Chapter 199: Tragic Fate?

Kristen's POV

"Theodore, please, there has to be a way for us to find peace," I implore upon seeing Theodore's resilience to let things go.

"Peace, Kristen?" Theodore scoffs bitterly, "You robbed me of life, and now you seek peace?"

"Theodore, I never intended for any of this," I say with so much frustration evident in my voice.

"Intentions matter little now. Your fate is entwined with mine - a miserable demise awaits you," He makes this known to me, clearly enjoying everything.

"My husband and son needs me, I need to be with them," I point out.

"Calhoun and Aiden?" He shakes his head at me with disappointment, "You forfeited such connections the moment your actions took my life. You do not belong to them anymore. You are mine to claim."

"No," I shake my head vigorously, disagreeing with him, "I can't accept a fate that denies me the chance to be with my family."

"Family? Your destiny lies with me. I will never let you be with Calhoun and Aiden," Theodore growls as he stared at me with disdain.

"There has to be a way to make amends, Theodore. I can't lose everything," I say, not willing to give up by accepting all the things he's said.

"Some choices are irreversible, Kristen. Accept your destiny because you're going to die either ways," he

says.

And this sparks up fear in me.

"You cannot decide my destiny, Theodore. You were only a second chance mate!" My body trembles as I yell at the mirror.

Theodore's spirit vanishes and it leaves me terrified.

What am I supposed to do now?

Namala nears my side and puts her hand on my shoulder.

"Fear not, Kristen. I sensed his presence. There's a way to stop him, but it must be done with caution," she assures me.

Something which sparks a newfound hope.

"Please, help me. I can't bear this torment any longer," I implore, staring at her with pleading eyes.

Namala nods at me, her expression still the same.

"Tomorrow at midnight, I will use my powers to confront Theodore's spirit. Be patient until then," she says.

But this doesn't settle well with me because I want it to end today.

"Midnight? Can't you do it now? I can't endure another sleepless night," I let this out after taking a rough gulp.

"The forces at play are stronger at midnight. Trust me, waiting is essential for the spell to be effective," Namala explains.

Although it's not what I want to hear, but there's no way out of this except listening to her.

"I don't know if I can wait, but if it's the only way to find peace, I'll try."

Namala nods and gives my shoulder a little pat, "Rest tonight, Kristen. Tomorrow, at the witching hour, we shall confront Theodore's spirit together."

Calhoun's POV

I don't announce my presence when I get back into Namala's room, upon feeling a bit regretful over my actions earlier.

"Oh, you're back at last," the witch acknowledges my presence before my wife does.

But Kristen doesn't utter a word to me.

This makes me unsettled, but I still near her side.

"Something doesn't seem right. What happened while I was away?" I direct this to Namala.

"Calhoun, sit down. There's something you need to

know," the witch says in a solemn voice.

"What's going on? Why does my wife look so

broken?" I ask, although she asks the mask on, I am

affected by her quiet mood. She seems to be staring

into a space, lost in her thoughts.

"Theodore's spirit refuses to let go of Kristen. He

wants her to die miserably so they can be together in

death," Namala goes straight to the point.

"What? This can't be happening," to say I am baffled is an understatement.

And Kristen tearing up just confirms it's all.

"It's true, Calhoun," Her voice is shaky, showing her

fear "I never wanted this, but I don't know how to escape it."

"We can't let that happen, Kristen. I won't let you

die," my tone is firm as I say this, because I'll do everything within my power to help her. All my anger and jealousy from earlier has subsided, upon seeing Kristen break down like this in front of me.

She's not crying because she's weak, she's like this because she wants it to end. And I have to admit that

she's so strong.

"Tomorrow at midnight, I will use my powers to

confront Theodore's spirit and put an end to this. Calhoun, we need your strength and support," Namala's voice rings out, pulling me from my

thoughts.

"Whatever it takes, we'll face this together. Kristen, Aiden, this baby and I, are not losing you," I assure

her with determination.

"Calhoun, I'm so scared. Theodore's spirit is unforgiving and cruel. What if the witch can't stop

him? What if I really have to face death?" She's trembling so bad as she lets this out.

"Kristen, we'll get through this," gently, I pull her hands in mine, "I won't let anything happen to you. Namala powerful, she'll find a way to break Theodore's hold on you," I conclude.

Kristen, tears welling up: But what if she can't? What

if I have to die miserably just to be with him in death?

"We won't let it come to that. I love you, and I won't lose you. The witch knows what she's doing, and together, we'll face whatever comes our way. You're not alone in this, Kristen," I reassure her, wanting so badly to stop the way she feels.

But Kristen has tears streaming down her face as she sinks into my embrace, seeking solace.

And I have no choice but to hold her close.

"I know this is terrifying, but you're not alone. We'll

face this together, and I won't let anything harm you," I assure her.

Kristen, trembling: Calhoun, what if the witch can't stop Theodore? What if I have to endure a fate he's planned for me?

Hearing the sobs breaks my heart. Why did I even

leave her? She needs me now, more than ever. To hell with fucking Theodore and their stupid connection. "We can't let fear dictate our path. Trust the witch, She our best chance, and I believe in her abilities," do I really mean this? Yes. Elder Festus told me so, and I take him for a man of his words.

But Kristen's voice is choked with fear when she lets

this out, "It's just so hard, Calhoun. I never thought I'd be in a situation like this."

Releasing a low breath, I hold her tighter. "Life throws unexpected challenges at us, but we'll

overcome them. I love you, Kristen, and I won't let anything separate us."

But she ends up shuddering.

"I promise, Kristen, I'll be with you every step of the

way. No matter what happens, we'll face it together. You're not alone in this," I assure my wife in a calm and soothing tone.

Kristen, leaning into his warmth, whispers, "Thank

you, Calhoun. Your strength gives me some comfort."

"I'll never leave your side until this is over, until you're free from Theodore's hold. We'll endure this storm and find the light together," softly, I kiss her hair, meaning every word.