NINE :

Reigning Pain in New Orleans

Klaus had set up a dinner table which was set up in the courtyard to celebrate his return to leadership over New Orleans and his repossession of the Abbatoir compound from Marcel.

The vampire army, including Marcel and his closest friends, were seated around the table, and Klaus, Ava and Hayley were seated at each end. Klaus called for everyone's attention to give a speech by tapping his glass with his fork.

"Let us begin with a toast to our shared gift: immortality. After a thousand years, one might expect life to be less keenly felt, for its beauties and its sorrows do diminish with time. But, as vampires, we feel more deeply than humans could possibly imagine."

Klaus gestured toward a group of waiters and waitresses to have them join them at the table, one for each guest. "Insatiable need, exquisite pain" as the servants slit their wrists with knives, filling the cups with blood for the vampires.

"Our victories, and our defeats." as he rose his glass and added "To my city, my home again. May the blood never cease to flow." as Marcel lifted his glass and added "and the party never end!"

"To New Orleans !" Diego said as Klaus said "To New Orleans!" as everybody said " New Orleans"

Everyone at the table then took a drink.

"I understand that some of you may have questions regarding the recent change in leadership, and I invited you here tonight to assure you that you are not defeated. No, my intentions moving forward are to celebrate what we have. What Marcel, in fact, took and built for this true community of vampires." Klaus told everybody.

"What about them ? The wolf and the human ?" as he pointed to Ava and Hayley who were at the far end of the table. "Had you'd let me finish, Diego, you would know that there is, of course, one further matter I would like to address." as he walked to the end of the table were Ava and Hayley sat at.

"As many of you know, the girl is carrying my child. And Ava is my child. Consequently, I trust you will all pay them the appropriate respect. However, I understand that some of you are concerned by this vicious rumor that I intend to use the blood of me and Hayley child's and Ava to create hybrids. I assure you I do not."

"What a relief." Ava added drinking her ice coffee as Hayley shoved her shoulder and added "Father of the year." with a sarcastic smirk as Ava chuckled at her.

"It appears I will have to earn your trust. Very well. We'll eliminate the root of your anxiety. You see, how I can I sire any hybrids if there are no more werewolves alive in the Bayou to turn?" Klaus said.

Hayley horrified said "What? Klaus, no!"

Klaus ignored Hayley and said " So, eat, drink, and be merry. And, tomorrow, I suggest you have yourselves a little wolf hunt. Go ahead, have fun. Kill them all!"

✧✧✧

A blue truck is parked outside the plantation house. Movers were packing up what appeared to be a big painting into the truck.

Rebekah said to the worker "Absolutely not! I paid for that!"

"Please. You never paid for anything in your life." Elijah said with a scoff. Rebekah offended said "I hardly see how that's relevant. Nik's just punishing us."

"Well, we've hurt him. Deeply, it would appear."

"We believed the worst about him, the one time in a million when the worst wasn't actually the truth." Elijah started to walk away.

Rebekah said "Where do you think you're going?"

"To make sure Hayley and Ava doesn't suffer for our mistakes. Niklaus is feeling vindictive. We cannot trust that they are safe." as he left the house leaving Rebekah alone.

✧✧✧

Klaus was with Cami, who continued to transcribe his memoirs on the typewriter in Klaus' study while he paced anxiously.

"And, so then I bit Elijah, and left him in the Bayou with my hybrid venom in his veins. Serves him right, for making such vile accusations against me. And then-" as he turned to see Cami had stopped typing.

"Are you taking this down?"

"To be clear, if the Quarter is yours now, you still need me why?" as he smiled and said "My memoirs. A thousand years of history isn't going to write itself."

Marcel joined them in the study, and when he saw Cami, he looked surprised and concerned.

"Cami? What are you doing here?" as Cami said to Klaus "My question exactly."

Klaus said to Marcel, "Oh, it's quite alright. She knows." as Marcel asked "She does ?" eyebrow's rasied.

"That you're vampires? Don't worry, he's compelled me to forget everything as soon as I leave. That way, I'm too busy agonizing over whether or not I'm losing my damn mind to realize I'm playing spy for an immortal egomaniac."

"You compelled her to go out with me, didn't you?" as he turned to Cami and said "And I thought you really liked me."

