Chapter fourteen

I sat in the room staring out the window with tears slipping down. Rebekah and my sister-in-laws stood around me, patiently waiting for me to break the silence. Freya remained downstairs to ensure no fights or blood was spilled. They comforted me and apologised over and over again, but I remained silent as they spoke, barely responding at all. Caroline said at first it's hard because it's fresh, but then as the days go by you get stronger, it hurts less. Bonnie promised that I'd find my true soul mate. In an attempt to enlighten the mood, they said I should be with Klaus, it would be the perfect revenge. Rebekah objected as did I. I didn't want revenge. I didn't want Klaus, not in that way. I didn't want anyone. I had never loved in my life, I never let love in and the first time I did, it broke me down bit by bit. It crept up on me, a beautiful illusion until it warped and manifested into an ugly creature. Full of lies and deceit. They continued speaking. All I was for Kol, was a challenge, a competition. To see which brother got me first.

"Sophia, you're allowed to hurt. You can sit here the rest of the night, or you can go down and join the party...see it this way; You came here for a night of dancing, food and fun so you will go down and do exactly that."

"Caroline has a point. I've been burnt several times. I'm a thousand years old and I've had many "The ones" but that never stopped me from wanting to live my life."

I gave it a thought. There was no time to sit around and wallow in my pain. I had things to do, witches to kill, people to save. I could not afford to get distracted. Not over Kol Mikaelson. "Fine, I'll go back down, and I'll dance the night away and have a real good time."

The three of them grinned victorious. They succeeded in pulling me out of my pain, or so they thought. I traipsed to the mirror. Though my eyes were tinged red due to the crying, my make up remained intact and immaculate. Not one single smudge. Not much could be said about my hair, but I managed to tame the loose ends. Straightening my dress, getting my breathing under control, and holding my head high, ready for the rest of the night.

All eyes were on me as I descended down the stairs. Not giving anything away I remained focused, expression fixed as if nothing happened. As if I hadn't been a mess only an hour ago. Klaus awaited me at the bottom with his hand held out, asking for a dance. Reluctant at first, only to then be reminded I'm here for a good time, I took his hand and allowed him to lead me to the dance floor. The intro to War of hearts began as we took the first steps. I rolled my eyes at the song choice. Once again, a poor song choice considering who my dance partner was. This time round, I didn't mind it at all.

"How are you love?" He spun me in his arms.

"I'm great." I pulled away and he pulled me back in, our steps in sync with the music. I couldn't help but think of Kol. The lyrics to the song resonating with my heart and soul.

I can't help but love you. Even though I try not to. I can't help but want you. I know that I'd die without you.

"I know you are hurt love...you do not need to hide it from me."

I can't help but want oceans to part. 'Cause I'm overcome in this war of hearts

Kol overtook my thoughts, my heart, my soul. He was everywhere. I knew he was here dancing with some lady, watching me. No doubt pleased with himself. He got to me before Klaus did. Perhaps it was Klaus I was meant to be with.

He lowered me into a dip, his eyes glued on me. "I will never hurt you." He whispered, sweeping me back up on my feet.

"I love him Klaus. Deeper than anything I have ever felt. Yes, I am hurt but I can't-"

"I'm not asking anything of you. Maybe your companionship if you are willing to. You know I can dagger him and keep him in a box for another century or so, if that suits you." He grinned, playfully.

"You can't ask me to be your friend and then say you'll dagger the man I-your brother. Although, it might be nice to make him feel pain."

He chuckled and tugged me in closer.

The beat picks up, as does the rhythm of our dancing. I follow his lead, spinning in his arm till the beat falls to an end. We remained in our spot, my arm loosely on his shoulder, his wrapped around me tight. "So, do you accept my offer of friendship?" He smiled with irony. The irony of our situation. The last time we were dancing I despised of him, there was no question of ever being a friendship.

"Yes Klaus, we can be friends. As long as you promise to behave."

"I would do anything for you love." He leaned in closer, lips centimetres away from my ear. "I'm recalling our first ever dance...the marriage ball."

London

September 15, 1922

I was sick and tired of these balls. Such balls were the thing of the past, yet society felt the need for the reintroduction of such a preposterous notion. Women were to attend these balls, seek approval and catch the eye of a courting man, a man in need of a wife, looking to settle. Mama insisted I attend one final one and perhaps I would find an appropriate suitor. I was reaching the end of my eligibility, she liked to remind me every so often. She helped fit the heart shaped bodice of my gown. It's a wonder how anyone managed a single breath while being held back by the strings. Mama gleamed with pride.

"My, aren't you a sight for sore eyes!" I peered back to the mirror. A perfectly light-coloured gown with a décolleté, revealing my shoulders and arms. She lent a hand pulling up the long white pearl gloves over my hands.

"Mama, is this really necessary?"

"Most certainly it is! We must find you a suitor." She looked to my brother who swaggered into the room. "Hunter dearest, tell your sister how beautiful she looks."

"Indeed sister, you look fabulous. You'll in no doubt have a line of suitors at our door by the next morning. Double cause for celebration, your 23rd birthday and the very prospect of your marriage." He flopped down onto my bed, tossing a tennis ball in his hands.

