Damon
I flinched at the mention of his name, my temper now reaching a boiling point. No amount of being told it was not his fault mattered. It didn't make a difference because, I did not care. He was guilty and he was the culprit. I held him responsible, and I would never forgive him for it. I paced up and down the room waiting for them to say something, to give me another ray of hope. Anything else that I could hold onto. I was desperate. I smiled grimly when my eyes met Rebekah. She shook her head and stormed out. I cursed myself for not being a good brother, for not taking more responsibility. I cursed myself for failing to protect her. Passing Stefan, he placed his hand on my shoulder, staring into my eyes searching for an answer.
"I'm fine Stef." I assured. I wasn't going to go off the rails. I had no reason to. My sister was coming back, and I was certain of that. He gave me a nod before patting me and walking out to find Caroline. Heaving out a deep and long sigh, I plopped myself down beside Klaus. I didn't hate the guy but nor did I particularly like him much, but he cared for her, and she seemed to care for them.
I could smell his anxiety and uncertainty. He vowed to hunt down every last living witch and end their miserable lives. Bonnie and Freya reopened their eyes, cursing.
"What is it?" I asked, beginning to panic.
"Still can't locate her." Both were worn out from the lack of sleep and food.
Klaus cleared his throat. "I think you both should get some rest and we will resume tomorrow. The stronger you are the more of a chance we have of succeeding."
They looked to him grateful and relieved.
"In the meantime, Damon and I will take a small trip and hunt for some witches." He grinned wolfishly. Silently I followed him out the living room.
~
"Kol! Stop!" She called out, chasing him as he sped through the twists and turns of the streets. She was faster. He was blocking her out. Shoulders tensed and eyes locked in front of him. He wasn't going to give in, he wasn't going to let them save him. He wasn't worthy of it. The anger rolled off him in thick, hot waves. Not if she could help it, she wasn't going to let her brother fall apart more than he already had. She would do what she had to do. Better or worse. "Bloody hell Kol!" She cursed, grabbing his arm, and yanking him back. "Stop this madness!"
He yanked his arm back in an attempt to break free from her grip, but she applied force.
"Let me go, sister." He continued staring ahead, jaw tight. "Don't waste your time on me."
"You're my brother you blistering idiot! And Sophia would kill me if I just sat by and did nothing."
He winced at the mention of her name. Pain set in place of the heat of his anger, crumbling from within all over again. Rebekah stared at her brother whose eyes were now wet with tears. Though he looked like a deranged monster with blood dribbling down his chin onto his grey shirt, her heart sunk as she stared deep into his soul. He was broken. She lost her will. Her will to complete what she set out to do. He stood there, fists clenched, jaws clenching tighter, avoiding her eyes. He glared down to the side with such an intensity it could have cracked the ground. In her existence she had never experienced or faced her brother in the state he was in. Hopeless, damaged way beyond repair. Paralysed from within. Dead inside. But she was certain one piece of news would reignite that hope in him, that hope to be better. The news that would dissolve the pain which consumed him.
"I killed her! And she's not coming back." He came undone before her, violently shaking as he cried bitterly. The silver dagger pressed against her back waiting to be used. She questioned whether she could go through with it. He was already tormented and in agony and her eyes moistened with her own tears. He whirled to face her, a myriad of emotions swirling in those bloodshot eyes. "I ripped out the heart of the only woman I ever loved...I love...the only one that was worth being good for! I swore I would...I would never hurt her." His voice cracked, tone softening yet voice still coated with anguish. "For a thousand years I have never experienced love or peace! Sophia changed me.... I loved her I swear..."
She stepped closer and placed her hands on his shoulder. "It's not your fault. You were hexed."
"Isn't it sister? It was still me-I should have fought harder to leave." He dropped to his knees defeated, chest heaving. She knelt down before him, pulling him into her arms, holding onto him, shedding tears together. She understood him and she felt his pain. "I looked myself in the mirror and thought I could beat it! I couldn't!"
"I know you're hurt Kol. I also know you. You destroy things."
