𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒅𝒂𝒎.

with an asserting press, mouths locking. One must admit to the delightful flavor of the bride. She finds this terribly amusing — to receive such a sincere physical gesture from the pure spirit. Alas, the last time she expressed her amusement drove the bride further away. Bel ——

formally bent over the bride, does she remain towering in comparison. Regardless, Bel remains.. gentle, of a sorts, with the purified spirit. ‘ Yes, I suppose it would, ‘ she sighs, disinterested in that bit, naturally. Curls a metallic arm around the bride’s back, ——

actually rather endearing of the pure spirit; bred of rapture. Lip nearly curls at the skeletal brush of a single digit, but not in disfavor, no. Smiles breaks, lips parting. ‘ .. And to which question are you seeking an answer? Emily dear? ‘ Tilts face to the side ——

‘ Mmm.. No. ‘ It’s short, but thorough in itself: it is the truth. Something rare to spill past the Beldam’s lips.. the truth. The demoness’ brow twitches in intrigue at the way the bride catches her own lip between her pristine teeth. Another long hum vibrates in her ——

Sighs, but not necessarily at the contact, ‘ And yet here you are. The liveliest of them all. ‘ Bel quite nearly spoke 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑠𝑡. It wouldn’t have been any less truthful, had she said it. Buttons flash somewhat dangerously, caught in the eyes of the late ——

The Beldam only smiles wider. ‘ Such a lively little spark you have, ‘ Bel says admirably, tapping lightly upon the underside of the bride’s chin. The smirk itself is most adorable, alluring even. The young woman is desirable in this semi-playful, semi-argumentative ——

‘ It doesn’t matter so much if I’m already right, now does it? ‘ Gently wiggles the chin in hold from side to side, a pristine grin plastered tauntingly on the demoness’ features. Readjusts form, making to lay the delicate corpse upon the long chaise, seeing as to her ——

Face twitches in amusement at the small gesture, a light noise of acknowledgement made. One could say the Beldam was neither of those things. Cowardice? Never. Ethics? None. She was just as she was: A predator. Slides hand out from under the other woman’s, tracing a finger ——

‘ Mm, no, I don’t believe you could, ‘ Bel agrees. Countless arms begin receding; vanishing, tucking away into nonexistence and leaving Bel with her originals. With the two remaining does she hold the young corpse to her, a hand cupped soundly to her face. Ruby lips quirk, ——

Bel gives her a truly curiously glance, a brow arched high at the many emotions emanating from the spirit at receiving this tidbit about her past. ‘ You fret over it so easily.. No practice at all, ‘ she says almost longingly, yet not experiencing any jealousy whatsoever. To ——

The Beldam falters, mentally stretching for a semblance of an answer. Oh, how long it had been since that time her existence. . . ‘ My mother and I never could see eye to eye. So I buried her, dear. ‘ There was no family. No friends. No lovers. The Beldam has always been ——

Is blank-faced for a moment, then a light eruption of chuckles bubbles out of the demoness’ lips. ‘ Oh, Emily, ‘ she says, amusement and partial delight heavy in her voice. ‘ Hell could not contain me. ‘ Brushes two fingers along the side of the bride’s cheek, soft in the ——

chin lifting in tender acknowledgement to the hand on her cheek. Buttons flicker, reflecting something unintelligible. Forces a small smile, brows pinching. ‘ .. And what would make you feel better right now? Emily? ‘ Tone is light and laced with artificial concern; ——

coffin. ‘ Oh, darling.. ‘ Sits upon it gently, varying appendages lifting the bride’s face, plucking away tears and caressing a punctured cheek. ‘ On the contrary, were you any different I might’ve sucked you dry ages ago and moved on to the wilting soul. ‘ It wasn’t exactly ——