Chapter 12 - The Tainted Wolf - Now Edited

Last time...

A shared dream with Klaus takes Caroline's concern of her growing bond with Klaus through the Eternal Vow, to dangerous levels. Bonnie offers to the break the Vow, believing a relationship with Klaus to be a horrible idea, to which Klaus disagrees. Unable to reconcile her feelings about Hayley, Klaus and the Vow, Caroline runs off, leaving Klaus feeling rejected. Kol engages in a heart to heart conversation with his Brother concerning Caroline and his future dealings with Elijah. In mid-discussion, Stefan calls Klaus to get an update on Caroline and to reveal that him and Damon have yet to find Elena due to a false lead. During this phone conversation, Damon stumbles on a old drawing by Manning, depicting Klaus and Caroline on a boat the year 972 A.D addressed to Manning's "beloved flame hair assassin."

A/N OMG an update! Now, this chapter was originally going to take place further in the story BUT! Because of 200 favs (yeah! 200 favs PLUS 300 follows people! So amazing! Another milestone! Isn't that awesome?!) I've done a hybrid chapter of what was going to be the next chapter and a future one. Hope you like it. It really makes me smile knowing that 200 people count my fic as a favorite and 300 want to know when I update. I don't take such an honor lightly. Thanks!

By the way lovelies, as you can see from the chapter title, the return of Manning is here along with the end of this story Arc! Thanks for patiently waiting. He is now a fic regular starting this chapter. Hopefully that makes people happy (if not, I will find ways to cut his fic time, just let me know via review). We also find out the identity of the flame-haired hybrid. You guys have begun to ask so I figured it's time to answer it...At least a little.

Special thanks to those who started:

Following since the last chapter- shanmacnamara, klarolinelovers, Nerw20,Twivdto, seaingsunny, readingnerd394, paul'simprint1293, angel la chica de luz,loveofavampire, harrypotterfanatic22, alicewiggles, brittanyblackman08, crystal2913, hedionste, bbiteshard, kimtjordan, houndoghellia, cmt1992, pixie79, jasper'sgoddessofwar, potterheadiswhoiam, trisandtobiaseaton, the thousand years queen

Favoriting -shanmacnamara, ellavm18, Swyft17, Twivdto, Liz213mast, casualcrazy, hairi esh mooncake, angelictimelord, loveofavampire,brittanyblackman08, everyoneslamb, hedionste, kimtjordan, spine3, jasper'sgoddessofwar, potterheadiswhoiam, pinkandgreenwhiteredblack07, iron dragon maiden

and of course, reviewed! jasper'sgoddessofwar, alicewiggles, pixie79, elijahlover (welcome back! ;) ), winter foxx, loveofavampire, angel la chica de luz, messy75, Ellavm18 (Can always count on you to say something, reviewer extraordinaire! ;) ), thewolvesaremyfamily, loveleesa, guest, hellzz-on-earth (x4. You're a champion and a review queen), juseapeterson (Review titan. Doesn't feel right to start another chapter till you weigh in. Seriously love you!)

Now...


Manning POV - The Atlantic Ocean, 972 A.D

The eyes are always quite the challenge in an drawing.

It truly is the area of the body which holds all emotion, that tells the story of one's passage through life.

Was it a story of mediocrity, boredom, or despair?

Or one of triumph, hope?

Thus the artist's challenge in drawing from life. Capturing all of that in the span of two oval shapes in the human body.

Now, imagine the task of doing four said shapes, not two.

Yes. A challenge. Yet it is one, however...I smile, putting one last flourish of shadow under one of the eyes...I have conquered.

I glance up, seeing my former stowaway and his Caroline still in each other's arms, looking out at the open sea. Klaus' arms are wrapped protectively around her from behind, as if frightened by the prospect of losing her if he does not do so.

Her delicate hands hold his arms ever closer to herself, eyes closed in contentment with a small smile on her face.

Her smile grows as he tilts his head near her ear, whispering something that turns her face a deep scarlet.

He sneaks a kiss under her ear, her mouth parting slightly.

I smile at the young, blissfully happy couple. My smile slowly fades, however, when unbiddingly, my mind wanders to a time where I had a willing lover in my arms which I adored with equal measure, the pang in my chest increasing as the memories of my brief moments of bliss assault me.

I look down at my completed picture of Klaus and Caroline and wonder. Will I forever be doomed to be a spectator of the happiness of others while being denied my own for one great sin I committed?

