Eloise was on her back, her mouth open to catch whatever water was dripping from the ceiling. It was disgusting water, probably full of dirt and disease, but it was still water and she had to take whatever she could to keep her baby alive. No way in hell would she lose it.

It took some time but eventually, she got enough for a mouthful, winced as she swallowed, and then, hearing a squeak from one of the dungeon's dark corners, pounced as fast she could on the rat, broke its neck, and sucked it dry, adding the body to the growing pile of rat carcasses. Again, disgusting, but blood was blood.

She heard a footstep and tensed. Then there came a voice from a masked figure who strode in to stand in the dungeon's dim light.

"I know who you are!" She yelled. "And you aren't going to hurt me! I won't let you! I won't let her and I won't let you!"

But he leaned closer and held out a large loaf of bread, some cheese, and some butter, along with a knife."Eat this," he said, his eyes roaming over the rat pile. "Unless you'd prefer vermin."

"Well, thank you," Eloise got out. "But...if you work for Helene, why would you do this for me?"

"I don't believe in torturing innocent people, especially not women." Eloise shivered and tensed as his hands balled into fists. "But there's one I'd like to strangle!"

Even though he didn't mean her, Eloise winced anyway and then pushed the bread away. "I can't take this! You're a beast! You're an outlaw!"

"Yes, but I'm a sexy one!" Ludovic winked and then tried his best to look innocent. "How can you not trust anyone that makes this face?"

Eloise frowned. "Helene used to make that face," she said. "I've learned my lesson."

Ludovic sighed, took some bread, and made a smiley face on it out of bits of cheese. "Look, the food is so happy to see you. Please eat it."

"Why?" Eloise asked.

Ludovic let out a growl of frustration. "Because you deserve better than a pile of rats!" He cried. "Is that all you want?"

"No, but I don't want to be killed either!" Eloise said. She then watched without blinking as he slowly at some of the bread and cheese and when he didn't keel over, she finally nibbled on some of the bread.

"Oh, look at you!" Ludovic told her. "Good for you! How brave!"

"Shut up," Eloise got out as she began wolfing down more and more bread.

After she was finished, she felt a bit stronger. "Thank you for the food," she got out. "Can you...can you free me? Please? There are...certain reasons...that I need to get out of here. I don't want to get you in trouble, but..."

"I can't," Ludovic told her. "At least not right now. But I'll make sure you and your baby have enough food to eat. More than enough if I can manage it."

Eloise's eyes widened and her hand went to her stomach. "How...how do you know that I'm...?"

"Just a guess," he said. "But an educated one. I...I feel things. You're part demon too, aren't you?"

"Yeah," Eloise nodded. "You got a problem with that?"

"Oh, no," Ludovic shook his head, then they heard a noise outside of the cell. "I should probably go," he said. "But I'll bring you more food soon."

"Okay," Eloise nodded, deciding to take a risk and trust him since she didn't have any other choice. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," he said. Then gave her one last salute before leaving her alone in the cell once again.

"All right, I'm about to go meet Astrid, Alistair, and the other Council members to see what can be done about Eloise," Steve told Gwen, shaking his head. "I shouldn't have to do that. Why can't I just see it myself?"

"Maybe it has something to do with Avery," Gwen suggested. "Maybe she's stopping you."

Steve shook his head. "No, don't be silly. Why would that be?"

Gwen frowned. "Before you go, could you give me a back rub? It's hurting again!"

"I just gave you one!" Steve snapped. "If I did that until you felt better, I would be later than I already am. How about you take a warm bath or shower? That should relax you."

"You know, I would do that if I had the energy to move," Gwen countered. "But if you didn't notice, I'm huge. Movement is difficult! And our daughter is sucking the life out of me!"

"Yes, I realize that but I have to go to this meeting now," Steve told her and kissed her forehead. "When I get back, I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"All right," Gwen sighed deeply and stuck a pillow behind her back. "I suppose that'll have to do."

"I love you, dear," Steve said in a soft voice. "I do."

