Round and Round:

As Anna Marie walked down the stairs, she saw 3 things. Klaus reading a book, Elijah reading a grimoire and a dead woman. She glanced between the three scenes, no one was moving and no one was budging. She rolled her eyes as she came into the room. "What the hell is going on? What is this some kind of a mexican standoff?" They might not be staring at each other, but she could cut the tension with a spoon.

"Reading edifies the mind, love." Klaus grinned at her. "Isn't that right, Elijah?"

"Quite right." Elijah gave her a slight smile. 'Good morning to you as well."

She came in and sat on his arm chair. "Let me guess. Klaus decided to give you some half ass apology and this women as some kind of bribe?" She smiled at Elijah.

"I thought my big brother might be peckish." Klaus said in his defense.

"And I explained to my little brother that forgiveness cannot be bought. I'd simply prefer to see a change in behavior that indicates contrition and personal growth, not this nonsense." He motioned to the dead body.

"I wouldn't hold my breath for any big changes." Anna Marie smiled.

Klaus rounded on her. "And what have I done to you this time?"

"I'm just being honest. I suppose this is why Rebekah is in a mood looking for more bleach?" She asked.

"That would be it."

She turned back to Elijah and looked over his shoulder glancing at the grimoire. She could tell that he was conflicted. They had a long talk that morning of him helping Davina. He had asked for her assistance in which spells to show to her. She knew that grimoire front to back, though she was no longer a witch, she had a hard time adjusting to being a vampire and losing her touch with nature. She pulled out a page handing it to him. "Here you go."

He smiled kissing her cheek , thankful and she smiled. "Thank you, Anna." He stood up, going into the kitchen.

Klaus felt his jaw clench. "I see you're enjoying Elijah's return."

"It's better than having him locked in a box under the wings of Marcel, whom you gave him to if I remember." She shot back. "Jealousy is a horrible look on you."

He scoffed. "How is it that Elijah seems to have everyone under his spell? What is it that makes everyone like him?" She glanced at him. She could hear the underlying tone of discomfort. He was feeling self-conscious.

"Elijah has looked after me for as long as I can 's me, it doesn't mean I'm going to fall over my feet to get his approval, anyone's for that matter. You have no reason to be jealous." She stood up and he sighed and blocked her path.

"I don't want to fight with you, Annie, please." He asked her surprisingly kindly. It wasn't easy for him to say that, but he didn't want to be at odds with her anymore. "I'll make it up to you. We can go out for breakfast."

She hesitated. "Fine." He looked up at her shocked. "I'll be down in a few minutes." His mouth was gaped open, as he watched her ascend the stairs.

She came down a few minutes later, dressed for breakfast when she saw Klaus and Elijah walk towards the door. "Please tell me that you're not leaving."

Klaus shrugged apologetically. "I'm afraid I'll need a rain check on that breakfast, sweetheart. Big brother has requested my help. Rebekah is supposed to stay and babysit Hayley."

"Well, I'm definitely not staying and babysitting the knocked up wolf." Anna Marie walked down the stairs. Klaus helped her slide on her jacket to her surprise, but she let him.

"You can assist me with the witch then. I'm sure she'll be interested in hearing your expertise on the matter." Elijah smiled at her, pleased. "Niklaus will make sure that we aren't interrupted by anyone else." He held open the door for them as they walked out of the mansion, vaguely hearing Rebekah grumble about leaving her there.

xxxxx

Klaus was in the church as Elijah and Anna Marie walked up the stairs of the attic. She could hear the familiar sound of painting. Elijah walked into the doorway and knocked on the opened door. She looked up with a smile, seeing that it was him. "I made you a promise and I also brought a friend, the one I told you about." He tugged Anna Marie to see Davina.

She hesitated before nodding. "Come in." She allowed them.

"So you've been talking about me. Good things I hope." She shot Elijah a look.

Davina nodded, excitedly. "He spoke of how your powers were stronger than most witches. He said that you eventually learned how to control them."

She hesitated. It was often that she talked about her life before she was a vampire, not to just anyone, but this was a favor to Elijah. He would definitely owe her big time. "Yes, um, a long time ago, but I do remember some spells that were pertinent to help me learn control."

She took the pages from Elijah and opened them for her. "The spell of unknotting?" She looked down in disbelief.

"This is called a Sanguinem knot." Elijah placed a tangled up ball on the table.

"Witches use it as representational magic." Anna Marie explained to her. "If you can unknot that rope using that spell, that will be one of the most important steps into having control of your magic, not letting it control you."

"This is one of my mother's later spells. It requires much more power than you think." Elijah told her. "If you can perform this, I'll return with another page, a spell of your choosing this time."

"Good luck." Anna Marie smiled at her as she followed Elijah out.

'Thank you for your assistance." Elijah smiled at her as soon they were out of earshot of the young witch. "Do you believe that she'll be able to perform the spell?"

She glanced back at the attic. "I could feel the energy bouncing off of her. I believe that can do it. She's got a lot of power in her, she needs this, control. If she didn't have it, she'd be a lot more dangerous.'

"And if there's one thing I've learned its to not doubt Annie." They both looked up as they saw Klaus near them, smirking. He was obviously eavesdropping on their conversation.

"And we didn't have to terrorize anyone either." She said pointedly. "What trouble have you gotten into now?"

"No trouble, love. I just thought that Elijah would now like to question Sophie Deveraux." He suggested with a grin. He obviously wanted to start torturing the poor girl for information.

"Yes, let's go. Perhaps we can get some answers, finally, but no torturing anyone." She warned Klaus looking him directly in the eye. He followed her out smiling, at least she was paying attention to him.

xxxxx

As soon as they got to Sophie's restaurant it was clear that something was wrong. The kitchen was a mess, food was still out, nearly spoiled and there was another passed out witch laying on the floor. Sabine was just stirring as they stepped into the kitchen. Elijah held out a hand to help her up. "What happened?" He questioned her calmly.

"It was Agnes. Her men took Sophie." She raised a hand to her pounding head. She had gotten hit pretty well.

"Day one with you in charge brother and already the witch linked to Hayley has been abducted." Klaus said with great sarcasm. Elijah wasn't amused as he was already annoyed.

"Where is she?"

She wasn't going to give up that information so easily though. "If I tell you where Agnes is, you'll just kill her."

"Is it that obvious?" Klaus asked grinning.

Sabine shook her head trying to find the words to explain. "Look, I know she's kind of cuckoo, but she's out last living elder. That might not mean a lot to you, but it means plenty to us. The elders are the only ones who can do important spells."

Elijah looked at her curiously. "Like completing the harvest ritual?"

She looked confused. "You know about that?"

Anna Marie took a step forwards. "We know quite a lot, but that's not the point. We need to get Sophie back and you're going to tell us now."

Klaus followed her. "Allow me to entertain you with today's list of priorities; One, unlink your friend, Sophie, so she no longer controls the fate of the one carrying my child. Two, convince my brother to accept my heartfelt apologies for some recently dodgy behavior and three, actually there is no three." He realized.

Anna Marie rolled her eyes. "I believe that won't Niklaus is trying to say is, he doesn't care about the harvest ritual, your elders, or your coven's connection to magic. That girl, Sophie, is the link to Klaus' baby mama. If she dies tonight because we were too late, because of you, I promise you that you will regret it. I was polite not I will ask you one more time." She took a step in front of the witch. "Where is she?"

She hesitated, only for a second before letting the answer slip out. "Agnes would have taken her under ground, probably near the cemetery."

She smiled. "Now, was that so bad? Run along now. Thank you for your assistance."

Klaus watched as Sabine scurried away. "I believe I've become a bad influence upon you." He grinned. He was actually amused by her threats. "But I'm afraid that you're not coming with us this time."

She looked surprised. "What are you talking about?"

