I know this is a bit of a break from my normal SOA writing, but once I got the idea in my head it just wouldn't leave me alone :) Not sure how far I will go with this one or if it's even worth much. As always, reviews will help. Any suggestions or recommendations are more than welcome :)
New Orleans had once been my home. Actually, it had been the home of my family long before anyone could even guess. Though there were many memories throughout the city, I held very few. I had been just a child when my mother fled from the city. Now, on the eve of my twenty fifth birthday, I stand at the city limits not knowing what my future would hold.
I leaned myself against a tree and sighed. My mother's old coven was expecting me, but not until the next morning. I had contacted them while on my way back. Before my mother passed, she had made it clear that the only place I would find safety was within those city limits. She also made it clear that it would be just as dangerous if I found the wrong people.
There was so much power radiating from the city in front of me. I slipped down so I was sitting and dug my fingers ever so gently into the ground. I could literally feel the power running up from the ground into my hands. I sighed, feeling rejuvenated after weeks of traveling. I looked at my clothes and with a flick of my wrists, all the dirt lifted off of them and I gently set it all back onto the ground.
My mother had taught me every form of magic I could possibly see. It wasn't normal for witches to teach their kin dark magic if they followed the natures balance, but my mother was clear she wanted me to learn control above all else. I had heard of witches who touched the dark power and were consumed. I could hold it in my hand and let go without a thought.
I much preferred nature though. It was calming and made me feel whole. Though I had no idea who my father was, I had inherited his siphoning abilities. In the past, Siphoners had been seen as a pariah. We were seen as dangerous, abominations. I had been blessed though. Between my mothers natural abilities with nature and my fathers powers I was incredibly strong. Most were born with either one or the other gift but I had both. Even more reason for my mother to teach me restraint.
I looked up at the sky and figured it was close to midnight. I never kept a watch on me. I never really needed one. I let nature guide me and it allowed me to feel much more than a simple clock could tell me. I let myself feel the soft warm wind blow over my fingertips before sighing. It was time to head in, even if I was unsure of the next time I would feel that serine.
I stood up and gently wiped my hand, covering all traces that I was there. I wasn't sure if it had to do with me wanting to be hidden or wanting to keep nature the way it should be. Either way, I walked towards the city, accepting that either way I would be changing my life.
I walked down the streets, quietly marveling at the city. Though it was well into the morning hours, the city was so alive. The old power and energy was making my body buzz. I was thinking that the feeling must be what it was like to be drunk. I mentally thanked my mother for teaching me restraint and control. This city would be hard to shake.
There were many shops that claimed to have voodoo and witch power down every street I passed, but very few of them actually radiated the power that made them authentic. I almost felt bad for the tourists. It wasn't the flashy beautiful shops that they should be going into, but like a moth to a flame, they would be pulled into the lights.
I made my way down to the end of a dark street and paused in front of a doorway. I was never given an address, but was told that if I was really my mothers daughter, I would know just where to go. It was a dark building but the power coming from it was intoxicating. Everywhere I could see, there were etchings and blessings carved into the wood.
The door opened and a tall woman with beautiful tan skin and long black hair held together in braids stood before me. She looked me up and down and stepped forward. Though there was no emotion on her face, I could feel the good energy coming from her. She finally smiled and opened her arms for me.
"Adelaide Catriona. I never thought I would see you again, sweet child."
I walked into her embrace and felt at home. My mind flashed to a memory, but I knew it wasn't my own.
I walked down a hallway and into a room. There was a small child sitting on the floor, playing with stones and charms. They all were glowing as she touched them, causing soft giggles to escape her lips. I feel happy seeing her smiling. She turns and looks at me with piercing eyes. Her left eye is a bright green and her right Is an equally bright blue. Her dark hair falls in waves around her face.
"Miss Adelaide, should you be playing with all of those by yourself? You know magic is a powerful thing!"
She smiles at me and places the stones into the bag she found them. She reached up to me, handing the bag to me with a smile.
I snap back into reality and smile up at the woman. She smiles back at me and kisses my forehead.
"Adelaide, I have miss you more than you know."
"I think I have a pretty good idea, Lorelei."
"Come in. We need to talk my sweet. You will be safe here."
I walked into the building and followed her into a back room. It was clean but powerful with crystals handing all around. I walked over to the window, recognizing the crystals hanging from the top. I gently touched my fingertips to them and they started to glow, just like in the memory I had seen from Lorelei.
"I kept them there for you. I knew some day you would come back to me, sweet child."
"You don't fear me."
"Why would I fear you."
"You know the powers I have. I have had them since I was a child in your memory. I have more though. I have grown and learned to tap into every power I have. I can touch the dark power just as much as nature. The ancestors speak to me just as much as they stay silent. I'm not like any witch you probably know."
