Author's Note: Hello my AMAZING readers! Have I mentioned that I love you all very dearly? No? Well, in that case, I do! I love reading your reviews. You guys are utterly fantastic. Most of this chapter is Bonnie's P.O.V. but Damon does have a bit of his P.O.V. in this. He is in this more. Let me know what you think, pretty please with Damon and Stefan on top? (You know what I mean, lol. That didn't sound as dirty in my head…) Thank you to: hazelbrie13 for proofing this chapter!
Abundant hugs and junk,
Anneryn
I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS
Chapter 15:
"I'm not broken." I told Merrick, quietly. He chuckled darkly.
"Aren't you?" He asked. I glared at him.
"No," I argued. He stood up.
"We'll take care of that, soon enough, then." He said. I felt my body shudder, I tried to keep it minimal. Chalice walked into the room. Gabriel followed closely behind her. "I'll leave you to it, then." Merrick told them. He smirked at me as he was closing the door behind him. I looked over at Gabriel. Chalice shook her head.
"You're with me, for a bit, love." She said. I nodded. Gabriel took Jeremy and they left the room. Chalice walked over to the bed, and sat down. She did something with her fingers and the chains disappeared.
"Are you a witch, too?" I asked her curiously. She doesn't frighten me. I can't tell if that is a good thing or not. I know I shouldn't let my guard down. But nothing about her feels dangerous.
"Do you like your nails, kitten?" She asked. I looked down at my nails. I had forgotten that they had been painted. I nodded. They look like they have been professionally manicured. My toes are done too. All of my nails are the same bloody crimson color. They weren't like this in the vision.
"Thank you." I told her. She smiled at me, and took my hand in hers to evaluate her work.
"Merrick wanted your nails painted. Everything that he wanted for you was so specific…" She said. She stopped, as if she thought that she had said too much. If everything that he wants is that precise, what else does he have planned? I nodded. She put her other hand on top of the hand holding mine. "Ah, well, let's get you cleaned up, then. Shall we?" She asked. I wrinkled my eyebrows.
"Where's the bathroom?" I asked her. She chuckled and said something I couldn't quite make out. A door next to the mirror appeared. Did I miss the witch convention or something? What is it with the hand thing? I don't have to do the hand thing. But then again, maybe they don't have to. Maybe it's only for show. Either way…
"Up, up. Let's get you into the shower, pet." She said. I stood up. I'm glad that my legs still work. It seems like forever since I've stood up. I followed her into the bathroom. She's a bit taller than me. Today her purple hair has pink tips. Did I not notice that, when I met her last night? Or maybe she can charm herself, somehow. OR I guess she could dye her hair, like a normal person.
"Did you change your hair?" I asked her. She looked at me and smiled in surprise.
"I dyed the tips pink last night. Apart from Gabriel and Jayson, you're the only one to notice." She said, touching her hair subconsciously. "Thanks for that, love." She said. I nodded. She took my hand and led me to the shower. I looked around the room. The room is massive. It's gorgeous. I guess Merrick doesn't do anything halfway. There is a teal robe hanging from a hook on the wall, next to the shower. There are toiletries ready. It looks like it was designed for a woman to use. Maybe it was.
She opened the shower door. The glass is frosted, so you can't see anything through it. There are body sprayers on each of the shower walls. Who need a bubble bath, when you have this shower? There is shampoo, conditioner, a loofah, body wash, and some bottles that aren't marked. She handed me a toothbrush, and toothpaste. There is a razor in the shower. There is room for five people to fit comfortably in this shower.
"There's a satellite radio built into the shower. You can listen to it, if you want to, pet. I'll have clothes ready for you, when you get out." She assured me. I nodded. "There's a brush, leave-in conditioner, detangler, and other things in the other part of the bathroom." She said. I nodded. She shut the bathroom door, and took a seat on a miniature sofa near the door. She locked it. I turned on the water in the shower, and let it warm up. "I know you're in a sticky bind, love. But don't give up. I know things seem dark now… but things are going to get worse, until they get better. You'll feel a bit better after your shower. I imagine you're a bit peckish. We'll get you some food, after your shower. You've got to keep your strength up." She said. Her kindness is still surprising me.
"Thank you." I told her. She averted her eyes, and I undressed, and stepped into the shower. I shut the shower doors behind me.
The water is hot. It's sending heat throughout my body. As the water cascades over me, I feel it washing away the mess of yesterday. The ones from today are still mocking me mercilessly. For once in my life, I have absolutely no idea how to get out of this shit-hole that I'm in. I feel like I don't know anything. Merrick is probably blocking psychic communication and connection. I don't want to give him any credit for anything, but if he's one thing, it's not unintelligent. Even if he hasn't blocked it, do I want them to come running? Yes, I do with every fiber in my being.
But, what if that's what he's wanted since the beginning? If it's a trap for them, then it will be all my fault. If he kills everything, and everyone I love, what do I have left to live for? What else could break me? If he kills them because of me, I'll never be able to live with myself. And I asked Jayson to try and get a hold of them. To say that I feel helpless would be redundant. One of the only things that keeps me going, is that everyone else isn't here. They're safe. But, then again, I don't know if they are safe. I don't know if Merrick is plotting something.
I punched the wall as hard as I could. The wall didn't do anything. The skin covering my knuckles cracked, and started to bleed. I sunk to the ground. I clutched my hand, and sat bleeding. It's nice to feel something that I can control. I started to get hot flashes. They aren't getting better, they are getting worse. I took a few deep breathes. I feel like I'm losing oxygen, and I'm suffocating. I felt tears leak out of my eyes. They feel hotter than the water. I'm crying flames. I stood up, and started hitting the wall. I can't scream to let out the pain. It's been building up, and getting harder and harder to bear.
The tears kept falling. I turned the water pressure up, hopefully it will the flames down to a minimum. Honestly, it's the last thing I'm worried about right now. I resumed hitting the wall. The shower wall is cracked. Bits of the wall are coming off. It's mixing with my blood. I can't feel anything, anymore. I'm numb. I feel a little better, now that I'm doing something that I can control. I let out a choked sob. Chalice didn't say anything. I hit faster, and harder. I visualized Merrick, and everything that he's done. I didn't stop hitting. I feel the fire building around me. It's pulsing with electricity. It's a deathtrap for anyone who comes in here. At least that's what I thought.
I didn't even here her open the shower door, and step in behind me. I only noticed when the water turned off and I felt her arms wrap around my waist, and gently lead me away from the wall.
"Shh, it's alright, love." She whispered. My body shook. My sobbing got worse. She took a towel and wrapped it around me. She turned me around and pulled me to her. I laid my head on her shoulder, and let her comfort me. "Hush love. It's alright, pet. Let it out." She whispered. After a few minutes, my tears stopped.
"How did you protect yourself?" I asked her in a raspy voice.
"I'm a witch, love. I have my ways. Let's get you washed. Then we'll have Jayson look at your hands." She didn't fix the wall. She left it damaged. It's fitting. It looks exactly how I feel, destroyed. Crumbling at the least, I can feel myself breaking down. I'm not strong. I'm not strong like Grams and Damon. I kept the towel wrapped around me. Chalice had changed into a bikini. She must have realized what I was doing. I sat down, and she washed my hair gently. She told me not to use my hands. She conditioned it. She helped me wash the rest of my body. I don't understand her. But, right now, I'm not going to question her help.
I managed to shave, despite Chalice's objections. She grabbed the towel that she has set out for me, and dried herself off. She went into the other section of the bathroom. She came back over to the shower, changed into the clothes that she had been wearing, completely dry. She handed me the dry towel. She took the wet towel. I wrapped the dry towel around myself, and started drying myself off. She smirked at me.
"Take you hand, and wave it over yourself." She said. I looked at her with a funny expression on my face. "Visualize drying yourself off. You have to see yourself completely dry." She said. "Fire is one of your elements, is it not? Come on love, it can't hurt you." She said.
I obeyed. I closed my eyes and visualized what she had told me to do. When I opened my eyes, I was completely dry. I smiled at her. She handed me the toothbrush that she had given to me earlier. I went over to the first section of the bathroom. I went over to the sink, and brushed my teeth. She watched me in silence.
"You're a strong one, kitten." She said. I looked over at her and rolled my eyes. She giggled. I can understand why: my toothbrush is hanging out of my mouth. I finished brushing my teeth, and I put the toothbrush next to the sink, and turned off the water. There's lotion on the counter, next to the sink. What doesn't he think of? I put it on. She put her hands together, excitedly. "Now for your clothes, pet." She said excitedly. I took a step back. "Don't be shy, love. Come on, then." She said. She waved her hand and yet another door appeared. A closet appeared in the bathroom. She opened the door, and led me inside. "Pick your poison, kitten." She said. I'm not sure that I've ever seen a closet this big.
