Chapter 3

"How can I say this without breaking?
How can I say this without taking over?
How can I put it down into words?
When it's almost too much for my soul alone."

~Hurts Like Hell, Fleurie

...

She demurely brought a hand to her stinging cheek, eyes slightly watered and narrowed at the man before her. The audacity, how presumptuous and arrogant her brother had become. Showing up out of nowhere, lashing out at her when this clearly wasn't something to be so worked up over. Moria waited, she counted to ten, took a breath, a deep calming breath. Allowing him the opportunity to realize the consequences of his actions. Because there would be consequences. Instead he just continues to seethe.

"I trusted you! You promised Grayson, you promised me that you would keep her safe, keep them safe. Yet what is this I hear about you inviting monsters into our home!? How could you be so foolish!" In the nearly twenty-five years she'd been in John's life they have had more than their fair share of disagreements. It was not surprising considering their age gap and mostly conflicting personalities. They just had never escalated them to this point.

Moria watches him seethe, reminding herself that this was standard human reaction and she shouldn't be upset. Yet the stinging of her flesh didn't help that notion in the slightest. Or the annoyance she feels over the accusation he has made. She did not appreciate him calling her a fool.

"John!" Jenna yells coming over to stand nexts to Moria, placing her hand on the woman's shoulder. Moria used the hand not holding her cheek to place it over Jenna's. She valued the support, the offer of defense and comfort. John turns his angry eyes towards the last Sommer.

"And you! You let all of this happen! Didn't think to try and stop Moria from doing something so reckless." Jenna squares her shoulders glaring at him heatedly.

"Unlike like you John, I actually trust Moria when it comes to all of this supernatural bullshit!" Especially since she took the time to actually sit down and explain it all to Jenna. Instead of just leaving her in the dark. Because Jenna wasn't stupid and eventually she would have figured it out. Moria gives a small nod of thanks at her words.

Telling Jenna the truth, had been an easy decision to come to. She liked her counterpart. They'd grown up together so she knew exactly what the other woman could handle. Besides, Jenna's fate was one that didn't have to take its course. One soul she could save without consequence. John looks at them like they've both lost their minds.

"She invited an Original into our house. He's dangerous, he cannot be trusted." Moria sighs closing her eyes briefly. She lets both of her hands fall and she takes a step forward. Invading her brother's space, she jabs a manicured finger into his sternum forcefully.

"Oh big brother, I think it's time you took your leave." Her tone empty, void of all the emotion she felt, eyes cold and set. John takes a step back. His eyes narrowed he couldn't remember a time seeing her with such a dark threatening expression. He almost feels bad.

"I'm not going anywhere. Not now, I don't trust you too keep my daughter safe." As he says this Moria just loses it. Jenna raises a brow at him. She huffs a laugh escaped her lips, her eyes held a comical edge to them. The statement amused her.

Her reaction makes his blood boil he goes to snap at her and she holds her hand up. As she always did when someone had pushed to far when she was finally done playing with them. The motion actually upsets him, she'd never in all these years ever done that to him. John had seen her do it to several different people over the years. Lockwood, their oldest brother, once to their mother, to several teachers the list went on. But he'd never been on the receiving end of this particular gesture. It meant that in that moment you had disappointed her to the point where you were no longer deserving of her time.

"You might have donated genes to the beautiful girl but you are not her father. Her father is dead and you have no right to go about disrespecting his memory by claiming such. Grayson entrusted their safety to me, and I will do what is necessary to keep them alive. Now I have nothing more to say to you on the matter." Once she'd said her peace she turned from her spot and walked away. Jenna just glared at him for a moment longer before following after Moria.

He left soon after.

Jenna found Moria in the kitchen fixing herself a glass of wine. She doesn't comment on the fact that it's not even noon or that their supposed to be meeting Elijah in an hour. Instead she goes to the fridge to make an ice pack, she couldn't believe him. Moria watches her intently accepting the pack when it's handed to her.

