DUALITY

Chapter 25: "I have no interest in receiving apologies."

Elijah and Bonnie arrived at Vanessa's motel, tension hanging thick in the air. Yvette was already there, her expression tight with worry.

"Elijah, Bonnie," Yvette greeted them, her voice strained. "We have a problem."

Bonnie nodded, her brow furrowed. "We know. Elena's in a fugue state, and we need to find a way to bring her back."

Yvette sighed heavily. "It's not just that. The old coven is more dangerous than we initially thought. They're targeting Elena for a reason..."

Morgana, standing over Elena's immobile form, looked up, her expression dark. "They want Yvette to get desperate enough to fight them on her own to protect her friends," she explained, her tone bitter. "It's quite ingenious. I would be amused if it wasn't directly affecting me."

Bonnie frowned, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "So... what you're saying is we don't know who's next?" She sucked in a panicked breath at that.

"Caroline has already realised and subsequently panicked. Please do not panic," Yvette said, though her own exhaustion was evident. She was tired—tired of running, fighting, and the constant dread. "Perhaps I should face the coven alone..."

"Absolutely not!" Elijah disagreed instantly, his voice firm. Not only would he miss her dearly, but Niklaus would never forgive him if he let her die.

Bonnie nodded in agreement. "That's a really bad idea. Where's Caroline anyway?"

"With her mum," Vanessa replied. "I think we all need a brief escape."

"I don't," Bonnie said resolutely. "I will never need an escape as long as my friends are in danger."

"Careful," Morgana crooned, her eyes glinting with warning. "Don't let the old coven get more ideas."

Elijah's curiosity was piqued. "Are they always watching? Listening?"

"Yes," Morgana said simply. "And I don't know which future is most likely to happen. It changes every fucking hour!" She screamed the last sentence, her frustration boiling over.

Everyone went silent, the weight of her words settling over them.

"Maybe we should get lunch?" Bonnie suggested after a few tense minutes.

Vanessa hummed affirmatively. "Yup, I'm coming with." She stood up hastily, eager to leave the heavy atmosphere behind.

"I cannot. I have to inform Stefan of what has become of Elena," Yvette said, her voice heavy with responsibility.

Elijah shook his head. "What am I to do then?"

Yvette chuckled weakly. "Follow those two, extra protection."

"You do love your Bennett witches," Elijah replied with a nod. "However, I presume you are the one that needs to be protected."

Yvette eyed him, puzzled. "I do not understand."

"It is not for you to understand, Yvette," Elijah told her gently. "You seem to be shouldering martyr-like tendencies that I shall not let you realise. Vanessa and Bonnie can protect themselves, and they are not worth to me as much as you."

Yvette gave a deep sigh, feeling both gratitude and the weight of her actions. It started to seem like there was no one left to do that for her. Damon had broken their bond; she had told Niklaus that they were dead; she pushed Amelie and Stefan away; and she had been cold to Bonnie and Caroline as of late. She sighed again, wondering why she did the things she did.

Elijah gave her a small, reassuring smile, resting his hand on her shoulder. "Thank you, Elijah," she told him softly. "You're a good friend."

Elijah nodded. "Let us go meet your Salvatores."