Chapter Text
Most of the Encanto had recovered from the Casita's destruction. All but the mountains. They knew that would mean outsiders would find their way in. Potentially dangerous strangers like the ones who killed Abuelo Pedro. This time, however, Abuela felt they would be ready. This time, they had the miracle. No one would have to lose their loved one like her.
A man walked into the town. Mariano immediately recognized the man. Mariano ran over to the familiar man. The man was Mariano's older brother, Adrien. He was almost identical to Mariano in looks. He was a few inches taller than him. His dark brown hair was also a bit shorter than his younger brother's.
"Adrien, it's been so long," Mariano exclaimed.
"Is that my little Hermano?" Adrien asked. "Well, you're not so little anymore."
"It's great to see you again," Mariano exclaimed. The two brothers shared a hug. Adrien had left the Encanto a few years back. He had left to go on adventures out of the Encanto. He had only told his family and friends he was leaving. To the rest of the Encanto, he just disappeared.
"I'm glad you're finally back," Mariano said after breaking apart. "I have great news. I'm getting married this weekend."
"That's great," Adrien exclaimed. "Something finally happened with that Isabela girl?"
"Yes, but she's not who I'm marrying," Mariano stated. "We broke up."
"Oh, I'm so happy," Adrien sighed. "That girl is so full of herself. I would have hated to have her as my sister-in-law. There are so many better women in the Encanto. Trust me, I know."
Adrien had gained a reputation as a womanizer. He had been with most young women in the Encanto. Since he had the Guzman genes, he had his fair share of admirers. He seemed to pick a different one each week.
He spotted two girls passing by. It was Isabela and Dolores Madrigal. They were on the way to the bridal shop for a fitting. Isabela had been chosen as Dolores's maid of honor since they were cousins and good friends. People stared in agh as Isabela passed them. However, Adrien's eyes were drawn to the other Madrigal. He let out a whistle in her direction. Adrien responded by hitting his arm.
"What the heck," Adrien exclaimed.
"That's my fiance," Mariano declared. "She's off-limits."
"I'm sorry, little Hermano," Adrien said. "I won't do anything. I can see why you fell for her. She truly is a beautiful sight to behold."
Adrien's fingers were crossed behind his back. Something about women in relationships's always intrigued, Adrien. His brother's betrothed wasn't any different to him.
Chapter Text
Dolores and Isabela had left the bridal store. Isabela had also helped Dolores pick out some lingerie for the wedding night. They also picked up some pajamas for the morning of the wedding. Dolores got a white set, and Isabela got a rose gold one. They matched the color both of them were wearing to the wedding.
Dolores had been on edge for the entire appointment. She was used to men staring when she was with Isabela. She was okay with that since all the admires were for Isabela. Isabela never seemed to get uncomfortable as long as they just looked. Now that she was out of her engagement, she was free to play the field and find someone she loved. However, Dolores knew this whistle was for her. She had heard Mariano's reaction after. He seemed to handle the situation, so that brought her some ease.
"You want white roses for your bouquet, right?" Isabela asked. "I've been so busy with the decorations, I've barely had time to work on those."
"That is correct," Dolores confirmed. "But I want to talk to you about something. I appreciate you putting yourself into helping with the wedding planning. However, you're also my maid of honor. I want you to be able to enjoy the wedding. Why don't you let Maria handle the bouquets?"
"I just want your wedding to be perfect," Isabela sighed.
"I'm going to marry the man of my dreams," Dolores stated. "I'm going to marry him with my best friend by my side. I don't see how things can get more perfect."
"If that's what you want, okay," Isabela said. "You heading back to the Casita?"
"Not yet," Dolores said. "I have some of Tia Julieta's arepas. They were leftovers from lunch. He's been working all day. I'm going to surprise him with dinner. I'll catch up in a little bit."