"Thank you." She says, and Jenna gets the distinct feeling its not in regards to the ice pack. Jenna smiles. Their moment is interrupted by Alaric walking into the room looking semi confused, half looking over his shoulder.

"What was John doin-" His words cut out as he looks at them both. Moria with a glass of wine in one hand and an ice pack in the other being held to her face. The slightly murderous look in Jenna's eyes at the mere mention of his name.

"What happened?" Alaric asks, concern lapping on his tongue as he looks between them.

"My big brother doesn't approve of my method to protect this family when it comes to which vampires we invite into the house." Moria spits out, contempt on her tongue. She was not pleased. Alaric's brows shoot up at the implications.

"He hit you?!" He demands, looking at Jenna for confirmation. She gives a small nod. Moria neither confirms or denies it though instead she just takes another sip from her glass.

"I need to run upstairs to fix my makeup, and then we can go to meet Elijah. He wants to go over the details with us. Just so we are all on the same page in regards of how this will play out. Elena and Stefan are going to meet us." There was this looks she gave them both after that which implied no talking about John or what happened to anyone else.

"Take your time, we'll be down here." Moria nods taking her glass and ice pack and walking away.

When it had become to clear to Moria that they weren't going to leave her out of it she decided it was time to take matters into her own hands. To get everyone in their family on the same page, to avoid unwarranted casualties among them. But it was mostly done out of selfish ambition. She was fond of Jenna and was reluctant to see her dead.

Besides leaving the decisions to a teenager was by no means a good idea. While Elena's intentions were usually good, it didn't mean it made her a prime source of authority. Also having Jenna in the know helped Moria out significantly since the other woman could help be a guiding moral compass for her. Moria was not about to fool herself thinking she was the pinnacle of human compassion. She wasn't, but she supposed that it didn't matter as long as she had Jenna to remind her. As long as it didn't hinder the course.

Moria pushes those thoughts away for the time. No need to think on such things at the moment, instead she needed to focus on the best way to cover up the bruise already formed on her cheek. John had not held back. She reminded herself once again that getting angry would not fix it and instead she sighed. Knowing that she would forgive him, knowing she would let it be, Moria carefully fixed her foundation.

She took a moment longer to compose herself before leaving her room. Just to make sure the matter was completely behind her before returning to Jenna and Alaric. Once she left her room she took the steps singular just to buy her a few more moments. They were waiting for her in the living room, she offered them the most reassuring smile she could muster. "I'm ready."

"Are you okay?" Jenna asks as they gather their things, she nods.

"I will be." Moria would say no more on the matter, having closed that door behind her. Jenna didn't look like she believed her in the slightest but she let it go. Knowing better than to try to force Moria to open up about how she felt. Alaric looked like he wanted to say something but was silenced by the shaking of Jenna's head.

…

Alaric pulls up to the old Fell ground, not entire sure why this had been the location chosen or what exactly the Gilbert woman was thinking. But it didn't matter to him as long as she had a plan to get them out of this mess. Jenna said she was the type that never did anything without purpose or reason. So he puts the vehicle in park trusting her judgement on this.

Moria gets out first sliding out of the back seat with practice ease just in time for Stefan and Elena to pull up in one of the Salvatore cars. Elijah is already here waiting for them patiently. He watches with amused eyes as the young doppelganger reaches for the comfort of her aunt who only rubs her hand across the girls cheek planting a soft kiss to her before turning to look at him. She doesn't smile, doesn't appear to thrilled to be here in fact but walks over to meet him regardless.

"Elijah." She offers him a curt nod as a greeting and he cannot help but to grin at her. So this was how she wanted to be. He returns it with a nod of his own, his attention drifting over to her companions.

"I wasn't aware you would be bringing an entourage." Moria just rolls her eyes at his tone before answering.

