CHAPTER 24
Everything was so quiet leading up to her coven initiation that by the time the night actually was upon them Bonnie was a bundle of nerves. She stood in front of the mirror and surveyed her countenance. This was the first time in a long time, the Weird Sisters hadn't done her up like some sort of post-apocalyptic witch queen. All initiates into the dark coven wore the same outfit.
It was a simple black shift made of silk. It brought out the green in her eyes and her feet were bare to better connect with nature. Her hair hung down her back in her natural curls. The Weird Sisters had only applied a little mascara, a light touch of bronzer to her cheeks and a nude gloss. Her only jewelry was the crescent moon symbol of the consort she wore as a gold armband. The Weird Sisters had been right when they left her hair and makeup natural, it accentuated her appearance and it felt right for the occasion.
Tonight wasn't about her or Kai or any other individual member of the Dark Coven. It was about the coven as a whole and growing their strength.
Her fingers traced the scar on her chest. The only physical reminder of Hecate's possession.
"There you are," Kai said striding into his room. It wasn't a surprise. It was his room after all. Bonnie had been staying there for weeks. Would probably continue to stay there if he didn't propose to her again. "Not thinking about making a run for it, are you?"
Bonnie was distracted and scarcely heard him, but she managed a small smile. "No, I was thinking about Hecate."
"If you tell me you're having naughty girl-on-girl fantasies I think I might die."
"Shut up, you pig. She's a Goddess."
Kai closed his eyes and smirked.
"So hot and it's all right up here," he said and tapped the side of his head.
Bonnie rolled her eyes. "Don't you have a ceremony to prepare for?"
"Why? It's a standard ceremony. No fuss, no muss."
Bonnie smiled in spite of herself. "I should go."
"Why?" he sulked.
"Because it starts in ten minutes."
"Right, I should probably go too."
Bonnie arched an eyebrow. "You think? You're the damn coven leader."
Kai broke into a wide grin. She laughed and teleported away before he could try to delay them any further.
Bonnie reappeared in a clearing outside of Kai's mansion. Further up ahead through the trees she glimpsed a bonfire and heard the sound of beating drums. It wasn't time for her just yet, she knew that. For starters, the gathering was still missing Kai and the moon was not yet full.
The Weird Sisters joined her and she smiled.
"You look stunning," Lucy said with a broad smile. But Bonnie knew her well enough to see the sadness in her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I was just thinking about how much you love your mortal life."
Bonnie forced a smile. "I do, but it's nothing compared to how much I love my family. It's the right thing to do. I can't walk in both worlds as much as I would like to."
"It doesn't feel right."
Bonnie grimaced. "I know and I have wrestled with my doubts, but how can I choose any differently? The coven is at stake."
"I get it," Lucy sighed. "I don't want us to die, but forgive me for still carrying a grudge toward the dark lord."
"No need to explain, I get it," Bonnie said. "Feel free to hate him as long as you want."
"Oh, I've got that covered," Lucy said with a sinister smile that sent a shiver down Bonnie's spine.
"I see the dark lord," Rebekah said with a dreamy sigh as she gazed off into the distance.
Bonnie just caught a glimpse of Kai before he disappeared. The woods were thick here, it was hardly surprising, she couldn't see much ahead of her.
The drumbeat picked up their speed and the full moon became visible in the sky as if by magic. Bonnie's breath caught in her throat at the sight, it was beautiful.
"Well I believe that is our cue," Katherine purred. "Are you ready, hon?"
"As ready as I will ever be."
The music reached its crescendo as Bonnie walked down the path. It was strangely haunting. All around her was darkness and her coven members. Men, women and children, who were all looking to her to save them.
Bonnie saw Kai at the dais and she was overwhelmed by the feeling that she was walking down the aisle. That was foolish and she shook the thought off. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of Kai.
"Are you ready to join the dark coven as a fully-fledged member?" Kai asked. Those were not the exact words of the ritual, but Kai had never been a very traditional leader. It was a part of his charm although she would never tell him that.
"I am."
Bonnie kneeled in front of the dais and just as the first time, she had been halfway initiated Kai recited a chant in Latin. The coven chanted with him and there was an eerie quality to the way their voices blended together as one. The hairs at the back of her neck rose in response to the electric tingle of magic in the air.
What caught Bonnie's attention first, she could not say, but she had the strangest feeling she was being watched. It wasn't a bad feeling, she didn't get the sense it was by someone, who wished her harm. It was more benevolent and oddly familiar.
Hecate.
It was the same feeling, she had when she dreamt about Hecate. This coven initiation, it was exactly what Hecate wanted, which meant it must be a part of how they were to destroy Death once and for all.
With magic crackling all around her, Bonnie rose to her feet. Kai caught her eye and winked. But underneath his usual devil-may-care expression, she saw a hint of concern.
'You alright?' he mouthed at her.
Bonnie nodded and it was sweet that he was worried. That he understood this wasn't what she wanted and why. But this was bigger than either of them.
The serious vibe slipped from the coven members quickly. Before she had even turned around, she heard excited voices and laughter. When she faced the coven, she heard cheers. She knew everyone wasn't thrilled she would take up the role as consort, but there was nothing, they could do about it.
Kai put his hand on her lower back and she leaned into his warmth. Even from a distance, she could smell his fresh cologne.