"Okay," Isabela said. She walked in the direction of the casita. Dolores walked in the direction of her fiance's work. Suddenly, an arm wrapped around her elbow. She was slammed into the side of a building. A man she didn't recognize was the one responsible.
"Where are you going, sweetheart?" he asked.
"Going to get my fiance," Dolores retorted. "I'd gladly show him to you. He's been working with a hammer all day. I'm sure he'd be happy to show you how it works."
"No need for that, bebé," the man whispered. He leaned into her neck. He began to bite down and kiss her neck. Dolores screamed, sending her knee straight for his crotch. He bent over. He held where he had been hit, moaning in pain. Dolores ran off.
Dolores kept running until she ran into a chest. The chest belonged to Mariano. "What's wrong, mi Mujer novia?" Mariano whispered. Dolores couldn't say anything. She just cried into her fiance's chest. Mariano wrapped his arms around the woman he adored. It was rare for her to have such an outburst. The questions flooding his mind could wait for later.
---
Once she calmed down, she told Mariano and her family what happened. Abuela sent out a search group for the man Dolores's described. For the rest of the week, they didn't find anything. Mariano didn't leave Dolores's side for the rest of the week.
Mariano even stayed with her at night. It took some convincing to let him stay. Abuela eventually agreed, wishing to protect her granddaughter. They didn't take advantage of the situation. They both wanted to save their virginities for the night they became man and wife. Instead, the nights were spent with Mariano curled around Dolores. His arms were wrapped around his fiance. Dolores also held him close.
The only night Dolores would be alone was the night before they'd wed. However, Isabela would be staying with her that night. No one would try anything with her there, right?
Chapter 3
Notes:
Gasp! Me posting two days in a row? I thought this phenomenon ended with the quarantine. Anyway, I was hit with a wave of inspiration. I've been talking with my fanfiction group chat. They've been helping me fine-tune the events of the next few chapters. Now, on with the chapter!
Chapter Text
After the rehearsal dinner, Bruno went to his room. He had been asked to have a vision of the couple's future. Before he left for ten years, bothered couples always asked him to do this. Sometimes, he'd had visions of them growing old together. He was happy that he got to see that in his sisters' futures. Other times, he'd see things like infidelity. Those cases were the real reason he considered these visions important.
A green dome formed around him as his eyes shut. His eyes reopened, now a shade of neon green. He focused on Dolores and Mariano's future. He saw them at the wedding. They were dancing together. Both of them were smiling from ear to ear. Everyone else at the wedding was dancing around them.
"Yes," Bruno exclaimed. The couple he thought was doomed to be one-sided was going to be happy. He remembered watching Dolores's heartbreak when she had that vision. His heart had broke for her. No one deserved to hear that the person they loved wouldn't feel the same, especially not a nine-year-old. He just needs to watch a bit more to make sure their future truly was blessed.
The wedding scene vanished. It was replaced by a disturbing sight. A person Bruno couldn't recognize was covered in blood. The person was clearly dead. He heard loud sobs in the distance. The sound of thunder cracked through the dome. The vision then ended with a green tablet now on the floor.
"There's always a catch," Bruno sighed.
---
Dolores was getting ready for bed. She let her hair out of her bun. She was trying to brush out the tangles. Isabela was taking a shower in the nearest bathroom. "Night, sis,' Camilo called. "I'm heading over to Mariano's."
Mariano and Dolores decided to only have one person up there with them. Isabela was an obvious choice for Dolores. Since they didn't believe Mariano's brother would be in town for the wedding, Mariano asked Camilo. Antonio had been selected as the ring bearer. Mariano's youngest female cousin was chosen as the flower girl.
"Okay," Dolores said. "Have fun with Valeria."
"It's nothing like that," Camilo declared. "We just have fun joking around."
"Then why does your heart get faster when she's around?" Dolores teased. "Don't worry. I've heard her talking with some of the other town girls. She says that you have nice eyes."
"She thinks so?" Camilo asked. "I mean, that's cool I guess. She's kind of pretty I guess."
