Force of Gravity • NM

•37•

The night was quiet, the house still, but Bonnie Bennett's mind was anything but peaceful. Her dreams had been plagued for days by whispers and cryptic images—a circular room filled with flickering candles, shadowy figures chanting in unison, and a chilling crack in the fabric of reality. A name echoed louder each time she dreamt it: Kai Parker.

Waking up in a cold sweat, she sat on the edge of her bed, staring out the window. She had tried to dismiss it, telling herself it was nothing but her subconscious playing tricks. But the Gemini Coven's connection to her bloodline was undeniable. They were reaching out, warning her.

That morning, Bonnie found herself pacing the Mikaelson parlor, muttering under her breath. Kol, lounging on the couch with a glass of bourbon, watched her with a raised eyebrow.

"Love, if you keep wearing out the carpet, Elijah's going to have a fit," Kol teased, his tone light but his gaze curious.

Bonnie stopped mid-step and sighed. "I've been having these dreams. They're... vivid, and I think they're from the Gemini Coven."

Kol sat up, interest piqued. "The infamous coven that tried to lock away their little psycho prodigy? What about them?"

"They're warning me. About the prison world. It's... weakening," she admitted hesitantly, her arms crossed as if to shield herself.

Before Kol could respond, Damon's voice interrupted. "Oh great, the universe just can't give us a break, can it?"

Bonnie turned to see Damon leaning casually against the doorframe, a smirk on his face. "Let me guess, another magical apocalypse? Can't we just put up a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on Mystic Falls?"

Kol snorted, gesturing to Damon. "Ah, the ever-optimistic Salvatore. Here to brighten everyone's day."

Damon walked in, grabbed Kol's bourbon, and took a sip. "If Bonnie says there's trouble, there's trouble. So what's the plan? A séance? A magical road trip?"

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "We need to investigate the prison world and see what's causing the instability. But this isn't a one-person job."

Elena entered the room, overhearing the conversation. "Then let's split up. Bonnie, Kol, Damon, and I will investigate. The rest of you stay here and keep an eye on things. Especially Rebekah."

Kol raised an eyebrow. "Look at you, Elena. All mature and strategic. Who knew?"

Elena ignored him. "Rebekah needs protection, and we don't know what kind of chaos might come next."

Later that day, Stefan, Rebekah, and Naira made their way to the hospital for Rebekah's checkup. Naira, had tried to persuade Klaus to come along.

"You know, Nik, you'd be a great bodyguard, see your little nephew!! And I need the company in troubling Steffy" she teased.

Klaus smirked. "No."

Naira had pouted dramatically, sticking her tongue out at him. Kol immediately mimicked her, earning a scowl from Klaus.

"Real mature, Kol," Klaus muttered, though a faint smile tugged at his lips.

Despite Rebekah and Stefan's protests, Naira insisted on coming along, declaring herself the honorary god-mother and self-appointed third wheel.

As they sat in the waiting room, Naira leaned toward Stefan. "You know, you and Rebekah really have that 'married couple' vibe. It's nauseatingly cute."

Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Oh, hush. You're just jealous."

When they were called into the ultrasound room, the atmosphere shifted. The screen lit up, revealing the tiny form of Rebekah's growing child. The sound of the baby's heartbeat filled the room, steady and strong.

Naira's eyes widened in awe. "That's Henry? Oh my God, he's so tiny! And cute. Rebekah, you're growing a gummy bear!"

Stefan chuckled, his gaze softening as he looked at the screen. "He's perfect."

Rebekah wiped a tear from her cheek, smiling despite herself. "I can't believe this is real."

As they walked out, Stefan stopped Rebekah in the hallway, his voice low and sincere. "Rebekah, I want you to know... I'm all in. For you, for Henry. I want to be a part of this, of your lives."

Rebekah's breath hitched, and she blinked back tears. "Stefan... I—"

Naira appeared behind them, hugging them grinning. "Aw, you guys are so sappy. It's adorable. Can we get ice cream now? Henry totally wants ice cream."

Rebekah laughed through her tears, swatting at Naira. "You're impossible."

The group reconvened in the Mikaelson parlor. Damon, Kol, Bonnie, and Elena prepared to leave for their investigation. 

As the group prepared to leave, Bonnie turned to the others. "Stay alert. If something's wrong with the prison world, it could spill over here."