Standing in the far corner, Benjamin watched the pack intently. The witch had news and an exact location on Sophia. He blended in well, no one could tell apart his intentions and why he offered his help to them. The front door opened and closed. Footsteps. The click clacks of high heels. She made an entrance. It took one look, and the stench of evil was obvious. His father slid in front, holding out his hand for her. Smirking, she took it and allowed him to lead the way. The lanky male poured her a drink and she took the glass. Swishing it around, she gulped it down and shook her head. "Wow, I needed this!"
"You have important information." His father pressed, quick to get down to business.
"Eager beaver-" She was flirting with him and Benjamin's skin crawled. "Yes, I do have great news." Doing laps around his father, gently running her fingers along his collar. "The girl is in Ireland, on her honeymoon. I have a strong feeling she has the objects you seek, with her. Take what you need but I warn you, no harm must come to her. Do not touch her! Leave her be. Am I clear?"
"Clear."
"Good." She fixed his collar. "Because you know, just what I'm capable of."
Taking that as his cue to leave, Benjamin slipped out, going unnoticed. Sprinting out into the cool air, away from the house and to a safe spot. Shoving his hand in one pocket, he fished out his phone. A few quick taps and it was to his ear. A couple of rings and finally, she answered.
"Thank God Harlow! You took time...oh okay yeah! Sophia is in Ireland, which means you can work on something there...no, I don't know where exactly. You can do something right?" He waited and listened to her response. "My dad's sending some pack members to her right now! I don't know when exactly they'll get there....no-yeah, I think so! No, I'm actually worried! Noah hasn't responded to any of my texts or calls-WHAT! The Mikaelsons have him...how on earth did you know? At least he managed to send you a message..." looking straight ahead, he tapped his jaw. "Well, this just got messy didn't it! My dad assigned me the task on finding out who the Mikaelsons are.... you know? Okay send me everything you have on them-of course not, I'm not telling them anything...okay I'll update you...okay bye." Hanging up the call, he shoved the phone back in his jacket and jogged off.
Damon
She yanked the Haagen-Dazs tub from my hand and bolted. Dropping the spoon, I chased after her, running around the house. She laughed and taunted. "You're forgetting I'm a vampire and I can and will outrun you!" I called down from the top of the stairs. Listening out, I grinned. She stumbled into the living room, shuffled to the accent chair, and ducked down. Leaping down and landing light on my feet, I whooshed past her, grabbed the tub out her hand and stood before her. "Idiot." I rolled my eyes.
Climbing to her feet, she scoffed and mirrored my expression. "Light travels faster than sound, which is why you seemed bright until you opened your trap."
"Funny."
She nudged past me, marched to the shelf in search of a new read. "Why bother reading, you're-"
"Damon-" A gasp tore through her lungs and she was cast across the room by an unseen force, crashing into the grand mirror. It splintered then shattered, being the only dominant sound in the room. She slumped down, wheezing and gurgling. Why couldn't I move? Why did I feel restrained? I pushed harder, straining and growling. As she lay there, she stared at me helplessly, blood spluttering out her mouth in thick chunks. Forcing one foot out, I cried out and put the other forward.
"I'm coming Bitsy...just hold on...hold on." I strained again, emitting anguished growls. A broken breath escaped her lips and her eyesight started to give way. "No...no Bitsy-" Roaring, I broke free and scrambled to her side. Pulling her to me, biting into my wrist and shoving it in her mouth-to heal her; to wake her up. I cried out. She refused the blood. "Come on!" It came out desperate and gruff. She didn't stir, not even when my voice completely broke. Pulling my wrist away, the blood dripped from the corner of her lips. "Bitsy..." I whispered, eyes furiously scouring her face for any signs of life. "Please..." My brows knit in defeat. She was gone. Cradling her face, I helplessly cried. When it all got too much, I blinked rapidly until my vision cleared. The room spun, rocking side to side. I glanced around, then back down to my lap. Bounding to my feet, frantic eyes scanning the room. She wasn't there. Releasing a colossal breath, my body slumped, and I wiped at my forehead. It was just a terrible daymare. I didn't lose her. "Get a grip Damon..." I mumbled to myself, searching the empty room one last time.
