Purpose

Oliver

A woman coughed, a small drop of blood forming on the corner of her mouth. "Oliver." She called out to him weakly. In a flash, Oliver kneeled next to her, horror washing over his face. "Julia." He said softly, clutching her hand in both of his. She couldn't die like this. It couldn't happen. "Oliver you have to make a promise to me." Tears began to sting in the back of his eyes. How long had it been since he had even shed a tear? It must've been long ago. Centuries ago, yet here he was. "Anything, Julia, anything." His best friend was dying.

"You have to protect her, Oliver." Her eyes turned into determination now. She needed Oliver to promise her this. If he couldn't...

"Julia, no. Nothing is going to happen, it doesn't have to be this way." "Oliver!" She said more sternly now, grabbing his attention. "You cannot let anything happen to her. No one can know... Especially not Marcus, dear God don't let him find out." Her voice was weakening. "But.. how can she not know, Julia, she's going to find out eventually." "No.. Not for a long time. And when she does, it will be time." Oliver, confused, questioned further, eager to get any information he could before she passed. "What do you mean? The demon? Has he truly been reincarnated?" The woman closed her eyes and made the smallest of nods. "Yes. He will find her." A look of anger flashed over Oliver but Julia put a weak hand on his to calm him. "You must guide her, Oliver. She will need you." Julia coughed a few times, more blood forming in her mouth.

Oliver gripped her hand more tightly. "I must do this, Oliver. If I don't, they'll come for her." He knew she was right but it didn't make it any easier. "Now, go, Oliver. Keep her safe." The woman closed her eyes and began speaking in whispers, a language Oliver didn't understand. He stifled a cry that was rising in his throat and bent down slowly to place a small kiss on her forehead. "I promise, Julia." He spoke softly, cupping a hand on her face. He drank in her features, knowing this would be the last time. The pain in his chest rose and he felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. Oliver stood, regaining his composure. He turned and walked away. It would be the last time.