𝐀 𝐒𝐈𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐊𝐄𝐘 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐒'𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐓. Then a stressful hand brushed through his dirty blond curls as he peered down toward Vanessa's desiccated body. When times were difficult, when he was in need of passing by the day, or when missing the delicate features of her face, he'd find himself wandering along the dusty stairs of the basement, behind a hidden room where she had been lying in his coffin for the past year.

        He did nothing special besides bore her incomprehensible ears with stories of his growth forming a relationship with his daughter, or rant to her the problems that bothered him most. Vanessa had always been an easy person to talk to. There was this calming aura emanating and warm about her that had Klaus spilling his deepest sentiments. And she'd never judge his perspective — as harshly — but rather listened and understood where he was coming from.

        Because of that, desperate to hear her voice once again and for her to look at him with those deep brown eyes, Klaus was tempted to rip open a blood bag and pour droplets along her dry lips.

        Of course, he stopped himself before pulling through with the intrusive idea. Hesitant for good reason. If she awakens, there was no doubt to believe she won't take Deena from him and ruin what he selfishly didn't want to lose. He had already missed the beginning years of her life and promised himself he wouldn't miss any more years to come.

        Klaus wasn't an insensitive monster, at least toward Deena he wasn't nor did he wish it true. But deep down in that dark soul of his were his wrongdoings he refused to acknowledge; lying to his daughter's face each time she brought up her mother, lingered on very little hope she would one day return. Expressing his receptivity whenever she expressed the need for her mother. And then forced vampirism upon Vanessa who begged to reason, now held hostage peacefully resting beneath their feet.

        If not a pain in the ass, Klaus had to suffer his sibling's judgment against his brash actions rather than thanking him for another enemy's been put down. Rebekah walked away. Freya tried to reason, having not been raised by her own mother, which should have been a blessing in disguise as Esther was no better. And Elijah, disappointed enough, couldn't look at his own brother and left him with chilling words;

        'You would deprive your child her mother as some cruel punishment for which she deprived you of the same for her own reasons, if not this be the reason she chose to run away? You have no heart, Niklaus. It shall be the reason Deena will loathe you one day. Salvage what you can or heal yourself for what's to come.'

        Salvaging was not in his name, but if Vanessa remained desiccated for however long needed, Deena could stay with him and the memory of her mother shall fade. And Klaus could continue to play the role of her father and rightful parent. Loathing shall become nothing more than a foreign virus wiped in seconds. It will also keep them both clear from the prophecy his dear old friend and first sire, Lucien Castle, shared.

        A prophecy that shall be the downfall of the Mikaelsons'. His family. Himself.

        One by friend, one by foe, and one by family.

        With another sip to ease that burn, Klaus tilted his head when Freya's voice was heard outside of Deena's room. The only noise that carried near, courtesies to Deena's recent castings. Now all he heard was white noise and would get a headache if he listened too hard.

        The beg in Freya's tone made aware Deena hadn't been taking care of herself. "You need to eat something. Hell, I need to eat something — we both need to eat. You've been very adamant about preparing everything yourself and taking on unnecessary stress on your big day. What did Rebekah say? Yes, milk it all! Prom is once, stress is forever. And a deadly killer."

        Klaus heard a voice. Not clear enough to make out as his head began to ache but clear enough that he knew Deena was responding back.

        Freya sighed at her response. "I understand, darling, I do. What can I do to make it better? Some herbal tea to calm the nerves?" There was more chatting on Deena's end before Freya continued. "Yes, tonight's the full moon. I've checked a million times and so have you. It's still daylight. But if it helps, I shall check again."

        There's movement; Freya navigating through her phone she could barely comprehend.

        Klaus closed the lid of his coffin and sealed Vanessa inside for the next time he decided to visit her again. Aware he was most likely listening in, Freya called out her brother's name and he appeared at her beckoning call. "I've been summoned."