"And your honesty is what makes me know I can trust you. I've known you since you were a child, Adelaide. There isn't a harsh bone in your body."
"My father had harsh bones."
"Yes. His very being was harsh. Some even say evil."
She walked towards me and handed me a large labradorite piece. I held it in my hand and felt it calm me. It started shining bright blue, illuminating the small room we were in. Labradorite had always been my favorite stone, especially ones with blue flash. Normally only the sun would bring out the bright colors, but something about how my DNA was constructed allowed me to bring it out myself.
"Look at the bright light coming from this stone, Adelaide. Would a stone so pure react so beautifully to someone that had even a sliver of evil in her soul?"
I smiled at her before looking back at the stone.
"My mother used to say the same thing to me."
"She was a wise woman, and I'm sure that you are just like her."
I sat down still holding the stone. The soft glow danced beautifully across the room and I never wanted it to go away.
"I want you to keep that. I'll never be able to look at it and think its beautiful since I've seen it speak to you. Nothing compares to that glow."
"Thank you, Lorelei. It's beautiful. I had to leave most of my stones behind. It was hard enough getting myself here."
"I sent someone to fetch your things. They're set up in the upstairs apartment along with your clothes. There are boxes of things you can go through and decide if you'd like them or not."
I looked at her and felt tears sting my eyes. I had once accepted that I would never see the beautiful things that reminded me of my even more beautiful mother. Now I would have them all back along with a place to call my own.
"I don't really have any money-"
"Hush, sweet child. If you feel the need to pay me back you can help me here at the shop."
"I would love that."
"Good. Now go upstairs and get some sleep."
I woke up to the sun shining into my new apartment. Lorelei had set it up perfectly. Every piece of my past and present were placed exactly where I would have placed them myself. It was an open apartment with a full kitchen. There was a bedroom in the back, but I was so exhausted I slept on the couch. After taking a shower and changing into clean clothes, I started walking towards the stairway. I stopped in my tracks, feeling a new energy in the shop.
"I'm not sure why you are in my shop, but I won't be caught up in any of your drama."
"Now, dearest witch, do you see me so poorly?"
"Yes."
I stepped forward and started walking down the stairs, being quiet due to my bare feet. The wood below me had a beautiful energy with many memories from the years passed. I heard the speaking pause as I stopped right before the door. Before I could reach for the doorknob, the door opened.
"Why hello there, little witch. I do believe you are new around here."
I looked into his eyes and part of me believed I should fear him. His energy was strong and unbridled. He had extended his hand out to shake mine, and as much as I wanted to see who he really was something told me showing him my true power would be a bad idea.
"That I am, mister?"
"Name is Klaus. I thought I knew every witch in the quarter."
"I am incredibly new."
I walked past, careful not to touch him. I walked towards Lorelei and smiled at the amused look on her face.
"Klaus here is just leaving actually."
"Oh, but quite the contrary. The little witch here has interested me. We both know how impossible it is for me to walk away from something interesting."
"Mister Klaus-"
"Just Klaus."
"Klaus, I am not a something to look at when you are bored."
"You must not know who I am."
"I hardly doubt your surname will suddenly make me an inanimate object."
He laughed and smirked a dangerous smile at me.
"I'd like to take you to dinner. Tonight."
Lorelei cleared her throat and stepped between us.
"We can talk business later, Klaus. My niece will be staying here and working tonight."
"Surely you can give her the night off. If you are fearing for her safety, who else would be a more suitable protector?"
I felt Lorelei shift her energy and it was uneasy. I had the feeling that Klaus was not someone who accepted no as an answer.
"My dearest aunt, perhaps he is correct. I hardly know the city. He seems like someone who knows it better than most. I would be happy to work all day to make up for my hours."
She looked at me and I touched her hand. I radiated out my thoughts to her through my fingertips.
I feel his energy. I am strong enough. Better to not make it seem like I am untouchable. He seems to only like shiny things.
She smiled at me and nodded.
"Alright, I guess I will accept that as a trade. Don't stay out too late though. I will expect you to work in the morning."
I stepped forward so I was looking at Klaus.
"Let me know the time and place. I will be there."
"I will send word. I look forward to seeing you this evening."
He reached his hand out, palm up. I looked at his hand and nodded before I walked away. I heard him scoff and it made me smile. I knew it was a dangerous game I was playing, but if I could convince him I was far from interesting I would be safer in the end.
"He is one of the originals, you know."
"I presumed he was very old."
"He is also the hybrid."
"I felt that too. He has a strange energy. Nothing like I have ever felt before."
"Please be careful, Adelaide. He is charming but he can't be trusted."