"How about you marry and settle? You sure do seem to have a herd of damsels at your every beckon."

"Nonsense, your brother is far too young for that. Now hurry up dear, not long left. We must make haste."

Without any fuss I followed her down the curved staircase, welcomed by Pa at the last step. "You look lovely." He complimented, tenderly kissing my cheek.

I certainly was not pleased but my parents had requested and to satisfy them I agreed. The car carriage was out waiting. Rather eccentric. I rolled my eyes, I detested everything about it. Yet I couldn't reject marriage. I was a woman after all and if not for love, I had to settle. Perhaps love was not my destiny. We arrived at Regent Town. Many were already entering the large gates, all eager to attend this function. I entered with my arms weaved through Papa and Hunter. As my guardians it was their duty to stand by me until an eligible lord or grace had taken notice of me and asked me to a dance.

"I am rather parched; I must get myself a drink." I announced.

"I'll go." My brother intervened. "It is my duty."

"I will only be a mere moment. Please do not fuss." I smiled patting his shoulder and much to their disapproval, I weaved through the crowd of gentlemen and women, looking for the refreshment table. Many already found their way to the ball room, dancing away with suitors that came from far and wide. Everyone in a rush to marry, afraid they will be deemed as undesirable and unworthy.

"May I?" Came a modulated voice. I attended to the man who cleared his throat, seeking my attention. I cautiously eyed the man dressed in a black tailcoat, with rather seemingly over polished shoes. His dark blue-green eyes bore into me. I returned a bow.

A grin crossed his handsome face. "May I have this dance?"

Nodding, I take his pearl- grey gloved hand and follow him to the dance floor. Gasps escape as we walked by guests. Who was this man that stirred such a reaction amongst the crowd? Taking my hands, he placed one gently on his shoulder while he had a firm hold on my other. "May I ask your name?"

"Sophia Harrington."

He flashed a self-satisfied smirk. "Miss Harrington, you look rather stunning."

My eyes flickered to his. He was mysterious with a face delicate yet masculine and well built. "Thank you, Lord...grace..."

"Klaus Mikaelson." He chuckled, leading the dance. "You seem displeased?" He queried, eyes gazing into mine.

I exhaled softly as he twirled me in his arms. "Well, truthfully I loathe these parties and events. I'm only here on the insistence of my parents. They are keen on me finding a suitor. So here I am, indulging them. And are you here to look for a wife?"

He mused. "Well, I did happen to catch you and you are a peculiar thing, aren't you? You're not here for a proposal are you love?"

"No. If I am to marry then I rather it be for love, however delirious it sounds, but my mother is relentless. If I do not find a husband then I will be deemed as worthless, no matter our status. And that's all I am. It's all women are born to do. Marry and tend to the house...children. I want to find love, but I cannot voice myself." I couldn't help but feel despondent. Mr Mikaelson lowered me into a dip. It was as if we had remained there for minutes, him staring into my eyes. Finally, he lifted me from the dip.

"Nonsense love, you are much more than that. You do not strike me as worthless. A woman of your calibre could never be worthless. Rather you are far better than any human present in this very room. You are the very definition of perfect." He murmured.

My arms rest around his neck as we sway side to side to the slow violin. "And what makes you say so Mr Mikaelson?" I say tilting my head to the side, smiling.

"I am positive of it. You are destined for far greater things. Never believe you are made for anything less." He was entrancing, that I could not deny. No, I wasn't attracted to him but yet he was alluring, and I felt myself being pulled by an unseen force, right to him. A chill raced down my back and I shuddered as he tugged me to his chest, his fingers brushing my back. Seconds later his lips crushed mine and I found my lips parting as he took me in a deep, sensational kiss. Breaking the kiss, I withdrew.

"Why are you here Mr Mikaelson? You do not seem like the marrying type."

There was something devious about his grin. "I'm here for a good time. You know I rather am fond of big balls, fancy parties. Perhaps one day you'll find yourself with me, dancing at one of my lavish galas..."

"You must accept my regrets, but no such thing will happen. These...." I gesticulated. "I do not find appealing nor enjoyable."

He guffawed, hands over his mouth, eyes casing his tears of laughter. I scrunched my brows. "You mock me..."

He held back his bursts of laughter. "Oh no no, I do not mock you, I am most sincere."

Huffing, I pulled away from him and left him standing alone, pushing him to the back of my mind as I returned to my father.

Present Day

Mystic Falls

"I suggest you forget it." I say slowly, pulling away.

"Wait." Grabbing my arm, he pulled me back in. "Just one kiss." He raised his eyes from the ground and looked me in the eyes. Closing the space between us, I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him. It wasn't a half hearted hug, it was one full of feeling and warmth.

"Thank you." I murmured into his chest before pulling away and leaving. I could feel his eyes burning into my back, but I made my way into the dining room, where Rebekah and Freya were setting up the table for dinner. It was a large, long table spread with a variety of dishes, not all were classic Christmas dishes. There were lit candles that stood tall and proud. There were roses the shade of blood. The whole arrangement a magnificent phenomenon. Freya ran around placing crackers between plates. Bonnie rushed back in to sort out the drinks while Caroline went around placing name tags on each seat.

