My trembling hand moved over her face, gently closing her eyelids. Holding her against my chest, sobbing into her damp, grey hair. Lost in my own grief, I failed to notice Elijah and Ara standing a few feet away, tensed. He took a few steps closer. "Sophia?"
I sighed heavily, letting my head drop and sniffling between words. "We have to do something! They have her. I have to get to her. They want me...Mary is dead because of me! I-I-I can't...let Amelia suffer. "
Elijah lowered himself down, his hands on my shoulders and he spoke in a low voice. "We will do whatever it takes to save your friend." He vowed. I shook my head. The tears were acid against my skin.
"Mary...it's all my fault! We can't leave her like this...it's all my fault Elijah! IT IS ALL MY FAULT...." My body wracked with an onslaught of sobs and tears.
"I'll locate the girl Sophia, but I'll need something that belongs to her or...Mary's blood. It's a direct link." She announced. I let her do what she needed while holding onto my dear friend. She died and now the girl I adored the most, her life hung in the balance. All because they made the mistake of knowing me. Amelia's life flashed before my eyes. It didn't matter how many times i wiped my eyes, the tears came anyway.
Laying in the bed, the pain was clear on her face. She screamed every five seconds, hoping the baby would shoot out easily. However, that wasn't the case. The mother tried all the breathing exercises just as the nurse suggested, yet still, the contractions continued to wear her down. Then, it came. A gush of water flooding out of her body. The mother shrieked.
"Sia, I'm going to need you to push." The doctor instructed.
And she listened... She pushed and pushed long and hard. An hour passed before they made progress. The head finally showed. The baby didn't seem like she wanted to come out, anyway. Her head popped back into her mother's body so quickly. The doctor failed to get a good grip of the head; the blood was too slippery. It wasn't until the next long push that got the job done. Half the baby exited Sia's body, and the doctor succeeded in pulling the baby out. Immediately, she cut the cord and the crying baby was put into the arms of her panting mother.
"Enzo...look!" I pointed. "She's beautiful."
He raised a brow."I would hardly say beau-"
I punched his arm, glaring at him for the half comment. He shrunk, cradling his arm. I rolled my eyes. "Let's go see her, come on."
We pushed the doors open and walked in, quietly as to not disturb the now sleeping baby. Sia lay back in her pillow, beaming. "Hi." She whispered. The birth had weakened her. She was wan yet the smile on her face lit up the atmosphere. She held her baby to her bosoms, gently stroking her head.
"Hunter would have been so proud of you both." I murmured. She turned her head slightly to where I stood.
"I wish he was here." She breathed out. "I miss him...he never knew I was pregnant, and I wish I told him." She glanced down at the peaceful girl.
The door swung open and in stepped a proud, relieved Mary. She took a few steps and grasped Enzo's outstretched hand. He pulled her close to him, kissed her forehead and murmured. "Congratulations."
She closed her eyes, soaking up the sweetness of his kiss before pulling away and nearing the bed where the mother of her grandchild rested.
"May I?" She asked, her face tremulous. Sia smiled and offered up her baby.
"She has his nose." She burst into tears.
"What name have you thought of?" Mary asked, gently bopping the baby in her arms.
"Amelia." She whispered.
"Amelia..." Mary repeated. "We'll always protect you. I promise."
"Sophia..." Came from a distance.
"Sophia?" The voice grew closer.
Everything recoiled back into focus. Ara's voice pulled me back.
"I found her. She's...she's at your place? It doesn't make sense. Why would they take her there?"
Wiping away my tears, I climbed to my feet. "They don't want to expose their hideout just yet so they go where they know I will most surely be."
"What do we do?" Questioned Elijah.
"No. You both need to stay here. Clean the house, dump the bodies...all ten bodies and then bring Mary back to my house. We need to make her burial arrangements. I'll deal with Lamees!" I dashed out the room, running as fast as my vampire speed could take me.
•
Flicking my hands, the door blew open and I barged through, screaming out. "I'm here."
The click clack of heels. She remained the same as she did a century ago. The only difference was her sense of style. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail and face more chiselled through the use of makeup.
"Lamees."
"If it isn't the all-powerful heretic." She smiled cunningly. "You ran, didn't you? I can tell by that mess your hair is. You were always the overhasty one-"
"How are you alive?"
