Eye of Shadows

es were deadly, mysterious, and often fearsome, their roots entwined with the very essence of the human experience. Italy, a land of scenic beauty and ancient traditions, was no exception. Jutting d

or, there thrived a clande

ack hair framed a face of ethereal beauty, but her striking looks were overshadowed by her habit of avoiding physical contact. Calliope's lineage was one o

ental brush of skin to skin bombarded her with visions of destinies, both mundane and monumental. She knew how to curse those she despised, but this dark gift remained under

hoing in the quiet evening. She enjoyed this time, the brief moments of peace before the visions would overwhelm her again. As she turne

n said, her voice raspy but

areful not to make contact

lanced around, sensing eyes upon her. The streets were empty, but the feeling persisted. She quic

to her abilities, the curse of her lineage. She had always seen them as a punishment, but now she wondered if they were also a res

r bedroom door. Her mother entered, her expr

ed. "Just thi

den, my dear. But remember, you are stronger than you think. Our ancestor

inding comfort in her words. "I

good, to atone for her ancestors' sins. But she also knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger a

r strength, her resolve, and her very soul. The shadows of the past were closing

of fortune-tellers and witches, but they worked hard to blend in, keeping their secrets hidden. Their life was simple; they lived in a quaint c

a nightmare. Her striking beauty drew attention, but she rebuffed every advance, knowing that any

nd her parents, their identity had been compromised. A certain individual, suspicious of the De Lucas' odd behavi

e their cottage, torches in hand, shouting for the De Lucas to leave the villag

to reason with the crowd, but their fury was unrelenting. Torches were thrown, and the wooden wa

her voice barely audible over the crac

t, the flames of her home lighting her path. She heard her parents' screams, their cries of pain and an

d in her mind: "Go to the city

r, collapsing on the forest floor. The cold night air bit at her skin, but she barely noticed

me destroyed. But as the first rays of sunlight pierced the canopy of trees above, Calliope felt a spark of determinat

the memories of a life that could never be reclaimed. The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with danger and hardship, but she was determined to forge her ow