England, 1692
I hear shouting in the forest. Men. Though not just any men, Vampires. They're looking for someone. A woman. I continue to walk, though my ears pick up the faint sobs of a woman a mile away. She is the one they're looking for. I wonder why. She is human. I feel my mind shuffle, the cards are being dealt. This is the second time i have felt my future shift, my destined path changing. I want to help this young woman, whatever is left of my human/witch instinct clings on to that feeling. Though, it is not me who helps her. I turn on my heels and slowly walk back home.
Mystic Falls, September 2012
I realise the car has pulled up outside a large house. A mansion. I blink and stretch. 'Long journey, huh?' Bonnie asks with a smile. I grin and nod.'almost forty hours.' i admit. I gaze out the window at the house. 'nice home.''It's not mine. I thought i would bring you here. They know Lexi.''They?'I watch Bonnie's expressions shift, she talks to me as if I'm a child whose pet has just died. A sign something terrible has happened to my friend. However, I'm not shocked.'she is dead. Isn't she?'Bonnie turns away and opens the car door. I reach out and grab her arm. 'it's okay, i know. Im a witch too.''i know you are.' she whispers. 'we have been expecting you.' she announces quietly. What? How? I frown at her and she nods and releases a sigh she has been holding.'There is something that belongs to you. Lexi was meant to pick it up and return it to you.' her eyes shift from me to the house behind. 'come. You can trust us.'
Im not sure what to think. I want to go home. Though, the reason I'm here is becoming clear. 'you must listen, everything you need will be in this book.' my grandmother had said to me one night when i was sixteen. She thought i was asleep or so i thought.'though, it will be kept safe until the book thinks you are ready and then it will call for you.' i almost giggled. How can a book be alive. 'what's so funny?' Bonnie asks. I shake my head. 'i think i know, why I'm here'.'so follow me' she says and with that she bounds out of the car and heads towards the front door of the house. I clammer out of the car and grab my bag as i turn i feel apprehensive. It is as if everything i have been through was leading up to this. As if i was being conditioned for this moment and for whatever lies before me. I let go of the breath i have been holding and head towards the house.
'is anyone home?' i ask Bonnie who just steps inside. 'yes' she says in a matter of fact way. This is starting to feel a little creepy. I glance over my shoulder, i can still just leave get on the next flight back to England. And just as that last thought leaves my head the door bangs shut and the lock clips in place. Or maybe i will just stay and see what happens.'hello?' someone calls out from somewhere in the house. 'just me.' Bonnie calls out. Inside, the house is spacious and gothic. The scent is of cloves and spices the common smell of a Vampire home. My fingers clench tightly round my rucksake. I'm always nervous when meeting other Vampires, i swallow hard.
'only you? But i thought-' the voice grew louder and stop as we enter a huge room. I look around with awe, it is massive. Oak panelling lines the wall. Rich fabrics and furniture makes it all the more gothic and vibrant. I turn to look over at the sofas, where there are a few people seated. One of which rises and stalks over. A vampire. He is tall of medium build his hair is light and eyes a light green. He studies me closely, his eyes seeking mine. 'it can't be.' he whispers and rakes a hand through his confused. 'come sit with us. We have been expecting you Alizon.''how do you know my name?' i gulp and do as i am told. I stare at the two other people. A young woman sits to my left on a separate couch she has extremely long, glossy brown hair. and another man sits opposite her, his arms outstretched across the top of the couch. I stare at him, his face seems oddly familiar.
All four of them stare at me with wonder. My skin prickles and turns cold, this is how i know when a vampire crosses my path and the warm nudge of a witch. 'what do you want and what happened to Lexi?' i want answers and i want them now. The vampire sitting to my right shifts and stands. His eyes are bright and grey and concerned. He looks angry and upset. 'Lexi got staked a few months ago.' the woman with long hair spoke, her voice quiet. She looks at me with sympathy. I nod, i knew she died. I had visions and dreams, i just didn't want it to be true. My only true friend who knew who i was. I bite my lip to stop myself from crying i hate showing emotions. 'so why am i here?' i look to each stranger, i have no idea who these people are i don't know three of their names. Yet i have dreamed about them for centuries. 'this is why you are here.' the young vampire announces, picking a book off the table. It looks old, dust clings to the metal designs on the front cover. 'Lexi was meant to take this with her when she returned to England.' he continued handing it over to me.'none of us could open it.' the long haired woman added. 'Not even Bonnie. It is as if there is a spell to open it.'
I look confused as i take the book in my hands weighing it, its heavy. I run my hand over the cover feeling the cool metal beneath my touch. It feels familiar, i recognise the sent. This book belonged to my grandmother. And with that the book makes a click sound and opens itself in my lap. All eyes are on me. 'how did you do that?' the dark vampire asks as he stares down at the book. I shake my head. 'it must of been locked with a spell, a recognition spell.' i shrug. 'the book will decided weather you are ready' my grandmothers words echo in my head.
Staring at the first page it is all a jumble of words. A spell in another language. Bold colours in red and blue fill the page.
Dhiaga bandia, bandia DhiagaDhiaga Dia, Dia Dhiaga
Leis an bioráinCosaint a leagan iChun cosaint an linbhAn dá lá agus oíche
Cherish, a bheith rathúil agus a chosaint do gach eternity.
Is é seo mo thoil, Mote mar sin go mbeadh sé
'what is that?' the young vampire asks frowning down over my soulder.'a protection spell in celtic' Bonnie replies freely. Turning the page, i draw in a breath as i begin to breath.
March 1593,
Alizon if you are reading this now. I guess, the book thinks you are ready. I should think you are in Mystic Falls five-hundred years from now, with strangers you have only seen in dreams. I know your life has been confusing to say the least and i only write this now from what i have seen of your life. You must trust me when i say this book will help you and guide you.
I let out a deep sigh. It is a little late for guidance now. I slam the book shut, i have had enough. What is all this anyway? I stand abruptly taking everyone by surprise.'i cannot do this anymore.' i apologise, i quickly snatch my bag and begin to make my way towards the front door. Though, Before i could leave the lounge the dark vampire is in front of me blocking. 'why so soon?' he whispers his eyes searching mine. I frown, searching his.'please let me go.' i whisper. A sudden sense of deja vu sparks. I have done this before. My dream is playing out but i can't remember what comes next. 'i have to go.' i sneer. I feel my vampire instincts begin to take place. I watch as the vampire smirks. He likes this. I shake my head, shaking it out of my system.'damon. Let her go.' the young vampire demands and as if that was enough Damon steps to the side. I glance back at the group before fleeing. What have i got myself into?
As i step out into the cool autumn air i take a few deep breaths. Forcing my Vampire instincts to the back of my mind. Once I'm sure it has subsided i glance down at the book in my arms. I have some serious reading to do. But first i must find a place to stay for the night.