The Vampire Diaries-4

L.J.SMITH
theVampireDiaries
DarkReunionVolumeIV
ForJohnandMarianneVrabec,withlove.AndwiththankstoJulie—again—forhelpingitgetwritten.TableofContents
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BOOKSBYL.J.SMITH
Copyright
AboutthePublisher1
“Thingscanbejustliketheywerebefore,”saidCarolinewarmly,reachingouttosqueezeBonnie’shand.
Butitwasn’ttrue.NothingcouldeverbethewayithadbeenbeforeElenadied.Nothing.AndBonniehadseriousmisgivingsaboutthispartyCarolinewastryingtosetup.Avaguenagginginthepitofherstomachtoldherthatforsomereasonitwasavery,verybadidea.
“Meredith’sbirthdayisalreadyover,”shepointedout.“ItwaslastSaturday.”
“Butshedidn’thaveaparty,notarealpartylikethisone.We’vegotallnight;myparentswon’tbebackuntilSundaymorning.Comeon,Bonnie—justthinkhowsurprisedshe’llbe.”
Oh,she’llbesurprised,allright,thoughtBonnie.Sosurprisedshejustmightkillmeafterward.“Look,Caroline,thereasonMeredithdidn’thaveabigpartyisthatshestilldoesn’tfeelmuchlikecelebrating.Itseems—disrespectful,somehow—”
“Butthat’swrong.Elenawouldwantustohaveagoodtime,youknowshewould.Shelovedparties.Andshe’dhatetoseeussittingaroundandcryingoverhersixmonthsaftershe’sgone.”Carolineleanedforward,hernormallyfelinegreeneyesearnestandcompelling.Therewasnoartificeinthemnow,noneofCaroline’susualnastymanipulation.Bonniecouldtellshereallymeantit.
“Iwantustobefriendsagainthewayweusedtobe,”Carolinesaid.“Wealwaysusedtocelebrateourbirthdaystogether,justthefourofus,remember?Andrememberhowtheguyswouldalwaystrytocrashourparties?Iwonderifthey’lltrythisyear.”
Bonniefeltcontrolofthesituationslippingawayfromher.Thisisabadidea,thisisaverybadidea,shethought.ButCarolinewasgoingon,lookingdreamyandalmostromanticasshetalkedaboutthegoodolddays.Bonniedidn’thavethehearttotellherthatthegoodolddayswereasdeadasdisco.
“Buttherearen’tevenfourofusanymore.Threedoesn’tmakemuchofaparty,”sheprotestedfeeblywhenshecouldgetawordin.
“I’mgoingtoinviteSueCarson,too.Meredithgetsalongwithher,doesn’tshe?”
BonniehadtoadmitMeredithdid;everyonegotalongwithSue.Butevenso,Carolinehadtounderstandthatthingscouldn’tbethewaytheyhadbeenbefore.Youcouldn’tjustsubstituteSueCarsonforElenaandsay,There,everythingisfixednow.
ButhowdoIexplainthattoCaroline?Bonniethought.Suddenlysheknew.
“Let’sinviteVickieBennett,”shesaid.
Carolinestared.“VickieBennett?Youmustbejoking.Invitethatbizarrelittledripwhoundressedinfrontofhalftheschool?Aftereverythingthathappened?”
“Becauseofeverythingthathappened,”saidBonniefirmly.“Look,Iknowshewasneverinourcrowd.Butshe’snotinwiththefastcrowdanymore;theydon’twantherandshe’sscaredtodeathofthem.Sheneedsfriends.Weneedpeople.Let’sinviteher.”
ForamomentCarolinelookedhelplesslyfrustrated.Bonniethrustherchinout,putherhandsonherhips,andwaited.FinallyCarolinesighed.
“Allright;youwin.I’llinviteher.ButyouhavetotakecareofgettingMeredithtomyhouseSaturdaynight.AndBonnie—makesureshedoesn’thaveanyideawhat’sgoingon.Ireallywantthistobeasurprise.”
“Oh,itwillbe,”Bonniesaidgrimly.ShewasunpreparedforthesuddenlightinCaroline’sfaceortheimpulsivewarmthofCaroline’shug.
“I’msogladyou’reseeingthingsmyway,”Carolinesaid.“Andit’llbesogoodforusalltobetogetheragain.”
Shedoesn’tunderstandathing,Bonnierealized,dazed,asCarolinewalkedoff.WhatdoIhavetodotoexplaintoher?Sockher?
Andthen:Oh,God,nowIhavetotellMeredith.
ButbytheendofthedayshedecidedthatmaybeMeredithdidn’tneedtobetold.CarolinewantedMeredithsurprised;well,maybeBonnieshoulddeliverMeredithsurprised.ThatwayatleastMeredithwouldn’thavetoworryaboutitbeforehand.Yes,Bonnieconcluded,itwasprobablykindesttonottellMeredithanything.
Andwhoknows,shewroteinherjournalFridaynight.MaybeI’mbeingtoohardonCaroline.Maybeshe’sreallysorryaboutallthethingsshedidtous,liketryingtohumiliateElenainfrontofthewholetownandtryingtogetStefanputawayformurder.MaybeCaroline’smaturedsincethenandlearnedtothinkaboutsomebodybesidesherself.Maybewe’llactuallyhaveagoodtimeatherparty.
Andmaybealienswillkidnapmebeforetomorrowafternoon,shethoughtassheclosedthediary.Shecouldonlyhope.
Thediarywasaninexpensivedrugstoreblankbook,withapatternoftinyflowersonthecover.She’donlystartedkeepingitsinceElenahaddied,butshe’dalreadybecomeslightlyaddictedtoit.Itwastheoneplaceshecouldsayanythingshewantedwithoutpeoplelookingshockedandsaying,“BonnieMcCullough!”or“Oh,Bonnie.”
ShewasstillthinkingaboutElenaassheturnedoffthelightandcrawledunderthecovers.
Shewassittingonlush,manicuredgrassthatspreadasfarasshecouldseeinalldirections.Theskywasaflawlessblue,theairwaswarmandscented.Birdsweresinging.
“I’msogladyoucouldcome,”Elenasaid.
“Oh—yes,”saidBonnie.“Well,naturally,soamI.Ofcourse.”Shelookedaroundagain,thenhastilybackatElena.
“Moretea?”
TherewasateacupinBonnie’shand,thinandfragileaseggshell.“Oh—sure.Thanks.”
Elenawaswearinganeighteenth-centurydressofgauzywhitemuslin,whichclungtoher,showinghowslendershewas.Shepouredtheteaprecisely,withoutspillingadrop.
“Wouldyoulikeamouse?”
“Awhat?”
“Isaid,wouldyoulikeasandwichwithyourtea?”
“Oh.Asandwich.Yeah.Great.”Itwasthinlyslicedcucumberwithmayonnaiseonadaintysquareofwhitebread.Withoutthecrust.
ThewholescenewasassparklyandbeautifulasapicturebySeurat.WarmSprings,that’swhereweare.Theoldpicnicplace,Bonniethought.Butsurelywe’vegotmoreimportantthingstodiscussthantea.
“Whodoesyourhairthesedays?”sheasked.Elenaneverhadbeenabletodoitherself.
“Doyoulikeit?”Elenaputahanduptothesilky,palegoldmasspiledatthebackofherneck.
“It’sperfect,”saidBonnie,soundingforalltheworldlikehermotherataDaughtersoftheAmericanRevolutiondinnerparty.
“Well,hairisimportant,youknow,”Elenasaid.Hereyesglowedadeeperbluethanthesky,lapislazuliblue.Bonnietouchedherownspringyredcurlsself-consciously.
“Ofcourse,bloodisimportanttoo,”Elenasaid.
“Blood?Oh—yes,ofcourse,”saidBonnie,flustered.ShehadnoideawhatElenawastalkingabout,andshefeltasifshewerewalkingonatightropeoveralligators.“Yes,blood’simportant,allright,”sheagreedweakly.
“Anothersandwich?”
“Thanks.”Itwascheeseandtomato.Elenaselectedoneforherselfandbitintoitdelicately.Bonniewatchedher,feelinguneasinessgrowbytheminuteinsideher,andthen—
Andthenshesawthemudoozingoutoftheedgesofthesandwich.
“What—what’sthat?”Terrormadehervoiceshrill.Forthefirsttime,thedreamseemedlikeadream,andshefoundthatshecouldn’tmove,couldonlygaspandstare.AthickglobofthebrownstufffelloffElena’ssandwichontothecheckeredtablecloth.Itwasmud,allright.“Elena…Elena,what—”
“Oh,wealleatthisdownhere.”Elenasmiledatherwithbrown-stainedteeth.Exceptthatthevoicewasn’tElena’s;itwasuglyanddistortedanditwasaman’svoice.“Youwilltoo.”
Theairwasnolongerwarmandscented;itwashotandsicklysweetwiththeodorofrottinggarbage.Therewereblackpitsinthegreengrass,whichwasn’tmanicuredafterallbutwildandovergrown.Thiswasn’tWarmSprings.Shewasintheoldgraveyard;howcouldshenothaverealizedthat?Onlythesegraveswerefresh.
“Anothermouse?”Elenasaid,andgiggledobscenely.
Bonnielookeddownatthehalf-eatensandwichshewasholdingandscreamed.Danglingfromoneendwasaropybrowntail.Shethrewitashardasshecouldagainstaheadstone,whereithitwithawetslap.Thenshestood,stomachheaving,scrubbingherfingersfranticallyagainstherjeans.
