* This chapter is currently the end of New Beginning - I know I said fifty chapters, but this simply felt right to me. There is an A/N at the end, revealing the upload date and title of the sequel. I want to thank everyone who has stuck with me and Ellie through the years, without each commenter, I would have been lost. Let me know how you like the chapter, and see ya soon. *
Numb. It was more than a mere word today - it is the entirety of my being. Never in all my years upon this plane of existence had I felt so frozen in time. My limbs were cold and stiff, likening myself to a corpse well into the throes of rigor mortis. The hardest to come to terms with was the hollow chasm of emptiness in my chest, where only moments ago my heart had been so full and alight with love and comfort.
I stretched my body out on the empty bed, reaching for a presence that was long gone, and grasped the paint-covered sheets roughly. If I tried hard enough, I could just make out the spiced aroma that clung to his skin. Twisting my head to examine my exposed flesh, I stared at the bright wildflowers steadily growing up my thigh. Some of the petals were so perfect that they seemed unnatural, while others were smudged and dripped down my leg as though tears streaked through them. It certainly suited the moment, I thought with rising panic.
The tightness in my chest was the first warning of oncoming hysterics. Hastily, I covered the flowers with the top sheet. My time here was coming to a close, but I couldn't find the strength to stand, to do anything besides stare longingly at the place where he had abandoned me. Instead, I found comfort in counting down the days until my birthday. Two weeks, there were only two weeks left to mourn the loss of my old life. Then I would put away the past, and completely submit to a new life.
The emptiness grew, pulling at my heart hungrily; I flinched at the feeling. There was something there, begging for release, and every new thought only made it worse. Regardless, I continued to hold on. My mind found a solid memory to grasp onto and I basked in it. Cerulean was a heavenly color when mixed with love and passion, but deadly when combined with ice and callousness. I grimaced as my mind shifted again to sadness.
Sitting up on one arm, I glanced around the empty room. Beautiful portraits and still lifes lined the walls but just as many were lying in an unfinished mess of brush strokes. My gaze lingered on the incomplete abstract portrait sitting atop an easel, and I realized that it was what Niklaus had been working on when I'd interrupted. Slowly, I stood, pulling the sheet around my body like a robe. I walked over to the painting with pessimistic uncertainty. From a distance, the beautiful strokes of paint merely looked like shapes and curling lines, but up close, I could see a distinct image. The primary colors used were red and blue, in different hues and shades. Together, they formed the body of a woman with flaming red hair. Was this supposed to be me?
My brows furrowed, confusion coating my spine as it straightened to a painful degree. It couldn't be - if it was, then Niklaus would have stayed. We would have finally been…happy. Images of a favorable past twirled in my mind like a hurricane, and I trembled, taking hold of the easel to remain upright. It was a shiver of something concealed, and it slipped down my spine, foretelling a new future. I gasped, lowering to my knees, filled with heartache and betrayal.
I closed my eyes against the pain, and ground my teeth together. White-hot anger built in my chest, burrowing deep and inescapable. I stood, opened my eyes, and flung out my hand — blue fire spread from my fingertips, blasting the painting across the room. If he wanted to replace me, leaving behind our love for something new, then I would become the villain Esther wanted. This would be the last time I was hurt by someone I loved. Smirking, I bared my teeth in a truly wicked grin. I would show the Original Hybrid the meaning of true evil. Lifting my hands, I lowered my head as an electric-charged wind wrapped around me. The sheet on my body twirled, writhing across my skin like a snake. It shimmered slightly as the magic washed over it before it transformed into an elegant high-waisted onyx dress. Glittering sparkles flickered in the pale light from the balcony, like stars on a black night. Across the room, the painting called out to me once more and I snarled in fury. The red curls mirrored in the painting straightened, turning into a gleaming silver. I brushed the silken strands from my face and walked toward the door. It was time to leave Mystic Falls.
The first stop I made on my goodbye tour was to see the wolf pack. I handed over the reins to Mason and Tyler - it was easier than traveling with an entire pack. Next, I stopped to see Aunt Jenna. She was surprised and immediately horrified by my changed appearance. Even as the cold settled into my heart and the fire ignited within my soul, it was hard to explain why I needed to leave. With everything that had happened and the short time before my birthday, I needed a sense of freedom. I couldn't walk the same roads I had when I was happy, it was too devastating. During the talk with Aunt Jenna, Elena had come home. It was something that I had not anticipated. She said little about the changes that she could see, instead, she demanded that we confront Niklaus.
"Something isn't right, Ellie! There is no way he has all of a sudden decided to be with someone else. Real love doesn't work like that, and I know he loves you," she hollered.
"You know little to nothing about love, Elena. I saw the truth in his eyes!"