"Exquisite."

My whole body reverberates as that ethereal accent of a certain flame haired assassin washes over me. It has been too long since I've had the author of my brief passes of happiness, direct kind words in my direction. Her gentle scent of honey and chamomile with the very right mix of wolf comforts me with its proximity along with her next words.

"You have captured them well," she continues with genuine admiration.

I smile softly at her words, not yet looking at her in hopes of not giving away my surprise that she was even speaking to me about something unrelated to our voyage to the New World, signing my name at the bottom of the drawing slowly and noting the date.

"Why I thank you V. You have always had a good eye for great work," I say, smugly, aiming to get a smile or even better, a laugh. Her laughter was no longer something she gifted me with and I found myself missing it. I do not know how I lasted forty years without it, yet now that I am near her again, I cannot help but thirst for it.

Miraculously, she does laugh, the sound causing me to look up at her and smile. Her right hand comes up a bit to cover her mouth as she continues in her laughter, the merriment in her eyes making the amber in her striking hazel green eyes twinkle.

It's beautiful.

"...Or for disturbingly high levels of infatuation," she shot back, her smile warm. "The only reason I fretted to come over here was because I had no desire of seeing a pair of eyes rolling about on my deck, so hard and so long you were staring at Klaus and Caroline. Surely it would be a matter of time before those ever blue eyes of yours would do so."

"Well," I say, closing my journal with my latest drawing to give my full attention to her, taking in her appearance. My next words do not come quickly as I had originally planned, forever I remain astonished with how well she makes men clothing look downright sinful. She no longer disguised herself nowadays, so well known she had become as the Flame Haired Assassin of the High Seas. Her perchance for man clothes didn't go away, but it had a feminine flourish now. Her cream buttoned shirt has its top buttons open, revealing her supple cleavage. An outer corset hugs her shirt to her body, revealing her gorgeous womanly curves while her hair was free from her braids, falling in layered curls around her shoulders, face and waist. I think back to the time we first met, not on the best of terms.

Back then, dear V always disguised herself as a man. Her fame as the Flame haired Assassin of the High Seas was starting to spread like a fever from sea to shining sea. Word of her reached us Wolves of the New World (my brother, Father and I) while we traveled to see the Teacher who resided back in the Old World: The man who taught my father everything about combat, war, and the honorable way to rule. The Teacher was sought after by all warriors across the planet, so renown his wisdom was. He also did not take just anyone under his wing but Father was quick to let my brother and I know that our pack was different, for all Chiefs of our werewolf bloodline were his pupil before they rose to lead the pack. A final right of passage of sorts.

We were but a few days from shore when we encountered V's boat, The Valkyrie, with its blood red sails and golden phoenix emblem. The boat was in excellent condition while ours was long late in a date to meet its maker. It mattered not that the boat before us matched the rumors about the boat the Flame Haired Assassin rode.

If anything, it was a challenge to us conquerors of renown and naturally it seemed like a great idea for the Wolves of the New World to devour such tempting prey. The rumors had to exaggerated after all.

It was the biggest mistake we ever made.

Victory was nearly ours when V herself came up from her Captain's chambers, donning leather pants, black boots, and her favorite red and gold pirate's coat covering a white buttoned shirt, sword in hand. Underneath her black pirate's hat, wisps of her red-gold hair had adorned her face while thigh length braids fell on her back. She chewed tobacco, which I came to find out it was truly some sweet elastic substance she like to call gum that she made herself. She wore multiple earrings in one ear, an eyepatch, and had a "mustache and beard" : The picture of a normal seafaring bloke.

We launched ourselves at her in unison, the taste of victory near.

V took on all of us with ease, her swordsmanship and hand to hand combat flawless. When she parried my father and I and landed a firm kick on my brother's chest, launching him clear across the deck, my father had backed away, and stopped mid fight, inhaling deeply.

She had smiled then, lowering her blade and so did my father who dropped his sword by her feet in surrender, confusing me.

"If I had known that the Teacher and the Flame haired Assassin of the High Seas were one in the same, I would have tread more carefully," he said.

The Assassin lets out a hearty laugh, sheathing his blade.

I watch in interest as he takes off his eye-patch, and to my astonishment, his mustache and beard. Then a musical accent that is distinctly feminine fills the air, coming from the mouth of who I was sure was man up to this point. "Well. When my scouts from the shore spotted sails adorning a howling wolf, I couldn't resist. Twenty years hence since I've laid eyes on you or your kin. Now..."

