The love for my enemy

Chapter Three: A New Threat in Town

The old mill incident was supposed to be the end of it—a fleeting encounter between Klaus and Arianna that both could brush off as an unfortunate necessity. But, of course, Mystic Falls had other plans.

It was a rare peaceful day when Arianna strolled into the Mystic Grill, determined to enjoy a well-deserved burger. Her night with the rogue vampires had been exhilarating, but now she was ready for something simple.

Unfortunately, simplicity wasn’t in her future.Klaus Mikaelson,” she groaned as she spotted him lounging at the bar, sipping a glass of whiskey like he owned the place. And, knowing Klaus, he probably thought he did.

“Miss Montgomery,” he drawled, his lips curving into that infuriating smirk. “What a pleasant surprise. Here to entertain me with more of your charming antics?”

“Actually,” Arianna said, sliding into a seat far from him, “I was here to enjoy some alone time. But thanks for ruining that.”

Before Klaus could retort, the door to the Grill swung open, and a chill swept through the room. A tall, dark-haired man entered, his piercing gray eyes scanning the crowd like a predator seeking prey. His presence was enough to make the chatter in the Grill die down.

Klaus’s smirk vanished, his posture instantly tense.

“What is it?” Arianna asked, noticing the change in his demeanor.

“That,” Klaus said quietly, his eyes fixed on the newcomer, “is trouble.”

The man approached the bar, leaning casually against it as if he didn’t have a care in the world. But his aura radiated danger.

“Klaus Mikaelson,” the man said, his voice smooth but laced with menace. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“And you are?” Klaus asked, his tone polite but icy.

“Sebastian,” the man replied, smiling faintly. “An old... acquaintance.”

“Ah, another one of my enemies come to Mystic Falls for revenge,” Klaus said, his smirk returning. “How tiresome.”

Sebastian chuckled. “Not quite. I’m here on business. You see, I’ve been hearing rumors about a certain artifact—a weapon, to be precise. Something capable of killing even an Original. And I’ve come to collect it.”

“Let me guess,” Klaus said, swirling his whiskey. “You’re hoping I’ll hand it over without a fight.”

Sebastian’s smile widened. “Oh, I wouldn’t dream of making it easy for you.”

Arianna, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke up. “Uh, hate to interrupt, but could you guys not plan a murder in the middle of my lunch?”

Sebastian turned to her, his eyes narrowing. “And who might you be?”

“Someone who really doesn’t want to be involved,” Arianna said, raising her hands.

“Ah,” Sebastian said, studying her. “You must be the human Klaus has been keeping close. Interesting.”

Klaus’s jaw tightened. “She’s none of your concern.”

“Perhaps not,” Sebastian said, stepping back. “For now.”

With that, he walked out of the Grill, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

“Okay,” Arianna said, turning to Klaus. “Who was that, and why do I feel like I just got added to his hit list?”

“He’s no one important,” Klaus said dismissively, though his expression said otherwise. “Just someone who doesn’t know when to quit.”