Author's note:
Hey everyone!
First off, my apologies for the delay in updating. To all those who have favorited and/or are following, thank you for your support and patience. Your enthusiasm keeps this story alive.
I wanted to take a moment to address some aspects of the story. In crafting the magical elements and witch powers, I've taken creative liberties. The world of magic offers vast potential for exploration, and I've barely scratched the surface of what's possible beyond what the show has portrayed.
In this chapter, you'll encounter a few new characters whose roles will become increasingly important as the series progresses. One such character is Lucy Bennett, Bonnie's slightly older cousin. While Lucy shares some characteristics with her TVD persona—being laid back and knowledgeable—she brings her own unique essence to the story.
I hope you enjoy this latest installment as much as I enjoyed writing it. Your feedback and support mean the world to me.
THE LAST THING she saw was Damon's menacing vampire visage hurtling toward her. The nightmare jolted her awake, and Abby's heart raced as she scanned her surroundings, half- expecting to see Damon's terrifying fangs up close. She attempted to sit up as she tried to catch her breath but felt some resistance on her right. It was Bonnie, sleeping soundly beside her, her back turned to Abby. A sigh of relief escaped Abby's lips. Thank God it had only been a dream, she thought, though it had been a particularly dreadful one.
To confirm that the nightmarish encounter was a figment of her imagination, she reached out a trembling hand into the sunlight. As the beam of light washed over her skin, she clenched her teeth for a few moments before hastily retracting her hand, gasping in terror. It hadn't burned her, but the discomfort was akin to placing her hand on a flame. The pain brought back all the haunting memories of the night before.
A sudden lurch in her stomach snapped her out of her shocked state. Abby scrambled to the bathroom, fighting the urge to vomit, but it was a battle she ultimately lost. She sat on the floor dry heaving until the frenzy subsided, leaving her feeling slightly more composed. Closing her eyes, she attempted to quell the nausea, but instead, the night's horrors replayed in her mind like a gruesome horror film. She snapped her eyes open and whispered to herself, "No, it was all just a dream….a terrible nightmare."
Abby stood on unsteady legs and made her way to the sink to splash water on her face and brush her teeth. She grimaced at her reflection in the mirror, her complexion ashen, her eyes circled with red blotches. The realization hit her hard - Damon's tainted blood now coursed through her veins, altering every aspect of her body. She left the guest room, her mind reeling from the dire consequences.
Caroline, hearing Abby's agitation, waited for her in the living room, ensuring the blinds were tightly closed to shield her from the sunlight. "Hi, how are you feeling?" Caroline asked with apprehension as she entered the room.
Abby managed a faint smile and her gaze drifted to the blood bags on the coffee table. "I thought you might be hungry," Caroline offered.
She paled at the sight, contemplating the prospect of consuming the life force that sustained human life. "I can't feel anything," Abby confessed.
Caroline looked puzzled. "I don't understand."
"Magic," Abby explained, her voice tinged with sadness. "I can't feel it anymore. All I can feel is my body changing, and it no longer feels natural."
Caroline tried to reassure her, "You'll get used to it over time. Once the transition is complete, you'll feel much better."
Abby's eyes welled up with tears as she shook her head. "No, I won't….I'll never feel right again. You don't understand, Caroline. I'm a witch, and not just any witch, but a Bennett witch. This is by far the worst thing that could ever happen."
Worried, Caroline asked cautiously, "What are you saying?"
Abby met her gaze with intense resolve. "I won't do it," she declared, her eyes returning to the blood bags on the table.
Caroline gasped and recoiled, as though she had been slapped. "Why don't you want to live? You've finally been reunited and you can have an eternity to make amends as a parent to your daughter, and you're giving it all up?"
Nothing Caroline said made the hurt go away. She felt raw and hollowed with sadness. Tears streamed down Abby's face as she stammered, gesturing to her vampire form, "She's better off without me. I think you're a wonderful person, and I'm grateful my daughter has someone like you in her corner. But I can't be this….this thing."
Just then, Bonnie cleared her throat to get their attention, looking concerned as she asked Abby, "How're you feeling?"
Caroline, understanding that this was a pivotal moment for mother and daughter, quietly left the room.
Something wicked this way...
In a quaint house on the pacific coast, on the opposite side of the country, Violet was standing in the kitchen with a faraway look in her eyes, her grip on the plate she held slipped, and it crashed to the floor, shattering the silence in the room. The noise gained the attention of everyone present, but none more than Rose, her sister.
Violet gasped for air, her chest heaving as if she had just surfaced from the depths of a deep ocean. The terrible images that had filled her mind moments ago disappeared, leaving her shaken. As the room slowly came into focus around her, she recognized that the premonition had already passed.
Rose, who had witnessed this reaction from her sister before, approached with concern on her face. "What did you see?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.
Violet's eyes, still carrying a heavy sadness, met her sister's gaze. "It's time," she whispered, her voice raspy with the weight of the revelation.
