‎Edward had lived long enough to watch empires decay and tear themselves apart.

‎He had stood beneath darkened skies during the first war, watching men marching into the mud with fear already filling their hearts.

‎He had seen kingdoms fall, kings begging for mercy, and different kinds of monsters wearing human faces. He had fought creatures older than memories and had survived different curses from the witches that were meant to break his immortality.

‎Among all vampires in New York, Edward was different, feared by all. But none of those wars or victories had prepared him for what was coming.

‎The rain dripped gently on Edward outside Rachel's door at night.

‎He was caught between affection and duty. Tonight was the time he had to make a choice.

‎"Rachel!" He knocked hard on the door, calling her name.

‎The door opened slowly.

‎Rachel stood at the doorway, blocking the entrance without stepping outside.

‎"Invite me in," Edward demanded, his voice low and impatient.

‎Rachel had known Edward for years. She was just an ordinary mortal, but still the only one that could make Edward feel what was called love. Though their bond was rejected by the multitude, it could not be broken. Now that the prophecy had come up, their bond began to weaken.

‎"I won't invite you in, Edward," she said softly, folding her arms.

‎She wasn't scared of him.

‎Edward had different ways of getting in. He could have looked into her eyes and told her what to do.

‎But he wouldn't.

‎He still loved her.

‎"The baby is dangerous, Rachel."

‎Edward moved a step closer to the door, already feeling the heat he would get burned by if he stepped in without being invited.

‎"She would destroy the world," he added calmly.

‎Rachel chuckled faintly. She hated the fact that Edward kept following orders without questioning them.

‎"The prophecy can be false sometimes."

‎Rachel tried looking at his burning look.

‎"The child is a..."

‎"The child is not a gift!"

‎Edward snapped at her immediately, avoiding her gaze not to get tempted.

‎Edward believed the prophecy could never be false. He knew a lot about the Prophecy Stone, more than anyone, and he had always followed its so called righteous path.

‎Centuries ago, the stone gave a prophecy, revealing:

‎"A child would be born out of cold blood and anger. His claws would be enough to slay every unclean spirit, and his teeth would bring out the blood of every dark desire."

‎Te elders of the council begin to murmur in surprise. They weren't expecting a saviour even when they needed it so badly. Not too long after the prophecy, Edward was born. He was devoted to performing his great duty as the saviour of the world, destroying every rebel, monster, and those that fell into the dark path which includes the entire wolf clan. Ever since then, the stone has been quiet until Jane was born.

‎"A great child has been born. One who carries the blood of all kinds. She has come to destroy." The stone revealed.

‎"Only the man with the purest blood can slit her throat," it added.

‎Edward could have killed her long ago when he first killed her parents, but his emotions held him back.

‎He heard her crying, her voice was so tiny and fragile. Too little to be a monster, he thought.

‎The prophecy stone was persistent; it kept appearing from time to time, warning about the looming disaster. This time, Edward was left with no option than to carry out the mission.

‎Rachel was fully aware of all this; she just won't accept it. She'd already made a vow to protect the child at all cost.

‎Rachel shakes her head gently, tears already gathering in her eyes.

‎"I'm sorry, Edward. This is my path." She said softly.

‎Edward moves closer to the entrance, the heat already getting severe. He exhales softly, looking serious.

‎"Rachel, they'll come." "They'll come for you and for the baby."

‎Rachel knew about this too.

‎"Hurt." A small voice called from the inside.

‎Edward froze.

‎Rachel turned, panic flooding her face. "No, Jane. Go back to your room."

‎But the tiny footsteps came closer, pushing the door open.

‎A little girl, not more than seven years in appearance, though only seven days born. She had long, dark waves around a face too delicate for this kind of world.

‎But her eyes… blue, luminous blue, glowing softly, as though moonlight had been trapped inside them.

‎"Edward forgot to breathe, staring at the child who was smiling.

‎"Daddy…" Jane said happily, grabbing his left arm playfully.

‎She was looking straight into his eyes. This was it. The opportunity, but his look was telling something different.

‎Ever since Drake died two hundred years ago, he stopped hearing the word "Daddy." Memories of his son flashed in his head. He felt weak and sober.

‎Rachel noticed, and she understood he has to make a choice.

‎Edward was completely lost. He bent down to her height, staring at his own reflection in her eyes. His energy was all over the place. Edward could hear her heart beating gently, with no obsession or dark intent.

‎He touched her tiny hands, feeling the pure blood running through her veins.

‎"She's also carrying the purest blood." He muttered in surprise, rubbing her hands gently to her shoulder.

‎"Part human, part wolf, part witch, and a vampire." He shifts his gaze back to Rachel.

‎"You won't take her anymore, will you?"

‎Rachel asked softly, moving closer to him.

‎"Invite me in," Edward said swiftly, his voice carrying a bit of sadness that already answered her question.

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