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The Mikaelson Ball was in full swing.
Lights hung from every staircase, and every dress sparkled and shimmered under the golden light. It was beautiful. Of course, this was if Elena was ignoring the fact she unwillingly signed Elijah's doom and Damon was upstairs with a broken neck. Elena wanted to go home. She wanted to get back to the house, spar with Alaric, or maybe call Bonnie to just get all of this out of her system.
"Elena," The oh so familiar voice said from behind her, "May I have this dance?"
Elena turned, her ball gown that he had sent for her to wear swishing at her feet, glitter never falling off of the delicate fabric. Elijah smiled at her, dark eyes warm and inviting, yet so dangerous and deadly at the same time. Guilt wrapped around her throat, like a noose she couldn't escape from. Elijah didn't deserve this. Klaus did. Not Elijah. Not the man who saved her without even knowing her. Not the man who had rushed to hold her as she stabbed herself, and trusted her even after she daggered him.
"Of course," She said, voice sounding forgien to her own ears
He took her gloved hand, leading her to the ball room. Weaving in and out of the crowd, as they all parted for one of the hostess's sons. He was wearing a suit, like he always was, and just like always, he looked good in it. Elena wanted to scream. She wanted to warn him. To tell him his mother was cruel and planning on killing all of her children. to tell him Elena didn't know what she was doing.
Elijah stops as they reach an open dancing spot, leaning forward, pressing his lips against her gloves.
Elena wonders if he can smell the blood from her finger that his mother drew from.
He rises slowly, a calculated look on his face as he stepped forward, hands wrapping around her waist to pull her close to him. She looked up at him, trying to force away the tears that burned in her eyes and the lump in her throat. She didn't want Elijah to die. Not at her hand. Not again. But she had lied to him. Looked at him dead in the face and lied.
But she knew it was better than the alternative. Esther would've killed her, or worse gone after all Elena loved and cherished like so many before her had tried. If she had tried to warn Elijah then, before he drank the essence that would bind all of his family together, Finn would've killed her. Ripped her heart out of the dress she wore, as everyone watched. Then hunted down everyone she loved.
The music floated through the grand halls as they danced. Twisting and turning. Pulling close and drifting apart to the music.
"You have broken your word," Elijah said, voice deep and laced with hurt as she stood nose to nose with him as he looked down at her
Fear spiked her veins. She had lied. Yes.
But Elena knew vampires heard heart beats.
Elena snaked a hand up to his face, eyes wide with fear, before tapping his ear softly. His eyebrows twitch downwards as his eyes widen a fraction. She nods faintly, swallowing down her fear and the lump in her throat. She couldn't warn him now. Not yet. Not with so many over hearing vampire ears.
"You know what I must do then," He whispers sadly
Elena smiled. Of course she knew. She was human yes, but a doppleganger who was loved. Which meant she, above all items, was leverage. Elena made a good hostage. Wouldn't be the first time she was thrown into this situation and Elena knew it wouldn't be her last. But at least with Elijah, it was for a good cause. It was for family. Had she been standing in his shoes and his perfectly pressed suit, she knows she would make the exact same move.
"Family is family," Elena nods
Elijah looks at her as they continue dancing. His gaze is unbroken by every woman and man that tries to get him to look at them, his eyes never leave Elena. The music shifts to a slower waltz, one where they stand next to the other, swaying and moving across the room without letting go of the other. His touch is electric and soft, feather light but firm in a way that begs her not to leave him. Regret seems to seep from his skin, but Elena understands. If she was him, she would do anything to protect her family. Even if it meant taking hostage a good friend for a bit.
Elijah's eyes gaze behind her for a mere second before snapping back to her, a smirk playing on his lips.
"The elder Salvatore is staring," He comments
That Elena is not surprised of.
She is surprised that he is awake already.
"He does always seem to find you," Elijah muses, twirling her back into his arms, "Even amongst such crowds."
Elena smiles softly and sadly, feeling the feelings she shouldn't feel for Damon flare in her chest. Caring. Compassion. Regret. Guilt. Lov- He's likely pissed as fuck with her. Seeing that she went to Stefan to knock him out for a bit while she went to the dangerous variable that was Esther. As long as Damon doesn't lose his shit fully, Elena will figure out a way to apologize to him later.
"I am sorry Elena," Elijah said, eyes searching her face with remorse
"I get it Elijah," She promised, "I do."
The music finished with a sharp note and he stepped away from her, bowing as he held her hand before looking up at her as he kissed her hand. She hoped they could figure something out without her. She hoped they would find a way to save Elijah and kill Klaus. She hoped they wouldn't do something as stupid as to let them die to save her. To save her the hostage who knew she was going to be taken.
He bowed once more before turning on his heel leaving her at the edge of the crowd, with one hell of a pissed Damon Salvatore.
---
Elena didn't mention how she knew Finn was following them, and that's why she lied again to him.
---
Elijah didn't mention how he knew the one cavern beneath them wouldn't let vampires in, and would protect Elena.
---
Elijah's finger tips were smudged with ink as he felt tears fall down his face.
---
Elena traced the words on the page, moonlight streaming in from her window. She sat down the letter and picked up the phone, and tried to call Damon again.
---
Always and forever.