Rose knew exactly what that meant. Violet, regaining her composure, began to clean up the mess on the floor, her thoughts already consumed by the difficult weeks that lay ahead for her dear, poor niece.
As his mind raced with ideas of their situation, Klaus paced frantically. He tutted at the thought of his mum. She will never again enjoy the privilege of that name. Fearing her children's fury, Esther was hiding .
Suddenly, in walked Rebekah, Elijah and Kol. Klaus couldn't hide his surprise at the sight of his two brothers who had once defected.
"Oh, look who's come back? Couldn't cut it on your own, I see," Klaus quipped, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Elijah, always the voice of reason, spoke up first. "Niklaus, now is not the time. I realized we are all we have, and that's why I came back. We need to settle this matter with Esther once and for all."
Klaus nodded, appreciating Elijah's loyalty. He then turned his gaze to Kol, who looked genuinely ashamed.
"And what of you, Kol?" Klaus asked.
"I'm all in Nik. Whatever you need me to do, just say the word," Kol replied, determination in his eyes.
Rebekah, impatient and on edge, chimed in. "Now that you boys have kissed and made up, can we get down to business, now?" She stood with her hand on her hip, sass exaggerated in her tone.
Once they had all settled in, Klaus took charge of the situation. "The first thing we need to do is locate Finn and reverse this wicked spell Mother has cast upon us."
Kol, visibly concerned about the spell, asked. "How do you know it can be reversed? We've never heard of such a thing."
Klaus explained, "I spent most of last night and the entire morning looking through Esther's grimoire." The siblings exchanged glances, silently reaffirming their unspoken commitment to do whatever it took to keep themselves alive. "Alright then, let's get to work," Klaus said, and the four siblings began to plan their next move.
The atmosphere in the room felt heavy as Bonnie and Abby locked eyes. There was a brief period of silence that was filled with unspoken emotions.
Abby tried desperately to find her voice, trying to find the right words. "Bonnie, sweetheart, I - " Her voice trailed off, and her expression conveyed more than mere words. "I can't become….this."
"You have to drink the blood or you'll die." Bonnie appealed.
"I'm fully aware of that," Abby's defiance evident.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, closing her eyes, unable to look at her. Bonnie took a deep breath.
This happened to her because of me…she had always put Elena's well-being before anything else, and now Abby was suffering because of it.
She hadn't realized through her haze of guilt that she needed Abby's forgiveness, like a lifeline to pull her out of the depths of guilt. "I would give anything to have saved you from this." Bonnie admitted, her voice shaky as she spoke.
"It was this or death, right? I get why they chose it but I can't live like this. I hope you can understand that." Abby continued, her voice trembling. "None of this is your fault. Promise me you'll get away from here and leave all this behind as soon as you can."
Bonnie's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to her mother's plea. It was clear that Abby was struggling with her new vampire identity. "I just got you back, mom. I -" she stopped, unable to keep her composure any longer.
Abby managed a weak but sweet smile, despite the physical pain that coursed through her veins. She reached out a hand to touch Bonnie's cheek, her voice filled with regret. "I'm so sorry…sorry about everything." Stepping closer, Abby wrapped her arms around her daughter, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I love you so much, Bonnie."
She felt the overpowering pang of thirst push itself to the surface and her transformation into a vampire began to take hold. The dimly lit room intensified the dread that engulfed them both. Dark veins snaked down Abby's face, twisting like malicious vines, while her fangs descended, glinting ominously in the faint light.
Bonnie's eyes widened in shock and horror as she felt Abby's grip tightening around her. Panic surged through her veins as she realized the danger she was in. With trembling hands, Bonnie summoned the depths of her magic, her voice quivering with desperation, "Phasmatos ossex."
A burst of energy crackled through the air, a last resort to protect herself from the looming threat. Abby's body was flung across the room with a sickening thud, crashing against the wall. The impact echoed through the house, mingling with the gasps of horror that filled the air.
As Abby struggled to regain her bearings, a wave of revulsion washed over her. She recoiled in horror and disgust at the sight of Bonnie's fear. The realization of what she had done clawed at her insides, leaving her with deep-seated guilt.
Without thinking, Abby turned and ran out of the room. With every hurried step, the weight of her monstrous nature bore down on her, leaving a trail of broken trust and lingering despair in its wake.
Caroline rushed in, worried and surprised by the physical altercation. "Are you okay?"
Bonnie, her voice breaking, replied, "No, Caroline, I'm not okay. My mother almost attacked me, but what's worse is that she no longer wants to live."
Caroline hugged her friend, offering comfort in her silence.
"I can't get through to her," Bonnie admitted.
"Maybe you're not supposed to fix this, Bonnie." Caroline suggested.
Bonnie was taken aback. "How can you say that?"
Caroline explained, "Look at it from her standpoint. She told me she can no longer feel magic. It's truly heartbreaking, I imagine you can relate. I know how difficult this is for you, but do you really want her to suffer?"
