Fight With Me

Chapter 25

This chapter will give you some background on the chapter before as well as the chapters after!
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Mystic Falls – 2022

The twins, only eight years old, were in the middle of a heated argument. Josie glared at Lizzie, her hands clenched.

"GIRLS, stop fighting!" Caroline said, clearly frustrated.

"Sorry, Mommy," they replied in unison.

Caroline sighed. "It's okay, girls. Now, drink your juice so you can calm down and get ready for bed." She handed them each a cup.

Josie narrowed her eyes at Lizzie. "I WANT THE PURPLE CUP!"

"YOU CAN'T HAVE IT, IT'S MINE!" Lizzie snapped back.

Suddenly, Josie raised her hand. "INCEND—"

"NO!" Alaric and Caroline shouted in unison, quickly separating the girls. Alaric scooped up Josie and carried her upstairs, while Caroline stayed behind with Lizzie.

"Lizzie, baby, are you okay?" Caroline asked gently, trying to gauge her daughter's emotions.

Lizzie's face twisted in anger. "I'm going to kill her!"

"Elizabeth, watch your mouth!" Caroline scolded sharply.

Before Caroline could say more, Lizzie's skin flushed red. Scales appeared along her arms, her eyes darkening as her body shifted.

A voice that was not quite Lizzie's spoke calmly.
"Hello. I am Elizabeth's true form."

Caroline's heart slammed against her ribs. "Ric!" she called.

Alaric rushed back down the stairs. His eyes widened. "What the hell..."

The demon smiled. "No need to whisper. If you have questions, just ask."

"Who are you?" Alaric demanded. "What have you done to my daughter?"

The demon explained patiently. How Lizzie's journals were filled with resentment. How she felt invisible next to Josie. How she hated hearing about a powerful tribrid she'd never met. Those thoughts had been enough.

"That's not her," Caroline said firmly. "Lizzie would never want that."

The demon tilted its head. "Would you like to hear it from her?"

Lizzie blinked—and smiled.

"Hi, Mom. I see you met the real me."

Alaric stepped forward, panic bleeding into his voice. "Lizzie, sweetheart, this isn't you."

"No!" Lizzie screamed, power erupting outward. Alaric flew across the room, crashing into a table. "This is me! And nothing will stop me from killing you!"

Caroline didn't hesitate.

She stepped closer, voice steady, layered with compulsion.
"You are not a monster. You love your sister. You love your father. You are safe."

Lizzie's breathing slowed. The scales faded.

"I'm tired," she murmured. "Can I go to bed?"