WARNINGS: SMUT, ABUSE, MENTIONS OF BLOOD AND VIOLENCE.

┌─────── •✦• ───────┐

Sunday, December 25th, 1917:

"YOU lying bitch." Keyara slapped her daughter across the face.

Her anger was evident. She was out for blood and she wouldn't let anything get in her way.

"Stop!" Adrienne screamed, falling backwards, she tried crawling away, but her mother caught her leg and dragged her towards her, "Please stop!"

"You took so much from me," Keyara sneered, striking Adrienne again, blood mixed in with her tears, "you took my power and my youth, so now I'll take yours."

Adrienne kicked her mother in the chest, succeeding in knocking her to the ground. She ran out of the house, stumbling over, pulling up her nightgown so she wouldn't fall.

"Come back here you bitch." she heard her mother shriek, but she kept on running.

She ran, as fast as she could, her dress was ripped and her knees were scraped. She entered the quarter with tears that stained her cheeks and blurred her vision, so she didn't even know what she stumbled into.

She let out a shaky breath as she stared up at the stakes that were bound to the centre of the city. She had to escape. She couldn't let her mother get to her, she had to keep going but it felt like he feet couldn't move.

Her body froze. The night sky even concealed the stars from flickering, which prevented any light to reach her.

Her cries grew louder as magic caused more cuts to slice her skin. She was helpless and alone. Something she never wanted to be.

There was no one to help her, to save her from this torture. Not even her brother.

"Please, stop," she begged as her mother continued to inflict pain on her fragile body.

"You made me weak Adrienne, you're a weak girl." Keyara spat and her hand scrunched into a fist, making a scream tear from the younger witch's throat.

"Mother please!"

Suddenly Adrienne was bound to the stakes.

"Hadeon ain't even my child and I loved him more than you," Keyara sneered as she neared her child.

"No!" Adrienne shook her head as her mother's eyes turned black.

But before she could chant the spell, Hadeon appeared next to her. Anger was evident on his face, he broke his sister's binds, then held his hand out and replaced his stepmother where his sister used to be.

"No!" Keyara screamed, and thrashed around, trying to escape his magic, but she couldn't he seemed too strong.

Stronger than she realised.

"Hadeon no!" she screamed as flames started to engulf her.

The siblings stood there expressionless, staring into the blazing inferno, not thinking about what was to come.

Adrienne panted as she shot up from her bed, chest heaving up and down, she was drenched in sweat and her cheeks were stained.

She jumped when she heard the floorboards creek, she snapped her head toward her door, which she hadn't closed.

It was ajar.

And the shadow of someone walking past or had been watching her through the crack.

Adrienne didn't hesitate to hold her hand out and slam the door shut, her mind was on lockdown, some would even say survival mode.

Her nightmares that plagued her sleep had worsened ever since she had discovered that Hadeon was in possession of her mother's broach. She only feared what would happen if Erebus were to find out about what happened that night.

She didn't care who stalked outside her bedroom, she was too frightened from her nightmare to even consider whether it was Hadeon, Mira or even her father.

Adrienne turned to the bedside table on her left and grabbed the angel that sat watching over her and brought it to her chest, hoping it would steady her heartbeat.

She caught a glimpse of the time. Three o'clock in the morning.

The morning of Christmas.

─────── •✦• ───────

Christmas in New Orleans was simply magical.

Everything seemed brighter and livelier than before. The festivities lit up the sky and danced along the snow that fell from the atmosphere. Even if someone felt down, they couldn't help but smile. That's what Christmas did.

Adrienne hoped she continued to feel that feeling and that no one would ruin it.

The Mikaelsons hosted the festivities. Drinks, presents, stories and most importantly a big feast, enough to feed the city, but they didn't let just anyone attend. The guest list was exclusive.

Klaus was irritated that all the Équilbre witches were in attendance, well not all, since Kali was spending the day with her family.

Clementine showed up, much to Elijah's liking, but the fact that Valerie was also here angered Klaus. However, to cater to his darling sweetheart he was going to try his best to keep his mouth shut, even though it was hard for him to do so.

The Lumières as well as Mira Tate were greeted with smiles.

Erebus seemed like his mind was elsewhere, in fact, his children had noticed how distant he had been behaving since the horrific war between the witch hunters and hunters had been put to an end, well more distant than before.

They'd caught the bubbling anger that stewed deep within him, so they tread lightly and assumed he was still coming to terms that he wouldn't find out what happened to his wife.

Unfortunately, that was not the case at all, but they would soon find out what was, everyone else would too.

So everyone stood sound the dining table, where each corner was filled to the brim with food. Even traditional Caribbean delicacies, that Klaus had the chefs prepare, such as plantain and ackee and saltfish.

"Merry Christmas," Elijah held up his glass, causing everyone else to follow, a few people were on their second drink but who cares? "May the day bring joy and glee to all."

"Cheers," they all clinked their glasses before sitting down and tucking in.

Elijah wished his words would be true, but if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

─────── •✦• ───────

"You're disgusting." Valerie tried to cover her mouth once she saw Kol feeding from one of the servants.

She was only making her way back from using the restroom and came across the youngest Mikealson brother almost bleeding the poor worker dry... in the middle of the hallway.

"No one told you to watch darling," Kol chuckled as he pulled his mouth away from the servant,  and then compelled the woman to go back to the kitchen, without bothering to heal her.

The Mikaelson man wiped his mouth with the handkerchief that rested in his suit pocket, aware that Elijah would scold him later if he didn't.

"I'm not your darling." she scoffed and went to turn away, not wanting to throw up the food that she had only digested.

"Of course, you're not. You seem too uptight, perhaps I could do something about that," he said speeding over to her, his eyes lustfully trailing over her body.

He had a thing for exotic-looking witches, especially ones who practised dark magic.

Valerie laughed in disbelief and stepped back, "Oh honey you ain't my type."

On the many occasions she had met Kol, they had never had a civil conversation, whether he was buying from The Euphoria or whenever she was around Adrienne.

It wasn't that she hated him, she disliked him, just as how she disliked his half-brother.

Call it a witchy feeling or a sixth sense, but something always felt off about the two. She never bothered to figure out why, she preferred to insult and belittle them, aware that neither of them could do a thing about it.