        She jumped at his presence but calmed herself, relieved he came when he did.

        "Remind me never to have children or settle down to have them, a mistake I've made once before. It's hell in there so I hope you've come prepared with good news." Freya expressed her condolences by patting his shoulder after closing the door behind her. "All you, brother. I'm in need of a drink or two. Refill?" She eyed the empty glass in his hand, already taking it before he could answer.

        Klaus didn't know what to expect and lifted his hand to knock on Deena's door without preparation. A familiar presence halted his actions and glanced over his shoulder toward Freya walking away. "Has Marcel been here?"

        He was unable to track his scent because it flowed everywhere. Either meant he was snooping around or serving as his sister's personal servant, discarding the house staff available at her reach.

        Freya shrugged, still walking away. "Not that I know of. But — oh, a delivery did come for Deena." She lost her balance when turning to walk backward and giggled as she caught herself. The black shawl slipped off her shoulders. "A beautiful bouquet, so perhaps, he delivered it himself and I missed him coming in."

        Klaus hummed. He then placed aside his suspicion to ensure his daughter's night was perfect. Magical.

        A playlist of popular R&B artists filled his ears when entering the chaotic mess of Deena's bedroom. The seamstress steaming out any wrinkles along the gown hung on the back door, a stylist in the process of straightening Deena's recently ginger-dyed hair, and the makeup artist comparing shadow shades on her arm before applying the color. The desk was cluttered with items unknown to him as he was all but a man who needed none of this.

        She'd been very advocate about hiring qualified individuals who could deal with her hair and match her skin shade. After one bad incident resulting in having her hair cut off when younger, Vanessa never allowed hands lighter than a paper bag to touch their hair, a story Deena once shared.

        Klaus instantly noticed the large bouquet sitting on the window couch and a card tucked between. Because Deena was at the dresser with her eyes closed, currently occupied, he made himself over to the flowers and read the card.

[ Trans : You kept your end of the deal so it's time I kept mine. Enjoy your night. Only a phonecall away, Marcel ]

        "Did you double-check how Erik's getting his suit? You'll personally meet with him like you said, right?" Deena glanced at her phone, at the time flashing through each notification, and furrowed her brows. The woman stood back to view her progress. "Shouldn't you be heading there now? The sun will set soon. You also talked to the principal or whoever about extending prom hours? By talk, I mean compelled."

        Klaus placed the card where it was and pressed a kiss on the top of her heated hair, a mixture of Aragon oil and heat filling his nostrils, then stood back so the stylist could continue. "One thing at a time, love. Freya tells me you haven't eaten all day, so why don't we take a break and get something in your stomach?" He suggested.

        It wasn't much of a suggestion since he cleared out the room so it was just them both. A servant then entered, pushing in a tray of cut club sandwiches, a bowl of assorted fruits, and herbal tea to help calm her nerves. Not too much to ruin her makeup or upset her stomach, but enough to satisfy her appetite as well as his own worries.

        Deena twisted in the chair and rested her chin on the back of the top rail. One side of her hair was straightened while the other side remained in a blowout puff bigger than Klaus had ever seen her hair. "I'm not hungry." She eyed the food after the servant left like it would float into her mouth.

        Klaus heard her stomach grumble and smirked. "Your stomach tells me otherwise." Without warning, he picked up the chair and turned her around as if her weight was merely a feather. With her facing the correct way, he pushed the tray forward. "Eat."

        She didn't fight him this time and ate. Klaus stepped away and watched her with contentment. She struggled to pluck her fruit having sparkly, long acrylics.

        "Merci," She took the fork from his extending hand and continued eating. "Will you tell me why you're not at the Bayou meeting with Erik? I know your vampire speed can get you there in seconds, but I'd be much calmer if you were there now."

