Serena

by TheWrittenLawOfMorningStar

Being different was something I was used to. My sister was the normal one, and I was the strange one. But after my sister and I lose our parents in an accident, things start to get strange in our small sleepy town of Mystic Falls. Foggy memoires of my past were slowly becoming my present. The people I believed to be long dead, were starting to reappear in my life.

31. Chapter 31: The Kids Are Not Okay

Chapter 31: The Kids Are Not Okay

Elena had never once considered her life to be complicated.

She has always been grateful for the life she had been given. Loving parents, a little brother she adored, and a sister she could always depend on. Her family meant everything to her and she felt truly blessed to live the life she did.

Nothing about living in Mystic Falls was complicated.

That is until everything changed.

Now all Elena knew was complicated. Love was complicated. Vampires were complicated. Death was complicated. Elenas very existence was complicated.

The teen wanted nothing more than to go back in time to when things were normal. A time when her Mom and Dad were still alive. When they were all a family. A time where things were far less complicated.

But Elena knew she couldn't keep wishing for the past. She had to focus on the present, and right now, the present involved her staring up at the ceiling of her bedroom as her stomach twisted into knots. The sun was peeking in through her windows, notifying her that she hadn't gotten a wink of sleep and that the day was just beginning.

All throughout the night Elena kept replaying everything that had happened at the ball. From Damon and Stefan showing up, to her running into Elijah, and then finally watching as her sister descended the stairs on the arm of an Original Vampire. Nothing about the night sat well with her, but there was one thing she wasn't afraid to admit, and that was that her sister looked beautiful.

All their lives Elena and her sister have been forced to attend the Founding Families parties and Elena knew that Serena hated every moment of it. Elena always tried her best to get Serena to enjoy herself, but the white haired girl could never relax when surrounded by strangers. Serena would either be clinging to their mom or standing in the corner of the room. It always broke her heart seeing Serena so miserable.

But after seeing her last night, Elena knew that would no longer be the case for her sister.

Last night Serena practically seemed to glow. Elena was amazed by the difference in her sister. Serena was a sight that caught practically every eye in the room as she descended the stairs. The dark red dress she wore contrasted against her striking white hair and complimented her figure perfectly. Her skin glowed with an otherworldly shimmer under the warm toned lights of the room. But it was the confidence that Serena seemed to have gained over night that really caught Elena's eye.

She knew her sister to be shy and uncomfortable in crowds. But last night, for the first time, Elena watched her sister actually enjoy herself at a party. It was amazing. Elena couldn't have been happier for her sister. In fact, seeing Serena enjoy herself almost made Elena forget about her reasons for being there. But soon, the image of her happy sister all came crashing down when Elena met Esther.

The thought of the Original Witch made Elenas stomach turn. To say Elena wasn't a fan of the woman would be an understatement. Something about the witch made Elena's skin break out in a cold sweat, and if she had any other choice, she never would have met with Esther at all. But she had to. She needed to set her sister free of Klaus. She wanted to set them all free of Klaus.

Elena had been hard set on helping Esther with whatever she needed if it meant getting rid of the Original Hybrid. But after spending an entire night tossing and turning and being unable to get the image of her sister being happy out of her head, Elena was starting to believe she had made a terrible mistake. Because the only way she gets to see Klaus dead is if the rest of the Mikaelson siblings join him.

Elena sat up in bed and stared straight ahead as her thoughts went wild. She had given Esther her blood in order to connect the Original Vampires together with a spell. Meaning, if one sibling dies, so do the rest of them. Elena wasn't lost to the cruelty of it all and in that moment regret struck her hard.

"No, no, no." She muttered as she ran her hands through her hair. "I can't let this happen."

It was the thought of Serena that plagued Elenas mind. Her sister had told her time and time again for her to trust her. But each time Elena had been too scared and ended up hurting her sister. She thought she was protecting her, but now, Elena was starting to realize just how wrong she had been.

Not this time. Elena jumped from her bed and quickly rushed to get dressed. She was done letting the rift between her and her sister get bigger and bigger. Serena was her family. She was her twin sister, and Elena was done letting their relationship suffer. They had a lot to discuss and Elena knew this wasn't going to be easy, but she had to try.

Elena decided to head to the boarding house. While things between her and Salvatore brothers were complicated, she was going to need their help. If anyone was willing to help her with Serena, it would be the two vampires who were once her brothers. Elena wouldn't give them a choice in the matter, they had to stop Esther.

No matter how complicated things would get, Elena loved her sister and nothing could ever change that.

~Break~

Contentment was something I haven't felt in a long time. Safe, warm, and content. That's what it felt like as I slowly woke up. No dreams. No past memories plaguing my mind as I slept. It was peaceful.

My mind was cloudy with sleep as I stretched and curled myself further into the warmth that surrounded me. With a sigh, I felt the arms wrapped around me tighten their hold as the person next to me started to wake.

As I slowly became more aware of my surroundings, I noticed the morning sun fighting it's way through the thick curtains that covered the large windows. I couldn't help but groan and bury myself further under the covers.

A gruff laugh came from beside me as Kol allowed me to burrow further in his arms and hide away from the morning. I wasn't ready to face the day, in fact, the idea of spending the entire day in bed was very appealing to me. But I knew that wouldn't be possible. There were too many issues at hand that needed to be dealt with.

With another sigh, I forced myself to pull away from the warm body beside me and open my eyes to the new day. Kols deep brown eyes stared intently into my own as he took me all in.

"Good morning." I smiled softly at him as I greeted him.

"Good morning, my darling." Kol didn't hesitate to kiss me after greeting me. I felt my skin tingle in delight at the attention.

While a part of me wondered why everything felt so normal after last night, another part of me understood what this feeling was. The bond between Kol and I was completed and we were now linked together.

The content emotions I was feeling weren't just my own. I could feel Kol through the bond we shared. It's been so long since I've felt this way, it was amazing.

The bond between us no longer felt strained and incomplete. A part of me felt whole. The part that was solely connected to Kol was now no longer missing.

When I finally pulled myself from Kols embrace and crawled out of bed, I couldn't help but giggle as I felt Kols disdain at my leaving. It was so fulfilling being able to feel him again.

I stole a shirt and a pair of sweatpants from the vampire, ignoring the ripped dress on the floor, before escaping to my room and taking a shower. Once I was dressed for the day, I made my way down the stairs and peeked into the sitting room. I could feel Nik before I even set eyes on him.

While I could feel Niks energy wafting around him, I was unable to tell what he was feeling. The bond that connected us was incomplete and while I could now feel Kol, the strength in the bond between Nik and I wasn't completed and I couldn't feel what he was feeling.

From where I was peeking around the corner, I could see Nik was focused on drawing something. He seemed distracted and wasn't aware I was watching him, well, at least I thought he was.

"Sweetheart." He didn't look up as he spoke. I jolted at the sudden sound of his voice and stepped out of my hiding spot. I waited for him to say something. When he noticed I hadn't moved he finally looked up and raised a brow at my stiff figure. "Come here, love."

I didn't fight his command, but I was cautious as I approached him. He set aside his drawing on the side table beside the couch. Once I was standing directly in front of him, Nik didn't hesitate to reach out and pull me into his arms. With my back pressed up against his chest and his arms wrapped securely around my middle, he leaned back into the sofa. His body was relaxed against me and I could feel his nose rubbing at my hair as he took in my scent.

"Why so stiff? Hmm, love?" His question made me shake my head and relax further into his arms.

Now it was my turn to raise my brows at him as I looked back at him and said, "Last time my virginity was taken by one of your brothers, you and the other two threw a hissy fit." As I thought back on the past we shared.

Nik frowned at my words and rolled his eyes before burying his face in my neck. "Nonsense." He huffed out. "I am far more mature now than I was a thousand years ago. No need for such petty tantrums now, love. Besides, it won't be long till you are gracing my bed."

My face broke out in a heated blush as he growled that last part in my ear. I knew he was right, but hearing him voice his desire to have me made my body flush.

I had a feeling that Nik was indeed bothered by Kol and I having sex. Not in a toxic jealous way, but more of the fact that he wasn't the first to take me to bed. It had been that way between the brothers a thousand years ago, but now as vampires their emotions were heightened and I had a feeling a silent competition was taking place on who I would be joining in bed next. Not that I really minded.

It was more than just an ego boost knowing the most powerful creatures on this earth wanted me just as much as I wanted them, and what was wrong with a little friendly competition between brothers? Although, after thinking about it, it made me shake my head. My life has certainly taken quite the twist. From being an unenthusiastic virgin, to now thinking of when I would be having sex with one of my four Fated ones.

But thoughts of sex were for another time.

We had some bigger issues to discuss and last night's meeting between Esther and Elena was at the forefront of my mind. I had a feeling that whatever Esther had planned for her children now involved Elena and that scared me.

