Chapter 17
Prison
I have existed a very long time. I didn't have a form before they captured me inside a human body. I can still remember the shock when I realized that I was trapped. I used to be able to go anywhere I wanted. Now I was weak, vulnerable. And I had to deal with things I never knew existed. Pain, hunger, cold…human feelings. It was all so confusing.
When Klaus and Elijah drained me I hoped that I would be free. I wasn't. I was still trapped. This body was my prison. But now something was different. I could feel it. Somehow this body was different. It had almost fixed itself entirely. I was forced to open my eyes. I didn't know where I was. There was something familiar in this place…
"Annabelle?" someone said.
I turned my head and saw Elijah and Klaus standing next to me. Elijah looked worried. Klaus' expression I couldn't interpret.
"Are you…alright?" Elijah asked.
I didn't know how to answer. This body was alright. At least I thought so. I tried to get up. Elijah took my hand and helped me. I couldn't stand yet so I had to sit down on the bed. There was a moment of silence.
"I am so sorry", Elijah said quietly.
I took his hand and smiled. I didn't blame him for what happened. He smiled too and touched my face.
"This is all very touching but how about you start to be honest to us sweetheart", Klaus said. There was no expression on his face. I looked at both of them. They knew. Were they going to hurt me? I took Elijah's hand and looked at him desperately.
"There is no need to fear Annabelle", he said calmly. "There are few things I would like to know but that can wait. I am just happy that you are alright."
Wasn't he angry at me for lying to him? I couldn't believe it. I wrapped my arms tightly around him. He stroked my hair calmingly. Klaus looked tense. I looked at him, waiting for him to say something. He took a step closer and touched my cheek.
"You definitely have some explaining to do but know this, for now on you belong to us."
What did he mean? I looked at Elijah. He seemed uncomfortable.
"What Niklaus is trying to say is that we will look after you. You will be safe."
There was something scary about the way he said it. I had a bad feeling. What were they going to do to me? I stood up and started to back away.
"No, no, please, do not be afraid", Elijah said quickly. "Things will be same as before, we just have to make some new…arrangements."
Now I was really scared. I tried to get to the door but Klaus was in front of me in a second.
"You are not going anywhere. Ever."
I started to panic. He grabbed my hands and held me still.
"Be careful with her", Elijah said tensely.
Klaus looked straight into my eyes. I couldn't understand what I was seeing. There was some feeling I couldn't identify. I stopped struggling since I knew that it was useless. Apparently I was their prisoner now. But what were they going to do to me? I waited until Klaus let my hands go and signed that question to Elijah. He looked distressed.
"Everything is going to be alright, I promise, but when we drank your blood…"
He didn't seem to know how to continue.
"We need more", Klaus said. "So you will stay close to us and you will not go anywhere unescorted. Do you understand?"
I couldn't do anything but stare at them. They were going to keep feeding on me. I was like some kind of cattle. The idea of being drained over and over again… I started to cry. I couldn't stop myself. That seemed to startle both of them.
"No, no, please do not cry", Elijah said. "Annabelle…"
I backed away when someone opened the door. I knew that woman. She was the witch who had kept my secret. She looked older but I could never forget her. She looked at me and gave Klaus and Elijah a disapproval look.
"My lords, may I speak with her?"
"Go ahead", Klaus said annoyed.
"May I speak with her alone?" she said.
I couldn't help but admire her courage.
"Yes", Elijah said before Klaus could argue. "We shall wait outside."
Surprisingly Klaus agreed to follow Elijah.
"Quickly then", he said before he closed the door behind him.
The woman, whose name was Abigail if I remembered correctly, looked at me. There was a sad look in her eyes.
"I am so sorry", she said. I could hear the pain in her voice.
I touched her hand and shook my head. This wasn't her fault.
"What happened created a strong bond between you and them. I do not know if breaking such bond is even possible."
I tried to understand what she was saying.
"They will need you. I wish I could somehow change that but…"
She looked distressed. There was no way to change that. They had tasted my blood. It hadn't made them lost their mind but obviously it did something to them. I didn't know which one was worse, being cattle or being a vessel. Someone would want to use me either way. At least Klaus and Elijah could offer me protection. Maybe I would eventually get used to being drained. Not that I had much choice.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Abigail asked.
I shook my head. There was no way out. I just had to accept my new prison.