Huge thanks to shydeep94, Swurve, PraticallyCharmed, michelle3737, nekittam, 'Guest' and falconrukichi for reviewing the last chapter.

I also want to thank everyone who's still reading this story. I know it's been a long journey, so I'd just like to mention that I have an ending worked out and am expecting to wrap this up with another two chapters and a short epilogue. So there's light at the end of the tunnel. Way, way in the distance, but it's there!

Thanks for reading, guys. :)

The sign read "CLOSED", but when Damon pushed on the glass door, it easily swung open. He entered the empty restaurant, followed by Elena, and then Caroline, who paused on the threshold to quickly scan the interior before she let the door fall shut behind her.

Angelica's was smaller than she'd expected, more cafe than restaurant. The red and white decor and simple pine furniture gave it a rustic, homey vibe, like the kind of place she and her mom might go to for home-made pasta.

A figure emerged from a shadowy doorway in the back. Caroline studied Elijah as he came into the light. All that she knew about him came secondhand, from Elena and Bonnie, and of course Damon had done nothing but bitch about him for the last day and a half. She was disappointed to see how ordinary Elijah looked, more handsome than most maybe, but if she hadn't known who he was, she never would've pegged him as an Original. She had to give him credit, though - the man knew how to wear a suit.

"Good afternoon," Elijah said.

Glancing round the restaurant, Damon twisted his mouth. "Tell me you didn't eat the lunch crowd."

"This place belongs to a friend of mine," Elijah said. "She was gracious enough to let me borrow it for an hour or two." He nodded at Elena and looked at Caroline. Offering her his hand, he said, "We haven't met. You must be Caroline."

She pointedly crossed her arms. "And you must be the jackass who got us into this mess."

Elijah's mouth twitched. "I see my reputation precedes me." He gestured towards the nearest table. "Shall we sit?"

Taking her cue from Damon, Caroline took a seat at the round table, opposite Damon and between the Original and her best friend.

Folding his hands before him, Elijah gazed across the table. "Elena, I'm pleased to see that you survived the ritual."

"No thanks to you," Damon said.

Elijah ignored him, staying focused on Elena. "And I'm truly sorry about Jenna."

Elena's face tightened. "If that's true, then you'll live up to the deal you made with Bonnie and help us kill Klaus."

"Kill Klaus?"

Elijah didn't move so much as a muscle, yet Caroline suddenly felt the hair on her neck stand up. The air took on a frisson that made her heart skip a little faster. Damon glanced at her and she gave him a tiny nod. Their pre-arranged plan was that if Elijah got frisky, she would spirit Elena away while Damon dealt with the Original. Elena had protested, of course, but Caroline had no problem leaving Damon behind.

"That's the plan," Damon said, his watchful gaze belying his casual tone. "Unless you back out. Again."

Elijah looked at each of them in turn, with his gaze settling on Elena. Again there was no discernible movement on his part, but Caroline felt the tension fizzle away.

"I believe there's been a miscommunication," Elijah said calmly. "My agreement with Bonnie is to get her free of Klaus, not to kill him."

"That's not what she said," Caroline said.

"No doubt she was preoccupied." Elijah idly stroked the polished tabletop. "What with the werewolf attack and its aftermath."

Damon gave him a sharp look. "What do you know about that?"

"The same as you. A werewolf pack infiltrated the mansion in an attempt to rescue one of their own. One of them attacked Bonnie and Klaus saved her."

"He did?" Caroline said, exchanging a startled glance with Elena.

"Of course he saved her," Damon said dismissively. "He needs her magic."

"Right." All the same, Caroline felt uneasy. Bonnie was strong, but she was also alone and the last thing she needed was Klaus messing with her head.

Eyeing Elijah across the table, Elena said, "How did you find out about the werewolves?"

"I took the time to...make a new friend before I made my escape."

There was a moment of silence while they all digested Elijah's revelation.

"Are you saying that you have a spy in Klaus's house?" Damon said.

Elijah's smug smile was all the answer they needed.

Elena looked hopeful. "And this is all part of your plan to free Stefan and Bonnie?"

Elijah hesitated. "I'm afraid that finding a witch willing to tangle with Klaus has proven more difficult than I anticipated. Especially now that he's at the height of his power."

Damon snorted. "So you've got nothing, is what you're saying."

"For the moment, yes."

"Wait a minute," Caroline said. "Let me get this straight. You're telling us that you can't find a single person to take on Klaus? Klaus? The guy who makes Hitler look like a boy scout?"

"Finding someone with a grudge isn't the issue, finding someone willing to risk their lives is. Unfortunately it appears to be common knowledge that Klaus is now a hybrid."

"And whose fault is that?"

