Chapter 1: Mouse in the Lion's Mouth
Chapter Text
"Quickly, you insufferable vermin. Do you want that overpayed witch catching us?!" Miller whisper-yelled as you struggled to climb through the small opening of the window.
3:01, the clock said, the time of horror as the "Mother" said in your nightly spooky stories. It was all bullshit, you thought, lies to keep the other kids inside the orphanage and dream of falseties.
"Shut up, you dramatic oaf. Everyone is sleeping like the dead right now. If you would just help me get down, then that'll make this a whole lot easier"
You glared at your twin brother as you landed on damp grass when you jumped down. You thought you heard stirring from inside, but it was quickly set aside in your thoughts. Oh how freeing it was, the fresh air of nature and the distant sounds of creatures of the woods. You just hoped none of them were out to get you two.
"There's a village near, Elena said. Just behind the hill, we have to get away from here as fast as possible" You sighed as you slapped away an annoying fly roaming near your heaving face.
The trek was treacherous as you had thought, winding roads that you thought we're purposely trying to lead you astray. Some puddles of mud that Miller almost fell through to his clumsiness. And finally, the unease you both felt due to the quiet woods.
It didn't help that the wind was howling and also freezing, just like that lyric of Elsa that the Mother had often sung to the smaller ones at the orphanage.
2 hours into the escape and your brother was already whining. Sometimes you couldn't believe he would be 18 in a few months, all because of his barely-thought-of acts. But your matching birthdays were a dead give away, to your dismay.
"Dork, do you have my coat? My balls are gonna freeze over here.." Miller groaned as he rubbed his arms, you rolled your eyes and continued to walk.
But before you can come up with a snarky response, you both heard the sound of a twig snapping, a bush rustling perhaps? You weren't so sure anymore with your foggy mind. But you and Miller always had shared increased senses, somehow.
"What is it..?" Miller whispered yet again, stopping in his tracks beside you, turning to face the noise. He had an arm in front of you, pulling you a step behind him, despite his matching fear.
"An animal if we're lucky" You responded in the same hushed way, the hairs on your body standing. Wondering if you can still run without the presence giving chase closer than you liked.
"I-I've got a knife, come out!" Miller said out loud as he brought out a small pocket knife and got in a ridiculous stance, great. Now your location was revealed, vulnerable teens out in the woods at night.
"You- are you stupid?! We don't know the first thing to using that knife, bozo!" You clamped a gloved hand over his mouth, despite being just as loud if not louder.
But a small caw answered his call. A crow came out of the bushes, tilting it's head at both of you. You could've sworn it's eyes were bright yellow, but perhaps it was a trick of the light. And for a moment, you three just sat there looking at each other.
Before you both can both process the event, the crow had already flown away, heading to the direction of the grand, imposing castle that had just started to take shape when the fog had cleared up.
That same castle Mother had always warned you about, "Only filled with blood and death" as you recalled. But it wasn't your destination.
"Hey I can see the village from here.." Miller squinted before he pointed ahead to the snow-covered pile of homes. Most were poorly-built and had probably been here since your ancestors, but then again you didn't know who your ancestors were.
"Finally. Keep your head down"
You both hurriedly ran down the hill and to the path towards it, there seemed to be some kind of night fair occuring. The houses were still lit up and people were gathered around the opening. There was a statue of a maiden wielding a blade and a shield, and you admired it, before Miller broke your moment.
"Hey there's a fortune teller!" Miller gasped as he tugged you near the small tent harboring the old woman sitting behind a table, bearing salt and pepper hair with curls that were messy. Busy with tending of another customer, a man who seem to have his life down. As if a few sugared words from a strange lady can get your life together.
"Why would you want to know your future? That would ruin the fun, idiot" You sighed and pinched his ear to drag him along and through the fair.
There were others set to amuse. A woman wearing all black and controlling her handcrafted dolls like puppets, sharing stories for the children gathered around. A fire-breather some drunken men called a witch and was half tempted to burn at the stake.
But no Elena, you wished she would've congratulated you upon your ongoing escape. But then again, it was 5 in the morning.
The villagers didn't trust new faces, you've never been out of the "house" due to mother having strict rules about it. It had felt so containing, like you were at a gilded prison rather than a place of comfort for you and your brother.
The only thing that caught your eyes was a morbidly obese man sitting inside his wagon, definitely too big to sit there, and the bottom of his belly peeking out from his dark costumed shirt. You wondered how he wasn't spilling out. He was the center of attention, a magician as it said on a sign near, wearing a dark hat.
"Ah! You must pick a card and keep it held in your mind, M'Lady" The man had said with his strange yet alluring accent, you and your brother couldn't help but stand behind some more onlookers.
The girl at tow hesitantly picked a card, it wasn't the usual deck you would expect. The audience had been able to see what she picked, a crest of some kind, Two intersecting swords behind a flower, perhaps a symbol you wouldn't know. "T-This one, I set my mind to it, Duke!"
"That's the Duke?! I have heard about him from the kitchen maids, I thought he would be more charming due to them squealing like school girls." Miller mumbled, but as if heard, the Duke had smirked in your direction and let out a small chuckle.
"Don't be worm-minded, he's charming in his own way, no?" You slapped the back his head which resulted in a glare, shaking your own and now half-interested in finding some sustenance for your rumbling stomach. You haven't eaten since dinner, and that was hours ago.
A round of applause caught back your attention, you saw the Duke holding the right card as the audience were definitely bought. There must've been a trick to it, you thought. You were caught in your thoughts before a chubby finger had pointed to you.
"You! Yes you, fair lady. A new face eh? Please, approach." The Duke said, a grin on his face as he encouraged another applause when you were pushed forward by your brother, looking back at Miller who seemed really excited, giving you a thumbs up while you gave him the middle.
"You do not seem to believe my magic, interesting. Though a magician mustn't reveal his ways, perhaps I can convince you otherwise." The Duke then reached into his wagon, almost toppling over in all his weight. You cought a glimpse of the lone dark horse behind his vehicle, it must've brought him here, poor horse you thought.
But as he turned back towards the people, he did not bring more cards or a bunny hidden beneath his tophat. No tricks. You would've preferred otherwise, but alas. In his hand was a silver brooch. It was of the same design as the card earlier, perhaps it is more symbolic in the village than you thought.
"A gift, y/n. Think of it as a charm, perhaps it may even tell your future, like the fortune teller didn't do right?" The Duke laughed in his own joke, the sound full but not mocking, no one else seemed to understand but the both of you. Confusion and slight alarm was seen in your face but the object was clipped onto your chest, right above your heart. How much weirder may this night get?
"Oh, thanks.. I guess" You reached for it, touching at the shape metal edges, a small smile broke on your face. You've never had a gift before, Mother didn't bother on birthdays after they turned 10, said they were old enough. Well aside from the small gifts of Miller throughout the years, that "cool stick" he found in the garden, that noodle head didn't count.
But then you doubled over, head snapping to his again with furrowed brows. Wait a minute..
"How do you know my name?"
"Anyone who's anyone has heard of the likes of you, milady. And, after all. A magician never reveals his ways."
The Duke only smiled before he returned to entertaining, you walked away with a jumping Miller touching at the brooch "That's so cool! Maybe that costs thousands of lei"
"Or maybe it's just an old cursed brooch" You grumbled before the scent of freshly made bread was caught in your nose, you grabbed Miller's hand and dragged him aside, giving him that knowing glare to "get serious."
He nodded with knitted brows as his "serious look" hiding behind an alleyway, you both didn't find much joy in doing devious things, but such is life. And live you will.
Luiza, the baker's name as said atop the store. She had a kind smile, perhaps ranging over late 30s and early 40s. When a customer had come up in front of the store to buy some loafs, there was your perfect distraction.
Miller got out of the alley first, then you stepped right after, for a few minutes you both looked over the kind of breads available. More of what's easier to pocket, then you picked up a Romanian bread, a local delicacy.
"Hello sweetheart, what can I do for you?" Luiza turned to Miller suspiciously but with a trained smile, who stopped in his movements, he was too jumpy for your liking, you both were amateurs of course, but by the Black God, he can atleast attempt to keep that hidden.
"U-Uh.. Well-" Miller managed to stammer before his hood dropped, revealing his shocked face. You quickly pushed large loaves into his arms, taking some for yourself before you ran. Dragging him with you, while you heard the faint cry of Luiza.
"Thieves! Those little rascals stole my bread!" Luiza announced and the villagers soon gave chase, much to your horror. Perhaps you haven't thought this through, who can think on an empty stomach?
"A whole village is after us!" You groaned in panic as you struggled to keep up with Miller's quick feet, turning and running aimlessly, even almost toppling over logs.
"Who could've thought?!" Miller said sarcastically as the turns have tabled and he dragged you along, you can hear the many angered footsteps of the hoard. To your absolute terror, an arrow was fired and landed on bark near your head, you let out a loud gasp and scrambled away as quickly as it was fired.
"There they are! Mother Miranda said not to take kindly to thieves!" A man said, leading the crowd. The name was faintly familiar, perhaps from a book back at the orphanage that you used to scare Miller with.
You both managed to hide behind a large rock. You thought for a second, or what seemed like an eternity, you had no choice if you want atleast one of you to survive.
"We have to split up Mills. I-I'll serve as bait, hide your food and ration it, we'll meet up later. Somehow"
The words came out with gritted teeth, you didn't want to part from your big brother, as he liked to call himself despite only being an hour older.
"What?! That's crazy.. No I won't, what if something happens to-" You cut him off with a hand on his blabbering mouth as you heard footsteps again, you shoved the bread you stole, and reached into your pockets and put a winged key into his hands.
"The gardener helped me, said there's a small abandoned warehouse east of the village. We'll meet there." You state, with no argument allowed and pushed him away, before standing up and spotting the group stalking.
"We're over here, rats!" You screamed with a middle finger to their enraged faces before running the opposite direction of Miller, you didn't bother looking back knowing his expression would likely break you.
"After them!" They hurried forwards, atleast you had succeeded as the distraction. You ventured through the thick dark forest, much denser than the one you had around the house.
-~-
It felt as if you were working your legs for an hour already, exhausted and nearly breathless. You honestly didn't know if you would make it, note to the men getting closer than you would've liked.
Then you saw it, a river. Your chance at survival perhaps. The current was fast and unforgiving, considering the time of day, the temperature would be freezing. All or nothing, right?
You stopped at the river bank, looking back to see another arrow being fired and the others wielding handcrafted weapons, axes and knifes. All for stealing a bit of food.
"Fuck it"
A leap of faith, literally. Memories flashed before your eyes, of Miller, of Mother, or that worm Becka who was the mother's pet. That left a bad taste on your tongue. Besides everyone else, your brother is your only family.
For him, you would live for a little longer.
Jumped the river you did with a yell at the top of your lungs, landing on a large rock at the middle, the water was as cold as you initially thought, perhaps even more so. You trembled at the temperature and scraped your knees slightly at the rough rock, but swam away as quickly, grabbing onto anything to prevent the current from swallowing you whole.
You had half a mind to just give in to the current as see where it takes you, but the stab of something sharp woke you from such thoughts. An arrow finally landing on your arm, you cried out as your blood painted the water.
"Crazy witch!" An older man with graying hair said as you emerged from the water, you recognized him as the one giving you dirty looks back at the village. You soaked the grass beneath you as you were sent hateful glares. Yet they don't bother to cross the river as you did, it wasn't worth it.
You had to physically crawl away before managing to get onto your shaking legs, running as with a victorious laugh but not as hastily. As if for a moment you can taste sweet victory.
"Suck it! Hah!"
Your laugh would've proven their accusation of being a witch by now. You tore through the new woods, the trees were taller in this area, and the small insects were squirming away from your heaving figure.
Your glee was cut short from an unsuspecting rock. Tripping over it, you were sent rolling down another hill, you screamed on your way down. You thought you might've seen another crow perched on a branch on your way down watching amusedly, perhaps the same one from earlier, you couldn't tell. Hitting branches and bushes alike, before finally.
You hit your head against a tree in your landing with a final yelp.
All you can process was the heavy boots of footsteps. Then cackling, feminine, maniacal. The faint buzzing of flies, many of them, a hoard perhaps.
There it was again, golden eyes. But now it wasn't a trick or the light, there were three pairs. Grinning down at you as if you were nothing but an insect in their sick game. Then the winding sound of metal piercing through flesh. Your flesh. Too weak to scream once more, your eyes closed.
And the world flickered away.
Chapter 2: Can't Hide
Chapter Text
"Let me go you filthy bloodsuckers!"
You managed to shriek out breathlessly, squirming in place as your hair was spread out unpleasantly against the pavement. The girls were cackling and mumbling to themselves unintelligibly, as if cracking jokes only they can understand.
Something along the lines of "make a fine wine"
The ravenette turned to you with familiar glowing eyes and only grinned menacingly, pressing her sickle deeper into your ankle which caused a pained moan from your dry lips, as she dragged you single-handedly through a path towards the castle, like you only weighed an insignificant feather.
They were all identically suited, a long black, grim-like dress were tailored on their fit body, hoods partly hiding their faces, but just enough that you can catch a glimpse. These were the demon's spawn, otherwise known as the countess' daughters, well known to wreak havoc upon unfortunate villagers.
Yet with all the rumors circling around, you cannot deny that they have their certain unique charm. Damn you and those dark romance novels you've read!
"Full of life aren't you, little rat? Don't you worry, I'll make your death agonizingly slow and then I'll-"
"Cassandra! Behave yourself, we cannot do anything to her without Mother's approval." the blonde one scowled and only got a following glare from the girl- Cassandra.
"But I'm hungry! I'm sure mother won't notice.. I bet her stupid blood is tainted already anyway!" Now the red-haired girl spoke, almost in a whine and the other two groaned, rolling their eyes at the same time. That would've made you laugh, if you weren't about to be killed by maniacs.
Over their quarrelling and tussling, you had dried tears on your dirtied cheeks, struggling against Cassandra's impossible hold. The demonspawn were distracted enough, if you could just unlatch yourself without them noticing-
Pop, the blade was pried from your flesh which only resulted in a larger cut. You barely had a moment to react, dragging yourself away on torn knees as your legs screamed with agony. You expected the girls to hesitate, to gloat perhaps, but that wicked grin returned to their lips far too soon. Too eager on giving chase.
Then the horror unfolded. One by one, their bodies twisted, crackled of breaking bones and unraveled into swarms of blowflies.
"Run, little rat!"
You needn't be told twice! Running blindly, desperately, legs carrying you past crooked scarecrows that you figured weren’t merely straw. The village was no refuge, you knew better. That path would only promise more blood. Death, twice over.
The buzzing grew louder, closer. You shrieked as a fly burrowed into your neck, the sting hot and sharp before once again emerging out of your skin slowly with a dizzying squelch. They weren’t chasing anymore, they were herding. Herding you toward the castle.
Terror-fueled adrenaline surged. You barely registered the creaking gate, already ajar, and stumbled inside. Lights flickered from within. Was it rightful hope? Or a cruel trick? You dared to believe.
“Help! Please!” your voice cracked, lost in the silence, until mocking laughter curled around your ear.
Statues loomed, bushes shaped with care, and a familiar crest caught your eye, a rose nestled between twin blades. Dimitrescu. Same one you had over your pounding heart. No time to dwell.
With a final, desperate effort, you forced the towering doors open. No welcome awaited. Just the cold presence of a forgotten era. Porcelain vases, velvet curtains, and a grand portrait of three hauntingly beautiful women.
You shoved the doors shut with failing strength. The buzz still hissed just beyond. But for now, you had found a sliver of silence.
Only when you ran into a corridor did you meet the same ravenette toying with her weapon, as if waiting in boredom. "There you are, little rat! I'll enjoy draining you!" she approached quickly, crackling bones turning into her swarm yet again.
Now you ran the other way, past winding hallways into a larger room, the main hall. Containing four statues at it's wake, yet you've still no time to stop and look when a blade swung right past your face, you were made to continue onward.
You now crossed unknown territory, a chamber only made for the largest creature you can imagine. You closed the door quickly with panting breaths, only met with the haunting silence of the room, larger than any you've been in.
It was sporting a custom crafted armchair at the middle, the fireplace was still warm and in the far corner was a large four-poster bed. Only now did you realize the gravity of the situation.
Looking around, the room seemed to be uninhabited as of now, you were in the clear, even if just temporary.
Slowly, you tiptoed and hid at the opposite side of the bed, sitting against it with head against your knees. For a delicate moment, tears trickled down your cheeks, were you to ever get out of here? What about Miller?
