Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Kol! What did you do?!” Nik raged, stomping through the house. Luckily sweet little Meredith agreed that doing a dozen spells for me was better than getting her heart ripped out like the rest of her coven elders. The cloaking bubble she did last would only hold for 24 hours since she did the others first but that’s all I needed to get a proper head start. Now if only Nik would leave so I could pack, Elijah was waiting.

The door slamming interrupted my roaming thoughts and I refocus, listening to Nik leave instructions with the guards that will be a breeze to get around. And there he goes… good thing I’d already located mine and Elijah’s daggers before Nik got the report. Really he should know better than to lie about something like this both to me and Lijah. He should have known that as soon as I knew about their little fight and what he’d told Lijah and had continued to let him believe that I’d have to respond appropriately.

Ok so slaughtering all the elders of his go to coven was a bit much but it’s not like I took out the whole coven and I hadn’t really gotten him back for the last daggering. Other than a few harmless pranks and inconvenient stabbings.

Packing up the last of my clothes into the duffle with the daggers and chargers for my electronics. I glance over at the gaming system again longingly. Yes I already grabbed my memory card but still I’d finally got everything just right for marathon runs. Sighing I go down to the library moving his picture to get to the safe I think for a moment before typing in 07985. The thing beeps and the light goes green. I knew he’d use Bekah’s birthday.

Taking all the passports and cash plus the phone to track the jet out I put everything but the phone in the bag. That gets thrown in the fireplace as I walk over to the grimoires, plucking down the ones I know will be helpful for trade and others that I just want and putting them in the suitcase until nothing else fits. I check the time and grin. He’s probably just getting to the scene now.

As if I called it my mobile rings on my way to the garage. I answer "Excellent timing, I assume you got my message?” I say as I answer the call.

“Why?” He grits out.

“Found out you’ve been keeping secrets from more than just me Nikky. Poor Elijah thinks me, Bekah and Finn are fish food.” I say jolly. “How will he react when he’s told it was just a nasty lie?”

“You will not tell him, I will put you back in your box Kol!” He snarls.

“Oh Nik, you’ll have to find me first. So many ways I could get to Paris Nik. I mean really the transport options in this century are staggering. I’m thinking a train first or maybe a boat, one of those big ones with all the people and things to do.” I pause muting my side as I quickly snap the guards necks.

While he’s yelling about how he’ll just stalk Paris and wait for me I detour back to the library and close the safe before unmuting. “Ah but that’s the beauty of it, if you do that Lijah will find out and know something is up anyway.” I press in my birthday and the safe dings that it’s wrong, I punch in Bekahs again and it trills, going green. I open it as I remark, “Nik I’m hurt, Bekah's birthday instead of mine? You’re showing your favoritism brother.” Then I hang up.

Zipping to the garage I speed out heading to the closest Verizon store I get a second phone then to a car rental place where I offer the first single guy leaving a temporary swap and cash if he drives where I say over the next few hours. I compel him to avoid second guessing and give him a route and tasks. Then I use his car to go to the Tacoma Port where I find the next ship leaving in an hour and a half to Africa. I compel the guy to load the car that’s parked in a certain spot into one of the containers at the last minute and to stop at a point where the cameras can’t see during and knock on the trunk. I also have him point out the next person whose shift ends. I have that guy claim he’s sick so he can leave the 45 minutes early and I make him drive me to the tarmac where I know Nik keeps a private plane. Snooping around over the last year after I got caught up enough to cover my tracks has given me a perfect exit strategy.

Arriving at Tacoma Narrows Airport I compel the crew to wait 1 hour then fly to the Pullman Moscow Regional then to refuel and continue until they land in the biggest airport in France making it as difficult as possible to catch up or follow. I compel one of the staff to take my phone left at the help desk by the rental guy and play my games. Once in France they are supposed to ask around for Elijah Mikaelson and then give him the phone it has pictures of me on it. They are not to speak to Klaus or anyone they suspect might be connected to him other than Elijah.

I grab the co-pilot's car keys and go meet the fake sick guy from the port that I had waiting in the rental car. I have him lead me to Tacoma Dome Amtrak Station where I park in long term and walk in and buy a ticket for California making sure I’m seen by the cameras. Staying away from the camera's view I find a woman on the same train who’s going to be gone for a month and take her car keys. While I was doing that the shipping guy went to get a third phone from a different provider. In view of a camera I seem to compel the guy to get a taxi, he actual takes the taxi to the long term parking to retrieve the train woman’s car that I slipped him the keys to.

I take the rental car back to the port and swap back with the rental car guy. Then parking in the spot I scoped earlier in view of the cameras. I get in the trunk and wait. Once the car has moved and the other shipping guy knocks on the trunk I get out, leaving the first phone I picked up tonight in the trunk. Then I sneak out and meet the sick shipping guy and compel him to think he’s actually sick tonight and go home. I take the train ladies van and go pick up my bags from the spot the rental guy hid them.

My new phone with the contacts but not any of the apps or connected to any accounts and I begin to drive to New York. It’s only a day and a half later that I’m sick of driving. I detour to the closest international airport and park in the long term. I sneak onto the next flight with open seats which happens to be to Charlotte NC.

Four hours later and I arrive, still keeping my face away from cameras I wander around waiting for the next flight to New York in a couple hours. I move out of the way of a crowd before catching a conversation snippet between two women. I shift to follow behind them far enough that they won’t sense me but close enough to hear.

“She’s just sad, it’s a shame such a powerful line has been reduced to this. The poor granddaughter hasn’t even been told yet. She’s 17!” The young woman says.

The older one hums in agreement before saying, “She might not have any magic. It would explain a lot, plus I met Abby she wasn’t a strong girl. If she actually did take down the Destroyer but sacrificed hers and her daughters magic to do it…” she trails off but the other girl picks up.

“That’s probably what happened, in that case Shelia doesn’t know if the next generation will have magic or not, I mean there’s Lucy but like I said earlier she’s not a main line Bennett.”

From there the conversation drifts so I compel two guys to go start a fight with the witches. Then I get a little girl to take any papers they have in their purses when the women aren’t looking. 20 minutes later the girl runs up with a notebook and some folded up papers. The notebook is small, lists inside have ideas and questions about some spell nothing interesting so I toss it. The papers however have their boarding passes from the last flight from Shenandoah and their next to Oregon plus the jackpot. Car rental details with gas receipts, multiple of which are from a place called Mystic Falls.

Checking the map I begin to laugh, it seems the Bennetts have been drawn home once again. Checking the board the next flight closest is to Richmond in 20 minutes. Making my way over to the gate I toss the rest of the papers. New York will have to wait, there’s no way I can’t find out what’s going on with the Bennett Coven or if they really took out Mikael.

Three hours later I pass the Welcome to Mystic Falls sign and shiver, listening I don’t hear another heartbeat around so I stop and get out. Walking over to the sign I inspect it and notice it’s a type of oak wood. Ripping off a piece of the post I smell the not painted wood. Immediately my eyes vein, the feeling makes sense. This is White Oak. I noticed it smelled different compared to other Oaks before we burnt it all. How in the hell did it survive after we burned it all? Setting the broken piece on fire til it turns to ashes I walk back to the car. I’ve just arrived and already the problems are piling up.

Going to the bed and breakfast I called, that's a five minute walk from town square. I pay the lady for a month and after her inquiries about how young I am and if I’ll be going to high school; I tell her all about how I graduated a few years early and have decided to take a year to travel around before I go to college. I tell her how my brother traced our family’s earliest travels around here so I decided to come and see what I could see. She warns me to keep that history quiet around the founding families, says they get snootie when there’s talk of settlers from before them. I nod seriously and get their names Fell, Forbes, Gilbert, Lockwood and Salvatore. She then tells me the Forbes women are my best bet for inside help and of the tragic tale of the recently dead Gilbert parents.

The gossip goes on for a while mostly about the Fell family who are apparently numerous in number and yet the least remarkable. The Lockwoods hoard the power as political leaders and the Salvatore’s are reclusive though it seems the young nephews have recently come back to town. The youngest Gilbert child has a drug problem and the older one hangs out in the cemetery. She’s friends with the Forbes girl and the poor abandoned by her mother, Bennett girl who may or may not have powers. But at least I know her name now. Bonnie. The Forbes girl is a clear favorite of this woman, she goes on and on about Caroline and how she’s always volunteering and helping with this town's activities. Poor thing her father left to be with a man and the whole town still talks about it, and her moms the sheriff. When it’s clear I’ll get no more information about the Bennetts or any useful information on the youngest’s friends I fake a yawn and go to my room.

Having ate from many at the airport in Charlotte I unpack and go to sleep. I’ll need to be ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

I sleep in longer that usual since I didn’t sleep the past few days but the clock says 10am so it’s at least still morning. Remembering all the questions I have gets me jumping out of bed quickly. Checking my phone I see it’s November 11th a Wednesday so the baby witch should be at school and grandma witch should be at work. A quick google search on Sheila Bennett tells me she works at a college a few hours away as an occult professor. Iconic, hiding in plain sight her bio even says she comes from a long line of witches. Baby witch it is then. I am not ready for more driving.

Finding the school is easy, just as I think she’s skipping I pass a classroom that gives me the tingling. I may not be able to use magic anymore but I’ve gained back the ability to feel it, both in myself and around me. Stepping back I peer into the room, there! Second to last in the third row. She looks worried, glancing between her mobile and the boy behind and to the right of her. His face looks familiar…

Ripper! That’s the friend Nik told me about from Chicago. Listening closely I can tell his heartbeat is slower. Stepping away I find myself on the roof, still locked in on the sounds of baby Bennett to both listen in and track her through the school. But avoiding being caught by the Salorie vamp. I listen to class end and hear her brushing off the Forbes girl before moving to a secluded spot outside with the Ripper. Moving slowly to the edge to see better I catch him asking her to find Elena using her necklace. After her failure she runs off but based on their conversation she at least did have magic recently. Before moving to follow I glance at Stefan and see him looking at his hands defeated. Glancing down I turn to follow then stop looking again. That’s Bekah's necklace from mother. Recalling Niks tale about leaving Chicago I roll my eyes. Zipping over to Stefan I compel him to think he put it in his locker and take it. Cursing as I shove it in my pocket I run after Bonnie, it seems she’s leaving early.

Tracking her to a house where she makes a bag and then leaves before going to another. The first must be hers as this one is rife with magic it’s got to be the grandmother’s. I hear her call and leave a message for said grandmother and then she’s clearly searching through books, probably grimoires. She gets a call back from ‘Grams’ to calm down and that she’ll be home at 6. Realizing I have a few hours I track down the Ripper at home and decide to get whatever I can out of him. It seems there’s usually more people here and it would be a shame not to take advantage of his loneliness.

