a/n: Pls remember to comment and vote xx Bea
(sorry for the delay on this one, it's a busy few weeks of uni atm)

Summer 1914

Maci Roux sat in the foyer area of her theatre. The backstage was still in progress, but the front was up and running, occasionally open to the public as an events space but mainly for friends. One of the friends was a red-haired witch with pale skin and piercing blue eyes, in training to be a nurse.

Genevieve Brodeur.

Talented with spells, but, more importantly, considered The French Quarter gossip.

"Are you all really that attached to the wolves?" Maci teased, sipping tea.

She wore butterfly sleeves again, though she'd deliberately picked something plainer than usual. Simple light pink, without any embroidery or layers. Just a tuck-in around her chest, loose enough to have stylised seams, pinned to highlight her figure before being allowed to flare out slightly. A sweetheart neckline low cut and taunting, the satin fabric making a silky smooth noise against the fabric of the res chair. Multiple thin rings in her ears connected through one hole.

Compelled help serving the pair with tea in painted cups, treating the opening foyer like a cafe space before it turned into a fully functioning bar for the theatre.

"I miss the days witches were allowed to be just that," Maci was poking for information, "Witches."

Genevieve sipped her drink, "Are we not that?"

"Not with all the appearances Lana makes in coven meetings."

"The elders are doing what they must," Genevieve's eyes held a certain level of naivety, "Lana lost her father."

"To a wolf hunter. Why do witches pay penance for it?"

Genevieve gave her a pointed look.

"Gen?"

"Maci," She leant forward, lowering her voice, "We've all heard the story."

"Have you now?"

"You don't need to protect him."

"Him?" Maci was playing dumb, "Kol?"

All the odd looks and sudden avoidance had been driving Maci's curiosity up the wall, Kol's focus on Mary-Alive and Astrid seeming to blind him to just how the other witches seemed to be avoiding him.

"What has Kol done?"

"You really don't know?"

"I know Marie was a lost soul trying to protect her family," She offered up, "What does Kol have to do with that?"

Genevieve was shaking her head, "Her curse."

Maci sat up, "Curse?"

"The curse the ancestors placed on her," Genevieve nodded, "Because of their affair."

"Affair?" Maci didn't need to pretend to be surprised, "Kol and Marie weren't together."

"Niklaus told Lana they had been."

Maci couldn't help but bark a laugh.

"She performed an advanced spell trying to please him, which is why she lost her magic."

The vampire's tongue poked into her cheek.

"Lana came to us with the information, trying to help," She revealed, "Not wanting any other witches to suffer that fate."

"Intriguing," Maci's mind was racing, "Lana learnt this from Niklaus?"

"His guilt over protecting his family," Genevieve's eyes seemed to sparkle slightly, "In conflict with being honest with her."

The idea of love making a madman seem worthy of adoration...

"What a gentleman," Maci spoke sarcastically, "That isn't what happened."

"Is it not?"

"If it was, why is Mary-Alice still able to practise?"

"Kol is leading up to the spell that broke the Ajan bloodline."

Maci started to laugh again.

"Lana shared some old druid texts we're able to use to reinforce our connection to our roots," She added, "That is why the elders feel so indebted."

"Kol's spell forced nature to turn on you while the wolves make you stronger," She followed, "Niklaus can spin such a good story sometimes."

Especially when he wanted to show his family how much power he had over them.

One story, and suddenly Kol loses access to the people who were once his.

To his way back to his roots.

"It isn't true?" Genevieve repeated, "Our elders would've consulted the spirits about why they turned on Marie."

"And the spirits would never lie," She mused, "Never use and discard their living."

Genevieve turned oddly quiet.

"If you're willing to take advice from a vampire," Maci lifted her cup toward, "Marie was an event from your childhood."

1902, Genevieve only just an adult in 1914.

"Life is quickly turned into a lesson sometimes. While you can learn from the past, not all storytellers are honest in their teaching points. Especially people scared of a powerful and intelligent woman like Marie."

"You knew her."

"I did."

"What really happened then?"

"The wolves murdered her entire family, leaving only her and a babe," Maci watched as her face filled with horror, "She wanted revenge. So she cast a spell trying to mimic their power."

"And the ancestors punished her for that?"

Maci shrugged, "We don't know what happened."

Genevieve's lips turned down.

"Sorry to interrupt," Elijah was lingering in the doorway, his suit freshly pressed and a charming smile on his face, "Ms Roux."

She matched the expression, "Mr Mikaelson."

"I was hoping you would be free for an afternoon walk."

"We're just finishing up," Maci leant forward to kiss Gen's cheek before standing up, "Thank you for joining me."

"You know I love lunch with you," Genevieve tried not to seem awkward at the swift ending.

She didn't know Maci had only been drinking with her to discover the information she'd just given up. Clearly not wanting to extend the chat the way she had. Collecting her coat and heading through the door while the vampires watched her go.

Leaving the couple in the finely decorated venue, a ceiling far above their heads, the balcony seats staircase mimicking the mansion from a fairy tale, arching around them.

Elijah lifted his hand towards her, "You look beautiful."

"So do you," She pressed a quick kiss to his lips, "A stroll?"

"A stroll, then a dinner reservation."

"How charmed."

"I've barely seen you this week."

Maci smiled sweetly, "Kol's games keep me busy."

He looked unimpressed.

"Could use a moment to come back to reality."

"Reality being me?"

"Our little life," She placed a hand on his chest, "Dinners and strolls."

He couldn't help but smile, "I could cook if we wished for a change?"

"Or," She spoke like she was pitching something unimaginable, "I could."

Elijah kissed her again, chuckling.

"One century, I'll actually learn."

"I have full faith in that," He stole another peck, "I'd happily teach you."

"Or," Maci squeezed his hands, "We could take a weekend trip?"

"Anywhere in particular?"

"There is a singer I enjoy performing in a local city."

"Then we shall be in their audience."

With that agreed, Elijah led her outside, unaware that Kol was sitting in the theatre, having come looking for Maci. She hadn't been with him the past week. In fact, she'd been avoiding him to make herself more approachable to witches – finally paying off with Gen. His suspicions about her absence let him hear everything she'd been told.

Allowed him to listen to her walk away after learning that Niklaus had intentionally ruined everything he had.

Not coming to find him.

Not compelling someone to tell him his way of feeling magic was at stake.

Simply going away for the weekend like it all meant nothing.

THE VAMPIRES
The Axeman's Letter

Cami, Vincent, and their two vampire helpers had caught up with Lucien. Kol was half-convinced he already knew they would be on his tail, only lingering back slightly because of Cami's stern expression. The trio recapped everything they thought they knew while Kol tried not to check his phone too much.

"She'll be fine," Vincent murmured.

"What do you know of it?"

"Enough."

Kol narrowed his eyes.

"I've read enough books."

"About The Pethane?"

"Not the topic," Cami didn't like the untrusting look in both of their eyes.

More quiet walking.

The background noise of Pri listening to an interview through headphones while staring at a map Cami hadn't seen before.

Jazz everywhere, merch waiting to be bought by the tourists – like the festival wasn't celebrating a serial of potentially racially motivated killings. MJ had scheduled a collection of tweets for her work to post throughout the day, sharing links to a trust raising money since almost everyone the Axeman had killed had been an Italian Immigrant.

Fun facts on Twitter!

One way to educate people.

"Do you think in a hundred years," Her voice was quiet, "They'll be throwing him a party?"

Since it did seem to be the city's favourite thing to do.

"Smiley-Face-Carver Blues Fest?"

"When You're Smiling Fest," Kol suggested.

Everyone just gave him a look.

"The Louis Armstrong song?"

"Oh."

