Aphrodite// Hayley Marshall

014. Pick a side

(Bloodletting)

"Ah, I see you've found our wandering stray, perhaps she could shed some light on the situation. This would appear to be the body of a hybrid" Klaus smirked as he nudged the body with his foot. "His name was Dwayne" Hayley spoke and that's when Ella realized the accusations that were about to be made. This wasn't going to end well.

"Well, whoever he was, I didn't sire him. Any idea how that's possible" Klaus pointed out. "As if you didn't know" Hayley accused attempting to walk towards Klaus but was held back by Elijah. Nora glared at Hayley and her eldest brother as she stepped closer to Klaus so she was at his side. That was when Elijah realized that no matter what they were about to say she would take Klaus's side.

"Aren't you two fast friends" Klaus grinned. "Well come on then. What horrible accusation have you conspired to levy against me this time?" Klaus provoked. "Tyler Lockwood brought Hayley here to test a theory" Elijah began.

"We don't have all day Elijah, get on with it" Nora scowled. "That the blood of her child could be used to side hybrids, he claims that you knew that. Furthermore, that you intended to use this knowledge to build an army" Elijah explained to his siblings.

Ellanora was outraged. Klaus and herself had explained all the reasons that Tyler could possibly want to create lies about Klaus to turn the family against each other, yet he would still believe the lies the young hybrid told. Niklaus may be a monster but he would never harm a young child, let alone his own who'd he'd already clearly grown fond of.

"And of course you'd assume this to be true. I mean why else would I show any interest in my own flesh and blood. A heartbroken little crybaby points his finger at me, and my own brother falls in line, eager to believe it. How quickly you assume the worst, especially when it comes from her" Klaus scowled the betrayal clear in his tone.

"Oh please, spare me you indignation. When have you ever shown any kind of concern towards Hayley or her child beyond your own selfish pursuits. And what was it you once said to me? Every king needs an heir" Elijah mocked.

"My big brother, So you doubt my intentions. Well I can't say I'm surprised. Standing beside the noble Elijah how can I be anything but the lesser brother. A liar, a manipulator, a bastard. That's all I am to you isn't it, and to Rebekah and judging by the way Hayley hangs off of your every word it's clear she feels the same way. No doubt my child will as well" Klaus glowered bitterly.

"At least there is one place I haven't misplaced my trust" Klaus scoffed as he looked towards his sister who was still standing protectively at his side. "Brother if I-" Elijah started but was cut off by Klaus. "We've said, all that needs to be said. Brother" The hybrid snarled as he pointed a finger in Elijah's face. Klaus stepped backwards with a smirk as if he was going to walk away but Ellanora knew better. Elijah wouldn't get away with his accusations.

"I'll play the role I've been given" He grinned turning away before speeding back around and biting Elijah in the neck. Hayley screamed and stepped towards Ella but she moved away from the wolf. "You chose your side love, now you've got to stick with it" The original said hotly. "You two enjoy each other's company, you'll have a lot to bond over once the hallucinations and dementia set in" Klaus grinned as he sped away.

Once Ella was certain her hybrid brother was out of ear shot she looked at her oldest living brother as he stared back up at her. "You know Elijah you claim to have been searching for Nik's redemption for the duration of lives together but as soon as someone gives you an accusation, a reason to abandon him you take it without hesitation. It makes me wonder if redemption is what you were looking for or if you were just looking for a reason to leave all long" Nora mocked before scoffing and walking away.

Deep down Elijah knew that his sister had some truth behind her words, he knew his brother and that's why he believed what Tyler Lockwood had said but this wasn't the first time someone with a vendetta against their family had made up accusations. So why was did he choose to believe the words of a hybrid who was out to rid the world of Klaus, Ellanora and anyone who may descend from them.

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Ella caught up with Klaus and the two of them walked at a human pace in silence until Klaus spoke up. "Why?" He he asked glancing at his sister. "Why what?" Nora sighed. "I assumed you would have chosen Hayley's side" Klaus admitted. "Your my brother Niklaus and we made a vow" Ella shrugged.

"You hate that vow" The hybrid laughed. "Tell me about it. But Elijah was right when he called me here. At one point I swore to stick by your side always and forever and I've lost enough people already. Elijah is your best friend and Kol was mine and yours turned your back on you and mine was taken from me so we've got to stick together" Ella explained before grimacing at how corny she sounded.

"Well thank you Ellanora" Klaus smiled. "What for" she questioned. "For choosing to believe me when nobody else did" Klaus sighed. Nora loved her brother and although he wasn't a person to show his feelings she could tell he was genuinely hurt by their brothers actions.