Chapter Twenty Six

The night fell and they kept their word. Rushing with his backpack hung over his shoulder, he pounded on the door. The door opened. "Why the hell are you knocking like a mad man?"

"I need the toilet!" He pushed past Noah, dropped his bag, and fled to the toilet. Closing the door behind him, Noah rolled his eyes and entered the living room. No one was home, making it perfect for them to speak openly and freely. A minute later Benjamin returned. "Let's get started!"

Pulling out the laptop from his bag, he passed it onto Noah. "Use mine, just in case your mum or gran go through yours."

Opening it up and rapidly tapping at the keyboard, making a few quick searches he waited for the FaceTime to connect. They waited for a few long seconds and then she came into view. Her face was bare, hair tied up in a bun and glasses framed her face. "Hey Noah...I'm guessing you're Benjamin?"

"Yes, and hi."

"Harlow, we need your help! Both our families and his pack are up to something, and we want to stop them."

She leaned closer into the camera. "What do you mean?"

It took them exactly ten minutes to explain the entirety of their situation and their fears. "It all comes down to one girl, Sophia. Everyone is going crazy because for the pack she's the key to finding something and my mum and her mum have some twisted history. I think Jameela wants to use her for something. All we know is, they're planning something bad."

"Noah also thinks his gran has no intention to help everyone else...the werewolves and vampires."

"Hang on a second, did you guys say Sophia?"

"Yes!" They both exclaimed.

She sunk back in her seat, mouth hanging wide open. "I know of her. Guys! Don't trust the witches! My entire family is alive because of Sophia. She's not the enemy. This is actually seriously messed up! All my life I've been told stories of her and how good she is...my family dedicated their lives to protecting her. We have to do something! Look, I'm going to go back and look at all the books and see what I can find out about the original wolf pack. In the meantime, we need to think of a way to stop them all from getting to her. Guys be careful as well!"

They nodded and stared at the screen. "Noah and I, we'll think of something but let us know! None of us want our families to get what they want. That's why we want to stop them."

She nodded. "I'll do what I can...just be safe because this sounds dangerous. Keep me posted."

Noah reached down and tapped a key. The call disconnected and they stared at one another, plans forming in their heads.

Sophia

A day passed and it was revealed an unknown group of vampires caught wind of the new cure. Those that were desperate for the cure fled to London, committing mass murder. Ensuring no other vampire got to the cure before them. We received word from Marcel and Elijah that they landed in Greece and were headed to what was once Athens. I was under Freya and Bonnie's protection while the vampires of the family were out searching and in possible danger. Using magic had already taken its toll on me. I curled up by the window, staring out as I waited for them to return. I hated feeling helpless. Freya put the phone on loudspeaker and placed it on the coffee table. They were giving directions and locations to the others. In a way this was a distraction, away from the werewolves. The descendants of the original wolf pack had returned. Mystical beasts that were as old as time, predating the original vampires. They were stronger than the average werewolf and almost as strong as vampires, some even stronger.

Caroline, Kol and Klaus were the first group to hunt down two vampires that were headed my way. They took them down, having no mercy. My brothers were with Rebekah looking for the man that passed on the letter to the boy. They had no luck but did run into another old vampire eager for the cure. After pumping him full of vervain they dumped him in the car and were making their way back home. My shoulder received a light rub. I turned to my side and met with Bonnie who offered me another gentle squeeze and a warming smile. Returning a small smile, I tended back to the window.

"I know you're worried about them but the best thing you can do for them is stay here, where you'll be safe."

"I have stronger magic! I can fight. I am not an invalid. Why do you all forget that I am far more powerful than you all put together?"

Freya sighed and disconnected the call. "You're not a vampire anymore and our enemies know that now. We lost you once and we can't lose you again. I know you're powerful, but you can use that to our advantage later! We need to be strategic. For now, a handful have heard of the cure, it won't be long till our enemies hear of it and come racing."

