*A/N: Im backkk! I'm sorry it's been a while; I hope the new chapters make up for it. We are almost done with book one. Yay! Let me know what ya think. *

The late afternoon sun was unforgiving, nearly blinding me as I stared out the windshield of the passenger van. As we transversed the concrete driveway leading up to Lockwood Manor, I flipped down the sun visor with a grimace. Elijah had been kind enough to send one of Niklaus' Hybrids to retrieve the rest of the wolves. It was beyond time to introduce them to their new alpha - at least I hoped they chose a new alpha, unlike Tyler and Mason. The van slowed to a stop and the idle chit-chat raining in the back stalled, nervous energy taking its place. I hopped out before anyone could work themselves into a fear-induced tizzy.

Slapping the side, I slid open the door with a bright grin. "All right, everybody out!" I said, shielding my eyes from the glaring sun. "It's time to meet Daddy."

"Kinky."

I turned around, a glare replacing the smile that had painted my features. I placed my hands on my hips and narrowed my eyes at the youngest living Mikaelson. "Zip it Kol - I'm here on business. Don't irritate me in front of the impressionable youth."

Kol looked at the wolves - some of them not yet eighteen, and smirked. "Come on, Ellie, they gotta learn somewhere. You know as well as I do that Niklaus will teach them far worse."

I scoffed, ushering the wolves toward the garden in the back of the manor, where I knew that Niklaus was housing the wolves - in the servant's quarters. "Not my wolves, he won't. He will be a proper alpha…or else," I said unconvincingly.

It wasn't like I could house and feed a group of wolves all on my own. Without Elijah, I wouldn't have gotten this far, but I would be damned if they were treated poorly. Kol snickered as I led the small group forward. Mrs. Lockwood's garden was still the definition of beauty and I took a moment to bask in it. The wolves followed me through the arbor, covered in colorful flowering vines toward an array of wildflowers. Standing together amongst the flowers, and drinking from whiskey glasses filled with blood, were two of Niklaus' new Hybrids.

"Damn dogs are everywhere now," Kol muttered, an exasperated pout puckering his lips.

I snorted under my breath, rolling my eyes at his put-out expression. I ushered the group past them, ignoring their intensely interested stares. We crossed the cobblestone path toward the oak trees near the back of the property — passing by a large white fountain with vibrant koi fish that flickered through the water like the wings of a fairy. I led the way toward Carol's prized rose bushes, they lined the stone walls separating the property from the woods. A large group was gathered near the treeline, and standing near the stone wall, holding court like a king was Niklaus. I pushed ahead, excitement and trepidation building in my chest. Today I would get to the bottom of why he was acting so strangely.

The building smile on my face fell as the crowd clamoring for his attention divided. In the facsimile of a dark comedy, the clouds parted and the sun began to shine anew, shimmering down on the dark chestnut hair of a young woman…a gorgeous young woman. I stumbled to a stop, staring ahead at the earth-shifting sight. The olive-skinned woman had soft hazel eyes, her plump lips parted into a wide smile as a sparkling laugh graced the air. The way she looked up at Niklaus infused me with a feeling of deep sorrow that I couldn't begin to understand. She reached up and took hold of his arm as she basked in his humor. With a cute grin, she touched the dimple of his cheeks. I felt sick with defeat as my heart cried out in denial. She caressed his arm as they continued their conversation. He looked down at her with an expression on his face that I hadn't seen for a long time. The pit in my stomach grew — that used to be mine. Before my next breath, the young woman released another bell-like laugh and pulled Niklaus down, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. I bent forward in agony, my heart shuddering in my chest - it was more than I could stand.

"I told you that dogs were taking over the place," Kol said, his eyes as hard as steel.

I looked up at him with tears burning in my eyes but I refused them an escape. "She's a werewolf? Is she here to become a Hybrid?" I asked.

Kol shrugged, staring ahead at the disgraceful scene with pure malice. "Hell if I know. She showed up a few weeks ago with one of the packs. Since then she has hovered around Niklaus like the fleas on his back."

I chuckled humorlessly and turned to see Niklaus placing his arm over the woman's shoulder. I felt ill.

"He is an idiot, El. You and I both know something isn't right here. You need to talk to him."

I kept my gaze on the odd duo - I refused to deny what was happening right before me. It felt like Damon and Katherine all over again, only a billion times more painful. "I can only do what he will allow, Kol. He has been avoiding me."

Kol took hold of my shoulders and pulled me in front of him. "Force him, Elandra! Your relationship is worth it. The two of you have been through too much to let whatever is going on destroy what you have."

I sniffled, pushing back the tears before they could surface. "I can't believe you're the one telling me to fight for him," I said, laughing lightly.

Kol shrugged. "I don't want to lose my sister again. The two of you deserve to be happy."

I pulled him into a tight hug. Stepping back, I turned to the patient group behind us - the wolves had waited with reserved uncertainty. Only a few of them knew of my 'relationship' with the Original Hybrid, and at the moment, I was extremely grateful for that. I took a second to take a few calming breaths, swallowing down my agony and confusion. It was almost impossible to fight the feelings demanding to boil over, but I knew that now was not the time for an emotional confrontation. Shakily, I lifted my hand and ushered the wolves forward.

"I am going to introduce you. He will decide when it's time for the change. Once the introductions are over, and you are changed, he will be your new Alpha. That means your home will be Lockwood Manor, for now."

A young blonde named Tiffany raised her hand in the back, wiggling her fingers expectantly. I pointed at her with a tired grin. "We aren't at school, Tiff. What's your question?"

She lowered her arm, placing a hand on her hip with a sassy twitch of her hair. "Um, it's called respect. Do we have to accept him as our Alpha? Like, he hasn't even defeated you or anything? How do we know he is even worthy of our loyalty?"

Kol cocked a brow, turning to me with a big grin. "The Pomeranian has a point."

I snorted, covering my face with a sigh. Tiffany scoffed. "Pomeranian? Uh, I don't think so. If anything, I would be an Alaskan Malamute," she said, crossing her arms.

