Page 55 of Of Fate & Forbidden Desire

The woman who looked like me uttered something, but I couldn’t hear what she said, as the scene grew hazy. Like thick mists had rolled in off of an unseen sea. Squinting, I tried to see what the woman was doing. The mist cleared, slowly revealing a different scene; the huge standing stones now stood before me. They were the same ones that Eilidhhad said belonged to the Nicnevin Witches. Three women all of differing ages, but with similar looks, stood in the centre of the ring whilstI remained outside them.

“I have foreseen it,” the youngest of them said, her green eyes piercing against her pale skin. “From an ancient line will come twin flames both born and blessed, to set our world on a different path. Separated their paths will be long and hard as light turns to dark, love to hate. Familial bonds will be broken but our salvation or destruction will be decided by their hands. Ancients shall herald their arrival as they return to wage new battles upon our fields. Burnt bridges may be remade as gates long closed will open. All will hail the Gatekeeper.”

“What could it mean?” said the one who I’d seen before, but she looked older now, more middle aged than the young woman.

“It means that a child from our own line will spell death and destruction for us all. We must act to make sure this future never happens,” the woman with lines creasing her face and white hair pinned up in a severe looking bun declared. A shiver ran down my back at her words, she uttered them so calmly. “The prophecy must not come to pass. Any babes that could be the one must be put to death. If they do not live then they can not destroy everything.” Her words were so cold, and her face didn’t even twitch as she discussed killing innocent babies. My heart broke for them as they made this decision.

The fog returned and I lurched forward as though my action would stop time from moving forward. I wanted to tell them how wrong their future actions would be. However, as time moved on without pause, I couldn’t see anything but thick white mist, but my heart shattered as I was surrounded by the echoing cries of babies, each one overlapping the last.

My eyes opened and I stared up at the Goddess above, and my cheeks were soaked with tears. My breath hitched as she met my eyes with sadness shining in her own. “My children have suffered because of this prophecy. However, the future is never set in stone. They saw but one path that couldbe and solidified it’s coming with their actions.” Her voice shifted with each sentence sounding young, old and motherly all at once.

“Why would they make such a choice?” I found myself asking as Hecate sat back on her heels.Why would anyone think that killing children would be the answer?

“They trusted in their powers too much, and as with all mortals, they feared death and being forgotten.” Hecate answered solemnly, “Yet you are here, Daughter of Mine, and I must hope that you will rectify the wrongs of the past.”

“I will make sure no more witches are killed.” I promised her, knowing no matter what I would make it happen.

“Good.” She replied with a small smile, “Merry Met, Daughter of Mine.”

With her last words, she rose from the grass and walked away, “WAIT!” I called after her, needing any more advice she could give, “I don’t know where to find my so-called Coven.”

“Your magick is now free Child, learn to master it and you will be shown the paths that are open to you.” Hecate’s voice was kind, even if her answer frustrated me, however before I could ask any more questions my eyes were forced closed and when they reopened, I met Eilidh’s worried stare.

“Your back.” She breathed with relief, her eyes closing briefly.

Chapter Twenty-Three

She must wake up, I don’t know what I’ll do if she doesn’t… -Dina

I’d not spoken the entire drive, instead my mind had run through all the ways I would kill Ally and consequently Jacin, if Charleene didn’t wake. Since finding her laying on the grass in the clearing, I’d realised I would do anything, kill anyone for her. I just hoped that Donovan could do something to bring her back to me because the waiting was eating away at me.

“Nothing,” Ally spat, dragging me from my thoughts and back to another of their arguments.Why can’t she just get over herself?I thought, down right sick of all the anger and shouting that has been going on between them.

“Well aren’t you two at odds,” I said, sarcastically, looking at Charleene, wondering where the hell she was and what she was doing.

“So what or Who is waiting for us at Cusworth Hall?” Ally asked.

“Donavon, he comes from an old line of witches, ones gifted with sight and spirit,” I explained, “Gladys says he’ll be expecting us, take the next left.” I informed Jacin, my eyes not leaving Charleene. Jacin followed my directions and I relaxed a little more as, after a few minutes, the car turned onto a secluded road.

“Do all witches have big private homes?” Ally said, interrupting my vigil again.What is it with her and the bloody questions?

“They’re custodians, they don’t own the houses, just keep them safe.” I explained, pretending I’m talking to a small child instead of the adult she should be.

“Keep them hidden from humans, you mean?” she retorted like a smart-ass.

“Safe, hidden, what's the difference? If humans knew of the artefacts inside these buildings, all they’d do is pilfer them. There are enough rich people, ruling over the poor in this world without a care, just waiting to make themselves even richer.” I grumbled back, enlightening her to the state of the world in which we live.

Ally didn’t respond as the road we’re travelling on opened up and Cusworth Hall came into view. The house was impressive, built in the shape of a ‘U’ with three interconnected wings. Glancing at the side of Ally’s face a small laugh escaped me. Her mouth was hanging open and her eyes were as wide as saucers.

“Not what you were expecting?” I asked her, as Jacin pulled up before the huge entrance door.

“Not at all,” she said quietly, still staring up at the house in wonder.Ah to be mortal and seeing everything for the first time again,I thought to myself, a little jealous. I’d seen almost everything in my life as a vampire. Until Charleene entered my life, I’d thought nothing could surprise me.

“What happened to the barrier?” Ally asked innocently.

“It’s a protected building, not hidden,” I stated, standing from the car. Walking around to the other side I unclipped Charleene’s seat belt and continued, “the museum is open to anyone wanting to visit it,” my voice softened as I lifted Charleene out of the back seat.

“You could have just said that earlier, you know?” Jacin admonished me, clearly upset with how much enjoyment I get out of baiting Ally.

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