Camilo was blushing hard. Dolores knew he thought she was more than kind of pretty. "If that's what you say," Dolores said. Valeria was another one of Mariano's cousins. She and Camilo started getting closer after the Casita was rebuilt. "Maybe you'll be the next down the aisle."
"I'm only fifteen," Camilo laughed. "I'm sure Luisa or Isabela will be down the aisle way before me."
"Goodnight," Dolores said. "I love you."
"I love you too," Camilo said. He then left the soundproof room. Dolores turned back around at her vanity. She continued her work on detangling her hair. A professional would be coming over in the morning to do her and Isabela's hair. However, she didn't want it to be a complete mess when that time came.
"Just as beautiful as ever, bebé," a familiar voice said. Dolores froze, immediately recognizing the voice. A hand was placed on her collar bone. "I don't think you could be ugly if you tried."
"And I'm still engaged," Dolores retorted. She pointed to the ring on her left ring finger. "So freak off."
"I can't," the man said. "You're so intoxicating."
Dolores tried to scream, but a hand was put on her mouth. She was shoved into the wall. He put his knee between her legs so she couldn't move as much. "It'll feel good," he said.
He leaned in for a kiss. Suddenly, a vine was wrapped around his ankle. He was yanked off of her. "Creep," Isabela said. She dangled him outside of the window. "I'll make sure you're exiled from the Encanto."
She slammed the window closed. "Thank you," Dolores said holding back tears. Isabela hugged her.
"Do you know who that was?" Isabela asked. "That's Mariano's brother. Before he left, he tried to do the same to other girls. He had to leave before he faced trial."
"I think he's the one who attacked me earlier," Dolores said.
"I'm going to make sure there isn't a third time," Isabela said. After Isabela told Abuela what happened, she sent a group out to throw him out of their community. Dolores went to bed, hoping she'd be safe. However, in the early hours of the morning, Adrien Guzman sat in the mountains. He had never been so embarrassed. He wouldn't let them get away with this. He was going to bring suffering to the Madrigal family; his brother included.
Chapter Text
Everyone was up before the crack of dawn. Julieta was adding the final touches to the wedding cake. It was a three-tiered cake. It had white frosting, and many colorful flowers decorated it. It had two caterpillars intertwined on top. No one dared bring up the events of the last night. Only the Madrigals and Guzman's knew what went down. Mariano was utterly disgusted and disowned Adrien on the spot.
Isabela and Dolores got ready in Dolores's room. Isabela put on her dress first. She was wearing a long, rose gold dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves. She put on beige sandals. Her hair was in a princess braid.
Dolores followed soon. Dolores put on a satin ballgown that was pure white. It was had long, off-the-shoulder sleeves. It didn't have any lace or sparkles. Dolores wanted a simple yet elegant dress. Her veil did have lace, and she wore a pearl necklace. Dolores's hair was put into a bun before the veil was added. She also wore beige sandals, but they had pearls along the straps. "You look beautiful," Isabela said. "Mariano is going to cry like a baby."
"Thank you, Isa," Dolores said. Felix and Pepa entered the room.
"Mi hija, you look stunning," Felix said.
"Thanks, Papa," Dolores said. She hugged both of her parents. They then started the walk to the chapel. When they got there, it was time for the ceremony to start. The wedding was happening at the local chapel. They would go back to the Casita for the reception.
As the priest walked down the aisle, Pepa pulled her daughter close. "I want you to enjoy your day," Pepa whispered. "Your Abuela has it all figured out. He can't hurt you ever again."
Mariano walked down the aisle next. He escorted his mom since his father had died a few years back. She kissed her son on the cheek before sitting down. Next was Pepa and Felix. Once Pepa was sat down, Felix rejoined his daughter to escort her. Isabela and Camilo walked together before taking their spots. Antonio walked down the aisle with the rings. Mariano's cousin, Daniela, walked down the aisle, throwing pink petals on the ground.