Her friend, Joni, nodded enthusiastically. Her red hair splayed over her shoulders gracefully as she stared ahead at Kol, an artful glare on her heart-shaped face. I raised my hands to silence their bickering. This was what I feared. I didn't need a group of wolves bound to me, but I couldn't lie to them - I was their alpha.

"In the end, it'll be your choice. During the change, you will feel the pull to choose your alpha — at least that is what Mason and Tyler said."

The wolves stared at me with uncertainty. I didn't blame them; this wasn't an easy or normal situation. The only knowledge I had was second-hand — I was not a wolf. I lowered my shoulders and nervously looked at the pack. "Listen, I know I haven't been the best alpha and I cannot promise I will be any better as time passes. In the end, if you choose me I will do my best to continue protecting you. I leave the choice up to you."

They nodded after a moment of thought, and I felt ready to lead them forward. Kol followed and I sent him a grateful smile. I didn't want to do this alone. The group slightly parted around Niklaus as I stepped forward and stood directly before the tiring Hybrid.

"You really should have been with us on the last hunt," Niklaus told the others with a smirk, "I'll never get over how they scream. It would have gone much faster if someone hadn't distracted me." His grip tightened around the girl's waist, causing her to let loose a simpering giggle. My stomach heaved. Planting a kiss on her neck, he flicked his eyes toward me and slowly straightened. His eyes were hard. Cold. He was no longer Nik, so full of life and love. This was Klaus, and he was a force to be reckoned with.

"Elara, welcome to the party," he said.

Elara. He never used my latest name. It was another blow to my cracked heart, soon it would shatter. I wrapped my arms around my chest, a shield against his icy glare. Kol stepped up beside me and looked at the girl from head to toe - his lips curled with disgust. I kicked his shin, shaking my head before he could get any Mikaelson-worthy ideas.

"Hello Klaus, I would have chosen another day had I known you were…entertaining," I said.

Niklaus' nose twitched at the slight. I kept my eyes on his face to better see the signs of hidden emotion. The woman next to him cleared her throat and Niklaus blinked, almost in surprise. A brief smile painted my lips.

Picking up a piece of her chestnut hair, he twirled it around his fingers with a smile. "This is Hayley Marshall," he introduced.

I shared a barely there smile and tilted my head; my gaze never left Niklaus' face. "Charmed. Are you here to become a Hybrid?" I asked.

Hayley looked at me as if measuring my worth before answering; her tone was dry. "I came to meet the Original Hybrid, of course."

I watched her face in silence, sizing her up like she had done me. There was something…off about Hayley Marshall. As my gaze transversed her face, I felt a rush of awareness spark in my mind — she was marked by fate. Of course, he chose someone else…special. My world further crumbled.

I released a deep shuddering breath as I turned around, motioning to the wolves behind me. "Of course you did." Hayley scoffed at the perceived insult. I ignored her and addressed Niklaus. "This is the rest of the pack. They are ready to become Hybrids as soon as you're willing."

When I turned around, I could see that his answering grin was genuine, but it wasn't the same soft smile I used too —it was boarding on malicious. He removed his arm from Hayley's shoulder and stepped forward.

"So you brought me a gift as recompense for what you did? Do you honestly expect a few—" he waved his arm around, face scrunched up in thought, "weather-worn wolves to make up for the loss of my daggers and the betrayal you wrought by awakening my siblings without my consent?"

I crossed my arms, shaking my head in annoyance. Why was he so trapped in the past; had everything not worked out in his favor? "Niklaus, I explained all of that. Why do you always insist on rehashing the same argument? What I did was necessary. This is not a gift or a plea for your forgiveness. Although, I am sorry that you feel betrayed"

Kol huffed, rolling his eyes; Niklaus shot him a glare of warning. I lifted my hand, drawing his attention once more. "I'm not asking for your forgiveness because frankly, I don't feel like I need it." Niklaus scoffed and my hand reshot in the air before he could gain steam."You are free to be angry at me, go ahead, have at it. I simply ask that you treat my wolves with the respect they deserve….as human beings."

Hayley looked at me with her head tilted, brows cocked. Her curiosity was taking the place of judgment. I ignored her; I didn't have the mental capacity for a new development. Niklaus looked at the wolves and smirked hatefully. "We are beyond humanity. I will treat them the same way I do the rest of my Hybrids."

I closed my eyes to stop them from rolling into the back of my head. I raised a hand to the bridge of my nose; this was exhausting. With the softest tone I could muster, I looked up at him with a straight face. "And I have told you how that will turn out. If you don't treat your pack with respect, eventually, they will turn on you."

Niklaus took a meaningful step forward and leaned down, invading my personal space. I placed a hand on his chest to stop him from leaning any closer. He froze beneath my palm, as stiff as marble. His gaze dropped, falling onto my hand, and a wounded expression broke out across his face. The moment passed as quickly as it occurred, and he reached for my palm, removing it with the briefest touch. Rejection bloomed on my cheeks and I folded my hands over my stomach.

"I don't believe I asked for your opinion, Elara. You should learn when to leave well enough alone. This is wolf business - you have no place in it."

The pack growled behind me, angered by Niklaus' harsh words. The sound of their displeasure brought life back into my slumped shoulders and I shook off the pain. With a raised finger, I silenced them. Niklaus' lips curled and he snarled at their audacity.

"It would behoove you to remind them who the true alpha is."

My hands squeezed into fists as I stared up at him. "Their choice in alpha remains their own, Klaus. Or have you forgotten that your two newest Hybrids are mine?" I spat.

Niklaus' left eye twitched and his jaw ticked with aggravation. With a huff of impudent laughter, he reached out, bopping my nose with the tip of his index finger. "Aren't you just the cutest when you try to be tough," he said, smiling down at me patronizingly.

My body stiffened and I glared up at the condescending hybrid. "I can show you just how 'tough' I can be. Would you like a demonstration?" I asked with my hands outstretched beside me. My fingers began to sparkle and Hayley gasped, only angering me further.

Kol's hand lowered onto my shoulder and I felt his nails graze my skin. It calmed my beating heart and reduced the red haze, allowing my rational mind to take back control. He lowered his lip to my ear; I could feel his warm breath against my skin. "He is trying to get a rise out of you, don't let him win. It's what he wants."