I had read up on the Original vampires long ago. Their story was the origin of all vampires. It is impossible to truly understand the present if you don't understand the past. I had come across a distant cousin, Bonnie Bennet, when she reached out to my mother. I'm not sure of the actual blood line that connects us but she knew of my mother. She was having an issue with Klaus and his siblings, along with a few vampires in her town.
Bonnie and I had talked a few times, sharing information. My mothers books along with those from witches before her had so much information. The thing with hand written books, is they often didn't have all of the information. They often did that on purpose. One book with every piece of information could be a very dangerous thing. It forced us to speak with each other and work together.
I dressed very plainly for my meeting with Klaus that evening. I pulled out a pair of blue jeans, and a black v neck t-shirt that stopped an inch before my pant line. It was incredibly warm, so I didn't bother straightening my long black wavy hair. I debated on wearing my protection amulet, but I wanted a clear head. I wanted to make sure I was feeling everything for as long as possible. I put in two earrings, both being made of moonstone. I need clarity above all.
A knock had come on the door soon after Klaus left, with a beautiful note with calligraphy on it. It had told me to be waiting out front by six pm. He hadn't gone very far, I could still feel his energy just a few blocks away. I felt it getting closer, so I walked outside and put my sandals on. As much as I would love to be barefoot, I figured it would be just one more thing for him to talk to me about. I sat in the garden in front of the shop and grounded myself, digging my fingers in the dirt.
"Good evening, little witch."
I opened my eyes to Klaus standing in front of me. I rose to my feet, and just like the night before, I used my magic to return the dirt to the ground and cover where I had disturbed the ground. I noticed he tilted his head ever so slightly to the side but I ignored him.
"Good evening, Klaus. I hope I'm not under dressed for the occasion."
"You look fine, darling."
"Where are we off to?"
We started walking down the road to the busiest part of town. He was walking slowly, but with a purpose.
"I considered taking you to the classiest parts of town, but I promised you a tour of the city. To really get to know New Orleans you need to see it at its peak."
"I was able to see a bit of it on my way in last night, though it was well past midnight."
"So then you just arrived?"
"Yes."
"What brings you here?"
"My aunt."
"Ah Lorelei. I have known her most of her life."
"That doesn't surprise me. Our family has always been a prominent part of the city."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him look at me. I couldn't tell what the expression on his face meant, but his energy shifted. It wasn't darker, but it was intense.
"You may ask me whatever is on your mind, Klaus."
We came up to an ice cream stand and he paused to look at me before ordering two sundaes. He handed me one and motioned for me to sit at a nearby bench.
"You know, little witch, I have yet to learn your name."
"Adelaide. Adelaide Catriona Benoit. Though, before I lived here, I generally went by Cate or Cat."
He looked at me and narrowed his eyes.
"French and Celtic. And Benoit. Aren't they related to the Bennet witches?"
"Yes. I actually believe you know my cousin, Bonnie."
"Ah, yes. I do know of her."
"I believe it's much more than knowing of her, Klaus."
"Who is your father."
"I don't know his name, and I never knew him. The only thing I got from him was a Celtic middle name and one green eye."
He smirked at my joke, which only caused me to smile.
"Where is your mother?"
"She is with the ancestors now."
"I am sorry to hear that, Adelaide."
"I am not. She is at peace. She taught me everything she could before she left."
"Is that the reason you have been very careful not to touch me?"
I looked at him, reading his face. His energy had no faulted.
"If you knew, why didn't you say anything?"
"I had heard of a witch in the Benoit line. She was particularly stunning, or so I've been told. Her long black hair was the hue of the darkest nights. Her skin, just slightly darkened by her mothers heredity but still so pale due to her fathers. Her eyes, mismatched, but one could lose themselves in them."
"Is that why you asked me to dinner?"
"Your eyes? No. Well, maybe partially."
"What else do you know of this witch?"
"She is incredibly powerful. Her father a Syphon and her mother an elemental. She inherited both gifts and developed her own. Just a single touch from her could drain you of any power you may have, but if she were being kind could give you a glimpse of her own. Gifted with the ability to delve into memories, she would be an admirable foe and an even stronger ally."
"You don't fear me."
"On the contrary. I do fear you. You could drop me to my knees and leave me venerable in ways I feel like I never have been. Anyone else in the world would have died by my hands by now, but I want to give you a chance. You see, as much as you are powerful you also radiate a beautiful kind of energy. You don't let it consume you."
"I have learned a lot in my short twenty-five years."
He looked at me with a sense of awe. He also seemed nervous. I had all but told him that I was the fabled witch he speaks of. The only thing he hadn't brought up was her use of dark magic. I had never made that public knowledge.
"I can ease your mind, Klaus. I can show you my true intentions in life. I won't do it without permission though. When I place my hand on you and give you a glimpse into my mind, I'll also be taking a piece of yours. I have no control over what memory I see and neither do you."
