By the time the sun began to rise the next morning, the wheels of Faye and Elijah's plan were already in motion. Faye had already been out to gather information, setting up the delicate threads that would soon entangle the Guerrera wolves. Elijah had spent the night preparing, but the real work was about to begin-there was a lot riding on this. The Guerreras were not to be taken lightly, and if things went sideways, the repercussions would be felt across New Orleans.

Elijah, the ever-diplomatic Mikaelson, would be the one to enter the Guerrera home with the most subtlety. He'd already made sure that the deed to the Guerrera house would be made public by midday, a strategic move that would put the Guerrera family on edge and weaken their position. Elijah was a master of manipulation, and in a way, this was his arena-talking, negotiating, and throwing people off balance with little more than a well-timed smile and a dangerous set of intentions.

Faye, meanwhile, was preparing for her own assignment. She had already arranged with Hayley to let the Guerrera matriarch, Francesca Guerrera, slip away. The moment she was free, Hayley would follow her. It would be no easy task tracking Francesca down, but Faye knew Hayley had the fire in her to hunt the woman down, and the added pressure would force the Guerrera wolves into disarray. If they were confused and fractured, Faye and Elijah would have the perfect opening.

But, of course, the true challenge would be across the river, where Klaus and Faye would go to confront Marcel. This was no mere negotiation. Faye knew Marcel well-she knew the bitterness, the pride, and the anger that festered inside him ever since Klaus had turned his back on him all those years ago. Marcel wasn't the type to forgive easily, let alone listen to reason. But Faye wasn't there to convince him that he was in the wrong; she was there to offer him something he couldn't refuse.

By the time Klaus and Faye arrived across the river and stood in front of Marcel's new kingdom, the tension in the air was thick. The French Quarter had always been Marcel's, but now, Klaus had returned. Old wounds would be reopened, and Faye had no intention of letting things go sideways.

The sun was setting over the river, casting an orange glow over the city as Faye knocked twice on the grand door of Marcel's hideout. She didn't need to announce herself; Faye always knew how to make an entrance. The door creaked open slowly, and there stood Marcel, his sharp eyes instantly landing on Klaus before flicking to Faye. His expression remained unreadable, but Faye could sense the simmering tension between them.

"Well, well," Marcel drawled, his voice low but filled with authority. "The Originals. I should've known you'd show up at some point, Klaus. You're never good at staying away for long, are you?"

Faye stepped forward, raising a brow as she assessed the situation. She wasn't here to play games. "Look at you, Marcel," she said with a sarcastic smile, her tone dry and amused. "King of the Quarter, king of nothing. You've got the power, but you've lost the trust. No one really respects you anymore, do they?"

Marcel's jaw clenched, but he didn't bite. Not yet. "Respect? You think that matters in this town?" he scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "What's left of New Orleans isn't about respect anymore. It's about survival. And I've been doing just fine without you, Klaus. You walked out, left me to clean up your mess, and now you come crawling back for help?"

Faye glanced at Klaus, her lips curling into an almost amused grin. "Seems like you're not really the king, are you, Marcel? You're just the last one standing. And standing alone, I might add."

Her voice was sharp, but her words weren't entirely untrue. Marcel had held on to his position by sheer willpower, but in the long run, Faye knew, that kind of isolation would break him eventually.

"Let me make this clear, Marcel," Faye said, her gaze hardening. "We're not here to rehash the past. I'm not asking you to forgive Klaus for his mistakes, or even to care about what happened between the two of you. But I'm offering you something you can't turn down. Help the Mikaelsons take down the Guerrera wolves, restore order to the French Quarter, and I'll offer you something even more valuable than power."

Marcel raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but wary. "And what would that be, exactly?"

Faye leaned in, her tone dropping to a low, almost conspiratorial whisper. "I'll unlink you. All of your vampires from Klaus's sireline, six of them, free to do as they please. No more compulsion, no more strings pulling them to Klaus's whims. You'll have control over your army again-without the baggage of being tied to the Originals."

There was a long pause as Marcel took in what she'd just offered. Six vampires free from Klaus's hold, free to serve Marcel as they once had? That was a tempting offer, far more than Klaus could give him by simply offering power. But Faye knew that despite Marcel's history with Klaus, it was power that was really driving him-and the freedom she was offering him was a path to regain that power.

Marcel's expression darkened, but his eyes flickered with something akin to hope. "And why the hell would you help me do that?"

Faye shrugged casually, almost as if she didn't care. "Because the Guerrera wolves are a problem for everyone in this city. And let's face it, Marcel, you and I both know that you're better at handling people than Klaus ever will be. So, the deal is simple. Help us get rid of the wolves, and I'll give you the tools you need to take back your throne. But you'll be doing it on your terms, not Klaus's."

