SEVENTEEN, "The Serpent beguiled me, and I ate."

THERE HADN'T BEEN a moment in Himari's entire existence where she had felt as anxious as she was right now besides the night of her own ritual. The amount of bloodshed, of betrayal that occurred during it was nothing compared to the chaos that would unfold if things went wrong. She hated to be so pessimistic but it was reality. She knew if she didn't play her cards right— if she miscalculated a step, the loss would fall on her. And she didn't know if she could live with that.

The fact that Alaric was back in his own body was even more troubling because that now meant the real Klaus was roaming about in Mystic Falls. The full moon was close as well. She knew it was only a matter of time before Klaus made himself known to take what was needed for the ritual. She assumed he already had the moonstone, a vampire, and possibly a werewolf too. He still needed Elena and maybe Himari if Slater was correct.

The witch stared down into the untouched glass before her, its amber contents reflecting her troubled face. She'd thought a drink might steady her nerves, but alcohol was no comfort— she wasn't even much of a drinker. Around her, the bustling environment of the Grill made it hard to think. The noise grated against her already frayed nerves, and with a sigh of frustration, she pushed the glass away from her, wondering why she'd even come here in the first place. 

The glass got picked up— not by Himari— but by someone else. The witch looked up, furrowing her eyebrows as she met eyes with another woman. Her hair was cut to a sleek bob, her ears were adorned with silver jewelry, and she was wearing minimal makeup. Himari guessed it was because she was at work.

Before Himari could say a word, the woman tipped the glass, pouring its contents down the sink behind the bar.

"I wasn't done with that," Himari said, her voice tight with irritation.

"You were never going to finish it." The woman replied, matter-of-factly, her tone clipped and aloof. She raised an eyebrow. "Were you?" 

Himari blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness. For a moment, she simply stared at the stranger, unsure of how to respond or if she even should. Maybe this was a sign that she should just get up and leave. It's unlikely alcohol would solve her problems. But instead, she stayed rooted in place.

"I'll take that as a no," The woman says, rolling her eyes as she reached for a clean glass. With practice efficiency, she added ice, rum, lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup, then she pushed the drink toward Himari. "Here. Try this."

"What is it?" She asked warily.

"Daiquiri." The stranger said, leaning on the counter with her chin resting on the palm of her hand. Her tone was casual, almost disinterested. "It's sweet. More your speed than the bourbon you didn't touch."

"More my speed?" Himari sounded offended, but she was just uncertain if she was being insulted or not.

The woman smirked faintly, as though she'd been expecting this question. "You don't look like a fifty-year-old man on the brink of divorce," she said bluntly. "You're younger. Prettier."

Himari opened her mouth to respond but faltered. Was that a compliment? The stranger's bored expression didn't give much away, but her nonchalant confidence kept Himari from snapping back. Instead, she hesitated before cautiously lifting the drink to take a sip.

"It's... better," Himari admitted begrudgingly, setting the glass down.

The woman's lips twitched into a faint smirk. She was watching Himari with a look that was hard to read— somewhere between boredom and curiosity. "Glad to see you can admit when you're wrong."

"Who says I was wrong?" Himari quipped, narrowing her eyes.

"You look like someone who prefers control. Letting go doesn't come naturally to you, does it?"

"And what would you know about me?" Himari pushed the glass to the side, smiling, looking at the stranger's nametag. "Kira."

The woman tilted her head, seemingly unfazed, her smirk fading into something more thoughtful. "More than you'd think." She tapped her fingers on the counter idly, then added, "I've dealt with... people like you before. Those who take drastic measures to keep their enemies close and their allies even closer."

Himari cocked her head as well. "Do you go around making baseless assumptions about strangers to feel clever?"

"I prefer to think of it as keeping things interesting. Speaking of which, binding someone to your will? That's a bold move. Must be exhausting keeping all those strings in your hands."

The words hit Himari like a bucket of ice water, but she didn't let it show. Instead, she leaned forward slightly, resting her elbow on the bar as her smile turned saccharine.

