The Forgotten Beloved (Short Story)

Klaus Mikaelson believes he has lost his great love countless times, but one loss remains invisible to him: the woman who was his soulmate for four centuries before the birth of his daughter. The ancient sorcerer Cassian didn't kill their love; he cursed it, magically separating the memory of Hayley Marshall from Klaus's consciousness, leaving him with only the protective fury of a co-parent and the crushing weight of a love he can't name.
Now, Hayley has gained the terrifying truth-she remembers everything: their past life as a painter and his lover in Renaissance Italy, the ancient vow they made, and the dark magic that keeps them apart. With Cassian resurfacing to complete a ritual that requires the destruction of their hidden bond, Hayley must race against time to shatter Klaus's memory block. She needs him to remember that his Little Wolf is also his Forgotten Beloved before the love he doesn't know he possesses leads them both to tragedy.

Story Premise (Timeline Context)

This story begins shortly after the events of Season 3, following Hayley's return and before the Mikaelsons begin their separation to protect Hope from the Hollow. The family is fragile and scattered, and Cami's death is a recent, painful memory for Klaus, leaving him emotionally vulnerable and volatile.

The Change: Hayley is recovering from a magical encounter (perhaps linked to the search for a cure for the Mikaelsons) that unintentionally broke Cassian's magical interference, flooding her with the memories of her Renaissance life with Klaus.

The Relationship Status: Klaus and Hayley are strictly co-parents and tentative allies. Klaus relies on her to protect Hope, but their relationship is characterized by intense hostility, distrust, and unspoken, confusing affection. Hayley's sudden, emotionally profound attempts to communicate their "truth" are seen by Klaus as either manipulation or erratic