I placed my hand atop his and closed my eyes, inhaling deeply with gratitude and acknowledgment. Niklaus watched the moment with a ruminative stare, his face flushed with rage. Somewhere between Kol removing his hand from my shoulder and my next exhale, Niklaus' expression had shifted from ruby-colored rage to spiteful joy.

"Ah, Elara; I forgot about the gift I found for you, silly me," Niklaus said, his eyes squinting in displeasure. Snapping his fingers, a hybrid behind him jolted to life, speeding toward the main house. I watched him go, my nerves burning in wild waves below the surface. Niklaus drew my attention and I swallowed down the panic. "It fell right into my lap. I'm sure you'll be pleased that it found its way home to you. Although, I have to say…I was a bit shocked."

"What are you talking about, Niklaus?" I asked, reverting to familiarity in alarm.

Kol stood beside me, scanning the face of his brother with animosity. "This little game of yours is truly sickening, brother," he said.

Niklaus grinned and reached over, pulling Hayley next to him. "That's odd coming from you, Kol. Are you not the one feared most for your wicked games?"

Kol snarled and I placed a hand on his chest to prevent him from attacking. "I don't play with the minds of my family, that's the difference between us!"

Niklaus laughed but there was no joy in it, and his once bright eyes were dull. Lifting his nose into the air, he smiled viciously. "Ah, your gift has arrived."

I glanced around frantically, afraid of what he might have done to get back at me —something I would never have expected. The group parted and the hybrid from before headed down the hill toward us, with a young man lumbering behind him. It took me a moment to fully understand what was happening. Sound escaped and time slowed to a standstill. The young man was tall with tan skin and messy sandy hair. He held himself reminiscent of someone who knew his worth, it reminded me of Nobility that had long since passed. Time and space shifted and the young man disappeared, replaced by Sebastian Costilla, who I hadn't seen for centuries. As he approached, my knees shook and I took a step backward, falling against Kol's chest. The boy smiled, his crooked white teeth bared down on me in sheer joy. I felt Kol growl in warning against my back. This just couldn't be, it wasn't possible.

"Hello, Lady Tessa," the young man said. His voice was deep and soft; I felt my body tremble in shock. "Surprise!" He bounced from leg to leg anxiously, awaiting my response.

I stumbled forward with a dry aching throat and stared into a face I thought I would never see again. Something terrible must have happened after I died. My gaze traveled along his ample cheeks, taking in the reddish-hued freckles. He had an adorable upturned nose and full lips. Once I was done memorizing every feature, I met his eyes; they were gray, with just the slightest hint of blue, just like his father's. My world faded around the edges and I fell to my knees, tears cascading down my face. Kol followed my collapse as did William…my son. He placed his hands on my cheeks, his soft voice was like oxygen to my deprived soul and I sucked in every syllable.

"Mother! Are you okay? I-I didn't mean to frighten you."

Glancing up, I looked into the eyes I had only been fortunate enough to glimpse for a single moment so many years ago. Mother, he called me mother. Tears pooled in my eyes and a smile grew on my lips as Kol inhaled sharply behind me.

"M-Mother?" Kol whispered.

My fingers sought out William's face and I made a trail along his cheekbones, mesmerized at the fact that he was old enough for a beard. I chuckled in awe, shocked beyond measure. "Yes, Kol. This is…my son."

William wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to my feet. He was so strong…and tall! I placed my hands on his shoulders, still staring into his perfect eyes. "How are you here? You're not supposed to be alive," I mumbled.

William's face crumbled and I gasped, shaking my head as quickly as possible. "No, no that's not what I meant. I just don't understand how you could still be here, Will. You were supposed to do all the things I never could, like growing old," I said, sadness scrunching up my face.

Instead of answering my question, William simply grinned, his eyes crinkled with happiness. "You called me Will! Maria said you would have, and it's true."

I tilted my head and chuckled. "I always liked the name Will but your father insisted that we give you a proper name. William gave us both a win," I said, shrugging playfully.

"You have a son?" a deep and furious voice growled beyond our group.

Without a second thought, I stepped before William, effectively shielding him behind myself and Kol. A flickering fire of hurt flashed in Niklaus' eyes before it ebbed away, a hard-set mask taking over his expression. I internally cringed, fully aware of the line I had subconsciously drawn between Niklaus and my son – it had been purely instinctual.

"Yes. I do."

Niklaus' gaze shifted from me as he took in the man behind me, a malicious glare curling his upper lip in a scowl. "Might I ask, who exactly is the father of this bastard child?"

"Oh, Gods!" It's not Salvatore, is it?" Kol mockingly gasped dramatically, his face strained. The smug bastard was enjoying this.

Ignoring Kol, I glowered at the Hybrid before me and met his stare with as much fire as he was giving out, offended for more than one reason. I could feel my body tense with anxiety and stress as his eyes never left mine. William laughed a throaty chuckle and crossed his arms with an amused smile. I inhaled sharply, fighting the urge to kick him – why was he tempting fate?

"Bastard? I am nothing of the sort. Mother was married to my father for over a year before I was even conceived."

Niklaus closed his eyes as his hands balled into fists and I saw that little vein on the side of his neck begin to throb, a sure sign he was fighting to remain remotely calm. How long that peace would last, however, was anyone's guess. His eyes flicked open and found mine and I could see the pain and rejection coursing through my soul reflected at me.

"You've been married?"

Of all the things for him to cling to, I didn't expect that. I bit my bottom lip as I anxiously fumbled with my hands, unsure what to do with them. "I-I…yes. More than once."

"You married someone after my father?" I could see William fix me with shock evident across his features.

"You've been hitched? Way da go, Ellie. Get ya some!" Kol enthused, smacking me on the back.

I sighed again in exasperation, put off by his antics. Looking at Niklaus with indignation swirling around my stomach, I ground my teeth. Honestly, what did he expect from me? It had been a thousand years and most of those had been spent as a person without the basic decency of rights. I was traded like cattle and sold as an object on more than one occasion. Shrugging off Kol's over-enthusiasm, I stood straighter and braced myself.