Elijah levelled her with a look that would've had her quaking in her sandals if she weren't already mad as hell. Elijah was as old as the hills. To a vampire that ancient, Bonnie and Stefan were probably as disposable as paper napkins. But they weren't disposable to her. She felt Elena squeeze her hand in silent warning, but Caroline was way past diplomacy. She leaned towards Elijah, eliciting a flicker of surprise from the Original.

"You know, Bonnie took a huge risk letting you out of the box. You owe us."

"Believe me, I'm fully aware of my obligations, which is why I assured Bonnie that I would do everything in my power to help her." He gave Damon a pointed look. "Short of killing my brother."

Elena shifted in her seat. "But what if there's no other way?"

"It won't come to that."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I made myself very clear with Bonnie and now I'm doing the same with you." He glanced at all three of them as he said, "If you try to kill Klaus, I will stop you."

"And there's the Elijah I know and loathe," Damon said in disgust.

"Would you do any different?" Elijah said, jerking his head round to stare at Damon. "If it were your brother, would you give him up so easily?"

Damon snapped to attention, twisting to face Elijah square on. "Difference between you and me? I never would've made that promise in the first place."

"When I made that vow, I thought Klaus was beyond redemption. I discovered almost too late that I was wrong."

"You sure about that?" With an insolent grin, Damon settled back in his seat. "Cause your act of mercy didn't stop him from daggering you again."

"I don't deny that we have our...issues, but he is still my family."

The two stared at each other in silent challenge. Caroline rolled her eyes. This alpha vampire crap was getting them nowhere.

Elena cleared her throat. "Okay, we get the message. You won't let us kill Klaus. So what are you prepared to do?"

"What I promised." Elijah reached inside his jacket and extracted a folded piece of paper. He offered it to Damon, who snatched it out of his hand.

"What the hell is this?"

"I believe it's called a photocopy," Elijah said, unperturbed.

"Don't be a smartass. That's my job." Damon flapped the copy in the air. "Where's the original?"

"In a safe place."

"The deal was for-"

"Actually, Bonnie didn't specify the original. But I can assure you that it makes no difference. What matters is the incantation and," he nodded towards the paper Damon was holding, "that has all the information you need."

"And we're supposed to just take your word for that?"

Elijah shrugged. "I'm sure Bonnie will be able to confirm its authenticity."

"Sure. Once we figure out how to get it to her."

"That's easy," Caroline chirped. "I'll go back in."

Damon shook his head. "Uh uh, blondie. Once was risky enough."

"I made it out, didn't I?"

"Klaus wasn't in residence the last time."

"What difference does that make? He's never met me."

"That doesn't mean he wouldn't recognise you. And Stefan would definitely recognise you."

"So what? It's not like he'd give me away."

"Not intentionally, no. But who knows what Klaus has done to him."

Caroline saw Elena pale and, not for the first time, felt a surge of anger at Damon's insensitivity.

"Zip it, Damon," she snapped. She touched Elena's shoulder. "Don't listen to him, Elena. Stefan's gonna be fine."

"I know," Elena said, but her smile was far from convincing.

Caroline glared at Damon and received an unrepentant shrug in return - proof that even when it came to Elena, Damon could still be a dick. She caught Elijah watching them with a small, nostalgic smile and wondered what, or who, he was thinking about. His smile vanished when he noticed her gaze.

"Perhaps I could offer a suggestion," he said briskly. "I understand that Klaus and Bonnie will be dining out this evening."

Elena blinked. "Dining out?"

"Great," Damon said. "Bonnie's playing Mata-Hari with Klaus and we're stuck with the Original who has no friends."

"What exactly are you suggesting?" Caroline said, ignoring Damon's petulance.

Elijah shrugged. "I imagine it shouldn't be too difficult to slip Bonnie the spell sometime during the evening."

"Right under Klaus's nose?" Damon said. "Sure, no problem at all. Wait, I've got it. We'll bake it into a bread roll and have the waiter stick it up-

"Damon!" Elena let out an exasperated breath. "You don't have worry about it, okay. I'll figure it out."

"What do you mean you'll 'figure it out'?"

"I mean that I'll get the spell to Bonnie."

Damon stiffened. "No, you won't."

"Yes, I will."

"Elena, listen to me. If Klaus sees you-"

"I don't care. I'm sick of feeling helpless all the time." She fixed him with a steely gaze. "I'm going to see Bonnie and you're not going to stop me."

Caroline bobbed her head towards Elena. "What she said."

Elijah leaned in to Damon. "It appears you've been outvoted."

"You stay out of this," Damon snarled.