"Is freedom so hard to achieve?" you mumbled over a shaky breath, now hugging your injured lower limbs.
You hadn't heard footsteps to your own emotions, head hidden with no chance of seeing the dark stilettos of the woman approaching near. It was almost impossible to hear, like a predator's silence before capturing its prey.
A small smirk was worn on her matching colored lips as a large hand reached out, torn away from your tears, you were picked up by the scruff of your shirt with a small yelp, as if only a disobeying dog. Your wide eyes met hers, full of amusement and lingering curiosity. What stupid young girl would venture into the castle grounds alone? You. You figured.
"What do we have here? A lost little mouse?"
You were now face to face with the countess herself, and you were rendered speechless again, from both shock and what you identified was awe. She was a vision, albeit terrifying, you imagined a large burly beast, but now faced with a goddess.
Her voice almost lulled you asleep, like a lullaby and an opera at the same time, soothing yet with it's dark edge, a trick you thought. Her skin was fair and her mature face was beautifully sculpted with wrinkles while certainly rocking a silk dark robe like a victorian model.
"I-"
"Mother! You've met Breakfast, say hello, Breakfast" Cassandra barged into the room, face full of mirth as she strutted forwards, followed by her sisters. Finding it all too amusing how you appeared so powerless and small in their mother's hands.
"Now now daughters, what have I said about toying with your food? It's even dirtied my vintage carpet!" The devil Lady said with a perfectly raised brow, putting a hand on her hip and wiping off the mildly soft expression she had before.
Bela had crossed her arms in distaste while Daniela was just openly staring hardly to the now dried blood dripping from your body.
"We found it in the outskirts of the castle, mother! If we hadn't led it here, the moroicas would've taken it instead.."
And for a moment of your surprise, the girls seemed sheepish beneath their mother's scolding gaze. Before those same eyes turned to you.
The lady gripped your jaws with her free hand, just hard enough to make your lips puff out as you only squirmed. She tilted your head around, as if checking, analyzing if you were fit, as if you passed her cruel standards.
Your trembling hands reached up for hers, trying to pry it off. "No!" This was it, you thought, the place where you die a horrible death.
"She speaks!" Alcina laughed, the sound full and velvety, just like her lips.
Suddenly, with hesitance, she pushed forward the hand holding your body, then dropped you carelessly back onto the carpeted floor, you yelped in surprise, plopping down like a discarded, forgotten toy.
"As much as I crave young blood to start the day, we are running low on servants, as a result of your recent endeavors." Alcina had gathered herself, clasping her hands together as she had an unreadable face. You only crawled away, the pain in your feet catching up to you.
"The little mouse will serve as a maid-" The demonspawn were already trying to protest, their expressions annoyed, before the lady raised a manicured hand simply, holding no arguments.
"-until I see fit. Now clean up your mess, children"
Lady Dimitrescu had trudged back towards her gigantic chair to fetch wine in mere seconds to her long legs. You met the eyes of frustrated children and let out a small breath of relief. Bela was already disinterested and walking out, Cassandra lingering towards her mother. Atleast you get to live another day-
Daniela let out a screech of irritation, surging forwards and holding your skull beneath her hands before pressing you back down against the cold hard floor. You struggled helplessly. Feeling her nails digging against you scalp, wanting to tear you whole if not by her mother's strict orders.
Before you knew it, her sharp fangs dug themselves forcefully into your neck, the harsh squelch of skin breaking and blood bursting was heard, horrid and painful. You screamed yet again, vision skittering and you think you might be tasting the same blood in your mouth.
"Just a little sip to quench my thirst~"
Notes:
Another one! Albeit short. What do we think? (I'm very open to suggestions, constructive criticism and whatnot)
Chapter Text
"Mama, why aren't we like the other children?"
Mother Isabella, just mama for short, turned to look into your eyes in the mirror, and took longer care of combing your silky hair, smiling softly and maternally. The environment seemed so warm, nurturing, you heard the gentle hum of classical music circling on the vinyl, and that scent that smelled like home.
"Sweetheart, you all are special little ones to me. But your case.. your case is different, delicate"
Sitting on her lap at the vanity, you fiddled with the hem of your night shirt, then little hands went to reach for your precious stuffed toy on the tabletop, Freddy. Earning a small scolding "tsk" as mama lost ahold of your hair and you almost fell forward but she held you firm against her chest. You couldn't comprehend her explanation, not yet anyway, she never tells you anything and it makes you frustrated.
"B-but mama, Becka had called me moldy!" you puffed your cheeks, jutting your lower lip out which made her grin ever so widely. Pinching your cheeks, she followed the act of poking your sides and it broke your composure, giggling and squirming in her lap while trying to hide behind Freddy.
"Don't listen to them, little bug. Such a sweet girl can't be made of mold hm?"
Mama leaned forward, whispering against your tiny ear, making you giggle once again. "Moldy is the dishes old cook Nellie makes"
The landline rang, she turned to the noise and hardened. Then after a split second, her face turned cold, she stood up still holding you and deposited you onto your single bed where Miller slept on the one right beside it. Before leaving the room, answering the phone outside. Mama didn't tuck you in, strange, you thought.
Leaving Freddy tucked against the pillows, you tried to catch what she was saying from your bed, turning your ear towards the slightly ajar door, and using your peculiarly heightened senses, it was considered strange by the other children but it can have its perks at times, despite mama telling you eavesdropping is bad.
You heard everything. And surely, you heard hushed mumbles.
"Yes, Mother Mi-"
"Wake the hell up, girl!"
The booming voice awoken you immediately, eyes wide open and hair tousled like a lioness. You immediately let out a groan as the pain registered on your body, you were clean. Bandages were all over. One on your head, your ankles and then on your neck. What the hell happened, surely you would've been dead by now, right?
"W-wha.. How long was I out?"
You tugged the blankets further along your chest, feeling exposed. Taking the time to look around frantically, your things were gone. That bright bag you brought from the orphanage, it contained all of your weapons and documents.
"Three days, no more time left to waste, get this on. Now." The woman standing in front of you threw a uniform at your form, rude, you thought, she could've at least considered that you nearly died of blood loss.
But three days weren't fickle, you had promised Miller that you would find him again. And you absolutely planned to, but you didn't account for this much time to pass.
You nodded finally, and quietly made work of standing up, or atleast trying to with your numb legs, but to your surprise, no pain aroused.
Taking off your borrowed clothes which was a plain shirt and some pajama pants, they didn't even bother on the undergarments, you were both women anyway so you did it openly, but you wished could've atleast looked away, or really just disappeared out of existence.
As you dressed, you dared to glance shortly at her, she looked older than the lady by decades, possibly due to stress, her brows are permanently knitted together like an angry bird, her Raven hair was tied up in a tight bun. She just had that no nonsense appearance."Who are you, and why am I still alive?"
"Name's Ingrid, the head maid and unfortunately the guide assigned to you. As for your current state, I have no idea. But for all we know, you can die tomorrow and that would honestly save me some trouble. So be thankful, it's not everyday someone gets on the Lady's good graces."
she said, almost bored as she rolled her eyes when you fussed about on your maid outfit and matching headpiece, too big you thought.
"Come, child." she made a gesture with her hand and sauntered out of the room with quick feet, you had half a mind to protest about your age and that blasted nickname, but you followed as you couldn't do anything else without risk of pissing the older woman. You passed multiple lavish hallways, and you couldn't help but think back.
That woman, Dimitrescu made you her maid? Slave, more like. Will you even get paid? And that crazy fly girl, Daniela, as you've heard bit you for Pete's sake! Maybe they should get you checked out for rabies, or much cooler, vampire symptoms, you thought.
Or maybe you just had to get out of here before the crazy lady chomps you in your sleep.
-~-
Ingrid brought you into the dining room, you had the chance to spot the larger chair at the head of the table, only meant for one woman. You still wondered why there were only women in the castle, but that can be answered later.
Right beside the room was the kitchen, she opened the door and let you in first, it was smaller than the other rooms you passed by, meant for the help.
It was full of life atleast and you wondered why you haven't seen anyone else in your chase. The kitchen staff were busy preparing lunch for the ladies, there were about three skittering around, almost rushed. You took your time to assess them, before Ingrid yelled as if the targeted audience is at another mountain.
"Mia! Don't cut the potatoes too big, girl."
The one chopping up the vegetables flinched in surprise, she was small, probably the youngest besides you and she held a sheepish look, and muttered a meek apology. You noticed that none of them held long eye contact, they must still find you dangerous, after all you are just a young girl who lucked out.
Your eyes were then set on one particular maid, your eyes squinted for a better look.
"Here, you will start your day learning how to prepare the ladies' afternoon tea for-"
"-Elena?" you said abruptly, spotting the brown-haired maiden at the boiling pots, you noticed she had bags under her eyes and looked older than her years when she turned to look at you, face contorting in an almost alarmed expression, for a moment you looked at each other with wide eyed stares. But hers held the silent meaning of "not now", one you knew all too well.
Ingrid looked at Elena who was retreating into another room then back at you warily, something in her said that she disliked you more now. But she brushed the interaction off quickly, knowing there were larger matters to tend to. She put a hand on your shoulder to catch your attention.
"Listen very well, alright? I will not say these things twice."
-~-
To your surprise, the head maid took great care of getting you to memorize the tea's recipe, it wasn't too hard as you've made some similar beverages back at the house. The tea was only made with the finest local leaves, and a trickle of rich crimson liquid she couldn't disclose, but you knew what it was.
Your most important job was of course bringing the afternoon tea. At 3:00pm sharp you must already be knocking, otherwise the consequences would be dire, and you didn't want to inquire further.
And as for other jobs, it wasn't much: the Hall of Four, as she called it, the library was mentioned, as well as occasional repairs, help in the kitchen, plumbing, and a trip to Jerusalem while you're at it.
You felt at peace for a while, the area you were cleaning was devoid of any other staff, and you haven't even run into one of the ladies! You might consider that a miracle, and you needed the break after running all that long, from the village to this damned castle. "I now proclaim I hate bugs.." you mumbled lest they were just 'round the corner.
But the need for escape was still ablaze within you, and the thought of what Miller's state could be wasn't helping. You carried your mop as you walked through the hallways to the next, not memorized but Ingrid has given you the basic information. You needed one more routine there before you must make the drinks for the ladies.
Turning a corridor, you found your destination, the library, and the door was just left slightly opened. There were maids inside, but you needn't worry about them this moment, all you need is to obey the schedule for a bit and memorize the castle's layout.
Hearing murmurs inside, you didn't want to go in yet, you knew they still weren't so fond of you. So you took a small detour and troubled an antique plate on display with your trusty feather duster. But your senses expanded naturally, the voices clearing, and you halted.
"No, I say the middle child is always the worst, the girl Cassandra." a hushed voice beckoned inside, along with the small sound of books being arranged.
"Oh please, why even fear any when a simple opened window is a weapon? Maybe even Miss Ingrid can get rid of one simply with her cold attitude." another quipped, and their giggles mixed together in faint harmony. And surely with your experiences they would atleast learn that the sisters cannot be underestimated.
But what caught your attention was the mention of windows and Ingrid. Maybe they are vulnerable to the old lady? You chuckled at the thought. Bingo, they were vulnerable to frosty climates. Perhaps you can use that information against them later, if need be.
You still shook your head at their ignorance, before turning your body without looking forward, then.. bumping with the soft yet toned body of Alcina.
Gasped in surprise you did as you stumbled over your own foot in surprise, her large hands were quick to grip your shoulders to keep you from falling. How did you not sense her arrival?
"Jumpy little mouse" she smirked and it was your turn to look sheepish
"Eavesdropping, are we? I expected more from you.."
You realized her hands were still on your skin, and it seems she did too. With a distant and unreadable expression, she noticed your attire which made you look smaller, and she quickly pushed away from you, as if keeping herself together.
"I didn't mean to, I had intent of cleaning inside-"
"Now now child, no need to squirm. I won't bite.. much" you were met with that devilish grin of hers yet again, and you took a step back, more because your neck was starting to cramp from looking up at her staggering height. And faintly because you wanted to get the full view of her.
Compared to the night you met her, she now wore a floor-length cream colored dress, tied off at her bosom and framing her curves at just the right places. Her head was now sporting a large black sunhat.
Noticing you staring, she smirked again and walked down the hall, and you fell right into step just behind her. The scent of her perfume lingered, it was mature and feminine. She went to fetch something in her office, kept locked atop a drawer that no normal height can reach.
"I've only come to give this back.. I was surprised to see this in your bag, a lost heirloom"
You turned to face her gloved hands, clasped tightly over something. Before it revealed the brooch Duke gave you, and you couldn't help but feel red scattering on your cheeks. The lady must've read your files too, knowing the shit hole from whence you came. She must see you as a fanatic, you thought, or simply just a wretched, cursed thief.
You stammered as it was returned to your hands, staring indecorously. "M-my lady this was a gift and from a magician no less. I wasn't aware that it is your family crest engraved there"
"A magician? If you are acquainted with such people, shall I be afraid of a hex?" she chuckled, amused at your reactions and had put a hand on her hip to shift the weight.
"I do not even believe in magic! Please-" you brought your hands up in defense when hers raised, and landed softly.. on your head? You slowly opened your eyes and blinked dumbly after a second of no further responses and brought your hands down.
The lady had that same unreadable expression from before, only staring at your face beneath her hand, she snapped out of it and then quickly brought her hand back against her side as if burnt. She turned away with inner turmoil, but cleared her throat and composed herself again.
"Calm yourself down, a small token can go unnoticed. The house crest only reminds me of my so called family, so I cannot value it as much as you seem to do" her lips tightened, and you were silent, her demeanor had changed within mere seconds. From playful to tense, and you wondered if she could slash you right here in a similar time.
"M'Lady, have I done something wro-"
"Go back to your duties, girl, and do not be late for tea time. But do not think your actions today have gone unnoticed, I'd like to keep my home devoid of any issues spreading around. You are dismissed" she only waved you off and retreated to fetch her trusted bottle of wine.
You've heard this tone before, one that can break many little hearts without paying a mind. Like when Mother Isabella punished you for something Becka accused you of, and you thought she must've lost trust in you right then, and you the same.
And with a small disappointed look on your face, you turned towards the door and left without further arguments.
-~-
You carefully managed the tray on your hands, a sigh leaving your lips as the tea set atop made small clinking sounds upon your steps. They must cost more than your life, you thought. And the subconscious of having something that can easily destroy what little relationship you have with the ladies made you all the more unbalanced.
Finally, you reached the room dedicated for tea and knocked briefly before opening the door.
You noticed Daniela looking at a distant clock and smirked "2 minutes pass 3, mother. Shall I punish her?"
"What have I said about manners, Dani? No playthings on the table. Careful or you may spook the little maid again" Alcina sighed when Daniela rolled her eyes, looking up from her book and meeting said eyes made her daughter flinch away.
"I thought by now she would be served as tea.." Cassandra butted in and made a dramatic gesture with her hands, almost whining, it just made you look back on them and realize they're just about your age, perhaps a couple years older, but Daniela seemed to match you.
They're only young girls.
You ignored them as you made work of placing their cups in front of them and carefully pouring blood tea. You tensed when it was Bela's turn to be served, her eyes bore into the back of your head and you saw her clenched hand in your peripheral.
Other than that, your task went smoothly with the girls behaving enough, albeit begrudgingly. The lady probably had a talk with them while you were unconscious. You felt Bela giving you lingering glances throughout the afternoon, trying to keep it hidden as she read her own book about poisonous flowers.
And you felt strange, that fluttery feeling in your stomach only calls for trouble.
-~-
You were surprised when you found out you were allowed outside. Of course just the courtyard and the garden for work purposes. All gates were locked tight and the walls were too tall to climb anyway (atleast you tried).
But what didn't surprise you was the relief you felt once you finally had a breath of fresh air and saw the sunshine. Your love for nature will never diminish.
But the reason you were here were some trimmers and you had no idea where. Ingrid has been giving you tasks that no new maid can accomplish with breeze as if testing you, such as "clean up the garden" when said garden was covered with grass, thick bushes, and weed (not even the good kind)
You can feel yourself getting a headache just planning out how you can fix this stupid garden, wasn't all this the gardener's job? If they had one.
"Stupid Ingrid, stupid frickin grass!" you walked around aimlessly, then kicked a shrub-
"Hey! The plants didn't do anything to you, psycho"
The voice made you halt from your evil actions, it was deeper than the ones you've heard all week. A boy? You stepped away slowly and watched as he knelt in front of the shrub and attempted to shape it back again. When he was satisfied, he stood up and faced you with an irritated expression. "Do you go around kicking things for fun?"
