Chapter Thirteen

I blushed at the thought of him and how much of a gentleman he was on our walk home. I wanted to ask him about why he helped me all those days, why he had shown me those dreams. How he managed to get in my head, but he wasn't aware that I knew. Knowing he did that for me made me swoon for him even more. I was slowly but surely falling for Kol Mikaelson. I felt giddy. He was infecting me. "Kiss me." I blurted out, stopping us in our tracks. Grinning, he cupped my face and crushed his lips on mine. He kissed me and i stood there breathless. Mustering up the courage I wrapped my arms around his neck, returning his kiss with one that matched his intensity. The planet stopped rotating. There was nothing left on Earth, or in the entire universe for that matter. Except for the two of us, nothing else mattered.

After parting with a quick stolen kiss, I felt a twinge of guilt as I watched him walk away. Halfway, he turned back to catch a glimpse. I was falling for him, but I knew it would be impossible to be together, not with what was heading my way. Guilt made home. Kneading my temple, I dragged my feet to the front door.

Walking into the living room, Caroline who heard and witnessed everything, greeted me, displaying an ear-to-ear smile. I shot her a look, begging her to keep quiet. Smirking, she zipped her mouth and locked it, throwing away the key comically. I laughed softly. Everything changed and the world was spinning twice as fast than usual.

"Why did you guys leave without telling me?" I asked, strutting in. Heads snapped up at my arrival.

"Ah, Miss I can do whatever I want, finally arrives home." Damon sneered, his eyes narrowing and brows pulling together. His head tilted to one side, scrunching his nose as if he smelt something foul. Kol no doubt.

"Get over it Damon. Why did you leave without me? I had to walk home alone!"

"Sure you did." He jeered, still flicking through the book in his hand.

"We left as you seemed fine, and we wanted you to have fun." Stefan replied instead. "And Kol wasn't a threat."

"Thank you. But tell me next time! I was worried, i thought something had happened-wait it did, didn't it? You all left together which is unlike of Damon to leave me in the hands of someone he despises. So, either tell me the truth now or I'll use the truth spell on you all." I smiled maliciously.

Bonnie caved. "Klaus called, asking to work together to track down the witches that are after you."

Damon scoffed. "He's got an ulterior motive-"

"To protect his family and our family." Bonnie interjected, frowning at him. "We were discussing a strategy; we want to lure the witches out. Tomorrow at the party we plan on-"

"Guys stop. These witches are dangerous. I know because I've dealt with them, and I was a part of their coven. Secondly, we don't know if they're alive. The leader of their coven was slaughtered right in front of me! After that, those that were alive escaped and fled. This was a century ago. As far as I remember, none of them had any family." I lied. I knew the bloodlines continued and I knew they were out there but cloaked. They didn't know them like I did. They were cunning and conniving.

"Freya insists on at least trying to locate them."

"You know what, fine go ahead, as long as you do not exclude me. Besides, you need me. I'm the one they want. I'm the heretic. You ought to stop assuming I am weak and incapable of fighting my own battles."

"You almost died trying to kill Stefan remember?" It was a strange thing. It felt like it was only a lifetime ago that I attempted to snuff out my own brother. A sudden rage sparked within, knowing those feelings remained deep and were embedded. Regardless of how close it felt like we were getting, nothing could eradicate that feeling. I looked up at Stefan and almost let out a scream. Behind him stood my dead parents, louring at me with their white, glossy eyes. I stumbled back and screwed my eyes shut. No, they can't be here! No.

"Bitsy..." Damon's voice pulled me out the darkness.

"Yes, I know Damon! Only because I hadn't fed properly, and my emotions were far too overwhelming. It was a one off."

