The centerpiece of the ballroom was a magnificent crystal chandelier suspended from the high ceiling, twinkling and casting a dazzling reflection on the polished marble floor. The chandelier sparkled with a thousand tiny crystals, illuminating the room and creating an enchanting ambiance.

The ballroom had been transformed completely for the Gala in just one day. The floor, freshly washed and glistening under the golden light that flared off of the crystals of the Chandelier. Omegas remained by the door, and around the room, at a particular distance tending to the guests who had started arriving one after another.

Champagne flutes were set on the trays, held by gloved hands and were passed around for anyone who wished to enjoy a glass for themselves.

The dresses, women wore were tight around the waist sewn by the best of cloths ever found. Their hands were covered in elbow long gloves made from satin. Diamond embedded the necklaces, all a show to flaunt the riches of the men in their lives─those whom they accompanied. Because they said so, or as a way to attend one of the most prestigious events of the year.

By the large gate of the community, Paparazzi swarmed to take pictures of everyone who arrived for the 'invite-only' event. A man was asked to stand by the door to check the invite by the door of the mansion, to avoid letting in someone who needn't be at the party.

The mansion, the part of it farthest away from the ball was abuzz with frantic last minute preparations for the Gala. Dressed in adoring gowns, Amara and Maeve hastened around the room, going through the list of things done and needed to be done.

"I thought you were prepared!" yelled Maeve frantically while she helped Lolita put up the alcohol bottles in boxes which would be taken──discreetly into the ballroom for the bar table. Penelope and Ben skimmed through the invite list seeing who had already arrived and who were yet to come.

"Clearly I wasn't." Amara shouted back, on the verge of breaking something if not her relatively calm self.

Another half an hour of screaming, scolding and finally simmering down, Amara and Maeve decided it was alright for them to make way to the main event. Maeve walked through the long hallway and to the foyer part of the mansion. Her breath hitched first, before he heart sped up, rapidly beating against her chest. Blood rushed to her cheeks making her fiddle with her dress nervously.

Elijah stood in the foyer studying the painting that hung on the west wall, right next to the passageway that led to the ballroom. No matter how many times she had seen him dressed in a suit, he still somehow managed to take her breath away. He wore a black suit, custom tailored undoubtedly, with a white dress shirt. The grey suit just added more touch to his appearance.

Maeve sucked in a strong breath, releasing it through her mouth. Amara stepped closer to Maeve, placing her hands on Maeve's. "You picked a nice one." she whispered to Maeve.

"I did, didn't I?" Maeve smiled dreamily, her eyes never leaving Elijah.

Amara noticed the way her niece looked at Elijah. She smiled unconsciously, the gaze reminding him of the first time she met Gemma. The way her best friend looked at her brother, was exactly how Maeve watched Elijah. Perhaps that was why Amara knew something far more magical existed between the two.

Maeve was far too engrossed in staring at Elijah, who had now turned to catch her eyes to hear Amara tell her to come into the ballroom soon.

Maeve's gown was a vision of elegance and sophistication, accentuating her graceful figure. The bodice of the gown was crafted from rich black velvet, adorned with intricate lace detailing that delicately hugged her curves. It featured a sweetheart neckline, highlighting her décolletage and adding a touch of allure.

From the waist, the gown cascaded down in layers of flowing red chiffon, creating a dramatic and ethereal effect.

The chiffon fabric swirled and billowed with every step she took, lending an air of enchantment to her presence. The skirt of the gown was expertly tailored, with a slight train that trailed behind her, adding an extra touch of regality.

The gown was embellished with shimmering black sequins and intricate beadwork, glistening under the soft glow of the ballroom lights. The sequins formed intricate patterns, reminiscent of delicate vines and flowers, adding a touch of whimsy and romance. The beadwork, meticulously handcrafted, created a beautiful contrast against the deep red chiffon, creating a mesmerizing visual display.

Maeve took short steps toward Elijah and stood right before him. "You look beautiful." She complimented him with a blushing smile.

"You are gorgeous." he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. Maeve leaned in and placed a long kiss on his lips. Her hands rested on his shoulders, his hands travelling from her hands to her waist, just above where the skirt began.

Eyes closed both forgot the world around. Pulling away with a rough breath, "hi" both said at the same time.

"Shall we?" she asked him. Involuntarily Elijah's hand pressed down on hers. Maeve could feel the tension rise up like bile in his throat.

"I know you hate this...but,"

"In order for those men to understand that you are not going anywhere, you will have to stay in that room for a while. Yes, I know."

Maeve couldn't help but giggle in response, "you're adorable when you make that 'i hate everything here' face."

