Chapter 34

At the one month mark, everyone could finally exhale when it came to Beatrix.

Their problems were far from over, but by the time the full moon hit in October, there was no denying that at long last, there was no need to be worried she might spiral downward again.

She had cried profusely the first few days afterward. For just a few moments, Klaus and Elijah had set aside their feud to comfort her, bringing her all the food they knew she'd enjoy, and leaving her alone whenever she asked. Klaus had been exceptionally intent on pampering her, bringing Hope along to let her cry while hugging the little girl, who would affectionately rub Beatrix's arms as if understanding what she was feeling, and knowing that her presence was making it better.

When she'd stopped crying, she'd started fighting, but not in a negative way. She made it a habit to go to Marcel's fight gym in the St. Anne's Church daily. She'd fight once, then go out for a run, return to fight again, then run some more, tiring herself out as much as she could and getting herself in better shape than she'd been in for a long time. She and Elijah hadn't yet had a formal conversation, but seeing as he was a regular there too, they found themselves training with each other most times.

Before, Elijah was accustomed to sparring with Marcel. He was a good match, but Beatrix was better. She was a century and a half older than Marcel, and though she hadn't trained so hard in awhile, she was much stronger by default, and proved to be a much better match for Elijah.

The younger vampires that Marcel was training were fascinated. They found with such speed and intensity that it was ridiculously entertaining, even for those who had no idea that Elijah and Beatrix were currently not really on speaking terms. And for those who did know, it was more fun to make bets on who would win.

Most times, it was Elijah. He was an Original, obviously, and much older and stronger than Beatrix. However, both were clever, and Beatrix could find ways to pin him down pretty well sometimes. It didn't matter to either of them who won or who lost— in the end, it helped them get their anger out and simultaneously serve as examples for the new vampires that aspired to be just like them.

They each wanted to have a civil conversation. But Beatrix knew herself. She was still quite bitter with Elijah, and she knew she wouldn't be able to keep herself from snarling. As for Elijah, he was paranoid he would say the wrong thing.

He'd been trying to be better, he really had. He kept his distance from her respectfully, but doted on her without end even though he hated being in the safe room as his brother to do so. He was trying to figure out a way to show her that he wanted to choose her, without having a second option. However, it was difficult to discern the correct manner to do so. Hayley wasn't around, and he knew that she might take this as an insult that he was only telling her his feelings after the hybrid was forced to remain a wolf. Additionally, the loss of Kai was still fresh, and he didn't want to move in and impose himself when she was still grieving. He felt it disrespectful to both Beatrix and Kai, and he knew Beatrix wouldn't take it well, granted the fact that the one time Elijah met Kai, he tried to kill him.

At the very least, she was better. She was eating and thriving, connecting with Freya as they both helped to raise Hope in Hayley's absence. The two shared a fiery nature when it came to magic, and with so much power, it was only natural that after everything, they were finally becoming friends.

Beatrix wanted to be healthy and intact, for Hope's sake. She was already walking, and it pained the Heretic to know that her mother wasn't around to see it. She hoped, at least, that she could fulfill her duties as a nurturing aunt. She was trying hard to be a good example. Cami had been a huge help in that area, helping her to cope with the parts of herself she couldn't change, for the purpose of being strong for her niece.

"She's getting bigger by the second," mused Freya as she and Beatrix played with Hope on the floor. She looked up at Elijah, who was in the doorway. "Tomorrow's the full moon. I can help you bring Hope to Hayley, if you'd like."

Elijah knelt down beside them, and was about to answer when Klaus walked into the room. "I'd offer to accompany you myself," said the hybrid loudly, "but I fear my fragile ego could not endure the litany of insults Hayley has no doubt prepared."

"Yes, I doubt that your presence is particularly welcome anywhere," retorted Elijah in annoyance.

Klaus feigned offense. "My own brother, greeting me with such disdain!" He turned to Freya and Beatrix. "What do you two think? Is he still angry for my part in Hayley's curse? Need I remind him it was my ploy that kept her alive?"

Elijah turned to face Klaus. "Of course, forgive me. So, you would call this an act of heroism even as you bask in her torment?"

"Or perhaps I'd be more sympathetic if Hayley apologized," said Klaus. "After all, it was her that tried to run off with my daughter."

Beatrix flew between them before they could start bickering again. "If you're going to poke at one another, do it somewhere else. There's a baby in the room, in case you can't tell, and considering how you treated me like a porcelain doll for the past month, I'd say you don't want to break your streak of behaving like civilized gentlemen. No squabbling in here. It's bad for the baby and it's bad for me."