        "There's been a slight change in plans — " Deena snapped her head in his direction, glaring before she heard the news. Klaus raised his hands in a playful manner to showcase his instant defeat. "If you would allow me to continue, you'll be glad to know your uncle shall take my place and meet with the boy instead. While he's there for his own reasons, I can be here with you. As for the event, I've taken care of everything. You know, your lack of trust in me is punishing. Now, please, eat."

        Klaus might not be on good terms with his siblings, but knew them inside and out including what would bring them back into his welcoming grace — Deena. Elijah would never deny a request pertaining his niece on a day that meant everything to her. He was present whenever a situation occurred in her name, and it was in his nature to keep these occurrences happening until Elijah gave in. Rebekah was set on reviving young Kol, but that didn't stop her from astral projecting or calling in her witch form.

        Deena reeled back from Klaus attempting to aid her while sipping tea. "Je suis pas une enfant. Je peux le faire seule (I'm not a child. I can do it myself)."

        "If you don't wish to be treated like one then be sure not to neglect your basic needs to function."

        He was aware of her new appetite being a werewolf as it was the same for him being a hybrid, but his cravings were controlled with alcohol, snacks, and time. Deena, being the foody she was, tends to forget to eat herself and would rather feed other mouths before hers. And when she doesn't eat, she gets cranky. When she's cranky, everyone suffers, then magic happens.

        Luckily, her anger hadn't gotten the best of her yet. No calls reporting injured students or dead ones.

        "Do you like the dress? Is it how you imagined?" Asked Klaus, changing the subject.

        The layered periwinkle gown hung with a laced skirt and wide ruffles, a built-in corset scooped at the waist which also held some laced elements attached to it. Though the thin straps could be worn off the shoulders, it was made to hug them instead. And because Deena was quite expressive with her style and her space, Klaus went for a youthful fairy princess that's both age-appropriate and modern and complimented her well.

        "I guess, it's nice." She muttered with a full mouth of grapes, merely glancing at the gown. "You kept it sexy so that's a plus."

       Her and this sexy bullshit.

       "Modern, yes. And appropriate." Klaus said. "And I'm not sure if my lingo is outdated being that we are born from two different centuries, but you have a funny way of saying I won."

        Of course, she didn't want to admit she loved the dress and was squealing the second it was revealed. Klaus heard it all. Now here she sat pretending she wasn't just rushing the stylist so she could wear it. Stubborn girl didn't want to admit the old man had an eye for fashion.

        Still swallowing her food, Deena muttered her answer low enough for Klaus to hear. But it wasn't enough.

        "What was that? I didn't hear you the first time."

        "I know you did."

        He smiled. "Perhaps, I shall need to hear it again? A bit louder. The candle makes it hard to hear especially in this room."

        She glared before straightening herself in the chair. "Fine. You win! I like it. More than a lot — I love it. It's so beautiful I wouldn't have thought you'd present it because I doubted your taste. But you saved me a lot of time and I no longer have to worry about showing up in the same dress. Happy?"

        "Oui. Je suis très content (Yes. I'm very pleased)."

        "Great, sort de là (Now get out)! I need to get dressed and your victory is pissing me off."

        Klaus left so she could finish.

        Moments later, Deena revealed herself at the top of the stairs. Standing next to Freya with her hand clamped to her mouth and Miss. Quinn Oliver dressed in a mini poof dress and wavy locs down her back, Klaus sucked in a restricted breath just thinking about the many young teens that would show up on milk cartons by morning.

        She was beautiful.

        She had always been, just like her mother. However, the case was different. Klaus was aware Deena was legally an adult. She's not a child and never had been since the moment she stepped foot through that door, but he struggled to see her any differently than just a child. Seeing her now, her ginger hair straight down her back and pinned from her face, her womanly features accentuated through the tight fabric of the dress, the makeup appropriately aging her up — would force Klaus to acknowledge her growth.

        To see her as a woman rather than the fragile little girl he viewed her as. And it was the toughest challenge he'd ever faced.