Elijah opened his mouth with a comment in mind but a call of his name stopped him.

"Elijah?" Ezekiel smiled at the attendees still in the foyer while he made his way over to him. "Can I speak with you?"

"Are we still on this?" asked Maeve blankly.

Ezekiel rolled his eyes before he gave her a significant look. "You are yet to be crowned Alpha and so am I but my story is very different. Elijah, please."

"He means well, Maeve. I'll be with you shortly."

Ezekiel offered a quick smile to Maeve, "not to sound misogynistic but if you are going to survive the night in that room without an ounce of blood on your hands, you need this man there. However much so ever I hate it. Mom's orders." Ezekiel didn't wait for Maeve to respond but kept walking back the way he came. Elijah gave one last look to Maeve and followed behind Ezekiel.

Maeve stayed there for a few minutes composing herself. Her thoughts were unfortunately interrupted by a loud booming voice. "Dora!" they yelled on top of their voice.

Maeve's head shot up when she recognised the voice. She turned her head to her left to see who it was. With dark brown curly hair and a very rock-ish style to the formal suit he wore, Diego Vanchure stood closer by the door with the widest grin.

Maeve's face lit up in a child-like amusement. "Diego!" She ran up to him, as fast as she could in her heels conscious of the fact that she could slip and fall. Diego wrapped his hands around her cheering in delight as he spun her around once. He settled her down on her feet making Maeve giggle in sheer amusement and excitement.

"You actually came!"

"A Kalon organised event? Of course I'd come!"

"I'm so glad you came!" Maeve cheered on merrily. "Where's Swiper?" she asked peering over Diego's shoulder to look at the open front door.

"He's back home. He's got the city to run." Diego said, "he wanted to be here, it's just that──" he hesitated to speak further. "The news of your crowning has reached NOLA and a lot of them are unhappy. Marcel is basically threatening them if they say or do anything against you."

Maeve's expression faltered, turning into anger. "I don't need men saving me." Diego began to panic when he saw Maeve's eyes flicker red with gold.

‘who do these men think they are? Protecting you. Like they don't know we can do it just fine by ourselves.’ maeve stayed silent outwardly, ignoring that voice inside her head.

‘oh come on, really? Let me through and I can help you. Help you show up to these stupid men.’ maeve's jaw tightened with she gritted her teeth to bite through the sudden stinging pain in her head.

"No...no Maeve, he's──he is...you know, uh──following through with your plan." Maeve drew a puzzled look, her anger dissolving slightly, "yeah, Ezekiel made a call really late last night to talk about this plan of yours. He's just putting the chips in place."

"Oh ok. Yeah that makes sense. I thought he ditched me." Diego chortled and swung his arm around her.

"Of course he wouldn't. Tell me, rumour has it you've got yourself a boyfriend." he said cheekily. Maeve giggled nervously, a blush appearing on her cheeks. If only Diego would have looked at him he would have seen, although a blush had crept up on her cheeks, her eyes told a very different story.

"Yeah...it's new but um, I like him a lot." said Maeve acted shy. Both began to stroll through the long hallway that led to the ballroom.

"What's his name? What's he do? Is he like one of you or us or human?"

"He is actually like you. First of it actually. Elijah. The original vampire." Diego stopped dead in the tracks gawking at Maeve's words.

"What?" She was surprised with his reaction.

"An Original? You're dating an original?"

"Why is everybody reacting to that like I just ate the forbidden fruit?" Maeve asked in her regular fashion.

"Because it is." Diego stopped her and physically turned to look at him. "You...the girl who called Marcel flirting with you, scandalous and laughed in his face. The girl who kicked a guy in the balls because he was harrassing another girl, a total stranger──not to mention, also who gagged when a romantic gesture happened on screen...is dating. I'm sorry but that is a little hard to digest." he confessed truthfully.

"Yeah, I did come off aromantic didn't I?"

"Oh no, not just aromantic but also the kind of woman who decided by herself that men are jackasses." Maeve rolled her eyes. She grabbed his hand and dragged him inside the ballroom. Maeve stepped inside the luxuriously decorated ballroom, her entrance commanding attention. As soon as she crossed the threshold, conversations ceased, and all eyes turned to her. The room fell into a hushed silence, captivated by her presence. Maeve's heart swelled with pride as she felt every gaze upon her. Her confidence radiated through her, and without hesitation, she strode forward, her head held high. Every step was deliberate, accentuating her dominant aura.

The sound of her heels clicking against the marble floor echoed through the room, further amplifying the attention she commanded. Her presence alone was enough to captivate the entire gathering, making it evident that she was in charge.

