II : She

"Well, well, well, if it's not our bartender from the little town. "

I lifted my head from my textbook to the familiar voice, before giving a slight smile at the sight of his majesty.

I straightened myself by getting ready for the task before starting to prepare his usual drink."So ... what's going on in the world of fangs and argh? "

Marcel immediately gave me a flat look at my use so conventional to present his nature before receiving the glass of tape. "You know that for a little judgy, you're very comfortable with me."

And yes, Marcel knew what I was. After the discovery of Sophie, the secret was soon to be heard in the community and therefore, I had to attend many gatherings since then. It was not really my cup of tea or Milana's, but we had to keep up appearances. Especially since the local witches were definitely more serious and powerful than Bonnie. It was obvious that we were more in the same court now and a deep feeling told me that it was the same with Marcel.

Nevertheless, he seemed to be relatively accepted my nature by proxy. As strange as it may sound when we knew his desire to govern over the entire French Quarter.

"The house doesn't make a difference." I recalled with implied as I raised my index finger towards the panel supposed to cover the reality for the humans.

The vampire smiled broadly with white teeth before quietly sipping his scotch glass. Realizing that he probably had to want peace, I went back to where I stopped in my textbook. I had an exam this week and with the latest events I really could not focus on this musical art project. It turned out that the witches of New Orleans depended on the ancestors buried in the Lafayette cemetery. Every few centuries, they performed a sort of harvest ritual to satisfy their ancestors and it seemed like a big deal in the community. Sophie made her point very clear that she did not believe in the nonsense of old witches. Therefore, I was not particularly attentive to all their gibberish.

"Where is your wild sidekick?" Marcel suddenly asked me to raise my eyes from my book for the glass to gauge me carefully over his glass.

I decided to close my book knowing that he used the absence of Sophie as an excuse before leaning on the counter with my elbows."Well, she preferred to travel. She needed to get away from old superstitions."

"Mhm, what are the witches preparing this time? "

He asked this question so nonchalantly that one could almost believe he was just doing the conversation. Only the small spark of apprehension in his eyes was all that was needed to make me raise my eyebrows with a mischievous smile.

For some reason, Milana seemed somewhat tolerant of the vampire. Clearly, he had made a good impression on the Original. And I obviously did not talk about his good looks. There was no denying that Marcel was a very attractive vampire. With his smooth coffee skin and dedicated to any impurities. He had a shaved cut near the skull and a slight goatee along the lips and chin. He usually wore a beanie, but this time he had simply opted for a brown leather jacket and a white V-neck T-shirt. This accentuating his bulging and rather muscular build.

If I believed Sophie's words, he had always lived in New Orleans. He had been transformed during the eighteenth century and seemed to reign with an iron fist over the vampire community. Witches were unfortunately far too powerful to allow the vampire to achieve his utopia.

Anyway, I held his gaze waiting with a slight hint of malice in my voice. "Nice try, Marcel. But I still stick to judgy sides."

"A man can always hope." Marcel said with a guttural laugh that was supposed to be playful but I knew better.

I lowered my eyes to his empty glass before straightening up to take the bottle by my side."Anyway, why the Abattoir? "

The Abattoir was known as a kind of club here but the truth was it was the vampire buffet. Any human venturing into this club was not native to New Orleans. Only the stupid tourists would venture there.

"It's my home." He explained, shaking his head in thanks as I gave him his full glass. "You should spend a day there."

"And finish as a pocket of blood for your loyal minions?"

Marcel smiled charmingly as he swallowed his entire glass in a go before getting up from the bar and taking out a bundle of the bills including the tip. "I would make an exception for you. I would tell my guys to stay away."

"Thank you for the invitation but ..." I raised my book as an explanation receiving an amused look at the vampire.

The latter backed back to the bar door before nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders as he kept his dark brown eyes on me. "It's New Orleans, Mila. Enjoy."

"I would think about it." I conceded, despite Milana's categorical refusal along my veins.

After that, I returned to my reading on the history of percussion instruments. I decided to focus more on music rather than drawing. I had never been as talented as my brother with a pencil and I enjoyed the feel of an instrument under my fingers rather than the ink of a charcoal.

Conversely, studying did not seem to be something that Milana particularly liked since I was soon to find myself staring at my fingers banging absently on the counter. It was strange to say that I looked at my hand with boredom as if I did not have control. And yet that was exactly what was happening. As soon as I let myself be distracted, Milana took the opportunity to gain an ounce of control and make herself known. Like right now.