~
Being with the Mikaelsons was more comfortable than he anticipated. He could tell why she loved them so much. Even the Salvatores. They were all good people, who were so afraid of losing her to the point, it pushed them to do questionable things. He thought to himself, was it really that questionable? Would one not go above and beyond for family? Sitting by the window, staring out at the back garden, he wondered whether his absence made a difference to his mother and whether she finally let go of her-Jameela's evil plots. Sophia couldn't have abandoned her, it had to be a lie. Jameela was a deceitful and narcissistic woman. Why couldn't his mother see that? She knew her longer than he had.
A gentle rap at the door and his head turned to that direction. "Come in." He trusted them and now it was their turn to trust him. The door swung open, without a creak. Bonnie entered, holding a platter of various foods. The sweet and savoury aromas wafted through the air and blessed his senses. Smiling, she set the platter in front of him and took a seat on the edge of the bed.
"I'm sorry we're keeping you here. I know you must be missing home...but we're betting on your mum to give us details of where Jameela is."
"Don't be sorry...I like it here than at home. It's more peaceful. As for my mum...don't count on it. She will never turn on her own mum, no matter how much she hates her. Jameela has her wrapped around her finger and she's manipulative." He spoke with great aversion.
"Mum?" She touched the base of her neck and shot him a puzzled look.
"Jameela is my grandmother. I'm sorry I lied to you before, I was just scared. Not now...seeing you all, I'm not scared anymore. I know I can trust you-Can I tell you something?"
She took in his innocence and eagerness to do right. "Yes." She nodded.
"I don't know what they're up to! My friend Ben and I are working together to stop them. I actually have been using my magic to protect Sophia as much as I can. I'm not strong e-"
"Why are you helping?" She interrupted.
"I don't want Jameela or my mother getting what they want and using a good person. Ben doesn't want his pack to get what they want either."
Her eyes narrowed. "Pack?"
"Ben comes from some original wolf pack...heck we don't even know anything about it-"
She shot up. "Elijah...he should be able to clarify. Come with me Noah." Sticking close to her, he followed her out the room and down the winding steps.
Damon
Bonnie entered with Noah strolling in behind. Squinting my eyes at them, I followed his movements. She cleared her throat. "Noah has something to say." Looking to him with a nod to start, she shared a reassuring smile with him. From the corner of my eye, Elijah gently closed the tattered book, belonging to Qetsiyah. Stepping forward, fumbling with his fingers, and keeping his gaze down, Noah spoke. "I told Bonnie about me and Ben secretly protecting Sophia from Jameela..." He scratched his head, clearly searching for the courage to continue. "Jameela is planning something sinister, and I don't know what-Ben and I-"
"Who is this, Ben?" Blondie gestured with her hand.
"And how are you protecting Sophia? From what exactly?" Freya asked, cynical.
"He's from the original wolf pack..." Catching our exchanges, he understood we heard of the name before. "We don't know much about them...Ben is oblivious, but we don't want them getting Sophia, whatsoever. We both hate our families and don't want them to succeed." He turned his attention to Freya. "They've been trying to give her nightmares and visions of something-I'm not too sure and I've managed to block most."
"She told me about nightmares...I gave her something to combat it."
"Yeah, I think that's also helping her-"
"How nice." I shot at him, dubious of his intentions. He didn't seem to mind my cold behaviour towards him. Turning my blazing gaze on Freya, I fired. "Freya, why didn't you tell me about this-" Stefan interrupted before I could complete my sentence. Freya frowned, apologising with her eyes. I knew she didn't have a choice. She was protecting Sophia.
"Damon!" Stefan glared at me. Turning back to Noah, he continued. "What can you tell us about them and Jameela?"
"I'm not sure...although, they keep saying they want Sophia and some daggers-"
"Daggers..." Elijah repeated. "I may actually be able to help with that..." He reopened the book and flicked through several pages before stopping and staring down at the current page. "All day I've been going through Qetsiyah's spells and books and while reading, I came across the story of the six injured wolves."
"That doesn't say much now does it, brother?" The hybrid rolled his eyes, folding his arms across his chest.
Ignoring his remark, Elijah proceeded. "Qetsiyah took pity on six silver furred wolves on the precipice of death. Looking into their eyes, she gave them a new form. Allowing them to heal and take the form of humans, all the while having freedom to keep their wolf nature. Like the ordinary human, they ate, they slept, and they reproduced. Every offspring inherited the wolf gene, thus allowing themselves to be able to transform at will. It seems like, they don't require the full moon or...there seems to be nothing in regard to how the descendants trigger the curse." He turned over to the following page. "This very depiction...portrays them as strong beings who possess great speed, force and unlike the average wolf, they are difficult to kill-"
"Well, that's bloody great isn't it!" Klaus grunted.
"How do you kill them then?" Marcel inquired, tapping a finger to his chin. "They're unlike any werewolves we've dealt with."
"From what I can see here, the only way they can be killed is, if their hearts are extracted...or fire." He glanced up. "They precede the original vampires...I'm not very concerned as a matter of fact; we know how to kill them."
"Does it mention anything about the daggers?" Noah asked, practically bouncing on his feet.
Elijah flicked through a couple of pages and then stopped. "The daggers can be used to imprison them as well as free them...we only found three in the trunk. There's six in this drawing. He continued to narrate the story. "Qetsiyah gave the beasts freedom to do as they wished. For some time, they kept the peace, they did as told. Some time passed by, and the wolves grew hungrier for flesh and the life of humans tired them out...they turned on the innocents and craved domination. Qetsiyah created metal daggers as a way to put an end to their destructions and bestiality..." He pinched his mouth. "...She managed to imprison three of them by embedding the dagger in their hearts, to then bury them deep in the earth...the others escaped before she could get to them."
"That's icky and giving me chills." Caroline squeezed in.
Elijah looked down at the book, turning over to the next page and froze, then gave darting glances. "Only the blood of Qetsiyah can fashion or even undo the spell-" That's when we whipped up, standing on our feet, and edging closer; eyes focused on him.
Noah was the first to speak. "That's why they want her and everything else. All this time, Ben and I have been trying to figure out why they want her and what they meant by she's the key!!" The boy lost all composure, pacing around the room. Whirling around, his large eyes met ours. "Ben, he's playing double agent! I hope he's fine...no, OH NO! I completely forgot, I'm supposed to be blocking my mother and Jameela's spells! I haven't gotten round to doing it-God I hope she's okay!"
"Noah, relax. It's going to be fine!" Rebekah assured, holding him still.
"I'll help you." Bonnie offered.
His lower lip trembled. "I just don't want them to get what they want."
"We won't let them." She reassured. They moved to the centre of the room, standing face to face, and holding onto each other's hands. Latin words filled up the room, circling us and we stood still. Not a single soul dared make a sound. Bonnie gripped his arms tighter, her chanting growing wilder and louder. They were straining hard against something that fought back. They were relentless and pushed back harder. Without breaking the link, Freya took a hold of each hand and joined the chanting. Minutes soared by and no improvement. Blood trickled down Noah's nose, yet he refused to let the link break. It didn't matter, they were blasted apart.
"It's not working." Freya rasped. "They're using expression."
Sophia
Galway
I tossed and turned several times in bed, forcing myself to sleep but sleep never visited. This restless feeling that gnawed at me, allowed me no peace. It affected me physically, emotionally, and mentally. It was an inexplicable feeling. My body yelped to the sudden, haunting scream. Someone was crying out in pain. It was a man. Fast on my feet, I hurried out the room, forgetting all about my need for sleep. The hallway seemed to stretch on, the lights flickered on and off in a slow pace. Strangled gasps. As though his breathing was being restricted. Bones snapping. Low growls that turned to grunting. Pattering down the stairs, turning sharply into the living room, I froze, and a scream ripped through me. "Stefan!"
He was forced to his knees, panting and pale from the unfathomable torture. A cloaked figure stood before him, her back to me. Her dainty hands were what gave her away. I lunged, she flicked me back without even a glance to my direction. "Leave him alone!" I hissed. She deflected every attack, every spell that I hurled her way. Latching her fingers to his chest, where his heart sat tucked, she pushed them through. Kicking him down, a tearing sound filled up the room, and I shrunk. In her outstretched palm she had his heart. Dropping it, she twirled to face me and let the hood fall off her head. My own breath caught in my throat. I came face to face with myself. "You've always wanted him dead, didn't you?" I menaced.
I didn't wake up in a sudden manner, or in a frenzy. I was numb and drained. Since on this honeymoon, I had not had a single nightmare or vision. Jameela always enjoyed plaguing her victims with twisted visions. She knew it was a sure way to weaken her targets and weak I was.
