Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Revelations and Retribution I

As soon as Caroline and Rebekah left the house, the tension in the parlour shifted. Stefan, unable to hold back, turned his attention to Kol."What are you doing with Caroline?" Stefan's voice was sharp with suspicion.Kol's eyes gleamed with a cold intensity as he regarded Stefan. "It seems the lessons didn't stick with you. You don't get to question me." His tone was even but laced with threat. "Your saving grace is that you were once my little sister's paramour and that Caroline considers you her friend. Don't take advantage of that."Kol stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "I am not like my brothers. I will accept your insolence for now, but if you overstep your bounds, I will make your death an example for all in the supernatural world to see what happens when they disrespect me." His voice darkened. "Now that you have your answer, I suggest you leave."He gestured toward the door.Stefan's gaze flickered between Klaus and Kol before, without another word, he turned and walked out.After Stefan's departure, the brothers settled into a quieter, more relaxed mood, each sipping their drink until their mother entered the room with Finn in tow. Klaus and Kol groaned in unison, the peaceful moment instantly evaporating.Scene Change"Alright, Caroline," Rebekah said as they walked toward the town exit. "Kol wants me to take you to some fancy bathhouse or whatever's popular these days. He also said I'm supposed to 'mentor' you." Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Apparently, there's a ride and a chaperone waiting for us out of town."Caroline, conflicted but curious, followed Rebekah. She wanted to find out what the mysterious gifts were and why Kol had insisted on this outing.When they arrived at their destination, Caroline's heart skipped a beat as she saw Rebekah with her hand around someone's throat. It wasn't Elena—it was Katherine.'No… not Elena… Katherine,' Caroline realized, a surge of dread washing over her."What are you doing here, Dopplebitch?" Rebekah's voice dripped with venom.Katherine, her usual defiant self, tried to explain, though her annoyance was evident. "Look, I didn't want to be here, but your crazy brother found me. He informed me that I'm to be your regulator for today. Apparently, I'm supposed to teach Caroline about vampirism, considering I'm her sire." She paused, eyes narrowing. "He said he'd protect me from Klaus if I agreed, but if I refused, Kol would hunt me down. And between us, everyone knows it's better to be hunted by Klaus than Kol. Klaus just kills you. Kol? He'll hunt, torture, release, and then do it all over again."Rebekah's expression darkened. "What did you do to earn that level of threat from Kol?"Katherine avoided the question, looking nervous for the first time. "Yeah, let's not discuss that out here. Get in the car."Rebekah, still suspicious, glanced at Caroline. "Don't worry, no one provokes my brother and lives… unless they're protected by us."Once inside the car, Rebekah opened the gift from Kol, a beautifully designed parchment that shimmered faintly. Inside, there were a pair of intricate earrings for her and a ring for Caroline."Take out the jewelry. You'll need to drop three drops of your blood into the pieces," Rebekah instructed.After following the strange instructions, the additional writing on the parchment began to shift, spelling out the next steps. Rebekah gave Caroline a nod, explaining the process before the parchment suddenly ignited and burned to ash. From the embers, a miniature version of Kol appeared before them, his voice carrying an unsettling cheerfulness."Ah, my sweet sister and dear little light," Kol grinned. "How do you like my presents?"Rebekah frowned, unimpressed. "What's this about, Kol?""The earrings, darling, are daylight jewelry. They'll change color to match whatever you're wearing—consider it an early gift for your thousandth birthday," Kol said with a smirk. "And yes, as long as they bear my emblem, no sunlight issues. There's also a safety feature—if you're ever in trouble, just say my name in Old Norse, and I'll come running. Caroline, yours works the same way."Kol turned his attention to Caroline. "As for you, little light, I made your ring from lapis lazuli. It'll change to any color you want, and since you're bound to it, no one can ever take it off—not even you, should you feel the urge to get rid of it."Kol's voice took on a playful tone as he glanced back at Rebekah. "Now, let me ask you, Caroline—what's the color that doesn't match my dear sister's outfit today?"Without thinking, Caroline answered, "Black.""Thank you, little light," Kol said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Rebekah, darling, why don't you check the mirror?"Rebekah's eyes widened as she glanced at her reflection. The once perfect match of her earrings to her dress was now an off-putting shade of black. She turned to Kol, fuming. "What did you do?"Kol's laugh was light but taunting. "A little punishment for that hundred-year betrayal, sister. But don't worry—it'll only last until the day before the ball."Rebekah, seething, glared at Kol's projection as it faded away. "You'll pay for this," she muttered, though deep down, she knew it was just Kol's twisted way of showing affection.I am always available for conversations about the storyIf you like the story please do support me on PatPatreon