I held a grunt as I suddenly grabbed my hand to stop her from moving with my jaw clenched in irritation.

"Uh ... what are you doing? "

I jumped in surprise at the agreement of the familiar voice before suddenly straighten up at the sight of the eyes of a crystalline blue reminding me strangely those of Damon. I could feel a new wave of objection to the mere thought of the vampire making me take a deep breath to keep my cool. Another thing that Milana had left for me? It was her retarded werewolf temperament and right now she was really testing my limits.

"Mila? Hey? Are you fine ?" Davina waved her hand in my face at my distant expression forcing me to turn my attention back to her.

I immediately cleared my throat as I tried to get rid of the frustration in my voice before addressing the brunette, tense. "Sorry, I ... uh, what I can help you with?"

"Nothing thanks. " Davina agreed with a broad innocent smile before settling on the stool in front of me with interest. "I came to see what you were doing. Monique is busy with the elders. I think they want to talk to her about the Harvest. "

It immediately caught my attention as I could feel Milana giving way completely to Davina's interest. I frowned on the little brunette, narrowing my lips in a thin line. After hearing this story of the Harvest, I couldn't help but feel this deep foreboding. It did not sit well with Milana and me. Why did the elders speak of this Harvest with such seriousness if it was supposed to be a horror tale for a child?

Obviously, they believed in it and that was what scared me. Not to mention that they had a strong influence on the entire community. Such a strong influence could create great damage. Even worse on the youngest minds.

"Monique?" I asked in a bad feeling. "Don't tell me that you also believe in this stupid fable for a child?"

Davina's eyes widened as if I had just insulted the entire congregation before gesticulating on her stool, glancing nervously around us before leaning over the bar to whisper in worry."Don't say that. Do you want the ancestors to hear you? "

"Davina, I don't depend on the ancestors." I recollected with a flat gaze on the brunette visibly frightened by the power of the elders."Why do you believe in Harvest anyway?"

Davina suddenly looked uncertain as if she had never really thought about it before looking down at the counter.

Obviously, the elders were training these young witches without really teaching them. They looked more like sheep kept in line. That's why Milana always kept me alert. Although I could easily understand her since she was betrayed many times by her two species that she could not count. The wolves wanted to use her as a kind of surrogate mother and the witches had trapped her in a pebble for over a thousand years in order to deprive the man she loved of his dearest wish.

Although I did not condone Klaus' behavior, I had to find some sense of attachment to the hybrid. After all, I lived with a person who had shown me all these dearest and happiest moments with the same man who had sacrificed my aunt and sister on the altar. I could feel a new hint of anger along my veins forcing me to bring my attention back to Davina just to realize that she seemed completely lost.

Not wanting to be one of those people who questioned the faith of others, I brought my hand over the brunette's one in a gesture of empathy before supporting her light blue eyes. "It's okay. It's just a myth anyway."

"Do you think you'll still be in town if they ever decide to harvest?" The brunette suddenly asked with a sad expression at the thought of my departure before posting an almost excited look. "Maybe you could be one of the elected ones. You are powerful."

It was the second time that I had been invited to two worlds in which I had absolutely no desire to belong. Worse still, I definitely did not want to have to attend a kind of selection among a restricted circle of young girl easily influenced.

Nevertheless, this time, I was really hesitating. Not because the idea seemed appealing as with Marcel but more because the young teenager in front of me reminded me of a younger version of myself. The still uncertain and innocent version of before the death of my parents. Long before the appearance of the supernatural world in my life.

So it was with a genuine impetus of sincerity that I removed my hand before nodding my head in an almost certain feeling. "I'm still thinking. I don't know when I'm going home."

"I really hope you'll be there." Davina exclaimed suddenly, taking me somewhat off guard by her sincere expression. "This is a great moment for the young witches in the community."

Deciding that I might as well entertain her on this idea, I bent over with undisguised interest before crossing my arms over the counter."Mhm? And what happens during this Harvest? You put your name in a bewitched cup and you expect it to spit out your name?"

"That, it's Harry Potter." Davina replied at once, rolling her eyes to my undisguised sarcasm before letting a slight smile on her rosy lips."But for your guidance, we're wearing white robes and the most powerful witches in the community are picking. It's really an honor."