"No, but I've been wanting to kick the Lady in the butt for a while" responded you, and for a moment you stared at each other then broke into smiles of your own. His shoulders relaxed and he extended a hand stained with dirt.
"Luthier, Alcina's gardener" he introduced, his face devoid of that snarky look he had earlier, and you wondered how he got so close to the lady that he was confident in calling her first name. But now maybe you can make him do the work HE was supposed to do all along.
"Y/n Cazacu, um.. shrub-kicker" You took his hand and shook it firmly, giggling between yourselves at the strange first acquaintance.
"Oh, you're the girl everyone's talking about. I didn't imagine you would be so young, considering what you've survived.
"I can say the same thing about you" you made a gesture towards him "you're a.. man!"
He chuckled again and presented himself with more pride, putting his hand inside the pockets of his overalls. "I get that a lot, but don't be fooled, I'm not some special case or anything. My grandpa, Alfred used to be the one working in these gardens, but he died recently and I came to take over. You can say our lineage is trusted." he offered a small bittersweet smile, and you your condolences.
"Look at me, ruining the mood" he muttered before you shook your head in quick denial
"No, no not at all. How come the castle is devoid of other men anyway?"
Luthier eyed you confusedly, wondering how you wouldn't know after a week "Did no one tell you? Well long story short, Alcina Dimitrescu prefers the fairer sex."
You chuckled softly, you weren't dumb and you atleast knew that much already. "There must be more to that, how did she even conceive-"
"She didn't. The girls were experiments of cadou, they were only reborn as some may call it. As for a longer explanation, her father hated people like her with a passion, and that forced her to overthrow him." Luthier explained, his words coming out more cautious now that he noticed you had a hint of innocence still left inside, one which he didn't come across often.
You returned that frustratedly curious look, wanting to find out more about this damned village. "What experiments-"
"Enough about the lady, why are you here?"
You were stunned upon the sudden question, almost taking a step back but you stood firm. "I.. have a twin brother, Miller. I'm looking for him, and I have to get out of here."
His eyes narrowed, then he let out a small scoff as if not believing that someone like you can escape. But he looked away for a while, his expression turning unreadable as he thought. "Why are you in the garden?"
"Uhm, I need trimmers? You know you're not doing a very good job tending to the garden" you gestured to the plants and he rolled his eyes with a smirk.
"Give me a break, I've just come back from vacation" he started walking, motioning for you to follow him past the open area and towards a worn down shed.
"The walls have ears. You have what you need inside"
With his hard expression, you hesitantly opened the door to the shed and went inside, you found what you were looking for perched on a tool rack and fetched it with a sigh of relief.
But a shine in the far corner caught your eye, labeled atop a key ring was "back gate" and surely the corresponding key was present, taunting you. Was this what Luthier meant earlier?But you didn't think twice and snatched the thing, hiding it inside your pocket and taking note for later. Maybe a man isn't so bad from the bear after all.
And this just made your escape plan a whole lot easier
-~-
Sat on one of the pristine chairs of the balcony, sipping her wine and circling it around her glass was Alcina. Eyes glowing as a small smirk emerged from her lips.
Looking down, she had a direct view of her garden.
"Let's see what you're made of, little mouse."
Notes:
Woah! This chapter is much longer and delves into the backstory of the characters a bit more.. let me know what you think in the comments 👀
Chapter 4: Killing Me Softly
Notes:
I'm sorry for not updating soon, and idk how this one went but I wanted to show that even while the sisters were "monsters", they were still just little girls.
Chapter Text
Bright blinding lights shone and you winced, closing your eyes swiftly again as hands went up to block the light, seemingly right above your head. Yet with the warm light, everything else felt cold. The bed under you, whatever it was didn't feel soft or comforting, it was something not capable of lulling anyone to sleep.
There was something extremely off-putting about the place that you couldn't place, it resembled a sterilized lab and a torture chamber at the same time.
Once your eyes adjusted to the light, you tried to move, yet something was holding you down, it wasn't an object but you physically couldn't move your body. A small whine managed to erupt from tiny lips, but oncoming tears were stopped when someone else had beat you to it.
Turning your head, you saw a tall figure stood at another bed, or rather, testing table. Draped in black as her sharp talons were raised for attack at another squirming human. But decided against it, she sighed and made small shushing sound as an attempt to soothe.
The fussing human said, was someone you were all too familiar with. They've paired you with im ever since you can think, and the first thing you thought about the boy was annoyance, naturally.
"Calm down, subject one, it'll be over soon"
Her lips tightened when the child kept wailing, her grey eyes turning dark and suddenly stepping away from the bed and retrieving a syringe filled with a chemical you couldn't figure. Whatever it was filled was glowing in dim green goop, and you had a sinking feeling. She pushed on the protruding part of the syringe to rid of any air bubbles.
Miller's little hands reached up for the woman, as his rosy cheeks were continuously flooding with tears, but all sounds made were cut off minutes later, when the woman. All he could do was let our one last coo, before his hands dropped, falling unconscious immediately. You would thrash around in protest if not for the lingering numbness on your body.
"Oh, perhaps it was a little too strong.."
As she moved to bring the syringe back to a table, her stilettos had bumped by a body on the ground and groaned in distaste. A man has laid unconscious and laid on his stomach, there were sharp holes at his back, probably from something penetrating from the other side, claws like that kitty you've once seen.
"Useless" she'd mutter and kick the corpse away, making a small horrific gushing sound. You noticed his ginger curls before the woman had blocked your vision of the body, the man was familiar somehow, yet your mind was too blurry to process.
Firm hands held your underarms, lifting you up as you were met with her sweet, sickening grin. "Silent little one are you? Havent made a sound.. hm" she turned you around in her arms, almost tenderly as one would do to a new, delicate toy.
She set you back down onto the cold table, and you couldn't help but wince again, and she pushed her hand onto the small of your back to hold you down. Yet, she paused when something wiggled beneath her hand, she retrieved it once more.
There, on your spinal cord was the remnants of the scar when she cut into your soft skin. Now laced with reddish, protruding veins that seemed to move into their own accord. The large scar there was almost healed, and she fingered the edges which made you twitch and cry out in pain. But her expression never changed, fascinated, surprised, and paired with a sadistic grin. You were her first success.
"Eva my love, I'll have you soon-"
Your eyes tore open, wild and flickering around the dark room of the maid's dormitories. Heart beating at an unfathomable rate, body wreaking in cold sweat and hands trembling. Well atleast it wasn't the head maid getting you out of sleep now. Sitting up and breathing through your recent nightmare, you noticed the other women were still asleep soundly in their own bunks.
You glanced at the clock. 5:00 a.m. Of course, in this time even the ladies were still fast asleep. Or maybe they don't even sleep at all, you dont know. These dreams of yours was a reacurring event, hunting your unconscious ever since you got out of that stupid lab. So you know you won't be getting back into sleep any time soon.
But the new detail added was.. strange, the veins on your back, tracking your spinal cord. You didn't know what caused them, what they were, who you are. And you weren't sure you were ready to find out too.
Getting ready was silent. Your uniform was still too big for your liking, with such an expensive castle they could've atleast spared you a uniform your size. There was nothing else to do so you opted for the library, it was the singular place where you found peace since it was one of the rooms restricted to other maids not assigned to the area.
You opened the door, the warm light of the candles lighting your face. The candles should've been put out by now-
"Couldn't sleep, little one?"
Daniela's voice echoed in the space, sat in her usual spot at one of the couches, she didnt look up from where she read her book. Titled "The Princess and the Dragon", a bit childish for someone who almost killed you, you thought. And you weren't sure if she was supposed to be the princess or the dragon, ever to imagine herself there.
"With all due respect, Miss Daniela. I am a few years older than you." You stepped closer as a grin broke out of her face, finally glancing up at you. You hope to find the book you're looking for and read in a private space instead.
"Details details, still shorter than me by this much.." She made a grand gesture of putting down her book and spreading her arms out, as if asking for a hug, and you fought the urge to roll your eyes.
"I-I am not that short, and you're not human so how can that be fair.." You grumbled as you finaly picked up said book you've hidden from others, the last part blurted out without thought, you shouldn't be getting comfortable in anyone's presence.
"Touche, but in that sense, how would you even know that you're older than me? I'm not human after all"
You scrunched your nose, smartass. And for a moment, she reminded you of an equally annoying brother of yours, getting into similar banters. Yet you still missed him, despite the boy being a thorn in your side and all. "Well, I do not know why it matters so much, but if it makes me feel better, I am 17, miss."
She pouted, and you froze on your spot across her on the couch. She pouted? Daniela Dimitrescu.. hell, she looked slightly less creepy to look at. You shook your head from such thoughts before she giggled, and you surprisingly did the same. "Bela is a year older than you, Cassandra 16, and I.. 15. Well that is from when we were reborn."
You nodded, you had no idea they were so close in age, but one word caught your attention. One that was overused in the castle. "Reborn?" You dared, hoping it wouldn't ruin the mood.
She sighed, looking down at her lap and fiddling with her fingers, it seemed to be a vulnerable subject to her. You stood quiet, perhaps you can change the topic before she latches onto your neck again-
"1950's Mother brought us in as maids, we weren't at all related. And then, mother Miranda had persuaded Alcina to experiment on that substance.. crap-poo?" She looked around, trying to remember while her brows furrowed in concentration, and you scooted closer unconsciously, only flinching when she snapped her fingers in realization.
"Cadou! That's it. Anyways, Mother said it imitated insects, blowflies that consumed us afterwards. T-they replaced our organs, made us creatures that feed on blood and human flesh, and sadly none of my sisters or me can remember our past lives." She paused, gripping the arm of the couch with strength that could tear the furniture. "I.. I can still remember the pain from turning, it's still haunting my dreams.." then her eyes teared up.
You were shocked, and with surprise came making dumb decisions.
"Shh, it's okay.."
You hadn't realized when you've sat beside her, a hand on her shoulder and shushing the child as if it was second nature. Now you've realized she wasn't so different. You were also plauged with dreams you didn't remember happening, perhaps you've lost your memories too. But most of all, It wasn't their choice to become what they are, they were innocent maidens victim to the cadou, whatever that was, and you planned to find out.
"Why are you doing this?" A choked sob tore you away from your thoughts, she was trying to shake off your hand but you held firm, in her surprise. Daniela sniffled and wiped her oncoming tears. "Are you feeling pity? You- you shouldn't, I've done terrible things to you.." You didnt answer, only gently patting her back as you would do to your brother at times. Truthfully, you've no idea too.
"I should.. I should apologize for the way I acted back then, and for my sisters too. But don't take it for granted, I don't do this.. often-"
But the door slammed open, surprising you both again, and you held her tighter. What the hell was wrong with you?
Cassandra noticed the tears glistening on Daniela's cheeks, shortly she transformed into her flies and swarmed straight for you, suddenly a hand was around your neck lifting you up from the couch, air almost impossible to inhale. She glared at you through golden eyes, bursting in flames. "What have you done? You made her cry, filthy human!"
"N-no.." You struggled, clawing at her hands and shaking your head, eyes watery now too. She was about to say otherwise before Daniela stood up and put a hand on Cassanda's free one.
"Cass no! I.. told her about our story and I cried by myself. If anything she- the human comforted me.."
Cassandra had turned her head towards her little sister, a confused look beneath her enraged mask. But when she didn't sense any lies, she dropped you while softening just slighty, leaving you gasping for air on the couch. "You told such.. to a maid? Daniela how many times do we have to tell you, they are not our friends. You cannot trust them-"
"But she- she listened to me.. she wasn't disturbed or disgusted like the others!" Daniela protested, crossing her arms if that would prove her point further.
Cassandra paused, if her sister insisted so much, she should believe her right? She scoffed and turned to you, glaring and judging your whole existence before she dragged her hand down her face and shook her head in disapproval.
-~-
After all the drama, the demonspawns seemed to be out of your hair. And you were more than grateful for that, you needed three less pain in the ass if they wanted you to act like a maid.
But with that knowledge, the other maids namely Stefania and her little henchman Mihaela, as you found out from Ingrid. They were set on your mistakes, or rather making them for you.
One time Mihaela had so innocently said Lady Dimitrescu needed you in the dungeons to fetch her wine, Sanguis Virginis. You scoffed at her, only the head maid could change your work, and serving wine wasnt one of them. Yet you humored her just as innocently and she had a satisfied smile. In there you were only met with Cassandra and her lingering glances, and if she hadn't offered to lead you to the wine room, you don't think you would've survived the things in there. Moroaicas as one of them mentioned.
Or when Stefania followed a few days after, "accidentally" leaving excess slippery soap on the floor when you were on tea duty. Thankfully, the lady was there to catch you before you fell and spilled the liquids. Her gloved hand set on your arms, the usual smirk on crimson lips, she'd mutter "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were purposely trying to fall near me now, little one" And you'd bolt as quickly inside the tea room with a flushed expression.
Or the worst one. When one had "mindlessly" said that opening windows often rewards praises from the ladies. Perhaps you were dumb, but you werent an idiot, you thought. But you held all of your fight in, you'll get out of here soon anyway.
You needed a break from all of the shennanigans. So you went back to the dorms with a plate of cinnamon rolls made by Ingrid, who definitely made you her baking critique, and you were happy to oblige. But Elena entered the room right after, and your expression turned serious. Wordlessly, she went to the small dressing room or walk in closet for the maids, and you put down your plate and followed quickly while wiping the grease to your apron.
"Elena I.. I have so many questions" you started, and she closed the door tightly, before she put a finger against her lips
"The walls have ears, they're in the dining room. Only ask the necessary" Elena said in a hushed tone, you've never seen her so tense about someting, what happened to her here? Why was she even here?
"I.. I need a map, and routines of the ladies" You replied in an equally silent voice, breathing labored as she stared at you and contemplated if that was possible. But before she can respond, you hugged her tightly against you, borderline of clinging to the shocked woman.
For a moment her arms dangled and her lips were ajar, before she sighed and hugged back. Patting your head. "We'll get you out of here, little rascal"
Chapter Text
"M-Miss you can't just.. a-ahh!"
"What's the matter, little one? You were so good for me before.."
Your breath hitched when her fingers dragged slow, tentative circles right against your clothed bundle of nerves, a pleased smirk emerging from her dark painted lips. Which pressed against the bareness of your neck, pressing you against the wall.
"Getting Daniela's favor so quickly.. hm? Even I, have not accomplished such a feat in her younger days.."
Replying was useless as your hands reached out to curl around her arms, to attempt to halt her devilish movements when her unstopping hand unlaced your apron, and grew impatient quickly. Tearing open your dress right at the center with a low growl, your eyes widened at her strength. And her eyes widened with the sight of your body.
"Perhaps the empath you are influenced her fondness of you, hm..?" Her words weren't foreign to you, the term "Empath" leaving an unfamiliar, bitter taste at the end of your panting tongue. But how could she know that?
"We're in public, Bela, anyone could walk in!" You said in alarm, cut off by a moan when her pelvis grinded against yours, letting you feel the.. hardness beneath, it was impossible not to arch against her touch.
Bela leaned forward until your breaths mingled, bursting colors of your irises locked together, your lips ghosting over each other. She dragged her tongue to your earlobe, whispering.
"Then better keep quiet, lest you want an audience" A hand slipped in your knickers.
Any protests were cut off by a pleased cry when her fingers entered you abruptly and relentlessly. The room was filled with the deliciously sopping wet sound of squelching and-
"Oh little mouse~! Come clean my room"
You jolted upright, shaking off your thoughts.
What a strange dream... and, oh! What strange wet panties those were in the laundry. You thought you were past the stage of wet dreams. And why out of anyone else, did it have to be that cold, snarky, intellectual, witty, pretty.. wait no stop. The burning sensations on your cheeks looked permanent. Bela should be the last Dimitrescu on your mind, being the most distant and closed off.
"Miss Daniela, I just cleaned this" You glared at the books clattered on the floor of her carpeted chambers, a hint of blood staining the edge of her bedsheets, and her collections of weapons displayed on the wall fared no better. The girl was a menace in a way you wouldn't have described the first time you met her.
After the heart to heart, (can you even call it that?) Daniela had asked for you often for whatever excuse the girl can come up with, but it's not like you had any choice. It wasn't annoying per se, she kept herself entertained with you, but not in a sadistic way you would've thought.
The girl asked for information outside of the castle, having never been outside since last summer, and you can't forget how in the library, she asked for you to read one of her favorite books before she fell asleep. Mouth ajar in small snores, and head hanging on your lap, you felt warm.
