My mind reels at the mention of a name I’ve never heard, a lifeline thrown in the midst of my despair. Who is Axton Moreau? And what does he know about all this? “I love you, Verena,” my mother says, her voice a whisper of pain and love. “I’m so sorry.” The video ends with a click, leaving me in a
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, his voice laced with humor. “You didn’t,” I reply, more curtly than I intend. “It’s just been a long day.” He nods, a gesture that conveys understanding. “Well, if you need an ear to bend or just someone to distract you from the long hours ahead, I’m here. Ca
Verena The plane touched down just after midnight, but luckily I planned my trip even though I was completely shattered. Now I’m pacing the length of my motel room, wondering how the hell I’m going to do this. My mother told me to find Axton Moreau in the French Quarter; does that fucking mean I h
My mother’s warning, her instructions to find him, it all seems like a sick joke now. How could she send me to a vampire? What was she thinking? “Not in any danger?” I echo, incredulous. “You had someone drug me and bring me here! And you’re a vampire!” Each word feels surreal, like I’m speaking li
Niklaus I look at my brother after he’s just dropped a fucking bombshell on me, but I reign in my temper because it’s not going to solve anything. “New Orleans? What the fuck is she doing in New Orleans?” Laz shrugs at my question. “Her mother had ties to Salem and New Orleans, perhaps she figur
Verena As I walk down the staircase, I can’t help but roll my eyes at the sheer opulence of the place. Everything looks like it was dipped in gold, then sprinkled with bits of red and black for drama. Even without scrutinizing the room I woke up in, I’m sure it screamed luxury in the same over-the-
Verena I’m back in the room I woke up in, and surprisingly everything I brought to the motel is here with me. Including my cell phone which I have been staring at for the last hour and the disk he gave me should I be in trouble. I know I shouldn’t, but I am dying to call Niklaus. He’s probably wor
His sincerity wraps around me like a warm embrace, and for a moment, I let myself lean into it. “That’s sweet, Niklaus. Really. I’ll keep that in mind.” There's no way in hell I'm admitting that I miss him, too. “Good,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “Because you might not realize
“I love you so fucking much,” he breathes against my lips, his forehead resting against mine. His voice is a husky whisper, carrying the weight of his emotions. “Thank you for everything — for our son, for this life, for a future that looks brighter every damn day because of you. You’ve given me a f
VerenaI sit quietly in the softly lit room; the air filled with the subtle scent of lavender and sage. Nastassja moves around with an air of focus, setting up the final components for the soul extraction and replacement ritual. My mind drifts to Niklaus and Arsenio, sleeping peacefully under his f
“In all lives that may come, and in all universes that may exist, you will always be my son, my light, and my hope. You have King blood in you and you are destined for greatness. By my will, and by your forefathers' blessings, so will it be.”After reciting the vow, I lean down and gently kiss Veren
“A son…” he whispers, then he murmurs something in Greek, I’m assuming—a prayer or a promise, perhaps both—before leaning over to kiss my forehead.“Thank you, Verena,” he chokes out, his voice breaking. “Thank you for giving me a son, a blessing.”His gratitude, so heartfelt, so raw, eases the last
VerenaThe pain is indescribable, a relentless, consuming force that grips my entire body. I’m clutching the sheets, my knuckles white, screaming as another contraction hits. Niklaus is beside me, his face etched with concern, his hands attempting to comfort me, but right now, I’m not having any of
I nod, understanding her struggle. “That’s completely valid, and I get it. Kris disappeared when you needed her. It’s not something you can just forget.”She sighs, looking down at her hands before meeting my eyes again. “I know. And I’m glad she’s doing good now, really. But you’re right, it feels
NiklausI’m perched at my desk, staring blankly at the papers strewn across it, but my mind is miles away, focused on the ticking clock and the phone beside it. The quiet of the office amplifies the occasional rustle of leaves outside, a cruel reminder of the waiting game I’m now playing. Three mon
“I didn’t teach you any dark magic because I was terrified of the implications it would have. You have Peter’s blood; my blood, and with that comes an addiction to dark magic,” she admits. “You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The pull? The lure to take things a step further? I know how it feels, darling, a
VerenaThe sun is warm on my back as I move among the tables laid out on the pack lands, the laughter of children bubbling around me like a cheerful stream. I’m arranging the final touches for the picnic we’ve promised them, smoothing a tablecloth here, straightening a plate there. The ladies of the