The first snowfall of the year once held such a majestic vision. As though a blanket of purity and innocence cleansed the land. With the frozen beauty came the promise of renewal, a hopeful dream of things to come. The white canvas held a promise of hope until the day it turned red.
Juliana knew only love and laughter growing up in her small village. Her brilliant smile and warm heart drew many to her, but none so close as the Mikaelsons. A young girl of nearly five years old, she did not see the Mikaelson children as strangers or outsiders when they claimed a home outside the village walls, but as newfound friends.
To those who didn't know better, Juliana and the children would have passed for siblings, their friendship growing closer to kinship each day they spent together; but while Juliana shared a meaningful bond with the oldest, Elijah, and his sister, Rebekah, the truly special bond lay with the middle brother, Niklaus. A unique spark existed between them and it continued to deepen as they grew older. Juliana kindled a fire within Niklaus as he fed her carefree, adventurous spirit.
As the seasons turned, and she grew older, Juliana spent more time with the Mikaelsons than anyone else. With that time came maturity; bonds grew deeper and friendship evolved into affection, but affection is a dangerous thing in a land of beasts.
Despite the seemingly joyful life the children knew, their home held a dark secret.
"Mother says we aren't to venture into the woods at night." Rebekah constantly reminded them.
"Oh, come now, Sister." Niklaus would always wave her off. "Those are fairy tales told by parents to scare their unruly children into bed."
Juliana never believed the stories, no matter how many times her mother and father regaled her with them. Even Esther Mikaelson warned the children of the dangers lurking beneath a full moon, but the warnings fell on deaf ears. After all, when has danger failed to entice children who knew better?
ii
Amber eyes surveyed the trees lining both sides of the road; little had changed in Juliana's six year absence. Her grip tightened around her horse's reins; rough leather edges scraping her calloused skin, her jaw clenching. This is the place everything changed.
Niklaus we shouldn't be here, it's a full moon Fear laced Elijah's words despite his attempt to hide it.
Fifteen-year-old Niklaus seemed so confident, and courageous; Juliana would have followed him to the ends of the Earth had he asked.
The closer the Juliana rode to the open field, the louder the memory grew. Echoes of vicious snarls and gnashing teeth floated on the air, the image of two glowing golden eyes as vivid as that night.
Juliana's chest grew heavy, her breathing shallow. Her teeth ground together as the memory of one sound drowned out the rest of her thoughts: Fourteen-year-old Rebekah's horrified screech. Run!
Another scream rang from the trees, louder, present. Juliana straightened, her hand steadying her mount, her eyes scanning the horizon as the air stilled. Time passed, and she heard nothing. Had she imagined the scream?
A howl cut the tension-filled air, followed by another cry of distress. This was real, someone was in danger.
Spurring her mount forward, Juliana raced across the open field. The howls and snarls confirmed the fear she desperately pushed back. Wolves inhabited the forest. Movement caught her gaze, a small boy running through the trees, the wolves closing fast.
Eyes widening, Juliana's fingers dropped to her saddle, releasing the leather strap and freeing her simple wooden bow. Without hesitation, her other hand wrapped the reins around the saddle horn before nocking an arrow and taking aim. "To me, little one!" She called, her body moving to match the rhythm of her steed. Her eyes narrowing, she lifted her weapon, her thumb brushing against her cheek as she slowly exhaled.
Without a sound, the arrow flew through the trees in pursuit of its mark; a loud yelp confirmation of Juliana's flawless aim. When a young boy burst from the greenery, Juliana's steed threw his head and reared, forcing her to lower her bow and pull him around.
Growling in anxious frustration, she turned her mount back toward the young boy running for her. "Don't stop!" She commanded, pulling another arrow from her quiver and nocking it.
A second wolf leapt from the trees, his attention fixed on the child. The corner of Juliana's lip pulled into a smirk as she released the second arrow; a second shot true to aim.
Another yelp split the air as the arrow pierced the predator's chest, his body falling forward as his legs gave out.
"Stay behind me." She ordered, another arrow readied.
The rest of the pack prowled behind the treeline, a third wolf stepping into the sunlight, gaze locked on Juliana. Lifting her bow, she pulled the string once more, holding the animal's eyes: a challenge the wolf chose not to accept. With a snarl, the remaining wolves backed away, returning to the forest.
"Thank you." The young boy's voice trembled as he panted. "You saved me."