"Are you sure you are alright?"
"I promise," Bonnie said with a bright smile. "But I could still use a drink."
Kai's broad smile mirrored her own. He waved his hand in a complex pattern and in the next instant, a drink appeared in each of his hands.
"There you go, babe."
Bonnie accepted the drink with a smile. "Cheers."
Maybe being a fully-fledged member of the coven wouldn't be so bad after all. Assuming they lived long enough for her to enjoy it.
XXX
Kai spun Bonnie around on the dancefloor. He smiled teasingly at her and drew her closer.
"How does it feel to be a real member of the dark coven?"
"Strange," Bonnie confessed with a shy glance up at Kai. "But the really weird thing is I felt like Hecate was there today."
"It wouldn't surprise me. She does seem to have taken a special interest in you."
Kai looked away and his brow furrowed the way it did whenever something was bothering him.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Don't lie to me. You're obviously worried about something so tell me."
Kai winked at her. "If you insist, bossy-pants."
"Oh my God, just spit it out already."
"I just can't help, but feel like we don't know her endgame."
"I think it's defeating Death," Bonnie said.
"I'm not so sure it is. She has taken an interest in you and what if that doesn't end when we gank Death?"
"If that's the case, we'll deal with it then, but for right now? I think we need all of the allies we can get."
Kai smiled. "You're right, Bonster. And I think you just gave me the idea I needed to crack this Death problem once and for all."
Bonnie was about to ask him what he meant, when she felt herself become swept up in some truly powerful magic. She was transported to Kai's bedroom, right in front of the crystal skull. She felt it whisper to her just as it had done last time.
I can give you power like you have never felt before, Bonnie.
Quickly, she averted her eyes and instead focused on Kai, who was putting on gloves and reciting a quick protection spell.
"What are we doing here?" Bonnie asked dubiously.
Normally, she would have assumed Kai whisked her away for some time alone, but looking at him right this minute it wasn't his game. It was probably related to his master plan that he had yet to fill her in on.
Kai carefully picked up the crystal skull.
"Did you know personal items can absorb a person's magical essence?"
"No, who would know that?"
"Well they can," Kai said. "And with Gods? It's a little trickier, but it can be done. Come on."
Kai started walking and she hurried to keep pace.
"What are you talking about? Do you somehow have one of Death's personal items and how did you even get it?"
"I didn't. But the first dark lord? He has one of Death's scythes."
"Death has more than one scythe?" Bonnie said with an arched brow. "What a cliché - oh my God, you're going to carve his name into it. That would give you power over him."
"That's phase one of my plan yes, but you're thinking too small, Bon."
Her eyes landed on the skull. That was it, that thing was the key.
"Once his essence has been summoned to something tangle besides his body you can tether it to a powerful magical item. One that conveniently can be destroyed."
Kai's answering smile was dazzling. "Winner, winner, chicken dinner."
"You seriously need to stop using that phrase."
The dark lord's manor was an eerie place to be at night, Bonnie thought to herself as she followed Kai through the hallway. He had the crystal skull in one hand and hers in the other. Kai's warmth and close proximity did nothing to alleviate the chill in the air nor the one inside of her.
It was probably the result of the gothic candlelit hallways as they neared the dungeon. If she were being honest, this place looked like Dracula's castle. Whenever she was alone here at night, she expected some horror movie monster or another to jump out at her.
Bonnie opened the doors to the dungeon and kept going. The dungeon was even more unsettling at night when it was just the two of them and the crystal skull for company.
"Where is this secret vault of yours again?"
"Below the dungeon," Kai said. "I keep the most dangerous items in my room, but the things I want to keep from my enemies? That goes in the vault."
"Why do you need two locations?"
Bonnie was feeling elated that they had a solution, she just wished it was stored somewhere less freaky.
At the back of the dungeon, Kai put his hand on the wall.
"Because of the saying, never put all your eggs in one basket."
In Bonnie's opinion that wasn't much of an answer.
The wall glowed for a second before sliding away. It led to a staircase steeped in darkness.
"Sealed with blood magic?"
"Only the dark lord can enter this place. I've got it locked up tighter than Fort Knox."
"Cool. Hey, is Fort Knox secured with magic?"
"Totally," Kai said flashing a wicked grin. "My dad did it in his day. And it has werewolf guards."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
Bonnie eyed the passageway uncertainly before following Kai. He didn't look worried and she was sure he wouldn't drag her into danger without warning. Well actually, she was more like eighty percent sure, but that was good enough.
The passageway turned out to be ominous yet harmless. The only truly frightening was the number of stairs, they would have to climb to get back.
After a few thousand steps, they made it to a dark cavern. The walls were no longer made of roughly hewn rock. Instead, they were jagged like cave walls.
"How far underground are we?"
"Below sea level give or take a few hundred feet."
"Wow."
By now, her eyes had adjusted to the dark and she could see shapes at the end of the tunnel. As they drew closer, Bonnie saw there were two statues. Bonnie stared at them. They were both of the Egyptian God Anubis. More importantly, magic rolled off them as ancient and powerful as Kai's magic.
"C'mon, Bonster. Anubis doesn't bite unlike me," Kai said with a teasing smile that made her heart skip a beat.
"Are those as old as I think?"
