aunt trying to hide with her small body what she has behind her.

"Time to come to your senses, my Lady" Sophia playfully bows, now moving and leaving the view to the woman.

Alcina approaches with her eyes towards her niece "Why all this mystery?" she asks her before noticing the gift. She gasps "My dress!" while she hesitantly strokes the cream-colored fabric with her fingers.

"I managed to steal one before I was practically a fugitive ... obviously that's not all, under the dress you also find what you need to put ... well ... under ... you know ... your corset and stuff ..."

"Raven ... I don't know how to thank you"

"Just get dressed, and then we can talk" Sophia turns her back on Alcina who begins to dress. The blood she recently drank begins to take effect. The woman succeeds in reabsorbing her wings and reassembling her body to the extent of her clothes. She carefully wears the complete underwear "Little one, I might need help with the corset"

"Of course!" Sophia approaches and tightens the rope to be able to tie a knot "Tight enough?"

"It's perfect. Thank you, my darling” the countess replies as she begins to wear her long dress. As soon as the long dressing ritual is over, the vampire lets out a long sigh of satisfaction.

"No, not yet ..." Sophia tells her opening a closet "Aunt, on the fly!"

Alcina turns quickly.

“Shoes… .gloves…” the young woman throws behind her, without looking in which direction the objects are running out, but the countess, now almost in shape, can quickly take everything.

"It is necessary?"

"I am testing your speed"

"Raven ..." Alcina shakes her head maternally as she puts on her gloves. She then helps herself by leaning against a wall to put on her shoes.

"And with this, you are now ... you" the young witch walks towards her aunt "I took great care of it"

The matriarch's eyes sparkle as she holds out her arm.

"That's the one found near the collapsed tower"

Alcina touches the black fabric before putting on the last piece of her being the Countess.

"This was the last one you wore"

"And it will be the last they will see" she pronounces.

Sophia takes two steps back, to frame the entire figure of the woman in front of her.

A grin full of vengeance and thirst for blood appears under the visor of the large black hat.

"Welcome back, Lady Dimitrescu"

-

"Rocsena, I think you will have to do the whole of our last lap. I'm not very well"

“Călin, don't do this to me. I'm exhausted"

"And if I finish the one beginning, will you rest and take the last?"

The colleague snorts “Ok, ok. At least I'll have time to steal a beer from the bar to recover"

"Thank you!" Călin pretends to rejoice, but inside he is figuring out how to get closer to the place where your body has been hidden. He fears that Iolanda will harm you, and unfortunately his sixth sense is not wrong.

He welcomes the group of visitors at the entrance, now that the director is busy elsewhere, and begins the tour hating every single word he utters against the Dimitrescu family.

Although he tries to reduce the explanations, it seems that the tour is longer than usual. Visitors ask too many questions. He is getting tired of putting on that fake smile, but it takes little to get rid of them. And then?

“I would like to find Rebecca… but, that wasn't the plan. She wasn't even supposed to have been captured. Calling others. That is what said Sophia. We must all be there, even if few. The surprise effect will be on our side, together with the entire Dimitrescu family"

“And with that, I end my time with you. If you continue straight you will arrive at the refreshment area and our gif shop. You can't go home without a souvenir from Dimitrescu Castle” he says in a shrill voice. The visitors applaud him for the time he has dedicated to them. Someone shakes his hand, and others try to ask him other questions, but Călin finally manages to free himself.

"Finally ..." he quickly moves between the rooms, trying not to attract too much attention to his colleagues, until he goes down to the courtyard. Here, the young man takes a deep breath of the cold air "I'll look for the others, then Sophia and Lady Dimitrescu. Rebecca...hold on "

Chapter Text

"How do you feel?"

“I think I'm finally back to myself, the smells, the sounds. My senses are what they once were"

Sophia sheds more blood on Alcina "Recharge a little more, you need to recover before facing Iolanda and her henchmen"

Lady Dimitrescu opens the palm of her right hand. The black leather of her glove tensed, her long claws springing out of the fingertips "I'll be more than happy to feed directly from her carotid artery still throbbing"

“Calm down! Your enemy is not her, surely she now knows that you have been awakened. She will have called someone inside Umbrella Corp and they will certainly be on the way. They are our focus… but before we think of any plans. Tell me ... what happened to Rebecca and Câlin?"

Alcina takes a sip of the thick red liquid and tells what she remembers from the moment of her awakening, of how Rebecca had fainted from loss of blood and of how she herself was not in strength, for this reason, Câlin took the decision to go to Iolanda and buy time.

"I understand. He has certainly made the best decision for that moment, aunt"

“Do you trust him so much? Despite…"

Sophia smiles "Blindly, I think our family is a prime example of never judging a book by its cover. Don't you think?"

"You're right, but ..."

"Aunt, he and his people are the few survivors of the explosion. They've been plotting revenge for far too long, they've allowed me to stay safe and you and your daughters to get to your destination, far from here. By the way, where are they?"

Alcina approaches the shelf where she had left the backpack and delicately grabs it in her big hands as if she were holding the most precious and fragile thing that could exist in the Universe "Here, Rebecca never left them for a single moment"

"I was hoping she would be able to awaken them with you"

The Lady looks down sadly "Unfortunately her blood doesn't work with them"

"What do you mean?"

"It doesn't have the same effect on crystals as it did on mine"

"Strange, what do you think this is due to?"

“They weren't saved like me. My little girls were born from… death. The difference must be there"

The witch hides a grimace of annoyance at hearing the word "saved" knowing it is linked to Miranda. She drowns the urge to tell her more, about her discoveries, about her cult, about Eve, but it's not the right time.

“We have to figure out how to get them back to us, their spirit is still in there. I can feel them"

"I do, too" Alcina sighs clutching the backpack to her chest.

"Maybe remembering how you raised them ... what brought them back to life ..."

"They were insects present in the Castle, they somehow interacted with the cadoux"

"Mmhmm ... if we're lucky, maybe some of those insects have remained in your home"

"Maybe in the basement, where I had my laboratory"

“This means that we absolutely must return to the Castle as soon as possible. How do you feel now?"

"Strong and ready"

“Excellent, I'll send a message to Câlin. Let's go get Rebecca back and wake up your daughters"

Lady Dimitrescu smiles "I'm not waiting for anything else"

“Just give me a few minutes. You said Rebecca was hurt, right? I will need bandages, cicatrizants, and herbs to remove any inflammation and disinfect it" Sophia, while enunciating her mental list, moves quickly between the shelves of the room, opening jars, closing others, and accumulating things inside a long bag "I will also need these…” she grabs some small ampoules filled with light blue liquid “And I will need this for Câlin” she concludes, taking a piece of paper. She holds it with both hands and brings it to her lips closing her eyes. “My dear, my aunt and I intend to go back to the Castle. Call the others and join us as soon as possible,” she whispers. The sheet lights up with each spoken word. Concluding the sentence, Sophia wrinkles the paper and holds it between her thumb and forefinger “Ignis, invedere eam. Quaeso, festina”. The piece of paper is suddenly engulfed in flames and the ash generated, instead of sliding to the ground, hovers in the air as a sentient being. The remains of the sheet snap, moving away from Sophia, touching Alcina's shoulder and disappearing behind the door, between the tunnels.

The matriarch observes the whole scene without saying a word, fascinated by the abilities of her niece. Sophia doesn't notice the look and grabs the bag "Let's go" she states.

"You know ..." the Lady begins to say "I couldn't help but listen ... my dear?"

The witch blushes "It's not what you think"

"I can hear your heart speeding up, Raven"

"I don't have anything to say"

Alcina raises a corner of her mouth “For now. This theme remains pending for now" she laughs as she approaches the entrance threshold "Apart from that, your mother and the Duke would be very proud of how you control your power. I am"

Sophia intertwines her fingers "Thank you" a tear falls from her face "I've been hiding for so long, learning and studying. Waiting for the day to have all of you back. I know I can't have them back ... but ... "

Alcina approaches the young woman and leans toward her. With an index finger, she raises Sophia's chin to have direct contact with her eyes. “I chose you as a member of this house, little Raven, many years ago. When you peeked behind your uncle's head in his carriage. We will not be linked by blood, as a matter of fact, not even with my daughters I am. But you are part of this family, MY family. You are a Dimitrescu, never forget that. Understood?"

Sophia sniffles and nods quickly.

Alcina moves her index finger from under her niece's chin and gently touches the tip of her nose "Very well, now let's go"

--

Câlin exits the courtyard, managing to make his way into the area outside the Castle. He decides to move to the back and get away from the area as quickly as possible.

The boy begins to lengthen his pace, faster, faster, and faster. The agility that distinguishes him is perhaps due to knowing those places like the back of his hands and also to his slender shape. He continues to run, regardless of the cold "There have been worse winters than this" he thinks between one change of direction and the next.

Off the radar of the castle, he runs towards what was once the center of the ancient village.

“I have to do it as fast as I can,” he says, jumping over the remains of columns.

Suddenly he stops "First...the altar" and looks around.

He walks over to a thick black structure where interlocking objects once stood. He tries to pick up the piece of stone, certainly heavy for a normal human being, but a feather for him.

"If the altar is standing, the closest ones will understand. Now I have to activate the second signal" he talks to himself, getting back on track toward another direction well known to him.

A place that was once his home, of which now only metal remains and some remnants of long industrial chimneys remain, scattered along an expanse of grass that is struggling to grow.

Passing in front of it, every time, his heart squeezes, but today it is different. Câlin clenches his fists "Our time has come" and makes his way between the metal sheets, car wheels, and arrives in front of two large very thick steel plates thrown on the ground "I think these are quite large" he states "And you're perfect too,” he says, grabbing a cast iron pipe from the ground with both hands.

As he inhales, he pulls up the tube bringing it over his head, looking around what once was the Heisenberg factory “AAAAAAAAAH! LISTEN TO ME!!" he screams making the cast iron strike the steel. The metal clash echoes throughout the field, up to the neighboring forest.

He raises the pipe "LADY DIMITRESCU IS BACK, STOP HIDING" he yells again beating against the steel.

He is about to raise the cast iron a third time when a strange smell catches his attention "What's burning?" he whirls around when he is enveloped in a cloud of strange dust. He reaches out to touch it “Ash? What? How?" As soon as the ashes make contact with him, it accumulates in front of his face, recomposing itself on the sheet of paper that once was.

Câlin drops the cast iron pipe to the ground with a thud and grabs the sheet, a series of words appear on it “Sophia! It was you!" he exclaims continuing to read “Understood! I'll come for you!" he replies looking around as if the witch could somehow hear him "One last call and I'll come to you, babe"

He takes the cast iron back in his hand and gives the last blow to the blades "I WILL WAIT FOR YOU ALL AT THE CASTLE, THEY ARE COMING" he shouts in one breath before running back to the mansion.

--

Iolanda grabs a glass full of water from her desk and throws its contents toward the center of the room.

*cough cough*

"Wake up!"

She throws more water at you.

"I don't have much time to waste with you"

*cough cough*

You move your head, you feel it soaking wet. You instinctively try to touch your face but feel your hands and arms locked. You open your eyes wide and start to fidget, your feet are also tied.

"What is happening? Where am I?"

Your pupils are struggling to focus, too much light is emanating from the chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

"It's useless for you to move, you are tied up"

You are able to recognize that voice "You..." you say between your teeth

“Yep… me. Welcome back to the world of the living, Doctor"

You forcefully move your arms hoping to free yourself, but the friction of the ropes on your fresh wounds makes you give up quickly "Fuck ..." you murmur "What do you want from me?"

“Well” Iolanda approaches you “First of all, my compliments for having awakened the Countess. You freed me from an arduous and complex task...now" the woman raises a finger and approaches it to one of the ropes that tighten your arms "Where is she? "

"I ... I don't know" you answer trying to remember what happened just before you fainted

"Are you sure?" the director presses the string to your skin. You feel one of the wounds burn immediately.

"I am ... sure" you find it hard to say.

"I can't hear you. I asked you ... where" she presses again "is" a third time "SHE!" she places a second finger.

"I told you! I don't know!" you respond shaking. Your arm throbs with pain.

Iolanda returns to her desk and grabs an object.

"Let's try something different. Would you? " she asks sarcastically showing you a sharp blade.

Chapter Text

Alcina picks up the backpack with the crystals in her hand, trying in vain to put it over her shoulder. Sophia smothers a laugh behind her hand “Aunt, shall I take it? I don't think it's your size."

The matriarch sighs in surrender “Fine, but be careful…”

"I will, you don't have to worry" the young woman wears the treasure "May I look inside?"

"Of course. Rebecca wrapped them around a scarf so they wouldn't get ruined"

Sophia delicately opens the backpack, immediately noticing the wool embracing the crystals. She inserts a hand carefully, she feels a jingle from the touch of the three sisters. She brings her hand deeper and feels something more. Intrigued, but without being noticed by Alcina, she touches the foreign object and feels it is a book or diary "What else have you hidden in here, Rebecca?" she thinks, pulling out the limb and closing the backpack "It seems to me everything is in order in here" she then says "Let's go"

“What is our direction?” asks Lady Dimitrescu crossing the threshold of the door

“Knowing the vanity and ego that pervades Iolanda, I'm sure she hid Rebecca in what used to be your private floor, Alci. The best idea is to go through the courtyard, trying not to get noticed. By now they will have already finished their visits and will be waiting for us..." replies Sophia walking through the tunnels. A luminous aura is created around her that illuminates the path.

Alcina extracts and retracts the claws from one hand "I will have no mercy on anyone who gets in the way"

“Aunt…I'd like the bloodshed to be kept to a minimum…please…we mustn't be seen at all until we find Rebecca. The less they understand that we are inside the Castle, the more time we will have to find it and the fewer people we will have on our heels"

Lady Dimitrescu grinds her teeth “As you wish. But only until we are close to Rebecca"

“And we awake your daughters…”

“You're playing with fire, little Raven”

Sophia approaches Alcina and shakes her hand “You will have your revenge. Trust me, but you need to be patient. We are few…and they…well…I don't know what we will face”

The vampire reciprocates her hold, gently "Show me the way" she says taking her in her arms and carrying her on her shoulders "I move faster"

Sophia immediately understands the woman's gestures and sits down, holding onto the latter's neck "At the next fork, take the tunnel on the right"

Alcina starts running “I'm coming, my dear. Hold on,” she thinks to herself as she picks up speed.

--

Iolanda approaches you again, swinging the knife between her fingers "It's a pity, you know, having to ruin that pretty face of yours, but I need some information, and you" she feigns a sigh of surrender "you leave me no choice but torture you”

“Please…don't do that” you exclaim shaking your arms and legs

“I already told you, it's useless for you to move. Just give me the answers I seek"

"I do not know! How many times do I have to repeat it to you? I don't know where Lady Dimitrescu is!” as you speak you feel a salty taste on your lips. You didn't realize you were crying in despair “Why are you doing this? What do you want from her?"

“Well, it's very simple actually…simple if you know the real story behind Mother Miranda. Do you?” Iolanda looks you fixed in her eyes.

“I need to buy time…she will find me I'm sure…” you reflect “Yes” you answer “I know who she really is. I found some of her notes by putting your former excavation colleagues through the wringer…”

The director widens her eyes "Have you talked to them?"

You nod “It wasn't easy. They were terrified to talk about the topic”

“I see…what did they tell you?”

"Said? Little…what have I managed to find, you mean…I know about the cult, I know about the lords…I know about the mushroom…”

Iolanda laughs “You do your homework, I see, very well. It is no coincidence then that they have chosen you to bring her here”

"Chosen?"

“Do you think we are that stupid? We've had our eyes on you for a long time, Rebecca. Since the package was sent to your museum”

A shiver shakes you "Did you follow me?"

“We don't need to tail you. The right people, in the right places. We know about the box and we know it reached you. My guess? Hopsia is behind all of this”

You look down.

“I guessed right, didn't I? I knew she was up to something, but she was very good at disappearing into the darkness after the excavations. Have you met her?”

It's time to lie “No, I didn't. I received the box, and I came here directly. I've been investigating. Pieces of the puzzle together…but you didn't answer my question. What do you want from the Dimitrescu family?”

Iolanda points the knife at you "I think it's me who has to ask questions, don't you think? But you're right... Lady Dimitrescu, as you may have understood, she has always been the only true survivor of the four lords who was given a fungus with great powers. We knew her essence had been locked up in crystal form and we searched for it until you brought it to us."

“How did you know she was still alive?”

The director approaches your ear and starts whispering "I'll tell you a secret since I'm sure you won't see your world again once you're in their hands...the fungus...is still alive"

You gasp “…still…alive…??” you stammer “That thing they implanted in the lords…and all those villagers…”

Iolanda chuckles "Yep, isn't it amazing?" she walks around you “And your friend is essential to us, the mushroom on her spawned vampirism! It's phenomenal!”

“What do you want from her?”

“But isn't that obvious? We need to thoroughly study the fungus' reaction to her blood! Imagine what uses we could make of it as soon as we understood what link exists between the disease and the cadou! Could the fungus be linked to other diseases? To create new mutagens? The answers are endless!”

“You are fools!” you yell at her

“Oh, no, we are at the cutting edge! Umbrella has ALWAYS been at the forefront, but the world hasn't understood it... it will soon understand..."

"And me? What do I have to do with this whole story? What do you want from me?”

"My dear" Iolanda brings the tip of the knife under your ear. You feel the cold of the blade on your skin and you instinctively move your neck away. “You carry a lot of information with you. Do you think I believe you never met Hopsia?” she starts pressing the tip into her skin. You feel pricked "The sooner you tell me where the Countess and her aide are, the sooner I'll leave you alone"

"If you've had so many men following me, how have you not found the girl until now?"

"Then confirm that you saw her!" the woman drags the knife a little along your neck. The burning of a new wound opening makes you dizzy. You fell for a stupid logical deception.

“I just caught mistakes in your plan” you try to catch up.

“Unfortunately, one cannot blindly trust everyone. But dry branches can always be eliminated”

Think about the driver who took you everywhere and never left you for a moment, he will surely be a dry branch.

"Do what you want with me, I won't tell you anything"

Iolanda, seized by her nervousness, moves the knife sharply towards herself. The wound gets wider. "Now let's think about your pretty face... if you had talked we would have shortened the times, but you really don't want to understand..." she says taking a couple of steps backward and tilting her head as if she were trying to decide which part of your face is the best to disfigure “I'm just playing with you. You…are the reason the Lady will come back to us…you know? Just now I was thinking how cruel it was of her to abandon you of her in the ashes of that tower, after all you've done for her. But then I thought maybe, just maybe, she wasn't herself… out of control…” Iolanda shrugs with a questioning look “she will come back for you, I'm sure of it and we will be here waiting for her with open arms!” she exclaims spreading her arms and looking around her as if indicating the whole castle and the people who work there “Don't you understand? You tell us where she is, we capture her, game over. You do not speak? She will come to us anyway, we will capture her… whatever it is… we win”

On the one hand, the idea that Alcina might be coming to your rescue warms your heart and gives you hope, but on the other hand, you don't want her to fall into Iolanda's trap "You alone, all of you, won't be able to stop her. If that's really what you say and what I've read... you have no hope"

The woman clicks her tongue a couple of times “And this is where you are wrong, Doctor”

"What do you mean?"

“Everything in due time, at this point there is no rush. You're not cooperating, so now I just have to wait. But know that the less you talk, the fewer parts of you will remain intact and the countess will take a long time to recognize you"

--

Câlin makes his way through the shrubbery until he reaches the inner perimeter of the castle again. He pauses for a moment to catch his breath when his keen ears are distracted by the sound of quick footsteps approaching. The boy kneels down and hides in the foliage. His eyes are wide open in the direction of the steps. Whoever the running figure was, it must have been aware of him as it slowed down to walking.

“Show yourself, there's no need to hide” a stern female voice rings out nearby.

Câlin tenses his muscles.

“I recognize your smell”

The footsteps get closer. "Shit..." the boy lets out between his teeth.

“Get out of that bush” orders another voice to come out.

Câlin quickly jumps out of hiding “SOPHIA??” looking in the direction of this second known harmony.

“CALIN! I AM HERE!" just behind a large oak trunk appears a gigantic white human figure. On her shoulder, a small woman waves a hand rapidly.

“Lady Dimitrescu! Sophia!” the boy runs towards the two women with a big smile on his face and stops a step away from the countess. The matriarch gently places her niece on the ground and she runs into the young man's arms.

“I got your message,” he says, hugging her tightly.

Sophia returns his embrace for a few moments and then walks away coming back to herself "Did you call the others?"

“They will come soon”

“Great” Sophia replies turning to her aunt.

Alcina has her arms folded, a smirk on her face. She has observed the entire scene and is dying to intervene, teasing the young girl, but the latter beats her on time by extending a threatening index towards her "Don't you even dare"

Alcina's smirk changes into a motherly smile as she walks towards Câlin "It's good to see you again and to know that you are a trusted ally..."

The young man looks down “Lady Dimitrescu, they took Rebecca. I couldn't protect her"

The woman places her hand on the boy's head “We were in the minority. Now I have my strength back. Let's go get her"

Câlin nods and looks at Sophia hopefully. The girl smiles back "Let's take Rebecca and wake up my cousins with as little bloodshed as possible"

The three exchange a knowing look and silently enter the courtyard in the direction of Iolanda's hidden offices.

--

The blonde sinuously approaches you again like a snake “I can't stand your inquisitive gaze anymore. I think I will continue therefore with one of your eyes”

You grit your teeth, you have no way out and you're at the total mercy of that woman.

“What did they promise you in exchange for her?”

Iolanda stops for a moment "Well, the direction of the Castle and priority over any discovery found during the excavations...at the beginning" the blade now points to your forehead

"At the beginning?" you repeat the question trying to buy time.

She pushes the tip back into your skin. “Of course, I was so naive when I got here. A small isolated village, destroyed by an earthquake…but no…some of us found the first tunnels…and they kept an eye on us. They began to fill us with money after money in order not to get their hands dirty, with technicians and laboratories to carry out analyzes on the soil. They didn't know what they were going to face."

"And then?"

“Then I realized that this situation was not normal. That foreign company couldn't be so interested in this godforsaken hole…and I started my game. I began to talk to their technicians, their soldiers, until I made friends with some of the upper levels. One of them noticed me and together, one night we walked into some of those tunnels… the dense network on which Mother Miranda relied… and I found it… what remained of the megamycete. He was frightened by that vision, I was delighted by the discovery without knowing what that organic being was in front of me, I knew it was something extremely important... and that thing... was calling me"

"What do you mean? Was it calling you?"

The woman now slides the blade toward your eyebrow “We're really curious, aren't we? Doctor? I was chosen… the mushroom, he wanted me ”

“Oh God, another crazy woman” you immediately think

“It saw another Miranda in me, but the man beside me stopped me before I could touch the megamycete”

“He saved you”

"I thought not, but he was ahead of me, he knew that we could both gain from that discovery and we made a pact: the study of the mushroom with its application was up to me and part of the use of the results was up to him"

“And Umbrella?”

“Well, they realized that they had two essential elements in hand and they let us do it by giving us more than we asked for…that is why I will be the first to lay my hands on your dear Countess”

--

“Let me go ahead, they know me. I'll give you the green light” the young man immediately pushes towards the arcades on his left. He crosses the first door and looks around "There is nobody" he peeps his head and with his hand calls the two women towards him.

Calin climbs the stairs, Sophia and Alcina a few steps away.

Having reached the first hall, the boy sees a colleague "What are you doing here?"

"Iolanda told us to keep an eye out, didn't she warn you?"

“Yeah, that's why I wonder what you're doing here…they just sent me. You should be from the terrace"

"But... no, I'm sure I have to stay here"

“And who is there?”

“There are the others” the colleague hesitates

"Who? How many?"

"Why all these questions?" the man is getting nervous

“I want to know if Iolanda sent me here for no avail or if you need reinforcements”

"The more the merrier, the terrace in the open, I think, is not supervised enough ... there are only six of us up here"

“Then I'll take your place, you go with the others. I check the scale”

The colleague is not very sure.

“Scared?” Calin asks, trying to poke his pride

“No, absolutely…the man brings his hand to his belt from which hangs a gun…I go…you stay here”

The man leaves, leaving the passage free. Câlin breathes a long sigh of relief, the countess approaches him "Impressive, I must admit"

“Thank you, but we only bought a few minutes. Iolanda has built some rooms in your Dungeon…but to get there we would have to go through the terrace anyway. There will be other people on this floor."

“I will handle them…” Sophia replies taking from her pocket one of the vials she had soon from her underground room. She shakes one while whispering words in Latin, and the blue liquid lights up for a few seconds.

"What's that?" the boy asks.

“You will see him soon”

The three walk along the first part of the corridor. They hear the mixed voices of some people.

"I count two close by, probably at the entrance to my room, and two a little further away"

"Perfect" Sophia approaches the wall and passes her companions

“Where are you going?” Câlin stops her

“To do some magic”

Câlin reaches out to grab her arm to pin her, but Sophia quickly pads away. After a few moments, she hears glass breaking, a hiss, and a series of sneezes and coughs. Sophia comes running back "Keep your head down, six seven, and cover your mouth and nose, eight nine, quick, ten"

Alcina and Câlin carry out the order while the girl continues counting "and twenty...ok, let's go"

The two follow her curiously, and as soon as they pass in front of Alcina's closed bedroom, they see the result of Sophia's work: bodies of armed workers lying on the ground. The countess lifts a woman's body with one hand "They are sleeping"

“They will…for a while. Magic, auntie”

"I see" Alcina drops that human with a thud "Two are missing" she finishes saying when the radio of one of the sleepers starts talking "One of you out here, immediately" obviously no answer comes "Do you hear me? One of you leave your position and come out here. There are only a few of us" Calin goes to take the radio but Sophia stops him "Let them come here"

“Answer! Ah, damn it…” the call ends, and footsteps approach. Câlin goes to meet him.

“You again? You should be on the stairs, where the others are..."

The boy doesn't know what to answer and the man brings his hand to the cover of the gun "Answer!"

“They…”

“You are a traitor!” he takes the gun in his hand and points it at Câlin "What have you done to the others?"

“I did nothing, put down the weapon” he replies when he feels a shadow over him

“Oh my god..holy… she… is… behind…” the man trembling brings the gun over Câlin's head, but he doesn't have time to fire the first shot and finish the sentence his voice is interrupted by two sharp claws inside the throat. The man is lifted off the ground as he tries to say something, but only trickles of blood come out of his mouth.

"ALCINA, NO!"

Calin turns just as the countess passes him. The claws retract bringing the victim's body towards her, now she grips his neck as she walks towards the terrace.

“ALCINA, LET HIM GO!” Sophia screams to no avail.

The sixth man of the group comes to the rescue, Alcina sees him and, bending her legs, throws the now lifeless body of her colleague at him. The push is so strong that the two fly against the parapet.

“What have you done?”

“I just saved your life”

“But…”

“He was going to use his gun” the countess replies without hesitation.

Sophia is about to answer, but Câlin squeezes her arm and shakes his head as if arguing is pointless.

The boy takes the belt and gun from the two former colleagues on the terrace "Down here we are going to find Iolanda"

“Very well” Lady Dimitrescu replies as if she had forgotten the action that just took place, then she turns to her niece “Their life or ours. Some decisions have to be made quickly,” she says, following Câlin down the stairs. Sophia doesn't answer and follows them.

Chapter Text

“What happened to this place?” Lady Dimitrescu looks around confused "This is not the labyrinth of rooms I had built"

“Iolanda has modified this whole area, she has eliminated part of the gates and, taking advantage of the depth and distance from the rest of the castle, she has made it her secret office. Anything she does in here…any sound…nothing is heard from the outside,” Calin explains

“Once, this was my dungeon, my prisoners were locked in here…no stranger could have found them. No one could have saved them…” finishing that sentence, the woman grits her teeth “This is the only place she could have taken Rebecca… She is clever”

"We will find her" the boy takes a few steps ahead of the group and leans his head forward, rhythmically opening and closing his nostrils. Alcina follows him and makes a similar gesture.

“They passed by here not long ago, I can smell Iolanda's perfume” he says “This way…”

The matriarch turns to Sophia before continuing, sensing the displeasure and chill created after the incident on the terrace "Raven, I know my methods don't suit yours..."

Sophia looks up at her aunt and parts her lips in an attempt to interrupt the latter's words, but Alcina stops her by pointing the index finger up in front of her and continuing to speak "It was your life against theirs and I am not willing to lose other members of my family. Not…anymore”

The young woman's stomach jumps internally and a knot tightens her. She knows that Alcina has lost all her brothers and sister, she knows that she has lost her daughters and it is still not clear if and how she will be able to bring them back to life. Both have lost a lot…everything.

“I'm so sorry, aunt. I shouldn't have reacted that way to you. I know you're trying to protect me"

Alcina approaches her niece and places a hand on her shoulder "You have a good and pure mind, a quality that I lost a long time ago after my transformation. Only vengeance runs through my veins now and I don't want the same faith for you. I have stained my hands in the past and I will do the same today, because I will, trust me…but there is no need for you to do the same”

"But I want to help you put an end to all this" the girl replies "I'm not weak"

“I never said that. You can still help us, without having to get in the front row. You can use your magic to protect us, without killing anyone as you showed earlier”

Sophia shakes her head “They took my uncle away from me!” then look straight into the Lady's eyes "They left me with no one!"

Alcina reads in the girl's gaze the inner conflict that afflicts her "I know, my darling, that's why I am telling you this. I know what it means to have just and unjust deaths on your conscience and I want to protect you from this burden, but I understand your state of mind and I can't do anything to stop you. But I can do one thing"

"What would it be?"

“Bring to you whoever killed the Duke. You will decide what to do with him. Deal?”

Sophia nods.

“Are you aware of his identity?”

"I don't know his full name but he is Iolanda's closest associate, he calls himself Agent M"

“Is he here in the castle?”

“Not at the moment, but I'm sure he's coming. He would not miss the opportunity to meet you in person, besides, he is part of the task force. He is the military part that Iolanda badly needs"

"I see. Very well, I will deliver that man to you. I promised that"

"Thank you, aunt"

“Uhm…girls…can we go? We can't afford to waste time.” Câlin interrupts.

Alcina turns to him with an annoyed look and the young man looks down intimidated "I...I...am sorry...but...we really should go"

The three move through the new corridors of the ancient dungeon following the trail of the museum director's perfume which gradually becomes more intense.

“Shit…” Câlin stops short “There is a new smell. It is…”

Alcina clenches her fists “Fresh blood”

"Don't you think that…" Sophia tries to intervene.

"It's Rebecca's" Lady Dimitrescu quickens her pace.

“How can you be sure?”

“I drank it. I know it's hers. I had stopped her bleeding when she awakened me”

“Iolanda is torturing her, for sure” Câlin exclaims running after Alcina “We are close, they must be in the next corridor to the left!” he suggests surpassing the matriarch.

---

“All this is absurd, you are crazy. You'll never be able to get close to her" you scream now in despair.

Iolanda bursts into laughter “You think you know so much, Doctor, but you are only aware of a superficial layer of everything that is happening in the world. The first ones who will come to control a power like that...of the megamycete...will also be the first to have the planet in hand"

“That…Umbrella…they are just using you for their own purposes. Do you really think they're going to let you and whoever your partner use your findings freely?”

“My dear…” the blonde approaches you “…they already did!” she whispers in your ear placing the knife firmly on your neck. You feel the chill of contact and the beat of your heart echo along the sharp metal.

A malicious smile appears on the woman's face, her nostrils flare, the pressure of the knife increases, she is about to cut.

“GUARDS!”

Iolanda jumps back at hearing that word shouted like an alarm coming from beyond her office door. It is a male voice that is somewhat familiar to her.

“What is going on out there??” she announces annoyed at being interrupted.

A thud hits the door. As if something had just been launched.

You can't read the situation. The chair where you are sitting causes your back to face the entrance. You fidget, and you try again in vain to free yourself.

Quick footsteps approach, followed by others that seem slower but at the same time heavier.

“You cannot pass!” gunshots are fired

“I will not take orders from an insect” a severe female voice thunders and a new dull sound reverberates along the walls.

You gasp "It's her... she is here"

“FUCK!” Iolanda runs towards the desk and opens a drawer. From it, she extracts a syringe which she promptly hides on her back, in the waistband of her trousers

“What was that?” you ask.

"No matter what" she cuts short, now pulling out a gun and inserting a cartridge of bullets.

“If she is what you say she is…I don't think mere bullets will stop her”

“I'm not that stupid. Do you really think these are for her?”

“Sophia and Câlin” you think worried “They are humans…kinda”

"We have to knock down the door" is heard from the male voice "Together"

Iolanda positions herself in front of you at a safe distance, knife in her pocket, aiming her pistol at the door, just above your head. With a simple gesture, she can hit you or anyone who tries to cross the threshold.

A first violent push makes the door shake. You narrow your eyes.

The director releases the safety on the gun "IF YOU BREAK THE DOOR DOWN I'LL KILL HER" she states without hesitation.

"DARE TO DO IT AND NOT ONLY I WILL KILL YOU, BUT I WILL COME TO SEEK YOU INTO HELL" she hears her reply.

That answer quickens your heart and you remember a detail that Iolanda had missed, she could have eliminated you a long time ago and she didn't. She needed you alive “Maybe, for some reason, they told her they want me alive…SHE CAN’T KILL ME!” you scream. The blonde glares at you.

Another blow breaks through the door and part of the wall that supported it. You, more than anything else, want to turn around and see what's going on.

Bricks and concrete raise dust, and a gigantic shadow advances slowly accompanied by a mighty click of heels.

Iolanda aims the pistol at one of the two smaller figures at her side. She pulls the trigger, but the shot ricochets off the ceiling as her body is slammed into the desk, knocking her backward.

One of the two figures, in fact, with extreme speed had a slingshot against the director's chest and with his shoulder sent her flying into the air. In front of you now you can recognize, among the dust that has risen, Câlin's back "Don't ever dare point that gun at Sophia again" he exclaims between his teeth then goes on to check the physical condition of his target.

You're still trying to figure out what's going on when suddenly your ears pick up the sound of blades cutting through the air. The ropes that wrap around you fall to the ground. Without giving yourself time to realize it… You are free.

You try to move, but between the ropes that were too tight and the blood leaking, your body is totally numb. You fidget and glance left and right quickly, waiting to see the mistress of that mighty voice.

A large hand covered by a black glove caresses your face and a figure kneels down in front of you. At first, you gasp, but then you let yourself be cradled by that hand, realizing who was in front of you. You try to speak, but your emotions give you away and you collapse into liberating tears. A finger partially wipes away your tears.

Your breath is labored with excitement. Your chest swells with every breath.

The dust clears and, finally for the first time, your little brown eyes meet hers. Gray, deep, severe, and worried.

"It's...it's...it's really...you?" you say between sobs. Her skin is so pale, her lips so plump. Your gaze runs frantically over her body trying to capture every detail. The shadow that the hat casts on her face. The stretch marks on her chest that look like many small waves frame her breasts. You blush at that vision, your eyes shouldn't linger there. You try to leverage on your elbows and get up. She extends her arm indicating for you to lean on it. You feel dizzy and, taking the first step towards her, you lose your balance and fall forward. Fortunately, Alcina catches you quickly and, without realizing it, you have clasped your arms around her neck.

“You…came…for me” you whisper, squeezing her tightly, burying your face between her collarbone and neck. Although her skin does not exude human warmth, the idea that she has returned to retrieve you warms you. You are able to surrender to the protection that the mere presence of her gives off. Her slow heart rate lulls you.

“My dear, don't force yourself” her warm voice soothes you “I am here, I won't let you go again” she continues as she adjusts her hold around you and rises to her full height. You feel the ground slipping under your feet, but you are not afraid.

She turns to Câlin, you peep an eye. Looking upwards you get lost in the perfect line of her moving chin "Is she still alive?" Lady Dimitrescu asks severely.

He puts an ear to Iolanda's motionless body. The latter's chest rises and falls slightly "She breathes with difficulty. What do we do with her?” he asks noticing something next to her. A syringe. He pulls the needle out, dropping it on the floor, and pockets the rest of the thing.

“Leave her there” the matriarch orders

"But..." the boy tries to intervene.

“We will awaken my daughters and exterminate them all in battle. Iolanda will see what it means to go against the Dimitrescu House and she will witness the end of her plan” Lady Dimitrescu declares solemnly enunciating each word as if it were a promise.

Câlin and Sophia don't have the courage to object and you are fascinated by her cold blood and the pride she spreads.

"But before all that," she continues, "Little Raven, please do something about Rebecca's injuries." Hearing your name spoken by her in that new form sounds different than hearing it come out of a crystal.

Sophia quickly approaches and from her backpack extracts some medicinal herbs that she cannot identify. She crumbles them in her hands and, murmuring "Quia velox sanitatem", the herbs are enveloped in a soft glow. The young woman looks at you, “It's good to see you again, Rebecca, thanks for holding on and waking up my aunt. If you bring your wrists a little closer to me I can help you heal"

A little hesitant, you let go your grip around Alcina's neck, who leans forward a little to let you reach Sophia's height. The Lady has no intention of letting you go. You extend your arms and the young witch squeezes the herbs, even more, this time on your skin destroyed by the wounds, and little by little a few drops begin to flow, which are also engulfed by the glow. As soon as the magical liquid touches your skin, your skin cells begin to multiply and close all wounds.

You perceive a certain annoyance "It itches..." you whisper.

Sophia smiles “Normal healing process, don't worry. You'll be better soon. Now we take you away from here to let you recover your energy a little and heal the other wounds you have "

Câlin approaches you “We can't go back the way we came. By now they will have sounded the alarm that we are inside the Castle"

The witch frowns listening to the boy as she finishes wrapping the bandages around your arms.

“The other way out of here is through an elevator that leads to the courtyard,” Lady Dimitrescu says

“Where all the guards will be waiting for us,” Sophia continues

“Not all…there are still visitors in the Castle and I don't think they will want to attract attention” Calin replies

“True, but there will still be someone on the surface”

The Lady takes the floor "Sophia do you still have any ampoules with sleeping liquid or something similar?"

The witch takes a few bottles out of her bag "Sure, three is enough?"

“It's a start. Do you have anything that can generate smoke or fog?”

Sophia raises an eyebrow “I can condense air if that's what you're asking…but what are your intentions?”

“What will take us to the ground floor is not really an elevator. The floor rises thanks to a mechanism that Karl had built. Therefore we will be totally in the open air. Give me the ampoules and when I give you a signal, try to condense the air around us. Leave the guards to me” a grin appears on her face.

The two youngs and you look at Lady Dimitrescu with curiosity, she looks up towards the office door and leads you toward the Hall of Sorrow.

You find yourself in a round room, soft warm light. In the center a statue depicting two men stabbing a third.

“Everyone settle down near the sculpture,” Lady Dimitrescu says as she gently puts you down “I'm sorry, my dear, but I need my hands free for the next few minutes”

You nod "It's ok. I'm starting to feel my body recover” you reply, but you stay seated on the ground so as not to test the lie you just uttered.

Alcina approaches the statue and reaches out to the base, you can't figure out what she's doing, but you see that she presses something and a series of moving gears begins to echo in the background.

A driving force pushes from under the tiles, and the floor as a whole begins to lift.

“Quick, pass me the vials”

Sophia carries out the order. Alcina holds them all in one hand and looks up.

The ceiling gradually opens.

With her other arm, she pulls you, her niece, and the young man towards her. Against each other.

“What are you doing?” the witch asks, but it is not the matriarch's voice that answers but her body in transformation.

A visible expression of effort appears on Lady Dimitrescu's face as part of the fabric covering her back stretches until it tears. Two long openings open from which claws and then patagia emerge.

Now it's almost time to get to the surface.

The Lady closes the three ampoules inside her with a fist, pulls her arm backward to gain speed and throws the objects into the air beyond the opening above. You hear the bottles crack.

“SOMETHING IS COMING FROM UNDERGROUND!!”

"WHAT IS GOING ON??"

"SIR, IT'S SLEEPING GAS!"

“PUT ON MASKS OR ANYTHING THAT MAY COVER YOUR FACE!!

Lady Dimitrescu scoffs at hearing those words “Sophia, do yours”

The young woman holds out her hands in front of her “frigus et pressura, simul minui” she proclaims. YOU Feel a sudden change in pressure. Gradually thicker fog envelops you.

“AIM YOUR RIFLES!”

"It is perfect, Raven" Alcina says satisfied kneeling down and opening her large and elegant wings to then bring them close to you and envelop you. Her thick wings create sudden darkness.

“WHERE DOES THAT FOG COME FROM??”

You don't see anything, you only hear the voices of the guards getting closer and closer. You are scared. You feel grabbed by the arm and you gasp.

"Don't worry, she knows what she's doing" Calin whispers to you, whose eyes have turned golden again and, probably equipped with tapetum lucidum, shine despite the darkness.

“STAY IN PLACE!! SHOOT ANYTHING THAT MOVES!!”

"Don't move until I tell you to" Alcina whispers to you "Human bullets are ineffective against me..."

The last meters separate you from the surface.

The claws of her wings intertwine tightly together.

“FIIIIREEEEEE!”

The floor doesn't have time to reach its destination before a barrage of bullets hits it. You close your eyes and by instinct, you hug Alcina, who now with her free arms hugs everyone around her.

Lady Dimitrescu's muscles tense.

“KEEP SHOOTING!”

The shots never seem to end. You have a heartbeat. You fear it's the end of you “Why do they look so calm?? These are armed to the teeth…”

The bullets keep coming, but the number seems to be slowly decreasing.

A mocking and guttural laugh starts from Alcina "Their toys are stopping working"

“ATTACK HER!”

You hear footsteps approaching rapidly: a group of knife-wielding guards rushes toward you.

"Now it's my turn!" she thunders suddenly opening her wings and standing up.

That gesture unleashes a whirlwind that throws the front rows of guards into flight.

The others charge. Lady Dimitrescu stretches her arms around herself and long claws with them. She doesn't need to take half a step. Her nails manage to pierce the men who try to approach one at a time.

Câlin gets to his feet and lunges at the last remaining guards.

Suddenly silence.

Sophia and you look around. The guards are all down, some unconscious, and others probably passed away. You bring yourself, frightened, a hand to your mouth in front of that scene.

“More are coming, we have to go!” Calin shouts to his companions "Let's hide in the woods"

“We have to go back to my hideout, Rebecca has to rest”

Everything is happening too fast and you have no way to retaliate or react. You feel lifted off the ground again. Alcina has you with her again “You are not able to run yet. I will carry you a little bit more, as you did when I was a crystal” she smiles at you as if everything that just happened was now a closed chapter.

Chapter Text

The four manage to reach Sophia's underground hideout without being followed. The witch has, in fact, erased their footprints in the forest.

Alcina is about to put Rebecca in her niece's bed but the latter stops her "No, there's another room, more...private. She can rest there” she says walking them through a nearby tunnel.

The room consists of a bed, a bedside table, some shelves full of books and a corner used as a bathroom with a bathtub and a chamber pot.

“This is an emergency room. This is the second time I put it to use, but it can be good for this situation"

“It is perfect. I just need a few minutes to recover…it's not like we have much more time…” you reply

“Aunt, please put Rebecca on the bed and fetch me more bandages, please. Even something to eat. There should be some fruit on one of the shelves” Sophia asks Lady Dimitrescu. The latter approaches the mattress and bends her knees slightly, letting you slide "I'll be right back” she whispers caressing your face. You shiver and blush. Alcina realizes it and smiles as she walks away.

The witch immediately sits next to you and takes her purse and the one containing the crystals off her shoulder. "Before she comes back… why do you have Miranda's diary with you?" she asks pulling out the tome.

