A loud knock at the door. I contemplated for a while whether to open it or not, but I went regardless. Since whoever was at the door wasn't going away. They rapped on the door louder and harder. It was Damon. My face turned dark as I let the door swing open. Our expressions differed. While I burned with fury, he was downcast and sorrowful.
"What do you want Damon?"
"I came to apologise.... I would like a chance to explain myself." He really was hurt and eager to explain. His eyes frowned despite his lips giving half a smile. I thought for a second and thought to myself: what would Enzo do? Knowing full well what he'd want and do, I let out a sigh.
"Fine. One chance and that's it." I huffed, allowing him in. He side stepped into the house, avoiding any contact. "I'm not going to kill you." I rolled my eyes before slamming the door. He examined the house, lips pressing together impressed. Rolling my eyes hard, I followed him into the living room.
"You know, this house belonged to the blonde original. They're back in town, she may be wanting her house back."
"I don't care Damon. Stop with the idle talk and get on with it." I sat on the Shetland mustard wingback chair, made out of tweed fabric. It coordinated well with the rest of the living room interior. The soft whites, creams, greys and soft wooden wall shelves, and furniture. Mimicking my London home, Enzo helped me design. I pulled my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. He's my brother and the least I could do was hear him out, regardless of how betrayed I felt by him. Maybe his explanation could change everything. Or maybe not.
"I knew it was Stefan when you told me your family's name. I saw it written on his wall of victims. I shouldn't have done that, but I was protecting you both. I didn't want you to hate him. I knew it was Klaus that turned you. They were both together during that time. Stefan was on another ripper bender...he's a ripper... I-" He paused, deep in thought. "I hid his dark side from you. I lied bitsy, and for that I'm sorry. I lied to you about our father...he was a horrible man but Stefan killed him when we first turned...he killed us-"
"You what Damon?" I lowered my knees, pushing my chest forward. "He-"
"Let me finish! I was trying to do right by you Both. Even though our father was an evil man, I couldn't bring myself to tell you, it was Stefan that killed him. I didn't want you to think any less of Stefan. I'm sorry I lied."
I sprung to my feet, rocking on my heels, livid at this huge confession that he dropped on me. "You lied to me! How could you?"
He stared down hard at the floor avoiding my murderous glare." I didn't want to bring any of it up, so I never told you. I thought what harm it could do if you didn't know."
I collapsed back into the chair. I couldn't comprehend what I was feeling. I had no idea what I even wanted to do. I was so angry at him over Stefan, that now it all dissipated. Instead i was disappointed in him. "You should have been honest about Giuseppe at least. Stefan...I can understand but you had no right, no business keeping the part about our father a secret! Yes, he was a cruel and abusive man, but I had the right to know. He killed you guys and he's partly the reason you're vampires today! You know I don't like being lied to!"
"You're right! I shouldn't have and I am so so sorry. I just wanted to protect you. You're better than us...better than Stefan and in our hundred years of existence we've done countless of horrible things. Yet you, you've still remained pure. Somehow you avoided losing control. That's all we've ever done." Pouring himself a glass of bourbon, he looked up at me, with an earnest expression and warm smile. I didn't believe I was pure and free of evil. I killed and spilled blood. There were skeletons in my closet. But my brother seemed to think I was better than them.
"What else did you keep from me? Now, please do not lie!"
He took a shaky breath then puffed back out, swirling his glass of bourbon. "Enzo..."
"What about him?" I inched closer, fists balled tight, on edge.
"Stefan-"
"Stefan killed Enzo!" I jumped down his throat! "Stefan killed Enzo! A man that was a brother to me! To us Damon! And you lied to me!" My tone spiteful and growing venomous. I clenched my fists till I began to shake violently. "He was my brother, Damon!!"
The glass in his hand flew across the room, hitting the wall and the shattered glass parts rained down on to the coffee table. "Yes, I lied! And I regret that, but I had to protect our brother! I didn't want you hating him! I didn't want you to kill him. Neither did Enzo."