"Probably older," Kai said as he walked between them, leaving her to scramble to catch up. "If memory serves, they were rescued from the library in Alexandria."
"What?"
"Don't tell me you think Mystic Falls has always been the dark coven's home base? Because it hasn't."
"Remind me to pay better attention in history once all of this is over."
The vault itself was filled to the brim with interesting items. Bonnie, who had never been much for history, found herself itching to explore all of them. There was powerful energy surrounding every artefact. As alluring as that was, it made her hold back. The crystal skull was rumored to drive people to the darkest of deeds if touched without taking proper precautions, who knew how many of these artefacts held similar powers?
Another time, she told herself. Tonight was about the mission.
Kai took the scythe and the crystal with him to the altar. He grabbed an ancient athame that teemed with power. She watched with fascination as he painstakingly and carefully carved a name into the scythe's blade. Once, it was done, he held it up and she could see rough-hewn runes.
"So what is Death's name?"
Kai´s smile was wicked. "That is the best part."
"Well? Don't leave me hanging."
Bonnie nudged his arm.
"His name is Jonah."
"Jonah?" Bonnie stared at him with her mouth open. "Death's name is Jonah?"
"Yup, stupid fucking name, am I right?"
"So stupid and there is no possible way it's actually his name."
"Au contraire mon frère," Kai said and she gave him the exasperated look that phrase deserved. "That is really his birth name. Pun intended."
"And where is this secret weapon?"
Kai strode over to the alter and picked up a scythe. He held it up and she smiled at the sight. Even from across the room, she could feel the power and magic coming off it.
"Here it is. Pretty badass, right?"
"Right," Bonnie agreed with a barely suppressed smile.
"Here, check it out."
Kai handed the scythe and she accepted it. Its cool touch against her skin made her gasp. Powerful magic prickled through her like electricity. This thing was ancient and it had only grown more powerful with time. It set off every psychic sense she had and she could read its long, bloody history. It made her inner witch crow with delight.
"I hate to admit it, but as far as ancient weapons go, this is pretty cool."
Experimentally, she swung the scythe. It was light, slicing through the air easily. So easily, she decided to swing it a second time. The blade connected with the wall and she grimaced. It had narrowly missed several jars that looked as if they contained powerful magic.
"Easy there, before you hurt yourself or the dangerous artefacts."
"Sorry," Bonnie said with a reluctant smile. "So this is it, huh?"
"Pretty much. Now we just need the council to help us put the whammy on it."
"That should be easy enough. They're all right outside."
Kai's face widened into a broad smile that made him look boyish. "It's like you read my mind, but you know we do have a few spare minutes."
Kai took a step toward her and her answering smile was teasing.
"Do we now?"
Kai's arm snaked around her waist and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He angled his mouth to hers and she sighed in content. The kiss was hard and filled with heat.
When Kai picked her up, she wrapped her legs around his hips. Kai backed them against a wall. His kisses softened and she felt the cold hard, brick against her back. The contrast between it and Kai's rare gentleness was thrilling. Warmth pooled in her stomach and she mewled. Bonnie rocked her hips against his and a thrill ran through her when she felt his growing hardness.
She tugged at his shirt until he helped her take it off and throw it to the side. She kissed her way down his chest, relishing the smooth skin and his hard muscles. She slipped her hand underneath his jeans and stroked his cock. A guttural moan escaped him and the sound sent a shiver down her spine.
Kai's fingers played outside of her panties teasingly. He stroked her lingeringly and a shiver of warmth ran through her. He pushed her panties aside. He slid his finger along her slit in a slow sensuous movement and a moan escaped her.
"Are you ready, babe?"
His fingers moved more insistently and she moaned again.
"Yeah."
Kai's hands gripped her thighs. He pulled her against him and her legs circled his waist. Her eyes rolled back in her head when she felt his cock slide between her soft folds. His hard length hit that deepest point inside of her and she moaned. He thrust harder and she hit up against the wall. She ran her nails down his back and brought him closer.
The only sounds were their heavy breathing and Kai's animalistic grunts. Magic sparked in the air around them. There was a crackle of electricity. The noise sent a shiver down her spine and she moaned.
She tugged on his hair and rocked her hips into his. He changed the pace, thrusting hard and slow. Another moaned tumbled out of her lips. She bit his neck and ran her tongue along the same spot to soothe the ache. Kai chuckled and thrust harder.
"You're an animal, I love it."
Bonnie grinned and pulled him closer. A quickening started low in her stomach. She threw her head back and came with a cry. Pleasure and magic racked through her like a primal force. Her walls clenched around him and Kai followed her over the edge. She felt his magic join hers and the combination was a crescendo.
Afterwards, Kai pulled her closer. She could feel the beating of his heart where his chest was resting against hers. Her whole body was covered in a fine sheet of sweat and she nuzzled his throat. Kai's breathing was ragged, mingling with the sounds of her own. The air was filled with the scents of sweat, sex and Kai's cologne. She closed her eyes and breathed it all in. They might not survive this and she wanted to enjoy every last moment she had left.
And why shouldn't she?
In a few moments, the demands of the real world would force them out of here. But that was a problem for later.
XXX
The post-ceremony party was still going when Bonnie returned with Kai. It definitely looked as if the coven were planning to party all night.
