The forest surrounding Mystic Falls was quiet.
Moonlight filtered through the tall trees.
Cold wind rustled the leaves.
But the silence didn't last long.
Two powerful supernatural beings had just arrived in the town.
And one of them had already found what he was looking for.
Standing in the middle of the forest clearing…
Alexander Nightshade looked up at the moon.
His golden eyes glowed faintly in the darkness.
He could feel them approaching.
Their presence was unmistakable.
Ancient.
Powerful.
Predatory.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
'So they finally came.'
A sudden blur of movement appeared between the trees.
Then another.
In less than a second…
Two figures stood several meters away from him.
Elijah Mikaelson.
And Rebekah Mikaelson.
Rebekah crossed her arms as she looked Alexander up and down.
Her expression curious.
"So this is the mysterious power Elijah felt?"
Alexander looked at her calmly.
Then at Elijah.
Elijah's posture was calm and dignified as always.
He studied Alexander carefully.
His sharp eyes analyzing every detail.
After a moment, Elijah spoke politely.
"Good evening."
Alexander nodded slightly.
"Elijah Mikaelson."
Rebekah blinked.
"Oh that's interesting."
She tilted her head slightly.
"You already know who we are."
Alexander answered simply.
"Of course."
Elijah took a step forward.
His tone remained respectful.
"Then you also know that my family rarely travels without reason."
Alexander nodded.
"You're curious."
Elijah smiled faintly.
"Very."
Rebekah walked slowly around Alexander.
Like a predator examining something new.
"You don't smell human."
She frowned slightly.
"But you don't smell like a vampire either."
She stopped in front of him.
"So what exactly are you?"
Alexander looked at her calmly.
'Straight to the point.'
He glanced toward Elijah again.
Elijah was watching him with quiet intensity.
Alexander finally spoke.
"Something rare."
Rebekah rolled her eyes.
"That's not an answer."
Alexander smiled slightly.
"It wasn't meant to be."
For several seconds…
No one spoke.
The air in the forest felt tense.
Even the wind seemed to slow.
Then Elijah suddenly frowned slightly.
His eyes narrowed.
Because he felt it again.
That pressure.
That ancient presence.
Standing only a few meters away from Alexander.
And yet…
It felt impossibly deep.
Like staring into an endless abyss.
Elijah spoke quietly.
"Your power…"
He paused.
"It's unusual."
Rebekah looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
Elijah didn't look away from Alexander.
"It's old."
Alexander's golden eyes met his.
Neither of them blinked.
Rebekah suddenly smirked.
"Now I'm really curious."
She leaned slightly closer to Alexander.
"Are you stronger than us?"
Alexander considered the question for a moment.
Then he answered honestly.
"Yes."
Rebekah blinked.
Then laughed.
"You're confident."
But Elijah did not laugh.
Because he could feel it.
The truth.
Alexander wasn't bragging.
He was simply stating a fact.
Elijah finally nodded slowly.
"Interesting."
Rebekah looked between them.
"Wait… you actually believe him?"
Elijah answered calmly.
"I believe he believes it."
Alexander smiled faintly.
'Diplomatic as always.'
Rebekah crossed her arms.
Still studying Alexander carefully.
"Well, mysterious stranger…"
"If you're so powerful, why hide in a small town like Mystic Falls?"
Alexander looked toward the distant lights of the town.
Then back at her.
"Because it's peaceful."
Rebekah laughed.
"You clearly haven't been here long."
Elijah finally stepped closer.
His voice calm but firm.
"My sister and I do not wish to start unnecessary conflict."
Alexander nodded slightly.
"Neither do I."
For a moment…
The tension in the forest eased.
Then Elijah extended his hand slightly.
A respectful gesture.
"Elijah Mikaelson."
Alexander looked at the offered hand.
Then shook it.
"Alexander Nightshade."
Rebekah sighed dramatically.
"Great."
She rolled her eyes.
"Now you're making friends."
But deep inside…
Both Originals knew something important.
They had just met someone extremely dangerous.
Far away…
Standing on a rooftop in Mystic Falls…
Katherine Pierce watched the distant forest.
She couldn't see the meeting.
But she could feel the powerful supernatural energy spreading through the night.
Her smile slowly grew wider.
'Oh this is getting interesting.'
Because Mystic Falls had just become the meeting place of monsters.
Ancient vampires.
Powerful witches.
And now…
Something far more dangerous.
Alexander Nightshade.