Dark Heart , Mystic Ties

2.𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚

Emersyn lay unconscious in the back seat of the car, her face serene and undisturbed.

"So, what are we going to do with her when she wakes up" Stefan asked.

His eyes flickering with concern as he glanced at the sleeping Emersyn.

Klaus kept his gaze forward, his jaw set with determination. "You heard me earlier , Stefan. I don't like to repeat myself."

Stefan frowned, confusion furrowing his brow. "You know, it's really your thing to kidnap whomever you want, but her?Why?"

Klaus turned his head slightly, his expression resolute. "Stefan, I need every possible way to achieve my goal."

Stefan looked back at Emersyn, then out the car window. His eyes were troubled , knowing deep down that Klaus would eventually kill her or worse.

She didn't deserve an ending like that-she was innocent, just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He needed to find a way to keep her safe from Klaus.

His thoughts were interrupted as the car came to a stop. They both got out,the cool night air brushing against their faces.

"Welcome to Chicago, Stefan," Klaus said, a slight smile playing on his lips ashe slid open a wooden door.

"What are we doing here?" Stefan asked,his arms crossed defensively.

Klaus grinned, nostalgia gleaming in his eyes. "I know how much you loved it here . Bringing back memories of the old Ripper days."

Stefan's expression darkened. "Mostly blacked out," he replied tersely. "Just tell me why we're here. It can't be just about triggering my memories."

Klaus chuckled, a glint of  amusement in his eyes. "We're going to see my favorite witch. If anyone can help us with our hybrid problem--and with the witch we have now-it's her."

Stefan's jaw tightened. "Why am I still with you? We had fun, your hybrids failed . Don't you want to move on?"

Klaus gestured towards the door, his demeanor calm and assured. "She can help us."

After a short drive, they arrived at a dim , quiet, and empty bar. Klaus gestured broadly. "Looks familiar, doesn't it?" he said with a knowing smile.

Stefan walked further in, taking a look around the bar, nostalgia and disbelief mingling on his face. "l can't believe this place is still here."

"You've got to be kidding me," said a voice from the right. It was Gloria, the bartender, a knowing smile tugging at herl ips as she crossed her arms.

Klaus grinned widely. "So, a hybrid walks into a bar, says to the bartender..."

"Stop," Gloria interrupted, a wry smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"You may be invincible, but that doesn't make you funny." Her eyes turned to Stefan, and she nodded in recognition. "I remember you."

Stefan nodded back, an amused smile softening his features. "Yeah. You're Gloria. Shouldn't you be....."

"Old and dead?" Gloria laughed, her eyes twinkling. "Now if lI die, who's going to run this place, huh?"

Klaus leaned against the bar, his

expression smug. "Gloria's a very powerful witch," he explained to Stefan."She can slow the aging down with herbs and spells. But don't worry, it'll catch up to her one day."

Klaus then turned to Stefan, his tone light "Stefan, why don't you fix us up a little something from behind the bar?"

"Yeah, sure thing," Stefan agreed, moving behind the bar with a resigned shrug.