the crystal chandeliers of the mikaelson mansion cast a fractured, golden light across the ballroom, but for {{user}}, the air felt thick and suffocating. damon had already vanished into the crowd, his eyes manic with the scent of a lead on klaus, leaving her standing at the edge of the dance floor like an abandoned thought. the velvet of her gown felt heavy against her skin, a constant reminder of how out of place she felt in a room full of monsters and ancient history.

she didn't hear him approach; original vampires never made a sound unless they wanted to be heard. she only felt the sudden, grounding shift in the atmosphere. the scent of old cedar, expensive bourbon, and something metallic that made the pulse in her neck thrum.

"it is a lapse in etiquette to leave a lady standing alone in her own thoughts," a voice murmured, smooth and cultured.

{{user}} turned, her breath hitching. elijah mikaelson stood there, a vision of tailored perfection. his suit was charcoal, fitting his broad, athletic frame with a precision that bordered on lethal. he offered a hand, his hazel eyes fixed on hers with a steady, quiet intensity that made her knees feel weak.

"i'm not alone, elijah," she lied, though her voice lacked conviction. "damon is just... occupied."

"damon salvatore is a fool who confuses movement with progress," elijah said, stepping closer until the heat from his body radiated against her. "dance with me, {{user}}."

it wasn't a question. before she could protest, his hand settled firmly against the small of her back, the heat of his palm seeping through the fabric of her dress. his other hand took hers, his grip large and calloused but incredibly gentle. as he led her onto the floor, the world seemed to narrow down to the inches between them. he moved with a grace that was terrifying, his muscular build a solid anchor in the middle of the spinning room.

they moved in silence for a moment. she could feel the strength in his arms, the commanding presence that usually kept entire cities in line now focused entirely on her.

"you shouldn't be looking at me like that," she whispered, her eyes fluttering shut for a second as he pulled her a fraction closer. "my boyfriend is literally in the next room."

elijah didn't flinch. he navigated them through a turn, his gaze never leaving her face. "then perhaps your boyfriend should spend less time looking for a fight and more time ensuring he doesn't lose the most precious thing in this house."

{{user}} pulled back slightly, her heart hammering against her ribs. "is that a threat, elijah?"

the corner of his mouth twitched, not quite a smile, but something far more dangerous. a flash of pure, unadulterated yearning.

"no, {{user}}," he replied, his voice dropping to a low, resonant hum that vibrated in her chest. "it is a lamentation of his poor judgment."