The gravity of the night still lingered, but exhaustion had long begun to settle in. It was well past 1 AM. Upstairs, Liza and Ollie moved about the bedroom Ollie had been given—a space just as absurdly lavish as the one Liza had slept in the night before. The bed was massive, easily big enough for two, though there was no need for it. The mansion had more bedrooms than either of them fathomed, and neither knew if the Mikaelsons even slept like normal people or if they had coffins stashed away somewhere.

Liza sat at the edge of the bed and rubbed at her face. Her makeup was long gone, scrubbed away in the much-needed shower, but remnants of the night clung to her. She thought she could still smell Elijah's cologne —cool, rich, musky. The ghost of it curled around her senses, making her shiver. Every moment replayed in her mind on an endless loop—his lips on hers, his hands at her waist, the way he had looked at her. The knot in her stomach twisted, a tangled mess of nerves and something close to anticipation. Would they kiss again?

Ramses lay near her on the bed, his thick fur ruffled slightly, his dark eyes locked onto her with that quiet, knowing judgment only an Akita could master.

Ollie emerged from the en-suite bathroom, towel-drying her damp hair, dressed in the same borrowed silk pajamas Liza wore. She plopped onto the bed beside her with little ceremony, stretching her legs out with a satisfied sigh.

"Okay," she said, tossing the towel aside. "Are we going to talk about it?"

Liza exhaled and tucked her knees up to her chest, resting her chin on them. "Which part?"

Ollie shot her a look. "Don't play dumb, Sabrina. The part where Elijah Mikaelson was looking at you like you're the last good thing in the world."

Liza groaned and flopped onto her back, pressing her hands against her face. "I don't know, Ollie. I don't know what to do with any of this."

Ollie quirked a brow, shifting onto her side to face her. "Well, you kissed him. That's a start."

Liza had told Ollie everything as soon as they were alone—after finishing the takeout Thai with Klaus and Elijah. Ollie had wanted to know what made her cry. Liza had explained how overwhelmed she'd felt, still felt, how afraid she had been of what happened at the party. Ollie hadn't witnessed the full intensity of the Vampire Council's approach, but she believed Liza's fear without question. If she had been there, her eyes would have been glowing yellow at the first hint of a veiled threat.

And, of course, Liza had told her about the kiss. She hadn't needed to explain how it had been—Ollie had read it all over her face.

Liza grabbed the nearest pillow and smothered her face with it. "Not helping," came her muffled voice.

Ollie smirked and leaned back, stretching beside her. "I think it is."

A knock at the door interrupted them. Both lifted their heads as Rebekah's voice filtered through.

"I'm back. The boys are downstairs."

Liza glanced at Ollie. "You go. I need five minutes."

Ollie rolled her eyes but pushed off the bed. "Fine. But don't take too long. I'm not dealing with them alone."

She disappeared into the hallway, shutting the door behind her, and Liza exhaled, staring at the ceiling. The night felt endless, stretching on with no reprieve.

She'd already cried—humiliating—right in front of Elijah. And he had seen her. Calmed her. Kissed her. And she had let him. Wanted him to. That was a whole other thing she hadn't even begun to comprehend. She'd need clarification at some point, maybe later that night if they could be alone again.

Then there was the council. Their words, their predatory glances, the threats woven into civility. What did it all really mean? How much danger was she in now? Had stepping into the role of Elijah's companion shielded her, or did it simply made her an easier target?

And more importantly… was it just a role? Or was "companion" what she was now? Companion to a vampire with Viking blood, a man who was unfailingly kind, fiercely protective—and dangerously attractive.

And she was attracted to him. It was too late to stop it. Not after kissing him.

000000000

The fire crackled in the grand hearth, its glow flickering against the wainscoted walls. Shadows stretched and morphed with every lick of the flames, shifting across the quiet space. Klaus and Elijah sat in their usual silence, each nursing a glass of bourbon, the unspoken tension between them filling the room like an old friend.

Rebekah had entered with the same exhaustion they carried. She poured herself a drink, the clink of glass against decanter punctuating the stillness before she sank into the sofa across from them. Though there was relief in being home, her posture remained taut—neither brother missed it.