"What do you want me to say, Nik? You know I was once engaged to Damon-" Kol gasped beside me and looked at William with a wrinkled nose as if smelling something foul. I rolled my eyes as I turned and smacked the Original's shoulder. "Will is not Damon's son. Pay attention, we never married!"

"That doesn't mean anything," he whispered, eyes roving my face as if searching for the answer.

I let out a groan of frustration before taking a deep breath. "Back then it did." Nik huffed impatiently, indignant that he was no longer the main focus of the conversation, and I turned back to him with a wary expression. "Why would the idea of me entering into other relationships be such a shock? In case you haven't noticed, I am a woman. I've been forced into marriage more than once, and many times it was anything but a pleasant experience."

Niklaus was silent as he regarded me, his lips pursed in revulsion. "How very…modern of you. I didn't think I would be getting someone so…"

"So what, Klaus? Used?" I spat at him, anger twisting my insides, "Is that honestly how you see me now?"

William wrapped his arms around my chest from behind me and I shivered at the stimuli. There were many things Nik was known for, his cruelty being one. I just never expected it ever to be aimed in my direction. What was happening?

Niklaus looked away, his eyes focused on the floor as his body tensed. "You were supposed to be mine alone. Not open for the highest bidder."

My lower lip trembled as I watched him take a step closer to Hayley. The anger began to boil over and I felt a sharp crack rip at my soul as I focused on his hand reaching to settle on her lower back. "You're being hypocritical, aren't you Niklaus? As if you were abstinent and didn't screw your way across the countryside. You always did have a weakness for the desperate ones," I scowled at him, feeling the hard stare aimed in my direction.

I closed my eyes and took a calming breath. No matter how hurt I was, no amount of lashing out at Hayley would quiet the beat of my heart marching in my ears, threatening to swallow me whole. Slowly opening my eyes, I focused on Niklaus and was met with such a lack of empathy that I felt the crack in my soul pang as it deepened.

My breath wavered as I felt the sting of tears behind my eyes. "There was not a time I wasn't missing you. Something always felt off, as if a piece of me was gone, but now…I don't even recognize who you are, Niklaus."

Without a word, he began to lead Hayley from the room, and the beating in my ears grew louder. He couldn't leave, it just wasn't possible. After a few steps, he turned his head to the side, not even affording me the decency of seeing his face, and spoke his final words.

"You're right, you don't know who I am. You never did."

The fire spread through my chest as the agony of walking away sunk in. It spread from my core, slithering its poison down my arms and legs and I stumbled backward – away from the man I had always seen as my future. An echo of words spoken eons ago came to the forefront of my mind and I choked back a sob. Esther's words only solidified the rejection and I trembled against her spite.

"One day, he will see you for what you truly are - a mistake. Only then will you be free."

As the torment swelled and crushed my will in its path, a flicker of the man I loved came before my eyes, fading as I failed to push down the weight of my broken and ravaged soul. Another flicker. His smile. His kind and patient eyes. No! I pushed back with all of my might as hope fluttered within my chest, refusing to believe this was the end. Hope began to smother the flames licking at my wounds, but as I felt Kol place his hand on my shoulder, I held onto the hope, cradling it within as it built, allowing it to overtake everything.

I would not lose him.

Kol led me back to the manor and William followed close behind. They both wore expressions of pity. I hated it.

"My God, what happened?" a soft voice crooned.

Rebekah ran down the stairs, two steps at a time, rushing toward us with open arms. She swept me into a bruising hug. "I am going to kill that fool, I swear."

I chuckled, pulling away with misty eyes. "There's no need, Beks. I can handle this on my own."

Blue eyes sparkling, she smiled. "Of course, you can. That doesn't mean I won't get in a few hits of my own."

"You'll have to beat me to it, sister dear," Kol snarked, his head turning to look out the back door.

Looking over my head, Rebekah finally noticed that we weren't alone. "And who might this be?"

Sighing with exhaustion, I smiled gently, my gaze traveling to William. "This is my son, William. Will, this is your Auntie Bekah."

Rebekah stumbled, her blue eyes blinking rapidly. "Son? How is that possible?" Her gaze lowered to the floor as she sucked in a breath. "Oh! No wonder you look so upset. I bet Nik had a fit," she said.

I nodded, exhaustion lowering onto my shoulders like a lead scarf. "That about sums it up."

Kol walked around William, giving him a wide berth. I giggled, and my spirit lightened. William watched the youngest Original with raised brows. "I won't bite, Mr. Mikaelson. You're not exactly my type."

Twirling around, I stared at William with narrowed eyes. "You can't have a type! Y-You're a baby," I declared, words jumbled with panic.

William looked down at himself, and widening his arms, smiled. "Not anymore, mother. I am sitting at the eternal age of nineteen."

I could feel the blood leaving my cheeks as I stared at him. "Shit. You're older than me. You'll always be older than me. How did this happen?"

William led me to the parlor and I took a seat on the sofa — Rebekah joined me. Placing a hand atop mine, she patted gently. "Just breathe, Ellie."

Kol rounded the corner, heading toward the alcohol cart. William sat in the armchair and watched me with guarded eyes. He was afraid of something. "Maria told me your story, she kept her promise."

My heart shuddered with appreciation. "I'm glad. What happened to her?"

William's face fell, and age-old grief shimmered in his eyes. "She died of typhoid fever. It took Father two months after that; I was sixteen then. Once Father died I was forced to take his title, but my free time has always been reserved for one thing…"

My shoulders drooped as I came up with the answer. "You searched for me?"

William nodded while Kol chuckled mirthlessly. "Course he did. A young man, shown a small piece of the supernatural, and knowing it took his mother. He was bound to become obsessed."

"Who changed you?" Rebekah asked curiously.

William sat back, folding his hands against his chest. "I happened to meet an old friend of yours. Katerina Petrova."

Fury consumed me and I flew to my feet. "Katerina changed you! She is no friend of mine," I spat, staring down at the floor below me. "I hope you are rotting in hell you vindictive bitch!"

Willaim stood, pulling me closer with worry. "I never expected you would speak so…freely."

Rebekah laughed, her cheeks pink. "She has a dirty tongue, that's for sure."

