Chapter 6
The road to Paris turned into a silent journey filled with tension.
After a passionate night in the garden, Klaus and Caroline seemed to lose the ability to speak to each other. Instead of words, an invisible chasm stretched between them.
Caroline grew weaker by the minute; her skin had paled, and her eyes had lost their sparkle. Occasionally, she mumbled something incoherent, her gaze darting around as though seeing things hidden from others.
Klaus kept giving her his blood, but it wasn't enough.
Elijah was waiting for them in Paris, standing at the entrance to Xander's mansion.
He greeted his brother with restrained politeness, but upon seeing Caroline, allowed himself a faint flicker of concern. She was trembling, supported by the hybrid's arm, her eyes dark with circles beneath them, and her expression empty.
- She's getting worse - he said quietly as Klaus stopped beside him.
- That's why we're here - the hybrid cut him off, striding resolutely toward the door.
Xander greeted them with his usual slightly mocking smirk. His figure was shrouded in an aura of mystery, and his eyes gleamed with the same fire that had irritated Klaus since their first meeting.
- What a surprise, Niklaus - he drawled, surveying the visitors.- Your visits are always so… dramatic.
Caroline suddenly flinched and whipped around, her eyes wide with horror. She raised her hand as though warding off an invisible enemy.
- They're here - she cried. - They're coming closer—they're watching me!
Klaus was beside her in an instant, but before he could touch her, she stepped back, nearly stumbling into the wall. Her body trembled, her eyes blazing with fear and helplessness.
- Hellish monsters - Xander remarked slyly, observing her. - The end is near, my dear.
Xander approached Caroline and placed a hand on her shoulder.
- Don't worry, my dear. I'll help you.
- Please, I'm begging you,- she pleaded, radiating madness and fear.
- Lift the curse! - Klaus demanded aggressively.
Xander smirked.
- And what will you give me in return, Niklaus? Did you bring the runes?
- Yes, Elijah has them, but first, lift this damned curse - the hybrid growled, staring the warlock directly in the eyes.
Xander studied Caroline with blatant interest before turning to Klaus.
- I think I underestimated your attachment to this lovely creature… I'll need more than the runes. I need you. - He smirked and extended a hand toward Klaus. - Do you agree to a century-long blood oath?
Klaus froze, feeling rage boil in his veins. But one look at Caroline—her pale face, contorted with fear and pain—forced him to step forward.
- What do you want, you bastard? Free her!
- Niklaus, let's not stoop to insults. I just need your promise to serve me for 100 years. - Xander winked slyly, clearly relishing his position of power and how much it annoyed the hybrid.
Klaus exchanged a glance with Elijah. They had a "special plan" for this meeting.
But things weren't going quite as planned...
- Aaah! - Caroline screamed and collapsed to the floor, writhing in pain as blood seeped from a bite on her leg.
- They're already taking her. If you hesitate, sweetheart will be torn apart - Xander said, pouring himself a drink.
Klaus nodded briefly to Elijah, realizing he had no choice but to make the cursed oath.
Only after these words did the warlock begin his ritual.
With a snap of his fingers, a circle of violet flames ignited around the Original. Xander stepped into it, taking a dagger adorned with ancient runes. He slashed his palm and began chanting in a dead language.
- Obsecro vos, fratres ac sorores, aperite mihi vires voti inveterati, nihil destruet, nisi impletum fatalibus. - The warlock's eyes glowed with violet light.
He handed the dagger to Klaus, who slashed his own palm.
As the first drops of blood fell, Xander gripped the hybrid's hand in a powerful handshake. The wind rose, and the violet flames shot up to the ceiling. In a second, everything went still, and the warlock released Klaus's hand.
- It's an irrevocable blood oath, Niklaus. Don't forget it. You're bound to it - Xander said, his tone dripping with authority and satisfaction. - Now, the runes, and I'll help the girl.
Elijah tossed him a pouch containing the artifact.
The warlock's gaze burned with manic delight as he inhaled the scent of his victory.
Throughout this, Caroline's screams were piercing. She begged for death as her legs bled, the tattoo on her body glowing like fire.
- Lift the curse, bastard! - Klaus snarled, lunging at Xander.
- I'll keep my word. This time…
The warlock approached the blonde, seizing her wrist. Chanting once more, the tattoo slowly faded from her arm.
A final scream echoed through the room. The lights danced like demons, tearing something invisible from her body.
Klaus clenched his fists, silently watching her fight for her life.
When it was over, Caroline collapsed. Her body was cold as marble, her face eerily calm—almost lifeless.
- Is she alive? - Klaus whispered, lifting her into his arms.
- Her soul is depleted - Xander replied. - Take her home. She won't survive here.
Klaus silently carried Caroline as if she were the most fragile treasure.
Elijah remained in the mansion, slowly turning to face the sorcerer, fixing him with a cold gaze.
- Well then, Xander, now it's time for us to have a little discussion.