AllFreeNovel
Share Us
fata recedunt, di tegunt
Aperiam librum in tempore meo.”
At the sound of my words, Vedoma became desperate, latching herself onto me.
“Not this time. I hope hell treats you well,” I said, ripping my arms from her clutches.
The following moment, we were back in the study. I could only see Troy’s stunned face before losing consciousness.
The next time I opened my eyes, I thought a week had passed and expected to see Gabriel’s caring face sitting next to me as usual. Alas, it was but Troy.
“What day is today? Where is Gabriel?” I asked.
“It is the same day you abolished the witch, Milady.
And did so without sealing your fate.” He looked at his watch. “You were out for maybe ten minutes.”
“Where’s Mei and Athena?” I asked as Troy helped me stand up.
“They’re safe. Athena, as per usual, was fussy about returning, but I took care of it. A bottle of milk usually does the trick,” Troy said.
“What about Mei? She seemed to be out of it when we were in the time continuum.”
“She’s sleeping in her bed. The doctor said the low oxygen to the brain didn’t affect her. So she is not in immediate danger.” Troy handed me a cup of water.
“You had a doctor prepared and everything.”
“Of course. A second-in-command prepares for everything. We should consult the doctor about your state as well.”
“I’m okay. Though the witch left bruises on my neck, the euphoria of finally getting rid of her compensates for any physical pain I might feel. I still cannot believe she is dead.”
“Given the fact that you now hold the Eye of the Dragon stone, there could be no other outcome. But we will find out soon. Most of her spells should dissipate after her demise.”
“Did Gabriel return? It’s the only way we can be certain.”
“Unfortunately, there’s no word from His Majesty. But it’s only been thirteen minutes since your return. I expect his arrival to happen later.”
“Wait a minute. We stayed in the time continuum for only three minutes?” I asked, flabbergasted. “All these time travel concepts are giving me a headache.”
“Should I call the doctor?” Troy asked.
“No, I need to see my baby. It will hopefully calm my nerves a bit.”
Troy helped me stand and escorted me to my bedroom. I went to Athena’s crib close to my bed and peeked inside. My sweet daughter slept soundly without a care in the world. I took her hand in mine and whispered: “If you already defeated a powerful witch as a baby, your life is guaranteed to be great, Athena. Your courage, just like your abilities, is ingrained in you. Mommy is proud of you. I hope you can forgive me for putting you in front of danger. Mommy and Daddy would’ve never been able to defeat such evil without your help. I love you.” I kissed her plump hand and let her rest.
After a copious meal, a thousand questions about Gabriel’s return, and a hug from Mei, exhaustion took away my ability to keep my eyes open. Though it was still the middle of the day, sleep was the temptation I couldn’t resist. I returned to my bedroom, pulled my baby’s crib closer to the bed, and went to sleep.
The fact that Vedoma was gone seemed unreal. I could barely contain my excitement, even in my sleep. I dreamed lucidly of Gabriel holding Athena. Of him tickling her little feet, of him feeding her baby food, of cuddles and snuggles and all things love. The next thing I heard was a weird noise. But it didn’t come from my dream. It happened in real life. When I opened my eyes, the night’s darkness had already enveloped the room. I checked on Athena. She was still sleeping, probably exhausted from time-traveling. Maybe I imagined it? I went back to sleep, blaming it all on my imagination and the previous otherworldly experience. Who could boast about defeating the big, bad witch while falling in the open air?
I closed my eyes, and still, my ears remained active. Something wasn’t right. I could feel it in my gut. I got out of bed, planning to go to the bathroom to wash my face. Who knows what repercussions frequent time-traveling could have on my body?
But suddenly, the door creaked softly. I hid in the darkness next to the dresser so the intruder wouldn’t see me. Good thing I place my dagger on the dresser before going to sleep. I grabbed it and prepared to attack. Then I realized who it was. Based on the outline of his body and the way he walked, it was Gabriel. He had returned. I wanted to leap into his embrace, but then I noticed his eyes. They were silver. The closer he walked to Athena’s crib, the more he resembled his beast. He had reverted to his primordial state. Then the realization hit me hard. The hope that once Vedoma left the picture and we would be free from the bidding promise didn’t come true. In the end, the sacrificial debt needed to be paid. The warm feeling we harbored of finally having our happy family together dispelled the moment Gabriel reverted to his beastly state. The release of Vedoma’s spell meant he was forced to fulfill the promise. And this time, nothing could stop him.
Shivers of dread spread across my body, and panic rose in my throat like bile. I was about to witness the death of my daughter at the hands of her father and the man I loved. What should I do? What could I do? By the time I woke up from my fret, Gabriel already stood above the crib. His demeanor though beastly, didn’t express anything. As if a power beyond him controlled his movements. When I saw the clawed fingers lowering themselves toward Athena, I couldn’t stay still anymore. I had to do something. But what? He was the strongest vampire to exist. What could a measly human like me do? How could I save our daughter from the clutches of a centuries-old spell?
“Gabriel,” I whispered.
Suddenly, Gabriel reverted to his human state. “I’m back, my love,” he said. “Vedoma is dead. We are finally free.”
