The room was bathed in amber light from a single antique lamp, casting long shadows across ornate furnishings.
Klaus Mikaelson sat beside the four-poster bed where Lucien lay unconscious, the boy's chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.
With uncharacteristic gentleness, Klaus ran his fingers through Lucien's hair, studying the young face that had somehow managed to break a thousand-year-old curse in mere minutes.
Across the room, Katherine Pierce sat rigidly in a wingback chair, her posture betraying her discomfort despite the elegant surroundings.
Her eyes never left Lucien, though she maintained a cautious distance from Klaus - the predator she'd fled for five centuries who now inexplicably held her "god" in his care.
Unseen by Katherine, Morgana - Klaus's "Qareen" materialized beside him, her form solid and real to him alone.
She wore a simple black dress that seemed both modern and timeless, her raven hair cascading over shoulders that had once borne the weight of Avalon's future.
She perched on the arm of Klaus's chair, one hand resting on his shoulder.
(Morgana image here and in comments)
She - the former Queen of Camelot - became Klaus's "Qareen" after they made a deal a long time ago, her becoming his vigilant companion in return for him anchoring her to this reality, as she was fading away.
This only being possible after Klaus killed his Jinn Doppelganger, finally, after finding out how, wanting to be free of the manipulative, deceptive, slave of Iblis, who has for most of his life, whispered corruption, and sowed discord between him and his family.
"So," she began telepathically, her voice echoing in Klaus's mind with familiar warmth, "adoption papers already being drawn up, are they? I have to say, fatherhood is an interesting look on you."
Klaus's lips curved slightly, though his eyes remained fixed on Lucien. "You find this amusing?"
"Immensely," Morgana replied, leaning closer to examine Lucien. "The great Klaus Mikaelson, scourge of vampires, terror of werewolves, devourer of stars, suddenly playing daddy to a teenage boy. It's quite the career change."
"He broke my curse," Klaus responded simply. "Something witches have failed to do for a millennium."
Morgana's expression shifted to something more serious as she studied Lucien's sleeping form. "He didn't just break it, Klaus. He unmade it. There's a difference." She slid from the chair arm to stand beside the bed, her hand hovering over Lucien's chest without quite touching him. "I can feel it - or rather, I can't feel it. Where your mother's magic should leave at least some residual trace, there's nothing. As if it never existed at all."
Klaus's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "What are you suggesting?"
"That you've taken in something far more significant than you realize." Morgana circled the bed slowly, her movements fluid and graceful. "This boy is a god like you, my wolf, but if I'm being completely honest - and don't take this the wrong way - he has the potential to be higher in the food chain than you."
Klaus's expression darkened. "Higher than The Original Hybrid?"
"He's a boy-god," Morgana continued, returning to Klaus's side and trailing her fingers along his shoulder. "A boy-god of destruction, specifically. I've been around long enough to recognize the signs. What he did to your mother's curse? That wasn't just power - it was erasure. Unmaking. Few beings can truly destroy magic itself."
Katherine shifted in her chair, drawing Klaus's momentary attention. She appeared to be studying his face, trying to decipher what is causing these mood shifts.
"You think I don't know what I've brought into my home?" Klaus challenged, returning his focus to their private exchange. "I felt his power when I carried him."
"And yet I wonder if you've considered the implications," Morgana replied, her mental tone sharpening. "Death will not be his end, so don't even think about killing him if he becomes inconvenient."
She leaned down, her lips close to Klaus's ear though she spoke only in his mind. "Even if you devoured him whole, souls are immortal - they can't be destroyed. The boy would simply grow inside you, gathering power until he ripped you apart from within."
She straightened with a wry smile. "So don't 'do a Cronos,' darling."
Klaus's face contorted in visible disgust, breaking his careful composure for the first time since entering the room. Katherine noticed immediately, her body tensing in response.
"I really would have preferred you not put that mental image in my head," Klaus replied with irritation. "And since when do I eat children? I've killed them when strategic necessity demanded, but I've never 'eaten' them."
Morgana laughed silently, floating beside him to press a kiss to his cheek. "Just saying," she replied with a casual shrug. "You immortals can get creative when feeling threatened. Better to clarify the boundaries early."
"Your concern is noted," Klaus responded dryly. "Now perhaps something useful? What do you suggest I do with my new... son?" The last word carried a strange mixture of irony and genuine curiosity.
