This chapter picks up exactly where Chapter 11, "The Pyramid Part 2," left off.
Sorry again for the slow pace of updates.
A big thank you to all of you who read, followed, or left kudos or comments on my story.
As always, your participation means everything to me. I hope you like it! Happy reading!
#####
Everything was set up at Villa Eos. Mr. Thorneblood hadn't mentioned if the dinner would be romantic. Nevertheless, it was set up for two, so Costas, the butler, decided to be ready just in case. If the guest was male, dinner would take place in the main dining room; if she was female, the patio was the best option.
The butler welcomed Klaus and Phemonoe as they arrived at the villa. "Mr. Thorneblood, dinner will be served on the patio," Costas informed.
"Perhaps you and your guest would like to freshen up first?" Klaus agreed with a nod, and Costas led Phemonoe to a guest room.
In the privacy of the master bedroom, the hybrid called one of the maids to join him in and feed him, away from prying eyes. After appeasing his hunger, the original hybrid took a look at the poor girl, who appeared on the verge of collapsing. To maintain a low profile, he fed her some of his blood to heal the wound in her neck, and then he compelled her to forget everything, return to the kitchen, have a hearty meal, and retire to her room for the rest of the night. Klaus cleaned up, changed clothes, and then headed to the patio.
The patio was situated on the ground floor, and it opened up to the beautiful garden of the villa. In front of the main window, there was a cosy setup with a small rectangular table and two chairs.
In the rear of the room stood a wall made of brown-toned bricks. On either side, wooden shelves were mounted, while a massive stone slab stretched from the ceiling to the floor in the middle. Positioned within it was a sleek, rectangular fireplace that served as the primary heat source in the room.
A sizable caramel sofa with plush cushions and a small wooden table were both positioned in front of the fireplace, making it an ideal place for reading a book or enjoying a glass of wine while you relax in the warmth of the fire. Costas opted for an effortless romantic vibe that could also pass for relaxing and comfy.
The dancing flames of the fireplace, the soft ambient lighting from the strewn candles, and the moonlight coming in through the large windows all combined to softly illuminate the space.
Calming melodies like 'Mariage D'Armour' and 'Moonlight Sonata' filled the room, adding to the romantic and soothing atmosphere. Costas took extra care to ensure that everything was perfect for the evening, and Klaus was quite pleased by the arrangements made by the young man.
The dinner table stood right in front of the big glass window, and it was set up simply. Following the usual Greek way, the dishes would be brought out all at once as soon as the guests settled down at the table.
The table offered a front-row seat to a mesmerizing view. Nestled at the foot of the hill, lower than the villa Ios, a handful of houses emitted a soft glow that was fading out into the brightness coming from the nearby village of Kardamili. The vibrant lights from the harbour served as a beacon, attracting one's gaze. It was that magical hour of the day when the port and village square came alive with a harmonious blend of music and bustling crowds. And on the horizon, the dark sea remained calm, and a dazzling waxing moon gracefully reflected upon its surface.
The night had arrived, unveiling a majestic sky adorned with countless stars. In this small part of the world, the celestial heavens still showcased their magnificence, especially on a night like this when the moon had just begun to wax.
Again, the artist in Klaus wished for nothing more than to have the time and peace to capture the beauty of his view with his brushes and colors.
When Phemonoe arrived at the patio, she found Klaus looking at the sea, a sad stance written in his eyes. Sensing the Oracle approaching, his melancholic expression vanished. Without skipping a beat, a smirk twisted from his lips, and like a true gentleman, he assisted Noe in settling down at the table and promptly took his seat on the opposite side. With a simple gesture, he signalled for Costas to start serving.
In the center of the table were placed platters containing seafood and meze: grilled bread seasoned with dry oregano, olive oil, and sea salt. Fresh mussels, steamed to perfection, were delicately infused with the tangy freshness of lemon juice. A tantalizing dish of vinegar octopus accompanied by juicy cherry tomatoes. Grilled shrimp glazed with garlic and thyme olive oil. Zucchini fritters, generously filled with creamy feta cheese and aromatic mint, added a delightful crunch to the spread. Dolmades, stuffed with a harmonious blend of rice, black pepper, and dill, offered a burst of vibrant flavors. To complement this feast, glasses were filled with a chilled, dry white wine with strong minerality and high acidity. It was a local wine, 'assyrtiko', the butler informed them, and it possessed a distinct character that Klaus found exceptional.
