Star P.O.V

I couldn't believe I let the words pass my lips as I spoke to Elijah. What I did was something I didn't want anyone to know about least of all Elijah as I didn't want to put him in a predicament. I was so vulnerable at the time and all I wanted was to speak to Damon. To tell him what I did to let out this burned but it seemed that it weighed so heavy that I blurted to Elijah. Have you ever done something that you were really ashamed of? I mean something so bad you felt sick just thinking about it? That what exactly happened in that moment. I felt psychically sick about what I did I took away the one person who Nik needed in his life. Something he always needed a parent who will love him unconditionally.

Elijah tried to calm me down he tried to make sense of what I was telling him through my rambles. It didn't take a mastermind to understand the words 'I killed Nik father. Ansel'. As I continued to talk to him I told him I couldn't tell him about the changes that were happening to me. How I was hearing voices in my head telling me to do things that I didn't have any control of the situations whatsoever. The thing about secrets they are like stars. They blaze inside the heart and ultimately could be explosive. But there are two types of secrets. Small secrets like small stars will eventually burn out. With time and space they lose their importance and simply vanish. No harm done. But big secrets are like massive stars and with time and constant fear grow stronger creating a gravitational pull that eventually ... When they get so big, they become a black hole.

I could see that Elijah didn't quite know how to handle this situation, he just looked deep in thought like he was lost in his own world at times. I felt even worse for telling him all this after everything he had been through being held captive by Esther. After Elijah calmed me down somewhat he told me to go back into the compound, and not to raise any suspicion with Nik. To act like my normal self like it was going to be easy to be around Nik. Deep down I knew Elijah was right I needed to try and behave somewhat normal around him. I couldn't lose Nik over this over something I didn't even know that I done till it was too late. When I went back in Nik was all smiles as he approached me and kissed me unexpectedly. He thanked me for suggesting to Hayley about hurting his mom where it would hurt her most by taking Finn and Kol. Nik was in real high spirits about this as he felt now he had the leverage to get whatever information about Esther plan. I excused myself and told him I was tied and as nice it was to see Nik so excited I just needed to get away from him.

I went up to our room and showered and got changed into one of my silk cami I climbed into bed pulling the cover over my shoulder attempting to sleep. That didn't plan out too well as I kept tossing and turning because of the reoccurring nightmare of killing Ansel. I woke up in a cold sweat as I looked to myside I could see Nik still sleeping with arm around me. I gently moved it trying not to wake him as I climb out on the bed. I walked out onto the balcony to get some air and calm myself down.

I know what Elijah told me be his words made it sound easy but the guilt was eating me alive. How could I lay in the same bed with the man I love knowing I killed his father. This secret that I'm holding is the biggest one I've ever held. Secrets are like plants. They can stay buried deep in the earth for a long time but eventually they'll send up shoots and give themselves away. They have to. It's their nature. Just a tiny green stem at first. Which slowly, insidiously grows taller and stronger, unfolding itself until there it is. A big fat secret, right in front of your face. A fully bloomed flower perfumed with the scent of deception.

"Star, it's late, why are you awake?" I heard Nik voice from behind as he wrapped his waist I had an overwhelming feeling of wanting to be sick. Not because of his touch because being in Nik embrace is the safest place I've ever felt. It was to do with dark secret that I promise I would never tell.

Flash Back – Earlier That Evening

"Star Niklaus can never know of this." Elijah spoke firmly. But how could I not let him know of what I did. How did Elijah expect me to lie to the man I love.

"How can I look him in the eye Elijah after killing his father? His father Elijah!" I raised my voice to him as I couldn't control my emotions. This wasn't just anyone I had murder but the only parent that wanted the best for Nik and I took him away from him.

Present

"I couldn't sleep." I spoke to him as I looked out into the street. I couldn't bear to look at him right now, because I knew if Nik was to see me now he would know something was wrong with me.

"Is there something on your mind sweetheart?" He spoke as he moved my hair pushing it over so he could rest his chin on my shoulder. "You know you can talk to me about anything." He spoke as he place soft kisses from my shoulder leading up to my neck. I felt that butterfly sensation in my stomach as his lips touched my skin.

Flash Back – Earlier That Evening

"If you are to tell him it may destroy him Star. What possessed you to do such a thing?" Elijah raised his voice and all I could see was disappointment in his eyes. I knew that would be the same reflection that Nik would give me once I tell him. I don't know what came over me to do that it was like something took over me and I couldn't control it.

"He spoke of ho-how each full moon he woke up further away from New Orleans. That the calling of his blood brings him closer—" I began to think back to the conversation when Ansel told me he knew that Chance and Hope were alive. The feeling of my heart stopping as soon as he spoke those words and all I could think was that if he knew. Then it would only be a matter of time before Esther knew. "Elijah he was being drawn to Chance and Hope." I looked up to see Elijah looking at me stunned to what I had told him. For months Nik and Elijah had held the location of Chance and Hope a secret and somehow Ansel was etching his way closer to them on every full moon.

Present

"Star…" I heard Nik speak taking me out of my thought. I realized that he had turned me to face him and he had this worrisome look. I knew the way I was behaving right now was worrying him.

"I'm a mom, and I've not even held my own baby." Deep down that was one of the reasons why I was so sad. I kept pushing and pushing away how I was feel about it all. That if I didn't think of Chance it would make things easier, but since Ansel mention how he was getting closer to them I felt jealous in a way. That's when it all came flooding to me that I had no idea where my son was all I wanted was hold him.

"Is this is what making you sleep so restlessly?" Nik asked as he caressed my cheek. It wasn't the one thing that was keeping up but it was something that was weighing down on my mind.

"I don't even know what he looks like Nik." I felt the tears begin to fill my eyes as he looked at me with such sorrow. That what hurt the most that I didn't even have one tiny memory of what he looked like.

Flash Back – Earlier That Evening

"I couldn't let him know where they are. Esther could of manipulated him and found them both and—" I felt a lump in my throat as I thought about Esther getting hold of the both of them. I couldn't hold back my tears no longer. Instantly I felt Elijah embrace cooing me to calm down but how could I. To think what Esther would do to them if she found them it made me sick to my stomach. Elijah pulled me away from him so he was looking at me.

"What you did was to protect your son. It was to protect Hope." I know he was right and maybe in some way it was to protect the both of them. When it happened. When I cut Ansel up the distrubing part of it all is that I enjoyed it. That alone frightened the hell out of me.