The wedding march began to play. Felix took his daughter's arm as they walked down the aisle. Mariano had to suppress the urge to cry. Dolores gave him a shy smile. Once they were at the end of the aisle, Felix kissed Dolores's cheek and shook Mariano's hand. He then took his seat beside Pepa.
"You may take your seats," the preacher said. Dolores and Mariano held hands. "We're here today to celebrate this union. The union of Dolores Madrigal and Mariano Guzman. Does anyone object to this union?"
The audience was dead silent. For the entire ceremony, Mariano and Dolores didn't break eye contact. "Do you, Mariano Guzman, take Dolores as your wife?" the priest. "To hold and to protect for all your life?"
"I do," Mariano said.
"And do you take this man to be your husband?" the priest asked. "To hold in sickness and in health?"
"I do," Dolores said.
"May I see the rings?" the priest asked. Antonio held up the pillow. Dolores and Mariano placed a ring on the other's finger. "I now present you, man and wife. You may now kiss your wife."
Mariano dipped his wife before kissing her. The chapel burst into applause.
---
Everyone gathered into the garden for the reception. Everyone ate as Dolores and Mariano had their first dance. It was followed by Dolores dancing with her father. Then Mariano danced with his mom.
Soon, everyone was on the dance floor. The bride and groom danced with everyone at the reception. The band was playing upbeat music. Dolores got a little smirk when she saw Camilo and Valeria dancing together. They were way too close for it to be friendly dancing. "Just friends, am I right?" Dolores called. She was still an older sister. She would be teasing her brothers until the end of time.
The music suddenly stopped. They turned around and saw the lead singer had a knife to his throat. Adrien was the one holding the knife. "I'm gonna slit his throat, Dolores," he said.
"Dolores, run," Mariano whispered. Most people went to defuse the hostage situation. Adrien eventually released the man. He had a bigger prey to go after. He wasn't going to leave without it.
Mariano went searching for Dolores. They needed to get out of here. He was even willing to leave the Encanto temporarily. Whatever he needed to do to keep his wife safe. That's when he saw it. Dolores was being dragged off by his "brother." He chased after them, but it was too late. He had her on a horse and was running off.
He was about to chase them. However, somebody tugged on his pants. Mariano turned around. Someone was under the table. He got on his knees and lifted the table cloff. "They didn't get away, did they?" Dolores asked.
Notes:
Chapter five is gonna be a dozy.
Chapter 5
Notes:
So this chapter takes me back to my old fics. You'll see what I mean as the chapter goes on. I don't write this much anymore. I write fewer stories where the plot calls for this. I debated if this was okay. However, with the moral support of my fanfic group chat, I've decided to trudge forward. To quote Mirabel Madrigal, "I am ready!"
Chapter Text
Dolores squeaked as she was pulled under a table. Camilo was quick to shush her. "We have to be quiet," Camilo whispered. "Listen, you need to hide here. Wait until you hear them thinking you were taken away."
"Why would they think that?" Dolores asked. Camilo then shifted into her form. "No-"
"I can distract him while you get away," Camilo whispered. "Once we're in the mountains, I'm going to shift again. I'll fight him off before running back. That should give you and Mariano enough time."
"He could kill you," Dolores whispered.
"And he'd do worse to you," Camilo whispered. Camilo pressed a kiss into his sister's head. "I'll see you soon."
He climbed out under the table. Before she could get out, it was too late. The only comfort she had was seeing Mariano's pants leg.
---
"This could have been so simple," Adrien complained. He took Camilo up the mountains. He was still disguised as Dolores. He would just need to stay like this for a moment. "It would be only a one-time fling. Now you Madrigals are going to pay. My blood traitor brother will pay too."
Adrien turned around. "No witty response?" Adrien asked.
"None," Camilo said. They were high enough in the mountains. "I just have some advice. Next time you wish to kidnap a Madrigal, make sure you get who you want. Not the shapeshifter."
