Chapter four

Sophia

I spent the journey home in silence, allowing myself to gather my thoughts. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake off the feelings the stranger Kol evoked. A mere mortal had my insides fluttering. Not once in my life, human or not had i felt like this, had a man ever left me feeling the way I did now. He had a lit aura, he glowed like embers, and I wanted to dance in his light, I wanted him to illuminate me from within. He had my undead heart thundering, my soul longing and craving. I had not the words to describe what I was feeling, what was racing through my mind. Unspoken questions formed in my head. My heart sunk as the realisation of leaving for Mystic Falls hurled itself at me. I exhaled, exhausted and hungry. I hadn't fed the whole day and it left me feeling drained. I missed my brother and Bonnie. "I'll see you soon brother." I mumbled under my breath.

The car stopped. I knew I was home. My body memorised and felt each twist and turns of the roads that led to my little home, which after today will be devoid of any presence. For a short time, I hoped. I adored life in London, the people, the sights. As I unlocked the front door, I was greeted by the faint scent of Forget me nots. They were rare here in London, so I took liberty to grow my own using my witch heritage. I couldn't call myself a witch not a natural one at least. I was the heretic-the siphon. No magic of my own. I spent years loathing myself for the creature that I was. An encounter with the witches was what made me embrace my nature. Part vampire-Part witch. Later it was Enzo who inspired me to truly accept who I was. I glanced around taking in the sights one last time. I already had my packed bags waiting at the bottom of the stairs, ready to be picked up. My passports, keys and all other necessities in an envelope stashed in my handbag. I had everything planned to the last detail.

My hand shot to my throat scratching at it. Dry and like sandpaper. I vamped to the fridge where I kept my stash of blood bags and yanked one out tearing into it, draining it empty. Throat soothing instantly. I stared at the crippled bag thinking about the blood.

September 16th, 1922

I shot up grasping for air. Fumbling around, searching my throat for where he bit into me only then to snap it. It was gone, there was no sign of the wound, or the broken neck. The only thing present was the splitting headache. Throat clamped up, burning. I jumped out suddenly remembering what occurred the previous night. I wasn't home. I was in an unknown place. It was empty with just one small bed with cream covers, dusty curtains drawn. Everything felt different, it felt as if I was more alert-sensitive. I raised my arms up to cover my eyes, shielding them from the light, it bothered me. I could hear it buzzing. That unending ringing sound in my ear rendering me unstable. Itching relentlessly. I just wanted it to stop: the sounds. I wanted it all to stop. I let out a low growl. "Turn it off! Make it stop!!" I screamed. Lights flickered. The air turned cold.

The door creaked open, and a short olive toned woman with long raven hair entered the room. "Hush my dear. You're safe now."

"Where am I?" I asked in a frenzy, eyes narrowed like slits finally onto her steady, rising and falling chest. Why was that so captivating? I was drawn to how softly her chest rose and then fell and how her heartbeat was like the intoxicating beat of a duff. Suddenly uncomfortable with my own peculiar behaviour I shuffled backwards but she strolled to me.

"All in good time. Mr Mikaelson will be here shortly." She sat me down, my back facing her. I recoiled at her touch. "It's okay." She reassured. Taking my hair in her hands she began brushing, gently untangling the knots with her fingers.

"What's happening to me?"

"Mr. Mikaelson will explain dear, just be patient. You'll soon understand." The mention of that foul man's name boiled my blood.

"He is your sire-"

"Now now Josephine, that is enough." It was him! The one that tried to kill me. His voice was much smoother and softer than I recalled. Far more playful. I sprung to my feet, backing away into the corner. "GET AWAY FROM ME!". He no longer stood by the door.

He was now before me, our faces inches apart. "Settle down Luv, is this the way you greet your maker?" His lips curled into a cruel smile.

With all my might I shoved him back. "Get away from me! You tried to kill me!"

He chuckled darkly. "Love, you're already dead."

I looked to him alarmed, unable to speak. Taking this as an opportunity he proceeded. "Yes. As a matter of fact, I did kill you. I fed you my blood and turned you. What a shame to have it end. All that's left to do love, is for you to complete the transition and become the strongest thing on earth... a vampire." I hated that grin of his, so twisted. "You are sired to me. You. Belong. To. Me." He murmured softly as he lifted my chin so that I was looking straight up at him. I burned with contempt, my top lip curling over my teeth.

