Purgatory

by Scarletborn

Caroline Forbes always thought that evil creatures and demons belonged to Hell. What she did not know was that vampires belonged to Purgatory. A place worse than hell where the only thing that mattered was survival. A place where enemies turned into allies and foes into friends. [Klaus/Caroline AU story set mostly in New Orleans]

10. Divide and Conquer

"Beware of Greeks bearing gifts".

― Proverb

---

Mystic Falls, Virginia.

"That does not sound like Augustine's mo. If they have taken Caroline's body for their experiments why ask now about her in her old college?" Stefan wondered, staring the flames in the fireplace.

"Something does not add up. First the empty grave. Then there was the breaking in Liz's house," Damon counted and handed Stefan a glass of bourbon.

"And now this," Stefan sighed and drained the glass fast.

"This can't be a coincidence. We need to keep a closer eye on Elena," Damon said, "Either someone is targeting vampires or-"

"Or?"

"We need to find Caroline's body. If there is a body to find," Damon muttered and gave his brother a knowing look.

"We have been hitting dead ends on our own," Stefan grumbled and started pacing back and forth.

"What we need is to find a witch. Bonnie is the anchor now. She can't do a locator spell. And even if she could we would still need to keep this between us," Damon mused and Stefan looked confused.

"Locator spells work only on the living Damon," Stefan reminded him and Damon lifted his eyebrow.

"Or undead…vampires," Damon said out loud what they were both thinking but did not dare say or allowed any hope to bloom.

"Caroline has been dead for more than a year," Stefan muttered and Damon pointed at himself with his thumbs.

"Hey brother, me and Bonnie came back from the dead. Who says Blondie did not snatch a ride back?" he speculated, "you saw her grave. It did not seem as if someone dug Caroline's body out. It was if something…someone clawed out from there."

Stefan held his breath and then ran his fingers through his hair. He didn't know what was going on but the need to get to the bottom of this was becoming more and more desperate.

Stefan Salvatore looked at his brother gravely and asked the one and only question that was shuttering any hope that could even suggest that Caroline could possibly be alive.

"If she is alive why wouldn't she come back to us?"

---

New Orleans.

Dawn was not that far away and still, the jazz never ended. Booze was flowing as Caroline Forbes walked down Frenchmen street with having nowhere to go.

Her nightmares were becoming a constant. Every single night she was dreaming of Purgatory and this was keeping her up for many long dreaded hours since she hated falling asleep these days. Her bloodlust was skyrocketing and her mood was not getting any better. She was starting to wear down herself and the more time passed the more she was becoming frustrated with being trapped in New Orleans.

Kol, despite his witchy connections, could not break the boundary spell or locate his mother and no matter how hard she tried Caroline could not come up with a valid reason for why Esther Mikaelson wanted her. There had to be a reason but what was it? Her connection to Kol and Klaus? Surely she could find better candidates and trapping her in the city for that alone seemed extreme. Her stay in Purgatory? Is so why hadn't she trapped in New Orleans Kol too?

Caroline was so vexed she thought she was going to scream. Every heartbeat down the street was inviting her to eat people and maybe, just maybe, there was a small smidge inside her that missed seeing Klaus. It was insane. This was why she had left the compound. To get the distance she needed and find some peace of mind. So why was she feeling like this?

She pulled the lapels of her jean jacket closer to her chest and looked up to the sky. Soon enough the dark black and blue would be replaced by all shades of purple and the sun would come up. One more day trapped. One more day lost. And she felt so alone.

But she was not alone.

She pursed her lips into a thin line and kept walking. This was getting on her last nerve and she already had enough. Klaus had his men located around her apartment and she had seen them and memorized their faces and it was not that hard to sneak out, just like tonight, without them noticing. And when they did notice they always kept their distance and were far more discreet in comparison with the one that kept shadowing her the last two days. He belonged to none of those faces. And he was good. So good that not even Klaus' men had detected him. Good enough to think she didn't feel his presence but not good enough.

She let her senses take over. She filtered out the sounds. He was a vampire for sure.

She strolled down and saw people enjoying a street event. Drums, guitars, and tambourines. Alcohol and dancing under the dim light of the street lanterns.

Caroline stopped in front of the guitar player and smiled. There were enough people to make a good distraction. She breathed in and the out, carefully taking in her surroundings, and her smile turned into a smirk. She blended in with the crowd that was swaying to the music and let her instincts take over. Every lesson she had learned. Everything Kol taught her. She was not prey. She was the hunter.

She started dancing to the beat. Making sure to look carefree and cheery, pretending not to notice the man that was standing to the other side of the road with his eyes trained on her.

She discreetly glanced up. The street lamp was flickering. She swayed her hips enjoying the musical performance. More people danced with her and she indulged them with a giggle. She didn't let her bloodlust intervene with her senses this time. She tamed the beast and held on to its leash.

She took two coins from her pocket and twirled them in her fingers. She threw them in the hat, of one of the performers, that was on the pavement and was already half filled with more money.

She kept dancing. Secretly holding on to the other coin. She swiftly snapped her thumb against her index finger without anyone noticing. The coin flew in the air like a bullet smashing through the glass of the lantern that exploded.

The breaking glass fell down like rainfall and its loud cracking sound terrified people that in a split second yelled and moved around in disarray trying to understand what had happened. That second was more than enough for her.

The air shifted under her feet and she lost herself in the panicked crowd that frantically tried to take cover from what it sounded like a gunshot. There were hushing sounds, whispers, and scared people yelling and pointing out at the lamp that exploded.

All happened too fast. The music had stopped.

The man that tailed her tried not to lose her.

One moment she was there and the rest she was gone. Her perfume lingered in the air but he stepped closer and looked around. She was gone.

There was still a lot of racket but people were calming down.

The man flashed away trying to follow her scent but cursed angrily when he could not find her.

He ran his fingers through his hair and took out his phone. He walked towards a remote alley away from all the people and the clatter.

"I've been made. I lost her man. I am at the-"

The sound of bones breaking was quickly accompanied by the discreet thud of the man's body falling down on her feet.

Caroline watched the vampire from above with a smile before she crouched down taking his phone and pressing it against her ear.

"Hello Marcel," she let the name fall from her lips wrapped in honey and sleekness, "I was just about to tell your minion to tell his King to back off but nothing like a personal interaction right?" she sassed, knowing all too well who she was speaking to since she had made sure to eavesdropped just enough his conversation with the unconscious vampire she was currently pulling by the hand deeper into the alley.

There was a small pause that was followed by a rich laughter.

"Hello Caroline," came Marcel's amused reply by the other side of the line.

Caroline dropped the man's body next to the dumpster making sure to hide him from plain view and let the darkness and the garbage smell cover his tracks.

"I do not like being followed," she curtly declared. Her tone was a warning but she kept her friendly façade of finesse throughout the interaction.

"I have a rule against killing vampires in my city. I sure hope Noah is still alive," Marcel said and she rolled her eyes at his attempt to both threaten her and fish out information about what had happened to his stooge.

"He is just taking a nap," she mocked Marcel as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Rude," the King of New Orleans laughed and Caroline could not help but giggle at that.

"Well, he should know better than to stalk a lady." Caroline playfully complained faking niceness.

"You do understand that I can't leave a ripper unattended in my city Caroline," Marcel argued cordially and Caroline hummed as if she agreed with him. She pushed back the painful memories of what she had done and focused on Marcel Gerard instead.

"You will have to I am afraid," she threatened with the sweetest voice she could master, "because should I find anyone else of your people lurking on me again I will not hesitate to break your rules," she mouthed back cheekily, "have a good night."

She ended the call and crunched up her nose in deep thought before a wicked smile graced her lips. She turned off the phone and threw it over the temporarily dead man and knelt down. She searched his hands and bingo!

She slid Noah's daylight ring out of his finger and shoved in her back pocket.

She looked around. There were no people in this part of the streets and if anyone found Marcel's man before he would wake Caroline doubted they would even bother. One more wasted person as so many other. And besides this was New Orleans. If things went out of hand there was nothing a bit of compulsion could not fix.

The sun would soon be up. Caroline tucked the vampire between the brick wall and the dumpster. The shade should be enough to protect him from the sun and if not he could always jump and hide in the garbage container Caroline thought viciously.

From what Kol had told her Marcel Gerard was giving daylight rings only to his trusted vampires of his inner circle as a payment for their services and loyalty. And it would seem it was not an easy thing to get your hand into such rings these days with all the witches standing against the vampires.

That would send Marcel Gerald a message. She was not playing around.

She got up and walked away. Her blonde locks bounced on her shoulders and her heels clinked rhythmically on the street. All of the sudden she realized she would not mind getting some uninterrupted sleep for a few hours and something told her this time she would.

---

Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The sun was shining upon on the sky.

Light was streaming through the wall of the transom windows of the old-fashioned lavish estate that stretched on miles and miles of enchanted forest lands.

The castle-like mansion was a massive structure with domes and Greek columns. The interior was no less luxurious than what the first impression the sight of the estate was promising.

High domed ceilings with old crystal chandeliers and polished wooden floors. Marble, sculptures, paintings and a labyrinth of endless corridors, spacious rooms, libraries, and staircases. Everything was built upon tombs and catacombs that ran deep in the cold earth creating the estate's foundations.

The dining room to which the witch brethren had gathered was surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that had a beautiful view of what seemed to be endless acres of grass and carved fountains with running waters. The fountains were creating a network of magic all around the estate. The purified waters were filtered through pipes that were also working as dark objects. Illusionary shields and protection spells were weaving their magic around every inch of the Mardoin residence and no one could see through the windows what was actually transpiring inside the mansion.

Despite being in Baton Rouge one would expect the covert meeting of the ruling covens of New Orleans to take place among the shadows but instead, this one was happening in plain sight. In one of the many houses of one of the most prominent society members of Louisiana. Which happened to be no other than Antonia Mardoin.

Antonia's family had worked through magic as they had through politics and power during every century of change in Louisiana but most importantly in New Orleans. Politicians, priests, council members, police officers. Prestigious members of society. Antonia Mardoin had followed the steps of her mother and grandmother and entered the City Council from a fairly young age.

Most of the Mardoins were highly zealous witches but were smart and strategic enough to put the well being and the survival of their family above the conflicts of the factions. Even Marcel had not dared to touch them during the height of his power. The Mardoin family had been smart enough to take their distance and respect his power and relocated themselves in Baton Rouge. They bid their time and remained on the sidelines. In the meantime, they had multiplied their wealth and their influence and under their roof, no vampire, wolf or witch dared to attack them.

This was why Kol Mikaelson had decided to bring the warring families in Antonia's domain. A treaty had to be signed to ensure a permanent truce between the covens and to allow them to move forward. Brianna under his instructions arranged this meeting. The Devere hold was not as strong as it used to be but it would do for today. It had granted him entrance to this meeting and had created a tentative environment that allowed him some wiggling room. Even though many chairs were empty the most important covens had sent their representatives today. It would be foolish to deny an invitation from Antonia Mardoin and the Mardoins were not foolish to not take advantage of an alliance with him. So the pieces were placed on the board. Now he had to move them.

