Chapter Twenty

She tossed and turned whimpering, body trembling, forehead beaded with sweat. She was cold to the touch. Calling out her name, shaking her body had no effect on her. She wouldn't snap out of it. She wouldn't wake up. Rebekah peered down anxiously, brows frowning as she tried once again to wake her. She continued to toss and turn and mumble in her sleep. A harrowing scream and she bolted awake, panting, and clutching her chest.

"What? what is it Soph? Are you okay?" She badgered.

Her eyes darted around in a frenzy, hands feeling at her neck. When there was nothing there and she was fine, her breathing relaxed- heartbeat relaxed. "I-i just had a nightmare. I'm sorry if I scared you." She gulped down, running her hands down the sides of her neck.

Rebekah shuffled closer, putting an arm around her shoulder, and pulled her in a comforting hold. "What did you see? I was worried. I had to call your brothers...you were shaking and sweating and bloody hell you were cold to the touch."

Sophia took a deep breath and then exhaled. "I saw Kol...he killed me. I'm sure it's just from all the overthinking and the curse...what time is it?" She glanced around searching for the clock. It was half four in the morning. "I'm sorry guys, just go back to sleep...brothers I insist I am fine, please go back to bed." Her words of reassurance were not convincing, but they listened and let her be. They were just as worried as she had been. She was terrified at what she saw but deep down she knew the man she loved wouldn't hurt her, not by his own accord.

The hours dragged on. Yet she didn't sleep. She didn't want to. She refused to. Her head pounded endlessly as she stared out, forcing her eyes wide open. She was frightened of sleep-of seeing him again. Conflicting thoughts punished her, poked at her. Death laughed at her. She escaped his clutches long ago and now he returned to claim what was rightfully his.

~

The Mikaelson brothers stood out on the balcony, overlooking the Ennismore gardens of their Knightsbridge home. Tensing up as they waited for the arrival of their sister. They were due to land at eight am, it was now 11:30am. They were adamant on fixing their brother. The prospect of waging war against the remaining witches were dancing on their minds. Things were changing and not for the better. They assumed that after years of facing many losses they'd be prepared for anything. Yet what they faced now was unfathomable. The black taxi pulled up to a stop and the doors on either side opened. Outstepped the women they had been impatiently waiting for.

"About time sister." Called down Kol. The three women glanced up, shielding their eyes from the sun.

"Nice to see you too, Kol."

"Sorry, we got stuck in traffic." Bonnie called out, tugging at her suitcase. "We'll be up in a minute."

The brothers turned and strode back into the warmth of their newly acquired home. Klaus grinned smugly. "This was once our home; the entirety of the property was once ours...it feels rather spectacular to have it back in our possession."

"I agree Niklaus..." The eldest brother mused as he ran his finger along the pristine black and white keys of his piano. "It rather is great to be back."

The slight rap on the door and they fled downstairs to greet their guests. Kol sunk back as the beating of the two human hearts and the richness of their blood snagged him. He refrained from giving his sister eye contact or the little witch. They exchanged glances with one another before Freya took a step forward, reaching for her brother. "It's bad, isn't it?" Her tone light and airy, laced with concern. She sighed at his refusal to be near her.

"It's worse than I remember. The rage...the hunger. I never did learn to keep it in check. I never really cared too, not until...her." His lips were drawn in tightly and his eyes downcast. "Nik...had me on blood bags." He pointed back to the pile of empty bags on the table. "I went through about twenty to say the least, and I'm still famished!"

She looked deep into his eyes, taking his hand in hers. "I will fix this! I have everything I need. We need to start!"

The necessary objects required were laid out for the cleansing and purification ritual. She took his blood for a reading. Her chanting came to a stop. "It's a corruption hex..." She looked up, eyes wide. "It's severe dark magic."

"Well, can you fix it?" Questioned Bonnie.

She nodded fervently. "We'll need to do a cleansing spell first and if not, I can channel Bonnie, and we can do a purification spell. We have a better chance if we combine our magic." She grabbed his hands and began to chant. The chants grew louder and harsher as she willed for the corruption within him to destruct. The room fell silent with only her voice filling it up. They watched in anticipation. The chanting terminated and his eyes snapped open.