Klaus watched the exchange silently, his expression unreadable. He wasn't a fan of the offer, but he knew better than to interrupt. Faye was the one handling this negotiation, and Marcel had always been more likely to listen to her than to anyone else in the room.

Marcel's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Faye could see the wheels turning in his head. He wasn't a fool, and he knew that this was a rare opportunity. The question was whether his pride would let him accept it.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Faye," Marcel finally said, his voice low. "But, fine. I'll work with you. But if you think I'm going to forget everything that happened between me and Klaus, you're mistaken."

Faye smiled, her lips curling in the faintest hint of satisfaction. "I never asked you to forget, Marcel. Just focus on the future. You'll find that it's a lot more satisfying than holding onto the past."

Klaus stiffened, but Marcel had already turned his back, signaling that the conversation was over. "Fine. I'll help you take down the Guerreras. But the second this city is mine again, I'm running things my way. Got it?"

Faye stood up straight, her posture commanding as she responded with a casual shrug. "Of course. I'm sure you'll do just fine. But remember, Marcel," she added, her voice turning sharp again, "this deal isn't just about power. It's about survival. You've been fighting for your crown for too long. If you want to keep it, you better learn how to play the game. And that means not biting the hand that's feeding you."

Marcel turned toward the door, his face cold but thoughtful. "Let's see if you can deliver. And if you don't...well, let's just say you might regret it."

As he disappeared into the shadows, Faye exchanged a knowing glance with Klaus. She had just made a dangerous deal, but it was the only chance they had. Now, they would see if Marcel would play along, or if this would be another failed negotiation in a long line of them. But for now, they had the Guerrera wolves to deal with. And that was the next step in the deadly dance of survival.

Back at the Mikaelson manor, the mood was tense but slightly hopeful. The plan had gone into motion, but now it was time to assess how things had unfolded. Faye leaned against the bar in the expansive, dimly lit living room, sipping a glass of something strong. Klaus sat opposite her, hands clasped in front of him, an unreadable expression on his face. Elijah stood near the window, his arms crossed, eyes scanning the room, clearly reflecting on their next move.

Hayley sat on the couch, legs pulled up to her chest, visibly uneasy about the next part of the plan. The Guerrera wolves had been dealt with-or at least, they were on their way to being dealt with. But the more immediate threat, the one that Hayley had to face now, was her pack.

"So," Klaus began, breaking the silence with his usual cold, calculating tone. "The Guerreras are on the verge of collapse. But their hold on the city is still there, at least for now. We've got Marcel lined up, but it's only a matter of time before the Guerreras come crawling back with backup. We need to be ready."

Faye, her glass halfway to her lips, nodded slowly. "Sounds like your family needs to start making real decisions, not just the ones that put you back on top." Her words were laced with dry humor, though she didn't bother to make eye contact with Klaus. She was still not entirely convinced that the Mikaelsons had the necessary patience-or the ability-to see this plan through. And there was nothing she hated more than being in the midst of people who were too reckless to see the bigger picture.

Elijah gave her a quick glance, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips. He appreciated Faye's straightforwardness-at least when it came to voicing her opinion. "At least it's better than the usual, Faye," he said, voice tinged with a little amusement. "Now you've got a seat at the table."

"Yeah, well, I'm not here to make nice or build a family reunion. I'm here to make sure Hope stays alive and to keep this city standing long enough for someone to clean up your mess," she replied coolly, setting her empty glass down on the counter.

Klaus raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Instead, he turned toward Hayley. "You've got your own mess to clean up now, Hayley. The Guerreras might be handled, but your pack is still in disarray. You need to go to the bayou, take control of them again. They've been leaderless for too long."

Hayley sighed heavily, her posture slumping as she absorbed the weight of Klaus's words. She knew it wasn't going to be easy. "I'm not sure they'll listen to me," she murmured, voice laced with doubt. "They already tried to overthrow me once..."

Faye's voice cut through the tension with her usual biting tone. "Well, if you're not strong enough to keep them in line, Hayley, then they'll turn on you again. You have to show them who's in charge. But if you can't do it, don't expect anyone else to. So, yeah, go out there, show some spine."

Hayley glanced at Faye, her expression hardening a little. "I'm not exactly looking for advice from someone who's been through god-knows-how-many centuries of playing games with people. This isn't about me making some big show of power," she shot back, though there was an edge of frustration to her voice. "I'm trying to keep my daughter safe. But if I'm going to do that, I need the pack behind me."