I knew my sister would be all too eager to kill Nik, but I wondered just how much Esther explained what killing Nik would mean. If my sister knew the full truth of things, I doubt she would help Esther in her plans.

The arm Nik had wrapped around my waist tightened, "What is it, love? Where have your thoughts taken you?"

I let out a soft sigh and melted against Niks chest. "I'm worried about Elena." I admitted. "I'm afraid that Esther will hurt Elena or worse. Your mother knows I won't give her any of my blood for whatever spell work she has planned, but Elena might." I shook my head and added, "My sister has been through enough. She doesn't need to be caught up in Esther's plans. She has no idea what she's getting into and I'm afraid for her."

"Esther wouldn't dare to hurt her, love." Nik tried to reassure me. But I didn't feel any better.

"I hate this rift that's grown between us." I admitted. "She's my sister, but I've been too afraid to speak to her. I don't know what to do. It's never been like this before, the strain in our relationship."

Nik buried his nose in my hair and while I couldn't tell what was going through his mind, I had inkling that he was feeling somewhat guilty for the strained relationship between Elena and I.

From what I've witnessed, I gathered that Nik has prided himself on being the big bad of the supernatural world. The Original Hybrid who everyone should fear. Everyone but me.

But while he may not have known this at the time, while he was here in Mystic Falls causing chaos, he was creating future pain for me to deal with. The price he paid in becoming a hybrid ended with me losing someone I cared deeply for.

"Ég mun biðja þig fyrirgefningar um alla eilífð." (I will beg for your forgiveness for all eternity).His voice was just a whisper as he spoke against the crown of my head.

I felt my eyes sting slightly and quickly blinked away the tears that threatened to flood my eyes. His words were spoken with truth and I knew he would make good on his promise. I know he wants nothing but my forgiveness and while I have given it to him, I had a feeling he would stop at nothing to make sure my forgiveness did not waver.

I gripped Nik's arm tightly and turned to face him, "I have already forgiven you, Niklaus." There was more that needed to be said, much more, but for now this was all I wanted to say to him. Because while I did forgive him, I wondered if I could ever learn to forgive myself.

Our eyes locked together and as I stared into the deep blues of his gaze, I could see the insecurities he was carrying. The burden of being what he is weighed heavily in his eyes and I wondered just how different things would have been if I hadn't been killed in the beginnings of his immortal life.

While I'm not certain just how different things would be for us, I do know one thing. Nik would have been freed from the curse his mother forced onto him and had been free to be a hybrid for a thousand years.

All of our lives would have been so much different had I just been stronger.

Before anything more could be said the air around us shifted and I looked away just as Kol entered the room. The grin on his face said everything that needed to be said as he sauntered into the room. I could feel pride and satisfaction thrusting through the bond we shared.

It just so happened that as Kol walked into the room, Bekah walked in from the other direction, catching Kols attention.

I had already felt Bekah enter the mansion earlier, making me wonder where she was coming in from. I took in her appearance and realized she was not dressed in her typical fashion of fine clothing and sparkling accessories. Instead she was dressed in a baggy t-shirt and pair of sweatpants that were clearly not her size. She was also carrying a pair of heels in her hands, the same pair she had been wearing last night at the ball.

The realization of what was happening before me caused my jaw to drop and disbelief to cross my face.

"Well, well, well, there's our girl!" Kol smirked at his sister as she sent him a death glare. "Out all night, what a scandal! I trust you did better than that commoner? Matt, was it?"

My eyes shifted back and forth between Bekah and Kol. Bekah crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes at her brother's condescending words.

"If you must know, brother, it was indeed Matt. I had to go and apologize to him. You know, since you broke his hand." Bekah explained.

I sat up at Bekah's words and ignored Niks irritated growl from behind me as I pulled myself from his arms. "You broke Matt's hand?"

It was Bekahs turn to smirk as her brother visibly cringed at my words. Kol turned away from his sister to look at me. He had the decency to look slightly less proud of himself.

"Looks like you're in the doghouse now, Kol." Bekah laughed at her brother.

"Why of all people did you have to break Matt's hand?" I questioned the vampire In front of me, ignoring Bekah's comment. "I've known the guy since we were kids. He's the most normal jock guy in this town." I glared at Kol, and while I couldn't see his face, I could just tell Nik was grinning in delight at the scene before him.

"Sorry, Darling, but I couldn't just let that commoner think he had a chance with my dear sister." Kol sent Bekah a conniving smile. "I mean what kind of message would I be sending to the people of this dreary town if I let our sweet Bekah become a…"

"If you don't shut your mouth, the next thing to come out of it will be your teeth." Bekah hissed with narrowed eyes. I could feel Nik shaking behind me with silent laughter and it seemed Bekah noticed it as well when she turned her gaze onto her other brother. "Don't start, Nik!"

"I didn't say anything." Nik stated before wrapping both arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder.

With Bekahs annoyance now focused on Nik, Kol walked past her and collapsed into the chair across from Nik and I.

He let out a huff and announced, "I'm bored. Our sister is a strumpet-"

"Not nice Kol!" I sent Kol a sharp look.

He cringed slightly and quickly added, "But, at least she's having fun. I need entertainment."

Bekah scoffed and said, "What? You didn't have enough fun last night? You call me names but you're no better, brother." She sent Kol a glare. "I can smell you all over Serena."

"Oh no." I groaned as I hid my face in my hands, barely missing the prideful grin spreading on his face.

"I had plenty of fun last night, sister." Kol told his sister. "But I am in need of a drink," He looked over to his older brother, "Well, brother?"

I let my hands fall and glanced at Nik from the corner of my eye.

Nik shrugged his shoulders and replied to his brother, "What are you waiting for? Go on, have at it."

"It's not fun to go alone." Kol pointed out. "Join me, Nik. It's the least you can do after sticking a dagger in my heart."

I couldn't help but flinch at Kol's words. The fact that just two days ago him and Finn had been comatose in coffins was not forgotten to me. It was clearly going to be a sore subject for all of us for a long time, but I was hopeful we could all get past it, and maybe if Nik and Kol spent some quality time with each other, it would help.

"Fine. Why not?" Nik gave into his younger brother's insistence. "I didn't have nearly enough to drink last night, what with you trying to murder Rebekah's date."

Nik stood from the couch and placed a kiss on my forehead before walking towards the door just as Kol got up from his chair.

"Yes, please go. This house has enough men rolling around in it." Bekah said to them.

Kol quickly kissed my cheek before grinning at his sister and saying, "Just like you, Bekah."

I could only shake my head as Kol rushed out of the room. "Good riddance, both of you!" Bekah shouted as she threw her shoes at her brother as he disappeared from the room.

I felt a shift in the air and looked away from the steaming vampire and smiled as Elijah and Finn walked into the room. Finn was quick to take a seat next to me on the couch while Elijah simply stepped closer to me. I noticed a bundle of what looked like burnt sage in his hands and titled my head in curiosity.

"Rebekah." Elijah spoke his sister's name.

"Not you too, Elijah." Bekah sighed in irritation while Elijah simply raised a brow at his sister's antics.

"While I do believe you can do far better than Donovan," I couldn't help but roll my eyes as he spoke about Matt. I figured there was no chance anyone would be good enough for Rebekah, not if her brothers have anything to say about it. "This is about our Mother." Elijah held up the burnt sage. Bekah straightened up and I could feel Finn stiffen beside me.

"Burnt sage. She was doing a privacy spell last night." Elijah announced.

Finn nodded his head and I looked at him as he added, "After I led the doppelgänger to Mothers room last night, I was unable to hear what they spoke about."

"Did Elena look hurt or anything when she came out of the room?" I asked. The thought of Esther hurting her made my blood run cold.

Finn shook his head. "No, she seemed unharmed when I led her back to the party." Finn then looked up at his siblings and added, "Our mother asked for my blood last night, after speaking with the doppelgänger. I gave it to her. I didn't want to raise suspicion and start a fight. We'll need to figure out what she needed the blood for."

Elijah frowned at his older brother's words and said, "I'm sure that whatever she has planned will be executed soon. She won't put off our demise for much longer."

I looked down at my hands in my lap as my thoughts began to swirl around in my mind. So many things could have happened between Esther and Elena in that room last night. I didn't want to believe it, but the only outcome that seemed plausible was that Esther wanted Elena to help in killing her children. Elena's blood is a powerful spell ingredient, not as potent as Fae blood, but still useful.

I couldn't help but sigh and shake my head. "The only way we're going to know what was said between Esther and Elena last night is if I talk to Elena." I looked up at Elijah and he nodded in agreement. "Esther probably told Elena something about her plans."

"And if the doppelgänger doesn't want to tell us that plan? What do we do then?" Bekah's question made my stomach twist. She was right to question my sister, but I wanted to believe that if I spoke to her, Elena would tell me the truth.

"Then I tell her everything. Elena and I have a lot to talk about and I know that if I get everything out in the open, she will do the same." With a deep breath I pumped myself up and stood from the couch. "This evening I'll have Elena, and the others, meet me at the boarding house. It can be like neutral ground."