After all, they wouldn't want upset Adrienne, something that Kol hadn't even realised yet.

Kol wore a daunting smile, "Well tell me what your type is," he demanded, "I'm all ears."

She huffed and folded her arms, "Tall," she said playing along.

"Well look at me," he practically towered over her. He was the tallest in his family, Elijah was a close second.

Valerie narrowed her eyes at him, "Smart."

"As if I could be anything but intelligent."

"Has rhythm," she chuckled when he hesitated his next response.

"I suppose there is room for improvement."

Kol liked to dance with the right partner, but he had yet found them, as he was too busy having secretive meetings with Mary-Alice Claire to focus on anything else.

Valerie pursed her lips, "Isn't a blood-thirsty man-whore."

"Ah, guilty." he raised his hands in mock surrender, causing her to almost smile.

"And hasn't got a thing for one of my friends..." Valerie caught him off guard, he froze momentarily, before a hardened look appeared across his face, She grinned knowing she had got him, "Yeah, your affection for Adrienne is potent and it's only a matter of time before the bloodhound catches on," she spoke quietly, then nodded over to the happy couple, who seemed too engrossed in the other's presence to be aware of their conversation.

Kol step a menacing step towards her, intending to shut her up, but she kept on grinning.

He opened his mouth to speak, but his sister interrupted their discussion.

"She's not wrong brother," Rebekah giggled, then took a sip of chardonnay. She was on her third glass of the night.

Valerie's amusement grew, like the scowl which made its way onto Kol's face. He spun on his heels and stared down at his sister.

"And what do you know?" He laughed bitterly, "last I heard your sweet Marcellus chose immortality over you."

All joy fell from Rebekah's face at the mention of her ex-lover, who was serving in the Great War. Kol knew was a cheap shot, which is why he took it anyway.

He was also aware that she and Klaus had received letters from their adoptive relative a few hours prior, neither of them had spoken about the contents or had planned to.

"Eat glass," the blonde snarled, then roughly knocked into his shoulder as she stormed off, leaving him satisfied.

"Love you too Bekah," he called out, then turned back to the LaMarche witch.

Valerie rolled her eyes, "You're awful," she was ready to go and search for the upset Mikaelson.

Kol set his hand over his chest and sighed with feigned affection, "Ah a woman after my own heart."

"Disgusting," She turned on her feet and walked away.

"I can't wait for our next chat darling," he yelled, making her shoot him a deadly glare, causing him to laugh.

He couldn't believe that only in the short time he had been undaggered, he had already become familiar with the équilbre coven.

He and Clementine seemed the closest, they talked whenever he wanted something to eat and whenever blood didn't satisfy him. Kali didn't care for him and the feeling was mutual. He found Valerie amusing, despite the many insults she threw his way.

Adrienne was something else entirely. He hadn't apologised for his comment about her being his brother's plaything, mainly because he thought that saving her from bleeding to death made up for it. He knew she wouldn't see it that way, but he hated apologising, therefore he wouldn't.

"I see you've met Valerie." Klaus' voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Great girl." Kol mused sarcastically, then turned to his older brother, "I'm surprised you haven't ripped out her heart."

"I wouldn't," Klaus said sternly, and I bloody can't.

"And why is that?"

Klaus spared him a glance, before staring off in the distance, "Because she is loyal to Adrienne."

He'd rather Valerie loathe him and have undying loyalty to his girl, than the opposite. But whenever he caught sight of the burn mark on Adrienne's arm, he would rethink his thoughts.

"And?" Kol asked, intrigued by his brother's willingness to do anything for the young queen who sat over by the fireplace, along with Mira and Erebus.

"She makes great pastries," he added on, making them chortle.

A servant came around with a tray, containing glasses of gin, to which the brother's accepted eagerly.

Klaus hadn't even taken a sip before his younger brother was already trying to wind him up.

"Speaking of your beau-"

"Don't," Klaus cut him off, sending a glare Kol's way but his brother had already turned to stare at Adrienne.

"She certainly looks brighter and healthier since the war. Must be my rich blood."

Kol couldn't hide his amusement, nor did he want to. Blood sharing practically mimicked sex. Although he didn't have a taste of Adrienne's, he wouldn't turn away the opportunity if it presented itself.

Klaus gripped his glass tightly, "You dare feed her your blood again and you will be on the receiving end of a-"

"Dagger. Niklaus your threats are as old as time itself," Kol stared down at his brother with a bored expression.

If he a quid for every time he was threatened with a dagger he would... still be just as wealthy as he is now.

He couldn't wait to own something that would finally put his brother down and into a coffin.

Klaus took in a deep breath, wanting to calm himself and not ruin the day, due to his older brother's request. He then let out a shaky breath, that Kol tried to not laugh at, "We aren't finished speaking about this."

"Oh, I know we aren't," Kol shrugged innocently, the hybrid surveyed as he turned to wave at the witch queen, "Hi Adrienne," he called out from across the room.

She looked up from her engrossing conversation with Mira, while her father merely stared into the fireplace.

Adrienne shot the brothers a warm smile, that unknowingly calmed Klaus down and caused Kol to smirk.

"You're on a slippery slope brother." Klaus hissed, but adorned a smile as he locked eyes with his girl, he couldn't wait to give her all the presents he had bought.

"And if I fall I'll bring you down with me."

─────── •✦• ───────

The gift exchange took a while. Ribbons and wrapping paper covered the floor after it was concluded.

The Mikaelsons couldn't help but be very gracious gift-givers, Rebekah and Klaus more than Elijah and Kol, but many people were happy.

Kol only ever bought generic presents for his siblings but gave his half-brother coal... so fitting. Klaus in retaliation threw his present into the fireplace. The witches as well as Mira, watched in laughter as the brothers proceeded in their third fight of the night.

Elijah was the one to break it up... again.

There was just only one more gift to be unwrapped, but by then, Valerie and Clementine made their way back to the dinner table, with Hadeon, Elijah Erebus and Mira in tow, leaving Kol, Klaus, Adrienne and Rebekah by the fireplace.

"So what's this grand gift you bought me?" Adrienne asked teasingly, staring up at her hybrid in intrigue.