"I know, I know, but I could done something else. I could of—" I knew I was rambling because Elijah interrupted me.

"Star you were protecting those two innocent children" He spoke as he approached me there was a seriousness in his tone. I know he was trying to reason with me but there was nothing to reason with I was guilty of a crime. I needed to face the consequence of my actions. "You cannot allow this guilt to consume you." Elijah spoke as he placed both hands on my shoulder in a comforting way. How did he expect for it not to consume me it already had.

Present

"Star you know that Chance is safe." Nik spoke lovingly towards me I knew the way I was acting right now was worrying him. I knew that Chance was safe I didn't doubt that, it just now there had been a flood gate opened that I tried to keep close. Now I honestly don't know if I can just dismiss the fact that my son out there and I have no idea where his.

"But where? Where is he?" Nik shook his head and gave me that look to say that he couldn't tell me. I knew in my heart he was doing that to protect them but I was his mother I would protect not only my son but also his daughter to my death. "Nik I wa-want to see him." Floods of tears began to flow down my cheeks as I was finally letting out how I was feeling about Chance. That I wanted to be the mom I should be that I was missing out on so much I didn't want to feel any of this because being emotional wasn't going to bring him back. That's why I had been emotionless about all this because if I allowed myself to feel I wouldn't stay focused.

"I promise you once this is all over, you will see him." Nik spoke as he cupped my face so I was looking at him. With his thumbs he wiped away my tears. Everyone spoke of how a monster Nik was that he was ruthless and didn't care for nothing. That wasn't the Niklaus I saw before me this was the man I was utterly in love with a man with a heart who cared. "Star I know the absence you are feeling. It pains me too not to have our son with us, but also my daughter." That made it even harder for him as it was two little innocent people that he missing and longing to see. I wish I could be like him and focus on bring them home but right now I was an emotional mess. Unable to think of nothing else than to hold my baby boy in my arms.

Flash Back – Earlier That Evening

"Niklaus must not know of this for now. With my mother and Mikael conspiring against him if he was to learn of this I honestly don't know what it will do." Elijah spoke sense as deep in my heart I knew that if I told him it would break him. I also knew if I kept this from him it would break him even further. "Star you must never tell him." Elijah was asking a lot from me. I had kept one secret from Nik not so long ago and he disowned me he couldn't even look at me. That was a betrayal from his sister and Marcel. What would he be like if he was to learn of the biggest betrayal was from me.

Present

"I know Nik this is just as hard for you. I'm sorry I had a moment." I wiped away my tears and gave him a small smile as I walked passed him. I feared that I may have opened up a little too much to him it was like I have no control of myself right now.

"Star we've not spoken about the death of your father." I stopped in my tracks as Nik spoke of my father. That was another thing that I didn't allow myself to feel any emotion toward the death of my father. I didn't want to open that door because if I did I would be to frighten to learn what was behind it. "After today spending time with Ansel I understand that may have brought up feeling of your own father." As Nike spoke of Ansel I felt my heart wanting to escape from my chest but I knew I had to keep calm or at least try to.

"There nothing to say." I spoke as I still had my back to him as I couldn't look at him.

"Star…" I felt his hand on my arm then he turned me to face him. "You've come back, and you've not allowed yourself to grieve." I couldn't allow myself to grieve there was too much at stake right now to allow me to be this broken person.

Flash Back – Earlier That Evening

"I can't lie to him. I have to tell him." That what I was going to do I rather him hate me for telling him now rather than finding out years down the line. I tried to walk into the compound but Elijah stops me.

"You go in there and tell him it will only ruin what you both have." I knew of the consequences of me telling him but I can't live like this. It's only been a few hours and it's killing me. "Star, you are the only reason why my brother still has a fraction of his humanity. I watched him for months after your passing. He was broken. In a thousand years I have seen that three occasions they were due to you" I felt speechless due to Elijah words that he felt I was the reason why Nik held on to his humanity. "You go in there and tell Niklaus what you have done. It will not only be you who will lose him, but his children and his family. He will turn into that monster that we all fear." Elijah words kept repeating in my head about Nik turning into the monster that we all fear. That was something I couldn't allow to happen I couldn't let Nik lose that part of himself because of what I did I will not allow those two innocent children not know the loving man that I know because of something I did. I have to live with this dark secret and the guilt along with it. It for him because I love him. Niklaus could never know about this

Present

"Nik I'm fine." I smiled at him as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Why don't you join me in the shower before we go and torture your brothers" I spoke in a teasing tone in hopes it might shake away the tenseness from the conversation we were having. I really didn't mind having fun torturing those two to find out what that bitch Esther is up to.

"You truly are woman after my own heart." In one swift moment he had me in his arms carrying me toward the bathroom with this devilish grin on his face. The only way love can last a lifetime is if it's unconditional. The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love. For Nik and I we both chose to love one another with flaws and all.

Klaus P.O.V

I was on top of the world when Finn and Kol were brought to me in the way they were gift wrapped so to say. Of course Kol had to be goby mouth saying it was unacceptable how he was held here against. That his will not the family reunion he expected. Well like I told him this was going to be a reunion that neither of them will ever forget. So I left Kol to ponder on that while I went to go and thank the love of my life for inspiring such a wonderful idea. I have to admit I'm not easily fool but I believed Star when she told me she was warning Hayley not to do anything. When the whole time she was doing the opposite very sneaky but much appreciated. As now I might actually get answers. No I will get answers from the both of them because I will make the both of them suffer until they speak.

When I found her she seemed a little distracted like she had something on her mind. Well she had been through a great deal since her return. Whatever she was feeling to make her feel so overwhelmed it was normal as she had been through a great deal. The only thing I can do is be there for her through this journey. Our focus is to destroy my mother and Mikael once all that over with then we can finally be a family. She excused herself saying she was tired. Once she left Elijah entered he looked just as terrible as Star did but he assured me that he was fine after my mother's attempt to break him. I knew I didn't have to worry about him out of all of us Mikaelson Elijah was truly the strongest one of us all. He held this family together with his diplomatic ways. After a conversation with Elijah about the best way we could handle this situation as he knew of my methods and didn't approve of the whole torture route. As even though Finn and Kol chose to align with our mother they were still our family. I will go with Elijah way but if questions are not answers then we will go down my road of acquiring information.