"So did I." she said in respond as Klaus said "I mean, to be clear, I only compelled you to give him a chance. Anything you felt for him was quite real." feeling guilty which wasn't regular for him.

Cami and Marcel both gave confused glances. "And, for the record, the level of awkwardness we're all currently experiencing is entirely genuine." Klaus said uncomfortable.

"You think you're so clever, don't you? Compelling the poor naive bartender. Look what I found: real me, not your compelled therapist." Cami told him loosing her temper.

She then showed Klaus and Marcel the old newpaper she found of them.

"Actually, I prefer "devoted stenographer...'" as Cami said " You think this is funny, messing with my mind? My sanity is not a joke!"

"No, love. I don't believe it is." as he looked into her eyes and compelled her. "You never found this. You will remember nothing of our life as vampires when you leave here, do you understand?" as Cami nodded.

"I think that just about does it for the day. You may go." as Cami packed up her things and left.

✧✧✧

Ava and Hayley were walking downstairs, Ava was drinking her morning coffee on her way down to the building.

She meet with Hayley and the agreed they needed to get out of the compound. So they both walked down the stairs towards the side door of the Compound, but before they could go they were stopped by Diego.

"Going somewhere ?" he asked them. Suddenly, Elijah appeared and broke Diego's neck by throwing him into the wall.

"Elijah, you shouldn't be here. Klaus has his guys watching me." as Ava added, "Yes Klaus will kill you guys."

"I wouldn't worry about them." Elijah said shrugging.

After a moment, Rebekah came along, kicking down two other vampires who were hiding around the corner.

"Come, we mustn't linger. We'll get you some place safe."

"No, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine. I've been deemed under protection by the almighty Klaus. It's the werewolves who need help. He ordered a wolf hunt as some jacked-up peace offering to Marcel's crew. You have to help them."

Ava added, "And I need to stay here. I need to start building shop, plus somebody needs to make sure Klaus doesn't lose his mind."

Rebekah then said to Hayley incredulously. "Out in the Bayou? Do we look like a bloody vampire-rescue-squad? I think you should be grateful we came to save you!"

"Listen. Rebekah. All my life, I've wanted to know who my real family was, and just as I find out that they're out there in the Bayou, Klaus orders them killed. You wanna help me? Help my people. Please."

✧✧✧

Back inside, Klaus and Marcel are sitting down opposite to each other in the courtyard to have a talk.

"The humans have called a meeting. They're not exactly thrilled with the new status quo."

"How unfortunate for them."

"Look, it's your show now. But, you wanna know how I built what I built? Politics. A little diplomacy goes a long way, especially with the human faction."

"Duly noted." which is when Ava came downstairs. "Klaus !" as he said "Tiniest wolf, I haven't see you since this morning." she walked towards him before noticing Marcel. "Hi Marcel." as he nodded, "Hello Ava."

She then turned back to Klaus. "I'm going with you to the meeting, If I can get right with the human faction, it will help create a buzz for business when I open."

"You are not going." as Ava added, "I am and I wasn't asking. I don't care about Politics, all I want is costumers flooding through my door when I open. So I'm going end of story, end of discussion." as she said "I'll see you there, I'm off to make flyers." as Klaus rolled his eyes at his daughter's stubborn which is something she got from him and her mother.

Before leaving Ava took a beignets as she bite into it and saying "Plus I don't like being told what to do." as she went upstairs.

Klaus sighed before Marcel added. "Yep, that's your girl." as Klaus said "Back on focus." as he looked at the newspaper that Cami had brought in.

"haven't thought about this night in ages. 1919, the opera house, just before it burned. This was the end of an era. Now, in the interest of new beginnings, I feel that there are some things I should probably confess to you. But-" as he grabbed a glass of alcohol. "Where to begin."

He took a large drink of his Bourbon before adding "Thierry was never disloyal to you. I set him up in an attempt to locate my brother. He's your friend, and consequently, he can return to the compound at your discretion."

"Cami's part, you just learned. And then, there's young Joshua. I've been compelling him from the beginning, although I suspect you already knew that, as he was the one who led me into your trap."

Marcel shrugged guilty adding "I may have fed the kid some misinformation."

