Chapter Thirty two

Sophia

My eyelids were weighted as I tried to peel them open. In the darkness, yellow, glowing balls of lights whizzed above me. The movements were quick and rough as if I was moving on gravel road. A ramp? My body jolted. Something held me down securely. Still groggy my eyes flickered down to see what held me back. A seatbelt. A primal surge of adrenaline activated as I trashed around and screamed. "It's okay." The voice was familiar. It was home. An arm pressed gently against me, and I sunk back, letting the breaths rush out of me. "Relax darling." The moment my eyes meet his, warmth spread all over me and I lulled my head back.

"Why are we in a car? Where are we going? What happened?"

He chuckled. "All these questions, you'll tire yourself. We're off to our honeymoon." His lips spread and the grin reached his eyes. Looking back down at myself to find I was no longer in my wedding gown. "What happened?"

He kept his eyes straight ahead, yet his attention was all mine. "Freya helped me get you dressed. Damon took you to the hospital...you gave us a scare, love."

"Where were you? Is everyone okay? I'm worried, should we really be going this early...I mean, with everything going on back at home?" My mind wandered off.

"Nonsense, it's the perfect time and to answer your question, they're all fine."

I puffed out a breath as I stared out the window. What I assumed were glowing balls of light were only the high-mast lightings of the road. My mind cleared and I was wide awake. "Who's Davina?" He didn't answer which only made my worries ten times worse. "Who is Davina?!"

"Who told you that?"

"Ethan! Ethan told me about you and her! Kol, you lied to me! You said I was the only one and you never fell in love! If that was the case, then what is the story of you and her!" I was screaming at him now, the tears burning me. The car screeched and came to a stop. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he got out the car without a word. A second later the door on my side opened, he reached for my belt and undid it. Grabbing my hand, he pulled me out. "What are you doing!" I screamed in his face.

"Are you done?"

I glared at him. "Are you done lying to me? Who is Davina? At this point, I don't care if you have an ex-lover! I care that you lied about it!"

He grabbed both my arms and shook me. "Oh, for God's sake! She was no one. My family and I used her. That's all it is." I wanted to believe him. I wanted to feel like it was the truth. I couldn't, not with what I saw and how in love he was with her. You can't fake feelings. As I looked into his eyes with tears, I contemplated whether I was to tell him about the visions and nightmares. Seeing the concern, I couldn't.

"Okay. I'm sorry...I got jealous because of how he said it." I lied. It wasn't what Ethan said, it was what I was forced to see.

Weaving his fingers through my hair, he pulled me close and held me tight. "I love you."

"I love you." I sighed, inhaling him in. Getting back in the car, all I could think about was his words. They echoed in my head. His words of affection for Davina.

Taking my hand, he pressed his lips on the back twice. "Are you okay?"

I nodded. "The vampire?"

His lips pulled into a thin smile. "Dead. The cure didn't work on him...Now we're off to live our own lives." Without tearing his eyes from the road, he gave my thigh a warming squeeze, his touch making me hot, driving me insane with the intense need for him.

"So, where are we off to Mr Mikaelson?" I smiled bright, everything disappearing to the back of my head.

"You'll soon see, Mrs Mikaelson." He smiled and it was irresistible. My heart burst with joy at being referred to as Mrs Mikaelson. I giggled. The same warm feeling I had the day I bumped into him, made an entrance and took over me. It was surreal. Everything. This whole moment. Our love. I closed my eyes, the remainder of the journey while listening to the playlist Caroline created for our trip.

~

They watched the white coats march in with silver cases in hand. Placing them in front of the head of the council, they stepped back and stood still. Abandoning their tasks, they gathered, curiously waiting to see what lay in those cases. They waited patiently for Sullivan to speak up. It didn't take much waiting, he rose from his seat and faced them with a broad smile. "Here..." He patted the medium sized case. "Here I have vials of vampire blood."

They broke out, whispering amongst themselves. Many were pleased with the revelation and others repulsed. A great divide was formed. "Now now..." He called, gesturing for them to settle down with his hands. "It's a fantastic thing. This blood, we can use it for our advantage. Our hunters will benefit from the use of this blood. I refuse to lose any more good men to those foul creatures. We will create a faction of hunters so strong-"

"How will creating vampires defeat our ongoing problem?"

