Chapter Twenty Five

Damon

They were beside her hospital bed. I stood outside with my arms folded, listening in.

"She's a fighter that one." Klaus chuckled. "She'll be up in no time, dictating."

"I love her brother; she is the best thing about being alive. I know you love her too. You know, I never thought you and I would be here...in love with the same woman. That was something you and Elijah fought over..." His tone low and soft with underlying pain.

"I fear I may never stop loving her. When I told you to leave and stay away from her, I saw that as my chance to win her, but I couldn't be selfish with her, no. I had to do right by her...though she may never love me the same." He said in a matter-of-fact way.

Kol huffed out, shaking his head. "Had I not been here, had I not met her...I believe she would have been yours." His lips pressed in a thin line.

Klaus chuckled deeply. "Oh no, that is doubtful. 1925 when we first met, I was bewitched yet she paid me little attention even when we danced. There was some attraction, but she never gave me a second thought." He traced the side of her with his finger. "She is yours Kol, but make no mistake... I cannot unlove her."

Kol looked ahead, jaws clenched tight. "Is this what we are fated for? Unrequited love, incomplete love.... loss?"

"It's who we are brother, the price we pay for the monstrosity we have wreaked." He scoffed lightly. "Our brother Elijah believes through her, we can find our redemption once again and this woman right her, is our salvation...the saviour. Perhaps he may be right but what is to be of us if we lose her again?"

Kol remained silent for some time, lost in thought. Had Klaus made a point? What would become of Stefan and I in fifty years' time and we lose her? What if we lost her now? I looked on as Kol sweetly pressed his lips to her whitewashed knuckles. "I'll be lost without her light."

Sensing Bonnie, I looked to my right. She wrapped her arms around mine and placed her head on me. "I know why you did it. As much as I want to be angry at you for what you did, I can understand why, but next time please don't do that again."

Turning to her I pressed my lips against her temple. "Why is it that, when it comes down to family, the line between right and wrong gets blurred?"

"I don't know." She murmured, rubbing her chin against my shoulder.

The door to the room opened and out stepped Klaus. He gave a nod before walking away and disappearing down the hallway. I called to Stefan, letting him we could sit in the room with her. As we walked in, Kol stood up. My mouth curved into a subtle smile. "You can come back later and thank you. Let the others know they can see her."

He gave a gentle nod. "Of course." He glanced back at her again, back to me then hurried out, the door swinging shut behind him. Stefan took the seat on her left while I directed Bonnie to the other seat, taking my place on the end of the bed and placing my hand where her feet were covered by the pale blue sheets. She lay unconscious. The doctor declared she would be out for the whole night, but he was confident she would be up and responsive by the morning. Through the thin sheet I could feel her cold feet. With both hands I rubbed each foot tenderly.

"She's freezing." I choked. I was terrified thinking what if she didn't wake up. It hadn't been a full day since she returned. Stefan and Bonnie took a hold of each hand and gently rubbed them, warming her up. It seemed to be making a difference. My head turned to the direction of the door. A gentle knock and it slowly swung open, revealing Rebekah alongside Freya and Caroline.

"She's not awake, is she?" Caroline frowned. In her hand was a tray of costa coffee cups, the steam from the cups floated into the air. I shook my head in response to her question, unable to bring out my words.

"I got hot drinks." She presented, placing them down on the bedside table. "I compelled the doctor to allow us all in." They gathered around the bed disheartened, backs hunched. I watched Rebekah tuck the duffle bag under the bed. Clearing her throat, Care placed a hand on my shoulder. "Damon, I am so so sorry, I shouldn't have left the pain killers in her room! I should have given them to her myself!" I knew her head was down while she spoke and her eyes moist.

"It's not your fault care bear. Don't beat yourself up about it!" I squeezed her hand. She blew out, breathing with ease, letting all her regret and tension go. For some time, we watched her in silence, each and every one of us lost in our thoughts before Freya broke it. She spoke of her first meeting with Sophia and how their friendship sparked, albeit after she hunted her down to kill her. Light laughter travelled through us, sparking the conversation of our favourite moments with her and what we loved the most about her. Amid the conversation Elijah and Marcel joined, making their way round to the other side.

