Threads of Fate: Riena's Mission

The graveyard was still and quiet, the morning light filtering through the trees. Mikael sat on the ground, his arms wrapped protectively around Riena, who rested in his lap. For the first time in centuries, Mikael felt something other than anger or despair. The weight of the truth about Dahlia's control over him and the damage it had caused was still fresh, but Riena’s presence grounded him.

“I need to tell you more,” Riena said softly, looking up at him with her sapphire eyes. “You should know everything that’s happened since I came to Mystic Falls.”

Mikael’s brows furrowed slightly, his hands still gently resting on her shoulders. “Tell me, child,” he said, his voice low but steady. “I want to understand.”

Riena took a deep breath. “I’m the mate of Kol, Klaus, and Elijah. The bond is strong, and they mean everything to me.”

Mikael’s eyes widened slightly, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “My sons…” he murmured. “I always wanted them to find happiness. Knowing they’ve found it with you… It brings me peace.”

Riena smiled warmly. “They’re amazing, and I love them with all my heart. But things haven’t been easy. A lot has happened since I arrived.”

She began to recount the events of her time in Mystic Falls—her arrival, her growing bond with the Mikaelsons, the threats they had faced, and the danger they had overcome together. Mikael listened intently, his expression shifting between pride, anger, and sorrow as she spoke.

When she finished, he sighed deeply, his gaze distant. “You’ve been through so much, and yet you’re here, protecting my family—our family. Thank you, Riena.”

Riena hesitated, her expression growing more serious. “There’s more, Mikael. You deserve to know the truth about Ester and Dahlia.”

Mikael’s jaw tightened at the mention of their names. “What about them?”

Riena shifted slightly, her voice soft but firm. “Ester… she wasn’t who you thought she was. She was obsessed with you, Mikael. She wanted to marry you, and when she couldn’t win your heart, she performed a ritual. She gave up her magic in exchange for a spell that made you fall in love with her.”

Mikael’s breath hitched, and his eyes darkened. “She… bewitched me?”

Riena nodded, her expression filled with sympathy. “Yes. And after she lost her magic and married you, she discovered she couldn’t have children. So, she went to her sister Dahlia for help.”

Mikael’s brow furrowed, his fists clenching. “And Dahlia agreed?”

“She did,” Riena confirmed. “But only on one condition. Ester had to give up her firstborn child, Freya, to Dahlia. And not just Freya—every firstborn of her family. And Ester… she agreed to the deal.”

Mikael’s eyes widened in shock, the revelation hitting him like a blow. “She gave up Freya?” he whispered, his voice trembling.

“Yes,” Riena said, her voice soft. “Dahlia took Freya, and she’s kept her alive all these years. But Dahlia hated you, Mikael. She hated you for taking her sister, for making her lose the bond they shared. So she used her magic to curse you—to make you hate and hurt your children. And when you became a vampire, the spell grew even stronger. It wasn’t you, Mikael. It was her.”

Mikael’s entire body tensed as the truth sank in. His anger at Dahlia and Ester burned hotter with every passing moment. “Ester betrayed me. Dahlia cursed me. And because of them, I destroyed everything I loved.”

Riena reached up, placing a comforting hand on his cheek. “You didn’t destroy anything, Mikael. You were a victim, just like your children. But now you have the chance to make things right.”

Mikael’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “And you… You’re already working to fix this, aren’t you?”

Riena smiled, her expression determined. “Yes. I’m planning to get rid of both Dahlia and Ester. And I’m going to free Freya. Your firstborn daughter is still alive, Mikael. She’s waiting to be saved.”

Mikael’s breath caught, and for a moment, his anger was replaced by hope. “Freya…” he murmured, his voice filled with longing. “She’s alive…”

“She is,” Riena said, her tone reassuring. “And I promise, we’ll bring her back.”

Mikael’s lips pressed into a thin line, his resolve hardening. “Thank you, Riena. For everything. You’ve given me something I never thought I’d have again—hope.”

Riena stood then, her magic shimmering faintly as she waved a hand, cleansing Mikael of the dirt and blood that clung to him. She smiled warmly, reaching out to take his hand. “Come on, Papa,” she said with a playful grin. “It’s time to go home.”

Mikael froze for a moment, the word sinking in. “Papa?”

Riena giggled. “You’re Kol, Klaus, and Elijah’s father, which makes you my father, too. So, Papa, let’s go. The others will want to meet you.”

A rare smile spread across Mikael’s face, and for the first time in centuries, he felt a warmth he thought he had lost forever. “Alright, my daughter. Let’s go.”

Hand in hand, Riena and Mikael left the graveyard, making their way toward the Salvatore house. Mikael’s heart felt lighter with every step, the anger and guilt that had consumed him beginning to fade. He had a second chance—a chance to reunite with his family, to make amends, and to protect those he loved.

And it was all thanks to Riena.

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To be continued…