Chapter 26 - Chapter 26: Prelude to the Ball I

The phone buzzed gently on Caroline's nightstand, pulling her attention away from her thoughts. Her fingers hovered over the screen before swiping to check the message. Tyler's voice came through, a mixture of regret and determination lacing his words."Caroline, it's Tyler. Should've called sooner, I know. But I'm out here, doing what needs to be done. Fixing myself. I'll be home to you soon. Love you."Caroline stood still, staring at the phone long after the voicemail ended. The room felt unusually quiet, a stillness that pressed down on her. She slipped the phone into her pocket, a swirl of emotions making her chest feel heavy. Before she could dwell on it, a knock echoed through the house, breaking the silence.She opened the door to find a small, white box sitting neatly on her doorstep, the crisp edges of an envelope stuck on top. The evening air was cool, and the soft breeze carried the faint scent of autumn leaves. Caroline's brow furrowed in curiosity as she picked up the box and brought it inside.Peeling open the envelope, she unfolded the heavy parchment, revealing the elegant script inside."Please join the Mikaelson family this evening at 7 pm for dancing, cocktails, and celebration."Her eyes scanned the formal invitation, and then her breath caught as she flipped it over to find another note written in a familiar, graceful hand."Save me a dance. —Klaus."Her cheeks flushed instinctively, a rush of warmth spreading across her face. She set the note down, feeling an odd mixture of excitement and apprehension.Elsewhere...Damon clutched his own invitation, his knuckles whitening as he read it. Across from him, Kol Mikaelson lounged casually, a smirk playing on his lips."So, my dear rabid dog," Kol drawled, eyes glinting with amusement. "You're free. But before you go, let's review my instructions, shall we?"Damon, his expression tight with barely concealed fury, gritted out, "Yes, I am to apologize to Caroline. After that, I have to be respectful towards her until I can feel genuine remorse for what I've done."Kol leaned forward, feigning interest. "And?"Damon's voice grew more strained, as though each word was being dragged out of him. "I'll use a vervain-coated stake every day, piercing my stomach. Animal blood is my new diet, and if I have any... unkind thoughts about Caroline or Rebekah, I'll be ripping out my liver."Kol's smile widened, delighted at his handiwork. "Good, good. You're learning. Off you go, my newly civilized pet."Without another word, Damon turned and left, his shoulders rigid with barely controlled anger. Kol's laughter echoed in the room behind him.*On a quiet road...*Elena gripped the steering wheel, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts as the trees passed in a blur. Suddenly, a jolt sent the car skidding to a halt. Heart racing, she slammed on the brakes and jumped out, eyes scanning the road. There was nothing. No sign of impact, no animal, no debris.But when she turned around, her heart nearly stopped. Rebekah Mikaelson stood in front of her, arms crossed and a smug smile on her face."What? Drive much?" Rebekah sneered, her tone dripping with mockery.Elena's stomach twisted. "Rebekah... I didn't mean—"Before she could finish, Rebekah was on her, fingers wrapping around Elena's throat with supernatural speed. Elena gasped, her hands clawing at Rebekah's iron grip as she was shoved against the car."You drove a dagger through my back," Rebekah hissed, her eyes burning with anger. "It hurt."Suddenly, a force pulled Rebekah away, her hold loosening as Elijah appeared, gripping his sister by the arm and dragging her back."Rebekah," Elijah warned, his voice stern but calm. "That's enough."Rebekah's defiance flared as she wrenched her arm free, glaring at him. "Are you really going to defend her? After what she did?"Elijah, his gaze unwavering, responded, "Leave."For a moment, Rebekah looked as though she might challenge him, her eyes blazing with frustration. But with a scoff, she turned on her heel and stalked off, throwing one last disdainful glance over her shoulder. "Both of you are pathetic."Elena slumped against the car, gasping for air, her hand rubbing her sore throat. Elijah turned his attention to her, his expression softening just slightly."Elena," he began, his voice quieter now. "We have a lot to discuss."*At the Gilbert house...*Back at the Gilbert home, Stefan and Damon sat across from Elena, their faces filled with uncertainty as she recounted the day's events."It was their mother, Esther," Elena explained, her voice still shaky. "She was the one in the coffin."Stefan raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. "The original witch? As in, the mother of Klaus and the others?"Damon shook his head in disbelief, slumping back in his chair. "How the hell is she even alive? Klaus killed her a thousand years ago."Elena shrugged, her confusion evident. "I don't know. But Elijah said she wants peace—she wants to reunite her family, including Klaus."Stefan frowned, glancing between them. "That coffin was the only leverage we had. Without it, what's stopping Klaus from coming after us?"Damon, ever the cynic, rolled his eyes. "Anyone else feeling a little used right now?"Before either of them could respond, a knock echoed from the front door. Elena rose to answer it, and when she opened the door, she found only a single envelope, her name scrawled on the front. She brought it inside, and the three of them huddled around as she tore it open."It's an invitation," Elena said, her voice filled with unease.Damon leaned in, intrigued. "An invitation to what?"Elena read aloud, "Please join the Mikaelson family this evening at seven o'clock for dancing, cocktails, and celebration."Stefan's brow furrowed. "The Mikaelsons?"Elena nodded grimly. "The original family."Damon snorted, crossing his arms. "Great. Now they want a housewarming party."Elena turned the invitation over, her eyes widening as she read the note scrawled on the back."Wait," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's a note from Esther. It says... 'Elena, I think it's time we finally meet.'"Patreon