She takes of her pirate hat and my breath catches in my 18 year old throat as I beheld the most beautiful creature I've seen.

"...Your name?" she says with smile directed at me, her eyes filling with an inner light that is simply breathtaking.

I am unable to speak. My eyes wide.

"You've made a mute out of my son," my father says with a chuckle.

Her smile broadens. "I suppose I can have that effect. Although it usually only happens after I've slit one's throat or cut out one's tongue," she says sniffing the air quickly. "This is not the only pup you've brought," she says slowly, turning slightly to narrow her eyes at my brother who is making his way angrily towards her.

"Woman or not," he says, his platinum blond hair blowing violently in the wind, his sky blue eyes filled with malice. "I'll put you in your place for laying a hand on me."

She arches an eyebrow at him amused. "It was a foot actually, but I can understand your confusion. It all did happen oh so very quickly."

I snap out of my trance to snicker at that, my brother Dante glowering at me.

"My wolves," says my Father in a commanding tone. "Meet the Flame haired Assassin of the High Seas, and your teacher V."

" 'V?' " I repeat with a frown. Such a woman as stunning as her, her name could not simply be summed up by a letter.

As if reading my thoughts, she says in understanding: "Or so I'm called in these parts, based on the triangle tattoo on my back. Calling me triangle girl didn't sound quite right, and since triangles can be viewed as the letter V with its opening closed off, that is what I was left with."

"But surely you have a real name," I press.

Her eyes cloud over then, her smile falling. "Indeed. However, that name is one best forgotten."

"Whatever her name matters not," bursts out my brother venomously. "You cannot be serious about her being the Teacher you spoke about. She's a bloody woman!"

"...Who just kicked your arse all over this deck," I cannot help but add.

It is her turn to laugh at Dante's expense and I instantly decide that her laugh is my new favorite sound in the world. "My hot headed brother's name is Dante..." I say to her as I daringly take her hand and lay a lingering kiss on it as my brother scoffs. "...And my name is Manning," I finish, looking up to see her face fall and her eyes turn serious.

I straighten up, her sudden, stern expression taking me aback.

"I cannot train you," she says abruptly, her eyes never leaving my face as she pulls her hand away hurriedly.

"What?" growls out my father disapprovingly.

"Only the eldest," she looks at my brother meaningfully.

"But they were born at the same time, sharing their mother's womb before she passed!" my father hotly protested.

"Which is why you brought them both," she says in understanding. "But...I will not train him," she says strongly, glancing at me one last time before she turns away.
I cannot help but fell offended at her rejection and so is my father, who grabs her arm roughly. She glances at his hand, then up at him.

"Release me, or you'll be known as the one-handed Elder Wolf of the New World," she says sternly at him.

Amazingly, my father who is notorious for yielding to no man or beast, let alone a woman, releases her quickly, heeding her threat. He does not fail to close in on her however, uttering harsh whispers into her ear. I see her jaw clench unhappily at whatever Father is saying, before she turns on heel to face the both of us, her eyes resting heavily on me.

"Why did you refuse to train me at first?" I end up saying quietly, instead of the witty comment I planned on before, so caught up I was in the memory.

Her smile fades, and I knew I did not need to further specify what I was speaking about.

She sighs, closing her eyes, momentarily. "Why ever would you speak of that now?"

"I suppose you recent disdain for me is bringing forth memories of other times where I was not in your favor," I respond bitterly.

Her eyes widen at that. "I have never despised you Manning, not even now. But..." she shakes her head and turns away.

"But what?" I demand.

She starts to walk off, clearly disapproving of the trajectory our discussion has gone to. "I do not wish to speak of such things."

"Such things as in your anger towards me for having a child with a married woman perhaps?" I call after her.

I hadn't mentioned my infidelity with Esther up until this on purpose, hoping that if I didn't voice it, it would becomes less real somehow and it would be non issue. It has become clear, however, that such tactics will work; not voicing it has simply drawn an invisible barrier between V and I, and I will not stand for it to continue.

No longer.

The minute the sentence leaves my mouth, she stops walking to tilt her head in my direction. Her stoic face was now contorted into one of pain, her eyes stricken. I take a deep breath at the sight, but I did not regret my words. Seeing her reaction is worth it, for it confirmed a now undeniable truth:

Esther and I having a child together had hurt her and if it hurt her...She still cared for me.