You gasp “Does she know?” you immediately hide the diary under the pillow.

"No... she never touched the bag"

You breathe a sigh of relief and try to explain, “She has to read it. All the people here, including Iolanda, worship Miranda for her discoveries made…not giving a damn about her manners. They want to continue her research with Dimitrescu's blood. She must know, she must not fight only for revenge, but to put an end to everything…at least…to all of this…” you conclude by opening your arms in the air as if to indicate the Castle and all the events that have taken place.

“And you think this is the most appropriate moment?”

“There is no right moment, we have to create it…I mean…I have…I suppose. She will have to understand or all of this" you touch your healing wounds "will have been in vain"

Sophia doesn't answer immediately, understanding the difficult situation that you and Alcina will have to face “Let me take off these bandages and prepare you a hot bath. Then I'll let you rest"

With extreme delicacy but with decisive gestures, the brunette removes your blood-soaked bandages “Rebecca, you've lost a lot of blood. The body takes a long time to regenerate it…you absolutely must avoid further deep wounds…otherwise…”

You grit your teeth “I am going to die…am I right?”

The girl nods without adding anything else. Your wounds are almost completely closed, and the itching still persists, but you know it will stop soon. The young woman tries to change her tone “Oh, I am so stupid. I should have some shirt or pants to give you. Your clothes are practically to be burned,” she says, deflecting the subject of your health.

"If you have something to give me, I'd be grateful... Iolanda threw water at me to wake me up, then your aunt's ashes, blood, dust in general..."

"I'll prepare your bath and go see what I find" Sophia gets up and approaches the tub, she mumbles something and you hear the sound of something being filled with liquid. She then dips a hand into it and you notice how steam comes out of the surface of the tub. After that, she approaches a shelf from which she takes fabric and some soap.

“I'll leave this for you to wash and dry, I'll be back with the clothes. Try to calm your mind in the meantime…”

The woman leaves the room, opening the door ajar, you get up and go to the tub. You undress and soak into it. Taking a long breath, you thrust your head under the water as well. The temperature is practically perfect and you hold your breath for a few seconds. Close your eyes and isolate yourself. The water muffles every sound, now everything is distant.

“I'm useless now. What am I still doing here? I should ask them to stay here, I'm a burden to them. Sophia has allies around. They will be more than enough. I am just a human with no powers or abilities. A self-defense class doesn't make me a soldier, and I'm weak..."

The door suddenly opens wide “My dear, I have some food for you and Raven has left me some new bandages” you gasp and pull your head suddenly out from under the water turning towards the voice “What the…” your heart is in the throat in fear. Alcina is in the doorway, one hand on the visor of her hat which covers her eyes “I am terribly desolate. Raven didn't report that you were washing and the door was ajar. I thought you were still in bed"

Instinctively you place yourself in the fetal position underwater, covering your breasts with your arms folded, leaving the surface touching your chin "I forgot to close the door"

Lady Dimitrescu continues to hide her face in your direction and, without looking at you, approaches your bed "There are also some clothes, I'll leave them here for you" changing direction to go back to the door she changes the direction of the visor that hides her eyes as well.

Seeing that giant and elegant woman, who a few minutes ago killed a series of guards in cold blood, behave in such a comical way makes you laugh loudly. Alcina freezes.

"I'm sorry...so much" you try to say between laughter "But...look at you...you're funny"

Lady Dimitrescu looks up “I am not” she states.

You sit back in the tub. Leaning your elbows and head on the edge, still hiding your body "Remember I hid you in my top when you were a crystal"

“It was an emergency situation”

“I am just joking, Dimitrescu! No need to be serious all the time…go outside and let me get dressed” you indicate the door.

She looks at you raising her eyebrows "I'm still a countess, your sentence lacks a sign of respect" she now teases.

With the same hand pointing to the door, you gesture a sort of reverence “Please?”

Alcina smiles amused "Call when you're ready" she says closing the door behind her.

You finish washing, with a little more effort, and get dressed.

When you feel okay with the external situation of your body you grab an apple and take a big bite. Only now do you realize how hungry you are “Lady, come in!” you call.

The majestic woman enters the room, this time in a slower and more elegant way.

“How are you feeling?” she asks you softly standing still a few meters away from you.

"A little better...washing myself was more than necessary" you answer, making room for her on the mattress.

She reads the gesture and, adjusting her long cream dress, sits down. You notice the tears in her back and she notices what you are looking at.

“My niece had only managed to recover one of my dresses. I won't be able to change until I have regained my home. I'm not very presentable right now."

You gulp “Aren't you presentable? Did you look at me? I think you are the only person I know who manages to be so…regal…even with some broken clothes…and your wings…”

“I know, they are monstrous” she sighs looking in front of her.

"No! They were majestic! You are bulletproof!” you exclaim excitedly like a child "I mean, maybe a few days ago I would have been more scared, but among…witches…murderers…the stories I heard in the Castle…I think, now, I am learning to get it"

Alcina puts a hand to her lips and giggles “This has always been my normality. My daily life"

"I suppose now it will be mine too," you say taking another bite of the apple.

"You believe so?" the woman turns to you.

“Well…yeah. I learn quickly”

“No, I mean… like everyday life?”

You perceive Alcina's tone changing, but you don't understand why. You tilt your head "What do you mean?"

“When this is all over, what are you going to do?” she asks you placidly, but there's something restless about the world with which her hand grips the dress around her knee.

"I..." that question falls on you unexpectedly "I...I don't think I thought about it..." you put the finished apple on the plate "I hadn't asked myself this question yet, maybe I didn't think I would survive" you laugh nervously "What the fuck am I saying??"

Alcina's gaze changes, her eyes fall on you severely “Don't even say it as a joke. None of us will lose our lives. I will not allow it”

Your nervous laugh stops "I'm sorry, your question just took me by surprise…and I played it down. Why are you asking me this?”

Lady Dimitrescu takes off her hat and tucks a tuft of hair behind her ear “I thought it would be nice to have you around for a while”

Your breathing becomes strangely faster and you feel enveloped in a flush of heat “Do you want me here? With you?” you ask nervously "This is unexpected"

“Do you know that now in this form of mine, I can feel how your breathing and heart rate change? I'm still a predator…” she tells you with a smirk.

You look away, you feel your cheekbones on fire because caught in the act "I think the bath was too hot and now my body is reacting accordingly"

“Retarded blast?” she makes fun of you.

You feel her gaze on her "She's doing it on purpose...why?" you think when one of your neurons has the upper hand and reacts “Maybe I could stay here, for a few days”

“Could you?” a little smile appears in the corner of the mouth of the woman in front of you.

“Yeah, I mean…it'll be fun knowing the other secret passages in here and…oh fuck…I can't…” you put your hand palm on your forehead “I have a thing to do back home”

“And what would that be?”

“An event… organized by all the museums of the city. We keep them open all night, with music, talks, dances, all the collections of free objects to be visited” you notice Lady Dimitrescu somewhat discouraged and her gaze makes your stomach knot “I'm sorry, as a director I can't miss that…”

“I understand, don't worry. Everyone has priorities that they can't always get behind"

You bite your tongue “I am a fucking idiot, I made her sad” would you like to say something to change the things you said.

She takes the bag of crystals with one hand “Let's focus on the things we have to do now”, she stands up and grabs her hat with the other “There must be a way to bring them back to me”

“Dimi…”

“Rest a little, you need it. I'll leave you in peace” she walks away without adding anything else.

You drop on the pillow "Fuck...fuck...fuck me!" you say choking her words in her hands “How can I be so stupid. Gaaaaah!! Of course, I would like to spend time with her after all this shit!” you stare at the ceiling “Only a fool wouldn't want to know such a being better! I mean, come on! If what you read about her is true… how many things she has seen and done. I know she is an interesting woman and brilliant…and so beautiful. I fucked up the first time we talk to ourselves like real human beings” without realizing it you start gesturing as if you were talking to someone “The pictures she painted, the books and the musical instruments. She's a multi-talented woman, she must be extremely knowledgeable…even if a little less about technology, she didn't know what the subway was" you laugh thinking about the first night you brought the crystal home "It was easy to talk to her when she was locked away in that form, I never thought she was so…charming…I should have known from the way she spoke…and now I've let her down by telling her I can't stay. I would like to fill myself with slaps. I pushed her away and I shouldn't do it with people I like..." you stop the thought "...shit..." you sit on the bed. You perceive a strange movement under the skin. A series of conflicting emotions that make you dizzy. For a moment you feel ashamed of that thought that is making its way among all the rest, but then you somehow embrace it “…I…like…her…” you stammer. You close your eyes and with that thought, sleep envelops you.

--

Lady Dimitrescu sits on Sophia's bed as there are no other places that can support her figure. In her arms your bag.

"Aunt, are you ok?" her nephew asks hesitantly.

Alcina pushes her chest out sending back into the depths of her mind whatever was keeping her thinking “Of course, my dear. I was wondering about our next moves”

Sophia sits next to the woman and places a hand on her knee "Don't lie to me"

"I feel good, don't worry"

“What did you tell her?”

Alcina frowns “Why do you think it was me who said something inappropriate?”

“Because I know when you want something you go for it and maybe you may have said something…too soon?”

“Go on, I'm very curious about your reasoning about something that doesn't exist”

Sophia lets out a long sigh "My god, aunt, from the moment you retrieved Rebecca you didn't want to leave her for half a second"

"It's because she was hurt and she did too much for me, for my family"

“Okay, so what about when you first came to me? Our first meeting…you were acting like an old couple”

“Raven!” Alcina exclaims annoyed by her presumed setback.

“You know I'm right!”

“We have overcome many vicissitudes together in a short time, obviously we are connected in some way. We were forced to trust each other and a sort of understanding developed. That’s all…now, if you would be so kind as to stop giving me the third degree I would ask you to hand me a knife”

Sophia stands up with her back to her aunt, mocking her request with her lips as she looks in Câlin's direction. The latter stifles a laugh.

The girl takes the first blade that comes within range and holds it out to Alcina. She opens the palm of the glove, but as Sophia puts down the knife she hears herself say "As someone told me a few hours ago This theme remains pending for now..."

Alcina snatches the knife from her niece's hands and takes off her gloves, rolling up the sleeves of her dress.

“What are you trying to do, Lady Dimitrescu?” Câlin asks from across the room.

“I will try to use my blood to wake up my daughters. They were created by me. It must work” she pronounces.

“But if bullets can't go through you, how can a blade do it?”

“I can control my transformation; I control how big or little I can be. I can decide whether to leave some spots of my most vulnerable body if necessary"

Sophia takes a few steps back to make room for the process.

Alcina inhales slowly and exhaling she places the blade on her left wrist pushing beyond the epidermis, in-depth, up to the veins and arteries. Not a pained grimace on her face. Very dark and thick blood comes out with difficulty. She takes the crystal which of the three, identical at first sight, is the slightly larger one and caresses it with her wrist, wetting it with red liquid.

The three hold their breath.

The blood remains on the surface, it drips.

Nothing happens.

“It can't be” Alcina tries with the second crystal and then with the third. No reaction “I'm doing something wrong. I made them. My blood should work…I…made…them” the last words are interrupted by silent sobs.

“Aunt…” Sophia lunges at the matriarch. Soft tears wet her crystals, washing away the blood that permeated them in places.

“What am I doing wrong, little raven?”

"I do not know. But don't lose focus. How did you create them?”

“You know their story”

"Yes, I know the story...but only you know the process...I read it in your diary but you don't have to know...only you know the real details...and it's true, maybe you forgot to write something"

“I gave them the cadeau and an insect infected them. I followed the process and took care of what came out of it. I fed and educated them from the moment they came back to life”

“Maybe we need that insect, maybe that's exactly what we're missing. You told me you could probably still have some in the lab."

“We can't go to the laboratory right now” the boy interrupts “What insect is it?”

“Polypedilum vanderplanki” Alcina replies.

Câlin looks at her blankly.

The Lady rolls her eyes “The sleeping chironomid”

“Oooooooh! There are plenty in some tunnels!”

“Are they the little ones that sometimes stuck to us when we were looking for the first steps?” Sophia asks

“They can't survive except in a controlled hot-humid environment. I kept them in a case during the winter and moved them to a larger case after breeding for the summer. Some of them must have escaped and landed on the bodies of my girls" Alcina explains "I also gave a display case to Salvatore who was fascinated by the reaction of those insects to the corpses"

“The tunnels near the former Salvatore Swamp are extremely humid and hot. After the bomb destroyed the village perhaps those cases were partly destroyed and partly sunk. Over the years, those beasts have conquered many areas near the water. Outside the tunnels, they only appear in the summer,” Câlin hypothesizes.

“I find it extremely unlikely that they are the same animals” Lady Dimitrescu exclaims “But now I believe in anything as long as they are ways to break these accursed crystals.

"I'll go, I can move quickly down here" the young man takes an empty glass jar and disappears into the darkness.

Chapter Text

Hi all, I'm writing this just to say I haven't forgotten to update the story...my current job has taken up a lot of my time and I'm now coming out of a series of difficult personal situations that have come my way over the past 6 months ( I'm better, don't worry)
I promised I'd finish this story and I will, just give me a little time, the next chapter has a chronological sequence that I can't seem to get right...but I'll find a solution
this post/chapter will be deleted with the next story updates
I'll be back, don't worry... and my Alcina too
In the meantime, take care of yourself!!

Chapter Text

Alcina clasps the crystals to her, squeezing her arms tightly and lowering her melancholy gaze to them.

“We'll find a way, aunt” Sophia tries to comfort her “They're still in there. Their essence is strong”

“I'm starting to think that all of this is just some sort of Curse. The false hope that after I was awakened, they too could follow me. But maybe that's just an illusion. A cadou joke”

"Do not say that..."

“Perhaps you shouldn't have awakened me. Better to be trapped for all eternity than never to see my daughters again."

"Aunt..." Sophia's eyes are watery "What about me?"

"I'm sorry darling. I just...it's my broken heart talking"

The girl turns her back to the matriarch "You are all I've left, you know" she sighs wiping away a tear with the sleeve of her jacket.

Alcina delicately places the three small crystals on the blanket of the bed and gets up to approach her niece "My little one" she begins to say "I sincerely apologize. I shouldn't have said those words. We both suffered a lot, for me, everything is still very confusing and fresh”

“I know, but even if many years have passed for me… the wound, even if healed, remains. And it breaks me to hear you think certain things"

The woman stretches her arms in front of her and embraces the young woman from behind "I'm really sorry. You are right."

Sophia frees herself from the embrace and walks away a few steps "I think Rebecca would feel bad too, after all she's been through"

Alcina understands the young woman's gesture and leaves room for her, feeling guilty at the thought of all the wounds and her blood lost by you to make her return to human form.

“You're right, you risked a lot, Rebecca too, and I'm just selfish to think certain things. You went out of your way to protect us from afar and she risked her life without batting an eye. You know, she didn't even take a few days to make the decision to leave here ”

“Yes, I noticed that the time between my sending the box and your arrival was very short. She amazed me.”

Alcina chuckles "She claims it's her latest adventure and that she had to seize the opportunity"

“Maybe this is just the first of many…” Sophia teases, relaxing from the previous exchange of words, and sits on a chair.

“I wish” the Lady lets out sighing “but I don't think it will happen. She hinted that she must return to her lands"

The witch tilts her head "And you don't want to"

“I wish she'd stayed when this is all over. She is an intelligent person, with various interests, who I am comfortable talking to. She is very rational but still able to amaze and marvel at every new thing, also managing to make instinctive decisions despite being extremely reflective" Alcina's state of mind calms down as she talks about you "She can be funny but for some issues, she remains immovable and you cannot stop it”

“So someone who can stand up to you”

“Absolutely” the Lady smiles looking at her niece when something happens under her nose that makes Sophia jump from her chair “Darling?”

“Aunt…the crystals…they…”

The woman looks at the statues. They are always the same "What?"

“Didn't you see him?? They glowed!”

“I didn't. Are you sure?”

“YES! YES! I am sure!”

"How?" Alcina goes back to the bed and takes the crystals back in her hand, trembling.

“I don't know…it just happened when you…Holy sh…”

“Language…”

“Sorry, but. Alci…what were you saying about our friend?”

Lady Dimitrescu looks at her niece in confusion "I was saying that she has a robust character, but I don't understand what it has to do with them"

"Something else?"

“Well, um”

“She has always been able to understand my slightest change of voice and understand the feeling that I could have at a certain moment. Even though I was a crystal. She must have an empathetic soul” The matriarch smiles again distracted by her words. A faint glow passes through the three crystals.

Alcina gasps.

“I TOLD YOU!”

"What is going on? I'm not doing anything because they are responding like this. My little girls, if you can somehow hear me shine again” The woman's eyes water as she begs for a new answer, but nothing happens “I don't understand, Raven”

"Aunt, I think I understand instead... do you remember when I told you a little while ago that you do everything to get what you want? Well, until now you were filled with anger and with that feeling you were trying to bring my cousins back to you, but, now, speaking of Rebecca, you are…different. You are calmer, your mind has been lost in something other than vengeance and maybe they" Sophia points to the figurines "They have responded to this change"

“Even if this were true, I don't understand why”

“Because you love your daughters more than anything, you raised them with love not with rage or blood and maybe love is what they need to come back”

“I always loved them, they should have woken up anyway”

Sophia rolls her eyes making a long sigh “You are so stubborn! Don't you understand? My god!” the girl gestures in the air “What I am trying to say is..”

The door opens leaving the words she wanted to say in Sophia's throat.

“May I know what you're up to? I've been hearing your voices for minutes since my room” You enter scratching your head still half sleepy.

“I'm sorry, did we wake you up? It wasn't our intention."

“It's ok, Dimitrescu. I had a power nap and I am ready to go but, still, what is happening? And where is Călin?”

“Um…the three crystals lit up a couple of times,” Sophia quickly explains.

“ARE YOU SERIOUS?” you shout for joy “DID THEY SPEAK?”

“Sadly, no they didn't”

“So what happened?” you ask as you approach Alcina.

“We were just sharing thoughts” the Lady explains.

“We weren't JUST sharing thoughts” Sophia replies impatiently.

You alternately look at one and the other not understanding what they are trying to say. With a little hesitation, you sit down next to Alcina. You're still worried that she's still hurting from the last words you've exchanged and you wish you could make amends, but Sophia's presence makes you a little uncomfortable "Dimi, if they really shone, they'll do it again" you start to say while stroking one of the crystals that Alcina still has in her hand. You try to comfort her, but you're terrified that you won't measure up and that she won't believe your words. You then raise her eyes to meet hers, now placing your hand on her forearm. You notice that her pupils are moistening, and you just hint at a smile "Who knows, they will even be able to talk to us and I will finally be able to know their voices and talk with them about how their mother is an unstoppable force" you exclaim shrugging trying to break the tension of the moment.

Alcina gives a brief and melancholy smile as she rests her daughters on her legs and she reciprocates your gesture of comfort by placing her fingers on yours. Instinctively you intertwine them, creating in a few moments and without other words a sense of understanding and intimacy all your own.

Lady Dimitrescu barely opens her lips "Thank you for never giving up despite my secrets and obstacles"

“I am still trying to figure you out, but I made you a promise and I intend to carry it out”

“You are very kind to me” Alcina's eyes become watery and instinctively she looks elsewhere. She passes the leather that wraps her free hand over her face to wipe away the small tear that peeps from the corner of her eye.

You perform light and gentle pressure with your fingers still intertwined with hers as if you wanted to tell her "I would do it all again". That gesture of yours, so simple and small compared to the size of the woman by your side, envelops her heart.

Her hand rests on the small statues of her daughters. She's finally accepting that she has people who really care about her. She feels your gaze on her, her soul trembles. She was vulnerable in crystal form, now she's back, but for some reason, your presence manages to make her let her guard down. You're still weak, she can feel it “And yet you're still here, comforting me. To give me strength” she thinks “I will protect you like you have been protecting me all this time” her mind races as she watches your almost healed wounds “I won't let anything else happen to you, draga mea” the last words escape from slightly parted lips.

The glove, still wet from Alcina's tears, moves away from her to approach the three crystals.

“I know you won't,” you reply softly as you adjust your body next to her. Your head rests on her arm the moment you finish speaking, just as she touches one of the statues. An intense light is emitted from it.

Sophia, who until then had remained in embarrassed silence, widens her eyes "Did you see him too?"

You move your mouth trying to speak but the shock is strong. You move away just a few millimetres from Alcina, and both of you stare at the crystals "What just happened?"

“This time the light was brighter!” the young witch exclaims.

You want to take a closer look and lean towards the Lady, touching her again, while both of her hands are on her daughters.

“Dimitrescu, you did something. I don't know what, but you did something and they reacted. Do it again!”

“I…I don't know…I don't know what I did” she replies in a broken voice.

Sophia intervenes "That's what I was trying to tell you before, aunt, you don't need blood to wake up my cousins, you need..."

Alcina looks at her niece, glaring at her before she can finish her sentence.

“So stubborn” the young woman pronounces through gritted teeth

“Dimitrescu, can you explain?”

Alcina smiles shaking her head "Are you going to stand by me until the end of all of this, Rebecca?"

“Why are you asking me this? You already know the answer…I told you a few moments ago…” you are very confused

“Please, I need to hear you say this right now”

"I still don't understand but..." you get out of bed to stand in front of the matriarch. She watches your every move. You still don't understand why she's asking you something so obvious by now, but from her tone of voice, you understand that she needs your words. So you put both hands on her big shoulders and look straight into her grey eyes “I won't leave you until I'm sure you're out of danger, Lady Dimitrescu. I'm a mere human, but I will stay and stand by you”

An explosive flash fills the room followed by the sound of something shattering to pieces.

You close your eyes bringing your hands to your face, to protect yourself from the strength of that unexpected light. Disoriented, you call the other women, turning around.

“NOX TENEBRIS!” Say Sophia in Latin.

Darkness envelops the room for an instant, you feel yourself grabbed by the arm. "It's me, open your eyes," the young woman tells you. You squint and little by little you recover your sight. The candles lights up the room again.

You hear a thud “NOOOOO!” Lady Dimitrescu screams.

You both turn and see the woman kneeling with her big hands on the ground.

In the center the destroyed crystals.

You gasp by placing a hand on her chest and running towards her.

“How is…how…could this happen?” Alcina tries to say shaking "I didn't let them fall, how?" she tries to put the pieces back together like a puzzle "They are gone"

You don't know what to say or do, and again your gaze falls crystals at her.

“They are gone” the woman repeats as if in a trance “Gone”

“Shut up”

You look at Sophia angrily “How can you say such a thing right now to your aunt? The crystals have been destroyed! How could you…”

“SHUT UP FOR A SECOND!” the witch approaches the door of the room and opens it wide "Don't you hear it?"

“You really are an insensitive woman!” you shout.

Sophia laughs with tears in her eyes

"Why are you laughing?"

“Rebecca….it worked…just, listen”

You are almost blind by the anger and you only want to slap Sophia because of her attitude but you try to do what she says. In the background you hear some kind of buzz “Should I listen to this?”

“Alci…” Sophia turns to her aunt.

The matriarch lifts her shaking head.

"Do you recognize it?" she asks her.

The woman gets up. She is afraid that it is an illusion. A terrible collective illusion.

The buzz is getting closer and closer, louder and louder. At first, it sounded like the sound of the TV when it loses signal and the screen goes grey, but the closer you hear it the more you realize it sounds like the flaps. Flaps of insect wings. Hundreds, maybe thousands of insects approaching.

You panic at the thought of an approaching swarm and you go back into the room, next to Lady Dimitrescu. Indeed, one step behind the Lady, you are still weak on the other hand.

The buzz is now just a few meters from the entrance. Sophia moves.

A dense black cloud stops on the doorstep. It moves on the spot as if trying to look around and then freezes at the vampire's vision.

“…MO…TH…ER…”

Alcina extends a hand towards the shapeless mass "My children... is it really you?"

The insects become more excited and the flapping of wings becomes louder. The cloud emits a kind of jump to go towards the matriarch. You jerk off. moving now closer to Sophia, thinking that you're dreaming.

Along the way from the doorstep towards Alcina, the cloud divided into three parts in a few thousandths of a second, changed colour and the irritating buzz turned into happy laughter.

Clinging, or better, embracing around the figure of Lady Dimitrescu, there are three girls.

Alcina weeps and laughs, holding in her arms those young “My daughters, my beautiful daughters. It's really you"

Chapter Text

"Mother!" the three girls keep repeating, squeezing the matriarch with all their might.

Alcina releases her embrace and wipes away her tears to caress the young girls individually. The face of each of them drops delicately on the black leather of the maternal gloves.

"My precious darlings, you are finally here."

By your side, Sophia sobs silently, in disbelief at finally seeing part of her family in front of her. Alive. Touching her with your elbow, you try to tell her to get closer to them. "They're your family," you think. The witch's stasis is thus broken, causing her to throw herself into a firm embrace behind the black-haired girl's back. The other two sisters instantly turn around, gasping. "SOPHIA!" screams what appears to be the youngest, with red hair.

"Cousin!" echoes the last of the three.

You look at Alcina; her eyes have entirely changed expression. The worry, the pain, and the fear seem to have momentarily disappeared. The grey of her pupils glows with comfort and love for girls.

You should feel satisfaction in accomplishing your mission but feel out of place like you don't belong in that frame. You squeeze your shoulders to make yourself small as if you are trying not to be seen. You would like to leave them alone to talk, hide in your momentary room. You take half a step back but accidentally bump into a shelf, causing some glass vials to shake.

The women look up at you, but while Sophia's gaze is concerned about some almost broken potion and Alcina's looks like, "I'm sorry, I didn't want to cut you out", something else appears in that of the three sisters.

Their nostrils flare, inhaling deeply. The oldest of the three shows the canines, "Human blood!"

"A fresh prey", the redhead continues now.

Your eyes are wide with terror.

Everything happens in an instant.

Two of the sisters attempt a leap towards you with open jaws.

You try to move, but your body doesn't respond.

You are petrified.

Blades suddenly cut the air. You feel your hair messed up.

You want to scream, but your voice remains blocked in your throat.

"STOP, NOW!"

Sophia holds on to the blonde's arm tightly while the attacking sisters freeze within an inch of what you understand to be Lady Dimitrescu's claws.

"Don't you dare take a drop of this woman's blood," the vampire thunders.

You get goosebumps hearing Alcina's voice giving that order.

No hesitation in the words.

The three girls remain motionless.

"Sorry, mother"

"Daniela, always impulsive," Alcina exhales as if in that moment of chaos, she had held her breath, fearing something irreparable would happen. She withdraws her claws and stands by your side. She places a hand on your shoulder, squeezing gently to reassure you. You can finally breathe but are still afraid to utter half a letter.

"Now, now, daughters. First, I think it's time to make some presentations. But later, well…" the matriarch thinks of the guards scattered around the castle "there will be enough for everyone"

"Mother" the girl next to Sophia speaks hesitantly "we are hungry…and, above all…where are we?"

"Yes, mother, I too am perplexed and weak"

"Bela, Cassandra…" Alcina begins but Sophia lets go of her cousin and interrupts the exchange "I can solve one thing. I think still have a bottle of blood in the other room, but you have to promise me you'll be quiet for a few moments."

The three sisters nod in unison, and the witch leaves the room.

Lady Dimitrescu tilts her face towards the bed, gesturing for her daughters to sit down. They obey. Her hand still resting on you now descends towards the shoulder blade and, with a slight pressure, Alcina invites you to approach her daughters. You're hesitant, but you don't have much choice. You take a few steps forward, trying not to make eye contact with them. You try to stare at the mattress first, then at their feet, you look at your hands.

The Lady notices your attitude "Don't be afraid. They won't hurt you," she tells you. The warmth and tranquillity of her words envelop you like a shield.

"That's not it…"

"Then why can't you look at them?"

The redhead, Daniela if you remember correctly, tilts her head, scrutinizing you "We are monsters for her"

"You are not" you immediately deny "It's that…uhm…I suppose it must run in the family"

"What is typical of our family?" continues Alcina

You clear your throat from the nervous "Dimitrescu, they are naked…"

Cassandra bursts out laughing "Have you never seen a completely naked woman in person?" she says teasing you and putting her arms crossed as if to pronounce her breasts purposely.

"I did! Actually, I saw your moth-…"

"Daughters, don't be so impertinent with Rebecca!" the Lady abruptly interrupts you before you can finish the sentence

"So this is your name? Rebecca?"

"Yes, pleased to meet you"

One of them looks around, at the end of the bed she sees a folded cloth. She grabs it and gets up wrapping it around her body. As she finished covering herself, she reaches out her hand towards you "I'm Bela. Nice to meet you. I apologize for earlier, on behalf of myself and my sisters."

You reach out and squeeze hers. Her hold is firm. Now that she's close to you, you notice her height. Pale skin like her mother, blond hair and yellow eyes. Her gaze is curious, no longer dangerous.

"All forgotten. I can understand your confusion, and I think it's time to tell you what's going on"

Bela smiles at you and then turns to the sisters "Dani, Cass...please find something to cover yourself with"

The redhead stands up puffing, Cassandra follows her only after looking at you from head to toe.

Alcina moves away from you "Try to look in there" she says pointing to a trunk "Raven had my dress folded inside it"

The girls open and find some old cloth, they can find a way to cover up and reduce your embarrassment.

Sophia goes back into the room and looks at the cousins covered so randomly. "You are ridiculous" she enunciates amused.

"Shut up or I will make you" replies Daniela.

"I bet you couldn't scratch me"

"Really?"

"Among the things you don't know is that I became a witch"

"I can't believe it even if I see it!"

"This is not the time for bickering, girls" Lady Dimitrescu approaches her niece "You managed to find some blood, I see" she continues taking the bottle that is in Sophia's hands. Without much effort, she removes the cap to hand the container to her daughters then "Divide it equally, my darlings"

Bela is the first to drink, followed by Cassandra and, finally, Daniela. The latter quenches its thirst with more ardour—drops of blood run down her chin. You notice a sudden change in their bodies. Although the substance drunk was little, the paleness of the skin becomes more alive, their hair shinier and their eyes more alert. Cassandra has extremely clear pupils, almost tending to white in total contrast with her black hair, while Daniela seems affected by heterochromia. You also notice that their muscles are now more defined. "If they are even half as strong as their mother, maybe…we can manage the situation," you think.

"Very well, girls. Come here now, sit."

The sisters sit down on the bed again; you and Sophia imitate the gesture but leaning against two chairs.

Alcina remains standing "Tell me... what do you remember?"

"The little manthing…" Daniela exclaims disgusted

"Ethan…and the cold" Cassandra clenches her fists.

"Yes, the cold... and then... nothing..." Bela's voice trembles for a moment.

You look at Alcina carefully. The peak of her hat covers the gaze towards her daughters, but you can see how her lips closed tightly for an instant accompanied by a deep breath. You would like to get up to reassure her that that situation has now passed, but you are still inside the castle full of soldiers. Probably more will come and you don't have a plan. It's just you against who knows how many. Intrusive thoughts try to come forward in your mind "I know where your clothes and scythes are!" you exclaim suddenly.

Sophia has a question mark on her face as she looks at you.

"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry. There was too much sadness in the room and… I'm sorry" you would like to bury yourself "How the fuck did I react? Stupid brain…" you think

"Our scythes? Do you know where they are?" Cassandra asks you like it's the most crucial information she needs.

You pick up the ball "Yes! Rocsena showed me where all your stuff is."

"Who is Rocsena?" Bela asks you.

"One of the guides of the Castle"

"Guide?" the blonde continues.

"During the visit, that allowed me to find your mother's ashes and…"

"What ashes?" Daniela intervenes.

"Even aunty was defeated by Ethan" Sophia replies

"How was this possible?" Cassandra looks at her mother.

"He found the dagger..." Alcina tries to explain.

"And she was a crystal like you" you try to continue.

"Crystals?" the three exclaim in unison.

A loud snap of the fingers interrupts the rapid exchange, silencing everyone "Can we take it easy and start from the beginning? We don't have much time" the Lady restores order to the room.

"Yes, Mother"

"Yes, Mother"

"Yes, Mother"

You laugh to yourself to see how daughters are such chaotic beings, yet extremely respectful towards their mother.

"Perhaps I should start by telling how I found you..." Sophia takes the floor and begins to narrate her part of the story as quickly as possible, the Duke's death, the meeting with Iolanda, the study of magic and the sending of all the items she could find, including the crystals. You continue. It's not easy summarizing what happened. It's been a few days, but intense. When you remember everything, it almost seems your days at the museum are a distant memory.

The three sisters listen to every word without saying a word, not because Alcina ordered them to, but because of the absurdity of the whole affair.

"So I met your cousin…"

There are only a few questions they ask you, the interest is too high to interrupt you.

"…when I arrived at the Castle, Iolana left me in the hands of…"

"CÂLIN!!!!!"

"Exactly how did you know that?"

Daniela jumps off the bed, overtaking you "My man!" to run towards the boy who has just appeared at the door

Sophia frowns.

The young man embraces the blonde vampire, but noticing the witch's gaze, he quickly releases his grip and awkwardly greets everyone "It's wonderful to see you all in the flesh"

Daniela "Buddy, I am glad you are still alive!! They didn't tell us you were here"

"…I was about to…" you mutter

"Are you treating my cousin well?"

Sophia blushes.

Câlin scratches his head in embarrassment "Erhm…yeah"

You watch the scene amused.

"Totally…but…" then he puts his hand in his pocket and takes out a glass vial containing small moving figures "What do I do with them?"

"Why do you have bugs in there?"

"Poor Câlin, he went to look for them in an attempt to awaken you" Alcina tries to explain.

Bela starts laughing "And how did you plan to use them?"

"We would have thought of something" you intervene.

Cassandra laughs "I can bet"

"Don't make fun of him. It was a collective idea!" Sophia exclaims approaching the boy, trying to defend him somehow.

"You are so cute!" Daniela squeaks.

"Stop..." the cousin whispers between clenched teeth.

Alcina chuckles.

You can't help but let out a smile "They are not monsters at all"

"Can we go back to the story, please?" Cassandra is now to restore order among those present "Who did you meet entering the castle?"

You point to Câlin right away.

He gulps "Were you talking about me?"

"We're briefing the girls on the situation," Sophia explains.

"As I was telling you, I met Câlin and visited part of the Castle. During the visit, I could see your clothes under the window..." you continue to tell.

The narration comes to your last meeting with Iolanda. You feel a slight tingle under the bandages at the thought of having to tell that part of her "She woke me up with a bucket of water. She had a knife…she…tort-”

Alcina approaches you "You don't need to talk about it if you don't feel like it"

Sophia immediately understands the situation and intervenes "But we arrived on time, kicking down the door. Câlin jumped on Iolanda. You must know that while all those things were happening to Rebecca, we were looking for her and…" the young witch continues the narration, but it is Alcina who concludes the whole story until her daughters awaken.

"and this is all."

"So far" you close the sentence.

Silence falls in the room for a few moments.

"Mother…"

"Yes, Bella"

"Tell me, is it OUR intention to take back OUR Castle?"

"Absolutely, my dear"

"Very well" she pronounces, standing up "We need the clothes and our weapons. Rebecca, tell us exactly where they are."

"Sure, but... they'll see you coming"

Câlin clears his throat "Can I say something too?"

All the women look at him with concern "Our enemies' reinforcements are arriving...but our allies are waiting for our signal to help us"

"Shit…" you blurt out "We have to move fast. We need a plan, starting with getting the girls' stuff back. Because when we go back inside the Castle…"

"It will be time to kick asses and drink some blood", Daniela declares while cracking her hands.

Chapter Text

“Well said…both, I think” Sophia exclaims “We need a plan. They must have seen the carnage we left in the Courtyard when we left the mansion. Now...how do we get back? That area will now be off-limits."

You remain silent because the maze of rooms in that place is still unclear to you and you wait for someone to come up with an idea.

Cassandra takes the floor “We can access the Opera Hall through the secret entrance behind the library. This way, we can move into the Castle without anyone noticing”

“The sneaky door!” Bela exclaims excitedly

“Sneaky door?” you ask curiously

“Yeah, we frequently used it when we didn't want our mother to find out we were going outside without her permission.” the brunette continues.

"And you've now revealed our secret," Daniela murmurs, rolling her eyes.

“Do you honestly believe I was unaware of that?”

The three sisters blush and remain silent. She giggles.

“Sooooo, opera hall you said?” you get the conversation back on track.

Cassandra resumes “Um, yeah. There are then two flights of stairs leading to the second floor. One inside the room and one outside. From there the three of us can look for our clothes and weapons."

“While we can look for Iolanda and knock out any guards, gaining time” Sophia says nodding as if to make it clear that the idea could work. “But how do we split up?”

“I may examine the situation in the courtyards by going through the kitchen. I'll barricade every conceivable entry and exit. They've installed statues of dubious taste, I've noted. I'll make advantage of them.”

You look at the matriarch “And me?” you think. She seems to understand your concern and fear.

"Because they're after me and I can keep many of them at bay, I think I should go alone and you should go in a group." I don't want you to be in danger just because you are next me."

You lower your eyes, understand her reasons and trust the others, but you know what Iolanda is capable of. “What if the reinforcements are stronger? What will they do to her?”

“We can, however, proceed to the second story. My cousins will be able to reclaim their possessions immediately. We can split up when we go to the main stairs; I'll go through the dressing room because it has a hole in the wall that leads to a secret section towards the basement. I'll check that area” Sophia thinks aloud as she looks around “I'll need some ampoules to take with me”

“What about us?” You ask nervously, pointing at yourself and Calin.

“You need to go to the armory. Rebecca, it would be best to find something to defend yourself with. Have you ever used weapons?”

You pass a hand over your forehead to force yourself to think "I tested weapons in the museum where I work, but I probably know how to handle knives in case of emergency"

“Better than nothing” the witch sighs.

“Calin will protect you properly” Lady Dimitrescu says approaching the young man "I am confident that he will do everything possible to ensure that not a single hair on your head is harmed. That's correct, my dear?"

The boy stiffens “Erm, yeah, my lady. I will do my best. I promise"

You look at him, so slim, alert, almost as if he's constantly frightened of saying or doing something wrong. “How can I trust having him as a bodyguard? Why are they so confident in Calin's abilities that they leave me alone with him?” you feel that something is escaping you, a detail that could help you understand the young man "They are a giant, super-strong vampire, a witch, three vampires who transform into insects... and him? A human, like me, only because he starts with a lot of stamina and very fast. I don’t get it"

“Rebecca, what is bothering you?” Bela asks you having noticed how you have suddenly darkened.

“I…I don't like the fact that we have to split again. That's all"

“I see what you’re saying. But we know the Castle, even if there have been some renovations between the rooms. We will be quicker to find this Iolanda… among other things” the young vampire turns towards her cousin “A quick description of this woman?”

“Green eyes, blonde, ponytail. You'll understand right away if you find her in front of you” Sophia cuts short.

Bela nods her head confirming that she understood.

“Are we free to move and act as we wish, mother?” Daniela asks hoping for a favourable response.

Cassandra slaps her sister upside the head “Didn't you hear what she said before? The goal is to reclaim our home"

The redhead pushes Cass after the sudden blow “I know, I know. That's not what I meant, but..."

“You are free to do as you please, my darlings. We will then have the opportunity to clean up” Lady Dimitrescu states with a raised corner of her lips. A barely perceptible grin. The beginning of the storm she is about to unleash.

“Very good then!” Sophia claps her hands together “We will meet in the Main Hall. Whatever it takes"

You all agree.

The witch stuffs her purse with a series of small vials. You retrieve your backpack, still with Miranda's diary hidden wrapped around your wool scarf. You take out the latter with one hand and squeeze it tightly. “Oh, grandma,” you murmur to yourself as a corner of the diary sticks out of the backpack. “I'm going to need all the strength I can get. She needs to know."

Alcina is staring at you “Are you ready? I know we're asking a lot of you. What has happened to us so far is nothing compared to what we might face once we return to my home."

"I promised you I'd be there for you until the end." That is precisely what I am doing, Dimitrescu. I'll be OK. Just don't get caught."

"I should tell you the same thing…"

"Trust me," you giggle, showing her the bandages on your wrists and the wound on her neck. "I don't want to go through that again."

The entire group departs from Sophia's refuge to explore the woods. You can't see or understand anything because it's too dark, so you just follow the silhouettes of others. You attempt to stay as near to Alcina as possible; she looks at you every now and then to make sure you're okay before turning her attention to her girls. The Castle is located around the corner. You find yourself in front of a rocky ravine in a matter of minutes.

“This way!” Cassandra leads the group “Mom, remember to lower your head halfway”

Daniela and Bela giggle, while Alcina shakes her head in mock sadness at her height.

For you now everything has become pitch black, you hope that Sophia will use one of her tricks to light the way but you soon realize that this won't be the case. You reach out for something to grasp in front of you, for reference and guidance. Two tall and bright points above you, the matriarch stopped for a moment "I'm here, don't worry and Calin is right behind you" you turn, and two additional bright signs, this time lower and golden, look at you "His eyes are creepy for a human"

Something tangles around your fingers; Alcina has taken your entire hand. Given their size, you can barely hold three of her fingers with your grip. You're more at ease.

You proceed a few meters more till you hear a lock open and gears turning. Daniela began to shift the bookcase that hid the entrance to one side as soon as Cassandra opened the door. The final active candles' feeble light shines through.

"Wait for us here," they say as their bodies dismember and turn into bugs.

The double swarm emerges from the crack and spreads over the room.

“What the fuck?” you hear the surprised voice of a man “Where did you come from? Who are you?”

You hear Cassandra giggling “I'm your end” and a buzz.

“Argh…Leave me…I can't breathe” the man seems to be struggling to speak.

“This is Daniela's work” Bela whispers towards you “It'll be quick” and in fact, as soon as you hear those words you hear a heavy thud hitting the ground. The blonde, understanding what has happened, finishes opening the entrance. "All clear," the blonde warns, signalling everyone to enter the immense two-floor room.

“Home sweet home!” Bela utters profoundly inhaling and exhaling “How I missed this place!”

“Me too!” Daniela has returned to human form, and is slumped on the ground toasting her first kill.

“Shush, Dani! They shouldn't hear us!" Sophia scolds her.

Daniela closes her lips tightly and places a hand in front of her mouth as if apologizing for the mistake she made, and then resumes feeding directly from the victim's neck, while Cassandra is tearing the man's wrist apart. You look away.

“We should move quickly to the Library, aunt, you can already go to the courtyard”

“No, I'll take you upstairs first to ensure you don't have someone waiting on the stairs. After that we will split” Lady Dimitrescu replies “Girls, leave that body. We have to go"

Go up the internal stairs of the room, the ones that lead to the upper balcony. This time, Bela frees an insect from her body to make it pass under the door.

“There's a guard out front, one from the stairs and one from the library entrance.

“Is the library door closed or open?”

“Closed, mother”

“Very good, Sophia. At my signal open the door inwards”

The witch nods, tiptoes to the door, and wraps her hand around the lock.

She stretches out her left arm and stretches the fingers of her hand forward, tense.

Sophia begins slowly turning the knob. You begin to get agitated and instinctively approach the first person you find at your side, Calin.

The Lady nods, and the witch strikes the round handle one last time before opening the door wide.

The soldier on the opposite side doesn't have time to comprehend what's going on before Alcina's claws have penetrated him completely. The woman retracts her weapons, causing his body to tumble to the ground, bends sufficiently to cross the threshold, and pierces the pursuing soldiers with both hands this time.