"What is this debacle!" A few more members jeered.

"It makes no sense." Outraged another.

"Enough!" He bellowed. "I have a plan! For now, we will test on our subject and from him, it will determine our next steps-"

"How do you plan on keeping him-it in check?"

He gestured to the white coats. "Our lab workers there, will insert a chip into the back of his neck. It will not only allow us to track his every movement but, control his very life. One slip and it's...booom."

"It's bloody barbaric!" The beefy council member exclaimed.

Pressing his hands down firmly on the desk, he inhaled and then exhaled. "It's how we ensure order! Once our mission is complete, we will eliminate the hunters." Sullivan waited for them to speak out and refute him. When they didn't, he continued. "To fight one evil, a necessary evil is needed."

"What about the other cases...what's in them?"

Sullivan grinned. "The small one contains werewolf venom. We managed to extract some from a dead wolf. Wolf venom is lethal to vampires...one bite and they're dead."

"How do we get rid of the dogs?"

He chortled. "They're like mere mortals, anything will kill them. Using the vervain and wolfsbane the witch supplied us with, we will weaken the creatures and then we will kill them all!" He leaned back, hands out, palms facing up. "Any objections?"

They thought and debated for a few stretched minutes. Coming to terms with it, they gave a nod, and he took that as his green light. Motioning to the workers in white, they stepped forward; packed the cases back and carried them out, ready for testing. He stood back and observed. Things are going to change.

Stefan

Without her, the house was awfully silent. We didn't get the chance to send them off or say goodbye. She was still out cold. Damon took it the hardest. He never did well with being separated from her. I had learnt that new. It was now, that I too felt the same. However, it was for her safety. Until we dealt with the vampire and witch situation she wouldn't return. It's what we decided. Klaus wasn't too pleased. He lashed out. Rebekah managed to pacify him, and he returned in a sombre mood. Freya slammed down her hand on the table. She had exhausted herself out. Locator spell after locator spell. Bonnie had no luck either. Jameela was out there somewhere and as the days went by, it began to look impossible to find her. "Wait..." She began. Alert, I leaned in closer and peered down at the map. The blood travelled down the centre of the map and ended at the centre of London. I narrowed my eyes. She was here all along.

"Let's play the witch a visit, shall we?" Klaus smirked and he shot to his feet.

"I'm coming with you Nik; we don't know what to expect." She announced.

"Me too." Rebekah added.

"Very well then...anyone else care to join?" He asked, gesturing. I stepped forward and followed after them. It beat sitting at home and sulking.

1923

The clouds gathered, a silver-fade that commanded the sky. They swirled in steady and radiating ripples. The trees trashed around in the tempestuous wind. Drawing the curtains shut, she turned back to the frightened, little girl. Cocking her head to the side, her lips cracked into a soft smile. "It's not so scary Dhanika." The little girl pulled the duvet closer to her face. The poor soul was frightened. Picking up the cuddly bear from the bedside table, she glided around the bed and settled beside Dhanika.

"Mummy says, a storm is a bad si-sign." She took the teddy and placed it between them. Wrapping her arms around the girl, Sophia pulled her close and popped a kiss on the top of her head.

"Sweetie, the storm is nothing to fear. It's a very natural thing. Do not be afraid."

Snuggling closer, Dhanika gazed up at her. "Promise you won't ever leave me."

Cradling her head, running her fingers through her hair, she whispered. "I promise I won't leave you. I'll always be here." The mere feeling of having her hair played with, soothed her. She felt like the safest little girl on the planet, and she was untouchable.

Present

The tears slipped down despite her attempts to cast them away. They rushed down her hot cheeks, her chest rising and falling with great effort. What was once a soothing memory, stung her now and she burned with an intense rage. The woman she loved and adored, abandoned her like it was nothing. "Mum?" Noah called out, edging closer to his trembling mother. "Are you okay?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm not! But I will soon. Sophia...I can't tell the past and present apart."

