Marcel did keep his promise, and Hayley was there to make sure he did. In fact, he even adopted me as his own.

The vampires that slaughtered my pack were almost all sussed out, and the leader, as promised by Klaus, was brought to Marcel to torture and kill. I wanted to do it myself; ripping out his heart and making him watch as it stopped beating. But part of Marcel's promise was keeping me as far away from everything he possibly could.

As the years passed, Marcel and Hayley both looked after me. I was homeschooled. Mostly because I had trouble controlling my temper, but also because it wasn't just academics that I had to learn.

Freya taught me about the basic witch history in New Orleans and Mystic Falls, and showed me some spells that I could try just in case I could do magic. Like Hope. They figured that since I did have a dad who was a witch, I should learn more about it all.

It never really succeeded, though. But that never stopped Freya from retrieving my father's grimoire from the bayou for me.

Even after losing the most important things to me, I had a decent life. Marcel gave everything to make sure of that. Every two days for ten years, he'd take me to a secluded area in the woods so I could turn and run free. Sometimes even Hayley and Keelin joined. Even Klaus when he wasn't chasing down some asshole that he thought was after his daughter.

I was able to find a passion in music, picking up skills in acoustic guitar and piano, and a little bit of the trumpet for times I feel for some classical New Orleans jazz. Marcel even made a point that I have a knack for singing.

The only thing I'd say was missing from my childhood was a normal birthday. Since I was born as a triplet, I never enjoyed it much. Parts of me were always missing, and every year, on the seventh of December, I'm reminded of what I lost.

Some days, without Marcel's permission, I would sneak out of the mansion that Klaus let us stay in. I'd walk or run to the French Quarter, and back to the compound to get a sneak peek at the princess, whether she cared for the title or not.

Part of my mother's job in the pack was to protect the alpha, and one day, if everything was more normal, I would be the one that protected Hope. I still believe that's what I'm meant to do.

The compound was generally empty that night, and Hope was nowhere to be found. I'd figured she and her family were out having a bit of fun. Though, I can't say I wasn't disappointed.

After searching the entire compound, I was ready to leave and head back home. Just as I'd reached the compound entrance, I saw Marcel waiting for me, disappointed spread across his face.

"I was just..."

"You should be at home, Mel, where you're safe and away from the Mikaelsons and their shenanigans."

"I know. But I was just-"

"Looking for Hope?" I started to protest, but obviously that was no use. He knew exactly what I was up to. Marcel sighed, pulling me into a hug and kissing the top of my head.

"How'd you know?"

"You didn't seriously think you went anywhere without my knowing, did you?"

I pulled away from his embrace. "You've been following me. Of course."

"More like I got eyes and ears all over the city." Marcel shrugged. "And maybe some times I followed you."

I nodded briefly then started to walk mindlessly by his side. I shoved my hands into the pockets of my jacket.

"So, where is she?"

Marcel glanced at me for a second. "Hope is... she's out of town."

"Why?"

"Some stuff's going down, Mel. Bad stuff. The Mikaelsons had to get her away from this city for safety." Marcel stopped walking and grabbed my shoulder. "I strongly believe they had the right idea."

I grew confused at the statement. "What do you mean?"

"I'm getting you out of town."

"What? No, Marcel, I can't leave-"

"Fort Valley, Georgia. It's a small town, it's quiet-"

"I'm not leaving."

"I'm not giving you a choice, Melori!" Marcel scratched at the top of his head. "Look, there's this... thing... that's after Hope, for her power."

"Then take me to her so I can protect her. Like I'm supposed to; the way my mom did hers."

Marcel shook his head at me. I could tell he didn't like the idea of me getting mixed up in the family drama. "I get your loyalty to your pack. I do. But my loyalty is to you, and the promise I made to Hayley and Klaus."

"Marc-"

"You're like a daughter to me; you mean more to me than anything, Mel. There were times where those words meant something entirely different. But this time I mean it- really, mean it."

