𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬

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AN: In light of the holiday spirit, here is a gift to all of you lovely people! Enjoy :)

Aeliana was walking through the quarter with Rebekah and Elijah, the latter going on about this morning's events.

"Now, you may doubt him, but today, I saw Niklaus demonstrate mercy towards an enemy. Tell me that's not progress," Elijah was trying to convince Rebekah that Nik was starting to turn over a new leaf.

Rebekah rolled he eyes. "Elijah. Who do you think convinced Klaus to let Thierry out?"

Aeliana gave Rebekah a side eyed look. "Why would you do such a thing?"

"Because, despite Klaus' reprieve, Thierry despises him. I like that about Thierry. I also like that he used to date a witch, so he knows about French Quarter covens. Maybe he can lead me to whoever stole off with the Harvest magic."

Elijah stopped in the street. "Rebekah, we are all devastated by the outcome of this ritual."

"That's just it. There was no outcome. We both know that power like that doesn't just vanish. I say someone stole it. I'd like to know who, and then I'd like to make an ally out of them."

"To what end, exactly?" Aeliana crossed her arms.

"I'm tired of being threatened and controlled by our tyrant brother. If you want to stop a bully, you need the power to stand up to them."

Elijah shook his head. "I expect such behavior from Niklaus. It's so very disappointing when it comes from you, Rebekah. Do you not see that, in his way, he's making an effort here? He's invited us back into our family home. He yearns for our family to be reunited."

"Yes. He's in a brilliant mood now, but for how long? It's his trick, Elijah. He lulls you into a false sense of camaraderie and kinship, and then he turns on you like a snake. I fall for it every time and wind up with a dagger in my chest for my trouble. No more."

"I believe that he is approaching some semblance of peace here. Leadership may, in fact, be a good thing for him. Now, sister, please, I ask you, if you cannot support him, then at least do nothing to provoke him," Elijah begged the blonde who didn't say anything.

"Beks, I understand why you're wary of trusting him. But I beg you, don't do anything stupid."

Nik called Elijah, informing them of dead vampires that had magical symbols on their foreheads.

"Someone will die for this!" Nik was shouting as he paced the room.

Elijah nodded. "Remarkably, I don't disagree. However, I would like to know where they learned such dark magic."

Nik looked over at him and Aeliana. "I had hoped never to see that symbol again. I recall it is the signature of a fool who once stood against us."

Aeliana's eyes widened. "Papa Tunde."

"Clearly, some upstart witch is salvaging old tricks."

Nik just smirked. "I'll do for him as I did the other. Diego, when night falls, I want you to gather every vampire in the Quarter. Get me the head of whoever did this and put it on a stick."