SOULBOUND

Chapter 17: Whispers of Destiny

***PRESENT DAYS...

Lily stood at the front of the lecture hall, the eager faces of her college students looking up at her. Her heart raced with anticipation as she began her lesson on vampires and supernatural creatures. This topic had always fascinated her, but little did she know that it would soon become a profound exploration of her own existence.

"Good morning, everyone," Lily greeted, a smile playing on her lips. "Today, we're going to delve into the realm of vampires and the supernatural. Now, who here believes in vampires?"

A murmur of excitement rippled through the classroom as several hands shot up. Lily chuckled softly, delighted by their enthusiasm. "Ah, I see we have some believers among us. And who among you thinks it's all just myth and folklore?"

A few hesitant hands rose, accompanied by nervous laughter. Lily nodded, acknowledging their skepticism. "Fair enough. Vampires have captivated the human imagination for centuries, blending the allure of the supernatural with the mysteries of the night."

As she spoke, Lily couldn't help but feel a strange connection to the subject matter. Visions and dreams had plagued her nights, whispering of an unknown past and a connection she couldn't quite grasp. She had dismissed them as mere fantasies, but now, she couldn't ignore the growing curiosity within her.

One student raised her hand tentatively. "Professor, do you believe in vampires?"

Lily paused, her gaze lingering on the student. Her voice held a touch of vulnerability as she responded, "I've always been fascinated by the idea of vampires, but as a scientist, I tend to approach things with a skeptical mind. However, I believe that legends and folklore often carry traces of truth, and it's worth exploring the origins and cultural significance of these myths."

The classroom buzzed with excitement as students leaned forward, eager to learn more. They bombarded her with questions, their curiosity piqued. Lily answered as best she could, but her mind kept drifting to the dreams and unexplained connections that had haunted her.

As the class ended, Lily remained seated at her desk, deep in thought. She had always been drawn to the supernatural, devouring books and researching ancient folklore. But now, with the strange experiences she couldn't ignore, she wondered if there was more to it than a mere fascination.

She closed her eyes, the vivid images of her dreams flooding her mind. A vision of a different time, a different life, danced before her. A name whispered on the edge of her consciousness: Amaya. It felt familiar, as if it held a significance she couldn't grasp.

Lily sighed, uncertainty gnawing at her. Could it be possible? Could she have a connection to a past life? It seemed far-fetched, yet the evidence was mounting. She couldn't deny the vividness of her dreams or the unexplained emotions that surged within her when she explored vampire folklore.

The next days turned into weeks, as Lily delved deeper into her research, immersing herself in ancient texts and legends. The more she learned, the stronger her fascination grew. She found herself drawn to places associated with vampires and the supernatural, as if seeking a connection to her past.

Late one evening, as she pored over a centuries-old manuscript, a knock at her office door startled her. She looked up to find a familiar face peering in.

"Emily, what brings you here?" Lily asked, offering her friend a warm smile.

Emily stepped into the room, her expression filled with concern. "Lily, I've noticed how absorbed you've been in all this vampire and supernatural stuff. Are you okay? It's like you're searching for something."

Lily sighed, her gaze meeting Emily's.

"I don't know, Emily. It's hard to explain, but I can't shake this feeling that there's more to it. It's like there's a part of me that's missing, a part I'm trying to uncover."

Emily's eyes softened with understanding. "Maybe it's worth exploring, Lily. Sometimes, our past holds the key to understanding our present. But just remember, whatever you find, I'll be here for you."

Tears welled up in Lily's eyes as she embraced her friend. "Thank you, Emily. Your support means everything to me."

***

Lily lay in bed, her mind consumed by a whirlwind of visions and dreams. The room was shrouded in darkness, the only source of light being the pale moon filtering through the curtains. She couldn't escape the haunting images that danced before her eyes.

As she closed her eyes, memories flooded her mind. She saw herself as Amaya, a woman deeply in love, torn apart by an unbreakable curse. Each time she tried to be with Gabriel, tragedy struck, ripping them apart. It was a cycle of love and loss, repeating itself through the ages.

Tears welled up in Lily's eyes as she grappled with the weight of her past lives. Why was she plagued by these memories? Who were these people? And what connected her to them?

In the depths of her confusion, a voice whispered in her mind, echoing through the corridors of her soul. It urged her to seek the truth, to unravel the mysteries that bound her to Amaya and Gabriel.

"I can't ignore this anymore," Lily whispered to herself, her voice laced with determination. "I need to understand. I need to find answers."