Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The Lady of the castle hadn't been seen in quite some time. Her daughters had been in charge of all the proceedings in the castle while she recovered hidden away.
Maids came and went, seasons changed, years went by.
Things were rapidly changing and declining for the human race that was left in the area, homes which once housed families were now desolate and run down, holes from gunfire, explosions, and combat riddled the area.
Lycans roamed looking for whatever they could, sometimes getting as desperate as to go for themselves, but regular humans still came and went.
For years, this place was grey, shrouded in fog, and a persistent existence of impending doom surrounded the area.

It had been 600 years since that small town in southern Romania saw much life. There was a period of time where all activity ceased within the historic castle's walls and was deemed abandoned, although no checks were officially made.

The area started receiving attention once more after years of neglect and biological growth.

Humans came and after about another 120 years, new generations of families had started producing foot traffic, supply and demand; their own economy which worked for them.
Rumors had started very early on about the castle which stood at a higher altitude, having to access a slightly steep, rough dirt road that can be traveled on by foot, but easier by carriage due to heavy vegetation and raised roots from impressively sized trees.
A couple of people, as stories tell, have traveled up there, most haven't returned. One younger male came out from a group of 7 which traveled up there looking for potential hunting grounds. He was covered from head to toe by blood and could only babble about flies and a woman with long knives coming out of her hands. No one believed him, chalked it up to a horrific hunting story.
He went crazy shortly after his visit to the castle and ran from the town, never to be seen again.

One thing the townspeople did notice was that women who normally went up wouldn't come back out; however, some of these women sent back letters. These letters were few in detail and seemed rehearsed. Vague statements about finding a job and being held in quarantine for a while until being let out freely to visit family in between shifts.

Eventually, these women were released to visit their own for a while, but always had to return, their homes were at the castle now. They weren't to live at home as they now served the Lady of the castle.

Chapter Text

I wasn't born in this village, I truly don't even know where I came from. I only remember waking up in a cave deep in the mountains north east of where I'm at now. I traveled down here completely on foot, surviving off what I could find in the dense forests. This was the second village I had come upon since my journey, but the first village.. it didnt feel quite right. Once I got here to the Dealu Mare region, I felt a shift I hadn't felt, a presence that led me to stay.

I hear a lot of talk daily in the town about that castle up on the hill 6 miles from here. I've always been curious, but advised against visiting heavily by my few friends down here in town.

"You really should throw out that curiosity of yours, V. I know there have been survivors but after a certain amount of time, some of them go missing, y'know?"

Sorina was always the "responsible" adult among the 4 of us.

"I don't know, Sorina, maybe she could be one of the lucky ones and become one of the Lady's pets"

Catalina giggled, poking fun as she noticed my tight-lipped poker face.

"I just know something's going on up there and I don't think what the people here say is entirely true" I spoke, a soft curiosity to my tone.

"It isn't your responsibility to figure that out, no one's got a gun to your head." Sorina nearly cut in, glaring at me with a mix of impatience and worry.

"Listen, I'm not going to do anything stupid, it's just a curiosity of mine." I glanced out of our window for a second. From our second-story little cottage, unstable but somehow still holding up, we could see the castle just a little far across the distance, seemingly no activity at all hours of the day despite knowing there were people within those walls.

"I honestly just wonder."

Night came and went
Days passed and my curiosity only got stronger.
So I started getting ready to head up there in the dead of night to do exactly what I told Sorina I wouldn't do.

Chapter Text

I am who I am; however, I have an ability that I've always known about. It was instinct to me the moment I woke up in that cave 20 years ago. I had educated myself on how to live among the people by watching from a distance because I was never truly human.

From the moment I woke up, I was a lot taller than my current form, the skin on my hands, forearms, feet, shins and knees was a midnight black color and I could light my hands and lower body below the knees ablaze with a bright, blue flame.
I was animalistic; longer canines with extended limbs hands, fingers, and claws.

After observing for a while, I realized there wasn't much of a difference between humans and me. I started to slowly discover my own body's abilities and what I could do. It was likely the only reason I've survived so long. Then I started learning that I had more than just this form, a human form.
There were things I was certain of when I woke up 20 years back. I know that I had been here for a while already, but I didn't remember exactly when I was born or came about or even what my age was.
I knew I was fully human once and didn't remember how I had gotten this way, but knew immediately on instinct what to do.

My memory was completely shot and the puzzle pieces were nowhere close to being put together.

All that was calling me was that damn castle, from the moment I got here. I had felt disconnected everywhere else, as if I didn't belong in general, to these people or to this age.

So that's why I'm doing this, here and now.

I had transformed to my original state and climbed carefully and swiftly up the dirt road by the tree line. The thicker padding on my feet kept my moves silent, agile enough to swing on the trees at times to get over rougher patches of dirt, dips, or ditches.
I found myself at the tree line right before the clearing leading to the heavy gate and walls of the castle.
The gate wasn't guarded and no lock was found. I climbed easily over the castle walls and fell lightly on the other side, careful to not misstep.

The castle was obviously from a more Gothic era. It was beautiful. Tall, narrow windows, spiked up columns, and balconies connected to separate heavily windowed areas which I could only assume were royal bedrooms at one point.

The one thing that stood out initially was how large the castle doors were. Not large enough for me, but too large for any human.

I opened the door slowly, though nothing had given me fear for years, I felt a weird, anxious knot in my stomach and throat, yet also a sense of familiarity and excitement. I paused, looking around.

Haven't I been here before..?

The door creaked open and closed slowly behind me with a definitive thud. In a flash I returned to my human self, I didn't want to be perceived as a threat by anyone still awake and lurking at this hour.

What I wasn't expecting was to find the Lady of the house first, or should I say, for the Lady to find me.

I roamed for a while, wandering aimlessly through the corridors and long, wide hallways of the castle. At one point, I found myself walking into a large library.

In comparison to some of the more dusty parts of the castle on the western wing, the library was spotless. This wasn't a library that had been neglected for centuries.
Someone was actively using it.

That's when I felt it. A presence so heavy it made the atmosphere shift. Behind me, to my right-hand side, stood a figure whose height I couldn't tell immediately, but I knew I was at a disadvantage with this form.

"Who are you and what are you doing in here?" The sharp, no-nonsense voice shot from the dark corner.

I turned to face the figure head on. I looked up, and the sight of two piercing, golden eyes glowed in the darkness of that library.

It was tall, really tall, a large frame that I couldn't quite make out.

"My name is Vaelarus. Who are you?"

"You aren't in a position to ask me any questions, rat."

The figure emerged into the soft candlelight that lit the table in the middle of shelves upon shelves holding books.
A woman, no ordinary woman.
She was tall, over nine feet for sure. She had a black wide-brimmed hat on her head and black gloves adorned her hands.
She was wearing an off-white, almost cream colored dressed that went down to her feet.

I guess I must've been staring for a bit too long, her hand extended toward my neck but my body moved before I could think.

I jumped back, putting quite a distance between us.

"I'm not very fond of late-night visitors."

"I'm not here for trouble," I stated firmly, staring back at her as her eyes continued to glow, solely concentrated on me.

"You caused trouble the moment I heard my door creak shut," she growled, rounding the table as she stalked closer toward me, "this is my castle, mutt, I feast on humans like you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

She lunged at me from across the room. I moved slightly, causing a bit of a stumble for both of us, yet feeling the tip of one of her hand blades slice the side of my arm.
The cut regenerated in milliseconds, she hadn't noticed. She stood about 10 feet away when she straightened her posture and unsheathed the entirety of her claws, slight fangs revealed in the leaking moonlight from the window next to us.

"What is your business here-" she stopped.
A look of shock and recognition spread through her face for a moment, and she mumbled something under her breath very weakly.

"What did you say?"

In a flash, she regained her composure. A face which showed no emotion, eyes still glowing intensely, now brighter in the moonlight.

"Vaelarus you said?"

"Yes"

"That's 'yes, my lady' to you."

"I don't bow nor give my respects to just anyone." I heard a growl resonate from her chest, yet her face remained neutral.

"You won't be leaving here, I assure you, pet."

The pet name irritated me and it must've shown. She came close and I stood defensively, searching her face for any warnings or calculations. She got inches from me and lifted my chin up to face her. She scanned my face, a slight smile spreading on her lips, but her eyes showed a mix of emotions too great to tell.
Her grip moved down to my neck in a flash, and my body hoisted up to face her directly.

"You remind me of.. someone", The pause in her speech and recognition in her eyes did not match the strength with which she was holding me. "Has someone sent you here to torment me?" Her features hardened with fury once again. I started to feel my airways constricted more and more.

I let myself transform within her grasp and the look on her face was something I'll never forget.