"Exhausting?" Himari echoed, her sweet expression never faltering. "Not at all. It's called strategy. But you wouldn't know much about that, would you?"

Kira's eyes gleamed. "Oh, I know plenty. And about people who think they're one step ahead—until they're not."

Himari let out a soft laugh, though her gaze darkened. "So, what is this? Some misguided attempt to psychoanalyze me? I hate to disappoint, but I'm not one of your little projects."

"Not yet, anyway," Kira quipped, her tone breezy as she leaned back slightly, clearly unfazed. "But I do find you... fascinating."

Himari's smile tightened. "Flattery won't get you anywhere."

Kira shrugged, tapping her fingers on the counter idly again. "Good. I'd hate for this to be that easy. You strike me as someone who thrives on challenges, too. Maybe that's why Elijah caught your eye."

The mention of Elijah made Himari's smile freeze. Her frown deepened, and her voice took an icy edge. "Careful. You're starting to push your luck."

"Am I?" Kira replied. "Or am I just stating the obvious? After all, you're not exactly subtle. The lengths you go to keep your pawns in line... it's impressive."

Himari leaned closer. "It's unwise to push me."

Kira didn't flinch. If anything, her smirk deepened. "Oh, don't worry. I'm not pushing. I'm offering."

Himari arched a brow, crossing her arms as she studied Kira with an expression caught between skepticism and curiosity. "Offering? That usually comes with strings. Big ones."

"Depends on how tight you tie the knots," Kira countered smoothly.

Himari stayed silent for a moment. A mixture of confusion and mistrust crept onto her face as she simply stared at Kira— wondering what she could possibly offer Himari. A part of the Kitsune was intrigued but she knew better than to accept some deal from a stranger. The other part drifted to Elijah and how this woman knew him— how did she know he was tied to Himari?

"How do you know Elijah?" Himari asked, ignoring her previous words.

"The real question is, how does Elijah know me," Kira leaned in slightly, her words deliberate, like she was savoring every syllable.

The Kitsune's features flashed with annoyance, but curiosity won out. "Well, how does he know you then?"

Kira smiled. "I don't just give out information for free. I need something in return— an assurance that when I call, you'll answer."

Himari scoffed, her laugh dry and humorless. "I don't do agreements with strangers, especially other witches. You must be delusional."

"Funny," Kira shot back. "Elijah had no problem coming to me for assistance."

Himari knew her curiosity would always be her downfall. She couldn't help not knowing what Elijah could've possibly sought Kira out for that he couldn't ask her. In a way, it hurt to know he confided in another witch.

"And what did he want from you?" Himari's voice was deceptively calm.

"Ah, but what's in it for me?" She purred as if this were a game.

"What do you want?"

Kira took a moment before answering. Her eyes darkened into something unsettling— it was like Himari bit the hook and Kira was just about to reel it in. Her gaze locked onto Himari's, the atmosphere shifting as her expression grew darker, more dangerous.

Himari didn't flinch, meeting her stare head-on.

"I want what's owed to me by your dear friend Elijah." Kira's eyes gleamed with mischief. "He thinks he's escaped from his debt but I've only just begun."

"And you're beginning with me? Why?" Himari was struggling to understand why Kira believed she would help her in any way.

"Because you're the only one who's closest to him as of recently. He wouldn't expect you— the person who has been loyal to him for thirty years now— to betray him. But hey, I guess it evens the playing field between the two. After all, you both have your secrets, don't you?"

For the first time in a long time, Himari felt the ground shift beneath her feet— but she'd never let Kira know that.

"Evens the playing field?" Himari repeated.

"Do we have an agreement?" Kira's voice dropped into a whisper, almost intimate.

Himari's eyes narrowed, her mind racing through the implications. Kira's proposition was like a venomous snake coiled tight around her throat— deadly, but perhaps useful if handled carefully. She weighed her options as the silence grew between them.

Finally, she leaned back into her chair and fixed Kira with a calculated glare. "I'm not in the habit of making reckless deals, especially someone... as opportunistic as you." She paused, watching for any flicker in Kira's expression. "But... I'm listening."

