The Rarest Rose

The Last Dance

Katherine woke with a start, her eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room. A warlock stood at the center, casting a spell upon a figure seated in a chair. Her heart raced as she took in the scene—the eerie glow of arcane symbols, the two vases—one brimming with blood, the other toppled and empty.

Across the room, seated with an air of regal composure, was a woman whose strawberry blonde hair and intense hazel eyes observed the unfolding drama with unnerving calmness. Katherine couldn't help but wonder who she was and what role she played in this surreal tableau.

As Katherine moved to rise, her hand darted up to her neck to find Elena's necklace gone. Confusion gripped her as she realized it was Alaric seated in the chair. His eyes flickered open, meeting hers briefly before he stood. The warlock bent in deference as Alaric approached the elegant woman and gently kissed her forehead. She acknowledged him with a serene smile, but when Alaric turned and locked eyes with Katherine, a chill ran down her spine.

"Alaric?" Katherine's voice trembled, her mind racing with questions and fear.

A sinister smile twisted Alaric's features. Katherine rushed towards the door, only to find an invisible barrier blocking her escape. Alaric approached her as he spoke in a Slavic accent. His voice cut through the tension like a knife.

"Zdravei, Katerina," he greeted her, his hands reaching out to cradle her face.

"I have missed you," Alaric whispered, his voice laced with menace.

"Klaus!" Katherine gasped, recognizing the true identity behind the guise.

Klaus's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous intensity that matched the darkness descending upon the room. He put an arm around Katherine's shoulder's, guiding her back into the room. "Ah, it's so nice to be recognized, even when I'm wearing someone else's face."

He then points to Juliet. "And that beautiful lady over there, is the ever-lovely Juliet." Juliet wiggles her fingers at Katherine. "Now. We have much to do." he said, before shoving Katherine back into her seat.

Later, Alaric/Klaus opened the closet and pulled out two shirts. Juliet sat on the sofa, legs crossed, reading a magazine that looked strange and unfamiliar to Katherine, (The Quibbler) who was tied up and watching from her constrained position.

"Oh! Who is this guy, Safari Sam?" Alaric/Klaus exclaimed, holding up the shirts for Juliet's opinion. "Okay, bad, or Badder?"

Juliet glanced up, assessing the options. "The dark colors suit you better."

Alaric/Klaus smiled warmly at her. "Oh, thank you, my flower," he said, turning his attention to Katherine. "Okay, pop quiz. The dagger and white ash are in the Salvatores' possession, correct?"

"The dagger was used to kill Elijah. You'll find him in the basement of the Salvatore house," Katherine replied.

Alaric/Klaus looked to Juliet. "Do you think you can look into that?"

Juliet's eyes took on a distant look before she grinned. "I think I have an idea about that."

Katherine, feeling out of the loop and irritated, attempted to sow discord between Klaus and Juliet. "Don't forget you're on the outs with your girlfriend Jenna," she said smugly.

Juliet raised an eyebrow. "Elena's aunt. For all the lies about Isobel, right? Is that it?"

Katherine pouted slightly as Juliet's question deflated her attempt. Klaus, meanwhile, silently enjoyed Juliet's handling of the situation.

"That's it," Katherine confirmed.

Klaus moved closer, touching Katherine's face, and she recoiled in fear. "Oh, so jumpy," he remarked.