Forks, Washington
September, 2006
Edward looks out the window, his reflection barely visible in the glass as he battles with the overwhelming sense of helplessness gnawing at him. Each second feels like an eternity, as Bella's life hangs by a thread. The thing growing inside her is killing her, and the knowledge that he couldn't do anything to stop it is tearing him apart.
"Are you going to be a big baby about it?"
He doesn't turn to see Rosalie standing by the doorframe of his room. Her presence stirs a fresh wave of betrayal within him. The memory of seeing her at the airport upon their return flashes through his mind like a cruel joke.
"Do not think for a second that you are doing this for her."
A hurt emotion flickers across Rosalie's eyes, but she quickly masks it with a calm facade, determined to handle her brother's wrath.
"Like it or not, she wants this-"
"She's poisoned by it!" He spins around, closing the distance between them with quick, angry strides. His voice is a low, dangerous growl. "Every day that passes, every hour, every minute to second, her life is slipping away because of that-that thing growing inside her. It's eating her alive, Rosalie."
Rosalie looks down, the briefest moment of uncertainty crossing her face before she meets his gaze again with renewed resolve. "That's just the risk she is willing to take."
Edward's frustration boils over, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. The room feels suffocating, the air thick with tension. He takes a deep breath, struggling to calm the storm raging within him. His mind races, desperate for a solution, for any way to save Bella.
Suddenly, a thought pierces through the haze of his despair-a realization so startling it makes him pause.
Rosalie notices this. "What?"
He looks back at her. "What if we're looking through this all wrong? What if we're not looking at the right place?"
Of all the books and research from online, how could he had been so mindless when the answer to their problems was only a drive away. Or run.
She frowns. "You're saying we've missed something?"
"Or someone." He stated hesitantly.
La Push, Washington
September, 2006
A shrilling scream pierced the air, shattering the peace of the territory around Emily's house. Walking home from a morning patrol was the pack, who recognized one of their imprints' screams. Their Alpha turned his head quickly toward the direction of his home.
"Emily?!" Sam called her name in worry as he sprinted toward the house, his heart pounding in his chest.
Another scream echoed from inside.
"Kim!" Jared said, eyes wide with concern, as he followed his Alpha closely behind.
Loud stomps echoed through the house as the group dispersed, frantically searching each room for the threat.
Emily and Kim were perched on the kitchen counter, eyes wide with fear, Sam and Jared rushed to his imprint's side.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Sam demands, looking over her from top to bottom, searching for any signs of harm.
Kim pointed with a trembling finger to the other side of the kitchen. "O-over there! A spider!"
The group quickly dismantled their guard, and Embry laughed in disbelief, shaking his head.
"Seriously, y'all are scared about a tiny little-" He glanced over to where Kim pointed, his eyes widening as he let out a loud, "Ah!"
The others followed his gaze and saw the source of the commotion.
Right over the stove was the biggest spider they had ever seen. Not just a spider, but a hairy tarantula, as large as their hands.
"Holy!" Quil exclaimed in disgust, his lip curling once he saw it.
The group instinctively backed away as it began to move toward the sink, shouting profanities as the spider drew closer.
"I got this." Paul appeared with a broom in hand, ready to act.
Just then, Franny walked in to see what the screaming was about and gasped.
"Stop! It's Fluffy!"
"Yeah, And venomous!" Paul was about to strike, but Franny stepped in front of him.
"No, you don't understand. It's my cousin's pet tarantula, Fluffy." She approached the spider and gently reached out to the frightened creature.
"How do you know it's not just a random spider?" Jared frowned, almost gagging as she touched it.
"Chilean Rose tarantulas aren't native to North America," she explained. "They're from warmer habitats like deserts." The spider crawled into her hands. "Poor thing. Must've got into my suitcase when I wasn't looking. Were you scared little guy? We gotta call your mom, she must be worried."
She fretted over the arachnid, stroking its back, and as she moved, the boys parted to create a wide path for her to walk out the door.
Jacob found himself slowly being the center of attention as he noticed the stares of his friends.
He let out a small scoff. "What? Like your imprints are perfect?"