What she had seen just a couple of seconds prior was a five-foot-eight woman struggling in her grasp. What stood before her now was a ten-foot being of an unknown origin.
The transformation is pretty brutal, the feeling of my body and bones stretching out hurts more than my face leads on.

Her eyes met mine, and a look of barely contained shock spread on her face.

"Come on now, I've heard the matriarch of this castle is unshakable," I tease, very monotonously, "you look pretty shaken now."

It took her a minute to speak, sarcastically at that, "It truly isn't every day that we receive an animal of your kind here."

"I'm only here because.." I stop for a second, even after ignoring that brutal comment of hers, I still wasn't really sure what to even say, "I felt called here."

Normally that answer would've cracked anyone up in disbelief, but the Lady's eyes widened again slightly.

"Who are you?" She questioned, her voice taking a more cautious, suspicious tone.

"I don't really know anything apart from my name and nature. Yet this place.."

I looked around, feeling warmth spreading across my chest yet the reason was unknown to me.

There was a thick silence, I kept looking around silently while maintaining a visual on the matriarch. I could feel her gaze intensify, the notion that I was being studied wasn't unknown to me.

"You aren't human, obviously, as no regular human is over 9 feet tall," I said certainly.

"So whatever you have, I must have too."

Another silence stretched, wandering eyes met hers again and I could see she was still watchful, but her gaze seemed.. softer?

She truly wasn't what I was expecting when I came up here. All the horror stories of a murderous monster who feeds on blood and keeps certain people alive for whatever sick pleasures she must have.

All I saw was a woman, probably not as abnormal as I, but a woman who seemed to be a lost dream dragged into reality

She looked up after we had spent a good minute or two just studying each other. "You'll be staying here for the night, follow me. You will sleep in the quarters right next to mine."

I was confused, but I wasn't going to argue.

Chapter Text

I couldn't quite sleep that night. After that interaction, I'd say it was appropriate to be on edge, even with my height advantage, all of this is still unknown and unpredictable to me. Once in the room, I just sat on the bed and stared at the ceiling of the room.

A room which, once again, felt oddly familiar.

A knock hit the door at exactly 7 in the morning.

I sat up straight, "Come in?"

A very timid maid walked in, silver tray in hand which a plate of food and a cup of something.

"Excuse me, miss. The Lady would like you to join her for breakfast this morning in her quarters."

I got up and walked over to her, as I got closer, the look on her face became clearer.

She was scared, not for herself, but for me it seemed. Her mouth opened and closed as if to say something, but all that came out was a soft "follow me", so I did.

The maid knocked and we were prompted in by the Lady.
She looked all put together so early in the morning. She was facing her window, looking out of it as the cigarette in her hand let out a slow, controlled flow of smoke.

She faced me, yellow eyes piercing through me. With a swift hand movement, she dismissed the maid after she had laid the tray out for me.

"Have a seat."

I sat. I looked down, first at the food, meat, meat and more meat. It was a variety of different cuts of different meats, ranging from raw to medium rare. The detail that got me was the fact that all the cuts and all the cooks of the meat on my plate were exactly how I would normally have them at home.
I felt my heart skip a beat in my chest.

Her voice snapped me back from thinking too much,
"It's rude to reject a meal so carefully crafted by my cooks, eat."
My gaze met hers, and in the daylight that was starting to pour in, I could see her face clearer than last night.
Yes, she was tall, but there was more to notice.
She had deep smile lines on her face along her mouth and eyes. Her eyes, though threatening, are a dangerously beautiful golden color. Her skin was a pale, almost white marble kind of color which made all of her features stand out even further.

She could probably kill me. I'm not so sure I'd be mad at it though.

"Staring is also rude, pet. Who raised you?"

"Don't know, maybe the forest creatures who left me in a cave somewhere."

"That checks out, now doesn't it?"

I looked up from my dish once more with defiance in my eyes. As beautiful as she may be, this kind of call seemed to be coming from inside the house.

"You acted more like an animal last night than I have in the last twenty-four hours. You haven't even told me your name, let alone coming at my throat."

I saw the hand coming before she could land it, my arms had transformed partially and blocked her blow, holding her wrist in my left hand. Her eyes widened.
I don't think she's ever had someone be able to resist her physically.

"Point proven," I huffed slightly, giving her a malicious smirk. I loosened my grip and she ripped her hand away from me, holding her wrist slightly, but I could spot the bruising I left starting to regenerate.

"You want formalities after breaking into my castle?"

"You want answers, and so do I, isn't that enough for you?"

She furrowed her brows, "You aren't afraid of me in the slightest, are you?" I scoffed, "I'm really not. I'm not afraid of much anymore. You wouldn't particularly be a nightmare for me."
I could tell her impatience was growing; however, I truly wasn't afraid. She took a long drag from her cigarette and glared at me once more.

"Tell me about everything you know."
"Why?"
"Because you're an experiment, as am I. I'm quite certain Mother Miranda wouldn't have let one of her unstable lab rats out of her sight."

Mother Miranda

My temples pounded so hard I had to turn my face to the side at the mention of that name. Anger grew in me and I could feel the electricity of my form shocking through all of my nerves and joints.

The Lady noticed. Her eyes fixated on me as my head dropped lower.

"I don't.."

Certain memories flashed in my mind for a split second:

-
"I can't have you ruining the integrity of my work, Kai."
-

A sharp, sultry, feminine voice rang out through the high-pitched ringing in my ears.

Flashes of light and very blurred memories of pain and blood shadowed my clarity for a moment, enough time passed to come back to my wits and see the Lady standing upright, head tilted down. She was watching me, concern and confusion on her otherwise expressionless face.

When I came to, I was on the floor on my hands and knees, , heat spreading through my hands and feet, the blue cracks threatening to spill pure fire.

I stood up slowly, at my full height, I was lucky the ceiling was much higher. I looked down at her and felt every nerve in my body start to loosen up little by little.

"I refuse to speak about her. I don't remember much about her, but what I do know is that she's a heartless bitch."

"How dare you speak of Mother Mirand-"
In a flash, I had her in my grip.
Though not too different in height, I held her up against the wall, one hand wrapped around her throat, the other holding her free hand. My whole body pressed against hers, rendering her completely immobile.

We were glaring into each other's eyes for what felt like forever. Her eyes, wide in surprise, also carried a different emotion, something I couldn't recognize. As I kept myself fixated on her, a couple more voices came to mind, all mentioning the name Kai and Mother Miranda.

"We won't be talking about her any further, she's a monster and I'm sure I wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't because of her," I growled as close to her as possible, "if youre happy being her semi-successful creation, then Im sure you'll be happy to know she only has one goal in mind, and you arent part of that picture."
I felt something sharp dig into my side, one of her claws from the hand I was pinning down with my weight.

"Fuck-" I fell backwards against her bed and felt the jolt of pain subside after a moment, my flesh regenerating.

"I can still hurt you," she stated coldly, rubbing her throat, "you think you're above Mother?"

-
"You think you're above me? Your creator?"

"I'm the reason you're still here. I'm the only reason you're even alive after centuries!"
-

I looked at her, really looked at the Lady of the castle.
"What is your name?" I asked, still not knowing even after all this.

"I am the matriarch here, to you, I'm Lady Dimitrescu. In this castle, I don't accept or tolerate any kind of disrespect. You're lucky I haven't killed you yet."

The name rang over and over again in my ears.

She strolled over to me as I got up slowly, keeping my eyes on her.

"Haven't yet? Because you won't or can't?"

"Watch your tone with me, size isn't the only factor keeping me from ripping you limb from limb and handing you over to my daughters for their pleasure."

She got even closer to me, her head tilted back to lock eyes, "You're especially lucky I haven't called her yet."
I looked up at the ceiling and let out an incredulous and impatient sigh.
"Please, be my guest, but I've never been one to go down without a fight and in this case," I lowered my eyes to her, emotionless in the face and in tone, "I won't go down alone."

I could hear the slight hitch in her breath, and as I took a deeper look at her, I could see the smallest crack in her facade.
What was it? Uncertainty? Maybe fear? But there was also something else there.. what is it?

Chapter Text

It's been less than a day since that girl stepped into my castle and I'm already quite sick of her.
I don't normally let intruders survive breaking in, nonetheless one with a mouth that runs quicker than water.
Vaelarus was different, but not too different from someone I once knew.

She's a peculiar kind of.. whatever she is.. and it's intimidating seeing someone larger than me hold so much power over the atmosphere of a room.

This castle, which is mine alone, has experienced a shift overnight.
That shift is Vaelarus.
And I'm not entirely sure I'm against the idea of keeping her here.
-
"I don't bow nor give my respects to just anyone."
-
Those words she said, it was almost exactly the same words I had heard so many centuries ago before growing entirely infatuated with an employee within the castle walls. Tone and all.
-
"Impossible," I uttered to myself moments after Vaelarus stepped out of the room.