I went up to my room and I saw that Star was sound asleep. Something that Ansel told me today that stuck in my mind that I loved the simple pleasures in life which was true. Something like holding the woman I love in my arms as I slept many would take for granted. As they would think that she would always be there but the truth is there no guarantees about anything. So you should grasp what matters most to you with both hands and never attempt to let go. That is what I intend to do as love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow. A connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them. We can only love others as much as we love ourselves. Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows. Love can only survive these injuries if they are acknowledged, healed, and rare.

I woke up and notice that Star wasn't beside me but I did not need to search far as she was out on the balcony deep in thought looking out to the city. As she stood there and the breeze allowed her hair to flow around. I couldn't help but smile as Star was something I never expect to have in my life for 500 years I didn't see myself to fall in love. I was half a millennium alone while I watched my sibling fall in and out of love I saw love as a vampire greatest weakness, but I was wrong because from the moment I had fallen in love with Star I felt stronger than ever. I knew there was something burdening her mind as I asked why she was awake this early so I tried to find out.

For the first time since her return she spoke of how she longed to see Chance. I wished I could grant her that wish but I knew it would be far too dangerous for the lives of the children. Esther had eyes everywhere and as much as it pained me to see Star so upset I couldn't risk it. I knew what may of brought this one was our time that we spent with my father Ansel that it had opened up the wounds that Star had tried to keep closed. In a typical Star manner she tried to brush it all off with it being a moment of weakness. I wanted to push a little more on the matter as I felt that she need to speak about the death of her father and have an understanding of why I was keeping her from Chance. Of course Star distracted me with an offer I couldn't not refuse. The eyes are one of the most powerful tools a woman can have. With one look, she can relay the most intimate message. After the connection is made, words cease to exist.

We arrive into this world as innocents. Wide-eyed. Vulnerable. It is the job of our parents to nurture and protect us. Unfortunately, our own parents failed miserably at even the most basic of parental tasks. But, we are not beholden to the past they created for us. I left Star to get ready while I made my way to get my answers from Finn and Kol. It seems that Elijah went ahead with my idea of a banquet for this family breakfast. I sat down at the table next to Elijah and looked over at Kol and Finn who are still bound with the enchanted manacles that prevent them from doing magic. The compelled servants in suits place platters of breakfast pastries on the table.

"Today, a new future awaits. Forget your animosity toward Elijah and myself. Instead, join us against she who truly deserves your ire- our mother." I watched as Kol rolls his eyes, and Finn just looks bored probably missing his mummy. "Do this, and we will welcome you with open arms!" It was all as simple as that they didn't need to make matter worse for themselves.

"Well—" Kol reaches for a plate of pastries with his shackled hands, but I pulled it out of his way. Kol sighs and rolls his eyes again. Elijah may have laid out this spread but I wanted my terms agreed to before my little brother made himself comfortable.

"But, if you continue to oppose us, a denial of pastries will be the least of your concerns." I smiled at him while Kol sat there and sighed. My little brother has and will always be the troublesome one of all us sibling he was always easily swayed.

"If all you wanted was my allegiance against Mother Dearest, you should have said so! Save me a night shackled to the wall." Kol spoke with sarcasm in his voice. As I looked up I saw Star enter the room looking stunningly beautiful as always. She looked over at Kol and Finn with a grin upon her face.

"Yes, this was Niklaus. My recommendation was to remove your limbs, one by one, until you comply because your family." She spoke sweetly as she took a sit opposite Finn. "Personally I think his losing his touch." She glance over at me with a smirk and I couldn't help but laugh as I stood up. Seems Star was taken up the role as the villain.

"We've-we've no desire to torture you." I stood behind Kol and Finn and squeezes their shoulders. "Provided you vow to stand beside us!" Finn shrugged out of my grip.

"Brothers... Does that word even apply to us? After all these centuries of betrayal?" He glances backward at me. "And, has loyalty to you ever rewarded? If so, tell me, Niklaus- where is our sister, Rebekah?" I notice that Elijah was glaring at Finn in a manner which wasn't very like him but I knew Elijah was one who kept his composure and wouldn't allow Finn words to get to him. "She was blindly loyal to you for a thousand years, and now? Nowhere to be found." So now Finn was concerned about the whereabouts of our sister? Finn had never cared for Rebekah he was to engross in our mother to even notice that she was there. "Where did our sister go? And, how did she escape your vile machinations?" I turned my back to him as I was suspicious of the sudden interest in Rebekah. She and Damon had the two most important people in the world with them that my mother had been trying to destroy from the moment they were created. This had her written all over this so I began to laugh fakely to cover for it before I turns to face them.

"Heh! You think me vile? What, then, do you make of the one who cursed us?" She was the vile one of all as she made us into this. But Finn hangs off her apron strings as she was some kind of goddess that she had no part to play in this story.

"She was trying to make you mortal again!" Finn spoke in frustration. At the corner of my eye I saw Star grab a knife off the table as she clearly suspicious and annoyed by Finn's words "And, you both refused her." He laughs darkly. "It only proves how far you've fallen. But, I expect Rebekah will have a different response to her proposal. See, unlike the two of you, she always did cling to her humanity." Finn was right she out of all of us had clung on to her humanity. If my mother was to get to her and give her the same offer as she gave Elijah and I it might be an offer that she may accept. This concerned me more than anything as all Rebekah has ever wanted was to be mortal and have her own family.

"Rebekah is off-limits to you. You pursue her I swear I will make you suffer." Star spoke in a fit of anger which took my brothers by surprised. I was slightly concerned by Star uncharacteristic outburst.

"Do not let him goad you, Love. Neither he, nor Esther, will find Rebekah unless she wants to be found." She kept looking intensely at Finn like she was prepared to murder him. I turns to Finn who was looking directly back at her with concern. Maybe we had found the one thing that both my brothers fear a mother who will do whatever it took to protect her child. "And she does not." I told him firmly as whatever doubt I may have had about Rebekah I knew deep down her connection to my children had deepen. That she along with Damon will do there upmost to protect them.

"Esther is quite determined. She's been searching for Rebekah since the day she returned. I imagine it's only a matter of time." Suddenly Elijah grabbed Finn by the collar, and slams him onto the table before vamping-out and feeding on him. I didn't understand what was going on right now between Star and Elijah. I'm normally the irrational one the one who chose violence over anything else. Today between the both of them they were not helping the situation in swaying Finn and Kol to our side. I pulled Elijah away from Finn and shoves him against the wall. Elijah puts his hands up defensively, so Klaus backs off. I tug Elijah's handkerchief out of his jacket pocket and hands it to him so he can clean himself up.