"Mmm," He nodded sharply, "Nice name to hide the horror – guarantee it in a decade or so."

"Everybody likes a charismatic killer," Vincent had to agree.

"Who wouldn't love me."

Cami whacked Kol on the shoulder.

"You trying to imply you don't?" Vincent called out.

"Excuse you."

"You and Klaus, me and my psycho ex-wife."

It wasn't just an 'attack' on Cami.

"Why do you think I don't practice magic anymore?" He reminded them, "There was something in me drawn to Eva's darkness, and I will always be on guard against that part of myself."

"I think you're an idiot," Kol stated, "You have magic."

Cami was watching how he stared at the crowds.

"Use it."

"It's not that simple."

"Mira is a prime example of how having a pull to chaos only makes you better."

"Because your opinion is about your girlfriend?"

"If you make it about anything else," He smiled to the sky, "I will tear your throat out."

Even if Kol had always intended to find a way for MJ to turn and keep her magic, that didn't make his resentment towards others who had it any less.

"Imagine a Mikaelson," Vincent started, "Actually understanding how someone might want to take responsibility for their actions. Accept punishment for them."

"Don't make this about my last name – "

"Have you ever considered?" Vincent stopped, forcing Cami and Kol too, "That my choice might actually be about MJ?"

Kol scoffed.

"Ryos learnt his shit from me."

He and Eva.

"I know what I created," They held each other's looks, "Out of respect for her, I'm not doing anything that'll lead to that again."

I.e. no more teaching.

"If you had any respect for everything she's been – "

"That's enough," Cami put a hand on Vincent's chest, "MJ would be lecturing both of you on how we're meant to be focused on Lucien. You can have your pissing contest later."

"Speaking of," Pri was waiting for them a few steps ahead, "Any of you notice how Lucien has just fat vanished?"

They all went still.

Scanning faces.

No thousand-year-old killing machine in sight other than Kol.

"No!" Cami's eyes were wide, "No, no – what just happened?"

Vincent shook his head in self-disappoint, "I'm sorry."

"This isn't us," Kol had narrowed his eyes, "He's stringing us along."

His eyes were pinned on every shadow, letting his ears drift far away, Pri mirroring the expression, leaving Vincent and Cami to work out whether they should be scared or happy that Kol now seemed entirely on board with the chase.

"I don't get strung along by – "

There was a whip of a scream, Kol lurching towards Cami a second too late.

She was gone too.

"Cami!" Vincent's instant yell caught a few eyes, spinning in a circle, "Cami?"

"Second-rate – " Kol closed his eyes.

Just listening.

Pri yanked her earphone out, "Kol – "

He was gone too.

"You've got to be kidding me," She looked at Vincent, "I take it he's new to the teamwork thing?"

"If he can find them..."

"I can," She just wasn't as good at it, "Give me a sec."

She tried to focus.

To find familiar heartbeats.

Voices.

But, unlike Kol, she hadn't spent a summer with Cami, and she'd only been in a room with Lucien a few times. The interviews she'd listen to weren't much help with music blasting over the million other conversations filling the streets, one of the busier times of the year.

~***~

Across the festival, Elijah and Klaus were marching through the crowds. Post Maci and Kol's departure, they'd been left to plan their day. Nine days of nothing from Lucien or Tristan felt like a trap of false security; just about ready to team up and kill them both.

Stopped by a body being delivered to The Compound.

A letter taped to it.

'Roses are red, lavender is blue. Come find me before I find you.'

Almost a flashback to Levi Ajan's arrival.

Aurora's handwriting and memories all over it.

Elijah's own memories catching up with him as the opening of the red door reminded him of something he'd somewhat forgotten about until Maci had arrived.

"Brother," Elijah sighed, "She could be anywhere."

No address in the riddle; simply a request.

"How exactly do you intend to find her?"

"She'll leave a mark," Klaus spoke bitterly, "That is, after all, her favourite game."

Venom behind the words.

"Perhaps we simply wait for her to send a calling card to Mac – "

His eyes were caught on a perfume stand. The logo was familiar, the shop something he'd walked past a few times converted to a stall for the festivities. To catch more tourists. To taunt him with the rows of fancy-shaped bottles and smells in the air. Something he knew, that Elijah didn't.

Feet drifting closer to inspect each one.

A translucent pink glass with a red bulb at the top.

Squeezing it gently and taking in the scent.

Seeing the label on the bottom of it.

"Sir – "

"Shh," He compelled the seller, turning it around.

'De Beaucage No. 9 Parfum.'

Klaus set it back on the counter as Elijah came to inspect it too.

"If this is the mark that you speak of," He lowered himself to look closer, "I see nothing, brother..."

Standing back up, Elijah found himself alone.

Well, no sibling in sight.

"I thought you were meant to be the fastest one," Maci's voice teased, gliding towards him with bags on her arms, "Looking for a gift?"

"Aurora."

Maci paused.

"She is here; sending Niklaus a message."

"I see," Her head bobbed, "Elijah..."

He shook his head.

"You were going to have to tell him eventually."

"Lina."

"It's not like he can get mad," Maci reasoned, "He has done the same, if not worse, to Rebekah over the years."

"This has more layers to it."

"Klaus holds grudges more than your sister," She brushed into his shoulder, "You two will recover."

"I am not so sure."

"Then tell him first."

"I fear I may be too late," He really looked at her, "You knew what I did to Aurora?"

She lifted a brow.

"I did not even remember it, but you knew."

"Elijah," Maci frowned, "You know Tristan chased me the moment the compulsion broke."

"I am not talking of the compulsion to cover our tracks – "

"You're talking about what you made her say to Klaus," She was aware, "If Tristan was after me, where do you think she was?"

Elijah's eyebrows furrowed, "The origin of your rivalry came from my actions?"

"Obviously," She nodded, "Aurora and I were 'civil' as mortals."

His posture slowly sunk into exhaustion, "You didn't tell me that."

"You didn't need to know."

"Maci – "

"Why tell you something that would make you blame yourself?"

"If Aurora has been targeting you to get at me – "

"I fought back," She reminded him, "If I wanted her to go away, I could've come crying to you. Anything after the first century is entirely because of my own retaliations."

"Lina," He was shaking his head, "I'm sorry – "

"I don't care," She assured him, "I don't need apologies. I need you to talk to me."

He blinked slowly.

"How did you not remember what happened?"

"I have had a troublesome few years."

"Causing you to snap the neck of a close confidant," She harked back to earlier, "I have a few questions."

He glanced around.

"Now we seem to lack listeners."

"So do I."

"But Klaus."

"If he wishes to play Aurora's game alone," Elijah huffed, "After promising allegiance..."

She offered him his arm, "Then we can play our own."

"Lina," He took it cautiously, "I never meant to cause you any harm – "

"I know."

Elijah was trying to work out how she could always seem so calm.

"Turning against you would only give Aurora what she wanted."

A simple dismissal.

"No real harm done."

~***~

MJ stepped through The Cemetery gate, Sam just behind her, instantly spun into the mess of French Quarter witches helping with set-up.

"What type of flowers are we meant to use?"

"Hydrangeas," MJ called, walking backwards as more people rushed towards her, "Represent good luck."

"The food arrived early – "

"Find Grace; get her to use her cake preservation tricks."

"The candles keep going out."

"Summon the stash from The Cauldron – they can withstand higher winds."

Not that it was windy, just lots of people coming in and out, causing breezes.

"And don't place them on the floor," MJ quickly added, "Get a group together to float them on top of the crypts."

"But – "

"Davina can light them all from the stage when night hits."

"The coven gift – "

"Has been handled," She promised, "You're all doing amazing!"