"I do not belong to you!" I spat in his face, shoving him back. "I would rather die right here, right now then be anything like the monster that you are!"

"You could do that, but you strike me as the type to fight..." It was that twisted smile again. He was amused. "We've not got long left. Something tells me you want this; you want to live." He was right. I did want to survive this but not for what he thought. What he had in mind was further from the truth. I wanted him and the other man responsible for my family's death, dead! I wanted to kill him for doing this to me. I do want this. But not for his entertainment. In that moment I decided to complete the transition. I formulated my plans of revenge. I would hunt them both down, give them a fate far worse than death. They both will beg for my mercy, beg for me to end them just as they ended my entire family.

"I don't want to die." I feigned a cry.

"I won't let you, love." He murmured affectionately. The affection repulsed me, but I let him hold me.

"Josephine, come." He reached out for the woman.

The petite lady obeyed. She held out a small grey dagger wrapped in white cloth, handing it to the grinning man. What transpired next startled me. He looked deeply into her eyes, focusing. I watched as her pupils enlarged. "I want you to take the dagger and slice your throat open." Blood spurted out, oozing thick and crimson, splashing onto my face. The smell hitting me in my senses, driving me feral. My gums throbbed as my eyes focused on her open wound. A hidden animalistic nature in me burst.

"Here love, drink." He pushed her onto me. I could taste the blood. "Take a sip." He encouraged. It was as if I was in a trance. I buried my face in her neck, lapping up the blood like an animal. The moment it hit my throat I went untamed. I could feel myself change, something protruding from my gums. It was unlike anything I had felt. I wanted more. Unable to stop myself I sunk my teeth into her, drinking to no end, ignoring the man's commands. All I knew in that moment was I felt a hunger unlike anything, and I wanted to feed. Hands pried me off of her, restraining me. I thrashed around, wanting to free myself. The man held me to his chest, stroking my hair.

Present day

The time to leave arrived. I looked down at my watch that Damon gifted me. He knew I was fond of Daniel Wellington watches and that too the rose gold one. My previous one had broken, entirely my fault as I slammed down my hand too hard in anger, when he refused to let me accompany him to Mystic Falls, to unite with Stefan. It was 7:00pm. With one last glance of my home, I bid farewell.

I got through security, checks, and finally boarded the plane. The journey was as pleasant as first class could offer. The plane began to lower down in the air. My eyes reopened and I turned my head to the right, gazing out the the tiny rectangular window. The plane rolled down the freeway. I grinned knowing I arrived.

Mystic Falls

Avoiding Bonnie and Damon was vital. After all, it was a small town and well I had to go unnoticed. At least for the first few days. I bought myself a house beforehand, had the deed put under my name. Which I was positive Damon would have disapproved of, telling me what an idiotic thing it was to do. I knew the history of this tragic little town. Finding humour in the fact that humans remained oblivious to the death and destruction around them, yet it seemed to happen in broad daylight, right beneath their noses. I entered through the huge doors. The air unnaturally warm and inviting. I mused as i took in my surroundings. The previous owner really did live a lavish life. The exterior and interior were proof of it. I didn't spend long wondering around the house, but I noted the pool out back, the winding staircase, the massive rooms and wardrobes that were full of clothes and shoes. "These could come in handy." I hummed to myself. Whoever the previous owner was, she had fine taste. I decided to take a stroll around the town I thought of as picturesque. My new home.

I stood outside what was called the Mystic Grill. Scrunching my nose, revolted by the smell of cheap fast food. Fast food was something I never ate. The smell was nauseating. However, this was not as bad as it was back In London. I pushed the door to the grill open. People were sat eating, engaged in meaningless conversations. I noticed the poor lighting and how dim the grill seemed. Maybe that was the charm, the lure of this town. After all, it had supernaturals crawling all over. Hybrids, witches, vampires, werewolves, and the pathetic excuse of a human Matt Donovan who just refused to bite the dust. As Damon ever so politely put it. My ears pricked up as I got a hold of a name. Mikaelsons. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I narrowed in on the voices.

"Klaus and his family will be coming back."

"Seriously?! As if this town hasn't gone through enough already, we have the Mikaelsons come uninvited once again. As if that's not a cause for concern. What could he possibly want now?"

"Matt, It's Klaus we're speaking of. He does what he wants."

Matt scoffed.