It's full of clothes. She walked around, still leading me by my arm. We stopped. I grabbed a pair of black panties, and stepped into them. I pulled them on, under my towel. I grabbed a pair of black cargo pants, and put them on. They ride low, but are otherwise comfortable. I grabbed a belt, and put it on. We kept going. I grabbed a bra that matches the panties. I grabbed a Buffy the Vampire Slayer tee. I put it on. It fits snugly. It doesn't reach my pants, about an inch of skin shows.
"You dressed, love?" Chalice asked. I nodded. "Right, then." She said, leading me out of the closet. We left the bathroom. She waved her hand, and it disappeared. I grabbed my fingerless gloves off of the chair, that has my clothes. I put them in one of my pants pockets. "Remember pet, you have to behave." She warned me. I nodded stiffly. I couldn't feel my hands in the shower, but I can now. They are starting to scab over.
She opened the door. She linked her arm in mine, and led me outside. It looks like a mansion. This place is unbelievably massive, and I can't see past the hallway. Even though it is well lit, it seems never ending. It's a cross between modern, and old fashioned. It has both, all over. We came to a grand, winding stairwell. She led me down the stairs. She led me through the first story. We passed a library. It took up a good part of the first floor. It has computers, and volumes upon volumes of ancient looking books. Some of the books look new.
There's a study, and a living room. Lastly, we reach the kitchen. I can hear quiet chatter, coming from outside the kitchen. Chalice lets go of my arm, and opens the door. She grabbed my hand, and pulls me into the kitchen with her. I cringed, and gasped in pain.
"Oh, sorry, love." She apologized, realizing what she had done. "I can be so bloody forgetful, sometimes." She explained. I nodded. Someone is cooking. Whatever they are making, it smells heavenly. My stomach growled quietly. It's been awhile since I've eaten. The last time I ate was a few hours before the club. Jayson turned around. So he's the one who is cooking. He smiled.
"Hey, Sleeping Beauty." He greeted, teasingly. I smiled. "You must be hungry." He said. I nodded.
"How old are you?" I asked him, curiously. He pondered what I said.
"I'm 20." He said. I nodded.
"How long have you been 20?" I asked him. He smiled.
"5 years." He said. I nodded.
"You're younger than Takehiro." I assumed. He nodded. I didn't ask any more questions. I walked over to him. Gabriel walked in with the brunette woman that Merrick slept with. Chalice went over to them and started talking. I wonder what he's cooking. He has some scrambled eggs in a skillet, sitting on a warmer to the side of the stove. He's sautéing some onions and peppers.
"Step back," he warned. I did what he asked. He pulled a pan out of the stove. It has country fried steak on it. He put it on some plates, with curved edges. They almost look like bowls. He put some eggs and peppers on top of it. He added some gravy from a pot on the other side of the stove. "Can you get me the cheese from the fridge?" He asked me. I nodded. I walked over to the fridge, and got two bags of shredded cheese.
I handed them to him. A bit of blood trickled from my knuckles. I ignored it. I can deal with a bit of pain. He added some cheese to each of the plates. He handed me a plate. He grabbed another one, and motioned for me to follow him to the table. There's a table in the opposite side of the kitchen. He set his plate down next to mine, and went and grabbed some utensils for the both of us. He gave me mine, and got us something to drink. He gave me a cup of tea.
"Thanks Jayson." I told him. He nodded.
"It's okay for us to talk. Merrick said it was alright." He told me.
"You don't call him Dad?" I asked. He shook his head.
"No." He answered. If he doesn't like his father, I'm guessing that his mother is dead.
"I'm sorry about your mom." I told him. He looked at me surprised, but nodded. "How does it feel to be older than your almost step-mom?" I asked him. He chuckled.
"You'd be a good mom." He said.
"Thanks," I told him. "Did you make me breakfast to butter me up?" I asked him. He shook his head. "You just don't want me to ground you." I teased.
I picked up my ice tea. As I took a sip, blood trickled down my hand, and left splatters on the table. Jayson paled when he saw my blood. I put my tea down and grabbed my napkin. I cringed. My other hand isn't doing much better. Maybe hitting the wall wasn't one of my wiser choices. He grabbed my wrist. I looked up at him.
"Why didn't you tell me that you were bleeding, Bonnie?" He asked softly.
"I wasn't until a minute ago." I told him honestly. He gave me a disbelieving look. He ran his hand along the back of mine. The wound is gone. He repeated this process with my other hand. "Did you heal my back, last night?" I asked him, softly. He nodded.
"I gave you a sleeping draft, to help you sleep. I healed your back, and Chalice did your nails." He said. I nodded.