Sam, Paul, Quil, and Jared opened their mouths to respond, but Jacob cut them off with a raised hand. "You know what, no. Shouldn't even asked that."
And with that, he headed out the door, shaking his head.
The pack was left standing there, still trying to process what had just happened. First, a giant spider appeared out of nowhere. Then, Franny casually declared it a pet. It was one strange thing after another. They liked Franny, but she can be scary sometimes.
Jacob watched by the window of Franny's violin playing in the backyard. She wanted to play a bit before leaving. This time, he knows this one, Salut d'Amour , he could never pronounce it correctly, he only knows that it was one of her favorite pieces to play. He even remembered her mentioning that there was more than one, this was Op.12. He was making progress on what music makes her sad, happy and relaxed through her playing. Even the ones she listens to, mostly through the radio or one of the CD playlists she brought for the trip.
She was playing as much as she could before her flight. He sighed softly, he was going to miss hearing her play.
It hasn't been done, but to be away from an imprint was for a week was something that they've both dreaded to even try. There were no records or evidence of how long exactly a wolf can be apart from their imprint.
But Franny was willing to do it, for an experiment of sorts. She wanted to help and expand their knowledge of their powers to help the younger generation and the next.
It's not something ideal, but they needed to be comfortable with the idea of new wolves appearing in the next years seeing as their relationship with the Cullens are slowly becoming adequate.
"Alright, that should be it." Charlie's voice called from the driveway, offering to help, wanting to spend as much time with the girl who saved the boy who was almost like a son to him.
Franny stops and puts her violin in its case. She walks over to the car where her bags are set inside, she even smiled at the sight of Fluffy in the back, strapped and ready. She called earlier to Analee, who cried in relief when she found out that Fluffy was with her.
"Thank you, Sheriff Swan, you know you really didn't have to do this." She felt Jacob's arm worm its way to her shoulders.
"'Course I do," He waves off. "Just come back to make it up to me. And call me Charlie."
When Charlie was invited to breakfast at Billy's, he took a moment to think when he saw Jacob there and he pulled into a hug. After berating him about running away, he saw Franny standing quietly by the stove.
The story they gave to him was that Franny was the one who found Jacob passed out in the streets and healed him back to his feet. Which is half of the truth. They got in touch with Sam and decided to keep their presence quiet, seeing as they didn't want to ruin Bella and Edward's happy day. He heard her about her role as Jacob's savior. He indulged her for her kindness and selfless acts to bring Jacob home.
"Careful, there Jacob," Billy rolls into the small group. "Charlie here might steal your girl."
"He might." Franny quips and laughs when she is pulled closer to Jacob's side, mocking a disgruntled look on his face.
Charlie placed his hands on his hips. "I still can't believe your folks are letting you move out early."
She hums in agreement. "So am I, but my aunt will be coming shortly in a few weeks. She kind of got inspired and wants to open a business here in Forks."
"Why Forks?" He asked. Not everyone wanted to move in sleepy old Forks. The Cullens were a different story.
A small smile was shown before answering. "That's a question you're gonna have to ask her."
Charlie nods, unsure. "Well, I'm still gonna thank this woman for letting you stay in town with us longer. Until you're back."
She nodded.
Billy looks at her and Jacob. "Charlie, why don't we give these two a minute?"
Charlie looks at him then at the two teenagers, obviously wanting to be left alone. He pursed his lips and took Billy with him. He sent a wink at Jacob's direction.
Left alone, Franny faced Jacob as he took both of her hands into his and intertwined their fingers together.
"Are you sure that I don't have to come see you take off? I could've asked Sam to let me go just for today. He'd understand."
The only source of punishment that was fair to give him was extra patrols for a month. While it was cruel, it was reasonable, and Franny was fine with it if he came back to her. Usually, at the end of his patrol, he'd come to sleep next to her on the couch or his bed. Franny tends to nap in the day, her 'Cat Naps' as she likes to call it. It was something that she likes to do whenever she feels uncharged.
She nodded. "Positive. I need to bring back the rental anyway." She tilts her head to the car that her grandfather had arranged.
Jacob caresses the back of her hand with his thumb. "I just don't want leave you alone."
"As sweet as that sounds, I think you're forgetting who you're talking to."
