Shadows of Power - 1

"Like I mentioned before, you truly intrigue me, Mr. Mikaelson." Zara’s voice was smooth, almost velvety, her tone was dark, something far more dangerous.

Elijah, seated across from her, responded with a wry smile, though it was a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

He leaned back slowly, undoing the button of his coat with a deliberate gesture, all while keeping his unwavering gaze fixed on Zara’s face.

The tension between them was palpable, Elijah, with all his centuries of experience, was accustomed to reading people, to sensing danger before it struck. But Zara, she was different.

She was elusive, unpredictable, and that intrigued and unsettled him in equal measure.

Finally, Elijah sighed softly, as though releasing a fraction of the tension building inside him.

He raised his glass to his lips and took a measured sip of his drink, the subtle burn of the liquid grounding him. His voice, when he spoke, was professional, yet edged with the gravity of the situation.