"Katerina deserves such hateful words. I cannot believe that she took it upon herself to condemn my child to eternity."

William looked down at me with his head tilted and brows scrunched. "I don't feel condemned. Is that what you think of this life?"

I took a step back, sighing with frustration. "Perhaps my words were ill-chosen. I do not think that you've been condemned. I simply wish you had more than nineteen years of humanity. Immortality is not easy — it can become unbearable, at times."

William took hold of my upper arms and bent down so that he was at eye level. "As much as you seem to hate Katerina, I don't think she was being unkind when she turned me. She said that she owed you a life debt. My immortality was a way of paying you back."

I crossed my arms with a huff and turned away, sitting beside Rebekah. I didn't want to owe Katerina a damn thing, but it seems she went to the grave with the upper hand. Sitting back, I looked up at William with narrowed eyes. "She planned out everything she did, I highly doubt that your immortality came from the kindness of her heart. Still, I will admit that I am grateful to have you back…."

William grinned widely and clapped his hand together with a loud snap. "I'm more than happy to be here. I have never regretted the choice to become a vampire. It was necessary to find you," he said.

Rebekah sniffed beside me and brushed away the wetness from her eyes. "I can't believe that you're a mother!"

I leaned into her, laying my head atop her shoulder. "And you're an Aunt. Isn't life great," I said, grinning.

Kol gagged and threw his head back. "Gah, I am too young to be a role model!"

William snorted and covered his mouth with the side of his hand. "Don't worry, I'll look elsewhere for a role model."

Kol saluted him with a half-full whiskey glass. "That would be best. Come to me when you wanna learn how to commit artful homicide."

"Kol! Don't fill his head with fantasy. It'll be me who will teach him how to get away with murder," Rebekah said, rushing to her feet. She pulled William into a bone-crushing hug. "I have so much to teach you, little one," she said. When she pulled back, I could see the mischievous spark in her eyes. This was bound to be interesting.

Soon, Rebekah's face shifted and darkness overtook her pale skin. She turned to Kol, "I think it's time."

Kol lowered his glass, and placing his hands atop the bar, lowered his head. "Are you sure? Once done, there is no going back."

I looked between the two with worry etched into my brow. "What's going on?"

Rebekah touched my arm and took a deep breath. "Ellie, we think it's time that you took care of Esther. We cannot have Nik or Elijah waking her again — it's too dangerous."

Kol spun around with a tight jaw. He was stiff, wound tight by anxiety. "That's not the only reason we think you should face her. You've spent too long buried in your fear. It's time to let it go," he said.

My chest burned with the inability to take in oxygen. I gripped the armrest and my nails ached from the pressure. What did they want me to do? There was no way I would win against Esther, and the mere idea of facing her left my body damp with anxiety. "I-I can't face your mother. She would…she always wins," I whispered.

Kol sped in front of me, lowering to his knees. "She only wins because you allow it; it's fear that dampens your magic. You need to remember who you are."

Looking into his eyes, emotion burned in my chest like a flickering flame. " Who am I?

Rebekah wound a piece of my hair around her fingers. "A Mikaelson," she said.

"A strong powerful woman, and my mother," William softly answered.

"And a witch gifted by a deity. You are more powerful than any before you. Just believe in yourself," Kol added, stern-faced.

Closing my eyes, I basked in the love offered without question. They were right; I could handle Esther — for my family.

Esthers' temporary tomb was the same dark storage room where the Mikaelson siblings had been held. Their empty coffins eerily sat in a straight line in the corner of the room. Esthers' coffin was against the far wall, chains haphazardly placed in a small pile on the stone floor. Standing in the doorway, my skin crawled, almost vibrating in a plea to escape. Kol stood on my left, whispering words of encouragement I couldn't hear. I asked Rebekah to keep William upstairs, there was no way I could attempt this with him in the room. There was a near-silent murmuring bouncing off the cement walls, and I strained to hear what was being said. Were they begging me to run or asking for mercy? Either way, I would grant the dead witches nothing. It was time for peace without judgment.

"Stay here. I need to do this alone," I said, stepping into the room.

The air was chilled and stiff, it made it hard to breathe. The further into the room that I ventured, the tighter my chest became. Soon, the upper half of my body folded over, and I was gasping.

"El! Are you okay?" Kol hollered. Lifting a reassuring hand, I ushered for him to stay behind. Hands placed on the door frame, he scowled, grumbling with vexation. "I'll stay put, for now."

Frowning, I stood in front of Esther's coffin with shaking hands. Oily magic fled from the confines of her resting place like dark tendrils, reaching out to suffocate me. With a grimace, I placed my palms atop the opening. The edges of my vision began to dim and I swayed precariously. I tried to cry out to Kol as I fell forward, but no sound fled my lips. I watched in horror as the room faded away, leaving behind draining imprints of color. I twisted in a circle as I fell, reaching out for anything that could steady me — I found nothing. With my skin prickling from the crushing cold, I continued to fall. I could hear my screams bouncing off the darkness — the ear-shattering sound surrounded me in a cacophony of fear. Time vanished as I bounced around in nothingness, seemingly stuck in a horrifying loop. I prayed that gravity would catch up with me, and finally, I noticed a flash of color drawing closer. The white speck remained steady as I fell toward it; I squeezed my eyes shut in freight. I was going to collide with whatever was below. I jerked to a stop moments later and my neck snapped forward. A lingering shot of pain flew down my spine and I stiffened from the shock of it. My nails dug into the palm of my hands as I slowly opened my eyes. I was floating inches above the pitch-black ground. This was not what I had prayed for.

"You foolish child! Did you honestly think that you could defeat me?"

I inhaled the icy air with a sharp gasp. Gently, I turned my head, trembling in terror at the sight that greeted me. Esther Mikaelson, entirely clothed in white, stared down at me with a grin. Her blonde hair hung free around her shoulders as she tilted her head mockingly. I tensed, trying in vain to drop from my suspended state.

"You're as amusing as ever," Esther said, laughing delightedly.

Slamming my hands against the empty air, I screamed with frustration. "Release me!"

