Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 4

Mother Rosamund and Mother Carmilla exchanged proud smiles as they watched Alastor and Vagatha frolic on Earth. They were doing them proud, especially Rosamund, who held high hopes for her son. Yet, the task of caring for two children while managing their responsibilities was an endless struggle, filled with constant worry. Their greatest concern was Madame Katia, who had never reconciled with the fact that two children had escaped her grasp. She was desperate for a chance to reclaim them. Though Alastor and Vagatha were now immortal sprites and no longer human, making them difficult to harm, Lord Zestial possessed spells and potions that could render any powerful being, save for God Himself, mortal. If Katia succeeded in turning them back into humans, she would not hesitate to do them harm.

The problem was that Zestial did not trust her with his spells and potions, and the sisters were always vigilant in watching over the children. Katia would visit regularly, putting on the facade of a reformed woman seeking peace, claiming she no longer desired to take lives unless absolutely necessary. But neither Rosamund nor Carmilla was fooled; they played along for the sake of appearances.

"How nice of you to pay us a visit, Madame Katia," Rosamund said, pouring her a cup of tea as the three women settled at the table. "And how are things with Lord Zestial?"

"He's away," Katia replied, sipping from her cup. "A plague has swept through the lands. He has never been busier."

"What a dreadful job he has," Rosamund remarked. "I don't know how he bears it."

"He is strong, that is how," Carmilla added. "Strong yet gentle and wise."

"I saw your little brats the other day, flying around and causing mischief," Katia sneered.

"They're just assisting us with our work," Rosamund replied. "Changing the seasons is much harder with just two people, and the sweet dears have been a tremendous help."

"Sweet little dears indeed," Katia scoffed. "I still bear the scar on my nose from when that boy tried to break it off."

"Well, it served you right for trying to kill him and Vagatha when it wasn't their time," Carmilla retorted. "And you know, sooner or later, Lord Zestial will find out about your schemes, and he will be very cross."

"Never you mind what goes on between me and my master. You should be more concerned about what is to come for your little girl."

"What do you mean?" Carmilla asked, her brow furrowing.

"She and the boy are not like you two. They did not die nor live a full life on Earth. Sooner or later, they'll want to grow up and return. And when that happens, I will be coming for them."

"You will leave them be," Rosamund said firmly. "As long as they remain under our care and as sprites, there's nothing you can do to them."

"And they'll never grow up," Carmilla added. "Here in the heavens, they'll remain children forever."

"Their bodies may remain in childhood, but their spirits won't. They'll grow and start to desire things they can't have unless they return to Earth as human beings. Just wait and see."

"You know what your problem is, Madame?" Rosamund said. "You are only happy when others are miserable, and that's a very unhealthy lifestyle."

Katia's eyes narrowed, her smile fading slightly. She stood up, smoothing her dress as she prepared to leave. "Enjoy your little paradise while it lasts, sisters. The storm is coming, and you will not be able to protect your precious children forever."

As Katia departed, Rosamund and Carmilla exchanged a grim look.

"I hate to say this, but she is somewhat right," Rosamund admitted. "What if they do start to want things that can only be obtained by becoming human and living on Earth? What do we do then?"