"I felt it was time that we were all on the same page about the rising moon." Elijah bites back a chuckle at her poetic tone, at the melancholy laced against her tongue. Spinners had such a way with words. He had the feeling that was one chapter she preferred to leave unread.

She continues. "You of course know my niece and Stefan." Holding her hand out to the couple, for no other reason than theatrics he presumed. Moria had always had a flare for such things. "My sister-in-law Jenna, and our friend Alaric." Elijah gives them each a small nod, but his full attention was on her. Always on her.

"I assume you desire me to tell them about the real curse." He says looking at her directly, Moria had a killer poker face. She was poised and in control, always. They both ignore the questions of real curse eyes and attention only focused on each other. It was tension you could practically feel.

"If that is what you wish to do, It hardly matters to me as long as we are all on the same page about what is expected to happen. Elena has agreed to take part as long as you can ensure her survival." There is a warning in her tone, in her eyes. It's intense, protective although she would deny such a notion. Elijah does not miss it.

"Very well then. There is no curse of the sun and moon." He begins, his voice measured, concise to the point. As he says this he notices they all look to Moria to see how she reacts. To no surprise to him she doesn't, indifference clear on her face but she does nod. Elijah thought it was peculiar their blind faith in her. Moria had never been the type to inspire such loyalty. An interesting development. Nevertheless he continued as if he hadn't noticed their expressions at all.

When it was over, once Elijah told the story, told them the truth and about the life potion he acquired then did they all go there separate ways. Except for Moria, only she remained at the old Fell grounds with the ancient vampire. There were things they needed to discuss privately. Things regarding a certain original and his brothers declaration to kill him. "I won't help you kill your brother." Elijah is instantly alarmed, his eyes narrow dangerously at her. Something about that particular tone of voice she used that doesn't sit well with him.

"I wasn't under the impression that your planning too." His tone is level but Moria can feel the intensity of his gaze, the lingering look of masked uncertainty in them. She presses her lips together. He had misunderstood her meaning.

Moria takes a breath, it's long drawer out. Knowing that he won't like what she has to say next. Yet she still speaks the words, unconcerned of his reaction. "I shall rephrase. I cannot allow you to kill Niklaus." His reaction is volatile unsolicited pure carnal rage. Elijah snarls at her showing his true face. But it doesn't warrant any sort of response from her, no fear, or shook. Nothing. If anything she looks unimpressed by the notion.

She looks away from his outraged face turning eyes of cool opal to the sky. He can see the blue reflecting in them as she stares up, contemplation unmistakable in her expression. There was a part of him that wished it would have scared her, would have caused for some sort of outburst from the woman. But alas he knew that such things rarely were. Spinners had no fear, no concerns over the state of the lives. They knew that regardless of what might happen to their physical bodies there was no true death for them.

Elijah regained his composure regarding her cautiously now. She would not meet his gaze, eyes still turned upward. "You of all people should understand why I must kill him." He states carefully, it is only then does she look at him. Moria shakes her head.

"Niklaus may be impulsive but if you really believe he would bury your siblings to sea than you are not the man I thought you to be." There is a sense of disappointment in her tone. Elijah hated the way it echoes of her lips. Before he has a chance to respond she continues, crossing her arms over her chest taking a breath as if she realizes the implications of her nexts words considering them carefully.

"Killing your brother is not the solution, I know how we can get your siblings back. Do you trust me Elijah?" There was something about the way she spoke those words, reminding him of time long past. Innocence and naivety, simplicities before all of this came to be. The look in her eyes as she asks such a daunting question as if begging him to defy her. To hurt her once more.

Do you trust me Moria? His past words echo in his memory.

Elijah would not make that same mistake twice. A soft sigh falls from his lips, instinctually he pulls her close to his chest instead of answering. Gently he presses a kiss to the top of her dark hair. "Yes." He mummers into her hair, before he can think about it. Before he can change his mind. Moria smiles briefly, a pleased look in her eyes.