"I am very fond of Sophia. She seems to have the ability to keep my brothers straight. My family adore her." Elijah shared. "After all we lost, we were given a new hope."

"I only met her New Year's Eve but heard an infinite amount from my wife and she made an impression. I think we will get along really well." Marcel gave a hearty chuckle. "All I can say is, she's a fireball."

I thought of my best memory of her and couldn't help but laugh to myself. Heads turned to me. "1942, the very first time I discovered we were related, and she had all this rage, reminding me of myself but at the same time she was collected. Right after I left Stefan at the station, thinking it was for the best, I was a mess and on the verge of shutting off my humanity, but she saved me. She gave me a purpose. I went back to London with her, and I remember needing Stefan and wanting to share this with him, but I couldn't. It was also when I was a little bit selfish and thought, I wouldn't tell Stefan as he didn't deserve it, but she wouldn't stop pestering me about him. Her love for the brother she never met made me realise just how much I loved Stefan." Freya gave my shoulder a light squeeze.

"What about you, Stefan?" Rebekah asked.

He gave a gentle smile, relaxing back in his seat. "It was the day I was attacked by Genevieve. The first thing she did when she reached home, was run into my arms, and hug me tight. She pulled away and asked me if I'm okay." He scoffed. "I never thought I would ever see care for me, in her eyes.... but that day, I did." His eyes landed on her sleeping, her chest rising and falling softly.

The doctor walked back in with a pen and clipboard in his hand. We watched him move around, examining her vitals and adjusting the IV drip. To him we were not there. He looked to Stefan and spoke. "Visiting hours are almost over..." He skimmed down his clipboard. "You can come back tomorrow, but she's doing fine, and a nurse will check in on her every hour as instructed." Stefan gave him a nod and the doctor left. The room fell quiet again as we listened to her steady heartbeat that still remained in rhythm with the beeping monitor. It was soothing listening to her heartbeat. A sure sign of her still present with us. Slowly the room cleared leaving me with Freya, Rebekah, and Marcel.

"She wants to go to Greece...the diabolical witch Tessa, left her some things and she insists on getting them back." I announced, rolling my eyes.

"I can go if you'd like. I'll wait for her to wake up and ask her for a direct location." Marcel suggested.

"Sure." I responded softly. "You don't have to stay here." I said glancing at them. They assured me it was fine, and they wanted to stay a little while longer. Getting up from my seat I strode over to the tall table and grabbed the slim black remote, pointing it at the TV. It made a static sound before revealing the screen. Just as I motioned to flip through the channels, Freya held down my hand. It was Sky news. Headlines in big capital letters read: Sudden vicious animal attacks across London East and South.

The news reporter continued on. "At least sixteen bodies have been found across London all mutilated and torn. Experts say it must have been a pack of wolves due to the large claw like slashes found on each body. We recommend Londoners treading carefully around and urge them to report anything suspicious..."

I shot them a look, blinking rapidly.

"Werewolves." Marcel cursed.

"But why? From our experience they don't attack the innocent like that."

I never heard of Werewolves here in London, but an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach.

"Damon, you and Marcel go and check it out. Freya go with them; I'll stay back until Kol gets back. Go!"

I didn't want to leave my sister, but Freya took my arm and tugged me out. The unexpected werewolf attack had us alarmed.

~

The alarm blared. Slowly and reluctantly, she uncovered her face. Streaks of sunlight penetrated the window and blinded her. She blinked, closed her eyes, and blinked again. Her arm stretching out, reaching for the clock. With one tap it ceased. Upon waking, she burrowed herself into the warm, soft sheets. Rubbing the remainders of sleep, she gazed out at the horizon; its vivid light extended across the rosy sky. A sight she deemed beautiful.

"Sophia!" Called her brother, walking into her room. "Wake up! You're going to be late for uni!"

"Hunter." She groaned. He began to walk out, then stopped and turned back to grin at her. Uni? she thought to herself feeling strange. Shaking it off she swung her legs off the bed and stared straight ahead, into the mirror. Dragging herself off the bed, lazily made her way to the attached bathroom. Cupping the warm water in her palms she splashed her face and began her morning routine. After refreshening up she plodded back to her room and tied her hair up in a long ponytail. One last glance in the mirror and she hurried out, down the sitars and turned into the kitchen where her brother stood, preparing breakfast.