“Youcan’tleaveyet.Thecompanyisjustarriving.”Elena’sfacewaschanging;shehadalreadylostherhair,andherskinwasturninggrayandleathery.Thingsweremovingintheplateofsandwichesandthefreshlydugpits.Bonniedidn’twanttoseeanyofthem;shethoughtshewouldgomadifshedid.
“You’renotElena!”shescreamed,andran.
Thewindblewherhairintohereyesandshecouldn’tsee.Herpursuerwasbehindher;shecouldfeelitrightbehindher.Gettothebridge,shethought,andthensheranintosomething.
“I’vebeenwaitingforyou,”saidthethinginElena’sdress,thegrayskeletalthingwithlong,twistedteeth.“Listentome,Bonnie.”Itheldherwithterriblestrength.
“You’renotElena!You’renotElena!”
“Listentome,Bonnie!”
ItwasElena’svoice,Elena’srealvoice,notobscenelyamusednorthickandugly,buturgent.ItcamefromsomewherebehindBonnieanditsweptthroughthedreamlikeafresh,coldwind.“Bonnie,listenquickly—”
Thingsweremelting.ThebonyhandsonBonnie’sarms,thecrawlinggraveyard,therancidhotair.ForamomentElena’svoicewasclear,butitwasbrokenuplikeabadlong-distanceconnection.
“…He’stwistingthings,changingthem.I’mnotasstrongasheis…”Bonniemissedsomewords.“…butthisisimportant.Youhavetofind…rightnow.”Hervoicewasfading.
“Elena,Ican’thearyou!Elena!”
“…aneasyspell,onlytwoingredients,theonesItoldyoualready…”
“Elena!”
Bonniewasstillshoutingasshesatboltuprightinbed.2
“Andthat’sallIremember,”BonnieconcludedassheandMeredithwalkeddownSunflowerStreetbetweentherowsoftallVictorianhouses.
“ButitwasdefinitelyElena?”
“Yes,andshewastryingtotellmesomethingattheend.Butthat’sthepartthatwasn’tclear,exceptthatitwasimportant,terriblyimportant.Whatdoyouthink?”
“Mousesandwichesandopengraves?”Mereditharchedaneleganteyebrow.“Ithinkyou’regettingStephenKingmixedupwithLewisCarroll.”
Bonniethoughtshewasprobablyright.Butthedreamstillbotheredher;ithadbotheredherallday,enoughtoputherearlierworriesoutofhermind.Now,assheandMeredithapproachedCaroline’shouse,theoldworriesreturnedwithavengeance.
ShereallyshouldhavetoldMeredithaboutthis,shethought,castinganuneasysidewaysglanceatthetallergirl.Sheshouldn’tletMeredithjustwalkinthereunprepared….
MeredithlookedupatthelightedwindowsoftheQueenAnneHousewithasigh.“Doyoureallyneedthoseearringstonight?”
“Yes,Ido;yes,absolutely.”Toolatenow.Mightaswellmakethebestofit.“You’lllovethemwhenyouseethem,”sheadded,hearingthenoteofhopefuldesperationinherownvoice.
MeredithpausedandherkeendarkeyessearchedBonnie’sfacecuriously.Thensheknockedonthedoor.“IjusthopeCaroline’snotstayinghometonight.Wecouldendupstuckwithher.”
“CarolinestayinghomeonaSaturdaynight?Don’tberidiculous.”Bonniehadbeenholdingherbreathtoolong;shewasstartingtofeellight-headed.Hertinklinglaughtercameoutbrittleandfalse.“Whataconcept,”shecontinuedsomewhathystericallyasMeredithsaid,“Idon’tthinkanybody’shome,”andtriedtheknob.PossessedbysomecrazyimpulseBonnieadded,“Fiddle-dee-dee.”
Handondoorknob,Meredithstoppeddeadandturnedtolookather.
“Bonnie,”shesaidquietly,“haveyougonecompletelythroughtheozone?”
“No.”Deflated,BonniegrabbedMeredith’sarmandsoughthereyesurgently.Thedoorwasopeningonitsown.“Oh,God,Meredith,pleasedon’tkillme….”
“Surprise!”shoutedthreevoices.
“Smile,”Bonniehissed,shovingthesuddenlyresistantbodyofherfriendthroughthedoorandintothebrightroomfullofnoiseandshowersoffoilconfetti.Shebeamedwildlyherselfandspokethroughclenchedteeth.“Killmelater—Ideserveit—butfornowjustsmile.”
Therewereballoons,theexpensiveMylarkind,andaclusterofpresentsonthecoffeetable.Therewasevenaflowerarrangement,althoughBonnienoticedtheorchidsinitmatchedCaroline’spalegreenscarfexactly.ItwasaHermèssilkwithadesignofvinesandleaves.She’llendupwearingoneofthoseorchidsinherhair,I’llbet,Bonniethought.
SueCarson’sblueeyeswerealittleanxious,hersmilewavering.“Ihopeyoudidn’thaveanybigplansfortonight,Meredith,”shesaid.
“NothingIcan’tbreakwithanironcrowbar,”Meredithreplied.ButshesmiledbackwithwrywarmthandBonnierelaxed.SuehadbeenaHomecomingPrincessonElena’scourt,alongwithBonnie,Meredith,andCaroline.ShewastheonlygirlatschoolbesidesBonnieandMeredithwho’dstoodbyElenawheneveryoneelsehadturnedagainsther.AtElena’sfuneralshe’dsaidthatElenawouldalwaysbetherealqueenofRobertE.Lee,andshe’dgivenupherownnominationforSnowQueeninElena’smemory.NobodycouldhateSue.Theworstwasovernow,Bonniethought.
“Iwanttogetapictureofusallonthecouch,”Carolinesaid,positioningthembehindtheflowerarrangement.“Vickie,takeit,willyou?”
VickieBennetthadbeenstandingbyquietly,unnoticed.Nowshesaid,“Oh,sure,”andnervouslyflickedlong,lightbrownhairoutofhereyesasshepickedupthecamera.
Justlikeshe’ssomekindofservant,Bonniethought,andthentheflashbulbblindedher.
AsthePolaroiddevelopedandSueandCarolinelaughedandtalkedaroundMeredith’sdrypoliteness,Bonnienoticedsomethingelse.Itwasagoodpicture;Carolinelookedstunningaseverwithherauburnhairgleamingandthepalegreenorchidsinfrontofher.AndtherewasMeredith,lookingresignedandironicanddarklybeautifulwithouteventrying,andthereshewasherself,aheadshorterthantheothers,withherredcurlstousledandasheepishexpressiononherface.Butthestrangethingwasthefigurebesideheronthecouch.ItwasSue,ofcourseitwasSue,butforamomenttheblondhairandblueeyesseemedtobelongtosomeoneelse.Someonelookingatherurgently,onthevergeofsayingsomethingimportant.Bonniefrownedatthephoto,blinkingrapidly.Theimageswaminfrontofher,andachillinguneasinessranupherspine.
No,itwasjustSueinthepicture.Shemust’vegonecrazyforaminute,orelseshewaslettingCaroline’sdesireforthem“alltobetogetheragain”affecther.
“I’lltakethenextone,”shesaid,springingup.“Sitdown,Vickie,andleanin.No,farther,farther—there!”AllofVickie’smovementswerequickandlightandnervous.Whentheflashbulbwentoff,shestartedlikeascaredanimalreadytobolt.
Carolinescarcelyglancedatthispicture,gettingupandheadingforthekitcheninstead.“Guesswhatwe’rehavinginsteadofcake?”shesaid.“I’mmakingmyownversionofDeathbyChocolate.Comeon,you’vegottohelpmemeltthefudge.”Suefollowedher,andafteranuncertainpause,sodidVickie.
ThelasttracesofMeredith’spleasantexpressionevaporatedandsheturnedtoBonnie.“Youshouldhavetoldme.”
“Iknow.”Bonnieloweredherheadmeeklyaminute.Thenshelookedupandgrinned.“Butthenyouwouldn’thavecomeandwewouldn’tbehavingDeathbyChocolate.”
“Andthatmakesitallworthwhile?”
“Well,ithelps,”Bonniesaid,withanairofbeingreasonable.“Andreally,itprobablywon’tbesobad.Caroline’sactuallytryingtobenice,andit’sgoodforVickietogetoutofthehouseforonce….”
“Itdoesn’tlooklikeit’sgoodforher,”Meredithsaidbluntly.“Itlookslikeshe’sgoingtohaveaheartattack.”
“Well,she’sprobablyjustnervous.”InBonnie’sopinion,Vickiehadgoodreasontobenervous.She’dspentmostofthepreviousfallinatrance,beingslowlydrivenoutofhermindbyapowershedidn’tunderstand.Nobodyhadexpectedhertocomeoutofitaswellasshehad.
Meredithwasstilllookingbleak.“Atleast,”Bonniesaidconsolingly,“itisn’tyourrealbirthday.”
Meredithpickedupthecameraandturneditoverandover.Stilllookingdownatherhands,shesaid,“Butitis.”
“What?“Bonniestaredandthensaidlouder,“Whatdidyousay?”
“Isaid,itismyrealbirthday.Caroline’smommusthavetoldher;sheandmymomusedtobefriendsalongtimeago.”
“Meredith,whatareyoutalkingabout?Yourbirthdaywaslastweek,May30.”
