One hundred years could be a long time when you spent it running. And running is all Mila had been doing. Small towns, large cities, America, Europe; she'd been careful to make sure there was no discernable pattern, no real way to predict where she would be. One hundred years of running from the most dangerous vampires in existence: the Originals. All over something as stupid as one dead vampire. Now, she was finally home in New Orleans, enjoying her city now that the damned originals had been driven out. That wouldn't necessarily stop them from finding her and killing her, but Marcel had said he would protect her, for all he could do. He'd even invited her to some sort of charity ball tonight, a typical New Orleans Masque. Mila had managed to charm a gown and mask from a shop, and now stood among the throng of mostly vampires.
"Mila." She turned to see Marcel walking up to her with a grin, and she gave him a nod. Shaking hands, he appraised her dark red dress and black mask before meeting her gaze. "You look great. I'm happy you could make it."
"Yeah, it seemed like a fun idea." She shrugged, clasping both hands in front of herself. Something seemed to catch his eye over her shoulder, and she turned to see another vampire staring intensely at them. Marcel excused himself quietly and moved to speak with the man, leading him away from the party and leaving Mila to her own devices. She wandered the room, managing to snag a glass of champagne as she watched everyone enjoy the night. She felt more than heard someone some up behind her, and the scent had her tensing.
"Mila. How…interesting to find you here." Turning, she looked up into the face of the one person she didn't want to see. Elijah Mikaelson stood with a smirk behind her, and she did her best to appear unaffected.
"I could say the same. I was assured The Originals had left New Orleans ages ago." She would have to get to Marcel and quickly, before Elijah delivered her to his brother. He shifted a step closer, and she instinctively stepped back.
"Things change. I'm sure you understand that." He arched a brow, and she clenched her jaw.
"If you'll excuse me." She spun on her heel and hurried away, towards Marcel's second in command, leaning to speak quietly. She could feel Elijah's eyes on her, and knew she'd need to get away as soon as she could. The man nodded and left to pass her message, and she wove her way through the crowd to make her exit. She could still feel his gaze, and she hurried her walk as much as she dared. Taking the long way home, she didn't once look back, even when she finally lost the feeling of being watched. Her mind raced with how quickly she could get out of town.
Elijah watched as Mila left, brow furrowing as he thought over their encounter. It was almost as though she felt threatened by him, but he couldn't imagine why. He'd been trying to find her for so long, and now that he finally had, she wanted nothing to do with him. As she disappeared, his phone rang, and he moved to answer it outside. It was a short enough conversation with Klaus, something about his little wolf, and soon he was leaving. He would find Mila again; he couldn't let her go.