"No, he's right," Elena said. "Look, I know you're worried about Stefan, but you're not in this alone. Trust me, I can do this. I need to do this."

"And what happens when you get into trouble?"

"If I get into trouble, then I'll handle it."

"And if you can't?"

"Then I will," Caroline said. "I'll be with her the whole time."

Damon's gaze shifted from Elena to Caroline. She stared back, silently daring him to try to stop them.

At last, he said, "Don't make me regret this."

Caroline resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Yes, Mom."

"Excellent," Elijah said. "Now, if I may, I believe there's a way to reach Bonnie that involves minimal risk. If you were to..."

She stared at the box as if it were about to leap off the bed and bite her. She hadn't opened it. She didn't need to. A wide, flat gold box sealed with a white satin ribbon? It didn't take a genius to figure out that Klaus had actually had the gall to buy her a dress.

Bonnie lifted her hand, intending to set the box and its contents on fire. Probably the bed, too, given her current mood.

"Miss Bennet?"

Bonnie whirled, her hand still raised.

Mrs Gerhardt stood three feet away, her pale face as disapproving as ever. "You are not dressed."

"God, would it kill you to knock?" Bonnie said, lowering her arm but not her guard. She sidled towards the windows, wanting to put some distance between them.

"The door was open." The housekeeper moved with her, not allowing Bonnie to get too far away. "Why are you not preparing yourself?"

"Because I'm not going."

"And why not?"

"Because this isn't Pride and Prejudice and Klaus and I are not gonna be bonding over the chocolate souffle."

Mrs Gerhardt stood unnervingly still, staring at Bonnie. She wore her customary black dress, buttoned up to her neck, and her red hair was pulled back in its usual bun, not a single strand out of place. Her eyes narrowed.

"In my day, a lady honoured her commitments."

"Well, here in the 21st century, a 'lady' is free to say go to hell." Bonnie gestured towards the unopened dress box. "So this is me saying...go to hell."

"I see." The vampire tilted her head. "And what will that gain you?"

Bonnie had to think for a moment. "Satisfaction."

"And will that satisfaction keep you alive?"

"What do you care?"

Mrs Gerhardt shrugged. "The master has grown fond of you. After the loss of Miss Martin, I should not like to see him suffer another disappointment."

Bonnie grimaced. "Okay, well, this conversation's taken a creepy turn, so if you don't mind..." She waited expectantly, but Mrs Gerhardt didn't move.

"I will help you to dress."

"I know how to dress."

"And yet..." Mrs Gerhardt extended her hand towards the unopened box.

Bonnie took a step towards her, attempting to look as menacing as possible. "Please leave."

"Or?"

"Or I'll make you leave."

Mrs Gerhardt gazed at her. "No, I do not believe you will."

"Excuse me?"

"I have spent many years in the company of witches. Those who have power, they do not hold back. They do not threaten. They simply act."

Uncertain, Bonnie stared at her. Mrs Gerhardt was calling her bluff and she didn't know what to do. It wasn't a question of power. No matter what the housekeeper believed, Bonnie knew that she had enough in her for a damn good aneurysm. But Bonnie found herself reluctant to hurt someone who, in her own, slightly insane way, was trying to help her.

"You're right," Bonnie said at last. "I'm not going to make you leave, but I'm also not going to put on that dress."

"Miss Bennet, you live in a world filled with powerful creatures. If you wish to survive, you must learn to choose your battles."

"So you're saying that I should just give in. Because it's easier."

"No, I am saying that if you do not yield, you will break." She paused. "I have seen it happen."

Bonnie studied the vampire, trying to discern the thoughts behind her demure facade. But she couldn't tell if Mrs Gerhardt was here for her sake or for Klaus's.

"I don't know if I can do that," Bonnie said carefully.

"Then perhaps you should ask yourself this: is there no advantage to granting the master this one favour?"

Sighing, Bonnie massaged her brow. "You really need to stop calling him that."

When she received no answer, she lifted her gaze and discovered that Mrs Gerhardt was gone. With a grunt of frustration, Bonnie waved her hand to slam the door shut before plopping down on the bed next to the dress box.

Mrs Gerhardt had a point, she had to admit. All this fighting was wearing her down, mentally as well as physically. She needed to start employing some strategy or she was going to end up a nervous wreck.

Bonnie lay down, relaxing into the quilt covering the bed. Staring up at the cream ceiling, she thought about what she needed most right now - time. Time to find Klaus's weakness. Time to save herself, Stefan and the werewolves. And there was only one person who could give her that. She smiled. Klaus liked making deals. So maybe she'd offer him one for a change.