"I enjoy a good bloodletting as much as anyone, but our brothers have power, as well as knowledge of Esther's plans." Elijah wipes the blood off his face while he listens. "We need them alive." Star hands him a glass of scotch to calm down his nerves. He smiled at her before taking a sip from the glass.

"Nik Imagine what they would do to Rebekah and Damon. Not forgetting Chance and Hope" Star whispered with fear in her eyes. I need her to be calm about all this there was no way that they would be found.

"They have been cloaked by powerful magic." Star didn't seem convince but there was no way that my mother would find them the spell upon them was extremely powerful. I looked to Elijah who seemed to have regained his composure. "Brother we need to focus on the task at hand." I lowered my voice and looks around to make sure Finn and Kol aren't eavesdropping. "We need to persuade our brothers." I just needed him to be calm about all this.

"I can't do this." Star was about to walk off but I caught her arm "I'm not going to do anything stupid Nik." She spoke just above a whisper. "I'm just going to pay Davina a visit see what dark secret Kol may or may not have told her." She leaned in gave me a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be back later." I watched as she left the room I liked her idea of manipulating Davina to get information but that wasn't very Star like.

"Niklaus I'm through with persuasion." Elijah spoke taking me out of my thoughts. He was about to leave but I grabbed him by the shoulder and stops him.

"Has the earth shifted on its axis? You needing restraint from me?" Elijah looks taken aback for a moment but then was distracted when his phone rings. He pulls it out of his pocket and answers it.

"It's me." Rebekah spoke frantically "Damon and I have the babies, and we're on the run. Esther found us. We're safe, for now- We've lost her bloody starlings, but I have no idea where to go." My heart began to pound as I heard that our mother had found them. I needed to think of where I can could go to be safe from my mother clutches.

"Tell her to head west. I'll call Star and Hayley." They both had a right to know what was happening we needed to devise a plan to keep them safe.

"Do not tell Star and Hayley! You out of your mind Nik." Rebekah yelled. She was right what was I thinking Star and Hayley would both do something reckless knowing that their children are endanger. "Esther's too smart for that. The only advantage that we have is that she thinks the babies died. Text me the plans." Before I could say anything she had hung up the phone.

"Go. I'll take care of Kol and Finn." I wasn't going to leave the only two people who knew of my mother evil plans in the hands of someone who didn't have self-control.

"Splendid. And, in your hands, I assume they'll be dead by nightfall." Elijah looked slightly offended but with his recent behavior that was likely to happen.

"I will show restraint. Chance and Hope needs their father." That maybe the case that they needed me but I couldn't risk leaving my only chance of knowing my mother plans with Elijah. Not with the way he had behaved the best chance for my children is for me to stay here and find out the root of this evil plot.

"What they needs- what we need- are allies to help us defeat our mother." This was taring me apart knowing that my two innocent children lives were endanger. But I knew that Rebekah and Damon will protect them both with their lives. "Finn and Kol must be turned to our side. Without their help, there will be nowhere left for Chance and Hope to run." That's what this was all about to protect them at all cost even if it meant not being able to see them after all these months.

"Niklaus, your children—" Elijah began to say but I interrupted him.

"I have waited months to see my son and daughter." This was one of the hardest things I has to do and I was unhappy with this plan but this wasn't a time to be selfish. "I can wait one more day." Elijah looked at me sympathetically before he gets ready to leave. "Elijah. Do whatever it takes to keep them safe." That all I could ask of him right now because I was putting the lives of two precious people into hands of others. Something I never do as I only trust myself and I hope that I did not regret in doing so.

"I give you my word." Elijah spoke with conviction. To be a father it about putting your child needs before your own. A father is a son is first hero and a daughter first love I intend to be like any other father and be those two things for my children.

Star P.O.V

When I came down I didn't expect for the torturing to be a grand banquet laid out for the two people who are plotting with Esther. This wasn't what I was expecting whatsoever I expected for blood to be spilled that they would be crying out in pain. Not sitting at a table filled with food. Was Nik getting a little soft in his torturous ways? Well I made my feeling pretty clear of how I would be handling this matter. Which made both Kol and Finn a little nervous to hear. In between Nik talking I felt Elijah looking at me he was probably concerned that I was going to break. I promised him that I wouldn't tell Niklaus of what I did and I was intending to keep to my word. As difficult as it was I knew I couldn't tell him not after our conversation from this morning. Nik had far too much on this plate already I couldn't do this to him now. I couldn't allow to let him turn into monster as Elijah stated.

As I sat there listening to the rambling from Finn whom I've grown to dislike more and more he spoke how they had been looking for Rebekah. I don't know what happened in that moment but I lost it because one thing I did know is that Rebekah and Damon were looking after Chance and Hope. I would not allow Esther and her wickedness to get even close to them. What I didn't expect was for Elijah to flip out. I mean full on flip out biting into Finn neck this wasn't Elijah type of behavior it was more like something Nik would do. The way Elijah looked it seemed like he didn't have any control. Nik tried to take control of the situation by calming him down. Whereas I was thinking of another way of finding out what they had been up to.

So I told Nik I was going to leave because it will be hard for him to control Elijah and his outburst along with mine I was going to visit Davina and find out what she and Kol had been up to because I know he was using her for something. Davina very naïve and from what I saw she was falling for all the crap he was telling her. It was time for Davina to finally know the truth of who he was and for us to have a serious talk.

I left the compound and called Marcel to find out if he heard from Davina, he told me that she was heading over to his place. After speaking to him I made my way on the other side of the river to give Davina a bit of tough love. I wasn't going to have her be manipulated by Kol no longer. I'm going to gain control my life the lives of the people who matter to me. That meant Davina too and I needed questions answered about her bringing Mikael back from the dead. I just hope I keep my cool when I hear what she has to say. As I entered into loft I could hear Davina talking.

"I screwed up, you guys. I was with Kaleb last night, and he took the white oak stake when I was asleep." Well she was totally wrong there about him taking the stake. "I-I'm sorry, I never should have trusted him." As I entered the room I could see how upset she was. She needed to feel like a fool about all this because she had been played by Kol.

