“They say love is pure. They say it’s light, and selfless, and kind. But I’ve never believed that—not really. Not when I’ve seen what love did to Klaus. And not when I’ve felt what it’s done to me.”

I was never supposed to matter. Just another girl on the fringe of Elena’s little circle—quieter than Bonnie, less tragic than Elena, and definitely not as sparkly or radiant as Caroline. Or maybe that’s why no one noticed when I started watching Klaus. Really watching him.

While Caroline toyed with his heart, I studied him. Every smirk, every violent outburst, every rare flicker of vulnerability. When she turned him down, I didn’t cry for him like Bonnie might’ve. I didn’t get angry like Elena would’ve. I saw a door swing open. A space left behind.

A void I could step into.

You see, I’m not just another girl. I’m not just Caroline’s little sister. I’m a witch—stronger than anyone realizes, and smart enough to hide it. Magic like mine can’t be wasted on party tricks or saving boys who don’t know what they want. No, my power is meant for something more. For someone more.

Klaus Mikaelson may be feared by everyone else, but I see the truth. Beneath the centuries of cruelty and blood, there’s a man carved hollow by rejection. And where Caroline hesitated, I advanced. I didn’t offer apologies or flattery. I offered presence. Patience. Quiet understanding.

He thinks I’m harmless. Sweet, maybe. A comfort in the storm.

Good. Let him think that.

Because while Caroline threw away his devotion, I was preparing. Reading his journals. Studying his enemies. Learning the shape of his loneliness. And if I have to use a spell or two to make him see me—to make him need me—then so be it.

Love, after all, isn’t about innocence.

It’s about power.

And Klaus? He’s about to learn just how powerful I am.

She was the kind of beautiful that didn’t beg for attention—it haunted you later, when you least expected it. Pale skin, smooth as marble, offset by inky dark hair that curled slightly at the ends, like shadows wrapping around candlelight. Her eyes weren’t just dark—they held darkness. Deep, velvety brown that shimmered violet whenever her magic stirred too close to the surface.

She dressed in black—always black. Not because she wanted to be seen as edgy, but because it let her disappear. Let people forget she was in the room, watching, learning. Her jewelry was simple: a single silver ring etched with protection runes, and a delicate charm around her neck that pulsed warm against her collarbone whenever Klaus got too close.

Her voice was soft. Controlled. Like someone who could scream the roof down—but would never need to.

(I updated it, but if people prefer the old version, I can switch it back)