Chapter 36: Shadow Preachers
"What is she doing here?" Elena paced around the room.
Across from me was the mirror image of my childhood best friend: Katherine Pierce. Even freakier that she was dressing exactly like Elena, down to the hair and the lack of makeup.
If I couldn't pick vampires apart from humans, I'd mistake one for the other like both Damon and Stefan did.
"What am I doing here?" I mumbled.
I would gladly have stayed in school rather than deal with Katherine but here I was.
Elena gave me a look and I sighed. Oh right. I was supposed to back her up. "Like Elena said; can someone please explain to me why she's out in the wild instead of rotting away in an old tomb beneath the abandoned ruins of a church."
"Rude and you're the buffer." Katherine answered, even though I wasn't talking to her or anyone but vampires have freakishly good hearing—not that I could judge, I could read minds.
I looked away, catching Damon's eye who tried to mouth something to me. I wouldn't lie and say I wasn't avoiding Damon since Elijah's 'death'—I was. It was hard to be around him, knowing that his recklessness almost got me kidnapped.
I had a hard time moving past things. Elena was easy to forgive but I wasn't. I don't know if I could forgive him so easily even if he pleaded with me.
There were too many things against him and I still hadn't forgiven him for Vicki and the way he'd treated Caroline. Oh and Tanner's murder—there were too many things against him.
I acted like I didn't even notice him; he pursed his lips and decided to be the one to answer. "When we killed Elijah, it broke the compulsion and freed the bitch from the tomb."
"Who would have thought that would be a terrible idea?" I sarcastically exclaimed.
"Ava, nobody knew what Originals were capable of–not even Damon." Stefan tried to diffuse the tension but I knew he agreed with what I had in mind. If it was up to either of us, we'd try to get Elijah on our side rather than piss him off which Damon did.
"I'm just saying…" I trailed off. I was really tired of Damon and Elena not hearing me out. "But back to the elephant in the room—how is she out and how did Elijah compel her?"
"Your guess is as good as mine." He glanced between his girlfriend and his ex. He really did have a type. "She shouldn't be out."
"He compelled her to stay in the tomb." I said to myself since no one was listening. "At least that's what she told me."
"How is that possible?"
"Elijah was an Original." Katherine stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "They have all sorts of special skills." I almost forgot she was still here.
"Of course he does." I muttered under my breath before pausing. "Wait, 'all'?" I looked up in horror. "Please tell me Elijah and Klaus are the only Originals out there?"
"Only ones you all have to worry about."
Katherine's words did little to reassure me. "Is there anything else we should be worried about apart from more Originals?"
"And why would I tell you that?"
"Because you made our life hell and you owe us?" I fired back and she shrugged.
"Nothing personal." Damon let out a laugh. I mean she did turn him and his brother into vampires but the obsession with her was on him not on Katherine; I couldn't blame Katherine for that. "Besides, I have nothing against you and you might be the only one here I can actually stand."
"I'm not my grandmother."
"I never said you were." She retorted. "Kamila was more…" A flicker of hurt on her face as she swallowed and looked away from her "...fun."
I clenched my jaws and glanced at Damon and Stefan. Katherine had been out of the tomb for less than a week and it made me remember just how insufferable she was.
Damon stood between the two of us and glared hard at his former object of affection. It was funny how easily his love could turn to hate. Katherine didn't really give him much to go on anyway.
"Katherine, if you were hiding something—"
"You really think I'm just going to tell you everything I know, please…" She trailed off and stared at me.
"You want something out of it." I guessed and she nodded.
"Not much."
"Yeah, well you're not getting anything from us." Damon said. I gave him a side-eyed glance before walking away from him.
Just because I was annoyed at Katherine being out of the tomb didn't mean I forgot that I was still mad at him.
"I'm not asking for much." Katherine said, glancing around the room. "I just want a place to crash and besides you guys need me."
We did need her.
Apart from Elijah, she was the only one who knew what Klaus looked like or what he was capable of. I hated this but we didn't really have a choice but to work with her.
Elena unfortunately didn't really care or think that far ahead like always. "I don't want you here." She started to speak before I managed to even get a word in. "Get her out of here."
"You need me, Elena." Katherine lazily replied and smirked, glancing around the small circle. "You all do."
"Like hell."
"We all want the same thing…Klaus dead." Katherine drawled out, eying everyone in the room with a smirk. "Yet here you all are, running around like chickens with their heads cut off."
I had to agree with her. She was right. We had no plan or anything to go off on. "Are you offering your help?" I felt like it was too easy for her to say that.
"Maybe." She shrugged. "Depends on Elena."
Before I could answer, Elena cut me off. "I don't need your help and I don't want it."
"And that's incredibly stupid of you." Katherine retorted. "Do you know where Klaus is? When he's coming, what he looks like?"
"She's right." I couldn't help but say. "We don't know anything about Klaus—Elijah did and well…" I looked at Damon who made a face. What did he expect me to say or do? Elijah, like him or not, was our only source of information. He probably knew far more than Katherine
"You're never going to stop reminding me about that." Damon said and I shrugged.
"Hey, maybe if you listened, we wouldn't be here listening to her."
"But I wouldn't be out." Katherine said with a faux pout that made me roll my eyes. "And if he did listen, you guys would have some sort of a solid plan. You're the only smart one here, sunshine."
"Don't call her that." Damon spat out, taking me by surprise. We made eye contact and I raised my brow in question. He seemed even more annoyed that I didn't say anything. "If you know something, say it or get out."
"Fine. Then I'll just go to the Grill and have some lunch...maybe Aunt Jenna's free for a bite."
"You can 'Hi' to my uncle too." I said with a sarcastic smile and Katherine narrowed her eyes.
"Ava." Stefan tried. "Don't provoke her."
"What?" I innocently looked at Stefan. "I'm just saying, the more the merrier."
Katherine eyed me and Stefan, a smile dancing on her lips like she knew something about us that we didn't know. Stefan and I shared a look, we didn't like that look. "You know maybe I should check out what Matt's been up to." She said with a small grin.
I heard a gasp and turned to see Elena glaring at Katherine. Damon was shaking his head but I knew he was glad that her target had shifted. I wasn't happy at all. Matt was my friend.
"Maybe you should check out the local cemetery—there's an empty plot with your name on it."
For a second, I could've sworn Katherine's gaze softened but maybe I wasn't seeing this right. "Aw, a grave for a vampire? How cute." she remarked with a sarcastic pitch in her voice so alike Elena's but so uncanny.
"I can get an urn instead." I offered. It was freaky how alike she and Elena looked next to each other. My head was starting to hurt.
"Look at you being adorable."
I stared blankly at Katherine in complete disgust. "I'm out. I have a student council meeting in an hour and I have to hang up some posters for the art club and check on the photography club for the yearbook committee. I'm not sticking around to babysit her."
"Someone's busy, trying to keep your head off Elijah? I know I've been there or maybe it's D—"
"Katherine." Damon and Stefan warned and she shrugged. "Leave her alone." Damon said, staring at me. I fidgeted with the strap of my bag, looking anywhere but at him. His gaze still burned me. "I'll drop you off."
But Stefan cut him off. "It's fine. Elena and I are going to school too so we can all go together."
The idea of being the third-wheel to that couple was not something I needed that morning. I'd rather babysit Katherine than third-wheel Elena and Stefan. "My car's outside and I kinda have to be at school earlier than you two so I'll be leaving first."
Elena tried to speak but when I looked at her, she understood that I was giving her and her boyfriend some space. She seemed grateful enough that she didn't raise any more complaints which I was very thankful for. Though I could tell she wasn't pleased to be left alone with Katherine for a longer time without me.
I was about to walk out the door before I turned around and walked back into the study.
"Forgetting something?" Katherine asked like she was eager to help.
I still wasn't used to her being friendly to me. I couldn't forget that vision I saw of her vampiric face looming over me while I lay in the hospital bed. Even if I wasn't dead, I couldn't get that image out of my head.
"Actually, yeah." I turned to Damon, not avoiding him but looking straight at him. His mood seemed to improve a little as the corners of his lips turned upwards. "Don't kill her. I know it's tempting but don't do it."
"Seriously?" Damon asked, a little offended that the only reason I came back was to tell him off. "What do you think I am?"
"A very impulsive person."
"That was one time and he was going to kidnap you regardless of what I did."
"You don't know that."
Katherine chuckled. "Trouble in paradise?"
"Shut up Katherine!" Stefan, Damon, Elena and I shouted out at the same time. We all stopped and looked at each other. "This is going to be hard." Damon added.
"Keeping her alive is an impossible task." Stefan said with a sigh. "But it's something we have to do."
"We can get rid of her after Klaus is dealt with." Elena chimed in.
Katherine scoffed, acting offended. "I'm right here."
"Unfortunately." I drawled out, checking my texts. "I'm out. Keep her alive."
Katherine looked almost sad to see me leave. I didn't really put much thought into her. She was probably trying to get inside my head—that was who Katherine Pierce was, an evil manipulator but she wasn't always like that.
Maybe my grandmother's memories were starting to cloud my judgment but I couldn't help but remember how awful she had been to Lydia, trying to kill her when she did nothing.
I couldn't get those conflicting thoughts out of my head. Katherine, Klaus and Elijah—something that had happened between those three hundreds of years ago and somehow my grandmother chose to do one good thing that made a mess of things.
Was it selfish for me to wish that grandma Mila never helped Katherine? Maybe. I didn't know if that made me a terrible person.
What if it was Elena?
What if it was Elena? I almost stopped the car when that thought came to me. What if it was Elena? What made her so different from Katherine? Nothing really. The more I thought about it, the more I felt awful.
Katerina needed people to fight for her too, Kamila was one of them and here I was wishing that Katerina was left to die after being exiled from her home and having her child taken away from her.
God, it was awful to think about.
I pulled into my usual parking spot at school and got out after checking the time. I had fifteen minutes left before the meeting so I quickly swung by the art club to grab the posters so I could leave them in my locker before I went to the student council room for the meeting.
Dana was sitting next to Chad, leaving only Will to sit in his usual place. Right, I had almost forgotten that she'd stepped down from her role as Vice President.
"Caroline's late." Rei said, walking into the room with two boxes of donuts.
"She'll be here soon." I replied, pulling my chair closer to the table and looking at Caroline's empty seat next to mine. "In the meantime, why don't we all start by going over the plans for the upcoming Decades Dance?"
"The 60s." Dana began, flipping over a blank page and the other members of the student council alongside other people in the room did the name. "I'm not a fan of that era."
"What? You don't like mod looks and the mini skirts."
"I'm more of a disco girl."
Will snorted. "Yeah, I don't think we're going to get to do a 70s dance. Next one is the 20s, weird I know." He looked around the room, watching the small ripple of laughter and chatter in the room before he cleared his throat. "Onto some serious stuff, we've gotten the funding secured, thanks to the bake sale we had last week."
I nodded and looked over to the cluster of people that sat in the corner of the room. "Thank you again to the cooking club and the art club for the wonderful idea. We've managed to get enough to hire a good DJ."
