Bound By Fate: Deep In Time

‎"I'm sorry, Rebecca, but I have to do this. I have to stop what is to come," Catherine, the head witch of New Orleans in her early 50s, said. ‎Catherine is known as a powerful witch in town and also recognized as a great seer. ‎She breathed out softly, her gaze fixed on Rebecca, who lay asleep, bound hand and foot to the chair. She was in the middle of the pentacle traced with salt. Catherine picked up a sharp knife from the table and stepped closer to the pentacle reluctantly. ‎She never wanted to do this, but she had no choice. Stretching her hands forward, she cut the palm of her right hand deeply, letting the blood drip into the pentacle. ‎"Inca Plata... Gates of the underworld, hear my call!" she called in the Elders’ language. ‎"Inca Plata!" Her voice grew louder. ‎She tightened the grip of her right hand so the blood could rush out. "Gates of the underworld, hear my call..." ‎"Stop," Edward's voice hushed from behind. ‎Catherine was shocked, her hands dropped in an instant. ‎"Edward..." she muttered silently. ‎She could hear Edward's steps moving closer, her heart beginning to race. Edward is known all over town as a great vampire with venom. He is feared among all other creatures. Some can't dare to call his name because he's always everywhere and very fast. ‎"She's under my protection." He held her shoulder gently, and she could hear her heartbeat pounding hard. ‎"I was only trying to avert what is to come in the future," Catherine turned to him gently. She could see his cold young look and his blue eyes glittering. ‎"I won't repeat myself. She's under my protection, so it's me who decides whether she lives or dies." ‎Catherine nodded. "As you wish." ‎"Cal Vera," she muttered silently. ‎The bounds used on Rebecca loosened immediately, and the room glowed with magical energy. ‎Edward walked up to Rebecca. "Thank you." ‎"With all pleasure," Catherine smiled. ‎Edward carried Rebecca on his shoulder, ready to zoom off. ‎"You're saving what would destroy you," Catherine turned to him. ‎Edward paused for a moment in silence. Only his cold breath could be heard. ‎"Think twice, Edward. The unborn child will bring disaster," Catherine moved closer to him. ‎"She will destroy every creature on earth," she added. ‎"I promised Helena," Edward said softly, his deep mind seeming to pause for air. ‎"You also promised her you’d save the future." ‎"Edward, I could show you everything that'll happen, even how you'll die if you spare the child." ‎Edward sighed. Words couldn't come out of his mouth. ‎"The calamity will begin with you after 100 years. Let me show you, Edward," Catherine's voice stayed convincing. ‎"Can you?" Edward finally let out the breath. ‎"If you wish to see it," she replied quickly, moving closer to him. ‎"Do it." Edward raised his head. ‎"Close your eyes," she muttered. ‎Edward closed his eyes gently. Everything went dark and silent. ‎ ‎********************************** ‎ ‎"Do it, Jane. Kill me,” Edward said, his voice trembling as he tried to control himself. His blue eyes were darkening, the black spreading like ink. He struggled with the chaos in his mind, fighting a power that no longer obeyed him. ‎“No, I can’t. Edward, I can’t,” Jane cried, stepping closer. Her tears caught the dim light, her hands shaking. ‎Edward backed away a little. “Jane, you have to,” he said in pain. His claws began to grow, his mind burning as the venom raced through his veins. ‎“My venom is out of control. They want me to kill you. You have to kill me now before it’s too late. I’m afraid I can’t hold on much longer,” Edward said, his body trembling. ‎“No, Edward. You always told me I was powerful, strong. I can find a way to stop this,” Jane said desperately, trying to reach him. ‎“I can’t,” Edward groaned, his voice rough and deep. His chest rose and fell hard, every breath a battle. He could feel his heart pounding like a drum he could not silence. Then he broke down and wept, his strength slipping away. ‎“Jane, I want you to know I love you. I love you very much,” he whispered between his groans. “Your parents, they—” He screamed suddenly and froze. His eyes turned completely black. ‎“Edward! Edward, what’s wrong?” Jane rushed forward. ‎“It’s too late,” Edward’s voice echoed, darker now, a shadow over itself. He gripped Jane’s neck, his claws pressing against her skin. ‎“Edward!” she cried, gasping, her fingers clutching his wrist. ‎“Give me the ultimate dagger!” he shouted, fighting himself. ‎Jane’s eyes widened. She pulled the golden dagger from her belt but, in panic, threw it away across the floor. ‎“Stop!” Edward groaned in pain. ‎He closed his eyes for a moment, sinking deep into the storm inside him. “You don’t have the right to live. It all ends now,” he said weakly, his voice no longer his own. ‎“No!” Jane screamed. ‎“You’re not Edward!” ‎From nowhere, Catherine appeared, her figure materializing through the haze. Without a word, she seized the golden dagger Jane had thrown and plunged it into Edward’s back. ‎Edward gasped. His grip on Jane loosened, his claws fading as his strength fell away. His soul slipped from him like a shadow. His eyes slowly returned to blue, calm and human again. He stood motionless, staring at Jane, the pain replaced by a strange peace. ‎He smiled faintly, trying to hold onto that last bit of warmth. Jane caught him as he swayed and held him tight, her sobs breaking the silence. ‎“Please stay,” she whispered into his ear. ‎“I will, Jane… in the next life,” Edward murmured, wrapping one weak arm around her. “At the back of your heart… don’t open it,” he added softly, a faint smile trembling on his lips. ‎The moment stood still, heavy with grief. Catherine’s tears fell freely, her chest tightening as she watched him fade. Edward’s body began to burn slowly from his feet upward, his skin turning to ash. ‎“Don’t open it,” he whispered again. His smile faded as his form vanished into the air. ‎The ashes settled quietly on the ground. Jane sank to her knees, trembling as she picked up the pendant that had fallen beside him. The cold metal bit into her palm. ‎Catherine stood frozen, her mouth half open, unable to speak. ‎Jane wiped her face and looked up at her, eyes fierce through the tears. “Catherine,” she said slowly, “your creatures, the werewolves and the vampires… I’ll make sure they pay for what they’ve done.” ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