"And then there's Davina. She's a powerful weapon. At this point, I'd like to keep her close at hand. I think we should have her move in to the compound here with us."

"She can't leave the attic. I already tried to move her once."

"Yes, about that, Turns out, your little witch is quite the actress. She made a deal with Elijah while he was in captivity, tricked you into letting her stay put in exchange for some spells from our mother's grimoire."

Marcel nodded bitterly, clearly not happy about what he had found out. "Good to know. Is that all?"

"I do believe it is." as Marcel sighed before adding " I appreciate the honesty."

Klaus drunk from his glass as Marcel looked uncomfortable and rose to his feet.

"Meeting's in an hour." and with that he left.

✧✧✧

At St. Anne's Church, Marcel was in Davina's bedroom which was in the attic as he was talking to her while she painted.

"You're gonna love it at the compound. I already got the best room in the place picked out."

"I can't leave! Remember what happened last time?"

"I know about your deal with Elijah. We can't be lying to each other. I'm trying to protect you. With the witches still looking to kill you for the Harvest, believe me, you're safest with us." as Klaus arrived joining them.

"Plus, there's excellent light in the afternoon." as he noticed Davina's panting and walked closer to get a better look.

"I see you're an artist. Wonderful! I look forward to witnessing your many talents!" as Davina asked to Marcel "Was this his idea?"

"Davina, please. I understand you're devoted to Marcel, but Marcel is devoted to me. I assume you'll want what's best for all of us."

"We have a meeting to attend downstairs." he told Marcel as Marcel nodded as Klaus left.

"I'll get someone to pick up your things. We'll get you settled in right. Trust me."

Marcel went to join Klaus at the meeting downstairs, leaving a very sad Davina left behind.

Downstairs, Father Kieran had gathered the human faction in the front pews of the church. He lifted his head and saw Klaus and Marcel arrive and greets them as he ushers them to the rest of the members.

Ava was already there passing out flyers as she talk to some members of their. They were very much interested.

She saw Klaus giving her a annoyed look mad they she was there as Ava simply waved and pointed to her flyer and gave a thumb's up as Klaus out of sarcasm shook his head and gave a thumb's down.

She then skipped over to him. "People are eager to see my designs, they can't wait !" as she saw Klaus's look. "Awe come on Klaus turn that frown upside down ?" as she gave a cherry smile before playing shoving him.

She then turned back to the humans putting her flyers down. "Klaus, Ava, Marcel, thank you for coming. We are aware of the change in the leadership in your community, and we thought it was time to make the appropriate introductions."

The Mayor and the Sheriff stood up to introduce themselves. "We wanna be sure you understand how things work around here." the mayor told Klaus. "Oh god, here we go." Ava mutter with a smile knowing what Klaus's response's was going to be.

"Is that so ?" he asked amused as the mayor nodded confidently as Father Kieran told Klaus anxiously "What the Mayor means is that we just want some insurance that this new development isn't going to endanger our city or its inhabitants."

The Sheriff then said "Look, you freaks do your thing, and we'll look the other way" as Klaus looked at Marcel incredulously.

"As long as our pockets stay full, we won't have a problem." Father Kieran became more anxious, and, fearing a violent confrontation, trying to backtrack.

"More importantly, there are rules. No feeding on the locals. Don't bring any unwanted attention to the city. History has proven that we can co-exist peacefully. However if you cross the line-" he told Klaus before the Sheriff interrupted him and said "You answer to us."

"Yep there it is." Ava muttered hand over her eyes as her head was down. Ava huffed before she shared a look with Klaus. "Don't." she hissed through her teeth as he said "I am." back.

He then laughed loudly. "Okay, I'm sorry, let me get this straight, I'm to play supplicant to this pompous ass and his ridiculous group of petty thieves-" as he sighed dramatically as Ava said in a whisper tone "Klaus you are embarrassing me." as Klaus walked to the Mayor and Sheriff.

"Here are my terms: You will take whatever scraps I see fit to leave you, and you will be grateful. If that doesn't suit you, I may decide you've outlived your usefulness."

The Sheriff looked angry as Klaus walked down the aisle to take his leave. Marcel followed, annoyed at Klaus' lack of diplomacy as Ava slapped her forehead before following after.

