The Original Mate

The Weight of Sacrifice

Trevor burst into the dimly lit room, his face pale with fear. Rose and Elena, who had been whispering urgently in the corner, looked up at his entrance. The tension in the room was palpable.

"He's here! This was a mistake," Trevor blurted out, his voice shaking.

Rose stepped forward; her expression determined. "No, I told you I would get us out of this. You have to trust me."

Trevor shook his head vehemently. "No! He wants me dead, Rose!"

Rose's eyes flicked to Elena before she replied, her voice calm but firm. "He wants her more."

Trevor's panic was evident. "I can't do this. You give her to him; he'll have mercy on you, but I need to get out of here."

Rose grabbed his arm, forcing him to meet her gaze. "Hey! What are we?"

Trevor's shoulders slumped as he answered, "We're family, forever."

Just then, a loud knock echoed through the room. Elena's eyes widened in fear.

"You're scared," she whispered.

Rose's face softened for a moment as she looked at Elena. "Stay here with her and don't make a sound," she instructed Trevor. She took a deep breath and walked towards the door, her heart pounding. She reached it just as it opened, revealing Elijah on the other side.

"Elijah," she greeted him with a forced smile. "Rose-Marie. Is there somewhere we can talk?" He asked her.

"Yes, in here," she replied, gesturing to the room she had just left. "You have to forgive the house."

Elijah stepped inside, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a critical look. "Oh, no, what's a little dirt? I completely understand," he said, sarcasm dripping from his lips. "So, tell me, what is it that gives you the courage to call me?"

Rose squared her shoulders, trying to project confidence. "I wanted my freedom. I'm tired of running. You're in a position to grant me that?"

Elijah's eyes narrowed. "I have complete authority to grant pardon to you and your little pet. What is his name again? Trevor. If I so see fit."

Rose swallowed hard before speaking again. "Katerina Petrova?"

Elijah's gaze sharpened, appraising her. "I'm listening."

"She didn't burn in the church in 1864," Rose said, her voice steady.

Elijah raised an eyebrow. "Continue."

"She survived," Rose continued.

Elijah's expression remained impassive. "Where is she?"

Rose couldn't hide her surprise. "You don't seem surprised by this."

Elijah smirked. "Oh, when you called and invited me into this armpit of civilization, which is a mere three hours from the town we know as Mystic Falls, I surmised it had everything to do with Katerina. Do you have her in your possession?"

Rose shook her head. "No, but I have better. I have her doppelgänger."

Elijah's skepticism was clear. "That's impossible, her family line ended with her. I know that for a fact."

"The facts are wrong," Rose insisted.

Elijah's interest was piqued. "Well, show her to me."

Rose hesitated for a moment. "Elijah, you are a man of honor, you should be trusted but I want to hear you say it again."

Elijah's eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "You have my word that I will pardon you," he said, choosing his words carefully, as always.

Rose seemed satisfied. "Follow me," she said, leading him back to the main room. As they entered, Elena turned her head, her fear evident. Elijah's eyes widened in surprise as he rushed over to her. He examined her closely, then leaned in to smell her neck.