“No,itwasn’t.It’stoday,June6.It’strue;it’sonmydriver’slicenseandeverything.MyparentsstartedcelebratingitaweekearlybecauseJune6wastooupsettingforthem.Itwasthedaymygrandfatherwasattackedandwentcrazy.”AsBonniegasped,unabletospeak,sheaddedcalmly,“Hetriedtokillmygrandmother,youknow.Hetriedtokillme,too.”Meredithputthecameradowncarefullyintheexactcenterofthecoffeetable.“Wereallyshouldgointhekitchen,”shesaidquietly.“Ismellchocolate.”
Bonniewasstillparalyzed,buthermindwasbeginningtoworkagain.Vaguely,sherememberedMeredithspeakingaboutthisbefore,butshehadn’ttoldherthefulltruththen.Andshehadn’tsaidwhenithadhappened.
“Attacked—youmeanlikeVickiewasattacked,”Bonniegotout.Shecouldn’tsaythewordvampire,butsheknewMeredithunderstood.
“LikeVickiewasattacked,”Meredithconfirmed.“Comeon,”sheadded,evenmorequietly.“They’rewaitingforus.Ididn’tmeantoupsetyou.”
Meredithdoesn’twantmetobeupset,soIwon’tbeupset,Bonniethought,pouringhotfudgeoverthechocolatecakeandchocolateicecream.Eventhoughwe’vebeenfriendssincefirstgradeandshenevertoldmethissecretbefore.
Foraninstantherskinchilledandwordscamefloatingoutofthedarkcornersofhermind.Nooneiswhattheyseem.She’dbeenwarnedthatlastyearbythevoiceofHonoriaFellspeakingthroughher,andtheprophecyhadturnedouttobehorrifyinglytrue.Whatifitwasn’toveryet?
ThenBonnieshookherheaddeterminedly.Shecouldn’tthinkaboutthisrightnow;shehadapartytothinkabout.AndI’llmakesureit’sagoodpartyandweallgetalongsomehow,shethought.
Strangely,itwasn’teventhathard.MeredithandVickiedidn’ttalkmuchatfirst,butBonniewentoutofherwaytobenicetoVickie,andevenMeredithcouldn’tresistthepileofbrightlywrappedpresentsonthecoffeetable.Bythetimeshe’dopenedthelastonetheywerealltalkingandlaughing.ThemoodoftruceandtolerationcontinuedastheymovedupintoCaroline’sbedroomtoexamineherclothesandCDsandphotoalbums.Asitgotnearmidnighttheyfloppedonsleepingbags,stilltalking.
“What’sgoingonwithAlaricthesedays?”SueaskedMeredith.
AlaricSaltzmanwasMeredith’sboyfriend—sortof.HewasagraduatestudentfromDukeUniversitywho’dmajoredinparapsychologyandhadbeencalledtoFell’sChurchlastyearwhenthevampireattacksbegan.Thoughhe’dstartedoutanenemy,he’dendedupanally—andafriend.
“He’sinRussia,”Meredithsaid.“Perestroika,youknow?He’sovertherefindingoutwhattheyweredoingwithpsychicsduringtheColdWar.”
“Whatareyougoingtotellhimwhenhegetsback?”askedCaroline.
ItwasaquestionBonniewouldhavelikedtoaskMeredithherself.BecauseAlaricwasalmostfouryearsolder,Meredithhadtoldhimtowaituntilaftershegraduatedtotalkabouttheirfuture.ButnowMeredithwaseighteen—today,Bonnieremindedherself—andgraduationwasintwoweeks.Whatwasgoingtohappenafterthat?
“Ihaven’tdecided,”Meredithsaid.“AlaricwantsmetogotoDuke,andI’vebeenacceptedthere,butI’mnotsure.Ihavetothink.”
Bonniewasjustasglad.ShewantedMeredithtogotoBooneJuniorCollegewithher,notgooffandgetmarried,orevenengaged.Itwasstupidtodecideononeguysoyoung.Bonnieherselfwasnotoriousforplayingthefield,goingfromboytoboyasshepleased.Shegotcrusheseasily,andgotoverthemjustaseasily.
“Ihaven’tseentheguysofarworthremainingfaithfulto,”shesaidnow.
Everyonelookedatherquickly.Sue’schinwasrestingonherfistsassheasked,“NotevenStefan?”
Bonnieshouldhaveknown.Withtheonlylightthedimbedsidelampandtheonlysoundtherustleofnewleavesontheweepingwillowsoutside,itwasinevitablethattheconversationwouldturntoStefan—andtoElena.
StefanSalvatoreandElenaGilbertwerealreadyasortoflegendinthetown,likeRomeoandJuliet.WhenStefanhadfirstcometoFell’sChurch,everygirlhadwantedhim.AndElena,themostbeautiful,mostpopular,mostunapproachablegirlatschool,hadwantedhimtoo.Itwasonlyaftershe’dgottenhimthatsherealizedthedanger.Stefanwasn’twhatheseemed—hehadasecretfardarkerthananyonecouldhaveguessed.Andhehadabrother,Damon,evenmoremysteriousanddangerousthanhimself.Elenahadbeencaughtbetweenthetwobrothers,lovingStefanbutdrawnirresistiblytoDamon’swildness.Intheendshehaddiedtosavethemboth,andtoredeemtheirlove.
“MaybeStefan—ifyou’reElena,”Bonniemurmured,yieldingthepoint.Theatmospherehadchanged.Itwashushednow,alittlesad,justrightforlate-nightconfidences.
“Istillcan’tbelieveshe’sgone,”Suesaidquietly,shakingherheadandshuttinghereyes.“Shewassomuchmorealivethanotherpeople.”
“Herflameburnedbrighter,”saidMeredith,gazingatthepatternstherose-and-goldlampmadeontheceiling.Hervoicewassoftbutintense,anditseemedtoBonniethatthosewordsdescribedElenabetterthananythingshe’deverheard.
“ThereweretimeswhenIhatedher,butIcouldneverignoreher,”Carolineadmitted,hergreeneyesnarrowedinmemory.“Shewasn’tapersonyoucouldignore.”
“OnethingIlearnedfromherdeath,”Suesaid,“isthatitcouldhappentoanyofus.Youcan’twasteanyoflifebecauseyouneverknowhowlongyou’vegot.”
“Itcouldbesixtyyearsorsixtyminutes,”Vickieagreedinalowvoice.“Anyofuscoulddietonight.”
Bonniewriggled,disturbed.Butbeforeshecouldsayanything,Suerepeated,“Istillcan’tbelieveshe’sreallygone.SometimesIfeelasifshe’ssomewherenear.”
“Oh,sodoI,”saidBonnie,distracted.AnimageofWarmSpringsflashedthroughhermind,andforamomentitseemedmorevividthanCaroline’sdimroom.“LastnightIdreamedabouther,andIhadthefeelingitreallywasherandthatshewastryingtotellmesomething.Istillhavethatfeeling,”shesaidtoMeredith.
Theothersgazedathersilently.Once,theywouldallhavelaughedifBonniehintedatanythingsupernatural,butnotnow.Herpsychicpowerswereundisputed,awesome,andalittlescary.
“Doyoureally?”breathedVickie.
“Whatdoyouthinkshewastryingtosay?”askedSue.
“Idon’tknow.Attheendshewastryingsohardtostayincontactwithme,butshecouldn’t.”
Therewasanothersilence.AtlastSuesaidhesitantly,withthefaintestcatchinhervoice,“Doyouthink…doyouthinkyoucouldcontacther?”
Itwaswhatthey’dallbeenwondering.BonnielookedtowardMeredith.Earlier,Meredithhaddismissedthedream,butnowshemetBonnie’seyesseriously.
“Idon’tknow,”Bonniesaidslowly.Visionsfromthenightmarekeptswirlingaroundher.“Idon’twanttogointoatranceandopenmyselfuptowhateverelsemightbeoutthere,that’sforsure.”
“Isthattheonlywaytocommunicatewithdeadpeople?WhataboutaOuijaboardorsomething?”Sueasked.
“MyparentshaveaOuijaboard,”Carolinesaidalittletooloudly.Suddenlythehushed,low-keymoodwasbrokenandanindefinabletensionfilledtheair.Everyonesatupstraighterandlookedateachotherwithspeculation.EvenVickielookedintriguedontopofherscaredness.
“Woulditwork?”MeredithsaidtoBonnie.
“Shouldwe?”Suewonderedaloud.
“Dowedare?That’sreallythequestion,”Meredithsaid.OnceagainBonniefoundeveryonelookingather.Shehesitatedafinalinstant,andthenshrugged.Excitementwasstirringinherstomach.
“Whynot?”shesaid.“Whathavewegottolose?”
CarolineturnedtoVickie.“Vickie,there’saclosetatthebottomofthestairs.TheOuijaboardshouldbeinside,onthetopshelfwithabunchofothergames.”
Shedidn’tevensay,“Please,willyougetit?”Bonniefrownedandopenedhermouth,butVickiewasalreadyoutthedoor.
“Youcouldbealittlemoregracious,”BonnietoldCaroline.“Whatisthis,yourimpressionofCinderella’sevilstepmother?”
“Oh,comeon,Bonnie,”Carolinesaidimpatiently.“She’sluckyjusttobeinvited.Sheknowsthat.”
“AndhereIthoughtshewasjustovercomebyourcollectivesplendor,”Meredithsaiddryly.
“Andbesides—”Bonniestartedwhenshewasinterrupted.Thenoisewasthinandshrillanditfelloffweaklyattheend,buttherewasnomistakingit.Itwasascream.Itwasfollowedbydeadsilenceandthensuddenlypealafterpealofpiercingshrieks.