Still, not everything was going as smoothly as he would have liked. Many of the witches here were relatively young and did not know him. Most of them hated vampires and in particular abhorred the Originals.

Some of the old Mardoins and other old crones knew him. Most of them were taking herbs to slow down their aging process. But those were not attending the meeting today. A clear sign that they were not supporting him despite not siding against him.

There was tension in the air. Except him and Brianna the mammoth table, in the middle of the room, made from carved wood and rock was hosting twelve suspicious witches that did not trust anyone and would like nothing more to leave this place without making any compromise.

Kol was not sure he could trust them either. Mostly because of the danger his mother posed.

He subtly glanced at Brianna that was sitting in the chair next to him and she shook her head. Esther was not possessing anyone and he didn't feel his mother's presence either. One hurdle less. Twelve more to go.

Just an on cue the deep voice that boomed with condemnation was pointed at him. And it belonged to no other than Gabriel Martin. The Priest of the St. Nicholas church in New Orleans.

"This is witch business. Why is he here?" Gabriel Martin complained.

"Father Martin, please. Everyone with an invitation is welcome here," Antonia's son, Ethan, rushed to say but Antonia rested her hand on his and he fell silent.

Kol had settled in the seat at the other end of the table opposite to hers as she sat with pride at the head of the table. Antonia had already given him a head start by granting him that honor but she still made sure to detach herself from affiliating with him. As Brianna had already informed him Antonia always posed as the neutral party and Kol realized that this table was littered with many nuisances of the kind Elijah liked to handle.

Kol arched his eyebrow at the priest and he surveyed him with a mocking smile. Gabriel Martin held his gaze without flinching and Kol leaned back in his chair comfortably.

"Pointing the obvious," Kol countered, "Because you lot need me."

"By all means, Mr. Mikaelson, do explain to us how exactly we need you," Renée Mardoin, Antonia's young sister, asked with a charming smile.

"You know of my contributions to the magical community and not just in New Orleans," Kol elaborated easily and one of the members of the covens huffed with distaste.

"Oh yes. Along with all those we buried once you ripped them apart with your fangs," Orelie Kidel, the owner of a store that traded the rarest of herbs, cut in and his lips twitched in an effort to not outright laugh in her face.

Instead, he gazed at her pretending to be offended by her accusation.

"One is not allowed to have a hobby? Immortality would get awfully dull otherwise."

Teresa Pessou, one of New Orleans street fortune tellers, squeezed her eyes ready to give him an aneurism but Brianna got up and extended her hand towards her. They were not in New Orleans. The power scale here was different and he had already armed Brianna with a vast magical arsenal that boosted her power despite not being on ancestral ground.

"Don't," Brianna warned her.

"You are siding with him?" Teresa spat incredulously and Kol had to admire Brianna's steely composure.

"Yes."

At Brianna's declaration, one of the witches spat and Kol had to restrain himself from adding more fuel to the fire. No matter how entertaining the outcome could be.

"He is a vampire!" Teresa accused Brianna that titled her chin up in defiance.

"Where were you, any of you, when he saved my life? And even if he hadn't my family was loyal to him for centuries as many of yours were," she reminded all of them.

"So your allegiance lies with him?" one of the witches asked with a hard voice and Brianna's response was swift and firm.

"Yes."

Kol could see that many considered Brianna's devotion to him a betrayal and outside the windows wind rose. Magic was gathering but Brianna did not back down even an inch.

"Our laws are clear Brianna. You should be shunned for such treachery," the priest cut in viciously and Brianna waved her fingers in the air until he chocked. Kol watched impressed at the ferocious exchange of magic and glee flickered in her eyes when Brianna only sparing one more gaze subdued Teresa Pessou easily.

Ethan Mardoin tried to intervene but once more Antonia forbid him to with a castigating gaze. The rest of the witches were on edge but followed Antonia's impassiveness as Gabriel Martin was trying to still breathe while Brianna and Teresa were sending waves of pure energy against each other in a battle of wills and raw power. Both of them were exhausting themselves but they were not backing down.

"You are still outnumbered," Orelie threatened both him and Brianna when she saw Teresa faltering but Kol only smiled in return. A smile full of teeth.

Dark power rumbled in the air but only silence followed. Hesitation.

Despite the animosity that was vibrating in the air no one was daring to go up against an Original. Especially one with Kol's mastery in the dark arts. More so now that they were not in New Orleans and he had a Devere by his side.

Kol shook his head slightly and rose to his feet towering over his witch. Everyone tensed but he gently touched Brianna's shoulder until she sat back in her chair. She kept her shoulders squared but otherwise eased up following his command while he sat by her side.

Kol then elegantly interlaced his long fingers and set them on the table. He looked at the witches that watched him with caution and disgust. Teresa was trying to compose herself again and the priest's face was continuing to change different shades of pale. Everyone else present was sitting on the edge of their seats, either they showed it or not.

"No need for all the dramatics," he drawled, "Miss Devere is by my side for she is the only one possessing something all of you lack," Kol said softly.

"Which is what exactly?" Teresa wondered with a guarded tone and Kol smiled down to all the witches present.

"A brain."

Many scowls were directed at him and even Brianna gave him the evil eye but Kol only laughed.

"Relax please. I meant no more offense than the one needed to gain your attention," Kol snickered and Renée laughed along with him making many heads turned to her in surprise.

"And so now that you have our undivided attention will you continue with these silly games? I expected more from an infamous Original as you Kol Mikaelson," Renée countered in a bored voice and Ethan next to her coughed uncomfortably.

"Expectations breed disappointment they say and I would hate to disappoint such a beautiful lady as yourself Miss Mardoin," Kol purred and Renée lifted her brow at him seductively.

"Either you are with me or against me," Kol declared without preamble and whispers rose in the air, "my family ain't going anywhere and you, such brilliant folks you are," he waved his hand at all of them dismissively, "thought it a clever idea to target my blood. My infant niece. I was never fond of children but still…bad form," he tsked with a click of his tongue and he enjoyed seeing Renée's confidence shake, "stupidity at its finest. Should you want to maim spawns for sport you should have chosen an orphanage as your playground instead of going after Klaus' child," he mocked.

"We are not monsters! We do not relish in the pain of innocents," the priest burst out in anger, his voice still a croak from Brianna's spell and Kol scoffed at that.

"Not all of us agreed with what happened to the child," Renée quietly told him.

"What we did was because of-"

"Of Esther Mikaelson," Kol interrupted the priest with a serpentine smile, "so one way or another you are still siding with the Originals. You just chose the wrong side. Time for you to choose the right one."

"At least the Original witch is one of us." Calista Vion, a bayou witch, grit out and Kol faked sympathy in his next words that were laced with a sweet softness meant to torment.

"And how has that worked out for you so far?"

"Badly," Lucas Lusson, one of the consultants of the New Orleans' Mayor admitted, "in the same way it has worked when we have done the mistake of trusting any Original," he pointed out without blinking.

"Is that so?" Kol wondered and flattened his palm on the table allowing his fingers to caress the wood as if it was a lover's curve, "because if memory serves," he said, alluding to the fact that before the other side fell he was keeping a vigilant eye on New Orleans and them, "it was my dark objects that ensured your kind's survival during that pesky witchcraft prohibition Marcel Gerard had enforced on the city. Even during my death what I created was the one and only thing that allowed you to practice magic in the shadows. Without the heritage, I left you Marcellus would have eradicated all of you from the face of this earth. The same heritage many of you use right as we speak so to protect yourselves from any unwanted possession from my beloved mother that at least… is one of you," he threw back at them sarcastically, "…Some gratitude wouldn't go amiss I believe."

"Say that to Agnes." Orélie grumbled under her teeth and Kol shot her a vacant look of boredom.

"Agnes?"

"One of our Elder witches," Lucas Lusson let him know, "the last living Elder when your family returned to New Orleans. Her demise weakened the Coven of the French Quarter considerably to the point where we are still struggling to find a suitable successor ever since. And it was your brothers that killed her. Not the King."

"Along with so many more of you I am sure," Kol guessed lightly.

"Indeed," Lucas firmly agreed, "and despite our internal conflicts all candidates for succeeding our fallen end up slaughtered by the hands of your family."

"If only you had an ally that could put a stop to it," Kol jested, "maybe poor Agnes could still be alive and kicking."

"You haven't been much help being dead and all. So much for all your power," Orelie taunted him and dangerous delight danced in Kol's veins along with the anger that flared in his heart.

"And still here I am," Kol smirked, "more than what I can say for all you that keep dropping like flies at the hands of the riff-raff and baby hybrids. You see as far death goes…it can't hold me," he stated. His pride a sweet venom that had most of them gulping down their own in defeat. Kol leaned forward and locked his gaze with Orelie's until she squirmed, "How's that for power?"

He stared back at every last one of the witches in the room. Including Brianna. He heard all their heartbeats rising and smelled their fear. And it felt intoxicating.

He only reached for Brianna's hand and brought her palm to her lips. He kissed her skin softly relishing at her small gasp.

"Are you here to brag?" Teresa bitterly questioned him knowing all too well that while he broke death's chains and walked unscathed they still had to attend many funerals that never ended. All because of the Originals.

And there he was. An Original. An abomination of nature. Owning the one thing they, nature's beloved servants, feared the most. Death.

"To the contrary. I am simply stating facts," he assured them and he sprawled on his chair.

He then reached for his wine glass and played with the column of the crystal. He twirled the glass allowing its contents to ripple inside it. He did not miss how most eyes were set on the glass and he was not surprised to feel Brianna squeezing his knee under the table in silent warning.

"One more fact would be that from what I gather the loyalty of your former Elders sided first with their personal interests. Infighting aside your brethren's blight is the vile ambition of each individual witch. Most of you would rather further your own goals than serve your brothers and sisters," he scorned, "something your ancestors did not have in common and that is why your covens had been known for centuries to be a conclave of absolute power that should not be trifled with. I know as much because I had witnessed it and I had helped them rise to power. It is quite disappointing to see how far from grace you have fallen," he lamented.

"That coming from a vampire is rich!" Orelie cursed and Kol chuckled.

"An Original darling. Show some respect."

No one missed the ice in his voice and everyone waited with baited breath when he smelled the wine and then laughed tauntingly. He drank despite Brianna hissing at him not to and almost everyone froze. Kol made sure to take a mental note of those that didn't. Those that simply watched him with intrigue and were planning their next move. Those that did not flinch. Those that knew and those that even if they didn't expected as much. Those that were ready to bargain and those that knew the danger they were in and danced around it. Those were the dangerous ones.

Kol felt the sting of the first sip and allowed it to nourish his resolve even more. The magic ran into his bloodstream like wildfire. A curse as strong as the venom of the white oak but it recoiled and evaporated once his system filtered it out. He was not a stranger to pain. In fact, the more he hurt the more he knew he was alive and so the pain felt like tingles of pleasure spreading through his body in a steady tempo.

"Don't bother," he sing sang, "your hexes don't work on me."

