Chapter 25: A Fathers Death

Sleep didn't come easy as my mind became flooded with memories from a thousand years ago painting a vivid picture of my death. After learning that Mikael was still alive and had been hunting his children over the last thousand years, I was suffering with haunting images of the man killing me over and over again. He was a monster as a human, and as a vampire, he was something much worse. If he were to be woken up, then that meant everyone I cared about was in danger, because Mikael was a vengeful man and I had zero doubts that he would kill anyone in his way.

I knew that the only reason Elena and Damon wanted to wake Mikael was to use him to kill Nik. But they didn't realize just how dangerous their little plan was. Mikael wasn't just a danger to Nik, and if he did manage to kill Nik, then that meant any vampire of his bloodline would die as well. Meaning Caroline, Damon, and Stefan could possibly die if they were connected to Niks bloodline.

Bekah seemed confident that if they did manage to wake Mikael, then Nik and his hybrids would be able to kill him. But I wasn't a big fan of this plan. Bekah was putting herself in danger by trying to trick Elena and Damon into thinking she had turned her back on her brother. I knew she wouldn't betray Nik, but if the other caught wind that she was informing Nik about any of this, then they would turn Mikael on her. I couldn't stomach the idea of losing her, not now that we've been reunited.

I wished that none of this was happening, but some small part of me knew that Mikael was inevitable and that we all would have to face him some day. He was prideful, both as a human and as a vampire, and his pride would never allow for Niklaus to live. Mikael had spent the last thousand years trying to kill his greatest mistake. He's hunted his children like animals and the thought of all the pain he's caused them made me sick.

I prayed to the Fates, my mothers old gods, and hoped that Mikael wouldn't wake up. I hoped that my sister would heed my warning and not wake the man who killed me. Because I didn't know if I was strong enough to face the man who haunted my memories. Who laughed as I laid dying.

I was eventually able to fall asleep. Any thoughts of Mikael faded away and I found myself dreaming of more pleasant memories. Warm memories of my Fated Ones and the time we were able to share. I dreamt of warm summer days under the oak tree with them at my side and long winter nights where they would secretly hold me in their arms. My dreams were filled with laughter and love, and I tried to hold onto those feelings as I was suddenly pulled from sleep.

I was suddenly woken up by someone shaking me. "Serena. Wake up. Come on, Serena." I jolted awake and saw Bekah standing over me. "Come on, we have to go. Now."

"What's going on? Where are we going?" My voice sounded thick with sleep as I got out of bed. I rubbed my eyes and watched as Bekah rushed around my room.

"Mikaels awake. He's at the boarding house." Bekah announced as she gathered up different pieces of clothing and grabbed my bag off the back of my door. "I need to get you somewhere safe." She threw my clothes at me and gestured with her hands for me to move. "Come on, get dressed. We need to get out of here."

I got dressed as quickly as I could and asked Bekah, "Where are we going?" As I pulled on my jacket and zipped it up.

"Nik said to take you to the tree. Mikael doesn't know where it is. It's probably the safest place in Mystic Falls." Bekah answered. After I was dressed and had my phone, we went down stairs and I filled my bag with a few snacks. I wasn't sure how long I would be out there for, but I wanted to be prepared. Bekah then rushed me out the door and into the SUV. "Keep your phone close. I'll call you and keep you updated."

I nodded my head and I pointed out where she needed to go. Bekah followed my directions and drove up to a familiar trailhead and parked. "What should I do if I don't hear from you?" I asked as I gathered my bag.

"Nik will come get you." Bekah answered. "Don't leave the tree. If things go bad and we have to run, Nik will come find you."

I frowned, but still nodded my head before opening the door and getting out of the SUV. I turned to look at Bekah and said, "Be Careful." She gave me a nod and a strained smile. I closed the door and headed for the beginning of the trail. As soon as I was beyond the tree line, I heard the SUV drive away.

It didn't take me long to get to the oak tree. I set my bag down and sat at the base of the trunk. Bekah was right about this place probably being the safest place in Mystic Falls. The oak tree and its clearing was impossible to find unless you knew what you were looking for. Then, even if you managed to find it, there was no way to enter beyond the ring of trees that guarded it. Unless, you were a Fae or had been invited in by a Fae.