Half an hour later, Bonnie was sitting at the dressing table, staring at her reflection in the cracked mirror. After weeks of no makeup, the sight of her made-up face was startling, almost like looking at a stranger. Shaking off the odd sensation, she gave her hair a final quick brush before she stood and smoothed down her dress. It was a fairly simple design, with spaghetti straps and an a-line skirt, but the fabric was a gorgeous, heathery purple silk that felt amazing against her skin. Klaus had pretty good taste, she conceded. Satisfied that she was presentable, Bonnie went over to the bed and sat down to put on the pair of matching stilettos.

Finally ready, she picked up the small black evening bag she'd found in a drawer. Bonnie wasn't sure if she was supposed to meet Klaus here or in the foyer, but after a few minutes of fidgeting she decided she couldn't sit still any longer. She stood and, carefully balancing on her heels, made her way out to the landing. There she was confronted with a new problem: the stairs.

"I'm gonna break my neck in these things," she grumbled, glancing down at her stilettos.

Clinging to the bannister with her best death grip, she inched down the stairs to the foyer. Just as she reached the bottom step, the front door opened and Stefan entered the house. He stopped short upon seeing her.

"Hey, you look nice." Stefan blinked. "Why do you look nice?"

"I'm, er, going out to dinner."

He looked her up and down. "Alone?"

"Not exactly. Klaus is taking me."

"You're...going out on a date?"

"Don't be ridiculous. It's just dinner."

"The two of you? Alone?"

"Yeah."

"On a date."

"Stefan!"

Mrs Gerhardt swept in from the hall. "Ah yes, very nice," she said with an approving eye. "The master will not be disappointed."

Bonnie wanted to die, or at the very least, scurry back to her room. She turned round, but Klaus appeared at the top of the stairs, looking pretty damn good for a murderous sociopath in a tailored charcoal grey suit and an open-necked white shirt. Surrounded on all sides, she could only watch him descend the stairs.

"Is the car ready?" Klaus said as he joined them.

"Yeah, it's parked out front." Stefan's brow creased. "Uh, where are you guys going?"

"Out." Klaus gave him a bland smile. "Thank you, Stefan."

Stefan glanced at Bonnie, who gave him a subtle nod. "Okay, well, have a good night," he said, looking as weirded out as she felt.

"Goodnight, Stefan," she said.

As he bounded up the stairs, Bonnie looked round and realised that Mrs Gerhardt had somehow vanished from the foyer without her noticing. Klaus gave her an appreciative look.

"Bonnie, you look lovely."

"Thank you." She took a deep breath. "But you know, I was thinking that maybe this isn't a good time for me to go out. I mean, I've got this deadline looming over me and I really don't-"

"Fine, I'll give you an extra day."

"Two," she blurted.

After a long moment during which she didn't dare draw breath, Klaus said, "Fine, two." He raised a finger when she opened her mouth. "Don't push your luck, Bonnie."

She gave him a rueful smile. "Two, it is."

Catching a glimpse of movement, Bonnie twisted her head to find Mrs Gerhardt standing two feet away with an armful of ebony fur.

"Is that thing real?" she said.

"Certainly it is," Mrs Gerhardt said, extending her arms.

Bonnie recoiled. "I'm not wearing that."

"Whyever not?" Klaus said, looking genuinely surprised.

"Because it came from a dead animal."

"Well, then, it won't mind you wearing it, will it?"

She answered his mischievous smile with a glare.

"Come now, Bonnie," Klaus said, coaxing her as if she were a recalcitrant child. "The animal's already dead. Refusing to wear the fur won't change that."

The truth was, Bonnie didn't know why she felt so strongly about the fur. She had no problem eating a burger or buying leather shoes. Maybe it was just the idea of killing an animal purely for its skin, or maybe it was Klaus's insistence that brought out her stubborn side. She was about to reply when she caught Mrs Gerhardt's eye. The housekeeper's expression revealed nothing, but Bonnie was reminded of their earlier conversation, and it gave her pause.

"Okay," she said, after thinking it over. "I'll wear it if you give me another day."

Klaus's eyes hardened, and once again she found herself holding her breath.

At last he said, "Very well. One more day."

She knew it would be a mistake to ask for more, so she merely nodded. Klaus glanced at Mrs Gerhardt, who came forward to drape the fur around Bonnie's shoulders. The soft fur brushed against her cheek, raising goosebumps. She'd never in her life worn anything quite so luxurious.

Klaus offered her his arm. "It's time to go."

As soon as they entered the foyer of the restaurant, a hostess bustled forward to claim Bonnie's fur stole. She stood tall, trying not to look like the high-schooler she was as the maitre'd greeted Klaus like a long lost friend and insisted on personally escorting them to their table. They wove between the velvet-covered booths, passing through a melting pot of expensive perfumes and colognes.

