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____________________

You are the thoughts that sowed my mind with doubt
You are the secret longing to get out.

- Rumi, Doubt

__________•__________

the next morning

"You are awake," Elijah said, startling Adelia who was picking up the broken cup and saucer from the rug. A faint pink tint immediately spread over her cheeks.

The witch cleared her throat and got up, putting the broken pieces on the table to be discarded later. She did not look at him and turned around to leave the room, clutching the nightgown to her frame.

The Original followed Adelia, his strides long and wishful. He walked behind her, pushing the hair off her shoulder to attach his lips to her skin.

Rushing her to the settee that lay in the middle of the room, Elijah sat her on his lap before connecting their lips. He trailed his hands over her legs bunching her nightgown to her hips as his wandering fingers undid the strings at the front.

Coffee brown eyes met hazel ones when the witch rose up on her knees to straddle the Original before they welcomed the onset of many things forbidden.

____________________

"No, I told you we aren't giving part-time jobs to students," Rafael told his assistant and banged his head on the table dramatically. "This is a publishing house and not a set for teen drama."

"The Council is insisting we bring some pupils this year," the assistant replied. "Good publicity."

"Is the publicity going to make me the next mayor?" He furrowed his brows and looked at the mirror to fix his hair. "Get my autograph now, I don't think I'll remember your face a year later."

"It's not publicity for you," she laughed softly. "It's for the Council, the Mayor and maybe a little for the company."

He suddenly looked offended and took a deep breath, "I require a professional workplace. Not a trainee everything," the Desmond justified. "These people don't appreciate me and my contribution."

"I advise that you speak to Miss Laurentis then."

"If Lia agrees, then she is heading the trainee department. I don't want to deal with raging testosterone," he rolled his eyes and got up, retrieving his jacket from the chair.

"Then what should I tell them?" she asked.

"Tell them Adelia will give them an answer soon, Madam secretary," he winked and put on his jacket. "Get all her appointments lined up. She'll be off her vacation in a few days."

The assistant nodded and made a note on her tablet. "I will mail her the dates."

"How's the husband?" he enquired.

The woman in her thirties scrunched up her nose. "Peachy," she replied, making him laugh.

"Get dinner at a five-star. My treat," Rafael winked at the woman and opened the door before looking back, "No, put the tab on Lia. She gets it for slacking off."

"See you after two days, boss," the assistant said after him as he gave her a salute visible through the glass door before the elevator arrived.

____________________

January 1853
Texas

"A vial of doppelganger blood," a witch iterated and passed it across the table. "I reckon this must be the final ingredient?"

"It is," the other witch smiled maliciously and got up.

"We have been waiting too long for answers," the first woman voiced her thought.

"And so you must have patience for a little more. Return to Mystic Falls," she answered, but did not turn around. "You will get your answers soon."

"The Destroyer has fallen prey to the rumours of the prophecy."

"It won't be long before he perishes with his children," the second witch wrapped a cloak around herself before disappearing into the night.

____________________

Damon poured himself a drink and turned around to see Klaus standing in the doorway.

"I think it's about time we had a drink, don't you?" the Original hybrid initiated the conversation.

"I'd say we're overdue," quipped Damon.

"Well, you've been so busy with all your plotting and scheming," mused the hybrid.

"You know me. Never miss a chance to plan an epic failure," he replied, lifting a brow.

"Don't be so hard on yourself," smirked Klaus. "Who could have guessed you'd be the mole in the little scheme you concocted for my demise?"

"Yeah, us normal vampires but well, I did have a front-row seat when your sister lied to you."

"Yeah, well she's fickle, that one," he shrugged.

"That's the thing with younger siblings. You just never know what they're gonna do. Drink?" Damon offered the glass.

Klaus took it with a smile, "Cheers mate!"

"Down the hatch," the Salvatore replied, downing the liquid.

"You know, we've actually got a lot in common, you and I," the Original said.

"Really?" the younger Salvatore asked, clearly not interested. "Well, yeah. Maybe we can bond over our mutual loathing of my brother. Why are you so mad at him? He stole something?"

"My family, the Originals," Klaus answered. "I had them daggered, boxed-up awaiting the day when I saw fit to wake them and he went in and pinched the bloody lot."