"Why don't you just let it go? You don't have to do what Jam-grandma says!"

"Let it go?!" She sneered. "I can never let it go! I'm doing this for me! She abandoned me and hating her-oh hating her will make everything we're doing, so much more easier!"

"I really wish you would let it go!"

She ignored him, turning her back to him and stared dead straight at the wall. Defeated, he turned away and walked out. He needed to get away from the madness before it latched onto him.

Stefan

It was a cool but clear night in this part of the bustling city, where its inhabitants minded their own business. No one looked your way or cared if you were drunk off your head, rolling on the streets. They were far too concerned with themselves and the terrors of their own minds. We stood outside the dark blue door. Number thirty-three. A grinning Klaus pressed the doorbell and we waited. Footsteps thudded softly and slowly on the floor, heading to the door. They came to an end and ragged breathing filled up my ears. The door flung open, and Klaus waved menacingly. "Hello." The female pushed back the toddler behind her and called out. "Lana, take Tom." Her cold stare remained fixed on us.

"So, you've heard of us." Rebekah questioned, scrutinising the witch.

She scowled. "Everyone's heard of the Mikaelsons. Your family is known for all the wrong reasons. So, whatever it is, I'm sorry. I can't help you!"

"Just tell us where the wretched bitch, Jameela is, and we'll be on our merry way." Rebekah clipped.

"I can't help you. She's long gone, and I like it better that way."

Klaus inched closer to the threshold, both hands on the doorframe. He peered over her shoulder, sneering. "What a lovely family you have there, how I'd hate for something to happen to them...wouldn't you?" She prepared to shut the door on us, but I stepped in, concealing her from Klaus.

"Please, tell us where Jameela is, and we'll leave you alone."

"I'm sorry. I don't want to get involved in any way whatsoever." The door slammed shut. The locks clicked. A growl came from behind.

"Open the door!" He expressed in a terse and vigorous manner. Footsteps receded. She wasn't going to budge. He began to pound on the door persistently while he shook and seethed. His head inclined left to right as he glanced around. "Very well then." Racing down the steps, he picked up the ball that was wedged through the bush. Snatching the ball up he flipped it in the air and launched it towards the door. It sailed over my head and the door shattered, falling off its hinges, blowing through the house. Panicked screams ripped through the night. Smashing of glass came from within. The child's scream came from a place of terror, telling of a mind lost in absolute fear.

"Klaus!" I raised my voice. "You're not helping! There are innocent children in there!"

"Oh, I won't hurt them!" He tapped his foot glaring. "Still don't want to let me in?" He challenged.

"Nik! Enough!" Freya blasted. "I can go in!"

I turned back to the now opened entrance. "Please, just tell us where we can find Jameela. I have a sister and I need to save her!" I looked to her pleadingly. She cast her head down. Taking deep breaths, she finally spoke. "I can't help you."

"WHY?!" I rocked back and forth, gripping the door frame.

"We don't involve ourselves with her and we barely even practice. It's a curse!"

"Then you have no problem letting us in, for a little chat." He chirped wickedly.

"I don't trust vampires and this home is no place for one...especially you, Klaus Mikaelson. You wreak destruction and havoc wherever you land, your family go, and this girl you seek to help-probably is in trouble because you entered her life."

It was in that moment he snapped. The anger rolled off of him in thick, dark waves. His expression lethal. Unforgiving. "Very well." Vamping to the wooden fence, he tore off the picket one at a time and like a javelin he pitched. One after the other the pickets cut through the air, soaring into the house, and impaling whatever surface it came in contact with. Screams. Shouts and cries. A gurgling sound and my eyes widened.

"Klaus!" I bellowed.

"I'm going to keep striking until she lets us in." He craned his neck. "I think you're going to want to let me in now!" He chirruped.

She ran back to the door wailing. "Fine." Her hands were bloody, and blood smeared her cheek. "Stefan, you can come in."

