Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 5

Vagatha and Alastor continued to assist their guardians with their duties, yet each visit to Earth drew them closer to the enchanting world of Snejotep Haven.

Vagatha's curiosity about humanity blossomed into a profound desire to understand the lives of the villagers she observed. She began to notice the intricate details—the sunlight dancing on the river, the laughter of children playing in the fields, and the warmth radiating from community gatherings. The joy they shared was infectious, igniting a longing within her to be part of it.

"Mother Carmilla," she said one day, sitting at the table and savoring strawberries while Carmilla gently combed her hair. "I was human once, wasn't I?"

"Yes, you were," Carmilla confirmed.

"I sometimes wonder... could I ever become human again?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Just curious."

"Curiosity can be dangerous, Vagatha."

Vagatha paused, her fingers tracing the rim of her bowl. "I know. But I can't help it. I see how they live, how they love and laugh. It's beautiful. I want to understand it more deeply."

Carmilla set down the comb, concern etched on her face. "I was human once too, and I've witnessed pain, loss, and heartache in that world."

"Surely there's more to it than that."

"The human race is truly remarkable, yet it is capable of profound darkness. Hatred, selfishness, jealousy, greed, and violence lurk within them. And down below, Madame Katia awaits your return. If you ever dare to come back, she will seek to destroy you just as she did all those months ago."

"But why would she want to kill me? I've never done anything to her."

"Rational thought is not in her nature, I'm afraid. She's meant to be a being of death, but death is fair while she is not. She's more like discord personified."

"She frightens me. I still have nightmares about her."

"Well, she can't harm you here. I'll make sure of that."

"She killed my parents, didn't she? She caused that avalanche that fell on us."

"Yes, she did."

"And she killed Alastor's parents too?"

"She killed everyone that day except for you and him."

Vagatha's heart sank under the weight of Carmilla's words. Memories of that fateful day flooded back—snow and rocks cascading down the mountainside, chaos, and fear.

"But why?" Vagatha whispered, her voice barely audible. "Why would she do such a thing?"

Carmilla sighed, her eyes distant as if recalling her own past. "Madame Katia thrives on agony and despair. To her, the lives of mortals are mere pawns in a game she plays. She seeks to create suffering simply because she can."

"I hope I never see her again."

"You and I both, dear."

A sense of relief washed over Mother Carmilla. Vagatha's fear of Madame Katia and the darkness of humanity deterred her from wanting to return to Earth. This fear kept Vagatha in their sanctuary, where she felt safe and content. However, deep down, Mother Carmilla understood that fear could only hold Vagatha in this state for so long. She dreaded the day when the girl's curiosity would ultimately eclipse her fear.

Meanwhile, Alastor's interest lay more with little Charlotte. Each time he appeared in Snejotep Haven, he would float by her window, hoping she could somehow see him, but she never could.