Thank you, everyone, for all the kind words! Here is chapter 4; please note that there is a section marked with bold XXXX's this part mentions rape, so if this is triggering for anyone, please scroll past it.

Otherwise, enjoy!

It felt like she was floating in endless black water, with an equally endless dark sky above her. Caroline didn't know how long she floated in the water before she saw a small white light in the sky above her. Slowly it kept growing bigger and brighter until the whole sky lit up. Soon the colors of the sky shifted to form pictures of her past. The day she was born, her mom held her in the hospital with her dad standing next to her. Caroline and her dad are playing at the park. And those pictures soon changed into old home movies. At a birthday party with Bonnie and Elena, their friends were chasing each other around the backyard. With each passing memory, Caroline felt pulled from the water. She now was an outsider watching her younger self.

The day her dad left. She cried on the front porch for him to return, telling him she loved him. She was yelling at her mother for making her daddy leave her.

–

Age 6

Fall Festival, where she had lost her friends in a maze. She sat crying. "It's alright, little one." looking up to see a woman around her mom's age, with sun-kissed skin and green eyes.

"You look like my friend." young caroline said

"Do I?" the woman asked. "Shall we go look for her then?"

"Okay"

Older Caroline watched as the strange woman took her younger self's hand and walked her out of the maze, not towards the crowded festival but away towards the parking lot.

"Is it her?" another stranger asked.

"We shall soon see." the first said.

"I want my mommy." young Caroline cried.

"Shh, little one." they walked towards the second person when they were stopped.

"Id let go of that little girl if I were you." Shela Bennet called out.

"This doesn't concern you." the second woman said

"Oh, I say it does."

"She's a Bennet witch." the first called. They let young Caroline go and moved away. "You won't be able to protect her forever," they warned.

"We'll see about that," Shela said, taking caroline and not turning her back until the strangers left.

"Are you alright, Caroline," Shela asked, looking over the young girl.

"Yes, Miss Shela. I wanna see my mommy."

"Then let's go find her," Shela said before taking her hand and whispering in Latin.

"Miss Shela? Why are we out here? I thought I was in the corn maze." Caroline asked in confusion.

"I think you got separated from your friends. Let's see if we can find them?"

XXXXX

Age 17

She watched helplessly as the monster held her down with unnatural strength.

'Let me go,' she screamed. But it was useless. The monster only laughed at her struggle.

His eyes dilated, and he told her not to scream.

Caroline was trapped.

She was trapped in her mind, screaming for him to stop, but nothing came out—only her compliance.

Every time he used her body, she screamed for him to stop and called for someone to help her.

But nothing.

She was just a blood bag.

Caroline was just a toy to play with and use for his personal needs.

Her body.

He took her free will away.

She felt like an empty shell.

XXXXX

Age 17 in hospital.

Caroline felt that someone was looking over her. Her mother, perchance? She wondered as she tried to wake slowly.

"It's her." Came a barely audible female voice. "The Bennet witch isn't around to protect her anymore."

Caroline started to shift. "Who are you?" she asked with confusion.

"Quickly, before she screams and we lose our chance. She can't be allowed to live."

Opening her eyes, she saw a tall man standing over her bed; he was bald with brown eyes that shown with hatred. He had two scars just above his left eye that ran across his face.

"Gladly, I'll kill her as many times as needed," he said before he covered Caroline's face with a pillow. She tried to fight him off, but he was too strong. Her screams were muffled, and no one came to help her.

—

Caroline was once again in the blackness of still water, watching as her memories from her human life began to move off into the black. Not completely fading, just moving to make room. Caroline saw another spec of light coming off in the distance.

Once the light had gotten bright enough, just as it had before, Caroline saw herself again as a small child.

—

"Katerina wait! she called out.

"You must keep up, Alexandra. Don't you want to see if we have a little sister or brother?"

"Of course I do." she ran after her sister, doing her best to keep up.

—

Alexandra and Katerina stood to the side, waiting patiently for their father to allow them to see their new sibling.

"Come girls, and meet your new sister." their father said.

Coming over to stand beside their mother's bed as their father moved to make room.

"Katerina, Alexandra. Meet your new sister Anya." their mother said; she held the bundle so the girls could see.

—

"Anya, hold still," Katerina said sternly as she attempted to brush Anya's hair.

"I'm too excited, sister!" Anya said, "Father said that our cousins will arrive soon, and mother might also give birth around the same time."

"I told you she would find out sooner or later," Alexandra said, shaking her head at her younger sister's excitement.

–

"You get back here, Luka!" She yelled at her younger brother.

Laughing, Luka ran faster. "Come get me!"

Running after him, Alexandra didn't care if it was unladylike. He had taken her apple. Chasing her brother as he ran through the garden.

—

"Do you think mother will like these?" Anya asked, bending down to pick some orange flowers.

"I think she will love them," Alexsandra said, smiling.

"I hope she feels better soon," Luka said, picking up and throwing pebbles.