"Good choice," Kira smirked, satisfaction dancing in her eyes. "Since we're sharing secrets, here's one you'll appreciate: Elijah came to me years ago asking for a favor. He needed something undone— a curse, to be precise. One you placed on him."

Himari's heart clenched, though she refused to let it show. "Elijah knows better— he wouldn't."

"Wouldn't he?" Kira's smile was all teeth. "You ensured his loyalty by binding him to you with magic. A clever move I must say. But clever men always find their own exits, don't they?"

Himari sat in silence. Her mind replayed the night she bound Elijah to her. He was desperate, in search of someone or something to help him take down Klaus once and for all. She had been his saving grace— the only one who could defeat his brother. They had an alliance. Granted, one formed on distrust, but still steady. Up until this point, however. If what Kira is saying is true then Himari was truly alone in all this. Because that meant Elijah was hiding something from her— something significant enough for him to go seek out another witch.

Himari wanted to be angry. She was. However, another emotion was much stronger. It was the feeling of possibly being betrayed by him. Something she never had expected despite her initial doubt about Elijah.

She thought he was different.

"So he came to you to undo the spell," Himari said, the realization sinking in.

"Exactly," Kira replied, triumphantly. "But he never fulfilled his end of our bargain. So here we are."

"And you think I'd help you betray him?"

"I would expect nothing less... I mean, it's only fair since he did it first to you, no?"

"How do I know you're not lying to me?" Himari asked.

"You don't believe me? Go ask him for yourself— watch him squirm and see what exactly it is he's hiding from you." Kira said confidently.

Himari stood, her chair scraping against the floor as she pushed it back. Her gaze locked onto Kira's, a mixture of restrained fury and suspicion. "This conversation is over."

"Of course." Kira's posture straightened, smiling as if she had just won a game only she knew they were playing. Her eyes trailed up and down Himari with lingering intensity. "I wouldn't want to keep you."

Himari turned to leave the Grill in a hurry, but Kira's voice managed to stop her.

"Don't forget. I call, you answer," Her tone was dripping with amusement. "I'll be expecting your willingness when the time comes. I can't let Elijah can't get too comfortable."

Himari glanced over her shoulder. "I don't take orders."

Kira's lips curled wickedly. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of giving you any. I'm sure you'll make the right choice. Until we meet again, try not to miss me too much."

Himari rolled her eyes, irritation flickering across her face as she continued to walk toward the exit. "Don't hold your breath." 

Kira's laughter followed her out the door, soft and teasing. "No promises."

As Himari left the restaurant hurriedly, the cold air immediately hit her though it did nothing to calm the wrath boiling underneath her skin. She should've expected this— being betrayed by an original— but when you spend three decades with someone you just hope that trust is reciprocated. She was a fool to even believe that could be possible. She hated herself for not seeing it earlier.

The witch turned to a corner and bumped into something— or rather someone. A shadow cast over her figure, standing in front of her. She looked up, half-expecting some drunken guy, only to find herself face-to-face with a stranger who seemed anything but ordinary. He glanced down casually at her seeming unfazed, yet his presence felt sharp and deliberate, as if he was expecting her rather than merely this being an accident. His eyes flickered between mischief and something darker— they seemed to gleam as they locked on her. A faint, impish smile played at his lips.

"Now, you look like someone with a great deal on their mind," He drawled, his voice a low, velvet murmur that sent a chill up her spine. There was an elegance to him, but it was tinged with a sense of danger.

Himari's muscles tensed instinctively; she didn't know who this man was, but she could feel the weight of his presence. She held his gaze, refusing to be the first to look away.

"I'm sorry, I should've been paying attention," She apologized, keeping her tone deceptively cool and sweet.

The stranger's eyes narrowed slightly, his lips curled into an almost amused smirk. He studied her, gaze sharp, lingering just a beat too long.

"Cute act," he murmured. "But you don't wear innocence well. It doesn't suit you."

The mask slipped, just for a second— barely a flicker in her eyes— but he saw it.