"Are we seriously being assigned seats?" I asked, shaking my head, humoured.

"Yes! You know I think it's important we have a system. Everyone has their own seats."

"If you say so Care. Right, who am I next to then?"

Bonnie scooted around, bending over to see where my name tag had been placed. "You're in between Klaus and Rebekah."

"Seriously! Klaus? Well at least I have Rebekah."

A little while later the family joined, taking their assigned seats. I glided over to my seat to an extremely pleased Klaus. I couldn't help but laugh a little at his reaction and his sudden childlike demeanour. He pulled out the chair and beckoned for me to take my seat. Kol took the seat opposite me. I questioned whether that was a deliberate move but regardless, I ignored him. His presence affected me, but I blocked him out. I acted as if he didn't exist and he wasn't there, pushing through the feelings.

"Merry Christmas." Wished Freya, taking her seat and smiling wide.

Wishes were exchanged and glasses were raised. Plates filled with food. I wasn't particularly hungry, but I helped myself to one mince pie and a few roast potatoes and veg. It's all I could manage. What I needed was blood and a lot of it. His presence was weakening me no matter how hard I tried to control myself, to get a grip. Had it not been for everyone speaking, I'd have broken down into a mess of tears. I craved for just one glance, just to see his face, see that smile but why was I in turmoil for something that was a lie? Rebekah glanced at my plate then back to me. Assuring her it's fine and that I don't have much of an appetite, she let it be. The family sat around the table engaged in conversation.

Klaus: His forearms on the table, head turned to the right looking at me. "Well love, what a turn of events."

Rebekah: "Yeah, with you turning everything topsy turvy Nik".

Klaus: Blinked three times and chuckled

Damon: Fork in hand "Santa Klaus"

Laughter erupted.

Me: "That was not funny Damon. In fact, it was ridiculous"

Rebekah: "You have a nickname for everyone don't you, Damon? I think we should all share the absurd names Damon Salvatore has labelled us." Leaning back, looking behind Bonnie's head. "He calls me Barbie Klaus."

Klaus: Quick head turn to Rebekah and a small shoulder chuckle. "Big bad wolf he calls me. Rather dull don't you think?"

Me: Shaking head, sighing. "He calls me Bitsy, and little miss I'm on a mission." This created a stir of laughter.

Bonnie: "Wicked witch of the west, Bonbon...I forget"

Freya: "Original witch but I forgot to add the crazy part."

Elijah: Hands resting under his chin. "Nobleman. Though he did call me psychotic once and did kill me many years ago."

Stefan: "Saint Stefan, Ripper...I've been called many things." He chuckled; head tilted back.

Caroline: "I mean he just calls me Blondie and a control freak which I am not, I'll have you know, I just like to be organised."

Kol: Psychotic maniac, sadistic murderer, the worst of the worst which I am rather fond of." I don't know what he's doing, I don't look at him. The intensity of his presence, his voice threatened to unsettle my equilibrium.

Me: "I think we all have been called things we don't appreciate. I think it's time he has a taste of his own medicine. Annoying brother, Mr I have a stick up my ass, and I like to think I'm in charge." I took a sip of my water.

Klaus: Left hand on his neck, chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Feisty aren't you, little heretic."

Me: Hands in lap, body turning to face him. "I'll snap you like a twig."

More laughter and deep chuckles.

Klaus: "Onto more pressing matters, such as how we intend to deal with this newfound threat"

Rebekah: "Ah, lovely. I think we should burn them, rather symbolic".

Me: "It's Christmas, can we refrain from discussing a mass murder."

Bonnie: "Burning witches will just cause chaos and well, then we'll have angry dead witches, and I don't know what's worse."

Elijah: "I propose we lure them out here. They want Sophia and they want us. We're here, let's give them what they want-"

Caroline: "And then we strike". She leans forward in her seat, grinning ear to ear.

Klaus: "I suggest a slow and very painful death, quite the fitting punishment don't you think love?"

I placed my hand on his arm. "Please, can we just skip this talk for tonight and enjoy Christmas with each other?"

Freya: "She's right...we can discuss this tomorrow."

Klaus: "If it makes you happy, I am willing to oblige."

Me: "Thank you."

I took a few more sips of my water. Glancing to the left and to my right but never to the centre, never ahead. I listened to their talks and sporadic laughter. My heart sunk, taking in how happy they were. How huge their smiles are and how hard and loud they laughed. The Salvatores and The Mikaelsons. A very unusual pairing yet they were all at one. The thought of leaving them hurt that much more. These last few months were a rollercoaster....

"What's the matter love?" He gave my hand a squeeze. I had forgotten my hand was in his. He gave it another squeeze. Swallowing down the lump that formed in my throat, I withdrew it and placed it back in my lap.

