Already, the witches were being a pain.

"See, and now they want a party," said Yara distastefully as she flung their invitation for La Fête des Bénêdictions off the balcony. "They're hilarious if they think I'm going to go offer them a present in exchange for a blessing. Davina's told me all about that lot, they're being awful to her. This is hypocritical."

"Then I suppose we ought to return to planning," said Klaus, watching as she leaned over the couch to flick the letter into oblivion. "The very fact you react like this gives me great pleasure because I imagine the others are replying to Elijah in a similar manner."

Yara let out a cough that sounded like the words 'pompous ass.' "Fine. What's this idea you had for the wolves?" She turned on her side, laying herself back down to watch as he painted yet another skyline for Hope's room. "What is this big favor we can do for them to secure an alliance? And be quick about it, I have coffee with Marcel later."

"Moonlight rings," he said, brushing over the dark water. "Like daylight rings, but for werewolves. To prevent them from having to turn each full moon, to grant them full access to their abilities. They will be in their human forms permanently. A nice change after the torment they endured for twenty years."

"Clever. They'll definitely be our allies after that. Now, my turn." She made a small drumroll on her belly, which caused him to roll his eyes and accidentally cause one of the water lines to invade the docks. "We get the witches to heal Father Kieran. Get Francesca out, keep an O'Connell in."

"And how, pray tell, are you going to accomplish this by not attending the Fête des Bénêdictions?"

"Easy, I wasn't planning to be the one to ask. They don't like me. I was hoping you could do it, on behalf of Marcel asking for Cami."

"Ah, and you assume I will attend Fête des Bénêdictions."

"You have to, Elijah will make you."

"He will make you, too."

"All I have to do is complain I'm not feeling up to it. The baby bump will get me out of it."

"I don't wish to go to that wretched event. And you are quite bold to assume I can ask for anything in the nice way you expect while paraded around in a crowd of individuals I despise and would rather see put on a spike."

"Then you can ask the witches personally if it's easier. One on one and gently. To settle the score after what they did to you and Rebekah. They didn't apologize for it and the peace just got shoved in all our faces. If they want us to stop being suspicious of them and start respecting their traditions, they'll indulge this one small wish to benefit a pillar of the community!"

"If I propose this to Genevieve, she will ask for something in return."

"So give into her demands. Not fully, though. A little trick should be enough. So that they heal him and then Cami can have him leave New Orleans before they realize they've been bamboozled."

He snorted. "I will speak to Genevieve, but I make no promises."

Marcel, who she saw in the afternoon for way too many rounds of matcha lattes, seemed to think the witches weren't going to be making promises either.

"Like it or not, the witches benefit from Francesca being in power," said Marcel. "That lady won't monitor anything they do, she'll just give out money and poker chips until the fountain stops flowing. And the witches don't like Father K; this much we know. Haven't since he interfered with the ritual. This is their eye for an eye."

"Oh, for fuck's sake, they already killed his nephew, they need more?!"

He shrugged. "The way of the covens, as you well remember."

"I swear they weren't this crazy when we lived here before!"

"Probably because Kol was keeping half of them happy."

She smirked, holding up the latte. "And the other half was following the right side of the war. Not that I really participated much but I am the reason Klaus got any witch on his side. I do miss my little friends. The Covens are really going to the dumps. Poor Davina, she doesn't even want to do this event today."

"Yeah, she was telling me about that. Listen, I know you said you don't want to go. I respect that, I do. But seeing as I can't be there, I think it might be nice for her to see one familiar face. Someone she trusts and feels safe with. Her own mother was an ass and even if you're more of a grandmother to her, she feels like you protect her. It could motivate her to get through whatever she has to do."

Yara pouted. "You're right. Ah, I guess I will go. For her. But because I am choosing to, not because someone is manipulating me into it!"

Marcel let out a snort. "Yeah, Elijah can deliver some pretty low blows sometimes. Patriarch of the family and all that."

"I have been upset with him since he mistreated you. And then when I learned that he was pleased to let Finn rot away while he took the role of eldest brother... well, let's just say I can see exactly why Finn wanted them all dead. And Kol, even Kol, I never liked him but that poor boy really did get shoved aside constantly. Elijah allowed so many awful things to happen then when worst came to worst acted like Klaus was the only one that should be blamed."

