Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Chapter 71

A/n: Estrella's reputation era begins.!!

Estrella was on the phone with Enzo and Lexi, who were filling her in on Stefan and Caroline’s whereabouts, when she heard a distinct zip—the unmistakable sound signaling that they were back.

Relief washed over her as the reality of the spell's success hit her, and a surge of joy fluttered in her chest.

Stepping into the living room, she teared up instantly at the sight of her mother. Lily stood there, a mixture of shock and confusion painted across her face as she watched Estrella's once blue hair shift in color.

Estrella’s eyes flicked to Damon, but he looked away, avoiding her gaze. A sad smile tugged at her lips as she glanced around the room. Yet, the moment she noticed Kai’s absence, that brief glimmer of happiness faded, and her heart sank.

"Where’s Kai?" she asked softly, her voice filled with growing dread, though she directed the question to no one in particular.

Without hesitation, Elena quickly escorted Lily out of the room, sensing the tension.

Estrella’s fear grew as she turned toward Damon, her voice trembling. "Where is Kai, Damon?"

Damon moved closer, trying to pull her into his arms, hoping to calm her. But before he could speak, Bonnie’s voice cut through the silence.

"We trapped him, Estrella. He won't get out and harm anyone anymore," Bonnie said bluntly, her tone firm.

Estrella was shocked, unable to comprehend what Bonnie had just said.

Estrella froze, her mind struggling to grasp the weight of Bonnie’s words. "What?" she whispered, her gaze darting to Damon for confirmation.

"Joshua threatened me with Bonnie's and your life. I just didn't want you to get in the middle of their mess, heartbroken." Damon explained, his voice filled with regret. 

But his words didn’t register. Estrella’s shock deepened, tears spilling down her cheeks uncontrollably.

"W-What have you done? Why would you do this?" she cried out, her voice barely containing her pain

"Because he deserves it, Estrella." Damon retorted, his frustration surfacing. "He doesn't love you; it was just a ploy for him to stay alive. You were just a shield so that no one could hurt him. He took advantage of you and your kindness to save himself."

"Stop, STOP IT. Estrella screamed, her voice shaking with fury. "STOP LYING AND COVERING FOR WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO. YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING, DAMON. I LOVE HIM!"

Elena had returned by now, her eyes wide, shocked by the intensity of Estrella’s reaction.

“I love him, Damon,” Estrella repeated, this time softer, broken, the words choking in her throat as tears streamed down her face.

"Estrella—" Elena tried to reach out, but Estrella cut her off, her eyes blazing with anger.

“Give me the Ascendant, Bonnie,” she demanded, her voice cold as she glared at her friend.

Bonnie’s face fell, her heart heavy with sorrow as she shook her head. “I’m sorry, Estrella. I can’t. I won’t let you do this.”

"No... no, please," Estrella pleaded, her desperation growing. She turned back to Damon, her voice cracking. "Why are you doing this? Why, Damon?" Her tone was almost a whisper now, filled with heartbreak.

But Damon shook his head, trying to explain, his expression one of regret.

“Give me the Ascendant, Bonnie!” Estrella demanded once more, her voice sharp with fury, but Bonnie remained steadfast, unwilling to bend.