Oh my goodness, this was a long one! Thank you, everyone, for reading and commenting, please let me know if you need anything clarified as some of the lore in the story can be confusing without reminders. I promise a Bonnie/Damon-centered chapter is happening after this one, the events in this chapter had to happen first. Thank you all again!
Bonnie Bennett – Kat Graham
Damon Salvatore – Ian Somerhalder
Stefan Salvatore – Paul Wesley
Lexi – Arielle Kebel
Caroline Forbes/Salvatore – Candice King
Katherine Pierce – Nina Dobrev
Elijah Mikaelson – Daniel Gillies
Esther Mikaelson – Alice Evans
Finn Mikaelson – Casper Zafer
Klaus Mikaelson – Joseph Morgan
Rebekah Mikaelson – Claire Holt
Qetsiyah – Janina Gavankar
Disclaimer: These Characters Belong to LJ Smith/CW Network. No Copyright infringement is intended.
Bruce – Christopher Abbott
RJ – Trevante Rhodes
Chris – Danny Ramirez
Bastien Archambeau – Jesse Williams
Emeline Archambeau – Whitney Peak
Lana Gilbert – Sophie Thatcher
The bartender, recognizing the infamous vampire, greeted her with a mix of wariness and intrigue. "Katherine Pierce, back from the dead," he mused.
Katherine, ever the picture of confidence, settled onto the bar stool with a self-satisfied smirk. "The one and only, what brought you to the Upper Eastside? You're a long way from Bushwick," she observed, her eyes scanning the establishment with a predator's precision.
"That's what loyalty to the queen gets you. A better building and immunity from prying government eyes," the bartender replied, his tone subtly emphasizing his allegiance to Bonnie.
Katherine, unphased, played along. "Lucky for you, we serve the same queen," she declared, casually plucking a maraschino cherry from the bar top, her eyes never leaving the bartenders.
"You're not one to kneel, Katherine. What trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?" he asked, pouring her a martini with practiced ease.
Katherine's response was contemplative, a rare glimpse into her introspection. "An opportunity presented itself, one I couldn't ignore. I played my cards all wrong in my previous life. Not this time." She accepted the martini, taking a bold gulp. "I need your help. There's someone here who shouldn't be – a threat to our queen. May I?" she asked, her gaze sharp as she gestured towards his head, seeking permission to enter his mind.
The bartender nodded, bracing himself. Katherine delved into his thoughts, imprinting the image of Qetsiyah. He recoiled slightly, a frown creasing his brow.
"Saul, shut it down. We're closing early," he ordered briskly, turning to Katherine. "Follow me."
They moved through the bar, Katherine's eyes darting around, assessing for potential dangers. They reached his office, where Bruce, a burly vampire known for his stoicism, shuffled papers anxiously.
"Bruce the Brute, afraid of a witch? That's new. Spill," Katherine demanded, her arms crossed, leaning against the wall with casual authority.
Bruce handed her surveillance photos of Qetsiyah. "She's been frequenting supernatural hotspots, some under Bennett-Archambeau protection, some not. Strangely, witnesses can't recall her actions or words, just her presence. I was going to get this to Bonnie"
Katherine studied the images, her mind racing. "And how do I know she hasn't gotten to you?"
"She hasn't ventured this far north yet. We're one of the last untouched areas," Bruce admitted, his concern palpable.
Katherine's eyes narrowed as she pointed to an image. "She left this shop with a large bag. We start there. I've got an upgrade in my vampiric abilities we can see how well my compulsion works – unless she had a witch at the counter."
Bruce's eyes widened, both at the revelation of Katherine's enhanced abilities and her bold plan.
Bruce and Katherine made their way out of the bar, opting to travel by foot so they could keep an eye on anything out of the ordinary. Katherine admired how clean NYC had become, opting for many of the same practices as Tokyo with the help of Bonnie and her team who also helped the neighborhoods to become affordable once more so that families weren't continuously being displaced. Bruce explained to Katherine that there were periods of unrest as many different supernatural beings had to compromise with humans who held high positions in the government and different government agencies to keep both the supernatural and human communities safe. Bruce's cooperation with Bonnie and his assistance to get other supernatural beings to fall in line earned him special protection and support for himself and his allies. Because Bruce knows the bounds and history of Bennett magic, thanks to Caroline's school expanding to adults seeking a higher education, seeing Qetsiyah pop-up was extremely unnerving. Katherine, in turn, gave Bruce the run-down of what happened to her before she turned human, and then everything after that led up to her going to NYC. She made sure to keep out any details Bonnie wouldn't want anyone to know out of the conversation.
"This is it" Bruce stated as he walked up to the shop named 'Old World Emporium'.
Katherine eyed the shop located in Brooklyn before opening the door.
"Welcome to Old World Emporium, can I assist you with anything" the sales associated with long boho braids, said from the outdated cash register.
"Funny you should ask; I need assistance with a purchase that was made within the last 24-48 hours" Katherine said, approaching the counter with a predator's grace
"Do you have a receipt?" the associate, Kyra, inquired.
Katherine's eyes flickered, probing Kyra's essence. Instead, Bruce presented a folded picture, which Kyra scrutinized before challenging them. "And why should I help two vampires?"
Katherine took a chance and walked closer to the sales associate who wasn't intimidated at the least to compel her.
"Tell us if you know the woman in this picture and why she was here" Katherine tried to compel Kyra who laughed at Katherine's attempt which confused both Katherine and Bruce.
"I was just fucking with both of you, I've actually never met a vampire so I got a little excited when you didn't disprove my theory and then trying to be compelled, proved it" Kyra stepped away from the register and leaned against the counter to better face Bruce and Katherine.
"So, what are you? A witch?" Katherine's tone was edged with suspicion.
"No, I'm not a witch. I'm an intuitive reader," Kyra replied with a disarming smile, explaining her practice with tarot and her connection to the occult. "I just put vervain in almost anything, my boyfriend's family owns this shop, and I just help out from time to time" Kyra continued.
"A what?" Katherine retorted.
"Tarot, she reads tarot cards" Bruce responded, as if that meant anything to Katherine.
"Yes, I dabble in tarot and other things…now for the woman in this picture, I do remember seeing her, she was leaving as I was walking in" Kyra stated as she walked over to a display of different crystals.
"Perfect, there has to be a way to look at what she purchased and why, I doubt it was an I love New York pendant" Katherine responded as she looked around the shop.
"See that's the problem, normally I don't care about who comes in here, a lot of the time it's different tourists or people curious about magical things, but she..her energy was off, gorgeous, but the vibes were not right" Kyra continued as she rearranged the crystals on the shelf.
"And?" Bruce questioned, getting frustrated at the lack of urgency to explain herself.
"I asked my boyfriend about her and he genuinely had no idea what I was talking about" Kyra finished.
"And you believed him" Katherine snarked.
"Yes, hello, I'm an intuitive? Makes it pretty hard for someone to lie to me, anyways, I naturally didn't let it go and checked the inventory to see what was missing, between customers, I checked different areas until…." Kyra said as she eyed a section of the shelf that was missing.
"Here! Black Obsidian, it's all gone" Kyra remarked with shock and intrigue.
"I don't understand. What does that mean?" Katherine asked, puzzled, staring at the vacant shelf. Kyra held up a finger to quiet Katherine, and closed her eyes as she placed her hand on the empty spot.
"Herbs, those are harder to check for inventory," Kyra opened her eyes to face the two vampires. "You're natural predators, there haven't been too many customers looking at this specific shelf, focus on the scent and then see where it takes you" Kyra continued with a shrug,
Bruce and Katherine exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them. They turned their attention to the shelf, allowing their vampire instincts to take over, sifting through the myriad of scents in the store. They made their way to the herbs and recognized that the scent lingered in three different areas.
"Hmm, if I were to make an educated assumption, between the black obsidian and the herbs she chose, she's running from something, protecting herself from something, no vervain, so it's not you two" Kyra tried to put the pieces of the puzzle together as she tapped a finger on her lips in deep thought.