✧✧✧

They all gotten back to the Mikaelson Compound. Klaus joined Marcel and Ava at the table in the bar room, with a bottle of bourbon in hand.

"I think it was far more gracious than they deserved." as Marcel and Ava both glared at him as he poured them a drink.

"You're disappointed by my lack of diplomacy. You out of all people should need no reminder of the human capacity for cruelty." as Ava folded her arms and said "Shocker your children are mad at you."

Marcel remained silent as Ava drunk her drink. Klaus' phone buzzes, and he rose from the chair to answer it.

"Hello ?" as the sheriff said " Mr. Mikaelson. I just wanted to let you know that the faction's considered your terms. We've reached a decision." as Klaus amused said "Have you ?"

Suddenly, an explosion is heard from outside, and large amounts of automatic gunfire pierces through the walls and windows of the compound, scattering broken glass all over the bar room.

Ava, Klaus and Marcel all shielded their eyes. Some of daywalkers were hurt by the gunfire, and many of the nightwalkers go up in flames when they're hit by the sunlight. Someone screamed.

Ava rushed to get everyone out of the bar. She tried to help put the vampires out, that's when she was hit by one of the machine gun's. Her blood sprayed and she went down.

Marcel hurried to save one of the burning vampires from exposure but both himself and Klaus were hit by machine gun shots. Ava groaned.

Marcel collapsed and fell onto the floor in pain as Klaus covers both him and Ava with his body, clearly furious.

✧✧✧

After the break, Klaus, Ava and Marcel are alone in the compound's bar after the drive-by shooting. The room was now empty and the furniture's disarranged.

The burned skeleton of a nightwalker lay near them. Ava looked down at them, she felt so bad. Marcel was so mad he flipped a table which made Ava jolt. "This is on you! Now that you're in charge, these are your guys laying dead. Your guys. You're gonna run this city, that better mean something to you, otherwise no one worth a damn is gonna follow you. No one!"

Marcel glared at Klaus, but instead of being angry with him, Klaus merely smiled as Marcel turned away from him.

"I was beginning to worry about you. I don't think I could've taken any more of this differential nonsense. I mean, clearly I underestimated the faction. That won't happen again. But, tell me, now that we've arrived to this point, now that they have come into our home, visited this upon our people, How would you counsel me to respond?"

"Don't say it." Ava said as Marcel said in respond determined said "Let's go kill them all" as Ava said "He said it." as she dramatically laid back.

✧✧✧

In the Mikaelson Compound. Davina tip-toed into the garage at the compound, and after a moment, she called out into the room. "I know you're in here, Josh. I can sense your fear." as Josh got up from behind a nearby car and said "I heard you're moving in."

Davina smiled went wide as she asked "What are you doing in here?" as Josh said "You might've known." as they hugged each other.

"You know, incognito. Gotta run for the hills, but I'm stuck here until it gets dark." as Davina asked "Are you ok ?"

"Yeah, yeah-" as he paused for a minute before shaking his head. "No. Not really. I mean, totally led Klaus into a trap that was the most epic fail of all time, so yeah, kinda crapping my pants right now. Figuratively. So far."

"It's okay. You can trust Marcel. And if Klaus tries to hurt you, I'll hurt him."

While they were talking, Hayley had crept into the room without them noticing. "I'm sure if you could actually stop Klaus, you would've done it already." as Davina recognized her. "You're Hayley. Klaus' wife."

Hayley appalled said "Ew, no! Never. I'm the pregnant werewolf. And you must be all-powerful superwitch, Davina? And let's not forget Josh, newbie vampire way out of his element, voted "Most Likely to Die Next.""

"Fantastic." Josh nodded nervously. "I heard Ava lives here, what's her deal with Klaus ?"

Hayley narrowed her eyes, Ava hadn't told Davina about her being Klaus's daughter. Hayley knew it wasn't her place to tell her, that was Ava's. She lied and said "Prisoner like me."

"Hey, I'm just another one of Klaus' prisoners. Of course, it would suck if he found out you're still lurking around. Maybe there's a world where we can all look out for each other?"

✧✧✧

Father Kieran arrived to the restaurant, where the human faction was holding a meeting without him. "Why wasn't I consulted on this?" he asked frustrated.

