Capital Letters

three

Nathan settled onto the couch beside Aria, their collective focus on the impending discussion with Alaric, Stefan, and Elena. The atmosphere in the living room was tense, marked by an air of anticipation as they waited for Ric's arrival. Caroline's revelation as a vampire had shifted their priorities, redirecting their attention to the enigmatic Lockwood family and the mysterious secrets that surrounded them.

The Lockwoods, while not vampires, were undeniably something beyond ordinary, and understanding their nature had become paramount. They hoped Alaric could illuminate the obscure corners of Isobel's research, shedding light on the family's enigmatic background.

"Elena mentioned you needed my help," Ric says, walking into the house with Damon, and seeing all of them in the living room.

Stefan addressed him, their purpose clear. "Yeah. We were, uh, hoping you could help shed some light on the Lockwood family."

Alaric raised a quizzical eyebrow in response, genuinely puzzled. "Now, why would I know anything about the Lockwoods?"

Damon chimed in, his tone laced with sardonic humour. "Well, you wouldn't. But you dead-not-dead vampire wife might."

Elena provided context, sharing information about Isobel's research during her time at Duke. "Isobel's research from when you guys were at Duke together."

Stefan added further weight to their inquiry. "You said that she had spent years researching this town."

Alaric released a resigned sigh, as if grappling with the memories of Isobel's work. "Isobel's research here in Mystic Falls was rooted in folklore and legend. At the time, I thought most of which was fiction."

Nathan offered a thoughtful hum, his mind reeling with the implications. "Yeah, like the vampire story."

Elena probed deeper, seeking any additional revelations. "Aside from vampires, what else?"

"The lycanthrope," Alaric answered.

Nathan's jaw practically hit the floor, his eyes darting between his brothers and Aria. It seemed inconceivable, and yet it was the very topic of discussion at the carnival. "Are you serious? Like werewolves?"

Damon, ever the cynic, expressed skepticism. "No way. Impossible. Way too Lon Chaney."

Aria interjected with a touch of irony, her voice tinged with the absurdity of their supernatural reality. "Uh, we're all vampires. I was locked in a tomb spelled by a witch. Elena is the literal doppelganger of the evil bitch that put me there. Why don't we just add werewolves to the list?"

Damon shifted his gaze toward her, his tone tinged with curiosity. "I've been on this planet for 160-some-odd years, never come across one. If werewolves exist, where the hell are they?"

Alaric regarded them with a furrowed brow, his curiosity piqued by their collective suspicion of the Lockwoods. "Why do you suspect the Lockwoods?" he inquired, his gaze shifting from one to the other.

Nathan took the lead in responding, his voice calm and measured. "Well, because vervain didn't affect the mayor on Founders Day, but the Gilbert device did. And it affected Tyler, his son."

Stefan supplemented the explanation with additional evidence. "And at the school carnival, his Uncle Mason exhibited inhuman behaviour when he fought one of the carnival workers. It suggested some sort of supernatural entity."

Elena leaned forward on the couch, her eyes filled with determination as she sought answers. "We were hoping that Isobel's research could help us figure out what it is."

Alaric cleared his throat before offering a response. "Well, all of her things are still at Duke," he began, his tone tinged with uncertainty. "I mean, her office is still there. She's technically still missing."