Cassandra on the other hand seem to come with the idea that you weren't such a terrible rat after all. She has asked you more than once to accompany her in the cellars, and you thought you we're bound to be bled dry. But the middle child showed you the process of bleeding the man-things dry, and how they were converted to the finest of wines.
You had to hold the bile coming up your throat at her explanation, like you were just supposed to think this was all normal, but the way she looked at you with a hint of enthusiasm beneath her sharp eyes made you a bit more on ease. She seemed to be passionate in the art, and you had to remember that they needed blood to survive.
Food chain or whatever that shit was.
However, Bela was the one hard egg to crack, not that you were intentionally trying to get their favor. All of this was unexpected and unintentional. You noticed that the girl spent most of her time in the study, or at the garden when it wasn't too cold outside. Daniela had explained that Bela was usually moody all winter long as she couldn't tend to her plants due to her mother forbiding her to.
It's not when Ingrid had sent you outside again, a spider in a cup and begudgringly trotting through the stone path. The little guy (as large as your palm) had freaked the other maids upon seeing it, including Ingrid, and had barked at you to get rid of it, so here you were bringing it to the garden for safety and away from the big bad meanies.
"Such big cowards" you'd murmur as you crouched down and placed the spider back onto the ground. A frown etched onto your face as you noticed the clouds forming in what seemed to be another snowy day.
Not until you turned your head and locked eyes with Bela who was shivering wearing a ruggedy excuse of a coat, gloves dirtied and knelt in front of a plant. There was surprise in her eyes and confusion in yours, why was she outside? And of course, she had immediately threatened you if you told the lady about her escapade especially during such a chilly day. All you did was lend her your much thicker coat with the excuse of "Yours was out of fashion" and ran back towards Luthier's shed before you can feel her murderous glare on you.
Though the thoughts of the demonspawn (you ought to stop calling them that) set aside when you were cleaning in a room with a large built in bath as a center piece. It was drained, though the red stain inside the bath gave you a hint of the liquid that once filled it, and this was sadly a punishment after the jacket incident with Bela.
The room wasn't far away from Alcina's study, and you can still hear the old timey jazz songs circling on her vinyl, and her taste in music is older than your very being, but there was a song that caught your interest. A woman singing, her voice deep and smooth as a seductress, the singer had whispered the name of her band near the end, something something pall boys, you heard. It ticked the right nerves in you to start hyper-focusing on your work.
It was the sound of Alcina's enraged voice that pulled your mind away, stilling and tilting your head towards the direction of her voice, still in her study.
"I thought I asked you to deal with this, you stupid man-thing. Had you informed me of her failed experiment and supposed impending arrival sooner, then I could've alerted the villagers-" You could almost hear her hand gripping her telephone hard, on the verge of crushing it in her hand, her jaw clenching in strain to not release her anger fully.
"No. You do not get to barge in at any time you please, Heisenberg!"
That was all you heard before the line ended. There was a pause in time, the silence deadly. Before she rose and let out a growl, picking up something large near her and throwing it across the room, from the way glass shattered, a vanity is your best guess. "To hell with these rampages, that experiment will be the last."
-~-
Sofia, albeit reluctant was the one the maids pushed to inform Alcina of Heisenberg's arrival a few minutes later. The lady had pushed through the girl, ducking down through the doorway muttering colorful curses in romanian as she managed to still be graceful upon climbing down her stairs, through the courtyard and into the main hall. And there he was.
The way Karl sat on one of her couches, manspreading, arms crossed, toothpick between his teeth and a shit eating grin, which just effortlessly pissed Alcina off further. She looked up to the ceiling, breathing heavily and convincing herself that her little brother's blood would probably taste like the mutts of lycans he keeps if she ever were to indulge. She pushed all devilish thoughts down and sat on a large chair reserved only for herself, the farthest away from his ruggedy ass.
"Why the long face, Cuntess? Oh I forgot you were naturally a super-sized bitch" He laughed at his own words, full and mocking, but not with hate.
"If you've come here to dawdle and waste my time, I shall find no problems in having Cassandra split you open, child." Alcina gripped the arms of her chair tightly, yet used to all of his mockery.
"Oh little Cassie? She'll find me too hairy to bleed" Karl leaned back, lighting a cigar in his hand and taking a long inhale.
"Enough of your theatrics." She snapped "About.. Mother Miranda, what exactly had enraged her?" Alcina started, getting herself comfortable in her chair, the least she could do in her own house.
"Oh this and that, blah blah blah. She had taken on another experiment, a young girl, Winters.. was it? And it had failed when she thought the girl would be the perfect vessel, turns out, it was all for shit." He shook his head and blew out smoke, the circular sunglasses of his tipping down slightly.
"And that was what enraged her?" Alcina scoffed, finding all this ridiculous
"Yes, I thought you would've known this by now. Being your mommy's favorite and all. But her tantrum has gone too far. Any more villagers killed and we'll all be suffering. No blood for you, and no shipments for my bots."
"And what do you suppose is the solution?" Alcina had raised a brow, getting a hint of where this was going.
"We stop the bitch of course, what else? Tell her that unleashing lycans on them will make her favorite little girl very sad and thirsty" He pouted mockingly and swiped a finger down his cheek, imitating a tear falling down.
"We? There is no we, nor will there ever be." Alcina stood, defiance burning through her despite the knowledge that this indeed needed a larger effort.
"Don't be stubborn. Do you suppose you can take her on alone?" Karl snapped, leaning forward in his seat, his voice turning into a low growl.
The tension was thick in the room. From your view just peeking from inside the kitchen, you think they resemble a white tiger and a direwolf ready to pounce at each other and it made you all the more hesitant to disrupt that. It wasn't when Ingrid had whispered they wont bite, and literally pushed you through the door, the clanking of the tea set in your hand made your presence known. You looked back at Ingrid but the door was already closed at your face, so onwards you went.
You set the tray down on a table near, Ingrid proposed that Karl always had Alcina teetering on revealing her claws or her final form (whatever that was), and some tea ought to calm her down. You hands were borderline on shaky as you served them, both eyes heavy on you, and it made you more frustrated that Karl wouldn't tell his preference for his tea, if he even had one.
"It isn't time for tea yet, mouse" Alcina spoke first, her expression turning into that familiar amused smirk, but annoyance still lingering inside her.
Karl had furrowed his brows, almost leaning forward to check on something on your back, then shook his head as if thinking "impossible".
"Miss Ingrid had told me to, my lady. Said she'll scold you if you went rouge on Lord Heisenberg again" You managed, looking up at her eye-to-eye which she seemed to appreciate. Your words had resulted in a heart laugh from her, chest shaking with every velvety "ha" from her red lips, you weren't sure if you should laugh as well or cry.
"A new pet, sister?"
Karl had stood up himself, two steps and he was in your space, cupping your face and tilting it up to face him, as if checking for irregularities. "I'd keep this one hidden if I were you" he whispered as Alcina's jaw clenched and your body trembled in his grip, her earlier rage returning. She wasn't fond of anyone touching what was hers.
"Do not fret, my little mouse. Heisenberg was just about to lea-"
Before Alcina could finish, the sound of buzzing caught their ears and she groaned so quietly. The swarm humanized right in front of Karl, tugging him up and now covered by smiling girls. "Uncle Karl!" the three said in unison, Daniela clinging to him as he pat their heads, his expression softening.
The girls each had their own thing to show their uncle. Bela her new discoveries on venus fly traps, Cassandra on her latest catch, and Daniela her painting of a unicorn which really was just a normal horse with narwhal horns and chicken wings.
Bela caught the way Karl looked back at you, his expressions unreadable yet uncertain, as if you truly were an alien creature to him. She tugged at his arm and waved you off. "Don't worry Unc, she won't bring you trouble" Before he can examine further, he was dragged towards the girls' own wing, each tugging him in different directions.
Again, stunned in your place and still holding a damned sugar cube as if it was the only thing keeping you grounded, Alcina had put a finger under your chin, tilting your head towards hers instead, forcing your eyes to lock and to see her serious expression. What's with people today?
"As much as I enjoy your company, little one. Whatever you do, do not show your face to Mother Miranda" She spat, specifically at you, yet still with the means to mention the entirety of her staff. "Tell the others they have the day off tomorrow, yet double work will ensure the day after"
You managed a simple nod before you pulled yourself away from her hands, scrambling to relay the information to the others. You hadn't met this Miranda before, you don't think. But you think you've seen her portrait in the office of Mother Isabella, displayed and to be worshipped.
Fear ran through your veins as you walked back towards the dormitories for a break, this was getting serious, any more interactions with the cadou connected people and you'll be just involved as them.
You've heard about Miranda choosing random maids at Castle Dimitrescu from time to time, never to be heard of or seen again, and what if she had chosen you? Why is she so angered? What is happening? Where the hell is the cinnamon roll you placed in the fridge last night?
But what you do know is that questions and curiosity only lead to danger. With your eyes snapping up, you turned towards Elena's empty bed where there was a piece of paper sticking out from her nightstand. You'll have to escape. Now.
-~-
So at night you waited. Figured this was the time where they get their beauty sleep, and considering the snow outside, the daughters won't be able to catch you once you're outside. Though thinking about your interactions with them did make your heart ache just so subtly.
You've already been in this crammed in this hole for too long that you had no struggles walking the halls. Elena had given you what was asked, she had drawn on papers of tissues to make a map, but most importantly, the dungeons. And in return you gave her some of the pastries you baked with the old head maid, and a farewell note to her bed.
You had been preparing for a while, your past days as a slippery thief with Miller was coming back to play. A switchblade, makeshift lockpick, and some more food for your travels were packed in your bag, which was mostly a cloth bunched up and hanging off your back, but it does the job.
Catiously, while everyone else was dead asleep, you tiptoed out of the room and hadn't noticed how Elena had opened her eyes for a moment on her bed. Walking down the hall and towards the dining room, you crouched behind the table as you heard voices. Who the hell was still awake? You thought the schedules written were to be followed.
"That.. girl is meddling too much, she speaks the language but isn't a local"
Mihaela had said, you brushed it off as you managed to sneak past them, their words made something enraged inside you. None of this was your choice. "Overgrown bitches.." you'd whisper and quickly scramble away when Stefania subtly turned her head towards your direction, yet only brushing it off.
Considering the time, main doors were locked and you had to go through your idiot plan. You went down the dungeons.
It was cold, the cobblestone walls were a stark contrast to the divine ones upstairs. And the stench was vile that you had to cover your mouth and nose to not inhale and barf at the same time. Groaning was what you heard, whatever it was, was only begging for the mercy of death. "This place reeks of rats.."
Ignoring it all, you surprisingly found a clear path, almost cleaned. But you quickly went to the hole circled on your map, crawling down, the dirt abrased your knees and forearms, a rat skittering away which made you flinch. You made your way to a much more pleasant room. Barrels filled the shelves and the smell of wine ever so present.
The wine room was warm, yet the blood leaking out of one barrel was clue enough they weren't so innocent. The lady's vinyl of her jazz playlist was still lying there unmoving, you wish you can hear it one last time. But you were more desperate to leave this wretched place once and for all.
Another hole you saw and crawled, you only made a sigh of relief as the rotting smell disappeared and made way for the cold winter air. You saw the earth covered in white from the castle's gardens. Immediately, you stood up and brushed the dirt off your pants.
Yet your lingering joy was cut off when you finally look up.
The lady was there, sat inside a lit gazebo and having her wine as if it was the most casual interaction, she took a sip before turning to face you at last, satisfied at the fear you bore. "Bravo, I must say. No other has made it this far."
Too fast, you reflexively turned to run, anywhere but here. But she had moved like a shadow. You heard the sharp sound of her claws elongating, and before you took another step you were lifted up. Choking the air out of you, now with the intent to kill.
"No, let me go you- vampire!" You screamed into the dead of night as you struggled as much as you could.
"Oh, I am much more than a vampire" Her laugh echoed throughout the palace as her grip tightened, the veins in your body appearing as your own nails clawed against her gloved hands, "please-"
Before you stilled, slowly, breath hitching and slowly coming to a halt as your arms hung motionless beside you.
For a moment, she also stopped, wondering if she had truly gone too far and underestimated her own strength. If she had taken this game of hers too seriously for a girl just her daughters age. Her golden eyes flickered and her thrill came to a quiet gasp. Something inside her stirred, the cadou which screamed at her so insistently that this action just wasn't right.
"Mouse..?" She blinked, no response. Only the howling of winds and Alcina's inner conscience.
When she dropped you like a ragdoll, that's the moment you finally took a sharp intake of breath, as you'd been holding it for a while. Getting up as quickly as Alcina was still left stunned and bolting towards the back gate. You had stumbled and swayed, still struggling to get the appropriate amount of oxygen inside. It was a little trick you learned back at the orphanage when punished by Mother Isabella. Sometimes playing dead isn't so bad, and you had a small smile on your slightly purple-ish face. Proud you can still pull that off.
Unseen behind you, the lady's eyes sparked and swirled golden, glowing in the night as a sinister cackle emerged from her, almost like she had just allowed some long hidden ferocity to peek out. "Bold little one"
"Running will get you nowhere!"
"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" You scrambled inside your bag quickly in search, almost dropping a lockpick as you approached the back gate where Luthier had labeled the key now in your hands. You dared a look back, did the lady acquire a crack on her face or were you growing crazy? Perhaps both.
The fencegate which was rusty and as old as time rattled every time you pushed it, struggling to put the damned key in the hole, as you kept glancing back to see the lady getting closer and closer, just a breath away. It finally gave way and you pushed through with much strength.
Alcina's heavy footsteps seemed to fade away as you ran with might and determination. This was it you thought, and a breath came out you didnt know you were holding. But you weren't entirely in the clear yet. Somehow, the lady didn't bother to come after you, she probably didn't want to dirty her dress chasing some rat.
This was suspicious. Too easy, there must be some kind of trick up her pristine sleeves. Were there moroaicas waiting for you in the forest? Bear traps at your feet? One of the daughters wrapped in thick bomber jackets hunting you? Yet you hope the girls would be fine without you, not that they needed you at all.
The forest was winding, destined to swirl your thoughts and vision with its countless paths, the snow making everything identical. It was similar to the woods back at the orphanage, except it felt even more intimidating without a companion.
A whisper made your head turn, was it the lady? No, she wouldn't have chased you all the way here would she? Another voice rang, now against your ear, your breath hitched and you jerked your body towards the noise, nothing there. Shadows danced and the snow covered, the voices continued, mocking your very existence. You put your hands against your ears in hopes they will disappear.
"Useless" One had spat, its dark silhouette snaking behind a tree, a smile so sharp it can cut. Then more of the shadow people appeared, making you take a step back, struggling to retrieve your small knife from your backpack, pointing at no one.
"Get away or I'll kill you!" You screamed at nothing, smoke resulting from your breaths and the overstimulation slowly creeping up.
"Kill", "death met your brother", "we are one", "child of the crow?", "sacrifice", "vessel!", "join us" The disembodied voices all rang inside your ears as you tried to shake your head away, making way for an inhuman scream at the top of your lungs, your head was spinning, unable to deter which was real or a hallucination, is that what this is?
"You and your brother will be of age soon. I must offer you to Mother Miranda, I'm sure you understand, sweet thing." a sweet, false voice broke out from all others, unmistakable and hers. Isabella.
"No, I'm not going back!" A screech matched your voice, this one a reality you werent prepared for. Teary eyes snapped towards the creature at hand, it's gray skin a contrast to the snow, it's putrid breath and foul smell could be scented from where you stood frozen in place. Tremors breezed through your body, hairs standing on end and cold sweat coming down.
The voices disappeared just too late when you've registered the lycan jumping forwards, it's claws made to strike and baring it's teeth to seal into it's prey. You jerked back just enough, claws clanging against metal.
It's attack would've killed you if not for the suspicious and perfectly convenient silver brooch placed right above your heart, where it was aiming, it smashed to pieces and silver scattered on the ground.
"Duke, that bastard knew" You grunted, managing to dash to the side and plunge your knife into it's noggin, it was enough to distract but not to kill.
You weren't far from the village, and you grimaced at the thought of more enemies and yet danger chasing you. Opening a large stone gate, you were now out of the castle grounds, and you groaned with the struggle of closing it back in time for the lycan to not enter, putting your whole weight into it.
There was no other villager out here, and you figured it was due to the Lords' discussion earlier, Miranda was not to be trifled with. All doors were locked and the quietness was eery.
You took steps forward, rubbing your arms for heat at the storm only brewed, threatening to a hail. You saw a vineyard wth more of those scarecrows, torn roofs, bloodied doors.