"Freya is right Soph. We still have enemies hidden and alive and they don't want the cure like the others. They will want revenge and getting to you is how they'll do it. You're human now and they can kill you easily. We have to be tactful and on our guard."

I groaned throwing my arms in the air. I got no response and in turn pressed my head against the glass with a heavy heart. In a line behind one another they trailed in. Grinning from ear to ear I leapt off the windowsill and rushed to the door, unlocking it. My brothers walked in, dragging in the unconscious man. I didn't get a good look at his face as my attention went to Rebekah and Caroline. I pulled them both into a hug. After a few long seconds we pulled apart. Puffing out trapped air, my eyes landed on Kol, drenched in blood but seeing him calmed me. A second later from seeing him, his arms wrapped around me, and I snuggled in his chest, disregarding the blood. I pulled away, still holding onto him, and reached for his lips, letting them connect in a deep kiss. He breathed me in, clinging me tight once again. Looking past his shoulder, I noticed Klaus enter through the front gates. I smiled as his eyes locked with mine, his lips twitching into the tiniest of smiles.

We returned to the living room where the old vampire was chained, with his head hung low. I withdrew myself, taking one glance at his contorted face was enough to repel me. "Who is this man?" I asked bluntly.

"That's what we're here to find out."

Wrinkling his nose, Damon looked down on him. Looking at Damon, I knew I was still upset and angry over what he did, but somehow the love I left, overpowered anything else.

A growl emitted from the depths of Kol. "Let's just kill him."

"NO! We need answers." Stefan snapped.

"How he found out I'm now human baffles me. Wake up the vermin and question him." I ordered.

With one hand Kol picked up the chair, walked over to the man and placed it down, taking a seat. He swatted the man's face repeatedly enjoying it far too much. "Wake up!" He slapped again. The vampire groaned, peeling his eyes open. Kol leaned forward with his hands clasped together. "Now tell me, who are you and who told you about the cure?"

The man grinned. "You don't know me, but I know her." He motioned to me, flashing an ugly smile. "That dead, Genevieve witch told us. As soon as I heard I came running sweetheart. You're human now, I can kill you for what your brothers did to me." He licked his cracked lips. "Maybe I won't-"

"Look this way! Look at her for even a second, I'll pluck your eyeballs out and eat them like olives off my fingers. Why did the witch tell you that?"

"They failed to damn her soul, so they want to make sure as many vampires get word that the cure exists once again and then she'll finally die. She bashed on and on about her revenge plan, not that it interested me. So now, every vampire that wants to take the cure is coming for you princess." He directed his gaze to me, and I glowered.

I prowled closer. "What did my brothers do?"

"1960, your darling brother Stefan, killed my witch girlfriend- "

Stefan loomed closer. "I don't remember you. I killed a witch, only because she was looking for Damon." Stefan avoided my eyes.

The vampire scoffed. "It doesn't matter, you didn't give her a chance. Since then, I was with the witches-"

Kol threw a punch at him. "Where are these witches?"

"Dead but communicating from the beyond." He spat out a mixture of blood and saliva.

"Is this guy daft?" Damon commented, incredulous at how he blurted out the answers as if he had verbal diarrhoea. "I vote we kill him already."

"Bloody perve!"

"Yeah, let's tear him limb from limb and feed him to the dogs."

"Rebekah! Why torture the dogs with such foul meat?" Caroline interjected.

"Huh...you make a point."

The vampire chuckled. "You can kill me, but it won't stop all the other cure seeking vampires from coming for her." Another foul smile. "The cure seekers are the least of your problems."

"What?" Stefan edged closer.

"Werewolves...witches. Everybody wants her."

"Who?"

The man smirked. "That, I can't say."

"We'll kill them all!" Klaus shrugged smugly.

"For things you've done," he motioned to at my family. "For what you did princess, they will come for you."