"Besides, they are better people now."

He scoffed again.

I looked up to locate the voices. They were sat five tables away. I had a clear vision of the sandy blonde, blue eyed Matt. Donovan. Understanding I Smirked to myself, hearing both Enzo and Damon's voices in my head. He did look like the insufferable type. The blonde female with tight curled hair had her back facing me.

Well at least, I unofficially met Matt. I continued to listen in on their conversation, hoping to get some information on Stefan. Caroline is who she was. Stefan's wife. Making her my sister-in-law. I smiled to myself, pleased. Damon briefly spoke of Caroline. They started off despising one another but the drastic events of their town formed a friendship between them, a mutual understanding. Hearing nothing of substantial use, I quickly grew tired of their conversation. Taking one last sip of my hot chocolate I abandoned my seat, slipped out the grill intending to head for home. Fate had something else in store.

My body filled up with rage. Those haunting memories danced before me. The screams echoing in my ears. It was him. I vowed to never forget that face. It was etched in my mind. This time he wasn't wearing that monstrous look. He looked relaxed, happy. His eyes forest green, not what I remembered. There was no sign of the evil he truly was. I lost all control, unaware of my actions, unable to hone my emotions. Stalking closer I struck my hand, hurling him into an alleyway, taking him by surprise. I came into his view, baring my fangs at him and snarling. Hands still curled in the air, pinning him to the wall, crushing his windpipes. I was enraged knowing he didn't recognise me. I will never be able to erase the memory of him, hunched over my father as he drank his blood, draining him dry. He slumped down when the hold on him dropped. Arms coiled around me and yanked me away, discarding me to the side. Crashing into the opposite wall, losing focus for a split second. "Caroline." Jumping to my feet I growled at her, fangs exposed.

"Phasmatos Incendia!" A barrier of fire erupted between us. Trapping her on the other side. She fell back unable to cross, eyes large and bulging.

"Why are you doing this?" The man croaked.

"Lecutio maxima." A spark of electricity generated and flowed through him. I watched, gritting my teeth, seething as he squirmed and screamed out in pain. His body shook violently. I could hear Caroline protesting, crying out for me to stop, to stop hurting him. Why did she care that I hurt him?

"invisique" I cried, cloaking us both, rendering us unseen.

•

He was trapped in the living room of my new home. No one could enter nor could they leave, except me. He was tied to a chair with ropes soaked and spelled in vervain. The stranger was silent. He lost his vocals, or maybe he lost the will. Dragging another chair, opposing him, I leaned in closer. "1922..." I began, placing my hands under my chin, overlapping them as I drummed the back of my left hand with my fingers. "September 15th, 1922. Ring any bells?"

He looked up at me, brows drawing together.

"Confused? Shall I elaborate?"

He shook his head. "Whatever it is you think I did...you've got it all wrong. I don't know who you are." He gestured with his hand.

He winced at the ropes tightening around him. "Enough of the lies! I remember your face! What you did to my parents...to my brother..." Overwhelmed, my body shook viciously. The room shook and the windows rattled. He looked up at the ceiling afraid it was going to collapse on him. "Hunter Harrington, William Harrington....Diana Harrington."

The colour immediately drained from his face. He was paralyzed to the spot, the menacing aura holding him in a tightening grip. Remorse, pain, and guilt made home in his eyes. "I didn't know you were there-"

I attacked him again. "So that makes it okay?!" His skin sizzled as he burned from the inside. I wanted him to feel pain. His life be an unending sequence of agonising torture. He swallowed down hard.

"Sophia!!" Damon called out over and over. Turning my head to the direction of the front door, I trembled, on the verge of falling apart. Footsteps came rushing in as the front door blew open. They were thrown back by the invisible barrier. Scrambling back to their feet, they edged as close as they could. "Sophia...", Damon began softly, peering at me with pleading eyes. "Stop."

"No!" I unleashed a fierce scream, sending vibrations throughout. The windows shattered. My trespassers dropped to the floor, twisting in pain, covering their ears to block out the banshee like sounds.

"He's the one!" I cried hysterically. "He's the one Damon...the one that killed my family! Damon..." A great tremor overtook me.

"You don't need to do this." Came Bonnie's voice. "Let us in-"

"NO!" I screeched, hurling another shot of pain towards them. Every movement was a frenzy. I drew my attention back to the man. He was on the floor, the chair crushed beneath him.