Near the windows, a woman in a black evening dress played a grand piano. The music, some tinkly piano tune that was one step above elevator music, was unobstrusive but just loud enough to ensure the diners' privacy. When they arrived at their table, Bonnie discovered that the curved booth was positioned so that, once seated, they couldn't see any of the other patrons. Great. Klaus could snap her neck and no one would be any the wiser.

Shortly after the maitre'd left, a waiter appeared to hand them menus and a wine list. Bonnie handed both back unopened. The only reason she was here was to buy herself more time to save the werewolves. She sure as hell wasn't going to act like this was a real date. While the waiter reeled off the specials, she looked round, trying to locate the exits in case she needed to make a run for it.

Klaus ordered several dishes, then perused the wine list. "Do you have a favourite wine?"

"I'm underage," she said flatly.

He raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure that's never stopped you before."

"That was when I was with my friends."

"I saved your life not so long ago. Doesn't that make us friends?"

"You're kidding, right?"

Chuckling, Klaus returned the wine list to the waiter. "Sparkling water." As the waiter left, Klaus caught her look of surprise. "This evening is for you, Bonnie. Whatever you want, you shall have."

"Oh, yeah? I don't suppose my freedom is on that menu."

"Anything within reason, of course."

"Of course."

The waiter returned with a carafe and filled their water glasses. Once the waiter was out of earshot, Bonnie said, "I hope you don't think you can charm me into...well, you know."

"You misunderstand me, Bonnie. All I'm doing is showing you the world that's available to you."

She snorted. "If you think a fancy dress and an overpriced dinner are going to tempt me to the dark side, then you really don't know me at all."

A smile tugged at his mouth. "Wait until you try the pecan pie."

Bonnie froze. Pecan pie was one of her favourite foods, but how could Klaus possibly know that? For a second, she wondered if he had somehow read her thoughts, until common sense kicked in and she remembered mentioning how much she missed her Grams's pecan pie to Stefan. Mrs Gerhardt must have overheard them, although Bonnie couldn't recall her actually being present.

Klaus's smile widened. "I know you better than you think, Bonnie Bennet."

"Trust me, you really don't."

"I know that your father spends most of his time away from home. I know that your mother abandoned you-"

His water glass erupted in flames. Mortified, Bonnie cut the air with her hand to put out the magical fire.

"Did I strike a nerve?" he said innocently.

"Stop trying to manipulate me," she said through gritted teeth.

"I'm not. I'm trying to make you see that we're really not that different." Clasping his hands together, Klaus leaned forward on his elbows. "I understand loneliness, Bonnie, better than you think. What I'm offering you is not just the world, but someone to share it with. Someone who understands the nature of your gift, someone who can help you reach your full potential. A true partner."

"Lemme guess. This perfect 'someone' just happens to be you."

He offered her a charming smile. "You have to admit, I am unique."

Bonnie let out an involuntary snorfle. "Oh, you're unique, all right." She shook her head. "If you think I'm signing up to be the latest in the long line of witches you've used and discarded, you're out of your mind."

Klaus frowned. "Despite what you may think, the witches...the women I've been with are not interchangeable. They have each, in their own way, been beautiful and talented. Just like you."

She blushed in spite of herself. "How can I be your partner if you're holding me against my will?"

"Once I have my hybrid army, you're free to go. Neither you nor your friends will ever see me again...if that is what you wish."

Bonnie narrowed her eyes. "You don't really expect me to believe that, do you?"

"You have my word. I won't bother you again...as long as you complete your task."

Her brief flicker of hope vanished. "So I get my freedom by taking away the werewolves'."

"Well, I can't let everybody go, Bonnie," he said reasonably.

"No, no, of course not. What was I thinking?"

She would've sunk into a dejected silence had the waiter not appeared to serve their appetisers. A plate of seared scallops on some kind of sauteed greens was placed before her. The citrusy aroma of the butter sauce wafted up, making her mouth water and, to her surprise, awakening her appetite. She glanced at Klaus, who gave her a knowing smile.

"Go ahead. I promise you, it tastes even better than it looks."

He was right, damn him. Bonnie savoured every bite of her appetiser. If Klaus hadn't been there, she would've licked the butter sauce right off the plate.

"It's truffles," he said out of the blue.

"Excuse me?"

"That flavour you're trying to identify."

"How did you-"

"You get a little wrinkle just here," Klaus touched the spot between his eyebrows, "when you're trying to work something out."

"Oh," she said, disconcerted.

He seemed genuinely pleased that she was enjoying her meal, which emboldened her to ask something she'd been wondering about for a while now.

