It's finally here! It took a lot of editing but I really hope you like it. A lot goes down this chapter, let me know what you think :)
"Are you insane?"
"I prefer spontaneous. It's probably why Damon likes me so much."
The voices came as unrecognisable blurs to my ears. It was what I heard first... and then came the pain. It burned through my entire being but I was still drifting in and out of consciousness with no control over my actions.
When my eyelids finally fluttered open, I blinked wearily, my gaze drifting down to my chest. My hand was still pressed against the wound, soaked with blood. And yet I wasn't dead... at least, not yet anyway.
Because I could feel something. A strange and unfamiliar energy was attempting to rise to the surface and somehow, it was flowing through my whole body, my entire cells, trying its hardest to keep me alive.
My body was fighting the wound, attempting to stem the flow of blood and it was successful to an extent but the energy lacked in strength. Whatever this new force inside me was, there was one thing for certain. It was slowly weakening and taking my life along with it.
For now it was prolonging my life but it was also prolonging the inevitable in the most torturous way.
I wanted so desperately to figure out what was happening but I couldn't begin to try and put an explanation to it now. This energy wasn't going to last and I seriously needed help. And there had been voices.
Squeezing my eyes shut, my head pounded as I tried as hard as hell to concentrate. If only the tones seemed more forthcoming. My chances of survival were rapidly dwindling by the second.
"Here's what's gonna happen." A part of my mind which still working despite my numb state of shock whispered to me, Rebekah.
There was a sudden gasp before I felt it. The area around me was rapidly warming. A warmth I knew all too well. It was the type which came from a fire.
"You're gonna come outside. Or you're going to stay in there and burn. The next match is landing on you."
I couldn't take it anymore. Placing all my pride to the side, I finally found my ability to speak and groaned, "Bloody hell, will you please shut up."
An instant silence followed before I picked up the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps. I opened my eyes as a familiar face suddenly filled my vision and I nearly let out a sob. Elena. My sister.
My emotions flitted between joy and heartache. Not because I was saved but because one of the few people I loved most in the world was going to be with me at the end. I wouldn't be alone.
Her face went pure white. "Oh my God," she breathed, dropping to her knees and immediately springing into action. I had never seen her move so fast as she yanked her scarf free from her neck, pressing the material down hard against my wound. Her hands shook as she desperately attempted to stem the oozing flow. "What happened?" she demanded.
"Some freak witch attack," I choked out through dry, chapped lips.
Elena looked desperate. Tears began to stream down her face. Her head whipped around as she yelled, her voice echoing through the caves. "Rebekah, help me! My sister's dying! Heal her!"
"Sophie?" I could hear Rebekah's uncertainty, as if she couldn't believe what was happening. I couldn't see her face but her voice had switched from her earlier mocking to a quivering tone laced with fear. "Get her out of there Elena, now!"
Breathing haggard, Elena nodded to herself. Taking advantage of whatever energy burst was keeping me alive, I forced my good arm over her shoulder. Either way, the ending to my story was imminent. I was going to die but I would rather stumble out with some dignity than be dragged like some helpless ragged doll.
Exchanging a desperate look with my sister, she pulled me up. I cried out, my muscles screamed, my injured leg pierced me with the pain of a thousand knives. Elena managed to support my weight as she dragged me around the cave face, towards Rebekah.
We didn't get far. The flames were rapidly spreading. Blocking our path. I could see Rebekah's horror as she tried frantically to reach us but some unseen force was holding her back. Elena was now sobbing but I forced a trembling hand up.
I prayed for it to work properly. One last time. I slowly curled my palm into a fist.
The flames flickered twice before gradually diminishing, allowing us to stumble out of the cave.
As Rebekah reached for me, I weakly warned, "You attempt to kill my sister again and the next time, you will not be the perpetrator of fire but the victim. And I will make it hurt like h-hell." And then I crumpled into her arms.
Rebekah lay me down on the rock ground of the tunnel system, tearing her teeth into her wrist. She swiftly pressed the bloodied appendage to my lips. The viscous liquid flowed to the back of my mouth and I swallowed.
Then both she and my sister watched my injuries eagerly. The pain never went away and as my head lolled back, I saw their hope fade.
"I don't understand," Rebekah whispered as she gently manoeuvred my head to rest it in her lap. "It should have worked."
"What do we do?" Elena said on the verge of panic. And in that panic, there came anger as she shouted accusingly at the original, "How could you not sense her!"
"I..." Rebekah spluttered, and I smiled faintly although there was nothing humorous about the situation. Who would have thought? A thousand year old vampire, one of the first of her kind, completely lost for words because of little ol' me. "It must have been the barrier... I."
Elena was about to snap a retort but I refused to let it end like this. My hand found hers and I squeezed it weakly. The anger faded as Elena reluctantly met my gaze with blotched eyes.
"No…" she whispered, reading my expression and vigorously shaking her head in denial. Her breathing was increasing in frequency as she tried to supress her sobs. "No! Soph please - you need to hang on!"
But that was the problem. I couldn't hang on. There was little of the unknown energy left now, slowly retreating back to wherever it came from.
"When did this happen?" I shifted my attention wearily to Rebekah who was scrutinising my blood-soaked chest, before flickering to my dislocated shoulder and my broken leg.
"I… I don't k-know…" I uttered but Rebekah wasn't listening. She had frozen for a split second before whipping out her phone.
Her fingers blurred across the keys before she placed the device to her ear.
"Come on, answer," she pleaded through gritted teeth, her hand moving soothingly up and down my arm, trying to comfort me as shudders began to jolt through my body. "Brother, you need to get back down to the cave system now," Rebekah demanded as her hand came to rest against my clammy face.
My eyelids were growing heavy but I continued to force them open. Elena pushed down harder to stem the bleeding, tears falling uncontrollably down her cheeks. Rebekah was talking rapidly and five seconds later, she hung up.