"Rebecca, get one of their guns"

"I don't know how to use them"

“It doesn't matter, better than anything you can find in my armory”

You are not convinced of this, but you approach one of the corpses and with a few tugs you manage to extract the weapon from the holster. It feels weighty and uncomfortably heavy to you. You're terrified a shot will be fired merely by holding it in your hand. Calin approaches you to assist you. He takes off the soldier's belt. “Put the gun back in the holster and tie the belt tightly. It will be easier for you to move with the weapon”

You follow his advice but you observe that he doesn't do the same thing “Calin, you should need one, too”

“Don't worry about me” he smiles at you “I have my means”

“Let's go, now. There is just one guy in the library” Bela whispers before a scene similar to the one in the Opera Hall is repeated.

“I must admit that this thing of being able to transform into insects has its great advantages”

This time, all of the sisters agree to feed on diverse bodies. You note how rapidly they recover their maximal energy.

"We should split up right now." "Start looking for your belongings, and we'll be right behind you," Sophia says.

"Be careful, my children," Alcina says as she approaches her girls, tenderly caressing each of their heads.

“Don't worry, mother” Cassandra responds by transforming into a swarm

“Yeah, they'll have to worry instead. They will regret setting foot here and starting a war against the Dimitrescu family” Bela enunciates following her sister’s example.

“I am still hungry” Daniela follows the others who disappear towards the next rooms.

Alcina turns to Sophia “Your life is more important than theirs, my child. This is the time to avenge The Duke”

"I'll find whoever killed him," she says, clenching her teeth and bringing her palms to her face. For a split second, you think it's a cry-covering move, but her fingers shine. You've seen her create this type of light before. The day you went to visit her at the pub. Sophia's features shift as a result of the same magic. Her black hair has turned brown, and her eyes have turned the same hue. "That person won't recognize me until I have her or him between my hands," she says.

The matriarch looks towards Calin “I trust you”

The boy awkwardly scratches his arms “Thank you, Lady Dimitrescu. I will do my part in honor of Lord Heisenberg”

“What does that Lord have to do with anything now?”

Your thought is interrupted by Alcina who with a single step finds herself at your side "I'll see you soon downstairs, am I right?"

“You can bet” you reply while you adjust the backpack better on your shoulders, the movement makes you remember the content “Actually…” you say in a low voice taking advantage of the fact that Calin is now looking at Sophia's new look "Can I talk to you privately for a second before continuing?" you say as you walk towards the stairway.

“We don't have time for a talk”

“It is important”

Chapter Text

“My dear, what is so important that it cannot wait?”

You wait until you are alone with Alcina near the stairwell to start talking.

“I don't even know how to tell you this” you look around, trying not to meet her gaze.

She tilts her head frowning “I can sense how your heartbeat is speeding up as well as your breathing. You're worrying me."

“I'm sorry, it's just that…” you stop and start walking back and forth nervously

“Is it about Iolanda? That's why you're so nervous. You need to be calm with Câlin-"

"No…"

“Is it about my daughters?”

You shake your head impatiently at your behaviour. “No, Dimitrescu, it's about you.”

"Me?"

“Yeah, listen. I've learned something you won't like at all. But you have to know the truth."

“Rebecca, please, just tell me. We don't have enough time to go around it."

You take a long breath “Miranda.”

“Miranda what?”

“Mother Miranda, she… There's no nice way to say this to you, she… oh fuck…She was using you as a lab rat, you and your brothers, for her own purposes.”

Alcina raises her chin, as if wanting to look at you from even higher “Did you just say that Mother Miranda was using me?”

“Like a guinea pig, yes”

“For her purposes?”

“She was testing the megamycete to look for a suitable host, she-” Your words want to come out all at once, but you are interrupted.

“Don't you dare say anything else”

“But-“

“Stop it, this is just nonsense. I told you that she saved my life” Alcina's tone of voice becomes more severe.

“I know, Dimitrescu, but she didn't do it for that reason. She needed you and the others."

"It is not true."

“It is! Please, you have to believe me.” you approach her, but the vampire doesn't want to listen to reason.

“Why are you saying this?”

“Because I want you to realize who that woman was, she was no hero” you try to explain to her.

“No. You weren't there. You cannot possibly know”

“But I know. I know everything”

“How? You're making it all up. You are nobody to allow yourself to speak this way about Mother Miranda”

"Nobody?" You repeat, your voice breaks, "nobody" you repeat thinking

“I didn't mean that, Rebecca…but…you don't know how things happened. To say I was a guinea pig is a lie."

“I'm not lying to you” your voice regains strength “I-“ you're doing nothing but receiving insults, you point your index finger at yourself “I have never done that”

Alcina perceives the emphasis you have placed on the first person. She is aware that she hasn't always been transparent with you “These are things you heard the castle guides tell you, aren't they?”

You shake your head nervously. “How can she not believe me?” you scoff in disbelief

“Miranda was a visionary; she would never do something like that to me. Yours are lies."

“Your entire family was exterminated because her priority was a human child!” You try to reach for the diaries from your backpack “Visionary?!” you shout “Selfish, self-centered and maniacal, perhaps. But visionary? Never! I have proof of what I say. She chose a newborn baby and let your daughters be killed!”

Those words penetrate her brain like sharp blades. Her pupils dilate between hurt and confusion. “LIES!” she screams, instinctively bringing a hand towards your neck. Your breath cuts off. The backpack falls to the floor.

The sound of Alcina's voice echoes in the corridor. Sofia rushes towards you “What's happening?” she asks before turning the corner.

Her blood would have run cold at the scene unfolding in front of her eyes, but “Aer, dis!” she screams, stretching her arms forward, with open palms pushing the air in front of her. The change in pressure makes Alcina stagger, and she releases her grip. You land on your feet. You are pale, and you breathe hungry for air with your heart in your throat.

Sophia grabs your arm, dragging you behind her and shielding you from the vampire. The matriarch trembles, her shocked gaze turned towards the hand she used against you.

The witch, hesitantly, notices the woman's confused state and extends her arm towards her, looking for a gesture to calm her. But Alcina is alert and scared about what she just did, and she takes a step back, looking up at Sophia: “Go”

"Aunt…"

“NOW!!!” she shouts showing her fangs.

The young woman doesn't have to be told twice, she grabs your backpack and takes you away, away from the vampire and the presumed danger. You still can't react. You still feel the grip around your neck, like an indelible weight.

“What did you tell her?” Sophia asks you

“I…I…Miranda…the…experiments…”

“Are you an idiot? Do you think this is the time to drop a bomb like that on her?”

“I…I thought…”

“No, you weren't thinking! Do you have any idea what Alcina has been through in the last few hours? Her awakening, the Castle occupied by an organization that who knows what wants from her, you more dead than alive, the awakening of her daughters... and you thought it was the right moment to talk about Miranda?"

"I am sorry"

You both arrive in front of Câlin “What's happening?” he asks seeing Sophia upset and you in a daze.

“I don't have time to explain to you. We need to focus on finding Iolanda."

“But Rebecca seems upset and like…not here?,” he replies

“I'll explain later, now we have to get as far away as possible and continue with our plan” the witch tugs you to make you react “I can't keep dragging you, come back on Earth and walk”

You follow the orders, cross the arches with the couple and enter a small room. On your left an imposing statue depicting several people. You remember this is the Hall of Joy, a sad laugh is stifled inside you “Joy…thanks for the dig, Universe”.

You face the following corridor: blood, weapons, and dismembered bodies. You keep walking. More blood, this time mixed with glass.

“They destroyed the shop windows. This means that…"

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

“It is sooooo good to be back” Cassandra giggles returning to human form.

“Look! Rebecca! Look at my scythe!” Daniela points the blade in front of you. You jump back in fear “Oh, don't worry. I won't use it against you."

“Thanks…I think” you hesitantly respond. You move a couple of meters; you need to breathe.

All that blood is going to your head in the wrong way. The girls' laughter, excited to get their things back, annoys you. You want space. You want air. You need to think.

You touch your neck. Somehow you can still feel the pressure of Alcina's hand. You swallow. Her eyes were full of hate. Hate for you. Hate for your words. Hatred towards the truth “She didn't want to listen to me. Despite everything I've done for her,” you say to yourself, not in your mind.

You feel a hand on your shoulder, and you gasp.

“Hey…” Sophia's new hazel eyes peer at you worriedly “It's me. No danger in the area at the moment"

You sigh as the girl continues to talk to you “Listen, I'm sorry for how I spoke to you before. I needed you to react and, honestly, I was terrified of what I had just seen."

“She…”

Sophia signals you not to speak “Surely you did an immense stupidity in having said what you said at the least opportune moment possible, but… I know her almost as much as my cousins. She is a woman of extreme intelligence. She listened to you. She knows everything you put on the line to get this far. You risked your life. She is well aware of that. And, I am sure that you will understand and accept the truth. Sooner or later"

“Sophia, her eyes were filled with hatred and anger”

“How would you react to news like that?”

“Not trying to kill the person in front of me!” you respond harshly, trying not to let the others hear you.

“This…all of this…” the witch spreads her arms indicating the environment you are in “is different from your normal life. Things are different here. You need to ask yourself two questions: are you willing to accept it? And, above all, will you be willing to forgive her?”

You want to answer her immediately, you open your lips, but your voice doesn't come out. You have no words. You don't have the answers.

“I thought so” Sophia returns to the rest of the group “We must continue our plan”

“Cousin…” Bela stops her relative “Are any of us going to check the roof?”

“Damn, I didn't think about that area.”

“It's full of passages there, too”

Sophia frowns, thinking, “Okay, change of plans. I'll go down to the Main Hall, you three go upstairs. Câlin, Rebecca. You check the armory, dressing room, and then go to the basement"

“But you can't go to the first floor alone” the boy disagrees.

“He is right” Cassandra intervenes “I go with her”

"Thank you"

The brunette responds with a wink at him.

"Fine!" the witch gives up “Now let's move” she says approaching the stairs, but the boy grabs her hand before she can move away “What now?”

“Soph”

The witch looks around in embarrassment “Câlin…what are you doing?” she whispers.

“Be careful, please” he replies worriedly

“I can protect myself”

“I know…I just wanted to be sure”

“Uhm… right” Sophia frees herself from her grip “Protect her, no matter what” she concludes by glancing at you.

“I will. Don't worry"

Cassandra and the witch begin to descend the stairs

“Don't forget to call the Pack!” Câlin shouts leaning on the balcony handrail. Sophia gestures to understand her, while her companion takes out her scythe to launch herself towards the first guards who heard them move.

“See you later, guys!” Daniela and Bela make their way to the Atelier.

You remain alone with the young man. You touch the belt. The holster and gun are still in place.

“Let's go” Câlin urges you as you approach the corridor to the dressing room.

The corridor is strangely quiet. You cross it without finding any obstacles. You enter a small room with another of those giant statues, this time depicting a person about to be pierced by a series of daggers. "The depictions in this castle are always very cheerful" you let out aloud.

The boy doesn't answer, but he waves you to follow him. He crouches slightly towards a vertical grate and without the slightest effort unhooks it “Here”

“Is it a secret passage?”

“One of many, as you will have understood by now. On the other side, we will find weapons"

“Are we sure they didn't empty the room?”

"Positive. It doesn't appear on the plans of the Castle, and they always thought that this grate was part of the internal heating of the walls"

You cross the passage and find yourself entirely in darkness.

“Wait a second, please,” Câlin says softly. A few moments later you see his face illuminated by the warmth of a candle "Take and look for what you may need"

You carry out the order. You grab the candle and start looking around.

You notice that one wall is different from the others, as done more recently.

“Ethan did that”

“A hole in the wall?”

“Yes, this is where we found Cassandra's body…crystal…it was me, secretly, who tidied up the room and also the wall”

“What does the hole have to do with Cassandra?”

“The girls are susceptible to cold, low temperatures weaken them. He must have found out somehow…it was the middle of winter when he got here”

“Did they die after, Her?”

“No, the opposite. Ethan killed the three of them first…Lady Dimitrescu sensed their every death. Their bond is exceptionally unique. Can you imagine how she might have felt? A stranger arrives in your home, gradually kills your family and then gives you the final blow. And Miranda didn't care.”

“Miranda…” you repeat through gritted teeth. Now you only feel hatred towards that woman and what she caused. As you look around, you shake your head to keep the memories from flooding back. You find a series of knives inserted around a short strap. You grab it but realize it's too short for your belt

“That is for the leg.”

“Ah, right” you exclaim as you tie it around her thigh, admiring how it makes you look more combative. You move a few steps. Rifles of various kinds, swords “Oh! Is this an automatic crossbow by any chance?” you grab the weapon by the handle. The wooden gun differs from the single-shot crossbow in that it has a case above and along the barrel. It usually contains around twenty arrows, arranged one on the other. You open the case “It’s full! I'll take this"

“A crossbow?”

“I did a little archery when I was younger, I feel more comfortable with arrows than bullets”

Câlin shakes his head smiling “Whatever, let's get out of here now”

You attach the crossbow to a hook on your backpack and return to the Hall of Pleasure. Câlin fixes the grate, and you walk towards the corridor when he suddenly stops and motions for you to do the same.

"What-"

The young man's nostrils open and close rapidly "There is someone nearby"

You hear footsteps approaching from the dressing room, but not regular footsteps.

Heels.

“I was starting to doubt you would come back here.”

Chapter Text

"No, it can’t be..." you let words slip

Iolanda dramatically rests a hand on her chest, simulating shock, and widens her mouth. "Did you truly believe you could incapacitate me down in the dungeons?" She laughs, "How little you think of me! It takes far more than that to bring me to my knees," she adds, closing the distance towards both of you.

"What are you after?" Câlin takes a quick step back, and you mirror his movement.

"To complete the task I initiated, isn't it obvious?" she shrugs as if stating the undeniable.

You sidle up to the boy, encouraged by the array of new weapons at your disposal. "The Lady of the Castle is not here, in case that's still your target."

"You see, if there's something I've learned in the last few hours, it's that there are two ways to get to Lady Dimitrescu. One is through her adorable daughters, and the other," she laughs, "is you, Doctor."

You stay behind Câlin; a living bulwark against the impending threat. Iolanda, in a symphony of disappointment, clicks her tongue disapprovingly. "Oh, Doc, this poor guy can't help you."

"I pushed you to the ground once; I can do it again," Câlin responds defiantly.

"Adrenaline may have helped you then. Now, be kind. Hand over the doctor, and you'll be free to go."

"Do you truly believe I'm so stupid to trust you?"

"I'm inclined to think you're not so foolish as to embrace death for a stranger."

"Lady Dimitrescu won't come for me."

"Why not?"

"Because that's just how it is," you try to buy some time, yet the melancholy etched on your face becomes an inadvertent betrayal.

"Awwww, did the couple have a fight?" Iolanda mocks you. "In that case..." Iolanda shrugs, takes a gun from her side and points it in your direction. Without further ado, she pulls the trigger, unleashing a jarring eruption that fractures the tense silence.

As the gunshot echoes through the air, instinct takes over, prompting you to shut your eyes against the impending danger. A forceful shove follows, and with a resounding thud, you crumple to the ground, bracing for the anticipated pain of an imminent bullet wound. After all, the barrel was aimed at you. Now, you are useless to them. Moments seem eternal, yet no pain arrives.

Slowly, you open your eyes. Iolanda is still standing there, her gaze irate and fixed ahead. She moves the barrel again towards you. The trigger clicks once more, your view is somehow obstructed. Darkness envelops, or perhaps a shade of gray, no...the white of the guide's shirt. The dirtied white of soil, dust, and sweat on Câlin 's shirt. Kneeling in front of you. Your gaze shifts to his face. His eyes squint tightly, "Are you ok?"

You nod fearfully, now noticing a hole in his shirt with blood seeping through.

"Who are you, really?" the director thunders in a voice that brooks no further time to waste.

The boy turns, and you can now see the second gunshot wound peeking out. "I promised I'd protect her, no matter what." He states.

"I still have four bullets. Let's see if you're quick enou—," she doesn't finish the sentence; he already has a hand on her wrist and elbow. The strength of his grip makes the gun fall to the ground. She gasps at the unexpected move but reacts immediately, delivering a knee to the young man's stomach.

For a moment, Câlin struggles for breath. Iolanda takes advantage, lunging to retrieve her weapon.

Realizing the imminent danger, while still sit on the floor, you grab one of the small knives from your thigh holster. "Let's see if the movie move works." Without much thought, you aim towards the woman and throw the little dagger into the air.

"Damn..." Iolanda feels a burning sensation graze her leg. Your aim may not have been perfect, but it buys enough time for Câlin to kick the gun toward you.

"You little mouse. I've had enough of you and all your little helpers," she growls, baring her teeth as she points an accusing finger. Swiftly, she reaches behind, beneath her jacket, and unsheathes a knife. "I'm fully armed, too, and I'll put an end to both of you." With determination, Iolanda hurls herself at Câlin, targeting his chest. The boy evades with agility, striking her with a powerful punch to the side. Undeterred, she pivots, blade aimed at the young man's throat. He thwarts the attack, using both hands to seize the handle firmly. Brimming with confidence, he releases one hand, delving into his pocket. In a rapid motion, he retrieves something, relinquishes the hold on the dagger, and drops to a crouch, applying the liquid of a small container to Iolanda's wounded leg.

The woman crumples to the ground, agony escaping in piercing screams.

Leaning against the wall, perplexed by the unfolding chaos, you rise slowly. You don’t understand what is happening.

You draw near to Câlin, both of you witnessing Iolanda's contorted form, a clear sign of her distress.

"See, Director, before I left you in the dungeons, I swiped something from you." Câlin opens his hand. "See this? It was the content of a syringe you had stashed away."

Your eyes light up. "I remember that syringe! She pulled it from a drawer when she heard you approaching. I bet it's one of your clever inventions to make Dimitrescu lose consciousness or worse."

"The... the syringe?" Iolanda manages to speak, her breath labored and strained.

"Yes, how does it feel to be on the receiving end of your own creations?" you mockingly inquire.

"You, fool, did you use the entire contents of the vial on me?" Iolanda starts to rise from the ground, small convulsions coursing through her body.

Câlin looks at her. "A good portion, yes. Whatever it takes to stop you."

"Did you truly pour that liquid on the wound?" she repeats, now standing upright in front of them, tilting her head slightly to the side.

"He already answered!" you start to grow irritated by the situation.

A guttural sound slowly emanates from her throat, a slight chuckle that grows louder until it transforms into a malevolent and amused laugh. "You fool! Both of you!" she cries out amusedly, extending an arm. First the bicep, then the tricep begins to increase in size, causing slight tears in the jacket sleeve and the underlying shirt. The same reaction occurs on the quadriceps.

"What is happening?" you ask, staring at the woman.

"It's happening that that... ugh... is not an antidote... gah... against the vampire," her words are interrupted as her body expands. "but a power enhancer... of the megamycete," she tries to explain.

"You mean that-" you stammer.

Her dimensions have increased in height and width. She now stands two arms taller than Câlin. She approaches you. "It means you've sealed your fate."

"NO, IT CAN'T BE TRUE!" you scream, a guttural cry escaping in the face of fear.

Her pulsating veins surfaced beneath her skin, a macabre dance beneath the delicate surface. The irises of her eyes expanded, ravenous hunger emanating from within. Teeth, once human, morphed into sharpened fangs, while her nails elongated into claws, an ominous transformation. The contours of her feminine form gradually vanished, giving rise to a humanoid figure with grotesquely disproportionate and bulging muscles.

"Don't worry," Câlin whispers, his voice comforting.

"Don't worry? We've made her stronger, and I shouldn't worry? I get that you're bulletproof for obscure reasons, but you can't win against that monster!"

The director sneers, "What can a skinny boy like you do?"

Câlin hands you what remained of the incriminated vial. "I told you not to worry. I got this." His smile was a promise as his features underwent a metamorphosis. His dimensions expand, not as haphazardly as Iolanda, but in a more controlled manner. His shirt disintegrates under the strain of the burgeoning muscles, revealing something: the skin seems to have disappeared, replaced by a dense fur coating. His face elongates forward into an animalistic form and his pupils turn to yellow. A familiar yellow you saw more than once on him.
As Iolanda laughs at her awakened power, Câlin's form contorts into that of a Lycan. A primal howl escapes his transformed lips, echoing through the shadows and serving as chilling.

A sinister grin creeps across Iolanda's face. "A Lycan! You've been infected too!"

"I was saved by Lord Heisenberg, if that's what you mean”

"What a delightful and unexpected surprise. A worthy adversary for my final transformation!"

"I won't allow you to go any further," Câlin roars.

"I'll put an end to you first, and then obliterate the rest of your family."

"Not if I stop you," the boy bends his knees and springs forward. His head forcefully collides with the monstrous form of Iolanda's chest, both crashing to the ground in a fierce struggle.

“Oh my God!” are the only words you manage to utter.

"RUN, REBECCA!! LEAVE HER TO ME!!" The urgency in Câlin's command reverberates a guttural shout that pierces the air, directly aimed at Rebecca.

You sprint away, and the final image burns into your mind: the teeth of the battling combatants locked in a fierce struggle.

"A Lycan, he is a Lycan! That explains everything!" echoes in your thoughts as you bolt towards the stairs. Frantically, you ensure your crossbow is securely fastened. "Perhaps it's time to keep it ready; danger lurks everywhere.” Therefore, you decide you should keep it in hand.
Sophia instructed everyone to convene on the first floor; that's where you're headed.

The staircase is cocooned by a corridor, adorned with doors and arches leading to the internal passages of the second floor, your current location. Capitalising on this architectural feature, you peek between the arches, attempting to gauge the situation below, searching for a clear path.

Suddenly, your mind is shattered by the thunderous crash of countless crystals. You skid to a halt, scanning your surroundings; the sound emanates from the bottom of the stairs.

The grand central chandelier has collapsed from the ceiling.

--

Bela and Daniela ascend toward the castle's peaks, seamlessly transitioning between their human and swarm forms, unleashing the fury of their prolonged captivity.

"I wish Cass were with us," the younger one remarks, spinning around as her blade slices through a guard's stomach.

"Me, too," Bela replies. "But we have a mission. We'll get a chance to have fun together soon," she continues, tossing an enemy around. "Dani..."

"What?"

"Don't you think there are too many soldiers as we ascend towards the Tower of Rage?"

"You're right..."

The duo accelerates towards the Belfry. Unfortunately, the entrance is wide open.

"We can't proceed; they'll catch us easily."

"Fuck this cold!" Daniela curses the external weather. "What do we do?"

"They're getting closer, and there are many. I hear their voices," Bela looks around. In the secret passage, they replaced torches with modern lamps, obscuring her plan to use fire as a weapon. "We must stop them... let's shroud the corridor in complete darkness."

"Destroy everything?"

"Destroy everything."

"Hell yeah!" Daniela cheers, transforming into bugs. Small glass explosions follow as the steps of the new wave of soldiers draw nearer. After that, the two girls pause, slowing their breathing.

"HOLD!" a man's voice orders. "You two, light the torches on the machine guns and come in with me. The rest of you cover us."

"At your command, captain!" the soldiers respond in unison.

The first three soldiers enter. The torchlights move rapidly, but the two young vampires are much faster.

"Sir, there's glass on the ground."

"Watch your steps and keep moving."

"And there are also a lot of flies..."

A muffled scream interrupts the conversation, followed by a cutting sound in the air and a thud on the ground. The captain lowers the torch, directing it toward the source of the sound. "Holy crap... Jimmy," the young man's throat is torn open.

"CAPTAIN!" the other soldier doesn't have time to speak before a swarm envelops and mutilates him.

"SOLDIERS, WE'RE UNDER ATTACK, MOVE!" the captain orders, swinging the torch wildly, searching for the culprits.

A bloodthirsty 32-teeth grin suddenly appears in front of the white light. "BOOH!" she whispers playfully. The captain fires a shot before his torch is extinguished forever.

The rest of the team advances, shooting around, frightened, risking hitting their comrades.

Bela and Daniela manage to prevail over almost everyone; the others have had time to retreat to the roof, probably awaiting reinforcements. In retaliation, the two girls begin throwing some corpses outside as a warning not to enter.

"How many-" the blonde asks her sister.

"I lost count!"

Both laugh amused by their carnage, but the joy doesn't last long.

Shattering crystals.

Daniela stops abruptly.

Her spine shivers. 

A remote sensation, familiar to her. A feeling that she has encountered only once before—when Bela was defeated by Ethan Winters. But Bela is alive, standing by her side.

"Cass..."

Chapter Text

Lady Dimitrescu's eyes, still smouldering with the remnants of fury, cast a piercing gaze downward to the expanse of the Northern Stairwell's floor. There, partially concealed beneath the opulent folds of her regal attire, lies a forgotten journal. Its leather cover, adorned with symbols denoting an ancient power, catches her attention. A quick, almost instinctual recognition flashes across her face as she identifies the deep burgundy hue and the delicate script that adorns its pages.

The Diary of Mother Miranda.

As the realisation strikes her, a tumult of conflicting emotions surges within Lady Dimitrescu. The weight of betrayal mingles with the echoes of her recent rage, and a profound sadness settles over her like a heavy shroud. The memory of that intense moment of anger, when she seizes Rebecca by the throat, haunts her. Now, the consequence of that explosive act lies before her in the form of the fallen diary—a revelation borne of violence.

With a heavy heart, Lady Dimitrescu recalls the chaos of that instant, the journal likely slipping from Rebecca's backpack in the midst of her desperate struggle. The conflicting feelings within her leave her yearning for solace, a sanctuary to sort through the fragments of her shattered beliefs. Clutching the Diary of Mother Miranda in her hand, she seeks the solitude of the opera hall, where she can confront the revelations within its pages.

The air seems to ripple with tension as she descends the grand staircase, each step echoing her internal conflict. A profound quiet settles over the castle, the very walls bearing witness to the tumultuous storm brewing within its mistress.

Carefully closing the principal door and scanning the area for enemies, she finds herself in a seemingly safe space. Allowing herself a moment of solitude, the matriarch lowers herself onto one of the green velvet armchairs. She opens the diary, seeking answers and understanding. The pages, marked with the weight of centuries-old secrets, seem to beckon her into the shadows of revelation. The flickering fake candlelight casts shadows on her conflicted expression as she clutches the tattered pages of Mother Miranda's diaries.

"The Diary of Mother Miranda," she whispers, the words echoing in the quiet opera hall. The truth, laid bare in Miranda's own words, pierces through the illusions that have veiled Lady Dimitrescu's perception of her purpose. A malevolent symphony, each entry in the diary resonating with the profound sense of betrayal. The damning words penned by Miranda herself unfurl a narrative of manipulation and a callous disregard for the one she had called "special."

"I can't believe what Miranda has done to me," she thinks, her eyes narrowing with a mix of disbelief and anger. "I am nothing more than a pawn in her grand experiment. All these years... my loyalty, my sacrifices—all for her twisted game."

Her towering stature, her vampiric powers—all mere tools in the hands of a puppeteer manipulating the threads of fate. The once-cherished ideals crumble under the weight of deception, leaving her to question the very essence of her existence.

"I was wrong," a heavy sigh escapes her lips. "Rebecca... I owe her an apology. I armed someone I care about, someone who fought for me. I was confused, blinded by loyalty to a woman who saw me as nothing more than a tool."

As Lady Dimitrescu immerses herself in the Diary passages, the haunting memory surfaces like a relentless spectre. The recollection of that fateful moment plays before her eyes, and she feels an acute pang of sorrow and remorse. The anger that had possessed her in that instance now casts a long, ominous shadow over her conscience.

Rebecca's words lingered in her mind like an unrelenting echo. The revelation that she has been used, manipulated, and ultimately discarded for the sake of a twisted plan fuels the flames of anger within her. The rage that surged through her veins demanded an outlet, and Rebecca, the messenger of harsh truths, became the unfortunate target.

Lady Dimitrescu’s eyes trace the words on the pages in the dimly lit opera hall, but her thoughts are a tempest of inner conflict. The inked revelations of betrayal mingle with the haunting image of her hand closing around Rebecca's delicate throat. The strength of that grip, now etched in her memory, seems to tighten around her own heart.

A profound suffering takes hold as she realises the gravity of her actions. The anger that has surged through her veins during that fit of unbridled fury now transforms into a searing guilt.

"Did I break our trust?" Lady Dimitrescu wonders, her eyes glazed with the weight of remorse. The fear of having harmed the only person she has faith in gnaws at her, overshadowing the revelations within the diary. The conflict within her, a battle between the fury that has possessed her and her genuine affection for Rebecca—the very person who has dared to expose the painful reality—leaves her teetering on the precipice of self-condemnation. The fear that she has irreparably shattered the delicate bonds with Rebecca, the person she cares for deeply, claws at her conscience.

Sophia's intervention spared Rebecca from the brink of death, and the young witch held her aunt at bay, the strained family ties momentarily strained even further.

Now, alone once more, Lady Dimitrescu finds herself standing at the precipice of a profound internal conflict. The revelation of her exploitation clashes with the memories of a time when Rebecca's kindness and sacrifice breathed life back into her immortal existence.

Lady Dimitrescu is now forced to face the truth.

"Lies, all lies. Your words, Miranda, are nothing but deceit. My brothers, my sister, my daughters... all obliterated by your insatiable thirst for creation. You never saw us as your family, and you met your demise in solitude," Alcina vehemently shuts the diary. Her mind and heart were still a mix of fury, betrayal, yet newfound awareness.

She forcefully closes the diary and strides toward the still-blazing fireplace. Alcina, Lady Dimitrescu, must mend the damage. She must reclaim her Castle. With determination, she flings the volume into the pyre. The pages unfold as they transform into embers and then ashes.

Resolute, the flames pirouette and cast reflections in her eyes. She is poised to rebuild her future with those who have unwaveringly stood by her — her true family.

With this conviction, she forcefully opens the entrance to the hall, proceeding to the courtyard. "It's her!" someone shouts. The matriarch clenches her fists before opening her palms and extending her claws. "Ignorance has its consequences," she declares, her voice sending shivers down the soldiers' spines.

The echo of magazines being loaded resonates among the soldiers' weapons. "CAPTURE HER!" is ordered.

A menacing smile spread beneath her hat, her fangs growing longer and sharper. "This time, you will be my meal."

In the blink of an eye, Lady Dimitrescu becomes a whirlwind of death and elegance, her claws slashing through the air. The soldiers, caught in the macabre dance, find themselves facing a force beyond their comprehension. Bullets ricochet off her body, their futile attempts at resistance met with a supernatural resilience.

The courtyard turns into a canvas of horror as limbs are severed and crimson arcs paint the stone walls. The scent of blood thickens, mixing with the echoes of tortured screams. Lady Dimitrescu moves with a predator's speed, intercepting any feeble attempt at escape.

Amidst the chaos, the matriarch's feral grin widens with each life she claims. However, the distant echoes of gunfire have not gone unnoticed. In their final moments, the soldiers manage to send out a chilling distress call, alerting others to the impending threat lurking within the Castle.

The woman pauses to catch her breath. Her dress is now stained and torn from the bullets. Looking around, she searches for a relatively intact body, finding only torn pieces, and feeds on the dripping blood. Nothing compared to the old bottled blood that Sophia had kept aside with so much care.

As the warmth and the iron-like taste of fresh blood breathe new life and strength into Alcina, a macabre satisfaction washes over her. The remnants of her foes serve as a makeshift source of vitality, rejuvenating her as she stands amidst the aftermath of the gruesome battle.

With newfound strength coursing through her veins, Lady Dimitrescu decides to re-enter the castle, the torn remnants of her dress billowing as she moves. Crossing the dining room with an air of regality, a shattering crash interrupts her thoughts. The chandelier in the main hall, once a symbol of grandeur, now lies in shattered pieces on the cold stone floor.

As haunting echoes of the falling chandelier reverberate through the castle, Lady Dimitrescu tilts her head to the side. She peers into the main hall from a slender opening of the dining room door. None must catch a glimpse of her. The disturbance wasn't a mere accident; it was a deliberate act. In that moment, Alcina realises that there is magic at play.

"Raven... what are you doing?" She thinks while now hearing the screams of soldiers and the smell of burning flesh.

With a predatory glint in her eyes, Lady Dimitrescu readies herself for the challenges that lie ahead. The night unfolds, and the matriarch, undeterred by the chaos, moves forward, her indomitable spirit aflame with freshly acquired strength and purpose.

The battle had just begun.

Chapter Text

Cassandra and Sophia stand on the grandeur of the second floor, overlooking the arches that separate them from the stairs leading to the Main Hall. With shared determination, they know they have to descend, facing the imminent threat that lurks below.

As they cross the arches, the eerie ambience of the castle accompanies them. Silently, the two cousins lean forward to assess the situation, searching for any signs of the encroaching enemy.

"There are too many," Sophia whispers, her eyes scanning the unfolding battlefield.

"I know. I can take out some, but not all of them," Cassandra replies, her gaze focused on the advancing threat.

"We need to manage to close the Hall of the Four, trapping some of the soldiers inside," Sophia suggests a plan forming in her mind.

Cassandra nods in agreement. "Just enough time to disintegrate the remaining soldiers and figure out what awaits us outside."

As they prepare to descend the stairs, Sophia can't help but express concern, "Cass, it's winter..."

"I understand. I'll try to keep the situation under control on the inside," Cassandra assures her.

"While I go out to call for reinforcements... they're waiting there, but they won't show themselves until they're sure we're still alive," Sophia explains, outlining her role in the unfolding strategy.

"Are they... I mean... Calin?" the brunette inquires, her voice carrying a mix of sorrow and determination.

"Uncle Karl has been working hard, you know, while Aunt Alcina was busy with the wine," Sophia responds, a fleeting sadness crossing her face. "It all seems so distant."

Cassandra gently takes her cousin's hands. "Soph, I'm deeply sorry about the Duke. He is an integral part of our families. The only one who can sneak us new games and weapons without Mom noticing. He isn't afraid of us; he's curious to see us grow and react to the world. He has a unique spark; I can see you have it too. I want to tell you this before we continue. I know you've had to spend a lot of time by yourself, but you're not alone anymore. We will find whoever harmed him. You will have your revenge. I promise."

Tears well up in Sophia's eyes as she hears her cousin's words. The vampire’s glove wipes them away. "Now..." Cassandra changes her tone, injecting a spark of determination. “I can take out quite a few of them by dragging them away in my swarm-form. But do you have something to distract them?" she asks.

"Can you fly through the mist?" Sophia suggests with a mischievous smile.

The young vampire responds in kind. "Only, don't make it too thick." The cousins share a fleeting moment of understanding, ready to face the challenges that await them in the halls of Dimitrescu Castle.

Sophia inhales deeply, her gaze fixed on the balcony above. Extending her arms forward, she utters an incantation that alters the expansive room's atmosphere.

"Aer, condensat et impedit suum progressum," she murmurs, her words carrying an ancient power. From one wing of the grand room, the temperature shifts. The air thickens, molecules binding tightly together, transforming the atmosphere.

"This is fantastic!" Cassandra exclaims, her eyes widening as the once clear path becomes obscured by a mysterious force.

"What's going on?" the bewildered soldiers question.

"Is it smoke? Something is on fire!"

"Check the fireplace!"

"Hold! It's not smoke; it almost looks like...fog!"

“Wear your temperature goggles, they're ambushing us.”

“Oooooh, my blood is pumping! This is amazing, cousin!” Cassandra cheers as her body splits into thousands of bugs. The swarm descends to the ground floor.

"You will not get away! You're my prey... mine..." the echoing insects taunt the soldiers. "Taken alive? Dead? Which would you prefer?"

Among the confusion, soldiers load their weapons, trying to locate the source of the eerie voice. Some fire shots into the air, prompting a disapproving click from Cassandra.

“Oh no, Mama will be very angry if you destroy her supplies!” she warns, and at that moment, the swarm launches a relentless attack on the men and women in uniform. “You perish in the blink of an eye. Ugh, what about you?” she says, attacking another person.

While the vampire creates chaos and diversion, Sophia seizes the opportunity created by the mist. Silently, she moves towards the door leading to the Hall of Four. Extracting vials from her bag, she hurls them to the other side. Upon impact, the vials explode, releasing smoke of various colours, each causing different consequences on the bewildered enemies.

With swift precision, Sophia enunciates, "Claudere" and the heavy doors slam shut, trapping a portion of the soldiers inside the Hall of Four.

In the ensuing havoc, the young witch hurriedly tries to walk away from the Main Hall. As she reaches the southern corridor, her eyes widen with determination, anticipating the entrance hall where freedom awaits. However, her path is abruptly halted by an unexpected barricade of soldiers and agents from the Umbrella Corporation.

In the dimly lit corridor, a soldier among the blockade recognises Sophia. "Wait a minute... You're the witch who's been aiding the Dimitrescu family, aren't you?" he remarks with a mixture of recognition and hostility.

Sophia, undeterred, meets their gaze with an air of intimidation. "I won't let anyone stand in my way. I'm not afraid to use my powers to protect what's mine," she declares, assuming an attack position, energy crackling around her.

As tension thickens, three fully covered agents emerge from the shadows, their presence ominous and calculated. One of them, the leader, steps forward and declares with unwavering resolve, "Our objective is the Dimitrescu. I gave orders to eliminate any obstacle." With a nod from their leader, another agent gives the cold order to shoot Sophia.

In response, Sophia's eyes flash with determination. In the face of the impending gunfire, she raises her hands and thunders, " Surge!” the Latin incantation echoes through the corridor as she gestures towards the parquet floor. Like a well-coordinated dance, the different layers of flooring move and rise towards her, forming a magical shield that deflects the first barrage of bullets.

In this arcane tumult, Cassandra, sensing the unfolding danger from the Entrance Hall, hastens her descent. As she witnesses the confrontation, her instincts heighten, recognizing the gravity of the situation faced by her cousin. Transforming into a swarm of insects, the vampire envelops the soldiers, creating more confusion among them. Yet, her efforts face an unforeseen challenge. One of the special agents, equipped with a unique weapon, emits controlled jets of cold air. A weapon specifically designed to exploit the vulnerability of the Dimitrescu sisters.

“NOOOOOOOO!” Sophia screams seeing her cousin going down.

The first jet of cold hits Cassandra, sending a shiver through her form. She reverts to her human form, the chilling tendrils of frost wrapping around her, weakening her. Her once nimble movements slow, and the scythe in her hands feels heavier.

Undeterred, the vampire tightens her grip on the blade, ready to confront the enemy. The clash between them unfolds amidst the chaos, but Cassandra's agility now battles against the encroaching cold that threatens to crystallize her.

Within this brief respite, Sophia recognizes the need for more time to muster a powerful spell. Spinning her hands, she pulls the entrance carpet, causing some soldiers to stumble. Simultaneously, she manipulates the air, sending candlesticks and books hurtling towards the remaining attackers.

Despite the growing cold that clings to her, Cassandra gathers the last vestiges of her strength for a final assault. With a swift and determined movement, she lunges at the special agent. However, the agent, anticipating her attack, skillfully parries her blows.

Noticing that she has a few more precious seconds, Sophia chants in Latin, "Cumulus, fruges electrica et static. Coeuntes. Nunc tua navitas una est." electricity surges through the air as she harnesses the elements at her disposal. A jolt of power erupts from her hands, arcing towards the assailants. Sophia's electrifying display holds the soldiers at bay, giving her the opportunity to continue fighting against those who seek to hinder the Dimitrescu family.

Seizing this opportunity, Cassandra lets out a piercing cry that resonates through the room, a desperate cry against the invading cold, a cry that can give her strength for one last blow. The special agent, momentarily disoriented by the unexpected sound, is hit on the side, falls to the ground with a thud and struggles to regain his composure.

Sophia unleashes electric blasts, spheres of crackling energy, at the soldiers surrounding her, sending shockwaves through their bodies and momentarily immobilizing them. Desperation fuels her actions as she fights to gain more time, each electric surge a defiant attempt to protect her cousin. But both of them are getting weaker.

The leader of the agents, realising the impending threat, takes again charge of the situation and swiftly issues the command that will change the course of the confrontation: "OPEN THE MAIN DOOR!"

As the command reverberates through the hall, a sudden surge of cold emanates from the opening door, intensifying the frost in the air. The temperature plummets further, and Cassandra's body, already weakened, begins to show signs of crystallisation. Her once agile movements become sluggish, and the scythe feels like a burden in her frostbitten hands.

Shocked and petrified by the change of events, the witch allows a group of men to seize her. They immobilise her, preventing her from making the necessary gestures for further spells. The special agent, still recovering from his previous encounter, groans as he struggles to his feet. He orders, "Hold the witch still and take the vampire out of her. She must remain alive but out of commission."

"Leave her alone!" Sophia screams.
A weak smile appears on Cassandra's face as soldiers carry her away. “It’s not over yet”, she whispers. The woman, now outside, feels the crystallisation spreading through her. The agent who ordered Cassandra's removal warns, "Don't rest on your laurels; we still have two sisters to weaken before we can get the better of Lady Dimitrescu."

Sophia, helpless, faces the commanding officer. The helmet conceals his identity as he approaches. "You may be wondering how, what, when, etc... Well, this peculiar information is also contained inside the megamycete: the cold. You will be able to understand that building a cold blast weapon is as easy as building a flamethrower," he explains, revealing the sinister truth behind the weapon that has brought one of the formidable Dimitrescu sisters to her knees. “Shush her and don’t let her move. She won’t be able to cast any more spells”
The order is received from an officer, who stuffs a handkerchief into the witch's mouth.

Sophia struggles against the grip of the men surrounding her. "It can't end like this," she pleads silently. "Just one more spell. Just one." Desperation courses through her as she tugs at her own form. "I need my body free." Casting a desperate glance towards her weakening cousin outside, their eyes briefly lock. The vampire blinks slowly, a subtle signal of resilience. The faint lift at the corner of her mouth suggests there's still time.

"She needs warmth; I need to raise the temperature near her," Sophia looks around, her confusion evident. "There's nothing here that can help me. Nothing." A muffled scream escapes from beneath the fabric covering her mouth, met with mocking laughter from the soldiers holding her. "You'll be in the front row to see the capture of the queen bee."

"No, no. I have to do something. I need a flame, a fire... the fireplace in the main hall! It was still burning under the mist! But I can't call it to me... I don't have my voice. That's my tool," she attempts to move her tongue under the suffocating fabric, realising she can only emit vibrations.

Closing her eyelids, she ceases struggling against the soldiers. "Focus," she commands herself. The muscles begin to relax. "The fire is there. I have to feel it, perceive it, and call it." "Ignis," she thinks. "Ignis," she calls with her throat.

"Ignis. Exsurge, dilata."

"What the hell are you doing, witch?"

"Spark yourself and free yourself from the wood and walk."

"Are you singing?"

“Flamma via versus me”

"I think she's praying."

"Ignis ad auxilium te voco.”

"As if it would do anything, huh, boss?"

“Sequere vocationem meam”

"What do you want?"

“Lux et calor, iterum vivifica nos”

"The witch is praying."

"Praying?" The officer turns to the girl, noticing her closed eyelids. "IDIOTS! She is chanting!"

Sophia widens her eyes; her mind screams, "ARDOR EXARDESCAT!"

A crash of glass and screams erupt from the main hall. The sudden chaos catches all the military off guard, particularly those holding Sophia. A mighty tug is all it takes for her to break free; she senses the flames approaching. Extending her arm, she summons them to her.

The blaze advances, consuming every person in its path, then surrounds the witch completely.

"Cassandra," she commands the brazier, which now splits to send a part of itself toward the vampire.

The flames approach the weakened vampire, encircling her as if assessing her condition. Frightened by the intense heat, the soldiers retreat, allowing Cassandra's increasingly cold body to slump to the ground. However, the fire embraces her, preventing her fall, and supports her with an unseen force. Unfazed, Cassandra embraces the warmth with a serene expression.