"Thank you." I told him sincerely.
"Eat," he commanded, jokingly.
"Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?" I teased. He rolled his eyes. I chuckled, and began eating. Jayson definitely knows his way around the kitchen. "You're Mom teach you how to cook?" I asked him. He nodded, but didn't say anything. "What was her name?" I asked him.
"Her name was Lorelei." He said. I nodded, and continued eating. I put a hand on top of his. I squeezed his hand, before moving it.
"My mom died, too." I told him. He looked at me with melancholy eyes. He knows. We finished eating in silence. The brunette woman grabbed a plate and sat down beside me. She started eating her food. She kept looking at me. It's kind of unnerving. I looked up at her, and held my gaze. She looked away before meeting my gaze, once more. It's nice to see her keep her clothes on.
"I see why he has a fascination with you." She said, finally. What do you say to that? I didn't say anything. "Hmm… more like obsession." She corrected herself. She looked at me seriously as she finished chewing what was in her mouth. "Did you enjoy the show?" She asked. My face changed. Before, it was indifferent. Now, I know my stare is icy. Did she honestly just ask me that? Does she have any sort of intelligence anywhere in her being?
"No," I told her. She actually flinched, in surprise.
"You didn't?" She asked.
"No," I repeated. She didn't say anything for a moment.
"That's never happened before. Maybe, you weren't watching." She said.
"I doubt that." I said. She looked at me challengingly. "I couldn't look away. He made that literally and physically impossible." I growled. Jayson shot me a warning look. I still don't know what her deal is, or who she is.
"It was hot, even you cannot deny that." She said.
"Maybe our definitions of 'hot' differ." I argued. She didn't get angry; she just smiled.
"I'm Marcella." She said. I nodded. "I never did get that kiss." She said. Is she serious? Kissing her, would be worse than kissing Merrick. It's bad enough being forced to kiss him, but kissing his personal whore is a different story.
"You're not going to." I told her. I finished my food, and set my fork down. I put my hands under the table. I pulled my gloves from my pocket, and slid them on. I'm not sure why, but they always manage to make me feel at least a little bit safer.
I felt my chair being pulled back. Where did Marcella go? She moved from behind me, and started to sit on my lap. I sighed. Maybe I should have stayed in that awful room. She straddled my lap, and sat down. She looked me in the eyes. This time, when her voice came out, it sounded different. It sounded seductive. Her voice is rolling over me, like a series of waves. She is pulling me in. Is this her or her power? Does she even have a power? I couldn't look away.
"Bonnie look in my eyes." She said in a low, sing-song voice. I looked into her eyes. I can't look away. "I only want one kiss. Let me taste you. I've always been one to try the forbidden fruit." She said. She leaned forward. Her eyelids drooped for half of a second. It was long enough. I blinked. I don't feel the draw to her anymore. I closed my eyes, and turned my head. I pushed her off of me.
"What are you?!" I demanded. She chuckled darkly.
"A siren of sorts." She answered. "I come from a long line. The powers have dwindled, and diminished significantly. They only work on certain people. It takes a lot out of me." She answered truthfully.
Why is she telling me all of this? Does she not have anyone else to talk to? I have given her no reason to trust me. Why doesn't she believe that I'll use this against her, later? I stood up, and pushed my chair in. I took my dishes over to the sink. Jayson eyed Marcella warily. Does she do this a lot? Jayson got up, and handed me my iced tea. I drained it. I didn't realize how thirsty I had been. I can't remember the last time I had something to drink.
Jayson took my cup, and refilled it. I nodded in thanks. He set it on the table, and waited for me to sit back down. I turned around to join him, but Marcella blocked my way. She pinned me to the counter. I sighed. Her games are getting old.
"Lean into me, witch." She said in the same sing-song voice that she used before. I looked at her, but I didn't move. It isn't making me feel any differently. She looked frustrated that it wasn't having any effect on me. I leaned backwards, further into the counter.
"Your game isn't working, Siren." I told her. She growled.
I laid a hand on her waist. She looked down at my movements in fascination. I put a hand on the back of her neck. She closed her eyes, and sighed. I closed my eyes, and visualized sparks shooting through her. I opened my eyes. Sparks shot through my fingertips, and through her skin. She looked at me with furious, pained eyes. I moved my body closer to her, and hugged her. I kissed the side of her face. Fire came out with my breath. She groaned. I moved my hands, and pushed her away. She looked at me and glared. Her glared turned into a smirk.