"Oh, how noble of you, Damon!" I clipped. "Let me guess, all those times I failed to find Stefan, you had hidden him, didn't you? You and Enzo lied is it not? While Enzo roamed the world with me, you pretended to look for Stefan! Answer me! Don't just stand there glaring at me!" He turned away giving me a dismissive hand wave. "Oh seriously?! I am so done with your fucking bullshit Damon! How many more times must I forgive you, make excuses? It hurts brother! It hurts so much! You lied to me over and over again and I'm just broken! You cared so much about Stefan, that you couldn't care less about me! All this time I thought Enzo died at the hands of someone else and you knew all along, yet you let me believe some Tyler guy was responsible. What did I do? I killed Tyler because YOU LET ME BELIEVE HE WAS RESPONSIBLE!" There was a pain in my chest, indescribable. I sat down, hunched over with a sense of loss so powerful my muscles wouldn't respond to commands, and when his eyes met mine, unhappy lines etched deeply on his face. Taking long strides, he pulled me up and into his embrace.
"I've always cared about you! Don't you dare say that dammit! Don't you dare!" He began shaking me, speaking through clenched teeth, forcing back his tears. "Don't you dare! You are my sister and I love you. Enzo loved you! He never wanted you to hate Stefan, no matter what Stefan did to him. He didn't want you killing your own brother. I am so sorry for lying to you, but I promise you, it won't happen again."
I pushed him off. "Wow! You don't want me to kill Stefan! Everything was a lie just to keep Stefan, the great safe! I'm the horrible one ey?"
"You're not the bad one!"
"You know what? I don't care about what you or Stefan have to say! I will never forgive Stefan and I could never love him! You tell him to never show his face to me or even have hope of ever having a relationship with me. I hate him, I can't stand you right now but at least tell me where Enzo's buried-did he even get a proper burial?"
He gave a nod. I examined his face closely. Lines formed on his forehead and his lips were pulled taught. "We buried him in the family crypt."
I paced up and down the room, dragging my fingers down my hair, registering the information. "That's nice of you to do that."
We sat in silence for some time. Damon poured himself a glass of bourbon and offered me a mug of herbal tea. He knew I enjoyed herbal teas as it helped relax me. He also knew it was a peace offering. Many other times when an argument would blow us up, he'd come to me with a piping hot mug of herbal tea. I accepted the mug with a smile of appreciation. This didn't change how I felt but it was for peace. After a few good sips and feeling as relatively normal as one could after such revelations, I broke the silence. "Is Bon, okay?"
He nodded taking a sip. "Her and Caroline will be here soon...is that okay?"
"Sure. I want to apologise to them. I didn't mean to hurt them...I was angry, and I couldn't control it." My enmity was with Stefan, they did not deserve to feel the brute of it.
My brother marched over to me and pulled me into another hug. This time I wrapped my arms around him. "It's okay. They understand. Caroline is still eager to meet you." He grinned. "With a long list of questions." His chuckle was light and laced with a hum of amusement.
A smile enveloped my face. "Just for the record, I'm still mad at you but I'm willing to let you make it right." I loved him too much.
•
Bonnie and Caroline arrived 10 minutes later. We sat for a while speaking, they caught me up on the things I've missed. I spoke of my what life was like for me, over at London. I avoided looking at her wedding pictures. I didn't want to see him, and I didn't want it ruining the vibe, our newfound bond. I found myself getting along with them despite them being closely tied to him. I didn't want to talk about my past to them just yet, I wanted to have a normal day where I listened to them. Caroline caught a glimpse of the invitation that was propped against the vase on the stand. "You got one too?" She asked, pointing to it.
Damon reached out and grabbed it. "You're not going to that ball. I mean it!" He tore up the invitation. "Stay away from the Mikaelsons Sophia! They can't be trusted...Klaus can't be trusted. Whenever they come rolling in, there's always an ulterior motive."
"Yes!" Caroline agreed. "As changed as they are, they still come with trouble."
I chuckled. "I'm not afraid specially not of Klaus and I WILL attend the ball, Damon. I need to see what I'm up against."
"No, absolutely not." His voice strident. "It's out of the question. You're not going!"
"Klaus turned me and in fact I knew him before he killed me that day, so I have nothing to fear. Instead, he should fear me. I don't care about his reputation and how scary he is to others-"
"I don't give a toss if you're not scared of him. You're not going! That's final."