And that thought alone makes me inwardly smile. I think not on why that fact warms my heart so. V was just another woman I admittedly lust for after that fateful night. Nothing more. I was no longer a 18 year old besotted boy, in awe of the mysterious, red-headed woman that demanded respect from all who crossed her.

Yes...Yes. Of course. Nothing more.

It is not in V's nature to lie but to evade, so I almost expect it when she responds and recovers her stoic look:

"It is not my place to feel anything regarding your latest tryst. You are a well known lover of women after all. What makes women who are already spoken for any different?" she says evenly, but she fails to hide her anger simmering underneath. I am taken aback with her difficulty to reign her emotions. She is normally an expert, teaching me everything I knew about self-control since it is always a weak point for wolves.

But she is too emotional to follow her own training, I can smell it, giving me the upper hand as I unapologetically push her more, wanting her to crack; I needed to hear how she truly felt for some unknown reason.

"But it is different, isn't V?" I say.

Her jaw clenches in response. "What are you eluding to Manning?"

"That your jealously aims to overpower you and my actions have hurt you," I say walking determinedly towards her. "You say all I am is a former pupil, a friend, yet if that were true, you would not have treated me so coldly since my arrival. Do you really wish to stand there and continue in your charade of indifference? I never took you for a coward," I spat in her face.

Her eyes are blazing in fury, her mouth opening to retort, but then, her eyes widen in recognition, giving away she had caught on to what I was doing.

She lets out a laugh, wagging her finger at me. "I truly taught you well. You almost had me."

Now it's my turn to express some frustration at my failure, without thinking, I grab her by the waist, her lips brushing briefly against mine before she presses a hand on my chest reflexively to put some distance between us. My eyes flutter close when her soft hand touches my skin exposed under my partially unbuttoned shirt. I never held her this close, so intimately since...

I growl at the rising memory, my eyes snapping open angrily to take in her wide eyed face. "Why do you refuse to tell me how you feel you insufferable woman?!" I utter through gritted teeth.

Her mouth parts and her eyes take in my face studiously, saying nothing. Having her in my arms, however, is bringing down my anger and the fact she does not pull away, weakens me to the point that my next words come out more than plea than a demand:

"Why?" I whisper, my eyes falling to her ever magnetizing lips that are beckoning me closer.

I catch her doing the same and for a moment, I thought she'd yield.

For a moment.

"Feelings have no bearing here," she whispers, speaking to my mouth. "Whatever was had between us is nothing but a memory. You have found refuge in the arms of another and you have a pup to tend to. Hold on to that, not to what could have been."

I tighten my hand on her waist, unhappy with her words. "V..."

"Good day Manning," she cuts me off, pulling my hand off her to turn and to briskly walk away. "We reach the shores of the New World by daybreak," she calls back.

I let out a low growl and move towards her, far from done before a voice says: "Leave her be. Caroline and her need to train anyway."

"It can wait," I say to without looking at him, moving to go to V again.

"I can't believe Caroline was right. I lost the bloody bet because of you."

That stops me in my tracks, causing me to look at Klaus, leaning on the boat railing with his arms crossed.

" ' Bet,' " I repeat, confused, unfamiliar with the word.

He rolls his eyes. "A wager, ' he clarifies. "Caroline believed you and the red head had a relationship. I said it was simple flirting but it looks like it I was wrong. You two have a history and now I have to have a heart to heart with my f-. "

I arch an eyebrow at him curiously when he does not finish his sentence, nearly slipping out something that it seems, he ought not say, opting to press his lips tightly together.

I let it go, coming up beside him as his eyes follow my movements warily. I look out into the open sea, like all my answers to my troubles reside there.

Many minutes expire before he breaks the silence. "How far does it go?" Klaus asks, breaking the silence. "Your relationship with V?"

I shake my head. "Other than the unfortunate fact that she was the first woman I ever loved as a boy, there is no relationship between her and I, besides one of a friendly nature."

"Then..." I watch confusion and curiosity flicker through Klaus' face, before he squeezes his eyes shut. "Never mind."

"Say what is on your mind mate. You lost the wager so have a meaningful conversation with your friend," I tell him with a smirk, filling in the word he failed to say before. Klaus was not sentimental and did not reveal his emotions regarding others. It made sense he was not ready to voice his thoughts regarding me freely. I do not dwell on what experiences could cause a man to even acknowledge a friendship with someone as weakness, but I respect it. "Your lady has commanded it of you after all," I add teasingly.