As the coven the Regent came from, The French Quarter was meant to be highly involved with everything she ran, but Davina hadn't contacted them before the event. Leaning more on Garden District, finally caving now she and MJ had somewhat made up.

"Keep it up, but remember that this is a celebration for us too," She clocked Hayley and Jackson, watching from the sidelines, "If you're not having fun, we can set up shifts so people can pop through the city celebration."

Turning to join the wolves, Sam trying not to laugh next to her.

Hayley and Jackson's expressions similar.

Hayley and Jackson.

Oddly calm...relaxed?

MJ and Sam shared a look. Her reminding him that today was not the day to talk to them about his problems with the pack. He had enough uncomfortable things going on that day.

"You know why Davina asked to see us?" Jackson asked.

"Gods no," MJ had learnt about the meeting from Sam that morning, "I'm here for set-up."

"You're coming in," Hayley decided.

"Agreed."

"Can you guys just tell me what she says?" Sam's expression soured, eyes jumping around all the unfamiliar faces, "I'll play guard out here, just fine."

Hayley and MJ exchanged a look.

"Guys," He noticed, "I don't wanna see her."

"You can't avoid her forever," MJ reminded him.

"I disagree."

Jackson just looked confused, "Um?"

"He hasn't spoken to Davina since the night you guys turned back."

"Snitch."

MJ just laughed, "Because that was some big secret?"

"She's controlling us," He laid it out, "I'm pissed."

"We all are," Hayley linked arms with him, "And we're gonna get out of it."

"I was 'this,'" His other hand up, "Close to killing her."

"But you didn't," MJ took the hand, linking that arm too, "Good job!"

Both girls stepped forward, but his feet didn't move.

They locked eyes again.

"Three," MJ started.

"Guys – "

"Two – "

"I'm not – "

"One."

Hayley and she hoisted him up, Sam's legs slipping out to try and kick them to release him.

"If you're gonna be annoying – "

"I'm not – "

He was thrown through the tomb's entrance, hitting the wall next to where Davina was sitting, in a formal black dress, three witches fussing around her – doing her makeup and pulling accessories out of a box.

She froze at the crash of the wolf-vampire.

"Um?"

"Order a hybrid?" MJ entered, too, "Only the best delivery for such a rare creature."

"You say after chucking me at a wall!" Sam pushed up.

"Only the best service," Hayley repeated, Jackson and she filing in.

MJ was staring at the girl, "What on earth are you wearing?"

She'd been holding her tongue on Davina's style choice, trying to avoid unnecessary arguments, but that dress? The material was too disgusting to ignore.

"It looks like you found it in a care home closet."

The three assistants jolted up like they hadn't expected such bluntness.

Davina lifted two choker necklaces, "And I have to pick one of these to go with it."

"You've got to be kidding me," Sam glowered.

"Orange or purple?"

Jackson also looked ready to throttle her, "Did you seriously call us here to play Fashion Police?"

One of the helpers was trying to light an incense ball in the corner of the room, smoke drifting into all of their noses, the disgusting choking of oil, making it easy for Davina to mask the hurt on her face at the tone.

Her eyes fluttered, and she waved a hand

"I know this is sacred oil," She was speaking to her helpers, "But can we please not do that right now?"

They weren't quite sure what she meant.

"Go help the others."

"But – "

"I'll light it," MJ rephrased, "Abigail is making flower arrangements for each coven. Go help her."

They bobbed their heads, backing to the tomb entrances.

"Thank you."

There was an awkwardly long pause as they waited for them to be out of listening distance.

Davina glanced at MJ, "You're doing personalised flowers?"

"In the archives, I found these pages documenting the different crests we used to use," MJ leant against a stone table, "Thought it might be nice to bring them back in flower form."

Silence.

"Mark out the areas for each coven's gifts to go. Stop the old gen complaining about how we intermingle."

"...Good idea."

"I also designed a new one to represent all nine you can present at some point."

Hayley shook her head, "When do you have the time?"

"Design is easy," MJ shrugged, "I assigned it to one of my classes to make. A shit ton of rare flowers that need magic to grow, a centrepiece, so it feels a little less, you know, cemetery."

They all were giving her a look.

"What!" She complained, "Making events seem good is part of my job."

Davina tied to orange chocker into place.

MJ scrunched her nose up, "Disgusting."

Another quiet.

"Are we gonna get this meeting started, or?"

"MJ," Davina didn't sound rude, just tired, "I need this to be private – "

"The last private meeting you had with Hayley proves why you aren't getting one now."

Even if they were finding their footing, MJ was still in tough love mode. If Davina was going to make stupid and childish choices, like violently attacking her own people, MJ would babysit her like a child. The same way Carol had once dealt with her...

Slightly ironic.

MJ focused on how she'd ended up loving Carol for doing it rather than how annoying she'd found it at the time.

Davina bobbed her head, looking to the three of them, "Thank you for coming."

"Like we had a choice," Hayley reminded her, "Either we do your bidding, or you blow out that candle."

"We're so grateful," Sam added, "How lucky we are to be your personal slaves."

"Come on, guys," Jackson spoke carefully, "This is the deal we made."

MJ appreciated him trying.

"Let's let her say her piece, hmm?" He faced The Regent, "What do you want?"

"This is my first Cadeau as Regent," Davina was fidgeting, "Since I represent the city, the covens have to pay tribute to me, and I throw them a party. I need them to respect me, but this is the first public event since..."

Hayley made a sound, "You had me – "

Her voice was cut off by MJ.

Everyone faced her in panic.

She simply turned her now raised hand, a ripple in the air, spare candles starting to burn, a fang into her palm, dripping over every single one.

" – kill those witches in the 9th Ward..." Hayley was allowed to finish.

"Rules for the day," MJ looked at all of them, "No one speaks it unless they are in this room."

A silencing spell tied to her blood. Unbreakable by anyone who wasn't the same bloodline as her – meaning Clio and Clio alone. Which was weird to think about. MJ hadn't actually thought about the fact there was someone alive who could break her 'unbreakable' magic now...

"I have a feeling it might not go so well," Davina bit her lip, "Especially since Van Nguyen blames me for what happened to his mum."

"Rightly so," MJ stressed.

"Are you this pointed every time Klaus kills someone?"

"Davina," MJ wanted to laugh, "There was a period that every time Klaus killed someone, I killed one of his hybrid army in retaliation."

Unintentionally, but the math stilled math-ed.

"You want me to start that method with you?"

Davine scrunched her nose up.

"Exactly!" MJ clapped her hands, "And Klaus isn't an eighteen-year-old I'm semi-responsible for."

"You're not – "

"As your teacher, I am," She gave her a firm smirk, "He's a fully grown adult who should know better. And it's not my job to correct him. You?"

Vulnerable and all too like her mother.

"If Vincent isn't gonna guide you? You're stuck with me."

Davina didn't bite back.

"Did Van say something to you?"

"He vowed to get back at me," Her voice slipped into teen mode, "He said he would erase me."

MJ winced.

"I mean, like, who even talks like that?"

"You want us to be your bodyguards?" Hayley spelt it out.

Davina stood up, every part of her a twitch away from exploding with stress.

"I know that you're not exactly thrilled with me right now," She needed to stop addressing them as a collective, "But if I die, that candle's magic dies, too – nothing stopping you from changing back."

Sam almost laughed, "And there's the threat."

"It's not – " Davina took a long breath in, "It doesn't matter what I say, does it?"

"If it's not an apology – "

"It's not my fault you guys got cursed!"

"That's not what I'm mad about!"

Her mouth opened, then shut, locked on how he looked at her.

Unblinking, the flicker of gold beneath the brown of his eyes. No veins or fangs, but something being held back. Making him bite into his bottom lip while starting to shake his head. Making his shoulders push back as the returning muscles in his arms were stuck tensed.

