August 25th, 1925
Belfast, Northern Ireland
The blustery wind raged on, parading around with a mass of dust blinding those it touched. The manic crowd dispersed, cowering. The sky above rumbled, full of tumultuous, ragged clouds. Growing ominous and darker as the sky churned. Trees writhed around, alarms blared, and the sirens sang their song. The howling wind was terrifying. Little children fled indoors, bawling as their tiny hearts pumping fear threatened to explode. My heart grew unsettled at the sudden turn of the weather. Beneath my feet the fallen leaves swirled and skittered around, circling me as I walked. Like leeches they clung to the hem of my cloak, trailing behind. I pulled the heavy hood over me, fastening the button, concealing my face.
"Jameela?" I called out.
She burst down the spiralling stairs of the castle, panting. "They're here! I can feel it." Frantically glancing around, clutching her stomach.
Turning my head to the right I listened intently. Indeed, there was a dark presence looming over the pair of us. "Show yourself." I called out, voice stone cold. A varied assemblage of witches formed.
Raising both hands to the side of my head, I gingerly pushed back the hood, letting it slither down to reveal my face. I challenged for them to step forward. They made a dreadful error in betraying the coven and striking up a revolution. Never had I believed in bloodshed, but they made the first attack. They chanted in unison, filling up the courtyard. I emitted a scoff when an attack hurled my way, not harming at all. Raising my hands in the air, with the flick of my wrists they snapped and crashed down to the floor. War cries echoed throughout. They charged and I tore through them, ripping and shredding with my hands. Blood painting the sides of the castle walls. Regaining her balance, the witch charged at me, her skin was an ochre colour, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest. With a smirk I awaited her. She reached me and I grabbed the back of her neck, pulling her down and sinking my fangs into her. The fear, I could taste it in her blood, and it fuelled me.
A sudden blow knocked me down. I bounced back; balance sustained. The final witch stood petrified. Withering around, desperate to run free from my mystical hold. She pleaded for mercy. "There will be no mercy today." Ramming my hand through her chest, my fingers wrapped around the beating organ. One swift yank and her heart was in my hand. Thud. The body dropped to the floor. Ears pricked up to the voice of Jameela calling out and whimpering. She was nowhere to be seen. The reverberations guided me. Launching forward, I sliced through the air.
She was bent on her knees, head pulled back by an unseen force. Thick gooey blood covered her sliced throat, eyes rolling back skyward. The dagger along with her sister appeared. She wore the foulest of smiles.
"Why?!" I clamoured. "She is your sister! Why this betrayal?"
Her laughter mocked me. "Jameela and I no longer share the same interest. You see, what I want, my sister couldn't understand. She no longer stands in my way. I will get what I want, whether you assist me or not." She jabbed the air with the dagger.
Present day
"I let her go that day. I didn't kill her. I killed...innocent witches on her saying. She said they were the witches that stood against us, and I believed her. Even if they hated me, I massacred them all on her saying. She killed her own sister... Had I killed her that day, then all this could have been avoided." Relaxing back into Kol's embrace, the guilt washed away.
"But...." she began. "If Lamees wanted revenge then what did Jameela want? What are they so afraid of?"
"I don't know Ara. Dead witches should be more feared than the ones alive...or maybe she too wanted revenge on the Mikaelsons. They were in cahoots with the witches of New Orleans and the St. Claires'!" I huffed out.
Stefan edged closer. "What do you mean about dead witches?"
"I mean...as far as I know both sisters, they will not rest dead or alive until they have accomplished their goals. Whether it's revenge or something else, we're kept on our toes."
Rebekah's eyes darted from brother to brother
"Oh bloody hell the year has almost come to an end and look at the mess we're in!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air. Indeed, it was a mess. Loss after loss. Pain after pain. Death upon death. What had I unleashed upon us? A century ago, I made the mistake of trusting the Everleighs, now I must pay the price.
