Red Passion

Chapter 21

A/N: So... here we are, this is the last chapter. It feels pretty surreal to post it, to actually switch this story's status to 'complete', but it also feels pretty satisfying as it is my first time doing so. I have worked on this fanfiction for over a year (because I'm awfully slow at updating, I know *covers face in shame*) and to think that it has, at last, come to an end leaves me feeling something between proud and emotional. In a lot less words, I'm a mess, but a very happy one.

Of course, none of this would have ever been possible without your support, so thank you to each and every single one of you for reading and especially reviewing this story time and time again, keeping my motivation going. I know the quality of the chapters and of my writing in general hasn't always been great and that it has sort of lost a bit of its magic and originality as the story progressed, but I truly do appreciate you all for sticking around until the end.

The biggest thank you of all goes to Bethany (MarsterRoo), for having been the best beta-reader that I could have ever asked for. A lot of this would have not made as much sense without her.

This story will always be my baby and it will always hold a very special place in my heart.

For one last time, hope you enjoy,

Giulia.
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"Bonnie!" Caroline is the first one to desperately cry out, running towards the middle of the clearing and launching herself on her best friend's body.

No matter the fact that she knew that there would be consequences, she still refuses to believe that Bonnie is actually dead; and for good, this time. Not even because she loves her—which she does, so much—but because dammit! Bonnie Bennett deserves a lot better than this.

So the blonde wraps her arms tight around the other girl, still as stone against her, and lets big, hot tears run down her cheeks, as unstoppable as a tidal wave.

They are so close, that that's when she finally hears it.

Tu-thump. Tu-thump. Tu-thump.

Is she hallucinating?

"What–what is that?" she murmurs confusedly, turning around with wide, wet eyes and finding Klaus and Elena standing right behind her.

The brunette is crying softly on Damon's shoulder, and both Salvatores look pained as their gazes rest upon Bonnie's seemingly lifeless body. The hybrid is the only one who's smiling, a small, genuine smile that has Caroline part her lips in wonder.

It's as if, right in that moment, everything suddenly falls into place.

"She's in transition," he answers, easily, eyes locked on the blonde's face, drinking in her every reaction.

"She... what?"

The baby vampire immediately spins around again, laughter bubbling up her throat and past her lips as she hugs Bonnie's body even closer to her own, keeping her friend safe in between her arms.

"She's alive!" she exclaims through a fresh set of tears—one that has a completely different meaning and purpose than the previous one—before her voice lowers to an almost imperceptible whisper. "You're alive," she repeats in a sigh, her whole being immediately feeling lighter and brighter.

Klaus looks on from a few feet away, his heart warming at the joy displayed on Caroline's features, replacing the devastation that was there just a few minutes ago.

His plan has worked, and his blood was powerful enough to sever the connection between the Bennett witch and his Mother's spell, turning the former into a vampire as the life that Esther had blackmailed her with slowly and inevitably ebbed away.