The sun was setting over Mystic Falls, casting long shadows across a town that had no idea just how much its fate was about to change.
I wasn't here to destroy it this time. Not to take. Not to conquer.
I was here to build something.
Not just a kingdom—but a legacy. A family. A future. And that began with a decision I had never made before: giving others a choice.
The Wolf
The sun hovered low over Mystic Falls, casting golden light through pine needles and rooftops as the day dimmed.
To most, it was just another evening. But to me, it marked the beginning of a new age.
Not one built on terror or chaos—but on power, legacy, and choice.
I had no interest in burning bridges anymore. I was building something deeper. A dynasty. A bloodline. A future.
And it started with him.
The First
Behind the high school, Tyler Lockwood was tearing into a punching bag strung from a rusted goalpost. His strikes were fast and angry—trying to outpunch something inside himself.
I let him work through it. Then I stepped into view.
He stopped mid-swing, jaw tightening. "You've got some nerve showing up here."
"I'm not here to fight," I said. "I'm here to offer you something."
His arms dropped slightly. Still on edge. But curious.
"I've broken the hybrid curse," I said. "I'm creating something new. Hybrids. You'd be the first."
He blinked. "I thought you needed Elena's blood. And a sacrifice ritual."
"I did. That part's over. Now I just need my blood—and hers. The rest is clean."
"You want me to be like you?"
"I want you to be better. I'm building a pack. I'll be the Alpha. But every Alpha needs a second. I want it to be you."
Tyler hesitated. "And if I say no?"
"Then you walk away," I said. "No hard feelings. But if you say yes… you'll never be shackled by the full moon again."
He held my gaze for a moment. "I'll think about it."
"That's all I ask."
The Blood
The Mystic Grill was buzzing with conversation as I entered. I spotted Elena Gilbert and Bonnie in a booth. As I approached, Bonnie's eyes narrowed like a blade.
"I just want to talk," I said.
Elena raised a hand. "It's fine, Bonnie."
I slid into the seat across from her.
"I've started creating hybrids," I said. "But I need your blood to finish the process."
"And if I say no?" she asked.
"I walk away. I'm asking, not taking."
Her arms crossed. "Why should I give you anything?"
"I can offer protection," I said. "My blood. If you drink it and something happens—you survive. That's part of the deal."
"And the other part?"
I leaned in slightly. "I could have my witches attempt something… meaningful. Risky, but possible."
She looked suspicious. "Like what?"
"I could try to bring back your aunt Jenna."
Elena froze. The color drained from her face.
"No tricks," I said. "Just a chance. Think about it."
Then I stood and walked out.
The Sheriff
The Mystic Falls Sheriff's Department was nearly empty. Liz Forbes sat alone in her office, typing reports.
When I stepped inside, she didn't flinch. Just looked up.
"I assume someone's dead."
"Not today," I said. "I came to see you."
She leaned back in her chair. "Really?"
"I'm building something new. And I want you to be part of it."
She narrowed her eyes. "You mean my daughter?"
"I mean you, Elizabeth," I said, stepping closer. "You're intelligent. Loyal. Strong. You've held this town together through more than anyone knows."
"I'm not flattered," she replied.
"I'm not trying to flatter you," I murmured, closing the space between us. "I'm trying to make you remember what it's like to be wanted."
She raised an eyebrow. "You're unbelievable."
I leaned in to her ear, voice barely a whisper.
"That ex-husband of yours… never really knew what you needed."
"But I do."
She inhaled sharply but didn't move.
"I'll consider it," she whispered.
I smiled. "That's all I ever ask."
The Witch Awakened
The compound felt different now. Alive.
Freya stood at the war table, black silk draped over her shoulders, wine in her hand, sharpness in her eyes. Rebekah smirked from the couch. Elijah stood nearby, thoughtful as always. And Finn—undaggered and no longer controlled—watched everything with cautious silence.
"You're early," Elijah said as I entered.
Freya turned to me. "That's his doing."
They looked to me.
"I severed her bond to Dahlia," I said. "Woke her early. Linked her magic to mine instead."
"You what?" Finn snapped.
"Her power is hers now," I said. "And she's free."
Freya stepped closer to Finn. "And yet here you are. Still dancing to Mother's tune."
"I'm loyal to her," he said defensively.
"She sold me to Dahlia. Lied to you. Cursed Niklaus. And still you follow her?"
"She gave me purpose."
Freya narrowed her eyes. "Then take a better one."
He looked away—but didn't argue.
The War Table
We gathered around the large dining table, covered in old scrolls and grimoires.
Freya traced her finger over a rune.
"This sigil, used during the lunar convergence, can trap Mother's spirit long enough to cut her connection to us."
Elijah frowned. "We can't kill her."
"No," Freya agreed. "But we can bind her. Remove her influence. Break the line of control."
"The convergence is in three nights," I said.
"We strike then," Freya nodded. "Before she finds another vessel."
Then Finn spoke. Quiet. Clear.
"I want to help."
We all turned.
"I see her now. For what she is. I choose this family."
There was silence.
Then I nodded.
"Good," I said. "Then let's show the world why the Mikaelsons are feared."