1941
London,
The Blitz
For eight strenuous months the Luftwaffe dropped bombs on London. Mass destruction and hysteria. The shrieking sounds of the air-raid sirens shattered the afternoon peace. Civilians scrambled to safety, seeking refuge. The blackout curtains were drawn as the ominous alarm went on. Its menacing pitch deepened and the lights from the bomber planes could be seen through the silver clouds. The appearance of the German bombers was Hitler's attempt to subdue Great Britain, but she was resilient and refused to give up. The air crafts whooshed across the sky dropping their missiles. From the left came the splitting sound, the ground quaked and a wave of dust swirled above. I leapt forward, soaring through the air. The shouts and wailing of children grounded me. My ears pricked as I focused. Closing my eyes I narrowed my hearing, dulling out the excess cries of the war. My sole purpose was to locate the children in need. It came from my right, under the rubble. With a swish of both hands the ruins separated, revealing the three thin girls, huddled together, arms around each other and on clinging for dear life.
The brown skinned girl in the middle snapped her head up, eyes large and frantically searching. She struck her hand out attempting to do a spell but in her weak state the magic abandoned her. Our gaze met and instantly her shoulder fell back and let out a huge exhalation of pent-up breath. She had mistaken me as one of the Nazi soldiers. They were terrified. Their frail bodies flinched at each step I took. "It's okay, I won't hurt you...it's okay." I crooned, lifting them out one by one. The petite dark brown-haired girl swayed. My arms shot out, breaking her fall. I looked closely at their faces. The three girls pallid and drawn.
"Who are you?" The youngest I assumed, groaned. I stroked her hair tenderly as she lay in my arms, under the ruckus of the sky.
"There's no time for questions now..." I surveyed the street. A damned wreck. I spotted the only corner safe from the ceaseless bombing and monsters. "Run and hide under there! NOW!" I shoved them forward. Without hesitation they scrambled and concealed themselves from sight.
I looked up at the blazing sky as the sirens continued to wail. The rapid gun firing shook the earth and the hidden cowered and trembled in their spots.
Boom. A second one came louder and closer. The hunger and thirst in me insatiable. I marched; each step powerful. The hood of my cloak dropped as I whizzed through the battleground, stopping in the vast and wide field. With a swift flick of both hands the aircrafts groaned. The pilots struggled against the force pulling them down. Swiping both arms down, they plummeted, crashing down.
The wings tore free from the fuselage, veering off to the end of the field. Explosions from my left; to the right and up ahead. Screams. Wails. Gut wrenching cries and pleas of help. The rich scent of blood wafted through the air. Toxic yet inviting. Throwing my head back, I inhaled it in. For a second, I closed my eyes revelling in the moment. It was their turn to cry. To be torn limb from limb, flesh by flesh. Movement came from all directions as the surviving soldiers clambered out of the wreckage, reeling. A cruel smile crept up on my lips and my eyes snapped open. "Incendia."
Flames chased after the fleeing men, devouring them whole. I stuck my right hand out. The larger group crumpled to the ground, knees snapping under their weight. Raising my right hand, it hovered in the air. A wincing Nazi endeavoured to crawl away. I scoffed under my breath. "Nice try." He clawed at the ground, thrashing against the force that hooked its talons into him and dragged him backwards. His tugging and clawing were futile. His body lifted and i had him in my grip. I cared not to look at his beastly face. His thundering heart meant nothing to me. Fangs slipped through my gums and bringing my head forward to his sweaty, blackened neck, I tore into him.
Pulling my head back, I let the body drop to the ground with a thump. Beads of sweat dripped down the frozen men. The burning rage I felt within me was my guide. One by one I ripped through them, consuming their blood, tearing them limb by limb and discarded of them. The pile of bodies grew. The remaining begged and pleaded for their lives but it fell to deaf ears. Stepping back, my arms out, palms facing up. A banshee like scream came from me and a blast of power flowed out of me. My scream destroyed everything in its path, creating a rippling effect.
