This is the last chapter before we get into the meat of this story! I wanted to try to develop my characters as much as possible before I threw the sacrifice drama in it. (Unedited)

I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 11

The day had arrived that Rebekah was finally returning to the palace. The blonde didn't divulge in letters if the moonstone had been found or not and Klaus was on high alert. His nerves were getting the best of him and he was snapping at everyone would dared to even breathe.

Elena currently sat curled up in one of the large armchairs in the study, a book sitting in her lap as she gazed out the window at the gardens. The weather had become too cold for normal outings and Finn had told her that they would get the first snow of the season soon.

Married life was treating her well, but she was starting to feel as if she was a prisoner in what was supposed to be her home as well. Finn accompanied her everywhere, which she didn't mind, but if her husband was unavailable, then Elijah stepped in. She had no qualms with Elijah, he was nice enough, but something felt off when they were alone together.

Elijah seemed to take interest in Elena, more so than she thought would be necessary of a brother-in-law. They would often have long conversations about anything that sparked either of their interest, sometimes staying up so late that Finn would have to come and collect his wife.

Elena felt nothing but familial affection for the second eldest, but Finn didn't often think so. He would question her some nights about the nature of her relationship with his brother and she would always tell him that there was nothing to worry about.

"Sweetheart?"

Elena's head turned towards the door, a small smile pulling at her lips as she saw her husband approaching, "Yes?"

"My sister us to arrive tonight," he said softly, taking a seat across from her. His dark eyes roamed over her figure, surprised that she was sitting in such a relaxed position. Her yellow dress was bunched up slightly, her legs curled under her with a book left unnoticed in her lap. Clearing his throat, he continued, "If she had the moonstone, then-"

"The next full moon is tomorrow," she cut him off, closing the book, "I know. Elijah told me."

Finn's jaw ticked at the use of his brother's name without his title, but let it go, "So, you understand that this could be your last night as a human?"

"I'm aware," she replied airily, her gaze slipping towards the window once more, "I suppose I just thought that it wouldn't happen so soon is all. It feels surreal. To know that I'm to die and come back is simply a lot to handle, but Elijah assured me-"

"Elijah should not be in the habit of reassuring my wife," he bit out angrier than intended.

Elena's brows furrowed as she looked at him once more, her lips pursed slightly, "I don't know how many times I have to reassure you that there is absolutely nothing between myself and Elijah. He has been nothing but the perfect gentleman and I enjoy spending time with him."

"I don't so much worry about your intentions-"

She stood up briskly and set the book down on the table between them with a resounding thump, "If you do not worry about my intentions, then I'd prefer to be left out of the conversation. Perhaps you should take to Elijah instead of interrogating your wife."

Finn's mouth opened and closed a few times before he watched her sweep from the room with a slight flare of hostility.

In his entire life, he had never had anything that was simply just his. As humans, his family survived off of sharing and hand-me-downs, such as other families in their village. When they became vampires, sharing was a necessity as to not be detected in other villages as what they truly were. Now, in England, was the first time that Finn had ever laid claim to anything. And he was going to do his best to insure that his wife remain his alone.

"It seems that you've taken quite an interest in my doppelganger, brother," Klaus drawled as Elijah walked into the parlor and straight to the alcohol cart, "I'm not so sure that Finn approves of this."

The elder man huffed, pouring the amber liquid into the cup, "I have not crossed any lines. I have not insinuated that I wish to have more than a friendship with her. She challenges me with conversation and she's very bright."

"And she's Finn's."

"I have not made a move to take her from him, have I?" Elijah retorted, turning around and facing the blond, "She is simply a sister to me and I enjoy her company. Rebekah never would sit still long enough to have a conversation about anything unless we were speaking of her dresses. Finn…well, he has been busy during the day with trivial business pursuits and often leaves Elena alone. And with Rebekah gone, I thought she'd appreciate the company."

Klaus tsk'd, "I don't think it's Elena that's having the problem, brother. Perhaps you need to speak with Finn and tell him what you told me. If there is in fact nothing going on between the two of you, then I don't see it to be harmful in the slightest."

"Speak with me about what?" Finn asked, strolling into the parlor and taking a seat opposite of Klaus in one of the armchairs, "I assume that would mean that I'd have to be present for the conversation, correct?"

"We were simply talking about your lovely wife, Finn," the blond smiled, "We were wondering if you'd have any extra time to spend with her in the coming weeks. Elijah says she misses you."

