Bound in the Shadows / TVD N.M

🦋~°41°~🦋

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Liora

The morning light filtered through the windows of Niklaus' art room, casting a golden glow on his latest creation. Nik was humming softly, completely engrossed in his work. His strokes were deliberate, his expression serene—a rare sight for someone so often caught up in chaos and plotting. I lingered in the doorway, arms crossed, watching him with a fond smile. Despite the peace of the moment, my nerves buzzed like static beneath the surface.

I had something big to share, and with the family meeting looming, the pressure was on. But for now, I let myself enjoy this quiet moment.

Clearing my throat, I teased, "You know, for someone who's supposed to be the most feared supernatural being in existence, you spend an awful lot of time painting."

Nik turned, paintbrush in hand, smirking in that infuriatingly charming way of his. "And for someone who's supposed to be resting, you spend an awful lot of time sneaking up on me."

"Touché," I replied, stepping into the room. "What's on the canvas this time?"

He stepped aside, gesturing to his work with a flourish. It was a family portrait, though it wasn't quite finished. My heart softened when I noticed the faint outline of a wolf pup nestled at the center.

"You've been busy," I said softly, my voice catching slightly.

Nik noticed and turned toward me, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Careful, love. If you get emotional on me, I might start to worry."

"Oh, hush," I said, rolling my eyes. "I love you, Niklaus Mikaelson. But for being one of the deadliest creatures alive, you're a big old softy."

He laughed, setting the paintbrush down. In a flash, he was across the room, wrapping his arms around my waist. "And what does that make you, then? My equally soft but considerably more beautiful accomplice?"

"Flattery will get you nowhere," I shot back, though the grin on my face betrayed me.

"Oh, I'm not so sure about that," he murmured, his lips brushing against my forehead.

Our tender moment quickly spiraled into chaos when Niklaus dipped a finger into his palette of paint and made a playful swipe at my cheek. I squealed, ducking out of his grasp and grabbing a brush of my own.

"Two can play at this game, Mikaelson!" I declared, brandishing it like a sword.

Before I knew it, the art room had turned into a battlefield. Paint splattered across the canvas, the walls, and—unfortunately—us. Laughter filled the air as we dodged and attacked, stealing kisses between splashes of color. By the end of it, I was out of breath, my cheeks aching from smiling so much.

Niklaus stood back, surveying his masterpiece—me, now covered in streaks of blue and gold. "You've never looked more stunning."

I groaned, swatting his chest. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you love me."

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After cleaning up and donning fresh clothes, we made our way to the living room for the family meeting. Elijah, ever the picture of poise, sat across from us with his hands folded neatly in his lap. His gaze flickered between me and Nik, a knowing gleam in his eyes that made me want to roll mine.

Rebekah perched on a nearby chair, scrolling through her phone, while Kol lounged lazily on the couch, already looking bored. Finn nexst to him same facade as him.

As I sipped my tea, I caught Elijah's expectant gaze and decided to have a little fun. Clearing my throat, I said, "Elijah, you've been staring at me an awful lot lately. Should I be worried?"