They stared at me with creased foreheads. I understood their concerns and their need to worry for my safety and wellbeing. But I detested how they had no faith in me, in my strength. I silently spectated and listened to their discussion. Everything for me. Yet I didn't want it. It was not their fight. It was mine and I had to fight it alone. They felt I needed saving. Whether that was the case or not, I was certain I would not let them sacrifice a single thing for me. As I scanned each face, I couldn't help but avoid Stefan. I couldn't look at him, not if they stood beside him. I had forgotten them, and they returned to haunt me, to remind me of my failings. Feeling a great suffocation, I slipped out the parlour.

Locking myself in my room, burying my face in my knees; I cried on my bed. The guilt washed over me. Once again, I was plagued. My newfound peace disrupted. Why wasn't Hunter with them? Had he forsaken me as I had done him? I wasn't angry at Stefan, but I was broken. I no longer saw him as the wrongdoer. But they clung onto him like a disease. They wanted me to kill him. Their whispers echoed throughout the house. I only held him accountable for snatching Enzo away from us. The skin crawling whispers continued, raging louder and louder. Shielding my ears, I rocked back and forth vigorously.

She sat atop the hill looking down at the tiny people, bustling around the park. The view was different, it wasn't like it used to be in 1913. This was the year 2026. Greenwich Park was more vibrant and fuller of life. The young man joined her side.

"Hunter?"

"Hello sister." He smiled. Though a young man now, he still bore that childish smile that she oh so adored.

"Look at you, all grown up... I miss you."

"And you're still the same, you haven't aged a day. I know, I miss you too." He scooted closer to his sister, holding a single deep red rose. Twirling it for some time, he faced her and handed it to her. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched her brother, as he sat before her, young and alive.

"I'm so sorry Hunter. I broke my promise, I couldn't bring you justice." She broke down, trembling, holding the rose to her chest. He pulled her into a warm embrace, rubbing her arm.

"No. I don't want you to kill anyone. I never did." He took a deep breath and let it all go. "He's your brother. I don't need justice. I just want you to be happy. I've watched over him and I've watched over you, he's not that same man. Let go of all the pain and anger. Let him in. I never abandoned you, so don't think for a second that you abandoned me. You are the world's best sister! There is nothing or no one who can be half as much as what you are."

His words softened her heart, comforting her. "What about mama and papa?"

He wiped away her tears, refusing to let her spill anymore. Not over them. "Don't listen to them. They're not our parents. They are lost! I'm here to set you free. All our lives you looked after me as my big sister, you fulfilled your duties, and now, it is my turn. I may be dead, but I am with you, always."

"Oh Hunter, you've grown so wise. I am so proud of you. I love you."

He grinned at her. "I love you too. Let it all go. Be the powerful and strong, brave heretic I know you to be. Forgive. I forgave, now you must too. Promise me that?" He stuck out his pinkie. Smiling, she hooked hers to his and planted a kiss on the lock. "I promise."

Before she could reach out to ruffle his hair, he shot up and backed away. "Race you to the bottom."

"It's on." She jumped to her feet and followed after him, knowing this time she would win. She had the upper hand. She was a vampire.

Sophia

My eyes fluttered open. Smiling, feeling as though a weight had lifted off my shoulders. I saw Hunter. He had always been there, watching me. He was happy and wanted me to be happy. I was brimming with joy. He never left and I hadn't let him down. He didn't want me hating Stefan, he wanted me to forgive, and I knew I could. I cried tears of joy. I could breathe. I sat up in bed, hugging the pillow to my chest. That crippling sense of exhaustion and failure dispelled itself. An overwhelming sense of relief and all I could do was hug the pillow. A mixture of tears and laughter, a bittersweet moment. It was half past four in the morning, meaning I managed to sleep a few hours. I listened out for any movement in the house. Nothing. The air was tranquil and everyone fast asleep. Laying back in bed, covering myself with the duvet, I let my mind swim with thoughts of Kol. A million thoughts rushed through my mind in a back-and-forth battle with my heart.

