A new chapter, enjoy!

It is kind of short but better than nothing because real life is really annoying. I don't have much time to write and I don't know when I can next update.

As always much thanks to Senema for taking the time to beta my stories.

Chapter 10

After the last craftsmen had left the compound in the late afternoon, Elijah, Klaus, Hayley, Freya, Kol and Davina gathered in the dining room.

Elijah saw with satisfaction that Niklaus looked much healthier. He had that twinkle in his eyes again that promised plenty of trouble and gruesome deaths for his enemies. "The craftsmen will have completed their work within the next three days."

"Good, then everything will be ready for Hope's and the others' arrival." Klaus smiled slightly.

"What happens to our guests downstairs?" Freya asked serenely. "Do you really want them to be alive when Hope gets here?"

"No, I'll take care of them before she gets here", Klaus replied seriously. "I don't want Hope to know about any of this."

"What will happen to Marcel?" Davina asked worried.

Elijah and Kol exchanged looks before Elijah spoke up. "Like I said to Kol, I can turn Marcellus back into a normal vampire, but there's a problem. Once this happens, the venom in his body will kill him within days. Kol suggested that we modify the cure originally intended for us and use it to disable the venom. Maybe you can work with Freya and Kol on that?"

Freya looked thoughtful. "That would certainly be a possibility." She turned to Hayley. "How far along are you with gathering the ingredients?"

"I'm only missing the venom of one bloodline but this one has been hunted almost to extinction", Hayley replied hesitantly. "I could only find evidence of one last survivor and she is very good at hiding."

"Well, now you have my help", Freya said, smiling. "What is the name of the werewolf?"

"Keelin Malraux. I even think she is not living that far from New Orleans." Hayley smiled slightly. "And now I have completely different possibilities to find her than ever before."

"Then let's set off together tomorrow and bring her to New Orleans", Freya said firmly.

"What if she doesn't want to help us?" Davina asked uncertainly.

"I think we can certainly strike a deal with her. If what Hayley says is true, then we offer her our protection and a home with us", Elijah suggested. "So when you bring her here, be as nice as you can be."

"Of course, Elijah", Freya and Hayley replied together.

Elijah sighed. "Freya, before you leave, please give the spell to Davina and Kol so they can familiarize themselves with it. The quicker we can apply it, the better."

Klaus narrowed his eyes at Elijah, something was wrong here. "Why the rush, brother?"

Elijah sighed resigned. Originally he had wanted to keep that to himself, at least until everything was prepared. "The venom is already attacking Marcel's body. For now, his healing powers are keeping the damage in check but the longer we hesitate the weaker he will become."

"What do you mean with weaker?" Davina asked worriedly.

Elijah pressed his lips together. "Did you really think the Ancestors would tolerate an invincible vampire, Davina?" he asked mockingly. "On the one hand, the spell gives Marcellus strength, speed, indestructibility and the venom to kill even Originals, but on the other hand he has to pay for it too. Little by little, the venom destroys the abilities and strength he possessed as a normal vampire. I think, by now, a 100-year-old vampire is stronger than him and could easily defeat him."

"Then I can't imagine he will want to drink the potion", said Davina uneasily. "He would rather be dead than weak."

"That's his decision", Elijah said with a shrug. "I will turn him back into a normal vampire whether he likes it or not." He smiled slightly. "And even if I didn't, the venom will kill him in a few decades anyway. You know, Davina, once the venom has taken away its abilities as a normal vampire, it will target his abilities as the beast. Like I said the Ancestors will never tolerate an invincible vampire."

"Ah, witches", said Klaus, grinning. "You can always count on them to stab you in the back and betray you." He looked at Freya. "Sisters are of course an exception."

Freya patted Klaus' hand patronisingly. "Of course I am, brother."

Elijah chuckled softly. "In the meantime I'll start negotiations with the factions. Hayley, have you heard from Aiden?"

"Yes, I have", Hayley replied. "The werewolves are still a bit suspicious of him but they seem willing to accept Aiden as their new alpha."

"Good. I was thinking of Josh as the new leader of the vampire faction", Elijah said and looked at Niklaus.

Nicholas nodded in agreement. "A good choice. Josh is sensible, smart, and most vampires respect him."

"Who becomes the leader of the witches?" Davina asked warily.

"Vincent remains the leader of the New Orleans covens," Elijah replied, amused. "At least as long as he doesn't try to betray me."

Kol snickered. "Not that that is unlikely. Think about it, Davina, maybe Vincent knew what the Ancestors' plans for Marcel were."

Freya frowned. "I don't think so."

"And I don't really care either way", Elijah said calmly. "Let Marcellus and Vincent betray each other to their heart's content, it suits their character, they deserve each other anyway."

Davina cleared her throat. "Can I visit Marcel?"

Elijah looked at her with his half-smile. "You can do what you like in this house. As soon as you marry Kol, you'll be my sister-in-law and part of our family."

Davina made a face. "Don't remind me of that."

Klaus chuckled. "Yes, Davina as my sister-in-law. Who would have ever thought that possible?"

Davina glared at him angrily.

"Children, please", Elijah pleaded, long-sufferingly. "The sooner you learn to get along, the easier and better it will be for all of us."

Kol snickered over Davina's and Niklaus's indignant faces at being called children. "Perhaps you two can bond over Elijah's snobbery towards you and your annoyance at him."

"Thanks for your tips, Kol", Elijah said, rolling his eyes. "However, I don't think they need much help making my life miserable."

Klaus laughed. "Oh brother, you always say the nicest things." He stood up. "Now that the humans have left the compound and we're undisturbed, I'll go downstairs. If you hear screams, ignore them." With a final nod to Elijah, he left the room.

Elijah sighed. "You heard him. Perhaps those of you who are a little more sensitive should leave the compound for a few hours. We all know how creative Niklaus gets once he starts with torturing his enemies. Freya, before you leave New Orleans, could you maybe put a noise deadening charm around the basement?"

"Of course, Elijah", said Freya softly. "I will do so at once."

The group split up to prepare for the next day.