He chuckles. "Caroline doesn't command me."

I simply look at him.

He stubbornly says nothing, making me laugh. He lets a smile seep into his own features before his face turns serious again, collecting his thoughts. Finally, Klaus lets out a defeated sigh, as if he just lost an inward battle with himself. I shake my head, smiling at his struggle. Why is he making this so complicated?

"Even if what you say is true," says Klaus slowly, "and you and V are strictly platonic, and you only loved her as a boy, as you say, you still desire her as a man," he says with certainty.

I say nothing, my past amusement eradicated at his correct assessment.

"And what of the mother of your...child?" he ends after a pause with a strained voice. "Do you desire Esther as well?"

I let out a breath, folding my arms before me. I take my time to sift through my emotions for the truth, wanting to give him a genuine answer; he and Caroline have been great comrades to me after all.

"Esther will forever hold a special place in my heart. She is the mother of my child and no one can take that title away from her. She was there to soothe me when my heart was broken and I was there for her when her husband neglected her for months. So, to some extent, I do desire Esther. She is a beautiful woman."

His eyes narrow at me studiously, "But...?" he offers.

"But..." I concede, but I can't continue.

"She is not V," Klaus finally finishes for me.

I say nothing again, but he nods in affirmation, turning to look at the open sea with me. "You may not want Esther the way you want V but...your..." he swallows hard, "...son. What future do you plan for him, if any at all? You...You cannot leave him to be bastard."

The strong emotion I hear in his voice during his declaration, forces me to look at him to take in his expressionless face.

Yet the eyes, forever the windows to one's soul, of a person's story, says all.

What we're speaking of regarding my son is something he had experienced himself. Reading his eyes, the amount of pain there, you would almost think we were talking of him instead of my Niklaus; a child he has never met.


Present day - Perth, Australia

My eyes open, bringing me out of the past and into my present reality. I take in the ceiling I find myself staring up at, mulling over the remnants of the past I just witnessed.

How I wished I had known then he was my son. How I wished I had told him clearly what he needed to hear: That I did not willingly leave him to be a bastard in Mikael's custody. That I had fought for him...so viciously.

I sigh, bringing my head down to find the Bennett witch lighting a candle in front of what looks like a church alter, speaking of her deceased father. I then realize my spirit, while my mind was elsewhere, had automatically transported itself to the destination of my next sacrificial lamb.

It has been so for the past 1,000 years. I am forever drifting between the past and present and the realm of dead and living, mostly against my will. All I could control was my actions but even then, I was not completely free. If so, I would have killed Mikael the minute he traversed to the Other Side. But I am NOT in control. I am a slave to higher powers, paying the price for innumerable sins in the form of dark souls, to the Dark Mistress.

And I owed her another payment it seems. Tonight.

The symptoms are the same: the name of the dark soul to be sacrificed appearing in their native tongue somewhere on my body. I open my hand to stare at the crimson writing in the palm of my right hand that appeared two days ago: Катерина.

Then passing out before the dark soul's arrival to find myself relieving some past event featuring those I missed most from my past life, only to reawaken in modern clothing in the presence of the anchor (Amara, now Bonnie Bennett), and the soul to be sacrificed.

This would be the 998th soul and there would be more for surely I do not care to relive the last time I resisted to give the Dark Mistress a soul.

My mind vividly remembers the dark hands that came to take me instead to the a place of nothingness, infinite cold, then fire...

I shudder, banishing such thoughts. I sit up, making the pew complain beneath me. The noise forces the witch to whirl around and see me, her eyes widening in shock.

"You..." she breathes.

"Greetings Ms. Bennett, " I reply cordially.

She comes to stand before me where I sit on the first church pew.

"What the hell is going on? How are you here? I didn't summon you," she says, her eyes taking me in.

I stand, putting my hands in my black dress pockets. "It appears a dark soul has died that she wants. We are here to do our parts."

" 'Our...' " she starts.

Before she can finish, the click of heels is heard, calling the Bennett witch's attention. I simply open my hand to stare at the Bulgarian name now glowing red in my hand when its owner speaks:

"A church? Really Bon Bon? You didn't strike me as the religious type."

"I'm not. I just found myself here after..." she trails off.

"Oh you can say it. After I was killed by a certain Original hybrid douche."

I turn at that, my eyes narrowing at the latest doppleganger.