Almost a month into our marriage and we were still on our honeymoon. We toured Europe. We went on strolls, sightseeing, shopping. It was adventure, music, food, and dancing. We danced in palaces and devoured fine delicacies. It was everything I imagined and beyond. Until the nightmare, I had an amazing time. The running of the water soothed me. It was relieving to know something felt normal. Climbing out of bed, I padded over to the duffle bag. Freya's concoctions were safely tucked in. Downing a bottle or two would surely keep the nightmares away. I didn't get past unzipping the bag, he emerged from the bathroom after hearing my soft movements.
"I've got a bubble bath running for you. It'll be done soon." He kissed my forehead. Pulling away, he frowned. "You're burning up."
I gave a nervous laugh. "Am I?" Feeling my head, I laughed again. "Oh, would you look at that, I am hot. Shouldn't have slept without the duvet."
His eyes narrowed, zeroing in on me. "Are you sure you're okay?" He reached out to feel my face one more time.
Getting on my tippy toes, I kissed his cheek and kissed it again. "I'm fine! Now go and finish preparing that bubble bath."
He dashed back to the bathroom to turn the taps off. I heard the crinkle of the plastic packet that had the fresh rose petals. My eyes landed on his suitcase; left open. Rolling my eyes, I lifted it completely. Half his belongings remained neatly folded in. A slight sparkle caught my attention. I looked closer at the netted zip compartment. It was my phone. I had lost it a few weeks back and we searched everywhere to no avail. Why had Kol had it? It was odd. Unzipping the compartment, I fished out my phone and pressed the home button. "Strange." I muttered. I tried again but the screen remained blank. It was dead. With the phone in my hands, I walked briskly into the bathroom where he stood, sprinkling in the petals.
"Kol..."
He turned his head back and his face fell when he saw the phone in my hand. Placing the bag down, he leapt before me. "I can explain darling."
"Why did you lie? You said you hadn't seen it. It's odd that you-what are you hiding from me Kol?"
His lips pinched as he rolled his eyes. "Alright, I confess I did it. I took it away to stop you from contacting everyone back home."
"Why?!" I snapped through gritted teeth with a patience running thin.
"I know you love; you will run the moment someone is in trouble, and I promised your brothers I would keep you away until it was safe. I have no regrets."
He was impossible! "What's going on back home!"
He smiled wickedly. "Looking for that slimy insect and that pesky witch...nothing that concerns us."
Huffing, I stormed out the bathroom and grabbed my cross-body bag, slung it over my shoulder and left with the door slamming shut behind me. This long honeymoon was just a distraction, an excuse to keep me away. I wasn't sure who I was infuriated at more. My husband or my brothers. What good could me staying away possibly do? It was always about keeping me safe. But what about them? Who would protect them and keep them safe? I didn't need saving and nor did I want it.
•
I sauntered through the city of Galway. It was a thriving, bohemian city. People called it the cultural heart of Ireland. With barren fields, rugged coastline, stone-walled fields, stark mountain ranges, and vast boglands. The streets of the city centre were packed with Irish folks and the many faces of tourists. I walked down the cobbled streets, passing the colourful shops and cafes. The jovial and melodic Irish music strummed in. It was hard to tell what instruments were being played. The only familiar were the strumming of the guitar and the fiddle. I gazed up ahead. The sun was setting, and its orange gold stretched far and wide. Fairy lights flickered on.
A crowd formed as dancers took the centre, clapping and cheering as they clicked their heels then stamped and tapped, doing the traditional stepdance. My smile grew wide as they began to sing and from traditional a modern twist was added. I clapped along with the ever-growing crowd. Civilians and tourists joined in with the singing and dancing. I stood, gently swaying side to side. The vibe extremely lively. Energetic. One could not help but feel your mood lift and brighten. It was the kind of atmosphere you wanted to get lost in. His arms slithered around my waist, pulling me tight against his chest. He pressed a soft kiss to the shell of my ear and murmured sweet apologies. Sinking back into him I laid my arms on his and rest my head back on his shoulder. Together we enjoyed the view. The dancers tapped and swayed to an adaption of Galway girl to which I bopped my head. Their dancing was enigmatic. A few dancers locked eyes with me as I clapped along. Grinning, the middle dancer glided through and took me by the hand, pulling me into the dance floor.