"Agnes is a very powerful witch. Who knows what types of traps she could have down there." Klaus turned to her. "I'm not going to risk your life because you decide to be stubborn, Annie."

She scoffed. "Oh, now you care?"

"I've always cared." He insisted as he grit his teeth. He relaxed his job taking a step away. "You're not coming with us. If you wanted to help than you would go see how Hayley and Rebekah are at home. We will join you there shortly."

She scoffed. "Fine. Go down into the deep dungeon and get lost for all I bloody care." She muttered to herself as she stalked out of the restaurant.

xxxxx

Anna Marie took her sweet time getting back to the house. She wasn't exactly in a hurry to get back to the complaining werewolf. She always had something to say about how they weren't taking care of her. She was very close to choking her. She walked into the house. "Rebekah! I'm back!" She called out as she walked up the stairs.

"I'm in the bedroom." She called back.

Anna Marie made it to the back room where Hayley lay in bed with Rebekah standing at the foot of the bed. "Oh you've got to be kidding me. Is there any day where we don't have any danger?"

Rebekah sighed. "Apparently not. I take it that the witch has gotten herself into some kind of trouble and now she's feeling the side effects of it. This has been happening for the past hour, it just gradually got worse."

Anna Marie came closer to the bed. Her temperature was rising. "Alright, don't worry. Niklaus and Elijah are on their way to find her and deal with that situation. We just need to wait it out, keep her on bed rest until they come back."

Rebekah pulled her off the side. "Annie, she's getting warmer and she's complaining about pains. I don't know how much time we have until it gets even worst." She murmured. The last thing she wanted was for Hayley to get worried. It wouldn't be well for the baby and in the end, it would do more damage to her than good.

She touched her arm. "Trust me. Elijah will be coming soon. I know he will. He and Klaus will probably split up, but they will find Sophie and we will handle this. Just go play a good aunt and take care of her." She nodded over to the werewolf carrying Klaus' child.

Rebekah glanced at her. She had the feeling as though she wanted to say something, but she knew that now wasn't the time to start up a conversation that would eventually escalate into an argument. She was right, it was time to prioritize. Rebekah went and sat besides her again as Anna Marie left the room to call Elijah.

It had taken a few calls and a few rounds of pacing around the room, but Elijah finally arrived with Sophie in tow. "Where is she?" He questioned as they stopped in the doorway."

"Upstairs." She was relieved that he has finally come and he followed her upstairs to the bedroom, where he saw Hayley getting worse by the minute. "Please tell me that you have some way to fix this."

"Sophie is here to help."

Rebekah scoffed. "Help? You're the reason we're in this bloody mess. Why aren't we unlinked with this witch already, Elijah?" She demanded as she stood up.

"Rebekah, let her do what she can." Elijah told her.

Sophie looked between them. "I may know a way to slow the fever down, but I'm going to need some special herbs. I'll text you a list." She said shortly. Rebekah looked like she was about to blow.

"I'll do it. I'll have a better idea of what to look for." Anna Marie volunteered quickly shooting Rebekah a look. She knew that if she was ordered around again that she may blow up at both of them. "I'll be back soon."

She hurried over to the shop that belonged to Katie. It had been abandoned since she had died which made it best to rummage through without being interrupted. "Did she leave you the keys in her will or is it help yourself Tuesday?" She looked back to see Marcel coming in the shop. She rolled her eyes as she continued to look. "What are you doing in here?"

"I'm looking for a few ingredients that is supposed to make a killer vampire repellent. What are you doing here anyways?" She glanced over at him as she grabbed a few vials.

"The usual protecting my city from thieves and vandals, but every time I turn around you or one of your Originals has your hand in my cookie jars." She turned to see him standing right behind her. He smirked as she rolled her eyes.

She looked at him up and down. "Oh, Marcel. Your cookies are the last thing on my mind."