He pulled his sleeve up, exposing his forearm. I looked at him before I placed my hand on his skin. I focused on pushing out my essence. It was a pure and white light. I mean no harm to anyone, as long as they mean no harm to me. Even Klaus and his family would come under no harm from my hands. I looked at his soft smile before I lost my sight to his memory.
I watched my young siblings run around the camp. We were supposed to be doing chores, but I had started a play war between all of us. We smiled and laughed as we chased each other. Before I knew what was happening, I was being thrown to the ground.
"You're always a problem to this family, aren't you?"
I looked up to see my father glaring at me. My siblings had stopped running and all looked on from a distance. Even our mother was watching from the window. I tried to pull myself up, but was immediately pushed down.
"You need to learn your place, boy."
My eyesight came back, and I was still looking at Klaus. His face dropped at my sudden chance in demeanor.
"He was even more cruel that I thought."
He ripped his arm away from me and pulled his sleeve down.
"What did you see?"
"It doesn't matter. Nothing of importance. Nothing I hadn't heard from the history books focused on your family."
Klaus stood up and extended his arm to me, making sure that his arm was covered.
We had spent hours wandering around the city. We stopped at little shops, tasting all the local food. We had talked about me mostly, though I had asked him a few questions about himself. We stopped at a fountain inside town. We sat on the edge as the locals danced around and entertained the tourists. I noticed that Klaus was watching me with the same intensity that I was watching the world.
"You must be from the city if you think a young witch like myself is more interesting than everything else."
"You should see yourself through my eyes."
I looked at him and turned to the fountain. It was full of crystals and gemstones. I reached in and touched one stone, in turn lighting them all up. The rainbow of colors were nothing in comparison to the city, but when I turned to look at Klaus his eyes had lit up.
"In all of my years, I have never seen something like that."
"I have searched for others who can do this, but I haven't found anyone else."
"It's incredible."
"Thank you."
"What other secrets are you hiding in that beautiful mind of yours?"
I smiled at him before removing my hand from the water. I focused on the water and watched it group together, before dropping from my arm in a single drop.
"You don't waste much, do you?"
"I try not to waste anything."
"I would like to see you again."
"Why me? And why ask? You have a reputation of taking whatever you want and you don't take no for an answer."
"I want to get to know you. I am asking because I respect you."
"You hardly know me."
"I know a great deal of you. A powerful witch that could control the world. Instead you return the world to what it was before you walked through it. You show compassion to a man that has done so much harm. I don't presume to think you think well of me."
"You have shown me no harm. Of course I wish everyone could be like me. It would be the end of pain and suffering. I don't know you though. I don't know why you do the things you do. I don't know why you harbor so much pain. All I know is you are kind to me and you listen when I speak."
"Anyone who doesn't listen to the poetry coming from your mouth is a damn fool."
I smiled and looked down. I stood up and waited for him to join me.
"It's nearly after midnight. I think it's time for me to head home."
"I would like to accompany you, if that is okay."
"I would like that."
He extended his covered arm out to me, allowing me to link my arm with his. He was careful to make sure our skin never touched, but he was close to me the entire way back. He walked me to my door and waited until I looked down from my window. With a flash, he was gone.
The next day, I walked around town learning the streets. I had seen a few shops that I wanted to look in, but didn't want to bore Klaus with my musings. I also didn't want him to feel like he had to buy me anything. I picked up a gorgeous dress but when I looked at the pricetag, I went to set it down.
"You would look absolutely stunning in that, little witch."
I turned to see Klaus standing behind me.
"Do you make a habit out of following women around?"
"Only the most beautiful ones."
He stepped in front of me and picked up the dress of the rack.
"Is there a reason you didn't look at these stores when we were out together?"
"I didn't want to bore you."
"I don't think that's quite possible, dear."
I watched him walk up to the cashier and hand her the dress and a card.
"Hold onto both of these. My dear friend will be picking out whatever she wants in this store."
The cashier nodded and turned to bag the dress.
"Klaus, that is hardly necessary."
He turned and went to place his hand on my face but faltered. Instead he rest it on my clothed shoulder.
"It only works if I touch you."
"You can feel my power though, right?"
"Of course. I can feel your power from across town."
"Can you really?"
"Yes. Your power is like nothing I've ever felt before. I've been able to pick up on it since the moment I met you."
He smiled and brushed the hair out of my face.
"Spend the day with me."
"Why? So you can spoil me with clothes and treasures I don't need?"
"Exactly."
We had been in and out of almost every store we had passed so far. He followed me, speaking to me occasionally, but mainly watched me as I looked at everything. If I focused too long on something, he would take it and hand it to the cashier. As soon as we would make it through the store, he would hand them his card and instruct them to deliver everything to my apartment. It was dark by the time we finished visiting stores.