"Nothing Klaus." I smiled small. I glanced around one last time. It was perfect. They were all under one roof, in one room. We had them just where I needed them. "Excuse me, I must pop to the loo, really quick. I'll be back." I stood on my feet, discreetly looking to Freya and back to Elijah. It was time and we had to act fast. Tucking my chair in after dusting off my dress, I brushed past bonnie, to Freya, giving her shoulder a light squeeze. That was the signal. As I reached the hallway, my hands flew to my mouth, stifling my cries and running out into the night.

~

"Klaus, will you be able to go to New Orleans I need a few herbs and supplies? if not, I can ask Elijah." Freya asked, stepping out the dining room, standing outside the door frame.

"Unfortunately, no, I rather be here keeping an eye on Sophia. Her heart is broken, and I intend to fix it." He tilted his eyes up to the younger brother, shooting him a menacing look. "So, you best ask Elijah."

Elijah stands ready, hand in his trouser pockets. "I'll go." He was already out by Freya's side. "What do you need?"

Kol got to his feet. He knew his siblings well enough to know they were planning something, hiding something from everyone. So was she. He knew her more than she thought or expected. She was his love after all. He marched over to them only to be hurled back by the barrier. "What have you done!" He hissed. The families shot out their seats.

"Elijah, leave now!" She ordered. He fled. "I'm sorry I have to. She asked me to."

Damon lunged to the door, but he was trapped. "Where is she?" He began to shake, fists balled. "What have you guys done?!"

"I'm sorry, I really am but whatever we're doing is for your safety-"

He slammed his fist into the wall creating a small hole, jolting her. "Where is she?"

"They've gone to London. She's doing it for our safety."

Kol stood before her, getting as close as he could. "Safety? What about hers! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? You know, sister or not, if anything happens to her, I will kill-"

"She asked me to Kol! This was her plan and Elijah, and I are merely following it."

"Freya. Take. It. Down." Klaus growled lowly.

"TAKE IT DOWN!"

"BLOODY HELL FREYA, TAKE IT DOWN!"

"I'm sorry Rebekah. I'm sorry! I can't. Even if I wanted to, I can't. She asked me to link it to her blood. The only way I can lower it, is with her blood or if anything happens to her...it'll break itself. We did what we had to do!"

Stefan shook with fear and anger. "How could you let our sister go out there without us!" His voice trembled.

"She's with Elijah, he'll help her. They'll be back." She turned on her heels, storming off.

                                                                              Sophia

I got home, changed, and grabbed the bag I packed prior to the party. Elijah messaged to notify he was waiting in the car, and we ought to hurry if we wanted to get back in time and sort out the mess we created. Freya informed us of how furious everyone had become once they learned what we had committed. I opened the car door and slid in, facing away from Elijah. I didn't want him to see my tears. I was embarrassed.

"Sophia, what is it? Is it my brother, Kol? We can very well put a dagger in him?"

I shook my head. "No, don't do that please. It's just I love him; I truly madly am deeply in love with him. He broke my heart, and I don't know why. He promised me he wouldn't but yet here I am, broken and on a mission to save you all."

He started the engine. "I believe that, when you love someone, and that person loves you in return you're uniquely vulnerable. They have the power to hurt you unlike anything else."

"He doesn't love me...if he did, he wouldn't have done that. I was foolish to fall for the wrong one." Maybe Caroline had a point. Maybe Klaus was the right man for me. We drove through the dark winding roads.

"Is that what you believe?" He asked me, his focus still on the road.

I sighed. "I don't know what to believe. I just know I'm hurt but I don't even have the time to think about that, we have more salient matters to take care of."

On reaching the airport, he parked the car in a nearby parking lot. We hauled our bags out the boot and strolled into the airport, whizzing through customs, security and boarded the plane. We were not fussed whether it was first class or business. Elijah graciously offered me the window seat as he felt it will give a good view, and when my mind was too congested with the thoughts of his brother, I could look out and let the view clear my mind. I was glad to have him by my side. This journey would have been long and laborious if I had been alone. With Elijah, I could distract myself with his family life and stories.

"Elijah, what did you mean by you and Klaus being in a love triangle? Did you both fall for the same woman?"

He chuckled. "Many centuries ago, we did. With the doppelgängers. Twice. Only if I'm honest, it was Tatita. I'm sure you've heard of Katerina? With Tatita, we both fell madly in love and we wanted her so bad. It got in between us, we bickered, rivalled for the affection of the girl. We were willing to kill one another. Now it so happens, he has found himself fighting Kol, for you."

I pressed my head against the tiny window, silent for a moment. "I don't think I can love anyone again. I still love him...but if it means I ruin the bond of brotherhood then, I don't want it. I refuse to ruin a family."

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "You are smarter than any women that my brothers have come across. However, it won't be necessary. My brothers care for you too deeply-"

"Elijah, please let's not speak of that."

"You know for many years after losing his daughter, after we lost those dearest to us, Niklaus shut himself out but coming here, he is himself again..."

"I thought vampires cannot procreate?"