My spine straightened to the sound of rustling; something being rubbed together. Narrowing my eyes I inspected the room, my gaze trailing over every surface, desperate to identify the source. A paper tucked between two books rustled. Throwing the cover off my body, I vamped out of bed and edged closer, slowly, and cautiously. I drew nearer and nearer, reaching out for the cream lined paper. Placing one hand over the top book, tugging, and pulling out the note. It was folded and with my name written in bold capitals. A response. Unfolding the note, I read thoroughly and considered the lengthy message. Refolding the paper, I slipped it back into the book and returned to bed.

Christmas Eve

Had I known coming to Mystic Falls meant parties and balls I'd have come prepared. Yet nothing prepared me for the events of the last few days. Everything was unpredictable and as much as believed I was prepared, the truth was, I wasn't. Rebekah insisted I dropped by her house, and she'd help me pick out a dress. She called me first thing in the morning, elated once Kol told her he asked me to be his and I accepted. I could hear her gleeful smile through the phone. She was far more excited than anyone else, not that everyone other than Caroline knew. But she was glad her brother finally got the girl he wanted after a thousand years of loneliness. I was astonished by that new piece of information. Damon ranted on and on about what a womaniser the original vampire was, and that he had no respect. Kol just picked up women then dropped them. I assumed Kol to have at least loved once in his life. But love wasn't on his agenda. Once he was out of the coffin, he would run wild, kill, travel around, and most of all, do what he felt. Was what he felt for me love?

"You're good for him." She gave voice. "You're good for them both."

I shook my head, addled. "Both?"

"Nik and Kol-just get here and I'll explain." she hung up, leaving me staring at my screen, agape.

I rushed down the stairs almost taking a tumble as I reached the last step. Fortunately for me, Stefan grabbed me by the shoulders and steadied me. "Easy there. Why are you in such a rush?" He smiled massively and I was torn. One part of me wanting to throw my arms around him and the other wanted to rip out his heart.

"Meeting with Rebekah, she wants to help me pick a dress. I can't stay for breakfast DAMON!" I called out, hearing the flipping of pancakes in the kitchen. It was a tradition, something he and Bonnie started and now at least once a week, it was pancakes for breakfast. Stefan disappeared into the kitchen momentarily and returned not a minute later with a mini pancake on a plate. It was topped with berries, a liberal spread of chocolate and dusted with icing. Rolling it up, he brought it close to my mouth.

"Open wide."

I truly didn't know what to do. I was fighting myself but I took a bite of the rolled-up pancake and chewed it fast, trying to smile in between the mouthfuls. "You didn't have to do that but thank you, Stefan."

"I know, but all these years Damon got the chance to do these little things for you and well, It's my turn now." He offered me the remaining bite, but I urged that he finished it off. Smiling he obliged and scoffed down the last bit. My heart sunk. That momentary joy I felt was no longer there.

•

The doors to the Mikaelson home opened. The moment we came face to face he swept me off my feet and held me tight in a hug. Lowering me down, his right hand brushed my hair to the side. "Fancy seeing you here." He shared the biggest grin. His smile weakened me all over again, making it impossible to resist falling in love with him all over again. Butterflies pranced around in my stomach. His lips brushed mine, softly and delicately, long enough for me to inhale in his sweet peppermint breath, to feel his warmth. He smiled in between the kiss, playfully biting at my bottom lip.

I giggled. "Kol, everyone's watching."

His lips moved to my ear, and he whispered, his breath tickling me. "So what? Plus, I want Nik to see."

I pulled away rolling my eyes at him. "How mature. Now Rebekah is waiting for me, I have go."

I was kissed by him repeatedly, refusing to let me go until finally he set me free. "Go ahead, I'll join you later." I ran past him into the house, welcomed by Elijah and Freya. Freya was warmer to me, and I could see her walls, slowly falling down. Klaus stood with his back against the large white pillar, nodding at me gently. Something about his stance was disheartening. It was a strange expression on him. My lips pulled into a compassionate smile. Straightening his back, he returned a small tender smile which engulfed his once dismayed face.

"There you are, Sophia! Come on, we've got a tonne to do! Goodbye brothers...Freya, we shall see you later." She took a hold of my arm and dragged me up the stairs, into her room where racks of dresses stood. I whirled around, gaping at her.

