TRIGGER WARNING: violence and shutting down from shock
again will be between “=” if you wish to skip
You desperately clutch your cloak tighter as the temperature starts to drop. The cold pricks against your skin like tiny needles, the day that once welcomed you is now gone.
Your teeth chatter as you allow Alcina to gently lead you towards a house in the distance, an area gravely lacking the marketplace’s lively energy. The structure lacks any warmth to it, as you’ll find no children running out of it, no farm animals nearby and no crops to speak of- overall, a building with no signs of life attached to it. A house not frozen in time but abandoned by it.
As you make your way towards the desolate structure, the vampire doesn’t speak and she doesn’t explain and yet, you choose not to question her. Knowing full well that the answers you seek will come at a price.
You would follow the matriarch through hell and back if it meant you could be by her side and somehow you feel reaching this house may very well be that.
Alcina sighs as you finally reach the destination, her frozen breaths quickly disappear into the icy air. You notice her hand hesitate as it hovers over the doorknob.
Alcina looks down as a voice identical to her own speaks within her mind.
*”there’s still time. You can turn back now, and she’ll still be under the illusion of you being good -of you being worthy of love.”*
The vampire’s hand lowers slightly away from the doorknob, her expression highlighting her mental struggle. You lightly place your hand on her shoulder in support.
“Take your time, Alcina. We can stand here for as long as you need- you set the pace and I’ll follow.” You speak calmly as you give her a reassuring squeeze. The vampire releases a shaky breath under your touch.
[I want her to pass this threshold with me, whether she chooses to leave with me…well, only time will tell.]
*”Foolish we-“*
[Enough. It’s time.]
Alcina finally grabs the doorknob, her grip tight and determined. Her eyes close as she gently swings open the door and allows you to enter first. Normally you would refute the offer, but frigid winds quickly usher you inside. You hear Alcina place her bags down as she closes the door behind you. You take a few seconds to look over the space and immediately realize how barren it is, except for a small wooden altar table against the back wall.
Your eyes slightly widen as they take in the red candles that cover the table, their flames give off the faintest red glow. You hear the wind loudly howl against old windows, the silence between you and your companion was starting to become deafening.
Upon closer inspection, you realize there’s photo in the middle of the altar, of what looks to be of a blonde woman. Your squint, trying to get a better look until you feel a hand lightly rest on your shoulder.
You look up at Alcina as she takes a small breath before addressing you, “apologies for dragging you here with no explanation (she lightly gulps)…but I believe I’m ready to tell you..more. More about me and what I’ve done.” Her tone is somber yet determined.
You place your hand over hers and give a comforting squeeze, “okay.” You whisper, your eyes never leave hers. She responses with weak smile as she looks away, her expression carries a look of acceptance akin to welcoming a dark fate. Her hand slowly leaves your shoulder as she pulls a candle from one of the bags.
The floorboards creak as the vampire makes her way towards the altar. Alcina carefully lights the new candle and places it within the ones surrounding the photograph of the smiling woman. The altar’s aura illuminates the matriarch’s alabaster skin. Alcina gives the photo a pained expression before closing her eyes.
[forgive me but I must tell her.]
The photograph remains stagnant but the air within the room suddenly feels heavier. Alcina hangs her head as speaks, you cannot read her expression as her back faces you. You hear the wind howl once again.
“Her name was Emily.”
The image of a giggling woman, dirty blonde and covered in freckles flashes before Alcina’s eyes, she lightly braces herself against the altar, you automatically reach towards her in reaction, assuming the action as physical pain.
Alcina continues as her shut eyes tighten, “we first met in the marketplace and well, from there we slowly started to get to know each other. She was unlike the community that surrounded her, she didn’t feel the need to settle down- her true love were the stars.” The ends of the vampire’s mouth lift as a memory enters her mind.
“Alcina, come quick!” The woman excitedly exclaims as she pulls the vampire by her hand.
Alcina giggles as she allows herself to be dragged outside, “really my dear, I’m always amazed by your enthusiasm (she huffs) but in my experience the night sky rarely changes.” She says somewhat out of breath.
The women finally make it to the top of the hill, salty air blows past them as waves gently crash down below.