Davina breathed in slowly, unsure if she was meant to be scared or take the holding back as a good sign.

"You know what?" Sam broke the staring contest to look at MJ, "You're clearly the person actually in charge."

She cringed.

"I'm gonna take the back exits."

i.e. away from the majority of the people.

Them all letting him storm out.

Davina looked at MJ.

"Yes?"

"Can you get him to talk to me?"

"No."

"But – "

MJ looked up innocently, "I thought you wanted to handle your problems on your own?"

Hayley snorted as Davina released a slightly high-pitched groan of annoyance.

"Okay," MJ put a hand up, "Calm."

"Today is not the day – "

"Nothing's going to go wrong."

"I'll search crowds," Jackson nodded to Hayley, "You guard The Regent."

His swift exit was to hopefully check on Sam, leaving just the three of them.

MJ pulled out her phone, clearing her notifications, happy that everything work-related was going okay.

...If she had a week off work, what was she meant to do?

Davina just started wringing her hands together.

"I'll keep you alive," Hayley promised her reluctantly, "But MJ's right."

A wrinkled nose as she really took in Davina's outfit.

"If you wear that awful orange scarf, you'll wish I hadn't."

Davina finally took the critique, yanking the thing off her throat.

Not to discard, but to switch it to the purple one, MJ sighing in an equal amount of disgust.

~***~

"Ugh," Cami was flung into an abandoned alley, Lucien opposite her.

"Cami," He put on a charming smile, "So good to see you!"

She gripped her jacket sleeves for a sense of security.

"I've been dying to get you alone again."

Her phone was on the ground, Lucien picking it up.

"You do know that the real detectives think I am completely unsuspect," He turned back to face her, "Yet you hound me."

The device was offered towards her.

"Why is that?"

"Because you're sloppy," Kol arrived, "Arrogant and uncivilised."

Possibly one of the few times the presence of Kol Mikaelson had someone breathing out, Cami snatching her phone and instantly inching towards him.

Lucien almost laughed at the sight, "Said by the most frequently caught serial killer in history."

"I never got arrested, though."

"No, simply fleeing at the sight of daddy's sword."

"I never fled!" Kol pulled a face, "I was dragged away kicking and screaming."

"Like a toddler."

"Like someone," Kol's rubbed his hands together, "Who is finally going to follow through on his promise to eat you alive."

"I don't think Klaus would like that."

"You really think he'd object to me stopping this?"

An attack on Camille?

"Ah!" Lucien chuckled, pointing between the pair, "Things really do start to make sense."

They looked at each other, not following.

"It would be bold of you to think that because you have been granted a view into the mind of someone like Klaus, you know someone like me," He taunted, "But are you the therapist to this one too?"

"God," Kol groaned, "Your voice is so annoying."

"And I'm not his therapist."

"I don't need one – "

"Debatable," Cami waved a hand, "Regardless – "

Focus back on Lucien.

"I don't need to sit down in a room for weeks to get an understanding of someone as clear as you."

"Now," He loomed closer, Kol taking a significant step forward to meet him, "On that, we disagree."

He again seemed only amused by Kol's involvement.

"None of you have any idea of just what I'm capable of."

"I think you've gotten used to a charade of power," Kol mused, "But a performance will never change the fact that you are as compellable, and disposable, and overzealous as any vampire sired by my family."

"Said by the man killed by a collection of teenagers."

Kol's expression morphed from entertained to pure predator in a second – even if he wasn't pulling his fangs out.

"A Mikaelson's confidence is their greatest downfall," He stepped right up to Kol, "So, you tell me, which one of us is 'charade-ing?'"

Cami could see Kol's hand twitching.

"One thing I assume we all will agree on," His tone was a little all-knowing, "This delicate little theatre between everyone does need to reach a conclusion, so...How do we end it?"

Kol lunged, hand around his neck, Cami jumping back to escape the blood.

His nails were digging into Lucien's throat, tearing the skin up like he was trying to pull the front of his face off, except Lucien was able to kick back – off the ground, launching them both at the opposite wall, strong enough to leave a dent, and at a speed that the human eye could not quite follow.

And he didn't waste his momentary freedom; Kol went to punch only to find the spot empty.

Lucien was gone.

"Oh," Kol's eyes were red, foot forward and taking off right after him.

Only to come to a skidding halt in the opposite alley.

Blood in the air.

The faint scent of Lucien beneath it showed that he had been there only a second prior, almost like a test. To see if Kol really did have a newfound ability to ignore his cravings upon resurrection. The perfect smell to buy time. Taunting him, in broad daylight, with plenty of people around to see him above it if he reacted in any way that would draw attention.

Cami had to sprint across the road.

She almost screamed at the sight Kol was inspecting.

A man, coughing up the last of his life, blood staining the white suit shirt, a briefcase of files beside him, drained of blood, hands punctured by thumbs to create holes in them too, mouth clawed into the jocker smile. The gimmick so many people plastered everywhere, having seen a few films, quickly forgetting just how long and torturous some of the villain's stunts were in the comics. How uncontrollable – unbeatable he was.

"Kol..." Cami's hands trembled.

The vampire looked from the man's face to hers, slowly stepping forward.

"I – I – we have to – "

He reluctantly bit into his wrist.

But it was too late.

Maybe, if Kol had acted the moment he'd seen the corpse, it would've been enough, but the man was as good as dead. As strong as vampire blood's healing was, it wasn't that good.

It never had been.

"No, no, no," Cami rushed to his side, only for Kol to yank her right back by the shoulder of her shirt.

"We need to go."

"Kol!"

"We can't be found with the body," He released her instantly, moving her hair so it covered the trace of red he'd left on the material, "I have blood all over me."

"Not his."

"Not yet."

Cami's eyes were big, desperately panicked, utterly powerless – just like the list Kol had used to describe Lucien.

"Mira needs the body," He let her go, turning back to face it, "If we get her here in the next ten minutes, she can go through his thoughts – get proof."

"And what?"

Bordering on hysterics, Cami needed clear answers.

"Everyone just takes her word for it – the police trying to solve this back off because a witch enters the mind of a dead man – "

"Proof means we can kill Lucien without adding to your clearly fragile conscious."

Her breathing picked up.

"...Sorry," Kol winced, "Camille."

She closed her eyes, shaking her head, "It's fine. I'm just – "

"Sit down."

She couldn't, eyes closing.

"Do you want me to find Vincent?"

"...Vincent," She nodded, pulling out her phone, "I – I'll get him here."

A body with the same cuts as all the others, yet left in the alley rather than swooped up and left at the park.

~***~

MJ had left Hayley and Davina to it, and the sound of witches panicking outside the tomb, the spells to enchant the incense going wrong. She'd corrected their pronunciation, then stayed to watch, speeding the entire process up a little by floating the remaining decorations into place. Directing Abigail and her helpers towards where she wanted the flower displays.

She also bought some time, acting like a host greeting her party guests by the gates.

MJ had been swarmed by some of her pupils and their friends from different covens, question after question, reminding her why she had been looking forward to the celebration pre-The Pethane's announcement.

MJ was now half-convinced Clio had told her the date as a test.

Waiting to see if MJ would run the way her mother had.

She opted to look at how Davina surveyed the crowd, accepting gifts but almost shy, despite standing on the podium, Hayley at the bottom of the steps.

Another reason why Davina was too young to be Regent?

Abigail, technically her equal, was in a group of friends, chatting with MJ, then moving to a different section to compare gifts and enjoy themselves. Freshly turned adults in their first year of university, simply smiling together. Something Davina didn't get to do anymore – considering a Regent rarely moved on from their position for any reason other than death.

