Phoenix. ➵ The Originals |DISCONTINUED|

xiv. Baby fever pt. 2

[➵]

     Hayley laid in bed as Rebekah blotted her forehead and chest with a towel. Melanie quietly assessed the situation as Hayley's discomfort became her own. She was well aware of how troubling this was for the wolf and her child; and she tried her best to use her gift of empathy to soothe them. "Stop fussing, will you? Elijah will be here any minute." Rebekah scolded when Hayley's shuffling began to annoy her. "I feel like I've been microwaved." She said as she continued fidgeting. "Hey! Just because you're carrying a baby, doesn't mean you get to act like one! I'm sure my little niece is healing you up as we speak." Though she'd never show it, Rebekah was extremely worried.

     Melanie was about to chide Rebekah for being so brash, when she heard Elijah enter the home- and he wasn't alone. His thoughts hit her first, followed by Sophie's; and by the time they got to the room Melanie was livid. The second they crossed the threshold Melanie had moved at the speed of light and grabbed Sophie by her throat. Rebekah immediately stood as Hayley gasped at the sudden violence. "What is she doing here?!" Rebekah questioned as Melanie lifted Sophie off the ground by her throat. She gasped clawing at Melanie's solid grip. "I'm trying to help." She was barely able to get out as rage coursed through Rebekah.

     "Help? You're the reason we're in this bloody mess! Why aren't we unlinked with this witch already, Elijah?" Rebekah yelled as Elijah calmly approached Melanie. "Please put her down and let her go, unharmed." He said a tone that was soft yet demanding. Melanie glared fiercely at the witch slowly dying in her grasp. The more she read her thoughts, the angrier she got. Slowly her face began to morph and her eyes turned a demonic black. "Melanie please, we need to let her do what she can." Elijah pleaded as Sophie started turning a unhealthy shade of blue, her movements becoming less erratic, her body starting to go limp.

    "If Hayley or her baby dies, I will personally gut you alive. Rip you apart. Piece by piece. There will be nothing left for your pathetic little coven to consecrate." She said sadistically, reminding everyone in the room why she was the recipient of Klaus's affections. With those parting words undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression, she let her go. Sophie immediately gasped for air and began coughing at the sudden intake of air- after being deprived of it for so long. Elijah gave Melanie a wary look as Sophie took a second to get herself together. "I see your perverse vexation has gotten the better of you." He commented as her eyes returned to their normal color.

     She shot him an indignant look. "And yours has not?" She shot back as Sophie was fully functional again. " I may know a way to slow the fever down. But, I'm gonna need some special herbs." She said before turning to Rebekah, completely mortified to address Melanie. "I'll text you a list." Rebekah stared at Sophie incredulously before sharing a look with Elijah. He nodded encouragingly before Rebekah finally relented. "Fine." She said, smiling patronizingly. "Happy to play the fetch girl." Annoyed she stomped by Elijah and slammed the towel she was holding into his chest.

     Hayley panted as she looked at Melanie, who was blatantly glaring at Sophie. She let out a breathy laugh, not at how uncomfortable Sophie appeared- but at how much Melanie did not seem to care. "I'm glad you're on my side." She said softly causing Melanie to tear her gaze away from Sophie for a second. She gave her a velvet smile as Elijah frowned. He wasn't a fan of Melanie when her actions were as affront as they just had been. In his opinion she'd been way too placid since her rebirth and he was waiting for her to snap. "I'm fine, Elijah." She said as his thoughts become overbearing and just plain annoying. No one spoke but they knew a silent conversation was raging on between the two.

It wasn't long before Rebekah returned with the ingredients Sophie had requested. Her emotions were all over the place because of her encounter with Marcel, and Melanie decided it was best to ignore it. They were all outside in front of the pool, Hayley wrapped in a towel, Melanie standing close behind her, arms folded across her chest with a firm expression on her face, while Elijah assisted Sophie with the herbs. Rebekah walked over and checked her temperature. The little wolf and the littlest wolf were so hot, they were nearing Melanie's temperature.

Elijah quickly threw off his coat when he saw how futile things were looking. "She's burning up! We need to do this now." He demanded. "Get her in the water!" Sophie yelled knowing that her life would end if the baby's was snuffed out. Melanie was immediately helping Hayley into the water as Elijah jumped in, ready to cool her down. Sophie finished mixing the herbs in the cup before entering the water herself. Rebekah sighed frustrated not understanding how this would help. "I don't see how a midnight swim is supposed to help." She said voicing her discontent. "Her temperature is sky-high. The water, with the help of the herbs, should cool us down. " Sophie said as she handed Hayley the cup of herbs. "Drink this! Elijah you need to get her heart rate down."

"How do you suggest I do that?"

"Hold her. It's a natural human remedy to slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure." She instructed causing Rebekah to scoff. "This isn't going to work." She stated negatively. "Yeah well your negative energy isn't helping either." Melanie snapped as Elijah held Hayley bridal style. "Davina will break the link, we just need time." He insisted as Hayley gasped and clung onto him. She began hyperventilating and Elijah tried to soothe her. "I can't breathe!" She huffed. "Long deep breaths, just focus on the sound of my voice. You'll be okay. You'll be okay." He whispered, feelings flourishing as he helped her. Hayley groaned in immense pain as Sophie looked up to the sky.

"I just felt it lift." She mumbled as Hayley began calming down and Elijah was left stunned. Hayley stood up on her own, still leaning against Elijah comfortably. Sophie removed one of her earrings and poked her palm with it to test if the link was truly broken. Melanie let out a sigh of relief as Hayley wasn't hurt by the simple action. Elijah held her hand as he and Hayley stared at each other, feeling something they both haven't felt in a long time. Both Melanie and Rebekah noticed their shared moment, and Melanie couldn't help but smile. She wanted nothing but happiness for her friend, and for a brief moment she couldn't help but feel hope.