❝ 𝖸𝖮𝖴 𝖠𝖱𝖤 𝖬𝖸 𝖫𝖨𝖥𝖤. ❞
ʚɞ ⁺˖ ⸝⸝ 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 1 － 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦 ◞ ꙳ ๋࣭ ⭑ '
𓂃 ࣪ ˖ 𖦹  𝟢𝟢𝟭. 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃. ˚₊·-̳͟͞͞♡
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖  𝖺𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗂𝗌 𝗉𝖾𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗏𝖺 ⁞ 𝗄𝗅𝖺𝗎𝗌 𝗆𝗂𝗄𝖺𝖾𝗅𝗌𝗈𝗇 ⋆⭒˚｡⋆
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          AMARIS PETROVA WAS the epitome of beauty. A woman of striking beauty and undeniable charisma. With her long dark brown hair that cascades in gentle waves down the middle of her back, she effortlessly draws the attention of everyone around her. Her eyes, a deep, soulful brown, reflecting the depths of her inner strength and determination.

In the wake of her brother-in-law's death on the battlefield, Amaris became the steadfast pillar of support for her sister Tatia and her child, shouldering the burdens of their grief and solitude with unwavering resolve. While Tatia grappled with her newfound responsibilities, Amaris emerged as the voice of reason and the guardian of their familial bond. Unlike her sister, Amaris exuded an air of independence and self-assurance that set her apart from the women of her time.

This self-assurance lends her a magnetic presence, moving with a fluid grace, drawing others to her with an almost gravitational pull. Amaris was unapologetically herself, embracing her strengths and weaknesses alike, taking care of her twin and her niece, and this authenticity resonates with those who are fortunate enough to know her.

And, well ... Niklaus definitely knew her.

While Tatia took to Elijah Mikaelson, Amaris found Niklaus to be alluring. They shared a friendship first, almost like children the way they were seen bickering around one another. They were the talk of the village, earning stares and judgmental eyes, but the two of them did not care. They were stuck in one another's space. And then their relationship blossomed into more. No one knows when, but they stopped being seen as friends and better known as lovers.

Amaris and Niklaus shared a relationship that was as passionate as it was profound. While Niklaus was initially drawn to Amaris' beauty and strong personality, he quickly discovered there was much more to this intriguing woman that met the eye. Her confidence, her attitude and how she presents herself was all he needed to see for him to become completely enamored with her. Becoming drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

Amaris, in turn, was enamored by Niklaus' strength, determination and fleeting vulnerability. She recognized the pain that lay beneath his tough exterior, becoming his pillar of strength due to the pressure he faced as the son of a powerful and demanding father. She became a source of comfort and solace for Niklaus, offering him unconditional support and love in a world where he often felt misunderstood and alone.

Their relationship was marked by intense emotions and deep, heartfelt conversations as they shared their hopes, dreams and fears with one another. They were often found walking through the woods, running around the village or even sitting by the riverbank, their hands entwined as they spoke of their plans for the future and their place in the world. Amaris would fiddle with the moon pendant Niklaus had given her as a symbol of his love, while Niklaus would hold her in his arms, finding sanctuary from everything else around them.

But of course, in a twisted way of events, life just had to be cruel to these young lovers.

The dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and orange as Amaris and Tatia ventured through the dense forest, guided by only the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and earth, creating an atmosphere of serenity that belied the turmoil lurking ahead. The path, known to the sisters from years of exploration, led them to a serene clearing where they were determined to discover what caused this mess. The women had left Tatia's child with a trusted friend as they made their way to the clearing.

As they approached, an ominous atmosphere replaced the usual tranquility. The air felt heavy with an unspoken tension, and a faint metallic scent tainted the breeze. And that's when they saw it. Bloodstains marred the verdant grass, and scattered among the foliage lay the grisly remnants of what once were human bodies. Their forms twisted and broken in the aftermath of unspeakable violence. The metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air, mingling with the earthy fragrance of the forest and casting a pall of dread over the serene surroundings.

Tatia recoiled in horror, her hands flying to her mouth to stifle a gasp. "Sister, we must go back! This is madness!" Her eyes widened with fear as she surveyed the grim scene.

