**A/N: Sorry for the late update; I hope you enjoy the chapter. The next chapter will be the ritual, with the following chapters consisting of us awakening the rest of the Mikaelsons as we prepare for Elara's curse! As I stated in a note on a previous chapter, I plan for this fic to end at fifty chapters, so we are getting close to the end of Elaras' tale. I am willing to go into a bit of the New Orleans plot, with of course loads of my own original stuff mixed in, but only if you guys want it. So let me know. This chapter has not yet been edited. **
The music that filled the awkward silence shifted from the latest hits to ear-splitting static, and I reached out, twisting the dial until I found a catchy melody that left little room for idle thought. Hastily, I lowered the visor as I turned a sharp corner and the orange glow of the setting sun nearly blinded me. Niklaus was still based at Lockwood manor and Elijah had joined him as a gesture of good faith. I felt bad for Elijah, knowing he had enjoyed the peace he gained staying with Mrs. G. I pointed the car in the direction of Lockwood manor, my mind a million miles away. About an hour before, I had called Mason and Taylor with an update, revealing that Elena and I were going to have dinner with the two Original brothers, and much to my dismay, they had both been adamant that they accompany me. It had taken a direct order, something I hated doing, for them to agree to stay at 'Wolf House' and wait for me. To ease my conscience, after ordering them around like some tyrannical dictator, I made myself a promise that I would talk Niklaus into vacating the manor so that Tylor could have his home back. It was something I should have done from the beginning, but there had been so much going on that dealing with him taking over someone else's home had been pretty low on my checklist.
Elena incessantly tapped her knuckles against her knee, and I turned my head to look at her. She had chosen to put her best foot forward, dressing up for the occasion. She was wearing her cutest Midi dress; a light blue floral lace cold-shoulder paired with sleek white platform pumps. Her long dark brown hair was curled and twisted into a crown braid. She looked remarkably like Katerina. Though, when she had stepped out of her room, her innocent doe eyes staring nervously into mine, I had chosen not to say anything. I didn't want to hurt her feelings. Why mention something she couldn't change? There would always be times when she would remind me of at least one of her ancestors. It's just another part of the doppelganger curse. Placing my hand atop hers, I stopped her idle fidgeting.
"I know you're nervous, but there's no need; everything will be okay. Truthfully, we've accomplished the hardest part. We've proven to Niklaus that breaking his curse has stipulations and he is smart enough to realize that if his mother had a caveat she will likely have a failsafe, one that would prevent him from being able to create others like himself," I said, patting her thigh.
Elena released the deep breath she had been holding, and her shoulders shuddered with the force of it. "Logically, I know everything will work out. You have proven to me time and again that you can handle whatever comes our way. You've fought werewolves, vampires, and Originals for our family, but there is that small part of me that is terrified that something will happen and you'll be hurt." Elena's deep mahogany eyes glistened and she quickly dashed away her tears, her fingers trembling as she lowered them back to her lap. "I know I haven't been the best sister since mom and dad died, and I am truly sorry for that, but Elara, I can't lose anyone else. I am not strong enough!" she declared, clenching her hands into fists.
My heart ached as I listened to her, my poor sister who had been through too much for someone her age, and would have to continue living through hell. My throat constricted and I tried to speak through the painful emotion. "Elena…I can't tell you everything will be okay, considering the circumstances, but what I can tell you is: I will do everything in my power to make sure you and our family are okay. If that means being careful, then so be it; I'll do my best," I said, smiling weakly.
Taking my hand, Elena nodded, her eyes misty, and she turned, fixing her gaze on the scenery passing by outside her window. It was easy to see she doubted my sincerity, and I didn't blame her. She knew that my curse wasn't something I could fight. I had zero faith in my survival, I couldn't imagine how hard it must be for others. We drove that rest of the way in silence, and I cherished it for what it was, the last moments of peace before a storm of utter chaos. I did believe what I told Elena; I knew Niklaus was smart enough to realize that Esther's caveat could not have been the only addition to his curse. After figuring out her true intentions — to never allow him any sort of freedom — he would have easily realized that she had also added a failsafe, just in case. Telling him of Elena's blood will be easy, convincing him not to chain her up and use her as his blood bank will not be. It's just not something I wanted to bring up; adding to her worry would only make things harder. As we passed the open iron gate and pulled onto the driveway, I could see Carol Lockwood standing on the porch in an inappropriately short plum dress with a dark purple floral pashmina draped over her shoulders. Elena huffed in irritation, her lips pursed with disapproval.