"What?"

"Beks, when you said a few dresses, I thought you meant like five outfits not this...." I waved to the racks that were lined one after the other.

"Well, you're not just going to any Christmas party. It is a Mikaelson party." Fishing out her phone from her back pocket, she opened up an app. "Smile for the gram."

"Beks, since when were you-never mind." I pushed past her, running my fingers along each dress. "Rebekah Mikaelson, you have outdone yourself and I know you're recording me." I remarked without glancing up.

"Relax love, it's just a bit of fun. I quite like this whole idea of streaming your life live."

"I'm not as photogenic as you Mrs Mikaelson hyphen Gerard. Hello Marcel, I'm sure you're watching this live right now and I'd like to say your wife is insane!" She cracked up, laughing at her screen.

"What's funny?" I questioned, still ruffling through the dresses but peeping at her occasionally.

"Marcel asked whether you're the new addition to the Mikaelson family. Well, what can I say..." a missive grin dissolved into her. "Kol and her finally expressed their undying love for one another."

I stopped midway and stood straight, shooting her a menacing glare. "No, we didn't. We're just-i don't know okay...he asked me out and please put the phone down and help me pick a dress! You can live stream or whatever later. I won't object."

The pair of us spent hours ruffling through each rack. Now mid-afternoon and nowhere close to finding the right dress. Chewing my bottom lip, glancing left to right my gaze fell on an emerald dress. A tiny gasp escaped me. Rebekah followed my gaze and sped to the rack, taking the hanger off the rail, and handed it to me. It was an Antoinette dress with a fitted bodice, a trumpet skirt with a relaxed fitting. The edge of the neckline was ruffled, with adjustable strap ties. I beamed at her. "That's the one Rebekah. It's perfect." I looked to her through the mirror. "I think it'll match well with black heels."

"You'll look gorgeous in it. All eyes will be on you much to the displeasure of Kol and Nik-"

I spun to face her. "Why do you keep saying Nik? What is it with him? It's just Kol! You said I'm good for them both, what could that possibly mean?"

She sighed, plopping herself onto the bed. "You're changing Kol, in fact you've changed him completely. He is not who he used to be. He cares. I've never seen him feel this way for anyone. You ground him-i know it's early stages, but you didn't see what I did. I ran around with him while he ran after you, fussed over you...as for Nik...he lost a lot back in New Orleans. We lost a lot. That made him close up his heart once again but now, now I see him opening up, caring. He's afraid all over again. We don't care for people- we can't, knowing our family history and the endless line of enemies. All I'm saying-"

"I don't know about Klaus, other than I know I trust him. All I know is, Kol makes me feel as though I'm on top of the world. Since the day I first saw him, he had my heart, Rebekah. When I'm in his arms...I can't put it in words-I've never felt the way I do now, for anyone. Not once have I ever fallen in love not even as a human. I have felt the love of a mother, for friends but never that soul crushing, undying love for another being. Then I met Kol, and he just shook up my entire world! I see forever in his eyes. I don't even know if this is what you call love but if it is then...I love him. I'm in love with him! Knowing all he's done for me makes me love him even more!" The confession had me breathless. She crossed over and pulled me into a bear hug.

"Then go tell him that. For a thousand years he's not known love, he's now experienced it and he can have that with you!"

"I'm terrified Rebekah! This feeling scares me! How can one fall in love in such a short amount of time? How is it even possible!"

"It means you are soulmates."

"I am so afraid of getting my heart broken, I'm afraid of being hurt because I don't know what I'll do if he hurt me-"

"I would never hurt you darling." It was Kol. He sped to me, grabbing my face in his hands. "I would never hurt you. And to know you think it so, pains me. You're not thinking of leaving, are you? Because I love you, Sophia Salvatore. When I see you smile, I feel okay, I feel alive. You're worth being good for...I promise you can trust me. I would do anything for you, I knew I would since the day I laid my eyes on you." His voice soft, eyes filled with affection and a subtle fleck of pain as he spoke. He grasped my chin and tilted it up with his forefinger. Peering into his eyes I felt safe. Safer than I had ever been or experienced in my life. I was alive. Being with him was exhilarating. I was in his arms, and I let out a sigh of relief. He loves me as I love him.

