The weight on me vanished. Slowly, I peeled my eyes open and the wolf was no longer on me. I followed the whimpering sounds of the wounded animal. "Harlow?" I stared at the young witch standing over the weakened beast. The agony faded to a dull throb as I clambered to my feet. She towered over the wolf that was now a man. He lay there, his life slipping away. "How are you here?" I rasped, stumbling as I dragged my feet towards her.
"You're bleeding. Stay still." She bolted to my side and broke my fall, hooking her arms under my pits and gently pulling me to the bed. With a trembling hand I ran my fingers over my searing wound. My breathing heavy and laboured. When my eyes met with her face, I wanted to scream. The room shook, blood pooled out her eyes and dripped down her nose. I blinked furiously. It was gone.
"We don't have time." I groaned at every utterance that sent a blast of pain through me. Grabbing my clothes from the pile beside me, Harlow assisted me with pulling them over my body. Her eyes filled with tears, and she jolted at my anguished cries. Panting and heaving I looked up at her, smiling to the best of my ability. "How are you here?" I repeated.
"You called."
"But I didn't call you? I cried out for help, but I was calling Stefan."
With a smile, she placed her hand over my torn shoulder and closed her eyes-The door burst open and flew off its hinges. Two more intruders charged in. A muscular female and her male counterpart. She yanked me back, jumped on top and squeezed my throat.
"Where is it?!" She snarled, her face hovering an inch away from mine. I shook and turned my head to the side. "WHERE IS IT?" She bellowed again, holding me down harder. My head began to spin, and I tried gasping for air.
"I d-don't know-know." I clawed my fingers at her hand uselessly. With her free hand she struck me across the face, leaving a stinging pain. Struggles came from behind as Harlow wrestled with the man. The female loosened her hold on my throat and spoke in a low, vicious growl. "I'm going to ask you one last time. Where are the daggers! Now don't lie. You're Qetsiyah's descendant so it's a given you know."
"I don't know!" I spluttered out. Her eyes landed on my shoulder where the blood seeped through the thin top. The second she dug her nails into the fresh wound and dragged down, my eyes squinched shut. I cried out, the tears slipping down my sweaty and hot cheeks.
"I don't know what you're talking about...please." I screamed. Squirming under her hold, using my free hand, I poked her right eye. She yowled but her hold on me remained. I writhed under her, shrieking. The pain was too much, I was on fire. Her head snapped and she looked to where the sound came from. The man slumped to the floor revealing Harlow looming over him, holding his heart in her bloodied hand. The female jumped off me and leapt into the air, tackling Harlow down. I watched helplessly as they fought. Harlow struggled. A familiar incantation came from her, and I watched as she with ease plunged her hand through the chest of the female beast.
I lay there cold and numb with heavy eyelids. The world out of focus. She came into view shaking my face, pleading to keep my eyes open. Her words soundless one second and the next clear. She hauled me off the bed, draped one arm around her shoulder and pulled me towards the opening. She froze as she neared the door. Two more beastly looking men appeared. They took a step forward but stopped. I lifted my head. Their malicious grins faded into a look of agony and their eyes grew large before crumpling to their knees and toppling over. We stood there in utter shock, unable to register the situation. I looked up and breathed out. Kol stood at the entrance holding two hearts in each hand, with his head cocked to the side and a demonic expression materialised. Without batting an eyelid, he crushed the organs in his hands and let them drop to the floor. Stepping over the bodies, he took me in his arms.
Damon
I awoke with a sharp jolt, sitting up straight in bed, shaking, my breathing heavy. My heart hammered against my chest and a tear trickled down the corner of my eye. The nightmare was so vivid, unlike any I've experienced. I gulped down hard. Bonnie awoke to my heavy panting and frantic movements.
"Damon?" She breathed out, worry now taking control over her being. She turned her body facing mine and cupped my face in her hands. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
I heaved out, yet nothing soothed me. My heart continued to pound against my chest and my mind raced with tormenting thoughts. I glanced around; afraid it was all real.
