Force of Gravity • NM

•10•

Time skip 

As the Mystic Falls drama continued to unravel, Damon wrestled with his instinct to protect Naira, even though she had made a compelling argument the night before.Naira had confronted him in a rare burst of anger, her arms crossed as she faced Damon. "You were bitten, Damon," she accused. "You were dying. And you didn't tell me?"

Damon raised his hands defensively, a guilty look passing over his face. "I didn't want you to worry, and it was handled. I'm still here, aren't I?"

"Katherine told me," she pressed, her voice softening but still hurt. "I could have healed you."Damon's expression softened at her concern. "Fine," he relented, trying to sound nonchalant as he moved a protective hand to her shoulder. "Go find Stefan and get him back. But you call me, or Katherine, if anything—anything—goes wrong. Got it?"

She nodded, pulling him into a hug. "Promise," she whispered.

Before she left, Damon introduced her to the rest of the "Scooby Gang"—Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline. They clicked instantly, with Naira's warmth and openness drawing them in, her easy laughter lifting their spirits. She even spent a few hours with Bonnie, discussing different magical practices, which Bonnie found fascinating. As they got to know each other, Naira felt a sense of acceptance, feeling a little like she was already part of a new family.
The next morning, she set off with Katherine, who seemed reluctant but amused at the same time. Katherine's eyes narrowed as she explained Klaus's history, her voice lowering as she described each family member with care and precision. Naira listened intently, piecing together the complex web of alliances and betrayals.

"Klaus is dangerous," Katherine warned her. "He's controlled, driven—and you must remember, he doesn't think like the rest of us. He doesn't think in terms of 'right' and 'wrong,' but in terms of what he wants and what stands in his way."

"But there's more to him, isn't there?" Naira asked quietly, her curiosity piqued.Katherine shot her a sharp look, but a small smirk pulled at her lips. "Perhaps. But remember, don't get drawn in by that. Klaus sees what he wants to see."
Finally, Naira reached Gloria's bar, her pulse quickening as she scanned the dimly lit room. There, sitting at a booth with a blonde she instantly recognized as Rebekah and the tall figure of Klaus, was Stefan. The moment his eyes landed on her, he froze, a mix of shock and relief washing over his face. Without hesitation, he stood, crossing the room in long strides, and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Naira... what are you doing here?" he whispered, his voice filled with a protective edge.

"You left without saying goodbye," she replied softly, her eyes holding his. "You don't get to shut me out, Stefan. I'm here to help."

Stefan sighed, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "You always were the stubborn one."

Rebekah, watching the scene unfold, looked between the two, curiosity sparking in her eyes as she observed the newcomer's gentle demeanor and the way Stefan's typically hardened expression softened."So, who's this?" Rebekah asked, tilting her head with a mix of suspicion and intrigue.

Klaus, on the other hand, remained silent, his gaze sharpening as he took in Naira's presence. His initial surprise shifted quickly into something more unreadable, yet distinctly attentive. He recognized her—the girl from the woods, the one who had healed his wolf form with such tenderness and kindness.

Stefan's arm remained protectively around Naira as he introduced her. "This is Naira, my sister." His voice was firm, a subtle warning to Klaus.

Naira offered Rebekah a warm smile, something in her gaze reaching the hardened vampire in a way that seemed to catch her off-guard. "It's nice to meet you," Naira said genuinely, her natural kindness showing through. "You must be Stefan's friend."

Rebekah blinked, unused to such sincerity, and for a moment, her usual sarcasm faltered. "Friends, right, I am Rebekah.....Klaus's sister" she muttered, though the hint of a smile betrayed her amusement.

Klaus watched the exchange with a careful expression, his curiosity piqued by the ease with which Naira disarmed those around her. As he observed her, he felt a tug of something unexpected—a mixture of intrigue and respect for her gentle yet unwavering strength. There was a warmth to her, something different from the many calculating faces he'd seen over his centuries.

Naira turned to meet Klaus's intense gaze, feeling the weight of his presence. She acknowledged him with a nod, and a soft "Hi ", unflinching, which only seemed to amuse him further. To which he replied with his calm but intrigued " Hello love".

 Here was this girl who had tended to him without knowing who or what he was, and now she stood before him, fearless and determined.

Klaus smirked, his expression darkening with intrigue as he finally broke the silence. "It seems our dear Stefan's sister has a fire of her own."

Naira didn't waver, her gaze steady. "Fire can warm, or it can burn. It depends on how you handle it."Rebekah's surprised laugh cut through the tension. "I think I like her," she said with an approving nod.

The siblings exchanged glances, and Naira sensed the complex dynamic between them all—the alliances, the unspoken histories. But one thing was certain: she wasn't here to be an observer. She was here to protect her family, no matter what darkness lay ahead.