𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 51

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Annalise watched Hayley rummage through old trunks searching for a wedding dress.

"Those cloths look older than me." the heretic pursed her lips making the hybrid shoot her a look, "Well, it's not like I have a wide variety of options."

Anna nodded as she pulled out an old cowboy hat, she let out a soft laugh before placing it on her head, "How do I look?" the Martin heir placed her chin upon her palm before making a posing face.

Hayley turned to glance at her and chuckled, "Like a real howdy princess."

"I'll take the compliment."

The hybrid chewed her lower lip thinking of her next words carefully, "You've been awfully... positive. Which, don't get me wrong, is very pleasant, but not really-"

Anna took off the hat as she slightly frowned, "Me?"

"Yeah."

"Well, if I act like everything's fine then maybe I'll convince myself to believe it."

Hayley frowned before knitting her brows together in confusion, "Klaus told me how you waltzed into the compound livid. What happened?"

Anna swallowed anxiously before beginning to fumble with her hands, "Dear old dad paid me a visit."

The hybrid's eyes widened as her lips parted, "What?"

The heretic nodded, "It wasn't very pleasant."

Hayley opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by a knock on the door, the two girls turned to see Rebekah in her witch body standing near the doorway.

"Alright, bad news first- I will have to miss your nuptials." Rebekah immediately spoke.

Hayley frowned as disappointment became visible in her eyes. Anna noticed the original hiding something behind her back and leaned over to sneak a peek.

Rebekah pursed her lips, "Kol has a bit of a life-and-death matter he needs help dealing with."

The hybrid gazed at the witch, "Anything I can do, Rebekah?" The Mikaelson softly shook her head, "It's witch business. Which now seems to be my thing."

The heretic tilted her head, "Well then count me in, I can help."

Rebekah glanced at her friend, "No, don't worry about it. You should attend Hayley's wedding. I will handle the Kol situation." she then turned to gaze back at the hybrid, "On that note-" The witch pulled out a white lace wedding dress that she was hiding behind the door frame.

Anna's lips parted in realization as Hayley's brows shot up in surprise. Rebekah kindly smiled, "It's white, which won't fool anyone, but you can't get married in skinny jeans and combat boots."

The witch handed the bride-to-be the dress and Hayley hummed in gratitude, "Oh, Rebekah... Thank you." the hybrid turned to hold the dress against her body as she looked into the full-length mirror, "It's beautiful."

"Just as you are." Anna kindly smiled. She was happy the hybrid was getting married, with all the chaos surrounding them, she deserved it.

Hayley gave the heretic a soft look before glancing at Rebekah who spoke, "Well, I happen to be the only woman alive who's commissioned wedding dresses in five different centuries. Never made it down the aisle, of course."

The hybrid pursed her lips, "Well, it's not too late. From what I understand, Marcel is still single..." Anna let out a hearty laugh as she wiggled her brows suggestively at the witch who began to smile shyly.

Anna quirked up a curios brow, "Have you told him you're you?"

Rebekah sighed, "I thought I'd hold off on that for the moment. Only complicates matters. And, I'm not exactly sure how long this-" the witch gestured towards her own body, "is going to last."

Hayley nodded in understanding, "Right."

Rebekah gazed at the hybrid, "Hayley... I wanted to say... Now, you might be marrying Jackson Kenner of the boozy backwater Kenners, but you're still one of us. A Mikaelson. Always will be."

Anna hummed in agreement, "Don't think you can escape us that easily."

Hayley laughed as she looked between her two friends, "Gosh, that would be such a nice compliment if it didn't link me to so many homicidal lunatics."

Rebekah winked at the hybrid before sending Anna a small smile. The witch turned on her heel and strolled out of the room.

Annalise glanced back at the bride, "Well, we have a wedding to plan."

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The heretic snapped her fingers at a cater, "I said over there." she pointed to the other side of the ballroom. Hayley stifled a chuckle as she watched Anna order the decorators and caters around.

Jackson strolled into the Mikaelson ballroom and gaped before looking at his bride, "Ohhhh, I so do not belong in your world."