I remained silent, agreeing for the sake of it but I already made up my mind. I was going to the Mikaelson ball whether he liked it or not. Damon should know better. Stubbornness runs in our blood. "Fine. I won't go but what am I meant to do then?! I'm bored and I need at least some type of entertainment."
"Why...don't we have a girls day in together? Just you, me, and Bonnie? I mean how does that sound?" Caroline suggested.
I smiled wide. "I'd love that!"
"Me too." Bonnie added fizzing with excitement. "That means Damon has to go?"
"What?!" He exclaimed scrunching his face, offended. We quirked our brows at him. "Fine." He shrugged, rather glum. He planted a kiss on Bonnie's head and walked out, taking the bottle of bourbon with him. I rolled my eyes. One day I was sure my eyeballs would get stuck due to how often I rolled them at him. I turned back to my sister-in-laws; their brows raised at me.
"What?" They had caught on. I guess my playful smile gave it away.
"You're up to something aren't you? You get that same look Damon gets when he's up to something or has come up with some insane idea!"
"Relax Caroline. We're going to the ball, the three of us. I know you guys already are, so I'm coming too. Before you mention Damon...we just won't tell him. He won't be able to do anything once I get there. I'll snap his neck or something if he tries to stop me."
Bonnie's expression grew grave. "Bon...you guys seem to forget I'm a heretic. I'm stronger and they don't know that. If Klaus tries anything I'll be able to fight him and his family. Guys please, I have to go! I mean someone sent this invitation to me..."
"This is a bad idea and could potentially blow up in our faces and well, Damon will be furious." Bonnie looked to Caroline. After a seconds thought they reluctantly agreed. They weren't happy about it, but they trusted me and somehow, I did too.
Throwing my arms in the air I whooped and cheered. "Let's go dress shopping!"
•
That afternoon I spent with my sister-in-laws. It was an afternoon filled with laughter and giggles. I had fun. Real fun. It was different to what I experienced with my human friends. I felt an odd serenity and being with them felt like home. We brought our dresses, shoes, and accessories. Caroline and Bonnie wanted to do my hair and makeup and I without a second thought, agreed. This was strange. This was something I never experienced or thought I'd ever have. Maybe it was moving too fast and maybe it'll blow up in my face, but I pushed back the worry. I watched them unpack the bags, my eyes wet with tears but I was happy. Was this happiness? They picked up on my silence and looked up, dropping what they were doing.
"What's wrong?" Came the softly spoken words.
I took a shaky breath and exhaled. "I've never felt like this...I don't even know how to describe this feeling within me...but it makes me feel at home." With grace they walked to me and pulled me into a group hug. I held onto them tight only to be squeezed back tighter.
"Now, let's get you ready so we can get ourselves ready." They cried with joy.
•
I sat at the dressing table looking into the mirror. Bonnie worked on my face while Caroline brushed out my hair. She put it up in a messy bun, pinning it down so it'd remain intact and wouldn't move. The strands that framed my face, she gently twisted in her fingers letting them slightly curl. Finally they stepped back, hands over their mouths in awe, gasping. "You look...gorgeous."
"Beautiful." Bonnie beamed; her head tilted to the side. I looked back at myself.
"Thank you." I said smiling through the mirror. Caroline handed me my dress. We chose a long black spaghetti strap A-line dress, with a slit running up it. It was the perfect fit and flare dress. Bonnie handed me my rose gold, metallic strapped heels. I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to do once I reached the ball. How would I react to Klaus? Grabbing our bags, we headed out the door, ready for a thrilling evening with The Mikaelsons.
•
The Mikaelson home was colossal. It took up half the land it stood on, surrounded by greenery. Lights hung outside, illuminating the area. I stood outside the glass paned door. Everything about their home was intricate. If the outside looked like this, I had no doubt the inside was far more breath taking. I let out a yelp as a set of arms pulled and dragged me back. I whirled around, coming face to face with my brothers.
"What the hell Damon?!" I hissed.
"What are you doing here?!" He barked. "I thought I told you to stay away. Don't you ever just listen?!" Behind him stood Stefan. I felt a surge of anger the moment our eyes met. He stood in silence, looking at me apologetically. I shot Damon a cold look. He sighed. "Fine, if you're so hell bent on attending then we will escort you!"
"No!" I protested but Damon being Damon, was unrelenting.