"Okay, intuitive person, where would someone like her hide, she still needs to eat, sleep, and drink like the rest of us" Katherine crossed her arms and eyed Kyra as her question broke through Kyra's thoughts.
"She's clearly a witch, in the concrete jungle with no home, and a bag full of herbs and crystals" Kyra pondered, earning a deep sigh and eye roll from Katherine.
"Central Park" Bruce answered earning a snap and smile from Kyra.
"Yes, check the major hotels in that area, she's probably hiding out there" Kyra suggested.
"Great, thanks" Katherine said as she turned around to head out the door.
"Wait!" Kyra shouted as she walked after Katherine, Katherine turned around to face her with a brow raised.
"Take this" Kyra placed a rose quartz stone in Katherine's hand,
"I've had my fair share of mystical stones, no thanks" Katherine quipped.
"No, take it, trust me, keep it with you, someone is going to need it" Kyra gave Katherine a warm smile.
"In that case, after you," Bruce said drawing Katherine's attention back to him. She shot Kyra a half-smile and bolted with Bruce trailing her.
The two vampires hunted the witch through the concrete jungle and circled Central Park, careful not to spook the witch who may be hiding within the trees of the park. Katherine closed her eyes to focus on her sense of smell. She let her senses guide her as she vamp-sped through the trees before coming to a halt. Katherine heard a twig snap which brought her attention toward the sound as she slowly made her way towards it.
"Found you" Katherine snarked, sensing Qetsiyah was near.
"I wasn't lost" Qetsiyah returned, voice echoing in the trees.
"It must pain you to see that I got what I wanted, I always get what I want" Katherine sneered as she slowly walked towards the trees on the other side of the trail.
Qetsiyah laughed before she appeared a few feet away from Katherine.
"It pains me that my line still takes part in perverting the boundaries of their magic and nature," Qetsiyah responded as she walked towards the familiar doppelganger.
"And yet you're here when you shouldn't be either, say what you want about Bonnie, but she owns her shit" Katherine retorted sharply.
"Be that as it may, I don't expect to stay here long, I could kill you, I could kill your friend, all that will do is speed up the inevitable, plus, we need you to help get rid of Adonis" Qetsiyah rose a brow as she eyed Katherine and Bruce who was coming up behind her.
"Why help him break free just to kill him" Katherine inquired, her brow furrowed in suspicion.
"Because, he is the only one clever enough to take down Bonnie, two birds one stone," Qetsiyah said in a matter-of-fact tone. Bruce let out a low growl.
"With family like you, who needs enemies" Katherine accused.
"Blood may link us, but my loyalty lies with the natural order. Bonnie wields power she was never destined to possess. I can sense it, even from afar, festering like a plague," Qetsiyah declared, her expression darkening.
"You're jealous," Katherine said with a smile. "Is that what this is? Bonnie gets the power, the boys, the friends, and the empire and you get…a footnote in her history, barely a mention" Katherine's words dripped with poison.
Qetsiyah, unphased, retorted with a gravity that stilled the air. "Your perspective is naively simplistic. Consider the magnitude of Bonnie's journey, the myriad of magic she has assimilated. It lingers, it amplifies, never truly leaving her. She's a siphoner of unprecedented caliber, oblivious to the cataclysmic potential she harbors. Even if you attain your deepest desires, Katherine, they will be rendered moot. Her untapped power threatens existence itself," Qetsiyah cautioned, her words resonating with an ominous undertone.
Katherine's sneer was a masterclass in contempt. "Your credibility expired long ago, so forgive me if your words hold no weight with me. Why the crystals, herbs, and these quick stops at the hot supernatural spots?" she challenged.
Qetsiyah's stoic demeanor was a testament to her resilience. "I pay homage to the raw forces of nature, the impending war will crown a victor, and in that new world, I refuse to be a casualty, as my alliance is to neither. Survival is our shared art form, Katherine," she stated, her smirk giving way to a look of grave concern. "Something is happening."
Katherine and now Bruce stood in confusion as to what Qetsiyah was talking about.
Their exchange was abruptly severed as OWIA agents descended upon them, their gunfire shattering the momentary stillness. Qetsiyah's protective incantation faltered, puzzling her. Like spectral predators, Katherine and Bruce vanished into the foliage, their movements a blur of lethal precision. Qetsiyah, undeterred, unleashed a cloud of crushed black powder, momentarily incapacitating her assailants before making her escape.
Katherine and Bruce were both successful in taking out multiple agents. It was right after Katherine snapped the neck of an agent that another one covered her mouth with a rag that caused her to quickly blackout.
In the aftermath, Katherine regained consciousness in a dimly lit room, the pungent scent of bourbon let her know she was in the office room of a bar. "Where am I?" she murmured, her vision clearing to reveal two stoic OWIA agents and a contemplative Bruce.
"How many fingers I'm holdin up?" The agent asked, she didn't want to say the real answer which was four.
"You won't have many left when I'm done with you" she spat out as she regained her 20/20 vision. She looked upon the two OWIA agents and Bruce standing in the back.
"You're welcome by the way" The agent stated.
Katherine scoffed. "For drugging me and sticking me in the back of a bar?" Katherine looked around and saw pictures of Elena and Damon and other people unfamiliar to her on the walls.
"Brother's Bourbon, the Salvatore bar, still under the protection of Bonnie Bennett's magic, stronger than any of her other locations in NYC" The agent continued.
"Okay? Am I supposed to thank you after you tried to kill us?" Katherine eyed Bruce who seemed pensive.
"The name is RJ and this is Chris, believe it or not, we are allies and your new best friend. The department has been compromised and up until recently I have been extremely successful in showing my allegiance to the OWIA and the new director, however as things have gotten more extreme, me and a few of my buddies have been trying to find ways to get out and tell Bonnie and her crew what we know, my sister alive?" RJ asked.
"Why would I know who your sister is?" Katherine asked with annoyance.
RJ laughed "Ash, she told me the moment she met the infamous doppelganger, she was probably the one that looked the most happy to be there when you were in London, Emeline's friend" Rj explained.
Katherine shrugged, "I don't know, hasn't come up, last I saw yes… she is." Katherine's eyes narrowed at the agent. RJ caught on that he should explain himself and quickly.
"This Adonis, him and his syndicate have gotten the ears of not only some of our top directors but leaders in different countries, including this one. It was easy to do so considering the colorful group of people Bonnie always kept close but after the attack at their function in France. It solidified the lies they've been told. They have started to keep me out of some of the discussions, but the last thing I have heard is that an anonymous tip from a certain school leader in Mystic Falls has heightened the round-up they're doing on supernatural beings." RJ explained in a serious tone.
"We've seen different supernatural beings brought in for questioning and some never come back out, they don't realize they're being played but they don't care if they are given any type of reason to get rid of supernaturals once and for all" Chris, the other agent stated with a solemn expression.
"They've pinned a lot of Adonis' attacks on Bonnie and her camp, as well as the zombie incident at the school in Mystic Falls, it's not good, and by the time these leaders realize they've been played, it will be too late. Adonis has too many people in high-up positions in our agency and others." RJ continued.
"How did they get you two to not drink the kool-aid if everyone else is going along with it" Katherine countered.
"Bonnie saved my life, and my family, at a young age and she doesn't even realize she did it. She thought she did a spell to make me forget but I remembered, I was somehow born with natural immunity to spells and compulsions, probably due to the amount of vervain, wolfsbane, and other herbs my paranoid mother ingested daily while pregnant with me, but thanks to that and his sister" Chris pointed to RJ, "We have been able to keep our minds while Adonis and his crew have been poisoning the minds of others"
"What do we do now?" Bruce asked as he turned slightly to face them.
"Last word we got is they're coming for that school and the power inside, it wasn't until Qetsiyah was spotted here, and then your face" RJ looked at Katherine who has a notable face in the supernatural world. "That they focused on getting you both first, but something Adonis has or did, has given our agency the protection of Bennett magic at the least or Bonnie's at the worst, seeing how it worked on Qetsiyah, it could be either or… either way, we need to make it to Mystic Falls now, they think we're hunting you, and we can say we are, all the way down to Virginia" RJ stated with a smirk.
