chapter 6

Henry and Davina hit it off as friends, often texting each other and even meeting up occasionally. Henry thought creating a group chat, including Liam, would be a good idea to keep things connected and make it easier to chat and coordinate things better. Subtly extracting information about Marcel and his plans. His approach was low-key, ensuring that he didn't raise any suspicions while he pieced together valuable insights that would aid him in dismantling Marcel's schemes bit by bit.

Henry's determination knew no bounds as he strategically invested in numerous properties across New Orleans. Despite the initial challenges and financial hurdles, he used a combination of his savings and, perhaps less ethically, the resources from the Mikaelson siblings' credit and debit cards to secure his investments.

Henry was determined to establish his influence in New Orleans, and his ambitions led him to acquire critical properties in the city. One of his notable acquisitions was Rousseau's Bar, a popular establishment in town. Recognizing its potential, he discreetly purchased it, becoming the new owner. This strategic move allowed him to gain a foothold in the local nightlife scene and gather valuable information from the patrons who frequented the bar.

In addition to Rousseau, he invested in a significant portion of the Bayou, carefully securing land and resources, including the homes of the werewolves who resided there. Henry took great care to maintain his anonymity, ensuring no one knew he was behind these acquisitions. His quiet and calculated expansion was part of his larger plan to solidify his influence in the city.

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Henry and Liam stood outside the house, gearing up for their mission. The tension in the air was palpable, but they shared a determined look.

Henry looked at Liam and said, "Ready to do this?"

Liam's eyes glowed amber, and his fangs made an appearance. He flashed a confident grin. "Couldn't be more ready."

With a nod, Henry got to work. He spread vervain ash around the house, creating a protective boundary. He muttered incantations, silencing the surroundings to keep their actions concealed.

As he finished the spells, he turned to Liam. "Alright, spellwork's done. We can go in now."

Henry and Liam stepped into the house, the woman's blood still dripping from her neck. Using a little magical persuasion, Henry politely asked her to invite them in, and she responded with a dazed, "Come in."

Henry cast a quick spell as they entered, rendering the woman unconscious. He then let out a yell, announcing their presence.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are," Henry called out casually but tauntingly.

Turning to Liam, he gave a nod of encouragement. "Liam, head upstairs, and don't be afraid to bite," he instructed. Liam, his eyes glowing amber, swiftly made his way upstairs and dispatched the vampires lurking there, leaving no room for hesitation.

As Henry and Liam took control of the situation, one vampire was left alive, and Henry had something different in mind for him. "I've kept one alive," Henry remarked to Liam, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I want to try a dark spell on him."

With a sly grin firmly gripping the man's face, Henry remarked, "Too bad you're quite handsome."

"Vérité, révèle-toi, Les secrets obscures, montre-toi," Chanted as the dark veins snaked from Henry's hands to the man's face and then spread throughout his body; the vampire's eyes widened in terror. He struggled to resist, but the magic was relentless.

With the vampire under his control, Henry asked, "Why did you attack the Paxton pack? They weren't in the quarter, so why?"

The vampire, under Henry's control, trembled as he answered, "Marcel... ordered it. Said we needed to expand our territory."

Henry's expression turned colder as he questioned further, "And why did Marcel want that?"

The vampire hesitated, fearing Henry's magical grasp, then admitted, "He... said it was to weaken the Paxton pack. Create chaos."

With the vampire's obedience secured, Henry ordered Liam to take the final step. "Liam, rip out his heart," he instructed,

Liam nodded, his eyes flashing amber once more as he lunged at the vampire, brutally tearing out his heart swiftly and violently. The vampire's lifeless body fell to the floor, blood pooling around him.

"Let's clean this up and get out of here," Henry said, making Liam take the women outside.

Henry went behind the oven and released the gas, ensuring they were safe from the house. He then chanted, "Magnus ignis," in an explosive burst of flames, the entire house ignited in a blazing inferno.

As they made their way home, Henry glanced at Liam with a mixture of satisfaction and anticipation. "That was quite the successful evening, wouldn't you say, Liam?"

Liam, still carrying the memory of their brutal actions, nodded in agreement. "Successful, yes. But I can't say it doesn't leave a strange feeling behind, Henry."

Henry chuckled softly. "We're not in the business of rainbows and unicorns, Liam. We're in the business of survival and power."

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Henry made his way up to the attic of St. Ann's Church, intrigued by Davina's request to meet someone. As he entered the attic with Liam trailing behind him, he couldn't help but wonder who Davina had in mind.

"So, who did you want to introduce me to?" Henry inquired as he stepped further into the attic, glancing around the dimly lit space.

Davina smiled and gestured toward a young man who was standing nearby. "This is Josh, my best friend and vampire protector," she introduced.

Henry extended his hand in a friendly gesture. "Nice to meet you, Josh," he said politely.

Josh accepted Henry's hand and shook it firmly. "Likewise," he replied with a friendly nod.

Davina said, "Josh has been helping me here in New Orleans. He's a good guy to have on our side."

Henry nodded in agreement. "Good to know. We can always use more allies, especially in a city like this."

"So why did you call me any way Josh is friendly and all, but this could have been done over face time," Henry said

"Okay, you got me; my friend Cami is constantly being compelled, and she came to me for help. I was wondering if you could help remove the compulsions," Davina responded.

Henry nodded, "Compelled humans can be a real problem, especially if they're close to us. I can certainly try to help. Just let me know when and where, and we'll see what we can do."

"How about here and now, shes on her way."