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CHAPTER 51: FORGOTTEN SINS

❝ payback is a bitch. ❞

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IS IT A SIN TO FIND BEAUTY IN DARKNESS? To watch as the night sky comes alive with monsters of the past? To listen as the trees whisper centuries-old secrets? To find solace as shadows dance the same dance they have for eons? She, who had galaxies in her eyes and a universe in her mind, wondered as she lay within the arms of the man she loved most. Powerful things lurk in the darkness and it is a sin to forget them, she concluded. She would never forget him. The way he touched her. The way he held her. The way he loved her.

Enola's chocolate brown irises flickered open to find Klaus already staring back. They didn't have sex that night. They did something far more intimate. Cuddle. It was nice. And much needed. All she needed from this world were a few days of peace in his arms. She was ragged, worn, and exhausted. After that, maybe she can finally face her demons.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Enola whispered.

"Because you are beautiful," Klaus answered.

"Well, stop." Enola scoffed, turning away. "It's creepy."

"It's romantic," Klaus corrected, pulling her closer.

Enola went to argue when Klaus suddenly froze. He pulled away from her and sat up before sharply inhaling. He was immediately standing in just a few short seconds. She went to question his odd behavior when it hit her like a truck. There were heavy traces of it in the air.

"Is that—" Enola swallowed thickly.

"Blood," Klaus concluded.

Enola jumped out of bed, following Klaus towards the door. They both silently creeped out into the hallway. Hayley and Jackson had returned home, Freya was sound asleep, and Elijah was out and about. This left them to investigate the strange smell wafting through the hallways. They paused just outside the study. The stench had gotten stronger.

Klaus hesitated, prompting Enola to take charge. She slowly pushed the doors to the study open only to be met with silence. She was met with the sweet scent of blood. She reached for the light switch, hesitating as he had before. But she ultimately flipped the switch to the room, allowing it to flicker on. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight before her. She immediately tried to stop him from entering, but it was too late. He had already seen it; Cami was lying in a pool of blood. A message was written on the wall, clearly addressed to him.

MERRY CHRISTMAS—AURORA.

Enola rushed to Cami. She dropped to her knees in an attempt to access the damage. Her eyes immediately landed on the cause of death; a slit throat. She took note of the razor the deceased held before looking back up to the message writing in blood on the wall. Aurora must've compelled Cami.

"Nik—"

"No," Klaus shook his head in denial. "No, no, no, no, no!"

Klaus began to angrily destroy the room while Enola stayed rooted beside Cami. He released all of the tension and she let him. Only when he stopped did she make a move. She stood up before wrapping her arms around his torso, hugging him from behind. She rested her head on his back as he clutched onto her arms, broken sobs leaving his body. That is until a sudden gasp drew their attention back to Cami who was sitting in a pool of blood with wild eyes full of confusion.

"Klaus?" Cami breathed. "Enola?"

Klaus rushed over to Cami while Enola grabbed a blanket off the back of the couch. They examined her in concern. They had been so sure that she had died. She did die. So how was she sitting here now? There was only one explanation.

"Tell me what happened," Klaus demanded.

"It was Aurora. She gave me a vial of her blood, compelled me to drink it and kill myself when the clock struck midnight on Christmas. She said it was the only way to hurt you." Cami explained quietly. "I died. I am dead."

"Oh, you will not stay dead." Klaus spat. "She will pay for her actions. I swear to you!"

"What is happening to me?" Cami gasped in obvious discomfort.

"You are in transition," Enola informed. "What happens next is up to you."

"You need to feed on blood soon or you will die again," Klaus told her solemnly. "This time for good."

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Enola stormed through the woods like a woman on a mission. Klaus was determined to help Cami through the transition, Elijah was going to get the medallion back from the Strix, and Freya was babysitting Hope. They all had their respective tasks to complete. Including Hayley and Jackson.

Which is how Enola found herself walking through the bayou. Hayley and Jackson were supposed to be getting Freya's pendant back. They had messaged her, asking to meet in the bayou. She had assumed they had succeeded. Otherwise they wouldn't have bothered texting her. Things had been tense between them, but they all learned to work with one another for the sake of family.

Enola paused at the eerie silence that filled the air. She felt a chill run up her spine as if she was being watched. She shook her head at her own paranoia. She had been spending too much time with Klaus if his paranoia was rubbing off on her. Then again, she had learned to trust her instincts and her instincts were screaming that she was being followed.

Enola glanced around as the feeling of dread settled at the pit of her stomach. She used her supernatural hearing to try and pick up on any suspicious activity. She was immediately able to zero in on a racing heartbeat behind her. So much for a sneak attack.

Enola ducked out of the way just in the nick of time. She was nearly tackled to the ground by an ancient vampire dressed in a black button down and dress pants. He was a part of the Strix, she realized. She recognized that arrogance from anywhere. What were they doing stalking her? Better yet, why is he trying to attack her? She is no fool. She may be a hybrid, but she isn't nearly strong enough to take on a vampire over five hundred years old when she is only at the ripe age of twenty one herself.