"Honestly, forcing Carol to join us is in bad taste. Isn't it enough that she's still his compelled puppet?" she asked.
With a deep sigh, I parked a few feet away from the porch, shutting down the engine. I laid my head back, turning to look at her. "Elena, I know it sucks. I will speak to him, but for now, just be cool. We can't bust in and start demanding things. Remember it's us who are here to ask something of him," I said, my voice thick with meaning.
This was the most annoying part of dealing with the supernatural, it was all such a minefield of give and take. It was almost like being in politics. You had to know when to let the small things slide to change the bigger things in the future. As much as I loved the Mikaelsons, their world was exhausting. I was shocked outta my reverie by my door being pulled open, and a tall spiky-haired blonde vampire standing with his hand held out expectantly. "Miss Rioult, the Mikaelsons are expecting you."
With my brow cocked, I glanced over at Elena, who was looking between me and her unopened door with narrowed eyes. "What am I, chopped liver?" she whispered.
Giggling, I shook my head and swiftly accepted the hand of the awaiting vampire. "No, Elena, you're a Lady. Which means you wait until you are greeted to exit your vehicle. He will come around and escort you to the porch. It's totally old school, and I would guess for my benefit. It's just like Nik to go way overboard," I said, rolling my eyes fondly.
Elena's nose wrinkled with humor and her cheeks puffed out, turning red as she tried to stop her laughter. She watched me step out of the car, her hands hovering in front of her face, and her snort of laughter followed me as I was guided to the porch. Shaking my head, I smiled in an acknowledgment of thanks as the young vampire left me standing beside Carol before he headed back to the car to retrieve Elena. Carol tossed her lilting pashmina back over her left shoulder and stared me down, her glazed eyes piercing me. "It's so good of you to join us for dinner, dear. It's been far too long," she said
There was a harshness in her gaze that momentarily took me by surprise, and my brain fought to discover the hidden meaning behind her eyes. I hated surprises. "It's my pleasure Carol; I'm happy to be here," I said, and my building smile felt plastic.
Carol's cool stare raked over my body and the hairs on my arms stood on end. "You look lovely. That's such a…nice dress, and a ponytail…what a fashion statement," she said, her head tilting as she grinned, her pale pink painted lips parting widely to show perfectly straight white teeth.
I reached up and fluffed my curly ponytail, glancing down with a momentary feeling of dejection at my black v-neck mini dress. I had chosen it for its comfortable fabric and simplicity. I loved that it had adjustable cami straps and a flowy above-the-knee skirt. I hated feeling bound in my clothes and was too accident-prone for long intricate dresses. I lifted one foot and smiled down at my sparkly silver ballet flats. A bubbly feeling of contentment filled my chest as I realized I loved the way I looked, and that's all that mattered. If anyone had anything to say about it, then they were not my people, and it was better to know that early on. Glancing back up at Carol, I shrugged, adjusting my favorite leather jacket, and I idly played with the zipper.
"I'm happy with it; I'm not much of a girly girl. I've been forced to do the dress-up thing, and I hated every second of it, now I'm all about simplicity," I said.
Carol wrapped her pashmina around herself rather tightly, brushing invisible lint off the fabric. "Well, it's no wonder Tyler chose to end your relationship. Men like to show their women off. What will a man be able to show off with you? Food for thought, dear," she said, hands clasped in front of her.
Before I could burst into uneasy laughter, the clicking of heels caught my attention, and I turned, smiling at the sight of a pink-cheeked Elena being led toward us. "Elena, dear, how wonderful to see you!" Carol belted, weaving around me with her arms outstretched.