Bekah scoffed, "Nothing is neutral about the Salvatores."

"Demon and Stefan already know about my past. They understand what it means if you all die by Esther's hand. And, as hard as it may be to hear me say this, I do trust them. Granted, not by much right now, but enough to know that they wont let Elena get hurt in all this." My explanation made Bekah shrug but I could tell she at least understood where I was coming from.

"Then with that settled, what are your plans for now, Elskan." Elijah asked me.

"Well, actually, I was going to head home." Elijah looked at me questioningly before I added, "I mean, the home I grew up in. There's some things I wanted to get. Like clothes and personal items."

Elijah nodded his head in understanding. He then looked to his older brother and I watched as a silent conversation took place before Finn turned his attention to me.

"I'll accompany you, my love."

I smiled softly at Finn and said, "Of course." I was more than happy to have Finn come with me to the home I grew up in. I understood that it wasn't a good idea to wander around town by myself. I didn't trust Esther not to try anything and I knew my Fated Ones felt the same way.

"Well, now that Serenas got approval for her day," Bekah's cheeky words made Elijah send his sister a less than amused look as she took her leave and left the room.

Elijah shook his head at his sister before turning to me and stepping closer. He then reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a car key and its matching fob.

"It will be far easier to get to where you're going with this." Elijah smirked as he placed the key in my hands.

"Are you sure you want me driving your expensive car around?" While I knew Elijah could care less about the car, I couldn't help but joke about his expensive taste. I may not know much about cars, but I knew enough to recognize the symbol on the back of the key fob in my hand.

"I'm more than confident in you, Elskan." The smirk on Elijah's face made my heart sputter in my chest, but with his next words it felt like my heart almost stopped beating for a moment. "Besides, it's your car."

"Wh-what?" I blanched at his words and shook my head. "No way, Elijah. I can't accept this." I looked up at the vampire with wide eyes. "It's too much. This is far beyond my means." My words were kind of rambled as I spoke.

Elijah frowned at my denial and gently cupped my face in his hands and said, "Nothing is beyond your means." His voice calmed my racing heart. I felt myself relaxing into his touch as he spoke, "I have only dreamed of being able to provide for you like this. This is nothing to the gifts I wish to shower you with. You deserve more than what this world has to offer, Ástin Mín."

His words were nothing but sincere and I knew I had no choice but to accept that this was my life now. Expensive gifts were going to be the norm now. So, with only a slightly guilty conscience, I gave a little nod of acknowledgement. Elijah smiled softly and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead before releasing me from his hold.

"Fine. You win." I muttered before looking back at Finn. "I guess we should get going. I'll text Elena about meeting at the boarding house later this evening. How about before then, we all meet at the Grill?" I said while looking between the two brothers.

Elijah nodded his head, "I'll meet you there, Elskan."

Finn and I walked out of the room and made our way out the front door of the large mansion. Sitting in the long driveway of our home were three shiny, and very expensive looking, cars. My eyes immediately went to the black one that had the same emblem as the keys in my hand had.

I couldn't help but balk at the car and prayed it wouldn't be the right one as I clicked the unlock button on the key fob. But of course the vehicle unlocked.

The all black Mercedes looked like something out of a car magazine. It was a gorgeous car, but definitely not something I could ever see myself owning. I always thought I'd be driving my little white car around till it blew up on me and I was forced to move on.

With another sigh, I shook my head and looked over at Finn. He sent me a soft smile and I knew he found my reaction to the vehicle to be amusing. He may not have understood it very well considering he was still new to this time, but he seemed pleased with his younger brothers actions.

"Let's get this over with." I sighed.

After getting in the car, I couldn't deny how nice it was. The fine leather seats and fancy car gadgets were definitely making me see the bright side of being gifted such an extravagant vehicle. The drive wasn't all that bad either once I got used to the amount of horsepower the car had. We arrived in front of my old home in record time.

Seeing the house I grew up in after spending so many nights away made my stomach clench. My old house. I didn't like the way it sounded, but it was true. I knew I wouldn't be able to return to this place, not with the way things are now. It would always be my home, but my future was no longer contained within its walls.

I couldn't sense anyone in the house and knew Elena and Jeremy weren't home, making this a little easier.

Finn was a quiet support as we sat there for a moment. I even took the time to send a text to Elena about meeting at the boarding house later. All an act to slow down time and delay the inevitable.

"Are you alright, Stjörnuljósið Mitt?" I was pulled out my thoughts at the sound of Finn's voice. Finn was looking at me with concern.

I took a deep breath and said, "I'm alright." I sent him a reassuring smile and unbuckled my seat belt. "Let's go."

We got out of the car and Finn took my hand as we made our way up to the front door. Logically I knew that this wouldn't be the last time I walked through the front door of my old home, but something about this moment made it all seem so final.

I had forgotten my house key, but it was easy enough to find the spare key under one of the planted flower pots and unlock the door. I stepped into the house first and took a look around. The house felt oddly empty. I knew Elena and Jeremy were still living here, but something about the house felt hollow.

"Serena," I was pulled from my thoughts as Finn said my name. I glanced back at him and titled my head in confusion at the sight of him still standing outside the open door way. He frowned and gestured to the doorway and realization finally clicked in my head.

I couldn't help but laugh at the put out look on Finn's face. "I'm so sorry. I promise, I totally forgot about the whole inviting you in thing." Finn shook his head and smiled softly as I tried to keep my giggles from getting too loud. "Finn, please come in."

While I was no longer living in the house, the home Miranda and Grayson raised my siblings and I in was still my home. Well, at least a third of it was. After their deaths, their will stated that the house was to be split between Elena, Jeremy, and I.

Finn stepped into the house with ease and looked around the first floor with intrigue. It wasn't lost to me just how strange it was having someone from my past a thousand years ago be in the house I grew up in. I mean, before my birthday, Finn was only a blurry figure from memories that I couldn't fully comprehend or understand. So there was something almost therapeutic about having Finn here with me as I gathered some of my things and said goodbye to the home I grew up in.

Finn said nothing as he followed me upstairs. His eyes took in everything, including the pictures on the walls that showed some of the life I lived here with my family.

The door to my room was closed and for a moment I wondered what it would look like when I opened it. It was a strange thought to have considering it's only been about a week since I had last been in my room. But with everything that's happened, the days felt longer and it felt like it's been months since I've last been here.

I pushed open the door and let out a soft sigh at the sight before me. Everything was as I had left it. I walked into the room and glanced around at the space I had called my own for eighteen years of my life.

"Well," I gestured to the space before me and said, "This is it." My hands fell back to my sides and I shook my head. "This feels weird, but in a good way. Does that make sense?" I tilted my head to the side as I glanced back at Finn.

"Yes," He answered. "You don't have to do this, my love. We will not force you to live with us." Finn stood in front of me and gently cupped my cheek in his large hand. His skin felt slightly chilled and I wondered when the last time he fed was. "You have a choice in this, my starlight."

"I know." I spoke softly. "I love this place. It's everything a home should be." I paused and let out a sigh. "But it's no longer the place I want to live in."

Finn nodded his head in understanding and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.

I took a deep breath and straightened my spine. "Alright. You can go ahead and look around. I'm going to see if I can find my old duffel bag. This shouldn't take too long."

I stepped away from Finn and headed for my closet. I could feel Finn exploring the room I grew up in as I scoured the closet for the large black duffel bag. I didn't use it often, only really taking it out when we went up to the lake house for a week or two in the summertime.

"Found it!" I exclaimed with triumph and pulled the bag out of the back of the closet. When I pulled myself from the small space I found Finn standing at the end of my bed with a picture frame in his hand.

I put the duffel down on the bed and walked over the vampire. The picture was of all of us outside the lake house the summer of mine and Elena's freshman year of high school.

"They were good parents, great really." I spoke. I could feel Finn looking at me, but I only continued to look at the photo in his hand. "That's Jeremy, my little brother, and that's Grayson and Miranda. They were actually mine and Elena's adopted parents. Grayson's brother, John, was our real father." My words were soft as I spoke of the parents who raised me. "They were so good to me. I had forgotten what it was like to be loved so unconditionally. I don't think I could ever thank them enough for the kindness and love they showed me. I just wish I could tell them how much they meant to me."

Finns free hand wrapped around the back of my neck and he gently angled my face away from the photo so I could look up at him. My eyes stung slightly with tears, but I was somehow able to keep them at bay.

"I am more than sure that they know, my love." He reassured me.

I nodded and looked back at the picture. I took it from Finn's hand and traced the plain white frame that housed the photo. I took a deep breath to steady my emotions. I then looked up at Finn and smiled softly at him. "I think they would have liked you. And Elijah. Maybe not so much Kol and Nik." I said with a cheeky grin.

Finn laughed softly and said, "Yes, I'm sure my youngest brothers wouldn't make the best first impression."

I nodded in agreement and added, "You guys being vampires would probably be an issue as well." I pulled my duffle bag across the bed. The first thing to go into the bag was the photo of my family. With that secure I felt at ease and found it easier to go around my room and gather some of my things.

I already knew what I wanted to take with me and had no problem filling my bag. Just as I was stuffing my favorite pair of sweatpants into the little bit of space left in the duffel bag, something caught my eye.

On my night stand was a simple leather journal. My journal. I left my packing abandoned and walked over to my night stand. I picked up my journal and immediately began flipping through its pages.

I sat on the edge of my bed as I looked over each of the drawings I had done. Each one felt so much more significant now. From the faceless eyes, to the half finished portraits. They were puzzles with a million different pieces. But not anymore. Now all of those missing pieces were found and I could be at ease knowing I had solved the mystery of my own existence.

My sudden stillness must have caught Finn's attention, because as I sat looking through my journal, he took a seat beside me on my bed. I leaned against him and looked at the drawing I had done of Elijah's eyes. A drawing I had done before I even knew whose eyes I was memorizing from my dreams.

"I'm not sure how much you know. But before my bloodline was triggered, I didn't know what, or really who, I was." I gently traced the dark brown eyes with my finger as I spoke. "My life with you and your brothers were blurry images and a language I knew but couldn't name. Everything about myself was a mystery, and confusing." I flipped the page and let out a humorless laugh. "At least not all of my past was a mystery." I admitted.

The page I had turned had revealed two portraits. On the left was Damon and on the right was Stefan.

"Those are the men who were at the ball last night." Finn pointed out. "I believe that one there was who snapped Kol's neck." He pointed at Stefan and I couldn't help but shake my head. It was surprising that Stefan was the one who snapped Kol's neck, but I guess Damon was taking a step back from causing chaos.

"They're my brothers." I didn't have to look up at Finn to know he was staring at me with a questioning look. "I mean, they were my brothers. Before I was Serena Gilbert. I was Serena Salvatore."

I finally looked up at Finn and saw his eyes narrowed in confusion before my words settled in his mind and his confusion turned into concern.

"You came back before." It wasn't a question. He understood what I was saying. What I meant by being a Salvatore before being a Gilbert.

I nodded my head. "Yeah. This isn't my first life since Mikael killed me." He flinched when I mentioned his Father killing me. "It's actually my third."

He shook his head. "Three times you came back. Two times my brothers missed you." He frowned and I could see the anguish in his eyes.

"Hey," I set my journal aside and turned my body so I was facing Finn. I then reached up and held Finn's face in my hands, just as he did to me earlier. "Don't blame yourself for my circumstances."

He closed his eyes and with one hand reached up to grasp one of my hands. He held it firmly against his cheek and said, "Stjörnuljósið Mitt, if you lived a life before this one, then that means you died, only to come back again and die again."

I cringed slightly as he opened his eyes and I could see the pain and hurt in his gaze. He was right of course. I did die, twice, before being reborn in this time. But that wasn't his fault. It wasn't anyone's fault but the people who killed me.

"I know I can't tell you anything to make it better, because you're right. I did die. And the memories of my deaths still haunt me. But it is not your fault." I spoke with as much conviction as I could muster. "I'm here now, with you. And I would go through it all again if it meant I got to be here with you in the end."

He frowned slightly at my words. "You will never have to go through any of that ever again." He kissed the palm of my hand and I felt my heart clench my chest. "Never again, Stjörnuljósið Mitt."

I believed him.

I knew we were going to face challenges, but I knew my Fated Ones would do everything in their power to keep me safe. I mean, they were Original Vampires/Hybrid created a thousand years ago. Fae blood, my blood, created the most powerful creatures to walk the earth. I had zero doubts they would let any one with less than good intentions touch a hair on my head.

With my duffle bag now full, Finn grabbed it off the bed after I had zipped it closed. I nodded my head at him and the two of us walked out of my old room. I closed the door behind me without looking back. I hadn't been expecting today to be the day I would leave home, but as much as it saddens me to leave, it also feels good. Moving on from the home I was raised in wasn't an awful thing, just a sign of moving forward.

I made sure to relock the front door and place the spare key back under the potted plant on the front porch. I walked down to the street where I had parked the extravagant car Elijah had given me. I couldn't help but glance over at the driveway where my little white car sat parked and unused.

Miranda and Grayson had purchased the used car after I had passed the driving exam and successfully acquired my driving license. The car wasn't fancy by any means, but it was mine and I was proud of it. Leaving it behind was hard, just as hard as leaving my home. But I knew I couldn't hold onto this life forever. Life was going to be different from now on and I was more than happy to blindly walk into it if it meant being surrounded by my Fated Ones.

So, with a deep breath, I straightened my spine and squared my shoulders. Finn was waiting patiently by my new car. I knew he understood that this was hard for me and I was thankful he was here with me while I did this.

Having Finn beside me made me feel stronger, his presence reminded me that I wasn't just some scared eighteen year old girl, I was a Fae who has lived multiple lives and had four very powerful Fated Ones who would do anything to keep me safe. There wasn't much out there that could hurt me, not with them beside me.

"How about we get something to eat?" I asked as I approached the Original Vampire. "I mean, human food of course." I smirked lightly at my little joke.

Finn smirked and shook his head. "Of course, my love."

I couldn't help but smile and moved around the car to get into the driver's seat. With the two of us settled into the fancy car, I pulled away from my old home and towards town.

The drive was short and we soon pulled up in front of the Grill. It was the lunch rush and I could see people flowing in and out of the restaurant as I parked across the street from it. For a moment, I felt kind of nervous seeing the crowd and I was reminded of the intense feeling of being uncomfortable in any situation where I was surrounded by crowds of strangers.

It was an automatic response to mentally prepare myself for the intense onslaught of energy I was about to feel. But, once I stepped out of the car, Finn was beside me and taking my hand in his.

The energy that wafted off Finn pushed back at the weak energy that surrounded the humans around us. It was like being inside of a protective bubble. Finn stood tall and proud beside me, reminding me that while he was dressed in modern day clothes, he had been born a viking and was a trained warrior. He was much closer to that part of himself then his other siblings due to the unfortunate circumstances of being daggered for so long.

While on the outside, Finn seemed unfazed by the crowd and his surroundings, but from what I could feel from the bond we shared, I could tell he was uneasy being surrounded by so many people. The bond between us wasn't solid, but I could still make out some of what he was feeling. He was still fresh out of the coffin and I didn't want to put him in an uncomfortable position.

"We don't have to eat here, we can always order it to-go and take it back to the mansion." I figured we could just tell Elijah we had a change of plans. Being a vampire that was trapped in a coffin for as long as Finn was, it must have been overwhelming being such an over populated environment.

He shook his head and looked down at me while giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "It is fine. I would like to eat here with you."

I smiled and nodded my head. We made our way across the street and as we got closer to the doors of the restaurant, I felt the air shift and titled my head in curiosity.

I couldn't help but laugh a little as we stood in front of the Grill and I realized whose energy I was feeling. I guess there aren't many places for them to go and relieve their boredom.

Finn sent me a quizzical look and I simply shrugged my shoulders and said, "I believe we will be having some company in there." Finn looked back to the door and within a second of listening closely to the crowd within the busy restaurant, he grimaced.

I couldn't help but laugh slightly at the look on his face.

We entered the building and I walked close beside Finn as we made our way through the crowd. I was grateful Finn was an intimidating presence that had people moving out of the way.

As we walked through the restaurant, it wasn't hard to spot Nik and Kol leaning against the bar as they looked out among the crowd.

Kol spotted us before Nik did, and perked up as our eyes met. I could feel his emotions through the bond and smiled at his excitement. There were other feelings filtering through, mostly hunger and a slight hint of lust. All things that made me want to blush deeply knowing he was feeling these things because of me.

"Darling!" His voice caused a few people to turn and look. He was gone from the bar in a blink of an eye and before I could take another step, I felt a force crash into me from the side opposite to Finn. I kept hold of Finn's hand as Kol wrapped his arms around me and pushed his face against the crown of my head.

As Kol rubbed his nose against my hair and took in my scent, I looked over at the bar and saw Nik roll his eyes at his younger brother's antics. He approached us at a more leisurely pace than Kol.

"Love, I see you got Finn out of the house." He sent Finn his older brother a curious look before grinning at me and asking, "How are you enjoying the new car?"

I sent him a lighthearted glare and said, "Of course you knew about the car."

Nik continued to smirk and motioned towards the bar and asked, "Care to join us for a drink, sweetheart?"

"No thank you, Nik. We came here to get some food and for Finn to experience the excitement of the one popular restaurant in Mystic Falls." I explained. "Elijah and Bekah will meet us here in a little while. We're going to head to the Boarding house and find out what Esther and Elena talked about last night."