"I'm s-so sorry I wasn't there for you and J-Jeremy," I whispered through ragged breaths and Elena looked down.
"Soph, save your strength. Tell me later."
"There might not be a l-later," I argued quietly and Elena drew in a deep breath, not looking at me but her tears kept on coming.
"I have a power E-elena… and I can't c-control it. John knew and he took me from y-you and Jer." I could see the fear and raw anguish as Elena processed my words.
She squeezed my hand tight as I continued, "I h-hated him. I d-didn't want you to be alone but in the end, he was r-ight. I could have hurt you or worse. John t-told me that if I wanted you to live a normal life, I c-couldn't be in it. I never meant to abandon you E-Elena. All I ever wanted was for you to be s-safe."
From me. Those words were left unsaid. But now it was not only me, it was the others who would take pleasure in threatening my siblings to get to me. To my power.
I trailed off, unable to speak. Elena bowed her head as she listened. Rebekah stayed silent throughout our conversation. A tear fell from her eye, landing within the tangled tresses of my hair.
Dots filled my vision and I looked up at the ceiling, unseeing. I had always been afraid to die but I couldn't find the fear anymore. "I'm s-so sorry little sister... I-I'm dying… I-I can f-feel it," I uttered tiredly as I stared blankly up.
I could no longer keep my eyes open and I could hardly hear Rebekah whispering, "You need to stay awake Sophie, just a little longer. My brother's on his way." Fighting to remain in the realm of consciousness? It had never been so hard to do before.
"What if it doesn't work?" came Elena's bitter tone.
There was a short silence before Rebekah muttered, "It has to. He's her only chance."
We stayed in the same position. Unmoving. My breaths became slower and uneven as I struggled to inhale in something as simple as air. I couldn't feel anything. The energy was almost gone and I tried desperately to pull whatever remained back. Forcing it to linger.
"It's not supposed to be like this," Elena whispered brokenly as my grip on her hand loosened. "You were supposed to come back. We were supposed to be a family. I can't lose you again."
As my body began to grow limp, I felt a strong tug in my heart. The only sensation left to feel but it didn't matter. Rebekah's head suddenly jerked up. "Over here!"
There was a rush of air and I let out an unintelligible whimper as I felt myself carefully being shifted into a pair of arms. They felt so warm. But it was too hard to move now as he cradled my limp body.
"Rebekah, her shoulder is dislocated, reset it, now."
Usually, he was so composed. A man like him shouldn't sound so afraid. His calm tone quaked. His palm cupped my cheek before gently pressing my head against his chest.
He whispered soothingly in my ear as I heard the small pop but I couldn't bring myself to let out a scream. There was a vague sound of tearing skin before my agape lips were muffled. A rich liquid seeped into my mouth before I felt my jaw being clamped shut.
"Come on sweetheart, I need you to swallow," he urged, tilting my head back and gently massaging my throat. There was a tense silence after I managed one last gulp. Then, slowly… very slowly the pain began to fade.
"Oh my God, it's working," Elena exhaled in relief. Rebekah let out a strangled moan as she staggered back and slid down the wall.
His hand ran gently through my hair, his fingertips lightly weaving through and untangling the knots as he waited for my strength to return.
As the seconds continued to tick by, I managed to nuzzle my face into his chest, my cheek brushing against the smooth fabric of his normally pristine shirt. It took a few times to force my eyelids to rise and when they finally did, green and grey irises met the warm oak brown.
"E-Elijah," I croaked and lifted up a heavy hand to gently wipe away a single tear which had trickled down his cheek.
At the sight of the new life within me, he pulled me close, trapping me within the comforting strength of his arms. His composure shook as he buried his face into my hair. "Thank God."
"What happened?" Elena asked softly but I could tell that she was just as confused by the events which had recently transpired.
Elijah didn't provide any inclination as to whether he had heard her so Rebekah replied shakily, "She's linked to us."
"What?" I exclaimed bolting up. I reluctantly tried to move out of Elijah's arms but I immediately gave up when his whole body tensed. A low snarl rumbled in his chest. Sensing his distress, I automatically reached up to trace my fingertips along the length of his jawline. When he relaxed, I queried, "Why? How is that possible?"
"I don't know, it doesn't make any sense."
"This has mother written all over it," Elijah responded lowly but he emanated a cold controlled rage as he raised his head. "She must be stopped."
Rebekah opened her mouth to protest but all that came out was a hoarse cry which she quickly cut off with a deep inhale. "I can't do it Elijah. I just… I just can't."
"No one is forcing you to," I soothed her which she returned with a small smile.
At that point, I began to understand that Rebekah Mikaelson may have been over a thousand years old but in reality, she had died at eighteen and that was the age she was stuck at. An eighteen year old girl who wanted so desperately to be loved.
I then turned to Elijah, my decision already made before I had the chance to think. "I'm going with you."
"Soph? What are you thinking?" Elena interrupted sharply. It looked like Elijah was about to protest until I placed my finger to his lips.
"I'm thinking that I might be able to stop her." At Elena's conflicted expression I added, "You saw what I did tonight, you might not want to believe or accept it Elena but it's real."
Elena didn't answer. Not that I expected her to. She would need time to think. To process everything with a rational head once all the commotion had finally passed.
Feeling somewhat normal again, It took everything in me to pull myself from Elijah's arms and spring to my feet. But as soon as I stood upright, my head began to spin and I moaned at the twinge of pain which followed.
Elijah swiftly caught me when I staggered.
"You were stabbed and broke several bones, sweetheart," the dark-haired original murmured. His lips twitched up with faint amusement as he guided my arm over his shoulder. "Wounds of that magnitude often take longer to heal, even with original blood."
I groaned at my weakness and an irritation towards Esther Mikaelson grew. Bitch. I had been right all along. If only I had listened to my instincts from the beginning.
