The Dark Twin|1|✔️

iv.

Atlas – Wolves' Den, Before Departure

I made my way to the werewolf training field one last time before I left. The pack was tossing a ball around—laughing, snapping at each other mid-shift.

"Collin? Charlie?" I called out.

The game slowed. Charlie stepped forward, brushing grass from his jeans. "He's in the woods, on a run. I heard what happened." His voice softened. "How are you?"

We hugged tightly, that kind of hug men don't usually give unless they've bled together.

I sighed into his shoulder. "Feels like half of me's missing."

Charlie gave me a knowing look. "Go see him before you go. He's waiting."

Atlas – Into the Trees

I wandered into the woods, heart heavy.

"Collin!" I called out.

A low yip answered me. A reddish-brown wolf padded out from between the trees, eyes catching the last of the sun.

"Hello, Collin," I smiled.

He shifted mid-step, naked and calm in the way only wolves are. "Hey, Nik."

He was the only one who called me that. Nik. The way my father used to be called. When he said it, I felt grounded—like Klaus Mikaelson was still part of me.

"I just wanted to see you before I left for New Orleans."

Collin stepped close. "No, you didn't."

I grinned. "Okay, you're right."

He kissed me hard.

I melted into him, pushing him against a tree, hands in his hair. He grabbed my shirt and tugged. I broke the kiss just long enough to rip it over my head. His fingers ran across my chest like he'd never seen it before.

I trailed kisses along his jaw, down his throat. When I hit his sweet spot, he groaned—a deep, raw sound that made my body pulse.

I smirked against his skin. "Oh shut up, it's your turn, Nik," he whispered.

He flipped us around—my back now pressing into the bark. His mouth blazed a trail down my chest, tongue teasing, lips dragging. I gasped when he knelt, unbuckled my belt, and yanked my pants and boxers down in one swift motion.

His hand wrapped around me, leather-rough fingers slow and firm. I moaned, head tilted back. The world spun with each stroke, each press of his mouth.

"Gods, Collin..."

He growled. "You taste like fire."

I gasped. "I'm really loving this, but... my flight leaves in thirty minutes."

He let out a sound halfway between a snarl and a moan.

I kissed his temple, voice low. "When I get back... we'll finish this. And more."

Collin's eyes turned black with want. "Finish that sentence," he said, voice feral, "and you won't be able to walk when I'm done with you."

I chuckled and pulled my pants up, fixing my hair and slipping my shirt back on.

But then I turned serious.

"You know I care about you a lot, right?"

Collin's playful expression faded. He stepped in close and cupped my cheek. "Yeah. I do." His eyes scanned my face. "What's wrong, Nik?"

Tears burned at the corners of my vision. "I feel like I'm slipping. Going dark. And it scares me, Col."

He stared into me—really looked. "No matter what you do... I will always love you."

My breath caught.

"I—"

"You don't have to say it back," he said gently. "I know how you are. Take your time. I'll see you when you're back."

He turned, shifted mid-leap into his wolf form, and disappeared into the trees.

Mikaelson Compound – New Orleans||

The moment I stepped into the courtyard, the scent of home hit me—jasmine, magic, dust, and something deeply ancient.

Davina and Freya were waiting.

"I'm home," I said softly.

Freya came to me first and hugged me tightly. "We're so sorry about your wolf side, sweetheart. Kol's on the way. He went to find your grandmother's spellbook."

Just as she said it, Kol walked in, tossing a worn grimoire on the table.

"I found it," he said, triumphant. "But we need doppelgänger blood."

"I've got some," I replied quickly. "Dad kept vials in his room—kept them locked so you couldn't get in, actually."

Davina smirked. "Savage."

Kol rolled his eyes. "It was one time!"

Atlas – Klaus's Room

The door creaked open like it hadn't been touched since the day he died.

The air was heavy with memory.

I approached the safe. The password? My birthday.

05-21-12.

It clicked open. I grabbed two vials and held them tightly like they might burn away if I blinked.

Back downstairs, I handed them off.

"Found it," I said. "How bad is this going to hurt?"

Freya offered a sad smile. "Like it did when it was locked away."

"Oh, bloody hell."

She raised her hands and began the spell:

"Phasmatos Tribum, Salve Sorce Das. Phasmatos Eliximo Nominum, Etrinox Sorce Sotero Callux Oxtara."

Later||

When I woke, my entire body tingled with power. Magic danced in my blood again, stronger than ever.

My eyes flashed.

"What color are they?" I asked, breathless.

Kol stepped forward, grinning. "Red. And you're not just a hybrid anymore."

Freya added, voice reverent, "You're a true Mikaelson now. Vampire, werewolf, witch. A tribrid."

I exhaled slowly.

"I'm whole again."

But as I looked out the window, toward the moonless sky, I knew the road ahead wasn't about power.

It was about control.

And I wasn't sure if I had any left.