He held onto her, staring ahead in silence while the tears spilled down. The throb in his heart was getting louder and fierce. He wished he could turn it off, but the original vampires no longer had the privilege to do so. He was forced to face it. Draining people of blood made no difference. His head shot up to the string of vibrations that flowed into his ears. The sound of metal clinking. There, lay the silver dagger. Thrusting her back, his eyes flashed with rage. She braced herself realising what occurred.
"Kol, no I wasn't going to do it-"
He refused to listen to her, shaking his head. "You were gonna put me back in my box, weren't you?!"
She sighed. "Listen to me Kol, yes we had planned to dagger you for your own good! You were out of control, and it was the only way to stop you until we brought her back!"
He stumbled back overwhelmed by the statement. "What-what do you mean?"
She treaded over cautiously but was optimistic as her eyes lit up. "YES! We're bringing her back! She's there and we can feel her! That's what we were working on these whole dreadful months! You think we would let the woman we all adore stay dead? Come back with me Kol!"
"This isn't some twisted lie is it, to get me to come back? It better not be sister." He warned, pointing a finger at her.
"No, I swear to you!" She smiled as hope and relief flooded him, allowing the pain and anger to become scarce. Pressing a palm to his heart, he let out a colossal breath.
Sophia
I sat up feeling unlike myself. Every part of me felt unusual. I was dead but even in death something was peculiar. My senses were dormant. Valarie and Qetsiyah observed me closely. It had been what I assumed an hour. I wasn't sure. Time ran differently here. At least that's what they said. It had been years since I last saw her, and I was at a loss for words. I was overjoyed to finally be able to speak to my best friend. Holding out a hand, she helped me to my feet. "How are you here?"
Val smiled warmly. "You. Somehow you created this other world and here we are. I've been watching over you...thank you for what you did for me...and Stefan." She pulled me into a warm hug, letting me cry into her shoulders. She died for me, and I missed her terribly.
"I'm glad to see you!" I sensed Qetsiyah to my right. She had all the answers to my questions. After many years of them going unanswered, finally the woman with all the answers sat before me.
"What does it mean for me now that I took the cure?" I queried.
"Well, if you do go back, you'll be human-siphon again. You won't be able to turn immortal again and your body will reject vampire blood.... i altered it this time. Any vampire that takes the first drink from you, will die. It won't cure them. As for now, it has saved you from the curses of the witch. I can't feel it, so it must have been nulled."
"What if I don't want to go back?" I asked, getting up and walking over to the little bed of hybrid red roses, my fingers brushing over them tentatively.
"It is your choice, but I know you won't leave your loved ones to their own peril...they need you."
"I never said thank you for saving me...it makes me wonder why? I have all these questions for you... I wouldn't know where to begin."
She joined my side, overlooking the bed of flowers. I paid close attention to her story and to mine.
It began in ancient Greece when she had been promised to Silas, the man she loved. They were engaged and it was the day of their wedding when she created the immortality elixir, so they may be together forever. He betrayed her for Amara. The pair of them were responsible for the launch of thousands of doppelgängers. Scorned, she developed the cure intending to force it down Silas, making him mortal again but he refused to take it, so she entombed him. Qetsiyah was pregnant but the travellers were after her, to kill her for going against nature and defying it. Before they succeeded, she transferred her unborn into the womb of another. That knowledge was kept from the rest of the coven and travellers. Her son went on to have many children whose children bore children in an endless cycle. I came from that direct line, unlike Bonnie. She had been watching over us for centuries from the other side and when the other side was destroyed, she found her peace and a new place she resided in.
She spoke of my birth mother. A woman named Hera. Hera fell for my birth father, unknown to her she started an affair behind Lilly's back. I was a result of that infidelity. My less of a man father was appalled by the news of the child being a girl. Daughters had no place in the family, they had no use to a man who was part of a strong council. She would only cause grievance. He threatened my mother that if she did not get rid of the child, he would kill us both. She refused to listen to him and escaped. Unbeknownst to her, he sent out his men to hunt her down and bring her back dead or alive.