The battlefield lay quiet, it was now a graveyard of the unburied. Their corpses lay among the charred ground, rubble and burnt greenery. The sun still shone, and the wind continued to blow. I turned away, pulling the hood over my head, obscuring my face.
Present Day
Her smile grew wider the more she orated the story. "How old are you?" I inquired, breaking her narration, which she didn't oppose. What a strange girl. I thought to myself. Yet delightful.
"I'm 17." She responded with a slight bop of the head.
I sighed. "Live your life. Be happy and fulfil your goals! Don't concern yourself with the supernatural world. It's harder said than done but don't forget to live your life." I took her hand in mine and gave it a gentle squeeze. My eyes welled as I set them on her. She resembled Tessa remarkably. There were a few differences but her spirit and smile, her energy was that of Tessa. "I'm sorry..." I cleared my throat. "When I look at you, I see her. I miss them a lot and wish they were here. I spent a chunk of my life with them..."
She overlapped her hand on mine. "They always spoke of how caring you were. You did so much for them, and we intend to live up to that vow they made. Whenever you need us, even if it's centuries down the line, all you have to do is call out and we'll hear you."
I let out a huge breath then smiled. "Let's hope I never need you to risk your lives for me. Thank you, Harlow."
"It's okay." She smiled warmly. "What are you doing in Ireland?"
I gave a sheepish grin. "Honeymoon..."
She squealed with delight. "Oh my God! You're married! Congratulations! I love weddings! So, who's the lucky man?"
"Kol Mikaelson." I waited to see what her response would be. I was sure she had been told the tales of Klaus Mikaelson and his family. The original vampires that can't be killed and have a reputation that preceded them. Her jaw dropped and the smile wiped off clean. "Not to worry. The Mikaelsons are not the enemy, they never were." Her face relaxed and the smile retuned. She paused for a moment as if in thought.
"I think..." she began. "The Mikaelsons are misjudged and not many know their story, but if they did then the hero, well he won't seem so full of glory...The hero would sacrifice the woman he loves for the world but the villain...would burn down the world just for the woman they love." That threw me off. I knew Kol cared for no one, but his family and I knew he'd gladly watch the world bleed but to hear someone else say it, stirred something within me. Her phone buzzed and she groaned.
"I won't keep you. You don't need to stay back here with me." I expressed. Chewing her bottom lip, she glanced at her phone once again.
"Urgh! I really hope to see you again soon! It was an honour meeting you! I can't wait to relay this to everyone." I laughed at her enthusiasm. She bid me adieu and I watched her disappear into the distance, similarly to the way I watched my three girls.
A hand clasped my mouth tight, and I'm yanked back hard, pressed against his warm chest. I floundered and squirmed around trying to free myself. He was too strong. He grabbed a hold of my left arm and twisted it, pulling it behind me and holding it down hard. I relaxed as his cool breath caressed the right side of my face. The moment my panic dissolved; I recognised the presence. He spun me back around, coming face to face with me. His face twisted with rage. "Why?" His voice elevated and his stare piercing.
"W-what?" I stammered, turning my body to the side. He closed the space between us. Grabbing me and shaking me violently.
"Why would you leave without telling me?! Do you have any idea how worried I was! I lost my mind!! I tore through everyone that came my way."
"Kol!"
"I just don't understand you!" He yelled.
He was raging but I knew I had to diffuse the situation.
"Understand what? I just went for a walk and to see..." My voice wobbled.
"You need to stop!" He roared. His eyes grew glossy.
"Stop what?"
"Going off on your own! What if something happened to you!" His body grew tense to the point of shaking.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...I knew you'd be wary and never let me go alone but I just wanted to visit a few old friends and I know you don't trust anyone-witches." I placed a hand on his face and peered into his chocolate brown eyes. Eyes that were always soft for me. "There's no need to worry." I whispered, stroking his cheek.
"You don't make it easy." He murmured, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ear.
"You don't need to worry." I spoke softly, noticing the blood on the collar of his shirt. "You certainly don't need to chomp through the whole of Galway."