It was freeing and I was flying. We laughed as we danced. My hair bounced around to every movement. Kol watched mesmerised. I beckoned him over, he was reluctant, but I was persuasive. He agreed and kissed me by the neck and took my hand. How easy it was for him, surprised me. Every day I was learning something new, and he never ceased to amaze me. He would always jester about, despite being daggered up in a box, he always caught on with society. I slowed down, hands rushing to my nose as a thick, warm liquid gushed down. Using the sleeves of my dress I pressed it to my nose, soaking up the blood. The night sky spun as I glanced heavenward with a heavy head. Taking one tiny step, I stumbled only to be caught by Kol. With one arm, he pulled me up close, the other hand moving the strands of hair from my face. "Darling?"
"I'm fine." I manged. Removing my arm away from my face his eyes darkened, taking in the bloody mess. "I'm fine, it's just an ordinary nosebleed, though I think I danced way too much." The blood slowed down but the pounding in my head grew louder and deadly. Scooping me up in his arms, I pressed my head against his chest, throwing my arms around his neck and let him vamp me away.
•
I was awake but I kept my eyes shut, daring not to move whilst he held me. He snuggled closer; his arms tight around me. My heart and soul lit up as he kissed my forehead and ran little circles all over my arm with his fingers. Considering I had a nosebleed earlier, we opted to stay indoors for the rest of the day and enjoy one another's company. I sensed him move around. My eyes remained shut and I waited and listened. His footsteps receded. The moment he got the water running I slipped out of bed, into my dress and grabbed my jacket. As quickly and quietly, I tiptoed out the room and rushed down the flight of stairs.
"Everything okay, Madam?" The young staff member asked as I dodged past him.
Stopping and flashing him a smile, I responded. "Just going for an afternoon walk. My apologies." He gave me a nod and continued up the steps. I reached the bottom step, panting with my hand to my chest. "Curse you witches." I mumbled to myself. The doors slid open, and I bolted straight down the street, darting across the road, taking a sharp left and gradually slowing down my pace. The city air was fresh, almost sweet, and floral as the pace of living relaxed to a steadier rhythm.
New Cemetery, Bohemore. The sign read in big bold capital letters. A large cemetery yet it brimmed with life. I had not visited in over a few decades. Carefully, treading on the green patches of land, I made my way around, brushing past the beds of flowers that stood tall and proud and full of vivacity. I came at a stop before the three headstones. Each stone with its own bed of flowers and mementos, making me smile at the beauty of it. The serenity. The calmness it brought.
London, 1977
Within forty-eight hours, I was back in London. A prompt message received from old friends had me rushing back. A rather sudden outreach but quite very pleasant. With hands shoved in my coat pockets, I surveyed the area. The streets were bustling, Morales were soaring high and everyone in high spirits. "Hello." I whipped around to the sweet voices, eyes lighting up as I smiled wide and the light grew ever so bright when the smile was returned.
"Rather surprised the three of you managed to recall the events and return. Pleasantly." I looked to each of them. "Anika, Tessa and lovely Diana, how is this even possible? I was certain my spell was loophole free..."
Diana chuckled lightly. Well into their forties yet they possessed great effervescence. "The moment we stepped back into London, or as matter of fact, England as a whole, our memories just came snapping back. Perhaps it was the love we shared that broke your spell-regardless, we are fortunate."
A frown clouded Anika's face. "I am very upset you took such drastic measures. We made an oath to always stand by you! You saved our lives, you raised us and then cast us away." My brows pulled together, and my eyes moistened.
"It pained me to do so but I had your best interests at heart. I had to ensure your safety and that you lived a long and fruitful life and my, did you all." I laughed with high spirits. "You have created such a wonderful family and I could not be more pleased, and I do not regret my actions."
"Why must you always be the one to make sacrifices! You don't need to save everyone! Sometimes, let others save you." Groaned Tessa ever so frightfully.
"Don't be silly. It is not your responsibility to save me...now, what brings you all here? I left my brothers and I'm pretty sure they've made a mess of things, i will no doubt have to clean up." That statement earned me hearty laughter.
"Nothing in particular but we just wanted to see you, after all these years we just wanted to know if you still cared-"
"Of course I care!" I interjected. "I've always thought of you, and I will continue to do so. The three of you brought so much meaning to my life and it was the closest feeling to being a mother-raising you." They smiled so wide and so bright my heart wanted to explode with all this goodness. Despite the dark reality and harshness of my life, they were a good force. Tessa took my hand and gave a gentle squeeze before glancing to her right then to her left, nodding at her sisters. "We have made a vow that every witch that descends from us will forever be by your side. We will work with you, stand by you, and help you in times of need. All you need to do is call onto us and we will hear you, hear your cries of distress and be sure that we will be there."