"This is all my fault, had I not mentioned Klaus then they wouldn't think to use me-"
"Nonsense love, regardless they would find some obscene way to make use of you." Klaus interjected, his voice still cold. He was upset and that too with me.
I attended back to Ara. "Perhaps I could join you and meet the rest of your coven? You are going back to the Cemetery?"
She shook her head. "Actually no. I'm meeting up with a few witches who...aren't happy with my involvement with vampires, especially The Mikaelsons. I'm not meant to help. My coven allowed me to help you for the sake of Valarie, but there's only so much I can do."
I observed as she shifted uncomfortably under the incessant glares of the Mikaelsons. They still distrusted her and did not want me anywhere near her, at least alone. They felt I needed constant protection. Witches can be vile, and I knew that very well. However, my only option was to put my faith in the girl as Valarie had done. Valarie was wise, she would not place her trust in anyone unless she was positive of their nature.
•
They gathered around the phone from which the voices of Freya and my sister-in-laws sounded. The three of them remained back in Mystic Falls, wanting to accumulate all they could, go through old grimoires, spells, and locator spells. On a mission to find anything that could be of use. Freya was stubbornly determined to find a way to track down our foes and decipher Ara's vision. Though she had not told the others, she disclosed to me, she too had a similar premonition. I kept this from everyone and requested she did the same. The last thing I needed was my family and the Mikaelsons faffing over me. Kol left me because of that. He was too afraid to be with me, only to lose me because they believed they were a cancer. I couldn't lose him again. I couldn't be without him. Pausing my concern, I inspected each being present.
Rebekah alongside my brothers and Kol had their noses in a map, while Freya and Bonnie listed out names of different locations. Elijah stood hovering over them with the phone in his hand. Klaus and Ara were missing. Ara excused herself to use the bathroom, but a good twenty minutes zoomed by, and she hadn't returned. Klaus not present, sent worry bubbling through me. He was here a few minutes ago giving his input, being extremely choleric. Without a word I vamped out the room, coming at a stop at the end of the staircase. A crunching and squelching sound sprung from the top hallway. My room. I darted up the stairs, scoping the hallway. Barging in, I froze. He stood behind her bloodied torn body, taking a bite out of her pulsating heart he had his fingers clutched around. I felt queasy and sick to the stomach as he chewed ferociously, clutching my stomach at the grotesque sight. Licking the corner of his mouth, he discarded her chewed out heart.
Molten anger rolled through me. "What did you do!" I screamed at him. He crumpled to the wooden floor as every bone in his body snapped and cracked but he didn't so much as so flinch. Melting his brain did nothing. He stared at me, eyes fixed and mouth thin. "Why did you do that?! HOW COULD YOU!" I roared at him. The windows rattled; the lights flickered then burst. I relinquished my hold on him and scurried to Ara's side, slipping, and sliding on the blood. Her face drained of colour, stained with sweat and tears. "Why! Why?" I muttered over and over again. She was cold to the touch. I took in a sharp breath. Sensing his movements my head jolted up. Seething I shot him daggers. "I HATE YOU! I-I hate you. I will never forgive you." I wasn't attached to her, but her death was on me, not him. She was innocent.
Thundering footsteps pounded up the stairs. A gush of wind. The three Mikaelsons and Salvatores stood before us, faces pale at the sight of her. At the sight of him.
"What the bloody hell Nik! How could you be so callous" Rebekah berated. "Why Nik? She was on our side!"
He growled. "She attempted to use the white oak on me. She came here looking for the stake! You all were too sentimental and foolish to trust her! I warned you, but yet you ceased to pay heed!"
"GET HIM OUT OF HERE! I swear to you I will kill him myself." I snapped viciously. He shrugged off my brothers as they attempted to drag him out, shooting them a scornful look on his way out.
"We'll deal with him." Rebekah stated. I watched, rocking with wrath as she left with Elijah. Kol remained by my side, his hand on my shoulder.