Qetsiyah watched helpless, unable to help my mother. Though the little she could offer my mother was the reminder that she was a witch and she had to use her magic if she wanted to save me. So that was what my mother had done. Once she gave birth to me, she placed me in the trust of a fellow witch who was to put me in a magical induced coma and when the time was right, send me into a decent and noble family where I would lead a normal life and where I would be safe and happy. My real birth date was September 25th, 1864. I was born right around the time my brothers died. Before my father's men reached her, she slit her wrists, killing herself as a sacrifice and joined Qetsiyah in the afterlife. They watched me for years, guided me for years, watched as I grew up and lived a good life.
For some time, she had forgotten about me when her mind was polluted with the thoughts of Silas and her revenge. Through Bonnie, she wormed her way back into the world of the living. For various reasons, she didn't come to me. It would have proven to be fatal. She left me again, knowing wherever I was, I would be safe and dealing with things on my own. She knew I was capable and had unwavering faith in me. She knew I didn't need her help, that is not until this day. I needed her and she saved me. I laughed a little when she said she couldn't stand the sight of Stefan as he was the last living doppelgänger of Silas, but for me she tolerated it. She let him be. He always wondered why she spared him, why she didn't fatally hurt him. The real reason was me.
"Come back with me...both of you! I need your help and you can teach me new magic and..."
She released a light chuckle. "You don't need me, Sophia. You are stronger than you think. I was only here because you needed me and now you don't. I finally found my salvation. I can now depart from this place knowing you will do perfectly well, on your own...you have done so since the day you turned. I am so proud of you! As of learning new magic, I have left for you my old grimoires and scripts buried deep in Greece, where they will remain safe till you want them."
"And I've made my peace, Soph. Whatever I did was for you." Valarie added. "I do not wish to return."
I rushed over to her throwing my arms around them. Even in death their embrace was warming.
"Well, is this not touching." Came Genevieve's hubris voice. I whipped around to face the wretched witch. For a dead person she seemed excessively confident and pleased with herself. She continued to speak. "I was wondering where you had got to but then I saw that light and slipped right through. I have news, I'm sure you would be grateful to hear." She smirked, turning her attention to Qetsiyah. "Rather foolish of you to assume the cure would beat my curse upon her damned soul."
Unnerved she lost her calm posture. "What do you mean?"
Genevieve cackled malignantly. "Did you think I would be stupid enough to curse her without thinking it through?"
"Get to the point!" I snapped.
"I knew the people who love you would do anything to save you, bring you back from the dead. I needed an insurance plan...If they did succeed in raising you from the dead, then I had to ensure you die right away...well slowly and painfully, but I needed it to be anchored to something living." She wiggled her brows taking pride and pleasure in tormenting us. "Guess guess...no? Very well then. The spell I cast on you was linked to a living blood relative and would become permanent upon the death of that individual..." She plucked a rose from the bush and inspected it. Immediately the rose decayed to her touch.
"What have you done?!" Valarie barked, charging at her.
She stepped back, waving the rose in the air and clucking. "It's not what I did but...what her brother Damon and well.... Klaus Mikaelson have done." Her eyes danced with triumph. She knew she won, and she would get what she most desired. My death again and that too permanently with no way of me ever returning.
"What is it? What did they do?" The pitch of my tone increased, the impatience bubbling within me.
"Let's say their tactic of beheading those of my bloodline has been costly for them...for you. I tied your life to my five-year-old son. I knew your family would be out for blood in your name...for you, but I did not expect them to commit such an atrocity-"
"You're lying!" I lunged at her, grabbing her by the throat. My fingers loosened themselves, witnessing the answer in her cold eyes. Shaking I stumbled back, covering my face with my hands. "No..." The burning tears slipped down.
"It was a sacrifice I was willing to make but yes, they did kill my son and in doing so made your curse permanent. Now, they will bring you back but what they do not know is they sealed your fate. They will bring you back to only lose you again." She laughed manically at her diabolical plan. I cowered away, dubious of this revelation. Were they capable of such a monstrosity? How could they have committed such a heinous crime?! My own brother and my friend! All for me! They did it for me and I was disgusted. A child! They had not spared an innocent child. I refused to believe it but a part of me knew it was a fact. I filled up with pain and anger. Qetsiyah willed Genevieve into her grip, I watched transfixed as the hand that clasped her throat seared through her skin. Genevieve began to froth up, it seeping out the corners of her lip. With that, she was gone forever. I was numb all over but the thoughts in my head were chaotic and rampaging.