Aunt Jenna took my arms in her hands and softly pulled me into a hug, only then did I realize that I was crying. Elena didn't flinch at my words, she simply crossed her arms and told me that wherever I went, she would go too. Jeremy came home shortly after our fight and sat in silence as we planned for a life outside of Mystic Falls. Jenna was hesitant, but after seeing Elena's determination she agreed — Elena would be safer away from the vampires haunting our doorstep anyway. Jeremy stayed silent, only hugging us during our tearful goodbye. I promised to call often.
What I didn't know at the time, was that Elena had also called Enzo, Will, and Caroline. Instead of slinking off into the darkness to lick my wounds in solitude, I now had an entire group joining me. The hollow emptiness in my chest lessened to a degree. We loaded up the car, but before we left we stopped at one last place — the Boarding House. Saying goodbye to the boys was harder than I thought it would be. They wanted to join us, but I needed a complete change, and being near Damon would not work — there was too much history. So instead, they pulled out their cells and worked with Enzo to find us a perfect place to begin our new life.
New Orleans was a vibrant city, filled with colorful people. Standing on the glass balcony of my new apartment, I stared down at the French Quarter, face blank and heart unyielding. I could find no joy in the merriment below. It has been months since we left Mystic Falls, yet I remain alive. Something was different this time and it had me in a constant state of high alert. Unconsciously, my eyes rose to the starry night sky. The moon was full, pressing down on me with its unshakable presence. I couldn't help but linger on thoughts better off having been left alone. Did Nik miss me, or was he happier with her? My black-nailed fingers fell to my protruding stomach as I stared into the darkness.
"Mother, are you…okay?" William asked. He was positioned in the doorway, his throat bobbing nervously.
I tilted my head, saddened by his newfound fear. Brushing the sterling hair from my neck, I smiled. "I am well, Will."
None of my friends or family were happy with the change Niklaus had created. Yet, no matter how many times they tried to bring me out of my misery, I stayed firm in my anger. William glanced down at my stomach, concern clear in his eyes. "Time is running out. The child….it won't be born in time," he said.
I turned away, looking back at the twinkling stars. "I know, love. But I have an idea. Don't worry about your little brother or sister." Whispers amongst the French Quarter witches had caught my attention. There was said to be one in New Orleans gifted by the Gods — a Hoodoo Queen. She would know better than most why my curse had not yet activated; I was living on borrowed time.
William stepped onto the balcony, joining me at my side with steel in his eyes. "I don't care about the child, mother. It's you that I care about. I've only just found you, I can't bear the thought of losing you," he cried, lashes wet.
I placed a pale hand on his cheek, caressing away his tears with my fingertips. "I don't plan to leave you, my love. Something is…different this time. I just need to figure out what it is."
William pulled away and turned to look into the apartment. "I hope so." Turning back, he stared into my eyes for a moment, his fingers playing with a strand of my newly straight hair. "I was sent out here for a reason. The King requests your presence," he said, his words tainted with dislike.
I rolled my eyes with a deep sigh. Coming to New Orleans had been a last-ditch effort to stay hidden. Enzo mentioned that he'd heard it was run by a former friend of the Original family. I would never be safer than I would be connected to someone they thought was dead. "Fine, has he arrived yet?"
Enzo's lips curled, his face pinched with annoyance. "He is being entertained by Aunt Elena and Caroline."
In the last few months, William and Caroline had become…close. I wasn't amused. I snorted the sound building into a laugh. "Oh no, poor guy. I'm sure Elena is treating him like a common criminal."
"She has a right to distrust him, Mother. He seems like someone who lies with ease."
Crossing my arms, I stepped back inside, William following behind; I closed the glass door behind me. "I'm not sure about that. He seems trustworthy as long as our interests align. Besides, I like his daughter."
William laughed, shaking his head as he led me into the large beige-accented living room. The wall of windows had begun to let in enough sun to be irritating. I picked up the small black remote from the side table and pressed a button to draw the blinds. "Tell him that I'm ready," I said.
William nodded and headed toward the hallway. I plopped down on the black leather sectional sofa, and pressing a button, started a fire in the crystal fireplace. I smiled as I glanced around at the open-concept apartment. It paid to have rich friends. Damon had insisted that he pay for a decent apartment. Since William, Enzo, Caroline, and Elena decided to tag along, he only made his search grander. I accepted when Elena reminded me that it was the very least that he could do. Now we live in a complex called Annex; it's located near the Quarter and has a few really good schools nearby. Elena and Caroline plan to end their schooling career here. It was easy to convince Aunt Jenna and Sheriff Forbes after I explained what New Orleans could offer them, safety. But that was before I found out how fucked up the city is. I still plan to keep my promise, one way or another.