"Alright guys, you can continue this later! Sophia and I need to get our hair and makeup done! So Kol, escort yourself out." With one hand on her hips, she beckoned to the door. "She'll be yours for the night."

We parted with one final kiss, and he left us to prepare for the party. A while later, we were joined by Freya. She offered to do my hair, a sure way for us to bond. She thought straightening it out and pinning it back would pull the outfit together. She began off brushing out my hair, with gentle strokes as she conversed with Rebekah. I listened to both the sisters discuss how they'd kill the witches when they'd find them. Freya wanted to crush their skulls, but Rebekah wanted it to be a slow and painful death. This whole family was insane but yet here I was, amongst them, sucked in. Just as Klaus mentioned; the allure of his family pulled me in. Freya took thick strands of hair from either side and brought them to the back, securing them with bobby pins. Gazing at her through the mirror, I knew I could trust her blindly. I knew I loved her.

"Rebekah, will you be a darling and please go to the Salvatore house and grab my stuff? I'll come down to meet you as I have a sneaky feeling you'll get distracted."

"Of course, love." She smiled, squeezed my shoulders then zoomed out. I tilted my head to one side and listened carefully. Whirling out my seat I faced her.

"Freya, I need you to burn sage right now."

She looked at me quizzically, brows raised. "Why?"

"I need to speak with you and Elijah in private, without your sibling's interference. Please bring Elijah."

Without questioning me she placed the remaining pins down on the table and scooped up her phone. With a few touches, her phone was to her ear. "Elijah, I need you to come upstairs to Rebekah's room. Alone."

She began the process of burning the sage as Elijah joined us. Light on his feet he crossed the room. "You look lovely Sophia." He praised, pecking my cheek.

"Thank you."

"May I ask the nature of this meeting?" He inquired, scanning the room.

"I am well aware of your intentions alongside my brothers regarding my safety, and the hunting of the witches. With the teaming of the Mikaelsons and Salvatores well, it's deadly. What I'm about to ask of you is huge indeed and will require you to go behind everyone else's back but it's important. I can't risk the lives of everyone. You have no idea what you are up against. They go against nature, and they are not to be trusted. After tonight I will leave for London to meet up with a witch, Valarie said we can trust in this particular time. Freya and Elijah, I need your help. I need you both to stall our family while I am gone. Keep them distracted while I'm away. I'm asking this of you because you both are the only ones that will not let your emotions cloud your judgement. Klaus and Kol will stop at nothing to protect me, and nor will my brothers and Rebekah is just as bad as them. They're too invested in me. Unlike everyone else, you both believe in me, believe in my ability to fend for myself. So, I'm asking you to help me! Give me your word that you will not relay this back to any of them, no matter what happens!" I held out both hands for them to take.

"You have my word."

"I give you, my word." They took a hand each and gave it a light squeeze.

"I would like to accompany you. I'll be at ease knowing you're safe."

"Elijah, no I can't ask you to do that. I will not. I don't know what will happen and I can't risk any of you getting hurt."

He adjusted the sleeves of his pristine white shirt. His lips tugged into a tiny smile as he made direct eye contact. "Regardless of how you feel, I want to, and I will see to it." He contended. "For the sake of my brothers and who knows, I may be needed."

"Urgh! Very well then."

A huge grin broke out onto his face. For a moment I instantly regretted my decision of including them in my plan.

"Freya, I need you to come up with an excuse for Elijah leaving, something that won't come across as suspicious. Elijah at twelve am on the dot meet me by the town border and pack a bag...it's a long journey. We have a lot of secrets to uncover. Freya, I'll give you some of my blood so you can track us if anything were to go wrong, and you don't hear from us."

