If only | Damon Salvatore

002. THE COMET THAT BRINGS STRENGTH AND POWER

Chapter two

"The comet that brings strength and power."

The next morning, Beatrix walked downstairs to find her mother and grandmother already sitting at the kitchen table.

"Um, what's going on?" she asked, pulling out a chair and sitting down with them. "I mean, obviously other than the fact Stefan's estranged brother is back in town and potentially about to cause havoc for all of us." She grabbed a fork and dug into her plate of pancakes..

"Well, the comet is passing by," her grandmother explained, setting down her cup of coffee. "It is meant to bring us immense power and strength, and it's returning for the first time in years. On the night it arrives, you won't be able to hang out with your friends.  But you won't be with us, either. We each need to stand in different quadrants of the town to represent the elements; earth, air, fire, and water. It is a ritual to offer our power as a gift to the comet, making sure it remembers who the true witches of this town are. Since you are sixteen now, I decided you get to choose the two elements you want to command."

Beatrix's face lit up with a smile. "Really?'

Her mother offered a curious look, shaking her head slightly. "Only if you feel up for it, Beatrix."

"No, I can definitely do it," Beatrix insisted confidently.

"Alright, I will give you the day to think about which elements you want," her grandmother said. "You can tell me your choice tomorrow, and we will discuss the rest of the ritual details. Now, hurry up before you're late for school."

Beatrix finished her orange juice and stood up from the table. "Thank you, Mom," she said, leaning down to plant a quick kiss on Cassandra's cheek. She then stepped over to her grandmother. "You can count on me." She kissed her cheek as well, then spun around and walked toward the foyer.

She scooped her backpack up from the bottom stairs. Behind her at the table, her grandmother smirked. "I know I can," she murmured, taking a sip of coffee. With a casual flick of her wrist, she used her magic to swing the heavy front door open for her granddaughter.

As Beatrix stepped across the threshold, she smiled and used her own power to snap the door shut behind her, heading off down the driveway toward school.

Sitting in history class, Beatrix could think of nothing but the upcoming comet ritual. She had written down the four elements on a piece of paper, debating which two she wanted to command.

"Originally discovered nearly five centuries ago, it hasn't been over Mystic Falls in over a hundred and forty five years," Mr Tanner lectured, pacing between the rows of desks. "Now, the comet will be its brightest right after dusk during tomorrow's celebration." He stopped abruptly near Stefan and Elena's desks. "Are we bothering you..Mr Salvatore..Miss Gilbert?"

Beatrix furrowed her brows, quickly chiming in to break the tension. "And where would be the best place to see the comet during the celebration?"

Stefan turned his attention toward her, his brows furrowed in surprise at her sudden interruption, Mr Tanner pivoted to face Beatrix. "Well, the official town celebration will be held in the town square, so I would believe that would be the best spot."

"Right," Beatrix said with a nod. She turned back to her desk and firmly checked off fire and air from her list.

The final bell rang for the day, Beatrix quickly grabbed her things and stood up.

"Beatrix.." Stefan called out as she hurried past his desk.

She kept walking right out of the classroom. Bonnie hurried to catch up with her in the crowded hallway, raising her brows. "Okay, what exactly happened when I left you two alone by the fire last night?"