"If the last plan they have in motion worked, however, we are in bigger trouble than we realize" Chris cut in.
"Explain" Katherine interjected.
"We've been working on finding ways to manipulate magic so we can explore different timelines, we used what Bonnie and Hope perfected, finding ways to magically go back to moments in time for training purposes, the timelines didn't exist but we're exact replicas." Chris began.
"You're losing me" Katherine quickly stated.
"Long story short, if they could find a way to switch Bonnie's for a weaker one, the weaker one would be easier to defeat and to frame, as her supporters would lose trust in her, especially if she were easily caught" Chris continued.
"Are they dumb enough to think that our Bonnie wouldn't find a way back?" Katherine asked, with visible concern.
"At that point, would she even want to if she came back to a world where everyone lost and is suffering under Adonis' rule? The spell would only work if Adonis, the other two council members, and some Bennett magic worked together to make it happen, and I am hoping that isnt't the case, because we would have an even bigger problem" RJ interjected.
Before Katherine could speak, they all turned their attention to a knock on the door.
"Come in" RJ shouted.
When the door opened a brunette with brown eyes that favored Katherine slightly, walked in the door.
"10 more minutes and that's- " The woman eyed Katherine in shock.
"Grandma?" The woman looked like they'd seen a ghost.
"Absolutely not! Wrong doppelganger" Katherine smiled sarcastically at the woman.
"Ah, Katerina Petrova, I know my bloodline's history, and you're not welcome here, those ten minutes have turned into 5" The woman shot RJ a glare before looking back at Katherine.
"Another Gilbert hiding behind powerful people to protect them, shocking" Katherine mocked, as it was Bonnie's magic keeping the bar safe.
"I'm a Donovan" The woman snarked as she turned around to shut the door behind her.
Katherine nodded her head and shrugged as she thought that at least someone in her bloodline had the decency to procreate with Matty blue eye's line.
"I need blood, and a hot shower, then we can be on our way…. Bruce?" Katherine looked up at Bruce who sighed in response.
"I guess we can fit in my one bedroom…a car, however, we will need to find a way to swipe one" Bruce continued.
"Already on it" RJ smiled and nodded.
BBBB
Emeline Bennett cast a questioning gaze at her reflection, her eyes meeting Evelde's ethereal image in the mirror. "How does he know you're not with me?" she inquired, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Evelde's reflection maintained its poise, her eyes holding a depth that seemed to transcend time itself. "Your mind, Emeline, is a fortress— shielded by years of training and strengthening your psychic and empath abilities. He senses your pain, he'll feel the tug when you draw upon his magic, but this," she gestured towards her own temple with a slender finger, "remains impenetrable to him without your consent. We can, and we must use that to our advantage."
A shadow of doubt flickered across Emeline's face as she scrutinized her own image. Her gaze narrowed, pondering the weight of Evelde's words.
"Emeline," Evelde's tone softened, a tinge of empathy threading through her voice as she sensed the tempest of apprehension swirling within the younger woman's mind. "You have to face the unknown. You can face whatever is beyond that door"
With those parting words, Evelde's image began to fade from the mirror, leaving Emeline alone with her thoughts. A wry, almost bitter chuckle escaped her lips as she murmured to herself,
"I can face this, just you know, tied to a psychopath, dad is alive again, parent's pending relationship status is awkward, Eamon probably hates me, yeah I can face this" Emeline said to herself as she prepared to get in the shower.
Bastien smiled to himself as he heard Emeline turn the shower on which meant she was finally up after resting for multiple hours. He made sure to order her, her favorite meal from one of the local diners in case she didn't feel like being in public. He tried not to let Bonnie's absence bother him as he did not know where they stood officially, and Bonnie was finally living her life without the confines of any spells from her ancestors holding her back. He accepted that her feelings for him paled in comparison to the bond Damon and Bonnie have, but still foolishly held hope that they could pick up where they left off.
In the safety of her hot shower, Emeline sought refuge from the whirlwind that had become her life. The cascading water served as a momentary escape, a chance to wash away the tumultuous events that had recently unfolded. She often marveled at Bonnie's resilience, her ability to navigate life's tempests with an effortless grace. Now, as she faced her own trials, Emeline grappled with the weight of expectations and her sense of defeat. It was the scalding touch of the water that jolted her back to reality, a smile formed at the corners of her lips as Adonis probably felt the burning water as well.
Once Emeline finished her shower, she made her way back to her room to get dressed and took her time to do so. Dressed and poised to face the day, Emeline's attention was drawn to the unexpected presence of a cream-colored envelope, its elegance accentuated by the calligraphic script and the moon crest sealing its contents. As Evelde's voice echoed in her mind, confirming the sender's identity, Emeline's curiosity piqued. The note was brief, a summons from Adonis to meet at the Mystic Falls sign, a message that elicited a mix of disdain and intrigue within her.
"It's Adonis" Evelde said to her in the back of her mind.
"It's friendly since it got through the barrier" Emeline said out loud as she ran her fingers over the letter. She finally opened it and read the deeply cursive letter sprawled out on thick paper.
'Emeline, meet me before the Mystic Falls sign west side of town, 30 minutes.' Emeline scoffed at the letter and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, fat chance," Emeline said aloud.
"No, you need to go Emeline, see what he has to say, show him you're not afraid of him, I know him, you've piqued his interest" Evelde explained.
"And? I would be shocked if I didn't, it does not mean I'm going, in fact I should head right back to bed" Emeline explained before cowering in pain as she held her head. "Agh!" She yelled before it was over.
"That was barely anything, but I can do it again, get up and go, I can take over at any time if you need me to" Evelde stated in a stern time.
"Fine, he gets 30 minutes tops" Emeline zipped up a black workout jacket that matched with her leggings and threw her curls on top of her head. "No makeup, nothing" Emeline smiled sarcastically at Evelde in the mirror.
After she quickly put on her shoes, she made her way down the stairs where her dad was lounging on the couch reading an old textbook on magic.
"Welcome back to the world of the living, I almost used the smelling salts" Bastien teased, Emeline smiled and walked over to give her dad a hug.
"Not funny, dad, where's mom? I don't feel her nearby" Emeline asked and noted Bastien's face change.
Bastien's expression shifted subtly, a testament to the intricate dance of concern and reassurance he was trying to maintain. "She's at the school. Something urgent came up, compelling enough to keep her there overnight. I'm planning to head over if we don't hear from her soon. I was hopeful she'd be back by the time you woke up and were ready to face the day," he replied, his warm smile not quite reaching his eyes.
"No worries, I actually have to make a quick errand, don't worry I'm fine, plus, if someone attacks me they'd have to face Adonis" Emeline said, her words tumbling out in a hurried stream as she sensed her father's growing apprehension.
"Em—" Bastien began, his parental instincts flaring.
"No, Dad. I'm alright. Give me a little over an hour. Mom should be back by then. We can head to the school together," Emeline interjected, her smile strained as she sought to ward off any potential conflict, especially so soon after her father's return. A twinge of guilt tugged at her heart as she registered the flicker of concern in Bastien's eyes.
"Fine. But make no mistake, Emeline. If the situation calls for it, I will come looking for you," Bastien conceded, his voice tinged with the quiet resolve of a father's love. "And your meal will be waiting—warm and inviting. So, don't spoil your appetite while you're out," he added, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
"Deal!" Emeline's exclamation was bright and spirited as she embraced her father once more. "I can't express how much it means to have you back," she whispered, inhaling deeply, the familiar scent of her father grounding her amidst the chaos. "Alright I'll be back soon" Emeline let go and grabbed the car-keys and quickly headed out the door.
"West, head west, okay I can do this" Emeline said to herself before turning up the music to drown out her thoughts and anything Evelde had to say.
After navigating the familiar roads for twenty minutes, Emeline's journey culminated at the sight of Adonis, his figure exuding a nonchalant grace as he leaned against the sign. With a mixture of reluctance and resolve, she parked the car and stepped out, her movements deliberate.