"Yes, I know," Gwen sighed. "Go to your meeting. I wouldn't want you to be late."

"But if anything happens, you call me," Steve said. "And I'll come right back. Will you do that?"

Gwen nodded.

"And would you like me to call someone for you so you're not here alone?" Steve asked.

"No, thank you," Gwen shook her head and shifted her body. "It's very sweet, but I promise I'm fine. If I need someone, I'll call them myself. Go to your meeting. Save Eloise. Be a hero."

"I will," Steve smiled. "See you soon, dear."

Gwen listened to him go, then tried to occupy her mind with a book or some TV, but she couldn't relax. Finally, she zapped the phone over to call someone to come over and keep her company. Perhaps Malachai. He was able to keep Avery reasonably calm and well behaved.

"Hello?" He greeted after she called him.

"Malachai, hello, it's Gwen Hamilton. This might seem like a ridiculous request, but...Steve's had to go to a meeting, so I'm at the house by myself. I wouldn't mind a little company. Would you stop by for a chat? If you have something else to do, it's okay, but if you have a bit of spare time..."

"Of course," Malachai nodded. He'd warmed up to Gwen and the child she was carrying. "I'll be there soon."

"Thank you," Gwen told him. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

After she ended the call, she managed to hoist herself to her feet so she could go use the bathroom, but as she took her first few steps away from the sofa, she cursed under her breath, looking down at the water on the floor. Miss Avery was on her way at last, and thank goodness Malachai was coming so she wouldn't have to deliver on her own.

Malachai parked his car in Gwen and Steve's driveway, grinning at the bright, sunny sky overhead. But his good mood turned to one of concern when Gwen answered his knock. She was white as a sheet.

"Hi, Gwen," he greeted her. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but...you don't look well. Is something wrong? If you'd like me to come back some other time so you can rest..."

He started to turn away, but was surprised when Gwen took his arm in a tight grip. "If you consider my going into labor something 'wrong' then yes, something is wrong. See?"

Malachai looked inside and saw a trail of water on the wood floor. "Oh, my goodness!"

"You're certainly right," Gwen nodded, her eyes closing. "Help me..."

Malachai's eyes widened and he stepped forward to catch Gwen as she swayed and fell forward. "Did you sense this was going to happen?" He asked. "Did you call me to help?"

"Not specifically," Gwen said after her eyes opened and she was able to take a deep breath. her whole body was really beginning to ache. "My water broke right after I got off the phone with you."

Malachai groaned. She was now dead weight and it was making his arms ache. "Where would you like me to set you down?" He had his eye on one of the living room couches but his aching arms let her down gently on the living room carpet before they reached it.

"Floor it is," he got out. "Sorry!"

"It's okay," Gwen told him and then let out a terrible shriek. "She's coming!" She yelled. "Damn it, Malachai, it hurts! I feel like my guts are exploding!"

"It will be fine," Malachai tried to assure her. "I'll just get you a pillow and-"

"I don't need a damn pillow!" Gwen cried. "You're as useless as Steve. She's coming now! You're gonna need to get towels to get her out!"

"Oh, I'm sure you're exaggerating-" Malachai began, then let out a shriek of his own and covered his eyes when she pulled up the skirt of her dress, revealing nothing underneath, but the top of a baby's head.

"What did you do that for?" He yelled.

"You needed proof!" Gwen said. "if you're wondering why I'm not wearing underwear, it's just been more comfortable this way lately."

"I was not wondering that, and thank you for scarring me for life even more!" Malachai told her.

"Oh, stop being such a coward and help me get her out!" Gwen snapped. "It's all we can do. She's coming and there's no stopping her."

"Well, how do I help you?" Malachai asked. "I've never delivered a baby before! I have no idea what I'm doing!"

"Just get some towels and hot water!" Gwen snapped. "Do you think you can do that? And do it fast!"

"Okay," Malachai nodded. He ran to the bathroom and came back with the towels and water, then pushed up his sleeves.

"Goodness, you have nice arms," Gwen remarked.