The last couple of hours keep replaying in my head.
From the moment I felt her presence enter my castle, there was something strange about it and a scent I couldn't put my finger on; however, familiar and wild.

When she entered the library, it was as if the world stopped, even if just for a moment.
Her eyes.. those eyes that remind me of ones that used to haunt me at every hour of the day.
Her scent was strong and familiar, yes, but there was also that stench that could come from recent experimentation and implantation.
A smell I know too well.

Vaelarus' very personality is baffling; that smart-mouth attitude, the audacious look in her eyes, yet formal and reserved when she desires.

The way she kept her head lowered while studying my every move, her monotone voice laced with sarcasm, the very rebellion woven into her posture. It all struck me with cold, nauseating familiarity. It felt far too real yet so impossibly false.

-
I must still be grieving. I still see her in everything, this isn't going to be any different.
-

I took the last drag from my cigarette before disposing of it and touching up my lipstick just a little more before leaving the room, wiping any excess with a quick, clean swipe.

The double doors of my bedroom shut behind me and the hallways welcomed me with silence, partnered by the muffled steps and ruckus happening on the first floor.

No sight of Vaelarus, I wasn't going to look for her for now. I don't know how I've managed to restrain myself from trying to rid her, but I'd rather not look at her right now, anyway.

Breakfast preparations were underway and ready by 8 in the morning sharp, right on schedule, just how I expect things to be.
I sat at the head of the table with my daughters Bella, Cassandra, and Daniela.

"Mother, what was that commotion last night?" Bella asked almost as soon as the other girls started to eat.

My gaze never left the cup in front of me, holding it up and taking another controlled sip from it.

"Just an intruder that came in late last night, darling, but I took care of it."

"Really? Because I'm pretty sure I smelled something new coming from right next to your room this morning," Daniela shot out with a devious smirk on her face, "a woman, Mom? Is she the next communal blood bag?"

I shot a dangerous glare at my youngest daughter, but I didn't have a good answer.
"She's.. a case. I'm not quite sure what to do with her."

I could feel the curiosity beaming out of Cassandra and Daniela. Bella has always had a "no questions asked" attitude when it came to what I dictate, my middle and youngest have always been the complete opposite.

"I refuse to speak any further on the subject, so before you ask, absolutely not."

"But mo-"
"I said no, Cassandra, she's off limits. Understood, girls?"

All three of them nodded and agreed, whether they wanted to accept it or not.

This is my castle, I'll be damned if I let anyone else I love perish within these walls.

Chapter Text

I let the doors slam shut behind me, not even bothering with the food I hadn't eaten.

I wasn't hungry, not after being stabbed and threatened by one of Miranda's loyalists. 

The name itself was all it took to send me off the edge into a panic I couldn't control.

-

"You've distracted my own for far too long..."

"You don't have a choice. You never did. Your allegiance is now mine..."

-

My head pounded and for the first time since I woke up, my vision started to blur with tears.

I was on autopilot while walking out of the castle. I had dragged myself behind the castle into the dense forests behind the walls. I hadn't even noticed when my back had hit the wall, sliding down to sit with my knees to my chest. Neck craned up, seeing the leaves starting to change colors and fall as winter approached fast on its heels. 

Tears streamed down my cheeks and neck, and not a peep came from me. I could feel my eyes burning from the tears and the intensifying glow of emotional stress.

-

What happened to me?

-

My mind couldn't process much, everything within the last couple of hours paired with no sleep was starting to get to me.

Inhaling a sharp breath, I tried regaining my composure. Tears evaporated from my face as I continued to aimlessly observe the wilderness.

-

I can't risk staying here with that threat Lady Dimitrescu shot at me, but she's the closest I've got to getting any kind of answer.

-

Starting to process all of last night's and this morning's interactions, I couldn't help but notice behavior and wording choices I hadn't paid mind to due to adrenaline.

-

"Has somebody sent you here to torment me?"

-

Torment her? How so? 

She said I reminded her of someone and I'm not going to pretend I didn't notice the intense, shocked expression that exposed itself through the cracks of her animalistic wrath when she focused on my face.

The meat on the plate must've been a coincidence.

It had to be.

There's absolutely no way she or her cooks could have known this.

Another realization settle heavily in my mind;

Though I aimlessly but carefully strolled through the castle last night, I recognized where certain hallways led to, or how the library was on the third floor and had a balcony with a view of the snowy mountains and peaks to the west. I had stumbled upon a musical theater room as well, one with a mahogany grand piano sitting front and center on the stage, and rows upon rows of red, velvety leather seats, untouched, pristine. 

I knew almost everything about this place the more I walked through the corridors before my encounter with the Lady. 

One factor hit me the hardest. 

I caught a whiff of her scent on my clothing from this morning when I had pinned her against the wall in blind fury.

Is that.. rose? No, not just that. 

I held the hem of my tank top to my nose.

Definitely rose.. there's also the classic, smoky scent cigarettes leave behind.

There was a subtle metallic hit, I could feel the blood in my veins getting warmer as my nostrils flared at the smell.

I felt it then. 

The environment around me shifted as a mix of feelings and emotions began piling quicker than I could process them.

-

A bedroom, much like the Lady's, dark, scarcely lit by a couple of candles spread around the room

The smell of rose and lavender came from a place not too far off.

The shower.

It was connected to the room as it was a master suite, the door ajar just enough for the vapor from the hot water to roll out. 

-

My heart palpitated at an alarming rate, and my lids were shut tightly as memories kept flashing by.

-

"May I?"

"Do what you must, my Lady, as long as you live, it's all I care for."

A sharp, hot feeling ran from my upper collar bone down to my stomach, electrifying pain following shortly after.

-

My hands were balled into fists, claws digging into my palms, arms and legs angry with blue flames. 

It took me a while to notice I had been biting my lip so hard, blood was dropping down my chin and onto the dirt below me.

The scent was frighteningly one I recognized. 

Who is she?

The golden color in her eyes, the way her hat sits perfectly on her head, the terrifying smile on her face when she's getting her way.

The way she promenaded while leading me to my room, the motions of her elegant hands when she speaks.

It all feels horribly familiar, I don't know this woman. She wants me dead, or worse, back in Miranda's hands.

Unwillingly hoisting myself up, I remembered why I came here.

Why I left my friends back at the village, probably wondering about me, worrying, panicking. 

I need answers. There are so many pages that have been ripped out of my book, and I need to find them.

I just want to make sense.

Chapter Text

I launched myself over the castle walls once more, heading back in through the castle's garden entrance.

Some of the maids were around and about on the first floor cleaning up and getting ready for lunch service. Carts and barrels full of ingredients for dinner are also being transported for prep.

I perceived a couple of glances and was able to hear every single little comment made about my sudden appearance.

"Sabrina said she had heard rummaging on the third floor above her room last night, do you think she was involved?"

"She's definitely the Lady's type."

"Keep it down, you don't know what she's here for or why.."

"Whatever it is, I'm not getting involved."

I kept walking through, ignoring it all the while paying close mind to whoever made the most concerning comments. 

Coming to the quick conclusion of not wanting to go back to my room, wandering the halls was the next best thing.

My fingers ran along the middle borders of the wall.

It was cold in the western wing of the castle, pleasantly so, at least to myself.

There was a large, spacious room I stepped into. It was dark; however, I noticed some candle holders from the reflections of light coming in from the open door. 

With a swift hand motion, the candles lit ablaze with a pale blue, but bright fire.

It was an art gallery, an impressive art gallery. 

Variously sized marble statues decorated certain spots and corners of the room. 

Colorful and bright glass figurines hang from the ceiling using an almost invisible thread. The colors refracted slightly from the candlelight in the room. 

The true attention grabbers were the paintings hung meticulously along the walls of the gallery. Canvases of different shapes and sizes, all somehow fitting together like a completed puzzle.

One thing was for certain; Lady Dimitrescu definitely wasn't into men.

Sapphic, yet not necessarily graphic or lewd.

The paintings varied wildly in styles and colors, yet nearly every piece shared one subject: 

A woman.

This woman..she seemed familiar?

I don't remember.

If I didn't know any better, which I don't, I'd say she could be a twin of mine.

Just with a subtle difference in face shape, hair length, and color.

Our skin tones were also quite different, but eye shape, the gleam in those eyes, and the way the lips curl when she's smiling.

That's intense.

The fascination with this mystery woman was all over these paintings and some of the statues also resembled this woman.

The details of the paintings were extensive in some, but in others, the bare minimum. Just enough to make out the figure of a woman against another, or the figure of a woman standing by a window in a tower up high. 