Klaus shot her a cold stare. "I don't trust any of you, but I can trust him." She stated bluntly. Scanning the open-door top to bottom, I put one foot in, then the other. I followed her down the hallway and into the kitchen. The young female lay there, soaked in her own blood, fatally injured. The wooden post sliced right through her lower abdomen. "Heal her!" She pleaded. kneeling down, I lifted her head slowly and bit into my wrist. Her eyes grew large. Pushing my wrist to her mouth she drank, clutching onto my wrist, desperate to survive.

"Where's Jameela? I helped you, so now it's your turn."

My skin crawled at the scoff she emitted. "You think I called you in here to help you? I told you, I do not work with vampires. I have my own agenda..."

I sped to the door only to collapse on my knees as an exploding pain ruptured through me. Groaning as I toppled over, clutching at my head.

"LET HIM GO!" Freya yelled as she stormed in. She twisted her hands, and the witches hold on me broke. Chanting surrounded us as witches stepped out, cornering us.

"Mom." Came the whimpering voice. All at once the chanting stopped and I looked up into the hallway. The teenage boy squirmed in Klaus's grip. He grinned malignantly. The witch-presumably the mother rushed forward.

"Let him go, Klaus!"

Klaus took steps back with the boy in his grip. "Let Stefan and my sister through and then maybe, I'll think of letting your son go. Or maybe I'll turn him into a vampire since you hate us so much. I wonder, how ever will you love him."

"Don't." I mouthed.

"So, what will it be, witch?"

"Let them go." She gasped out. Grabbing Freya's hand, I vamped out. "Now let my son go."

He chuckled darkly, making no intention to act on his words. "No, I think I'll hold onto him. If you want him, then you'll do as I say...and if you refuse, I will hunt down anyone you love, and then blood, gore, screaming, death...I win." Turning back to Freya and i, he grinned with his arms out. "Did I do it justice?"

Her face flushed. "What do you want? If it's Jameela, all I can say is...she's jumped into another body, and I don't know who! Please, have mercy and let my son go."

His grip on the boy tightened. "If you want your son back, you'll have to bring Jameela out from wherever she's hiding." He shot us one last glance then zipped away with the boy. She let out a sharp breath, silent cries escaping her open mouth.

"I'm sorry-" I began

"Leave!" She shrieked.

•

The boy was strapped down on the chair despite our disapproval. Klaus insisted he be tied to the chair, under our supervision at all times. He was terrified. Only on the precipice of sixteen, no idea of how dark and evil the world is. His mother had worked hard to keep it away from him. Keep him safe. He was a warlock himself. A witch. One who had yet to tap into his power. The boy averted his eyes, keeping it downcast. Unable to tolerate him being bound, I untied the ropes and cast them to the side.

"What are you doing?" Klaus barked.

"If we're going to keep him prisoner, the least we can do is give him the freedom to walk around. He's just a child. If Sophia found out, she'll hate us for what we did, and I can't have that."

He scowled but remained silent.

~

She waited for her mother to return. She had texted and was told to remain where she was and that she will be there. She would knock twice. So she did what her mother instructed. With folded hands she sat at the kitchen table, tapping her foot on the tiled floor. The first knock sounded and three seconds later came the second. She jumped to her feet and hurried to the door, swinging it open. "Mother!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around Jameela. The woman barely embraced her back. Just a light tap on the back and she pulled away, walking into the house.

"What is it that you want, daughter?"

"My son! They took him. Mum, they're searching for you! Please do something. I want my son back! Just hand yourself over to them-"

"I will do no such thing."

"My son! Your grandson! His life is in danger, and you don't want to do anything?!"

Jameela glowered. "I have a plan. Nothing will happen to Noah. He will be fine, I assure you."

"Why can't you just let this go! Why is it so important for you to bring them back! Even if you tried and you succeeded, you can't take down the Mikaelsons!"

She shook with rage, blazing. "They will pay for what they have done! They massacred an entire nation! Members of my family were amongst the pile of bodies they discarded. It's a curse that our bloodline is weak and that is why I need Sophia!"

"I will kill her! Then you'll have nothing left. You won't be able to raise the witches!" She grabbed her daughter by the throat and squeezed till the colour drained from her face. She tried to pry the fingers away, but she was slowly losing consciousness. It was then the mother loosened her grip and let her daughter fall to her knees, gasping for air.