"He gave you the protection draft in your drink." She said. I turned to look at Jayson. He smirked, clearly amused at what both he and I had just done. "I underestimated you, witch." She said. I seem to be hearing that a lot lately.
"Feel free to do it again." I told her. She moved to touch my face. I deflected her with my hand. Flames danced along my fingertips. It's getting easier and easier to control my abilities.
"You've just changed my opinion about you." She said. She left the kitchen. She walked past Gabriel and Chalice. They missed everything that had just happened. They watched her leave, then looked at us in confusion. I didn't say anything, neither did Jayson. Chalice eyed the food, and squealed excitedly.
"Food!" She said. "I knew you weren't a wanker." She told Jayson. He smiled.
"Gee, thanks." He said. I sat down next to him, again. Gabriel got food with Chalice. Chalice sat down across from me. She started scarfing her food excitedly. Gabriel laughed.
"Marcella has been cooking for the past couple of days." Gabriel explained. I nodded.
"It was bloody terrible." Chalice said, swallowing a bit of food that still had in her mouth. Gabriel snorted as he took a bite of his own food. Jayson grinned. They seem so normal, when they are separated from Merrick. The kitchen door swung open, and everyone fell silent. Speak of the devil, or someone close in ranking. It's Merrick. He smiled at me. I looked away. Where's Jeremy? If he isn't with any of these people, where is he? I can't ask, I think it would only make things worse.
"Jayson, have you been taking care of Bonita?" Merrick asked. Jayson looked at him. Words can't describe the look that Merrick was given. It was full of disbelief, anger, loathing, fear, anguish, regret, and secrets.
"If I didn't, who would?" Jayson asked Merrick. Merrick pondered Jayson's words.
"Thank you for taking care of your future stepmother." Merrick finally said. I flinched.
"I'll never marry you." I told him. He smirked.
"You don't have to. You're going to be my queen. That's close enough." He argued. I scowled.
"Not even in your dreams." I said coldly. He didn't take offense to my words. Instead, he chuckled lightly.
"Did you make me breakfast, Son?" Merrick asked Jayson. Jayson motioned over to the stove with his hand.
Merrick walked over to the stove, and got himself some food. I shot Jayson a worried glance. He nodded reassuringly. There isn't much else he can do. The kitchen door opened. I turned, expecting to see Marcella, again. It's Jeremy. Why would he be walking around, unaccompanied? I stood up hurriedly, and walked over to him. I hugged him. He squeezed me back.
"Go sit down." He whispered. I looked up him, confused. He pushed me away from him, and sat down. The door opened. Sebastian walked in. Jeremy stiffened. He stayed completely still.
Oh no. Not Jeremy. Was he forced to stay with Sebastian all night? I felt my chest tighten up. All of this is happening because of me. He was never meant to go through this. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, least of all Jeremy. He's had it hard enough, as it is.
"Sit down." Merrick told them. Sebastian wrapped an arm around Jeremy's waist, and started walking toward the other end of the table. I grabbed Sebastian's wrist. He turned to face me, and let go of Jeremy. I let fire spring from my fingers. I felt his skin burning under my hand.
"Don't touch him." I growled. He smirked. "What are you going to do, witch?" He asked. I tightened my grip on his wrist. To my surprise no one stopped me. Blue flames shot from my fingers and I felt his skin sizzle and bleed under my fingers. I looked in his eyes. I saw pain flash in them. Something inside of me feels like it's waking up. I thought about the pain he would feel, with pressure surrounding his heart, crushing it slowly. He started to scream. I flinched. His hand is clutching the skin over his heart.
Did I actually do that? I let go of his wrist, and made the pressure disappear. Being here, it's changing me. I have to become colder, to survive. I don't like it. I looked at Sebastian. He actually jumped. He muttered something about my eyes. He took a seat, but not next to Jeremy. Merrick looked at me fascinated. I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. I looked away and focused my newly caused anger on the wall. I closed my eyes, and tried to calm down. I felt warm air on my neck.
"You shouldn't stand behind people." I said. I know Merrick is behind me. "God, you're such a creeper." I said irritated. He actually had the nerve to chuckle. I scooted my chair back, and bumped into him with it. I stood up, and moved to the side of him. He stared at me, slowly stopping his laughter. He tried to put his hand on my arm. I deflected it with my hand. He looked amused that I was still fighting him.
"Be still." He said. I moved my head, and walked around him. I can feel him staring at me, even though he is facing my back.