Esther walked closer and her footsteps echoed like a bell of warning. Her fingers retreated into my hair and I jerked away despite the pain radiating down my spine.

"My dear, have you not missed me? I was your surrogate mother, no one would blame you"

I turned to glare into her brown eyes with pure hatred. "Do not play with me Esther, I know who you truly are."

Wrapping a strand of my hair around her finger, she tugged roughly as she pulled away. I didn't make a sound, refusing to grant her even the simplest pleasure. Esther sighed, rolling her eyes as she walked around my hovering body. "Oh, don't whine, Elandra. If I am the monster in your story, it's because you made me one," she said, her tone as hard as granite.

The tips of my fingers burned as my anger grew, and I pressed against the magic keeping me hostage. "You destroyed my life, took everything from me! Then when I was gone, you tried to rise and help your psychotic husband murder your children. How are you, not a monster, Esther?"

Esther crossed her arms defiantly and her face twisted with irritation. "The world is not always black and white. I did what I did to protect my family."

A brilliant sapphire light lit up the darkness, and I fell to the ground, flat on my face. With a giant huff, I stumbled to my feet, turning to look at Esther with my hands fisted beside me. "Thanks to you, I know more about the world than you ever will. There is not one instance where I would ever destroy my family as a means to protect them. That is not what love is, that's your need for control."

Esther moved toward me like a snake, her eyes practically glowing with fury. "They are the real monsters! You have seen what they've become."

"And whose fault is that? You are the one who bowed to whatever Mikael wanted; you are the reason your family became what they are. It's too late to go back," I said, furiously slashing my arm through the air.

"It is never too late. I can fix this, give them all peace."

I started laughing in disbelief and placed a hand on my forehead. "Do you want to know how to give your children peace, Esther? Stop trying to fucking kill them! Destroying an entire species is not the way; they are a part of this world now. Going back to how life was before is impossible."

Esther whipped her hand out and I lifted into the air, gasping for oxygen. "How dare you speak to me that way, you insolent child. They are not yours to protect." I kicked the vacant air, struggling to breathe. Esther approached with a confident stride and I glared down at her with as much malice as I could produce while being strangled. "You will never be a Mikaelson, and I think you are starting to realize that. It's time to move on, Elandra," she taunted.

Her words were a dagger to my heart and for a moment, Niklaus' mocking smirk flashed before my eyes. Esther chuckled, her lips curling into a knowing smile. I went limp with defeat, my legs dangling like a pendulum. She was right. For the first time in my existence, I was running low on hope.

"Just let go and you will be free," Esther said, taking hold of my hand.

Free? The mere idea seemed laughable. What would freedom even mean without Niklaus? My eyes lifted to the emptiness above. No. I wasn't ready to give up. Bringing my hands toward my neck, I spread my fingers out and pushed against Esther's magic. Warmth enveloped me and I was protected from the oppressive cold. Centuries of pain flooded my mind as I fought, and a wave of anger enforced my power. I was done with fear. As courage heated my blood, I slowly lowered to the ground. Esther staggered backward in disbelief.

"You were right to be afraid of me. I will never give up the love I share with Nik. I don't care if I'm forced to live a half-life for eternity, he's worth it — they all are."

The glow of my newfound strength brightened the darkness, and I lifted my hands, flexing my fingers experimentally. Esther's face blanched but she stood steady, forcing a smirk on her pale lips. "You may be ready to spend eternity cursed but can you say that for the rest?"

Confusion tried to build in my mind but I shoved it away. "One day you will be forced to concede because I'm not going anywhere."

"We will see," Esther said, sniggering.

I was done. No longer would Esther haunt me. Twisting my hands, she froze, her eyes wide with fury and a tinge of absolute terror. "You once cursed me out of fear, that was a big mistake. Now it's your turn to know that agony." Esther watched my approach, struggling in vain to fight my potent magic.

"Esther Mikaelson: you will no longer have access to your ancestral magic," I stonily said.

Esther shook her head violently, her brown eyes bugging out.

"Your afterlife will be spent alone, never again knowing love or kindness, floating from place to place —forced to watch your children live their immortality in true peace."

Jewel-toned light wrapped around the old witch like a tsunami, twisting her to my will. She silently screamed against the onslaught and I smiled at her agony. It was less than she deserved. Esther fell into a slump of white fabric and I lowered my gaze to her face. "There will never be an escape for you, but don't worry, I will soon be sending Mikael to the same fate."

I connected with her wrathful gaze, a bright grin of triumph forming on my face. "Enjoy your eternity." With a snap of my fingers, I vanished, returning to the light.

After a quick talk with Rebekah and Kol, I left Lockwood Manor, a mission firm in my mind. William chose to follow, he simply refused to let me out of his sight. After Esther, I was left with a sparking need to confront the past; It was time to tie up loose ends. I placed a phone call to Elena, knowing she too wanted a fresh start. We needed to put our old relationships to rest.

Once we arrived at the boarding house, I was pleased to see that there was only one car in the driveway— Carolines'. I could handle that. I shook off my nerves and ignored the quaking in my stomach. William slipped out of the backseat and opened the door, I grinned at his waiting hand.

"Does everyone you know own a manor?" he asked, leading me to the porch.

"Almost, there are a few exceptions," Elena said, staring up at the house with trepidation.

I snorted, shaking my head with amusement. "The house you saw earlier was the one we grew up in. I'll introduce you to the family later — Aunt Jenna will simply adore you," I said, lying my head on his shoulder.

Enzo, having his own business with the Salvatores, had chosen to join our mission. He stood next to Elena, his jaw twitching as he rubbed his teeth together. "You should be prepared for violence, ladies. This reconciliation will not be well received."

"We can handle it, Zo. Do what you feel is necessary," I said.

Elena smirked. "Yeah, if you need to kill him, go right ahead. We won't stand in your way."

William looked at her with a questioning stare. "It looks like you attract the violent types, Mother. Have you ever considered how that affects your curse?"

"You have no idea," I said with a laugh.

I opened the front door without knocking and headed inside. William's brow rose in surprise as he glanced around the sitting room. "This is mighty spiffy," he said, blowing air out between his teeth.