"Whatever hatred and anger you feel towards Stefan, you'll have to put it behind you for tonight! At least that way, Klaus will know better. They can stay away from you."
The only way to shut him up was to agree to his condition. "Fine." I muttered. Both brothers stuck out their arms for me. Biting my inner cheek and giving my head a gentle shake, I weaved my arms through theirs. Hesitating a second when it came to Stefan. It was supposed to be Enzo. I raged internally, wanting to rip him to shreds but somehow, I controlled it. The doors opened wide, and we strolled in. In another life, this would have been a fond memory. It should have been Enzo, that stood by my side. He wasn't here but a strong feeling of his presence welcomed me. He was here, I could feel it- Calming me.
~
The doors to the Mikaelson abode swung open. She stood at the entrance with both Salvatores by her side. This intrigued him. What business could she possibly have with the Salvatore brothers. His lips tugged into a wolfish grin as her icy gaze met his. She recognised him, and it didn't please her. He placed his glass back down as a waiter carrying a tray walked by. After a century he finally found the vampire that slipped away from his grasp. She was beguiling. Grinning, he wove through the crowd of well-dressed gentlemen and women.
"Hello, Stefan...Damon...and who is this?" He disregarded the condescending looks the brothers shot him.
"She's a Salvatore, so keep your paws off her."
"Relax brothers, he doesn't scare me." Her witty remark impressed him. "Shall we brothers?" She took their hands and walked further into the house, joining the other guests, not giving the man a second glance.
The clink of glass caught the attention of the guests. Still beside her brothers she directed her attention to the grand stairs, decorated with fairy lights, draped, and hanging down the stairs. There, on the winding steps stood a young man, impeccably dressed. "Who is that?" She asked.
"Elijah. The eldest original brother." Stefan responded, waiting for her to glare at him, hurt him but she didn't. He couldn't help but hope there was room for healing and mending. Room for him.
"Uh, if everyone could gather, please." To that the guests moved in closer to greet their hosts. Elijah was joined by his siblings. They all looked well put together, sophisticated. That's when her eyes locked with his. Kol. He looked different. He was clean shaven. There was no sign of the stubble. Her heart sunk. He was a Mikaelson. Had bumping into him been a calculated move, planned by his siblings? She felt her heart sink further. Elijah continued to speak.
"Welcome, thank you for joining us. You know, whenever my brother Niklaus brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance. Upon the suggestion of my darling sister, Freya..." he turned back and held out a hand for his sister, which she graciously took and walked down a step. "Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz, so if all of you could please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom."
The guests slowly made their way to the ballroom pairing up, waiting for the music to start. Klaus cut in. "May I?" He held out his hand for her. After a small curtesy bow, she placed her hand in his.
"Only because it is tradition. Other than that, I still don't like you." The song began as they stood side by side, arms crossing, holding hands.
Ed Sheeran, give me love. An inappropriate song choice for the man she danced with.
He chuckled. "So, I see you remember me?"
"You did kill me. So, I can hardly forget that. You also killed my family."
They moved along in sync with the music, mirroring each other's steps. "Ah, in all fairness that was all your brother. I had my fun in the house next door." She gave him a death-defying glare. "I suppose that makes you want to kill me?" They came face to face. His hand gently on her back, hers stiffly placed on his shoulder.
"Can you stop? I'm not here to discuss this with you."
"Very well. On to more mannered subjects then, like how ravishing you look in that dress."
"Seriously stop!"
He stepped forward with his right foot, simultaneously turning it right as he began the turn. She followed him in suit.
"You know, you're quite the dancer. Even better than the first time I recall we danced..." He whispered in her ear, in a playful tone. They completed a full turn. She rolled her eyes.
"It was a great evening that day was it not?" He grinned.
She shuddered at that thought. The very first time she had been in his arms, dancing.
He twirled her around, spinning her into the arms of another. "Kol."
"Hello love." He smiled down at her affectionately. "Has my brother been troubling you?"
She ignored him as they danced, trying to avoid his captivating, brown eyes.
"What's wrong darling? Aren't you pleased to see me again?" He held her hand tighter as they moved and turned to the music.
"So, you're a Mikaelson?"
"Is that an issue?" They turned in perfect motion, eyes locked together. Her hand relaxing on his shoulder.
