The day ran by fast in Remus’ presence, but alas, the boy had to go back ho by nightfall.
His departure marked the return of that acrid taste in Arabella’s mouth. That constant, bitter citric flavor that stung the inner walls of her stomach.
"How is she now? Any developpent?" she turned to Silas as they walked the hallway leading back to the foyer where the main staircase lay.
"The sa," he shook his head, refusing to et her pleading gaze.
A long and heavy sigh escaped her, although when they finally reached the stairs, her eyes widened montarily, earning her the outlook of soone who’d just rembered sothing they had to do, "Oh! I wish to spend so more ti at the library,"
"Perhaps after dinner," he half asked, "You could co down with Ada if she wants to as well,"
"Right! Good idea!" she nodded and followed in his steps without further objections.
Upon reaching the first floor, then the hallway leading to her room, a figure t them right by one of the doors.
Standing still in place, Ada stared down at her feet, an odd expression on her.
"Is everything alright, Ada?" Arabella asked as soon as they’d cut enough distance between them.
"Oh! Yes! Of course, everything is alright," her deanor made a swift shift into a joyful one, even though strained, "I was simply taken by my own thoughts,"
"Well, I will leave you two to it then," Silas nodded once at Ada then split from the won.
"Has dinner been served yet?" Arabella asked the mont they stepped inside the room, only for her question to be answered in the form of a beautifully dressed and garnished table, "Have you eaten yet?"
"Yes," Ada seed to avoid Arabella’s eyes.
"I don’t think Silas is listening in on our conversation," the young woman sat down, "You may tell what truly troubles you," her voice steady and warm, she only blinked when necessary.
"What do you an?I told you everything is alright," she squeezed a smile while shifting uncomfortably in place.
Arabella exhaled a long one, "You can’t fool , Ada. I am getting really good at this reading faces thing thanks to you," she offered an apologetic grin.
"Then I have nobody to bla but myself," she chuckled and plopped down onto the chair next to Arabella’s, her expression dimming, "I’ve received a visit from Edna," she flashed her eyes to emphasize her words.
"And she strikes again...," yet another sigh from Arabella, "Did she want the usual?"
"The sa old threats and warnings...," she trailed off, "She couldn’t fathom how, according to her words, a peasant such as could ascend in rank like this,"
"She’s always felt superior to others, hasn’t she?" Arabella picked a small piece of tomato and placed it in her mouth, "But what sort of threats has she thrown your way? As you know, we can’t afford not to take her seriously," she continued after chewing and swallowing her food.
"She promised that I will pay for this and this humiliation that I’ve put her through," Ada had a distant look in her eyes.
Silence followed for a while, until Arabella drank so water to down a bite that threatened to clog her windpipes.
"I wonder how you becoming an entertainer humiliates her...,"
"I suppose that any human that rises above her is a direct insult to her, or so must her perception be, at least," Ada shook her head.
"It must truly be sad to live in her mind,"
"Honestly, I don’t know what to make of it," Ada stood up and walked over to the window, "Perhaps it’d be wise to report her behavior for our safety,"
"Then you and I have been thinking the sa thing," Arabella’s gaze was soldered on Ada’s back, "But I’ll have to find the right words so that we don’t get misunderstood or cause her more harm than she deserves. Because... While I do suspect her of more, I can’t bring myself to speak of those since I have no proof of it,"
"That, I understand," her friend nodded, "In any case, I wanted to broach a different subject matter,"
"I am all ears," Arabella noted the warm smile on Ada and mirrored it.
"How was the day with little Remus?"
"It was wonderful," she giggled, "His presence made forget the rest, honestly,"
"I believe you there," she laughed sweetly, "But you must remain careful not to get too attached to him. He isn’t yours and once his father finds another mate his visits will turn scarce,"
"Yes, I realize that," her gemstones rested on the remaining salad pieces in their dish, "For now he still cos so, I’d like to enjoy things while I still can,"
A not so shy knock landed on the door and Allegra’s face peeked through the instant Arabella gave her permission to enter.
"I just ca by to see if you ladies aren’t in need of anything," she grinned before turning to Ada and studying her from head to toe, "Congratulations, by the way, and welco among us,"
"Thank you," red faced Ada spoke sheepishly.
Arabella on the other hand, did not miss a single beat and stood to her feet, "No, we are not in need of anything but Allegra, please... How is Katherine doing?"
The vampiriess’ face fell a little, "There’s been no positive change," she shook her head, "She hasn’t closed her eyes at all,"
"That is awful!" Arabella squeaked.
Ada walked closer and wrapped an arm around Arabella’s shoulder, "Is there really no way we can see her?"
"Master Silas has been clear on this matter. No humans allowed near Katherine," she shook her head, her voice constant and rich.
"Please, Allegra," Arabella moved towards the vampire and took her hands, "Keep inford on her situation. I haven’t been able to sleep at all,"
"Of course!" she smiled.
Allegra gave her hand a squeeze she wanted gentle, for sure, but Arabella felt the strain of it. It wasn’t painful by any ans, but it was almost as though Allegra was still not aware of the amount of pressure to apply in a handshake with a human.
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