The Long Lost Tribrid

35. Healing

Caroline gently lifted Hope into her arms, cradling the exhausted girl against her chest. The young Mikaelson's body felt impossibly light, as if the weight of her actions had hollowed her out. With careful steps, Caroline began the journey back to the castle, her heart aching for the girl who had just lost so much.

The mist swirled around them as they left the bridge behind, the scene of the final battle fading into the distance. Hope's eyes remained closed, her breathing shallow and uneven. Caroline whispered words of comfort, though she wasn't sure if Hope could hear them.

"You did it, sweetheart," Caroline murmured. "You saved us all. Your father... Your mother... They can never hurt you again."

As they approached the castle, Caroline could see figures gathered at the entrance, anxiously awaiting their return. The news of the battle's outcome had clearly spread, and a tense silence hung in the air.

Caroline carried Hope through the grand doors and into the common room, where their friends and loved ones had congregated. Gasps and murmurs filled the air as they took in Hope's battered appearance.

Josie was the first to rush forward, her eyes wide with concern. "Hope!" she cried, reaching out to touch her girlfriend's face. Hope's eyes fluttered open at the familiar voice, a weak smile tugging at her lips.

"I'm okay," Hope whispered, her voice hoarse. "Just... tired."

Caroline gently lowered Hope onto a nearby couch, where Josie immediately sat beside her, pulling Hope's head into her lap. Lizzie approached next, her usual sarcastic demeanor replaced by genuine worry.

"You look like hell, Mikaelson," Lizzie said, but her trembling voice betrayed her emotions. "But I guess that's what happens when you save the world."

Hope managed a weak chuckle. "Thanks, Liz. I feel like hell, too."

A small figure pushed through the crowd - Reece, the young girl Hope had formed a special bond with during their adventures. Tears streamed down Reece's face as she took Hope's hand in both of hers.

"You did it," Reece said, her voice filled with awe. "You really did it. You stopped the bad guy."

Hope's eyes welled up with tears. "Yeah, I did. But Reece... the bad guy was my dad. And I... I had to..."

Unable to finish the sentence, Hope broke down, her body shaking with sobs. Josie held her close, stroking her hair, while Lizzie placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Reece climbed onto the couch, wrapping her small arms around Hope's waist.

Caroline watched the scene unfold, her heart swelling with a mixture of pride and sorrow. She caught Alaric's eye across the room, and he nodded, understanding the silent communication. They would all need time to heal, to process the events that had transpired.

As Hope's sobs subsided, more of her friends gathered around. MG offered a tentative smile, while Kaleb gave her a respectful nod. Even Rafael, who had often been at odds with Hope, approached with a look of admiration.

"You saved us all, Hope," Rafael said quietly. "We owe you everything."

Hope shook her head weakly. "No, we did this together. All of us. I couldn't have... I wouldn't have made it without you all."

As the group huddled closer, offering words of comfort and support, Caroline felt a glimmer of hope for the future. The road ahead would be difficult, filled with grief and healing, but looking at the love surrounding Hope, she knew they would face it together.

...

In the days that followed, a sense of peace slowly settled over the castlel. The halls, once filled with tension and fear, now echoed with tentative laughter and whispered conversations. Hope, still recovering from her ordeal, found herself surrounded by a constant stream of visitors, each offering their own form of comfort and support.