A quick compulsion to tell me everything that’s happened since he came to town and he’s off. An hour and a half later and I can feel my veins flexing in rage. Forcing myself under control I make him think he spent the last bit of time brooding, then I tell him to start wandering the house and when he sees the vervain in the basement to put some together along with a few items for Elena’s family and friends. Storming out taking a few cuttings of the vervain myself I drop them off at my room and go back to the Bennett house.

Waiting for Sheila to show up I begin to plan. Stefan will pass along the vervain and that should deter any abuse of Caroline from Damon. He’s going to be the vamp sacrifice for Niks hybrid curse, his brother may be blind but I can read between the lines. The problem is what to do with him until then. While death and destruction may follow my family never have we stooped to rape. There are monsters like us and then there are monsters like Damon Salvatore.

I’ll have to get the elixir from Lijah for Elena, if she’s friends with the baby Bennett she can’t die permanently. Nik will have to get over it, if the elixir makes it so the ritual doesn’t work he’ll have to wait another 50 years or so. I know Katarina or Katherine as she goes by now isn’t in the tomb but if she thinks her cover is busted she might come back to town. She’d be good leverage for both Nik and Lijah. With the necklace gone it’s going to come down to the usual Bennett loophole so Bonnie will need to get over her mental block and work on building her strength. Two months should do it, I’ll have to reveal myself if she hasn’t figured out the mental block after a week or two.

Just then Sheila pulls up, she hustles into the house and scolds Bonnie about the mess. After cleaning up and making tea, Bonnie spills the cliff notes version of the story Stefan told me. Sheila explains it’s a mental block and that her magic isn’t actually gone. I listen to them go back and forth a bit and it’s revealed that she knew about Damon abusing Caroline and feeding from her. But she thinks it’s stopped now, as if someone like Damon gives up his toys so easily. No he’s just being less obvious about it which is even more dangerous for the girl. She should know better from her own experiences with the man, Sheila should as well.

Leaving now that they are just talking about basics I go to the Mystic Grill for food and a bite if I can find one though it may be better to stick to bags for now. Ordering a burger as I wait I notice a vamp playing pool with a boy, it’s when she calls him Jeremy I realize this is the doppelgängers brother. Seeing as I have a new problem to investigate I stay to eat and listen in on their conversation. Luckily I don’t have to wait too long before he leaves. Clearly she didn’t get what she wanted from him, I almost laugh aloud. I follow her back to a motel and she has a few accomplices. One seems unhinged and obsessed with the doppelgänger, Anna the girl, instructs the other to try and get Bonnie on a date alone.

That’s not going to happen, I knock on the door and as soon as it’s opened I rush in and snap both men’s necks and then block the doorway so Anna can’t escape. “Hello darling, we need to have a little chat.” I smile my favorite crazy grin and she shrinks back. “Now why don’t you tell me what your doing here?”

“My mama is in this underground tomb, Damon Salvatore made a deal with the witch Emily Bennett that when the comet came back the tomb could be opened. I was going to wait and just grab my mama once he’d done all the work but something happened. Emily possessed her descendant and destroyed her talisman that would have opened the tomb. I know there’s got to be another way so I've been looking for her grimoire which was taken by the Gilberts of that time. So I’ve been trying to get information from Jeremy Gilbert, he’s been doing a history project involving all the journals. Ben’s a townie and can get the younger Bennett, Bonnie to do it or at least get her alone so I can force her. I haven’t figured out the rest yet.” She’s crying at the end.

I move her to sit on the bed and then re-break both guys' necks. Thinking it over I ask if she has an invitation to the Gilbert house. She nods and with that a plan at least for now takes shape. “You’ll get the journal tonight, make a photo copy and return it. You’ll text me whatever it says about the missing grimoire. I’ll take it from there. The Bennetts are under my protection as are their friends. I will get them to open the tomb, you can take your mother. The rest will likely be killed unless there’s someone specific you’d vouch for?” I ask.

Thinking for a moment she looks hesitant but I motion for her to go ahead. “Harper, definitely. Maybe a handful of others but I was kept away a lot so I don’t know their names. Mama would.”

“Fine, you keep these two under control and follow what I said earlier. If you deviate, not only will I track you down but I’ll keep your mother in that tomb, giving her blood and then letting her desiccate over and over. Got it?” I say the last bit harshly channeling my brothers. She nods quickly and I turn and zip away.

Three days later I get a text quoting the only mention she could find. Rolling my eyes that the guy probably means literally I go and scout the graveyard for his marker. What kind of name is Gisseupe anyway? Standing over the plot I concentrate my attention down, faintly I can feel some kind of magic below. Now that I won’t be wasting my time I need a shovel.

One broken caretaker's chain and a hole later I hit wood. Punching through the coffin I break the hole bigger and then reach in and grab the book. Setting it aside I refill and put the shovel back before going back to my room. I spend the rest of the night reading through and making notes for myself. Here and there I add sticky notes with ideas for efficiency or ways to adjust the spells or rituals.

Taking a quick nap I get up and feed before stalking Elena. Bonnie picks her up and they chat, keeping me perfectly updated which I’ve found to be handy. I took a night trip two days ago to check out the witch Bree and found her dead, Damon’s work no doubt. I raided her supplies and grimoires. Eventually I’ll give them to the Bennetts as there’s nothing notable for my collection. Now that this part is done I text Anna to find out where Abby Bennett is now for me. Bonnie only mentioned her in passing when Elena told her about her own adoption. And Sheila hasn’t mentioned her at all.

Damon seems to be too distracted trying to figure out who turned Logan Fell the week before I came here to abuse Caroline. I’ve been slowly popping around town introducing myself to people. That way it will be less suspicious when I seek out the Forbes women for introductions to the founders' families. I’ve also tracked down the white oak, apparently it was only one tree and they used it to make the sign and the bridge. The bridge is in need of repair already but I went and cracked one of the support beams underneath and found some wood lice which I relocated to the sign. I did break off a beam from the back and put it in a safety deposit box in town just in case.

I’m listening in during their lunch when my phone rings, seeing that it’s the phone number connected to the one I got from Nik there’s a chance it’s Elijah. Speeding off to the woods I answer but don’t say anything.

“Kol?” Lijah questions.

“Lijah.” I sigh. “I was starting to get worried Nik chased this decoy down.”

“Decoy? I thought… is Rebekah and Finn there too?” He seems baffled.

“He only woke me. I saw their coffins but he had them cloaked too well for me to grab before I ran. Which I did as soon as I found out what your fight was really about. But I’ve been awake over a year Lijah.” I reassure him.

I hear him gasping and then trying to calm down from the news. “Why didn’t you come to me? Why send the phone? Where are you? Where’s Nik?”

I tell him the whole story about finding out and then setting up travel plans for Nik to chase. He laughs at how convoluted my escape was. I also confirm I have his and my daggers. I tell him about checking in on witches and hearing a rumor about someone immobilizing the Destroyer. Which is what I’m chasing down now. He’s surprised but encouraging about my detour, saying that if the rumors are true that it changes everything. I tell him I might have more news soon about other things but that I don’t want to risk it over the phone. He agrees and says that he’ll look into Nik's location and if he’s still chasing the false leads he’ll monitor and let me know. Before we get off I ask if he’s still interested in Katarina or if he’s going to let Nik have his revenge? When he evades I tell him that he should think on it because he’ll have to decide sooner than he thinks. I also ask him to track down Sage and give her my number. He wants to know why and I tell him I can’t say yet. We hang up and I double check my location is off just in case. I’ve got more things to work out here before I invite my brothers back home.

I’m watching over the Gilbert house just about to switch to the Bennetts when I see the pizza guy pull up. Only it’s Noah, one of Anna’s lackeys. Realizing his intentions I zip over and snap his neck, stuffing him in the back seat and taking his hoodie. I send a quick text to Anna and go deliver the pizza myself. I walk away fuming, what the hell have these Salvatore’s been teaching them? Elena just invited me in. If I hadn’t caught Noah they’d be toast. Stomping back to the car I see Anna waiting. I tell her what Noah was trying to do and that she better take care of it. She takes off in the car with Noah in the back and I glance back at the Gilbert house before shaking it off.

Deciding to swing by Caroline’s for a quick look before going to the Bennetts for the night I shift directions. Her mom the sheriff isn’t home, but that seems to be the usual case. Listening in I hear Damon calling for her and curse so he won’t hear me. Getting closer I listen in, kicking myself for using Stefan causing a delay, the horror show tonight is my fault. Willing myself not to leave, I force myself to listen. He likes it when she fights, likes her afraid and once he has her he holds her still and takes, then it starts all over. Sometimes he just bites her sometimes it’s biting and raping, most of the time it’s just raping her. I remember catching one of my sirelings raping a maid when he visited back in 1300 something. His screams rang out every day for 5 years as I slowly had him skinned alive over and over. We all started checking the morals of our sirelings after that. Anyone found inclined towards such behavior was killed. That’s also when we established the no kids rule. Anyone endangering kids is a monster too.

My attention is brought back to hear Caroline pleading with him. Ah, he’s threatened to go play with Elena or one of the other cheerleaders if she won’t play his final game. Moments later I hear him forcing her to eat and drink something. Then she comes running out the back door, wincing as her feet are scrapped up she pushes herself faster through the woods. I turn to see him standing on the porch, eyes closed clearly listening to her. He smiles and then zips to follow, deciding that this is beyond too far I follow him.

He toys with her, calling her name to make her shift directions, clearly semi herding her somewhere. When she comes out to a small grassy spot he zips closer catching her from behind. He throws her down and I take the opportunity to snap his neck. She screams as he drops and sees me behind her.

“Caroline, Caroline stop screaming, listen to me.” I say as calmly as I can. Gaze darting from him to me over and over she quiets, just watching me now and breathing hard. “That’s excellent, try to take deeper breaths and calm down, I’m going to sit down now and then I’d like to tell you a few things. After that you’ll decide what happens next but I’m not going to move from my spot until you say, so calm down darling.” I mime deep breathing as I slowly sit down. Smart girl watches me with sharp eyes but does as I say. Waiting until her heart is beating more regularly I begin.

“My name is Kol, I’m a protector of the Bennett Coven well when they let me. Those Bennett witches are stubborn as I’m sure you know. A couple hundred years ago I was asked to step away for a while and I did. I heard rumors recently that Abby, Bonnie's mom, lost her magic and ran away. So I came here a few days ago to find out what happened. Are you with me so far?” She nods quickly and seems to slump a little in relaxation.

