Guilt ▻ The Originals [3]

2

Freya and Ophelia were in one of the upstairs sitting rooms with Hope, and the three were sitting on a spread out blanket on the floor as they played with the various toys that surrounded them. Elijah soon walked in, moving closer to the trio.

"She's getting bigger by the second," Freya told Elijah as she looked up at him, a smile on her face.

Elijah paced back and forth next to where Freya, Ophelia, and Hope were playing, "Thank you for all of your care," He thanked Freya before turning to Ophelia, "Both of you."

"Tomorrow's the full moon," Freya informed Elijah, causing Ophelia to sigh in defeat, "I can help you bring Hope to Hayley, if you'd like."

"That won't be necessary. You deserve a night off," Elijah smiled and knelt on the floor to play with Hope.

Just then, Klaus walked into the room to join them, clearly intent on jumping into their conversation unbiddenly.

"I'd offer to accompany you myself, but I fear my fragile ego could not endure the litany of insults Hayley has no doubt prepared." Klaus sarcastically butted in, causing Ophelia to let out a large sigh.

At the sound of his brother's voice, Elijah instantly scowled in anger, "Yes, I doubt that your presence is particularly welcome anywhere." He commented with an attitude.

"My own brother, greeting me with such disdain!" Klaus responded, acting as if he were offended, which he clearly wasn't. He turned to Freya and Ophelia, on the intent of discussing Elijah as if he weren't there, "Freya, Ophelia, what do you think? Is he still angry for my part in Hayley's curse? Need I remind him it was my ploy that kept her alive?"

Elijah spun on his heel to face Klaus and continued to glare at him, and both Ophelia and Freya quickly stood in preparation to break up a potential fight, "Of course, forgive me," He sarcastically responded, "So, you would call this an act of heroism even as you bask in her torment?"

Klaus immediately gave Elijah an unamused look, "Or perhaps I'd be more sympathetic if Hayley apologized. After all, it was her that tried to run off with my daughter."

"Could you please stop fighting?" Ophelia suddenly spoke up, causing the duo to turn to her, "At least do it someplace else not where there isn't a little one in attendance?"

Elijah took one last look at Hope before he walked out of the room without another word, leaving Klaus, Ophelia, and an exasperated Freya behind.

Freya went to follow Elijah out, but stopped to make one last statement to her brother before she left, "Nicely done. At this rate, you'll drive the entire family away."

With that, Freya left as well, leaving Klaus alone with Hope and Ophelia. Klaus immediately turned to Ophelia, waiting for her to go off on him as well, "Don't give me that look," She insisted, shaking her head, "You did this to yourself."

Instead of leaving, Ophelia took her seat on the floor with Hope, beginning to play with the young child once more.

_______

The following morning, Davina was standing on the front steps of the Lycée, where she was addressing a gathering of several dozen witch Elders from the nine covens. Ophelia stood toward the back, her body leaning against one of the many tombs, "Thank you for coming. I spent the night consulting our ancestors. They say we must remain strong and to defend our homes. But, for now, no covens are to expand into Gentilly."

The Elders didn't seem to be at all pleased by the decision and began to chatter amongst themselves, some of them shooting angry glares and scoffing at Davina, who continued her announcements, which concerned Ophelia, "This decision is to keep us from a violent turf-war with the vampires. And it's final."