A knowing smirk appeared on his face but only briefly. "I didn't."
They both do, but even that didn't ease the possibilities that were listed through and through within Jacob's mind. He hates to worry so much because he knows how capable she is. But the last time he thought of that was-
"Hey." Her voice broke his deep though, she crooked her head down to look at him properly in the eyes seeing as his head was down. "I'll be okay. You know that right?"
He sighs one final time, then nods. "Yeah. I do."
At that moment, looking deep into her eyes, he would've taken the opportunity to kiss her. But he made a promise back in Canada and he wasn't going to break it. So, instead of kissing her, he lifted her hands to his lips and paused there for a long moment, letting her know by his touch of how much he loves her.
Franny paused, unsure of how to react to his gesture, but once he pulled away, she gave him a gentle smile that made him blissful. She lifted her hand to cup his cheeks and leaned up to place a kiss on his cheek. He closed his eyes to savor the touch as he let her ever changing scent engulf his senses. This time, her masked scent was roses, but after that layer was her unique fragrance that only he had the privilege to experience through his smell.
One of the many perks of Franny being his imprint was that only he gets to know her scent.
When she pulled away, his arms wrapped around her, and he just held her against his body.
"This week is gonna be hell." He murmurs into her hair.
"I know." She whispers.
Once they said their final goodbyes, Franny drives down the road with music blasting through the speakers of the car. She tries to keep it at a sensible volume for Fluffy to handle, knowing how sensitive the critter can be around loud noises. She bobs her head to the song playing through the CD she brought with her to La push.
The beep from her phone caught her attention and she reached for it on the passenger seat. She looked it over quickly and smiled when she saw a text sent from Jacob.
Miss you already.
Looking ahead, there were no turns, so she quickly texted with her thumb.
See you soon. 3
She sets her phone down, but as soon as she looks up to the road she stomps on the break. The car screeches by the dragged tires on the cemented road. Some of Franny's hair fell on her face but she wasn't bothered, too focused on the target in front of her.
"Eddie?"
Bella fiddled with the blanket that Rosalie had tucked her in, waiting patiently for her husband to return. She didn't know exactly where he was or what he was doing, only knew that he said he would bring something that could fix everything and left her confused.
She asked Rosalie so many times of what he meant by that, being that she was the last to talk with him before he left, and many times Rosalie had told her she doesn't know.
Looking at the large window, she watched the tree branches dancing with the wind, hoping to catch a glimpse of her husband behind the branches, even if it wasn't possible.
She rubs her stomach in anticipation until finally, she heard a car pulling up from outside. "Is that Edward?" She sits up a bit from her spot on the couch that she's taken residence in since she stepped foot into the house.
Her hunger hasn't been great as well. Every time she tries to take in something new, she just throws it up.
"Yeah." Emmett was the one to answer and looked at the driveway through the window with a weird look on his face that made her nervous as Alice looked over his shoulder and a small gasped escaped her lips.
"What is it?" She asked.
"Oh, we're in deep sea now." Emmett mutters as he moves quickly to the front door.
Esme beats him there and she opens the door once she heard her son's footsteps.
"What have you done?" Esme whispered as she looked at the person behind her son with widened eyes, fear was sparked in them.
Franny stood with her hand holding onto to her forearm to wave off the stiff awkwardness she was feeling once Esme's eyes were on her.
"What I had to." Edward stated unapologetic.
With vampiric speed, Carlisle was at the door and his eyes copied his wife's when he saw the young girl that Edward had brought to their home. He took Edward's arm, and he sent a quick-"Would you excuse us." leaving the poor girl alone at the front door with the matriarch of the family. She looks up at the vampire with a twisted lip.
"So. . ." She starts out slowly. "You got any black tea?"
Esme looks at her with a small sigh escaping her lips.
"Do you realize what you've done?" Carlisle asked Edward cautiously, his eyes searching his son's face for any hint of what had driven him to bring, or rather, steal Franny from the wolves.
"I had no choice," Edward replied, his voice steady.
Alice turned away, her hands clenched into fists as she fought the urge to lash out at her brother while Carlisle scolded him. "You've kidnapped one of the most valuable beings in the eyes of the Quileute Pack. An imprint."