"Yes, Elijah did mention something along those lines when he called me earlier." Nik said. He then opened his mouth to add something, but snapped it shut and I watched as his gaze was pulled elsewhere.

"Serena?"

I looked away from Nik and found Alaric standing to the side. There was a woman I had never met before standing slightly behind him.

The three brothers immediately shifted their focus to the vampire hunter and the woman. Both Kol and Finn looked at Alaric with distrust and apprehension, while Nik simply placed himself in front of me and stared the history teacher down. Of course Alaric matched Niks energy and glared at the Original Hybrid. It was very clear to me that Alaric and Nik were about to cause a scene, so I quickly placed myself between the two.

"Okay. Let's not go causing a scene in the one restaurant in town." I looked up at Nik with pleading eyes. He seemed reluctant to listen to me, but gave me a small nod of acknowledgment anyway. I accepted that much and looked over at Alaric. He sent me a worried look and I could tell he was contemplating how he was going to get me away from Niks' side as he eyed the Original Hybrid. It was a fight I knew Alaric would lose.

"Alaric," The man looked away from Nik and his gaze softened as he looked at me. "I'm alright. I know you may not believe it, but I'm perfectly safe with Nik and his brothers. They're not hurting me, I promise." He didn't seem convinced by my words, so I added, "It's too much to explain right now, but later this evening I'll be at the boarding house to explain it to everyone. Just wait to hear me out, okay?"

Alaric nodded his head, "Alright."

I let out a sigh. "Thank you."

Alaric still seemed unsure but, I could tell he was at least being somewhat understanding. He sent me one last look before he turned away and guided the woman he was with away from us. I watched as they went up to the pool tables and started to set up a game. I had a feeling Alaric wasn't leaving the restaurant while I was still here.

"Well, that could have gone worse." I said as I looked up at Nik. He raised a brow at me and I simply shrugged my shoulders before looking back at Finn and Kol. Both vampires seem on edge after the little confrontation with Alaric. "How about some greasy twenty-first century food?"

Finn, Kol, and I found a secluded booth near the back of the restaurant while Nik chose to stay up at the bar to order another drink.

I had chosen a booth on the opposite side of the restaurant from Alaric to help ease some of the tension.

The second the three of us sat down, with Finn and I on one side of the table and Kol on the other, we were approached by a very bubbly waitress. "Hi there, would we like to start out with any drinks?" Her chipper voice had me raising my brows and wondering how someone can be this happy working in a small town restaurant. But, to each their own.

"Uh, water for now, and-"

"Great! And you gentlemen?" My mouth was left open as the woman cut me off and looked between Kol and Finn. Her eyelashes fluttered and her smile turned into a more subdued smirk. The look in her eyes made my blood boil and while I knew it shouldn't have bothered me, I was still peeved by her audacity.

I narrowed my eyes at the woman and was ready to say something when I felt a wave of amusement wash through me. I quickly glanced over at Kol who was looking straight at me with a smirk on his lips. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the waitress who was waiting for one of my Fated Ones to answer her.

"Actually," I spoke up and gained her attention. She frowned for a second before masking her displeasure and smiling brightly at me. "We'll take an order of the loaded fries. Thanks."

"Of course." She jotted down the order in her little notebook. She then looked expectantly at Finn and Kol, but I quickly shot her down.

"That's all." I dismissed her. She gave a weak smile before walking away from the table. I watched her go and noticed Nik approaching with a glass of liquor in his hand. He sent me a look as he walked up to the table and took a seat beside younger brother. "Kol, will you cut that out."

Both Finn and Nik sent Kol a look as their younger brother flashed me his teeth and said, "Absolutely not, darling."

I glared at him before looking at Nik and saying, "Feel free to eat the waitress." Kol burst out into laughter and Nik simply grinned and titled his head.

"A little jealous, are we, love?" He asked with a grin.

I shook my head, before saying, "A little." I grumbled. "But she could have been nicer to me. I don't blame her for starring, but that's not an excuse to be rude."

"You don't blame her for starring?" Finn asked. I looked at him and I could see the confusion in his gaze.

"Yeah, I'm guessing she finds you guys attractive." I shrugged nonchalantly. Finn titled his head and I smirked, "She can look all she likes, I'm well aware she can't help it. But if she continues to be rude to me just because she's distracted by you three, then I'm letting Nik eat her."

Kol once again burst out into laughter at my words and Nik simply grinned a wolfish smile. I glanced up at Finn who looked at his brothers with nothing but exasperation on his face. He then glanced down at me.

"You have nothing to worry about, my love." He spoke softly.

"I know." I smiled at him as I took his hand in mind under the table.

It didn't take long for the waitress to return. "Alright, here's your loaded fries and water." She placed the plate in the center of the table before placing a glass of water in front of me. I couldn't help but raise a brow when she leaned a little too far over the table to set down the glass. Her eyes connected with Finns and I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. "Can I get you anything else?"

Again, she blatantly ignored my presence. It was maddening.

"That will be all." The air around Finn shifted and I watched as the woman's pupils dilated and a hazy look crossed her face. "You will leave this place now, and forget you ever saw us."

The woman could only nod her head and turn away from us. I then watched as she walked through the crowd and out the doors of the restaurant. My mouth fell open and looked up at Finn who seemed unbothered by his compelling work.

"Well done, brother." Kol spoke up. "But you ruined the fun."

I sent the vampire sitting across from a glare before looking up at Finn. "You didn't have to do that, Finn."

He frowned at my words and said, "She was upsetting you. I would rather compel a silly human than see you upset."

I smiled fondly at him. "Thank you." He gave a nod and turned my attention to the plate of food in front of us. I then pulled out a french fry that wasn't smothered in cheese and meat. "Now then, down to business. Here," I held up the fry to Finn and said, "It's just a potato that's been cut up and deep fried. It beats rabbit stew and deer meat any day."

Finn gave me a look of apprehension before ultimately leaning forward and taking the fry from my fingers with his teeth. I couldn't help but cough and try my best not to blush at Finn's actions.

Finn hummed as he chewed, then said, "Interesting."

A huff came from the other side of the table and I couldn't help but giggle at the looks on both Kol and Niks faces. Now they were the ones fronting a jealous nature. I could feel Kols irritation through the bond and it made me chuckle softly.

"Here," I picked up another plain fry and held it out for Kol. The vampire didn't hesitate to bite it from my fingers. His teeth came so close to my skin that his lips closed around the tip of my finger. I rolled my eyes at his antics.

The air shifted suddenly and before I could utter his name, Elijah was standing at the end of the table. I couldn't help but smile, excited by his appearance, but my smile fell slightly when I noticed someone standing behind him.

"Care?" The baby vampire stepped out from behind Elijah and sent me a hesitant wave.

"I believe Ms. Forbes has something to tell you, Elskan." Elijah said as he eyed the much younger vampire beside him.

I titled my head in confusion as I looked at Caroline. "Oh, yeah. Nothing bad, I think." She waved her hands. "Elena mentioned you planning to go to the boarding house later and well, she's been pacing ever since you messaged her. It's really starting to freak me out and Damon and Stefan are about to rip each other's throats out with Stefan wanting to confront you and Damon wanting to wait for you to come to them. And then Bonnies freaking out about the Original Witch and her mom-"

"Easy, Care." I stopped her from continuing and said, "Take a breath." She did as I told her. While her words were coherent, they were a rambled mess. "Okay." I took a breath and looked up at Elijah. "No more waiting. I think we should head over to the boarding house now." It felt as if the bubble had been popped and reality was setting in. It felt kind of childish of me to think time would wait for me to enjoy a day out with my Fated Ones.

His face was stoic as he nodded. I then looked back at Caroline and offered her a reassuring smile. "Why don't you head on over to the boarding house, and," I looked around her and spotted Alaric still playing pool with the mystery woman. "Take Alaric with you. We'll meet you guys there."

She nodded her head and went off to fetch our history teacher. I felt them leave the restaurant and sighed. "Where's Bekah?" I asked Elijah.

"Waiting by the car." He answered.

With that said, Finn stood from the booth and held out his hand to help me from the seat. I took his hand and held onto it as we left the Grill, feeling slightly disappointed at the wasted food.

Elijah's gray BMW was parked right behind my new car with Bekah leaning against the passenger side door. Kol joined Finn and I in my car while Nik went with Elijah and Bekah in Elijah's car.

I hadn't noticed it while we were in the restaurant, but once we were outside, I felt Niks hybrids tailing after us. As I drove to the boarding house their energy faded, signaling that they were keeping their distance from the boarding house. I figured Nik only had them following us as a precaution.

When we pulled up to the boarding house I felt my stomach drop and the feeling of anticipation wash through me. This had taken me too long to make happen, but Elena and I were never in a good position for us to have this conversation. So, better late than never.