"Sophia?" Their voices pulled me back out.
Tears staining my face, i turned to them, a trembling mess. "What do I do now? Do I go back? I mean what even is the point...I'm going to die regardless."
"I can feel it, your family are not giving up. I know you can feel the pull too. You have to go back. It is not your time yet." Qetsiyah voiced.
"But the curse?"
She huffed out. "I can't remove it, but I can try to decelerate it...give me your hands." She instructed, holding out her hands, palms facing up. I placed my hands in hers and she clasped them with her fingers, closed her eyes and chanted internally. I stood still and observed in a nervous fit. A warm sensation drew up my arms. Her eyes snapped open, frowning. "There's not much I can do, but only give you a year to live your life and say your goodbyes...before the curse takes over."
I nodded my head, eyes moistened with tears. "It's fine. A year is enough for me!"
"You must refrain from using strong magic! Refrain from anything that requires a huge source of power and energy! It will only speed up the process." She asserted looking down at me with furrowed brows. Keeping her big, brown eyes on me, she reached into her dress pocket and fished out a vintage looking locket. Taking my hand, she placed the locket in my palm. I inspected it closely. It was a dark blue cameo necklace. The chain was brass and felt heavy. I traced the intricate loops around the pendant. Using my thumbs, I split it open, and a timepiece was revealed. A watch in a necklace. I smiled. It was beautiful. The arms on the watch seemed to move, indicating time ticked by.
"It's beautiful. What is it for?"
She chuckled. "It's an upgraded version of my talisman. It has infinite magic-my magic...the magic of our bloodline. Keep it and whenever you need me, just call to me and I will be there."
I wrapped my arms around her, holding onto her tight. "Thank you! I wish there was a way I could bring you back alive."
"I've lived long enough." She drew herself away an inch, brushing my hair tenderly. "I found my peace, and I am perfectly content with where I am. One day, we will reunite but not now. Live the life you've always wanted, even if it's short."
I turned my sight on Valarie and cocked my head to one side, grinning. "So, one sacrifice and now you've found your peace?"
Her tuneful laughter filled the air. "Put it that way then, yes I suppose. We'll always be watching over you and we'll see each other again. A year isn't too long. Make the most of it...give Stefan my best."
"I will!" I gushed. A fiery blast sent me staggering back. It tugged at me from within, pulling something forward. An anguished scream unleashed as i burned. Valarie grabbed a hold of me, stabilising me. "Let it in Sophia! They're pulling you back, your soul is being called back."
"NO!" I shrieked. "It burns!" My hands shot to my chest, clawing at it, heaving for breaths.
"It's not supposed to hurt, is it?" She asked, turning back to Qetsiyah.
Qetsiyah hurried to my side. "No, but because your soul has already been struck for death, the process is hurting you. Just breathe and let them bring you back!"
I rejected, shaking my head at them. I couldn't tolerate it any further. I wanted to shut down. Slip away. Anything but give into to that soul scorching pain.
Stefan
He entered the room with a smug look on his face. Spinning, I charged over and threw a right hook. His jaw cracked upon the impact, eliciting a grunt. "What the hell was that for Stefan?!"
I looked to him with great contempt then my eyes darted to Klaus. Shooting him a scathing look. "Really? A child! An innocent child! How could you possibly stoop so low Damon! What do you think our sister would do or feel if she found out-"
"If she finds out and she won't, will she Stefan?" He interjected, challenging me, squaring up.
"Listen to yourself! A five-year-old! She will never look past that."
Damon cast his eyes down. Klaus stepped forward placing a hand on his shoulder, locking eyes with me. "We did it for her and she's safe now. You should thank us."
"Niklaus!" Boomed Elijah. "You did what?" I heard him storm over, his jacket swishing as he took long strides. "Have you no compassion brother? Not long ago you had a child yourself and many sought to kill her...yet you went out to do the same. Sophia will not stand for this and nor do I, brother. You have shamed me."
