Title: The Vampire Chronicles

Category: AU

Main Characters: Caroline, Damon, Elijah, Katerina, Niklaus & Stefan

Genre: Romance/Supernatural

Prompt: "Evil is always possible. And goodness is eternally difficult."

Rating: M

Warnings: Language, Violence, and Sexual Situations

Note: Loosely inspired by the series "Dracula".

.

.

.

viii. The Abattoir, New Orleans 1890

The compound was beyond anything she could have imagined. The help moved about in synchronized motions, each with their own tasks to manage. Niklaus paid them no mind, his attention solely on the women sitting across from him. His new acquaintance had arranged the meeting, hoping to offer him a match in the Petrova.

Unfortunately, the Salvatore did not understand that he had already set his sights on a woman fitting to be Queen of New Orleans. If only her lovely companion had not managed to weasel her way in to his good graces. He would allow himself the entertainment of playing with her. For now.

"It seems Stefan was unable to join us this evening," The Mikaelson noted, bringing a cup of tea to his lips and savoring the rustic taste of something extra, quite familiar to him, as it ran down his throat.

"Yes, well, his father had an urgent matter for him to attend to," Caroline spoke up, hoping that there would be no ill-will between the two men due to a misunderstanding. This small gathering was not simply a means of uniting Katerina with the first man she had deemed worthy in a very long time, but also a chance to strengthen a new found friendship. "He is being groomed to take over the family business."

"I see." Niklaus said with a hint of interest in his voice, though he did not inquire further on what that business might be. "I was pleased to hear that you would be joining us Katerina."

The brunette beauty looked positively radiant at his words, a rush of heat bringing blood to pool at her cheeks. Already, the slight raise of her heartbeat alerted him of her arousal. It had been a while since he delighted in a woman as beautiful as she. And unlike Elijah, when he wanted something he took it.

"Well, I must admit…I hoped to see you again, Mr. Mikaelson," Katerina flirted sweetly, eyes fluttering back at him as she brought the teacup to her lips. She eyed him hungrily—it was a look Caroline was familiar with. Many a man had fallen victim to that striking glance.

A part of her, one she did not understand, was uncomfortable with her companion's blatant flirtations. It was…confusing to say the least. And completely wrong of her to feel.

"Please, call me Klaus." The man said pleasantly. His smile sent yet another rush of strange emotions through the blond woman. There was a gleam in his blue eyes as they swept to her momentarily. It was unexplainable, the effect a simple gaze had on her.

"Well, Klaus. Should we be expecting your presence at dear Caroline's engagement party tomorrow night?" Katerina inquired, her intent more than obvious although he played along.

Niklaus looked away from the blond, finding the idea of her with the Salvatore as simply a trifle that would soon be dealt with. "Only if you would allow me the pleasure of escorting you."

Until then, he would play with the Petrova. She reminded him of Tatia—how he had grown disgusted by the woman over the centuries. She had taught him how to love, and then she had broken his heart. And now…now he no longer had one. It was better to deal without. It was how he had survived all these years, after all his running.

Caroline stared between the two as they exchanged words laced with promises to be fulfilled. And for a moment she was envious of her longtime friend, for Niklaus seemed like a capable man. Capable of romancing, a man who could offer the world. Then the moment was gone, and she was reminded of her beloved, Stefan. He could offer his heart, the only thing she truly wanted.

.

.

.

ix. The French Quarter 1890

"What do you mean he threatened you?"

The blonde stared back at him with an expression that spoke volumes to the disdain she held for the man in question. She blamed him for the state that Stefan was in. The man was a wreck. With his engagement party less than twenty four hours away, he had been given an ultimatum. One that would surely ruin everything.

There the man sat across from her, head in his hands at it hung low; looking ever the defeated man. In truth, she saw no ending where Caroline could ever possibly forgive him. A woman's heart is a thing not to be trifled with.

"If I do not confess to Caroline, Damon will tell her," The Salvatore's muffled voice filled the room with heavy frustration. It was as if he were in the middle of a raging battle with only one possible outcome. "Lexi, I have to tell her, but…"

"You are afraid you will lose her." The woman breathed out, voicing what they were both very aware of. She stood from her seat, moving the claim the empty space beside him as he spoke up once more.

"I will forever lose her." Of that, he was sure. His confession would change the way she saw him. The way she saw everything. She would never trust him again. That is a thought that scared him worse than death. He had been an idiot—making such a rash decision. Being so impulsive.

The blond placed a comforting arm around his shoulder, sighing at his obvious distress. "Would you rather your brother tell her?"

She was right. She was always right. It was why he had come to her in the first place with his dilemma. He had already been certain of what he was going to do, he just needed to hear what his best friend had to say on the matter. And she solidified the decision he had already realized was the only right option.

"Either way, she needs to know."

.

.

.

x. Rousseau's 1890

He watched them from the bar, as he always did. They were reveling in the bohemian night life—something that he found quite surprising since he'd been following her that night. Around them many eligible officers watched on, ordering them champagne and an assortment of delectable. Suffice to say, the pair were remarkably beautiful and he was not the only one to see that.

Niklaus would mock his need to linger in the shadows—but he could not risk it. Not yet. Not when the mere idea of finally interacting with the woman still held so much sway over him and his inner demon.

So he watched on, eyes following the blonde as she sipped from her flute of champagne. Her delicate laugh rang throughout the establishment, earning a smile from him. It was a strange sound—gentle yet strong and filled with delight.

"Elijah." An all too familiar voice greeted him, and his gaze drifted from the blonde to the man standing before him.

The familiarity was not entirely pleasant. After all, he held very little trust in his brother's favored pawn.

"Marcellus," He exhaled with slight exasperation. There was little good the man's presence meant. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

The younger man did not wait to be offered a seat, simply sliding into the empty one in front of his own and blocking Elijah's perfect view of Caroline and her less than appealing companion. His eyes narrowed a moment as he took in the solemn look on Marcellus' face. It alerted him to the severity of whatever issue was about to be addressed.

The man looked around, making sure there were no prying ears before speaking in a low voice, "There are rumors of an uprising in the French Quarter among the witches."

That would serve to be a problem. For Niklaus—and inevitably for him as well. The witches were rebellious, it was in their nature. And if they were allowed to run amuck then the vampires and lycan would do the same. Then there would be blood running in the streets.

"Have you brought this to Niklaus' attention?" Elijah inquired, knowing that the moment his brother's plan began falling through hell would be brought down on them all. Niklaus was not known for his forgiveness.

Marcellus shook his head, a reluctant glimmer in his eyes. If anyone knew how Niklaus could be it was his progeny. "I felt the matter could be handled without his involvement. Discreetly."

"Yes, well, Niklaus was never good with discretion." The elder Mikaelson admitted, though both knew it well enough. "No matter. I shall handle it."

.

.

.

Thank you for reading! What do you think is going on with the witches? Leave it in a review!