Force of Gravity • NM

•5•

Time skip

Years had passed since Damon had found Naira in the woods, abandoned and alone. Now, she was nearly a teenager, with her dark hair flowing down her back and her bright green eyes filled with a spark of curiosity and wisdom beyond her years. Her innocence was still there, but it was tempered by the strength and resilience she'd gained growing up with two vampire brothers. Naira was every bit a Salvatore—fierce, loyal, and loving. Her bond with Damon and Stefan had deepened, creating an unconventional yet fiercely protective family.

Damon adored her in his own mischievous way, often calling her "his kid" with an almost possessive pride. She was the one person who could bring out the softness in him, who he'd protected fiercely and taught to embrace the wild and carefree parts of herself. The sister he never knew he needed. Naira knew Damon wasn't perfect, and though he could be reckless and impulsive, she admired his fierce love and unbreakable loyalty to his family.

Stefan, on the other hand, was her grounding force. With him, she found guidance, understanding, and a deeper compassion. He was the one who helped her understand her unique connection to nature and her ability to heal, which grew with her emotions. They'd spent countless afternoons reading, discussing everything from human history to the complexities of their world, and Stefan's calming presence kept her anchored.Yet, beneath it all, Naira often felt the undercurrent of tension between her brothers. Their complex, unresolved feelings for Katherine, their shared love and rivalry, hung over their family like a shadow.One evening, as Naira walked through the hallway, she heard their voices—low and intense, with an edge of anger.

"She never loved you, Stefan!" Damon's voice was filled with bitterness. "You were a game to her. She only wanted what she couldn't have."Stefan's voice trembled, his frustration barely contained. "You don't get it, Damon! You're still blinded by whatever fantasy you've built around her. You think she cares about anyone but herself?"Naira's heart clenched, feeling the familiar ache as their words stung through the walls. They argued like this so often, and each time it hurt to feel her family coming undone over someone who wasn't even part of their lives anymore. The intensity of her emotions welled up, and she felt her magic stir, crackling through her like lightning, slipping beyond her control.Without a second thought, she bolted out of the house, her footsteps echoing in the night as she ran. 

She ended up at the small park nearby and slumped down on a bench, breathing heavily as she tried to calm the storm within her.

Sitting in the quiet, she barely noticed the figure approaching until a soft, sassy voice broke the silence."Now, Naira, running away doesn't seem like you."Naira looked up, her eyes widening in shock. Standing before her, with that familiar smirk and confident air, was Katherine Pierce. She looked the same as ever, with dark curls framing her face, her eyes sharp and assessing. Naira opened her mouth to say something, but no words came. She hadn't seen Katherine since....well she was dead! but she'd heard her brothers' endless stories with that picture and the heartache that had followed."Katherine...?" Naira's voice was barely a whisper, caught between awe and disbelief.Katherine smirked, crossing her arms as she took a seat beside Naira. "Surprised? I've been keeping an eye on you three, making sure you're all still breathing and don't have a stake through you—well, two of you at least." She chuckled, an unexpected warmth flashing in her eyes. "I see you've grown into quite the young lady, Naira. They've done well."

Naira looked down, unsure of what to say, and Katherine's smile softened, a rare hint of genuine kindness. She reached over, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind Naira's ear.Naira's voice was shaky as she finally found the words. "Why did you stay away?"Katherine's eyes grew distant, a flicker of regret crossing her face. "Because sometimes, Naira, distance is what you need to protect the people you love. Too many memories, too many wounds. But I've always cared for them... and for you, in my own way."

Katherine's tone softened, and for the first time, Naira could see a different side of her. There was no trace of the ruthless, calculating woman her brothers had described. Instead, she seemed almost... protective."Look, kid," Katherine continued, her voice surprisingly gentle, "I know it hurts to see them fight. But Damon and Stefan have to sort this out. My being there wouldn't help them. Maybe... maybe you can make them understand that they're better together."Naira bit her lip, the spark of an idea forming. "If you care about them, you should come back... at least for a little while. Just to remind them of who they are to each other."

Katherine's smile was bittersweet. "You know, you're a lot wiser than you look, calling you a kid would be wrong now, would it" She sighed, glancing up at the sky. "Alright, fine. Just for you, I'll pay them a visit. But don't think I'll be the one to clean up their mess." She shot Naira a playful wink.Naira's face lit up, and before Katherine could react, she hugged her tightly. Katherine, taken aback, laughed softly and gently returned the embrace.As they pulled away, Katherine looked her in the eyes. "Remember, little Salvatore, sometimes family needs space to heal... but sometimes, they just need a good reminder of what they stand to lose....and well a kick in the backside by the one and only ME!."With that, they both rose, and Naira led Katherine back toward the Salvatore house, a smile on her face, feeling the beginnings of hope stirring in her heart. Katherine was coming home, and maybe this time, they'd finally find the peace they'd all been searching for.