Overlapping her hand with mine I smiled. "There's no need, but I am so grateful. I hope there never comes a time where I'm needed to be saved but thank you my loves. However, i too will always look out for your family, for generations to come."
"You're much too kind mum-can I call you that? Never mind, I'll still call you that. As for Damon, I'm sure he'll be just fine." Grinned Anika
Diana chuckled. "I still can't get over how you both live such different lives and spend most of it apart, yet you're always there for one another-well, you mostly cleaning up after him and telling him what to do."
I laughed. "That much is true, but we do need to spend time apart...he's got his own life and I have my own. I don't want him knowing the dangers-"
Tessa puffed out a breath of air. "You don't want him to be protective over you and come to your rescue."
I laughed hard. "Oh...ah, how is it that despite it being decades, you still know me so well...Damon worries too much, and I don't want him to. I've not told you about Enzo. Would you like to know?"
"Yes. And any news on Stefan?" Diana and Anika stuck out their arms and I weaved mine through theirs, and Tessa wove her arm through Diana's left side. "Let's take a seat and we can discuss our adventures." Light laughter was shared amongst us. We found a nearby bench and seated ourselves. We spoke and we laughed and shed a few tears. It was pleasant and I knew I would always be fond of this moment. They were strong, powerful, and beautiful women.
"Where will you go now?" I asked, lifting my head off Diana's shoulder. She was the eldest. Tessa came second then it was our young Anika.
"She smiled. "We're going to head back to Ireland. We love it there. Galway is peaceful and the lack of the supernatural is just an added bonus."
"I will think of you. Always." I expressed. Though my lips tugged up into a smile, my eyes frowned. They rose from the bench and straightened out their dresses. We bid farewell and i sat back, watching them walk off into the distance. They stopped, turned back, and offered one final wave of goodbye.
Present Day
The three beautiful souls lay here, in their graves and at peace. They always remained true to their words, and I knew I could count on them. Their passing was bittersweet. They went peacefully. It wasn't brutal. They were always there. I knew one day they would have to depart from this world. You can't stop the inevitable. I sat on my knees, tending to the few bent stems, revving them magic. "Much better." I whispered with a smile.
"Excuse me..." Came the soft-spoken voice. I turned my head to the direction. A young girl with medium skin tone, and light brown wispy ringlets, greatly resembling Tessa.
I climbed to my feet. "I'm sorry...I was just visiting a few friends."
She smiled at me wide. There was a warmth to her that again reminded me of Tessa. "You're far more beautiful than your picture."
I tilted my head to the right, her words taking me aback. "You know who I am?"
She smiled again. So effervescent. "My ancestors..." She gestured to the headstones. "Wrote many journal entries about you-you're a legacy and you were seen as a friend-family."
A smile built up on my face as the surprise sunk in. I stared at her, fumbling over my words. She giggled. "I don't know what to say." I finally managed.
She inched closer. "say nothing. They loved you greatly. What you did for them and how you saved them during the war-they believed not all vampires were evil and there are some that can be trusted and even considered family. You gave them life. I just never thought I'd ever get the chance to see you. Growing up we've heard all the stories and you were just so amazing, and we only-we just saw a picture but everyone knows of you and speaks of you." She gushed. Her eyes were wide and animated, her hand held to her heart as she spoke with pronounced passion. "Growing up we would only dream of meeting you-Oh my gosh! I am such a mess-I'm Harlow."
I laughed with my head shaking. "Hello Harlow, it's really warming to see you...honestly, I am touched they painted me as a hero...some force of good but I don't think I deserve that." I turned back to the graves. They spoke so highly of me, and I had not the slightest inclination. She grabbed my hand and for a moment I froze, jolted by the sudden movement.
"You saved them and brought them up. You know, my favourite story is the war one...the one where you took down the Nazi planes-you were so brave. When other witches stood back, so afraid to fight back, you were the one that took a stand and fought for them. Their entire families were wiped out, but you saved Diana, Quintessa and Anika." She beamed. She was a girl so full of joy and a great fondness, a great pride. That day flashed before my eyes.