Elena's eyes were large as she was pressed against the chest of a woman who had never greeted her that enthusiastically before. My instincts flared as I realized Carol, a woman who had always generally liked me, was lashing out for some unknown reason. My eyes widened in fear, she knew more than a few things I wasn't ready to reveal yet. I felt my stomach roll; good Goddess, give me strength.
"Come inside, Elena; we have a delicious spread tonight, '' I insisted. It's been far too long since I've had guests; Klaus has been busy with business," Carol said, waving her hand out beside her with a giggle.
Niklaus, of course, this was about him. What exactly was she compelled to believe? Carol led Elena past me and I reluctantly made to follow, sighing. Elena looked over Carol's shoulder, her eyes wide with surprise and confusion, I grinned despite my aggravation. You would think she would be used to being the center of attention. Carol swiftly opened the front door, pushing Elena inside, her voice was high-pitched with excitement as she spoke a mile a minute about absolutely everything. Absently, I started to make my way inside and was almost smacked in the face by the heavy oak door as she started to shut it behind her. With my hands braced out in front of me, I pushed open the door, my eyes wide with anger. "Did you forget about someone, Carol?" I sneered, glancing around the door.
Carol stood on the other side, her fingertips still grazing the doorknob, expression blank. Elena rushed to my side and placed her hands on my shoulders, her eyes raked over my face. "Are you okay? Did it hit you?" she hurriedly asked.
The air around us rustled with life and Elijah appeared at the bottom of the steps, swiftly followed by Niklaus. Elijah took in the scene with fixed focus, his cinnamon brown eyes squinted in anger as he took in my harried state. He still wore the same dark gray suit he had on earlier in the day, apart from his jacket which was noticeably absent. His shirt sleeves were unbuttoned, pulled up past his elbows, and ruby red splotches decorated his cuffs. What had they been doing?
"Is there a problem, Elena?" he asked, stepping further into the foyer.
Elena stumbled, shocked by the sound of her name, and her hands fell from my body. On weak feet, she stepped backward and looked toward Elijah, eyes rounded with surprise. "Uh, w-when we came in Carol shut the door in Elara's face. I was just checking on her," Elena stuttered, words falling from her lips almost incoherently.
A deep dark laugh rippled through the air, the sort of laugh that sends shivers down your spine, and my eyes searched out Niklaus. He was standing, hand placed elegantly atop the creme white banister, a dangerous smile growing on his lips. The sweet dimples in his cheeks only made the smile all the more terrifying. "Carol, love, is that true? Did you attempt to injure one of my guests?" he asked, slowly inching forward.
Carol's face paled considerably the closer Niklaus came, and I felt terrible for the woman I had known for most of this life. She wasn't one of my people, but I had made a promise to Mason and Tyler; I had sworn to protect their family. Twisting my fingers around one another, I dug deep, searching for a skill I hadn't used in a very long time. I needed to guide the attention elsewhere, and as a former Lady, I knew the easiest way to do so. Pointing my toe, I uncertainly dug at the floor, twirling my heel and sighing lowly — making sure the sound came out breathy and disappointed. Brushing down my dress self consciously, I allowed a blush of saddened embarrassment to pink my cheeks. Lifting my head high, I turned away from Carol and Niklaus, closing the door behind me with a quiet snap. Elena watched me curiously, her wide eyes darting nervously around the room. Meekly, I brushed my long ponytail off my shoulder, eyes downcast, and turned toward the dining room, my dress puffing out around me as I spun on my heel. Behind me, everyone was speechless, but I could feel all eyes on me as I pulled open the white french doors — entering the warmly lit dining room. The glossy solid wood twelve-person table had been expertly set for dinner, beautiful silver candlesticks glowing in the middle. A young woman clad in a polyester server's uniform and chunky black Mary Jane pumps, entered from the direction of the kitchen, carrying gleaming silver trays of plated salad. I felt the presence of the others behind me and leisurely idled toward the right-hand seat situated next to the head of the table, instinctively knowing my place at the small dinner party.
"I have to say, I am disappointed that no one took the time to welcome me and Elena. What happened with Carol was nothing; a silly accident." Pursing my lips, I forced a let-down smile, running my fingers along the top of the dark brown oak chair. "And here I took all this time to dress up, for it all to go unnoticed," I said, slowly grasping the chair to pull it out and releasing a sorrowful sigh.