Elijah sped out of the room rather than replying, and Freya let out an exasperated sigh, standing up and facing Klaus. "Nicely done," she told him as she headed out to follow after Elijah. "At this rate, you'll drive the entire family away."

Klaus gritted his teeth when she left, and went to his daughter, who was holding her arms up for him to pick her up. "Excellent, isn't it?" he told her as he scooped her up. "Everyone hates me. I'm always the bad guy."

"You're being too generous. Not 'always,'" said Beatrix pointedly.

Klaus rolled his eyes. "When are you finally going to speak to my brother so he can let up this nonsense?"

"Me talking to him won't change the fact that he and the rest of us are still cross at what happened to Hayley. It's a terrible thing. I wouldn't wish that fate on anyone, not even Damon Salvatore."

"Ah, and now I am reminded of the similar interests we share," he chuckled, putting his arm around her playfully. "Stefan was always my favorite Salvatore brother."

"If you were both into men, I don't doubt you'd be married to each other," said Beatrix with a cheeky smile. "Klefan."

"Don't tease as if he isn't attractive, love, have you seen the man?"

"Very briefly. Not my type."

"Oh, because he's all sunshine and feeding on animals instead of humans most times? He has a dark side too, Beatrix. He's a Ripper."

"He's a Salvatore, and right now, that surname doesn't bring me any joy."

He hadn't nagged her about it after that. "You should join Camille tomorrow," he stated. "I am having an exhibition of my art. Accompanying her might bring you both some fun."

"Ooh, is it so I can witness you asking her out?" she said teasingly, making Klaus's smirk drop into a rather deep frown.

Regardless of whether he was finally asking Cami out or not, Beatrix met with her the following afternoon.

"I was so busy yesterday," Cami said as the two women walked toward the St. James Infirmary. "NOLA PD wanted me to do a psychological profile on a potential killer. It was really unsettling— they carved a smile onto a two people's faces."

Beatrix scrunched her nose up. "Damn. I swear it wasn't me, though, I haven't hurt anyone since September. Which, granted, was only a month ago, but it's a new streak after my no-humanity-binge."

"Oh, don't worry, I didn't think it was you," said Cami quickly. "I kind of just wanted to hear your thoughts on it because... well... I don't know— do you think Klaus would ever do something like that?"

"Definitely not. He's not one to leave marks like that. How was the body left?"

"The first one had the man's wrist tied, but there were no marks as though he'd actually been restrained. Compelled, my guess, and the ropes were just for exhibition purposes."

"Not Klaus's kind of style. I don't know any vampire who might do such a thing..."

"Marcel is sure it isn't one of his new guys, and I highly doubt Elijah would be behind this. D'you think, maybe... a new vampire in town?"

"There have been a few new ones," said Beatrix as they reached the door. She opened it for Cami to let her in. "I slept with one who arrived in September— that last day I had my humanity off—"

She then froze, looking toward Klaus, who was seated at the bar with none other than Lucien Castle. She dove behind Cami, who made a weird face. "What's wrong?" she asked her.

"That's him!" she hissed as a server passed by offering them both a glass of champagne. "That's the guy!"

Cami waved the server off and turned around. "What? The guy that was just beside Klaus?"

"Yes!" she said, her cheeks fiery red. "Oh my God— I don't know how to react anymore! I had my humanity off and it was—" she shivered, "so unlike me— this is mortifying! It was a one night stand— I didn't think I'd ever see him again!"

"I suppose," came Klaus's voice from behind Cami, making both women look toward him, "later is better than never, but you are late, indeed."

"Well, we're not fully here for the show," said Cami. "I wanted to talk to you about something and you weren't answering the phone."

Beatrix, meanwhile, was trying to keep her gaze down, but she could sense Lucien was looking at her. "Is that um— that bloke an old friend of yours?" she asked Klaus quickly.

"Old acquaintance," said Klaus a bit hesitantly. "Nothing more."

"'Old acquaintance?'" said Lucien loudly from the bar. "You wound me!"

"He can hear us?" said Cami quietly. "Is he a—"

"Hard of hearing?" offered Lucien. "Quite the opposite, actually. Side effect I inherited from Nick."

Klaus glared back at him. "We can discuss my discourteous friend Lucien at our next little chat. For now, let's preserve your precious boundaries, shall we?"

"Wait a minute," said Beatrix, eyes wide. "Is— is that? Your first bloody sireling? That Lucien? Oh holy fuck."

Klaus threw his hands up as if he didn't want her to bring that up right now. "For heaven's sake, Beatrix, go speak to the bloody man instead of standing around like a teenager! Camille, we can speak in the other room."