He was not an idiot to come to the witch den unprepared. He rose his glass in a mock salute before he gulped down the rest of his drink. Even Brianna next to him that had felt the hex's power and tried to warn him against drinking the cursed wine gaped at him in surprise.

"That's not possible," Father Martin uttered.

"Not probable," Kol corrected him with a wink.

He smiled at Brianna that now regarded him fascinated and was looking more at ease with the fact that she had put her trust on him and decided to follow him just as her ancestors had.

"Maybe if you had a better cooperation between your contingents your attempts could have been more effective," Kol advised them and rose from his chair. Sideways glances were now the only movements on frozen faces.

Kol parted his hands in the air and shook his head disappointed.

"You are so blind that you would rather burn a helping hand that could save you from drowning than simply reach out to it," he admonished them, "here you are fighting like starving dogs and managing only a tentative truce for a meeting when you should be striving to unite again and become a force to be reckoned with. You accuse my family and the false King of being the root of all your problems while you simply are too busy fighting among yourselves to see that the only reason you are deprived of power is because you are wasting it away."

Kol watched them with aversion. Children all of them were. Nothing but flares in the sky shining brightly for a passing moment in time before dying out in darkness. And still nature had gifted them with so many gifts of power and they were just wasting them away in petty disputes and plain stupidity. They were so narrow-minded. So frivolous. So unworthy.

"You are too distracted with your internal discords that even a newly turned Hybrid, a baby vampire with wolf fangs," he exclaimed exasperated, "is eating you in the streets in broad daylight. Instead of uniting you are doing what exactly? Entering a contest for the throne of Regent. Allowing ghosts to control you out of fear of not allowing others to usurp the very same power you are gifting away. You care more for the crown of a coven than for the coven itself."

Kol saw the hate that simmered in the eyes of all those that regarded him with repugnance and already knew that when all would be said and done he would be eating most of them. But until he was able to restore them to power and find the right replacements they would have to do.

He had to play the long game despite how much he hated these politics. They were tiring for the soul and most of all his patience that was already wearing thin. It was Elijah who thrived in such challenges and always, he and Nik, underestimated his ability to do the same. He was not Elijah. He did not enjoy these games but he could play them if he had to. And now he had to.

His face turned to a mask of blaze impassiveness; he flopped back in his chair and sighed.

"So obvious that none of you ever bothered to read Shakespeare. 'Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown'," he reiterated in a theatric prose, "No respect for the classics," he dismissively dusted the invisible wrinkles from the expensive jacket Caroline had picked up for him.

"It looks to me you are the one that wants the crown," one of the young prodigies of Orelie countered and Kol sniggered at that.

"I am above such ghastly trivial playthings sweet girl," he said with a roll of his eyes, "Besides we live in the 21st century now. Imagine the awful fashion statement it would make. I leave the crowns of the fallen Kingdoms to you humans."

"Then what is it that you want?" Ethan asked him carefully after sharing a prolonged look with his mother, "surely you are not here because you are benevolent. We all know who you are."

"Do you, now?" Kol goaded Antonia's son. His voice was so gentle and so low that a few of the young witches that were standing by the windows paled.

"Most present here know you by one of the so delightful monikers you have gained through the ages," Renée told him and he narrowed his eyes in question.

"Which one, darling?"

"The Unhinged," Brianna mumbled next to him and his lips curled into an excited satisfied smile.

"Always good to know I make a lasting impression." he smugly boasted.

"And impressing us aside what is it that you want? Truly?" Renée persisted without getting sidetracked by his flair.

Kol's eyes roamed all over Renée. Slowly. Sensually. He then let his fingers slide over the glass with the poisoned wine.

"What I want is simple really… end of tyranny…world peace… personal fulfillment," he playfully pondered, "To that purpose…I gather I would need the support of many friends since the feuds in my family tend to not favor the achievement of any of my goals in any form," he mused, "don't get me started on my personal fulfillment in particular," he mumbled peeved.

Renée gave him a flirting smile but one of the older witches present hummed in response.

"So you want to use us as a weapon in the power play you have with your siblings," Maurin Breaux, one of the best law professors in Tulane University mused with a stiff voice and Kol turned his attention to him. He seriously nodded.

"And to offer you the same in return," Kol accepted solemnly, "Me as a weapon in your war for New Orleans. A beneficial agreement for both sides."

"And all the while we will bleed for you and you will call us what? Collateral damage?" Teresa bit out and Kol's dismissal over her comment was immediate and held no sensitivity or sympathy. For her or any of them for that matter.

"That's life for you sweetheart. You lose some, you win some."

"And why would we choose to side with you? Your leverage over us died out years ago when you did," Lucas Lusson reminded him and Kol let out a dark laugh.

"You are running out of options," Kol faced Lucas, his tone laced with condescension, "the vampires are gathering and so are the werewolves and you are standing in the middle as defenseless prey. It is simple mathematics really. The sooner they get rid of you the sooner New Orleans has fewer contenders for its power."

"And what do you have to offer us to help us out of this predicament?" Maurin inquired. His expression was grave but he was ready to negotiate and Kol cast him a gaze of respect.

"What I always did. Your centuries old veterans, who conveniently are not attending our meeting today, have witnessed all I have to offer."

"Since they are not here, indulge our curiosity Mr. Mikaelson," Renée patronized him and Kol smiled at her.

"My collection of dark objects and grimoires is vast," Kol played along, "Spells. Tokens. Potion recipes lost even to you," he enticed all of them, "lost or forbidden knowledge from empires that rose and fell into dust and myth. I spent the better part of the last millennia unearthing all those secrets and storing them. All of it safely preserved far away from the reach of my family and from yours. Power…all down to Ayanna's and the Original witch's lines. Recordings from far earlier. Dating back to the dawn of magic. I would not mind sharing some of my findings with you."

"He is telling the truth," Brianna cut in and with careful fingers, she pulled the chain from around her neck and out of her blouse until the jewel shone on her chest. She then touched the delicate pearl of the necklace Kol had gifted her.

Kol noticed how Renée's eyes lit up with recognition. He knew that many of them believed he had fabricated his participation in the creation of the dark objects so he knew all along they would want further proof. Tangible proof.

"The pearl of sorrows," Renée whispered and Brianna nodded. Every witch was now staring at the trinket with greedy eyes. The pendant had been lost in myth for centuries. Mixing the pearl in blood and holy water could cast sorrow to an entire line until it would wipe it out entirely. And every tear shed from the inflicted grief only empowered the pearl and its owner more.

"Even a mere shadow of a fraction of what I own and your covens will be restored to their former glory and even surpass it," Kol promised.

"Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes [*]", Antonia Mardoin finally spoke for the first time and everyone fell into silence, "I may not have favored Shakespeare but I have always enjoyed the classical era," she coldly said and drank from her own glass.

"Fear not, darling. I am not Greek," Kol countered back, enjoying Antonia's wit while understanding the danger she posed, "my gifts do come with a warning label and a choice. On my Viking honor," he winked at her.

"So just because you adorned your witch with fancy jewelry we are just to believe that you possess such notable treasure?" Renée challenged him even though there was a hint of jealousy in her voice as she stared at the pearl of sorrows that hang from Brianna's neck. Brianna in return seethed at what Renée implied with her derogatory comment but did not react.

Kol looked intently at Renée and then placed his hand on his heart. At the place where Klaus longed to shove in a silver dagger.

"Why do you think my brother wanted me locked in a coffin for more than a century? Should you have known my family even in the least you would know that Klaus feared my awakening more than any other sibling he had daggered," Kol told Renée. His voice had a hard edge no one missed.

"Why haven't you used all that power so far? If you have it why not take advantage of it? Why do you need us?" Clemence LaRoux, a formerly shunned witch for reasons unknown to Brianna intervened. She was not sitting on the table but she was standing at Antonia's side.

"I know my fair looks might be distracting you but I am older than I look," Kol quipped, "I admit I can occasionally be a bit reckless and impulsive when I find myself in low spirits but wisdom is also a trait I would like to think I have achieved cultivating through time," he imitated Elijah's stiff manners as he spoke with elegance, "and I have lived lifetimes."

Kol exhaled slowly and his gaze became unfocused. A thousand years and Purgatory were more than enough lifetimes any soul could bear.

"Ultimate power corrupts and destroys. I would rather control it than let it control me," he shrugged.

"And in the meantime also control us," Lucas Lusson stated but despite his grave expression his tone was neutral, "You are asking us to forget we are nature's servants and make a deal with the Devil."

"When hell is rising you will come to realize there is no one better to make a deal with," Kol grinned at the man.

"You still seem to forget who we are," Orelia argued again with her annoying high pitched voice and Kol in that moment decided that he had enough of her. And he already knew in which –pun intended- spectacular way he was going to get rid of her.

"You are the ones that have forgotten to pay attention," Kol smoothly said and leveled a flat gaze to every witch in the room, "funny thing about nature. It always balances back. Do not mistake your prejudices for nature's command. Vampires are part of the natural order now. Nature got accustomed to us and embraced us. This is why we are still here and this is why you are fading. The stronger in the chain survives and you are turning yourself into the weakest link because you believe nature obeys your self-serving nonsense. It doesn't."

"You are to decide that?" Orelie snarled, her voice barely containing all her hate.

"History," Kol replied unruffled, "You may want to get more educated, love," he taunted the witch that stared at him with a menace that left him completely and utterly unimpressed.

Kol then titled his head to the side and licked his lips slowly. The smile that formed on his lips was slow. Sad. Most of all it was created by memories.

"I was meant to be one of you," he told them and he touched his lapis lazuli ring with his thumb, "I haven't forgotten. I used to have magic thrumming in my fingertips," he recalled and ran his thumb over the rest of his finger pads remembering the sensation as if he still possessed it, "rushing in my veins. And I was unjustly deprived of it. By a witch that didn't give me a choice when she killed me and turned me into what I am," there was no emotion in his voice. He was simply stating facts. "The same witch you followed blindly despite how you curse her creation as nature's blight," he mocked them.

"Imagine losing your connection with nature," he dared them, "not even Brianna's pearl could bestow such grief to its victims," he chuckled ruefully, "when I turned I did not mourn for my death. My grief was not for the life I lost. It was for the magic I missed," he said as he evoked every memory knowing there were telepathic witches that could get glimpses of what he allowed to flow out of the recesses of his mind. He had trained his mind against all mind control but just this once he allowed the witches to get their fill to the memories he wanted to share. Those of the sad story that would manipulate them into pity and sympathy. Those that once had hurt but now were a weapon, "a grief I have carried for a thousand years on this earth, " he continued hiding his lies and blending them with the truth, "and when I turned your kind turned their backs on me… but I never turned my back on them. On their children and the children of their children. Your ancestors."

His scrunched his lips in an indifferent grimace and tapped his fingers on the table.

"I stayed as close as I could to the witches, striving for balance, and aching for the memories of what I once was. Of what was meant to become out of me should I have lived a mortal life. One that never was," he confessed omitting the part where he grew into being one of the strongest creatures on earth and relished in his vampire nature even more than he had with his witch one.