The Weird Sisters were off in a corner doing shots with Stefan and Tyler. When Kai saw them, he sighed.
"Could you please sober your Night Maidens up? And I will handle the rest of the coven."
Bonnie rolled her eyes. "You're grouchy."
"Hey, you're the one, who told me, I was no longer allowed to be rude to them."
"I'm on it, sheesh."
Bonnie approached her friends and blushed when she realized the Weird Sisters were planning another night of group sex. There were some things, she really didn´t need to know about her friends.
"It'll be fun," Rebekah purred. "Bring Caroline if you must, but don´t you dare miss it."
She tapped Tyler's chest playfully and he actually blushed.
"I love a good orgy," Katherine said and tossed her curls. "But since Elijah doesn´t share my sense of fun, I am forced to decline."
"Excuse me," Bonnie said loudly. "But we have actual coven business to attend first."
"Oooh, look at you turning into a responsible fuddy-duddy."
Bonnie rolled her eyes and grabbed Rebekah. She dragged her along and the others followed just as she had known they would. That was the thing about the Weird Sisters, where one went the others followed.
By the time they had reached the dais, Kai had gathered the rest of the coven. Bonnie found her place next to them. The Weird Sisters flanked her a couple feet behind. It was difficult to imagine how desperately she had fought this just a little while ago. Now she could scarcely remember what life had been like before she was elbows deep in coven business.
"We are going to kill Death and we start tonight," Kai said and raised the scythe over his head. An awestruck hush fell over the coven. "All council members join me. Everyone else, start prepping the defenses. If you have any questions relating to that well that's what Bonnie is here for."
"How?" someone at the back asked. "How do we kill Death?"
"We are carving his name into this scythe and using it to bring him to us. Then I take his head off with this."
"And we use the infamous crystal skull to give the Dark Coven the power we need to take him down."
"Much better idea than tying his essence to that thing," Kai said with a grin in her direction.
"Everyone, who is on defense follow me," Bonnie said and marched along.
For a second, she wondered where that came from then dismissed it. It was almost shocking what good sex could do to give a girl back her spunk.
The Weird Sisters hurried along behind her and she heard the shuffle of dozens of people following her. Once more Bonnie wondered if this was such a good idea.
Was she a leader?
Then she squared her shoulders and pulled herself together. It was too late to back out now and Hecate had tasked her and Kai with saving the Dark Coven. She would do whatever it took to save them. At long last, she had fully accepted the responsibility fate had bestowed upon her.
Once she was in the library, she took her place in an armchair in front of the fireplace. It was the same spot, she imagined Kai would take so she thought it was the best move. If she was actually going to lead, then she needed to look like she fit the role. The Weird Sisters aided in the illusion by standing behind her.
Slowly, the remainder of the coven came in and took their seats. Seeing everyone seated, Bonnie had to fight off the urge to invite the Weird Sisters to sit. As her Night Maidens they were some of the highest-ranking members of the Dark Coven and theirs was a position of honor.
"What is the plan?"
"You're a child!"
"How can you lead?"
For a second, Bonnie almost turned and ran at their argumentative ways. It felt like a thousand questions were flying at her instead of a handful of protests.
I am chosen by Hecate, Bonnie told herself.
"I was chosen by Hecate to help save the Dark Coven so that is how I will leave," Bonnie said raising her chin. "Now either help me or shut the hell up!"
The coven fell silent. Sheila nodded her approval. Bonnie's inclination was to smile whenever she made her Grams proud. It was such a rare feat, she couldn´t help feeling excited. Yet she forced herself to remain stony faced. When dealing with coven business showing no emotion was the best course of action.
XXX
The next day, Bonnie was nervous. The entire coven had gathered at the back of the dark lord's manor. With the exception of children and the elderly, who were at the Academy protected by shields and wards according to plan.
Kai was next to her and he squeezed her hand. Still her instincts, told her this wouldn't be enough. She had been a witch long enough to recognize her pressing alarm as a psychic feeling. That same feeling told her something else, they needed a deity to succeed.
Before Kai could stop her, she dropped to her knees and prayed to Hecate for strength.
She felt more than heard Kai's reaction. But it didn't matter. The world around her froze and Hecate appeared before her.
"You summoned me, Bonnie Bennett?" Hecate asked in a voice that was too high and too clear to be human.
"If we are to succeed, we need your help like last time."
Hecate smiled. "And you shall have it. Last time, I took you over. This time, I shall bless you with my strength."
"You would do that?"
"Not everyone is strong enough, but you are. You are a child of magic and I was there at the moment of your birth. I saw the moon and I more than anyone know what you are capable of."
"Thank you."
Hecate took her face in her hands. Instantly, Bonnie felt her power moving underneath her skin. If Kai's touch felt like magic then Hecate was magic at its purest. Her power was nuclear. Bonnie's whole being thrummed as she infused her with power.
Gently almost reverently Hecate kissed her forehead. That power hit Bonnie like a mac truck. One second, she felt it, all of Hecate's magic and power. All of her knowledge - Bonnie knew all of the secrets of the Gods. In the next, everything went black.
XXX
Bonnie woke to Kai kneeling next to her. His fingers caressed her face and she sighed. She felt a prickle of his magic, but she shook it off.
"No," she murmured. "No, I don't need it. I feel strong."
