She could only frown more. Change was a tricky subject, and judging from Ella’s lack of denial, it sounded as if she had indeed been trying to. But with the little interaction she had had with Daniel, and knowing about his addiction, Helena would say that maybe a little change would have done him some good. “Men—People can’t be forced into change. And even if they are, it never lasts. It needs to come from within, and it’s not a matter of being ready, but being willing. And if he’s not, then he will find every excuse and distraction he can find to not change. It isn’t you.” That was the most important thing that Helena wanted to drive home. As far as she was concerned, Ella wasn’t the problem here.
She laughed softly although the sound was just a bit hollow. “We’re fine and happy most of the time. Then one night a month we quite literally want to destroy each other. Sunshine and roses it’s not.” Her smile was small, but whatever warmth there was directed to Ella. It wasn’t her fault the answer wasn’t a grand one. “Everything tends to be a little tense after the full moon but this one in particular. Mina and Dracula are hell-bent on making a mess of things.” No matter how often it happened, Helena never got used to saying things like that aloud. “They left us instructions, this time.” She didn’t bother to hide her eye roll although there was worry there as well.