        Klaus snapped out of his head when Deena was mid-way down the stairs and pushed himself off his feet to escort her. "You look very beautiful. Just like a true princess and one day, a queen." She took his offered arm careful not to trip over herself. "Are you happy?"

        Her smile was bigger than the moon and it wasn't because Quinn kept snapping pictures of the two. "I am, very. Thank you for pulling this through for me. It means a lot, papa." She kissed his cheek and rushed to meet her friend constantly complimenting each other.

        Klaus stumbled.

        Then his heart exploded.

        She called him Dad. Her sixth time addressing him as her father — yes, he's been keeping count and he would never get used to it. Pa. Papa. Dad. Never.

        He remembered the day she first slipped up and addressed him as papa. After a long day of mid-exams and stressful studying back to back, Klaus wanted to award her accomplishments by taking her out in the city and stopping for beignets, her favorite cravings. The sky was blue, the air was clear, the wind was chilly, and they were both happy and conversing in French. Then, her hair got stuck in the zipper of her jacket while laughing, and then as clear as water, she said — shit, papa, can you help me? He was hesitant at first, unsure if it was him who she was speaking of as she normally avoided addressing him directly but had no problem addressing him as her father to others. Until she stared at him like a dumb fool, and he knew then, she was talking to him. It was the fastest he came to her rescue though she wasn't in any real danger.

        Deena hated when he made a big deal out of it which then resulted back to calling him Klaus. Or nothing at all. But to him, it was a big deal. A thousand-year-old hybrid with many names to be called and not one of them was the title of being a father — her father. It gave him purpose, a true placement in her life. And it was the only name that held no innocent blood or prejudice attached to it, reserved for only Deena's usage.

        Freya stood next to Klaus as Deena took her leave with Quinn in a rented limousine. She dressed herself in a beaded dress short above her knees, long pearls wrapped around her skinny neck, and her lips blood red. "You're taking this quite well than I imagined. Surprised you weren't their driver or her date instead." She gloated at the fact she's to be chaperoning Deena's prom since she denied him from attending.

        However, Klaus always had a plan. Evident on his face as a cunning grin stretched his lips. "Oh, I shall be there tonight to oversee her mutt keeps his paws to himself unless he wishes to be put down. In fact, I need to pay a visit to the dry cleaners."

        Of course, he won't be anywhere within her perimeter. Just nearby. She might need him so he wanted to be at her call.

        Playing the beads between her fingers, Freya shook her head with disapproval. "Spoke too soon. If Deena finds out her father crashed her prom when she made clear of her rules, she'll hate you...even more when she discovers the massive lie you've been hiding from her."

        "Then be sure we don't go blabbing our mouths, dear sister, or you'll be the next treasure I hide." Klaus said.

        Freya knew Klaus hid Vanessa's body from Deena from an argument she overheard between him and Elijah. Details were spared but she's a smart woman, and knew not to go around revealing these truths and ruin his relationship with his daughter.

        Their attention followed to uninvited footsteps and the foul stench of wet dog entering his home. "I thought I smelled swamp." And to his not surprise, his suspicion was correct. Jackson was here...and so was Elijah. Who both held grave expressions.

        "What'd you do with Hayley?"

        Hayley? Why is she now relevant? And why was Elijah holding the suit that should be currently worn by a young dog who should be making his way to prom?

        "Tell me what you know." Elijah backed him up.

        Judging by the dried-up blood on Jackson's dirty clothes and the fresh open wound beneath his jeans currently healing, something must've happened in the Bayou, especially if they thought Klaus had something to do with it. As if he had time to spare on those easily forgotten, on a day where nothing else but his daughter mattered.

        Neither of them was pleased with his response assuming the cause of global warming could be the reason Hayley migrated to Georgia. "I just left the bodies of people I care about to rot in the woods because you left them defenseless against poachers and any who have it out for us." Jackson heavily expressed.