"You shouldn't have been out here alone." Juliana reprimanded, pursing her lips at the unintended harshness.
"I wasn't. My brothers were teaching me to track, and I wandered off. I didn't mean to go so far."
"Henrik!" A frantic voice called out, another figure breaking from the trees. "Oh, thank the gods, Elijah, he's here!"
Juliana watched the young man run toward the child, his blonde hair pulled back and out of his crystal blue eyes. The horse shook his head as the newcomer slid to his knees in front of Henrik, his hands gripping the child's arms with authority. "What were you thinking? Do you know what mother and father would do if anything happened to you?"
Juliana cocked her head when she recognized the voice. "Niklaus?"
The young man stiffened before hesitantly facing her. Disbelief clouded his features, his jaw falling slack as he watched her dismount. "I don't believe it. Juliana, is it you?"
"It's been some time, Niklaus."
A wide smile broke across his face, his arms spread before pulling her into a strong embrace. "I have missed you dearly. When you left without so much as a goodbye- I feared the worst."
Juliana's eyes slipped shut as she wrapped her arms around him. The smell of leather and pine filled her nostrils, the scruff on his strong jaw brushing against her cheek. She hadn't realized how much she missed him until this moment.
"Niklaus! Henrik!" Another young man, slightly older than Juliana, ran toward them, his eyes as dark as his shoulder-length hair. "You're all right?"
Heat flooded her cheeks as she met Niklaus's eyes when he pulled away, his arm remaining draped around her shoulders. The boys she remembered had grown into fine young men, well built and handsome. "Elijah, I'm glad to see you are well."
"You know her?" Henrik's small voice reminded Juliana of his presence.
A fond smile spread on Niklaus's lips. "Juliana is a very dear friend of ours. Her mother sent her away six years ago to learn a trade," he smirked, his attention returning to Juliana. "Herbalism, wasn't it?"
"Seems she learned more than remedies for the sick and ailing." Elijah's gaze flickered to the bow in her hand, a glimpse of pride in his eyes.
"Yes, well," Juliana chuckled. "I was lucky to be in a childless home. They were eager to pass on their trade to anyone with ability. It doesn't help much to make weapons and not have the ability to test them."
"Based on the accuracy of your arrows, I'd say you took to it quite well." Niklaus cocked his head toward his older brother. "I wager we could get a decent price for the pelt alone. A single shot leaves it nearly intact."
"There's another beyond the trees." Her blonde braid fell over her shoulder as she gestured. "Henrik, was it? You need to stay closer to your brothers next time. The gods blessed you by having me here, you may not be so lucky again."
"Henrik, come with me." Elijah prodded his little brother as he turned toward the fallen animal. "Let us see if this creature is salvageable."
"Come back with us." Niklaus nearly begged. "Mother would love to see you, and Rebekah as well."
"I should get home." Juliana rested a hand on her steed's neck, his fur damp but soft.
"Then allow me to see you." He shifted to stand at the horse's muzzle, his hand stroking the animal's face. "Tonight?"
An involuntary grin danced on her lips, her fingers toying with the coarse mane falling over her hand. "Klaus, I don't know-"
"I'll sneak to your window, just like the old days."
She sighed, amusingly defeated. "You won't listen either way, will you?"
Beaming, Niklaus bowed with exaggeration, one hand remaining on the horse's reins to steady him as Juliana mounted. "Six years and you still know me so well."
ii
"You're back." Venom dripped from the slurred words as Juliana laid eyes upon her mother. "I told them not to send you back."
"Honoring a given word is difficult when you're dead, Mother." Juliana looked away, the stench of ale wafting from her mother almost causing her to bowl over. "I have nowhere else to go."
Her mother glanced to the setting sun as she slumped against the door frame. "If you stay here, you'll earn your keep harvesting the herbs I sell in the village. Maybe you'll prove more than useless in time."
The lump in Juliana's throat threatened to choke her, the tears welling in her eyes blurring her vision. She didn't need to look at her mother see the hatred she bore. Did she believe Juliana wanted her father to die? That she planned his death and chose to find the werewolf that night? She opened her mouth, but the words refused to come, her head nodding in agreement instead as her mother stood aside.
"Take the back room. You'll begin work in the morning."
