1975 // Klaus Mikaelson

chapter ten

"Elijah, please stop. I can't take it anymore. We've been stuck on this damn exercise for hours. I still can't start a fire. We both know it. Maybe Klaus was right after all—maybe I am useless, just a stupid girl who thinks she can save you from that maniac of your father. And you have no idea how much it costs me to admit Klaus was right," and it was true, I liked being right so much, let alone giving Klaus the satisfaction.

"But you did manage to do it. You just need to unlock it. And for now, we've seen that anger works in our favor. Maybe Klaus is the one who can help you," Elijah said.

I laughed hysterically. He was joking, right?
"Nice joke, Elijah."
Then I realized he was serious.
"Listen, I don't want to have anything to do with Klaus. I'll help you with your father, but I'd rather stay away from him for now. He took my brother, wanted me to kill him as a joke, and wanted Elena's blood for his damn hybrids. I can't forget, and for now, I'd prefer to stay away if I can," I concluded firmly.

But I knew Elijah was right. It was only thanks to Klaus's words that I managed to start that fire. So I thought back to his words, knowing they would help me, and no, I didn't tell Elijah. I was fine with just giving Klaus the satisfaction for that day; I wouldn't give it to his good brother as well.

"Incendio," I said, more determined, and...
Damn, it worked.
Klaus wasn't so useless after all... but just a little.

I kept going like this all day, lighting and extinguishing the flame with a wave of my hand. I eventually didn't even need to say "Incendio," it just happened. Apparently, I only needed a bit of self-confidence because I did just fine without thinking about what Klaus had said the previous day.

"I want more exercises, Elijah. Anything, I've mastered this one, and I'm starting to get bored," I said, smiling. I was so happy.

I began flipping through the grimoire of Elijah's mother, becoming more and more fascinated and enamored with it. There were so many spells that I lost count. I read one and smiled at Elijah with a playful look.
With a swift gesture of my hand, I lit the candle's flame and...
"Phasmatus Indomine," I pronounced.
A strong wind took over the house, suddenly opening all the doors and windows. I didn't expect it to work.

We ducked down due to the intense wind, which was so annoying...
"How do I stop it!" I yelled, trying to make myself heard.

"I can't hear you! Stop the wind!" he shouted, and fortunately, I managed to hear him, and the question I asked myself at that moment was... How the hell do I do it?

"Adhuc Ventus," I began to say. "Adhuc Ventus."
"Oh, come on. Adhuc Ventus!"
Damn it.
I tried to reach the candle, which was quite difficult due to the wind, and gave it a smack, making it fall to the floor. The flame went out, and the strong gust ceased as well.

I collapsed backward, exhausted.
"I didn't expect that," I said, looking at Elijah, who was adjusting his hair.

"I'd say that's enough exercises for today," he said, adjusting his tie and collar.

"What? No! I just brought a 'hurricane' into your house and you say it's enough? I mean, yes, I should have better control but... Look at what I did," I said, all excited.

He turned his back to me and approached a desk.
"Seriously? You turn your back on me?" I commented, annoyed by his gesture.

"Patience is not your strong suit, I'd say," he replied while busy writing on a piece of paper. He handed it to me, and after giving the vampire a confused look, I read it.

"It's a spell?" I wasn't sure if it was more a question or a statement.

"Yes. When you get home, you'll need to take a feather from your pillow, hold your hand a few centimeters above it, and recite the spell. It's for levitation," he informed me. "The more you practice, the less you'll need to say the spell."