Verendus

Chapter 17

Braelyn stepped out of the sleek black car that had carried her from New Orleans to Mystic Falls. The air in Mystic Falls felt different, familiar yet tinged with an undercurrent of tension. She could sense the influx of the vampire community, their curiosity mingled with apprehension at her return.

As she strode down the familiar streets, heads turned, whispers followed her like a shadow. Braelyn was used to being the centre of attention, but this time, it felt different. This time, she was not just a powerful witch returning home; she was a force to be reckoned with, a figure of both awe and fear.

Entering the Bennett home, Braelyn felt a surge of pride and nostalgia. The walls were covered with the memories of generations past, and with the whispers of spells and rituals performed by her ancestors. This was where she belonged, where her power was strongest.

She made her way to the study, where she knew Caroline would be waiting for her. The blonde had always been perceptive, always able to see through her facade. Braelyn respected that about her, even if it sometimes made her wary.

Caroline was sitting by the fireplace, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes as she looked up at Braelyn's entrance. There was a tension in the air, a silent acknowledgement of the power dynamics at play.

"Braelyn," Caroline greeted her, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "Welcome back to Mystic Falls."

Braelyn offered a small smile in return, taking a seat opposite Caroline. "It's good to be back, Caroline. I trust everything has been running smoothly in my absence?"

Caroline nodded, her blue eyes searching Braelyn's face for any hint of what had transpired in New Orleans. "Things have been... eventful, to say the least. But we managed."

Braelyn's smile widened slightly at Caroline's choice of words. Eventful was an understatement, considering the chaos she had unleashed in New Orleans. But that was a story for another time.

"I'm sure you're eager to fill me in on everything I've missed," Braelyn said, leaning back in her chair. "But first, there's something I need to discuss with you."

Caroline raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? What is it?"

Braelyn hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "Caroline, you've always been important to me. More than you realize."

Caroline's expression softened, a hint of vulnerability flickering in her eyes. "Braelyn, you know I feel the same way. You've been everything to me."

Braelyn reached across the table, taking Caroline's hand in hers. "Caroline, there's something you need to know. Something I should have told you a long time ago."

Caroline's breath caught in her throat, uncertainty flashing across her features. "What is it, Braelyn? What are you trying to say?"

Braelyn took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. "Caroline, you and I... we're more than just friends. We're mates."

Caroline's eyes widened in shock; disbelief written plainly on her face. "Mates? What do you mean, Braelyn?"

Braelyn squeezed Caroline's hand gently, trying to convey the depth of her feelings through touch alone. "I mean that we're soul bonded, Caroline. Our souls are bound in a way that transcends a simple relationship and not just us we have another bonded he will be here soon."

Caroline's mind was reeling, trying to process the magnitude of Braelyn's words. Mates. The concept was foreign yet strangely exhilarating, stirring something deep within her.

"But what about...?" Caroline began, her voice trailing off as she gestured to the necklace she wore, the Bennett crest pendant glimmering in the firelight as many assumed it symbolized Caroline's place as an honorary Bennett.