Chapter 5
Klaus and Caroline had not spoken a word in the hour since the witch left.
Alicia had given the vampire a potion to slow down the curse's effects.
Dark thoughts plagued the hybrid's mind.
Before leaving, the witch had said, "Curses like this can send someone to their grave. I don't know how powerful this Xander is, but if he managed to cast it, there's a chance he can undo it. But you don't have much time."
So not only do I have to deal with that wretched sorcerer, but I also have to fulfill all the terms of the deal and hope he can save Caroline.
The very thought of it made Klaus's head boil with rage.
The blonde entered the spacious kitchen, dimly lit by soft light. She understood what Klaus was thinking and knew they had no other choice but to return to Paris with what Xander demanded.
- Are those runes important to your family?
- Not more than your life, Caroline. I'll give them to him, but I want a guarantee he'll fix what he's done. And that slippery bastard has so few weaknesses… It's nearly impossible to kill him. He has thousands of lives at his disposal. - Klaus growled in frustration, angered by how powerful Xander truly was.
Caroline, surprised by her own words, said:
- Are you saying he's been alive nearly as long as you, the oldest vampire, and hasn't gained anyone he cares about?
The Original was taken aback. He looked up at her, unable to suppress a smile.
- Don't do that.
- Love, when you ask such questions, I can't help but react.
But then he added:
-Unfortunately, that weakness of his has been long dead. - Klaus fell silent, lost in thought.
- Maybe you should look into that more closely?- Caroline suggested. - Talk to the spirits, or any of your ancient scary friends.
Klaus chuckled. His phone rang.
- Elijah, has Freya told you the latest news? Get ready to head to Paris. We're going to that bastard. Time is running out.
- I'll take the next flight. Hayley and Hope send their regards, brother.
- How are they?
- Hope's unwell but getting better. Don't worry.
- Never a dull moment. I told Hayley to move the crib to another room…
Caroline observed Klaus from a distance, listening. In that moment, she saw him differently.
He was no longer just the monstrous hybrid who took whatever he wanted from life.
He was a loving father.
The Original paced back and forth in the large Victorian living room, giving Elijah instructions about Hope's health and well-being. Caroline couldn't take her eyes off him. A sudden warmth filled her soul.
After ending the call, Klaus turned to her and asked,
- How about a short walk before we leave, love? I want to show you a place I used to cherish when I lived here.
- I'd like that. It'd be nice to see the area before heading to Paris.
The pair left the mansion and headed to the nearby forest. The evening air was thick with the scent of damp earth after the rain.
After a few minutes, the forest path led to a stunning, abandoned garden.
In the center was an artificial pond, surrounded by wild rose bushes in various colors.
Klaus took Caroline's hand and guided her to a bench facing the pond.
- I used to come here often when I wanted to be alone… though back then, the place looked very different. It was well-maintained. But after we left England, it fell into neglect.
- It's beautiful, Klaus. And so peaceful, - Caroline said, sitting on the bench and taking in the view. - Look at the sky—it's breathtaking. Such a gorgeous sunset.
The hybrid didn't take his eyes off her. - Yes, love.
Caroline met his gaze, her breathing quickening. No man had ever looked at her the way he did. He admired her as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.
More than anything, she wanted to lose herself in his arms at that moment. Care moved closer to Klaus. - Close your eyes - she whispered.
She leaned in even closer and kissed him softly.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she straddled him, leaving behind the tender kisses that had started it all. Klaus's lips claimed her neck, drawing a passionate moan from her lips.
The hybrid wasted no time, tearing her blouse away and letting his tongue tease her breasts.
- Klaus, I want you… - the blonde murmured breathlessly. - I've wanted you for so long.
At her words, the Original stood, holding Caroline in his arms, and entered her. Their bodies became one. The heat of their movements, their moans, and the intoxicating scent of their passion filled the air.
The garden was no longer as quiet.
Some time later, the first stars appeared in the night sky. Klaus and Caroline lay in the grass in the middle of the garden, gazing up at the heavens.
- I feel so at peace here with you,- Caroline confessed. - Despite everything you've dragged me into and all I've been forced to feel, I'm glad you're here.
- I've been asking you to come to New Orleans for a long time, and I'll never stop. When we deal with Xander and everything surrounding him, I want you to know—I'm waiting for you. I'll always be waiting.
She didn't respond, only leaned in and kissed Klaus softly on the lips.