"Well?" Klaus drawled, breaking the quiet. "How was your romantic rendezvous with our dear Marcel?"

Rebekah gave him a glare over the rim of her glass before exhaling. "He found out more about Benny."

Elijah, ever composed, barely moved, but his attention had sharpened. "What has he uncovered?"

The room settled again, save for the distant ticking of the clock and the cracks from the fireplace.

Rebekah leaned against the armrest, glancing away briefly. "Benny's manager knew about Liza's grandmother contacting him. And that our name came up," she said. "And the possibility of us becoming human." She paused, taking a sip before continuing. "But it wasn't the manager who killed him."

Klaus cocked his head, a smirk at his lips. "Wasn't dear mummy his manager?"

Elijah didn't confirm, but Klaus already knew the answer.

"If not the manager, then who?" Elijah pressed.

Rebekah shook her head, her mouth briefly a thin line. "That's the problem. Marcel's sources came up empty. No prints. No clear suspect. The CCTV footage was useless." Her gaze narrowed as she looked back at them. "Whoever did it knew exactly how to move. The cameras never caught their face."

Then, like a stone dropping into still water, she delivered the inevitable.

"But everything about the kill suggests a vampire."

Klaus exhaled sharply and tilted his head back against his chair. "Of course it does," he muttered. "Can't ever be just humans meddling, can it?"

Rebekah ignored his sarcasm. "Marcel is looking into who else the manager may have told. But he's also started asking questions about Liza."

Footsteps padded against the hardwood before either brother could respond.

Moments later, Ollie strolled in, barefoot, her damp hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders. She looked every bit like someone who was ready to settle in for the night—except her eyes moved across the room, immediately attuned to the tension.

"Alright," she said, before flopping onto the couch beside Rebekah. "Judging by the serious faces and the bourbon, I'm guessing this conversation isn't about whether or not we should invest in better pillows."

Klaus smirked, gesturing with his glass toward her. "How perceptive, love."

Ollie waved a hand. "I try. Now, what was that about Liza?"

Rebekah exchanged a glance with Elijah before answering. "Marcel's asking questions. About her."

Ollie's smirk faltered, the easygoing mask slipping for just a fraction of a second before she schooled her expression.

"Well, that's not exactly shocking, is it?" she said, forcing a casual tone. "I mean, you guys sweep into town all brooding and mysterious like the Cullens, and suddenly Liza's got a front-row seat to the Vampire Council's 'Welcome to Chicago' party? People were bound to start asking questions."

Elijah's gaze was unreadable. He hadn't reacted to the Twilight reference. "Perhaps," he allowed. "But Marcel's curiosity extends beyond mere introductions."

Ollie frowned and tucked her legs beneath her. "How much does he know?"

Rebekah huffed, looking away from all of them again for a beat. "Enough to be interested," she said. "He knows she's connected to Benny somehow, and—" her gaze returned to Elijah, something knowing in her expression "—that you are particularly invested in her well-being."

Ollie snorted. "Oh, well, yeah. That's obvious."

Elijah met Rebekah's eyes, an unspoken exchange passing between them. He knew precisely what she was implying, and he didn't deny it. Instead, he spoke with his usual carefulness, his voice smooth as silk.

"Marcel's curiosity is understandable, but ensuring Liza's safety is my priority. If that invites further scrutiny, so be it."

Ollie gave him a flat stare. "Elijah, no offense, but if you think you're being subtle, you're really not."

Klaus let out a low chuckle, clearly entertained as he lounged in his chair, legs and arms spread. "She's got a point, brother."

Elijah arched a brow, his focus shifting between Ollie and Klaus, a faint glimmer of amusement behind his otherwise composed expression.

"I assure you, Olympia," he began, deliberately. He took a measured pause, as if considering his words. "Liza is not merely a point of curiosity for me. If Marcel—or anyone else—wishes to question it, they will find me quite protective."

Ollie tilted her head and studied him a beat longer than necessary. Then, with a smirk, she crossed her arms. "Yeah," she said. "That's what I thought."