As she moved gracefully through the ballroom, her eyes surveyed the room, taking in every detail. The guests, once engrossed in their own conversations, now followed her every move, their focus solely on her. Whispers spread throughout the room as she passed by. All having the same thought, 'She is the Alpha'. Maeve snickered to herself, hiding it behind the glass of champagne she picked from the tray of a Omega who approached her just as she was well inside the room. She turned around, resting her right elbow on the edge of the bar table and raised her glass to them, maintaining a strong yet soft eye contact with everyone. She smiled lopsidedly, keeping up the act of grace. Conversation commenced again. 

Not long after Elijah entered the room, and quickly made his way to the bar, where Maeve stood. Maeve set her glass down and faced him. "So? Done talking to my brother, Dragon?"

Elijah chuckled and looked away before turning back to her again, "it was alright. Listen, Ezekiel mentioned the three──"

"Zucchinis." Maeve interrupted him with a smile,

"Yes, the Zucchinis, are planning on creating a scene here tonight." Elijah whispered. Maeve shifted on her feet, stepped closer to him. Elijah found himself leaning close as well. Maeve brought her lips to his ears to whisper with a low rasp, "I know."

Elijah looked at him, following her movements as she pulled herself away, "you have something cooking up──" he tapped his finger on her temple, "in here."

Maeve smiled slyly shrugging her shoulder proudly, "when is it not?"

Ezekiel clicked his glass with the heirloom ring he inherited from Kade. "May I have your attention, please." he announced drawing the attention of the crowd to him. Maeve pressed her hand on Elijah's and silently walked ahead of the crowd, to the middle of the dance floor where Ezekiel stood by himself addressing the attendees.

"Every year, on this day, you all accept our invite and join us in celebrating the day this empire was first established. Philippe Kalon began this venture, envisioning it the way it is today." He looked at his sister momentarily before resuming to address everyone, "I know you all have heard many rumours floating around about the Alpha position. Yes, it is true. Maeve and I, have decided──agreeing with our grandfather──we will be joining forces to be the Alphas of the Kalon.

"I am aware that many of you are not in favor of this decision──" Maeve interjected making Ezekiel sigh. "Wouldn't want me...a half Lycan woman──to be in charge."

Unbeknownst to anyone, Elijah who had his eyes set upon Maeve felt dread fill his gut. All because Maeve's expression faltered significantly, now coaxed with that same unfamiliar expression she often held in tense situations. Something they all believed to have passed away.

"Frankly, I only hope that you would accept this...accept me like you all have thus far accepted Alphas before me and my brother. If you can accept them, surely it wouldn't be difficult to accept the gender that gave birth to you."

Ezekiel raised his glass immediately stopping any more words from Maeve, "So please join me in raising a toast to my grandfather who is enjoying on the other side standing among us and also welcome Maeve into this world where she may expand the business and be the heiress she was meant to be since birth──just like me."

Everyone raised their glasses up collectively saying 'cheers'. Maeve took a sip of the champagne smiling proudly at her brother. "Yes! Queen bitch!" someone yelled from the crowd. Maeve's eyes sparkled before they went wide. She searched through the crowd to find the source. An involuntary laugh left her lips when she met the eyes of the person who yelled. Penelope and Lolita stood side by side with their glasses raised up with proud smiles beaming on their faces.

The crowd dispersed along the first notes of the Orchestral music that began, played by the hired musicians. Maeve awkwardly stood in her place, her eyes never having left Elijah's since she made her statement. Across the room their eyes met. Maeve felt like the couples that danced around her, in a pattern slowly melted into nothing and the only person in the room was Elijah. He set his empty glass of Champagne on the bar table and made his way through the crowd.

In a gentlemanly manner, he extended his hand for Maeve to take, "may I have this dance?" he asked her politely. Maeve smiled with a blush placing her right hand into his. The glass from her hand was snatched away by someone but Maeve didn't care to even look to see who it was. She was far too awestruck with Elijah and hazy inside her own brain.

As the soft, melodic strains of a Dean Martin song filled the grand ballroom, Elijah and Maeve found themselves entwined in each other's arms. The orchestra played with a gentle rhythm, setting the perfect ambiance for their dance.

Maeve's delicate hand rested on Elijah's shoulder, while his strong arm securely encircled her waist. The room seemed to fade away as they swayed in perfect harmony, their bodies moving as one. The elegant movements of their feet glided effortlessly across the polished marble floor, creating an enchanting spectacle for those around them.