"Yes! You're his brother. That means you're my enemy. He turned me but I'm sure you were aware! Have you been following me? Did he ask you to?" Her voice softened as she gazed into his eyes; searching for her answers, hoping he'd prove her wrong.
He flashed her a winsome smile, that made her beating heart race.
"No, he didn't ask me. That day I saw you was pure fate but bumping into you was all me. Until yesterday, I didn't know Nik had turned you. I was daggered in a coffin for a century. Had I been there I would have whisked you away. We'd live a life of our own. Satisfied? You look Stunning if it isn't obvious."
"Thank you." She couldn't help but smile back at him, relaxing her body. It was in this moment that she felt the song choice was perfect. Shaking her head at the preposterous thought, turning her attention back to the dancing. As the music came to an end, he tenderly pulled her in close.
"I'm glad you came."
Her eyes lit up. "You sent the card?"
His eyes darkened on seeing his brother approach them, growing bitter. "What do you want Nik?"
Niklaus was enjoying this, watching his brother riled up over their guest. "Just a word with Sophia. Now, if you don't mind Kol, leave."
Noticing the irritation on Kol's face, Sophia mouthed to him it was okay. Giving him a reassuring look. "I'll be fine. I'll find you later." She whispered. His face turned taut, lips clamming together in a thin line.
"What do you want? I was having a great time." She turned back to Klaus, turning red with anger.
"I see you've met the wildest of us Mikaelsons..." He gave a short, dark chuckle. "You be careful now...he's not called a psychotic maniac for no reason, love."
"I think you're the only psycho here. I don't need you to tell me what to do. Let's not forget that I absolutely despise of you."
"Ouch." He clutched his hand to his chest; feigning being wounded by her words.
"Oh Nik, leave the poor girl alone." Rebekah sighed, rolling her eyes at her brother. "I'm sorry on behalf of my awful brother. He can come on quite strong...ly annoying. I'm Rebekah Mikaelson." She smiled brightly.
"Hello Rebekah... I'm Sophia. Salvatore."
"I must say, the better looking one." She couldn't help but laugh lightly at that comment.
Commotion emanating from the outdoors disrupted her chain of thought. Exchanging looks with Rebekah, they both hurried out the back door where the crashing sounds came from. Sounds of a scuffle. Damon and Kol were locked in a fight. Holding Kol down, he snapped his neck.
"Damon!" She screamed.
"Bloody hell, why'd you go and do that for?" Rebekah groaned slapping Damon's arm. "Once he wakes up, he'll come for you."
Sophia looked at him in disbelief, shaking her head. "Why did you do that, Damon?"
"We warned him to stay away from you, but he refused to take the hint-"
"DAMON!!" Stefan called running towards them.
"Are you crazy?!!" She yelled at him.
"I told you to stay away from them. Specially Klaus." He reprimanded, climbing to his feet, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, and slowly backing off. She shook her head, shooting daggers at his back as he walked away.
"I'll speak to him when I get home." Came Stefan's voice. She turned to face him and nodded. He hurried off after his brother, smiling to himself as once again, she was soft with him.
Rebekah groaned. "Nik will be fuming once he finds out about this." She crouched down on her feet, poking at her brother. A sudden and sharp gasp startled Sophia. It was Kol. He sat up, craning his neck.
"I'm gonna kill him-"
"No, please don't." She pleaded. "He's just protective and is afraid to let me near you Mikaelsons."
Kol's face softened at the sight of her. Jumping to his feet and in three strides he stood before her. Taking in the sight of her, head to toe, his tongue running over his top lip in adulation. She was Pulchritudinous but most of all, gorgeous far beyond words.
Sophia
I was still irritated at Damon for the stunt he pulled at the ball. No doubt, this would make Klaus angry. I'm sure Kol wouldn't mind revenge. I tapped my jaw nervously. Kol had said he would back off and try not to go after Damon and Stefan. Did I care if he did go after Stefan? I didn't know, but I was still going to punish Stefan for what he had done to me. Rebekah took me inside as Kol had gone off somewhere. She said he probably went out to pick on some poor soul. I met Elijah. He was polite and noble. We spent our time sitting in the Mikaelson Living room as they narrated their stories and why the people of Mystic Falls weren't so keen to invite them back with open arms. Though they spent the last five years in New Orleans, they were still attached to Mystic Falls, their first ever home after they moved from England. Elijah and I shared a common interest in literature. Though he seemed like the perfect gentleman, I was still on the fence about him. About them all. I had yet to decide what I wanted to do with Klaus. He may have not killed my family, but he did kill me. I knew I couldn't kill someone who couldn't be killed, yet I had so much distrust and anger towards him. Yet meeting him, coming face to face something changed.
