Chapter 27 - Chapter 27: Prelude To the Ball II

[Klaus' House]The grand chandeliers of Klaus' mansion cast a golden glow over the room as the Originals prepared for the evening's ball. The air hummed with anticipation, the soft crackle of the fire barely audible over the clinking of glasses and the rustle of formal attire.Kol stood before an ornate, full-length mirror, adjusting the collar of his suit with an air of smugness. His reflection stared back at him, but his focus was elsewhere—on getting a reaction.Kol's lips curled into a teasing grin. "Rebekah," he drawled, "tell me how handsome I am."From across the room, Rebekah shot him an unimpressed glance, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her gown. "Ah, Kol," she smirked, "you know I can't be compelled." Her voice was laced with amusement, and Kol's smirk widened, undeterred by her sarcasm.Finn, watching the interaction with mild disinterest, stood beside the mantle, his hands clasped behind his back. He smiled faintly at their banter, but before any further quips could be exchanged, Klaus stormed into the room, fury radiating from every step.Klaus' voice cut through the room like a blade. "You went after Elena?" His eyes were sharp, burning with barely controlled rage as they landed on Rebekah. "What is wrong with you?"Rebekah met his anger with calm defiance, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took a sip of her drink. "Here we go," she muttered, her tone dry and knowing, like she'd heard this song before.Klaus' jaw tightened, his voice lowering to a deadly whisper. "Do you want another dagger in your heart?"Before Rebekah could respond, Kol chimed in, his tone playful and mocking. "Again with the dagger threats?" He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Don't you have any other tricks, Nik?"Klaus shot him a withering glare. "Go back to staring at yourself, Kol," he spat, dismissing him with a flick of his hand. Kol, however, wasn't one to back down so easily."And who are you?" Kol retorted, his eyes flashing with challenge. "My father?"Klaus took a step toward him, his voice low and menacing. "No, Kol," he said, "but you're in my house."Kol smirked, his eyes narrowing as he met Klaus' gaze head-on. "Then perhaps we should go outside." The room tensed, the air thick with the threat of violence, both brothers standing toe-to-toe.Klaus' lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Maybe you should."Kol's grin widened. "Finally, your patience is finished, huh?" His tone was sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife. "I'll give you a piece of advice, Nik. Do not threaten me or Bekah with a dagger."Before the tension could escalate further, the soft click of heels announced Esther's entrance. Her presence immediately commanded attention, her ethereal elegance giving her an almost otherworldly air."Enough," Esther's voice echoed through the room, firm and authoritative. She barely glanced at Kol or Rebekah as her gaze settled on Klaus. "Niklaus, come."With one last glare at Kol, Klaus followed his mother into the adjoining room. The door shut behind them, leaving the others in tense silence.In the private room, Klaus' frustration boiled over. "Rebekah wasn't even out of her box a day before she tried to ruin my life," he snapped, pacing the floor. "What happened to peace, acceptance, family?"Esther regarded him with calm, steady eyes. "You put daggers in their hearts," she said, her voice soft but filled with reproach. "You expect them to kneel at your feet, grateful for reuniting them?"Klaus stopped in his tracks, his fists clenching. "So it's a crime to want our family to be as we were?"Esther sighed, moving closer to him. "You need to give it time, Niklaus. I've had a thousand years on the other side to be angry and to heal. I'm here to make sure this family does the same."She placed a gentle hand on his arm. "It's been my dream for a thousand years that this family could be whole again. Forgiveness is not a chore. It's a gift."Klaus stiffened, his voice filled with bitterness. "And what about tonight? Should I parade around like nothing's wrong? Pretend we're one big happy family?"Esther smiled, her tone softening. "Who are you bringing to the ball?"Klaus chuckled darkly. "Don't be ridiculous. You're lucky I'm even going. Perhaps a charming companion will lighten the evening."Esther's eyes twinkled, unbothered by his sarcasm. "I wish you would reconsider. It's going to be a magical evening. And company could make it even more enchanting."[Gilbert's House]Back at the Gilbert house, the dim lighting of the kitchen added to the growing sense of unease that hung between Elena, Damon, and Stefan. Elena leaned against the counter, her arms crossed as she stared down at the invitation she held."If Esther wants to talk to me," Elena said cautiously, "maybe I should find out why."Damon scoffed, pushing himself off the wall. "Well, that's a dumb idea. She already tried to kill you once."Stefan, standing nearby, cut in. "No, Elena's right. Bonnie was led to open that coffin for a reason. I think there's more to this than just a family reunion."Damon shot Stefan an incredulous look. "Can we go back in time to the old Stefan who cared if Elena lived or died?"Stefan's jaw tightened, his gaze hardening. "What for? That's your job now."Elena, sensing the brewing tension, interjected. "Stefan has a point, Damon. I should find out what Esther wants."Damon rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, great idea. You can't even protect yourself."Stefan, his tone calm but firm, offered a solution. "Okay, fine. Then I'll go."Damon immediately stepped forward, snatching the invitation from Elena's hand. "You've pissed off enough Originals to last a lifetime. I'll go."Elena protested, reaching for the invitation. "Hey!"But Damon was already turning towards the door, his decision made. "End of story."As he disappeared out the front door, Elena and Stefan exchanged worried glances.Patreon