Resident Evilove (Lady Alcina Dimitrescu - Resident Evil)

Chapter 11 - Blue on Black

Following the discussion with the Duke, which was initially to be a simple purchase of a new shipment of wines, Lady Dimitrescu had decided to postpone the commercial agreement, to which the Duke had very understood well and accepted to wait, knowing the stake of such a reflection.

More than confused, the mistress of the castle had preferred to isolate herself and went back to shut herself up in her private apartments, in the north tower. At least here, no one would disturb her.

After locking herself in and placing it on the small hook hanging on the wall, Lady Dimitrescu stood for a moment in front of the window, offering an unobstructed and magnificent view of the pine forests and snow-capped mountains in the distance, forming the borders of this wild and isolated valley. But Dimitrescu didn't care about the scenery, her mind being far too preoccupied with more important thoughts. The Duke's words kept repeating in her head ... she thought about Mathias too ... what did he really represent? A simple prisoner was the most obvious answer ... but ... was she really sure now? She wasn't sure of anything anymore. An increasingly insidious doubt settled.

Assailed by doubt, the countess sat down on her chair, facing the large chest of drawers where her large mirror was, where she used to do her hair. But this time, she only looked at her reflection, looking herself in the eye, and seeing that doubt that was eating her inside.

After a very long hesitation, Lady Dimitrescu decided to pick up her phone, an old model from the 1950s, and dialed a number, bringing the receiver to her ear. She had to wait a few moments before an answer was heard on the other end of the phone.

_ "Mother Miranda ..." said the countess respectfully, trying to hide as much as possible the doubt that could be felt in her voice. "I'm calling to tell you that the young mortal, Mathias Derune, recently told me about a nightmare he had. In this nightmare, he said he saw our ceremony's temple, although he has never seen it ... he also has his late mother, as well as the coat of arms of the dragon, engraved on the central pillar..."

As she described what Mathias himself had told her, Lady Dimitrescu paused, then listening to what Mother Miranda could say to her.

_ "Yes, I am sure of it, Mother Miranda ..." affirmed Lady Dimitrescu. "But, I wanted to tell you... maybe it's still too early? I mean, shouldn't we wait a little longer... no, of course I understand the importance of this ceremony. I ... yes ... very well, Mother Miranda ... it will be done according to your desire. You can count on me."

With these words, Lady Dimitrescu hung up the phone. But suddenly the countess cracked completely. She grabbed the edges of her dresser in her hands, and with her superhuman strength, tossed it with ease across the room. The dresser snapped in two in shock, and the mirror shattered into hundreds of pieces of debris that spilled onto the floor. Breathing heavily, teeth clenched, Lady Dimitrescu had to pull herself together quickly, breathing normally and huffing hard. She ran her hands over her face, even more confused than she had been before, and seated herself on the floor with her back against the wall.

_ "What do I really have to do? ... I don't know anymore ..." she sighed sadly, as if asking for help from higher forces remaining silent to her requests.

*************

Not being aware of the discussion between Lady Dimitrescu and the Duke, because not having dared to play the eavesdropper at the doors, Mathias had chosen to go get some fresh air. To do this, he went through the large living room, empty, then through the dining room, just as empty of any presence, and opened the doors that led to where he thought: the central courtyard of the castle.

The courtyard was made of marble, perfectly shaped and square, surrounded on all sides by the buildings of the castle. Towards the end, Mathias saw the door which led to the north tower, and therefore, the access which was strictly forbidden to him. He would remember it, in case he got lost by mistake. The courtyard was decorated with trees and hedges, perfectly trimmed and covered by a thin layer of powdery snow. And in the center of the courtyard was this black iron structure, which Mathias recognized as being a gazebo, a kind of small pavilion very in vogue during the Renaissance, which allowed people to meet in the parks to be able to discuss between them in a calm location. Another old element which added a little touch of charm to this increasingly surprising castle.