CHAOS BACK AGAIN

10

Elijah 

Elijah stood at the top of the grand staircase, his posture impeccable as he observed the guests entering the Mikaelson mansion. The grand hall below was filled with a sense of anticipation, the air thick with tension and curiosity. Elijah's eyes, sharp and discerning, moved over each newcomer, his centuries of experience allowing him to assess them with a single glance. He felt a mix of wariness and intrigue; this was no ordinary gathering. Tonight, the Mikaelson family had chosen to invite the supernatural community of Beacon Hills and Mystic Falls under one roof a potentially volatile combination.

Beside him, Kol was in his element. He leaned casually against the railing, his posture relaxed, but his eyes were alive with mischief and a certain predatory glint. He pointed out individuals as they entered, his voice a low, conspiratorial murmur. "There's a pack of werewolves here," he began, his tone almost amused. "Not the cursed ones we're used to dealing with. These wolves are different their kind is far more dangerous. While cursed wolves are bound to the full moon, these," Kol gestured subtly toward a group entering the hall, "can transform whenever they please. No restrictions."

Elijah nodded, processing the information. His gaze followed Kol's finger to a man in his early forties, who entered with a firm, authoritative stride. "That man," Kol continued, his voice dropping to a more hushed tone, "is the Sheriff of Beacon Hills. His name is Noah Stilinski. The interesting part, however, is not him but his son."

Elijah arched an eyebrow, intrigued. Before he could ask Kol to elaborate, Rebekah appeared behind them, her presence as always a mixture of grace and sharpness. She leaned slightly toward Kol, a smirk playing on her lips. "His son is your special guest, isn't he, Kol?" she asked, her tone light but her eyes probing.

Kol didn't answer immediately; instead, a sly smile spread across his face. He enjoyed being enigmatic, especially when it involved stirring up his siblings' curiosity. Elijah, however, was not so easily distracted. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Kol's expression. A special guest? Kol was always up to something, and this time, it seemed to involve the Sheriff's son. Elijah made a mental note to learn more about this boy, sensing there was more to the story than Kol was letting on.

His thoughts were interrupted by the entrance of another group. The Mystic Falls contingent had arrived, and Elijah's eyes instantly locked onto them. Damon, Stefan, Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline all familiar faces, each with their own history with the Mikaelsons. But it was Klaus who drew Elijah's attention next. He saw his brother break away from his position and move through the crowd with purpose, his eyes locked onto Caroline. There was a softness in Klaus's expression, a rare glimpse of vulnerability that few ever saw.

Kol chuckled beside him, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama. "It's amusing, isn't it?" Kol remarked, his tone dripping with amusement. "Nik taunts you about love, yet look at him now completely captivated by her. It's almost... touching, in a way." He shot a glance at Elijah, a teasing grin on his face. "But don't give me that look, brother. You know I'm only speaking the truth."

Elijah let out a weary sigh, his gaze never leaving Klaus and Caroline. "Honesty from you is a rare thing, Kol," he replied, his tone measured. "And it's a truth we're all aware of. Love makes fools of us all."

Kol laughed softly, enjoying the banter. "Ah, but we Mikaelsons have always been fools when it comes to matters of the heart. You more than anyone, Elijah."

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Kol