Forever

Obstinance

Jeremy and I went on a little adventure. He walked ahead of me, forced to move almost sideways in order to squeeze through the uncomfortably small tunnels under the town.

"Remind me why we're here again?"

"There's only so many places they could've hidden whomever they took and Klaus would want them close so he could personally taunt their safety."

"And you're sure he actually took one of our friends?"

"He didn't say it in so many words, but yes. They've got this weird, 'no tell' thing going on. Apparently I'm not allowed to know."

Jeremy hummed. "Who do you think it is?"

"Well, he wouldn't have kidnapped Elena, we just saw her, the Salvatores are both around, so that leaves Bonnie, Caroline, Matt, and Ric."

"And Tyler."

"Tyler? Is he part of the squad?"

"He and Caroline are dating."

"But aren't her and Matt still a thing?" Had I missed that much?

"It got complicated really fast but I think Matt found out about the supernatural and broke up with her."

I stopped. "Wait. How'd Matt even find out? I thought the Salvatores had everyone on lockdown because of the council."

Jeremy shrugged and I could barely make it out by the dim lighting. "Caroline and I aren't exactly best friends, Elena might know."

"Okay, so what else did I miss?"

"I think you're all caught up- oh wait, one of Mason's buddies has been helping Tyler out with his shifting? I don't know, it wasn't really clear."

"Is it because Jules never left?"

"Maybe? She hasn't really caused any trouble, her name's Kayley or something."

"Jeremy, I love you, but you're useless."

He laughed. "I know I know. I just haven't been really involved in the group. You left and I tried to find you, we all did, but Kathrine started causing trouble and suddenly you were put on the back burner."

"Okay wait, let's circle back to Matt knowing, like how much does he know?"

"All of it I'm pretty sure-"

Something echoed in the tunnels and I couldn't pinpoint what it was, but the sound wasn't made accidentally. I grabbed Jeremy's arm, halting our movement and listened.

How did I use my vampire hearing? Was it supposed to come naturally?

It would be really handy right about now.

"Dearest sister."

We jumped and spun around, only to find Elijah standing opposite us, hands in his pockets.

"My god, Elijah, you're going to give me a heart attack one day."

"Yes, well, fortunately for me, you'll most certainly return."

What was he doing down here?

"I thought you were mad at me."

"Hurt feelings aside, I'm more interested in knowing why you and your brother have ventured into these tunnels?"

"Why do you want to know?" Jeremy looked like he wanted to move between me and the original but there was no way in hell I was gonna let that happen. 

"If you're looking for the teacher, you won't find him." Elijah set his hand on the rocky wall. "My siblings and I grew up exploring this place."

"Teacher? You took Alaric?!" Out of all the people they could have kidnapped, it had to be the one who was taking care of my siblings while I was gone. "Elijah."

"No harm shall befall him so long as the Salvatores hold up their end of the deal."

"Right, the part where you of all people thought threatening going to war was a good idea. Alaric doesn't need to be used as incentive." I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Shall we?" Elijah offered his arm and I knew it wasn't a choice. "I'm sure the both of you would be much more comfortable in our parlor."

Steeling the anxiety that began to curl beneath my skin, in a feat I'd probably regret later, I shook my head. "We're not leaving without him."

"I think you've forgotten whom you're speaking to. While I tolerate a certain degree of obstinance from you, what I'm doing is keeping you safe, whether you agree with it or not. You will return to our home or your home but you cannot stay here, do I make myself clear."

"Drew." Jeremy set his hand on my shoulder. "Let's just go, we're not gonna find him tonight."

"Nor will you go looking for him again, if I catch either one of you, I will not be so forgiving."

And just like that I'm reminded why the Mikaelson boys scare the ever living shit out of me. "Fine." Elijah might be the nicer of the two but he's not one to be underestimated.

"I give you my word Alaric Saltzman shall not be harmed lest the Salvatores break our accord." He called as we walked further away from the Original and likely where Ric was being held.

That did make me feel a little better though.

But I did not trust Damon not to do something stupid.