Chapter 2

Can't fight the moonlight

Ontario, Canada 2006

"Happy birthday!"

Zora was surprised.

"You… got me a present?"

Nathan looked amused.

"You thought that I forgot, didn't you?"

"Well, kind of."

"Ok, I guess I deserved that but open your present."

Zora took a box and opened it excited.

"It's… a pepper spray. You shouldn't have."

"It's my own invention actually", Nathan explained smiling. "Instead of pepper it sprays vervain. Pretty nice, huh?"

"Yes, definitely. What more would a girl want for her 16 birthday? Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Zora couldn't believe that she actually missed that trailer park back in New Mexico. Now they were staying in a cabin in a middle of forest. Since they had a close call Nathan wanted to play it safe. And even better, it was that time of the month again. Full moon that was.

"Are you ready for the ritual?" Nathan asked.

"Yeah, as ready as I can be."

"We better go then, it's dark already."

"Ok."

Zora followed Nathan out of the woods. Nathan was holding a flashlight. They had found a good place for the ritual. It was a small meadow. Zora looked at the moon. It was beautiful. She still hated it. Nathan kneeled and took some dirt from the ground.

"Earth", he said.

Then he poured some water on it.

"Water."

Next he blew to it.

"Air."

Then he stood up and raised his hands in the air. Ring of fire surrounded them.

"Fire."

Zora gave her hand to him. Nathan took a knife and cut her wrist. Zora's blood spilled to the ground.

"Blood."

Zora hated this part. Nathan took both of her hands and started to chant. Zora couldn't understand his words. Wind was rising. Zora felt it on her face. Earth was shaking, not very strongly but she could feel it. Then it started to rain. Zora felt huge waves of energy going through her body. She squashed Nathans hands tightly. It felt like her body was on fire. Finally the rain put out the flames. Zora was shaking. She couldn't stand but Nathan caught her before she fell. He stroked her hair calmingly.

"It's ok. It's over now."

Zora didn't have enough energy to speak but she managed to nod. Nathan carried her back to the cabin. He checked her wrist but it was healed as always. He tucked her in gently.

"Rest now, ok?"

Zora nodded. She could barely keep her eyes open.

"Happy birthday Zora", Nathan whispered and kissed her forehead.

Zora smiled. It was so sweet gesture. Those weren't usually Nathans style. Zora was happy when she fell asleep.

...

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water, Jack fell down and broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling after… Where are you little girl… I can see you…

Zora woke up gasping for air. Stupid dreams. At least she hadn't waked Nathan up. He seemed to be fast asleep. It was still dark outside. Zora knew she couldn't sleep anymore tonight so she got up as quietly as she could. Maybe she could use some fresh air. Zora wore her long sweater, protection amulet and she took her vervain spray. Better safe than sorry although she was just going to the porch. It was so peaceful here. Night was a little cold but she didn't mind. Suddenly she heard kind of familiar sound. Croaking. There was a crow jumping next to her. Zora couldn't tell was it the same crow she had seen before.

"Hi there", Zora said. "Are you here to warn me about something?"

The bird croaked and spread his wings. Suddenly he was gone. Then Zora saw a man emerging from the woods. He had dark brown hair and he was wearing a black suit. Zora couldn't reach the door before the man was in front of her.

"I am not going to hurt you", he said calmly. "And I don't want to hurt your guardian so please don't wake him up."

Zora looked at him and estimated her chances. If she would manage to use the vervain spray and… Before she could finish her though, the man snatched it from her hand. Damn it.

"What do you want?" Zora asked tensely.

"To talk with you, that is all."

Talk? Right. Zora thought about screaming but she knew it wouldn't help. She would just manage to get Nathan killed.

"What do you want to talk about?" Zora asked as calmly as she could.

The man smiled.

"About you my dear."

"What about me?"

"I want to help you."

"That's very kind of you but I'm good, thanks", Zora replied.

"You look some much like him", the man mumbled.

"What?"

"I knew your father", he said.

Zora's eyes widened.

"I don't believe you."

"It's true, I assure you. He was a good friend of mine. That is why I want to help you."

"Help me how?" Zora asked.

"Same way than before, by warning you."

"So that crow… You sent it?"

"Yes. The vampire, who is chasing you, he can be quit… determined."

Zora looked at him.

"You are a vampire too."

It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes", he replied calmly.

"So why would I believe a word you say?"

"Well, because if I would want to take you to Klaus do you think we would be having this conversation right now?"

Zora thought about it. He had a point. But that didn't mean that she would trust him.

"Ok, so you want to warn me. Care to elaborate?"

"It's not safe for you to stay here. Some of Klaus'… associates got a lead about your location. They are not sure yet is the information accurate or not but they will eventually come and verify that. It's best if you are not here then."

"How do you know this?" Zora asked.

"I have my sources."

"Right. And you are telling me this because my father was so close friend of yours?"

"Yes."

"Ok then."

The man looked at her closely and smiled.

"You should go inside now."

He handed the vervain spray back to her.

"Safe journey my sweet elucescentia."

"What?"

"It means dawn. That is what Zora means, dawn or light of dawn, depending on translation."

"Hmm. I didn't know that."

The man smiled and turned to the woods.

"Wait", Zora said.

He turned back to her.

"What's your name?"

He was quiet for a moment before he answered.

"Elijah."

Then he was gone.