Elijah lifted a brow. "Oh?"

She gave a laugh and shook her head. "Look, I don't claim to understand all the vampire politics at play, but I know people. And you?" Her eyes darted to Rebekah and Klaus before returning to Elijah. "You're not exactly subtle when it comes to her. Marcel saw it too."

Rebekah hummed, glancing at the bourbon in her glass. "He did ask about you, you know," she mused. "Wanted to know why you were so… drawn to her." Her eyes slid back to Elijah, sharp. "I had to be rather creative with my response."

Elijah regarded her steadily. "And what exactly did you tell him?"

Rebekah smiled. "Oh, nothing scandalous. Just that you've taken a particular interest in ensuring Liza's protection. That she seems to intrigue you in a way most do not." She took a slow sip and let the words settle before adding, "Of course, Marcel drew his own conclusions."

Klaus laughed boisterously. "Oh, this is rich."

Elijah didn't look away from Rebekah, his face composed, but something shifted beneath the surface—resignation, perhaps. Marcel had always been perceptive. This outcome was inevitable.

"It seems my intentions are no longer a secret, then," Elijah said, his tone carrying a wry edge. "Marcel is nothing if not astute."

Ollie scoffed and leaned forward. "You keep looking at my best friend the way you do, and it won't take a psychic to figure it out." Then, her smirk faded, something more serious creeping into her own face. "But that's not the part that worries me." Her voice softened slightly, but the seriousness behind it remained. "The real question is—how much danger does this actually put her in?"

A silence stretched between them, thick with implication. Klaus watched the amber liquid in his glass catch the firelight, then he lifted his eyes to the room at large.

"Now that, love," he murmured, "is the question we should all be asking."

Elijah considered Ollie's words, frowning a little. His attention moved across each of them—Rebekah, Klaus, Ollie—before inevitably drifting toward the stairs, toward Liza's absence.

"It is a concern," he admitted, his voice quieter now. "Marcel's inquiries could be nothing more than curiosity… or they could be the first sign of something worse. We mustn't underestimate the risk."

Rebekah nodded. "That's why I had to dance around his questions. He already suspects she's important, but I doubt he knows just how much." Her voice dipped lower. "But if he does…"

Elijah turned back to Ollie, his expression unwavering. "Rest assured, Olympia, I intend to see Liza through this. Her safety, and that of those she holds dear, is paramount."

Ollie's own eyes went toward the stairs. Liza had promised five minutes—but that had long passed. Not that Ollie could blame her. "She's barely keeping it together as it is."

Klaus observed him closely, then he sighed. "Bloody hell, Elijah. You've really got a damn soft spot for her, haven't you?"

Ollie, despite her trust in Elijah, studied him carefully. This was Liza they were talking about.

Elijah tensed slightly at Klaus's remark but didn't deny it. He met his brother's gaze head-on, his voice low and deliberate. "I have developed a certain… affection for Liza, yes," he admitted. "But it is more than that. She matters to me, beyond any personal sentiment I may harbor."

A faint rustle from upstairs reached his ears. Even now, he could still feel the echo of Liza's touch—the tremor in her fingers before they had steadied against his jaw, the way she had leaned into him in the courtyard, trusting him. The way she kissed him back. The warmth of her body, the soft, intoxicating scent of her skin. How much he had allowed himself, how much he had restrained himself.

Rebekah cocked her head, a knowing, sly smile pursing her lips. "He's besotted."

Klaus laughed again at his brother's expense. "Elijah, the ever-composed, ever-rational, finally losing himself over a witch—how long has it been?"

"Yeah, I don't think we want to know," Ollie muttered.

Klaus shot her a wink. "A long time, I assure you, little wolf."

Elijah exhaled, rolling his glass between his fingers. He refused to entertain his brother's teasing. The truth was already laid bare—Liza mattered to him. Not because of what she was, or what she could become, but because of who she already was. The way she fought against the impossible, the way she carried herself despite the fear closing in from all sides. She had captivated him, had drawn him in without meaning to. And for the first time in centuries, he longed for something beyond duty, beyond obligation.

