She gathered her contents. The brass bowl filled with thick, dark red liquid, the poppets resembling the figure of two men and her several herbs. Candles were lit around the table she stood at, working hard. Her smile grew darker and sinister as she placed the poppets in the middle. She was furious at what they had done. All her sisters she lost and their severed connection, she would avenge.
"What are you doing?" Dhanika demanded an answer this time. "Do you know what she did? They burned down the cemetery! We have nothing left!" She cried out, throwing her arms in the air in defeat.
"My dear daughter, they may have destroyed our home but let them rejoice for what I have planned will surely squash their triumph." Her dark chuckle turned into a cackle.
Dhanika backed away. "You're scaring me."
Dipping her fingers into the blood she scoffed. "Sophia thinks she destroyed every witch...two days ago I dug up twelve bodies-bones to be accurate, so not all hope is gone daughter."
"It still doesn't answer my question. What are you doing?"
Lifting up a poppet made out of wool she pressed down hard on the temples. "I'm punishing her by using her brothers."
"She's dying what's the point?!" She spat out.
"There is a point!" Jameela snapped. "I want her dead now and besides, it'll be much easier to use her when she's dead."
She took her stance opposite her mother at the table and pulled open the wooden draw where several daggers and objects were nestled in neat rows. With one finger she brushed the perfectly reflected surface of the silver dagger. A smug smile split her mother's face, teeth gleaming in the flickering candle lights, she stretched her arm out; trembling she handed her mother her favourite dagger, struggling terribly as she did but under her mother's scrutiny, she composed herself. "What about her family?" What a stupid stupid thing to ask!
"I don't care about her family!" She answered bluntly, accepting the dagger. "Her death is enough to torture them."
"They'll fight for her; how can you be sure we'll succeed?"
"Oh, they won't." She sneered.
Her mother was diabolical but this time she wasn't positive she would achieve the outcome she desired. She opted for silence knowing it was far better than facing her mother's wrath. The woman was no stranger to punishment. Yet every part of her was twisting with pain. It bothered her and it wrung up a sequence of unending questions.
June 1923
Precious Dhanika was growing fast, yet little she was blooming like the flower she clutched so tightly in her hand. She ran to the fountain in Trafalgar Square to join the other children frolicking. Squeezing through the hustle and bustle, Sophia followed after her. As the days panned by, Jameela grew distant and spent less and less time with them. It left Sophia to manage Dhanika at all times and she did not mind, for she enjoyed taking care of the child and spending every second of her life with her. As she watched the glowing child splash around in the water, a laughter escaped her. It was a regular thing for her to kick water to the direction of the mean lads. Behind her came the soft drizzle of the waterfall, the loose flowers nodded and bopped in the clear water.
Noticing how aggressive the crowd of children grew, she hurried closer and stuck out her arm for Dhanika. "Take my hand, let's get you out." The child protested and turned away, splashing across to the other end. Using her speed, she vamped, catching her in the nick of time before she took a tumble. "You nearly hurt yourself!" Her tone slightly raised and so full of concern, not like Jameela's. Hauling her out the fountain, she was soaked from the waist down.
The smile on Dhanika dropped. She struggled gravely to express the words. Following her gaze, Sophia realised why she was so petrified; Jameela was almost stomping through the crowd with a menacing look on her face. Fearing for her life she clung to Sophia, burying her face in her legs and whimpering. For the life of her, she could not understand why Dhanika was so afraid and what happened to her. Her motherly instinct kicked in and she scooped the child up in her arms and held her close, letting her hide her face under her chin.
"Jameela?"
Jameela ignored her and made for the child, but Sophia turned her body to the side, not allowing her to snatch the girl away. "Jameela! What is this?" She was hushed, not wanting to draw attention to them.
"She's been spreading ghastly rumours at school, and she should be punished! Bring her home immediately," she glanced around her, scowling at the few staring at them. "I don't want to cause a scene here."
"No. You will do no such thing, not as long as I'm there. I assure you, she has done no wrong-"
"She is my child!" She clipped. That stung Sophia and she didn't know why. Of course, Dhanika belonged to Jameela, but she loved her equally, in fact more. "Hand her to me or I will be forced to strike you."
She glared at her intensely. "What has gotten into you! You've changed so much!"
"Hand me the girl!" She almost shrieked.
Sophia stepped back, creating as much distance as she possibly could. She was cut off by the rim of the fountain and knew they were trapped. "I've got you." She murmured to the little girl and with the wind, she bolted.
Sophia
I walked around the house in dead silence. I couldn't hear any movement or voices. "Where is everyone?" I muttered descending the stairs. A warm fiery light and a crackle emanated from the living room. Picking up the pace I plunged into the living room to find Stefan sitting around the friendly fire. Something felt off but I couldn't quite point my finger at it. It was the way he was. Automated. He stared into the fire and sat ever so still. There wasn't a drink in his hand and that was a usual thing for me to see. Shrugging off the feeling I strolled in, and immediately stopped in my tracks. His eyes were glossy and the grey completely invaded. "Stefan?" Wary, I took a step closer. Slow and eery like, he turned his head to one side, eyes returning to normal, leaving no remnants of the glossy grey. He didn't speak but glowered at me. "Stefan..." I had no time to react.