The football team and the cheerleaders started cheering and I had to cover my ears a little to drown them out. Tyler was noticeably missing and I couldn't help but feel sad. He was on the road with his uncle, taking some time to get used to being a werewolf.
Caroline ran in at that moment with Matt behind her. "Sorry we're late."
Dana made a face and rolled her eyes. "Take your time, it's not like we all have places to be." She drawled out and Caroline smiled at her but I knew she was annoyed. Matt didn't say a word though I know he was wondering why he was there.
"It's okay, you're not that late." I tried to ease the tension. I should've gotten used to Dana and Caroline's animosity but I hadn't. "We just started and Dana bought donuts."
The tension didn't really ease like I hoped. Caroline smirked at Dana and started discussing her plans. She got up from her seat next to me, almost hopping at the balls of her feet when she began to go over her plans for the dance. I almost tuned out until she looked at me with wide eyes and a smile.
"What do you think?" Caroline asked, clasping her hands together and tilting her head to the side to catch both mine and Matt's attention. "Do I need to edit it or…?"
"No, it's fine. We've already got enough funds to cover a good DJ. I think we can…follow through your plans." I said, trying my best to pretend that I was listening.
For a split second, Caroline narrowed her eyes suspiciously at me before she grinned and clapped her hands together. "I guess my job's done—well, partly done. We just need to order the stuff and we're good to go."
"We still need to work out the final budget." Will started but everyone had already taken Caroline's words as a sign to leave. Dana clenched her jaws and flashed a difficult smile at us before she glanced at me.
Well, I guess there was nothing else left to do but end the meeting. I quickly stood up and clapped my hands a few times to get everyone's attention; I was not in the mood to raise my voice.
"So I guess that concludes this meeting. Next meeting, a lot of you don't have to show up—unless you want me." I heard a wave of sighs of relief echo through the room and I almost laughed. "I'll be posting which clubs and people need to attend the next meeting because I know not everyone wants to be here." Some people laughed awkwardly but I brushed them aside and carried on before I accidentally started to hear their thoughts. "Lastly, if anyone has any questions or ideas, feel free to tell me or Caroline and that's all. Hope you guys get to your first class of the day on time and thank you for taking your time to be here."
Those that had stayed threw a quick nod and 'yes' to me and Caroline before a flurry of students rushed out of the room. Matt was lost in the crowd. I caught a small glimpse of his golden hair in between students. He crossed the stream of students and stopped in front of me.
"Hey," I greeted him with a smile and careful glance at Caroline. "What's up?"
Matt smiled in greeting and waited until the room was emptier before he started to speak. "Have you heard from Tyler?"
I knitted my brows together and pursed my lips, noticing Dana slow down in her movements. She was listening in.
I waited for a few minutes for her and the others to leave before I answered Matt. "Roadtrip with his uncle."
Matt stared at me. He drew his lips into a thin line and shut his eyes. He almost looked like he was regretting something. "Nothing new?" He tried to press me for more but I had nothing.
"Sorry. Tyler said he needed space." A part lie and a part truth. I didn't really know where Tyler was, maybe my uncle did. At least, I hoped that Matt would relax and stop feeling guilty. "It's not your fault, you know." I tried to reassure him.
Scrunching up his face into a frown, he shook his head. "I don't know. I can't help but think—"
"Matt, you need to stop blaming yourself for other people's mistakes. You did this with Vicki and your mom too."
Matt's mouth hung open before he bit his lips and nodded reluctantly. He knew I was right. He had a habit of taking blame, a really bad habit that had made him miserable.
He didn't say anything and just stood there for a moment before I parted his shoulder. "You should get to class. You're always late, you know." He reluctantly agreed and left the room, not before throwing a fleeting glance at Caroline; she pretended like she hadn't noticed him. There was still some obvious tension between them. I didn't bother to comment on that. I didn't want to get in between their relationship problems again.
Caroline glanced up and met eyes with a sad smile. "That was nice of you." She said. "Matt's been blaming himself for Tyler for a while now."
"It's not his fault." I breathed out, stretching my arms before turning back to her. "It's not yours either." I closed the door and took out a pale blue hydro flask from my bag. "Stefan packed it." I passed her the flask.
"Thanks." She said and opened it, I could smell a hint of iron coming from the flask and I couldn't help but grimace a little. "So how'd I do?" She asked.
"For…"
"The meeting."
"Um, great." I answered with an unsure tone. I mentally punched myself for it. She could tell. The way her eyes scrunched up—she knew. "Sorry, I kinda zoned out." I admitted after a moment. "I know I shouldn't have. It's just…"
She pursed her lips and nodded, a little annoyed. Still, she seemed to accept my apology. "Katherine?" She asked and I looked down. "I got your text. I can't believe she's out." She threw her hands in the air and leaned against the table. I did the same and stood by her side. "I can't help but think she tricked us."
Sighing, I couldn't help but agree. "She knew the Originals, she's the only one in town as old enough to know about them—we got too comfortable."
"It's not like we could've seen it coming…" She trailed off as she turned to look at me. "You didn't?"
"No." Sadly, I did not see this coming. I was too stressed out about Elijah kidnapping me and everything to focus on anything else. "I kinda got kidnapped and then—I don't know, I've been all over the place, stressed and about to rip someone's head off."
"Damon or Katherine?" She asked, taking a long sip of her breakfast. I couldn't help but make a face and Caroline bobbed her head down and looked up in shame. "Sorry, I can't exactly feed when my mom's around."
"No…it's okay." I tried to reassure her. It was still a lot to take in; Caroline shouldn't have been a vampire. "Where were we?"
"You said you wanted to rip someone's head off and I said 'Damon or Katherine'?"
Groaning, I threw my head back before looking back at her. "Can I do both?" I questioned back.
"Knock yourself out." She replied with a smile. "Though I don't think you'll be ripping Damon's head off, more like his cl—" Before she could finish that sentence, I punched her arm. "Ouch! How are you that strong? I'm supposed to be…a vampire. How are you stronger than me?"
"Faery, remember?" I tilted my head to the side and grinned as dusts of light started to dance around us.
In wonder or pure glee, Caroline let out a soft laugh. She almost reached out to touch the specks of light before her face fell and she remembered, quickly taking her hand back. "That's…very cool and you," She turned to me. "are a show off."
I shrugged and smiled. I'd finally gotten some control over my magic so maybe I could show off a little, did it matter? Not really. If only I could do more with it.
"And break time's over." I snapped my fingers and everything returned to normal. "I'll see you in history, I need to swing by my locker and pick up my books."
"Ooh can I borrow your history homework?"
Pausing, I slowly turned to her. My eyes sinking deep and lips curling up. "Caroline." I slowly said. "You forgot to do your homework again?"
She sighed. "Leave me alone. It was history and most of all, it's the 60s. Also I forgot. I don't know how many times I can get away with not doing my homework before Mr Saltzman decides to give me a detention."
I rolled my eyes and dug my hands back to my bag, pulling out my notebook. I shoved her and glared at her. "Don't copy word for word and give it back before he sees."
She grinned and packed my notebook into her bag before leaving. I swear she and Elena needed to make time for school in the middle of all this.
Heck I could make time for it and I was the busiest of them. I was getting a little sick of always giving Elena my homework to copy, Caroline was okay since she'd actually make an effort. Elena, on the other hand, seemed to only focus on one thing at a time. I loved my friends but I was a little tired.
I left the room, switching off the lights and taking my bag with me. Sluggishly, I dragged myself over to my locker. I'd only managed to open it when I felt someone come over and stand beside my locker.
Letting out a tired breath, I took out my textbooks and slammed my locker shut. I looked up and pursed my lips. There was no one there but I could've sworn there was. I saw a pair of feet underneath.
I nervously pulled at the strap of my leather satchel and made my way to my AP biology class. But I stopped.
"Uncle Nate?" My uncle stopped in the middle of the hallway and looked at me. "What are you doing here?"
He waved at me and walked over. "Going to class?"
"I'm skipping." I joked and he snorted. "Seriously, what're you doing here?"
"Ric wanted to talk."
"Jenna?" I guessed and he nodded. "This could've been a phone call."
"He wanted to talk face to face. It's also about Katherine."
"Right." Katherine seemed to be on everyone's mind that day; I couldn't blame them. She was a problem that we couldn't deal with until Klaus was dealt with. I sighed and patted his arm. "Well, you two have fun and I hope you don't keep this a secret from Jenna."
"That's for me to deal with." He looked down at his wristwatch. "Now get to class."
I didn't need to be told twice. I left him behind in the hall, going over to the opposite end of the school building. The biology class was the furthest room away from the history class.
"Hey," Stefan made a beeline for me when Trig ended. He sat in the back of the class by the corner, near a window while I sat in the front by the door. "I told Bonnie about Katherine and you know…"
Oh.
I guess Bonnie needed to be told. I'd already caught Caroline up with everything and wondered if I should've let Mason and Tyler as well.
"You listening?" I must've zoned again because Stefan was waving his hands in front of my face. "Did you have another…vision?" His face scrunched up into frown as he looked around subtly before asking that question.
I pursed my lips and shook my head. "I've been zoning out a lot today. Sorry."
He nodded, half convinced, half concerned but the thing about him that I liked was he knew when not to poke at something. "We just need to let Caroline know—"
"Already did that this morning." I cut him off accidentally. "I was wondering if we should tell Mason and Tyler."
"Should we?" He questioned. "I mean they're out of town."
"I know but Mason and Katherine were…involved."
"They were hooking up."
I let out a sigh, the corners of my lips curling up into a smile. "I was trying to be nice." I said.
He chuckled. "I know you were. I just don't feel a thing towards Katherine, not enough to care about who she was hooking with."
"You sure?"
"My love for Katherine died when I thought she died."
"A long time ago."
"A long time ago." He echoed back with a sad smile. "I don't think about her as much, apart from wondering when we're gonna kill her."
Yet he was dating her doppelganger and descendant. I held my tongue and just bobbed my head along. Stefan guessed what I wanted to say and prepared himself to defend.
"Still I think we should let Mason know. Katherine might hurt him or Tyler if she finds them."
It took him a second to remember that Mason was supposed to be dead, Katherine would lose her mind when she realized that he betrayed her. He nodded and quickly changed the subject. "I think we need to get the Martins on our side. They're powerful."
Annoyingly powerful—I wanted to add.
"I said that before."
"And I'm saying it again." Stefan said with a soft smile that I was sure was reserved for Elena.
I rolled my eyes and looked away. "Let me guess, you asked Bonnie to get them on our side." He didn't say anything and I took that as a sign. "Stef, that's not gonna work. They have a deal with Elijah about their daughter who was taken by Klaus."
"I know that but we can't just leave things as they are. If they're not with us then…"
"You're gonna kill them?" I lowered my voice even though we were the only ones left in the room. "Stefan, think this through. Bonnie might need the Martins."
"I know. I know but I have to look out for us."
"You mean Elena?"
"I mean you and Elena. You're in danger just as much Elena."
"You don't know that."