He then pointed his finger at them.

"When my brother Klaus took vengeance on your kind out of hatred for what our mother did I was the only one that protected you and once more here I am offering you the same protection against the same enemy," he proposed in his most alluring voice. One that would put even Nik's techniques of seduction to shame, "I know your kind hates what I am but who I am has always been an ally of yours. For centuries. I kept gathering power for you. The one nature does not allow you and I handed to you as much as I could without condemning you to my fate. Without depriving you of your calling. Today I offer nothing less."

"How kind of you," Renée sassed, not at all taken by his little sob story or his promises.

He beamed at her. Smart girl.

"I am not kind," he snickered, "I am not a savior or a hero," he shuddered even at the thought of that, "What I am," he paused before he used his most diabolical smile, "is necessary."

"Read the diaries and the scriptures of your deceased forefathers," he prompted, "read their grimoires and their wills. I am written in them. Always present. Always vigilant."

"Always for a price," Lucas Lusson finished for him and Kol nodded his affirmation.

"Magic always comes with a price. As does everything in life," Kol reminded them coldly.

"What is yours?" Antonia questioned with the same ice-cold tone.

"I want loyalty," he curtly admitted, "Power. Knowledge. And yes," he drawled letting his sadism burst out without any shame holding it back, "I want blood too. I am greedy that way. One could also say…Unhinged?"

"That does not bode well for us does it?" Maurin Breaux objected.

"No, it does not," Kol honestly cooed, "but…Considering your alternatives can you honestly stand here and tell me your kind has been better without me?"

Maurin Breaux did not answer but he exchanged a complicated look with Antonia and Lucas.

Kol smiled satisfied and cleared his throat dramatically.

"We all need to make a choice. Both you and me. And fast. You need me by your side and not against you," he warned them and then rose to his feet. He extended his hand at Brianna that took it and got up standing by his side.

Kol smirked at her and she tensed when he caressed the column of her neck softly and so very slowly. Her blood was pumping just under his fingers and she remained pliant and submissive. He then pulled the collar of her blouse just a bit lower. Enough to show his bite mark that was there unhealed so to leave a mark.

Everyone in the room knew that should they accept his deal he would expect nothing less from them.

"Better the devil you know and the one that once you get to serve will allow you to reign freely on his turf," Kol cajoled with a gentle voice but his eyes had turned bloodshot and spidery veins were dancing under them.

He already knew whom he had won over and whom he had not. But he was still not sure of those that had not spoken a word during this meeting. And those could be a potential problem. For now, he knew that no one would be a threat. They needed him and they could not afford another confrontation with an Original. Besides he knew that Antonia would make sure that nothing that transpired in this room would ever get out of this house.

Kol let go of Brianna and let his own menace come out to play. He had a witch to punish for being such a pain in the ass after all.

"And since I always love a good Shakespearean play I will know that you agree to come to a deal with me when you give me the head of the one that made that lovely wine concoction on a silver platter," he sang gleefully and locked his gaze with Orelie's that now watched him with uncontained horror, "once you do we will speak of terms and the fine print," he dismissed with a grin that showed his fangs before he withdrew them.

"You expect us to sacrifice one of us for…you? This is what your offer truly means?" Ethan muttered.

"I expect you to make a choice and I am proving my honesty. I was forthcoming when I told you my price includes blood…but as I gentleman I will grant you the mercy and the privilege of shedding your own blood among yourselves. Make it a sacrifice and it will beneficial to you too. That's how you will know that with me even in your losses there will always be gain. More than you can say for the rest of your options," Kol said flatly, his face revealing nothing.

Every word of his was an ultimatum and mattered. There were a few low gasps that vocalized dread and uneasiness but Kol remained standing and kept his composure.

"Time is running out. Better decide fast," he told the witches with seriousness as he leveled an unyielding look with every one of them before he locked his gaze to Renée that watched him carefully. He knew that he could not make her his advocate but she was still a Mardoin and despite any outcome from the meeting he wanted to keep in touch with her especially.

With a taunting smirk he reached for the necklace he wore. He pulled the leather cord up until the ring that was attached to fell over his shirt.

He did not miss the way Renée's eyes glinted before anyone else's did. She sure had an eye for treasure and knew her history. She stared at the ring in a trance as Kol detached the cord from his neck with a swift pull and casually threw the ring in the glass with the rest of the enchanted wine as if it was a useless bauble.

Kol arched a brow when Renée's eyes slowly lifted to his.

"A sign of good faith and a proof of the validity of my promises," he pointed towards the ring, "you know what that is don't you darling?" he directly asked Renée without bothering to care about the scandalous looks the sanctimonious witches were throwing at them.

"Of course ma Cherie. That's how you resisted the hex," Renée responded with an utter coolness that contradicted the glimmer of fascination that shone in her eyes. Kol nodded gleefully and the witch chuckled shocking many of the witches present. Smoke was starting to rise from the wine glass. The remnants of the curse rising in the air.

Ethan Mardoin seemed to be confused and Brianna stared at him. Kol did not miss the passing affection that appeared on the man's face.

"The ring stores the collective power of ten matriarchs from a bloodline that has been eradicated centuries ago," Brianna informed Ethan and the rest of the witches in case they didn't know what Kol had just handed to them, "the one that wears it can tab to its untraceable magic," she explained and Kol smirked when everyone present realized that since he was giving away such a ring, as if it was nothing but a fake trinket, he surely had more to use to render them powerless and to use for shields and protections.

"And…has the ability to deflect magic like…let us say amateur hexes?" Kol cut in amused and pointed at the wine they had cursed before he wickedly beamed at Orelie that had blanched and fallen into silence.

Kol turned his attention back to Renée.

"It's yours," Kol simply said and Renée's eyes began to burn but her graceful stance did not falter, "have fun with it."

The wine burst into fire and the glass cracked as he casually walked out of the meeting with Brianna at his side leaving the witches whispering in his wake.

---

New Orleans.

New Orleans' Botanical Garden was nothing less than a revelation for Caroline. Mystic Falls was not without its natural beauty but this kind of dreamy scenery was something different for Caroline Forbes.

However, she would have never guessed that she would be visiting this place with Elijah Mikaelson at her side.

Caroline hadn't expected for the eldest Original to come to her doorstep and even more so to request her company and to eventually bring her to the City Park. She knew better than to deny an Original's invitation but out of every Original Elijah Mikaelson was the last person she would have anticipated to come to her with such a request. And by request, she meant a veiled command. Despite his diplomatic nature under the surface of his civility, there was the kind of unyielding steel Caroline had met only with two other men in her life. Kol and Klaus. It must be an Original trait. Unchecked power came along with certain expectations and every Mikaelson acted as if they were royalty. Kings among men. Gods among lesser mortals. And as such, they had to be obeyed.

Caroline was not so inclined to play that kind of game with any of them but for now, she had to be smart despite having every instinct of hers tense up as she was trying to hide how defensive and suspicious she truly was.

They walked in silence towards a more secluded area and despite being guarded Caroline could not keep the wanderlust at bay. This was such a contrast from Purgatory and as she strolled down the red cobblestone walkway with the moss-draped oaks at each side she realized that maybe depriving herself of getting to know New Orleans had not been her smartest idea to date. This quieter side of the city was not just a majestic vision but it also soothed and calmed her. And yet despite the serenity that surrounded her Elijah's presence emanated danger next to her and a part of her realized that she missed…Klaus. A part of hers believed that if she was ever to get to know New Orleans she would do it either on her own or with a different kind of handsome by her side showing her around.

She smiled at the thought. Klaus would probably get her to the City Park's Museum of Art first.

"How have you been Miss Forbes?"

Elijah's impeccable manners were starting to irritate her as much as they did Kol and Klaus. Still, she opted for the same politeness. A part of her, after all, was still the same that belonged to the debutante that once upon a time had been crowned as the Mystic Falls' Beauty Queen. That girl would have been head over hills in love with the idea of having a handsome gentleman like Elijah showing her around a big city like New Orleans.

That girl was swooning over the attention Damon Salvatore had shown her and that girl died twice. With a pillow on the face and with a stake in her heart. This woman right here knew better and still parts of that girl still existed buried deep within her and no matter how much she had grown up she still wanted to cherish that naïve insecure girl and feed its dreams.

"Very well Elijah thank you," she unemotionally replied and noticed from the corner of her eye how Elijah scrutinized her. He probably knew that all this civility was just as genuine as his pretentious care. She believed that he barely tolerated her and that was because his brothers cared for her.

"So…why did you bring me here?" she directly asked.

"I wanted to see how you are adjusting," he admitted and Caroline side eyed him with disbelief.

"And to let you know myself that my home's doors will always be open for you. Your absence has been gravely noticed by both of my brothers," Elijah told her but Caroline refused to take the bait when it came to this.

"I am sure they will manage. In any case, I don't want to seem ungrateful. I didn't mean to leave without thanking you for letting me stay in your house for as long as you did."

"You are always welcome in our home Miss Forbes," Elijah repeated and a part of her wondered if he wanted her to return back to the Abattoir so to keep an eye on her.

Caroline wanted to believe she was not as transparent as she used to be. Purgatory had been quite the teacher and she had mastered controlling her reactions but she couldn't stop the snort that escaped her lips this time.

"Of course I am," she retorted with a condescending smile and at her reaction, instead of taking offense, the edge of Elijah's lips, twitched in amusement.

"Time will prove to you the truth of my words."

His conciliatory tone was soft and Caroline wondered how many centuries it must have taken him to refine such cunning skills or if they were innate.

"And in the meantime?" she wondered out loud and soon enough Elijah's smile faded and Caroline knew that they were done with pretenses.

"You know what Kol is doing don't you?"

The question was rhetoric but Caroline scolded her features back to an unbreakable mask and decided to not commit to any truth or lie with this.

"Do I?"

"He is uniting the covens of New Orleans. Underground." Elijah said, matter-of-factly, without showing any emotion.

"Someone should," Caroline shrugged "since your family has all but decimated them."

Her tone had an edge on it and Elijah's gaze darkened before he stopped in front of a bench. He seemed tired somehow.

"I would not expect you to understand Miss Forbes."

"Caroline," she corrected him exasperated.

"Caroline," Elijah emphasized on her name, "our conflict with the witches of New Orleans goes back centuries," he let her know firmly, "something that Kol has ignited towards his advantage many times before but this time is different. Ever since …the death of my niece," he continued with a pained expression, "this conflict only became worse. Kol joining forces with the witches and uniting the covens could seem benign enough to the untrained eye but my brother's intentions are anything but honorable. The city will fall into further disarray and all the losses we endured will have been for nothing."

Caroline watched him with sympathy but that emotion was not enough to cloud her judgment. She was certain that this was a mind game after all. Elijah Mikaelson was not the kind of a man that would open up about his pain with her. He was trying to take advantage of her pity for them. For the loss of their child. And as tragic as that might be she was sure that many people in New Orleans had been mourning their loved ones because the Originals decided to declare war on them for the loss of Klaus' daughter. It was not right. It was not bringing Klaus' and Hayley's daughter back. It was not making them feel better. It was only bringing war and chaos and she was already caught in the middle of it.