"Good, because in order to do so you and I need to make a quick trip to Charlotte." She says pulling away from his hold turning away from him. He raised his brow at the back of her head.

"What's in Charlotte?" From the smirk that she gives him following his question Elijah was all the more interested in the answer. That look never meant anything good for whoever it brought about by.

"Your father." It was time he paid for what he'd done to their family, what he'd done to her.

…

I don't know many times I rewrite this letter. How many times I put pen to paper to try to express all the things I wish I could have told you. How deeply it hurts for this to be the only way to speak to either of you. Inked words, never to be read, never to be seen. There are only so many times I can deny you the truth. Deny the humanity within you.

But the truth was too painful. Too much. Even for someone like me. Someone who's singular purpose was to serve fate. To tend to the spool, water the garden, maintain the well. It was against my very nature to keep deny you this truth. To keep the lie. These feelings are the very reason I have told those still living, what I can. In order to keep them safe, keep them breathing.

It would perhaps help if I admitted one thing. What they knew about me was not true. I was not a spinner, but yet that was what they kept referring to me as. I knew of course why, because to any creature that had met a spinner I exonerated in the same power the same entity. So it was easy to see why they would draw that conclusion and if asked I might even agree with them.

You may be curious to what exactly a spinner in. Your ancestors journals never covered such a topic, because by their time spinners had long since abandon humanity. I had abandon humanity. My truth, that terrible truth in which you would never be able to understand of accept was so far past your concept of reality.

If either of you had actually paid attention to mythology and it's stories of gods and monsters outside of the realm of vampires then perhaps you could have figured it out. Perhaps I wouldn't have to explicitly explain it now to your remains. But you two had been so caught up in what was that you could not see what could be.

Pagan mythology had always had my favorite depiction of myself, with the greeks at a very close second. That is besides the point I am trying to make. The point I am trying to make, is that I am not human. I have never been human and while my body might appear to be such it is a lie. All of it a carefully constructed lie to appease my boredom.

Eons ago I abandoned humanity, leaving my spinners behind to play my games. But I have grown bored with just watching. Watching humanity follow out misconstrued paths from false notions of fate and destiny. It was time to rejoin the thralls of mortals.

I could have done this easily, by just coming back I hadn't needed to go through a false cycle of life. But I was bored and bored was never a good place for me to be. Bored meant destruction, ruin, piles of bodies and trails of blood. Chaos. Death. I wanted to feel their cold touch again, gently against my very being but they had left me much like the two of you would, had. Perhaps it is why I went through the motions of being your sister, playing the part for so long.

The truth was simple. I missed them, and perhaps I thought this would elicit a reaction from them. They seemed to care so much for this realm of theirs, I thought perhaps if I meddled with it they might show themselves to me again. It had never been my intention to come to care for either of you, for the world around me.

Love was a dangerous things for a being like me to feel. I wasn't meant to care, that wasn't my intended purpose. Never meant to feel this sort of way towards humans, and humanity alike. I cared.

Because of you. Because you both did this to me. I gave you each a spot in my heart and then I lead you like lamb to the altar. You trusted me, and I used that trust against you leading you both to your fated end.

It couldn't be helped. I couldn't help myself. I was selfish and impulsive. My whims always got me, got the best of me. Because they left me. Alone. I couldn't give you the chance to do the same. Caring was just not a disadvantage I could afford to keep.

I would be your ruin. I killed you both, took you from your families, let you fall into their grasp in a failed attempt to gain attention. For that I am so very sorry.

I'm so sorry.

The newly written letter went up into flames moments later. It's only remnants were ash on her fingers. There was no forgiveness for the things she had done and would continue to do. Moria didn't know if she wanted it at this point or if she was truly far to gone.

Down the rabbit hole she fell.

XOXOX

Just gonna bring this chapter to a close here. So yeah. Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think!

Sincerely, La'Rae