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𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟷𝟹: 𝚃𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚜

It was silent for a moment. Alcina took the time to realize what her child was saying. Once realization hit she grew angry. Her breath shaky from her efforts to contain her rage.

"Never and I mean never. Say that again. Is that understood?" Camilla remained silent. She could tell by her Mother's voice that she was restraining herself. She could hear the fear in her voice.

"I understand but you always told me never to lie. I don't regret saying it. I will take whatever measures I must to keep you all safe." She expected a response in return only for there to be silence. Alcina continued her stride, moving closer to her chambers. Camilla expected for them to stop at her mother's door but instead she moved forward into another room. Alcina opened the door and ducked under, Camilla's eyes opened wide with surprise. It was her study or more known as the Terrace; Camilla gazed around the room to find a bear rug in the middle of the room and other than that it seemed... empty. She looked up at her mother for an explanation.

"Your disappearance became known to the maids. As you know, words traveled fast, especially in the castle... the lies they spoke. I couldn't bear it for too long. So I made a rule to never mention the fourth daughter. As a way for them to eventually forget I had everything that created a reminder of you to be locked away where only the family could see. I remember all the passageways you would find and the most memorable one was behind my portrait in the Atelier room. Your sisters later found that there was a ladder and an attic that led to the roofing of the castle. We decided to hide all of your belongings there. That left your bedroom and this room bare for dust and cobwebs to take over."

"And where have you been sleeping?" Alcina froze at the question. She could only look at her child with soft eyes.

"When it gets too hard for me to bear the loss of you... I would sleep in the bed chambers. We did sleep beside each other in said chamber when you'd have nightmares... I simply thought it would lessen the pain... it did... before the pain grew as I mourned your presence..." Camilla nodded in understanding.

"Mama, I'm sure you can put me down. I should be stronger now that I've gotten some rest." Alcina nodded slightly, she seemed reluctant at first but relented. The moment she let go Camilla could feel a searing pain in her leg and she started to fall to the floor, she was caught midway. She looked up to find it to be her mother.

Once she was secured in her hold the both looked down to her leg, the wound had been from Winters bullet.

"Wh-y? It should be healing..." The burning sensation began to rise and pulse within her leg to her body. She had never felt this before, her breathing became more ragged.

"Mother... i-it hurts... more than usual... I-I-" The moment she looked up to her mother she noticed her face was written in fury. She tried to calm her down but it was too late. She had slammed her arm against the wall creating a disturbance to the whole room. There had been a nearby vase which in the end shattered.

"What have you done to my daughter!?" Her breathing was labored after she said that.

"Mama, it's ok... Wait, where are you going?" As she asked, her mother turned towards the door and made her exit.

Before she left the room she turned back to her child, eyes filled with anger and sadness, "I am going to take care of that manthing and when I do, he will soon learn to regret coming into house Dimitrescu!" She then ducked through the door and closed it behind her. It took a moment for Camilla to realize but as soon as she heard the door lock she moved to the door in hopes to open it.

She banged on the door, "Mother! Let me out! Please! Don't do this!"

"I will do what I must to protect my children, I don't wish to put you in harm's way. This is the only way. Forgive me, my little one." She heard her mothers footsteps fade into the distance. She stopped trying as she found it to be pointless. Her eyes began to shut involuntarily from blood loss and drowsiness. Soon, her conscience faded and she was sent into a slumber.