Bonnie shook her head, realizing the truth in Caroline's words.
"I'm here for you, Bonnie, always. We all are. We'll get through this together. But for now, this is about Abby. You should spend her last moments together, letting her know you support her decision."
Bonnie smiled weakly, "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You don't have to worry about that. I'm not going anywhere." Caroline promised.
Matt and Elena were out jogging together, Elena was running at an almost reckless pace, as if trying to outrun the worry that settled in her heart regarding Bonnie.
She had been trying to keep herself occupied, to avoid dwelling on the guilt she felt over what had happened to Abby. She was grateful that Matt had offered to join her on this run.
Matt struggled to keep up with her and eventually called out for her to slow down. "Elena, you can't outrun your problems," he said, trying to reason with her.
Ignoring his words, Elena pushed herself harder. But when Matt mentioned the one thing he knew would surely get her attention, he let the words flow into the air. "I talked to Bonnie," Matt informed her between breaths.
Elena's demeanor changed instantly. She stopped abruptly in her tracks and turned to face him, desperate for any updates. "What did she say?" she asked anxiously.
"Abby is refusing to change. She's not going through with it," Matt replied, his tone tinted with sadness.
Elena's heart sank, and guilt washed over her. "Oh my God," she murmured, blaming herself. "This is all my fault." Her eyes cast down.
Matt hurriedly explained, hoping to ease her worried mind, "No, it isn't. Caroline is with her, and she's going to help Bonnie."
But Elena couldn't shake off the feeling of responsibility. "Did Bonnie say -," she started to ask but paused and thought better of it. "Is there anything I can do?" She asked, her voice shaky.
"She knows it's not your fault, Elena. She's just upset, rightfully so," Matt said, trying his best to console her.
"Damon turned her mom into a vampire to save my life," Elena confessed, her voice filled with guilt. "It's absolutely my fault."
With that revelation, Elena took off running again. Matt hunched his shoulders, took a deep breath, and sprinted after her.
Klaus, always the master tactician, understood the gravity of the situation and the need to stay several steps ahead in order to obtain his goal. He dialed the number of his trusted hybrid, Gabriel.
"Yeah, boss, what's up?" Gabriel answered promptly.
"Where are you? Klaus inquired.
"Following the trail for your mother, as you asked," Gabriel replied.
"Forget that for now. I need you to take a quick trip to the west coast. There's something there that I may need to use as leverage," Klaus instructed.
"You've got it. I'll hope on the next thing smokin'," Gabriel confirmed, ready for some action.
"Good, I'll text you the information," Klaus said, already planning the intricate details.
"Oh, and I need you to be discreet, hang in the background, got it?" Klaus added, emphasizing the importance of stealth.
"No problem," Gabriel assured him before they ended the call.
Klaus smirked at how his meticulously crafted plan was unfolding flawlessly. The only piece of the puzzle left was to persuade a certain witch to perform the unlinking spell.
Summoning all her strength, Bonnie went in search of her mother. She found her on the backyard veranda, overlooking her Gram's garden. Abby sat there, her eyes distant, lost in her thoughts. Bonnie approached her slowly.
"Mom," Bonnie said softly, taking a seat beside her.
Abby turned to look at her. "I won't do it, please don't ask this of me." Abby begged. "I almost attacked you."
Bonnie nodded, understanding the depth of her mother's despair. "I know and I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through. But I also can't bear to see you suffer like this."
Abby reached out and took Bonnie's hand, her grip gentle. "I love you so much, Bonnie. And I'm so sorry for all the pain I've caused."
"I understand, and I forgive you." Bonnie said, in an effort to comfort her mother. "Let's take full advantage of today. What would you like to do?" She asked eagerly, to fulfill her last wishes.
With a sly grin, Abby added, "I want to -."
The sun was casting a warm, golden glow into the cozy kitchen as Abby and Bonnie danced about the room, the smell of freshly baked treats filling the air. Flour dusted the countertops, and the clatter of mixing bowls and laughter reverberated off the walls. The lively sounds of their favorite music, a playlist filled with a mix of old-school Hip-Hop and soulful R , surrounded them.
Abby and Bonnie were in perfect harmony as they prepared an array of delicious desserts - all their favorites. Chocolate chip cookies, lemon bars, apple turnovers and single servings of peach cobbler graced the counters.
As they savored the mouthwatering Creole meal, Abby and Bonnie poured over old photo albums, their eyes brimming with nostalgia. They laughed at the hairstyles and fashion choices from years gone by, shared stories of their most cherished memories and relived the few moments that had defined their relationship.
The desire to impart some of their legacy Bonnie was asked by Abby to fetch the family-inherited grimoire that belonged to her Grams. When Bonnie handed it to her, she began to share some of her favorite spells and incantations, imparting her magical wisdom to her daughter. Bonnie listened intently, knowing that these would be her mother's last words.