Damon suddenly furrowed his brows at the implication of other coffins when Stefan had only found one. He glanced at the hybrid and to not rouse suspicion, continued, "Of course, he did. Such a buzzkill, my baby bro. Well, I'd love to find him. Just the trouble is, I sure as hell don't work for you. Why don't you ask Mrs. Smith for help? She is experienced in witchy-voodoo stuff."

"You know, your drink stinks of vervain so I can't compel you when you were such a loyal fellow a few days ago," the Original chuckled. "If Maeve knows then Elijah knows and if they come to know that I have successfully misplaced our family, then you are cordially invited to my funeral."

"Pity, really. I would have done exactly that instead of dealing with your untrustworthy father."

"There is no point in killing you because you're actually the one with the most help of getting me what I need," Klaus said while noticing the disinterest on the younger vampire's face, "and yet it would seem a demonstration is in order. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough when I told you to find Stefan. Well, it seems you people respond best to displays of violence. Why don't you take this as an example of my reach?" He took out his phone and dialled a number with a smirk. "There he is! So, that thing I told you to do... why don't you go ahead and get on with it?"

____________________

July 1863
New Orleans, Louisiana

"Your assistance is required at the compound. Klaus is adamant about having the General for dinner. He might listen to you," Elijah said, entering the parlour of the Fleureau manor as the conversation in the room ceased.

"And why should my daughter endanger her life to placate a raging Original?" Arnold asked with a sigh.

"I shall return before dark," Adelia got up, getting a shawl for herself.

"Lia, dear..." the patriarch started.

"Get home before the sun sets," Sharel announced.

"I shall escort her back," the Original told the matriarch before taking his leave with Adelia. The siphon-witch stood with Elijah beside her as they waited for the carriage to arrive. "You look beautiful," he said, glancing at her.

The carriage stopped in front of them as the driver opened the door, greeting the women. 

Adelia looked at her grandmother who nodded as she took the Original's offered hand before swiftly boarding the vehicle. Elijah joined a second later after sending a reassuring smile to the elderly witch.

Closing the door behind him, he tapped the roof and the carriage started descending the outskirts of New Orleans.

No one spoke as heavy silence filled the air and the witch bit her lip, sensing the tension. She cleared her throat and placed her hand on the seat beside her as it brushed up against Elijah's who turned to look at her. She instantly placed her hand back on the lap, choosing to look out the window and the Original couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Biting her lip in contemplation, Adelia slowly put her hand in between them and her finger slowly touched his hesitantly. The vampire's breath hitched as he looked down at her hand as it grazed his finger with a tinge of uncertainty.

The Original took the leap and intertwined them, his fingers caressing her knuckles softly. Elijah stared out the window as he took heed to her rapid heartbeat and tightened his fingers around hers, a smile slowly blooming across his stoic features.

____________________

The pebble bounced over the water thrice before it disappeared under the surface. Taking another pebble, Adelia shot it towards the lake and sat down along the steps of the lake with a sigh. She dipped her bare feet under the water to wiggle her toes, heels discarded nearby.

"Have you ever thought of it?" Elijah's voice came from behind her as he got seated on the bench, his jacket over the armrest.

"Thought of what?" she asked inquisitively.

"What if you had never met me?" he completed while holding her red-rimmed gaze.

"You really wish to know?"

The Original nodded, albeit hesitantly and moved a little when she came to sit beside him, her feet wet and bare.

"I do think about it," she admitted and he abruptly turned his head to look at her. "I wonder what would've happened if I were still in the 1860s living my human life-"

"-married to Mr. Reynolds-"

"-yes, married to him, residing in Seattle and finally convincing father to move there. It would have been nice."

"Indeed," the Original agreed, a forlorn sigh escaping his mouth.

"I do not regret having you in my life, Elijah," Adelia said, crossing her legs as they stared at the lake of the Cloverville estate. "There are so many possibilities of how we could have ended up but here we are."

"Why do we never talk about her?" He asked as she lay over the bench, her head over his thigh.

"I do not know," she answered, feeling  his fingers run through her brown tresses. "Maybe because the possibility makes us miserable."

"Well, you make my immortal life a lot less miserable," he relayed to the witch as a little smile graced his lips, "and you tolerate Niklaus. I wouldn't want you anywhere either."

"I am glad," Adelia hummed and closed her eyes.

Elijah looked at his wife and put his jacket over her, pulling it to rest above her shoulders. He gazed forward at the glistening moon over the black waters of the lake.