Finn's eyes shot up to meet the brown of his brother's, "Is that true? She misses me when she spends time with you?"

"Of course she does," Elijah sighed, suppressing an eye-roll, "You're her husband, she's supposed to miss you. The business has been taking you away lately; I've merely been entertaining her so she doesn't get too bored. And if Rebekah indeed returns with the moonstone, Elena's going to need your support more than ever. She can't transition and learn restraint by herself."

"I wasn't going to abandon her if that's what you're implying," the eldest growled.

"Business can wait, Finn," Elijah placated lightly, "Your wife cannot. Have you not noticed her? Her skin has grown pale and she has lost too much weight. She was tiny to begin with, but now she's even smaller. She hardly eats and it looks as if she never sleeps."

Finn paled slightly as he realized how right his brother was. He had hardly noticed how little she had become, how her skin was no longer the sun-kissed olive. His wife was wasting away right in front of him.

Elena was still seething as she made her way down to the kitchens. She loved her husband, she really and truly did, she just became so angry with him when he made it so clear that he didn't trust her. She had never given him a reason to believe she was lying. She was in his bed every night without fail, supplying both her blood and body to him as well as her love and devotion.

She didn't notice that Kol was occupying one of the chairs at the staff dining table as she set about making something light to eat. He watched her closely, picking up on the tension that seemed to be coming off of her in waves. Something was bothering her and he begged to know what; he couldn't stand seeing her upset.

He noticed that she was wearing a very simple dress today, more of a shift really. He figured that it must've been one of her dresses that she had before she arrived here. Kol liked seeing her in simple things, the more elegant dresses often swamped her delicate frame and left her floundering. Over the past few weeks, he couldn't help but see how she was slowly becoming smaller. He didn't know if she wasn't eating or sleeping, but her waist had become infinitely smaller and dark circles hung under her eyes.

"Ouch," she gasped, causing his thoughts to turn back to the present.

Elena had obviously burnt herself and had sucked her finger into her mouth to help relieve the pain. He watched curiously as she tied her long hair up and pinned it before wrapping a torn bit of cloth around her finger and continuing to cook.

Having her neck exposed only gave Kol another thing to look at. He only saw her from the side and had to admit that her olive skin looked delectable to sink his fangs into. As she turned to grab something from the cupboards, he saw a large bite on the other side of her neck.

Finn was feeding from her?

His brother had told him multiple times that he would never risk her life like that, but the proof was currently very pronounced against her skin. For an unknown reason, he felt a growl trying to tear its way through his throat, but he forced it back. Finn was laying claim to his wife. He was telling the rest of his family whom she belonged to.

Elena turned around and gasped as she saw Kol observing her intently, "You frightened me."

Kol tore his gaze away from the bite and smiled at her softly, "I'm sorry, darling. I didn't mean to."

She nodded and dished out the soup she had made before turning to him, "Would you like some? I…I know you don't really prefer eating, but…"

"I'd love some," he said gently, "As long as you'll still have enough for you. You're getting a bit small."

"I'm fine," she replied instantly, getting another bowl and filling it, "It's just been a rough month or so."

"You're a newlywed, darling, nothing should be rough," his brows creased in concern. He was aware that Finn had been away more often than not, only returning for the nights, but surely that wouldn't be affecting her, would it?

She shrugged delicately, setting his bowl down in front of him before taking a seat across from him, "I'm sure it will get better once the moonstone is found."

"Are you that eager to die, Elena?" Kol asked. It was a serious question, yet he said it as lightly as possible. That had do have been what was bothering her. No human could simply accept the thought of their death with open arms.

"I don't know," she said so quietly that he had trouble picking it up.

Elena was terrified, but she had accepted it. She knew that she wasn't eating often, but that was only because Finn was gone so much. She didn't like when he left her alone. And, when he was home, they didn't do much sleeping. Whenever she looked in the mirror, she was saddened by how she looked, but Finn still loved her.

"He needs to be home with you," Kol said softly, reaching out and taking her hand across the table, "You'll deteriorate even further if he keeps it up. And when you become a vampire, he'll need to be here as often as possible. You can't go through it by yourself."

Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at the youngest male Original, "What am I supposed to do? What if he doesn't like me as a vampire?"

"He'll love you, sweetness. And if he doesn't, I'll make sure you're never alone. You have my word."

Be sure to leave a review!

~Grace