Chapter Eleven

June 2nd 1925

Belfast, Northern Ireland

I observed the Governor of Northern Ireland and the Duke of Abercorn set the foundation stone for the St Anne's Cathedral. I glanced up at the old Celtic cross that stood tall and proud. It had been rebuilt as the old church had been destroyed by the German bomb in 1914. The only thing that remained was the Good Samaritan window, which could be seen in the sanctuary. It was a proud survivor and a reminder. I walked past the crowd that gathered around to watch the stone be set and entered the church, smirking as I walked past the threshold. Myths told tales where vampires could not enter holy places. It was farcical. The black and white marbled floor was built like a maze. The nave's ten pillars were embellished with carvings that symbolised the history of Belfast. Though only half.

The peanut butter truffle tone skinned lady, adorned in a mustard yellow dress that fell to her knees, with a black belt around the waist, nodded as she caught my attention. She was the polar opposite of me. I had chosen to wear a white blouse paired with a black pencil skirt. She walked down the chancel, politely excusing herself from the conversations witj the Governor.

"Sophia! I'm so pleased you could make it."

"Always, Jameela."

"Shall we get down to business? We have much to discuss although, this is not the most appropriate of places...prying eyes and ears." She glanced around cautious as to not draw unwanted attention.

I nodded in approval. We set to go by her house where she felt it was most suitable and safe. I stood at the threshold unable to enter.

She walked in and turned back to face me. "Miss Harrington, you may come in."

Smiling, I set one foot in past the threshold. There was no resistance, no burning sensation. I entered with ease. The scent of sage mixed with a light smell of smoke wafted around the house.

"I burn sage. It acts as a barrier, so we may speak without our privacy being invaded." She said as she rolled something in her hands. "I'll pop the kettle on."

"Lovely." I smiled small, taking a seat on the polished wooden chair that complemented her small round table, perfect for four. I watched as she crushed dried peppermint leaves. Inhaling it in, relaxing. It was a reminder of home, of our past. It was comforting. She poured the boiling water in a small ceramic teacup, the brim decorated with delicate blush pink petals as if they were hand painted.

"I'm glad you could make it. It's been a while since the last time we saw each other." She stirred the leaves in. "A lot has changed. Many fear you and have been warned to stay away. I apologise on their behalf. You see, our coven had a terrible run in with the Gemini heretics...they were an abomination. So along with the Gemini witches we banished them. Now, you are the only heretic left, hence the fear it has wreaked."

I took a sip of the hot tea and let it soothe me. "Thanks to you, I've learnt how to control my powers and I know everything there is to know on magic. Have you managed to find out anything relating to my birth parents?"

Jameela set her teacup down on the saucer. "Not much unfortunately. Whoever gave you away used serious magic to keep you hidden and all traces of your existence were wiped...however, I did receive a letter from one of the witches of Mystic Falls. Unbeknownst to us, she passed not too long ago after I received the letter."

"May I see it?"

She took another sip of her tea and for a brief moment was lost in thought. She returned the cup to the saucer and got out her chair, disappearing for a few minutes then promptly returned, holding a manilla envelope in her hands. She handed me the letter. "I think it was intended to go to your adoptive parents but somehow it got lost."

I took the envelope and stared down at it. This one bit of paper had all the answers to my questions. With my breathing shaky I unsealed the envelope and took out the folded paper.

My dear daughter,

I do not know when this will reach you or if it ever will. My heart aches to know what your future holds but I am certain you'll make it through. Your father is a horrible man and will stop at nothing to get rid of us. I'm ashamed to say you were born out of infidelity. As a result, I fell pregnant and when he heard the baby was to be a girl, he had ordered me to get rid of you.

I had not the heart to do so, instead I ran away with you. He's heard of my whereabouts and his men are coming. I will not live to see this day, but you will my darling girl. I know you'll have many questions but fear not, everything will be okay.

All my love,

Your mother.

It wasn't much to go on, she gave no details and I predicted for good reason. Refolding the letter, I set it down. "Thank you for keeping it safe. Now, what can I help you with? You said something about needing my help."

"You mean a great deal to me and to my daughter-she's no longer with us, but you know she adored you."

"I adored her too. I do wish she was with us. I missed out on a lot." I grieved.