I could almost hear Elena's jaw audibly drop in shocked disbelief, and I discreetly glanced at her, narrowing my eyes in warning before I artfully stepped away just as the chair in my hand was nearly ripped away by Niklaus.
"Please forgive our lack of manners, love; you truly look ravishing. I was only worried for your safety," he said, pulling out my seat, his fingertips caressing my shoulder as I slowly sat.
As if suddenly remembering his manners, Elijah reached out, gesturing for Elena to take his hand so that he could guide her to her seat. Her cheeks were practically glowing as she took his proffered hand with trembling fingers. I knew he could feel every tremor in her body, and likely ascertain exactly what she was feeling by the way she shivered in his presence, but I kept my mouth shut, amused by the small crush I could see my sister beginning to harbor.
"I agree with Niklaus, 'Lannie, you look lovely." Looking down at Elena, a small smile played on his lips as he pulled out the seat directly in front of my own. "As do you, Miss. Gilbert," Elijah said, lips quirked.
I hid a shocked, if not gleeful, smile behind my hand, turning my head toward Niklaus who was taking in the scene with careful consideration. I smacked his arm, tearing his attention away from whatever plan his mind was beginning to concoct. With a caught-out grin, he stepped over to his chair at the head of the table, taking a king-like stance, hands placed atop the glossy wood. Carol, who had been left behind at the entrance of the room, quickly took a seat beside Elena, wearing a sour expression. The deep sneer of disapproval twisted her face further when she pulled her pashmina from her neck, and Elena exhaled sharply, shocked by the small bandage on display a few inches above her clavicle. Elena's nose wrinkled in distaste, her eyes darkening with indignation. I felt shame slide around in my stomach like a ship on an unstable sea, and my skin prickled with the discomfort of it.
After the fuss I had made about Damon feeding on an unknowing Caroline, I couldn't very well act nonchalant about Niklaus or Elijah feeding on Zombie Carol, not if she thought she was in some sort of relationship and had been abused because of it. The act of feeding on compelled humans was not something I was against, but if they were abused in other ways while not being able to provide proper consent, then that was an entirely different story. It looked like I was going to have to have a conversation with the Mikaelson men.
I placed my hands atop the table and inhaled a deep calming breath, carefully catching Elena's eye with the gentle nudging of my foot. Elena's heated gaze found mine and her nostrils flared as she stared at me. With practiced precision, I lifted my hand and brushed a single strand of hair from the right side of my face, and as my hand passed my mouth, I whispered 'I will handle it'. Elena's flushed face softened and her temper calmed. With a nod of understanding, she sat back in her seat just as the soft clink of silver on glass met the silent air.
Niklaus placed his knife back down and lifted his arms, gesturing widely, a bright nearly manic smile on his face. Elena wiggled in her seat uneasily, and I swiftly glanced over at her, tilting my head reassuringly. "Ah, isn't this nice! All of us here, together, preparing for the ritual." Niklaus brushed his hand in Elijah's direction. "My wayward brother, brought home again by the return of our beautiful Elandra." He gestured to me with a gentle tilt of his chin, and his eyes locked onto my own. "Elandra, my favorite witch, whom I have loved for most of my human life, and every single day of my eternal one." His perfect pink lips lifted into an angelic smile, one he rarely wore outside of special moments between those he truly loved, and I felt my eyes burn with tears."
After an intense and intimate stare-off, his focus steadily turned to Elena. "And the most important piece, the Petrova Doppelganger. Without whom, I would have no hope of breaking my curse." Niklaus's eyes shined wickedly as he stared Elena down, taunting her.
The kitchen door swung open, breaking Niklaus's stride, and his jaw tightened, a deep wrinkle appearing between his cool blue eyes. The tall brunette waitress glided into the room, a bottle of white wine in hand, her back was straight and eyes firmly placed on her feet, the perfect definition of 'be seen but not heard'. Effortlessly, she worked her way around the table, filling each of our glasses. Once she finished the final glass, Niklaus snapped his finger and she froze at his side, her wide eyes still planted on her feet. Elena's back arched and she sat forward, placing her elbows on the table. I could see her jaw working as she fought back her words, instead, she swallowed deeply, closing her eyes in an obvious bid for strength before she met Niklaus's taunting gaze.
