The Long Lost Tribrid

33. Butterfly Healing

Hope's Pov:

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath as I prepared myself for what I was about to do. Queen Caroline stood beside me, her presence both comforting and intimidating. "Are you sure about this, Hope?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"I have to be," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. "This has gone on long enough. It's time to end it."

With another deep breath, I let my consciousness drift, feeling the familiar sensation of leaving my physical body behind. The room around me faded, replaced by a swirling vortex of colors and light. I focused my thoughts on my destination: Bloody Hollows.

The journey through the astral plane was always disorienting, but I'd grown accustomed to it over the years. Images and sensations flashed by at dizzying speeds until suddenly, everything solidified. I found myself standing in the heart of Bloody Hollows, the air thick with an oppressive darkness that seemed to cling to everything.

I scanned my surroundings, searching for any sign of Klaus. The landscape was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of nature muted as if the very land itself was holding its breath. In the distance, I could make out the silhouette of a familiar figure.

"Klaus," I called out, my voice echoing in the stillness.

He turned, his eyes widening as he saw me. Even in this spectral form, I could see the mixture of surprise and wariness on his face. "Hope," he said, his voice a low growl. "To what do I owe this... unexpected visit?"

I steeled myself, reminding myself of why I was here. "I've come with a message," I said, my voice firm. "This ends now. I'm ready to finish this battle once and for all."

Klaus's eyebrows rose, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Is that so? And what makes you think you're ready to face me, little one?"

I refused to let his condescending tone get to me. "I'm not the same girl you remember, Klaus. I've grown, I've learned, and I'm more powerful than you can imagine."

He chuckled, but I could see a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "Bold words. But words are wind, Hope. It's actions that matter."

"Then let's put those actions to the test," I challenged. "Meet me at the bridge that connects our two islands. It's time we settled this, once and for all."

Klaus's expression turned serious, all traces of amusement gone. "You're sure about this? There's no going back once we start down this path."

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I'm sure. This war has gone on long enough. It's time to end it, one way or another."

For a long moment, Klaus just stared at me, as if trying to gauge my resolve. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. The bridge, in three days' time. We'll see if you're truly as ready as you claim."

With my message delivered, I felt the pull of my physical body calling me back. As the world around me began to fade, I held Klaus's gaze. "Three days," I confirmed. "Don't be late."

The journey back was quicker, and suddenly I was gasping, my eyes flying open as I returned to my body. Queen Caroline was there immediately, her hand on my shoulder. "Hope? Are you alright? What happened?"

I took a moment to catch my breath before answering. "It's done. I spoke to Klaus. We're meeting at the bridge in three days."

Caroline's eyes widened. "Are you sure about this? It could be a trap."

I shook my head. "No, I saw it in his eyes. He'll be there. And so will I. It's time to finish this, once and for all."

As I looked at Caroline, I could see the mixture of pride and worry in her eyes. "Then we'd better start preparing," she said, her voice filled with determination. "If you're going to face Klaus, you'll need to be at your absolute best."