Veil of Vengeance: A Mystic Falls Tale [ Elijah Mikaelson

Chapter 18: The unveiled secrecy

Damon and Isabella settled into a corner booth at the Mystic Grill, ready to enjoy a quiet drink together. The dimly lit atmosphere provided them with the perfect backdrop for their conversations. They were about to raise their glasses when Mason Lockwood approached their table with a friendly smile.

"Hey there, you two," Mason greeted them. His casual demeanor made him seem more approachable than before.

Isabella couldn't resist offering a few flirtatious comments. "Well, well, if it isn't the handsome Mason Lockwood. You always seem to show up at just the right time."

Mason laughed off Isabella's remarks and took a seat at their table. He wasted no time and ordered drinks for the trio. When the drinks arrived, he handed one to Isabella and one to Damon.

Isabella subtly sniffed her drink, immediately detecting the presence of vervain. She placed the cup back on the table, a mischievous smirk forming on her lips. Her eyes locked onto Mason's as she reveled in his surprise.

Meanwhile, Damon, oblivious to the vervain, sarcastically thanked Mason for the drink and took a hearty gulp. His face twisted in disgust as he realized what he had just consumed, muttering the word "vervain."

Isabella couldn't help but chuckle at Damon's predicament. She began to clap her hands slowly, a mocking applause for Mason. "Bravo, Mason! You've successfully figured out our little secret. Adding vervain to a lady's drink, how rude!"

Damon, now recovered from the unpleasant burn of vervain, stood up with fury in his eyes. "I'm going to kill that Lockwood dog!"

Isabella quickly pushed Damon back into his seat, rolling her eyes at his impulsive reaction. "Sit down, Damon. We don't need a scene."

Reluctantly, Damon obeyed and sat back down, though he continued to grumble under his breath about Mason.

Isabella leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I assume Katherine was the one who tipped you off, Mason."

Mason's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of Katherine. He nodded slowly and asked, "How do you know Katherine?"

Isabella chuckled, deciding to reveal just a little. "Damon here," she nodded toward her companion, "was her former lover, and I, well, let's just say I was her partner in crime."

There Isabella sighs "but let's not use the K word here" with that Isabella made her way to the bar, a sultry smile playing on her lips as she leaned against it. She flashed a flirtatious grin at the bartender, who couldn't help but be captivated by her charm.

"Can I get a bottle of bourbon, darling?" she purred, her eyes never leaving the bartender's.

The bartender nodded, seemingly entranced by Isabella, and fetched a bottle of bourbon. Isabella paid for it and returned to the table, where Damon and Mason were waiting.

She poured drinks for the two men and handed them their glasses. "Here's to a Katherine-free day," Isabella declared, raising her glass with a smirk.

They clinked their glasses together, and Isabella took a long sip, relishing the warmth of the bourbon as it slid down her throat. She couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Damon and Mason, despite their differences.

As they continued to chat and enjoy their drinks, Isabella's mind wandered back to Katherine's request regarding the moonstone. She hadn't made up her mind yet, torn between helping Katherine and protecting her newfound friends in Mystic Falls.

Isabella finished her drink and set the glass down with a sigh. "You know, boys," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "we could always make this night more interesting. How about a little... adventure?"