Elijah spoke up now, voice calm but with the underlying authority he always carried. "What Faye is trying to say is that it's not about what you do, Hayley. It's about how you do it. If they see weakness in you, they'll exploit it. You've led them before-now, you'll need to prove that you're the one who can do it again." His eyes softened, as though realizing the personal weight this responsibility had on her. "It won't be easy, but you've got more of the pack in your blood than any of them. They'll follow you, if you show them you're still their Alpha."

Faye couldn't resist the urge to make one last remark. "Look at the bright side, Hayley. At least the Guerrera wolves won't be causing any more trouble for a while."

Hayley gave a reluctant smile at Faye's sharp wit, but the worry still lingered in her eyes. "I'll figure it out," she said quietly. "I have to."

Klaus nodded, his gaze shifting to the others as he got to his feet. "Alright. If that's settled, I need to speak to Rebekah about where we stand with Marcel's terms. He won't be easy to control, and neither will the Guerreras. We'll need to be prepared for whatever comes next."

Faye stood, finishing the last of her drink. "And I've got my own issues to attend to," she muttered dryly. "I'll leave the 'family business' to you lot." She was about to make her way toward the door when Elijah stopped her.

"Faye, wait," Elijah called, his voice soft yet firm. Faye didn't turn immediately, but she could tell by the way he said her name that there was something important he wanted to discuss.

She exhaled sharply and turned toward him, her eyebrow arching. "What, Elijah? Make it quick. I've got business in Olympus. I don't have time to sit around and talk in circles."

Elijah didn't move, standing with a slight tension in his stance. "It's about the plan. About what you said to Marcel."

Faye rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "You're still upset that I made a deal with him, aren't you? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to listen to your lecture on morals, but I've already made my decision."

"I'm not upset," Elijah said quietly, though his eyes were steady on hers. "But I wanted to understand more. You said you'd help us, and you will-but you also said you weren't going to take orders from Klaus or me."

Faye laughed softly, a dry sound with no real humor. "Do I really need to spell it out for you, Elijah?" she said, voice laced with sarcasm. "The deal is simple. I'll help. I'll protect Hope. But I'm no one's puppet. Not Klaus's, not yours, and certainly not Marcel's. I don't do 'commands.'"

Elijah's eyes softened, his hands now slipping into his pockets as he approached her. "And you truly believe that we can all work together like this?"

Faye paused, her gaze shifting as she considered his question. "I don't believe in fairy tales, Elijah. But I do believe in survival. If you and your family can let go of your egos long enough to focus on the bigger picture, then maybe. But I'm not here to hold anyone's hand while they stumble through their pride and resentment. We have bigger problems."

Elijah met her gaze, as if searching for something more in her words. Something unspoken. Finally, he gave a small nod. "You're right. I'm just... trying to understand where you stand."

Faye gave him a sharp look, her expression unreadable. "I stand exactly where I need to. And that's more than anyone else can say, Elijah."

She turned then, heading for the door. As she reached it, she threw one last glance over her shoulder at him. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got business to attend to. And it's far more important than your family drama."

With that, she left, leaving Elijah standing in the quiet, his thoughts swirling as he processed everything she'd said.

The air in the temple of Hecate was thick with the scent of incense and the hum of ancient magic. Faye stepped into the grand hall, where candles flickered along the edges of towering stone pillars, casting eerie shadows across the marble floors. The goddess of magic herself stood near the center of the room, her dark eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom as she turned to face Faye.

Hecate was an imposing figure-tall, regal, her black robes flowing around her as though they were part of the very fabric of the night itself. Her presence was commanding, her power radiating off her in waves. Despite the serene exterior, there was an undeniable force behind her every movement, the kind of power that Faye had always admired and feared in equal measure.

"You've returned sooner than expected," Hecate said, her voice calm yet laced with authority.

Faye didn't waste time with pleasantries. "You called for me. What's going on?"

Hecate studied her for a moment, her dark eyes sharp as she spoke, "There is something brewing in Germany that requires your attention, Faye. A matter of great importance."

Faye raised an eyebrow, her arms crossing over her chest. "Germany? I've got my hands full in New Orleans. Things are tense, and I can't leave while the Mikaelsons are dealing with their mess."

Hecate didn't flinch. "This is not optional. It will affect everything, including your precious New Orleans. A group of vampires known as the Strix is gaining power far more quickly than anyone anticipated. They are growing in numbers, consolidating strength in ways that will destabilize the balance of power. You need to investigate this."

Faye scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "So, you want me to run to Germany and check on some vampire cult? I'm a little busy right now, you know."