"Thank you," Malachai gave her a small smile.

"Okay," Gwen said and gave a push. "We're very close. You'll have to pull her out and put her in the towel."

"You mean look under your skirt at your...your private area?" Malachai asked. "You'll have to pardon me for saying this, but I really don't think that's appropriate."

"I don't give a damn about whether it's appropriate or not!" Gwen cried and then let out a yell. "Just get her out of me!"

Malachai heaved a big sigh and looked up and toward the window, and wherever else Steve might be. "You owe me big for this," he muttered under his breath.

Then Gwen began the final push, squeezing Malachai's hand so hard he was sure she'd broken a few of his fingers, even as he yelled words of encouragement.

Finally, Avery slid out and Malachai caught her in a towel. She came out with making little noises rather than crying loudly, something that concerned Gwen. "Is she okay?" Gwen asked. "I can't hear anything. Is my baby okay?"

"Yes," Malachai smiled as the baby instinctively grabbed his finger. "She's perfectly fine and she's an adorable child!" He cleared his throat. "Sit yourself up and I'll give her to you. Do you need help?"

"No, I got it now," Gwen said, then took her baby. "You're right. She is beautiful!" She cuddled her daughter, who had a button nose, big eyes, and a spray of dark hair. "Hello, Miss Avery. I'm your mother. "Your daddy is gone right now, but this nice man is named Malachai. You'll like him!"

With Avery safe in her mother's arms, he used his magic to clean everything up. "Will you be okay for a few minutes while I go make some phone calls? Do you want me to call Steve?"

"Thanks for offering, but I don't want to interrupt his meeting," Gwen said. "He can meet her when he gets home."

"All right," Malachai nodded and patted and kissed Avery's head. "Whatever you want."

"And Malachai?" Gwen asked.

"What?" Malachai got out.

"Thank you for your help," Gwen got out. "Avery and I appreciate it."

"You're welcome," Malachai said. "You're very welcome."

Helene breathed in deeply as she pulled the tray of cinnamon rolls from the oven, slathered then in icing, and then cut herself a big one.

"There," she said, settling down with her breakfast. Then she let out a cry as it was snatched from the plate by another hand. "What?" She asked, then looked up and groaned as Ludovic gulped down her food. "That was mine, you know," she said.

"I know, but I don't care," Ludovic snapped.

Helene then noticed that his full lips had a bit of icing on them...and she had the strangest urge to kiss him and then lick it off. But she frowned and shook her head.

"You're an absolute slob!" She yelled. "You have crumbs and frosting all over you!"

"Well, it was good, what can I say?" Ludovic shrugged, then saw the pan and went to grab another. "Wow, it's like you knew I was coming! Thank you!"

"Those aren't for you!" Helene cried. Then she gave him a spank and froze as he turned, eyes wide.

"What the hell was that?" He asked. "If you think I came for...that...you're crazy!"

"Well, what exactly did you come for? To eat me out of house and home?" Helene snapped.

"No!" Ludovic shook his head. "Just to tell you that I want my damn money! And I don't care so much for how you're treating Eloise."

"Why do you even care about that brat all of a sudden?" Helene questioned. "I mean, you were willing to kidnap her. So what's changed?"

"Well, when I originally agreed to the deal, I didn't know she was pregnant," Ludovic reminded her. "Plus, I had no idea that you were gonna hide her away and starve her for days on end. I thought you were going to keep her for a couple of days, consider your vengeance wrought, and then let her go. What you're doing is way beyond what I signed up for." He paused. "Plus, I thought I would get paid promptly and I think it's obvious now that that is not going to happen." He scoffed. "Not unless I harass you endlessly until you fork the cash over. Don't think I won't."

"I'm not stupid, I know that," Helene replied. "Don't worry, you'll get your money."

"Yes, but when?!" Ludovic demanded, bringing his open palm down hard on the table. "I'm not just gonna stand around like schmuck waiting for money that will come who knows when. I want it now! And I want actual cash. Don't think you can change course and pay me in something like sex."