"Hello, beautiful! How is my Queen and little princess doing today?" Marcel Gerard called out as he entered the room. He wore an auburn leather jacket, a black shirt, and expensive blue jeans. I was woman enough to admit that he was dangerously attractive — Rebekah sure knew how to pick them.
"We are well, but you know I'm not sure of the sex. Don't go getting their hopes up," I said, tilting my head reproachfully.
Caroline and Elena were both betting on the sex of the baby and were bound and determined to believe that it was a girl. If William is anything to go by, it'll be a boy, I'm not sure that the fates want another Rioult witch.
"Come now, we both know that they'll continue, with or without my help," he said.
Sitting back, I chuckled warmly. "True. Now what do you need to speak to me about?"
Marcel took a seat on the armchair beside the sofa. "We have a problem. My sources say that the French Quarter Coven knows about the baby," he said, glancing down at my stomach. "They think that sh-its going to be too powerful. They want your head, Elara."
My eyes narrowed and I placed my hand atop the armrest. I stared at the supposed King of New Orleans with a pleasant grin. "Let them come, I will show them why you don't mess with the Queen."
Jazz music blasted from the horns of street performers, and people crowded around them, laughing and dancing. A variety of scents flooded the senses: fried baked goods, spices, and alcohol. The city streets were abundant with vendors, and I walked along the French Quarter with a bright smile on my face. I stopped here and there, looking at the beautiful handmade jewelry and clothing. I was mostly here to make a point — I feared no one. Witches lined the streets, staring as I passed with sheer malice built on their faces. As I stopped in front of a small stall, I saw the familiar faces of the Devaroux sisters. Picking up a small vial of dried poppy, I chuckled.
"What are you doing, El?"
I placed the poppy back onto the stall, and smiled up at the beautiful woman manning the stand, shrugging. "What I do best, Elena, pissing people off,"
Elena grumbled, shaking her head, her recently cut hair shimmered in soft waves. She had decided on the new style after seeing me for the first time. I think she meant it as an act of solidarity — I appreciated it all the same. "And why do we want to piss off the very people who could kill my niece," she angrily asked.
"Or nephew," I reminded her.
"Because if we let them think they have a shot at winning, they will only become more of a problem. They need to learn that they can't fuck with us," Caroline said, auburn hair flickering over her shoulder in small strands.
Caroline decided to make a change around the same time Elena had — it was sweet. "Exactly. Thank God one of you understands," I said.
Sophie Deveraux waved obnoxiously, and I lowered my chin, simply glaring at her. The young witch had thought she could buddy up to me one night at a restaurant, but it hasn't worked.
"Well, Enzo thinks you're all nuts, he has been the one forced to sneak around with the nightwalkers," Elena whined.
"He is looking for information, Elena," Caroline said. "As he should, he's old enough to be safe."
Turning around to speak to Caroline, I froze, spotting a familiar head of brunette hair and a tailored suit. The blood fled from my face, and I staggered, fingertips sparking with blue firelight.
"Ellie, what's wrong, is it the baby?" Elena fretted.
Meeting Caroline's gaze, I swallowed roughly. "No. It's the Originals. I think they have found us," I said.
"It's okay, it'll all be okay. They don't know about the baby," Caroline said.
I waved my hands out around my stomach, scoffing. "Don't know? I think it's pretty fucking obvious."
Elena sniggered, her lips pursing in agreement. "But they don't know it, Klaus," she added.
I felt sick even considering that lie, so I pushed it away. "No. That's not the way, I-I could have been wrong, maybe I'm just...tired."
"Yeah, you're right. You haven't been sleeping well, let's go home," Elena suggested.
"Let's go," I said, staring ahead at the spot where I was sure, only moments before, that I had seen Elijah. "I'm hungry, let's get something to eat."
I was drawn farther into the Bayou than I had ever dared to venture before. The trees became gnarled and created such a picturesque canopy that I wasn't sure it was real. Darkness mingled with the light here and left sentient shadows to beg you ever forward. With my eyes flicking over the wood with intrigue, it was purely the beauty of the wood and the promise of further preserved history that egged me on.
My boots squelched as rubber met wet earth and I couldn't help but grimace. I had never been a fan of mud, for such obvious reasons - it reminded me of much harsher times I'd rather forget. Within an hour I saw the dull glow of light in the trees signaling signs of someone's presence. The earth was packed tighter into a semblance of a walkway as my eyes landed on the wooden house upon stilts high above the murky water. The reason for my trek in the mud was glaring me in the face and I couldn't help feeling hesitant. Rumor had it that a Hoodoo Queen blessed by the old Gods lived here, away from prying eyes and influence.
