The Hybrid's Ex

Chapter 30

As Klaus stepped outside the cabin, the morning air hit him like a cold wave, bringing with it a clarity that settled in his chest.

His heart felt lighter, but the pain of letting go was still fresh, like an open wound that hadn’t quite healed. He glanced around, his eyes catching movement in the distance.

Damon Salvatore was walking towards him, his expression unreadable, but Klaus could sense the tension in the air between them.

Damon stopped in front of Klaus, his hands casually stuffed in his pockets, but his eyes held a guarded look.

Klaus, usually so composed, let his guard down for just a moment. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"Don’t leave her like I did," Klaus said, his voice quieter than usual but laced with meaning. "Cherish her… and keep her safe. For me."

Damon raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching in an almost-smirk, but he didn’t speak.

He knew this was important. Klaus wasn't the type to openly admit weakness or regret, yet here he was, laying down his pride for Sofia.

"Otherwise," Klaus added, a sharp glint in his eye despite the sincerity of his words, "I will take her away."

Damon didn’t flinch at the subtle threat, but a small, amused smile played on his lips. "I’m not planning on letting her go, Klaus. Not now, not ever."

For a moment, both men stared at each other, two people who had once been on opposite sides of every conflict imaginable.

But now, there was an understanding between them, a mutual respect forged in the wake of their shared love for the same woman.

Without another word, Klaus extended his hand toward Damon.

Damon hesitated for just a second, but then clasped Klaus’s hand in a firm grip.

It was more than just a handshake—it was a truce, an acknowledgment of the past and the future.

With a subtle nod, Klaus pulled Damon in for a quick bro hug, a silent pact exchanged between them.

As Klaus pulled away, he gave Damon one last look before turning and walking away into the early morning light, the shadows of his past finally starting to fade behind him.

---

Inside the cabin, Sofia sat in the chair Klaus had just vacated, her emotions swirling in the silence.

The conversation had been a release, but it left her feeling raw and vulnerable.

She didn’t even realize she was crying until she felt the tears slide down her cheeks, hot and unrelenting.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Damon stepped in.

His usually cocky demeanor softened the moment he saw her, sitting there with tear-streaked cheeks and a vacant expression.

Without hesitation, he crossed the room, his eyes filled with concern.

"Sofi," he whispered, his voice barely audible as he crouched down in front of her.

At the sound of his voice, Sofia finally broke.

She collapsed forward, burying her face in Damon’s chest, her sobs shaking her whole body.

Damon immediately wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as the weight of everything she had been holding inside finally spilled out.

For a long time, neither of them spoke. Damon just held her, his hand gently stroking her back as she cried.

He didn’t rush her, didn’t try to offer words of comfort.

He knew this wasn’t the time for talking—this was the time for being there, for giving her the space to let go of the burdens she had carried for so long.

Sofia’s sobs eventually quieted, her breathing evening out as she melted into Damon’s embrace.

She felt lighter, as if all the pain, the regrets, and the memories of her past with Klaus had been washed away with her tears.

It was as if she had finally let go of a chapter of her life she had been holding onto for far too long.

Damon pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, but he didn’t move, didn’t loosen his hold on her.

He knew she needed this—needed to know that she wasn’t alone, that someone was there for her no matter what.

And Damon was happy to be that person for her.

After a while, Sofia let out a shaky breath, pulling back slightly to look up at Damon, her eyes red and swollen but filled with a strange sense of relief. "I don’t even know why I’m crying," she said with a weak laugh, wiping at her eyes.

Damon gave her a small smile. "You needed to. Sometimes you just need to let it all out."

Sofia nodded, resting her forehead against his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat beneath her.

For the first time in a long while, she felt safe, like the storm inside her had finally calmed.

Damon kept his arms around her, his presence grounding her as she slowly found her strength again.

"Thank you," Sofia whispered, her voice barely audible, but Damon heard her. He smiled, holding her even tighter.

"I’ll always be here, Sofi," he whispered back. "Always."

And in that moment, Sofia knew she wasn’t alone.

The chapter with Klaus was over, but a new one with Damon had just begun.

And for the first time in a long time, she felt ready for it.