Rebekah leaned back, tucking an arm across her chest. "It's more than besotted, Klaus. He's invested. And that's why Marcel's questions are dangerous." Her amusement faded as she turned her attention back to Elijah. "You can't just protect her. Not from this."

Ollie drummed her fingers against her armrest, her expression somber. "That's what worries me," she admitted. "It's one thing to promise to keep her safe. But if she… means this much to you, Elijah, then what happens when someone figures that out?"

Elijah met their gazes one by one—Klaus, Rebekah, Ollie. When he spoke, his voice was as steady as ever.

"The truth is, Liza's life has been in danger since the moment we decided to come to Chicago. Her connection to Benny, her potential power… these things already made her a target."

He paused, shifting his free hand to his own armrest, fingers tightening against the wood. "What's changed is the depth of my involvement. Yes, I care for Liza—perhaps more than I should—and that puts her at even greater risk. I won't pretend otherwise."

Silence pressed in. No one interrupted.

"But," Elijah continued, his tone unwavering, "that also means I will do whatever it takes to ensure her safety. If Marcel suspects the truth, then we must be one step ahead. We need to protect Liza from those who would use her power, from those who would seek to harm her."

Ollie exhaled, rubbing a hand down her face before sitting up straighter. "You better mean that, Elijah," she muttered. "Because if something happens to her…" She trailed off, shaking her head.

Rebekah looked down at her nails. "It's not just about Liza anymore," she said thoughtfully. "If word spreads… the kind of people who come looking won't care about your personal feelings."

Klaus, for once, said nothing. His sister was right.

Elijah's grip on the armrest tightened again. His next words left no room for doubt.

"And if someone does try to hurt her…" His jaw flexed. He didn't need to finish.

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken understanding.

Klaus huffed out a quiet chuckle, tipping his glass toward Elijah. "Now that's more like it."

Ollie scoffed. "Let's get one thing straight—I don't need you to tell me to protect Liza. I've been doing it long before you walked into our lives."

Her voice was firm, but something else wove beneath the steel—fear. Not for herself, but for Liza. Ollie knew better than anyone how much Liza doubted her own magic. It left her vulnerable. Until she learned to wield it without hesitation, she was at risk. Harsh, but true. And now, with Marcel watching, the Vampire Council circling, and the Ten' Predkov coven, the threats were stacking too high, too fast.

"If anyone tries to use her, manipulate her, hurt her," Ollie continued, her tone unwavering, "I don't care who they are—vampire, witch, some ancient asshole with an ego—I'll handle it."

Klaus smirked, impressed. "You? A lone wolf, against the likes of the Council? Against Ten' Predkov?" He tsked, swirling his drink. "How ambitious."

Ollie's jaw tightened, her dark eyes flashing. "Don't underestimate me."

Klaus tilted his head, intrigued, but let it drop—for now. Instead, he lifted his drink in a lazy toast. "Well, if we're all in agreement that Liza might soon be the most sought-after woman in Chicago, then perhaps it's time we take precautions."

He turned to Elijah, his smirk widening. "Brother, I do believe the logical next step is ensuring our dear witch and her very loyal watchdog"—his gaze flicked to Ollie, amusement in his expression—"are where we can actually protect them."

Ollie rolled her eyes at the nickname. Normally, she'd snap back. This time, she didn't.

Rebekah, however, had already caught on. Her expression sharpened, her eyes glinting with realization. "You mean they should move in."

Klaus feigned surprise. "Oh, did I not say it outright? Yes, dear sister, that is exactly what I mean."

Ollie blinked. "Hold on—what?"

Klaus leaned back, crossing his legs at the ankles. "Think about it. The Council already knows about Liza, Marcel's sniffing around, and let's not forget that her magic is waking up whether she's ready or not. Do you really think some rickety apartment warding spell is enough to keep the wrong people out forever?"

Ollie opened her mouth to argue but hesitated. Because damn it, he wasn't wrong.