"Morning." He greeted with yet another grin. He tipped the scrambled eggs from the pan onto a plate, seasoned it with chilli flakes and presented it to her. Taking the plate from him she tucked in, taking a few bites then pushing it back to him, deciding she was full. He frowned.

"Are you ready?"

"I feel a little off...but anyways, let's just get going."

"Strange how?" He raised a brow.

"I don't know...I woke up and felt out of place...let's go."

He grabbed the car keys, and they made their way out into the driveway. Once the car doors unlocked, she slid into the passenger seat while her brother got into his side and started the engine. The weather was fairly warm she noted. He drove at a decent pace, but it seemed as though they were whizzing through the roads. With the car slowing down, she glanced out the window. The engine cut and she grimaced; everything seemed odd. She felt off, like she was in an alien world, and she didn't belong. Both siblings got out the car, scanning the street. Locking the car with one press of the button, he slid his arm over her shoulder, and they walked down the busy streets of Oxford Circus. Her head tilted up as she read the large letters on the building. University of Westminster. Slowly, they climbed the steps and entered the spinning doors, walking through to the other end.

"I'm going to head for my seminar, it starts in five. I'll see you soon." Her brother bailed. He ran off up the large, marbled steps and she watched him disappear at the turn. A white light washed down the stairs heading towards her, growing rapidly. Shielding her face, she turned away as the white light hit her.

Cautious, she slowly removed her arm from her face and reopened her eyes. The light disappeared and her surroundings changed. She was back in Mystic Falls. It was dark and she stood alone in the middle of the empty road with only one source of light illuminating the setting.

"Darling?" The soothing voice called out. She spun around and saw the man step out into the stream of golden light. His lips spread into a smile, and she broke into a run and threw her arms around him.

"Kol." She breathed lightly. "Are you in my head again?"

He gazed down at her with an angelic smile. "Yes. You're not awake and I missed you."

"What happened?" She asked, brushing his hair with her fingers.

"You passed out due to a high fever and now you're in the hospital." He tucked the strand of hair that fell to her face, behind her ear. "How about a dance?" He asked.

She nodded. "I'd love to."

His brown eyes wet with his tears as he gazed into her icy blue ones that warmed him up from within. They moved elegantly together. She spun in his arms and pulled herself out. He pulled her back in and they continued to waltz in the night sky.

Swaying, he rubbed his cheek against hers, sharing the warmth.

~

It was just him alone with her in the room. He moved the back of his fingers up and down her cheekbone. They danced together but his heart ached. He wanted her in his arms. Craved for a dance where he could feel her against him, her sweet breath on him and most of all, feel her heartbeat as they danced. It was like a hunger in him. Not the kind for blood. The hunger for her, it was never ending. He burned for her. She looked so peaceful with her eyes closed. The colour returned to her, and she was as vibrant as ever, her Mediterranean complexion glowing more than ever. It set him on fire. He took her hand in his and gave it a light squeeze. Warmth flowed through her; she was no longer cold. Unable to stop himself, his eyes flickered down from her closed eyelids to her lips. They were extra rosy, and he smiled to himself.

Hours passed by as he remained rooted in his seat, beside her. He spoke to her knowing she couldn't hear but he had to. He was losing his mind. Once again, he ran his fingers through her hair, smiling to himself. His smile grew wider when she twitched and slowly stirred.

Sophia

I woke up to the rancid smell of hospital disinfectant, that invaded my nostril causing my nose to crinkle. Taking in my surroundings I cringed at how dull and grim the room was. I always detested hospitals and the gloomy weight it carried. The soft beep of the monitor was the constant sound that my ears picked up on. My head and body were heavy. Sensing movement to my right, slowly and painfully i moved my head. Lips curling into a shaky smile, greeting my visitor. "Hey."

He held my hand tight. I let my fingers clasp around his hand and tried to tug it forward, but I was undeniably weak. Catching onto what I wanted he brought his hand before my lips, and I pressed them onto his soft skin. My face scrunched.

"What is it?" He bolted to his feet.

"Can you help me up? I need to use the toilet." I asked, peeling the dull blue sheets off me, and swinging my legs over the bed with his support. He took a hold of my arm with one hand and put his free arm around me, hoisting me up on my feet. I stretched my back straight and waddled across the room to the wide grey door that was the washroom.