Fixating on this one specific piece, a statue of the same woman, the one with the most detail carefully carved.

It was incredibly realistic. The statue of the woman was about 7 feet tall.

Starting at the head, the hair looked as if you could run your fingers through it. She was also a stronger-looking woman, definitely more feminine in some of her features overall.

A strong but casual pose, the woman had her head tilted back slightly, pupils pointed upward as if staring at the sky.

She looked at peace, those marble features held emotions that felt distant.

I simply couldn't fathom how detailed this piece was. It was as if the woman herself was standing before the artist.

Whoever this artist was, they were utterly fascinated with this woman.

There was a shift in the air, and a quick glance over my shoulder confirmed what I already knew. The Matriarch of the castle stood elegantly, gaze fixated on me, features expressionless.

"How long have you been standing there?" Questioning softly, my attention naturally returned straight back to the statue.

"I've been here for quite some time actually," she swiftly answered, "youve been in here for quite some time, I thought you had left."

My head stayed tilted up at the statue. In my human form, it shadowed me, the candlelight from behind assisted in showing me a distinct carve under the statue's left eye

From afar one couldn't tell from all the detail, but that line was a scar. A scar matching the exact scar I had under my own left eye.

Interesting.

I turned my whole body to face Lady Dimitrescu. She came down the three steps from the door in one step, her body swaying subtly with her movements as she lingered closer toward me.

"You seem to like stepping into places you don't have permission to be in," she rasped out in annoyance. 

"I hadn't left, I needed some air," My words caught in my throat as her scent lingered in the air. 

Metallic, floral, and alcohol.

"Plus I can't possibly leave yet, there's still so much left to learn about this place, so much to learn about you." 

"About me? This place? What are you really here for, pet?"

My chest rumbled with contained irritation, "I have a name, Lady Dimitrescu," taking a step closer, noticing she had taken a step back in return.

It was quite the curious act to see a woman almost twice the size of my current state take a step back from me. I closed the space a little more. 

"I'm not here to hurt anyone," I started, "if you'd entertain me for just five minutes I can explain what I know."

Head tilted down, scrutinizing me.

A moment passed, and she nodded shortly, but definitively.

"Speak, Vaelarus."

Chapter Text

"Speak, Vaelarus."

She seemed hesitant for a moment, perhaps not knowing how to start, "follow me first before we have our chat."

Leaving as swiftly as I came in, I could feel Vaelarus' presence behind me. 

She was in the gallery. The one room I don't allow others to see, yet she found it in a rather abandoned part of the castle. 

She was fixated rather intensely on the very first statue I had cobbled together and perfected over the years. I hadn't really given that place a good look for over 20 years, although seeing Vaelarus in the gallery today was... bittersweet.

-

"You know she isn't going to let this go, you need to leave before she gets here."

"I already told you I'm not going anywhere, you hired me for this, let me help"

-

Nothing had shaken me for years after that unfortunate evening, yet seeing Vaelarus standing next to that statue, it was as if I was seeing a ghost.

My legs felt weak as we made our way outside, heels thudding loudly underneath me, trying to maintain control over my own body and emotions. 

We joined the gardens outside; the late afternoon brought a fresh breeze as the temperatures cooled. We strolled the area in silence and I led her to what used to be my favorite spot.

I avoided this area for years while still paying for upkeep from afar. For a while, reality was too nauseating here.

Tonight, I just wanted to watch the sunset.

It was an open, natural pool. Mossy, rocky structures around the water that guided streams of water into the pool. 

The water naturally recycled itself, alive with colorful fish and sprawling aquatic plants.

Along the sides of the natural pool was some rocky structure intentionally made for lounging or sitting, regularly or in the water, so I sat and led her to the spot right in front of me. 

The evening birds chirped, the sky was growing that golden orange, yellow color with darker hues as the sun started to set lower.

Vaelarus and I sat there for a while together in total silence. I stole a couple of glances, at one point, her head was lowered, eyes closed, yet not tightly. She exhaled heavily and spoke.

"I woke up twenty years ago and found myself in a cave somewhere way north of here," I turned to her as soon as she spoke, "I was in my original state and learned how to transform myself to fit the human standard, hence my current look."

A pause, then she continued, but I observed how difficult it was for her to maintain eye contact with me.

"When I finally got here after 4 years of wilderness travel, this place called me to stay."

Her head lifted, gaze traveling up my body and landing straight into my own, "This castle, I could hear it whispering my name from the distance in my cottage at night."

There was a sudden shift of determination in her look, "I know I can find answers here, I'm confident, but.."

She trailed off, gaze still locked with mine.

Time froze, my heart cracked just slightly.

Her honey colored eyes in the light, the subtle scent of lavender masked mainly by a musky smell that had woody and citrusy notes to it.

The specific way she ran her fingers through her locks with barely contained stress on her face or when thinking intensely. Her words cut through my fixation, "If you can't help me, then I'm sure you'll know someone who can."

I'll admit, it took me a moment to think of a response. I was so unequivocally enraptured by how confusing this all was. The hopeful yet twisting feeling of grief and unbelief clashed in my heart.

A heart that I swore I turned to stone the moment I lost her.

Who was this in front of me? Is this still a cruel joke? 

"You're a lab rat, Vaelarus. You are like the other three lords of the region. The only difference is that Mother Miranda never quite introduced us to you." I still can't help being on edge.

"So are you saying that's it? She just created me?"

Vaelarus' voice dripped in sarcasm once again, the kind of sarcasm that's indistinguishable from the kind I grew to know centuries ago. The mention of Mother Miranda's name pinched a nerve once more.

"You're wrong. There has to be more to this than that, why else would this..."

Again, a small pause. "Why does this all seem so familiar?"

Her voice had dropped a couple of decibels. An intense, investigative energy resonated from her. I was hoping she wouldn't see through my facade, but those final words intrigued me.

"Familiar?" 

"I don't know, perhaps I've dreamt of this place before, but walking in and throughout these corridors," glancing back at the castle. 

"Dreamt of? As if. Nobody from that village dreams of this place, they only wish to come up here and threaten our existence"

"Says who? I've never seen an armada going up the hill with pitchforks and torches."

"Ah, so you think those hunting trips they take are actual hunting trips?" Vaelarus tilted her head curiously, a flashing memory came to mind, a comparison too grand to ignore amongst all the other small "coincidences". 

"How else do you think my daughters get their fill, hm?"

She chuckled, she actually let out a laugh, which made my stomach turn. 

"Those village men hardly seem like innocent prey anyway. Letting natural selection run its course is more a blessing to the innocent than a curse."

The night between the two of us came to a silent close. After exchanging a couple more empty phrases about the castle, she went silent. I could tell her walls were still up. 

Typical. I'm truly not surprised.

She raised herself up slowly, her height growing along with her stance. She towered over me as I sat.

And for a moment, the way her attention settled on me, I was hit with the knowledge that this whole situation just became a lot more dangerous, not just for her, but for me as well.

"I'm hungry," she mumbled, the innocent tone she took up earlier consumed entirely by a new one, a tone much raspier, deeper, and dangerously famished.

She took off without another word, gaze fixed straight ahead, disappearing into the trees behind the castle. 

"Vaelarus..."

If this is a bluff from the universe, it wasn't funny in any way. If my notion is true, I have to be cautious in my approach. 

I can't be too strong, but I refuse to roll over either.

I need to figure out whatever happened to her. I need to know if I've been given a second chance.

Chapter Text

I awoke in a daze, my vision taking a moment to clear and focus on my surroundings. 

I was never the type to leave myself so vulnerable at the darkest hours of the night.

I felt a warm liquid covering the areas around my mouth and a stickiness that trailed down my neck and onto the hem of my clothing. 

I was uncomfortable, so the clothing came off immediately. I tossed my tank top over my shoulder and started walking, hearing a stream of water nearby. 

After climbing through some rough trails for a bit, I found the stream; however, I wanted a bigger body of water. 

I continued walking for a while longer, hoping that my gut was right, and at last, there was a large spring with layered waterfalls. 

It wasn't anything dramatic, but quaint and beautiful. I stripped down to my undergarments for a good wash. I was thinking of being out here for a while to decompress. 

After leaving Lady Dimitrescu, I went on a feeding frenzy; the stress of the situation only agitated that hunger and monstrous rage harbored deep in memories I couldn't reach. 

I used the fresh water to scrub the blood off as best as possible, scrubbing my pants afterward. 

After hanging my clothing on a nearby tree to dry off, I submerged myself in the spring and tried to wash as best as possible.

In the middle of all this, dwelling further on this situation opened many more small doors of forgotten habits and inviting, yet frightening environments in my mind.