Thwack. He sent me crashing into the large ornate mirror. Picking myself up and pressing my back to the wall as he neared. "Stefan...what-what are you doing-"
He grabbed me by the arms and rattled me "I'm going to kill you!"
Gritting my teeth, i flung him back and thundered for the door. A hand clasped around my ankle and yanked me down. His fingers dug deep into my skin and he dragged me across the floor. I knew he was under the influence of dark magic. I wasn't going to hurt him. All I needed was to get through to him but every inch of me fought for my survival. I kicked and thrashed around. "Stefan it's me! Your sister!"
"I know who you are!" He grunted, "I'm going to kill you! You ruined everything, you ruined my life and I'm going to make you pay. I hate you so much!" He spat. Pulling me back up, he grabbed my head and the next second it connected with the wall. Stumbling back, fingers desperately trying to clutch onto anything for balance. I attacked him with every spell I could think of, but it had no long-term effect on him. It was as if in that moment he was almost invincible. Trying the aneurysm spell on him, i succeeded in bringing him to his knees. He fought hard and it stirred a fear in me.
Swiping my right hand, he crumpled to the ground and this time I ran for the door almost making it out before he tackled me down to the ground and pinned me down. "Stefan please!" I cried. Ignoring my pleas, he punched me in the chest and twisted his clenched fist. Fire shot through me, and I could hear the skin tearing loudly in my ears. I rammed my eyes shut, not willing to see him, to feel the last moments. Pounding footsteps, grunting sounds and the weight on me was banished. Sounds of struggles and a fight. Slowly and painfully my eyes peeled open to Damon and Stefan locked in a deadly battle. Damon was merciless and his whole demeanour was off.
Staggering to my feet, I pushed forward and latched onto Damon. "Let him go, you're going to kill him."
He sounded deranged. "I have to kill him, or he'll kill you. I have to kill him. I have to kill him..." he chanted on and on as he pounded on Stefan's face. Crunching. He plunged his hand through Stefan's chest.
"Stop it Damon!" I gripped his jacket and with all my strength ripped him off him. For a minute it seemed to do the trick but he lunged and tackled Stefan to the ground. It happened extremely fast. One moment Damon had the upper hand, and the next Stefan was triumphant. Grabbing Damon by the neck, one twist and Damon was out. I froze. My mind completely blank. All I did was stare at him with large, teary eyes as he prowled closer, wiping the blood from his mouth. He looked like ripper Stefan, the man he was a century ago.
I should have used my magic, but I didn't. I stood as though I was helpless. I didn't want to hurt my brother. If I had to die, then so be it. His hand and fingers coiled around my throat, and I was lifted into the air. His grip grew tighter. My head was spinning, and I tried gasping for air, but they escaped in small ragged gasps. His eyes were cold and dull. Stefan was lost. I wanted to tell him I loved him and that he meant the world to me, but I couldn't with my air supply viciously cut. My hands slumped to my sides.
Faint voices in the air. Freya and Bonnie. They were doing something, blowing something dust like into their eyes. The hold on me loosened enough for me to release a huge breath. Tears filled my eyes and once he realised what he had done, he released me. I dropped to my knees and cried. "I'm-i am so sorry..." he dropped down before me and wanted to take my hands but his were shaking tremendously. He tried again to touch me, but I flinched when I didn't mean to. "I don't know what came over me.... I would never hurt you," he looked behind him to Damon who stood motionless. The gravity of their actions gnawed at them.
Freya sighed. "It was the work of a witch. I don't know which one but you're okay for now." For now?
"We think Stefan was influenced to kill you and Damon was to kill him-stop him at least. It's sick," Bonnie shook her head, the spite in her face evident. "If Stefan killed you then it means the bond between him, and Damon would forever break."
Damon crossed the floor and engulfed me in his arms, holding me so tight, tighter than ever before.
Stefan
I stared down at my vibrating hands. I was mere moments from taking my sister's life and I couldn't face anyone. I may have been under a spell, but I felt responsible. It was a sickening feeling. She finally pulled away from Damon and looked to me. When she flinched my heart broke because I believed she was scared of me, and it hurt me so much. "Stefan..." she ran into my arms and wrapped hers around me. "It's okay, it's not your fault." I let out the trapped breath.
"I'm sorry." I mumbled into her hair.
"You're both fine for now but I think you need a purging. Whatever dark magic has been used on you is potent." Freya turned her head to Sophia. "Sophia you too."
We nodded in agreement. Though I was fine for now, the dark hold on me nagged at me and it terrified me. I didn't want a repeat of the incident. All I wanted was the safety of my sister. Sophia wandered to the window and stared out, silent and not emitting a word or sound. I wish I could hear her thoughts and know what she was thinking at that very moment. Leaving her be was the best thing I could do for her. Sitting on the ledge, she pressed her head against the glass and puffed out.