"She's found peace now and that's all that matters. Back to the issue...The Irish Witches and the Witches of Highgate, we have been told as myths in the supernatural world. Bedtime stories to scare the children into eating their greens. They fear us. With you by our side we'll be a force to be reckoned with. We've remained hidden for centuries, only ever coming out when needed. Now slowly we are coming together...out in the open."

"Apologies, but I do not follow."

"We work behind the scenes. Witches all over the world come to us for help, or guidance and power. You have a lot to learn and all in good time my dear. For now, we shall discuss how to deal with our oncoming problem."

I looked to her puzzled. "That is?"

"There are whispers of witches who intend to strike a revolution against my coven. They seek to destroy us as they do not agree with our methods and Morales."

Setting my teacup down, I raised a brow at her. Confused yet intrigued. "From the time I've spent with you, you rarely practiced magic...though your practices were something of the old religion you said. Why come out now?"

She continued. "The reason we are feared is due to us practicing dark magic and expression. We don't rely solely on our ancestral magic like the witches of New Orleans. There is no limit to what we can do. This strikes fear. Not many like to use that as it can go wrong and can corrupt and goes against nature, but if you believe in balance as I do then it's possible to practice both-" A knock at the door interrupted our conversation. She stood up, straightened her dress, and maundered out.

Present day

How could I have missed it? Jameela and her coven had intended to use me. It didn't make sense! I knew my answers were waiting for me somewhere back in Ireland and England, yet I wasn't sure where. Her coven was split. Half in London and the other half in Ireland. Jameela was slaughtered by those that despised the dark witches. Or was her death a calculated move? Were they the same witches that killed Valerie? Valerie died for something she kept hidden from them but what? I had to ask Damon. If anyone else knew anything, then it was him. I had been a fool to think the witches had accepted me. It was all a facade. They lied. They taught me expression and dark magic for their own evil intent. Years I spent with them and for years they fuelled my anger for Klaus. It all connected somehow. If that was the case then, where were they now? The Irish coven fled after they murdered my best friend. They knew I would come for them to seek revenge. So what was their plan? The Highgate witches, what was their plan? They all belonged to one coven. I had to go back to London was all I knew. Something was going to happen. Had I been so lost in my own pain and misery that I failed to notice those people I considered my own, plotting against me? I tossed and turned in bed. With everything going on inside my head there was no way I would get any sleep.

Abandoning all hopes of going to sleep, I trudged down the stairs, past the parlour into the living room. Expecting everyone to be asleep or at least in their rooms. Damon was sat by the fireplace, a glass of bourbon in his hand. I rolled my eyes. Sometimes I questioned whether I indeed was a Salvatore. As I did not share the same interest in drinking as they did. "Big bro... why are you up so late?"

"I should be asking you the same thing." He said without lifting his head. He stared straight ahead, chewing his bottom lip. "You know...we almost lost you today...Kol saw it! You had no control. Your magic had more control over you!" He raised his tone. It was clear he was furious and upset. "Where is this dark magic coming from? Don't you feel it?"

"But I'm fine. I can control my magic Damon. I'm not a little kid so stop treating me like one!"

"That's the thing! You are my sister, and I will look out for you, but you don't see how it's killing you. Bonnie thinks the dark magic is too much for you to handle! What will you do when the witches come for you? The whole reason Klaus took you is because the witches want to use you!"

"Damon, I will be fine. If they come, I'll be ready. I'll learn to control it. I won't let them use me. They made a mistake teaching me the dark arts because now, I can use it against them. So would you please relax and since when did you listen to Kol-"

"I don't listen to him!" He scowled.

"Okay if you say so...anyways, I was thinking-actually why are you up?"

He tapped his glass, his face taut. "It's about Valarie...she gave me something I was meant to hand over to you ages ago. I hadn't opened it until today...until Freya mentioned the witches and it got me thinking about Valarie-" He turned his face to me.

"What is it?" I asked sitting in the chair opposite him. "What is it, Damon?"

He reached behind him and pulled out a cream crumpled paper. Waving it in the air before letting me grab it. Annoyed, I snatched it out his grip and unfolded the letter. It was in her handwriting. Impeccable, cursive handwriting.