"I didn't kidnap her-" Edward began.
"Do the mutts know she's here?" Alice demanded, cutting him off.
Edward hesitated. "No."
Alice let out a furious breath. "Then you started a war!"
"W-what's going on?" Bella asked, her voice trembling as Rosalie helped her. She glanced toward the hallway and saw Esme escorting a familiar figure into the kitchen. Quickly, Bella hid behind the wall, hoping Franny hadn't noticed her or her obviously pregnant belly.
"What is she doing here?" Bella whispered urgently to Edward.
"I brought her here," Edward explained softly.
"Why? I-I thought I needed to hide," Bella frowned, uncertainty clouding her eyes. She couldn't comprehend why her husband had brought Franny here.
"She can help," Edward answered simply.
Bella's confusion deepened. "Wh-"
"I'll explain later. Go back to the living room while I speak with our guest. Go," he gently urged her, letting Rosalie guide Bella back to her usual spot.
Once she was out of sight, Edward turned back to Carlisle and Alice, offering them only a brief, unapologetic look before leaving them to handle the situation by going back to speak with their sudden guest.
When they entered the kitchen, Esme was pouring some hot water with the tea that she had found in the back of the cabinets where she laid food aside for Bella whenever she came over. It rarely happens, but it made her happy to use the kitchen to cook for Bella.
"Thank you," Franny said softly. Out of all the Cullens, she found Esme the most comforting to be around. There was a warmth in her presence that reminded Franny of her mother, Nicole, and it put her at ease.
As she looked up, her gaze wandered to the new faces in the kitchen, but her smile faded as she took in their concerned expressions.
What exactly is going on here?
"Alright, fess up. Why am I here?" she demanded, fixing her gaze on Edward, her captor, who leaned casually against the kitchen counter, his posture suggesting he was in control of the situation.
He regarded her with a serious expression, making it clear she had no choice in the matter. "Something happened to Bella."
That caught Franny's attention. "Is she turned?"
"No," he replied, his tone clipped.
"Good." She started to rise, planning to take the mug with her, but Edward reached out, stopping her from leaving.
"She's… sick," he said, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.
Franny raised an eyebrow. "Listen, I am about a half an hour late to my flight, be grateful that I care this much to stay. Besides-" Shegestured toward Carlisle, who stood nearby. "-don't you have a doctor?"
Edward's patience thinned, and he almost growled in response. "This is something beyond Carlisle's expertise."
She shot him a disbelieving look, her skepticism evident. "And what exactly is out of a vampire who is nearly 370 years old expertise?" The incredulity in her voice was palpable, challenging the gravity of the situation.
Bella waited in her claimed seat on the couch, rubbing her stomach to comfort her growing anxiety within her. She replayed Edward's words over and over, but she just couldn't understand how Franny could help her and her situation.
Her ears picked on the footsteps coming from her left side and saw Franny walking behind Edward. Rosalie stood up and went to cover Bella as much as she could with her body. The young black-haired girl tries to get a better look at her until Rosalie stops her.
"That's close enough." The blonde threatens.
Franny lifted a hand as she stepped back. "Whoa, calm yourself. I'm just here to help."
Rosalie was about to protest but Bella stopped her. "Rose, it's okay."
After a reluctant moment, Rosalie steps aside and Franny's eyes lit up surprise.
"Wow. . . you look terrible."
And while she looked terrible, Bella couldn't help but envy the way that Franny's eyes glittered as her eyes moved. She looked as beautiful as she did on the night she met her at the reception. Jacob was so lucky to have her.
"It's nice to see you, too." She smiled. It truly was. She wanted to know how Franny was settling in at Forks. Edward had informed her that she was planning to stay and start school in a couple of weeks, wanting to make a name for herself outside of her home.
From what he told her, Franny came from old money as well as an heiress to a big family-owned business. But he wouldn't tell her what it was.
"No offense, Franny." She knitted her brows. "But, why are you here?"
The young girl pursed her lips. "That's what I'm trying to understand. But Eddie wouldn't budge the info."
"'Eddie?'" Bella says unsurely.
