Chapter 7
Where butterflies never die
Mojave Desert 1990
"It's ok Claire, it's ok, just breathe", Lucilla said as calmingly as she could. "Nathan, is the circle ready yet?"
"Yes, almost", he replied.
Tears were falling down Claire's cheeks. Josef held her hand tightly.
"It's ok my love", he mumbled.
"Ready", Nathan said.
Josef picked Claire up as gently as he could and carried her to the middle of circle drawn with blood. It was dark but Lucilla had lighted a campfire. Nathan had put a blanket and pillow to the ground for Claire. Josef placed her to the blanket gently. Lucilla kneeled next to her and took her hand.
"You are so brave sweetie", she said.
"No I'm not. I'm scared", Claire sobbed.
"I know sweetie. Let me take some of your pain away."
"It won't hurt the child?"
"No, I swear."
Claire nodded. Lucilla closed her eyes and placed her hands on her stomach. She mumbled few words and flinched.
"Is it better?"
"Yes, thank you", Claire said. "I need to say something before…"
"Of course, what is it?" Lucilla asked.
"Josef and I have decided a name for this child. Josef for boy and Zora for girl."
"Zora? That's a beautiful name. How did you come up with that?"
Claire and Josef looked at each other.
"It means light of dawn", Josef said.
"Oh, I see."
Claire took both of Lucillas hands.
"Promise me that you will protect this child."
"I will, with my life. You have my word."
"Thank you", Josef said quietly. "How long will it take before Claire and I…"
"I'm not sure. I will do everything I can that you will see your child."
Claire started to cry. Josef stroked her hair and kissed her forehead.
"I love you Claire, more than anything. And I'll be waiting for you in the next world."
"We'll go there together", Claire said. "I love you too Josef and I want you to know that I don't regret anything. I rather had spent this time with you than live centuries without knowing you."
"My sweet angel", Josef whispered and kissed her.
Lucilla stood up. The night sky was full of dark clouds. Wind was getting stronger.
"A thunder storm", Nathan murmured.
Lucilla looked at him.
"Can I count on you?" she asked.
"You honestly have to ask me that?"
Lucilla touched his cheek.
"I'm sorry. I really need you Nathan."
"You can count on me, no matter what happens", Nathan said seriously.
Lucilla smiled.
"Thank you. I want to…"
Claire's scream interrupted her.
"The baby's coming!"
"Ok, plaices everyone, Nathan…"
"On it", he replied and stepped outside of the circle.
"Josef…"
He took Claire's hand, stroked her hair and whispered calming words in her ear. Lucilla started to chant. Flames of the campfire rose higher. She could hear the thunder. Earth was shaking. This was it. Lucilla could saw the baby's head. Claire was screaming. It all happened very fast. Lightning strikes next to the circle. The baby was crying. Lucilla quickly wrapped her to a blanket.
"You have a daughter", she said and gave the baby to Claire. She was laughing and crying. Josef hold her gently. They both looked at their newborn daughter.
"Zora…" Claire whispered. "She has your eyes."
Josef kissed her forehead and touched his daughter's cheek. He lied down next to Claire and wrapped his arms around her. It started to rain.
"I love you, forever…" Josef said before he closed his eyes.
"I love you…."
Claire blinked her eyes couple of times before she didn't open them anymore. Zora was crying. Tears were falling down Lucillas cheeks as well when she picked the baby up from her death mother's arms.
"It's ok little one…"
Nathan touched her shoulder. They looked at Claire and Josef lying on the ground side by side.
"Take her to the car", Nathan said quietly. "I'll finish things here."
Lucilla nodded. Zora was still crying.
"It's ok… It's ok Zora. I will do what ever it takes to protect you, I promise."
Nathan waited until Lucilla and the baby were in the car. Then he turned to Claire and Josef.
"Safe journey", he mumbled and raised his hands in the air. The circle caught fire. Flames were so high and hot that the rain didn't put them out before there was only black dust and ashes left. Nothing would ever grow in that spot again. Nathan got in the car. Lucilla was cradling Zora in her arms. Nathan looked at them and knew that his life would never been the same again. Lucilla raised her head and took his hand.
"Where to?" Nathan asked.
"Just drive", Lucilla said. "I can't be here anymore."
Nathan nodded.
"Ok. Plan A?"
"Plan A. It's time to run."