The Unbroken Heir

CHAPTER ONE

[Hey hey, leave your negativity aside]
________

"Everyone, look who's awake."

The Mikaelson siblings stared in awe as the firstborn Mikaelson, Hope, stood before them, a shy smile playing on her lips. Niklaus felt his eyes mist up, offering a small, heartfelt smile toward his daughter.

Rebekah was stunned as she noticed her son, Alexander, standing behind Hope, staring back at them with equal surprise.

"Aunt Hayley, is that them?" Alexander softly asked, his eyes on Hayley, who simply nodded in response.

"Oh my," Kol murmured, unable to believe he was seeing his niece and nephew after so long.

Elijah glanced around, his eyes searching for someone specific. When his gaze landed on Hayley, she couldn't help but chuckle at his obvious concern.

"Looking for someone, Elijah?" she asked, drawing everyone's attention to him.

"Where is she?" he inquired urgently.

Alexander checked his watch. "It's 9 a.m., Aunt Hayley."

Hayley glanced at her own watch before turning to the siblings with a knowing smile. "One," she began counting.

"What's happening?" someone muttered.

"Two," she continued, ignoring their confusion.

"Is there a bomb about to go off?"

"And three."

"GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!" a loud voice rang out, causing the vampires to wince at the sudden noise.

A four-year-old girl, clad in a soft green floral dress, darted into the room, her bright smile taking the Mikaelsons by surprise.

"Well, good morning! How's everyone today?" she chimed. Elijah stared at Hayley, completely taken aback.

Trying not to laugh, Hayley introduced, "Elijah, meet your daughter. Elysia, meet your-"

"Yeah, yeah, my father. I know, Aunt Hayley. Don't underestimate me just because I'm a kid," Elysia interrupted, placing her hands on her hips and narrowing her eyes at Hayley.

Raising her hands in mock surrender, Hayley replied, "I would never, Your Highness."

Elysia turned her gaze to Elijah. "Hi," he nervously greeted her.

She raised an eyebrow at him, then broke into the brightest smile. "Did you miss me, Daddy?" she asked innocently.

Elijah and his siblings felt their hearts melt at her words. "Yes, I did," he responded softly.

A mischievous gleam appeared in her eyes. "Sike! 'Cause I didn't!" she exclaimed, before running off without waiting for a reaction.

Elijah stood there, mouth agape, staring at Hayley.

With a shrug, she said, "Don't mind her; she's always this sassy. Give it a week, you'll get used to it."