Fair Maiden - Alcina x Fem Reader

31: Simple Task

"The girls are getting your horse ready, my dear." Alcina enters the bedchamber just as you are finished putting on your dress. Alcina pulls a black cloak from the wardrobe and wraps it around you. She kneels down in front of you as she ties the string around your neck. Once it's secure, she pulls the necklace she gave out from under the fabric.

"Remember what I told you, draga mea. You are strong, capable, and wise." She gives you a little smile, placing the pendant on your chest.

Your nerves are all over the place, buzzing through your body. You wrap your arms around Alcina's neck, pulling yourself close to her. Her strong protective arms hold you in a tight hug. The village is the last place you want to return to, even if for a moment. It reminds you of the pain of your past, still thriving in the disheveled streets of the village. You want to stay here, with Alcina. As long as you're with her, nothing can go wrong. Instead, you must journey alone into the dark, all for a measly little vial of blood.

"Why do I have to go alone? Can't you come with me?" You ask quietly, already knowing the answer.

"You know I don't like the idea of you going alone. If I could, I'd be right by your side. But, you must do this by yourself." She sighs. You squeeze her a little tighter, not wanting to let go. "It's only for a few hours, sweet girl. You'll be okay." She lets you go.

"Come. It's time." She holds out her hand. You reluctantly take it in yours. Alcina walks with you, keeping you company for as long as she possibly can.

"Lucian is waiting for you outside." Bela tells you as you and Alcina enter the Great Hall. "He's all saddled and ready to go. I've also ordered a few of the lycans to follow you and stand guard on your way to the village. You should be safe."

"Thank you, Bela." You give her a meek smile.

"Good luck, servant." She teasingly slaps your arm and gives you a smile of encouragement. Then, she leaves you and Alcina alone. Alcina kneels down to you once more.

"Donna had her doll spike Ethan's ale. He will most likely be passed out. All you have to do is collect the child's blood. As soon as you do, get out of there. I have no idea how long his sedation will last. And chances are, if he finds a stranger stealing his daughters blood, he won't be very happy." Alcina's words do no justice at easing your worry, but you nod your head in understanding.

"You'll be okay, draga mea." Alcina gives you a gentle kiss. "Come home to me as soon as you can. Safely." She stands, letting go of your hand. Her small nod is a signal for you to leave.

You open the castle doors. A chilled breeze pushes through. Winter may be coming to an end, but the nights of early spring are still cold. You turn to look at Alcina. Her face has a tinge of worry on it, but she gives you a reassuring smile. Holding her image in your head, you step out into the night.

Lucian whinnies as soon as he sees you. His joy of seeing his human again pushes your worry back down for a moment. He meets you at the bottom of the staircase. You grab onto his mane and pull yourself onto the saddle. With a single gentle nudge against his belly, you're off. A few lycans follow close behind and one in front. Your fear of these creatures has dissipated. They've proven to you that they mean you no harm. Since Alcina can't be here to protect you, the lycans will. After all, they protect their blood.

It wasn't long before you could see the lights of the village peeking through the trees of the Forest. Lanterns illuminated the streets in the dark of night. Alcina had tucked a map in the pocket of your cloak so you would know exactly where to go. You pull it out and examine it. Ethan Winters house is on the outskirts of the village. Looking at the map, you see that it's only a few houses down from your childhood home. Unfortunately, you'll have to pass by it in order to get to Ethan's.