Camilo swapped back into his regular form. He was shoved off the horse, landing on his side. "Where is your sister?" Adrien asked.
"Far away by now," Adrien responded. Adrien stomped on Camilo's chest. It knocked the wind out of the boy. "Trying to play the hero I see. It's okay. You'll do into they discover the obvious."
He pulled out his knife. Camilo tried to crawl away and shift. Luisa was the form he was going for. However, before he could, the knife entered his stomach. A crimson liquid stained his suit.
He was stabbed about fourteen more times. The knife attacked his legs, arms, and back. Once Adrien was satisfied with his attack, he left him to die. Camilo tried to crawl off, blood starting to stream from his mouth. He only made it as far as the lake where his Abuelo died.
---
"This is all my fault," Dolores said. "I should have just given myself up."
Most people in the search party were still in their wedding attire. Dolores ended up cutting her dress so she could move more efficiently. "That wouldn't make the situation any better," Mariano said. "It would just change who was in danger."
He kissed his wife's cheek. "Everything will be okay, mi Hermosa esposa," he whispered.
"What did I do to deserve you?" Dolores asked.
"I must have been a saint in my past life to get you," Mariano whispered.
"Great," Isabela groaned. "You guys are gonna be that couple."
"Guys, I found something over here," Luisa called. "It doesn't look good."
---
"I need everyone out," Julieta ordered. "Dolores is the only one who I need in here. I need you to listen out for any changes in breathing or heartbeat. Can you also put pressure on the wound?"
"Yes, tía," Dolores asked. She had been trying to keep her calm ever since she got back to the Casita. She couldn't help but feel responsible for this. She turned to her brother. "I am so sorry."
Camilo coughed up some blood. He stirred to wake. "Dolores?" he asked.
"Save your strength," Dolores said. "Tía is gonna take care of you."
"I'm going to need to make another arepa," Julieta explained. "This could take a while."
He passed out again. "I don't think he has the strength to eat," Dolores said.
"I'll try to make a smoothie then," Julieta said. That's when Dolores noticed something. She could only hear two heartbeats.
"No," Dolores repeated.
"What is it?" Julieta asked.
"I can't hear it," Dolores asked. She could only hear all of his bodily functions slowing down. As that happened, the light on his door flickered away. The crack of thunder's wip was heard over the Casita.
Chapter Text
The next week was full of anger and sadness. The Madrigals decided to hold off the funeral until things blew over. Abuela Alma initially suggested using the funeral in hopes of leering Adrien out. However, the idea was quickly shut down. No one wanted the funeral to be ruined by that monster ruining it. So, for the time being, Camilo's body lay in the Encanto's morgue.
Dolores sat in her and Mariano's room. She was working on destroying her wedding dress. Months ago, she cried when she saw the design. The local seamstress had designed the dress just for her. She couldn't wait to put it on. Now, she just wanted to burn it. No matter how hard she scrubbed, the stains were still there.
The door opened with gentleness. Mariano entered the dark bedroom. "Good evening," Mariano said.
"Good evening," Dolores said. Her voice wasn't filled with any emotion. She was done crying. She had no tears left to shed. She was the opposite of the rest of her family. Isabela could grow flowers, but they didn't have their usual brightness. The storm hadn't stopped since Camilo's door flickered out. Luisa and Mirabel had started spending less and less time at home. Julieta refused to even enter the kitchen. She had never lost a patient before. Abuela never left her room. Felix and Agustín were trying to hold the family together, but Dolores heard them sobbing at night when she went to the bathroom. Even the Casita itself was less lively. The one who seemed to take it the hardest was Antonio. He had experienced death with his animal friends, but nothing like this.
"I want us to take a trip?" Mariano asked. "Consider it a sort of honeymoon."
"I don't think now is a good time," Dolores stated.