"What the hell are you talking about? You just passed out, Bonster."
"No, I summoned Hecate," she said with a soft smile. "And she gave me her strength."
"She what? Did you hit your head, babe?"
"No."
"The Gods don't just imbue people with their powers anymore."
"Well she did and I know what to do."
Kai rubbed his jaw and stared off in the distance. Judging by the tension in his jawline he was either about to fly into a rage or have a stroke.
Bonnie strode to the center of the gathered witches and warlocks. She cast an incantation that only amplified the power of the crystal skull. She felt her magic course through her like a living breathing thing, it was like she was on fire.
She turned back to Kai and raised a hand. She brought down the protective wards surrounding his manor.
"Let's do this," Bonnie said.
"Let's rock this bitch," Kai said with a wolfish smile. One that even in the face of almost certain death thrilled her to her core.
Kai brought the protective wards down completely. Immediately, Bonnie's instincts went into overdrive. She could sense the chill that death brought with it. It was as if blood was raining down on her and for a second, she could have sworn she was standing in a tomb. A shudder racked her.
Bonnie used her new strength to summon Death.
XXX
Wolves and vampires ran at them from all directions. It was all Bonnie registered before she was in the thick of it. Hurling spells in every direction, she and Kai linked hands. They forced their way to the center and somehow, just as she had known they would, they found him.
Death stood at the center of the chaos. Underneath his hood, he may well have been smiling, but she would never know. His face – if he even had a face was shrouded in shadows as it always was.
"Well if it isn't the Dark Lord. The arrogant mortal, who fancies himself Grim Reaper. And Bonnie Bennett. The girl, who would be Queen."
"Would be?" Kai snarled. "She is the Queen. And you will bow to us."
Death laughed. It was a hollow sound that sent a chill down Kai's spine. And he knew whatever Death was going to do next would be unpleasant so Kai had to strike first.
"Venenum per venas," Kai said raising his hand.
Power coursed through him and as always when he cast big spells, he felt a rush. A high unlike anything else. He had fought his entire life to get where he was and he was not about to let it go to waste now.
Death screamed as poison filled his veins. He fell to his knees, roaring in pain.
XXX
Bonnie saw Kai facing off with Death. Or at least a part of her did. Her real self was tucked away into a back corner of her mind. She was her and she was in her body yet it felt as if someone else was running the show. She had experienced this once before when Hecate possessed her.
Somehow, she just knew what she had to do in order to save the Dark Coven. She raised her hands to the sky and summoned every ounce of power she had. The earth shook and the winds howled. The sun was covered by the moon – it all happened very slowly and very fast. Before the rest of the coven could fully comprehend what had happened it was done.
Bonnie saw herself raise both hands. She cried out in a language she did not speak, but that sounded familiar. Somehow, she understood the intention. She was summoning hellfire – the only magic that could kill a God.
In the past it had destroyed entire countries. And she planned to unleash it with her coven present. Yet she did not waver.
Bonnie cried out in that foreign language, chanting at an increasing volume. From deep within her, she felt power surge. It was like a tidal wave, stronger than anything she had ever felt before.
The power grew stronger and stronger until she was ready to explode. It burst forth from her like a tsunami. It shook the very foundations of the earth. The wind howled, nearly knocking her off her feet.
Ahead of her a chasm split open the ground with a roar. She turned back to Kai.
"Get everyone out of here!"
"I'm not leaving you!" Kai shouted.
But he waved to other coven members, signaling it was time to evacuate. She felt more than saw him teleport several people out. All the while continuing to hurl spells at vampires and werewolves.
Death stood across from Bonnie. He was just watching her yet she could sense he was no longer as arrogant as he had once been. He knew as well as she that his days were numbered.
"Foolish girl. Do you truly believe you can defeat me even with the aid of Hecate?"
Bonnie smiled, but it was more like a wild animal baring its fangs. She spoke in an ethereal voice that was not her own.
"No longer shall you terrorize my people."
Bonnie raised her hands again continued to chant. The magic in the air around her grew stronger and the chasm split wider. It grew in size rapidly closing in on Death. He tried to escape, but Bonnie held out a hand and magic surged forth. He was pinned in place.
Death struggled and roared with rage as the chasm continued to approach him. Soon it engulfed him and Bonnie watched as he fell screaming to his doom.
The second Death was truly gone, she felt it. It was like a rubber-band snapping and she fell to her knees. Hecate's power left her as well. She was left breathing hard, spots dancing before her eyes. Her head was spinning and she had to fight not to throw up.
Kai raced to her side and kneeled next to her. He pulled her into his arms.
"Guess we didn't need that spell of yours after all," Bonnie rasped.
"No, we just needed a Goddess," Kai said in complete awe.
Black spots danced before her eyes. The ground was spinning.
"Kai," she murmured. "Cat -"
Kai's arms encircled her and she sighed. She should have known she wouldn't need to ask Kai to catch her. He did it easily before she could hit the ground.
"I've got you, babe. Let's get you to the infirmary."
"No," she murmured. "I have to – coven – duty -"
"You just killed Death single-handed. What you need is to go to the infirmary."
Bonnie would have liked to stop him, but she was too weak. Instead, she was carried away in his arms. Kai held her closely and she could feel his warmth seeping into her. She gave in and rested her head to his chest. Her eyes closed and she felt safe for the first time in months.