I threw my arms in the air, grunting. "Just get rid of him! We have far bigger fish to fry." I barged out the room and fled up the stairs. Not a moment later Kol was at my door, seeking permission to enter. I let out a sigh. "You don't need permission."

"Well in that case." He whizzed in and spun me in his arms. I burst into giggles. His lips brushed mine, softly, delicately, long enough to inhale in the other's hot yet icy breath, feel the warmth of our skin. He kissed me again this time for a second longer and one last time before he pulled his head back, arms still coiled around my waist. "I owe you a dance." He murmured.

"You most certainly do." Recalling his jealous expression moments earlier I giggled.

"What's so hilarious?"

"You were jealous of Klaus." Throwing my arms around his neck, I couldn't suppress my laughter.

He cringed. "It's just, you met him first and you guys shared some twisted moment...I'm afraid you'll see you don't want me." Those eyes frowned and my heart ached.

"Just because I met him first, it doesn't mean I'll want him and the moment we shared, I would not call it that. It's you I want, Kol."

"I love you so much, I'm scared it'll push you away."

Staring deep into his eyes, stroking his face, I smiled. "Nothing, and I mean nothing can keep us apart."

He drew a long breath. "You always manage to find yourself in all sorts of trouble."

"I didn't think anyone would come after me. I'm stronger than you give me credit for. Just give me the chance, I'll show you how strong I am."

"I know you're powerful and I don't doubt it at all. I'm just scared of losing you."

Fatigue invaded and I rested my head on his hard, warming chest, his fingers swaying up and down through my hair. I asked him to stay the night. All I wanted to do was sleep in his arms. His winsome smile instantly melted me.

As the night rolled in, we lay in bed, arm in arm. He played with my fingers as we spoke, occasionally devouring me with kisses. When sleep took over, I couldn't be too sure. All I knew was my eyes sealed shut and I reopened them to the stream of sunlight that poured in through the window. I felt for Kol, but he was not by my side. The clock read 10:30am. He was downstairs, I was sure of that. Peeling the duvet off of me, I padded to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Refreshed, I skipped down the stairs and into the living room to be greeted by my brothers. Voices travelled from the kitchen. It was Kol, in deep conversation with my sister-in-laws. A scene I never thought I'd ever bear witness. A lot had changed over the three months I was dead.

"Did everyone else go home?" I asked, turning back to my brothers. They were sat on the sofa with a small gap between them, big enough for me. I flopped down between them and draped an arm around them both. Looking at Stefan wasn't harrowing anymore. It became easier and slowly, the ghost of them was fading.

"Yes, they will be here." Damon responded.

"Oh, and Klaus killed the perverted man." Stefan related with a sour look on his face. I laughed softly, resting my head on Damon. He kissed the top of my head the way he had always done. He told me he will always protect me, love me and be my brother no matter what may happen. A warm, unseen presence brushed past me. I recognised it. It was Enzo. He was here and watching over us. Watching over me. I glanced to my right where the presence felt strongest and smiled.

"Stefan about before when the man said you killed his girlfriend...you don't have to be ashamed. You did it to protect our brother, that's all that I understood from it."

He nodded, then frowned. "It doesn't make it okay, but I did what I had to."

I sat silent for a minute or too, regarding his words. Turning to Damon, I spoke. "Sometimes, when it comes to family and love, the line between right and wrong is blurred. I think, I have no right to be mad at you both for what you did, simply because, I'm guilty myself." When it comes down to Stefan and Damon, I knew I would bear anything.

Curious about what Kol and my sister-in-law's were laughing about, I plodded to the kitchen. They greeted me with a good morning. I gave Bonnie and Caroline a gentle squeeze on the shoulder as I passed them by and headed for the fridge. Kol pushed his chair back and jumped to his feet. Pretending not to notice him I opened the fridge door and took out a water bottle. His arms wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me against him.

"Good morning." He whispered into my ear, sending sweet shivers down my spine.