"Damon?" She asked again, growing far more concerned. She frowned when the tears slipped down.
"It was all real...it was so real...I-I couldn't-"
She hushed me, stroking my face. "Take a few breaths and tell me what's wrong?"
I did as I was told. "They killed her. She died and there was nothing I could do...." I said through gritted teeth, forcing back the stinging tears. "She died...I'm so scared Bon! I'm scared-"
She shuffled closer and wrapped her arms around me. The warmth from her body instantly soothing. "Sophia is safe Damon! She's with Kol and she's safe."
I engulfed her completely in my arms. "What if something's wrong? I can't live without my sister-if anything happened-"
"Damon!" She cut, placing her hand over my mouth. "It's just a nightmare! Nothing will happen to her, and we won't let that happen, right?" She peered into my eyes.
"Right." I mumbled, nodding my head.
My ears pricked to the sound of brisk, muffled footsteps. They grew louder and heavier. Like the body the feet belonged to were thundering down the hallway. "DAMON!" He pounded on the door. "Damon?!" His voice ragged and dripping with fear. Tearing myself away from Bonnie, I jumped out and darted for the door. The pounded grew desperate. Twisting the knob twice the door swung open.
"Stefan?" I stared at my wrecked brother. Hair dishevelled, tears and sweat dripping down his face. He barged in. "What is it?"
"Somethings wrong! I saw her die, Damon!" His voice broke.
"You saw it too?" I grabbed his arm.
He grew alarmed by my distress. "You saw her...something is wrong. It's like I can't breathe! I'm scared."
I shook him. "It has to be a coincidence. We're just worried and we miss her. Right Bonnie?" I asked, turning back to her. She gulped down, hesitant with her words at first.
"I-I- yes, it's just a dream. If something was wrong Kol would have told us. She's your sister and you miss her! It could be the reason why your mind is playing tricks on you."
"No no no." Stefan paced up and down the room. "My heart is telling me something is wrong-"
"Then we'll call and make sure." She suggested, slowly making her way to us. Her brave smile failed to divert the attention away from her troubled eyes.
"We need to go to Freya! Maybe we're getting the same visions Sophia did."
Sophia
He took my hands in his and helped me focus. Inhaling in and holding my breath for a few seconds before exhaling out. I closed my eyes and siphoned off him. The pain in my shoulder was now a dull throb, that pins and needle kind of feeling. The magic flowed through me, giving me life and warmth. He gazed into my eyes as I siphoned. Positive I had taken enough, my hands loosened I and let out a deep sigh.
Taking my right hand to my wounded shoulder, I pressed down and mumbled the spell. The pain dissolved slowly, and the slashes pulled the skin together, morphing into new skin and leaving behind pale scars. He watched me with pure adulation. "All healed up." I huffed out a light laughter.
He ran his fingers over the healed shoulder, grinning and I knew what he meant. The phone blared and he scowled. Irritated by the disturbance. I watched him closely, his face relaxed when he looked down at the screen. One swipe and it was to his ear.
"Hello...yes she's fine-" He stated, running his fingers through my hair.
"Who is it?" I asked, leaning in closer to concentrate on the voices. He didn't answer me but responded to whoever he was speaking to. "Are my brothers on the phone?" I asked, reaching for his phone. Taking it away from his ear he handed it over. Bubbling with excitement, I babbled down the phone. My heart was at ease the moment I heard my brothers. I missed them dearly and to hear their voices meant everything was okay.
"I'm fine!" I laughed. "Why are you both so tensed?"
There was a silence that was so loud, that it sent a wave of uneasiness over me. Damon finally spoke. "Stefan and I had a nightmare..." More silence. "You died and there was nothing we could do."
"It was so real.... we saw you die before our eyes..." Stefan choked out. Knowing Kol had heard, I looked to him and tried to smile.
"It's just a nightmare. Emphasis on nightmare. Honestly brothers, you have no reason to worry. Kol and I are fine, and we'll see you soon. I'll be with you soon, I promise."