"I didn't buy it for you," he responded settling the lightly gifted present on her lap.

Adrienne furrowed her brows in confusion, eyeing it cautiously, before unwrapping it. Her mouth gaped open when it was revealed to be a painting.

A portrait of her sitting on a throne. A golden throne. Gladiolus crowned around her thick kinky hair as she gripped ivory pearls, that bled over the chalice in front of her, whilst wearing a sly smirk.

Adrienne hadn't even really that she had begun to cry, causing Klaus to panic.

"Do you not like it?" he was willing to redo it, after all this was his sixth attempt and he wanted it to be perfect.

"No," she wiped her tears and stared up at him with a smile, "it's beautiful," she reassured him, laughing as she grabbed his dangling necklaces and pulled his face down for a kiss.

Klaus happily complied and kissed her back with all the passion in the world.

Rebekah squealed and took the painting away from the witch and stared in awe, Kol looked over her shoulder, "Impressive brother," his voice, made the couple pull away from each other.

"It's amazing Nik," the blonde original couldn't help but feel envious, but tried not to show it, "Oh wait there is an inscription."

Adrienne leaned over, to read it, feeling guilty that she didn't see it the first time, having been caught up with his talent, "my enigma," she recited.

Her words made Kol chuckle, causing Adrienne to smack him on the arm, knowing why he was so amused.

Klaus's bliss fell flat, "What's so funny?" he eyed them both, whilst Rebekah continued to stare at the painting.

Kol rolled his eyes and got up from the chair, "It's an inside joke, don't get your paint brushes in a twist."

His brother went to respond but Adrienne cut him off, "It's so beautiful Nik, truly," she pressed another kiss to his lips, making him smile down at her.

"I was only painting what I see," he cupped her face.

Kol and Rebekah pretended to gag, but their sounds were ignored, as the couple seemed too enticed and enamoured by the other.

Klaus couldn't recognise the look in the witch's eyes, but Rebekah could.

Hadeon staggered over to where they were sitting, drunkenly gawking at the painting as he looked over Rebekah's shoulder and turned to the hybrid, "Why didn't you paint me, Klaus?" he feigned offence, making Klaus roll his eyes, "us bastards have to stick together you know?"

Kol cackled as he returned with a small wrapped present that he held behind his back.

"Hadeon," Adrienne took the drink from her brother's hand. "Shut it will you?" she watched as he walked around the couch, struggling to keep his balance.

He shook his head, "Never," he fell against the couch and his head fell against Rebekah's lap, but fortunately, the original removed the painting and handed it over to Klaus, "oops."

"Oh, this reminds me," Kol cleared his throat dramatically and stared into Adrienne's eyes, "I have a gift for you also."

She raised her brows, "You do, why?"

Klaus glared at his brother, "Yes, why?" His angry tone fueled Kol's happiness.

They all watched as the manic original held out a small wrapped present to Adrienne, who cautiously accepted it,

Klaus continued to glare at Kol, while continued to stare at Adrienne, awaiting her reaction.

She gasped, eyes lighting up with excitement, as she realised he had gifted her a first edition Grimmes brother's book, "Kol how did you-"

"As I told you, I was close with Wilhelm and Jacob and I managed to acquire one of their books before they passed away," he informed her, pleased with her excitement.

"Thank you," she murmured. Her fingers traced over the delicate binding. She couldn't believe he even remembered their conversation, especially after it ended badly.

"I thought you'd prefer this over that old tattered copy," he added, with a teasing grin, making her playfully roll her eyes.

Klaus gritted his teeth and got up from the couch, Adrienne frowned and went to go follow him but he had already sped off.

"And you only got me perfume," Rebekah sulked, folding her arms.

"Do you want me to take it back?"

She sucked in a deep breath and childishly shook her head, "No."

"So where is my present Kol?" Hadeon asked, attempting to sit up, but failing badly.

"You wanted knives so I got you knives," Kol replied in a matter-of-fact tone, but he quickly realised that he was too drunk to remember.

"Oh yes," Hadeon nodded to himself and managed to get off the couch and sauntered over to his lover.

"Thank you again Kol," Adrienne shot him a smile, then went to go and find where Klaus disappeared to.

"You don't have to thank me, darling," he watched her retreating figure.

"Kol," Rebekah followed his gaze, "stop."

Kol turned to his sister, giving her a blank look, "I'm not doing anything Bekah," and with that he walked over to the dining table, ready to annoy Valerie again.

Rebekah sighed, "What an idiot."

─────── •✦• ───────

Adrienne found Klaus in his room, pacing back and forth, muttering things in his mother tongue.

She found it incredibly adorable. She had also learnt a few Norse phrases, Klaus was a very hands-on teacher, as was she, perhaps that was why they had learnt so quickly.

"Tell me what else is on your mind," her voice caused him to turn to her, she ended up in front of him, placing her hands on his face, pulling him closer.

He let out jagged breaths and blinked slowly, trying to calm himself.

Her touch was enough to soothe the most tortured souls. It was enough to make him fall for her all over again.

Klaus' lips parted slightly as his eyes; his bright ocean blue eyes burned into hers.

"If I do, it will prohibit you from speaking to me, so I'm holding my tongue."

"So cute," she cooed and a hint of a smile tugged at his lips.

"Don't," he pulled her hands away from his face and slipped them into his, "You will refrain from speaking to me for ten days."

She scrunched her face up in confusion, "Depends on what you will say."

He looked away again, softly dropping her hands, and she could see his hand muscles coiling and uncoiling into a fist. Klaus made no sound, but she could sense the turmoil inside him, feeling the screaming of emotions.

His eyes trailed over his room, her scent kept him grounded, as he did she. He had already hung up the painting in his room, opposite his kingsize bed, where the sun would reach as it rose. Adrienne followed his gaze and her heart fluttered once she did, she wanted to speak, but before she could, his snapped head snapped back towards her.

Then after half an eternity, he took a sharp breath.

"It's about Kol," he said quietly and she grabbed his trembling hands.

"Go on."

"And him healing you with his blood."

Adrienne suppressed the urge to roll her eyes, "Christ's sake." she muttered, wanting to drop his hands, but he had already pulled her in closer.