Enola realized that they must've lured her out here. But then that would mean that Hayley and Jackson are in trouble. She knew that she shouldn't care considering it wasn't too long ago that they attempted to kidnap her and her daughter. But they had been trying so hard this past month to make it up to her. Granted, it wasn't enough for her to let them babysit Hope. But it was enough to show her that they cared.

"Where are they?" Enola spat.

The man simply smirked before rushing forward with enhanced speed. Enola stumbled to get out of the way in time. All she could do was dodge. She knew she didn't have the strength to fight back. So when a powerful punch was sent her way, she dropped to the ground and rolled away. She needed to get out of here.

Enola jumped up before turning to run. She didn't get far, however. She ran straight into the arms of another Strix member. While one held her down, the other stabbed a needle into her neck. She gasped at the burning feeling that spread throughout her veins, lolling her into a dreamless sleep.

Vervain.

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Enola awoke to a pounding migraine. She went to lift her hand in an attempt to rub her sore temples but was unable to do so. She realized in that moment that her wrists were chained to a metal chair. She huffed and puffed as she attempted to break them, but she was far too weak. Her skin felt like paper—easy to tear, easy to break. This only made her more frantic as she tugged at the chains.

"Tried that," A raspy voice spoke up. Enola jumped in surprise as she turned to find Jackson seated on her left. "We tried that."

"The more you struggle, the more wolfsbane gets pumped into your veins." Another voice spoke up. Enola turned to her right to find Hayley. "In our case wolfsbane and vervain."

Enola didn't respond. She took the time to assess the situation. Aside from a few minor cuts and bruises, Hayley was fine. Jackson on the other hand—she noticed the rhythmic drip drip drip and looked down to find a puddle of blood beneath his seat.

"Jackson—your leg." Enola gasped at the large gash. "Are you okay?"

"They—They worked me over pretty good," Jackson confessed. "With all the wolfsbane in my system, I ain't healing so well."

"Just breathe," Hayley pleaded. "When we get a chance to fight, be ready."

"Enola, listen . . . " Jackson began. "I don't know if I'm going to live long enough to say this—"

"Stop," Enola interrupted. "No one is dying here today."

"I'm sorry," Jackson apologized. "For everything. I should have respected you. I should have trusted you. I should have let you take charge. Because you are the alpha. And if I don't make it out of here, I know the pack will be safe with you."

"How absolutely darling," A familiar snide voice spoke up. They turned their heads to the side just in time to watch Tristan De Martel march into the room. "Or pathetic. I suppose it is all relative."

"You let us out of here or so help me I will kill you," Hayley growled.

"I somehow doubt it," Tristan taunted, eyes focused on Hayley. "I have been pondering this moment since you tortured me. What is the best way to truly hurt a hybrid? And then it came to me—" He plunged a fist into Jackson's chest with ease. He ignored Hayley's cries of agony and Enola's dead stare before removing Jackson's heart completely. "Now that we have that out of the way . . . "

"What do you want?" Enola questioned, voice shaky from all the pent up anguish and the intensity of Hayley's cries.

"I want you to suffer," Tristan claimed. "Because if you suffer, Niklaus suffers."

"Okay, then," Enola bravely held her head high. "Do your worst."

"I don't think you want that," Tristan clicked his tongue. "Especially considering that you share your body with another."

You share your body with another. Enola let those words sink in. She used her vampire hearing to listen for all the heartbeats in the room. She counted four but there were only three of them. She hesitantly honed in on the fourth heartbeat that came from her stomach. She was pregnant. Hayley must've come to the same conclusion seeing as the cries for Jackson came to an abrupt halt.

"You can't kill her. I won't let you." Hayley decided, struggling against the restraints.

"There is nothing you can do to stop me," Tristan smirked condescendingly. "I have already pumped her full of wolfsbane and vervain. It is only a matter of time before she miscarries. And that—that is true suffering."

"I will kill you," Enola growled weakly. "And everyone you have ever loved."

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Klaus and Elijah waited impatiently in an abandoned warehouse. They had received the heart of Jackson Kenner in the mail along with a lovely note stating that if they didn't surrender themselves, Enola and Hayley would suffer the same fate. Naturally, they kidnapped Aurora as leverage. They were not going down without a fight.

"Here they come," Klaus muttered.

As if on cue, Klaus and Elijah were surrounded by Strix vampires from all sides. Though they remained stoic, they worried about whether or not Enola and Hayley were going to make it back in one piece. They knew the Strix liked to double cross the people they call allies. Though this time it would be different.

"Gentleman," Tristan greeted, stepping forward. "I wish I could say it was a pleasure."

"Marcellus—made your bed with the enemy, I see." Klaus pointed out stoically.

"Membership has its privileges," Marcel shrugged as if it were nothing special.

"Let's get on with this, shall we?" Klaus suggested smoothly.

Tristan gave a simple nod. Enola and Hayley were being hauled forward before dropping onto the cold hard ground. All the previous arrogance drained out of Klaus immediately. His stare hardened on his wife who looked twitchy and sickly. He felt the overwhelming need to slaughter every last Strix member here and now. But he knew better than to act without thinking.

