𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇 ━━ KLAUS MIKAELSON

94

KLAUS AND EMERY ARRIVED AT the same place where Stefan and Caroline were.

Stefan was holding himself up against a tree, having just experienced a powerful headache by one of the witches he tried to stop. "They're linked," he informed the two, "Bonnie's going to kill them."

"Not if the witches kill her first," Klaus said, then grabbed Stefan by the collar and slammed his back against the tree.

"We need to save her," Caroline spoke up while Emery glanced at the witches.

"How?" The hybrid asked, "the only way to stop the witches is to kill them, and then Silas gets what he wants."

Before either of them could say something, their heads snapped in the direction of the witches when one of them started to speak. "Spirits," the witch, Aja began. "Take her soul. Free her from darkness." She had a stake, ready to stab a screaming Bonnie with it. However, with a wave of Emery's hand, the stake flew out of her hand.

"Or we could just do that," Klaus muttered, sending a glance in his witch's way.

Aja turned her head in Emery's direction, her brows furrowed and lips curled in displeasure at the interruption. "How dare you—"

Before she could finish, or let Emery do something else, Caroline vamp sped towards Aja and stabbed her with the stake that had flown out of her hand a few seconds earlier.

"No!" Klaus shouted, taken aback by the blonde's sudden action. Emery took a deep breath, then shook her head. "What the hell?" They watched as all the witches began dropping dead one by one.

Caroline knelt down by Bennett witch's side, shaking her slightly. "Bonnie!"

She then slowly opened her eyes which were completely white and flashed the blonde vampire an eerie smile. "The triangle is complete."

⎯⎯ ✧˖*°☽࿐

"SO," KLAUS DRAWED out, looking at Emery, "you've been acting weird all day."

The two were burying the witches' bodies— more like, Klaus was doing all the work and Emery was just standing there, watching him. Caroline and Stefan were taking care of Bonnie.

"I've been feeling like shit since I woke up."

"You should've stayed in bed then. Am I going to have to carry you again?" Klaus asked, amusement filled in his tone as he tried to lighten up the mood. "Just like old times?"

She chuckled which made him smile. However, the smile fell off his face when she let out a cough, her brows furrowing as an unexpected wave of discomfort washed over her.

"You okay?" The hybrid questioned, not taking his eyes off her face. When she nodded, he internally relaxed and went back to digging.

It started as a subtle unease, gradually growing more intense with each passing moment. As she waited for him, Emery placed a trembling hand on her stomach, feeling the alcohol from earlier churning and rising with alarming speed.

Suddenly, an overpowering urge to throw surged through her, causing her to stumble forward, frantically seeking refuge from the impending eruption within her. Emery rushed towards the nearest tree, placed a hand on its trunk as she lowered her head and emptied her stomach.

Klaus, initially bewildered, quickly realised the gravity of the situation, his concern etching deep lines onto his face. In an instant, he moved to her side, his strong arm wrapping protectively around her quivering body.

The hybrid held back her hair, creating a tender shield between her and the unpleasant reality unfolding before them. He watched as her body racked with convulsions. The sounds of retching mixed coughing echoed through the quiet forest. Although he was terrified, he hid his fears behind a mask of unwavering support. His trembling hand continued to caress her back, offering solace amidst the chaos. Concern was still stretched on his features.

As Emery's body gradually eased its relentless torment, she leaned weakly against Klaus. "I'm sorry," she breathed out, her back to him as he held her still. "That's gross."

"Don't be ridiculous now," Klaus kept holding her hair back, "you have nothing to apologise for. Come on, I'll take you back home."

Emery nodded towards the bodies lying on the ground. "We can't leave those out there."

"I'll come back to bury them," Klaus promised. "Now. . ." without giving her the opportunity to register what was happening, he slid an arm behind her knees and lifted her, carrying her in bridal style. Taken aback, the witch threw her arm around his neck, the other one grasping the front of his shirt tightly. "I can walk, you know?"

"No, I don't know." He mocked, having started to walk, not wanting to vamp-speed too soon since he did not want her to throw up again. "Tell me about it."

"You're annoying."

"You're sick."

"It's just an upset stomach or something," Emery brushed it off, even though she felt drained. She did not want to tell him that, knowing he'd be worried. "I'll be fine."

"That remains to be seen," he shot her a look, and couldn't help but smile when she rested her head against his shoulder. "Feels like I'm about to fall asleep. Walk faster."

He rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me what to do."

"At the pace you're walking, we're going to take all night to get home."

He knew she was just messing with him, he remembered all too well he'd told her somewhat similar words months ago. "One more word," he flashed her an innocent smile, "and I'll drop you."

She pursed her lips shut at that, not because she feared he'd drop her— she knew he wouldn't, rather because she was suddenly too tired and soon enough, her eyelids felt too heavy.