Swallowing down the fear prickling at the base of my throat, I pushed forward towards the staircase and rose the stairs to stand upon an expansive porch. Before I could knock, however, the door was pulled open as my hand was poised to rap against it. A young girl stood before me, her darkened skin startlingly contrasting the white of her laced dress. She idly twisted a tassel strand as she eyed me up and down, raising an eyebrow in my direction.
"So, you're the ancient Queen? I had been expecting someone…" she paused as she mockingly struggled to find the words, "more. We've been waiting. You're late."
I flexed my jaw as I struggled to push down my annoyance. I hadn't made an appointment, who would be out in the middle of the swamp, this was supposed to take them by surprise. So much for that.
"I'm here to see-"
"My mother, Athena. Yes, I know." She sighed and opened the door father, jerking her head inside. "Do come in, you're letting all the air out."
I stepped over the threshold with a chuckle, jumping slightly as the door slammed shut behind me. The cool air dried the sweat upon my brow and I could feel the old power entangled within the house itself. Its presence flowed over me as gently as spun silk, prodding me forward. The house was small, yet held the charm of all historic homes held in this region. Black and gold lined the walls in a curling and mystical design, and yet I could just barely sense the sigils beneath the surface. A pale white couch sat in the other room just within view where two small children were leaning around the doorframe to stare at me. The woman blocked my view then and snapped her fingers, leaving the room quiet except for the tiny patter of shoes on the hardwood floor. She focused on me once more, tilting her head in assessment.
"I'm Attalia, those are my children. You of all people understand why I wish to keep them safe," she murmured, still staring into my eyes.
I was taken aback, confused by her statement - I would never hurt children. I opened my mouth to speak when I realized what she meant. She didn't want to protect them from me - she was keeping them from magic. She motioned for me to follow her into the now-empty room. We passed through hanging glass beads that tinkled quietly at our motions, and into a small space smelling of a mix of vanilla and rose.
Attalia pointed to a small black chair against the wall and nodded her head at it. "Wait here, my mother will be in shortly."
I sat down, a powerful sense of dread filling me that stole my breath. I placed a hand on my protruded stomach and rubbed gently. I was terrified. I didn't want to lose this child, this piece of my happy ending, that I have craved for the past thousand years. I had barely survived the loss when it had happened last and I knew this time was different - it would eviscerate me from the inside out.
My focus was pulled out of the anxious cloud of doubt when the clear beads tinkled again, alerting me to an older woman crossing the threshold. Her face was wrinkled and worn from many sun cycles, but I could sense she was wise and powerful beyond her years. Attalia had her arm threaded through the crook of one of her mothers, effortlessly guiding her forward. Confusion wrinkled my brow - the woman couldn't be older than sixty, yet required so much guidance. It was then my tense eyes met her scarred ones. Oh. Draped in blue robes with almost sentient-like dark curls framing her face, she came closer and I stood, wobbling slightly to recenter my balance.
"Sit. I neither require nor accept your pity," Athena intoned, her voice wispy but clear. Her daughter brought her to the large cushioned armchair to my right, and we each respectively took our seats. She sighed deeply, as though speaking to me was a great inconvenience. "So, you are the one to claim the title of New Orlean's once and future queen." She assessed me with unseeing eyes, face passive. "Not that you'll amount to much; the anger weighs you down like a stone in the swamp - it is your downfall." I huffed in response.
"You'll find my mind extremely unburdened. My anger hones my focus and why shouldn't it?" I snarled, irritation narrowing my eyes, "I have a right to my anger. Don't speak of betrayals you don't understand - it was in the worst possible way." As I spoke a smile broke across her lips.
"Oh my dear child," she said as she tipped her head back in laughter before focusing on me once more, "you are far more blind than I could ever be."
I bared my teeth and sprung forward on my seat, my hands roughly gripping the armrests to keep them from wringing her neck. Attalia flew into action, words falling from her lips like a volley of arrows. I lifted my hand, blocking her weak attempt at a spell with the flick of my wrist. My glare slid to her as she stayed half-crouched in preparation.
Athena turned her head, looking towards her daughter with a soft smile. "That wasn't necessary, my heart. She is not a threat." Attalia glared right back at me, poised for action.
"Mother, she is more of a threat than even you can conceive. She makes that French Quarter coven look like a playdate. Not to mention her mate is the Original Hybrid."
"Oh? The shades whisper that she is alone here. As far as I can tell, she has yet to accept him. Look closer dear girl, she bears no mark."
I sat forward with a speed that should have belonged to vampires alone and stared at the two women, my eyes flicking between them in irritation.
"Don't try to play with me, your sight must truly be hindered. There is no way possible for me to be his mate." I swallowed harshly, fighting to keep the emotions I had locked away months ago in their prison, "he left me."
