The Mikaelson estate was unusually quiet, an uneasy calm hanging in the air. Ilia had spent the last few days adjusting to her new reality. The hunger, though ever-present, was manageable, thanks to Kol's guidance. The others, particularly Katerina, had been more distant, giving her the space to come to terms with what she had become.
Ilia stood in the garden under the pale moonlight, staring at the fountain's reflection. Her reflection, sharper and more vibrant now, seemed almost foreign to her. The transformation had changed more than just her physical form—it had awakened something deeper, something darker.
"You look better," Kol's voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see him leaning against a tree, his ever-present smirk softened by genuine concern.
"I feel… different," Ilia admitted, her voice quieter than usual. "But not entirely myself."
Kol stepped closer, his dark eyes studying her carefully. "You'll find your footing, love. It takes time, but you'll get there."
Before Ilia could respond, a sudden chill ran through the air, and the shadows around them seemed to thicken. Kol immediately stiffened, his expression darkening.
"She's here," he said, his voice low.
"Rose?" Ilia whispered, her stomach tightening.
Kol nodded, stepping in front of her protectively. "Stay behind me."
The shadows coalesced at the edge of the garden, and Rose emerged, her dark hair gleaming in the moonlight, her eyes sharp and unrelenting. She wore a knowing smile, as if she had anticipated this moment.
"Hello again, Ilia," Rose said, her voice smooth as silk. Her gaze flicked to Kol. "And Kol. Ever the loyal knight."
"What do you want?" Kol asked, his tone sharp. His hand hovered near the blade at his waist.
Rose tilted her head, her smile widening. "Isn't it obvious? I came to see how my handiwork has turned out. Ilia, darling, how does immortality suit you?"
Ilia clenched her fists, stepping out from behind Kol despite his protests. "Why did you do this to me? Why turn me into this?"
"Because you're special," Rose replied, her tone mockingly sweet. "The Petrova bloodline carries a power that the Mikaelsons have spent centuries trying to harness. I simply gave you the means to reach your full potential."
"You mean you made me a pawn in your revenge," Ilia snapped, her voice trembling with anger.
Rose laughed, the sound cold and chilling. "Oh, don't be so dramatic. You're much more than a pawn, Ilia. You're the key to toppling their empire."
Kol stepped forward, his blade drawn. "If you think we're going to let you use her, you're sorely mistaken."
Rose's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing. "You're bold, Kol, I'll give you that. But do you really think you can stop me?"
As if on cue, the shadows around her shifted, forming into dark, humanoid figures with glowing red eyes. They growled lowly, their presence filling the garden with an oppressive energy.
"You're outnumbered," Rose said, her tone triumphant. "And I'm far more prepared this time."
Before Kol could respond, the door to the estate burst open, and Klaus and Elijah strode out, their expressions cold and unyielding. Katerina followed, her gaze locking onto Rose with a mix of fear and fury.
"Rose," Klaus said, his voice a deadly growl. "You've overstayed your welcome."
Rose's smile returned, her confidence unshaken. "Ah, Niklaus. I was wondering when you'd join us. Always so predictable."
"You've made a grave mistake coming here," Elijah said, his tone calm but laced with menace. "You won't leave alive."
Rose raised an eyebrow, her amusement evident. "We'll see about that."
The shadow creatures lunged, and the garden erupted into chaos. Klaus and Elijah moved like predators, their strikes precise and brutal. Katerina fought alongside them, her speed and strength a match for the creatures. Kol stayed close to Ilia, his blade flashing as he cut through the shadows that approached them.
"Stay close to me," Kol said, his voice firm.
Ilia nodded, her newfound strength surging as she grabbed a fallen blade. She wasn't about to stand idly by while the others fought for her. Together, she and Kol tore through the shadow creatures, their movements synchronized as if they had been fighting together for years.
Rose watched the battle from the edge of the garden, her expression unreadable. When Klaus broke through the last of the shadows and lunged at her, she stepped back into the darkness, her voice echoing through the night.
"This isn't over, Mikaelsons. And Ilia… I'll be seeing you soon."
As the last of the shadows dissolved, the garden fell into an uneasy silence. Klaus stood in the center, his chest heaving with anger.
"She's toying with us," he said, his voice low. "But she'll regret it."
Ilia dropped her blade, her hands trembling. Kol was at her side in an instant, his hand steadying her.
"You did well, love," he said, his voice soft. "Better than well."
Ilia shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "She's not going to stop, is she?"
Kol's gaze was steady, his smirk replaced by a rare seriousness. "No. But neither will we."
As the group regrouped, Ilia felt the weight of Rose's words pressing on her. The battle was far from over, and she knew the fight against Rose would test every bond, every strength she had. But with Kol by her side and the Mikaelsons at her back, she refused to let fear consume her.
She was ready.