Chapter 12: Ashes and Oaths(I)

The Mikaelsons returned from the bar and settled into the library, the oppressive energy of the manor settling around them like a shroud. Elijah paced restlessly, his brow furrowed, the crackling fire mirroring the turmoil in his gaze. Rebekah leaned against the cold stone fireplace, her foot tapping impatiently, the flames dancing in her eyes with a fiery intensity. Niklaus, sprawled in his usual armchair, swirled a glass of bourbon, a storm brewing behind his piercing gaze.The revelation of Kol's centuries-old suffering, hidden beneath his mischievous facade, had shaken them all. It was a stark reminder of the darkness within their family, a darkness they had long chosen to ignore."Kol," Elijah finally spoke, his voice a low rumble, "he's been in so much pain, and we didn't even try to help him." His tone grew more agitated. "I failed him. *We* failed him!" Elijah growled, his composure cracking as his inner monster surfaced.Rebekah scoffed bitterly, "Always and forever," she spat, her words laced with venom. "Yet how little we truly care for one another. Bound by blood, but still so divided." A flicker of pain crossed her face as she recalled how Kol had tried to cheer her up, even when she had betrayed him.Klaus raised his glass, cutting through the tension with an air of cold authority. "Let us not dwell in the past," he declared, voice smooth but commanding. "Let this be a lesson—a reminder of what we must start working on. The backstabbing has gone on long enough."The words hung heavy in the room, a fragile promise of change. For the first time in what felt like centuries, a flicker of unity stirred within the Mikaelsons, though delicate and uncertain.Meanwhile, in the vibrant streets of Richmond, the air was filled with laughter and music. Caroline and Kol, caught up in the infectious energy of the night, danced amidst the revelry. Their steps, once hesitant, had transformed into an easy rhythm, a shared joy that transcended the initial awkwardness between them.As the night wore on, they exchanged stories under the gaze of the moon. Caroline's excitement was palpable as she regaled Kol with tales of the modern world—technology, trends, the dizzying complexities of life in the 21st century. Kol, ever the mischievous charmer, painted vivid pictures of his ancient past, a world filled with magic and mythical creatures, a time long gone but never forgotten.The night culminated in a quiet moment of understanding between them. Kol, his usual grin softened, saved Caroline's number in his phone, playfully calling her his "little light."Caroline laughed, her heart warming at the nickname. "I am *not* little, Kol!"Kol chuckled, his tone teasing yet affectionate. "Darling, you're a young, naive soul. See the world, roam it, learn everything that piques your curiosity. Revel in the experiences, and maybe then I'll stop calling you 'little light.'"Caroline smiled but blurted out, "That's... actually kind of what Klaus said."Kol's eyebrow shot up. "Oh? And what did my bastard of a brother have to say?"[Flashback]Caroline's heart raced as Klaus entered her room, tension crackling in the air between them. Her voice wavered, betraying the fear simmering beneath the surface."Are you going to kill me?" she asked, her words barely above a whisper.Klaus, ever composed, raised an eyebrow. "On your birthday? Do you think that low of me?"The chill in his voice sent shivers down her spine."Yes," Caroline replied flatly.Klaus frowned, looking almost insulted. "That looks bad. My apologies. You were merely collateral damage, nothing personal, love. I do love birthdays."Caroline's frustration flared. "Yeah, aren't you like a billion years old or something?"Klaus chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You'll have to adjust your perception of time once you become a vampire, Caroline. Celebrate the fact that you're no longer bound by trivial human conventions. You're free."Caroline's stomach twisted at the irony. Freedom? Immortality felt more like a curse at that moment. "No, I'm dying."Klaus stepped closer, his expression thoughtful. "And I could let you die, if that's what you want. If you truly believe your existence has no meaning." His voice dipped lower, revealing a rare vulnerability. "I've thought about it myself, once or twice, over the centuries."Caroline blinked, startled by his admission. But the venom's effects were taking over, and her mind struggled to keep up.Klaus's voice softened, offering a glimmer of temptation. "But I'll let you in on a little secret: there's a whole world out there waiting for you. Great cities, art, music, genuine beauty. You could have all of it—a thousand more birthdays—all you have to do is ask."Caroline's breath hitched. The offer was both terrifying and exhilarating."I don't wanna die," she whispered, her fear and desire colliding.Without hesitation, Klaus bit into his wrist and lifted her into his arms. "There you go, sweetheart," he murmured as she drank. "Happy birthday, Caroline."[End Flashback]Kol smirked as Caroline finished recounting her encounter with his brother. "Well, darling, it's not easy to get Klaus's blood," he said, amused, "but it sounds like you made quite the impression."With that, they returned to Mystic Falls, Kol dropping Caroline off at her home with a playful promise. "You're in for a surprise, love," he said with a wink, before disappearing into the night.This was a good scene of klaus being klausI am always available for conversations about the storyIf you like the story please do support me on Pat