"Why yes he did girl, but did you ever stop to wonder why?" I scrunched my nose and sat back - I was in no mood for elusive mysticism. "Don't let your anger seep into your soul, child. What is true can never really be severed." She smiled at me and I felt the uneasiness flip in my stomach again. "However these discussions are best left for a later time. Were you not here to ask me about a curse?"
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, opening them as I felt the moisture gather at my lashes. "Glaringly obvious, but you can see I'm pregnant. What should be a monumental joy is tinged with grief, at some point the curse will activate, it always does." I inhaled shakily, placing a hand on my swollen abdomen again, "I can't lose my baby. I've heard of a spell that can transfer a fetus to be carried by another. Is such a thing truly possible?"
Again she laughed, the sound like a breeze against wind chimes. "Oh no my dear, that spell is such a ridiculous and wicked thing. I will never force a woman to carry someone else's child - even I have my limits."
"How disgusting!" Attalia barked out, eying my stomach with compassion as she moved to stand beside her mother.
"That's not - you misunderstand what I'm asking. I planned on speaking with my sister after our meeting today, barring your answers. I'm sure she would agree wholeheartedly," I said, taken aback by their reaction.
Athena leaned towards me, regarding me as if she held a great secret. Her clouded eyes stared into mine and I felt a shiver run up my spine. "Why would I do such a thing, or better yet why would you even ask, when you can simply raise the child yourself?"
My stomach clenched as an anxious light of hope sparked inside my heart. I tried to smother it like a stray fire - hope was far too dangerous of an emotion. "It's not possible, Athena. I have tried every spell, every concoction, every intonation I can think of," I whispered, tears gathering steadily in the bottom rung of my lashes, "there's just no use."
"You are forgetting one of our core lessons, dear girl." She adjusted in the chair and regarded me silently. "Did you know that wolves breed in the wild based on hierarchy? No other pairs may conceive the next generation of the pack, save for the Alpha pair. Such a thing is more powerful than incantations and words - the olde magick always comes out on top."
I didn't bother hiding my confusion as she spoke. What the hell did that have to do with anything? She gave me a patient smile and sat forward, patting my hand where it rested on my thigh.
"Forgive me, but bearing your mate's child will be a new experience for you. My dear the moment you conceived, your daughter's soul broke through the curse." She squeezed my hand in comfort. "You're both free."
My breath rushed from between my lips like a strangled gasp as I sat frozen. It couldn't be true, that just wasn't possible. Yet I knew she spoke the truth. I could recollect the exact moment everything changed and my hand absently stroked the colorful flowers nestled there, inked into my skin.
After all these years, I was truly free. I took a deep breath and a relieved chuckle came rushing out, spoon becoming cathartic laughter. I rubbed along the bottom swell of my abdomen and was startled when I felt a wave of movement ripple across my palm. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I hiccoughed, trying in vain to ebb the rush of finally free emotions.
"You've done the hard part, young one. Now all you have to do is figure out how to live your life," Athena murmured, a smile splitting her lips.
My head fell back, and I giggled one last time, the sound turning into a stressed sigh - how right she was.
Stepping out into the breathtaking humidity, I was caught off guard by the black Escalade nearly blending in with the darkness. My fingers curled into fists when a man dressed in an impeccable midnight blue suit slipped from inside.
"Elijah," I murmured. I nodded politely but otherwise remained unfazed.
The Original approached me as one would a scared mare, his eyes were cold and distant, but a surprised light was growing like a flame "Elandra, you're still alive." Relief shone on his face like the dawn, and he smiled despite the cold air around us. "What happened to you?" His eyes cascaded down my body before rising back up to stare at my hair. "We have been looking for information…for months. Why did you run off?"
Tilting my hips to the side, I wrapped the navy cardigan that I was wearing around me, successfully hiding my growing bump. Sucking on my teeth, I chuckled. "Why did I run? Did he not tell you? Why do you think I left Mystic Falls, Elijah?" I said, lifting a questioning hand into the air. "There was nothing left for me there. I decided it would be best to end things somewhere else." I refused to reveal my freedom.
Elijah's face blanched, and his knees shook as he stepped forward. "End things? Do you honestly think that we would allow that? I told you we would figure everything out, and I meant it." He took another careful step closer, and I hastily lifted my hand. If he stopped to listen closer for one moment everything would be ruined.
I laughed, without humor or anger, it was a simple heartbreaking sound. "How Elijah, how do you plan to help? The only thing your family has ever done is create pain."
He winced, flinching away from my words with deep agony reflecting in his eyes. I felt sick - I had never lashed out as I was doing now, and I realized I felt no less empty after such painful words. I was only causing more heartbreak. Closing my eyes, I took a heavy step forward, opening to find Elijah moving away.