Abby was overwhelmed with a deep feeling of contentment and admiration for Bonnie's fortitude and inner strength. She had confronted numerous challenges on her own and now they were cherishing one last, beautiful day before her inevitable passing.
They both felt that the time had arrived as the day came to an end, mother and daughter retreated to the living room, where they sat side by side, their hands tightly intertwined. Abby expressed her love for her daughter one last time, and Bonnie held onto each word as if engraving them into her heart forever .
Caroline watched from a distance, her heart heavy with sadness but relieved to see Abby and Bonnie finding comfort in their final shared moments. She was hopeful that Bonnie could find some peace in the days ahead and she would be there to support her through it all.
Bonnie and Abby leaned their heads together, foreheads touching, their hands locked in a final embrace. Time seemed to stand still as they said their silent goodbyes.
Caroline stepped forward, tears glistening in her eyes, and placed a comforting hand on Bonnie's shoulder. She understood the difficult task that lay ahead. Bonnie, emotionally worn out, nodded in gratitude, her gaze never leaving her mother.
After a few moments, Caroline left them to their private moment and handled the logistics of having Abby's body removed and sent to the funeral home. Thankfully Sheriff Forbes' connections proved invaluable, allowing them to bypass the official procedures that would have been triggered by a supernatural death.
Emotionally drained, Bonnie made her way to her bedroom and collapsed onto her bed. The weight of the day's events depleted her physically. She would need time to process it all, but for now, she found solace in the memories they had created during their last day together.
The muffled scream echoed in her head, haunting her. "Abby," she said quietly, haunted by the image of the vampire's attack. Violet knew her life hung in the balance, but it was too late.
Shivers raced down her spine, for this chilling incident had set their undeniable destinies in motion. She'd foreseen this day long ago, yet it did little to quell the anguish of losing a loved one. Violet whispered, "Let the impossible become possible, and may it guide us to a harmonious end."
The time had come to face another difficult battle, prodding her to find her family and fulfill their obligations.
Elena got the call from Caroline that Abby had officially passed away. Since Bonnie was still avoiding her, she decided to leave her a voicemail. Elena dialed her number nervously, her heart pounding as the phone rang. Eventually it clicked over to her voicemail.
"This is you know who when you hear the beep, hang up and text instead!"
Elena took a deep breath and began, "Hi Bonnie, it's me Elena. I just want to let you know I'm thinking of you. If there's anything I can do, please let me know." She hesitated for a moment, her voice quivering with nerves. "Also, I miss you and hope to see you soon. Okay, bye."
Elena ended the call and angrily tossed her cell phone across the room, frustration and sadness overwhelming her.
Moonlight trickled through the old trees in the Quinault Coven's grove, casting eerie shadows on the ground beneath them. There was a hint of danger in the air as a chilly wind whispered through the leaves.
A group of witches dressed in black robes gathered around a makeshift altar in the center of the forest, ready to perform a dark ritual that included a human sacrifice. The fate of its inhabitants would be decided upon on this hallowed soil.
Malachi emerged brandishing a twisted staff with black feathers, throwing back the hood of his cloak. His presence was formidable, with eyes as dark as the void and a voice dripping with venomous intent. "The time has come to crush the Quinault coven and claim their magic as our own!"
His fellow witches surrounded him, their faces twisted with ominous glee as they prepared for the ritual of darkness, their chants disrupting the tranquil atmosphere of the forest. Within the grasp of the Hecate's Shadow Coven lay a captured soul, bound in chains of dark magic, ready to be sacrificed to further their perverse goals.
The elder women of the Quinault coven, unnoticed by the dark coven, joined Rose and Violet as they neared the edge of the grove, wielding ancestral talismans. The four women were determined to protect the coven, the land and the unfortunate victim despite their repulsion at the scene unfolding before them.
The atmosphere was charged with the clash of opposing forces and crackled with anticipation as the clock reached midnight. Malachi's clan invoked dark incantations, their words creating a menacing web of shadows that threatened to engulf the entire forest.
The sisters responded by raising their voices in a harmonious hymn, calling upon the spirits of nature and their ancestral power.
The battle broke out with a thunderous clash. Between the trees, a vibrant fusion of colors was created by the collision of light and dark spells. As the sisters fought, the roots started to writhe like serpents and the very earth trembled under the power of their magic, alerting them that the twins had come out of the shadows, ready to use their unique abilities.
"We're ready when you are," they said in unison.
They joined hands with the women as the Quinault witches withdrew. After observing how the other witches' dark magic caused the surrounding vegetation to wither, they began to chant and combine their magic —a fusion of Hudu and nature-based spellcasting—to surround the victim and the area with a radiant barrier of protection.
Sensing trouble, Malachi became enraged. "What is this?" he yelled, hurling bolts of lightning at his adversaries.
The Bennetts moved in closer. "You're not welcome here. Leave now!" Violet demanded.
