Chapter Text
In the quaint town of Mystic Falls, where secrets whispered among ancient trees and magic lingered in the air, two women convened in the dimly lit confines of the new sheriff's office.
Sheila Bennett, a descendant of one of the town's (unrecognized) founding families and thus privy to its deepest secrets, sat across from Sheriff Elizabeth Forbes. Their expressions were serious as they discussed matters of great importance. Despite the Bennets' long-standing presence in the town and Sheila's extensive knowledge, her true abilities had remained unknown amongst the townsfolk.
It wasn't until a precocious 5-year-old Caroline Forbes visited her best friend Bonnie Bennett and unintentionally absorbed power from a crystal, and subsequently caused everything in the Bennett kitchen to float, that Sheila was forced to come clean to the young sheriff about what she was and what Caroline could do.
"Liz, you're now aware that Caroline possesses magic, but you may not fully grasp the extent of what she can do," Sheila began, her voice tinged with concern, noticing Liz’s lack of understanding about her daughter’s magic.
Sheriff Forbes nodded solemnly, her gaze unwavering, though she was still reeling from the knowledge that Sheila Bennet was a witch and so was Caroline. Liz was the youngest sheriff to ever have held the post in Mystic Falls. She had tried to be prepared for anything, but she hadn't expected this. "Yes, I'm aware there’s so much I don’t know, but she's just a child, Sheila. She doesn't understand the magnitude of her… abilities."
"She's a Siphoner witch, Liz," Sheila said firmly. "Her powers are rare. I’ve only seen this type of magic in a person once before. Nothing good came of it. If others were to discover what she can do..."
"I understand," Liz interjected, her tone resolute. "We must protect her at all costs."
Sheila placed a reassuring hand on Liz’s arm. "I will do everything in my power to help Caroline learn to control her abilities when the time comes. But for now, we must keep her true nature hidden from prying eyes," Sheila said. She raised an eyebrow at Liz. "And we need to keep her away from any magical items."
Liz nodded in agreement, her determination matching Sheila's own. "Agreed. Caroline's safety comes first."
With their pact sealed in silence and the weight of their responsibility weighing heavily upon them, Sheila Bennet and Sheriff Elizabeth Forbes vowed to protect the secret of young Caroline's extraordinary abilities, shielding her from the dangers that lurked in the shadows of Mystic Falls.