“Good, now I don’t want to lie to you, I’m a vampire. But I have never and would never treat anyone the way that Damon is treating you. Do you know about vervain?” I ask gently though I can hear her heart spiked at my confession of vampirism.

“Yes, it’s a plant or flower that can burn vampires and protect against compulsion. Which is the mind control, he told me I’m not allowed to ingest any. He said Elena’s going to give me a necklace soon with some and I should always wear it unless he tells me to take it off and then I should do that immediately.” She starts quietly and then becomes louder and angrier, but I can see her sadness too.

“Yes, very good, now I’m a special vampire since I was one of the first, made by magic. Because of this I can compel other vampires, when I got here I compelled Stefan to tell me everything about the Bennetts. Along the way I learned about you and what Damon had been doing more openly before. Knowing that he might come back to you I compelled Stefan to pass along vervain and items to go with to Elena for you and others close to her. I’m so sorry that he found out and also got to you before the protection could. I’ve been checking in on you but I didn’t have an invitation so when I heard you and him tonight I had to wait until you both came outside. Does that all make sense?” I pause and check that she’s still with me.

“Yes, thank you for trying and noticing something was wrong. He never stopped, he just made me hide better and started biting in places I could cover better. Can you compel him to stop now?” She asks and I smile.

“Yes, once he recovers from the neck snap I’m going to compel him to never drink or have sex with someone if they are afraid or say no. I’m also going to make him think he’s bored with you for now until I can set up a proper punishment for him. He will pay for what he’s been putting you through, I promise Caroline.” I tell her solemnly.

“I think I’d like that. How can I get back control and everything he’s made me forget?” She asks with a bit of spark in her eyes.

“There’s three ways, one you can become a vampire yourself and then all the compulsion would be revealed. Two, Sheila might be able to do a spell, but I’ll warn you it rips away the compulsion and it hurts. Or three, as an Original vampire I can override his compulsion, if you want that one I’d say something like ‘All previous compulsion will fail immediately and you can never be compelled again by anyone.’ This would strip everything prior and prevent future compulsion though I would still suggest taking a bit of vervain. If you embraced the compulsion as I did it the only way it would break is if you became a vampire. Wanting the compulsion makes it stick and sink deeper than if you're fighting it.” I explain. “Whichever you’d like to do I’ll support you and help. But for now I’d like to escort you home and get you healed. Damon is about to wake up, may I move to compel him?”

“Yes, I’ll think about it and you can move.” She says while standing herself and stepping away. Just then his neck snaps back into place and he gasps awake.

Grabbing him by the neck I get him to look at me, driving the compulsion as deep as I can I tell him. “You will never again feed from or have sex with someone who is afraid of you. You will never compel a female to not be afraid of you. If you are ever told no you will immediately stop whatever it is you’re doing and you will not try again. You will never set even a toe inside Caroline Forbes house again. You are bored of your games with Caroline Forbes and will not seek her out. If Caroline or myself ever ask you ‘what do monsters deserve?’ you will break one of your bones. You will forget everything since coming over to Caroline Forbes tonight as soon as you step through your front door. You will now go home entering through the front door as fast as you possibly can. You will not fight the compulsion I’ve just installed.” Giving a final push of my will with the last sentence I release him and step away. Within a second he is gone and I turn to look at Caroline.

“That was amazing!” She puffs out.

“I’d save the monster question for emergencies maybe after saying no.” I tease and she lets out a little giggle.

“Ok darling, now I’d like to heal you using a bit of my blood, you’ll have to be careful not to die in the next 24 hours. Then I’ll pick you up and bring you home if you’re comfortable with me holding you?” I explain. She looks at me with big blue eyes as if seeing my soul and then nods slowly. I bite into my wrist and hold it out for her.

Tentatively she steps forward and slurps down the blood, feeling my bite close I step away. “Ok now let’s check your oldest wound to make sure you got enough.” She nods and tilts her head back pointing to her neck while moving her hair, there I can see scars from what must have been his first bite months ago. “You need more, to make all the scars heal.” I bite again and step closer holding my arm out again. It takes 4 more rounds after that and 6 total before I can see the scars getting lighter and smaller. Knowing that she needed that much blood to heal makes me hate the man all the more.

“Ok, when you wake up all the physical scars will be gone. If you’re ready I’m going to step closer and scoop you up like a bride. I’ll need you to tuck your neck over my shoulder and then I’ll speed you home. Just nod when you’re ready.” I give as much detail as I can, so she is prepared and won’t be scared. Or as scared.

It’s a few minutes before she nods and stiffens at the same moment. Following just as I said she’s home and I’m setting her down on the porch, stepping away again. “You ok?” I ask and she nods. “Alright then I’m going to go get you some vervain, just put a couple drops in your morning beverage. If you open your window I can set it on the ledge. You know I can’t come in without being invited and Damon can’t come in anymore so it’s just you and your mom or I guess anyone with a key.” I trail off at her laugh.

“Thank you Kol. I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you.” She says heartfeltly.

“First you don’t have to ever repay me for help in this matter. Second, if you could not tell your friend about me yet, that would be great. I’d like to approach Sheila first, when she’ll be home for more than a couple hours. In exchange I’ll answer any questions that you’ll surely have by tomorrow.” I wink and run back to my room. Dropping the vervain along with my number on the open window seal I knock just to let her know I’ve come and then go to the Bennett house Bonnie’s been staying at Shelia’s all week just running home before or after school for clothes.

I get a text in the morning from Caroline asking if I’d be willing to hang out after school. I text her back yes and to let me know when and where. Later I get a text from her saying Elena gave her a necklace that smells of vervain. I tell her I know that. I usually follow Bonnie and Elena to school because that’s when they catch each other up on supernatural stuff and it’s keeping me up to date on what’s happening. She texts back 😂😩🤯😳. To which I send a question mark and she says later.

Later she texts saying she needs to drive to Richmond and so is skipping her last class and if I can I should sneak into her car. Laughing at her dramatic idea I watch at the school and when no one’s looking climb in the passenger seat and lay it back so I can’t be seen easily. She comes over a few minutes later and laughs when she opens the door to see me. She tells me about the drama at school and how Bonnie asked to get ready together for the dance tonight so she figured we could hang out earlier.

She stops for gas and asks if I know how to drive, at my nod she tosses me the keys and pulls out a notepad littered with questions. Laughing I follow her GPS while she peppers me to learn everything.

First it’s clarification on how vamps are made and their strengths and weaknesses. Then it’s how originals are different from regular vamps. Then she asks about witches and their origin. How they get magic, how it can be used. Then she asks about what else is out there and I tell her about wolves. She asks if there’s any in town and I tell her about the Lockwoods. Then she asks how many Original vampires there are and how they were made. I glance over at her and she shrinks for a second before telling me I don’t have to answer, she just wants to know how everything works. More information means she can be prepared. Nodding at her explanation I tell her the story of my family, everything I can remember from being a child right up until we began to run. Caroline has this pull about her that makes me feel comfortable, no it’s more like safety. I haven’t felt safe since I was human and even then, with father it was rare. There’s more to her than I can sense. It's very odd but every time I give in, my magic warms and I know I can trust that. I pull into our destination just as I finish and look over to see her gnawing her lip.

“I know that’s a lot… you ok?” I ask, startling her from her thoughts.

“It doesn’t make sense…” she pauses looking from her notes to me. Shifting, she turns her notebook so I can see. “Ok look your parents married here but they didn’t have Freya till almost 6 years later, and then out you all pop one after another practically. And the whole story about Freya falling sick suddenly with a witch as a mother? Look how far she went to keep you all close, I mean really you should all have been married and had kids of your own by the time Henrik died. Have you ever heard the tale of Rumplestilskin?” I nod wearily and feel my magic beginning to tingle. “I think your mom couldn’t have kids, she did something and then was super fertile, then her first born child is just gone with a sketchy story, then she pressures the family to move to another continent, then she keeps all her children close and doesn’t let them know very much magic and doesn’t let them find romantic partners. And she has a history of lying, she had an affair, hid the affair by making Niklaus weak with the necklace, then when it was revealed she punished him. I mean honestly I think he killed her not Mikael. I probably would’ve after the whole curse and with the heightened emotions that you told me vamps have. Then he was scared he’d be abandoned by all his siblings so he lied and said Mikael did it. It’s probably why Mikael is still chasing him, Niklaus either stole his revenge or killed the woman he still couldn’t help but love.” She stops and looks up at me, but I can’t help but think back to everything and wonder if she’s right. It would make so much more sense and my magic is responding as if it’s an unveiled truth.

“I need you to be very quiet, I’m going to call Elijah.” At her nod I flip open the phone and dial his number, it picks up after the first ring.

“Kol is everything ok?” He worries.

“I have a question and I need you to tell me the truth. Did Nik kill Esther?” I ask but I’m not sure what I want his answer to be.

“He did, he has her preserved body in a separate and Bennett spelled coffin.” He sighs. “How did you find out?”

“I was thinking over our history and there’s a few things that didn’t make sense. This is one I thought you might know. When did you find out?”

“He confided in Aurora and you know how she argues, I accidentally compelled her and she spilled the secret. I was furious and so made her break his heart and then we left.” He’s uncomfortable with his actions I can tell just by his tone..

“Don’t tell him I know, if you get a hold of him try and convince him to wake Finn. There’s something more she hid and only he’ll know. I’ve got to go.” I hang up and look over to Caroline. “200 or so years after becoming a vampire I woke from a daggering and could feel magic again. My own sits inside me and I can’t use it but it still reacts to other magic and personal things like hearing a truth spoken for the first time. I think you're right about Freya. Thank you for seeing into the heart of this. It’s actually a bit uncanny, are you sure you don’t have witch ancestry?” I question.

“None that I know of, but that doesn’t really mean much since I doubt either my mom or dad would be proud of it. Research project for us to bond as friends?” She rushes the last bit and I can hear her heart thumping harder.

“Absolutely, darling. I just didn’t want to overwhelm you too soon.” We both smile and then she leads me inside telling me how she called the store to see if they had a verbena plant or seeds and they had one plant and agreed to hold it till the end of the day. Laughing, I help her grab all the things she needs for that, plus a few other plants that are helpful for witch remedies and spells. We also get wolvesbane seeds just in case.

On the way back she tells me all about her life, including her insecurities and anger regarding her friends and mom. When she’s done I can tell she’s in need of a subject change, kinda. “You know she can’t help it right?” I start with.

