The warm lights of the Mystic Falls Grill spilled out onto the quiet street.
Inside, the usual late-night crowd filled the room with laughter and conversation.
Music played softly in the background.
Waitresses moved between tables.
It looked like a normal night in a normal town.
But outside…
The situation was far from normal.
Alexander Nightshade stood calmly beside the brick wall near the entrance.
His posture relaxed.
Golden eyes observing the street.
Next to him stood Rebekah Mikaelson.
The Original vampire looked completely comfortable leaning against the wall beside him.
Her arms crossed casually.
Blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
She glanced at him again.
"You still haven't answered my question."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"Which one?"
Rebekah smirked.
"Don't play innocent."
She stepped a little closer.
"Which girl do you like the most?"
Alexander chuckled quietly.
"You're very persistent."
Rebekah shrugged.
"Curiosity is one of my charms."
Across the street…
Someone had just stepped out of her car.
Elena Gilbert.
She had come to the Grill to meet Caroline and Bonnie.
But the moment she looked toward the entrance…
She froze.
Because she saw him.
Alexander.
Standing there.
Talking with a beautiful blonde woman.
And they looked… comfortable together.
Too comfortable.
Elena frowned slightly.
'Who is that?'
Inside the Grill…
Damon Salvatore stood near the bar.
Holding a glass of bourbon.
His sharp eyes had already noticed everything happening outside.
He smirked slightly.
"Oh this should be fun."
Stefan glanced toward the window.
Then sighed.
"Damon…"
Damon took a sip of his drink.
"What?"
Stefan crossed his arms.
"Don't start something."
Damon smiled.
"Relax."
But his eyes were still watching Alexander carefully.
Outside again…
Rebekah suddenly noticed Elena standing across the street.
Her sharp vampire senses caught the girl's gaze immediately.
A slow smile spread across her lips.
She leaned closer to Alexander.
"Looks like one of your admirers just arrived."
Alexander followed her gaze.
His golden eyes landed on Elena.
Standing beside her car.
Watching them.
For a brief moment…
Their eyes met.
Elena looked away first.
Rebekah laughed softly.
"Oh wow."
Alexander looked slightly amused.
"What?"
Rebekah pointed subtly toward Elena.
"She's jealous."
Alexander shrugged.
"Maybe."
Rebekah shook her head.
"No maybe about it."
Her smile turned mischievous.
"This is entertaining."
Elena finally gathered enough courage to walk across the street.
Her steps were calm.
But inside her chest…
Her heart was beating much faster.
She stopped a few feet away from them.
Alexander looked at her calmly.
"Good evening, Elena."
Elena nodded slightly.
"Hi."
Her eyes moved briefly toward Rebekah.
Trying to hide her curiosity.
Rebekah immediately noticed.
She smiled politely.
But there was something playful in her gaze.
"Hello."
Alexander spoke calmly.
"Elena, this is Rebekah."
Rebekah extended her hand casually.
"Nice to meet you."
Elena shook it politely.
"You too."
But something about Rebekah made Elena uneasy.
She couldn't explain why.
Rebekah suddenly spoke again.
Her tone innocent.
But her words very intentional.
"Alexander and I were just having a very interesting conversation."
Elena glanced at Alexander briefly.
"Oh."
Rebekah continued smiling.
"About relationships."
Alexander gave her a look.
Rebekah ignored it.
Elena shifted slightly.
Trying to remain calm.
"I just came to meet Caroline and Bonnie."
Alexander nodded.
"They're inside."
Elena hesitated for a moment.
Then asked something without thinking.
"Are you coming in?"
Alexander thought about it.
Before he could answer—
Rebekah spoke first.
"Actually, we were about to leave."
Elena looked slightly surprised.
Alexander glanced at Rebekah.
But she only smiled sweetly.
Rebekah stepped closer to Alexander.
Her arm lightly brushing his.
A very deliberate gesture.
Elena noticed immediately.
Her chest tightened slightly.
Rebekah smiled at her again.
"It was nice meeting you, Elena."
Then she looked at Alexander.
"Shall we?"
Alexander studied both women for a moment.
Then he simply nodded.
"Goodnight, Elena."
Elena stood there watching them walk away together.
Rebekah and Alexander disappeared down the street.
Talking quietly.
Elena remained still for several seconds.
Then she sighed softly.
'Why does this bother me so much?'
From inside the Grill…
Damon had seen everything.
His smirk returned.
"Oh yeah…"
He muttered to himself.
"This is going to get messy."
Because now the situation in Mystic Falls had officially changed.
It wasn't just about supernatural secrets anymore.
Now…
Jealousy had entered the game.
And jealousy could be far more dangerous than monsters.