My mother never really explained why, but for whatever reason, this place was only reachable if you were a Fae. The high concentration of magic in the area kept the place well hidden from anyone not invited to it. In the past, I had brought all the Mikaelson siblings to the tree at one point. After that, if they ever needed to find me and I wasn't in the village, they could always find the oak tree and I would be there.

But no matter how safe I felt, I was anxious knowing that the people I cared about were in danger. I had no idea what was going on out there and had to wait hours until Bekah finally called. I didn't even waste a second before answering her.

"Bekah?" The concern in my voice wasn't hard to miss as I spoke. "What's happening? Is everything alright?"

"So far, everything is going according to Niks plans." Bekah answered. "The Salvatore brothers are luring Nik back by faking Mikaels death with the dagger. But I've already informed Nik about that. Now we're sabotaging homecoming and setting up the Lockwood's house for the party."

"Tyler's place?" I questioned.

"Yes, the hybrids Nik created will use the crowd of teenagers to blend in and Mikael will be unable to enter Lockwood's home." She explained. "As soon as Mikaels dead, we'll come get you."

I nodded my head out of habit before saying, "Alright. Be Careful, please. Damon can get desperate when things don't go his way."

"Yes, we'll be sure to foil any other plans they have." Bekah replied. "Now, just sit tight and this will be all over in a few hours."

I hung up the phone after saying goodbye and sat there thinking for a moment. I didn't want anyone getting hurt tonight, but Mikael couldn't be left alive. He was a danger, not just for Nik and myself, but to everyone.

Homecoming was going to garner a large crowd of teens and I knew Caroline wasn't going to miss the dance for any reason. Caroline and I haven't spoken since senior prank night and I couldn't help but feel guilty about that. She was my friend and I cared about her. I was going to have to make time, after all this was over, and explain everything to her. She deserved to know the truth and I trusted her to at least listen to what I had to say.

But before I could do that, I needed to make sure Caroline was safe from Mikael. I pulled my phone out and selected the number I wanted then waited as the phone rang for a few seconds before someone answered. "Hello?"

"Tyler. It's Serena. I need you to do something for me." I figured that if Tyler was a hybrid, then he must know about what Nik had planned for tonight.

"Serena?" He sounded confused before asking, "What do you need me to do?"

"I need you to make sure Caroline stays safe tonight. Don't let her get caught up in Niks plan." I started to explain.

"I don't know, Serena. Nik gave me orders." Tyler stated.

"I know, but this is me asking as a friend. I know you care for Caroline, I do too. So please, just keep her safe and out of the line of fire." I stressed the importance of keeping her safe. "You don't need to tell Nik about this, just keep her away from Mikael."

"Alright." Tyler agreed. I let out a sigh of relief and told him to keep himself safe as well before hanging up.

I felt somewhat relieved knowing I had at least done something to keep Caroline safe, but that didn't stop the worry from eating away at me. Everyone I cared about was putting themselves in harm's way tonight and I was stuck waiting for someone to tell me what the outcome was.

~Break~

Bekah hung up the phone after speaking with Serena. Bekah had done her best to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. Serena was safe at the tree, but there was still a small part of Bekah that worried. If Mikael somehow found Serena, he would kill her without mercy, and Bekah knew Nik wouldn't be able to handle that. Her brother would burn this town to ashes if anything happened to his Fated One.

Bekah may have been resentful towards her brother after learning that he had been the one to kill their mother, but even after all that he's done, Bekah couldn't turn her back on him. Mikael on the other hand, Bekah hated the man for the way he treated them during their human lives, and the way he hunted them as vampires. Bekah was hopeful that after tonight, Mikael would be dead and she would be able to be reunited with her brothers.

The vampire gave herself another once over as she examined herself in the mirror that Stefan had in his room. She had commandeered the younger Salvatore brothers room so she could get ready for the homecoming dance. Bekah felt sad that Serena was unable to attend the dance, but knew that tonight would be far too dangerous for the Fae.

"Getting a head start, huh?" Bekah had to control herself and not roll her eyes as Elena walked into the room.

"Embarrassing truth? This is my first high school dance." She admitted sadly. It was true, while Nik and her had gone to many parties, during the years where she wasn't daggered, and even hosted a few balls centuries ago, modern teenage life was new to her. She was kind of excited about attending the dance, even if it was all a farce to kill her father.

"Ever?" Elena questioned.