        Freya gasped at the mention of poachers. "Deena's going to be heartbroken if that kid doesn't show up now."

        Klaus drew blanks. "Still figuring out where my part plays into this..."

       Jackson clenched his jaw, seething with unspoken anger. Quite on character. "Something by King Maker Land Development — does that ring a bell?" It did ring a bell, but not its relevancy. "Yeah, the CEO is Lucien Castel. Elijah tells me you two go way back — "

        "So I will ask you once again," Elijah interrupted Jackson's useless and dreadful monologue. With his hands shoved in his pockets, he trailed carefully until he was standing face-to-face with his brother, seeking to daunt him out of knowledge. "What. Do. You. Know."

      𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐇 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐀 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒, each suffering the deep wounds of silver bullets or traps which gnawed out chucks of flesh or detached limbs. Few were half human, half wolf, while most transitioned successfully into humans or stayed as wolves. Many decapitated, maggots feasting away as nature took its course.

        Klaus ran a stressful hand through his curls. He turned over each naked body, met eyes beyond death, and neither were Erik nor Hayley.

        Hours have passed and there had yet been any sign of either of them. The Bayou was a slaughterhouse. And while the fault may be on his end, how was he supposed to know about the poachers? Why should it be his responsibility to take care of a species of beasts who failed to protect his daughter? Or themselves?

        Klaus searched through his contact list. There were missed calls and text messages from Deena — which he'd been actively avoiding — and called up an old friend instead. "I taught you better than to leave your leftovers in the streets." He said when Lucien picked up after a few rings. "My streets."

        While not referring to what he's done in the Bayou, he figured it was time to address the murder spree Camille's been on his ass about. Or a way to ease into the topic at hand.

        "You'll have to elaborate, mate."

        Gladly. "Five bodies were found sporting rather memorable lacerations. Are you exercising your demons by carving up the innocents of New Orleans? The Bayou included?"

        Lucien chuckled weakly and seemed out of breath. "Your family is full of unfounded accusations today." He took a moment to catch his breath. "And if I was the culprit, why would you care? We used to make fantastic messes together."

        In truth, Klaus didn't give a damn what happened to the wolves or random tourists, but the people around him did. If Hayley's alive, Elijah remained. If the mutt's alive, Deena's happy and impervious about her mother. If the city attracts too much negative attention, tourist rates decline and people start asking questions. Camille's down his throat. Marcel's down his throat. Everyone's down his throat, ready to start a civil war between one another. A cause-and-effect catastrophe he'd rather avoid.

        Seems only fitting he roots out the problem from the center, a good deed here and there — and all is forgiven. Klaus perceived as no longer a monster but a brave hero, to whom all is indebted.

        Ducking under a branch after following a blood trail to detached limbs, Klaus continued. "There is a delicate balance in this city. There are rules." He reminded the foreigner in his city.

      "And the people you care about, yes." Lucien groaned with annoyance and mockery, as he couldn't believe Klaus, his terrifying maker, would have a heart big enough to care. "You can't afford weaknesses like that right now. Your daughter, who serves a mean cappuccino, I understand — "

        A growl rumbled deep within his chest at the mention of Deena and the fact he'd been in her presence. "Keep her name out your mouth." He gritted.

        "Relax, Niklaus. We're on the same team. I was a gentleman, I swear."

        Klaus was far from relaxation. This night was supposed to be a simple and calming night of peace, now ruined yet again. "Speaking of weaknesses, there was a wolf not too long ago who claims he took a chunk out of your arm. Come see me. I'll give you my blood in exchange for your word that these killings will stop." He offered.

        "I'm afraid your family dog missed the mark, friend. Barely a scratch. No venom reached the skin."

        Klaus wasn't convinced. His breathy voice told him otherwise and Jackson, as pissed as he was, wouldn't miss his mark.