I smiled and turned to face him. "What are you guys talking about? I'm really happy to see you guys get along!"

"Well, I guess I finally won their trust." He elated.

"A lot happened but we grew on each other and his love for you defeated us." Caroline chirped, shrugging with both shoulders.

"And he's not so bad." Bonnie chimed, giving a dainty shrug.

I took a few sips of the water and replaced the bottle back in its original place. "I'm glad...anyhoos, I am going to have a shower and I'll see the three of you later." I announced, giving Kol a quick kiss on the cheek.

•

A painful jab to my left side, I folded over and clutched my waist. Bracing myself, I rose and stepped out the bathtub. The jab came again, like a poker that had been stuck in the fire and then forced into me. Standing straight, the pain disappeared as if it never occurred in the first place.

I sat dressed on the bed and my mind wandered to the recent animal attacks. It was on the radio again. It was all over social media and every news outlet. The number of victims grew in the last few hours. London was hysterical and in a wide state of panic. I needed to be sure whether they were related to the werewolves. I looked back at the Mac book, tapping my feet and unsure about what action to take. I had several articles and images up, all coursing through my mind with the flashes of the past. Dread and fear washed over me, and the denial dispersed. They were identical in every way.

The original descendants returned. They knew how to stay undetected, and they moved exceptionally fast. Why? Though I had little knowledge on who they were and how they came to existence, I knew these new attacks were just the beginning. I had to seek them out. Light footsteps. I slammed the laptop shut when the footsteps stopped outside my door and the doorknob twisted. He vamped to my side positively certain I was behaving suspiciously. My back arched as his breath fanned the back of my neck.

"What are you hiding?" He questioned, twirling me around and fixing his eyes on me. His mouth twisted. Placing his hand firmly on the laptop, eyes still fixated on me, I gulped down hard.

I cleared my throat. "Nothing." I forced out.

"Now darling, don't lie to me. See, I know you more than you know yourself." He reopened the laptop and tapped the spacebar waiting for the screen to light up and expose my secret. I let out a shaky breath and screwed my eyes shut as the screen lit. "You know something don't you?" He continued. "Now, tell me what you are up to?"

I ran my fingers through my hair anxiously. "I was going to track down the werewolves-"

He grabbed both my arms and shook me. "Do you not listen! How could you be so reckless! You will do nothing."

"I think, I'm the only one that can find them, be-"

"I don't care! We will deal with it! There's no reason you need to go on a suicide mission!"

I scoffed. "It's cause I'm human isn't it and I barely have any magic, right?"

"Losing you broke me; I will not stand around and let it happen again."

Softening my stance, I cupped his face in my hands. "And you won't. Just trust me." I winced when he removed my hands from his face and stormed out. I called out for him, but he took no notice, nor did he care to turn back. I rubbed my face deciding on what I needed to do and what I should have done. Glancing back at the screen, the image of the mauled female glared back at me. My fingers hovered over the image getting a sense of the location and the type of energy left by the attackers. If I could figure out what it was, it would lead me straight to the werewolves. I shut my eyes and concentrated.

A vivid image of woods popped behind my eyelids. I knew where they were. I cursed to myself as the realisation of being in a house filled with paranoid and overly concerned people. I no longer was a vampire, that advantage was nonexistent. I glanced to the window and grinned slightly. Dashing to the window and peering out, my plan formulated. Gathering a few bed sheets i knotted them together, creating a lengthy rope. I scanned the room looking for a sturdy object to tie the makeshift rope. My built-in wardrobe was the only thing I could tie the end of the sheet to. Sliding the doors open, i tied it securely around the bar. A quick tug proved just how strong the knot was. Seeing it was perfect and secure, I tiptoed back to the windowsill and pulled the window wide open. Slowly and cautiously, I climbed out and clung to the makeshift rope, lowering myself down. Once my feet touched the ground I let go of the sheets and moved soundlessly around the house, climbing over the brick wall, and scampering down the street.

