Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Wicked Revelry(I)

The Mikaelson estate basked in the afternoon glow as Caroline's arrival injected an air of vitality into the mansion. Her presence was like sunlight breaking through the dark clouds. Klaus, always the charmer, was quick to intercept her with a mischievous grin and eyes that sparkled with amusement."Caroline, love, what a delightful surprise," he murmured, his voice soft yet carrying that familiar hint of seduction.Caroline, well accustomed to Klaus's dramatic flair, rolled her eyes but managed a sarcastic smile. "What do you want?"Before Klaus could respond, Stefan stormed in, cutting through the moment with palpable desperation etched across his face. His expression was strained, panic simmering beneath the surface. "What happened to Damon? I've been looking for him everywhere."Klaus, never missing a beat, waved Stefan into the parlour. "Why don't we sit and chat over a drink? We can talk about Damon."With a casual motion, Klaus prepared drinks in the dimly lit parlour, never taking his eyes off Caroline, his gaze intense and filled with unspoken words. "Care for a drink, Stefan? And do tell me, what's caused this sudden urgency?"Stefan, clearly exhausted from his frantic search for his brother, shot Klaus a dark look. "I wouldn't be surprised if you had something to do with Damon's disappearance."While Stefan and Klaus exchanged barbs, Caroline, ever observant, glanced around and asked, "Where's Kol?"Klaus, momentarily distracted, activated the magical device Kol had given him, lifting the sound barrier that shielded the dungeon below. Suddenly, the haunting melody of *"Ain't No Rest for the Wicked"* began to drift through the mansion's walls. "Oh, there ain't no rest for the wicked. Money don't grow on trees..." The eerie tune reverberated through the grand halls just as Kol made his entrance, covered in blood and sporting a dark grin. His appearance was a stark contrast to the mansion's elegance. He moved to the rhythm of the song, his steps chaotic and unsettling.Rebekah, drawn by the commotion, approached from behind, her eyes widening in horror as she took in Kol's disheveled and blood-stained figure. Elijah appeared from the corner, his poised silence giving the scene a gravitas that balanced the chaos. Rebekah's face betrayed her concern, while Elijah, always composed, stood still, taking in the spectacle with quiet calculation.Klaus, revelling in the growing tension, called out in a seductive drawl, "Caroline, sweetheart, care to join the festivities?"Caroline hesitated, her gaze flickering between Kol's gruesome appearance and Rebekah's worried expression. She stepped closer, unsure of what had transpired, but curious nonetheless. Elijah, ever watchful, noted Caroline's discomfort, making a mental note to investigate further.Kol's dance turned into a macabre performance, his bloodied form moving with disturbing grace. The scene clashed with the mansion's stately air—each Mikaelson sibling occupying their role in the tableau, creating a surreal tapestry of music, mystery, and menace.Caroline, trying to mask her unease, finally spoke. "Kol, where have you been?"Kol stopped his dance, turning toward her with a smirk. "Well, well, if it isn't our little newbie vampire wondering about my whereabouts. What can I say, darling? Sometimes I just like to make an entrance."Caroline chuckled, trying to ease the tension. "He's always like that," she remarked, throwing a glance at Klaus.Kol, catching her words, grinned. "Guilty as charged. But it's been a while since they've seen me in such... high spirits."He gave a playful spin before settling into a seat, his eyes gleaming with wicked amusement.I am always available for conversations about the storyIf you like the story please do support me on Pat