7

750 37 6
                                    

Esmeralda fidgeted with the hem of her apron, her gaze flitting between the imposing figure of Niklaus Mikaelson and the array of beverages on the counter. "Would you like something to drink, Mr. Mikaelson?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The hybrid merely nodded, a small, intrigued smile playing on his lips as he took in the quaint surroundings of the kitchen. "Tea, perhaps? Or coffee?" Esmeralda continued, eager to make a good impression while her mind raced with questions about this unexpected guest and his connection to her father.

Niklaus leaned against the kitchen counter, his eyes sparkling with a mix of surprise and delight. "You know, for over a millennium, I've traversed this earth believing that fate had overlooked me," he began, his voice smooth and teasing. "And yet, here I am, in the humble abode of my dear friend, finding his daughter to be the missing piece I never knew I was searching for." He watched Esmeralda's reactions closely, a playful smirk on his face. "It seems your father has been keeping the best secrets, Esmeralda."

Esmeralda's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, her heart fluttering like a caged bird. "I... um, thank you, Mr. Mikaelson," she stammered, her hands trembling slightly as she poured his drink. "That's quite a thing to say." Her eyes dared not meet his, for fear that she might indeed melt under the intensity of his gaze. In her mind, his voice was a symphony, the rich timbre of his British accent sending shivers down her spine. "Here's your tea," she said, finally mustering the courage to look up at him, offering the cup with a tentative smile.

Niklaus took a leisurely sip, his eyes never leaving Esmeralda. "I've wandered through the ruins of Rome, the hidden alleys of Istanbul, and the vast wilderness of the Americas," he shared, each tale more captivating than the last. "But none of those wonders compare to the discovery I've made here today." His words were sincere, and every time Esmeralda met his gaze, her blush deepened, a testament to the connection sparking between them.

Esmeralda listened, enraptured by the stories that seemed as if they were from another world. His presence was like a warm hearth on a cold night, and she found herself leaning in, eager for more. "I never knew such places truly existed," she whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

The moment was interrupted by the sound of the front door closing. Charlie strode into the kitchen, his eyes lighting up at the sight of his old friend. "Niklaus!" he exclaimed, pulling him into a robust embrace. "What a surprise! It's been too long, my friend." He then turned to Esmeralda, a knowing smile on his face. "I see you've met my little treasure," he said, his voice rich with affection and a hint of mischief. "Take good care of her, Niklaus. She's the best story I've ever been a part of."

Niklaus met Charlie's gaze, the weight of his promise evident in his eyes. "You have my word, my friend," he said solemnly. The gravity of the vow hung in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the bond between the two men.

Esmeralda watched the exchange, a sense of security enveloping her. Though the revelation of being soulmates with Niklaus was overwhelming, she appreciated their mutual decision to explore the depths of their connection gradually. It was the beginning of a journey neither of them had anticipated, but one they were now eager to embark on together.

As Esmeralda ascended the staircase, the low hum of her father and Niklaus's conversation drifted up to her. She could hear the warmth in Charlie's voice as he congratulated Niklaus, their laughter echoing through the halls. They spoke of times long past and the twists of fate that had led them to this moment. Esmeralda smiled to herself, her heart full, knowing that her life had just taken an extraordinary turn.

As the moonlight streamed through her window, Esmeralda's thoughts danced with visions of a life intertwined with Niklaus. In the quiet of the night, her dreams painted a future filled with adventure, love, and the unknown. The possibilities of their shared destiny lulled her into a peaceful slumber, where hope and anticipation met in a gentle embrace.

His Tribid Mate || The Originals/Twilight crossover || Klaus MikaelsonWhere stories live. Discover now