Morgana circled behind him, draping her arms around his shoulders in a possessive embrace. "First, you need to understand what motivates him. The vampire girl is obviously devoted to him - look at her, ready to throw herself between you two despite her own trauma."
She nodded toward Katherine. "But why did he seek you out specifically? Breaking your curse wasn't charity."
"The werewolf venom cure," Klaus answered. "For her." He gestured subtly toward Katherine.
"That's the immediate need, yes," Morgana agreed. "But there's something more. I can sense it. This boy is... unmoored. Searching for something." Her expression softened slightly. "Something you might understand better than most."
Klaus's eyebrows raised in question.
"Belonging," Morgana explained. "Recognition. He carries power that frightens those around him, even those who claim to love him. Sound familiar?"
A muscle in Klaus's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "You suggest I exploit this... similarity?"
Morgana's fingers traced patterns on his chest, visible only to him. "I suggest you recognize it. You've spent a thousand years wanting to create hybrids - beings like yourself who might truly understand you. Perhaps what you've found instead is something rarer still."
"And what might that be?" Klaus asked, genuine curiosity in his mental tone.
"A reflection," Morgana replied simply. "Not in power or nature, but in experience. In isolation." She straightened, her expression thoughtful. "Besides, you've always had a soft spot for artistic souls with father issues. This one just happens to be able to unmake reality when he's upset."
Klaus couldn't suppress a small smile. "You make him sound like a temperamental nuclear weapon."
"More accurate than you know," Morgana replied, suddenly serious again. "The question isn't whether you can control him - you can't, not truly. The question is whether you can guide him. Shape him without breaking him."
She leaned down once more, her lips brushing against Klaus's ear in a gesture that would have appeared intimately seductive to anyone who could see her. "And perhaps, in the process, find something you've been seeking far longer than the breaking of your curse."
"And what might that be?" Klaus asked, his mental voice uncharacteristically quiet.
"Legacy," Morgana answered. "Not just fear or power or vengeance - but something that outlasts even you."
As if sensing the weight of their conversation, Lucien stirred slightly in his sleep, his eyelids fluttering though he didn't wake.
Klaus's attention immediately shifted to the boy, his hand instinctively moving to rest on Lucien's forehead.
Katherine leaned forward in her chair, alert and watchful.
"Well," Morgana observed with a hint of amusement, "fatherhood certainly comes naturally to you. Who would have thought?"
Klaus shot her a warning glance that held no real heat. "Careful, or I might start getting ideas about acquiring more children."
"Please don't," Morgana replied with exaggerated horror. "One supernatural prodigy is quite enough. Besides," she added with a mischievous smile, "I'm not sure the world could survive your particular brand of parenting applied to multiple godlings."
Lucien's consciousness returned gradually, his senses awakening one by one. First came touch - soft sheets beneath him, far more luxurious than any motel bed.
Then sound - the subtle ticking of an antique clock, rain pattering against windows. Finally, as his eyelids fluttered open, sight - and the face of Klaus Mikaelson hovering directly above him.
Recognition hit like lightning.
In one fluid motion, Lucien catapulted himself backward off the bed, putting as much distance as possible between himself and the Original Hybrid. His back hit the wall as he scanned the unfamiliar room, mind racing to assess the situation.
That's when he spotted Katherine seated in a corner chair, her expression a mixture of relief and apprehension.
Without hesitation, Lucien after a moment of processing, moved to position himself between Klaus and Katherine, his stance protective despite the established contract protecting them.
"Okay, what the hell is going on?" Lucien demanded, gaze darting between Klaus and Katherine. "Where am I? Why am I here?"
Klaus raised his hands in a casual surrender gesture. "Relax. No one's going to hurt you here."
"Yeah, that's super reassuring coming from you," Lucien shot back, his voice tense but controlled.
Katherine stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Lucien's shoulder. Despite her obvious fear of Klaus - a fear ingrained over five centuries - she spoke up.
"After you broke Klaus's curse, you passed out," she explained. "You've been out for almost eighteen hours."
Lucien's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Okay, that part makes sense," he said, eyes still fixed on Klaus. "What I don't get is-" he gestured toward Klaus with an accusatory finger, "-why I'm waking up to the big bad wolf watching me sleep. Like that's not creepy at all."
Klaus's lips curved into an amused smile as he clapped his hands together once. "That's simple, really," he replied with unsettling cheerfulness. "Because from today on, you're my son."
Lucien nearly lost his balance, catching himself against the wall. He was silent for a long moment, just... processing. Staring eyes wide. "I'm sorry, what? Did you just say-"
"That you're my son now? Yes." Klaus confirmed with a single nod, his smile widening. There was something almost playful in his expression, as if he were enjoying Lucien's bewilderment.
Lucien turned to Katherine, his eyes wide with disbelief. Pointing with his thumb to Klaus, then raising his index finger to his temple and made a circular motion, then opening his palm in question, gesture if he "has he gone completely insane?"
Katherine, clearly as baffled as Lucien, could only offer a nervous smile and a helpless shrug in response.
-----------------------
The dining room was a study in old-world elegance - dark wood paneling, crystal chandeliers, and artwork that belonged in museums rather than private residences.
Lucien sat rigidly at the massive table, still processing the surreal situation in which he found himself.
Katherine sat to his right, her posture similarly tense, while Klaus presided at the head of the table with the relaxed confidence of a king in his castle.
Double doors swung open as servants entered carrying silver trays. They moved with the precision of long practice, placing dishes before each person.
When Lucien's breakfast was set before him, he couldn't hide his surprise, after sensing it with the Force.
A perfect three-egg omelet, seasoned with what appeared to be exactly the right amount of salt. Warm, freshly baked bread steamed beside it. A pot of tea waited to be poured.
Most tellingly, not a single piece of bacon was anywhere near his plate, while both Klaus and Katherine had some with their meals.
Lucien's eyes narrowed with suspicion. He reached more with the Force, scanning the food for any hint of tampering or poison. Finding nothing amiss, his suspicion only deepened.
"Okay, how exactly did you know I hate bacon?" Lucien asked, voice tight with wariness. "And the exact tea I like? What are you, psychic now too?"
Klaus merely smiled enigmatically as he unfolded his napkin with deliberate grace. "Better eat before it gets cold," he advised, completely sidestepping the question as he cut into his own breakfast.
Lucien glanced at Katherine, who looked equally perplexed by Klaus's apparent knowledge. The hybrid's smug expression revealed nothing as he sipped his tea, clearly enjoying Lucien's discomfort.
The silence stretched between them, broken only by the soft clink of silverware against fine china.
The weight of silence hung over the table as Lucien studied his perfectly prepared breakfast. Steam rose from the omelet in lazy curls, dissipating in the cool air of the dining room.
Outside, rain continued to fall, creating a gentle percussion against the tall windows.
Lucien finally broke the silence, setting down his fork without having taken a bite.
"You know, you can't force me to stay here," he said, voice measured and deliberate. "The soul contract we made is pretty clear. You can't keep me here against my will - that would constitute harm."
Klaus paused mid-sip, lowering his teacup with deliberate care. A smile spread slowly across his face, not reaching his eyes.
"Normally," Klaus began, "you would be correct."
He picked up his knife, turning it slowly so the silver caught the light. With the tip, he pointed toward Lucien's left hand - specifically to the palm where the jaguar mark existed.
"But last I checked," Klaus continued, "you're cursed by five rather unpleasant gods. That mark of yours draws increasingly powerful monsters to you with each passing day."
He set the knife down precisely alongside his plate. "You're also, apparently, being hunted by an old nemesis of mine, who is supposed to be dead, something to be corrected later -Dracula."
The name hung in the air between them.
"Now, in such a situation," Klaus resumed after letting the weight of these facts settle, "where letting you leave would almost certainly result in your death... how exactly would our contract apply? Either way, I am causing eventual harm. The contract wasn't about direct harm, you made sure of that, in case I sent proxies."
He tilted his head slightly. "With all that in mind, again, what to do? It hasn't really been specified, has it?"
Lucien's jaw tightened as he recognized the trap. He remained silent, mind racing through the exact wording of their agreement, searching for any counter-argument.
The only sound for several long moments was the gentle scrape of Klaus's knife against his plate as he cut his food.
"In cases where causing 'harm' is inevitable," Klaus finally explained, his tone almost professorial, "magical contracts with such a clause default to the option that causes the least harm.
Death of course isn't necessarily the peak of harm, there are things people value moer than life, that were they to lose it, would be more painful, but it most certainly isn't less than a bit of... house arrest."
He speared a piece of food with his fork, examining it casually. "Elementary magical law, really."
Lucien turned to Katherine, his expression asking the question he couldn't bring himself to voice.
Katherine met his gaze, her eyes filled with reluctant understanding. After a moment's hesitation, she gave a grim nod of confirmation.