Stefan let out a loud sigh, running in his fingers through his hair in frustration. He took a step back and paced a little before turning back to me. "Did you forget that you were kidnapped by Elijah?" He questioned, his eyes wide with concern and his jaws clenched. "You're in danger just as much."
"That…" I tried to think of something to say but nothing came to my mind so I bit my lips and turned away. "We're not getting rid of the Martins." I didn't want more people dead.
"I never said we were." Stefan calmly said. "We just need them on our side. You can start with Luka. I'll take on Dr Martin after school."
I poked the inside of my cheeks and nodded. "Good luck with that. I haven't seen him around at all. I don't think he even shows up to school—probably holed up at home, cooking up potions and spells to find his sister."
Stefan's face fell. "We need to find a way."
"You said that a few times and I don't think there's a way but we can't kill them."
"That means we need to find a way to get them on our side." We were talking in circles, both Stefan and I knew that but what else could we do. "We could…" He started, taking a few steps forward. I tried to suppress the chills, taking deep breaths. "Use the school system to find his address."
I raised my brows in question before looking up at him. He was serious. His unwavering gaze on me and I had to look away.
"We can't." It was too risky. The Martins were incredibly powerful, even Luka was potentially more powerful than Bonnie and Bonnie no longer had access to her magic. "It's too risky. Who knows? We go to their house and it's a magical trap. We could get hurt."
"Then what?"
"I'll find a way. Trust me."
"Ava…" He gnawed on the bottom of his lips before letting out a sigh of defeat. "Be careful. Don't get hurt and don't do anything risky without telling me…us."
I smiled and let out a small laugh. "No promises on that. Though I have a feeling that I might run into Luka today."
"You said he doesn't come to school."
"Usually." I corrected with a small smile and kicked my feet on the group before standing up and grabbing my bag. "Come on, we're gonna miss lunch and I'm starving. You need to eat too, remember?"
Stefan didn't say a thing and quietly followed me out of the classroom. I paused in the middle of the hall with Stefan looking at me in confusion as he stopped mid-action, near the doors leading to the football pitch.
"Ava." He called out to me but my mind went blank for some reason as I felt a tingle in my chest and a buzzing sound filled the air. "Ava." He called out again.
I jolted awake and smiled, quickly going over to him and opening the door. "I think someone was watching us."
Stefan was about to question me but I quickly changed the topic as I led him over to the pitch. Elena had texted me that she was going to be late. Ric wanted to have a talk with her.
Elena barely managed to join us when lunch was about to end. She seemed annoyed but didn't voice out her thoughts. I guess whatever conversation she had with Mr Saltzman was pretty important. I had a feeling it was just about Jenna. She was still in the dark despite my uncle's efforts to persuade everyone to let her in.
"I've got AP Chem." I said, unlocking my locker.
Elena made a face before smiling. Her smile was almost forced. God, she was doing that thing again—the thing where she pretended everything was okay when it was not. I didn't comment on it. "Sucks to be you. Stefan and I have Lit." She said.
"Can I borrow your notes?" Stefan leaned against my neighbor's locker. "I didn't think I'd come to school today."
Bonnie laughed, shaking her head in disapproval like she didn't do the same last week with Physics. Jeremy even cracked a smile.
With an over-dramatic sigh, I plucked out my Literature notebook and chucked it at Stefan. He caught it with ease and let out a smile before muttering a quick 'thanks'.
"You know how tired I am of you guys." I pulled out my AP Chem textbook and turned to the four and gave Jeremy a pointed look, telling him not to learn from them. "I need you guys to pick up the slack."
"Hey, I'm trying." Elena looked almost offended.
"I'm sure you are, 'Miss I-need-to-copy-your-Math-homework', which by the way is a terrible idea." I slammed my locker shut and gave Elena a pointed look. "I'm terrible at Math."
"Hey you got almost all of them right." Stefan tried to comfort me, only for me to pause and narrow my eyes at him.
The corners of my lips turned up into a twisted smile, my eyes twitched. "And how do you know that Salvatore?"
Stefan swallowed and looked away at his girlfriend. Elena pretended she was looking through my notes. Bonnie seemed to find the whole thing hilarious. She must've looked through them as well. Despite the cloud of sadness hanging over her after losing her magic, she looked a little bit lighter.
"Unbelievable." I huffed out and threw my hands in the air.
"Come on. You enjoy school." Stefan tried to comfort me again. I glared at him. "I enjoy it too but you like it better."
"I don't enjoy school, Stef. I just don't wanna get kept behind a year and actually get into a decent college. Next time," I pointed at the three. "you all are on your own."
"You say that all the time." Elena pointed out and I turned my glade at her before cracking out a smile and rolling my eyes. "And then you change your mind."
Sometimes, my friends were very annoying.
I paused. There was that feeling again—that strange feeling of being watched. A slight crackle in the air and a quiet buzzing sound. I turned around and for a second, everything went quiet. I braced myself for my vision to go black as I'd be plunged into premonition but nothing came.
"—So what do you think?" Caroline asked and it was like time had resumed.
I turned to Caroline and frowned. "Sorry, what were you saying?" I tried to laugh it off but I didn't feel so good. "Look, you know what I'll talk to you all after school. I have to get to Chem."
Stefan was about to say something but I quickly brushed past him. I don't know why I felt so damn restless that day; it was like something was going to happen, I just didn't know what.
Bang!
The door to the Chemistry lab shut behind me, the moment I dropped my bag onto the floor. A crackle of magic in the air and I sucked in deep breath before turning around.
"Nice of you to show up to school." I smiled sweetly and leaned against my table.
In front of the class where Mr Welch, my Chem teacher usually stood, was Luka. He clasped his hands together and narrowed his eyes on me. He muttered something under his breath and I heard a quiet click echo through the room. He'd locked the door, locking us both in.
Letting a deep shaky breath, he took a step forward. "We need to talk." I could see him hold himself back into the darkness and away from me, almost like he was scared of me.
I stared at him for a second, studying him. Despite the confidence in his voice, he was trembling a little.
Maybe he was scared of me.
"So we do." I muttered before turning around on the balls of my feet and looking up. "You haven't been coming to school, you know. It's not looking good on your attendance, if you want to move to the next year, you should really start attending your cl—"
"That's not what I wanted to talk about!" He cut me off with a loud yell and I was taken aback. I didn't expect to raise his voice.
Tilting my head to the side, I softened my gaze. "No? Then what—"
"I know what you are."
I pursed my lips and let out a laugh. "The Student Body President?"
"I don't have time for these games, Ava." He was getting angrier by the second. "My dad was right. You faeries do like to play games."
My smile died. "For the record, I'm the only faery in town and the only one I know of." Not counting my brother. I wasn't sure if he was like me or not, we still hadn't had a whole conversation about him. "It's a little dark in here, you don't mind if I…" I raised my left hand, dragging specks of light with me before clicking my fingers.
Specks of light gathered into small orbs on the ceiling. In surprise, Luka looked up and stumbled back, almost falling onto the table.
"Relax, I'm not gonna attack you." The room lit up and I could see Luka much more clearly. A light sheen of sweat glistened on his brows and his eyes were unfocused. "You don't look too good." I commented airily, waving my hand as the orbs danced on the ceiling.
"Yeah, well you try having a sister being kidnapped by Klaus and the only person that could save her goes missing." He spat out, wiping the sweat off his brow.
I nodded in understanding. "Elijah's not missing—if that's what you were worrying about. I know where he is." His eyes lit up. "But I can't take you to him or tell you where."
"Why not? Elijah told me that you were the good one."
"Well, I don't know what Elijah told you but you forgot that your dad and Elijah tried to kidnap me."
"It's nothing personal." I scoffed. Luka started to pace around the room and I watched him carefully to make sure he didn't try anything. I couldn't trust the Martins. "Look, my dad's stressed. He didn't mean what he did. It took a lot out of him to even cast a sleeping curse on you. He didn't mean it. He had to keep up his side of the bargain with Elijah."
"Doesn't mean that I wasn't harmed. I was." Unconsciously, my hands traveled to my neck. "You said your sister was kidnapped by Klaus but your dad didn't even hesitate to help Elijah do the same to me. Don't you think my family wouldn't have cared?"
Guilt clouded his face. That told me enough. "You don't understand. My family hasn't been the same since my mom died. My sister and my dad are all that I have. I need her back. I'm sorry for what my dad did to you but we need Elijah."
I let out a soft laugh and threw my head back. The little orbs in the ceiling dipped low like my mood and dimmed before brightening up again. "Your dad's being reckless." I said softly.
Dr Martin wasn't being the most responsible parent. I couldn't imagine my dad putting Daniel's life at risk for me. At most, he'd recruit his own siblings rather than let mom or Daniel get hurt.
"When was the last time you actually went to school or hung out with your friends?" I asked, keeping my voice low and tone soft. I did pity him even if his dad helped Elijah.
Luka's eyes trembled and he looked away. "That's not important."
"Yes, it is." I retorted, taking a step forward. "Don't you see? Your dad's obsessed with getting your sister back no matter what. He's even ignoring that he has two kids, not one. I'm sorry to tell you this Luka but if you don't stop or tell your dad to change his plans…" I trailed off, a haze taking over my vision for a second as I slowly continued. "He's gonna have one kid less."
His face paled and he rushed towards me. "What do you mean by that?" I ripped my arm away from him and stood back. The little orbs of light moved rapidly before circling around him. "Ava, what do you mean by that?"
"I meant that your dad's wasting your life away." It was an excuse. I knew it was. Luka didn't believe it. I don't know why I even said it. "I saw you when you first came to school. Bonnie told me about your conversations—you two have a connection. Don't lie to me and tell me that you didn't enjoy what you had with her—"
He turned away from me, mouthing Bonnie's name under his breath. "Doesn't matter. I need my sister back!"
"Even if it kills you?" Luka shut his mouth and looked away.
I heard a quiet click. Both of our attentions were drawn to the door. We both turned to each other and shared a look. With a quick click of my fingers, the orbs of light dissipated into the air as the door opened.
Mr Welch walked in and looked around the darkened room. "Ava? Is that you?" He looked around the room and spotted Luka by his chair. "And Mr Martin? Nice of you to join us." He flicked the light switch, illuminating the room.
A flood of students flowed into the room after he walked in. Rei gave me a look when she walked in and took her seat next to me. Will joined her a few minutes later.
Luka looked around the room once and tried to leave but Mr Welch was quicker, grabbing him by his arm and pulling him back. "Sit down, Mr Martin, unless you want to spend your afternoon copying from the textbook front to back ten times." He glared at me and stomped to his assigned seat, brushing past me as he walked to the back of the class.
I let out a quiet gasp and shut my eyes. Flashes of the Salvatore Boarding House and it's basement appeared and disappeared in front of my eyes. All of sudden, I could hear muffled screams that almost sounded like Luka's and the awful stench of burning flesh.
My chest felt heavy and I breathed heavily, sitting down and looking solely at the table in front of me.
"What's his problem?" I heard Will ask.