Elijah nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Klaus is right," he said, his gaze locked onto Ollie. "Liza will be safer here, where we can protect her. And you, Olympia—you've already proven that you're willing to do whatever it takes to ensure her safety. We might need that spirit in the days ahead."

Ollie exhaled, glancing back at the stairs where Liza moved about, completely unaware of the conversation happening below. She ran a hand through her hair, frustration clear on her face. "She's not gonna like this."

Klaus grinned. "Or perhaps she will?" He briefly glanced at Elijah.

Elijah ignored him and looked back at Ollie, his gaze softening slightly. "I understand your concern. Liza's independent, and this might feel like a cage, but it's a necessary one. For now."

Ollie clenched her jaw, but she didn't argue.

Because they all knew—whether Liza liked it or not—this was the only way to keep her safe.

Klaus took a slow sip of his drink, his smirk fading into something more serious. "And let's not forget, it's not just about Liza…" he trailed off. "The people around her? They're at risk too."

Ollie's stomach twisted. She'd been so focused on Liza, on keeping her safe, that she hadn't even considered the broader implications. The people closest to her—herself included—were walking targets. But more than that, there was Liza's family. Her parents and little brother, still comfortably tucked away in the suburbs, blissfully unaware of the supernatural storm closing in on their daughter.

How long before it reached them? How long before Ollie would have to start lying to her own pack?

She clenched her jaw, forcing the thought away. No use showing her hand to the Mikaelsons.

Before she could dwell on it further, the soft thudding of paws against hardwood shifted the room's tension. Ramses trotted down the stairs, stretching at the bottom before surveying the room like he owned it. A few seconds later, Liza followed, her movements slower. She had taken the time she needed, but a quiet somberness still lingered in her expression.

Elijah's reaction was immediate. He sat straighter in his chair, setting his glass down as his gaze darted over her in a swift, assessing glance. He wasn't looking for wounds—he knew there were none—but he needed to see for himself that she was alright. His eyes met hers, and for a fleeting moment, she held her breath.

"I just needed a moment," she said softly.

Klaus smirked, tilting his head. "And what a moment it must have been."

Liza blinked. "What?"

Rebekah hid her smirk behind the rim of her glass. Ollie groaned and ran a hand through her wet hair. Elijah merely exhaled.

Klaus leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Come now, love, we're all quite aware of—" he gestured vaguely between her and Elijah, "—whatever it is the two of you think you're hiding."

Liza's stomach flipped. Her cheeks burned. "You–you've what?"

Ollie whistled low. "Wow. That was fast."

Liza shot her a look, but Ollie just shrugged.

Liza turned to Elijah, incredulous. "Did you tell them?"

Elijah, to his credit, remained poised. "I did not."

"No need," Rebekah said smoothly, amusement dancing in her blue eyes. "It's written all over his face."

Liza groaned, pressing her fingers against her temples. This was a nightmare.

Sensing her growing mortification, Elijah finally stepped in. "Perhaps we should move on to more pressing matters," he said, his voice smooth but pointed. "We've come to a decision regarding your safety."

Liza took a slow breath, forcing herself to push aside her embarrassment. "Alright," she said, crossing her arms. She decided to remain standing. "Let's hear it."

Ramses made his rounds, going person to person, mostly skirting around Rebekah and Elijah before settling in front of Klaus, his tail thumping against the floor in anticipation. Klaus chuckled, immediately scratching behind his ears, the dog leaning into the touch like he belonged there.

Klaus grinned. "You and Ollie are moving in."

Liza's brows shot up. "Excuse me?"

"You heard him," Rebekah said, matter-of-fact. "You're staying here. It's the best way to ensure your safety. You saw the way the Council watched you tonight. And with Marcel asking questions, it's only a matter of time before someone makes a move."

Liza hesitated. A few hours ago, she might have fought against this, and would've insisted she could take care of herself. But after tonight—after feeling the Vampire Council's scrutiny, the veiled threats hidden beneath their carefully curated words—she wasn't so sure anymore.

She exhaled. "Fine."

The room went still.

Even Klaus blinked. "That easy?"

Liza rubbed her arm. "After tonight? I'm not taking any chances."