"You are, of course, right. I-I never wanted to hurt you, Lannie."
Now it seemed Elijah was the one shooting arrows. I flinched away from the soft brown eyes that floated into my mind. "Don't use our past against me!" I said, clenching my teeth.
"Do you really think that is what I'm doing?" he asked, his hand clenching into a fist. "I would never plague you with pain unnecessarily."
I reached out, anger fueling my actions, and screamed in fury. "Yes, I do! I think you'd do anything for your family, even destroy mine," I seethed.
But Elijah remained motionless, simply staring down….at my waist. Slowly, I repositioned my head and realized that during my explosion of emotions, I had released the cardigan — revealing my stomach to his haunted eyes.
"I-Is that Niklaus' child? Of course! This is how you've remained alive," he said, emotion twisting his face.
I pulled the cardigan around me, needlessly hiding my child. "Who else would I have tied myself to? It was always Niklaus…always."
Elijah tilted his head, listening for proof of life. With a deep gasp, he sped closer, the wind twirling around us, and looked down, reverently placing a hand on my bump. "Hello there," he said.
I could do nothing to prevent the chuckle from crawling up my throat. Never before had I thought I'd see an image of Elijah as a loving Uncle - the realization was startling. I placed my hand atop his arm and pushed, to which he reluctantly took a few steps backward with his hand still stretched out. "Please…please leave. I cannot allow Niklaus to find out about the baby. He will be, he will be angry," I said, forcing the words past the lump in my throat.
Elijah's shoulders drooped, and his confused expression slipped into one of pity. "Whatever he said, it was a lie."
I folded my arms around my body, shaking with tears. "I wish I could believe that."
Elijah closed his deep brown eyes and took a heavy breath. He straightened his spine and, opening his eyes, looked down at me with years of duty built atop his shoulders.
"I'm truly sorry for this, but you are the only thing that can save him," he said.
I was confused for only a moment before I felt the pressure of magic slamming into my consciousness, and the world fell into darkness.
My consciousness came back to me slowly, bringing with it the rolling headache I was all too familiar with - dark magic. I opened my eyes slowly, blinking at the warm amber light surrounding me, and glanced around in horror with a gasp at my lips. I didn't know where I was, but the complex was massive and made of stone while the marble flooring was stamped with a flourished calligraphic M. M…Shit!
Sitting up slowly, I glanced down confused at the settee I was laid upon. Between the soft silk against my skin, the rushing waters of a cascading fountain at the center of the room, and the assault of a greenery full of flowers my mind was on overload. It was only then I realized I was alone; that had to be a mistake. Felled leaves crunched underfoot as I stood, turning my gaze towards the exit with wide eyes. Could it really be that easy to escape? Before I had taken my first step, a firm voice from the balcony above startled me.
"I wouldn't if I were you. Klaus will be here soon, and you have a hell of a lot of explaining to do - to all of us."
I grimaced with a sigh as I settled back down, shifting uncomfortably. The click of heels on marble kept me informed of Rebekah descending the stairs and heading my way, but my chin stayed tucked to my chest. I couldn't look at her without a pang of guilt flowing through my already ravaged soul. When I had left so suddenly, it wasn't only Nik I had run from. Kol and Rebekah had been at my side for many, many years, and seeing her now reminded me that I had thrown that kindness back in their faces.
"Nothing to say for yourself, Elandra?" Rebekah murmured, her voice smooth and acidic as she stopped to bend at the waist and gaze at me. "Here, I'll even help you start. 'I'm sorry Bekah for transforming into a selfish and soulless witch bitch and abandoning you!'" she growled out at the end, moving closer as her anger seethed from her pores.
I bit my lip as tears threatened to expose me, but I managed to let my mind race quietly. She stood straight then with a scoff but froze as she turned to leave.
"What…what is that?" she whispered as her eyes grew wide, flicking back and forth from my own to my stomach. Fantastic. Another reveal I hadn't planned on giving. The line furrowing her brows disappeared as she gazed at me with wonder.
"You're pregnant? A baby…but how?" she gasped out, terrified eyes finding mine.
I removed the cardigan fully and laid it beside me; I would no longer require it. I sighed, placing a hand atop my stomach and rubbing softly, comforting the little avocado and myself at the same time.
"Niklaus is part wolf, Rebekah. Apparently, magic has a loophole for everything. Seems we found one for the hybrids."
The anger disappeared from her face completely now, draining away like water down a window pane, as she squealed with excitement. I chuckled softly — her reaction was similar to Caroline's when she found out.