She snickered. "Ah, never were the one to beat around the bush, were you? Well since you asked, my coven performed the sleeping spell-"
I scoffed. "Are you that pathetic that you need your whole coven to perform a simple spell."
"Careful with that tongue of yours. I have the girl and you don't want to upset me...imagine what I'd do if I got upset..." Her mouth tugged up into a crooked smile.
"What do you want? Why take innocent humans?"
She circled me, twirling my hair with her fingers as she did. "I needed to give you an incentive. To get what I want from you, I need to take all precautions. I know you very well. You don't do anything for anyone unless there's a leverage held over you. That's what makes you weak and pathetic. Really laughs in the face of your given title-"
"Enough! Get to the point! Where is Amelia!"
"Fine. She's in there safe...for now." I followed her pointing finger to the direction of the living room. They had her on the chair, bound hand, and feet. She stopped thrashing around the moment her eyes made contact with mine, relief washed over her. I dashed to her side, tugging at the ropes. "Amelia I am so sorry! I'm here, it's gonna be fine!"
"How are you here right now!!" She questioned, dazed. Her hair plastered to her scalp, sticking to the sides of her face. Half a second later I was cast to the side.
"Not yet! I'll free her once you do what I ask.'
"What do you want!" I hissed, baring my fangs at her, forgetting Amelia had no idea who I was. She sunk back in the chair. My head whipped to her direction. Fear became a tangible, living force that crept over her, like a hungry beast.
"I need the white oak stake to end the originals. Unlike my sister, I will see this through. Now, the Mikaelsons have destroyed all remaining white oak and magic in New Orleans, so they can't do anything. We need to go back to the time when Esther made the white oak indestructible-"
"But that's years back. Mystic Falls. Why do you need me? Why do you want them dead? Many beings sought out to destroy the Mikaelsons, yet they failed."
"That kind of spell requires an immense source of power which neither me nor my witches have the strength for. It will kill us indefinitely, anything that happens to us while our spirits are projected back in the past will happen to our present body. Now you're immortal, you're a heretic and not just any kind...you're more powerful. Why do you think we want you? We will do the spell but only you will go through-"
"Why do you want to end the Mikaelsons so bad?"
She took a seat on the edge of the sofa. "The family you love so much are the worst kind to ever exist. Your beloved Klaus killed many of our witches, he used and abused them and his family stood by and watched! They killed my mother! She was everything to me! They snatched everything away from me. So now, it's high time they pay."
"Why now? Why not when every other supernatural being stood against them?"
She scoffed. "Who said we're taking action now?"
I glared at her. She continued speaking with a voice full of hubris. "We were allies with the witches of New Orleans since the beginning. We were the backup plan if they failed, then when the time arrived, we would act and that time is now." She sprung to her feet and as if on cue, witches flooded into the room, surrounding us. There were six of them. "Enough of the chitchat, start the spell and don't think you can fool us! Fail to hand us over what we want, then the girl dies." She gestured to a blonde witch who made her way behind Amelia, brandishing a dagger and holding it to her throat.
"Fine. What do you need me to do?" If there was one thing, I knew about the Everliegh sisters, they never bluffed. They always stuck to their words. The witches drew out a large circle with salt, placing bones that created a six-point star. A short, not so flattering woman arranged white candles around the circle.
"You need to lay in the middle while we stop your heart, allowing your spirit to project itself back into the past. Mystic Falls, April 26, 2012. The exact timeline. You need to grab the stake as soon as she completes her spell. Do not engage with anyone. Return with the stake and only then, will your friend go free. Mark my words, fail and her fate is sealed."
"Okay. I'll do it but give me your word that you will let her go once I help you. Sign it with your blood because frankly, I do not trust you. I never have. Unless your bound by blood, I will not trust you." I grabbed her arms and chanted. She struggled but my strength was no match for her. A knot formed on her forearm. "Break that promise, and you certainly will die a slow and painful death. Your bloodline will burn along with you." She yanked her arms back, clutching them over her chest, scathing. Smirking, i lay down in the circle with her hand hovering over me. Chanting filled the room. I listened to the sound of my own heart dimming down. Feeling weak, I let my eyelids droop and my vision slowly gave in.
~
The last two days they remained stuck in an anxious state. They did all they could to get Freya to free them. They hurled objects, broke things. They sent threats, promised her death. No success. She didn't budge. She remained absolutely purposive.