"Your dear husband, here, refuses to tell me what's wrong with you," She nods to Edwards's direction. "Said that I had to see for myself."
Bella gave her a look. "Why?"
"Because he's stubborn."
She shook her head. "No, I mean… how can you help me?"
Franny remained silent, lowering her gaze before turning to look out the massive living room window. She then closed her eyes, as if drawing inward.
The ailing woman stared at her, baffled by Franny's sudden behavior.
"Not again," she heard Alice murmur in despair from across the room.
Out of the corner of Bella's eye, she noticed a shadow moving on her hand.
She glanced down, her eyes widening as more tiny shadows danced across her skin. Following the path of sunlight streaming through the window, her heart sank.
Snow.
A heavy snowfall had materialized outside the house.
In September.
Bella's gaze snapped back to Franny, whose eyes were now open, a serene smile lighting up her face and filling the room with warmth.
"What… what are you?" Bella breathed, her voice laced with shock.
Franny smiles. "I'm not a vampire, thank God."
"Franny here's a witch." Emmett reveals, which Franny actually thanks him silently for it. She was glad that she didn't have to say it herself.
"What?" Bella said and looked at Franny from a different perspective.
Oblivious by the discomfort that Franny was softly displaying under Bella's gaze, she states. "After marrying a vampire, do you ever think that there could be other possibilities? Other monsters?"
Bella shifted in her spot, suddenly feeling frightened by the girl's presence but Edward steps forward.
"Bella, if there's anything that could help you. Franny could be the key to your salvation."
She hesitated, but seeing the look on Franny's face, she was truly concerned about her health. So she made the decision and nodded to her husband's pleas.
If he could breathe, he would do so in relief when he closed his eyes, thanking her for agreeing to accept Franny's help.
"Alright," Franny claps her hands and begins to walk over to Bella. "Let's see what we're working on."
Bella hesitated, not knowing how to tell her. So instead, she decided to show her.
"Rose, you wanna help me up?" She asked Rosalie for assistance.
The vampire went to her side immediately and helped Bellato stand up. And when the blanket was away, so was Franny's confident smile.
There, behold, was Bella's very pregnant belly.
"Oh."
After a few murmurs of shock. Franny found herself outside the Cullens' backyard. She sat on the back porch with her elbows on her knees and her chin rested on her knuckles, her face still held the blank shock, trying to absorb the critical condition that Bella was facing.
It was a theory, an impossible idea that she had thought of once when she was studying one of her family's grimoires about vampires and werewolves. But never had she come across something so unique and frightening.
An unborn child of a mortal and vampire.
As the weight of this revelation pressed down on her, Franny tries to zone out the voices of Edward, who was pleading with her and Rosalie's who was about seconds away from wrestling him to shut him up.
"You're the only one who can help-" He implored, his voice raw with desperation. "Bella doesn't have much time-"
"For the last time," Rosalie hissed. "This is Bella's decision, not yours-"
Edward continues to talk to Franny. "You've must've studied or heard of this kind of thing- there has to be something you can do to save her."
Rosalie steps in front of him but he does not look at her as she speaks. "She doesn't need saving! She just needs us to stand by her-"
Edward's patience frayed further. "Stand by her while she dies? It's killing her,-"
"SHUT UP!" Franny suddenly yelled, her voice slicing through their argument. Edward and Rosalie both stopped, staring at her in shock, watching her as she stood up.
Edward, still desperate, leaned in slightly. "Well?" He demanded, his voice tight.
She looked up at him. "I-I don't know." Her voice trembled slightly.
He blinked in disbelief, his expression shifting from desperation to a shocked anger.
"I don't know, okay?" She shook her head, frustration spilling over. "I've never heard of anything like this. I've studied vampires, werewolves my whole life but this!? It's unheard of!"
Edward glares. "Then you're useless to us."
Franny held her ground and pointed at him. "Hey! You asked my help and that's what I'm giving!"
She may not have the answers, but she doesn't want Bella to die.
"I just need time."
"Bella doesn't have time!" Edward argues.
"I know that! But I just need to think! And I can't do that without youcrying to me about it!"
