Elijah stood before an open wardrobe, carefully folding clothes into a suitcase. He was in the middle of packing, his mind preoccupied with the trip ahead. Faye's news about the Strix was troubling-he knew all too well the danger they represented, and the fact that they were reaching out to forces beyond New Orleans was a sign of something much larger at play. He had to get to Germany, deal with the Strix, and do whatever he could to stop them from spiraling further out of control.

The sound of footsteps approaching the door made him pause. Hayley stepped into the room, her usual confidence tempered by a hint of uncertainty in her expression.

"I was hoping you could help me with something," she started, her voice a little hesitant. "The Guerrera wolves are still causing problems, and my pack's a mess. I'm not sure how to take control without starting a war." She stepped closer, her gaze dropping to the suitcase Elijah was packing, and she raised an eyebrow. "What's all this?"

Elijah's eyes flickered up from the clothes he was folding. "I'm going to Germany. Faye and I have business there."

Hayley blinked, the sudden rush of jealousy making her chest tighten. "Germany?" she echoed, trying to keep her tone neutral, though it was clear she wasn't happy about the sudden trip. "And you're just... going with Faye?"

Elijah's gaze softened as he continued packing, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension in the room. "Yes. We're handling matters related to the Strix. There's a growing threat from them, and we need to address it before it gets worse."

Hayley crossed her arms, trying to keep the frustration from showing. "The Strix?" she repeated, the name hanging in the air like a bad omen. "And Faye. You're really going off to Germany with her? For business?"

Elijah glanced up at her, a slight frown tugging at his brow. "Yes. It's business, Hayley. Nothing more."

Before Hayley could respond, the door to the room swung open with a loud creak, and Klaus strode in with his usual swagger. His eyes immediately caught sight of the packed suitcase on the bed and the obvious tension in the room. He shot a knowing grin toward Elijah, his voice dripping with sarcastic amusement.

"Well, well," Klaus began, his tone teasing. "Going somewhere, dear brother? I trust it's not just a little vacation, though, given your travel companion..." He smirked, glancing at Faye's suitcase on the bed, the implication clear. "Careful, Elijah. You wouldn't want to fall into bed with Faye again, would you? Not after everything that happened the last time you two went off on one of your 'business' trips."

Hayley's expression shifted immediately, her eyes narrowing as the surge of jealousy grew more pronounced. She forced a smile, though it was tight, her arms still crossed over her chest. She couldn't help the stab of insecurity that crept in at Klaus's words. She tried to remind herself that it wasn't about that-that it was just business. But the way Klaus said it, so effortlessly, made it sound like something more.

Elijah, ever the professional, gave Klaus a pointed look but didn't rise to the bait. He shrugged, continuing to fold a shirt with a calm demeanor that belied the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. "Niklaus, we're going there to deal with the Strix. Nothing more. Faye and I are allies, nothing more than that."

Klaus raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained by his brother's attempt to downplay the situation. "Of course, dear brother. But I must say, I've always found it a little... amusing that you and Faye never seem to be able to keep your hands off each other, even when you insist it's 'business.'"

Elijah gave a terse smile but refused to rise to Klaus's taunting. Instead, he turned back to Hayley, who had been silent, her gaze flickering between him and Klaus with something close to frustration. "Hayley, I need you to focus on what you're doing here. The Guerrera pack needs you. This trip to Germany is urgent, but the situation here in New Orleans is just as precarious. I trust you can handle the pack while I'm gone."

Hayley's jaw tightened at his words, but she forced a smile, albeit one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Right. Of course." She stepped closer, her tone a little too casual. "Just don't forget, Elijah. We've all got our own responsibilities here. If you think I'm just going to sit idly by while you and Faye chase after the Strix, you've got another thing coming."

Klaus leaned against the doorframe, clearly enjoying the discomfort in the room. "Well, well. The lovely Hayley's jealous. How quaint." He looked back at Elijah, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Just remember, dear brother, you may have to handle things with Faye, but she's a formidable woman. And I'm not sure even you can keep her in check."

Elijah gave Klaus a pointed look, his patience wearing thin. "I'm not discussing this further, Klaus. I have to go. And, Hayley, I'll be back as soon as possible. I trust you'll handle things here in New Orleans." His voice softened slightly as he looked at her. "Take care of the pack. I'm leaving this in your hands."

There was a beat of silence, the tension thick between them. Hayley looked at him, trying to hide the swirl of jealousy, frustration, and unspoken words that were rising in her chest. She took a deep breath, then nodded stiffly. "Fine. I'll manage."

Elijah gave her a long look, then turned back to his packing, clearly deciding it was better to not press the matter further. As much as he wanted to reassure her, he knew this was something she had to come to terms with on her own.