"Sister, let us out and we'll be on our merry way. No one will get hurt."
"Shut up Kol! Let me think!" She raised her hand in the air, stopping him from speaking. He shot her a scornful look. Rolling her eyes, she whipped out her phone. "Elijah! Oh my god! I was worried. Where is Sophia?" She stopped her pacing, her eyes wide with fear. The vampires in the room all jumped to their feet, able to hear the conversation.
"YOU LET HER GO HERSELF!" Boomed Damon.
"Are you insane!"
"This is why you should have told us, sister!"
"Elijah could not even keep up! You made a mistake!"
They spoke over one another. The room reeked with panic and worry. So intense, unable to do anything but stare helplessly. Kol stood by the door frame, as close as the barrier permitted. He placed his hand firmly against the invisible force, looking to his sister, pleadingly. She pressed her lips together, pushing back her tears. She was helpless. She couldn't let them go, not yet. She used up all the blood Sophia had given her; to track her down and the rest for the barrier spell. Her hands were tied. She couldn't face her brother. She couldn't face any of them. Kol threw a punch, panic stricken the moment his hand sliced through the doorway. There was no spell. The barrier broke. He looked to her alarmed.
"Something's wrong!" He looked back to his siblings- to the Salvatores. Before the others caught up and made a move, he was out the door.
Sophia
I shot up grasping for air. My fingers compressed around the indestructible weapon. The one weapon that had the power to kill the family I grew to care for. It was in my hands, and I was going to hand it over to her. She was there shaking me, demanding for the stake. It was an hour, that's how long I was gone. I glanced down at the pale weapon with metallic veins running down the end of it. The Power of the Gilbert Ring.
"Give it!" She demanded, her hand stretched out, palms facing up.
Smirking, I handed her the stake. On contact her skin burned and blistered and she dropped it. It rolled on the floor, stopping at my feet. Bending down I snatched it. "The stake will burn anyone else who holds it or attempts to wield it. I'm not fickle! I spelled it before you restarted my heart. Release Amelia first and let me compel her to forget this, and only then will you get the stake. Remember the curse. Refuse and you and your coven will burn."
"Go on then! Release her." She grabbed my arm. "Don't think about playing me. I assure you the consequences will be bad."
I shrugged her off. I didn't trust them to remain here, so I sealed us in. Allowing only Amelia the freedom to escape. She was ashen. I peered down at her, apologising. Untying her from the restraints I helped her to her feet. She stared up at me, tears in her eyes. Forcing back my tears, I looked deep into her light brown eyes. "You'll forget everything that happened here today. I want you to go to Laura's house and wait there. Leave now." She blinked twice then walked away. When a witch attempted to follow after her, the barrier hurled her back. Heads snapped and eyes glared at me. Feeling smug I smiled.
Her harrowing screams sliced through the air. My eyes grew large. Not thinking, I ran out the house, stumbling over. She was in Elijah's arm, thick, black blood dripping from her face.
"She just collapsed screaming; I couldn't save her. She kept rejecting my blood..."
I barely exhibited his words, they rolled off me. My whole world spun. It was one loss after the other. What was the appropriate reaction? How do I even process it? I lashed back on my heels and marched through the house, with a rage unforgivable.
•
Ara and Elijah sat at the table, waiting for my response. Waiting for me to say something, do something. I stood with my back abasing the fridge, covered head to toe in blood. Amelia dropped dead the second she set out. The witches cursed her. They never had the intention of letting her go. They lied. None of that mattered anymore, it was over. They were dead. I made sure of it, ripping through them like a savage. When their blood was not enough, I made sure to tear them limb by limb.
Shaking her head, she stood up. "It's not going to end. We're still up against a bigger threat. I can feel it. You're stuck Sophia! As long as you have a Mikaelson hanging on each arm, you're doomed."
I stared at her, blinking rapidly. The colour draining from my face. My mouth opened and closed but no words came. She continued to speak. I looked to Elijah who shifted uncomfortably. That was unlike him but her bold statement affected him too. Was he falling for her words?