Elijah exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. This—having Liza here—it was a start. Progress. But beyond that, he wanted her close. Not just to protect her, but because he wanted her near.

His gaze drifted back to her. The decision had been made, but he could still sense her unease. "We'll handle the logistics," he said, his tone softer now. "Your safety—and that of Ollie and Ramses—is our priority."

Liza gave him a small smile, her eyes briefly traveling to his mouth as he spoke. The warmth in her gaze sent something sharp through him, unspoken.

Ollie, however, wasn't so easily swayed. "Hold on," she said, lifting a hand. "If we're doing this, we need to figure out the logistics now. Liza and I still have jobs. I'm not quitting mine. I need to keep up appearances, or my pack is going to start asking questions."

"Understandable," Elijah said with a nod.

Liza bit her lip. "And if I quit mine, I lose an income."

Klaus waved a dismissive hand. "Consider it taken care of."

Liza frowned. "I don't need—"

"You do," Rebekah cut in. "And you may not like it, but for the time being, we have the resources to make this transition easier for you."

Liza exhaled, trying to suppress the discomfort of suddenly relying on them. But realistically? They were right. She had to be smart about this.

"Alright," she said finally. "But this is temporary."

Klaus grinned. "Of course it is, love."

Liza wasn't convinced. She crossed her arms. "I will need help with my manager again, to part ways… smoothly, and make sure I get my last paycheck."

Elijah nodded, already considering the most effective way to handle it. "I will take care of that," he assured her. Then, shifting his focus to Ollie, he noted the tension in her posture.

"And your pack," he continued, choosing his words carefully. "You need to maintain appearances. How do you suggest we proceed?"

He wanted to understand, to ensure everyone involved was on the same page. And, if he was honest, it was a welcome diversion from the intensity simmering between him and Liza.

Ollie leaned against her armrest, stretching out her legs on the rug as she mulled it over. "Well, for starters, there is absolutely no way I'm introducing Klaus to my pack." She shot him a look. "So let's throw that idea straight into the sun."

Klaus, entirely unbothered, smirked as he swirled his drink. "Oh, darling, you wound me."

Ollie rolled her eyes. "You'd last five minutes before they clocked you as a threat and started sharpening their claws. And then I'd be in a whole new mess." She sighed. "I've spent years keeping my head down, staying out of pack politics. If I start disappearing or acting weird, they'll notice."

Elijah nodded, thoughtful. "Then maintaining your routine is imperative. You continue working at the daycare, keep your usual patterns, and limit interactions that might raise suspicion."

Ollie glanced toward Liza. "And Liza? Her disappearing act is gonna raise questions too. She's got human friends, her family, people who are used to seeing her. Just dropping off the map isn't exactly subtle."

Liza sighed, uncrossed her arms, and moved a hand. "Yeah, I can't just ghost everyone. But I also don't have an easy excuse for moving in with a bunch of—" she gestured vaguely, "—vampires."

Rebekah smirked. "Roommates? An extravagant rebound? Maybe you've simply fallen madly in love with our dear Elijah and couldn't bear to be apart."

Liza's face burned as she widened her eyes. "That's—no."

Klaus chuckled, casting a glance at his brother. "Oh, I like that one."

Elijah cleared his throat, ignoring them. "While I appreciate the… creativity, we need a more practical solution. I could compel those close to you," he offered, his voice gentle, aware of the seriousness of such a suggestion. "Ensure they understand the need for discretion."

Ramses had approached and nudged Liza's leg, his warm nose pressing insistently against her calf. Even the dog seemed to sense the weight of the conversation, reminding her she wasn't alone in this.

Liza dragged her teeth over her upper lip, glancing briefly at Ollie before crouching down to scratch behind Ramses' ears. "Sure. Okay. Compel our landlord, Stan," she said, directing the words at Elijah. "He lives downstairs with his wife, remember?" It wasn't as if this was a new request—Elijah had already compelled him once before, two weeks ago, when they'd first met.

Elijah gave a small nod of acknowledgment. Compelling Stan had been simple enough, and reinforcing that suggestion would be effortless.

