Through the Darkness

Chapter 5: Smoke and Mirrors

The room was completely white. The window was open, which overlooked a beautiful blue sea. A vase of red tropical flowers sat on the windowsill, the source of a heavenly fragrance that filled the room. Sheer curtains billowed as a gentle breeze blew in, causing the white satin sheets to ruffle ever so slightly. Cami wore a form-fitting white halter gown, standing next to the bed, waiting for him. Klaus entered, wearing a white suit and sand-colored shirt. He walked up to her and took her into his arms, pressing his lips hungrily on hers. She passionately kissed him back, brimming with anticipation. He stopped, exposed his fangs, and then sank them into her neck. Pulling him closer, the ecstasy began to dissipate as she felt the pain. Cami pushed him away, only to look down and see streams of blood running down her white dress. She shook her head in denial and fear as she looked back at Klaus, who smiled at her with satisfaction. Suddenly, the white oak stake came plummeting through his chest as blood spilled down his torso, covering his white suit. Mikael's face appeared behind him, grinning with victory.

"Klaus!" Cami shouted, panicked as she sat up in bed. It took her a moment to regain her bearings from the intense nightmare she just experienced. She glanced at the clock on the wall – it was almost five. "It was just a stupid dream," she muttered to herself, taking a few moments to calm herself. Laying back down, she was able to go back to sleep only because she was still exhausted.

The drive was long and tedious for Klaus. He would have preferred to take a plane, but it was not the best way to travel incognito. Using his incredible speed was out because his powers could be detected by any nearby witches. If this had been a mission solely about him, he would have taken the risk, but not when it involved Camille's safety. As he drove, he imagined her asleep in the guest room where he left her, wondering if she missed him yet. To him, she was the best of both worlds: a strong, fierce warrior but also a beautiful, compassionate woman. He was determined to protect her the best he could. As evening approached, after driving all day, he began to look for the specific scenic route in central Kentucky that would lead to his informant, who should have arrived by then to meet him. He exited his car and walked up the hill towards the designated spot. Klaus looked up and studied the stars. He never tired of looking for the brightest and most brilliant ones, reminding him of the permanent beauty of the heavens that still remained during his entire lifetime. It gave him comfort and a fleeting sense of peace. The presence of his informant became known to him after another hour had passed, so he waited until he had made it up the hill.

"You're late," Klaus commented.

"Well, you didn't give me much notice. I had to find someone to cover my shift. Why didn't you just call me like you normally do?" the young police officer responded.

"I have my reasons that do not concern you."

"Well, I'll do whatever you want as long as you keep that Mikaelson money coming my way."

Klaus pulled out a $100 bill and held it just out of his reach. "Ok, Marco, I'm listening. Tell me everything that has been going on in Mystic Falls."

"Well, there was a bloodbath at this wedding – some professor was marrying a gal from the Gemini coven. Her crazy brother shows up and stabs her. She was pregnant with twins. Anyway, after all was said and done, the whole Gemini coven was wiped out."

"Any specifics on the list of people I asked you to keep an eye on?"

"Stefan Salvatore is dating Caroline Forbes."

He turned to Marco and raised an eyebrow. "Really? Well, if I was bored and a bit more demented I could really have fun with that situation," he mused.

"Her mother, the Sheriff, died of cancer."

"Poor Caroline. I'm sure Stefan was the perfect shoulder for her to cry on." Klaus did feel a twinge of sympathy for his former fling, but she made it clear that he would never be in her plans for the future, so he had quit thinking about her a long time ago, thus intentionally severing any remaining affinity for her. "Who else?"