"Where is she?!" I turned to the direction of Kol. He stormed in, wild eyes scoring the room for her. Sophia didn't hear him come in or call for her. Passing me by, Kol shot me scathing look then fled to her. Sliding off the ledge she buried her face in his chest and he clung to her for dear life. Pulling away slightly, she stroked his cheek and braved a smile.
"Where's Nik?" Rebekah questioned walking into the now brightly lit room. "What happened here?" She stepped over the broken chair, inspecting the room.
"He's gone to see what's to be done with the council." Bonnie responded, picking up the broken bits of glass, Damon helping her.
"Damon and Stefan are pretty much hexed to kill one another." Freya added in response to the second question.
"Bloody hell! And they call us the monsters." The next thing she did was comfort Sophia.
Clearing my throat I asked, "when do we do this cleansing thing?"
"Now! I just need to gather a few herbs and Qetsiyah's grimoire. The spell I saw was in there. While I do that, Damon, Stefan and Soph you all should change into robes or something."
Bonnie was tasked with locating the witch responsible and astral projecting herself to wherever the layout was. Damon wasn't too happy with that plan, but it required a powerful witch and Bonnie was powerful, more powerful than she ever was in previous years. One by one we piled out the room to prepare ourselves for the ritual. Damon and I barely exchanged words and I couldn't be sure whether it was cause of the dark magic or if he was truly mad at me.
~
How to approach his mother and the thought of it was daunting. The questions he harboured, how was he to ask them without having her shut him down because she was too afraid of the past or she was torn by it. He needed to get through to her and make her see the lies and deceit of her own mother. If he could reunite his mother with Sophia, then he knew everything would be okay in her world. If his mother held such hatred in her heart, then why did she hold onto the old photographs and mementos of Sophia?
One day he was curious about their past and he intruded through her possessions. Locked away in a wooden box, buried deeply under her bed, he found what he was looking for. The A6 photograph in his hand portrayed them as mother and daughter, anyone would mistakenly believe. It was obvious to him; Sophia was more of a mother to her than Jameela ever was. He admired the slip once again. As a child his mother was so innocent but somehow, that innocence was ripped away.
The door to his room opened and he panicked, not knowing what to do with the photo he gripped tightly in his hands. Dhanika entered and fixated her eyes on him. The movement of his hand she caught and knew he was hiding something. It was useless carrying it on, so he brought it forward. Instantly she charged up to him and snatched the photo away. "How dare you go through my belongings! Insolent child!"
"Can't you see! You still love her! I don't think she betrayed you mum and you know it."
She cackled. "Oh, you think you know everything do you? You listen to me loud and clear, that woman she left me in the hands of my abusive mother, she might as well have left me to die! She is a foul liar!" She was clearly on the verge of tears, and he could see her forcing them back in.
"Then why hold onto this?" He waved at the picture in her hand. "Clearly you miss how it used to be and you want her to come back! I'm trying to make you see how your mother is manipulating you-"
She struck him across the face, and he stumbled back, blinking at her, completely stunned. It was the first time she ever raised her hand on him. Her face fell after she realised what she had done but by then it was too late. He stormed out on her, vowing to leave her to rot in her own stupidity. Straightening out her dress, she looked herself in the mirror and her lips pulled taught. Noah knew nothing. He was a child and that too a very emotional one. Her mother was a wicked liar, but she wouldn't lie about Sophia. Dhanika refused to let the words of her son affect her. Her mind travelled back to the day she found out Sophia abandoned her and how when her heart broke, she could almost hear it in her ears.
August 27th, 1923
She waited and waited on the stone step, looking out for Sophia to arrive. They were going to go to the theatre for the first time and she was elated. So excited she could barely finish her lunch. Instead of Sophia, it was her mother that approached her. She wore a softer, much kinder face than she was accustomed to. Dhanika couldn't grasp why her mother was in tears and why her steps were slow and dragged. "My sweet, sweet child...." She scooped her up in her arms, smothering her unnaturally, making her squirm in her hold and trying to get free.
"Mummy, why are you crying? Please let me go. It hurts." She looked up at her mother, utterly horrified at the words that left her. "Mummy...."
Jameela pulled away. "She's dead. Sophia is dead my child."
The little girl leapt up and pushed her mother off. "Lying mummy, you are lying! Liar!" She pattered down the steps, falling, and wailing on the grass.
"It is very true." She responded in an aggrieved tone.
She kicked and screamed and cried. "She promised to be here...no mummy she's not dead...we-we have to-to have to find her!"
Incensed, she grabbed Dhanika by the arms and shook her. "She left you and then she died! Quit crying and get in the house."
"No! I'm going to find my mummy Sophia!" She shrieked, stamping her feet on the ground. An enraged Jameela pulled her arm and dragged her into the house, despite the child putting up a fight by kicking and forcibly digging her heels into the ground. "You spoiled little brat. She is dead and there is nothing you can do!"
"I-I don't believe you mummy!" She scratched at her mother's arm with her free hand. Pulling the girl forward, she threw her into the house and the door slammed shut behind them. In her belligerent state, the girl unleashed a haunting scream.