He led Cami away, and with a devilish smirk, Lucien made his way toward Beatrix. "Are you attempting to avoid me, beautiful?" he inquired.

"Please don't call me that," she said immediately, her cheeks still tinted red. She tried to find the words to stray the conversation away from their awkward past encounter, but she ended up choosing to just be blunt. "Listen I—"

"It's alright," he cut her off. "We can pretend we're strangers, it's not a problem. Though, I think you may have left a small ripped piece of your lingerie on my window—"

"I had my humanity off," she blurted out. "I was on a killing spree and I was not myself. I didn't think I'd ever see you again and have to explain that. It's mortifying and it was so unlike me, and I just— I probably came off so bitchy and obnoxious—"

"You needn't worry, Beatrix," said Lucien smoothly. "I understand. I cannot imagine what drove you to turn it off in the first place, but my sympathies lay with you. We can start fresh. We cannot compel each other, but I'm sure Klaus would be more than happy to make me forget our encounter, if you would like."

She shook her head. "That's sweet of you, but no... thank you for understanding, though. I appreciate it."

He nodded, still smirking. "You're from Klaus's sireline too, then? What year did he sire you?"

"1705. You?"

"The year 1002, I believe. The first of the line, and the first sired vampire after the Originals were made by their mother. How old were you, when you were sired?"

"Twenty."

"Ah, so we were around the same age then. It's a little hard to keep track for myself, after so long. Your name— I can't help but find some familiar aspect to it, as if I'd heard it before from Klaus's other progeny. I've been trying to figure it out since September without researching, because I'm sure I've heard of you somewhere. Just... not sure where, or how. I suppose I was hoping to see you again, to ask you."

"Well, I'm the Original Heretic, so I'm sure there's been talk of me over the years," she stated. "Other than that, the only famous La Salle is my father, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle— a French explorer."

She then stopped, pausing to think to herself.

Her sister. Poor, innocent, Renée. Beatrix had shed most of her tears in the past month for her. She couldn't believe herself— a formal meeting with her half-sister, and she had killed her without much hesitation. She had considered turning her humanity back on in that moment, and she hadn't. She'd made the terrible decision to end the girl's life without getting to know her. Even though they looked nothing alike, they perhaps might have had some similar mannerisms. They also shared a sireline, and yet, Beatrix had refrained from getting to know her.

Lucien hadn't taken her pause as a hint that she was zoning out. "Ah, that's it!" he said, snapping her out of her mind. "Heretic! Yes, I heard about that— quite impressive. Of all the sirelines, Klaus got all the Heretics, I believe. I'm not absolutely certain about that, of course, but rumor has it that the other Heretics were from our sireline as well."

She cast him a small smile. "It would be nice to think that they are from our sireline. I must say, though, you keep bringing up the sirelines. It's a curious thing."

"Haven't you heard of the turmoil brewing?" he inquired. "I have to speak to Klaus about that, still, but there's been conflict between the three remaining sirelines. A sort of dominance competition, if you will."

"Hmm, haven't heard anything about that," she murmured. "Of course, I've been M.I.A. on and off for a while since the start of the 1900s, totaling around almost fifty years of not being in the know about things."

"You haven't missed much, really, but there are issues." He looked up as Klaus made their way toward them. "It was lovely to see you again, Beatrix. I must really speak with him about this." He took her hand and kissed it before dashing off with Klaus.

Cami was already gone by then. Beatrix assumed either her and Klaus's chat about a potential serial killer had gone very well, as in, Cami had needed to dash off to give NOLA PD some much needed details, or it had gone very bad and Klaus had made her feel like she needed to get away from him.

Her phone began to ring as she walked out of the bar, and she picked up immediately. "Davina," she said. "To what do I owe the pleasure? I thought you weren't doing any business with us vampires anymore."

"I need your other half— the witch. Just to look over a spell, really quickly if you can. I'm at the clocktower."

"Sure. Be there soon."

She hung up and sped off, arriving within minutes and knocking on the door. Davina opened it and beckoned her in, shutting the door behind them.

"You seem... agitated," observed Beatrix as the younger witch rummaged through some papers.

"I am," she said, handing her a paper with a spell written down. "Does this make sense? I can't tell you what it's for— it's better you don't know."

Beatrix furrowed her eyebrows as she looked over the paper. "You've crafted a Blocking Spell that's really strong. Surely it will work on whatever curse you're trying to halt."