"Oh my gods," she cried out, "I'm going to be an Auntie!" I never thought I'd get to say those words out loud." I raised my hand and she finally took a breath.
"I thought you were angry with me?"
"Oh no, I am, but at least now I understand why." I refused to reveal the baby wasn't the entirety of why I left. I was too exhausted for more fighting.
"Well, well, well. They found ya, huh?" a deep voice asked from the other side of the room. I turned to face Kol, my chin wobbling as I actively fought back tears. It was all I could do to nod and wave at him shyly.
Kol hesitated for the blink of an eye and rushed forward towards me. Instead of the hug I was expecting, he sank to his knees before me. "So it's really true…Elijah wasn't lying?" he asked in amazement, not taking his eyes from my abdomen. With a shaky hand, he reached out and placed his palm against the left side of my stomach. A gasp escaped his lips as the baby kicked his hand. "Fuck!" he exclaimed, "this is incredible."
Placing a hand atop his, I nodded, and squeezed it slightly in comfort. "Crazy, right?"
"Move! My turn, I wanna feel," Rebekah said, bumping Kol with her hip and placing a hand beside his, wedging her fingers beneath his.
Kol laughed and happily stood, moving to sit beside me, and allowed his sister to take his place. I tilted my head to rest on his shoulder and felt as he lightly kissed my temple from above. I never should have left them. As we waited for Rebekah to feel her niece or nephew rolling against her hand, the sound of heavy footsteps alerted us that we were no longer alone.
Lifting my head, I looked around Kol to see Elijah standing at the base of the stairs, hands clasped behind his back. Beside him…beside him I saw the man who had once consumed me. As I expected, four months hadn't changed Niklaus very much. His green sweater tight across his chest and black jeans were a welcome sight. His curly blonde hair was a bit longer, tickling the tips of his ears and neck, but he was completely the same as he had always been. It was a comfort and painful to be before the man who had torn my heart from my chest.
He looked down at Rebekah stone faced, except for the single eye twitch. Rebekah, feeling the energy shift in the room, stood and came to stand behind me, a comforting hand on my shoulder. She and Kol both remained at my side.
"Whose bastard is that?" he asked dryly. There was so little emotion in his voice. There was no sadness or anger, and it broke me further. He always could hide his feelings from others. Never from me.
I chuckled without humor, shaking my head. "It's yours, Niklaus, of course. Do you need a magical DNA test? Or would you prefer more drastic measures?" I asked him calmly, as my head jerked towards him in spite.
"Oh yes, let's just believe you. 'Hey guys, I ran off to be the Queen of New Orleans with my 'friends'", he said in a higher tone, mocking me, "'ignore the men throwing themselves at me, lah de dah." he asked, his voice becoming strained and raw.
I genuinely laughed this time, and he flinched at the sound. "The men in my life are vampires, not wolves or hybrids. It's easy to avoid their teeth. Besides, unlike you, I didn't run off and fuck the first brainless idiot I could find." My breath was coming out harshly as I fought to control my temper; I could feel it starting to tingle at my fingertips. What confused me more was the shocked expression on Nik's face – a look that was immediately consumed by sadness. I took a minute to glance around again and threw my hands up, gesturing around the room. "Nice home you have here. Yet wait, oh I forgot," I said, my voice dripping with poison, "it isn't yours any longer, is it?"
I knew how dangerous of a game I played by mocking him, but fuck common sense. The only thing I felt was the rage, embarrassment, and pain boiling within me, begging to be released. How dare he accuse me of sleeping around? I had been prepared to die for him and he had been curling his tail around some random she-wolf.
Niklaus sprung forward, faster than a blink of an eye, and I felt his hand clamp around my neck with tight fingers. He snarled down at me, nails biting into my neck, with eyes blazing and crazed. "I am your King, not Marcellus. You would do well to remember that."
"Nik, leave her be!" Rebekah exclaimed, tightening her hold on my shoulder as well to keep me anchored. "She's pregnant, you moron."
I took hold of his wrist and sparks emitted from my fingertips, landing on his skin with a crackle. He gasped in pain and shock, jerking away and releasing his hold on my neck. I stood taller as I glared into his eyes.
"I belong to no one. I am free now," I said loud and strong with a hand caressing the bump at my abdomen, "and that will never change. If I had wanted to be lorded over by a power crazy man, I would have just stayed in my damn chains."
Rubbing his wrist, Nik looked at me with confusion flickering across his features. His brows furrowed as he pondered, and without thought, he stepped closer to me again. "What do you mean?"
I leaned down and gathered my cardigan off the settee, shrugging it over my chilled skin. "I mean exactly what I said. I am free now. Free from your mother, and free from you." He moved closer yet and I couldn't help the breath that caught in my throat. "I can take care of the child myself."