No one was really talking to her.

Just a greeting, a gift, a cliché message, then stepping back.

"Not bring a gift?" Marco joined her.

"I have two – though, only one is from me," MJ assured him, "No way would I get away with not."

"The ancestors would curse your coven."

"Exactly," MJ was acutely aware of the sarcastic tone in his voice, "Who would ever disrespect such great spirits!"

He chuckled.

"Happy Fete."

"Happy Fete," He joined the queue to Davina's podium.

It felt odd to know that she was now cordial with most of the witches in the city.

People actually liked her...

It was nice.

A man led a goat up the stairs to Davina, her face saying everything. Trying to push away the squawks of the chickens, held in arms like soft toys, rabbits in vet carriers, MJ trying not to think what the coven expected Davina to do with all of them.

"Another goat," She sounded posher than normal, "How lovely."

Hayley and MJ shared a look.

"I'd like to thank the Gentilly Coven," She recited, "For their generous gift on this day of Fête de Cadeau."

The noise of animals grew louder.

Footsteps as people loitered around, staring at her like they wanted more.

Davina glanced at her notes.

Then a shiver ran across all of their arms, the air turning fresher.

Like a break in reality, animals going quiet, one launching out of its owner's hold like it was trying to fly away. Escape its potentially evil fate. Escape whatever the shadows were doing as they elongated and multiplied, at least three off of everyone, in different directions, completely ignoring the sources of lights as a tint flashed over all of their eyes.

Clio stood in the gateway.

Sam was pushing towards MJ, only for Clio's hand to come out, a snake sliding out from under her shirt, travelling down Clio's outstretched arm, then hardening like a cuff.

Turning to gold.

She was walking down the entrance as everyone stared.

"This hardly seems like a party," She commented, pausing by MJ, "My dear."

"Really?" MJ hissed, "In front of everyone?"

Clio just raised an eyebrow, "I'm here to offer my gift."

MJ straightened, Jackson and Sam sending her a 'should we be worried' look.

"Oh."

"Seems fair given our extended residence among you," Clio reasoned, "If your Regent is happy to accept an outsider."

Davina looked to MJ in panic.

She nodded her head as subtly as she could.

Nothing would go wrong if Davina accepted external gifts; in fact, it was an excellent thing to happen. External power shows respect for the living, and the dead, meaning the ancestors would technically owe Davina a favour for pulling that off. It was a larger version of the festival Genevieve had thrown back in the day, including all covens, not just The Quarter, and MJ would've invited the vampires and the wolves, not just as guards, but to gain that favour.

Inviting them meant they would've been there to stop anything without feeling used.

Though, maybe that was more subtle using.

MJ preferred to think of it as building teamwork.

"Yes," Davina's voice carried in the sudden silence, "Of course I accept."

"Good," Clio's smile made MJ nervous.

She hadn't technically done anything to make MJ stressed, but it was just her presence.

The knowledge she'd been an entombed mummy for centuries showed up with no worries, no awareness of how to interact with people, and no care to learn. It could be admirable. Truly not giving a fuck about other people's standards. But still. With witches, it was a red flag.

Her steps had green sprouting around the stone slabs beneath her.

"I had a peek at what most would be bringing, and I must say," She acted like there wasn't a full cemetery staring at her, "They are treating you like the elderly."

A wave of the now golden snake-cuffed hand and a flurry of leaves created a whirlwind above her palm. The leaves hit each other, sounding like a merge between birds and bugs; before turning into a stack of books, Clio held out like a waitress, bowing politely to let Davina take them.

"This city was once obsessed with learning Floare secrets," She waited until Davina flicked open the cover to return to standing, "And while this might not be that – it is close."

MJ could see a large rune on the spine of the stack.

"A collection of originals from around the world, breaking down the spells that connect both types – i.e. actually usable for your kind," Clio sounded so kind, "But wonders you'll never have thought to create before."

Which meant advanced-as-shit healing?

Animal communication?

MJ was moving closer to the podium, hands itching.

"Enchanted so that you can understand the languages, and only openable when gifted to someone by the Regent."

An announcement that meant the greedy eyes of the onlookers would need to suck up to Davina more than ever...

"Or, accessible by someone with Floare blood."

Meaning MJ was still able to avoid Davina's instructions.

MJ paused her creeping forward.

Clio had just handed Davina a stack of books the elders would be desperate for, meaning they'd handed her the key to her kingdom.

Even if it was fake obedience that Davina could lose in an instant if she pushed them too far, it was like gold dust. And not disrespectful to MJ as a Floare because it wasn't pure Floare magic; simply combined spells they could've figured out themselves with enough intent and brain power.

Clio whispered something in Davina's ear, the girl's face softening, looking at the woman like she wasn't sure what to do.

Then she turned to face the crowd, "Happy Fete."

The sun turned back to golden, and Clio melted into dust blowing away in the wind, golden cuff dropping to the floor. The metal clang, spinning – and spinning. And clattering to stillness. Davina rushed down the steps to pick it up in awe like she was still in the break in the universe. At the same time, everyone else started muttering, chickens screeching out like the sun had just risen. They needed to wake their farmers, a collection of butterflies fluttering out from the cracks in the stonework like a backwards waterfall around Davina.

It was the first time MJ ever thought Davina looked like an adult, inspecting the piece, other arms wrapped around books, desperately trying to keep hold of it all. Focused. Excited. Almost relaxed.

"Davina," MJ called cautiously.

Her head shot up, taking in the crowds, and the feathers, and the furs, and the goat trying to eat anything within a neck stretch.

"I – uh," Her breathing was spotty, "I apologise."

Her eyes were big all over again.

"I need a minute."

She rushed back to the tomb but didn't retreat inside, heading straight past it to get as far away from her subjects as possible; MJ noticed Sam's instinctive step. Panic clear on his face, only to remember that he was mad at her. Turning away and glaring at the sky, lips curling in like he might start yelling.

"I'll handle it," MJ whispered, knowing supernatural ears could hear.

"Nu-uh," Hayley whispered right back, "Together."

"Okay."

Sam's adam-apple bobbed, turning to look at the crowd again, noticing a pattern of whispers he didn't like coming from a particular group. He motioned to Jackson, who was closer, while Hayley and MJ bee-lined after her, no one questioning it given MJ's position within their ranks. Even if everyone knew she and Davina weren't on good terms, she was still technically her second as the elder of the Regents coven. And Hayley was Hayley Marshall. No one was about to get in her way.

They found Davina outside the Claire Tomb, sitting in the doorway, able to take in the early winter sun.

She put on a weak smile for them.

"Not a fan of goats?" Hayley suggested.

"Or did Clio say something I need to kick her ass for?"

"I love goats," Davina lulled, "But do you know how many of them I've had to sacrifice?"

"Yeah," MJ sat beside her, "Someone needs to tell people we're not in the dark ages anymore."

"Just once, I'd like a gift card."

"Then you might like my gift," MJ pulled a small box out of her pocket, "Here."

"...You still got me something?"

"I'm never not gonna get you a gift Davina," She handed it over, "Kol's is in the bag I left in the tomb."

Delicate fingers playing with the box, thinking it might hold jewellery, opening up to see a collection of braided flower stems, the buds beneath the makeshift bracelet – a range of coloured daisies. Each colour had meaning, their power attached to their stems, all merged into one thing Davina could either wear or display within the Cemetery, encouraging positive energy and group connectivity.

Hayley may not have understood the meaning behind something that looked like a tiny floral arrangement, but Davina did. The magic and delicacy needed to create such a simple thing.

Her arms wrapped around MJ's neck, the feeling of tears against her shirt.

