10th Century – The BeginningCold air slapped his skin. Loud crying filled his ears—not his own, though his new lungs tried.Ayana, the Bennett witch, was holding a newborn out to Mikael. A second infant—him—lay swaddled nearby. Ben blinked up at the world from brand-new eyes, taking in the rough cabin ceiling, the flickering fire, Ayana's tired but focused face. She glanced at him, and something sharp crossed her expression.She knew something was strange.Mikael, towering and stern, took the first baby—Niklaus—with a grunt.
Then Ayana turned and liftedhim."This one," she said softly, "is… unusual."Ben—now Viktor—felt her magic brush his skin. It tingled, and instinctively, he wanted to pull it in, siphon it, devour it. But he forced himself still. If he slipped even once, he'd be exposed.Mikael reached for him next. For a moment, the warrior's harsh features softened."Finally," Mikael declared, holding him up like a trophy, "a son with the makings of a warrior!"He barely glanced at the other crying infant.
Ayana frowned, but said nothing."Your name is Viktor Mikaelson," Mikael announced proudly. "And you will be strong."Esther lay on the bed, exhausted but smiling faintly at them both. She motioned weakly."Let me see them."Mikael placed Viktor and Niklaus against her chest. She held them with shaky arms, brushing their tiny heads with her thumb. "My boys," she whispered. "You will be the future of this family."And Viktor—Ben—made a silent promise. Not if you ruin it first.