Liza sat down on the rug, still petting Ramses. "As for my parents, I'll tell them something's being done to the apartment—construction, plumbing, whatever—and that Ollie and I are temporarily staying with friends. They live in the suburbs, so as long as I text them regularly and keep things casual, they won't ask too many questions."

She glanced at Ollie, waiting for her input.

Ollie gave a small shrug but nodded. "I'll fill in Irachka," she said, her voice lighter despite the tension. "She loves me."

Irina—or Irachka, as those closest to her called her—was Liza's mother, and Ollie had won her favor long ago. The woman adored her, which had always made hiding what Ollie was much easier.

Elijah took in the plan, rolling it over in his mind. It was logical, seamless enough to work. "I'll ensure your landlord's silence," he affirmed, voice steady. "And maintaining normalcy with your parents is crucial. We'll craft a strategy that keeps their concerns at bay."

His voice was measured, as always, but something about the way he said we'll had Liza's pulse jumping in her throat. She bit her lip and looked away from him, despite knowing he'd hear her heart.

Elijah turned to Ollie. "Is there anyone else we need to account for? Close friends?"

Ollie rolled her shoulders as she considered the question. "Yeah, we've got a few circles to worry about. Our human friends—Tasha, Brie, Camila, and a couple others. They don't know anything. As far as they're concerned, we're just normal girls who work, go out for drinks, and occasionally flake on plans."

Liza nodded, her fingers tracing idle patterns on Ramses' fur as he sprawled on the floor, blissful. "I can handle them easily enough," she said. "I'll just say work's been crazy. They won't think twice about it."

Ollie exhaled through her nose. "Yeah, but then there's the others."

Elijah arched a brow. "The others?"

"My werewolf friends." Ollie met his gaze, her voice serious. "They know what I am. They also know Liza's a witch."

Liza glanced up briefly, furrowing her brows together.

"They're cool with it, obviously," Ollie continued. "Or I wouldn't be hanging out with them. But that also means if we suddenly disappear, they'll notice."

Liza grimaced. "They already know something's been up with me lately." Her depression, the prolonged mourning of her grandmother's death. She'd kept her distance for a while, but if she stopped showing up altogether? They'd push.

Klaus pursed his mouth, but his smile still spread. "Well, that's unfortunate. I do love a good interrogation."

Ollie shot him a flat look. "Not the time."

Elijah ignored Klaus, already working through solutions. "Then the best course of action is maintaining the illusion of normalcy without direct interactions. Texts, occasional updates—just enough to keep suspicion at bay."

Ollie frowned. "That'll work for a little while, but I'm supposed to meet them for a bonfire this weekend. If I just bail, they'll want to know why."

Elijah's gaze remained steady. "Then give them a reason."

Ollie scoffed, raised a hand. "Like what? 'I'm busy'? They won't buy that."

"No," Elijah said. "You tell them something's wrong, something personal, but you can't talk about it."

Ollie blinked. "…That's actually not a terrible idea."

Liza gave her a wary look. "You think they'll let it go?"

Ollie shrugged. "Werewolves are nosy, but we also know when to back off. If I tell them I'm dealing with something personal, they'll give me space. They'll check in, but they won't push."

Liza rubbed her temple, sighing. "I hate how much sense that makes."

Ollie huffed a quiet laugh. "Yeah, me too." She turned back to Elijah. "You really think this'll work?"

His expression remained composed, yet resolute. "I do," he said. "The key to our success lies in perception and control. Your werewolf friends, your human acquaintances, your work—everything must appear unchanged. And where necessary, we create diversions."

Liza wasn't looking at him—she was staring off at a corner of the room, thoughts running miles ahead. But then, as if sensing Elijah's eyes on her, she looked back up at him.

"And as for Liza," he continued, his voice softer, "her family must be kept at arm's length, without causing unnecessary concern. Can you manage that?"

Liza exhaled slowly, pressing her fingertips into Ramses' fur as if grounding herself. "I can try," she said. "It's not like my parents check in every day, but if I suddenly start acting weird, they'll notice."