"I understand your pain, Elijah. I have seen it in you, in Hayley and…in Klaus."

"But?"

"Does that excuse genocide?" Caroline challenged the man in front of her with a hard voice, "one crime does not excuse the other."

"I agree," Elijah conceded in a placating voice and Caroline narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "this is why I feel that we need to reconnect the factions and try to create some balance. In the open," he proposed, "peace might not be a possibility with so much bad blood between us but at least some civility could be achieved. Do you believe Kol's intention would help towards that purpose?"

Caroline wrinkled her nose at that.

"Kol is many things but a peacemaker? Not that much," Caroline admitted and Elijah nodded pleased.

"You know him well."

Caroline looked at Elijah and then went and sat comfortably on the bench making sure to put her ladylike manners to good use.

She challenged him with her gaze.

"And you do not like that," she confronted him and she saw the flash of surprise in his eyes before he covered it with impassiveness.

"I see you favor honesty," he said, a hint of admiration in his words.

Caroline sighed and looked straight ahead.

"You do not trust me I get it," she simply noted and Elijah sat next to her.

"I meant to offense Caroline. Where my family is involved I tend to become-"

"Suspicious? Paranoid?" she offered.

"Cautious," he corrected her smoothly, "it was not my intention to insult you."

Caroline did not bother to suppress her laughter. A cold sound that showed that she was not as inexperienced or young as she appeared to be.

"Not having the trust of an Original is not an insult, believe me."

Elijah smirked and Caroline faced him this time without playing games.

"What is it that you truly want from me, Elijah? Because I have no influence on what Kol does."

Elijah took his time scanning her for any hints of dishonesty and then straightened the sleeves of his shirt elegantly.

"How about on what Klaus does then?" he suggested and Caroline tapped her foot down to the bricks of the sideway.

"Even less," she muttered a bit defensively. Something she was sure didn't escape Elijah's attention.

"You would be surprised about how both of my brothers are inclined to negotiate their vile intentions where you are concerned," the eldest Mikaelson noticed intrigued and Caroline tensed.

"I find that hard to believe but even if it is true you do not get to use me to pull their strings. Not now, not ever."

The way she shut him down was leaving no room for debate and Elijah only inclined his head with a sharp gaze in return.

"I respect that and this is why I am not here for this."

Caroline made a conscious effort to not roll her eyes. For a man that supposedly had different intentions, he surely acted way differently.

"So?" she prompted and Elijah pointed toward the scenery.

"You are trying to build a new life here," he reminded her and Caroline pursed her lips annoyed.

"I've been forced to," she retorted coldly.

"Nonetheless here you are," Elijah countered kindly, "And you are one of those unique vampires that still hold connections with their humanity. You care for people. You strive for controlling your impulses instead of letting them control you."

Caroline did not say anything. She just stared at the sky. The sunny sky that battled the darkness. Purgatory had left a darkness inside her that was challenging her control.

"More so you have been trained by my brother and you have survived Mystic Falls and death itself," Elijah carried on with his observations, stating them as facts, "more so even Klaus on occasions from what I gather."

"So you have searched my past," she mumbled unimpressed.

"Indeed."

There was no shame at Elijah's confession and Caroline appreciated that he was at least honest with her. Paranoia and mistrust seemed to be one more Mikaelson trait after all.

"Everything I found showed me a loyal friend and a strong woman. Let us say I did not expect anything less than a friend of Elena Gilbert's."

Caroline tensed at the mention of Elena's name and Elijah's gaze softened.

"You do need friends Caroline. Not just Kol. Everyone needs people," he tried gently and Caroline scowled at him.

"This is a very longwinded way of asking a favor."

"Not a favor," he corrected her, "A proposal."

She arched her eyebrow waiting for him to continue.

"You have met the King of New Orleans."

Caroline grimaced in response.

"Yes Marcel's charm can be an acquired taste," Elijah's smile was sardonic, "however no matter our differences with him he has the best interest when it comes to the vampires of this city. He has created favorable laws and environment for our kind."

"Too bad others have to suffer so our kind would thrive in his reign," she reproached with disgust.

"And this has to change," Elijah agreed, "Marcel aims to train the vampires of this city. In combat. In strategy. In more ways than he used to. Do you know what that means?"

"He is preparing for war."

Elijah nodded pleased but his expression was grave.

"We all are. Internal war in New Orleans is always brewing and now, with my mother's resurrection, more than ever. And the witches this time might stand an even bigger chance; now that Kol has returned."

"And the werewolves have Klaus and Hayley," Caroline added.

Putting Hayley's name in the middle of this conversation and more so side by side with Klaus' name was leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. She still could not forget her role in Silas's plans in Mystic Falls and all that it cost them. Still, Hayley walked away unscathed and if memory served her right she still owed her at least a snapped neck.

"Either they want to or not," Elijah mused.

Hybrids were still considered abominations by many wolves and vampires alike. Caroline wondered if this was what Elijah felt for Hybrids too. She still remembered the way Elena had described him when he had revealed to them that the curse of the sun and the moon was fake and that Klaus was planning to create a different species. He spoke of Hybrids as if they were atrocious imbalances of nature and had to be destroyed. That kind of prejudice had to be very deeply rooted in him despite the connection he shared with Klaus or even because of it. She could not help but wonder if this prejudice still persisted and if it influenced Elijah's perception despite his obvious feelings for Hayley Marshall.

Still. The bigger picture was staring her in the face and it had nothing to do with personal prejudices. It was a game of chess and the pieces were strategically placed on the board. Maybe this was the opening she was searching for getting to play the game.

"Let me guess," Caroline deduced a bit condescendingly, "you are siding with the vampires. Very convenient for every supernatural faction to be influenced by an Original."

Elijah smirked at that. And for the first time, Caroline could see the clear resemblance between him and Klaus.

"It could go both ways. Tentative alliance or-" he trailed off meaningfully and Caroline finished his sentence with a wary tone.

"Chaos."

"Sometimes both at the same time. This is why we need mediators. Every group has a reason to mistrust the other and to top that they have discord amidst their own grounds."

"I do not see how I fit in all this."

Elijah got up and blocked the sun from her view.

"We do need the peacemakers more than ever," he pointed at her and she gave him an incredulous look.

He then took out a card from the inner pocket of his jacket and offered it to her. Caroline hesitated for a second before she took it and then she frowned.

"Come to this address. Join Marcel's training," he proposed and Caroline looked at him as if he had gone crazy. Elijah only smiled in return. "I believe you could teach most vampires one thing or two and you could become part of the community. You could control situations and help people. Feel useful again. And even connect with others. Create… the bonds you need."

There was a double meaning in his words and it had her thinking. She ran her fingers over the card and then got up, squared her shoulders, and faced Elijah.

"I know you want to use me as leverage between Klaus and Kol but what more? Are you searching for a peacemaker or a spy Elijah?"

"No one can make you a pawn unless you are one Caroline. Are you?" he challenged her and she tilted her chin up but refused to even dignify him with a response.

"You are trapped in the city. You have stayed long enough here to have felt New Orleans' allure and danger."

She could not deny this.

"You will never survive it unless you join it and you will never be able to escape it unless you find the power to do so," Elijah advice was filled both with wisdom and manipulation, "None of these things will happen if you remain at the sidelines. And in the meantime who knows. Maybe you could even let out some steam and find what you are looking for… Whatever that might be."

---

A few days later.

Newly turned vampires were training in the distance as Elijah inspected the crumbling amusement park with a gaze of absolute distaste. Marcel was standing next to him observing his vampires with a blend of interest and mirth in his eyes as Elijah was trying to not get his suit dirty.

"Surely Marcel you could have found a less dusty place for your training base," Elijah pointed out appalled. The abandoned Jazzland was now overtaken by vampires. It never recovered the floodings and the storm winds and what was now left standing was a creepy ghost land that usually attracted curious observers. During the last months Marcel had commandeered the Six Flags. He had already approached the authorities he had on his payroll and he had his vampires guarding the place and compelling anyone that still wanted to enter to go away. The theme park now was training grounds for the vampire community much to Elijah's dismay.

"It serves its purpose," Marcel shrugged and Elijah scoffed.

"Along with creating an army of baby vampires? Such terror they provoke," the Original observed sarcastically as he watched the messy sight Marcel's vampires were offering. They were cannon fodder at best.

"Rome was not built in a day Elijah."

"This venture will take a lot of days," Elijah scoffed lightly and Marcel could not help but snicker at that before he grew quiet.

He faced Elijah with sharp eyes.

"I am still not sure I should trust an Original."

Elijah pushed his hands into the pockets of his trousers pushing his jacket back. He stood like a pillar of steel and arched a brow at the King of New Orleans. Something he used to do centuries ago when he was tutoring him as a young boy when Niklaus had taken him in.

"You want the vampire side to have the support of my family don't you Marcellus?" Elijah goaded using his full name to his advantage, "which would be mutually beneficial. We are allies now after all, are we not?"

Marcel pressed his lips for a moment but then he nodded in confirmation and Elijah felt a wave of pride. Despite everything, he had taught that boy well. He was one of them and was a worthy opponent able to play the game better than any other before him. He knew how to avoid traps and sentimental distractions and even use them appropriately.

"Of course," Marcel responded humorously and extended his hand towards the crowd in an appeasing tone, "These vampires need a mentor Elijah. And despite our differences, I can think no one better than you."

Elijah tried not to scoff at Marcel's attempt to charm away any distrust between them when all the while he surely planned to exploit any weaknesses of their family. To that end, he was his father's son and Elijah could see Klaus in him.

He straightened his spine ready to cajole his former protégée into a false sense of mutual understanding when they were both interrupted.

"I can," a bold female voice interjected drawing the attention of the two men that did not see her coming.

Caroline approached them with a self-assured swagger and both Elijah and Marcel shared a look of amazement at her stealth and quiet movement.

Caroline stared at Elijah and gave him a subtle nod and he in return gave her a faint pleased one. They communicated silently in seconds. She was there to take him up on his offer.

Elijah hid his approval under a cool mask while Caroline Forbes stood in front of Marcel and him with a smile.

She looked around with her most unimpressed expression until she noticed that some meters away Josh was standing with some more vampires. She excitedly waved her hand at Josh that waved back at her.

"What are you doing here?" Marcel asked not hiding his surprise or his disapproval at her presence.

"Rude," Caroline threw his words from their phone call a week ago back at him, "but as it happens I was invited here. You see an acquaintance told me that I need to get out some steam although I can't see why I anyone would need an RSVP for this place," she grimaced with distaste, "couldn't you get anything less creepy and …crusty?" she complained scrunching up her nose.

"I invited Miss Forbes," Elijah informed Marcel, "and as it turns out I was right too since she does possess common sense," he complimented Caroline joining his abhorrence for the environment.

Marcel shook his head incredulously.

"So you are proposing a ripper to teach the newbies. Really Elijah!"

"I assure you Miss Forbes is not a ripper Marcellus. And she happens to be a quite talented individual that is a compliment to our kind."