"You know, I don't get it. You got what you wanted - you broke the werewolf curse. You're practically untouchable now. So why is this hybrid army so important to you?"

"You're a witch, Bonnie. You of all people should know that no one's untouchable."

"Wait, are you saying that there's a way to kill you?"

His eyes darkened as she belatedly realised that she should have done a better job of hiding her eagerness. The waiter appeared to whisk away their plates, saving her from giving in to the urge to actually apologise. He hesitated for a second, giving Klaus a curious glance, before also removing the scorched water glass.

"Just when I thought we were becoming friends," Klaus said ruefully.

"If we were friends, you wouldn't be making me do something I don't want to do."

He tilted his head in acknowledgment. "That's a fair point."

"And you still haven't answered my question?"

"Which was?"

"Why do you need more hybrids?"

The waiter returned with a replacement glass and their entrees. Bonnie didn't look away from Klaus as the waiter filled his glass from the carafe. After weeks of searching it had finally dawned on her that she wasn't going to defeat Klaus by poring through dusty grimoires or beating him into submission. She needed to be smart; she needed to find his weakness.

When they were alone again, Klaus said, "You think you and your friends are the only ones who want to kill me?"

"You've survived this long without hybrids."

He started in on his entree. "I want to do more than just 'survive'. I want to be able to trust those around me. Without reservation." He pointed his knife at the roasted duck breast on her plate. "You should eat that before it gets cold."

Her meal did smell delicious, but it wasn't food that she was hungry for.

"You're surrounded by vampires," she said, watching him closely. "Are you telling me that you don't trust them?"

"Most of those vampires would turn on me in a heartbeat given the chance."

"Even the ones you made? Don't you have some kind of...connection?"

"We share a blood link, yes, but that doesn't guarantee loyalty."

"Then what makes you think the hybrids would be any different?"

Klaus looked at her, then put down his knife and fork. He dabbed at his mouth with his napkin before giving her his full attention.

"You're very inquisitive this evening," he said, eyes glinting. "Any particular reason?"

"Yeah, I want to know why hybrids matter so much to you. You have plenty of vampires to do your bidding, and even if you didn't, you could compel any number of them. Why do you have to have the werewolves too?"

He sat back, considering her. "You said it yourself, I'm unique. But have you thought about what that really means? The loneliness that comes with knowing that there is no one else in the world like you."

"But your family-"

"My family have been nothing but a disappointment to me."

"Is that the reason they're in those coffins?"

"It's one of them."

"So you're telling me that there's no one in the world that you trust?"

"Completely? No."

Unexpectedly, Bonnie felt a twinge of pity. Despite her mother's absence, she'd grown up with people who loved her, family and friends that she trusted absolutely. She couldn't fathom what it must be like to live for a thousand years and not have that. Though she said nothing, her expression must have hinted at her feelings. Klaus's eyes grew cold.

"I don't need your pity, Bonnie."

"Oh, I don't feel sorry for you. Given the amount of pain you've inflicted on other people, I'd say that you deserve to be friendless and alone. At the very least."

His eyes flickered.

"You're developing quite the sharp tongue," he said. His tone was mild, but there was no mistaking the malice in his gaze. "One might almost think you have nothing to lose."

"You don't have to worry," she said quietly. "I know exactly what's at stake here."

"Good, because I'm growing tired of your efforts to undermine me."

"What are you talking a-"

"Where's my brother?"

"What?"

Klaus smiled. "Bonnie, let's not play games. Elijah's not where he should be and there's only one person in my house who would've dared free him."

She briefly considered denying his accusation, but there was little point. The jump in her pulse had already given her away.

"I don't know where he is," she said.

"I find that difficult to believe. The two of you are obviously plotting against me. Why else would you free him?"

Bonnie shrugged. "Maybe I just felt sorry for him."

Faster than a rattlesnake, Klaus reached out to grab her wrist. He exerted a subtle pressure, just enough to make her wince.

"Where is Elijah?"

"I'm right here, brother."

Like a genie responding to her wish for help, Elijah materialised at the opening of their booth. She never imagined she'd ever be so glad to see him. He smiled at Klaus, and she took the opportunity to tug her wrist free while he was distracted.

"Bonnie, would you excuse us?" Elijah said. "My brother and I have a few things to discuss."

Klaus started to protest, but Elijah added, "Please be sure to stay in the restaurant."

"Sure, no problem." Bonnie slid out from the booth, more than a little miffed at being dismissed so summarily. "I'll just go spend some quality time in the restroom."

Elijah smiled. "A splendid idea." He waited for her to leave before he sat down.

Grumbling under her breath about bossy Originals, Bonnie tottered her way to the ladies. But her irritation vanished the moment she entered the bathroom and saw Elena and Caroline standing near the washbasins.