"Hey, hey," MJ rubbed her back, Hayley giving her a pointed look.

It read, 'you're such a mum.'

"If you wanna wrap up early, you can."

"I can't," Davina wasn't fully crying, more tired than upset, "I gotta power through."

It was the right thing to do, but MJ didn't necessarily want her to if it was killing her mental health that much.

"Like...I know it's all tradition," She leant back to give MJ some space, "But it's just not me."

"And it shouldn't be," MJ's whole MO, "It's stuffy and needs updating."

"It's exhausting," She rubbed her neck, "And you know what I really hate?"

"That choker scarf?" Hayley smiled.

"This choker scarf!" She agreed gleefully, "And I only wore it because Josephine did."

MJ had assumed, given how she remembered them from Jo's appearance throughout her childhood.

"I thought that maybe," Her skin was paler than ever, "If I were more like her, then maybe they would respect me."

MJ grimaced.

"Here," Hayley lifted her bottled beer out to her, "You need this more than I do."

Davina didn't miss a beat, taking a large gulp, only to look disgusted by the taste of it.

Hayley and MJ both laughed.

"We can start finding you your own drink," MJ declared, "You feel like a gin person."

"And I feel like that's an insult?"

"Not at all! Stan gin."

"I feel like you shouldn't be allowed to give taste advice," Hayley was still laughing, "That's good beer."

"And beer isn't for everyone," MJ put her hands up, "I only like very specific types, in very specific situations. Sour beer – cherry beer. Spiced rum. Then, fruity gin with a flavoured tonic is great. So is cider."

"We get it," Hayley teased, "You're fruity."

A comment that officially broke Davina into complete laughter.

They let the girl ride it out until the quiet was less suffocating.

Hayley finally joined them, sitting on the step up to The Playhouse.

"You know, Davina," She was quiet, "I wasn't okay with what you had me do."

Hurt slowly seeped into Davina's features.

"Did you think she would be?" MJ lightly brushed her shoulder, "You wouldn't be okay with it happening to you."

Silence.

"Exactly," Hayley nodded, "You wouldn't be okay with it normally – so I'm guessing you're not okay with it now."

Though, she had tried to double down on it to MJ and Marcel.

"So you're running from it."

MJ had to hand it to Hayley for being nice, considering Davina had initially tried not to save Hope from Dahlia.

"Pretending to be someone you're not – someone who you think they want you to be."

Something all three of them fell victim to.

"You know what I've learned?"

As the Queen of the wolves.

"No one will respect you until you show them who you are. So," Hayley reached to her neck, hand on the fabric, "If you're gonna wear old-lady choker scarves."

She pulled it off and handed it back to her.

"You're gonna get old-lady goats."

Davina just stared at it for a second before laughing again, scrunching it in her hands and taking another sip of the beer.

"And that's even if you wanna do this, D," MJ forced herself to ask, "You're eighteen."

Davina's eyes dropped.

"Now Vincent isn't whispering in your ear, and the stress of everything happening back then is over – do you really want this?"

"Is that what standing against me was about?" Her voice was quiet, "You didn't think I actually wanted it?"

"I just..."

It was a dangerous conversation that could end in an argument.

"I just don't see you in this role, Davina," MJ didn't mean it as an insult, "You're meant to be going out – seeing the world the way you wanted to when we met."

"When we met, I was locked in an attic. And I was sixteen. I didn't know what I wanted."

"I think you're underselling yourself," She took Davina's hand, "You had a voice in your head telling you who you wanted to be if you were given a chance. You asked questions about everything I'd seen, the experiences around the world – how I'd been accepted to art school – Davina – "

MJ's words were laced with love.

"I know you've grown up – I know you changed a lot, but I don't wanna think you're not that person anymore."

"I don't think I've changed that much. I'm happy here."

Hayley and MJ exchanged another look.

"Can you two stop doing that?"

"No," MJ rubbed her knuckles, "You think happiness is when you're about to have a panic attack every other day?"

No response.

"You know what, I'll take the point," MJ put her hands up, "I wasn't there."

Davina frowned.

MJ couldn't act like the prison world didn't happen and lecture Davina on who she thought the girl was. She wasn't about to pull a Ric. Which was what she had been doing by trying to talk to her about her choices previously.

They all had some growing to do.

"So talk to someone who was."

"Kol keeps telling me to step down."

"And you don't wanna take his advice because?"

Davina shifted, "I don't know...it just...his version of..."

His version of her was a version she'd been to get him to like her.

Their relationship was entirely based on her having a crush.

Even if they were friends now, it was sometimes hard to take his observations.

"I wanna talk to Sam."

"That's gonna be a fun quest for you," Hayley mused.

Another light quiet as Davina settled into MJ's side hug.

"Um," Davina was staring at her shoes, "I didn't wanna be Regent 'cos I was jealous."

MJ bit her cheek.

"Well, I don't know, not because I was jealous of you."

Hayley looked like she wanted to leave.

"I just, I – " She looked in pain, "My entire life, I've never been the first to do something."

MJ let her talk.

"I'm a good witch, but I'm never gonna be the best – "

"Davina – "

"I never got asked out. I was always the backup friend. I was the fourth Harvest Girl – the third resurrected. Everywhere I travel, you've probably already been. Anything I achieve, you already have, or Monique did, or...it's not actually about you, MJ."

When Davina had been sacrificed, she'd talked about how lucky she felt to have someone like Marcel. So willing to fight for her. To care about her. Because most people didn't get that lucky. Something MJ had felt a little too strongly in her soul.

Now, in retrospect, she didn't.

The bare minimum should be having people care for you, but both of them had clearly missed out on that during their childhoods.

"I honestly just wanted to be Regent."

Half-answering MJ's question.

"Vincent picked me," She admitted, "Someone picked me first."

Even if he'd been everyone else's first choice.

"I wanted to be able to just be it. No one telling me what doing something was like."

MJ could understand the appeal.

"People putting faith in me, for me. First. For once."

Because who didn't want to know that others believed in them.

"...Sorry."

MJ rubbed her shoulder affectionately.

She didn't want to just say 'forgiven' – she was trying to correct her bad habit of forgiving too quickly, and Davina had literally used prejudice against her. But she was young. And people did have a massive pattern of using her, so MJ wasn't going to ice her out.

"The books Clio gave me?" Davina added, "It's a book Lavali mentioned to me."

The Pethane in training they'd met.

"I'd been asking her about Harappan Talismans after reading about them in Kol's books, and this book is about how to make them."

Reminding her even more of everything MJ had pointed out.

That the world was still out there.

"Quit and travel, Davina," MJ repeated, "Live."

"What does it matter?" Davina shook her head, "Even if everyone here hates me, at least they know me."

She didn't want to feel alone.

"Scary choices are often the right ones," Hayley added carefully.

Davina just took another long sip.

~***~

Cami was dialling, watching as Kol moved closer to the body, glancing about, waiting to compel anyone who noticed them. Working out his exit route. Even if they couldn't pull MJ from her witch duties that day, she'd have twenty-four hours to still make lucid contact with the remnants of the spirit if they could get the body somewhere.

Kol believed the situation alone was proof that Lucien was the culprit, but he wasn't stupid enough to rush in.

For all he knew, there was a much larger game at play, and if Lucien was working with someone, they needed to know that for sure before they offed him. And they needed to understand why he was murdering people so dramatically instead of simply feeding.

"We're with a body – " Cami started off strong, "No – Vin – Round the corner from Loretta's – "

Kol tried to work out why he could smell so much blood.

"Vincent, I – "

He pushed the man's jacket's sleeves up, getting another gasp from Cami as they found the next injury.

"No! Vincent, do not – "

He'd hung up on her.