Klaus, always the instigator, gave Hayley a mocking wink before turning on his heel and exiting the room, his laughter echoing as he left them alone.

As soon as he was gone, Hayley took another step closer to Elijah, her voice lower now, tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "Elijah, just... be careful with Faye. You know how she is. She might say she's only helping, but she doesn't do anything without some hidden agenda."

Elijah paused, turning to look at her with a softer expression. "Hayley, I know what she's capable of. But right now, she's our best chance at stopping the Strix, and that's the focus. Nothing else."

But as he spoke, there was an underlying tension in his voice, one that Hayley couldn't quite place. Was it the mission? Or was there something more-something unresolved between him and Faye?

Before she could ask, Elijah's phone buzzed with a reminder for their flight. He looked at it, then back at Hayley.

"I have to go. Don't worry. We'll deal with this when I return."

Hayley nodded stiffly, masking her emotions with a forced smile. "Yeah, sure. Go save the world with Faye."

As Elijah left the room, Hayley stood alone for a moment, staring at the door. She couldn't shake the feeling that this trip to Germany wasn't just about the Strix. There was something more going on beneath the surface, something that would change everything. And she had a sinking feeling that Faye-whatever her intentions-was at the heart of it.

The apartment was exactly as it always had been-elegant, minimal, but with an unmistakable air of mystery that clung to everything. The dim lighting from the few sconces scattered across the room created a moody atmosphere, reflecting the aura Faye cultivated wherever she went. Books lined the shelves, ancient texts next to modern ones. The scent of incense and jasmine lingered in the air, faint but comforting.

Elijah entered without a word, his coat still on from the cold New Orleans night. He glanced around briefly, but his attention quickly returned to Faye, who was standing by a grand window. The glow of the moon outside illuminated her figure, casting her in a mystical light. Her long, dark hair framed her face as she finished speaking in a low voice, her eyes focused on something only she could see in the distance.

"Ready?" Faye asked, her tone casual, though there was a hint of excitement in her voice. She turned to face him, already conjuring the magic. Her hands moved gracefully, like a painter preparing for a masterpiece, and the air around them seemed to hum with the magic she was weaving.

Elijah, never one to be particularly fond of unnecessary magic-especially the unpredictable kind-watched Faye carefully. There was something in the way she moved, the way she controlled her power, that always fascinated him. "Do you always make portals look so effortless?"

Faye shot him a sly grin as the portal began to shimmer into existence. It was a swirling vortex of blue and gold, glowing with a magical intensity that hinted at its true power. "Only when I'm in a hurry," she quipped, giving him a wink as she stepped closer.

"Don't make me regret this," Elijah said dryly, though there was a trace of amusement in his voice. He was more accustomed to getting things done the old-fashioned way-by force and control-but Faye's methods were always... different.

Without another word, Faye stepped into the portal, and Elijah followed her into the unknown.

The world spun for a moment before they landed smoothly in a grand foyer. Elijah immediately took in the surroundings, his senses sharpening as the familiar scent of old wood, expensive materials, and something distinctly Faye reached him. They were no longer in the quiet confines of her New Orleans apartment but somewhere vast and carefully curated.

The mansion was stunning-no surprise there, given Faye's tastes. It radiated an old-world charm, one of wealth and history, but with a modern twist that was uniquely hers. The architecture was European, perhaps French or German in influence, with high vaulted ceilings and elaborate moldings. The walls were covered in rich tapestries and paintings-some depicting landscapes, others abstract works of art. What caught Elijah's eye immediately, however, were the photographs scattered around. Many of them featured Faye in various settings with people he didn't recognize.

Faye, ever the enigma, had lived a life far outside of New Orleans, one that spanned centuries. Yet even with all her knowledge and experience, it was hard for Elijah to fathom who those people were-those long-forgotten faces of the past who had shaped Faye's life.

"You've done well for yourself," Elijah murmured, taking in the beauty of the space. His voice was laced with admiration, but there was also a note of something more wistful, something that he couldn't quite place.

Faye, standing at the foot of the stairs with her arms crossed, followed his gaze. "It's nothing," she replied nonchalantly. "Just a little something to call home."

She walked further into the space, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. "It's actually a little bigger than I expected, but I like it this way. Cozy."

Elijah followed, his eyes scanning the rooms as they walked deeper into the house. The place did feel cozy in an odd way for something so grand. The library was perhaps the most intimate part of the house, with its dark wood shelves and rows of leather-bound books stretching up to the ceiling. It smelled faintly of aged paper and the sweet scent of Faye's magic, which she had infused into every corner of the house.