Her eyes snap in my directions, a pleased expression falling on her face as she appraises me from head to toe, walking like a predator towards me.

"And who. Is. This? Aren't you delicious?"

I smirk at her flirt. Oh young one. If you only knew how hot this fire you play with burns...

"I am flattered, truly, Katerina," I say rolling her name in my tongue.

My effort has the desired effect. She flushes slightly crimson, letting out a shaky laugh but a look of approval in my direction. "A hottie with an accent. I think I might like being dead."

"That's Klaus' father Katherine," Bonnie deadpanned, clearly fed up with the open flirting.

I watch in amusement as Katerina's smile falls from her face, her eyes turning cold. "You're kidding."

"She is not," I respond.

She looks at me in clear distaste. "So I have you to blame for the existence of that Original bastard. Thanks. Really," she says sarcastically.

I give her a malicious smile that makes her take a step back as I take slow, menacing steps forward, snapping my fingers once to summon forth my pack. Their dark souls take the form of their usual black mist and creep towards her. She glances at it worriedly then back at me.

"Please," I say darkly, sensing the tell tale signs of the Dark Mistress quickly approaching. "Continue with you insults young one. I truly would relish the feel of your heart in my hand."

"I guess spitting out threats are hereditary," she spits at me, daringly, walking back faster, smart enough to sense her impending doom.

The doors to church suddenly blow open, revealing a dark void.

Katerina's head snaps in the door's direction, frightened.

She flashes to the Bennett witch.

"Okay. I'm ready," says Katerina hurriedly, grabbing the Bennett witch's shoulder roughly to pass on. The witch closes her eyes and winces, waiting for the pain that should come with Katerina's soul passing to the Other side.

When nothing happens, both their eyes open in confusion.

The strong gust of wind comes forth from the void and my pack starts to wrap around Katerina's feet.

She starts to panic, still touching Bonnie. "Nothing's happening! What's wrong?!" she demands in a rage.

"I don't know! This has never happened before!" cries Bonnie.

Then a screech echoes from the void, throughout the church and I step back. I had been in the Dark Mistress' presence many times but it did not cease to be frightening.

She was here.

Katerina looks back in fear as does the witch.

Katerina turns back to the witch in a fury. "Bonnie! What are you doing? Let me pass through! Why won't you let me pass through?! I know I tried to kill Caroline but this is really low. I couldn't control it, I swear! I was compelled or something! Just...why isn't working!"

"I don't know! I don't control it!"

She turns her attention to me, glaring at me. "Then it's you. You're doing this."

"The Dark Mistress wants your soul," I respond, feeling somewhat sorry for her. The fate that awaits her is not kind after all. "It is out of my hands."

"What?!" she shouts at me alarmed.

"It is not up to me," I say.

"Then who is it up to?!" Bonnie asks me.

I say nothing, watching a dark hand come up from the mist below Katerina's feet and grab her, dragging her to the void.

"No!" she screams. " Bonnie! Please! Please don't! Don't let it take me!"

I come up beside Bonnie, watching with her as Katerina is dragged towards the red eyes glowing from the darkness.

She grabs a nearby pew, momentarily preventing the inevitable.

"Bonnie! I swear. I didn't mean to hurt Caroline!" she cries desperately. I turn to walk away, not desiring to watch the Dark Mistress devour her, until her next words freeze me in place. "It was the red head with the triangle tattoo! She DID something to me! I sw-"

She loses her grip, her eyes wide with devastation as she is pulled viciously towards the darkness before I flash forward and grab her hand.

Stunned, she looks up at me, gratitude leeching onto her face when a roar comes forth from the void.

And for the first time, a millennium after I gave over the first soul in my place, the Dark Mistress speaks:

"Manning..." she hisses in ominous voice. "So close you are to purifying your soul, my tainted wolf. Do you really wish for all of it to be for naught?"

I swallow deeply, holding on to Katerina's hand. Katerina's words ringing so loudly in my mind, I cannot ignore it.

"No, but I cannot let you have her," I answer quietly.

Katerina gives me a beaming smile in thanks while the Dark Mistress shrieks in fury. "How dare you..."

"She's alive."

A sharp intake of breath escapes from the void in response to my statement. To my amazement, my pack instantly disappears, and Katerina is released. She lets go of my hand and grabs on to the nearest pew, holding it for dear life. Bonnie approaches us but then she is gone before she reaches us, no longer needed, I'm assuming, since the destination of Katerina's soul is now in question.