Franny turned away, her gaze drawn the woods, searching for any sign of clarity to amid the chaos swirling in her mind. But as the heavy silence lingered, a digital ring of her blackberry broke hat silence. She pulled it out of her pocket and saw the caller's id, almost cursed once she saw her aunt's name.
She glancesat Rosalie and Edward, before answering.
"Hey aunt Val."
" Franny. Change of plans, I'll be meeting you at Forks instead, later than scheduled. "
Franny blinks as she processed with the sudden news.
"What about the meeting?"
" Already taken care of by your brother. You should've seen him Fran, he impressed the court with your proposal. For a second, I thought I saw your father. "
The news was an unexpected relief to hear for the witch, but only briefly.
"That's great," She shot a quick look to the vampires. "So I guess my visit is cancelled?"
" Oh definitely! " Valerie quips. " Spend some time with your guy. I have a feeling that you won't get enough of it once school starts. Don't do anything I wouldn't dooo. " She coos through the phone
Again, Franny looks at Edward and Rosalie.
"Too late." She said, though it has a different meaning than what Valerie had assumed. She could practically see her aunt's smirk.
"That's my girl. " Valerie said her goodbyes. " We'll see you in a few weeks at Forks. Love you. "
"Love you, too." Franny hangs up then mutters. "Well, guess that official canceled my business trip."
She turned to her audience, but before she could even talk, Edward brought up another concern.
"And what aboutJacob? What are you gonna tell him?"
Franny sighed, looking down at the groundas she considered Edward's question.
" You got through security okay? " Jacob asked, his voice steady but laced with concern.
"Yeah, I got through security fine," Franny replied, glancing around as travelers hurried past her. The noise of announcements and chatter filled the background, adding authenticity to her words.
"Alright. Hey, uh, listen…" Franny hesitated. "I got a call from Aunt Val, and my trip might be longer than planned."
She bit her lip, knowing she had to tread carefully. " How long? " Jacob finally asked after a brief silence.
She hesitated, deciding to give him just enough truth to keep the conversation believable. "I don't know. It's rocky, maybe another day or two."
" Two days? " Jacob's voice held a hint of disappointment, but he was trying to hide it.
"Yeah," Franny confirmed, glancing out the large airport windows, where planes were taking off and landing. The sight made her lie feel even heavier.
Another moment of silence passed, and she could almost hear Jacob's thoughts turning over the new information. Finally, he sighed. " Okay. "
"Okay?" Franny repeated, needing to hear his reassurance.
" Yeah. You do what you gotta do, right? " Jacob's voice was resigned, but there was understanding there too.
She felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Yeah. Thanks for understanding."
" I'll miss you, " Jacob said, his tone softening.
"I'll miss you, too," Franny replied, the sincerity in her voice cutting through the lie.
" Call me once you land? " Jacob asked, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and concern.
"I'll try," Franny said, knowing she wouldn't be landing anywhere. She just hoped she'd figure everything out before Jacob caught on.
" Bye. "
"Bye," Franny echoed, ending the call and lowering her phone. She stood there for a moment, surrounded by the noise of the airport. She turns around and walks to the departures entrance. Walking out, she looks for her driver.
Across from the parking lot, she saw Emmett standing by his car, arms-crossed, waiting patiently for her to arrive. Once he caught sight of her, he lets his arms to his side and asked.
"Did we really had to come all this way to make a call?"
She opened the passenger door and him the drivers.
"Super hearing, remember?" She stated. "He'd noticed if something was off, not matter how little it is."
"And what happens if he finds out you're in Forks and not in Canada?"
She didn't respond.
What she was doing for the sake of Bella's life can automatically affect Jacob's. This child will hold great unknowns that scared her to death. However, she wasn't one to give up.
But lying to Jacob?
The last time she did that didn't go so well.
Daunt Manor, British Columbia
July, 2006
Franny held her arms out, allowing Nicole and Valerie to rub mineral oil on her body, following the Ritual's tradition to cleanse the body of the witch before the Wakening. The oil glistened on her skin, catching the dim light of the candles scattered around the room.