"Wait there." He instructed. I pressed my back against the cool door as he took long strides over to the bed and ducked down, pulling out my black duffle bag. "Bex did you a solid and brought you your stuff." He raised the bag in the air.

"She really is a star!" I reached out for my bag. He teased as he brought it to me then pulled it back. "Kol! I need to go freshen up!"

"Fine!" He drawled handing the bag to me, which I almost dropped. For some reason it weighed a tonne. Holding it by the straps, I dragged it into the toilet.

"I'm here, if you need any assistance." He smirked. Rolling my eyes, I closed the door behind me and unzipped the bag and pulled out my toiletries.

By the time I stepped back out, the room filled up with my loved ones. Taking my hand Kol guided me back to the bed where I propped myself back up on. He was so soft, so tender and I was falling evermore. One after the other they embraced me. "I'm fine guys! There's no need to worry. I just want to go home."

Elijah and Marcel sat down beside me once my brothers gave up their seats. "Marcel and I offer our assistance. We will travel up to Greece for you and return what is rightfully yours."

"Yes, we will. But we need you to do a locator spell so we can get an exact point."

"Of course, I'll do it but can we get home first. I hate it here."

They nodded in agreement. For the few minutes we hung back in the room while Damon got me discharged through compulsion and the others sorted the room out, i placed my head on Elijah's shoulder. "Where's Klaus? I haven't seen him since...I'd like to see him." I saw the look of displeasure on Kol's face, and I sent him a warm smile, mouthing "I love you."

"He was here with you but left thinking it be best." Elijah sighed. "You can see him later when we get you home. I'll personally see to it."

"Thank you, Elijah." By then I had enough energy and felt revived, thus able to swing my legs. A mere action that amused my loved ones.

~

The entire area had been cordoned off. Lifting the yellow tape, the middle aged, suited man ducked and entered the grisly scene, surveying it. Paramedics and officers patrolled around, some packing away their equipment's, others conferring, and the crime scene photographer took the necessary shots of the scene she needed. "What have we got?" He asked the lead investigator. The bodies were covered with a white sheet but not much could be said or done for the blood and bits of flesh scattered.

DI. Lucinda Doyle pivoted on her heels to greet him. "Mr Sullivan, nice to finally meet you...although, I hoped it would be under better circumstances..." She raked over the scene once again. "We have six more bodies all attacked in the same way. We've not seen nothing like it. A few officers and investigators have gone out there..." She pointed a finger to the direction of the woods. "No one's found any wild animals."

Sullivan's brows knit together. "Nothing?"

"That's the thing, there's huge paw prints but they end and lead nowhere."

"How long do you reckon it'll take to clear this horror? The public is already in a frenzy, we can't have them tipped over the edge." He took in the surroundings once again, noting down everything out of place and any signs of the supernatural.

DI. Doyle placed her hands on her sides, chewing the inside of her cheek. "I'm not sure...a couple of days, give or take."

He opened his mouth to respond but the buzzing in his chest pocket broke his chain of thought. Pulling out his phone, he stared down at the screen. "One second." He excused himself and stepped away. Walking away, he answered the phone. "Any updates for me?" He paused, waiting for the person on the other end to answer.

"No, it's literally a dead end. All I can say is, these attacks match those of 1950. These aren't ordinary werewolf attacks.... normal werewolves don't attack like this."

He exhaled out, rubbing his jaw with his free hand. "The threat has grown; we need to get it under control. The council isn't happy and most want to act now. We can't without the necessary resources."

"Got it boss. I'll see what else I can dig up on these attacks and I'll update you in person."

"Thanks Jacko." Hanging up the call, he tucked the phone back in his pocket. Footsteps behind him, he turned and came face to face with a tall, olive toned woman.

"I can help you with your situation."

"Excuse me?"

Her face was set. There was no sign of any real emotion. "The supernatural threat we are facing." Sullivan took a step back and glared at her, the muscles in his jaws tensing. "I want the same thing you want." She continued. "The safety of this country and the disposal of these unnatural creatures." She motioned around at the scene.

"Who are you?" He interrogated.