I walked out of the kitchen. I felt something hit me. The force is slamming me into the ceiling of the study. I spun myself midair to face my attacker. Merrick is using his power to throw me against the ceiling. I matched his stare. I started falling. He looks confused and scared. I hit the hardwood floor. My shoulder broke my fall. I groaned in pain. I pushed myself up, not allowing myself to wince in pain.
"How are you doing this?!" He demanded. He came closer to me.
"Doing what?" I asked in a low growl. I didn't stop my own powers this time. I let electricity flow through my body. I can feel the electricity crack in the air around me. Fire is dripping from my fingertips. It's providing a protective shield around me. If I'm going down, I'm not going down without a fight.
"You're fighting off my compulsion." He growled. He tried walk through my barrier. "You can't fight me." He said. He reached his hand through the fire, and stepped through the barrier. I sent fire up his arm, and watched it cook his skin. His eyes are enraged.
"Can't I?" I asked. I increased the fire, and the electricity. He stepped through, and backhanded me. I cried out. The pain is making me lose control over my powers. If I can't control them, everything will burn. I can't let them die. Jeremy, Chalice, Gabriel, and Jayson don't deserve to perish. I can't see straight. I can feel him touching me. He has his arms around me. He's trying to restrain me. I head butted him in the face. He slammed me to the ground and climbed on top of me. He's still on fire, he never put it out. Smoke is filling the mansion.
'GET OUT!' I sent to the innocent four. I heard commotion in the kitchen. Pushing at Merrick, is like trying to move a building. It can't be done. I focused on his head, and tried to build unimaginable, painful pressure. He grunted in pain. I took the opportunity to knee him in the groin, and get an arm free. How is he withstanding the fire? Barely any damage has been done to him permanently. I saw arms reach through the fire, and pull at Merrick. He growled.
"You will not control me!" He said in an exasperated voice, full of pain.
"How does it feel?" I asked him through gritted teeth. I never saw it coming. He moved his arm, and a split second later, I felt the result of his movement. His fist came in contact with the side of my face, and I never even saw it. I didn't know until he had already done it. I tried not to stop fighting. But, he got the advantage. He got me on my back, and twisted both arms behind me. I cried out in pain.
He buried his face in my neck. I jerked my head backwards, suddenly, and without warning. He didn't realize what was coming. The back of my head made contact with his face. I know I got him. He pushed my head against the floor, and I felt his forearm apply pressure to the back of my neck. I won't be doing that again, I can't.
"I knew I would have you on your back, sooner or later. I pictured things a bit differently." He said.
"Fucker," I said as loudly as I could.
My voice is barely above a whisper. I can barely breathe. All of his body weight is on top of me. He's trying to cut off my oxygen supply. I closed my eyes and visualized him writhing in pain. I pictured electricity shooting through his body, shocking every fiber in his being. I pictured him engulfed in flames, and unable to free himself. He started moving frantically. It's working. It's not hurting me, it can't.
"Witch…" he spat out. I listened to his torment with delight. I felt something hard make contact with my skull. I drifted into unconsciousness. I can still hear his screams.
Damon's POV
No one has left the boarding house. Grams, Carlisle, and I got here yesterday. Grace wasn't in any condition to travel last night. Everyone else stayed, trying to come up with something, anything, to save Bonnie and Jeremy. Even Elena came. Matt is the only one still left in the dark. We've been trying locator spells, but it hasn't been working. Not even five minutes ago, we had a bit of luck. Merrick's block faltered. That small waver was all that we needed. We have a location.
"You need to stay here." I told Caroline. She protested. Stefan is in the kitchen arguing with Grace and Carlisle. He thinks that Grace should stay behind, in case something should happen. I think we need all of the fire power we can get. Carlisle and Grace agree. They better decide soon, because I'm not waiting much longer. "You can't do anything to help Bonnie by going. We need some man power to stay here. Tyler is going to stay with you. So is Elena." I told her. I heard Elena protest behind me. I flipped her off, from behind my back.
"I'm not staying here, Damon. I think you're right about Caroline. She should stay here. She can't help you there." Elena said, in that God awful voice of hers.
"Go wait in the library." I growled at Caroline. She looks scared with my change of attitude. She hurried off. I rounded on Elena. "What the fuck can you do, that Caroline can't?!" I screamed at her.
"I can…" She started, but fell silent.
"You can't fucking do anything, BUT nag relentlessly. You can't do any damn thing to help get her back." I snarled. My face changed as I yelled at her. "Go and wait with Caroline." I ordered her. She went. I went to the kitchen. "This is pointless." I said with only slightly more patience than I had with Elena. Stefan looked at me. He shook his head.