"Kol doesn't have the stake. Nik does." I spoke as I entered the room as I did Davina looked at me wide eyed. She obviously didn't expect me to turn up and she sure looked upset that Nik has the stake. "Matter of fact, Klaus has Kol, too." I couldn't help but smile as I told her that the horror filled in her eyes. Of course she see Nik as the monster but Nik is the only reason Kol still alive if Elijah and I had our way he and Finn would be dead.

"Wha-? How is that possible?" She spoke as she got up from the couch looking between Marcel and I. Well she going to be in for a little surprised to hear this.

"D, I'm the one who took him." Marcel admitted as he did Davina looked at angry like he had betrayed her. She was far from innocent with the art of betrayal. "I saw an opportunity, and I wasn't gonna pass it up. Trust me, we are all safer this way." Well Kol a lot safer now than him being on the streets because if I got my hands on him there would be blood spilled. I would have to restrain myself from killing him as that would be another burden to bare on my conscience.

"Not Kaleb! Klaus will kill him!" Davina raised her voice. Oh god this was truly pathetic right now she really did think she knew him. She fell for his charm and once again Nik the monster.

"His name isn't Kaleb, it's Kol. And, Nik has had a thousand years to kill him, and he hasn't." Davina breathing became erratic. Her fears for Kol life but she should be concerned about her own. Davina has got herself mixed up in something that she has no idea about.

"So, worry less about him, and more about yourself. Alright? This guy is not your friend. He wants to use you to get his own way!" Marcel hit the nail on the head there as Kol was only using her to his advantage. It was all to start with to get the stake but Kol had another agenda with her I know he did and I'm going to find out exactly what that is.

"You don't know him like I do." Davina spoke through her teeth. Did she really think she knew him? What he steals a kiss from her and now they are soulmates no it doesn't work like that. Kol don't work like that he using her and she needs to open her eyes to see that.

"I know him better than you do." I walked toward Davina, while Marcel leans back in his chair clearly uncomfortable about the tenseness between us. Marcel had to understand I loved Davina as she was my own but she raise the devil from the ashes to hurt the one man I love. There was going to be bitterness between us, will it ever go? That something I'm unsure about.

"Now, I'm sorry I had to go behind your back. And I hate lying to you, I really do, but believe me, this is for your own good." Marcel spoke with compassion in his voice but stopped as he looked down at his phone. "I gotta take care of some business, alright? Everything's gonna be okay." He assured her then looked at me "I can trust you with her?" I gave him the look as he really thought I would actually harm her? Marcel gave me apologetic look before he grabs his coat off of a nearby chair and leaves.

"You and I are overdue a long chat." I could hear Davina heart racing as she thought I was going to do something to her now that Marcel had left. "Why?!" I yelled at her making her jump. "Why did you raise Mikael when I asked you—No I begged you on my death bed not to start a war with Nik. WHY DID YOU DO IT DAVINA?!" I lost my temper as I did floods of tears began to stream down Davina cheeks. I wasn't going to allow her to make me crumble as much as I hated that I was scarring her I needed my answers.

"Ever since he came here all there has been is death and destruction." I knew I had to keep my anger under-control as this was Davina not just anyone but a girl who I loved and cared about.

"You think it was his choice to come back here? No your sick clan of witches had Hayley as hostage along with his unborn child. Believe me, New Orleans was not planned." Nik not once ever spoke of wanting to come here it was part of the plan it happen. This city brought out the worse in him as all the deep and dark secrets came oozing out of every nook and cranny. "That is not what I want to know Davina. Why did you defy me?" That all I wanted to know. I thought my last words with Davina before I left this world I made it clear to her that Nik was important to me. That how I had protected her from him I would do the same to him. Did she listen? No.

"You know it wasn't my idea it was all Silas." This wasn't news to me I know my father had a part to play with it all but I expected different from Davina. My father had been wicked for so many years and in many ways he and Nik were very much alike but he isn't here to feel my waft. Davina could of walked away she didn't need to go ahead with it. "Even he hated Klaus as much as I do. Why can't you see it? Why can't you see that you're in love with a monster?" 'You going to let her get away with that? Calling the man you love the father to your child a monster' I heard a whispering in my ear darkly just as I did yesterday when I was with Ansel. 'Kill her Star she against you and your family. Taking her life will give you satisfaction'

"Davina I'm warning you—" I spoke through my teeth as I wasn't going to be influence by this voice I will not take Davina life.

"No. You're not going to silence me. It's the truth." Davina spoke with determination in her voice she wasn't going to back down and I feared if she didn't I may do something I will regret. "You know after you died there was one moment. One single moment when I felt sorry for him, when he cried at your grave the day we buried you." As Davina spoke of how broken Nik was when I died brought a lump to my throat. To think how hurt Nik was with me leaving him when I never wanted to the fates took me away from him. It was out of my control. "That was a moment of weakness because do you know how many people he has put through that pain." Davina began to approach me with a fearless look in her eyes. "Do you know how many mothers, fathers, wives, husbands have cried at the grave of their love ones because of him?" 'Kill her Star she trying your patience how much longer can you hold back the urge to rip her head off' I closed my eyes and tried to control my breathing as the voice I kept hearing was getting to me. "You standing here wanting to know why Mikael was brought back. It was for you Star, to free you from the reason why your son is dead." My eyes shot open and I felt my jaw drop. I wanted to tell her that Chance wasn't dead that Nik wasn't to blame for all this but I knew of the consequence of doing so. "I love you Star. I love you like a mother, and right now you can look at me as the enemy, but I'm not." Davina eyes soften and for a moment I didn't see the young woman who threaten to take down the man I love. She was the Davina that I fought for the Davina who I loved and cared for. She took one final look at me before leaving the room but I needed to warn her.

"Davina…" I called out to her "If you go after Nik I will stop you at all cost." I threaten her as I did she swallowed hard as she knew I would keep to my word. With that being my final words to her I used my sped to get away from her before I did anything to harm her.

Klaus P.O.V

My mother was not planning on giving up I couldn't believe that she had found them the witch that was used was extremely powerful. Now with the location that they had been staying was compromised I needed to work harder to get the information from my brothers about our mothers plan. We all have bad things inside us, and we all choose either to give in to those bad things or to fight them. On this day I chose to fight it as already between Elijah and Star they were behaving unusual I needed to be the sane one. I know there's evil in the world, and there always has been. But you don't need to believe in Satan or demons to explain it. We are perfectly capable of evil all by ourselves. Then there Esther Mikaelson an almighty powerful witch who will do her upmost to get her way.