"Engage him with your charm," Evelde's voice whispered within her, a directive that earned a silent eye roll from Emeline as she approached the enigmatic figure before her.
"Out of all the places you'd want to meet up why here? Wanting to see if I have given up yet and will cooperate with you? Not a chance." Emeline's words were laced with defiance, her gaze locking with Adonis's, who wore an infuriatingly smug expression.
"You've made the journey, haven't you?" Adonis retorted, a hint of amusement in his tone as he studied her, his head tilted inquisitively.
"That's beside the point. I'm here, so speak. What fresh hell do you wish to wreak upon my life?" Emeline demanded, her arms crossed, a gesture of resistance, though she couldn't help but notice the intense way Adonis's eyes bore into hers, causing an unwelcome flutter in her heart.
"You've experienced pain—twice. Explain," Adonis inquired, his voice a blend of concern and curiosity.
"Seriously? Well, get used to it, because of you and your horde of crazies, I could be at risk at any moment and you'd have to suffer with me" Emeline retorted, her words sharp as daggers.
"That would be a death sentence for them, and they know it, I just had to make sure you weren't finding a way to try to end this spell, you really need to be more careful Adonis mused, his gaze lingering on Emeline, captivated for a moment by the familiar cascade of curls that fell around her face, reminiscent of a love long past.
"Why not just meet somewhere closer in Mystic Falls" Emeline questioned, trying to hide how she was blushing at the way he was looking at her.
"Your family's magic is everywhere, like an alarm system, I wouldn't risk it, not yet anyway." Adonis walked closer to Emeline which made her heart beat a tad bit faster. She was frustrated with the way her body subconsciously reacted to him.
"I've been exhausted, in and out of sleep for what feels like days, that fatigue only comes from big spells that are almost t0o big for witches and warlocks like us, which means you've been up to something haven't you" Emeline's tone softened, her inquiry tinged with both curiosity and concern.
Adonis's laughter was low, almost appreciative. "You truly have no idea. Worry not, the heavy lifting is done. What comes next is mere child's play," he stated, an unsettling confidence in his voice.
Emeline's fleeting infatuation was swiftly quelled by the reality of the entity before her, a being of immense power and uncertain intent. "Rest assured, my mother is already steps ahead. Underestimate her, and you do so at your own risk," she warned, her confidence resolute.
"There it is, that fire," Adonis murmured, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming. His finger gently lifted her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his. "Your defiance is utterly captivating, I'm absolutely terrified" he whispered, a smile playing on his lips before he released her and turned away.
"If you let me in that pretty head of yours, we won't need to meet like this again" Adonis called over his shoulder, his form beginning to fade, leaving Emeline alone with the echo of his words and the unsettling rhythm of her own conflicted heart.
"I have a bad feeling about this" Evelde said in the back of Emeline's mind. Emeline nodded and turned to head back to her car. Emeline let the music drown out her thoughts again as she rushed back home. Once she had arrived, she saw a car in the driveway she didn't recognize. She tried to sense who was on the other side of the door before getting out of the car and immediately picked up on Lana's energy inside the house. Emeline immediately hopped out of the car and ran inside.
"Lana!" Emeline shouted as she saw the back of her blonde-haired friend in the kitchen. Lana spun around with tears in her eyes as she took in her best friend and immediately ran to hug her as tight as she could.
"Emeline, you crazy bitch" Lana said with tears in her eyes as she squeezed her friend. Emeline laughed in response.
"I could say the same, Lexi! Hi!" Emeline said as she finally took in who the other person was. Lexi waved in return with an empathetic expression on her face.
"Emeline" Bastien said in a stern tone, Emeline immediately sensed the emotions of everyone in the room and her expression slowly turned into a frown.
"Is it Mom?" The question escaped Emeline's lips, a tinge of panic seeping into her voice as Bonnie's comforting presence remained notably absent.
"Em—" Bastien's attempt to speak was swiftly intercepted by Lana's more urgent tone.
"Listen, your mom is hopefully okay but she is definitely not here at the moment and before you begin to panic, I see that pout coming on! Before you begin to panic, we have a Bonnie here from a different timeline and we need you, we need you Emeline, and your father to get them back to their respective timelines" Lana explained, her eyes tracking the whirlwind of emotions dancing across Emeline's face.
"It's Adonis, Emeline, that's what he was warning, we need to get that Bonnie before he does" Evelde's voice resonated within her, aligning with the urgency of the situation.
"Where is she?" Emeline's question cut through the air, her gaze darting between Lana and Lexi, seeking answers, seeking a plan.
Lexi's frustration was palpable as she recounted the oversight. "That's the problem, if everyone wasn't so horny all of the time, a certain couple would have noticed that Bonnie and Damon left the school," Lexi said as she threw her hands up in the air.
"Caroline has been blowing us up and is looking for them now, they want us to meet at the Grill" Lexi continued.
Bastien bit his tongue at all the things he wanted to yell about but didn't want to upset his daughter. "We're leaving now" Bastien ordered with intensity behind his blue eyes.
Lana took the lead, her voice confident. "I'll drive!"
Emeline let out a deep sigh, feeling guilty that she even entertained a meeting with Adonis, and almost wanted to cause pain to herself so he could feel it. All four piled into the car with Lana speeding to the grill to meet up with Caroline and Stefan.
Arriving simultaneously with Caroline and Stefan, the groups exchanged quick, meaningful glances before Stefan took charge, his voice steady. "Let me and Caroline handle this, remember this Bonnie does not know you and we cannot scare her off"
"I respect you Stefan because of my love for your wife, but if Damon continues to overstep-" Bastien began.
"I will handle this" Stefan cut off Bastien with a stern tone. Caroline gave Bastien and Emeline a sympathetic look.
As young Bonnie Bennett emerged, a vivid echo of the past, Bastien and Emeline couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion, a complex tapestry of memories and what-ifs. Their approach was cautious, mindful of the delicate fabric of this moment.
But the stillness was shattered by a sudden explosion, a violent disruption that tore through the calm, leaving each heart racing, each mind braced for the unknown that lay ahead.
Emeline flew with force somewhere away from the group and quickly landed on her back onto the grass. She quickly remembered her training over the years and quickly said a protection spell as she got up to her feet to find everyone else.
"Dad! Caroline! Lana!" Emeline yelled, immediately feeling pain as she got up. She heard sirens go off and people yelling everywhere but could not see due to all the smoke surrounding them. She said another spell to clear the smog to see what was going on, and immediately saw her dad, Damon, Stefan, Caroline, Lexi, and Lana fighting off different OWIA agents and realized none of them were going towards her which she took advantage of. She said a spell that broke open the earth in front of her that caused several OWIA agents to fall to their deaths. She held the earth open with all her might which shocked her fighting family and friends. Her display of power was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, a testament to the Bennett lineage's deep well of magic. As she maintained the spell, her strength waned, each second drawing more of her energy until she could no longer stand, collapsing to her knees, utterly spent.
Bastien and Stefan were by her side in an instant, their concern etched in every line of their faces. The urgency of the situation was underscored by RJ's command, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Katherine took Bonnie to a safe spot. We need to move now!" His words spurred them into action, with Stefan offering to carry the exhausted Emeline.
Emeline lifted her head "RJ?" She said softly to herself.
As they regrouped and moved toward the large delivery vehicle, Bastien confronted Damon, his accusation sharp and laced with years of tension and unspoken grievances. "I don't know how, but I'm thinking all of this is somehow your fault"
"Says the man who failed to realize the idiotic decisions of his own sister that helped start this domino effect" Damon snarked back,
"Seriously guys, I'm not doing this the whole time, either focus on getting Bonnie back so we can kick Adonis' ass and fix what's happening with the OWIA or stay behind and waste each other's time playing whose the bigger asshole" Caroline interjected as she shoulder checked both of them on her way to the back of the delivery truck. Damon and Bastien both followed behind Caroline and helped the others on the truck.