        Many unanswered questions bothered him. What was Lucien's business with the wolves? What was he truly doing in New Orleans besides the silly rumor of vampires banding together to wipe out entire sirelines by killing either or all Originals? Lucien may be sloppy but he moved in the shadows of his sloppiness.

         "You listen carefully, friend. My city has enjoyed months of relative peace. If that peace is in any way disrupted, the next gruesome murder will be yours."

        His violent crave was a significant turn-on Lucien couldn't ignore. "Ah, there's the Klaus I know."

        Lucien hung up.

        As Klaus approached another scattered pile of bodies, possibly going around in circles, his ears twitched at a groaning voice pushing themselves up only to fall again. The naked individual drenched in sweat and blood seemed to have noticed Klaus approaching, but was in no state to state.

        "Fuck!" Erik groaned out in pain, resting his head against the tree at the amount of blood he was losing. He suffered a bullet wound deep in his torso and another in his lower thigh. Even the pressure wouldn't stop the flow of blood until the bullet was out.

       So the boy lives another day.

        Erik chuckled weakly despite his accelerated heart caving with genuine fear. "Here to finally kill me? I might be in a weak state but I won't go out without a fight." Mutilated poachers explained the blood around his mouth and down his bare chest.

        "It's your lucky day, champ. You just might live to see another day." Klaus lowered himself and bit into his palm before offering out his hand. Something he'd never do if the situation wasn't a priority. "Drink up."

        Erik pushed away his arm and shook his head. As strong as he thought he was, he wasn't. "No. I don't...I don't want that in my system. I know what it does and I'd rather die. I won't — "

        Klaus forced his blood down the kid's throat. "I'm afraid you're in no position to negotiate. And believe me, the feeling is mutual."

        Erik tried to fight against his stronghold, but he was no match against him. His screams were muffled as Klaus dug into his wounds to remove the bullet that refused to come out, and so he'd heal properly.

        He'd rather the boy die now and save Deena from an inevitable heartbreak, as well as he never particularly grew fond of Erik. There was something about him, his involvement with his daughter that bothered him to the core yet he couldn't figure it out. He's always there. And often, in the way. However, he won't sabotage her night. If she wants him there in one piece, then he will show up one way or another.

        Klaus could wait another day to rid his daughter's life of lingering pets.

        Rejuvenated and healthier-looking than before, Erik stood to his feet still dazed by the events which took place tonight. "I need to look for my sister." He breathed out in panic.

        He stumbled away in search of clothes to cover his naked frame and to search for his sister, but Klaus grabbed his shoulder and halted his mission. "Oh, no you're not. Must I remind you, you have somewhere to be and someone — my daughter who clearly has foul taste in boys — is waiting for your immediate arrival." He lifted his wrist to show him the time. "You are four hours and twenty-five minutes late, and I will not allow you to ruin Deena's night with your mischief. You will clean yourself up, put on the suit I so carefully picked out, or I'll drag you there myself. Trust me, you will not enjoy that option. And with my blood coursing your veins, I will be sure to make the most of it. Your choice."

        Erik shrugged his grip off. "I haven't forgotten. Your daughter means everything to me and I'm physically fighting against my promise to her, but my sister is important too." Klaus refused to meet his saddened gaze not wanting to share his pity. And because he was also naked. "She's the only family I have left. It's just us. I can't and I won't lose her too."

        "Put on your clothes." Klaus said, turning away. He didn't want to have this conversation with a naked kid.

        "There's too many bodies to uncover and the Bayou is massive. It'll take hours to search the land." Erik threw on clothes that belonged to the poachers. Only then Klaus could face him. "Possibly until sunrise, but I must find her — I need to know she's okay. After that, I'll rush to that prom and give Deena an amazing night to remember."

        Klaus had a role to play too. Someone to make happy no matter the cost, but if that meant finding his dead sister and missing out on sharing that moment from afar to get him to that damn prom, then it's a sacrifice he'll make. Only for his daughter.

