The world was a dangerous place, even in times of revelry. Beneath the laughter and music that filled grand ballrooms, shadows danced as freely as the guests, concealing secrets that could change the course of fate. It was a time when alliances were fragile, power was everything, and trust was a luxury few could afford.

—-

1518 London, England

"If I sneak in to get us some wine do you think people will notice?" Fae wonders while leaning against the stone railing, examining the gardens beneath us.

"It's worth the shot" I shrug my shoulders.
We had already put our positions and selfs at risk by coming to the ball and dancing, so why not drink a little now that we got the chance.

"I love your optimism" she laughs and makes her way inside the ball room.

As I am waiting for her return my gaze gets lost, wondering in the distant stars in the sky.

In the distance, the horizon held a faint trace of midnight blue, fading into shadows that seemed to whisper secrets to the night. A gentle breeze carried the crisp scent of autumn leaves and the faintest hint of rain, as if the air itself anticipated something extraordinary.

Suddenly I hear footsteps approaching me and for a fact, it was not Faith's.

"Do the stars hold your attention so firmly, or have you grown tired of the company within?" I hear a man's voice behind me but I don't turn around, not yet... -his aura is strong, he can't a human- ...Instead, with the corner of my eye, I look at the balcony next to me to see if the man is still there, but unfortunately or not, he isn't.

Here he is.

"Perhaps they offer a conversation more genuine than the rehearsed pleasantries inside..."

I turn to face him. He couldn't be a witch, no. Neither a werewolf. The Mikealsons were vampires.

"...Though, I suspect you already know about avoiding crowded rooms. Lord Mikaelson, isn't it?"

"I'm flattered my reputation precedes me, but you've caught me at a disadvantage. Who might you be, to outshine even the moonlight tonight?" He replies, a faint smirk spreading across his face.

"Maddison Chevalier. But, I suspect you've already asked about me, given your penchant for watching rather than mingling." I throw back at him, mirroring his expression.

"Observing, not watching. There's a difference, you see. And I observe that you, love, are...different." He steps closer looking rather amused.

"Nice compliment, coming from a vampire. Perhaps it depends on who's offering. Is this where you try to charm me with painted words?" I say with a playful manner. Smart? No. Fun, on the other hand, very. I was playing with fire and if I wasn't careful I would burn that's for sure.

Then he titles his head intrigued clearly not expecting me calling him out like that.

"Painted words? Now, that's a phrase worthy of a portrait itself little witch. But no, I'd rather let my art speak for me..."

He pauses.

"...Would you care to see it? The stars you admire so much—they're not half as captivating as the way you look beneath them."

"Is that an invitation, or a challenge?" I say  raising a brow.

Suddenly a smile appears on his lips, making my heart skip a beat.

"Perhaps both. What's life without a little danger?"

"Careful, Lord Mikaelson. My mother warns me about men who hide danger behind charming smiles. Shall I take her advice, or see your painting?"

"That depends, love. Are you the type to trust caution... or curiosity?"he replies, his voice softening though his voice eyes remain sharp.

However, as I open my mouth to speak, a soft sound of footsteps interrupts the moment. Faith returns, holding two glasses of red wine, her movements careful her expression anything but.

The moment she sees klaus she quickly glances at me, her look a silent demand "the painter guy!?"
"What have you gotten as into."

"Faith." I smile. "Impeccable timing, as always.

"Maddison." she says slowly, carefully shifting her attention back to klaus.
"Lord Mikealson" she nods, greeting him.

—-

2010 Mystic Falls, Virginia

Maddison lies motionless on the couch in the Salvatore living room, her white eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. A soft glow of moonlight filters through the windows, casting long shadows on the walls. Damon paces furiously, his frustration growing by the second, while Elena sits on the edge of the couch, holding Maddison's hand and trying to shake her awake.

"Damon, she's not responding! I don't understand—her heart's beating, she's breathing, but she's just... not here." Elena says panicking trying to wake her up.

"I noticed, Elena. Thanks for the update. What do you want me to do? She's not exactly giving us instructions here!"

"Maybe it's some kind of spell? What if she's trapped in her mind or something? Damon, we have to do something!"

"Sure, let me just consult the Mystical Problems for Dummies handbook I don't have. I don't even know what she is, Elena!" He replies sarcastically, even though it's clear that he is worrying sick about he's best friend.

"She's our friend! That should be enough. Stop pacing and help me figure this out!" She glares at him

Damon stops mid-step, staring at Maddison's unnerving, unmoving face.

He's gaze softens a bit

"Okay, fine. Let's think. You said her heartbeat's steady. She's not dying. So what—she's on a magical coffee break in la-la land? How do we wake someone who isn't technically asleep?"

"Maddison, can you hear me? It's Elena. Whatever's happening, we're here. You're safe. Please, just wake up!" She graves Maddison's hand tighter, speaking urgently

"Yeah, because talking to unconscious people always works." He mutters

Suddenly, Maddison's lips part, and she whispers faintly.

"Stars... falling... the castle... Klaus..." Maddison's mumbles something

"Klaus? Damon, did you hear that? She said Klaus!" Elena's eyes wide open

"Fantastic. Of course, Klaus. Why not? Because it's not like we don't already have enough to deal with." He says, leaning closer, his expression darkening

"Maddison, what about Klaus? Is he doing this to you? Please, tell us!"

Maddison's body jolts slightly, her head turning as though trying to escape something unseen. Her whispers grow frantic but remain fragmented.

"Moonlight... the stars are falling... I chose wrong..."

"She's not making any sense. Either she's dreaming, or she's stuck in some sort of supernatural flashback. Either way, this is way above my pay grade." He sighs crossing his arms 

"Then let's call Bonnie! She might know what to do!" She tells him pleadingly.

Damon pulls out his phone.

"Great, another midnight call to the witch. She's going to love this."

As he dials, Maddison suddenly lets out a soft gasp, her body arching slightly before going limp again. Her eyes flash to normal for the briefest second, and she locks eyes with Elena before collapsing back into stillness.

"Damon! She looked at me—she saw me for a second!"

"Which means she's still in there. That's something, right? She's fighting her way back, or... or something's keeping her down."

"Maddison, please. Stay with us. We'll figure this out. Just don't give up." She whispers while gently stroking Maddison's hair

Damon moves to the window, glancing out into the dark night, his jaw tightening.

"Klaus. If you're behind this... I swear I'll make you regret it."

"Hurry, Damon. Whatever's happening... I don't think we have much time."

—-

Heyyyy

So this might actually be the biggest chapter I've ever written but, oh god, it's so worth it.

I'll update the next one soon!

With love,
Chrysa<3