I picked up my lab coat from Rei. "Family stuff." I mumbled and got to work.
I didn't see Luka when class ended. He spared me one last glance before he was out the door, rushing through the flood of students in the corridor. Will and Rei watched him go while I sent a quick message to Stefan updating him on my conversation with Luka. I felt bad for him, I really did. There was also that feeling of unease lingering.
He didn't seem like a terrible person, just desperate. His father too.
When I looked up from my phone, Stefan was standing in front of me around the corner. He nodded at me and I waved at him, walking towards him. Elena was noticeably absent, probably catching up with her work.
"Luka's not budging." Stefan checked my messages while walking me to my locker.
I sighed. "I don't know what we both expected but is it bad that I get where he's coming from?"
He looked up from his phone, a sad look on his face. "No. I understand. His sister is gone and his dad's the only one he has."
"Well, I feel bad for him." I admitted. It must've been tough, moving around, trying his hardest to keep his dad sane while trying to find his sister. If I was in his spot, I'd be lonely. I couldn't imagine what he was going through. "Maybe Bonnie might get through to him." I tried to suggest.
For a second, he considered my idea but the look on his face told me enough. It was funny how out of the Salvatore brothers, Damon was the more expressive one but I found Stefan easier to read. Elena would tell me otherwise. "I don't think Jeremy would let Bonnie get close to Luka." He slowly said, fidgeting with the strap of his backpack.
Right, Jeremy. I forgot about him. Surprisingly, he was overprotective and a little jealous. In a way, he was like Elena. I mean they were related.
"So I guess Luka's not an option anymore." Stefan sighed and I felt like banging my head against my locker.
Sensing my thoughts, Stefan put his hands on my locker door and gave me a look to not do what I was thinking. I pouted and rolled over to lean on the locker next to me before looking up at Stefan. "I'll talk to Dr Martin and see if I can get him on our side. Nate said he'll be joining me. Hopefully, having a warlock to warlock talk might get him on our side." He didn't look optimistic at all.
"Yeah, I don't think it's gonna work." I quietly admitted.
"Well, we don't have a choice."
No, we really didn't and we were running out of time. Who knew when Klaus could show up in town. "What if we…hypothetically…kidnapped the Martins." I suggested, keeping my voice quiet just so that Stefan was the only one who could hear me. He stared at me for a second, looking away and then turning back to me before letting out a laugh. "I'm not joking."
"And then do what?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. Weaken them both enough so I can get inside their heads and you know, get them on our sides."
For a second, he considered my suggestion. He bit his lips and tilted his head side to side, weighing up our options. It was a little extreme than what I'd usually suggest but it wasn't a terrible idea—it was an idea and we were at a standstill.
He leaned against my locker and the two of us stood side to side, watching the students pass by, unaware of what was going on. I turned my head towards him and stared, waiting for him to say something. He mirrored my action a few seconds later and we just stared at each other, his eyes studying me, trying to see if I was being serious.
"Let's…keep our options open." He slowly replied, not exactly turning my suggestion down. "See, I can't tell if you're trying to get back at them or that was a genuine idea."
"Both." I said without hesitation. "Playing devil's advocate, Bonnie did screw with Luka's head first."
Stefan made a sound. He'd forgotten all about that. If I had to be honest, I did too. A lot of things did happen. "Yeah, well. He lied to Bonnie first so it was fair." He had a point. "I'll talk to Dr Martin and…" He trailed off, kicking his feet against the lockers before standing up straight. "I know this is a lot to ask but could you check on Katherine."
I let out a laugh. Stefan didn't laugh. Wide-eyed, I stared at Stefan. "Seriously?" He looked at me pleadingly.
"Katherine seems to have a soft spot for you."
"And she's obsessed with you but come on."
"I know." I started to walk away but Stefan quickened his pace, trying to keep up. "But she might care about you."
"And you think she'll tell me what she knows."
"Would be nice if she did but no."
"Then what? Hope she agrees to whatever we're planning. Stefan, Katherine can't be trusted even if she cares about you and me, she'll look after herself before she does anything for us." Stefan dropped his head and I walked away.
I was about to push the doors leading to the parking lot open, Stefan grabbed me and pulled me back. His cold hands stung a little. I flinched at his icy touch. He muttered a quick apology and let go.
"This isn't just about Katherine, is it?" I asked and he nodded. "You know Stefan, I can't read vampires. You know that so if you want me to check on Damon as well, just say that. I get it, you're worried about your brother."
"Katherine is older and stronger even though she was under the tomb for some time."
"And Damon's reckless."
"And Damon's reckless." He echoed.
"And I'm mad at him." I reminded him and Stefan sighed. Well, his older brother was a handful. I paused and looked away when I heard the muffled sound of my phone going off. "Bonnie and my uncle are gonna meet you at the Grill for your meeting with Dr Martin."
He stared at my phone and nodded. "I guess Luka might be there too."
"Probably." I said, shoving my phone back into my bag before looking up at Stefan. I really didn't want to do this but there was a small part of me that did care about Damon. "...I'll drop by the Boarding House after your meeting."
I heard a knock against my car window and lifted my head. Stefan peered in with an awkward wave. "How was the meeting?" Stefan shook his head.
"You know I was really hoping for some good news."
"Yeah me too." Stefan slammed my car door shut behind me and locked it before grabbing the books I'd bought from home. "This is…" He eyed the box in his hands.
"Everything I could find on the Originals." I said, leading him in to the Boarding House. "Obviously I couldn't bring the actual copies and some parts are blacked out but I think it should help."
Stefan nodded and took the lead. He pushed the front door open with his hip before moving to the side for me to lead; I led him to the living room where I knew Damon and Katherine, if she still stuck around, were.
Surprisingly, I noted the house was actually lit up for once. Sunlight streamed through the house and I could even breathe a little easier. For once, it seemed Damon had kept the curtains opened or maybe it was Katherine.
"—What did papa witch and baby witch have to say?" Damon hunched over a table, looking over some texts before he looked up. He was about to greet me but I looked away.
"Bought some stuff over from the archive. Slater and my uncle already went through them. Some might be useful. Some might be informative." I clasped my hands together and looked over the pile. "I should let you all know that stuff on the massacre is limited from our end."
"I kinda find that hard to believe." Damon commented.
"Not lying." I said. "My family were not in town for the witch hunts; they were hunting for vampires on the other side of the country." Katherine let out a quiet laugh and I rolled my eyes. Glad someone was enjoying this. "Nice of you to stick around." I said to Katherine.
"I thought she'd be gone or dead." Stefan commented, passing by me.
He dropped the box I brought on the table and stood by my side. "I thought she would've ran." I admitted out loud, craning my head to look at him.
Katherine let out a quiet gasp like she was offended. Oh please. She spent her whole life running, she couldn't have been that surprised I thought she'd have ran. "No offense, it's kinda your thing."
"For the last time, I'm here to help." Katherine slowly said like she was spelling out her words. "Now, can we skip the secrets? Hmm?"
Damon, Stefan and I glanced at each other before Stefan shifted where he stood next to me. "Elijah had no weapon to kill Klaus but he believed that if a witch could channel enough power..." He began, walking up to his brother. "They wouldn't need one."
"Like the power you get from a spot marked with a hundred dead witches?" Damon mused.
"We just need to find it."
"Easier said than done." Katherine interjected. "I'm sure the Martins and Elijah were steps ahead of you and if they didn't find it…"
"You're saying we won't find it either." I finished for her and she shrugged.
She had a point. I didn't really expect Elijah to not have a back up plan other than harnessing the power of hundred dead witches. I bit the bottom of my lips and tilted my head to the ceiling, trying to think of ways to get around that. I couldn't think of anything.
Damon turned away, pretending to look through the stuff I'd brought in but every few seconds, I could feel his heavy gaze on me as if he was making sure I didn't get any stupid ideas. A silly thought. I wasn't reckless one out of the two of us.
"Maybe there's another way to take Klaus out." Stefan began, trying to cut through the silence.
"Well, if there was. I'd know." Katherine retorted.
"For someone who said they want to help, you sure are the least helpful person in the room." Damon said.
I nodded along. "It's almost like you're trying to get in our way." I added.
"Oh please. I want Klaus gone as much as you three." Katherine spat out. She circled around the room before stopping next to me. "Unlike you all, it's personal for me. Poor old Elena doesn't even know Klaus. She could still run away from it all—if she's smart. Me. I've been running from him for centuries, trying to find a way. An ordinary stake to heart isn't gonna cut it and you'd have to get close to him to stake him with a white ash dagger which I'm sure neither of you are capable of."
A slight tremor in her voice and redness that crept into her eyes, Katherine meant every word she was saying. Damon and Stefan looked away. I couldn't help but reach out to Katherine and pat her shoulders before I quickly removed myself from her.
This wasn't Elena.
For some stupid reason, I must've gotten them confused even though the subtle urge to kill in the back of my mind whispered harshly to me. The coldness emitting from her should've reminded me that this wasn't my best friend but still I couldn't help it.
I wetted my drying lips and clasped my clammy hands together, turning to Damon and Stefan for something…anything. Neither even looked at Katherine. My heart dropped when I noticed the sad look on Katherine's face as she stared at the Salvatore brothers.
It was strange. She was a terrible person. Probably the worst person I'd met. Yet I couldn't help but pity her and the shallow love both Stefan and Damon had for her. They didn't know her at all. No one did.
The only person that knew Katerina Petrova had been dead for decades. My grandmother.
"So…um…what the massacre site is all we have for now?" I tried to ease the tension and shift us back to the topic. "What if we don't find it?" I asked, looking around the room and pulling at the sleeve of my jean jacket. "What if…Klaus shows up before—"
"Then we are screwed." Damon cut me and I bit my lips.
"Then we better find it."
"We will." Stefan said and I nodded.
"Well I have to go, Girls' night."
"Can I come?" I heard Katherine say as I turned around to leave.
"Suuure—if you want to be the pinata."
Katherine didn't laugh but Damon did and I heard Stefan's muffled laugh as I was leaving.
"Chinese food or pizza?" Caroline looked around the kitchen.
"Like you have to ask." Elena said.
"I'll get it." Her lips trembled a little and her eyes drooped when she picked up the tablet to order.
I glanced over at the table. Oh right. Her and Matt were still going through a rough patch. Tyler might've left town but he was just one of many problems those two had.
Bonnie plastered a tight smile on her face and reached for the tablet "I'll do it." She offered but she didn't wait for Caroline's answer before she already all but snatched the tablet straight from Caroline's hand.
Letting out a shaky breath, Caroline came over to me and laid her head down on my shoulder. I suppressed a shiver and shakily patted her head as I watched Bonnie.
"Do you believe that Jonas is being sincere?" Elena suddenly asked Bonnie.
"I don't know what to believe." Bonnie said, scrolling through the tablet. "I think he's at a loss. He's not sure who to trust.
"Join the club."
"Can't blame him." I muttered under my breath. "His daughter's missing. Still he was kinda of a dick sealing your magic." I added in a little louder.
