𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐖 - 𝐦𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧'𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞

𝟎𝟎𝟐.|𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭

ALAYNA BENNETT's hands trembled as she traced the intricate lines of the Bennett family grimoire. The ancient book, worn and weathered, felt familiar in her hands, yet it held secrets that even centuries of reincarnation couldn't reveal. She had spent nights trying to unlock the pages that seemed to speak only to her, not yet daring to share its mysteries with Bonnie. Her little sister, with all her strength and growing power, wasn't ready for the truth. Not yet.

Alayna wasn't just a Bennett witch, bound by the magic of her ancestors. She was something more. Something older. She Couldn't remember her old life, but came to her in dreams, fragmented and distorted. In them, she wasn't Alayna Bennett, older sister to Bonnie. She was someone else entirely—someone bound to an ancient family that defied time and death itself. The Mikaelsons.

The Originals.

She hadn't seen them yet in this life, but she felt them. The pull toward them was almost unbearable at times, as if their very presence in the world called out to her soul. Klaus. Elijah. Kol. Their names whispered through her mind like a melody she couldn't forget, a haunting song that echoed across centuries. But there was something more to that connection, something far deeper than just magic.

They were her mates.

The idea had terrified her at first. Alayna had been reborn into this life with no knowledge of what that bond meant. She had learned of mates in stories—how supernatural beings, particularly vampires and werewolves, could share a deep, unbreakable connection with one person. But this was different. This bond was primal, forged through centuries of existence and power. It wasn't just fate—it was destiny. But she wasn't sure how to explain it to Bonnie, who had always been wary of the vampire world, especially the Originals.

Alayna exhaled, closing the book carefully and standing up. The Bennett house, which had been passed down through generations of witches, was quiet tonight. Bonnie was out with Elena, likely facing another one of Mystic Falls' endless supernatural crises. But Alayna needed time alone—time to prepare for what was coming.

Because they were coming.

The Mikaelsons.

It had been weeks since she had first felt their presence, but it was growing stronger. Something had drawn them to Mystic Falls, and Alayna knew that when they arrived, everything would change. She could feel the tension in the air, like the world itself was holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable collision of their fates.

Suddenly, a familiar knock on the door broke her thoughts. It was hesitant but firm, one she recognized instantly. "Bonnie," Alayna called out softly, moving toward the front room. "What are you doing here? I thought you were with Elena."

Bonnie pushed open the door, her expression serious, her dark eyes filled with concern. "I was, but something feels off, Alayna. I needed to check on you. You've been acting strange lately." Her younger sister crossed her arms, the soft glow of magic rippling through her fingertips as a sign of her unease. Bonnie's powers had been growing rapidly, more than Alayna had anticipated.

Alayna's heart clenched. She hadn't been able to tell Bonnie everything, not yet. How could she? The truth of who she really was, who she was meant to be, was a burden that weighed on her every day. But keeping it from Bonnie also tore at her soul.

"I'm fine, Bon," Alayna said, trying to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I've just been... figuring some things out."

Bonnie frowned. "Figuring what out? You're hiding something, Alayna. I can feel it. Your magic feels different—stronger, but darker too. It's not like before."

Alayna sighed, running a hand through her curls. She wanted to protect Bonnie, keep her safe from the darker parts of their world, but Mystic Falls had a way of dragging people into its depths. There was no avoiding it anymore.

"Bonnie, I've been remembering things," Alayna admitted slowly, watching her sister's reaction closely. "Things from before I was... well, before I was born into this life."

Bonnie blinked in confusion, her brows knitting together. "What do you mean, before you were born?"

Alayna hesitated. "I wasn't always just Alayna Bennett. I've lived before—many lives, actually. And in each of those lives, I was tied to a family. A very powerful family."

Bonnie's eyes widened. "What are you talking about? Are you saying you're not just a Bennett witch?"

Alayna nodded. "Exactly. There's more to me than just being a witch, Bonnie. My soul is connected to... the Mikaelsons."

At the mention of the Originals, Bonnie stepped back, her face clouded with shock and concern. "The Mikaelsons? The Originals? Why are you talking about them?"

"Because I'm bonded to them," Alayna said quietly, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. "In my past lives, I've always been connected to them. And in this life, it's no different. They're my mates, Bonnie. I'm bound to them."

Bonnie's expression was a mixture of disbelief and horror. "Mates? You mean... like Klaus? Elijah? Kol?"

Alayna nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Yes. All of them."

For a moment, there was only silence between the two sisters. Bonnie's mind raced, trying to make sense of what she was hearing. The idea of being bonded to the Mikaelsons, the very family that had caused so much chaos and pain, was unthinkable.

"You can't be serious, Alayna," Bonnie finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "They're dangerous. They've killed people—hurt people we care about. How can you be tied to them?"

Alayna looked away, the weight of Bonnie's words sinking in. "I didn't choose this bond, Bonnie. It's something that goes beyond magic, beyond anything I can control. But I feel it. Every day, I feel it. They're a part of me."

Bonnie shook her head, her hands trembling. "This doesn't make sense. How can you be bound to them and still be... you?"

Alayna's eyes softened as she looked at her sister. "Because I'm still me, Bonnie. I'm still your sister. This bond doesn't change that. But it does mean that when the Mikaelsons arrive, I won't be able to stay away. We're connected, and I need to understand why."

Bonnie's expression hardened. "When they arrive? You're saying they're coming here?"

Alayna nodded. "I can feel it. They're already close. Something is drawing them here, and I think... I think it's me."

The room felt suddenly colder as Bonnie stared at her, the gravity of Alayna's words settling in. The thought of the Mikaelsons being drawn to Mystic Falls because of her sister sent a chill down Bonnie's spine