Foraninstantthegirlsinthebedroomstoodtransfixed.Thentheywereallrunningoutintothehallwayanddownthestairs.
“Vickie!”Meredith,withherlonglegs,reachedthebottomfirst.Vickiewasstandinginfrontofthecloset,armsoutstretchedasiftoprotectherface.SheclutchedatMeredith,stillscreaming.
“Vickie,whatisit?”Carolinedemanded,soundingmoreangrythanafraid.ThereweregameboxesscatteredacrossthefloorandMonopolymarkersandTrivialPursuitcardsstrewneverywhere.“Whatareyouyellingabout?”
“Itgrabbedme!Iwasreachinguptothetopshelfandsomethinggrabbedmearoundthewaist!”
“Frombehind?”
“No!Frominsidethecloset.”
Startled,Bonnielookedinsidetheopencloset.Wintercoatshunginanimpenetrablelayer,someofthemreachingthefloor.GentlydisengagingherselffromVickie,Meredithpickedupanumbrellaandbeganpokingthecoats.
“Oh,don’t—”Bonniebeganinvoluntarily,buttheumbrellaencounteredonlytheresistanceofcloth.Meredithusedittopushthecoatsasideandrevealthebarecedarwoodoftheclosetwall.
“Yousee?Nobodythere,”shesaidlightly.“Butyouknowwhatistherearethesecoatsleeves.Ifyouleanedinfarenoughbetweenthem,I’llbetitcouldfeellikesomebody’sarmsclosingaroundyou.”
Vickiesteppedforward,touchedadanglingsleeve,thenlookedupattheshelf.Sheputherfaceinherhands,longsilkyhairfallingforwardtoscreenit.ForanawfulmomentBonniethoughtshewascrying,thensheheardthegiggles.
“Oh,God!Ireallythought—oh,I’msostupid!I’llcleanitup,”Vickiesaid.
“Later,”saidMeredithfirmly.“Let’sgointhelivingroom.”
Bonniethrewonelastlookattheclosetastheywent.
Whentheywereallgatheredaroundthecoffeetable,withseverallightsturnedoffforeffect,Bonnieputherfingerslightlyonthesmallplasticplanchette.She’dneveractuallyusedaOuijaboard,butsheknewhowitwasdone.Theplanchettemovedtopointatlettersandspelloutamessage—ifthespiritswerewillingtotalk,thatis.
“Weallhavetobetouchingit,”shesaid,andthenwatchedastheothersobeyed.Meredith’sfingerswerelongandslender,Sue’sslimandtaperingwithovalnails.Caroline’snailswerepaintedburnishedcopper.Vickie’swerebitten.
“Nowwecloseoureyesandconcentrate,”Bonniesaidsoftly.Therewerelittlehissesofanticipationasthegirlsobeyed;theatmospherewasgettingtoallofthem.
“ThinkofElena.Pictureher.Ifshe’soutthere,wewanttodrawherhere.”
Thebigroomwassilent.InthedarkbehindherclosedlidsBonniesawpalegoldhairandeyeslikelapislazuli.
“Come,on,Elena,”shewhispered.“Talktome.”
Theplanchettebegantomove.
Noneofthemcouldbeguidingit;theywereallapplyingpressurefromdifferentpoints.Nevertheless,thelittletriangleofplasticwasslidingsmoothly,confidently.Bonniekepthereyesshutuntilitstoppedandthenlooked.TheplanchettewaspointingtothewordYes.
Vickiegavesomethinglikeasoftsob.
Bonnielookedattheothers.Carolinewasbreathingfast,greeneyesnarrowed.Sue,theonlyoneofallofthem,stillhadhereyesresolutelyclosed.Meredithlookedpale.
Theyallexpectedhertoknowwhattodo.
“Keepconcentrating,”Bonnietoldthem.Shefeltunreadyandalittlestupidaddressingtheemptyairdirectly.Butshewastheexpert;shehadtodoit.
“Isthatyou,Elena?”shesaid.
TheplanchettemadealittlecircleandreturnedtoYes.
SuddenlyBonnie’sheartwasbeatingsohardshewasafraiditwouldshakeherfingers.Theplasticunderneathherfingertipsfeltdifferent,electrifiedalmost,asifsomesupernaturalenergywasflowingthroughit.Shenolongerfeltstupid.Tearscametohereyes,andshecouldseethatMeredith’seyeswereglisteningtoo.Meredithnoddedather.
“Howcanwebesure?”Carolinewassaying,loudly,suspiciously.Carolinedoesn’tfeelit,Bonnierealized;shedoesn’tsenseanythingIdo.Psychicallyspeaking,she’sadud.
Theplanchettewasmovingagain,touchinglettersnow,soquicklythatMeredithbarelyhadtimetospelloutthemessage.Evenwithoutpunctuationitwasclear.
CAROLINEDONTBEAJERK,itsaid.YOURELUCKYIMTALKINGTOYOUATALL
“That’sElena,allright,”Meredithsaiddryly.
“Itsoundslikeher,but—”
“Oh,shutup,Caroline,”Bonniesaid.“Elena,I’mjustsoglad…”Herthroatlockedupandshetriedagain.
BONNIETHERESNOTIMESTOPSNIVELINGANDGETDOWNTOBUSINESS
AndthatwasElenatoo,Bonniesniffedandwenton.“Ihadadreamaboutyoulastnight.”
TEA
“Yes.”Bonnie’sheartwasthuddingfasterthanever.“Iwantedtotalktoyou,butthingsgotweirdandthenwekeptlosingcontact—”
BONNIEDONTTRANCENOTRANCENOTRANCE
“Allright.”Thatansweredherquestion,andshewasrelievedtohearit.
CORRUPTINGINFLUENCESDISTORTINGOURCOMMUNICATIONTHEREAREBADTHINGSVERYBADTHINGSOUTHERE
“Likewhat?”Bonnieleanedclosertotheboard.“Likewhat?”
NOTIME!Theplanchetteseemedtoaddtheexclamationpoint.ItwasjerkingviolentlyfromlettertoletterasifElenacouldbarelycontainherimpatience.HESBUSYSOICANTALKNOWBUTTHERESNOTMUCHTIMELISTENWHENWESTOPGETOUTOFTHEHOUSEFASTYOUREINDANGER
“Danger?”Vickierepeated,lookingasifshemightjumpoffthechairandrun.
WAITLISTENFIRSTTHEWHOLETOWNISINDANGER
“Whatdowedo?”saidMeredithinstantly.
YOUNEEDHELPHESOUTOFYOURLEAGUEUNBELIEVABLYSTRONGNOWLISTENANDFOLLOWINSTRUCTIONSYOUHAVETODOASUMMONINGSPELLANDTHEFIRSTINGREDIENTISH—
Withoutwarning,theplanchettejerkedawayfromthelettersandflewaroundtheboardwildly.Itpointedatthestylizedpictureofthemoon,thenatthesun,thenatthewordsParkerBrothers,Inc.
“Elena!”
Theplanchettebobbedbacktotheletters.
ANOTHERMOUSEANOTHERMOUSEANOTHERMOUSE
“What’shappening?”Suecried,eyeswideopennow.
Bonniewasfrightened.Theplanchettewaspulsingwithenergy,adarkanduglyenergylikeboilingblacktarthatstungherfingers.ButshecouldalsofeelthequiveringsilverthreadthatwasElena’spresencefightingit.“Don’tletgo!”shecrieddesperately.“Don’ttakeyourhandsoffit!”
MOUSEMUDKILLYOU,theboardreeledoff.BLOODBLOODBLOOD.Andthen…BONNIEGETOUTRUNHESHERERUNRUNRU—
Theplanchettejerkedfuriously,whippingoutfromunderBonnie’sfingersandbeyondherreach,flyingacrosstheboardandthroughtheairasifsomeonehadthrownit.Vickiescreamed.Meredithstartedtoherfeet.
Andthenallthelightswentout,plungingthehouseintodarkness.3
Vickie’sscreamswentoutofcontrol.Bonniecouldfeelpanicrisinginherchest.
“Vickie,stopit!Comeon;we’vegottogetoutofhere!”Meredithwasshoutingtobeheard.“It’syourhouse,Caroline.Everybodygrabhandsandyouleadustothefrontdoor.”
“Okay,”Carolinesaid.Shedidn’tsoundasfrightenedaseverybodyelse.Thatwastheadvantagetohavingnoimagination,Bonniethought.Youcouldn’tpicturetheterriblethingsthatweregoingtohappentoyou.
ShefeltbetterwithMeredith’snarrow,coldhandgraspinghers.ShefumbledontheothersideandcaughtCaroline’s,feelingthehardnessoflongfingernails.
Shecouldseenothing.Hereyesshouldhavebeenadjustingtothedarkbynow,butshecouldn’tmakeoutevenaglimmeroflightorshadowasCarolinestartedleadingthem.Therewasnolightcomingthroughthewindowsfromthestreet;thepowerseemedtobeouteverywhere.Carolinecursed,runningintosomepieceoffurniture,andBonniestumbledagainsther.
Vickiewaswhimperingsoftlyfromthebackoftheline.“Hangon,”whisperedSue.“Hangon,Vickie,we’llmakeit.”
Theymadeslow,shufflingprogressinthedark.ThenBonniefelttileunderherfeet.“Thisisthefronthall,”Carolinesaid.“StayhereaminutewhileIfindthedoor.”HerfingersslippedoutofBonnie’s.
“Caroline!Don’tletgo—whereareyou?Caroline,givemeyourhand!”Bonniecried,gropingfranticallylikeablindperson.
Outofthedarknesssomethinglargeandmoistclosedaroundherfingers.Itwasahand.Itwasn’tCaroline’s.
Bonniescreamed.
Vickieimmediatelypickeditup,shriekingwildly.Thehot,moisthandwasdraggingBonnieforward.Shekickedout,struggling,butitmadenodifference.ThenshefeltMeredith’sarmsaroundherwaist,botharms,wrenchingherback.Herhandcamefreeofthebigone.
Andthenshewasturningandrunning,justrunning,onlydimlyawarethatMeredithwasbesideher.Shewasn’tatallawarethatshewasstillscreaminguntilsheslammedintoalargearmchairthatstoppedherprogress,andsheheardherself.
“Hush!Bonnie,hush,stop!”Meredithwasshakingher.Theyhadsliddownthebackofthechairtothefloor.
“Somethinghadme!Somethinggrabbedme,Meredith!”
“Iknow.Bequiet!It’sstillaround,”Meredithsaid.BonniejammedherfaceintoMeredith’sshouldertokeepfromscreamingagain.Whatifitwashereintheroomwiththem?
Secondscrawledpast,andthesilencepooledaroundthem.NomatterhowBonniestrainedherears,shecouldhearnosoundexcepttheirownbreathingandthedullthuddingofherheart.
“Listen!We’vegottofindthebackdoor.Wemustbeinthelivingroomnow.Thatmeansthekitchen’srightbehindus.Wehavetogetthere,”Meredithsaid,hervoicelow.
Bonniestartedtonodmiserably,thenabruptlyliftedherhead.“Where’sVickie?”shewhisperedhoarsely.
“Idon’tknow.Ihadtoletgoofherhandtopullyouawayfromthatthing.Let’smove.”
Bonnieheldherback.“Butwhyisn’tshescreaming?”
AshudderwentthroughMeredith.“Idon’tknow.”
“Oh,God.Oh,God.Wecan’tleaveher,Meredith.”
“Wehaveto.”
“Wecan’t.Meredith,ImadeCarolineinviteher.Shewouldn’tbehereexceptforme.Wehavetogetherout.”
Therewasapause,andthenMeredithhissed,“Allright!Butyoupickthestrangesttimestoturnnoble,Bonnie.”
Adoorslammed,causingbothofthemtojump.Thentherewasacrashing,likefeetonstairs,Bonniethought.Andbriefly,avoicewasraised.
“Vickie,whereareyou?Don’t—Vickie,no!
No!”
“ThatwasSue,”gaspedBonnie,jumpingup.“Fromupstairs!”
“Whydon’twehaveaflashlight?”Meredithwasraging.
Bonnieknewwhatshemeant.Itwastoodarktogorunningblindlyaroundthishouse;itwastoofrightening.Therewasaprimitivepanichammeringinherbrain.Sheneededlight,anylight.
Shecouldn’tgofumblingintothatdarknessagain,exposedonallsides.Shecouldn’tdoit.
Nevertheless,shetookoneshakystepawayfromthechair.
“Comeon,”shegasped,andMeredithcamewithher,stepbystep,intotheblackness.
Bonniekeptexpectingthatmoist,hothandtoreachoutandgrabheragain.Everyinchofherskintingledinanticipationofitstouch,andespeciallyherownhand,whichshehadoutstretchedtofeelherway.
Thenshemadethemistakeofrememberingthedream.
Instantly,thesicklysweetsmellofgarbageoverwhelmedher.SheimaginedthingscrawlingoutofthegroupandthenrememberedElena’sface,grayandhairless,withlipsshriveledbackfromgrinningteeth.Ifthatthinggrabbedholdofher…
Ican’tgoanyfarther;Ican’t,Ican’t,shethought.I’msorryforVickie,butIcan’tgoon.Please,justletmestophere.
ShewasclingingtoMeredith,almostcrying.Thenfromupstairscamethemosthorrifyingsoundshehadeverheard.
Itwasawholeseriesofsounds,actually,buttheyallcamesoclosetogetherthattheyblendedintooneterribleswellofnoise.Firsttherewasscreaming,Sue’svoicescreaming,“Vickie!Vickie!No!”Thenaresonantcrash,thesoundofglassshattering,asifahundredwindowswerebreakingatonce.Andoverthatasustainedscream,onanoteofpure,exquisiteterror.
Thenitallstopped.
“Whatwasit?Whathappened,Meredith?”
“Somethingbad.”Meredith’svoicewastautandchoked.“Somethingverybad.Bonnie,letgo.I’mgoingtosee.”
“Notalone,you’renot,”Bonniesaidfiercely.
Theyfoundthestaircaseandmadetheirwayupit.Whentheyreachedthelanding,Bonniecouldhearastrangeandoddlysickeningsound,thetinkleofglassshardsfalling.
Andthenthelightswenton.
Itwastoosudden;Bonniescreamedinvoluntarily.TurningtoMeredithshealmostscreamedagain.Meredith’sdarkhairwasdisheveledandhercheekboneslookedtoosharp;herfacewaspaleandhollowwithfear.
Tinkle,tinkle.
Itwasworsewiththelightson.Meredithwaswalkingtowardthelastdoordownthehall,wherethenoisewascomingfrom.Bonniefollowed,butsheknewsuddenly,withallherheart,thatshedidn’twanttoseeinsidethatroom.
Meredithpulledthedooropen.Shefrozeforaminuteinthedoorwayandthenlungedquicklyinside.Bonniestartedforthedoor.
“Oh,myGod,don’tcomeanyfarther!”
Bonniedidn’tevenpause.Sheplungedintothedoorwayandthenpulledupshort.Atfirstglanceitlookedasifthewholesideofthehousewasgone.TheFrenchwindowsthatconnectedthemasterbedroomtothebalconyseemedtohaveexplodedoutward,thewoodsplintered,theglassshattered.Littlepiecesofglasswerehangingprecariouslyhereandtherefromtheremnantsofthewoodframe.Theytinkledastheyfell.
Diaphanouswhitecurtainsbillowedinandoutofthegapingholeinthehouse.Infrontofthem,insilhouette,BonniecouldseeVickie.Shewasstandingwithherhandsathersides,asmotionlessasablockofstone.
“Vickie,areyouokay?”Bonniewassorelievedtoseeheralivethatitwaspainful.“Vickie?”
Vickiedidn’tturn,didn’tanswer.Bonniemaneuveredaroundhercautiously,lookingintoherface.Vickiewasstaringstraightahead,herpupilspinpoints.Shewassuckinginlittlewhistlingbreaths,chestheaving.
“I’mnext.ItsaidI’mnext,”shewhisperedoverandover,butshedidn’tseemtobetalkingtoBonnie.Shedidn’tseemtoseeBonnieatall.
Shuddering,Bonniereeledaway.Meredithwasonthebalcony.SheturnedasBonniereachedthecurtainsandtriedtoblocktheway.
“Don’tlook.Don’tlookdownthere,”shesaid.
Downwhere?SuddenlyBonnieunderstood.SheshovedpastMeredith,whocaughtherarmtostopherontheedgeofadizzyingdrop.ThebalconyrailinghadbeenblastedoutliketheFrenchwindowsandBonniecouldseestraightdowntothelightedyardbelow.Onthegroundtherewasatwistedfigurelikeabrokendoll,limbsaskew,neckbentatagrotesqueangle,blondhairfannedonthedarksoilofthegarden.ItwasSueCarson.
Andthroughoutalltheconfusionthatragedafterward,twothoughtskeptvyingfordominanceinBonnie’smind.OnewasthatCarolinewouldneverhaveherfoursomenow.Andtheotherwasthatitwasn’tfairforthistohappenonMeredith’sbirthday.Itjustwasn’tfair.
“I’msorry,Meredith.Idon’tthinkshe’suptoitrightnow.”
Bonnieheardherfather’svoiceatthefrontdoorasshelistlesslystirredsweetenerintoacupofchamomiletea.Sheputthespoondownatonce.Whatshewasn’tuptowassittinginthiskitchenoneminutelonger.Sheneededout.
“I’llberightthere,Dad.”
Meredithlookedalmostasbadasshehadlastnight,facepeaked,eyesshadowed.Hermouthwassetinatightline.
“We’lljustgooutdrivingforalittlewhile,”Bonniesaidtoherfather.“Maybeseesomeofthekids.Afterall,you’retheonewhosaiditisn’tdangerous,right?”
Whatcouldhesay?Mr.McCulloughlookeddownathispetitedaughter,whostuckoutthestubbornchinshe’dinheritedfromhimandmethisgazesquarely.Heliftedhishands.
“It’salmostfouro’clocknow.Bebackbeforedark,”hesaid.
“Theywantitbothways,”BonniesaidtoMeredithonthewaytoMeredith’scar.Onceinside,bothgirlsimmediatelylockedtheirdoors.
AsMeredithputthecaringearshegaveBonnieaglanceofgrimunderstanding
“Yourparentsdidn’tbelieveyou,either.”
“Oh,theybelieveeverythingItoldthem—exceptanythingimportant.Howcantheybesostupid?”