"Oh, Sophia, you are amazing..." Her delicate words escape from her lips, chapped by the cold. Sparks fall on her skin, melting the crystals that had formed. Cassandra places a knee and hand on the ground, forcing herself to stand up. The flames playfully dance around the vampire, warming every limb and joint. She gazes at her cousin, who controls the other flames with complete mastery. Fireballs are thrown around the witch, and some soldiers attempt to hit her with projectiles. Two of the major agents load their cold-weapons, trying to target the girl, but the heat proves stronger, enabling her to escape the castle and reach her cousin.

"We need to leave, Cass," Sophia insists, extending a helping hand to assist Cassandra.

"But Mother and the others?"

"They'll know how to defend themselves. We need to call for backup. Do you have enough strength to move?"

"Will I have your flames with me?" Cassandra asks.

Sophia nods. "Then let's go find help."

Cassandra transforms back into a swarm of insects, enveloping the young witch. The combination of fire and bugs swiftly moves away from the castle.

"Boss, they're running away!"

"Let them go. We need to get the others. Time is running out," the officer commands, recognising the urgency of the situation.

--

Lady Dimitrescu emerges into the main hall, the remnants of the shattered chandelier crunching beneath her heels. The acrid scent of burnt bodies fills the air as she inspects the aftermath of the chaos. The main three agents enter the room, too, and, with unwavering authority, shout at her, "Don't move another muscle," pointing their specialised weapons at her.

The room pulsates with tension as the formidable matriarch stands—an indomitable force—ready to face whatever challenges unfold in the wake of the escalating confrontation.

"Make me," she declares with regal authority, her wings unfurling in a majestic display.

Chapter Text

"What the hell is happening down there?" you wonder to yourself, but the answer isn't long in coming—the fire that engulfs her enemies in a blaze of heat and light. Screams of people who seem to be tortured, the smell of burnt flesh. In the distance, gunfire. You try to look below; the fire that has engulfed the soldiers seems to have a life of its own, swirling into a small whirlwind before quickly fleeing towards the entrance of the Castle... "What the fuck..." more shots and more screams... "Is that Sophia doing?" your thoughts are continually interrupted by other sounds of battle. Instinctively, you take your automatic crossbow in hand, kneel to the ground, and bring it close to your face, ready to shoot if necessary.

When the chaos subsides, you realize you've witnessed something extraordinary. You resume scanning the scene below, your attention suddenly drawn to movement in the kitchen. Your heart races when you recognize the familiar cadence of approaching footsteps. Holding your breath deeply, you watch Lady Dimitrescu emerge, her towering figure casting a long shadow in the now dimly lit Main Hall. Fear grips you as memories of your last encounter flood your mind. The tension, the palpable disdain in Alcina's eyes as she was about to kill you.

As the unsettling echoes of the falling chandelier now resonate far away in the castle, Lady Dimitrescu tilts her head, her keen eyes scanning the main hall from the subtle opening of the dining room door. You feel the weight of the situation as the matriarch assesses the chaos unfolding below. There's no doubt about the predatory gleam in her eyes, the silent recognition of the challenges ahead.

At that moment, a shiver runs down your spine. You know Lady Dimitrescu's arrival marks a turning point in the ongoing events, a shift in the balance of power within the castle walls. With a sense of trepidation, you watch the woman prepare for the future battle, her indomitable spirit ablaze with determination.

She walks on the shattered remains of the chandelier, which crunch beneath her heels. The acrid smell of burnt flesh hangs heavy in the air as she surveys the consequences of the chaos with a steely gaze.

At one point, you see three agents enter the room with their weapons aimed at Alcina. But Lady Dimitrescu remains impassive, her royal authority radiating from every pore as she faces her adversaries with unwavering determination. You can't understand what they're saying, but at one point, two words thunder in the room: "Make me," she declares, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade, her wings spread out in a majestic display of power. In that moment, you know the battle has truly begun, and you brace yourself for the inevitable clash that will determine the fate of Dimitrescu Castle.

Instinctively, you press yourself against the cold stone column, your heart pounding in your ears as you pray not to be seen. Every fiber of your being urges you to remain hidden, but deep inside a voice is telling you to keep watching.

---

The tension in the room is palpable as Alcina confronts her adversaries alone, her imposing presence drawing the attention of all who dare to challenge her.

Lady Dimitrescu surges forward with a primal roar, her claws slashing through the air with deadly precision. Taken aback by her ferocity, the officers scramble to defend themselves, their weapons trained on the formidable matriarch.

Alcina moves with preternatural speed, evading the blasts of freezing energy with a grace befitting her stature. The clash of steel echoes through the opulent halls of Dimitrescu Castle as Lady Dimitrescu fights with a primal savagery, her resolve unyielding in the face of adversity.

But even as she battles against the officers, a nagging doubt gnaws at the back of Alcina's mind. Where are Bela and Daniela? Her daughters' absence weighs heavily on her, fueling her determination to emerge victorious and ensure their safety.

Just as the battle reaches its climax, a loud buzz gets closer and closer. A swarm overtakes you "The girls!" you squeal internally as they pass you, cross the balcony and head towards the ceiling. Bela and Daniela burst into the room as the buzz gradually diminishes, and the swarm settles on the steps, returning to human form.

The officers, taken by surprise by the sudden appearance of the Dimitrescu sisters, hesitate for a moment.

The two young women grip their blades tightly. "We're here, Mother," they announce in unison.

A smirk spreads across the matriarch's face just as the door leading to the Tower explodes towards them. Pieces of wood and metal scatter violently in the Main Hall. Alcina spreads her wings to protect her daughters and shields her face with one arm.

Some of the soldiers who had been blocked in the corridor by Sophia managed to survive the various gases and open up an escape route. Noticing the vampires before them, they unleash a barrage of new bullets without waiting for orders.

Daniela and Bela charge towards the enemies, while the three officers step back, observing the scene. Alcina watches her offspring dance, a sight she hasn't seen in a long time, but she knows she can't linger. She extracts her claws to make her way through the crowd and strike the leaders. The three officers are ready; they switch their grips on the weapons, abandoning the machine guns to take up the freezing guns again. Unaware of the damage these weapons can cause, Lady Dimitrescu only thinks that the three want to use something more powerful against herself. For this reason, she bends her knees to launch herself towards the enemies, who seem to be aiming at her, but then shift towards her daughters. Alcina only had time to turn towards her offspring when icy explosions reverberated before her eyes, each aimed at one of the Dimitrescu sisters. Bela and Daniela scream in pain as the icy tendrils wrap around them, weakening their strength and draining their vitality.

"Capture them!" one of the officers orders.

Lady Dimitrescu, witnessing the danger her daughters are in and now aware of the weapons used, shouts, "LEAVE THEM ALONE!" Her fury burns brighter than ever as she unleashes all her wrath on the soldiers who dare to threaten her family.

The new assault seems relentless when another wave of ice is shot, this time towards her.

Alcina stops.

"Mom..." Daniela is on the ground, trying to reach out to her.

"Don't take another step, or the next shot will end their lives."

Alcina clenches her fists, the leather of her gloves creaking. She turns to the officers, her face shadowed by the visor of her black hat. "What do you want?"

"It's very simple. Surrender and no hair on your daughters' heads will be harmed."

"Otherwise?"

"Otherwise..."

Another officer takes over, aware that his colleague wouldn't know what to say, and begins to lie, "We already have Cassandra in our custody. All it takes is one order, and you'll never see her again."

"Mother, destroy them," Bela whispers, trembling. "Don't worry about us."

The matriarch shakes her head. "I'm sorry, I can't risk losing you again," she replies, whispering as she kneels down, surrendering.

"Excellent choice, Lady Dimitrescu," the third officer says cheerfully before ordering, "You, tie up the two young women and keep an eye on them."

Some soldiers approach hesitantly towards Bela and Daniela, the two vainly attempting to react, but their strengths are at their lowest.

Alcina is tense and in inner conflict. She would like to devour them all, but just the thought of those weapons. One wrong step, one miscalculated attack, and her daughters could disappear forever.

"Who are you? And what do you want from us?" the Lady asks, raising her head slightly. Her eyes scrutinize the three enemies. Now that she can observe them up close, she notices a letter on a badge coloured white and red.

"We are the ones who will take care of you from now on... we're just continuing what Miranda started," begins the one with the badge "B".

Alcina flinches internally at the mention of that name.

"We know well what you are, every weakness you have," continues "S".

"How?"

"We are the Umbrella Corporation, we know everything," concludes "M".

"Umbrella Corporation," Alcina repeats to herself, "my Raven told us about them, of that Agent who killed the Duke... B, S, M... M!" Alcina's pupils dilate. "YOU!" her voice, and that single word directed at one agent.

M. laughs and points his finger at himself. "Me?" he asks, dangling the frost gun with one hand. "What do you want from me?"

"You killed the Duke!" she accuses him.

"That fat, useless man?" he scoffs. "It was I. How do you know?"

"You will pay for this. You will all pay for what you're doing," Alcina warns.

B clicks his tongue. "Careful how you speak, Lady Dimitrescu; the ball is in our court. We're just waiting for one final order, and soon you'll be in our facilities."

"I'm trapped... and you, you see everything...how your efforts to save me were in vain. I'm sorry, Rebecca, I wish I could tell you I'm sorry for everything... I can smell you, run. Find a way out. I wish you could read my thoughts. Run, please."

--

You can't hold back anymore, your hands itching with the need to act. Seeing Alcina in that state tightens your heart. That woman, so strong and statuesque, was brought to her knees by three measly men. "I have to do something, I have to distract them. I have to..." your fingers graze the crossbow "...shift their focus."

--

A swift hiss slices the air.

"Argh...what was that?" Officer M is hit square in the helmet by an arrow; instinctively, he removes the protection, revealing short blond curls.

"MARCO?!" you gasp.

Your eyes meet his for a moment.

Out of anger, you shoot more arrows directly at him and the others.

A smirk appears on his face, and an order is issued, "FIRE UPWARDS!"

--

"No, it can't be him... You're tired and confused..." Your mind races as you struggle to make sense of the situation. "...but those hair, those eyes." You can't shake the familiarity of his features despite the disguise. "The helmet altered his voice, so I couldn't recognise him..." A realisation dawns upon you, accompanied by a surge of panic. "...but why? What does he have to do with all of this?" Questions flood your mind, each more urgent than the last. "He should be in the midst of museum preparations..." Your thoughts drift to your last encounter, a memory now tinged with suspicion. "...I left him..." Regret washes over you as you replay your parting in your mind. "Oh my god... I left him still asking me for information about the trunk! How did I not realise it sooner..." Anguish fills your voice as you grapple with the weight of your mistake. "Marco... Agent M..." His identity sends shivers down your spine, a chilling reminder of the danger lurking in the shadows. "...he was following me..." Fear courses through your veins as you piece together the puzzle unfolding before you. "That's why they know the trunk ended up in my hands..." Dread settles in your chest as the pieces fall into place. "...and he killed Sophia's uncle…It's too much... this is utterly absurd." Despair laces your words, a stark realisation of the chaos consuming your world.

While soldiers start firing wildly above you, you huddle behind the arches.

In the middle of that deafening chaos, you notice that something is hurled beside you, and you realise it's the severely wounded and lycanthropic body of Câlin. He struggles to rise but collapses to the ground.

"Câlin..." you crawl toward him, concern etched on your face.

"Run, Rebecca," he manages to utter with great effort.

"I can't, there are soldiers everywhere,"

"They're coming," he gasps.

"Who?" you ask.

"I can hear them... but you have to go, or she'll kill you."

A distant, monstrous, feminine laughter approaches with heavy footsteps.

"It's too strong for me, that serum... she is... too much," he struggles to say.

Instinctively, your hand brushes against the pocket where the remnants of the serum lay.

Your thoughts are interrupted by animalistic sounds.

"They're here!" Câlin tries to kneel, panting.

From outside, a succession of howls echoes deafeningly.

"My family," he says.

"What are you saying?"

"Sophia did it. She found them," he says, his face, though battered from combat, filled with newfound hope.

"You mean... there are other lycanthropes?" you ask.

He nods, a glimmer of hope shining through his battle-worn visage. "I'll try to buy you some more time, but you must go."

You look at him, his body riddled with wounds, blood dripping from his matted fur. "Câlin, are you a product of the Cadou?"

He looks at you questioningly.

"There's some serum left; it's not much, but..." you begin.

"Give it to me now,"

"It could be dangerous, you've seen what it did to Iolanda," you warn.

"It doesn't matter, as long as you are safe. I made a promise," he insists.

"Helloooowwww! Little doggie? Where are you? It's time to put you down!" Iolanda's voice draws nearer. Her footsteps quicken.

"Hurry!" he urges.

You retrieve the vial and pour it onto some of the young lycanthrope's wounds.

His muscles begin to spasm, and he grunts. Blood seems to flow faster to all his extremities.

"Doc, leave. Immediately," his voice also begins to change, deeper and more resonant. A new strength courses through him as his body grows larger and more terrifying. Even his fangs respond to the serum, now appearing longer and sharper.

"I'll see you outside, okay? Câlin?" you say.

"I'll do my best," he replies, rising to his full, newfound majesty and launching himself toward Iolanda.

You don't have time to see them battle again. You crawl between the columns and approach the balcony overlooking the Main Hall just as all the soldiers rush outside. Alcina is nowhere to be seen. On the ground lie the exhausted bodies of Bela and Daniela. Four alert soldiers stand guard, tense and frightened.

Chapter Text

From Lady Dimitrescu's high vantage point, the resulting chaos unfolds with a clarity that has lasted for centuries. Her keen senses, honed by time and necessity, immediately register the sudden interruption. A quick hiss split the air, an anomaly within that trap she had foolishly fallen into.

“Argh… what was that?” Agent M asks as an arrow hits him directly in the helmet; he removes the protective gear.

The distinctive whistle of the first arrow, its trajectory so determined, carries with it a silent message, a beacon of loyalty amid the chaos. Alcina knows that only one person has the combination of skill, desperation, courage and determination to intervene. You.

The memory of your recent conflict, the fury and misunderstanding that erupted between both of you, now fades into the background, overshadowed by this act of silent solidarity. Alcina's heart, a fortress of resoluteness and regal composure, feels an unusual beat of gratitude. "Despite everything, you are still here..."

The name "MARCO?!" reverberates through the grand chamber, its significance not lost on Alcina. The agent looks up. Undercurrents of betrayal and recognition swirl through the turmoil, adding a layer of personal vengeance to the already tense atmosphere. Lady Dimitrescu feels a rush of protective instinct. The knowledge that you remain in the castle, risking your life to help her, ignites a fierce determination in the matriarch.

Now, a volley of arrows falls toward the soldiers, an act of defiance that makes Agent M smirk. With calculated precision, he orders, "FIRE UPWARDS!" effectively turning the soldiers' attention to the new threat.

The command is carried out meticulously. A hail of bullets hurls itself against the colonnade of the upper floor, causing pieces of the ancient wood that made up the balcony to fall. Every crack, every fragment that collapses, is a piece lost of the Castle. Alcina is vividly reminded of the fragility of her domain. She would like to turn around and look for you, but such action might only accentuate the danger to which you have now exposed yourself.

She knows every arrow fired in her defence is a risk you have taken, a silent vow of loyalty amid the chaos. The awareness that you chose to stay and fight consolidates a bond that conflicts and misunderstandings had tested.

With all the power of her vampiric grace, the Lady of the Castle prepares for the assault, her claws ready to strike. The determination in her heart is reflected in her actions, a dance of death and elegance that speaks of decades of survival, centuries as for the megamycete. The presence of her daughters, the weight of her responsibility to them, and the knowledge that the conflict has now escalated to involve those beyond the immediate fray strengthen her resolve.

Her gaze is sharp and calculating. Her first objective is clear, and it burns within her with a ferocity matched only by the fire in her veins. She must disarm her enemies of their most dangerous weapons—specialised firearms designed to emit a chilling cold, weapons capable of sapping the very strength of her beloved daughters to the point of utter vulnerability.

Under the storm of bullets, she moves.

Her advance is both silent and deadly, an embodiment of death wrapped in the grace of a predator. The soldiers scattered before her are not her goal but a side effect. She moves with a swiftness that defies comprehension. Each step, guided by the singular focus to disarm and neutralise, sees her tearing through her adversaries with balletic savagery. Claws, as unforgiving as the winter's frost, rend through flesh and bone—arm, intestine, neck—leaving a trail of fallen enemies in her wake. The air, once filled with the staccato of gunfire, now resonates with a chorus of screams, all converging towards her.
"You fools! Do you not realize? Bullets will have no effect on me!" Alcina declares, her tone dripping with disdain, as she effortlessly deflects a volley of gunfire with a swift motion of her arm. Her dark and rich laughter echoes through the chamber, a clear testament to her confidence.

Alcina's movements remain a calculated dance towards her ultimate goal. The superior officers, confident in their training and the supposed superiority of their chilling weaponry, stand oblivious to the tempest they've courted. Their arrogance, however, does not go unchallenged. As they aim their cold-emitting firearms directly at her daughters, threatening the very essence of her lineage, they are met with Alcina's unwavering defiance. "You know we will," they declare, a challenge laden with the weight of their ignorance.

"No, you won’t," Alcina retorts, her words a declaration of war, of a promise that no harm will again befall her daughters under her watch.

Despite the enhanced knowledge granted by the megamycete, the officers are ill-prepared for Alcina Dimitrescu's fury and might. Their movements, although precise and swift, pale in comparison to the sheer power and speed of the towering matriarch.

As the first officer lunges towards her, blade gleaming with intent, Alcina sidesteps with a grace that belies her size. Her counter is swift, a single, fluid motion that sends him sprawling. The impact with the stone floor echoes through the hall, a testament to her strength.

The second, attempting to capitalize on what he perceives as a momentary vulnerability, opens fire "Is that so, Lady Dimitrescu? You might find that we have more tricks up our sleeve than you anticipate," he taunts, his voice steady despite the clear disadvantage.

Alcina's response is a snarl, her fangs glinting in the dim light as she advances. "Then come, little men, show me what you have. It will take more than tricks to best me," she thunders, her gaze fierce and challenging.

Moving with preternatural speed, she closes the distance between them. With a growl that resonates with the fury of the ages, she disarms him with a vicious swipe of her claws. It becomes clear that Alcina is not merely defending herself; she is fighting with the full weight of her legacy, her family's honour, and the protection of her home. Each blow she delivers carries the message that she will not falter, that she will not allow these intruders to threaten what she holds dear.

Despite her prowess, the officers persist. "You think you have the upper hand? We're just getting started," one of them gasps, attempting to regain his footing and weapon.

However, the officers' taunts take on a new edge as they manage to regroup, their expressions smug. "Lady Dimitrescu, your overconfidence will be your downfall. We have more than just firearms at our disposal," one of them boasts, signalling to his comrades. Their coordination hints at a larger strategy, one that relies on more than just physical force to subdue their formidable opponent.

Undeterred, Alcina prepares to launch another assault, her confidence unshaken. "Ha! You dare to mock me with your pitiful weapons? I have faced far worse than the likes of you," she proclaims, readying herself for their next move.

The officers' words hang in the air, a foreboding promise of challenges yet to unfold.

From a leg lining, a blade is silently pulled out. A weapon imbued with a chilling familiarity to Alcina.

In a strategic manoeuvre, two officers advance towards her, one directly in front and the other to the side, aiming to coordinate their attack with precision. However, amidst this calculated aggression, a third officer seizes the opportunity to approach from behind, stealthily drawing a dagger.

An intricately designed hilt adorned with symbols and motifs that suggest deep historical meaning, perhaps linked to occult or arcane practices. The handle is made of a combination of rare metals and perhaps bone or ivory, indicating its creation for a person of high status or for a specific ceremonial purpose.

The blade itself is exceptionally sharp, forged from a metal that is not only resilient but possibly enchanted, given its effectiveness against supernatural entities. The metal might gleam with an unusual sheen, hinting at its otherworldly origin or the alchemical processes used in its forging. Along the blade, there could be inscriptions or runes, further suggesting that the dagger was designed with a specific purpose in mind—to combat beings of immense power, much like Lady Dimitrescu.

Just as the blade is about to strike, Bela and Daniela, although weakened, gather the strength to shout a warning to their mother. "Mom, behind you!" their voices tremble, barely penetrating the battle tumult. Alcina's instincts increase, her heightened senses as she attempts to evade the impending threat. She attempts to dodge, but the dagger's blade, betraying its purpose, finds its mark, sinking deep into her abdomen.

As the dagger sinks into her flesh, a wave of recognition washes over the vampire. The weapon is unmistakably the same one that had once posed a significant threat to her existence, the same one she last saw in the hands of Ethan Winters. The realization that this cursed blade has returned to haunt her, now in the grasp of her enemies, underscores a profound vulnerability.

Upon contact, the rune-marked and enchanted dagger blade serves as a conduit for powerful energy that courses through Lady Dimitrescu's veins. It's as if the very essence of the dagger is anathema to her, again challenging her supernatural resistance. The blade cuts not only the flesh but also the layers of power that protect it, nullifying its invulnerability and exposing it to any type of damage.

The impact sends a shockwave of pain through her body, a sensation so intense that Lady Dimitrescu never thought she would feel again.

Lady Dimitrescu strangles the offending officer with a grip of iron while he pulls out the blood-filled blade, hurling him against the ancient stone with a force that reverberates through the hall.

The area around the wound immediately becomes inflamed, showcasing an unnatural discolouration that spreads slowly from the point of entry. As she presses a hand against it, a mixture of disbelief and fury colours her voice, "How..." she asks, turning to the other two, who are now exhausted.

"We told you, we know everything," Agent S responds, his tone laced with the arrogance of those who believe they hold the upper hand.

She feels a weakness creeping into her limbs, an insidious loss of strength that she struggles to fight.

"No, not again," she says through gritted teeth.

This is not her body's typical response to injuries; the flesh around the wound does not regenerate as it normally would. Instead, it appears to deteriorate, as if the dagger's presence induces a corruption that her supernatural physiology cannot counteract. A mix of anger and fear pervades her.

"Lady Dimitrescu, it's over" says Agent M.

The energy emitted by the dagger seems to cause her veins to darken and stand out against her skin, pulsating with a dark energy that contrasts starkly with her usual pale, flawless complexion. It's as if the very life force within her is being contested, challenged by the dagger's ancient power.

Despite this, continuing to press on the wound, the woman stands to her full height. "I decide when it's over," she declares

In the tense aftermath of the confrontation, as Lady Dimitrescu confronts her own vulnerability, the agents realize that their adversary's resolve is far from broken. Despite the evident corruption spreading from the dagger's wound and the weakness invading her once invincible form, the matriarch's spirit remains unyielding. This is not merely a threat they face; it is a declaration of her indomitable will to fight to the very end.

On the ground, the wounded officer activates a radio transmitter with his last reserves of strength. "Wait for us outside; she's ready," he broadcasts, signalling a retreat with a desperate gesture. The order is clear, born out of both fear of Alcina's ongoing transformation and an understanding of the grave implications it holds. Some agents hasten to follow, their retreat a mix of dread and strategic withdrawal. Agents S and M, witnessing the cracks beginning to mar Alcina's once flawless visage—a sign of the dagger's insidious corruption—take cautious steps back.

While anticipated to be their advantage, their reaction to the ancient weapon unfolds with unexpected intensity. Mixed with fear but clutching at strands of courage, one agent fires at Alcina. The bullets, instead of being repelled as they might against her unblemished strength, now graze and wound her, albeit superficially. "She still has resistance," M acknowledges, a grudging respect for her enduring fortitude in his voice.

"Not for long, let's get her out," they agree, nodding to each other as they make their way towards the exit. Lady Dimitrescu watches them retreat, her gaze then shifting to her daughters, who look upon her with concern.

"What is happening, Mother?" Bela inquires, the fear evident in her voice.

Alcina's response is a soothing balm of reassurance, "Do not worry, my dear. I will resolve everything." Surveying the chaos, she notes the destruction of the cold weapons, a small relief in the storm that has engulfed them. "My daughters, I must finish what I started."

"Go, Mom," Daniela urges her grip tight on her mother's arm, her breathing laboured with anxiety.

With a tender caress, feeling the unnatural cold of their skin, the matriarch imparts her final instructions, a mix of a mother's love and a warrior's resolve. "Other soldiers will arrive, I'm sure. I can feel them, but they won't harm you. They can’t. You are useful to them. Do not react. Do you understand me? Don't. Help is coming...and I can't hold back my transformation much longer."

As she prepares to confront her fate, Alcina knows the difficulty of the choice she faces. Leaving Bela and Daniela alone is against every instinct she possesses as a mother, yet it is a necessity dictated by the circumstances. The knowledge that Călin and Rebecca are still within the castle's walls, fighting their own battles and offering a glimmer of hope, provides a small measure of comfort.

"I love you with all my heart," she whispers, her voice a tender caress in the cold air of the grand hall.

With one last look, a mixture of love, pride, and determination etched upon her features, Lady Dimitrescu steps away from her daughters, moving towards the heart of the storm that awaits her.

"Mom…Bring Cassandra back to us," Bela's declaration cuts through the silence, a testament to the unbreakable spirit that defines the Dimitrescu lineage. Her words, laden with strength and a melancholic hope, serve as a clarion call—a reminder that they are a family united, not just by blood but by an indomitable will to survive and thrive amidst adversity. It's a plea, a command, and a promise all entwined in one—a reassurance that despite the trials they face, surrender is not an option.

As Alcina pauses, Bela's words echo not just in the grand hall but deep within her, fortifying her resolve. As she nods in acknowledgement, the air around her shifts, heralding the onset of a monstrous change. Though monstrous and consuming, this transformation is faced with a sense of purpose, driven by the need to protect, fight, and return to her daughters.

Chapter Text

Caught in a whirlwind of danger and decision-making, you find yourself in a precarious position. Behind you, the battle between Călin and Iolanda intensifies, a brutal testament to the monstrous power at play. Below, four soldiers stand ready to target you with a barrage of bullets. Your arsenal is limited to an automatic, empty crossbow and some knives—hardly ideal for facing off against such odds.

"They're protecting the girls. They want them weak, not dead... I can't stay up here for long. What can I do? What can I do?" you ponder, feeling the weight of urgency pressing down. The realisation hits that you must act quickly. Taking advantage of the chaos enveloping Călin and Iolanda, you seize the moment to reload your crossbow, the noise of their clash masking your movements.

The fight between them seems boundless, an unpredictable storm of violence that threatens to catch you in its wake at any moment. Growls, clashes, and the sound of destruction create an orchestra of havoc, obscuring any clarity about the events unfolding on the lower floor.

"Where did Alcina go? What happened to her? Were my arrows enough to help her?" you wonder, scanning the grand hall for any sign of her amidst the chaos. With a strategic move in mind, you decide to inch closer to the balcony that oversees the stairs, ensuring you remain unseen from below. Adjusting your backpack, you crawl to this new vantage point, noting the soldiers' focus is on the immediate vicinity around them, not above.

From here, you observe one of the more formidable agents incapacitated against a wall—evidence of the fierce conflict that has taken place. The cold ray weapons, their primary advantage, lie destroyed, a small victory in the grand scheme of things.

In this moment of tactical advantage, you understand the importance of surprise and the environment. Unaware of your watchful eyes from above, the soldiers present an opportunity. You ready your crossbow, now reloaded, targeting not the soldiers directly but the area around them to cause distraction and disarray.

Your strategy is clear: utilise the chaos, aim to confuse and disorient, and exploit every opportunity presented by the ongoing battle “I need a plan”.

Your fingers steady on the crossbow, you draw a deep breath, readying yourself to exploit the element of surprise.

"It's a massacre," one soldier whispers, his eyes scanning the grandeur of the hall, now tainted by the evidence of conflict. The luxurious setting, designed for opulence and grandiose living, stands in jarring contrast to the violence it has been subjected to, creating an almost blasphemous dissonance.

"Just like what we found outside," another replies, his tone a mixture of reverence and dread. This remark on the havoc they encountered before entering the castle serves as a stark reminder of the perils of their mission and the formidable adversaries they face.

Stupidly, the soldiers only look around them, aware that the real danger now lies outside. "I should have stayed with the helicopters; this place gives me the creeps," a soldier laments, voicing a sentiment that perhaps echoes in the minds of his companions. This admission of regret and unease captures the essence of their situation—caught between duty and the instinctual desire to flee from the ancient horrors that Dimitrescu Castle harbours.

"One woman did all this?" another asks incredulously, his gaze sweeping across the grand hall, taking in the extent of the destruction that seems too vast, too ferocious to be the work of a single individual.

"She's not a woman; she's a monster," counters a colleague, his voice laced with a mixture of fear and conviction. The term 'monster' hangs heavily in the air, a testament to the supernatural horror they attribute to Alcina Dimitrescu, challenging their understanding of what is possible and deepening their dread.

Amidst their exchange, a weak but defiant voice interjects, "Don't speak that way about my mother." It's Bela, her voice barely above a whisper, but every word is laced with pride and protectiveness.

Despite her weakened state, her resolve to defend her mother's honour remains unshaken.

Reacting to Bela's unexpected defiance, one of the soldiers swiftly points the barrel of his machine gun at the tip of her nose, a stark warning embodied in his actions. "No one told you to speak," he hisses, his tone menacing, a clear display of power meant to silence her and reinforce their control over the situation.

As you assess the surroundings from your vantage point, a plan crystallises in your mind. The grand staircase, draped in luxurious, flammable carpets, and the ornate candlesticks positioned at its base present an unorthodox yet potentially effective means of creating a diversion.

You wait for a crescendo in the cacophony of Câlin and Iolanda's battle, ensuring every noise you make is masked by the sounds of conflict. With each loud sound, you move closer to the base of the staircase, hiding between the largest semi-columns. You capitalise on the noise inside and outside the castle and the dim light to gain an advantage.

With precise throws of the knives hooked to your thighs, you aim at the base of the candlesticks, knocking them over towards the carpet. The intent is twofold: the initial movement and clatter of the candlesticks serve as a distraction, drawing the soldiers' eyes towards the source of the noise, while the subsequent fire creates a more lasting barrier and focal point.

As the candlesticks tumble, the flames catch on the rich fabric of the carpet and spread quickly. The immediate area at the bottom of the stairs becomes a blaze, casting flickering shadows and illuminating the hall with an urgent, dangerous light. The soldiers, caught off guard by the sudden fire, instinctively back away, their formation breaking as they assess this new threat.

The fire not only serves as a physical barrier but also injects a moment of chaos into the situation. The soldiers' attention is now split between the unexpected blaze and the potential for an attack, providing you with the opening you need. You capitalise on this moment of confusion to start shooting against the soldiers, staying close to the stairs to avoid the spreading fire and the soldiers' line of sight.

In this unexpected turn of events, Bela and Daniela instinctively draw closer to the burgeoning flames despite their weakened state. Rather than posing a threat, the intense heat seems to invigorate them, a testament to their unique nature and the arcane mysteries underpinning their existence.

The soldiers, preoccupied by the flames and the arrows, check the fire barrier, looking for someone, failing to notice the subtle transformation in the sisters. The warmth emanating from the fire appears to seep into their veins, reigniting the dwindling spark of their vitality. Little by little, energy courses through them, their pallor lessening, a faint strength returning to their form. Though far from a full recovery, the change is palpable, imbuing them with a semblance of their former selves.

You watch, momentarily taken aback by the sight. Realising that the fire initially intended as a mere diversion is aiding the sisters' recuperation fortifies your resolve.

The girls are regaining strength; you stand behind the colonnade at the base of the stairs and whistle, "Were you looking for me?" The soldiers see you and point their machine guns at you, but the girls are faster. Still unable to transform into a swarm of insects, they have recovered enough strength to quickly approach the enemies, grab them, and forcefully lift them off the ground to throw them against the fire. You shield your ears from the screams of burning bodies. As the dissonance subsides, you climb to the edge of the ladder and lower yourself to the ground, inching closer to the two sisters.

Worried, you gaze up at them. "What happened to you?" you ask, scanning them from head to toe. You notice their faces are paler than usual, parts of their bodies encased in frost, their hair damp. "Are you hurt?" you inquire again, and with a maternal gesture, you lightly touch Bela to check if she's all right before turning your attention to Daniela.

Bela chuckles, coughing a little from both the smoke and exhaustion. "You are acting like our mother," she manages to say. You blush. "We're fine now," she assures, looking down at you.

"Thanks to you," the redhead adds. "This fire is helping us regain our strength."

You blink, and the situation suddenly snaps into a different perspective. You had almost forgotten about the fire itself in the midst of the conversation. Your eyes widen as you notice the flames still licking at the edges of a priceless tapestry, a small but determined rebellion against their efforts to save the castle.

"SHIT! THE FIRE!" you shout, your sudden outburst slicing through the brief moment of calm. "We've got to put it out before it decides the rest of the hall looks appetising!"

Bela, caught off guard by your sudden shift from solemn protector to a frantic firefighter, stifles a laugh. "Well, then, let’s not invite it to dinner," she quips, rising to her feet with a groan.

The next few moments are a chaotic ballet of impromptu firefighting tactics. You grab a nearby tapestry, still damp from their earlier efforts, and begin beating at the flames like a madwoman. Your actions are efficient but comically exaggerated, your determination battling the awkwardness of your makeshift tool.

Bela, inspired by your fervour, joins in with a heavy vase previously deemed too valuable to throw. She upends it, surprisingly full of sand, over a particularly stubborn flame, her actions precise but with a flair that suggests she’s accustomed to brawls.

Daniela, not to be outdone, finds a decanter of water – undoubtedly centuries old and meant for finer occasions. With a dramatic flourish worthy of the stage, she douses another corner of the fire, her eyebrows raised in mock seriousness. "Take that, you fiery beast," she declares, her tone dripping with an irony that only adds to the surreal quality of their endeavour.

As the last flame sputters and dies, the three of you stand back, surveying your handiwork. The main hall, though saved, is a testament to your bizarre battle – a mixture of relief and disbelief painted on your faces.

Catching your breath, you look between Bela and Daniela, a grin spreading across their faces. "Well, I suppose this is one way to bond," the first says, the absurdity of their situation finally settling in. "Firefighting in a centuries-old castle. Who needs normalcy, anyway?"

Bela snorts. The sound is so rich and full of life. "Normalcy is overrated, especially in Castle Dimitrescu."

The laughter fills the hall, a light-hearted moment that briefly pushes aside the weight of their circumstances.

After the giggling dies down and they catch their breath from the frenzied, albeit comical, firefighting effort, the gravity of the situation gradually reasserts itself. The hall is quieter now, the danger of the fire averted, but the night is still young, and threats loom large in the shadows of Castle Dimitrescu. It's this lull, this momentary pause in your trials, that allows you to refocus on the unanswered questions that nag at the back of your mind.

Wiping soot from your face with the back of your hand, your expression shifts from one of amusement to concern. The sight of Bela and Daniela, still visibly recuperating from their ordeal, serves as a stark reminder of the night's earlier events. The jovial atmosphere slowly ebbs away, replaced by the need for answers and understanding.

"How did they manage to do this to you?" your voice cuts through the silence, your gaze sweeping over Bela and Daniela's frost-touched skin and damp hair, evidence of their recent battle. The transition from their light-hearted moment back to the reality of their situation is seamless, driven by your genuine concern for the girls.

Daniela and Bela exchange a look, the levity of moments ago fading into the background as they remember the cold weapons wielded by their attackers. It's Bela who speaks first, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of anger. "Those soldiers... they had weapons we hadn't seen before. Able to destroy us, Rebecca.” she explains, the memory of the pain fresh in her mind.

“They used them to bring our mother to her knees." Daniela adds, her fists clenching at the thought. "And they almost succeeded," the sisters exchange a worried glance.

"Where is she now?"

"She was here just a few minutes ago, right before you showed up... they've weakened her. We need to help her."

"Weakened her how?"

"They seem to know our vulnerabilities as if they were laid bare before them," Daniela interjects, her expression grave.

"The megamycete..." you murmur.

Bela’s brows frown, giving you a questioning look.

"That fungus, the cause of all this... it's still alive... it collects knowledge, Iolanda told me. It's probably why they know how to hit you. What weapon did they use against her?"

Daniela's gaze sharpens with understanding. "The dagger... one of the agents used it on her," she recalls, pointing to the prone figure of Agent B on the ground. As she moves to retrieve the weapon, B, despite his weakened state, halts her with a feeble gesture. "It's... futile... too late for... " Annoyed, the girl grabs the blade and with a swift hand movement, she cuts the man's throat.

You gasp at the sudden act of violence. Daniela shrugs and shows you the weapon, bringing it towards you. "You should keep it. You would never use it against my mother."

You examine the blade, noting its runic decorations, which are still stained with blood—whether Alcina's or Agent B's, you can't be sure.

With fear and respect for that powerful weapon, you clip it to your belt.

"What exactly does this weapon do?"

"It destabilises our mother's metabolism, her power. She loses control, her invulnerability, and..." Bela pauses momentarily, seemingly unsure how to describe what happens next.

"And...?"

"Her Cadou takes over.”

Chapter Text

Your eyes widen. "What do you mean? What does the Cadou do?"

"It means," Bela tries to answer, her voice lowering as if she wants to hide a secret from you, "that the very thing that gives her strength can also turn her into something uncontrollable. Something... monstrous. The evil creature everyone fears," she says through clenched teeth. The word ‘monstrous’ is a bitter insult to her family, yet it is the only way she can think to explain the situation. But you struggle to picture Lady Dimitrescu as such a creature; it's something your mind simply can't fathom.

"We need to find her and Cassandra," Daniela snaps you out of your thoughts. "Let's look for our weapons; they must be under one of these bodies, and let's get out of here."

You nod, but despite the horrors you've witnessed in the last few hours, you find it difficult to move the bodies near you. Some of them are still breathing despite their wounds. You can't help but feel pity for them.

"Here is my baby!" the redhead exclaims, finding her scythe clutched in the hand of a fallen soldier. After a few minutes, Bela also manages to find her weapon. The two sisters seem to feel more complete now, although still not at full strength.

"What do we do now? If what that agent said is true, Cassandra is their prisoner and we can't go outside... we can only tolerate the winter cold for a short time, even less if we have an army waiting for us outside," the older sister looks at you, hoping you can find an answer.

You scratch your head, thinking, "I can go to the entrance, try to understand the situation... you could stay here waiting... Câlin said that help is coming, other lycans, I believe...but...Then, something doesn't add up. If they've taken Cassandra, they should have taken Sophia too, but if other lycans are nearby, it means Sophia managed to give them some signal."

"Maybe they split up…" the brunette suggests.

"I think I will figure this out once I am outside"

Daniela nods, "Alright, but we'll accompany you... we still have some chance of overpowering the others inside the Castle."

The three of you head towards the southern corridor when a thought crosses your mind: "Wait," you say, halting the group with a sudden realisation. "The Hall of Four... it leads to the Tower of Worship, doesn't it?" Your mind races, piecing together memories of the Castle's intricate layout with the urgency of your current plight.

Bela nods, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. "Do you know that area and what happened there?"

"Yes, I know about the battle. And that is where I awakened your mother from her crystal form," you respond, your voice steady despite the swirling emotions the memory evokes and the thoughts you are trying to organise.

"Then, she must be there for sure," Daniela interjects, her voice tinged with certainty. "From the tower, one can easily reach the rooftop. If Mother is transforming… she won’t use the main entrance."

"It might be where she's headed. To avoid harming anyone, to gain control," Bela adds, her concern for their mother evident in her tone.

"But the Tower is destroyed… it’s cold for us there, too…" the youngest adds.

"Sis, if she is transforming, no one will come close to us. Even if it’s snowing or freezing. At least for now. They won’t even be able to capture her inside the base of the tower…"

"They want her outside!" you realise. "That’s why they ran away! It is another trap!"

"But they don’t know we are more than alive, thanks to you," Bela says, placing a hand on your shoulder. "And if what Câlin said is true, it won’t just be lycans waiting for us outside."

Daniela's eyes widen. "You think that…"

"Perhaps some of them survived."

"What are you talking about?" you interject, not understanding.

"VÂRCOLACI!" the redhead exclaims with a burst of joy.

"Varco… what?"

"Vârcolaci! They are creatures created by Uncle Moreau. They have sharp teeth, thick fur, are super strong, and…"

You wave your hands in front of Daniela. "Okay, got it. Brute force… and you think they might still be in the area?"

"If there are still lycans, why not?" Bela shrugs. "Anything is possible."

You sigh. "Let's hope… meanwhile, let's try to find your mother."

With your path decided, the three of you make your way to the Hall of Four by a secondary entrance that the sisters knew. You look around. It seems like a distant memory of the first time you crossed that room, yet it has only been hours, very long hours, since then. There are bodies on the ground, some areas scorched; for sure, Sophia passed through here when you split up. You cross the causeway, the temperature drops suddenly. The two sisters try to act nonchalant, but as you reach the end of the corridor, you all notice something strange. A drumming noise grows closer and then fades. You slow your pace. Flashes of light alternate with slow rhythms near the threshold. You signal the girls to stop while you continue to walk. You peer through the entrance with just your head to look towards the other side, "FUCK!" you mutter under your breath before quickly retreating back into the corridor.

"What’s going on?" Bela asks worriedly.

"They're right above us."

"It means our mother is here…" Daniela continues.

"Stay still, don't let yourselves be seen."

"But…" Bela takes a few steps towards you, but you stop her with a hand gesture.

"Conserve your strength, protect the Castle. Here, you are definitely safer than outside."

"Our mother…"

"I'll take care of her."

"What about Cassandra?"

You frown. "I'll look for both her and Sophia and…" The noise of helicopters outside seems to be accompanied by a background sound: "Are those howls from your friends? Right?"

Daniela listens intently. "They absolutely are!"

"They are very close; I need to hurry."

The two sisters look at you worriedly, but they nod. Nevertheless, both want to ensure that there is no excessive danger around you and accompany you to the threshold, trying to evade yet another headlight beam from above.

"It's not the tower it used to be," Daniela whispers, her voice echoing the sentiment of loss and change. Yet, in her words lies an unwavering resolve, a recognition that regardless its scars, the tower—and, by extension, their family—remains standing.

Upon reaching the beginning of the stairs leading to the tower's remnants, the cold becomes more pronounced, a physical barrier that Bela and Daniela cannot cross. Their bodies, still recovering from their ordeal, are too vulnerable to the tower's icy embrace.

"You go," Bela urges you, her gaze fixed on the staircase; despite their desire to support their mother, the physical toll of the cold is too great for them to proceed.

Daniela draws her blade. "We will take care of anyone who tries to set foot in here."

You agree, a weight settling on your shoulders as you step forward alone. The responsibility to confront what lies ahead is immense. Yet, your determination is unwavering, fuelled by Bela and Daniela's trust and the bond you formed with their family.

Descending the stairs, leaning on what remains of the wall, with each step, memories of a few hours ago assail you. The moment you took those same steps with crystals on your shoulders, the moment you cut your wrists to bring Lady Dimitrescu back to life when she appeared to you for the first time in her entirety. And now, the possibility of seeing the same woman in a state of transformation. A monster, as many would say.

As you hurry down the stairs from the Hall of Four, the sound of your shoes pounding on the floor merges with the roar of the passages destroyed underfoot. Each step echoes with growing anxiety, knowing that the arrival of the helicopter's headlights is inevitable. Their glare seeps through the remains of the tower and the intact areas of the top of the Castle, and every beam feels like an accusing finger pointing towards you.