This is what I learnt about stories that consist itches. In the life of a Witch, there is no after, in the ever after of a Witch there is no happily; in the story of a Witch, there is no afterword. Of that part that is beyond the life story, beyond the story of the life, there is-alas, or perhaps thank mercy-no telling. She was dead, dead, and gone, and all that was left of her was the carapace of her reputation for malice. That what I intend to happen to my mother that she will not return from the dead. That I will have my happy ever after with Star and my son and daughter. That is my drive and motivation to not let anything mess this up. I learnt a lot from when I first arrived here when I didn't think about my actions. Things have change from then I lost Star and I had her return to me I'm a father, I cannot be selfish and unleash my waft as much as I want to.

After seeing Elijah off I made my way back towards the dining room. I knew that with having Elijah meet Damon and Rebekah he will make sure that they are all safe. So I knew I didn't need to worry about that matter. I needed to deal with my brothers who are being rather stubborn. I knew how to deal with one of them to get him talking. I messaged Marcel asking for his assistant with Kol of course he was more than willing to help. I think it had something to do with Kol wooing Davina…. Well whatever it was I was happy that he was willing to help. He arrived not long after with a huge smile upon his face ready to deal with Kol. I opened the door to the dining room to see Kol and Finn look up with surprise.

"Gentleman! I apologize for keeping you waiting. Good news is, I've returned with an old friend. Someone who wants to say hello." As I walked further into the room Marcel followed behind and the look upon their faces were priceless.

"Hello!" Marcel smiled widely as Finn rolls his eyes and sighs. "How's it going, fellas?" He spoke in a teasing manner I couldn't help but smirk as Finn and Kol didn't like how Marcel was being so smug.

"Ah, you again. You ever get bored of getting bullied by my brother?" I rolled my eyes as it wasn't like that with Marcel. I looked over to see Marcel chuckles and takes off his jacket.

"Oh, I volunteered for this." That was a tad of a lie but if anyone was going to get information out of Kol the hard way it was best from Marcel rather than myself.

"Did ya?" Kol spoke in his cocky manner which I think wasn't going to help him right now.

"The way I see it, you have it coming." Marcel shoves Kol roughly in the chest. "First, you messed with Davina." He continues pushing Kol backward. Now, I hear you wanna drag Rebekah into all this. Uh-uh. Not happening." That all the wheel power that Marcel needed two women in his life that were importance to him. He will not stop until he get the information that he wants.

"Well, I'd prefer you both to join me against our mother. But, I'll happily settle for one or the other. Either way, if you continue to defy me, your lives will be reduced to an unending sequence of agonizing torture!" I smiled at both them. Kol looks torn and turns to Finn who maintains his poker face. "So, which is it to be?" Neither of them replied so I indicated to Marcel to take Kol. Of course my little brother was whining but I did give them both an option. So while Marcel was dealing with Kol I was left to deal with my older brother. I moved him into the ballroom once again he was suspended by his wrists. I looked at the roll of torture implements in my hands and I couldn't decide which was appropriate to start with.

"Do you think our mother is even the least bit concerned for your well-being?" I pulled out a large knife and tested out how sharp it was. It made me wonder if she searching for the both of them.

"She knows I don't need rescuing." He spoke weakly. That I didn't believe I'm sure she concocting something. Which meant I needed to work a little faster, I held up my knife to Finn for his input.

"Hmm?" Finn remains silent, I shrugged and puts the knife down in favor of a different one. "Eh..." Finn still looked unamused with my next suggestion.

"You can toy with me all you want, Niklaus, but you've had innumerable opportunities to kill me." He was trying my patients as he didn't get the point to any of this. I pointed a sharp tool at him.

"But, I didn't, did I?" Finn smiles weakly as he did I put down the tool. "Finn, I understand your devotion to her. She must have clung to you with desperate need after our sister Freya died, making you believe it was your responsibility to care for her. Always and forever, mmm? A burden which you accepted without question, because you were a good son. Small children lack the capacity to question their parents, but you're a man, now, Finn." That is what it all boiled down to. None of us where there when our sister passed it was only Finn who witness it all. To a degree I understood his loyalty but all this now the craziness my mother is conspiring even a devoted son would know it wrong.

"Is that the extent of your argument? I'm a man, now, so I should join your wretched cause?" Finn had always been stubborn and siding with mother. This is one of the reasons why he was the outcast because he never saw any of this from our side.

"Is it not better to join me, then spend the remainder of your mortal life aligned to a woman who always manipulated you?" I needed him for once to be on my side and not her to remember that we are family this feud is down to our mother. "Brother, I offer you the opportunity to free yourself! Side with me, and I will give you the life she never once offered- a chance to choose your own path!" Finn remains silent "The choice is yours, brother!" I left the room, leaving Finn to consider my offer. I could hear Marcel raising his voice upstairs with Kol. I used my speed to do into the study and as I did I saw Marcel loses his temper and thrusts the knife in the air, ready to stab Kol with it. I caught it in time before it hit Kol causing serious damage.

"Easy, Marcel! Easy. Let's give Kol a little longer to decide before we lop off his head, hmm?" Marcel stood there with his face filled with rage. Which made me wonder what the bloody hell Kol had been saying to him. Marcel was not one to lose his cool easily.

"Comments like that? He already thinks that you don't care." I turned to Kol a little intrigued with what I had just heard. Is that what Kol thought that I didn't care for him.

"Is that so, brother?" Kol stood looking a little embarrassed but I could see that he was upset even though he was trying to hide it. He did this as a child to but you always see pass the pouting which was exactly what he was doing now.

"You only daggered me a dozen times. You always cared more for Marcel than you did for me." I was taken back by Kol confession as I didn't realize that it affected him so deeply.

"Well, I didn't realize I had hurt your feelings." Kol looked enraged even further by admitting that I had never notice.

"Yeah, well, that's the thing, innit, Nik? You don't know squat about me." He raised his voice to me. Now wasn't the time for me to listen to Kol tantrums as there was more important matters.

"Thanks to Marcel, I know all I need to." Kol rolls his eyes in frustration. "You're desperate to be part of this family, aren't you?" Kol looks down at the floor and remains silent. "All of your mischief was just attempts for attention. You know, the truth is, Kol, you're right to feel slighted. I mean that. You're right. But, perhaps there's still time to make it up to you." Kol looks up at me in surprise. If that all Kol ever wanted then I'm willing to have him as part of this family. Kol agree to align himself with us he told me that Finn is the one who holds all the vital information. That I knew and he was going to be the one that will be difficult to sway. So I knew what I needed to do to make Finn change his mind if he chooses not to speak and I had the item just to hand. I made my way back to the ballroom as I entered Finn was still in the same position that I left him. I approached him and held up the keys to the manacles.

"So, brother- ready to embrace your new life of freedom?" I hoped that he had disgusted what I had told him and finally be free from out mother grip.

"I'm already free, brother." He looked at me with a smile. It seemed that Finn was going to comply I placed the key back in my pocket.

"You're aware our mother cares nothing for you?" That was proven today when she had made no attempts to actually save her beloved Finn.

"Niklaus, I assure you, my mother loves me. She loves all of her children. You would not exist without her sacrifice." I couldn't help but smirk as I didn't believe a word that was coming out of his mouth as he believed the lies that she told. I walked towards the door, but stopped as Finn continued to talk. "Do you even know the truth? That she was barren? And she grew so desperate for a family that she begged one of the most powerful witches in history for help. Her sister, Dahlia. Of course, Dahlia's price was high." That name Dahlia sounded familiar I began to think where I heard it from. "She agreed to make our mother fertile, but in exchange, she sought the first-born as sacrifice. Having no other choice, our mother gave away our beloved Freya." Then it hit me this Dahlia help Star return back to me. She was an enemy of our mother from what Star told me. This was all lies a way to manipulate me so I would feel dishearten by her tragedy. No Freya dies of the plague this was a fabrication from our mother this Dahlia wasn't not a foe if anything she was a friend she returned my Star.

"Our sister died of plague." I raised my voice to him as I will not allow him to play on my heartstrings by this fabrication.

"Esther gave her away. Think about that. The pain, the grief." No I was going to listen to this no longer. I approached Finn and stood inches from his face.

"If what you say is true, then death is far too delicate a fate for her." Which in fact it was what kind of mother would hand there child over. This fictional story painted her out to be far worse wicked witch in my eyes.

"She loves us more than you realize." Finn spoke calmly. This wasn't love I knew what love was about now and this isn't how you treat the people that mean most to you.

"And is love the reason she wanted my children dead?" I yelled at him. She was hell bent to see the end to Chance and once his death was announce she moved on to plot with the evil witches to end Hope's life. No that is not love that is a monster who wanted to destroy my life.

"She was trying to protect you from Dahlia's curse!" Finn was really getting under my skin now and this nonsense about curse.

"WHAT CURSE?" I shouted at him. My children are not here with me and their mothers because of her and I will never forgive Esther for that.

"Dahlia demanded the first-born of every generation. Had your son lived, he would have paid the price! And, if anyone had tried to protect them, Dahlia would come and destroy us all." I glared at him as I didn't know if I could believe all this. Then again should I be so quick to dismiss it. All I did know is I needed to make sure that I knew that Chance and Hope were safe. I left Finn to go and call Elijah each and every time I had called him today it went to voicemail.

"I'm done leaving messages, Elijah. To say that this is urgent would be a gross understatement. We need to speak immediately." As I hung up the phone I senses Davina approaching me and sighed before turning toward her. "I was wondering whether you would show up. I'm afraid I'm not done torturing your darling Kol. You best run along while you still can." My mind was filled with too many problems right now and the top of the list all was about Dahlia. I needed to speak to Star about this so called interaction she had with her. I did not want to believe what Finn had told but it was certainly playing on my mind and made some kind of sense. The witches being so determined to be rid of the child Star was carrying. To think of it all it made my head want to explode.

"I'm not going anywhere, Klaus." Suddenly Marcel was between the both of us.

"Whoa, D, today is not the day." Marcel spoke as he approached her with his hands raised in surrender. Had Kol really done a number on poor innocent Davina for her to come down here and face me, she had become very brave.

"Actually, I think it is." She holds out her hand and twists her wrist, which snaps Marcel's neck and causes him to fall down. I looked at her, unsure of what to do because if I was to harm her in anyway Star would be disappointed in me. Even if her and Davina are currently are on bad terms. "Looks like it's just you, and me now," She was being big and brave but she not the witch that she once was that could make me drop to my knees. Maybe she needed reminding of that.

"You forget yourself. You're not as powerful as you once were, Harvest girl." She stood there smirking. She was signing her own death sentence.

"Doesn't mean I can't still kick your ass!" She thrusts her hand in front of her and telekinetically threw me across the room. As I did I flew through the closed double doors and breaks them, shattering them into broken pieces of wood and glass. I pulled myself up and I could see her confidently walks toward me. I vamp-sped toward her and threw her down the hall. She screamed as she flew toward a wall, hitting her head so hard her forehead starts to bleed as she rolls over and gets to her feet.

"Such hubris! And from one who bleeds so easily." She wasn't unstoppable and she was still a mere human beneath all that magic.

"You talk such a big game, but you couldn't even kill Mikael when you had the chance!" She laughs darkly. "He was right about you, you know? You're weak." Those will be the last words she will ever speak. I vamp-sped toward her grabbing her by the hair and pulls her head back so I can bite her neck. Davina screams in pain but after I drank a couple gulps of her blood. I felt a little strange I started to choke and gasp. I felt like I was dying what had this witch done to me? My legs gave way and I dropped to the ground I couldn't keep my eyes open. I was unable to breathe the last thing I saw as Davina smirks in triumph. Suddenly gasped for air as I woke I rolled onto my side before I pulled myself onto my feet. As I looked around the room I see that Marcel was there with Kol and Cami and the evil little witch.

"What did she do to me?" I glared over at her as she stood there looking smug as ever.

"All you need to know is that I beat you. Again." If this witch had beaten me then why am I awake there was only one reason for that my help was needed.

"And yet, you relented. You need me, don't you?" Davina rolls her eyes and sighs as I smiled. "Did I really lose?" The look upon Davina face in that moment was priceless.

I was updated with my mother planning on using Cami as a vessel for her to jump into. This didn't please me in the slightest and Marcel shared the same concerns too. Cami didn't need to be part of all and I will not allow her to be any part of all this. So after reassuring Cami I will stop this from happening I tried to call Star as she told me she was seeing Davina. Well when I did try and call her it went to voicemail so I left her message to call me urgently. I honestly do not know what is going on with Star and Elijah today the pair of them will be the death of me. For now I needed to put things straight with Kol. As I entered the room I see Kol and Davina being very flirtatious.