"I'm not sure how I can ever repay you for the day."
"No need."
"I was told that you never do anything for anyone, without a price."
"I guess you caught me."
"What is it that you need?"
"Come with me to the park."
"Is this where your fangs come out and I'm found dead in the morning?"
He laughed and shook his head.
"No, my dear, you will be alive tomorrow."
I nodded and followed him away from downtown to the park. I walked into the grass and took my shoes off, reveling in the feeling of the grass. We walked together to the river and sat near the edge.
"The water always makes me so calm."
"It is beautiful, but I am sure you feel the energy flowing through it."
"I can show you, you know."
"How is that?"
"I can project just as much as I can syphon. Come here."
I reached my hand out for his, and he hesitantly took it.
"Don't worry, I'm shielding from you. I won't delve into your memories without permission."
I walked him towards the edge and walked out until it came to my knees. He quickly took his shoes of and rolled his pants up, following me out. I reached my hands out to him and he stood directly in front of me.
"If it becomes too overwhelming, tell me okay?"
"I'm tougher than you may think."
"And I am stronger than you could ever guess."
He smiled as he took my hands. I took a step closer to him and closed my eyes. I focused on the energy in the water and the rocks below me. I opened up my essence to it and opened my eyes to see Klaus looking at the water glowing everywhere it touched me.
"Ready?"
"Is this hurting you?"
"Quite the opposite."
I let the rest of the energy in, and saw his eyes widen when I was sure my eyes started glowing. I smiled as our eyes were locked together. I tightened my grip on his hands and slowly let the energy flow from me to him. He audibly gasped as his hands lit up from the energy flow.
"This is incredible."
"This is how I feel when I open myself up to the elements. It's why I love the water, the air, the earth and even fire."
"Do you burn with fire?"
"Not if I open up to it."
"How do you not go mad with power?"
"I had a great teacher."
"I wish I had been a witch like my siblings."
I released the energy from my body but held onto his hands still. He looked down at me when he realized the extra energy was gone. I released his hands and we started walking towards the shore. We returned to where we were sitting.
"You were a werewolf, right?"
"Yes. My mother was a witch."
"You would have been too then. At least until you activated your curse."
"I wouldn't have been nearly as powerful as you."
"I don't think anyone is, honestly."
We sat in silence as the water lapped across the shore. I listened to the birds and the wind through the trees.
"Do you miss home?"
"Of course I do."
"Why come here then?"
"There are people out there that would love to see me dead."
"How did your mother die?"
"She was killed."
"Who killed her, my dear?"
"She lived in a house with a few other witches. She was friends with a local pack of wolves."
I never looked at Klaus but I saw his eyes widen as he looked at me.
"Two men came to the house. They were looking for the wolves. They wanted something from them and they knew my mother and her friends knew where they were."
"Ada-"
"When they told them the location, the leader of the two ordered the other to feed on them."
I turned to look at Klaus, feeling the sadness in my eyes as he had terror plastered on his.
"The second was a ripper. He had no control once he tasted blood."
We fell into silence as we sat there for a few minutes.
"I actually met the second. Stefan Salvatore. He's so tormented by his pain. He's a good man though. It's funny that he has that affliction but out of him and his brother, he was the good one."
"And now you've met the first of the two."
"I met him two days ago."
"Yes."
"And now I know the character of him as well."
"And what do you think?"
"I think that he is just as tormented but he is also just as beautiful inside as he is out."
"How.. How can you not hate me?"
"I don't have it in my heart, Klaus. If I hold onto hate then I don't have room to hold onto the good. My mother lived a long, beautiful life. I don't think that it was her time to go when she did, but she is still with me either way."
"Even with my horrible reputation and the fact that I am responsible for your mothers death, you can't hate me?"
"I can't hate anyone or anything. Hate is so.. unsteady. With the kind of power I am capable of, I can't afford unstable."
"Then do you not feel love? Desire?"
I looked at him and shook my head. Truth be told, other than casual touches and soft smiles, I had never shared more of myself with anyone.
"I can't allow myself to."
"How do you know if you've never tried."
I felt my face flush as he moved closer to me. He ran his fingers down the side of my face and I fought to keep control. He moved his hand to my hip and I closed my eyes, trying to shield myself from his power.
"I think.. I think it's time I go home."
Klaus sighed and pulled me up so I was standing.
"I'm sorry, Klaus."
"Don't be. You've done more than enough for me in the short time we have known each other."
"Says the man who just spent a small fortune on me."
"Did I ruin whatever it is we have?"
"No."
"Then let me take you to dinner tomorrow evening."
I looked at him and nodded slightly. He made me nervous. It wasn't that he had killed my mother or had been leaving a path of destruction as he moved through time, it was that he was making me feel. I spent so long learning to control, and two days of being around the hybrid, I feel like letting all of my guards down.