Now, closer to the base of the staircase, you look for the woman you know. The presence of the headlights intermittently blinds you, making the search more complex, so you decide to follow the movement of the lights.

And there she is.

The scene before you is far from what you expected; the matriarch is on her knees, her usually impeccable dress torn and marred with blood stains. The elegance that defined Lady Dimitrescu seems to be fighting against the visible signs of her struggle. “You were waiting for it, Dragon. Since we came back. They are forcing me to free you,” —the patches of skin that can be glimpsed through the tatters of her clothing bear the unmistakable marks of the dagger's poison.

As the helicopters draw nearer, their rumble becomes a shrill scream in the air. You desperately try to conceal yourself in the darkness, seeking refuge behind broken pillars and fragments of overturned furniture. But it's as if the helicopters’ lights have their own will, burning away any hope of hiding. “Fuck it, there's no sense in hiding anymore,” you quicken your pace.

Lady Dimitrescu, sensing you approaching, raises a hand in a halting gesture. Her voice is a mixture of command and plea. "Stay back," she warns, her tone laced with an underlying vulnerability rarely heard from her. The transformation she is undergoing is evident in her voice, which flutters between the authoritative timbre that commands respect and a rasp of distress.

Despite the warning, your step falters, but you do not stop. You can see the battle raging within the Lady of the Castle, a fight not just against the physical changes being wrought by the dagger's poison but against the loss of control that terrifies her—a loss that could endanger those she strives to protect.

"Alcina," you let slip softly, using that name for the first time in a way that few dare. Her voice carries a tenderness that fills the cold, silent space between them. Her attention momentarily sharpens at the sound of her name. Her reaction is subtle, a flicker of surprise and an unspoken acknowledgement crossing her features. It's the first time you have addressed her so personally, discarding the formalities that have always defined your interactions. There’s concern and fear behind that simple word—not just for the Lady Dimitrescu you promised to help but for Alcina, the woman you have come to know beyond the title.

Alcina's hand, raised in warning, trembles visibly, caught between the desire to protect and the instinct to push you away for your safety. "I... cannot control it much longer," she confesses, her eyes, usually so full of command and certainty, now reflect a tumult of fear and resignation. Her skin takes on a pallid hue as if drained of all life, and her veins pulse with an unnatural darkness beneath the surface. "You must leave. I am a danger to you," her words are tinged with a pain that goes beyond the physical, revealing the depth of her concern for your well-being. Her wings flutter despite her efforts to keep them close.

You take a cautious step closer, your heart heavy. You approach delicately and kneel before the matriarch, looking straight into her grey eyes.

The vampire is destroyed, almost as if struck by a terminal illness. You try to hold back tears and try to stay strong. "I won't leave you," you assert.

Still on her knees, Alcina looks up at you with a gravity that pulls at the air between the two of you. "This...," she begins, her voice a mix of strength and vulnerability as she gestures to the wound marred by the dagger, "is not just any injury." Her hand trembles as she reveals the darkened veins that sprawl like poison from the wound, the visible sign of her body's battle against the transformation being forced upon her. "It was this dagger," she continues, gazing at your belt where the weapon now rests. "This is a very… dangerous tool." Her breathing is laboured, each exhale punctuated by a guttural growl reverberating through the room. "That Ethan… Winters used once against me. It's designed to… to destabilise, to take control away from its victim." The pain in her voice is palpable, not just from the physical wound but from the realisation of how close she is coming to losing herself to the monster within. "The longer you stay here, the more you are in danger… I… I have already hurt you once… I do not want to do it again."

As Alcina speaks, your heart clenches. You know what she is capable of as a human, and the fear of witnessing Alcina's transformation, of seeing the woman before you become something else, something feared, is real. Yet, as you look into Alcina's eyes—eyes that hold fear, yes, but also a plea for understanding, for acceptance—you find your resolve.

"I'm here with you through this," you say, trying to cover the fear in your voice as you gesture with your hands to frame her figure, "All of it." Your words are a beacon in the darkness, a promise that you won't turn away, no matter the cost.

"I'm not afraid of you, my Lady," you say softly, closing the distance despite the matriarch's earlier warning.

Her response is a choked laugh, a sound tinged with disbelief and gratitude. With her free hand, she reaches towards your face; the leather of her black glove, battle-worn, brushes your cheek. "You should be," she whispers, a sad smile playing at her lips as the first signs of her transformation begin to manifest. You are about to reciprocate her gesture, but her form begins to shift further, the elegance of her stature wrestling with the monstrous form seeking to emerge. The woman stands up and takes a few steps back to increase the distance between you. A network of cracks begins to spiderweb across her flesh. "Rebecca…” she wants to warn you one last time, but the power of the Cadou inside her becomes unstoppable. "My darling," Alcina manages, her voice a growl that belies her struggle to retain her humanity “Remember who I truly am, beneath this..."

As the transformation overtakes her, Lady Dimitrescu's agony is palpable. Her spine arches back unnaturally, forcing her to double over. Her spine curves painfully, bones audibly cracking as they realign into an unnatural architecture. Her wings, previously elegant, fold inward, merging grotesquely with her arms. Her fingers stretch back, splitting her upper limbs into a cascade of sinuous tentacles. Almost simultaneously, her raven hair loses its colour, merging in a sinuous dance to form tentacles mirroring the transformation of her arms.

Your heart pounds as you witness the horrific metamorphosis. Ice-cold and suffocating fear grips you, but beneath that fear, a strange, aching tenderness takes root. "Alcina," you think, your mind scrambling to reconcile the elegant woman you knew with the monstrous form before you.

Her face, once the epitome of stern beauty, now distorts under the strain of her metamorphosis.

Her features twist and warp, her once delicate features twisting into a snarling mask of pure anger and hunger. Once filled with terror and vulnerability, her eyes now burn with a savage intensity, glowing with an otherworldly fire that seems to consume her from the inside out.

Her body, once regal and imposing, becomes gaunt, almost skeletal. Rib-like structures protrude through her taut skin.

The worst, however, is yet to come; with a primordial scream, her lower body contorts horrifically as if birthing some dreadful creature from within her own skin.

Four thick, gnarled limbs replace her elegant legs, anchoring her to the ground like roots. A long, whipping tail extends from her spine.

You swallow hard, fighting the urge to run, to escape this nightmare, yet knowing deep within that leaving her now would be a betrayal you could never live with.

Emerging most prominently are her new wings, massive yet tattered as if worn by countless battles, resembling those of a bat but marred by decay. These wings unfurl, casting ominous shadows that seem to swallow the surrounding light.

At the front, a new elongated head now sports terrifying, petal-like appendages, each lined with sharp teeth surrounding a dark, abyssal maw.

Her skin takes on the texture of rough, dried bark, enhancing her spectral, undead, decaying appearance. Dominated by shades of grey with hints of sickly green and deep crimson, her colour scheme underscores her newfound malevolence.

Perched on the creature's back, Lady Dimitrescu's form is twisted and elongated, her once regal stature now warped by the malevolent power that courses through her veins.

Yet, in this horrific guise, vestiges of her beauty linger tauntingly.

You stand frozen, transfixed by the tragic beauty of her transformation, the terror mingling with an inexplicable pull towards her, even now.

As she completes her transformation with a primal roar that reverberates through the castle, her body pulses with newfound power. Her muscles bulge under her mottled skin, and her tail lashes violently, the force shaking the remnants of her crumbling abode. With her immense wingspan, the shadow she casts now is a terrifying spectacle over the land beneath.

In that moment, you stand before the monstrous face of Lady Dimitrescu, a grotesque fusion of woman and beast. With a growing dread, you realise there is no going back from her.

The woman you knew is gone, replaced by something altogether more terrifying and inhuman. As she fixes her gaze on you, a shiver runs down your spine because you know that you are now face to face with true horror incarnate.

“I brought you back to this world, Dimitrescu”, you try to tell her.

A smirk appears on her face. Her wings extend vibrantly with a single stroke, and her dragon-like creature hovers before you. A wave of dust and earth envelops you, but you cover your face. You steel yourself, gripping your hands tightly, and shout over the sound of her wings, over the helicopters, "I WON'T LEAVE YOU TO FACE IT ALONE."

Your words cut through the air like a blade, slicing through the tumult and reaching the heart of Alcina. In that moment, something in her eyes changes; the savage flames that burn with ferocity begin to flicker under the weight of your words. Every syllable you utter seems to bring a piece of the woman you once knew back to the surface.

Her expression transforms, a flash of human awareness crosses her gaze. The monstrous part, which had been dominant, now seems to struggle as if your voice had summoned her true essence from the deep abyss of transformation.

"Then stay with me, Draga Mea”, Alcina says, her words overflowing with affection for you but also anger for everything that has happened. Her voice is eerie, no longer singular, but as if multiple voices were speaking in unison, creating a harmoniser effect that makes it terrifying and supernatural. It's a sound that resonates not just in the air but inside you, vibrating with a spectral and powerful echo “Stay, until the very end!"

In that moment, with renewed determination, Lady Dimitrescu takes a majestic flight upwards. Her massive and battle-worn wings beat powerfully against the dense air, lifting her with an impetus that shakes the remains of the castle. Her flight is not just an escape but an act of defiance, a battle cry for the final fight that awaits her. As she rises into the sky, the rising sun casts light upon her, illuminating both her beauty and her monstrosity, a dual reminder of what she was and what she has become.

In this form, the entity becomes a legend brought to life, a creature that dwells in the space between fear and reverence, a force of nature that commands a new beginning.

Chapter Text

As the crescendo of their battle resonates through the castle walls, the fury and determination in Câlin's movements match the immense force of Iolanda, now a grotesque monster fueled by the serum's unintended effects. The clash is brutal, the sound of colliding bodies echoing like thunder through the ancient hallways.

As they trade blows, Iolanda throws Câlin against a stone column. The impact resonates through the hall, scattering dust and debris. He grimaces but quickly recovers, his eyes blazing with a determination that matches his enhanced physical form.

"Why do you defend this place so fiercely?" Iolanda sneers, circling him like a predator. "You, a creature born from the same twisted science as I. What chains bind you to these walls?"

Câlin steadies himself, wiping blood from his mouth. His voice is firm, laced with a resolve born from deep-seated beliefs. "You wouldn't understand, Iolanda. You see chains; I see bonds—bonds of family, of purpose. Lord Heisenberg didn't just create a monster; he gave me a family, a reason to fight."

"A family?" Iolanda laughs mockingly, her form hulking and grotesque as she prepares to strike again. "You speak of illusions. You cling to these pathetic bonds, thinking they give you strength. I fight for real power, the power to control, to dominate,” she hisses, lunging forward with terrifying speed.

Câlin dodges her next attack, moving with a lycanthropic grace. "That's where you're wrong," he counters, his voice gaining strength. “You only understand power that destroys, but I fight for a power that protects, that unites.”

"Naïve beast!" Iolanda snarls, swiping at him with clawed hands. "The Umbrella Corporation and I will harness the Cadou’s secrets and reshape the world. No more hiding in shadows, no more servitude!"

Câlin ducks under her swipe, his response sharp. "And what of those you trample underfoot? Lives and loves—do they count for nothing in your new world?"

Iolanda pauses, her expression one of confusion and contempt. "Love? You're deluded, a beast dreaming of being a man!"

"No, Iolanda. I am a beast, but one with a heart and a duty. I promised to protect them—my family, my friends, and the love that binds us. I won't let you or anyone else destroy that."

Câlin, now enhanced by the last remnants of the serum, finds his footing against the monstrous Iolanda. His precise and calculated movements betray his newfound strength and agility. Each dodge is followed by powerful strikes, his claws finding their mark against the thick, unnatural hide of Iolanda.

Iolanda, for all her newfound strength, struggles against Câlin's relentless assault. The hall vibrates with the impact of their blows, a testament to the lycanthrope's fury and the monster's desperation. Finally, with a deafening roar, Câlin charges at Iolanda, tackling her with such force that they crash through the weakened balustrade of the upper gallery.

Their battle intensifies, moving amidst the debris of the shattered chandelier. The ground is littered with sharp crystal shards, rifles, and spent bullet casings—each step precarious. Câlin uses this to his advantage, leading Iolanda through the hazardous terrain, her heavy steps causing her to slip occasionally.

He tackles Iolanda, and they both crash onto a pile of broken crystals and gunmetal. The impact sends a shock through both.
Câlin, injured but resolute, staggers to his feet. His once fur-covered body is now slick with blood, both his own and that of his adversary. He approaches Iolanda with a grim determination, his eyes reflecting not just the physical pain but also the emotional toll of the battle. Struggling, Iolanda tries to rise, her eyes now filled with a mixture of fear and fury.

"You can't understand what it's like to have nothing and then find everything—family, purpose, love. You’ve lost your humanity, Iolanda. I pity you," Câlin says, standing over her, his voice a mix of anger and sorrow.

Iolanda, bleeding and beaten, looks up at him defiantly. "Then your pity is as misplaced as your loyalty, Lycan!"

With a swift motion, Câlin seizes a discarded rifle by the barrel, using it as a makeshift weapon. He swings it with all his might, striking Iolanda across the face. The blow is powerful enough to disorient her, allowing him to grab a sharp crystal shard.

As Iolanda tries to regain her senses, Câlin kneels beside her.

"This ends now, for everyone's sake," he declares, and with a decisive motion, he plunges the crystal into her heart with a cruel precision, the only sound in the suddenly quiet hall. Iolanda's monstrous form shudders once before becoming eerily still.

Standing up, Câlin looks down at Iolanda's still form, his breathing heavy, his heart pounding not just from the fight but from the weight of his actions. He feels the loss of life keenly, aware of its necessity but burdened by its cost.

He turns from the gruesome scene, carefully walking over the debris and the battle remnants that litter the Main Hall. Each step is deliberate, echoing softly in the now quiet hall. The weight of his victory and the loss it entailed weighs heavily on him, but it also forges a new strength within him—a resolve that steels his spirit for the challenges ahead.

As Câlin steps out of the castle's shadows and into the moonlight, he is immediately thrust into a scene of fierce conflict. Once calm and serene, the night sky is now ablaze with the chaotic dance of helicopter searchlights sweeping aggressively across the ground, illuminating battle scenes below. The sound of helicopter blades fills the air, mingling with the roars and snarls of his lycan brothers, who are already locked in combat with the ground troops of the Umbrella Corporation.

Before him, the Lycans move with ferocious agility, their forms weaving between the trees and across the open ground, clashing violently with the heavily armed soldiers. The ground is littered with the aftermath of their skirmishes—fallen bodies of both lycans and humans, discarded weapons, and splashes of blood that paint a grim tableau under the stark moonlight.

Câlin’s heart races as he surveys the battlefield, his instincts and training taking over. Despite the chaos, his presence commands attention, and his entry into the fray is like a stone thrown into a turbulent sea, sending ripples through both friend and foe.

The Umbrella Corporation's troops, initially focused on suppressing the lycan threat, now find a new challenge as Câlin launches himself into the battle with his heightened abilities from the serum. His ferocity and strategic mind make him a formidable force, rallying the lycans and turning the tide in several skirmishes.

Just as the battle reaches a fever pitch, the sky darkens ominously. The helicopters and troops momentarily pause, their attention drawn upward. The colossal form of Lady Dimitrescu, transformed into her final, most formidable state, casts a massive shadow over the entire area.

--

You’re still reeling from the spectacle of Alcina's transformation when a new, unexpected sound catches your attention—a soft, but firm voice calling out from a shadowy corner of the room.

"Rebecca!"

The sudden voice makes you jump, your heart racing with fresh adrenaline. The secret passage from which the voice emanates had slipped your mind—a hidden path that Lady Dimitrescu had used after her initial awakening, a detail lost to you in the haze of events and your own unconscious state in Câlin's arms at the time.

Sophia emerges from the dimly lit passage, her appearance as startling as her entrance. The moment your eyes meet, there’s a mutual rush of relief and urgency. You quickly close the distance between you, embracing warmly. The contact is comforting, a brief respite in the midst of chaos.

“She’s been hit by the dagger,” you blurt out as soon as you step back, the weight of concern evident in your voice.

Sophia’s expression hardens with understanding, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and determination. “I heard her roar. We don’t have time to waste,” she insists, urgency clipping her words.

As you nod, your gaze inadvertently falls on a striking change in her appearance—a silver streak now runs through her otherwise raven-black hair, a stark contrast that’s hard to miss.

“What happened to your hair?” you ask, curiosity piqued despite the pressing situation.

“There’s no time to explain,” Sophia cuts in quickly, her tone brisk. “I need to get to Bela and Daniela”

"What about Cassandra?" you ask, recalling earlier discussions about her potential capture. The uncertainty surrounding her fate had been a constant source of worry.

Sophia's face relaxes slightly, a hint of relief flickering across her features. "Cassandra is safe," she confirms, "She's already out there, fighting."

You blink in surprise, confusion etching your features. "How can that be possible? The cold—"

Sophia cuts you off, her voice a mix of reassurance and mystery. "She’s stronger than you think and there are...ways to manage the cold. You’ll understand soon, but right now, I need to see Bela and Daniela. They’re not aware of everything yet."

Your mind races with this new information, but Sophia’s urgent need to regroup with Bela and Daniela pulls you back to the immediate concerns.

"Let's go then," you agree, the urgency of Sophia's mission propelling you forward. “If they are not upstairs, hiding, they must be in the corridor or the Hall of Four”

As you agree to Sophia's urgent plan, you both rush towards the Hall of Four, the tension palpable in the air. The hall, known for its strategic importance within the castle, is also a place laden with recent memories of conflict and survival.

Your footsteps echo off the stone walls, each sound a sharp reminder of the castle's haunting atmosphere. The deeper into the castle you go, the colder the air grows, a chilling embrace that seems to seep into your bones.

As you approach the entrance to the Hall of Four, the signs of recent combat become evident. Scattered across the ornate floor are the bodies of Umbrella soldiers, taken down by what clearly was a fierce defence. Bela and Daniela, vigilant and battle-worn, stand amidst the chaos, their weapons still in hand, their eyes scanning for further threats.

"Bela! Daniela!" Sophia calls out as you enter. The sisters turn, their tense postures relaxing slightly at the sight of familiar faces.

"Rebecca, Sophia," Bela greets, a small smile breaking through her stoic demeanour. "You’re just in time."

Daniela steps forward, wiping a smear of blood from her cheek. "We’ve held them off, for now," she reports, nodding towards the fallen soldiers. "But they'll come back with more."

Sophia quickly joins her cousins, the trio exchanging quick, firm hugs—a moment of sisterly bond strengthened by shared adversity. You stand by, observing the strong ties that keep them united and focused despite the overwhelming odds.

"Where is our sister?"

"Cassandra is already out there, fighting against the cold and the enemies," the young witch states confidently.

"How?" the sisters both ask in unison, their faces etched with confusion and awe.

"Give me a moment, and I'll show you," Sophia responds cryptically. She begins to pace around the new bodies on the ground, her movements deliberate. She extends a hand or leans down to listen closely to each fallen soldier as if searching for a faint signal or breath. After a brief moment, she stands and looks back at Bela and Daniela. "Can you move these five bodies closer together?" she asks.

The sisters exchange a glance, a silent communication passing between them before they nod and comply. Your curiosity piques as they carefully drag the bodies to form a tighter cluster.

"What are you planning?" you ask, watching Sophia's every move with a mixture of intrigue and concern.

Sophia pauses, then faces you all, a grave look etching her features. "What I'm about to share is something I've only come to understand over the years," she begins, her voice low and steady. "Each of these soldiers carried a small reserve of life—a bio-energetic residue, the so-called last breath."

"How does that help us?" Daniela asks, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Sophia sighs, her eyes sweeping across the cold stone walls of the Hall of Four before settling back on the group. "The reason you struggle with the cold isn’t just biological; it’s deeper, rooted in your creation. Your mother brought you to life from bodies that were cold and lifeless. Unlike typical creatures, you don’t have what most would call true life force, except for what the Cadou grants you."

"So, Cassandra..." Bela trails off, seeking confirmation.

You and the sisters listen intently, hanging on Sophia’s every word.

"Cassandra is safe because I’ve found a way to harness this last breath from the fallen. However," Sophia pauses, her expression becoming pained, "this process requires a living intermediary to convert and channel this energy effectively."

"What do you mean by an intermediary?" Bela asks, her tone laced with worry.

"I mean that I have been using my own life force to bridge the gap between the dying and the undead. Each time I do this, it costs me—physically." She gestures to her hair, where the silver streak runs through the black, each strand a testament to the life years she's sacrificed.

Daniela steps forward, her eyes wide with realization and concern. "So that streak in your hair..."

"Yes," Sophia confirms, a faint, weary smile flickering across her lips. "It represents the life years I’ve given up to save our family. It’s not a temporary fix but a permanent change. The energy I transfer will help you adapt and survive in conditions that would otherwise be fatal."

Bela and Daniela exchange a look, a mix of awe and sadness passing between them.

Sophia's revelation about her personal sacrifices casts a heavy silence over the room. Overwhelmed by the gravity of her actions, you instinctively place one hand over your heart and the other to your mouth, moved deeply by the selflessness of her decision. Tears prick at the corners of your eyes as you witness the tangible cost of Sophia's magic—the silver streak in her hair not just a mark of wisdom but of life years given away.

The sisters, struck by the enormity of what Sophia has been doing for them, share a look of pained resolution. "You can’t keep sacrificing yourself like this," Bela says, her voice thick with emotion.

Daniela nods in agreement; her face hardened with concern. "There has to be another way. We can’t let you do this alone."

Sophia offers a faint, wistful smile, a spark of humour lighting up her sombre expression. "I appreciate your worries, but remember, now that I’m a witch, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to extend my own life." She lightly touches the streak of silver in her hair. "And if things really go south, I suppose I could always get myself vampirized, couldn't I?" Her attempt to lighten the mood does draw a small, reluctant smile from her cousins.

Turning more serious, Sophia begins to prepare for the ritual. "We need to act quickly. Help me with the incantation, and I’ll handle the transfer. It's the only way."

You, still moved by the depth of Sophia's sacrifice, watch as she instructs Bela and Daniela. "We’ll need to chant together. The Latin words will help focus the energy transfer through me to you."

Sophia begins to sing:

"Spiritus vitae, ex umbris ad lucem, per me transit, ad sorores redit."

("Spirit of life, from shadows to light, through me it passes, to the sisters it returns.")

"Repeat this with me," Sophia instructs, her voice steady, imbuing the words with power as she prepares to perform the ritual. The sisters gather around, forming a tight circle over the bodies. Each places a hand on Sophia's shoulder as they begin to chant the incantation, their voices growing stronger and more confident with each repetition.

As the sisters repeat the Latin incantation with Sophia, the atmosphere within the Hall of Four grows thick with ancient, whispered power. The bodies of the fallen soldiers, laid out in a deliberate pattern on the cold stone floor, begin to react to the incantation's call. A faint, ethereal glow starts to emanate from each of them, marking the release of their stored bio-energetic essence.

"Spiritus vitae, ex umbris ad lucem, per me transit, ad sorores redit."

With each repetition, the glow intensifies, converging towards Sophia, who stands at the centre of this arcane constellation. As the streams of glowing energy coalesce around her, the last breaths escaping the soldiers' bodies, the air around Sophia shimmers with the transferred life force. You watch, breath held, as the bio-energy finally exhales from the soldiers, their duty fulfilled in this last act of utility.

The moment the radiant streams of life touch Sophia, her body tenses visibly. Her eyes closed in concentration, a look of determination etched across her face. This energy, while a gift to her cousins, comes at a personal cost. As the life force melds with her own, it siphons away her vitality. Sophia's shoulders stiffen, and a subtle grimace crosses her features as she channels the energy, directing it towards Bela and Daniela.

As the life force flows into Sophia, her previously raven-black hair begins to shift subtly. Strands lighten as if bleached by the energy passing through her, leaving streaks of lighter hair amidst the dark. This visual transformation marks the physical toll the ritual takes on her, each streak a testament to the life years she sacrifices.

"Per me transit, ad sorores redit..." the chant continues, growing stronger with each cycle.

Finally, as Sophia directs the flow of energy towards her cousins, you can see the shimmering streams splitting, flowing into Bela and Daniela. The energy wraps around them like a cocoon, seeping into their beings. As it does, Sophia's hair continues to lighten, and the streaks become more pronounced, turning from dark to silvery-grey, reflecting her sacrifice and the gravity of her gift.

Bela and Daniela absorb the energy, their postures straightening, their expressions shifting from concentration to awe. The cold of the hall seems to recede around them, their bodies now emanating a faint warmth, a sign of their newfound resilience against the harsh environment they face.

As the ritual concludes, the glow dissipates, and the hall returns to its dimly lit state. Now visibly paler and with noticeably silvered hair, Sophia leans heavily on her cousins.

"We've done it," Sophia whispers, her voice hoarse but laced with a triumphant undertone.

Daniela hugs the young witch tight, tears in her eyes “No, you did it.”

"I couldn’t have done it without knowing it would save you all," Sophia replies.

After the intensity of the ritual, Sophia's strength visibly wanes, the toll of her sacrifice evident in her pale face and slow movements. Daniela and Bela, now invigorated by the life force Sophia has transferred to them, immediately step in to support her.

"Sophia needs to rest," Bela says, her voice laced with concern as she helps Sophia to a nearby seat. The dim light of the hall flickers over Sophia’s silver streaks, a stark reminder of the cost of their newfound strength.

"I just need a moment," Sophia insists weakly, trying to muster a reassuring smile for her cousins. Despite her protest, she leans heavily against them, grateful for their support.

You, observing the scene, step forward "We can’t stay here. If they regroup and attack again, we need to be ready and in a better position," you suggest, your voice carrying a note of urgency.

Daniela nods in agreement "Let’s avoid the main entrance. We can use the courtyard—it's less exposed, and we can cover more ground without drawing too much attention."

"Good idea," Bela responds, glancing towards Sophia. "But we need to make sure she can move without straining herself further. We need her strong."

Sophia, gathering her strength, stands up slowly, supported by her cousins. "Lead the way," she says, her voice steadier now. "I won’t slow us down, but let’s be cautious."

Chapter Text

The group makes yet another entrance into the Main Hall. By now, you've lost count of how many times you've wandered through the same rooms in just a few hours, but each time something is different. Battles keep piling up in this one long, nocturnal war.

And now is no exception.

“Something happened in here while we were in the tower… something…” you move past the girls, “these remains…” your gaze shifts upward. “Look! The balustrade has been destroyed…”
Daniela gasps. “Mom’s gonna be so pissed when she finds out.”
“I doubt it’ll be worse than now,” Bela shrugs, her nonchalance almost a comfort in the chaos.

You zigzag through the debris and bodies. “Upstairs, it was just Calin with…” suddenly, you freeze, your breath catching in your throat “Oh… my… god…” The words escape your lips, trembling and incredulous. “Oh my god… girls…”
The three rush over as soon as they hear the change in your tone.
“Is that…” Sophia can’t finish her question.
“Iolanda,” you reply, feeling a chill run down your spine. The memory of sitting at her mercy flashes through your mind, and for a brief moment, your knees feel weak, as if the very ground beneath you is about to give way.
“The one you said was the mastermind behind all this? That Iolanda?” Bela asks.
“Yes.” You kneel, forcing yourself to focus on the present. The woman’s body is covered in wounds and blood, her clothes torn to shreds. “It seems like death turned her human again.”
“What do you mean ‘turned human again’?” Sophia asks.
You shake your head. “So many things happened in just a few hours that I didn’t tell you something crucial. Calin and I found out she was Cadou-gifted, too.”
“What?”
“Yes, as soon as we split into groups, she found us. Calin had retrieved a syringe after she tried to kill me. We thought it was something to use against your aunt, but it turned out to be a power enhancer for those with the Megamycete. She turned into a monster.” Hesitantly, you close the eyes of the lifeless body on the ground. “...but it looks like Calin, fortunately, got the upper hand,” you conclude with a long breath as you stand up. “Ah, next time, it’d be nice to know in advance that your boyfriend’s a werewolf. Would’ve spared me the initial scare.”
Sophia nervously scratches her head, trying to find the right words. “It slipped my mind, it’s kind of known inside the family”
“Yeah, I figured. Normal humans aren’t exactly a thing around here,” you say, raising your hands in mock surrender to the thought.
“Well, humans were…” Sophia pinches Daniela’s side before she can finish her sentence.
You catch the scene from the corner of your eye, a small smile tugging at your lips. “Witch, it’s fine. I know what happens to most humans in this place. The first time we met, your cousins thought I was their dinner”
“Sorry about that,” the youngest sister murmurs.
“Forgiven and forgotten. Now, let’s get out of here.”
“Wait,” Bela touches your arm to stop you. “You can’t go out there like this.”
“What do you mean?”
“You did well to remind us that you’re human. Out there, it’s a battlefield worse than this. You need protection,” she continues while scanning the area, her sharp eyes already searching for a solution. “You need s kind of vest or something similar.”
“Shit. You’re right, but finding something here that’ll fit me and hasn’t been shredded by your mother’s claws or your blades is going to be impossible,” you mutter, the absurdity of the situation not lost on you.

And so begins yet another search among the corpses, looking for a body—man, woman, or anything close to your size.
“I think this one could fit!” Daniela calls your attention to her, holding up a torso, severed but with a mostly intact bulletproof vest. “I think this human died from blood loss! The jacket has no holes!” she says, clearly excited about her discovery.
You approach her with the look of a child who doesn’t want to put on pyjamas, realising that in this twisted house of horrors, your new ‘fashion accessory’ is a blood-soaked vest. “How chic.” You let slip
“Try it!”
With disgust, you drop your backpack and put on the garment.
“It fits!” Daniela announces.
“It stinks,” you say, wrinkling your nose in disgust.
“Let me fix it,” Sophia, feeling sorry for you, offers. “Expelle sanguinem,” she says with extreme seriousness. A gush of stale blood instantly splashes to the ground.
“Holy fuck!” you exclaim, jumping back. “That’s both disgusting and amazing!”

The young witch smiles at you, but her smile quickly fades as she sways slightly, barely managing to steady herself. You can’t help but feel a knot of worry tighten in your stomach. “Sophia, we really need you at full strength out there,” you say, trying to mask the concern in your voice. “Let’s get you some air before I have to carry you like a damsel in distress.”

---

The women step into the Dining Room, and a sudden chill wraps around them. Instinctively, Bela and Daniela take a few steps back, an automatic response to their vulnerability to cold.
For the first time, you see genuine fear in their eyes. Not the cold-blooded young killers, worthy bearers of their family name, but two terrified girls confronted once more by the one thing that could truly destroy them.

“Hey, don’t be afraid,” Sophia says gently, reaching out to them. “It’s ok. This won’t hurt you. Not anymore.”

You’re the first to step toward the courtyard. The bulletproof vest shields you from the cold more than your clothes ever could. “No enemies in sight. Who wants to be the first to experience the exhilarating chill of an Eastern European winter?” you tease, your tone light and reassuring.
Bela straightens up with determination. “I do!” she declares, squaring her shoulders with newfound resolve. “Let’s see how good of a witch you are, cousin,” she challenges, striding boldly across the threshold into the open air. Winter’s icy grip seizes her immediately, her gown heavy against the cold, but goosebumps rise instantly.
She bursts into laughter, a sound of pure, unexpected joy. “IT TICKLES!” she shouts, almost in disbelief, as she hurries across the courtyard. “DANIELA! LOOK! I’M OUT IN THE COLD! LOOK!”

The younger sister is swept up in her sister’s joy, and without a word, he dashes outside, bracing herself with eyes tightly shut, expecting the worst.

But nothing happens.

She touches her arms, her face.

Nothing happens.

Her eyes widen as the realisation dawns, and she turns to Sophia, who is now standing outside as well. Overcome with emotion, she runs to her cousin and throws her arms around her. “Thank you.”

You sniffle, quickly wiping your eyes. “Shit, I got emotional,” you think to yourself, trying to suppress the lump in your throat. “It’s too cold,” you lie, masking the truth behind the excuse.

“Let’s get out of here,” Sophia says, her voice sharp as she gestures toward the secret passage leading outside. “We’ll take the outer perimeter of the castle and head into the woods towards the battlefield. We don’t have any more time to waste.”

With a look of fierce determination, the group moves out. The two sisters take the lead, their senses heightened, sniffing the air to catch any sign of enemies before they strike. Sophia walks beside you. Her hands clenched, a barely controlled energy radiating from her as if she was ready to unleash her fury at any moment. You grip your automatic crossbow tightly, the set of knives strapped to your leg giving you a slight sense of reassurance.

The sounds of the battle grow louder around you—screams, gunfire, the clash of charging factions, and the primal roars of beasts. It’s a strange symphony, an overwhelming mix of human warfare and what, just days ago, you thought were creatures of legend. Now, the line between fantasy and reality has blurred beyond recognition. But this is no fantasy—it’s all terrifyingly real.

“Quiet now,” Bela signals for everyone to crouch. “I’ll go first, I need to let them know we’re here.”

“Sister, look!” Daniela whispers urgently, pointing ahead about a dozen meters. “It’s Cass!” The third sister is in the midst of a gruesome dance, striking and biting at the soldiers with feral precision. Nothing can stop her. A hail of bullets tears through the air, only for her to dissolve into a swarm of insects that rains down mercilessly on the doomed soldiers. Your eyes dart across the battlefield, a sinking feeling of helplessness washing over you. “I should have brought a gun,” you mutter through clenched teeth.

Sophia grips your arm, offering support. “Stay hidden and close to the Lycans and Varvolači. Don’t do anything reckless, or my aunt will never forgive me. And neither will I.”

You meet her gaze, unyielding. “No, I promised I would fight by her side and yours, and I’m not backing down.”

“Is it a waste of time to try and change your mind?”

“Yes”

She lets out a sharp breath, her jaw tightening. “Fine, but for everyone’s sake, stay close to them. They’ll protect you better than I can right now.”

You nod, but before she can move, you reach out. “Listen, before you go, there’s something you need to know.”

Her eyes flash with impatience. “Now?”

“Yes, and the rest of you need to hear this too. I know who killed the Duke.”

Sophia’s body goes rigid, her breath catching in her throat. “What the hell are you saying?” Her voice trembles, not with fear, but with barely contained rage.

“He’s here, and I know him. I know him very well.”

“Tell me who it is. NOW!” Her voice is a hiss, her hands curling into fists as if she’s already imagining them around his throat.

“He’s wearing special armour, different from the other soldiers. There were three of them, but I think only two are left now… his name is Marco. We worked together. He’s the one who threatened to kill the girls. He has an M on his chest. Short, curly blonde hair. He’s here, Sophia. He’s here.”

Sophia’s eyes darken, a lethal calm settling over her. “He’s mine,” she declares, her voice cold and deadly. “If any of you find him before I do, don’t touch him. Leave him to me.” Her fury is palpable, a storm barely held in check as she straightens, her body trembling with the force of her anger. Without another word, she stands tall and, with a swift, silent motion, launches herself into the fray.

The two sisters exchange a glance before turning to you. “See you later!” Dani calls out, her tone light but tinged with the urgency of the battle, while Bela is already soaring through the air, honing in on the nearest enemy.

You’re left standing alone.

You feel the weight of it all pressing down on you for a moment—this isn’t your fight. You’re not a killer, just an ordinary person who’s been dragged into something far beyond anything you ever imagined. The world around you is a nightmare made real, and for a second, you’re tempted to find a place to hide, to wait it out until it’s all over.

But you can’t. Not now. You’ve come too far, seen too much. The lives of your allies, your friends, are at stake, and you know that standing on the sidelines isn’t an option anymore.

You take a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions swirling inside you. As your heart pounds in your chest, you look around, scanning the battlefield, searching for some sense of direction, for something—anything—that will help you make sense of the chaos.

And then you see her.

High above, slicing through the sky with terrifying grace, is Lady Dimitrescu in her final form. Her massive wings beat with thunderous power as she tears through the clouds, a monstrous force of nature. The air crackles with energy as she crashes down onto an attacking helicopter, ripping through its armour as if it were paper before launching herself back into the sky. Every so often, she descends with a bone-chilling shriek, obliterating an armed vehicle on the ground before soaring back up to wreak more havoc from above.

You can’t tear your eyes away from the sight. It’s both horrifying and awe-inspiring. And in that moment, something shifts inside you. If she can fight with such ferocity for her home, her family, then so can you.

Determination hardens within you, and you grip your crossbow tighter. You’re not just a bystander anymore—you’re part of this, and you’ll do whatever it takes to protect those who have become your allies.

Looking around again, you notice a group of Lycans nearby, their hulking forms moving through the battlefield with predatory precision. Taking a deep breath, you make your way toward them, the sounds of the battle fading into the background as you focus on what you need to do.

As you approach, one of the Lycans—larger and more imposing than the others—turns to face you. His eyes, glowing with a fierce intelligence, lock onto yours. You’re unsure if he’ll see you as an ally or an enemy. But then, something in his gaze softens, and he tilts his head, recognising you from Sophia’s and Calin’s description.

“We fight together,” you say, your voice steady despite the adrenaline surging.

The Lycan lets out a low growl, not of warning but of acknowledgement. He nods, a deep, rumbling sound escaping his throat, and you know you’ve been accepted. The other Lycans also turn their attention to you, their expressions shifting from suspicion to respect.

With newfound resolve, you ready your crossbow, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Lycans as you prepare to enter the fray.

Together, you’ll make sure that the enemies don’t stand a chance.

Chapter Text

The battlefield sprawls before you like a grim tapestry woven with smoke, fire, and shadows. The once serene vineyards near the castle entrance are now marred by the footprints of soldiers and the marks of battle. The air is thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder and the metallic tang of blood. Shouts and screams mingle with the guttural growls of Lycans and the distant roars of Lady Dimitrescu in her monstrous form. You find yourself at the edge of the vineyards, the rows of twisted vines providing scant cover. You are trying to keep pace with the Lycans. They're faster than you, their movements a blur of primal agility—a predatory dance—but they seem to understand the role you've played in uniting them. They take turns staying close, forming a protective ring around you as you navigate the chaos. Suddenly, a soldier emerges from the shadows, his rifle raised as he charges towards a nearby Lycan. Instinct takes over. You aim and release, the bolt slicing through the air and embedding itself in the soldier's shoulder. He staggers, dropping his weapon, and the Lycan takes the opportunity to dispatch him swiftly.

"Thanks," the Lycan growls, a brief nod of acknowledgement before he leaps back into the fray.

You realise that while the Lycans have strength and speed, they lack coordination against such a well-armed and numerous enemy. The soldiers are advancing in organised formations, using military tactics to their advantage. Your heart pounds as you take in the disarray. "This isn't working," you mutter under your breath. You turn to the Lycan who seems to be leading this group—a hulking figure with piercing eyes, his fur shimmering silver, hinting at his advanced age among the Lycans.

"I need two quick pieces of information," you say, trying to keep your voice steady amidst the cacophony of battle. "Your name and the plan."

He turns his gaze to you, irritation flickering across his features. "Elias," he replies curtly. "And the plan is simple—we kill them all."

"That's not a plan; it's a death sentence," you retort, frustration seeping into your tone. "Do you have any tactics? Any way to corner them or divide their forces?"

Elias snarls, baring his sharp teeth. "We don't need tactics. Our strength is enough."

You let out an exasperated sigh, your grip tightening on the crossbow. "Listen to me. We're outnumbered, and they're using coordinated attacks. If we don't come up with a strategy, none of us will make it out alive."

"Do you have a better idea, human?" he snaps.

"Actually, I do," you respond, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. "This is your home. Use that to your advantage."

Before Elias can retort, a female Lycan steps forward. She's smaller in stature, but her eyes gleam with intelligence. "She's right, Elias," she says firmly. "We need to regroup and be smarter in our attacks"

"Magda, stay out of this; we don’t have time," Elias growls, but there's a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

"We’ve waited seven long years..." she responds with calm yet firm resolve, her eyes meeting Elias's with determination.

You insist. "If we can lure them into the woods, we can use guerrilla tactics. Separate them into smaller groups where they're vulnerable."

Elias huffs, glancing between you and Magda. "Fine. What do you suggest?"

"I..." you begin, caught off guard by the question. Practical knowledge of warfare isn't your forte; your expertise lies in science, history, and anthropology—the fields you studied to reach your position as a museum director. Images of colonial battles and resistance against indigenous populations flash through your mind—the tactics of underdogs fighting against overwhelming forces. You scramble to recall some common strategies.

"So?" Elias presses, his patience thinning.

"This is your home; you have the tactical advantage. They were sent here; they don’t know these places like you do," you say, trying to piece together a plan from the fragments of history you've studied.

"You're stating the obvious," Elias responds, his voice tinged with frustration.

You gesture around as if to say, "Look around—it's obvious, and yet you didn’t realise it." Then you speak, "Guys, I know how Câlin moves through the woods. If you’re anything like him... the open area is not our—I mean, your—battlefield."

"We need to draw them into the woods, make them divide and get lost..." Magda says, her voice gaining strength as she realises the potential of the plan. "Caught up in the initial assaults, we didn’t think about it."

You take a deep breath, organising your thoughts. "We make it look like we're retreating. Draw them into the forest where the terrain is in your favour. Once they're scattered and disoriented, we strike."

"We will be able to take them down, one by one."

Elias understands, saying no word towards you as he glances at the other Lycans, his expression resolute. "We need to spread the word to the other groups."

"Magda, can you do that?" you ask.

She nods. "I'll tell the others. I will take a team through the vineyards. We’ll cover the east side first, where the fighting is heaviest. Once they know the plan, we’ll start drawing the soldiers into the woods. Elias can head towards the main road. We’ll split up and relay the plan as quickly as possible."

Elias grunts. "Fine. We'll do it your way."

As Magda disappears into the fray to relay the plan, you return to Elias. "We need to coordinate this carefully."

He studies you for a moment before giving a curt nod. "I hope you know what you're doing."

"Me too," you admit, a wry smile tugging at the corner of your mouth.

The two of you begin to fall back, signalling the nearby Lycans to do the same.

Magda and her group disappear into the shadows, moving silently through the vineyards to alert the other Lycans. Elias takes the lead with you close behind, heading towards the main road where the fighting is most intense. As you move, you can hear the sounds of combat growing louder—the clash of metal, the growls of the Lycans, and the shouts of soldiers.

Reaching a small group of Lycans already engaged in battle, Elias quickly relays the plan. "We’re changing tactics," he growls. "Darius, spread the word—make it look like a retreat and draw them into the woods. Once they’re separated from the main force, we’ll pick them off. Alert the Varcolači too."

The Lycans nod, their expressions fierce and determined. Darius, a burly figure with scars marring his face, takes off running to spread the word to the others further down the line. Another, a female, dashes off in the opposite direction, heading towards the western flank.

As the message begins to circulate, you and Elias move deliberately towards the tree line. "I hope Câlin catches this idea," he whispers. It takes a moment for the Lycans to catch on, but soon, part of them start to mimic your movements, retreating towards the tree line. Others keep active in the main battles. The soldiers, seeing what appears to be a disorganised withdrawal, advance with renewed vigour.

"Don't let them escape!" one of the officers shouts, waving his troops forward.

You glance over your shoulder as you reach the edge of the forest. The soldiers are pursuing, their formation loosening as they break ranks to chase after you.

"Good. They’re taking the bait," Elias mutters under his breath. "We’ll let them come a little further into the woods before we strike."

