Chapter 3

Not like the other girls

"My lords! We found them."

The young man looked were pleased with himself. Elijah didn't recall for sure what his name was. Thomas maybe? He was one of the newest additions to his brother's entourage. An eager young vampire. Niklaus turned to him.

"What?"

"There were two of them, my lord. Vampires but…there were something strange about them."

"What do you mean? Where are those vampires?" Niklaus asked.

Thomas looked uncomfortable.

"We… we had to kill them, my lord. They were like some kind of rabid dogs. There was madness in their eyes."

Two men entered the library carrying the vampire's bodies. Elijah looked at the staked vampires. They were both male and seemed young. They couldn't have been more than twenty when they were turned. Judging by their dirty and tattered clothes they had been in woods for a while.

"Where did you find them?" Niklaus asked.

Thomas bit his lip and took a quick look of Elijah.

"They were in a hallway near to your chamber, lord Elijah."

Elijah was surprised.

"Did they say anything?" he asked.

"Nothing that made any sense, my lord. They kept repeating something; I believe it was something like… it belongs to us."

"It belongs to us?" Niklaus repeated. "Nothing else?"

"No, my lord."

"Hmm. You have done well Thomas, you may go now. And get rid of the bodies."

The young vampire bowed.

"My lords…"

"Since when have mad vampires dared to enter our home?" Niklaus murmured.

"It is likely they did not know whose home this is", Elijah replied.

"Then why it seemed as they were looking for something?"

Suddenly Niklaus turned to Annabelle who was sitting on a corner of the library. Elijah had completely forgotten that she was there.

"Or someone perhaps?"

Annabelle looked at him calmly. Seeing couple of dead vampires hadn't apparently shocked her.

"That is ridiculous, brother", Elijah said. "Why would they have wanted her? She is just a child."

"A child who happened to be the only one who survived from a slaughter. And as soon as you brought her here, these vampires appeared."

"That is nothing but coincidence."

Niklaus stared at Annabelle who stood up and was slowly backing away.

"Hmm, the thing is, brother that I do not believe in coincidences."

Before Elijah could say anything Niklaus had grabbed Annabelle and pushed her against the wall.

"Are you afraid of monsters little girl?" he asked revealing his fangs.

"Niklaus! Let her go!"

"Not before I have some answers…"

"She can not speak!"

"We will see about that."

He tightened his grip and looked into her eyes. Suddenly she started to cry and touched Niklaus' hand pleadingly. That caught him off guard. He hesitated before letting her go. She ran straight to Elijah. He lifted her up and stroked her hair calmingly.

"You should be ashamed for scaring an innocent child like this", Elijah said coldly.

Niklaus didn't say anything; he was just staring at her. Elijah carried her out. She leaned her head to his shoulder. Elijah took her to her room.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

She dried her eyes and nodded.

"I am sorry for my brother."

She shook her head and touched his shoulder.

"Perhaps you should try to get some rest."

She nodded and hugged him tightly. Elijah was surprised.

"Good night Annabelle", he said smiling.

...

After he left I lay down on my bed and waited. He was a perfect protector, just what I desperately needed right now. I hated being so vulnerable. I would do my best to show him affection. I didn't actually know what that was but I was a quick learner. I had to be. I hated this place. Everything was rough, cold, violent… I heard someone entering to my room. His brother. I had been expecting him. I pretended to be sleeping. I felt him leaning towards me.

"I know you are awake", he whispered.

I opened my eyes. He was staring at me. If I interpret him correctly there was some amusement and curiosity in his eyes.

"You may fool my brother but you do not fool me sweetheart", he said. "I will find out exactly what you are, I promise you."

He leaned closer and kissed my forehead.

"Sweet dreams little girl", he whispered into my ear before he left.

Perhaps I should have been afraid but I wasn't. He meant what he said; there was no doubt about that. Let him try. I was so tired. I couldn't hope finding any safe place but hopefully I have at least found someone who was willing to protect me from all of those who wished me harm. And hopefully I would be able to return the favor. I could be what ever he needed me to be. It would be a perfect disguise.