"I warn you, stay away from Sophia. Harm her in any way and your son dies!" She warned, her tone sharp and poisonous.

"You still care about her don't you! That's why you've not gone after her yet! You can't face her because you care! At least, I've learnt to let that love go." She spat at her mother. Jameela's lips twisted. The words of her daughter echoed in her head. Years of memories sped before her eyes.

June 1923

As they await the starlight and the silvery moon, the shadows of the trees danced upon the fence. They dappled the wood, the leaves flickering like candlelight, creating a new picture from moment to moment. Amid the perfume of the summer blooms, feeling the cool of the evening wash over them. From neighbouring gardens comes the music of laughter, the promise of playfulness and joyful chatter. She turned back to where her daughter lay, in the lap of Sophia as she narrated a tale as old as time. The tale of beauty and the beast. A tale that distorted the truth. She began her narration.

"Belle, she was beautiful inside and out. She had a beautiful, kind, and caring heart. She was hardworking and a dutiful daughter. She loved everyone and when people were horrible to her, she did not care. She continued to be herself and flourish. One day, on a stormy night, her father's ship crashed, and he was lost at sea. He fought for his life, to survive and he swam across to the shore...he was dripping wet as he trudged through the Stoney land. It was cold and he was shivering. He walked for miles, hungry and thirsty. Then, his eyes feasted upon a large palace that was dimly lit. Full of joy he ran to the palace. Strangely, there was no one around, not a single soul. So, the man walked further into the warm and inviting palace. He found food, water, clothes, and a warm bed. The old man was exhausted from all that walking, and he was full from the feast he had helped himself to. So he decided to sleep in the comfy bed that was made. And he slept soundlessly." She stroked the little girl's hair as she listened intently. Curious to know what happened next. So Sophia continued.

"The next morning the man woke up, he had a terrific sleep and he felt revived. Deciding it was time to head home, he changed into new clothes and headed down the winding palace stairs. It was then in the daylight did he notice the enchanting garden. The fragrant roses capturing him and pulling him towards them. They were the most beautiful red roses he had ever lain his eyes on. Then, he thought "My dearest Belle would adore these roses, I should get one for her." The man picked a rose, and a loud roar shook the palace grounds and out jumped a beast. He grabbed the man and screamed in his face. The poor man was absolutely terrified. The beast took the man into the palace and locked him up. The man cried and cried for his Belle. Until one day, she knocked on the palace door looking for her father. ... The little girl began to close her eyes, still listening but she snuggled closer. The story went on through the evening.

"One day her father was sick, and she asked the beast to go see him and he said she can. But the beast was scared, that Belle would forget him. She was nice to him, and he cared about her. He fell in love with her but still, he let her go knowing she might not come back. He waited for so long and then one day, she returned. But the beast was dying. She ran to him, and she held him, crying because she loved him and she came too late. She told the beast she loved him, and they shared a sweet kiss. And as if by magic, he sprung to life and turned back into a prince..."

The girl drifted into sleep, listening to the sweet and soft voice of the storyteller. She stroked her face gently, before picking her up and tucking her into bed. "Sweet dreams, gorgeous." She whispered as she bent down to kiss the top of the child's head. Jameela stood by the door with a proud smile. The sight of Sophia warmed her and granted her peace. Sophia turned back and silently stepped out the room, closing the door behind her. "Thank you." Jameela whispered as they walked down the hallway, back into the cosy kitchen.

"I adore her. I adore you both. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to use my magic correctly, be able to fight and hunt down the two men responsible for my plight. You are family to me."

Jameela lit up and it soothed her heart because she too adored Sophia. She formed an attachment and Sophia's goodness, her purity inspired her.

Present

She scoffed. "I do not care for the girl. But she is the only one who is strong enough to do the spell. She is far more powerful and besides, after the spell, she'll die. Too much power and she'll be nothing but a bag of bones. Now, I have work to do. Stay here and wait further instructions." She ordered her daughter. She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, due to the thought of Sophia. The memories shared. The words exchanged. She pushed it all back and focused on her mission. A momentary lapse. Yes, she cared for the girl once upon a time but today was different. That care and love was not enough.

