“Precisely,” Peter laughs when I take too long to answer. “And now you no longer have a choice, Verena. Watch as I destroy everything you love, starting with Niklaus.” The threat hangs in the air, heavy and suffocating. Niklaus, still standing silently, his eyes void of the man I know, is a puppet
Niklaus“...please…. Niklaus… out of…”The words, fragmented, broken and spaced, floated through Niklaus’ mind as he looked at everything and nothing. That voice sounded so familiar, but how could that be when it feels like he’s been forever trapped in the darkness?“Fight him…”Fight him? Fight who
Nothing comes back, and the silence in my mind is as terrifying as the darkness around me.Desperation claws at me, and I wrack my brain for any detail, any word Peter had thrown at me with his taunting sneer. Then it hits me, one line echoing louder than the rest: “Calling to him won’t help, he has
VerenaIn the murky depths of unconsciousness, I’m drifting, floating through a haze of pain and despair. But suddenly, there’s a shift, a lightening, as if I’m surfacing from deep waters. I blink open my eyes, not to the grim basement, but to a realm that gleams with a soft, pearlescent light. Bef
No response. I push harder, the pendant around my neck growing warm against my skin. The warmth spreads, filling me with a strength I thought had been drained away. I let that warmth be my guide, focusing all my energy on reaching him, on piercing the veil the demon has drawn over his mind.“Niklaus
VerenaI watch as Niklaus tries to move his arm, his fingers twitching as he struggles to reach up to me. My heart leaps into my throat as I realize he might be mentally fighting against the grip the demon has on his mind, and that, in turn, bolsters my resolve.Niklaus has always fought for me. I n
His teeth graze my skin, and I stiffen, preparing for the pain, for the connection that might save us both. “Do it, Niklaus!”With a primal groan that seems to tear from his very soul, he bites down. The pain is sharp, a piercing agony that quickly gives way to a strange euphoria. I feel his power s
Niklaus paces behind me, a caged animal eager to join the fight. /“Stay back. This is my fight, baby. I have to end this,”/ I remind him through our link. His frustration is palpable, a tangible thing that prickles at my senses, but he respects my wish.“Why protect him?” Peter taunts as we circle e
“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