•

Running into the station, wasting no time I whizzed through the gates and pattered down the stone steps onto the platform, just making it on time for the train that arrived. The doors slid open, and I stepped on. "Kentish Town. This is the Northern line service via High Barnet. The next station is Tufnell Park." The lady on the tannoy announced. Sitting, i tapped my arm impatiently. I had two long stops left and then I would arrive at Highgate. Over fifty years and I had not stepped foot back into those woods. Yet here I was, with history repeating itself. The doors swished open and I ran out, squeezing through the tight crowd.

Exiting, I broke into a run, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Keeping my breathing steady as I pushed harder. Gut-wrenching, heart pumping— after several pushes forward my legs became tired, lungs burned. My breaths came as short gasps. Just one more turn I told myself and I would reach the Highgate woods, where I knew they were waiting for me. I darted through the entrance. The woods remained the same, excluding the new modern twists to the cottages. A coffee shop and bar were newly attached. The snapping of twigs and crunching of leaves came from a distance. Steadying my breathing, I cautiously moved deeper into the woods. The snapping and tearing resounded from all directions. I fell back in my tracks and stood still, louring.

"Show yourself."

A mix of figures came in line with my vision. I knew if I turned my head to the right, more figures and to my left another handful and most definitely behind me. I could feel their glares burn into my back. "It's her alright." A female from ahead grumbled.

"Why have your kind returned?" I interrogated.

The large muscular man undoubtedly in his late twenties, stomped forward. "For you."

After taking a good look at each and every face, I turned my eyes on him and folded my arms. "Let me guess...I killed Creon and Corinna your somewhat distant relatives and now, you're all here to exact revenge." I scoffed finding humour in the situation. I stuck my finger out at the blonde girl glued to his side. "You look familiar, have I threatened you before?" She sunk back with a permanent scowl etched on her face.

"You will pay for what you did." The man continued. "For years our predecessors have taught us one thing and prepared us for one thing only." Did they know I was the descendant?

I scoffed a second time. "And let me make another guess...fight me till the death? I don't care that you want me dead!" I looked to the female. "Demi, I warned you to stay away, from this city and never set foot again. You killed innocent people! What makes you think you can fight me now when years ago you failed and years before that the others failed."

A deep, dark chuckle came from behind. The voice spoke. "The witches have told us that you're just a mere pathetic human-" He had no time to complete his string of words as I stuck my arm out, flicked my wrist and he buckled over choking. Whispers and shocked gasps bubbled within the circle of wolves. They watched in horror as he bled out through the eyes, ears, and mouth. The millisecond my attention was diverted, I hit a tree. A transformed wolf charged into me. Slowly, they all began to transform into large beasts, three times the size of the average wolf. They closed in on me.

A warm substance trickled down my nose. Instantly my fingers felt my nose. Blood. The magic began to attack me from within. I crawled back up, wincing at the fiery sensation soaring through my shoulders. The wolf that attacked drew closer, the earth beneath its paws crumbling upon its weight. It raised a paw to strike, I sent it hurling back, crashing into a tree with just one look. Focusing, locking eyes, the wolf levitated in the air squealing as the unseen force crushed its windpipes. Flicking my wrist inwards I dragged it back into my grip. Its bones snapped from my crushing hold. They watched terror-stricken, unsure what to do. Holding the beast up higher, my free hand dissolved through its thick skin, shattering its ribs. I felt around for the thundering organ. There it was, clasped tightly in my hands. In a twisting motion, I withdrew my hand and the wolf dropped dead. Throwing the heart at their feet, I scoffed. "Who's next?"

Demi charged, transforming mid-air. Reaching out, my hand latched onto the throat, pulling the furry beast back down. "One more person try me, and I will burn you all to ashes."

"Let her go." The curly one squared himself, trying to come off as intimidating.

