Old Flames Die Hard(Elijah Mikaelson)

The Ghost of You Part 1

Gerard Plantation
Elizabeth's POV

I sit next to Camille on the couch in Niklaus's study as she types away, documenting Nikki's boring memoir. "My siblings and I are the first vampires in all of history, the Originals. 300 years ago, we helped build New Orleans. Now, we have returned to find the city has a new king and his mother who rules with the aid of a powerful girl. They've taken possession of my brother, Elijah. A coven of witches want this girl for themselves; they seek to enlist my help, using my unborn child as leverage, though I suspect they have ulterior motives. So, I've made a plan of my own: I will free my brother, and reclaim the city for my family. Then, I will be king." Niklaus stares at a large painting as he talks to Camille. "Over the course of my life, I've encountered no shortage of those who would presume to speak of good and evil. Such terms mean nothing. People do what is in their best interest, regardless of who gets hurt. Is it evil to take what one wants? To satisfy hunger, even if doing so will cause another suffering? What some would call evil, I believe to be an appropriate response to a harsh and unfair world."

I roll my eyes as he makes himself out to be a victim. Oh poor Niklaus, everyone always picks on him. Blah, blah, blah. I groan loudly and stand up. "My God, Niklaus. You and your dramatics. I am no part in the captivity of your brother, whom if you forgot is also my ex-husband."

He looks at me annoyed. "You still refuse to give the location of the young witch who holds your dear HUSBAND. So you are still quite involved."

Before I can protest the status of Elijah and I's marriage, Camille interrupts. "No offense, but I'm not sure I follow why you've invited me here."

Nikki smiles at her. "Because I enjoy your company. And I sense that you have the capacity for understanding someone of my... complexity. You see, I returned to New Orleans to investigate a threat posed against me. What I found was a young woman, pregnant, in need of protection. My brother, always the do-gooder, tried to manipulate me into helping her-he thought it might redeem me. Trouble is, I've since learned of another young woman-a girl, really, one with vast potential-held in captivity by a tyrant. I want to help both of these women-protect one and free the other. So, tell me, Cami-does that sound evil to you?" I went to argue about Davina's position in my family, but Nikki places his hand on my mouth.

Camille slightly chuckles. "I don't believe in evil as a diagnosis. I think you have unstable personal relationships, stress-related paranoia, chronic anger issues, fear of abandonment. I think you could benefit from talking to someone. Professionally."

"I think I prefer to talk to you. So, I'm going to offer you a job, as my stenographer."

"Okay, what are we writing?"

"My- bloody Hell! Are we school age again?!" Niklaus looks at me in disgust as he wipes his palm on his shirt. I look back in triumph as I wipe my mouth. He growls at me, but looks back to Camille finishing his words. "My memoirs, of course. Someone should know my story. And it will give us time to discuss other riveting subjects, like your handsome suitor, Marcel."

"Excuse me? My private life is-"

"Your private life is, as it turns out, essential to my plans. You see, Marcel wants you. And, because of that, he will trust you, which serves me. The thing is, the French Quarter is on the verge of war. On the one side there's me, and on the other, Marcel. Along with a very powerful witch and an army of vampires."

"WHAT?!"

Niklaus zooms over, pushes her against a wall, and compels her. "You're frightened. Don't be."

Camille looks at him puzzled. "I'm not scared anymore. That's... amazing. How did you...?"

"It's called compulsion. It's a neat bit of vampire trickery. I'll tell you all about it. But first, let's talk a little more about Marcel."