The stranger's smirk deepened. "I suppose introductions are in order." He leaned in slightly, the air between them thickening. "I'm Klaus."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she fought hard to keep her composure.

"You're not quite what I expected," He added, eyes drifting over her as though reading something she wasn't saying. "The infamous Kitsune witch... you're supposed to be my match, aren't you?"

Himari's lips curved into a Cheshire cat smile, amused as she took in his words. She kept her posture relaxed, a slight tilt to her head as she straightened her posture without flinching. "Oh, I'm sorry to disappoint."

Klaus could easily detect the sarcasm in her tone, it grated him to no end. "Disappoint? Now, that's hardly the word I'd use, love."

"Don't call me that."

"What would you like me to call you then?"

"I'd prefer it if you'd just left me alone."

"I expected someone a bit more... humbled by the company she's in." He leaned in slightly.

"Humbled? I don't think so." She crossed her arms, unbothered by his scrutiny. "But I'll give you this, Klaus. For someone with such a flair for dramatics, you're almost... charming."

"Almost?" He raised an eyebrow, the faintest smirk pulling at his lips. "You wound me. I don't take kindly to being treated as if I'm just another face in the crowd."

She let out a low laugh, as though the idea amused her. "Perhaps that's because you are."

"That bold mouth of yours might just get you in trouble." Klaus's eyes glinted, his amusement deepening.

His presence was overbearing. He was too close for Himari's liking— it was like she couldn't think properly or breathe. She took a step back.

She tilted her head, meeting his gaze head-on. "I think I'll take my chances."

A silence stretched between them, thick with tension. Klaus's gaze lingered on her, his smirk fading to something more thoughtful, almost intrigued. "This bravado of yours is quite entertaining and I wonder just how much of is real."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Himari's eyebrows arched slightly, the faintest hint of irritation crossing her otherwise calm expression.

"Oh, come now." Klaus's voice dropped to a silk murmur. "You put on this act like you're so unbothered by me, so certain you can resist. But there's something I see, something underneath the surface."

"And what exactly would that be?" She asked, choosing to entertain him.

He tilted his head, his gaze penetrating, almost sympathetic. "Fear. Or maybe it's doubt. After all, you know better than anyone what's coming, don't you? On the next full moon."

"These empty threats don't scare me, Klaus." Her jaw tensed briefly, though she gave nothing away.

"Oh, I don't need to scare you. You're already worried— you wouldn't be here otherwise." He glanced around, assessing the outside of the Grill dismissively. "You're spending precious time at this little bar, pretending you enjoyed your drink."

"I'd be having a better time if you'd just go away." Himari returned her attention to the untouched glass.

Klaus seemed unfazed, though a hint of annoyance was slowly building up so he decided to make things interesting. "How is my brother?"

The witch paused, wondering why the sudden switch of topics. "Why do you care?"

"Just curious."

"Right," Himari replied, curtly.

She knew there was more to this conversation than he was letting on. If there wasn't, he would've killed her the moment he saw her and eliminated the only person who could defeat him. But he hadn't, at least not yet. He wanted something and she was trying to figure out what exactly that was.

"I have a better question: would you like to know how yours is doing?"

Himari's body tensed. It felt as if the world around her had stilled— gone quiet and the only thing she could hear was her own heart beating out of her chest. It was like his words were echoing inside her head causing a headache. At first, she wasn't sure if Klaus was playing some sick joke on her, but once she turned to look at him and the seriousness in his gaze— the way the playful gleam in his eyes had vanished, replaced by a cold, steady intensity. She knew he wasn't joking.

A mocking smile crept onto Klaus's face as he watched her as his voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Ah, lost in thought, are we?"

Himari's mind churned with questions as she stared at the man responsible for all her misery and anger. Was this what Eve had felt, betrayed by her own choices and entrapped by a cunning force? Perhaps, the temptation wasn't the sin itself, but the lure of resentment— the endless need to conquer the wrongs done to her. She could feel it in her blood, this bitterness handed down like a heirloom. It simmered, relentless, like a poison she could neither cleanse nor abandon. She wondered if the exhaustion weighing her down was woven into her very spirit, binding her to him like a thread of fate.