"Blood sharing is intimate," he exclaimed, glancing at the door, hoping his siblings weren't not listening in.

But fortunately, the classic jazz album that she had brought him was playing loudly downstairs, cheering and laughter were heard throughout the courtyard, and presumably, his family and their guests were dancing.

Adrienne stared at him in incredulity, "And I would know that because?"

"It's not you, it's him. He knew that" he huffed in frustration, "He only did it-"

"To make sure I didn't bleed out."

"It's not only just that," he shook his head frantically, "he wanted to get back at me."

She stepped back, staring out, not looking at anything in particular before she spun on her feet and turned away.

Klaus reached to grab her hand, panicked and full of regret, "Wait-"

"No," she swatted his hand away, "Don't do this. I almost died."

She couldn't believe she was even having this conversation, especially after the heartfelt one they had a few days prior.

Anger flashed through Klaus' eyes as he remembered her bloodied and battered appearance and that was the main reason he stayed up at night, fearing that she would be taken again.

"Don't you think I know that? And if I was there-"

"You would've given me your blood? Is that what this is about." Adrienne couldn't believe him, she threw her hands up, "Not that I was dying-"

"Don't put words in my mouth," he said sternly.

She cocked her head to the side, jaw clenching and palms sweaty, "Then what are you saying?"

"If he ever offers you his blood, refuse it," Klaus spoke as if it was obvious.

The blood was only part of the problem. He feared if it were to happen again, Adrienne would sooner lose interest in him because her affection for his younger brother seemed to be growing.

It wouldn't be the first time it would happen to him - fighting for a girl against a sibling - He just wanted to ensure that it wouldn't again.

But he neglected to see that she only saw Kol as a friend.

"Unbelievable," she scoffed, "So not even if I'm dying?"

"That's a little extreme sweetheart."

"You're being ridiculous."

"This is why I didn't want to say anything," Klaus didn't intend to deflate her joyous mood, but he just wanted to be honest or his feelings would stew and boil over.

And he knew the reason for his inner turmoil was downstairs, presumably grinning from ear to ear.

"You shouldn't have," Adrienne agreed, "Because what I'm hearing is that you would rather me die than be saved by anyone who is offering me their blood. Because you don't like it."

"It's intimate," He stressed, tugging at his curls and pacing around his room.

She stared at him, annoyed. Wishing that she had just stayed downstairs, she didn't want to just leave him, "And I would be dying."

"Hypothetically dying."

"Like that matters." Adrienne paused, "You know what? I'm going downstairs."

Just before she walked away, he sped in front of her, "You aren't going to speak to me for ten days are you?"

She could hear his vulnerability shine through his gravelly voice.

She exhaled sharply, "Maybe longer." she murmured, and he frowned at her stubbornness.

"You don't have to do that Ria," he cupped her face, she couldn't find it in her to pull away from his touch and unintentionally leaned into it, despite feeling very frustrated.

Adrienne understood where he was coming from, but she couldn't help but feel like he was prioritising his pride over her life.

She pondered for a moment, before responding, "Beg."

His eyes widened and stared at her in shock, "what?"

"If you don't want a ten-day hiatus then-"

It was her turn to be shocked, her breath hitched when he lowered onto his knees, his eyes burned into hers as he grabbed her hands, pressing a kiss on each one.

"Please," he spoke, not holding onto any pride or dignity, but only the love that he deeply felt for her.

His Witch.

His Queen.

His Ria.

Everyone that knew Niklaus Mikaleson begged for no one.

But that wasn't the truth, he begged for no one but her.

"I didn't think you would do it," she laughed quietly, still in shock. She wished she could capture the moment, but she wanted to stay in it for all eternity.

"Only for you," he confessed, his famous grin making its way across his face.

"Better be."

─────── •✦• ───────

Mira cautiously approached the Lumière patriarch as he stood out by the front of the house, smoking a skinny cigarette, with a sullen expression on his face. He stared out into the distance, watching as the snow fell onto the ground, dancing down along away.

She tugged on her wrap, feeling cold weather kiss her skin, "Mr Lumière-"

"We live together Mira, you can call me Erebus," smoke passed his lips as he spoke.

Mira had gotten used to people smoking around her. She wasn't a fan of it, although she didn't feel like she could voice her opinion considering she liked to drink. Both poisoned the body in her eyes, just in various ways.

She nodded slowly, "Mr- I mean Erebus," she quickly corrected herself, "are you alright?"

She had noticed how distant he was recently, much more than usual. But she was scared to overstep a boundary, especially because she had been staying at his home.

He sighed deeply, not tearing his eyes away from the frosty horizon, "I'm doing my best." he admitted and took another drag.

Truthfully he didn't want to be there, surrounded by the festivities or even by his children. He wanted to be alone.

Mira softly rested her hand on his shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze, "I'm sorry for your lost."

"I wish everyone felt the same way."

She stared at him and attempted to comprehend his words, "What do you mean by that?"

"Don't worry," he waved her off, offering her a brief yet tired smile.

"Are you sure you don't need anything?"

"I'm sure, go back and dance."

Mira nodded slowly, shooting him a genuine smile before she turned away, opened the front door, and walked past the vampires who stood guarding the property, offering them a smile as well.

Erebus continued to smoke, then glanced back, seeing his children playfully fight each other before Valerie joined in.

He kept staring at his children, still suspicious about what he had overheard a few nights ago. He was unsure whether or not his intoxicated state had been playing tricks on him or if what he heard was true.

He hoped it wasn't.

─────── •✦• ───────

As Adrienne and Hadeon continued to play fight with each other, with Valerie keeping score, Kol stood watching, leaning against a pillar, with a drink in his hand.

Elijah took Clementine on a tour of the grounds, having realised he hadn't before. Mira danced with Rebekah, swaying side to side, humming soft tunes.

Kol rolled his eyes the moment he felt Klaus appear at his side.

"Longing after something you can't have brother?" the older brother taunted, whispering in his ear, "Wouldn't be the first time, you know with you losing your magic and all."

Kol painfully gripped onto his glass, causing little shards to scrape his palm. He turned to him with a smirk, "You're imagining things Niklaus," he briefly glanced at the fighting queen, "but if I wanted that little devil in my bed I'm sure she wouldn't refuse," he shrugged and was suddenly pushed back, rendering his glass to drop, shattering across the floor, gaining only their sister's attention.