His eyes flicked between mine as I saw a glimpse of the man I loved, Nik, appearing and smothering out Klaus. "Your…your curse is broken then?" I nodded and he let out a sharp breath, closing his eyes in what seemed like relief. "It was worth it then."
I stepped forward now, my chest mere feet from his. "What was worth it?"
Nik turned his head, and I saw him swallow harshly. "I have only ever done what I must to keep you safe," he murmured, no louder than a whisper.
The realization hit me like a sharp blow to the chest. A large stone sitting in my stomach. I hesitantly reached my hand towards him, but let it fall; I just felt sick. "You…you chose the she-wolf to break the curse?" He remained silent, but I could see how tense he was. "Why, Niklaus? Why didn't you just tell me?"
He ground his teeth together and I grimaced. "In all our long years together, I would have thought you knew better. I have never chosen anyone over you, and yet it was so easy to make you believe it." He turned his head slightly towards me, and swallowed once more. "Do you think so little of me?"
The question caught me off guard, and a haunted expression slid onto his face. He bit the side of his lip and grimaced once more, but he couldn't hide it. I could see the emotion behind the mask. "Of all people, I thought you were the one who would always believe in me."
The grief washed over me and I sat back down, with my hands on my knees, and felt Rebekah's hand guiding me safely down. "You were the person I trusted above all others, without fail, but you broke me Nik! You took everything from me when you left – I can't even remember what it's like to feel happy."
"I broke you to make you free. It was the only way. Distancing myself, talking to that annoying little wolf, almost dying, the final painting," he said the last part in a whisper as I knew then it affected him as much as it had me. I had been left alone, he had to be the one to leave. "Everything I have ever done, it has all been for you. It's honestly exhausting to live up to your expectations of me."
"I never asked for you to do any of that!" I exclaimed, standing to my feet — I moved forward to wipe away the tear that had slid down his cheek with my thumb. "All I ever wanted was you…the real you. Why must you always tear yourself apart?"
He looked at me then, with tear filled eyes, and rubbed his head against the hand I had against his face. "I never felt as if I deserved you. You bring so much light to this world, and I am the reason you are cursed. You've spent years burdened with my mistakes," he murmured, raising a hand to cover mine against his skin, "an now you are stuck with me."
"I told you, I can do this on my own."
A snicker echoed around the room from behind me. "As if we would let you," Rebekah said lightly.
I turned my head to face her, my hand still trapped by Nik's – I wouldn't steal this moment of comfort from him. "You cannot simply force me to be a part of this family. I have given everything to be reunited with you, and for that I am thankful, but I will not be trapped with someone who doesn't love me."
"Have you not listened to a word being said?" Kol exclaimed.
I bared my teeth in fury, snarling at him. Yes, I have. All I've heard is that Niklaus will never be truthful enough for a real relationship. A relationship without communication, without complete trust, is a shit relationship anyway. One that will last for eternity? Absolutely not."
Nik lowered my hand from his face, but he refused to let my hand go yet. As he rubbed small circles into the skin there, I wondered what he would be like as a father. He would be strict, but fair. He would love them wholeheartedly. If only I could trust him to do just that.
Elijah stepped forward with his hands clasped as he always did and stood at my side. "You cannot simply walk out on us, to raise our niece or nephew on their own – it's preposterous. I will not allow it."
My eyes narrowed at him in challenge. "Just how do you plan on stopping me? Your tricks won't work here, Elijah."
"Like this."
Nik gripped my hand harder, and I felt a panic course through me. Faster than I could move, he pulled a silver bangle out of his back pocket and clamped it down on my wrist. It was only then he released my hand and took a few steps backwards. I examined the cuff to see a gleaning moonstone in the center, swirls carved intricately over the band.
I shrieked in fury, glancing down at the cuff. I raised my arm and aimed for Elijah, but nothing happened. No magic. I tried again, waiting for the warm sparks to reach my fingertips, but they never came. I glared around at all of them, narrowing my eyes at the only one who had stayed. "How could you do this to me?"
"It's for the best, I promise. The Abattoir is spelled to keep you inside," she explained, nodding towards my hand,"in case you were wondering." I jumped forward, hell bent on ripping every strand from her head, but Niklaus caught me with an arm around my waist.
"Ah, ah, ah. We wouldn't want our child hurt, now would we?"
I ripped his arms from my body and stood, glaring in a circle at the group of Originals. "You can't just keep me here!"
"Of course, we can. Anything for the family, little witch." He gestured to the full extent of the home before catching my eyes with his.
"Welcome home, Elandra."
A/N: And there it is the end...for now. The sequel will be posted on November 3rd - it will be called What Comes Next. Stayed tuned.