If it was generational, as inevitable as her pulse. If the fury surging within her would ever go quiet, or if she'd keep carrying it through lifetimes, bound by a curse she couldn't escape, trapped in a loop of hatred only death could sever.

She had recalled the promises she had made once to herself, spoken with such conviction like armor against any weakness. She'd sworn to destroy Klaus, to bring an end to their game, vowing she would never become like him. She'd promised herself that she would be different— better. That while he ruled with fear, she would hold tight to honor, letting her sense of duty guide her, not the hunger for power or cruelty.

But now, as she stared into the eyes of the enemy, on the precipice of her final stand against him, she felt that conviction waver, her principles twisting under the weight of reality.

It was a bitter irony, one that gnawed at her unforgivingly: to put an end to Klaus, she had become the very thing she hated most. The thought felt like a toxin slipping into her veins.

She blinked, refocusing on him. She remained still, almost as if fear locked her in place. She hated the way he appeared to be so relaxed, so... calm. "Why not just kill me and be done with this?"

She knew he couldn't just kill her. But she wanted that to be true.

He took a moment before speaking, his smirk never leaving his lips. "You don't need me to answer that."

The witch thought back to Slater, wishing that he had been wrong about Klaus needing her for the ritual. She turned her back on the Original, biting her lip because suddenly, it was hard to breathe. Slater couldn't have been right— there was no way she would help him.

Klaus's smirk grew even wider as he watched her stiffen. He took another slow, deliberate step forward as she took another one back, his voice dripping with amusement. "Come now, don't tell me you're shocked."

"I won't do it— there's nothing you could say that will force my hand." Himari spat, shaking her head.

"Force is usually my preferred method of choice, true, but why do that, when I can easily persuade you?" He leaned in, closing the distance between them again.

She felt the chill of his presence— his warm
breath causing goosebumps to litter her neck. She held her ground, her glare unwavering. "Persuade? That's very unlikely."

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, it was as though he'd trapped her in his web, his gaze a cold, insidious embrace.

"Well," He replied, slightly tilting his head. "Perhaps 'bargain' is a better word."

Himari felt uneasy with his confidence. He seemed to be so sure of himself— of whatever is it he had planned. This was what had her worried. That somehow he had figured out a way to coax her into doing the ritual for him.

"Bargain?" She repeated, warily.

"Haven't you wondered," Klaus drawled, his tone almost mocking, "how I managed to get my hands on that precious artifact of yours?"

"No," She forced her expression to remain still, her gaze hardening.

He chuckled lightly, seeing straight through her. "Of course not," He replied smoothly, unimpressed by her deflection. Then his gaze sharpened. "But before I tell you, I want to know something else first."

"And what is that?" Himari sighed, finding herself growing more annoyed by the second. 

"Tell me, do you believe Elijah has been honest with you? Has he remained as honorable as I remember him to be?"

The witch eyed him curiously, knowing there was more to what he was asking— that he knew something about Elijah that she didn't. "What are you trying to say? Just spit it out."

"Patience, sweetheart," He murmured, savoring her discomfort. "I'm only asking. Humor me."

"For his own sake, I hope he has been." She replied, venom lacing her words. Remembering her previous conversation with Kira.

Klaus's smile widened, there was a dangerous satisfaction in his expression. "Oh, I do hope so. It would be quite a shame, wouldn't it, to learn he's been keeping certain... inconvenient truths from you."

So there was something being kept from her. Himari could feel her anger surfacing, slowly replacing the fear as she watched him stand there and taunt her. "Is this leading to something or are you just being annoying on purpose?"

"Surely your gut has told you he wasn't as trustworthy as you wished him to be." Klaus continued with his cryptic words. "And surely, you've wondered why you've never found your brother's body—"

Abruptly, Himari grabbed him by the neck cutting his sentence short, and sped toward the alleyway behind the Grill before tossing him to the ground. There was so much anger behind her eyes as her expression twisted.

"Don't," she hissed, her voice low. "Don't you dare talk about him."