The hybrid let out a soft scoff, "My world? Give me some credit. I'm not exactly the girl who sat around fantasizing about her wedding day. And, if I had?" she eyed a huge wedding cake being rolled into the room, "It probably would have looked a little less... this."

Anna turned and rested her hand onto her hip and she gazed at her friend, "No wedding being looked over by me is going to look dull. Not happening."

Jackson couldn't help the amused smile that spread onto his lips but faltered as he met Hayley's eyes, "You getting cold feet?"

"Too bloody late now." Annalise muttered before greeting Francis who had just walked in, "Finally. You took forever."

The male witch held an unamused glint in his eye, "Well, I wasn't expecting to be called in to become a wedding planner."

"Oh, suck it up."

Klaus walked into the ballroom and set his gaze onto the other hybrid, "Hayley. If I might intrude, there's someone who wishes to say hello."

Annalise along with Francis shifted their attention over towards the doors where Cami walked in with baby Hope in her arms. Anna gaped in awe of the child but her chest tightened seeing her soulmate walk in right behind the human.

The heretic's lips slightly parted as she stared ahead at the original vampire. Francis glanced down at Anna to see her gaze set on a specific male. The witch sighed before slightly nudging her, "Instead of staring at him, go." he gestured over towards Elijah who was also watching the heretic with a longing gaze.

Anna sent a hard glare at her witch friend before hesitantly glancing back at the vampire.

They had much to talk about.

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Anna strides into Klaus' study and faltered seeing Elijah pouring himself a drink. The heretic clasped her hands together as her nerves were beginning to get the best of her.

"Um, hi?"

The heretic mentally kicked herself. What the bloody hell was wrong with her, she'd never been so nervous around the vampire, so why now?

Elijah gazed into the brunette's sea green eyes and the heretic swore she saw a tender glint flash through his look.

The vampire straightened up before parting his lips, "You seem hesitant to speak with me."

Anna felt her insides turn to mush from merely hearing his voice. The heretic clenched her fists, why couldn't she get a grip on herself? Her lip's parted yet not a sound left them.

Elijah furrowed his brows in worry, "Is something wrong? Anna?"

Suddenly, Francis' words echoed in her mind.

"But you aren't in love with me. Not like you are with Elijah."

Annalise quietly gasped as she took a step back. Elijah set down his drink now feeling concern take over his current thoughts, "Anna, please, tell me what's wrong."

Anna inhaled sharply as realization washed over her.

She loved Elijah. Whole heartedly with every fiber of her being. She was undeniably in love with him.

Feeling overwhelmed by the sudden acceptance of her feelings, the heretic turned on her heel and rushed out the study room, ignoring Elijah's shouts for her.

She loved him.

Annalise tapped her heel against the concrete pavement of the New Orleans street as she dialed a number.

"What happened? I'm a bit preoccupied at the moment." Rebekah's soft voice rang through.

"I feel like a teenager again."

"What?"

Anna shuffled nervously, "I... I went to speak with Elijah and I was a wrecking mess. Not a single word left my mouth. I couldn't stop panting anxiously and my head was spinning."

"What happened?"

"I realized- I'm in love with Elijah."

"Well, no shit. I could've told you that."

Annalise pursed her lips, "Thank you for that."

"What the bloody hell are you waiting for? Go steal the man." Rebekah encouraged her friend.

The heretic bit her lower lip, "What- what if he doesn't feel the same way? I mean he's pushed me away before so..." she trailed off. Yes, they were soulmates, but the vampire had pushed and shut her out on numerous occasions. What if it was because he didn't truly feel anything for her besides the mate pull?

Rebekah scoffed, "My god, you are blind. You don't see it, do you? My brother is recklessly in love with you, Anna. You're all he thinks about when his mind wanders off. He's always calling me to make sure you're safe, always asking how you are, the man would launch himself into the doors of death to protect you. It's quite cute to witness I won't lie."

Anna's eyes remained slightly shocked as she listened to the original, "I-"

"So stop with the bloody denial and get your bloody ass to confess. You two are tearing each other apart by staying away. I've seen you two, it's admiring what you both have."

The brunette glanced down at her feet, "Thank you, Bekah. I needed that."

"No worries, what are friends for? I have to leave you now."

"Alright, take care."