Night came, but Juliana found no rest. The simple bed beside the window was still covered by the bear skin her father gifted her, his image replaying in her mind as she held the lush fur against her face. He was everything to them, his love and courage always pushing her to become more, to face her fears. With him behind her, Juliana could be fearless.
"A face as lovely as yours should never be wet with tears." Klaus's voice whispered beside her.
Startled, Juliana hugged the fur blanket, sighing in relief when she saw his moonlit face. "You shouldn't be here."
"I know how to sneak about, remember?"
Juliana's nervous glance flashed to the main room, the shadows beneath the door indicative of the fire still burning. "If she finds you here-"
"Juliana." Klaus's hand reached through the small opening. "I'm aware of your mother's habits, as is the entire village." He wrapped his hand around hers, squeezing gently. "Your absence has changed nothing in my eyes, or in the eyes of my family."
"Klaus, everything has changed. We're not children anymore, playing in some fantasy and dreaming about the future."
"Juliana, we may have grown older, but when I look at you, my feelings are the same. You will always have shelter with me."
A short gasp escaped Juliana as a sharp pounding against the wooden door, followed by unintelligible mumbling interrupted them.
"Do you remember what you said that night?" Klaus whispered, his brows turned up.
"I do, but Klaus-" she stared at him. She wanted to believe the words he spoke still rang true, she needed that small glimmer of hope, but she knew better. Dreams were for children, now her life was about survival.
"If you can't believe my words, I'll show you with action. This won't be our last meeting." He pulled his hands away, backing from the window. He smiled a final time before jogging back toward the woods.
Juliana watched him return to the trees before lying down, her eyes fixed on the roof. How could a homecoming be so joyful and devastating at the same time? Perhaps things would be better if the wolf had torn her to shreds that night. Was it too much to wish it?
ii
Heavy fog slithered through the waste-high grass, the full moon illuminating the night sky. The deathly silence suffocated Juliana, her wide eyes searching for the source of the unspoken terror crawling along her spine.
Her breath caught as a low growl rumbled through the night air, two glowing golden eyes focused on her. Run. The beast moved toward her, his glistening white teeth reflecting the moonlight. Run or you'll die! Her cheeks burned with hot tears as her mind screamed at her legs to turn, to run, but her body refused to listen, petrified.
Time slowed as the black beast emerged from the woods, his snarling jaws dripping with blood. Was this how she would die?
Rebekah's voice broke the trance clouding her thoughts, the screamed words shattering the monster's murderous hold and spurring Juliana to flee.
Juliana run! The words dragged out.
Throwing its head up, the massive wolf gave chase, closing the distance with impossible speed. Juliana's chest heaved, her breaths coming in short bursts as she pushed herself forward. Faster. Faster!
She grunted as her feet caught her dress, forcing her to the ground. Her death was certain, the wolf would be on her any second, his bloodthirsty mouth clamped around her throat. Would it hurt? Would she die quickly?
Rolling to face her pursuer, Juliana stared as the monster leapt the remaining distance, his claws outstretched and mouth open.
Without warning, a second wolf sprang from the shadows, tackling her pursuer and viciously mauling him. The hands pulling Juliana to her feet and toward safety barely registered as she stared at the massive creatures, rolling in a battle of gnashing teeth and ripping claws. Cries of pain rang out as blood painted the grass and fur flew through the air.
Juliana, get up! The voice sounded distant now, muffled.
Get up…
"Get up!"
A blunt force rammed into her ribs, causing her body to curl as she jolted awake; the same way she was forced awake every morning since she came home two months ago. Her eyes struggled to focus on her mother's blurry figure standing over her, broomstick in hand.
"The herbs won't tend themselves. Get to work! I'll be back after sunset and I expect your work to be finished."
Juliana nodded, the lump in her throat blocking any words from forming. Where tears once formed in the corners of her eyes, now remained dry. She had grown more numb with each slap, kick, and blow until the abuse became natural, expected.
She sighed lightly as she stood, the pain radiating through her body as she lifted her shirt. Amber eyes followed her fingertips as she surveyed her bruised torso, some fresh and some nearly healed, but all inflicted in a drunken rage. Her only comfort came when she saw those kind blue eyes hidden behind strands of blonde hair each night. Sometimes it would he she who snuck into the night, Esther welcoming her into their home without reservation. Rebekah would braid her hair as they gossiped about the boys, Henrik always eager to show Juliana the wooden figures Klaus carved for him.