Marcel watched her as she went back to the vials, looking for the last one she needed. "That's obvious, but not so long ago that wasn't the case." He stood behind her and she stopped. She could feel him looking at her and it made her nervous for some reason.

"Maybe once, but not anymore. Not after everything. Found it." She muttered as she turned on her heel and left Marcel alone in the store.

xxxxx

Anna Marie hurried outside of the house. Elijah was already getting Hayley in the pool. Their best bet so far was that Davina would unlink Hayley from Sophie, but right now they didn't have that much time. They had to slow down her growing temperature as soon as possible. "How is a midnight swim supposed to help?" Rebekah demanded highly irritated.

"It's okay. The water mixed with the herbs will help bring her temperature. Don't worry. It's going to work." Anna Marie assured her as Sophie hurried into the water. Hayley drank from the cup that she gave her, quickly.

Rebekah looked worried as she watched Elijah try to help. "Stay calm, deep breaths." Elijah said trying to get Hayley from freaking out. "Slow breaths. Just focus on the sound of my voice. You'll be okay."

"Annie," Rebekah said worried as Hayley cried out in pain.

Anna Marie took her hand. They waited a minute and Anna Marie saw Sophie look surprised. "I just felt it lift." She told them. Rebekah let out a breath in relief. Sophie cut herself and Hayley didn't have the same injury. They were finally unlinked.

Sophie stopped Elijah from leaving the pool. "Elijah, as soon as your brother finds out that the link is broken he'll kill Agnes. I know that you don't owe me anything, but please don't let him kill her." He didn't say a word as he zipped out of the pool. "Elijah! She's the only access to the power we need to survive. Promise me that you'll stop him!"

He considered this for a moment before pulling out his phone. "It's me, where are you? No, don't hurt her. I'll be there shortly." Sophie looked relieved. "I'll make you one last promise. I won't let my brother kill Agnes.

Elijah hurried to leave the room. "I'll meet you inside." Rebekah told Anna Marie as she grabbed a towel for Hayley. She hesitated making sure that the wolf came out of the water before going in after Elijah. He had to get dressed, but she knew it wouldn't take him long. After taking a lap in the house she went back to his room. He was putting on his jacket.

"You're going after, Klaus, aren't you?" She sat on his bed. He nodded.

"I'll be back soon. I appreciate all your help."

"Of course."

There was something in her voice that made him turn back. He saw a face void of emotion. It was her way of coping with anything. She just would try not to feel it. He walked up to her.

Elijah sat down with Anna. He brushed her hair back. It was just like when they were human. He'd cheer her up, talk to her. It felt like she didn't have to hide her feelings, but it was different now. They were different. "You can talk to me about it, about Klaus."

"Not Klaus." She said quickly. "You promised. You and Rebekah both. Don't go back on your word." She said quickly. Rebekah had implored her to talk to them both about how she felt, but only Elijah knew. He was the only one who she knew wouldn't make her feel guilty.

"Then talk to me." He asked her softly. "I know with everything that's going on that it must bring up bad memories."

She looked down. "What can I say? It hurts, Lijah. It hurts to see her, it hurts to know that I wasn't...it hurts. I don't want to relive the pain anymore and I certainly do not want to speak about it. I'll be fine. You go, it's okay." He hesitated glancing at her before kissing her head and leaving the room.

Anna Marie sat there for a moment before standing up, but stopped in the doorway as she heard Rebekah and Elijah speaking. "I want no part of it. I only want to be free." She could hear her crying.

"Then go. You are free." He assured her. He kissed her on the cheek and he left her. Anna Marie walked in as she saw her crying.

"Rebekah,"

"Don't." She asked as she wiped away the tears that had fallen, as she tried to put on a brave face. "I have my answer. My only question is if you're coming with me?"

She looked surprised. "You want me to leave with you? What about Klaus and Elijah?"

