Dark Heart , Mystic Ties

7. 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕

Emersyn didn't linger in her room at the Salvatore Boarding House , the weight of grief settled heavily on her shoulders as she crept to the window, the cool night air beckoning her outside. It was late, but she didn't care.

Sneaking out for fresh air had become her routine since the death of her parents. Each exhausting event pushed her further into solitude, where the shadows wrapped around her like a cloak.

The chilly breeze greeted her as she wandered through the streets, her footsteps slow and aimless. Thoughts of Damon and Elena's interactions lingered in her mind. She could sense something between them though it felt more one-sided on Damon's part.

With a quick glance back at the house , she slipped through the window, her heart pounding in her chest.

As she wandered the dimly lit streets, her thoughts drifted until a voice called her name. She turned, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of her father-her dead father.

"Dad? This can't be real... you're... you're dead. Is that really you?" she stammered, disbelief etched on her face. Her heart raced, and she instinctively took a step back, eyes wide with shock.

"Em, my dear child, yes it's me. I'm so happy to see you. Gosh, you've grown into a beautiful lady." He reached out his hand, a smile illuminating his face.

Emersyn flinched, uncertain if he could truly touch her, but as their hands connected, she felt warmth radiate through her, overwhelming her senses. In a rush of emotion, she threw herself into his embrace, sobs threatening to break free.

"Oh my god, Dad! I've missed you so much!" Her voice trembled, filled with longing as tears welled in her eyes.

"I missed you too, kiddo," he replied, squeezing her tightly, his eyes glistening with pride and sorrow.

"How? That's not possible," she whispered, pulling away slightly to search his gaze.

"I have no idea. But that doesn't matter to me . What matters is seeing you and being able to  have physical contact with you." He looked at her with a mixture of hope and regret.

Her mind raced with too many questions, but she sensed something was clearly off.

"Okay, and where's Mom? Isn't she coming?" Emersyn asked, anticipation creeping into her voice.

"I'm sorry, I don't know where she is , because spirits on The Other Side can't see each other." The sadness in his voice was palpable.

"Then what's the point of being here? It feels like she's just as far away now as she ever was." Emersyn's voice trembled, the weight of her sorrow evident in every word.

He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, concern etched on his face. "Em, I'm sorry, love."

"Well, never mind." She sighed, forcing a cold smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"So tell me, how's it been?" he asked gently, hoping to bridge the distance between them.

"Alright, I guess," she replied, a smile masking the truth of her pain.

He studied her closely, recognizing the subtle changes in her demeanor. He could see the coldness that had crept into her spirit, the distance that formed between them.

"Dad, I want to ask you something." Her voice hardened, determination seeping through.

"What is it, love?" he responded cautiously, sensing the gravity of her question.

"How come you never told me I was a witch?" she pressed, her brow furrowing.

He froze, the tension palpable as he swallowed hard, struggling to find the right words.