The Salvatore house was uncharacteristically alive with movement and purpose. Bonnie paced the living room, phone in hand, her face tight with focus as she spoke to a distant contact. Across the room, Stefan and Caroline worked on clearing space, moving furniture to make room for what Bonnie described as a “witches' circle” unlike anything they’d ever seen.
Damon stood off to the side, arms crossed, his impatience boiling over every few minutes. “So let me get this straight—you’re gathering every witch you’ve ever known, some of whom hate us, and you’re just going to hope for the best?”
Bonnie shot him a glare as she ended her call. “Do you have a better idea, Damon? The spell trapping Elena is ancient. I need all the power I can get, or we don’t stand a chance.”
Damon’s retort died on his lips as he looked at Elena, still lying motionless on the couch, as though she were merely sleeping peacefully. His shoulders sagged slightly, and he muttered, “Fine. Just make it work.”
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Hours Later – The Salvatore House
The sun had set by the time the first witch arrived. From The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and every corner of their shared supernatural universe, Bonnie had called in every favor she was owed.
Sheila Bennett was first—Bonnie’s grandmother appearing as a spirit through Bonnie’s connection to the Other Side. Her presence alone filled the room with calm. “This spell won’t be easy, Bon,” Sheila said softly. “But we’ll do it together.”
Freya Mikaelson entered next, her sharp eyes scanning the room. She nodded at Bonnie, already prepared. “If there’s a spell worth breaking, it’s this one. The Mikaelsons have seen their share of curses.”
Davina Claire followed, still radiating the quiet power she’d held as a Harvest Girl. “I’ll help, but let’s not pretend this won’t take everything we have.”
Qetsiyah—or rather, her spirit—appeared reluctantly, summoned through Bonnie’s grimoire. Her presence was unstable, flickering, but her knowledge was unmatched. “You’ve woken the dead for this, Bonnie Bennett,” she sneered. “I hope she’s worth it.”
Others filtered in: witches from New Orleans, the Gemini Coven, and even members of the Bennett bloodline Bonnie had never met but who answered her call. The living room buzzed with energy, power crackling through the air like an impending storm.
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Preparing the Ritual
As the witches took their positions, Bonnie stood at the center of the room, her hands resting on a large, ancient grimoire that Freya had brought with her. The circle of witches formed around Elena, their voices a low hum as they began chanting to synchronize their magic.
Damon watched from the doorway, his jaw tense. Stefan stood beside him, his voice low. “This is the most witches I’ve seen in one place since the Harvest.”
Damon didn’t look away from Elena. “If this doesn’t work…”
Stefan’s voice softened. “It’ll work.”
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The Ritual Begins
The chanting grew louder, filling the house with a deep vibration. Bonnie’s eyes turned black as her magic swelled, connecting the witches' power into a singular force. Freya stepped forward, holding a vial of blood infused with the Mikaelson family’s magic. She poured it onto the floor in a thin circle around Elena.
“She’s the anchor,” Freya shouted over the noise. “Focus all power on breaking the spell holding her.”
Qetsiyah’s spirit flickered brighter, her voice echoing through the house. “Ancient spells cannot be undone—they must be shattered!”
The lights began to flicker as the air grew heavy. Elena’s body glowed faintly, her chest rising and falling unnaturally slow, as though something fought to keep her trapped.
Bonnie’s voice rose above the chaos. “Unbind the sleeper, release the soul, bring her back to this plane whole!”
The witches repeated her words, their voices blending into one.
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The Resistance
Suddenly, a blast of energy erupted from Elena’s body, knocking several witches backward. The circle trembled as an invisible force pushed against them, fighting to hold Elena in her slumber.
Freya grunted, hands outstretched, her magic straining. “Something’s holding on—something powerful.”
Bonnie gritted her teeth, sweat dripping down her forehead as she poured more magic into the spell. “Push through it! We’re almost there!”
Sheila’s spirit appeared beside Bonnie, her hand resting on her granddaughter’s shoulder. “Stay strong, Bon. This is your magic. Control it.”
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Breaking the Spell
The chanting intensified, the witches pushing against the unseen force with everything they had. Bonnie’s voice cracked as she screamed the final incantation:
“Resurgo ex somno! Return from sleep!”
A blinding flash of light exploded from Elena’s body, flooding the room with energy that rippled outward like a shockwave. The witches staggered back, gasping for breath, as the light slowly faded.
For a moment, everything was still.
Then, Elena’s eyes fluttered open.
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The Aftermath
Damon was the first to react. He moved to Elena’s side in an instant, his face pale with disbelief. “Elena?”
Her gaze slowly focused on him, confusion clouding her expression. “Damon?” Her voice was soft, hoarse from disuse.
He exhaled shakily, his hand brushing her face to make sure she was real. “You’re awake.”
Stefan stepped forward, relief washing over his face. “It worked.”
Around them, the witches exchanged tired looks, their power drained but their mission accomplished. Bonnie staggered slightly, catching herself on a chair as Sheila’s spirit faded with a proud smile. Freya wiped sweat from her brow, muttering, “Never again.”
Elena struggled to sit up, her brow furrowed as she looked around. “What happened? How long have I been out?”
Damon’s smile was small but real. “Too long.”
Elena’s hand moved instinctively to her stomach, her face paling as she looked at him. “Damon… something’s wrong. I can feel it.”
His eyes softened, his hand covering hers gently. “There’s nothing wrong. You’re okay. And… there’s something we need to tell you.”
Elena stared at him, a mix of fear and confusion in her eyes. “What is it?”
Bonnie stepped forward, her voice soft. “Elena… you’re pregnant. With twins.”
The room fell silent again as Elena processed the words, her hand tightening over her stomach. “What?”
Damon nodded, his voice calm but firm. “It’s true. And no matter what happens, we’re going to protect you. All of you.”
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