Chapter 16

It's my party and I'll die if I want to

"Just something modest…" Elijah murmured.

There were people everywhere. Elijah didn't know most of them. Some of them were vampires. Everyone was dressed up and waiters were circling around with trays full of appetizers and classes of Champaign. There was some band playing in a hall. Elijah had never heard of them but apparently they were quite popular. Klaus definitely seemed to be enjoying himself. He was laughing and socializing with his guests. Then Elijah saw Zora. She had just entered the room. She was wearing a short black dress. There was something different about her. Her face was completely emotionless. Something was wrong. Before Elijah could talk to Zora, Klaus saw her.

"Sweetheart, I'm glad you decided to join us. I was just coming to get you."

"You told me to come", Zora said emotionlessly.

Klaus smiled and kissed her cheek.

"Well, this is more like it. Come, there are some people I want you to meet."

Klaus wrapped his arm around her waist. She didn't say anything. Something was definitely wrong. Elijah couldn't believe Klaus didn't see that. He was trying to decide what to do when someone touched his arm. Elijah turned. He didn't appreciate people touching him. A pretty blond woman who was wearing a very short pink dress was smiling at him.

"Hi", she purred. "I'm Candy."

Elijah remembered his manners and smiled at her politely.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Elijah."

"I know. Do you want to get out of here?"

Elijah raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

Candy licked her lips and touched Elijah's hair.

"We should have a private party. Just you and me."

Elijah was a little confused but he didn't show it.

"I'm flattered but this is my brother's party so…"

"Oh, he won't mind", Candy purred.

Elijah realized what was going on.

"You know my brother?"

"Sure, he said you could use some loosening up."

Elijah wanted to strangle Klaus.

"I appreciate the offer but I'm afraid this is not a good time. Excuse me."

Candy looked stunned but Elijah didn't have time to chat with her. He had to find his brother. Elijah looked around but he didn't see Klaus. People were standing in small groups talking and laughing. Many people were dancing. Then Elijah noticed Garret. He certainly stood out with his death serious appearance. He greeted Elijah with a nod.

"Do you have a good time?" Elijah asked mainly because he was trying to be polite.

"Yes", the warlock replied.

"Have you seen Klaus?"

"I believe he is outside by the pool."

"Ok, thank you."

Elijah headed outside among the crowd. He saw Klaus standing there with a small group of people. He still kept his arm around Zora's waist and caressed her back with his thumb. Her face was completely blank.

"Niklaus", Elijah said smiling.

"There you are brother! Nice party, don't you think?"

"Can I have a word with you?"

"Well of course!" Klaus turned to his interlocutors. "Excuse us."

They complied eagerly and went back inside. Zora tried to leave as well but Klaus tightened his grip.

"You don't have to go darling."

"I would like to go and get some water if you don't mind", Zora said.

Klaus touched her face and kissed her. She didn't resist.

"Hurry back, love", he said and pinched her bottom.

She didn't say anything.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Elijah asked when Zora had gone inside.

Klaus seemed surprised.

"What? Everything is fine now. She behaves like she should be…"

"Are you blind?" Elijah asked angrily. "Can't you see that something is wrong with her?"

"What are you talking about? She has just understood what's best for her."

Elijah rolled his eyes.

"You are an idiot. Speaking of which, did you compel some blond to sleep with me?"

Klaus smirked.

"You're welcome, what wouldn't I do for my brother."

"If I want company, I can find it myself", Elijah said angrily.

"Of course you can, I just thought you could use some… relaxation. But if she's not your type there are plenty of others…"

"Niklaus!

"Ok, ok, calm down. I was just trying to do you a favor."

"Sure you were. But as I was saying, something is wrong with Zora."

"Would you stop that, she's fine!"

Elijah shook his head.

"I better talk to her", he murmured.

"Fine, talk", Klaus said bored. "But I'm telling you, there's nothing wrong with her."

...

Zora went to a bathroom and locked a door. She stood in front of a mirror and looked at herself. Her reflection repulsed her. Nathan hated her and he had every right to. She was abomination. All those things people had said to her over the years echoed in her head.

"Freak… Weirdo… Ugly cow… Trailer trash… Mutant… Swamp thing… Nobody likes you… You're disgusting… We don't want you here… You should have never been born… Lucilla died to keep you safe… Are you happy now…"

Tears were falling down Zora's cheeks. It would have been better to everyone if she was never born. Her parents and Lucilla would still be alive. Nathan would have had a normal life. He deserved it. She had completely failed him. She was like a poison, ruining everything she touched. No more. It was time to do the right thing for once in her life. Zora sat on the floor and looked at a knife she had stolen from a kitchen. It was very sharp. Good, that would make things easier. Zora toyed with the knife for a while and took a tight grip. She cut her wrist. The wound was deep and blood was spilling to the floor. Zora bit her lip and cut her other wrist. She put the knife down and lied down to the floor. Everything would be alright now. She closed her eyes and let herself fell into the darkness.