"Okay then what do you suppose we – Elijah? What are you doing?" I shrieked as my legs were suddenly knocked out from underneath me.
Elijah's other arm encircled my waist as he swept me up into his arms.
"And here I thought you were supposed to be the honourable one," I muttered to myself, feeling my face flush. Rebekah shook her head with a smile at the display.
"Appearances can be deceiving." He lowered his head and I shivered as his breath tickled my ear, "You see, lovely Sophia; I'm only honourable when I want to be."
My breathing hitched as he leaned closer. His head dipped down and I bit the inside of my lip hard as he scraped his teeth lightly along my jaw, trailing a path of hot fire to my neck.
My pulse.
My hands clutched the lapels of his suit. It was such a feather light touch but the sensitivity caused my head to tilt back at its own accord. A small sign of submission.
Allowing him access to my skin.
I felt him pause at my movement and mouth quirking at my reaction, he pressed his lips against my pulse point before lightly biting down. I dug my nails into his clothing but it wasn't enough to prevent a small moan from escaping my throat.
Chuckling deeply, he pulled away and I hid my face in the crevice of his shoulder feeling my cheeks flame at my all too eager response. What power did this man have over me?
"You're horrible," I muttered.
He smiled, the arms around me tightening as he drew me in closer. "Hmm, I suppose I'll have to rectify that then if we survive tonight."
The moment was suddenly broken by the sound of a buzzing and I looked over to see Rebekah flip open her phone. "Nik and Kol are waiting at the entrance," she explained aloud when she noticed my prying.
Elijah nodded shortly and I shifted my focus to Elena whose face was nearly as red as mine after the original's recent confident display.
Her eyebrows were furrowed and I was sure that a part of her still didn't know what to make of the whole situation. After all, she didn't have the same insight which Caroline so obviously possessed and I think she was beginning to come to terms with that.
Coming to the realisation that maybe her blonde bubbly friend had been right all along.
"You'll be alright?" I asked softly and Elena nodded. Her shoulders were hunched, trying to hide herself away in an effort to repress her overflowing guilt.
"Just stop her. This is my all fault… I gave Esther my blood to link you all. I'm so sorry."
Her doe orbs watered and I smiled sadly at her. Only now the true consequences of her actions were beginning to hit home but I couldn't bring myself to feel any sympathy. Her decision had been hers and hers alone and thus the consequences were hers alone to bear.
"We'll talk later okay?" I whispered.
Elena said nothing and I shared a glance with Rebekah who huffed before nodding. Satisfied with the response, I turned away. The original would keep my sister safe.
"Hold on sweetheart," Elijah murmured and then we were moving at lightning speed. The wind whipped through my hair and when the surroundings melted into a single blur of colour, I pressed my face into his neck to prevent the oncoming dizziness. My eyes clenched shut as I waited for him to slow down.
Once the icy blast of air had finally resided, I slowly lifted my head and scanned around. We were in the forest, standing a few feet away from the bloody hole in the ground. The place where my whole escapade had begun.
We barely waited half a second before the two other original brothers approached from out of the shadows of the night.
Kol took one look at me in Elijah's arms and let out a low whistle. "Well well Elijah, here I thought you had gone to rip off the head of mother dearest but instead here you are. Out on a lovely little moonlit tryst. Not that don't approve. Your girl is simply ravishing." He sent me a quick wink and I shook my head, slightly embarrassed.
"Brother, I would ask you to refrain yourself from acting obtuse," Elijah advised lightly.
At his brother's words, Kol just smirked and appraised, "And here I thought you were a bore, big brother. Congratulations."
"Quiet Kol," Klaus's reprimanded, finally stepping in. The hybrid's eyes strayed to my chest. Blue irises flashed gold as he took in the blood stained clothes which I now sported and my pale complexion.
"What happened?" he demanded and Kol looked confused until he followed his brother's line of vision. His teasing outlook had gone, his mouth dropped slightly in shock.
"Esther," Elijah replied curtly and I could see anger flash beneath his dark eyes as his fingertips pressed into my waist. "Sophia is linked to us."
"That's not possible – is that possible?" Kol questioned me, still incredulous as the four of us began to make the trek to wherever Esther Mikaelson was hiding.
"If unexplained stab wounds count, I'm guessing it's possible unless I seriously pissed off a ghost," I replied.
"Well darling, let's think." Kol craned his head to the sky, with the semblance of someone trying to think with a mocking undertone. Elijah's dark eyes glittered when I pressed my lips together in a tight line, trying hard to hide my exasperation. "Do you have any dead ex-boyfriends who would be opposed to you canoodling with a bloke fifty times your age?"
"I can see why you daggered him Klaus," I muttered against Elijah's shoulder and said original chuckled as I continued, "You really are annoying."
"I'm hurt darling – wait you didn't answer my question."
"If there was or wasn't, you wouldn't be the first original I would tell."
Kol let out a protest of complaint but I drowned him out when I finally heard it. A woman, chanting faintly.
All casual banter immediately vanished. A cool sense of resoluteness was in the air as we stopped in our tracks and gazed upon the old witch house.
Feeling Elijah's eyes upon me, I nodded. He carefully set me down and once I was certain I had regained my perfect balance, he entwined his fingers with mine and pulled me in.
He was trying to keep me close, to protect me from his mother but I came with them for a reason. I was in no way vulnerable and either way, after surviving death once, I would ensure that I would not relive that moment of surrender to death tonight.
Klaus and Kol stood to my right as we strode out of the forest in a line of formation. My eyes swept in the sight in front of me, searching for a weakness.
A pentagram of salt had been composed on the grass. A flaming torch was situated at each of the symbol's five points.
Klaus snarled as he caught sight of the one brother who betrayed us all.
Finn Mikaelson stood calmly within the centre of the salt symbol of protection. At the sound of Klaus' growl, his eyes snapped to us. And then he yelled, "They're coming, mother."