Emeline finally sat back up and guzzled down a water given by Chris once inside.
"Thanks" Emeline said with a slight smile as she slowly started to regain her strength.
"That was some big shit you pulled earlier" Chris stated, earning agreeing nods from the others in the truck.
"Thank you," Emeline murmured, her gratitude brief as her attention swiftly shifted back to the group, where Damon's observant gaze didn't miss the trickle of blood. "You need to rest more, or perhaps channel from an equally strong source if you plan on if you do something like that again," he advised, his voice soft yet laden with concern.
"She knows how to handle her magic" Bastien retorted sharply, a father's concern veiling his rolled her eyes and smiled at Damon.
"Thanks, I – It just happened, and I wasn't quite prepared for that amount of power" Emeline responded, remembering that she could technically channel Adonis if she needed to.
"Bonnie would be proud... and equally worried," Damon added, his voice carrying the weight of remembering the times Bonnie lost her life to magic. "She knows better than most what channeling that kind of power can do without understanding how to control it" Damon continued, ignoring the huffs coming from Bastien's direction.
"So this Bonnie, she looks so much like the pictures I've gone through, what year is she from again?" Emeline inquired, her curiosity a brief respite from the gravity of their situation
"2010, right before –" Damon began
"He turned your grandmother into a vampire" Bastien bitterly interjected.
A sigh escaped Emeline, a soft command to her father to tread lightly on the past's sensitive grounds. Lana tried to stifle a laugh.
"She's definitely enjoying her vampire life now, it allowed her to meet her now husband, and me" Emeline stated, not intentionally trying to side with Damon.
"SO, anyone know where we are going? Chris?" Caroline quickly changed the subject before anything else could be said.
"Yes, Katherine's idea" Chris responded and laughed as Caroline scrunched her face. Stefan rubbed her shoulder to comfort her.
The car finally stopped and RJ quickly opened the back to free everyone.
"Good to see you RJ, Ash will be thrilled" Lana patted RJ on the shoulder before hopping out of the truck. RJ smiled in return.
"No way brother," Damon said to Stefan as he placed his hands on his hips and looked around the area. Stefan chuckled in response.
"Bast and Em, you mind hiding the truck?" RJ asked. Bastien and Em nodded and promptly incanted a spell to hide the truck.
Caroline knew exactly where they were as well and quickly led the way.
"This must be giving you two crazy déjà vu huh" Lana teased Damon and Stefan as they made their way to the infamous tomb.
Katherine stood outside to usher everyone in and smirked seeing Damon and Stefan come up.
"We've got to quit meeting like this, here, in the infamous tomb" Katherine snarked as she greeted the brothers.
"Did you hear something?" Stefan asked Damon, purposely ignoring Katherine.
"Must have been the nearby squirrels rejoicing you're not here to eat them" Damon responded, words laced with sarcasm.
Katherine rolled her eyes and followed everyone inside.
Once everyone made their way inside, Bonnie made her way out from the shadows and recited a spell to close the tomb as she walked past all the staring eyes.
Emeline who knew the spell from what she learned from Bonnie's grimoire, recited it with her under her breath to help Bonnie close the tomb.
"All right, it's closed" Bonnie announced trying to avoid eye contact with any one person. Both Emeline and Bastien could sense everything Bonnie was feeling as she had not strengthened her skills yet at that age.
"Bonnie are you-" Caroline started to ask, her voice filled with concern.
"Yes, I'm… managing, this place isn't exactly on my list of top vacation spots" Bonnie began, her gaze sweeping the confines of the tomb—a reminder of past trials. Damon's expression tightened at her words remembering what memories the tomb brought up for her. "But I get it's the safest place for me at the moment while we all re-group, I need to find my way back. My timeline... it's where I belong" Bonnie's eyes briefly connected with Damon's, an unspoken acknowledgment passing between them, her gaze then shifted back to the group, her resolve as clear as the determination in her eyes.
"I can probably help" Emeline spoke up which brought all the attention on her.
"If it's alright with everyone, I'd like to have a moment with—" Bonnie's words trailed off as she tried to place what her daughters name is.
"Emeline," Emeline affirmed with a gentle smile, an expression warmly mirrored by Bonnie. Their connection was palpable, a bond not just of blood but of shared destiny and understanding.
"We can talk over there," Bonnie suggested, nodding towards a quieter spot further back in the cavernous space. "We won't be long," she assured the group, her voice steady yet carrying an underlying current of emotion as she and Emeline began to move away from the group.
As they walked, Bonnie's path led her subtly closer to Damon. Their hands brushed fleetingly, a touch so brief and delicate it might have been missed by less attentive eyes. Yet, in that fleeting contact, a world of unspoken words and feelings seemed to pass between them. Damon, ever observant, couldn't help but offer a small, knowing smile, a silent acknowledgment of their complex relationship.
In a secluded area, away from the watchful eyes of the group, Bonnie and Emeline found a moment of peace amidst the chaos, so they could formally meet.
"Hi" Bonnie greeted with a warm, inviting smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and affection for the daughter she was yet to know.
"Hi," Emeline responded, her voice quivering with the magnitude of the moment. "This is... overwhelming, and I apologize if I get a bit emotional," she confessed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Bonnie's brow furrowed with concern. "Is everything all right?" she inquired gently, her innate empathy shining through.
"It's just that... I've learned so much about you, about the incredible person you are. You're more than just an amazing mother; you're a legend in your own right," Emeline admitted, her admiration pouring forth in a torrent of heartfelt words.
Bonnie absorbed the praise with a hint of astonishment, feeling humbled yet uplifted. "That's quite a lot to live up to," she chuckled softly, her eyes moistening. "But knowing that our lineage thrives through you, that you're here, it makes every struggle worth it."
Emeline offered a tender smile in return, her admiration for Bonnie mirrored in her gaze. As their hands touched, Bonnie sensed something familiar to what she had experienced causing her to recoil slightly.
"What's wrong?" Emeline asked,
Bonnie peered into Emeline's eyes, searching for answers in the depths of her soul. The whispers of their ancestors seemed to swirl around them, a reminder of the legacy they shared. "Who's with you right now, Emeline?" Bonnie inquired, her instincts alert to the unusual presence she sensed.
Emeline hesitated, torn between revealing the truth and protecting their shared secret. Evelde's cautionary voice echoed in her mind, urging silence. But honesty won out. "It's one of our most ancient ancestors, Evelde. She's aiding me, and there's Adonis... our fates are intertwined, bound by a spell that links us," Emeline disclosed, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and resolve.
Bonnie's facial expression grew serious. "I'm so sorry, I would have hoped that by now people, ancestors or not would stop leeching off of us, and they should know by now that their help comes at a great price to us." Bonnie said, her voice firm yet comforting.
"I'm choosing to trust whose with me, a benefit of my Archambeau blood, it's hard to not sense someone's true intentions" Emeline explained watching Bonnie's expression.
"Archambeau blood, huh, I know from the pictures the man in there is your father and my husband, although now I'm a little confused if we're being honest" Bonnie bit her cheek and looked at the floor briefly before meeting her eyes with Emeline.
"Me too, but I'm a grown–up, I wish I could tell you, well my mom that whatever she decides I will support, she's had so much taken from her, and it's criminal what our ancestors have done." Emeline grabbed Bonnie's hand again which made her smile.
"Yeah, I'm trying really hard to hold onto what I know, I already feel a few details slipping from my mind, I can't say I'm in love with the Damon I know, not even close, but..I see how I got there" Bonnie admitted which made Emeline giggle.
"Trust me, I was shocked when I first saw pictures of him when he was younger, both of the Salvatores, I totally get it" Emeline and Bonnie both laughed.
"We can break it" Evelde said, in the echoes of her mind.
"Huh?" Emeline responded, Bonnie raised her brow in response.
"It's a hard one, it's one Calista er- Sophia and I have been working on so I can fully get past what I felt for Adonis, we need something to transfer it into, some type of stone, without the other person dying the spell won't break another way" Evelde explained.
"Bonnie?" Emeline asked.