Driven by his desire for dominance, Malachi unleashed lightning strikes at his adversaries, his laughter echoing through the forest like the wails of a banshee. With their eyes alight with fire, the Bennett family stood steadfast against the onslaught, channeling the ancient magic of their bloodline.
The distinction between good and evil grew increasingly blurred during the ferocious conflict as both sides fiercely vied for supremacy. Thunder and lightning flashed and rumbled through the grove, heightening the intensity in the fight. The tide changed in a pivotal encounter when the twins summoned a surge of untamed magic driving back the dark forces and hurling the coven across the meadow and out of sight.
The Quinault witches, relieved that the threat had passed, rushed to tend to the victim as the air hung heavy with the scent of lingering energy.
Meanwhile, still a little surprised by what transpired. Isaiah mumbled, "That was kind of creepy."
The coven's matriarchs approached the Bennetts with expressions of gratitude and admiration. Jeremiah, ever vigilant, glanced around with a watchful eye. "We should extend our stay a little longer." He suggested using his special ability to anticipate potential threats. "I sense they won't give up that easily," he reflected.
As they recovered, Rose and Violet realized how important it was to strengthen the grove's defenses against any possible attacks in the future. "We cannot allow them to come back. We need to strengthen the protective wards around the forest," Rose said, echoing her sister's thoughts.
They got to work right away, realizing this coven was a far more dangerous adversary than they had anticipated.
"They won't get away with this!", Malachi swore, as the defeated coven regrouped in the distance. "We'll return and claim what is ours!" his unwavering resolve in the face of failure.
A few hours later....
Malachi seethed in defeat, his normally composed façade cracking like fragile glass under the weight of disappointment. The air around him hissed with palpable tension, his anger smoldering like embers ready to ignite. Every muscle in his body tensed, coiling like a spring about to snap.
Lila, his right hand, stood before him, her usually steady voice trembling with regret. The weight of failure hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over their once irrefutable reputation, "I'm sorry we failed you tonight," she whispered the words. Each syllable hung in the air like a testament to the bond they shared and the consequences of their actions.
Malachi's jaw clenched; his eyes ignited with a fire that threatened to consume everything in its path. The sting of defeat cut deep, a bitter reminder of the price of failure in their unforgiving world. Yet, beneath the simmering fury, lay a flicker of something else – vengeance. "We need to find out who those four were and annihilate them."
Lila, the ever dutiful servant, bowed her head, "As you wish, sir." She left him alone to fulfill her chieftain's command.
They have lost the battle but the war was far from over.
At 2:00 am, Lucy awoke to her buzzing phone, seeing her mother's name on the screen gave her pause. Despite her hangover and just returning to her hotel suite, she answered with concern. "Hey ma, what's going on?" Her voice, hoarse with sleep, failed to convey the urgency she felt. "Is everything okay?"
Rose hesitated for a moment as she prepared to deliver the news. "Hello Chere, I'm sorry to call so late but it couldn't be helped."
Now fully awake and concerned, Lucy urged her mother. "It's okay, just please tell me…what is it?" bracing herself for the worst.
"It's about your cousin Bonnie. Your aunt had a vision that Abby had a fatal accident. Unfortunately, since Vi, the twins and I are still helping the Quinault coven, we're unable to drop things here as the set of circumstances has become dire," Rose explained with a heavy heart.
"I completely understand. So, what actually happened?" Lucy asked, her heart pounding with worry.
Rose gently explained the circumstances surrounding Abby's situation.
"That's so terrible, poor Bonnie." Lucy says softly, worried for her young cousin.
"I know, sweetheart. It's going to be difficult for her. She needs family right now and I thought maybe you could go stay with her for a while."
"Oh course, mom. There's just one problem. There was a tropical storm warning issued earlier, and all the flights are canceled for the next two days," Lucy informed. "But I can change my itinerary and be on the next available flight."
"Thank you, Chere. I knew I could count on you. Bonnie will appreciate your support more than you can imagine. Right now she's in good hands, so it's okay." Rose reassured her daughter.
"I wish I could be there sooner," Lucy admitted.
"No need to feel guilty. Just stay safe while you wait out the storm. We'll be in touch and call me if you need anything."
"I will and you guys take care of each other." Lucy expressed.
"I love you, sweetie."
"Love you too, mom."
Once the call ended, Lucy glanced at the sleeping figure next to her…..her St. Croix bae. "Well, it was fun while it lasted," she sighed. She got up from the bed and padded over to her iPad on the desk to check for weather updates and change her return flight to Mystic Falls. Although she and Bonnie were practically strangers, the call of family duty was too strong for her to ignore.
Family reunion...
She didn't know what she was supposed to do other than make it through the next hour, to minute, to second. As Bonnie cried, her tears and sadness spilled over into her dream, immersing her in a dreamscape.
The misty surroundings seemed to be a manifestation of her own emotions, reflecting her sadness and confusion. "What the hell?"
In the distance, she sees two familiar figures approaching, their otherworldly glow lending them an almost angelic appearance. "Hello Bonnie," they both said, their voices soothing and comforting.