Esther Mikaelson stepped forwards from where she had been ushering two figures away. She watched us unemotionally as we approached. "My sons, Sophia come forward."
My fist clenched at her use of my full name. If it hadn't been personal before, then it was now and I refused to back down.
"Step aside," Finn warned but Esther just smiled as she joined him.
"Don't worry" she reassured her eldest son, taking his hand to present a united front. "They can't enter."
Elijah and I slowed, the two of us realising that an impulsive form of attack was now off the table. Klaus mimicked our pace, coming to a halt but Kol continued to stride forwards undeterred. As soon as he got one pace away from the salt line, the flames roared upwards, igniting fiercely as if they sensed his presence. Only then did Kol stop.
It was useless, he couldn't get in.
"That's lovely," he sneered as he paced around the circle, all the while his focus was fixated on his older brother with the intent to kill. "We're stuck out here, while the favourite son plays sacrificial lamb. How pathetic you are Finn."
Finn said nothing, just returned Kol's glare with a hard determination... but I furrowed my eyebrows. Because I had picked up on one single action which the others had missed.
I saw the way Finn's hand had unlinked from his mother's; how he dropped his arm limply to his side. There was some type of emotion underneath his surface which suspiciously translated as guilt.
"Be quiet Kol, your brother knows virtue you could not even imagine," Ester reprimanded but Kol did nothing except sneer.
Elijah stepped forwards, shifting me slightly behind him. "Whatever you think of us, killing your own children would be an atrocity," he stated coldly.
"My only regret is that I did not let you die a thousand years ago."
"And what about me?" I spoke up and Elijah tensed. His hand tightened its grasp around mine when Esther finally turned her blank stare in my direction. "What dastardly deeds have I done to warranty a death sentence?"
Esther's empty expression wavered slightly as if she faced a moment of indecision before she replied. "I am afraid, Sophia, you are nothing more than collateral damage. As long as you continue to draw breath, Elijah can never die. He would survive my ritual."
Elijah pulled me closer into his side and Esther paused, regarding her noble son and I curiously. Finn did nothing except stare intently at his shoes.
"All I had to do was link you to my children and because of your species; only your protector can successfully heal you."
"Well sorry to disappoint mother but your perfect little plan didn't work out as expected," Klaus spat out before I had even had time to fully recognise the true meaning behind Esther's words. The hybrid prowled forwards, lowering his voice to a hiss. "So why don't we end all of this now, or I'll send you back to hell."
Esther regarded her son, unflinching at the sound of his threats. She stepped forwards. Klaus watched her, his form frozen as she approached the edge of the pentagram. "For a thousand years, I've been forced to watch you. Felt the pain of every victim, suffered while you shed blood."
I looked over to Klaus to see how his mother's words were affecting him. He did nothing except blink but there was pain behind his ocean eyes. It was so easy to detect. For the first time, I felt my heart go out to him.
Esther continued and swallowing, I turned back to face her. The Original witch's eyes were now on Elijah's.
The thought of her words getting to him, even by a miniscule amount, felt like agony to my ears before she even spoke, "Even you Elijah, with your claim to nobility, you're no better."
Elijah's hand in mine slackened but my hand tightened. A silent reassurance that I wasn't going anywhere. My other hand clenched into a fist as Esther regarded her children who stood as silent and as still as the air around them.
"All of you. You're a curse on this Earth. Stretched out over generations." Her eyes watered and her voice cracked. It would have been quite a convincing display of remorse if she didn't radiate an unnatural coldness. "If you've come to plead for your life, I'm sorry, you've wasted your time."
And that did it. Never was I ever the type to be easily angered but this woman had made me just about reach my breaking point within a couple of minutes.
"Good thing they didn't come to plead then," I retorted, twisting my hand out from within Elijah's grasp. My feet carried me swiftly forwards before I gave him the chance to pull me back. My trainers slowed a few centimetres from the pentagram.
I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, revived from Elijah's blood and ready to use at my convenience.
I met Esther's gaze directly. "You know, I have met a lot of people in my life but you are the only one who fits the definition of a bitch."
Esther started back, incredulous at the way I dared to address her. Not that it mattered. She was the one who dared to address me as Sophia in the first place.
Shaking my head bitterly, I continued, "I don't know what your definition of monsters is but you seriously need a reality check if you truly believe your children fall into that category."
I waited for her to process and she narrowed her eyes into slits. "My children are an abomin-"
"What do you know of my kind?" I interrupted her curiously and Esther sighed before reluctantly deciding to humour me.
"I knew of your ancestors. They believed in peace and harmony and settled around our village close to forests and seas. Each of you were blessed with one power reliant on nature and the strength of that power was dependent on how much nature believed you could handle."
I let out a quiet scoff. Peace and harmony? Fuck that. These days, those words meant nothing except bullshit. Everything had been so simple back then. That was until the original patriarch decided he wanted to be at the very top of the food chain.
Esther, reading my expression, smiled bitterly. "Yes, I also know my husband hunted your kind down to extinction so I have to wonder how someone such as yourself, still exists.'
Scanning the pentagram, I swiftly formed a plan before I looked back to the Original witch and replied, "Mikael almost did, but he was incompetent. There were survivors who hid in the shadows, who formed a place of sanctuary which only began to grow with their descendants, all of whom grew up on the horror stories concerning the immortal who threatened their survival. It was your husband's actions which led my kind to have a thirst for revenge."
I grimaced at that. Evil which was fuelled by revenge never stopped once it started. It just grew like a weed along with an insatiable lust for power.
"You knew what we are capable of before? Well now it now that times ten."
Esther's eyes widened, the shock of my information causing her to stumble back a step. I couldn't help but feel slightly smug at her reaction.