"Why don't you and Anya go pick flowers by her favorite tree up ahead," Katerina spoke from behind them. "I'm sure that will put a smile on mothers face and make her feel better."

The two younger siblings ran ahead, bickering about who could pick more flowers than the other.

"Mother won't make it through winter, will she?" Alexsandra asked sadly. Pulling her cloak closer. The last days of summer had cooled off, showing signs that fall and winter were coming.

Signing heavily, Katerina spoke, "You know."

"Hard not to when everyone keeps talking in hushed tones all the time." Alexsandra said, "the looks that the staff gives and even our aunt and uncles are being very secretive about it."

"Anya and Luka?" her older sister asked.

Shaking her head, "I've been able to keep them distracted, but I'm afraid it won't last for long."

—

She had been right; their mother didn't make it through winter. Her sickness had overcome her, making her too weak. And with the first winter storm, she had slipped into a deep sleep from which she didn't wake.

Each grieved in their own way. Luka had gotten angry at their father and wouldn't speak to him for days. Anya had cried mostly, not speaking to anyone. Katerina had taken up the mantle of "lady of the house" after their mother passed. Their aunt Nastasia had tried to keep the house in order and let the oldest grieve, but her sister would have none of it, stating that it was her responsibility as eldest.

While Alexsandra had kept herself busy taking care of her siblings, making sure they ate, bathed, and kept up their studies, even if they didn't want to. She felt it was her duty to ensure they would be alright.

—-

"You look so beautiful, Katerina," their cousin Sashenka said with excitement. Fixing a few strands of Katerina's hair that had fallen from her crown of flowers. It was her sister's wedding day.

The room they had all decided to get ready in was large enough to hold all the female cousins and some.

"I wish mother were here," Katerina said sadly.

Both Alexsandra and Anya reached for their sister's hand.

—

"Is that Lord Damien and his son talking with your father?" Alexsandra heard her cousin Yasmina ask.

Turning around to see where her cousin was looking. She saw her father speaking with an older gentleman with greying hair and a young man who looked no older than herself.

"Isn't he handsome?" Arina gushed.

"Oh, your right, sister; he is quite handsome." Leaning over, Yasmina said, "don't you think so, cousin?"

Looking over, Alexsandra saw who her cousins were talking about. Lord Damien's son was quite handsome.

As if he knew they were talking about him, he turned and smiled, looking right at her. Alexsandra couldn't help but blush and turn away.

—-

"Alexsandra, my dear," her father called out to her.

"Yes, father?"

"Another letter from your suitor has arrived," he announced.

She could not contain the excitement she felt. Taking the letter and returned to her room to read it.

It was from Kristoff.

—

They walked along the edge of the lake. It had become one of their many traditions when Kristoff visited.

"I am sorry to hear of your father's passing." She said after a long silence.

"Thank you; it has been difficult." He replied, "I must say that your letters have been a comfort."

She blushed at his words.

—

She couldn't be any happier than she felt at this moment. Dancing with Kristoff on her wedding day.

He twirled her once more, bringing her closer. "I must be the luckiest man alive."

"Oh? And why is that?" She asked, teasing.

"You said yes," Kristoff stated.

—

Alexsandra looked across the snow-covered fields, searching for signs of her father and Kristoff's return. The small farmhouse where they had sent was only to be temporary. She had been here for nearly ten days. There had been many attacks on her family in the past couple of months, and her father had sent her and her siblings into hiding. For their protection.

"Lady Alexsandra, come back inside." said her guard Thomas. Her father and Kristoff both trusted him.

Sighing, she looked down at her growing belly. She wondered if her child missed their father as much as she did. Turning and heading back into the house, she never noticed the cloaked figure at the edge of the tree line.

—

Screaming. Blood everywhere. Sharp pain in her belly.

Dark brown eyes filled with hatred, looking down at her.

Her body grew cold.

—-

Once more, Caroline floated in the black water. She watched as the two bright orbs of light that held her past selves' memories; moved to make room for one more. This light was brighter than the others. So bright Caroline thought she was looking into the sun. As the light began to fade and she saw her younger that this was her first life.

—

"Must I go?" she asked once more.

A deep laugh was felt rather than heard.

"Yes, little one, you must go."

"Papa, I don't want to go without you." she clung harder to her father's cloak. Her father stopped walking to set her down and kneeled in front of her.

"I know you do not wish to go, but you must," he said.

"Why are you not going with me?" she asked.

"There are things I must finish here before I can join you in the new world, little one."

She nodded in understanding. He picked her up once more and started walking. The sounds of the sea could be heard up ahead. She knew her time with her father was coming to an end.

"Papa? Will my wolf be as big as yours?" she asked, peering up into the hood of his cloak.

The deep rumble of her father's laugh was comforting. " No, my little one, I don't think so."

Before she had a chance to be sad, he spoke. " I think it shall be much bigger."