“Who can’t help it?” She asks, confused.

“Elena. You remember I told you about Tatia? 500 years later there was a girl named Katerina Petrova, spitting image of Tatia and Klaus collected her and was going to break his curse. But she found out she’d have to temporarily die and ran. She ended up turning herself into a vampire. I’m pretty sure she’s the one who turned Stefan and Damon, just changed her name to Katherine by that time. Anyways, doppelgängers like Tatia, Katerina and Elena, they aren’t completely human. Their blood is special and it draws supernaturals in but it also has a bit of a mesmerizing effect especially on men for some reason. Probably something to do with whoever the original was.” I finish and look over at her since she’s driving again.

“That’s insane and even if it’s not her fault for being that way, it is her fault that she’s so self invested and I’m probably always going to hate her just a little along with my abundant love. You're going to help me keep her alive through the curse breaking right?” She says it like both a question and a demand which makes me chuckle.

“Yep, already working on it. Though I should probably find the moonstone too, it's one of the ingredients.” I throw in wondering if Katerina could have left it somewhere here.

“What’s it look like?”

“You know the stone or scale in Dragon Tales? It pretty much looks like that, maybe more white than iridescent.” I grin at the comparison, Nik was pissed when I’d told him I found the stone and then he came in to see that.

She turns away from her house but is still laughing. “Why were you watching Dragon Tales?”

“Best way to act my age and get by unnoticed is to understand all the references of having grown up in that time. I’ve watched all the popular kids shows from 1990 to 2005, then I watched the teen shows from 2000 to now. Plus I read all the mandatory school reading lists through the high school education system along with the top 5 popular individual and series books from 1990 to now. And I listened to the weekly top 20 for the last 10 years.” I rattle off.

“Gawd, how long did that take?”

“The popular music took 11 and half days, then I spent another 4 and a half listening to random stuff from the past 100 years prior. So over two weeks for music, almost 2 months for reading and then about 5 months worth for the tv shows. Between all that I spent time with Nik and learned how technology works and social structures and other everyday stuff. I was getting the hang of gaming and going to dive into movies next but then I found out Nik fought Elijah a few decades ago and told him he threw me, Bekah and Finn in the ocean. Lijah was still believing it until a few days ago.” I explain more.

“He needs therapy. You all do.” She says shaking her head. “Did you listen to Taylor Swift?” She pivots the conversation and I nod. “The first album or both?”

“The first. Is her second any good?”

“Yes! She’s a genius! You know she writes almost all the songs by herself?” Then she hits a few buttons and music starts. “This is Fearless, her second album. I read she’s already working on her third. If that's true we’ll have a new one next year.”

The rest of the drive is filled with catchy lyrics and melodies that I can’t deny are good even if I can’t relate to it personally. Though Forever and Always which could be about any of my siblings and You’re Not Sorry which is totally about Nik but without all the baby’s. But The Way I Loved You is just a bop which Caroline laughs at before replaying the song and making me sing along with her. Which is much better than when she teared up during White Horse and said it makes her think of her parents and friends.

We pull up to her house, which of course her mother isn’t home and she walks me around asking where she should put her little garden. Once we decide on a spot she asks me to grab the pavers while she digs up the grass. We have the pavers set in and the new soil down when her alarm dings. Taking our gloves off and shuffling the plants out of the way from the door to the stairs she grabs us both lemonade from inside.

She’s antsy and clearly wants to say something so I look over at her raising my brows. Rolling her eyes she stutters out, “I want you to do the compulsion you offered but I want Grams there. I trust you but I need the extra assurance of a witness.” She rushes out the last part reaching out to touch my arm. She’s so sincere and sweet, so thoughtful of how I might feel even in the face of everything. My rage towards the Salvatore’s and her friends and mother grows the more I’ve learned about her.

“We can do that then, wanting or needing reassurance after everything that’s happened is more than expected darling. I will never be offended by what you need to feel safe.” I tell her earnestly and she nods smiling back even as her eyes are a little teary.

Minutes later her phone rings, answering it I listen to Bonnie tell her she’s on the way but running a little late. Caroline tells her it’s fine and that she’ll see her when she gets here. Hanging up she turns to me, “I have cleanup duty tomorrow from 9 to 10:30 but maybe we could get lunch and then go to Grams? Even if she stays at Whitmore tonight she’s usually home by noon on Saturdays.”

“Of course darling, excellent plan.” I stand and pull her to her feet. Before I can blink she throws her arms around me and hugs me tight. I have just enough time to give her a little squeeze and pat on the back in reciprocation before she’s pulling away and going inside. Knowing that they won’t be talking about anything supernatural I go over to the Gilbert’s. I’m just in time to hear about Elena’s adoption, so I send a text to Anna about looking into this Isobel Peterson. Listening for a little longer I decide to check in on my white oak.

Termites can work fast on older wood. The sign has visible damage on the back and there’s a few spots on the front that aren’t looking good either. Hearing a car coming I run quickly to one side of the bridge and walk, once the car goes over it I make a face in case the drivers’ watching and then hurry to run after and yell to get their attention. Quickly explaining that I heard a cracking sound as they went over the bridge I explain how I’m visiting and don’t know who I should report that to. The woman tells me to get in and drives up the road a while before pulling into a long driveway. She explains how this is the mayor's house and his wife Carol is a friend.

She rings the bell and then a housekeeper invites us both in as Sabrina Fell explains the need to see either Carol or the Mayor immediately. We are left in a sitting room where I make sure to act a bit nervous. Soon a woman dressed to the nines glides in and with a quick glance to me focuses on Sabrina who explains how I was walking and then flagged her down after she passed over the bridge. She recounts my story about the cracking and how she insisted I get in and that they came straight here to report it. Now I can feel her gaze on me and I look up at her making sure I visibly wince before going stone faced.

I recount the same events confidently and make sure to cite my worries for town safety. When asked what I’m doing in town I wince again before looking away. Visibly gathering myself I begin with, “Apologies for my reluctance, I’ve been told by several people that I should avoid explaining my purpose for being here to any of the Founding Families as you’d be likely to be hostile or offensive. But you both have been so lovely I can no longer think those people were being anything but mean spirited. I graduated early, before I go off to college I decided to use this year to travel, my oldest two brothers are something of hobby historians though their interests vary. Anyways they’ve traced our family history back about 12 hundred years. In the late tenth century our line traveled over from what is now Norway to here in Mystic Falls, Virginia. They settled here for a while before something or another forced them to move on. Eventually they moved back over to Europe never seeming to stay more than a generation here or there. Though we do have about 150 years in New Orleans during the 17 and 18 hundreds. Sorry, so I decided to travel along to see the places my ancestors had lived. I’ve just come from various parts of Iceland and Norway, honest to god Vikings if you can believe it. I’ve only been here a few days but I’ve already found a few entrances to the tunnels below town. According to my family’s history we took shelter in a set under the current forest. I’m planning on doing a supply run before I explore further inside.” I finish up beaming at the two women.

Now that I’ve called them out and proceeded to praise their open mindedness they have no choice but to act like they are. I can see Carol is looking at me anew and noticing the brand name clothes and the Blancpain 1735 watch making her eyes dilate a bit before her mask falls back into place.

“Of all the hurtful things.” Sabrina starts before getting a look from Carol.

“Well that is fascinating, as the president of the Historical Society you must share whatever it is you find with me. Of course both myself and the town appreciates your attention and the catching of a possible issue with the Wickery Bridge. I’ll have a contractor go out there first thing in the morning, would you like to have tea soon so I can let you know what was found?” She asks politely.

“Tea would be lovely. Would Monday the 23rd be too soon?” I ask.

“That should be perfect. Take my number and just send me a message so I’ll have yours.” She announces handing me a card while standing up.

She ushers us out the door as quickly and politely as I anticipated. Left with just Sabrina we walk back to her car, she tells me she’ll drive me into town and insists when I demure. Telling her where I’ve been staying she leaves me just outside saying she hopes to see me again before driving off. Going inside I use the computer to find out where to get the equipment I said I needed before. Making a list and deciding to later ask Caroline if she’d advise anything else I set it aside. I’ve drifted off when I get a text from Caroline reading ‘Friends are acting weird and just left in a hurry.’

Zipping over to the school I hear them questioning the Noah guy. He must be dumb as a rock because he confesses to delivering pizza that he didn’t. And since they think he’s been invited in they kill him. I hear a noise from the other door and run around only to find Damon compelling a teacher. He walks away but I stay and watch because his heart is still hammering hard. Looking down he’s holding a vervain sprig, I just know this is going to be a headache as I follow after him.

He’s alone in his office calming himself down when I step in. Seeing he’s put the vervain on his desk I move between him and it. Listening and watching closely I compel him to tell me his name and business in town. Out comes his story about seeing a monster kill his wife and how some of her research was about this town and so he came here and met Damon. Finding out his wife’s name was Isobel sets off a lot of alarms. Compelling him to forget about meeting me and the last 5 minutes then I go just outside the door watching to make sure he’s good before going back to my room.

I send Caroline an ‘All good, tell you tomorrow’ text. And then send Elijah his and Finn’s cover story if he does track me down. I get ready and get into bed since tomorrow is going to be a very long day.

Waking up still hours before I’m meeting Caroline I decide to check in on the baby Bennett and Elena. Unsurprisingly baby Bennett is still asleep and Elena has both Salvatore’s over. Hearing them talk about the journal and trying to find Emily’s grimoire makes me glad I’m a step ahead. Hearing their plan I forewarn Anna that she’s probably going to get made by the Salvatore’s today and smile that they won’t find anything. Deciding to misplace the journal from Alaric's desk to somewhere else just to make them search, I head to the school. Moving it to a seat in the teachers lounge with a few other books on it I listen to Caroline direct her helpers.

She’s got an iron fist over them. I don't know who would be more impressed Lijah, Nik or Bekah. Bekah would probably be more jealous than impressed I decide. Seeing it’s just past 10 I decide to see if I can get her go with me early.

“Darling! I know you said 10:30 but I’m out of things to do.” I call to her as I walk in.

Laughing she strides over giving me a quick hug before looking around. Gauging she can leave one of the other girls in charge of the last bit she tells me to wait a minute before making a girl named Alyssa take her clip board and giving her instructions to follow them to the letter. Offering that if everything is done to her standards that she’ll be allowed to call in a minor favor that expires at the end of the school year. Nodding eagerly Alyssa’s eyes sharpen and she enthusiastically takes over. Eyes darting from the list to the room as Caroline grabs her things and walks back over.