But I still wasn't finished. "You call your family monsters but they are nothing compared to some of my kind who take pleasure in torture, in wiping out thousands without so much as a blink. You should be glad your children actually feel something. The only thing which most of my kind feel is the desire to kill because it is the only thing we know how to do."
There was a stunned silence as Esther glanced at her children and for the first time there was uncertainty. "They still have to die," she muttered, attempting to convince herself. "They have still done wrong."
"It is not up to you to decide who lives and who dies," I spat, my nails dug into my palms in an effort to calm my rising anger in the face of yet another person who loved to play God. "You can walk away now Esther, or I will stop you." And I wouldn't shed a single tear.
Esther and I stared each other down, waiting for the other to crack. "What can you do?" Esther finally scorned. "I saw you heal Rebekah's date. You were gifted with the power over water which, in this situation, is useless."
"How confident are you that my power is only over water?" I enquired quietly as I raised my hand up towards the flaming torch. I paused before slowly passing my hand through the ember flames. Never once did I scream as the tongues licked at my skin.
When I finally retracted my arm, I heard an intake of breath from behind me but I made no attempt to acknowledge it. Instead I just watched Esther process the sight of my hand. It was completely uninjured. No scarring, no melting or blackened flesh. Nothing.
"That's impossible…" she stuttered out and when she locked her gaze with mine, it was then when I saw it. The emotion presently associated with my kind. The familiar spark of fear. Finally she had come to terms with what she was dealing with. "You are not…your eyes… you can't be… you're a 'True Wielder'… an."
"Abomination? Freak of nature?" I suggested and shrugged as my fiery irises reverted back to their natural colour. "Yeah that sums me up in one. Just let me give you a small tip," I said as I stared down at the symbol on the floor. "Next time you make a pentagram to keep us out, I suggest you use something slightly heavier than salt."
Before Esther could react, I thrust my hand into the air. Her cry of "NO!" was lost in the sudden surge of wind. I flung my arms out in the direction of the ritualistic symbol, the sudden blast shattered the barrier spell which kept us out. The salt was whipped up into the air at the onslaught before dissipating through the trees.
Klaus sped forwards, intending to finally finish what he had already accomplished a thousand years prior but before he could get close enough to his mother to deliver the killing blow, the torched flames began to blaze.
The embers launched up and Elijah grabbed my wrist. With a sharp tug, he pulled me in, holding me tight against his chest and I gladly let him. For all that rang through my ears was Esther's desperate screams.
"No! Sisters, do not abandon me!"
From out of the corner of my vision, I could see Finn rushing towards her form which stood prone in the centre of her failed ritual. "Mother!" He grabbed her and the two of them disappeared in a rush of wind as the fire began to surge out of control.
Leaning back against Elijah for support, ignoring his attempts to shield me from the danger which the flames now posed, I forced my trembling hands out in front of me. The explosion of raging fire was too powerful for me to weaken.
Something warm began to drip from my nose as I flicked my wrists in a sharp motion. Alternating the path of the fire ninety degrees, the embers illuminated the dark sky until its energy faded.
As soon as the last glimmer of orange had disappeared, I let my hands drop, sagging against Elijah as I weakly took in deep breaths.
The original rapidly span me around and his hand tilted my head up as he scanned me over quickly. He gently wiped the blood away from my nose with his thumb before enfolding me in an embrace. I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck drawing us closer.
"You're okay, we're okay," I whispered to myself in relief as Elijah rested his chin on top of my head.
"That was an audacious and a foolish idea going up against my mother, sweetheart," he murmured softly and I pulled back slightly, my hands still lightly resting on his shoulders as I tilted my head to the side, trying to decipher what he was thinking.
"She deserved it."
Elijah steadily met my gaze and I was surprised to see a glimmer of amusement flash through his eyes. His reaction baffled me. After what I had done, I had expected humour to be at the lower end of his emotions.
Most normal people would respond with fear... but then again, Elijah Mikaelson was far from normal.
The original leaned forwards and my breathing hitched as his head dipped, his lips lightly brushed the shell of my ear as he quietly responded, "Maybe so but it was still reckless and I assure you there will be consequences."
My breathing stopped as he leaned back and I trembled under the intensity of his gaze, at the sight of his irises which had darkened from oak to pitch black. I could virtually feel the heat steaming off my cheeks at the sound of the muffled snort which followed.
"Shut the hell up Kol," I stated, without looking away.
"I didn't say anything." The youngest original paused, looking almost picture perfect in his faux innocence but that picture was soon broken by the widening of his smirk. "Although come to think of it Elijah, some women find Christian Grey's version of consequences quite satisfying."
The shock which followed gave me the strength to break the lock of Elijah's stare and I snapped my head towards the youngest original, trying to stem the rising flow of embarrassment.
"When the fuck did you find the time to read that?" I managed to utter and Kol just casually shrugged, looking every bit like the cat who just ate the canary.
Klaus watched on, his mouth curved for a second before it faded from his face. "Mother is still out there, mark my words, she is not finished with us yet."
"And we will handle her brother, when the time comes," Elijah stated calmly, providing his younger brother with the confidence he needed.
He placed a hand on Klaus's shoulder and nodded at Kol's instant determination. I averted my attention, not wanting to intrude on the rare moment between brothers.
All three of them putting aside years worth of resentment and pride. Aligning themselves together towards a common goal. Quite an unorthodox goal but a goal nonetheless.
Klaus nodded and then turned to me, taking my hand. I watched as he placed a chaste kiss against my knuckles. For a split second, I saw a small glimmer gratitude pass through his ocean eyes but before I could take a closer look to check it wasn't some kind of deception, it was gone.
"Thank you Sophie," he murmured and I smiled back at him, knowing that he probably didn't do this often.
Elijah squeezed my hip gently as Klaus retreated back a step. With a quick wink from Kol, the two younger original brothers vanished from sight.