"Yeah?" Bonnie responded, curiosity piqued,
"Do you have any stones?" Emeline continued.
Bonnie began to laugh, "We're in a tomb, filled with them".
"Oh.. yeah, will any of these rocks work?" Emeline asked, which brought more confusion to Bonnie.
"No, something more refined, something that is like" Evelde began.
"A Crystal!" Emeline exclaimed. Bonnie ran her fingers over her earrings and necklace to check to see if she was wearing any.
"Stay right here!" Emeline ordered Bonnie who nodded in response, still confused as to what was going on.
Emeline quickly ran to the rest of the group and asked if anyone had any crystals, Katherine remembered the crystal she received from the shop in NYC and reluctantly gave it to Emeline. Emeline quickly came running back to Bonnie.
"Let me take over and I'll do it" Evelde said.
"Okay, I'm going to let our ancestor take over, she knows a spell to break it and place it in here, also please don't tell anyone" Emeline pleaded.
"I'm trusting you" Bonnie stated with sincerity.
"I know, you're right to do so" Emeline smiled back, before closing her eyes allowing Evelde to come forward.
"Bonnie Bennett" Evelde said, in a tone and cadence unlike Emeline's.
Bonnie cautiously responded. "One and only"
"It is more than a pleasure to meet you, you and your daughter are everything I have ever dreamed of, now this will hurt but only for a moment, during it, I need you to focus on your Damon Salvatore, as hard as possible so his essence can be placed in the stone with your blood". Bonnie nodded to let her know she understood.
Evelde incanted a spell that brought forth a small cut in Bonnie's hand that trickled blood over the crystal, Evelde continued the incantation as Bonnie began to close her eyes to focus on her Damon Salvatore. Bonnie focused on their interactions, his smile, his smell, the feeling her skin felt the few times she allowed him to touch her, his fangs in her neck from when Emily was possessing her, the more she zeroed in on Damon, the more she started to feel a stronger connection with him. As she continued to focus on him it felt as if she were going through space and time, as if she could see him. She found herself in a haze, entering the boarding house, and walking past Caroline and Stefan, heading straight to Damon who looked as if he were seeing her too. Bonnie reached out to touch him. Once she made contact, she was immediately brought back to being in the tomb with Evelde/Emeline, and opened her eyes.
Evelde looked upon Bonnie with wonder.
"Did it work?" Bonnie anxiously inquired.
"How did you do that?" Evelde asked in disbelief.
"Do what?" Bonnie responded with urgency.
"It definitely worked" Evelde looked down at the stone that was glowing slightly. "You need to destroy it now" Evelde continued still dumbfounded at what she saw.
Bonnie incanted a spell that blew up the stone and watched as pieces of it fell like glitter or snow around her and Evelde.
"What did you see?" Bonnie anxiously pressed on.
"I have an idea on how to get you both back to your respectful timelines" Evelde divulged with excitement.
"I saw it too" Emeline said with wonder, in the back Evelde's mind.
BBBB
"You saw that right?" Damon asked Stefan and Caroline as he still tried to comprehend what just happened.
"Really, Damon? Now's not the time to indulge in your usual theatrics. We have bigger fish to fry," she snapped, her tone laced with the urgency.
"Stefan you saw that right? I saw her our Bonnie, she touched me and I felt it, it was like she was in a mist or a very bad satellite connection but she was here" Damon implored, his voice laced with a rare blend of excitement and concern.
"No, what were you doing when it was happening?" Stefan, ever the skeptic, furrowed his brow in that contemplative way he had.
"I was trying to eavesdrop on whatever conversation Bonnie and Elena were having but it's hard to hear anything with blondie's screeching voice overpowering them" Damon responded, his words dripping with sarcasm.
"Grow up Damon, I doubt out of all the people she would come to, she would come to you first, maybe to kill you.. so idk maybe you would be first" Caroline cocked her head to the side and shot Damon a sarcastic smile before storming off.
Stefan tried to say something to Caroline, but Damon cut him off.
"Ignore her, Stefan, I felt her, I swear" Damon pleaded.
"We need to tell Bonnie" Stefan responded with concern.
"No way, I'm not interrupting whatever conversation they're having now" Damon took a sip of his bourbon that was sitting on the side table.
"I'm sure it's fine, it's probably nothing, I'll go get them," Stefan stated with amusement.
"I still don't know how I didn't notice," Elena said as she took in Bonnie's appearance and demeanor.
"I did" Caroline interjected. "I thought she used magic for those things" Caroline said, admiring the chest they would only dream of. Bonnie laughed.
"Yeah well, you've got a lot going on Elena, wouldn't expect you to notice much," Bonnie remarked with a hint of dry humor, her tone light yet pointed.
Elena's response was a soft, almost resigned, "Ouch," as she acknowledged the sting of truth in Bonnie's words.
"She's not wrong Elena, juggling two brothers when there's only one real option takes a lot out of a girl" Caroline interjected.
"Wow, okay, when did this suddenly become about me? We need to get our Bonnie back, and then we need to figure out how to save Elijah" Elena stated, her gaze meeting Bonnie's, silently pleading for her support and insight. Bonnie, ever attuned to her friends, understood the unspoken plea in Elena's eyes.
"Oh nope, nope, nope I'm not here to change anything, more than I already have, you all have to learn for yourself, there are some things that have to happen in time that will affect future things." Bonnie tried to explain, clearly confusing her two friends.
"There has to be a movie about this scenario or something" Caroline huffed which made Bonnie laugh.
"I commend you Elena, for trying to do the right thing, never change that about yourself, and Caroline, just never change, you're literally perfect" Bonnie smiled at her friends, missing the interactions they once had with each other.
"Thanks Bon, that's what I've tried to tell Tyler, I'm glad someone gets it!" Caroline exclaimed which made all the girls laugh.
"Bonnie, I'm sorry to interrupt" Stefan interjected.
"No need to apologize, whats up?" Bonnie asked, curious, as Stefan looked a little uneasy.
"We might need to have this conversation alone," Stefan said softly to Bonnie, which only piqued Elena's and Caroline's attention more.
"Cmon Care" Elena said as she grabbed Caroline's arm and ignored Stefan on their way out of the room. They made sure to stick close by so they could eavesdrop.
"Damon said he saw our Bonnie and felt her touch him, it was a brief moment as if she were a ghost" Stefan explained, Bonnie pondered on what he was saying.
"I can try and see what I feel from where she touched him" Bonnie offered as she began to walk out the door.
"Real smooth guys" Stefan whispered as he spotted Elena and Caroline trying to act discreet with their eavesdropping. They both shrugged and followed behind Stefan and Bonnie.
"Damon, you said your Bonnie touched you, where?" Bonnie asked trying to come off as strictly business so Elena and Caroline wouldn't ask any questions they shouldn't.
"Here" Damon grabbed Bonnie's hand and placed her palm on his right cheek. The intimate action caught Caroline and Elena off guard.
Bonnie closed her eyes and focused on anything she could see. After a moment she briefly saw Bonnie and Emeline sitting across from each other surrounded by stone, before the moment went away. Bonnie withdrew her hand and looked at Damon.
"It's you Damon," Bonnie said softly, Damon looked at her with concern.
"Yours and Bonnie's connection is stronger than you know, even now, she channeled it with my daughter for some reason, but we can use that. I can't even reach my own daughter with my magic because I'm being heavily blocked by the person attached to her, but through you, I can see your Bonnie." Bonnie explained in awe.
"What connection?" Elena asked trying not to sound or appear jealous, but failed miserably, to a point where it annoyed Stefan.
"It, it doesn't matter at the moment" Bonnie responded.
"Well, it does if she's reaching him from a different universe or timeline" Caroline chimed in.
"What I mean is that people just have natural connections, love, and hate are two sides of the same coin," Bonnie said with a shrug.
"Damon?" Elena turned to Damon for clarification, Damon was lost in deep thought.
"Yeah, what she said," Damon said absentmindedly which frustrated Elena.
"I'll need Esther's help to stabilize the magic while I focus on your Bonnie through Damon" Bonnie explained.