-

"The Lady wants you to join her in her quarters"

-

It was just a simple statement, but it made my body shudder in a way I couldn't explain. My mindset began to shift. 

I had more questions than answers. All of these things made my head pound.

Yeah, a super mutant with stress-induced migraines. 

-

"Who are you?"

-

Good question, if only I knew the answer.

I'm privy to the challenges I might face, as frequent memories of Mother Miranda arise, the more suspicious I grow of the Lady's intentions. She seems quite loyal to her, despite knowing precisely what she does to human beings.

I'm going into this unprepared. I'm taller than the Lady, an advantage, but she's landed her blows. I'm in a body I don't really know much about.

So it's time to learn, no one's going to teach me. 

I stayed by the edge of spring, feeling the fire under the skin evaporate the droplets on my body.

My clothes hadn't dried yet so I put them on and let my controlled heat do the rest.

It's quite nice, I get to dry and iron my clothing at the same time while wearing it.

The more you know.

I started my journey back to the castle as soon as the sun started to rise over the horizon. I could follow the scent trail I had left behind back to the Dimitrescu estate.

Despite our distance, as soon as the Gothic building came into view,  I could see the silhouette of a woman on the third floor. The glass doors separating her from the balcony, almost seemed to conceal her presence.

Her glowing, golden eyes are unmistakable. She was waiting for me, she knew I'd be back. 

I headed in through the garden again, making my way swiftly straight to my bedroom. Locking the doors, I felt marginally safer, as if I had a safe space of some kind.

The smell of this place was unique.

I remember the house creaking the night I snuck in, the groan of an old building with stories to tell. 

The rooms all smelled exactly like her in some way. A mix of the other women's scents except they had hidden notes of rose or lavender, and the sultry hints of smoke lingered in the hallways. 

Those scents brought an electrifying shock through my body, unsure of whether it was comforting or a survival reflex.

I decided to go for an actual shower.

The Lady had graced me with a room much like hers, spacious, a ridiculously large bed adorned in maroon, silky sheets, either tied up to the bedposts for air flow, or loosened out to guarantee privacy. 

After the shower, exhaustion hit me intensely. Hair still wet, I passed out on the mattress, cold sheets wrapping around my body.

What followed was a deep, undisturbed sleep.

Chapter Text

The rising sun stirred me awake. I arrived here yesterday morning; it is now today, possibly around 7 am? Regardless, I felt very well rested and much clearer-minded. 

Rising from the bed, I went through my morning hygiene routine and looked around for my clothes from the day before.

-

Where did I put my tank top? My cargos?

-

I stretched out the duvet on the mattress and found absolutely nothing. My attention gravitated to the walk-in closet next to the bathroom. 

A forced breath of air came out, “That was definitely not there yesterday,” I spoke to myself out loud, now scanning the multitude and variety of clothing hung up on the closet rods inside.

I casually strolled inside, curiously pulling at some of the utility pants and what seemed to be a collection of compression shirts and tanks.

An eyebrow raised on instinct, a moment of clarity, which should've hit me earlier:

Someone was in my room while I was asleep and managed all of this without disturbing me. 

The clothing felt great in quality. All of the tops were light and breathable. Some were a little tighter fitting, accentuating the definition along my upper body. 

The pants were similar in quality, spacious enough in the areas that mattered.

The shocking detail about this closet is that all the clothes in it are my size.

Not a thing was off.

Every pair of pants is perfect around the hips and waist.

Not too tight.

Not too loose.

Perfectly fit, tailored for my body.

Even the jackets for the colder months were oversized the way I loved while living in the village. 

Pants with multiple pockets and belt loops, reminding me of the cargos I used while glass molding or construction.

Taking all items into account, every piece here is something I would've chosen for myself. 

I didn't know if I should be thankful or deeply alarmed.

There was only one person I could think of who would do something like this, but how could she possibly know?

With still a lot to ponder, I reminded myself of the most important objective:

Getting my shit together.

I still felt quite satisfied after the feeding frenzy a little over a day ago. I could spare a few calories while training today, I just have to figure out what to do and how to do it. 

I ultimately settled on a comfortable, yet fitted black short-sleeved shirt. The charcoal-gray utility joggers were an easy choice after that.

At some point during my transformations, it all might rip or burn anyway.

I stepped out of my room, last I checked, it was nearing 8:30 am. Heading down toward the first floor, I had already picked up the bustling going on in the kitchens and dining hall. 

Honestly, I needed more time away from the Dimitrescus for the day. I know I'm here for answers, but how good are answers if I'm not ready to receive them, or even survive them if the tides turn on me?

Making my way out through the garden exit, I scanned the area and for a brief second, I thought I had spotted the Lady near the greenhouse, standing by the natural pool we had shared some time at.

Doing a double-take, she wasn't there.

Just seeing things.

It's been a rough week, nothing serious.

I headed west of the castle, towards a clearing amongst the trees I had spotted on the balcony of the third floor. The path was surprisingly even, leading through trees and tall grass. The walk wasn't very long, but just enough that it would guarantee privacy and an open view of my surroundings.

I felt silly figuring this out on my own. 

A couple of efforts came by nature and instinct alone. Other abilities I had to really focus on. 

Strength came naturally with my human body; however, that brawn was incomparable in my mutant form.

I could hoist 150-year-old trees up out of the ground, roots and all, with little effort. I attempted to do all kinds of exercises, all without breaking a sweat.

Muscles, joints, and ligaments, all essential body parts are reliable.

Insanely reliable. 

Even in human form, my durability would be considered inhuman. 

I needed to push harder, I didn't want to burn myself out, but the future is uncertain.

In the future, I'm positive I'll have negative experiences, likely involving catching up with unpleasant beings. 

Mother Miranda is the first threat coming to mind, but that's exactly the problem.

I'm afraid.

Terrified, even, of being found out before I have a fair chance.

The looming threat of abiding with a woman who'd probably sell me out for a pat on the shoulder.

Or sic her daughters on me. 

Pain tolerance was next on the list. This is the part I dreaded, but not only would it give me insight into how bad certain things could feel, but it would also inform me on how quickly I regenerate.

Starting with fire first, lighting my hands ablaze and running them throughout my human skin, as expected, no pain or blistering. Fire doesn't affect me. Check. 

I tried everything I could with my own abilities to hurt myself after the fire. 

Claw marks regenerated quickly, taking slightly longer periods depending on how deep the injury was. It burned, pain-wise, nothing I couldn't handle. 

The pain felt familiar.

Remembering Lady Dimitrescu's absurdly long claw digging straight through the side of my abdomen, as soon as it was removed, the healing process happened in the blink of an eye.

Fast regeneration in those cases; however, I needed to know what it would be like in worst-case scenarios.

I decided to start climbing up to one of the peaks about another mile west of my newly claimed training grounds. The slopes were steep, my climbing ability limited by my human form. 

As a mutant, the padding assisted immensely, not only in scaling up, but also in how much surface area I covered on account of my longer legs.

Arriving at the summit, my head tilted down to bask in the altitude at which I would be launching myself.

Yes. All for the sake of knowledge

I hope this doesn't fucking kill me.

I get the notion this body's gone through worse, followed by a voice,

-

At least it's on your terms this time.

-

My head flew to the sides, swearing there must be someone near me. 

No one.

This sinking feeling in my stomach brought bile slowly up my throat.

I swallowed it stubbornly, turning back around impulsively, and jumping off the ledge headfirst. 

Time slowed as the sharper peaks in the valley got closer,

And closer. 

My eyes shut instinctively, anticipating the painful impact.

The pain started before the impact.

I felt a tension build between my shoulder blades. 

Then a blinding heat.

Skin and muscle tearing soon after.

I could not only hear bones cracking and popping, but I also felt my spine and shoulder blades adjust, readjust, and extend outward. I could feel growth out of my back happening so quickly I couldn't process it completely before I found myself suspended in mid air.

The sharp pains continued as my descent halted abruptly, the wing bones fully stretching out as the membranes pulled taut. 

They flapped as if they had a mind of their own, steam coming off of them as the blue veins from my arms mirrored through the membranes of my new limbs.

They're cool, but they pissed me off.

I was supposed to be on a natural stake to test my regeneration abilities.

Somehow the wings followed my mind and brought me straight back up to the top. 

I fell to my knees on the rough, rocky ledge.

Still shaking from the pain, not at all recovered, the wings retracted.

The painful sensation of my entire back readjusting violently wasn't any better than when they came out.

“Fuck me,” I muttered to myself, pushing myself up from the cold ground and stepping onto the edge again.

I hadn't even seen those develop when I was in the wilderness, let alone now when I'm experimenting. 

I focused on what I was truly here for: I needed to know how strong my abilities were.