Bonnie sensed familiarity but she wasn't sure where it came from. "How do you know me?" she asked, her alarm growing.
One of the women chuckled softly. "We're your family, from New Orleans, Mon Chere," she said, placing a hand over her heart. "I'm your Aunt Rose," she introduced herself, gesturing at the other woman. "And this is your Aunt Violet, my sister."
Her gaze shifted from one matriarch to the other, her mouth slightly agape in disbelief. They bore a striking resemblance to her Grams, smooth caramel complexion, expressive brown eyes, warm smiles, and a magnificent crown of dark brown curls, with Rose's hair highlighted in pink ombre and Violet's in purple.
"Since we can't physically be with you in Mystic Falls," Rose said, "We decided to visit you in your dreams."
Bonnie, still skeptical, simply replied with a drawn out. "Okay."
Violet offered Bonnie a warm smile. "It's good to see you again, child."
"Again?" Bonnie stammered, even more perplexed.
But the women ignored her question momentarily, as Rose began to share their family's past. "I'm not sure how much Sheila has shared with you about our family history, sweetie, but our bloodline is much older and more powerful than you know. Our story spans eons, and we've been sought after, killed and abused since the beginning. So a spell was created to keep our bloodline in New Orleans hidden from all who know magic until it was time."
"Time for what?" Bonnie questioned.
"For your return," Rose simply replied.
"My return? I was never in New Orleans," Bonnie protested.
"Yes, child you have but only when you were very young," Rose confirmed.
Like an old movie reel, fuzzy recollections of family and a period spent in New Orleans started to surface. Bonnie gasped, confused by this unexpected flashback.
"It's okay, don't be afraid. Let the memories come back to you freely." Rose urged.
Bonnie looked at Rose in recognition and asked out loud. "But how?"
"I can read minds and since you're asleep, your mind is open, which means I can telepathically speak to you," Rose explained with a wink.
Bonnie turned her attention to Violet as she began to speak.
"I was a little girl when I got my first vision. At the moment, having the vision itself was more significant than what was in it. It's been an honor, or in this case, a burden. We wish we could have been there, but it was not meant to be."
Bonnie's anger began to simmer. "What do you want now? Where were you when Grams died?"
Violet continued, "It's time for us to share some truths with you."
"Truths? About what?" Bonnie wondered.
"The truth about Abby's passing," Violet said calmly.
Her agitation grew as Violet spoke so casually about her mother's death. "Who are you people? Where have you been all my life? And why now are you here pretending to give a damn?"
"Abby's presence in your life was meant to be but only for a short while," Rose explained. "She was a catalyst, Bonnie. A spark that set in motion a series of events that must happen for you to fulfill a prophecy, one that has been whispered about in our family for generations."
Bonnie's brow furrowed in anger and confusion. "What prophecy?"
"Abby's passing was the first step in a journey you were always meant to take," Violet continued. "In our bloodline, there has always been a chosen one, a guardian, a protector of the ancient rituals and magic of New Orleans. That guardian is you, Bonnie. And now, the time has come for you to return and embrace your destiny."
Violet looked to the side, recalling a distant memory. "Long ago, there was a prophecy that foretold a powerful force arising from the heart of New Orleans, a force that could shape the destiny of not only our city but the supernatural world. You, Bonnie, are the key to unlocking this force. You will be guided by us and the ancient spirits - our ancestors - and you will discover powers within yourself that you never knew existed."
"You belong in NOLA with us and the rest of your family," Rose chimed in. "Your powers and heritage are all tied there."
Bonnie's anger resurfaced. "I didn't ask for these powers. If I could give them back, I would. My life is shit because of them."
"We don't want to say anything that's gonna upset you," Violet said, trying to soothe her anger. "But there's so much you need to know."
"Too late," Bonnie snapped.
Rose offered a glimmer of hope. "You're not alone, Bonnie. You have other cousins you'll meet soon. Speaking of, I've called your cousin Lucy."
At the mention of her name, Bonnie perked up. "Lucy?"
"Yes, she's my daughter," Rose commented, and Bonnie could see the resemblance. "She's on her way from St. Croix and will be there for whatever you need."
"It's a lot to take in," Violet comforted. "Ironically, despite these gifts, we are nonetheless susceptible to suffering or lack of foreknowledge." Violet tried to explain but her gaze dropped, a shadow of sorrow and regret flashing over her face. "I wish I could change it but -", she started to say more but stopped herself.
Bonnie was beginning to accept what her aunts were telling her, even though it was overwhelming. "What about my life in Mystic Falls? My friends -" she started, but she quickly changed her mind, wondering what she actually had left. Rudy? But he was never there….too busy flying all over the world for work. Only remembering he has a daughter on obligatory events or circumstances.
"Everything will fall into place, Chere," Aunt Vi cheerfully said. "You will find a new path, new friends, and a new purpose. In New Orleans, your power and connection to the supernatural world are stronger there."