You nod in agreement, understanding the importance of timing. The key is to make the soldiers believe they’ve forced a retreat, drawing them far enough away from their comrades that they can’t call for reinforcements when the trap is sprung. The Lycans continue to retreat deeper into the forest, maintaining just enough distance to keep the soldiers on their trail. The command from the officer has done its job—several groups of soldiers have now broken off from the main force, leaving the central battlefield slightly less defended but still active with heavy combat. You take a moment to glance back towards the centre, where the sisters Dimitrescu continue their fierce battle. The roar of combat is still intense, but you can see that some of the soldiers have indeed pulled back to pursue the supposed retreat.
Magda is taking her group further into the woods, looking like they are losing ground. You and Elias remain at the edge of the woods, watching as the soldiers follow. Their determination to catch their fleeing enemies leads them right into the trap.
As the soldiers venture deeper into the forest, the sound of the battle in the distance begins to fade, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the soft padding of Lycans moving stealthily through the underbrush. You grip your crossbow tightly, ready for the signal to strike.

But for now, you wait, knowing that patience is critical.

The forest envelops you in a shroud of darkness and anticipation. The soldiers move cautiously now, their heavy boots snapping twigs and crunching leaves, betraying their positions. You can hear their laboured breaths, the whispered orders among them. They’re on edge, nerves frayed by the unfamiliar terrain and the oppressive silence that hangs between each muffled footfall. Elias signals for you to take cover behind a large oak, his sharp eyes never leaving the advancing troops. You crouch low, your heart pounding in your ears. The Lycans have melted into the shadows, their forms indistinct among the trees. You marvel at their ability to disappear so completely, a stark contrast to the clumsy movements of the soldiers.

"Wait for it," Elias whispers, barely audible.

The first line of soldiers passes beneath the low-hanging branches, their weapons raised, fingers twitching near triggers. They’re tense, jumpy. One wrong move, and they'll unleash a hail of bullets into the darkness. A sudden rustle draws their attention. One of the soldiers swings his rifle towards the sound, his torch cutting a narrow beam through the foliage. Nothing. Just the wind stirring the leaves.

"Keep moving," the officer hisses. "They're close."

You steady your breathing, fingers tight around the grip of your crossbow. The soldiers are right where you want them—deep enough that their cries won't reach their comrades, isolated and vulnerable.

Elias catches your eye and gives a subtle nod. It's time.

A low growl resonates from somewhere to your left, sending a ripple of unease through the soldiers. They halt, backs pressed against each other, eyes darting wildly.

"Did you hear that?" one whispers.

"Stay sharp," the officer commands, but there's a quiver in his voice.

From the corner of your eye, you see a shadow move. Magda launches herself from the underbrush, a blur of muscle and fury. She collides with the nearest soldier, silencing him before he can utter a sound.

Chaos erupts. The Lycans spring their ambush, descending upon the soldiers from all sides. Gunfire cracks through the air, muzzle flashes briefly illuminating the grim tableau of fangs and claws against steel and flesh. You rise from your cover, aiming at a soldier who’s about to fire on Elias. Your bolt flies true, striking him in the side. He collapses with a gasp, the shot he fired going wide.

Elias tears through another soldier's defences, his claws rending armour like paper. He grunts, "You're not bad—for a human."

You almost laugh at the backhanded compliment. "Thanks, I think." But before you can say more, a soldier breaks away from the melee, spotting you. His eyes widen in surprise at seeing a human among the Lycans, but he doesn't hesitate. He raises his rifle.

Time seems to slow. You scramble to reload, fingers slipping on the smooth wood of the crossbow. The soldier's face is set, determined. Panic surges through you; you're exposed, vulnerable. A flash of movement intercepts him—the burly Lycan with scars marring his face—Darius. The soldier's shot fires into the air as he's tackled to the ground. The two struggle briefly before Darius overpowers him, ending the threat.

You exhale shakily, adrenaline coursing through you. "Thank you," you whisper to Darius.

He nods once before disappearing back into the shadows.

There's no time to dwell. Nearby, another soldier lies wounded, clutching his bleeding side. He fumbles for his radio. "We need backup! They're in the trees!"

You rush forward and kick the radio from his hand. He looks up at you, fear stark in his eyes. "Please..." he whispers.

You hesitate for a split second, the reality of the situation hitting you. This is a human being, terrified and vulnerable. Your grip on the crossbow tightens. "I'm sorry," you whisper, torn between compassion and necessity. Before you can decide, a shadow looms over you both. Claws flash, and the soldier's plea is silenced as his jugular is torn open. Warm blood splatters across your face.

Elias appears beside you, his eyes cold. "Can't hesitate," he says gruffly. "They wouldn't."

You swallow hard, wiping the blood from your cheek. "I know," you manage to reply, though your voice is unsteady.

"Then let's move," he commands.

Further into the woods, sporadic gunfire and the anguished screams of soldiers echo through the trees. The plan is working—the soldiers are being picked off, their numbers dwindling.

"They might regroup," you say.

He nods. "Agreed."

Together, you navigate through the forest, coordinating with other small groups of Lycans. You use hand signals and hushed whispers to direct the flow of the ambushes. The Lycans, now more organised, execute swift and deadly strikes. At one point, you come across a clearing where a group of soldiers has managed to regroup, their backs against a rocky outcrop. They've set up a defensive position, their weapons aimed outward, eyes scanning the treeline with desperation.

"They're cornered," you observe.

"Desperate," Magda adds, appearing at your side. "But dangerous."

"I can take a few from the left," she suggests, her gaze fixed on the soldiers.

"Wait," Elias interjects, his eyes shifting upwards. "See that fallen tree above them?" He points to a massive, rotting trunk precariously perched on a ridge above the outcrop. "If we can dislodge it, we can take them all out at once."

You follow his gaze. "Risky," you note. The tree looks unstable, but the angle is steep.

"But effective," he counters.

You consider the option, then nod. "Alright. Elias, you think you can handle it?"

He smirks faintly. "Watch me."

As Elias scales the trees with uncanny agility, you and Magda position yourselves to provide cover. Your eyes remain fixed on the soldiers below, oblivious to the impending danger.

A twig snaps nearby, causing one of the soldiers to whirl around and fire wildly into the woods. You duck behind a tree, holding your breath.

"Hold your fire!" the officer shouts. "You're wasting ammo."

Moments later, a loud cracking sound echoes through the forest. Time seems to suspend as the massive tree trunk teeters, then plummets towards the soldiers. They look up, eyes widening in horror. The tree crashes down with a thunderous roar, splintering upon impact and sending a cloud of dust and debris into the air. When it settles, the defensive position is obliterated.

"Now!" Magda hisses.

You and the Lycans move in rapidly, ensuring the soldiers cannot regroup. The skirmish is intense and unforgiving. You do your best to incapacitate the soldiers—aiming for legs and arms, disarming them when possible—not yet ready to be the cause of their deaths but determined to aid your allies. Within minutes, the soldiers are subdued, their numbers no match for the ferocity and strategy of the Lycans on their home turf.

Breathing heavily, you regroup with Elias and Magda.

"Good work," you tell Elias as he approaches, his expression stoic.

He grunts in acknowledgement. "You too."

Magda offers a rare smile. "We're turning the tide.

As you continue coordinating the ambushes, you notice that the sounds of battle from the main field have diminished. The cacophony of gunfire and explosions has lessened, replaced by sporadic bursts and distant shouts.

"I think the others are gaining the upper hand," you say, hope flickering in your chest.

Elias lifts his head, sniffing the air. "Fewer soldiers. Your plan worked."

Relief washes over you, but it's tempered by the knowledge that the fight isn't over yet. "We should head back, go to the village and help the others," you say.

He agrees, and together, you begin making your way out of the woods, gathering any Lycans you come across. They fall in line, their spirits lifted by the successes.

Suddenly, a distant explosion shakes the ground beneath your feet. As you approach the edge of the forest, you look back towards the ruins of what was once the village, a plume of smoke rising against the night sky.

"What now?" you murmur, dread settling in your stomach.

Chapter Text

With a look of fierce determination, the sisters move out, descending the winding path that leads from the castle towards the ruins of the village. Bela and Daniela take the lead, their senses heightened as they sniff the air to catch any sign of enemies before they strike. The night air is cold, but thanks to Sophia's spell, the chill no longer bites at their skin. Instead, they feel invigorated, ready to face whatever horrors await them.

The sounds of battle grow louder around them—screams, gunfire, the clash of steel, and the primal roars of beasts. A cacophony ignites their blood, a symphony of chaos they have long been accustomed to. Yet tonight feels different. The stakes are higher, and the enemies more formidable.

"Stay alert," Bela murmurs, her golden eyes scanning the shadows. "They'll be expecting us."

"Let them," Cassandra replies with a sly grin, materialising at Bela's side. "We've faced worse."

Daniela giggles softly, her excitement palpable. "Time to have some fun."

They move as one, a deadly trio gliding through the darkness. The ruins of the village loom ahead, skeletal remains of what was once a thriving community. Now, it serves as the perfect battleground. As they approach the outskirts, flares illuminate the sky, casting eerie shadows across the crumbling buildings. The sisters halt, instincts sharpening.

"Did you see that?" Daniela whispers.

Bela nods. "They're here."

From the cover of the dilapidated structures, a squad of soldiers emerges. These aren't ordinary troops. Their armour is sleek, emblazoned with the Umbrella Corporation's insignia, and they carry weapons that emit a faint, icy mist.

"They've come prepared," Cassandra observes, eyes narrowing. "These soldiers are more persistent than I expected."

Daniela smirks, her dark hair whipping around her face. "Persistent but foolish. They think their numbers give them strength."

"Look at their gear," Bela points out. "Those weapons are emitting some kind of cold vapour."

Daniela frowns. "They think freezing us will work again?"

"Stay focused," Bela cautions. "Sophia's spell protects us from the cold, but we shouldn't take unnecessary risks."

Daniela giggles, her voice a lilting contrast to the surrounding turmoil. "Let's show them how wrong they are."

Without another word, they dissolve into swarms of iridescent insects, buzzing through the smoke-filled air. The sisters weave between bursts of gunfire, their movements a mesmerising dance of shadows and light. The soldiers below fire erratically, their bullets slicing harmlessly through the clouds of insects.

Reforming behind a cluster of bewildered troops, the sisters materialise in their human forms. Bela lunges forward, her dagger finding the gaps in a soldier's armour. Cassandra sweeps low, her sickle catching another's legs and sending him sprawling. Daniela leaps gracefully, delivering a swift kick that sends a third soldier crashing into a shattered statue.

"Watch out!" a soldier shouts. "They're materialising out of nowhere!"

The troops tighten their formation, shields raised. "Maintain defensive positions!" the officer barks.

Reforming atop a fallen column, the sisters assess the situation.

"They're not as easily frightened as before," Bela notes.

Daniela grins mischievously. "Maybe we need to up the ante."

Cassandra's eyes light up. "Sister, I like the way you think."

Before they can act, a sudden commotion draws their attention. In the distance, they notice groups of Lycans retreating towards the forest's edge. The soldiers, seeing this, begin to break ranks.

"Look! The beasts are fleeing!" a soldier exclaims.

"After them!" orders another.

Cassandra frowns. "What are they doing? Retreating?"

Bela shakes her head. "No, it's too coordinated. Can't you see? Only the outer rows are moving."

"Do you think Rebecca's behind this?" Daniela asks.

"Most likely," Bela replies thoughtfully. "She's proven herself quite resourceful."

The sisters watch as the soldiers divert their attention, pursuing the Lycans into the woods.

"Should we follow?" Daniela suggests.

Cassandra considers it. "No, if Bela's right and that's Rebecca's plan, then our place is here. We must not interfere."

Bela nods in agreement. "Besides, the soldiers here still need to be dealt with."

Suddenly, a searing beam of light and a powerful vibration cut through the air, narrowly missing them and scorching the stone where they stand.

"What in the world?" Cassandra exclaims, leaping aside.

From the smoke emerges a new squad of soldiers, their armour even sleeker, emblazoned with the Umbrella Corporation's insignia. They're equipped with advanced weaponry—high-powered rifles with attached lamps emitting concentrated ultraviolet rays and devices projecting vivid, short-wavelength colours.

The lead soldier steps forward, his voice amplified by a built-in speaker. "Targets identified: Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela Dimitrescu. Lethal force authorised."

Daniela scoffs. "Authorised by whom? They think they can defeat us with toys?"

"Don't underestimate them," Bela cautions.

"Activate the disruptors!" the officer commands.

The troops adjust their weapons, and suddenly, high-frequency sonic pulses ripple through the air. The sisters feel a jarring vibration, a disorientating buzz that disrupts their ability to transform and the flight of the insects that compose their swarm forms. Forced to remain in their human shapes, they take cover behind a crumbling wall.

"Ugh, what was that?" Cassandra hisses, pressing a hand to her temple.

"Some kind of vibro-acoustic weapon," Bela deduces, her expression grim. "It interferes with our transformation and the insects' flight."

Daniela winces. "My head is still ringing."

As they regroup, the soldiers switch on their ultraviolet lamps and project vivid beams of short-wavelength colours into the air. The lights shimmer alluringly, casting an eerie glow over the battlefield.

Cassandra feels an inexplicable pull towards the lights. "What's happening?" she murmurs, her gaze fixated on the swirling hues.

Daniela's eyes widen as she, too, becomes entranced. "I... I can't look away," she whispers, stepping out from behind the wall.

"Wait! Stop!" Bela calls out, realising that the ultraviolet light and the vibrant colours are attracting the insects—and by extension, her sisters. "It's affecting the insects' instincts!"

But her warning comes too late. Cassandra and Daniela move towards the lights, their movements almost mechanical, as if drawn by an unseen force.

"Excellent," the officer smirks. "Separate them and engage."

The soldiers fan out, cutting off Bela from her sisters. Frustration and concern surge within her. She knows that the lights are manipulating the insects' natural behaviours, overriding her sisters' control.

"Think, Bela," she mutters to herself. She needs to break the lights' hold on them.

An idea sparks. Gathering her resolve, Bela steps out into the open, closing her eyes to shield herself from the distracting lights. She begins to spin on the spot, slowly at first, then faster. As she spins, she allows herself to partially transform, her body fragmenting into a swirling mass of insects that orbit around her rapidly. The vortex she creates stirs the air, lifting dust and debris from the ground. The mini tornado grows in intensity, the swirling dirt and rubble rising to form a thick barrier between her sisters and the soldiers.

The sudden disturbance catches the soldiers off guard. "What's she doing? Adjust your aim!" the officer commands.

Within the swirling vortex, the ultraviolet lights become diffused and scattered, their alluring effect diminished. Cassandra blinks, the haze breaking her trance. "What... where am I?" she says, disoriented.

Daniela shakes her head, regaining clarity. "I feel like I was in a fog."

"Bela?" Cassandra calls out, noticing the swirling mass.

"Over here!" Bela's voice resonates from within the vortex. "Hurry, while they're distracted!"

Realising the opportunity, Cassandra and Daniela dash back towards Bela. As they reach her, she gradually slows her spinning, reassembling into her human form beside them.

"Impressive trick," Cassandra remarks, a hint of admiration in her tone.

"Those lights—they were controlling us," Daniela says, a tremor in her voice.

Bela nods. "They were targeting the insects' attraction to certain wavelengths. I thought disrupting their line of sight might break the effect."

"Smart move," Cassandra acknowledges.

"Now, we need to disable those devices," Bela asserts. "What if we create another distraction to blind them temporarily?"

Daniela raises an eyebrow. "How?"

"Look," Bela points to a nearby structure—a dilapidated building with a weakened support beam precariously holding up a section of the wall. "If we can bring that wall down, it will create enough dust and debris to obscure their vision."

Cassandra smirks. "And give us the cover we need to take them out."

"Exactly," Bela confirms.

"Let's do it," Daniela agrees.

They move swiftly, keeping low to avoid the UV beams, their hands covering their ears to block out the acoustic weapons. Reaching the base of the weakened structure, Cassandra examines the support beam. "It's rotted through. A strong hit should bring it down."

Bela and Cassandra position themselves on either side of the beam. "On three," Bela instructs.

"One, two, three!"

They strike the beam simultaneously with their enhanced strength. The wood splinters with a loud crack, and the wall groans before collapsing forward.

"Watch out!" a soldier yells as the wall comes crashing down, sending a massive cloud of dust and debris billowing across the battlefield.

"Now!" Bela commands.

Using the cover of the dust cloud, the sisters advance on the disoriented soldiers. The UV beams cut through the haze but are less effective. The soldiers, still firing blindly, try to weaken them, but their shots go wide.

"Retreat! Fall back!" the officer orders, but their paths are blocked.

Cassandra reaches the first soldier, knocking the weapon from his hands before delivering a swift blow that renders him unconscious. A bullet grazes her shoulder, but she ignores the sting.

"Going somewhere?" Daniela teases, a playful glint in her eye. She disarms another soldier, smashing the UV lamp against a stone. Another soldier tries to strike her with a blade, but she dodges effortlessly, retaliating with a kick that sends him sprawling.

Bela confronts the officer. He raises his weapon, firing several rounds. One grazes her leg, but she presses on, kicking up a chunk of rubble that strikes his hand, causing him to drop the rifle.

"Your toys can't help you now," she says coldly.

He fumbles for a sidearm, but Bela moves too quickly, incapacitating him with a precise strike.

The remaining soldiers, panicked and struggling to see, continue to fire sporadically, desperately trying to weaken the sisters. But the sisters are relentless.

"That takes care of them," Cassandra remarks, dusting off her hands, though a cut on her cheek hints at the intensity of the battle.

"Well done, sisters," Bela praises, regrouping with Cassandra and Daniela.

"That was invigorating," Daniela chirps, though a hint of fatigue seeps into her voice as she sucks blood from the open arm of one of the fallen soldiers to regain her strength.

Cassandra stretches her arms. "They were tougher than the usual riffraff. They were really trying to bring us down."

An explosion shakes the ground, drawing their attention skyward.

"Mother is fighting that thing alone?" Daniela's voice carries a note of concern.

Chapter Text

"Curly hair, M on his chest, special armour."

Sophia charges into the fray.

"Curly hair, M on his chest, special armour." She extends her arm and opens the palm of her right hand. "Undam aeris," a burst of air knocks four soldiers back.

"Curly hair, M on his chest, special armour."

Two more soldiers push their way through the varvolači, about to raise their Glocks against the young witch, but she raises her left arm from low to high without looking at them. The ground around her lifts, and she quickly clenches her fist. "Globulos terrae" particles of soil compress instantly into solid balls "turba ictuum" and as Sophia extends her fingers forward, they shoot out like bullets at her enemies.

"I can’t waste time with you." She repeats the mantra in her mind, blocking out everything except the task at hand. "Curly hair, M on his chest, special armour."

Her eyes scan the battlefield, her gaze fixed on the different types of armour worn by the soldiers. They aren’t all the same—each reflects a specific rank and different equipment. "Only two are alike." Her allies are a blur. Her focus is singular: the enemy. She closes her eyes and turns her head slightly.

"Consurge et percutiens."

The remnants of crumbled bricks from the old village buildings launch themselves toward the approaching soldiers. They shatter and scatter with explosive force, leaving their attackers stunned and disoriented.
"Sophia!"

Her name shouts out from the chaos but remains unfazed, pressing forward. "That one looks different." She spots a higher-class soldier, his armor gleaming in the sun, far more advanced than the regular grunts. He’s running, heading somewhere with purpose. His armor is intricate, decorated with ornate designs, and he carries a massive rifle, something that looks more like a modified lamp.

"SOPHIA!"
Her name again, this time desperate, but she’s too focused.

"He’s wearing a helmet. He could have taken it from another soldier… Curly hair…"

"GET AWAY FROM THERE!"

The warning comes too late. Her mind is clouded with a single purpose—find him.

The beast, a massive Lycan, roars and shakes off two soldiers clinging to its fur. It charges forward, moving with terrifying speed. "Fuck," he mutters in frustration, but the chaos drowns out his voice. He tries to reach her. "Sophia, move!" he urges, though she doesn’t hear him.
Mere meters away, an Exosuit is barreling toward her, its pilot preparing for a strike. The robot’s shoulders lower, and its forearms extend—long, razor-sharp blades gleam under the light. The Exosuit accelerates, its momentum building as the pilot raises its elbow for a brutal running strike, aiming directly at Sophia.
Then, in a streak of motion, she’s gone.
Sophia is lifted off the ground with a force that makes her breath catch in her throat, the world spinning around her. She’s slammed into the dirt, but instead of the harsh impact she was expecting, something furry cushions her fall.

cough cough "What happened?" she says.

Her mind spins, confused. She barely registers the shift in position as her body is cradled by a strong arm.

"Are you ok?"

She blinks up, her vision still fuzzy.

"What…" She strains her eyes as she tries to push away whoever envelopes her.

The voice growls softly, almost tenderly, but it's unmistakably familiar. "Darling, you almost got yourself killed."

That voice. It’s Čalin—her Lycan.

He stands up, lifting her effortlessly in his arms, helping her straighten up. His gaze burns with intensity, his posture tense as he focuses on the Exosuit, which is struggling to free its blade from the ground.
The pilot inside the Exosuit reacts, and Čalin’s chest swells with fury. His lips curl back in a snarl as he bares his teeth.

"Stay here," he orders, his voice harsh with authority.
Before she can protest, he’s far. The speed at which he moves is a precise, his massive form darting toward the Exosuit with terrifying precision. Two other Lycans follow him, their movements synchronized, a primal force of destruction.
Čalin leaps at the Exosuit, his claws extended and ripping into the machine’s armor with ease. The others follow suit, their strength a powerful contrast to the delicate technology of the robot. Metal groans and screeches under their assault.
The Exosuit fights back, its pilot desperately trying to break free. But the Lycans tear through its outer shell with ruthless speed, their claws slicing through like paper. The machine’s joints lock up, and sparks fly from its broken limbs.
With one final, coordinated strike, the Exosuit collapses to the ground, a heap of mangled metal and twitching wires.
But the battlefield is far from quiet. More soldiers flood in, and varvolači emerge from the shadows, their eerie growls cutting through the chaos. The ground shakes beneath them, the storm of violence never stops.
Čalin returns to Sophia, his expression a mix of fury and concern.

"You ok?" he asks again, his voice softening as he brings a hand closer to her cheek.
Sophia nods, her breath coming in short gasps as she regains her composure. She looks up at him during the melee against the Exosuit, his partner's strength, speed and power were different. "You…look different." She hesitates, looking him over intensively. "Somehow, bigger, stronger, and faster...what happened to you?"

Čalin’s gaze softens. "It’s a long story."

"I saw Iolanda, or what remains of her." She hints

"Yeah, the two things are connected…but most importantly, that robot was about to kill you. Didn’t you hear me scream your name?" he says, pointing toward the broken Exosuit.

"I was looking for someone." She answers, looking away

"Someone more important than your own life?" He sighs, turning just in time to grab a soldier by the neck and throw him aside.

"The person who killed my uncle is here."

He gasps. "Are you sure?"

"Rebecca saw him. He even knows him, and he's here. I need to find him."

He tenderly touches the young woman's face, leading her to look into his eyes  "Ok..."

"I HAVE to find him, Čalin." Her eyes are full of sadness and fury, a burning determination behind them.

"Then I’ll help you find him." He takes her hands in his, his voice softer.

"I think I saw someone else go in that direction." She points off into the distance.

Čalin looks toward where she indicates and notices a group of soldiers in various types of armour, locked in battle with the Dimitrescu sisters.

"Is he among them?"

Sophia frowns, her mind racing. "There are more of them than I thought...No," she mutters through her teeth “Let’s keep looking”

"Shouldn't we help your cousins?"

"I'm pretty sure they can handle themselves."

Out of the corner of his eye, Čalin sees Bela begin to transform into a whirlwind of insects that spins wildly around itself. "Maybe you're right."

She pushes forward, with Čalin at her side, as the battlefield around them rages on. They move through the chaos, clearing enemies from their path.

As they press on, Sophia’s thoughts churn, and she recalls Rebecca’s words: "There are only two soldiers with special armour—those are the ones you're looking for."

That realization hits her. "They’re not here..."
She says it softly, more to herself than anyone. From what Rebecca had told her, there should only be two soldiers in specialized gear—those are the ones she was searching for. But the soldiers she sees here are all wearing various types of armour connected to various weapons. "Something doesn't add up."

"What do you want to say?"

"It looks like the soldiers are of similar ranks but with different weapons. What have they been attacking you with so far?"

Čalin fiercely pushes away a soldier who is approaching with a short machine gun. "Plain bullets, silver, plasma, electric force."

She shakes her head, refocusing. "That's it, they're trying to see what can knock us out."

"Trying?"

"Yes, they're groping with us, they know our weak spots, but they didn't think we could outsmart them. Like my cousins and the cold... and here, during chaos, there are only replaceable and expendable infantry. The higher ranks are not here."

"They want only her."

"Yes, we need to get closer to my aunt. We need to keep moving," she says, her voice firm.

Čalin nods in agreement, his eyes scanning the chaotic battlefield. He grips her hand tighter.

They push through the battlefield together, a blur of motion among the chaos. They leave a path of destruction in their wake, cutting through enemies as they go. Every few steps, another soldier falls to the force of their attacks—Sophia’s magic and Calin’s ferocious strength tearing through anything that stands between them and their goal.

“We must get closer”

Lady Dimitrescu nella sua forma piu mostruosa si avvicina, attacca e si allontana dagli elicotteri, alternando anche attacchi a terra contro altri Exosuit e carroarmati nel villaggio. As they move closer to the heart of the battle, the sounds of combat intensify. Gunfire, roars, and shouts fill the air, but a strange stillness starts to hang over them, the air thick. The ground shakes.

The boy freezes. "Did you feel it?"

"Yes..."

"It's not their armoury."

The tremor is getting closer, like an earthquake that, instead of moving away from the epicentre, is getting closer and stronger.

"It's in the underground," she states, and then she realizes, “Oh my god, Čalin, where is the Megamycete?”

In the chaos and frenzy of battle, they lost track of where they were, focusing only on the battlefield.

The shaking stops.

Instinctively, he looks down. "We are on top of it."

Ba-DOOM!!!

An explosion rattles the ground beneath their feet, sending shockwaves through the field. The ground shakes violently, and dust clouds burst into the air as debris falls around them. The force of it knocks some of the soldiers off their feet, and the shockwaves ripple through the battlefield like a tidal wave.

They both kneel, Calin shields Sophia, while she enunciates “Aer clypeus” a transparent wall protects the two young people from the debris as they try to stand up. Sophia stumbles, her hand still tightly gripped by Calin, who holds her steady. "What the hell was that?" she gasps, trying to steady her breath.
Calin’s eyes narrow, scanning the smoke rising from the direction of the explosion.
The remaining soldiers pause, confusion spreading among them. The varvolači an lycans around them seem to hesitate, sensing the same shift in the air. It’s as if the explosion has momentarily fractured the battle, but they know it’s only a matter of time before things escalate again.

Without another word, they push forward, moving through the smoke and debris. They move faster now, their steps more urgent, until the dust begins to clear, revealing the outskirts of the ruined village. The scene before them is something out of a nightmare. The ground is cracked open, and there’s a tremor in the air as though something large is stirring beneath the earth.

The destruction from the explosion is visible now—a crater in the centre, with deep fissures running through the ground as if something massive had been unleashed. The air smells faintly of sulfur and burning metal.

Čalin’s grip on her hand tightened, his eyes locked on something beyond the smoke. “Look.”

They both turned toward the crater at the heart of the explosion. A thing was emerging from the depths, dragging itself into the light—a creature that shouldn’t exist.

The Kipepeo was a nightmare made real. Its multi-winged form stretched high into the sky, its massive, ragged wings reflecting the dawn’s light with an oily sheen. The grotesque blend of insects and flesh pulsed with an otherworldly energy. Its demonic head twisted, mandibles snapping with a menacing hiss as its multifaceted eyes scanned the battlefield.

“What is that thing?” Sophia whispered, unable to tear her gaze away.

Čalin growls, pulling her close protectively. “We’re going to need help. SHE is going to need help.”

A ferocious creature loomed before both of them like a nightmare-made flesh, a colossal behemoth that defied the natural world with its grotesque form. Its size was monstrous, rivalling the creature that had become Lady Dimitrescu, its body radiating unnatural power and a terrifying presence. The air around it seemed to tremble as the creature’s multi-winged structure unfurled, its wings resembling those of a grotesque insect—leathery and vast, their edges slick with an oily sheen that caught the dim light of the sunrise at its peak. Its mutilated body was covered in veined skin, but the colour beneath was anything but natural—its blood was black, corrupted, and putrid.

At the front of the beast was a horned, demonic humanoid head, a twisted parody of both human and insect features. Its eyes, glowing faintly with a sinister, pulsating light, were multifaceted and cold, scanning its surroundings with chilling intelligence. The curved mandibles at the front of its face snapped menacingly, their serrated edges capable of slicing through steel with ease. As it moved, its head twitched, almost like a predator calculating its next strike.

The body was a grotesque blend of insect and muscle, its spiny exoskeleton covered in sharp protrusions that glinted, occasionally catching the rising sun's rays. Along its back, rows of rigid spines stood erect, some twitching as if alive, their presence unnerving. The creature’s arms were numerous and slender, almost insect-like, tipped with sharp, segmented claws ready to tear through anything they could grasp. Multiple pairs of insectoid legs, shorter and ending in scythe-like claws, sprouted from its back, like a long external spine. Two enormous, ragged wings extended from its shoulders, torn and jagged, reminiscent of a moth or a massive butterfly, their veins running through them and edges frayed. These wings gave it a haunting, almost ethereal presence, yet they only added to its terror.

But it was the lower body of the monster that made it truly horrifying. An elongated, hideous mass of grotesque tendrils and cables extended outward from its lower half, moving with an unsettling, independent motion. These tendrils, like twisted appendages, contracted and writhed as though they were sentient, an extension of the creature’s distorted anatomy.

The monstrosity's lower limbs ended in elongated, claw-like legs that bent inward, revealing a deadly weapon: a second, circular mouth. This mouth was formed by three rows of jagged teeth, resembling a voracious lamprey, capable of latching onto any prey and tearing it apart in an instant.

There was no part of the creature's body that was not a deadly weapon.
Despite its immense size, the creature moved with surprising speed and predatory grace, as if every part of it was designed for the sole purpose of destruction.

Its appearance was an abomination—disturbing, unnatural, a horrible fusion of insect, humanoid, and nightmarish mutations. Its aggressive posture exuded an aura of malice as it prepared to strike, moving with an eerie fluidity. Its twisted wings and writhing tendrils gave it an almost supernatural aura, while its form suggested it was the result of a grotesque genetic experiment or mutation.

Sophia narrows her eyes, her focus dropping to the crater the creature emerged from. “It came from underground… and we’re standing on top of the Megamycete.”

The young Lycan stiffens. “What does that mean?”

Sophia’s voice drops, her words grim and certain. “They’re connected. That thing—whatever it is—came from there. If the Megamycete’s involved, then I need to go down.”

Čalin turns sharply, his disbelief evident. “You’re not serious. That’s suicide.”

She steps forward, gesturing toward the crater. “Look around! This is already insane, but we’re still standing. If that… thing came out of there, someone—or something—put it there. Maybe we’ll find answers. Maybe we’ll find a way to stop all of this. I need to get down there. Now.”

Čalin exhales, a frustrated growl rumbling from his chest as he watches her move closer to the crater’s edge. He halts a few meters behind her, raking a hand through his hair as his gaze drops into the jagged depths. “And how exactly do you plan to do that without getting yourself killed?”

Sophia doesn’t hesitate. She steps to the brink, her voice firm but steady. “I’ll use the roots underground. I can shape them into a path and lower myself—and anyone else—safely. All I need is a distraction.”

Her words linger in the tense air, daring him to challenge her determination. After a long pause, Čalin shakes his head, muttering under his breath, “You’re insane, you know that?”

Sophia flashes him a faint but resolute smile. “You’ve told me before.”

Čalin glances toward the soldiers in the distance, his posture shifting with resolve. “I’ll handle them. Keep them off your backs.”

Sophia kneels at the crater’s edge, her expression focused. The pit is vast, its diameter as monstrous as the creature now raging in the sky. Yet through the oppressive darkness, she senses the faint impression of a bottom, unreachable but present. She extends both hands toward the ground, her voice calm as she murmurs the spell "Plate radices tuas, pondus meum sustine et me ad imum huius foraminis ad fatum meum perfer".

The earth shivers beneath her, responding to her call. The vibration is not violent but steady, pulsing with life. A tentative root unfurls from the edge, growing thicker and wider until it forms the first step of a descending path.

Sophia glances back at Čalin, her eyes alight with determination. “See you later, Čalin.”

His gaze hardens, though the worry is unmistakable. “Promise me.”

She nods, a soft smile breaking through her resolve. “Promise.”

Without another word, she places one foot on the root, then the other, her movements deliberate as the path grows with each step. The descent is slow, but Sophia doesn’t falter.

As she continues, another root stretches toward her, curling gently around her torso and abdomen like a safety harness. She adjusts her footing and glances down into the shadowy abyss.

“Let’s go,” she whispers, her voice steady as she begins her journey into the unknown.

Chapter Text

“Are you still there?”
You don’t let go, but holding on to a Lycan sprinting through a battlefield is no easy feat. “Yeah, more or less,” you manage between jolts, your voice strained as you cling to the thick fur beneath your hands.

Elias lets out a rough chuckle, a low rumble in his chest as he bounds forward, weaving through Lycans, soldiers, and the chaos. “Are you sure it’s a good idea to get closer?” he asks, though the question feels more rhetorical than genuine.

“Not at all,” you think as you answer with a flicker of humour breaking through the tension. “Do you want to retreat? Afraid of some explosion?” you joke, squinting through the swirling dust and debris kicked up by his frantic pace.

Elias snorts in response, his words muffled by the wind rushing past. “You’re lucky you’re friend with Čalin,” he scoffs, leaping over the remains of a crumbled wall with unsettling grace.

The battlefield blurs around you—gunfire, explosions, the guttural roars of Lycans, and the sharp cracks of weapons all blending together. Dust stings your eyes, and the rhythm of Elias’s movements makes it impossible to focus on anything but holding on for dear life.

Then, abruptly, Elias stops.

Your grip loosens as the world lurches back into stillness, your surroundings catching up to you. You blink against the settling dust, trying to regain your bearings. “What’s going on?” you ask breathlessly, still perched precariously on the Lycan’s back.

Elias kneels, his voice unusually serious. “Rebecca… I think you need to see it with your own eyes.” He reaches up to help you down, his clawed hand surprisingly gentle.

Your boots touch the ground, but the earth feels unsteady beneath you, trembling faintly like it’s alive. You steady yourself against Elias, the faint vibrations adding to the mounting tension.
The sight before you steals the breath from your lungs. The creature’s roar cuts through the air, its massive, multi-winged form blotting out the faint light of dawn as it soars into the sky. It moves with terrifying purpose, heading directly towards Lady Dimitrescu, who is locked in aerial combat with helicopters, Exosuits firing from the ground below.
You freeze, your heart skipping a beat as the sound reverberates through your chest like an earthquake. Slowly, you follow Elias’s gaze, stepping closer to him instinctively as if his presence alone could shield you.

“Elias, what is that thing?” you are scared; the shadow of that being obscures you for a few moments as it flies towards its only goal.

He shifts uneasily beside you, his low growl barely audible. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

But his voice sharpens, his tone abruptly hopeful “Look!”. His gaze shifts past the creature, and you follow it, eyes widening when you spot a familiar figure.

Without waiting for permission, Elias scoops you up again, one powerful arm wrapping securely around your torso. You barely manage a protest before he’s moving, cutting through the battlefield with astonishing speed. The ground blurs beneath you, the wind tearing at your hair until—

Thud.

He sets you down unceremoniously but firmly. You stagger, breathless, your head spinning for just a moment before you see him—Čalin.
You get up, you want to run towards him but the soldiers are all close, from your side you grab a knife and throw it straight towards the lower back of one of the enemies. Elias finishes the action. You manage to gain a few more meters.

“Doc!” he exclaims, showing his sharp teeth with a sort of smile.

"Čalin! You’ve no idea how glad I am to see you still in one piece!" you reply, running towards him, stopping short when you see the hole opening up near your feet.

"Let me guess—that thing came from underground," you say, gesturing skyward, your voice tinged with disbelief.

"Looks like it. And it’s the least of our problems," Čalin replies grimly.

You glance down, noticing strange, intricate roots weaving through the ground. "What the hell is this?"

"Your witch friend’s handiwork," he says flatly.

"And you let her—?"

"Do you really think I could have stopped her?"

"Fair point," you concede.

"She says she can find the answers to end this. But she also mentioned… someone. She thinks the person who killed the Duke is here."

You sigh, your mind racing. On your thigh strap, you have just one knife left. Half a quiver of arrows remains on your crossbow. "I’ve got to go," you say firmly, stepping onto the first root-like step.

"Rebecca, don’t," Čalin says, his voice unusually serious. "If anything happens to you, she’ll never forgive me," he says, casting a quick glance towards the sky.

"If Sophia is down there, then I’m going too. I told her about that man—it’s my responsibility."

Elias places a heavy hand on Čalin’s shoulder, his expression resolute. "We’ll cover her."

Čalin lets out a low growl but doesn’t argue. With a fierce roar, he launches himself back into the fray.

You take a deep breath. "Down we go."

The walls of the crater are hardened soil, unstable under your weight. The weak winter sun does little to illuminate the chasm. You quicken your pace, leaning against the wall for support, your crossbow clutched tightly in one hand.
The battlefield sounds grow distant, and silence begins to creep in. It presses down on you, amplifying the storm of thoughts in your mind.

"What am I doing?" you whisper, your voice trembling. You halt, your chest heaving as you press both hands against the wall for stability.

Your heart pounds wildly, your breath quick and shallow. "Why now? Why this?" you murmur, frustration lacing your words. The edges of your vision blur, and a wave of panic surges through you.
The enormity of your situation bears down on you. The grotesque creature above, the twisting roots below, Sophia ahead of you—all of it threatens to overwhelm you.
"What am I doing? Why am I here?" The questions echo in your mind, feeding the spiral of panic. You grip the wall tightly, trying to ground yourself, but your hands shake, and tears sting your eyes.
"Stop," you mutter, clenching your fists. You force yourself to take a deep breath, then another. "Sophia needs me. Lady Dimitrescu needs me. That’s why."

The thought pierces through the fog of panic, grounding you. “I need to talk to her one more time.” Slowly, your breathing steadies, the trembling in your hands subsides, and your focus sharpens.

"I can do this," you whisper, wiping your face with a shaky hand and pushing forward. You descend a few steps. Then, a few more. The air grows colder and heavier, but you press on.

Suddenly, a soft glow catches your eye—a light blue hue, faint at first but unmistakable. It’s soft, gentle, not menacing in the slightest.

“It’s her!” The words burst from your lips in a hushed exclamation and your pace quickens. The roots seem to guide you, shaping themselves into a crude staircase. You hardly notice how the darkness thickens around you, seemingly swallowing everything but the glow.

"Sophia!" you whisper sharply, your voice trembling but resolute. You want to shout, but fear holds you back. Fear that something else might be here, watching, listening. "Sophia!" you try again, louder this time.

The blue light halts mid-motion, hesitating for a moment before it begins to move again—this time, towards you. It grows brighter as it approaches, illuminating the space with a strange, otherworldly clarity.

Then, it happens. The glow illuminates a face. Her face.

Sophia’s eyes meet yours, wide and shimmering, the light reflecting in them like fractured glass. Relief surges through you as she steps closer, her movements slow and almost dreamlike. She seems drawn to you, her focus unwavering.

"Sophia," you breathe, your voice breaking slightly. You take another cautious step forward, one hand instinctively reaching out.
She doesn’t speak at first, though her lips part slightly as if trying to form words. The glow around her shifts and pulses faintly, almost as though it’s alive—a soft, blue veil encasing her protectively.
Her expression is a strange blend of relief and something heavier, darker. You can’t place it, but there’s no time to dwell on the unease creeping into your chest.

“I found you,” you say, your voice trembling under the weight of mixed emotions.

As the words leave your lips, a faint sound echoes from the depths of the abyss below. It’s almost imperceptible, but it prickles at the back of your neck, sending shivers down your spine.

Sophia’s eyes flicker to yours, the glow around her dimming slightly. “Rebecca,” she whispers, at last, her voice soft and fragile against the oppressive silence. Her hand suddenly grips yours tightly, her fingers cold but determined. “You shouldn’t have come.”

"And leave you down here to face who-knows-what on your own? You’ve got to be joking,” you retort, your voice steadier now, though your grip on her hand tightens.

“No, Rebecca,” she insists, her voice laced with urgency. “You don’t understand. This is where the Megamycete lives. It’s thrived down here, growing stronger, and the closer we get to it, the more its power increases. If that thing that came out of here has even grazed its influence…” Her voice trails off, the unspoken possibilities lingering between you. “Who knows what other nightmares we might find.”

You hesitate, the weight of her words sinking in. But then you square your shoulders and meet her gaze, firm but kind.

“All the more reason for me to stay with you,” you reply, your tone resolute. “I might not have supernatural powers, but I think I’m holding my own so far.”

Sophia’s grip on your hand remains tight. Her eyes search yours, glinting with a mix of frustration and gratitude. “Rebecca, this isn’t about bravery—”

“No, it’s about not leaving someone I care about to fight alone,” you interrupt firmly. “We’re in this together, Sophia. I’m not going anywhere.”

She exhales slowly, the tension in her shoulders softening under the weight of what lies ahead. “Alright,” she murmurs, a faint, fleeting smile flickering across her lips. “But… I’ll need to cast a spell on you.”

“Whoa… wait, what? Why?” you ask, a mix of confusion and apprehension creeping into your voice.

“Have you read Miranda’s books?” she asks pointedly, tilting her head slightly.

“Of course, but not in detail,” you admit. “Didn’t have the luxury of time, you know.”

She nods, her expression grave. “You’re right. Then, let me make this simple. Around the Megamycete, there’s… mold. A black Mold. If you touch it…” She pauses as though searching for the right words. “If you touch it, you become one with it. All creatures that have come into contact with the Mold are connected to the fungus.”

“All of them?” you repeat, the weight of her statement settling in.

“Yes. Even those infected by Cadou. That, too, is a product of the fungus.”

“Shit,” you mutter, the realization hitting hard.

“Exactly,” she replies, her tone steady. “This blue aura around me—it’s not just light. It’s protecting me from contact.”

Your eyes widen, and you instinctively pull your body away from the wall, panic surging through you. “Fuck! Did I touch it? Did I? Shit!”

Sophia places a calming hand on your shoulder. “Relax. Don’t worry. This crater is fresh—just created. The Mold hasn’t reached here yet. You’re lucky.”

You breathe a deep sigh of relief, your heart still hammering in your chest. Slowly, you place a hand on Sophia’s arm, grounding yourself in the moment. “Alright. Then spell me up—cast whatever you’ve got.”

Sophia’s faint smile returns, a small glimmer of reassurance amidst the oppressive darkness. “Hold still,” she says softly, her voice steady and sure. The glow around her intensifies slightly, and you feel the first tendrils of her magic begin to weave their way around you.
The aura splits between you and her. The blue glow envelops you; you feel neither cold nor hot, it's no other reaction than the awareness of having extra protection "Cool!" you exclaim looking at your hands, your arms. That ghostly light follows every movement.

"Sorry to interrupt this moment, but we have to hurry," Sophia says, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Yeah, sure, sorry!" you reply quickly.