"It's not. Turns out the witches are playing mind games with us!" Stefan raged. After a few deep breaths, he continued. "Freya, she's preparing something for us for now, until she figures out a way to completely break the spell.
"We just miss you." Damon stressed.
"I miss you both too. I'll be fine." I reassured one last time before handing the phone back to my husband. He listened and agreed then disconnected the call. Slamming the phone down he lunged forward, launching himself. He grabbed Harlow by the throat and pinned her to the wall.
"Kol!" I spat, jumping off the bed.
"It's you, isn't it?" He barked in her face. She whimpered. "You brought the wolves here. How do I know you're not the reason she was attacked?"
I yanked him off her and threw him back. He crashed into the opposite wall. "How could you?! She did nothing wrong but come to my aid when I unknowingly called to her!" I raged. She slumped to the ground, clutching her throat, and taking in gasping breaths. "I'm so sorry Harlow."
"It's fine. I understand his worry." She climbed back on her feet and directed her attention to Kol. "I would never hurt the person who my ancestors loved and dedicated their lives to. She's a big part of why our bloodline survived and we made a vow to always be there. I swear to you Kol, I had no idea. I was studying and all of a sudden I heard her cries and it's like this invisible force pulled me to her and the next thing I know..." She glanced around. "I'm here."
"I'm lucky she came Kol...I don't think I would have survived." That was the truth. I had no magic to siphon. Harlow saved me. He unfolded his crossed arms and stormed over to me and pulled me to his chest. His fingers tangling themselves in my hair while his other arm wrapped around my waist, tight.
"I don't know what I'd have done if I lost you again darling-You should have died!" Pushing him away, I threw myself back.
"What?!"
Blood. His face was bloody and menacing. Telling myself it was just the work of Jameela, I blinked several times. It was of no use; he remained the same. He stalked closer, exposing his fangs. A flash of dark brown hair. Giggling. Staggering backwards, I fell and shuffled back. He twirled her around, she spun out and he pulled her back in.
"No!" I screeched, shielding my head. "GET OUT OF MY HEAD! GET OUT GET OUT!" Arms gripped onto me, I fought them off, lashing out with whatever magic I had in me. The room tilted left to right, my visions slurring and an ear-splitting sound erupted in my head.
"Sophia." Kol reached out, his eyes darting from me and someone else. I couldn't differentiate. One second, he was normal and he was my Kol. The next, he was a monster and with Davina. She circled him, making direct eye contact with me. He stepped closer and she mirrored.
"Stay back!" I lashed. Shaking my head violently, I turned back and drove my fist into the mirror, smashing it. Grabbing a broken chunk, I whirled around and held it to my throat.
Kol chuckled darkly. "Do it. I'll be happy with Davina. I never loved you..." He whispered in my ear, circling me like a predator. "It was always Davina."
The bit of glass was knocked out my hand. He grabbed me and shook me viciously. Like a feral animal, I growled and screwed my eyes shut. "Darling look at me, what's wrong?" He beseeched. Raising a hand, a swift flick and his neck snapped.
Harlow lunged forward. "Why did you do that?"
Pushing past her, pulling the bag off the chair, I rummaged through the contents. Ignoring her cries, I emptied the entire bag until I found what I was looking for. Grabbing a vial, uncapping it, and downed the entire thing.
"What is that?" She asked.
"It helps with the visions I'm getting. At least, it will for some time-"
"You lied to me again!" Grabbing the empty vial from my hand, Kol growled. "What visions." I couldn't look him in the eye. "Look at me!" He bellowed. I refused to look at him despite his pleads. I tried to turn away, but he wouldn't let me. "Please look at me."
"No!"
"Why! Why not?"
I shoved him back, violently snapping his bones. "You're not Kol! Every time I look at you I see you and her! You and Davina! You're not Kol!" I flicked my hand again, and he crumpled to the ground. "You lied to me! If you didn't love her, she wouldn't be here right now laughing at me!"