As I was getting ready for dinner, I heard a light knock on my door. I could feel Lorelai.
"Come in."
The door opened and I continued brushing my hair out, hoping it dried in time to straighten in.
"Heading out again?"
"Yes."
"He's dangerous, Adelaide."
"No one knows that better than I do."
"Then why are you going with him?"
I stopped brushed my hair and looked at her.
"Honestly? I don't know. I should hate him. I should drain every ounce of power this old city has and turn him to dust."
"Your mother raised you better than that, though."
"I know. I'm just drawn to him. He listens even when I'm not saying anything. He understands my power and actually fears it."
"Klaus actually fears something?"
"He fears me."
"That is actually really surprising."
I laughed and walked over to my boxes and bags that had been delivered. I dug through them until I pulled out the gorgeous blue dress. He had made a comment about this one in particular, so I slipped it on quickly.
"My sweet girl, you look stunning."
"I asked mom for guidance, you know."
"I figured you would."
"She actually spoke to me."
"What did she say?"
"She said I'm on the right path. She wouldn't tell me what it all meant and how it would effect me, but either way I'm learning the lessons I am supposed to learn."
She walked over to me and put her hands on each side of my face and kissed my forehead.
"Then you have fun, sweet girl. Need any help?"
"Would it be shitty for me to use my powers to dry my hair?"
"Shitty? No. Vain? Yes."
"I can deal with vain."
We both laughed as I pulled all the moisture from my hair and quickly applied my makeup.
"You don't trust him."
"Witches don't trust vampires, especially not Originals."
"Do you trust me?"
"I'm letting you go, aren't I?"
I smiled and pulled her into a hug. I missed my mother so much but being around my aunt made the loss feel less painful.
I felt Klaus getting closer. The more time I spent with him, the more in tune to his energy I became. I checked myself in the mirror one more time before moving out of the bathroom. I looked outside to see a nice vehicle pull up and Klaus get out of the back. I walked downstairs and out the front door.
"You look absolutely stunning, little dove."
"Thank you, Klaus."
"I was right about that dress. Perfect."
I smiled at him and shielded myself before taking his outstretched hand. He led me to the car and opened the door for me. He gestured me inside and followed by walked around to the other side.
"How many people did you compel for this ride?"
"Just one."
I laughed at his honesty and loved the smile he returned to me. I looked out the window as we moved through the city. It still caught me off guard at how much life was always buzzing around.
"Where are we going?"
"It will be a bit fancier than our first food exploration, but it is one of my favorite establishments."
"I look forward to it."
We smiled at each other and I soon realized we were staring at each other. I felt my cheeks blush and I turned my head again. I felt his fingers under my chin as he turned me to looking at him again.
"Don't ever feel ashamed, little dove."
"Why are you so kind to me?"
"You interest me."
"In what way?"
"I have done the worst possible thing to you, yet you harbor no hate for me."
"Some may think that you only spend time with me to try to control me."
"You can't be compelled."
"No, but the heart is a fickle thing."
He looked at me but before he could answer, the car stopped. He exited the back seat and opened the door for me, extending his hand. I took it and we walked into the restaurant. We quickly moved to a back table, with no one around us.
"I rented out the whole back to make sure we wouldn't be interrupted by nosey guests."
I looked at him, unsure why he wouldn't want anyone to see us. I closed my eyes for a second and opened them when everything went silent.
"What just happened?"
"I fear you wasted your money, Klaus. I just made it so we can't hear anyone and no one can hear us."
He smirked at me and shook his head.
"You didn't speak a word."
"I don't have to. I harness my power a little differently than most other witches. I can cast a spell without even blinking."
"I'm not sure if I should be impressed or terrified."
"Both would suffice."
We both shared a smile before the waitress came over, and I pulled the shield down. We ordered our food and of course Klaus ordered the best bottle of wine he could possible get. We ate out food and chatted about nothing in particular. When we were finished, he walked us outside to the garden. He sat me down and quickly took my shoes off and walked us towards the grass and dirt.
"It's beautiful out here."
"Even more so with you in it, my dear."
"Why did you bring me here?"
"I can't take a beautiful-"
"Your energy is different. Why did you bring me here."
He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. I had sense his change the moment I touched his hand when he picked me up. It wasn't bad per say, but it was darker than normal.
"I brought you here because I like spending time with you. However, you are right. I do need help but I don't want you to feel like this all was a rouse."
"I don't want to harm anyone."
"I know, and I don't want you to either."
I toyed with my necklace, and saw it glowing even though I was looking forward at the flowers.
"That still amazes me."
"When I first started harnessing my power, I had a hard time holding back. The first time I focused all my energy on a stone, it exploded. I had been so upset I literally exploded a stone with my energy. I cried for what seemed like hours."
