CHAPTER 13

**AMY**

There are many things on my mind right now, and I still feel I need more answers, but asking more questions about someone who is dead seems to still hurt Aaron. I sigh, walking down the corridor, thinking about everything he told me in that room. Now I know that Elara's mother was a vampire when she died.
I turn my head, noticing that Aaron is still in the room. I walk down the stairs and see Elara running towards me. 
"Amy, do you want to play with me?", she asks, looking at me with bright eyes, and I glance at the windows, seeing that it’s no longer raining.
"Of course, what kind of game do you want to play?", I ask with a smile, seeing that this distracts the girl from all the recent events.
"We can play in the garden with my dolls.", she points outside the house, and I nod.
As I follow her through the door, another question pops into my mind. Does Elara ever go to school? Does she have friends?
I keep pondering this as we walk towards the mansion's garden, my eyes widening when I see the number of dolls scattered on the green grass. 
Sitting next to Elara on the grass, I observe the many dolls around us, each one unique in its own way. They are an expression of Elara's creativity, a manifestation of an imaginary world that only she can create. I find myself captivated by the diversity of these little figures, each telling its own silent story.
As Elara begins to play with her dolls, my mind drifts to a distant place, reflecting on the life we lead here in the mansion. It is then that I notice something I had never seen before—the wealth of Aaron's family, evidenced by the many dolls and toys Elara has at her disposal. Compared to my own childhood, which was marked by scarcity and deprivation, this world of opulence seems strangely alien to me.
Watching Elara play, I feel a pang of envy rise in my chest. I never had the chance to have so many dolls as a child and was never spoiled with expensive or luxurious gifts. But at the same time, I recognize the privilege that this life of abundance offers—an opportunity that Elara has to explore her imagination without limits.
A shadow of sadness crosses my eyes as I look at the cloudy sky above us. Amid the silence surrounding us, I decide to break the silence with a question that has weighed on my mind for some time.
 "Elara, do you go to school?", I ask, my voice sounding softer than I intended.
The girl is silent for a moment, her eyes fixed on the ground as she ponders the answer. Finally, she shakes her head and responds in a whisper. 
"No. My father thinks it's safer for me not to be around other human children. He says they might discover that I'm different."
A wave of compassion washes over me at Elara's words. I imagine the loneliness she must feel, deprived of the company of other children her age and forced to live isolated in a protective bubble built around her. I feel a tightening in my chest as I realize how this life of seclusion affects her happiness and well-being.
I nod in understanding, seeing the logic behind her father's precautions, but also recognizing the price Elara pays for this protection. She deserves more than loneliness and isolation; she deserves the opportunity to play and interact with other children, to share laughs and experiences essential for her growth and development.
"You can play with this doll; she’s my favorite.", she says, handing me a blonde-haired doll, and I smile at her.
"Oh, thank you! She’s very beautiful.", I whisper, seeing a small smile on the girl's lips.
Looking at her at this moment, I think of the painting I saw in that room. I can see Diana's features in Elara's delicate face. We both have something in common: neither of us have had mothers present in our lives since we were born. I blink, shaking my head slightly to stop thinking about sad things right now.
Engaged in playing with the dolls alongside Elara, I immerse myself in the imaginary world she has created, leaving behind the worries and dilemmas of the real world temporarily. Every moment shared with her is a breath of fresh air amid the darkness that seems to hang over the mansion. But this brief respite of joy is interrupted when I notice Aaron approaching.
I observe him with a smile, feeling a mixture of comfort and apprehension as I hear his words. 
"Amy, I need to go hunting. Can you stay with Elara while I do this?"
I nod, trying to convey confidence despite the anxiety stirring in my chest. 
"Of course, I will take care of her.", I respond, my voice sounding firmer than I feel. He hesitates for a moment, concern etched in his eyes, but finally seems convinced that Elara will be safe with me.
 "We'll be fine, and you'll be back soon.", I say, and he nods.
He approaches us, kissing Elara’s cheek as she laughs, a sweet and melodious sound that echoes through the garden. My heart beats faster as he nears me, and a soft kiss on the lips is shared before he moves towards the forest. I watch him leave, my mind swirling with dark thoughts and worries. 
The need for blood to sustain vampires is a reality that is never far from our thoughts, a constant reminder of the limitations of their supernatural existence.
Turning my gaze away from the forest, I refocus on Elara, who is still innocently playing by my side. Despite the worries weighing on my mind, I know I have a responsibility to her, a silent promise to protect and care for her even when the world around us seems to be falling apart.
I blink, looking around as I hear the trees swaying in the strong wind. Aaron said he would return quickly, but I fear something might happen while he is away from the mansion. 
"Are you okay, Amy?", Elara asks, looking at me with concern, and I smile, nodding.
"Do you miss your home after you married my dad?", she asks. 
I open my mouth to answer, but I think for a few seconds about my response. 
"I think I'm safer here than in the house where I grew up. My father wasn't as good to me as Aaron is to you. Do you understand?", I ask, and she quickly nods.
I think about my home again, knowing I’m far from my stepmother's clutches, which should make me feel relieved. I suffered for a long time, being hurt by that woman who never showed me love or affection. I always felt alone, but for some reason, I no longer feel that way in this house with Aaron and Elara.