"Yes!" Aunt Rose beamed. "It's true, sweetie and we'll explain more when the time comes."
As the dream began to fade, they shared a warm, emotional embrace, making plans to stay in touch and giving Bonnie a sense of hope she hadn't felt in a long time.
The morning sun streamed through the blinds, casting a warm glow across Bonnie's room. As she sat up in bed, the remnants of her vivid dream still clung to her consciousness. Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the ethereal presence of her aunts she hadn't known existed.
Overnight she found out she wasn't alone….that she actually has a family. A family that is excited to get to know her.
Bonnie sighed as she rolled out of bed, tied her loose curls into a topknot, put on her robe and padded down the hallway to the living room. There, she found Caroline engrossed in a book, her legs curled up beneath her. Bonnie smiled, it was comforting and she was grateful seeing her best friend there.
"I just had the most vivid dream," Bonnie said.
Caroline looked up from her book. "Are you okay," she asked, concerned, setting the book aside.
"My aunts visited me in an dreamscape," Bonnie explained, her voice hushed.
Caroline furrowed her brow, confusion evident. "Your aunts?"
Bonnie nodded. "Yeah, they're from New Orleans, Rose and Violet. Rose is my cousin Lucy's mom. They told me that Abby's passing was part of my destiny and I belong in New Orleans with our family."
Caroline's eyes widened in surprise, "Wow, that's intense."
Bonnie nodded again. "So, are you thinking of going?" Caroline asked.
"I think I have to," Bonnie replied, her gaze distant. " They made it clear that it's where I'm meant to be."
Caroline gave a supportive smile. "Then as much as I hate the idea of you leaving Mystic Falls and me behind, I'm with you all the way. If it's your destiny, then it's the right path for you."
"Thank you, Caroline, your support means the world to me," Bonnie said, gratitude clear in her eyes.
Caroline changed the subject, trying to offer some kind of distraction. "What do you want to do today?" she asked.
Bonnie hesitated for a moment. "Actually, if you don't mind, I kind of want to be alone for a while."
She didn't take offense; she completely understood. "Yeah, sure, no problem. I should go home and finish that history report that's due tomorrow. Call me if you need anything."
She leaned over and gave Bonnie a quick peck on the cheek before heading for the door. Bonnie watched her go with a small appreciative smile.
Alone in the living room, she took a deep breath before collapsing onto the couch and staring at the ceiling. "So now what?" she muttered to herself as her mind raced with thoughts of her "destiny" and the future that lay ahead. She thought about the last words her mother said to her: Live and love…that is all I've ever wished for you.
Two days later…..
Lucy arrived in the sleepy town of Mystic Falls to find it oddly shrouded in a solemn hush that echoed the weight in her soul as she stood at Bonnie's doorstep. Being a little older, the recent incident made her feel an enormous responsibility for her younger cousin.
She took a deep breath, hoping to ease the tension knotting in her stomach, before gently tapping on the door. When it finally opened, Bonnie stood there, her eyes puffy and red from crying and Lucy's heart ached for her. Despite the heartache, Lucy was determined to offer whatever comfort she could to help Bonnie feel better.
With a soft and compassionate voice, Lucy finally broke the ice. "Bonnie," she said softly, "I'm so sorry about your mom." She moved closer and gave her cousin a tight hug, allowing Bonnie to bury her face in her shoulder as tears flowed freely.
"Come on," Lucy said, her voice filled with determination.
Bonnie nodded, grateful for Lucy's presence and the weight it took off her shoulders as they walked inside.
They sat on the couch opposite ends from one another. Lucy offered a warm smile. "We'll get through this together, cuzzo, I promise."
Bonnie looked up; her eyes filled with curiosity. "How? We hardly know each other."
Lucy moved closer and placed a comforting hand on Bonnie's shoulder. "Sometimes, family is all you need." She then stood up and walked over to the kitchen. "Why don't you go take a shower and get ready for bed?" Lucy said over her shoulder not waiting to see if she followed her suggestion.
While preparing a cup of tea, Lucy whispered an incantation -
By the power within and beyond,
The pain of the past, I now release.
From the strife of the present, let its grip on her heart find gentle peace.
The elements of time, hope of the future - brightly gleams,
lead her way like a guiding beam. With these words, a chant so true,
I beckon change, and healing ensues.
Lucy placed the final ingredient in the steaming cup with a flourish. A sparkling fusion of light swirled in the liquid.
Returning to Bonnie with the enchanted tea, Lucy handed it to her. "Here, this will help you sleep," she said softly, her voice carrying a soothing tone, "and I promise you'll feel slightly better in the morning."
Unconvinced, Bonnie took a sip and her eyes widened. "This tastes amazing," she admitted, surprised.
Lucy chuckled, sporting an all-knowing smile. "I told you. Now, drink up. We can catch up in the morning."
Bonnie nodded and settled back into her headboard. "Good night, Lucy."