You've been gone for over eight months, Kieran. We got used to doing things on our own." as the Sheriff said "This Klaus Mikaelson, I don't care who he is or what the rumors say. He needed to be taught a lesson."

Father Kieran said angry "You are gonna start a war!" as Sheriff said with a scoffs patronizingly. "I'd like to see them try. Oh, and Kieran, this is the last time you call a meeting. Next time you wanna criticize our leadership, send a damn email."

"I thought you called this meeting...?" Kieran asked as the Sheriff said "The hell we did." which is when Klaus and Ava entered the room.

"Actually, I called it. It appears I made a grave error during our earlier conference. My friend Marcel offered me wise counsel, and I failed to heed it." as the Sheriff said "I'm glad to hear you've learned your lesson."

"Oh, I won't be making that mistake again, you see my daughter was there at that explosion and she could have been hurt." as the Sheriff said "Poor human." before Ava said "I'm not a human."

"In fact, I'm your worse nightmare."

"And since Klaus who is the King of New Orleans, I'm kinda of the Princess. You hurt my people, the vampires. So I'm not here to make you suffer. That's his job-" as Klaus raised his voice and called out in the back of the room.

"Marcel !"

Marcel vamp-speeds to the Sheriff and stabbed him in the neck. Marcel grined, content, as the Sheriff bleed and the rest of the restaurant patrons screamed. Klaus and Ava approached him, smiling.

"Shall we ?" Klaus asked Ava who heisted said "Do what you have to." as she turned her back not wanting to witness the violence. Marcel said "After you !"

✧✧✧

Klaus drank the last drops of blood from a seemingly dead woman. He's was alone with Father Kieran while Marcel is occupied with his own body on the floor out of sight. Around them there many dead bodies on the floor.

Ava sat there, looking outside the window. Klaus looked at Father Kieran. "There he is. Our lone survivor. Such a sad day for our city." as he patted Father Kieran shoulder. "Some of its best and brightest killed in a tragic boating accident on the Mississippi. Rather nasty explosion, I heard." as he looked Father Kieran in the eyes.

"What am I going to do with you?" as Ava said "No, we, I mean you are not killing him." Ava said stopping Klaus by standing in front of him. Klaus grew a frown. "I mean it." Ava said finger held out.

Marcel who stood up anxiously said "Okay, hold up. I've known Kieran for a long time. He's smart and he's fair. I think he can do us more good alive than dead. Not to mention he's Cami's uncle." as Klaus looked at him suspiciously

"Don't see you care about things much, it's kinda hard not to notice when you do."

"Very well. Use this reprieve to remake your human faction." as Father Kieran said overwhelmed "And how do you expect me to remake the Mayor?" as Klaus said "Well, surely there's a deputy Mayor? Choose new leaders. Then we'll re-open negotiations."

Klaus then left and so did Ava following after.

✧✧✧

Klaus drank from his flask him and Marcel walk down the streets of the Quarter.

"To our united front! This act of yours, the imitation of friendship. Don't get me wrong, you played the part well enough, I should know, having played it myself. There was a time when the affinity between us was quite real."

"Sure. And then you got it in your head to take what I created. When I picked up that coin, I swore loyalty, Klaus, not friendship. I'm holding up my end. The other one has to be earned." Marcel told him.

"Fair enough. Then, you should probably know the whole story. My decision was not entirely my own. If I didn't agree to usurp your power, the witches swore to kill my born and unborn child. But, at first, the promise of an offspring meant little to me.

"Then, I recalled my father. How he held me in contempt from the moment I was born, as yours did with you. I will not do to my children what was done to me. To us."

He then deeply drank from his flask. "All this, the spying, the manipulation, that's just something you were forced into. Is that it? And what now? You feel kinda bad... "Hey buddy, it's nothing personal." Is that it?"

"I admit, I was jealous. I saw the empire you had created on your own, without me. I saw it, and I wanted it."

"You're wrong, you know. I didn't do it on my own. I stood in the shadow of my father my entire human life, and I never would've gotten out from under it, if not for you."

"You're the one who taught me that a man can't be defined by anyone but himself." as he paused awkwardly before counting before asking "So what now ?"