A lone figure stopped at the Laurentis estate and his steps faltered seeing the dark automobile parked outside. Not having the express alterations required to enter, he kept the bouquet in front of the gate and took a stride back when another car stopped by the entryway.

Rafael exited the vehicle and close the door loudly, a clump of lilies in hand. The two men halted in their tracks seeing each other, before Desmond gestured to the bouquet on the ground. The figure at once picked it up to hand it to him.

Gingerly taking it, the loyal companion to the Laurentis heir entered the estate and closed the gates behind him, giving the other man a nod.

Marcel returned the gesture before vanishing into the darkness.

____________________

"Hey little bro, we have got a problem," Damon said into the phone while flipping through his wardrobe.

"What is it?" Stefan said, his emotionless voice making the elder Salvatore roll his eyes.

"Klaus was here, his whole fam is missing," he informed his brother.

"What?" The ripper frowned, uncharacteristically surprised.

"From a fellow vampire to another, you need to improve your listening skills" Damon quipped.

"We only have one coffin," the other one relayed.

"We have one coffin," the elder brother repeated, "blondie went missing after the fiasco, suit&tie left town, Klaus is here. How many of them were there anyway?"

"I saw three coffins in Chicago, one was Rebekah's," Stefan answered. "The coffin we have doesn't look familiar, so officially three coffins are missing and we just have one. Where's the other two?"

"I was hoping you'd know," iterated Damon. "Guess even my bad luck sucks."

"Better not tell him his siblings are not with me," the younger brother said before hanging up.

____________________

August 1863
Fleureau Manor | New Orleans

Adelia plucked a leaf, collecting herbs in the greenhouse for her grandmother, sealing a jar with wax before putting it inside a wooden crate.

"Sharel told me I would find you here," Elijah said, startling her as he entered the greenhouse. "Niklaus is plotting again. Heard whispers of a ritual soon to take place around the next full moon."

He took two steps forward to gently connect their lips, making her gasp at the contact. The witch steadied herself as his mouth devoured her with increasing vigour.

His knuckles caressed her cheek, enjoying the touch of supple skin and lingered for a while when she broke the kiss and slowly opened her eyes.

Adelia touched her lips with her fingers, looking up at him and hesitantly trailed a hand down his jaw, her eyes following the digits curiously. He shut his eyes, shivering under her touch when he suddenly felt her kissing him, her lips eager and gentle.

Elijah tangled his fingers in her hair and pulled her close, smiling into the kiss. They pulled away suddenly just as a clap of thunder boomed across the sky. She shyly looked at the Original, biting her lips unconsciously, and stepped away from him.

"Grandmother must be wondering where the herbs are," Adelia blurted out, gathering the vials and jars in the box. The heir turned to look at him and quickly pecked his jaw before rushing out.

Elijah watched her leave and looked at his feet, a grin taking over his face. Suddenly a crack echoed throughout the greenhouse as he fell to the ground, his neck snapped. A few feet shuffled quickly to drag him away.

One of the women stepped forward and peeked out the door to stare at the retreating figure of the brunette witch—the granddaughter of Sharel Beauchêne.

Adelia moved swiftly towards the house, her arms weighing the wooden crate. A shiver went down her spine as she felt the prickling sensation of being watched. She looked back towards the greenhouse when suddenly Klaus appeared next to her.

"Well love, too much labour for the day," he commented enthusiastically, noticing her dishevelled state when he had always seen her very well put together—just like Elijah, his mind screamed.

He would be blind to not notice the tension between his brother and the little witch. Klaus never thought a day would come when he would have to heed a parent cautioning their child from Elijah instead of him.

"What's wrong, love?" he asked, observing her distracted state and glanced in the direction of the nursery.

"Nothing," the witch replied, shrugged it off.

"Have I told you about how I once accidentally trampled upon a flowerbed and a witch hexed me into smelling roses in every object?" the Original stated in distaste. "I have detested roses ever since then."

"That was my grandmother, Nik," Adelia rolled her eyes.

____________________

Rebekah checked the house with an impassive expression as she came to stand in front of the mirror, appreciating the red dress for the Homecoming she was never able to attend, courtesy of a doppel-b*tch. "What is this?" she asked her brother's reflection in the mirror, turning to look at him.

"Our new home, little sister," Klaus answered with a grin.

"You are adamant about not leaving Mystic Falls?" she laughed in disbelief.

