Inside Alexander's house, the atmosphere was calm.
Too calm.
The soft light from a nearby lamp illuminated the living room.
Elena Gilbert stood near the couch, her arms lightly crossed.
Her eyes were fixed on Alexander.
Still trying to understand him.
Alexander leaned casually against the wall.
Watching her with quiet amusement.
"You're thinking very loudly."
Elena blinked.
"What?"
Alexander smiled faintly.
"Your expression changes every time you form a new question."
Elena rolled her eyes slightly.
"Okay, maybe I am curious."
Alexander tilted his head.
"Curiosity is rarely harmless in this town."
Elena smiled softly.
"I've noticed."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Not uncomfortable.
Just… quiet.
Elena looked at him again.
Her curiosity still obvious.
"Bonnie says something strange happens when she uses magic near you."
Alexander raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Does it?"
Elena nodded.
"She said she couldn't read you."
Alexander chuckled softly.
"Witches dislike unanswered questions."
Elena studied him carefully.
"So what are you hiding?"
Alexander looked toward the window.
His golden eyes reflecting the moonlight.
"Many things."
Before Elena could ask another question—
A voice suddenly echoed from the doorway.
"Well this is cozy."
Both of them turned instantly.
Standing casually against the open front door was Damon Salvatore.
His usual smirk already in place.
Elena sighed.
"Damon."
Damon walked into the room slowly.
His eyes moving between them.
"Elena… hanging out in mysterious vampire houses at midnight."
He shook his head dramatically.
"Stefan would be very disappointed."
Elena crossed her arms.
"Why are you here?"
Damon smiled lazily.
"I heard something interesting."
He turned his gaze toward Alexander.
That playful smirk never leaving his face.
"Apparently my little town has a new mystery."
Alexander looked completely relaxed.
"Mystic Falls has always had mysteries."
Damon chuckled.
"True."
Then his eyes sharpened slightly.
"But you might be my favorite so far."
Elena stepped between them slightly.
"Damon, don't start."
Damon raised his hands innocently.
"Start what?"
He looked back at Alexander.
"I'm just curious."
Alexander replied calmly—
"You're not the only one."
Damon slowly walked around the room.
Examining the house.
Looking at the walls.
The furniture.
Everything.
Then he suddenly stopped.
Turning toward Alexander again.
"Klaus is in town."
Elena looked surprised.
"What?"
Damon nodded casually.
"Yep."
He took a seat on the arm of the couch.
"And guess what?"
His eyes focused directly on Alexander.
"He's interested in you."
Elena looked at Alexander quickly.
"Is that true?"
Alexander didn't seem surprised at all.
"We met earlier."
Damon laughed.
"Of course you did."
He leaned forward slightly.
Now genuinely curious.
"And you're still alive."
Alexander shrugged.
"Should I be impressed?"
Damon grinned.
"Most people would be."
Elena looked between them nervously.
"Why would Klaus be interested in Alexander?"
Damon answered before Alexander could.
"Because Klaus doesn't understand him."
He smiled slightly.
"And Klaus hates not understanding things."
Alexander walked toward the window calmly.
Looking out into the dark street.
His expression thoughtful.
"Curiosity is a powerful motivator."
Damon nodded.
"Exactly."
Then he stood up.
Walking closer.
"So here's the real question."
He stopped a few feet away.
Looking directly at Alexander.
"What happens when Klaus decides to test you?"
The room became quiet again.
Elena watched Alexander carefully.
Waiting for his answer.
Alexander simply smiled faintly.
His golden eyes glowing softly.
"Then Klaus will learn something."
Damon raised an eyebrow.
"And what's that?"
Alexander looked at him calmly.
"That some mysteries should remain unsolved."
Damon stared at him for a moment.
Then suddenly laughed.
A loud, amused laugh.
"You know what?"
He grabbed his jacket.
Walking toward the door.
"I'm actually looking forward to this."
Elena looked worried.
"Damon, this isn't funny."
Damon smirked again.
"Oh Elena…"
He glanced back toward Alexander.
"Trust me."
"Mystic Falls just got interesting."
Then he disappeared into the night.
Elena turned back to Alexander.
Still uneasy.
"Klaus is dangerous."
Alexander nodded calmly.
"Yes."
Elena frowned slightly.
"You don't seem worried."
Alexander smiled faintly.
"Should I be?"
Elena didn't know how to answer that.
But something about his calm confidence was strangely reassuring.
Even with Original vampires, witches, and Damon watching him.
Alexander looked completely unbothered.
Far away…
Standing on a rooftop…
Klaus Mikaelson watched Alexander's house from a distance.
His eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.
A slow smile forming on his face.
"Let's see what you can do…"