"For the last time, it's Elena. I would appreciate you at least using my given name." Glancing at me knowingly, her eyes brightened, and she looked up at the Hybrid, her lips curling into a goading smile. "Because I don't think you'll be getting rid of me anytime soon. Who knew a doppelganger would become part of the Original family?" Elena said, and her mocking laugh filled the room.
Elijah fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat, a surprised and slightly pained expression flashing across his face as he looked across the table at the doe-eyed Petrova. Niklaus tilted his head, narrowed eyes flashing with bitterness at the sharp turn in the conversation, but with a deep huff of breath the curiosity of her words got the better of him and slowly he took his seat. He wore an impatient half-smile as he turned his head in my direction, resting his elbows on the table and flicking his fingers for me to explain. The lack of control Elena had over her mouth was starting to irritate me.
I released a put upon sigh, and sat back in my seat, my fingers tapping restlessly against the table. "Thank you, Elena, for starting the conversation early. I wasn't at all looking forward to dinner," I said, glancing down longingly at the fully loaded salad.
A slight hum of amusement from Elijah dimmed my annoyance until Carol huffed, crossing her arms and turning toward Niklaus. "Does she have to be here? I mean, this was supposed to be a fun dinner party and she's ruining it! First, she breaks my sons he—"
My heart stuttered in my chest. "Enough Carol, I believe I was asked a question, one that needs to be answered in order for Nik to get what he desires after the ritual is complete. Please butt out," I interrupted, my skin clammy. There were a few things I was not yet ready to discuss with the overly possessive Hybrid, and one of those was my past lovers. He had reacted harshly enough to Damon, and at this point, Tyler was much easier to break. I was hoping to push off the discussion of lovers to another time, maybe after I'm dead.
Niklaus rose from his chair with purpose, a dangerous smile lifting his lips. With ease of step, he made his way around the table, fingertips grazing the back of each chair as he passed by. "Oh Carol, do go on. What part of your son did our dear Elandra break?" he asked, his tone sizzling with ill hidden anger.
My nails grazed the tabletop and I felt my cheeks heat, a nervous sweat building at the base of my neck. As Niklaus approached my seat, I looked up at Elena, my mind whirling with panic. Elena's cheeks dented as she sucked in a deep breath, her teeth nibbling at her lower lip, and with a sudden widening of her eyes, her head snapped toward Niklaus. "My blood is the only thing that can create Hybrids once the curse is broken," she blurted out, her shoulders trembling.
Closing my eyes, I lowered my head, for once thankful for Elena's lack of tact. Niklaus stopped directly behind me, his posture stiff, and his head slowly lowered, eyes tracing my face. "What exactly is she talking about?" he snapped.
I looked into his fierce gaze, not backing down; I would never appear to be anything less than his equal. Niklaus' stiff posture slackened minutely, and his eyes softened at my hardened stare. I took a moment to breathe before I spoke. "It was Esther's failsafe, just in case you ever broke your curse. When the doppelganger dies, so does any chance of you successfully creating Hybrids. It's the doppelganger's blood that is needed for them to complete transition," I said, my expression twisting with sympathy.
Niklaus turned to look at Elijah, who until this moment had been sitting calmly in wait, his face the picture of ease. After all, Niklaus' mood swings were not anything new. Elijah's brow rose in surprise, his eyes hard as steel. "It makes perfect sense. Of course, mother would have a backup plan," he said, tone stiff.
Niklaus chuckled darkly, shaking his head in a facsimile of amusement. "And I'm supposed to believe that you did not know about this little development? I find it vastly suspicious that you just happen to come to my side the moment I have all I need to break my curse…only to find out it will be all for naught," he said. "Oh the enjoyment you must feel knowing I will be alone in my curse forever!" he shouted, reaching out and tossing an empty chair across the room in his misplaced fury. Carol yelped in fright, her hands coming to hover in front of her face, and Elena jumped as the chair crashed against the far wall, once again shocked by the sudden display of violence. Rolling my eyes, I stood to my feet, inching away from the fuming Hybrid just to be safe, and crossed my arms over my chest.