"Oh my God," she breathed. Her best friends beamed at her as she stumbled towards them and almost fell into their arms. The trio spent a minute indulging in some vigorous hugs and a good bit of muffled squealing before they separated again.

"Are you guys crazy?" Bonnie said. "What are you doing here? How did you even know where I'd be?"

Caroline and Elena exchanged a look before the latter said, "Elijah. He told us you and Klaus were, er, having dinner together."

Bonnie felt a flush creep up her neck. "It's not what you think."

"Really?" Caroline chirped. "Cause it looks like what I think. How about what you think, Elena?"

Nodding solemnly, Elena said, "Yeah. Definitely."

"Guys!"

Caroline grinned. "Sssh, Bonnie, relax. We know you're not here by choice. Though, by the way, you look amazing." She eyed Bonnie's dress with just a smidgeon of envy.

"Thanks. I guess abduction agrees with me." She raised her eyebrows. "So...did you bring it?"

"Oh, right. Sorry." Elena pulled a folded piece of paper out of her back pocket that looked way too pristine to have been manufactured a thousand years ago. "It's a copy." She shrugged in apology. "Elijah said you didn't specify the original spell."

Bonnie made a face. "No, I didn't. But it should still work, as long as it's the right spell. Give me a minute." Focusing her magic, she uttered the words of the translation spell. After a few seconds, she watched the letters on the page dissolve and reform themselves into English. She skimmed through the spell. "Crap."

"Problem?" Caroline said.

"Yeah, and it's a biggie." Bonnie looked up at them. "The original spell involved a blood sacrifice. If I have any hope of breaking it, I'd have to do the same."

Elena took a deep breath. "I'll do it. I'll be the sacrifice."

"Elena-"

"What? I'm the reason that Klaus and Elijah even came to Mystic Falls. It's only fair that-"

"Damn it!" Caroline's furious whisper caught them both off-guard. "Would you two quit volunteering to sacrifice yourselves? It's really pissing me off."

Caroline looked plenty mad, but her quivering chin gave away how upset she really was. Bonnie reached out to squeeze her hand.

"It's okay, Caroline, there isn't going to be any sacrifice. Even if I was willing, which I'm not," she gave Elena a stern look, "the witches would never allow it. I'm already on the naughty list. Pretty sure they're not gonna be down with a human sacrifice."

Caroline took a breath. "Okay, good."

"Wait," Elena said. "If you can't break the spell, then how are we going to stop Klaus?"

"Yeah," Caroline said, her brow wrinkling. "This was supposed to be plan B. Do we even have a plan C?"

Bonnie barely had time to register the sound of the restroom door opening before Caroline had already blurred away. She turned to find her blonde friend holding the shoulders of a middle-aged woman wearing a black satin gown and some serious bling.

Caroline stared into the woman's eyes. "The only person you see in here is the pretty black girl fixing her hair. Now do your business and get out." The moment Caroline released her, the woman turned and marched into a stall. A split second later and Caroline was back with them.

"You're getting scarily good at that," Elena said.

"Thanks," Caroline said, with a not so modest tilt of her head that made Bonnie smile.

They waited in silence until the woman emerged from the stall a minute later. With a blank look on her face, she washed her hands and left the bathroom.

Caroline clapped her hands. "Now where were we?"

"You were going to tell me about Elijah's brilliant plan to save us?" Bonnie said hopefully.

Her friends avoided her gaze.

"Yeah," Elena said, "not so much."

Bonnie's stomach dropped. "He's got nothing?"

"He said that none of the witches he's contacted are willing to take on Klaus."

"Well, why would they? Unless they're suicidal." Bonnie clutched her head in frustration. Elijah wasn't exactly living up to his side of the deal and the worst part was that she couldn't even confront him about it. Not in front of Klaus.

Caroline gently took hold of Bonnie's wrist to tug her arm down before she smoothed Bonnie's rumpled hair.

"Hey, it's not over," Caroline said. "Elijah said there are other witches he can-"

"We don't have time for that."

"What do you mean?"

Bonnie took a deep breath and looked at her friends. "Guys, Klaus wants his hybrids, and he wants them bad. But he hasn't been able to make one because the werewolves keep dying. Elena, I think it's because of you."

"Me?"

"You were supposed to die in the ritual...and you didn't."

"But if Klaus knows he can't make a hybrid, shouldn't that buy us more time?"

Bonnie gave her a grim smile. "You don't know Klaus. He's got a basement full of werewolves and he's using them as leverage for me to figure out what's going wrong. He's gonna start turning them in a few days. We have to stop him before then."