"You say one more word about her and you-"

"It's funny you never get this riled up when she has her little book club with 'Lijah," Kol added and watched as various emotions flashed through the hybrid blue eyes.

"That's harmless." Klaus's tone sounded certain, although he couldn't help but speculate his brother's words.

Kol snorted, "You sure about that?

"Watch your tone Kol, or I'll-"

"You'll what? Dagger me, oh Nik," Kol chuckled darkly, "Adrienne wouldn't like that, she likes me too much and if you do, do you think she'll forgive you, because we both know she won't, after all, Rebekah told me how hard it was to get her to like you," he exaggerated.

Klaus slammed his brother into the pillar, causing it to crack and Kol to laugh.

Elijah was quick to speed over, after returning from the tour and settling Clementine on the ground, he went to pull his siblings apart, only to be stopped by Adrienne, as she magically beat him to it.

Her eyes returned to their natural eye colour before she spoke, "Can we just have one day without any fighting?"

"It's becoming quite tiresome. Besides it's time we prepare for the bonfire," Rebekah exclaimed excitedly. Mira matched her enthusiasm, despite not knowing what she was referring to.

Erebus strolled back in just in time.

"Not this nonsense," Klaus murmured and made his way over to Adrienne, who seemed confused by what they were referring to, as did the rest of the witches.

Elijah motioned for one of the waiters to clean up the mess his brothers caused.

"It's my favourite part about Christmas," Kol informed them, with a giddy smile.

"And that's a clear argument for us not to do it," Klaus muttered, hiding his face into the crook of Adrienne's neck.

Rebekah scoffed, "Don't be a scrooge Nik."

"Yeah don't be a scrooge Klaus." Valerie taunted him, furthering Kol's amusement. Hadeon seemed too drunk to add his two cents.

Then they all turned to the witch queen, with pleading expressions, some more than others.

Adrienne sighed, "For me." she said softly, making Klaus groan and slowly glance up at everyone's amused faces, as they knew that he couldn't say no to her.

He tossed his head back in annoyance, "Fine, but I won't enjoy any part of this."

They all cheered excitedly, Elijah and Rebekah went to tell the staff to set up the tradition.

─────── •✦• ───────

"So what do we do?" Adrienne asked, holding onto her piece of paper, whilst leaning against Klaus's chest. His arms were wrapped around her waist.

Mira and Hadeon were doing the same despite their drunken states.

Everyone stood in front of the roaring bonfire, which replaced the long table. The lively fire danced along to its crackling beat.

Kol was practically bouncing on his heels, in anticipation, startling them all, except his siblings, "Write down a wish and throw it in the fire."

"Isn't that a bit mundane for you?" Erebus questioned, not wanting to insult them... for once.

Rebekah leaned her head against Elijah's shoulder, "It's a tradition from when we were children," she informed.

Their human days were long behind them, but it was the little things that kept those memories alive.

Elijah nodded with a bittersweet smile, "We always try to continue it, no matter where we are."

Kol hummed, "But with Niklaus daggerin-"

"I feel like we should take a shot every time one of you guys says the word 'daggered'," Valerie stated, with an eye roll.

"We would pass out Val," Clementine teased the siblings, who seemed offended, unaware of how often they truly mentioned the word.

Klaus cracked a smile, then started down at his witch, "Just one wish?" Adrienne asked.

"Only one," Elijah replied as his eyes trailed over to the Griffith witch, who flushed under his gaze.

The only person to catch their interaction was Valerie and she struggled to hold back her laughter.

"But why?" Adrienne whined.

"Those are the rules."

Rebekah nodded, although she wished she could write more, "It's tradition."

"A bad tradition," Klaus muttered.

"Can we just get on with it?" Hadeon and Kol both complained, but they were ignored.

"Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people," Valerie commented and Klaus hesitantly pointed to her in agreement.

Clementine narrowed her eyes as she looked around, "They are dead people Val," she nodded to the Originals.

"True."

"Why does the fire sound so loud?" Mira drunkenly thought aloud.

Kol snorted, then shot a look at Adrienne, "Just like Adrienne last we-"

"Shut up Kol," Klaus growled at his brother, who continued to laugh.

Elijah sighed, now wanting to wish that he was anywhere else. Rebekah drunkenly giggled.
Erebus shot the original a look of disgust, while Adrienne's face heated up in embarrassment. Valerie and Clementine were not shocked but they did want to question their friend about the details. Hadeon huffed in annoyance, not caring about Kol's comment, he just wanted to burn something.

"Alright, you've had a laugh, now you can all shut up now." Klaus glared at his youngest siblings, his eyes lingered Kol, who was initially laughing, but oddly seemed irritated.

"I feel like we should start writing our wishes," Erebus exclaimed tiredly, his son pointing to him in agreement.

"I feel like Kol and Valerie should move closer to the fire," Klaus muttered, although everyone could hear him.

Adrienne elbowed him in the stomach, causing him to grunt.

Valerie laughed bitterly, "And I feel like you should be put on a leash." she snapped, and Kol chuckled.

"Maybe you should be fed to the wolves in the bayou."

"And maybe you should keep quiet Santa Klaus," Valerie sassed, resulting in laughter across the room and a mean look from the hybrid.

Elijah raised his hand to silence them all apart from Erebus, "Children."

Finally, the writing of wishes commenced.

Kol had written, 'i hope my bastard brother chokes on his daggers.'

Whilst Rebekah desired, 'i wish marcel returns from the war soon regardless of how greatly he has hurt me'

Erebus had written something similar, 'i wish for my wife to return to me.'

Adrienne had contrasted her father's, 'i wish for a great new year.' Elijah and Clementine matched hers as well.

And although Klaus had started writing something pessimistic, he had quickly changed his mind, 'i wish for a great future with my Adrienne'

Hadeon and Mira had written something nearly identical to each other, 'i wish to marry the love of my life.'

Valerie nudged Kol, quickly showing him her wish, he laughed once he realised that they had written the same thing.

They all folded up their papers and tossed them into the fire, leaving their future in the hands of the contained inferno.