"I can't believe the night is already here." Nicole's voice was a soft murmur as she took Franny's hand and began to rub the oil into her palm. "It feels like just yesterday we took you to the fields for the first time. You conjured so many butterflies that day, your father couldn't stop smiling."
She cupped her daughter's cheek, her eyes misting with emotion. "You two are so much alike."
Franny smiled at her mother's words, feeling the warmth of her touch.
"Remember the time when she was being stalked by those mosquitoes during our trip to Wales?" Valerie chimed in with a laugh. "Such a triumph for our Fran when she burned them all at once."
As they exchanged fond memories, Franny's thoughts drifted, listening but not fully engaging in the conversation. The ceremony would be swift. It needed to be. She had witnessed so many others' Wakening's that it should have been easy for her to accept and believe in the process.
So why did she feel so ill?
Jacob navigated through the lively party, his heart pounding. Voices from various groups mingled together, all discussing the same topic.
The Wakening.
"I remember my Wakening. That knife was no joke," Someone commented.
His steps quickened towards the house.
"Oh, it was such a hassle. The day of my son's, we had to sharpen his knife twice because of how plump he was becoming," Another voice chimed in.
His breath grew shallow, not from the pace of his movement but from the weight of the words permeating the air.
"It took almost two minutes 'til Abraham woke. Hate to see what would've happened if he didn't." Laughter erupted within the group.
Finally, he reached the manor and ran through the halls, Matthew's words echoing in his mind.
The only way to release a witch's powers during the Wakening-
He bounded up the stairs and sprinted down the hall.
-is to break the vessel.
He grabbed the handle of her door and barged in.
Franny turned around in surprise, and her mother and aunt froze, their hands in mid-air, startled by Jacob's sudden entrance. Franny looked different, having changed from her cream dress into a modest white gown that brushed the floor. If circumstances were different, he would have paused to admire her beauty, but his priorities were set.
"Jacob! What the heck—"
He cut her off, his voice strained. "Why didn't you tell me?"
She frowned at him, confused. "What?"
"Why didn't you tell me that the ritual involves you being killed?"
She blinked, her expression calming before she turned to her family. "Mom, Aunt Val, can you give us the room?"
They exchanged a hesitant look, clearly uneasy about leaving Franny alone with a temperamental wolf on the verge of phasing.
"It's okay," she reassured them softly.
After a moment's hesitation, Nicole walked over to her daughter, placing her hands on her shoulders. "We'll come for you when the ritual to start."
Franny nodded, and Nicole gave one last concerned glance at Jacob before leading Valerie out of the room, silencing any protest.
Once they were alone, Jacob repeated his question, his voice taut with emotion. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Her hands rested at her sides, her gaze steady. "I didn't know how."
He sighed heavily. "You had every opportunity to tell me. All those times we spent together, all those times you explained the Wakening to me, not once did you think to mention that you need to die?"
She pressed her lips together before responding. "I was going to."
He stepped closer, causing her to step back. "But you didn't!"
"I know," she admitted quietly, their voices rising.
"Why?" His voice cracked, his fists clenched tightly.
She looked up at him, her eyes glistening. "I didn't want to lose you." Her voice was a whisper, a confession that seemed to take all her strength.
His face fell slowly, the weight of her words sinking in.
"I didn't want my culture to scare off another person, not like last time," she continued, shaking her head.
Christopher.
It made sense now. She didn't want him to become like Christopher, someone she lost because of a heritage she couldn't control.
"How long have you known?" he asked, his voice barely audible.
She wiped her eyes, catching any falling tears. "Since I was eight."
He looked away for a moment, then back at her in disbelief. "You've known this since you were a kid?"
She nodded, looking down.
Another hollow breath escaped his lips. "Matthew. . ."
A small, sad smile touched her lips. "He's always been the most fragile out of us. Seeing us hurt. . . he can't bear it." Her face then displayed a quiet determination. "But he's learning. He'll get used to it like I did."
"You need to die to live," Jacob said slowly, trying to comprehend her words. "Do you understand how messed up that is?"
She met his gaze, a soft glare in her eyes. "Jacob, no offense, but you don't know what you're talking about."
His fists clenched tighter. "Then explain it to me," he demanded.