"It's still latched onto you, deeply." She turned to her side, where Bonnie stood anxiously. "I know you're only helping because it's Sophia and Damon won't be too pleased, but I need you Bonnie...to save them both."

Bonnie gave a curt nod, and they interlocked their hands together, standing side by side, both chanting ferociously. The air around them swirled. The flames on the candles stretched high. The sound of the wind whistling could be heard indoors. Caroline clasped her mouth, horrified by the blood trickling down their noses. It pained her to see this, but she knew they had no choice. It was the only way to keep Sophia safe. The brothers glanced at one another, gulping down hard.

Fear pirouetted between them, weaving in and out. Klaus knew he would go to any lengths to protect the one he loved. And he loved her, more than he could have imagined. He was undeniably in love with her. Though she was in love with his brother, he knew nothing could stop him from always putting her first. After years of being afraid of love and loss he let her in. Nothing would tear her away from them. Nothing will steal her away from him. His family adored her, and they would do everything above and beyond for her. Another dear life will not be lost. That was clear.

The spell concluded, glancing around, the atmosphere settled around them. "Kol, how do you feel? We can't feel the magic... it must mean it's gone." She quizzed her brother. He looked down at his hands that stopped trembling. The hunger and rage subsided. He heaved out in relief and disbelief.

"I think it's gone." His lips stretched into a smile, proving he was elated. He wanted to jump with joy. "I can see her! I can touch her and be with her! Thank you, dear sister...thank you Bonnie."

"It's fine." They smiled at him warmly. He put an arm around his sister, letting her rest her head on him. She saved her brother and she saved Sophia. They weren't going to lose anymore and that relived her.

"I guess you can attend the New Year's party Rebekah has planned, we all can with ease. Though I suspect she's mad at you." Caroline chimed, feeling a weight roll off her, freeing her.

"Why?" His brow perked up, his smile slowly fading.

She sighed. "Rebekah told me, Soph heard the conversation with Klaus and she was pretty mad and fuming at the both of you." She turned to Klaus pointing at him. Her gaze softened at the man. She knew he loved her perhaps more than he had ever loved anyone else, or cared to admit.

He rolled his eyes. "She'll learn to live with it." He gave a low chuckle. Returning his glance to where Kol stood but was no longer there-he knew Kol zoomed out to be with her. Unable to help himself, he felt a pang of jealousy right in the depths of his stomach. Right in his heart. Sensing Caroline approach, he composed himself, displaying his usual smug self. Pivoting to face her, finding everyone else had walked out. "Ah, if it isn't my former flame." The devil in him smirked.

She shook her head laughing. "Okay not funny Klaus, but I actually want to speak to you."

"Whatever do you want to speak to me about?"

She sighed, sitting herself down on the edge of the couch. "Sophia."

He turned his face to the side in an attempt to hide his expressions. She took that as indication to continue speaking. "I know you wholeheartedly love her...you are in love with her and after New Orleans I see a massive change in you-"

"And what is your point?" He snapped.

"Klaus, you can't fool us, we know! It is clear as day but...I've never seen you fall for someone this hard specially after all you have lost-she cares about you, and I think she hates that she does. I know that much for sure. You're a good friend to her Klaus and thank you for that. Thank you for not being selfish. I know you and Stefan have a great bond and the only reason he seems distant is for the sake of his sister. They truly believe you are a danger to her...you and Kol and as much as I would like to hate him for what he-what you all did to Matt and Elena...I can't help but notice the change within him..." She threw her arms in the air, then back down in her lap. "I used to think he's deranged and just a psychopath, with a loose bolt in his head...actually he still is but he calms down when he is with her, and she is happy, EXTREMELY happy with him. But I also know she needs you. Be her friend for as long as she needs..."

"Sophia." He uttered, lifting his head to face her. "And if anything, untoward were to happen to the woman we all cherish...well, let's just say my family is responsible. Fantastic."

She hopped off her seat and straightened her jacket. "I have never seen Damon and Stefan this terrified before. I've seen their every phase and been there through all of it, but not once have I seen them like this! They are so afraid and I'm scared."

He looked at her quizzically, brows raised, and a frown etched on his face. "Why?"