"This community that you've built, you have their respect. Their love. I could rule them, but I cannot win them, not without you. So, rule with me. Side by side as equals. Friends. Brothers."

Ava saw in him saying that made her think of how he miss Uncle Elijah.

"That means you aswell tiniest wolf." as Ava rose her eyes at him. "You said it yourself. I'm king, your the princess. I saw the way you stood up for the vampires. Being a ruler is buried deep within your veins." Ava sighed, she just wanted to run her own empire, her fashion one in fact.

"I just wanted to be a designer, now I'm a Princess to New Orleans. I'm not going to let power go to my head, but if I don't say yes you would never forgive me. Fine, but one condition you help get my building cleaned out by this week and furniture."

"You have my word on that." as Ava said "You forget, I swear I will annoy you all afternoon."

Klaus offers him his flask, and after a moment, Marcel takes it and drunk from it before handing it to Ava who took a tiny sip. Klaus smiled cheerfully.

✧✧✧

Klaus was reading a book in the living room when Hayley walked in. "Those werewolves you ordered killed, that's my family." as Klaus said "Not for long, love. I mean, this so-called family of yours, they haven't done you much good, have they?" as Hayley avoided his gaze.

"You said it yourself, they abandoned you and left you on your own. Now it's simply your turn to do the same." as Hayley said "Maybe they had good reasons."

Klaus closed the book angrily and got up. "Yes, well, I have reason too, little wolf. If the werewolves are dead, then the vampires have less desire to kill you. I am trying to keep you safe. Not that you appreciate the effort."

"And as soon as I have this baby, what happens to me then?" Klaus said nothing looking both guilty and awkward. After a moment, Hayley gulped nervously and began to speak.

"Right... Well, lucky for me, I have a little while before I find out." as she smirked bitterly.

"And, in the meantime, I will find a way to pay you back for this. As long as I'm in the family, you can't do a damn thing about it" as Hayley left and Klaus looked uncomfortable as he watched her go.

✧✧✧

Upstairs, Davina was unpacking her things in her new bedroom. Hayley came in to visit her and found her searching through her boxes for something.

"What are you looking for?" Hayley asked curious. "My violin. It must be left in the attic." as Hayley said "So just go get it."

"I can't. It's not safe for me out there." as Hayley said "Funny, I was under the impression everyone was afraid of you." as Davina said "The witches are after me."

"You mean that crazy witch, Agnes? Yeah, she tried to kill me, too. The thing is, she's dead. Elijah killed her." Hayley said confused.

"But.. Agnes was the last living Elder. If she's dead, then I'm safe. Marcel would've told me." Davina said shaking her head in disbelief.

"Maybe he didn't wanna lose his secret weapon against the witches?" as Davina suspicious said "You're lying."

"Why would I lie to you?" Hayley asked with a sigh. "Because you want something from me. Everyone does."

"Do I want something from you? Yeah, Davina, actually, I do. Thanks to your friend Marcel, most of my family is cursed."

"They're stuck in their wolf form, except on a full moon. Now, I'm smart enough to know that every curse has a loophole. And, well, you're the strongest witch I've ever heard of. But I wouldn't lie to you to get what I want. I'd ask you. I guess that's the difference between Marcel and me." as Hayley turned and walked away as Davina watched as Josh walked in.

"Looking for something?" as Davina smiled seeing he brought Tim's violin. "I figured with you vacating, the attic would be a safe zone. Found this there."

"It was dangerous for you to come back, Josh." as Josh said "Yeah, well... What are friends for? Or whatever." as Davina giggled and looked at the violin.

"Hey, what did Hayley want?" as Davina asked "Do you trust her?" as Josh said "I don't know. Why?"

"She told me about a witch being killed. An Elder, but I don't know if she..." as Josh interrupted her and said "Yeah, crazy Agnes? I heard about that, that Elijah went all berserker on her crew. I guess it was super gross, just like heads and guts... blech!" as Davina looked at him clearly concerned.

Josh looked at her confused.

"What? You hate the witches." as Davina said "Hayley was right. Marcel is just using me. Josh, I can't stay here. I'm not gonna be their puppet. You have to get me out of here!"

"Okay. But where else are you gonna go?"