"He's two-faced. Sensed it since I was old enough to understand what that meant. Respected him all the same but I won't let my guard down around him."

"Same here. He has been kind and helpful but at times has berated me for unreasonable things even more rudely than Klaus. At the very least your father does not hide what kind of man he is. I've always preferred that. Honesty. Owning up to what we do. As soon as you were old enough I had to come clean about my past, I couldn't bear you seeing me as this saint who fed and clothed you while deep down I am what every vampire can be— a monster."

"Hey. You did awful things but it doesn't take away from the fact you were and are and will be a great mom. I hope this little girl knows how lucky she's gonna be to have you."

Yara smiled, smoothing her hands over her belly. "Not too long ago I was rotting away In São Luis and now... well, I'm enjoying this. My baby boy..." she reached out to cup his face, "and my soon to be baby girl."

Marcel's own smirk grew, but slyly. "How much do you think Klaus would flip out if you offered 'Katherine' as a middle name?"

"Oh, that's wicked. I might try it."

Marcel had been right. Genevieve hadn't responded to Klaus's ask the way Yara might've hoped. Father Kieran was not high on the witches' list of priorities, which made Yara think the sniper was becoming the only plausible option.

"She stated very clearly that there is no way to undo the hex," explained Klaus when he came back and found her munching on some carrots. "However, she conveniently mentioned my mother's grimoire might have a useful spell."

"So, that's her demand," mused Yara. "We can meet that."

"On the contrary, I say we procure a trusted witch to look through the grimoire and find the solution. Know anyone?"

"Not really. My contacts are very old now. Davina is strong enough for it but not as experienced as she could be, I think. It may cause more harm than good for the both of them. Kol would know what to do."

"He would. But he is not here. I will see if I can force anyone to help us."

"Please send flowers and maybe a bottle of wine with that request. Keyword, request. Don't force."

"Then I have a request. Attend Fête des Bénêdictions."

"Why would I do that for this reason? Besides, you don't even need to ask. I'm going just to support Davina and then I'm leaving. I'm growing an entire child, I don't want any unnecessary torment."

He held up a finger, seizing the opportunity, "Genevieve has mentioned something she wants. While Elijah's been pleading for supernaturals to attend this feast day, I take it the witches are using this to plot a theft. I need to ensure no one steals that grimoire. If they see you going, they will think the house is unguarded. Wouldn't you enjoy the drama, knowing Elijah's ridiculous treaty isn't working?"

"You two are so manipulative sometimes. I need to start reminding you I am very capable of doing the same."

"You could, but you won't. You'd dislike yourself and please, love, do you really think you can manipulate me?"

"Let's just say the only reason you didn't abandon the British accent is because of me."

"That's absurd and untrue."

"Oh, not untrue at all. I just had to make all the right faces and noises and reward your use of it with gentle caresses. And whenever you started slipping into that awful American accent, let's just say I had bad days."

"You made me associate my bloody accent with your pleasantness?"

"Please, I helped maintain your image. The Mikaelson name wouldn't command nearly as much respect if we didn't all have sick accents."

"You have a strange mind, Yara Lopes. I shiver to think what that baby will be saying because of you." He plucked a carrot from her hand. "Back to the feast. Now, I will provide you some magical objects to give as a gift. Because knowing you, Yara, you will give them scented candles and a gift card."

"Well, what fucking else could I give them?! Scented candles are nice! I don't see how a gift card would be useful, but..."

"Not for this."

"Since you know so much, why aren't you going?"

"I will join you once I've ensured the grimoire won't be stolen. How about that?"

"You'd better, or I will kill you."

"Ah, I see you're entering your more violent stage of pregnancy." He set down his paintbrush, reaching over to place his hand on her belly. "No wonder everyone is afraid of this child."

Yara scrunched up her nose. "She'll be temperamental, but I doubt she's what's making me violent. Maybe it's your stupid brother."

"It pleases me more than words can express how little you like Elijah."