"I think now is a perfect time," Mariano insisted. "I talked with the others, and they agree. It's not safe here. We'll travel in the opposite direction of the lake. I found a time nearby. It's only a few-hour journey in a carriage. We'll return when things calm down."
"They need my hearing," Dolores argued. "How else is our community going to be safe?"
"They've already upped security," Mariano explained. "There's now surveillance around the entire town. Abuela agrees this is a good idea. We'll keep in contact through letters."
A part of Dolores wanted to go. Adrien had attacked her two times. He had killed her brother. She just wanted things to go back to normal. The casita bounced a suitcase to her feet. On top of the suitcase was a photo of Camilo. The Casita was trying to say, "Go. You know it's what he would have wanted."
"We leave in the morning," Mariano said. "Unless you really don't want to go."
Dolores threw her arms around her husband. She nuzzled into his collarbone. Mariano held her close to her chest. "Okay," she answered.
Chapter Text
The next morning, the horse carriage was waiting for them. They had to tie the horse to a post while they packed their stuff. The week-long storm had raddled the horses up. Antonio had tried to talk to them. He had made decent progress with them. However, no horse had been out in the storm yet. Mariano assumed they would be okay once they passed the top of the mountain.
Mariano helped his wife into the carriage. He was wearing a heavy coat. Seeing as though Pepa was Dolores's mom, she was used to the storm. She had built up a tolerance and knew she wouldn't get sick. Mariano, however, had not.
Maiano climbed in beside Dolores. "Do you have everything?" Mariano asked.
"Yes," Dolores said. "Do you?"
"I do," Mariano said. Dolores noticed Antonio was standing outside, waiting to talk. "Hey, Toñito."
"I made you something," Antonio said. He handed her a small bag. "Open it when you're in the shade. It'll be ruined if you don't."
"Thank you," Dolores said. "I love you and we'll be back soon."
"Please do," Antonio pleaded.
"I'll keep your sister safe," Mariano promised.
"You better," Antonio said. Dolores ruffed her brother's hair. She placed a kiss on his head. She had already said goodbye to the rest of her family. The horse was released from where it was tied. The cart started to move with the horse. It was moving faster than either wanted, but it would have to do. They were just glad it wasn't fast enough to swing them out of the carriage.
They were soon in the woods near the mountains. Dolores opened the bag Antonio gave her. It was a drawing. Dolores had to try her best to suppress the tear. It was her, Camilo, and Antiono. They were all alive and smiling. They were all stick figures, however, they had distinctive features to tell who was who. Dolores had her red bow, Camilo was wearing his ruana, and Antonio had Pico on his shoulder. Dolores shut the bag before she was hysterical. It took her back to a time when they were all innocent and happy. Times they'd never go back to.
Dolores decided then and there. The next time she saw Adrien, she wouldn't run. She would give Adrien a taste of his own medicine.
---
Isabela entered her youngest sister's room. When the Casita was rebuilt, Mirabel finally got her own room. The room was full of sewing supplies and photos. This was one of the only times that week Mirabel was in the room during the day. "I found something," Isabela said.
"What is it?" Mirabel asked. She was in a hurry. She had a sewing class to teach.
"I did a little digging into Adrien's past," Isabela explained. "Here in the Encanto, he had gotten a reputation as a player. However, that wasn't fully the case. Dolores wasn't the first girl he tried to take without permission. He was going to stand trial, but that's when he fled."
"I had heard that was the case," Mirabel said. "I thought it was just a rumor."
"It's true," Isabela said. "I found something more telling. He had committed murder before. When he was in another town, he was found to be in relation to a drugging death of a seventeen-year-old. It was in the town of Barranquilla. No one saw him for sure after that, but some people saw what they think was him."
"That's where Mariano and Dolores are heading," Mirabel said.
Chapter Text
It was early afternoon when they made it to the town. The couple was mostly dried by then. They arrived at the nearby inn. They grabbed their bags and entered the room. "Hello," Mariano said. "I'd like a room for my wife and me."
"How many beds?" the receptionist asked.
"We only need one," Mariano said. "We'll be staying here for at least a week."
Mariano then paid for the room. "We can thank Senora Madrigal for this," Mariano said.
"I'll show you to your room," the receptionist said. "I'll get the stable hand to take care of your carriage and horses."
He led the newlyweds to their room. It had a queen-sized bed, two nightstands, a small tv, and one dresser. There was a bathroom connected to the room as well. "Enjoy your stay," the receptionist said. He then left the room.
"I'll be right back," Dolores said. She stepped into the bathroom. Mariano sat on the bed. He took in a deep inhale. The bathroom door soon opened. Dolores stepped out, and Mariano's jaw dropped. She was wearing a white, lacey lingerie two-piece. He initially wanted to spend the afternoon resting. Now, he had another way he wants to spend the afternoon.
"I initially had this picked out for our wedding night," Dolores whispered. Mariano was salivating over her. With all the stress and sorrow, the marriage was never consummated. Neither of them had been in the mood until then. "I packed it just in case. If you wanna-"
Within seconds, Dolores was laying on the bed. Dolores began to fiddle with her husband's shirt.
---
That night, they went to the local tavern for dinner. As they ate, Dolores locked eyes with him. She would recognize those eyes anywhere. The eyes belonged to Adrien Guzman. He gave her a mischievous smirk. He walked out of the tavern. Dolores was quick to follow him.
"Hermosa, wait," Mariano called. He followed her out of the tavern. Dolores didn't seem to notice. She pushed Adrien into a wall.
"How the tables have turned, Pequeña Mujer," Adrien chuckled. Dolores began to repeatedly punch his face. She wasn't as strong as her cousin(no one was,) but she had an adrenaline rush. She didn't want to stop.
Something hit Dolores's head, and it shattered. She fell onto the ground, noting the glass shards. Mariano jumped on top of his brother. He began to beat the man he once called family. "I thought we were family," Adrien taunted.
"I have no brother," Mariano grunted. Adrien grabbed one of the glass shards. He stabbed Mariano in the shoulders.
"Well, if that's the case," Adrien taunted. He yanked the glass from Mariano's brother. He crawled over to Dolores. She was bleeding from the head. "You do anything, and I'll slit her throat."
Using the same glass shard, he cut through Dolores's top. It was completely destroyed. "No," Mariano screamed.
"Stay right there," Adrien ordered. He then started work on her skirt. Dolores's body was numbing. She could barely focus on the horrible things Adrien was saying. "Aw, you have the same dead look in your eyes as Camilo. That's cute. It must be genetic."
Adrenaline rushed through Dolores's veins again. She managed to push Adrien off. She climbed and sat on his chest. She felt around until she found a rock. "You have no right to say his name," Dolores roared. She began to smash his head in with a rock. She didn't stop until she was sure he was dead. That's when she finally crashed.
Chapter Text
"You're all set," the doctor said. He had finished up giving Mariano stitches. "You should fully recover in a week or two. If possible, avoid using that arm. It'll lessen the chances of the stitches coming apart."
"Thank you," Mariano said. "May I go see my wife?"
"Of course," the doctor said. "She's in the next room on the left."
Mariano jumped off the table. He walked down the hall until he appeared at the right door. He slowly opened the door just in case Dolores was still sleeping. She had awoken. She had stitches on her forehead. She was wearing a hospital gown since her clothes were ruined.
"You're awake," Mariano said. He sat at her bedside. "How are you feeling?"
"My head is killing me," Dolores said. "That was a poor choice of words."
"I told the police what happened," Mariano stated. "Some people from the Encanto are coming to confirm what I told them. They'll learn he's a violent criminal, and this was his third attempt on you. We should be clear to go soon."
"Mariano, I'm so sorry," Dolores said. "I'm sorry I killed your brother."
"I don't have a brother," Mariano shrugged off. "The moment he touched you, he stopped being my brother. After all, he put our family through; he doesn't deserve to be called my brother. I would have done the same if I was in your position."