"No, we don't," Caroline said. "All we have to do is get the werewolves out. If he doesn't have any hostages, then he can't make you-"

"That's not gonna work either."

"Why not?"

"Because he'll go after Tyler."

Caroline blanched. "Oh," she said in a small voice.

"Caroline, listen to me," Bonnie said, gripping her friend's hand. "I'm not gonna let that happen, okay. We'll stop Klaus before he gets anywhere near Tyler."

"How?"

Bonnie hesitated. "I'll figure it out."

"Figure what out?" Elena said, her eyes looking a little crazed. "You just said that the spell is useless."

"Elena-"

"No. We should just get out of here. All of us."

"What about Stefan?"

"I'll call Damon. He can go get him right now."

"No, he can't," Bonnie said. "Elena, the house is crawling with vampires. There's no way Damon can get in and out without being detected. And even if he finds Stefan, what about the werewolves?"

Elena's shoulders sagged. "How can we let you go back out there with nothing?"

"You're not." Bonnie gave them a reassuring smile. "I have you guys. Hell, even Damon's on my side."

"Bet you never thought you'd ever say that," Caroline said, snickering as Elena elbowed her.

"Not in this lifetime." Bonnie handed the spell back to Elena. "You should hang onto this. I can't risk anyone finding it on me."

Elena hesitated before accepting the folded paper and tucking it back in her pocket. Bonnie had no idea how long she'd been in the restroom, but she knew she couldn't linger any longer.

"I should probably get back."

Her friends reached out to hug her. Bonnie felt Elena and Caroline's arms tighten around her, and she blinked to keep the tears at bay. She didn't have to be psychic to know what they were thinking because she was thinking the exact same thing - she didn't want to let go.

"Are you sure?" Elena whispered in her ear.

Reluctantly, Bonnie pulled away. "Yeah." She managed a smile for her best friends before she turned and walked towards the door. Without looking back, she exited the restroom and made her way back to the booth.

Elijah spotted her and stood up to allow her into the curved booth. Inwardly, she cursed his gallantry. The last place she wanted to be was stuck between two feuding Originals. And her tight dress and stilettos weren't exactly made for scrambling over tables.

She perked up, though, when she saw that their desserts had been served. It wasn't pecan pie, but it was the next best thing: a slice of baked cheesecake, topped with whipped cream and strawberries. Since she'd managed to skip her entree entirely, Bonnie picked up the spoon and dug in.

"Your timing is impeccable," Elijah said. "Niklaus and I were just debating the merits of Italian opera versus German opera. What say you, Bonnie?"

She raised her eyebrows, wondering if he was messing with her, but he looked perfectly serious. Shrugging, Bonnie said, "I thought they were all Italian."

"Ah," Elijah said. "So you would agree that Italian opera is superior?"

Klaus frowned. "Don't mistake Bonnie's ignorance for vindication, Elijah. All she's proved is that the American school system is severely lacking."

"Sure," Bonnie said. "Why study math or science or history, when we could study a bunch of weeping and wailing people?"

Elijah looked amused. "Clearly, you've never been to the opera."

"Yeah, not a lot of opera houses in Mystic Falls," she said between mouthfuls of cheesecake.

"Well, then, we'll have to arrange an outing while you're in Los Angeles."

Elijah smiled at her, and just for a moment, a night at the opera with him didn't sound bad at all.

Eyeing them both, Klaus said, "When did you two get so friendly?"

Without missing a beat, Elijah said, "Bonnie freed me from my prison. I'm merely showing my gratitude."

Clicking his tongue, Klaus shook his head. "You are sadly mistaken, brother, if you think that a trip to the opera is going to impress our fair Bonnie.

Elijah raised an eyebrow at her in query.

She licked the whipped cream off her spoon and shrugged. "I hate to say it, but he's right." After a moment's thought, she added, "I wouldn't mind a new iPhone, though. Or a car, if you're feeling really generous."

"See what you've started," Elijah said, shooting an amused look at his brother.

"Me? I'm not to blame for your inability to keep up with the times. You need to stop living in the 19th Century."

"I will if you will."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

Watching the two Originals banter so easily with each other, Bonnie could hardly believe that barely a month ago, Elijah had tried to kill his brother. Just how strong was the blood bond between them, she wondered. And could a bond between Klaus and a hybrid ever compete with the bond he shared with his brother?

Something clicked in her mind. Pieces of information - the blood link Klaus had mentioned earlier, Greta's random scribblings, Grams reminding her how old and powerful Klaus was - came together like pieces of a puzzle. Everything fell into place, giving birth to a solution that just might save them all.

The brothers continued their back and forth, but Bonnie was no longer listening.

She'd just figured out how to defeat Klaus.

###