Enzo glanced around, and finding the stairs, disappeared to the upper floor. I crossed my arms expectantly and slowly spun around the empty room. "It's alright, I much prefer their old house. It had character," I said.

The air suddenly changed, and I yelped in surprise as my body was encased in a pair of strong arms. I relaxed as the smell of brown sugar took over my senses — Caroline. She wrapped her arms around my waist and squealed in happiness, spinning around in a circle. A deep snarl fled from William — he was lowered into a fighting stance. Caroline froze and I hastily pushed myself out of her arms and smiled reassuringly.

"Whoa! I'm okay. She's family," I said.

With a scrunched-up nose, Caroline stepped away and glared at the much older vampire. "Who the hell is this?"

William's eyes were wide, his stricken face was wild with shock. I frowned, tilting my head in confusion. Why was he so upset? William's eyes darted over Caroline's stiff body and he straightened his posture, turning back to me with pursed lips. "Family…you had another child?" he asked, pain evident in his deep hazel eyes.

Caroline stiffened for a single breath before bursting into a fit of giggles. She bent forward with her hands on her knees. I smiled softly at my son and took his hand. "No, love. This is my best friend, but I feel like she's much more than that. She has dug her way into the deepest crevices of my heart," I said with a genuine laugh.

Caroline pulled herself together long enough to turn toward me with a bright loving grin. "I'm crafty like that," she smugly said.

I adjusted my bunched-up clothes and hastily fixed my scattered hair. Caroline looked over at Will strangely, nudging her head. "So, who is this? "Don't tell me that you've already found a new man. I thought you were stuck on Klaus?" Caroline asked. Her face was a gavel of judgment. "Doesn't look like your type, he seems too...nice."

I crossed my arms over my chest nervously. Explaining my son's existence was not getting easier. "This is Will." I gestured toward him with a cracked smile.

Will's crooked smile quickly endeared him to Caroline, who tucked her hair behind one ear. I zoned in on her strawberry cheeks. Oh, hell no! Before I could say a word, Will retook my attention, snorting at Caroline's. The humor displayed on his face quickly fled as he went rigid, spinning around to stare at me. "Stuck on who? Not that awful Hybrid; I thought you had more sense than that, Mother. He's dangerous. You cannot truly believe that he loves you; he only thinks about himself."

Caroline paled, and her eyes blinked furiously in an attempt to process. "Mother! What the hell?" she gasped.

My blood started to boil and that age-old need to defend Niklaus against cruelty deserved or otherwise, pushed me forward. "William Sebastian Costilla, that is enough! You don't know a thing about him or his family," I said through gritted teeth. "I know for a fact that Maria did not teach you to be so judgmental - she was kinder than that."

William's lip curled with disgust. He closed his eyes, sucking in a calming breath of air. "I know enough. Is he, not the very reason I lost you in the first place?"

I buried my anger, snuffing it out with a deep sigh. "No, he is not. You can't place the blame on anyone but Esther. It was her fury that changed us." William turned, refusing to look at me. He placed a hand in his back pocket as his head dropped. As I looked at Will's defeated posture, I moved closer, understanding hidden in the corner of my upturned lips. "Will, I loved your father. He will always hold a piece of my heart…he gave me you," I murmured.

A creak on the stairs behind me froze the smile on my face. "Oh, don't lie to the poor boy, El. We all know the Hybrid owns your entire heart," a cold voice quipped. "The rest of us were a mere pastime," Damon said, anger and shock flowing from his heated words.

I bit the edge of my tongue, and irritation darkened my face. I turned to greet Damon but stopped dead as my gaze fell on the broken man before me. His cool blue eyes were hollow and empty and his dark black hair fell across his forehead in a lax heap. He wore a pair of filthy jeans, spotted with dry blood, and his chest was bare. He plopped down onto the sofa, glancing over at Caroline with a fake grin.

"Grab me a Bourbon, would ya Barbie?" he asked, twirling his forefinger and thumb.

Caroline moved closer and kicked him in the heel. "Get it yourself, you useless piece of shit," she snarled.

Damon laid his head against the sofa and laughed. "Ah, such harsh words coming from an undead cheerleader. What do you offer the world other than a pretty face and useless parties?"

Caroline growled, her hands balled into fists. "My parties are not useless!"

William chuckled under his breath. "That's what she got from all that?" he whispered.

I lowered my head, shaking it gently. Elena placed her hand on his shoulder and leaned close. "She loves planning, it's a part of her personality."

Caroline rolled her eyes. "I can hear you, ya know," she said, heading toward the bar.

My eyebrows lifted in surprise as she grabbed a crystal glass off of the bar and poured a generous portion of Bourbon. Was she making him a drink? She spun around and dangled the glass in the air. "Is this what you wanted?" She looked down at the glass with a mocking smile. "Too bad, I'm feeling thirsty," she said, draining it with malicious glee.

"Touche, blondie," Damon said, his upper lip twitching with annoyance. He looked at the bar longingly but didn't get up. I walked over to the couch, fully aware that Elena and William followed close behind. I sat down next to Damon, my fingers itching to touch his face. I held back, swallowing down the suppressed worry. What brought on this change? I fought against the intense need I always have to heal everyone; this time I needed to do what was best for me.

"Listen, Damon, I'm glad you're here. We need to talk."

Lazily, he turned to look at me, brows furrowed. "Oh great! Our conversations are always so much fun," he said with feigned joy, hands lifted into the air and fingers wiggling.

I smiled to myself, amused that he had made a hateful quip about cheerleading, yet was using spirit fingers. 'You go, Torrance'. I folded my hands on my lap and focused on keeping them there. Turning my head, I looked at William. "Could you follow Elena upstairs? I'm sure you'll find Stefan there."

Elena's jaw twitched, and her eyes clouded with worry, but she took Will's hand and started toward the hall.

"You got rid of Lena but you're sure as hell not dismissing me," Caroline said, sitting down with her empty glass

Staring over at her with exasperation, I shook my head. "Fine, just please let me say what I need to say," I asked.

