From Dusk Until Dawn

Chapter 15: Past Lovers

Miranda knocked on the front door of Castle Dimitrescu. She hadn't informed Alcina that she would be stopping by to speak with her. She had found a lead on the perfect vessel to bring back her Eva. In addition, during their dinner meetings a while ago, she couldn't help but notice that her eldest seemed a bit distracted and was curious to know what was going on. Besides, there was something else she wanted to do that she couldn't do over the phone.

The front doors opened and Miranda was prepared to step in but instead, she froze in her tracks as she eyes landed on who opened the door. The maid with dirty blonde hair stared at her, eyes widened to the same size as Miranda's. The two women stared at each other, not moving like they were a normal villager who had just seen a Lycan.

''Mother Miranda.'' Sofia said in a monotone yet formal tone. Looks like she was doing this now instead of later like she had intended.

''Sofia.'' Miranda responded, stepping into the Castle. The air between them was tense with awkwardness. The priestess couldn't help but glance over at the woman, her eyes scanning her body. She was just as beautiful as she remembered.

''You look like you have something to say, Mother Miranda.'' the woman said.

Miranda took a moment, swallowing down the lump in her throat. ''It's nothing. I was just wondering how you've been doing lately.''

Sofia stared blankly into Miranda's vibrant, blue eyes that always sparkled whenever she looked at her. ''I've been alright. Now, I suppose you're here to speak with Lady Dimitrescu. She's in her study.''

''Wait, can we walk for a moment. Just for a bit.'' Miranda protested.

''I don't believe we have anything to speak about.'' she said, turning away from the priestess.

''Please. I want to talk about... about what had happened to us.'' Miranda said, causing the woman to flinch and seemingly pondering her words before answering.

''I told you, we have nothing to speak of.'' Sofia said, her voice softening for a moment.

''Please, Sofia, we both know what was said. What I said... and I want to apologize for it. I didn't mean to hurt you the way I did.'' the blonde said, her voice gentle and quiet. Sofia was the only person to ever hear her speak in such a tone.

''So, the great Mother Miranda, ruler of the Village, is apologizing to me? A lowly maid at Castle Dimitrescu? I never thought that was possible for you.'' Sofia laughed in amusement.

''Well, I am apologizing. I'm sorry I hurt you, if I could go back in time and take it back, I would.'' Miranda said genuinely.

Sofia stayed quiet, refusing to look back at the priestess. Typically, Miranda wouldn't have tolerated someone turning their back on her, but then again, Sofia wasn't just anyone. She had allowed her to do many things to her, which both of them had once enjoyed.

After a minute or two of silence, Sofia spoke. ''Do you... really mean that?''

''Yes, yes I do.'' Miranda said, her heart fluttering with anxiety. The blonde turned around, looking at the priestess. With a weak smile, she spoke and Miranda's heart dropped to her stomach,

''I don't forgive you.''

Miranda just stared at her like her life was falling apart all over again. ''Sofia, I said I was sorry. I apologized.''

''I know, and I acknowledge your apology. I just don't forgive you.'' the woman said, turning away from her. ''Now, if you would please follow me, I'll take you to Lady Dimitrescu.''

''Please, Sofia. It was never my intention to hurt you. Please, tell me what I can do to have you forgive me. I'll do any-''

''Mira!'' Sofia shouted, causing Miranda to flinch. Sofia took in a shaky breath, looking back at her with a neutral expression, but with tears rolling down her pale cheeks. ''Please, just stop. You did hurt me, and no amount of apology will change that. Besides, you made it perfectly clear what was more important to you. So just stop. There is nothing more to say.''