---
They made their way back to the Encanto in the next few days. Dolores and Mariano kept to the Casita most of the time. While the physical wounds were recovering, the mental wounds would take longer. The next weekend, there were two funerals.
The first was Adrien's. He was buried in an unmarked grave. This was done so no one could vandalize this. Only two people were in attendance. Senora Guzman went, not knowing how to feel. Mariano accompanied her so she wouldn't be alone. The priest fumbled through his notes. He knew any nice thing he could say would be a lie.
The next day was Camilo's funeral. Most of the town showed up for that. In the town cemetery, there was a special spot for Madrigals to be buried. So far, Pedro Madrigal was the only one buried. They had already saved a spot for Alma to be buried beside her husband.
Luisa, Agustín, Felix, and Mariano had been tasked as pallbearers. The funeral was closed casket. Even though the mortician did his best to make Camilo look like he was just asleep, they didn't think it was a good idea for Pepa to see her baby in such a state. The storm was still ragging on.
"It's always such a sorrowful day," the priest said solemnly. "A day where we bury someone so young. In his short time on this Earth, he had touched the lives of many. He used his gift to serve our community."
Once the service was over, Isabela turned to her sisters and cousins. "Camilo would have hated that," Isabela whispered.
"I'm sure most people would hate their own funeral," Mirabel said.
"No," Isabela whispered. "He'd hate how sad it was. If Camilo was anything; he was a prankster. He'd want everyone laughing while fondly remembering him."
"You're right," Mirabel stated. "Even when we were in the nursery, he was always joking around."
"Speaking of the nursery, we should sleep in there tonight," Isabela suggested. "All of us. For old times' sake. To remember the good times."
Chapter 10: Epilogue
Chapter Text
A young girl sat in the nursery. She was nervous. Tonight was the night of her gift ceremony. This is the night she had been preparing for since she was born. It had to go perfectly. The entire town was looking at her.
The nursery door opened. Her mother poked her head through the door. "There you are," Dolores said. "Your father and I have been looking for you. It's almost time."
"I know," the girl sighed. "But I'm scared. What if it doesn't work?"
She walked over to her daughter's bed. Dolores got on her knees to be on her daughter's level. "Then you'll be just like your prima, Mirabel," Dolores said. "You'll still be just as special as the rest of your family. The miracle was never the magic we have. It was our family."
"But what if it does work?" the girl asked. "What if it causes me to go evil, like that book about the snow queen you read me."
"Camila, you are named after one of the most selfless people I ever knew," Dolores explained. "That person also just so happened to be your tío. I see more of him in you every day. You're also a Madrigal. I do not doubt in my mind that you will use your gift for good."
"Thank you, mamá," Camila said. She hugged her mom. Dolores held her close. When they found out Dolores was pregnant, they knew they wanted the baby to be named after Camilo. They kept that a secret until the baby was born. The rest of the family agreed to that. They decided if they had more kids, they were gonna choose names, not from either of their bloodlines.
Dolores perked her ears up. "Mirabel says it's time," she said.
Chapter 11: Alternate chapter 6 opening
Notes:
A/N: this idea was too angsty not to share.
Chapter Text
"Something happened. Everyone is lying to me. The animals won't even tell me the truth. I'm not dumb. I know something happened after Dolores's wedding. Why was that bad man there? Why did he try to hurt Dolores? It hasn't stopped storming all week. I just wish I could talk to you."
Felix rounded the corner. If it was possible for it to happen again, his heart was ripped a part. His youngest son was kneeled at the door of his eldest son. The lights on the door had completely gone out. "Tońito, it's getting late," Felix said. "You should go to bed."
"What happened?" Antonio asked. "Is Milo dead? Is that why yours and mamà's clothes were covered in blood."
Felix held back a violent sob. "We'll tell you more in the morning," he said. "Right now, go to bed."