"We need someone here. We don't know what we're up against." He protested.
"You think going in there half-assed, with less people is any better?" I demanded. His mouth turned into a thin line. "A month ago, if this would have been Elena, you would have already gone after her. You would have dragged me into her mess with you. This isn't about you. It's about Bonnie. I'm not waiting. We are all going. If you don't like it, you can stay here." I growled.
He looked at me with surprise. If she dies… or worse, I will never forgive myself. I won't be able to stand being near him. Not if his delay is what kills her. I won't lose her. I can't. Stefan started to say something, but Grace shot him a look that would kill Hitler, in a heartbeat. He slammed his mouth shut.
"Stefan Salvatore, you are going to quit arguing with your brother, and you are going to go with us. We are leaving now. That's final, you hear?" Grams decided. He nodded. I understand where Stefan is coming from, but we can't afford to go without them.
"Alright, let's go, then. I have some things in my car that may be of assistance to us later." Carlisle said, trying to get us out of the kitchen. Kiren and Tyler were waiting outside the kitchen door for us. We emerged.
"You're staying her." I told Tyler. Before he could protest, Grace spoke up.
"We can't leave Caroline and Elena here alone. We need someone to protect them. Do you understand?" She asked hurriedly. He nodded.
"Good. Kiren, we need you with us." Grace said. Kiren nodded. She hugged Tyler. We left. We took Carlisle's car. It made the most sense. It's already packed with weapons. No one knows what we're going to need.
Bonnie's POV
My head is throbbing. Scratch that, everything feels agonizing. I hurt all over. I opened my eyes. I think I have a cut next to my eye. I guess Merrick won that round. I realized I was standing on my feet. How is that possible? I tried to move my arms, but found it impossible. My arms are chained. The chain must be suspended from the ceiling. It's dark here. It looks like the… basement? I think dungeon would be a better way to describe it. A cold chill shot through me. I shivered.
How is it so cold down here? I shouldn't be this cold, even down here. I looked down. My stomach is bruised. It looks like he kneed me in the gut, after I lost consciousness. Wait, why can I see my stomach? I'm not wearing anything. I have on my undergarments. I let out a shaky breath. What did I get myself into? I couldn't let him attack me, not again. I'm still proud of myself for standing up to him. Hopefully I caused some permanent damage.
I heard something scurry across the floor. I looked down, and saw rats run across the floor. I let out a whispered scream. I tried to take some deep breaths. They can't hurt me. They wouldn't. They're scared of fire, right? If they come near me, I'll roast them like hot dogs. Maybe I can melt the chains. I concentrated on heating up my arms. The melted metal slid down my arms. I don't know how everything is suddenly clear to me. Maybe it took me this long to get into survival mode?
How did I block his compulsion? Could my powers have really grown that much? Maybe they were always there. Maybe he just did something that triggered them. Lord knows he's done more than enough to do that. I just have to keep my body hot enough, so that the metal doesn't cool on me. After minutes I was surrounded by a puddle of melted metal, so much for that brilliant plan of his. Could I really leave? I need to find some clothes. I ran toward the corridor. It seems endless. There is barely enough light to see anything. Should I create a flame on my finger? I don't want to give myself away, if someone is down here.
I decided to take the chance. A small flame sprang to life on my index fingertip. I walked down the corridor, hoping to find a way out. I heard soft moaning. I followed the sound. It's coming from the inside of an ancient looking door. If someone is suffering, I can't just leave them. I gathered myself together, and pushed the door open. Jeremy's chained to the wall. He's huddled in a corner. He's looks as bad as I imagine I do.
"Jeremy," I whispered. He looked up, and looked horrified. I gently shut the door behind me. He still has his clothes. That means that they couldn't have done anything like that, to him, right?
"Bonnie, what he did to you…" He said in a pained voice.
"Don't worry about me. Let's get you out of here." I told him, tugging on his chains to test their strength.
"Go, don't worry about me." He said in a determined voice. I looked at him in disbelief.
"I am not going to leave you here." I told him.
I started to melt his chains. I visualized him being protected from the liquefied metal. I hope it works; I've never tried anything like this before. The liquefied metal rolled down his arm and his pant leg. It isn't sticking to him. He isn't showing any sign that it's hurting him in any way. I let out a breath of relief. Once the chains melted, I tugged at him arm. He stood up, and looked shaky.
"How long have you been down here?" I asked him. He shrugged.
"I think my legs forgot how to work." He tried to joke. I gave him a brief smile.