─────── •✦• ───────

"Thank you for my gift, Elijah," Clementine said with a warm smile as she and the nobleman stood in the kitchen which was now empty due to the staff heading home to spend some time with their families.

Fortunately for them, it was only nine o'clock, so they still had time.

Elijah shook his head, nearing closer to the witch, "You needn't thank me."

"So you just have pearls lying around the compound?" she asked, referencing the present he gave her an hour ago, whilst they were strolling through his home.

When she received the gift she almost wanted to return it, feeling guilty that he had given her something so expensive, to begin with.

"I don't but I do occasionally trip over the ones my sister owns," he joked, making her helplessly blush at their proximity.

"I should have brought you something."

"Bringing thirty pastries from your store is certainly enough."

"O-okay." she nodded, butterflies taking flight in her stomach as she realised that his eyes didn't leave her face, "what?" she quietly asked.

He was enticed by Clementine, "Forgive me, I just can't help but stare at your beauty."

Her eyes widened "Really?"

He nodded as an adoring smile made its way across his face, "I wouldn't lie to you Clementine," her name rolled over his tongue smoothly, causing her heartbeat to increase significantly.

In the distance, he heard Kol and Valerie argue, but all he could focus on was the witch in front of him.

Elijah couldn't help but realise that Clementine shared similarities with his past lover Celeste. Both are strong women, witches with warm hearts, but are cutthroat when the time permits it. Although Celeste met an untimely death indirectly at the hands of his bastard brother, Elijah blamed himself for her tragic death.

Clementine nodded, "Good."

"Good."

As they stood toe to toe, Elijah gently stroked her cheek, then glanced up, realising he had successfully guided her under one of the many hanging mistletoe plants in his home.

"You did that on purpose Mr Mikaleson," she raised her brow questioningly, feeling her chest rise and fall at a rapid pace.

"Perhaps I did," his smirk contorted into a grin, "what do you suppose we do?"

"What it's intended for," she stated boldly.

He cupped her face instantly and went to lean down, but they were interrupted by a certain blonde vampire.

"'Lijah, Clem we need to take pictures."

The pair sighed annoyedly, resting their foreheads against each other, "to be continued?" she whispered.

"I am nowhere near done with you, Ms Griffith."

"I'm going to hold you to that."

"You have my word."

─────── •✦• ───────

After her family and witches went home, Adrienne decided to stay.

Klaus couldn't seem to keep his hands off of her, he wanted to kiss every inch of her body for the rest of the night.

So they resided in his room, where she placed a silencing spell, the door was locked and her back was pressed against it as his hands wandered from her waist to her behind.

"You know I have another present for you," she muttered, pulling away from the kiss they were caught up in.

He stared down at her, "Oh rea-" he cut himself off as she started to undress, pulling her dress off and letting it fall to the floor, revealing a red-coloured undergarment set, causing Klaus's jaw to drop.

"Penny through your thoughts?" she cocked her to the side.

He shifted uncomfortably as his trousers became increasingly tight, "My thoughts are indecent."

"How indecent?" she inquired seductively, trailing her hand up and down his chest.

Klaus groaned, eyes darkening with lust, his hands roamed all over her body and his fingers toyed with the lace.

"Ria, sweetheart, you must not want me to behave."

Adrienne shook her head, pouting slightly, "You're right I don't want that," she whispered as she grabbed the back of his neck, "I want you."

"And who am I to deny your request."

He pulled the witch up from the ground, wrapping her legs around his waist as he trailed kisses down her throat before finally connecting their lips.

Adrienne wrapped her arms around his neck and before she knew it, Klaus sped towards his king-sized bed and gently laid her out on the luxurious, white Egyptian cotton sheets before crawling on top of her and continuing to kiss with the hunger and desire he had always held for her.

He had to control his primitive and animalistic lust, scared that he could break her if he wasn't careful. His inner beast tried persuading him to claim and mark her, but he couldn't, she wasn't ready for that in his eyes.

He had been with many women throughout his life and none compared to Adrienne.

Their tongues tangled and when his hand slipped between her thighs and gently caressed her soft skin, it made her completely lose herself to her senses.

Neither wanted it to end.

Adrienne's hands ran down his sides and gripped the hem of his shirt, pulling it up. "Off," she instructed, wanting to see all of him.

She could feel him smirk against her lips before pulling away just long enough to pull both his shirt and undershirt over his head.

Adrienne's hands went straight to his chest and explored the rest of his bare torso, enjoying each time he tensed when her hands would touch a sensitive spot. Klaus let her fingers wander over the birds that crowded around his shoulders. If she were of sound mind she would've asked the inspiration around the tattoo, but she wasn't, her desires were in control, as were his.

He unclipped her brassiere, throwing it across the room, leaving her chest bare.

Klaus leaned down to kiss the top of her breasts and Adrienne felt the pleasure shoot through her, causing her arousal to grow. His lips moved and his mouth enclosed her nipple, while his hand palmed the other. Her back arched against his chest as he switched and groaned around her, the vibration set more shocks to her core.

She moaned when his tongue ran down her sternum. The Original pushed her back down onto the bed to kiss lower on her stomach.

Adrienne nearly lost it when he licked just above the waistband of her silk knickers, "Stop teasing and take them off."

"With pleasure."

He ripped them off, she gasped at the feeling. He tossed them over his shoulder, not caring about where they landed, but seemed to moan at her glistening thighs.

Adrienne's heart was beating erratically and her breath was coming out in short pants as she looked down at Klaus whose head was between her legs. His eyes stared into hers as he waited for her to answer him. Adrienne nodded her head. "Please," she begged.

The Original gripped onto her thighs, pulling them apart. She gasped loudly when his tongue swirled around her throbbing clit as his fingers parted her folds.

"Nik," she panted, her hand gripping onto his dirty blond curls, "Don't stop," she breathed and felt herself beginning to grind against his face as she felt the pleasure building in the pit of her stomach. "More," she demanded breathlessly.

Before she could say anything else, his finger replaced his tongue as he pushed it inside of her, curving upward to hit her sweet spot with every pump of his hand. She moaned as Klaus continued his actions. He removed his finger from her, and then pushed two of them inside of her at a fast pace without warning. Her hips bucked and she whimpered.