“That was masterfully handled, and clearly a good choice of standin.” I tell her offering my arm. She loops hers though and we walk out to her car as I tell her about my cover story with Carol and the list I made of things to buy. She adds utility flags and a second set of a few of the supplies. Seems I’ll have a partner.

She drives us to a local hardware store but it seems to have a small section in the back for camping and climbing which has most of the things we need. Looking at me as I try to decide between backpacks she asks, “How often do you need to feed on blood?” Glancing around I whisper back, “Every few days. Fresh is better, makes me stronger and I can go longer without, then bagged is ok but it has a taste from being stored in the plastic, animal in a pinch but the gifts of heightened senses, strength and compulsion are limited. I’ll need to feed either tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest.” She nods looking off towards the front of the store.

Sucking in a breath, “Reggie the owner puts the girlier items on the top shelves so that we have to tiptoe or get the stool, then he conveniently walks by with his phone. I’ve already warned all the girls last year not to wear skirts in here after I noticed. Mom also made him delete his stash of pictures but because he donates big to the Lockwood campaign she wasn’t allowed to do more than warn him.” She wavers here and there but looks at me determinedly.

“Call him over then darling. There’s no one here but us and I’ll show you how good vampires feed.” She nods and calls out for help. As this Reggie comes over I can see him looking Caroline up and down before putting on his customer service mask.

“How can I help you?” He asks.

Looking to see if he’s on vervain I test compel him, “Tell me you have a lime green backpack in here.” When he repeats something so obviously false I step closer and continue. “You will not be afraid, you will not move, you will not make noise other than breathing.” Then I turn to see Caroline watching critically close. “The first was a vervain test when he just repeated it, I knew he was safe. The second stops him from running or attracting attention in case someone else comes close. Now I’ll make sure he doesn’t feel pain and I’ll feed until his heart slows, when I hear that it means I’ve taken about a pint which is just a bit more than the bags hold.” At her nod I turn back to him while also grabbing my pocket knife. “You won’t feel any pain when I cut your arm.” I tell him and then do so, right over his shirt and everything. I immediately nestle my teeth in the wound and begin to drink. Once he’s done I pull back, putting my knife away I compel him a final time. “When I’m done speaking you will take a long blink and only remember walking over here, you’ll notice the cut and recall scraping it on something on the way over. If you have any hidden recording devices here you will delete today’s memory once we’ve left, forget you did so and then think it was just a glitch.” I step back with Caroline.

We both watch as everything I said happens, we tell him to get bandaged up and we’ll meet him to ring out when he’s done. Caroline looks at the droplets in the ground before looking up at me with a smile. “That was great, you got what you needed and he’s not really hurt other than a scratch that will heal. But why didn’t you just bite him?”

“Two semi spaced puncture wounds in a town with knowledge of vampires in the past. Nope better to be careful and make a wound that looks more accidental. Plus I told you about the council, remember?”

“Oh yeah, Damon got a spot on that by killing Stefan’s vampire friend Lexi, on his birthday.”

“Every new thing I hear about him makes me hate the man more.” I mutter to her as Reggie comes over. We check out and then after dropping the bags in the car walk over to a craft store. We quickly get the rest of our things and get back to the car where she drives us over to the grill. We have a nice lunch where I answer more of her questions and she answers my few and then her phone beeps. Alerted now that it’s noon I pay and we drive silently over to Sheila’s house. Her car is in the driveway and so we get out. Standing there I tell her, “We don’t have to do this today. It can wait, the offer doesn’t expire.” Shaking her head but throwing me a smile she strides forward and rings the bell.

“Caroline, dear Bonnie’s not here today.” Shelia says before seeing me and her eyes go suspicious.

“I know Grams, and I’m sorry to intrude but I need your help with something me and my new friend Kol are doing. You’re the only one I could think of to trust.” She says beseechingly.

Cutting in I add, “Matriarcha praeteriti mei et futuri. Lusiurandum meum firmum manet si me cupias.”

She gasps before looking around then swinging back to lock eyes with me. “Come in. You are always welcome among the Bennett coven.”

We both walk in and I notice Caroline setting down a big bag I didn’t see she had before. Putting it aside for now I guide her to the sofa and sit next to her. Rubbing small circles on her shoulder as we wait for Sheila to join us.

“Apologies, it seems all of my teas have vervain so I’ve grabbed the scotch instead.” She smiles, pouring us all a teacup amount with only a slight pause at Caroline’s cup. Looking at me she sits back waiting to find out what’s going on.

“While I would like to resume my privilege and duty, if you need time to decide that is more than fine. Though I’d like to point out you know what Elena is and he will come for her. I can only intercede if we reach an accord before that.” Giving her a moment to process I glance at Caroline asking if she'd like to tell her or if I should continue. Giving me a strained smile she takes a deep breath.

Before she can speak, Sheila answers. “I do not need time. I rejoice at your return Cordis nostri Filius.” She holds out her hands palm up and I place mine in hers. She reaffirms our connection and there’s a few sparks. We both step back and sit again.

There’s a moment of silence before Caroline begins. “I— no. Damon has been abusing me and feeding from me since the Comet. Kol had gotten Stefan and Elena to provide me with a vervain necklace just the other day but before that he’s been looking out for me. During his check a few nights ago, Damon was… he was…” she stutters to a stop, tears collecting in her eyes.

In this moment the screen door opens and we all turn and look. Bonnie comes in already calling for Sheila before saying, “You won’t believe what Elena and Stefan are doing today. We need to stop them but their working with Damon and I can’t take him on alo— ne. Care?! What’s going on, did we have plans?” She finally closes the door and sees us pausing midword.

I glance over at Caroline to see her jaw and hands clenched, glaring at Bonnie with a few tears coming down. “No. I didn’t think you’d be here, that’s why I wanted to come today.” She grits out before looking away. I look over to see Sheila looking a bit shocked and confused between the girls before her eyes widen and she stands. “Bonnie dear, now isn’t a good time. Whatever’s going on can wait as I’m in the middle of something important. Why don’t you grab a grimoire and take it home to read and practice. Tomorrow we can have breakfast and you can tell me what happened.”

I can already tell from the girl's face as she listens to Sheila but won’t look away from Caroline’s turned away head that she’s not going to do any of that. “Absolutely not. If something’s wrong I should know about it.” She crosses her arms and furrows her brow.

Feeling a tug on my arm I turn and see Caroline standing and pulling me with her. Eyes no longer teary but fierce and full of anger. “Then we’ll be going. Grams if you could call me when I could have a bit of your time alone?” She asks, avoiding her friend's gaze.

“Caroline, I can, of course but from what you’ve started to say I don’t think this should wait dear.” She says softly, stepping forward to her.

“Yes well, I don’t trust anyone but you and Kol in regards to that. Since she won’t leave, it’ll have to wait.” She tells her stoically.

“You don’t trust me!?!” Bonnie interrupts screeching.

“No. Not with this.” Caroline says looking her directly in the eyes. Whatever Bonnie sees there makes her take a step back and put a hand to her chest, her own eyes getting glassy.

“Girls, what about a compromise? Bonnie will sit over here and I will place a silencing and sticking spell on her. You Caroline will sit here and tell me your story, you won’t have to see her and she won’t be able to interrupt.” Sheila offers looking sternly at Bonnie before she waits for Caroline’s approval. I look at Caroline too as she gnaws on her lip before reaching over and squeezing my hand, eyes worried.

“She needs to take a blood vow not to share Caroline’s business.” I turn and look at Sheila communicating the need.

“Then she will do so, right child?” She looks at Bonnie who nods, we both slice our palms. “Blood vow first then, Bonnie take Kol's hands and repeat after me.” She does so almost recoiling at our touch but I hold on firm. “With this vow on my life and magic, I Bonnie Bennett swear not to share anything I have been told or found out, from 12:34pm till 11:59pm of this day, without the verbal permission of Caroline Marie who stands as witness to this magic.”

With small pauses between she follows along, done with her side I respond. “I, Kol Mikaelson, accept this vow as a bond holding your life and magic to be true.” The magic swells before sinking into both of us. I let go and move back to Caroline, guiding her to the switch in seating.

Sheila shuffles Bonnie over and performs the quick sticking and silencing spells before retaking her own seat. “Ok, Caroline. Finish your drink and let’s start from the beginning on the night of the Comet.”

Caroline quaffs the scotch making a face before with a shuddering breath and a quick glance towards me she starts. “I had seen him around before but on the night of the Comet after everyone else had gone home he came over and spoke to me. He flirted and I did too and then it’s a little fuzzy after but I remember we went to my car and he drove me home. I let him inside and mom wasn’t home but we went up to my room anyway. Once we were there we started kissing and he was undressing me. I was down to my underwear when he threw me on the bed and started crawling up kissing me here or there. I think I tried to push him away but he was kissing my ribs when his face changed. His eyes got dark and red and he had veins all around them, he had fangs and I screamed but he was holding me down and lunged. He bit my shoulder or neck I guess and I remember trying to fight and growing weaker.”

Taking a breath she looked down picking at her fingers. “I woke up later just as the sun was coming up I think since it was lighter but still dark. I tried to be quiet and get out the door but the board squeaked and when I looked back he wasn’t on the bed anymore. I turned around and he was there blocking the door. I scrambled back, throwing my lamp at him which he dodged and then a pillow as I vaulted over the bed. The pillow had my blood on it and he held it up to his face and sniffed. His eyes did the thing again and then he said something but my heart was hammering so loud I don’t know what. Then he was in front of me and he threw me on the bed again. I screamed and kicked but he grabbed my face and told me to stop fighting and be quiet. He ripped my underwear off and touched me for a minute. Then he grabbed my face again and told me that I thought he was the most attractive man and that just seeing his face made me wet.”

Fully crying but holding in her sobs so she can still speak clearly, Sheila passes over the tissues. She grabs a couple blowing her nose before going on. “He raped me. He started and stopped a lot, and moved me around, touching me. I think it was a few hours, the sun was bright when he released me from the first compulsion. I screamed and punched and kicked and tried so hard to get away but he just dodged for a while then held me down and started again. During one of the pauses he grabbed my phone seeing my missed texts from the cheer team wondering if we had practice today. He asked me when cheer practice started and I told him 15 minutes earlier than the usual time hoping it would get him to stop sooner but he told me I was lying and that naughty liars need to be punished. He turned me over and spanked me hard for a while and then bit my shoulder when I stopped fighting.” Afterward he told me to shower and get ready but to make sure to cover the bites. When I was done he grabbed my face and told me not to tell anyone what happened in my room. He also said I was supposed to act happy and be a little bit mean to Elena and bitchy to everyone else. Then he walked me outside and put me in his car. We went to practice and I did exactly what he said.”