"You weren't here for them in the first place. Annie, they're so focused in on each other, on the baby. Don't tell me that you want to be here. I'm not blind. Nik may be, but I see the hurt in your eyes. You're killing yourself keeping this to yourself. Annie, we can just leave, get away from here. You and I." She took her hand. Rebekah didn't want to be alone. That much was clear, but she didn't want to leave Annie alone either.

"I don't know, Bekah. Don't you think that you're making a rush decision? You're family is here. The last of your brothers." She reminded her.

"I know, but I can't stay here, Annie. I'll be in town. If you don't come, I'll know that you want to stay with them. I'll understand. You'll always be my sister." She smiled as she pulled her into a hug. Anna Marie hugged her back before she pulled away, disappearing.

Anna Marie started to pace, listening to Rebekah packing. She couldn't think right now. It was happening extremely fast. It was too much for her to take in. She grabbed her jacket and hurried out of the house, walking wherever her feet would take her.

xxxxx

It was no surprise that she ended up at Marcel's home, their past home together. Anna Marie had missed this place. She had missed him. As she walked into the compound she saw Marcel sitting at a table, drinking. Sometimes he found himself winding down like that. He looked up when he saw her coming. "Twice in one night, Anna. I must be lucky."

She sat down across from him taking the bottle, pouring a little in a glass. "I might be leaving tonight."

"So you're running."

She glared at him. "I'm not running. Rebekah may be right. This whole war is ridiculous. I'm abandoning this dying ship." She claimed as she took a sip from her glass.

"People have been saying for decades that New Orleans was a dying place, it's not going anywhere. You used to think the same thing." He reminded her. She glanced over at him. His eyes peered into hers. "Why did you come here, Anna?"

"My mind carried me here. I guess...I wanted to know if there was good reason to stay, someone to stay for. I was wrong. Good bye, Marcel." She said. She stood up from her seat and moved to walk off. She was going to leave, nothing was going to stop her this time. Marcel stood up grabbing her arm pulling her back into a searing kiss.

Anna Marie pulled away immediately. He searched her eyes as she pulled him back, crashing their lips together. He tugged her closer and kissed her passionately as he pushed her against a wall. She tugged him closer kissing him back as he pulled her into his lap on to a chair. "Don't….go."

She kissed him lacing her fingers around his neck. "Come….with me….Marcel, Come with me."

He kissed her before pulling back slightly, as breathless as she was. "I can't do that."

"Why not?" She demanded.

He ran his fingers through her hair. "This is my home, Anna. You know that I can't just up and leave, not after the empire that I've built here. You've been here for that." He reminded her as he kissed her again slowly, but she pulled away from him.

"Yes, I have, not only that I've seen how much you've changed. You're power hungry, Marcel. You take and take and it's never enough for you." She stood up from his lap. "This town will still be here if we left, you know that."

"This town thrives because of me. I didn't run, you did." He reminded her. She looked shocked and she pulled away from him. He inhaled deeply. "Anna, don't."

"No! I ran? I ran with my family! With the people that I spent a thousand years with. I have lived a hell of a lot longer than you have, Marcellus. And I'll tell you one this. There is nothing so great about an empire, if you have no one to share it with. You want to run this city? You'll be your own downfall." Anna Marie said as her eyes watered up with tears and she walked away.

Anna Marie didn't realize that she had picked up vampire speed until she saw Rebekah's car idling by the side of the road. She pulled the door open and jumped into the passenger seat. "Are you alright, Annie?" She asked her worried. It was clear that she had been crying.

"I'm fine. Let's go, anywhere. Just drive." She asked her. Rebekah hesitated before nodding, taking off as the light turned green. Rebekah punched on the gas. They must've been driving for nearly an hour when Anna Marie' phone rang. It was Elijah. "Answer it. He doesn't know you left, just answer."

She hesitated before putting him on speaker phone. "What is it, Elijah?"

"Where are you? Is Hayley with you?"

She and Rebekah exchanged a confused look. "What are you talking about? I'm with Rebekah, Elijah. We're on our way out of town. What's going on?" There was a beat before he continued to talk.

"Hayley's missing."