I got out of the car and Finn was immediately at my side and taking my hand in his. He was good at reading my emotions, even with our bond being incomplete. His energy wrapped around me like a protective shield as we walked up to the front door of the boarding house. Without even trying I could feel the energy of those in the house. Caroline and my brothers were the easiest to pick out of the bunch, and then Bonnie with her magic being like a beacon. Alaric was the weakest energy wise and then there was another human among them, someone with traces of magic in their system, but their magical energy was dulled to the point of non existence.

Then there was Elena.

The energy around my sister wasn't quite human, but human enough that if you didn't look too hard you would never notice anything strange about her. It was something I couldn't fully describe, but with my memories intact, I could say it was strange feeling Tatia in Elena's energy. I'm sure if I had been around Katherine while she was human, I would have felt the same thing in her energy.

My thoughts came to halt as I pushed open the door and we walked into the house. The second I stepped into the living room with the Mikaelsons coming in behind me, everyone turned to look.

Elena stood up from the couch where she was sitting between Bonnie and Caroline. Damon, Stefan, and Alaric were standing behind the couch and a woman I had never met before was standing far back near the dining room. Just from looking at her I could tell she was somehow related to Bonnie. I suspected her to be Bonnie's mom, but I couldn't be sure.

I gave Finn's hand one last squeeze before letting it go and stepping closer to my sister.

"I think it's time for us to talk." She nodded her head in agreement and I reached out and took her hand. I then turned back and looked at Elijah. "Do you mind telling the rest of them the story? They should all know it, but Elena needs to hear it from me."

"Of course, Elskan." Elijah nodded his head.

I turned away to lead my sister out of the room but stopped and looked at my Fated Ones. "I'm telling Elena the full story. Everything, including certain things you don't know about. I don't mind you listening, just know, none of what I went though is your fault."

Elijah, Finn, and Kol gave me concerned filled looks, while Niks gaze grew hard and darkened. He was the only one who knew the full story about the lives I had lived after Mikael had killed me.

With that said, I pulled Elena from the room and into the library. I knew the vampires in the living room would be able to hear me, but it gave us just enough privacy that it felt like it was just me and her.

We each took a seat on the couch and sat facing each other. Elena never let go of my hand and once we were seated she took my other hand and we each gripped onto the other. It was quiet for a moment and without super hearing, I couldn't tell if Elijah had started to tell the others the story of our past.

"I'm going to start from the beginning." I said softly, looking into my sister's eyes as I spoke. "The very beginning. And when I'm done, you can ask me all the questions you want." She didn't say anything to that and simply nodded her head in understanding.

Then I started talking.

I did as I told her I would and started from the very beginning with my Mother and Father. I told her about living in our little cottage and the stories my Father would tell me as we sat around the fire in our home and ate the food my Mother would make for us. I told her about my Mother and how beautiful she was. With her long silver hair that flowed like a river of moonlight. I talked about my Father and the wolf's blood that flowed through him and his decision to leave his pack to protect my mother and I every full moon from the other wolves.

Then I told her about the village. I told her about Finn and Elijah. Then about Niklaus and Kol, and little Rebekah and Henrik.

My story flowed from my lips with ease and she took in every word. She didn't say a thing or interrupt me as I spoke. I told her about what it was like growing up and even my friendship with Tatia. Then, I told her about how I fell in love, with not just one, but all four of the Mikaelson brothers. Her eyes grew wide and I could practically see the questions running through her head. She even bit her lip to keep herself from interrupting me. She held onto every word as I explained my bloodline triggering and what being a Fae really meant for me.

It was after telling her what I went through to become a full blooded Fae that I paused and took a deep breath. Now comes the strange part. Now came telling her about Fated Ones.

She once again held her tongue as I told her what Fated Ones were and what that meant for me. Her eyes never strayed from mine and I was grateful to her for listening to everything I had to say.

It was a lot to take in. But she needed to hear everything, including the things she already knew of. So After telling her about the death of my parents, I told her about Henrik and the creation of vampires. I told her about Mikael hunting us after Esther placed the curse on Nik and he killed her not long after for threatening my life.

Tears gathered in her eyes and rained down her cheeks as I told her about Mikael killing me. It was hard having to relive the moment my life ended, but it needed to be said.

After my first death, I told her about being born as Serena Smith. It wasn't a long story, but I needed to tell her. It was after explaining how I burned because I was different that we heard a loud crash from the other room. We both jumped at the startling noise. I flinched at the sudden rage flowing through me. I could feel Kol and his anger and knew he was listening to me as I told my sister about my past lives.

I shook my head and tried not to focus on Kol's emotions and continued. I knew Elena knew about my life as a Salvatore, but I wanted her to hear what it meant to me being Damon and Stefan's sister.

Being a Salvatore was a lot happier than being a Smith. I smiled as I told her about growing up with Damon and Stefan while they were human. I told her about Damon stepping up and taking care of me and raising me since Giuseppe wanted nothing to do with me. But the good feeling didn't last as I told her about Katherine coming into our lives. The ending of my life as a Salvatore was one most of us knew, but it still needed to be said.

Then that was it. That was the end.

My life as a Gilbert marked my life with her. My twin and other half, in a life so different from the others I had lived. She was there for every milestone just as I was with her. Now we were tasked with getting through this next part in our lives.

She was looking down at our joined hand as the silence in the room engulfed us and we sat quietly beside one another. The tears from earlier had dried on my sister's cheeks as she took in everything I had told her.

I opened and closed my mouth a few times, trying to find the words to say to her. But before I could organize my thoughts enough to make a comprehensible sentence, Elena pulled her hands from mine and threw her arms around my shoulders. She pulled me into her arms and held me as close as she could.

"I'm sorry." She sobbed into my shoulder. My chest grew tight and I returned the hug and buried my face in her neck as silent sobs ripped through me. "I am so sorry, Serena." Her tears soaked through my shirt as we held onto each other as tightly as we could.

We held onto each other for a long moment. Taking our time to cry and be with one another before composing ourselves and finally pulling away from one another. We both whipped away at our tears. When we looked up at one another, a dam seemed to have broken and we both couldn't help but laugh at the situation. It was probably just a reaction to everything we had been through, but it felt good to just laugh with my sister again.

When we could catch our breath again, I let out a sigh and said, "We should probably go and join the others."

She nodded her head in agreement and we both got up and walked out of the library. When we entered the living room, the others were mostly where we had left them. Bekah had moved to sit on the other couch, across from Bonnie and Caroline. Elijah and Finn stood near the hallway leading to the library with Kol standing beside Elijah. I noticed Elijah had a firm hand on Kol's shoulder and knew he was probably holding Kol back from doing something destructive, again.

The only one not standing where I had left him was Nik. He stood off behind Bekah near the large stone fireplace. I could tell he seemed uneasy.

Before I could say anything, Kol had rushed from Elijah's side and pulled me into his arms. He rubbed his nose along my neck and held me tightly against his chest as he muttered into my ear, "Enginn mun nokkru sinni snerta þig aftur. Ég mun rífa í sundur hvern þann sem þorir að snerta þig." (No one will ever touch you again. I will rip apart anyone who dares to touch you.)

"I know, Kol." I whispered back to him. It took a little more reassurance before he finally released me. Kol stood close to me as I turned back to the rest of the room. Elena was still beside me and sent her a reassuring smile before tugging on Kol's hand. "Elena, I would like you to meet Kol. My Fated One." Kol stood proudly beside me as I introduced him to my sister. "Kol, this is my sister, Elena."

"It's nice to meet you, Kol." Elena said politely. She seemed unsure about Kol and I could understand why. Kol on the other hand looked at her with curiosity before nodding his head in acknowledgement. Elena seemed okay with interaction.

I then released Kol's hand and dragged my sister over to Finn and Elijah. "Finn, this is my sister, Elena." I looked at my sister and introduced Finn back to her, "Elena, this is Finn, my Fated One."

Unlike Kol, Finn at least smiled softly at Elena and said, "It's nice to meet you, Elena."

I glanced over at Elijah and couldn't help but smile as I said, "Elena, this is my Fated One, Elijah. Elijah, this is my sister, Elena."

Elijah smirked and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Elena."

"It's nice to meet you Elijah, I um," Elena squeezed at my hand and shifted on her feet as she spoke, "I'm sorry about everything. Daggering you was a mistake. It never should have happened." She then looked at me and added, "We, I, should have trusted my sister from the beginning."

Elijah took in her words and nodded his head. "While I can't say I condone what you did, you were protecting Serena. There are things I wish I had done differently the day I found you and her with Rose, but there is no turning back. We can only move forward."

Elena nodded her head in agreement.

I turned away from Elijah and looked over towards Nik. Before I could make my way over to him, Elena let go of my hand and stood in front of me.

I watched in apprehension as Elena stared at Nik.

"I can't forgive you for what you did." Elenas words struck me and I felt my chest grow tight. Nik's face was emotionless as my sister spoke. "You've been the villain in my story for too long," She paused, "And if you ever hurt my sister, I won't stop until I find a way to kill you."