Amaris' gaze flickered across the clearing, scanning for any signs of movement or whatever could have done this. "No, Tatia," Amaris quietly hissed. "We must know what happened here, this is not the work of a mere animal; something darker transpired."

Tatia clutched at Amaris' arm, her fingers trembling as she tried to get her sister to see sense. "But what if whatever did this is still around? Shouldn't we get help or-or bring one of the hunters with us?"

Amaris tore her arm away from her sister's fingers, meeting her twin's frightened gaze with an annoyed expression. "And what if that something follows us back to the village? You would condemn everyone else to this danger — you would condemn your own child?"

Tatia said nothing as she looked down at her feet in shame. Reluctantly she followed after her sister, venturing closer to the source. Amaris crouched beside a discarded cloak, stained with blood. She ran her fingers over the fabric, scrutinizing the pattern. But before she opened her mouth to speak, she heard the unmistakable sound of Niklaus and Elijah. She looked at her sister and placed a finger to her lips as she indicated to stay quiet.

As they moved closer, Niklaus and Elijah's voices became clearer. It was obvious to the women that Niklaus was in some sort of distress while his brother tried to comfort him. When they finally emerged into the small, sunlit clearing, the heart-wrenching tableau unfolded. Niklaus was smacked dab in the middle of the carnage, his hands-stained crimson, face obscured with them, his clothes — stained crimson. Elijah stood beside him, his hand rubbing soothing circles on Niklaus' back as if attempting to ease the unimaginable pain.

Amaris' hand flew straight up to her mouth, stifling her cry but Tatia, however, couldn't bear the sight. The realization of what transpired overwhelmed her, and a guttural scream tore through the silence. She turned and fled, the sound of her rapid footsteps disappearing from view. Elijah's head snapped in the direction of the women, his focus solely on Tatia and without a moment's hesitation, he tore away from Niklaus and chased after her, his strides covering the ground with unnatural speed.

She was left alone with Niklaus, a shuddering breath escaped her mouth as she slowly began to step forward. Amaris couldn't stop herself from looking down at the ground, the bodies ripped apart at Niklaus' feet, sending shivers down her spine before she stopped short of him. As if he smelled her, Niklaus looked up from his hands, his eyes filled with water and blood staining his chin. He stepped towards her, only to be stopped by Amaris holding up her hand and taking a step back. It was obvious she was afraid of him.

Niklaus' jaw clenched with unbridled anger. He was a danger to the woman he loved, he could smell her scent. It was enticing, it was ... delicious. "I could never..." He began to say, his throat growing hoarse with each word. His body shivered with the unknown feeling as he took a step back, trusting this was the better choice. "I do not wish to harm you."

Amaris felt a gnawing fear in the back of her mind, her senses on high alert as she slowly, but measuredly, approached Niklaus. She forced herself not to look down at the bodies at his feet, the blood staining the clearing that was once deemed beautiful by her. As she stood before him, her heart breaking as she saw the pain etched on his face, she reached out a trembling hand to gently touch his blood - stained cheek, just as Niklaus hesitantly leaned into the touch.

"What have you done?" She whispered, her voice soft and steady, as she reached her other hand out to touch his arm. She froze when she felt Niklaus touch her waist, pulling her closer to him and holding her tightly — desperately. He leaned down to bury his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply, seeking solace in the familiarity of her scent. Amaris felt a chill crawl down her spine, very aware she was in danger. "Nik!" She pulled away from his embrace, her eyebrows knitted together in frustration. "What have you done?!"

Niklaus regarded Amaris carefully, her scent lingering in his nose. Her yelling seemingly brought him back to earth, or perhaps it was how angry she looked with him. He exhaled heavily through his nose, shoulders slumping. "Mother," he reluctantly began to speak, keeping his eyes trained on her face. "She used the blood you and your sister provided to create something more ... So she'd never have to lose any of us again."

Amaris' eyes widened in disbelief and horror, her mind racing as she tried to comprehend the enormity of what Niklaus had said. She backed away from him once more, only for Niklaus to grab her arm and stop her. She tried to pry her arm away from his grip but to no avail, he was far stronger than her and it was clear he wasn't letting her go.

