The Bones of The Rabbit

Chapter 102 - Start of Arc 3

You sat in your room, fiddling with your thumbs and pondering on what was said in the secret meeting. If Alcina had been experiencing such cravings, surely she would've told you. You felt your heart ache, wondering if her cravings were painful.

Alcina snuck into the room, gently dabbing at her lips with a cloth. You recognized the scent of death on her, bringing out a guilt deep inside you. "You don't have to hide away while eating, Alci." You tried to keep your voice friendly, but the tone of sadness was revealing. You watched Alcina freeze in place, then slowly turn around. "I'm not hiding from you. I'm just... I don't want to hurt you." Alcina spoke truthfully, her voice holding just as much guilt. "I want to make sure I don't hurt you, because I know that at any moment, I will change and turn on you." Alcina spoke quietly, laying beside you.

Will you still hold me at night?

You felt Alcina's hand gently press to your chest and stomach, holding you close. You cuddled into Alcina, smiling as you fell asleep. You kept Alcina close as you slept, but your dreams were different.

The field of flowers you first dreamt about, the field of rhododendron and chrysanthemum had grown to a different rate and red dahlias grew in the smallest crevices possible. You looked at your legs, your missing leg made of rose thorns and rose flowers. Your heart began to race, walking through the flowers that pulled and tugged at you as you came upon a large forest.

As you slowly entered the forest, you wandered around. However, as you walked around, you noticed you were being followed, then you woke up. You jolted awake, Alcina not beside you and the sun was shining through the curtains. The bathroom door was shut, meaning she was in there.

What was that dream about?

You sat on the edge of the bed, getting ready for your day. Your heart ached at the thought of Alcina's hunger, knowing she was going out hunting with the girls tonight. You went through the list of maidens. Two had went missing last night, the only thing found from them were handprints on a wall and their clothes. You gave a deep sigh and checked in with the others. Eclipse was carrying in crates with a couple other maidens, stocking up on food before the winter came in. As you turned to go check on the others, in the corner of your eye you noticed Cassandra helping and quietly chatting with Eclipse. You left and checked on Estella, finding her with Bela and Daniela. You listened to Bela and Daniela help Estella with her schoolwork, Aspen laying on the floor. You smiled, finding Alcina as you went down a hall.

I finally found you.

You looked up at her, seeing the look she was giving you. She stared you down like a hunk of flesh, discomfort rising inside you. "Hey honey, I had an idea." You spoke softly, giving an uncomfortable grin. She gave a soft hum to continue, your hands shaking a little. "Can we go to the cabin for our anniversary?" You asked quietly, seeing her smile. "I'd love to."