“Here darling, drink this.” I tell her passing over a water bottle I spied in her bag next to me. She takes a few sips and continues. “From then until the Founders Party, 17 days later, it was mostly the same. If my mom was home he’d compel me quiet, if she wasn’t he’d threaten me into fighting back, he’d say if I didn’t he’d go after Bonnie or Elena. He kept telling me to be meaner to Elena or to say certain things or act like a brat. I asked questions when he was in a better mood, learned he was a vampire and that his ring let him go in the sun, that a stake would work but holy water and crosses didn’t. I remember asking once if he was going to kill me and he said yes but not yet. After the party I remember seeing flashes of him but it was all so fuzzy and such small pieces I couldn’t put any of it together. I also vaguely remember him saying he was over me and then pain and then Stefan’s eyes being all I could see. He told me later that Stefan used me to weaken him and then tried to compel the memories away. But that he was weak and so couldn’t really do anything to stop him. He compelled me to ignore Stefan’s compulsion from that night and that I would never accept another already poured or open drink or jewelry from anyone but him. Of course he was gloating and raping me again during the whole thing. Said we were celebrating the fact that he’d fed from me so much that he could lure me into letting him out and how he could never let his Barbie go now, no matter what Stefan said.”

Taking another few sips she breathes deeply and forges forward. “He was more careful after that of where and when he would bite me and rape me. He also started wanting to play games. He would tie me up and whisper to me, if I called the wrong direction he’d use his belt to whip my back. Once I got 8 right, his favorite number by the way, he’d rape me and let me sleep. He also had me blindfold him and made me listen to noises and imitate them while he raped me. If I got one wrong he’d punch my stomach and we’d start over again. There’s more but his favorite is the chase during nights mom wasn’t home which of course is a lot. He’d dress me up, if I did something bad that day I wasn’t allowed shoes, if I was good I was allowed sneakers. The first few times he played around and had me wear heels or flip flops. Anyways he’d give me until 10 seconds after he couldn’t hear me anymore to run, then he’d chase me down and rip off my clothes and rape me a final time for the night. Early on I came across this small spot of grass. I'd usually run there since at least the grass is softer than the twigs and things of the forest. He didn’t seem to notice how often we ended up there or maybe he didn’t care or agreed it was a better spot than the random forest since it’s hard for me to cover up scrapes and bruises.”

She looks over at me taking my hand with a smile before turning back to Shelia. “That’s what my life has been like at night from the Founders Party til a few nights ago, along with continuing compulsion to help him get information or invites or items of course. Not to mention the night he made me throw a party so he could kill Stefan’s vampire friend Lexi and then told me I was stupid and shallow and useless for not getting the necklace back from Bonnie even though he’s the one who told me to give it to her in the first place. Anyway, the other night during the chase game I get to the clearing and he’s right there blocking me when Kol snaps his neck. He helped me calm down, gave me enough blood to heal all my injuries and then compelled Damon to want to leave me alone. He took me home and gave me vervain and then yesterday we went and got my own verbena plant along with other helpful ones and we’re going to make a little garden. During the trip I told him about my life and he told me the beginning of his and then a lot of the last year or so. But that night he said there’s only 3 ways to break whatever compulsion Damon had done. First he could turn me, in transition the compulsion would fall away. Second, a witch could rip it out but it would be excruciating. Third he could override the compulsion with his own and then make it so I couldn’t be compelled as a human ever again. I’ve decided to take him up on the third option but I wanted a witness of both protection and insurance. You know about vampires and are a witch, you also are the only one who didn’t know about Damon. Everyone else that knows about both, didn’t care enough to notice the changes or question anything. So Grams, will you help me?”

“Of course, child, of course. Do you want to do this now?” At her nod all three of us stand.

“Ok first I’m going to release all the compulsion that’s been done to you. It might take a minute or so to settle and refill the gaps. After that I will compel you uncompellable and then we will make a blood vow of protection. This will prevent me from being daggered by my siblings for at least your lifetime, since being daggered negates the compulsion. Remember if you accept the compulsion it will stick far easier. Ok?” I make sure she’s ready and then step close, holding eye contact to begin the first part. “Every compulsion that has ever been installed before this moment is void. They will all fade away to nothing in the next 33 seconds though you will retain all the memories of the compulsion and anything related to them.”

Stepping away to give her space she goes almost ridged, though her rapid breathing gets faster and faster. Over 6 minutes later she wails so suddenly loud and high that I can’t help but cringe at the pure anguish. She devolves into sobs hunching over and hurling our lunch, gasping for breath. Sheila spells away the sick and she moves to hold her. Caroline collapses into her arms bringing them both to the floor. I can see her clutching Sheila’s arm like a lifeline and her pain brings tears to my eyes. Needing to look away I catch sight of Bonnie sitting hunched over a pot herself. Crying and holding onto the pot but not taking her eyes off of Caroline. There’s a discarded plant on the ground next to her that I notice but my eyes are drawn back to Caroline who’s lament hasn’t changed.

Crouching down I call to her, telling her that whatever she’s seen will never happen again. That just as soon as she’s ready I’ll protect her from ever being forced to say or do anything she doesn’t want to. Slowly, so achingly slowly she begins to breathe more and sob less. Her heart begins to slow and her breathing evens out. And finally she looks up at me. “I was experimented on as a child and compelled to forget it by my dad and Mr. Gilbert. Once they learned all they could they had me compelled a final time and then two months later my dad divorced mom and left. He’s not my biological father, he never was and he only pretended for so long to use me.” My heart feels like it stops.

Closing my eyes so that I can control my rage I match our breathing. “Darling, we will address whatever justice you’d like, whenever you’re ready to have it.” She nods and seems to try and smile but it’s more of a grimace. I grab the water and she swishes before spitting it into her empty teacup. Then guzzles the rest of the bottle. I can see her visibly collecting herself before she stands. Locking her knees and straightening her spine she tilts her chin up and nods that she’s ready. Stepping forward I remind her to embrace it and then begin. “You will never again be capable of being compelled until you die. No creature on this planet can have access to your mind without your heartfelt approval of the idea until you die. No being will ever be allowed to override this compulsion backed by both my will and your own.” Stepping back I give her a moment, glancing at Sheila and seeing her weary but hopeful eyes locked on Caroline.

Caroline blinks her eyes open and looks at me. “Now test it. I need to be sure.”

Nodding I step forward and try with everything I have. “You will step forward and hug me.” She shakes her head and says, “No.” Smiling like this is the best thing ever. I can't help but smile back. “Let’s do the blood vow now.” I slice my hands and hers and then we clasp them together. “With this vow on both my life and magic I Kol Mikaelson swear not to allow myself to be daggered until the end of Caroline Marie’s, who stands before me, human life. I swear to do my best to protect her from supernatural harm and to watch over and protect her all her human days.”

“I, Caroline Marie, accept this vow as a bond holding your life and magic to be true.” She intones. This time the magic sings between us causing a glow that makes me want to blink rapidly. “So before I go and fall apart for the night, my biological fathers last name is Parker and both he and I are witches called siphons. Apparently it’s the magic you make as a witch that protects you against compulsion. It’s also why untriggered werewolves can be compelled. Sometime in the next few days when I don’t feel like bursting into tears we need to go and shut down the Augustine experiments. Subject 30456 will not allow the absolute carnage to continue.” She says the last sentence with a growl.

“The last name Parker with a connection to witches are all from the Gemini Coven in Portland Oregon. They are discriminatory against siphoners and have had who I would guess is your father trapped in a prison world since 1994. Do you know what a siphoner can do?” Sheila asks gently.

“Yes, given the 7 years of experiments plus the last 5 of unconscious absorption, I have unwavering control on both the siphoning of magic and the ability to channel it into spells.” To punctuate her statement she flicks a finger up and all the candles in the living room and kitchen light. Another flick down and their out. Then concentrating on her teacup and bringing her fingers together the gross water floats up and over to the sink, when she relaxes her fingers it splashes down into the drain.

“Very well done dear, when you're ready you let me know and we’ll do a test to see what level spells you're at. I saw you brought a bag, did you want to stay in your room here?” Sheila checks, stroking her arm.

“Yes, thank you Grams.” She leans forward and kisses her cheek before grabbing her bag and my hand and pulling me down the hall. “I can’t express how much everything you’ve done means to me. I know you took the vow but I want you to know that I’m here for you too. You are the big brother I’ve envied others for having.” With that she wraps her arms around me in a hug and not until I’ve reciprocated and relaxed into it does she pull back. With a smile she goes into her room and after hearing the beginnings of a spell to prevent noise both in and out I turn around to go back to the living room.

Getting there I find Sheila holding Bonnie as she cries and looking around I notice the plant is back in the pot I’m sure had throw up in it before. “I hope you vanished the sick, before you put the plant back.” I snark while I sit down. It startles the baby witch and she wipes her face turning to me.

Before she can ask Sheila tells her. “This is Kol Mikaelson, before he was forced into vampirism he was a witch and the adopted child of our ancestor Ayana. He can no longer use magic but he can feel his own and the magic around him. Ever since he’s been a protector of our Coven and lineage. Some 250 years or so ago the Matriarch asked him to step away from his role in the family, foolish woman. As of today I’ve welcomed him back. It will be nine generations before the bond will weaken and need renewed. Though I hope that when you become matriarch you’ll strengthen the bond just as all should.”

“I would have come before but I’ve been daggered for over 150 of those years.” I add on making Sheila smirk.

“I don’t understand. I thought you didn’t like vampires.” Bonnie says to Sheila.

“Oh honey it’s never that simple, vampires come in all shapes and sizes and can be both good and bad just like witches and wolves and non magical humans. Over a thousand years ago a witches youngest son died due to some incident with the wolves on a full moon. She turned to magic to protect her other children, using a spell she stole she twisted and changed it to get what she wanted and turned her husband and children into the first vampires. She gave them immortality, healing, strength, speed, heightened senses. But Nature requires balance and so they could no longer walk in the sun, they required invitations into people's homes, their feelings became stronger as they felt more deeply, but the worst was the blood they now needed to feed on. Kol, would you like to take it from here?” She asks.