We started walking again. "I know you do. But that's one of the reasons I don't want to go to Fort Valley."

"Please-"

"Let me finish." Marcel bit his tongue, nodding for me to continue. "You and Hayley... you guys gave me a life when I thought I didn't have one anymore. I lost my brothers. My dad. My mom. And maybe parts of myself that I'll never get back. But in losing something, I gained another."

"What's that?"

I stopped in my tracks, just before a lively jazz band in the streets of the French Quarter. I looked Marcel in his eyes and he simply returned the gesture.

"A father. And a sort of mother as well..." He tilted his head slightly to the side, seemingly surprised at my comment. "Well don't look too shocked, old man."

Marcel laughed lightly, "I'm just... I didn't know you felt that way."

"Of course I do. You're a good man Marcel... I'm-I'm more than proud to call you a father." Marcel and I exchanged a meaningful look. The look a father gives a daughter, and vice versa. I never thought I'd be able to experience this again.

Nodding, Marcel continued to plead. "Look, Mel... I just don't want you to get hurt. That's all. We don't know what's gonna go down with this thing, but I just... I have to get you out. Please let me protect you like I promised."

Finally caving, I nodded my head. "Okay. Just- where's the princess going?"

"The princess?" I pursed my lips and eyed him intensely. When Marcel realized who I was taking about, he chuckled. "Right. Hope. She's gone to Mystic Falls. The Salvatore school."

"Why can't I go there?"

"Because somehow, some way, you'd get caught up in her family's mess. I don't want that."

We continued our walk in silence. I always wondered if I'd really ever meet Hope. I wondered if she was anything like her mother, or her father. And I ultimately wondered if she knew I existed.

Surely if she knew she'd have come asking questions. Besides her mother, I'm the only hybrid in existence. She'd want to know where I came from. I would be curious if I was her, knowing the history of her existence.

Marcel looked up in the sky. I did the same, finding a full moon lurking behind the clouds. "Wanna go for a run?"

"Yeah, I think I need that."

***

So how did I end up here? In this place of emptiness?

I wish I knew.

All I remember is walking to my small apartment after closing up shop at a local bakery in Fort Valley. It was late, the streets were empty. It was quiet and peaceful.

I'd gotten to the apartment safely and decided to bake lasagna for dinner. So I made the pasta, the tomato sauce, grated some fresh mozzarella with each necessary layer then popped it in the oven.

While that cooked, I decided to shower, thinking about how much I missed New Orleans and Marcel and Hayley. I wondered when I could go back. It's been a few weeks since Marcel brought me here. And even though we talked almost every day I missed him and my home town.

I must've been in the shower for thirty minutes or so because by the time I was out, the lasagna was ready. I dried myself and popped on a t-shirt and some underwear for my nightwear.

I'd gone into the kitchen, took out the lasagna and let it cool for a bit before taking a bite. Then after another two... I don't know what happened.

Everything went black.

Then I woke up here. Endlessly roaming the emptiness for what felt like forever, but must've been years. How many years, I don't know. I just know that I gave up on trying to find anyone. Trying to call for help.

Until something happened. I heard someone. I saw someone.

"Hello?" They said. I tried answering back, but I assumed I couldn't be heard. They'd said a quick incantation, and but a second later, a ball of light appeared in their hands. That's when I saw her.

Hope.

How was she here? Why was she here?

I watched her search around for a short time before a cyclone of energy appeared. It seemed to try taking her away. Maybe that was how people died here. But it made me wonder why it hasn't come for me.

Just as the cyclone was about to carry her away, a man appeared to grab hold of her arm. Instantly, the cyclone disappeared.

"Hey!" I tried screaming a few times, but I figured they couldn't hear me because they were solely focused on each other.

The man held Hope bridal style after saving her from entering the cyclone. "Fancy meeting you here," he said.

Hope hopped out of his arms and backed away from him. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Saving your life, obviously-"

"No, I'm supposed to be in peace, okay. You are not peace. In fact, you're the opposite of peace. So where are we?"