As soon as they disappeared, Elijah spun me back round to face him. A finger under my chin tilted my head up to meet his concerned gaze. Although the gesture was gentle, he gave me no leeway to look away. "How are you faring?"
"Shouldn't I be asking you?" I replied softly as I stared back at him. Elijah's expression wavered. He released me, only to take my hand as he led me away from the witch house. It was a comfortable silence as I gave him time to ponder through his thoughts.
Looking around, I let my eyes close briefly and concentrated on the air particles surrounding us until a gentle breeze started to blow softly against our skin.
Sneaking a side glance at Elijah, I smiled when I saw his posture start to relax and I lightly rubbed small circles across his knuckles with my thumb.
When my house came into view, Elijah let out a tired sigh. "She was right... Esther was right." I bit my lip and turned to catch his expression but he just stared blankly ahead. "We are monsters... a curse."
He stopped in his tracks and spun on his heel to face me. "How can you not abhor me right now? I terrorised your sister Sophia. I used my own sister's animosity to endanger Elena's life for my own gain."
After his mother's words, I had expected this and I was ready with my reply. "Would you have killed her?"
Elijah looked tormented at the prospect and that in itself gave me my answer. Despite his allegations, despite whatever blackmail he had accomplished by threatening my sister's life, I realised he would have never gone through with it. The kill.
That differed him from my sister.
In the end, my reply was soft and calm. "You did it to protect your family."
"At the expense of yours," Elijah implored. When his anguish increased, I didn't hesitate as my hands found his.
"Do you want to know why I still stand before you?" When Elijah's eyes reluctantly met mine, I continued, "Because I see someone who is not a killer, not a tormentor… but a man of honour. The guardian of your family. You release that side of you when you are backed into a corner, to save your siblings. How could I ever hate you for that?"
How could I hate part of who he was?
Elijah's eyes scanned my face for any trace of deceit before he let go of my hands and closed his hands around my hips, drawing me closer. "I could have lost you tonight," he uttered. The true sincerity caused my eyes to sting as I placed my hand on his cheek.
"But you didn't."
Elijah leant into my hand, his eyes closing and I smiled. The connection between us hummed, enticing me, luring me to let go of everything: my doubts, my fears and just simply be.
And in that one single moment, I felt happy, free, like the word had stopped on its axis to allow me to revel in the serenity of peace...
Then that moment ended and the events of today came flooding back.
Hooking my other arm loosely around his neck, I hid my face against his shoulder so he didn't see the tear drip down my cheek. I had to leave tonight but even the mere thought of leaving him hurt like hell. It was more than I could bear.
But, as I kept reminding myself, this was for his safety. And everyone else's in this small town which I would always call home.
Quickly composing myself, I whispered, "I have to go," and Elijah's hold tightened on me for a split second before he exhaled and his hands loosened.
"I understand. It appears your sister is home."
And so she was. The lights were on in the living room. Elena was waiting for me. For the truth and this time, my usual evasiveness would not be able to save me.
I reluctantly drew away from Elijah but was unable to restrain myself from lightly caressing his cheek, all the while allowing my mind to memorise every single detail. How was it that I had fallen for this man so quickly? It seemed almost like a whirlwind fairy-tale.
If only they existed in reality.
"Esther was wrong," I whispered as I felt a recklessness stir within me. Urging me to throw caution to the wind as Elijah shook his head.
Because Brooke had been right, I couldn't leave without at least knowing that this would have never ended up just being some passing fling.
"Sophia, she-" His words were instantly cut off as I tilted my head up and claimed his mouth in a kiss with as much ardour as I was able to give.
It was then when I realised that no matter what type of fantasy I ever envisioned, it would never do the true thing justice. In that one brief second I had forced my self-consciousness to one side but I never gave him the chance to respond. Because I had broken away before it became all too alluring.
Before I allowed the rising pull of pleasure to take me hostage.
"You are anything but a monster, Elijah," I breathed, running my thumb over his soft lower lip as I stared into stunned eyes. "Don't you ever think otherwise."
And with one last look at Elijah Mikaelson, I turned and it took all I had to walk away from him. As soon as I closed the door, I leaned against it and let out a shaky breath at the realisation that I was probably never going to see him again…
"Sophie!"
Hearing my sister's voice I decided it was time to get this over with. Wiping my eyes, in order to hide my slight emotional breakdown, I followed the sound of her voice.
Elena was in the living room, pacing back and forth. I may not have been able to feel pity towards her wrong decisions but that didn't stop the flood of relief at the sight of her. Rebekah had kept her word.
The same relief was reflected in her eyes when she finally faced me and yet she made no move to approach. That action in itself made me realise how this conversation was going to inevitably end. She sat on the couch and bracing myself, I took the seat opposite her.
Elena stared at me and I sighed when she bit her lip. "Go on just say it," I stated. Concealing my emotions. Like ripping off a band aid.
"You made the flames die down."
I nodded at her assumption, knowing that it wasn't a question and Elena's breath hitched as she leaned forwards. "Are you a witch?"
"It would be easier if I was wouldn't it?" I answered quietly as I crossed my legs over and leant back into the sofa. A flash of irritation crossed Elena's face and I sighed, understanding that now was not the time for riddles.
The time for riddles and vague answers had passed. The time for explanations had begun.
"I am known as a wielder but the people today know us as elementals." I saw the recognition and surprise as I continued, "Normally those like me are subject to controlling only one element but I am the only one in existence who can control them all. My powers first started to come into being around eight years ago at school. They tend to burst out during the teenage years when our emotions are the most uncontrollable. When we feel an emotion so strong that it takes over us. Usually the consequences are quite catastrophic. I had been on edge all day and when these two kids started bitching about you and Jer, I just lost it."
"You burnt the old science block down," Elena whispered, her eyes wide and at my grudging nod she closed her eyes and leant back into the sofa for a second before lurching forwards. "John knew didn't he?" she assumed as she put the pieces together. "That's why you left."
