The rush of excitement I had felt only moments ago was quickly fading, replaced by a heavy, almost dizzying sense of uncertainty. I stood frozen on the ancient, dusty road, the sunlight warm against my skin, my high heels sticking out like a neon sign among a sea of leather sandals and flowing linen robes. People moved around me, shooting me sideways glances that ranged from curious to downright suspicious. And honestly, who could blame them?
I mean, there I was a girl with long, shiny blonde hair in a yellow sundress standing in what looked like an ancient village straight out of a history book. If I had a giant glowing sign above my head screaming out of places, it would not have been more obvious.
I ran a hand through my hair, feeling slightly panicked. "Okay, think, Caroline. Think," I muttered under my breath, trying not to look like a crazy person talking to herself.I had magic now, right? Real, actual witch powers Maybe I could just... compel someone?
Was that even possible?
Witches did not usually compel people, that was a vampire thing. But my magic was different I was not bound to the traditional rules. The force that reincarnated me had made it clear: nature bends to me, not the other way around. So maybe... just maybe... I could pull it off?
I glanced around, searching for a test subject. Someone harmless-looking, someone I could experiment on without accidentally starting an ancient war.
And that's when fate decided to hand me a silver platter.
A woman young, beautiful, and clearly in a hurry collided with me, sending me stumbling backward with a surprised squeak.I caught my balance just in time to avoid landing flat on my butt.
"Oh, I am so sorry!" the woman gasped, reaching out instinctively to steady me.
I looked up, ready to wave it off and play the helpless damsel role, when my brain practically short-circuited.Because standing in front of me, flesh and blood and breathing, was Amara.
The Amara.
The Original Doppelgänger. The face that launched a thousand deaths and a thousand obsessions. The girl both Silas and Qetsiyah basically ruined the world for.
Well, damn. That escalated quickly.
I knew that face. Elena face Soft brown eyes, perfect olive skin, dark waves of hair framing her delicate features
"It's okay," I said smoothly, flashing a reassuring smile as if I hadn't just internally screamed."No harm done."
Amara smiled, a shy, gentle thing, and for a moment,
"Are you lost?" Amara asked kindly, tilting her head slightly.
I blinked, forcing myself to focus. "Yeah, kind of," I said with a soft laugh. "I'm not exactly from around here."
She chuckled, "Clearly," she said, eyeing my clothes with polite curiosity.
"You dress very... differently."
I grinned, deciding to lean into it. "Yeah, it's a new style. Very exclusive. Very... future-forward," I said, tossing my hair like a diva.
Okay, Caroline. Focus. You need to test if you can compel her.
I hesitated only a second before gently touching her arm.Her skin was warm beneath my fingertips.
"Hey," I said, locking eyes with her, willing every ounce of magic in my body into my voice."You're going to forget that you noticed anything strange about me. In fact, you're going to think I'm just a traveler who needs help finding the local coven."
Amara's eyes glazed over slightly, and for one heart-pounding moment, I thought it had failed.That I had just made a complete fool of myself. But then she nodded, serene and relaxed.
"Of course," she said dreamily. "I will help you find them."
Holy crap. It worked. I actually compelled someone. No wonder vampires were obsessed with this! This was amazing!
I felt giddy with power, like a kid who had just discovered candy for the first time.
Amara tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled warmly. "My name is Amara," she said."I live not far from here. Come I will take you to someone who can help. There is a gathering today at the temple. Many witches will be there."
I could have fainted right then and there from excitement.
Perfect. Exactly what I needed. Get in with the witches, figure out the magic system here, and maybe just maybe make myself indispensable to the major players before the whole tragic Silas-Amara-Qetsiyah disaster exploded.
"Thank you so much, Amara," I said, flashing her my brightest, most innocent smile."You have no idea how much you're helping me."
As we walked side-by-side through the dusty streets, I tried not to freak out.The village was beautiful in its simplicity white stone houses, colorful fabrics hanging from windows, the smell of fresh bread and herbs drifting through the air. Children played near fountains. Merchants hawked their wares. It was like stepping into another world.
"I must warn you," Amara said as we walked, "the witches here are... very serious. They do not always welcome newcomers."
I laughed lightly. "Good thing I'm extremely charming," I said, flipping my hair dramatically.
She giggled, covering her mouth politely.
As we approached the temple a massive structure of white marble and gold accents —I felt a ripple of magic in the air, thick and heavy like humidity before a storm. This was the real deal. These witches weren't playing around.
Inside the temple, dozens of women and men gathered, their energy buzzing like an invisible current.They wore flowing robes embroidered with intricate symbols, and many had jewelry made of stones I didn't recognize.
In the center of it all stood a woman who could only be Qetsiyah.
She was breathtaking tall, commanding, with dark, piercing eyes and a presence that demanded attention. Her aura practically screamed power.
Next to her stood a man I recognized immediately.Silas.
He was equally gorgeous, with strong features, dark curls, and a smirk that looked like it could ruin lives with a wink. Which, honestly, he kind of would.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself.Okay, Caroline. This is it. Game face on.
Amara led me forward, bowing her head respectfully.
"Qetsiyah," she said softly, "this traveler is lost. She seeks knowledge of our ways."
Qetsiyah's gaze snapped to me, sharp and assessing. I smiled sweetly, trying to look innocent and harmless.But inside, I was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice cool and measured.
,"My name is Caroline. I come from... very far away. I seek guidance, and I wish to learn your ways."
There was a long, tense pause. I could feel the weight of every gaze in the temple on me.
Finally, Qetsiyah smiled a slow, calculating smile that sent a shiver down my spine.
"You have great power," she said. "I can feel it."
I batted my lashes innocently. "Aw, thank you. I moisturize."
Several witches gasped at my casual tone, but Qetsiyah just laughed — a sharp, delighted sound.
"I like you," she said simply. "You are different."
Silas, standing slightly behind her, looked at me with interest. Great. Just what I needed. Attention from the original Pretty Boy Disaster himself.
"You may stay," Qetsiyah said, waving her hand regally. "But you must prove yourself."
I bowed my head again. "Of course," I said sweetly. "I would be honored."
Inside, I was screaming with excitement. I did it. I'm officially part of the coven!
Amara squeezed my hand secretly and smiled.As the gathering broke up and the witches began preparing for the rituals, I leaned back against a column, feeling smug.
Maybe this whole time-travel-witch-sorceress thing was going to work out after all.I mean, yeah, I was in ancient times surrounded by dangerous people and magic that could kill me if I sneezed wrong...but come on.
I was Caroline Forbes. Reincarnated. Reborn. Ready to raise hell.
And if fate thought it could stop me, it was about to find out it had seriously underestimated the new girl in town.
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