"And she is also standing right here," Caroline cut in with a roll of her eyes, "Hello Marcel it is so nice to see you again. How is Noah?" she asked, beaming daringly.

"Grumpy," Marcel admitted and she laughed with a teasing pout.

Elijah observed their interaction with a confused frown.

Caroline turned her attention to the Original and pointed her finger at Marcel.

"Oh, he had me followed", she explained to Elijah before she sarcastically smiled back at Marcel again, "Imagine that."

Marcel gave her a smile all teeth in return.

"Marcellus where are your manners?" Elijah reprimanded him with a smirk joining the mocking interaction.

Marcel wittingly titled his head in response to Elijah comment but then his eyes traveled up and down Caroline.

"Why would I even allow this?"

Caroline arched an eyebrow as she stepped between Elijah and Marcel focusing her attention only on Marcel Gerard keeping her head high.

"Because you want to keep a close eye on me," she cynically replied throwing at Marcel Noah's ring. Marcel narrowed his eyes at her; the gazes clashed and he watched the ring before he scrutinized her carefully, "and you won't get a better chance than this," Caroline winked at him, flipped her hair confidently, and went to meet Josh and the vampires that were hanging with him.

Marcel looked at Elijah speechless and Elijah only shrugged keeping his stance neutral despite the twinkle of amusement in his gaze.

"She does make a point," Marcel mumbled before following Caroline.

---

The wax was melting slowly over the gold and ivory stationery paper. It dripped on the paper and the pressure from the stamp gave shape to the pool of wax and sealed the envelope.

Soon enough the wax cooled off and the calligraphic logo branded the invitation with the initials of the Mikaelson family.

Klaus strode into the study and rolled his eyes at his brother as Elijah was sitting behind the desk checking his correspondence. Instead of compelling their staff to deal with the invitations he, as always, took it upon himself to take care of that matter too.

Klaus knowing the dismay he would provoke in Elijah he flopped down on the chair in front of the desk and crossed his legs on the old cherry wood surface.

Indeed like clockwork, Elijah glared at him with disdain but nonetheless continued to liquefy the wax over one of the envelopes.

Elijah as always preferred to woo and charm and so now the compound was buzzing with noise from all the ongoing preparations for the grand ball Elijah was organizing. War was not always raging on the battlefield and on grounds littered with the maimed bodies of their fallen enemies. Sometimes war required another arena. Politics and alliances forged on the dance floor with champagne and wine as their poison.

And now with the threat of their parents looming Klaus had to admit that Elijah's party plans were more than necessary. They needed to bring forth the kind of peace that would suit them. Long enough for them to even the field. Still, Elijah's attention to detail could very easily be translated into genuine care and interest for the well being of everyone. An enviable trait truly. To be able to fool everyone with the façade of nobility and honesty when in fact Elijah's plans were in servitude of one goal and one alone. Family. Their family. Above everyone and everything else.

"There's a thing called the internet Elijah. You have it in your phone. Ever heard of e-mails?" Klaus joked.

"I prefer a more personal touch Niklaus."

Klaus took one of the invitations from the finished stack and played with it knowing that Elijah's patience would run out if he dared to wrinkle the paper.

"Obviously," Klaus commented and threw the envelope on the table with a flip of his hand. Elijah pressed the seal on the wax without sparing Klaus a glance.

"If there's something on your mind Niklaus I would prefer if you were to commence a civil discourse rather than take out your frustrations on the invitations we have to send to the representatives of the factions," Elijah scolded him.

"Ah yes. You do prefer a more personal touch and a civil discourse before any good old slaughter. Too bad that it does not always work that way. More so when your supposed noble intentions get involved," Klaus retorted and Elijah leaned back in his chair.

"And what pray tell has caused your ire this time?" Elijah wondered.

"Your personal touch extends further than it should brother and should I remind you that mine is far less civil? Especially when it is provoked," Klaus sneered almost hatefully but Elijah only hummed amused.

"And what have I done this time for you to use as an excuse for any of your savage unpleasantries?" Elijah smirked pretended to not understand where this was heading.

Klaus took down his legs from the desk and pointed at the invitations.

"Are any of those meant for Caroline or did you cover that subject too in your little visit?" Klaus finally let out his anger without any pretenses and Elijah smiled contently.

"No, I did not. I believe you would prefer to invite Miss Forbes yourself," he proposed while he lifted an eyebrow expectantly.

"These games of yours won't end well. Not where Caroline and Marcel are concerned," Klaus snapped and anyone else would have cowered at the menace that shimmered in his tone.

"Duly noted," Elijah only said and turned his attention back to the invitations he was writing. A clear dismissal.

The desk rattled when Klaus hit his hand on its surface. So hard that splinters flew causing Elijah to grimace affronted at the damage.

"I have already warned you Elijah," Klaus whisper was low and chilling, "Caroline is not a pawn and I won't allow you to use her as one. Not against me. Not against Kol. Not at all."

Elijah shook his head and dusted the surface of the desk.

"Give the girl some credit. Do you think she is that easily swayed?"

Klaus smirked bitterly. She wasn't. She was the most willful stubborn and unyielding woman he had met in his whole life and he had lived long enough to have met a lot of people. Caroline was unique but Elijah's thrall was dangerous. And Klaus could not help but feel that the more the distance between him and Caroline grew the more his siblings managed to get closer to her. He could end up being on different sides with her again and his brothers could take advantage of that. And he could not be able to survive his paranoia and agony where Caroline was concerned. Not now they were in a war far more lethal and devastating than any other they had participated in; and a part of him could not deal with the possibility that Caroline and him could end up enemies again. She had already left his home. She already hated him again and did not want to be even under the same roof with him. He was not sure if New Orleans would stand his rage if he would have to face Caroline on the battlefield. He would level everything and everyone that would dare ignite such hell to curse him. Even Elijah.

"We are aiming for peace and Miss Forbes is a vampire," Elijah softly tried to appease Klaus as he obviously understood that he was treading very dangerous waters, "Is isolation what you want for her? The vampire community is growing once more and I am sure you agree that no vampire in New Orleans fares well in Marcellus' sidelines," Elijah reasoned with him.

"And somehow all of the sudden you care about Caroline's best interest?" Klaus bitterly bit out.

"You may not believe me when I say this but yes."

"Don't lie to me Elijah," Klaus warned him not bothering to hide the extent of his threat or to fill the venomous silence that followed.

Elijah cleared his throat before he sighed quietly.

"I am not," Elijah denied and noticed the distrust in his brother's eyes, "Yes trust does not come easily to me especially when our family's interests hang in the balance and yes I am not going to pretend as if it would not profit us to have an …individual like Miss Forbes infiltrate Marcel's inner circle but I am perceptive enough to see that Caroline Forbes is not a puppet to be strung along," Elijah acknowledged.

"She is not," Klaus agreed not able to stop the flickering pride that laced his words.

"She is not," Elijah concurred, "But… she is someone important to you and important to our brother. More so she is a friend of Elena Gilbert's," he slowly said.

Klaus narrowed his eyes expecting Elijah to elaborate but the older Original did not speak for a long moment.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Klaus flared up confused and irate. Elijah's eyes seemed to shutter with pain. Something he didn't let others see often.

"A long time ago I gave that girl a promise Niklaus. One that I broke. Do you remember?" Elijah reminded him in a grave tone and extended his open palm towards him, "I held your beating heart in my fingers. I held your life in my hands."

There was a flash of emotion that passed from Elijah straight through to Klaus.

"In the same ritual where you drained Elena and killed her aunt. If I am not mistaken Katerina was intending for Miss Forbes to be the vampire sacrifice for your ritual. That's why she had turned her I am wrong?" Elijah pressed with an intent gaze shaming Klaus for his past deeds and dishonor.

Klaus clenched his jaw. The idea that he could have killed Caroline left him breathless. And that had not even been the first time he had considered Caroline to be collateral damage. Fate was sure having a good laugh with him now. She had died on him and he had quit from life.

"You could have killed Miss Forbes back then but as always you chose an even more vile action," Elijah groaned in a shallow tired tone.

"It's called having a contingency. Is there a point in going down memory lane?" Klaus belittled mockingly.

"Yes. A promise," Elijah said solemnly, "I had given Elena Gilbert my word back then. That I would protect her family and her friends. That I would kill you. And I didn't because the promise I had given to you, to our family, meant more. Always and forever."

Klaus watched as Elijah's gaze darkened. Their promise having a weight upon both their souls. One that did more damage than anything else.

"Still the promises I have broken throughout my long life are only but a few," Elijah noted gravelly, "this was one of them so in a way I am fulfilling it now. Caroline Forbes was one of the people Elena Gilbert had asked me to protect," he quietly said and Klaus took a step back, "Elena's compassion was admirable as was her willingness to give her life for her family and for those she considered family. She had made a deal with me and she kept her end of the bargain but I did not so this is me keeping a promise. Even if it is now. Even after my betrayal."

Klaus stilled and Elijah watched almost with hope. A hope that vanished in thin air when Klaus burst out laughing.

"My always noble brother," Klaus chortled, "Keeping his promise to the woman that killed our brother," Klaus gibed with venom that made Elijah flinch, "A promise for you to kill me but somehow now you are finding a loophole to ease your conscience for the promises you are unable to keep. Yet somehow I find those broken promises of yours more than but a few when I count them" Klaus mocked and theatrically counted with his fingers.

"Still less than yours," Elijah argued irritably and Klaus placed his hand over his heart pretending to be hurt by his brother's jibe, "which I admit does not say much. More so if I remember how you repaid my loyalty. I broke my promise and you daggered me in return," Elijah fumed.

"Ah yes. Now those memories I am fond of. See where loyalty gets you, brother?" Klaus taunted him.

"Right here Niklaus. It got me right here," Elijah accepted gracefully, "and just maybe this is your real concern. My loyalty and more so Caroline's? Because from what I have seen Miss Forbes' loyalty does resemble that of Elena's. Caroline has graced Kol with that devotion, much to your dismay, and it is that loyalty that you crave above all else," Elijah discerned, "and then there is Marcellus. You taught that boy well and he takes after you. Like father like son. Maybe that's what truly worries you? That he could charm Caroline to his cause? And then you would lose her loyalty? You would lose her?"

Minutes passed but then Klaus laughed refusing to show how deep Elijah's words cut him.

"My therapist would have a field day with this psychoanalysis of yours …I find it…what's the right word? Illuminating? No that's not exactly it. Ah yes," Klaus mused and snapped his fingers as if he had an epiphany, "Laughable. Along with your ongoing obsession for the doppelgangers. Because in all that pointless poppycock Elena's name kept coming up. Our Tatia. Katerina. Elena. And there I thought Hayley had cured that ailment of yours. What about your promises to her?" Klaus sweetly threw back at him and Elijah stiffened.

"Every last one I intend to keep," the eldest vampire vowed and Klaus tilted his head to the side.

"So many promises gathering around. It must be tiring for the soul," Klaus mused.