I stand up and the darkness takes the shape of a woman before me. Her jet black hair falling over one of her blood red eyes, her fangs glistening in the moonlight. The darkness serves as a cloak for her nakedness as she speaks, her eyes narrowing at me.

"The one the dark soul speaks of," the Dark Mistress says, throwing a glance at Katerina before meeting my gaze. "The red head with the triangle tattoo...You cannot possibly think..."

"Let me question her," I interrupt, keeping my voice even and businesslike despite the hope that is soaring within me at the thought of V being alive. I had looked everywhere for her spirit and the few times I had traversed to the land of the living, I had looked, to no avail, but now, this doppelganger came from nowhere describing a red head with a triangle tattoo? It cannot be mere coincidence.

"I have looked for her for centuries," I continue, "At last I have a possible lead! Do not deny me this!"

Her eyes turn to Katerina again, who is looking back and forth between us anxiously.

The Dark Mistress appraises me carefully, sighing. "I will confess, you have grown on me Executioner. Since Alessia interceded for you, you have faithfully provided me souls to feast upon."

She raises a hand to touch my cheek briefly, her touch like ice, making me inwardly cringe.

"So I suppose I can be sympathetic to your plight," she adds calmly. "It has been sad watching the Eternal Vow torture you with the memories of your beloved, forever striving to reunite you with her any way it can."

I open my mouth to speak but she silences me.

"I have conditions of course," she says with devious slow smile, looking at Katerina. "If you still plan to full fill our agreement Manning, I will still be in need of dark souls once you are gone..."

I glance at Katerina, then at the Dark Mistress, understanding completely. "It will be done," I say.

"Excellent," she says with smile. "Then I wish you and Alessia, the one you call V, the best of luck, if she still lives of course. I will await your final two souls, but know now I will not wait forever. I would be greatly pleased if Esther's is one of them. Mikael's was quite delicious."

"You will have it," I say coldly, thinking how much Esther deserved to die sooner rather than later.

"Beautiful. She still believes the Vow bonded you to her, giving her a false sense of security. You would be wise to use that to your favor."

"I already have. She still thinks I love her. At least to some extent."

"I will enjoy watching you two," The Dark Mistress admits bemusedly. "I cannot see the source of your strife, curiously, but no matter. Know that I am...rooting for you."

I let out a relieved sigh watching her walk away. The crimson triangle glows brightly on her right shoulder blade, before she disappears completely.

Katerina is the first to speak, standing up. "I don't know why you saved me, but...thanks...Papa Klaus."

I look at her sternly, still remembering her disrespectful comment about me being responsible for plaguing the world with Klaus' existence. "I did not intercede out of the goodness of my heart young one. As of tonight, you're in training."

I walk out of the church, Katerina hurrying after me. "Training? What training?"

"Training as the New Executioner of the Other Side," I explain calmly.

"Wait? What?! Hey! I'm talking to you!" she says in a bossy tone

I keep walking, focused. There are so many things to do and now being under a unknown time limit had put the pressure on. I need another dark soul to take Katerina's place now that she will be the one to take mine. I need to kill Esther, I need to ensure that Klaus and Caroline will be well in my absence; I owed them so much. But before all of that...

"Tell me everything about the red head with the triangle tattoo," I demand in the middle of Katerina's nagging for explanations.

"What? Why?" she asks confused.

I stop walking and let out a heavy sigh. I pause, debating how much I should tell her, but decide it is easier to simply tell her the truth, needing the doppleganger's cooperation.

I turn to face her and confess: "She is my mate and my betrothed. If Esther discovers this, she will not hesitate in killing her or using her in some form against me. Any more questions?"

A/N The end of the first Story Arc! Yay! I got to admit, I'm wondering what people will think of this, so I'm eager to hear what people think of the story so far and where you think it's going. How do you think Katherine died? What went wrong? Now you know a little bit about the red head, any thoughts on her or do I need to kill her off asap since she's annoying and shouldn't be in this story (hey. I can take it if that is how you feel :( ).
How do Klaus and Caroline resolve the Hayley baby issue? How does Klaroline meet up with Manning and his girl? You know, stuff like that.

Answer to guest reviews:

Guest: Bonnie is notorious for being judgy. Even Damon calls her that from time to time :). It is annoying though. Especially when her judgy attitude is towards our favorite OTP.