Elijah gave his condolences. Said I'd be surprised what lengths my brothers would go for me and my own ability to forgive. I shook that thought off. Stefan could try all he wanted, nothing would make me love him, care for him and most of all, forgive him. I met Freya. She was the Mikaelson witch and the eldest. Meeting me, she took an immediate dislike and distrust in me, hence I kept my witch side a secret. Klaus was still on the hunt, and I didn't want him or any of them knowing my truth. One thing I learnt about this family, was they stuck to one another, would fight for one another. 'Always and Forever'. I may have acquainted well with them today but come tomorrow and my truth be exposed, that bond would mean nothing.
Klaus barged in throwing his arms in the air cursing. "Where is that idiot Kol?! Do I need to put a dagger in his heart-"
"Started with the dagger threats have we now? Don't you have any other tricks?" Came the teasing voice. Kol. He stood by the entrance, his head resting on the door frame.
"Oh, go back to where you came from!"
"And who are you, my father?"
Klaus chuckled briefly before his expression settled back to deadpan. "No, but you're in my house-"
"Bloody hell! Grow up, the both of you. You spent a year away from each other, at least be nice!" Rebekah threw her arms in the air, clearly having had enough of their childish behaviour. Freya laughed. Her laughter was melodious. It took her time to warm up to me, but she still harboured her own reservations. She was beautiful like her sister. They all were.
"Relax darling sister, Nik and I are simply having fun." He smirked.
Klaus turned his sights on me. "I see the allure of my family has pulled you in." He was mocking me. I glowered at him. He was getting under my skin, and I hated it. I hated how smug he acted. I hated how he was right; I was allured by his family, and I was getting sucked in.
"Why did you turn me?" I felt myself beginning to shake. My reaction provoked Kol to snap up straight, alert, and wide-eyed. My question took them by surprise. The smug look from Klaus disappeared only to be replaced with a sardonic one.
"I don't answer to you." He charged at me, grabbing me by the face, lifting my chin. It was Deja vu. "You should be sired to me...why aren't you sired to me?" He peered into my eyes.
I snapped and swung at Enzo, a wild roundhouse punch that glanced harmlessly off his shoulder. "A fucking sucker punch, huh?" He scoffed. He drove his fist deep into my gut, sending me flailing back. Springing back to my feet, i charged. I lunged again, my fist meeting his jaw.
He rubbed his jaw. "You can't let anyone walk all over you! You must fight back. No one owns you! Magic or no magic use that rage! Channel it but be smart." He advised.
I puffed out cool air, flexing my hands.
"Now hit me again but this time, full focus!" He spoke. He stood feet shoulder width apart. Waiting. I closed my eyes and focused on that burning rage. I focused on the reason, allowing the magic to flow through my system. Snapping my eyes open, I smirked. Thrusting my hands out, releasing a gust of power he went hurling back into the wall, crashing into the mirror. It shattered upon the violent impact. Bouncing back, he beamed at me. "That's more like it."
I shoved him back sending him scattering across the room, crashing into the bookshelf. "I am sired to no one...and I sure as hell do not belong to you!" I spat. "You may have not killed my family, but you watched as Stefan did, so it makes you equally responsible." Without glancing back, I ran out the room, my hair loosening and bouncing on my shoulders. I knew if I stayed longer, I would have exposed my true self. They would have found out about my nature. I hated that Damon had a point. I squeezed my eyes shut and took deep breaths. Inhaling and exhaling. Breathing in the cool air.
"When the anger builds up and begins to consume you, slow down, close your eyes and breathe in and out...slowly. Let your senses relax. Focus on the sounds around you and that energy you feel...let it flow evenly around..."
Enzo's voice echoed in my head. It soothed me. The night seemed calm. Like the calm before the storm.