I threw myself off once again, back toward the valley now.

Mind empty, eyes closed.

That uncomfortable feeling in my back again.

Damn.

The pain this time wasn't as excruciating, still pretty bad.

I was suspended again and I was starting to build a theory.

Stubborn as a mule, I am.

So I tried it once more, and just as I thought, wings!

This final time, the feeling of growth was starting to feel more uncomfortable than painful.

From what I'm sensing, this could well be a protective reflex of some kind.

I decided to move on to my next round of testing for now, stress testing.

Chapter Text

From the large glass doors in my bedroom, the horizon started to glow with renewed light. Sleeping that night hadn't come easily, so I insisted on working through the night. 

Having just finished the last batch of winery paperwork, I lit a cigarette from my holder and took long drags. 

-

She'll be home any minute now.

-

Almost on cue, bushels were being disturbed. I detected careless, crunching steps coming from beyond the treeline. Vaelarus emerged from the wilderness. Observing her rather disheveled appearance, paired with a viciously determined posture, caused tension in my chest.

I felt her glare bearing into me from afar.

I know she's dangerously curious.

More troubling was the volatile nature hidden beneath her determination.

She walks with purpose, her feet digging into the ground as if she were carrying the world on her shoulders.

How curious. 

Rounding a corner, she vanished from sight; however, it didn't take long for me to hear her steps approaching her bedroom. There was a hesitation, a split second of nothing before the knob turned and the door shut, lock engaging. 

I should have given her privacy, yet I kept listening.

The water started to run. I listened for anything beyond the mundane sounds in Vael's room. The water shut off, then nothing but shuffling around for a small moment.

A thud, followed by steady, heavy breathing.

Tedious hours of phone calls and business check-ins later, I curiously tuned in next door after not having heard anything for that time.

Stillness, yet steady breathing and soft snores. There was rustling of bed sheets.

A fragmented murmur escaped her, swallowed once more by subtle snores.

Vaelarus was still deeply asleep, so I figured it would be a good time to run some errands.

The Duke was just outside the castle doors, just as I had requested the day prior. 

“Lady Dimitrescu, it is a pleasure to see you once more. How may I be of service to you?”

“Yes, Duke, a pleasure. Do you know if the seamstress is in town along with you?”

The Duke took a moment to think, glancing down at a sheet of paper.

“It seems she'll be here in about an hour or so, my Lady.”

“Excellent, take these,” I handed over a basket containing three large, hefty drawstring bags, an envelope sealed with a wax stamp, and a black tank top with a pair of cargo pants.

Before meeting with the Duke, I had entered Vaelarus's room and swiped her clothing. 

A lock was no issue for me; these walls belong to me after all. 

These garments would eventually return, along with several more suitable alternatives. 

“Tell dear Stela I need the items in the letter done before the end of today. If she runs into any issues, she can contact me directly.”

“Absolutely, Lady Dimitrescu, I'll be on my way, ta-ta now!”

I'd known I had chosen the right woman for the job. The Duke stopped by around 10 pm, long after lights-out at my castle.

I had spent my evening busy with paperwork, not bothering to leave my quarters. In my room, all I focused on were the tedious deadlines on documents, delivery dates, and the soft snores, steady breathing, and groans coming from Vaelarus’s room.

I started counting from the moment I stepped back into the castle after the Duke's first visit.

Vael had collapsed onto the bed as the sun rose that morning. Fifteen hours later, nearing eleven in the evening, she had yet to show any signs of waking up.

The door opened and closed swiftly, making no noise. The clothed hangers, wrapped neatly in clear garment covers, preserved the fresh fabric from outside debris.

I glided across the room, stepping into the walk-in closet and closing the door with a soft click. 

After hanging the clothing up on the rack, I removed the clear covers and balled them for disposal.

I carefully opened the closet door to make my escape.

It's as if my body and mind had other impulsive plans.

I froze in front of her bed, close enough to see her sleepy features. 

Vaelarus's face was visible in the pale moonlight sweeping in through the opened curtains. It's the most relaxed I've seen her since she arrived.

Even then, in her sleep, she seemed to be fighting a battle no one else knew about.

At least to her knowledge.

She was splayed out on her back, one leg straight out, the other loosely bent at the knee.

She had one hand resting on her stomach and the other behind her head, as if she had fallen asleep while in thought. 

-

She was always such a contemplative spirit.

-

Time went by without my knowledge, holding my breath with every shuffle and groan that came from her sleeping form. 

I knew I had to go, so I did.

This time, I was the hesitant one.

“Stop…”

I turned around just before the door slipped shut.

Her body lay there, head turned to face the opposite side of the door.

Had she spoken?

No matter.

The night passed as a blur of thoughts. 

“Stop.”

It resonated over and over. The voice was hers, but it wasn't; it was Vaelarus's.

Three small knocks at my door stopped my thoughts in their tracks.

“My Lady?” 

“You may come in,” I welcomed.

One of my trusted maids, Carmen, came in. She placed a glass in front of me and popped the cork out of one of my oldest bottles of wine. Carmen poured the wine effortlessly, twisting the bottle at the end to prevent any spillage. 

The maid left shortly after; with that, I tuned in next door. I couldn't help but listen to see if she was still in slumber.

Nothing; she wasn't in there at this moment. 

I rose from my desk, taking a glance out of my windows, trying to spot her in case she was outdoors, in hindsight.

Nothing.

I made my way down toward the dining area. My chefs and maids were busy at work as demanded. Through the smell of today's steak-and-eggs breakfast, I could make out a light, citrusy, clean scent. 

It was her.

I knew, then, she was still within these walls. My gut told me to head out through the garden, a routine I had developed over the years, catching the first couple of rays of sunshine in lovely company before any other tasks get done.

Much simpler, less monotonous. 

The plants in the garden started to die off slowly but steadily as winter approached. My vision danced off the clouds in the sky to the flowers remaining in my garden. 

Casually walking past the natural pool, I caught the distant sound of a door opening and closing, followed by a faint, clean, musky scent. Rounding the greenhouse's edge, my eyes settled on Vaelarus. She, too, scanned her surroundings. 

Even from yards away, I could see how the sunlight lit up her eyes, a golden-honey glow that didn't match her poker face. 

Her head turned in my general direction, and I quickly took a step back behind the greenhouse.

Perhaps she had seen me; I was secretly hoping she hadn't. 

I had seen her, though, and, as she walked off toward the western trail leading to the mountains, I decided to follow.

Research-wise, I need more intel. Ever since she got here, the cogs in my mind haven't stopped turning.

Another one of Miranda's experiments.

Not just another experiment. I kept telling myself this.

Yet this explanation has so far rang hollow each time. 

With Vaelarus, something so volatile stirs beneath her facade of control.

To be so vulnerable after centuries. After centuries of being feared for my size and demeanor, I was becoming increasingly anxious about this case. 

I hate to admit it.

Yet, it was then that I recognized this was greater than all of the lords combined. 

Watching Vaelarus throw herself off that mountain the first time was proof enough to me.

I felt my heart seize.

She hadn't tripped; she hadn't accidentally fallen.

She had jumped.

-

What in God's name is she doing?!

-

My body almost moved before I could think.

I stopped, though, feeling my eyes go wide with shock at the scene unfolding.

She has wings, nothing like mine at my worst form, but they just popped out?

I could see the skeletal frame along her wings, impressive in size too, considering her already ten-foot frame as a beast. It was gorgeous to see the fiery-blue blaze that came through her wings once they had fully developed.

I kept my eyes keenly on her, observing her uncomfortable writhe as her wings retracted.

Must be her first time.

She launched herself off two more times into the valley. I'm glad the falls didn't kill her. I might be the one to kill her myself, though. The last time she got to the edge to jump stole my breath.

She tipped her head toward the valley of spikes below, then rolled her neck back, placing a hand on her nape. 

The move was effortless.

Second nature.

I had seen this before, in a person I knew far too well, the only other person I've seen with that habit.

I thought my blood was cold before.

This little show I was watching wasn't the worst to feast my eyes on, at least.

I knew she'd keep this up; I didn't know for how long. However, I needed more than just this.

Somewhere off in the distance, another figure lingered, one hidden on the other side of the valley from Lady Dimitrescu.

One more observant.

One more deliberate with the information they sought.

Someone watching intently, someone the Lady and Vaelarus did not know about quite yet.

Chapter Text

I managed to avoid the Lady all day yesterday while training. I taxed my body as much as I possibly could, to little avail. Through almost every severe physical test I put myself through, my body has had a defense mechanism of some kind to help protect me.

Falling off the mountain was the most obvious to me; those damn wings deployed every time. At one point, I ended up scaling a whole mountainside to throw myself off at a higher altitude 

I almost regretted it; my wings didn't deploy at all that time.