"It would be far less if you were set on helping the mother of your child instead of being set on destroying the last pieces of her humanity," Elijah seethed.

"And there it is," Klaus drawled with a cocky grin, "the same trap that lures you to the same web over and over again. The same circle with Katherine. With Celeste and now with Hayley. Their humanity that needs saving from the big bad wolf and here you are always the white knight," Klaus provoked Elijah with harsh irony deciding to dive into his brother's secret wounds as he had tried to do moments before with him by using Caroline against him as a lever to awaken his humanity and mercy.

"Even if that's true Hayley should be different for you brother!" Elijah finally exploded. His armor of cool patience cracking, "She should matter more than the countless other victims of your cruelty!"

"Maybe she does, but I was never as naïve as you are, brother. You should know better by now. Keep searching for the perfect damsel in distress all you want. You can't save that precious humanity of your obsessions, in the same way, I can't destroy it. They are the only ones that can do that and Hayley's path is set by her and her alone. Not by me. Not by you," Klaus said with silk covered words that broke Elijah in pieces that shuttered down leaving him bare and vulnerable.

"I can't get through to her," Elijah admitted voicing his concern over Hayley to Klaus and asking him to help her.

"While you think I can?" Klaus chuckled incredulously.

"You did all these months. You brought out the worst in her," Elijah accused him, "But your child needs the best mother she can be."

Klaus lost his suave façade and pressed his lips as Elijah quickly regained his composure and reached for the pen, the wax, and the envelopes again.

"So it is time to start cultivating the best in Hayley unless you want your daughter to one day hate you for taking away her mother by turning her into a monster."

"Like the monster I am you mean?" Klaus said all too quietly, his voice both lethal and on the verge of breaking.

Elijah rose his gaze up and they stared each other in silence.

"Like the monsters we all are Niklaus."

"There should be honesty between monsters then. We are beyond hope Elijah," Klaus accepted and Elijah nodded.

"That we are. But people like Hayley and Caroline are not. Not yet… But they will be if you don't act."

---

"Caroline let me introduce to you Brianna Devere," Kol made the introductions casually, "She is here to put protection spells on your…lovely apartment," he said with distaste as he took in the small kitchen that was connected with the even smaller living room.

Caroline pinched her lips annoyed with Kol's shenanigans and then smiled at the girl that looked no older than twenty-five years old.

"Hello, Brianna. I am Caroline," she warmly said and extended her hand towards the witch.

Brianna stilled when they shook hands and removed her hand as if it was burned. Caroline frowned at her reaction and glanced at Kol that shrugged.

"Nice to meet you," Brianna muttered and rapidly went to put up the wards in every room of the apartment. Caroline narrowed her eyes and pointed towards her when she disappeared into her bedroom.

"She doesn't like vampires. Imagine that," Kol jested and Caroline hummed pensively.

"But works for you now?" she wondered and watched her hand thoughtfully for a moment.

"I am irresistible," Kol gloated and Caroline rolled her eyes before she went to the kitchen island to cut some more vegetables for her salad.

She kept trying to hear the noises that were coming from her bedroom as Kol's witch was setting the protection amulets and the shields on the walls. She knew that Kol would not bring someone he did not trust but still, there was something off about that witch. Or at least the reaction she had when they met.

She looked up and saw that Kol was taking long strides in her apartment and was counting his steps.

"What are you doing?"

Kol stopped and looked at her appalled.

"This is a...hole," he uttered with a shiver as he waved at the apartment.

Caroline pointed the knife she was holding at him in a playfully threatening manner.

Truth was that the place she had found was small and Kol's imposing presence made it seem smaller but it was the best thing she could do and more importantly it provided her the distance she needed from the Originals along with the independence she craved.

"You can barely breathe in here," Kol exasperated with a cringe.

"Oh, shut up," she mumbled and cut some more lettuce.

Kol huffed and approached the kitchen island. He rested his palms on the plastic surface and observed the small kitchen with a snob horrified expression.

"Nik was right. This pedestrian hovel proves it. You have lost your marbles," he stated in dismay and Caroline glared at him.

"Change the subject or leave," she bristled just as the pot whizzed.

Kol's lips curved up as she poured some hot tea for him.

"Gladly," he accepted too easily and Caroline narrowed her eyes in suspicion as she handed him the cup.

"So…you are entering the vampire faction of New Orleans," he grinned.

"No," she resolutely said and Kol's brows arched.

"Word on the street says a different story. But if you don't…" Kol sing sang mischievously and Caroline glared at him. He didn't need to speak his mind. She could already tell what he was thinking.

"No Kol," she shut his plans down at once, "don't get any ideas about it."

Kol touched his chest using his most innocent expression and Caroline crossed her hands in front of her chest.

"I will tell you the same thing I told your brother when he approached me. I am not a pawn for any of you Mikaelsons to use. We are not in Purgatory any more Kol… but you are still my friend. Do not make me regret calling you one," she warned him and Kol drummed his fingers on the rim of the hot cup before he hummed softly.

"As a friend then," he knowingly said, "be careful Caroline. Elijah is not what it seems. Under the civility, there is a monster lurking and he is a master puppeteer. Before you even understand it you will be tangled in strings."

"Sounds familiar," Caroline scoffed and Kol shook his head tiredly.

"No, it really does not," he seriously pointed out and when he took a sip of his tea he grimaced.

"On the same subject. I am nothing like Elijah you know. Would it kill you to add some blood and Vodka?" he grumbled and a ghost of a smile flicked on Caroline's lips.

The smile disappeared when Brianna entered the living room and started shielding the rest of the house using a low voice and layers of protective magic that shimmered in the air creating a thick atmosphere that made Caroline jumpy but Kol seemed to be comfortable.

Caroline looked at her half-made salad and shrugged. She was hungry but not for food and Brianna's heartbeat was already creating a distracting echo in her ears.

Caroline hoped on the counter a bit irritated as she tried to control her bloodlust and stared at Kol that was still trying to gulp down the tea.

"Aren't you going to warn me about the King of New Orleans?" she playfully fired back at Kol and she was rewarded with a conniving smirk.

"He is Klaus's son. That's all you need to know," he told her before his tone became even more sarcastic, "Also for some weird reason he does not like me very much."

Caroline held back her laughter.

"So weird," she teased.

"I know. I am so lovable," Kol complained childishly just as Brianna neared them.

The witch let out a snort just at the same time Caroline did and Kol looked at both of them in mocking offense.

"I am done here," Brianna quickly said.

"Thank you, Brianna. Would you like some tea too?" Caroline offered but Brianna watched her with a guarded expression and Caroline soon realized that it was fear. She was watching her with undiluted fear and nervousness. Her. Not Kol. The witch was afraid of her.

"No. Thank you," Brianna curtly refused her offer and then the witch turned her attention to Kol that observed her keenly.

"Do you need anything else from me?" Brianna questioned the Original.

"That will be all for now," he told her with a charming smile and a dismissive hand gesture.

Brianna Devere left abruptly and Caroline's eyes followed her hasty exit.

"Have a nice-"

The door closed before Caroline could finish her sentence.

"-day," she mumbled and stared at Kol. His smile was less charming now and more forced but he quickly covered his reaction and relaxed.

"She really does not like vampires," Caroline realized and Kol only hummed looking at the door.

---

The moment the witch's blood hit her tongue was the moment she found herself pressed against the brick door of the warehouse.

Hayley snarled but this time she was not facing Kol Mikaelson. This time the hand that was wrapped around her neck and was pressing her against the wall belonged to Klaus.

The witch she had hunt down fell down to the pavement. Her trembling hand flew to her bleeding neck in disbelief and Hayley tried to attack her again but Klaus would not let her go.

"Let go!" Hayley screamed at him but his fingers tightened and his grip deprived her her speech. Klaus quirked his brow up as she fought against him and watched her bemused.

"Easy there. Don't harm yourself," he joked and Hayley growled at him making him snicker.

The witch stared at the two hybrids terrified.

"On your way love," Klaus dismissed the hurt witch with a wave of his free hand while he easily held Hayley against the wall with his other despite her struggling.

"Let us take this somewhere more privately shall we?" Klaus offered and before the witch could even stagger away and Klaus had sped them away and deep into the bayou. Far away from any unwanted attention.

Hayley was not a match for his strength or speed and soon enough she found herself thrown to the ground.

"I had her!" she yelled at him but Klaus' stance remained indifferent to her rage.

Hayley's blood-coated fangs lengthened even more and Klaus shook his head at her attempt to challenge him.

"What you had was a death sentence. They have Kol's support now. You are a fool to challenge him," he simply said and Hayley jumped up and tried to run past him; ready to seek, find and tear apart her prey again. But Klaus grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her back until her spine locked straight against a tree.

He angled his head to the side daring her to defy him.

"I am not afraid of him," Hayley spat in defiance and threw his hands away from her ready to fight him. She was livid.

"Then you are a bigger fool than I thought," Klaus scoffed and leaned against one of the trees. His posture seemed relaxed but Hayley huffed furiously.

She knew she would not be going anywhere unless Klaus allowed it.

"Kol is not like me or Elijah. He is nothing like what you have encountered before," he warned her but Hayley didn't seem to have any logical response to the threat Kol was. Her emotions and instincts were still in overdrive. She could not comprehend the danger she was truly in. She believed she was invisible and he exhaled trying to calm down his nerves. The last thing he wanted was an internal war in his family. Should his little brother kill her Elijah and Kol would never reconcile again and his daughter would become a motherless orphan.

"You are so young little wolf," he lightly observed and Hayley grumbled making him shake his head exasperated, "As cute as your little carnages are without mine and Elijah's support you will be an easy picking."

"I do not need your protection! I can take care myself. I did it all my life," she protested and Klaus shrugged unaffected by her declaration.

"As an orphan drifter maybe. Your savage and limited skills, however, are not that useful in this new life of yours," he explained patiently and Hayley rolled her eyes and tried to dash away but once more she stumbled back when he blocked her way easily.

"Stop acting like a child and start using your head if you want to keep it attached to your shoulders."

"Good to know you care," she sneered.

"Kol is gathering the covens again. Hell is brewing under his thumb. You lash out like a brute and you will be nothing but easy bait," he fumed and Hayley shoved her hands against his chest and pushed him hard. He didn't budge.

"As long as my lashing out was convenient for you you didn't have any problem with it."

Klaus shrugged with a taunting smirk and Hayley let out a strangled noise.

"But now that Caroline is back you want to show her your good side again. Is that it?"

Caroline's name cut him deep but he didn't let it show. Hayley kept ranting unaware of the thin line she was threading.

"Or maybe now you want the witches by your side for her protection," she threw at him with contempt not caring at the way danger seemed to rise in him at her words, "If only you had shown the same fervor for the protection of our child!"

He flashed just an inch away from her face. His eyes shining gold.

"Mind your tongue. You wouldn't want me to rip it out," he seethed.

"Go ahead!" she screamed and the next thing that happened was two bodies intertwined in a fight that lasted less than a minute.

