Chapter 26
Taken
I was very frustrated. I didn't even know how long I had been locked up in this room. According to Klaus and Elijah, it was for my own safety. I knew that they meant well, but I still felt like a prisoner. Kol had tasted my blood so it was very likely that he would want or at least need more. There hadn't been a sight of him since yesterday and Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah were arguing about how to handle the situation.
Rebekah was worried about Kol and Elijah tried to point out that he and Klaus had been addicted as well, so they should try to help Kol. Klaus on the other hand had made it very clear that he wasn't going to let Kol come anywhere near me. No one had bothered to ask what I thought. I tried my best to be understanding but I really didn't want Kol drinking my blood. I wouldn't probably have a much choice though. If he was addicted, I would have to let him take my blood.
Once again I cursed myself for being so clumsy. I really hoped we could just go back home. The whole idea of traveling and seeing the world didn't seem so appealing anymore. I was walking back and forth in my "prison cell", so I tried to calm down. I sighed and sat on the bed. Why couldn't anyone tell me what was going on? Have they found Kol? Finally someone knocked the door. I heard Elijah's voice.
"Annabelle, please open the door."
He and Klaus had told me not to open the door to anyone except them. Klaus had managed to find a witch who had cast a protection spell, so no one was able to enter this room. I opened the door and saw Elijah. He looked distressed. I asked him what was going on.
"There had been…an incident in a village nearby. Kol…"
I wasn't sure did I want to know more. But for some reason I asked anyway. How many people were dead because of me?
"No! This was not your fault", Elijah said determinedly.
Yes it was. I asked did he know anything about Kol. Had my blood made him lost his mind? Elijah hesitated.
"We have not found him yet", he said. "We will keep looking but in the meantime you must stay in this room, you will be safe here. Do you understand?"
I nodded. He tried to touch my face but the invisible wall stopped his hand.
"This spell is really good", he murmured.
I was going to step out but he stopped me.
"No, stay in this room. Is there anything you need right now?"
Sure, my freedom. But I couldn't complain. This whole thing was my own fault and everyone was working hard to protect me. I really felt that I didn't deserve it. I shook my head. Elijah looked at me compassionately.
"Everything will be alright, Annabelle. We will sort this out."
I tried to smile and nodded.
"Now close the door, I must go and help Niklaus but Rebekah is here."
I nodded and asked him and Klaus to be careful.
"Of course, you do not have to worry about us."
I really hoped so. After he left, I was by myself again. I tried to read but I couldn't concentrate. I lied down and tried to get some rest. Apparently I had fallen asleep because a knocking woke me up. I had no idea how long I had slept. I heard a girl's voice. She was obviously in panic and she was talking very fast but I managed to understand her. Master Niklaus was badly injured. No, no, no! This was my fault. I jumped up and opened the door. The girl was sobbing and explaining to me that Klaus was in the parlor. I was about to run there but at the same moment I stepped out, someone grabbed me from behind.
"Thank you", someone whispered into my ear.
Kol. I panicked and tried to struggle but it was completely useless. I had no chance to run from him. I really hoped that I could scream.
"Kol!" someone shouted.
It was probably Rebekah. Kol threw me over his shoulder and headed out. He was moving so fast that at some point I passed out.
When I regained consciousness, I didn't know where I was. Was this some kind of cottage? But how did I… Then I remembered what had happened. I stood up as fast as I could but I still felt dizzy.
"Easy now my darling", someone said and grabbed my shoulders.
I turned and tried to kick him. Kol chuckled.
"Well, someone is certainly feisty", he said and pulled me back to the bed.
I tried to fight him but my pathetic attempt only made him laugh.
"Calm down before you hurt yourself. You are not going anywhere."
I was terrified but I tried my best to calm down. I forced myself to look at him and ask what he wanted from me. Then I remembered that he didn't understand my signs. He was looking at me curiously.
"Hmm, you will have to teach me how to communicate with you", he said thoughtfully. "But fortunately we have plenty of time."
I shook my head and tried to get up. He grabbed me and pushed me on my back. Before I managed to move, he placed himself on top of me. At least he was careful not to crush me under him. There was a wicked smirk on his face.
"Like I said my darling, you are not going anywhere."
I couldn't hold back my tears. He was planning to drain me, I was sure of it. He lifted my chin and forced me to look at him.
"You are probably wondering what I am going to do to you", he said calmly. "Well, I must admit that my original plan for you was a little more…shall we say brutal. You see, I have waited a long time for this and now I can finally make my brother pay."
I swallowed. This certainly didn't sound good.
"He took something from me, now I take something from him. It is only fair, is it not?"
I tried desperately to see some warmth in his eyes. Anything I could appeal to. There was nothing but darkness. Even his smile was cold as ice. I still had to try. I placed my hand on his chest, above his heart and tried to silently beg him not to do this. For a second he actually seemed surprised but he got over it quickly. He smiled and touched my face.
"Sorry darling, but that only works for someone who has a heart."
Then he sank his fangs into my neck. I tried to push him off me, as ridiculous as it was. I felt myself fading when he suddenly stopped.
"That was…" he mumbled.
I was too weak to keep my eyes open. I felt his lips touching my forehead.
"Rest my darling", he whispered. "We have a long journey ahead of us."