The Long Lost Tribrid

20. Bloody Hollows

Hope's Pov:

After waking up with Josie nestled beside me, we slowly rose and began our morning routine in preparation for breakfast. The anticipation of our upcoming witch training session filled me with excitement, a welcome distraction from the lingering worries that often plagued my mind. I carefully selected my usual white dress, its familiar fabric bringing a sense of comfort. Josie, mirroring my choice, also donned a white dress, and I couldn't help but admire how radiant she looked in it. With our fingers intertwined, we made our way to the dining hall, the gentle pressure of Josie's hand in mine a constant reassurance.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the familiar faces of our friends, their presence a reminder of the bonds we'd formed. Despite the enticing aroma of breakfast wafting through the air, my appetite seemed to have deserted me. I took a seat at our usual table, watching as Josie made her way to the food line. She returned moments later, a concerned look in her eyes as she placed a bowl of fresh fruit in front of me. The gesture touched me deeply, and I accepted it with a grateful smile, even though I knew I might struggle to eat much.

"So how are-" Lizzie began, her voice cutting through the general chatter of the dining hall. However, before she could finish her question, an unexpected interruption silenced the room.

"Ahem! I have an announcement to make!" The sudden declaration came from Ryan, who had climbed onto his table, commanding everyone's attention. His eyes locked with mine, and I felt a chill run down my spine at the malicious glint in his gaze. "We have a danger in the castle," he continued, his voice dripping with a mixture of triumph and disdain, "and her name is Hope Mikaelson!"

The words hung in the air for a moment before a wave of confusion swept through the crowd. Murmurs and whispers began to rise, students turning to one another with questioning looks. Ryan, clearly relishing the moment, added with a smirk, "Oh right, some of you might know her as Hope Marshall!"

In an instant, the atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. All eyes turned towards me, and I felt the weight of their stares like a physical force. The faces that had been friendly and familiar just moments ago now twisted into expressions of horror, disbelief, and growing anger. The realization of what was happening hit me like a punch to the gut. No, no, no. This can't be happening. My worst fear, the secret I had guarded so carefully, was being exposed in the most public and devastating way possible.

"How do you know for sure?" The shout came from somewhere in the crowd, a voice filled with both skepticism and fear. The question seemed to hang in the air, a last thread of doubt that I desperately clung to.

But Ryan was prepared. With a flourish, he produced a small device - a recording, I realized with growing dread. "I have it on tape right here," he announced, his voice filled with malicious glee. Without hesitation, he pressed play, and my own voice filled the suddenly silent hall.

*"Lizzie, there's something I need to tell you. About who I am,"* my recorded voice said, the words I had spoken in confidence now betraying me to everyone present.

*"Hope, no. Don't feel forced to tell her anything,"* Josie's voice followed, her concern evident even in the recording. I felt a surge of gratitude towards her, even as the situation continued to unravel around us.

*"It's fine, she deserves to know,"* my voice replied, steady despite the weight of the revelation I was about to make. *"My name isn't Hope Marshall,"* there was a pause, pregnant with tension, before the final, damning words were spoken, *"It's Hope Mikaelson. I'm Klaus and Hayley's daughter."*

The recording ended, but its impact was immediate and overwhelming. Gasps of shock echoed around the dining hall, the sound of dozens of students processing this revelation all at once. The tension in the room was palpable, a mixture of fear, anger, and confusion that seemed to crackle in the air like static electricity.