Chapter 7

New Orleans

Upon arriving in New Orleans, Klaus was overjoyed to reunite with baby Hope, and his heart found a measure of peace seeing that she was safe and sound.

But one thought prevented him from experiencing complete happiness: Caroline still hadn't woken up, even though several days had passed since their arrival.

Elijah had bound Xander in enchanted djinn bracelets, one of their mother's artifacts, and now Xander owed Elijah three wishes. The warlock was dissatisfied, left without the feeling of victory over the Mikaelsons.

The Mikaelson family had arranged a separate apartment for Caroline.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of a lamp. The blonde lay on a massive bed with carved headboards, her breathing barely audible. Faint lines of tension still marked her face, as if she continued to fight even in her sleep. Klaus sat nearby, leaning forward to study her face.

Since bringing the girl here, the hybrid had hardly left her side. Each breath reminded him she was alive. But why hadn't she regained consciousness? How much more time would it take? Days? Months? Years…? These thoughts filled Klaus with a sorrowful rage.

"I failed her," he thought, haunted by the horrific moments in Paris. Her screams, her battle with unseen monsters—all of it echoed in his mind. He wanted to believe it was the end of her suffering, but her motionless body raised doubts.

Freya entered the room cautiously, as if afraid to disturb the silence. She approached the bed, stopping beside Klaus.

- Her condition is stable, - she said, running her hand over Caroline's chest. - But recovery will take time. The curse inflicted deep emotional wounds, and as you know, emotional wounds don't heal as quickly as physical ones.

Klaus clenched his teeth, never taking his eyes off Caroline.

- Time…- he muttered. How much time does she need?

Freya looked at him sympathetically.

- Nik, show some patience, and she will recover. What she went through would break even the strongest of vampires. Let's believe she is truly strong. For now, all you can do is wait.

His hand trembled as he gently ran his fingers over her pale skin.

Freya's words left him alone with his thoughts. When she left, Klaus remained by the bedside, holding Caroline's hand.

"I would never have let this happen if…" His thoughts broke off with every assumption. He blamed himself for her suffering, for her ending up in this situation because of him in the first place.

He remembered her laugh—that light, carefree laugh, so rare around him, yet it always made his heart race. He remembered her confidence, her strength. How she never hesitated to speak her mind about him. He remembered their dance in Mystic Falls. How she had first drunk from his wrist.… So tender and strong at the same time.

Now, it all seemed distant and almost unattainable.

Her eyelids suddenly twitched. He froze, holding his breath.

- Caroline? - he called softly.

The girl barely opened her eyes. Her gaze was foggy, but she tried to speak. Her lips moved, but no sound came out.

- I'm here, love,- he whispered, squeezing her hand. - You're safe.

Caroline's lips quivered as if she were trying to smile, but she had no strength left. Her eyes closed again, and Klaus felt the cold grip of despair returning.

Hayley entered the room, observing the scene.

- She's recovering. You can't deny that.

He looked at the wolf with eyes burning with anger and exhaustion.

- You have strong feelings for her. Since back in Mystic Falls, right?

- Even earlier… It's always felt so unattainable for me, like it's lasted an eternity. When I first saw her, I realized this girl was light. Caroline is a unique, extraordinary woman. I was always amazed by how a vampire could be so pure… You know, she once turned off her humanity and still managed to keep everything under control.

Now, I only wish she'd open her eyes, be full of strength, and live a happy life. Even if she sees no place for me in it. — Klaus confessed, surprising even himself by saying it out loud. But with Hayley, he shared a unique level of understanding despite everything.

The brunette gave him a meaningful nod and placed a hand on the Original's shoulder.

— I'm sure you're worrying for nothing. She's tough, Klaus. She's endured a lot. I've heard about werewolf tortures… And the ones from her father. And something about Katherine, too.

Klaus glanced at Hayley, a hint of confusion in his expression.

— Do you think reminding me of how much she's suffered is supposed to help? — he said.

— I'm saying it because Caroline will pull through. You're underestimating her.

With those words, she left, leaving him alone.

— I hope you heard this? — he whispered, turning to Caroline. — You have to live, love. Fight.