"Come and get her."

A blow from the back and I lost my stance and the beast thrashed free. They reformed their line and together leapt in the air landing on me. I cried out, anguished. Unable to move a single limb I forced my eyes shut, waiting for them to tear into me. The weight of them vanished. With eyes still shut tight I focused my sense of hearing. A cacophony of low, rumbling snarls and growls filled up my ears. Slashing and tearing. Something like the sounds of the battlefield. My eyelids slowly fluttered open. Their backs were towards me, but I recognised them. My family, ruthlessly tearing through them, limb by limb. Kol bit into them, ripping out their throats, moving from one to the other, yanking out the hearts. Weakened and shaking I rose from the ground. Their backs were exposed to the other beasts. Without a second's delay, I unleashed a scream. A surge of power ruptured through me, casting everything in its path back. The trees yowled violently, their roots loosening. Both hands slowly rising in mid-air, lips uttering one more spell. A line of fire sprouted from the tip of my shoe spreading wildly, snaking down the path, then circling the beasts.

Whimpers escaped the beasts as they shrunk back, turning back into their human form, shielding their faces all whilst whimpering. Blood trickled down my nose, splashing onto the leafy earth. I drew closer, an inch away from the scalding flames. The flames grew taller and hungrier, desperate to latch onto something. Anything. Thrusting my hand out I pulled the young man, shoving his face into the flames. The roaring of the fire drowned his screams. The pack watch horrified as he was reduced to nothing but ashes.

My legs felt weak, threatening to give way. The throb that started at the base of my nape, slowly wormed its way up into my head and spread rapidly. I let my hand flop to my side. With a blank expression I looked down at the burned wolves. It was all in ruins. Scattered litters of dead bodies, torn limbs and flesh, blood soaking into the earth's core. For a moment I stood still, staring ahead. Unaware that my brothers rushed to my side, holding me. Their voices distant. They were close but yet sounded miles away. I could make out my name being called over and over, but I couldn't discern who the voices belonged too. Arms shook me violently and I snapped out of my trance like state. His face came into view. "Kol?"

For a split second his face twisted with anger, but he settled down and frowned. "Are you okay love?"

"We need to clean this mess up. The burned ones, what do I do with them?"

"You leave it to us. Go home with your brothers."

Without a word I turned away with my brothers holding onto me, walking me out of the woods. My calves burned with each step I took. My body quaked and was on the verge of death. Stefan helped me into the car, strapping the seatbelt around me. It was an odd occurrence but there was no energy left within me to comment, to argue, and to fight back. Even the harsh whispers, shrieks were ignored, I let them rage on. He slid in beside me while Damon floored the engine. They did their absolute best to engage me in conversation, but I remained silent. It didn't hinder them. They spoke, cursed, and chastised. My heavy head dropped on Stefan's shoulder. My neck felt lighter and that jolted me up right. "Damon stop the car! STOP THE CAR DAMON!"

"What Is it? I can't stop the car!"

"My necklace! I lost it...it-it must be back in the wood! We have to go back-Tell him Stefan!"

His hold on me strengthened. "I'll let them know to keep an eye out for it. Getting you home is top priority! I'm sorry." His brows brooded. Scrunching my face, I shrugged him off and scooted closer to the window, resting my head. Furious at them for refusing to go back and retrieve the only thing that gave me magic. We reached home. Without a word I let myself out and slammed the car door shut, hurrying past Freya and my sister-in-laws. I didn't want to hear anything. I didn't care. Elijah reeled me back and sat me down. I hadn't realised they returned. They peered down at me with knitted brows.

"Sophia, being angry and hot headed like this isn't going to solve the issue." Elijah sat before me, a hand on my shoulder.

"I know what I'm doing!" I snapped.

Marcel frowned. "Maybe, but you need to communicate with us." Peering into my eyes, he understood my struggle and i understood his concern.

