Dora Mikaelson

Chapter 3 - Dahlia's Return

"I'm scared Daddy," I whisper and clutch his legs, hiding behind him where it is safe.

"Theodora, there is no need to be afraid. I am not here to harm you," the scary woman tries to reassure me but she looks like the devil. I don't like her much.

"The Hollow killed me, you died too," Mummy argues bravely with her. "I know how it works, the deal is no longer on after our deaths."

"Ah that's where you're wrong," the stranger points out carefully. "Your binding promise was rather unique."

Mummy has nothing to say to that but Daddy does.

"Leave Dahlia. We are not following through on any bargains my wife made as a child," he says sternly in the voice he uses to tell me off. I shrink back and try to leave but the door is stiff and stuck shut again. She's trapped us.

"I was six," Mummy spits at her. "You took advantage of me and how badly I wanted my own family. I thought you would heal my ears."

"Ah yes," Dahlia acknowledges before her eyes flit over to Mummy's ears noticing her lack of hearing aids. "But it seems you figured out a way on your own. I must say, I am rather impressed."

She stares at Mummy's ears with interest while Daddy tries to unlock the door. Mummy quickly crouches over Henrik and forces her blood down his throat. He splutters but drinks and she sighs with relief, knowing he will be okay when he wakes.

Dahlia tuts at us and asks a question my parents wish she never knew to ask.

"Tell me Hedda, how did you heal your ears?"

Daddy and Mummy exchange a look but they don't answer her. Dahlia is not pleased.

"I recognise Freya's magic and this is not it. This is new Mikaelson magic, untainted. Giving life to your damaged ears."

Again, Mummy and Daddy remain silent not telling her that it was somehow me. I don't really understand why. Are they not proud of me?

"Hope is very strong but not in this way," Dahlia tilts her head to the side. "Was it your firstborn Frederik?"

Her assumption makes me cross. It was me and she doesn't think I could have done it. She thinks I'm rubbish at magic.

"It wasn't Freddy," I speak up confidently, proud of what I did. "It wa-"

"-Dora that is more than enough," Daddy snaps at me and my face screws up while I fight tears. I don't want to cry but Daddy was mean.

I don't understand they are trying to protect us all.

"How is young Frederik coping?" Dahlia asks, genuinely concerned for him and how he is controlling his magic.

"Freya visits for a week each month. He is controlling it well," Daddy tells her. "We have no need for you here, now leave."

"My, my, that's no way to greet family," Dahlia taunts him. "Freya does not understand fully. He will need me."

"All we need you to do is leave and not return," Mummy holds back from shouting because I'm here. It's scary enough as it is, without me seeing her scared too. She knows I'll be more upset if she is.

"I don't want to do that," Dahlia smiles sympathetically. "Your children need me, or they will lose control as teenagers."

"We have Freya and Hope. They will be fine," Daddy argues with her, refusing to give in.

"Hope is mine too however she is far too old to train up now. It is your children who have the most promise. Possibly your second born Maja if she's the one who healed your ears..?"