"Something is really wrong with you." She made a face, deciding there was no point in continuing to complain, because it only made Klaus laugh. "I need to start getting dressed for that stupid party. God, what I wouldn't give to be able to black out and forget it."

She might have reacted better if she were happily inebriated.

"Welcome," said Genevieve, beckoning all the guests at the private after-party toward where the three Harvest girls were seated wearing dresses that represented the elements that bound the Harvest. Monique wore simple earth tones, Abigail with white and silver to represent the wind, and Davina in a gorgeous fiery orange with a magnificent headpiece that made her look like a little goddess. "As is our time-honored tradition, you are all welcome to deliver your offerings. It is our custom that no one should be turned away, no blessing be denied."

The guests began to line up, with each supernatural leader (and a few members) offering gifts. Hayley had gone first, followed by Jackson, the two trying to place their gifts in front of Davina. The attendants motioned for them to place it in front of Monique and Abigail first. Initially, Yara thought it was because they were trying to keep things spaced out. But when Francesca Correa and Diego went up and were also encouraged to give their presents to the other girls, Yara realized it wasn't about symmetry at all.

It was an attack.

"Minha linda e doce menina," said Yara, clutching her gift tight to her chest and leaning down to kiss Davina on each cheek. (T: My beautiful and sweet girl.) She was quick to set it down between the girl's feet, holding up her hand to keep the attendant from picking it up. "I can still see the floor despite my growing belly."

The woman still tried to reach down. Yara was about to grasp at her throat and choke the life out of her when Klaus appeared behind, yanking her arms down.

"Now, now, love!" he said. "Let's get you something to eat, you haven't had a proper meal all day."

"I'm going to kill her," fumed Yara as Klaus dragged her to the food table. "I'm going to gouge out her eyes, feed them to her, dismember her and turn her into a smoothie that I will force down Genevieve's throat and I will make them all regret treating that sweet girl like–"

He shoved a cupcake in her mouth before she could curse in front of the nosy vampires.

"You're not you when you're hungry," said Klaus sweetly.

She chewed the cupcake, narrowing her eyes. "Quote a commercial at me again and I will make you the recipient of that threat."

"And how, pray tell, will you explain to our child that you turned her father into a smoothie?"

The statement was so stupid she couldn't help but laugh, though it didn't relax her at all. She could feel Genevieve glaring holes into her skull (or attempting to). The pile of gifts continued to grow in front of Monique and Abigail while Davina was left with nothing.

Yara really hated witches.

As soon as the gift-giving was done, she ran to find Davina, who was speaking with Joshua Rosza, one of the vampires in the community.

"Oh, my girl," said Yara, putting an arm around her and kissing the top of her head. "I'm so sorry."

"Not your fault," said Davina sadly. "I told you they were being mean..."

"I know. They are jealous of your power, of your beauty. It doesn't make it right but not everyone knows how to respe t and they certainly don't brighten up the world as much as you, my little flower. Those people are idiots."

"That's what I said!" piped up Josh. He blushed when Yara turned to him, perhaps not expecting her to notice him. "It's nice to meet you formally."

"It's good to meet you, too. One of the newest vampires, yes?"

"Yeah, and um, they were saying you're very old and experienced."

"Quite a bit. Not as much as the Originals I'm afraid but five hundred years and a reputation tied to ruining conquests and rewriting history is quite more than others my age have managed. And as I say this I do very much hope you do something better with your life than I did. You have a kind soul."

Josh's blush only deepened, leaving him at a loss for words. Yara turned to the witch, "Listen, Davina, how necessary is it for you to stay at this thing? What if the three of us go out and do something fun?"

"Technically I don't need to stay the whole time," said Davina in a small voice. "There isn't anything here for me, anyway."

"One more thing."

Klaus appeared behind Yara. "Come with me. All of you."

Confused, they followed him out into the main room.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said Klaus loudly, standing on the stairs. "May I have your attention, please. We are gathered today to pay homage to our beloved witches, but one very special witch has been utterly ignored. That seems a little unfair to me."

He offered a small box to Davina. "Many of us here today have been wronged in one form or another due to conflict between our communities, which my brother's treaty ended. In the spirit of blessings, I offer Davina the spell to make daylight rings. For her friends and for the vampire communities. And I announce my intention to provide for the wolves a similar gift, so they may embrace their lupine nature without pain."

"Well, aren't you in a good mood," said Yara as they left the party. Davina and Josh had slipped out to perform the spell. "I take it whoever came for the grimoire was ripped to shreds."

"Oh, nonsense, I only took his hands."

"How gallant of you. Truly a kind gesture in there, I mean it. Though, Elijah won't be happy."

"Yes, I saw him glaring from the punch table, I'm sure we're in for a sound scolding. Not that matters. If it would please you, love, I would do it."

She shrugged. "I appreciate it, but I hope you can do these things because you want to and not because you want to please me. It will be exhausting to do it for others all the time. Let's teach the baby to do good because she sees a need for it and has the ability to make a change. Not because it's expected of her or because she stands to gain anything from it."

"With that wisdom I imagine she'll be donating to charity as soon as she can make a phone call."

She smacked his arm lightly. "I want her to be better than us. To be sweet and open-minded and accepting. Which brings up a question I had after speaking to Josh. Are people in this city okay with—?"

"I haven't the faintest idea. But I have a feeling if they aren't, someone will compel them to be."

Yara smirked. "Of course. I want to make sure our little one can grow up in a world where she won't be judged for loving whoever she wants. She may be like you, mostly attracted to the opposite sex, or maybe she could be like me. Attracted to everyone."

"I remember quite a bit of fun watching you–"

"Shh." She smacked his side. "We are not alone out here , there are people around."

"And you had a lot of fun with people."

"Shh."

She found a dead body waiting in the courtyard when they got back. Apparently Klaus had still killed him, but the hands were, in fact, detached. Yara had tapped her foot impatiently until Klaus had cleared the body away.

Unfortunately, this little slight meant Father Kieran wasn't getting any better. Davina didn't know which of Esther's spells would be helpful and no witch was eager to do Klaus a favor with their continued premonitions about his 'demon child.'

Yara was growing more and more frustrated as the month wore on, especially with her lack of a solution for Father Kieran.

Elijah was monitoring them like a hawk, not letting them make any progress with the wolves despite their progress, continually delaying their search for what stone was necessary to make the rings.

Francesca Correa was gaining more control by the day, and it drove Yara crazy that both she and Genevieve were still in charge despite her mounting evidence that they weren't suitable for the role.

"Okay, I've had enough," she snapped at breakfast. "Elijah, I am going to the Bayou today. I am not going to hold out any longer."

He let go of his fork. "Yara–"

"No, I am sick of this. The treaty isn't even working. The witches are mistreating each other, how long before they say 'fuck the peace' and turn on everyone? And the vampires are complaining about the wolves wanting to move back in, while the wolves are complaining that the majority of vampires are daywalkers now.

"My plan is simple. I want to level the playing field for the wolves. I want to build an apartment complex on that disgusting lot by the docks leading to the Bayou just for the wolves so the vampires can't complain about them taking homes near them. And most of all I want to get rid of Genevieve and Francesca! The witches have flat out refused to undo something they did, suffering they inflicted on a man of God! That is grounds enough to boot Genevieve out. She's caused enough trouble. And what the hell has Francesca done? Nothing productive!"

Klaus was smirking, waiting to see how Elijah would respond. The elder brother sighed, clasping his hands together. "Obviously, this peace is not working as quickly as I would have hoped, but we must not give u–"

"I never thought this was going to work! I'm going to speak to the wolves about our idea for moonlight rings and you can either come with me and help or you can stay here and have a tea party with your incompetent little friends."

Obviously, Klaus wasn't going to let her go alone. And if they were going, so was Elijah.

"I think it's a great idea," said Jackson, eyes lighting up when they confirmed they were, in fact, still looking for a way to make the rings. "This... this is freedom for us. Not just from the pain that comes with turning but from the contempt we've faced our whole lives."

"Excellent," said Yara brightly. "Then, we'll need a headcount of everyone in the pack so we can get all the stones we need."

Elijah didn't seem to be the biggest fan of the plan taking off so soon, but his expression seemed to soften when he saw some of the wolf children with their parents. Yara figured she was wondering the same thing about them while she waited for Jackson to make his count.