The man's arms had large slices down them, open and bleeding.

Kol stayed crouched down, "He's calling the police, isn't he?"

Cami reluctantly nodded.

"For a supposedly talented man, he lacks a lot of sense!" Kol clicked his teeth, facing the body one last time, "It's an interesting choice."

While Cami had seen a few dead bodies since moving to New Orleans, other than Gia's corpse, none had been that brutal. And even that? All ash, removed from any sense of identity. And she hadn't witnessed it. Not the coughing, the spurts, and the human ability to hold on for as long as possible in the hopes that they would somehow survive.

Kol tried to ignore the twinge in his heart.

This was nothing for him.

He shouldn't care. Lingering – Cami's reaction was making him think about it too deeply – and he didn't like it.

Cami needed noise, "Interesting?"

Noise that wasn't the sirens already in the distance.

"Recreating the injuries that would've killed him? Not interesting - textbook."

"The arms aren't his past, though," Kol explained, "It's Aurora's."

Cami swallowed, "Klaus's ex that Lucien was in love with."

"She was a bit..." He tilted his head, "I'm trying to think of the right term for the modern – "

"Get to the point."

"She had a tendency to slit her wrists. Part of how she turned, actually."

Cami seemed to be brought back to reality at that reveal.

"Rebekah found her, openly bleeding, on her bed. Fed her blood to heal," Kol may not have had anything do to with the turning, but he and Maci had still been there for all of it, "She then jumped off a tower."

"And you think Lucien added this detail for a reason?"

"Was it on any of the others?"

"No."

"Leaving the body in the alley rather than the park, with a different layout of injuries?"

"He's sending a message?"

"To Klaus," Kol stood up, "Aurora's here."

Cami wasn't following.

"We haven't heard from my brother all day. Klaus knows The Pethane are meant to be with Mira – he would be playing spy for when they arrive or quizzing me on the process. Unless something bigger had come up."

But for Lucien to know Aurora was in town?

Since Tristan rarely moved without Aurora somewhere near?

Did it mean he had some communication with her?

"Either way, he wants us to show Klaus and for Klaus to do what he does best," Kol rolled his eyes, "Get wishy-washy and emotionally sentimental about it all."

Seeing Maci and Elijah together the perfect set-up for jealousy.

"You didn't try to heal him before I got here," Cami noted.

"Are you really going to talk to me about that, Camille?"

"I wasn't..." Cami closed her eyes, "I wasn't trying to say – "

"That I should've saved him?"

No response.

"He was a second from dying," Kol faced her, "The only thing feeding him blood would've done was turn him."

"You went to do it, though."

"Because I saw your face."

Cami's eyes dropped.

"You needed to think there was something we could've done."

"...But there wasn't."

"I could've," He deliberately took 'blame,' "He would have died, but he would've woken up."

"But you can't make that choice for people."

He bobbed his head.

"That's the other reason why you didn't," Cami could assume.

"Just because I like to view my life as a gift does not mean everyone else does."

"MJ wouldn't be upset if you turned someone without their consent."

"And this isn't about Mira," Kol spoke tiredly.

It was just them and a dead body, sirens growing louder – still far away, but incoming.

"That woman," Cami had wanted to ask, "Maci."

"That is her name."

"You two were arguing about something."

"We were."

"Her debatable turning," Cami had been there for parts of the story, "You had something to do with it?"

"She didn't speak to me for nearly three hundred years."

"You just killed her?"

"I compelled her fiancé to do it."

Cami tried not to react, but her eyes gave her away.

"Needed it to be perfect, or her people would tarnish her in their history books."

There was a reason Maci was able to get over it.

"Suicide is shunned upon. Being murdered by some secret attendee?" Himself, "Would start a riot, worsening the war. Her husband?"

Kol had always been incredibly smart in his chaos.

"Well, that would shame his family, people turning from them to her father, giving him the reinforcements he'd wanted from the wedding."

They still lost, but not because of her.

Cami blinked, "You protected her legacy."

"I like to think of it that way."

It was also about ensuring nothing could be traced back to him for his own business. Elijah would've blown a fuse at the time, and part of Kol still thought his elder brother would retaliate to the news, but Cami had asked. And she was trying not to go into shock.

"And we're past it," He shrugged, "I knew she wanted it, so what's there to be mad about?"

"How did you just know?"

"At the time, I'd never met anyone other than my siblings who hadn't wanted it."

She accepted the answer.

"Wouldn't you take it?"

Cami shifted.

"Stay as you are now, able to experience everything."

"No."

Kol's eyes showed unsurprised irritation, "Too attached to your pure human aesthetic?"

"Aware of myself enough to know that everything would be heightened."

An answer he hadn't expected.

"I know that I have darker sides to me," She didn't elaborate, "As a human, I can control it. Work on myself. As a vampire?"

Everything would be different.

"I understand people who turn for love. Eternity with someone you've dubbed a soulmate sounds ideal – but it's not who I am, so why turn?"

"There are perks other than love," Kol no longer looked offended by her choice, "Maci refused to let Elijah turn her for that same reason."

"Turning to escape an arranged marriage and the terrible treatment of women of the past?"

"To see what else would become of the world."

Cami's face softened.

"Some vampires may tell you that eternity is nothing without someone to share it with," He felt happier with someone, but that didn't change his view, "There is no feeling quite like seeing just what becomes of a place you've watched be born in dust."

She blinked slowly.

Then she remembered she was talking to Kol Mikaelson.

"I thought you didn't feel anything towards humanity back then."

"Who said I was referring to humanity," He smiled, hearing her calmer heart rate, "Society can be anything."

Floare witches, for example.

"And who said I was referring to my feelings?"

She had to give him that, rolling her eyes at the backpedalling.

"Turning is not about murder and blood, or even love, Camille," His hands were soaked with all three of those things that day, "It is about freedom."

"And you've almost made me forget that there's a body behind you."

"That was the goal."

~***~

MJ eventually escorted Davina back to the main stage. They needed to finish the gift-giving, only for another, far less pleasant interruption, the group ferried back into the tomb they'd started in.

Van was dragged in by Jackson, Hayley perched on a table, Sam a moment behind, fiddling with something like a soft toy in his hands.

A knock-off voodoo doll?

MJ's entire posture shifted up, expression stern.

"What the hell, Van!"

He shoved free, "Just kill me."

A comment aimed at Davina.

"You've already taken everything away from me," His words rippled in MJ's head, "So go ahead! Kill me!"

The metaphorical mirror was a little hard to watch.

"Get it over with."

Davina's stare was calm, lips in a firm line, "You tried to murder a Regent."

MJ had tried to murder the vampire king for her mother.

"Our laws say you should be hanged."

Sam bit his lip, eyes raging.

"Murder?" Van scoffed, "Is that the first place your mind goes?"

Davina still didn't react.

"I'd expect it from the likes of the vampire crossbreed – "

"Don't drag me into this," MJ sighed, "A simple thought would tell you I'm the one most likely to be on your side here."

Forever sympathetic to those with emotional outbursts.

"Show me the poppet."

Sam tossed it to her, staring towards the tomb door rather than engaging with the mess.

"Oh..." MJ shifted, "D."

Lifting it towards her.

Davina reacted similarly, shaking her head to Jackson, "This isn't to kill me."

"Oh."

"It's a figure veritas," Davina explained, "You stab it in the heart, and the victim must confess their darkest truths."

Sam's sigh was over the top and loud.

Given his stepfather's status, he'd probably already clicked that, hence his disinterest. MJ would've been having an incredibly stern conversation with him after if he hadn't known and had just chosen to just act like he didn't care if Davina was genuinely attacked. There was a difference between being mad and being cruel.