"Sophia, I'm going back to Nun head cemetery. I'll make the burial arrangements there. They can be buried on our sacred ground... They didn't deserve this fate. We can talk about everything else later. I think for now, you should at least tell the close friends and family and... I don't know what else but think about what I said." She glanced over my shoulder and gave Elijah a curt nod. He responded stiffly. I slumped down to the floor arms, wrapped around my knees bunched up, face covered as I let out the sobs. All I wanted to do was lay there. The pain was numbing. I lost and not because of others, but due to my own actions. My selfishness. Had I kept my distance, all these people would have been alive. Had I refrained from the Mikaelsons, helping the witches would have proven to be easy. Perhaps. Or not. I didn't know anymore. I lost my adoptive family, Enzo. I lost Hunter, Mary, and now sweet Amelia.
"How do we come up with an excuse? What do we say? A break in gone bad?" I croaked, finally lifting my head to meet his concerned gaze. "I mean...both in one day...how do you explain that?"
"I will take care of it for you. Perhaps you should contact your companions." He stood straight and with grace pulled his phone out. After sending a few texts he left to make a call. I didn't have it in me to speak to them. I knew I would come face to face with them at the funeral that Ara offered to organise. I had to prepare myself for the funeral. I needed to get a dress. I needed to get flowers. I needed to do everything but mourn.
•
It was my intention to attend the funeral alone, but Elijah was persistent. The story we decided was a break in gone wrong. A very rare thing to happen in this part of London but they died in a horrific way. It wasn't fair to their souls. I found a long sleeved, black dress. It was sitting at the back of my wardrobe, waiting to be worn. Appearance and looking well put together, wasn't important. Everything was kept plain and simple. I wasn't ready to do this. My heart refused to accept it. It was just a bad dream, and I would wake up and find that they're both alive. However, I didn't wake up. I was wide awake. This was my reality. I walked with my arm weaved through Elijah's. He fretted over me. Maybe he was worried I would turn it off or lash out. I never turned off my humanity regardless of what I felt or had been through. Valerie never mentioned anything about heretics and the humanity switch. I let my emotions drive me, motivate me. But he was there, and I respected him for that. He didn't tell me how to feel or what to do because he knew the pain of love and loss.
The cemetery was created in a great Victorian style. Magnificent monuments stood erect. It looked more like a meadow-woodland with wildlife. There were songbirds, who sang their songs. Peculiar yet beautiful. We walked Into the Anglican chapel. The service being held was intimate with a handful of close family and friends. The front row seats were for the very close friends and family members. I glanced around, noticing a seat had been left empty beside Ethan. It was my seat. I didn't take it. I remained by Elijah who centred me and made me feel calm. My eyes fell to the two glossy black caskets: White velvety interior with swing bar handles. They lay in their caskets, hands crossed over their chests. They were cleaned up well, no traces of blood remained. The beauty shone through. Fortunate for those sitting on the pews, they didn't know the extent of the horror.
The speeches began. Friends and family took the stage and poured out their hearts. I thought about my own memories and the ties I had to them. I couldn't speak of them. No one knew and they couldn't. The pain was as fresh as ever. Silent tears slid down my cheeks. The eulogy was being done by her brother. Clearing his throat, he stood on the podium.
"On behalf of our family, I would like to begin by thanking everyone who is here today given the very short notice, and those who have sent their condolences. We have received many flowers and messages. They have been comforting. These gestures have been a reminder of the impact both Grandma Rose and Amelia have had on others. My name is Joseph. I am the grandson and the brother of the dearly departed. These beautiful women had many things in common. They both enjoyed the art of reading, writing, they loved nature, every part of it. They were so full of life. Both were funny, although, gamma stole the spotlight with her dark humour. I used to say she's batshit crazy and she'd hit me with a book because I was disrespecting a poor old woman. She was my hero. She is my hero. Amelia is the best sister, though i was adopted I still loved her. I was so happy to have a new sibling that I could share my things with. We didn't care we weren't blood related; we had a close bond than any sibling pair we've known. She was my sister and would always be. I remember the first time I saw her cry. A cat got injured in a movie and she was bawling. It broke my heart to see her cry and from that day I knew I would protect her. She was intelligent and she wasn't afraid to use it. My children adore her, they look up to her... Another thing both gamma and Amelia shared was their love and fondness for Sophia. They loved her to the ends of the earth and more. She was a light, and we would like to thank you for everything. Thank you for coming back for this. In return we would like to give you something that belongs to them...their journals. We know they would want you to have them. Please come up and take them."
