Chapter 1

The waves of wind shifted in a bellowing breeze, humming the witch into a peaceful slumber. Her flutters of lashes rested her eyes, her flowing locks of golden spun hair tussled against the cushions, and a woven blanket that her brother draped over her shielded her from the cold. The comfort allowed her mind to wander away into a dream.

She found herself in a grand foyer with a staircase spiraling to the floor above her and illuminating candlelights that brightened every corner of the room. A gilded door was what separated her from the outside world, but she did not dare to step through it, because she was not willing to risk being found. No matter where she ran, where she turned, or where she hid, he would never stop his search. She had to escape, and when her blue eyes set on the piano, her feet swept her away as her heels clicked against the marble floor. She set herself on the stool and slowly placed on her hands on the keys to play, and so she did.

Music filled the air in a harmonious tune, singing softly at a steady pace. The notes vibrated the house, and it put a smile on her face. Playing the piano was one of the finer things in life. It opened a gateway to beginnings and perspectives, because it helped shape people into the person they wanted to be. No matter what mood one was in, there was always a smile on their face by listening to every word of the song and letting the rhythm soak through their bones.

It was peaceful, for a short time at least. A hand placed itself on her shoulder, stopping her. Her breath hitched in her throat, not because it caught her off guard but the feeling of it. Calloused it was, and it gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze that was gentle yet firm like a father ready to scorn his child. When she turned her head, she found a pair of piercing blue eyes glowering at her. His ginger brown strands of hair curled as autumn leaves moving through the wind. The golden band around his ring finger dug into her skin, forcing her to wince.

"I told you I'd find you."

He grabbed her and shoved her against the piano, smashing some of the keys. She coughed, trying to gather air into her lungs but to no avail as his hand tightened her pipe. Her hand extended beside her, but her powers refused to come out to stop him, so she grabbed his wrist instead and pleaded with her eyes to let her go.

"And this time,...you won't escape."

Her eyes shut tight, and a cry was heard through the house as his hand plunged inside her to grab her heart, hoping for someone to rescue her, yet she knew there was no salvation in this nightmare she lived in until she heard voices from above whispering her name until it grew louder and louder, drumming her ears. She gasped and sucked in a breath, shooting upright in a sitting position until a gentle hand steadied her breathing by taking her arm. The blue hues in her eyes were illuminated by a newborn light when it caught sight of a great pair of big brown orbs gazing at her with concern. The man was at her eye level, placing his hand on her cheek in an affectionate way. His stubble jawline clenched seeing how distraught she was.

"Syrena, it was just a dream. He's not here."

"I know, but...he'll never stop until he has what he wants."

"You needn't worry. I won't ever let him hurt you."

Her older brother, Elijah, may be her half sibling through their father, but they had always been close. He always comforted her in the darkest times and provided her welcoming advice. Syrena will never forget when she left her wedding ring on her bed with a letter to bid her husband farewell. She then contacted Elijah by using her powers, and he allowed her to hide with him for nearly nine decades. They've been on the run from Niklaus for so long that it grew tiring, but they could not allow themselves to be caught unless if they wished they were dead.

She looked over to see a man with a tall stature wearing dark colored clothing enter the room, watching them curiously. "Is everything-"

"Yes, Jonas. My sister was just having a nightmare." They didn't bother watching Jonas leave the room to get back to work that Elijah gave him.

"I'm sorry, Elijah."

"There was nothing ever to forgive. This will all be over soon."

"How?"

"I received a call from one of my contacts. He informed me that Rose would like to make a deal. Her freedom for Katerina."

Syrena's eyes widened as she uttered the name, "Katerina? Bu-But how? How did she find her?"

"It doesn't matter how." Elijah then stood up and grabbed his jacket from the chair next to the coach his sister was sleeping in to put it on. "Now that we know where she is, it will all be over soon. Soon you won't be afraid anymore."

"Let me go with you."

"No. I cannot risk them knowing your whereabouts."

"Why? You just said I don't need to be afraid anymore."

"Soon." Elijah repeated. "Don't forget that after you left him, he had so many spies whether they were vampires or witches to track you down. The only reason why he still hasn't found you yet is because of the charm I gave you around your neck."

Syrena looked at the necklace he mentioned. The design was a stunning Art Nouveau with a scrolling calyx-like upper section composed of flowers and foliage that were paved set with diamonds in a filigree platinum mount. A pair of loops led to a bud emerging drop, allowing it to swing on its own every time the wearer moved. The stone itself was a beautifully translucent and light purple gem contrasted by the horizontal, gently flowing platinum diamond curves. Whoever wore it, could not be tracked down thanks to a witch Elijah had known for nearly a century.

"What are you implying exactly? That Rose will tell Niklaus where I am? If she had someone contact you, then it means she'll be loyal to you."

"Loyalty can only last for so long, and I'm sure to fall back in Niklaus's good graces, there is no doubt in my mind that she would sell you out to him."

"Then I'll give her a reason not to say anything."

Elijah stared at his sister curiously for a moment, almost considering it. She wanted to help, and she was willing to do anything at this point even as long as it meant to end the infernal nightmare that haunted her dreams. Her brother just needed to understand.

"Jonas." The witch entered the room, yet Elijah did not direct his attention at him as he stared down at Syrena. "Make sure my sister does not leave the apartment. I can't have anyone see her."

She watched her brother leave the apartment, not believing that he refused to take her with him. Elijah was stubborn to say the least, but she cannot deny that he does have good intentions. Everything he had done had always been for the good of his family. It was what Syrena admired about him. He always put them above all else. She only hoped that he kept his promise that her husband would never hurt her. After she left her wedding band and a letter on their bed, she was worried that she would be tortured if Niklaus should ever find her. She was well aware of how persistent he was, and it only meant that she had to be on her guard every step of the way.

Here is the first chapter. I know it's short and nothing really happens, but I promise it will get better. Please post a review and let me know what you think, or if you have any questions, you can shoot me a message or put it in the reviews. Also, for the actress to play Syrena is Lea Seydoux. Stay tuned for more chapters!