The Bones of The Rabbit

Chapter 27

Salvatore was invited over for the Halloween Party, having gotten over his cold. He didn't want to go, but here was Daniela and Bela practically dragging him over. "Mother would be disappointed if you didn't come to the Halloween party. (Y/N) has been dying to meet you." Daniela explained, keeping her tone soft.

You're probably lying.

Entering the castle and seeing the decor, Salvatore was given a glass of wine and finally met you. He swallowed hard, seeing what Lady Dimitrescu had done to you, Lady Dimitrescu mauled you and yet you acted as if nothing happened. You didn't stare at his hunched form, you stared into his eyes and maintained eye contact. To his shock, you gave him a cane to help him with balance. "This should help you walk." You spoke softly and kept a gentle tone.

Why are you being so nice?

Heisenberg was on candy duty and much to Salvatore's surprise, you had taken him to a separate room and helped him drain the pustules without even asking you for help. The weight lifted felt amazing, then you pulled out tweezers. You both spoke about life and you opened up about the horrific attack. It made Salvatore's sick to his stomach that you remembered every detail.

You're so nice, too nice.

Coming back from the room and feeling better, he played board games with everyone. When no more people came to the door, Heisenberg came back over. "What do you think of (Y/N), Salvatore?" Lady Dimitrescu spoke, her voice full of curiosity. Deep down, Salvatore could hear the pain in her voice when saying your name. "They're so kind. They helped me and they gave me a cane." Salvatore felt a tear run down his cheek. "Yeah... (Y/N) is nice..." Lady Dimitrescu spoke softly, her tone dripping with guilt. You came by with new snacks. Cinnamon roll snails, pretzel ghosts, lycan lemon tarts, werewolf wine cupcakes.

A little odd, but you have the spirit!

Salvatore watched as Lady Dimitrescu quietly took a cupcake, refusing to make eye contact with you. He blinked, confused.

Why won't you look at them, Alcina? They've forgiven you the moment you laid your claws on them. Are you scared? Angry?

Salvatore moved his gaze, then heard the clock strike 2 AM. "Well, I better be off. The water won't sanitize itself." He quickly spoke, anxious. "Aw, so soon?" You chimed up. "I'll lead you to the carriage." Lady Dimitrescu piped up, getting up and quickly taking Salvatore by the hand. As he was being brought to the carriage and had his cane in his other hand, he looked up. "You need to forgive yourself." Salvatore began. "Because (Y/N) already forgives you. They told me they know it's in your nature and so they don't hate you for what happened. It's your turn to forgive yourself." Salvatore gently patted her hand as he got into the carriage.

"I... I don't know how."
"You're Lady Alcina Dimitrescu, you'll figure it out."
You always do.