He looked up at me and beckoned. Heads turned back to face me, moist eyes staring at me intently. I wanted to shrink and hide away but Elijah encouraged me forward. Yet I couldn't move. I was paralysed. Seeing my plight, Elijah took my hand and we walked down together. This moment was daunting, with all eyes on me. As I reached him, he handed me two thick journals. Shaking, I took them. For a moment I stared down at them before running my fingers over the cover.
"Thank you, Joseph."
I tried so hard to evade their attention, but they caught me. Lifting my head and smiling meagrely, they motioned for me to sit beside them. I looked to Elijah for guidance. He gave a gentle nod and spoke in a low voice, audible to me. "I will be here with Ara. You sit with them." My heart was eternally grateful for having him with me.
Before taking my reserved seat, I tucked a red rose in with Mary and Amelia's favourite, Forget me nots. We don't speak just yet. The chapel is silent as the final words are said and the caskets are prepared to be taken out for burial, we followed behind. Much to the dislike of Ethan, Elijah joined my side who I clung to for fear of collapsing.
I watched in silence as the caskets were lowered into the earth. I think back to a century ago. Had I not been turned; I too would be in the ground. That's how it was meant to be. I wasn't supposed to be alive. There was a beginning and an end.
Laura wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tight, sobbing. "I can't...believe she's gone! I'm glad you're here."
Behind her stood the boys, hands in pockets, the pain distinguishable on their faces. "I came as soon as I got the news. How are you guys holding up?"
Ethan closed the space between us and pulled me into a hug. My arms remained to my side. These days something about him unsettled me. I feared him. He pulled away snivelling. "We're a mess. But glad you're here now."
I tilted my head to the right and called for Theo. He marched to me, taking his hands out his pockets. I took his trembling hands in mine, giving them a light squeeze. "I'm so sorry Theo. I know you loved her differently to us. She was the love of your life."
His lips quivered and his eyes pooled with tears. "I wanted to tell her today. We had a moment and I wanted to tell her...but I never got the chance to tell the girl I love...that I love her." He shook his head and the tears fell.
"She knows Theo. She knows."
"We should go to our-her favourite costa spot. At least we can share all our memories and we can tell you all that happened when you went away." Laura suggested. A silent agreement made. It was the best way to honour her memory. "And we can buy her favourite drink even though you totally hate it Soph."
I burst into laughter. I did despise of her choice of hot drinks. Caramel Hot chocolate.
"You guys go ahead, I need to quickly let my friends know so they don't worry."
"Who is the man?" Ethan intruded, grabbing my hand. I yanked it back hoping he didn't sense the hostility in my act.
"A family friend. I'll be back, excuse me." I hurried over to Elijah. They stood by the chapel, conversing. My footsteps reached their ears and their heads snapped up. Whatever matter they were discussing must have been important, hence the distress upon their faces.
"Everything okay, Sophia?"
"I believe I should be asking you both that. Is everything okay?"
They smiled but their diction told another story. I wanted to apply pressure but thought better. "Okay. Just wanted to inform you that I'll be going with my friends to Tower Hill. They are keen on spending some time together. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine, and I'll see you both later."
He pulled me into a hug. Pulling away I glanced at Ara and received a curt nod. After my farewells I made my way back, taking in the surroundings of the cemetery. Parts of it were draped with overgrown vines. I noticed the patch of vervain and a little smile crossed my face. I could feel the magic in the earth beneath me. Everything here was magical.
~
The heavy sense of a being so powerful, unnerved her. There were many faces present at the funeral, who the descendant was, she couldn't make a direct connection. It was there. So strong and so powerful. Potent magic mixed with the dark arts. Her frantic darting of her eyes gave her away. She couldn't hold her calm. "Genevieve! Are you sure you sensed it right?"
She nodded, rubbing her arm as an attempt of comforting herself. "She's here. At least she was. With all these people, it was impossible to locate her."
"What about that Sophia? I sensed something odd with her."
Genevieve shook her head. "Not her, she's a Salvatore and if she was the descendant, well, Valerie would have said something."
"What do we do?"
She turned to face the raven-haired woman. "We keep locating her. I've sent Marc to retrieve the fossilised blood. It will lead us right to whoever she is."
One by one the guests left, emptying the chapel. "I hope so. The sooner we get rid of her, the better."
"The original pack are already aware of her existence. It won't take them too long to locate her. We have to find her before they do."
Both witches looked onwards, in great turmoil, the fear of defeat and doom hanging over them.