"Kinda?" She questioned, pursing her lips. "I feel empty but somehow lighter at the same time, you know."
"You sure you're not trying to cope about being magic-less." Caroline said.
"Caroline." I quietly chastised. She shrugged. "How are you dealing with that anyways?"
"No, Caroline is right. I am…coping. I'm just trying to live my life the way I lived before and honestly it's hard."
I nodded. "My uncle contacted my aunt Diana to come back. They can help unseal your magic together."
"I know. He told me but the thing is. I don't even know if my magic is unsealed."
Elena frowned. She turned to look at me for an explanation but I didn't know what to say. "What do you mean, Bonnie? Ava said—"
"I think Ava was trying to be optimistic to cheer me up."
"I wasn't." I said.
"I don't know. I don't know if my magic is actually sealed or just gone."
Caroline let out a quiet gasp. "Wait. You think it's gone."
Bonnie nodded. "Not at first. Luka did reach out to me with a single 'I'm sorry' and that was all I needed to tell me that maybe I don't have magic anymore."
"Wow." Elena and Caroline said at the same time. "He's kind of a jerk." Caroline added while Elena nodded.
I disagreed. "At least, he apologized. Same can't be said about his dad—who by the way, my uncle and I think is very unhinged.
"Unhinged?" Bonnie echoed. "A little extreme, don't you think?"
"So is taking your magic away but he did it anyway. Luka is nothing compared to him. I think he's a terrible dad and an even worse person." Bonnie nodded her head along.
Silence followed. Elena and Caroline glanced over at each other. Bonnie slowly put the tablet down. She had a sad look on her face as bowed her head down before raising it.
"Is this about his daughter or Luka?" Caroline raised her head off my shoulders and looked at me.
"Luka."
"I feel bad for him but it's all complicated."
Elena didn't say anything for a second. She leaned on the counter, closing in on me. "You've been going on about Luka a lot lately." She slowly said. "Is…everything okay?"
I stared at her blankly. Had I really been talking about him a lot? I didn't notice. But I did have this uncomfortable feeling around him lately. The same gnawing feeling I had whenever I knew someone was going to get hurt or worse…
"I think something will happen." I said without thinking. "I don't know. I haven't had any…dreams or visions lately but I just have this feeling that something's gonna happen with the Martins if they don't stop. Luka's gonna get it the worst."
"Wha–what do you mean?" Bonnie asked.
Everyone stared at me for an answer but I had nothing to give. I had nothing but feelings that I couldn't explain. It was frustrating.
"I don't know." I let out a soft laugh and bowed my head, pretending to check the counter top. "Maybe I'm just over-concerned over nothing."
"You sure?" Bonnie asked again.
I knew she still cared about Luka despite everything. He and his father were the only other witches in town. Bonnie and Luka had a connection even if he screwed us over and used her. Both did care for one another. I knew that. Maybe in better circumstances, Luka would've been part of our little group of friends.
"I don't know—I'm just going off on nothing." I tried to move on. Bonnie didn't want to. She wanted to press me for more answers but luckily Caroline sensed my mood and changed the topic.
"Well, what are we going to do about this movie situation? What about "The Notebook"?" Caroline said with a faux peppy voice which I was sure was her cheerleader voice.
Elena sighed but secretly grateful for the change in topic. "Caroline, how many times have you seen that movie?" She teased.
"That is so not the point."
"Well, yeah, I mean…"
Bonnie cracked a smile and carried on looking for something to order. She showed me the options and I almost felt like ordering something different like Vietnamese but I didn't know if Elena would like it. Caroline and Bonnie were a little more open when it came to food, Elena not so much.
I was about to grab the tablet from Bonnie when Jenna walked in or dragged herself in. "Hey." Elena smiled at her.
"What's going on?" Jenna asked.
"Girls' night." Elena answered. "How are you doing?"
Jenna poked the inside of her cheek. "You heard about my fight with Ric."
"He feels terrible."
And I thought it was a terrible idea for Elena to be sticking up for him but I kept my mouth shut—not like she would listen to me. I was sure it would blow
"Is this some kind of disguised attempt to cheer me up?" Jenna asked.
There it was.
Jenna was way more perceptive than Elena gave her credit for. She knew something was up. Of course she did. Elena sucked at being subtle.
My childhood best friend looked around the kitchen at me, Bonnie and Caroline but neither of us three wanted to get involved. Bonnie pretended she was deep in thought over Caroline's tablet and I shuffled to look at the screen.
Elena sighed and turned back to Jenna. "No. No, this is about us girls hanging out and you know, we'll be here if you happen to want to talk, or…"
"Because I am a winner when it comes to successful relationships." Caroline finished for her with a sympathetic smile.
"You, too?" Jenna asked and Caroline smiled warily.
"You have no idea."
"Okay, then." Jenna said, walking straight to the fridge and grabbing a drink before coming over to the counter to join us. "It's this whole Isobel thing. He's hiding something from me."
"To play devil's advocate," I made a sound and Caroline lightly kicked me under the island. "Maybe there is a great reason why he's not telling you. Maybe he is just trying to protect you."
"Well, that's not his call to make. I mean, I deserve the truth." Jenna retorted. "Everybody does."
"Sometimes it's harder than that."
"Not if it's somebody you care about, it isn't."
Caroline was gonna lose and before I could stop myself, I found myself saying. "Some people lie to protect the ones they love."
Jenna laughed. "Your uncle doesn't." She said. "I know Nate knows something about Isobel. He almost spilled the beans but Ric probably stopped him."
"Wh-what did he say?" Elena stuttered out, pulling at her sleeves before looking over at me for some help.
"Not much." Jenna replied. "Just that she was a little into her research. A Victor Frankenstein type except the monster was her—whatever that means. He's so vague."
Well, he wasn't wrong. Thinking about it—it was a very fair description of what happened to Isobel. She became her research, letting her obsession with vampires become her life. I know one day, she'd wake up with a lot of regrets.
But I didn't say any of that out loud. "That's my uncle for you." I said with a small smile.
"Oh please." Bonnie snorted, closing the tablet and putting it down on the counter. "Don't act like you're not the same."
"I'm not."
"Uh-huh. I believe that."
A round of quiet laughter was heard and I rolled my eyes at Bonnie's remark. She was part-right. It still sucked hearing it being said.
Jenna stared at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "So how's things with Damon?"
I choked on saliva and started coughing. Caroline patted my back as I turned around. I could feel heat rushing to my ears and cheeks as I patted my cheeks lightly to make the color fade. "T-there's nothing going on."
"She's mad at him." Bonnie said and I glared at her.
"Again?"
"Again." Elena confirmed.
"Usually I'd say I'm not surprised but I swear he mellowed out a lot lately." Jenna said and I made a face.
"I haven't noticed." I remarked, resting my hand on my hand.
Caroline patted my shoulder and stood up straight. "You know what we need?" She asked, looking around the kitchen.
"Tequila."
"Ava!" Jenna said, scandalized at my comment. What? She was thinking the same thing. "Hey, responsible adult here."
"Very responsible." I said with a grin.
Caroline giggled, shaking her head. "I was talking about dancing." She said. "There is a band at the Grill."
Bonnie barely let Caroline finish before she said. "I'm in."
"In." Jenna raised her hand.
"In." Said Elena with a defeated smile.
I didn't say anything. I wasn't too keen on the idea but everyone stared at me with wide eyed pleading gazes. I couldn't say no. "Sure, why not?" I said after being peer-pressured into agreeing.
I felt a little heavy and found it hard to breathe for a second. I could only smile as Caroline squealed and clapped her hands in joy.
I don't know what I was doing at the Boarding House again. I wasn't supposed to be there that evening. I was supposed to go straight to Grill with Caroline but something took over me and I found myself telling my friends that I'd see them in an hour or two.
There was a fog on my mind and I couldn't help it. I kept getting sudden flashes of the basement of the Boarding House. I could faintly smell the pungent and nauseating stench of burning flesh and hear muffled screams of anguish.
It wasn't like that in the morning; that subtle brush with Luka had caused a cloud of unease and discomfort to follow me throughout the day. I wanted to ignore it, I really did but then guilt kept gnawing at me.
"Hey," Damon opened the door. His eyes lit up when he saw me but his brows knit together in confusion. "What're you doing here? I thought it was Girls' Night."
I let out a few pained breaths. "Uh. I-uh-I don't know." I admitted slowly, walking with him to the study. "I don't know what I'm doing here. I shouldn't be here."
This was a bad idea.
Before I could walk out the door again, Damon caught me by my wrist and spun me around. "Something happened." He said.
"Not yet."
"Not yet." He echoed, lowering his voice. Maybe he was trying to make sure Katherine wouldn't hear us. "Did you have another nightmare or dream?"
"No."
"No."
I shook my head. He pursed his lips and tucked my hair behind my ear, sending shivers down my back. He was close. Too close. I was supposed to be mad at him.
I was supposed to be mad at him.
Sucking in a quiet breath, I was about to tell him what I was going through when I heard footsteps. "I hope you two remember I'm still here." Katherine interrupted.
"Unfortunately." Damon breathed out as I took a step back. He sighed in disappointment and went to take a seat on the couch, picking up one of the journals he'd been going through. "So you wanna join us for the evening, sunshine?"
"Please do." Katherine chimed in, grabbing another journal from the pile before she sped over to take a seat. "It'll make Damon less insufferable."
"Ha." Damon dryly laughed but he craned his head backwards to look at me, motioning with his eyes to take a seat.
I was almost tempted to take a seat when I paused. Damon turned back to the journal in hands but I stayed rooted where I stood. A strange feverish heat took over my body and I could hear a quiet buzz in the air like whenever Bonnie or I used magic.
Damon looked at me again, Katherine followed him but I didn't say anything. "Elena and Damon—reading." I heard faintly like a crackling old broken radio. "Ava's here too."
I turned to the entrance, walking over it and stopping. It was slightly warmer over there, almost like there was a person. My vision shimmered and I almost thought I saw a shadow.
"I'm bored." I heard Katherine say with a dramatic sigh. Normally I would've said something but I just had this strange odd feeling. "Emily Bennett was taken by the Council today. They kidnapped her from her home and took her to the same location her ancestors were burned a hundred years ago." She finished reading and turned to Damon. "So Emily died on the site of the massacre, too. Does it say where?"
She tried to take the journal but he moved the book aside to stop her. "Nope. You know this whole friendly, cooperative thing?"
"Mm-hmm."
"I don't buy it."
"I have no reason to lie to you, Damon." Katherine said, turning to me. "Ava can read my mind to check."
"—can read my minds?!" The crackling voice was getting further and further like it was moving. "Right f-cus."
I froze. I wasn't really paying attention to them, too busy focusing on that weird feeling and the crackled voice. "Sorry, what?"
"I said you can read my mind to check." Katherine repeated with a small grin.
I swallowed nervously and shared a look with Damon. I couldn't really read vampires. Damon knew that so did Stefan. Sometimes, if I tried hard enough, I could barely hear Caroline but otherwise I couldn't hear them but Katherine didn't know that.