Adrienne could feel Klaus smirk against her, his tongue kept circling her clit. She could feel the pleasure building intensely.

"Oh god!" she cried out as she neared her high. she let out another loud moan when she felt Klaus's hand slide under her backside and lift her hips off the bed, allowing his fingers to thrust deeper. It didn't take long for Adrienne to fall over the edge, she came hard with a silent scream and Klaus drank it all up with a satisfied moan.

He lapped up the rest, even suckling his fingers before sliding back up their body and kissing her deeply, pushing his tongue into her mouth, allowing her to marvel at her taste just like he did. "Are you sure?" he asked her softly and pushed some hair out of her face, wiping the stray tear that escaped her eye.

She gasped softly as she felt his necklace between her breasts, unintentionally tracing her smooth skin.

"I'm sure."

"I'll go slow," he whispered as he settled between her legs. Klaus had shed his clothes long ago and pressed the head of his erection against her. "Are you sure, Ria?" he repeated, she wrapped her legs around his waist and snaked her arms around his neck.

"Please," she mumbled and with one quick thrust, he was inside of her. Adrienne bit down on Klaus' neck to stop herself from screaming out in pain as he broke through her virginity.

She couldn't breathe, she could barely think, all she could feel was him, every inch, stretching, filling and changing her as he pushed inside.

Between her tightness and her biting, Klaus was finding it incredibly hard to keep from moving as he allowed her time to adjust to him. "I need to move, beautiful," he said to her, no longer able to contain himself.

He started with shallow, gentle thrusts until he felt her responding, hips lifting into his as she begged for more friction between them. Adrienne dug her nails into his back as he drove deeper and harder.

I love you, he muttered in his mother tongue. Her pain melted into pleasure, she threw her head back into the pillow in ecstasy when he pulled out and pushed back in all the way.

"Harder," she groaned as her nails scratched down his back, leaving red marks, that healed in seconds. "Nik," she nearly screamed out when he followed her wishes and thrust harder.

Klaus sat up and brought Adrienne with him, the new angle allowing him to go deeper. One of his hands went to wrap around her back while the other went between her legs and rubbed her clit. She found herself reaching her high once more. He watched her in a repeated state of awe, their eyes never breaking away from each other.

They were bound to each other, in mind, body and soul.

"So beautiful. You feel so good around me," he breathed out and kissed her passionately. He could feel her quivering around him and knew that she was close. Klaus' eyes change and his fangs descended, "May I?"

"Yes," he had moved her unruly hair off of her right shoulder and brought his lips down her skin, he sunk his fangs into her flesh, marvelling at the scream that left her lips.

Klaus groaned as he took a few mouthfuls of her sweet blood. I want more. But he had to pull away. He laid her down and continued his loving yet rough movements.

He grabbed her hands and interlocked their fingers as his strokes went faster.

There was love and passion in this primal act. They simply drowned in each other, moaning through unspeakable pleasure, losing themselves in a red fog of lust.

─────── •✦• ───────

Klaus kept staring down at Adrienne. Her bare body may have been on the show, but her face was what his eyes couldn't leave.

"What?" Her voice snapped her out of his trance. He smiled and shook his head, "What are you thinking about?" She sat up when he didn't respond, an ache ran through her body, and she pulled up the sheet, covering her modesty as turned to him, "tell me."

"You."

"What?"

"I'm thinking about you." He repeated.

She tried to fight off a smile but it eventually spread across her face. Calm down, she told herself.

She bashfully covered her face with her hands, "Really?"

"You don't have to be embarrassed, your smile, it's beautiful, never conceal it from me," he pulled her hands away.

"Stop saying the right thing."

"So you want me to say the wrong thing?"

"No," she exhaled deeply, as she slowly look up, noticing that his eyes didn't leave her, "I guess I'm just..."

"What?" He pressed on and sat up.

"Happy." She mumbled, watching as his eyes glistened with something she couldn't decipher, "Say something."

"I-I..." he cleared his throat, "I'm happy." She narrowed her eyes at him, feeling like he didn't sound too genuine, "honestly," he picked her up and settled her on his lap, over his clothed hardened state.

She felt sore after their passionate moment that their shared... many times, which caused her to black out for a while before she regained consciousness.

"Liar."

"I'm not lying," he pressed a kiss to her collarbone, "I would never lie to you," his lips moved to her neck, making her let out a sigh.

She shuddered when he sucked on her skin, "you lied about taking me to France."

She giggled when he rolled his eyes, smirking when he noticed the mark on her neck. He left all over her body.

"I'll take you there," he said and she nodded mockingly, "I'm happy Ria," he picked up her hand and pressed it then his lips, then he placed it over his beating heart, that spiked at her touch, "you've done this to me."

"I make you happy?"

He stared at her in disbelief, "You make me happy," His eyes bore into hers as he spoke, "I'm utterly devoted to you."

She winked, "the feeling is mutual handsome, at least until hell freezes over."

He chuckled, "alright, so be it, dedicated and devoted until hell freezes over."

─────── •✦• ───────

Monday, December 26th, 1917:

Today was boxing day and Hadeon had a raging hangover. Most of the food he had eaten last night had been thrown up, and the alcohol he had ingested was still swimming around in his stomach.

And to make matters worse, his sister was still at the Mikealsons, whilst his lover had started her shift at The Saints, leaving him to deal with his aching body alone.

He pulled open one of the cupboards, grabbed the shredded wheat cereal and a bowl, and then pulled out a bottle of cold milk from the small refrigerator they owned. He rarely ate cereal, but he found it was one of the few things to help him cope with a hangover, and Mira always seemed to buy it and he didn't want it to go to waste.

Hadeon suppressed a groan when he heard someone swing open the kitchen door as he had already started eating on the small kitchen island.

He hated when someone came into a room that he was already in, especially when he wanted to be alone.

Erebus trudged over with a sceptical expression, one that Hadeon noticed but ignored and continued to eat his cereal.

"Hadeon."

"Dad."

They stared at each other, one in boredom and the other in apprehensiveness.

Erebus cleared his throat and stood on the other side of the island, eyeing his son, taking note of the bags that dropped under his eyes, "I need to ask you something."

His son held back an eye roll, "Go ahead."