He wound his arms around my waist, drawing me in close. "Darling, all I care about is you."
I nestled in closer. "It's a wonder why many have different names for you...you know someone said to me that you're not so bad after all."
He chuckled darkly. "Darling, I'm the worst of the worst." That roguish smirk made a comeback. "But I make an exception for you."
I breathed out softly. "I'm sorry I left without telling you."
He brushed my face with his thumbs. "Promise me you'll never keep anything away from me." He implored, searching my eyes. A wave of guilt washed over me. Even though I was hit with a tsunami of emotions and conflicting thoughts, I put on a brave face. Laugher burst out me when he flung me over the shoulder and walked off. As we turned into the streets of Galway, jovial faces turned to our direction, and they smiled at us. Seeing such affection wasn't queer to them.
•
He threw me onto the bed when we reached our hotel room and his fingers attacked me with tickles. I burst into a fit of laughter, gasping for air in between. I couldn't contain the giggles, he continued to playfully nibble on my ear. I rolled over and jumped out of bed and ran around the room, avoiding his clutches. As I neared the bed, I grabbed a pillow and flung it at him. He dodged. The pillow sailed past his shoulder. He shrugged. "Better luck next time, darling." I pressed my hands to my cheeks, squishing my face as I scrunched my nose. He shook with laughter as I slowly backed away and he stepped closer. Giggling, I twisted halfway, ready to run. He grabbed me with both hands, twirling me around before throwing me in a dip. Grinning triumphantly, he lifted me back up.
"Oh, my my, you just took me by surprise." I breathed out. Smirking, I pushed him onto the bed and climbed on top of him, ruffling his soft hair. Lowering my upper body down him, I left a trail of kisses down his neck. A low growl escaped him, and he rolled with me in his arms, coming face to face with one another.
Tilting his head, he grazed the corner of my mouth. Teasing me with a half kiss that trailed up to my ear. My breathing hitched and he smirked. Thrilled with the way my body responded to his every touch, he trailed his lips over my collarbone, letting the tip of his tongue moisten my skin. My body pulsed and the warmth between my legs spread like wildfire. As if they had a mind of their own, my legs parted for him, and his face enveloped with a wolfish grin. In a matter of seconds, he tore my dress off me, revealing my naked body, smacking lips as he inhaled in the sight. I blushed each time he looked at me, as if it were the first. That's the power he had over me. And there was no doubt about the power I had over him. He growled low as my legs vibrated against his every touch. Pinning my arms down, he entered me with one heavy thrust. My eyes widened and I dug my nails into his hands. It was a mixture of pain and pleasure. Freeing my hands, i wrapped them around his neck. He grunted and sucked on my shoulder while pumping in and out of me, gently wrapping his hand around my throat.
My stomach tightened and my walls contracted, the heat in my core intensifying. I let out a sob and begged for more. He groaned in my ear, my pulsing driving him insane, delivering several sharp thrusts that drove me nuts. The pace slowed down, we rolled around, making sweet love and tiny whimpers escaped my parted lips. I flipped him over and jumped on top, crushing my lips on him, letting the passion and fire devour us whole, consume us, the intensity ferocious. He chuckled darkly, rolling over until I was under him. "I'm in charge here, darling." He whispered.
His thrusts grew harder and faster, my cries pleasuring him further, our breathing grew heavy and sharp. I dug my fingernails into his back, scratching downwards, the release nearing. He pounded deeper and harder. My eyes rolled back as the release came and a few seconds later his release flowed through me.
I lay on my side, watching him staring at me. His smile weakened me, it made me okay just seeing him smile. I melted at the way he would look at me. As if I was the only girl in the world, the only thing he could see and the only thing he cared about. His eyes sparked with passion and love. I snuggled closer, my head under his chin. Being in his arms brought me peace. Nothing else mattered but him. His arms were my asylum. When the world gave heavy burdens, I knew with him I could bear a thousand tons. He ran his fingers through my hair, and I closed my eyes, absorbing in the moment—the warmth it generated. "Can I ask you something?" I mumbled.