"Thanks, Kai," she mumbled. "I can't believe we did it."
"Me either."
Bonnie smiled wanly because she could hear the grin in his voice.
As Kai walked across the grounds, people turned toward to him. They murmured words of praise and awe. It was not long before Bonnie heard her own name repeated among the crowd, echoing back to her.
"Bonnie."
"Bonnie."
"Chosen by Hecate."
"A Goddess among us!"
Some Goddess, I can't even walk myself to the infirmary, Bonnie thought with disdain.
"Put me down."
Kai put her down, but he did it with a reluctant look. He even held her to him just a moment too long as if hoping to change her mind. Still, he kept one arm around her. She leaned against him and smiled wanly at people.
"I am not a Goddess."
"But she was chosen by a Goddess," Kai said with a certainty she far from felt. "As promised by myself and Hecate, Bonnie has ushered in a new dawn."
As Kai spoke, more Coven members stopped to listen. Others moved closer to hear him better. Bonnie couldn't help except look up at him in awe. She might have kicked some ass with her magic, but Kai was the public speaker. He enjoyed the eyes of the whole Coven on him whereas she was content to play hero and call it a day.
She had no interest in giving speeches or trying to charm the coven. Most of her life she had been the quiet friend, the one, who stays in the background. It was just her personality and she felt no need to change that.
Although Kai was probably right not to let her handle this one. The best she could do was tell them she wasn't a divine deity. The truth was, she didn't want to talk about it. She didn't want to appear weak in front of the coven, but that was about the extent of her desire to converse with large groups. What she really wanted was a cup of tea with her Grams and a soak in the tub.
"The world is changing and the Dark Coven will change with it," Kai said with a confident grin. "From now on, we are going to go out into the world. We are going to find others with magical ability and we are going to welcome them into the Coven. We will use our powers to save the environment and stop the other supernaturals from destroying the planet," Kai said.
"Hecate will continue to protect this coven. Just as the Dark Lord himself has done since the beginning of time," Bonnie said. "Satan and Hecate are on our side. We can heal the earth together."
"Especially now that Bonnie has ascended and become a Goddess as well."
Bonnie slanted a look at him out of the corner of her eye. This was exactly the kind of nonsense she was trying to avoid and Kai had deftly maneuvered the conversation back to this so that he could proclaim them both as deities.
But she was not a Goddess.
"Now if you will excuse me, ascending to deity is tiring and Bonnie needs to lay down. Even us Gods need our beauty sleep."
Some laughter and nervous glances followed that statement. Once the assembled witches and warlocks started to laugh some of the unease and tension melted away. Even Bonnie found herself cracking a smile.
XXX
Bonnie spent most of the night in the infirmary and by the time she made it back to Kai's bedroom, she was ready to fall over. Much to her amazement the Weird Sisters were all lounging on the bed.
"I'm so happy you're alright," Bonnie said falling down next to them. "I looked everywhere for you. Where's Grams?"
"Ordering Elijah about last I saw her," Katherine said and yawned dramatically. She fluffed up a pillow and made herself comfortable. "I'm exhausted. I can't believe it is over."
"Tell me about it," Lucy agreed stretching.
"Do you think DL will mind if we crash here tonight? I cannot even fathom the walk back to our room," Rebekah drawled.
"I mind," Kai said appearing in a cloud of smoke.
"Do you always have to be so dramatic?" Bonnie complained as she waved away a cloud of smoke. "I mean there is a door right over there."
"Why would I walk when I can teleport?"
Bonnie rolled her eyes. "I didn't think you would be back yet."
"In spite of what I said earlier, it's just a pitstop. I have wards to replace and a coven to organize."
Bonnie groaned and tried to sit back up. "I'm on my way."
Kai waved a hand at her.
"Stay here with your friends. I'll handle it."
"No, I should help," Bonnie insisted trying to get up.
"You nearly died today. You saved all our asses, I say your work here is done. And I'm charging your Night Maidens with keeping you in that bed any way they can."
"Wow, DL. You dirty bird," Katherine crooned.
Kai rolled his eyes and disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Bonnie collapsed back into the mattress with an exhausted sigh. "Sometimes, I wish Kai was more normal."
Now that the Weird Sisters were her Night Maidens, they knew Kai's name. It was one of the few advantages that came with the position. That and becoming some of the highest-ranking members of the Dark Coven.
"He's the Dark Lord. What did you expect teddy bears and chocolate?"
"He did actually get me a teddy bear on our first date. He charmed it to talk. It was sweet."
A chorus of 'awes' was the response.
Bonnie sighed and smiled. Back then Kai had been her biggest problem, but she had learned fast he was on her side and there were far worse things out there. Now all she had to do was figure out how to lead a war-torn coven and everything would be peachy.
Easy-peasy, she thought sarcastically. If only it was.
"It'll be alright, cuz. You made it through the worst of it," Lucy said with a wolfish smile. "You know Kai is an ass, but he is a capable leader. By tomorrow morning, the coven's fears will be assuaged."
"Yeah," Katherine agreed.
"I do believe a celebration is in order," Rebekah drawled. "Food, drink and carnal pleasure heals so much."