"That was one of nature's loophole. See, Niklaus is actually our half-brother. Our mother had an affair with a werewolf, hence Klaus being the first ever original hybrid. My mother being a witch, inherently made us witches, though we never activated our witch genes. Freya and Kol were the ones who practiced magic. Nature found a way and Hope was born. She became a threat to all due to her unique abilities and nature. We faced many evils, but nothing like the hollow. The hollow destroyed our family. Destroyed our Hope. In return, we destroyed all magic in New Orleans, and with no magic left the hollow died." I wondered if Kol missed magic.

The stoic Elijah was now a man with many emotions. His face twisted with pain. My heart sunk. "Elijah, I am so sorry that your family went through this. I-he never told me that."

"It's not something we like to speak of. Not a very pleasant topic. My point is, after all the pain we have endured and all the loss, somehow with you around it makes everything bearable."

I scoffed. "Well, your brother Kol really did a number on me and then broke my heart, and I was a fool to love so easily."

"Dear Sophia, do not say such things. Falling in love does not make you a fool. If it makes you feel better, my brother is the fool here."

Leaning back on the head rest, a soft sigh escaped me. "I care about your family, and I don't know how or why."

"My family care about you." He smiled. A smile that spread a great warmth around me.

We spoke, we deliberated, we strategized what to do and our first steps. We made plan after plan. He was impressed with my fastidious planning and how I thought everything through, to the last minor details. I informed him of the witch we would be meeting. I told him of Valarie and how she died due to concealing the whereabouts of his family. Once again, he gave me his condolences. I didn't know what to expect of this mission, but I was certain we would get the answers I needed. However, one thing puzzled us. Why did the witches want the end of the Mikaelsons now when the witches of New Orleans had tried and failed? They were aware of everything happening, yet they did not act or join forces. Something far more sinister was happening behind the scenes, we agreed. Somehow, I was linked to it, but uncertain to how.

London

"You look worried." He hummed as we exited Gatwick airport. He was by my side in an instant, respectfully placing his hand on my forearm.

"Nothing seems to be making sense Elijah. Why they want you now and why they need me? How do I fit into the equation?"

"Your very nature is what attracts them to you as it did my brothers-my family. Perhaps you being the last heretic, you possess more power than any witch or vampire combined."

"Hmm, I suppose that could be it, but I do believe there is something we've missed. We need to see the bigger picture. Now, shall we get going? We have a busy afternoon ahead of us."

He carried my bags in his hands much to my disapproval. Freya called up to update us on the situation back at home. No one was happy. Everyone was at each other's throats, bickering and demanding that she let them out. I asked her to hold on, just one more day. It's all we need. I didn't want them running after me and getting in the way. I guided Elijah to my London home. He complimented its simplicity yet sophistication as we stood outside. I knocked on the door and a delightful Mrs Rose, my good friend, opened the door.

"Hello dear, you're back early." She opened the door wide, allowing me to step in. "Who is this gentleman?" She queried, peering over my shoulder.

"Rose this is Mr Elijah Mikaelson. Could you please invite him in?"

She sized him up and down, crinkling her nose as she got a good reading.

"Is he one dear? Doesn't seem too bad. Mr Mikaelson you may come in." She stepped to one side and assisted with taking my coat off. She was a lovely old lady with a sense of humour. For over four decades I had known this wonderful woman. The coolness of my eyes is what she was. I embraced her tight.

"Oh, my dear, whatever is the matter." She peered into my eyes, fine wrinkles forming around her brown eyes. Yet she was magnificent as she had been in her youth.

"I've missed you, Mary." I gave a melancholic smile.

Elijah examined the entrance and placed one foot past the threshold. Once it went through with ease, he set foot in completely. "What a beautiful home you have here."

"Yes, thank you. Sophia herself saw to it. Lovely, isn't she? Dear, I've baked some cranberry muffins that are still fresh, do help yourself." She offered to take Elijah's belongings, to which he politely declined.

"Thank you Rose. Why don't you make us some tea and we can all sit together? Have you any news for me?"

She was in the kitchen faffing around, getting out saucers and teacups. "Oh ah, someone did pop by earlier...a Miss Weatherford, I believe. She left a note-oh and your friends have been visiting me." With grace she made her way to the drawer, pulled it open and reached in to take out a small manila envelope with my name written in black ink. With an angelic countenance, she handed over the envelope.

"Thank you." I mumbled, inspecting it. Gently running my fingers through the seal, it popped open. It contained a folded paper. Placing the envelope down I unfolded the sheet. "She wants us to meet her in an hour. She'll be back here again. Elijah, she has made a discovery." I passed the letter over to him.

"That's good news, is it not?" He glanced back up, looking straight at me. I took a deep breath and relaxed. It was hard for my mind to be in panic when my body was the opposite.

"I guess we just wait till she comes back. In the meantime, we can just sit here, have our tea and Mary can update us with all she's done since I've been away."

Gingerly, she took her seat beside Elijah. Grabbing a teaspoon, she dipped it into the sugar pot and dunked it into her teacup, giving it a good stir. "I've not done much. Spent time with your friends, Amelia and I cleaned the house, only just took down the decorations. I managed to complete weathering heights my dear, after all these years." She gave an airy laugh.

"How do you and Sophia know one another?" She grinned widely at Elijah's question. "You seem very well acquainted." Watching him struggle to drink the tea, was entertaining.

