Veilbound (Eddie Munson x OC)

Chapter 3: Wards and Whispers

Stephen Strange stood in his dimly lit study, poring over an ancient tome filled with arcane symbols and spells. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of mystery and secrecy. He muttered incantations under his breath, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns of a protective spell he was trying to recall. It had been years since he last needed to use it, but now, with Carrie-formerly known as Lith-in Hawkins, he had to be prepared.

The spell he sought was one Lith had often used to create powerful protective barriers, shielding against interdimensional threats and unwanted intrusions from other realms. Stephen's mind raced with memories of their travels through the multiverse, and how effortlessly she wielded her magic. But now, she didn't even remember her name, let alone her abilities.

He sighed, closing the tome and leaning back in his chair. On his desk lay a small, ornate box. Inside it was an artifact of immense importance-a delicate necklace with a pendant that shimmered with an otherworldly light. This necklace was the key to interdimensional travel, an item that had saved them countless times. Carrie kept it hidden in a drawer, unaware of its significance. She didn't even remember owning it.

Stephen's heart ached as he thought about the life Carrie was living now, oblivious to her true identity and the powers she once commanded. He had woven a narrative to explain her fragmented memories, telling her that she was just an ordinary girl in Hawkins, and he was her father, a surgeon. It was a lie, but a necessary one, to keep her safe from those who would seek to exploit her powers.

To make the illusion complete, Stephen had used sorcery on Gareth and his mother, creating a false family unit that provided a semblance of normalcy for Carrie. Gareth's mother believed she was married to Stephen, and Gareth himself accepted Carrie as his stepsister. It was a delicate balance, maintaining these illusions without raising suspicion.

He stood and walked over to the window, gazing out at the quiet suburban street. The temptation to tell her the truth gnawed at him daily. He wanted to see her reclaim her strength, to remember who she truly was. But the risks were too great. If she discovered her powers too soon, it could draw unwanted attention, not only from enemies but from forces beyond their control.

Stephen closed his eyes, wrestling with his thoughts. He had always been a protector, a guardian of the realms. But with Carrie, it was different. She was like a daughter to him, and he couldn't bear the thought of her being hurt. He needed to be patient, to trust that she would uncover her abilities in her own time.

A soft knock on the door interrupted his reverie. Stephen turned to see Gareth's mother, standing in the doorway. She gave him a concerned look. "You've been in here for hours, Stephen. Is everything alright?"

He forced a smile, trying to push away the weight of his worries. "Just some work, nothing to worry about."

She stepped closer, her eyes searching his. "Darling, you can talk to me about anything."

Stephen nodded, grateful for her support. "I know. Thank you."

As she left the room, Stephen returned to his desk and picked up the necklace. He held it in his hand, feeling the faint hum of its power. He knew he had to protect it, to keep it safe until the time was right. Until Carrie was ready.

He placed the necklace back in the box and locked it away, determination settling in his heart. He would watch over her, guide her from the shadows, and ensure she was prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead. For now, all he could do was wait and hope that when the time came, she would remember the strength she had always possessed.

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Carrie sat on the couch in the living room, her eyes glued to the television. It was Sunday night, and the Pittsburgh Steelers were playing against the Cincinnati Bengals. She had always been a Steelers fan, a passion inherited from her father. The game was intense, with the Steelers leading by a narrow margin.