Dark Heart , Mystic Ties

6. 𝑭𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑶𝒇 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓

Emersyn lay in bed at the Mikaelson mansion, her body tense as her mind raced.

The hybrid issue had been dealt with, but the lingering danger to Elena gnawed at her thoughts.

Klaus would still need her blood, and Emersyn knew she couldn't protect the girl forever.

As her powers grew stronger and more tangible, the weight of her curse pressed down on her.

So many things needed to be handled, but the path forward was murky at best.

Downstairs, Klaus sat in the living room, casually pouring a drink into his glass.

He took a slow sip as he leaned back on the couch, feeling an unusual sense of relief now that his hybrid problem had been solved.

Yet, even in the quiet, he could hear the steady but restless heartbeat coming from upstairs, signaling that Emersyn was still awake.

A smirk tugged at his lips as he recalled how the young witch had stood up to him.

The idea amused him-Klaus Mikaelson, the Original Hybrid, the most powerful being in existence, feeling even a hint of intimidation from a witch he'd only known for a few days.

He wasn't afraid, rather intrigued-challenged by her in a way he hadn't been in centuries.

Chuckling to himself, he downed the last of his drink and stood, deciding to check on her.

He appeared in her doorway, leaning casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed.

"Can't sleep?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

Emersyn jumped at the sudden sound, her eyes widening as she flinched.

"Crap! You scared me," she muttered, placing a hand over her racing heart.

Klaus chuckled, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. "What's keeping you awake, little witch?" He remained by the door, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Everything," she sighed, rolling onto her back. "My curse, my powers... you kidnapping me," she added with a dramatic roll of her eyes.

Klaus laughed, shaking his head. "I thought we were past that by now."

Sitting up in bed, Emersyn gave him a pointed look.

"I'm only here because I don't want you going after them again. And, let's face it, I don't have anywhere else to go. You basically invited me to stay here "

Her tone was confident, almost daring him to argue.

Klaus raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her resilience.

"Uh-huh , right . So, tell me-when we were in Chicago, you said you had better things to take care of. What were  they, exactly?"

He pushed off the doorframe and began to slowly approach the bed.

"Everything will come on its own time, Klaus," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Right now, I want to focus on siphoning my curse."

His eyes flickered with surprise as he stopped near the edge of her bed. "Siphon your curse?" he asked, intrigued.

"Yes," she confirmed, her gaze steady. "Gloria told me it's magical in nature, so I can siphon it."

Klaus crossed his arms, his expression darkening with concern. "Little witch, as far as I can tell,  siphoning your own curse is going to be painful. Are you sure you want to do that?"

His voice dropped, unusually serious as his eyes searched hers.

Emersyn didn't waver. "Yes, I am." With a sudden burst of determination, she threw off the covers and stood up. "In fact, let's start right now."