The Mystic Falls Grill carried its usual atmosphere: the clinking of pool balls, soft country music, and the low hum of idle conversation. You stood by the door for only a second before your eyes locked onto her—Caroline Forbes, radiant and unaware that tonight would be the start of something neither of you could predict.
She looked up as you approached, her expression instantly guarded. "Klaus."
You smiled, unbothered. "Hello, beautiful."
"I'm not in the mood," she said sharply. "Whatever you're planning, it's a no."
You leaned slightly closer, keeping your tone casual but warm. "Then say no. But not before I ask you for one thing."
"One?"
"One date. That's all I'm asking. No strings. No mind games. If you hate it, I'll leave you alone."
She raised a skeptical brow. "And if I don't?"
"Then I'll treat you the way no one ever has… like a queen. Forever."
She hesitated. Her cheeks colored slightly despite her firm tone. "One date. Don't push your luck."
"Never."
That night, your Lamborghini pulled up to the Forbes residence right on time. You adjusted the cuffs of your black suit and knocked gently.
The door opened to Liz Forbes, sharp-eyed and steady.
"Klaus."
"Sheriff," you said smoothly, offering a light smile. "You look especially radiant tonight. That badge must shine brighter just being near you."
She blinked, caught off guard—but not displeased.
"You here to pick up Caroline or charm the entire household?"
"Is it wrong to do both?"
Before she could answer, Caroline stepped down the stairs in a sleek emerald dress. The sight of her momentarily pulled the breath from your chest.
"Stunning," you said. "You'll be the envy of every era."
"You've had practice," she said, brushing past you. "Let's go."
You turned to Liz and offered a polite nod. "Take care of yourself tonight. I'll make sure your daughter's safe… and smiling."
She didn't answer, but there was a trace of curiosity behind her suspicion as she shut the door.
Caroline raised a brow as she got into the Lamborghini. "Seriously?"
"What kind of king would I be if I didn't treat you to a royal chariot?"
She didn't smile, but her body relaxed as the engine purred and you sped off into the night.
The car rolled onto the private tarmac, and Caroline sat forward, confused. "You brought me to an airport?"
"Not an airport," you corrected. "A departure point."
She stared at the private jet waiting just ahead. "Klaus. You did not rent a jet."
"I own it."
"For one date?"
"One exceptional date. That was the deal."
The Caribbean air greeted her with a rush of warmth and ocean breeze as the jet landed. Caroline's eyes widened as she stepped onto the private dock, the sea stretching wide and wild beneath the moonlight.
"We're in the Caribbean," she said flatly.
"Welcome to paradise, love."
She folded her arms. "You're seriously trying this hard?"
"I'm simply offering you the world. What you do with it is up to you."
Dinner was served on the balcony of a private glass villa carved into the cliffside. A sea of candles flickered beneath hanging lanterns. The scent of salt and citrus filled the air.
You poured her wine, gentle and unhurried.
"You were alive during the Viking Age," she said, attempting casual conversation. "What was that like? Be honest."
You smiled. "Not the horned-helmet savagery everyone believes. We were warriors, yes—but we were also builders. Traders. Storytellers. Women had rights. Strength was respected, not just brute force."
"So… no dragons?"
"Only in stories. We played board games like hnefatafl, used runestones to mark our lineage, and passed wisdom through riddles and sagas."
"That sounds… almost peaceful."
"It was, at times. Until my mother made us into something else."
Caroline looked at you, expression hardening slightly. "So you blame her for what you became?"
"Partially," you admitted. "But I've made my own choices since then. That's on me."
After dinner, you led her down to the beach. A soft wind moved through the palm trees. Blue bioluminescent waves shimmered along the shoreline.
You lifted a hand and snapped your fingers. A circle of stones nearby ignited into a warm fire.
Caroline jumped. "You—what?"
"Witchcraft," you said simply, taking a seat by the fire.
"You're not a witch."
"That's the thing," you replied, voice lower now, more personal. "Technically, I always was."
She frowned, confused.
"I was born a witch-werewolf hybrid," you explained. "My mother's blood gave me my magical heritage. But when she turned us into vampires, she did something else too—she suppressed my werewolf side, fearing it. And in doing so… she also unknowingly suppressed my witch side."
You let the firelight reflect in your eyes.
"For over a thousand years, I lived only half of who I was. I didn't even know the magic was still in me—until I broke my hybrid curse. When I did… the binding fell away."
She was silent, stunned.
"So you've always been…?"
"A witch and a wolf. The vampire came later. But I never accessed my magic—not until recently."
"And that's the story you're sticking to?"
You looked her in the eye.
"It's the truth. Or at least the only part I can afford to share."
Caroline studied you carefully—seeing more than she ever had before.
"And you're a Tribrid now."
"Not by design. Just… by destiny."
She turned her eyes toward the waves again.
"And what about Elena?" she asked quietly. "You caused a lot of pain, Klaus."
"I know."
"She died."
"And came back," you reminded her. "But the pain? That remains. And so does the truth."
You faced the fire again.
"Damon treats her like she belongs to him. Stefan sees Katherine when he looks at her. Neither of them love Elena. Not truly."
Caroline didn't respond. You turned to her gently.
"There's only one man I believe could actually love her for who she is."
"Who?"
"Elijah."
Caroline blinked. Then sat up straighter.
"Elijah?"
"He's calm. Thoughtful. Unshakably loyal. He listens. He doesn't want to change people—he helps them become who they already are."
She looked at you, considering.
"You might be right."
You nodded.
"And you, Caroline, deserve someone who sees the same in you."
She didn't respond at first.
But this time, when she looked at you… she didn't look through you.
She looked into you.
And for the first time, she didn't see the monster.
She saw the man beneath it.