Soft voices came from within the gently swirling mist.

”It is time for The One to be born again. The Others have grown strong again.”

”Do you think now is the right time?”

”I think we should wait another couple of years before we set things in motion.”

”No, he is right. If we wait any longer, they will never be together.”

”That will be the end before the fight even begins.”

”So who is she going to?”

”Make the wrong choice and doom us all.”

”I know who she will go to. That couple; it is her time.”

”Their strength in magic will help.”

”And later he will be there to help The One.”

”Yes. Is he ready for her to arrive?”

”He will be there; he is ready now.”

”Are you sure?”

”I have been watching him; it is time.”

”Better do it now, she is about to give birth.” They all lifted their hands and released The One back to the people.

”You know The One is stronger than ever?”

”I think that is what is going to be needed this time, my friend.”

The mist returned to quiet. They had all been there so long they could feel the comfort of the quiet. Each cast their eyes down, watching The One being born. A short while later, another joined them in the mist.

”Will she be alright?” the new voice in the mist asked.

”She already has a new protector; they are connected.”

”Connected?” there was a soft murmur in the mist.

”Do you think we should have stopped that from happening?”

”No, we will not interfere in what they do.” There was a pause.

”Who made the connection?”

”Both.”

”At the same time?” Another murmur.

”All will be well.” The new one spent the next couple of years watching and waiting for her other half. After his arrival, the pair watched over The One.

The large bedroom was in almost total darkness, except for a single candle that burned gently. William lay in his bed; today was his tenth birthday. Now, at the other end of it, he wished this day had not happened. The only bright spot had been the birth of Angel. The first child of his parents’ best friends, Charles and Angelina Flowerdew.