Beyond death

Unbound

Alba's POV

We settled into the carriage, its wooden wheels creaking as they rolled along the uneven cobblestone road. The ten-minute journey to my grandparents' villa passed in a quiet tension, broken only by the rhythmic clatter of hooves against stone. I gazed out the small window at the sprawling countryside, where an ancient walnut tree stood at the heart of the garden, its twisted branches reaching skyward as if they held secrets of centuries past. The villa itself, a weathered stone structure framed by climbing ivy, emerged from behind the trees. Its grand façade spoke of a time long gone, yet its enduring strength mirrored the family that called it home.

As we approached, the horse slowed, and the carriage came to a halt beneath the second-story balcony. A faint unease stirred within me, its whispers growing louder with each passing moment. Despite the revelations aligning so naturally, so perfectly, the weight of what was to come pressed heavily on my chest. My entire life was poised on the brink of transformation, and the enormity of it left me breathless.

In the short span of time since arriving in Bracciano, my world had been turned inside out. Not only had I discovered my bond with Enzo—a soulmate—but I’d also learned that my family’s roots delved deep into the mystic arts. The revelations felt as though they had always been waiting for me, just beneath the surface, yet they threatened to upend everything I’d known. Returning to Rome felt more impossible with each passing hour. How could I leave behind a place that felt so profoundly tied to my very being? A burgeoning sense of belonging took root within me, one that grew stronger with every glance at Enzo and every revelation from my family.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed when the carriage door swung open and Enzo extended his hand. I accepted it, his touch grounding me as we approached the grand entrance. His presence, warm and steadfast, was a comforting contrast to the storm raging inside me.

We ascended the stone steps, and before we could knock, the heavy wooden door swung open to reveal my grandmother. She enveloped me in a whirlwind of hugs and kisses, her voice a soothing balm.

“Are you alright, my sweet Alba? I know this has been overwhelming. I’m so sorry we kept it from you for so long,” she murmured.

“It’s alright, Nonna,” I reassured her. “I’m just glad to finally know the truth. I understand why you kept it from me.”

“Are you sure you’re okay, bella?” my grandfather’s voice came from behind her, laden with concern.

“Yes, Nonno, I promise. Everything is fine. Can we start unbinding my magic? Midnight is only a couple of hours away, and I need to understand what’s happening.” My impatience bubbled to the surface, barely restrained.

Their concern lingered, but they nodded. I was desperate for resolution. Soon, I’d have three precious days with my mother to unravel the mysteries surrounding us. I was eager to step out of the shadows of family secrets and take an active role in breaking the curse that had haunted us for generations.

“Come on, Ma, give the girl room to breathe!” Zia Giulia’s voice called from the sitting room.

Inside, the living area was filled with familiar faces. My grandparents, Zia Giulia, and Zio Alessandro were gathered, while Papa and Enzo lingered near the door, trying to navigate past Nonna’s affectionate fussing.

“So, how does this work? What do we need to do?” I asked, unable to mask my eagerness.

“We need to draw power from the walnut tree in the garden,” my grandfather explained. “When we bound your magic, we did so under the walnut tree in Benevento. To unbind it, we’ll need the same connection.”

The garden was a verdant haven, its lush greenery kissed by the silvery glow of twilight. The walnut tree stood tall at its center, its ancient roots tangling deep into the earth. The air seemed to hum with life, a subtle vibration that resonated through the soles of my boots.

Enzo wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. “It’s okay, amore mio. I’ll be right here with Ale. I’m here for you, always,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to my lips before stepping back to stand with Zio Alessandro.

Zia Giulia led me to the center of a carefully drawn salt circle. Her grip on my arm was firm but reassuring as she handed me a small bottle. “Drink this, Alba. It will help ease the pain—or at least make it bearable.”

I hesitated only briefly before tipping the bottle back. The liquid was bitter, tasting of herbs and earth. Its potency made me wince, but I swallowed it all, hoping it would soften whatever lay ahead.

The ritual began. My grandparents, Zia Giulia, and Papa formed a circle around me, their hands joined as they moved in a rhythmic pattern. Their voices rose in a melodic chant, weaving a spell that seemed to echo through the garden:

Sotto il noce di Bracciano, lungo l'acqua e portato dal vento,

Slega questa magia, libera i tuoi poteri e proteggi questa figlia di Luna da dentro.

Attraverso radici che si immergono e rami che si piegano,

Antiche forze, i nostri appelli mandiamo.

Lascia che l'acqua tessi la sua canzone lenitiva,

Mentre il vento sussurra, il sortilegio prolunga.

Beneath the walnut tree of Bracciano, along the water and carried by the wind,

Unbind this magic, free your powers, and protect this daughter of the Moon within.

Through roots that delve and branches that bend,

Ancient forces, our pleas we send.Let the water weave its soothing song,

As the wind whispers, prolong the spell along.

The words were both foreign and familiar, their meaning resonating within me. The energy around us shifted, growing heavy and electric. Then, a searing pain erupted in my chest, stealing the breath from my lungs. I staggered, my knees threatening to give way. The chanting continued, unwavering, as I fought to remain upright. Tears blurred my vision, and through the haze, I saw Alessandro restraining Enzo, who looked desperate to intervene.

A relentless pounding filled my head, as though something was trying to break free. I pressed my hands to my temples, struggling to withstand the pressure. Just as I thought the pain would consume me, a sharp c***k reverberated through my mind, and the world went silent.

“Hello, Alba. I’ve been waiting to talk to you. I’m your wolf, Siena.”

A wolf? The revelation left me reeling. I’d expected to awaken my magic, but this… this was something else entirely.

“Yes,” Siena’s voice continued, calm and reassuring. “You are both wolf and witch, Alba. We are one.”

Before I could process her words, my vision blurred again. Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw my mother standing beside Zio Alessandro. Her presence felt impossibly real, but before I could react, an unfamiliar voice escaped my lips—a single word spoken with unwavering certainty: “Mate.”

Darkness claimed me.

---

Unknown POV

I reveled in the season, savoring the potent energy as the spirits retreated into the depths of Lake Bracciano. Each cycle of their return nourished me, their essence fueling my ascent. They sought immortality, yet it was I who would touch eternity, harvesting their power for my own.

The lake, steeped in legend, was more than a mirror to the sky. Beneath its surface lay secrets of ancient magic, a gateway to realms beyond mortal comprehension. The spirits gathered here, lured by the promise of eternal life, only to become vessels for my ambition. Their naivety amused me; their essence strengthened me.

Tonight, an unfamiliar disturbance rippled through the air. A power, foreign and untamed, emanated from the village. It pulled at my senses, a whisper of something that could threaten or enrich my plans. For now, my focus remained on the ritual. The hour was near, and the lake’s magic awaited my command. Ludovico and I had prepared for this moment for years, his sacrifice ensuring the culmination of our design. Soon, the destiny I had woven would come to fruition—and not even the unexpected power stirring in Bracciano would deter me.