"I'm the sole survivor of my coven-I know you're aware of witches and magic so let's drop the pretence. These vampires and werewolves have caused enough pain and carnage, it's high time we cleanse this city and be rid of them for good."

"How did you hear of us?"

She chuckled. "My predecessors started this whole council. Before you, a long line of honest humans gave their lives for this cause. It's my business to know of these happenings...back to our issue. I can help you."

"Why?"

"I've lost a lot is all I can say. The council has come a long way since it first began, but you're outdated and lack the weaponry and heart. Most of all, you don't have any Hunters left. I can provide you with all you need."

He scanned her face and considered her offer. "I need to keep this city safe at all costs. I'll take whatever help we get." He extended out his hand to her, to which she took, smiling.

Sophia

The car radio blared on and on about the strange animal attacks that occurred across London, that has only come to light in recent days. It was reported that five more bodies were discovered. Kol switched off the radio after the look of horror I expressed. "Werewolves." I muttered to myself. I had only ever come across werewolves once in my life and after that incident they steered clear of me. I assumed they dispersed and abandoned London. These attacks were not just any animal. The description of how the bodies were mutilated was disturbingly familiar, making me wonder whether they were the same kind I had a run in with, back in the 1950s.

"Darling, are you okay?"

"I'm concerned-"

Taking my hand to his lips, he kissed my knuckles. "Don't worry about it, they've gone to investigate it."

I nodded and did not utter another word.

Disappointment crossed me when I hadn't seen Klaus at the house. I expected him to be waiting but he wasn't. We headed into the living room and flopped down on the sofa. I sat between Kol's legs, leaning back into him as he wrapped me up, tight and snug in his arms. Everyone decided to spend the rest of the evening in the living room. Elijah gave me a nod and excused himself to make a call. I suspected it was Klaus. It was another splendid moment together with my entire family. The Mikaelsons became my family. Much to Damon's displeasure, but I knew he got along with them well. Stefan and Klaus were great old friends, and I knew deep down they both were glad to have been reunited. I didn't do much speaking this time round, instead I leaned back and listened contently. As I sat there in Kol's arms I recalled Marcel needing me to do a locator spell. Qetsiyah's words echoed in my mind, but I shook it off. Kol loosened his hold on me, letting me shuffle out. It was late, very late but the sooner I could do the spell the more time I would have with my family.

"What do you need? I can get it for you." Caroline insisted.

"Erm...well, I was just going to grab a map from the shelf..." She didn't let me complete my sentence. She was already at the bookshelf searching for a map.

"Where and which one?" She asked, ruffling through the stacks that were pushed back into the top shelf.

"A large map of Greece. I should have one."

"Ah, got it." She pulled out the sheet with ease and spread it out on the coffee table. Freya slowly stood up and leisurely walked to where Caroline stood.

"I can help." She offered scanning the map. "Where exactly are we looking for?"

I clutched the pendant in my hand and felt the magic hum through me. Brushing past Rebekah, I joined Freya. "she said to use the talisman and a drop of my blood. The blood will stop where the books are and whatever else there is." I headed back to the shelf and took down the small wooden box. Flipping open the lid I took out a safety pin. Behind me, my brothers and Kol stood with puckered foreheads, worry painting their faces. Rolling my eyes at how trivial it seemed for them to worry over a tiny pin. Ignoring their glares, I floated back to Freya. She took the pin from me and held out her hand for mine. Extending my hand out to her, a tiny wince escaped as she pricked me. Human me had zero tolerance for pain. The blood pooled at the top of my finger. Slowly, I turned my hand facing down and let the blood drop onto the map. With my free hand I gripped the pendant and closed my eyes. Only to reopen them to Freya's voice.

"It's done."

Peering down I followed the trail, watching it come to a stop at the centre of Greece.

"It's the Athens." She continued. "The temple of Athena."

"Everything must be hidden in there or under since that didn't exist at the time of Qetsiyah."

"Elijah and I will set off in a few hours and once we land, we'll let you know." Marcel voiced. I nodded in approval. Maybe somewhere in her spell books I could find a way to save myself from dying. They were still in the dark about the price I had to pay for what they committed. Elijah returned looking mighty pleased. Grasping my arm, I was led to the side, away from all the noise.

"Is he here?" I asked eager.

With a smile he responded. "Yes, but for a short time...he's busy dealing with a new threat."

