To Be Or Not To Be » Stefan Salvatore

Chapter 8 - The Ties That Bind

Pain. It was familiar. A constant, lingering ache, one she had learned to endure. Even in a life of caution, pain had found her. First, Henrik. Then her mother. Even her fiancé. Loss had been her most faithful companion. And beyond grief, there was the weight of a vengeful father, a ruthless family, and the darkness within herself.

But for most of her existence, pain had been held at bay. And for that, she was grateful. If she had lived those years, there would have been far more to grieve. But at the same time, she despised it.

A part of her life had been stolen.

A part where she could have been someone. A part where she could have learned something. She hated that she hadn't felt the struggles that should have shaped her.

Because pain makes you. It sharpens and molds. It gives you something to be proud of. And yet, standing here, she felt no pride in herself. Somewhere along the way, something had gone terribly, terribly wrong.

⋯

Half an hour later, Bonnie found the spell. Skye had helped—barely—but Bonnie had done most of the work. Determined, relentless, every movement sharp with purpose.

The spell was proving difficult. Skye could see the doubt flicker across Bonnie's face, the hesitation in her hands. She tried to encourage her, but it barely seemed to help. They were strangers, after all. Skye couldn't blame her for not trusting easily.

Her attempt at reassurance was interrupted by her brother's voice.

"Tick tock. I should hear chanting by now."

Both she and Bonnie turned on him, glaring.

"I'm still studying the unlinking spell. It's not that easy, especially under duress," Bonnie snapped. Skye winced.

It was a reminder that Bonnie wasn't doing this willingly. That her brother had forced her into this, dangling the lives of those she loved in front of her.

"You've been warned. If you're looking for a way to send for help, I will kill anyone who comes to your rescue."

Skye rose from the couch, stepping closer to Bonnie.

"It's the spell, Nik. I've been with her this entire time—I'm a hundred percent certain this is the spell."

Bonnie nodded.

"This is the spell. I just don't know if I'm strong enough." She took a step back, widening the space between them.

"Then you should have a little more faith in yourself, Bonnie." Klaus moved toward her, ignoring the clear boundary she had set.

"Your energy helped my mother link us. Honestly, I think someone isn't trying very hard. Very well."

Klaus pulled out his phone and dialed a number. Skye frowned, curiosity sparking as she moved closer. Then—she heard a voice. One that sent a jolt through her.

Kol.

Her fled brother.

She hadn't seen him in what felt like ages, but hearing his voice now was like slipping into something familiar. Their relationship had always been lighthearted, a game of mischief and reckless fun. Kol had never cared for rules, and he had never asked her to, either. Where the others saw her as something fragile, Kol had given her freedom. The kind that came with danger, but freedom nonetheless.

She had gone to him when she wanted to escape. When she wanted to live.

She missed him.

"Kol. How's the weather up there in Mile High City? And how's our friend? May I see him?"