"Touchy subject, I assume," Klaus stood up, dusting himself off. A flicker of amusement crossed his face instead, his gaze studying her with a mix of curiosity and satisfaction. He knew he had struck a nerve— raw and unhealed. At this moment, he had a power over her far greater than strength. Her anger was a revelation, showing him just how deep this wound ran. He savored it like a chess player watching his opponent reveal her next move.

"You talk with such casualness like it means nothing." She searched his face, hoping to find an ounce of sympathy. "Why am I not surprised? You tossed your family into the deepest parts of the ocean leaving Elijah scavenging for them. What would you know about loss?"

"We mourn what we've truly lost," He said softly, looking at her. His voice was barely more than a whisper. "But the living... living, sweetheart, are a different matter entirely."

Himari froze, her composure slipping slightly as his words sank in, a cold dread pooling in her chest. She wanted to dismiss it as another one of his twisted games, another attempt to get under her skin. But his tone— too careful, too precise— hinted at something more that she couldn't just ignore.

Her voice was filled with unwilling desperation, she approached him. Face-to-face with him now. "Stop it with the games Klaus. What are you really saying?"

He remained infuriatingly calm as continued to look at her, not answering immediately, just letting the silence linger.

Her frustration mounted, and she fought to keep her voice steady. "If you know something about my brother... tell me. Now."

Klaus's gaze never wavered, intense and calculating, as though studying every flicker of emotion that crossed her face.

"Ah, but where's the fun in simply telling you?" He murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper. His hand moved to rest lightly on her shoulder, fingers tightening just enough to remind her of his strength. "You're clever, Himari— strong, resilient even. I'd hate to deprive you of the pleasure of unraveling this mystery on your own."

Himari's jaw clenched as his touch stayed on her shoulders, an unwelcome shiver running through her despite her best efforts to remain composed. Every inch he moved closer only deepened her anger, though there was an edge of unease just beneath her fury. Her skin felt like it was burning where he had touched her. But she couldn't let him see that. She straightened herself, her eyes narrowing.

He leaned in, his mouth just a breath away from her ear, and his voice softened, laced with an unmistakable, dangerous charm. "But I'll say this much: sometimes the dead... they don't stay buried. Not when they still have a purpose to serve."

Himari decided she would play his game. Her lips curved into a slight, daring smile as Klaus's breath brushed against her ear. Instead of recoiling, she leaned closer, turning her head just enough that their faces nearly touched.

Klaus seemed surprised by this as he raised his eyebrows.

"Is that what this is about?" She whispered, her tone cool and unwavering. "Another attempt to play puppet master with people's lives— or deaths?"

Her hand rose to his chest, pressing against him with a force that was anything but gentle, her fingers digging in slightly as if daring him to keep going. His chest remained steady beneath her palm, a reminder that the confidence he exuded wasn't just for show.

"Tell me," she continued, her voice barely above a murmur, "if the dead don't stay dead, as you say, then what's keeping my dead from resting?"

Klaus's smirk deepened as he watched her, but Himari didn't falter, her gaze locked on his as a flicker of realization crept in, though she buried it beneath the veneer of defiance.

"Because if you're saying what I think you are," she added, her voice laced with anger but her expression remained calm, "then this is a game you'll regret starting."

There was a sinister glint in his eyes that told Himari he was beyond amused and even more ready to challenge her words. "I never start a game I don't intend to win."

"Neither do I."

"And yet, something tells me, I'll come out victorious." He said, appearing unbothered by her warning. "You have no idea just how persuasive I can be."

"Persuasive?" She scoffed, her eyes remaining locked on him. "Sounds more like desperation to me."

"You have me all wrong, sweetheart. Desperation isn't in my nature— now, from time to time I find that there is a spec of generosity left in me as long as the other person returns the favor."

"And if they don't?"

"I find another way."

"So find another way."

Klaus stared down at her, partially impressed by her defiance despite it working his last nerve. It reminded him of the childish banter he had endured with her brother these past five centuries and how much he hated it. But as the original stood there, it wasn't hate that consumed him, it was the thrill of a challenge.