"Unless…you can't." She slyly
"Katherine, leave her alone." Damon stood up and glared at her.
Katherine chuckled. "I'm just checking. You know Kamila could do it so I figured you could too or maybe you can't."
I pursed my lips and drew them into a thin line. "Well, she's in a graveyard and has been for decades so yeah…"
Her eyes hardened and she let out a breath. "I'm hungry." She announced, dramatically standing up.
Exasperated, Damon turned to her and said. "You're the unwanted house guest. Go feed yourself." Katherine pouted but didn't argue back before leaving. Damon turned back to me. "You okay? You look kinda pale."
"Did you two hear that?" I asked, looking around the room.
"Hear what?"
"That voice."
"What voice?"
"I don't know. I just heard it and I felt…I felt something or someone walking around."
Damon nodded along to everything I was saying. His face hardened and he looked towards the cellar and before he could say something, Stefan walked in.
"Well, nothing in any of these." He said, waving at me. "Find anything?" He asked slowly, noticing my slightly panicked look. "Is everything okay here? Shouldn't you be with the girls for Girls' Night."
I bit my lips and nodded. "I should, shouldn't I?" I took a few steps back and was about to leave. Maybe it would be best to ignore everything but Damon grabbed my wrist again, mouthing 'stay'.
"I didn't find anything." Damon said while pointing to a journal page. I raised my brow in question as he turned the journal over to me and Stefan.
Stefan read the journal before moving aside to let me read. "That's too bad."
"Yeah, bummer." Damon added. 'Play along' He mouthed and I rolled my eyes. I didn't understand why either brothers didn't bother to learn sign language instead like my family did.
"At least you were productive instead of hovering around college campuses or the Grill." I said after I finished reading.
Stefan chuckled. "Really?" Damon asked.
I shrugged, taking out my phone and typing out my response.
'You said to play along.'
"She's right." Stefan said and Damon sighed. He smiled at us and left the Boarding House to follow on the lead.
I watched him go, thinking that I should follow or leave and ignore whatever was bothering me. "I should go—"
"Damon!"
Katherine's yell stopped me and before I could stop myself, I broke out into a sprint straight down to the basement. Damon was faster.
The stench of blood hit my senses and I almost turned away. Broken pieces of a wooden chair were scattered on the ground. There was struggle but there was no one there except Katherine and a desiccated Elijah.
Katherine clutched her bleeding stomach with one hand, a broken piece of the wooden chair lodged into her wound.
I froze when I felt that same presence in the room. My eyes searched the darkened room and without hesitation, I dragged my right hand upwards, summoning an orb of light to illuminate the room.
Katherine let out a gasp of pain, momentarily distracting me but I quickly turned back to Elijah on the floor. Damon stood in front of me, glancing between Elijah and Katherine in confusion.
"Didn't you say you heard something earlier?" Damon questioned, looking back over his shoulder at me. I nodded.
"Damon, the dagger." I whispered, flicking my wrist over towards Elijah. The dagger stopped moving.
"A-va's here!" I heard that crackling voice again. "—think she k-nows—here."
My vision shimmered a little and for a second, I could see a silhouette under the light. Damon took a step back to assess the situation and Katherine pulled out the piece of the wooden chair out of her chest with a loud grunt.
The three of us were frozen in place, watching the dagger closely. It was so quiet that I could hear my heart beating against my chest.
Slowly, the dagger started to move again. Damon turned away and I looked away for a second to check on him. He came back with a flamethrower, aiming it towards Elijah.
Flamethrower.
Burnt flesh…
The flashes, the sound and the stench.
It was all coming back to me as Damon let the flamethrower go. "Damon, stop!" I yelled out as I heard the screams from the flashes. "Damon!"
He ignored me as Stefan ran into the room. "What are you doing?!"
"Some kind of crazy ass psychic witch attack! Get over there and do something about it." Stefan didn't move. "Go!" With a fleeting glance at me, Stefan ran out the room.
I panicked as the screams that only I could hear got louder and louder and the stench of burning flesh filled my senses. Without thinking, I threw my hands up and the orb of light fractured before forming a shield in front of Damon.
"What are you doing?!" Damon shouted as the fires from the flamethrower slowly died out and as did the screams. "Ava! Move!"
"You're about to kill him!" I yelled back as the air from my lungs was knocked out and I was tackled to the ground. "Katherine!"
"No hard feelings but you're kinda getting in the way." Katherine grunted out, her fingers digging into my shoulders. I let out a hiss of pain.
"I'm trying to prevent any casualties."
"And if Elijah wakes up."
"He won't stay asleep forever, Katherine."
"Wrong answer, sunshine."
Damon stopped his fire and put down the flamethrower, rushing towards us. He threw Katherine off of me and turned his attention on me. "What the hell?!" He yelled out, glancing at me and Katherine. "Why did you get in the way?"
"Because that…was Luka." I answered between gasps.
"So?"
I shook my head, wide-eyed. "So? You were killing him Damon. Did you forget that his dad's a pretty powerful warlock or that we might still need them?"
Shit.
I looked around and I realized whatever spell they had going on was broken. That meant Luka was seriously injured. No spells could heal the damage and if he wasn't treated or healed immediately, he'd die.
"You knew about it all along." Katherine said, getting up. "You knew that he was here."
"No, I sensed him or their magic."
"How—"
Damon was cut off by Katherine. "Faeries are sensitive to magic." She answered and I didn't know what to say. I quickly checked the time and called Bonnie. "What're you doing?"
"I might have a chance to negotiate with them now." I answered, backing away. I felt a little light-headed and almost tripped but Damon caught me before I fell. He wrapped his arms around my waist, supporting my balance as I held my phone close to my ear.
"Negotiate what exactly? You can barely stand." Damon's grip tightened on me and I felt suffocated.
"You're gonna make a deal with them." Katherine guessed and I nodded. "If Jonas knows what you are, he won't do it. Faeries are notorious when it comes to making deals."
"Well, if he wants to save his son. He'll do it." I retorted just as Bonnie picked up.
"Hey, where are you?" She greeted me, sounding a little buzzed. Probably sneaking a few shots while Jenna was busy.
"Boarding House." I answered. "Listen um, I'll fill you in about this later but…weird question, do you know where Luka lives?"
"As a matter of fact, I do."
"Cool. Text me the address." I hung up and pushed Damon off of me, running up the stairs.
Katherine stumbled after me as Damon tried to stop me. "This is a bad idea."
"I'm with her." Damon said. "I don't know what you are planning to do but whatever it is, it's risky."
"Oh like you trying to kill Elijah." I retorted, grabbing my bag from the couch where I left it. "Damon, I don't have time." He grabbed my arm and didn't let go. "At least, let me drive you."
I shook my head. "They'll be on their guard with you or Katherine around. You two should let Stefan know what I'm about to do. I'll let Bonnie and Caroline know. Someone will let Elena know later on but I have to go."
Reluctantly, he let go and I all but ran to my car.
"Come on." I banged on the front door of the Martin apartment. The lights were on and the buzz of magic in the air was strong. "Come on. Open up—"
The door opened and nearly hit me in the face. Red eyed and tear Dr Martin opened the door. His brows were painted with sweat. His eyes narrowed into a glare once he spotted me; he was about to shut the door but I put my hand on the door and pushed.
"I don't have time to deal with you!" He hissed, pushing the door. "My son needs me."
"I'm here to help." I breathed out. "I know no spells can undo the damage as quickly as it needs to be. He'll die before his wounds heal."
"You—"
"Unless you let me help." In the reflection of the window, I noticed my eyes shift to a pale gold and violet before turning back to light brown. "I can heal Luka, quicker than you can. I can save him."
His eyes trembled. His lips quivered as he held back his tears. Behind him, I heard Luka's cries of pain. He shut his eyes and swallowed.
"I-I don't want to make a deal with a faerie."
"You don't have a choice." I reminded him, taking a step forward and brushing past him. He weakly made an attempt to stop me before curling up his fist. "I can help." I grabbed Luka's as he flailed around. "I can take his pain away."
Luka let out a sharp gasp, his eyes opening wide as they shimmered to pale gold-lavender and shut as he let out a sigh of relief.
"His wounds are still there…"
I nodded. "Make a deal with me, Jonas Martin and I will save your son."
"You'll save him anyway. I know you will. My son told me that you're one of the good ones in that group."
"Maybe but right now, I might let your son die just for the way he tried to screw my friends over."
"You—"
Luka let out a groan of pain. He didn't have much time left. Dr Martin shut his eyes and bowed his head in defeat. Bitter bile rose up in the back of my throat as I swallowed it down, I felt sick for holding Luka's life over him but I didn't have any choice.
"I'll make a deal with you just…please save him."
I nodded, opening and closing my fist before bringing them over Luka. Warmth and light poured out of my hands, bathing him in a warm pale golden glow. Dr Martin sat on the floor and reached for Luka's hand, taking into his as he held on.
His wounds began to heal but my vision was getting blurry. I clenched my fists and the light dissipated. I took in deep pained breaths. Dr Martin dropped Luka's hand and stood up.
"You promised." He breathed out. "You'd save him."
"Give…me a second." Shit. My head was spinning, Damon was right.
"Luka doesn't have much time!"
I shut my eyes and tried to block off the ringing in my ear. Opening and closing my fists once again, I laid my hands over Luka's wounds and shut my eyes. I heard footsteps, pacing around and opened my eyes.
Dr Martin left the room, taking his grimoire with him and a bunch of other things that he cradled close to him that I couldn't see. I brought my attention back to Luka and focused on healing his wounds, slowly the burns faded and his skin began to regrow.
I heard the sound of the front door closing with a loud bang but I couldn't even lift my head with how heavy my head was. Glancing back at Luka, I fell back with a loud gasp. I did it. I saved him.
Gasping for air as the world around me spun, I stood over clumsily, reaching for the bookshelf nearby to support me. I grabbed a plant pot nearby and watched in silence as the plant died with my touch but the tiredness dissipated. Still, my body ached and I could feel a nosebleed coming.
I bowed my head down and took out a handkerchief to stop the bleed before it came and waited. Wait. Dr Martin. I couldn't see him anywhere. I hobbled out of the living room, looking around for a sign of the man.
"Dr Martin!" I called out but I couldn't hear him. I breathed out heavily and swallowed, dragging myself to the small entrance.
There, Dr Martin was hunched over a small makeshift altar on the floor with a bunch of things like a hairbrush and…Elena's picture.
"W-what—" The door opened and Stefan stood on the other side. I was about to go up to him but suddenly, pain shot through my body. I gasped out, clutching my head.
"Ava!" Stefan yelled out.
"We…had…a…deal."
"Luka hasn't woken up." Dr Martin spat out. "He could be dead for all I know."
"He's…not. I swear." I gasped out, clutching my head.
Dr Martin glanced over at me and mouthed a quiet apology before turning to Stefan. "You almost killed him." He said, glancing back at his son's body that had healed from all the burns.
He muttered a spell and Stefan fell to the floor, clutching his head in pain while gasping for breath.
Black spots danced in my vision and I couldn't even see Stefan anymore as colors blurred together into a muddy gray before it all turned to black.
The first thing I saw was Stefan's pained and weak face hovering over mine as he scanned me for any injuries. He moved my hair out of my face and I turned to the side, flinching at his cold touch as he mouthed something.
I couldn't hear him or anything. A quiet ringing was all I could hear.
I turned away and found Luka staring straight at me. Guilt etched onto his face. He kept mouthing apologies but I couldn't hear a thing.
Suddenly, the ringing stopped before a cacophony of noises followed. "AHHH!" I yelled out, covering my ears and ducking my head down to escape the noise before whispers I knew to be thought joined in.
Stefan cradled my head between hands and tried to get me to calm down as Luka dragged himself over. He placed his hand over my head and weakly muttered a spell.
The noise—it was gone.
I let out a sigh of relief and pulled back from the two. My eyes wide in fear as I looked around.
"I'm sorry." Luka said, bowing his head to the floor. "I'm sorry." He repeated. "I didn't think—I didn't know I'd almost die."
"I…warned you." Nobody took my warnings seriously. I hated it. "You didn't listen."
I stood up shakily with Stefan's support. "Dr Martin said he was going to do something to Elena." He started.
"It's probably a curse." Luka breathed out.
"Can you break it?" I asked and he shook his head. "Great, you're useless."
"I called Damon, he'll be here soon." Stefan ignored Luka and started going through Dr Martin's grimoire. "Bonnie doesn't have her magic anymore—well it's sealed so we need to hurry."
"Call Elena. Dr Martin probably went to the Grill."
He nodded and looked at me for a second. "You okay?"
"I'll be fine. Give me a minute or two." I gasped out as Luka ran off and returned with a glass of water. "I just brought someone back from the brink of death." I looked warily at it before taking a sip to taste it before downing it.
He gave me a small smile and turned away to get the door. "Damon's here." And Damon appeared on the other side of the door, furious.
"You—" He was about to walk in when he hit the threshold of the house.
"You almost killed me." Luka gasped out.
"Yeah because you and your dad decided it was a bright idea to undagger Elijah." Damon glared at him as Katherine walked up behind him.
"You should be grateful that Ava even saved your life, given the circumstances." Katherine chimed in.
I sighed and dragged myself outside with Stefan's help. Luka stood on the other side, almost afraid of both Katherine and Damon.
"Uh-huh." Damon nodded and turned to Luka. "You can't break whatever ju-ju your dad's cooking up."
"I…can try to talk him down."
"Talk?" He laughed.
I walked past Damon and ran down the stairs. They all followed me outside and Luka stopped me. "You can't drive." Luka reluctantly crossed over to the outside of his house.
"Why? Are you offering to drive?" I struggled to open the door and I sighed. Maybe I should've just let Luka die.
"I'll drive." Damon and Stefan offered. I paused.
It would be more sensible for either of them to drive but I didn't think Damon would let Katherine drive his car to the Grill.
Turning back to Luka, I tossed him my keys and motioned him to come forward. "Do not scratch the car. It costs more than your little apartment and your life."
"I'll keep that in mind." Luka said and got into the driver's seat after opening the front passenger door for me.
Neither Damon or Stefan complained but Damon had a sour look on his face as I passed him by.
"So…" Luka glanced over at me, pulling out of his driveway.
"Eyes on the road. If we crash, you're gonna wish you were dead."
Luka turned back to the road and nodded. "I'm sorry."
"Uh-huh. That was—what? Your sixth apology?" I took out my phone and started quickly texting Caroline and Bonnie, only to stop and notice Caroline's desperate texts and missed calls. I messed up. "Looks like your dad's already caused havoc at the Grill. A friend of mine nearly died—human."
He bowed his head in guilt, still keeping his eye on the road. "He's…angry."
"And so am I. We had a deal. Granted, we didn't exactly get time to talk about the terms but a deal's a deal. I saved you and that meant you two owe me."
"W-what are you gonna ask him?"
"To not be an impulsive idiot and try to go kamikaze every two seconds." I retorted, sending a quick message to Bonnie, letting her know that I was on my way with Luka.
I went quiet and stared at my phone. I couldn't imagine how helpless Bonnie might've felt with her magic sealed. We needed Dr Martin to undo that.
"I want him to unseal or give back Bonnie her magic and…mentor her."
"Mentor Bonnie?"
"Did I stutter?" He shook his head and his grip on the wheel loosened a little. "I also want him to promise not to harm my friends, especially Elena."
"That's it?"
"That's it." I confirmed, turning off my phone and throwing it back into my bag. "What? Did you think I'd have more outrageous requests?"
"Well you're a faery and my dad—well Elijah told us not to trust faeries. I didn't think they existed until…"
"You met me." He nodded. "Yeah, you and me both. I'm pretty new at this like Bonnie with the witch stuff."
"It feels like you've been doing it for a while."
"Depends on what you mean."
"I mean, you seem experienced."
"I'm not." I admitted. I really shouldn't have. "I was…um…trained as a vampire hunter, not a faery. My grandmother was a witch—dad's side. If anything I should've been a witch or had a talent for witch magic but I didn't. Instead I woke up one day and I could do things no one could explain, everyone thought it was something from my mom's side. I never really knew my mom's side. They died when my mom was in High School so imagine my surprise and horror when I found out that my dead grandma that I never knew was a notorious faery that was going around for hundreds of years, screwing people over."
I paused to take a breath. "She's probably the reason Elijah told you and your dad not to trust me. Sorry I just kinda dumped it all on you."
"No. No. I get it. You're new to this." I nodded. "So am I." He admitted slowly, expecting me to be surprised but I said nothing. "My mom didn't let me practice but my sister used to sneak off with a grimoire from my dad's collection and practice."
"Is that when Klaus took her?"
"She disappeared during her freshman year in college way after my mom died."
"Okay." Luka stopped the car. "What are you doing?"
"Changing destinations. If I know my dad, he'll go to Elena's next."
"Wonderful. Were you purposely driving slow?"
He didn't acknowledge what I said and that told me everything. "You're a bastard." I muttered under my breath.
"Considering your boyfriend nearly killed me—"
"Not my boyfriend and you're an idiot." I cut him off and turned to text Bonnie again. "Why don't we get back to info dumping our pasts? Hmm. You said you're new to the witch stuff—how new are we talking about?"
"I started during my last year of middle school."
I threw my head back and tried to count how many years he'd been practicing. "Still longer than Bonnie."
"I know that. I was actually…happy to find someone like her."
"Didn't stop you from trying to screw her over."
"Nothing personal. I needed my sister back."
I rolled my eyes. God, his sister was all the Martins talked about. Was she that important to put themselves into an early grave for? I didn't think so. Family was important but everything had its limits.
"How'd she go missing?" I asked. I never really thought about asking that before. "You and your dad keep going on and on about her being abducted by Klaus but aren't witches supposed to be powerful enough to at least hide from vampires."
He clamped his mouth shut and focused deeply on the road, pulling into another road—we were getting closer to Elena's. Our conversation would come to an end quickly and I needed the answers. I watched him nervously tap my car's steering wheel as he drove, opening and closing his mouth, trying to formulate an answer.
"She." He began and stopped; the taps grew louder. "She…didn't go missing."
"She was abducted." I said impatiently.
"No."
"No."
He let out a shaky breath as if there was a weight on his chest pressing down on him. "She joined a group of witches and my dad didn't approve. In fact he was wary—"
I frowned. "What does this have to do with Klaus?"
"Well the group wasn't exactly an innocent group of young witches and warlocks. They kind of worshiped the Originals."
"What? Wait, is that a thing?"
"Apparently. If that wasn't all, they were practicing dark forms of magic. My dad hated that and threatened to pull her out of college and one day, her group managed to contact Klaus. One of the seniors was apparently a long time contacts of Klaus, he brought him over."
"And Klaus abducted them."
"Not exactly."
"Greta wasn't abducted." I said slowly, the idea of it was kind of sick to think about; a young witch enamored by the power of a very old vampire. "Oh my god. This changes everything. Your dad—"
"He knows." Luka cut me off. "He's in denial and I guess I am too. The group she belonged to wasn't exactly great."
"I guess. They worshiped vampires—really old ones but still vampires. I can imagine how messed up they were."
"They believed the Originals to be the greatest feat of magic."
"What does that even mean?" Luka shrugged. "That doesn't make sense. Vampires are nature's abomination. That's what my grandmother told me."
"That's what Greta and I learned as well." Luka said. "Her group thought otherwise and they vanished."
"So that's it, they all just disappeared?"
"Half of them—well, almost all of them were found dead in a lake. Dad determined they were trying to do a complicated locating spell."
"Greta survived?"
"And another two warlocks."
"How do you know she survived?"
"She called us and told us not to look for her."
"And your dad convinced himself that she was abducted."
Luka looked away as he pulled into Elena's driveaway. I got out and Luka threw me the keys after he killed the engine. I locked my car and ran to the front door.
Taking a step back, I glanced behind me to check if Luka was still behind me and nodded before knocking on the door.
Jeremy opened the door and stood back, startled. He glanced up and down and stared at Luka.
"I thought you were dead." He said.
"You and me both." Luka replied, waiting for Jeremy to let him in.
"What's going on?" I heard Bonnie's voice and I walked past Jeremy to get her. "Oh my god. Luka." She gasped out quietly. "You're not dead."
Bonnie turned to me with a brow raised and I looked away. "Sorry to disappoint."
"Are you okay?" She and Jeremy asked, ignoring Luka. "You're not lightheaded or anything."
"I'm the one who almost died but okay." Luka walked in, tired of standing outside. He closed the door behind him.
"Yeah well, maybe you shouldn't have tried whatever you did." Jeremy retorted.
"So you're saying I deserved to get burnt to death?"
"I'm saying that if you're gonna be reckless then you should be prepared to face the consequences."
Bonnie snorted and I even cracked a smile. Kinda ironic coming from a Gilbert and Jeremy of all people.
Before I could get word in, the front door opened. 'Elena' and Stefan hurriedly walked in. She stopped and stared at Luka. I gave Stefan a look and kept my eye on 'Elena'.
"Wh—" I swallowed my words and turned away. Whatever they planned I was not going to get in the middle of it.
"Yeah, I know my dad thinks I'm dead." Luka said before 'Elena' could even get a word in. "I'm here to talk him down before he hurts more people."
"Did you check upstairs?" Stefan asked without even a 'hello'.
"I just walked in." I looked up at the ceiling and I could hear faint whisperings of someone's thoughts. "There's…something." Was all I said, going up the steps.
'Elena' followed me upstairs and went straight to the bathroom. "I'm gonna get changed and freshen up." She said and I nodded.
"Sleepover?" I offered and she grinned. Very freaky how similar Elena and Katherine looked.
I was about to follow her to the bathroom, instead I turned around and went back to the stairs. Luka stood at the bottom of the stairs talking to Bonnie and Jeremy. There was some clear tension between the three, I didn't really want to get between them at that moment.