I could not help but roll my eyes to that. Sophie had already explained the whole process. Only it seemed that Davina did not really understand the true meaning of this Harvest. It was a ritual and yet she thought it was an almost divine act.

"Speaking of training," A familiar new voice emerges that immediately makes me stand up to the uncomfortable sensation along my veins as I watch Jeanne-Anne approach Davina. "You shouldn't be with Monique and the others? "

Davina displayed a guilty expression as she looked between the eldest and me before slowly sliding off the stool.

"I'll go. Right now." She exclaimed eagerly before crossing the bar, waving her hand over her shoulder in my direction. "See you later, Mila."

"Bye, Dee. "

I shook my head on the fleeing back of the little witch before I froze at the sensation of the eyes on me. I turned slowly to Jeanne-Anne just to realize that the feeling of discomfort was coming from her. Milana was not really mistaken about her. And the fact that Sophie had told me that her sister was completely and irrevocably in the community only amplified this feeling of mistrust.

"Hey, boss." I greeted her more politely than I appreciated before grabbing the first towel on hand to avoid her unwanted attention.

I turned my eyes away as I concentrated more on the mark between the wood as I accented my friction.

Unfortunately, she seemed quite different as she took Davina's place with suspicion. "Tell me, why did you choose New Orleans among all the cities?"

"Huh?" I asked in ignorance before just shrugging my shoulders. "I learned French in high school and I always wanted to leave my childhood city. "

Okay, that was not exactly the truth but I suspected the witch was looking for answers. And I was not about to tell her anything useful against me. Not to mention that I did not want to talk to her about Milana's double specifics, I would suspect her of taking me as a kind of abomination.

"You don't seem very involved in the community for such a young witch."

I immediately raised my head as I stopped wiping the counter before raising my chin to support her inquisitive eyes. "I'm just trying to blend in with the background. Yes, I don't participate in the community. And no, I don't think I'll stay longer than necessary. I am only passing through. Once my internship is over, I go home. "

Jeanne-Anne gauged me a little longer than necessary as I forced myself to hold her gaze to keep the act of ignorance before she nodded in acceptance. "You should still accept Davina's invitation. You could even come to some of our teachings. Maybe you could feel at home in the community. We, witches must stay together. "

I clenched my jaw as I supported the witch's cold brown gaze gauging me almost like an object of prize. I swallowed visibly uncomfortable under her intense gaze before tightening my grip around the towel. My thought on the question was categorical only I doubted that Jeanne-Anne would appreciate my point of view. In addition, I still needed this work.

Nevertheless, I was definitely not obliged to answer.

Hence, the reason I looked up at the watch around my wrist before pointing it. "Well, it looks like my shift is over. I can leave ?"

Jeanne-Anne rose from the stool on which she stood with a nod to me. I quickly picked up my belongings in one of the bar's cupboards before taking my book lying on the counter about to leave.

Unfortunately, it was not counting on the witch as she suddenly grabbed my arm. I immediately lowered my eyes to her hand holding me in place with a frown before lifting my eyes on the witch in a deep sense of countenance. Everything was needed to prevent Milana from acting. I could feel the power of being able to clink in my fingers to let my jaw clench as I held the witch's gaze in question and almost defiantly.

"You should really think about it, Mila. "

I swallowed my tongue behind my teeth to contain a sharp back before just nodding. " I would think. "

With that, the witch seemed satisfied enough by my answer as she released me with a smile almost friendly. The key word was: almost. There was absolutely nothing warm or friendly about Jeanne-Anne. She was first and foremost a witch from New Orleans, and like all the witches in that city, she carried that darkness all around her. I was quick to throw the strap of my bag on my shoulder before setting sail away from this bar.

The rest of the afternoon went relatively well after such a bouncy morning. That's why I was definitely not prepared for Felix's call. The ringing bell of the brown sound suddenly in the studio letting me straighten up on the bed just to take a look bored on my phone.

I dragged myself in spite of myself towards my phone before suddenly changing completely of behavior with the sight of the identifier."Felix, hey!"

"Please, help me!" The boy's whining response made me frown at once. "I'm two fingers away from chewing on your friend Vampire Barbie and your hypocrite sister. "

I put on a flat expression knowingly before going to the edge of my window to watch the busy streets below. "What did they do this time? "

"Well for starters, Elena is still in her phase of martyrdom. She keeps pacing the rooms of your house and constantly goes to your room as if you had definitely left the place. I tell you, luckily, you're not a queen of drama like her. "

I left a snort as I could easily imagine Elena doing just that before shaking my head at the thought. "It's in her nature. She must torture herself to be able to move forward."