"What are you going to do?" Dhanika voiced.

She smirked. "I have a plan." She imparted before strutting out the front door.

Stefan

"To take a child or person from their loving kin is the foulest violence that can be inflicted upon all concerned." Elijah boomed. Klaus's actions had sparked controversy in the house. Yet our pleas nor our disapproval and disappointment in him hindered his efforts. He chained the boy to a chair and circled him.

"Why are you doing this!" The boy kicked around and yelled.

Klaus chuckled darkly. "Until your mother gives me what I want, you will stay here!"

The boy settled back, no longer scared and his lack of fear unsettled me. Freya drove Klaus out the house. His outbursts were not helping the situation. He needed air and a clear mind. Reluctant he went out. I rushed to the child and unchained him. "You're free to roam around, just don't be foolish enough to leave. Or he will kill you."

He scoffed. "And I'm supposed to thank you for letting me free?" As the chains from around his wrist came undone, he rubbed them, biting back the winces.

"My sister's life is in danger. Unless we don't do anything-find Jameela, we could lose her. We're doing this for her. I promise, I won't let anything happen to you."

His expression softened at the mention of her. "I didn't know." He chewed at his bottom lip.

"We just want to find her, that's all." I reassured.

"I wish I could help...my mum never lets me practice magic and I don't know much." He grimaced, his eyes downcast.

Bonnie took two small steps forward. "I can help you if you want-"

"No no no no! Did I mention No!" Damon interjected, his voice fast and curt. "Stupid idea! He'll just use it against us. You can't be serious!"

"Damon! He's a child!" She chastised.

"Oh, stop with the pity party! He's sixteen, a grown man. He'll get over it." He ranted.

"Damon!" I glowered. "Go for a walk. That's enough, you're not helping."

He threw his shoulder back. "No, I will not."

"Then shut up!" Caroline snapped.

Rolling his eyes, he took a seat by the fireplace and grumbled to himself. "I'm surrounded by idiots."

He learnt from his previous mistake, killing a child and he did not agree with Klaus's decision to abduct a child in pure daylight. I knew he only felt that way because of her. He knew Sophia would be hurt by it. She would rather die than let an innocent child lose his or her life. We would rather have her alive hence Damon knew, not to meddle unless he was required to. I followed his gaze as he glanced around, admiring his view. The antique statues, ornaments, and the intricate interior designs. Caroline offered him a plate with a sandwich and a tall glass of orange juice. Thankful, he accepted it and ate in silence, picking at the crust. I smiled as he discarded of the crust. Sophia hated the crust. Her face would scrunch up and she would crinkle her nose, disgusted at the sight of it. In these last few months, I got to learn about my sister. I knew her inside out. Her likes and dislikes. It never felt as though I missed out on her life. These previous months made up for the lost time.

I took a seat in the corner of the room, in thought of my sister and how I loved her more than I could have fathomed.

"Hey..." Caroline murmured, placing a hand on my shoulder, leaning down to kiss me. "How are you?"

I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "For so long it's been Damon and me. We looked out for each other. He looked out for me, even when I had not known it. I was the little brother and now I'm the older brother. The feeling is indescribable. I know I would do anything for her, maybe even more than I had done for Damon. She's our sister."

She gave a soft laugh. A laugh that I adored and a laugh that warmed me up from the inside. "I never thought I'd ever feel the sisterly love for someone...not in the way I do for Sophia. She's one of a kind, isn't she?"

"She is." I chuckled as I reminisced the new memories we formed.

"I'm going to help the girls. Shout if you need me." She planted a quick kiss on my cheek before dashing out, her hair bopping as she moved. I don't know what it is about Sophia, she attracts danger wherever she goes. She believes she can rescue everyone. That she can save everyone, and she does not need to be saved. She can take care of herself. She's the softest-purest soul. I'd tell her she's ridiculous and insane and I would even throw my hands up frustrated. She would turn around and smile and that smile will melt me. She's smart, perhaps the smartest out of the three of us. For a fact, had we grown up together, she would have outshone us all. Any room she entered, she lit up and heads turned to her in admiration. I caught Damon's glance. His expression was enough to tell me, he too was thinking the same. He felt the same, and he knew the same.