Erebus clasped his hands together and leaned on his elbows, "Well it's not a question, I just happened to misplace the broach Keyara used to wear," he caught his son tense at the mention of his recently deceased wife.

Kill me now, Hadeon thought, "When was the last time you had it?" he asked before he scooped up his cereal.

"A few nights ago." Erebus lied, watching his son intently, scanning his face for any deceit.

"Really?"

Hadeon tried to act more disinterested than panicked. He was glad that Adrienne wasn't around, knowing that she would probably seem uneasy about the subject.

Not like he could blame her, especially if he had a mother like Keyara.

"Yes."

Hadeon nodded slowly, "Oh, that's odd." he commented and swallowed another spoonful of his shredded wheat. Should've put sugar on this, he thought.

"How so?"

"Because I thought the witch hunters destroyed it." Hadeon said as he shrugged, recalling what his sister had told him.

The broach was still securely in his sock drawer, the same drawer that only he and Adrienne could access.

"It's indestructible," Erebus replied as calmly as he could.

"Great."

Erebus shook his head, "And Nekane said none of his men touched Keyara."

Hadeon narrowed his eyes at his father, angry at the mention of the terrible man's name, "Are you really going to trust the word of a man that hurt your daughter?" he asked sounding rightfully angry.

Erebus exhaled deeply, trying to suppress his rage about the state that Adrienne was in only a few days ago. He couldn't bear to think about it again.

"Men find it hard to lie before they succumb to death."

Hadeon cracked his fingers and eat another spoonful, before muttering his next words, "And what a righteous death it was."

He felt the ghost of the knife in his hands, the same knife that he plunged into the witch hunter's heart.

It bought him such joy and sadness. Joy because the witches' nightmare was over. Both the wolf and human faction of the council thanked his family for their success, however, a few members of the french quarter coven stayed silent on the matter.

Cindy Hughs was one of them, but he couldn't necessarily blame her, since her wretched sister died at the hands of his own.

"Yes, it was." Erebus paused, "but I can't help but find truth in his words."

Hadeon stared at him with a blank expression, trying to not let his nerves get to him, "Well that's your experience."

"And what's yours?" Erebus leaned closer, his voice lowered in tone, making his son uncomfortable, "when was the last time you saw Keyera?"

"The last time I saw her?"

"Yes."

Hadeon ran his tongue over the inside of his cheek, "Was the time I saw her last," he shrugged, then jumped when his father slammed his hand down on the surface.

"Don't mess me around boy." Erebus pointed at him, with a harsh look.

"A few days before she died." Hadeon gritted out then moved his bowl to the side.

"Any clue what she was wearing?" his father pressed on, desperation and sorrow lacing his tone.

Hadeon huffed, and shifted slightly after seeing the pain flash through his father's eyes, "I barely remember yesterday." he murmured.

Erebus sighed deeply, "Hadeon."

"What?"

Hadeon was struggling to keep his composure, the guilt mixed with his hangover and made
feel conflicted, despite doing what was right.

"Think," Erebus demanded, not a fan of his son's tone.

"Why?"

"Because I need you to think."

Hadeon huffed out a bitter laugh, "No."

Erebus stared at his son in disbelief, gradually starting to believe what he had overheard a few nights ago wasn't just a fragment of his imagination, but he wanted to believe best in his son, he needed to.

"Why?"

"Because what is dead, stays dead." Hadeon's eyes burned into his father's as he said his cruel yet honest words, "She is gone, she is dead, leave it alone and move on."

Erebus staggered back, his hand went to his chest, feeling his heart break all over again, "How can you be so cruel?"

"I'm only being like the woman who raised me," Hadeon hissed, instantly regretting his words once he saw the tears pool in his father's eyes, realising he might've gone too far.

Erebus shakily coiled his fist and pointed it towards him, "Don't speak badly about your mothe-"

"She is not my mother," his son raised his voice.

"She raised you like you were her own."

Erebus couldn't believe what he was hearing, not only was his child disrespecting his stepmother, but the woman who chose to raise him, despite not needing to.

Hadeon's chest heaved rapidly, "Only because you neglected to tell me who my real mother is," he snapped, stunning his father, who felt guilt seep through his veins, "Are you going to tell me that?"

"Keyara raised you," Erebus repeated quietly, bowing his head at the mention of his son's birth mother.

He knew it was wrong to keep Hadeon from her... but he believed it was the best thing to do.

He still does.

Hadeon scoffed, "She was not my mother."

"What was she wearing when you saw her last?!" Erebus suddenly yelled, making his son inch backwards.

"I don't know."

"What was she wearing when you saw her last?" he yelled again.

"I don't know!"

"Tell me!"

"That stupid red broach!" Hadeon blurted out before he was pushed up against the wall.

Erebus's lips parted in shock, quivering as they did so, he couldn't believe what he had just heard, "How would you know that if you didn't see her the night she died."

Hadeon snapped his eyes shut, "I mean-I think she was wearing something else," he stammered, then was shoved into the wall again, wincing upon impact.

His father had never been so aggressive, apart from the occasional beating whenever he misbehaved when he was younger but that was where it stopped... until now evidently.

"Don't lie to me," Erebus threatened darkly as tears flowed down his face.

"She used to wear a lot of things, you expect me to remember everything?"

"Don't lie to me," Erebus slammed his hand down next to his son's face, scaring him.

"I'm not," Hadeon whispered, only to be pushed again.

"I'm going to ask you a question and I swear to Hecate if you lie I will banish you from this family."

"Dad," Hadeon pleaded, shaking his head, his voice was shaky, sounding like a little boy.

Erebus clenched his fists, before asking the dreaded question, "Hadeon Julian Lumière, did you murder my wife?"

└─────── •✦• ───────┘

a/n:

that cliffhanger though...

anyways, I didn't even realise how many interactions I had in this chapter. christmas has always been the best or the worst for me.  any questions or comments?

also, only one of their wishes comes true, any guesses as to who's? the things I've planned for act 2... yikes.

all my oc's make me feel very single and I hate myself for writing them. any new ships you like, or characters you would want to see?

any predictions for act 2?

not the bbc trying to make colonialism as a good thing.

next chapter will the last for this act.

scared or excited?