I was shocked at Elena's words, I had never heard her speak like this before, but from the look on Niks face, I could tell he had a little more respect for her. He nodded his head at her and she returned the favor before turning back to me.

I smiled softly at her. "Thank you." I said with full honesty. Things weren't perfect. There was still hurt between us, but as I stood there looking at Elena, I knew we would heal from past actions. We just needed time and to learn to trust one another again. No matter what, we were still sisters and we would grow from this.

"Well, now that's over and done with." Bekah's voice broke us all out of the bubble that had formed around us. "Let's discuss how we plan on killing our Mother, shall we?"

"Right!" Damon clapped from his place beside Stefan. "How do we kill Mama Original? Any ideas?"

I looked around the room for a second and noticed someone was missing, "Um, where's Jeremy?" I asked, looking at Elena. Elena flinched at my question.

"Yeah, about that." It was Alaric who spoke up. I looked over at him and waited for an answer to my missing brother, "Damon, can tell you."

Damon looked at the history teacher in disdain and betrayal before scoffing and turning back to me, "Little Gilbert is taking a much needed retreat in Colorado."

"What? What do you mean Jeremys in Colorado?" I glared at Damon as I asked him the question.

"Listen, once Mama Original is taken care of, we'll bring Jeremy back." Damon said with a shrug. I had a lot more argument in me, but I knew that now wasn't the time and as long as Jeremy was safe, it would have to wait, for now.

I rolled my eyes and took a seat beside Bekah. Elena went back to place between Bonnie and Caroline. Finn, Elijah, and Kol moved closer to the couch Bekah and I were sitting on and I could feel Nik move closer as well.

"Okay. Let's just focus on Esther." I said and looked around the room.

"Well," Bonnie spoke up. "My mom and I actually met with Esther earlier today. She wanted to meet us and explain what she was doing here." Bonnie now had all of our attention as she explained what Esther had told her. "She said that she's connected to the Bennett witches, living and dead. She's drawing her power from us and is planning on using that power tonight."

"Did our Mother explain how she plans on killing us, Ms. Bennett?" Elijah asked. Bonnie glanced over at Elena and I watched them share an uneasy look.

Elena let out a sigh and looked away from Bonnie. "That's where I come in." She looked remorseful as she said, "Esther took some of my blood last night at the Ball. She said she was going to bind you all together. That way when she kills one of you, you all would die. I'm sorry."

I glanced over at Elijah and saw him and Nik share a look.

"We can find a way to break the binding spell later, right now we need to focus on sending Esther back to the Otherside." Elijah announced.

I looked over at Bonnie and asked, "You said she's connected to your bloodline? Can you feel her taking from your power?"

Bonnie frowned and tilted her head, thinking of my question. "Maybe? It's hard to tell, but I think I can feel her taking from every Bennett. Even my Mom who is cut off from her magic."

"I wonder how long she's been connected to your bloodline." I muttered in thought.

"What do you mean?" Bonnie asked.

"I mean, she was strong enough to set fire to a car that Elena and I were in using a dead vampire as an anchor." I explained. I felt the shift before I heard a few growls coming from the vampires closest to me. They were clearly not happy to hear what their mother had done. I shook my head and focused on a plan and said, "If Esther is cut off from her power source, she'll be easier to kill." I pointed out.

"How do we do that?" Bonnie asked.

I looked over at Kol and caught his eyes before asking, "Is there a way for me to cut Esther off from the Bennett bloodline? Is that something I can do?"

Kol titled his head and I could see his mind swirling with ideas and information. Kol was the most knowledgeable person to ask about magic. He was powerful with his gifts before being turned into a vampire, and I remember as a witch, he had been the most interested in learning everything a Fae was capable of.

"Yes," He nodded his head. "You should be able to disconnect my Mother from the Bennett bloodline," I was about to sigh in relief before Kol added, "But, you need more than just two Bennett witches."

I looked at him quizzically, but before I could ask him to explain it further, Bonnie spoke up. "The old witches house." I turned around to look at her. "It's home to a bunch of dead witches, including Bennett witches."

Now we had something to work with.

"Alright, but what if that doesn't work?" Stefan spoke up. I glanced up at my once brother and listened as he pointed out, "We need a plan B."

Kol growled from behind me snapped, "Serena is a Fae. Her power is far greater than you could imagine. She will be more than capable of cutting my Mother off from her power source."

"Stefans right, Kol." I spoke up, ending the growling and glaring between Kol and Stefan. "I'm not entirely sure how to use my powers. Where do I even start with figuring out how to cut Esther off?"

"The only other option would be to cut off Esther directly." Nik spoke up. "Unfortunately, that would mean killing a living Bennett witch. The dead ones will get pissed off at Esther for the death of one of their own and cut her off."

I shook my head. "Not an option." I looked down at my hands in thought and nodded my head to myself. "Alright, we go to the witch's house and I'll break the bond that ties Esther to Bonnie and her family."

"What about Esther?" Elena asked. "She'll be at the witch's house for the spell."

"We'll need a distraction." Caroline spoke up.

I looked over at Elijah and the two of us shared a look before he nodded his head and said, "My family and I will take care of Esther."

I hated that it had come to this. Nik had already killed their mother once, and I knew her death by his hands had affected him. He's had to live with his actions for the past thousand years. Now, here we were, planning to kill the woman who raised them. Who loved them, in her own way. I didn't want this to happen, but Esther had chosen a path we couldn't allow her to continue down.

It wasn't just my Fated Ones and Bekah's life at risk here. It was all of vampire kind. My brothers and Caroline were in just as much danger as the Original Vampires were. An entire species is in danger.

"We can't all be confronting our Mother, Elijah." Finn spoke up. "We can't leave Serena unprotected." I opened my mouth to say something, but Finn sent me a frown. "I know you trust your witch friend, but Esther is stronger and I won't take the chance of you being hurt because we weren't there to protect you."

I glanced at each of the brothers and could see that they all agreed with Finn, but I felt like they all needed to be there to face Esther.

"I'll stay with Serena." I looked away from my Fated Ones and stared at Damon across the room. He was looking at Elijah and Finn as he spoke. "She won't be without protection."

"I'll go as well." Stefan added.

I glanced over at Elijah and could see the unease in his eyes. "Okay." I spoke up. Elijah glanced down at me with a frown and I shrugged my shoulders. "You all need to be there when you confront Esther. She's your Mother." With a single nod, he gave in and I looked back over at my brothers. "I don't want Elena to be alone while we go after Esther. I don't trust her not to go after Elena and use her as some sort of leverage."

"I'll stay here and watch over Elena." Alaric announced.

Caroline perked up from her place beside my sister and added, "I'll stay here too."

I nodded my head, but still felt uneasy. Alaric may be a decent fighter and Caroline was a vampire, but Alaric was human and Caroline was only a baby vampire. They weren't exactly favorable opponents when placed against someone like Esther.

A sigh came from beside me and I looked over at Bekah.

"I'll stay here and guard the doppelgänger." I stared at Bekah in surprise. She in turn rolled her eyes at the look on my face. "I still don't like her," She sneered at Elena before looking back to me and adding, "But, I won't let Esther hurt her."

"Thank you, Bekah." I smiled softly at the vampire. She rolled her eyes again and scoffed.

"Yes, yes, I'm the best I know." She then glanced back at her brothers and said to them, "Just be sure to kill her so I don't have to face her."

Her brothers nodded in understanding. With Esther intent on ending all vampires, she needed to be stopped, she was still their mother. I knew Bekah didn't want to face Esther knowing she was going to die and I would support her not wanting to confront the Original Witch.

"Okay." I looked back at the others across from me. "We have a plan, but, um," I glanced back at Kol, smiled sheepishly at the vampire and asked, "How exactly do I cut off Esther from the Bennett witches?"

"Oh! Come on!" I cringed as Damon scoffed from the other side of the room.

"Hey!" I glared at the dark haired vampire. "Not encouraging!"

"We'll have to do a crash course on our way there." This time it was Bonnie's mom who spoke up. "We're running out of time."

"She's right." Bonnie added. "I can feel Esther preparing the spell."

"Ms. Bennet is correct." Elijah spoke up. I looked over at him and saw his phone in his hand. "My Mother is summoning us to meet her at the witch's house."

We were out of time.

I stood up from the couch and the others who were also sitting stood up as well. "Alright. It's not ideal. But we can't let Esther succeed." The others seemed to be in agreement and it was settled.

I sat in the back seat of Elijah's car with Kol as Elijah drove. Finn was sitting in the passenger seat and Nik was on the other side of me. Damon, Stefan, Bonnie, and her mom, Abby, were in Damon's car following after us.

"You will need to separate my Mothers magic from the Bennett witches." Kol was explaining to me. "Magical bloodlines are distinct. When you do find the connection, you will need to sever it with your own powers and restore the Bennett line."