I scrutinised Klaus. He lowered his head, glaring at the floor, his lips pulled together tight. Damon attempted to conceal his guilt and shame, but it was far too late for that. The deed was done and there was no going back. They both had to pay the consequences. "You both can explain it to her, maybe she'll understand! You deal with it!" I spat.
Kol returned with Rebekah. Three months passed since my sister's death. He turned to me as he walked past, mustering a smile. I spared him the briefest of glances, still unsure what to feel and whether I held him entirely responsible. I knew she wouldn't. A part of me wanted to blame him because I never approved of him being with her. The question that weighed me, was, did I have that right? I returned to my original standing point and reassessed the scene. Bonnie and Freya were working on pulling her soul back into her body. I grew pained, witnessing them struggle.
"She's fighting back...rejecting us." Rasped Freya.
"Send me in!"
I scoffed at Klaus's demand. He paid me no mind. Freya complied and took his hand, resuming her chanting. The desiccation began rapidly. A thump resounded and he slumped to the floor.
Sophia
I buried my face between my knees, shielding myself. I was all alone, after sending Qetsiyah and Valerie away. I didn't want to listen to their voices that nagged me to let them in, let my soul renter my body and return to my family. I appreciated them but I couldn't bear it. A hand ran up and down my arm. The touch was neither warm nor cold. "Hello love." He said sweetly. Rage surged through me as his voice flowed through my ears, into my mind. I lifted my head slowly and narrowed my eyes at him, scowling.
"Go away!" I spat.
"I'm afraid that, I can't do. Come back with me.'
I booted to my feet and shoved him back. "Why! Why should I come back with you?!"
"We need you." He crooned earnestly.
My body trembled and I swayed to the left and back to the right. He took a step forward reaching out for me, but I thrust my hand out, stopping him.
"Tell me it's not true." My lips quivered.
His face crumpled. "What?"
"They told me what you and Damon did! Tell me it's not true. Tell me they lied, and you could never do such a thing!" I was desperate to hear that I was wrong.
He turned his head downwards, grimacing. I marched over to him and grabbed his face in my palms. "Look at me Klaus. Did you or did you not, in cold blood kill an innocent child?"
"Yes." Came the monotone response. I threw myself back away from him, scanning his face for any sign of emotion, of remorse but he mastered expressionlessness.
"How could you!" I howled. "Go away! Just leave!"
He glanced up looking to me pleadingly, but I shook my head with fast tears falling down. I couldn't stand the sight of him. They let me down and my heart shattered. I could never forgive them for this. I desperately wanted him to prove me wrong. In my heart I struggled to believe the witches but a deep part of me knew they were right, but regardless, I wanted my brother and friend to be innocent. It was all I wanted.
"Darling?" Upon hearing his voice my heart fluttered and I was overcome with bewilderment. Whipping around and there he stood. Beautiful and handsome as ever, face pained and eyes sparkling with tears.
"Kol..." I breathed out.
He rushed to me, taking me in his arms. "I thought I'd never see you again." As he pulled away, I cried. "What is it?" He searched deep into my eyes.
I brushed my fingers through his hair. "I wish I could feel you."
He cupped my face in his hands and brushed my cheeks with his thumbs. It hurt that I couldn't feel his warmth. There was a slight tingle. He was touching me, but I couldn't completely feel him. Tears slipped down his face. "Losing you broke me. And when you died, I died. You were the only thing that made me feel alive and when I lost you..."
As I gazed into his eyes, I let the tears cascade down. "I know...I watched you Kol and I died over and over again, each day."
"I promise you; I will never hurt you again. I will not let you slip away from me again! I can't live without you Sophia! Without you, I'm lost and with no purpose."
Wrapping my arms around him, I buried my face in his chest. "It's not your fault. I know you would never hurt me intentionally...ever."
"I'm sorry."
I shook my head. "You don't need to apologise! How...I don't understand how you're here?"
"They knew you would listen to me, so they sent me, even though they're all rather pissed off at me." His lips curved into that infamous grin.
"I missed that smirk of yours." It was disarming. One of those boyish grins, the kind that melted the heart.
"Tell me." I urged, peering into his soft eyes.
"What?"
"The wish you made?" I don't know why I thought it was important or relevant, but I wanted to know.