Bonnie wasn't sure she agreed with the carnal pleasure part, but otherwise it was as good a plan as any. One she would talk to Kai about in the morning. She would have gone now except her eyelids felt heavy and she was already starting to drift off to sleep. Rebekah's suggestion had filled her with a relief, she hadn't known in a long time.
Slowly, Bonnie fell asleep, secure in the knowledge Death was gone and her Night Maidens would protect her.
Hell, she didn't even need them. She had quite literally summoned Hell fire. It was something only a handful of practitioners had done over the centuries.
XXX
Over the next several days, they focused on rebuilding the Dark Coven. There was only a few lost lives in the short battle yet that loss reverberated throughout the coven. Bonnie often found herself staring wistfully out of the window at the battle ground. Each time she did, she thanked her lucky stars none of her loved ones had died during the battle.
Only to remember, she was the future consort. Every life in the Dark Coven was among her loved ones, each life was as much her responsibility to protect as it was Kai's.
The rain was pouring down and Sheila was talking to her about something – Bonnie actually had no idea what it was about it. Yet she could tell by the insistence in Sheila's voice it was important. Bonnie didn't turn away from the window, there was something calming about the raindrops spattering the glass.
"Bonnie Sheila Bennett!" Sheila snapped.
Bonnie glanced over her shoulder. "You know that's not my middle name anymore."
Sheila raised a perfectly styled eyebrow. Her gaze was sharp. Just a few months ago such a withering look from her Grams would have caused her to cave. Now, it barely phased her. She had faced scarier monsters than even her nightmares could conjure and win.
But it was more than that. Bonnie was brimming with power. She could feel it deep within her. The powers of the Goddess, they were still with her.
"How do you feel?"
"Fine."
Sheila shot her another sharp look. "Do not lie to me."
"I feel strange," she confessed. "I can feel of the power I had when I opened myself to Hecate. It's still there and I can feel it humming underneath my skim growing more powerful every day and it wants to be used."
"So use it," Sheila said with a knowing look and she had a sip of tea.
"But what if it is too powerful and I lose control?"
"Child," Sheila said in disapproving tones. "You chose to summon a Goddess, open yourself to one and you had no idea of the consequences, did you?"
"There should have been no long-term consequences. There wasn't last time."
Sheila gave her a look of complete astonishment and disapproval.
"This is precisely what happens when witches and warlocks do not take their magical studies seriously. When they play and treat is as a hobby just as you did."
Bonnie scowled at her. "Seriously?"
"Seriously," Sheila said evenly. "The first time it was as if you had a seed planted within you. One that would not change anything unless you nurtured it, purposely grew it with careful magic studies and practice. Then you foolishly repeated it and now that power is fully grown. It is yours. The Dark Lord is right, you have divine power now. Just as he does."
Bonnie was seeing spots and she sat down.
"There is no way that is possible."
Kai only had a fraction of divine power. It was something that came from the unity of the dark coven. It made him more powerful than any witch or warlock could hope to be on their own. But if Bonnie had the fully blown power of a Goddess, she was far more powerful than he was.
"Whether you believe it or not doesn't change anything," Sheila said. "The power is yours and you must use it wisely."
"Like what perform miracles?"
"Save the planet and protect others from the supernaturals that would wish to do them harm."
"Just like he wants," Bonnie said. "A new era for the Dark Coven."
"Isn't that what you want as well? Now that you are set to become consort, you will be able to rejoin the mortal world. Perhaps not the same as before, but more than your average witch."
Bonnie turned around and looked at her.
"I can?"
Sheila shrugged. "If you would like."
That was a difficult concept to wrap her mind around. So much had happened. She didn't feel like a teenage girl anymore let alone the girl she had been when she left Mystic Falls high school.
Could she go back?
Did she even want to?
The sad truth was, she didn't know.
"Maybe I would. I miss my friends."
"I suppose you do," Sheila said with a twinkle in her eye. "Have you started to feel it yet?"
"Feel what?"
"The passage of time. Mortals lead such short lives. They are here one minute and in the blink of an eye they are gone. And yet we remain almost the same as if no time has passed at all."
"That's exactly it. I know so much has happened in the past few months, but it feels like a minute."
Sheila smiled a knowing smile. "We feel time move and still it feels as if we are standing it still. It might be the only thing we have in common with vampires."
"That and darkness," Bonnie whispered.
XXX
Bonnie would have liked to say time flew over the next several months. But they didn't. They snailed by as she buried herself in coven work and Kai.
Kai was the best thing about it. And the worst. Some days he made her so angry she could strangle him. But he was also the sweetest guy she knew. Secretly, no one else in the coven knew him as anything except the terrifying and stern coven leader. She knew it was just an act. A way to maintain power because the Dark Lord was meant to be a distant, frightening God.
And now she was the same. She was the Dark Savior. A Goddess among her people. It still felt strange to her. Even now as she stood before Kai at the dark altar it felt surreal. But she couldn't stop the smile on her face. He winked at her.
Sheila performed the dark rites that would wed them.
"Do you take Bonnie Bennett the Dark Savior as your unholy bride?" Sheila asked.
"I do."
Kai squeezed her hands. That small touch made warmth flood her.
"Do you take Kai Parker the Dark Lord as your unholy husband?"
"I do," Bonnie agreed with a teasing smile.