Despite her anger and fury, Hayley was not a worthy opponent for an Original and soon enough found herself aching on the ground. Leaves and mud were sticking to her clothes and skin. Her gold eyes shone more prominently as Klaus watched her victorious from above. He theatrically dusted his jacket's shoulders.

"You are not any good to anyone, much more yourself like this. Pity," he said with distaste and then wiped the dirt out of his hands apathetically.

"You mean no use to you and your strategies," Hayley bit out as she snapped her twisted ankle back to place and Klaus agreed with a condescending nod.

"Screw you Klaus!"

Klaus laughed at her insulted indignation and anger and watched her as she tried to get up.

He offered her his hand but she swatted it away angrily. She got up on shaking legs looking defeated. Her hair was tangled and the witch's blood had dried on her face.

"Pull yourself together little wolf. We are at war and we have greater things to protect than ourselves. You need to remember this," he gave her a piece of his mind and he sighed when she glowered at him.

"You think I have forgotten? That I could ever forget..her?" she exclaimed aghast and he licked his lips slowly putting a leash on his own emotions where Hope was concerned.

"This is why we need to regroup and create a safe home for her to return. Nothing else matters," he told Hayley after he made sure no one was listening. Hayley begrudgingly gave him her full attention now.

"And how will we do this?"

"The wolves are not going to submit easily to a Hybrid such as yourself. Once upon a time you might have been able to gain their allegiance with matrimony," he revealed and Hayley gave him an incredulous look to which he only smirked amusedly.

"You and Jackson are both Alphas. Both of high born lines. You could merge your houses and unite the wolves but that choice is out of the table now no matter how infatuated he seems to be with you," he joked and Hayley gave him the evil eye.

"You are dead sweetheart and natural unification with any wolf from a royal line is out of the question for you," Klaus reminded her and her hurt expression was obvious.

He saw how much she hated that she was not a pure wolf anymore and despite knowing how it was to feel like an abomination he could not understand why she was not appreciating the gift that was handed at her.

There were not many in the world able to embrace glory and accept their true nature. Most broke under the weight of the change but then there were those truly special that thrived in their new element. That were truly strong and fearless and vampirism brought out their light and their hunger for life grew. Despite adversity. Even if life threw hell at them they would rise and shine.

Blonde hair and green eyes flashed inside his thoughts but he pushed Caroline's image back to the recesses of his mind.

He focused on Hayley once more.

"Alas you still have been of royal blood. Royal blood that is now immortal," he purred. "You have alliances you pushed aside for your vendetta with the witches but this needs to stop now."

"If you say so," Hayley mocked refusing to truly listen to him but Klaus waltzed closer and he mellowed his stance coaxing her into listening to him.

"You are a Hybrid now. You reject your transition as something vile but this same transition gave you the power you lacked," he drawled and despite the way she sulked he beamed at her.

He threw his hands open in the air.

"You feel it don't you? The power surging in your blood. No one is a match for you," he beguiled her knowing how addictive all this new energy she was experiencing truly was. There was nothing like it. The intensity alone was incomparable.

Hayley bit her lip and he gave her a knowing look. He walked in circles around her and then he stood behind her. He whispered in her ear.

"Between the packs that still hover close to you…You are the most powerful Alpha now," he smugly ensnared her attention, "This gives you an advantage."

"They see me as an abomination," Hayley complained almost petulantly and Klaus rolled his eyes.

"People don't embrace change easily love," he walked and stood in front of her, "It not just a wolf thing. It is basic nature. For all species."

He smiled at her comfortingly and noticed how she tensed before she started to ease up on everything his words promised. A future much more alluring than the constant self-loathing she had trapped herself in for the last months.

"You are now eternal. Timeless. Immortal. You can become a constant. A beacon for the werewolf community," he suggested and saw the intrigue in Hayley's eyes and his smile became broader.

"Is this even possible now?" she asked him cautiously and he inclined his head.

"Should you want it," he affirmed, "You can be the one to guide the wolves for the ages to come," he weaved his web around her using his most seductive voice, "they could learn to turn to you and to stand by your side because you, little wolf, can become the salvation of their future generations."

He clasped his hands behind his back and continued easing Hayley into something that interested her more than just her blood vengeance. Truth was that she was a useful lever or manipulation but she was also just like him. A hybrid. A part of what he had been striving for millennia. He was not being dishonest exactly. He did aim to become that for the werewolves himself. Hayley would be a convenient mediator and a bridge for him to build on his plans. He had dreamed of creating a superior species for centuries and thus forming an army and a kingdom. He may have let his plans for creating Hybrids behind him but there was still room for his old plans to come to fruition. He just needed a new path for his quest. And this could be it. He could hide in the wings and work through Hayley.

"This is what you have to make them see," he pressed on, "that you will be there to protect their children and the children of their children. Their bloodlines won't be extinct throughout time as others have and no one like Marcel Gerard will be able to subjugate them ever again. Because you will be there to shield them. After all you are still the one that broke their crescent curse. You are already their savior."

Hayley became thoughtful and he hid his satisfied smirk behind a mask of understanding. Of course, the idea of becoming a savior and of having a higher noble calling would be so enticing to a lost orphan like her. And he would rather the mother of his daughter to have a cause that would be beneficial to his family than run amuck and uncontrolled. Elijah was right. He had to contain her and put her on a leash.

"A wolf to house all of them. To shield them all. To protect and avenge everyone…forever. You see your transition as a curse. It is in your hand to turn it into a duty. To a calling. The same calling that brought the wolves of New Orleans close to you when you stepped in the city again. You are a regent without a kingdom and they are missing a ruler. Your kingdom awaits Hayley. There is only one way to get it."

"Your ways always include force and manipulation. I won't do that to my people," she rushed to reject him and he bowed impressed.

"Good. Because what you truly need is loyalty. Your loyalty will gain you their loyalty," he assured her and then his eyes traveled up and down her body inquiring more answers.

"Are you capable of loyalty?" he mused with a hint of disbelief. Hayley flinched at that.

He didn't see the point on clarifying that what he meant as loyalty started and ended to the one she owed him.

"If not…are you capable of faking it enough for your people to buy it?" he drawled and snorted when he saw how this hit a nerve with her. The amber specks of her wolfish eyes glistened.

"You are a Queen," he repeated again, "You need to start acting like one," he berated her, "Not just for your sake but for our daughter's safety. You and I need to ensure it," he harshly told her and emotion flickered on Hayley's features. She hugged herself and Klaus sauntered close and gripped her forearms, "Only four people know of Hope's survival and we are the only ones that can make sure that our little girl will live a full and prosperous life."

He felt her shiver and the longing that passed through her. To this, they had no conflict. They both wanted the best for their child and that was a bond and a trust that would never be swayed or break. Hayley nodded and he let her go.

"We need the witches on our side now before Kol leads them to rebellion and before Esther steps in again," he announced and rose his hand to stop her from disagreeing when she opened her mouth to argue with him.

Hayley pressed her lips and he started getting irritated. Her hate for the witches might have been convenient and amusing but now it was nothing but a nuisance that had to come to and end before it backfired badly.

"They have already sided with her when she was a spirit," Klaus reminded her and he saw the deepest shades of hate in her gaze. One more thing they had in common, "And my mother has already targeted our child even from the other side and now she grows more powerful."

"One more reason to eradicate her allies and block her power," Hayley disputed and he cursed lowly. She was so young. So incapable of looking at the bigger picture. Her temper blinded her.

"Take a step back and think Hayley," he grit out, "the witches idolized Esther as a spirit. But now she is not one. On one hand many could see her as a messiah incarnate but in reality, earthly desires are perceived differently from powers from the beyond no matter how strong my mother might be," he reasoned and saw realization dawning in Hayley.

"The wolves and the witches have been natural allies for centuries and we need to start building the bridges we burned once more. We already ensured fear in them in the past months," he revealed at her and her eyes widened realizing that there was always purpose in his actions and in the things he had her do, "You now need to establish respect with the packs. And then we will have their loyalty and submission."

"I can't just forget what they did," Hayley whispered angrily and Klaus glowered at her.

"You seem to forget that Hope is also part witch. Condemning every witch with hate is as if you are condemning the blood and the lineage of your own daughter," he admonished her and she stumbled back.

He challenged her to deny this and narrowed his eyes when he saw her quiver but Hayley soon composed herself again and looked at him seriously.

"What about your brother?" she asked him and Klaus rolled the tension of his shoulders knowing perfectly well which brother she meant.

Kol was indeed a loose end.

"Kol is a wild card. He can't be controlled," he resolutely said, "I will dagger him soon enough. I am waiting for the opportune moment."

Hayley gave him a disbelieving stare.

"He seems to be a close friend to Caroline. Do you think she will let you dagger him?"

Klaus gaze darkened. There was nothing he hated more than having anyone think that they could use Caroline against him or as a leverage in a way to force his hand. No matter what he felt for her he would not allow her to become his weakness or to control him. No one would.

"She does not get a say."

"No?" Hayley doubted him and he moved closer until he towered over her.

"Hope's well being comes first, Hayley. Above everything and everyone else."

"Everyone?" she insisted and he nodded resolutely.

"Everyone."

---

Kol stepped into Brianna's sanctuary and sniggered when he saw her hands hovering above the silver threaded rope. Her eyes were closed and she was chanting one of the spells from the grimoire he had given her.

"You are doing it wrong. You need a double knot," he corrected her and Brianna jumped up when she realized that he had entered in her attic.

"What are you? The witch encyclopedia?" she grumbled and then cursed loudly and yanked her hands away.

Kol smirked when rope burst into fire and Brianna glared at him for being right before she tried to practice on the spell again.

Kol came near her and gently placed his hand on her wrist stopping her from completing the spell.

"What aren't you telling me little witch?" he questioned her, his gaze sharp.

Brianna fell silent and tried to withdraw her hand but Kol's grip became tighter until she winced. He was not hurting her but the warning was there.

"I do not know what you are talking about," she denied and he clicked his tongue.

He let go of her hand and he tucked her hair behind her ears gently. She cringed.

"You do," he whispered. His thumbs twirling around her cheeks.

"I do not appreciate you keeping things from me. I tend to get moody when people do that. More so those to whom I have shown nothing but kindness," he warned her and she sighed.

His gaze became intense.

"I won't ask again Brianna."

She looked up at him and then took a step back. Away from his touch. She touched the rope she had been practicing on and grabbed it in an attempt to hold on to something.

"Your friend- Caroline-" she started but then stopped. Kol stepped into her personal space again and she shivered. This was a line she should not cross. There was a reason why vampires and witches were not meant to be allies and were natural enemies. Still. Kol Mikaelson had been the protector of her line and he was the only one that could restore the covens to their former glory.

"What about her?" Kol insisted and Brianna took a deep breath before she stared at him fearfully.

Throwing caution to the wind she took the last step and decided to side with him without holding anything back. And that meant telling him the truth and not hiding secrets from him.

She let out a shaking breath and the rope burned in her closed palm.

"She carries the devil's mark."

---

[*] : Latin phrase from Aeneid (II, 49), written by Virgil between 29 and 19 BC. It has been paraphrased in English as the proverb "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts".