Dispersora | Klaus Mikaelson

Chapter 10

The church was lovely.

"I may start coming to pray here more often," said Yara, admiring the dimly lit altar. "Here, near the front."

"Near the front?" complained Klaus. "The middle is fine."

"You're technically one of the leaders of the community."

"And you are technically not supposed to be here. Compromise."

"Fine. Middle it is."

Klaus refused to let her sit at the edge. She was forced to settle between him and Marcel, neither of which cared to respond to any cues from Father Kieran. They probably wouldn't have stood or sat at the right times if the people around them weren't following the proper lead.

"Thank you all for coming," started Father Kieran. "It means more than I can tell you. We gather today for the first public service of our newly reopened church. St. Anne's can finally once again be the heart of our community, where we can congregate as a people united. Here, at this hour, we come together to praise God and give thanks. The events that took place at our church were tragic..."

Yara closed her eyes, leaning forward in the pew as he continued, "...but they do not define our future, and they do not bring an end to the goodness that this church has provided and will continue to provide..."

"Problem?" she heard Klaus mutter to Marcel.

She opened one eye as Marcel quickly shook his head, "No."

"Then pay attention," Klaus hissed. "We're meant to seem like devoted parishioners."

"Stop talking," said Yara lowly.

"...and it is that hope in our hearts, and with the help of many benefactors," she swore Father Kieran smiled at Klaus and Marcel, "that allows us to be here today. So, we gather with renewed spirit, made stronger, committed to the ideals of peace and love. Amen."

"Amen," said the church attendants.

Klaus was eager to leave as soon as the mass ended, despite Yara's insistence that she wanted to stay and pray a rosary. He dragged her out to shake Father Kieran's hand, insisting that they go to the Compound as soon as possible.

"Lovely sermon this morning, Father," said Klaus, shaking the man's hand. "Quite inspirational."

"If I'm being honest, I wasn't expecting you to join us," said Father Kieran. "Yara, it's good to meet you formally."

"You, too, Father," said Yara. "My deepest condolences."

"Thank you. I appreciate you being here. And congratulations." He smiled, gesturing to her belly, "Boy or girl?"

"I don't know yet, but I expect to find out soon," said Yara brightly.

"Which can only happen if the city is safe," noted Klaus. "We were hoping for some word from your human sources on the recent Haitian invasion."

"You can be so tactless," said Yara. "It's not an invasion, it's one Haitian warlock. The invasion is dead witches returning with a vengeance."

Father Kieran held up his hands. "My guys have their ears on the ground, and no one has seen or heard any sign of whatever his name is. They're still looking."

"He's called Papa Tunde," explained Marcel. "And right now, he's wandering in the Quarter with the power he absorbed from every soul I had buried in the Garden, so you might wanna put your ear a little closer to the ground."

"Or I could steer clear of whatever war is brewing between your kind and his, before I find myself caught in another Harvest situation."

"Your resources are valuable to us, Father," said Yara gently. "If you feel uncomfortable, I'd be happy to speak with whoever your right hand is and–"