"I pronounce you married and may the darkness always surround you."
Kai grabbed her waist and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself closer. His body was warm and she could feel his magic thrum in the air. It rocked through her and her own magic responded. It was sheer bliss.
XXX
Eventually Bonnie returned to mortal Mystic Falls high school for her senior year. At least she tried to. In the end Sheila had been right she felt the passage of times for her mortals friends, but not for her. They thought she had been gone for two years. To her it was nothing more than a month or two at least that was how it felt even though she was aware it had been longer.
It was too much of a gap to bridge and Bonnie returned to the Academy where she graduated with all of her friends. The Weird Sisters, Elena, Caroline, Stefan and Tyler. It felt right to be there with them where she didn't have to hide what she was and where time moved as slowly for everyone else as it did her.
The only event in the Dark Coven where the color white was worn was graduation. She stood on stage dressed in white with her friends and smiled at Kai in the audience. He was sitting next to Sheila, who could not have looked prouder if she tried.
"Bonnie Bennett," Elijah said. "Our Dark Lady and Savior."
The audience cheered. Bonnie smiled and stepped forward. She shook Elijah's hand and accepted her diploma.
"Any words you would like to say to the coven?" Elijah asked in an undertone.
Bonnie shook her head. "You know I prefer to leave the words to my husband. I hate public speaking always have."
Elijah smiled wryly. He was aware just because Bonnie was the quiet one in the relationship it did not mean she was weak. It was common knowledge in the Dark Coven that their new consort was as willful and argumentative as their Dark Lord even if she did not enjoy being center stage.
Bonnie was followed off stage by the Weird Sisters. They all embraced, grinning and laughing. Bonnie blinked back tears of happiness.
"We did it!"
"Did you ever think we would?"
"Did you honestly doubt us?"
"Never!"
Kai and Sheila approached them with smiles unwilling to break up their enjoyment.
Eventually though, they let go of each other and turned toward Sheila and Kai. Sheila hugged Bonnie.
"Congratulations, honey. I'm so very proud of you," Sheila said. She put her hand on Lucy's cheek. "Of the both of you."
"Thanks Grams."
"We're Bennetts after all," Lucy said with a wicked smile. "Over-achieving is in our nature."
Finally, it was Kai's turn once the others had gone on to the celebratory dinner. He scooped her up into his arms and flashed a wide smile.
Bonnie's smile widened and she ran her hand up the nape of his neck. She played with his hair after checking to make sure the others really were gone. The last thing she needed was the Weird Sisters watching and commenting. They did that a lot. Saying things that made her blush and quite frankly weren't anywhere near as funny as they thought.
As her Night Maidens they were never far, but sometimes she wanted some alone time with Kai. Just like Katherine wanted time with Elijah, Rebekah with her flavor of the week even if she inevitably always returned to Stefan and Lucy wanted time to herself. Lucy still hadn't met anyone, who could hold her attention past a night.
"Congratulations. You were a hell of a student."
"And you were a -" Bonnie struggled to think of a kind way to explain Kai's erratic and oftentimes dangerous teaching style. "A memorable teacher."
That didn't fool him and he laughed.
"Hey, sassy you were still my favorite student."
"I had a feeling," Bonnie said coyly.
Kai kissed her. It was a rough heated kiss that stole her breath away. She pressed herself against Kai reveling in the feeling of his hard chest against hers. She clung to him for dear life and grinned. She was the Dark Savior and this was the life she wanted.
Epilogue
Bonnie reached for Kai's hand. She smiled at the sight of their twins running around the manor grounds. A boy and a girl, Abby and Joey. They turned seven today. Only fifteen more years until they would have to face their own merge. That spark of Goddess power within her roared to life just at the thought. Over the past decade she had nurtured that spark until it grew into a full-blown inferno inside of her. It was her power now. And it was the power of a Goddess.
Kai squeezed her hand. "You're thinking about it again, aren't you?"
"Hard not to," Bonnie said with a sigh.
"Don't you trust me, Bonster? I worked it out. They'll never have to go through the merge."
"So you say, but that's big magic and it's never been done before. The Dark Coven has always gotten its dark lord from the merge. Always have since the first one."
Kai smiled a crooked smile. "Exactly. Which is why I modified the spell I used to neutralize Liv and Luke. They will share the power and rule the coven together. Just like they should."
Bonnie rested her head on his shoulder. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Kai loved Abby and Joey as much as she did. She never would have agreed to have kids if she didn't know Kai would never allow anything to happen to them ever. Between the two of them, they could do anything.
"Mommy!"
"Daddy!"
"Come play with us!"
"Push us on the swings."
Bonnie smiled at the twins. Abby looked just like her and Joey was the spitting image of Kai.
"We're on our way."
"So you trust me then?" Kai asked.
"Always," Bonnie agreed.
She put her hands on his chest and rose onto her toes to kiss him.
Thank you to everyone, who has stayed with this story and waited patiently for the final chapter. I hope it wasn't a disappointment. I can't wait to hear what you thought of it. When I first started this fic in 2018 I had no idea it would take this long to finish, but every second of writing was worth it now that I stand at the finish line. I hope you all enjoyed the journey as much as I did and stay bitter about bonkai never officially became canon. Thanks for reading!
- Izzy