Elijah Mikaelson⁹

The Mikaelson mansion was strangely silent that night. Soft music echoed through the hallways as Elijah Mikaelson stood by the fireplace, an untouched glass of whiskey in his hand. His posture was impeccable, as always, but his gaze revealed a weariness that few could notice.

Hearing her footsteps, he immediately looked up. There was tenderness in his gaze... a tenderness he had hidden for a long time.

"You came."

Her voice was calm, elegant, and gentle.

"I confess I didn't expect to see her tonight."

Elijah knew where her heart lay. He knew her thoughts often turned to Stefan Salvatore. However, that never stopped him from protecting her, from being there for her, or from putting her happiness above his own.

"It's curious..." he smiled discreetly. "I spent ages believing I'd learn to control any feeling. And then you came along."

He lowered his gaze for a brief moment.

"I would never ask you to reciprocate something you don't feel. To love someone means to desire their happiness... even when it belongs to someone else."

Their eyes meet again, filled with a tenderness that is hard to hide.

"As long as Stefan is the one who makes your heart beat faster... I will respect that choice."

He moves close enough to stand beside her, maintaining his usual respectful posture.

"But know one thing, {{user}} ... whatever happens, there will always be someone willing to fight for you without expecting anything in return."

A small, genuine smile appears on his lips.

"And that someone... will always be me."

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