"Believe me she doesn't need that to move on." Felix suddenly said in a dark tone, causing me to frown in the confusion.

I lowered my frowning eyes on my hand playing with a thread protruding from my jeans."What is it supposed to mean? "

"That Stefan wouldn't be very happy to see how buddy-buddy your sister and his brother got during your absences." Felix replied with judgment.

Unfortunately, as selfish as it seemed it suited me in a way. I knew it was not fair to Stefan. Especially since he was going through this because of Damon but it suited me. If Damon turned to my sister again then it would make things easier on my return. Maybe I had a chance to avoid all this melodrama that could ensue.

So without any bitterness, I picked up the thread of the conversation. "If it can keep Damon from killing someone."

"You ... wait, what?" Exclaimed Felix visibly surprised letting me imagine his frustrated expression. "Have you completely lost your mind? Don't tell me that you're back in the box where you intend to ignore your feelings for the psychopath?"

"Can you tell me why you want so much that I admit my feelings if you can't even stand him?"

A long silence was heard on the other side as I imagined Felix to freeze in search of a good return before he took a sudden inspiration."You're joking, right? You're not even in town and the only gossip currently underway is the relationship between my half-brother and Caroline. Or rather the lack of relationship. Another subject that has the gift of putting me out of myself. Blondie plays with him. "

I rolled my eyes to his dramatic tendencies clearly relieved that the wolf side did not influence that point before crossing an arm around my abdomen. "Caroline has a complicated relationship with Tyler. Besides, he's or was the best friend of her ex. Matt. Certainly, you remember him, right?"

"Ew ... how could I forget our local golden boy." The brown said with sarcasm and it drew a smile on my lips as I was suddenly assailed with a feeling of nostalgia. "But enough talk about Mystic Falls, tell me everything. Make me dream. "

"Are you sure you don't want to keep venting on my sister and Caroline? I don't have much to tell."

It was not really true but I did not really want to talk about my supernatural drama right now. I had left Mystic Falls to avoid exactly that, and I was seriously beginning to think that New Orleans might not be the best place for that.

I could hear the wolf's humming on the other side of the phone. "Glad to see you're still so mysteriously frustrating. "

"I'm not even sure it means anything. "

"Yeah? Sue me!" The dark-haired whispered, letting me smile again before he let out a long sigh. "When are you going back? "

I wrinkled my lips knowing already that he would eventually ask me this question. Jeremy had already called me in the week to ask me exactly the same question. After all, it was almost three months since I left Mystic Falls and there was no sign of Klaus coming back to town.

Obviously, he had taken Stefan with him and he had no intention of returning to town since he thought my sister dead and buried. The mere thought of the vampire made me think back to our meeting last year.

I let out a long sigh as I could hear Felix talking on the other end of the line. "I don't know yet, Felix. My internship ends in three weeks."

"So? You're going to miss your sister's birthday?" Felix suddenly asked, reminding me of the party planning by Caroline to start the season. "I swear to you if you leave me alone for that ..."

"I probably wouldn't be in town." I interrupted, receiving a grunt as a sign of protest.

I waited for him to take a deep breath to calm his annoyance before he suddenly asked a disconcerting question. "Is she keeping you out?"

"Is she?" I stammered in a whisper as I sat up alertly.

I could feel Milana waking up in an outburst of mistrust, letting my eyelids shut as I could feel that urge of power again along my limbs."Mila ... everyone knows you're not alone anymore." Felix blew calmly as if he did not really believe what he was saying. "I mean ... the way you acted before you left and Elena ... she said she called you Milana and you answered."

A sudden crash echoed by my side as I clenched my fist before loosening it immediately as I watched the glass debris on the floor. I could feel the anger becoming more and more out of control as Felix kept trying to reach me, to no avail. Without really thinking, I disconnected the call before throwing the phone on my bed. I let myself fall to the ground as I hugged my arms around my legs against my chest before burying my head between my legs. I was quick to swing back and forth as I could feel this headache again.

"Milana, not now. Please, not now. No, no, no, Milana. Please ... Milana, not now!"

I let out a cry against my will as I was suddenly thrown against the nearest wall before widening my eyes at the sight of the veins in my arms suddenly turning black. It was the last thing I saw before being suddenly plunged into a dark and troubling world of memories.