“I suppose, we didn’t know what mother was planning, she bade us drink a laced wine and then sent us to bed. Our father stabbed us in our hearts as we slept. We awoke in blood and disoriented, where he forced us to drink from our neighbors. It was weeks before mother made us rings to go out in the day. I was a witch, practicing in secret with Ayana since both mother and father disapproved of me using my gift. When I woke without my magic I went to her and she did all manner of tests to figure out what mother had done. Eventually she said that my magic was not gone, just locked away. She said one day I would feel it again but that I wouldn’t be able to use it or practice the craft. She was right, as she always was. A few hundred years later I could feel the spark again. I immediately went to her descendants who I’d kept in contact with and we renewed the same bond that I had with Ayana before I became a vampire. And most generations do complete the renewal, but after I’d missed four in a row due to a daggering and having to track them down Sameyah refused, I checked in with her daughter and granddaughter and they too said they planned to refuse and so I told them where I was headed and left. I was daggering a few decades later for 80ish years, then I was awoken but made to stay close. I was daggered again for 90 some years when I was awoken last year. I ran a week or so ago and after hearing word of the Bennett's incoming downfall found out where to go and came. I had heard of Damon’s interest in Caroline and compelled Stefan to pass along protection to Elena to give to her but it was late. Given the opportunity once they left Caroline’s house I compelled him to no longer be interested in her.”

“Why didn’t you do that in the first place?” Bonnie asks.

“Because he was out of town when I arrived and he was very distracted by a new project. I didn’t think it would take more than a day or so for her to get protection. Especially since both Stefan and Elena had already known she was targeted by him.”

“Elena knew!?” She yells and then glancing at the hallway quiets.

“She has a duo silencing spell up. And yes, Caroline said Elena saw her bites and confronted Damon. It’s why he was going to drain her at the Founders Party. Remember?” I pointedly tell her.

“She’s never going to forgive me.” Bonnie says but looks to Sheila hoping to be told differently.

“She will, because her heart is bigger than any I’ve known. But child, this will never be forgotten, and she will not truly trust you unless you earn it. Something like this along with the revelation of her powers will have changed her in ways that you might notice soon or might take years. Remaking your friendship will be hard work, you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to do that.” She explains stroking the girls back. “Why don’t you tell me about what’s happening with Elena and the Salvatore’s?”

Bonnie goes into the whole explanation and at the end glances over at me only to see my satisfied grin. “Don’t worry baby Bennett, I’ve already dug up Emily’s grimoire. But you little witch need to put in more practice, to open the vault you need two Bennett witches and a crapton of power. Between your training wheels and Sheila being out of practice one of you is likely to die. Though a little siphon angel could probably help at least for a temporary seal break.”

“And why would we help 20 odd vengeful vamps out of a perfectly good trap?” Sheila asks, looking suspicious at my grin.

“First because according to the other vampire in town Anna, her mother, and a handful of others aren’t like that. Second because Katherine isn’t in the tomb and wouldn’t it just be a shame if we broke Damon’s little bitty heart and trapped him in there by accident.” I pout over exaggerated and Bonnie giggles.

“We should soooo do that.”

“Yes well once he discovers Anna who’s going to pretend to have the grimoire hidden away I’m sure you’ll hear all about how he wants it to happen sooner rather than later. So practice up little witch he’ll either stumble across her tomorrow or figure it out in a month or two. Now I shall leave you to it.” I finish with a slap to my knees as I stand. Giving Sheila a little bow and hand kiss, I reach over and pat Bonnie on the head before zipping away. Taking Caroline’s car back to my place and unloading the shopping I then drive it back over to the house and walk back.

Along the way Lijah calls. “Hello brother!” I chirp in answer. Skipping over to the forest and entering.

“Kol, Niklaus followed the ship. He got a helicopter to land and searched for almost 4 days before leaving. Then he followed the train and talked to every passenger, none of which had seen you definitively, that took 5. Now he’s following the plane, he just got to the second stop in Novosibirsk. The next is Lublin and then here. I’d say 2 to maybe 4 days until he’s confronted me.”

“If you could tell him I’ve been in contact but refuse to tell any detail until he undaggers Finn that should give me at least a couple more days if not a week. I can then do a phone call with you all and ask Finn my question. If he confirms what I suspect I’ll tell him that I’ll only tell him more when Bekah is awake. He’ll hold out for another day or two to be contrary but after she’s caught up and done pitching her fit I’ll send you where to go. That should mean I’ll have two or so weeks to finish preparing. The longer the better but I’ll take what I can get.” I explain my basic plan to stall Nik.

“Very well, are you sure this is nessicary?” He inquires.

“I swear on Henrik's grave that what I’m setting up is important and it will change our future lives. Please have faith in me and follow the plan at least until you get here.” I encourage and ask.

“I do have faith in you Kol, Always and Forever.”

“Always and Forever.” I respond back and then we end the call.

Seeing as I’m near the Lockwood house I get closer to listen in for news on the bridge. I get to hear untold amounts of gossip before it comes up. The inspector told her that one of the support beams is cracked. It’s non reparable but there’s redundancy’s that are holding it steady. More concerning, he said that the sign just 10 meters away is infested with termites, in a matter of 4 to 6 weeks they’ll have migrated to the bridge if they haven’t already and cause construction safety issues. He advises a full bridge and sign replacement and either a termite resistant wood or some other material. Because the bridge is over water most of the termite treatments can’t be used. The cheapest way would be to burn it all as it would destroy the infestation and dispose of the wood quickly. The fire department will want to be on standby but that’s just in case the fire gets out of control. If you load it up into a metal container and burn it in batches the fire department will send someone to check the set up but that’s pretty much it. They decide to figure out disposal another day and focus more on fundraising for the new bridge. During this they talk about how the wooden railings being damaged after the Gilbert’s crash already ruined the bridge's historical value.

Rolling my eyes at what I’m about to do I zip over to the bridge. Climbing down the bank I strip my clothes quickly stashing them before diving into the water. I quickly find several pieces of broken railing which I toss to shore. Diving down over and over I lay out the wood making sure I have all the parts that made it up. Half of one part is still missing so, in I go again. I’m swimming with the flow and even after a couple miles there's no sign of it. Backtracking to the bridge I search the other way and find the piece under the bridge but also see the whole other railing up ahead. Whoever replaced the railings just detached and let the undamaged side fall into the water. Shifting it till I can drag it across to the other pieces I heft it out onto the bank. Listening I still don’t hear anyone so I quickly break the intact railing down and bring my little pile over into the woods and out of sight. I pile it all under a tree with a thick canopy except for one little hand sized shard. That I bring over to the sign and set down against the back. Running over to get dressed again I double check that I got all the pieces from the bank and then go back over to the sign. Already there’s little guys all over the yummy damp wood. I gingerly pinch in an uncovered corner and walk it over to the closest part of the bridge wedging the piece in between two planks. I check my hands and then run back to my room for a much needed shower. The wood will dry and then I can burn it.

Collapsing in the bed after a very long day I lay there before grudgingly rolling to make sure my phones plugged in. Seeing I have a missed text from Caroline I become more alert in an instant. Slumping after I read the first two words.

‘I’m fine. The other day I got distracted by the Dragon Tales of it all. But I think the Lockwoods have the stone. Tyler showed Matt and I the hidden space under the floor in his fathers office once and it had a stone like you described in a black box. Wanted to tell you before I forgot. Pick me up at 10 tomorrow? I know I said a few days but I don’t want to wait just in case my old friend is still being held captive.’

Setting an alarm for 9 I leave my phone here and slip out. Sneaking into the Lockwoods and finding Richard’s office is easy. Trying to find a loose board without making noise, not so much. Eventually I get one and set the board gently aside. Letting out a slow exhale I grab the black box and open it. There it is the moonstone, I pocket it and then put the empty box back, sliding the board back and I’m out of the house and back in my room in minutes. Putting the moonstone under the mattress for the moment I change clothes and fall asleep almost instantly.

I get ready the next morning with a pep in my step. I take a picture of the stone and slip it back into my pocket before running to Sheila’s place. Showing up on the porch right at 10, Caroline narrows her blue eyes at me. “You are sooo lucky you're my favorite person right now. Let’s go. 12144 is probably waiting and we have a doctor for you to eat.” She tosses me the keys and gets in the car.

“Darling, are you —“ she cuts me off with a look. “I’m not ok, I’m holding myself together with spite and anger and tears. Ask me again next week. But for now we have shit to do. Did you get the stone?”

“Yep, right where you said it was. Here.” I pass it to her and she giggles. “WOW, that is just chock full of blood and dark magic. It’s like holding a livewire.” Suddenly the air gets heavy for a moment. “It’s self sustaining but very very slowly. Damn and here I was hoping for the perfect battery.” She holds it out for me to take and I shake my head. “I want you to keep it at home somewhere, no one can get in and I trust you.” She smiles, slipping it in her bag.

I tell her about the white oak bridge and sign and what I’ve been doing to get rid of it and she laughs. She tells me the people she’s seen get pulled into ‘Council Meetings’ and how most of the kids thought they were just drinking better stuff than what was available to the event. She mentions we should go to doctor Gilbert's office in town and the cabin as there might still be things hidden there. When we get to Whitmore she directs me to a certain parking lot. Following her through I’m stopped by an entry barrier, I call out and she turns.

“Oh, you can come in.” She calls and then keeps walking. Speeding up to catch her I comment, “Didn’t know you owned the building.” She huffs. “They added me to the paperwork as a point of contact just so I could issue invites to their vampire experiments.” We get to a door with a keypad and she reaches over entering #29762. The light goes green and she enters with a shuddering breath. “It’s Bill's number, members and experiments get one, for the members their code is used in the paperwork as protection and as a password. For experiments it’s used as a dehumanizing name.” I follow her down a staircase, as we get to the door she stops.

Putting her hands on the wall I feel wards begin to flicker before falling away. Now that she’s drained them we can hear the screams. She enters the same code as before and shoves the door open. Looking over her shoulder we are met with the sight of a fair man standing over a vampire, he seems to be cutting out a kidney, liver and the entire pancreas.

“Sorry, am I late? 30456 reporting that maybe next time you’ve trained an unlimited power witch you should also make sure the compulsion doesn’t fail and that she doesn’t despise you.” With that the doctor is frozen and moved over into the cage. The door swings shut and locks before she turns her attention to the vampire. “Enzony.” She whispers, stepping forward to pull the magic from all the straps. He touches her face with a shaking hand and whispers back. “Little Angel you’ve grown.” She grabs a blood bag and puts it in his free hand while she undoes the rest of the straps. He walks to the cooler and downs 4 more bags then he just watches her putter around reading the doctor's latest notes. “Stop staring, I’ll tell you all about it but you need to go get cleaned up so we can leave, take your time since I have to make sure the good doctor won’t be missed.” He nods and zips to another room where I hear water begin to run.