She looked down again before sitting on the chair near her vanity, hesitating before speaking. "I told you that our powers are too strong to handle. That nature would literally scream to us if we felt overwhelmed."
She looked up at him, her voice trembling. "What I didn't tell you was that it can become... intense."
Jacob's hands loosened, his anger giving way to concern.
"The first witches tried everything- potions, spells-but nothing worked. When the full moon peaks, my senses and body willreject any enchantments. The only way to control our abilities is to release the energy beyond our understanding and let our soul merge with the land. Then, we return." Angry tears fell from her eyes. "The Wakening is our only way to survive, Jacob."
He was conflicted now, torn between denial and the harsh reality. She had to die. And a selfish thought crept into his mind.
What if the imprint wasn't there anymore? If Franny went through with this, would he have the strength to live? Or would he disappear like his ancestor Ephraim, who lost his imprint, the Third Wife, who sacrificed herself to save her other half?
He pushed the thought aside and knelt in front of her, staring into her blue eyes. "Is it really the only way?" The fear in his voice was palpable.
Franny closed her eyes briefly, then opened them, her voice firm. "Yes."
She saw the despair in his eyes and, without thinking, took his hand. He looked at her, his expression softening.
"I know it's scary. But many witches have done it before me, Jake," she said softly. "Gramps, my uncle, Val, and my parents-everyone."
Hope slowly returned to Jacob's eyes as he heard her words, describing people who were alive and well. But the thought of losing her was slowly eating him alive.
"This is the only way for me to live." she urged, trying to make him understand.
Another sigh escaped him as he looked into her eyes, making his decision. "Okay."
Relief washed over her face as she squeezed his hand tighter, grateful for his understanding, for staying.
Jacob's presence was a comfort to Franny, grounding her amidst the turmoil of the upcoming ritual. She knew it would be hard, but with him by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope.
She was about to stand up so that they could leave but he stopped her by catching her wrist. Looking down at him in surprise, she said his name while cocking her head.
"Jacob?"
The room was filled with a tense silence, contemplating the gravity of lay ahead as he continued to look at her. Finally, Jacob spoke again.
"If we're being honest. . . There's something I need to tell you."
She held the hand holding her wrist and moved it away from her arm before cupping his cheek.
"What?"
Giving him his time to wrap up whatever it is he needed to say.
Thelook on his face grew deeper but there were so many emotions within him to read him.
"Before we met. I was in a dark place. I wasn't myself." He swallowed. "I was so desperate to choose something for myself in a life that was made for me before I was even born."
Tears welled up in Franny's eyes, feeling a surge of empathy for the man before her. His own glazed in self-hate.
"And I wanted to fight it because it wasn't fair." His face then changed into awe as he looked at her with such sorrow. "And then. . . I saw you, and everything changed."
He took the hand that held his cheek, feeling the familiar warmth like that night when they rode in the fields. "You made that changed."
She shakes her head, confused. "Jacob, what are you trying to say?"
He stayed quiet, opening his mouth but unable to find the right he could speak, a knock on the door interrupted them. They both turned to see Valerie standing in the doorway, the door ajar.
How long has she been there?
"It's time."
Franny took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She glanced at Jacob, who looked at her, saddened that he couldn't finish his confession. His eyes conveyed words he couldn't say, a mix of fear and unspoken promises. She gave him a reassuring nod, squeezing his hand one last time before letting go.
Valerie stepped aside, allowing Franny and Jacob to pass. The hallway seemed longer than usual, every step echoing the gravity of the moment. They walked in silence, the air thick with anticipation.
Franny's heart pounded as she descended the staircase, Jacob by her side.
Oswyn, Nicole and the rest of the family stood at the front, their faces a mix of pride and worry. As Franny joined them, the room fell silent, all eyes on the young witch about to undergo the Wakening.
Oswyn stepped forward, his voice steady but filled with pride. "If only your father were here to see you."
She smiled at him. Taking a deep breath and stepped out of the manor. The guests were already gathered outside, waiting in hushed anticipation. Once she was in view, all eyes were on her.
"Lead us." He whispered.
Franny nodded, her resolve firm. She turned to Jacob, who gave her an encouraging look before she began to walk.
And they follow.