"Oh get a grip! I'm so sick of you yelling like an infant." I said, my voice coming out as more of a growl than intended.
Niklaus spun around, his expression promising murder, and I heard the scrapping of a chair against the hardwood floor as someone rose to their feet; I prayed it wasn't Elena. Lifting his hand into the air, Niklaus jabbed his index finger in my direction. "Do not think you get a free pass just because I have declared my love for you. You will watch the way you speak to me, Elandra."
Carol grumbled in annoyed disapproval and I heard rather than saw Elena smack her on the shoulder. Tilting my head, I released a small laugh, one lingering on the side of a scoff, and narrowed my eyes.
"Excuse me? I have never once bowed to you like some sort of submissive bitch. If that's what you expect of me then you best look elsewhere." Niklaus's face faltered, fear flashing in his deep blue eyes and I momentarily felt guilty, but the reminder of his harsh words was enough to squash the feeling. He had to remember that I was not going to sit by and be trampled by his anger. My chest was heaving as I took a single step backward, colliding with the solid warm chest of Elijah. He placed his hand on my shoulder, steadying me, and Niklaus growled, his eyes shifting into pools of red. He fisted his hands, closing his eyes as he inhaled deeply in an attempt to remain calm. I took a single step away from Elijah and placed my fingertips atop the bridge of my nose; I applied a bit of necessary pressure. "Look, we have gotten way off track. As usual, you jumped to conclusions before you let me finish explaining. Can we all just sit down, eat our dinner, and have a civil conversation?" I asked.
With a tick in his jaw, Niklaus smiled condescendingly and gestured toward the table, his darkened gaze never leaving Elijahs. It was a heady reminder of the problem I had yet to deal with; another thing on my ever-growing checklist. Elijah gently nudged me forward but I stepped away, my eyes downcast, and made my own way. I felt Elena's eyes on me as I sat down, but instead of adding to my new level of stress, I took hold of my wine glass and downed a healthy swig before sitting it back down and taking my fork in hand, uncaring of manners as my stomach twisted with hunger. A loud bang rattled the table, upending my wine glass and sending the rest of the yellow-gold-hued liquid cascading off the edge. Carol squealed in anger, taking hold of her glass and lifting it off the table.
"I have never…this is a silk tablecloth…" she grumbled to herself.
My head jerked toward the end of the table, and I ground my teeth together in irritation when I found Niklaus with his palms flat against the surface, his menacing blue eyes settled on my face. "You mentioned conversation, do begin," he said, eyes sparkling with barely restrained rage.
I wanted to cry as I sat my fork back down, but I knew when to give and when to take, and I had pushed him as far as I could without further explanation. I turned toward him, giving him my full attention, and raised my hand, gesturing to his left at Elijah. "Well first off, Elijah had no idea that I knew about Esther's final addition to your curse. All I told him when he first showed up was that I planned to help you break your curse and that I had everything you needed. I might have also mentioned that no one needed to die for it to happen, but I think he honestly believed that was a bit of wishful thinking," I said.
"That was about it," Elena said in barely a whisper, her head down.
In all honesty, at that time I knew Elijah had no doubt I had something up my sleeve, but Niklaus didn't need to know that. "Elandra is speaking the truth, brother. I did not know of our mothers' intention to keep you from creating Hybrids. But even had she been successful, you would never have been alone. You have a family, Niklaus; if you'd only let us be there for you," Elijah said.
Niklaus shook his head, closing his eyes against Elijah's words, unable or unwilling to accept them. Leaning forward in my seat, I reached out and placed my hand on Niklaus's, wrapping my fingers around his. "I would never willingly abandon you, Nik, you should know that by now. This failsafe will not prevent you from creating Hybrids. I have studied your curse for centuries and have had a fool-proof plan in place for many years," I said. His brows furrowed and a flash of genuine distrust flickered in his eyes, followed by a hint of what I could easily recognize as guilt.
