A/N: Here's the prologue again for those of you who have read Safe. First chapter is posted, and more will soon follow! :)

Prologue

Klaus hadn't moved in ten days. After leaving most of New Orleans in flames and hemorrhaging, he returned to Caroline's body. Her heart had been placed carefully back into her chest . . . almost lovingly . . . he returned her still heart into its cavity by the same hand, which had ripped it from her breast.

Klaus hadn't moved in ten days.

Rebekah had taken over his kingdom and stolen his throne.

Elijah was even returning to New Orleans to reclaim his place as part of the Royal Family . . .

. . . without Klaus.

Niklaus Michaelson was numb. All of his rage—all of his sorrow had melted into numbness and all-consuming pain.

Klaus hadn't moved in ten days and there was a queen in New Orleans . . . for now.