"Hayley Marshall—only slightly worse for wear." Tristan smirked. "Enola Mikaelson—you will have to forgive her if she seems a bit off. There is enough wolfsbane in her system to kill an entire pack. Though it is surprisingly not enough to kill the fetus that is currently growing inside of her." Klaus froze, eyes locked on Enola as Tristan continued. "Now where is my sister?"

"She lives. You can thank Elijah for that. I wanted to flay her and hang her skin as a flag." Klaus announced, voice hard and cold. "Anyway enough chit chat. Let us conclude this tedious business, shall we?"

"My sister first," Tristan demanded. "And if you are tempted to argue, consider the numbers." Klaus smiled sarcastically pulling the doors to the nearest shipping container wide open to reveal Aurora. Tristan turned to Aya with a warning look. "If they try anything, attack."

Aya nodded, prompting Tristan to step forward. He used enhanced strength to rush into the shipping container before anyone could stop him. He removed the sack they had over Aurora's head. He checked her over for injuries, surprisingly finding her in perfect condition. He gave his men a nod over his shoulder.

Enola and Hayley were forcefully shoved towards Klaus and Elijah. Klaus caught Enola immediately. He used his vampire hearing to focus on the second heartbeat in her stomach just to be sure. He nearly collapsed to the ground upon the realization she was pregnant with their child. He gently stroked her hair as if silently apologizing for what she had just gone through. Her body was limp in his arms, but he could hear the hitch in her breath as she fought for consciousness.

"Come," Tristan pulled Aurora into a tight hug. She stealthily reached into his pocket before pulling out a familiar medallion—the Serratura. She stepped away from him, earning a look of confusion and worry. "Rory, what are you doing?"

Aurora smiled sweetly before slamming the Serratura against the wall of the shipping container. Tristan stood silently for a long moment as if trying to make sense of this. He came to the conclusion that this couldn't be happening. So he turned to leave. Only he was unable to. Slowly, he turned back to his sister.

"Aurora," Tristan began carefully. "What have you done to us?"

"Not us," Aurora hummed. "You."

Aurora brushed past Tristan and stepped out of the shipping container with ease. The moment she was in the clear, the illusion seemed to vanish. It was no longer Aurora standing there—it was Cami. And suddenly it all made sense.

"What is this?" Tristan spoke nervously.

"You know what they say," Cami shrugged. "Payback is a bitch."

"How is this possible?" Tristan demanded.

"The Serratura creates an impenetrable boundary," Klaus explained. "Nothing living or dead can pass through."

"And thanks to your lunatic sister, I happen to be neither." Cami shrugged.

"No. No." Tristan shook his head in denial. "No!"

"Stay with Cami," Klaus warned Enola.

"I've got you," Cami whispered softly, holding Enola up as Klaus stepped forward.

"What are you waiting for? Take them." Tristan growled at his people. "Now!"

"Before you rush headlong toward almost certain death—as your sire—I would like to invite you all to employ just a little bit of common sense." Elijah began.

"We are ancient vampires, Elijah." Aya scoffed. "Each of us are almost as strong as you."

"And you might almost be successful in subduing us. But at what price? Most of you will die in the process. And for what? To avenge a fool, marching you headlong toward your very extinction in the name of a witch's prophecy?" Elijah inquired. "You do realize, he engineered absolutely all of this purely to satisfy some petty grievance against my family. Tristan doesn't care for any of you."

"Stop listening to him," Tristan tried, but he was useless on the other side of the barrier.

"The only danger here is the choice you must make. You see, I am not your enemy. It is true, I delivered you into this existence. I can just as easily pluck you out of it." Elijah concluded. "The choice is yours to make."

Aya stepped forward in a lame attempt to rescue Tristan only to be stopped by Marcel. It was always hard to tell which side he was on. One moment, he is fighting alongside the Mikaelson family. The next moment, he is fighting against them. It was confusing. He was confusing.

"It's done. The moment has passed. Be smart, Aya. Smarter than Tristan. Don't waste any more of our guys." Marcel warned. Aya hesitated.

"Stand down," Aya finally commanded.

"You will not abandon me," Tristan growled, watching helplessly as the Strix members began to filter out of the warehouse.

"It's a shame it has to end like this," Aya sighed.

"Aya, this isn't over." Tristan seethed.

"May the ghosts of our fallen keep you company," Aya hummed before turning on her heels.

"Aya. Aya!" Tristan yelled until his throat was raw and he was all alone. "So this is to be my end?"

"No, no. This is the very beginning." Elijah reassured. "You are going to the bottom of the ocean where you will drown, in darkness, again and again and again over the course of centuries. This will be your splendidly horrific and perpetual end."

"What have you done with my sister?" Tristan whispered.

"Nothing. Yet." Klaus shrugged teasingly. "But I assure you, her death will be just as spectacular."

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AUTHORS NOTE.
a lot of you already guessed it so you can just call this confirmation. enola and klaus are having another baby! though it is clear that this next pregnancy will be just as traumatic as the last. especially after enola and klaus nearly lost the baby. but because enola was a human last time and a hybrid now, her healing factor kicked in and healed her unborn child. until next time, my loves!!!