"It's not true-"
"Just stop!" I screeched. The room rumbled.
"Sophia, you're hurting him." Came her voice, soft and trembly. "Whatever you're seeing, it's not real. You have to see through it."
I snapped my head up, glaring at her with bloodshot eyes. Freya's concoction was in slow effect—my head cleared, and I cast my eyes down. Free, Kol shot to his feet and swept me up. "What's going on? How can I know how to help you if you don't tell me?" With a finger he turned my face to meet his.
My body quivered. "It's Jameela...she's-she's making me see things and I can't tell reality apart from these-these...I-I-I saw you with Davina and you look so happy, and you told me to kill myself..."
Cupping my face in his hands, he hushed me, stroking both cheeks with his thumbs. "Do you feel this? This is real." Warmth flowed through me from him. "I never loved Davina...I'll show you." Looking into my eyes, his tears cascaded down. I inhaled in and all the memories played out before me. The truth. I saw it all. He truly did use her for his family. "See, i never loved her. I was using her to protect our family. I made her fall in love with me, so we could use her and then i killed her."
I let out a shaky breath, and crashed into him, sobbing hard and clinging onto him. "I'm so sorry...I-I couldn't...I didn't know what to think and I couldn't tell you anything."
"Darling, you need to communicate with me. I can't help you if you don't tell me."
"I just want them gone! Please make it go away! I don't know how and I feel so useless!"
"I'll help you." He kissed my forehead and took my hands. "I know a spell that can remove the visions completely."
"You do?" My lips trembled.
"Yes, I used it once when I was in my witch body. All you have to do is repeat after me, okay?"
"It won't work, Freya tried it. The magic was too deep, and it's linked to something else."
"We have to try!" He gripped my hands tighter. "Repeat after me." Word by word, I repeated after him. The magic travelled from his fingertips to me and up my arms. I could feel it in me, fighting whatever had hooked onto me. A surge of warmth washed over me, and a sharp breath escaped me. I blinked twice, then focused on his face.
"I-I feel lighter. Kol, I think it's worked." The tremulous smile turned into laughter, and I wrapped my arms around him. "It worked!"
He chortled, holding me closer than ever. "You gave me a fright." Pulling away, arms still locked around me, his smile faltered. "Please don't hide anything from me anymore darling. Whatever it is, we'll deal with it together."
"I'll do my best." I smiled, pressing my lips to his.
"Not try. You have to. I can't lose you again.
"You won't." The lie parted with me, and I couldn't take it back. Eventually, I would have to leave him. I would have to leave them all.
He finally apologised to Harlow though it was forced. That was his nature; to distrust any outsider. Any witch. As long as it concerned me, he would be on guard. Not put off from his snarky remarks, Harlow smiled and offered her help with the werewolf situation.
After clearing the room and discarding the bodies we sat on the bed and discussed what the werewolves wanted. "They said something about daggers..." I retold, going through the events in my head and what it meant.
"What kind?" Kol asked with a puzzled look.
"I don't know but I think I have them. Qetsiyah gave me that trunk and I remember going through it with Laura and we found three metal looking daggers..." I looked between them both. "What if that's what they want?"
"And they won't get it." Kol asserted. "Whatever it is I'm sure it's dangerous and we won't give in to them."
"I agree with Kol." Harlow added.
"Whatever it is, I think it's best we hand them over. They'll just keep coming back and I don't want anyone getting hurt. We can't be sure if that's all they want. There's more Qetsiyah left me, which I've not had the time to go through."
"What else?" She questioned.
"Old books...spell books, I think and there were other objects."
Looking back and forth we argued. Trying to reason with them both was fruitless, so I surrendered. It was decided that the wolves would not get any of Qetsiyah's belongings. We would keep them safe. Qetsiyah wanted them for me which meant they were meant for no one else. She entrusted me. "Once we get home, I'm going to have to go through everything and find out what exactly we're dealing with." I huffed.