"I never really had the time for high school before." Bekah began to explain. "Nik and I were always moving around, running. Now I get to have my chance." Bekah looked herself over before looking at Elena through the mirror and asking, "Have you heard anymore from him?" Bekah already knew the answer considering she had spoken to Nik not even twenty minutes ago and knew he was on his way. But she wanted to hear what Elena had to say.

"No. But I'm sure that when he does return, he'll do it with flair." Elena answered.

"And Damon and my Father are all set with their plan?" Bekah asked before quickly adding, "Wait, don't tell me. I don't want to know, I just want to go to the dance and leave the rest to Mikael."

"I know it's really hard." Elena began to speak. "So thank you for helping us get Klaus back into town."

Bekah nodded her head. "Just be careful. I've been running for a thousand years for a reason." Bekah looked Elena in the eye. "Mikael is not a good person and he definitely can't be trusted. So, when this is all over, you get him out of Mystic Falls and never let him know Serena is alive." Bekah sent Elena a serious look as she spoke. If things did go wrong, the last thing Mikael ever needed to know was that Serena was alive. Bekah had no doubts in her mind that Mikael would kill the Fae without a second thought. Just thinking of Serena dying again made her eyes grow misty with emotion.

"Are you okay?' Elena asked.

Bekah pulled herself together and thought of some excuse to tell Elena. "I've spent my whole life loving and hating my brother with equal measure." She was telling the truth as she said this. She did have strong feelings of both hate and love when it concerned Nik, but she would never stop being his sister and he would never stop being her brother. "I never thought that I'd be the one to help drive a stake through his heart." She sniffled a little, "No tears. I don't want to ruin my makeup."

Bekah turned back around to examine her face in the mirror, "How do I look?" She asked Elena.

"You look amazing." Elena smiled softly at her before adding, "But you're missing one thing." Elena tried to hold back the guilt that was threatening to overcome her as she pulled out the necklace Stefan had given her. It felt like a lifetime ago since that day.

"My mother's necklace." Bekah looked at the piece of jewelry in awe.

"You should wear it tonight." Elena gestured to the mirror. "May I?"

Bekah turned around and nodded her head. She watched as Elena placed the necklace around her neck. Bekah felt grateful towards Elena for the return of her mother's necklace. "Thank you." Bekah admired herself in the mirror, but before she could turn around, she felt a stinging pressure at her back before her heart was pierced.

"I'm sorry, but I can't leave anything to chance either." Elena said as she pushed the dagger all the way into Bekah's heart and watched as the Original Vampire fell to the floor.

Guilt filled Elena's heart, but she couldn't take it back now. The safety of her family and loved ones depend on her being strong. So while she never wanted to cross this line, she would if it meant keeping everyone safe.

~Break~

I gave up on sitting down after the first hour of waiting and started pacing the clearing. I must have walked around the oak tree a hundred times out of stress. Bekah's phone call had only managed to make me feel even more anxious. The amount of things that could go wrong filled my mind as the next couple of hours passed. Waiting was excruciating and I couldn't shake the bad feeling that something had gone wrong.

The sun had set and I still hadn't received a phone call from Bekah. I tried calling her, but she didn't answer. I called again and again, and after the fifth time, I knew something was wrong. Panic set in and I was tempted to call Nik, but I feared I would distract him, or worse, that he wouldn't answer either.

Fear gripped my heart and I knew I couldn't stay hidden anymore without knowing what was going on. The scenarios going through my mind made everything worse and I finally broke. I left my bag behind and just took my phone as I left the safety of the oak tree and it's clearing. I couldn't just wait for something to happen, not when the people I loved were in danger.

I didn't have time to go back to the house and get my car so I just made my way through the woods towards where I knew the Lockwood's mansion was located. I knew these woods like the back of my hand and had no problem finding my way. The darkness did not deter me and as I rushed through the trees I started to hear music and knew I was close.

I was cautious as I stepped out of the woods and approached the crowd. There was live music and a plethora of drinks being passed around as the teenagers of Mystic Falls enjoyed their makeshift homecoming. I was careful about my surroundings and tried to keep an eye out for any sign of Mikael. But I was distracted as I walked through the crowd and noticed there was something different about a lot of the party goers.

Among the normal humans were hybrids. The hunger and animalistic energy that surrounded them reminded me of Nik, only the energy they gave off wasn't nearly as powerful as the Original Hybrid. Which made it easy for me to find him.

I noticed him before he noticed me and felt a tremor rush through me as I noticed he was speaking to Katherine. Fear raced up and down my spine at the sight of her standing in front of my Fated One. I stood frozen and watched as the vampire walked away from Nik. His eyes lingered on the doppelgängers retreating figure before he looked up. Our eyes met and I watched as fear and alarm flashed across his face.

He was quick to school his features before marching over to me. I stayed frozen in place as he descended upon me and shielded me from the crowd with his body. "You're not supposed to be here, love." He quickly pulled me in close and headed towards the Lockwood manor.

"Bekah isn't answering her phone. I couldn't just stand around while I didn't know what was going on." I admitted as we stepped into the large mansion where even more teenagers and hybrids were milling about. I looked over his shoulder at the crowd in the back yard and wondered where Katherine had gotten off to before asking, "What is Katherine doing here?"

I looked up at Nik as he froze. He sent me a confused look before realization crossed his features. "It seems there's more to this little reunion than I knew about, love." A menacing look crossed his eyes and before he could say anything else a hybrid came up to him and gained his attention.

"You have a visitor." She announced. Nik pulled me in closer to his side. "He said his name is Mikael." I went stiff at the sound of his name and felt fear run down my spine.

"Then we mustn't keep him waiting. Move everyone out back. I'm gonna have a little chat with my dad." Nik held me close to his side and another hybrid, a male, walked up. "Tony, you know what to do." The hybrid, Tony, nodded his head.

"Nik." I looked up the Original Hybrid and could see the resolve in his eyes. He looked me in the eye and took hold of my face in his hands.

"He dies tonight, Serena." His vow echoed in my head. I nodded my head and he leaned down to place a soft kiss against my lips. "Do not leave the house. Stay within my sight."

Nik led the way towards the front hall of the mansion. Before we walked any further, Nik stopped and let go of me. He motioned for me to stay back and I watched as he walked towards the front door. Fear gripped at my heart, but I did my best to try and be brave.

I watched from the shadows as Mikael walked up to the open door. Even though I knew he was unable to enter the house, I felt fearful for Niks safety.

"Hello, Niklaus." Mikael greeted the Original hybrid. I felt sick at the sight of the man, but even though I was afraid, the deep seeded anger I felt towards him was bubbling up inside of me. I was tired of my killers showing up and I was tired of having to relive my worst nightmares because of them.

"Hello, Mikael." Nik greeted back. "Why don't you come in? Oh, that's right. I forgot you can't."

Mikael simply smirked at the jab before saying, "Or you can come outside if you want."

"Or I could watch my hybrids tear you limb from limb." Nik growled back. I watched as hybrids began to file into the yard.

"They can't kill me." Mikael announced as he glanced back at the surrounding hybrids before turning his attention back to Nik.

"True." Nik admitted before saying, "But it'll make a hell of a party game. All I have to do is rub these two fingers together and they'll pounce."

"The big bad wolf. You haven't changed. Still hiding behind your playthings like a coward." I glared at Mikael. His words were nothing but cheap shots. He wanted a reaction out of Nik. "You only forget. They may be sired by you, but they're still part vampire. And can be compelled by me." The same female hybrid Nik had spoken to earlier walked up to Mikael with Katherine and pushed the vampire towards him. "Come out and face me, Niklaus. Or she dies."

There was something poetic about seeing Mikael and Katherine together at this moment. Both of my killers were standing just out of reach. The fear and anger of the sight of them fueled me to move out of the shadows.

"Go ahead then, kill her." I spoke with conviction as I walked up and stood beside Nik. I watched as recognition crossed Mikaels face before he broke out into a gleeful smile.

"Well, well, well. I had a feeling they were hiding something from me, but to see you with my own eyes, quiet the miracle you pulled, Serena." Nik pulled me behind him and growled at Mikael as he spoke.

"Don't speak to her!" Nik's anger was thunderous as he glared at Mikael. A look of pure fear crossed Katherines face when she saw me and realized her plot was spoiled when Nik said, "Go ahead and kill the little traitor. You'll be doing me a favor."

Mikael titled his head in curiosity. "You would let her die?" He questioned. "If she dies, this lot will be the last of your abominations." I frowned at his words. Mikael didn't know that Nik didn't need Elena's blood to create hybrids. He clearly didn't know that it was my blood that had created the hybrids surrounding him.

I saw Nik smirk out the corner of my eye as he said, "Like I care. I don't need them. I just need to be rid of you." Nik was playing right into it and trying to force Mikaels hand.

Mikael frowned and looked between Nik and I. "Tell me boy, can you really protect her without an army at your back." Mikael mocked Nik and glared at me. "You couldn't protect her a thousand years ago. What makes you so sure you can now? She will die again, just as she did when I ran her through with my sword. You're a coward and a failure."

Something inside of me snapped and I moved out from behind Nik. "Shut up!" I was held back by Nik as he pulled into his front, but I didn't stop speaking as I looked Mikael in the eye. "You have no right to say those things to him. You're the only coward here. I was defenseless against you when you killed me. I had nothing to fight you off with and you laughed in my face as I begged you to let me go. You're the only monster here."

I felt tears build up in my eyes as anger filled my entire being. I was mad at myself for crying in the face of the man who caused me to lose a thousand years with my Fated Ones, but I didn't allow my emotions to stop me from speaking. "So go ahead, kill her." I snapped. "Show everyone just who you are. Just how willing you are to end a life."

Nik pulled me back further and held onto me tightly. As if trying to keep me from falling apart. "Do it Mikael." Nik continued on for me. "I'm calling your bluff, Father. Kill her."

Mikael glared at us before laughing and saying, "You're impulsive, Niklaus. It has and will forever be the one thing that keeps you from truly being great." With our missing a beat, Mikael stabbed Katherine in the side. I felt nothing for the vampire and Mikael seemed slightly shocked by the lack of reaction from Nik. Then, before I could even blink, I was being forcefully pulled out of Niks arms.

Everything happened so fast as I was tossed away from Nik and sent sliding across the floor. There was a loud boom from behind me and I scrambled up to my feet as quickly as I could. I turned around and frantically searched for Nik. I gasped in shock at the sight of Damon stabbing Nik in the side with a white oak stake. "No!" I shouted and quickly moved to get to Niks side.

Before I could make it across the room, Stefan appeared and tackled Damon to the ground. Damon lost his grip on the stake and it fell to the ground with a clatter. "What are you doing?!" Damon shouted as Stefan wrestled him away from Nik.

I stood frozen as the stake fell to the floor. I looked up at Nik and the two of us held each other's gaze. The look of resolve that crossed his face had me frozen. He then moved quickly, and before I could even breath, he grabbed the white oak stake and lunged through the doorway. He tackled Mikael off the front porch and the two landed in the front yard with a heavy thump. Panic fueled my body and I rushed to the door and watched as Mikaels body burst into flame. I couldn't stop my body from crumpling to the ground as the man who killed me turned to ashes.

"What the hell did you do?" Damon cursed as he watched Mikael die. Nik stood over the body of the man he once thought to be his father. This all felt like some sort of dream and as the flames died down and all that was left was ash. I knew that the monster who once haunted my memories would never be able to hurt me again.

Nik turned away from the charred body and walked back up the front porch. "He earned his freedom." Nik answered Damons earlier question before leaning down and gently lifted me into his arms. He then turned towards Stefan and walked up to the younger Salvatore. "Thank you my friend. You no longer have to do as I say. You're free." I buried my face in Niks neck as he spoke and shuddered as tears began to run down my face. I tried to hold in my sobs, but the relief I felt was overwhelming.

"Wait, where are you going with her?" Damon snapped out as Nik started to walk away. "Serena?"

"You don't have a say in where she goes, mate. She is no longer of any concern to you." Nik growled back before continuing to walk away. I didn't look up and see where we were going and focused on controlling my breathing. "There now, love. No more tears." As gently as he could, Nik placed me in the front seat of an SUV. He pulled back and I felt a moment of panic as he retreated from me. I quickly reached out and grabbed his arm. "Shhh, Love. I'm not going anywhere." I trusted his words and let go. The door was closed and before I could even blink, the driver's side door was opened and Nik smoothly slid into the seat.

As the car started I shifted around and curled up in the seat so I was facing Nik as he drove. "Is it really over?" I spoke softly and focused my eyes on the side of Niks face.

"Yes, love. It's over. Just as I promised." His words were soothing and I couldn't help but close my eyes. "That's it, rest now, sweetheart."