Damon

Sibling rivalry was dumb. Stefan and I had rivalled for years. When you see one another, really see, you will find yourself with a friend for life, a person who loves you deeply and unconditionally. I have that with both Stefan and Sophia. If not for Sophia, I would have never returned to Mystic Falls and made amends with Stefan. I promised an eternity of misery for him but when it came to fulfilling that promise, I could not go through with it. Once upon a time I hated how human she made me feel. I hated how she made me want to better myself and be a worthy brother. I hated how she grounded me and most of all, I hated that I could love someone so deeply and unconditionally. Now, I can't imagine my existence without my siblings. Before any other woman, my sister was the one to reform me. Make me a better man. Around her I never had to put on an act. I never needed to be the bad guy.

2007

She followed me all the way to North Carolina. I rolled my eyes. She didn't trust me to do the right thing, so she came running after me. Dropping everything in her life, putting her life on hold, worrying about mine. I was pretty sure, if she were not blood, I would have killed her. She is the person I most love and most hate. Sometimes. Adjusting the collar of my jacket, I continued forward to only be knocked down. She hovered over me, grinning. Jumping to my feet, I took her down. She crashed down with a loud thud, groaning as she lay flat.

"Seriously!" She exclaimed, her hands on her stomach. "Rude. How very rude, brother. Don't you know it's disrespectful to knock a lady down?"

I chortled. "A lady and you? Did I not tell you to leave me alone?" I whipped around to face her. "Don't you have kids to potty train?"

"Oh, ha ha ha, very funny Damon! And I just wanted to see what my big brother gets up to without me." She grinned, still laying on the floor. I stuck my hand out to her, she grabbed it and hauled herself up, dusting her leather jacket and letting out a puff of breath. "Now, I'm not going to ask why you turned that woman but why are you not off looking for Stefan?" She paced around the room, running her finger along the surfaces, and bringing it up to her face as she scrutinised the dust particles. "Thought I told you to find him and make amends?"

I let out a yawn. "That's if I can find him. He's off somewhere, brooding for sure."

She grimaced. "Damon! I can't meet him unless you both patch things up first! I want us all to be together. I know you miss him and love him, so just go apologise you donkey!"

I rolled my eyes and plopped down on the bed, flicking through the magazine that sat beside me. It had nothing of interest, so I dropped it. "Little misses know it all." I remarked.

She threw her arms up, waving them in the air. "I'm serious Damon! Go!"

"I'm busy!"

She marched up to me and grabbed me by the arms. "Are you serious? Is this about Katherine? Because if it is, so help me God, I will kick you so hard you'll rue the day you chose her over us!"

"She's alive and she needs me."

"Damon! Don't you dare! I have had enough of this Katherine business. Give it up for now! Make Stefan your priority."

I remained silent for a few long minutes. I hated how right she was. She knew it all. She never told me what I wanted to hear, she'd force me to hear what I needed.

"Fine." I grunted. "I'll speak to him."

She smiled a smile so big that she lit up the entire room and I hated how the grin melted me.

Present

"Damon?"

I cocked my head to one side and squinted. Bonnie appeared before me, resting her hands on my face. "Damon?"

I shot her an apologetic look. My mind was preoccupied rummaging through centuries of memories. I didn't need to tell her. She understood with just one glance. She shared a sweet, affectionate smile. With a heart that sighed, I glanced out the window, into the night. The ping from my phone alerted me, momentarily taking me away from my thoughts. Whipping it out, I skimmed down the notifications. Kol had been updating us every second. Ensuring they were safe wherever they were and that he was always on the move with her, never staying in one place for too long. I tapped at the keyboard and sent through my response before sliding the phone back into my pocket. The boy was fast asleep with a blanket thrown over him. He was rather peaceful and seemed remarkably comfortable. I scanned the room. Elijah was present with his nose stuck in an ancient book. It was oddly silent. Life felt bleak without Sophia.