"I don't imagine that being easy."
"More like unheard of."
"Is your ability to project unusual?"
"Yes, but not unheard of. The fact that I have all of them at once, is. The only magic I have not touched is expression. I have a hard enough time controlling what I do have."
"Expression is nasty business."
"So I've heard. What is it you need help with?"
"The ancestors gave an incredibly power to an incredibly vile vampire."
"Lucien."
"You know of him?"
"I do."
"He has the power to kill both myself and my siblings."
"As do I. Does that mean you will look for something to kill me as well?"
"You are mortal, I wouldn't need help with killing you."
I smirked at him and looked over at him.
"I think you underestimate me."
"Is that a challenge, little witch?"
I could hear the danger in his voice but the smile on his face made my heart race for an entirely different reason. I watched him drop my shoes and start to stalk around me, like a wolf circling his prey.
"I don't think you understand just how powerful I am, hybrid."
I heard a chuckle and saw his eyes flash gold. Though I was powerful, my human eyes couldn't keep up with his fast movements. I was quickly and suddenly pushed up against a nearby tree in the dark. He had his hands on each side of my head and his body pressed against mine. I kept a soft smile on my face.
"Normally, a witch has tried to explode my brain a thousand times over and twisted their hands, causing me extreme pain."
"I'm not a normal witch."
"Play your cards, little dove. Unless you are afraid?"
I laughed out and I looked into his eyes.
"There isn't much I fear, Klaus. You have yet to make the list."
He smirked and his eyes glowed gold again, along with his fangs emerging. The black veins around his eyes almost made me catch my breath. I had never been this close to a vampire before, but I had heard tales. I smiled at him once more before closing my eyes for a split second.
"What.."
I slipped below his arm and away from him. Though I wasn't fast or untouchable, I was invisible to his eyes. I moved behind him and watched him frantically look around with a concerned look on his face. I giggled behind him and released my cloak as he turned around.
"How the hell did you do that?"
He had a huge smile on his face and he walked towards me.
"Show me more."
I walked over and picked up a white stone off the ground. I couldn't let myself lose control, but I could pull more power from him.
"I'm going to touch your hand. You will feel weaker for just a moment but I promise I will restore it."
He looked hesitant, but reached his hand out. I took it in mine and slowly pulled power from him and put in in the stone in my other hand. It slowly started glowing a bright light. I pulled more and more until the light became blinding, ending in the stone exploding into a million pieces. I looked over and Klaus and could see he was weaker. I walked him over to the tree and placed one hand on the tree and the other on his neck, releasing energy back into his body.
"That was incredible. Why pull from me though?"
"I don't like pulling from nature for destruction and I can't let myself actually feel that much power."
"You're constantly shielding, aren't you?"
"Yeah."
We fell into a comfortable silence as I played in the fountain with my fingertips. He watched me with an intensity I wasn't sure how to describe. I had heard so many stories of this man, yet he seemed to be enthralled with me. He was so dangerous yet I felt no harm from him.
"I will help you."
"You will?"
"Yes. I just need the night. Come back to me in the morning and we will end your problem."
Klaus nodded and pulled me into an embrace. My breathing hitched, caught off guard by the affection. He was a flirtatious hybrid, but I never expected him to be so outwardly affectionate. His playful banter and care for me was out of character. Part of me worried that he would betray me in the end, but this was the path I was intended to take.
Mother, please come to me.
I am here, my sweet daughter.
The ancestors created a monster.
Lucien.
Yes.
They realize they were wrong. They don't like the Originals, but Lucien is unhinged.
Do I have their blessings to take him down?
Yes, but please be careful.
I'll stay in control.
I'm afraid you won't be able to. Lucien is much stronger than anything you have ever seen, my dear. You may need to lose control to actually achieve what you need to do.
Will you help guide me back?
I'm afraid this is your path, Cat. You must do this on your own.
With that, she was gone. I frowned, not wanting to sit alone in my apartment. For the first time ever in my life I felt incredibly alone. I shot up off the floor after quickly blowing out my candles and head towards the part of town that I knew I shouldn't be visiting at this time of night. The walk was quick and the closer I got to the mansion, the quieter it became. It was as if everyone knew they weren't welcome here as well.
The front was open doors to a small area with a fountain. Everything was so beautifully organized and the flowers around put me at ease. I could feel so much energy from the bricks of the building to the people inhabiting the building.
"What do I owe the pleasure, little dove."
I looked up to see Klaus wearing nothing but a pair of low cut jeans. His hair was a mess and he looked like he had been sleeping.
"I'm sorry. I can leave.."
I turned to walk out and in a flash he was in front of me.
"No need. I awoke when I heard you turn the corner. Is everything okay?"