"He took me to meet some others like me who he thought would help control my powers," I explained briefly, avoiding her gaze so she wouldn't detect my half lie. "For a long time I hated him for it but I know now that he didn't want you to get involved."
"Those kids that died..." Elena began in a voice which was almost a whisper before quickly trailing off. She never once realised how white I had gone, how my body had trembled, how I swallowed down the bile which had risen up through my throat from the churning in my stomach.
There were thirty three children who didn't make it through that day. A whole class. After all these years, the guilt still haunted me. Reminding me of the darkness I was capable of. Elena would never remember how many fatalities there were that day but I did.
And I always would.
There was an uncomfortable pause before Elena finally murmured, "He was right."
I closed my eyes briefly, feeling the twinge of pain at her words. Why did it hurt? I expected this. I watched blankly as Elena jumped to her feet. "God, I can't deal with this right now," she groaned as she paced back and forth.
"Everything bad which has happened in Mystic Falls is because of a supernatural creature – I mean last year everything was normal and now Bonnie's a witch, Caroline's a vampire, Tyler's a hybrid and I'm a doppelganger. And then there is Klaus and the other originals ruining our lives at every turn. And that includes Elijah! We have all lost so much and Bonnie hates me because her mother is in transition."
Her voice broke in an attempt to conceal a sob and my breath hitched at that piece of information. "I even had to send our brother away because he chopped off someone's head."
Tears began to trickle down her cheeks. Hesitantly, I made a move to comfort her but when I placed my hand on her shoulder, she jerked back.
Her hands ran agitatedly through her hair as she backed away. "No Soph, this is too much to handle. You were supposed to be normal. I can't… I just can't."
She took one more look at me and then I saw the one thing reflected in her doe eyes that made my stomach turn. Fear. She fled from the room and I let her. The tears I had been holding back then began to fall and I didn't bother wiping them away as I ascended the stairs to my room.
It didn't take long to pack. I always travelled light in case I ever needed a quick getaway. As I folded up my last item of clothing and zipped up the case, I mulled over everything in my head.
For the first time, it had been plain to see how much my sister had changed in eight years. The fact that she aided in organising the death of five people still managed to horrify me but she had been shaped by the trauma which she had managed to endure.
Maybe if I never left, I might have been able to prevent all this. Now it was too late. Because she didn't accept me for who I was. Instead she feared me.
A familiar stranger indeed.
My footsteps never made a sound as I closed the front door of my old home behind me with a soft click. Never once did I look back.
I walked down the quiet street with one last destination in mind. If I had any reconsideration about leaving, Elena had set my thoughts straight and now all I wanted to do was get out of this town as soon as possible.
When the Bennett household loomed over me, I set my suitcase down and hesitantly rang the bell. There was a brief pause before I heard the approaching footsteps. The door opened slightly and before the blonde vampire even had time to open her mouth, I interrupted, "I need to see her Care."
Caroline sighed, sagging slightly against the doorframe. Her eyes conveyed sadness as she explained quietly, "She's grieving Soph, her mum is in transition because your sister was in danger and I don't think you being here will help much."
"Caroline, this may sound harsh but Bonnie isn't the person I'm here for. Please just let me talk to Abby." At Caroline's confliction I persisted, "One minute. That is all I ask."
There was a muffled voice from inside the house and Caroline looked back for a second before turning back to me. "Fine," she relented, opening the door an inch wider.
I swiftly strode past at the invitation, not bothering to wait and see if she followed. I quickly found Bonnie who was curled up against a wall, her hands wrapped around her knees.
When I drew close, blotchy green eyes peered up for a moment before looking back down at the floor.
"She's in there," she muttered without another glance at me and I lightly knocked upon the door indicated before entering.
When I saw her agitation, her grief, my heart pounded. Like a fist had suddenly clenched tight around the life providing organ in my chest. She was pacing back and forth, completely unaware of my presence. Her face was gaunt and tired. The look of a woman within the throes of transition.
Clearing my throat, I took a ginger step forwards. "Abby?" I whispered and eyes snapped to me.
It had been a long time but the woman had always been intelligent. It didn't take too long to put my features together. "Sophie? Sophie Gilbert?"
"Sit down," I demanded, instead of acknowledging her recognition. She attempted to protest until I gave her a glare which I had perfected over the years when I wanted my solitude. It seemed the effect never wore off as she immediately took a seat on the bed. "Don't waste your strength Abby, it's good to see you."
"Could have been under better conditions," Abby grumbled darkly but then all emotion in her face vanished. She stared at the wall, her gaze blank and unseeing. "I can't feel it anymore… the connection to nature… it's all gone."
"I know and I am so sorry," I sighed out as I kneeled before her and took her hand. "You saved my life tonight." Abby's startled head shot up and I elaborated, "Esther linked me to the originals."
Abby growled then put her hand to her mouth in shock and confusion at the animalistic noise. "I didn't know, I never meant to hurt you Sophie-"
"I didn't come here to tell you that," I cut her off swiftly. "I came to thank you. You have saved my life twice now."
Abby smiled weakly before her shoulders steadily began to shake with silent sobs. I stayed in my position, offering no comfort except the gentle stroke of my thumb against her knuckles. Letting her keep her Bennett strength without being coddled as she forced herself to regain composure.
When she finally found her courage, I had to lean in to catch the quiet words which poured from her mouth. "What do you think?"
I squeezed her hand, knowing my answer could never be truer as I replied, "I think you've been given a second chance. Not many of us are lucky enough to get that."
Abby nodded and the two of us were just content to sit there as she pondered. After a few more minutes had passed, her tears subsided and she whispered, "Can you send Bonnie in?"
"Sure," I responded softly and stood up. She had come to a decision. Once I left the room, I was met with an expectant Bonnie. "She wants to see you," I uttered.