Elijah and Niklaus enjoyed challenging her to archery contests where she often allowed them to win. But the times she truly cherished came when the others had fallen asleep and only Niklaus remained with her. Sometimes they would talk and others they would lie in silence and watch the stars. Being among them seemed natural and Juliana often forgot she had been away at all.
Tell me what you desire, and I'll see it through. She remembered his words from the night before, the fire dancing in his gaze as he stared at her with utter adoration.
Take me away from here. Juliana's lip quivered as she remembered trying to control the tremble in her voice. Take me far away from this, from everything. I'm so tired of hurting, Klaus.
Her chest tightened when she recalled the feel of his touch on her side and her instinctive withdrawal; the realization twisting his face as his eyes went wide. She tilted her head, her thoughts remaining with his expression, not one of surprise or shock, but rather, recognition and familiarity. Klaus knew her reaction as though he had reacted in the same manner at some point.
Pulling on her clothes for the day, she gave one last glance to the looking glass before heading outside. The autumn sun did little to warm the earth below, the leaves falling from the trees like rain. Juliana sighed, her hands twirling her golden hair into a braid, small strands falling loose to frame her face. Her mother may run the apothecary, but Juliana ensured the shop's survival. Allowing her mother to believe she forced Juliana to tend the herbs and flowers was a small price for the serenity brought by the garden.
Sitting among the flowers, Juliana's hand wandered to lump beneath her leather vest. Her eyes slipped shut, her mind drifting as fingertips brushed the silken petals of a white rose; a gift from Klaus the night he confessed his heart.
The white rose is the rarest of all. A delicate beauty, much like you, Juliana.
As the day passed, Juliana noticed a quiet settling in the surrounding land. The birds had not sung, the deer had not passed through the trees. A sense of unease stirred within, heightened when rapid hoofbeats caught her attention, her brow furrowing as a small Chestnut raced toward her.
"Elijah? What is it? What's going on?" She stood, concerned.
Elijah panted, his dark hair stuck to his soaked face, his widened gaze frantic. "Is Henrik here? Have you seen him?"
Juliana's chest tightened as fear clutched her spine. "No, he's not here, I haven't seen him at all today." She glanced toward the horizon, the sun fading beyond the forest. "He's not hiding in the barn? Or playing by the creek?
"No, we've scoured our home. Niklaus is checking the woods, we hoped he snuck off to see you-" his voice caught, his eyes blinking to fight back the worried tears.
"Elijah, it's nearly dark." Juliana's stomach churned as she realized the intensity of the situation. "It's a full moon tonight! We have to find him!"
Heart threatening to leap from her chest, Juliana threw her bow and quiver over her head before climbing onto her stallion bareback. Her head shook as she forced her mind to focus, commanding her mount forward.
"I'll take the East road by the field and circle around." Her amber gaze sharpened, confidence disguising the gnawing terror beneath her composure. "We'll find him, Elijah."
"I dare not believe it, Juliana, but he spoke of wanting to see the wolves change. I thought I had convinced him otherwise, but now I'm uncertain."
"The field." Her face paled. "Find Niklaus and meet me there."
Elijah nodded, turning his mare.
"And Elijah," she steadied her stallion. "Pray we're not too late."
ii
Stars slowly emerged in the night sky as the brilliant hues of the sunset gave way to the darkness. Knuckles white, Juliana clutched the leather reins until the coarse edges dug into her sweating palms; this couldn't be happening again. Juliana's legs squeezed as her mount huffed, his short exhales matching the furious pounding of his hooves.
Movement in the dusk light caught her eye, short but there, and big. Pulling her steed to a halt with one hand, she stroked his neck reassuringly with the other, his soaked fur hot against her touch. The horse knickered, prancing as his ears laid flat against his head.
A vicious growl ripped through the air, Juliana's mount rearing up and tossing her off. Her shoulder broke the fall, the dust coating her lips and stinging her eyes as the dull pain radiated down her side as she watched the animal run into the night. She groaned, her hand sliding across the ground before her fingers curled around the smooth curvature of her bow, unharmed in the fall. Her eyes rose to the trees, her heart beating like a drum as sweat dripped down her face. Her body wanted to run; she knew what that was even if it terrified her to admit it. Henrik was still out there, and if she didn't chase after the beast that spooked her horse now, she never would.