He drew tiny circles up and down my arm. "Of course, darling ask whatever you wish."
Opening my eyes I looked up at him and he smiled down at me.
"Was I the only one you fell in love with-" I don't know where the insecurity came from. Perhaps, it was the little slip of him and Davina I caught while I was tangled in his arms.
"You should know the answer to that love. You were the first and are the last." He kissed my forehead twice before resuming with drawing on my arms with his finger.
"What If I decided I didn't want you or that I thought it's best we-"
He smiled. "I'll burn the world down." I thought about what Harlow imparted me with. Kol would gladly watch the world burn just to see me alive. As much as I wanted to ignore the harsh truth of my life I couldn't. It gnawed at me.
"Let's dance?" I proposed, pulling myself up, my hair falling over my face. He moved the loose hair away from my face, taking it to one side.
"What did you have in mind?" He murmured, tracing down the exposed side of my neck.
"A nice slow-romantic one...I love dancing with you. You quite literally and figuratively sweep me off my feet." I sat up straight, pulling my dress over my head, letting it fall, concealing my body. He pulled his clothes over him and stood with a hand extended. I placed my hand in his and with one gentle tug I was off the bed and in his hold. Not breaking eye contact, he led me to the centre of the room. Taking my left hand, he placed it on his shoulder, placing his hand on my waist and his other took a hold on my right hand.
The music to Falling like stars began and so did our dancing. We moved in rhythm with the beat. Our pace picking up as the music did and slowing down when the beat slowed. Dancing together kept our soul-sparks bright. I pulled out and he pulled me back in, holding me close, doing a slow turn. As the music picked up again, he spun me around twice. Twirling me out and pulling me back in. We danced, our world moving slowly in that moment, being in each other's arms. I danced to the fullest with him, in my soul and in my heart. Uncertain if we'd ever get the chance to dance like this. If it was our last dance together, I wanted it to be unending. Breathing softly and slowly, I rested my head on his shoulder, swaying side to side. The tears almost breaking free but I pushed them back. I couldn't fall apart now.
"I love you Kol Mikaelson." I whispered, a tear trickling down my right eye.
"I love you, Sophia Mikaelson." He pressed his lips to my forehead, sending a warm and fuzzy feeling straight to my soul. I held back the tears, terrified of him discovering the reason behind my sadness. Yet in this moment I was the happiest I've ever been. "Let's shower and I'll get us some food." He murmured, his breath tickling my ear. I pulled back, hands still holding onto him. How could someone be this perfect?
•
After his shower Kol headed out on a mission to grab food, not that I was hungry. These days hunger was infrequent. I stepped into the shower and the response was immediate. The metallic head that hung above me, spread water unto me. My muscles tended to the sudden shock of the cold water. It slowly began to warm my body as it pelted down, soothing my aching body. A tear tickled down my cheek, mixing with the clean water. Pressing my back against the wet wall, I let the sobs tear through me. I never wanted this. I didn't want to die, not when I had everything I ever wanted and everything I never knew I needed. Love. Friendship and a family who I loved unconditionally. I slumped down, hugging my knees as more tears escaped me. I cried out. I had no one to speak to. No one to call and share my pain with.
Realising I had to make peace with my sealed fate, I rose to my feet and switched the tap off, wiped at my face and stepped out the shower, wrapping myself with a towel. Feeling snug. I couldn't fall weak, I had to remain strong. Not for myself. For my loved ones. With the borrowed time I had to make the most of it. Still wrapped in my towel I sashayed out the bathroom and into the cool room. Kol had not returned. Making my way over to the mirrored dressing table, I raked my fingers through my hair, smoothing out the knots. Staring into it, the reflection of the room morphed.