Helene choked and began coughing. "Oh, why would you say that?" She cried. "I'm eating!"

Ludovic pushed the cinnamon roll plate away and picked her up by her collar. "I'm absolutely serious," he said, locking eyes with her. "Cold hard cash, or..." He paused and looked down. Helene's fingers had sneaked under his shirt and were lightly brushing his bare stomach.

"Or what?" She asked.

Ludovic swatted her hand away and then let her go, but dropped her on the floor, rather than neatly depositing her in her chair. "Now who's being disgusting?" He asked. "You start treating that girl better. Give her good, solid meals at the very least. Or I will."

"Fine," Helene replied. "You want it, you do it. I have nothing against that. Because I'm sure as hell not gonna do it." She then let out a cry as he grabbed the pan of cinnamon rolls and carried them to the door. "Why are you taking those?" She yelled. "Damn it, give them back!"

He grinned. "Consider it a small part part of payment for services rendered," he retorted. "I'm gonna go and enjoy these now. Have a nice day."

"Shit!" Selina muttered. "I knew I should have worn flats!" She was running down the street to get to the Council meeting about Eloise, rushing because the dress she'd wanted to wear had gone missing and it had taken her way longer than necessary to find it. And now the heel had broken off one of her shoes just to make things worse.

Cursing again, she pulled the heel off and continued in an awkward gait toward the Council building. But on the way there, she wanted to stop by Helene's and like, pee in her bushes or something for how she'd lied and schemed and been hurtful.

That decided, she reached Helene's and grabbed a rock to hurl at the window, a more dignified vengeance. But just as she lifted up her good throwing arm, a voice stopped her.

"Wow, what a greeting," Ludovic remarked as he came out Helene's front door. "Is that how you react to everyone?"

Selina put the rock down. "What the hell are you doing here in the city?"

"Well, even beasts desire civilization sometimes," he said, getting close and throwing the rock between his hands. "Don't you think?"

"Could be," Selina nodded. "But I doubt you're telling me everything." She pointed. "I know that's Helene's house that she's lived in since she and Malachai broke up. What do you want there?"

Ludovic shook his head. "I don't know any Helene," he said. "My elderly grandmother lives here. I come by sometimes to play cards with her. Today I brought her a casserole."

Selina's eyes narrowed. "I don't believe you but I don't have any proof you're lying." She grabbed him by the collar and bared her teeth. "But when I find out that you're lying and what you're up to, I'm going to get your ass! Do you understand me? That's a promise!"

Ludovic just smirked and got her hand off his shirt. "Temper, temper," he said and then clicked his tongue while shaking his head. "I don't know what you're so worked up and paranoid about. Maybe you should see a therapist or something." He looked her over, the woman with big blue eyes and a pastel dress. "I don't see you as being much of a fighter," he breathed. "you say you want my ass, but I think it's cause you like it. Not because you would hurt me." He saluted a stunned Selina. "Good day."

He then left a babbling Selina behind. Only when he was gone could she get a sentence out. "Yeah?" She called. "Well, fuck you!" Then she turned and continued walking toward the Council building, her phone vibrating in the deep pocket of her skirt. No doubt Elijah was wondering where she was. He hated it when she was late. It took a little bit of doing but she managed to break the heel off the other shoe so her gait would be normal, then sprinted, thinking of what she would say to head off what would certainly be a very long lecture on timeliness and responsibility. Finally she decided she'd say she'd taken vengeance on Helene by peeing in her bushes. A lie, but something that would so shock her husband that he wouldn't say another word...at least for a little while.

Alistair watched Astrid's hand shake as she poured coffee. "That's your fifth cup," he remarked, coming to put a hand on her shoulder. "You just keep drinking one right after the other. It can't be good for you."

"I know, but...I'm nervous, and you know when I'm nervous, I just..."

"Here," Alistair said and took the cup away before taking his wife in his arms. "I know why. Cause I think I feel the same."