Without another word, the two of you resume your descent. The roots beneath your feet feel sturdier now, as though sensing your growing determination. The faint blue glow from Sophia’s aura lights the way, casting strange, shifting shadows on the uneven walls around you.
Step by step, the sound from earlier grows louder, no longer faint but enveloping you. It’s a strange, pulsating hum, crackling and moving closer, then retreating abruptly as if repelled by an unseen force.
It reminds you of the buzz of electrical wires, the kind that would run through an old building on a stormy night, like the hiss of electricity sparking to life—alive, almost sentient. The irregular rhythm makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

"Tell me that you hear this sound too and that I’m not imagining it," you murmur, your voice tight.

"I hear it too," Sophia replies, her tone steady but perplexed. "And I don’t understand what it is."

The roots finally end, flattening beneath your feet as you step off the last makeshift stair.

You’ve reached the bottom.

Chapter Text

Sophia glances around, her brows furrowed. "We need to figure out where to go from here."

She extends her hand and softly exclaims, "Lux." At her command, tiny magical fireflies appear, their delicate forms flickering to life. They flutter around you, emitting bursts of pale golden light.

The illuminated space reveals a network of pathways branching out in different directions. Small fissures crisscross the ground at your feet; the surface is bumpy—a chaotic mix of earth and broken stone. Traces of debris lie scattered around, likely due to the ceiling collapsing during the creature’s violent emergence.

"It’s an intersection," Sophia says, her eyes scanning the paths ahead.

Your gaze follows hers, but something else catches your attention. Black, vein-like tendrils crawl across every path, pulsing and spreading out like a sinister web. "The ones you were talking about?" you ask, your voice low, wary “It feels so…alive”

"That’s the Mould," Sophia confirms, her tone grave. "Be careful when you’re near it. I don’t want to test my spell myself."

"Me neither," you reply quickly, instinctively pulling your hands closer to your body.

The fireflies continue their wandering, and you both try to figure out which direction to take. As you walk around, you realize the bizarre sound gets louder toward a specific path.

"I have a bad feeling that we have to follow this noise," you say after a pause, your voice steady despite the growing unease coiling in your chest.

The young witch looks around once more and then agrees. "The Mould seems to be more present on that path, too. I suppose it leads us to the Megamycete." With a quick wave of her hand, she commands the magical fireflies to move forward, illuminating the chosen tunnel.

You enter the passage together, the light revealing more of the black veins snaking along the walls and floor.

Sophia glances at you, her sharp eyes briefly softening. "You have stamina, I’ll give you that," she remarks, almost as if to herself.

You smile faintly, taking the words as a compliment despite the tension in the air. "I think I’m running on adrenaline more than anything," you admit, your tone light. The memory of her earlier warning flashes through your mind—her telling you how much blood you’d lost, how close you’d been to collapse.

She doesn’t respond but briefly acknowledges you before focusing back on the paths ahead.

The sound grows louder with each step, a pulsating hum that seems to burrow into your ears.

"It sounds like..." you begin, pausing to listen more closely. "Like the motor of a refrigerator… or some kind of power plant."

Sophia glances at you as you walk, her brows furrowing. “It doesn’t add up," she murmurs.

"What do you mean?" you ask, your voice low, matching the oppressive atmosphere around you.

She pauses, her expression clouding as she carefully chooses her words. "I’ve been close to the Megamycete before—when I was undercover. I snuck beneath the village when no one was watching while the other archaeologists were busy searching for artefacts. The sound near it isn’t like this. It’s more… organic, like a faint pulse or the flow of sap in a tree. A decaying kind of lifeblood. But this..." She gestures ahead, her expression darkening. "This hum is mechanical. Something artificial…and if it was a power plant as you said…"

You grip your crossbow tighter as the pulsating noise grows louder. "That monster came from here. I’m thinking of something, but I truly hope to be wrong," you say, your voice uneasy.

The two of you round a corner, and suddenly, a faint glow appears ahead.

Sophia’s arm shoots out, stopping you. “Wait,” she whispers.

The glow brightens as you both carefully press yourselves against the wall, avoiding the black veins of mould crawling over its surface. The faint sound of voices reaches your ears, muffled but distinct. You exchange a glance with Sophia, your unease mirrored in her wide eyes.

The voices grow clearer as you inch closer, the words now audible:

“The Kipepeo is proving to be up to the task, General,” says a gruff voice.

“Very well, Sergeant,” replies another voice—calm, commanding, and chillingly familiar.

Sophia leans in slightly, her breath shallow as the conversation continues.

“And what about the other… situation?” the second voice asks.

“Everything seems to be going as you expected on one front,” the first voice replies, “but not with the three sisters. They all seem to have suddenly become immune to the cold, and Colonel S’s weapons have only managed to slow their bloodlust for a short time.”

A pause. Then: “The witch.”

“Affirmative, General,” the first voice confirms.

“We need to eliminate her,” the commanding voice says sharply. “You may go now.”

The sound of footsteps echoes as the sergeant leaves, heading in the opposite direction. The general remains behind, his presence palpable despite being out of sight.

You and Sophia remain frozen, pressed against the wall. You exchange a tense look, her wide eyes filled with both worry and determination.

"That voice," you whisper, the words catching in your throat. "Soph…"

Sophia’s face tightens, her breathing quickening. Her eyes lock on yours, and the flicker of recognition in her expression tells you she already knows.

"It’s Marco," you finally say, barely audible.

Sophia stiffens, lips parting as if to respond, but no words come. Her eyes search yours, and she finds the answer in your silence. She reads it in the set of your jaw, the anger in your furrowed brow, the pain you can’t fully hide.

Her shoulders drop slightly, and she exhales shakily. “Marco,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “He’s the one who…” She doesn’t finish, but she doesn’t need to.

You nod subtly, your expression grim. Sophia’s hands clench into fists, her breathing uneven as she presses harder against the wall. Her blue aura vibrates faintly, mirroring the turmoil inside her.

"He’s here," she says through gritted teeth, her voice brittle and laced with fury. "That bastard is here."

You place a steadying hand on her arm. "Sophia, we’ll face him. Together. But not yet. We need to know what he’s planning—what this place is."

She doesn’t respond right away, her gaze fixed on the faint glow ahead. Her lips press into a thin line, and for a moment, you think she won’t agree. Then, she exhales sharply, her anger simmering beneath her resolve. "I want answers," she mutters, her tone hard and unyielding.

"You’ll get them," you promise. "But let me go first."

Her head snaps toward you, her glare sharp and questioning. "Why you?"

"Because he’s looking for you," you say firmly, meeting her eyes and anger. "They’re looking for you. You heard them—they want you dead. If you walk in there, they’ll take you down before you get the chance to do anything. But me?" You take a deep breath. "He knows me. He’ll talk. I’ll find out what he’s planning, and you’ll be right here, covering me. The second anything goes wrong, you come in. Agreed?"

Sophia hesitates, her jaw tightening as she considers your words. The fire in her eyes doesn’t dim, but her shoulders relax just slightly. "Fine," she says after a long pause, her voice low and reluctant. "But don’t take too long. If I think for a second that you’re in trouble, I’m coming in whether you like it or not."

You offer Sophia a faint smile. "Deal."

You peek around the edge of the entrance, your forehead and eyes barely visible as you scan the space ahead. Your breath catches. "Fuck," you mutter under your breath, glancing back at her.

"Remember what I said earlier? About the monster coming from here?"

The witch nods firmly, her eyes locked onto yours, sharp and filled with unspoken concern.

You inhale deeply, steadying yourself. "I wasn’t wrong. There’s a huge lab down here..."

Sophia’s expression tightens, but she simply murmurs, "Be careful."

As you walk, you glance down at your hands, expecting to see the faint glow of the spell Sophia cast. Instead, it’s gone. For a brief, heart-stopping moment, you think the spell has failed, but then you realise: the harsh, sterile lights of the lab are so bright that they overpower the faint aura.

"This can work in my favour," you think, flexing your fingers.

With that thought, you start down the tunnel, your steps deliberate but cautious.

The passage opens into a massive underground facility. The mechanical hum now roars, revealing its source in the sprawling laboratory ahead. Monitors blink, electrical conduits pulse with energy, and cryogenic capsules glow faintly in rows along the walls.

Your eyes dart around the space, taking in the stark machinery and the conduits converging toward a large central chamber. The glow of the lab casts harsh, sterile light across the room, illuminating grotesque figures suspended in the cryo-capsules.

“The sound we were hearing was coming from these,” you think, your gaze lingering on the capsules as their faint hum reverberates through the space.

You pause, your stomach twisting as you take in the mutants—some are twisted fusions of human and beast, their distorted features grotesque yet almost recognisable. Others are like… nothing you’ve ever seen. Alien forms, with elongated limbs, featureless faces, or bizarre appendages, float in eerie stillness.

Then you notice something worse. Several of the cryo-capsules are blackened or filled with pulsing, inky tendrils of Mould. In others, sections of the Mould are suspended, as though being cultivated and studied. Some specimens are barely recognisable, their bodies overrun by Mould, frozen in horrifying poses. Your gaze flicks to containers labelled with cryptic codes, holding what appear to be dissected Mould segments—shredded but still unnervingly alive.

“No doubt that Kipe-thing was created here,” you speculate grimly, swallowing hard as the reality of the experiments around you sinks in.

Even in their frozen state, their empty eyes—for those who had eyes—seem to be watching you. The weight of their presence sends a chill down your spine, a cruel reminder of the dangers that lurk in this place.

Your inspection shifts to the lab tables nearby, strewn with half-finished experiments and advanced equipment. Microscope lenses glint under the harsh lights, their slides smeared with dark, viscous samples. Close by, racks of labelled vials contain unknown substances, their colours ranging from murky brown to a disturbing, vivid crimson.

Then you see the glowing monitors on the walls. They display reams of data—most of it incomprehensible—but a few words catch your eye: “Alcina Dimitrescu—Post-Revival Metrics”, “Combat Damage Levels,” and “Megamycete Viability: 89%.”

You pause, the scale of what you’re seeing finally hitting you. This isn’t just a lab—it’s a fortress of horrors. The amount of equipment, the cryogenic systems, the sheer complexity of it all—it’s impossible to imagine this being built underground in just a few years. Yet here it is, vast and fully operational, all in secret.

Your heart clenches as your eyes land on another set of metrics: “Dimitrescu Daughters—Behavioural Stability,” “Resistance Thresholds,” and “Kipepeo Combat Level”

They’re monitorying them, you think, bile rising in your throat. Even as Alcina is fighting above, they’re running tests, gathering data—on her and her daughters. How? Why?

From somewhere deeper in the lab, the commanding voice speaks again, faint but clear enough to make your heart pound. You glance back toward the shadows where Sophia waits, her glowing blue aura barely visible under the brighter lab lights.

You don't want to go too far; you need to stay in Sophia's line of sight. Taking a couple more steps, you finally see it—the beating heart of the laboratory.

In front of you stands the Megamycete.

It looks like a nightmarish monolith, its form grotesque and alien. A tangled mass of pulsating black veins twists upward, writhing like snakes as if alive. The surface of the fungus is slick and glistening, its texture resembling both hardened rock and rotting flesh. Small glowing nodes, like dim red embers, pulse faintly across its grotesque body, giving it an almost malevolent aura.

Its sheer size is overwhelming, stretching upwards into the shadows above. Its base is deeply rooted into the floor, merging with the surrounding machinery as if it has consumed the lab. The air around it feels heavy, oppressive, charged with a sinister energy that seems to crawl beneath your skin.

And standing near it is Marco.

He is tall, broad-shouldered, his presence as authoritative as his voice. Stripped of the armour he wore in the castle, his blond hair frames a flawless and immaculate uniform adorned with the insignia of his rank: General. His posture is confident, his movements deliberate as he examines a tablet. The tablet glows faintly, displaying schematics of the Megamycete alongside charts of life cycles, infection rates, and something labelled "Subject Control—Dimitrescu."

Your breath catches. You will never control her.

Seeing Marco so close to the source of this horror, so calm amidst the chaos, ignites something inside you. Rage bubbles to the surface, your grip tightening on your crossbow. Without thinking, you step forward, your voice cutting through the eerie hum of the lab.

“You’re a real piece of shit,” you say, your words sharp and venomous.

Marco doesn’t react immediately; his attention is still fixed on the tablet in his hands. A soft, derisive chuckle escapes him, cold and calculated.

“How quaint,” he murmurs, almost to himself, his voice dripping with mockery. He taps a command on the tablet, the screen flickering as if to dismiss you entirely. Only then does he slowly turn, his piercing gaze locking onto you with unsettling precision. A faint smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth as though amused by your defiance.

“And yet, here you stand,” he fakes a sigh, his voice low and deliberate, each word like a knife. “Still far too alive for my taste.”

Chapter Text

Your knuckles whiten as your grip tightens around the crossbow. Marco steps closer to the pulsating mass of the Megamycete, his smirk unwavering, taunting you with every move.

“I hate to disappoint you, but I quite enjoy being alive,” you say sharply, your voice steady despite the storm in your chest.

Marco chuckles, a low, mocking sound that reverberates through the sterile air. “I don’t think so. If you truly cherished life, you wouldn’t be here. Which begs the question…” His tone shifts to a teasing drawl, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Why are you here?”

You stay silent, your glare piercing, but he continues, his words dripping with condescension. “One day, you’re lecturing about some mysterious box delivered to your precious museum. Planning a harmless trip. Then, suddenly, poof! You vanish. No goodbye notes, no further messages. Imagine my surprise seeing you act so… bold after all these years. Even your secretary couldn’t tell me anything.”

Your jaw tightens. “If you’ve touched Veronica—”

He raises a hand, feigning innocence. “Relax, she’s fine. I didn’t need her. You did everything yourself. The moment you put Angie Beneviento on display, I knew exactly where you were headed. All it took was a single call to my team here, and, well, the rest fell into place. We simply waited.”

You bite the inside of your cheek, rage simmering beneath the surface. Words churn in your mind, a maelstrom of disgust and accusations, but none make it to your lips.

Marco’s smile widens. “Ah, I can see it. Your rage! I love it! We always had this… thing… between us.” He gestures vaguely between you, his movements theatrical.

“There’s nothing between us,” you snap, your tone venomous.

“Oh, come now. The banter, the chase.” his fingers tapping his chest lightly. “Don’t deny it.”

Your right hand tightens further on the crossbow, your finger brushing the trigger.

Marco notices and raises a brow. “Really? Oh, you’re not the killer type.”

“Things change,” you hiss, your voice like a blade. “Since the last time we spoke.”

“You couldn’t even shoot me in the face when you had the chance back at the castle.”

“That wasn’t my goal at the time. If I’d known were you hiding under that helmet, I would’ve aimed between your eyes. Trust me.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Doubtful. But I’ll admit, you’ve surprised me since your arrival. Clever girl. You were sneaky, I’ll give you that. We couldn’t track you everywhere.” He winks, pointing at you like a teacher praising a student. “And then, you accomplished the extraordinary—reviving that magnificent, terrifying creature that is Lady Dimitrescu.” He claps slowly, the sound echoing in the cavernous space. “Bravo.”

Your lip curls in disdain. “Your Kipepeo abomination is terrifying. She is not.”

“Ah,” he drawls, clicking his tongue. “Touched a nerve, have I? Don’t tell me you’re fond of her.” His gaze sharpens, and he steps forward, his tone dripping with mock pity. “She’d kill you the moment she needs to feed.”

“No, she won’t,” you counter, lifting your chin defiantly.

Marco scoffs, his laugh cold. “Denial. Adorable.”

“Proof,” you say firmly, yanking back your jacket sleeve to reveal a freshly healed gash. “She could have, but she didn’t.”

He tilts his head, unimpressed. “That means nothing. Vampiric creatures like her are master manipulators. You’re just a pawn to her, as you were to us.”

“Stop,” you order, raising the crossbow to level it at his chest.

Marco smirks again. “This isn’t a game.”

“Don’t call me that. I’m not your friend and certainly not your colleague anymore.”

“Fine, ‘ex-colleague,’” he says, the word dripping with mockery. “Put the crossbow down. It won’t do you any good.”

“Not if I aim right,” you counter, your finger steady on the trigger.

“Oh, my dear,” he sighs, shaking his head as though chastising a child. “Do you really think, with all the knowledge we’ve gathered here, I wouldn’t take precautions?”

“What do you mean?” you ask, your voice low, every muscle in your body taut.

Marco grins wickedly. “Ah, silly me. This is the part where I explain the grand plan, isn’t it?”

“No,” you snap, your voice cutting through the air. “This is the part where you stop this chaos.”

“It will,” Marco says casually, his tone almost cheerful. “Soon. But not in the way you wish for.” He pauses, studying your expression as though savoring the storm of emotions playing across your face. Then, with a theatrical sigh, he gestures around him. “If you had surrendered right away, we could have avoided this… unpleasant bloodbath outside. You’ve caused quite the mess.”

You narrow your eyes, keeping your aim steady. “As far as I can tell, you’re the one losing the most. Your people are scattered.”

Marco’s smirk tightens, his expression darkening for a moment. “My soldiers know the risks. They accept their place in this mission. Discipline. Obedience. Unity.”

You tilt your head “I’m not talking about just your soldiers.”

That flicker of amusement vanishes entirely, his features twisting into a mask of barely restrained fury. “Iolanda’s death…” His voice trembles, but his eyes burn with rage. “The only mistake she made…” He takes a slow step forward, his presence menacing. “…was underestimating you and that mutt.”

Your grip on the crossbow tightens, but your voice remains steady. “How do you know?”

“I know everything!” he roars, taking a step forward. “Soldiers found her body in the castle, claw marks raking across her as if she’d been torn apart. That beast of yours did this, didn’t he? A Lycan killing a mind like hers. What a waste.”

“Câlin was defending himself—and me—from her,” you bust. “She turned herself into a beast, Marco. She brought it on herself. What did you expect would happen?”

“She wasn’t a beast!” Marco snarls, though his voice shakes. “She was a brilliant scientist, the first to perfect Miranda’s Cadou. She knew the risks and still gave her life for the cause.” His confidence wavers for a moment before he composes himself, “But her work remains. Her legacy lives on in every advancement we are going to make.”

You can’t help the bitter laugh that escapes you. “Legacy? Her obsession consumed her, Marco. It devoured her. And you—” your voice sharpens as you gesture toward him with the crossbow—“you fed that obsession.”

He takes a deliberate step forward, clasping his hands behind his back as if to exude control. “I didn’t feed it. I guided it. Iolanda was a visionary, a true genius. She understood the potential of the Mold better than anyone.”

“And look where that understanding got her,” you flash. “Dead. Because she thought she could control something that doesn’t want to be controlled.”

Marco chuckles softly, shaking his head. “You don’t see it, do you? The Mold isn’t just some pathogen or anomaly. It’s evolution, Rebecca. The next step in humanity’s journey.”

“You sound just like her,” you bite back. “Iolanda saw the Megamycete as a calling and said it spoke to her. You turned her delusions into experiments and got her killed.”

There’s a flicker of something in his eyes—pride, perhaps, or defiance. “Don’t act like you knew her. Iolanda and I were equals, bound by a shared purpose. You?” He gestures dismissively, his voice dripping with disdain. “You’re just an outsider, stumbling into something far beyond your comprehension.”

“Oh, I understand perfectly,” you counter coldly. “She wanted to be another Miranda. And you? You’re just another fool trying to play God.”

Marco’s eyes narrow, but he doesn’t rise to your insult. Instead, he steps back, motioning toward the pulsating mass of the Megamycete behind him. “You still don’t understand, do you? Iolanda’s work wasn’t just about modifying the Mold or replicating Miranda’s experiments. She saw the flaws—the chaos—and she fixed them.”

Your grip on the crossbow tightens as you take a steadying breath. “Fixed them? She turned people into monsters.”

“The Cadou was never meant to be a blunt instrument,” Marco explains, shaking his head as though pitying your ignorance. “Miranda’s brilliance started it all—fusing nematodes with Mold to regulate the infection. But the process was crude, messy. The nematodes grew too large, required surgical implantation, and often led to catastrophic failure in the host. Miranda’s work relied on sheer luck—hosts who could adapt were rare, and the transformations were unpredictable.”

“And Iolanda?” you press, your voice icy. “She thought she could do better?”

Marco sneers, pride lighting up his expression. “She didn’t think, Rebecca. She knew. She engineered a new kind of nematode—smaller, more efficient, and genetically refined to merge seamlessly with the Mold. No surgeries, no implants. The infection could be transmitted directly through blood contact or ingestion—immediate and irreversible.”

Your stomach churns. “You mean she made it easier to spread.”

“Yes,” Marco replies bluntly, his tone unwavering. “But that’s not all. The original Cadou allowed the Mold to evolve uncontrollably within the host. It consumed them and pushed their bodies beyond their limits. Iolanda discovered the missing piece—a way to control the Mold’s evolution. She called it her ‘Eureka moment.’”

You narrow your eyes. “What was it?”

“An antifungal compound,” Marco says, his voice reverent. “She didn’t destroy the Mold; she tamed it. The compound allowed the nematodes to regulate the infection, slowing its progression and keeping it from overwhelming the host. The Mold’s power remained intact, but its chaotic evolution was reined in. The hosts became stronger, faster—superhuman—without losing their minds.”

"What mind can be lost if already influenced by an obsession?"

“She was perfecting the Cadou!” he roars, stepping closer, his hands clenched into fists. “Do you have any idea what she achieved? You’re as blind as ever, Rebecca. You don’t see the bigger picture. The Cadou wasn’t just an experiment. It was evolution. A new way forward.”

“For what? To turn people into monsters?” you spit.

He shakes his head, a mocking laugh escaping him. “You’re so small-minded.  The results speak for themselves. The host becomes empowered. The process is almost beautiful in its simplicity. Iolanda believed in it so much, she tested it on herself. She carried the future of humanity in her veins, and you let that beast destroy her!”

“She sacrificed herself to a delusion,” you counter coldly. “And if she was so perfect, why wasn’t she human the last time I saw her? Why couldn’t she control it?”

Marco’s smirk falters for a brief moment, and a shadow passes over his face. “The antifungal wasn’t perfect. It stabilized the infection and kept it from interacting directly with the nervous system, but it couldn’t take the strain off the host’s body. During… some transformations, she couldn’t maintain full control of the growth. Her muscles were beyond measure, requiring immense energy. The Mold pushed against the antifungal’s boundaries.” His grin returns, forced but defiant. “She knew the risks. The transformations weren’t as controlled as she had hoped. It cost her a fortune in destroyed wardrobes, but the power she gained? It was worth it.”

“And yet, she wasn’t indestructible,” you say, your voice cutting through his confidence. “She died, Marco. No matter how you dress it up, she wasn’t perfect.”

“No,” Marco admits, his voice turning colder. “But she was close. The problem wasn’t the Cadou; it was her. Even with the antifungal, her body couldn’t keep up. And this is where our great mutual friend comes into play."

You tighten your grip on the crossbow. “What does she have to do with this?”

“She’s the key,” Marco replies, his voice steady and full of ambition. “Iolanda was strong, but she was still vulnerable. Lady Dimitrescu? She’s something else entirely. Her genetics are unique. Her hereditary blood disease stabilised the Cadou in ways we’ve never seen. In her human form, she’s untouchable—bullets, blades, nothing can harm her. And when the Cadou takes over completely…” He pauses, chuckling darkly. “She becomes a force of nature. Stronger, faster, yes, but vulnerable. The data doesn’t lie, Rebecca,” he continues as he glances at the screens in the lab. “She can’t fully control it in that state. That’s the flaw.”

“And you think you can fix it?” you ask, your voice sharp with anger.

Marco nods, his eyes gleaming with ambition. “Her genetics hold the answer. Her hereditary blood disease is what allowed the Cadou to stabilize in her. If we can replicate that—understand it—we can create truly unstoppable soldiers. No weaknesses. No vulnerabilities.”

“She’s not your experiment,” you shout. “She’s a person.”

“She’s a marvel,” Marco counters. “A once-in-a-lifetime anomaly. And soon, she’ll be the foundation of something greater than any of us.”

“And you think it’ll be easy to defeat her? You really think she’ll let you do that?” you blurt out. “You think I’ll let you do that?”

“She doesn’t have a choice, and neither do you. The Cadou is the future, Rebecca. You’ve seen what it can do. Its power is limitless.”

“You’re insane. You’re just as blind as Iolanda was.”

Marco takes another step forward, his movements too fluid, too deliberate. “Am I? Or am I the only one who sees the truth? The Cadou doesn’t consume—it perfects. Iolanda wasn’t the end of this journey, Rebecca. She was the beginning. And now, I am going to complete what she started.”

Your stomach twists as the pieces fall into place. “You’re infected,” you say, the words heavy with realization.

He spreads his arms, his grin widening. “Of course. How else could I truly understand its potential? The Cadou isn’t just a tool—it’s a gift. A gift I’ve embraced fully.”

“You’re the real monster,” you growl through gritted teeth.

Marco looks straight at you, his smile never faltering. “No, Rebecca. I am the future. But at this point, I realize you don’t want to be a part of it.” In a flash, he pulls out a gun and fires.

Chapter Text

Your body moves before your mind catches up. Instinct takes over. Your eyes squeeze shut as your finger tightens around the trigger. You don’t know how many shots you’ve fired—too many, probably—but the strangest part is why you don’t feel any pain.
Hesitantly, you crack one eye open.

tling tling tling

Your gaze drops to the ground.

Three bullets.

“What the hell?”

Marco narrows his eyes, refocusing his aim.
Another shot rings out—straight for you. But just before impact, the bullet is swallowed by a faint blue aura and drops harmlessly to the floor.

Your eyes widen. “Oh my god! It works on bullets, too!” you blurt out, genuinely impressed.

Marco’s expression twists into something between fury and disbelief. You glance down at his leg and feel a flicker of satisfaction—one of your arrows made it through a gap in his armour, buried deep in his quadriceps.

“Magic…” he mutters through gritted teeth before firing again.

The bullet slams into your chest—except, it doesn’t. The aura absorbs it, but this time, the force pushes you back slightly—a dull pressure blooms in your ribs.

“The protection is weakening with every shot. I have to stop him.”

Marco’s frustration is palpable. He isn’t looking at you anymore. A low growl rumbles from his throat as he shifts his aim, moving the barrel of his gun past you.

Toward something—someone—behind you.

“Come out, witch. Stop hiding.”

Your blood runs cold.
You’ve been so focused on him, on getting answers, that for a moment, you forgot—you weren’t alone.

Sophia.

“Don’t!” you shout, losing another arrow in desperation.

The shot finds its mark—his forearm. Marco hisses, his gun flying from his grip. Your arrow has gone clean through his arm. Without so much as a pause, he yanks it out, his expression barely registering the pain.
Then he reaches down and rips the other arrow from his leg.
Your stomach tightens. He may not have Alcina’s invulnerability, but his pain tolerance is terrifyingly high. And if that’s the case, his strength must be just as unnatural.
You pull the trigger again. Click.
Nothing.

“Shit.”

“Out of arrows?” Marco taunts, flexing his fingers, rolling his shoulders, testing the wound in his leg like it’s an afterthought.

You don’t answer. Instead, you take a deep breath, lower your stance, and—

“I MIGHT NEED HELP NOW!” you shout, barreling toward him.

Desperate times, desperate measures. With no other options, you hurl your crossbow at his face.

It glances off his cheek.

Marco freezes.

“…What the fuck?”

You shrug. “Improvising.”

For the first time since this nightmare began, you see something new in his expression—not fear, not rage—utter disbelief.

And then, finally...

“Ignis.”

A soft, commanding whisper.
The air shifts.
From the shadows behind you, tiny golden fire globes burst into existence, flickering like miniature suns. Their eerie light slithers across the lab’s steel walls, casting twisted reflections in the glass containers.

“Calor.”

Some spheres spin around her, others split and scatter across the laboratory like tiny, sentient embers.

Marco’s lips curl in disgust. “Magic tricks?” he scoffs. “That’s it?”

Sophia steps forward, her sharp gaze locking onto him, completely unfazed. “Oh,” she muses, her voice deceptively casual. “We are just getting started.”

Marco exhales sharply through his nose. “About time.”

“Perfer et exspecta signum.”

Marco lunges.

You don’t have time to react—his hand clamps down on your arm, yanking you in front of him like a human shield. Your breath catches as his grip tightens like a vice.

Sophia’s expression hardens. She lifts a hand. “Let. Her. Go.”

You thrash, trying to pry yourself free, but his strength is unnatural, inhuman. His fingers dig into your flesh, unyielding.

“Solvo”

Then you hear it.
A faint, bubbling hiss.
Your eyes flick to the lab’s cryogenic containers.
The golden spheres floating near them begin to pulse and launch into them. The liquid inside the tubes trembles as if boiling from within. Condensation runs down the glass container like a cold sweat.

Marco notices, his head snapping toward the tanks. “What the hell are you doing?”

Sophia simply tilts her head. “Watch…Libero”

The air pressure in the lab shifts.
The cryogenic containers explode.
Shards of glass rain down as thick, freezing vapour surges outward, sweeping through the room.
Marco’s grip tightens like a steel trap, yanking you against him—not to shield you but to reduce the impact of the explosion on himself.
The sudden pressure shift slams into both of you, and Marco instinctively turns his body, using you as a buffer against the razor-sharp shrapnel flying through the air.

But you fight.

Your elbow snaps back, catching him hard in the ribs—his breath stutters just enough for you to twist.
You push against his wounded quadricep, feeling the hot, wet blood seep through the already-soaked bandages beneath your arm.
Marco’s body tenses. He grunts.
His fingers loosen—just for a second.
You rip yourself free, stumbling backwards.
The searing air bites at your exposed skin as you distance yourself from him.
Your lungs burn from the thickened atmosphere, but you don’t stop.

Marco isn’t down.

Through the swirling mist, his silhouette emerges. Blood drips from his temple, his left arm slick with red. Shards of glass were still embedded in his forearm. His fingers twitch.
And yet, he barely flinches.

“You,” he growls, his eyes locking onto Sophia with pure, seething hatred “Who the hell are you?”

Sophia takes a step forward, her fire-lit eyes burning with calculated fury.

“Let’s just say…” she breathes, rolling her shoulders “I’m here to collect a debt.”

Her hands ignite.

The glow of Sophia’s flames casts shifting shadows along the fractured walls of the lab. The molten reflections dance in Marco’s cold, calculating eyes as he sizes her up—not with fear, but with measured scrutiny.

“A debt?” he scoffs, rolling his shoulders as if warming up. “What kind of pathetic grudge are we talking about? You’re in the wrong place, witch.”

Sophia tilts her head. “Oh, I don’t think so.”

She flicks her wrist, sending a wave of searing fire toward him. Marco barely shifts, dodging with fluid precision as the flames scorch the floor where he once stood. His movements are unnervingly fast—his strength isn’t just brute force, it’s controlled, efficient. He was trained for this.

His hand flashes to his belt—a combat knife glints in the flickering firelight.

Before he can lunge, Sophia stomps her foot down. The ground ripples beneath him like liquid stone, then—crack—a section of the lab floor buckles upward. Marco leaps back just in time to avoid being skewered by the jagged tiles, landing effortlessly on the balls of his feet.

“Cute trick,” he mutters, rolling his wrist. “But magic won’t save you.”

He lunges.

Sophia barely manages to sidestep, the edge of his blade slicing through the sleeve of her coat. Instead of panicking, she exhales sharply, using the momentum to whirl around, her fingers tracing symbols in the air. The air thickens.

“Ventus.”

A violent gust erupts from her fingertips, slamming into Marco like a battering ram. He stumbles backwards but doesn’t fall. His boots grind against the lab floor, his body resisting the full force of the wind.

His lips curl into a smirk. “That's all you got?”

He hurls his knife.

Sophia’s eyes widen. At the last second, she flicks her wrist—clang—a steel clipboard yanked from a nearby workstation smacks into the knife mid-air, sending it spinning off-course.

“Your reflexes are good,” Marco muses. “Too bad I’m faster.”

He closes the distance in the blink of an eye.

A fist drives into Sophia’s stomach.

Her breath leaves her in a choked gasp as she’s thrown off her feet, skidding across the floor. Pain explodes in her ribs, but she clenches her teeth, forcing herself upright.

He’s strong. Too strong.

Marco doesn’t hesitate—he’s on her again in an instant, his knee driving toward her ribs. Sophia barely manages to twist out of the way, summoning a flicker of flame in her palm and slamming it into his shoulder.

Whoosh—fire licks up his jacket, forcing him to tear it off. Beneath, his muscular frame is covered in fresh gashes and bruises, but he barely seems to care.

His grin returns, wild and exhilarated. “You’re making this fun.”

Sophia’s fingers twitch, her mind racing. She can’t outmatch his physical strength—but she doesn’t have to.

She thrusts her palm forward. “Fulmen.”

Electricity crackles between her fingers before a jagged bolt of lightning arcs toward Marco.

He ducks, but not fast enough.

The bolt catches his arm. His body jerks, muscles seizing for just a second—but a second is all she needs.

With a sharp twist of his wrist, he pulls the remains of a fallen metal shelf from the wreckage and throws it at him.

It crashes into him with a sickening thud.

For a moment, silence.

Then, with an enraged snarl, Marco pushes the debris away. His lip is split, a trail of blood running down his chin. He spits on the floor.

“Okay,” he gnashes, rolling his shoulders, flexing his muscles. “No more playing.”

Then he charges.

Sophia barely has time to react before his fist crashes into her barrier, a hastily conjured wall of air. The force of his punch alone shakes the barrier, sending tremors through the room. She holds her breath.

He strikes again.

The second impact shatters the air shield, sending a concussive wave rippling outward. Sophia is thrown backwards, crashing into a steel table. Her vision falters, the taste of copper flooding her mouth.

Marco sidles closer. “You’re not that tough up close, are you?” he sneers.

The witch grips the edge of the table, panting. Her eyes dart around the lab. The Megamycete pulses menacingly in the background, its grotesque mass towering like a silent witness.

Her mind sharpens.

She doesn’t need to overpower it.

She needs to outsmart it.

Sophia shifts her weight subtly, raising a shaking hand.

“You don’t get it, do you?” she breathes, blood trickling from her temple.

Marco frowns. “Get what?”

The girl turns, her lips curl into a smirk. “Who I am.”

Marco tilts his head. “Should I?”

Something snaps in her.

She takes a step forward, her voice deadly quiet.
“You killed a man years ago. A trader. A nuisance in your way.”

Marco tilts his head.

 “You killed my uncle.”

For the first time since the fight began, Marco freezes.

His brows furrow, the gears in his mind turning. “Your uncle—?” His expression is unreadable for a long, tense second: “A trader…”

Then his eyes widen.

“…The Duke.”

Sophia’s pupils ignite like burning embers.

“Now you remember.”

Marco exhales sharply, running a hand over his face. Then... he laughs.

A low, hollow, humourless sound. "You're serious." He tilts his head slightly. "That fat old bastard? Are you... his niece?"

The brunette's expression hardens. "You took him away from me. You murdered him like he was nothing. You destroyed him because he was an obstacle in your pathetic little quest for power."

"I don't regret it." Marco smiles. "I've killed a lot of people. That merchant was just one of them."

The air in the lab shakes. Sophia's fingers twitch.

"Then let me return the favour."

Chapter Text

Then, everything happens suddenly.

Sophia thrusts her palm forward; the entire lab shakes. Shelves tear from their hinges, loose debris is flung forward, metal and glass hurtling toward Marco in a storm of vengeance.

He dodges with unnatural speed, weaving through the chaos with almost inhuman precision. Objects move and collide in explosions of chaos: steel scraping against steel, glass shattering on impact, sparks flying from broken electrical wires that hang like snakes from the ceiling.

The young witch channels every ounce of her fury, her eyes darting to the flickering lights and scrap metal piling up around her. The stench of alcohol hangs in the air, acrid and suffocating; vials broken by her magic pile up among the debris. Thick, flammable vapour rises.

An idea sparks.

Her gaze shifts to the broken wires on the ceiling. She raises her hands and pulls them toward her like a conductor orchestrating a symphony. Parts of them fall apart and crash to the ground, hitting everything in range, sparking electricity.

Metal crunches against the floor, creating friction. More sparks.

Steam ignites.

A column of roaring flames erupts from the accumulated chemicals, feeding on the oxygen-rich air and heat of the wreckage.

Sophia’s lips curl into a victorious snarl. “Ignis maxima!”

The inferno reflects in her furious eyes.

He growls. “You little…”

Sophia clenches her fist. The flames collapse inward, engulfing him. For a second, he disappears into the fire. She gasps, exhaustion creeping in, but then…

Through the flames, he emerges. Burnt. Bleeding. But still standing.

His muscles flex, his fists clench, his veins bulge with barely contained power beneath his skin.

“That’s impossible…” she exhales, exhausted by the amount of magic she’s used.

He lifts his head, his smile a slow, sinister thing.

“Is that all you have?” she taunts.

Sophia doesn’t respond. She needs to think. Fast.

Marco is too strong, too fast. He’s hurt, but not enough. Worse, he’s adjusting. His eyes flicker with something beyond anger: calculation. She sees it in the way he shifts, the way his body tenses.

He’s planning his next move.

And so are you.

You’re tired of being just an observer in this battle. You don’t have time to think about it too much. Your friend needs an opening. The augmented soldier is relentless, pushing forward like an unstoppable force.

“He may not feel the pain, but his wounds speak for themselves,” you think to yourself.

You drop your backpack to the ground to give yourself freedom of movement. You can’t match his strength, but you don’t need it.

You only need a good shot.

You move while your fingers graze the debris that litter the floor: metal shards, broken glass, anything that could be used as a weapon. Your crossbow is gone, but you don’t need it.

With a quick breath, you lunge forward, your boots clattering against the lab floor.

“HEY, ASSHOLE!”

Marco barely has time to register before you ram a glass into his burned back. It’s not much; he barely wobbles, but it catches his attention.

“What the hell…” His head snaps toward you, irritation crossing his face.

You don’t stop. You turn, grab the nearest metal shard off the ground, and slam it into his side.

The blade scrapes his ribs, only giving him a superficial wound, but it does something else.

It makes him angry.

His smirk fades. His hand snaps out, grabbing your wrist before you can strike again.

His grip is iron. Pain shoots up your arm as he pulls you forward, your face inches from his.

You struggle to recognise your former colleague, bruised, burned. His blood dripping onto your clothes and skin.

"You," he growls, voice dripping with contempt. "Always in the way."

His eyes darken with something worse than anger.

Realization.

“You…you’re giving them hope,” he says flatly. “Pathetic.”

And then… he moves.

You don’t have time to react before his other hand tightens around your throat.

The world tilts.

One moment, your boots are on solid ground; the next, your feet leave the floor as Marco picks you up like a rag doll.

Your lungs lock, and the air squeezes from your windpipe as his grip tightens. Your hands flail against his wrist, nails digging into his skin, but he doesn’t even flinch. “You’re the reason they’re fighting so hard,” Marco muses, tilting his head. His eyes flick to Sophia, who stands still, fire curling at her fingertips. “Let’s see how much grit you have left when she’s gone.”

You struggle, but his strength is overwhelming.

“Rebecca, no!” Sophia screams.

Marco’s grip tightens. Too fast. Too hard.
The witch reacts instantly.
His magic erupts, heat exploding outward as he sends a torrent of flame toward Marco’s face.
Too late.
He turns, and then, with brutal, terrifying ease, he throws you backwards.
You don’t touch the floor.
You hit the Megamycete.

It swallows you whole.

The last thing you hear before Sophia’s scream.
The last thing you see is her horrified expression before the world fades to black.

-

The moment your body collides with the grotesque, pulsating mass, something happens.

A cold, sickening pull.

The world around you shatters as the Megamycete’s black tendrils lunge forward, wrapping around your limbs and dragging you in.
Your breath catches in your throat.
A sensation unlike anything you’ve ever felt before overwhelms you.
It’s alive. It’s aware. And it’s watching you.

At least, that’s what you’re feeling—someone watching you.

But you don’t see anything. Only darkness. The kind of darkness that even closing your eyes at night can’t replicate. You thrash, your heart pounding like a war drum as panic seeps into your veins. Your breathing becomes rapid, erratic, each gasp more desperate than the last.

Your eyes are wide—so wide they ache. But the blackness doesn’t waver. It keeps watching you.

“Let me out!” Your voice cracks, trembling. “LET ME OUT!” you scream.

You twist and kick, but your limbs feel like they’re tangled in some giant spider web. Whatever is holding you is slimy and pulsating. The tendrils tighten, then loosen, like they’re breathing along with you.

You wait.

For pain. For something sharp. Something final.

You wait.

But nothing happens.

Instead, the silence presses down on you like a suffocating weight. Tears spill down your cheeks, the salty warmth stinging the cuts you’d earned during the chaos of the lab. Your clothes and bandages are soaked— sweat, steam, dirt, your blood, his blood.

Marco’s. The man you couldn’t take down.

Your chest tightens, guilt gnawing at your insides. You picture Sophia—fighting alone, fighting him, fighting for you.

“I have to get out of here.” Your whisper breaks, weak, as your throat constricts. “They need me.”

Do they?

The voice—soft, insidious, but unmistakably there—slides through your mind like silk laced with poison.

You freeze. You were right. Someone’s here.

You tremble, your voice barely above a whisper. “Who are you?”

Interesting.

Your breath catches. The voice doesn’t echo—it reverberates inside and around you.

“Show yourself!” you demand.

What a wonderful specimen of a human being.

You clench your teeth, rage mixing with fear. “I’m talking to you!”

And what a mind. A cascade of thoughts.

“ANSWER ME!”

How did you wake her up? I need to read you again.

The words twist through your brain like barbed wire, and you thrash against the tendrils, constricting your arms and legs.

“Read me? Stay away from my mind!”

I can’t. The voice chuckles, slow and deliberate. We’re connected now. The tips of the black vines fit slightly to the edge of your larger wounds.

Panic threatens to overtake you “What do you want from me?”

You’re feisty. I like that. But you are also...healthy and strong...not just any human being.

The voice speaks as if it languidly wants to feed on your every thought.

“I’m just a human trapped in this thing,” you hiss. “Nothing special about me.”

Don’t lie. I taste it—your veins, your brain.

The tendrils around your body seem to pulse faster, as if responding to your elevated heart rate.

Ah, now you’re talking to me. The way that infection wraps itself around your cells—it’s beautiful. Perfect. You’re already changing.

Tears stream down your face as the voice presses deeper into your mind, filling every thought, every memory. The tendrils around your body pulse in sync with the crawling sensation in your veins.

Your breath hitches, and you shake your head harder. “This can’t be happening.”

Oh, but it is, the voice purrs, cool and condescending. Your body is already adapting. The Cadou is growing inside you, linking you to me and everything I’ve touched.

You tremble, your voice barely a whisper. “What do you mean—everything you’ve touched?”

You’ll see soon enough.

Then, it hits you.

A pulse—no, several pulses—faint but distinct, like distant whispers carried through a vast network. Your mind is no longer your own. Memories, voices, and echoes of long-forgotten lives swirl around you. You want to scream, but your body doesn't respond to your will.

Karl Heisenberg’s booming laugh echoes briefly before fading into the distance. Donna Beneviento’s soft, ghostly lullaby floats past your ears. Salvatore Moreau’s desperate sobs bleed into the void. Their faces—unfamiliar, yet now achingly familiar—flash before you like fragments of a dream. You know them now. As if you’ve always known them.

Your mind recoils. You’ve never met them, but here they are. Their memories imprinted on you as if you’d lived among them.

“No,” you gasp, thrashing again. “No!”

The tendrils tighten, forcing you still. The memories bombard you, flashing through your mind like a broken projector. Villagers, experiments, failed subjects. Their pain, their terror, their deaths—all of it sears through you.

