"You're doing to die." I poured myself a healthy glass of bourbon. "I did my best, but clearly I cannot save you from your own stupidity."

Three days.

"You've been saying that this entire time." Damon had his own drink in hand as he sat on the couch.

"Do you enjoy breathing?"

Bonnie crept into the room and I silently handed her the decanter. She certainly needed it just as much as I did. "Still trying to convince him?"

"Yes."

Damon rolled his eyes. "All she has is idle threats."

"No, no, they're very real."

Bonnie frowned. "Damon, maybe this isn't such a good idea."

"Thank you. Someone sees reason. Don't you think it's a little strange that the most powerful, smartest people in the world, haven't made a move yet?" I leaned against the bar.

"I'm not worried. They won't if you're in here with us."

"And what happens when one of you steps outside that door? I hope you like this house a lot because it'll be a long time before you're going to be able to-"

"Damon!" That'd be Elena.

I sped to the door, followed closely by Damon.

Nik gripped Elena by the arm. She fought against him, but was rather unsuccessful.

"Took you long enough."

"Sorry about the delay, sweetheart. This one was uncooperative. Right up until the moment we burned her house to the ground." She cried out as his grasp visibly tightened. "She has something she'd like to say."

"They have Caroline and Matt." Her eyes welled with tears. "They have Jeremy. Please, let her go."

"That's only accounting four Originals. I do hope this nasty business is concluded before Elijah arrives at Abby Wilson's residence. Truth be told, it's rare to see him quite this angry. I have no idea that I'll be able to stop him."

"Mom." Bonnie gasped.

This was their move.

I had been wondering what they'd do.

"Come now, Bonnie." Nik urged. Elena tried again to escape and was stopped short. "Two lives against all your friends and mother."

"Desiccate them." It was the only way. "Think about it Nik. They aren't dead but they're being punished, it's a fate worse than death and you know it."

He considered me.

"Please? How hard would it be for you to get a couple more coffins like mine?"

Nik let out a breathy laugh. "I wouldn't commission a coffin, sweetheart. I would bury them in the very foundation of our home while they still breathe."

"That's the same as killing them."

"Such is the fate of anyone who dares touch a member of my family." Fuck. "I'm not here to negotiate."

Of course he wasn't. They'd gone and pissed off the only person who'd be willing to. "Do I get no say? I was the one who got kidnapped."

"You do not. You've shown your inability to make intelligent decisions in regards to those whom you share blood. They make you irrational."

I crossed my arms. "That's not true." It most definitely was.

His brow raised.

"Okay but I got what I wanted last time and no one got hurt."

He rolled his eyes. "Tick tock, witch. Make your choice."

"Damon, Stefan, please." Elena begged.

I ducked out of my place at the front, pulling out my phone. This wouldn't end well.

Nik doesn't bluff.

Elijah picked up on the first ring. "Dear one."

"I hear you're on your way to threaten Bonnie's mom." He was still in the car, there was still time. "This has escalated entirely too far. C'mon Elijah, I feel like we can find a happy medium." I suggested the same thing I did with Nik, hopeful that maybe Elijah would have had time to calm down at least.

"No."

"What do you mean, no?! This way my brothers don't die, I'm happy, and you're happy because they're suffering."

"You would take pity on them eventually, that's not a risk I'm willing to take."

"Elijah, please."

"My answer remains the same. Once I've killed the witch, I'll come for their heads."

He hung up.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

"Little one." Nik called. "I'd prefer it if you stayed within my sight."

Oh god. I'd have to do something drastic, wouldn't I?

"Morgan." Bonnie stressed.

"Don't worry." I reluctantly rejoined the group, holding out my hand, Nik was far too smug for my liking. "Let's refocus that magic somewhere else, yeah?"

She laced our fingers together. "You're going to help?"

"Yes, dear. Now focus. Long distance magic is very difficult to maintain but it will give your mother a much needed boost."

"Don't do it Bonnie. The second that boundary spell is down, Klaus will kill us." Damon eyed our hands.

"He won't."

Nik shrugged. "True, that'd be taking Elijah's kill. I will however keep you where you are until he returns. You wouldn't leave the lovely Elena and everyone you love in our grip, now would you? My siblings are eager to burn this miserable town to the ground, if that's what it takes."

"See, you'll be fine for a few hours."

Bonnie nodded at me, and I felt her magic sink into my bones, clawing at my soul. She paused, brow furrowing in confusion.

"It's alright." I tried.

She released my hand. "No. I won't do it."

"One of the downfalls of being able to see all of my thoughts."

Nik pressed forward. "What is she asking of you?"

Bonnie hesitated, glancing between us.

"It's the only way."

"Speak now, witch or I'll start killing your friends early."

"The spell Morgan wants would drain her entirely." She blurted.

"I don't need all your judgy little eyes. I never said long distance magic wouldn't hurt the person being channeled."

Nik let out a long suffering sigh. "This is what I meant by unintelligent choices."

"Guess those Salvatore genetics run strong, huh?" I crossed my arms.

"Drop the barrier."

That shimmery sheen faded.