Emily reacts with an amused huff at the vampire’s skepticism, “normally yes but tonight is special, Look!” The woman explains while pointing towards the sky. The vampire lightly gasps as her eyes fall onto a bright full moon, its colour a shimmering gold. Alcina can’t help but be in awe of how the sphere sparkles against the darkness. The matriarch looks back at the woman once she hears her voice.
“reminds me of your eyes.” The wind makes the blonde’s hair dance as she flashes Alcina a bright smile. The vampire is taken aback, both by the comment, but also with how the moon’s light reflects off her companion’s face, illuminating it with a soft glow.
“I-“ the vampire begins.
Only for the sound of a wave loudly crashing to bring her back to the present.
“What happened to Emily, Alcina?” You ask her softly as you assume she’s gotten lost in thought, hoping the question will help keep her grounded.
*”Yes, what did happen to Emily, Alcina?”*
The vampire clenches her hands into fists.
[speak all you want. She will know.]
The mental anguish you read through Alcina’s body makes you want nothing more than to embrace her, to hold her until the nightmares disappear, help her escape through every kiss and whisper. But you can’t do any of that, not right now. You use every fiber of your strength to patiently wait for your companion to finish, realizing how important this is for her.
(she needs this-) Alcina’s voice breaks you from your thoughts.
“One night, we were in this very house…but then there was a knock on the door..” She ends with a whisper.
“Oh, good evening reverend.” Emily says politely though somewhat concerned by the nightly visitor. The vampire tenses up once she hears the clergyman’s low voice.
“Hello Ms. Bellafonte, I see you have company.” The man’s ice blue eyes fall onto Alcina as he closes the door behind him.
[It’s a bit late for unannounced visit..]
The vampire feels tension in her gut as she senses another person outside the house but chooses to not address it, instead she patiently waits for the situation to unfold- avoiding violence unless necessary for the blonde’s sake. The matriarch sits perfectly still as the man begins speaking again.
“It’s quite late, Ms. Bellafonte. Are you sure it’s wise to house an acquittance (he eyes Alcina) in your living quarters during such an hour?” Alcina glares at the man, quickly realizing his visit carries targeted intent. Reverend and vampire stare each other down, yellow orbs burn into blue as neither stand down.
Emily quickly speaks in an attempt to ease the air, “oh yes! I wholeheartedly agree, reverend but you see, Alcina is a dear friend. In fact, she’s quite protective over me.” The blonde says lightly while her smile alludes to more.
The vampire notices the man’s jaw tighten at the statement. The matriarch’s gaze falls onto the blonde as she moves towards the visitor, Alcina watches like a hawk as the two stand in the door way.
Emily lightly dusts off the man’s cloak, hoping the gesture will take the reverend’s attention away from the vampire. Alcina notices something flash over the man’s eyes but she can’t quite place it. The air is heavy.
“You’ve always been so trusting, Emily-“ The vampire feels rage in the pit of her stomach as the clergyman casually utters the blonde’s name.
“… I’m specifically here because of Lady Dimitrescu. Unfortunately, she’s not who she seems, she’s not like you and me. “
Alcina hears the blonde gulp.
The women stay silent as the man continues, “no. Her kind is known for charming those easily susceptible: children, those without virtue, young maidens. They enjoy luring their prey until they’re alone, away from the safety of their community and then they strike.”
Alcina leaves marks as she slowly drags her fingers into a tight fist against the table.
[Breathe, there is no need to react if he is only here to speak.]
The vampire worries her companion’s poker face can only last for so long but if Emily was one thing, it was being cool under pressure.
The blonde again speaks in a tone that sticks out against the tense air.
“Oh Reverend, surely you don’t believe those old wives’ tales- stories of creatures that prowl around in broad daylight, silly stories really. Regardless, I can assure you Alcina is as human as you and I, you should see her devour a slice of pie.” The clergyman chooses to ignore the blonde’s joke and statement, his tone becoming dry as he speaks directly to the younger woman.
“I know you’re aware of her true nature.”
Emily clenches her jaw.
“Which is why I’m giving you the option of turning her in.”
The blonde attempts to keep up the charade, “no, there’s no reason for me to do that. Alcina is human.” Her tone is slightly desperate as she shakes her head while looking away from the man.
