WAR OF HEARTS ↠ KOL MIKAELSON [UNDER EDITING]

1:16

[THE RISE: CHAPTER SIXTEEN]

In the compound, Marcel checked on the unconscious Camille before turning to Davina, whose face was etched with worry. "Did it work?"

Davina shook her head, anxiety lacing her voice. "I don't know, Marcel. I had to redirect the spell back to Esther because Rhea and Ares weren't there. Something's off."

As if summoned, Ares came sprinting into the courtyard, Rhea limp in his arms, with Kol following closely behind.

He laid Rhea on the table, his frustration evident as he tugged at his hair in desperation. Davina rushed over, her heart sinking as she checked her friend—Rhea had no pulse.

Kol stood frozen, anguish twisting his features. For once, he was truly lost. A life without Rhea? He couldn't imagine one worth living.

"No, no, no! She can't be dead. You said this was a foolproof plan!" Davina's voice trembled as she turned to Kol, searching for answers.

"Esther tied Rhea's life to the body she was in," Kol muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "We should've known..." His voice cracked as he slammed his fist into the nearest wall, not even flinching at the pain, as the emotional turmoil outweighed any physical hurt.

Klaus and Elijah soon appeared, carrying Rebekah's body. They quickly placed her inside before rushing back to the courtyard.

"Is there anything you can do?" Klaus asked Ares, noticing the witch's haunted expression as he stared at his sister's lifeless form.

Ares mumbled, "We should've known. Esther warned, 'should this body die, another will go down with it.' We should've known!" He slammed his fist onto the table, causing the room to flinch.

"Everyone, move." Ares' voice was cold and firm, leaving no room for argument.

Kol stepped forward. "Whatever you're about to do, channel us."

Ares shook his head. "No. This is something only pure magic can handle—magic not bound by nature or balance."

Elijah finally spoke, his tone wary. "What do you mean, 'no balance'?"

Ares exhaled sharply. "It means I'm about to tap into something that a lot of covens aren't going to like." His voice darkened. "Now step back."

Without further explanation, Ares raised his hands over Rhea's body and began chanting in an ancient tongue, one no one present had ever heard.

"What kind of magic is this?" Davina whispered to Kol, her wide eyes fixed on Ares.

Kol's gaze never left Rhea. "If I'm right, Ares just tapped into magic older than me—magic that only exists within their bloodline."

As Ares' chanting grew more intense, the compound began to shake—everything except the small space occupied by the Monroe siblings. The Mikaelson brothers and Marcel rushed into the courtyard, concern written across their faces.

"What in God's name is he doing?" Elijah asked, his voice barely audible over the growing tremors.

Suddenly, Ares' chant reached a crescendo. He clapped his hands together and slammed them down on Rhea's chest. The building stopped shaking, and at the same moment, Rhea's body jolted upright with a sharp gasp.

Kol rushed to her, cupping her face in his hands. "Don't you ever bloody do that to me again," he whispered, pressing frantic kisses to her forehead, cheeks, and temples, his relief palpable.

Rhea blinked, disoriented. "I was dead." She turned to Ares, her voice firm. "What did you do?"

Klaus interrupted, attempting to deflect. "How about we focus on the fact that you're alive?"

Rhea shot him a glare. "I've nearly died how many times because of you? You don't get to say anything." She turned back to Ares. "One more time—what did you do?"

Sighing, Ares met her gaze. "I used that magic."

Her eyes widened. "Please tell me you're joking."

Marcel, sensing something bigger at play, asked, "What does he mean by that?"

Rhea didn't even look at him. "None of your concern." She took a step closer to Ares, lowering her voice. "Are you out of your damn mind? We promised never to use that magic. Do you realize what could happen if people found out?"

"I couldn't let you die, Rhe," Ares said, his tone softening. "I don't care who finds out or what happens. You're alive. That's all that matters."

Rhea sighed, her anger fading slightly. "We'll talk about this later, but for now, you're lucky I love you."

Elijah stepped forward. "Will there be any side effects?"

Ares shook his head. "No. There shouldn't be."

Klaus, still skeptical, demanded, "How did you bring her back without any sacrifices or rituals?"

Ares stood his ground. "Klaus, trust me. She's alive, and there's no catch. Can you trust that I know what I'm doing?"

After a moment of consideration, Klaus nodded. "For what it's worth, I think I speak for all of us when I say, we're glad you're still with us."

As Klaus, Elijah, and Marcel retreated, Davina hugged Rhea tightly. "You're never leaving my side again."

Rhea smiled, grateful for her friend's presence. But before she could respond, Ares broke the silence with a smirk. "Well, that could get awkward when Kol and Rhea finally—"

No one responded to his comment, but deep down, they were all grateful for the levity. In the midst of everything, Ares' humor kept them from drowning in the gravity of the situation.