"Come on... do the math."

"It's not that simple, okay. There are freaky cyclones and blinding lights and you're here..." She paused for a second, looking distraught. "Oh my god... we're in hell..."

"No such thing, I think," he responded. "Go on, take your best guess."

"No." Hope started to walk away from the man, who I'm guessing she's not very fond of.

"Why not?"

She turned around quickly. "Because I'm not gonna give you the satisfaction of telling me that I failed." She turned back and started walking off again.

"You mean you don't wanna hear you're in the blackness? That you've been consumed by Malivore?"

Malivore. That must be what this place is. Where I've been trapped for some time. But why was Hope here? And this guy? What did she mean she failed?

"No."

"You don't want me to point out that all your romantic heroics were for nada? That the big bad lives to see another day and all your friends have forgotten you ever existed?"

Is that what this place does? Make people forget who you are? Does that mean Marcel doesn't remember me? That Hayley doesn't? Klaus?

"Stop talking!"

"If I were you, I'd make peace with that."

Hope said nothing, but went past the man to walk away again. "Oh, wait." He said. "I can help you."

This got Hope's attention. And mine. Maybe he knew how to get out of here. Maybe I could get out as well.

"I don't see how," Hope said, throwing her hands up.

"I spent years inside this place. And while you cannonballing me into the belly of Malivore didn't seem to destroy him..." 'Him?' "...it has changed things. Oh, stop being a dick to me and maybe I'll elaborate."

"Okay," Hope shrugged. "I'm partially listening."

"Every creature consumed by my father-" His father? Oh by the second, I grow more confused... "-used to exist here in total isolation." Like I have, until now? "But here we are, taking to each other. Your presence here has somehow opened the cell doors. If you can do that, maybe there's a way for us to escape. So... what do you say? Partners?"

"Pass."

"You are such a child! No wonder you failed!"

"Says the guy who's entire life has been about failing daddy. I don't trust you, okay? And I never will."

"You're the one who brought me into this mess. If you just let me meat puppet my loser little brother, then we wouldn't even be-"

Hope stopped in her tracks to say another spell, only this time with a hand gesture. She clasped her hand over her mouth, and as if he were under her control, the man did the same.

"Your old friend... the mimic spell? You will do anything I intend you to do." As she walked towards him, he walked towards her, seemingly unable to control his own movements. "And it is my intention that this is the last conversation we will ever have. If I were you, I'd make peace with that."

With the man copying her, Hope turned around then began to walk away from him. I followed her, even though I was unsure where we were headed. Probably where I've been walking to for some time now; nowhere.

For some time, I've been following Hope as she walked senselessly about Malivore. I was confused on how an eternal pit of darkness could be someone's father.

Eventually the man reappeared, and Hope seemed to have lost the energy to fight with him again. They were both exhausted, for sure, but he seemed used to the feeling. I know I was.

"How long do you think we've been here?" Hope asked.

"Going to say... a week? Month? Year? What difference does it make?"

Suddenly a screech sounded from the darkness, in all directions, it seemed. Hope and the man heard it too, for sure, because they were just as startled as I was. "What the hell was that?!" He said.

"Uh, a gargoyle I think. I killed one once with my friends. You know, my teenaged friends... So why's a supervillain like you scared?"

"I'm not a villain. I never have been. I'm just a kid who's afraid of his father and will do anything to get away from him. My entire life's been about figuring out how. Failing miserably."

Hope seemed to take pity on him. She'd turned it face him, holding her hands together. With a small spell, they'd emitted this light, and a second later, there was a butterfly that'd emerged from her hands.

"You think that's our ticket out?" he said.

"No. It's a comfort spell, it's supposed to provide peace of mind."

Amazed by her kindness, he smiled. "Thank you."

Again, the blinding lights and the cyclone appeared. I watched it to see what would happen, but as soon as it appeared, it was gone.