"Well, we met back in 1981 when I was 18, I believe. It was the darkest stage of my life. I was in a very abusive relationship, but I didn't know any better. I believed it to be the norm as I had grown up witnessing my mother be abused by my father. I was foolish and naive to think it as love..." she trailed off, lost in thought before she continued. "One day, I walk into a bar to see my boyfriend all over another lass-younger. I stormed up to him in a fit of rage and slapped the bastard on the face...a poor decision as he turned back to humiliate me and threw me to the floor. He beat me in front of his friends...they sat there laughing...no one helped. Not even the bar tender, but I assumed he was too afraid to do anything. I was a mess of blood and tears, so I wobbled out the bar into the streets. I was defeated I-I recalled all he had done, and I was so devoid of any hope that once I saw the bridge and the river... I ran to it. I intended to end my life and in the last second, she arrived and grabbed my hand. I begged her to let me go, I wanted to die, I was already dead inside, but she didn't give up. She yanks me back up and screams at me till I give her answers." She laughed, her eyes beginning to glisten with tears, remembering what came next.

"She fed me her blood to heal my wounds to save me." She took a colossal breath and let it slip back out. "I didn't know I was pregnant. Her blood healed my wounded child. You see, it wasn't just that she had done for me...she killed the man responsible for my injuries, my poor mental health, my lack of will to live...she didn't spare his friends too; she killed them all. I had never seen anything like her. Admittedly I was terrified, seeing her covered in blood, seeing her eyes and teeth and the strange power that erupted from within her. It was her kind nature that had me trust her, see her as nothing more than an honest, loving human. Since then, she kept an eye on me, tended to me and my child. She wasn't afraid that I knew her secret."

"It sounds like you've been through a lot?"

She chuckled. "That's just the half."

Locking his fingers, he rested his chin on his hand. "Do continue."

November 18, 1999

She was on her knees, begging and pleading. She cried till there were no tears to shed. I couldn't face her not after what she asked me to do. I couldn't end his life just like that. I looked through the glass window of his room. He just turned 18, but he looked awful. His skin pallid and cadaverous. He no longer was himself. He turned his head to the window sensing being watched, sharing with me a weak, shaky smile as he struggled to raise his hand, gesturing me to come in. The lump in my throat grew larger, the tears burned, and my heart broke over and over again. This was the same child I helped raise, I fed, played with, taught, and read to. I loved him like he was my own. I pushed the door open and soundlessly moved to his side. He was extremely uncomfortable, the bed hurt him. Fluffing his pillow, I helped him sit up, smiling down at him as I stroked his dull hair that was once a vibrant blonde.

"Much better." His voice frail and hoarse as he settled back into the stiff pillow.

"Would you like me to pour you a glass of water?"

"No." He shook his head, the mere movement caused him pain. "S-sit...please mum..." I plopped down on the wooden chair beside the bed, taking his hand and holding them between mine and bringing it to my lips to plant a kiss. They were terribly cold. "I want you to do it...do-do...what mama wants. I want it...too." He looked to me with pleading eyes. His eyes that were once an illuminous depth of brown, were now colourless. I squeezed his hand tighter.

"Oh, my darling boy..." I choked out unable to hold it any longer, unable to be strong. "I'll find a way to fix it, we can make you better. I'll search the whole world top to bottom, just for you! Don't give up please-"

"No... there isn't anything you or anyone can do. I want to die peacefully please...I beg you. I know it's hard...but it will be okay, at least I'll be at peace and it won't hurt anymore. I can't take it anymore! I can't take the pain! It kills! If this is how it's going to be for the next five years, I don't want...I can't do it any longer please..." He slid his hand out of my hold, propping himself up higher, wincing at every move. The beeping of the heart monitor was steady but weak. The clear sign his heart was getting weaker. I buried my face in his lap, defeated. He twisted a strand of my hair in his fingers gently, fiddling with it just as he done several times when a child.

He continued to speak. He told me he hasn't lost hope or faith in me, but he couldn't push on any further. He had no fight left in him. Everything hurt. His bones ached and burned, his head and heart ached. He said he loved us dearly, but he couldn't bear to see his mother in the state she was in. He wouldn't dare burden her for the next five years. He refused to put us through this torment of taking care of him only to lose him in the end. He had had the best life; he was happy and now he was ready to move on. He wanted peace. A nurse entered the room, a clipboard in hand and pen in the other. He looked to me, pleading with his eyes. Wiping my tears, I in the air sharply and grabbed the nurse.

"What is the best way to kill using anaesthesia?" I compelled.

"For a person to die from an overdose of anaesthesia or morphine they need to be going into a haemorrhagic shock." She responded.

"How do you induce that?"

"The patient must lose a substantial amount of blood in order for the overdose to lead to death."

I looked into her eyes deeper. "I need you to get me the strongest anaesthetic this hospital has, now!" She turned in obedience and hurried out the room. I turned back to him shaking my head. "You still have time to change your mind, Hunter! I can't do this! I raised you alongside your mother, you-"

"Please do it! It's the only way! If you love me, you will do it! End the suffering once and for all. If you don't then, I will do it myself! But I rather you make it painless-" The door swung open, and the nurse rushed back in with a syringe and miniature bottles of clear liquid. I read the label. Fentanyl. She handed over the syringe and bottles, shaking on realising what she had involuntarily participated in.

