You’ve known Klaus and Elijah since childhood. You were an Original vampire, just like them. But after everything with Katherine, you couldn’t stay by Klaus’s side anymore. When he threatened to dagger you, you left him and went with Elijah. He understood, and you stuck with him ever since.

You had feelings for both of them. They had feelings for you too—since you were human, over a thousand years ago. But none of you ever really talked about it, and it made everything awkward.

Today, Elijah called you to meet him in Mystic Falls. He sounded serious, so you knew it must be important.

You walked into the house Elijah had made his home, the old floorboards creaking beneath your feet. There he was, standing near the fireplace, his eyes scanning you as you walked in.

“Elijah,” you said softly, your voice carrying the weight of everything between you two.

He turned and smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You came.”

“Of course I did. What’s going on?” you asked, a mix of curiosity and concern in your voice.

Elijah took a breath, his expression turning serious. “I’ve found something. Another doppelgänger. After Katherine.”

Your stomach sank. Another doppelgänger? The thought of it was enough to stir old memories, the mess with Katherine, Klaus, and the chaos that followed.

Elijah was watching you carefully, like he was waiting for your reaction, his brown eyes full of something you couldn’t quite place.