"You think that Helene was somehow involved in Eloise's kidnapping too?" Astrid asked. "Cause I mean, when I told her about it, she didn't seem worried or sorry. I would hate to think that our child could do something so horrible, but..."

"I know we don't want to and it's entirely possible she could be innocent, but we can't let the possibility just go because she's our daughter," Alistair sighed. "Everyone will get here soon and then we can talk about what to do. Everything will work out. Eloise will be found."

"Hi," Adrian got out as he made his way into the room, sat down, and rubbed his eyes.

"Here," Alistair offered him Astrid's cup. "Take this. It looks like you need it."

Adrian looked up from rubbing his eyes, growled, and then pushed the cup aside, causing it to shatter and coffee to spill everywhere. "What I need is my wife and my child!" He cried. "And to slowly torture whoever took them until they scream for mercy!"

"I know you're angry," Alistair tried to calm him. "But it won't do you any good. Relax. Take a deep breath. Think about yourself so you're at your best when we find Eloise. She'll need you. You'll be no good to her if you're a mess. You know that."

Adrian heaved a big sigh and apologized.

"No need," Alistair told him and put a hand on his shoulder. "This is hard for all of us, and especially for you." He zapped the cup back together, liquid and all, and handed it to him again. "I insist you drink this." He paused. "Or would you rather have cocoa?"

"No, the coffee's fine," Adrian said. "Thank you." He knew better than to ask for a glass of scotch. In the state he was in, Alistair would definitely refuse him.

"You're welcome," Alistair said, and then went to answer the knock on the door that brought Lucifer, Steve, Kai, Klaus, and Elijah in to the room in the span of about ten minutes.

"All right," he said when they'd all gotten their refreshments. "I think you know why we're all here: Eloise is missing, and we have to find her fast. We might not have a lot of time left." He looked at Steve, who shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can be of the sort of help you want now," he told them. "My powers haven't been working like they should."

"Oh, come now, Dad," Lucifer huffed. "You don't mean to say you're completely useless? At least come up with something to start the ball rolling!"

Steve looked on helplessly and shrugged while Lucifer rolled his eyes.

"Do you have any ideas, Lucifer?" Alistair questioned.

"Well, I would ask if Eloise had any enemies, but clearly she didn't," Lucifer replied. "At least not because of her own behavior." He looked at Adrian. "Don't take this the wrong way; I don't mean to sound accusatory when you're going through a hard time, but we all know you've had your bad moments; Can you think of anyone you might have angered in the past who would want to harm Eloise to get back at you?"

This made Astrid and Alistair look at one another uncomfortably.

"Well, I mean, it's possible," Adrian shrugged. "I know I haven't always been the easiest to get along with, but..."

"Oh, all right, we'll keep thinking," Lucifer huffed.

It was while this was going on that Kai decided to go take a bathroom break. After he was done and heading out the bathroom, he thought he saw a woman with a familiar blonde bob out of the corner of his eye. She was walking down the hallway and out of sight.

Knowing that it was impossible, but still very sure of what he'd seen, Kai started running, hoping to catch up to Gabrielle and ask just how in the world she'd gotten here.

He finally seemed to have her in his sight, but she never turned around, never spoke a word. Then, at last, she seemed to disappear for good, leaving only a slip of paper behind her. He picked it up, unfolded it, and read it.

Check on the brunette who lives at 53 and Elm.

He had no idea what it meant. After he looked around and was completely certain there was no Gabrielle anywhere, he shook his head and made his way back to the conference room, thinking that he had just been seeing things.

"Nice that you could join us," Klaus said. "What kept you? Did you get lost?"

"Niklaus, don't make trouble," Elijah snapped.

"Thank you," Kai told him and then headed over to Astrid. "I found this note in the hallway near the bathroom? Does it mean something? Is it nonsense?" He paused. "Wait a minute...isn't fifty-third and elm your daughter's..."

"Yes," Alistair sighed. "That's Helene's house. But where did this note come from? It was just on the floor?"

