With energy, Rosalyn bounded into the hotel room, her bright smile lighting up the space. Jenna, lounging on her bed, looked up with a grin as Rosalyn threw herself onto the bed beside her, making the mattress bounce slightly.

"Okay, spill!" Rosalyn said, turning on her side to face Jenna, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How was your birthday outing with the mysterious Elijah Mikaelson? I need all the details—don't leave anything out!"

Jenna laughed, a bit bashful, as she propped herself on her elbows. "It was... incredible," she admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Elijah is such a gentleman, Rosie. He went all out to make the day special."

Rosalyn gasped, clasping her hands together. "I knew it! He adores you, doesn't he? What did he do? Where did he take you?"

Jenna tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile growing. "He took me to this stunning little café for breakfast. It had the best croissants I've ever tasted. After that, we visited this charming art gallery where he somehow managed to get a private tour." She paused, her voice softening. "It was so thoughtful, Rosie. He remembered I love art since it distracts me from that horrible breakup."

Rosalyn's jaw dropped. "Stop it! That's so sweet. He really paid attention to what you like. What else?"

Jenna hesitated, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "We had dinner on a private rooftop overlooking the Eiffel Tower in the evening. It was... magical. He even had a violinist play some of my favorite songs." She glanced at Rosalyn with a shy smile. "And he gave me this gift."

"A gift?" Rosalyn sat up, her excitement noticeable. "What was it?"

Jenna reached to her bedside table and pulled out a small velvet box. She opened it to reveal a delicate silver necklace with a star-shaped charm.

Rosalyn gasped again, her hands flying to her mouth. "Jenna! That's gorgeous. He's totally smitten with you!"

Jenna laughed, closing the box and setting it down. "He said it reminded him of me—something beautiful and resilient."

Rosalyn sighed dreamily, flopping back onto the bed. "I can't believe this. You've got yourself a real-life Prince Charming. I'm so happy for you, Jen."

Jenna smiled warmly, reaching over to squeeze Rosalyn's hand. "Thanks, Rosie. It was the perfect day. But enough about me—how was your day with John?"

Rosalyn beamed, "It was amazing! He took me out for breakfast, and we explored Notre Dame together. Then he got under the weather, and I sent him back to the hotel. I stayed at Notre Dame for a while, went to a cute cafe, and then came here. It's been so long since we've spent time like this. I've really missed him."

The two best friends continued to chat late into the night, sharing stories and laughter, their bond as strong as ever.

The morning light filtered through the curtains as Rosalyn and Jenna busily prepared for the day. Rosalyn was in a cheerful mood, humming as she picked out an outfit, while Jenna stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair with a thoughtful expression.

"So, what do you think John and I have planned for your birthday?" Rosalyn asked, winking as she finished putting on her jacket. "I feel you're in for more than just sightseeing today."

Jenna raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I'm intrigued. You've been all mysterious about it, and now I'm curious. Are we going on some secret Parisian adventure, or are you two just trying to spoil me some more?"

Rosalyn chuckled, grabbing her purse. "Well, let's just say you've got a full day ahead of you. And if I told you everything, it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?"

Jenna laughed. "True, true. I guess I'll have to wait and see. Honestly, I'm just excited to spend the day with you two. It feels nice, you know? Just the three of us hanging out, no drama."

"Definitely," Rosalyn agreed, glancing over at her. "It's been too long since we've had a moment like this. I'm happy John decided to stick around for a while."

Jenna smiled warmly at Rosalyn. "Me too. It's nice to know he's got our backs, even if he can be a little protective sometimes."

"Yeah, well, he's always looking out for us since we were kids," Rosalyn said with a fond chuckle.

As they finished getting ready, they left their room, excited about the day ahead. Jenna was eager to see what the Gilbert siblings had planned for her birthday, and Rosalyn was happy to have her brother by her side during this special time in their lives.

They went to the lobby, where John was waiting for them. He looked casual yet handsome, and his face lit up when he saw the two of them.

"Ready for a fun day, birthday girl?" John asked with a smile.