The parts of my body that hit the ground first had calcified into a material so hard that not even a significant, life-ending fall could crack. 

Fire can't hurt me. Falls did nothing. My body showed no interest or respect for my conscious decisions toward pain. Weapons, however, work, but show just how quickly my body can heal.

Although this training is nothing compared to what an actual fight with another mutant could be like, it's good to know even a bit of what I'm capable of.

I had come back to the castle right before sunset, the air already feeling icy as the evening drew on. I started to feel my stomach digesting itself; those calories couldn't keep up with my experimentation.

I found myself casually strolling into the kitchen, noting there was nobody inside.

I knew what I needed and where to get it from.

Fork, steak knife, plate, napkins.

Most importantly, the food.

Many townspeople have called Lady Dimitrescu many names; however, stingy is not one of them.

Poor work wasn't a tolerable act either. 

Tonight's dinner was pork medallions served on a bed of charred vegetables, with a buttery, boiled potato dressed with chives, cheese, and sour cream. 

-

Their pantry has to be endless around here.

-

There are a lot of hungry mouths to feed here, yet I seemed to have been worried for no good reason.

Grabbing my plate, I swiftly made my exit from the kitchen into a separate dining area, where I was immediately eyeballed by startled chefs, maids, and everyone else in between.

I hadn't even tried to listen; I was hoping to be alone. This area would do for now, at least.

I purposefully picked a table near the back corner of the dining area, digging into my plate so quickly the food disappeared before my brain could process it. 

It was a spectacular, hearty meal. I could kiss the chef.

Sitting and gazing into the distance from the dining room windows made me realize, once more, just how exhausted I was. Every muscle on my back felt tender to the touch. My backbone and shoulder blades couldn't carry the weight or intensity of those wings. My entire skeleton seemed like jelly. Luckily, I knew exactly what would help.

Steam rose from the waters around me. The clean, subtle scent of lavender and musk filled the bathroom. Muscles, once tense, were now relaxed against the edge of the tub. The bathtub was a great size for my mutant form; it felt like a swimming pool for my human form. 

I had continued submerging myself until the waterline was just under my nose, comfortable enough to breathe, my body nearly submerged.

-

This moment is comfort; this is what safety smells and feels like. 

-

Since my arrival, I've been the most relaxed I've been. I put my guard down for a moment, an act rare for me; I've never truly trusted those around me since I came here.

Minus the rhythmic drip of water, silence overtook the environment around me. 

A sudden, sharp ringing sound spread through my ears. My face contorted, feeling my temples tighten and my already shut eyes squeeze with pain.

In a split second, the ringing stopped. 

I heard a voice, muffled at first, then grew clearer. 

It was the Lady's voice. 

“... nothing out of the ordinary here, I assure you.”

She's talking to someone.

“It's getting bleak again, I'm sure nothing will come of this any time soon, unfortunately…”

My body had already sat up straight, alert. She's next door, and I can hear her as if she were right in the bathroom with me. 

“Yes, of course.

…

I will definitely keep my eye out for that. If there is any suspicious activity around my home, I will report it as soon as possible.”

Suspicious activity: report immediately. 

I knew that kind of arrangement quite well.

Relaxation was short-lived; I was now back on edge. Lady Dimitrescu had been on the phone with someone; what killed me was that I hadn't heard a name or anything that sounded like the voice on the other end. 

Just the Lady's voice rang out loud and clear. 

Climbing out of the tub, I continued my pampering routine while focusing on the room next to mine. 

Heels tapping around, steady and heavy. Her steps sounded more uneasy.

The slight crackle of a small flame, a sharp inhale, then a long, exhausted sigh. 

-

“What must I do?”

-

An open-ended question, the woman really did know how to keep one in suspense with her words alone.

My eyes were trained on my own reflection in the mirror, paying attention solely to what I could hear. I had my suspicions about who was on the other end, given the context, and if that is the case, I now have way too many questions and not a single answer that can help piece me together. 

If it was, why didn't she say anything? 

Am I the “suspicious” activity?

Let's say it was actually her. I've been under the radar for decades now, so how?

There was a tightness growing through my chest, even in human form, icy, blue cracks started to appear on my forearms.

I had to keep my head here; letting panic get the better of me would lessen my chances of survival. If she gets to my head, she'll find me. 

I knew then my plan needed to change. Things needed to be different sooner rather than later, given the danger at hand. I'll start switching up my training areas, perhaps performing my best under different schedules and times for hunting as well. Luckily, it wasn't something I needed to survive, but raw protein had helped build more muscle and resistance, and the stalking and attacking skills honed by the art. What's the fun in using weapons when your body is the weapon?

After hearing that one-sided interaction, I stayed vigilant throughout the late afternoon, going into the evening. I honestly didn't hear much beyond the pen lightly scraping on paper and the occasional mumble or frustration, which was entertaining.

“How does one imbecile manage to wreck my inventory system?”

“They're lucky I'm not heading over to make them wine myself.”

I had to stop myself, feeling the corner of my lip curl into a subtle smile of amusement.

Talking to herself seemed oddly in tune with her personality, but after a couple of hours hearing nothing, I began to feel restless and strolled out of my suite.

The sun had already set, the eclipse of the night wrapping around the Lady's manor. Most of the candelabra hanging on the walls had been extinguished for the night. All castle personnel had gone into their quarters for sundown.

I followed through the corridors, the frigid air filled the empty, unlit spaces. 

My fingers ran along the walls, feeling the nooks and crannies drag by as I got closer to my destination: The library. 

I entered and quietly shut the double doors. The whiff of new and old books sends a renewed wave of warmth through my body. The study was extraordinary. I had never seen anything like it in all my years of living. Endless shelves upon shelves within different levels stocked full of books. There weren't brand new books either; they were worn, used, and read. 

The room was lit by more candelabra and a massive chandelier hanging high above the study table, adorned with a maroon silk table cover. Around that study set were also sizeable chaise sofas upholstered in elegant off-white leather, topped with velvety throw pillows.

There was a similar setup on the balcony: comfortable seating paired with matching ottomans, with the best views of the expansive forests and towering peaks. 

The environment felt serene, both inside and outside of the castle. I had just been terrified of existing within these walls. The tranquility you found in this room, specifically, was unique, as was the visit to the gallery. I finally decided to settle on one of the sofas, stretching myself out to take up as much room as possible. 

One thing I noticed a couple of minutes after my arrival at the library was the lumbering presence of a tall, beautifully threatening woman. 

I'm honestly pleased I sensed her presence immediately rather than noticing much later. I had picked up on the huff of air from quickly, yet softly closing the library doors, even from the balcony. 

I deliberately took my time out there, as I was doing now, sitting on the sofa, reading a book about Monet's paintings, accompanied by illustrations of his works.

Her eyes burrowed into me from afar, and I feigned alertness. 

How long is she planning on just staring at me? 

…

What the hell is she doing?

I'm not sure how much time passed, but I just had to ask, “Are you looking for your next painting reference? It might last longer.”

Silence

“You've got a mouth on you, brat.”

“You've been watching me for quite some time, Lady Dimitrescu,” I quipped in diversion, “had I not asked, would you have announced yourself?”

Another pause. 

My head turned to face her, luminous eyes fastened on me. 

“It's past dusk, the castle is cold, and everyone is asleep by now. May I ask why you're in my library touching my books?”

“All this is yours?”

“How long do you think I've been alive?”

“Not sure, is it A.C. or B.C.?”

“You boorish mutt.”

-

“You'd be a freak outside these walls, I'm certain you'll understand that without me, you're nothing but a cross-bred mutt on the streets.”

-

Her words rang in my ears, a voice not quite hers, but close enough. Degradation, hot, painful lashes and sharp pains that burst within my muscle tissue nearly provoked me. I took a deep breath, eyesight starting to cloud with a cerulean glow.

“I'd watch your mouth if I were you. Don't forget I'm not physically afraid of you, my lady.” I cut in, quipping in uncontained sarcasm and danger.

“You aren't one to threaten me, certainly not a baby amongst those who have lived for centuries,” Lady Dimitrescu mocked, a cocky grin on her crimson lips, “or do you think you can outwit and undo me?”

“I can do a lot more than undo you” I stated, “I can see right. Through. You.” I punctured.

I could see the momentary flash in her eyes, an emotion I couldn't read; what I could pick up on was the sudden shift in the room. The sound of a couple flies zipped by, but it remained quiet for a moment. 

“I don't believe you.”

The words didn't move me much, I didn't trust her either.

“What specifically, hm?” I queried. 