I breathed out, letting my shoulders slump. "Okay."

"We managed to bring everything back." He gave my hand a light squeeze.

"Thank you, both of you."

"You've been busy." Elijah noted. "I am deeply saddened we missed all the action. You don't need to do it alone." His forehead smoothed and he smiled. "You'll find the valuables in your room." With that, he retreated back and pressed his back to the wall, spinning a glass ball in his hand. My brothers marched in furious, and I gulped down hard.

"How could you be so stupid and go off! Not the first time you did that, was it?! Do you have any idea what could have happened to you! What if something had happened huh! What then? What about me and Stefan? We lost our minds!" Damon flared.

My eyes flickered to Stefan who rubbed his forehead. He raised his head and his hand slumped down to his hip. "Next time, don't go anywhere without us! We..." He jerked his head in the direction of Damon. "Don't care how strong you are, you take us with you!" I couldn't conceal my emotions. They were locked away but now that lock had been forced open and the floodgates to my heart ripped opened. They didn't know what I knew! How could I tell them? It didn't matter what they strived to do for my protection, to keep me alive. I was fated to die regardless. Death was written for me and I accepted it wholeheartedly. I exploded into tears and stormed out the room.

I sat on the bed with my knees up after Rebekah and Freya had given me a good telling off session. Freya turned back and looked at me with an intense worried expression. She opened her mouth to speak but when the words did not come, she closed her mouth and walked away. My phone screen lit up every few minutes with messages. I didn't care to check them, to respond. Burying my face in my knees, I let myself cry. A gentle knock at my door and I lifted my head back up. "Come in." I managed in a quiet voice. The doorknob twisted and the door slowly pushed open.

"Love." It was Klaus. He strode over to the side of my bed and lowered himself down, giving my knee a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry, we couldn't find your necklace." He rubbed the nape of his neck, evidently distressed.

I grimaced. "It's fine but why do you seem worried?"

"I saw the magic consume you and for a moment, I held my breath thinking I'd lose you again, but I am glad that I didn't." He smiled with pleasure and that little glint in his eyes painted him in a new light. I cared for him truly. I never thought it was something I was capable of but here I was, sitting with him and despite all the crimes he committed, I still cared. My heart ached for Kol. Since they returned, he had not come up to see me or speak to me. Bonnie said he was extremely antagonised. I felt terribly guilty and responsible. I lied to Klaus, telling him I wanted to nap. He turned back, peering out the window. The sun was setting. His mouth twisted but he mentioned nothing. I knew he loved me and longed to hold me just once. It was conspicuous in his eyes.

"Klaus wait!" I called, getting off the bed. He turned back in and walked to me. Closing the space, I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him tight. He inhaled then exhaled and let me go. He wouldn't dare hold new for seconds longer. Watching him leave, I crawled back into bed. I wanted to cry. Kol did not return, and I wondered if he'd ever come back. One tiny millisecond my eyes closed, and he appeared, holding onto me.

"I'm sorry, I was searching for your necklace." He brushed my collar bone with his fingers. "I know how much it meant to you."

"All this time you were doing that for me, and I decided you were too mad at me to come see me." I shuffled closer, weaving my fingers through his hair and pressed my forehead to his.

"What you did was reckless, and it pissed me off, it did! I could never stay away from you darling." He stroked the side of my face with his knuckles. My body relaxed to his touch and my eyes shut savouring the moment, absorbing his touch. Pulling away, we gazed into one another.

We saw into one another's souls. It was in that moment I knew he was meant for me, and I was meant for him. I knew that if there ever was such a thing as another life, we would find our way back to one another. I was in love. Truly, madly, crazy, and deeply in love. When lovers keep emotional and physical intimacy for a lifetime, their bond is eternal. My lover wrapped his arms around me in a moment and I let my head rest upon his chest. All my thoughts stopped, as if my heart took over from my head when we were close. Next, he would squeeze as if he needed to check I was really there with him, really there and really real... and I was, body and soul. A tear rolled down my cheek as he planted a sweet kiss on my forehead. A forehead kiss is a kiss meant for the soul, he once said.