Jenna grinned. "Absolutely. Lead the way, John!"

Rosalyn nudged Jenna playfully. "Get ready for a day full of surprises, Jen. You're in for a treat."

The three of them walked out into the crisp morning air, ready to make more memories of Jenna's 22nd birthday and, excitedly, building for what the day had in store.

Klaus gasped for air as his nightmare gripped him, his body drenched in cold sweat. His heart pounded painfully in his chest, his thoughts a tangled mess of fear, rage, and helplessness. He could still hear Mikael's cruel laughter, see the brutal way his so-called father tormented Rosalyn, and feel the sting of his own powerlessness in the face of her suffering.

"Rosalyn!" Klaus cried out in his sleep, his voice a broken whisper. His body jerked as if he could escape the nightmare, but the suffocating darkness clung to him.

His scream pierced the silence of the room, and in that instant, Elijah's sharp senses caught wind of his brother's distress. Without hesitation, he burst through the door, his brow furrowed with concern. He paused momentarily, taking in the sight of Klaus—pale, sweat-slicked, and shaken.

"Niklaus?" Elijah's voice was soft but laced with concern, his eyes searching his brother's distressed face. "What happened? You were screaming."

Klaus didn't respond immediately, still caught in the remnants of his nightmare. His breath was shaky, his fists clenched in frustration as he tried to calm himself. It took a few moments, but eventually, he turned his head toward Elijah, eyes wide with exhaustion and fear.

"It was him... Mikael," Klaus muttered hoarsely, his voice ragged from the terror that had gripped him. "He... he had Rosalyn. My Beautiful Rose. He was torturing her, all because of me. I couldn't stop it, Elijah. I couldn't protect her."

Elijah's expression hardened as he approached his brother, his eyes narrowing with a protective glint. He understood the depths of Klaus's nightmares—his fears of what might happen to those he loved, especially Rosalyn, who unknowingly became his Achilles' heel.

"You're not alone in this, Niklaus," Elijah said firmly, placing a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "You don't have to carry this burden on your own. We'll figure it out together."

Klaus released a shaky breath, his body slowly beginning to relax at his brother's words. He wasn't sure why, but the thought of losing Rosalyn, of her being hurt because of his past, was a fear he couldn't escape. She had become someone so important to him, someone he never thought he'd care for in such a way.

"I can't lose her, Elijah," Klaus whispered, his voice laced with a raw emotion he rarely showed. "She means more to me than anything. If anything happened to her..."

"You won't lose her," Elijah said, his tone unwavering. "But you need to keep your head clear, Niklaus. If you allow fear to consume you, it will make it harder to protect her."

Klaus nodded, closing his eyes as he took a deep, steadying breath. Elijah was right—he couldn't let his fears dictate his actions. Rosalyn was a strong lady and had repeatedly proven she could handle herself. Still, Klaus couldn't help but feel the weight of his protective instincts, the need to shield her from every danger, even if it meant facing his past demons.

"Thank you, Elijah," Klaus muttered, his voice quieter now, though still tinged with the remnants of his nightmare. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Elijah gave a rare, soft smile. "You'll never have to find out, brother. Now, get some more rest. We'll handle things when the time comes. Rosalyn is safe. She is with Jenna and John. You need to trust that."

Klaus nodded, settling back against his pillows, though sleep didn't come quickly. He still felt the echo of the nightmare, the image of Rosalyn's tears haunting him, but for now, he had his brother by his side. That, at least, gave him a slight sense of comfort amid the storm raging inside him.

As Elijah left the room, Klaus whispered to the darkness, as if speaking directly to Rosalyn, "I will protect you, My Beautiful Rose. Always and Forever."

Elijah stood at a distance, his sharp eyes never leaving the trio as they enjoyed themselves at Disneyland Paris. He had always been an observer, and while focusing mainly on his brother's beloved Beautiful Rose, he couldn't help but occasionally glance toward Jenna, the one who quickly took his heart as hers. Both women were radiant, caught up in the magic of the day.

With her infectious smile and playful spirit, Rosalyn shone in the happiest places. She was laughing and talking with John and Jenna, and their bond was evident in how they interacted. Elijah knew how important this day was to Jenna—her 22nd birthday—and he could see how much she was enjoying herself. It made him smile slightly, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes as they were still clouded with thoughts of the future. The future that was inevitably tied to his brother's connection with Rosalyn.

Jenna, on the other hand, was a burst of joy herself. She was excited when she discussed wanting to go to Disneyland Paris at dinner last night. Elijah's gaze softened when he saw her eyes lighting up with each new attraction she and the Gilbert siblings visited. He could see how comfortable and content she was in the company of the siblings, particularly John. Their interactions were filled with warmth and laughter, and he knew it was a much-needed break for Jenna, who had often put others' needs before hers.

Elijah's gaze lingered on Rosalyn, who looked honestly in her element—free, happy, and carefree. He knew there was a complexity to her, something far deeper than what she showed on the surface. She was Klaus's soul mate, which was undeniable, but Elijah couldn't help but see the connection that had already started forming between him and Jenna. He would never dare act on it before the time was right, but he couldn't deny the pull he felt when he was near her.

The day in Disneyland Paris seemed perfect, but Elijah knew it wouldn't last forever. His thoughts kept flickering back to Klaus and the strain he'd been under since this morning. Elijah did not doubt that his brother was struggling with his fears—fears of losing Rosalyn, of falling into his old habits, of becoming the monster he'd once been. But for now, Elijah was content to be the steady presence, watching over Rosalyn and Jenna, keeping an eye on things from a respectful distance, knowing that whatever would come, they would face it together.

As he observed the trio, his eyes softened for a moment. Despite the complexities of their supernatural world, moments like these reminded him of the simplest pleasures—laughter, love, and the joy of being in the company of those who mattered most. He allowed himself a moment to breathe, knowing that he would protect them all in whatever way was needed.

The trio continued to enjoy the magical atmosphere of Disneyland Paris. Rosalyn, Jenna, and John were immersed in the excitement, their laughter echoing through the park. It was a perfect day—sunny and warm, with just the right amount of breeze to keep them comfortable as they hopped from one ride to the next.

John grinned as he sat beside Rosalyn and Jenna on the Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster. He had never been to Disneyland before, and seeing his younger sister and her best friend so happy made the whole experience feel even more special. Rosalyn's infectious excitement had rubbed off on him, and despite his usual reserved demeanor, he found himself laughing just as much as they were.

As they exited the ride, Jenna bounced over to a souvenir stand with a gleam in her eye. She had been eyeing a cute Mickey Mouse plush, and when she saw it up close, she couldn't resist. "This is for Elena," Jenna said, holding it up to Rosalyn. "I bet she'll love it."

Rosalyn smiled brightly. "Aww, that's so cute. She'll adore it." She gave her friend a playful nudge and then turned to John. "You have to get something for the kids, too! It'll be fun to see their reactions when we bring them back some Parisian magic."

John chuckled. "I know, I know. I was thinking about it." He was already looking at a display of Mickey Mouse ears, and despite the stoic exterior he often kept, he couldn't help but imagine how excited Elena and his nephew would be when they saw what he'd gotten them.

The trio continued to wander through the park, buying various items and making memories at every corner. Rosalyn picked out a few trinkets for herself—nothing too extravagant, but things that reminded her of the day's magic. She picked out a small, delicate charm shaped like a simple but beautiful fairy to add to her bracelet that her mysterious Benefactor gave her with the Rose charm on her birthday during her first year of college. As she walked through the stores, her mind occasionally wandered back to her mysterious Benefactor and Elijah—wondering what they were doing as she made these memories with her brother and Jenna.

They found a quiet spot to sit and enjoy snacks before heading to the next adventure. Rosalyn reached into her bag and pulled out a small gift bag she had picked up for Jenna. "Here," she said with a bright smile. "It's for your birthday. I hope you like it."