The dinner proceeded without any hiccups. The hybrid keenly observed how Phemonoe's color returned and her mood brightened with every mouthful of food. The two friends engaged in light conversation, feeling the tension and nerves from the day's events fade away as they delighted in each bite and sip, cherishing the simple pleasure of good food and good company. It wasn't long before Noe began praising Maria's culinary prowess, prompting Klaus to mentally remind himself to acknowledge the cook's efforts the next day.
Despite the gravity of the circumstances and the imminent peril that loomed over New Orleans, Klaus found himself enjoying dinner and small talk, and a strange feeling of yearning washed over him. He was becoming nostalgic for a way of life he had never been able to experience for long.
"The only moments of joy in your life, however fleeting, have been simple pleasures. As you climbed the Himalayas, as you tended to your horses. Quiet days, teaching that boy Shakespeare…" Ansel's words echo in his mind.
His biological father was right. Niklaus Mikaelson longed for quiet days: playing with Hope in the park. Taking turns on the swings with her mother. Rocking the toddler back and forth. Hope's laughter, Hayley's smile.
Spending an afternoon in a corner cafe with Cami, holding hands and strolling at the French Quarter, walking barefoot on the beach, enjoying the hot sun and the soft sea breeze.
A lot had changed since he returned to New Orleans and learnt he was going to be a father; he was not the same person anymore. He longed for a peaceful life without mortal enemies looming in each corner, no more wars, and no more casualties.
He vowed to offer Hope a safe place to grow up—a place she could call home. But his precious little girl was on the run with her mother because of his enemies. He promised Camille to keep her happy, to tear apart whatever scared her, and to protect her. Cami died in his arms; she was condemned to a life that she despised.
He failed spectacularly in keeping his promises to the people he cared about.
Am I cursed? Am I supposed to bring misery and death to all the people I love? The only thing he was certain of was the overwhelming guilt that consumed him.
As those thoughts of failure took him over, his eyes began to darken, and his mood changed.
"Klaus." He heard Noe's voice from the opposite end of the table, calling him out of his trance. "Am I boring you? She asked, "You seem lost in your thoughts."
"Of course, you are not love," he replied sharply, attempting to push away those dark thoughts.
"How about some dessert?" he suggested, regaining his composure.
The Oracle responded with a welcoming smile, and Costas brought two bowls of refreshing citrus sorbet to the table. Klaus couldn't help but smile at Noe's enthusiastic vocal reactions each time she took a bite of the delicious sorbet.
"Klaus, dinner was divine! Thank you so much!" The woman exclaimed as she dabbed her lips with a napkin, and the hybrid couldn't help but make a witty remark: "Judging from the amounts you ate, it better be love." The woman simply rolled her eyes and laughed.
"I know you to be the epitome of 'act now, ask questions later,' so I'm grateful for allowing me time to recharge from the ritual," Noe offered before moving away from the table towards the sofa. She got a log from the stack by the fireplace and tossed it in, fast-tracking the burning with her power.
Klaus watched intently as she stood there, lost in contemplation. She was clearly planning for the next part of the evening, her heart beating rapidly with nervousness. The burden of what she had to reveal to him was evident in her anticipation.
Right before Klaus made his way to the sofa, Costas and Asa walked in the patio, ready to tidy up the dinner table and clear away the glasses and bowls. Once they finished, Klaus permitted them to retire for the night.
Klaus and Noe sat on different sides of the big couch, exchanging looks. "Your staff sure knows how to set a romantic mood. Too bad it's all for nothing," Noe quipped, trying to ease her nerves.
"That they did," Klaus admitted, "and their endeavors don't have to be for nothing. Just give me the go-ahead, and I will give you a night to remember." He teased with a confident smile.
Noe laughed and said with sassiness, "Promises, promises."
But Klaus's need for clarification regarding the visions he had experienced was notable. And with the friendly banter returning, Noe felt more at ease addressing the elephant in the room.
She took a deep breath. "I'm ready to answer your questions," she announced.
The hybrid moved forward, setting the wine glass on the table, his gaze averted to the dancing flames momentarily as if contemplating his next words, then shifted his attention to her.
"Lucien and the ancestors are collaborating to bring about our downfall, but it is the actions of my family that will ultimately actualise the prophecy," Klaus asked without asking. Noe nodded, confirming Klaus's admission. "It was your family's actions that triggered the prophecy in the first place."
Klaus let out a deep sigh, coming to terms with a depressing reality.
"I'm going to wager that your peek into the future is a tad more far-reaching than what I saw. Klaus casually said.