Meredithlaughedshortly.“You’vegottolookatitfromtheirpointofview.Theyfindonedeadbodywithoutamarkonitexceptthosecausedbythefall.TheyfindthatthelightswereoffintheneighborhoodbecauseofamalfunctionatVirginiaElectric.Theyfindus,hysterical,givinganswerstotheirquestionsthatmusthaveseemedprettyweird.Whodidit?Somemonsterwithsweatyhands.Howdoweknow?OurdeadfriendElenatoldusthroughaOuijaboard.Isitanywondertheyhavetheirdoubts?”
“Ifthey’dneverseenanythinglikeitbefore,”Bonniesaid,hittingthecardoorwithherfist.“Buttheyhave.DotheythinkwemadeupthosedogsthatattackedattheSnowDancelastyear?DotheythinkElenawaskilledbyafantasy?”
“They’reforgettingalready,“Meredithrepliedsoftly.“Youpredictedityourself.Lifehasgonebacktonormal,andeverybodyinFell’sChurchfeelssaferthatway.Theyallfeellikethey’vewokenupfromabaddream,andthelastthingtheywantistogetsuckedinagain.”
Bonniejustshookherhead.
“Andsoit’seasiertobelievethatabunchofteenagegirlsgotriledupplayingwithaOuijaboard,andthatwhenthelightswentouttheyjustfreakedandran.Andoneofthemgotsoscaredandconfusedsheranrightoutawindow.”
TherewasasilenceandthenMeredithadded,“IwishAlaricwerehere.”
Normally,Bonniewouldhavegivenheradigintheribsandanswered,“SodoI,”inalecherousvoice.Alaricwasoneofthehandsomestguysshe’deverseen,evenifhewasadodderingtwenty-twoyearsold.Now,shejustgaveMeredith’sarmadisconsolatesqueeze.“Can’tyoucallhimsomehow?”
“InRussia?Idon’tevenknowwhereinRussiaheisnow.”
Bonniebitherlip.
Thenshesatup.MeredithwasdrivingdownLeeStreet,andinthehighschoolparkinglottheycouldseeacrowd.
SheandMeredithexchangedglances,andMeredithnodded.“Wemightaswell,”shesaid.“Let’sseeifthey’reanysmarterthantheirparents.”
Bonniecouldseestartledfacesturningasthecarcruisedslowlyintothelot.WhensheandMeredithgotout,peoplemovedback,makingapathforthemtothecenterofthecrowd.
Carolinewasthere,clutchingherelbowswithherhandsandshakingbackherauburnhairdistractedly.
“We’renotgoingtosleepinthathouseagainuntilit’srepaired,”shewassaying,shiveringinherwhitesweater.“Daddysayswe’lltakeanapartmentinHeronuntilit’sover.”
“Whatdifferencedoesthatmake?HecanfollowyoutoHeron,I’msure,”saidMeredith.
Carolineturned,buthergreencat’seyeswouldn’tquitemeetMeredith’s.“Who?”shesaidvaguely.
“Oh,Caroline,notyoutoo!”Bonnieexploded.
“Ijustwanttogetoutofhere,”Carolinesaid.HereyescameupandforaninstantBonniesawhowfrightenedshewas.“Ican’ttakeanymore.”Asifshehadtoproveherwordsthatminute,shepushedherwaythroughthecrowd.
“Lethergo,Bonnie,”Meredithsaid.“It’snouse.”
“She’snouse,”saidBonniefuriously.IfCaroline,whoknew,wasactingthisway,whatabouttheotherkids?
Shesaw,theanswerinthefacesaroundher.Everybodylookedscared,asscaredasifsheandMeredithhadbroughtsomeloathsomediseasewiththem.AsifsheandMeredithweretheproblem.
“Idon’tbelievethis,”Bonniemuttered.
“Idon’tbelieveiteither,”saidDeannaKennedy,afriendofSue’s.Shewasinthefrontofthecrowd,andshedidn’tlookasuneasyastheothers.“ItalkedwithSueyesterdayafternoonandshewassoup,sohappy.Shecan’tbedead.”Deannabegantosob.Herboyfriendputanarmaroundher,andseveralothergirlsbegantocry.Theguysinthecrowdshifted,theirfacesrigid.
Bonniefeltalittlesurgeofhope.“Andshe’snotgoingtobetheonlyonedead,”sheadded.“Elenatoldusthatthewholetownisindanger.Elenasaid…”DespiteherselfBonnieheardhervoicefailing.ShecouldseeitinthewaytheireyesglazedupwhenshementionedElena’sname.Meredithwasright;they’dputeverythingthathadhappenedlastwinterbehindthem.Theydidn’tbelieveanymore.
“What’swrongwithyouall?”shesaidhelplessly,wantingtohitsomething.“Youdon’treallythinkSuethrewherselfoffthatbalcony!”
“Peoplearesaying—”Deanna’sboyfriendstartedandthenshruggeddefensively.“Well—youtoldthepoliceVickieBennettwasintheroom,right?Andnowshe’soffherheadagain.Andjustalittlebitearlieryou’dheardSueshouting,‘No,Vickie,no!’?”
Bonniefeltasifthewindhadbeenknockedoutofher.“YouthinkthatVickie—oh,God,you’reoutofyourmind!Listentome.Somethinggrabbedmyhandinthathouse,anditwasn’tVickie.AndVickiehadnothingtodowiththrowingSueoffthatbalcony.”
“She’shardlystrongenough,foronething,”Meredithsaidpointedly.“Sheweighsaboutninety-fivepoundssoakingwet.”
Somebodyfromthebackofthecrowdmutteredaboutinsanepeoplehavingsuperhumanstrength.“Vickiehasapsychiatricrecord—”
“Elenatoldusitwasaguy!”Bonniealmostshouted,losingherbattlewithself-control.Thefacestiltedtowardherwereshuttered,unyielding.Thenshesawonethatmadeherchestloosen.“Matt!Tellthemyoubelieveus.”
MattHoneycuttwasstandingonthefringewithhishandsinhispocketsandhisblondheadbowed.Nowhelookedup,andwhatBonniesawinhisblueeyesmadeherdrawinherbreath.Theyweren’thardandshutteredlikeeveryoneelse’s,buttheywerefullofaflatdespairthatwasjustasbad.Heshruggedwithouttakinghishandsfromhispockets.
“Forwhatit’sworth,Ibelieveyou,”hesaid.“Butwhatdifferencedoesitmake?It’sallgoingtoturnoutthesameanyway.”
Bonnie,foroneofthefirsttimesinherlife,wasspeechless.MatthadbeenupseteversinceElenadied,butthis…
“Hedoesbelieveit,though,”Meredithwassayingquickly,capitalizingonthemoment.“Nowwhathavewegottodotoconvincetherestofyou?”
“ChannelElvisforus,maybe,”saidavoicethatimmediatelysetBonnie’sbloodboiling.Tyler.TylerSmallwood.GrinninglikeanapeinhisoverexpensivePerryEllissweater,showingamouthfulofstrongwhiteteeth.
“It’snotasgoodaspsychice-mailfromadeadHomecomingQueen,butit’sastart,”Tyleradded.
Mattalwayssaidthatgrinwasaskingforapunchinthenose.ButMatt,theonlyguyinthecrowdwithclosetoTyler’sphysique,wasstaringdullyattheground.
“Shutup,Tyler!Youdon’tknowwhathappenedinthathouse,”Bonniesaid.
“Well,neitherdoyou,apparently.Maybeifyouhadn’tbeenhidinginthelivingroom,you’dhaveseenwhathappened.Thensomebodymightbelieveyou.”
Bonnie’sretortdiedonhertongue.ShestaredatTyler,openedhermouth,andthenclosedit.Tylerwaited.Whenshedidn’tspeak,heshowedhisteethagain.
“Formymoney,Vickiedidit,”hesaid,winkingatDickCarter,Vickie’sex-boyfriend.“She’sastronglittlebabe,right,Dick?Shecouldhavedoneit.”Heturnedandaddeddeliberatelyoverhisshoulder,“OrelsethatSalvatoreguyisbackintown.”
“Youcreep!”shoutedBonnie.EvenMeredithcriedoutinfrustration.BecauseofcourseattheverymentionofStefanpandemoniumensued,asTylermusthaveknownitwould.Everyonewasturningtothepersonnexttothemandexclaiminginalarm,horror,excitement.Itwasprimarilythegirlswhowereexcited.
Effectively,itputanendtothegathering.Peoplehadbeenedgingawaysurreptitiouslybefore,andnowtheybrokeupintotwosandthrees,arguingandhasteningoff.
Bonniegazedafterthemangrily.
“Supposingtheydidbelieveyou.Whatdidyouwantthemtodo,anyway?”Mattsaid.Shehadn’tnoticedhimbesideher.
“Idon’tknow.Somethingbesidesjuststandingaroundwaitingtobepickedoff.”Shetriedtolookhimintheface.“Matt,areyouallright?”
“Idon’tknow.Areyou?”
Bonniethought.“No.Imean,inonewayI’msurprisedI’mdoingaswellasIam,becausewhenElenadied,Ijustcouldn’tdeal.Atall.ButthenIwasn’tasclosetoSue,andbesides…Idon’tknow!”Shewantedtohitsomethingagain.“It’sjustalltoomuch!”
“You’remad.”
“Yes,I’mmad.”SuddenlyBonnieunderstoodthefeelingsshe’dbeenhavingallday.“KillingSuewasn’tjustwrong,itwasevil.Trulyevil.Andwhoeverdiditisn’tgoingtogetawaywithit.Thatwouldbe—iftheworldislikethat,aplacewherethatcanhappenandgounpunished…ifthat’sthetruth…”Shefoundshedidn’thaveawaytofinish.