Pushing herself up, she lurched forward, removing the chance to second guess herself. Her mind focused on the boy, defenseless, naïve, barely younger than she had been that night. She had to find him.
A scream echoed, and Juliana turned to follow it. She lost track of her own position, only focused on the hunt. Stopping suddenly, Juliana stood at the edge of the field; the very place everything changed six years ago. Time slowed to a standstill, her own panting the only sound she heard. Her widened eyes stared at the jerking movements of the hulking creature in the center of the open field, its profile highlighted beneath the full moon: a wolf. Her gaze hesitantly moved to the figure holding the animal's attention, a myriad of emotions crashing over her with the realization and recognition of the small form. Fear told her to run, horror told her to scream, despair told her to cry, but one emotion roared louder than all the rest; one emotion fueled her courage as she withdrew a silver tipped arrow: rage.
Lips pulled back in a snarl, Juliana stepped into the moonlight, an arrow drawn. Bones crunched as the predator's fangs dripped red, Henrik's small body almost entirely torn apart. With a shout, Juliana released the arrow, the monstrous wolf howling as it pierced his side. Furious golden eyes bared down on her, the beast turning to face his assailant Three wide, silver scars stretched across his snout, an old bite wound from a fight long since finished.
"You." Juliana breathed, her mind flashing to her own encounter all those years ago.
The wolf's murderous stare flashed with recognition, a smug expression exposing his dripping fangs. A snarl rumbled from his throat as the monster bolted forward, only to stumble as an arrow penetrated his shoulder.
"Juliana, run!" Klaus's command echoed in the darkness.
Seething fury filled every movement of the beast, his head whipping toward Niklaus. Blood dripped down the deep brown fur as it rose, undecided on which direction to attack.
Short, determined breaths hissed through Juliana's teeth, her eyes never wandering from the animal. "You killed my father."
The wolf whipped his head toward her, pride glistening in its golden gaze.
"You killed Henrik." Heart pounding, her fingers remained steady as she pulled another arrow from her quiver and placed it against her bow. She no longer felt fear, but instead exhilaration. This was no demon as her childhood memories told her; this was a mortal beast, and mortal beasts bleed—mortal beasts die. "Now it's your turn."
Lunging forward, the wolf roared, his jaws open as his paws left the ground and reached for the Juliana.
With a chuckle, Juliana released her arrow, unwavering as the arrowhead entered his open jaw and pierced the back of the wolf's throat, exiting through his skull. The beast landed with a thud, rolling over the grass before stopping shy of where she stood, his blood pooling beneath him. She stared at her kill, pride and disgust clashing within until an agonized cry reminded her of the casualty.
Cradling his younger brother, Klaus rocked from side to side, crying out in mourning. Elijah knelt beside them, his hands pressed together and covering his mouth as he stared at the lifeless child.
"It's not your fault." Juliana sat beside Klaus, her hand on his shoulder. She fought the tears threatening to fall down her cheeks, her stomach twisting as her heart broke. She had seen many sides of the Mikaelson boys, but she had never seen them cry. Her own face twisted as her eyes wandered Klaus's crumpled expression, agony contorting the face of the man she loved and nothing she could do about it.
"I should have been here." Klaus choked out. "I was to watch him, I should have taken him seriously when he said he wanted to see the wolves turn, I should have–I should have–"
"Niklaus, look at me." Juliana's cheeks burned as tears streamed down her face. Her hands held his cheeks, her thumbs wiping his own tears as she turned his gaze to her. "This is not your fault. Henrik was adventurous, nothing scared him, and do you know why? Because of you." She flashed a kind grin to Elijah, tears finally falling from his eyes. "And you, Elijah. You may not have heard him, but he always told me how brave his brothers were and how he wanted to be just like them. He admired you both for your strength, loyalty, fearlessness. The fault lies with the monster who did this, and it is dead, with an arrow in its skull."
"We need to take him back." Elijah inhaled sharply to stifle a sob. "Juliana, please, allow me to escort you home."
"No," Klaus whispered, his eyes closing as fresh tears fell. "You know what awaits her in that house, and she is as much a part of our family as any. She killed the wolf, she should come with us."
"I would be honored to be a part of his pyre, but Elijah is right. This is a matter of blood; your family needs to mourn." She exhaled sharply, her breath shaking. "I will endure, Niklaus. Come to me when things have settled."