Annalise shut her phone off before taking a deep breath. The Martin heir stuffed the electronic into her back pocket before walking back into the Mikaelson ballroom. Anna spotted Francis sitting near Davina and shuffled over to the two.

She slid next to him and the witch sent her a kind smile that she returned.

Elijah joins Klaus on the balcony as the two watch the ceremony from above. Elijah's attention went to Anna, who was sitting next to a witch he wasn't entirely fond of.

The vampire clenched jaw before roughly gripping the steel bars, Klaus glanced over at his brother, "Avoid ripping the poor rails off, they aren't the cause for your jealousy, you know."

As if the steel had been laced with vervain, Elijah hurriedly released them and fisted his hands at his sides.

"I lose control when it comes to her." the vampire quietly spoke. Klaus huffed, "Really? I would have never guessed."

Elijah sighed as he ran a hand over his face, "What's wrong with me?"

"Hell if I knew."

The two brothers paid attention to the ceremony that was beginning.

Hayley slowly walked to the doorway of the ballroom and stood still for a small moment as all the guests rose to greet her. She nodded at various people when she caught their gaze and waited for Jackson, who appeared behind her a second later. Hayley and Jackson clasped hands as they smiled at each other before walking down the aisle. When the couple reached the two staircases, they split apart so each could walk upon the two staircases and meet on the balcony, where Mary was waiting for the couple to preside over the ceremony. The hybrid and alpha wolf smiled at each other from across the room until they made it to the altar.

"Please be seated." Mary's voice echoed through the room.

Annalise interlaced her own hands as she sat on her chair once again, the heretic leaned over and caught Davina's gaze. The witch excitingly smiled at her and Anna returned the gesture.

"We gather together as a community seeking peace, inspired by this couple standing before you." Mary stopped for a short moment before speaking up, "There was a time when werewolves saw themselves not as cursed, but blessed with connection to our most pure selves. And tonight, we honor that blessing with the long-awaited unification of the two Crescent bloodlines."

Mary performed a hand-fasting by binding Hayley and Jackson's wrists with baby's breath flowers, "In doing so, we choose to embrace Hayley's vampire nature. With this union, Hayley will share her unique gifts with her pack." Mary places a long lit match into Hayley and Jackson's linked hands to light their ceremonial candle, "And now, your vows."

Jackson took a deep breath in attempt to calm his nerves, "I pledge to honor you and defend you and yours above all others."

Hayley smiled as she spoke up, "To share in blessings and burdens. To be your advocate, your champion."

Jackson pursed his lips as he continued, "To be your comfort, your sanctuary, and for as long as we both shall live."

The bride and groom spoke as one, "To be your family." together, they lit their candle.

"You two have endured all the traditional werewolf rituals and trials. There is only one remaining." Mary turned towards the werewolf, "Jackson, you may kiss your bride."

Jackson glanced at Hayley who reassuringly smiled at him, the wolf cupped her cheek affectionately before gently pressing his lips to her tender ones. When Hayley and Jackson finally pulled away, both of their eyes shone gold, indicating that the Unification Ceremony worked.

Anna let out a relieved smile as she clapped for the newly wed couple. The room erupted with cheers as Hayley glanced over at the crowd, happiness evident on her features.

Elijah glanced back at his soulmate who seemed engaged in a conversation with Francis.

The vampire tore his gaze away from them as he walked into the study, Klaus followed after his brother.

"You seriously need to get yourself together." the hybrid crossed his arms over his chest.

Elijah grit his teeth in irritation, "Seeing them so close together, it-it makes me angsty."

"You mean it makes you want to kill him." Klaus deadpanned.

Elijah sucked in a shaky breath, "I have been away from her for too long. I-I can't even bloody sleep without having her on my mind. I wake up and the first thing I wish for is to see her, hold her. She is the only thing keeping me level headed yet at the same time she makes me lose my sanity."

Klaus pursed his lips, "So, you're basically telling me you're in love with my best friend?"

Elijah anxiously swallowed fearing he had said too much. The vampire groaned as he gripped a knife and flung it at the wall in a way to release frustration.

Klaus gasped, "Easy there, my walls aren't your personal target practice for pent up anger. If you're losing your knickers over this, why not speak to Anna about how you are feeling?"

