(1) Bloodlines: The Curse (A Vampire Dairies Fanfiction)

10. Charlotte

Charlotte.

Another small town, similar in many ways to Mystic Falls, but without the heavily celebrated founder obsession. It had been the destination that Katherine had directed them to, and when she finally woke up—after having her neck snapped for the second time—she told James to drive to the large cemetery that sat on the furthest side of town.

Alex found her eyes watching the people that they passed as James drove. Stefan had been almost silent since they had continued on from their short pitstop, and Katherine seemed to grow more uncomfortable the closer they got to the cemetery. Alex took a moment to prepare herself; somehow, she knew that locating Mikael wasn't going to be as simple as walking over and there he was.

The sign for Charlotte Cemetery was hanging from a very old gothic-styled fence. James drove into the parking area that was well tended and maintained. As he parked the car, Alex was the one who climbed out and looked around. There was no sign of a single human insight, and it was almost too quiet for her to relax.

Without waiting for the rest of the group, Alex lifted her bag over her shoulder and walked towards the lines of graves. The immediate area was well trimmed and clean, fresh flowers lying on every other grave. Alex glanced around and noted that Mikael would probably be sealed in a mausoleum and not buried. She paused and turned to see James standing at the back behind Katherine and Stefan.

Alex locked her gaze on Katherine. "Where is he?" she asked.

Katherine glanced around; her movements were fidgety.

Alex laughed and ran her fingers through her hair.

"What's funny?" asked Stefan.

"She doesn't know," said Alex.

Stefan glared at Katherine. "You said you knew where he was."

Katherine sneered at Alex and said, "I do. Charlotte Cemetery."

"Just not where in the cemetery," added James.

Alex shook her head. "I really shouldn't be surprised."

Looking around at the surrounding area, Alex took a moment to see what stood out. The witch that concealed Mikael would want to make sure he wasn't accidentally discovered. There would be magic protecting him and his location, and magic always left signs and traces.

"I brought you here; now let me go," snapped Katherine.

Alex shook her head. "Yeah, I don't think so."

With a twist of her wrist, Katherine's neck snapped, and she dropped to the ground.

"Stefan, would you mind bringing her please," said Alex.

Stefan seemed surprised but bent down and picked up Katherine, slinging her over his shoulder. "Where do we start?" he asked.

Alex rolled her shoulders. "Magic leaves a trace; I just need to find it." Closing her eyes, she let out a steady breath. Holding up her hands, she chanted, "Magica, magica, liceat videre." Warmth flooded her hand, and as she opened her eyes, a ball of white light floated in front of her.

"Wow," mumbled Stefan.

Alex smiled at the light before blowing it out of her hands. It floated through the air and towards James; it hovered around him before shooting off in another direction.

"Come on," said Alex. She followed after the light.

The light led them through the cemetery to a mausoleum. It backed onto the very edge of the cemetery was the area immediately around it was overgrown; weeds had sprouted everywhere, as had wildflowers.