ꜱᴀᴠɪᴏʀ ᴷˡᵃᵘˢ ᴹⁱᵏᵃᵉˡˢᵒⁿ

XX.

Isabella was lounging on the couch in her living room, sipping from a blood bag, when Rebekah descended the stairs with a mischievous glint in her eye. She wiggled her eyebrows playfully as she handed Isabella her phone. "My brother wants to talk to you," she announced.

Isabella's eyes lit up with excitement. "Elijah's alive?" she asked eagerly.

Rebekah's expression softened with a hint of sadness. "I wish," she replied, shaking her head. "It's Nik."

Isabella's excitement didn't change as she took the phone, a smirk playing on her lips. "What's up, Nik?" she greeted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Missing me already?"

Klaus's voice came through the phone, equally sarcastic. "Always a pleasure to talk to you, Bella."

Isabella chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, I'm surprised you even know how to use a phone, given your age. Do you need me to explain how it works?"

Klaus's laughter resonated through the phone. "Oh, Bella, your sense of humor is as sharp as ever. I assure you, I've kept up with the times, despite my advanced years."

"Are you okay?" Klaus asked, his tone turning more serious.

Isabella sighed, rolling her eyes. "Just Stefan being a dick. He's more insufferable than usual."

Klaus's voice softened with genuine concern. "As soon as I return to town, I'll compel Stefan to turn his humanity back on."

"Really?" Isabella asked, her tone softening with hope.

"Really," Klaus affirmed. "You deserve a break from all this chaos."

Isabella felt a warm flutter in her chest, her smirk turning into a genuine smile. "Thanks, Nik. That means a lot."

"Anything for you, Bella," Klaus replied warmly.

Rebekah, still observing, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction seeing the connection between her brother and Isabella. As Isabella hung up, she handed the phone back to Rebekah, who gave her a knowing look.

"See? He does care," Rebekah said, nudging Isabella playfully.

Isabella rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile.