Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Chapter 117

The happiness in the room was short-lived when Anthony's call came through, shattering the moment of warmth.

His voice was tense as he informed Kai of an imminent threat. Joshua was preparing to strike, and this time, he was ready.

Kai's face fell, his expression darkening as the weight of reality set in. The carefree atmosphere of moments before evaporated, replaced by a heavy silence.

Guilt settled over Kai like a storm cloud, his mind racing with the dangers that lay ahead. In the past, he wouldn't have cared about the consequences-he had lived recklessly, without thought for anyone but himself. But now, everything was different. He had so much more to lose.

The stakes were no longer just his own life. His children's safety was on the line, as well as Jo's twins, and the future of his coven.

He glanced at Estrella, her face pensive, lips pressed together as her mind churned with her own worries. She remained silent, though her presence alone spoke volumes about the depth of her concerns.

Kai bid the twins goodbye, his tone softer, more deliberate. There was a heaviness to his movements as he prepared to leave, knowing the dangers that awaited him.

His first stop was elsewhere, somewhere he needed to go alone. But Estrella, always stubborn, insisted on accompanying him. She refused to be left behind, her determination unwavering despite the danger.

They arrived at Whitmore in the early hours of the morning, the campus eerily quiet under the pale dawn light. Kai wasted no time.

He had a mission to complete, and this time, he needed to do it without anyone by his side. Estrella, sensing his resolve, stayed behind, realizing this was something Kai needed to face alone.

When she knocked on the door of Salvatore house, she was greeted with an enthusiastic hug. "Ella, you're here!" Caroline exclaimed, still holding onto her. "Is something wrong?"

Her bright smile faded slightly as she looked at Estrella, sensing the tension behind her friend's smile.

Estrella shook her head as Lexi, Stefan, and Damon appeared from the hallway, drawn by Caroline's voice.

Stefan reached her first, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace, while Damon stood back, scrutinizing the door for signs of twins or the others.

"They didn't come," Estrella said before anyone could ask. "Noah and Oliver stayed with the twins."

Damon gave a small nod, his face betraying a mix of relief and curiosity. "Well, it's good to see you, Estrella," he said awkwardly, his usual bravado subdued.

Estrella returned the greeting with a small, polite smile, her hair turning a soft pink as Lexi hugged her, giving her a knowing look.

As they settled in, Estrella explained the reason for her visit, sharing that she and Kai were heading to Portland to face the growing threat Joshua posed.

Damon, ever the cynic, couldn't resist a comment. "Well, at least it's quiet here in Mystic Falls. Let's hope it stays that way."

Caroline's eyes narrowed, and before he could finish his thought, she grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. "Don't jinx it, Damon! Not before my wedding."

Stefan chuckled, catching the pillow as it sailed past. "Our wedding, you mean," he corrected, pulling Caroline into his arms with a grin. The playful banter between the couple brought a fleeting smile to Estrella's face.

As a brief distraction from the looming threat, Estrella handed over the gifts she and Kai had brought for the twins. Caroline's face softened in appreciation as she took the brightly wrapped presents.