? | ORACLE, garrett

01 ── thorn

With their shopping adventure complete, mother and son prepped for their journey to Forks, Washington. They were both uncertain about what to expect when assisting a coven of vampires, given that this was uncharted territory for them.

Both mother and son were initially drawn to the idea of helping a vulnerable child, but they overlooked the potential dangers that would come into play. Catherina had to acknowledge that she almost faltered when the petite vampire and her mate mentioned the Volturi, but her son's unwavering willingness convinced her to set aside her reservations and go along with the plan.

The Volturi were just one of the many adversaries on Catherina's list, and she grudgingly acknowledged that they stood quite high on that list. She had glimpsed through her precognitive spells that the Volturi were aware of both her and Thorn's existence, and how they had eluded the ritual of immortality.

The ritual that had claimed many lives in its quest to transform individuals into powerful beings remained a mystery that Catherina could not explain. She was puzzled as to why both herself and her son were fortunate enough to have survived and why they were seen as extraordinary. All she knew was that in the shadows, she was referred to as an Oracle, while her son was believed to possess an even greater power. Yet, both of them were uncertain about the significance of these titles, nor did they understand how their powers could be taken away or what those seeking them desired.

For Thorn, there was only one thing in the entire world he deeply desired—his mother's safety. She was his universe, and he would do whatever it took to shield her. Similarly, Catherina harbored the same level of intense devotion to her son. Together, they had silently acknowledged their shared commitment to each other's well-being, an unbreakable bond between mother and son.

"A child born from a vampire and a human," Catherina repeated slowly, conceding that while she was largely desensitized to anything life could throw at her, the concept of reproductive success involving a being considered dead was still mind-boggling.

Yet, Catherina occasionally reminded herself that she was a living contradiction to established logic herself. Despite being human, her body continued to defy all logic by remaining inexplicably healthy even after centuries had passed.

Catherina suppressed a giggle, realizing that she sounded very much like her brother in that moment. He had always been the intelligent one between them, and she often left the overthinking to his more analytical mind.

Catherina's chest ached as she thought of her brother, Carlisle. Despite the countless years that had passed since then, she still harbored self-blame for not having prevented his fate.

Suddenly, Thorn posed a question that completely caught Catherina off guard. "So, do you think you can have kids?" her eyes widening in surprise. A mix of emotions flooded her mind—while she was grateful for the distraction from her darker thoughts about Carlisle, this unexpected question left her somewhat uncomfortable and unprepared.

A look of surprise flashed across Catherina's face as she questioned, "What?" Her tone reflecting her astonishment at her son's unexpected question.

Thorn fidgeted with his thumbs as he continued, confessing, "Well, I don't know... I just sometimes feel like you might want more kids. And I admit, I do occasionally fantasize about having siblings..."

A flicker of softness crossed Catherina'sfeatures as she heard his words. "I suppose it could be possible," she responded thoughtfully. However, uncertainty clouded her mind as she added, "Though, I'm not really sure what would happen if I got pregnant."

Thorn quickly interjected with a mumbled statement, "You're thinking about them aging, aren't you?" Catherina responded with a sigh, silently affirming his accurate intuition.

"We don't age," Catherina affirmed while discreetly glancing at her son. "And would we truly be alright with watching them mature?"

Thorn responded with a contemplative smile, "I would feel a pang of sadness, but I would also experience joy knowing they're growing and leading a fulfilling life." He added optimistically, "We wouldn't miss anything important in their lives."

A mischievous grin appeared on Catherina's face as she quipped, "Well, I want to have a child with someone I genuinely love, not just some random donor."

Thorn chuckled and clapped his hands jokingly, replying, "Well, then, we just have to hope for someone to come along—leave it up to me, and I'll track down the perfect companion."

Catherina couldn't resist the playful banter and teased, "Right, my son who clearly lacks experience in romance."

In response, Thorn huffed and crossed his arms, retaliating, "Well, it's not like you have any real experience either."

Catherina playfully feigned offense, her mouth dropping open in mock shock. "Low blow, Thorn," she protested, pouting as she pursed her lips.

Thorn couldn't help but grin and pat her arm, playfully remarking, "Love you too, Mom."

Catherina chuckled, letting out a laugh as she reached over and affectionately tousled his hair. "Yeah, yeah, I love you too," she replied. "We'll find the right ones soon," she added with optimism.

Thorn countered with a laugh, "You said that a hundred years ago."

Catherina confidently smiled and replied, "Well, we have forever—and a hundred years is practically nothing."