The silence that followed was broken only by the soft patter of rain and the distant rumble of thunder.
Klaus took a bite of his breakfast, chewing thoughtfully before continuing. "This is why, my boy, one shouldn't attempt to craft magical contracts without getting all the facts." He gestured with his fork for emphasis. "Especially not with beings as old as I am."
Lucien stared at his untouched food, the reality of his situation sinking.
"But I can forgive your... oversight," Klaus added, his tone softening slightly. "After your trials and tribulations, the immense spiritual and physical exhaustion you experienced..."
He glanced meaningfully toward Katherine. "And of course, the looming prospect of losing the one person who values you above all others - however surprising it may be that dear Katerina is said person."
Katherine's fingers tightened around her napkin, but she remained silent.
"One wouldn't be in the clearest state of mind under such circumstances," Klaus concluded, his expression almost sympathetic.
The rain intensified outside, drumming against the windows with renewed vigor as if nature itself were responding to the tension in the room.
Lucien finally picked up his knife, the small action somehow feeling like a concession in their unspoken battle of wills.
The clink of silverware against china filled the room as they ate in silence. Rain continued its steady rhythm against the windows, occasionally punctuated by distant thunder.
Lucien had finally taken a few bites of his omelet sandwich - having made one from the bread and omlet present - a small concession that seemed to please Klaus, whose smug expression had softened into something almost paternal.
After several long moments of contemplation, Lucien set down his fork with deliberate care. His eyes, sharp met Klaus's across the table.
Seeming to have thought of something.
"There's something else that wasn't specified in the contract," Lucien said, his voice carrying a note of triumph. "If permission is granted by both parties, harm isn't prohibited."
Klaus paused mid-bite, his interest visibly piqued.
"So," Lucien continued, gaining confidence, "if I give you permission to let me leave - to release you from this supposed obligation to protect me - then the contract wouldn't be violated." He straightened in his chair. "And I'm granting that permission right now."
The corner of Klaus's mouth twitched upward. He set down his utensils and dabbed at his lips with his napkin, taking his time before responding.
The silence stretched between them, broken only by the soft tapping of Klaus's finger against the table.
To Katherine this exchange was like two predators circling each other.
Finally, Klaus leaned back in his chair, a look of genuine amusement spreading across his features.
"Yes," he acknowledged with a slight nod, "that is indeed true."
Lucien's expression brightened momentarily.
"But," Klaus continued, his voice light yet unyielding, "I'm afraid I'm not giving that permission."
The simple statement landed with the weight of a final judgment. Klaus picked up his teacup, taking a leisurely sip.
"Contracts require agreement from all parties involved," Klaus explained unnecessarily, clearly enjoying the moment. "And I, as you've so cleverly pointed out, am very much involved, and free to refuse also."
Lucien's jaw tightened as his brief hope collapsed. He glanced toward Katherine, whose expression held a mixture of sympathy and resignation.
"More tea?" Klaus offered pleasantly, already reaching for the pot.
Lucien set his teacup down with more force than necessary, the porcelain clinking sharply against the saucer.
"Okay, let's get to what's actually bothering me," Lucien said, frustration finally bleeding into his voice. "Where the hell is this whole 'son' thing coming from?"
Klaus raised an eyebrow but remained silent, allowing Lucien's emotions to surface.
"Because for your information," Lucien continued, leaning forward, "I already have a dad. A very good one that I love very much, and I have absolutely zero desire or need to replace him."
Katherine tensed at the sudden shift in tone, her eyes darting between Lucien and Klaus.
"John Winchester," Klaus said the name thoughtfully, as if testing how it felt on his tongue. "Yes, a dedicated hunter. Brave man. Determined."
He took another bite of his breakfast before adding, almost casually: "Rarely present for most of your childhood, though, wasn't he?"
Lucien's eyes narrowed. "That's not-"
"Always putting Sam and Dean first," Klaus continued, his tone conversational despite the cutting words. "The sons from his first marriage. The ones who matter most when things get difficult."
"You don't know what you're talking about," Lucien shot back, though something in his expression wavered.
Klaus smiled slightly. "Don't I?" He set down his fork and folded his hands. "Tell me, when was the last time John called you his first priority? When was the last time he in his heart chose you over Sam or Dean?"
A heavy silence settled over the table. Katherine looked uncomfortable, clearly recognizing the painful truth in Klaus's words.