Elijah's gaze never wavered from Maeve, his eyes filled with adoration. Her radiant smile illuminated the room, capturing the attention of every guest. They were lost in their own world, a world where all that mattered was the love they shared. As they twirled and turned, their bodies moved effortlessly in sync with the music. Time seemed to stand still as they danced, their bodies swaying to the rhythm of their hearts. Their movements were graceful and fluid, a ballet of love and desire. In that moment, nothing else existed except for the two of them, wrapped in each other's embrace.

As the song came to a close, the room erupted into applause, acknowledging the beauty and passion of their dance. Elijah and Maeve, still locked in each other's arms, shared a tender kiss, utterly lost in themselves and that moment. Both stayed in the place for a few more seconds before Maeve broke the silence, "another drink?" she asked. Elijah, still holding her hand, led her away from the dance floor and the onlooking lustful and disgusted eyes of men, to a singular corner table. Maeve plopped down on the chair, her dress puffing up around due to the stiffness of the fabric. Elijah grabbed two glasses of champagne from the tray of a passing by waiter and offered one glass to Maeve. She took the glass and clicked it with his.

"You know what this reminds me of?" she asked him, "The Mikaelson Ball."

"Is that what you're calling that?"

"It is much better than 'the ball where you mother plotted to murder you', so yes, The Mikaelson Ball is a better choice." Both shared a short lived laugh. Their eyes trailed away to the dance floor, the reluctant women who danced with their boyfriends, fiance, or their husbands as well as the laughing and whispering other members of the crowd who decided against dancing.

"Ms Kalon?" a strong deep voice called. Maeve craned her neck up, tilting it slightly but scowled inwardly when she saw who was calling for her. Vittori stood there with a smug grin, piercing gaze and with a strong hold on his wife's arm. "May I introduce you to my wife, Carolina?" he asked with a voice dripping with arrogance. Maeve stood up to her feet with a forced smile, that matched Carolina's. 

"I did see her yesterday but you were far too busy in critiquing me to notice." she asserted calmly. Elijah stood up from the chair, right behind Maeve, his eyes on Vittori. The Italian Alpha only met his eyes for a few split seconds before he diverted back to Maeve.

"What a shame. Did you know she would be taking over my pack as well?" He said sounding arrogant and cocky. Carolina looked at her husband with a disgusted face before she rolled her eyes. "Yes, after seeing what is happening in your pack, I figured I'd let Carolina run the politics of the Pack. What do you say Mi Caro?" he chastised his wife.

‘let's show them who we are.’

‘come on, let me give him a peace of my mind.’

Maeve chuckled along Vittori's quiet laugh. "I mean, it is──all about emotions and care, judgement day is yet to come after all." He laughed condescendingly drawing the attention of a few who stood nearby.

Carolina tugged at the sleeve of Vittori's suit whispering something in his ear. Whatever she said, only made him scoff and glare at her, "emotions, Mi Caro, empathy is what you do best, we need that to nurse our people."

"Rightly said." said Santorini raising his glass like a toast as he sauntered over to them with Zucco right behind him.

Maeve looked over her shoulder to catch Elijah's attention, "look at that, the other two heads of Cerberus have arrived." she mumbled before composing herself.

"Women are far too caring, emotional to make rational and logical decisions. But you said it right. I mean, if a half Lycan can think she can lead a pack──not the mention the largest of us all, certainly sweet Caroline can do it as well."

Vittori raised his voice deliberately to gather the attention of the crowd. "I think she might need some help, you see Carolina isn't a witch. She is an average Lycan like the rest of us."

"So she isn't a threat." Zucco said watching Vittori's tone. "Come on, Vitto, Carolina is a Lycan──Luna at that, she isn't going to harm your pack. She doesn't have witchcraft needed to do that. You're safe." Zucco winked at Vittori.

Maeve licked her lips controlling anger. A switch went off in her head making her submit to a voice inside her head,

‘show him what you are’

‘take care of them’

Maeve crossed her arms and looked at Vittori, "It is a wise decision actually, to give Carolina to administer the pack──I mean, considering your drowning business demands your entire attention." she told them.

Vittori's smile faded away, now replaced with anger. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Tell me gentleman." Maeve addressed the three Italian men, "how are your companies doing?"

Color left their faces as soon as she asked the question. "How are they doing on the stock market? Any new investments? Or assets? Perhaps new profits?" silence fell over them.

Elijah took a step to stand right next to Maeve. He sensed a deja vu building when Maeve fisted her fingers. He turned to Maeve, his back to the men.

"Who do you──misogynistic men think you are dictating my life, any woman's life. It is unfortunately your gender's misconception that just because you have a penis, you think you are entitled to own us?" Maeve glared angrily at the three men, her eyes flashing red. Elijah grew frightened when he noticed a golden rim around the red.