My eyes opened to find it was still dark out. His arms were wrapped around me tight, and our naked bodies pressed close together. I rolled over to face him, finding him asleep. My heart beamed at the sight of him. Tears fell free as I gazed at his perfectly still and peaceful face. Sweetly, I stroked his cheek. I didn't want him to see. I didn't think he would understand. I kept my eyes opened; I didn't want to miss him. I helplessly cried silent tears. We were two souls put into one flesh. What would become of him when my time on this earth came to an end? I snuggled up closer and tilted my eyes up, gazing at him. His eyes flashed open as if he never was asleep. Taking my hand to his lips he kissed it twice. "You ought to sleep darling...I love you."

Running my thumbs softly up and down his jawline, simply because the stubble felt nice against my skin, I smiled. "And I love you, Kol Mikaelson." He tucked my head under his chin and held me secure and tight to his chest.

She rushed into the golden lit living room adjusting her nursing strap. Words spilled out as she spoke to him. When she heard no response, she tilted her head up to see what he was doing and why he hadn't responded. He was sat on the sofa holding the baby boy in his arms, beaming as he gazed down at his child lovingly and with pure wonder. The baby had his little head rested snuggly on his father's chest. She smiled. Her heart smiled seeing the two most beautiful creatures before her. Tears of joy and amazement rolled down her face as she watched the baby boy lift his head up, looking at his father with these big brown eyes and she knew he thought the world of him.

I sat up straight in bed rubbing my head. What did that dream mean? Kol was holding a child. Our child. I looked to my right, finding him gone. I tapped my two front teeth anxiously and recalled the strange dream. I was a mother and Kol a father. How was that possible? Reality tore me away from that little ray of sunshine. It was nothing but a dream. I was dying and he was immortal.

Damon

Klaus swung her necklace in the air, mimicking the movements of a grandfather clock. Snarling, I barged up to him, trying to pry it from him but he moved back and slipped the necklace back into his jacket. "Give it back! She was losing her mind over it!"

He sighed. "It's for her own good. If she has no access to magic then she won't be able to use it and she won't go running off, trying to save the day and hurting herself in the process."

"He's right Damon, think about it." Stefan insisted. Grunting I fell back. As much as I hated to admit it, Klaus was right. But I also knew my sister better than anyone in this room. I spent over a century with her, and she was never one to back down from a fight. I also knew that her magic was her greatest strength. And I also knew whether she had it or not, she would never stop fighting for those she loved.

"You don't know her, like I do. We can take away her magic and it may help for some time, but whether she has it or not, she will always find a way to save us. She would stop at nothing to fight for us. I've been there and done that. But you can try." Grabbing my glass from the table I took off with Bonnie by my side. She wove her arm through mine as we walked out into the open air. Settling down on the brick wall, we glanced up at her window. Resting her head on my shoulder, she gushed about all the times she spent with Sophia and how she loved her.

"Do you remember the first time we went searching for the cure?"

"You didn't want it for Elena, but you still went and I never understood why...why?"

I sighed. "I let you all believe I was there for the doppelgänger but in truth...I wanted it for Sophia. She was ripped of her right to be human...to a life where she could have everything she ever wanted and not because she was weak as a human, because she was strong...but because, deep down it's what she was missing. Even if she didn't, I wanted it for her."

She paused before reopening her mouth to speak. Finally, she smiled and responded. "You're a good brother Damon, you've always been."

I glanced back up at Sophia's window, to find her looking down at us, smiling. I raised my glass to her and gave a little nod. I watched as she disappeared from sight. The two women I loved most in this universe, both fated to leave me in the end. As much as I needed my brother, I knew I needed my sister more. That truth, it shattered my heart.