        "I will find your sister for christ's sake! I'll add it to the list of many. But you will go to that prom — in fact, I will personally escort you there myself so you don't turn back on your word. Then I'll search for your sister... or the remains."

        Ignoring his last comment, Erik knew his word was true. "Thank you." He sighed with relief.

       "Let me be clear, my kindness comes with a price so don't comfort yourself in my open grace. I do not like you and you're giving me more reasons not to, but for the sake of my daughter and her special night, I shall place aside my agenda. But if you ever break her heart or I hear she's been harmed through your actions alone, I — "

        "You will kill me, I know," Erik responded calmly as though it wasn't something to worry about. As he should be.

        With a smile, Klaus pats his sweaty shoulder. "Glad we're on the same page because I will not hesitate to do so." He passed Erik much chipper than before. "Keep up."

      𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆. Still late but as early as they could. Erik sure took his time grooming leaving not a spec of Bayou stench and blood. Teenagers sneaking off the grounds, the stench of weed burning through one's car, a group of friends taking pictures outside, a couple sucking each other's lips off.

         But Klaus refused to leave until he saw him inside.

        Erik felt his hard stare burning a hole through the back of his head, that he felt he was walking funny and shortened his strides. His hands smoothing out the suit fitted to his exact proportions.

        A parked car blocked the view of a squealing individual. Klaus assumed it was Deena until he moved over and saw it was Quinn. She pulled him into a rather tight hug as if he'd been deployed from war. "Holy shit, Erik! Thank god you made it. I thought you were dead or something. What happened?"

        "A lot. I've had a really long night. Where's Deena?"

        "Waiting for you inside." Quinn said. "I really wish we could catch up because there's much to tell you, but my friend needs you more."

        They exchanged more words until Quinn directed him around the event building instead of inside the loud, noisy place.

        Fed into his temptations and against her wish, Klaus sped into the building where he instantly spotted Deena dancing with her new black-haired friend. Roma, he believed was her name. She looked happy. Despite tonight's event, she made the most of it. She's having fun, laughing about instead of wasting the night away.

        I made this happen. He took pride in his accomplishments.

        A call from Freya forced him to decline. He wanted a few moments to relish her happiness before reality.

        She called again.

        Klaus rolled his eyes and answered his phone with obvious agitation. "I hope this is you telling me you've arrived. I'm here and I don't see you anywhere on the dance floor where you should be. The boy has been found, so where are you? " He listened in the background and it's quiet. No music or chatter. "You don't sound like you're at prom, sister."

        "About that...I think you should return home. It seems your hidden treasure has escaped." She said and added when Klaus questioned her, "There's a woman, Vanessa, here who claims is Deena's mother. And she's not happy."

        A hiss underlined with fear sucked between Klaus's lips. How did she escape? Who fed her blood? He lowered the phone to gather his thoughts and remembered catching Marcel's scent. The card! They made a deal of some sort. Could it involve Vanessa? Was Deena aware of this? No. She treated him no differently and her face held no devastation when inspecting her. She knew of nothing. But Marcel did...and it was only a matter of time before she figured it out.

        "I'll handle it," Klaus told Freya. "You be where you're supposed to be." Then he hung up.

        Sparing one last, and very long glance toward his daughter, Klaus sped off. He may have to kiss his Brave Hero title away.

A U T H O R ' S  N O T E

— Much has happened in this chapter, but I hope it kept you intrigued especially changing the time of events from the show set on Deena's prom night that happens to fall on a full moon. I'm sure we all wouldn't want to be in Klaus's shoes since Vanessa has escaped with some help. Wonder how it will play out and how Deena will handle the truth once it's been revealed.

— For my older readers, reading as I update, Ive recently added How Erik triggered his curse in Season 1, Chapter 22 | Dahlia, when Erik tries to get Deena to run away with him. Rather than in the next chapter as few might remember. It's an actual conversation and not grouped in a quick paragraph