Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Chapter 14

Estrella managed to convince Elena that undaggering Elijah might be their best shot at finding answers—and hopefully, a solution to stop Klaus.

With a mix of hesitation and determination, they watched anxiously as Elijah lay still, waiting for the moment he'd wake.

Suddenly, Elijah stirred, his eyelids fluttering open.

Estrella rushed to his side, and his eyes widened in shock as he recognized her.

"Estella," he murmured softly before his gaze shifted to Elena. "Katerina," he whispered, the confusion evident in his voice.

Before either of them could respond, Elijah’s body spasmed violently.

He sat up, gasping for air, his hands trembling.

Panic filled his eyes as he stumbled to his feet, frantically trying to find an exit.

"I can't—I can't breathe! What’s happening to me?" Elijah exclaimed, darting toward the door only to slam into the doorway, unable to cross the threshold.

Estrella hurried to him, her hands gently resting on his arm, trying to steady him.

"Elijah, wait—just breathe," she said, her voice calm but urgent.

He winced and stumbled back, gasping. "No, I can't... I can't be in this house."

Elena's eyes widened with realization. "You're not invited in."

"Then get me out of here," Elijah demanded, slamming into another wall in frustration.

In a flash, he disappeared, his form a blur. Estrella and Elena sprinted after him, bursting through the front door.

Outside, Elijah crouched near the steps, his chest heaving as if he were still trying to catch his breath.

He stood quickly and rushed toward them but froze at the threshold, unable to enter the house.

"What happened?" Elijah asked, his tone sharp with confusion.

"Shh!" Elena whispered, showing him with a glance toward the house that Stefan and Damon could hear them from inside. "I'll tell you. Not here. Can I trust you?"

Elijah’s sharp gaze flickered between the two of them before settling on Estrella. "Can I trust you?" he whispered back, his expression serious.

Estrella, without hesitation, handed him the dagger they had used to neutralize him.

Elijah accepted it, his grip tightening on the hilt as if it were a lifeline.

Later, Elena pulled over on a quiet stretch of road, parking the car on the side.

In the passenger seat, Elijah sat sipping blood from a blood bag, his composure returning.

Estrella sat quietly in the backseat, her eyes observing every small shift in his expression.

"You look better," Elena remarked softly, trying to break the tension.

Elijah looked at her, his brow furrowed in thought. "Where did you get the dagger?" he asked, his voice low but probing, curiosity laced with suspicion.

"I'll tell you everything," Elena said steadily, her gaze fixed on Elijah. "But we have to work together. I need your word."

Elijah raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Your ability to make demands has long passed," he remarked, his voice calm but firm.

"I'm not making demands," Elena countered, her tone unwavering. "I'm offering you my help. And in return, I want yours."

Elijah regarded her thoughtfully. "And why," he began, his voice laced with skepticism, "should I even consider this?"