As soon as the door closed, I turned to face the only remaining person in the room. At her anxious expression, I leaned back against the wall, ready for whatever she was about to throw at me. "Go on."
The blonde didn't waste any time before she was demanding an explanation. "You were linked to the originals?"
"She called me collateral damage"
"Bitch," Caroline muttered as she crossed her arms. "So when Alaric daggered Kol, you-"
She broke off and I nodded. Less than a second had passed before the young vampire flung herself into my arms. The contact made me tense. I was still on edge after tonight's events it seemed.
"Oh my God, Soph, I swear we had no idea. We just wanted to get rid of Klaus... I'm so sorry." I nodded, only so she would finally let go but she still clung on. "You said that Abby saved your life twice?"
"She desiccated Mikael. He was going to kill my family to get to Elena," I stated quickly, avoiding her eyes so she didn't see I was partly lying. Because in truth, Mikael had no idea of Elena's existence... mine on the other hand... there was a short silence and I pulled back. "I have to go Caroline, look after them will you?"
The way I said it was vague, deliberately allowing Caroline to think that I was referring to Bonnie and Abby. Completely unaware, Caroline nodded solemnly.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she stated with a smile but I didn't provide her with an answer as I let myself out. Goodbyes were always the worst. It was easier to just leave without them. Especially when I never intended to see that person again.
As I strode back down the drive I came upon a dark figure. I couldn't make out his features but he could.
"You know…" the person began and I briefly closed my eyes in irritation at the familiar snarky tone. "Vampire Barbie is going to be so upset when she realises tomorrow that you've disappeared off the face of the earth…again. Right before that Twilight marathon too. Tut tut tut."
"Everyone leaves at some point Damon; it's just a matter of when," I replied with exhaustion as I steadily approached the vampire in front of me. I didn't have time for chit chat anymore. "Now please, get off my suitcase."
"Nope." Damon casually made himself more comfortable upon his makeshift seat. Ice blue eyes pierced mine. "Why won't you let us help you?"
"Because you can't," I replied simply.
"Not good enough." I scowled at Damon and seeing that he wasn't moving any time soon without some kind of answer, I let out a loud sigh of irritation before plopping myself down.
"Alright," I muttered as I sat cross-legged before him on the dew covered grass and rested my arms upon my knees. "Because the person I am running from knows where I am. If I don't get out of here soon, he is the type to burn this whole town to the ground until all that remains is ash and dust."
I let him think that those words were figurative.
"Also I finally gave Elena what she had always wanted: an explanation. A small insight into my life and that alone was too much for her to handle. I came back on a risky whim to see how she is Damon and with everyone ready to lay down their lives for her, she no longer needs me. It is in everybody's best interests that I leave."
Damon pondered my words with a concerned look on his face before meeting my eyes with a inquisitive head tilt. "And what did your original boyfriend have to say about this?"
Chewing the inside of my cheek, I looked away and a smirk appeared on the older Salvatore brother's face.
"Ahh," he said knowingly. "You haven't told him, have you?"
I lowered my gaze to the ground and ran my hands through the grass, feeling the energy around me.
"Elena rejected who I was and she's my family Damon. You didn't see her fear. Once Elijah gets over everything that has happened tonight and realises the extent of what I am, Elena's fear will become his. Besides…" I added, swiftly cutting the vampire off as he attempted to interrupt. "I have been gone for eight years and have been running for five Damon, I don't settle in one place for more than a month at the most and I don't get into relationships. This one snuck up on me but I was deluding myself to think that Elijah would accept me."
"Now that's utter crap," Damon stated as he shot to his feet and leant back against a tree behind him. "You want to know what I think?"
"Do tell," I said impassively, watching the raven haired vampire coolly as he sent out a knowing smirk at the willing invitation.
"I think that you are in too deep when it comes to my favourite original. I was with him when he found out you were dying and I have never seen fear like it in all my years as a vampire. You want to skip town because you are afraid that even though he is an original, there is still the possibility he will get hurt like the last person who helped you. That and if he knew you were leaving, he would demand you to stay and what's more? You would do it in a heartbeat."
He stared at me and raised an eyebrow, demanding me to protest but I just stared at him with my mouth in the shape of an O. As much as I wanted to deny it, Damon had read me like the pages of a book. I had truly underestimated him. My silence simply highlighted that.
When the sound of a car engine reached my ears, I knew it was time. I turned to Damon. He took one glance at my pleading expression and groaned before standing up. Leaving my suitcase free to grab.
As my fingers curled over the handle I pleaded, "Promise me you will keep them safe."
Damon smiled sadly at me and nodded. It was no use in arguing. My decision was already made and there was no turning back now.
"I'll see you soon Sophie," he promised. "But you should know that when Elijah finds you and he will find you, I will be standing there with popcorn. It's common knowledge that no one ever runs from the originals."
A shiver ran through my veins at his implication. If they ever found me... if Elijah ever caught up to me. The thought both terrified me and caused my body to tremble with anticipation.
For his own safety, I wanted our paths to never cross again but fate usually had a funny sense of humour.
With one last final kind acknowledgement to Damon Salvatore; the vampire I had somehow begun to regard as a friend, I turned away and approached the car. With my suitcase placed inside the trunk, I opened the passenger door and slid into the seat.
To an outsider, my stance, my actions would seem calm and controlled. They weren't. Because every inch of me was screaming to run back into Elijah's arms, so much that it physically hurt and I gritted my teeth, forcing that urge away.
This was what happened when I allowed sentimentality to blindfold my judgement.
"Soph, are you okay?" I repressed the anguished thoughts and just looked towards Brooke. She didn't need me to give her an answer. She had known me for far too long. "I'm so sorry."
I nodded and held back my traitorous tears as I stared vacantly ahead. So much for fairy tales. "Just drive."