Force of Gravity • NM

•21•

Naira and Stefan arrived at the grand Mikaelson mansion, armed with a classic Monopoly board and bags of snacks. The sun was dipping low, casting a warm golden light on the house as they walked up the path, laughter already lighting Naira's face. She knocked on the door with a quick rhythm, and after a moment, Kol swung it open.

Kol's eyes fell to the Monopoly box and snacks, and a playful grin spread across his face. "Oh, it's board game night, then?" he said with a mischievous glint. "Where's the brooding bear? Not afraid of us, is he?"

Stefan smirked. "Something urgent came up. Besides, I think we can handle ourselves just fine without Damon."

Rebekah, hearing the commotion, appeared behind Kol and spotted Stefan. A smile softened her face, and she gave Naira a quick hug. "You brought snacks? And Kol agreed to play ? This is going to be good."

Klaus came into view, his expression shifting as he noticed Naira, a hint of warmth flickering in his usually steely gaze. "Is this some elaborate trick, or did you just want to beat us at family game night?"

"Well, we thought maybe you guys could use a little fun for a change," Naira said, smiling up at Klaus with a lighthearted grin.

The siblings gathered around the grand dining table as Monopoly took center stage. Elijah eyed the game with mild amusement. Finn looked hesitant but eventually agreed, largely thanks to Kol and Naira's gentle prodding. Everyone settled into their seats, and the game began with Naira as the banker—a strategic move, since her fairness was unquestionable.

The playful banter started almost immediately:

Kol scoffed as he landed on Boardwalk. "I'll take this one! If any of you land here, it's double trouble."Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Just remember, Kol, winning Monopoly isn't everything."Stefan shared a grin with Rebekah. "Careful, Rebekah. If you play too well, Kol might say we're ganging up on him."

Klaus leaned back, watching Naira as she made a move, his gaze softening. "What is it with you and Monopoly? I didn't take you for the competitive type, love."

"Oh, I am, but only when I have to win against stubborn Originals," Naira replied with a wink.As the game went on, Klaus seemed almost at ease, a rare expression for him. Elijah quietly observed with a faint, approving smile, and Rebekah seemed visibly happier, often sharing glances with Stefan. Kol's relentless teasing of Finn made everyone laugh, even Finn himself cracking a reluctant smile.

Just when it looked like Naira was about to declare bankruptcy to Kol, the doorbell rang. Everyone froze. Damon's voice called out, "Housekeeping! We come bearing gifts... and by gifts, I mean urgent news."

Kol rolled his eyes. "Perfect timing, bear."

As Damon and the Scooby gang stepped inside, Bonnie immediately cast a spell over the house. "We need privacy for this one," she said seriously. "Not taking any chances."

They explained that Esther had sent Elena a message, a magical note inviting her to meet during the Mystic Falls ball in three days, hosted by the Lockwood family. Damon muttered darkly, "Feels like she's got something more than a family reunion planned."

Elijah nodded thoughtfully, appreciating each of the Scooby gang for coming and sharing the news, a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes. Caroline's suggestion of "maybe friendship is the better way" brought a somber nod from Elijah.

Damon shrugged, breaking the tension with his usual humor. "I'm just saying, at least with the known devils in this room, we know what we're dealing with." He glanced pointedly at Klaus. "I'll take our stubborn Originals over an unknown wild card."

As the night wore on, everyone agreed to stay alert, facing whatever Esther's intentions might bring together as one, even if that alliance was unlikely at best. The night ended on a strange note of camaraderie—a tentative truce that none had expected but all felt the warmth of.