"What do you want us to do?" Stefan asked, lowering himself down.
I met his eyes, numb. "I don't know." My words left cold.
"We should take her back to Nunhead and pay our respects...return her to her coven." My older brother lamented. There was sorrow in his eyes. There was worry. Not entirely for her, we didn't know her, but an innocent dying was never good. Their concerns were with me. Stefan scooped her up in his arms and they walked out the room in a solemn manner. My hands were painted with her blood. Kol held my face in his palms, searching for any sign of emotion. It was the first time I saw just how much I terrified him.
"Darling?"
"I hate him." I answered coldly.
"You don't mean that." Was he trying to convince me or himself, I couldn't tell.
"Don't I? She was innocent. The girl was here to help us and Klaus, he killed her. The witches will react and fight back, just know; I will not protect your brother. Each to their own."
He tried to get me to feel something, to take back what I said. He did his best to paint Klaus in a good light. I listened to none of it. It did nothing for me. The last thing I wanted was to carry the burden of another innocent.
He clenched his jaw tight, gritting his teeth. I turned my head to the side as he gave me one last look and vamped out, leaving me with nothing but his breeze. I had to clean up the blood. It already stained the floor. Removing the stain would be an excruciating task. There was no need to look down at myself to see how drenched in blood I was. I knew there were impending consequences, to which I would have to pay the price. Witches took care of their own. Harm one and they will all unequivocally come for you. Her coven will come for me.
•
I scrubbed ferociously at the floor. In the hours that I was stuck cleaning I managed to get rid of the blood, but I prolonged the scrubbing. I knew it was present and the thought of it was sickening. The only emotion I ran on was rage. I felt nothing but rage. Kol reappeared, standing behind me. Paying him no heed I slaved away. Despite him wrapping his arms around my shoulders, holding onto me, I fought him. Even when I shook him off, he continued to hold me.
"That's enough darling, it's gone now."
I shook my head side to side violently. It was gone but the feeling wasn't. It still looked over me like death. He pulled me against his chest, the sponge dropping from my hand. Forced, I settled in his warmth. Closing my eyes, I absorbed the feeling of him running his fingers through my hair in long sweeps.
"Freya and Ara think I'm doomed as long as I'm around you Mikaelsons, but the truth is, everyone around me is doomed the longer I stay." I uttered. I wanted to cry but the tears refused to sprout.
"How about we take a walk?" He rose to his feet and held out his hand. With my breathing tremulous I grasped hold. Somehow, he knew me, he knew what I needed and wanted. The only other being who seemed to have the remarkable ability to calm me down, have me smiling like a fool. He had all the means to put me at ease. We walked hand in hand out the house into the dusk.
"Where do you want to go?" He asked kissing my knuckles.
"Anywhere."
"Anywhere? Everywhere." He smiled broadly, taking my hand to his lips to kiss it again.
I didn't know where I wanted to go but he led, and I followed. The air cleared my congested mind. His presence wholly soothed me. In that moment a sudden fear pierced through me. The fear of having that peace, and serenity he brought to my life being torn away.
He whisked me away towards the city, somewhere near the east of London. "Where are we going?" I probed.
"Have you heard of St Dunstan Hill Church?"
"No... I'm not familiar with that?"
"It was once a church but due to the Blitz majority of it was destroyed and now all that's left are the walls and the tower, so it was opened up as a public garden. A beautiful spot or so I believe." Twirling me once; he pulled me in, back against his chest, arms on top of mine and our fingers laced together. "Look around darling." He nibbled my ear in between murmurs. I glanced around letting out tiny gasps. It was an oddly tranquil place. Quiet and there was not a soul in sight. Trees and vines grew through the windows, vines wound around the surviving walls. The further we walked in, it felt like we were in a maze, with the twists and turns. At the centre where I presumed the main centre of the church would have been, was a ring made out of brown benches, with tiny gold plaques.
