A Lifetime Ago

Chapter 21

The words had spread like fire throughout the Kingdom of Romania and an angry mob could be heard through the thick walls of the dungeon to get Ethel killed but in a far barbaric way that the witch race will even shiver from the slightest urge to practice witchcraft....

The morning sun shed rays of warmth in my face and for a minute it felt my parents were there in the cell giving hints of strength and....love...

Sprawled on the cold hard floor, tears trickling down my numb face and my heart... beating and just wishing to have a final glance at Andrew... I loved him so much and ...and ....fear creeped through my body as I thought of him... will he get in any danger just because of me.... I will never be able to forgive myself if he did....

Suddenly the heavy dungeon door was lifted and one guard entered. His face was covered with the gladiators mask. He walked slowly and steadily and than he closed the dungeon door.

I did not even flinch and stared with almost a lifeless glare.

"Ethel", Andrew's voice said in a sorrowful low tone as he pulled away the mask from his face.

"Andrew you came", I said as I pulled myself back on my foot with his help and kissed him.

"I thought I will never see you again Andrew", I said with tears rolling down my cheeks.

"I love you Ethel. I know what the Emperor & Empress are up to. They want to ruin the citizens chance to bloom and nastily trying to gain everything. They have tirelessly harmed the kingdom and citizens gave died from starvation but to no remorse," Andrew said angrily.

"We don't have time to waste Ethel, we need to escape".

"And what about the poor people?"

"They don't trust you and many have already been brainwashed and turned against you. They all think you are the culprit behind peoples death and ... and also that you had turned the Emperor and Emperess minds to work for you"... Andrew's voice broke and a trickle of tear crept down his cheek. I can't lose you. You are the best thing that ever happened to me"......

"Andrew, I love you too but I cant just run away leaving behind the chaos the kingdom currently is in. I should try no matter my life has been put on stake and people have turned against the witch race."

"Andrew", I silently weeped and kissed him passionately. If I do not survive this day you have to be here and help them out.

A worried expression crossed Andrew's face. He closed in my body to the warmth of his and stared deeply in my eyes. Nothing will happen to you. You get me! We will be in this together....

"I just need you to know and understand Andrew that no matter what, if we do not end up together in this lifetime we will surely reunite again. I love you so much and our souls are meant to be together"...

"Don't go away from me Ethel. Please don't say that", Andrew's voice was breaking as tears rolled down uncontrollably.

I inhaled deeply. Andrew you know I possess the mystic power of the witch blood. I am going to pass that to you. I am pure and I love you deeply and I know you do the same. Through the spell binding and our infinite love we will always unite. I will be able to share my power with you.

"Make love to me Andrew," I said looking deeply in his eyes. I do not have to be pure. We should bind together. Tears rolled down my cheeks with the realization we do not have much time together left and God knows how many years or centuries will pass for us to to come back.

"Don't say that Ethel, am telling you again nothing will happen. Let's run away from here before the guards will come looking for you"...

"Sssshhhhh", I kissed Andrew passionately slowly sliding his suit open.

Andrew kissed back passionately, with his hands sliding back and undressing me.

"I love you Ethel", Andrew breathed heavily kissing my neck as our bodies closed in on the cold floor.

"I love you too Andrew" I said..

The final time I will ever touch him in this lifetime....

********

Almost an hour had passed..

We had slid back into our outfits. I held Andrew's hand and tightened my grip.

The time had come, I said looking at him with grief but also happiness as I am not going to die incomplete....

I started chanting,

With the mystique of the witch world I was giving a share of my power to Andrew.

Ancient & deep witch chanting continued...

Andrew's hands started glowing and soon his entire body glowed.

I kept chanting....

Until the glow enlightened the entire cell. Mist befell the dungeon chamber.

"Ethel", he whispered...

"You possess the power which I never was able to unlock until today and I pass it to you. You can shapeshift and protect yourself as well as the people... and... you will always find me... you can live for several centuries but the dark world can kill you. A part of me will always be with you and you shall live to protect the people".

'This red stoned necklace will protect you, it has been passed throughout our witch generation. It possesses immense power. It will guide you my love', I said as I took out the necklace and handed it to Andrew with pain piercing through my heart.

"I dont have much time Andrew", I wept.

"Ethel, what you did. I don't want to live and with the thought of you not being with me, you are punishing me. Every day, every minute you are giving me the punishment of living without you. Don't you want me to be with you everytime."

"You will understand. You will protect me when am reborn. You are a part of me. After they are planning to punish me by killing me today I will rise again. But without your help I cant be awakened. I will need your breath, your love... a drop of your blood"...

"I know it will be futile for me to fight today. The Emperor and Empress will follow me and would crave for my power. They possess the power from the other side.. the dark world, which can kill me instantly... but with centuries my power will blossom and nobody can fight it"...

The dungeon than shook. The doors were about to be lifted.

"Go Andrew", I said glancing at him for what I thought will be the last time....