"I want you to forget any of this happened and I want you to leave."

She blinked and stared at me confused for a split second. Glancing back at her clipboard, pinching the bridge of her nose, she chortled. "Oh, so sorry I'm in the wrong room." Spinning on her heels for the door, she left, leaving the door swinging a few times before it shut.

"I don't know how to do this Hun!" I exclaimed, throwing my hands in the air. "How do I even do this?!"

He smiled weakly. "It's easy. Just hook me up to some tubes and take my blood...like she said we need to lose a lot of blood. So, drain more than half and then pump me full of that...all three bottles. it won't hurt." There wasn't pain in his expression anymore. He was happy, tranquil and he managed to give a colossal smile. Seeing him sitting upright, bursting with energy was torture. The irony it posed. I scanned the room, none of the equipment were here, having to rush out and compelling a doctor to hand me bags for blood, needle, and tubes. He obliged. I watched as he set up the equipment. After the doctor left, I tended back to Hunter.

"Why this way?" I asked. "Why no other method?"

"It's the most respectable way to go out.@ was all he said.

My eyes brimmed with tears. My hands trembled as I took a hold of his arm and wrapped the pressure cuff around him. Using the antiseptic, I wiped his arm as I located for a suitable vein. He shut his eyes when the needle inserted itself in and the blood began to collect into the hooked bag. Time seemed to have stood still. I was stuck. Yet everything else around me moved in a slow pace. I watched helplessly as he began to drift away. The machine beeping, measuring his heartbeat as they began to slow. The sound was death defying. I drained four litres of blood, unsure how to carry it out. He was washed out. With trembling hands, I take a hold of the bottle and syringe and pull out the clear, odourless liquid. He blinked through his tears nodding. One after the other I administrated the drugs that reduced him to an unconscious state, barely breathing. Tears cascaded down to his heart beating irregularly fast, thundering against his weak chest. It started to dimmer. One last breath and he was gone. Gone. All in a matter of a minute. The longest minute of my life. All that was left was his smile. I looked down at his tear-stained face. He was now at peace.

Present Day

Elijah witnessed a side of me he couldn't have fathomed. Though he remained silent his expression said it all. He was touched, he was pained. He had a newfound respect. Mary extended her arm out to me, taking a hold of my hands and rubbing them gently. Her hands were soft and wrinkle free. There were no signs of her old age except for the minor wrinkles present on her forehead. "Mary, you should go home for the night." I insisted. She agreed, though she wanted to stay but I refused. "Let Amelia know I shall see her soon." I spoke, walking her to the door.

As we said our goodbyes we're greeted by a tall girl, perhaps in her early twenties. She had smooth olive toned skin, long cinnamon hair with a brilliant shine. Bangs obscured her eyes like a sheepdog. Her features were sharp and prominent. She was very well put together, dress sense simple. Ara Weatherford. With one glance she figured the man standing before her was none other than Elijah Mikaelson. Despite never coming in contact with him, she recognised him through the stories of the original vampire brother who was noble, well dressed, sagacious and was the very example of model manners. She turned her sights on me, already knowing who I was.

"Hello, I'm Ara."

"Greetings Miss Weatherford." Elijah smiled, still on the fence about who was standing before him.

"Ara is just fine sir." She smiled timidly.

"In that case, please, I implore you call me Elijah. No need for the formalities." He replaced his hands back in his trouser pockets.

"Where are we going?" I asked, walking out the front gate of my house.

"Lambeth Cemetery, have you heard of that?"

I bit my bottom lip worried as I had known that place all too well. It stirred up an array of memories within me. "Unfortunately, I do but as soon as I left, they cloaked themselves, so I couldn't find it. How did you manage to locate it?"

"Yesterday I performed a locating spell and it just appeared out of nowhere. I went there but found nothing, but I thought maybe if you came with me, then you'd be able to get a better read."

"Of course. Though I suggest we take the public transport, it's a long walk and well, I'm sure our vampire speed isn't well suited with you? And I think Elijah should get accustomed to basic human life." I turned to my right where he stood beside me, giving him a lopsided grin. He shook his head, but his lips tugged up in a subtle smile.

Elijah had a great aversion to the Londoners and their poor mannerisms, that too on the public transport. He had no shortage of words to describe his disgust. We turned onto Blackshaw Road and up ahead stood the cemetery. Two lodges guarded the gates. The brick walls built in a gothic style. Gloomy. The cemetery was laid with rectangular grid paths, trees devoid of life, littered around. The chapel too was built in gothic revival style. It was desolate. The grass beneath our feet was hay like, coarse under us, crunching as we treaded through. Squatting down I placed my hand down on the rough ground, feeling for magic.

"There's nothing. Not even the magic of the dead witches. They must have moved elsewhere." I surveyed the area. The headstones were all removed, only a few remained but I doubted they were remains of witches. I bounced to my feet and ran across to the chapel. Parts of it were broken down; the organ that was centred, was covered with vines and moss. There were candles that had not been touched in years. It was all uninhibited.

