Threads of Fate: Riena's Mission

The Mystic Grill was buzzing with its usual hum of conversation and clinking dishes as Riena and the Mikaelsons stepped through the entrance. The warmth of the place contrasted with the cool autumn air outside, but it wasn’t just the temperature that shifted as they entered—it was the energy. Heads turned, conversations paused, and all eyes seemed to land on the striking group, their presence commanding attention without a word.

Caroline’s excited squeal broke through the silence. “Riena!” she cried, practically bouncing out of her seat. She rushed over to hug her friend tightly, her blonde curls swaying as she moved. Bonnie was right behind her, her warm smile lighting up the room as she joined the embrace.

“We missed you!” Caroline said, pulling back just enough to hold Riena’s hands in hers. “You have no idea how quiet it’s been without you.”

Bonnie nodded in agreement. “Seriously, things have been way too calm.”

Riena laughed softly, her sapphire-blue eyes glowing with affection for her friends. “I missed you too,” she said warmly. “It feels like forever since we’ve seen each other.”

Behind Caroline and Bonnie, Stefan, Damon, and Alaric approached, their faces lighting up as they saw Riena.

“There she is,” Damon said, grinning. “Our favorite troublemaker.”

Stefan’s smile was softer but just as warm. “It’s good to see you again, Riena.”

Alaric crossed his arms but couldn’t hide the fondness in his voice. “You’ve been keeping busy, haven’t you? We were starting to wonder if we’d ever see you again.”

Riena’s cheeks flushed slightly as she looked at them. “I’m sorry. Things have been… intense.”

As Riena greeted her friends, Elena sat at their usual table, her hands clenched tightly around the edge of her seat. Her brown eyes burned with barely concealed anger as she watched everyone flock to Riena. It’s always her now, she thought bitterly. Why does she get all the attention?

Her frustration only deepened as Riena turned back to the Mikaelsons, gesturing for them to join her. “Everyone,” she said with a smile, “I’d like you to meet the rest of the Mikaelsons. You already know Elijah, of course.” She motioned toward him, and he gave a polite nod. “But this is Klaus, Kol, Rebekah, and Finn.”

Stefan and Damon’s eyes flicked toward Klaus, the tension between them palpable, but Riena’s calming presence seemed to diffuse it.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Finn said smoothly, his deep voice carrying a hint of amusement as he surveyed the group.

Kol grinned, his mischievous charm on full display. “So these are your friends, Riena? They seem… protective.” His gaze lingered on Damon, who raised an eyebrow in return.

Rebekah, ever elegant, simply inclined her head. “Lovely to meet you,” she said, her tone formal but polite.

The introductions seemed to be going well—until Klaus’s sharp gaze fell on Elena. His golden-brown eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her, his wolf stirring inside him. “The doppelgänger,” he murmured under his breath, his voice edged with disdain.

Kol tilted his head, his lips curling into a smirk. “So this is the infamous Elena Gilbert? The cause of all the chaos?”

Finn’s expression didn’t shift, but his tone was laced with dry amusement. “She’s not quite what I imagined.”

Elena stiffened, her cheeks flushing with anger. “I’m sitting right here,” she snapped, glaring at them. “And, for your information, I’ve been through plenty of chaos because of you people.”

Klaus ignored her entirely, his attention drifting back to Riena, who stood serenely between them. “Let’s sit,” he said, his voice low but firm, as if Elena hadn’t spoken at all.

The Mikaelsons followed Riena to a large table, leaving Elena fuming in her seat as everyone gravitated toward her once again. They didn’t even care, Elena thought, her frustration mounting. Riena didn’t even introduce me properly.

Once they were seated, Riena’s voice bubbled with excitement as she addressed her friends. “I have some good news,” she began, her sapphire eyes glinting with pride. “Last night, I broke Klaus’s curse.”

The room fell silent for a moment as her words sank in.

“You what?” Caroline asked, her voice rising with disbelief. “You mean… the curse that was tied to Elena?”

Riena nodded. “It’s broken. Klaus no longer needs the doppelgänger. Elena is safe now.”

Relief washed over the group, especially Bonnie, Stefan, and Alaric. Damon, however, leaned back in his chair with a skeptical expression. “So, no more sacrifices? No more rituals?”

“None,” Riena confirmed, her voice steady.

“That’s amazing,” Bonnie said, her smile returning. “Thank you, Riena. You’ve done more than anyone could have asked.”

Caroline leaned closer, her excitement returning in full force. “We have to celebrate! And I think I know how. Riena, we need to go shopping again. And this time, Rebekah is coming with us.” She turned to Rebekah, her eyes sparkling. “You need a new wardrobe. Trust me.”

Rebekah raised an eyebrow but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Shopping, hmm? I suppose I could use a few updates.”

Bonnie grinned. “Oh, you’re going to love it. Our last trip to Paris was amazing. Riena is the best shopping partner ever.”

As the girls began chatting about potential destinations—Milan, New York, maybe even Tokyo—the men at the table watched quietly. Stefan and Damon exchanged a look, their gazes shifting between Kol, Klaus, and Elijah.

“You’re seeing this, right?” Damon muttered to Stefan, his voice low.

Stefan nodded. “Oh, I’m seeing it.”

Alaric frowned, following their line of sight. Kol, Klaus, and Elijah were all focused on Riena, their expressions ranging from possessive to utterly smitten. The way they looked at her wasn’t subtle, and it certainly wasn’t casual.

Damon leaned forward, his voice barely above a whisper. “What’s the deal with these guys? They’re acting like lovesick puppies.”

Before either Stefan or Alaric could respond, Finn chuckled, drawing their attention. “What’s the matter, boys?” he asked, his tone teasing. “Not used to seeing my brothers share?”

Damon’s eyes narrowed. “Share?”

Finn smirked, glancing at Kol, Klaus, and Elijah. “Oh, yes. They’ve decided that instead of fighting over her, they’ll simply share her. Saves us all the drama.”

The three men blinked, clearly caught off guard. Stefan was the first to recover, his tone sharp but protective. “Well, they’d better take care of her. Because if any of them hurt her, they’ll answer to us.”

Damon nodded. “Damn right. She’s like a little sister to us. And I don’t care how ‘Original’ they are—if they mess up, we’ll deal with them.”

Kol, overhearing the conversation, leaned back in his chair with a sly grin. “Don’t worry, boys. We’re very… invested in her happiness.”

Klaus said nothing, but his golden eyes gleamed with possessiveness as they flicked toward Riena. Elijah, ever composed, inclined his head. “You have our word. Riena’s well-being is our priority.”

The tension at the table eased slightly, but Damon’s gaze remained sharp. “Good. Because if you break her heart, I’ll break you.”

Riena, oblivious to the exchange, turned back to the group with a bright smile. “So, lunch?” she asked cheerfully.

The others nodded, the mood lightening as the group began to discuss the menu. But even as they laughed and talked, a shared understanding lingered between the men: Riena was at the heart of something far more complicated than anyone had expected.

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To be continued…