I frowned at Kols instructions. "How? I mean, I don't exactly have a guide book on how to use my powers." I wished with all my heart my Mother had not died so soon after I came into my bloodline. She would have taught me everything I needed to know, but all I was ever taught was to feel the balance in nature and grow plants. Not exactly helpful information for something like this.

Kol gave me a reassuring smile, "Darling, you don't need a guide book." He then tapped my forehead with his finger. "You have a millennium of information passed down from your ancestors. Fae do not need a guide book. Trust your instincts. And maybe hold the little witch and her mothers hand to establish a connection."

While Kol's words did reassure me, I was still unsure about what I was doing.

We arrived at our destination, about half a mile away from the witch house. We all got out of our respective vehicles.

"I'm sorry that this has to happen." I spoke up. I looked at each of the brothers. "I hate that this is the only option we have, I mean, she's still your mother."

I hated this. Was it too much to ask for a life without terrible parents trying to ruin things?

Elijah frowned and moved to stand in front of me. He then took my hands in his and kissed the back of my knuckles and said, "Our mothers actions are no fault of yours, Ástin mín. We will handle our Mother and she will pay for her transgressions against our family."

I could only nod my head as my shoulders deflated. I looked at the others and while I wished we had more time, we needed to get this done. I gave Elijah's hands one last squeeze and turned to walk towards Damon and Stefan.

A hand on my shoulder stopped me from getting too far. I looked up at Nik, but the hybrid was looking towards my brothers.

"If anything happens to her, that will be the end of the Salvatore brothers." I sent Nik a look and he merely shrugged his shoulders and said, "Don't look cross, love. Just a little reminder for them to keep you safe." Nik smirked down at me as he pressed a kiss to my cheek and released his hold on my shoulder.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes and continued to walk towards Damon and Stefan. Both brothers were openly glaring at Nik and when I was close enough Damon threw his arm over my shoulders and said, "Have I mentioned to you how much I don't like your boyfriend."

"To be fair, I don't think he likes you either, Damon." I smirked at Nik from over my shoulder before allowing Damon to lead me away from the Original Vampires.

The walk through the dark woods was a silent one as we carefully made our way towards the witches house. When the run down manor was in sight, Damon and Stefan made sure the coast was clear before flashing Bonnie, Abby, and I into the house.

The second I was inside, I felt my spine grow tense. The energy of the decrepitated manor was something I had never felt before. I could feel the dead witches surrounding me, some with hostile emotions and others with curiosity. I stood my ground and followed Kols advice and trusted my instincts. I didn't like how the witches were surrounding me with their energy, so I pushed back.

I was a Fae, and therefore, technically I was superior to any witch. Granted, I was still learning, but that didn't mean I was going to take any shit from dead witches.

The space around me grew empty and nodded my head in triumph. It seemed my message was read loud and clear.

"Okay," I looked over at Bonnie and her Mother. "Let's do this."

The three of us stood in a circle and took each other's hands, connecting them to me and themselves to each other. The air went still around us and I automatically closed my eyes and focused on the energy surrounding Bonnie and her mom.

It was a bizarre experience. Bonnie's energy was filled with her magic, marking her as witch, while Abby's energy felt stale when compared to her daughters. I would have figured she would feel like a normal human, but with her magic gone, her energy felt stagnant.

I couldn't tell how long we had been standing there as I focused on the energy around us. I felt like I was getting nowhere as I searched for this so-called link, but just as I was losing hope, something sparked and I felt a tug at Bonnie's energy.

It was small, just a blip, but I had felt it and decided to investigate. Like Kol had said earlier, I trusted my instincts and allowed myself to focus on finding Esther's magic among the Bennett witches around us. It was like following a piece of string among a thousand strands, but I was somehow doing it. I followed Bonnie's magic and soon enough found what I was looking for.

My grip on Bonnie and Abbys hands tightened as I focused. I could feel Esther leeching off the Bennett witch's magic. The tie that bound them together was strong. A small part of me feared I wouldn't be able to sever the bond, but I had to try.

I focused on the ties that bound the two different blood lines together and worked at getting them separated. My brows narrowed on my face in concentration. Trying to undo what Esther had done wasn't easy. It was as if she had sunk her magic directly into the Bennett bloodlines and had anchored herself there. But, as I began to pull and tug and force my own powers into the mix, I could feel the bond slowly untying.

The energy around us began to hum and I could feel the other dead Bennett witches starting to pull against Esther. I didn't know why they were helping, but I was grateful for their assistance as I focused on pushing Esther out of their bloodline.

Then it happened, with one last pull from Bonnie, and her ancestors, I forced my energy against Esther's magic and with a snap, the bond was severed.

It all happened quickly. One second Bonnie, Abby, and I were holding hands and the next I felt a burning sensation in my palms and the three of us were thrown away from each other. I fell to the floor with a crash and for a moment my sight went dark.

"Serena!" Damon's voice sounded far off and distorted as my head grew fuzzy. I felt him helping me to sit up. "Easy there, little sister."

"Ah!" I yelped when I tried to use my hand to push myself up and brought my palms up to my face to see the damage. Both of my hands were red and raw. It looked as if I had placed them on a hot pan. Tears gathered in the corner of my eyes from the pain as the fuzziness in my head started to dissipate and the pain in my hands took over. "It's not healing." I muttered through gritted teeth.

"Here, let me see." Damon was careful as he pried my hand open. "Shit." He hissed at the sight of my burned skin. Before Damon could say another word, he was gone from beside me and the space was taken by Elijah.

I wanted to cry in relief when I felt his energy sweep over me, but I held my tongue as Elijah took in the sight of my hands. "I think Esther's magic is keeping them from healing." I whimpered as my hand pulsed in pain.

"Shhh, Elskan. Just a moment." Elijah moved quickly as he pulled off his coat and pushed up the sleeve of his shirt and bit into his wrist. He then pushed the bleeding wound into my mouth while his other hand came up behind my head to hold me steady. "Drink, Serena."

I did as told and took in large gulps of his blood. The taste was different from anything I had ever tasted before, both sweet and coppery. When Elijah felt satisfied with the amount of blood I had consumed, he pulled his wrist away from my lips. I looked down at my hands and sighed in relief seeing them once again unmarred and free of pain.

I then looked back at Elijah and asked, "Is she gone?"

Elijah looked me in the eyes and nodded his head. "Yes. She's gone."

Another sigh of relief left my lungs. Elijah then helped me up off the ground and I took in the room. Bonnie was standing beside Abby while Damon and Stefan were standing off to the side. Nik and Kol then entered the house and immediately made their way over to me.

"I knew you could do it, Darling." Kol smiled at me and kissed me on the cheek. I smiled at Kol and then glanced around, spotting the last of the Mikaelson brothers standing in the doorway.

Finn spotted me looking at him and sent me a sad smile. My heart broke at that moment. Something told me that it had been Finn who sent Esther back to the Otherside. Finn had been close to his mother, he was the child who survived in their home land and made it all the way here and lived by her side as each new baby was brought into the world. I knew he loved his mother and my heart ached for him.

"Bonnie?" I looked away from Finn and noticed Abby staring at her hands in disbelief. "I can feel my magic." She muttered before looking up at her daughter.

"What?" Bonnie stared at Abby in shock and took her hands. "Oh my god! Your magic! I can feel it."

"It's back." Abby looked as if she had just won the lottery as her and Bonnie stared at one another in awe.

Bonnie looked my way and I held up my hands and shrugged, "I have no clue how it happened or what I did." I admitted. Bonnie seemed fine with my answer and looked back over at her mom.

"Well, then." Damon spoke up. "Problem solved." He smiled and Stefan rolled his eyes at his brother.

"How are you feeling, love?" Nik asked me as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I sank against him and closed my eyes for a second to bask in the feeling of him next to me.

"Tired." I admitted. I opened my eyes and peeked up at him. "I just want to sleep."

Niklaus nodded his head. Without any hesitation he lifted me into his arms. He walked out of the witches manor and before he stepped off the front porch, I felt my eyes grow heavy and my mind become peaceful. Sleep took me in with ease as I felt myself willingly sink into the darkness.

---

Hello readers! Long time no chapter. Unfortunately, I am still without a laptop. But a kind reader mentioned getting a Bluetooth travel keyboard, so I got one and honestly it works pretty well. So thank you to that reader. I also want to thank every last one of you, I cant begin to describe the joy I feel when I see that you guys are enjoying this story so immensely. I hope that with the direction I am taking this story, that you all continue to enjoy it. Through the ups and downs of life, I always enjoy sitting down and working on chapters when I get the time. I know I'm not really getting anything out of writing fanfiction (financial wise), but its been inspiring to work on something other then real life work. So while this is simply a hobby for me to be creative with, I hope that you all get a moment to lose yourself in a compelling story featuring characters you already enjoy and care about. Please, continue to enjoy this story, and while it may take me some time, I promise to keep updating.

Thank you all and stay safe.

P.S. Please enjoy the Elena character development.