"You won't have to. Elijah and everyone have beat us to it." He flashed me his roguish grin.
I shook my head. "Of course, you knew."
Stefan
The room rocked back and forth. The pounding in my head causing a ruckus. I was beyond delirious. Caroline worked furiously at dabbing at my face, in an effort to wipe away the cold sweat that dripped from my blanching body. Wringing the cloth, she dabbed again. "Stefan...you need to try stay awake." Her words were barely registrable, but I knew it's what she said. My gaze focused and unfocused in an endless cycle. Gripping my head, a growl tore through me. The shaking and feverish trembling would not cease. Hooking an arm around me, she hauled me up and dragged me out the room; my feet scrapping across the floor. "I'm taking you to Freya."
I could barely carry my own weight. Lifting my head a fraction, she flashed before my eyes. Sophia. So vibrant and so alive. One second she was there, laughing and the next she was gone, leaving remnants of her laughter behind.
"Stefan...stay awake." Caroline pleaded, struggling to carry my weight despite her vampiric strength. Kicking the door open, i stumbled over and fell to my knees. Clamouring footsteps. Stressed voices. It was all a haze. A gentle hand soothed my back.
"Bonnie just brought in Damon...they're both not okay...help me get him up." Both Freya and Caroline placed an arm around them and rushed me to the sofa, where I caught a glimpse of Damon, sharing the same plight. Freya came into focus. "Damon...Stefan, I'm going to remove the black magic done on you, but you need to know...it's going to be a painful process."
I stared at her, blinking wildly and unable to string a sentence. All I knew, the moment she grasped our hands, was unending torture.
~
Drip...drip...drip, went the blood into the brass bowl. Gripping the olive-toned arm, her fingernails biting into the skin of the Weatherford witch. "No point in fighting it...it'll only pain you further."
"Why are you doing this?" She croaked.
Groaning and rolling her eyes, she yanked the arm closer. "Urgh, God, you Weatherfords were the annoying bunch of us all. Once I'm done with you, I'll resume your place in the council and it'll be under my control."
"I should have never trusted you!" She spat.
"Hmmm...what a shame isn't it. I do have to thank you for passing on the information about the council-now, hold still, just a few more drops and my friend there-" With a free hand she gestured towards the dark brown-haired fellow whose dark eyes lit up in the glow of the candlelight. "He will finish you off."
Lifting her heavy head, she locked eyes with the beautiful stranger. Just like his family, his beauty enlightening. As repulsive as his nature was, she couldn't help but be drawn to that very pulchritude and charm. He moved with such aptitude, such confident strides. Grabbing her by the throat, pulling her close to him and lowering his lips to her neck—he tore into her.
"That was a bit dramatic don't you think?"
Wiping his mouth clean, he flashed her his fangs. "I was rather famished and as you know, I do like the theatrics."
"I suppose you're heading back to Galway?"
His eyes twinkled. "I have to woo the girl somehow. She's a stubborn wench."
Wiping the silver blade clean, she set it down and looked at him. "Before you go, I hope you don't mind lending a hand with the council?"
He extended out his arms to the side and grinned from ear to ear. "Consider it done."
Stepping out, barely making it down the steps they came face to face with the gnarly wolves a few feet away. They snarled and snapped their jaws at them. She half chuckled then scoffed and rolled her eyes. "An ambush." The larger of the dark wolves leapt into the air, hurling its way at her with its claws out. Taking a step back, she thrust out a hand and incanted. The wolf crumpled to the ground, howling out into the air. Growling from behind him and the rest of them pounced forward. The vampire darted down, grabbed the light grey wolf by the throat and raised it into the air.
"Anyone else makes a move, I'll gladly tear his heart out."
The wolves fell back, cowering away from them. Jameela spoke from the top of the step. "Now, what is this fiasco?"
Rising to his feet, the alpha rolled his shoulders back and seethed at her. "You lied to us! The girl did not have it! You sent us into a trap, and I lost good men!" He roared.