"The werewolf attacks?"

"You're aware?" He responded with a question. I gave a tiny nod. He speculated something deeper, but I had no time to explain.

"Where is he?"

"Outside."

I ran past him and out the front door, greeted by the cool air. He leaned back against the brick wall with his arms crossed. Shaking my head side to side, I marched and threw my arms around him. "Bloody hell! You're supposed to be my bloody friend Klaus! And you disappeared."

For a moment his arms remained to his side but in a second, they were wrapped around me. He inhaled then exhaled. "I was convinced you were angry with me and did not wish to see me."

I pulled away looking him straight in the face. "I am bloody angry, but that doesn't mean I don't want to see my friend. Where were you?!"

His blue-green eyes appeared bluer under the moonlight. Straightening himself, he fixed his expression. "I was dealing with our werewolf problem."

I tucked my hair behind my ears. "Did you manage to find out anything? I can help."

"No love. You need rest and no, I've not found much. Just a bloody trail of bodies and a few odd names...Ariti and Adamos, but the moment I got there the trail went cold and they disappeared."

I gulped down hard, recognising the name. I refrained from mentioning anything, fearing he would react negatively and the last thing I wanted was to be under house arrest.

November 1950

London, Muswell Hill

Footsteps pounded against the floor as they hurried down the hallway. Voices cried out my name. I pulled the doors to my room open and stepped out, turning my head to the right. The girls ran towards me, their dresses swishing side to side.

"Mum!" Tessa panted, scurrying towards me.

"What is it, Tessa?" I looked over her as the other girls came panting, their hair loose and falling apart. "Why do you all look horrified? What happened?"

"The animal attacks! They happened again! This time it was much larger! Werewolves! But we have never seen any of their kind! We managed to trap them but we're not sure our magic will hold them in for longer." She said in one breath.

"Where?"

"In the woods. They attacked half the residents that were in their cottages."

"How many casualties?"

"Some managed to escape but the number must be over seventy!"

We scurried down the stairs and out into the cold, brisk air. I followed them down the winding pathway into the woods. The smell of blood wafted through the air. As we went further in, the ground was dark and wet with darkened blood. I could feel the tiny veins throb beneath my eyes. The trail led down the cottages and went deeper into the other side of the woods.

"How many of them were there?" Cocking my head to the direction where the air grew eerie.

"There were four of them. Two escaped." Diana responded. I stalked to the wooden cottage, stopping at the bloodied door where a large crack ran down it. The girls stepped forward, allowing me entrance, and anxiously watching me. The cottage was dimly lit, with shadows of heads cast on the walls. Low animalistic growls. I opened up my palm and a ball of fire formed-using it to light up the path. The beasts disguised as men growled louder and viciously. As I drew closer to them with the floating ball of fire in my palm, they cowered back, eyes wide with terror, never leaving it.

I hissed at them, baring my fangs. "Ah, so fire terrifies you does it."

The female growled. "Let us go or I will tear you to pieces."

"You are in no position to make demands...look at you. You're chained. You will pay the price for the destruction you've ensued and I will hunt down your pathetic pack and eviscerate them all!" A grin flickered across my face.

They shrunk back as they caught sight of my face. Closing my palm and reopening them, the ball of fire vanished. I crouched down before the female and tilted her jaw up with my finger. "Now, why are you preying on the innocent?"

"Go to hell!" She spat. A scowl formed on my face. Wiping my cheek with the back of my hand, I stood straight. She pressed her lips together, clenching her jaw.

"I'll ask again, why you are here and attacking innocent people?" My patience was running thin.

She scoffed.

"Motus." With a flick of my hand, she went hurling back, crashing into the stove. Rolling my head, grinning viciously, I strolled towards her, swishing my hand back and forth. I watched as her body slammed into the walls back and forth. Curling my fingers, her feet dragged her into my grip. The male bellowed and yelled. I presumed that was her mate.    Letting the fangs protrude from my gums, I tore into her throat, light growls escaping me as I guzzled down the blood. Thrusting her back, wanting a better look at her face, my eyes narrowed. Despite fearing for her life, she refused to give me my answers. She dropped to her knees. Drawing my hand back and with one swift movement it connected with her neck, slicing through with ease-decapitating her.