"Do not fear me, Amaris, please." He pleaded with her, his grip was like a vice on her forearm. Niklaus, unaware of the new strength he possessed, pulled her close to his chest. Amaris fought to hold the scream that caught in her throat back, her hands pressed against his chest in a futile attempt to keep him at bay. "I do not want to harm you; I cannot harm you!"

"But you could harm them?" She forced herself to look down at the carnage that surrounded them, the metallic scent of blood filling the air around them. "You do not understand or comprehend the terrible choices your mother has set into motion -"

"I had no choice!" His voice echoed in the clearing; Amaris stood still as she looked up at him. She could see the pain, the guilt and regret in his eyes. "I did not want to hurt anyone, but I had no choice. I'm fighting ... fighting to keep the monster inside me at bay while speaking with you—"

His voice stopped short when he looked down at her chest, the necklace he had his mother conjure up for her shimmering in the sunlight. The moon pendant, a symbol of his love for her, bringing him back to the night where he confessed how he felt for her. Amaris followed his gaze, and she wrapped her fingers around the pendant, something she did when she was nervous.

When she looked back up to look into his eyes something had changed, underneath his skin she could see his veins begin to be more prominent. Catching him off guard, Amaris shoved him back as hard as she could, her skin crawling with fear. "W-what have you become, Niklaus?" Her voice was almost a whisper, her fear was now palpable.

Niklaus looked down at his hands, the blood that stained his skin was now dry. He looked at Amaris and the expression etched on her beautiful face was one of fear. The love of his life had feared him, she was afraid of him, and he couldn't trust himself to not harm her. Shaking his head, Niklaus turned away from her. "You must leave. Run, hide, protect yourself from me. Do not look for me, Amaris. I cannot control myself around you — around anyone."

Amaris hesitated; the conflict etched across her face. She was torn between the instinct to flee and the pull of her heart to stand by his side, wanting to help or protect him from whatever. Even if it meant protecting him from himself. She stepped closer only to be stopped by the growl from Niklaus.

"GO!" He roared at her, spinning around for her to see the veins under his eyes as well as the change in his eyes. With a heavy heart, Amaris quickly turned away from him, her footsteps echoing the rhythm of her conflicted soul. Tears stained her cheeks as she ran, sprinting through the underbrush to go back to the village when she heard the haunting echo of Tatia's scream reach her ears.

Panic seized her heart, and without a second thought, she changed direction, racing towards the source of that anguished cry. Dread gnawed at her as the scene unfolded before her. Her sister's lifeless form lay sprawled on the ground, a grotesque tableau framed by the sunlight. Elijah, his features painted with a savage hunger and regret, stood over her, blood dripping down his chin like a macabre mask. The sight sent a wave of horror through Amaris, the reality of the nightmare she made her sister step into crashing down upon her.

Elijah's head snapped up to see Amaris, seeing the fear and sorrow etched in her features. He looked down at Tatia's limp form and then back at Amaris before he held his hand up, the veins underneath his eyes receding slightly as his humanity came back to him. "Amaris, please," he rasped, his voice strained just as Amaris took a step back.

She shook her head quickly and took off once again, running just as Niklaus told her to. She had no choice but to keep running. She couldn't go back home; she didn't want to risk putting anyone else in danger. Heart pounding, she raced deeper into the forest, her sister's lifeless body etched into her mind as she ran. Niklaus' words of what his mother has done to her children ringing in her ears, her feet began to throb before she saw it, an empty crypt and she slipped inside.

Pressing herself against the cold stone walls, she fought to control her trembling breath, the fear coiling like a serpent in the pit of her stomach. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, her mind could not shake the image of her sister, Tatia's lifeless body or of Niklaus' anguished face mixed with hunger from her head. The shadows around her began to shift and coalesce, taking on a familiar form.

Slowly, Esther Mikaelson stepped out from the darkness, her somber expression matched the one of Niklaus, the man she loved. "Oh, Amaris," she murmured, her eyes filled with feigned compassion as she approached the frightened young woman. Esther stepped closer to Amaris' trembling form, taking her hair in between her fingers as she spoke. "you and your sister never should've went into the clearing..."