He let out a sigh. "As silly as it sounds, I wished for you to be mine forever."
The smile on my face burned brighter and bigger. "You did?"
"Please come back to me." His arms tightened around me, pulling me in closer. I closed my eyes and slowly breathed in and out. I was at ease. I could taste the peace, and I felt myself melt into him.
Stefan
I sat anxious. All I could do was twiddle my thumbs as we sat holding our breaths. Klaus returned unsuccessful. It was now down to Kol. Deep in my heart I knew he would be the one to pull her out and return her to us. It was always him and it will always be him. We jumped to our feet as he sat up, letting out a sharp breath. With a massive grin, he looked to us. I heaved out. The room relaxed once again. Three months and she was back. I edged closer to where she lay. The desiccation disappeared, returning colour to her skin-her hair. I could feel the warmth emanating from her. Damon took a step closer, opposite me and crouched down beside her; ever so lightly stroking her face, the tears of joy rolling down his cheek.
"Hear that?" He rejoiced. "Her heart."
My eyes darted around the room. We cocked our heads to the side and narrowed our hearing. Laughter and the sense of joy and consolation bounced off the walls. My heart settled and that soul crushing grip released me from its hold. Her heart was beating a slow rhythm.
My eyes met with Kol. He smiled small as I gave him a nod and mouthed. "Thank you." It was due to him we had her back. I lowered myself down beside my sister, eagerly waiting for her to take her breath. She shot up grasping for air; wincing as the air entered her lungs and she could breathe again. She pressed her palm to her chest. "You're okay." I muttered. She turned her head to me then to Damon barely able to speak through the tears. We pulled her into a hug. Heaving for breaths, she held onto us for dear life.
"You're okay." Damon repeated, reassuring himself. She dragged herself to her feet and flinched away from him. "You've been gone three months and you can't acknowledge your own brother?"
Sighing she attended to him. "Don't get me wrong Damon! I am happy to see you and be here, but how do you expect me to face you knowing what I know?! Do you know how that makes me feel? I feel like it was me who did it! A CHILD DAMON! Why?"
"They weren't going to stop so we had to stop them! We did it for you! To save you!"
"That's the problem! You did a terrible thing for me! So now his blood is on my hands Damon! HE WAS A CHILD!" She trebled with rage. Taking deep breaths her tone settled down. "You didn't give him a chance. You assumed he would come for me. How do I move past that? The two people I care about...have let me down..."
Klaus cleared his throat. "In Damon's defence...I was the one who killed him-"
"I don't care!" She exploded. "He stood by and watched and most likely helped you hide the body. Bodies!"
Damon turned her to face him. "Look, you can hate me, and you don't need to forgive me...forgive us, but I just got you back and right now, that's all that matters little sister!" He pulled her into a hug, but her arms remained stuck to her sides. They twitched for a second as she too wanted to embrace him, but she remained resolute. He pulled away reluctantly. She tried to be discreet with wiping her tears, but I saw it all. Turning away from him, she paced upon to me and embraced me.
"I'm glad you're back." I mumbled into her hair, squeezing her tight. I didn't want to let go but I pulled away, allowing her to greet everyone else. Bonnie and Freya held their arms open. Smiling she wobbled over to them. They hugged and shed a few tears, blubbering in between.
"Thank you for not giving up and I am so sorry for putting you through pain!"
"No, we love you and you are family! We had to!" They cried.
"Stop hogging onto her! Let me at least have a chance!" Caroline cut in, crying, and laughing at the same time.
"Oh Care, I'm sorry!" She hugged my wife and told her she was the best sister-in-law she could ever ask for. Sophia turned to Rebekah. "I've not forgotten you best friend! Come over here." She beckoned. Not needing to be told twice she ran over. They hugged for what felt like eternity. At last, they pulled away, gleaming.
"Don't leave us again!" She chided. "You left me here with these bloody idiots!"
"I promise I won't." I picked up on her sadness as those words left her mouth. That sadness unnerved me. I opened my mouth to speak when her eyes met mine, quickly she turned away, walking over to Elijah.
"Welcome back." He greeted throwing an arm around her, giving her shoulder a squeeze.
