✓ SILVER LINING¹ ☾ 𝐊.𝐌𝐈𝐊𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐎𝐍

The air in Mystic Falls hung heavy with an unnatural quiet, a deceptive calm that always preceded the storm. Odette, leaning against the creaking porch railing of a dilapidated, rented house on the outskirts of town, watched the distant lights shimmer like scattered embers. Beside her, Hayley chewed nervously on her lip, her eyes scanning the darkening woods.

“Still think this is a good idea?” Odette’s voice, usually laced with sarcasm, was softer now, tinged with genuine concern. “Getting involved with the Mikaelsons, the Salvatores… it’s like stepping into a human-sized bear trap, except the bears are immortal and have very large fangs.”

Hayley sighed, a puff of visible breath in the cool night air. “We need answers, Odette. And Tyler… he’s our way in. He’s the only lead we’ve got to the unsired.”

Odette pushed off the railing, stretching. “Just remember, if this goes sideways, I’m blaming you. And I’m going to make sure you hear about it for the rest of your unnaturally long life.” She paused, a glint in her eye. “Which, at this rate, might only be until sunrise.”