"I saw the future and its endless possibilities," she admitted with genuine intent. It was a bold move to share the truth, but she realised that tackling it head-on was her only option.
"In other words, I caught a glimpse of what lies ahead, and you saw every possible outcome. So tell me, is the future unavoidable?" Klaus pressed.
"The choices we make shape the future, not the other way around. It is important to understand that while some events may be set in motion now, their full impact will only be felt in the years to come," she trailed off. "It's not the prophecy or Lucien that should concern you, but the series of events that will unfold."
Klaus took off from the sofa and paced back and forth, trying to process her words. "I should have killed that wanker the moment he stepped foot in my city." His anger flared up "That bloody manky... He had the audacity to assure me he was my friend. I knew he couldn't be trusted."
Klaus was about to unleash one of his trademark tantrums, but Noe cut him off. "He is the first you ever sired. You cared, and it is okay, honey."
"Was it okay, sweetheart? He challenged, letting his rage take over. "I should have known better." His voice was filled with regret and determination. "But now I will carry out what needs to be done."
The hybrid raised his phone to call Elijah. "An ocean may shield Lucien from my wrath, but for Elijah, he is just a stone's throw away. And I do not doubt that my brother would gladly end him."
"I'm sorry, sweety, but it doesn't matter whether or not you make that phone call." Noe's words had an air of finality: "The events have already been set in motion, and unfortunately, some of them are unavoidable.
Phemonoe's discourse increased the hybrid's anxious pace. Time was of the essence, and he knew he had to act swiftly to avoid casualties. "Do you honestly believe I'll sit back and allow Lucien to cause harm to the people I care about?" he spat.
"No! I would never even dream of that!" She retorted. "But, as I mentioned earlier, my exploration of the future and its potential went way beyond what you saw. There is still so much to discuss. Therefore, sweety, I suggest you stay calm and use your infamous machinations and strategic abilities."
Klaus paused, allowing himself a moment to reflect on her words. This was a scenario where he needed to resist the urge to act rashly. After inhaling deeply, he returned to the sofa and motioned for the woman to continue.
"Certain matters require careful consideration before I bring them up, yet there's a matter we must address immediately." Noe pivoted to confront him directly. "Just before the eternal flame exited your mind, the final vision you saw was of the locket you attempted to steal from me and a set of emerald eyes. Do those eyes belong to the woman you are in love with?" Noe asked, her gaze fixed on Klaus. The hybrid nodded.
She retrieved an object from her pocket and placed it on the table. "It seems that your past and present are intertwined in ways that you may not fully comprehend yet, in ways that even I failed to realise." It was the locket. Klaus gazed at the object with confusion, inspecting it thoroughly, but he refrained from touching it.
Noe's lips curled into a subtle smile as she reassured, "You won't suffer any burns this time. I am convinced that your arrival at the pyramid four hundred years ago was no accident, and your return now is not just a matter of necessity. The intertwining of our paths is related to that locket."
The thought that his association with Phemonoe could have been manipulated somehow made Klaus uneasy. "What is this locket, and what has to do with me?" he inquired, running his fingers over the patterns on the object's surface.
"Throughout your extensive life, I'm sure you have encountered items with mystical or magical properties. The one in your possession holds the very core and might of a divine entity. It's the locket of Eleos, the god of mercy." Noe revealed. "I believe the locket summoned you all those years ago." She kept her eyes fixed on his face, observing the surprise that seemed to be etched on him like a vivid mark on a clean canvas.
"What do you mean, called me?" he questioned, looking confused.
Do you remember when we first met? You asked me, "What a Pythea, forsaken by gods and men, doing in this world?"
"You said you were chosen to stay behind and safeguard ancient knowledge." He repeated her words.
"Yes! I safeguard ancient knowledge and power. Much like that locket in your hands. It is my responsibility to preserve that knowledge and safeguard that power.' Noe paused, allowing her words to resonate before continuing, "It is part of my duty to locate those destined to yield that power and receive that knowledge. Klaus, even though my gods have withdrawn from our world, they have not abandoned humanity. Precautions have been taken to protect those crucial for the revival of our world or any other."
"That's your legacy. How delightful for you! But what relevance does it have to me?
Klaus arched his brow in agitation at Noe's explanation. I'm Klaus Mikaelson, 'The Original Hybrid', 'The Great Evil'… Does she not get the irony here?
"Eleos… merci…compattion… You have the wrong immortal love."