She nodded. She left us for a while to grab a few supplies and a vial for my blood. Elijah paced around the room. "You know, you seem to have an effect on my brothers. Your very existence...presence has affected them deeply. It's intriguing, Niklaus and I were once thrown in what you call a love triangle centuries ago, but it seems he has made his way in another with our brother, Kol."

I stared at him blankly. "What do you.... I er...don't understand."

"Perhaps that will be a tale for our little trip." He smiled yet his expression still seemed fixed.

Freya came rushing in. "I've got the vial. Just pour your blood in here." She handed the glass vial. Using my finger nail I sliced into my palm, letting the deep red blood ooze out. We watched the vial fill up with my blood. "That's enough!" She laughed. "I don't need the whole thing. A few drops would have been fine."

"You never know when you'd need it." I handed the vial back. "Remember, this stays between the three of us. Freya the moment Elijah leaves, gather everyone including my brothers and seal them in one place. They all have to be together, that way no one can leave."

They nodded with understanding yet the both of them exchanged a worried glance. Freya opened her mouth to speak but closed it, rethinking her decision. She picked up the sage, wrapped it back in its cloth then shoved it in her pocket.

My phone going off distracted me. Looking over my shoulder I contemplated whether it was necessary to answer. It rang again and I turned on my heels and in a sweeping motion picked it up, putting it to my ear.

"Damon." I let out a groan. "What is it? I'm busy!"

"Oh, you're busy. But guess what, I don't give a toss. Get here now!"

He disconnected without giving me the opportunity to respond. I looked to them shrugging. "Well, I shall see you later on."

~

The sounds of yelling and objects being thrown around caught their attention. Exchanging quick glances both Freya and Elijah hurried out to see what caused this sudden outburst. They were met with the sight of their two younger brothers at each other's throats, both rearing their vampire faces.

"ENOUGH!" Freya snapped, splitting them up with her magic, pinning them on opposite ends of the walls. "What the hell are you both up to!" They glared at one another from across the room.

"Niklaus, care to explain?" The elder brother catechised. "Do you both not know peace?"

"Elijah, the mediator." The hybrid smirked. "Well since you insist. I merely just made a comment on how delectable Sophia was looking and it struck a chord with our brother." He laughed darkly.

"Shut up Nik!" Growled Kol.

He chortled. "He couldn't stand how close I got to her." He shot Kol a coy look. "Insecure brother?"

Kol did his best to fight the hold on him, but to not avail. He simply glared at his brother.

She released her hold on her brothers, dropping them to the ground with a thud. "You both need to come to an understanding. You're going to get her killed. It will be one of you who will kill her. Has history not taught you a thing? We're the Mikaelsons," Eyes flicked from one brother to the other. "We destroy everything we touch and here you are, bickering like little kids. You want to protect her, but you can't. We will be the reason she dies. We have lost too much! She has a special hold on you both! I can't help but care for her! But enough! I can't have another person losing their lives because of us, because of the two of you." She jabbed her finger in the air, her body trembling.

They crumbled to the words of their sister. Like an arrow, it punctured their chest. Their expressions crumpled with guilt and fear. They looked onto to their shaking sister on the verge of tears. There was a silence that was deafening. Both brothers were forced to stare down at the floor ashamed.

~

He heard her soft footsteps approaching. He knew that sound, her sound like the back of his hand. He felt her presence. Quickly turning to the female in his grip he bore into her eyes. "Moan." He compelled. She began to moan as he mimicked the motions of a hungry man sucking and kissing her neck ravenously. He could hear her footsteps reach him closer and closer, he heard her strangled gasp as she came to a halt. He acted as though he hadn't heard her approach. Pulling the female in his arms closer, obscuring her view of the neck. It had to be believable. She had to think he had broken her trust, it had to break her heart.

"Kol?!"