✧✧✧

Klaus was in the parlor of the plantation house, playing the piano all alone while he waits for his siblings to return.

After a moment, Rebekah walked into the room, but doesn't notice Klaus right away.

Rebekah called out to Elijah in the next room. "I stink of the bog!" as Klaus said "Serves you right, for your pathetic attempt to undermine my rule." as Elijah joined them hearing Klaus's voice.

"Nik, listen." as Klaus said "When I order werewolves to be hunted to extinction, I expect you to stand aside and let the blood flow."

Elijah rolled his eyes and said "How delightfully democratic of you." as he threw Klaus a ring as Klaus looked at it.

"Do you recognize it? Perhaps you don't. It has been a thousand years since you last saw it grace the hand of our mother. The ring was in possession of one of the very wolves whose extinction you just ordered. So, naturally, I questioned him. He spoke of a legend. A legend wherein long ago, a chief of theirs had fathered a child to a very powerful witch.

"Their mythology further states that this child, a son, was later transformed into something this clan had never before seen. Something werewolf and vampire."

Rebekah said "Nik, we're trying to make amends. We found remnants of your family. The bloodline of your true father. And we saved them from being slaughtered at the hands of the vampires you command."

Elijah said "Niklaus, your ambitions have come before this family for far too long. Niklaus, I beseech you please, come home."

"What home? This pathetic substitute? You see, despite all your doubts, all you attempts to thwart me, I've reclaimed our true home. I took back the entire city."

"You have the audacity to boast of your victory when the mother of your child and your adult child remains your prisoner?"

"It all comes down to the pretty little wolf, doesn't it, brother?" as Rebekah frustrated said "Stop it, both of you !"

Klaus stood up behind the piano and said "Even if this is what you say it is, I have had enough of family to last me a lifetime. Why would I possibly want any more?"

Klaus left Rebekah and Elijah alone in the house. Elijah looked sad and defeated.

✧✧✧

In St. Anne's Crunch Father Kieran was lighting candles at the altar for his fallen human faction members when Klaus interrupted him.

"Ah, good. You're awake. I have a favor to ask." as Father Kieran asked angry "I am saying prayers for the dead. I request a moratorium on favors for the king." as Klaus said "Well, you'll like this one. It involves helping people who need protection."

"And whom, may I ask, do they need protection from?"

Klaus said "Me. You see, I recently ordered the slaughter of a group of vagabonds out in the Bayou. Turns out, I may have been too hasty. Thing is, if the vampires find out I'm protecting them, it won't sit well."

Kieran sighed and heisted for a moment. "I think I can arrange something, on one condition." as he sighed again before speaking.

"For her own good, I believe it is time for my niece to leave town." as Klaus nodded in understanding and hurried out.

✧✧✧

Inside The Mikaelson Compound, Klaus after checking on Ava who was fast asleep was about to walk up the stairs when he noticed Elijah nearby.

"Haven't you had your fill of telling me all the ways I've disappointed you, Elijah?"

"Well, there is something important we neglected to discuss. I accused you of having ulterior motives regarding the child and Ava. I was wrong. I'm sorry."

"I imagine that must have been hard for you to say." as Elijah said "You don't make it easy to love you, brother."

Klaus said " And yet, you're obstinate in your desire to do so. When you're ready, should you be so inclined, both you and Rebekah are welcome to join me here. It is, after all, our family home."

Klaus smiled before leaving Elijah downstairs in the courtyard.

✧✧✧

Cami was preparing to leave after being compelled to do so by Klaus. She stuffed her things into a bag. There's was knock on the door. Cami opened it to find Davina on her front step.

"Cami, I need your help. Marcel has been lying to me, and I can't trust him anymore." Davina said upset as Cami asked surprised and confused "I'm sorry. Do I know you?" as Davina let herself in and closed the door behind Cami.

"Oh, you've been compelled." as Cami puzzled asked "Okay, what are you doing?"

"It's okay, I can fix you. I'm really sorry, but this is gonna hurt."

Davina held out her hand towards Cami and magically began to undo the compulsion as she focused all her attention on Cami.

Cami screamed in pain as the compulsion is stripped from her mind

✧✧✧

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

𝓣𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓮𝓭...

💖