“That you aren't here for trouble.” the Lady announced, raising her nose at me with fiery eyes. She takes her time making the next statement, carefully picking her words.

“There are eyes on my castle,” her head lowered, her hat casting a shadow over her details, “having you here, well, it'll make me impossible to overlook.”

 "You're a threat, not someone I'd like within my premises.”

I felt a grumble in my chest.

I know where this is going.

She stood up tall, hands folded elegantly, “I'm removing you from my castle.”

I felt a shudder go down my spine, a weird, empty feeling spread from my heart to my stomach. 

“That's it, isn't it?” 

“That is so, it's not personal, pet, it's just…”

There was a hesitation.

A pause too long to ignore.

“Protocol.”

My chest rose and fell with a sinking feeling, though I was expecting this to be an intense interaction. 

I felt numb now, the feeling I first felt when I awoke in that cave.

There was nothing else to say. There was nothing else to do.

I placed the book I was reading on the table top, stretching out my limbs and cracking the tension out of my shoulders and neck. I made my way back toward the glass double doors leading to the library balcony. 

Standing on the railing, I turned my head to look over my shoulder before jumping. Our eyes met, a small furrow on her brow, noticeable on her otherwise porcelain face. 

I felt my breath hitch involuntarily, a sudden pang that nearly knocked the air out of me.

I continued regardless; jumping down from the balcony, my feet landed with a loud thud on the ground below. 

I got evicted, so it's time to go elsewhere for now.

Chapter Text

By now, I had been wandering for three days straight, living off whatever animal I could find and the water from brooks. I had been kicked out of Castle Dimitrescu, and although I could have gone right back to the village, I just started walking wherever the wind took me.

I headed west from the castle, passing by the cliffs and jagged peaks. 

At one point, a road split into three paths. There were remnants of signs where the trails met. The trail moving further north/northwest looked rough to navigate, and although isolation wouldn't be horrible right now, my body naturally led me down a slightly southwest path. 

I took a lot of time on my own out in the wilderness, from more training and hunting, to reflection and sightseeing. The area was beautiful, and the sun shone through the mountain peaks, gently lighting up the sky. My days seemed to go by in a blur, but for a moment, I felt a tinge of peace.

On day two, something quite refreshing happened. I had been trying to catch something to eat for the evening and was able to snatch up a hare. The moon had started to rise, the last bit of light receding into the horizon, and my food was cooking over a spit rotating over a fire. The frigid wind howled, making it unbearable for any human to endure. I was able to keep myself warm through the intense warmth under my skin. 

There was a sharp squeal through the wind. 

Another squeak?

No. A meow?

It was very distant, but my instincts screamed at me to move. 

Listening intently for the high-pitched noise, I followed it through the forest, finally coming to a dense, thorny bush. 

Weak, yet frantic meows started to echo and carry in the wind. 

I ripped the bush off the ground, losing my ever-loving patience trying to reach the poor creature in distress. 

There she was.

A small, lint-sized furball. 

Not just any kind of furball, a kitten. 

She was shaking violently; her small eyes locked on me, desperately hoping for safety. 

I didn't hesitate. I scooped her up and tucked her into my sleeve, regulating my body temperature to keep the poor kitten alive and warm.

Once morning came, conditions settled, and I was able to get a move on, now with a small companion that I felt morally obligated to care for.

Plus, who doesn't love cats? 

Henceforth, her name will be known as Beans.

The passage I originally took stretched for what seemed like forever, until a clearing began to appear farther ahead: a bridge.

It was ginormous, suspended over a wide, yawning ravine. 

This would've made me pass out had I been afraid of heights, not to mention how unstable and rickety the bridge was. 

The forest grew denser, and the fog of a cold, humid night began to hang in the air around me. The birds' songs died off, the wind seemed to settle, and all of nature seemed to cease after the bridge. 

I found myself growing weary from the travels. I had been awake, restless and pumped on adrenaline for the last three days; it was bound to catch up. I leaned my back against a tree, with Beans once more in my sleeve. I could feel her engines purring as she nuzzled into the cloth. It didn't take long for the heaviness in my eyes to overcome my willpower to stay awake. 

-

“You're thrashing around too much. Stay still, insolent child, before you regret upsetting me.”

Flashes of white light, a cold, fuzzy feeling spreading through muscles and veins.

“That's it, you'll be perfect in no time,” the voice was muffled, as if it were coming from someone speaking through earmuffs. “Perhaps a pest can become just what I need. You'll be the perfect vessel.”

“My most successful experiment.”

-

I woke up gradually, becoming slowly aware of my surroundings before fully opening my eyes. I could feel the little furry lump inside my sleeve, glad that Beans had stayed nice and warm during the nap. I stretched out my back and neck, feeling that snap, crackle, and pop traveling up my spine. I was looking down at Beans when I noticed there was a blanket on my lap. A lamp that had long gone out was placed to my right, closest to where I was housing Beans.

Through half-lidded eyes, I saw a black figure, and my body stiffened, my hand rushing to shield Beans.

But before I could react, “Stay still.”

A woman, dressed in what looked like a black funeral gown. A veil sat on her head, covering her face and neck, leaving nothing visible.

I couldn't tell if she was a threat.

I couldn't see her face or her eyes.

Every feature I needed to read her was hidden, and I was vulnerable, left to guess her intentions behind a veil. 

“I'm glad you found her.” Her voice was subtle and quiet. She spoke with a kind tone, but something in her stance made my chest tighten. 

“She looks in need of a good mother.” I felt my shoulders drop, heartbeat still elevated at an alarming rate. For a while, I was speechless. I didn't know what was going on, who she was, or why she felt so painfully close. 

“Am I… trespassing?” I managed to choke out very weakly. 

Why am I nervous?

“Not quite, though it seems as if you've been here before.”

My brow arched in confusion. 

“Do I…” I kept looking at this faceless individual. This woman, whose voice felt comforting, yet left a lingering sense of instability. 

The kind of instability I've been feeling.

Now I'm hearing it in someone else's voice.

“I haven't… I don't believe I have,” I paused again, my head tilted again in curiosity, “Do I know you, miss?”

“Perhaps; however, I insist on my prior statement,” she took a small step forward, “Nobody stumbles upon this estate by accident.” 

The kitten in my sleeve started to meow in complaint, sticking her head out from the space between my wrist and the cuff. 

“Please, join me. I'm sure you'd like to freshen up.”

It didn't take long to reach the entrance of her estate. No wonder she had found me; I might as well have been sitting on her porch. It was massive.

The estate was hauntingly beautiful.

The double doors were framed in dark walnut, worn smooth near the handles. Inside, the foyer was spacious and despondent, scarcely lit by low flames and the thin cracks of daylight slipping through blackout curtains.

The interior carried a different kind of weight.

A wide staircase split the foyer, climbing into the dark above, while two side rooms sat open on either side. Behind the staircase, a narrow hallway stretched deeper into the house, swallowed entirely by the darkness.

Multiple shelves lined the wall, each holding several porcelain dolls. All of the dolls seemed to have their own personalities, their own expressions and postures. Their eyes followed us as we walked by. 

The mysterious woman led me upstairs. There was an herbal scent in the air, almost mixed with the smell of morning dew. 

Fresh rain and morning fog. All in this house.

It's oddly comforting; it feels as if I've dreamed of this place, or perhaps seen a painting similar to it.

Either way, the place was eerie, yet alluring.

She led me into one of the bedrooms. Unlike Lady Dimitrescu’s rooms, this one felt homey. It was spacious without boasting elegance or luxury. Somehow, the room managed not to lose its lived-in touch

“You can stay here. In return, I may require your hands for a few tasks.”

“My hands?”

“When I need you, you'll know. In the meantime, settle in. I'll have some tea ready for you after 8 pm.”

She turned to walk away and close the door, “Vael.”

She slowly turned her hooded head.

“My name's Vael… what can I call you by?”

An uncomfortable silence went by. I almost thought she had disappeared from her own body.

“Lady Beneviento.”

With that, the door clicked shut. A persistent tightness filled my chest. How could one person be so intimidating and comforting at the same time? 

Pacing around the room, my head snapped instinctively toward a honeycomb shelf, each little compartment holding something different. A variety of plants from small moon cacti to succulents, tucked among those items, sat a collection of small, multicolored glass figurines. 

Some were different animals, others were plants oddly familiar to the wildlife surrounding the estate.

My eyes fix on one detail: a glass heart, one side blue, the other black. Staring at the glass craft, I couldn't help but picture exactly how each curve and crevice was made. 

The heat. The constant but steady rod spinning. The moment the glass would soften up enough to obey detail making.

I can do something like this.

How could I?

I hope Lady Beneviento has a craft station.

I also wish she had ale instead of tea, but either way, I'd see her again at 8.