The Beneviento Family

7

A few hours later, everyone finally came. All of us sat around a fireplace in our respective chairs and talked. Donna had a quip every now and then for me to say but otherwise she seemed rather satisfied hearing our gossip over sibling bickering. Eva and Mother Miranda supposedly brought guests that She was entertaining in some other part of the castle. All of us paid little mind to it until a maiden escorted them in. When I turned in my seat, I froze.

"Caiden! It's been far too long!" The woman on that stood beside Mother Miranda and Eva smiled sweetly toward me. My grip tightened on Donna's hand as the breath visibly escaped me.

"M-mother?" I whispered in disbelief. Kind dark eyes stared at me. Her grey hair was tied back into a neat bun as she wore simple business casual clothes. My hand only gripped Donna's tighter. Donna gasped slightly. Everything inside of me froze.

"How have you been sweetie? It's been years!" The woman attempted to walk toward me. Donna shot up from her seat and blocked the woman's path. "Oh? And who are you sweetheart? Are you the woman that Miranda was telling me about?" Her head cocked to the side as she brought up a hand. "Why are you hiding under a veil sweetie?" Out of pure instinct, I gripped my mother's arm before she touched Donna.

"Don't. Touch. Her." I growled lowly.

"Tough crowd," she commented lowly as I let go of her arm. The cold, fake happy stare she used to give me as a child was in full affect when it turned to me. "Well, I've heard that you have really grown Caiden! A family now and a loving wife? I am sad to hear that you didn't do the godly thing and got yourself a husband, but that is neither here nor there." Donna visibly stiffened beside me.

"Alright then!" Mother Miranda grabbed my mother by her shoulders with a cold smile on her lips and pulled her toward everyone else. "Everyone, this is Marie! Caiden's mother! She will be staying at my estate for the time being. Eva has been showing some progress in her blood bending abilities." My attention turned toward the child that entered the room. She refused to stand near Marie. Instead, she opted to go to Elena and sat down with her. Eva's bright blue eyes were rather dim compared to normal. A tired expression shadowed her face. I gulped as I looked away. I understood that expression a bit too well. "I expect everyone to treat Marie well while she is here!" Marie waved to everyone in the room. "Now, I know that we have other business to attend to, so let's get started!"

A tense air surrounded all of us throughout the meeting. From the awkward glances of my mother to the side glances I got from everyone else, I felt like an intruder in my own family. I had not felt that way in years. Part of me died a little inside. When the meeting dismissed, Donna immediately stood up and grabbed for me. Elena and Nikolai followed us as we almost ran out of the room. Panic attacked me as Donna guided us all out of the castle. When we made it outside, I fell onto the front steps. Everything inside of me screamed. The scars felt more prominent.

"Caiden." Donna knelt down to me. Her hands cupped my face so that I stared back at the veil. "She will not get you; I promise."

"Honestly, she's a real piece of work," Nikolai added as he sat down beside me. His gloved hand fell on my head and ruffled through it. "Karl already don't like her. He made that evident with the commentary alone." I leaned into Donna's hand that remained on my cheek as Elena sat to the other side of me.

"Alcina doesn't like her either, if that helps."

Donna sighed as she sat between my legs. I grabbed onto her and held her tight. The back of her head was curled into my chest. She was my lifeline.