Land of Graces | Encanto

🕯ꕥ ║ Chapter XI : Secretive Trust

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After Bruno informed Secélia about the prophecy of her family and explained why they were asked to reside in Encanto with the Madrigals, they both leave his tower and return to the second-floor balcony hallway that faces the ceilingless courtyard.

He revealed that for the past thirty-five years, Secélia's family was the first to ever cross the colossal mountains guarding the village of Encanto.

Given that her family had magical powers.

"Wait, let me get this straight," Secélia says, attempting to comprehend the information. Bruno patiently waits for her to continue, his right hand rubbing against his left arm.

"The tall mountains were formed with Señora Alma's miracle candle. It was made to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Encanto?" She reiterates. He nods at her, and she continues. "And your family ruled over the village, helping the people with your blessed magical powers?"

"Yeah."

So they live in peace here, well protected by the Madrigal's miracle. She thinks. Everything they required, from resources to food; was all provided for them, and they were not required to leave.

And for an unknown family to unexpectedly enter the fortified mountains...

Secélia exhales uneasily, already expecting the worst. They may be unable to live a normal life here.

She made an agreement that they were expected to help the community. If they mistakenly unveiled themselves, the villagers would suspect them of trying to take over the land from the Madrigals.

Their land full of graces.

"Does she know..?" Secélia worriedly asks the curly, raven-haired man. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Know what?"

She lowers her gaze and raises her arms to her waist, slowly opening her palms. Her amber eyes returned to his pine green ones. Bruno's brows raise as he realizes what she was implying. 'Is your mother aware of our abilities?'

"To be able to accept us so easily..." She trails off, folding her arms and turning her head towards the huge green door of Casita. "I'm worried about how the people would think of us. Suddenly entering a safe land, a paradise that allows no one else to enter from the outside."

Bruno quickly stopped her, grasping both of her upper arms. "Hey. Hey. Everyone is welcome in Encanto. Mamá invited your family herself. The people would welcome you, even if you're outsiders." Because you're in her good graces.

He shakes his head, removing the thought. "We vowed to help your family, just like you vowed to help ours." He sends her an assuring smile.

She smiles back at him, but her eyes are gelid, filled with pools of fog. The moonlight above shines in the center of the courtyard, but it wasn't bright enough to shine through her eyes. She was still distrustful, guarded even. Which he completely overlooked. "Thank you, Bruno."

I may trust you, but I don't trust your family.

"Oh, I'm also curious." She starts walking forward, quietly treading on the balcony tiles. Bruno followed her immediately.

They came to a halt in front of the wall with six hanging framed portraits of the children standing in front of their glowing doors, beside Alma, who was holding the magical candle.

"Can you tell me about your family's different gifts?"

. . .

It appears that Secélia was interested in the Madrigals. Since they invited the Silvestres to live in town and formed a contract with them, it was appropriate to disclose Bruno's family and their abilities in order for both of their families to be bonded more than their contract's relationship.