Page 147 of Fratelli: Eternal Bloodlines

“He’s fine,” Dolly waved off her concern.

“Okay. We need to talk. About Domencio.”

Dolly’s expression darkened. “I know what you did. I am so sorry for all that you have carried and loss. I understand what’s in your heart, Darlene. I truly believe you think you love him.”

“You don’t understand,” Darlene said, her voice breaking. “My love is real. He loves me, too.”

“He doesn’t, Darlene. How can he? You were scared kids in that void. He hunted and killed everyone in our family. At least Lucio felt remorse. He tried to kill Lucio and we had to stop him. He hates him. And he will use you to hurt him,” Dolly argued.

“Not anymore. He’s different. I’m different. We both changed,” Darlene pleaded.

“You promised me. Lucio comes first. Always. You promised. He needs to heal, and we have to help him face the Draquria. You can’t abandon us now.”

Darlene sighed, her shoulders sagging. “Okay. I’m sorry. I won’t bring it up again.”

Lucio returned with the basin, water sloshing over the sides. He glanced at Dolly and smiled. “Oh, you’re up. I can wash you next.”

“Wash me?” Dolly grinned; eyebrow raised.

Lucio looked embarrassed but determined. He set the basin down at Darlene’s feet and knelt before her.

“What are you doing?” Darlene nose wrinkled in disgust at the swamp water.

“You said you wanted me to bathe your feet, remember? Like I did for Dolly in the tent,” Lucio smiled. “You said it would make you feel special.”

Darlene laughed. “I never said that! I said I wanted you to watch TV with me. By the way we need one. It’s so boring in here.”

Lucio shrugged. “Same thing. I’ll give you whatever you want.”

The cabin, its interior transformed into the majestic palace fit for royalty. The girls gasped at the polished marble floors and beautiful walls with artwork, the expanded living space and high-end kitchen. Lucio had done the illusion with a mere thought.

Both sisters burst into laughter. Lucio found a scrap of cloth and began gently scrubbing Darlene’s feet. Despite herself, she enjoyed the attention, the tenderness he had never shown her before. She glanced over at Dolly, who sat at the table, smiling warmly. There was no jealousy, no tension—only love.

For Lucio, there weren’t two women, only one. And if Darlene hadn’t fallen in love with Domencio, she might have been happy with this strange, beautiful family they had formed. She felt, for the first time, like she truly belonged.

“Lucio?” Dolly asked.

“Hmm?” he responded, still focused on his task.

“Why did you agree with the choice of this place?”

“Like I told Darlene. It’s home,” he said simply.

“This isn’t home, Lucio,” Darlene said, her voice gentle but firm. “It’s notourhome.”

“It is now,” he replied, his tone final. His voice carried an edge of authority, a subtle warning.

The twins exchanged a look, concern flickering between them.

“Did you bring us here to protect us?” Dolly asked.

Lucio didn’t answer.

“Why can’t your Draquria reach you here?” Darlene pressed.

Lucio paused, his hands still. Slowly, he looked up, his eyes dark. “This is my place. You’re safe here, as long as we stay. The Draca... it’s out there in the swamp. Maman Julia’s shield keeps it at bay just like it kept out Phoenix. Here, the Draca can’t touch us.”

He stood, pulling back the tattered curtain to peer out into the murky swamp. “It wants you. It wants you both. But I’ll never let it have you. And when I’m strong enough I will go into the swamp and kill it for you. Free us all.”

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