FORMAL PRESENTATION

                                    

                                          
⚠️TW: Near-death experience, anxiety, terror, blood, torture.
Elena woke to the insistent complaints of an empty stomach, demanding to be satisfied. However, the terror gripping her chest kept her confined under the covers; the only thing her fatigued mind could remember was Cassandra's sinister threat, contrasting cruelly with the warm maternal refuge offered by Lady Dimitrescu.
Upon hearing a whisper of movement at the door, Elena curled up under the blanket, leaving only a few narrow slits through which to peer. Spotting a grey-haired figure, she sat up abruptly, weakened by hunger and the time since her last meal.
"I'm glad to see you're finally awake. You need to eat to recover; skipping meals won't help," Julieta said with the familiarity that had grown since the day Elena met her. She gently took Elena's hand. "How are you feeling, dear?"
"Scared," Elena murmured, her voice barely audible. "She... she's terrifying."
"Of all her daughters, she is the most impulsive. Don't be fooled, they're all dangerous, but each has a different temperament. Cassandra is quite... unique," the elderly woman explained with a tone that mixed caution with a peculiar respect. "The lady sent me to check if you were awake for dinner. You were sleeping so peacefully at noon that she asked me not to wake you; your condition needed rest."
"I called her Mum," Elena confessed, raising her voice before blushing at her own words. "I can barely remember the last time I called my own mother that."
Julieta smiled warmly. "I heard. I think the lady was pleased, even if you're embarrassed now. Come on, get up slowly; that stomach of yours is growling so loudly it could be heard for miles."
"Will Cassandra be at dinner?" Elena asked, allowing herself to be guided by the comforting presence of the old woman.
"The lady keeps a strict schedule and upholds certain family traditions. Don't worry, you'll be safe by her side," Julieta assured, leading them towards an uncertain destination, knowing that Cassandra's threats might very well be realized.
In the oppressive hall, which usually unnerved Elena, an even more ominous atmosphere prevailed that night. Two chairs, normally unoccupied, now hosted a new arrival. Fortunately, the chair next to Elena was still free; unfortunately, Cassandra sat opposite her, fixing her with an inquisitive stare that froze her for a moment.
"Elena, dear, take a seat," said Lady Dimitrescu, her voice imbued with authority. With no other options, Elena took the seat closest to Lady Dimitrescu, leaving the one next to her empty, presumably reserved for the absent daughter. "Are you feeling better?"
Avoiding direct eye contact, Elena fixed her gaze on the golden glow of Lady Dimitrescu's eyes, finding a momentary refuge, and nodded, her voice barely a whisper.
"I need words, dear," Lady Dimitrescu demanded.
"I'm as well as I can be," Elena replied, her voice tinged with melancholy as the servants set the dinner before her. A momentary relief washed over her at the sight of what seemed to be beef and tomato soup. She watched apprehensively as they filled the goblets with a thick, reddish liquid.
"Eat, you must be famished," Alcina ordered, showing visible concern for the young woman. "I suppose you already know that Cassandra has rejoined us, which is a great joy."
Elena's fork scraped against her plate. "Sorry..."
"I know your encounter was not the most appropriate," Lady Dimitrescu continued, unperturbed. "In fact, Cassandra has something to say to you," she said, giving Cassandra the floor.