Fair Maiden - Alcina x Fem Reader

82: Eva

Eva. The name fell from Donna's quivering lips with ease. There was no doubt that the woman before her was Eva. Those daunting eyes of violet gave it away. Donna's eyes scanned up and down. Despite the striking characteristics mapped out, there was something far more unsettling Donna became aware of. Though Eva's presence radiated in front of her, it was clear that the figure of the woman belonged to someone far more familiar. Donna's heart pinched in pain at the thought of realization. Eyes following the long, clear scar across the woman's chest. Donna shuddered and took another step back.

"The ceremony has been completed." Eva exclaims, scanning the room. Her eyes stop and the crystalized statue of her failed host. Sorrow seems to pool, glossing over her eyes.

"Despite many endings, this is far from over." She breathes out, words gentle and yet harsh.

"It worked?" A grainy voice mumbles. "She... And you..."

"Yes." Eva remarks, looking past Donna to see Heisenberg uttering words of question from the floor. "Aside from the heavy doubt that plagued your minds and hearts, it worked."

"But Y/N-" A younger voice pauses. It's Bela, shifted from her buzzing form.

Her two sisters stand behind her, seemingly hiding from the strange and yet familiar woman staring them down.

"Is she..." Bela continues.

"Dead?" Eva finishes the suddenly skittish girls question.

The sisters share a glance before hesitantly nodding their heads.

Eva seems to hesitate for a moment, unsure of what to say. No matter the answer, it will only lead to more questions. She takes a gentle sigh, then speaks.

"I'm afraid there is no answer I can give her to ease your worries." Eva softly explains. "As you can see-" her hands gesture to the body she controls. "Y/N made a sacrifice so I could stand before you. She is the only successful host I have received." Eva pauses for a moment, contemplating her next words. "In past experiences, there has always been a sliver of the life before me left behind. But, that may have been due to them being an inadequate host. I could always feel them, hear them. As if their existence was my own subconscious. Or perhaps it was the other way around. But Y/N..."

"You don't feel her?" Donna asks.

"Not in the same way." Eva shakes her head and sighs. "I can feel her strength, her power." She pauses, taking a moment to truly be in tune. "I can feel her love... Her pain."

Her eyes drift to the floor, becoming absorbed in emotion as tears swell to the surface.

"I-I can feel everything... Except for her."

Eva's audience shares a broken glance.

"We've lost everything." Bela begins, tears pouring effortlessly from her eyes. Heartbreak is notable in her voice. "Everything."

"I'm so sorry, I-" Eva attempts, but is swiftly cut off.

"You don't get to be sorry!" Bela snaps, nearly mocking Evas apology.

Cassandra grips her hand around Bela's arm, knowing the warning signs of her sisters unraveling. Bela jerks away from the grasp, taking a firm step forward.

"This is your fault!" Bela continues, eyes wild with sudden anger. "You. We've lost everything because of YOU! And for what!?"

Bela's voice only begins to rise, tone shifting to a thundering hiss.

"Bela, please." Donna pleads, resting her hands on either of Bela's shoulders. "There has to be an explanation of all this. At least I'd like to believe so."