What would those poor things do one day to trigger their curses?

It likely wasn't hard for them to understand what they were, what they could be capable of when it happened. Considering the curse had only been broken recently, most were probably barely getting to know their parents and seeing them on a day-to-day basis. Maybe those critical moments had been missed, maybe these children would never stop feeling neglected and afraid, maybe it would lead them to be reckless and act out and they'd hurt someone irreversibly.

It scared her to think her daughter might one day go through that.

I was much older when I killed for the first time but how old will she be? Will it be in self-defense or something intentional?

There was the sound of a motorbike approaching, causing her to snap out of her thoughts. "What the hell?" muttered Jackson, walking out of the cabin they were in to examine the man who rode up. Nobody seemed to recognize him.

"Which one of you is in charge?" asked the man.

"Who's asking?" demanded Jackson.

The three vampires figured out what was going to happen before the wolves. Elijah's instinct told him to tackle the man, taking the blunt of the explosion. Yara's instinct told her to go and shield the children. And Klaus's instinct told him to protect Yara.

Yara had reached the two smallest children as the bomb went off, covering their ears and hugging them to her chest as Klaus leaned his body over them.

"Oh my god," she whispered, feeling the little ones crying and shaking. "What's happening... what's happening... are Jackson and Hayley?"

"They're alright, love," said Klaus, getting to his feet, a furious look taking over his face. "I'm going to find whoever did this and I'm going to kill them. Come, Yara, we're going home."

"But the–"

"But nothing. No one is dead and I will not have you out here for another second."

She waited to have her tantrum until they were at the Compound. "I can't believe it! Bombing the Bayou! There are children there, families, it's horrid! We have to find out who did it and destroy them!"

"I am ahead of you on that, love. I promise."

They'd apparently left the Bayou just in time. Elijah had stayed back to help and had been present as a second wave of bombs hit. There were casualties this time, thankfully no children but one close friend of Hayley's.

Oliver was convinced the vampires were to blame, and he pointed a very large finger at Marcel. Yara hadn't even had time to question him before Hayley had already gone and confronted him, though she apparently came to the same conclusion as Yara: Marcel wasn't the guilty party.

"Then perhaps the witches," offered Yara.

Klaus agreed, rubbing his chin. "Yes. The witches... I have witnessed firsthand the depths of their cruelty, it may be a possibility."

But his interrogation hadn't panned out, either. Though it seemed reasonable that the witches might have used it to keep anyone from pointing fingers at them and simultaneously prevent what they'd consider a lupine invasion, Klaus had insisted that Genevieve seemed shocked to hear what'd happened. They'd found out the same way.

Cami was the one who provided an answer.

"My uncle is getting worse," said Cami weakly, offering them a leather-bound notebook. "During a moment when he was lucid today, he gave me this key and told me about our family legacy. I found this there. Records of supernaturals and several frantic post it notes about something Marce once mentioned to me... Guerrera werewolves."

"But they're extinct," said Yara, confused.

"Not according to this. This ledger seems to indicate a Guerrera baby survived and was adopted by a new family that took over the drug empire. Want to guess who that family is?"

In Yara's mind, it really was Christmas. "The Correas."

"Exactly. And if what I read is true, they'd have reason to hurt you, Hayley, and Jackson, right? Get rid of the three royals remaining and they can take over the pack. Infiltrate the city."

Klaus looked at Yara, who already had murder in her eyes. "Love? Any ideas?"

"Let's make them pay for it," she said sweetly. "But forget the sniper. I want this to be messy. We need to lure them out of that house they hide in."

Elijah cleared his throat in the doorway. "That may not be necessary if we use its historical status to invoke eminent domain through the city."

"Aren't you helpful?" said Klaus. "What brings on this change, brother?"

"The rifts in this city run far deeper than I even imagined, Niklaus. These tribes, these factions— they're families, families who choose to fight. Mayhem has descended upon our home, and if I'm to choose a side... to our victory, brother. You were right to distrust Francesca, Yara."

"Thank you," she said smugly. "Now go kill them all."