Force of Gravity • NM

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The grandeur of the homecoming party buzzed with life. Chandeliers glittered overhead, music filled the air, and the scent of roses mixed with the faint aroma of bourbon. Klaus entered the hall, Naira's arm looped through his, her lavender gown a sharp contrast to his dark suit. They were the picture of elegance, though Klaus's mind remained vigilant. The stakes of the evening weren't just social—he knew danger lurked in every corner.

But something felt off immediately. The air was charged, and conversations hushed as they walked in. Klaus's sharp eyes scanned the room, noting the tension in the atmosphere.

"Something's not right," Naira murmured, her grip on his arm tightening.

Klaus tilted his head toward her, his voice calm but firm. "Stay close, love. I'll handle whatever comes."

Hours earlier, Klaus and Naira had stood on the porch of the cabin where they'd retrieved the white oak stakes. Elijah, always the picture of composure, had handed Klaus the last of the stakes, his expression unreadable.

"Are you sure you won't join us, brother?" Klaus had asked, his tone surprisingly soft.

Elijah's gaze had lingered on Naira briefly before returning to Klaus. "I trust you to handle what lies ahead. My place, for now, is in Mystic Falls. Rebekah and the others need someone they can depend on, Ill meet you both there."

Naira had frowned. "Elijah, we'll need you. Mikael isn't someone Nik should face alone."

But Elijah had only smiled faintly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Niklaus has you. And you are stronger than you realize, Naira."

Klaus hadn't pressed further, though his jaw had tightened. "Very well. But don't be a fool and let your guard down."

Elijah had nodded, leaving back to the other's earlier than planned. Something about the way he lingered on the porch, his gaze distant, unsettled Naira.

As they walked deeper into the party, Klaus was greeted by a sight that froze him in his tracks. At the center of the room stood Mikael, his presence as commanding and menacing as ever. In one hand, he held a stake—white oak, no doubt. In the other, he gripped Rebekah by the arm, her face pale with fear. Beside her stood Elena, her hands tied behind her back, her eyes wide with terror.

"Mikael," Klaus growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Mikael turned slowly, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Ah, Niklaus. I wondered when you'd grace us with your presence. And look, you've brought the girl." His eyes flicked to Naira, a gleam of malice in his gaze.

Klaus's fists clenched, but he forced his expression to remain neutral. "Let them go. Whatever you want, take it out on me."

"Oh, I intend to," Mikael sneered. He raised the stake slightly, holding it dangerously close to Rebekah's heart. "But first, I thought I'd start with her. You've always been so fond of your siblings, haven't you? Always pretending to care. Tell me, Niklaus, will you mourn her when she's gone?", This was not what was planned, had Mikael taken things into his hands, Klaus's thoughts ran wild.

Rebekah's voice trembled. "Father, please..."

"Silence!" Mikael barked, tightening his grip on her.

Naira stepped forward instinctively, but Klaus's hand shot out, stopping her. His eyes flicked to hers, silently pleading for her to stay back.

"Ah, and here's the girl," Mikael said, his eyes locking on Naira. "Tell me, Niklaus, do you think she'll still stand by your side when she sees the monster you truly are? Or will she run, like everyone else?"

Naira straightened, her voice calm but firm. "I'm not going anywhere. You don't scare me."

Mikael chuckled darkly. "Oh, my dear, you should be scared. You've hitched your fate to a beast. But no matter. You'll see soon enough."

The room fell silent as Mikael turned his attention back to Klaus. "You've lived too long, Niklaus. Tonight, it ends."

Before anyone could react, the doors to the ballroom opened, and a woman strode in, her red hair catching the light. She had sharp features and an air of confidence, her piercing gaze sweeping across the room.

Finn's breath hitched audibly. "Sage?"

The woman smirked, her eyes locking with Finn's. "Hello, love. It's been a while."

The tension in the room thickened as Sage walked to Mikael's side, her posture relaxed but her presence electrifying.

"Sage," Finn said again, his voice shaking. "What are you doing here?"

Mikael's grin widened. "Oh, didn't I mention? She's with me now. Sage understands the importance of ridding the world of filth like Niklaus."

Klaus's face remained impassive, though his grip on Naira's hand tightened. Naira glanced at him, her heart racing as she processed the implications.

Finn looked shattered, his eyes darting between Sage and Mikael, scarred not only for his family and those who had seemed to become his friends, but now also for Sage.

But Sage only tilted her head, as her eyes spoke millions of things to Finn.

As Mikael continued to taunt Klaus, the tension in the room grew unbearable. Klaus's mind raced, formulating a plan even as his father's words cut deeper than he'd admit. Naira stayed by his side, her resolve unwavering, even as the odds seemed stacked against them.

The rest of them altering their plans to huge extends, as anger flickered through them hearing the harsh words Mikael had for his children.

In the corner of the room, Bonnie and Kol exchanged a nervous glance. "This is bad," Bonnie whispered.

Kai, ever the troublemaker, smirked. literally third-wheeling them. "Understatement of the year. But hey, at least I'm not the one tied up."

Bonnie glared at him. "Not the time, Kai.", Kol rolled his eyes, but the fear in them was eminent.

The only question in everyone's mind, was where did they go wrong, and what would be the price of it.