Through the Darkness

Chapter 25: Where Do We Go From Here?

The plane ride home was filled with silence. Klaus drank heavily while Cami's stomach was still in knots as she contemplated her new state of existence. When they landed in New Orleans, they retrieved his car and he drove her to Rousseau's, as she had requested during their single brief conversation when they left the airport. They shared one final glance before Klaus drove away, leaving Cami alone in front of her former place of employment. Ignoring the already obvious pain of separation, she stared at the Rousseau's sign for a moment before entering and finding Vincent seated at the bar.

He turned to her and his eyes widened in shock. She could tell that he knew something was different about her. "That obvious, huh?" Cami ordered a drink and downed it quickly.

"Um, yeah. Pretty obvious. Your power level just went through the roof and you look like you've been to hell and back."

"That pretty much sums it up."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"It'll take a while."

"It looks like you need a friend right now, so I'm not going anywhere."

"Well, here goes..."

Klaus walked into the compound and dropped his bags in the foyer. Freya greeted him with a smile, but it quickly faded when she saw that Cami wasn't with him. She started to ask when she saw the sadness in his eyes, but he gave her a weary, yet dangerous look that told her to remain silent. He brushed past her, grabbed a large bottle of bourbon, and went straight to his private art room. It was not long before he had a canvas covered in dark colors and aggressive brush strokes that echoed the turmoil that resided within him...

Vincent's expression was a mixture of shock and compassion as Cami finished telling him about her journey into witchcraft and her decision to leave Klaus. They finished another round of drinks, then moved to a table to have something to eat. "So, I'm ready to hear your thoughts," she asked earnestly.

"Well, Cami, you've been through a lot, both good and bad. I think it's a good thing you're taking some time to be by yourself. I'm no fan of Klaus Mikaelson, but he did save your life. If he hadn't, I would have lost a good friend and chances are your brother would be wreaking havoc on this world right now since he was being coached by that ruthless Green Serpent Guild."

"I know you're right. I just can't help but think there could have been a way for him to tell me the truth."

"I understand what you're feeling. You feel betrayed. It'll take some time to get over that. But, the man does love you."

"I love him, too. That's why this is so hard."

"Let me help you with your new powers. Maybe we can work through some of these feelings you have through your magic."

"I can't think of anything else to do. It's worth a try...."

It had been three days since his return when Elijah paid Klaus a visit in his private art room. He had a couple of completed canvases by this time, which were concealed with a white cloth. "I'm quite busy, Elijah," he muttered, still painting furiously.

"This will not take long, Brother. I want to know what you have seen through your link to John."

"All is well. Hugo was successful in slaughtering each and every one of the Green Serpent Guild members. It occurred last night and I watched with intense curiosity and satisfaction."

"Is that all?"

"What else would there be?"

"I, for one, would like to know where he plans to go next."