Jenna's eyes sparkled as she opened the bag to reveal a small, handmade Parisian bracelet with a tiny Eiffel Tower charm. "Oh my god, Rosie, this is perfect!" she exclaimed, clearly touched by the thoughtful gesture. "Thank you so much!"

They spent the rest of the afternoon taking pictures in front of iconic Disneyland landmarks, laughing and reminiscing about old times. The simple joy of being together in such a beautiful, whimsical place made the day feel like a dream.

As the sun began to set, they made their way towards the exit, their bags full of souvenirs and their hearts full of laughter. They'd taken in every moment of the day, and now it was time to go back to the hotel, their heads full of plans for the rest of their time in Paris.

It had been a perfect day full of fun, surprises, and happiness that comes only from being surrounded by good company.

Elijah stepped into Klaus' manor, his composed demeanor contrasting with the lingering tension in the air. Klaus sat slouched in a chair by the window, dressed in casual yet elegant attire—a simple dark sweater and tailored pants. Despite his relaxed clothing, his face betrayed his unrest. Shadows under his eyes and the sluggish set of his shoulders spoke volumes about his restless day.

Klaus looked up as Elijah approached, raising a brow at his older brother's expression. "Come to lecture me about the virtues of a peaceful mind, brother?" Klaus quipped, though his tone lacked its usual sharpness.

Elijah chuckled softly, a trace of fondness in his voice. "No, Niklaus. I've come to bring you news of something that may lift your spirits."

Klaus leaned forward. His interest was piqued despite himself. "Go on," he said, motioning for Elijah to continue.

Elijah folded his hands behind his back, his tone measured and calm as always. "I spent the day observing Rosalyn with her brother and Jenna. They spent the day at Disneyland Paris, celebrating Jenna's twenty-second birthday."

Klaus' gaze shifted, softening almost imperceptibly at the mention of Rosalyn. "And?" he asked, attempting to sound indifferent, though the slight tilt of his head betrayed his eagerness.

"They were radiant, Niklaus," Elijah replied, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Rosalyn, in particular, seemed utterly at ease. She and her brother ensured Jenna had an unforgettable time—rides, souvenirs, laughter, and moments of genuine joy. Rosalyn even picked out a thoughtful gift for Jenna, which was well-received. It was a day filled with happiness."

Klaus didn't respond immediately, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere. After a moment, he met Elijah's gaze, his expression steady yet touched with determination. "I won't allow harm to come to her," Klaus said firmly. "Not by the hands of Mikael or anyone else. She is mine to protect, Elijah."

Elijah nodded, his tone steady and reassuring. "And I will stand by you in that endeavor, brother. For now, let her enjoy the lightness of her days. There will be time for her to understand the depths of your care."

With that, Elijah turned to leave, sensing that Klaus needed a moment of solitude. Klaus remained seated, his mind filled with images of Rosalyn's laughter and smiles. Despite the turmoil within him, the thought of her happiness brought a sense of calm that no other force could provide.

The dimly lit bar exuded a quiet charm, the faint hum of soft music blending with the occasional clinking of glasses. John Gilbert stepped inside, his duffle bag slung over his shoulder, his expression grim but determined. Scanning the room, his eyes landed on Elijah Mikaelson, seated alone at a corner table with a glass of red wine in hand.

John made his way over, pulling out the chair opposite Elijah without waiting for an invitation. Elijah raised an eyebrow at the bold gesture but offered a small, amused smile.

"Mr. Gilbert," Elijah greeted smoothly, setting his glass down. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?"

John didn't bother with pleasantries, his voice steady but laced with intensity. "I'm leaving Paris tonight. But before I go, there are some things we need to discuss."

Elijah leaned back slightly, his interest piqued. "I'm listening."

John rested his forearms on the table, his gaze sharp and unyielding. "Roza and Jenna mean everything to me. I've already lost too many people I care about throughout my travels. I refuse to let them become casualties in whatever supernatural games you and your brother might be playing."

Elijah remained calm, though a flicker of understanding crossed his eyes. "I assure you, my brother and I have no intention of harming your loved ones."