He heard the confusion, the betrayal, the pain in her voice, all churned into one ugly feeling. He turned to face her, letting the female drop to her knees, flashing her a coy smile. She flinched. How bewitching she was in that emerald dress. Her hair straight and pinned to the back. Exceptionally elegant. It had his heart flapping. The very sight of her had him losing his mind. But he couldn't, not now. She glared at him. Her eyes telling him how her heart had been ripped out her chest. He continued to grin at her wickedly. Once that first drop broke free, the rest followed in an unbroken stream. She bent forward, clutching at her stomach and began to cry with a force so crippling. He had broken her. Every fibre, every nerve in his body wanted to scoop her up in his arms, hold her, kiss her, and take that pain away. But he held himself back. She shook her head, trembling. Sophia straightened herself, viciously wiping away her tears, suppressing the sniffles. Suppressing the pain. Her bloodshot eyes met his stoic stare. "You lied to me! You said you loved me and here you are kissing another woman! Slobbering over her like some dog. My brothers were right... You are heartless, sadistic, and untrustworthy. Rebekah was wrong, we are not soulmates. I hate you!"

He smirked.

"Why?" Her voice a small shudder.

Circling her like a predatory animal, inhaling in her scent, she snapped. Pinning him to the wall, her hand gripping his throat. "Why?!" She screamed.

With no effort at all, he broke free from her hold. "I was bored. Honestly, I don't love you and never did, but it was fun watching you fall for me and to know I got to you before Nik did-"

Unable to hold her tears back any longer she turned away from who she had thought of as her lover and ran.

Sophia

I ran as fast as I could away from him. I couldn't look him in the eyes a second longer. He was cold. His eyes were empty. He was a monster. I ran. Everything around me blurred. It felt as if my brain was being shredded, my heart had been torn right out my chest. I cried out. I couldn't breathe. He promised he wouldn't hurt me. He promised that he loved me. It was all lies. I felt myself fold over, only to be caught. The arms pulled me up. I looked up, blinking through the tears. Stefan. His eyes wet with tears. I crashed into his chest, sobbing hysterically. My words fumbled and incoherent. "He-he l-lied to me-me.... he said-he..." I stopped, drawing a breath. Breathing hurt. It was like a dagger being yanked out my throat, slicing through me. "He-he said...loved....me...he said he won't-wont...hurt me..." He held me tight, running his hand through my hair, attempting to soothe me, hush me but his efforts were fruitless.

"What-" Damon stopped when he saw us, when he heard my sharp penetrating cries and my violent shaking. I pulled away from Stefan. I saw the anger and murder in their eyes. "I'm going to kill him over and over again!" Damon seethed.

"No-no..." I staggered backwards climbing to my feet. "I can't...I can't breathe-I love him..." I fell to my knees, broken all over again. My vision blurred, everything merged together. It became hard to discern what was what. Who was here and who wasn't? The voices drowned out. Was this what heartbreak felt like? Was this what betrayal felt like? Was this what it was to feel a love so deep? Was this the result of loving a monster? In a matter of days I gave him my heart and he took it, only to shred it. I caught a glimpse of long, icy, blonde hair. Her voice distorted. Slowly her figure materialised. I stared ahead as she pulled me to my feet.

"Nik do something." She pleaded passing me, into his arms. I blinked through the cascading tears.

"Hello love." His blue-green eyes filled with worry. I shook my head as he stroked my face. "What's the matter? I won't hurt you."

I shook my head again, refusing to let him touch me, brushing his arms off me but he held me again, firmly, and tenderly.

"No please...please let me go..." I could feel my body tremble all over again. I didn't want to be here, I wanted to be with him. I wanted the comfort of Kol. The one who reduced me to this state. He pulled me into a hug, holding me tight against him. Sweetly and gently, he ran his hand up and down my back, murmuring into my ear, telling me it was all going to be okay. I closed my eyes and weeped with a ferocity that silenced those in the room, forcing them to watch as I fell apart. If I knew it was going to hurt this much, I wish I never laid my eyes on him.