“So Doctor, will you tell me what I want to know or is he going to make you?” She nods to me.

The doctor laughs and smugly says, “I’m on vervain.”

“You haven’t read my file.” She smirks and with a grasping gesture he throws up and liquid begins to come out of his eyes, ears, nose and skin. The liquid gathers in mid air and I’m assaulted by the smell of vervain. He’s groaning and panting and as the vervain disappears before him his eyes grow wide in both fear and fascination. “Kol we need to know what exactly to say and to whom to excuse the doctor for 2 to 3 weeks.” I catch the man’s eye and compel him. After two hours of phone calls and emails and a lot of compulsion Wes is excused through the holidays. The next thing he’s expected at, is the Augustine Society’s big celebration for New Years Eve.

“Now what Angel?” Enzo who joined us asks.

“Now we give the doc a taste of his own treatment. Enzo can you rig the hose so it’s just barely in reach of the bars. Make sure the spray nozzle is on.” She begins with a barrier spell and then a one way noise cancelation that covers the room. Then a notification boundary tied to heartbeat that’s just a bit farther out from the cages. Enzo switches the nozzle out and turns the water up halfway and then lays the hose out about a foot away from the cell and jams sharp items into the dispenser to stop it from spooling more.

“Doc reach for the hose would you, don’t pull too hard or one of the many knives could put a hole in the hose.” Wes tentatively reaches just barely able to get it gripped enough to shoot a jet of water.

“That’s perfect Enzo! Now Doctor Wes, I’ve spelled the room with various things so you're welcome to try and escape but be warned we won’t be back to collect you for three weeks so if you fail and ruin your water supply, you’ll die. Now one final thing.” She snaps her fingers and all the items he had on him are now in a pile on the table. Rifling through she takes his key card and wallet before burning the clothes. She then goes around and burns all the other clothes, Enzo helps by opening drawers or pointing out cabinets. There’s a final blanket that she sets just a few inches further than his arms can reach. “You’ll have to use your toes to grip it or something, might have to wait a week or so when you’re skinny enough to put more leg through the bars. Good luck doctor.” She then pretends as if he doesn't exist as she goes through the room again burning every drop of vampire blood and vanishing every food item we can find.

“Ready Enzo?” She asks at the door and he looks to the clock and then says it’s still daytime. “You really think I didn’t plan for that?” She hands him a ring which he slips on and we follow her out. Once we get outside the building he stops and just closes his eyes breathing. Several minutes later he laughs and grabs Caroline spinning her around. She giggles and he finally puts her down and we walk over to the car. She tells him about how she was abused and raped by a long time local vampire and that I compelled him to stop and then offered to de compel her. When I did it yesterday everything came back not just what Damon had done.

Hearing Damon’s name he tells the story of how he’d gotten there in 1953 and the plan they made to escape and how in 1958 when it came to fruition a fire broke out as well and Damon flipped the switch and left Enzo there. So he’s not really loyal either, shame I thought he at least had that going for him.
We tell him about me being an original to explain the compulsion and then tell him about our plans to slowly break Damon. He asks if there’s a spell so no one but Damon can see him and there is but I don’t think Caroline’s quite to that level yet. But when she gets there having Enzo follow him around like a ghost will be great.

We stop and get him new clothes and a phone, walk him through the few things he hasn't picked up over the years. And get him a ticket to Virginia Beach. Two weeks to celebrate his new freedom before he comes back to get his revenge.

Four days later me and Caroline are practicing the new set of spells Sheila compiled when I get a call from Anna. “Pretty sure Jeremy was made to tell about me. Just got an out of the blue invite to the grill to hang out. How do you want me to play it?”

“Pretend to have the grimoire and hint at needing a full moon and for both witches to be ready, if you talk directly to either brother. If it’s Elena, stress needing both witches to be strong enough not to die. She’ll argue for the time the Bennetts need.” After that she tells me she found Abby, and will send the address then hangs up.

“You looked for Abby?” Caroline asks.

“Yeah I want to check in on her, see if she needs anything. I’ll swing over and chat with her tonight or tomorrow. Why?”

“If she asks about Bonnie can you tell her that if she wants to know she should find out herself. She just left and hasn’t been in contact, she doesn’t deserve an easy way to know about her.” She crosses her arms ready to fight for this like the little angel warrior she is.

“Course darling, you know she lost her magic only temporarily due to over exertion, it stayed away because of the abandonment. I’ll hint to her about it but won’t explain, how’s that?”

“Perfect, now we need to find something for me to drain the magic of before we continue, I’m finally running low. Any ideas?”

“Let’s go check the tomb magic. See if it’s self sustaining or totally drainable.” She nods in agreement and then holds her arms open for a hug and run. She says it’s the fastest way to travel and always laments that she’s envious of that more than anything else. Holding the back of her neck so she doesn’t get whiplash we are swiftly in front of the big rock blocking the entrance.

She steps back and reaches out, placing a hand on the rock and one on the wall next to it. Closing her eyes she concentrates for a moment and then pulls back. “There’s two spells, one preventing entry tied to the rock and then another preventing exit tied to the walls. The one on the walls is angry and replenishing, it’ll fight complete removal but if they pause the power I can draw enough magic out to allow the threshold to open.” Stepping back over, placing both hands on the rock she concentrates. I can feel the magic shift in front of me and then she steps back. “I drained the stone spell so it’s on the verge of collapse, it’ll build up a bit but I’ll drain it again a few days before. It's replenishing but doesn’t strengthen so that should make it easier for Grams and Bon to break. They’ll still need a half an hour break before holding the second one but it’ll double our time from a minute to two, maybe three.”

“That’s all we’ll need or want anyway. Are you juiced enough for the next couple weeks, if not maybe draining the other barrier a bit would be a good idea.”

“No, just the little bit that I tested showed a serious reverberation contingency. The amount drained is immediately replaced and then strengthened by that much more. That’s why I need them to hold the spell, it negates that allowing me to siphon enough. Otherwise we’d need a holy numbered coven that would still require at least one Bennett. But I got enough for today and probably the next 4 after that.”

“Ya know, I’ve met siphons before but they always glowed wherever they were siphoning. Usually hands but one man Bo he could siphon anything touching his skin.”

“They thought the glowing was too noticeable, they made me start and stop over and over until I showed progress. Eventually it went away, over time I taught myself how to siphon from somewhere other than my hands. And as long as it’s strong magic I don’t have to actually touch it, just being a couple inches away isn’t much but it does make deniability easier.” She sardonically smiles at me and I tuck her into a hug before running us back to our practice spot.

Bonnie is waiting when we get there. I step away to give them the courtesy of at least fake privacy but listen in, ready to intervene if necessary. Bonnie starts with apologizing for being so caught up in the magic that she didn’t put together the changes. Hearing my little ball buster point out incidents where she acted contrary to herself she also tells Bonnie the reasons behind it. Most are compulsion from Damon, a few were cries for help or frustration and anger that no one noticed. After asking what she can do to earn Caroline’s trust back they both fall silent.

Just as I’m about to shift their attention when Caroline sighs. “Bon, I love you. You are still my friend but the last few months were just the final straw. If you think I didn’t notice the looks and whispers between you and Elena after I left a conversation. Or finding out later about sleepovers or hangouts where I wasn’t invited then you’d be wrong. I noticed. I’ve always noticed, it’s probably part of why I’m so insecure when I feel like it’s between me and Elena. I’m not saying this to make you feel bad or place blame, I just don’t want to pretend it doesn’t hurt anymore. I’m not just going to shove my feelings down and just accept what scraps people are willing to give me ever again. If there’s not a similar level of effort being put in I’m going to step back and match what I’m given. So we are still friends and I forgive you. But I don’t trust you with my safety, my secrets and I don’t believe that you’ll show up not only when I need you but just because you want to. I’m not sure anything but time and actions can change that.” With that she steps forward and hugs the girl tightly and then giving her a little smile turns and walks over to me. Bonnie stares after her for a second before nodding her teary face at me and leaving.

“You prepared that last bit didn’t you?” I whisper conspiratorially.

She barks a laugh before checking that Bonnie is gone. “Yeah, kinda. I need to confront my mom and I already have her version of that last part. I just swapped words for the change in person really.”

“Well darling, is a bit of a devastating speech. Though I’d advise not repeating it more than once per customer.” I quip making her snort.

“Yes, well as I’ve recently learned and I’m sure you know, the truth is often devastating. Everyone that wants to be in my life will have to get used to it. I refuse to allow myself to live in ignorance, using my truth to cut to the heart of things will save me in the long run. But I’ll draft some follow up mini speeches just in case.” She teases the last bit with a grin before tripping me with magic.

The next day as I’m waiting for her and Bonnie to be done with school I get a call from Elijah. “Hello.” I answer brightly, stepping more into the forest just in case.

“Kol, whe—“

“Niklaus, I told you that I would do the speaking. Kol, as you can guess Klaus has finally decided to confront me. I have told him of your requirement of waking Finn and he refuses to do so without a hint as to why. I did tell him that you had discovered information that only he could verify but he doesn’t seem to think there could be anything of import worth waking Finn.”

“Fine. The only thing I’m adding is that if he answers my question the way I suspect he might then mother had wronged another sibling just as bad if not worse than she did Nik. Don’t call again without Finn.” I answer seriously before hanging up.

Walking back to join the girls I can’t help but wonder if Nik will be stubborn enough to give me the extra time I want to set things up. I regaled them on the way to Shelia’s about my second tea with Carol this morning. How I mused about asking my brother to come and possibly help with the bridge fundraiser. Caroline bemoans after I’m done about how Carol asked for her help with the bachelor auction yesterday but then seemed reluctant to take her suggestion of tacking on a few teen bachelors.

As if we summoned her, Caroline gets a call from her. The ensuing conversation is all about Carol endorsing the teen bachelor idea. While also putting Caroline in charge and telling her not to fail and saying she doesn’t expect much. She also offers Tyler her son as a participant.

Caroline spends half the time making calls and texting between helping Bonnie practice and practicing herself. Setting her phone down from the latest flurry of texting she asks what’s next. Looking over at her hurried tone she explains. “I have to stop by the grill before they close so I have to leave in a few minutes.”

“Relax Bonnie, if the Queen has to go threaten a subject, we shall allow her to demonstrate her final two sets.” I announce pompously adjacent to Bonnie’s giggling. .

“Ughh, fine but you know I’ll get you back if I get a headache.” Caroline responds before beginning to rapidly perform all 30 spells in a row. Panting when she’s done she gives us both quick hugs, snatches her stuff and is out the door. Bonnie and I look at each other and burst out laughing.