Elijah glanced back at his younger brother, "How I'm feeling?"

"Well, you're definitely feeling something with the way you just made my wall your victim."

The vampire took a deep breath, "You're right."

"When am I not?"

"I need to act. Now, before I lose her." Elijah clenched his jaw as a look of determination flashed through his eye.

"Bloody hell, just go."

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Annalise sipped her wine as Elijah approached her, "We need to speak."

The heretic's gaze narrowed slightly, "Oh, I'm sure we do. When were you going to tell me that you're joining Marcel in the Algiers?"

Elijah's lips parted as he looked taken back, Anna shook her head in disbelief, "Marcel told me."

"I was waiting for the appropriate-"

"Do not give me that horse shit. Why?" the heretic couldn't help the vulnerability that slipped through.

Elijah sighed, "I want to help them prosper. I need to."

Annalise pursed her lips, "Is it because of me?"

The vampire quickly shook his head as he raised his hand to rest on the side of her arm, the brunette slightly shivered at the delightful spark the touch brought.

"No, I promise it's not because of you."

"Then why?"

Elijah looked as if he was about to speak when Rebekah rushed in cutting the conversation short, "Elijah."

The vampire narrowed his eyes as he did not recognize the female, Anna furrowed her brows, "What happened, Rebekah?"

The witch swallowed anxiously, "It's Kol."

Anna's eyes widened in realization and Elijah seemed to have caught on, the three made their way into the nursery where Klaus was leaning over Hope's crib, "Must you intrude on every moment?"

The original vampire sighed, "I'm not here to quarrel, brother."

Rebekah shuffled nervously, "Kol. I couldn't help him."

Klaus turned to face the three with a shocked expression. The witch grimly winced, "He's not going to last the night."

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

Annalise slipped her hands into her coat as she watched Kol step away from Davina, "I think I want to be alone for this bit."

Rebekah gulped down a cry threatening to escape.

Elijah pursed his lips, "I'm afraid that's not an option." Klaus watched his youngest brother with a saddened gaze, "Always and Forever is not something that you just weasel out of, brother."

"Especially not with this family." Anna mustered up a small smile.

Kol looked at the four in surprise at the arrival but softly chuckled. Davina approached her boyfriend from behind and led the dying witch into a tomb.

Annalise helped the teenage witch set up a few candles before lighting them. Davina sat on the floor and was whispering a spell over a necklace that she's gripping tightly in her hands.

Kol laid on the floor as he gazed over each of his siblings, blood coating his lips as he smiled. Anna bit the inside of her lip, this was heart-breaking to witness.

Kol sighed contently, "All my life, all I ever wanted was for you lot to care about me." the witch let out a gentle laugh before interrupting it with a coughing fit. Klaus inhaled sharply as his eyes watered up with tears.

Anna leaned down and softly rubbed his back, Kol glanced at the heretic and grinned, "Thank you, for being my friend."

The heretic let out a soft sigh as a single tear rolled down her cheek, "Thank you for letting me be."

Rebekah panted as her vision clouded up with tears before kneeling before her brother, "Kol, listen to me. You don't have long. You're going to die."

Kol let out a strangled sob as he gripped his sisters arm, Elijah pursed his lips as his sadness was evident on his expression.

The female witch sniffled, "But you will die a witch, and we will consecrate your body. You will join the ancestors of the French Quarter, and those spirits can be brought back. And, I promise you, brother, I will not leave this body until I find a way to bring you home."

Kol managed to giver her a weak smile before violently coughing. Davina opened her eyes once again and crawled over towards her lover, "I tried a different spell." she croaked out in the tiniest voice.

Kol gripped the teens hand and nodded reassuringly, "It's okay. I'm not scared."

Anna's lower lip began to tremble as the witch managed a final laugh, before a dazed look glazed over his eyes.

Elijah let out a quiet sob before falling to his knees.

Davina placed her boyfriend's limp figure in her lap as she cried in pain.

Annalise took a step back allowing Klaus to grip his brother's hand.

Three siblings mourned the loss of their own.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

a/n:

thoughts on Annalise aka the love of my life