Through the Darkness

Chapter 8: The Burden of Truth

It was a peaceful night for Cami after Klaus had left. She happily went to sleep and had nothing but pleasant dreams of him. When she woke, a text message was waiting for her.

Good morning, Cami. I trust you slept well?

Cami grinned as she looked at her phone and typed a response. I slept like a baby. I'm pretty sure you had a lot to do with that.

If only I had that effect on the actual baby living here. Hope was rather restless last night.

She's still teething. It will pass.

Come over for breakfast. I want to see you.

Only if you are going to tell me what I want to know.

I made a promise to you, did I not?

Yes, and last night proved to me that you never break your promises.

See you soon, Cami.

The evening played over again in Klaus's mind as he put down his phone, eagerly awaiting Cami's arrival. He had hoped to finally convince her that he was worthy of her affection. The thought of her trying to date anyone else did not sit well with him. After what she had said about trying over and over again to start a new life without him before he went on his trip had disturbed him, so much so that he decided to pull out all the stops on their first date so she would never even think of seeing anyone else. However, he didn't want to control her, either. He wanted her to choose him freely and willingly, whether it be friendly or romantic, it didn't matter to him as long as she was a permanence in his life. Patience was going to be key in dealing with Cami, which was not going to be easy for him, but he knew that she was more than worth the wait. Klaus checked with Freya and Elijah to make sure that they would be available for breakfast as well. Freya had assisted the cook with breakfast, so she began putting the finishing touches on everything when Cami arrived. Klaus couldn't stop grinning when he saw her walk in. She was wearing a peach floral dress that wrapped around her waist and a cheerful glow in her face. He thought she looked angelic and lovely. The two continued to smile as they saw each other. He extended his hands out to her and she took them into hers. They stood together, face to face, staring into each other's eyes. Silently, the joy they had shared the night before still existed between them and they seemed to express their feelings through their gaze. "You look lovely, as always," he whispered.

"You don't look so bad yourself," she whispered back, noting his tight-fitting white Henley T-shirt and jeans. She anticipated his lips on hers once again, but he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek instead. Still, it felt nice just having him show such affection towards her. They went into the dining room and Klaus pulled out a seat for her. She greeted Elijah and Freya and they began eating. "Ok, I'm ready to hear what you have to say," she announced, looking at Klaus challengingly.

Klaus placed his elbows on the table and folded his hands. "The Green Serpent Guild has been in hiding for centuries. They had caused all sorts of trouble, murderers and evil-doers galore in their midst. Their punishment was to be banished and hidden from the entire world as long as the guardian covens deemed it necessary. When Madame Regina heard about the demise of the Gemini coven, she also learned about the heretics, who were former Gemini members, being released from their prison world. She gave Kieran the Ascendant a long time ago with the understanding you would use it to find Sean, in the event the Gemini coven was no more. These heretics are incredibly powerful, and no one knows to what extent their vampire and witch powers can be used. They need a leader. Madame Regina knew this, and that is why she recruited young Richard to try and fulfill Kieran's promise to her, using you to do so."