Suddenly, I heard sounds of things being knocked over in the bathroom. Luka looked up at me as I broke out into a sprint. He followed me along with Bonnie and Jeremy. Stefan was faster and there in the doorway of the bathroom within seconds.
'Elena' stood over Dr Martin. Blood caking her face. She licked her lips and pretended to wipe the blood away before smiling at me and Stefan.
"You're welcome." She said, leaning against the counter.
Stefan and I glanced at each other before we heard a quiet sob behind us. Luka hobbled over, his face pale and eyes teary. Gut-wrenching sobs wrecked through his body as tears fell down his face.
"No. No. No. Please…don't leave me." He cried out, falling to the floor outside of Elena's bathroom.
Katherine rolled her eyes. I glared at her and gave her a look to not speak a word as I stared at the lifeless body of Dr Martin.
So much for a deal.
Luka suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the body. Stefan immediately jumped and tried to separate us.
"Please…save him." He cried out. "I'll–I'll make a deal with y-you. I'll do anything. Just please." He cried, taking deep breaths. "Please…just please…please save him. He's all I have."
"Luka…" Bonnie's voice came out strangled as she swallowed heavily, trying to stop herself from crying. I could imagine how hard it was on her, maybe she was thinking back to the Grams died. "You didn't have to kill him." She managed to say to Katherine as she sat down next to Dr Martin's body.
"Yes, we did." Katherine replied in a nonchalant manner, licking the sides of her face and wiping the blood. Luka looked up from where he was and glared hard at Katherine. "Oh please. Don't look at me like that."
Bonnie let out a pained sigh, slowly dragging herself over to Dr Martin. She looked over at Luka and motioned him to join her. Luka followed her without a word and the two watched over his father for a second, taking a moment's silence before Bonnie reached over to close Dr Martin's eyes.
But the moment Bonnie touched Dr Martin. The older warlock sprung to life, sitting up. He grabbed Bonnie's head and started muttering under his breath. Luka tried to pry his hands away from Bonnie but he wouldn't budge at all.
I dropped to the floor alongside the two and tried to rip his hands off of Bonnie. Stefan slid to the floor and did the same. But Dr Martin wouldn't let go before Katherine rushed over to him and snapped his neck.
Crack.
A loud crack echoed through the house and I let out a gasp. Luka cried out and stared at his dad. He dragged himself over to his father, cradling his head in his arms before looking over at me and mouthing 'please'.
His voice was too hoarse to be heard but I could read his lips.
"I-I can't." I stuttered out. I didn't know if I could save him. I'd barely managed to save Luka and Dr Martin's neck was snapped.
"Don't even think about it." Katherine grabbed my wrist and pulled me up. She glared at Luka before she fell to the floor gasping for breath.
"Luka stop!" Stefan yelled out. "Luka!" Stefan dropped to the floor, clutching his head.
"Save him!" Luka cried out. "Please!"
"I don't know. I-I don't know I can't." I didn't know if it would work.
Bonnie stared helplessly and I dragged myself over to Dr Martin. It was like that afternoon at the Boarding House. Zach Salvatore's still body appeared in front of me instead of Dr Martin's as I felt around for a sign of life, a pulse.
I could feel some warmth but no pulse. I didn't know if it would work but watching Stefan and Katherine on the floor, I panicked and placed my hand on Dr Martin's neck.
My hammered against my chest as my vision blurred, sweat coated my forehead and I felt sick to my stomach. I'd never tried to bring two people back from the brink of death, his body was still warm. Medically he was definitely dead but I guess his magic and spirit were still tied to his body but the warmth was fading fast.
Light burst from my hand and covered him in a dust of golden light as they stuck to him. The bite mark on his neck healed rapidly, blood on his neck was burned away and my head felt even lighter. I could smell the scent of iron get stronger and I knew it wasn't coming from Katherine.
Oh god.
I could see spots dancing around in my vision but Luka's cries kept me going.
"Ava, stop!" I heard Bonnie yell out but I couldn't stop.
Crack.
I heard Katherine gasp in awe as Dr Martin's eyes opened. He let out a shaky breath and stared at me tiredly.
"S…leeep." I croaked out and his eyes rolled backwards before his head fell back onto his son's shoulders.
I pulled my hand away and looked up at Stefan and Katherine. Bonnie was at my side, helping me.
"You owe me." I breathed out with a weak laugh, shutting my eyes and opening them again.
"That was…"
"Reckless?" I finished for Bonnie. "I know but I saved them." I added with a smile. "I saved them, Bon. No one died…this time." I let out a tired laugh and put my head on Bonnie's shoulder.
"You could've died." Katherine spat out, her eyes wide in what looked like concern.
"I didn't."
"Does your life mean so little to you?"
"Why do you care?"
"Because—"
"My grandma was your only friend?" I said, cutting her off.
"Katherine, Ava's not Kamila." Stefan tried
"Clearly, she's not." She turned the tap on and washed the blood off her face. "Kamila was smarter."
"And she's still dead." I reminded Katherine, a little harsh but she needed that reminder to not see me as a replacement. I wasn't my grandma and I'd be damned if anyone saw me as Kamila.
"You—"
Stefan held her back. "That's enough. You're done here." He held out his hand for me and I took it as he helped me, wrapping his arm around my waist to steady me. "Luka, look we didn't mean for any of this to happen."
Luka nodded. "Just please leave us alone."
"Take him to the hospital. I don't think Ava healed him all the way."
"I didn't." Because if I did, I would actually die.
We left the room with Katherine following us. Bonnie stayed behind to talk to Luka. Katherine didn't say a word to me but I knew she was upset with both me and Stefan.
Uncle Nate, Damon and Elena met us at the bottom of the stairs as Jeremy went up to check on Bonnie. "So?" Uncle Nate asked, looking me over before helping me down on the last step.
"Can we go home?" I asked in a small voice and went in for a hug. He patted my back and for a second I felt like I was a child again. "I'm very tired. I think I'm about to faint any minute."
Uncle Nate sighed and pulled back, pulling my hair out of my face as Damon hovered behind him. "Did you overdo it again?" I tried to look away but he knew. "Ava."
"I know but I saved two people from dying—you should be proud of me."
"You know it's a miracle you haven't dropped dead yet." Katherine said and my smile died.
"She's right." Damon added in and I rolled my eyes, turning away from him.
Katherine turned to Elena and ripped out the necklace from her neck. "Oh and you might want this back." She dangled it in front of Elena. "I'm guessing you're going to want this back. But your pretty little outfit is going to need a good dry clean."
Elena snatched her necklace back. "You're going to have to get her out of here before Jenna gets home."
"Is that all you have to say to me?"
"This doesn't change the way I feel about you.
"I don't much like you, either," Katherine took a step forward and stood in front of Elena. It was like looking at a mirror. "If we're going to be open and frankly, I'd be happy to see you dead but if we're going to try to take on Klaus, we kinda need you to be alive. So I'm not a threat to you, Elena. If any of you are going to believe anything, believe that." She finished turning her gaze on me.
I pursed my lips and looked away as Luka dragged his unconscious dad down the stairs with Jeremy's help.
"Put him in my car." I passed him my keys and he left. When I looked back Katherine was gone.
"Well, that was something." Uncle Nate clapped his hands together and stared at where Katherine stood. "I'm guessing you saved the Martins."
"They made a deal with me. Luka should let his dad know the terms."
"Is this a good idea?" Damon spoke up, reminding me he was still here. "I mean what if they try to hurt Elena again."
"They won't."
"And you know this because."
"Because I made a deal with them, Damon."
"Right and you trust them." His eyes on mine as I tried to look away. "Come on, you're smarter than that."
"I made a deal with Luka's life and it wasn't a normal deal—it was a magical deal."
"Faeries can make deals with humans or other creatures in exchange for things." Uncle Nate recited like he was reading a textbook. "I read that from Vanessa's research."
"What happens if a deal is broken?" Elena asked, folding her arms around herself. She was nervous. Why wouldn't she? She almost died and maybe my deal with Dr Martin could help her.
"Well, if a faery deal is broken then the deal's off and the magic is reverse and this case—"
"Luka's life will be in danger again." Stefan finished for my uncle. "Not bad."
"Not good either." Damon retorted. "Can we even trust this will work?"
"We need all the help we can get on our side, Damon. We don't know what Klaus is capable of." I reminded him, taking a step back and putting some distance between us. "Besides, one of terms of the deal was that Dr Martin will mentor Bonnie. Even if we manage to find the site of the massacre, Bonnie's gonna need help and support."
"Nate's here!"
"Not a practicing warlock." Uncle Nate said and Damon scoffed. "Jonas is way more experienced and if he's on our side, we'll have an easier time to deal with Klaus." He paused and froze.
"Nate, what're you doing here? I thought you were at Duke?" Jenna went straight up to my uncle.
"Just came back this evening." She smiled and laughed. "Wait. Did you think I ditched our plans on purpose?"
"No, well. I just—I needed to talk to you about something and I figured you'd be back tomorrow since you left this afternoon."
"I just had to drop off something."
"Are you sure they're just friends?" Damon leaned down close to my ears and asked. When did he get so close?
I elbowed his chest and glared at him. "They're best friends." I whispered. "They've always been close." He nodded, not believing my answer. "I'm gonna go wait in the car." I said loudly and walked past them both.
After dropping off Luka and Dr Martin at the hospital, uncle Nate and I drove home. He was giving me the silent treatment. Even though he defended me against Damon back at Elena's. He wasn't happy with my choice.
I sighed and untangled myself from my seat belt. "Are you still mad at me?"
"I'm mad at you." He parked the car in our family's parking lot and pressed the elevator in car park to go up. "Just a little heads up would've been nicer."
"Well, it was a heat of the moment thing."
"Uh-huh." He nodded absentmindedly, dropping his keys near the reception and taking the letters from the hands of our butler. "You know how reckless you were, it's a miracle you haven't fainted yet." The butler didn't move. "Rob? Is there anything else?"
Robert brought forward his wrist and checked the time before clearing his throat. "I wasn't too sure if you were expecting any visitors but Miss Sommers appeared very distraught so—"
He didn't even get to finish before my uncle was walking to the living room. "Jenna, what are you doing here?"
"Isobel—Elena's birth mother, she–" She couldn't breath as she tried to get the words out. I turned around and gave Robert a silent command to get her some water. Within minutes, Gina returned with a tray of snacks and a glass of water. "She was at our door. You were right—she's alive."
I froze and stared at my uncle. He told her?! I had to take a step back. "Rob, why don't you all take the night and tomorrow off." The butler bowed his head and went away to tell all the staff that they were free for the night. I stared at sobbing Jenna for a second before I slowly backed off and told them that I was going upstairs.
Author's note: The way I was going to kill off Dr Martin and keep Luka only, changed my mind last minute.
It always bothered me that Luka and his dad died so quickly. They should've added another witch or warlock into the group instead of overworking Bonnie to the bone. Also I liked Luka as a character, he was interesting (more interesting than Jeremy until the whole hunter thing). He just might be a more regular presence in this fic.
