Veil of Vengeance: A Mystic Falls Tale [ Elijah Mikaelson

Chapter 22: [Flashback]

[AUTHOR NOTE: I know many people arent reading this TTT (so sad) but this chapter took a long time to write... hope you enjoys]

In the year 1400, Isabella stood by her brother Alexei, saying goodbye to him as he prepared to leave for his mysterious work. She wore a playful expression, curiosity dancing in her eyes. "Why can't I ever go with you to your work?" she inquired.

Alexei gently stroked her hair, his voice laced with concern. "It's dangerous, Bell. I don't want you to be in harm's way."

Isabella pouted and playfully crossed her arms. "Oh, come on, Lex! I'm old enough to take care of myself."

Alexei chuckled at his sister's determination and bent down to give her a loving kiss on the forehead. "Alright, Bells. Just be careful while I'm gone."

As the flashback ended, Isabella found herself to a new one, preparing to venture into the forest to gather mushrooms for a special dinner she wanted to cook for her brother. She never fully understood what her brother had been working on all those years, but she had always cherished the life they had together.

Isabella wandered up the mountain, collecting mushrooms along the way. Her thoughts drifted back to her parents, whom she had never truly known due to their tragic demise when she was just an infant. Yet, Alexei had painted beautiful pictures of their love and kindness through stories.

As Isabella plucked mushrooms, she heard a noise and swiftly turned to find a man standing before her. She let out a startled gasp. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

The man immediately apologized, his voice soothing. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

Isabella grinned, her curiosity piqued. "I've never seen you around here before. Are you new?"

The man shook his head, a small smile forming. "No, I've lived here for quite some time."

Isabella extended her hand, introducing herself. "Well, I'm Isabella."

The man took her hand gracefully and planted a chaste kiss on it. "A pleasure to meet you, Isabella. I'm Elijah."

Blushing slightly, Isabella playfully teased, "You're quite the gentleman, aren't you?"

the sun began to dip below the horizon, Isabella grew conscious of the encroaching darkness. "I should start heading back now. There have been reports of animal attacks lately."

Elijah chuckled, his demeanor chivalrous. "May I accompany you? It would be remiss of a gentleman to let a lady walk home alone."

Isabella's laughter filled the air as she agreed, and together they made their way back to her home. Upon reaching the cottage, Isabella turned to Elijah, gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you for accompanying me," she said, curtsying playfully.

The charming stranger tipped an imaginary hat. "It was my pleasure, Isabella."

As she entered her home, Isabella couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious Elijah. Little did she know that their paths would cross again in the future, and their lives would become intricately intertwined.

***

In a new flashback, Isabella reminisced about the day she had decided to surprise her brother, Alexei, at his workplace despite his strict warnings to stay away. It was his birthday, and she had prepared a delicious lunch as a special treat.

Isabella had followed her instincts and soon found herself standing before an awe-inspiring castle. It was a grand structure, unlike anything she had ever seen before. Determined to find her brother and make his birthday memorable, she ventured deeper into the castle's interior.