Beyond death

Back in Bracciano

Aradia POV

I paced angrily within the dimly lit chamber of my hidden abode in Bracciano. The flickering light of a single oil lamp cast long shadows across the ancient stone walls, a testament to the power I had once commanded. Now, that power wavered, diminished by the absence of the source of the magical outburst. I knew the disturbance must be tied to Giuseppe's son, Enzo, and his newly found mate. The prophecy threatened to strip me of the strength I had clawed from the depths of dark magic.

Seeking solace, I turned to Ludovico. Bound to me through the curse we had woven together, he appeared in his transient form during the summer solstice. Though his presence was fleeting, we found comfort in each other—a twisted connection forged in the fires of our malevolent pact. Ludovico’s spirit, tethered by the curse, brought a strange intimacy to the dark aftermath of our creation. While Giuseppe, my pretended partner and leader of the coven, roamed the town, I sought the shadowy embrace of the man who truly understood the weight of my ambition.

I clenched my fists, seething at the thought of Enzo defying my carefully laid plans. He had not chosen Diana, my daughter, as his soulmate. Diana, in her early twenties, possessed an ethereal beauty that could rival any muse painted on a Renaissance canvas. She was meant to stand by Enzo’s side, their union solidifying a dark and powerful coven. Instead, Enzo had chosen another, jeopardising the future I had envisioned. The thought sent a fresh wave of fury coursing through me.

Diana, a dark witch in her own right, carried the potential for greatness. Her union with Enzo would have ensured that the coven embraced the darkness fully, binding all its members to the spell and amplifying my power. Instead, his choice threatened to unravel everything, leaving me desperate to maintain my grip on the supernatural forces that had become my lifeline. My ambitions burned brighter than ever, and I resolved to bend fate to my will, no matter the cost.

Francesco’s POV

The door closed behind Alba, Enzo, Alessandro, and Giulia with a weighty finality, and Sofia let out a soft sigh. The warm glow of the oil lamp on the table cast a golden hue over her face, accentuating the worry etched into her features.

“Francesco, the prophecy troubles me,” she said, her voice heavy with concern. “The ancient magic surrounding it, the mention of curses and pack lands—it’s all so cryptic.”

I nodded, my brows furrowed. “I share your unease, Sofia. Alessandro believes Alba is at the centre of this prophecy, and their journey seems pivotal. But the details remain frustratingly vague.”

Sofia ran her fingers through her cascade of dark curls, each coil bouncing as if reflecting her inner turmoil. “She’s so young, Francesco. Caught up in something that feels like it belongs in the pages of a legend. How did we become part of this?”

Taking her hand, I squeezed it gently. “This curse has lingered for generations, Sofia. Alessandro believes Alba holds the key to unraveling it. And Enzo… he’s tied to this in ways we’re only beginning to understand.”

Sofia leaned into me, her voice trembling. “But what if it’s too much? What if the dangers they face are beyond their comprehension?”

I wrapped my arms around her, offering what reassurance I could. “We have to trust in their resilience. Alessandro is resourceful, and Enzo’s love for Alba is clear. Our concern won’t change their course, but our support will steady them when they return.”

Sofia nodded, though her worry lingered in her eyes. “I hope they find what they’re looking for and come back to us unharmed. The supernatural world has already taken so much from us.”

Kissing her forehead, I whispered, “We’ll face whatever comes together, Sofia. Alessandro and Giulia are family, Alba is our baby girl, and with Enzo, our family has grown. We’re in this together.”

She leaned into my embrace, her tension easing slightly. “Together, Francesco. Let’s pray for their safe return.”

We sat in the quiet, the soft crackle of the oil lamp filling the silence. The weight of Sofia’s impending return to the spirit realm hung heavily between us, unspoken but deeply felt. Finally, I broke the silence.

“Sofia,” I began, my voice tinged with desperation, “I can’t bear the thought of losing you again. Why does the curse have to take you away?”

She placed a gentle hand on my cheek, her touch as soft as the moonlight. “Francesco, the curse is a web of ancient magic. My presence here is tied to its cycles. When the summer solstice ends, the magic weakens, and I must return.”

“But we’ve only just found each other again,” I said, my voice cracking. “With Alba gone, I can’t lose you now.”

Sofia’s gaze softened. “Our time together is a gift, Francesco. The curse may pull me away, but my love for you will endure. This is not the end for us.”

I clenched my fists, frustration boiling within me. “There has to be something we can do. Some way to change this.”

She smiled sadly. “You’re not alone in this. Alessandro, Giulia, and the others will help unravel the mysteries of the curse. When the time is right, we’ll be reunited.”

Tears threatened to spill from my eyes. “It’s hard to accept.”

She pulled me into an embrace, her warmth grounding me. “I know, my love. But cherish these moments we have. Our connection is eternal.”

The knock at the door shattered the quiet. Sofia and I exchanged a glance before she rose to answer. Standing on the threshold was Giuseppe, his face etched with worry.

“Buonasera, Sofia, Francesco,” he greeted, his tone clipped. “I hope I’m not intruding.”

“Not at all, Giuseppe. Come in,” Sofia replied, her voice steady. “What brings you here?”

Giuseppe stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for Enzo. “I came to see if Enzo was here. He hasn’t come home, and I thought he might have sought your counsel.”

I shook my head. “No, Giuseppe. We haven’t seen him. Perhaps he’s taking some time for himself.”

Giuseppe’s gaze lingered on Sofia. “You’re sure he didn’t mention anything to you?”

Sofia met his gaze evenly. “No, Giuseppe. But young men often need space. I’m sure he’s fine.”

Giuseppe sighed, his worry evident. “It’s just not like him to disappear without a word. Especially now that he’s bonded with Alba.”

I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “He’s an adult now, Giuseppe. Let him find his path. If we hear from him, we’ll send word.”

With a reluctant nod, Giuseppe took his leave. Once the door closed, Sofia and I exchanged a tense glance.

“That was close,” I murmured.

Sofia nodded. “Too close. We can’t let anyone know where they’ve gone.”

“They’ll find their way,” I said firmly. “We have to trust them.”

Sofia sighed, her worry evident. “I just hope they’re safe. The prophecy feels like a storm waiting to break.”

Wrapping an arm around her, I said, “They’re strong, together and apart. Now, we wait and pray for their safe return.”