The Storm Ahead

twenty five

Caroline's POV

His lips met mine feverishly, and I leaned into him.

"I love you," He said, pressing his lips to my neck.

"I love you," I said back.

I pulled out of the flash.

"What's happening?" Leo asked.

"The compulsion must have disturbed her powers." Billie said.

"What can we do?"

"It has to play out."

I was drug back under.

"Are you sure about this?" She asked.

"Of course she is, he's the one!" Mother shouted.

I looked down at the wedding dress in front of me.

Frantic breaths few through me.

The dark night lurked outside.

"Are you sure about this," My blonde haired boy asked, "With all these murders-"

"The police officers said he was gone," I argued. "Why would they say they caught Jack if they didn't."

"I don't like this," He said, "The ripper isn't something to play with."

"I know, Dear," I said, "But I have to go see Penelope and make sure she's alright."

"Let me go with you."

"No," I have powers," I argued, "I'll be safer than you would."

"As you wish."

I made my way through the darkness and when I reached the alley, I bit my lip in consideration. If I took the alley it would be much faster than circling the block, and I could go back home and get to bed early and head to the cafe bright and early. With a curt nod I walked into the alley way. A shuffle behind me sent a shiver dow my spine and I turned quickly. Nothing.

I rushed nonetheless and shrieked when I tripped.

My hands landed in a puddle of mud and I groaned as I wiped it on my apron. I tried t sand, only for my leg to hit something. I turned and was faced with the stark face of Penelope.

A scream ripped through me as I looked at my friend, whose blood was spread around her.

"Oh shut it witch," A voice growled from behind me and before I could react a scream ripped through my throat.

I coughed and sputtered as blood suffocated me.

I heaved in a breath and felt burning in my throat before I was pulled back.

"Oh come on," I groaned, pressing the tip of the knife closer to her stomach, "Please tell me you can do better than 'I have a daughter'"

"Please," She begged through the sobs echoing from her mouth. "Please she needs me,"

"Why?"

"Please!"

"Why would she need you?" I spat.

I could tell the knife pierced skin when she sucked in a breath.

"Oh," My friend laughed from behind me, "Do get on with it."

I turned to see her grinning, blood spotting her Carmel skin.

"Come on, Bea," I whined, "We never have fun anymore."

"Oh, you want fun?" She asked teasingly.

"Yes," I grinned.

"Fine." She said, pulling darts from the cart. "Lets play darts."

She picked one up and threw it, watching it stick in the woman arm.

When I pulled up, nausea rushed through me.

"What is it that brings you to me?"

"I need help making a choice."

"Ah yes, the lovers struggle."

"How did you-"

"You are torn between two men? The embodiments of light and dark to the untrained eye, but they are so much more than that, aren't they?"

"..Yes. They are."

"It is alright to love them both for now." She said, "But one day, a time will come, where a decision must be made."

"Who should I choose?"

"One of the men is your soul mate, the only true choice to undying happiness. They are both needed for you to be happy, as one is to be your eternal lover, and one your eternal friend."

"But who is who?"

"That my dear, you must solve."

My head pounded from the pull.

The little boy in front of us shuddered as Beatrice stepped towards him.

"Come on, Be a, lets just let him go."

She turned to me with furrowed brows.

"What?"

"He's just a kid." I said.

"So?"

"So, lets give him a break, there will be someone else down the road."

"What the hell is wrong with you lately?"

"Nothin, I just- I just don't think we should hurt a kid."

"It wouldn't be the first time."

Sweat trickled down my face.

Leo sat next to me, his hand holding mine, the other pressed a cool wash rag to my head. Aiden stood by the door, his eyes on me, his face scrunched in worry, but you could tell by his eyes that his mind wasn't here. My breathing was labored and I could feel a burning in my lungs. My body ached and heat seized through me.

"It burns," I choked out.

"Yeah," Leo whispered, stroking my cheek, "That could be the visions or it could have been Billie, I didn't realize she was being literal when she offered to burn the influence out of you."

"What happened?"

"I put fire in your veins, literally. His effect was like alcohol. I just burnt it out." Billie said, and I noticed her at the foot of the bed.

"Is it over?"

"Not quite," Billie said, "And when it is, the cloak will lift, and you'll remember everything."