The forest slowly returned to silence.
The meeting between Alexander Nightshade and the Original vampires had ended peacefully.
For now.
Elijah had already disappeared into the night, leaving with his usual calm dignity.
But one person had not left.
Rebekah Mikaelson.
She leaned casually against a tree, watching Alexander carefully.
Alexander noticed immediately.
"You didn't leave with your brother."
Rebekah smiled slightly.
"Elijah likes gathering information."
She pushed herself off the tree and slowly walked closer.
"I prefer personal investigation."
Alexander crossed his arms calmly.
His golden eyes followed her movements.
Rebekah stopped only a few steps away.
Her blue eyes studied his face carefully.
For a moment she said nothing.
Then she tilted her head slightly.
"You're strange."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"That sounds like criticism."
Rebekah smirked.
"It's actually a compliment."
She walked around him slowly.
Observing him like someone inspecting a rare object.
"You're calm around Original vampires."
She stopped in front of him again.
"Most people are terrified."
Alexander shrugged slightly.
"Fear is unnecessary."
Rebekah leaned a little closer.
Her voice playful.
"Confident."
Alexander didn't move.
Their eyes locked.
For a brief moment the air felt heavier.
Then Rebekah suddenly smiled.
"I like confident men."
Alexander chuckled softly.
'Of course you do.'
Rebekah crossed her arms again.
But this time her expression was thoughtful.
"You're not a normal vampire."
Alexander said nothing.
She continued analyzing him.
"You're not a werewolf either."
She stepped closer again.
Now only inches away.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"But there's definitely vampire and werewolf energy inside you."
Alexander finally spoke.
"You're very observant."
Rebekah smiled proudly.
"I usually am."
She paused.
Then suddenly whispered:
"Hybrid?"
Alexander looked at her calmly.
"Close."
Rebekah frowned.
"Close?"
Then realization slowly appeared in her eyes.
She whispered again.
"Wait…"
"You're not…"
Alexander watched her reaction quietly.
Rebekah took a step back.
Her expression shocked.
"That's impossible."
Alexander tilted his head slightly.
"What is?"
Rebekah stared at him carefully.
Then spoke slowly.
"You're something I've never seen before."
Alexander smiled faintly.
"That happens often."
For several seconds Rebekah remained silent.
Then suddenly she laughed.
Not nervously.
But excitedly.
"You know what?"
She pointed at him.
"I like you."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"That's fast."
Rebekah shrugged.
"I'm an Original vampire."
She smiled mischievously.
"We don't waste time."
Alexander chuckled quietly.
'She's definitely Klaus's sister.'
Rebekah stepped even closer again.
Her voice teasing.
"Tell me something honestly."
Alexander nodded slightly.
"Maybe."
She looked directly into his golden eyes.
"Are you stronger than my brother Klaus?"
Alexander thought for a moment.
Then answered casually.
"Yes."
Rebekah blinked.
Then suddenly laughed again.
"God, I hope that's true."
Alexander looked slightly amused.
"Why?"
Rebekah leaned closer and whispered playfully:
"Because someone should finally annoy him."
The wind moved through the forest again.
For a moment both of them simply stood there.
Looking at each other.
Rebekah finally stepped back.
"Well, Alexander Nightshade…"
"This town just became much more interesting."
Alexander nodded slightly.
"I agree."
She smiled.
Then suddenly vanished with vampire speed.
Leaving only the quiet forest behind.
Alexander looked up at the moon again.
'Original vampires… witches… doppelgangers…'
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Mystic Falls was becoming very entertaining.
And this was only the beginning.