"It's enchanting Kol, I can only imagine what it would be like under the daylight and perhaps the snow." I babbled. "How ever did you find such a place?"
He chortled. "Darling, I may have been daggered in a coffin half my immortal life, but that does not mean I haven't travelled or explored. This is the first place I came to when I needed to clear my head...I also happened to have murdered five people."
"Kol Mikaelson! Did you just bring me to a place where you-"
"Darling relax, they deserved it and besides I was a different person at that time." He pressed his lips gently on my shoulder. "I love you, Sophia Salvatore. I have to admit, for a second you had my heart in my throat. I thought you turned your humanity off."
I let out a deep sigh. "I would never turn it off. That's not how I work. And I love you."
"You're scary with it on, don't want to imagine what you'll be like with it off." He chuckled.
"Let's dance." I suggested, tugging at his arms.
Fishing out his phone, scrolling through the streaming services, the music to Dandelions floated in. "Right then?" He held out both his hands which I tenderly took as the soft music began to play. Every word resonated with us. Our feet moved in perfect harmony. We were not in need of guidance, all we needed were the beat of our hearts, the rhythm of our own breaths. He lifted me off my feet, arms wrapped around the back of my thighs, turning elegantly. Slowly lowering me back down, i cupped his face. Our breathing accelerating at the melting touch of one another.
"I love you Kol."
"Well in that case you best kiss me." There was that roguish smirk that I secretly adored. Pushing myself against him, arms wound around his neck, I pressed my lips to his. He kissed me how I wanted to be kissed. Soft and moist, hot, and breathy, not trying to win a battle but seeking union and closeness. To share one breath, one sensation, one timeless and passionate moment.
•
My brothers returned the following morning. The witches were not pleased, they wanted to wager war against us. Somehow, my brothers managed to defuse the situation. It took them all night to come to terms with what happened, hence they kept Damon and Stefan captive, holding them accountable. Her death meant we lost their alliance. The witches no longer desired to work alongside us. This was my doing. I should have not allowed her in knowing how much Klaus mistrusted her and went to lengths of loathing her. His paranoia bested him, and we lost the only witch who was willing to stand by me, the only one we could rely on. The one Valarie had faith in. I let them both down and I let myself down for trusting Klaus. A mistake I would be sure to not make again. I continued down the passage, immediately halting, pressing my back against the wall upon hearing their voices. Klaus and Rebekah.
"I LOVE HER!" His roar penetrated the walls.
"Nik..."
"I love her sister, I love her. Now, she may hate me for what I did but it was necessary. I DID IT FOR HER! The wretched witch did come for me, but her target was Sophia. So I chewed out her heart..." He was hysterical. My heart raced with trepidation. I was afraid of what came next. Had Ara really come for me? Why would she?
"How could you possibly know that?"
"She rambled incessantly about Sophia's heart and blood. She was cursed. The same thing that happened to you and you turned all murderous. Only difference this time, I killed her. She can hate me all she pleases, and I will gladly be the bad guy! I rather have her here alive than dead at the hand of homicidal witches!"
"You could have killed the poor girl elsewhere! Was there really a need to kill her at all Nik, has there not been enough madness to last a century?" Her disembodied voice chided.
He chuckled. "No, but it was marvellous." He was complacent. "I don't see the need to keep her alive. Better her be dead than coming after the woman we adore." His voice softened. "You know...the very first time I saw her in London, I was bewitched. She was at the great gala of Regent. We danced, oh how magnificent she was, and I had intended right there to turn her and whisk her away. We kissed and, in that kiss, she captured my breath. Something struck me when she said she felt worthless. I turned her the very same night, but we were on the run from our father. I instructed her to stay put but when we returned, she was gone. I searched high and low, but she was gone. I wanted her then and I want her now, but she wants him...our brother. She loves him and he deserves her. Have you ever seen our brother this lovesick? Kol, the happy homicidal maniac...not to be fooled he still is...but he is in love." He huffed out laughter.
