The Flight Of The Vulture

Chapter 20: The Weight of Guilt

May 20th, 1978

Dear Belle,

I am of course relieved to hear of your escape. I worried when I had not received news from you. I worried the worst. I do not know your whereabouts, only three trusted individuals do and they are the ones who are sending this to you. I was only allowed to pen you this letter under the expressed conditions I never contact you again or seek you out. I do not ever expect a reply.

I realized after many years of waiting that you do not share the sentiments I have always felt towards you. I am hurt by your decision, but I understand it. I understand that your heart must lead you elsewhere. The many dreams and ideals I held for us, I know now were a childish dream. The world is a harsher one than I wish to admit and it has shown you enough of it.

You deserve to be happy, and I alone can't compete with that. Please focus on the life you lead now, do not think of me again, but know I will think of you always.

All of my regrets and forever a piece of my heart,

-Gideon Prewett

Belle folded up the letter and decided never to look at it again.

She was finally free of the last small touch of guilt she'd held by leaving. 

May 8th, 1998

To My Only Daughter, 

These last few days have been a place of intense sadness for me. I have lost so many of my children and grandchildren in the last few days alone. Yet the casualty I have always felt the deepest has and is you. 

Despite my innocuously large family, I live alone in a large manor with no one to tend to me. 

I want to have you home, just give me one of my children back please.

-Your Mother

Belle looked at the letter her mother had sent her.

She didn't feel even a touch of guilt as she went back inside her home and threw the letter into her fireplace.

She was no longer Belle Brenna.

She was Belle Fyre.