"Good night, Bonnie," Lucy replied, closing the door behind her. She made a vow to herself that she would shoulder the responsibilities allowing Bonnie the time and space needed to grieve properly.
Lucy Takes Charge……
In the days that followed Abby's passing, Lucy had taken on the role of not just helping Bonnie cope with her grief but also managing the daunting task of arranging Abby's burial. She had kept it quite small at Bonnie's request, inviting only Caroline and Matt.
Bonnie managed to evade any opportunity Elena made to apologize since she was still unable to face her. Elena wasn't the only person Bonnie was avoiding. Rudy had called from Asia where he was away on business and expressed his want to attend her graduation but was unsure as to when he could return.
Caroline and Matt came by as often as possible, offering their support. Juggling responsibilities, she needed to help her younger cousin somehow find the motivation to finish her last two weeks of high school, ensuring she graduated.
Lucy updated her mother and aunt Vi as much as she could.
"I mean, she hardly eats," Lucy said with a sigh, updating them on Bonnie's state. "Hell, she stopped crying; she just lays there on her bed staring out of the window. What can we do?"
"Aren't finals next week?" Rose asked.
"Yeah, that's what her friend Caroline told me," Lucy replied.
"Well, first things first ... .let's get our girl graduated. It will keep her busy in the meantime."
Lucy nodded as if her mom could see here, ready to assist in any way possible. "And after that?" she asked.
"Already working out the details," Rose said with a combination of excitement and mystery. "Expect some news from J or Zeke about school. I'll call you later, Chere."
"Okay, mom." Lucy ended the call wondering what her mother was up to and why she couldn't just speak to her in plain English.
Unexpected Generosity……
Later that afternoon, she received a text - Jeremiah and Isaiah aka J and Zeke, had stepped up in a big way, providing a sizable donation to the school that afforded Bonnie the flexibility to complete her coursework online and make special arrangements to take her finals.
Lucy smirked and said to the empty room, "Damn, that was fast." She was always extremely proud and impressed by how her family could handle things so quickly and the panache of the wealthy. But money could only do so much and Lucy knew Bonnie needed emotional support too, so she went into the kitchen in search of making a meal, knowing she wasn't the best cook but knew food was the best and easiest way to uplift even the dreariest moods.
A Thoughtful Gesture…….
Just then, the doorbell rang. There were several delivery men holding either several dozen floral arrangements or insulated catering bags of food for the week that were prepared by a Michelin-rated chef. Lucy, grateful for the save, escorted the men, giving each instructions on where to place flowers and walked into the kitchen to assist with the storage of the meals. She didn't know how her mother or aunt managed to think of everything but again she was appreciative.
When the delivery guy handed her the clipboard to sign the receipt of the delivery, he also gave her a card that was addressed to Bonnie. Surprised that it wasn't from who she had expected, she tipped the men generously and sought out her cousin.
After Bonnie read the card, she tossed it on the coffee table, looked around the room at the beautiful flowers that now scented the house with their enticing aroma and smirked a small smile. Lucy, catching that was intrigued and grabbed the card to read:
I'm truly sorry for your loss - if there's ever anything you need, let me know.
Fondly, Klaus Mikaelson
When she asked Bonnie about it, she shrugged and walked back to her room to finish her homework. Lucy found it unusual that her cousin seemed unaffected by the kind and thoughtful gesture and decided she'd bring it up some other time.
Unanswered Questions…..
Lucy set up their dinner, settling on the shrimp alfredo as tonight's selection. When they sat down to eat Bonnie asked the question that had been burning a hole inside her brain since she had the dream with her aunts.
"Why did you guys stay away for all these years?" She asked.
"It's a bit complicated, Bonnie but to simplify it, it was too dangerous for all of us to be together all at the same time." Lucy explained.
"What does that mean?
Lucy tried to find the best way to explain it. "Our power and existence attracts evil, but when we're together it is extremely powerful which can cause huge repercussions that you weren't ready yet to handle."
Bonnie rolled her eyes at the last part. "Okay, but it still doesn't explain why I don't remember you guys or have any memories."
"I think Sheila - I mean your grams did what she thought was best for you. She needed to hide you from the world and yourself until the time was right."
Bonnie experienced a range of emotions while Lucy spoke, including sadness at the circumstances surrounding Abby's death and anger over having been kept in the dark her entire life.
"You were born to lead your own coven." Lucy said firmly.
"What I -," Bonnie started, still in belief over the revelation.
"You are the one and future queen, or high priestess as our family refers to it, who will bring peace to the supernatural community. Unfortunately, there will be a lot of obstacles in your way. The challenges you must face are all part of the prophecy, but remember, you're a Bennett. The strength you need is already within you," Lucy promised, her voice bearing witness to the tenacity of their ancestry and previous generations. "And I'll be here to guide you every step of the way."
With those words as the catalyst, their immediate bond solidified. Throughout the evening, they engaged in conversation while finishing their meal, exploring the depths Bonnie's curiosity.