"Look at this!" yelled Santorini, creating a scene. "This is what I'm talking about──too emotional, too irrational." every eye in the ballroom were on them──especially Maeve.

"I apologise but it wouldn't be a necessity, had you been less egoistic and so toxically masculine." Maeve said gritting her teeth. "Why don't you focus on your drowning companies and let the better gender handle the pack business."

"Who are you to tell us how to run our pack?" asked Zucco. Even their eyes had changed to red but nothing compared to the deadly red of Maeve's.

"And who the fuck you to determine my fucking worth in my own Pack?" A stare off began between them. "You should know the only reason your companies are even afloat are because of us. So, I'd suggest you to just fucking agree with the new regiment and whom you will be answerable to, because with one word I can end you." anger boiled furiously in Maeve's veins reflecting dangerously in her blood red eyes with the glow of golden that only made it worse. Tension clouded thick into the air.

Music had stopped and everyone watched anxiously the exchange between the four equally stubborn and adamant Lycans. Fearing the worst, Ezekiel, who was standing just behind Elijah gently tapped his shoulder. A signal for the original to take Maeve out of the room.

Elijah grabbed Maeve's elbow and forcefully pulled her away, her eyes still red and gold. He steered her into the hallway. Maeve breaths were erratic matching her state of anger.

"Maeve..."

"Don't you fucking dare to tell me to calm down!" Maeve shouted at Elijah, enunciating every syllable ragingly. The familiar darkness he had seen on just two instances was back and that scared Elijah.

"Then at least breathe." he instructed her. "Long deep breaths." Maeve followed through but her anger still remained at its peak.

"How dare those good for nothing men think they can decide what I can and can't do?" she ranted to Elijah. Elijah let her do it. He let her scream, shout and was even willing to let her hit him if it was going to get her out of this trance of uncontrollable anger. If only Maeve was conscious enough to notice what was happening to her. Maeve continued to go on a rampage with words cursing out the three Italian men.

Elijah grabbed her hands and pulled her close to him. "Maeve!" he yelled in a whisper breaking Maeve out from the rampant rage. Maeve flinched at the sharp tone and stepped back. She blinked her eyes, placing her hands to her head.

Nervously she glanced around slowly, her expression visibly changing with each passing second. "What's going on?" she looked at Elijah questioningly. "Let's go in?"

"Maeve? Are you okay?" Elijah asked curiously.

Maeve tilted her head to a side gazing at him with a puzzled look. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be? Come on, we'll be late. Oh shoot! Did I forget to mention Zeke and I have to make a toast?" Elijah's face fell, before dread coaxed his heart.

"What? Maeve you just gave the toast." he reminded her.

"I didn't." She adamantly told him. "We were just in the foyer when Ezekiel took you aside and then I met Diego──oh you have you meet Diego, he's an old friend. Where is he?" Maeve looked around the hallway searching for Diego but it was just them.

"Why don't you go to your room? Given everything that happened yesterday, I'd say we skip on today."

"Elijah I can't."

Elijah cupped her face, looking right into her eyes trying hard to not show what he was truly feeling, "please, listen to me. For tonight at least." reluctantly Maeve nodded.

"Go along I'll be right there behind you. I'll inform Ezekiel and Amara." he told her. Elijah watched Maeve walk through the hallway and then disappear.

Taking this as an opportunity Ezekiel approached Elijah, a pained look covering his face as well. "It was a bad idea. I knew it was a bad idea to bring here for this." he declared wryly.

"Ezekiel..." Elijah tried getting his attention but another common trait between the siblings were that stress and anxiety made them ramble on without thinking.

"Ezekiel!" Elijah said sternly making the Lycan fall silent. "Maeve doesn't remember what happened inside."

"What? How is that possible?"

"I don't know but that is the truth. The last thing she remembers is us leaving her in the foyer to talk and then meeting a guy named Diego." Ezekiel began to panic, his hands trembling under the crushing fear that crippled him under it.

"Her eyes..." Elijah decided to add more. "They were exactly the way Niklaus said when mother killed her that day in Mystic Falls."

"You don't think..." Ezekiel trailed off scared to even complete the sentence.

"It seems that way." Elijah dreadfully answered him.

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Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed the chapter

What are your opinions about Maeve? About Maeve and Elijah's blooming romance?

Don't worry, next chapter we'll start with the show's storyline...I know some of ya'll must have been bored the last few chapters:))

Please don't forget to comment, vote and share!

Take care everyone!

Raven :)