“Thenwhat?Youdon’twanttolivehereanymore?Whatiftheworldislikethat?”
Hiseyesweresolost,sobitter.Bonniewasshaken.Butshesaidstaunchly,“Iwon’tletitbethatway.Andyouwon’teither.”
HesimplylookedatherasifshewereakidinsistingtherewassoaSantaClaus.
Meredithspokeup.“Ifweexpectotherpeopletotakeusseriously,we’dbettertakeourselvesseriously.Elenadidcommunicatewithus.Shewantedustodosomething.Nowifwereallybelievethat,we’dbetterfigureoutwhatitis.”
Matt’sfacehadflexedatthementionofElena.Youpoorguy,you’restillasmuchinlovewithherasever,thoughtBonnie.Iwonderifanythingcouldmakeyouforgether?Shesaid,“Areyougoingtohelpus,Matt?”
“I’llhelp,”Mattsaidquietly.“ButIstilldon’tknowwhatitisyou’redoing.”
“We’regoingtostopthatmurderingcreepbeforehekillsanybodyelse,”saidBonnie.Itwasthefirsttimeshe’dfullyrealizedherselfthatthiswaswhatshemeanttodo.
“Alone?Becauseyouarealone,youknow.”
“Wearealone,”Meredithcorrected.“Butthat’swhatElenawastryingtotellus.Shesaidwehadtodoasummoningspelltocallforhelp.”
“Aneasyspellwithonlytwoingredients,”Bonnierememberedfromherdream.Shewasgettingexcited.“Andshesaidshe’dalreadytoldmetheingredients—butshehadn’t.”
“Lastnightshesaidtherewerecorruptinginfluencesdistortinghercommunication,”Meredithsaid.“Nowtomethatsoundslikewhatwashappeninginthedream.DoyouthinkitreallywasElenayouweredrinkingteawith?”
“Yes,”Bonniesaidpositively.“Imean,Iknowweweren’treallyhavingamadteapartyatWarmSprings,butIthinkElenawassendingthatmessageintomybrain.Andthenpartwaythroughsomethingelsetookoverandpushedherout.Butshefought,andforaminuteattheendshegotbackcontrol.”
“Okay.Thenthatmeanswehavetoconcentrateonthebeginningofthedream,whenitwasstillElenacommunicatingwithyou.Butifwhatshewassayingwasalreadybeingdistortedbyotherinfluences,thenmaybeitcameoutweird.Maybeitwasn’tsomethingsheactuallysaid,maybeitwassomethingshedid….”
Bonnie’shandflewuptotouchhercurls.“Hair!”shecried.
“What?”
“Hair!Iaskedherwhodidhers,andwetalkedaboutit,andshesaid,‘Hairisveryimportant.’AndMeredith—whenshewastryingtotellustheingredientslastnight,thefirstletterofoneofthemwasH!”
“That’sit!”Meredith’sdarkeyeswereflashing.“Nowwejusthavetothinkoftheotherone.”
“ButIknowthattoo!”Bonnie’slaughterbubbledupexuberantly.“Shetoldmerightafterwetalkedabouthair,andIthoughtshewasjustbeingstrange.Shesaid,‘Bloodisimportanttoo.’”
Meredithshuthereyesinrealization.“Andlastnight,theOuijaboardsaid‘Bloodbloodblood.’Ithoughtitwastheotherthingthreateningus,butitwasn’t,”shesaid.Sheopenedhereyes.“Bonnie,doyouthinkthat’sreallyit?Arethosetheingredients,ordowehavetostartworryingaboutmudandsandwichesandmiceandtea?”
“Thosearetheingredients,”Bonniesaidfirmly.“They’rethekindofingredientsthatmakesenseforasummoningspell.I’msureIcanfindaritualtodowiththeminoneofmyCelticmagicbooks.Wejusthavetofigureoutthepersonwe’resupposedtosummon….”Somethingstruckher,andhervoicetrailedoffindismay.
“Iwaswonderingwhenyou’dnotice,”Mattsaid,speakingforthefirsttimeinalongwhile.“Youdon’tknowwhoitis,doyou?”4
MeredithtiltedanironicglanceatMatt.“Hmm,”shesaid.“Now,whodoyouthinkElenawouldcallintimeoftrouble?”
Bonnie’sgringavewaytoatwingeofguiltatMatt’sexpression.Itwasn’tfairtoteasehimaboutthis.“Elenasaidthatthekilleristoostrongforusandthat’swhyweneedhelp,”shetoldMatt.“AndIcanthinkofonlyonepersonElenaknowswhocouldfightoffapsychickiller.”
Slowly,Mattnodded.Bonniecouldn’ttellwhathewasfeeling.HeandStefanhadbeenbestfriendsonce,evenafterElenahadchosenStefanoverMatt.ButthathadbeenbeforeMattfoundoutwhatStefanwas,andwhatkindofviolencehewascapableof.InhisrageandgriefoverElena’sdeathStefanhadnearlykilledTylerSmallwoodandfiveotherguys.CouldMattreallyforgetthat?CouldheevendealwithStefancomingbacktoFell’sChurch?
Matt’ssquare-jawedfacegavenosignnow,andMeredithwastalkingagain.“Soallweneedtodoisletsomebloodandcutsomehair.Youwon’tmissacurlortwo,willyou,Bonnie?”
Bonniewassoabstractedthatshealmostmissedthis.Thensheshookherhead.“No,no,no.Itisn’tourbloodandhairweneed.Weneeditfromthepersonwewanttosummon.”
“What?Butthat’sridiculous.IfwehadStefan’sbloodandhairwewouldn’tneedtosummonhim,wouldwe?”
“Ididn’tthinkofthat,”Bonnieadmitted.“Usuallywithasummoningspellyougetthestuffbeforehandanduseitwhenyouwanttocallapersonback.Whatarewegoingtodo,Meredith?It’simpossible.”
Meredith’sbrowsweredrawntogether.“WhywouldElenaaskitifitwereimpossible?”
“Elenaaskedlotsofimpossiblethings,”Bonniesaiddarkly.“Don’tlooklikethat,Matt;youknowshedid.Shewasn’tasaint.”
“Maybe,butthisoneisn’timpossible,”Mattsaid.“IcanthinkofoneplacewhereStefan’sbloodhasgottobe,andifwe’reluckysomeofhishair,too.Inthecrypt.”
Bonnieflinched,butMeredithsimplynodded.“Ofcourse,”shesaid.“WhileStefanwastiedupthere,hemusthavebledallovertheplace.Andinthatkindoffighthemighthavelostsomehair.Ifonlyeverythingdowntherehasbeenleftundisturbed…”
“Idon’tthinkanybody’sbeendowntheresinceElenadied,”Mattsaid.“Thepoliceinvestigatedandthenleftit.Butthere’sonlyonewaytofindout.”
Iwaswrong,Bonniethought.IwasworryingaboutwhetherMattcoulddealwithStefancomingback,andhereheisdoingeverythinghecantohelpussummonhim.“Matt,Icouldkissyou!”shesaid.
Foraninstantsomethingshecouldn’tidentifyflickeredinMatt’seyes.Surprise,certainly,buttherewasmorethanthat.SuddenlyBonniewonderedwhathewoulddoifshedidkisshim.
“Allthegirlssaythat,”herepliedcalmlyatlast,withashrugofmockresignation.Itwasascloseashe’dgottentolightheartednessallday.
Meredith,however,wasserious.“Let’sgo.We’vegotalottodo,andthelastthingwewantistogetstuckinthecryptafterdark.”
Thecryptwasbeneaththeruinedchurchthatstoodonahillinthecemetery.It’sonlylateafternoon,plentyoflightleft,Bonniekepttellingherselfastheywalkedupthehill,butgoosefleshbrokeoutonherarmsanyway.Themoderncemeteryononesidewasbadenough,buttheoldgraveyardontheothersidewasdownrightspookyevenindaylight.Thereweresomanycrumblingheadstonestiltingcrazilyintheovergrowngrass,representingsomanyyoungmenkilledintheCivilWar.Youdidn’thavetobepsychictofeeltheirpresence.
“Unquietspirits,”shemuttered.
“Hmm?”saidMeredithasshesteppedoverthepileofrubblethatwasonewalloftheruinedchurch.“Look,thelidofthetomb’sstilloff.That’sgoodnews;Idon’tthinkwewouldhavebeenabletoliftit.”
Bonnie’seyeslingeredwistfullyonthewhitemarblestatuescarvedonthedisplacedlid.HonoriaFelllaytherewithherhusband,handsfoldedonherbreast,lookingasgentleandsadasever.ButBonnieknewtherewouldbenomorehelpfromthatquarter.Honoria’sdutiesasprotectorofthetownshe’dfoundedweredone.
LeavingElenaholdingthebag,Bonniethoughtgrimly,lookingdownintotherectangularholethatledtothecrypt.Ironrungsdisappearedintodarkness.
EvenwiththehelpofMeredith’sflashlightitwashardtoclimbdownintothatundergroundroom.Inside,itwasdankandsilent,thewallsfacedwithpolishedstone.Bonnietriednottoshiver.
“Look,”saidMeredithquietly.
Matthadtheflashlighttrainedontheirongatethatseparatedtheanteroomofthecryptfromitsmainchamber.Thestonebelowwasstainedblackwithbloodinseveralplaces.LookingatthepuddlesandrivuletsofdriedgoremadeBonniefeeldizzy.