"I'm trusting you to keep it that way," John said, his voice firm. "Between you and Niklaus Mikaelson, I trust you a little more. You seem... reasonable. But don't think for a second that I won't act if something happens to them."

Elijah inclined his head, his tone even. "Your devotion to your family is admirable. You remind me of myself in that aspect...But rest assured, Rosalyn and Jenna are under our protection. I will personally ensure their safety, and I can confidently say that Niklaus shares the same sentiment—particularly where Rosalyn is concerned."

John narrowed his eyes. "I've noticed Niklaus' interest in my sister. I don't like it, and I don't trust it. He may claim to care about her, but his history doesn't exactly inspire confidence."

Elijah sighed softly, swirling the wine in his glass. "Niklaus may be... complicated, but his feelings for Rosalyn are genuine. Any fool could see that she is his soul mate, Mr. Gilbert. That connection is not one he takes lightly. He has yearned for the moment to find someone that will love him and all of his flaws, and Rosalyn is that person even if she doesn't know it yet."

John's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He leaned back slightly, his expression still guarded. "If anything happens to Roza or Jenna—if I even hear a whisper of them being in danger—I will come for both of you. And I'll make sure it's your last mistake."

Elijah met John's gaze steadily, unflinching. "Your concerns are noted, and your warnings are unnecessary. Rosalyn and Jenna will remain safe. You have my word."

Satisfied, though not entirely reassured, John stood and shouldered his bag. He looked down at Elijah, his voice low and resolute. "Don't make me regret trusting you."

Elijah inclined his head, a faint smile touching his lips. "Safe travels, Mr. Gilbert."

Without another word, John turned and left the bar, disappearing into the night. Elijah watched him go, his expression thoughtful. Despite John's mistrust, Elijah respected the man's unwavering determination to protect those he cared for. It was a sentiment he understood all too well.

Pulling out his phone, Elijah composed a brief text to Klaus:

John Gilbert has left Paris. I assured him that Rosalyn and Jenna would be safe. We must keep our word, brother—for their sake and our own.

Klaus' response came almost immediately:

I'll die before I let harm come to my Beautiful Rose as well as her best friend. See that you don't disappoint him—or me, Elijah.

The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the hotel room curtains as Rosalyn stirred awake. She rubbed her eyes, stretched, and noticed a faint knock at the door. Jenna was still sound asleep, her soft snores a comforting background noise.

Curious, Rosalyn slipped out of bed and went to the door. Opening it slightly, she was greeted by a kind-looking hotel employee holding an envelope with her name written on it.

"Miss Gilbert?" the employee inquired.

"Yes, that's me," Rosalyn replied, politely taking the envelope. Thank you."

The employee nodded and walked away as Rosalyn closed the door behind her. Returning to her bed, she sat down, examining the envelope for a moment before carefully opening it.

Unfolding the letter inside, she immediately recognized her brother John's handwriting. A warm feeling settled in her chest as she began to read.

Dear Roza,

I'm writing this after one of the most wonderful experiences I've had in a long time. Spending time with you and Jenna these past few days has been exactly what I needed.

Unfortunately, I had to leave late last night. I have important work to do, and I didn't want to burden you with goodbyes that might upset our happy memories.

Please know how much I love you, little sister. Be careful, and take care of yourself while you enjoy the rest of your trip with Jenna. You've got such a bright, beautiful spirit—don't let anything dim that light.

Before I left, I dropped off gifts for Elena and Jeremy in the lobby. The employees have instructions to give them to you before you go. Make sure they get to the kids—they'll love them.

I'll contact you soon. Until then, enjoy Paris, have fun, and know that I'm always here for you.

With love,

John.

Rosalyn smiled softly as she finished the letter, though a slight pang was in her heart. She missed her brother already, but his words reassured her. She glanced over at Jenna, still peacefully asleep, and decided not to wake her just yet.

After carefully folding the letter, Rosalyn tucked it into her suitcase for safekeeping. She made a mental note to stop by the lobby later to collect the gifts John had mentioned.

Looking out the window, she whispered, "Be safe, John. I'll see you again soon."