"There's no need for your stubbornness. You know you're one of my missing pieces for the ritual. Help me, and I assure you— you'll have your brother back."

Himari didn't reply, not immediately, just simply held his gaze. Trying to find any tells that would let her know he was lying— to not trust him. She wasn't sure if it was the possibility that he was in fact telling the truth, that Junpei might be alive after believing for so long that he died at the hands of Klaus, but something in her—that desperate part— was telling her to concede. To take the risk.

"You're lying. Elijah would've told me— he wouldn't have kept this from me. He knows better. He knows there are consequences if he ever lied to me." Himari shook her head in disbelief.

But Elijah couldn't be trusted. Himari knew that now and still, for some reason she fought hard to defend his honor.

"Oh, does he know better?" Klaus's expression shifted, feigning surprise, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he studied her. "From where I stand, my dear brother has been very selective in what he shares."

Her jaw tightened. "Elijah's not like you. He has honor. He wouldn't..."

"Perhaps," he conceded, tilting his head thoughtfully. "But you know, honor has a way of bending when it serves a purpose. And you... you have a way of making people willing to break their own promises. Isn't that right?"

The witch's lips parted, but no response came. She felt the doubt creeping in, her mind racing as she sifted through her memories of Elijah, reflecting on the times she believed he was keeping something from her, or any hints that she might've missed. She wondered if this was his way of protecting her— thinking he would be sparing her from the pain.

But Klaus didn't give her time to dwell.

"Elijah has a tendency to play hero and has kept you away from certain truths believing it might hurt you." He said, letting the implication settle, "From what might make you question him."

Himari felt her defenses chipping away, her confidence in Elijah's loyalty crumbling. She searched Klaus's face, desperate for any sign that this was just another cruel joke, but his expression was maddeningly unreadable. She couldn't allow herself to be manipulated like this— to be tempted by the possibility of her brother being alive. Finally, she scoffed, breaking eye contact with him and attempting to push past him.

He caught her arm, forcing her to turn around and look at him.

Himari scowled, struggling against his grip. "Let go of me."

"You're not going anywhere."

"I will cause a scene." She threatened.

It was then that his phone rang just as he was about to reply. Klaus's anger faded as he saw the contact name flashing on his screen— a sense of satisfaction filled him as he answered.

"Oh, how convenient," he said, glancing at Himari with a twisted gleam in his eyes. He put the phone to his ear and spoke, "Ah, Junpei... have you got eyes on my vampire and werewolf?"

Himari's felt sick as if she might throw up. Her defiant expression faltered, her eyes widening ever so slightly. This wasn't real. Klaus was lying. There was someone else on the other end of the call— it's not possible. The original watched the shock flicker across her face, savoring the moment.

She forced herself to listen closely— to identify the voice herself.

"...Yeah, the blonde pretty one and Tyler Lockwood just got back in town..."

"Is that so?" Klaus responded, his voice smooth, entirely too pleased.

"Put him on speaker..." Her composure was beginning to crack.

He raised an eyebrow, amused by the demand. "You're in no position to make demands. But then again, I am in a generous mood."

He switched the phone to speaker, and a voice—distinct, familiar, and undeniably Junpei— came through, sounding frustrated but alive.

"How long do I have to do this for?"

Klaus cast her a triumphant look. "Let's hope not for long," he replied, glancing at Himari, whose face had shifted to one of utter disbelief. He didn't say anything else before ending the call abruptly.

As the beep echoed, Himari's body felt limp like she couldn't move if she tried. She remained in his grasp, no longer struggling against his strength. She was fighting to keep her composure calm and unfazed. But deep down, a part of her wanted to scream at Klaus for using Junpei to manipulate her into performing the ritual for him and for allowing herself to be used— to give in because if there was anything that could make her do this, it was the slight, impossible chance that she might get to see her brother again.

Klaus watched her, his grip loosening as he sensed a shift in her, the spark of defiance dimming under the shock.

"Well?" he asked. "Still inclined to walk away?"

Himari's eyes narrowed, and her voice was thick with restrained anger. "He's been with you... this entire time."