My Dearest Sophia,

By the time this reaches you I will, in no doubt be gone. Everything should make sense after you read this. I was never looking for the Mikaelsons, in fact I had known where they were all along. I never told you because I knew that it would lead you right to Stefan and you would find out the truth about him. Damon made me promise to never tell you and I agreed. Leading you to the Mikaelsons would mean leading you to your death. I discovered Jameela's coven were planning on using you to kill the original family. I know she's dead but they're still carrying out her plans. They knew that you would be the only one to take them down. They wanted to use your hatred and vengeance against Klaus. Her descendants figured I had known of the whereabouts of Klaus and his family, and I lied to you and to them. There's more to it but I couldn't figure it out. It's not just the Mikaelsons want, they want something else. No matter what happens Sophia, do not trust them. If you are to trust a witch, then have faith in the Bennet line and Beatrice Weatherford's line. They are the only ones you can trust. Use this letter to locate her. It is spelled with the magic of her bloodline. Do not make the mistake of trusting the Everleighs. I don't know their full plans; I don't have enough time to. Forgive me for lying and keeping this from you. I had your best interest at heart. Don't be so harsh on your brothers. Remember all I taught you about your magic.

Yours truly,

Valarie.

I folded the letter back up and let it sink in. "She was killed because of me Damon. Had she not lied, she would have been alive-been with us. I couldn't sleep because that's what I was thinking about the whole night! Why the witches want me and what they will do now. Jameela died centuries ago, it doesn't make any sense! what happens now?"

He placed his glass down on the coffee table. "I'm sorry I didn't give it to you sooner. I was trying to-"

"Protect me. I know. Now I need to protect us all." I sighed. "We need to be on guard. They can't find me. I've cloaked myself and you know how strong my magic is. No one can find me unless I let them. A piece of the puzzle is missing...1923 she took me in and helped me with my powers and it angered a lot of witches, so they attacked, and her daughter died. Jameela fled to safety, and we didn't meet again until, 1925. Something happened during that time that changed the game. How could I have been so stupid!"

"What could it have been?" His brows knit together as he mulled over the information, tapping his chin.

Tilting my head to the side and turning my body towards him, I stared at him with wide eyes. He shifted closer in his seat. "1925, I met her sister and they wanted help with taking down some witches...but wait, I also told them of Klaus but now that I think of it, they didn't seem shocked. She said they have connections everywhere! As in, every witch around the world, she has links to! Her sister killed her because she didn't share the same values. Lamees wanted revenge from the Mikaelsons. Jameela wants something else! What could they want Damon? If they wanted Klaus and his family dead, it would have been done centuries ago! They didn't do anything, they waited for everyone else to fail! I'm positive there's more-"

"Oh I know that look! And you're not going to do anything!" He commanded as per usual. Damon ordering his way around because he was older. And because he could. "Nope! Whatever it is, forget it! You're not getting involved."

I scoffed lightly. "I'm involved whether we like it or not! I have to Damon! A piece of my life does not make sense and they tricked me. I need to find out what exactly it is they want! There's a lot about my life I do not know, which is why it's important I do whatever it takes."

He slammed down his glass, the last few drops of bourbon splashing around. "You're not going to do anything! Not without us."

"No, I won't, I promise." I lied. I wasn't going to sit back just because he said so. Not if it meant the people I cared about were under threat. The witches wanted me. So they shall. Of course, I hated lying but, in this situation, I had to. Damon could fight me later on this. I knew I needed help and I knew exactly from whom.

"Valarie knew everything." I said after a long silence that settled between us. He nodded. I didn't push further; I knew eventually he'll tell me, but I didn't want to know anything else.

He decided to turn in for the night. I wasn't exactly in the mental state of needing sleep, so I remained downstairs in the kitchen. He handed me three blood bags and ordered all three bags be drained, since I hadn't fed properly in the last few days, and it weakened me. I went through all three bags and instantaneously felt revived and full of energy. As a human I would often neglect food in times of stress and sadness. The same way I do now as a vampire but with the blood. I would forget I required to feed more than the average vampire. Valarie taught me that. She taught me how to use the darkness within me. I smiled at the thought of her. In ways Rebekah resembled her. I guess that was why I liked her so much. I sat rooted in my seat as I thought of the day I met Jameela, for the second time and had met her sister. I knew whatever was going on right now had started back then, with them.

