𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐓 𐦟 𝐓𝐕𝐃𝐔

Chapter 18

Weeks had gone by since she left Mystic Falls. As a human she realized how slow time seemed now. Weeks felt like years to her now. She had gotten a little hotel room for herself, it was a few towns over from Mystic Falls. Everything was bliss, she went shopping, ate dinner at fancy restaurants, and even got a few plants for her room. Though she didn't plan on staying much longer, the plants brought her peace. Cassie figured it was the witch side of her that made the plants so appealing. It could also be the fact that one of them was a vervain plant. A plant that had once brought her harm now brought her peace. Life was simple and everything she had dreamed of.

It reminded her of the time she spent in Venezuela. When she had zero responsibilities, no one to care for or look after. Cassie thought about this as she picked at her salmon. She brought a piece up and ate it, her movements were slow and timid. Cassie stared into the abyss, pondering her thoughts. A knock came from the door pulling her out of the trance, she stood up and headed over to go door. She looked through the peek hole and saw a blonde figure. She opened the door to see Rebekah standing there, wide eyed, she looked at Cassie, "They have Nik." Cassie's brows furrowed, "What do you mean they have Nik? Rebekah what's wrong?" Rebekah ran her hands through her hair and pushed past Cassie, walking into the room. "They have him locked in a coffin and Alaric is after him." Cassie raised her eyes brows, "What the hell is Alaric after him?" Rebekah turned around, "You weren't there." She trailed off looking at the floor, Cassie walked towards Rebekah and gripped her shoulder, "What happened?"

***

     "This can't be real. Alaric is a freakishly strong vampire made by Esther. Finn and his sire line are dead. Anything else?" Cassie looked out at the road ahead of them. Rebekah kept her eyes on the road but nodded, "Correct, and now we are on our way to the storage unit where they put Nik." Cassie swallowed, "This ought to be fun." Rebekah chuckled, "How have you been? We haven't talked much." Cassie looked over, "I'm alright. Sorry I didn't call much. Just needed some time to myself." Rebekah smirked, "All good darling, you deserve it. Out of everyone you've worked the hardest, you deserve time to yourself." Cassie smiled, she hesitated but looked over to Rebekah, "How's Elijah?" She pressed her lips together, "He left. After the whole ordeal with mother he needed a break. Didn't say where or when he'd be back. Just left. I thought he'd be with you but I guess not." Cassie sighed. It made her sad that Elijah wouldn't come looking for her but after what she said how could she blame him?

     "We're almost there. If you reach in the back you'll find a white oak stake, grab it, just in case." Cassie's jaw dropped, "White oak stake? But I destroyed the last one in the 60s." Rebekah snickered, "Yes well your pesky little nephews found some more of the wood." She reached into the backseat and grabbed the stake. Sitting back in her seat she observed it. There was a lump in her throat, something bad was going to happen. She knew it. The pit in Cassie's stomach began to grow. Cassie brought her hands to her chest, hoping that would stop her rapid heart beat. They pulled into the parking lot of the storage unit. The place was huge, they parked and Cassie looked at Rebekah, "Promise me you'll stay safe. You have a hero complex Cassie, don't go saving someone who doesn't deserve it." She let out a small giggle at that, "Yeah, me, hero."

     Walking through the winding halls of the storage unit was nothing less than torture. Every door was the same, Damon was somewhere in this place which only added to Cassie's uneasiness. She didn't leave Rebekah's side, checking every hallway before entering. They walked and walked, trying their best to find him. "At this rate, we'll going to be here all night." Cassie smiled, "That's if we're lucky." Rebekah sped up her pace, "Come on Damon this isn't funny!" She called it out, a slight echo sounding after. Cassie followed in Rebekah's steps, they passed a corner and she disappeared. Cassie looked around, she walked a few more feet before she was pulled back. A hand covered her mouth, "Sh, it's me." Damon. Cassie sighed, she pulled away and looked at him, he covered her mouth once again. Cassie rolled her eyes and stopped in defeat, Damon mouthed it out. Alaric.