I looked at him, and wanted to tell him everything was fine. Instead, I shook my head and felt tears sting my eyes. He pulled me into an embrace and started walking me towards the stairs.
"Come sit with me, we can talk."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man dressed in a suit watching us from a doorway. He felt just as powerful as Klaus, but I could tell he was just a vampire.
"That is my brother, he will do you no harm."
I nodded and walked up the stairs under Klaus' arm. We turned the corner and walked into an extravagant room. There were paintings all over the walls and both a couch and a bed. He unhooked his arm and poured two glasses of whiskey. I walked over and looked at a painting on the wall.
It was a woman with pale skin standing in the water. There were stars in the sky and a soft glow coming from where she was standing. There was a white aura around her and just looking at it I could feel the passion that was used to paint this.
"I never wanted to lose that memory."
"It's off."
"What do you mean?"
"You were here."
I pointed at the place in front of the woman and frowned.
"Why did you paint yourself out?"
"Because what matters to me in this memory was you."
I looked at him and he was studying my face.
"It's beautiful. I just remember it differently."
"How do you remember it."
"I remember the look of joy on your face. I remember the warmth from your hands overpowering every feeling of energy I was getting from the river."
Klaus ran his fingers down my face and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
"I wish, sometimes, that I could see the world from your point of view."
I placed my hands gently on each side of his face. I closed my eyes and replayed the memory in my head. I let it flow through my fingers and I watched it and heard Klaus inhale sharply. I let him feel every emotion that I had felt that night, knowing that it very well could overwhelm him. When the memory was over, I opened my eyes just in time for his lips to crash against mine.
He pulled me close and my entire body felt like it was on fire. His left hand wove into my hair and his right wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. I fought to stay in control, but for a split second I shot out energy through my shield and he pulled away in shock.
"I am so sorry, Klaus."
"What was that?"
"That was me losing control."
"You jolted me."
"I'm so-"
Before I could finished his lips were against mine again, this time even harder. He lift me up and carried me over to the balcony before he set me down and pulled his lips from mine.
"Don't be sorry, little dove."
My face was flush, and I was sure he could see it in the bright moonlight.
"What brought you to my door this late at night?"
"I talked to my mother."
"I though.."
"She is. She's who I talk to when I need answers."
"About?"
"Lucius. The ancestors see it. They see how dangerous he is. They want me to take care of it."
"Why do you seem terrified?"
"She said I'm going to need to lose control to take him out. Tranquility can't take down evil like him."
"I have faith you can find that again."
"I asked my mother if she would help me find my path again. She said that this is my path to walk alone. Other than their blessing, the ancestors have turned their back on me."
"You're afraid of being alone."
I nodded my head and hung my head in shame.
"Does that mean your aunt will turn her back as well?"
"She will need to. It's not that I am shunned, but no witch can help me."
"Stay here."
"What?"
"We have so many rooms here. Stay here. We will take care of Lucien and bring you back from whatever state that may put you in."
"I couldn't."
"My brother is right."
I turned to see Klaus' brother standing in the balcony doorway.
"Pardon the intrusion, I could hear you down the hallway. If you are indeed going to help us with Lucien and need our help, you should be staying here. We can keep you safe."
"I can keep myself safe."
"I know very well of the powers you have, Miss Benoit."
"You know who I am?"
"I have known of you since you and your abilities since you were a child. I helped your mother escape with you."
I looked between the two of them.
"Show me. Please?"
"I thought you couldn't choose a memory?"
I nodded at Klaus and looked back at his brother.
"I can't. I usually make connections though. The first time I see someone that has a significant meaning in my past, I see it. I did with Lorelai."
"Then let us try."
He rolled his sleeve up and extended his arm to me. I gently reached forward and placed my fingers on his arm. I felt a shiver quake through him as I pulled my shield down, letting him feel my power. A small smile played across his lips right before I lost my sight.
"It's time to go."
"Do we have time?"
"I will make time. You and your daughter will survive this city."
"Why are you helping us?"
"Because, Miss Benoit, I believe that there is some good in this world. Your daughter is proof of that."
I look at the small girl in the witch's arms, and smile. Her eyes are beautiful and not something I would ever easily forget.
"Elijah, if something happens to me-"
"She will always be protected. I give you my word."
"Elijah."
He smiled at me and pulled his sleeve back down. The memory came flooding back to me. I was in my mothers arms as we ran to a vehicle. Elijah was driving as we sped out of the city. My mother was holding my close and whispering that I would always be safe.
"You remember."
"You saved my life."
"And I will continue to do so. My word is my bond."
"We both will, little witch."
I looked at Klaus and felt his energy shift. It was strong and powerful. The amount of power flowing from his was terrifying and soothing all at the same time.
"You will always be safe, as long as we are around."
