Grayson stood before the council in the opulent parlor of the Lockwood estate, the completed artifact resting on the large oak table at the center of the room. The council members—Mayor Lockwood, Carol Lockwood, Sheriff Forbes, and a few other prominent figures of Mystic Falls—sat in a semicircle, their expressions a mixture of curiosity, skepticism, and thinly veiled tension.
The air was heavy with anticipation as Grayson began his presentation, his voice calm but underpinned by a faint tremor. "This device," he said, gesturing toward the artifact, "is our answer. It's ancient, yes, but it's powerful. It's been designed to neutralize vampires en masse."
The council members leaned in slightly, their eyes locked on the artifact. Mayor Lockwood's brow furrowed, his lips pressing into a tight line as though trying to gauge the full weight of Grayson's words. Carol's expression was carefully neutral, but her hands gripped the armrests of her chair tightly. Sheriff Forbes, always pragmatic, leaned forward with her elbows on her knees, her sharp eyes darting between Grayson and the device.
"It looks... delicate," one of the council members remarked, his tone laced with doubt. He gestured at the intricate carvings and glowing runes. "Are we supposed to believe that this little thing can handle all the tomb vampires at once?"
Grayson straightened, his shoulders squaring. The doubt stung, but he swallowed his frustration and forced his voice to remain steady. "I've tested its components. Each piece works exactly as intended. Together, they create a powerful burst of energy specifically designed to incapacitate vampires. If we can gather them in one place, the device will do the rest."
The room fell into a tense silence. The weight of the plan was palpable, and each council member's face betrayed a mix of hope and apprehension. Mayor Lockwood exchanged a glance with his wife, his lips tightening as he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.
"So, the next question," Viktor interjected smoothly, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. He stepped out of the shadows near the fireplace, where he had been observing the proceedings with a cool, detached air. "How do we gather them? Vampires from the tomb aren't exactly... trusting."
The council's attention shifted to Viktor. His tall frame was as commanding as ever, his piercing blue eyes flickering with a dangerous intensity. His lips curved into a faint smile, but it was a calculated expression—measured and deliberate. He radiated confidence, yet there was a subtle edge of amusement, as though he found the entire situation mildly entertaining.
Grayson frowned slightly, his fingers twitching as he resisted the urge to cross his arms defensively. "We need bait," he admitted, his voice low. "Something that would lure them out of hiding."
Viktor took a step closer to the table, his movements fluid and almost predatory. "What better bait than the founding families themselves?" he suggested, his tone light but laced with undeniable authority. "A grand fundraiser. A public event, full of laughter, dancing, and indulgence. It's exactly the sort of thing to draw their attention."
The council exchanged wary glances. Carol Lockwood's lips parted slightly as though she wanted to protest, but she hesitated, her gaze flickering to her husband. Sheriff Forbes sat back in her chair, crossing her arms as she regarded Viktor with an unreadable expression. The idea was bold—dangerous even—but it carried a certain logic that was hard to deny.
Grayson's jaw clenched. "You want to use innocent people as bait?"
Viktor's smile widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. "The tomb vampires harbor a deep grudge against the founding families. If we ensure they believe the event is an opportunity for revenge, they'll come willingly. And when they do..." His gaze flicked to the artifact, his smile sharpening. "We'll be ready."
Mayor Lockwood nodded slowly, his expression grim. "It's risky, but it might work."
Sheriff Forbes exhaled sharply, her jaw tightening. "We'll need to control every aspect of the event. Security, escape routes, contingencies—everything."
"Of course," Viktor said smoothly, his tone almost dismissive. He moved to the edge of the room, pouring himself a drink from the decanter on the sideboard. His movements were slow, deliberate, his expression calm but unreadable. "This plan requires precision. A single misstep, and we risk more than just failure."
Carol Lockwood finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "If we do this, we're all in. There's no room for hesitation."
The council murmured in agreement, their collective resolve hardening. Grayson, still uneasy, ran a hand through his hair and sighed heavily. His shoulders sagged slightly as the weight of the plan settled on him, but he nodded.
"Then we start preparations immediately," he said, his voice firm despite the doubt flickering in his eyes.
Viktor raised his glass in a mock toast, his smile as sharp as ever. "To the success of our little... soirée." His gaze lingered on Grayson for a moment, a silent challenge flickering in his piercing blue eyes.
Grayson stared back, his expression hardening. He knew Viktor's suggestion was the best chance they had, but he couldn't shake the feeling that the Mikaelson brother had his own motives. Still, there was no turning back now.
The council members rose one by one, their movements stiff but purposeful. Each of them bore the weight of their decision in their expressions—Carol's quiet determination, the sheriff's steely focus, the mayor's grim resolve. Grayson remained seated for a moment longer, his hands resting heavily on the table as he stared at the artifact.
Viktor watched him with an amused smirk before draining his glass and setting it down with a soft clink. "Don't look so troubled, Dr. Gilbert," he said, his voice low and almost mocking. "This is just the beginning."
Grayson's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond. He simply stood, his movements slow and deliberate, and followed the others out of the room.