I obliged to his words and settled into the seat. But not before reaching out and silently asking for his hand. He granted my request and I held his hand over the center console before letting exhaustion take me. I felt my body sag and squeezed Niks hand before falling asleep.

My sleep was dreamless as the steady hum of the car helped keep me asleep throughout our drive. It was only once the sun started to rise that I began to wake up. I blinked a few times to clear my vision before stretching as much as I could in the cramped space. As I began to wake, I took notice that my hand was still being held tightly in Niks grasp. My chest filled with warmth knowing he hadn't let go through the entire night.

"Good morning, love." Nik's voice pulled me out of my haze and I sat up more alert.

"Where are we?" I asked as I finally released Niks hand from my grasp so I could properly stretch and sit up in my seat.

"We are about four hours outside of Mystic Falls." Nik answered.

I couldn't help but frown as the trees passed us by. "Where are we going?" Was my next question.

"I'm keeping my promise," Niks answer had me thinking back to the promise he made the night he left Bekah and I in Mystic Falls. When his words came back to me I felt my eyes widen.

"Are we really going to see them?" I asked with a hint of excitement coating my voice. I was trying not to get my hopes up, but I couldn't help it. Three life times of waiting and now it was finally happening.

"Yes, love." Nik smirked at me. "With Mikael dead, we can have our long awaited family reunion."

Now I couldn't stop the excitement from bubbling up within me. The smile on my face grew with each passing second and to keep myself grounded I retook Niks hand and held it tightly as we made our way closer to our destination. It only took another hour before we were pulling up to a warehouse district. There were storage areas and loading trucks scattered about, but Nik drove straight through towards the back. There he parked the SUV and turned it off.

"Come along, love." I quickly opened my door and slid out of the car. Nik was at my side the instant the door was closed behind me and gathered me into his side. He kept his arm around my shoulders and as we walked he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

I could hear it ringing before it went to voicemail. "Rebekah, where are you? Pick up the phone, darling. Daddy's dead. It's time for a family reunion." I frowned slightly when I realized it was Bekah he was calling. My worry for her came back and I was beginning to realize something was wrong if she wasn't even answering Niks calls.

Before Nik could even hang up the phone, it began to ring. He smirked before answering and held the phone up to his ear. "Stefan! Miss me already?" We approached a set of trucks and stood in front of the furthest one.

"I'm just calling to thank you for my freedom." I could just barely hear Stefan on the other end.

"Oh, I like to believe I'm a man of my word, more of less." Nik replied.

"Thing is, it came at too high of a price." Stefan's words had my attention peaked as he continued with, "You took everything from me, Klaus."

I shuddered at the tone my once brother used and felt my blood run cold. "Let bygones be bygones, trust me. Resentment gets old." Nik let go of me before approaching the truck and unlocking it. The door lifted up and I felt my heart stop. I moved so I was standing next to Nik and looked into the empty truck with wide eyes.

"You know what never gets old? Revenge." Stefan's voice was hard to make out, but what I heard made my skin grow cold.

"No." Nik growled out.

"What's the matter, Klaus? Missing something?" I looked away from the empty truck and watched as Nik stomped a few feet away and growled into the phone.

"I will kill you and everyone you've ever met." I couldn't hear Stefan's reply to the threat, but I knew it wasn't something Nik was going to take lightly as a look of pure fury crossed his face.

I felt my heart drop into my stomach. Stefan had stolen the coffins that held my Fated Ones. So he not only stole from Nik as a form of revenge, he stole from me. I now understood that I had made a mistake in trusting that everything was going to be fine after Mikaels death. This was far from fine.

I knew Nik would kill anyone who had anything to do with taking the coffins that housed his brothers. I felt conflicted. On one hand, Stefan was my brother from another lifetime, someone I had grown to trust and love. But on the other hand, he had taken my Fated Ones. The bond I shared with them was much stronger than the bond that connected Stefan and I. He was playing a dangerous game, and I didn't know if I could save him if Nik got ahold of him for what he's done.

A/N: I've been waiting a long time to write and post this chapter. I think I've written this one five different time before I finally wrote something I felt was good enough to post. So thank you to everyone who reads this. I really to appreciate each and every one of you. This story isn't just for my own enjoyment any more, so I'm trying my best to write something that everyone who reads this will enjoy.

Thank you all for reading. I really cant wait for the next few chapter.

Stay safe.