"No way, we can't trust the leader of their creepy Adams family" Caroline protested.
"I agree, we can't even trust she'll spare Elijah, how can we trust her with our Bonnie?" Elena countered, earning a groan from Damon.
"She wants me out of this world and needs Bonnie, like everyone else does" Bonnie let out a deep sigh.
"I'll go with you, both of you" Stefan looked between Damon and Bonnie, hiding his amusement at the entire situation.
"Okay then that settles it, you two, hold down the fort, trust me, we'll be okay" Bonnie stated as she saw Caroline and Elena rejecting the idea on their faces.
"I feel like I need to be there, both of us, Bonnie is our best friend" Elena stated, challenging Bonnie.
"Would it kill you to not be the center of attention for once? We don't need you messing up the plan trying to be a martyr for Bonnie and Elijah, or I'm sure mega witch over here will find a way to make you both stay" Damon got up from his seat and glowered at Elena.
Elena and Caroline scoffed.
"Fine, Damon, you can get back at me all you want, when you're one of the first faces Bonnie sees coming back and she's pissed, that's on you" Elena stated challenging the vampire.
Bonnie tried to stifle her laughter by clearing her throat. "Alright brothers let's go" Bonnie turned towards the door with both Damon and Stefan trailing behind her.
Stefan drove with Bonnie in the passenger seat and Damon in the back.
"Have you tried to contact your Damon?" Damon's voice broke through the short-lived silence.
"Yes, I don't use ancestral magic anymore to aid, and I haven't perfected what to do in these instances where my magical hands are tied, your Bonnie however, has a lot of help from them at the moment" Bonnie sighed as she looked out the window.
"I don't blame you, after everything you went through because of them, and us, I..I'm sorry Bonnie" Damon said as he eyed Bonnie's face from the backseat with regret.
"It's not entirely my business, but I'm just curious about what you showed him" Stefan turned to Bonnie who met his gaze.
"I just showed him how I fell in love with him" Bonnie smiled and glanced at Damon in the backseat, an action that made Damon's heart flutter.
"Don't get any ideas brother" Damon smirked, as their history in loving the same girl was apparent. Stefan laughed.
Stefan's laughter was light, yet his words held an undeniable truth. "You know, it wouldn't be such a leap," he mused, his gaze drifting to Bonnie, whose arched eyebrow invited him to elaborate. "To find myself falling for you, that is," he added with a candid ease.
"Ah, well, I should say the same about you Stefan, sometimes, the ones you're meant to be with are the least expected, and right under your nose, remember that" Bonnie winked at Stefan and turned her head back to the window.
Damon saw glimpses of Stefan and Caroline and smirked at the thought.
After a few more minutes of lighthearted conversations about Bonnie's adventures and her daughter, they finally made it to the Mikaelson Manor.
"She knows we're coming; everyone will be on their best behavior" Bonnie turned to look at both brothers before they all got out of the car. Damon quickly vamp-sped to Bonnie's door to open it for her and held his hand out.
"I can get my own door Damon" Bonnie smirked as she grabbed his hand.
"I needed to feel your skin against mine again," Damon said softly as he inched closer to Bonnie's face. The moment was interrupted by Stefan clearing his throat and gesturing with his head that Esther and Finn were at the front entrance waiting to welcome them.
Bonnie let go of Damon's hand and led the way to the Mikaelson manor.
"I'm intrigued by how you think this will work; I will do what I can to help stabilize both worlds. Finn has agreed to let us channel him for strength" Esther glanced at Finn who nodded in return.
"Alright, please lead the way" Bonnie commanded, her voice carrying an assertive edge. Stefan and Damon flanked her, their presence formidable, like guardians of the night poised to protect their charge.
"Yes, very well, welcome back," Esther said as she led their way into the home.
"Ah, the belle of the ball and her valiant knights. What an unexpected pleasure," he remarked next to Elijah, his gaze locking onto Bonnie with a mixture of intrigue and remembrance of their recent encounter.
Damon and Stefan, instinctively protective and perpetually wary, fixed their steely glares in the direction of the Originals.
"It's a rather unusual sight isn't it, seeing you two backing this beautiful creature" Elijah observed with a hint of amusement in his voice as he descended the stairs with an elegance that defied gravity.
"Yes, well, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to break bread with a family known for their hospitality and homicidal tendencies psychopaths" Stefan quipped his words sharp and laced with irony.
Rebekah, ever quick with a comeback, joined the fray. "Careful, Stefan. That sounds awfully like the pot calling the kettle black," she tossed back, her presence in the foyer adding another layer of tension.
Elijah, undeterred by the verbal sparring, turned his attention to Bonnie, his manner shifting to one of a more courtly nature. He gently took her hand, gracing it with a respectful kiss. "The honor is ours, Miss Bennett. Your grace brightens even the darkest of this world," he complimented, his gaze appreciative of Bonnie's beauty and strength.
"Let's remember why we've gathered. Witch matters are at hand, and I expect each of you to uphold a semblance of civility. Remember, your best behavior is not just requested—it's required," she declared, her eyes sweeping over her children with an unwavering command.
Rebekah's attempt to catch Damon's eye was met with a cold, dismissive scowl, prompting her to exit the scene with a swirl of frustration. Damon's attention, unyieldingly fixed on Bonnie, spoke volumes of his priorities.
Bonnie, her patience wearing thin amidst the tension, urged action.
"Okay, if we can get going, time is of the essence" Bonnie pressed. Esther, acknowledging the pressing nature of their mission, led the way with a silent nod.
As they approached Klaus, Bonnie offered a cordial smile, a gesture of goodwill and he tried to reach out to grab her hand but was stifled when Damon eyed the interaction and beat him to it when he grabbed Bonnie's hand instead, Klaus's resulting scowl was almost satisfying to witness.
"That's one game you're destined to lose, mate," Stefan remarked with a wry smile, lightly patting Klaus on the shoulder as he passed.
Finn's warning glance to Klaus resonated with an unspoken understanding—this was not the time for personal agendas.
Inside Esther's chamber, the scene was set for the ritual. Finn secured the room, while Esther directed Bonnie to her side, surrounded by crystals and the scent of burning herbs. Damon was instructed to take his place opposite them. Esther's request for Finn to step forward was met with a stoic nod, his palm extended, ready for the symbol that would bind him to their cause.
"Damon, I need to ingest your blood, I have to have your essence as close to me as possible to channel you through space and time" Bonnie instructed.
"There are other ways to get closer, if you're open to suggestions and an audience" he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Stefan's eye-roll was almost audible, a silent testament to the predictability of his brother's offensive charm. Bonnie, however, couldn't suppress a knowing smirk.
"In time you'll realize sometimes I don't" Bonnie countered in a flirtatious way which made Damon widen his eyes in response trying to stifle the excitement his body felt at that moment.
"Alright, so where do you want me" Damon asked as he made his way to Bonnie. Esther cleared her throat at the interaction.
Bonnie laughed, "Just your wrist, don't get too excited." Damon bit into his wrist and handed it to Bonnie who wrapped her lips around the bite, letting the blood fill her mouth as she lapped up the taste, careful to make sure she wasn't assisting the current arousal she could sense from Damon. She quickly let go and thanked Damon as he wiped the blood from the side of her mouth with his thumb and winked when their eyes met, before heading to his place across the table from her and Esther. Stefan couldn't help but admire how good Bonnie looked drinking Damon's blood, wondering if he wasn't in love with Elena, could he and Bonnie ever have a moment.
"Alright, everyone ready?" Bonnie asked as she looked at Esther, Finn, and Damon. Esther and Finn nodded.
"Channel away, go get my girl" Damon said, which made Bonnie smile as she was hopeful his Bonnie's trajectory may be different than hers in a positive way.
BBBB
"What? What did you see?" Bonnie pressed.
"Tell her," Emeline implored.
"We saw you and Damon as if he was here when you touched him" Evelde continued. Bonnie looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Whatever connection or invisible string you have with him is powerful enough to make that happen, we need to use that, it can help us break the spell."