"She makes him a better man. For a thousand years our brother has not known love or peace. Sophia changed him. Let them be happy Nik. I know you love her but-"
He interrupted her speech. "I know and our brother deserves the happiness that I have deprived him of, for far too long. I asked Freya to figure what curse that deceitful witch had been inflicted with. They'll be here by noon tomorrow. I have the blood, it's all she needs to check for the corruption...she said it again...the longer Sophia is around us..."
Her voice cracked up. "You seriously don't believe that do you, Nik?"
"We're monsters...after all to love any of us is a death sentence! Our brother Kol thinks so too. I told him of our little predicament and how he is quaking in his shoes. Look at us! We've lost Hope, we lost Hayley, our brother Finn....even Keelin. Everyone our family comes in touch with, we destroy..." The sense of loss and fear was heavy.
"Had I not been selfish that night and had I let her die then maybe our family will be spared another loss."
Rebekah puffed out. "What was it once you said to us all back in New Orleans? We will build an army-"
"So big that no one dares pick a fight."
"We won't lose her Nik. We will find a way like we always do, and you know we always do."
The revelations stunned me, leaving me incapable to think or even figure out what I felt. What was the appropriate feeling? In that moment my heart softened towards him. I felt for him. He cared in his own way and perhaps I was wrong about him. I closed my eyes, holding my breath as they continued to speak. I recalled the night my family were slaughtered and the night I saw his heinous side. The night I died.
September 15, 1922
Destruction ensued, trees contorting and falling, their parts being carried away by the wind. The night grew sinister. The wind screamed like a banshee, uprooting weeds, and shrubs in a fit of rage. The rain hammered down, threatening to break through the glass windows. The dark clouds reared up as if they were ferocious beasts, readying themselves for attack. Lightning lashed through the sky. Merciless. This sudden change of weather was inauspicious. Something untoward was going to unfold. The last remaining hours of my twenty third birthday and my family were persistent, they wanted to celebrate, have cake, and sit by the fireplace papa built. He was pleased that now we had an opportunity to start a fire, given the dreadful weather outside. I was in no disposition to celebrate. The weather was unsettling, and I grew fearful.
Hunter spun me around in an attempt to get me to dance. He jabbed at me, teasing me about the ball and how I danced with only one man. He prophesied that I would be with the Mikaelson Fella, but I didn't think so. Yes, he may have been handsome but unlike the other females present that day, I was not besotted with him the slightest. Though something else drew me to him. Perhaps how mysterious he was. My mind wandered back to the weather. Mama assured that the weather outside was not frightful or a bad omen. Mother Nature was angry, and she is lashing out was what I narrated. Though the atmosphere indoors was marvellously warm, I pulled my satin robe tighter around me. A mere act of comfort. Deciding on spending the night alone in my room, i excused myself out the warmly lit living room and plodded up the steps. That night I tossed and turned before sleep finally arrived.
A terrifying shriek jolted me up straight, the sound ringing in my ears. It came to an abrupt stop, and I could make out the muffled struggles. Thud. Crashing sounds. Clang. Soundlessly, I tiptoed out of bed and pressed my ear against the door. The sounds grew louder. Reaching out for the doorknob, my hands trembled before I grasped it. Gently I gave the knob a twist and slid out. The air thick and eerie. The closer I got to the stairs the noises grew distinguishable. For the first time in my life the dark stairway frightened me. I tried to control my accelerated heart beats; afraid my heart would pop right out.
With each step I took down, the sounds grew closer and closer, spine-chilling. Squelching and tearing echoed throughout. The sounds almost animal like. No, they were animal like. A low growl made its way to my ears. Shaking, I lost my footing on reaching the last step, alarmed by what I came to face. Blood dripped from the walls. I turned my head to the left and bent over at the sight of Hunter's body, slumped over mama's rocking chair. His head torn and missing. Stifling an anguished cry, I screwed my eyes shut, hands clasping over my mouth as I tried so hard to keep the screams in. My body continued to shake, taking a tiny step forward, tripping over something hard. Legs. I thrashed around trying to pull myself up. The legs belonged to my mother. Her head was detached, a wail escaped me, and i folded over.
Distraught, I lay there in a puddle of my own tears. All I wanted was to wake up. It was just a nightmare. My head slowly turned to the sound of chomping and tearing. It came from the fireplace. There he was, the man from the ball, standing with his arm leaning on the mantle, smiling lecherously. I followed his gaze down to the man hunched over papa. His face buried in papa's neck as he slurped out blood, growling. I shrunk away terror-stricken. I couldn't move, I couldn't scream despite everything in me telling me to flee but I was rooted in my spot. All I did was whimper at the sight of the monster ravaging at his meal. The smiling man now crouched before me, no longer was he an agreeable man. The blood on the corner of his mouth repulsed me. With his finger he tilted my chin up. I turned away from him, tears rolling down my face.
"Hello love." He cooed, cupping my face in his hands, his thumbs stroking my cheeks. "Do not fear me." I squirmed in his hold. He was revolting and I wanted to be as far away as possible. They tore through my family mercilessly and acted as if it was nothing. I wanted to die. The very skin I wore, crawled to his touch.
"Just kill me." I begged.
He chuckled. "I have a better plan for you." It was that lecherous grin again. I stared at him; eyes wide as he yanked me up by the arm. Bringing his palm to his mouth, he bit into it, only to then shove the dark thick blood down my throat. The more I fought and rejected his blood, the more he'd force down me, putting me in a gagging frenzy. The warm blood trickled down my throat. No amount of retching would bring it back up. I shook violently, with tears streaming down. With a swift motion he twisted my head, until all I knew was darkness.
present Day
I threw my head against the wall. The Klaus I met that night was not the Klaus that stood in that room, speaking to his sister. It weighed me down. Ara was inflicted with a curse and if I was aware, there could have been a way to save her. I had to go back to the cemetery and notify her coven. They deserved to know. Their conversation came to an abrupt stop, sensing me. Abandoning my post, I fled.
Everything was suffocating. I couldn't stay in there any longer. The fresh air washed over me. It was better than nothing. Once again, I left without informing everyone. Glancing at my watch I caught myself smiling. The only decent item gifted to me by Damon. It was just past noon and the streets crawled with people, preparing for the New Years. I pushed through the crowd that formed just in front of the station. Scrunching my nose, I squeezed and popped through hot bodies. Making it out of the horror, my senses enlarged to my surroundings.
I was being pursued. I knew that for sure, I could sense it. It wasn't friendly, but sinister and it wanted something. Quickening my pace, I took a few twists and turns. As I suspected, I was still being followed and they were fast. Feet began to break into a run, but I stumbled over a step and crashed. "Dammit." I cursed. A sharp pain erupted and shot through me. Like a thousand knives were being hurled at me, piercing through my skin. I muttered under my breath. Immediately the pain subsided. Growling softly, I shot back up to my feet and turned to the direction of the presence. It was much stronger. I could feel them, the heat emanating from their bodies. Everywhere I glanced around, there seemed to be a thick blanket of fog entrapping me and clouding my vision.
"Hello!" My voice echoed. "Come out wherever you are, and let us ditch the childish games, shall we?"
"Hello, Sophia Salvatore or might I say...Harrington." The fog cleared and a brown-haired woman stepped forward.
"Who are you?" I asked with my guard up.
"You don't know me, but you knew my daughter. She's dead because of you and you will pay the price."
"You don't understand. She was cursed! Some witches must have been controlling her, she came to kill me. If I had known-"
She held up her hand. "That's enough! I know she was cursed. We did it." She gestured around. Confused, I followed the movements of her hand. A herd of witches circled me. "You're a threat, a danger to all our kind and we want you gone." The witches glared at me with great intent.