"Why'd you do that?" I looked back at the two. Hope was eyeing him suspiciously.

"What?"

More sounds erupted from the darkness, and out came a number of creatures I've never seen or heard of before. They'd surrounded Hope and the strange man, but seemed as unaware of my presence as they did. I wondered if I was still in my own prison, but with some form of one way viewing platform.

After the creatures circled the two for a few seconds, they disappeared into the darkness again.

The apparent son of Malivore eyed Hope as she did him. "Guess we're partners after all," he said.

"I didn't say that."

"Well you just saved my life."

"Because you're keeping things from me and I wanna know why." Yet again, Hope cast a spell. I didn't know what many of these did since I couldn't do magic in the first place.

"Would you stop with the magic already? It's not fair."

"Think before you answer; is it unfair or... do you deserve it?"

"I totally deserve it," he said without hesitation. Truth spell. "Gah, why- why did I just say that?"

"Because I cast a truth spell. You can only answer me honestly. How does that make you feel?"

"Like this isn't gonna end well for me."

Hope nodded her head. "I've been working on a theory, you know, trying to figure out why the vortex comes. And then I realized it's always after I do magic. Am I getting warm?"

"Scalding."

"You know it makes a lot of sense when I think about it. I thought that I was wrong about me being the only one that could destroy him but I think my actual mistake was that I... I wasn't a fully activated tribrid when I dove into that pit. I never died, so my vampire side hasn't been activated yet and what I'm realizing now is that Malivore doesn't want me here.

I'm toxic to him. Finish that sentence, please."

"Malivore is trying to expel you. To send you back from where you came."

"And every time he tries..."

"I grab hold of you to try to get expelled with you. But as much as my father wants you to leave, he wants to keep torturing me here even more."

"Then it's official," Hope said, coming to a conclusion. "All we have to do is wait."

"For what?"

As if on cue, the vortex appeared yet again. "That's my ride."

"Hope, you can't leave me here!"

"Wait... please, Hope!" I tried yelling out again, but my efforts were useless.

"I can't leave with you, okay. I have to get back to my friends. I have to get back to Landon."

"I can't lie to you right? So you know I'm telling you the truth when I say that if you help me go back too, you'll never see me again. I promise!"

"I'm sorry... but you understand why I can't take that risk?"

"Yeah, I would do the same thing if I were you."

Hope smiled weakly. "Good luck, Clarke."

"Screw you, Hope!" And with that, Hope jumped back and allowed Malivore to expel her. Along with any hopes for me getting out as well.

Clarke hung his head in defeat, and balled his fists in frustration. His image soon faded and yet again, I was alone.

I dropped to the floor to wallow in my own self pity, knowing I'll probably never get out of here. Not without magic, which I don't have. Because I'm not like Hope, regardless of having origins of a vampire, witch, and werewolf.

But if Hope, a tribrid, was toxic to Malivore, for whatever reason, why aren't I? Is it because I can't do magic? My blood is still that of a witch's as well as a hybrid's, so why isn't he expelling me? Is it because he doesn't know?

With the sudden idea, I hopped to my feet and started yelling into the emptiness. "Hey! Malivore, right?" I felt insane for talking to literally nothing, but at this point I was willing to try anything. "Why am I here, huh? I'm like Hope. I mean sure I can't do magic but my father was a witch. And my mom was a hybrid. If that's so toxic to you then why am I still here?!"

My efforts felt useless and again I found myself on the floor. I had to get out of here somehow. I needed to make sure Marcel remembered me. And Hayley, too. Maybe I could even get to know Hope, finally. But everything seemed like a million dreams away.

I wasn't discouraged though.

"Fine," I said to myself. "I'll just have to try a different method."

I sat in that one spot, focusing every bit of my energy on trying to do a spell Freya Mikaelson tried to teach me once. It was simple, but to someone of my stature, it was incredibly hard. But if magic was my only way out, I had to try to find my inner witch and make this work.

Because no matter what it takes, I must see my family again.