The Bones of The Rabbit

Chapter 55

You stayed in Alcina's arms, clinging for dear life. The sound of her breathing, her heart, and her scent filled your senses as you clung to her and her dress. She was real. She was real. You could feel Lady Dimitrescu lift you up, her cheeks wet and eyes red from tears. Gently wiping away her tears, you gave her another kiss and savored her soft lips. "Can you two make out somewhere else? I know you missed each other, but the hallway is a place of movement and not that kind of movement!" Daniela called out, catching your attention.

You wrapped your arms around Alcina's neck, being carried off to a more private place. You snuggled into her, savoring the fact she's real and not an illusion. "I'm not going anywhere. Don't you worry." Lady Dimitrescu whispered, the two of you hidden in her room. "I don't know what happened to you, but we're going to get some food in you and get you a bath." She whispered, her hand running down your back. You shivered, sitting impossibly still as you remembered Donna's touch against your back, heart thudding with panic as your gaze darted around. "It's me, don't worry." Alcina whispered, gaining your attention. "It's just me. I'm not going anywhere."

Please don't go.

You carefully removed your clothes, standing awkwardly as Alcina started your bath. She could've had a maid start it, but your pained shriek when she left the room brought her right back with concern. You looked away a little as she removed her dress and slipped in. You got in after her, soaking up the heat reluctantly. Just as you got into the soapy water, Cassandra poked her head in, covering her eyes. "Mother. I think you should see this." She brought over a document, having put them in a sleeve. You explored Alcina's expressions, seeing them range from anger, shock, and disbelief. While she read, she pulled you close and rested your head onto her chest, the water lapping at your shoulders.

You could feel the scent of Alcina's soap curl around you, but the scent of water brought you back to the feeling of Mother Miranda holding you just above the water in the lake. Hearing the soft rumble of Lady Dimitrescu's chest as she spoke grounded you back to her, catching Cassandra's gaze. "Is (Y/N) going to be okay? They look so dazed." She whispered. You looked up at Alcina, seeing concern in her eyes. "I'll have to do something I didn't think I'll have to do." She pressed you closer to her, then took a deep breath.

"I'll have to handle this in the only proper way."

What do you mean?

"Tooth and claw."