"Why would they uproot everything and just leave?" She ran her fingers along the dusty brick walls. "It doesn't make sense."

"Rather odd." Added Elijah, inspecting the organ.

I chewed my bottom lip having difficulty envisaging. There was no sign of any magic. "They haven't left or anything...they just moved locations. The question is where? Wherever they are now, they are well hidden-" The sound of scurrying footsteps from outside the chapel, alerted both Elijah and me. We moved rapidly. He stood behind the intruder while I stood in front, blocking her. Immediately, i recognised her. The incipient anger built up, manifesting itself in ugly ways. She was one of the Irish witches that murdered Valarie. "Hello again Tatiana, you know I thought it would be a hard time tracking you down, but here you are, right before me. Rather splendid as I get to kill you for what you did to my friend." I smiled coyly.

I sensed Elijah cock his head to one side, his ears picking up on something. "I can sense two more beating hearts."

Ara stepped through, dragging two witches behind her, under her spell. Tatiana made a futile attempt at attacking us with her magic. Adjusting my body straight, I siphoned the spell she threw our way. She tried again. I leapt in front of her face and grabbed her by the throat. "Why are you here? Answer truthfully or I will kill you." She wheezed for air, clawing at my fingers to no avail. Loosening my grip a little, giving her room to breathe.

"We were sent as a distraction. While-while...the re-rest-of us went after the-the old...lady...and her...granddaugh...ter-" she struggled.

I tightened my grip around her throat, and she jerked in the air, her air supply cut off. Her eyes budged.

"WHY?!" I roared.

"For lev-leverage. I can-can't...breathe-" I clutched her throat, crushing her bones. She turned a sickening colour, her sight giving way. The fulfilling sound of her bones snapping echoed throughout the cemetery. A gasp escaped the lips of the witches in Ara's hold. With a flick of my hand, necks snapped, and the bodies slumped to the ground. I clenched and unclenched my hand before turning to Elijah, gesticulating.

"Grab her hand. We don't have long left!" I sped away, whizzing through the twists and turns of the streets, the wind slicing at me as I pushed through its force. The front door was ajar. Using my foot I pushed it open. Wary, I walked past the threshold. Muffled cries and chanting pricked my ears. I darted through the hallway and up the flight of stairs, to the first landing. A surge of power hurled me into a wall. Sneering, I threw my arm in the air. "Errox femur!" The witch crumpled to the floor shrieking like a banshee. Her arms flung to her chest, clutching as she rasped and wheezed. Her broken ribs digging into her exposed organs. I crawled onto my feet; my hands still stretched out, attacking her. Blood poured out her nose, trickling down her eyes and ears. Her body flumped to the left. The door behind her creaked open. Inhaling sharply, my breath stuck, I wobbled back, stomach churning with nausea at the grisly sight. Her throat had been sliced; the dark blood oozed out. She looked at me one last time before plummeting down. "MARY!" I cried out like the force of a wolf's howls. I raised my arms to the witches charging at me. The one in the middle wielded the bloodied dagger in her hand, toying with me.

"Me ne de qual suurenta!" The two witches on either side of her sagged to the wooden floor, necks broken. The red-haired witch threw another magical attack, failing. With one quick motion She sailed across the room, crashing into blood sprayed wall. With mere movements of my eyes, I pinned her against the wall.

Cracking my neck, I cast a murderous look at her, charging. "Where's the girl! WHERE IS SHE!"

The witch cackled throwing her head against the wall, her delirious laugh continuing. The dagger was still in her hand. Grabbing her with one hand, my free hand ripped it from her grip. Releasing her from the deathly grip I stepped back, furnishing the dagger. "Now, I'm going to ask you again. Where. Is. She?" Every word toxic.

She scoffed. "So pathetic. This is what makes you weak, all powerful heretic. You fall weak when it comes to-" her speech cut off by the blade driving through her shoulder blade. The sounds that escaped her were that of a rabbit being skinned alive. I strode toward her savouring each cruel step. I reached her, noses just an inch away.

"Where. Is. She?!" I said through gritted teeth, locking eyes.

"She's...lev-leverage..." She heaved through anguished cries. "She has her."

"Who!" I shoved the dagger in further. Another anguished scream parted with her.

A victorious smile spread across her pale face. Pulling out the dagger she dropped to her knees, spluttering out. "Lamees...is alive." She cackled through the pain, pressing down on her mangled shoulder. Swishing the knife in the air, I stalked to her, circling her until I stood behind her hunched body. Gripping onto her hair, I yanked her head back, holding the dagger to her throat. Having no mercy, I stabbed through her carotid artery, puncturing both arteries. Gripping the dagger firmly I punched forward and down, cutting the vocal cords, then severing her trachea and lastly the Jugular vein. Letting the dagger drop, I kicked her to ground. She was in a gush of blood and spasms.

Her finals words shook me. Lamees had Amelia. I spun around back to Mary. Overcome by tears and falling to her side.