A self-satisfied grin popped on his face as he reclined casually, gesturing with his hands towards the clear choice. "If Ares' sword or Thanatos' scythe comes calling, I'm all in. But Eleos..." Klaus shook his head, a smirk dancing on his lips. "Not my cup of tea."
Noe's eyes flickered open, and she couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Oh, darling!"Shee exclaimed condescendingly. "I could salute your self-awareness, but"
Noe paused for a moment, looking at him teasingly. "It's funny how you believe that a thousand years of misdeeds would make you deserving of the power of the God of war or the God of death."
Klaus turned to look at Noe, his eyes piercing the air with deadly intent. However, Noe met his intensity with a casual look that said, "Stop pouting like a child who has just been told that he is not as important as he thought."
She offered him another of her 'let's be friends again' smiles and brought the conversation back on track. "As you quite rightly surmised, you cannot be the chosen one to wield the power of Eleos. That power belongs to someone else."
She was about to explain when Klaus interrupted her, saying, more to himself, "Camille! She is the chosen one." It was as if he was finally putting the two pieces together. The room fell silent as Noe turned to look at Klaus, waiting for him to continue. "But how? And why summon me?" he challenged.
"Well, that's the question, isn't it?" Noe mused, "As I said, the object has the power to summon the owner. So what if the person destined to yield that power had not been born yet, but his soulmate had?"
With Noe's implication hanging in the air, Klaus felt a peculiar sense of fate. "I would have found you." Those were his words, after all, and he meant them with all his heart.
The bond between them was undeniable, and as it turned out, it was even more complicated than he had ever imagined.
"Camille! That's a nice name," Noe remarked casually, interrupting his thoughts. "From what I gathered from your memories, she is quite remarkable."
"She is!" Klaus affirmed, allowing himself a moment to reminisce about the woman who saw the man beneath the monster. Her kindness, understanding… Her love… had helped him in ways he never thought possible. But that was then when she was human… He shifted his attention back to the locket in his hands in a forcible effort to banish her green eyes, golden hair, and sunny smile from his mind. He had more important fish to fry.
"Since I fail to see how Cami or my affections for her are related to the prophecy, I implore you to elaborate." Klaus paused, his tone tinged with a hint of impatience. "I need to understand how this all fits together," he added, his gaze fixed on Noe, awaiting an explanation that would shed light on the connection between his romantic endeavors and the looming prophecy.
"Here lies our next challenge. I cannot clarify the connection to you just yet. You'll need to trust me when I say they're linked." Noe's cryptic response only fuelled Klaus's growing frustration and confusion, leaving him with more questions than answers.
Her eyes narrowed on his face as she carefully chose her words. " I know that I ask too much of you, but rest assured, the answers will reveal themselves when it is time," she promised.
"Blood hell, woman, you are supposed to be a Pythia; you are supposed to have the answers I seek," he exclaimed in frustration. "Tell me more about the locket; what makes you sure it is destined for Camille?" He asked, desperation creeping into his voice.
Noe smiled enigmatically, her gaze unwavering. "Trust in the process, Klaus. Everything will be revealed when the time is right," she replied cryptically. "But in case you are not as familiar with the old Greek gods, I can tell you that Eleos, or Elea, is a primary deity. One of Nyx and Erebus's children. Most of his siblings are quite formidable, but Eleos is not striving for power; he is driven by mercy, pity, compassion, and clemency.
Noe explained, "Her ability to provide comfort and solace to those who seek her guidance makes her unique among other deities. Her presence is felt most strongly in times of despair and hardship, offering hope and support to all who come to her with an open heart. Much like your friend Camille. soulful and caring, always there to listen and offer a helping hand."
"You are asking me to trust you, and yet you offer nothing more than myths and stories." Klaus responded sceptically, "On top of that, you admitted that our crossing paths were manipulated by this mysterious force you claim to have no control over."
Noe observed Klaus anticipating his next emotional outburst. She knew he was about to enter his paranoid phase.
From his point of view, Klaus Mikaelson never liked coincidences or fate. He was a strong believer in one making his own fate in the world. He believed that love was a vampire's greatest weakness, and except for Tatia and Aurora, his heart never let a woman in. He was infatuated with Caroline, but he never loved her.
With Camille, all his defences were dropped. He couldn't deny that whatever drew him to her was strong and complicated. She could read him, and he could read her as well. In so many ways, he saw himself in her.