The man flashes the blonde a small smile, “pity.”
=============================================================================
Before Alcina can react, the reverend suddenly pulls a dagger hidden from his cloak and slices the girl’s throat. Everything happens within seconds.
“A man came that night. A man of faith and he killed her. He killed her because she refused to out me for what I really am, she died because she tried to protect me.”
Your eyes widen at the horror of the story.
Time instantly slows down as Alcina watches the girl fall down to the ground. The world instantly becomes blurrier as shock overcomes Alcina- static fills her mind.
The vampire drops down to her knees as painful gurgles fill the room. Alcina’s breathing becomes quicker as Emily attempts to reach for her, the matriarch feels frozen in place, she can only watch the situation unfold as her limbs refuse to move.
[//////////////////////H-/////L]
The reverend’s voice seeps through her stunned state, “shame. She was such a lovely girl, it’s unfortunate she was already too far gone- your kind truly are the scum of the earth.”
Alcina releases a shaky breath as she looks up at the man (her vision is hazy), her consciousness screaming to skewer the man, to slaughter him and parade his inners…and yet, her body only trembles as her breathing becomes erratic.
The clergyman opens the door and speaks, “go, inform the others that Ms. Bellafonte has been murdered in cold blood.” Alcina hears the faint sound of someone sprinting off into the distance.
Finally, Alcina looks up as the man bends down to address her, “they’ll never believe you. You’ll always just be a monster in their eyes, as you should be.”
The clergyman tilts the vampire’s chin with his dagger, his cold eyes burrow into hers, “don’t look so upset, she’s now free of your clutches. Her soul can finally be cleansed.” The vampire feels the blonde’s blood against her skin.
Alcina feels something crack within her. She instantly splays her fingers as she hears angry voices headed their way. The vampire shuts her eyes as she hears another voice, “ “Blasphemous BEAST!! SHE WAS JUST A GIRL!”
Knives spring from the vampire’s hands as she allows the beast to overtake her.
==============================================================================
The matriarch’s voice cracks as she continues, “…she would still be alive if she had never met me, if she didn’t try to protect me- all those people would still be alive if it wasn’t for me….it’s all my fault.” Alcina’s lip quivers as she feels tears forming.
Both of you go silent as wood creaks and wind howls.
“All these years-“
Alcina is startled by your voice.
“…you spent all these years..thinking it was your fault.” Anger and empathy fill your voice as you slowly make your way to Alcina, no longer able to hold back. The vampire doesn’t know what to feel as she hears you approaching.
“You’ve been carrying all that pain, all that guilt…” You clench your fists.
The vampire has difficulty reading your tone, she shudders as she feels your hand on her arm.
You channel your anger towards comforting her, “Alcina, please look at me.”
She looks down at you with tear-stained cheeks, her eyes, sad and ashamed. You’re struck by how much anguish the vampire carries.
“Please bend down. Please. I need to hold you.” You say with a desperate whisper.
The matriarch lowers herself. You hover your hands over her face as you steady your breathing.
You speak softly as you wipe her tears, “Emily was right, Alcina-“ The vampire’s eyes widen as you utter the name.
“…you are just as human as me, just as human as her.” The vampire sniffles, taken aback by your statement as you hold her face in your hands. Your thumb gently starts to rub her cheek, it both stuns and relaxes the vampire. The room’s tense air slowly vanishes as you tenderly look into her eyes.
The matriarch looks back at you with awe.
With a slight tilt to your head you give her a small smile, “Alcina-“
(…my love.)
You shake away the hidden thought.
(no more. She’s bared her soul before me…I want to be honest with her- she deserves that.)
You take a deep breath before continuing, “Alcina, my love.-“ Your heart starts beating quicker as you attempt to repress the nervous energy that starts bubbling in your gut.
The vampire faintly gasps as her hand goes to covers yours, immediately reacting to the term of endearment. The chill in the air is replaced by warmth.
[…my love]
You lightly shake your head as you continue, “I’m so sorry that you had to carry this for all these years. That you got up every day and believed yourself to be the monster they said you were. But they were wrong, he was wrong. I know you mourn Emily and I know you mourn every life lost that night, including yours but it wasn’t your fault.”
