Force of Gravity • NM

•30•

A week had passed since the incident, and the  house was quieter than anyone had experienced in a long time. Naira remained in her deep sleep, her chest rising and falling steadily, giving everyone hope yet keeping them on edge. Bonnie had been in constant touch with the spirits, finally managing to extract some answers.

"The ancestors said she needs the rest," Bonnie explained one evening as everyone gathered in the living room, eyes heavy with concern. "Her body is recovering from the spell, and she'll wake up when she's ready."

Damon scoffed lightly, hiding his worry behind his usual sarcasm. "Great, but if Claudia were still around, she'd have whipped up some magical soup and a cure for her in a snap. Plus, let's not forget, she had the best alcohol collection for moments like this."

Kol, who had taken to lounging dramatically across the couch, perked up. "Ah, yes. Priorities, Damon. Forget the life-saving advice. It's the whiskey we should mourn."

The banter lightened the tension for a moment, eliciting a small laugh from Bonnie, but it faded quickly as their eyes drifted back to the staircase leading to Naira's room.

That night, Bonnie sat in the library, surrounded by candles and grimoires. Rebekah sat across from her, trying to remain stoic, but the anxiety in her eyes was clear. As Bonnie performed the spell, the room filled with a soft, warm glow. The light settled around Rebekah, pulsing gently before disappearing.

Bonnie's eyes widened in realization. "You're pregnant."

The room went silent, Rebekah's hand flying to her abdomen as tears welled in her eyes. "But I'm... a vampire. How—?"

"It's  impossible, but true" Bonnie explained, her voice filled with awe. "Naira's spell—her connecting it to Henrik—linking him to you in a way that can be the only explanation."

Klaus surprisingly was the first to react, stepping forward to place a hand on Rebekah's shoulder. His usual stern expression softened into something uncharacteristically tender. "Congratulations, sister."

Kol, of course, couldn't resist. "Does this mean I get to be the cool uncle? Because if I have to babysit Henrik again, I'm out."

Stefan chuckled. "You'd scare the baby, Kol."

Amidst the laughter, Rebekah's tears spilled over. "I don't even know where to begin. What if I can't—what if it's not safe?"

Later that night, Stefan found Rebekah sitting by herself on the terrace, her arms wrapped protectively around her midsection. The moon cast a silver glow over her, highlighting the vulnerability in her usually confident posture.

Stefan approached quietly, sitting beside her. "You know, when Naira was little, she used to call me 'Rubber' instead of 'Ripper.' Damon found it hilarious."

Rebekah looked at him, puzzled, until a small smile tugged at her lips. "Rubber Stefan?"

Stefan nodded, chuckling softly. "And she'd get so excited about making breakfast for us. She and Damon would team up, and without fail, something would either burn or explode. Once, they nearly set the kitchen on fire trying to bake cupcakes. But she was so proud of those charred little cakes. She gave me one and said, 'Here, Rubber Steffy, it's for you!!'. Damon commenting that it even looks like a dead body, but I couldn't even correct her because she looked so happy.

Rebekah laughed, wiping at her tears. "She sounds like she was a handful."

"She was—and damn still is. But she's also the brightest light in my life. That's what your child will be for you, Rebekah. Unconditional love. Something pure, even in all this chaos."

Unbeknownst to them, the rest of the house had been eavesdropping from the hallway. Damon stood silently, arms crossed, his usual snark absent as he listened to Stefan's words. Elena placed a comforting hand on his arm. "She'll be okay, Damon. She's strong—just like her brothers."

Damon nodded, swallowing hard. "She's stronger than all of us. But damn it, I'd give anything to make this easier for her."

Meanwhile, Klaus found Elijah in his study, swirling a glass of bourbon.

"You're quieter than usual," Elijah noted.

Klaus sighed, setting his glass down. "I feel... lost. This girl—damn it, Naira—she came into our lives and flipped everything upside down. I should be angry. She lied, she stole from me, but instead, I..." He paused, struggling to find the words.

"You care for her," Elijah finished gently.

Klaus nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I care more than I thought I could. And now, seeing her like this, knowing I doubted her..." He trailed off, emotions threatening to overwhelm him.

Later, Klaus found himself standing by Naira's bedside. He gazed at her peaceful face, a lump forming in his throat.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I doubted you when all you've ever done is try to help us. I don't deserve your trust, but I swear I'll make this right."

The night passed with strained emotions and renewed bonds. Bonnie reassured everyone that Naira would wake up soon, but the wait was grueling. Rebekah, for the first time in centuries, allowed herself to hope. And Klaus, in his own way, began to confront the fear of losing someone he had grown to care for deeply.