Beyond death

Family meetings

Francesco POV

As I left our home in Bracciano, the urgency of my parents' summons weighed heavily on me. Their letter, delivered the previous evening, had been written with a tone of foreboding that left little room for delay. They had implored me to visit at once, insisting that the matter was both pressing and significant. Despite my concern, I had waited until morning, wanting to share a final moment of peace with Alba before what I suspected would be a day of revelations.

Initially, I had planned to take the carriage from the town square to my parents' home, but the restless weight of my thoughts urged me to walk instead. The path, though not one of my childhood, had become familiar over the years. After the curse struck, my parents had moved here, leaving behind the family estate in the hopes that a simpler life would shield them from the supernatural chaos that had gripped the town.

The summer air carried with it the faint scent of blooming jasmine and fresh earth, tempering my anxiety. My boots crunched over the dirt path, the steady rhythm grounding me as my thoughts churned. The house loomed ahead, a modest stone dwelling nestled at the edge of the village. Its tiled roof gleamed in the sunlight, and its weathered facade bore the marks of time and resilience. This house, though a refuge in my adulthood, had never been my childhood home. It was where my parents had sought sanctuary after the curse had upended our lives, a place where they hoped we might find some semblance of peace.

I hesitated at the door, my hand hovering over the heavy wood for a moment. The weight of what awaited me inside felt heavier than I had anticipated. But there was no room for delay. My parents' letter had made that clear.

When I finally knocked, Alessandro was the one to answer. His boisterous energy was evident even before he spoke.

“Francesco! There you are!” he greeted, clapping me on the shoulder with his usual exuberance. His grin was broad, his presence as unrelentingly cheerful as ever, but there was an undertone to his voice—a trace of unease that betrayed his outwardly carefree demeanor.

“Ciao, Alessandro,” I replied, managing a faint smile.

“About time you arrived. We were starting to think you’d run off!” he teased, stepping aside to let me in.

Inside, the house was as it always had been: warm and lived-in, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the earthy aroma of herbs drying in the corner of the kitchen. The dining room table was already set for a serious discussion, its surface covered with papers, a quill, and a single lit candle. Mamma and Papà were seated, their postures tense. Giulia appeared from the kitchen, carrying a tray with the moka pot and a stack of delicate porcelain cups.

“Francesco,” my mother said as I entered, her voice tinged with both relief and worry. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for me.

“Mamma, Papà,” I said, bending to kiss them both on the cheeks. Their faces, etched with lines of age and burden, softened as they embraced me.

Giulia set the tray on the table, her movements deliberate as she poured the coffee. “Sit,” she urged gently.

I did as instructed, sinking into the chair that had been waiting for me. The rich aroma of the coffee filled the air, but even that small comfort could not dispel the tension that hung heavy in the room.

“Francesco,” my father began, his voice steady but grave, “there is much we must discuss. Alba’s connection to the supernatural world can no longer remain hidden. Alessandro has uncovered something important—something that concerns Enzo.”

I nodded, already anticipating the gravity of their words. “I knew this day would come. Alba is growing older, and it was only a matter of time before she began to uncover the truth for herself.”

Alessandro leaned back in his chair, his usual casual demeanor giving way to a rare seriousness. “Enzo has known for years that Alba is his soulmate. He confirmed it during his search but waited until she was old enough to understand. Now, with her eighteenth birthday approaching, he intends to tell her everything. He’s taking her to the lake today to reveal the truth.”

The mention of the lake sent a pang through my chest, memories of Sofia flooding my mind. The way Enzo looked at Alba reminded me of how I had once looked at her mother. “He’s waited patiently,” I admitted. “I can see his devotion. But this will change everything for Alba. She’s not prepared for the burden that comes with knowing our family’s secrets.”

“We must act quickly,” my father interjected, his voice firm. “If Enzo tells her the truth, she will have questions. She will seek answers. You must be ready to unbind her magic and guide her through what lies ahead.”

I sighed heavily, the weight of their words pressing down on me. “I’ve always known that Alba would one day need to embrace her heritage. I had hoped to shield her longer, but it seems fate has other plans.”

Giulia frowned, concern etched on her face. “Are you certain about unbinding her magic now? Sofia’s return is imminent. Wouldn’t it be better to wait until after she has adjusted to the truth?”

“No,” I replied firmly. “Alba needs her magic unbound before Sofia emerges from the lake tonight. There are things she must see—things she won’t understand without her abilities. I feel it in my gut; this is the right time.”

Giulia’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded. “Then we must prepare her for what’s to come. She deserves to know the truth, even if it’s painful.”

“She will be angry,” I admitted, my voice softening. “But Alba is strong. She’ll see that we’ve acted out of love and a desire to protect her.”

Alessandro chuckled, his usual levity returning for a moment. “If she’s upset, she’ll let us all know—especially you, her perfect papà!”

The corners of my mouth lifted in a faint smile. “I only hope she forgives us quickly. Alba has always had a kind heart, even if she can be stubborn.”

Turning to Giulia, I added, “You’ve sacrificed so much to help me raise her. I can never thank you enough for your support.”

She waved a hand dismissively, though her eyes shimmered with emotion. “You’re my family, Francesco. I would do anything for you and Alba.”

My mother reached out to clasp my hand. “You’ve done everything you could for her. She’ll see that, even if it takes time.”

As the conversation wound down, the gravity of the evening’s events settled over us like a shroud. The candle’s flame flickered, casting long shadows over the table as if echoing the weight of the decisions before us. Tonight would change everything—for Alba, for our family, and perhaps even for our cursed town. I could only hope that we were ready for what lay ahead.