Alcina starts nodding her head as she attempts to refute your statement while tears fall from her eyes, “i-it was, I d-did-“, the poor woman sobs between her words.
You quickly fight off her guilt while wiping her tears, “no. no, my love. The monster that night wasn’t you. We all have good and bad in us, with exceptions like that demon who actually ended all those lives that night. You will never be the monster they want you to be because it is simply not in your soul to be anything remotely close to that…”
The vampire’s expression is akin to being in the presence of a divine entity.
[this girl…]
“… In the short while I’ve known you, I’ve witnessed a woman whose heart is full of love, a woman who puts the needs of her loved ones before her own, a woman filled with generosity and kindness beyond all measure…and I know Emily saw that too. You didn’t kill her, a real monster did, and that same monster had you believe it was your fault…It’s time you remove his dagger, my love. I understand it won’t disappear overnight but perhaps we can slowly pull it out, day by day.” Her tears continue as she feels overwhelmed by your tender expression.
(if you’ll allow me, I’ll spend every day helping you remove his poison. I will kiss your wounds and your fears until they’re replaced with warmth and hope. If you’ll allow me, I will love you with every fiber of my being.)
The weight the vampire carries feels lighter than it has in years. She feels undeserving of your words but accepts them as a first step, a first step of finally moving on and towards a future she never thought she could see, let alone have. The static that often claims her mind dissipates under your gaze. After all these years, Alcina finally feels like she can step out from the cold and into a warm home- a home crafted by your acceptance and love. With you perhaps she can grow, perhaps into the person you see her as.
Alcina’s eyes softly look you over, her expression carries adoration as she gently pushes a strand of your hair behind your ear. She shakes her head in disbelief.
“My beautiful girl-“, your heart melts at how easily terms of endearments roll off her tongue.
The vampire’s voice tapers off as she places a kiss to your forehead, the gesture is soft and sends warmth throughout your body.
You both close your eyes as Alcina gently rests her forehead against yours, you happily sigh.
For a few moments you stay there. The altar’s red aura flickers against your faces as the weight of the day is slowly released, all that remains are promises of a new tomorrow- a tomorrow where neither of you are no longer alone.
Something suddenly dawns on you.
(hopefully this isn’t crossing a boundary…)
“…Alcina?”
“Hmm?”
“May I-light a candle? For Emily.” Your voice softens as you speak the girl’s name.
Alcina whispers back a bit choked up, “of course you can.”
[I love you.]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Daniela quickly reunites with you as you begin making your way back to the carriage. The blonde wears a large grin as she tightly cradles a bag. You address the blonde while trying not to pry. You fail to notice Alcina catching the interaction.
“Did you find what you needed?” You ask with a genuine smile.
Daniela responses jovially before quickly toning herself down, “I-“
She looks away for a bit before clearing her throat, “I mean, yes. Thank you for asking…human. Your help was…helpful.”
“I’m glad, I’m sure she’ll love it!” You answer earnestly, making sure to push down your giddy excitement for the blonde.
Daniela enters the carriage with haste, hoping to avoid “embarrassing” herself further. You think nothing of it until Alcina suddenly places another kiss to your forehead instantly sending a shock through you. You look up and give her a questioning look, though surely not complaining.
“Thank you for that, I know she appreciates not being teased or judged. I know I appreciate it on her behalf.” Alcina flashes you a wink before entering the carriage, you can’t help but bashfully look away as a big grin emerges on your face.
Suddenly you feel it again. You feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
(there it is again.)
You move your head in every direction somewhat desperately, hoping to spot something. Once again, your search comes to no avail.
(It’s time to call up father’s friend, I can no longer afford to not be prepared.)
You release an annoyed huff as you enter the carriage, feeling no need to scare your companions with your paranoia.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The man known as Philips watches the carriage ride off with distain in his eyes.
“Just be patient for a little bit longer now. I’ll come get you soon.” His hand hovers over the wound in his shoulder.
“You’ll make a fine wife.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You feel your mouth hang agape as Daniela reveals the hidden weapon holster, she bought along side an expensive bottle of perfume. Alcina can’t help but giggle at the interaction, feeling happier and lighter than she has in years.