persephone's orchard : k.m.

the equinox - chapter 75

The Bayou.

The Crescents had been informed of the appearance of Astrid Mikaelson and accepted her as she arrived in the clearing, holding the daughter of the Crescent Alpha. Another funeral had commenced as she walked slowly through the crowd, each wolf giving her a sympathetic smile or nod, having dealt with Marcel before and knowing his tyranny.

The sky was clear that night, Hope looked up at the stars in awe as Astrid approached the water, joined by Jackson Kenner. 'Jack.' She greeted him while looking at the lake.

'Astrid.' He nodded his head, 'I've already said some words.'

'I don't wish to speak, there's no concern there.' She replied before kneeling down to the boat, allowing Hope to stand as she kept the shroud covered, not wanting her last memory of her mother to be her deadened face. Kissing her index and middle finger, she placed them on Hayley's forehead as Hope attempted to speak.

'Ma- a?'

'Yes honey, that's your mother.' She wrapped an arm around Hope as the pack looked on, seeing the interaction unfold. 'I know you won't understand this right now, but your mother was a very powerful woman. She inspired goodness in all that she touched.'

Hope made eye contact with her step mother and Astrid smiled, 'Christ, you're even beginning to look like her. Except those eyes..' She kissed her forehead, 'I know those eyes way too well.'

Astrid stood up and guided Hope over to Jackson before turning back to Hayley, peeling back the shroud and grimacing, wishing a better fate for her fallen family and placing Hayley's ring in the middle of her chest.

'I will protect her. I swear it, Hayley. Always and Forever.'

...

The pack had gone to bed, letting another night pass as Jackson and Astrid still stood at the water front, holding Hope as she had gone back to sleep from the stressful day she had as the boat was still burning.

'I want you to know where I am staying. You should come visit Hope, she should know you.'

'What happened, Astrid?'

The hybrid's breath hitched in her throat before she turned to face him.

'Nik needed me and I followed him into the fire.. as always.'

Jackson Kenner was left alone that night as Persephone walked away from him, disappearing into the shadows like she did the night she turned. He waited until she was out sight before putting his hands in his pockets and letting out a breath he didn't know he had been holding, wondering how the last twenty years had become so excruciatingly painful.

...

Astrid always wanted to be a mother. She had the maternal gene for one thousand years and as she sat Hope in her carseat, she felt that part of her pulse in her soul. Coming around to her side of the van, she lifted herself up and dusted herself off, specs of ash leaving her burgundy t-shirt as she settled down and adjusted the mirror and huffed. 'Looks like it's just us now, kid.' She looked at Hope who had began to stir.

She found herself paralysed, her mind went numb as she realised she was alone again, for the most part she was anyway. The ghosts of her family would follow her around until she cured each of them but she no longer had attachment to Marcel and the vampires, only a couple of witches that would do anything to stick by her. It was as if a weight was lifted as she sat back in her seat.

The Prophecy was over.

She decided to find the letter Nik had left for her.

Ripping open the paper, she began to read his final words.

My dearest Astrid,

As I write this, I'm watching you with my daughter in the other room. I trust no one like I do you, you are my heart and soul. For ten centuries, you have stuck by me though thick and thin even when I didn't deserve it and for that I am so grateful, I rest easy knowing that the same loyalty will be shown to my daughter.

Have no doubt in your mind that you are indeed a Mikaelson, your heart is strong and as you face what happens after this, be reassured you will push through with a power unmatched. Even without me your reign was glorious. You are the true royalty, the true power that once reigned over New Orleans. Please, I beseech you do not mourn me, do not grieve. Raise hell on those who would oppose our family and stay valiant in your desire to do so, bring back our family even stronger than before.

It is I who needs you, not the other way round. Come back to me one day. I will be dreaming of you until then.

I love you, darling.

Always and Forever yours,

Niklaus Mikaelson.

She folded the letter toward her chest, looking up and kissing the paper before speaking to herself.

'I will come back for you, Nik. Always and Forever.'

As the Queen Persephone said goodbye to her King Hades, she swore she would return one day with a vengeance fit for only a Mikaelson.

Her true family.