"Not when my doppelganger resides here," he said with a shrug before sitting on the armrest of a chair, crossing his arms.

"Oh yes, the doppelganger has to be the reason for everything." The female Original rolled her eyes.

"We grew up here, it's justified, we return as well."

"I shall wait for our siblings to be out of coffins before giving my heartfelt opinions, brother," she sneered at him. "Where is Elijah? I don't want to see your face."

"You'd have to deal with this face for a few more days," Klaus gestured towards himself, "Elijah and Maeve have returned to Seattle after their visit to Cloverville." The female did not articulate anything before sighing to herself. "But let's have a sibling chat, shall we?"

"Are you going to talk about mother?" she started with a hateful glance.

The Original hybrid smirked as Rebekah took a seat across him. He pointed at the very fancy urn gracing the table between them and replied, "Only if you spill the beans about your supposed alliance with father and the idiots of this town."

____________________

September 1863
Bayou | New Orleans

Elijah stirred slowly, opening his eyes to find himself sprawled on the ground. His body ached and the last thing he remembered was Adelia.

He sat up and looked around, seeing lit candles on the floor and himself inside a salt circle. Rushing forward to leave the drawn sigil, he was stopped by an invisible barrier when he suddenly noticed the tiredness his body permeated.

He fell to his knees, breathing heavily as he reconsidered his options between trying to test the barrier or saving his energy. His panic won in the end as he pounded on the barrier with his fist. Looking towards his surroundings, he concluded it was the bayou as the sun started to peek from its horizon.

As his body started succumbing to fatigue, the Original failed to notice a discarded vial lying on the marshy soil with blood coating its sides.

He took a deep breath and finally fell into the dark abyss of unconsciousness.

____________________

Bonnie walked along the sides of a lake, her bare feet drenched in water up to the ankles as it remained still. She looked behind her to see a looming house shrouded in darkness.

Suddenly she felt something cold touch her feet, making her yelp and she took a step back only to find the Original witch's necklace lying in the water.

As the Bennett witch bent down to retrieve it, it disappeared and reappeared a little further away. Despite the warnings, she followed the trail to come across the necklace hanging over a gravestone. When she went to touch it, an unknown force pushed her back and the witch got drenched in water and she stared at a figure behind the grave.

"You should not be here, Miss Bennett," the elderly witch told her with a hard gleam in her eyes.

"Wh-who are you?" Bonnie stuttered.

"You are trespassing," the witch in the Victorian gown stepped forward to stand between the grave and the young witch. "What you wish to seek will be your end."

The Bennett frowned and got up hesitantly.

"The Original witch articulates deception," the elderly witch said as the necklace floated into her hand and soon it broke away in pieces, startling Bonnie. "I suggest you do it sooner."

"What do you want to say?" she asked, remembering it was Elena who was last seen with the necklace before Homecoming.

"Esther is not the one to be trusted," the elderly witch continued.

"The Original witch?" Bonnie questioned.

"She will pay for her sins and so will you," the witch said with an impassive expression. "Aid her and you will suffer."

"Who are you?" The young witch was confused as the darkness around started engulfing her.

"Why, darling?" She suddenly humoured, a mischievous glint evident in her eyes. "I am Sharel Beauchêne, of course," the old woman smirked before vanishing right in front of her eyes.

The burning portrait of one Adelia Laurentis—the one that was still in the ownership of the Salvatores, floated past her before disappearing under the water.

Bonnie continued to stare at it when she woke up with a loud gasp in her room and looked around. Her feet were dry, but the running tap in the overflowing bathtub said otherwise.

____________________

Elijah tossed and turned in his bed, anxiousness gripping his bones as sleep evaded his being for the past two days. He looked beside him to see Adelia fast asleep and got up carefully to not jolt her awake before leaving the room.

The Original rubbed his eyes with a sigh and walked towards the library to distract himself. After an hour of unsuccessful manoeuvres and failed techniques to call in sleep, he went to the kitchen and pulled out more than a dozen blood bags from the chiller. Setting the bags to thaw in warm water, he carried the container to the basement and dropped it loudly.

With determined steps, Elijah lifted the lid of the casket and saw Kol sleeping peacefully. He seized the dagger and drew it away. Directly looking at Finn, he breathed out a hesitant sigh before undaggering him just as easily.

Stowing away the dagger in a hidden compartment, the Original sat down in a chair and waited for his siblings to wake up.

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last updated: 02/2024