duplicate | elijah mikaelson

one

Sparkle-Free and Deadly

The night I turned—just seven months ago—I was absolutely petrified.

I had no idea the scary bedtime stories told to me as a kid were actually real. Vampires, werewolves, witches—they walk among humans every day, and most people have no idea.

Being a vampire? It's nothing like the movies. I remember watching Twilight not long before I was turned. Edward sparkled in the sun, read minds, and looked like he was permanently allergic to daylight.

Real life doesn't work like that.

I can't read minds—but I can compel people. And I definitely don't sparkle. I burn.

Thank God for Marcel. He gave me my daylight bracelet, and without it, I'd be a pile of ashes.

Of course, immortality comes with a price. Every day, I fight the urge to feed. It's like being addicted to heroin—except my poison is blood. Human blood. Type O, to be specific.

Marcel and his crew helped me through the worst of it. Now I'm stronger, faster, and more alive than I've ever felt. And for the first time in my life, I feel like I belong. Not just somewhere—but with someone. I'm not that broken girl who stood on a rooftop begging the universe for a reason to keep breathing.

I'm still Keira. Just... harder to kill.

And it feels good.

Later that evening, I stormed into the Abattoir like I owned it. The double doors burst open behind me with a satisfying thud. My heels echoed with every step, bold and unapologetic.

"You sure know how to make an entrance," Thierry called out with a grin.

"I like to make sure everyone knows the party has arrived," I smirked.

He looked down, his lip twitching into a half-smile. "Well then, I guess I better grab a bottle."

I chuckled and folded my arms. "It's five o'clock somewhere, right?"

"You're a bad influence on my men," Marcel's voice called out as he entered the room, arms crossed like always.

I turned, mock-offended. "Lighten up, sourpuss. We've got to let loose now and then."

His brow arched. Silent judgment.

"Just one drink?" I pleaded, dialing up the innocent look.

After a long pause, he sighed, finally uncrossing his arms. "You and those damn puppy eyes."

I tossed my hair over my shoulder and winked. "They're my secret weapon."

They both rolled their eyes, but I didn't miss the smiles that followed.

Over the past seven months, Marcel had become more than just my mentor. He showed me how to live as a vampire without losing my humanity. He taught me control, confidence, and strength. He gave me something no one ever had before: stability. A place to belong.

A home.

Later, I drained the last of my drink and set the glass down with a satisfied sigh.

"I should get going," I said, stretching.

"So soon?" Marcel asked, sounding genuinely disappointed.

"Not all of us have a city full of vampires doing our dirty work. Some of us have actual jobs," I teased.

He chuckled. "Still don't understand why you insist on working, but hey—who am I to stop you?"

I stepped closer with a smirk. "Mr. Gerard, ruler of all he surveys."

His eyes flicked to mine, his smirk matching mine. "Don't you forget it."

Marcel had become the family I never had. I always wanted a sibling—someone to bicker with, share secrets, protect, and be protected by. I didn't grow up with that. But choosing your family? That's even more powerful.

Marcel is my protector. My best friend. My brother.

It was close to midnight, but New Orleans was still alive with energy. Drunken tourists stumbled along Bourbon Street. Music spilled from open windows. Neon lights painted the wet pavement in color. This city didn't sleep—it pulsed.

I decided to take the long way home. I loved the feel of the crisp night air on my skin, the quiet buzz that lingered even in the shadows. I turned off the main street into a narrow side alley, swallowed by darkness.

Seven months ago, I wouldn't have dared.

But now?

Now, I was invincible.

Or so I thought.

I heard it—footsteps, fast and deliberate, slicing through the silence. My body reacted on instinct. I spun, fangs ready to drop, muscles coiled.

But I was too late.

A sharp, searing pain exploded at the base of my skull.

And then—

Nothing.

Just darkness.