Bonnie stood up in disbelief. "I can try, I can try to do it again, I need something more to channel from, something stronger."
"Our Damon, he has the strength of an original, almost impenetrable, it can help the connection with our Damon and my mom" Emeline explained, Evelde nodded in return.
"I'll grab Damon" Evelde stated as she stood up, Bonnie nodded and blushed at the thought of seeing Damon as small bits and pieces of moments where she started to have feelings for Damon were coming to her already, showing her that the spell worked.
"Let me take over, my dad will know it's not me" Emeline stated. Evelde agreed and closed her eyes to let Emeline take over.
Everyone had stopped what they were discussing to turn their attention to Emeline. Emeline awkwardly waved.
"Uhm, we may have a solution to get our Bonnie back…Damon" Emeline turned her attention to Damon who looked back at her intently. "We will need to use you, due to the connection you have with Bon- my mom" Emeline glanced at her dad who had an unreadable expression before looking back at Damon.
"About time, the air was getting quite thin in here" Damon smirked as he walked towards Emeline, earning a groan from Bastien. The tension between them was as thick as the mystic fog that often shrouded their town.
"Should we be worried?" Caroline inquired, her brows knitting together in worry.
Emeline offered a calming smile. "No need for alarm. This next part... it's personal. We'll call if the cavalry's needed," she assured, her voice steady and reassuring.
Stefan, sensing the room's rising tension, casually draped his arm around Caroline, a silent signal of unity and support. "This might actually be a welcome break from the 'Damon versus Bastien' saga," he quipped, his gaze flitting to Bastien with a wry, conciliatory smile.
"If I hear or sense anything, I'm coming in there" Bastien said to Emeline.
Emeline's response was a warm smile, her appreciation for her father's concern evident. "Understood, Dad. And thank you," she said, her gratitude genuine.
With that, Emeline led the way, Damon following closely behind, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Bonnie. There she stood, her vulnerability a rare sight that tugged at something deep within him, a reminder of trials past and the intricate web of their shared history.
"I'll leave you two for a moment. Give you some space. I'll be back shortly," Emeline spoke softly, her words carving out a private space for Bonnie and Damon.
"Seeing you safe, it's the only thing that matters, I'm glad you're okay" Damon closed the distance between them and rested his hand gently on her arm, the warmth of his touch brought a soft blush to Bonnie's cheeks.
"Seems like dodging the Reaper is becoming my speciality," she quipped, her lips curving into a wry half-smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Damon's expression darkened, a shadow passing over his features at her words. "You know, the universe seems to have a twisted sense of humor when it comes to you. But they should know by now..." he paused, his voice lowering, "...you're not the kind to be held down." Bonnie's genuine laugh filled the space between him.
"We broke the spell, by the way, a pending conversation I'll probably have with my grams from across the grave, when I get back" Bonnie said.
Damon widened his eyes at the thought. "Still give him hell, I needed to be humbled at that time in my life"
Bonnie's laughed again, a melodious sound that seemed to soften the edges of the world. "Oh, just back then? I find that hard to believe. And let's not forget, my version of Damon still has a long way to go... "
"Ah, but my devastatingly handsome features and irresistible charm make for a potent combination. It's a tough burden to bear," he jested, earning an affectionate eye roll from Bonnie.
"Go easy on her though Damon, the situation she is in can't be easy with you and Bastien, I wouldn't know what the right thing to do is, I see why she fell in love with him, but I can see how she fell in love with you too" Bonnie said with an empathetic expression.
Damon's expression softened, a rare display of vulnerability peeking through his typically guarded facade. "Patience may not be my forte, but for you, I'll try. I'll give it my best shot," he promised, his voice a soft murmur.
Bonnie's gaze held a depth of understanding, "I just – I may not know you, but I know my Damon and when he doesn't get what he wants when he wants it, people get hurt, myself included,"
Damon's response was a blend of acknowledgment and a promise, a smirk playing at his lips despite the gravity of her words. "Point taken, judgey. I'll tread lightly... for you, for her" he assured her, his hand gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. As his fingers brushed her skin, a current of electricity passed between them and ignited Bonnie's senses, a silent affirmation of the bond that seemed to transcend time itself. Bonnie's slight lean into his touch, the unwavering eye contact, spoke volumes, a testament to a connection that, while newly forged in this timeline, felt as ancient and inevitable as the stars themselves.
In the quiet intimacy of the moment, Bonnie's voice was a whisper, her words floating between them like a secret shared in the stillness. "I've never felt this before now that I'm truly feeling it" she murmured, her breath catching as Damon's fingers traced delicate patterns along the nape of her neck, igniting a cascade of shivers down her spine.
Damon's gaze held hers, deep and unyielding. "It's a feeling that never fades, one that you'll find yourself longing for incessantly," he confessed, his voice a soft rumble. The space between them was charged with an electric current, each breath, each beat of their hearts drawing them inexorably closer.
Bonnie's question was hesitant, a tentative probe into the depths of his past. "Was it like this with you and Elena? Where even a simple touch caused every nerve in your body to react to it?" she inquired, her hand resting lightly against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath her palm.
Damon's reaction was immediate, a slight wince, not from pain but from the bittersweet sting of memories. "No," he whispered, his response barely audible. His arms encircled her, drawing her closer, their bodies a breath apart, her hand tracing the contours of his neck, each touch sending ripples of sensation through them both.
Bonnie's apology was tinged with vulnerability. "I shouldn't have asked. It's just... with Jeremy, it was never like this," she confessed, her voice faltering slightly.
Damon's response was light, a touch of humor to ease the tension. "Well, comparing me to Jeremy? That's hardly fair," he teased, a playful grimace crossing his features, eliciting a soft laugh from Bonnie.
Her next words were hesitant, a question hanging in the air between them. "Can I try something?" Bonnie asked, her eyes searching his for permission.
Damon's reply was a gentle nod, his hand still caressing the delicate skin of her neck. "Of course," he encouraged, his voice a soft murmur.
Bonnie rose to her tiptoes, her free hand wrapping around his waist, the other firm against his neck. Damon's response was instinctive, his arms pulling her closer, the magnetic pull between them undeniable. Her lips found his, a tentative brush at first, a soft exploration of uncharted territory.
The kiss deepened, passion igniting like a spark to dry tinder. Bonnie's touch was exploratory, a dance of sensation that sent waves of electricity coursing through them both. Damon's response was fervent, his movements swift as he swept her to the nearest wall, their lips locked in a fierce, consuming embrace.
In the intensity of their connection, time seemed to stand still, the world beyond fading to insignificance. But reality, ever persistent, tugged at the edges of their consciousness. Reluctantly, breathlessly, they parted, the memory of their kiss a lingering promise, a testament to the profound bond that connected them, transcending timelines, and defying the odds.
"Holy Shit," Bonnie exhaled, the word barely a whisper, as she gently pressed her hand against Damon's chest, seeking a momentary respite, a sliver of space to catch the breath he'd so thoroughly stolen. Damon, reading her need for distance, obliged with a step back, his smile acknowledging the intensity of their connection.
"It takes monumental self-control, and the ever-looming shadow of the battles that lie ahead," Damon admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and resolve.
Bonnie offered a wistful smile, her arms wrapping around herself in a self-embrace. "Yeah, impending doom does have a way of killing the mood," she mused, her cheeks flushing with the realization of how swiftly and completely she had been swept up in the whirlwind that was Damon Salvatore—her unexpected anchor in this chaotic world.
Damon's smile was a mirror of her own, a blend of understanding and anticipation. "Which is precisely why I need to bring my girl home," he asserted.
"Right, of course," Bonnie agreed, her determination resurfacing as she moved to get Emeline. Damon's hand caught hers on her way out, a silent plea for just one more shared moment, one more shared glance. Their eyes met, and in that brief exchange, a universe of unsaid words, promises, and possibilities passed between them. Then, with a soft squeeze of her hand, he released her, the ghost of their connection lingering like the afterglow of a star long after it had vanished from sight.