Come Back to Me

Story Description: This story is a sequel to Back and Forth. Now that Sookie and Eric have found their way to each other at last, Bill might just be the least of their worries. How will they deal with the threats that will try to separate them forever? And will their bonds be strong enough to survive?

[A/N #1: This story picks up right after my story Back and Forth, and I'm afraid that it might not make complete sense unless you have read that one, which I hope you do (unless you already have).

A/N #2: The 'prologue' that follows is your teaser/trailer to the story. I will begin posting daily (or almost daily) chapters one week from today, just like I did with Back and Forth. The story is already completed except for final edits, so you can expect a new chapter almost every day—starting next week, that is.

A/N #3: This story is rated "M" for language and lemons. It will also have its "dark" moments. I will warn you about the darkest of those as we get to them so that you can choose whether to read or skim during those times.

A/N #4: Okay—I'm about to shut up, but I'd like to officially welcome you to the story and to thank you for reading! I enjoyed writing it and hope you enjoy it too! (And if you decide to review too—well, then I will love you even more.)]

Prologue: The Sparrow and the Crow

The two had met often over the millennia, usually when it suited her.

Niall spoke first. "You look old."

"So do you," she returned sarcastically.

Niall took her in. She did look old—very old—and her eyes seemed like clouded glass. Of course, Niall knew better than to underestimate her. No one lived almost three thousand years if he or she was not extremely savvy, and she was among the most intelligent creatures he'd known in his own long life.

"It is time," she said simply.

Knowing what she was referring to and all the implications of her reference, Niall stiffened. "So soon?" he asked. "But they are just now settled―just now at peace."

She scoffed, "It is not I who have decided on this timeline—as you well know. It is their own actions and choices that have started things moving."

"Will they survive? What does your gift tell you?" Niall heard the desperate twinge in his own voice.

She shook her head. "There is much against them, and I have seen many possible outcomes, but things must happen as I have instructed if they are to even have a small chance of survival." Her voice took on a faraway quality. "Even then, it is only a small chance."

The two were silent for a few minutes.

When she spoke again, her voice had a defiant edge, "However, I would place a bet on them and their slight chance, rather than wager on the seemingly stronger forces that will line up—are lining up—against them."

Niall nodded. "They are already proving to be," he paused, "special—unique."

"Almost unique," she corrected with a wry smile.