I’ve been seeing you all this time, the voice murmurs, smooth and taunting, through the memories of those who fall in battle. Their thoughts, their final breaths—they feed me.

“How is this possible?”

Everything I touch becomes me. Everything infected is part of my network. I am them, and they are me. One mind. Many bodies. All interconnected through the Mold.

Your stomach churns.

The network—it’s vast. Limitless.

“The Mold,” you whisper.

The voice purrs. What an honour to finally have you on my web. You are vibrant. You will be useful. Through you, I will rise again.

And then, she appears. A woman, regal and terrifying. Eyes like polished obsidian, her voice cold and commanding. Long, straight blonde hair falls down her chest.

“Who are you?” you whisper, breathless.

Ah, forgive me. The woman’s voice dips into something almost pleasant, mockingly polite. I suppose introductions are in order. You’ve heard of me, even if we’ve never met directly. I am Miranda.

Chapter Text

Miranda. The woman who orchestrated all of this. The one who twisted lives and created monsters. The name tastes like bile in your mouth.

“Mother Miranda,” you hiss through gritted teeth, “Get out of my head!”

Her response is a slow, venomous chuckle. Why would I? Your memories are delightful. They offer so much… perspective.

The way she savours the word ‘perspective’ makes your stomach twist.

You should know she hums thoughtfully that this is the first time I can read someone alive. Usually, I have to wait for the infected to die. But you—oh, you’re something special. Let’s see... the relics you gathered, the rituals you pieced together—clever girl. And Dimitrescu.

Your breath catches in your throat. “Leave her out of this.”

Oh, you’ve been spending quite a bit of time with her, haven’t you?

You try to push back the panic, but Miranda’s presence is suffocating. What you say and what you think bleed together, and the invasion of your thoughts feels like a violation.

“Stop this,” you beg, “...please.”

You’re quite the fighter, aren’t you? But you’re in my domain now. Her voice becomes sharp. I built this. You can’t escape. Let yourself go. Give yourself to me. Free all your thoughts.

You grit your teeth, trying to think of nothing—but even the thought of nothing is something, and she slips past it with ease. You change tactics. She needs your lived experiences. So you replay useless memories: going to the castle, following the guided tour, meeting Iolanda for the first time.

But your brain betrays you.

The memories of Iolanda spiral into connections with Miranda’s experiments and thirst for knowledge. From there, it’s a short leap to the diaries and memoirs you’ve read—and then, finally, to the absence of Dimitrescu in the memories Miranda has given you.

There’s an easy answer to that, Miranda says, her voice like silk wrapping around your throat. She never really died. A flaw in my plan, I admit—a consequence of the unpredictability of my creations. But her survival brought you to me.

“You didn’t know she was alive?”

Miranda’s tone sharpens. If I had, I would be with my Eva now, not wasting time inside your head.

“You needed her and the others dead,” you say, and with that realisation comes a slip of thoughts—a misstep that Miranda exploits.

Oh, but you didn’t just awaken her, did you? Her voice softens, dripping with something cruelly sweet. You slit your veins for her. For Alcina. She hums, savouring the memory like fine wine. How poetic. And her three daughters, too. Was it out of—love?

“Stop it,” you whisper, trying to focus on anything but her words.

Interesting, Miranda’s tone shifts, as if she’s discovered something precious. You care for her. Not just as an ally—but more. You feel for her, don’t you?

You shake your head violently, but the memories betray you. Images of Alcina flood your mind—the warmth of her presence, the softness in her gaze, the way her voice sends shivers down your spine.

“What is she talking about?”

Miranda laughs, cruel and knowing. Mmh, you didn’t even realise, did you? How adorable. You didn’t just bleed to save her. You bled because your heart was screaming louder than your mind. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?

The tendrils tighten around you as her words hit like a hammer.

“Shut up,” you growl, thrashing against the constriction.

That flutter you feel when she speaks to you. The way your breath catches when she pays you a compliment. It’s all here, Rebecca. All of it, laid bare before me. And yet, you couldn’t even admit it to yourself. You can’t lie to me, Miranda taunts.I see everything. You’re drawn to her. And she to you. She asked you to fight by her side. How tragic.

“I said, leave her out of this!” Your voice cracks with fury and shame, shame of those feelings being revealed that way.

Oh, but why? The tendrils pulse violently, tightening like snakes around your limbs. Miranda digs deeper, sifting through your darkest thoughts. Memories of Alcina dissolve into something more sinister.

You see the village burning. The Four Lords bowing before Miranda’s will. Their loyalty, their obedience—all leading to their inevitable downfall.

“Why?” you whisper, trembling. “Why did you have them killed?”

Miranda’s voice turns cold. Because they outlived their usefulness. They were flawed, weak vessels. Ethan Winters was always meant to end them. I needed their power back to me. They were nothing more than tools.

“They trusted you,” you say, your rage bubbling up.

And that was their mistake.

Her voice twists like a dagger in your skull.

The more I infect, the stronger I become. The more they fall, the stronger I become.

Pain sears through your chest as Miranda’s infection spreads like wildfire. Your limbs tremble, your breathing ragged.

“I have to get out of here!”

But Miranda’s presence is everywhere. Smothering. Relentless.

Why would you want to leave? I’m having so much fun. Your love makes you weak. Vulnerable. I could shatter you with it, if I wanted to…and I want to!

A neural current vibrates within your nervous system, crackling like static as Miranda’s voice fades momentarily into the background, replaced by something else.

“My dear…”

Your breath catches. The voice is warm, rich, and soothing. Familiar. Alcina’s voice.

“…you have nothing to worry about. I am here.”

No. That’s not possible. But the warmth in her tone, the way it wraps around you like a blanket—it makes you pause.

“It’s not you,” you whisper, voice cracking. “You’re out there. Fighting.”

You see her smile in the darkness, soft and comforting.

“I won that battle, my darling. I am here with you now.”

The tendrils around you loosen slightly, enough for you to breathe. Enough for you to hope.

Her presence feels real, tangible. Her fingers brush against your face, wiping away the tears you didn’t realise were still falling. Your heartbeat slows, lulled by her touch, her scent—warm cedar and hints of wine.

Miranda’s invasion fades into the background, like a forgotten nightmare.

“You don’t need to fight anymore,” Alcina whispers, her lips grazing your temple. “Let me take care of everything.”

You feel yourself relax, your body sinking into her embrace. The weight of the battle slips away, replaced by the illusion of safety. You lean into her, your fingers clutching the fabric of her dress as if holding onto a lifeline.

But a thought, faint and distant, like an alarm in the back of your mind.

Her daughters.

Your fingers tremble against her as you pull back slightly, just enough to see her face. Her golden eyes meet yours, tender and loving.

“Your daughters…” Your voice is barely above a whisper. “Where are they?”

Her gaze flickers for a split second, a crack in the illusion.

“Don’t worry about them,” she says, her voice softer now, coaxing. “I’m here with you.”

“No,” you breathe, pulling back further. “You’re not real.”

“I am”

“No, Dimitrescu would never dismiss her daughters. Not for anyone. The vampire I know would have mentioned them, ensured they were safe before thinking of anything else.”

The illusion wavers, her image rippling like water disturbed by a stone. The warmth vanishes, replaced by the cold grip of Miranda’s tendrils tightening around you again. The comforting scent of cedar and wine is gone, replaced by the damp, suffocating rot of the Megamycete.

Miranda’s laugh pierces the air like shattered glass.

Such a clever girl, she hisses. But even clever girls break eventually. And you—oh, you were so close to giving in.

Your muscles tense as the illusion crumbles completely. The burning sensation in your veins returns, molten and unbearable.

Suddenly, your breath catches. The burning sensation in your veins intensifies, surging through your body like molten lava.

“What—what’s happening?”

Oh, yes. I’m spreading through you. Soon, you’ll be mine. Another vessel. Another pawn.

Pain sears through your body, sending you crumpling against the darkness of the tendrils holding you. You claw at them, but the burning doesn’t stop. Your mind fractures between Miranda’s invasive presence and the excruciating heat inside you.

But then—Something shifts.

The fire in your veins doesn’t spread the way it should. Instead, it slows. Then—pushes back.

“What are you doing, now?” you are confused.

Miranda falters. This is not me.

You blink through the tears “What do you mean?"

No. This isn’t possible.

The intrusive push inside your thoughts now moves intermittently, tries to push, but is pushed back. You just feel it, still, as a humble spectator of a battle inside your body.

It is you.

“I don’t understand,” you whisper, clutching your sides. Your body convulses as another wave of heat surges through you.

You brought something with you. You are attacking my creation!

“I didn’t bring any…” and it hits you, his words “The infection could be transmitted directly through blood contact or ingestion” your mind is spinning “His blood and my wounds. All of them were open doors.” between the realization and the agony, you feel like you want to puke “I was already infected, by him”

No! Miranda’s voice loses its smug edge. I control this infection. It’s mine!

Whatever’s inside you—it’s fighting back, and you are, through the suffering, regaining clarity and strength. The pain is unbearable—but there’s something different about it. It’s not consuming you. It’s… stabilising.

Impossible! Miranda snarls. This is my Realm. My Cadou should overpower anything else.

"That’s where you're wrong" you say while you let the missing piece being a simple though easy to read “and here it is the missing piece "An antifungal compound”

The memory ignites before Miranda’s eyes—Marco’s voice, Iolanda’s brilliance. The words resonate undeniably. She sees everything.

She screams trying to tighten her tendrils around you, desperate to maintain their hold. But they can’t. The modified nematodes from Marco’s blood—precise and stabilising—fight back, weaving through your body in harmony with your cells.

You feel it: the difference between chaos and control.

Your muscles twitch involuntarily as the nematodes work their way into your nervous system, weaving through your body like living threads of power.

Stop this! I will not be defeated by some diluted version of my work!

“I know exactly what to do,” you think, and for the first time, Miranda hears the steadiness in your voice.

You reach forward, your fingers trembling but steady enough. With a twist of your wrists, you grasp the black tendrils, yanking them closer, their tips still embedded in your wounds.

NO! Miranda’s scream echoes like static over a dying radio signal. What are you doing?!

“Infecting you back”

The antifungal Cadou surges through your bloodstream, merging with the darkness around you. The red of your blood spreads along the tendrils like veins feeding a parasitic system. Reality and the depths of your mind blur, but you don’t care. Whether it’s your imagination or not, it’s working.

This will destroy you!

“No,” you whisper, your voice calm and steady. “This will destroy YOU”

You twist harder, ripping through the last of the tendrils. They dissolve into black and red sludge, sliding off your body as Miranda’s scream fades into the void.

The Megamycete spasms violently, its surface rippling like water under a hurricane.

And then—

It spits you out.

Chapter Text

Your body is launched forward, like being shot out of a cannon. The world spins violently as you crash to the ground, tumbling over metal debris and shards of shattered glass. When you finally come to a stop, you’re gasping for air, your lungs burning. Your hands claw at the ground as you push yourself up, coughing violently. Slimy black residue clings to your clothes and skin, the scent of rot and fungus overwhelming your senses.

You wipe your mouth, only to realize you’re bleeding. Not from the Megamycete’s tendrils—but from the inside. The blood is faintly tinged with black, but there’s no time to think about that. You stagger to your feet, swaying slightly. Behind you, the Megamycete trembles, chunks of its form peeling away like dying skin. But your eyes search for only one person.

Sophia.

The lab is a warzone of fire and wreckage. Sparks shower from severed wires, flames dance over shattered machinery, and smoke curls through the air like ghostly tendrils. In the midst of it all, you see her—Sophia—still fighting Marco. She is exhausted, trembling, badly injured, barely able to stand. Blood streaks her face, her hair clinging to her sweat-soaked skin.

“YOU SICK BASTARD!” she screams, expelling a burst of air with a violent motion of her hands. The gust slams into Marco, forcing him back a few steps. “YOU KILLED HER!”

He stumbles but quickly regains his footing, his gaze darkening as it shifts from Sophia to you. His eyes widen in shock, disbelief flickering across his face.

“You,” he growls, his voice hoarse and ragged. “How—?”

You don’t give him time to finish. “I’m done being helpless,” you say, charging at him. Your speed takes everyone by surprise—including you. In an instant, your shoulder slams into his stomach, and the force of the impact drives him backward until you both crash into the wall with a bone-rattling thud.

He tries to breath, but you don’t let up. You grab him by the collar and hurl him to the ground, the momentum causing the floor to shudder beneath you.

“The Megamycete should have consumed you,” he rasps, coughing up blood.

“It tried,” you admit, rolling your shoulders as the heat pulses through your veins like liquid fire. “But thanks to you, Marco—” You raise your hand and clench your fingers into a fist, feeling the raw power surging through you, intertwining with your nerves. “Now I’m a little harder to kill.”

Without hesitation, you bring your fist down into his face. Once. Then you stop. Twice. The crack of bone echoes in the lab, but he only laughs through the blood seeping between his teeth.

“I see what happened,” he sneers, spitting crimson onto the floor. “You’re like me now.”

“Never,” you growl, standing to your full height. An inhuman strength surges through you, and with one hand, you lift him off the ground by his throat. His feet dangle uselessly, kicking against empty air as he struggles to breathe. “I am better than you.”

“Rebecca!”

Sophia’s voice slices through the chaos, sharp and desperate. You freeze, the weight of her voice grounding you. Marco’s body goes slack in your grip, his gasping breaths the only sound between the crackle of fire and the hum of broken machinery.

You turn your head, your eyes meeting Sophia’s. Her expression is a whirlwind of emotions—relief, confusion, fear. Tears well in her eyes, streaking down her face. “You promised me,” she says, her voice breaking under the weight of emotion. “He’s mine.”

You pause, fury fading into a steely resolve. You nod, dropping Marco roughly to the ground “This is not my revenge”. Kneeling swiftly, you press a knee into his chest, forcing him down. Leaning close, you snarl, “You’re not getting out of here alive. But I’ll buy you a few more minutes if you answer my questions.”

He laughs bitterly, blood trickling from his mouth. “Why the hell would I help you?”

“Because the Megamycete is dying, Marco,” you snarl. “And when it happens, no more twisted experiments for you. But my friends are connected to it. If it dies, so do they.”

“Why would I want to stop it? Your friends will weaken. They’ll die.” he smirks “And with them, the dragon will fall and we are going to take her”

Rage coils inside you like a live wire. “You’re not taking her. You’re not taking any of them, even if they are weakened…they…you…the soldiers…” Your muscles lock up. You feel it before you fully understand it, the pieces of the puzzle clicking into place, sending a slow, creeping dread through your chest “your soldiers… they’ll still be standing!”

Your hand snaps out, gripping his throat and squeezing. His smirk vanishes as his body tenses beneath you. His fingers twitch, but he’s too weak to fight back.

“Your Cadou,” you mutter, barely a whisper at first. Your grip on his throat tightens. “Mine. It’s different, isn’t it?”

He stares at you, blank, unreadable.

“Answer me!” you yell, shaking him violently. His head snaps back against the floor, the impact sending a fresh streak of blood from his already battered skull.

Marco coughs, groaning, but his silence is defiant.

Your fist slams into his face. His head jerks to the side, blood splattering onto the cracked tiles. His breath shudders. Another punch—harder—fracturing his jaw to the side.

“Talk, damn you!” you roar, your voice shaking with fury.

Marco lets out a breathless laugh, spitting out a tooth. His lips curl in amusement, even as his body trembles under the weight of his injuries. “You’ve got a hell of a right hook,” he mutters, voice thick with blood.

You ignore him. Your thoughts are racing now, the realization hitting you like a freight train.

“When my infection spread… when my blood touched the Megamycete… the connection broke.” You exhale sharply, eyes widening. “The antifungal compound… It doesn’t just stabilize the Cadou.” You look down at him, watching his expression shift. “If someone infected with Miranda’s strain consumes blood like yours, does it cut them off from the network?”

Marco’s grin twitches, but there’s something else beneath it now—hesitation.

You shake him again, harder. “Would it save them?”

His jaw clenches. "In theory, yes. The antifungal compound in our Cadou could override Miranda's infection, stabilising the host and maybe isolating them. But it’s unpredictable. Dangerous. It might kill them faster."

Your breath comes faster, panic mixing with adrenaline. It’s a desperate gamble, but it’s the only shot left.

You release him abruptly, standing up, your mind spinning, calculating.

“If your pathetic friends want to survive,” he says, voice rasping but dripping with mockery, “they’ll need what I have. What you have.” He tilts his head, blood trickling down his chin. “And I highly doubt you’ll be volunteering your own blood.”

“You’re right,” you say coldly. “But there are plenty more where yours came from.”

Marco’s eyes narrow, realization dawning. He coughs, blood speckling his lips as he chokes out, “You’d really condemn others to become like us?”

“Better than dying,” you snap. “Besides, your troops aren’t exactly innocent.”

Marco watches you closely, then exhales sharply through his nose, a dry, humorless laugh leaving him.

“Tch… You really think it’s that simple?” He smirks, but there’s a flicker of something else—resentment. “You think this ‘gift’ was handed out to everyone?”

Your heart skips a beat.

You narrow your eyes. “What are you saying?”

Marco chuckles, low and cruel. “You’re not as clever as you think.” His head tilts back slightly, his grin widening despite the pain. “Do you really believe I’d waste this power on just anyone? You think all my soldiers got the same treatment?”

Your fingers tighten on his shirt. “Meaning?”

His expression sharpens, the amusement barely concealing his satisfaction. “Only the best,” he murmurs, his voice heavy with mockery. “Only those worthy.”

Your stomach turns cold.

The highest ranks. The commanders. The elite.

The realization slams into you like a freight train. You don't have to drain an entire army—you just need their officers. The ones with the same blood running through Marco's veins.

But how do you find them quickly on the battlefield?

You look down at him again, your voice low but unwavering. “Tell me where your soldiers are. The elite—the officers. I want their locations. Now.”

Marco exhales, a weak chuckle slipping past his cracked lips. “Scattered on the battlefield, of course,” he drawls darkly. “You’d better hurry… The clock’s already ticking.”

You know he can’t help you anymore. His purpose is spent.

There’s nothing more to get from him. He’s useless to you now.

You stand up, wiping your bloody hand against your thigh, the motion slow, deliberate.

Marco’s breath stutters, his fingers twitching weakly against the floor. His gaze flickers between you and the burning wreckage around him. For the first time, his eyes widen—not in arrogance, not in defiance. But in fear.

He exhales a strained chuckle, though there’s no humour in it this time. Blood dribbles from his mouth as he forces himself to smirk, a flicker of his old bravado masking the terror creeping in.

“That’s it, then?” His swollen eye struggles to open. His voice wavers. “Done playing?”

Your insides twist from the whirlwind of emotions that unexpectedly hit you. He was your colleague for so long, and now he is there, crumpled on the ground, waiting for his end. You almost feel sorry for him.

"I'll give you one last gift for old times' sake," you murmur. "You will embrace your end standing."

With your newfound strength, you haul him up.

He can barely stand.

"Thank you," he exhales, legs shaking beneath him.

But you’re already turning your back on him.

For a brief moment, something in you hesitates. Not because you pity him, but because you have seen enough death for one day.

You step away, your shadow detaching from his battered form, revealing Sophia standing right behind you.

"He is yours," you tell her.

Marco’s breath hitches. His head lifts slightly, a last, desperate flicker of resistance—

But his body betrays him. He is too weak.

He knows what is about to happen.

Sophia’s eyes darken with purpose. With what little strength she has left, she summons a gust of wind that propels her forward. Flames lick at the edges of her hands as she presses them together, conjuring a concentrated ball of fire. Her feet stumble, but she doesn’t stop.

Her entire body trembles as she raises her hands and thrusts the fireball directly into Marco’s chest.

The flames erupt, searing through flesh and bone, consuming him from the inside out.

His screams are short-lived, cut off by the sheer force of the blast. His body convulses once, twice—and then goes limp. The stench of charred flesh fills the air, but the sound of Sophia’s sobs drowns out everything else.

She collapses to her knees beside his burning corpse, her shoulders shaking as she cries.

“I did it.”

Her hands, still trembling, press against the ground as if she’s holding herself together by sheer will alone.

“I finally did it, Uncle.”

You stagger forward, your own exhaustion catching up with you. The world tilts, your muscles screaming in protest. Sophia is still on her knees, shoulders shaking, barely holding herself up.

You move to pull her into your arms—

And then you freeze.

The blood.

Your hands are coated in it. Your clothes are soaked. You can feel the damp stickiness clinging to your skin. And it’s not just your own.

Marco’s blood.

Your blood.

Both infected.

Panic grips your chest. If even a drop gets into her wounds…

Your breath stutters, mind racing for a solution. And then—your eyes flicker to the wreckage behind her. Your bag.

Somewhere inside—

The scarf.

You nearly collapse from relief as you stumble toward it, rummaging through the torn fabric with trembling hands. And there it is. Stained from battle, but intact. The soft wool carries faint memories—the warmth of your grandmother’s hands as she knitted it, the time you wrapped it around Alcina’s fragile crystalline form to keep her safe, the day you used it to protect Miranda’s journal. A reminder of everything you’ve fought for.

Now, it will protect Sophia.

You loop the scarf around your hands, wrapping it tightly as a barrier. Only then do you turn back to Sophia, kneeling in front of her.

“I thought I lost you,” she chokes out, her voice cracking as she stares at you, raw pain in her eyes. “I thought you were gone.”

You shake your head, wrapping your arms around her—finally, fully, safely. She buries her face against you, gripping your shoulders as if afraid you’ll disappear again.

“I’m here,” you whisper, your own voice breaking. “I’m here. We’re okay.”

The fires around you crackle softly, the sound blending with her quiet sobs and your ragged breathing. The warzone fades into the background, leaving only the two of you in that moment…And for now, that’s enough.

Chapter Text

The crackle of sparking wires snaps you back to reality.

“We have to get out of here—now,” you say, gently peeling Sophia off you as your eyes sweep across the burning wreckage. “I don’t think this lab’s got much longer.”

The young witch wipes her eyes and nose, her fingers trembling. She tries to stand, leaning on you, but the moment she puts weight on her legs, they give out.

“Rebecca… I’m too tired. I can’t walk.”

You catch her before she falls. “I’ve got you,” you whisper, sliding one shoulder under her arm, making sure not to let your skin touch hers. You both try to take a step, but her legs drag like dead weight.

“Leave me. Go find the others.”

“Are you insane? What am I supposed to tell Câlin? Or your aunt and cousins? No. You’re coming with me.”

“I can’t… I can’t move,” she whispers, slumping in your arms.

You glance around the collapsing lab, looking for anything that might help you carry her.

“Shit. We destroyed everything,” you mutter bitterly. But that we jars something loose inside you—reminding you of the strength now coursing through your altered body.

“Promise you won’t hit me?” you ask suddenly.

“What?” she murmurs, confused.

You shift, moving your arm from under her shoulder and instead wedge it beneath both her armpits. You hand her your torn backpack, crouch, and sweep your other arm under her knees. With ease you didn't expect, you lift her into your arms.

She furrows her brow. You think it’s from the movement, but you can feel the tension in her muscles—she's barely holding on.

“Don’t hurt me,” you tease softly, adjusting your grip. “I’ve seen what you can do with your magic. Honestly, I’m more scared of you than the rest of your family.”

She gives a weak smile. “If I hurt you, my aunt would never forgive me.” She shifts slightly, settling into your grip with the unspoken trust that you won’t drop her. “Thank you.”

“Let’s get out of here.” You throw one last glance at the burning laboratory—the collapsing Megamycete, the flames, Marco’s smouldering corpse. Your jaw clenches. “We need to warn the others. Fast.”

You move quickly toward the exit, and soon realise something startling—your new body lets you move faster than before. Much faster. You break into a full sprint through the maze of tunnels.

“Hold on,” you murmur to Sophia. She’s too weak to conjure light, but you somehow can still see. Not clearly, but enough. Shapes. Walls. The path ahead. You don’t question it—not now. You just run.

Do I have more abilities? Flashes through your mind.

You don't know how long you’ve been running, but you don’t feel tired. The darkness begins to lift. Your heart leaps.

“There,” you breathe. Light filters through the cracked ceiling. You press forward, emerging at the base of the crater that thing left behind. Miraculously, Sophia’s magical stairs are still intact.

You lower her gently, letting her feet find the ground. She leans against the rock wall, standing—barely.

That fight must’ve drained her dry. God knows what happened while I was in Miranda’s grip…

“We’re almost out, Soph,” you say gently. “Just a few more meters. I think I’ll carry you piggyback so we don’t fall.”

She raises her hand, halting you.

 “No, Rebecca. This is where I stop. You need to go on alone.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I told Călin I wouldn’t leave you behind—”

“Look at me!” she snaps, weak but firm. “I can’t stand, I can’t fight. If you drag me out there, I’ll be a target. I’ll slow you down.”

You open your mouth to protest, but stop. She’s right. You lower your gaze.

“It’s okay. I’ve done my part,” she says gently. “Now you do yours. Warn the others. There’s no time.”

You reach for her shoulder—where there’s fabric, not skin—and squeeze softly. “I know I can’t talk you out of this…”

“I’ll be fine. Just… let Călin know I’m safe.”

You glance up toward the light above. “I’ll tell Câlin you’re here, that you’re safe. That you fought like hell.”

“Tell him not to come for me. Finish this war. Save us”

“I will. Nothing’s going to happen to your family”

“Our” she states, voice faint. “You’re one of us now, Becca…”

Your cheeks flush with heat as you step onto the first stair. “I’ll see you soon. I promise.”

“Rebecca,” she calls as you lift your foot. You stop, turning your head. “Thank you. Truly. I couldn’t have done this without you. I got to end it… for my uncle. I owe you everything.”

You rub the back of your neck awkwardly, not sure what to say. “He’s the one who brought me here. We’re even.”

Without waiting for a reply, you begin to climb.

The sounds of battle grow louder. The difference in temperature between the tunnel and the surface hits you like a slap—icy air wrapping around your wounded body. Your clothes are in tatters, your skin raw. Goosebumps rise—but strangely, you don’t feel the cold. Not really. Whether it’s the infection, adrenaline, or something else, you push forward.

You place your hands on the crater’s edge to lift yourself out—when two clawed, furry arms grab you and help you up.

Elias looms before you“I told you I’d cover you,” he grins—then frowns, his eyes scanning your torn figure “What the hell happened to you?”

“Later. I need to find Călin—now.”

Elias puffs up his chest and raises his head to howl—but suddenly, he coughs. Hard. He drops to a knee.

“Elias?” you grab his arm. “Are you okay?”

“Just tired,” he forces a smile. But his eyes betray him—fear. Around you, some Lycans falter. Not many. But it’s spreading. And they’re getting overwhelmed.

“It’s already happening…” you whisper.

“What is?” he growls.

“I need Câlin. NOW.”

The massive Lycan tilts his head back and howls with everything he’s got. The call echoes across the field.

From a distance, soldiers are tossed through the air as something—someone—approaches fast. A swarm of insects buzzes past you, shifting in midair into a figure you recognise instantly.

Tears in her eyes. Panic in her voice.

“Rebecca—it’s Bela.”

You freeze. “What happened?”

“She can’t fight anymore”, Daniela gasps, frantic. “It’s like—her strength is gone. Her body—her skin—”

The words choke in her throat.

You move to hug her, but a voice stops you.

“What’s going on?” Câlin appears, panting.

“It’s my fault,” you mutter, clutching your head. “Shit—this is my fault.”

Your thoughts spiral, but you force yourself back, blurting the first thing your brain can form.

“The Megamycete… It’s dead.”

Three sets of eyes lock onto you.

“It can’t be,” Elias growls.

“It is. It died,” you say, “and I killed it. I mean, Marco did. His Cadou did.” You’re rambling.

“Rebecca,” Câlin places both hands on your shoulders. “Breathe. Tell us what happened.”

“There’s no time. Just listen. An infection destroyed the Megamycete—something like Iolanda had. I’ve been infected too,” you admit, locking eyes with Câlin.

“Oh my god,” Daniela gasps. “You’re not human anymore… oh my god…”

“I don’t know what I am. But listen—the connection is broken. No Megamycete, no Cadou link. Without that, your powers are failing.”

“Bela…” Daniela whispers.

“She’s dying,” you confirm. “And soon, so will all of you—unless we stop this.”

“How do we stop what’s already dead?” Elias growls. “I need to find my wife—”

“Wait,” you say. “There’s one way—my blood. I don’t have time to explain everything, but Miranda infected me. For a moment, I was in your network. But then Marco infected me too, and something in his blood, well, he infected me first and then Miranda, but it doesn’t matter… the new infection kicked in. It severed the connection.”

You shake your head. “What I’m saying is…my blood can help.”

“We can’t drain you dry,” Călin warns.

“You won’t have to. Whatever’s in me—it moves fast. And I’m not the only one with it. The elite soldiers, the high-ranking ones—they’ve all been infected. That’s why they’re so strong.”

You expose your wounds, fresh blood trickling. You press your wrist to an open cut on Câlin’s arm.

“Trust me.”

He hesitates—then nods. You rub your blood into the wound, slow and deliberate.

“Gross…” Daniela mutters, wiping her tears with trembling fingers. But there’s hope in her eyes now.

“Your turn,” you tell her.

She grins faintly. “My way, then.” You know what she’s about to do and offer your other arm. You look away as she sinks her teeth in. She pulls back a second later, licking her lips. “You’re not so bad.” she smirks.

You turn to Elias, but he’s already gone. “I’ll find one of the elite bastards myself,” he growls, disappearing into the fray.

“Călin—tell the others. Find the high-ranking soldiers. Spread it fast. We’re running out of time.”

“What about you?” he calls.

You glance at Daniela. “Can you fly me to your sisters?”

She nods. “Let’s go.”

Her swarm engulfs you. Your stomach lurches as she lifts you skyward. Far below, you see Câlin bolting to deliver the message. Bullets fly past—but Daniela is fast, agile. You see the battlefield shrink below. You have nothing to hold on to, and it seems like the vampire read your mind “Don’t worry,” Daniela says, her voice firm over the beating wings. “I’ve got you.”

Then—you see them.

Cassandra, fighting like a demon to hold the line, with two other lycans helping her. And beside her—Bela.

You drop from the swarm and run to her.

You lower your body beside Bela, your hands trembling as you unsheathe the scythe from her side. The blade catches the faintest glint of light, but your attention is on her face—ashen, barely conscious, her skin pale and stretched thin like parchment. Her blonde hair dull. Her eyes barely open.

“Re…be…” she murmurs.

You kneel, heart lurching. “I’m here,” you whisper. “I’m here to help.”

You glance at your leg—one wound still bleeds. You grab Bela’s blade, lying on the soil. You press the tip of the blade into your own thigh, hissing as it slices deep, and crimson begins to pour out.

“Please… drink.”

But Bela doesn’t respond. Her lips remain still.

No swallowing.

No twitch.

No life.

Your heart pounds harder. She isn’t responding. The blood’s not enough.

You press your fingers into the blood and bring it to her lips again and again, forcing it in.

“No, no no no—” you breathe, panic rising in your throat.

You dip your fingers into the wound on your leg again and drag the blood directly over the gaping tear in her arm.

At first—nothing.

Then the flesh twitches.

Cells knit together with unnatural speed. The decay halts. Begins to reverse.

Hope ignites in your chest.

You smear more of your blood across the cracked skin on her neck, down her side, over her ribs. Each contact triggers a fresh surge of regeneration. Her flesh tightens. The grey pallor lifts. Her hair, dulled and lifeless just moments before, regains a hint of lustre.

“Oh my god—it’s working!” Daniela’s voice cuts through the chaos. “Cass! CASS! BELA IS GETTING BETTER!”

A weak groan escapes Bela’s throat.

Her eyes crack open just enough to see your face. “What… is… happening?”

You breathe out a shuddering sigh and brush sweat-matted hair from her forehead. “You’re coming back… from the dead… again.”

A tired smirk plays at her lips. “You saved me" Bela exhales shakily, the faintest flicker of life returning to her. She reaches weakly for your hand, her fingers brushing against your wrist.

You grab it, squeezing gently—carefully. “You’re going to be okay,” you whisper, but your voice cracks.

From the side, Cassandra’s voice cuts through the moment, sharp with urgency. “Rebecca, how bad is it?” She’s still holding the line, claws drenched in blood, muscles trembling. Her gaze darts between you and the battlefield.

“Bad,” you answer simply, not turning. “But she’s stabilising.”

Daniela drops to her knees beside you, eyes wide as she scans Bela’s body. “Her colour’s coming back. Her veins—Rebecca, they’re not black anymore.” Her voice trembles with disbelief, and then something harder slips in. “Whatever you are now… it’s working...”

“Not for long if we don’t spread it,” you murmur, eyes still locked on Bela’s.

Bela blinks slowly, breath shallow but steady. “It hurts,” she admits, voice faint as dust. “But I feel… stronger.”

“That’s all I need,” you say, brushing her hair back again.

"And I am feeling into my blood too," the youngest says.

You glance to Cassandra—who’s still keeping the soldiers at bay, but now turning her head between every strike, checking on Bela, again and again.

Daniela stands. “We need to move her somewhere safe.”

“No,” Cassandra calls back without hesitation. “We stay with her. If they get past me, they’ll regret it.”

The tension stretches between you all—until finally, Cassandra growls through clenched teeth, parrying another blow and shouting, “Rebecca—what now?! What do we do?”

"You guys try to hold out a little longer." You stand up, looking up, where another battle is taking place. Your expression changes, "Now... I have to infect your mother."

Chapter Text

From the moment her mutated form burst out of the crumbling tower, Lady Dimitrescu hasn’t had a second to breathe. A fleet of helicopters has attacked her from every direction; most of her movements have been defensive—evasive—rather than offensive. The matriarch, after her last and not-so-distant defeat, knows that although her size is terrifying, the draconic form is far more vulnerable to human weaponry.
And yet, she lacks neither speed nor stamina.

The shots rain down with such frenzy that she can’t even look toward the ground. She senses the danger—her daughters are fighting down there—but all the scents and sounds are a blur. The living beings are too distant for her predatory nose to identify them clearly; she can only feel the network connecting all of them. She senses creatures falling, but the chaos and the hate are so alive that she can’t distinguish anyone.

Dust. Blood. Debris.

"Rebecca, where are you…" she growls between her fangs, diving to dodge a flurry of missiles. She plunges low, skimming the ground, then with a powerful flap of her wings rises again. The rush of air from her passage slams into the soldiers on the ground, scattering their ranks.
The missiles hit the rocky cliffs behind her, detonating with a thunderous crash. The ground trembles. Stones and fire rain down, merging with the chaos of battle.

"I didn’t come this far just to be destroyed by a bunch of common soldiers," she snarls to herself.

She needs to strike them down—but if she does so over the crowd, it could lead to a massacre.
Her family. Her loyal creatures. Rebecca… They’re all down there.
One of those aircraft, if shot down in the wrong place, could wipe out dozens of lives. That’s why she’s spent long, gruelling minutes flying through the barrage, dancing between bullets—but not striking back.

And every time she tries to break away, the helicopters cut off her path, forcing her to reevaluate. They’re containing her.
It’s a coordinated entrapment.

She halts mid-air, panting. The tentacles along her back writhe like angry serpents. Her wings spread wide, taut like sails in a storm.

"They figured out my game," she thinks. "I need them to crash somewhere safe… but where?"

Around her: only forest, the mountain on which the Castle stands, and the village below.

"The forest might burn. The Castle… might collapse completely. And the village… not even an option."

One of the helicopters pulls closer. A speaker crackles to life:

"You have no escape, monster. Surrender. It’s the only way to minimise casualties and save the ones you care about."

“Care about…” The words burn her throat.

"I have come back from the dead more than once," she roars, her voice deep and thunderous. "Do you really think I’d surrender to you?"

Three options. Only three.

"There’s only one thing I can rebuild…"

Flapping her wings is no longer a defence—it becomes an offence.
A beastly roar bursts from her second mouth, the one nestled within the fangs of her mutation. With a sudden, explosive lunge, she launches herself toward the source of the voice. A spinning flight, an animal scream. She folds her wings around her body, coiling in on herself—becoming a living missile, claws and teeth sheathed in an armoured spiral.

The pilot realises the mistake too late—tries to dodge—but exposes the helicopter’s flank.
Lady Dimitrescu slams into it with brutal force, tearing through its side and sending the vehicle spiralling toward the base of the Castle.

An explosion. Smoke. Fire.

"One down."

The rumble of rotors fills her ears again. Three more helicopters form up in attack position. Two missiles fly.

This time, she doesn’t dodge.

She shifts right, dives low. One missile clips her wing, and she lets out a guttural snarl. The second passes underneath—but she tracks it.

And catches it.

A fast, instinctive move. With the claw of her hind leg, she snatches the missile mid-air. Her muscles strain. The weight is considerable—but manageable.

"Let’s see if you like tasting your own weapons," she growls.

She twists mid-flight, performs a half-spin, and hurls the missile toward another chopper.
The impact is devastating. A mid-air explosion. Flaming wreckage rains like hail—but Alcina deflects the debris with a wide flap of her wings, steering it toward a distant part of the mountain, away from the battlefield.

"Keep your eyes on her!" someone shouts over the radio.

A soldier on board locks eyes through a visor. "She’s attacking—We can’t contain her! She’s not stopping—she’s too strong—"

The radio transmissions grow frantic.

"We’re losing control. Repeat, we’re lo—"

Agent S hears everything from the ground. He grits his teeth. "We can’t contain her while she’s conscious. We have to take her down. We need her alive, not conscious"

He reaches for a different radio device on his belt—a small communicator, separate from the standard military channel.
He takes a breath and presses the red button.

"Release our creature."

A moment of silence.

Then a voice replies, deep and steady: "Roger that."

Lady Dimitrescu is just preparing another attack when something changes in the air.

The helicopters retreat. Their flight paths shift. Like broken flocks, they veer off and vanish into the distance.

For a moment, Alcina hovers mid-air, breath heavy, heart pounding.
The enemies are retreating.

She’s… free in the skies.

The feelings are mixed.
Part of her wants to chase them.
Part of her wants to stay close to the battlefield.
But she quickly realises that the retreat is only aerial.

Below her, the carnage continues.

Her instincts sharpen. Her animal nature roars.

Something is going to happen.
Something worse.

Now she feels it.
The network has shifted. A sudden pulse through the hive—an awakening.

Something she had missed.
Something dangerous.

A presence she foolishly overlooked.

A low rumble erupts from deep inland, echoing along the slopes of the mountain and the Castle’s broken walls.

Still suspended in the air, Lady Dimitrescu turns her gaze downward. In the distance, several soldiers begin to retreat from a specific area.

Through the dim light of dawn, her sharp eyes catch the faint outlines of Čalin and Sophia—both visibly disoriented.

Instinct kicks in. She moves to descend, ready to protect them—

—but the explosion is sudden.

A geyser of debris shoots skyward with immense force, and from within it, a shadow launches into the air like a bullet.

Lady Dimitrescu veers away just in time, wings spread wide as she puts distance between herself and the incoming threat.

The creature loomed before her, towering and still. The two pairs of wings on its shoulders were fully extended, taut with tension, the leathery membrane shivering slightly in the morning breeze. Its head—an unholy fusion of insect and human—scanned the battlefield with eerie precision until its many glowing eyes locked onto her.

“So… they created you specifically for me?” Alcina growled, her mutated voice distorted but defiant.

In response, the beast let out a dual shriek, one from its upper humanoid head and another from the circular mouth embedded in its lower body. The sound was ear-splitting—metallic, unnatural, like steel being torn apart and violins screeching in hellish unison.

Alcina’s upper torso recoiled, her dragon-like form curling inward at the sheer auditory assault. Without arms, she could not cover her ears—only endure. Her lower jaws, monstrous and gnarled, trembled with the anticipation of battle, salivating with primal hunger.

"Showtime!"

Lady Dimitrescu and the Kipepeo launched themselves at one another in unison.

The enemy’s grotesque form gave it an initial advantage. While the upper, humanoid half soared directly toward the dragon-like matriarch, the lower body arched forward like that of a monstrous hornet, its circular maw wide open, rings of interlocking mandibles snapping in a sequence of ravenous bites.

Rows of insectoid legs along its spine shot outward, attempting to latch onto Alcina’s flanks and restrict her savage movements. Simultaneously, its writhing tendrils struck at her humanoid torso with whip-like precision, while the lamprey-mouth below darted toward her belly in a deadly pincer manoeuvre.

But Lady Dimitrescu was faster than expected. With a thunderous snarl, she twisted mid-air, using her massive hind legs to catch the beast's lower jaw, holding it apart with brute force. The circular fangs scraped uselessly against her scales as she pushed back, her muscles bulging, wings flared wide in the morning light.

The Kipepeo shrieked through both of its mouths, the sound vibrating through the air like a living alarm. With a violent flap of its vast, frayed wings, it managed to wrench itself free from her grip—just barely.

Black veins pulsed across its entire body, a grotesque rhythm of corruption and power, as it hovered in front of her once more—ready for the next strike.

Now it’s Alcina’s turn.

As the creature takes a moment to recover, Lady Dimitrescu surges forward—then veers sharply to the side. With a sudden snap, the serpentine tongue from her dragon-like maw lashes out and wraps around the midsection of the Kipepeo.

The force of the manoeuvre, combined with the momentum of her sudden turn, throws the beast off balance. It pitches forward, wings faltering in the air. For a second, she has the advantage—she’s ready to hurl the creature away.

But the Kipepeo adapts.

Taking advantage of the spin, it lashes out with its tendrils, the rear appendages shooting out and twisting around the tentacles along her back.

Lady Dimitrescu screeches in pain, her grip faltering.

The creature seizes the moment. Its tendrils slither further along her form like serpents, coiling around her torso with unnatural ease. Meanwhile, its lower half arcs outward, building momentum—then lunges inward, aiming to bite into her spine.

But Alcina is not so easily outmatched.

She feels the shift in air pressure. She knows what's coming.

As the Kipepeo beats its wings for a powerful rotation, she twists with it, using the wind it generates to spin her massive frame. With a guttural snarl, she lashes out with her claws—and grabs the monster’s back, sinking her talons deep into its exoskeleton.

Another metallic scream erupts from the beast. For a fleeting moment, it writhes beneath her, its form twisting unnaturally—but the talons buried deep in its back do little to hold it still.

The lower mouth—along with its surrounding insectoid limbs—moves with unnatural fluidity, rotating a full 360 degrees. Despite Alcina’s grip, the Kipepeo arches its body backwards like a monstrous scorpion. Its legs extend. Claws spread.

Then—it strikes.

In one violent motion, it clamps onto her lower body, insectile limbs snapping shut around her hips and thighs. With a sickening strength, the beast drags her downward, yanking her toward the circular maw—rows of rotating teeth gaping open, eager to rip flesh from bone.

Alcina felt it—
The sudden grip.
The violent pull.

A surge of pain shot through her as the Kipepeo’s tendrils constricted her lower body, dragging her closer to the gnashing maw. Her talons instinctively released their hold, her wings beating hard to pull back—but it was too late to fully escape.

The outermost ring of the beast’s circular jaws bit deep.

A sharp, wet sound tore through the air as a chunk of her flesh was ripped free—the edges shredded, veins exposed.

The pain was blinding.

But Lady Dimitrescu roared in defiance.

With a powerful beat of her wings and a savage twist of her torso, she wrenched herself free, tearing through the tentacles that held her and snapping several of them clean off. The black blood of the Kipepeo sprayed into the air like oil, sizzling against her scales.

She reverses her flight, breath ragged, blood trailing behind her like ribbons in the dawn light—but she was free.

Her eyes locked on the monster again.

It had hurt her.

It was going to pay.