to be or not to be » stefan salvatore

chapter three: in a world this cruel.

Strings of sparkling lights were wrapped around the trees at the entrance, and a classic melody was echoing throughout the room. The chattering of the people and the clinking of champagne glasses indicating a lively party.

Everyone had done their absolute best to look elegant in dashing suits and long sleek dresses. Butlers walked around handing champagne glasses to those who didn't have a drink yet, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Damon Salvatore made his way towards Carol Lockwood with two champagne glasses in his hand, handing one to the older woman. The mayor was wearing a long crème colored dress that fitted every curve.

'Hello, Carol,' Damon greeted her.

Carol hummed in response as they touched their glasses together in a toast.

'Hanging out with your new besties?' Damon asked her while taking a sip of his drink, his tone clearly indicating that he felt betrayed somehow.

Carol let out a sigh in response, 'I'm the mayor, Damon. When the oldest, deadliest family of vampires moves into your town, you welcome them. With a smile.'

'Well, at least you know who you're borrowing that cup of sugar from,' The words left Damon's mouth in a sing-song tune.

The woman looked at him with irritation, 'I'm trying to protect this town. They assured me they want peace and I assured them that I would enforce it,' Carol stated.

'Mayor Lockwood,' a voice interrupted them.

Kol walked up to them and took Carol's hand, 'We haven't formally met, Kol Mikaelson,' he said and gave a light kiss on her hand.

'I hope your lovely town embraces us just as much as we plan to embrace it.'

Carol nodded at him with a tight smile and Damon held out his hand, 'Damon Salvatore.'

Kol looked up with a slight smirk on his face, and Damon squinted his eyes at him.

'Have we met?' he asked confused.

'I've met a lot of people. And you don't particularly stand out.'

Kol nodded at Carol, and then walked away, completely ignoring Damon on his way.

Damon followed him with his eyes, but then turned his gaze towards the entrance, seeing Elena just entered. He looked at her and couldn't comprehend how stunning she was.

The ball gown she was wearing sparkled with every movement she made, and her hair was brushed to the side in thick chestnut locks. She gave her copper-colored jacket to the woman who the family had compelled to work there for the evening.

'Excuse me, Carol,' Damon muttered.

He made his way over to Elena. When he reached her, Stefan was standing beside her.

'Surprise, surprise. Nice tux,' he mocked Stefan.

Then he turned to Elena, 'You're not supposed to be here.'

Elena grinned at him, 'Well, I am. And I'm not leaving until I found out what Esther wants.'

Damon raised his eyebrows, but then turned to Stefan, 'Do you really think it is a good idea to be at a party of a family you previously held hostage?'

Stefan raised one of his eyebrows, 'I've been invited, actually.'

Elena turned to him with wide eyes, 'By who?'

'By her,' said Stefan and he pointed at someone walking down the stairs.

...