As they moved, Elijah's gaze lingered on the open doorway of a room. He noticed a large bookshelf in the corner, filled with more rare texts-no doubt the magical ones. It was her room, a space for nothing but magic, as her eyes glinted when she'd spoken of it before.

"Magic room?" Elijah asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Faye nodded. "Every witch needs a space to keep their secrets," she said with a dry smile. "Wouldn't want anyone poking around."

They continued down a narrow hallway lined with even more artwork and photographs. There were older portraits mixed with candid shots-Faye, young and wild, surrounded by people he could only guess at. There was one in particular that caught his eye, a portrait of a younger Faye with a man in the background, looking rather fondly at her. Elijah's brow furrowed slightly but he chose not to ask.

Finally, they reached the living area, where Faye moved to the fireplace, running her fingers over the stone mantle. She didn't need to say anything. He could tell it was one of her favorite places.

"That's... impressive," Elijah said softly, nodding to the room and taking it all in.

Faye gave a simple shrug, not the least bit concerned by his compliment. "It's just a house, Elijah. Everyone needs one. But I will admit, it is nice to have somewhere that feels like my own. I've had a few homes over the centuries, but this one... this one feels right."

Elijah gave a short nod, his mind processing the unspoken layers of what she was saying. He knew that Faye had been running for a long time-always hiding, always moving forward. The idea of a true home, one that she could build to her own taste, felt almost... vulnerable, a rare glimpse into the parts of her that she didn't often show.

Before he could respond, he heard a soft meowing sound, and out from a side door came a pair of cats. One was a sleek, spotted Bengal, its amber eyes gleaming with a quiet intelligence. The other was a fluffy calico, its fur a mess of colors as it sauntered up to Faye, rubbing its head against her legs.

"Onyx," Faye said with a gentle smile, kneeling to pet the Bengal, "and this is Rusty." She ruffled the calico's fur. "They keep me company when I need to think."

Elijah watched in silent amusement as Faye interacted with her cats. The image of the fierce, powerful goddess gently coaxing the animals into her lap was something he would never have imagined-until now.

"You've got quite the menagerie here," he remarked with a smirk, his posture easing as he felt the familiar rhythm of their conversation settle in.

Faye shrugged with a wry smile. "What can I say? I like a little chaos to balance out the magic. Keeps things interesting."

As she stood, she flicked her fingers, and the portal she had created earlier flickered in front of them, glowing softly.

"We should get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be... interesting," she said, her tone dark with unspoken implications.

Elijah nodded, his thoughts still on their upcoming task. He had never been one for small talk, but in this moment, standing in Faye's world-her home, her sanctuary-he allowed himself a brief moment of peace, of recognition. Something about this place, about her, made him feel as though they were on the brink of something larger than either of them had anticipated.

"I suppose we'll find out what's brewing with the Strix tomorrow," he said, his voice low but with an edge of determination.

"Indeed," Faye replied with a knowing smile, her eyes flashing with something unreadable. "Tomorrow, we deal with the past. Let's hope it doesn't bite us in the ass."

And with that, Faye waved a hand, and the portal snapped shut behind them.

They would face whatever came next together, but the stakes were higher than either could have anticipated.

The room was quiet-too quiet. Soft moonlight filtered through the large windows, casting delicate shadows across the ornate furniture and giving the space an almost ethereal quality. Elijah lay on the bed, staring up at the high ceiling, his hands folded behind his head. The bed itself was soft, luxurious, and far too comfortable, but despite the physical comfort, his mind refused to settle.

His thoughts circled back to the same place, the same person: Faye.

It had been years-centuries, perhaps-since he had truly spent any length of time with her, but the memories were still fresh, almost tangible. He could still hear her voice, dry and cutting with sarcasm, but always with a layer of something softer underneath. He remembered how she'd looked at him back then, how she made him feel like he was the only one who truly understood her-and how, at times, that had made him feel like the only person in the world who mattered.

But as much as he had told himself to forget about her, to lock her away in the past where she belonged, Faye had never been a mere footnote in his life. She was more than that-always had been.

A soft exhale escaped him as he closed his eyes, the years blending into one another. He remembered the first time they'd met, centuries ago, when the world was a different place. She had been a powerful force even then, wrapped in mystery and confidence, a goddess unafraid of the world around her. Faye had always been like that-unpredictable, sharp, dangerous.

She had challenged him in ways no one else could. No one could ever quite match her level of wit, or her ability to read him with such effortless precision. And it was that challenge that had drawn him in-the way she could look at him and make him feel vulnerable, exposed, and yet... exhilarated.

But then there had been the distance, the silent disagreements, the moments when he had found himself questioning her loyalty, her intentions. She was, after all, a goddess-a creature far beyond him, far beyond anyone else he knew. And despite their shared past, Elijah had never fully trusted her. How could he? She had her own agenda, her own history that often felt like it had nothing to do with him.