"No," Kai shook his head, deciding to be a little more truthful. "I think a woman left it. A blonde I knew once. I can't give you more than that."

Klaus then looked at Alistair and Astrid and spoke very seriously. "If it turns out that your daughter had something to do with what happened to Eloise, she'll face consequences, won't she?" He asked. "You won't use your positions to protect her?"

"Of course we won't!" Astrid assured him. "If it turns out she had a hand in this, she'll face the the consequences for acting out against another witch just like anyone else."

"Good," Klaus nodded. "Because I know witches can be very protective of their own and can turn their backs if someone from another species is hurt by a witch or warlock." He paused. "I mean, of course we know Eloise has magical blood, but it's also obvious that her demon blood lowers her in the estimations of many, doesn't it?"

"To some it would, yes," Astrid said firmly. "But not to me, it doesn't. Whoever it was that did this to Eloise will be punished. Even if..." her voice trembled. "Even if it means I have to lock up my own daughter." She began to tear up. "Excuse me. I have something in my eye."

She and Alistair then left the room and everyone else surrounded Adrian.

"We'll find her for sure," Elijah assured his nephew. "Knowing that Helene might know something at the very least is progress."

"Yes," Lucifer nodded. "And if she doesn't talk willingly, Eleanor and I have ways of making her. Also, should the Witches' Council not punish her effectively if she's proven guilty, my wife and I will take up that slack as well."

"You will?" Adrian asked. He shouldn't have been surprised. But he was. And touched too.

"Of course," Lucifer nodded. "Wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't." He eyed Steve. "Isn't that right, Dad?"

"Yes," Steve nodded. "That's right. I'll see what I can do too, although with Gwen going through what she is and my powers on the fritz, I don't know how much I can accomplish."

"And while that's happening, you and I can go out for a pizza," Kai grinned. "What do you say?"

Adrian looked around. "I would say I feel much better now," he said. "Thank you, everyone. You..you don't know what this means to me."

"You're welcome," Elijah told him. Then he paused. "Would you know where your mother is? Did you run into her on your way over? I wonder why she's not here yet."

Just then, his phone rang. Elijah answered it, groaning openly when he heard it was his wife. "What are you doing? Why are you so late?"

"Well, I lost the dress I was gonna wear, then on my way over my shoe broke...and you'll never guess what I saw!" Selina cried. "As I was walking by Helene's house, I saw Ludovic come out of it! I just know he has something to do with Eloise's kidnapping! Maybe they're in on it together!"

"Could be," Elijah replied. "Keep making your way here so you can tell everyone what you saw. Good job, dear."

"Thanks," Selina told him. "It shouldn't be too long to wait. I'll be there in a jiffy."

After the meeting was over, Steve stopped at a florist and bought Gwen some roses as a way to apologize for how difficult he'd been before he'd left. He then continued on his way home, whistling jauntily, in a much better mood despite the fact that his powers were still messed up.

But when he opened the door, a cry met his ears. He followed the sound to the living room where he found Gwen sitting on the floor...with a baby in her arms.

"Oh, my...my dear!" He exclaimed. "Am I really seeing this? Was our fight so troubling that you decided to have the child without me?" He then put the roses next to her. "My apologies for how I acted before. It was terrible of me."

"Apology accepted," Gwen smiled. "I know it's frustrating to have your powers not work. Believe me." She paused. "And it was just a coincidence that Avery came out when she did. Sorry you had to miss it."

"I knew I shouldn't have left," Steve shook his head. "And made you handle it all on your own. I mean, I know you could quite capably, but you shouldn't have to!"

"She didn't," Malachai said as he came back. "I've been here. We got Avery out together."

"Well, thank you, young man," Steve told him after kissing Avery's head. "I owe you a big debt."

"You sure do," Malachai replied shamelessly. "Now that you're here and everything seems under control, I'll be on my way. Enjoy your new baby! Congratulations!" And it was just as he was about to close the door that Avery let out an ear-splitting shriek. "So glad I won't have to deal with that," he told himself. "What a blessing!"