"Call it my sixth sense or whatever! I have this terrible feeling something bad is about to happen or going to happen!"

"Caroline, why are you telling me all of this?"

"Because for the first time in two years, I see that side of you that I once said was worth knowing. And because you are one of Stefan's oldest friends, and I know you would honour that friendship and lastly, because you love Sophia just as much as your brother does."

He nodded his head. "Very well then, what do you need me to do?"

Grinning, she pulled out her phone and brought up a list, pushing the phone to his face.

"What's this?" He mused as his eyes went up and down the list.

"Okay, so I did a little bit of research on the witch covens. I didn't find much on the Everleighs, but I did manage to track down those that were with Lamees and the witch who hexed Kol."

"She's dead. Our little heretic made sure of that." His lips curled into a smirk.

"Yes, I know that! But her name is Genevieve and I found a few of her witches...I couldn't find them all but, the twenty or so on that list are here in London! We need you and maybe take Elijah with you, to kill them before they get to her."

His smile now turned dark as he pondered over what he had been told and how he intended to carry out that task. "And how did you manage all this?'

"Well, back at Mystic Falls Freya and Bonnie did a few locator spells while I ran some errands. I did find a few lurking in Mystic Falls and may have extracted the information out of them and dumped their bodies in the quarry."

He chuckled darkly. "Spectacular. A little devious even for you Caroline...Salvatore." His eyes gleamed.

She lowered her voice as if she was afraid of being heard. "Alright, we did it for her so can we keep it on the low and maybe not mention it to like anyone else! Meaning, Sophia as she would be against killing innocent-"

"I hardly think they are innocent love. Regardless, do notify my sister Freya. Elijah and I will be on our merry way to carry out your dirty work and oh, we will be attending Rebekah's party late." He turned to leave.

"Oh, and Klaus, humans will be present so let's keep the supernatural drama at bay. She already lost one friend." She grimaced. He sped out he room without another word. She tapped at her keyboard sending off a quick message before speeding away.

Sophia

I hadn't given much thought to my human friends attending the New Year's party. I was happy but a part of me dreaded it. I didn't want them anywhere around me and having to end up as collateral damage. Perhaps she was right. The year is ending, and we need to be in high spirits and start off the New Years on a positive note.

"Darling?" Came his smoky voice, my back instantly arched to his breath fanning the back of my neck. I wanted to melt in his warmth. I wanted to be enveloped by him. I could feel my heart race, threatening to give me away. Screwing my eyes shut I collected myself. Slowly without meeting his eyes, I turned to face him, whacking him across the cheek, remembering how infuriated I was with him. Rebekah spluttered out in laughter. Eavesdropping on our conversation, my brothers snickered from the kitchen.

"This is for leaving me again! You said you wouldn't leave and yet you did it! Why did you come back huh?" My nose wrinkled with fury. He refrained from speaking which only ignited the rage. "So, you just leave, no goodbye, nothing? Why would you leave without telling me? Why come back if you weren't going to tell me?!"

"I didn't want to go, nor was it my intention to come back. The witches wouldn't let me leave. The second I got to the city limits I started to desiccate. I was cursed, love. Those witches had their hooks deep in me, allowing me no peace. Just a hunger that I can't control and the...urge to have your heart in my hand."

I took a step back, creating a distance between us. "Why didn't you tell me?"

He shoved his hands in his jacket pocket avoiding my gaze. He was ashamed. "I was afraid." Realising my sudden movement and how I stepped back triggered him, hurt him. Guilt waved over me.

"Afraid of what?" I closed the space between us, leaving no room.

His gaze remained averted. "You'll think me a monster who has no control and I couldn't bear the thought of ever hurting you."

I grabbed his face in my hands and peered into his deep brown eyes that, for a split second were sad until he met mine. "I would never think you're a monster, no matter what! It's not your fault Kol...it's fixed now is it not?" I caressed his face, peering deeper into his eyes. To my touch he rubbed his face against my palm for more.

He pulled his hands out his pockets and cupped my face, tracing my bottom lip with his thumb. "Freya and Bonnie did a cleansing.... I love you."

"I love you, Kol." My lips met his with a longing kiss, to only be returned by a passionate and burning one.

