The Long Lost Tribrid

13. Secrets

Hope's Pov:

I sit at the edge of the enchanted lake, my reflection rippling in the crystal-clear water. The castle looms in the distance. As I dip my toes into the cool water, I can't help but feel a mixture of longing and fear coursing through my veins.

My magic. It's been gone for so long, and now the possibility of getting it back both thrills and terrifies me. I close my eyes, trying to remember the feeling of power flowing through my fingertips, the rush of casting a spell. But all I feel is emptiness.

What if I can't control it? The thought sends a shiver down my spine. I've heard stories of witches who lost control, their magic consuming them until there was nothing left. Is that what awaits me if I reclaim my powers?

I pick up a smooth stone and toss it into the lake, watching the ripples spread outward. Each circle represents a fear, expanding and touching every part of my life. What if I hurt someone I love? What if I become someone I don't recognize?

But then, as the water calms, I see my reflection again. I'm still me, magic or no magic. I've survived without it for this long. Maybe... maybe I'm stronger than I give myself credit for.

The sun begins to set, casting a golden glow across the lake. It's beautiful, magical in its own way. I realize that magic isn't just about spells and potions. It's in the world around us, in the connections we make, in the strength we find within ourselves.

As I stand to leave, I take one last look at the enchanted lake. My fears are still there, lurking beneath the surface. I go to take another step but I hear footsteps around me. I spin around trying to figure out what it is and when the bush moves, Josie and Lizzie step out from behind it.

"Damn it, you guys scared me," I shirked, holding a hand to my chest.

"Sorry, we just wanted to make sure you were okay, our mom told us what happened," Lizzie said softly.

What did she tell then. Does Lizzie know I'm a Mikealson? I looked at Josie then to Lizzie before deciding something important.

I let out a deep sigh before walking back to the dock. I turned around and looked at Lizzie again.

"Lizzie, there's something I need to you. About who I am," I trailed off.

"Hope, no. Do not feel forced to tell her anything," Josie jumped in.

"It's fine, she deserves to know," I said.

"My name isn't Hope Marshall," I paused, "It's Hope Mikealson."

I was trembling at this point, "I'm Klaus and Haley's daughter."

Josie came up behind me and grabbed my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I appreciated her support, but my eyes were fixed on Lizzie, watching for her reaction.

Lizzie's eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find words. I could see the gears turning in her head, piecing together everything she knew about the Mikaelsons with what she knew about me.

"You're... you're a Mikaelson?" Lizzie finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "But that means... you're part witch, part werewolf, and part vampire?"

I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of my heritage more than ever. "Yes, I'm the tribrid. The only one of my kind."

Lizzie took a step back, and for a moment, I feared she would run away. But instead, she sat down heavily on a nearby rock, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Why didn't you tell me before?" she asked, and I could hear the hurt in her voice.

I sighed, moving to sit beside her. Josie followed, positioning herself on my other side. "I wanted to, Lizzie. So many times. But it's... complicated. My family has a lot of enemies, and the less people who know about me, the safer everyone is."

Lizzie nodded slowly, processing this information. "But Josie knew?"

"I found out by accident," Josie interjected quickly. "It wasn't Hope's choice to tell me."

I could see Lizzie's face soften slightly at this. "I guess that makes sense. But still, Hope... we're friends. I thought we trusted each other."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. "We do, Lizzie. I do trust you. It's just... I've spent my whole life hiding who I am. It's not easy to let go of that."

I took a deep breath, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "My dad... he's done terrible things. Things that have hurt a lot of people. And my mom... even worse. Sometimes, it feels like my name, my identity, is also a burden. People hear 'Mikaelson' and they think 'monster'."

Lizzie's expression softened further. "Hope, you're not a monster. You're... you're you. Annoying sometimes, sure, but definitely not a monster."

A small laugh escaped me, mixed with a sob. "Thanks, Lizzie."

"So... what now?" Lizzie asked, looking between Josie and me.

I shrugged, feeling a strange mix of relief and anxiety. "Now you know. And... I guess we go from here. But Lizzie, you can't tell anyone. Not even your dad. The fewer people who know, the safer it is for everyone."

Lizzie nodded solemnly. "I won't tell anyone, I promise. But... can I ask questions? Because I have about a million right now."

I couldn't help but smile. "Sure, Lizzie. Ask away."

As the sun set over the lake, casting long shadows across the water, we sat there. Lizzie asked her questions, and I answered as best I could. Josie chimed in occasionally, offering her perspective or clarifying things.

"We should probably head back before we get caught. I know Emily's on duty tonight," I said, chuckling at Lizzie's reaction. The thought of encountering Emily, especially now that Lizzie knew our secret, sent a mixture of excitement and nervousness through me.

"Oh my God! That means she's a Mikaelson who's a hybrid," Lizzie exclaimed, her face a perfect picture of awe and disbelief. Her eyes were wide, and I could practically see the gears turning in her head as she processed this new information.

"Better not get caught by her then," I laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "Emily takes her duties very seriously, and I'd rather not explain why we're out here after hours."

We made our way back to the castle, our footsteps echoing in the quiet night. The moon cast long shadows across the grounds, giving everything an eerie, magical quality. When we reached the corridor of pillars, a mischievous idea struck me. I decided to mess with my sister, knowing she was likely around, keeping watch.

"You know," I said, raising my voice slightly, "Emily's just a softie. She's like a little wolf puppy. She acts all big and bad, but she's really just a big teddy bear at heart." I hid my smile as I said this, knowing full well that Emily, with her enhanced hearing, had probably caught every word.

Lizzie and Josie laughed at my description, but their amusement was short-lived. I noticed their smiles fading abruptly, their eyes fixed on a point behind me. A chill ran down my spine as I pressed my lips into a tight line, already guessing what - or rather who - was behind me.

"She's right behind me, isn't she?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I didn't need to turn around to know the answer, but I did anyway, slowly pivoting to face my fate.

I was met with Emily's hybrid face, her eyes glowing a fierce yellow, veins prominent under her eyes. Despite knowing she wouldn't actually hurt me, the sight still sent a jolt of fear through my body.

"Hey, Emily," I said, trying to keep my voice light and casual as I began to walk backward. Josie and Lizzie followed suit, their steps careful and measured. "How's it going? Lovely night for a stroll, isn't it?"

Emily's lips curled into a smirk that was equal parts amused and predatory. "Oh, it's going well," she replied, her voice deceptively calm. "I was just making sure no teenagers are out where they aren't supposed to be." Her eyes narrowed as she gave us a stern look. "But then I came across someone saying I was a wolf puppy. Care to explain that, little sister?"

I gulped audibly, my mind racing to find a way out of this situation. The corridor suddenly felt much longer, and I wondered if we could make it back to our rooms before Emily decided to show us just how much of a 'softie' she really was.