You're always the one with the answers, aren't you, Faye?

Elijah shifted in the bed, his gaze now fixed on the flickering shadows on the wall. He didn't understand why he was still thinking about her like this. He had always kept his emotions in check, always kept them buried deep within. Yet, for some reason, tonight, with the quiet of the mansion wrapping around him, the walls he'd carefully built around himself seemed to be crumbling.

He remembered their brief, but intense, moments together-those rare times when they'd shared more than just a passing glance or a sarcastic comment. The way she'd looked at him when they spoke of the past, of their families, of the things they had lost. Faye wasn't one to share much about herself, but every once in a while, her walls would crack, and he would glimpse a side of her that few people saw-the person, not the goddess.

But, despite the connection they had once shared, Faye had always kept a part of herself closed off, hidden away. Elijah had known that for years. She had always been running, never staying in one place for too long, always carrying the weight of the past with her. Even now, as they stood on the edge of something bigger, something far more dangerous than either of them had anticipated, she still held pieces of herself back.

He turned his head toward the window, the cool breeze fluttering the curtains. Despite everything, despite their shared history and everything they had been through together, Elijah found himself still trying to piece together the mystery that was Faye. He could never quite understand her. Not completely.

And yet, a small part of him wanted to.

Another part of him-one that had never been fully willing to let go of the past-wanted to reach out and ask her the things he had never dared ask before. But the moment for that had long passed, hadn't it? There was no going back to those times, no going back to that person he once was when he'd been younger and more impulsive.

Now, there was only the present.

His thoughts drifted to what lay ahead. The Strix. The looming conflict with them. And, of course, the bigger issue at hand-Hope.

Faye had made it clear that things were much bigger than petty family rivalries. He knew she was right. She always was. But the weight of everything pressing on him felt like a burden that was getting harder to bear. It wasn't just the Strix or the Guerrera wolves, or even the fact that they were walking into a situation where old grudges were waiting to resurface. It was the unspoken truth about Hope-the truth that the world would soon be after her, the truth that they couldn't keep her hidden forever.

Elijah sighed, the weight of responsibility settling deep into his chest. He had always done what was necessary to protect his family, but this... this felt different. It wasn't just about keeping Hope safe. It was about finding a way to build something better, something that could protect all of them-not just for today, but for the long term.

The sound of footsteps approaching outside his door broke him from his reverie. Elijah straightened in the bed, his eyes narrowing slightly. He didn't need to ask who it was.

There was a brief knock before the door opened just a crack. Faye's head appeared in the doorway, her expression unreadable.

"You're still awake," she said, her voice low, almost a murmur in the quiet of the room.

Elijah nodded, not surprised to see her. She never seemed to sleep much, even when she had the luxury of it. "I was thinking."

Faye raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Shocking. Do tell."

Elijah gave her a faint smile. "You know, you really should get some rest."

Faye walked into the room, unbothered by his suggestion. "I'll sleep when I'm dead," she replied, flopping casually into the chair by the window. She glanced at him with a knowing look. "Or when we're done with all this... mess."

Elijah watched her, the silence between them stretching out. He could feel the tension building, the unspoken understanding of what was ahead.

"I still don't understand how you always seem so calm," Elijah said, breaking the silence with a quiet laugh. "It's as if you're immune to all of this."

Faye tilted her head, her eyes glinting with something like amusement. "Maybe I am," she replied, her voice taking on a playful edge. "But, in all seriousness, I've seen much worse. A few Strix don't scare me."

Elijah chuckled softly, but then his expression turned more serious. "Faye... do you ever think about what comes after all of this? After the fight, after the war? What happens once it's all over?"

Faye didn't answer immediately. She studied him for a moment, her gaze intense. Then she shrugged, as if the question didn't carry the weight that Elijah thought it did.

"After all of this?" She repeated. "Who knows, Elijah. I've learned not to look too far ahead. We'll deal with what's in front of us first, and then... we'll see what happens." She gave him a small, almost sad smile.

There was something in the way she said it-something that made Elijah think she knew more than she was letting on. But he didn't press her further. Instead, he nodded slowly.

"We'll deal with it together," he said quietly, his voice sincere.

Faye's eyes softened just a fraction before she stood and turned toward the door. "Rest up, Elijah. Tomorrow's going to be another long day."

As she stepped out, closing the door behind her, Elijah lay back in the bed, the silence settling in once more. This time, though, he felt a little less burdened. Faye might have been elusive, enigmatic, but she was always there when it counted. And for the first time in a long while, Elijah felt like maybe-just maybe-they might have a shot at winning this. Together.