Chapter 330: Lingering guilt
All that Arabella knew about LucisNupta was that its main component was fairy dust. Fairies being the only species who could handle it, the latter is mixed in with other substances to snuff its side effects or any adverse reactions it can cause a non-fairy bride.
When all was said and done, the final result was an oil to be applied on the bride’s hair, three nights before her wedding night.
She remained in dark about the details since the information only came to her attention through history books that spoke of vampire traditions.
Someone like Ada, however, who had procured knowledge in herbology and chemistry from her father, knew better.
She insisted on making and applying the oil herself on her friend’s hair. Ada wouldn’t have it any other way.
Eventually, Arabella just gave up and let her do whatever she wanted, trusting that she would have her best interest in the end.
That evening was quite warm, but the young woman wondered whether it was nature that wanted it that way or the fact that all seven of them were huddled in one room, chirping and giggling over non important stuff.
At one point, Katherine even stated that Silas had walked by the room, but in her own terms, definitely refused to touch the door with a ten foot pol.
Arabella believed it. Knowing Silas, he debated the ups and downs of entering a room full of tittering and twittering young women only to decide against it, before fleeing for his life.
Although she enjoyed her time with the girls, Arabella couldn’t blame him for putting his sanity first as it wasn’t his favorite scene.
When things got quieter, announcing the coming of the end, Allegra was first to slip out the door.
The entire time, she’d been the most silent, but the least joyful.
Arabella excused herself, claiming to want to join Silas as an excuse. In reality, the young woman wished to enquire on Allegra’s state without igniting suspicion or putting the vampiress on the spot in front of the others.
"Allegra!" she caught up with her in one of the hallways.
"Yes?" she stopped and looked back curiously at Arabella, but that was only momentary as her eyes quickly met the floor.
"I...," Arabella cleared her throat, "I didn’t want to upset you when we were in the room but... I noticed you aren’t doing that well, am I imagining things or is there truth to it?"
"Oh...," Allegra’s eyes swept their surroundings without once landing on Arabella, "I am not sure. I think I am just tired. That is all," her features squeezed a smile that was full of strain.
"Does this have anything to do with what happened on the spring equinox night?" she asked with some reluctance in her voice.
"Well, yes, I suppose," Allegra pushed an awkward chuckle, "I am sorry for bringing your mood down. You shouldn’t think of me or these things. Especially when your wedding is in three nights from now," she shook her head, "I’ll fall in line and catch up with Grace and Katherine,"
"Please, don’t say such things," Arabella instinctively reached for the vampiress’ hand, "Don’t compare yourself to Grace or Katherine or anyone when it comes to recovery for that matter. Whether it’d be physical or emotional," she offered her a warm beam, "Try to go at your own pace and don’t take more than you can handle just to blend in or show strength. You need to keep in mind that you are surrounded with people that love you and care for you,"
Something flashed across Allegra’s eyes very fleetingly. Her expression shifted at least five times in the span of a few seconds.
Arabella wasn’t quick enough to catch all of them, instead focusing on the vampiress’ words when she spoke.
"You are so kind," her gaze was on the floor, but her look appeared distant.
She stood right by Arabella and yet there was this impression that thousands of miles were somehow carved between them.
But right in the next instant, Allegra yanked her hand out of Arabella’s grasp as her features twisted, "How could you be so...?" that question was left hanging on unfinished trails, "I am sorry! I am so sorry!" with tears in her eyes, Allegra apologized profusely before turning around and running away from the young woman.
There was no chance in any heaven or hell for Arabella to catch up with her again as the vampiress just darted from her place.
"Is everything alright?"
Silas ’s voice prompted her to spin in his direction, "Ah, yes!" she smiled.
"Your voice was no longer emanating from the hen house- I mean from the room," he cleared his throat.
A chuckle escaped her following his words, "Yes, I followed after Allegra," her expression dimmed a tad, "She seemed a bit down and now I have the confirmation that she isn’t alright at all,"
"She definitely still blames herself for what happened," he stepped closer to her, "Things could have had a much darker turn and... We wouldn’t have been standing here together right now," the longer his sentence went, the slower he spoke, which further smoothened his voice.
"I understand," Arabella nodded, "I merely told her that she shouldn’t rush herself to feel better and to take her time,"
"I heard you say that, yes," he slid his finger between hers, "It was very kind of you,"
Her features locked for a moment as her demeanor visibly dimmed, "That was exactly what she said too," she practically whispered, her eyes down on their intertwined digits.
"Let us go to the room," He moved forward without pulling her along and instead allowing her the time to assimilate his suggestion, "You need a lot of rest for what’s to come,"
"You are right," the dim clouds cloaking her face dissipated for a feeble smile to replace them, "I can barely stand on my feet as it is,"
"Is that so?" hearing those words, Silas took one moment to consider his next action before putting one arm behind her back and the second beneath her knees.
Following a small gasp, her arms wrapped and clutched around his neck as soon as her feet left the floor, "What? Why?"
In response, Silas studied every inch of her beet red face before murmuring, "You look abashed but, admit it, you like this,"