the rain in new orleans didn't just fall; it felt like a weight, heavy and warm against the wrought iron of the balcony. the scent of damp pavement and jasmine swirled around you, but all you could focus on was the sharp, metallic tang of your own blood and the proximity of the man standing over you.

elijah mikaelson was a study in controlled precision. even here, in the middle of a brewing turf war, his charcoal suit was immaculate, the silk of his pocket square the only thing touching the shallow cut on your cheek. his touch was feather-light, a jarring contrast to the violent reputation of the noble original.

"marcel says you only care because i’m hayley’s sister," you whispered, the words catching in your throat as the thunder rolled over the french quarter. "that i’m just more 'family business' for you to manage. another problem to solve in a suit."

the handkerchief paused. elijah didn't move for a long second, his tall, athletic frame casting a shadow that seemed to shield you from the storm itself. when his eyes finally snapped to yours, the hazel depths weren't cold. they were burning with a restrained, dark intensity.

"marcellus is many things," he said, his british accent low and dangerous against the rhythmic drumming of the rain. "well-informed is not one of them."

you looked at his hands. despite his centuries of composure and the predatory strength hidden beneath his sleeves, you noticed the slight, nearly imperceptible tremor in his fingers.

"then tell me why you’re shaking, elijah," you challenged, your voice barely audible. "you’re an original. you’ve seen blood a million times."

he stepped closer, his commanding presence narrowing the world down to the space between you. his gaze drifted from the wound to your lips, then back to your eyes, filled with a yearning so thick it was suffocating.

"not yours," he replied, his voice dropping to a jagged edge. "never yours. if he thinks my affection for you is born of obligation to your sister, he is a fool. and if you believe him, then i have failed you most horribly."