Mi Corazón Book 3(Camilo Madrigal and y/n story)

Chapter 4

San Andes (María's POV)...

I'm sitting on my balcony, the sun is creeping its way closer and closer to the horizon. Across from me sits a girl with long dark hair and striking blue eyes. She said her name was Gracie Hernández I think... She arrived here early yesterday morning, and asked me if I knew a place she could stay. The poor girl had been travelling all night, and told me how she was cast out of her old village. I of course offered for her to stay with me, for as long as she needs. "You have a truly beautiful home, Senorita Fernanda." She says, placing down the empty cup of tea she was drinking. "Thank you Gracie, you are welcome to stay as long as you need." I smile at her warmly, trying to be as welcoming as possible. "I've heard about this town, is it true there's a magic amulet that protects it?" She asks curiously. I place my hand on the red amulet around my neck. "Yes indeed, I'm the current holder for it, actually," I tell her. "She looks down at the red jewel, "that's so cool! I was hoping I would be able to see it, and now I have!" She smiles excitedly. I laugh softly and am about to respond when something catches my eye. I turn to face the steep hill that shelters one side of the town. I squint and think I can see 2 silhouettes, resembling people on donkeys, or maybe horses, standing on top of the hill. We rarely get visitors, now multiple in one day? I think as I continue to peer at the strangers, that are now making their way down the slope. "Do you see those people?" I ask Gracie. "Yeah, I think so," She responds, now also squinting in that direction. "I need to go, make sure they don't want trouble." I say, hastily getting to my feet. "I'll come too!" Gracie says, standing up. "No, no it's fine, please stay here until I get back," I grab a coat and hurry downstairs, ready to go out to meet these curious new strangers.

Y/n's POV...

The small houses grow larger as we near the village. I can see the narrow streets paved with colourful tiles that wind and twist between the tall houses. As we reach the bottom of the hill we stop. In front of us is a large white archway, made of twisted white metal. The thin metal strands form the words 'San Andes' across the top. "This is it," Isa sighs, and we dismount our donkeys. We're about to enter the village when a young woman with long brown hair and dark eyes. She runs towards us, a determined look on her face. When she reaches us she stops. "Buenas Dias, Senorita," Isabella says with a warm smile. "What is your business here?" She asks coldly. "We're looking for the Grandmother of the current holder of the amulet." I say bluntly. The woman turns to me, with a confused expression. "I am the current holder," She says, placing a hand on her chest, where I see a red amulet attached to a gold chain. "We need to speak to your Abuela, es muy importante!" Isa gives the woman a determined stare. "She- she died, just under a year ago." I can see tears swimming in the woman's eyes. Camilo Isa and I exchange a looks. Dead? But she knew Abuela, she would have believed us! Who knows if her granddaughter will be as open minded... Isabella extends a hand and the woman shakes it. "My name is Isabella Madrigal, and this is Camilo and Y/n," She says, indicating to the two of us in turn. "My name is María Fernanda. Wait, did you say Madrigal?" She suddenly looks interested. Camilo nods. "Come with me, bring your stuff." She whispers hurrying back into the village. We hastily unload our bags and follow María .

She takes us through the narrow streets and eventually stops in front of a house. It looks to be 2 or 3 stories high, and has ornate tiled decorations lining it's walls. "Come inside," María tells us, opening the wooden front door. The inside of the home is just as beautiful as the exterior. The tiled floors are a dusky brown, and framed paintings and pictures line the walls. Potted plants sit in every corner, and there are no doorways to the other rooms, rather just open archways. "You have a beautiful home, Senorita," Camilo says graciously, looking around. "We need to talk to you, you're in danger." Isa says, getting straight to the point. María opens her mouth to respond, but is cut off. "María? Are you back?" A voice calls from up stairs. The shout is followed by the sound of footsteps, growing closer and closer. A moment later a girl appears at the bottom of the stairs. "Oh yes, this is Gracie Hernández, she arrived here only yesterday." I stare at Gracie. My chest tightens, and I clench my fists. To my right Camilo is glowering at her. Her face goes white when she sees us. "Gracie, this is Y/n, Camilo and Isabella." María tells her. "We need to talk to you, in private," Isabella says, glancing at Gracie. María nods, and turns to Gracie. "Could you go down to the market to get some arroz(rice) for tomorrow's cena?" She asks her. Gracie smiles, which makes me feel sick, and nods, grabbing a small bag from a shelf and leaving the front door, giving me a side look as she goes. "Quite a lovely girl, apparently she was outcast by her own village." María tells us. "Yes, quite...lovely." Camilo struggles to push the words out of his mouth. We follow María into the next room, which is evidently a sitting room. "Now, what did you need to talk to me about?"

10 minutes later the 3 of us have finished explaining everything. Gracie coming to our Encanto to steal our candle, us discovering her diary, and how we think she's come to San Andes to steal the Amulet. María sits across from us, speechless. Eventually she breaks the silence. "You- you're sure that's why she's here?" Camilo sighs, holding his face in his hands. "Yes! We're sure." He says, exasperated. María looks down at her laps, deep in thought. "She already knows we're onto her, otherwise why else would we be here?" I say, now also feeling exasperated. She closes her eyes and nods her head. "We need a plan."