Caroline nodded, gesturing me forward as easily as any monarch. I smothered a grin as I turned back to Damon. His head was lowered, gaze focused on his blood-stained hands. I flexed my fingers. "What happened to you, Day?" I asked, curiosity winning over a quick getaway.

Damon's arched brow lifted, but his gaze remained focused on his hands. Why would he not look at me? "I'm not sure what you're talking about. I'm the same man that I've always been," he smirked, a dark chuckle building in his throat. "But we all know change wouldn't matter to you anyway. Your mind is made up."

Confusion blanketed my face and without an ounce of forethought, I lifted my hand and grasped his chin between my fingers. "Would you please look at me," I said, turning his face toward my own.

His blue eyes were as empty as his monotone voice. I placed my hands on his cheeks. "Damon, I loved you more than you could ever know. Our time together will forever be some of my most cherished memories. I would have happily married you and given you as many children as I could," I said with a weak grin.

Damon pulled away, pushing me back as he stood. "Do not lie to me," he hatefully said.

My face was scrunched with anger as I bolted to my feet. "I am not lying! I have never once lied to you, Salvatore. I had my secrets, but I never straight out lied. Let's not forget that it was you who chose Katerina."

Caroline lifted her hand into the air and snapped her fingers together. "You tell him, Ellie!"

Damon snarled, glaring at the blonde with pure malice. "Zip it, or I'll pull out your tongue."

Caroline leaned forward in her seat. "I'd like to see you try!"

Before Damon could respond, I stepped in front of him, drawing his full attention. "Why are we even having this discussion, Damon? I thought we were well past this."

He turned away, but not before I saw the deep sadness in his eyes, replacing the ice-cold emptiness that had taken over. I gripped his shoulders, giving him a little shake. "Say what you need to say!"

"I'm never enough!" he screamed. I took a hasty step away, surprise widening my eyes. He looked down at me with a venomous stare, years of pent-up anger parting his lips. "Not for you, not for Katherine, and sure as hell not for Elena. There is always someone else taking my place," he seethed, pacing back and forth in front of me. "Stefan I could handle, but then I found out that even you loved someone else. You were supposed to be mine…just mine. When I was at my darkest I would always remember that once…I was enough. But then I discovered that even that was a lie."

Shock froze me in place but the sound of quiet tears jerked me back to reality. Caroline was crying. I fumbled with my hands as I searched for the right words. "What I said before was true. I would have happily married you, Damon. When we were together, Niklaus was a mere memory. I missed him, but only sometimes. You were enough for me."

Damon shook his head. "Just not anymore."

My shoulders drooped as I looked into his sad eyes. "Our time has passed. We both need to move on."

He chuckled without humor, placing his forefinger under my chin. "You say that as if you plan to love someone new. We both know that's not true."

Gently, I pushed his hand away. "I don't know what the future holds for Niklaus and me, but I would always regret it if I didn't at least try."

Damon bit his bottom lip, turning his head. "Is it because of Katherine? Is that why you…don't love me anymore."

My heart ached and I closed my eyes against his suffering. "That's a part of it, yes. But the main reason will always be your love for my sister. You need to move on, Damon. Find someone who doesn't look like the woman who betrayed you."

Damon winced as if my words were a knife to his heart. "I will always love you, Elandra."

Stepping forward, I wrapped my arms around his neck. "And a part of me will always love you. Promise me something," I whispered.

"Anything."

"Make peace with, Stefan. The two of you need one another."

Damon chuckled as I pulled away. "For you, I'll try."

"Good." I nodded and waved my hand over my face. "Also, take a shower and get a haircut. You'll never find Mrs. Salvatore looking like a hobo."

Caroline snorted as she approached. "I can help with that, I guess. Since we're playing nice and all."

I smiled at her kindness until the sound of a clearing throat widened my eyes. Shit! I had forgotten about Enzo. Grimacing, I looked up at Damon, mouthing a quick apology.

"Your little beauty session will have to wait, sweets. Damon and I have…history to discuss."

Damon paled dramatically as his gaze rose to greet Enzo." Impossible," he whispered.

Enzo was leaning against the far bookcase with a wicked grin. "Hello, old friend."

Reaching out, I yanked Caroline closer. "We are gonna go." Glancing at Damon, I shrugged unapologetically. "No one said making amends was easy. Good luck," I said, popping my thumb into the air.

As I passed Enzo, he looked down at me. "Elena and William are waiting outside, Angel. I won't be too long, save me some dinner, would ya?"

A growl interrupted Enzo, and he glared over at Damon. "Problem, Salvatore?"

Damon merely lowered his head, a heated glare replacing any sadness left on his brow. Enzo wagged his eyebrows tauntingly. I slapped his arm to gather his attention.

"I think it's pizza tonight." Enzo's face lit up with excitement. "Don't worry, I'll save you some."

Caroline pouted as we exited the house. "I want some pizza," she whined.

"You know you're always welcome," Elena said as we approached the car.

Her face was blotchy but I could see a sense of peace settle in her eyes. "Are you okay?"

She shrugged and brushed her hair over one shoulder. "I'm okay. It had to be done, we're just not right for each other."

I wrapped my arms around her as Caroline bounced forward with glee. Willams face slackened as a result. Internally, I rolled my eyes with disgust. I headed toward the driver's side but was stopped in my tracks by Elena. Her face was set in a pattern of determination.

"Nuh-uh, you have business to attend to before dinner," she said, crossing her arms.

I stared at her in question. "Huh? I don't know what youre talking about."

Elena's eyes narrowed. "Like hell, you don't! It's time that you get a clear answer about your relationship. "I'm not going to stand by while you worriedly pine over that thousand-year-old asshole. Set him straight, Elara."

"Hell yeah! Knock some sense into him, El," Caroline said.

William watched on with deep disapproval, yet he still tried to smile encouragingly. I appreciated his tact."You're right. It's time I get some answers," I said.

Elena nodded, pleased with my new attitude. She handed me the keys to Damon's car with a mischievous grin. "He owes you," she said.

I tossed the keys into the air. She was right. "Don't worry about us, we'll be waiting at home, Good luck," she said, her brown eyes warm with love.

I headed to the car with a rocky stomach. I could do this. What was the worst that could happen?