"Motus." I flung him across the room, bashing him around and finally when I had enough i raised him in the air, slammed him back to the ground with a loud thud. The ground quaked beneath him. I paid no attention to the voices calling out as I continued to stride towards the weakened vampire. Crouching down on top of him, I rammed my hand into his chest, breaking through his ribcage. I watched as his eyes bulged and he wriggled around, sharp gasps escaping him.

"No! Stefan!" A voice cried out.

Stefan.

My world spun. My grip on his thundering heart loosened, hands slowly detaching from him. I took two small steps backward. Stefan. Losing my balance, stumbling backwards. My body didn't know how to react, it shut down. Frozen to a point where my breathing stopped, unable to make sense of what was happening. It felt as though time slowed down as I looked around, everything disorientated. I stared blankly. They edged closer, lips moving yet no sounds reached my ears.

"SOPHIA!"

Every sense snapped back into focus. My knees buckled and I tumbled to the ground. Stefan? I looked down at my trembling hands.

"Let us in Sophia." Came Damon's shuddering voice.

Tears rolled down my face as I looked up to him. "Damon....".

The moment the barrier dropped he rushed to me, arms reaching out. I couldn't move. I was paralysed. My world came crashing down. He held me tight as I rocked, sobbing in his embrace.

It was Stefan. Stefan...my brother. My heart shattered.

London

The events of the past plagued her. It became impossible to separate herself from her emotions. Slamming her fists down she sprung to her feet, beginning to pace up and down the room. That tiny fraction of her heart, still latched onto the love for the heretic. There were far bigger things she needed to address. Releasing the pent-up breaths of air she sunk back in her chair, resting her head, and closing her eyes. As much as she despised of the girl, as much as she prioritised her mission, her mind wondered back to their bittersweet past.

January 1923

Leaving her post, she followed the panicked girl. Sensing she was being pursued, the girl picked up her pace and pattered round the corner. Winding down the path, coming to an abrupt stop she whipped around with her hands thrust out. The young woman with peanut butter truffle complexion, frowned. It was evident the girl was struggling with her abilities. She was terrified and most of all, lost with no sense of control or direction. Raising her arms up in surrender, she took a tiny step forward. "I mean you no harm." Her voice so soft, so soothing and her eyes had such a gentleness to them. The girl backed down, those eyes gaining her trust. The woman continued to speak. "My name is Jameela...I can help you."

Gaining control over her breathing, she spoke with a quivering voice. "How?"

"I'm a witch and I know power when I see it. I know a witch when I see one...look, I'll show you." She glanced around until her eyes fixed upon a bed of dead flowers. Standing over them with her palm facing down she spoke an unknown language. A shaky smile built up as the surprise sunk in. The flowers came to life. Standing tall and vibrant. "I can help you with your magic, help you control and use them correctly." Removing her hands from the flowers she turned back to face the speechless girl. "You're a vampire as well are you not?"

That question threw her off but composing herself she smiled. "Yes, I am... I'm Sophia."

Closing the space between them she took Sophia's hands. "You can trust me; you can feel it can't you?"

Sophia nodded. "Please help me, I don't know how to control these powers and I am so so afraid."

One week later.

After one full week of work and training, she had full control of her powers and was quick to master them. Sophia was naturally gifted, Jameela noted. She had such a thirst for knowledge and pushing herself out of her comfort zone. The girl won her heart, her daughter's heart. Following them out into the meadow, she watched as they ran, giggling and calling out to one another. Little Dhanika chased after her. Picking up the hem of her dress, Sophia ran further through the waving green stalks. Her daughter trailed after her, waving a clump of flowers in her tiny caramel hands. "I'm going to catch you, Sophia!" She sang.

"Be careful my love." Jameela called out, strolling down after them, her fingers brushing the various flowers as she walked through them. She looked up ahead, Sophia slowed down, that's when Dhanika wrapped her arms around her cheering.

"I got you...momma I got her." She jumped with joy.

"That you did." She beamed, bending over, planting a kiss on the top of her head. A tiny white cyclamen bulb was stuck in her thick, head full of hair. Noticing it, Sophia picked it out and twirled it between her fingers. "What a pretty flower."

"Not as pretty as you Sophia." She bubbled.

Beautiful she was, but what made her beauty shine was her mannerisms, how she presented herself and that heart of hers.