The events with Esther made him realize that he trusted Cami more than he ever trusted anyone in his long life. And after Daliah, he was 100% sure that she trusted him completely. It was not just love; it was trust; it was faith; she was his refuge from a hard and unfair world, and he was her kindred, her family. But unfortunately, Cami was also his pressing point. His kryptonite.
Now Noe was saying that Cami was destined to wield the power of an ancient primary deity. What significance does that hold for Camille? What implications does it carry for them, assuming there was still a 'them' at all?
His therapist was still struggling with vampirism and all that anger over what Aurora had taken from her. Camille hated when people took her choice away from her, and allowing Noe to bring this obligation upon her was not yet another way to take her choice away? He pondered. And what about Noe? She is the most powerful oracle; how is it that she didn't see that coming? Or maybe she did and opted to hide it from him? He debated if she was working on some hidden agenda or if there was something larger at play that he couldn't see.
Maybe Phemonoe was not his friend. His so-called friends, and even his own family, have placed the woman he loved in danger more than once.
"The woman you love will soon be dead, and this time there will be no loophole to save her." His subconscious kept reminding him. And this was not only about Camille; his family, his child, and all he held dear were on the line. If he didn't act fast, they too would be in danger.
According to Noe, the deity is choosing the host, not the other way around. And knowing Cami, she would do everything for the greater good.
As questions and worries were dancing in a frenzy in Klaus's mind, his face kept changing expressions and emotions.
Noe waited patiently and with a certain admiration for the hybrid because, at any other moment, Klaus' insanity would have taken over and erupted in screaming, threatening, and spewing death. And yet, despite his suspicion, despite the snakes that began to surround him, he kept himself under control.
"What happens if one chooses to reject the locket?" Klaus finally asked, trying to address one of his worries. "
The woman smiled, revealing an inner peace, and responded calmly. "As you correctly assumed, I assure you that Cami has a choice. If she chooses to yield the power, she will gain great strength and knowledge. If she refuses the locket, she will remain in the dark about her true potential."
"If she accepts that power, will she remain herself, or will she become a host?" Klaus pressed, his concern evident in his voice. The woman's smile faltered slightly before she replied, "I cannot say for certain, but her destiny will be forever altered."
"How long did you know about this?" he asked, looking directly into Noe's eyes.
"My first vision of the locket calling you was after I kicked your ass out of the temple all those years ago. And because it was you, 'the demon lurking in the shadow, the savage villain in fairy tales told to children,' I dismissed it. It was today in the lake that all the pieces came together." She confessed. "From what I have seen, the locket and prophecy are connected. I wish I could tell you more, but as you know, I can't use my power to interfere in earthly affairs. I can try and work around my restrictions, but I would need to meet the person the locket asks for."
"You need to meet Cami?" Klaus asked, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Yes," she replied with a nod. "And how do I know this isn't a ploy to hurt her or hurt my family?" Klaus asked sceptically.
"You came to me; remember? not the other way around," Noe reminded him, but her voice was soft and motherly. "Honey, Camille is going to die; is there anything more heinous that I could do to surpass that?" The oracle challenged. "Your only option is to trust me, Klaus. Besides my wish to encounter Cami, I harbor no ulterior motives, and I sincerely want to aid you in your effort to protect your family," she asserted earnestly. "Having lived for millennia longer than you, I can confidently say that the prospect of eternal solitude is something I cannot bear. I found a friend in you all those years ago, and I need that friendship." No held out her hand to give him a strong and reassuring squeeze.
"Plus, I already have the utmost respect for that woman. She has called you out on your shit, and she lived to tell the story," Noe added with a knowing smile. " Klaus, just think about it," she urged in a tender tone. "Speak with Elijah. It may offer you the perspective you seek, and we can continue our conversation tomorrow."
"Would you care to spend the night here?" He inquired, "It is late, and you need to rest."
"Thank you, honey, but I already have a friend waiting for me outside," she replied with a smile.
Klaus gazed at her. Had she beckoned for assistance without his knowledge? Did she foresee the direction of their discussion? Did she anticipate his next move?
Klaus raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of surprise and intrigue. "I take it that you already know whatever is destined to occur tomorrow."
She assured him, "I know you will make the best possible decision for everyone, and I know that because I know you care," as she walked towards him, took his right hand onto hers, opened it, and placed the locket in his palm. He felt serenity when she closed the metal object in his palm. She gave him a reassuring look and kissed him gently on the cheek before saying "Good night, honey" and leaving the patio.
Klaus picked up his phone and called Elijah. Noe did say, after all, that the future was still in motion. So he was going to try to change the course of events.