"Good," she said, breathing deeply and snatching the paper back before she could look at it more deeply. "It's the witches. They don't respect me, and one of them humiliated me today. Marcel says I should show them who's boss."

"You do that, but be careful, Davina," the Heretic said warningly. "You must remember that they were a unit far before you were born— many of them are much older and will still not be keen on letting go of the old ways when Josephine was regent. Don't do something you'll regret."

Davina offered her a small smile. "Alright. Um, thanks. I appreciate it."

Beatrix left promptly after that, wanting to give her privacy. She was trying to figure out what the spell was for. There was a nagging suspicion that that wasn't the full spell— just a piece that Davina wanted checked. Any more information would have keyed Beatrix in on her real motive, which she suspected wasn't all that good.

Needing some sort of stress relief, she went straight to St. Anne's Church. She found Marcel in the ring with Vincent Griffith, who wasn't doing all that well up against him.

"You two seem to be having quite a bit of fun," mused Beatrix, listening to how out of breath they both were. "Angry fight?"

"Not as bad as how you and Elijah get," said Vincent, wiping some sweat off his brow as he aimed another punch. Marcel blocked it, but Vincent whirled around and punched him in the face. "Did Cami tell you about the bodies? She told me she would."

"Yes, she did," she said, coming to lean against the cage. "Clearly, someone has some unresolved trauma."

"You can't still be thinking it was my guys, Vincent," said Marcel as he dodged another punch, tripping Vincent and making him fall to the ground.

Vincent let out a grunt as he got up. "Doesn't matter what I think. News breaks there's a killer loose in the Quarter, tourism is gonna drop. And who are your vampires gonna feed on then? Local? No!" He tapped Marcel lightly on the chest with his knuckles. "Not unless they want a war with the covens!"

He punched Marcel hard in the face, but Marcel didn't stay disoriented for long. He slammed Vincent back into the chain-link fence roughly. "Speaking of covens— you remember Davina? The girl you were supposed to be mentoring?"

Vincent managed to dodge a punch for Marcel, but didn't dodge his leg, which kicked him hard in the thigh and made him double over in pain. "I offered her my advice months ago— I told her to make peace at all costs!" he wheezed. "She refused me, alright? That girl's got a bigger chip on her shoulder than you do!"

He swung another punch, but Marcel caught his hand and punched him in the stomach instead. "You dragged her into this!" he said hotly. "You should be helping her out. These witches keep messing with her, she's gonna get angry. You think that's gonna end well for anyone?"

"I think we already need to be worried, boys," said Beatrix, going to where Vincent rested against the fence and giving him a boost up. "She's planning some Blocking Spell. Apparently, Marcel, you told her to show them who's boss."

"Not in those exact terms, but yeah, something about being assertive," he said. "She was really hurt, earlier. Ashamed, embarrassed, the works."

Beatrix sighed. "Well, I'd be willing to step into the covens to make myself a greater target of their rage, but I feel that might go badly, because if Davina doesn't kick me out, they'll doubt her, and if she does, it could arouse some weird type of suspicion. This is why I never ever integrated myself into a coven. They're not really cults but they're very selective about in-groups and out-groups."

Vincent snorted. "Yes, certainly, go ahead and compare the Nine Covens of New Orleans to cults..."

"Not just the witches in New Orleans. Witches everywhere. You should have seen one of the Portuguese covens I met. I swear, they worshipped each other to an almost unhealthy level. But then again, that was 1705... they're probably not like that anymore."

Marcel pursed his lips. "Do you think that we need to be worried about Davina?"

"I'm not sure. I need to try and brainstorm a bit, figure things out. I have to get back to my witchy business anyway, to find a way to remove the Crescent Curse on Hayley's pack. Freya hasn't figured it out yet and she's been working on it since February. I suppose it's my turn to get into that."

Vincent furrowed his eyebrows. "I thought you and Hayley didn't get along at all. Why would you help? Doesn't it benefit you if she stays like that?"

Beatrix shook her head. "We may not get along, but Hope needs her mother." She let out a loud sigh through her nostrils. "And... well... I know it would mean a lot to Elijah if I helped."

"Are you two going to be a thing again, or something?" asked Marcel. "Because you don't talk. Like, at all. You come in and spar then leave like nothing happened."

"I don't know. It's going to take awhile for me to trust him with my feelings again. If I'm not his first choice, then I don't want anything to do with him."

She paused, and laced her fingers through the chains in the fence. "I don't want to speak with him now and have to hear him say I'm his first choice at this moment. I want him to see Hayley standing near us and look me in the eyes with honesty, and tell me that he's picking me. If not... then I don't see why I should give him any of my affections."