"My relationship with my father is none of your business," Lucien finally said, his voice quieter but no less intense.
"Perhaps not," Klaus conceded with a slight nod. "But I do find family dynamics fascinating. Take your mother, for instance-"
"Leave my mom out of this," Lucien warned.
"-a loving woman, certainly," Klaus continued as if Lucien hadn't spoken. "Though she's always favored Adam, hasn't she? The simpler child. The one who didn't have great incomprehensible power or bring constant danger to her doorstep."
Lucien's hands clenched into fists beneath the table. "How could you possibly-"
"And let's not forget Bobby Singer," Klaus pressed on. "A surrogate father figure to many, though his special bond has always been with Dean, hasn't it?"
Each observation landed like a precision strike, targeting vulnerabilities Lucien had only acknowledged fully to himself. The room seemed to grow smaller as Klaus continued, his voice soft but relentless.
"Even Sam, who you're closest to among your brothers, keeps you at a certain distance. Loves you, certainly, but resents how your... unique nature has complicated his life."
Lucien stared at Klaus, a dawning realization spreading across his features. "You..." he began, then paused, putting the pieces together. "You read my memories."
The accusation hung in the air between them.
Klaus neither confirmed nor denied it, merely taking another sip of his tea, his eyes never leaving Lucien's face.
"When you brought me here," Lucien continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "After breaking your curse. You somehow accessed my memories."
The rain outside had slowed to a gentle patter, the storm moving past them.
"What I know," Klaus finally said, setting down his cup, "is that you are a remarkable young man who has never been fully appreciated by those who should value you most."
His voice carried an unexpected note of sincerity. "I know what it is to be the outsider in your own family, Lucien. The one who's different. The one they fear as much as they love."
Katherine watched this exchange with growing unease, recognizing the dangerous territory they were entering.
"You don't know me," Lucien insisted, though with less conviction than before.
"Don't I?" Klaus countered softly. "The child who's never quite belonged anywhere. Too powerful for the humans who raised you. Too human and caring for the power you wield."
He leaned forward slightly. "Always protecting, never truly the protected. Always understanding others, never fully understood."
Lucien's silence was more telling than any denial.
"I'm offering you something different here, Lucien. Something John Winchester, for all his virtues, can never give you."
"And what's that?" Lucien asked, unable to keep the curiosity from his voice.
"Understanding," Klaus replied simply. "I know what it is to walk between worlds, to carry power that others fear. To be both more and less than those around you."
The silence that followed felt different from the ones before - heavier.
Katherine reached across the table, her fingers lightly touching Lucien's arm in silent support. Her eyes, when they met his, held a complex mixture of concern and understanding.
"You still haven't answered why," Lucien said finally, his voice steadier. "Why you want me as your son."
Klaus smiled enigmatically. "Perhaps I see something of myself in you," he offered, "Or perhaps I simply appreciate having someone around who can break thousand-year-old curses before breakfast."
The deflection of the full truth was clear, but before Lucien could press further, Klaus rose from his chair.
"Speaking of which," Klaus said, smoothly changing the subject, "you should finish eating. We have much to discuss about your training."
"Training?" Lucien echoed.
"Of course," Klaus replied with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "If you're to be my son, we need to ensure you can properly defend yourself. Your current abilities, while impressive, are clearly underdeveloped."
As Klaus turned to leave, Lucien called after him: "Hey, where are you going? This conversation isn't over."
Klaus paused in the doorway, glancing back over his shoulder. "I would be disappointed if it were," he replied, amusement dancing in his eyes. "After all, we have all the time in the world now."
With that, he went out the door, but not without Lucien rising angrily from his seat, slapping the table, "I'm a hunter!" he yelled. "I hunt things like you! There is no way in Hell, I will ever be your son!"
"I don't care!" Klaus amusedly yelled back.
Lucien at the unexpected response was for a moment baffled, before he grit his teeth, "That son of a-" he began, before Katherine gently grabbed his arm, shaking her head.
Lucien looked at her for a long moment, before he clicked his tongue, and sat back down, crossing his arms.
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.
Do tell me how you found it.
So... Yeah, Klaus seems to have closed all the doors around Lucien getting away anytime soon. What do you think though? Will Lucien himself find a loophole?
Or will he just have to struggle through it?
Also, what do you think, will Klaus ever convince Lucien to see him as family, and will Klaus's care for Lucien grow more than his uses?
I'm interested in your thoughts.
I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)