Amaris' water filled eyes struggled to focus on Esther's face as she spoke, circling her as her heart pounded in her chest. She felt a chill run down her spine as Esther's words settled upon her, as if Esther knew this would happen. "What..?" Amaris silently asked before she pulled her head away from Esther's hands, turning to look at the older woman. "Why are you here, what do you want with me?"

Esther's voice had taken on a darker tone as she placed her hands at her sides, regarding Amaris coldly. "You are a threat to my family, now that you know what you know. I cannot allow my children to be implicated because of you."

Amaris' heart constricted in her chest, her mind racing as she tried to find some way to escape, to protect herself from whatever Esther was planning to do. She backed away slowly, only to have her back be met with an invisible hard surface, trapping her in the dark crypt with Esther. As she looked into the Mikaelson mother's eyes, she saw a cold, unwavering resolve that left her no doubt that she could not fight this. "D-don't do this, Esther. Please!"

Esther let out a dark chuckle at Amaris' plea for her life, ignoring her protests as she began to wave her hands through the air, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns of a spell as ancient, powerful magic fill the crypt. As the energy coalesced around them, she pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box that had been hidden within her sleeve. Opening the box, she revealed a small, crystal vial filled with a deep, crimson liquid — Niklaus' blood, enchanted by whatever Esther had done to them.

Amaris' eyes widened in horror as she watched the display Esther had been doing in front of her. She stumbled back, tripping over her own dress as she slowly began to crawl away from Esther. "No," Amaris whispered, her voice hoarse with dread. "Please, Esther, please don't do this!"

Esther quickly walked closer to Amaris' body, leaning down to grip her hair tightly in her fist, pulling her head back. "I cannot kill you," she murmured as she began to uncork the vial with her free hand, the familiar metallic scent of blood filling the enclosed air as she moved the vial close to Amaris' mouth. "But I can make sure you're out of the way for a very long time."

Amaris kept her mouth closed, jerking her head in every which way to make sure Esther couldn't make her drink the vial filled with blood. Esther sighed annoyedly as she used the hand that held Amaris' head back to grip her chin, tightening the hold and making Amaris' lips snap open. The moment Amaris' mouth opened, Esther shoved the vial into her mouth, pouring the thick liquid down her throat.

Amaris choked, trying her hardest to fight against Esther but it proved to be futile. The thick blood was down her throat and now within her body. Esther removed her hold on Amaris, standing up and offering a hand to help Amaris stand. Amaris slapped Esther's hand away and stood on her own, wiping her mouth and letting out a cough.

"Goodbye, Amaris." Esther spoke, a sick smile placed on her lips. Amaris tilted her head to the side just as Esther quickly reached out to snap her neck, the sickening crunch echoing through the crypt as her body went limp, eyes rolling back in her head as death took her. Esther looked down at Amaris' lifeless form, her eyes cold and void of any regret or guilt she should be feeling. With a sigh, Esther leaned down to place her hand on Amaris' forehead.

With a deep and steadying breath, she began to weave a spell, her voice low and steady as she murmured ancient incantations. Esther's palm began to glow as she whispered her spell, her magic coursing through Amaris' unconscious mind as Esther began to erase her memories, one by one. Esther was in her mind now, seeing her memories. The memories of Niklaus and his siblings, erased from Amaris' mind, of Tatia's death, her family and the life she knew - one by one, wiped away leaving nothing but an empty blank canvas.

There was one powerful memory, a memory that Esther struggled to erase. The memory of Niklaus' confession, of the moon pendant he gave to Amaris. It was proving difficult and instead of erasing it completely, she chose the next best thing. Blurring Niklaus' face, trying her hardest to obscure any fact or memory of her son in this woman's mind.

With a growl of frustration, she pulled her hand away from Amaris' mind. She watched as her chest began to rise and fall, letting her know that Amaris' transformation was complete. With another touch, Esther placed another spell on Amaris, causing her to fall into a deep, unending slumber. Esther lifted Amaris' limp form and placed her inside an ornate, carved coffin that was deep inside the crypt. "Rest well, Amaris," Esther closed the coffin, placing a sealed spell on the vessel. The spell insured she would remain asleep until it was opened. "If and when you wake, the memory of my children will no longer be threatened with your incompetence."

