CHAOS BACK AGAIN

9

Kol

As Kol approached the mansion, his steps slowed, the outline of the stately estate looming over him like a shadow from his past. Its imposing structure seemed to mock him, a grim reminder of his own mistakes. The mansion, which had taken him hours to reach from the Glen Capri Hotel, now felt like hostile territory. He hesitated on the sidewalk, his chest tightening with anger. Why had he been so reckless? Why had he given Klaus the location of the mansion?

Kol's eyes scanned the scene in front of him. Klaus's minions were bustling about, clearing the garden of leaves and debris with an almost mechanical precision. Others were moving in and out of the house, hauling out old, dusty furniture and bringing in newer, more ostentatious pieces. It was as if the mansion was undergoing a transformation, reshaping itself into something that reflected Klaus's taste for grandeur and power. This wasn't the home it once was. It was becoming something entirely different—something that belonged to Klaus.

Straightening his shoulders, Kol forced his feet forward, climbing the steps to the front door. He shoved it open, the large oak door creaking in protest. The air inside was different; it smelled of fresh paint and new upholstery, mingling with the musty scent of old wood and dust.

As Kol entered the foyer, he heard Klaus's voice echoing through the hall, sharp and commanding. "I hope you've made some friends because we're having a party," Klaus declared, a sly smile playing at his lips. His tone was amused, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness that Kol didn't miss.

Kol halted, his anger momentarily giving way to confusion. He followed the sound of Klaus's voice to the plush living room, where Klaus stood with his arms spread wide, a glass of bourbon in his hand. His eyes were alight with a dangerous gleam, a mix of excitement and calculation that Kol knew all too well.

"A party?" Kol repeated, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Really, Nik? That's why you're here? To play the gracious host?"

Klaus's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Why not?" he replied coolly, taking a deliberate sip from his glass. "We have a beautiful new house. It would be a shame not to christen it with a little celebration, don't you think?"

Kol smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "And let me guess Rebekah's idea, was it? To make some new friends in this delightful little town?" He chuckled mockingly. "Or perhaps she's hoping to finally find a dance partner who won't die on her."

Klaus's expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. "Enough games, Kol. You know as well as I do that this is more than just a party. I want to know who resides in this wretched place, and who poses a threat to us."

Kol's smirk widened, his mind already calculating. "Oh, I'm sure you do, brother. And I'm sure you'll want a list of all the supernatural beings, the dangerous ones, the ones who might... pique your interest." He paused, his voice dropping to a mocking whisper. "Especially the ones with a pretty face, eh?"

Klaus's grip tightened around his glass, his knuckles whitening. "Precisely," he said, his voice edged with frustration. "And you will provide it. Or do I need to remind you of what happens when you defy me?"

Kol leaned back against the doorway, his posture casual, but his eyes were sharp, predatory. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of defying you, Nik. I just think you're going to have a rather... interesting reaction to one of them in particular." His voice was laced with a taunting tone, like he was playing a game only he understood.

Klaus frowned, suspicion flaring in his eyes. "What are you talking about?"

Kol's grin turned sly, almost taunting. "Oh, nothing much. Just a certain someone who has a face you might find... familiar." He relished the flicker of anger that flashed across Klaus's face, knowing he was walking a fine line but enjoying every second of it.