"Hello?" You dared to break the silence, only to be followed by another loud screech. A pair of lycan jumped from roof to roof, sensitive to noises. Glowing eyes landed on you again as they howled to alert another hoard.
A hand suddenly clasped around your forearm and dragged you inside a large red gate while you struggled to pull it away from the tall, dark dressed woman, you were quickly pushed inside a house, a warm one at that. "What the hell?!"
The door was quickly locked, a calloused hand clasped around your mouth to silence you, your eyes widened as you saw Luiza's face turn to you. "Hell there will be if you make more noise" she whispered firmly, glaring at you.
You both waited until the sound of the rattling and crawling on the roof ended before she pushed you away, shaking her head. "You seem to have a knack for causing trouble" she breathed out, clutching her non existent pearls
"Here to retrieve your bread?" You stared at her, analyzing her motives and why the hell you were still alive.
"Children these days, not even a thank you?" Luiza put her hands on her hips as if a scolding mother, one action that made you flinch away. "You're underweight, thats why you're here"
You gasped, glaring at her with furrowed brows "Are you body shaming me now, old ha-"
"Child, I called off the hunt for you and your brother, don't think we don't know where you went after that river" She shook her head, retrieving a clean cloth for the bleeding cut on your chest you hadn't noticed, most were blocked by the now broken brooch. "You needed that food, I understand"
You were silent, she didn't understand, was she the type of woman easy to exploit? No one would give anything for free. "No, I need to get out of here, I don't need another house to be locked in" you slapped her hand away from your chest.
"We all want out! You think it's so easy? You go out there and you're mawled by lycans within seconds, child" Luiza's hands insisted on treating you wound
"I have a name!" Another slap was attempted on her hand and your wrists were easily held in her firm hand to continue her work.
"You were too busy stealing my bread and yelling at lycans to tell me" She ripped your clothing around your wound and put some chem fluid on it, and you writhed in pain, she shoved another cloth in your mouth to hold off your scream. "One of you is already too damn much, but I seem to remember you have a male version"
"M-Miller? I don't know, I told him to hide, but I haven't seen him since" You breathed, calming down as she wrapped your wound with bandages, it was too much you thought. Silence as she actually took care of a thief like you. Everyone must be fucking nuts. But she must have seen the look of concern in your eyes, not for yourself but for your brother.
"Carmilla"
"What?"
"My name is Carmilla Cazacu, or.. Millie" Your eyes went to hers as she paused and nodded, patted the finished work on your chest and walked away.
"Luiza Baker" She muttered as she wiped her bloody hand away on a kitchen rag. "And you won't be leaving until this rampage is over, I don't need more of my people dying on my watch"
"Your people?" You scoffed
"After the sheriff died, they came to me for leadership. I have the biggest estate and a stable wheat farm after all" She shrugged and turned her pointed look at you, still suspicious despite her good graces.
"You'll stay on the couch, don't go stealing my shit, kid. And the other villagers are in the kitchen, don't go pissing them off or more pitchforks will be thrown." Luiza said as she walked towads the hall to the left, where beads covered one of the doorways.
"Old fucking woman" You grumbled
"I heard that!"
Notes:
I really thought about if I should give reader a name and all but here she is, Carmilla Cazacu, sister of Veumiller Cazacu. I hope thats not a deal breaker for ya :P. But I'll still keep this as a "you" thing instead of mentioning the name often, just in necessary scenes.
Hope ya enjoyed, more to come!
(Edit: I added some spice in this to fight off my urge to just disregard any character development and go straight to smut-)
Chapter 6: Crystals and Broken Hearts
Notes:
Why hello there reader! Please bear with me here, I don't know if it's my own self-consciousness or if this chapter is just really action-heavy and not enough dialogue, but alas.. please eat this up..
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"I haven't cut open a man in a while"
The shrill voice caused Miller to jolt up from his position, only to be met face to face with a wooden doll, smiling at him? His eyes widened and he let out a high pitch scream that would beat her sister's, he tugged sheets around him tighter.
They must've confiscated his belongings, any and all were gone except his brown coat and the black oversized jeans of his. Even that damned bread that nearly cost him and his sister's life was taken.
Perhaps this was karma he had accumulated coming to play.
The doll, wearing a wedding dress and a translucent veil grinned and twitched her wooden head to the side, floating up as if a mere puppet. She giggled when he flinched away and ran towards one of the corner of the room. It seemed to be uninhabited, and his back hit a dresser, hand landing on thick shears beside a broken sewing machine.
"More damn dolls!" Miller cried out once more as Angie dropped and crawled towards him on the floor, synthetic joins cracking as her body twisted in inhuman ways. He waved around the shears as a weapon, shaking his leg desperately when the doll clung to it like an insufferable bug.
"I just want to play!" The doll giggled in delight again as she crawled higher onto his body, which caused Miller to try and shake her off, knocking over furniture, while small wooden hands grabbed at his cheeks, tugged at his jacket, making the key in the pocket drop onto carpeted floors.
He stumbled back, finally snatching the doll by it's scruff like an unruly dog who in turn frowned at him and threw her limbs, reaching for him fruitlessly. "What the hell is wrong with this village?!"
"I see you've awaken"
The sudden voice caught his attention, contrast to the doll's annoying one, and he stopped in his tracks, both him and the creepy doll looking towards the woman. Almost all her skin covered in black, an embroidered dress that did not conceal it's lavish materials and silks that was only made for the wealthy, and a widow's veil perched atop her head, covering her face and veiling her emotions.
"You keep cursed fucking dolls running around?" Miller shivered, shaking the cretin off him again.
"You've got a mouth on you" The woman hummed in response, in her unclothed, delicate hands was a circular tray, a hand crafted tea set atop it. She shot the doll a look who quickly squirmed off Miller's space and floated mechanically to sit atop the dresser behind her, eyeing the boy.
"I apologize for this poor first acquaintance. That there, is Angie, and I, Lord Donna Beneviento" She stood with her head up and Miller couldn't help but gawk in awe, something about her just seemed so gentle yet with hidden danger, like rose with it's thorns.
"You're one of the lords? I.. I am Veumiller, uh Lord Beneviento" Miller said with a nervous chuckle, he didn't quite know how to act in front of large figures, should he bow? Kiss her damn hand? Her foot? Eugh.
"No need for formalities, Call me Donna" The woman said, a hint of a smile when she said those words. She set the tray on the bed and urged him to sit, serving two glasses of tea and leaving a particularly small tea cup empty.
Miller nodded and sat down on the bed hesitantly, tea was a luxury he didn't have often. He bit back a scowl when the doll - Angie came to peek over the bed to retrieve her cup with a sickening grin. Donna brushed it away and added drops of sugar and milk.
"So, Veumiller, was it?" The boy nodded, "Miller" he corrected her, and she continued. "Tell me why I found you in my property, laying amongst the beds of snapdragons. I had thought at first glance that death already met you." Donna kept herself standing, raising her cup and keeping Miller cornered between her and the single bed.
Miller sighed, he didn't know how he got here too, after he parted ways with Carmilla, it all came to finding that stupid warehouse, and he couldn't help the sinking feeling in his gut as to if his sister would keep her promise. He eventually picked up his cup and drank, it emitted a warm feeling in his stomach, disarming and almost luring, it must've been a special blend of flowers, resulting in his urge to open up.
"W-well long story short, the villagers chased us to the forest, I.. I have a sister, Carmilla. I was supposed to go east of the village to some old building to meet her there."
You had just led the villagers away, Miller in tears as he couldn't believe how much your care went on for his stupid self. He looked out of the rock for more danger, and ran when he found none. "Stupid, stupid sister."
He should've been the one protecting his little sister, yet here he was now. With all the bread he can carry and no one trailing behind him. He ran without looking back, passing by winding trees and howling wind of the early morning. But he paused and caught his breath when he noticed a doll on the grass.
Miller's brows furrowed in confusion before he looked up. Dolls, broken and new, porcelain and wood, were hanged from their necks from the trees, each facing him as if expecting his arrival. His hairs stood on end as he gulped. The scene was straight out of a horror movie if he's seen one.
He walked further, hugging his bread which had sagged and stiffened with the cool air as he looked around warily. He would die if one of these came alive and fucking bit his ankle.
One doll rattled and blew forward to the wind and he flinched, punching the air and glaring at said doll who had that static smile engraved into it's creepy face.
"Where the fuck is east.. I don't know directions" Miller huffed in annoyance, he can only hope this was the right one.
He gasped when he heard one ominous howl deeper into the trees. He had been walking aimlessly for a few hours now, passing by places he swore that he's walked through before, everything kept him uneased. How could he be such a bad brother? He never should've let that little cretin lead the outraging villagers away for his sake.
You had protected him since he could remember, it was a bittersweet memory.
Miller was snuggled at the very corner of the children's library, he wore mismatched socks and an oversized NASA shirt which he begged for both of your namedays. It was afternoon and the sky was turning an orange hue, the time when they didn't have any more chores. In his little hands was a weighty tome containing astronomy which he can barely hold, and a gleeful grin to top it off.
"You're such a nerd, you know that?" You plopped right beside him with a teethy smirk, only you were still missing one of your front baby teeth which always got his adoring attention. You snatched his book and peeked at the title with an amused scoff.
"Do you have to ruin everything?" Miller whined when you ruffled his hair, he attempted to push your dirty hands away with a pout. He glared at you as you handed his book back.
"Boring, boring, and boring. What's the point of stars and space when you can't even experience them closely? "
He relaxed when you laid your head against his shoulder and let him read, drying sweat still on your forehead from when you went to play outside. In the dirt. He had half a mind to keep his "perfect" hygiene and shove you off, but he would let it slide.. just this time.
"It's not about that idiot, it's the acknowledgement of their presence, how we are just a spec of dust in the scale of the cosmos-"
"Oh lookie here, the twin monsters!" Becka's irritating, high pitched voice cut through the silence of the library and made you both tense in your supposed to be hidden spot, of course she was followed by her little ant, Mira.
Mira snatched the book which made you fume, she only gave a cocky smirk in return. "Oh, how much worse can you two get? Let me see.. outcasts, freak of nature, weirdos, and nerds?!" Becka laughed at their own cruel joke.
"You seem to be amazing at collecting these titles, freak" Becka crossed her arms and letting out a "hmph", she grabbed the book in Mira's hand which seemed to be getting tossed around quite a lot and threw it at Miller's chest, who elicited a groan from the impact and surged backwards.
"Keep that, maybe literature can help you learn the definition of normal" and the little wench flicked her blonde hair back behind her shoulder, thinking she'd won this time. "Come on, Mir. These twats aren't worth our time"
"No one.."
Mira turned her head over her shoulder in confusion as they were on the way out, finding you slowly standing up with a dark shadow covering the top half of your face, only glowing eyes set on them were seen.
"No one can bully my brother except for me.."
Miller can only remember how her sister snatched Becka's hair which she seemed so proud of earlier, and yank it back. Punched Mira straight in the jaw and left the girls scrambling out of the library with tears, likely on the way to Mother Isabella to tattle.
The twins laughed their little hearts out after and cuddled some more in the much cozier corner, they always had each other's back, even if in different senses of the matter.
"That dummy.. got herself in trouble all because of me" Miller smiled fondly in memory, reminiscing about the past usually helped the loneliness he now felt. He had found the warehouse deep in the woods that Millie mentioned, the key barely managed to fit due to whatever things were jammed in the keyhole. And he had been living off the bread, now old and soggy to time.
The building must've been kept as a house before, as it had a full chimney and a mattress-less single bed, he managed to clear out some junk and draw away the mice and insects feasting on the wood and frames. If anything, he was taught from a young age what to do in survival.
Miller stared at the roaring, crackling fire from the fireplace, he scrapped the wood from the bed for it, now poking with a random cane to keep it's heat.
Her sister always returned, always. Yet now it was a couple of weeks since he had been separated from her and he couldn't help this strange gut feeling, twin telepathy of some sorts that she was in trouble.
So he had to be as selfless as her, and save her for once instead of the latter. He needed to find her.
Miller grabbed his stuff, throwing his bag over his shoulder and continued on the worn out path leading who knows where. Winter has come and his old rusty jacket can barely keep up anymore. Their birthday was supposed to be tomorrow, and it broke his heart how they would have to spend it away for the first time.
Being fully fledged and 18 was a big deal around the orphanage, it meant freedom. That you would no longe require adoption, nor be sought out by half-assed couples who only sought out the attractive children.
Tearing away from his thoughts, he found himself venturing down a familiar opening, a lone head of a dol he almost stepped on stared into nothingness as turned towards his own. "More of you. Fuck" He kicked it away with a frown.
Through the arrangement of dolls came a cemetery, and his blood ran cold. As if this place couldn't get any worse. At the center was a slightly larger tombstone, "Beneviento" engraved and the crest of a burning sun and half moon at it's side, with hundreds of smaller tombstones surrounding it. Miller closed his eyes, as if it would will the experience away, and he'd somehow wake up back in bed.
Miller was now hyper aware of his surroundings. The rustle of grass, call of crows, the distant rush of the waterfall, the pitter pattering of his heart, and his own cold sweat running down his forehead.
"Gods help me.." Miller whispered, looking around for any direction or sign as to where he was, multiple flowers and plants were scattered around the cemetery, attracting and vibrant with their colors.
He spotted a bee laying right beside one bush, it was decorated with yellowish flowers and he couldn't help but crouch down to the insect. It laid on it's back, the only telltale signs that it was alive was it's twitching little limbs, it seemed to be in a trance like state.
Curiosity was always Miller's middle name and he took a whiff of one of the petals. Pause and smell the roses, they said, bullshit. Instantly, he tensed. Brain fogging and eyes swimming with waves of colors, ears ringing as he fell back on his ass. Whispers seem to come from somewhere as his head twitched, breathing heavily.
The flower seemed to enlarge in front of his eyes and shrink again tauntingly, it emitted a strange smell, both nostalgic and pungent at once.
"C-Carmilla?" He managed, seeing a figure that resembled you, coming closer, mouth opening and moving but devoid of any sounds. His vision went black and he heard a series of cackles before he fully went unconscious.
"Oops"
Angie giggled and snapped you out of story time. The doll shrugged at Donna when the woman clearly glared at her with scolding. "What? It's not my fault that man-thing ran straight into my trap!" She threw her hands up in defense
"Trap? What-"
"Angie! Behave. Perhaps you've been around my sister too much" Donna shook her head and put down her empty cup. Miller only looked at Donna with the confused greens of his eyes, demanding explanation and only now finding out she had a sibling too.
"I will not lie, Miller. You fell unconscious due to one of Angie's plants, it has hallucinogenic property which would explain your vision. And too much intake can lead to lightheadedness, or unconsciousness"
"You- set that up?" Miller pointed an angry finger at Angie who just shrugged, his brows furrowed when he stood up to confront her. "Why would anyone want to do such a thing!"
Donna put a firm hand on Miller's chest and growled silently just as he was rounding on the doll, pushing him back onto the bed with ease that surprised him for her stature. "Now now, boy. While I do detest some of her protective measures for the house, you were unprovoked."
"I do not accept any and all mindless outrages in my household, my good grace can only go on for so much"
Miller gulped and turned his head down, he felt shame and embarassment despite him being a victim of sorts. But something just made it so easy for him to obey the woman, to let his guard go and just follow her soothing voice. "Fine, I apologize, Donna."
The woman paused and clasped her hand together in content, seemingly studying Miller in such a position as she let out a pleased hum in response. Miller dared to look up into veil-covered dark eyes, he started to see the shape within the silhouette if he looked closely. The deep voids of brown that can drown you within it's gaze. Just an eery calmness enveloped the woman, and the boy couldn't help but sink into her.
The woman was pleased with his submission, like a hidden guilty-pleasure.
Angie left as time passed in the small bedroom due to her own itch for trouble-making, though the lord continued to ask Miller about his adventure leading to her estate and his sister before that. If it's either for personal interest or suspicion, Miller couldn't determine. If the woman knew poker, she would certainly shine in it.
Miller noticed the orange hue encompassing the sky and attempted to see himself out, making it to the hall outside the room, down the winding, wood-carved stairs and towards the door. But Donna had kept a firm hand on his shoulder, stopping him from almost stepping on the thin, barely-there string on the ground, a trap no doubt, but for whom?
"The night is full of terrors, and no guest of mine shall be found mawled somewhere with lycan traces" the woman had muttered with sterness that left no discussion, or protest to be made.
Miller almost insisted he must be overstaying his welcome, the effects from the flower were already sustained after all. Only for an abrupt stop with Donna surging forward, their faces inches apart and only the veil was restricting contact. His breath hitched, with the action and due to her words.
His heart seemed to beat out of his chest, the sound of constant lub-dub echoing in his now flushed ears, the red traveled to his cheeks and he stumbled back in surprise, yet pale hands reached to grab his forearm to hold him steady.
"You can't leave, I won't let you"
A long, silent moment passed. Miller was dumbfounded and he didn't know if he should find that sweet or creepy. But Donna must see through his inner turmoil and took a few steps back for space. And the boy cursed himself for missing the interaction immediately.
The woman cleared her throat and let a few seconds pass to let her steam cool off, and to ensure she wouldn't get fall for her impulsive thoughts again. However calm and collected she tries to be, Angie was still her other half, and the doll's recklessness seeped into her very being at times.
"Forgive me, what I meant to say was.." *rrrrrring!!*
Donna trailed off and clasped her hands together, letting the irritating sound notify them of a call from the ancient landline. With her lips pressed tightly together, she sighed. "Stay here for the time being, atleast until it's safe, please."
With that, the woman turned and walked off towards the phone, her dark dress dragging along the floor. Miller had the choice to leave or stay, but he wouldn't say no to such a concerned woman right? He had to keep his manly charms and wit to bedazzle the ladies! Or so he thought.
So he went back to the room he originally arrived it, with a defeated groan, he was just weak for strong women.. and speaking of weak. Exhaustion took him once his tense body landed on the soft cushions of the bed, for some reason it seemed so easy to fall into a deep sleep, even when he barely did anything but yap this morning.
Yap he did, and he said more than what he was willing to share without another thought?
Must've been the tea.
-~-
"Yes.. well-" Donna sighed
"No, I believe the boy mentioned having a sibling of sorts, he.. he camped in an abandoned junk ward near the Duke's territory, no mere mortal can achieve that much and in such time" she pressed the telephone between her shoulder and ear to keep the matriarch heard on the other line, the familiar silky, velvety voice replying.
Donna's face was devoid of any veil covering it, if anything, her prisitne image from earlier was a far cry from the one now. She rocked a dark denim jumper, along with a grey turtleneck within it. Her clothes were tainted with paint, threads, needles and whatnot. Her usual extreme bun was replaced with a haphazardly made bun paired with loose hair and frizz.
"..Dani mentioned- girl.. r.. twin, -fore she slipped away" the voice was buggy and almost inaudble from where Angie pressed her carved ear against the door.
"I have a theory.. though thinking about it now, I realize how truly mad I must sound" Donna paused and contemplated, her free hand going to her hip as she circled around her sewing room.
"Mother Miranda might give us further insight if you were the one to inquire-" whispered her.
"NO! -ruined my life.. thr- eatened.. -daught- ..unacceptable! ..-time ..retaliate.." the voice answered with ferocity.
"If you won't tell her, then I will, Alcina!" Donna could only hear the woman's immediate protests before she cut her off, and placed the telephone back into it's vintage holder.
Donna was caught in her inner conflict yet again, how can one boy cost so much trouble? Those were familiar words as Angie let herself in the room with quiet giggles and perched herself atop a drawer.
"Is he asleep?"
"Why yes, the tea I made worked perfectly, As I said it would!" Angie let out a triumphant "hmph!" And crossed her thin, connected arms. "You better give me a reward atleast, Don-don"
"Your job isn't over yet, there are more guests to come. And please, Angelica. Do try to refrain from calling me such idiotic nicknames" Donna rolled her eyes and sat down on a stool to continue her sewing for a doll's clothing.
-~-
With all the warmth of her grand fireplace, the quietness of her personal study, the freshly squeezed Sanguis Virginis in her glass, the small pitter-patter of her staff' hearts throughout the whole castle that she wished she could grasp with one palm and crush it all into a squelch. Nothing can hold back the rapidly progressing thoughts of the head of the house. Alcina raised her custom-crafted glass to her crimson lips and sipped in a long stroke, and glared into the roaring flame.
The combined issues with her winery lacking it's needed blood due to Mother Miranda's recent outrages, and tearing through the village and her supposed maiden stock, Heisenberg being ever so persistent with trying to drag her into this rebellion, and.. you. Clumsy, Cazacu, you, and most likely your brother too if he had been here.
Alcina hadn't felt it the night when her daughters captured you, yet fate brought you into her hands. Of course, her little ones must've unconsciously felt it too, like they just so happened to find a perfectly maid-material girl in the woods to play with. But now it has started to gather clarity.
Donna had filled her in on her theories over the telephone, theories that provided sense and connected the dots with such ease that it annoyed her.
She scoffed, how could she have been so blind? You were right in her reach, yet you slipped through her fingers, or rather she let you. She felt it throughout your later interactions, the connection. The cadou inside her reacting to your existence purely, how she saw you as not a prey, but as an equal.
How she was reminded of a wounded faun when you looked up at her with those damned curious, sparkling eyes. Hell, the connection ran deeper than she thought when she felt your pain, longing when you walked down the halls. How you yearn for your brother, and just.. a sense of security. Everything that little heart felt, she felt too.
She wanted to break and provide you with something, anything to pull the cadou's empathy away from her veins.
Yet she wasn't sure if that would be the cadou acting, or her instincts naturally. Alcina stood up from her plush seat and opened a window, taking her long stick, starting a spark and taking a long needed drag out of it, only to blow it back out into the cold wind.
Even her daughters had liked you. Daniela the most, and Bela with the ever so lingering glances, eyes full of questions. And the fact that she couldn't give answers, not right now, is what most pained her.
The three were most disappointed and angered at your sudden departure, yet they were baffled at how you out of anyone else had made a first on a successful escape.
Cassandra had a more feral reaction akin to betrayal, how she had presented herself openly to you, someone supposedly lesser, and you just up and left. The girl made it a point to lecture her sisters that what you have done was for your greed and selfish needs.
How not one interaction was real, not when you helped her clean off the blood after a secret hunt without anyone else's knowledge, not when you read to Daniela in the library and made both her and her little sister fall asleep with ease, not when she thought she found someone who finally listened to her, understood her in an unspoken level like when you confessed to having been orphaned and labeled as a freak of nature, just like her.
But both her siblings noticed how it must have been Cassandra's way of disregarding the girl, and making half-assed reasons for why she was pained for the lost of a friend the most, despite being the more distant sister.
With a vein bulging from her temple, it all finally came crashing down, she dropped the stick and abruptly picked up the closest thing to her, in her case it was yet another pristine and antique vanity. She yanked it from it's usual spot with a deathly grip and threw it across the room, the impact cracking vases, shattering glasses, breaking her cabinet, yet she can only growl out in anger.
"That old, decrepit, delusional hag has us running in circles! I must stop before this ends in another ceremony."
Notes:
Okay! I am sorry for the late release, there was just a lot on my plate despite it being summer break, speaking of that. School is back for me! Which means, I may or may not have my schedule racked with schoolwork sooner than later, so just please be patient with uploads!
Whoever is still reading this with me, you're a champ! And of course, we're getting to the spicy part, our dear Alcina had just agreed ot take part in this little rebellion after all.
Chapter 7: When the Game Began - Part 1
Notes:
HELLO! I may have lied about later uploads, since we now have 4 days off school (including the weekends) due to holidays! Yippee
This turned out longer than I anticipated, so I'll split it up into two.
I have impulsively decided to create a little banner here,
(check out my tumblr if you're interested in my art👀 : Numbyday)There may be more fan art to come.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
(A/N: I love Cassie in this. Like what?? 😳)
A few weeks ago..
"Will you stop looking at me like that? Please, you're squirming like a worm"
"Like what, mouse?"
You paused with your hands still up in the air near her face, your sleeves rolled up to where your elbow and forearm met, hair tied up in a haphazard bun to avoid getting it all over your face, and lastly, standing between Cassandra's legs as the girl sat on one of the bathroom stools.
Gave her a glare you did, grumbling as you wiped her face off any dirt, thankfully the girl didn't have any blood staining her face today, it was just elsewhere. She only grinned in return, peering up at you and too pleased with herself.
"Like you're planning something sinister!" You flicked her forehead as she yelped and flinched away, "Hey!"
"When am I not?" She scoffed and rolled her eyes before settling back on the stool, watching you hold the thread between your lithe fingers. As strange as it sounded, the daughters of the devil were still conscious about their appearance, despite not socializing often.
"I'm only doing this because- well because you threatened to bite off my toes in my sleep, but mostly because I agree. Your brows look like overgrown bushes" You chuckled softly and she pouted up at you and it was her turn to roll pretty yellow eyes.
Your hand worked fluidly, sharp yet graceful, you had done a similar job before with- who was that knucklehead again? Oh, Miller. But only with razors, as he, as a teenage rebel-wannabe begged for you to slit his brow to appear edgy, and you were sure he regretted them right after.
Gossip was he came back in a tantrum after Mother Isabella told him it was just a phase. And the word spreaded through you. Naturally.
Cassandra kept her gaze locked on your face, it was the first time she had the opportunity to look, to really observe your face. Freckled cheeks, pointed nose, rosy lips. She blinked twice as she caught herself, the girl wasn't attracted to you romantically, but it would be a waste not to admire such art, molded (pun may be intended) just for the sake of admiring eyes.
"Aren't you flattered of my eyes upon you?" The girl tried again, and you pinched her chin to get her head to still. Your scowl however did not mask the burning red that appeared on your cheek.
"No, I am revolted by such a gesture. Be prepared, should I throw up right on your face" you muttered sarcastically, as she cackled.
Of course you still had blemishes, like any normal person would. You would argue that you're not normal if you heard that from her, and she would agree. Subtle, small, bulging veins came crawling up from your lean back, hidden behind your uniform, and spreading from the back of your neck and just fading right into the front.
It was a peculiar thing, was it a birthmark of some sorts? A health problem? But you've never mentioned it before.
"What did I just say, Miss Cassandra?" You huffed in annoyance and she did too, only louder to annoy you.
You flicked the threads sharply once, twice more as your finishing touches on her dark brows. Now arched perfectly, not a hair out of place. You gave a smile in satisfaction.
But a quick knock came from outside, and you quickly walked away from Cassandra and left her to admire your work in the bathroom mirror, tugging her bangs to the side to get a better look, as she did a few silly faces, even tugging the corner of her lips to the side to bare her fangs. The corner of your own lips tugged up subtly at her strangely endearing display.
"Miss Ingrid?" You smiled as you opened the door of Cassandra's room, she returned the gesture albeit hers without an enthusiastic show of teeth, and reached a wrinkled hand out to pat your head, and deciding to pat your shoulder instead, lest you found it uncomfortable. Letting the older woman in, Mia came tumbling in after her. You looked at them both in confusion.
Mia sighed and looked at the head maid with pleading eyes, but Ingrid stood firm and sent a small stern look to the girl. Cassandra came out of the bathroom as she had cleaned her face of any stray brow hairs lingering.
"The Grid has made her arrival. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Cassandra paused and went straight for the older woman who only tried to pluck her away like the bug she was, frowning in distaste at the nickname, as the younger girl made a show of hugging
"Please Cassandra Dimitrescu, clean that blood off your neck and the dirt on your dress, or better yet, stand in front of a pressure washer. Dear lords, girl!" Ingrid began her scolding, not that anyone could get past it, even the matriarch of the house, and one would be surprised how Alcina seemed like a stubborn child in front of the head maid.
"And don't even get me started with that god forsaken name that you insist upon me"
Ingrid's wrinkly eyes was swimming and darting from one mess to another in Cassandra's room, frown deepening with every object out of place, about to give her an unending lecture yet again before the devilspawn held her finger up in protest to stop her. "I'll clean it later, promise! I just had a squirmy meal last night.."
You smirked at Cassandra's behavior, amused that despite her and the other devil's spawn reputation, the mere thought of getting one of the head maid's lengthy lecture along with another one from their mother sent them cowering to promise-making, puppy-eyed girls.
Ingrid sighed and swooned, yet still keeping her cold facade, pointing her finger at the girl and bending forward ever so slightly despite being smaller than the girl. "You best keep your promise, girl. Otherwise you'll be joining the maids for cleaning too"
"But no can do on the nickname, Grid" Cassandra grinned ear to ear in mischief, letting out an exaggerated cry as Ingrid pinched her ear, before laughing again as she shifted into her swarm and made her escape through the gap below the door.
"Ouh, that girl!"
-~-
As fate would have it, the purpose of Ingrid's visit was to take you and Mia to be substitutes. Both you and the shy girl were caught grumbling, but there were no other options. All other maids were all occupied on extra work, as Cassandra had made a bloody mess in the cellars just yesterday. And the ones who were assigned in the more private rooms were needed elsewhere. Some taken to be last minute wine stock.
And unfortunately, you had to clean the lady's study with the cute introvert, not that you were not one yourself at times. But seeing Mia's eyes quickly look elsewhere when it locked with yours accidentally, made you feel just slightly smug.
Perhaps now you understand why the devil herself is so amused with your mere presence. Watching her fumble with a damp cloth to wipe surfaces while you dusted any old tomes and journals within the lined bookshelves of pristine, dark oak that contrasted perfectly against gold accents.
Mia was always one to prefer being invisible rather than seen, keeping struggles to herself and playing a safe game. Back when you were in the kitchen, you've heard Ingrid talking with the head chef, Helena. A battle of words about why the latter needed to help train Mia in particular into one of worth for the matriarch, muttering the potential she had as a kitchen maid.
The brunette, Helena, ever so stubborn had muttered along the lines of "I can't afford blood on my counters when the girl gets her fingers cut clean" but later ate her words when she found the girl improving over time. Mia seemed most content and at peace when cooking or baking sweets with Ingrid, you were most happy to have taste too.
Letting your brain focus into work and turn off, your hands were almost mechanically moving, just an instinct to mop and clean as your thoughts slipped into a certain golden haired individual.
When at first, Bela seemed to be distant and uncaring, cautious and allergic to one such as you. Recently, you had caught her glancing at you a few times. You rearranging tomes, while she "read" her book, but you both knew that her eyes were burning a hole into a singular part of the page, and she was looking at her peripheral to you.
"Hey, Carmilla"
"Hm?" You turned your gaze to hers, while gathering the equipments. Surprised that the girl was actually talking to you.
"How do you.. do it?" Mia mumbled, looking down at her feet, hesitant.
"You've got to be more specific than that, Mia" You teased gently, leaning against the mop in your hands. The young woman finally met your eyes.
"How do you get by so normally.. knowing the lady, h-her daughters, all took you here with the intention to end it all. The constant threat of being bled dry, o-or be their personal plaything" Mia let out a shaky breath and your smile dropped to a cornerned look. You stepped towards her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I don't, Mia. Perhaps I may seem to be at ease in your perception, but in truth.. I'm scared shitless too" Both of you chuckled, hers quieter but the awkward tension seem to settle just a bit. "Try focusing on things to look forward to. I have my brother, and he needs me just as I need him. I have hope that I'll eventually escape the castle, maybe I'll bring you with me" you poked the girl and her eyes widened.
"Don't get me wrong, I have thought of freedom too. I have seen an attempt, b-but no one has managed to succeed yet." Mia gulped, a silent pleading in her eyes for you not to consider such a thought.
Your smile returned, albeit laced with underlying nervousness too. Taking a step back, you whispered.
"I'll break that record, or I'll die trying to"
"My back is killing me.." You couldn't believe you were saying that at such an age. Walking out of the study with various cleaning supplies, you tucked them in a nearby closet for the staff. Any of the lady's personal rooms weren't exactly small, and now all you can think about is lunch.
Though the world turned into darkness. You gasped and screamed in surprise as you heard familiar buzzing behind you. "Carmie!" Daniela giggled as her gloved hand covered your eyes, the upper part of her body was still human while the rest were a fog of flies.
The girl lifted you in a firefighter hold, over her shoulder as she perused swiftly around the corridors, the rushing maids left stunned at the scene.
"Dani put me down!" You squealed as you squirmed in her grasp, she let you the benefit of removing her hand, exposing your widened eyes to the flashing scenery before you. The little bug was moving in an inhuman pace, making your mouth water with incoming signs of bile.
The walls blended into one another as your hand clutched the girl's dress as to not get yeeted out of her grasp, should she decide to throw you somewhere just for the fun of it. You passed by corridors, the library, the lady's chambers, the hall of four, the grand staircase and finally the living room.
Daniela seemed to notice that dizzy look on your face and sighed disappointedly when she finally stopped right in the main hall, setting you down on the couch. Meeting your irritated gaze with golden eyes. "Come on, that was fun, wasn't it?"
