Blind Devotion

Chapter Fourteen: She's Here

"Is there anything I can help you with, miss Violet?" Salvatore came into the kitchen, staring at the ingredients floating in the air as Violet was preparing dinner. The older witch looked stressed, yet smiled warmly at him.

"I could use some company, dear?"

"Of course, ma'am. What are you busy making?" He took a seat across from Violet, looking at all the dishes on the kitchen island counter. The air smelled delicious, the smell of bread, vegetables and soup filled his nose.

"Pot roast and vegetables. Do you like vegetables?" She smiled, harshly chopping the carrots with a massive knife. She fetched a massive piece of meat and placed in a tray, sprinkling spices and herbs over it.

"I do, indeed. Your food tastes wonderful. Are you going to stay in the castle and cook for my sister? She takes very good care of her staff."

"No, dear. I am going back to Dimitrescu Manor when I am finished with the food." A part of her wants to leave before Miranda arrives. Mostly to keep Alistair away from danger.

"Oh, no! You can't leave old lady!" Angie's child-like voice drew their attention, both smiling with happiness seeing Donna without her veil.

"Angelique, that's rude. Violet is not old." Donna scolded, walking over to Salvatore first. She hugged her brother and then walked around the island to Violet.

"Good evening, Donna darling. And to you too, little Angie." Donna blushed as Violet pulled her in for a hug, making sure not to touch her with her hands that's full of herbs and spices. Donna was surprised, hearing Violet be friendly towards Angie.

"Do you really have to go?" Donna asked softly, Angie encouraged her, by her side. Violet looked at Donna, actually seeing her for the first time. A huge mark scarred her right eye, barely making the deep, navy blue of her eye visible. The blue of her eyes almost looked black, unless you looked closely. She was a beautiful woman, her beauty so striking, Violet found herself staring a little too long.

"I have to dear. I cannot stay here."

"I can't  see why not?" Angie asked, playing softly with Donna's midnight hair.

"I hate to impose. Don't get me wrong, Alistair is my son for all intents and purposes. I love him very much. But, I don't want to be trouble." Violet's smile was beautiful, a slight dimple on her left cheek.

"My manor is empty... besides Angie and the other dolls..." Donna's voice was soft, barely audible. The last thing she wanted was to look desperate, but she was terribly lonely.

"Why don't you move there?! It won't be far from Alistair!" Angie insisted, knowing how sad Donna got sometimes.

"Let me think about it?"

"Please do. I think you'll like it there." Donna got slightly excited at the prospect of a friend.

"I'll think about it. Let's just get tonight over with. Something is coming and it's not good." Salvatore tensed up immediately, nearly jumping from  his chair.

"I, uh, have to go. I'll see you a bit later tonight, when mother is here." He ran off, leaving Violet, Donna and Angie looking puzzled. As Salvatore rounded a corner, he ran straight into Alistair's towering figure, holding Karl's hand.

"Salvatore? What's the matter?" Alistair asked as Karl walked closer to his brother.

"N-nothing! Emergency... emergency at the reservoir!" Before they could ask anything else, he ran, briefly glancing back at them before disappearing completely.

"That was... strange. What's going on with him?" Alistair raked his long fingers through his wavy raven hair.

"I don't know... it's not unlike Moreau to run and act this way, but that? That was strange. I should speak to Alcina." He gripped his chin, deep in thought. Alistair bent over and kissed him passionately, before kneeling down, pulling him closer by his hip.