"We've got to motor." I told him. He nodded.
"Who did this?" I asked him. He looked hesitant to say anything.
"Merrick told Sebastian he could have his way with me. I guess he didn't take being threatened well." He answered quietly. I nodded.
"That bastard," I growled. Jeremy pulled his shirt off, over his head. He handed it to me. I shook my head. He glared, and I took the shirt. He was wearing two: a short sleeved tee over a long sleeved shirt. He gave me the long sleeved shirt. I put it on.
We left the room quietly, using each other for support. Using so much magic in such short periods of time, is draining me. I didn't realize how little energy I had. The adrenaline is wearing off. We ran along the corridor as soundlessly as we could manage. We stopped when he noticed I was struggling to keep up. I bent over, panting. He helped me stand up, by pulling on my arm. I winced.
"Sorry, Bon." He said apologetically. I shrugged off his apology.
"Don't sweat it." I told him. My breath is coming out in jagged puffs.
He held his hand out to me. I took his hand, and we ran. It feels like we've been going in circles. We saw a bit of light coming from an adjoining corridor. We took it. We walked down this one. We finally found a door that led somewhere else. It feels like we've been searching for hours. The door led to a small winding staircase. We walked up the stairs cautiously. When we reached the top we were greeted with silence. No one is around.
We kept going. There are no doors, wherever we are. There is a dark outline of a rectangle that I can make out on one of the walls. I pointed it out the Jeremy. We went over, and pushed as hard as we could. The wall moved. The rectangle flipped open, and acted as a door. What we didn't plan on was the wall flipping us around. We ended up in the library. It's a secret passage. I knew this place was creepy.
"Well, what do we have here?" Merrick asked. He started walking towards us. "You didn't learn your lesson, Bonita?" He asked. I glared at him.
"If the lesson was that you like to beat women, then yes. I learned your shitty lesson." I said. Gabriel came up beside me, and took Jeremy. He gave me a fearful, warning look. Gabriel looks like he is physically trying to stand by me, and against Merrick, but he can't. Something is preventing him. It's almost as if Merrick has a binding spell on all of them. Merrick pushed me against the wall, and squeezed my neck with his hand. I'm losing oxygen fast.
The front door to the mansion exploded. I turned to see what it was, so did Merrick. I kneed him the groin. It may be a cheap shot, but it's all that I've got right now. I concentrated on creating fire that would cover his groin. He cried out in pain. He let go of my neck, and back handed me, before slamming his fist into the wall, out of pain. I slid to the floor, and crawled away. I ran over to the explosion.
It can't be. My eyes are playing cruel and malicious tricks on me. They can't be here. Why aren't they coming in? Jayson appeared at my side and actually smiled.
"Come in," he said. They all came running. That's when I saw him. Amidst the faces of the others, Damon, Grams, Carlisle, Stefan and Kiren had been standing in front of him. I ran over towards him. He caught me, and lifted me off of the ground. I wrapped both arms around his neck. I ignored my throbbing shoulder.
I inhaled deeply. He smells better than I remember. I didn't let any tears fall. This isn't over, not yet. He set me down, he knows we have unfinished business. Grams looks delighted, and livid. She hugged me. I felt a few of her tears dampen my hair. She wiped them away, and her face turned very serious. She knows what we have to do. We'll have time for pleasantries later… I hope.
Merrick walked over toward us. I noticed the difference in his appearance. The fire is out. I wasn't concentrating on it, after I got away. He looks older, though, not by much. He looks weary. Bruises are lining parts of his face. I know that they aren't anything compared to mine. But I'm glad that I caused him some pain. All of the vampires growled and showed their canines. Grams positioned herself next to me and Carlisle. She looks ready. Kiren placed something in my hand. It's an ancient looking dagger with symbols all along the blade. It's beautiful and deadly.
Merrick smirked. "I see you've met my sister." He said. What? His sister? Kiren stiffened beside me.
"Hello, brother." Kiren said.
Author's Note: There it is. Hope you liked it! I'm still trying for the weekly update, but with school and everything, it's hard right now. Bear with me, my lovelies!
-*- Chalice means: prize or trophy. I thought her name was fitting.
*Marcella means: from Mars
*The name Lorelei is from a Greek legend. She was basically a siren. BUT I thought it was too pretty of a name for Marcella, so I decided to give it Jayson's mom.
P.S.-Let me know what you think. Whether you love it, hate it, or are in different, I won't hold it against you, if you REVIEW!
-Anneryn