Long Lost Love

Chapter Two

The moon hung heavy over the sky, casting dark shadows over the sleeping village. Casandra stood in her Fathers tent, her heart pounding in her chest. She had just killed her Father, a fate she would have prefered over the fate that was forced upon her. She was filled with guilt and remorse. Her Father was the only thing she had left and adored him more than anything in the world. 

The humble feeling she had once felt in her home was gone. Almost as if it had died alongside her. All that was left was the distant memory of the laughter that she and her father shared. 

In the coming days and weeks Casandra hardly spoke to anyone, not even Elijah. When Anya, the witch who had helped Esther cast the vamperism spell had left her with a ring that allowed the slaves of the sun to walk in the daylight, she knew it was time to plan her escape. 

She knew that if she spoke about her leaving to anyone, they would try to stop her and if they did, they would be able to convince her other wise and she would end up staying. A clean break is what she needed so thats what she did. She left without warning anyone.

As time went on, she shadowed the Mikaelsons from a far making sure to not make herself know to them, well, what was left of them. The ones that hadn't landed themselves into boxes. She did this every once and a while just to make sure they kept harmony with each other and that they act like the family they once promised they would. In the 15th century, the Mikaelsons had a run in from a girl from Bulgaria, Katerina Patrova. Both Elijah and Klaus were fascinated by her but Elijah, being the noble man he is, allowed his brother to proceed. 

"I do not believe in love Katerina" Elijah said looking at her whilst they waited for his brother to emerge from the night 

"That is too sad for me to accept, my lord. Life is too cruel. If we cease to believe in love, why would we want to live?" she said confused

He was about to answer, however Niklaus had emerged and Elijah watched the two walk away.

 Now, anyone would think that this would be a happy love story between Katerina and Klaus but they would be mistaken. Klaus only wanted to use her for her Doppleganger blood to break the sun and moon curse to allow him to chanel his werewolf gene. Katerina managed to escape from Klaus's grasp and kill herself turning herself into a vampire, making her blood useless and foiling his plan. 

Casandra tailed Katerina, now being known as Katherine for years while Katherine was being chased by Klaus until she ended up in the place where everything had once started. Mystic Falls, 1864. Katherine arrived in Mystic Falls alongside her maiden, Emily Bennett at the Salvatore residence. She needed to get closer, to know more about her and why she did what she did to Klaus. However, she couldn't walk up to the Salvatores and demand residence, she needed to be discreet.

Lucikly, the founding families of the town had decided to throw a ball, a ball that they were calling 'The Founders Ball'. Casandra could take this as an opportunity to 'persuade' herself a room at the Salvatore house.

The candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow across the elegantly decorated hall of the Salvatore mansion. Guests clad in lavish attire mingled, laughter mingling with the melodic strains of a string quartet, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and suffused with a hint of tension. Casandra adjusted her gown, a deep sapphire blue that hugged her figure perfectly, reflecting her determination and grace. Tonight was crucial.

As she scanned the crowd, looking for the head of the Salvatore family, Giuseppe Salvatore. Though he was a powerful figure, formidable and daunting, Casandra had heard word of his behaviours and knew she needed to be careful and make her words clear. Finally, she spotted him—Giuseppe, distinguished in a tailored suit, his dark hair impeccably styled, exuding an authority that made people part like the Red Sea in his presence. He conversed with prominent members of the community, his voice steady and commanding. 

"Good evening, Mr. Salvatore," she greeted, her voice smooth yet firm, projecting an air of confidence that masked her apprehension.

Giuseppe turned, eyeing her with a hint of curiosity. "Yes?" he turned to her slightly confused "I don't believe I've seen you in town before, Miss...?" He trailed off waiting for her to finish his setence

She sensed his probing gaze, and the slight lift of his brow told her he was expecting a mere social pleasantry. But Casandra had more at stake than small talk. "Miss Rayson Sir" she paused giving herself a minute to think "My parents had recived an invatation however, due to tragedy, they're unable to attend. So I've travelled here by myself to see what Mystic Falls has to offer. I understand that your family has graciously opened your doors to another. Sir. I need your consideration, your compassion."

"Compassion is a rare commodity in this world," he replied, his tone neutral, but his eyes glinted with something unreadable. "What is it you desire?"

"I desire, if willing, to occupy another one of your rooms. I've tried many places and this has come to be my last option" she spoke softly 

"Well thats obsurd. How dare you come to me and ask to reside in my home how do I know that you are not a mistress?"

She took a step forward, gazing into his piercing blue eyes "I assure you Mr Salvatore, I am no mistress. I am simply a girl trying to desperately find shelter. I will not be of any harm to you or your family. You'll be glad to lend me a room to stay"

 Guissppes demeanour instantly changed "My wife, sons and I will be glad to have you Miss Rayson" he paused looking around for one of his sons "Damon! Would you come here?" he said grabbing the attention of his eldest son.

"Yes Father?" he replied 

"Would you take Miss Rayson to an empty room? She'll be staying with us" he announced to Damon and then went back to what he was doing before Casandra had approached him 

"Certainly Father" he smiled and then held out his arm for Casandra to take "If you would like to follow me"

"Thank you Mr Salvatore."