With a flick of her wrist, she brought him down to his knees. "Don't use that tone on me. I assumed she would take them with her because the sly, little brat knows how valuable the items are. We all want the same thing; now why would I jeopardise that?"
She waited for him to speak but he couldn't. The words caught in his throat and all he could do was choke. Regaining his strength, he stretched his back straight, clenched his fists but made no mistake to lash out at her. As much as he despised her, he knew that he needed her. "The daggers weren't there! You're lucky we didn't kill her then and there. Fix it! We need to find those items!"
Rolling her eyes, she folded her arms. "I do apologise for the misleading information but that's what I was shown. No:6 Willes Road. That's where she lives. I'm placing my bets that they're there." She watched as the wolves slowly dispersed and disappeared into the darkness. "Oh and...be sure not to harm the girl...that Liberty is mine." The remaining ones crinkled their noses before loping away.
"You lied to them, didn't you?" The vampire quizzed.
With hips swaying side to side, she sashayed down the steps, holding out a hand and beckoning him down. "Come, we have much to do."
~
Barnsbury Wood was his newest discovery. It was tranquil; being amongst the wildflowers and the walk was revitalising. There were no distractions not even that many humans chose this path to walk down. For Benjamin, this was the perfect getaway. He had a heavy heart, and his mind was plagued to no end. Finally at the age of sixteen but his life seemed dark and there was no way out of it. All he wanted was peace. Continuing down the woodland path with both hands shoved in his pocket, he made note of every wildflower his eyes caught, where the little twists and turns were and where the ground was rough. Finding the circle of logs, he sat down on the thickest one and heaved. For some reason, it made no change to his mood or reduced from the heaviness.
Birds twittering from the distance was a comforting sound. The vibration from his phone pulled him away from his riddled thoughts. A little tug and he pulled it out. The name on the screen earned a small smile. Sliding to answer, he placed it to his ears and greeted the caller. "Hey Harlow. What's up?"
"Hey, I have news!"
"Fire away! I could do with something good." He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand.
She paused. "Are you okay?"
He chuckled softly. "I'll be okay...the usual playing double roles has really been stressful. Anyways, what's the news?"
"So, the Mikaelsons are actually working with Noah. They trust us...well, Sophia doesn't know, and we've decided it's best she doesn't."
"That's good. I was worried about Noah and it's boring without him. Hasn't anyone from his family come for him?"
He could hear the frown on her face loud and clear. "No. He's not really bothered but he does have to pretend he wants to go home just in case someone does show up. How is everything with you? You sound stressed."
He sighed. "I am. I've been tasked with storming Sophia's house for the daggers and books. I feel bad but I have to prove myself to the pack. Last night they spoke with Noah's gran I think...Jayden has the easy task of infiltrating the council-"
"Wait what! And why the hell are you going on some mission to ransack Sophia's house when the daggers are not there? Lastly, what council!"
"I know that but not the pack...anyways, the humans know about the supernaturals, and everyone thinks they're up to something. I think my dad just wants to make sure they don't know anything about us."
"That's crazy! My boyfriend- I didn't tell you, did I? Well...I have a boyfriend and he's in London at the moment, so I'll ask him if he knows anything-"
"You didn't tell him anything did you? Because Harl-"
"No! Don't worry, I haven't told him anything about you or Noah. He knows about Sophia but look...he's on our side-"
"We still need to be careful! I can't trust-"
"Ben! I know! Look-that's not important at the moment.... happy birthday."
He finally managed a laugh. "Thanks."
"Listen, once everything is over, we'll celebrate and have fun! Right now, I need to go. Sophia is leaving soon, and we need to sort things out. So far, she's not been getting many visions or nightmares but I still think she's hiding something or maybe they came back...I don't know...anyways, I'll call you as soon as I can."
Staring into the open space, he thought for some time, almost forgetting she was on the line. "Ben?"
"Oh-oh right...bye." Ending the call, he shoved the phone back into his pocket and stood. It was time for him to play his part and play it well.