Ollie nodded and shifted to sit cross-legged on the couch. "Yeah, and I'll need to come up with a solid excuse for my pack. 'I'm dealing with something personal' will work for now, but eventually, they'll expect me to bounce back. And if things go sideways, I need to know you're not just looking out for Liza. That I'm not just an afterthought."

"You have my word," Elijah said without hesitation. "My family takes care of its own."

Ollie studied him for a beat longer, searching for any falsehood. Finally, she nodded. "Alright." She rubbed her palms on her thighs. "So the plan: I keep my pack at bay, we make sure our human friends don't notice anything's off, and Liza keeps up appearances with her family through texts and calls."

Liza nodded, though her expression was uncertain. "And if any of them push harder than we expect?"

Klaus smirked, sipping his drink. "Then we improvise, love."

Elijah nodded, his gaze flicking between Liza and Ollie. "We must prepare for the possibility that subtlety alone may not be enough," he said carefully. "But for now, misdirection should suffice." He looked back at Liza. "I have experience balancing multiple fronts. It's second nature to me. We can do this, Liza—but it will require patience. Can you trust me?"

She exhaled slowly. Trust. A word she hadn't given easily—not since everything had started spiraling beyond her control. But Elijah had proven himself, again and again. In the courtyard. In the ballroom. In every quiet reassurance, every steadying touch. He'd already asked her this once tonight, and she had answered without hesitation.

She met his gaze, searching his face, then nodded. "Yes." She didn't mind saying it again. "I just hope you're right."

The ghost of a smile touched Elijah's lips. "As do I."

Ollie collected her hair to one shoulder and twisted it. "Alright, let's run it back one more time before I start stress-eating," she muttered.

Klaus chuckled, watching the way her hands moved. "By all means, let's ensure every possible variable is accounted for."

Elijah remained composed as he outlined the plan. "Tomorrow, we return to your apartment to gather your things. I will compel your landlord once more to ensure discretion. Any loose ends must be tied without raising suspicion."

Rebekah, who had remained uncharacteristically quiet, finally smiled. No, she grinned. "And perhaps we take this opportunity to update your wardrobes," she suggested, her tone light but entirely serious. "A fresh start. New surroundings. Why not indulge a little?"

Ollie did a double-take before groaning. "Oh God, I should've seen this coming."

Liza blinked, equally caught off guard by the sudden shift. "You're really thinking about clothes right now?"

Rebekah's grin didn't waver. "Darlings, when you've lived as long as I have, you learn to find small joys in the chaos."

Ollie snorted, shaking her head. "Fine. But if we're doing this, I'm picking something out for you too."

Rebekah arched a brow, surprised. "Deal."

Elijah cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation. "After that, Liza and I will handle her resignation. I'll ensure your manager processes your final paycheck without issue." His gaze flickered toward Liza, a silent question—was she ready?

She hesitated, her fingers curling slightly against her palms as she set her hands in her lap. Then she nodded. "Yeah. It's not like I have a choice."

Klaus, ever the opportunist, turned his attention to Ollie, his smirk roguish, knowing. "And you, love? What will you do while we're off playing housekeepers?"

Ollie rolled her eyes. "I'll call off again tomorrow. But I can't do it again after that. I'll be keeping my normal hours at the daycare."

Klaus tsked, placing a hand dramatically over his chest. "How noble. But if you ever tire of tending to children, I do have other, far more entertaining propositions in mind."

Ollie didn't even dignify that with a response, but she had to bite back the smirk threatening to creep across her lips. Klaus knew exactly the effect he had on her now, and damn him for using it.

Liza looked back at Ramses, who lay sleeping, and thought how just a couple of weeks ago, he lived a normal existence, just like her. "This is my life now."

Rebekah laughed, a genuine laugh—bright and ringing, like something she hadn't let herself indulge in for a long time. "Welcome to the family."

Elijah, ever observant, stole another glance at Liza, his gaze searching. He hoped she wasn't angry. She didn't seem like it. But more than anything, he hoped she would accept that they were all in this together, that she didn't have to bear the weight of it alone.

And that no matter what happened next, he was her champion too.