"I understand your inability to trust others, so feel free to have your witch check over my work. I won't be bothered by it." I shot him a carefree wink as I sat back in my seat.
His lips quirked and I saw a wave of gratefulness take over his face before he smothered it with his usual mask of cold bravado. "So this plan of yours, what does it entail? I'm guessing you've discovered a way for me to save the doppelganger?" he asked.
Picking up my fork, I smiled over at Elena, whose face was pale, her shoulders stiff as granite. "Yes, of course; I know of a potion that can revive her. It will not interfere with the ritual, and she will come back healthy and able to donate blood to you monthly," I said, my mouth dry as I waited for him to pick up on the bit about her donating blood.
Carol wiggled in her seat and released a girly giggle of sheer amusement. "It'll be like the vampire Red Cross!"
Elena lowered her face onto the palms of her hands in defeat. Niklaus glanced at Elijah and laughed, throwing his head back as he enjoyed the raspberry tint of embarrassment growing on Elena's face. "Ah, my own personal blood bank. I do like the idea of that," he said.
"Niklaus…" Elijah warned, glancing at Elena sympathetically.
"No! She will not be used as a blood bank. That's where I draw the line, Nik; Elena is my family. As I mentioned, she is more than willing to donate to you every month, which will give you more than enough to use to create Hybrids," I firmly stated, glaring at him fiercely.
Niklaus met my glare with his own fierce fire, and I kept his gaze until Elijah cleared his throat.
"I think that is more than fair, don't you, Niklaus? With Elandra's plan everyone wins," he said.
"And how do I know that one of your troublesome Salvatores will not step in and cause trouble? If she is turned before or after my ritual, then she will be useless. If I were to simply keep her locked up and away from them, or even drain her, then I wouldn't have to worry about their interference," Niklaus said.
A rushed inhale of breath, resulting in a shocked 'hiccup' of fear spilled from Elena, and I raised my hand, gesturing for her to remain calm, gaze never leaving Niklaus's face.
"Yes, you could do all of that, but if you lock her away you will be forced to deal with an angry young woman always looking for a way to escape, not to mention her family and friends who will never give up the search. If you simply drain her, then you'll only have a limited supply of blood. With my plan you'll have her entire life to create Hybrids," I said.
Niklaus sat back in his seat, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes as he stared at me. The way he looked at me left me feeling like a bug under the painful rays of projected sunlight from a magnifying glass. Despite the intensity of his gaze, I kept his stare, my skin damp from the stress of it. After what felt like an eternity, he finally moved his focus to the fidgeting doppelganger, who had been unnaturally quiet as she allowed me to fight a battle for her very life. He looked between us for a breath of a moment, before he glanced back at my stern face, his eyes raking my unyielding expression. He knew that once I had made up my mind there was no going back; I would fight until the end. With a deep sigh, he rolled his eyes and raised his hand, waving it around carelessly. "Yes! Fair enough; I accept your deal, Elandra. As long as the potion is deemed suitable by my witch and a contract is made regarding the Salvatore brothers," he said.
"A contract?" I asked, brow raised in concern?
Niklaus smiled mischievously, that damn distracting dimple on full display. "Don't worry, I'll be sure that it's fair to everyone," he said.
Sure he would. I shook my head with a slight roll of my eyes and leaned closer, my arm draped in front of me. "Yeah, we'll see about that. Elena will not be agreeing to any ridiculous demands, Nik. Just remember that," I said.
The buried predator was brought to life by my challenge, and a playful fire lit up his eyes. "Yes, we will see who bends to who, Elandra," he whispered almost wickedly.
I sat back, smiling at his confidence, and my smile widened as I heard the exhale of relief fall from Elena's lips, it was a deep body bowing breath that left her with shaking shoulders and trembling lips. Her eyes closed, her body finally relaxing and I felt my appetite return in full force.
"Now that we have the conversation taken care of, let's eat!" Carol exuberantly said.
I couldn't have agreed more! I made to pick up my fork when a smooth voice stopped me in my tracks. "Elandra love, I've always enjoyed a good story with my meal, do tell us about the Lockwood boy."
Shit.