"Don't look so surprised," Klaus replied casually his hand drifting away from her arm as he stepped back just enough to give her space. "I thought you'd appreciate this family reunion. Or have you lost interest in old loyalties?"

She scoffed, recovering some of her edge. "This isn't loyalty. It's manipulation."

"But they're often one and the same, aren't they?"

Himari's fists clenched at her side, her knuckles white. She was trying her hardest to keep her magic at bay— to not explode. She wanted to kill him where he stood and wipe that annoying smirk off of his face. But she needed more answers.

"How has he... survived this long?"

"Mhm, again you don't need me to answer that."

The witch furrowed her brows, mouth slightly open, completely speechless. The only way Junpei could've survived was if he had been turned into one of... them. The thought alone caused her to shiver. Her brother had been enduring bloodlust for five centuries while she believed he was dead. A part of her felt guilty for not being there for him— for not stopping it before it happened.

"You turned him." She accused him angrily. "You turned my brother and he's been with you this whole time and Elijah has known about it."

"I did."

"And you don't feel guilty in the slightest, do you?"

"Why are you surprised?" He mocked her words from earlier.

Himari struck him, aiming directly at his face. Klaus's hand shot up, catching her fist with ease. His grip was firm but gentle, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch.

"You're walking a thin line, Himari," he murmured. "I'd be careful where you step."

His threat fell on deaf ears. Her other hand grabbed him, and in a heartbeat, Klaus felt the searing heat of her magic wash over and start to boil him from the inside out. The raw power of it coursed through him, his veins igniting with fire as he struggled against it— she knew he wasn't weak— far from it— but even the strongest vampires had limits when faced with such force. 

"You don't scare me." Himari reminded him as she glared at him.

"Good." He rasped as he brought to his knees and pretended like he wasn't burning alive. "But you should fear for your brother's life because if you kill me, you'll never see him again. I've made sure of it."

Himari's face twisted looking down at him, unsure if this was one of his tactics to ensure she'd cooperate with him or if it was just another lie, or if he was telling the truth.

"Let him go, Himari."

A hauntingly familiar voice called to her from the depths of the darkness. It made her heart stop for a moment— everything around her stilled even her own breath. She was scared to turn around, to look at the owner of the voice, to face a ghost from her past. She didn't know if she could do it— if she had the strength to lay her eyes on a fading memory after so many years.

Her grip on Klaus had loosened before letting go completely as she slowly turned around.

Himari watched a tall figure emerge from the shadows and familiarity struck her all at once. She could feel herself breaking in that moment, the tears pooling in the corner of her eyes as she stared at her other half.

Junpei. He was alive.

Klaus wasn't lying. But Elijah had been.

Himari studied her brother from head to toe. He was here though he seemed distant. His expression told her he wasn't happy to see her— he looked uneasy if anything like he was haunted by something she couldn't quite place.

Before she could even think to take a step forward or even call out her brother's name. A grip around her neck pulled her back to reality, and within seconds, her vision blurred, and then darkness soon followed.

Klaus watched as Himari's unconscious body crumpled to the floor, her neck lifeless and slack. A brief, sharp laugh escaped him, though it was tinged with something darker. He glanced over at Junpei, who stood there, still silent, his expression unreadable.

"Don't get sentimental now," Klaus said to him, his voice carrying that usual indifference. "You know what must be done."

Junpei didn't respond at first. He looked down at Himari's body, and then, after a long silence, he stepped forward, crouching down beside her. There was a flicker of guilt in his eyes— perhaps regret? But he quickly recovered, not wanting Klaus to see that this affected him.

"Now what?" Junpei finally spoke, her voice low and flat.

Klaus could sense he was upset but he didn't dwell on it. Instead, his focus shifted to his doppelgänger. "We're taking her with us. There's nothing more to discuss."

Without hesitation, Junpei grabbed his sister's limp body from the ground and held her in his arms as he stood up carefully. He took a moment to himself and really looked at her. An ache in his chest formed after believing for so long that he'd see never her again. But here he was and something about this moment was bittersweet.