Looking up, she saw his face from beneath his hood; his smile was bright. It made her happy.

They soon came to the beach where the longship was settled. She could see the men and women working on loading the supplies before setting sail.

Her grip on her fathers tightened as she hugged him. "I don't wanna go." the tears started then.

"I know little one. But this is for the best," he said as he hugged her. " I wish to be coming with you. But I promise this to you. When the ground is covered with winter's first snow is when I shall return."

—

She felt the crashing waves around her. The blistering ice of rain bared down on her. Her tiny hands gripped the broken wooden shield tightly. It was the only thing keeping her afloat.

"Papa" she shouted again. Nearly swallowing a mouth full of seawater. She couldn't see anything in the blackness of night. The storm raged around her. When lighting lit the sky, she saw a great wave take over the ship she sailed on. Her screams were drowned out by the booming thunder above.

—

Everything felt sore, and her lungs burned from the ocean's water. Opening her eyes, she saw green eyes staring back.

—-

"The girl has been in and out of awakeness since I found her on the beach."

"Was there anyone else?" came another voice.

"No one else. The only other signs were a few broken planks from a ship."

—

Waking, she found that everything hurt and she wasn't alone in the room.

Seeing a young blonde no younger than herself sitting beside her bed.

"Your awake," she said with a start and ran out of the room.

—

The Mikelsons had become her second family. While she never truly trusted Mikeal and Ester. She had found that Rebekah had become her sister and closest friend, Henrik, the little brother she wanted to protect. Kol was the one she helped play tricks on his siblings. Elijah was the one she had gotten wisdom and lectures from. Finn was the oldest and didn't say much was pleasant to converse with when he did speak.

Niklaus was the one. The one that she cared for above all the others.

—-

"Why do you look out as if you're waiting for something?" Niklaus had asked her one morning while they were doing their daily chores.

Turning to look at him. She replied sadly. "My father said he would return once the first snow covered the ground."

"And when he does, will you leave?" he asked.

"I don't know."

—-

They hid during the full moon in caves. And she couldn't understand why. The whole village hid. She saw Rebekah holding Henrik by the other woman and children. The older boys and men stood near the tunnel's entrances to keep watch for the wolves.

"There's no need to be scared," Niklaus told her as he covered her with a wool blanket to keep her warm.

"I know. I see no reason to be scared," she stated. "My father taught me never to be afraid of them."

She could never tell them her family's secret. They wouldn't understand. But as she looked into Niklaus's eyes, she thought that if anyone understood, it would be him.

—

"I would lay the world at your feet if you wished."

'"I need not the world, my love." speaking softly, "I only want you. Now and till the end of time."

"Then you shall have it." He smiled, eyes shining bright in the firelight. "I promise you this, my love. I will love you until the end of time, in this life or the next. Nothing will stop me from being with you." his words were true. She knew in her heart that he would keep his word, and that made her love him even more.

"Always?"

"Always and forever."

—-

"Caroline, are you coming?" Rebekah asked her, heading back in the direction of the village.

"Yes, I'll be along in a moment, Rebekah. I just wanna sit for a little longer." She replied with a smile.

"Alright, but don't take too long. Nik would be cross with me if something were to happen to you while he was out hunting."

Watching her sister leave, she turned back to look over the water. This was her favorite place. It held so many good memories.

This was her and Nik's spot.

'Once he's back, ill give him the good news.' she thought as she rubbed her belly.

Deciding it was time to head back, she got up and turned to be startled.

"Oh, Ester, you gave scare."

"Forgive me, child," Ester said, looking torn. But soon made up her mind and moved forward.

"For wha–" she tried to ask but felt something sharp in her stomach. Looking down, she saw that Ester had stabbed her.

Looking back to the woman that she had called mother. "You will be the death of my children." She stated as a single tear ran down her face. "I can not let that happen."

Caroline found herself falling to the ground clutching her stomach. Crying. 'This couldn't be happening.' she thought.

She watched as Ester disappeared into the woods.

Caroline didn't know how long she lay there but soon found herself being lifted. Opening her eyes, she saw Henrik.

Tears stained his face. He was trying to stop the bleeding as best he could.

"Caroline, it's alright; you have to be alright." He kept saying the words repeatedly, knowing that her wound was too deep and losing a lot of blood. And her child was gone. She knew she wouldn't live much longer.

"How could she do this? Why?" He cried. He had seen everything. 'Oh, Henrik.'

"Henrik, listen to me." She tried to say calmly. "You must not tell anyone what you saw."

He looked shocked. He was shaking his head. "You can't ask me that. Nik needs to know."

"Losing me will break him, do you understand? It will break Nik more if he knows the truth about what his mother did. Please, Henrik, promise me," she begged him.

"I promise sister." Henrik cried.

She was nodding her head. "Good, you will need to look after him for me? He will need you."

"Tell him I'll be waiting in the next life for him." Her world was growing colder, and her vision dark.

"Always and forever."