FALLEN | THE ORIGINALS

2.1 | Kicking Werewolf Ass

[ Chapter Twenty-Two ]

     IN A DIMLY LIT nursery undetectable by magic, Rebekah sat in a rocking chair with her niece, Hope, held in her arms. The Original smiled down at the sleepy child and began to tell here story, a fairytale of sorts.

     "Once upon a time, there was a majestic king who lived with his noble brother in a kingdom where music and art were celebrated. The king did not foresee having a child, but he lived in an enchanted land where all things were possible. In time, he was blessed with a beautiful baby daughter, for who he wished only peace."

     Hope cooed happily in Rebekah's arms, as the woman continued.

     "Still, the king had demons who pursued him. There was a ruthless beast who wanted to take the kingdom for her own. Armed with a pack of untamed creatures, she drove the other magical creatures from the land. And, there was a wicked sorceress with enchanted stones that weakened the king every full moon. Seeing the shadow his enemies cast upon his home, the king was driven to send his beloved princess away, convincing all who remained that she was forever lost."

     Hope began to fall asleep against Rebekah's chest, her eyes closed and her breathing slowed.

     "The king, in the sorrow, turned away from the world. The castle closed its doors, and the kingdom fell. Some say that the only light that shines in the castle illuminates the shadow of the once majestic king in the room meant for his child. But, as the ruthless beasts took rule over the fallen king's realm, little did they know that he and his brother would not rest until their enemies were vanquished. For they believed that one day, they would heal their kingdom and bring their precious princess home so that she might live happily ever after."

     Rebekah looked down to find Hope fast asleep in her arms. She lightly stood to her feet and moved over to the crib to placed to small child down onto the mattress. The Original then placed a wooden trinket, the knight that Klaus had given her the night he trusted her with his daughter, a knight that weathered over a thousand years, onto the shelf next to the child's bed. Rebekah turned toward the door and flicked off the lights, leaving little princess Hope to sleep for the night.

     _______

     Four months had passed since the infamous Battle of New Orleans. Four months of the French Quarter being patrolled by Francesca Guerrera and her army of werewolves. Four months of vampires hunted and ran from the city they used to call their own. Four months of Hayley and Klaus mourning a daughter forced to leave her family home.

     Raylynn hated that she could not help them through their grieving. Despite Hope not actually meeting her end, her parents could not see her and did not know if they would ever be able to. All thanks to Francesca.