You took a second to recover, your head still swimming as your stomach settled. You managed to stagger upright and stand fully again, blurry eyes slowly focusing and breathing stabilizing "You can't keep popping out of nowhere and flying me around like a sack of potatoes! You threw your hands in the air.
"I'm sorry, I wanted to surprise you" You rolled your eyes at the ecstatic look the girl gave you, somehow she had the ability to manipulate all older figures with her special version of puppy eyes, besides Ingrid who bowed to no one except the lady.
"Well surprise me you did, dragonfly" mumbled you fondly.
Daniela grinned further at the pet name, it became a habit of both. One would think you would not be able to get along with someone who created a permanent scar to your shoulder. The memory of the girl biting you seemed ancient despite the short amount of time, and you had acknowledged her apology on that matter as well. The scar serving as some sort of bittersweet memory.
"It was my pleasure, dulce" Daniela gave an exaggerated bow, making you laugh fully. Before she grabbed your hand and began to drag you all around again, this time without the nauseating display of being carried by a speed train.
It always looked like Daniela had all the time in her hands, being the youngest of the Dimitrescu's. And with too much time came the boredom, and she was all too pleased to use you to aid that problem. The girl rambled about her supposed checklist to do with you while the other ladies were too preoccupied to give her attention.
You were given the full tour of the castle, all nooks and crannies, spots no other maid may enter. The opera room left you in wonder, furnished by various instruments. A black violin laced with gold at the corners which Daniela explained was Cassandra's. "Though she doesn't use it often, she's undeniably very good at it"
"Meanwhile, I.. play the pungi!" She said proudly, presenting her wind instrument sat in pristine display, you were stunned upon their talents. "I've heard tales regarding dancing snakes, and I was intrigued." She clasped her hands together and looked at the instrument with a soft smile, reminiscing the sweet times.
"I begged mother to buy me a pungi from the Duke and surely she did, but we had a long discussion about why she wouldn't buy me the pet snakes." You chuckled and imagined young Daniela throwing tantrums for venomous pets. "I used to play it everyday in my.. youth, and I grew fond of it quickly, dare I even consider it a hidden talent. But alas, I've no snakes to test their dancing skills."
Your heart warmed at the silly story, every day more detail is revealed about this family, every flaw and every happy moment. Your image of them started to change, perhaps not the best progression, but every story shared with you made them feel a whole lot more.. human.
Eyes landed on the centerpiece of the room, a black steinway piano completed the whole musical scene and the aging of the white keys to a yellowish hue from use made you think that this very piano was here long before you. A stool was placed right in front, too high for any person of normal height to find comfortable. You snorted amusedly.
"So, I'll take a wild guess and say that's the lady's forte?" You approached the beauty, eyes running around as you dared to feel every texture.
"Well, mother's and Bela's. I swear, that Bell Pepper is trying to be like mother too much" Daniela shook her head and joined you, standing under the ray of light from a distant window as she traces the keys with long fingers.
"Though I had never taken interest in the piano, I was once jealous of Bela for being a prodigy. Mother always seemed to favor her, and she thrives for the attention"
You have watched Alcina from afar, glanced and sometimes stared. The woman was a mystery to all, but what's certain is her love for her little bugs. Perhaps from an outside view she would seem unjust and extreme, but you saw her as the mother she was, the leader, the wonder, the beauty. The woman that was Alcina Dimitrescu.
Somehow, after completing each written in the girl's checklist, it has ended with the kitchen. Helena would have your head if you, or anyone really, dares to even look at any of her appliances the wrong way.
"Hey, fly. I- I don't think we should be here" You clutched your hands and looked around nervously for the head chef, flinching back when Daniela approached you with a butter knife.
"Come on, don't be a scaredy-cat, I have a perfectly good reason to be here.." Daniela smiled and tip-toed to a covered plate, secluded in a corner of the kitchen island. She lifted the cover and gasped in glee.
"Really?" You sighed and followed after her, putting a hand on your hips as your fear disappeared, replaced with disbelief.
"Really." Daniela grinned and a few flies jumped up as she reached for the food on the plate. Blueberry muffins.
The girl had dragged you out of work, and sneaked into the kitchen for Ingrid's blueberry muffins that she made for the maids and to improve her cooking skills, You couldn't help but shake your head with a fond smile as she held her precious food. And, pushed a muffin to your chest to join her.
Though a thought plagued your brain. "Can you eat that? Y-you're a carnivore right?" Your eyes flickered from the muffin and to her eyes.
She scoffed and hesitated for a moment, thinking about all the lessons from her mother as she eyed the object in her hand. "Well yes, but they always say to try something new, and this is my take on that!" She beamed and brought it towards her mouth, though you held her wrist sharply.
"Maybe you shouldn't consume that" You had a concerned look upon your face but she only scowled in irritation and easily pulled out of your grasp.
"I'll be fine! You think I can't handle it do you? Or maybe you're just like them, always saying I am not yet ready to hunt on my own. But I have been for years!" Daniela snapped, glaring at you with a show of her fangs that made your brows furrow.
"Daniela, I didn't mean it like that. I am simply concerned about the aftermath, should you eat that muffin" You explained, but a sudden thump of the kitchen doors being slammed open caught both your attention.
Helena stood there, apron dirtied, her sharp eyes landed on both of your bodies and immediately huffed in annoyance. "What are you two doing?" Though she paused, eyes burning on the food in Daniela's hand as you clenched your jaw when the girl stubbornly took a bite while the opportunity was there.
You gulped and blushed at being caught, it makes you replay memories back in the orphanage. Stammering your words and all when this partially wasn't your fault. Glaring at Daniela who had a content look on her face, smirking at you.
While Helena couldn't completely scold Daniela openly, you were impressed by how she exuded authority either way. The brunette was the longest survivor in the castle after Ingrid, and you can see why they favored her so. An aloof woman, taking no bullshit from anyone, even her employers.
Sorry, you both were as the head chef made you clean the kitchen from crumbs, write an apology to Ingrid who was currently too busy to see through. Though Daniela's offended look earlier was no more, the moment of manual labor seemed to be the perfect twist to her checklist.
This was turning into a very bizzare day.
-~-
The says seem repetitive, redundant, and exhausting. The matriarch knew what her role implied from the moment she took it with force and bloodied hands.
Surviving a narrow-minded baffoon of a father, who hated her sapphic tendencies with passion, to her mother who knew nothing but coin and drowned herself in lavish jewelry. Alcina knew that they never loved each other from the beginning, and it reflected upon her.
It should've deterred her from her appreciation of the fairer gender when her father forbade her from ever interacting with another woman, when he presented his ire through the loud and relentless hits of his belt. When she cried her heart out and begged for him to stop when his anger turned towards her mother, accusing her ignorance to be the influence of Alcina's preference.
When he hit his wife too much, too quickly, too far, that she fell limp on the floor with a gut wrenching thud. When her eyes were removed of the spark, now lifeless and staring right through Alcina's soul.
Her mother may not have been good, nor caring. But the woman had atleast tried. Even after she had been wed to the Count that forbade her love for another, just for her family's greed and the wealth that was to be shared.
Alcina couldn't take back the decisions she made that night, nor does she regret them. But just the lingering guilt of her mother's death was still a healing wound on her mold-infested heart.
That was the sole reason why she refused any and all, that might connect to her deceased parental figures, if they ever were to be considered such.
So why does this girl. Injured and left for dead when her daughters found her in the outskirts of her castle, have such a thing in her possession?
Alcina glared at the silver brooch which she found in the girl's bag, in her gloved hand. This should've been rotting six feet under with the rest of the Dimitrescu's wretched skeletons. Placing it an arm's length away from her body as if it personally offended her - which it did.
She looked up to the ceiling as if it might answer her questions and took a long swig of her cigar. And continued her quest to rummage inside the girl's bag, just for precation. She fished out a folder, quirking up a brow in curiosity.
The lesson of personal privacy was always inflicted upon her daughters, but she would have to break her rule just this time.
NAME: CAZACU, CARMILLA
DATE OF BIRTH: 1---/12/19
GENDER: FEMALE
COUNTRY OF BIRTH: ROMANIA
MOTHER: UNKNOWN
FATHER: UNKNOWN
Alcina hummed in wonder at the scrubbed out date. She had guessed the girl was around the age of her oldest, but the "one" on the year of birth implied otherwise.
The paper was yellowish due to age, some letters were starting to wash. A note was attached at the back when she turned the page.
"ALLEGEDLY FOUND AT DOORSTEP OF ROMANI ORPHANAGE WITH BROTHER, VEUMILLER CAZACU AT SPECULATED AGE OF 7 MONTHS. DESCRIBED TO SHARE TRAITS OF SENSITIVITY TO NOISE, AND STRANGE BIRTHMARK ENCOMPASSING BACK. UPON FUTHER EXAMINATION, SHOWED HEALING SCARS OF INCISIONS AND SYRINGE MARKS"
"Curious little beastie.." Alcina's eyes darkened at the unveiled information, a smirk emerging from her lips as the pads of her fingers carressed the words of the file.
From what the matriarch saw, this was another mystery, game to unveil, a backstory to unravel from the girl. Voluntary or not. You had shown signs of determination and bite despite her daughter's actions, and for that she commends you. But Alcina didn't think for a second that your desire for freedom would disappear soon.
Her mind entertained thoughts that you weren't so dissimilar from her, perhaps the marks on your back were the same as hers - from the gift Mother Miranda has given her came it's cons. A hidden form, a dragon lurking within who can come out, should she lose control.
"Are you kin, or foe, little mouse?"
Alcina would let you escape, make you think you succeeded. Perhaps she ought to pay the man-thing that is your brother, a visit as well.
Notes:
SPOILER ON CHAPTER 8: Overall a spicy chapter from our lesbians (finally)
Hope ya enjoyed!
Chapter 8: Pop! Goes the Cherry (When the Game Began - Part 2)
Summary:
Part 2 of "When the Game Began"
Where we see glimpses of Alcina's wrath, and we finally get some movement on Bela and Reader!
Chapter specific warnings: smut, loss of virginity, g!p, biting
(MY DRAWING TOWARDS THE END WHERE YOU CAN SEE WHAT CARMILLA LOOKS LIKE!)
Chapter Text
A loud roar startled you from your activities with Daniela. It resembled a voice of a dragon spewing fire from the pit of it's mouth, the shriek of battle from a cerberus, the menacing whistle of death. Though it lasted for only a few moments, it was enough for your cold blooded terror, the hair passing your skin stood on end as the air was suddenly unbearably cold.
Meanwhile, Daniela had locked eyes with you. "I'll see what this is about" Though with guilt in hers for needing to leave, she scurried off to see what had angered her mother so.
The other maids shared your fear as Ingrid called for assembly in the main hall. Keeping them in appropriate lines, head down, shaking hands clasped together, and mouth kept shut, lest you want to agitate the beast's flame.
"Whoever has done this mess, I suggest to confess now. Before all of us perish." Ingrid had turned to the staff, her usual critical face was passed with worried lines, a frown on her lips and brows furrowed, glaring into every one of the staff under her. Mihaela had whispered to Stefania in the corner, both bearing rattled looks. But any noise and disobedience to line like virgin sacrifices were shut down by Ingrid's commands.
No one had the opportunity to answer as the sound of regal stilettos rang loud across halls, the small click and clack enough to send the maids into a frenzy of who has the luxury of the furthest spot from the front.
The small murmurs of "move!" made you stiffen in your spot in the middle, getting pushed as well in their rushed movements. Daring to look up into the sea of ebony and ivory uniforms, your eyes landed on Luthier on the far side, opposite you. Standing out as the only man permitted in the castle.
Thoughts ran in your head about what could've caused this sudden uproar, and cluelessness transcended to over-thinking. The key? Perhaps Luthier has ratted you out. He seemed kind, but in reality, any human mind is capable of manipulation and betrayal. Then Elena's help? You only hoped it isn't anything relating to them.
Buzzing flies penetrated your focus. Standing tall at the top of the winding stairs were the three daughters, all trailing behind, resembling little ducklings to their mother. Bela had her hand defensively at front just in the slight, to hold off their mother of any more abrupt attacks. Cassandra and Daniela eyed each other in a silent conversation but wisely kept quiet.
The Lady in mention, was fuming, you could almost see smoke trailing out from her nose. Eyes glowing golden, and if viewed in the right angle, the backs of her normally pristine dress was starting to rip, the cause unknown to you.
Once heels stopped at the foot of the stairs, all the staff gave a mechanical bow and a quiet greeting. You had scrambled to follow their movements. The siblings stopped right beside their mother, Bela reaching out to place a calming hand on Alcina's forearm, which seemed to bring her down to earth a bit.
"It seems" Alcina started, "that some impertinent, insolent.." the lady trailed off, as if to stop herself from murmuring out more colorful curses. "-rodents, have dared insult House Dimitrescu. To imply that we are simply fools, no fit for such a quality as loyalty."
"Is this how one repays our kindness? With rebellion, and.. thievery?" Your throat bulged with your gulp, cold sweat now trickling down your forehead. This was going down a direction you want no part in.
"I have gotten wind of one of my assets stolen, right under my nose." A few breaths hitched and murmured ensued, Ingrid glancing at the pair of Mihaela and Stefania who were the ones usual to such actions, but both only shrugged discretely. Elena glanced at you from her line, while Luthier had an unreadable expression.
"What was stolen were.. most delicate files, regarding my daughters. And, as coincidental as it may be, the wretched thief has included the files of our newest recruit." Your heart sank when all eyes landed on your quivering form.
The overwhelming feeling crept up from deep in your guts. The hall seemed to expand, to stretch into your horizon. The distant rustle of a maid fiddling with her clothing strap akin to nails scratching, dragging down slowly and relentlessly against a chalkboard. The lady's hard, suspicious gaze appeared as a ticking time bomb right before you. You had half a mind to shovel a hole six feet under and lay there until the end of time.
The lady's yellow hues seeped straight into your purple ones. The eye contact appeared to be everlasting. She leaned ever so slightly forward, letting the swell of her breast peek out subtly. You caught Daniela's sympathetic eyes to the side of the matriarch.
"Tell me, mouse. Were you aware of such acts?"
You parted your mouth but no word came out, you hadn't realized how dry your throat was until now. Answering nervously, paired with a tremble in your voice that made her brow arch menacingly. "N-no, my lady. Not at all." She would not trust easily.
"If any one of you has reliable information to provide, it would save me the trouble from interrogating one at a time. And I assure you, if it comes to that.. it would not be a pleasing experience."
Cassandra snarled when not one of the help answered. Stepping forward, twirling the sickle in her palm in threat and barking her order.
"Speak!"
The flinch at each of the maids made you wince. "T-the documents were situated in your personal study, yes?" Stefania had finally spoken, yet hesitantly. "I.. I believe the last seen attending to that area were.. Mia and Carmilla, mistress. We others were left with unending tasks, they must've seized the perfect opportunity."
Mia's eyes shot up to Stefania in disbelief and betrayal, while you scoffed at the absurdity of this woman. "M-m'lady, believe me, our intentions were only to serv-"
"And! I caught a glimpse of Mia lingering on the shelves." Mihaela cut the girl off and spoke too quickly, spurting and spewing words out as if an exorcist's chant, and seeming to add more to her friend's imaginative story.
One of the other maids butted in, wanting this to be over and dealt with, albeit a cowardice manner. "Then it must've been she, who-"
"Silence!" Alcina snapped once more, head twitching as sharp claws elongated from her once painted nails, the sound resembling a blade unsheathed. Her hand lifted and cut clean right through one of the unfortunate antiques near, creating a clacking sound as porcelain hit the floor. All in the room startled.
"The Dimitrescu does not settle with hearsay" Alcina's second form had seeped through the formed cracks. The rips at her dress growing, and one saw how something had slightly protruded, skin-colored and akin to bat wings.
Some had the instinct to run as the lady began stomping through the rows of their arrangement if not for the devil spawn blocking all exits. Not that they'd make it far, should they even try it.
"Mother, I-if I may. I had caught the little mouse right after she finished cleaning, and I had not seen any files in hand." Daniela said, it was uncharacteristic for the girl to object to her mother, especially when it came to blood.
"Daughters" Alcina cut through with her agitated voice. Cassandra and Bela moved in tandem, transforming into their flies and reappearing right behind Mia and you. Struggling wasn't an option as they quickly restricted movements by the fists curling around wrists.
You gave Bela a small pleading look but the girl looked away with a hard expression. But the youngest seemed to take pity.
-~-
Alcina wasn't one to get her hands dirty, but whatever document she has lost today has tested her. Relentless questions were given to you, bordering on the almost non-existent safety bubble of privacy.
