Fair Maiden - Alcina x Fem Reader

63: Death Wish

Alcina tumbles through the castle doors, returning to her humanoid form. Her usual sophisticated gown is torn and stained red with your blood. Her own blood melts with yours, leaking from her arm and side. Alcina holds you in her grasp, not allowing you to fall away from her despite your dragging weight.

"Mother!" Bela chimes, rushing down the grand stairs with Mary and her sisters.

"Stand back!" Alcina warns. "It's too cold!"

The entrance doors are wide open. Mary quickly moves past Alcina and pushes the heavy doors shut. They fall closed with a loud thud, blocking the bracing breeze from entering the castle. The sisters quickly stumble down the stairs, joining their Mother at her side.

"Mother, you're hurt." Daniela exclaims, lifting her fingers to the gashes across Alcina's arm. Alcina winces at her touch.

"That's the least of my worries right now." Alcina glances down at you.

Your breath is ragged and shallow, raspy gurgles bubbling in your throat with each rise and fall of your chest. Your bloody bladed wings drape to the ground. Mary steps from behind Alcina, slowly observing your mutated state. Her uneasy footsteps lead her around your large wings. Her eyes trail their length until they meet the dripping gashes on your back. Her eyes flick to Alcina's, swelled with tears.

"My lady..." Mary mumbles under her breath.

"I told you there would be bloodshed." Alcina quietly utters, glancing down at you.

"The dungeon is ready, Mother." Cassandra hesitantly chimes.

"No. No dungeon." Alcina softly protests. "Y/N is far too injured to cause any more trouble. Leave us, Daughters."

"Yes, mother." The sisters nod in unison.

The three girls burst into a swarm of flies. Their buzzing bodies travel around the base of the stairs, disappearing as they enter the dungeon. Mary reaches a hand out, placing it on your chest. Her wrinkled palm presses down, making full contact with your damp chilled skin. Mary freezes as the faint beat of your heart meets her touch. Her eyes glaze over with urgent tears as visions fill her mind. Snapping back to herself, she slowly pulls her hand away.

"She's alive, but barely." Mary utters, tear rolling down her withered cheek. "The knife isn't her only weakness, my lady."

"I was afraid of that." Alcina sighs.

"Although she's a healer, her abilities don't allow her to mend herself. If we don't find a way to close her wounds, she'll bleed out until the last drop of blood falls away; taking her life with it. She's already lost so much..." Mary's eyes drift to the ground. A crimson puddle coats the stone floor.

"Come with me." Alcina murmurs.

Alcina brushes past Mary. The top of your wings pull blood across the ground as she carries you in her arms. Mary reluctantly follows Alcina's steps. As they reach the stairs, Mary braces Alcina's arm. Mary's strength is nothing compared to Alcina's, but her gesture assists as they climb the steps. They journey down the long corridor until they reach Alcina's chamber. Mary pushes the door, holding it open as Alcina enters. Mary follows behind, joining Alcina near the bed.

"Tuck her wings." Alcina instructs.

Mary obliges, lifting your wings and gently tucking them beneath you as Alcina lays you on the center of the bed. Your breath stammers for a moment, but continues once your body rests into the comfort of the mattress. Mary wipes her hands on her apron, smearing the white fabric with your blood. The bed sheets begin to blood with the same hue beneath you. Alcina groans as she sits herself on the edge of the bed next to you. Her hand grips her side.