Chapter 26

Shiny, happy people

Klaus had never been a sentimental type. He had got used to get what he wanted no matter who had to suffer. His needs had always come first. He hadn't care about anyone else. Not really. But now, when he saw Zora so happy it actually made him happy as well. How strange. Her happiness really meant something to him.

"How's your salad, love?" he asked.

He had ordered his cook to make it especially for her. There were a lot of fresh strawberries in it. He knew how much she liked strawberries.

"It's great! I think I'll save some for Nathan. Maybe he's hungry later."

Klaus had wanted them to eat in a smaller dining room. It felt cosier. It was good to be home. That was a strange thought. He had lived in many places during the centuries, some he had liked more than others, but the whole concept of home had always felt foreign to him. They were just houses, walls and ceiling. Places to spend time when he wasn't out hunting. Not anymore. This connection he felt with her was incredible. Klaus didn't even notice when his brother walked in.

"Elijah!" Zora said and stood up to hug him.

"Hi", Elijah greeted her smiling. "How are you?"

"I'm great, thank you."

"That's good, I'm happy to hear that. Would you mind if I have a word with my brother?"

"No, of course not. I think I want to take a walk outside."

She kissed Klaus' cheek before she left. He smiled at her.

"She certainly seems… happy", Elijah said.

"Yes, its great isn't it? She's even more beautiful when she's happy."

"Yes. But I think we need to talk."

"Of course brother, what do you want to talk about?"

"Our agreement", Elijah said calmly.

Klaus took a sip from his glass.

"What about it?"

"I have kept my part of it, now it's your turn."

"Hmm yes, our family. I will bring them back soon."

Elijah looked tense.

"What does that mean?"

"As I said, I will bring them back soon."

"We have an agreement, are you going to break your promise…"

"Don't insult me brother", Klaus said coldly. "I will keep my word; you will have our family back. Just not yet."

Elijah looked at him furiously.

"Niklaus, if you think you can play me for a fool…"

Klaus stood up.

"I don't think I appreciate your tone brother."

They were both staring at each other.

"When?" Elijah asked tensely.

"Soon. And a little advice Elijah, you might be my brother but it's not wise to push me. Otherwise I might reunite you with our family right now."

There was ice cold anger in Elijah's eyes but he managed to stay calm as always. He just turned around and walked away. Klaus rolled his eyes. Why did his brother have to spoil his good mood? Not that it mattered, Elijah would calm down eventually. He was no threat to him. No one was.

...

A child of three worlds,

born from death, bathed in blood.

She will be the rise or fall of new dawn.

Her blood will hold the secret.

Nathan had almost forgotten the whole stupid prophecy. Although it didn't seem so stupid anymore. He was walking around in the bigger study / library trying to clear his thoughts. Klaus had actually unbound her abilities. Nathan and Lucilla had bound them soon after Zora had been born. And yet her energy had been so strong that he has had to restrain it with monthly full moon rituals. Now it was all unleashed. That could be a disaster if he wouldn't be able to handle the situation. But how?

Her attachment to Klaus was definitely a bad thing. The guy was evil. Nathan knew he had to do something and fast. He couldn't tell Zora about the curse. He had never thought that there was even a possibility he would actually have to use it. But it was in her, waiting for activation. Shit, how could he do that? But he had no choice. If she would ever cross the line the blood oath he had taken would force him to use it. It wasn't a matter of his own will. Nathan looked at the chessboard on the table. For some reason he had an urge to smash it. Elijah seemed to be feeling the same when he walked in and kicked the table.

"Problems?" Nathan asked calmly.

For some strange reason he and Elijah had actually got along ok lately. Nathan didn't usually like any vampires but Elijah was tolerable, being Klaus' brother and all.

"How could I be so stupid?" Elijah murmured. "I never should have trust him."

"You mean your brother?"

"Yes. He thinks he can just fool me."

"Hmm, I'm not surprised; I don't particularly like your brother either."

"Yes well, you know what they say, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me."

"Indeed."

Nathan closed the door and signaled Elijah to be quiet. He looked surprised at first but understood quickly where he was getting at. Nathan took a small bag from his pocket and lighted a candle. He burned the bag and murmured a spell.

"There, now we can talk in private, no eavesdroppers. If I understood correctly, your brother didn't keep his end of your deal?"

Elijah laughed bitterly.

"No, he didn't. He said I would get my family back "soon". Not very convincing."

"No it's not. Are you still loyal to him?"

"Hardly."

"It seems to me then that we have a common enemy", Nathan said calmly.

Elijah looked at him curiously.

"Could be. What are you suggesting?"

"How about we team up? I think we could help each other. Interested?"

Elijah smiled.

"Very much."