June 2nd 1925

Belfast, Northern Ireland

She re-entered the kitchen, behind her walked in a younger looking girl baring a resemblance to her. However, she had bright green eyes which stood out against her skin tone. Her hair was longer and far curlier. She was a gorgeous young woman. "Sophia, meet my sister Lamees ..." She gestured towards her sister. "Lamees, this is her." She introduced. So she had spoken of me already. How peculiar...

"Greetings." She nodded. She didn't look too pleased to meet me, but she remained polite throughout our interaction. Like her sister, Lamees, too believed in practicing the dark arts as long as there was always a balance. It was a necessary evil.

"The witches that are fighting back, how do you stop them? Is it necessary to stop them if they have not taken action against you?" I inquired. It felt odd, something was missing.

The sisters exchanged looks, secretly discussing something between one another.

Jameela shifted in her seat, unsettled. "They already have struck." Her sigh was a signal of the level her tension had reached. "Not only did they break the truce...they killed two of our own." The air in the room felt cold, filling up with apprehension.

"What do you need me to do?" I asked, my voice shaking.

"They intend to strike again and when they do, we will be ready...we need you to join us, fight with us. Show the rest of the witches they have no reason to fear you or your powers."

"When will this intended attack take place?"

"We're not sure but Lamees thinks they're going around, rounding up allies. It could be months. We will teach you all you need to know. Are you with us, sister?"

I gave them an appealing smile, showing them they had my agreement. "Though, I require something in return."

Lamees leant forward over the table. "Anything."

I smirked. "I need help in tracking down a Klaus Mikaelson."

Present Day

The letter contained magic for me to use. I looked around the room, the clock reading 3:30am. There was no way I could do the spell here without being detected. Slowly closing the door to my room, I listened out to ensure everyone was asleep. I could hear the rise and fall of their chests as they breathed softly in their sleep. Perfect. I thought to myself. Quietly, I snuck out the boarding house on full alert. I turned away from the door and crashed into a warm body. Arms enveloped me.

"What the..." I cursed looking up. "Kol? what on earth are you doing here? Do you want to die?"

He flashed me a cheeky grin. "Been there, done that, not scared to die." He glanced up at the boarding house, titling his head to one side, his pupils dilating. Clearing my throat, I pushed him away.

"What are you doing here?" I asked again in a whisper, looking at anything but him.

He chuckled. "What are you doing out so late?"

"That's none of your business." I barged past him, our shoulders lightly grazing. He jogged after me. I whipped around and took him down, my arm pressed to his throat. "Leave me alone." I hissed. He lay there, staring up at me. Bringing his hand up, he brushed the hair away from my face. Puffing out I removed myself off him and continued walking down the path to my house. He followed me into the house, his voice ringing in my ears. His entire presence unwound me. Clenching my fists, I faced him. "Leave. I have important things to do and you're disturbing me."

"What? Maybe I can help." His lips tugged up into a lopsided grin. I closed my eyes then reopened them.

"Fine. I don't know why I'm trusting you but whatever, just don't talk too much."

"What are we doing?" He questioned as he walked by, his fingers gently brushing mine. My spine straightened to the mere touch. It was electrifying.

"I need to find out the truth about my past and I need help from a witch." I replied meekly, tucking my hair behind my ear, avoiding his penetrating gaze. Without another word I vamped up the stairs, into my room. His presence warmed me. I felt undeniably safe and protected. Taking the letter out my back pocket, i flapped it around.

"What's that?" He pointed to the letter in my hand.

"It's a letter from a friend and it contains magic.... now please just don't irritate me Kol."

He jumped off the dressing table and swaggered over. "You came here so your brothers don't get a whiff of what you're doing-" He tilted his head. "You don't want anyone knowing what you're up to." He clicked his tongue, waving a finger in the air.

"I'm not hiding anything." I bluffed.

"I don't believe you." He reached for the letter, but I yanked my hand back.

"Kol, it's important and my brothers think I can't handle myself. There's a reason the witches want me and there's a lot I'm missing, so I have to do this."

"And what is this?" He gestured.

"I don't know yet." I sighed. "I'm just getting in contact with a witch I can trust and hopefully she has some answers."

"I'm good with magic, I can help." Mischief flashed in those heavenly eyes.