The goddess's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something ancient-something dangerous-passing through her gaze. "The Strix are no ordinary group of vampires, Faye. They were once a society founded by Elijah Mikaelson himself, along with his protege, Aya. They were meant to be a collective of great minds, intellectuals-people who could change the world for the better. But like most things Elijah touches, it all fell apart."

Faye raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "And you want me to go because they might be planning something that could involve you?"

"Not just me," Hecate said, stepping closer, her tone dropping slightly, as if sharing a secret. "The Strix are a direct threat to Olympus. They have a long history with the Mikaelsons, and I have no doubt that they would seek alliances-perhaps with those who could be detrimental to the gods. You cannot let them grow unchecked."

Faye's lips curled into a smirk. "I'm not exactly a fan of the Mikaelsons, you know. Helping them would be like getting stuck in the middle of a family feud."

Hecate's gaze softened for a brief moment, her voice more measured now. "This is bigger than your petty rivalries, Faye. This is about balance. The Strix could easily come into contact with forces that could destabilize much more than just the supernatural world you live in. You know what happens when that balance shifts too far. Chaos follows."

Faye stared at Hecate, her mind racing. The Strix were a relic of Elijah's past, a failed society that had never quite lived up to its ideals. And now they were back on the rise. What exactly were they after? Power? Revenge? Or something even darker?

Finally, Faye let out a sigh, leaning back slightly. "Fine. I'll go. But I'm not going alone. I'll need someone who knows them-someone who knows Elijah's connection to them. And that's going to be a problem. Because while Elijah's bloodline might give him respect, it sure as hell doesn't guarantee trust."

Hecate's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "I thought you might say that. Go to Elijah. See if he'll accompany you. But be warned, Faye-it will not be easy. The Strix are not the same as they were when Elijah first left them. They are no longer the intellectuals and idealists they once were. They have become a society of power-hungry individuals with no moral compass, led by Tristan de Martel, one of Elijah's oldest adversaries."

"Great," Faye muttered, already dreading the prospect of dealing with Elijah's ghosts. "Tristan de Martel. That's just what I need."

Hecate's voice softened further, her tone taking on a more serious edge. "Be careful, Faye. The Strix will not be so easily swayed. But if you can find a way to either control them or eliminate the threat they pose, it will buy you time. Time to prepare for what is coming."

Faye sighed, rubbing her temples. "Yeah, I'm starting to feel like I need a vacation. But fine, I'll head back to New Orleans and get Elijah. If anyone's going to have a shot at redeeming himself with those bastards, it's him."

Hecate gave a single nod. "Do not fail. There is more at stake than you realize."

Faye returned to the Mikaelson manor, the weight of Hecate's words still heavy on her mind. The Strix, rising in power, were only one part of the puzzle. The bigger issue was the looming threat surrounding Hope-and that, Faye knew, was the reason why everything had to work out. One misstep, and it would all unravel.

As she entered the manor, she spotted Elijah standing near the fireplace, his usual brooding expression present as always. He looked up when she entered, eyes narrowing slightly as he noted the seriousness in her expression.

"I need to talk to you," Faye said, crossing her arms and leaning against the doorframe.

Elijah took a step toward her, his interest piqued. "About what?"

Faye hesitated, then spoke with surprising candor. "Hecate sent me back to Olympus with a warning. The Strix are causing trouble in Germany. They're growing stronger, and they might be planning something more dangerous. Something bigger than just local power plays."

Elijah's brow furrowed at the mention of the Strix. "The Strix? Why would they be a threat now? I thought they were disbanded long ago after what happened between me and Aya."

"They weren't exactly disbanded," Faye replied dryly. "They survived. And they've grown. The problem is, they have no love for you, Elijah. Or for your ideals. But there is something bigger at play here. They might be trying to get in contact with people from Olympus. And that's something I can't ignore."

Elijah's expression grew more serious as he processed her words. "I left the Strix behind when Mikael attacked, and I thought the society was destroyed. But if they're still around-still growing-then it's my responsibility to deal with them. But why you?"

Faye shrugged, clearly unimpressed by his question. "Because the gods don't trust you enough to handle this alone, and I don't trust you enough to go in without backup. I need you to come with me, Elijah. If you have any hope of getting their cooperation, you'll have to get on their good side again. But it won't be easy. They don't trust you, but they respect you, and that might be enough to buy us some time."

Elijah hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Fine. I'll come with you. But we do this my way. No secrets. No more games."

Faye gave him a dry look. "You're not in charge here, Elijah. But if it helps you sleep at night, go ahead and tell yourself that."

With that, the two of them turned toward the door. There was no telling what kind of trouble they were about to face, but one thing was certain-whatever happened, they had to act fast. Time was running out, and the Strix were only the beginning.

The things I have planned for in Germany ;)