Bound in the Shadows / TVD N.M

🦋~° 5 °~🦋

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Liora

The living room of the Salvatore residence was crowded with stupid people and ugly faces. Stefan and the doppelgänger sat on the sofa, the Bennett witch lounged in the armchair, while Damon Salvatore paced back and forth with a fine glass of bourbon in hand. All of them were deeply focused, trying to figure out what to do about Klaus's arrival.

Unbeknownst to them, Alaric—or rather "Klaric" (Klaus possessing Alaric's body)—was lounging on the second sofa, leaning against the armrest, quietly enjoying the spectacle. They were completely oblivious to the changed behavior of their so-called friend, teacher, and drinking companion.

And then, there's me. Sitting on the carpet, stretching out and soaking in the warmth I feel when I'm around Niklaus. It's this overwhelming sense of completeness, warmth, and love... even though he doesn't know he gives that to me. But something always feels off, like a piece of me is missing—trapped in a cage, quietly begging to be set free.

"Klaus made his first move," Damon said, taking another sip of his bourbon. "Showed up at the school, spying on Elena, compelling some girl to invite her to the decade dance." He finished off the glass, the last drop of golden liquor disappearing. "I told you it was too dangerous to keep going to school, but no one listens to me."

Elena sat there, looking like a kicked puppy. As if she wasn't basking in the attention of the Salvatore brothers—two lovesick fools doting on her every breath, just like they did a hundred years ago with the same face, the same girl. It's always the doppelgängers, stringing along everyone's feelings, treating them as if they mean nothing.

"We couldn't have known when Klaus would make his move. This just shows how much he enjoys toying with his prey. It doesn't mean Elena has to stop living her life," Stefan added. Always the good brother, never willing to voice his real thoughts—like how reckless and stupid Elena was for pretending Klaus didn't exist, ignoring the danger. Deep down, if he had the choice, Stefan would take her and run far away. But he couldn't steal her freedom, her ability to choose.

Damon, on the other hand, was the polar opposite. Controlling, bloodthirsty, and obsessed with keeping Elena safe at any cost. He shot Stefan a glare, dismissing his words before they were even fully spoken. "Ric, you need to put me down as a chaperone for the school dance. We go together. Best if Elena stays here, and we tell this Klaus guy to get the hell out of town."

Klaric nodded to Damon and glanced at Stefan. "And then what? Politely ask him to leave? We're talking about the oldest vampire in existence. A myth. No one even knows what he really looks like. How exactly do you plan to beat him?"

As Stefan's words hung in the air, the Bennett witch interrupted. "With me. You'll beat him with me. I carry the power of a thousand witches. Hundreds of my ancestors passed their strength down to me just for this. I am the weapon you need," she declared with full confidence.

"Of course. And we're supposed to believe one little witch can defe—" Before Damon could finish, he was flung across the room, slamming into the wall with a loud thud, collapsing to the ground in a heap.

I burst out laughing, throwing my hands in the air. Maybe the Bennett witch wasn't as useless as I thought. "Believe me, I can do it," she snapped, her eyes blazing with determination. "I'll destroy Klaus for even thinking he could use Elena to break this curse. He won't get away with it." Bonnie's gaze swept across the room, daring anyone to question her abilities.

I saw it then—a flicker of recognition in Klaus's eyes. He could see the truth. This witch was more powerful than he expected. She was a real threat, and he knew she had to be dealt with if his plans were to succeed.