Namely, regarding your location before the study, after. The search of your personal belongings and those others as well. The matriarch had almost snapped you in half when Helena confessed to witnessing Daniela eat a muffin. Who explained that the sisters cannot digest human food well, their fly bodies having difficult melting down denser foods that was not meat.
Alas, proof was neither here or there. But something had to suffer for the lady's sour mood.
Surprise was evident on your face again when Bela offered to take your punishment in her hands when Alcina sent both you and MIa to the cellars. Though reluctant and not seeing reason and purpose, Alcina astonishingly agreed when her heir insisted.
Sharp eyes steered to Mia, already being eyed by Cassandra like candy to child. You couldn't help but worry for the girl, unfortunate that no one else had offered help.
No one had objected when all were finally dismissed, scurrying off to tend to their own stations. Shaking off the fear and nerves. Though you had heard murmurs of a few more maids missing that night, and the busy noises down at the cellars.
-~-
"Mother always make a point to remind us of her strength from time to time"
Bela had said from where she stood pouring herself a drink and offering one to you. You eyed the red liquid suspiciously and shook your head as a safer option, and it made the eldest chuckle.
You found yourself in the girl's grand chambers after she thankfully dragged you away from the wrath of Alcina. Still shivering and simmering at the thought of the interaction, you huddled further into the velvet colored couch, grabbing at the nearest pillow and pressing it to your chest.
"Why me?" Bela let out a small hum at your question, approaching calmly, and sitting an arms length away from you to provide space. "What about Mia? She has done none wrong as well."
"I cannot provide safety for every threatened maid, draga" She took a sip of her wine, which she assured you was not blood infused, and one of the successful blends she has helped her mother create for the winery.
You managed to look into golden eyes, yours shaken but the nickname made the tips of your ears flush despite yourself. "But.. why save me at all?"
Bela sighed in thought, truly she pondered why as well. She wanted to act irrationally, to shut down your question and lash out at your supposed ungratefulness.
"It is not a decision I have fully thought of, I suppose it was.. impulsive" She continued to look off into the flames of her fireplace, downing the rest of her drink. Only to find your hand landing on her forearm, she turned her eyes back to you, now daring and no longer hiding behind the pillow.
"Thank you, truly. I do not know what the lady would have done to me in the cellars, I can only hope Mia isn't punished without proof."
Bela found herself smiling as her free hand landed on top of yours, she smirked while putting her glass down and leaning back against the couch. "Mother might be ruthless, but she is not unjust. And who is so sure that she is the one to punish Mia? If I were to guess, Cassandra would be more than happy to offer herself on that role."
You chuckled with her and scooted closer to the other girl. It was due to the cold, you reasoned, and not the sudden warmth you felt on your body when she did the same. You both sat in comfortable silence, letting the heat of the fire envelop your bodies.
"May I.. consider you a friend?"
The words came randomly and you almost berated yourself when the girl tensed up, her breath hitched from underneath you and your eyes quickly swiveled away, wanting not to experience the awkwardness that came after. One would be a fool to trust easily in Castle Dimitrescu. But you had truly thought your relationship with the sisters were more established than others, perhaps it had been an illusion?
You heard Bela let out another hum of curiosity, squirming when you found a firm hand land under your jaw, tilting your head towards hers again. What you found were the dilated pupils of her eyes, you can almost drown in their depths, gladly you would do so. They seem to be calculating, evaluating the sincereness of your words. No one had dared befriend the daughters of the matriarch before, and the ones that did usually had intentions for naught.
Eventually, she spoke. The voice a low rumble in her throat, something feral. "Why only the role of a friend, when we can be something beyond?"
Her eyes slipped down to your lips, now caged by your upper teeth from biting down. Bela had to stifle a growl at the bubbling blood resulting from it.
But alas, one could only have so much control. She surged forward until your faces were inches from one another, with thread-like patience she searched for permission in your hazed eyes. When she didn't find any objections, she continued and pressed her lips to yours.
The sensation was akin to the exploding flavor bursting inside your tongue, her movements were tender, slow and testing. She lapped at the blood, moaning in satisfaction at the taste of your blood, she sucked in your bottom lip in hers and kept eye contact. It was better than the damned wet dream you couldn't pry out of your head.
Eventually, the eye contact was too much and you closed your eyes just as the kiss progressed to something rougher. You leaned in for more, her tongue seeking, demanding entrance in your mouth and dominating your own. Her hands traveled from your arms up to your neck, a thumb pressing against your rushing pulse where she'd like to take a bite. In due time.
A gasp tore through your throat as she pushed you down the couch, both breathing heavily, until she nuzzled just beneath your jaw and your arms wound around her neck.
"Tell me you want this" Bela whispered against your ear, taking a small nibble at your earlobe. She might be considered a monster by few others, but she relished and took great care of ensuring that she had permission when it came to activities like this. "Tell me I'm allowed to fuck your brains out, little mouse"
You whined, the sound muffled against her shoulder, fingers gripping the fabric of her dark dress. You nodded quickly.
"Words, draga."
"P-please Bela, I want this. I want all of you."
Instantly, an arm wrapped under the higher part of your back, another under your knees as you found yourself lifted and carried to the bed. You yelped as she threw you unceremoniously on her bed. Smirking in satisfaction at the sight of you sprawled out and entirely hers on her bed. The sun had set in the time her mother took interrogating the maids, now the moonlight bounced from the gold accents of her bedroom to the defined features of your face.
No, halt. She musn't think that far yet, would you even consider the notion of being hers?
She climbed on the bed and scaled your body. Her hands placed beside your head and caging you in, a moment passed and she kissed you again. Hands now fumbling with your apron and the uniform you wore today. You were amused at the sound of utter impatience she made, gasping as she tore the fabric down and discarded the clothing to the floor. Leaving your torso bare. Your injuries had healed many moons ago but there were still some traces of Daniela's ferocity.
"Bela.." You moaned when she latched onto one of your nipples, the bud had hardened from anticipation and the cold air, turning into pebbled pink peaks. You threw your head back against the pillows as her tongue rolled around it, alternating from one to the other for equal attention.
Meanwhile, your hands found purchase of trying to tug down Bela's dress, you could not break the fabric as she did though and all you got was a smirk. She easily took off her long dress and threw it aside to add to the pile of clothing. Only left with crimson red undergarments which made you savor the vision a bit more.
Bela had an undeniable toned body, muscle lining down her abdomen, her biceps bulging from your point of view, and her breasts, though a bit more flat-chested than yours and harder with muscle, you couldn't resist but to reach up and squeeze. Which earned you another hum.
"Eyes up here, little mouse"
You grinned, a bit more bolder and she returned the notion. Her teeth left small nips and marks on your body, snarling at the faint mark of the bite on your neck, kissing at it. Tongue trailing down the valley of your breasts to your stomach, smiling against the small bump of it and turning her head up from between your legs.
"W-wait.." You suddenly said, which left Bela to halt immediately in concern. Wondering if she had caused harm or discomfort, she pulled back slightly. Analyzing and confused on why you wanted to stop.
"It's just, I.. I've never done this before" Bela was stunned, but a laugh broke out of her, not mocking, but a sign of relief.
"You are utterly endearing, my little mouse. Are you aware?" She reached out and caressed the side of your face as comfort. You were confused, but the nerves inside you slowly died down, replaced with the arousal pooling between your legs.
"Do not worry, I will not continue if you are not comfortable. But just know that with that knowledge, I plan to make this first experience.. mind blowing." Bela smirked against the skin of your thigh and you felt your cheeks burning red. Now it was apparent why your blood tasted so deliciosu. She wanted to show you the wonder of sapphic pleasure, to make this the first and most memorable break in, so that you should not seek pleasure from another but hers.
"N-No, I wish to continue, truly. I am only.. nervous" Bela kissed the furrow between your brows, easing you before she returned to her former position.
Turning her attention to your mound, she smirked at the sopping wetness all for her. She couldn't wait to sample such a delicacy.
"Then take it."
Bela delved in, tongue darting out and taking a tentative lick to part your folds. It resulted in satisfied moans from both sides. Your hands crumbled the sheets between your hands as she continued immediately, leaving you breathless.
Her tongue dragged teasing circles around your clit, never landing on the sensitive nerves purposely, then traveled down to your entrance, dipping the tip but not entering yet. You choked a gasp as her hand reached up to pinch your nipple and her mouth finally wrapped around your bundle of nerves, slurping and sucking it into the warmth of her mouth. Your eyes locked with her, although yours blurry with pleasure.
She made a warning noise when you bucked up into her mouth, hands going to your hips to halt any more jerks. It wasn't when her tongue slipped into your entrance that you cried out. Hand carding through her hair and pressing her against your skin. Her fingers circled your clit as her tongue dragged through your walls, earning herself more small bursts of your liquid arousal.
Bela hummed in satisfaction as your walls clamped down on her curled tongue, your legs already shaking as you sensed the oncoming climax. But she halted immediately, sitting up between your legs and hearing the whine in your voice.
You parted your mouth to protest, but all thought was cut off by a sudden finger penetrating your entrance. "Bela!" You cried out, walls fluttering and taking a second to adjust.
"Shh.. you do not want to alert any lingering maids outside do you, draga?" Bela had whispered, now leaning down to nuzzle your neck as she inserted another finger, starting with slow movements, in a come hither motion. She felt the tightness of your virgin channel, groaning at the feeling of your hymen stopping her fingers from fully bottoming out.
She grunted in frustration, rubbing the thin blockage before you felt teeth nipping down your breasts, and surely enough there was blood bubbling. Teeth were bared as she licked the crimson droplets off, her iris filled with the blacks of her pupils. "Mother said you'd be stale, but I think you're delicious.."
Then Bela left more kisses and marks down, taking your wrist with a silent plea. You eyed her confusedly, lightheaded. But you nodded, and fangs elongated as she leaned in. Nosed your wrist and took in the scent of the liquid beneath, she growled as her mouth parted and latched onto your wrist, the breaking of skin was expected but still painful. Eventually, the pain subsided and made way for your thoughts to slowly fly away, leaving in the trance completely as you watched Bela utterly caught in tasting your blood.
With threadlike control, Bela finally pulled away and licked the left over liquid at the corners of her lips with a feral grin.
"Are you ready, draga?" Bela said with utmost sincerety, you were now more lightheaded than ever, taking a second to process her question. This was the day you were to become a woman, your cherry about to be popped by your captor, no less. Finally. No, was that the right word to say right now? The girl is a hot, man-hating, vampire-like creature who is isolated in a dark castle. If she wasn't an immediate smash, you don't know what was.
Despite all rushing thoughts, you nodded, and she gave you a small glare for the lack of words. You gulped nervously, one hand landing on hers, fingers lacing together.
"Yes."
You were stunned when Bela's blowflies appeared out of nowhere. None touched you but the thought of them still made your skin crawl. The flies crowded her pelvis, taking into shape into something of an.. appendage? Eventually, the flies solidified and created new skin on Bela, forming a staggering cock between her legs.
"What the hell?!" Bela chuckled at your reaction and shushed you again, she had intended for the newly formed girth to be so.. abundant in length. Seeing the pure shock and subtle horror on your face made it all satisfyingly complete.
Time ran slowly, pain ringing in your ears, yet overthrown by comforting words and sweet nothings whispered against it by Bela. Reassuring you that it will be fine, she would take care of you.
Bela gently rubbed the length of her cock up and down your slit, causing a groan from both, sh needed to ensure that you were properly prepped. And your drooling labia was a dead giveaway. It seems you're in for a world of tease until she deemed you ready.
You kept your eyes locked on her face, the other girl was in utter and complete focus, as if terrified any wrong movement would bring you away. You had not wanted to appear so fragile in her perspective, and was about to protest. Only to be cut off by a sharp slap of her tip against your clit, the reaccuring smacks made you jerk and squirm, she found it amusing. But the wait was killing you, it seemed like she was edging you from the moment you lent her your coat that cold time.
"Bela! I swear if you dont star-" The head of her cock penetrated you smoothly, creating for a choked sound of out you. Bela looked at you straight in the eyes and held your wrists down beside your head. Her movements were jerky, but calculated.
Another sharp thrust made way for a scream that was cut off by her mouth on yours, she had stilled instantly and was determined to make you distracted with her mouth. Feeling, or rather scenting the blood that had come from the tearing of your hymen. A woman, you now were.
She kept as still as possible inside you, feeling every twitch and clench of your walls around her. It wasn't when you started whining and clawing at her back that she started to slowly rock her hips back and forth. It was painful, your walls were sensitive, and you had half a mind to escape her pin and squirm away.
But Bela insisted, angling her hips in search of something, while now holding your hand for comfort. It must be here somewhere- A cry tore from your throat. Ah, there it was. Your g-spot was quickly put the center of focus as she targetted it, the tip hitting it relentlessly, though gentle for now. Yet the pain disappeared rather quickly, and made way for the tingling sensation.
Bela held a smirk as she nuzzled the space between your shoulder and neck, she started to speed up slightly. The sounds of slapping echoed in the room, your muffled moans against her skin, and the small nips she made on your neck.
You felt an unfamilliar coil building low. Something that begged to be eased, desperately. Legs wrapped around Bela's waist as you sensed the now uncoordinated way the other woman slipped into you. In, out. Fully bottoming now, and if you weren't so lightheaded from earlier's blood donation, you would be screaming at how she was jackhammering inside you. Akin to a pace of a woodpecker swinging it's head, well perhaps that was an exaggeration.
Nails scraped, dragged down the expanse of her back and created thin red angry lines. Your eyes were etary and whines sounded from your throat as a plead, becoming desperate to aid that tight coil.
"Come for me, little mouse."
Stars bursted from behind your eyes, a breathless gasp tore from your throat. You had a moment to arch your back and throw your head against the pillow before Bela completely clung to your body. Skin to skin completely. Her pace was at it's fastest, and the only thing you processed was the sudden burst of liquid inside you. Both your own and hers, hot cum mixing and painting your walls.
She fell on top of you. Both out of breath and basking in the glow of the post coital bliss. Of course, she held your hand and kissed around your face, ensuring you she wouldn't dare leave your side.
-~-
Throughout the night, Bela took great care of cleaning you up, despite not providing her any help and clinging like putty to her body. You're lucky she found you endearing, was what she said.
You've heard of partners, specifically the men leaving right after interactions like these, with no loving attention afterward to support their lovers. It wasn't as though you were surprised that Bela had this side to her, you would guess that Alcina taught them to always and always look out for their loved ones.
Warm, the room was warm despite the early winter air. Bela had just carried you out of the warm bath, all clean and devoid of earlier juices, now standing across a mirror with you perched on her lap, though more aware of your surroundings.
"Such punishment you inflicted on me."
"Oh? Perhaps you aren't satisfied yet. Then another round is in order~"
"Bela, I already cannot even walk straight!"
A soft giggle emerged from your lips as she wrapped her arms around your waist and pecked the corner of your lips, smudging it with her crimson lipstick which she had reapplied earlier. Combing your wet hair silently, yet it was soothing, cozy, lovely even. Love? No, it would be irrational to even think of such a word after one moment of intimacy, you had to remember their reputation, they killed humans like you for the Black God's sake!
(A/N: Feel free to alter any aspect of our Carmilla to your liking, but this is my inital vision of our girls!)
Bela took a small glance at your almost bare back, unnatural veins trailed from your spine up to your neck, you had flinched when her hand gently traced the protrusions. Something about them looked familiar.
"I am told.. they are a reaction to experiments done to me when I was an infant. Something along the lines of.. micellar.. mutated.. uh. Mutated mycete?" You gently tugged your hair to one shoulder to reveal your back more, vulnerable but wanting to share it with her. But Bela was stunned, mutamycete? That was some information she had to know. Were you truly kin?
"Who experiments on children? Give me a name and I shall remove the worthless head hanging on their shoulders" Bela suddenly had a cold expression, ready to unleash her wrath, though you only shook your head and flicked her forehead for her threats to a person you hardly recognized.
"Calm, little fly. Otherwise an innocent swatter might land upon you.."
Though only clad in bandages for your chest from her bites earlier, as well as some along your wrist, you felt enveloped with her presence. The small wounds were still fresh, and some bled just from Bela's handling, it was apparent she didnt truly know how to aid to human injuries. Having been usually the one to inflict them, with no after-care whatsoever.
But right now, Bela felt she can perhaps favor you more than others. After all, no one can make her cadou-reformed and infested heart beat like you effortlessly do.
Notes:
A bit of a longer chapter. Though keep in mind that this is my first time writing smut, idk if I did good..
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