ℍ𝔸𝕌ℕ𝕋𝔼𝔻 - ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪᴋᴀᴇʟꜱᴏɴꜱ

𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖜𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖞 𝖋𝖔𝖚𝖗

❧ werewolf bites are a bitch—witches even more so ❧

≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫

Amalie had barely had time to turn the deadbolt before the door flew open, pushed inward by a determined Elena Gilbert. The younger woman stepped inside without so much as a greeting, her features taut with purpose.

"I need you to come to the Smoky Mountains with me," Elena announced, her words spilling out in a rush, like she'd practiced them in the car and couldn't afford to lose momentum.

Amalie arched a brow, leaning casually against the doorframe she had yet to fully let go of. "Well, it's nice to see you too, Miss I'm-on-a-mission," she replied dryly, kicking the door shut behind her with a quiet click. Her tone carried a hint of amusement, but her sharp eyes followed Elena as she strode into the small apartment without hesitation.

Elena didn't seem to hear her—or maybe she just didn't care. Her gaze darted around the room, scanning it like she was searching for something, though she wasn't sure what. Her restlessness was palpable, manifesting in the way her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides. Amalie could see it in the subtle tension in her shoulders, in the way her movements felt slightly too deliberate, like she was trying to keep herself from pacing.

"The Smoky Mountains?" Amalie asked at last, though the question was laced with thinly veiled suspicion. She already knew why Elena was here. It wasn't exactly a mystery.

"Klaus is there," Elena confirmed, spinning on her heel to face her. Her brown eyes were lit with a fire that was equal parts determination and fear, though she did her best to mask the latter. "Which means Stefan's there." She paused, hesitating for just a fraction of a second before pressing on. "And even though me and you don't get along that well..." Her words faltered slightly, and she ran a hand through her hair, visibly uncomfortable. "I figured you'd help."

Amalie tilted her head, a ghost of a smile tugging at her lips as she watched Elena squirm. "And why, exactly, would I do that?" She asked coolly, pushing off the doorframe and stepping further into the room. The faintest flicker of anticipation stirred in her—an undercurrent she didn't dare acknowledge. The thought of seeing Klaus again sent an odd mix of unease and exhilaration humming through her veins, though she wasn't about to let Elena see that.

Elena exhaled sharply, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Because Klaus wants something with you. He talks to you. Maybe you can talk to him—get him to let Stefan go, or at least tell us what the hell he wants with him ."

Amalie let out a short, bitter laugh, shaking her head. "You think Klaus will just spill his plans because I ask nicely?" Her voice carried an edge now, her words tinged with disbelief. "You're giving him way too much credit, Elena."

Elena squared her shoulders, defiance flashing across her face as she planted her feet firmly on the floor. "I don't have any other options, okay?" She shot back, her voice rising slightly. "Stefan's not exactly picking up my calls . I can't just sit here while Klaus has him doing God knows what. And you..." Her voice softened, the fire in her gaze flickering as she hesitated. "You're the only person who might be able to get through to him."