"I don't understand, why now?"
"Now that we know who you descend from, you have to be stopped. You've heard of Qetsiyah I'm sure."
I stared at her bewildered. "Yes."
"You come from her bloodline, and you are the only direct link to her. She was the most powerful witch, and her magic was as dark as it could get. She may be dead, but your very blood and power are a link to her and you are unnatural."
"How can you be sure? Matter of fact, you could be lying." I challenged squaring up.
Her cackle unsettled me. "You made a mistake feeding Ara your blood. The moment she returned home I knew something was wrong, so I tested her blood. That's when I knew we had to get rid of you before other supernatural beings come for you. We have no intention of using your blood or abilities, we simply want you gone. Our entire purpose is to eradicate the likes of Qetsiyah." Her tone grew harsher and spiteful. "You are an abomination! If that isn't worse enough, you fraternise with the enemy...the Mikaelsons. You're already doomed. The wisest thing for you to do is come with us and sacrifice your own life for the good of everyone. At least my daughter's death would have not been in vain."
"What kind of a mother are you?! Who sets up their child like that?" I spat at her.
"She was naive and too blinded by your friendship. My daughter does not know what is best for her."
Furious, I snapped the neck of the witch behind her. She collapsed to ground and crack. The followers reacted and charged, faces twisting.
The short strawberry blonde came first. Shoving my hand through her chest, crunching through her weak ribs, I ripped out her heart. The next three charged chanting. The spell hit me but rebounded back on them, sending them sailing across. Fearful, the other witches fell back, scowling.
"One more step and I will end you all. You made a very big mistake trying to ambush me!" I imparted, holding the heart of the previous witch.
Ara's mother chuckled darkly. "You see, I presumed you would retaliate in this manner, so I already made the necessary precautions to ensure our safety...and that you will come with us willingly, without a fight." She thrust out her chin, shooting me an icy glare.
"What did you do?" I growled, baring my fangs at her.
She flashed a crooked grin. "Your brothers came by yesterday and our chat was splendid indeed, but before they left, I gave them a little gift each. It was rather foolish of them to accept-"
I leered at her, body shaking with fury. "Get straight to the point you bitch!"
She scoffed amused. "Since you insist, I put a hex on them. Now, they will die if you refuse to do as we say."
I unfolded my arms, fear now crippling me. "You're bluffing."
"Oh no, I assure you I am not." She grabbed my arms channelling me, pulling me into her mind. I could see Stefan, sitting at my desk, writing in his journal.
"Stefan?" I called out but he continued to write.
"I heard from a certain someone, how he wronged you." She circled me. "How he killed your family and Enzo. Do you care about him enough to save him?" Her crow like laughter made rounds in my head. Rooted to my spot, I watched him spit out clumps of blood. The darkest part of me itched to step back and watch him suffer.
Let him die. The snake like voices hissed in a whisper. Let him die. If I just step back and do nothing, he'll get what's coming to him.
His face crumpled and discomfort invaded. Wildly searching around, coughing hard, continuously spitting out blood. I tried to rush to him, but I couldn't. He dropped to the floor, clutching at his heart. I watched in horror as grey veins formed in his hands, slowly spreading upwards. It was then I knew, I knew I didn't want anything to hurt him. The snake like voice yowled. I wasn't going to let them win. No! They shrieked.
"NO!" I wailed. "No, don't hurt him please...please I'll go with you, please don't hurt him... let him go." I cried out, the tears burning as they slipped down. She released her hold on me. I grasped for air.
"Now then, shall we?" Her lips curled into half a smile. I nodded, my breathing tremulous. I knew I had to go because I had no choice. They would hurt my brothers and I couldn't allow that to happen. I walked behind her, the witches trailing behind me like guards. She warned me not to try anything. For any sudden move I made, my brothers would pay. Ara died because of me; it was only fair I faced the consequences.