RIVER VALLEYS PAST

Chapter 10

A dark cloud hung over the land, casting a shadow down on the people of the kingdom. They have gotten use the gray skies and dark aura surrounding them that it went unnoticed. Elijah stared back at the dark castle he had grow up in along with his cousins. It had been almost a month since he left to visit his mother in new York, now he was back, ready to face the person responsible for the dark cloud casted over their land. His suitcase tight in his grasp as he finally made his way to the castle door. The dark oak wood double door was opened by the guards stationed.

Simply nodding, he made his way inside. Giving his bags to the awaiting maids. Within the castle walls held a thick tension that was hard to ignore. Elijah knew he had to try once again for the sake of his cousin and the vampires within the coven. Swallowing his pride and fear, his feet lead him to the dungeon door. A month ago fear stroke through the hearts of many as the castle walls shook. Roars filled the halls of the dungeon for weeks. Somehow it had stopped weeks ago.

His hand hovering over the handle, hesitant to open it, the moment his hand came in contact with the cold metal. He exhaled, twisting the knob to the side the door opened with a echoing clink, squeaking as he pushed it open. The path leading down to the ground floor of the dungeon was lightly lit but medieval torches. Each step brought him the cold hard cement path lined off with empty cells, the smell of rotting flesh made him sick.

He could hear light shuffling in the distance, confirming that he was still alive. His steady heartbeat and rushing pulse made him want to abort mission. It was too late, as he was now standing before the cell of the only prisoner being held within the castle dungeon.

The smirk pulled against it's full lips. It's silver hair shimmered in the pinch of moon light penetrating through the tiny window at the very top of the cell. It's glowing red orbs was filled with mischief as he approached the cell door.

"Elijah" he snickered, shaking his heading, running his thump alone his lower lip, removing any trail of blood stain. "Never thought I'd see you of all people" he added, not once breaking eye contact.

"Bring him back" was all he could bring himself to say, that was all he truly wanted. That was what everyone wanted. Laughter echoed throughout the dungeon, sending a shiver down Elijah's spine. It was a laughter filled with confidence, anger, it was his way of spreading fear throughout the people around him.

"I take orders from no one, especially not a child" he smirked, inching closer to the metal bars of his cell. The only element keeping him at by was the barrier made out of mountain ash.

"Why do you insist on being in control" he asked wearily.

"Klaus had his chance, now its my turn" somehow, Elijah felt that there was more to his words than he wanted to letting on. He was an S class vampire after all, they have power unimageable. The smirk playing on his apple red lips made Elijah's none beating heart race. Vampires of his class was never to be taken lightly. They were a mystery undiscovered by many.

"You'll never leave this cell" Elijah snapped, clutching his fist. Even through he wanted nothing more than to crawl out of his own skin and leave, he couldn't show fear. This vampire feeds on fear. He merely snicker, taking a few steps back.

"Believe me, I'm not the one you should be worried about" he simply smiles, turning away from Elijah's view. "River Valley is dying, I know you can sense it" Elijah froze, he knew something was off the moment his plane crossed the field, a drift in the atmosphere surrounding the town "The question is, how long will it take for her to return" not uttering a word, Elijah sighed turning on his heels and left. "Elijah" he called out "Be a dear and send in my next meal" he said nonchalantly.

Closing the dungeon door behind him. Elijah released a shaky breath. The weight of the world lifting off his shoulders. Grace was by his side in minutes, handing him a cup of caramel tea to calm him the best she could.

"What did he say" she rushed out, sliding in into the closet chair. Elijah released a heavy sigh, as the tea washed over him slowly, his tense muscles slowly relaxing. Elijah was unsure of what to do, of what to say. Grace held a soft spot for her son, she hated seeing him this way. Elijah felt the weight of Klaus's words weighting him down. Since the moment he arrived in River Valley he knew something was off. But saying it out loud felt as if it would all come through and that wasn't what he wanted.

          "The same as last time" he simply stated, glancing down at the rings rippling in the liquid. Grace released a heavy sigh. Running her fingers through her loose curls. Unlike everyone's else, Grace wasn't allowed to see her son in his state. "I'll try again tomorrow" he said, trying to reassure her in someway. 

           "Why can't I see him myself" she asked in annoyance. 

            "Because aunt, the doctor said to keep your stress and blood pressure stable, seeing him like this isn't healthy for you" Elijah sighed, looking up at her with sympathy.

             "I need to know if my son is okay, I'm sure he'll speak to me" she said eagerly, with a hopeful smile on her thin lips. The dark circles pooling beneath her eyes only made him worry more about her. Her once wrinkle free pale skin, now lined with a few worry lines and wrinkles.

              "I still don't think it's a good idea" he shook his head, turning his gaze away from her. "I'm going to freshen up before lunch" he simply stated, handing his now empty cup to the passing maid before turning back to her. "He's fine, please stop worrying" he said, pressing a light kiss on her forehead before leaving.