The night I chose was still and heavy, the air thick with power. Marcel stood before me, no longer the boy I'd rescued from chains but a man ready for something greater.
"You've come far, Marcellus," I said, circling him. "You've learned from all of us. Tonight, you take your rightful place among us."
He nodded once, steady and resolute. "I'm ready."
I bit into my wrist, held it out to him. "Drink."
He obeyed, swallowing the immortal blood. When he looked up, I snapped his neck without hesitation.
Hours later, he woke gasping, veins dark beneath his eyes, fangs sharp, hunger burning through him.
Aurora smiled from the shadows. "He's awake."
I stepped forward, handing him a crystal goblet filled with rich human blood. "Drink, Marcellus. Complete your transition."
He did — every drop vanishing in seconds. When he looked up again, his eyes glowed with power.
The Confession
As the firelight burned low, Rebekah stood apart, watching him. Aurora noticed first. "Something troubles you, dear Rebekah?"
Rebekah's lips parted, uncertain. "It's not trouble. It's… complicated."
Marcel stepped to her side, taking her hand. "We weren't going to hide it anymore."
I arched an eyebrow, arms folding. "Hide what, exactly?"
Rebekah drew a breath. "Nik… Aurora… I love him."
Kol, lounging nearby, nearly choked on his drink. "Oh, this will be good."
Aurora's eyes flicked between them, curious rather than shocked. "Love him?"
Rebekah's chin lifted, defiant. "Yes. I know what you're thinking. He's our ward, the boy you brought home. But he's not a child anymore, and he's not my blood. He's my equal — and I won't pretend otherwise."
Marcel squeezed her hand. "I love her too. Always have. I didn't choose it — it just… happened."
Aurora's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Love rarely asks permission, does it?"
I studied them both for a long moment, silent. The fire cracked between us, the weight of centuries pressing down. Then, finally, I sighed.
"You both look as though you expect me to fly into a rage," I said quietly. "Do you take me for a monster?"
Rebekah hesitated. "…Sometimes."
Aurora laughed softly. "Sometimes he does play the part."
I smirked, stepping closer. "Rebekah, I've seen the way you look at him since the boy grew into a man. And Marcel—" I clapped a hand on his shoulder, firm but proud. "You've proven yourself worthy of far worse than my sister's affection. If this is the love you've chosen, then so be it. I won't stand in its way."
Relief flickered between them — brief, but real.
The King
I straightened, my tone turning sharp again. "Now that sentimentality is done, there's something else. Me and Aurora will be leaving for a time. The world calls, and there are matters that require our attention. Until I return, you, Marcellus, are King of New Orleans."
Marcel blinked. "You're leaving me in charge?"
"Indeed," I said with a smile that was both proud and dangerous. "You've earned it. Rule wisely. When I return, we will rule together — father and son."
Aurora looped her arm through mine, her crimson eyes gleaming. "And we expect our kingdom to be intact upon our return."
I turned to Rebekah, smirking. "That includes you, sister. Do try not to burn New Orleans down this time."
Her cheeks flushed. "You're insufferable, Nik."
Kol laughed. "He's not wrong, though. You do have a talent for property damage when emotional."
Marcel chuckled, stepping between them. "Don't worry. I'll make sure the city stands."
Aurora smiled. "How very kingly of you."
I nodded once, satisfied. "Good. Then our work here is done."
As we walked toward the gates, Aurora's hand in mine, I cast one last glance over my shoulder — at the family we'd built, and the city that would soon belong to them.
"Rule well, Marcellus," I said softly. "When I return, we rule as father and son."
The firelight caught his eyes — my heir, my creation, my little warrior grown into a king.
And as we vanished into the night, New Orleans truly belonged to him.