MJ's candles were still burning, meaning Clio hadn't done anything but give a gift.

"You wanted me to admit what I did to your mum," Davina followed, "So I'd be shunned."

"I'd rather see you dead, but at least that would be justice."

"Look," Davina took the doll, "She's the one who attacked me."

MJ turned to look over the desk in the room.

"She wanted a mutiny, and if that happens, what's next?"

"Your second wants a mutiny; I don't see you trying to kill her."

"Dude," MJ spun to face him, "I don't set her on fire or break her bones."

Silence.

"Was that your mother's plan? An all-out witch war between the covens to decide the next Regent?"

"Did your mother not declare war on everyone too?"

"Precisely why you have my sympathies," MJ stressed, "But my mother didn't want to be in charge; she wanted to be left alone with her children."

It was hard to ignore the tears in Van's eyes.

"She made herself the common enemy. She didn't turn everyone on themselves."

"So you think we're better off with her?"

"She knows," Davina tried to regain his attention, "I don't want people to die in an unneeded fight."

"Everyone knows about your little speech," Van spat, "You wanted war."

"And I spoke based on rage and loss," Davina admitted, "It was a mistake."

MJ couldn't help but feel relief.

"I've seen things done the old way. I've done things the old way. And it doesn't work," She was finally adjusting, "If you don't want peace, then fine. Go."

Call his bluff about what life was better.

"You're free."

Van's eyes bounced between every person in the room.

"But, I'm asking you – stay," Her voice was finally soft again, "We can work together."

MJ's favourite word.

"We can change things."

Van just stared at her for a moment.

The unchanging face didn't bring much hope.

"You do know that the only reason so many people are here is because of her," His arm flicked towards MJ, "Her little scene at the vampires. The fact no one's been killed since."

"Don't try and play us against each other," Davina dismissed, "I'm grateful she represented the covens to The Strix. And I'm grateful the public realises the power of being in a coven because of it."

Sam narrowed his eyes, listening to her heartbeat.

Van wasn't wrong.

Within nine days, every coven in the city had experienced a burst of families either returning to the fold or revealing themselves as witches. Younger kids pushed into lessons with their elders sooner than average to strengthen their bond.

Because some vampire had let slip that MJ had threatened protective war.

MJ had a feeling Maci or Pri were behind it.

The Strix had no reason to want to push the witches together, while they'd both benefit from stressing The Strix out by forcing them to watch the growing cohort.

"But I'm done putting my faith in people like you."

He left.

MJ breathed out, a foot going forward to follow.

"Don't," Sam stopped her, "He's clearly got an issue with you."

The half-breed comment.

"Don't make yourself a bigger target to him."

"And he's made his choice," Davina followed, eyes watching him, "We have to respect that."

"It's more complicated," MJ fidgeted, "If he quits..."

"The Strix can claim he's not under your protection," Hayley followed, "He gets hurt. You guys get blamed for icing him out since no one knows what happened."

"They can't be that stupid," Jackson tried to be the optimist, "If The Strix goes for him so quick..."

"I think we all know just how stupid thousand-year-old vampires can be," Sam eyed up the door, "We need someone watching him."

Silence.

MJ went to talk.

Then she turned to Davina, "You fine to let me handle it, or you wanna let it be?"

"Handle it."

"Thank you," She pulled out her phone, "Marcel can spare a vamp."

And he'd do it without asking too many questions.

MJ finally saw her phone notifications.

Sam straightened up, "What's wrong?"

"Pri texted," She walked towards the door, "She's only with Vin – something's happened."

A series of dialling, MJ to Kol, Sam to Cami, stepping outside, Hayley a few seconds later, unsure if leaving Sam to leave panicked voicemails was a good idea. Jackson a moment behind her.

"No one's answering," MJ marched towards where the wolves sat, outside Davina's tomb.

She was packing down the day, not involved with their other problems.

"Which means something bad enough has happened to keep Kol occupied."

She wanted to think that after Levi, he wouldn't ignore her for nothing.

"I need to go – "

"Wait!" Davina stumbled out, an arm behind her back, smiling at them, "Um, I just, uh...I wanted to thank everyone?"

MJ let herself calm, Jackson smiling back at her, Hayley bobbing her head.

Sam still just stared off into the distance, watching the blue of the sky that came with middle afternoon.

"Well, anything to help with happy witch day," Hayley tried, "Or whatever this is."

Davina just giggled.

MJ's skin was itching, "You good?"

"I've accepted some things," She pulled the curse-halting candle into view, "Since I became Regent, I've tried to control everything and everyone."

Sam seemed even more irritated by that declaration.

"But, I don't want to be that person anymore," She lifted the candle towards her mouth, "So I asked the Ancestors to give me the magic to lift your curse."

Hayley jolted towards MJ.

"Since it's Cadeau..." Davina blew it out, Jackson lunging up, Sam looking ready to yank the thing from her hands, "They granted it."

All three of them didn't seem to believe her.

Every muscle tight.

But nothing happened.

MJ smiled approvingly, "Maybe I'm too harsh on our ancestors?"

There was a rush of hot air between the tombs.

"Yeah, I know," She stuck her tongue out at the wall, "You hate me."

Hayley and Davina snickered at her.

"I'm still thankful."

"Maybe sound a little more convincing," Davina used her free hand to show a small size, "At least ten per cent less resentment."

"I'll consider it."

"Not too much," Davina dropped the hand, "They're not happy. Their power's just been boosted so much; I had enough to do it. I think..."

The power of bargaining, finally having more over the spirits than they had over her.

New members and the addition of The Pethane.

Gifts from them all.

"...Keeping you as slaves seems like something the older generation would do..."

MJ winced at the reality of that; the fake voodoo they practised burned in her mind.

"I'd rather have you as a friend."

Hayley managed a smile, too, patting the stone so Davina could sit with them.

Sam just looked to MJ, "Pri and Cami."

"Yeah – "

The world turned cooler again.

Their heads turned like someone else controlled their body.

Clio standing directly behind them, Jackson jumping out of his skin at her presence.

"Sadly, your phone will have to do when it comes to contacting your friends," She seemed to find joy in the reaction, "Happy to see my suggestion worked."

Her gaze was on Davina.

"Your spirits might hold some resentment, but they'll appreciate my gifts in the long run."

Hayley stood up protectively, "What?"

"She told me to switch out the candle for a block of wood," Davina spoke slowly, "Channel it when I made my request to the spirits."

"Giving you the power of every tree," MJ followed, "Nature. Not just the spirits. Showing that you didn't need to rely on them. The Bayou would do most of the work."

"I've never done spells like this," She was beaming, "But it worked?"

The candle was out.

"Combining multiple worlds," MJ lulled, "Creates the best loopholes."

"Your elder status is the instigator," Clio added, "That much power from a natural source is not an ancestral witch ability. But your bloodline as part of the city gave her an opening to the Floare well."

MJ wanted to laugh.

"Our spirits backing up the choice to end the curse and forcing your spirit's hands. Meaning she could actually draw on every wooden source the way we do."

Throwback to the days MJ would cast every spell while holding a flower bed.

"And your advice was out of kindness?" MJ called out, "Or because you wanted something?"

"We needed your connection to be reaffirmed by The Regent."

Why they hadn't just woken her up that morning.

"If we want the next few days to go well."

Sam frowned, "Next few days?"

"In one lifetime, it will only take this evening," Clio stepped towards her, "Time will tell us if it is this one."

MJ grimaced.

"St Anne's," She declared, "A hotspot of power, yet a totem of death. A place in need of cleansing."

Like the spells MJ was used to using when it came to binding Floare magic back to stone form.

"Unless you wish to back out?"

"Let's do this."