Elena blinked, her mind racing to catch up with the impossible. A genie. Out of a lamp. In the middle of a conversation about death and curses. She glanced at Elijah, whose posture had shifted into something predatory, ready to strike if this... thing so much as twitched wrong.
The genie—because what else could he be?—didn't seem fazed. He straightened his shoulders, the smoke from the lamp dissipating around him like forgotten fog. He was dressed simply, in modern clothes that looked out of place against the antique room: jeans, a dark shirt, boots scuffed from who-knows-what adventures.
"Let's start simple," he said, his voice carrying that same easy warmth, like he was discussing the weather instead of rewriting reality. He turned his attention fully to Elena, ignoring Elijah's glare. "You're worried about a curse. The one your friend Elijah here is so fond of philosophizing about. Sacrifice, blood moon, doppelganger—sounds exhausting, doesn't it?"
Elena's mouth went dry. "How do you—"
"Know?" He chuckled softly, a sound that echoed oddly in the room. "I've been around. Lamps like that one? They pick up echoes. Yours is screaming about Klaus and his little ritual. But here's the thing: I could fix it. Snap my fingers—well, not literally, since you haven't wished yet—and poof. Curse broken. No sacrifice needed."
Elijah stepped forward, his voice a low growl. "You will not interfere. This is not your affair."
The genie raised an eyebrow, finally acknowledging him. "Interfere? Oh, I'm not here to play hero. Or villain. Just offering options." He paused, his eyes flicking back to Elena. "For her. She seems like the type who hates loose ends."
"What do you mean, fix it?" Elena asked, her voice steadier than she felt. She clutched the edge of the table, grounding herself.
He leaned against the wall casually, crossing his arms. "Exactly what I said. I could end Klaus. Permanently. No resurrection, no hybrid army, no more moonstone nonsense. He's dust, the curse unravels, and everyone goes home happy. Or... not so happy, depending on your alliances." His smile faded slightly, turning thoughtful. "But I probably won't. Not yet, anyway."
"Why not?" she pressed, stepping closer despite Elijah's warning glance.
"Because I've seen the future," he replied, his tone shifting to something almost wistful. "It's an interesting one. Twists and turns, blood and betrayal—the kind of story that keeps things lively. I don't like using my abilities when nothing's at stake. Makes it boring. Predictable. And I hate predictable."
Elijah moved then, blurring with vampire speed, his hand reaching for the genie's throat. But before his fingers could close the distance, the air shimmered. Elijah froze mid-step, his body locked in place like a statue carved from marble. His eyes widened in fury, but he couldn't speak, couldn't move.
Elena gasped, stumbling back. "What did you do?"
The genie shrugged, unperturbed. "Just a timeout. He's feisty, but we've got things to discuss." He walked a slow circle around Elijah's immobilized form, inspecting him like a curious artifact. "You see, I'm only a spirit for a while. Bound to the lamp until someone interesting comes along. But bodies? They're useful. Temporary homes."
He stopped in front of Elijah, placing a hand on the vampire's chest. A faint glow pulsed under his palm, and Elijah's eyes fluttered shut, his body slumping slightly but still held upright by whatever force pinned him.
"Elijah, have a good sleep," the genie murmured, almost kindly. Then, with a deep breath, he stepped forward—right into Elijah's form. The air rippled again, and when it cleared, it was Elijah standing there. But not quite. His eyes were the same sharp brown, but the expression... different. Softer at the edges, laced with that same amusement.
Elena stared, her heart pounding. "Elijah?"
The possessed form tilted its head, smiling with Elijah's lips. "Not exactly. But close enough for now. Shall we talk about that curse some more? Or do you have a wish ready?"