I was outside the Salvatore house. Glancing around, taking in the surroundings, I decided to push the door open and entered. Everything felt off, nothing seemed right. The pictures of me that were hanged and placed around the house were missing. In place of them, there were frames of the rest of my family. Voices. Laughter. Steady and soft footsteps, I moved further in, closer to the parlour and came to a stop. The voices were spirited. Glasses clinked. Entering, I stopped and glanced around. There was no sign of me. There was no indication that I was present. They didn't seem to notice me breathe and move around them. Damon and Stefan with my sister-in-laws were celebrating. A hearty, familiar laughter reached my ears. It had been years since I heard it. Darting, my eyes landed on him. Enzo. He wore the smile that had the power to mend a broken heart. Leaning against the mantle, a drink in his hand, he raised the glass and toasted. I fell back with a shattered heart. For them, I never existed.
~
He sat around the round table, internally mocking them for what they intended by the round table. His father had the asinine belief that they represented the noble knights. The notion was laughable. Leaning forward, overlapping his arms over one another, he governed his father's attention. "Son, do you have anything to say?"
His words were enunciated with such clarity. "I was thinking, when I'd have my chance to fulfil my duty." With the tiniest of smirks, he leaned back.
The alpha beamed, clapping his hands. "That is my son! Learn from him everyone; let Benjamin here, be the example we need...a man dedicated to the cause." The pack stirred. "He is fearless-" The unexpected call broke his chain and pulling out the phone, he answered. The scowl morphed into a wicked grin. Tucking the phone back in his top pocket, he faced the pack with arms opened wide. "The girl has been tracked down and as we speak, we will have all we need.... let this be a cause to celebrate..." They all howled, standing on their feet.
Benjamin sprung up, the fear evident in his eyes, his demeanour. Searching the room, terrified he would be exposed. Fortunately for him, their attention was elsewhere. He had to get out, so he absconded, heart thundering in his chest. Digging in his pockets, fumbling around for his phone, cursing when it slipped out his grip and hit the concrete ground. Bending down, he snatched it up. Call after call but no answer. "Dammit Harlow! Where are you!" Never had he felt so terror-stricken in his life.
Sophia
The door handle rattled, tearing me from the mirror. I glanced over my shoulder. It rattled again. Perhaps Kol had forgotten to take the key card. Ensuring the towel remained tight, I glided to the door and grasped the handle, pulling it down. It all happened fast. The door opened and I went flying across the room, hitting the wall, flopping back down, my head hitting the side of the bedside table. It was all fast and confusing and loud. Time dilated and I lost sense of audio and visual. The crash ricocheted my body. I groaned as the pain soared through me. A chill skipped down my spine when the large figure entered the room. He flashed his knife and then his cold eyes set on me like a hungry lion. The blade cut through the air like claws as he fashioned it, inching closer to me, the floor creaking with each step he took. Like electricity, my natural reflex moved my body out of the way. Springing to my feet, I grabbed the attacker's wrist and yanked him back, using his own force against him. He crashed into the mirror, eyes glowering amber.
"Where is it?!" He growled, leaping in the air. Terrorised, I stumbled back when he transformed into his wild form, tackling me to the ground. Its heavy paws pinned me down, claws digging into me. I wrestled the ashy grey beast. He growled-barked in my face, its canine teeth fighting to connect with my flesh. Using my legs I thrashed, kicking it where I assumed was its guts. It was of no use. The wolf was far too big and heavy. It raised a paw and slashed at my right shoulder. A piercing scream left my lips. The pain searing and unbearable. I bit down hard and I brought my knee up and struck the beast in the belly again. It howled but kept its hold on me. I cried out again. The searing pain in my shoulder multiplied, a blinding agony, faster than I could blink. Help me please...help me. I called out in my head. I squeezed my eyes shut as the maniac beast raised its large paw.
"We were better off without you." Damon sneered. I couldn't see him; I could only hear him.
"You ruined everything! We hate you!" Spat Stefan.
The beast held me down with a paw, trying to connect with my skin. The tears blinded me.
"You should have stayed away..."
"Help...help me pl-please Stefan...help me." It came out as a whisper.
"Why don't you die!" Damon roared.
That's when I felt it, the claws once again tearing into me.