24 Chapter 1.23

"New Orleans?" Freya repeated; she struggled to grasp the concept of her current location, her mind still clouded by the remnants of captivity. As Orion's words reached her, a glimmer of recognition flickered in her eyes.

She mustered the strength to speak, her voice quivering with fear and curiosity. "How did you find me?" Freya's voice trailed off, the weight of her past weighing heavily upon her.

Sensing her uncertainty, Orion moved closer to her, extending a hand in a comforting gesture. "I sensed your presence, a flicker of magic that led me to you," he explained gently, lying through his teeth.

Sensing Freya's uncertainty, Orion mustered his magical strength, pushing against her grip with determination. With a surge of power, he managed to break free, eliciting a gasp of surprise from Freya. Realizing the immediate need for containment, he swiftly cast the spell "nulla magica," activating the protective wards around his house, rendering all magic null and void within its confines.

As the spell's effects took hold, Freya felt a sudden loss, her magical abilities subdued. Confusion flickered in her eyes as she looked to Orion for an explanation. "What did you do?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

Orion turned to face her, "I nullified all magic within the house, including our own abilities, temporarily so we can talk," he explained. "It was necessary to ensure our safety and maintain control while we figure out what's happening."

Freya's initial reluctance began to wane as understanding settled in. She nodded, acknowledging the need for caution in their current situation. "It makes sense," she replied, her voice softer now tinged with gratitude for Orion's swift actions

.

Freya hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to trust Orion's hospitality. However, her weariness and the genuine concern in his eyes convinced her to accept the offer. She sat at the table, trying to relax as she watched Orion move around the kitchen with practiced ease.

As Orion opened the fridge and retrieved a water bottle and an apple, Freya's gaze followed his every movement; curiosity mingled with a hint of gratitude. She had been isolated for so long, and this simple act of kindness touched her deeply.

Orion approached the table, placing the items before her. "Here you go," he said softly, a warm smile gracing his lips. "I hope this helps replenish your energy."

Freya's fingers wrapped around the cool water bottle, feeling relief washing over her. She unscrewed the cap and took a refreshing sip, feeling the hydration seep into her parched throat. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with appreciation.

Orion leaned against the countertop, observing her with a gentle intensity. "You're welcome," he replied, his voice carrying a comforting tone.

Orion's expression shifted, his gaze thoughtful as he considered the best approach to the delicate matter. He took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Freya, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his voice soft yet resolute. "I am not just an ordinary witch. I'm a seer who can glimpse and see future fragments."

Freya's eyes widened in surprise, her grip on the water bottle tightening slightly. "A seer, I haven't met one in a while," she repeated, her voice filled with curiosity.

Orion leaned forward, his eyes meeting hers with seriousness and compassion. "In that future, your captivity continued, and your family suffered.

So, what do we do now?" Freya asked

—-----

As the weeks unfolded, Orion dedicated himself to helping Freya acclimate to the modern world. He guided her through the bustling streets of New Orleans, their footsteps echoing against the vibrant cityscape. Freya's senses drank in the sights, sounds, and scents of the present, her eyes widening with wonder and curiosity.

During their time together, Orion introduced Freya to his cousin, Hayley, and his father, Oliver. Freya and Hayley forged a strong friendship during their time together. They connected over their shared experiences and the unique challenges they had faced in their lives. As they spent more time together, they discovered common interests and enjoyed each other's company.

As days went by, Orion and Hayley introduced Freya to modern technology. They patiently explained how to navigate social media platforms, allowing her to see how much the world had changed.

Despite the passing weeks of being close to Orion, Freya remained guarded, her trust in him far from complete. While moments of vulnerability and connection occasionally punctuated their interactions, she held onto the caution ingrained within her.

As Freya observed Orion's actions and witnessed his genuine concern for her well-being, a glimmer of reassurance flickered within her heart. She noticed his unwavering commitment to keeping her safe and his patient guidance through the complexities of the modern world. These small gestures chipped away at the walls she had erected, creating cracks that allowed glimpses of trust to seep through.

However, Freya had learned that trust was fragile and precious. The scars of her past served as a constant reminder of the consequences that could arise from misplaced faith. She trod cautiously, aware that vulnerability could lead to pain.

While a sense of familiarity and companionship began to take root, Freya maintained a measure of skepticism, her guard only partially lowered. She allowed herself to share fragments of her thoughts and emotions, testing the waters of connection but always maintaining a safe distance.

One evening, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Orion reached out to Slater and explained the delicate situation and the need for a new identity for Freya. He didn't tell him Freya's identity, just that she needed a new identity. Slater, a jack of all trades in the underworld, swiftly set to work, crafting a fresh identity to shield Freya from prying eyes.

Days later, Orion presented Freya with a meticulously crafted identification card. The words "Freya Michaels" adorned the sleek surface, the new name carrying a sense of liberation and protection.

—---

As Orion prepared himself for a much-needed rest, the piercing ring of his phone cut through the tranquility of the moment. He glanced at the screen and saw Bonnie's name flashing urgently. A surge of concern coursed through him as he answered the call, his voice laced with anticipation. "Bonnie, what's wrong?"

On the other end of the line, Bonnie's voice carried a sense of urgency and desperation. "Orion, I need your help," she pleaded, her words slightly breathless. She explained the dire situation involving a long-forgotten tomb and the assistance required to open it. Her voice crackled with a mixture of determination and fear.

Orion listened intently, his mind racing to comprehend the gravity of Bonnie's predicament. He needed to get there immediately, or else his grams would suffer from the consequences. She also explained to him what had happened so far to her and the situation in mystic falls.

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1137 words

f given the choice, would you rather be a phoenix or a dragon?

-I'd choose to be a phoenix because they have the incredible ability to rise from their own ashes, and they possess a regal beauty that is simply captivating. Plus, the thought of immortality is pretty appealing!

What about you all?