"Provided you're not busy concocting a new paralytic to use against me, I'd like a word with my brother." Davina shot a look at me before shrugging her shoulders. I did not like her one bit and I should make her pay for what she did but for now I'll let her simmer.

"Well, to be honest, I can't stand being around you anyway." Davina leaves I couldn't help but laugh to her boldness.

"For the record, I didn't know a bloody thing about Mother's plan for Cami, I swear." I could tell in Kol voice that he wasn't lying. I don't think my mother would entrust him with such a plan.

"Well, I think I can judge for myself which of her schemes she would entrust to you, and which she would not." I sat across from Kol in an armchair. "I believe this was Finn's task." Kol leans back against the couch looking a little intrigued. I want this conversation for him to understand I want to build better grounds that I meant what I had said.

"Where, pray tell, is he now?" I couldn't help but smile as I knew Kol wasn't that overly concerned about Finn but just being nosey.

"He's waiting uncomfortably for me to return and deliver his punishment. Pass the beignets, will you?" I had no idea what kind of punishment I was going to give to him. He told me this tall tale about Dahlia being this evil witch to take away the first born. I honestly don't know what to believe as someone with the exact name had brought Star back home. Doesn't sound like someone who so evil does it?

"You know, it's only a matter of time before Mother gets bored of waiting for you to let us go." He hands me the plate of pastries and I took beignet off the plate. "Well, Finn, at least. I don't expect she'd care if I never came home." Kol seemed upset by all this which sadden me as I have learnt that he has felt like the outcast this whole time.

"A mother cares for her children. A monster does not. Once you accept she's the latter, you'll stop expecting the former." He sat there with a sorrowful expression but I needed to let him know of something. "And, despite what you might think, Kol, I did mourn you after your death. And, I did attempt to avenge you. I would do nothing less, because we are brothers. Always and forever." Kol looks overwhelmed, and simply nods in understanding. Suddenly my phone rings I looked at the screen to see Elijah was calling.

"Excuse me." I stepped away from the room to take the call. "Where have you been?" I snapped because he hadn't bloody got back to me after all the voicemails I had left.

"Nik, it's me. Something's wrong." I heard Rebekah voice as she mention something was wrong my heart began to accelerate as I instantly thought something happened to Chance and Hope. "Elijah slaughtered a dozen people, whose only sin was their terrible taste in food. I mean, when have you known him to kill when he could otherwise compel? It's the kind of act that will draw our mother's attention." I couldn't believe what I had just heard this was the behavior of my brother. Whatever mother did to him it had done something far serve than I originally anticipated.

"Her torture must have affected him more deeply than I'd realized. Where is he now?" That what worried me as I knew Damon was there but Elijah was strong he could have Damon down before he takes a breath. Rebekah wouldn't be able to fend for two babies. This is all turning into a nightmare right now and if Star and Hayley were to learn of all this. I couldn't image how they would both react.

"Damon broke his neck to keep the children safe, but I have no clue what to do next." I began to make my way down the stairs and began to think of somewhere safe for them to go.

"Do you recall where we dined the Christmas after we fled Mikael?" That place seemed the perfect place for them to hide for now.

"Of course—" Rebekah spoke with confusion and I interrupted her.

"Go there. Now." I hung up on her and headed toward the ballroom where Finn is still bound. I wasn't playing with him now because this is all getting out of hand and I wanted answers.

"If you enjoyed last night's activities, then you're in for a treat!" There was only one way to punish Finn he was going to experience it now as he doesn't want to spill.

"Niklaus, listen to me, our mother may—" I didn't want to hear another word from him.

"Not another word! No more fairytales about witches and curses." I refuse to believe this story about Dahlia being this evil witch coming for my child. The only person who fits that role is my mother and no one else.

"If you think it's a fairytale, then why do I see fear in your eyes?" I held no fear over a story that is untrue and now Finn was going to meet his fate.

"MARCEL! Bring it in." Marcel comes into the room dragging Finn's old coffin behind him.

"No! No! No, Niklaus!" Finn desperately pleads with me as I yanks down his chains and drags him toward it.

"Oh, don't worry, brother! I made some air holes! Small ones." I lifted Finn by the front of his shirt and throws him into the coffin. Finn begins to scream in fear as I close the lid on him. He begins to pound on the inside of the door Marcel puts a padlock on the lid to keep it closed. Marcel and I head for the door.

I knew I couldn't stay here no longer with know what happened with Elijah and I needed to see my son and daughter. It had been far too long and every night before I sleep they are the last thing on my mind as I image what they look like. I couldn't go there alone as there was two people who are dying to see them as much as I was. I had got hold Of Hayley and told her that we have emergency in regards to Elijah to attend to. I didn't want to tell her about seeing Hope until I saw her it's not something I wanted to mention on the phone. The only issue I had was trying to find Star she wasn't picking up her cell and I had no idea where she was. So the only thing I could do is try and search for her. After seeing how broken she was this morning about Chance I needed to find her so she could have that first moment of holding her little boy in her arms. I was about to leave the compound when Star walks in.

"Where the bloody hell have you been. Don't you know how to pick up your phone?" I yelled at her. She looked like she was in a trance like state as she pulled her phone out of her jacket pocket.

"I didn't hear it. I'm sorry." As she spoke she seemed a little adrift. "Ni-Nik there something I need to talk to you about. I –" I couldn't waste any more time here Hayley was waiting and it was going to be a long drive.

"You can tell me on the way." I spoke as I walked away from her.

"Nik please I need to tell you—" I stopped and turned around to see her still in the same spot. Now wasn't the time for her to be stubborn.

"Star please, we need to get going. Now". She stood there looking at me with confusion. I have no idea why she was behaving like this but she was wasting time.

"Where are we going?" She stated firmly. I approached her as she stood there with glazing eyes and I could see that she was upset that whatever she wanted to tell me was important. I knew what I was about to tell her would override whatever woes she may have right now. I place my hand on her cheek as I did she closed her eyes.

"To see our son." As soon as I spoke those words Star eye flew open "You'll finally hold our son in your arms." Tears began to escape from her eyes I knew they were tears of joy rather than sadness. Our family had been shattered but we now stand united to whatever is going to come our way.