"I missed you." He mumbled, smiling in between the kisses.

"Urgh" Damon groaned from the kitchen, disgusted.

Rolling my eyes, I called them out. "You know it is bad manners to eavesdrop brother, have you none left? Same to you Stefan! I can literally hear you mouthing!"

They fell silent- mortified. I turned my head back to Kol. "Rebekah invited my human friends so behave!"

He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me in closer. "Darling what reason could I have?"

"You know why Kol! So behave, please." I leaned in closer, my lips a mere centimetre away from his ear and whispered. "How about we go someplace private for some little one to one time." He pulled me away still clinging onto me and flashed me his boyish grin.

~

He leaned across the large inner table grinning with a hint of dark, malevolence in his eyes. Hands folded; fingers interlocked. The witches he captured scowled and turned their heads, refusing to see the beast. "I tried being polite, showing some table manners, but you witches think you're above all...very well then." He rose from his seat and glided past each head, tapping them lightly and muttering to himself. "Now, which one shall I decapitate first?" Like a duck, duck, goose game.

"Niklaus, what is the meaning of this?" Elijah questioned, entering the room. He glanced at the witches with great contempt, rolling up his crisp, white sleeves.

He grinned vehemently. "Me and our friends are just getting acquainted...though they are quite reluctant."

Elijah stepped forward, taking the seat directly in front of the auburn-haired witch. "I apologise for my brother's irresponsibility and his poor way of handling the matter-"

Unfolding her legs, the witch leaned forward, louring. "We are not friends, and we despise of your kind."

The hybrid chuckled. "Very well. Please consider all pretence of friendship dropped."

"Niklaus settle down." His brother chided, masking his grin. "Let me handle it.... now back to my concerns-which one of you is responsible for the threats against my dear Sophia?" Rubbing his fingers together, he stared at them intently.

The dark haired one spoke. "She's a danger to us all. She is an abomination and an insult to pure kinds... We are only carrying out our duty and getting rid of her will be better for us all. Imagine what will happen when word gets out that she descends from the most powerful witch, and she is more powerful than any witch that roamed this earth?" She moved her head forward. "Witches will be the least of your concern...you'll have vampires and werewolves coming for her."

The hybrid growled ferociously, his arm shooting forward, plunging straight through her chest, and yanking it back to reveal her heart in his palm. "Who's next?" He grinned malignantly. Both brothers moved around the room swiftly, tearing into the witches, pulling them apart and draining them dry. Blood splattered onto the delicate painted walls. He wiped at his mouth feeling devious, glancing at his brother who had is handkerchief in his hand, wiping and dabbing away the blood. "Better them than her." He shrugged.

"Indeed Niklaus, now we must hurry along before our sisters bite off our heads." He gave a small smile.

Her fingers clawed at the table, hoisting herself back up. Rolling their eyes, they turned to her. "Like I said, we witches aren't the only ones...." She spluttered out her own flesh and blood. "We're not alone."

"For God's sake!" The eldest original zapped forward and grabbed her by the throat. pop it went. "Niklaus."

"Ah right, yes." Pleased, he scanned the room. Another herd of witches annihilated. One less threat, leaving the room in dire sate. "We ought to clean this mess up."

~

Snatching the glass bottle, he threw it across the room. It met with the wall and rained down. "Who are these Mikaelsons?" Whipping around, jabbing his finger at the curly haired one.

Keeping his head down he responded. "We tracked down the remaining witches who knew of the descendant's whereabouts. By the time we got there, some Mikaelson brothers got to them and obliterated them all."

"I asked who they are?! WHO ARE THEY?!"

"We think they're the oldest vampires...there's ramblings of them being the Originals who can't be killed."

"They know who this girl is! Follow them, find out where she is! And where is my son?"

"We sent him to follow them. We're positive they'll lead us to her, if not...some information."

He mulled over the thought for a while, playing with his beard. "Good. I want results. I want her and I want her now!" The pacing of his footsteps were the only constant sounds in that room. "Find out all you can on these Mikaelsons."

Keeping his head down, he nodded, awaiting further instructions.

"Don't just stand there like an idiot, get out of here!" He vociferated.