“I’ve waited a long time to fight you, monster, and I’d hate to let a petty alliance get in the way of my life’s work. Let me make you a counter-offer: If I can best you in single combat, we win our lands back and you go on your way. If you can defeat me, I’ll bring my army to your war.”

Elijah smiled, shaking his own shoulders loose....If that’s what the werewolf wanted, Elijah wasn’t one to turn down a fight. “I accept your terms.”

William struck with stunning speed, and then was out of Elijah’s reach as soon as his first blow had hit home. The werewolves roared their approval, but it was short-lived. The Pack leader was fast and well-trained, but he couldn’t hold his own for long against an Original vampire.

Elijah feinted at his adversary’s head before landing a blow to his stomach. William was knocked off his feet, but he spun in the air and landed in a crouch, kicking off hard against the grass to drive his fist into Elijah’s throat.

Elijah saw stars for a moment, but his other senses kept reporting William’s movements back to him. He caught the werewolf’s arm and threw him, hearing a thud and the breath knocked out of William.

Part of him was tempted to hesitate, to give the wolf a chance to take some measure of the revenge his family was owed. But to earn the Pack’s respect Elijah needed to win. He spun and pounced, pinning the man to the ground and baring his fangs. He stopped less than an inch from his opponent’s throat, watching the yellow in his eyes fade back to clear blue.

“My father is turning in his grave,” William grunted, resisting for a moment and then allowing his shoulders to sag back against the dirt.

Elijah stood and offered his hand, and this time, William didn’t hesitate in taking it. The werewolves howled and cheered, every bit as enthusiastic as if their leader had won. In a way he had, Elijah supposed—he had faced off against a Mikaelson and lived to tell about it.

- The Originals: The Loss, Chapter 24