Look Alike
“Can I stay with my mom for a few days? I'll get back to work after.” Arabelle asked Ralph.
“Of course, you should stay with her. Take all the time you need.” Ralph replied to her with a smile.
“Thanks, Ralph. I appreciate all your help.” she said and gave him a little hug.
“Don't worry about it. I'll wait for you to come back to the castle when you're ready.” he told her and hugged her back.
After saying their goodbyes, the guys finally leave for the vampire castle. Justin is excited to live there with his friends. Although he can't help but to miss his pack, he just shrugged it off for now. He still doesn't have anything to brag about yet. It's better to stay with his friends for now instead of going home. He can't believe that he will end up giving up Arabelle just like that. Then,he will be friends with a vampire which is their natural enemy.
Armand is also in deep thoughts as they walk towards the castle. After many years of being alone, he can't believe that he will meet his sisters. It's one of the last pieces of advice his mother said to him before. He should find his sisters and their mother after she dies. She wanted him to still have a family even when she's gone. But how can he tell them the truth? He doesn’t want his sisters to hate him for being the son of the dark witch who cursed their parents.
“Home sweet home. Welcome to the vampire castle!” Ralph informed them as they reached the main gate.
“I think the backyard is more impressive than the front gate.” Justin commented as they got inside.
“I can't make it too flashy and invite intruders.” Ralph replied to the young werewolf.
“It didn't stop me and my friends before.” Justin admitted and laughed about his recent past.
“True. Armand, are you okay? You've been so quiet since we left Arabelle's place.” Ralph asked him.
“I'm fine. Just tired from our journey I guess.” he replied to the vampire and smiled trying to look okay.
Justin immediately wraps his arm on Armand's shoulder as if trying to make him feel better. It looks like they are almost there anyway. Although there are a lot of tall trees out there to hide what's inside. After walking for a few minutes, they have finally reached the front of the castle. Both of them can't deny how beautiful it is from the outside. Ralph should host parties on his property especially during Halloween. It will attract a lot of humans who can take his steady supply of blood.
Unfortunately, Ralph is not that kind of vampire because he prefers animal blood. Justin can't believe that his friend cares too much about humans. Even if they both have human friends, it's better for vampires to consume human blood. He knows about it because werewolves teach their young about vampires. It helps them to learn about their strengths and weaknesses. Although he admires Ralph's principles. It's not easy for powerful creatures like them to respect the weaker ones.
~~
“Mom is sleeping again but she was able to eat everything.” Amie reported happily.
“At least she likes my stew.” Arabelle replied and felt happy that their mom is feeling better.
She still looks like skin and bones right now but with proper care, she will soon recover. It's heartbreaking to see their mom in that state. Arabelle thought that she would do anything to find the descendant. She just doesn't know if she can end anyone's life though. Although she might be able to do that when her family's life is at stake. She will try to do the spell again to find the descendant. If it means that will break the curse permanently, she needs to do it.
The sisters were able to finally eat dinner together after a long time. Arabelle can see how happy her sister looks now that she's home. She can't believe that she was gone for six months. In the fairy world, only six days have passed. It's a good thing that Ralph and the other guys found her from the fairy palace. After being hypnotized by Enrico, she could have been his bride and wasn't able to go home anymore. The curse will end up consuming their mom and she wouldn't even know.
“I miss your stew. It's extra delicious today!” Amie exclaimed and took another bite of stew and bread.
“That's good to hear. I wasn't able to cook when I was in the Invisible City.” She replied and smiled at her sister.
Arabelle decided to tell her sister about the Invisible City. She likes hearing stories about magical places and creatures from a different world. Although she sounded like she's just making up that story, Amie's eyes sparkled while listening to her. She knows that her sister is the only person she can tell about her adventure. Amie will never judge her or think that she's crazy. That's why she's happy to tell her about the enchanted forest as well. She even shared about what happened to Lily back there.
Amie looks like she's really amazed by her sister's story about the fairy world. She seems to imagine how the Invisible City really looks like. That's why Arabelle likes telling her stories about fairies even before she went to that place. It's like she's with her as she tells her the story about Enrico, the queen, and other fairies. Although it sounds like a dream, it's true for both of them. They can't share it with other people but that's okay. Arabelle also told her sister about the vampire, werewolf, and the warlock.
“I knew your boss was too handsome to be a mortal!” Amie sounds more excited now.
“Yeah, he's really handsome.” She agrees and laughs at her sister's reaction.
“Justin is a pretty boy and Armand looks like Dad!” Amie added and paused a little.
“Wait, what do you mean Armand looks like Dad?” she suddenly asked what she meant.
Amie gets up from her seat and takes the framed picture of their family in the living room. She showed it to Arabelle the moment she returned to the kitchen. Arabelle looks at their picture and then to their father. She almost dropped the frame when she finally saw their similarities. How can Armand look like a spitting image of their dad? Good thing their mom didn't see that earlier. Maybe she's still too weak to see that. It might scare her to see the spitting image of her husband. The sisters looked at each other.
“Wow, you're right.” Arabelle exclaimed.
“He really looks like dad.” Amie confirms.
Arabelle can't believe that she didn't see that before when she met Armand. Maybe it's because they are in the enchanted forest. Now that Amie pointed it out, she can't unsee it anymore. Although there might be another reason behind it. It can't only be a coincidence that Armand looks like their dad. What if he's related to them or their father? That's what she needs to find out.