𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬

𝟺

Days later, Aeliana woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw was Nik hovering over her, eyes full of concern and rage as he looked between his sister in law and brother side by side on the bed.

Elijah sat up and looked around in confusion. "What happened?"

"Our pathetic excuse of a mother happened. She linked you two, so the torture she put you through kept Ali asleep until I could wake you up."

Aeliana placed her hands on her stomach, almost in tears. "Finn. He knocked me out!"

Elijah rubbed her soothingly. "You're both okay, my sweet. I promise you, he will get what's coming for him."

Nik was holding a leather bound notebook, looking conflicted between the couple.

"Nik, what's that?"

"I spent the day with my father. My real father. Esther brought him back from the dead, believing he could convince me to renounce vampirism. The thought of what I could be, had I been raised by him. Had I been nurtured. This was his. He knew about Hope. I wanted to trust him more than anything in the world. I wanted to, but I couldn't be sure. And I would never forgive myself if something happened to her because of my selfish desire for a father. So, I killed him. Without hesitation. I killed him."

Aeliana stood up and gave the hybrid a hug, who looked incredibly guilty. "You did it for Hope. For your daughter. I'm sure he understands and will forgive you one day if he didn't already."

They looked over at Elijah, who appeared to be zoned out and shaking slightly.

"Eli? Are you okay?"

He stood up abruptly and walked to his balcony, making Aeliana and Nik give each other looks of concern.

"How do you feel?"

Elijah paused for a moment. "The worst has past. Though, I suspect the nightmares are far from over."

"Well, gather your strength. After the message I sent Mother tonight, I expect hell fire to rain upon us imminently."

Aeliana laughed sarcastically. "Hell fire? Seems pretty extreme. We should get a move in before she decides to burn us down."

Before anyone could reply, the pregnant vampire was attacked into a hug. "Ana! Thank god you're okay!"

Aeliana laughed at Hayley. "I'm always okay."

Marcel appeared in the doorway with a smile. "Well, actually, moves were made while you were sleeping."

Haley kept arms wrapped around the girl. "Marcel and I each left a gift for you in the ballroom. You're welcome?"

The three of them looked at each other with curiosity and made their way downstairs, Aeliana mouthing a thank you to Marcel who smiled at her appreciatively.

When they arrived in the ballroom, they were greeted to Finn and Kol in their witch bodies, wearing enchanted cuffs so they wouldn't escape. The very sight made Aeliana smirk over at the older brother who just looked emotionless.

Kol gave a sarcastic smile. "Kidnapping? That's a rather unpleasant way to begin a family reunion!"

"Well, wait until you see how we end it!"