Esther's footsteps were even until she began to approach her home. She knew she had to remain poised, act as though she had done nothing wrong. When she reached outside the home, her footsteps began to get heavier. As she opened the door, it revealed the flickering light of the candles within. She stepped inside, her eyes immediately drawn to the familiar figure of Elijah, his normally composed features twisted with grief and regret.

Tears streamed down his face as he cradled the lifeless body of Tatia, Amaris' twin, in his arms. Her once vibrant eyes were dull and empty, her skin ashen and cold, the brutal animal bite on her neck a start reminder of the terrible fate she had met.

"Mother," Elijah choked out, his voice barely more than a whisper as he looked at Esther as he approached her slowly, his eyes pleading for her help. "Please, please bring her back to me. I cannot live without her."

Esther placed a gentle hand on her son's face, looking down at the cold body of Tatia. It was clear that Tatia was already dead, however... perhaps she could use what was left of Tatia's blood to help Niklaus. She placed a hand on Tatia's forehead, the coldness of her skin was just confirming Esther's suspicions.

"I will take care of this, my son." Esther then took Tatia's form from her son, taking her body into a darkened room and hiding it away from Elijah. She stepped out of the room, closing the door and stepping to Elijah before placing her palm on his head, her palm glowing as she erased the memory of Elijah killing the woman he loved with his heart. When she finished, Niklaus slammed open the door to their home with an intensity that shook the walls.

Elijah blinked, his anguish from the memory of killing Tatia disappeared, leaving the memory blank from his mind. He couldn't fathom why he felt ashamed, guilt - ridden. The look on his brother's face, however, took precedence.

"Niklaus, what is it?" Elijah's voice maintained concern as he took a step towards Niklaus, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder before Niklaus shook it off, striding towards his mother angrily.

"What have you done to me?" Niklaus snarled at his mother, his gaze sending daggers straight through her. "I cannot think of anything but blood and it sickens me — the thought of tasting Amaris' blood — this is your fault! Fix it!"

Esther's palm connected with the side of Niklaus' cheek with a swift smack. The rage inside of Niklaus' eyes simmered beneath the surface as he looked at his mother with a hatred she could not fathom. Elijah stood on stand-by, watching with wide eyes.

"You dare speak to me like this?" Esther took a daring step towards Niklaus, causing him to step back but hold his ground. "I will not go through losing any of my children again. I did what was necessary to keep you safe." Esther hesitated to speak her next sentence, knowing the way she words this will shape how she is seen by her children for years on end.

"And Amaris? The village turned on her the minute she left you." The lies spewed from her mouth too naturally, too easily as she continued. Even after she saw the haunted expression on Niklaus' face. "A madwoman, they called her. Raving about vicious creatures drinking the blood of humans. They killed her, burned the body."

Niklaus' eyes widened in horror, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he stared at his mother, disbelief etched into his features, his heart seizing in his chest as the full weight of his mother's words sank in. "No," he growled, not accepting what he was being told. Elijah placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, the anger seething from Niklaus' form. "No, you're lying—"

"I wish it were a lie, Niklaus." Esther's voice wavered as she spoke, feigning her heartbroken facade as she placed a careful hand on Niklaus' cheek. "Amaris is gone."

A guttural cry of anguish tore itself from Niklaus' throat, his knees buckling beneath him as he collapsed to the floor, his entire world shattering around him. Elijah moved swiftly to his brother's side, trying to comfort his brother, arms wrapped around him in a futile attempt to ease his pain.

"I'll kill them." Niklaus spoke through clenched teeth, his eyes darkening with an unspoken anger as he breathed heavily. He turned his gaze onto his mother's face, his fists clenched tightly. "I will kill them all."

Esther watched, her mind quickly constructing a plan. The lies she had woven weighed considerably on her conscience, but she convinced herself this was the best way. She was going to protect her family, and Amaris' life was of no importance to her. She turned away from her sons, a wicked smile slipping onto her lips as she left them to mourn the loss of Amaris Petrova.

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅ 𝘼 𝙒𝙊𝙍𝘿 𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙎 ₊˚ෆ
       esther's a piece of actual
       doo doo 💩 how'd u guys
       feel ab this chapter? 😭😭
       poor klaus 🦧

- 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮
hazzawckd ♡︎