"Corinna!" The man yowled.

"Ladies, wait outside. I don't want you to witness any further." I commanded. They respectfully nodded and hurried out waiting for my further instructions. With the swish of my hand the door slammed shut. I turned my attention back to the male who shot daggers at me.

"Answer my questions and I'll spare you and maybe, you will not share the same fate she did." I pointed behind me.

"You're a vampire with witch powers. A MONSTER!" He roared.

I moved my finger back and forth tutting. "A monster? No, my friend, that is what you are. I do not kill innocent people. Now, back to my questions. Who are you?"

"Creon."

"Okay Creon, why are you here?"

"This is my home. Our kind predates history, and we came from this land. The Adamos and Ariti clan will come for you... generation after generation we will hunt you down!"

"Who are you?" My eyes darted between his face and the gnarly body. How could they transform without the full moon?

He scoffed. "We descend from the original pack and to answer your unasked question of how we can transform without the full moon, it's the blessing of the original pack that we're able to do."

"Why are you killing humans?"

"Because we can." He was mighty proud of himself grinning from ear to ear. I knew it was more than just that. My palm opened up revealing the ball of fire and I thrust it in his face. He shrunk back, looking for an escape.

"Where are the other two that were with you?"

No response, so I asked again. Yet he refused to answer. "Fine." I hissed. With both hands I yanked him up and dragged him back out the cottage. Ahead I could make out the silhouette of two large figures. They inched closer. Kicking Creon to the ground, I waited for him to climb to his feet. Incanting under my breath as he staggered up, low guttural growling came from him. A ring of fire spread around him, entrapping him. That was when he broke down completely, his fear eating at him and he buried his face in his palms, shrieking. It was clear his kind were afraid of fire. With my forefinger I directed a line of fire towards him. He writhed and thrashed as he caught on flames. The witches shielded their eyes from the gory. Smoke mixed with the pungent smell of burning flesh rose into the air.

"Annika, bring the female to me."

She complied and disappeared into the cottage, remerging a minute later. She dragged the female out by the foot and threw her into the fire. My head snapped up, looking overhead. The two figures retreated. I watched as the flames engulfed the bodies and they burned away till there was nothing but ashes. Eventually the flames flickered out.

"What do we do now?"

"We will clean this up and then the three of you will leave London, as you are no longer safe. I will deal with everything here, but my main priority is your safety."

"But Ma-"

I raised my hand cutting off her speech. "I can't let anything happen to you. Once all this is over, I will reach out to you."

"We will not leave you! You are family. Our only family."

"Please don't fight me on this."

"We refuse to let you push us away!" Tessa protested.

It was in that moment, after I cleared the mess and buried the bodies of the innocent, that I made the decision to send the girls away. I couldn't compel them, but I could extract their memories of me. They would be saved. It took every bit of emotional strength to see it through.

Present Day

"Why don't you come back in Klaus, we can discuss this werewolf issue later. Please?"

"Excuse me?" Came a timid, low voice. I peered over him. A rattled young boy on a bike with big dark eyes, trembled.

Klaus spun to face him. "And what brings you here lost boy?"

The boy whimpered. He opened his mouth to speak but the words failed him. He tried again but the words were incoherent and jumbled up. Yanking him by the collar, Klaus glared into his eyes. "Spit it out!"

"I-i have a mes-message for a Sophia Salvatore." He fumbled around in his pocket and presented a cream folded paper. Snatching it out his hand, unfolding it, Klaus's face scrunched up with fury. Grabbing the boy, he stormed past me into the house. I ran after him calling out, but my words were ignored. He stood in the living room waving the paper in the air, bellowing. The boy thrashed his legs in the air squealing.

"Klaus! What is it? What does the paper say?"

"How's the little cure doing? I'll see you soon." The veins in his neck throbbed as the anger bubbled in him. He turned to the boy. "Who sent you this? Answer honestly."

"I don't know- know...a hooded man gave it to me and next thing I know, I'm cycling here with a strange letter." He let the boy fall to his knees.

"How is it possible? How did the bloody word get out? Freya! Bonnie! Read the note! Find out who bloody sent this now!" He barked out his orders. Kol held me back against him, pressing his lips to my head. Vampires had gotten word that I was human, and a cure resurfaced.