"It's good to be back Elijah...Marcel." She beamed and he gave her a high five before pulling her into a brief embrace.
"Welcome back littlest one."
When her eyes laid on Kol, she broke into a run. Those eyes of his lit up as she ran to him, throwing her arms around him. She pulled away ever so lightly and kissed him passionately. I could not help but smile and feel a sense of warmth at seeing them happy. Seeing my sister at bliss. I sensed Klaus shift. I could sense the anger and jealousy course through him as he watched his brother devouring her in a kiss. He cast his eyes to the ground as the kiss deepened before Kol pulled her away and clutched her to his chest.
"I missed you!" He sniffled.
"I missed you." She blubbered. Holding onto him she swivelled around to face the rest of us. "There's something you all should know..." We waited patiently for her to muster up her courage and continue. "I'm human again...well a siphon but I'm no longer immortal."
"How is that possible?" Freya questioned, crossing the room, reaching the centre. "That shouldn't have happened."
She exhaled softly. "Qetsiyah gave me the cure...it was the only way to stop them from shredding my soul but honestly, I feel fine. Honestly, I don't even know what this means for me, and I don't even know how the cure works...it's all a bit confusing."
"I do." Came Damon's solemn voice. "We watched Silas, Amara and Katherine take the cure...the cure can't leave your body otherwise all your years will catch up with you and you'll die."
"I'm not up for dying a second time." She chuckled.
We sat in silence trying to figure out what it meant. The cure had not been spoken about for almost a decade. Our only fear was what would become of her if news got out that the cure runs in her blood. Glancing around the room in a discreet fashion I gave a nod to Damon, then the Mikaelsons. A silent agreement to protect her and ensure her safety. Of course, if she knew, she would never agree to it, instead she would fight us. Upon instinct, I reached for her when a harsh wince escaped her, and she swayed side to side. She fell in Kol's arms and swiftly he picked her up. "I think you need rest, let's get you up and tucked in bed."
"I-i... I'm f-" She lost consciousness before the sentence was complete. I felt everyone on the edge of their toes, concerned. We walked out, with her safe in his arms. Damon beside me tensed up, he didn't want them together again.
~
Sitting across her mother in a new form, she shot her a death glare. She knew better than to open her mouth and spew her spiteful words, but she couldn't hold back. In a new body, she radiated confidence and she knew she looked good. Vanilla blonde hair, fair toned skin, and crimson painted lips. It made a bold statement. Dhanika scoffed. It was all a facade. "Tell me what happened! I want to know the exact truth about Sophia! I don't trust you, I brought you back because you vowed to tell me the truth and you said I mattered to you. You can hide behind this flimsy mask, but I know you for who you truly are." She leaned forward in her seat, directly looking into the woman's eyes.
Jameela chuckled, leaning forward, her arms grazing her daughter's arms. "I like this new you. So intimidating."
Her face softened. "Please mum, I just want to know what happened. How is Sophia alive? You told me she died. She would have never abandoned me so why did she?"
She wore a sad smile, and she wore it well. Terrifically well that It fooled Dhanika. "She never died. When the witches came for us, instead of defending us, she fled. I didn't want you knowing the truth, so I faked her death. I made you see something that was never really there...I haven't been a good mother to you and for that I am sorry. I did what I thought was best. She abandoned us, Dhanika."
She shook her head, tears visible in her eyes and her lower lip trembled. "No....no it-it can't be true. She loved me. I loved her...she promised to never leave me."
"This isn't the time to get sentimental. I promise you, she never loved us. She used me and she just played with your emotions. My poor child, she really did a number on you."
"Why didn't you tell me this before? Why did you keep me in that sleep state?" Her heart didn't want to accept it, but looking at her mother, she could see how upset she was.
"I was going to, but I was killed, and I thought you would bring me back from the dead soon as you woke from your sleep...that's water under the bridge now. I didn't want you to feel the betrayal I did. Sophia is alive and she will pay for it all, I assure you."
"How can I be sure this isn't one of your games and this isn't a lie?"
"If it's proof you need...then I have it. I can show you what she said that day." She held out her hands and waited for Dhanika to take them. Blowing out air, Dhanika grasped her mother's hands and shut her eyes.