"I'm capable of doing it myself!" Holding the letter close to my chest I sealed my eyes and chanted. Grey flashes. I focused harder and closer until the images were vivid. There were lights. The sky dark yet the streets glowed. Harrods. My eyes snapped open. I knew where to find her. I jumped to my feet, rushed to the bedside draw, and pulled out my notebook. Tearing out a page, I scribbled down a message for her. Kol watched with a great intensity as I neatly folded the message and returned to my original stance. The note rested in my palm, and I resumed the incantation. The tiny, folded paper burned to ashes.

He closed the space between us, grabbed my arms and yanked me close. Our faces an inch apart. "Now, what are you up to?" A pulse of energy radiated from my right palm, throwing him across the room.

"I told you! I'm asking questions nothing more, nothing less. Why are you even here?"

He climbed to his feet and cracked his neck. There was a flash of anger in his eyes, and I shuffled back a few steps. I dared not give him direct eye contact. The lines that formed on his forehead disappeared and he smiled. "I came to apologise for putting you through pain. I'm sorry."

I pursed my lips and stood there staring at him, speechless, his apology throwing me off.

"I don't know what-what to say?" I stammered. He took three steps closer, and I breathed out through pursed lips. I was rooted to my spot, unable to tear my feet away and run. My first instincts were to save Kol and not Matt. The feeling unnerved me. I wanted to blame him, but I knew that was wrong and unfair and only I was responsible for my actions.

"I'm sorry." He lamented.

I ran my fingers through my hair and down my neck, clearing my throat. "I don't know what you want me to say because I don't have an answer and I don't know how to feel. I just-i want to know why you blood shared with me."

Once again, he closed the space between us, forcing me to meet his deep brown eyes that I found myself getting lost in. He spoke softly yet his voice was husky. "Natural instincts."

"But I heard the stories Kol, and it doesn't make sense how your natural instinct could be to save me, when you've never saved anyone-"

"Are you worth being good for?"

I blinked rapidly, flustered. "What-i don't understand? Look Kol, please just go, I can't do this right now. I have to go back before everyone notices I'm gone."

He took my hand in his and gently and slowly rubbed my knuckles with his thumb. "Very well then darling." He murmured, bringing my hand to his lips, and pressing them down. One second later he vanished, leaving behind a breeze that kissed my cheek. In a slow motion my hand fell to my side. I hated how he made me feel. Calling him a monster was just an excuse I hid behind.

London

Squeezing through the bodies she ran to the bus stop, catching the bus just on time. Hopping on, she took the nearest seat, shoving her hands in her pocket becoming alarmed at the scrunched-up paper that appeared in her right pocket. Sceptical at first, she glanced around and when certain it was safe; she pulled the crumpled paper out. Straightening it out, she read the scribbled message. Sensing the urgency, as soon as the bus came to a stop, she wasted no time and hopped off. Shoving the paper back in, she ran as fast as her legs permitted.

Barely out of breath, she jammed her keys into the keyhole and pushed the door open. Entering her home, she called out for her mother, announcing the urgency. Her mother rounded the corner of the hallway, poking her head out the kitchen. "Ara? What's wrong?"

Rushing to her mother, she presented the note. "I got this just a while ago. Do you know who this Valarie is and who Sophia is?"

Taking the note from her hand, she took it and examined it. "I know who Valarie was but not this Sophia. She must have known Valarie. Whatever it is, help her. We've got a problem of our own." She frowned, handing the letter back to Ara.

"What is it mum?" She entered the kitchen, silently greeted the two witches, and took a seat.

"Qetsiyah's descendant is alive, and the original wolf pack is searching for her. We mustn't let them get her at any cost. We have to get rid of her. I knew this day would come! We need to find who she is!"

Ara shuffled forward. "Mum, are you sure he or she is a threat?"

She nodded, pressing her lips together. "Qetsiyah was foul, and her magic has no boundaries. Whoever this descendant is, he or she will ensue havoc. We've been working our entire lives to eradicate this threat. We didn't kill all those witches for no reason. It must be done."

Ara sunk back in her chair, her frown growing graver. "I don't want this. I don't want to be involved."

"There's a lot we have to do, whether we like it or not. For now, focus on helping Valarie's friend. Keep her as far away from me as you can, she's with the Mikaelsons and you know how we feel about them."

She nodded. "I know, you're only helping cause Valarie was your friend."