“WeknowDamonwashurttheworst,”Meredithsaid,movingforward.Shesoundedcalm,butBonniecouldhearthetightcontrolinhervoice.“Sohemusthavebeenonthissidewherethere’sthemostblood.StefansaidElenawasinthecenter.ThatmeansStefanhimselfmusthavebeen…here.”Shebentdown.
“I’lldoit,”Mattsaidgruffly.“Youholdthelight.”WithaplasticpicnicknifefromMeredith’scarhescrapedattheencrustedstone.Bonnieswallowed,gladshe’dhadonlyteaforlunch.Bloodwasallrightintheabstract,butwhenyouwereactuallyconfrontedwithsomuchofit—especiallywhenitwasthebloodofafriendwho’dbeentortured…
Bonnieturnedaway,lookingatthestonewallsandthinkingaboutKatherine.BothStefanandhisolderbrother,Damon,hadbeeninlovewithKatherine,backinfifteenth-centuryFlorence.Butwhattheyhadn’tknownwasthatthegirltheylovedwasn’thuman.AvampireinherownGermanvillagehadchangedhertosaveherlifewhenshewasill.Katherineinherturnhadmadeboththeboysvampires.
Andthen,thoughtBonnie,shefakedherowndeathtogetStefanandDamontostopfightingoverher.Butitdidn’twork.Theyhatedeachothermorethanever,andshehatedbothofthemforthat.She’dgonebacktothevampirewhomadeher,andovertheyearsshe’dturnedasevilashewas.Untilatlastallshewantedtodowasdestroythebrothersshehadonceloved.She’dluredthembothtoFell’sChurchtokillthem,andthisroomwaswhereshe’dalmostsucceededindoingit.Elenahaddiedstoppingher.
“There,”Mattsaid,andBonnieblinkedandcamebacktoherself.MattwasstandingwithapapernapkinthatnowheldflakesofStefan’sbloodinitsfolds.“Nowthehair,”hesaid.
Theysweptthefloorwiththeirfingers,findingdustandbitsofleavesandfragmentsofthingsBonniedidn’twanttoidentify.Amongthedetrituswerelongstrandsofpalegoldhair.Elena’s—orKatherine’s,Bonniethought.Theyhadlookedmuchalike.Therewerealsoshorterstrandsofdarkhair,crispwithaslightwave.Stefan’s.
Itwasslow,finickyworksortingthroughitallandputtingtherighthairsinanothernapkin.Mattdidmostofit.Whentheywerethrough,theywerealltiredandthelightsiftingdownthroughtherectangularopeningintheceilingwasdimblue.ButMeredithsmiledtigerishly.
“We’vegotit,”shesaid.“TylerwantsStefanback;well,we’llgivehimStefanback.”
AndBonnie,whohadbeenonlyhalfpayingattentiontowhatshewasdoing,stilllostinherownthoughts,froze.
She’dbeenthinkingaboutotherthingsentirely,nothingtodowithTyler,butatthementionofhisnamesomethinghadwinkedoninhermind.Somethingshe’drealizedintheparkinglotandthenforgottenafterwardintheheatofarguing.Meredith’swordshadtriggereditandnowitwassuddenlyallclearagain.Howhadheknown?shewondered,heartracing.
“Bonnie?What’sthematter?”
“Meredith,”shesaidsoftly,“didyoutellthepolicespecificallythatwewereinthelivingroomwheneverythingwasgoingonupstairswithSue?”
“No,IthinkIjustsaidweweredownstairs.Why?”
“BecauseIdidn’teither.AndVickiecouldn’thavetoldthembecauseshe’sgonecatatonicagain,andSue’sdeadandCarolinewasoutsidebythattime.ButTylerknew.Remember,hesaid,‘Ifyouhadn’tbeenhidinginthelivingroom,you’dhaveseenwhathappened.’Howcouldheknow?”
“Bonnie,ifyou’retryingtosuggestTylerwasthemurderer,itjustwon’twash.He’snotsmartenoughtoorganizeakillingspree,foronething,”Meredithsaid.
“Butthere’ssomethingelse.Meredith,lastyearattheJuniorProm,Tylertouchedmeonmybareshoulder.I’llneverforgetit.Hishandwasbig,andmeaty,andhot,anddamp.”Bonnieshiveredattherecollection.“Justlikethehandthatgrabbedmelastnight.”
ButMeredithwasshakingherhead,andevenMattlookedunconvinced.
“Elena’ssurewastinghertimeaskingustobringbackStefan,then,”hesaid.“IcouldtakecareofTylerwithacoupleofrighthooks.”
“Thinkaboutit,Bonnie,”Meredithadded.“DoesTylerhavethepsychicpowertomoveaOuijaboardorcomeintoyourdreams?Doeshe?”
Hedidn’t.Psychicallyspeaking,TylerwasasmuchadudasCaroline.Bonniecouldn’tdenyit.Butshecouldn’tdenyherintuition,either.Itdidn’tmakesense,butshestillfeltTylerhadbeeninthehouselastnight.
“We’dbettergetmoving,”Meredithsaid.“It’sdark,andyourfather’sgoingtobefurious.”
Theywereallsilentontheridehome.BonniewasstillthinkingaboutTyler.OnceatherhousetheysmuggledthenapkinsupstairsandbeganlookingthroughBonnie’sbooksonDruidsandCelticmagic.Eversinceshe’ddiscoveredthatshewasdescendedfromtheancientraceofmagicworkers,Bonniehadbeeninterestedinthedruids.Andinoneofthebooksshefoundaritualforasummoningspell.
“Weneedtobuycandles,”shesaid.“Andpurewater—bettergetsomebottled,”shesaidtoMeredith.“Andchalktodrawacircleonthefloor,andsomethingtomakeasmallfirein.Icanfindthoseinthehouse.There’snohurry;thespellhastobedoneatmidnight.”
Midnightwasalongtimecoming.Meredithboughtthenecessaryitemsatagrocerystoreandbroughtthemback.TheyatedinnerwithBonnie’sfamily,thoughnoonehadmuchofanappetite.Byeleveno’clockBonniehadthecircledrawnonthehardwoodfloorofherbedroomandalltheotheringredientsonalowbenchinsidethecircle.Onthestrokeoftwelveshestarted.
WithMattandMeredithwatching,shemadeasmallfireinanearthenwarebowl.Threecandleswereburningbehindthebowl;shestuckapinhalfwaydowntheoneinthecenter.Thensheunfoldedanapkinandcarefullystirredthedriedflakesofbloodintoawineglassofwater.Itturnedrustypink.
Sheopenedtheothernapkin.Threepinchesofdarkhairwentintothefire,sizzlingwithaterriblesmell.Thenthreedropsofthestainedwater,hissing.
Hereyeswenttothewordsintheopenbook.
Swiftontheheelthoucomest,Thricesummonedbymyspell,Thricetroubledbymyburning.Cometomewithoutdelay.
Shereadthewordsaloudslowly,threetimes.Thenshesatbackonherheels.Thefirewentonburningsmokily.Thecandleflamesdanced.
“Andnowwhat?”Mattsaid.
“Idon’tknow.Itjustsayswaitforthemiddlecandletoburndowntothepin.”
“Andwhatthen?”
“Iguesswe’llfindoutwhenithappens.”
InFlorence,itwasdawn.
Stefanwatchedthegirlmovedownthestairway,onehandrestinglightlyonthebanistertokeepherbalance.Hermovementswereslowandslightlydreamlike,asifshewerefloating.
Suddenly,sheswayedandclutchedatthebanistermoretightly.Stefanmovedquicklybehindherandputahandunderherelbow.
“Areyouallright?”
Shelookedupathimwiththesamedreaminess.Shewasverypretty.Herexpensiveclotheswerethelatestfashionandherstylishlydisarrayedhairwasblond.Atourist.HeknewshewasAmericanbeforeshespoke.
“Yes…Ithink…”Herbrowneyeswereunfocused.
“Doyouhaveawaytogethome?Whereareyoustaying?”
“OnViadeiConti,neartheMedicichapel.I’mwiththeGonzagainFlorenceprogram.”
Damn!Notatourist,then;astudent.Andthatmeantshe’dbecarryingthisstorybackwithher,tellingherclassmatesaboutthehandsomeItalianguyshe’dmetlastnight.Theonewithnight-darkeyes.TheonewhotookherbacktohisexclusiveplaceonViaTornabuoniandwinedheranddinedherandthen,inthemoonlight,maybe,inhisroomoroutintheenclosedcourtyard,leanedclosetolookintohereyesand…
Stefan’sgazeslidawayfromthegirl’sthroatwithitstworeddenedpuncturewounds.He’dseenmarkslikethatsooften—howcouldtheystillhavethepowertodisturbhim?Buttheydid;theysickenedhimandsetaslowburninginhisgut.
“What’syourname?”
“Rachael.Withana.”Shespelledit.
“Allright,Rachael.Lookatme.Youwillgobacktoyourpensioneandyouwon’trememberanythingaboutlastnight.Youdon’tknowwhereyouwentorwhoyousaw.Andyou’veneverseenmebefore,either.Repeat.”
“Idon’trememberanythingaboutlastnight,”shesaidobediently,hereyesonhis.Stefan’sPowerswerenotasstrongastheywouldhavebeenifhe’dbeendrinkinghumanblood,buttheywerestrongenoughforthis.“Idon’tknowwhereIwentorwhoIsaw.Ihaven’tseenyou.”
“Good.Doyouhavemoneytogetback?Here.”Stefanpulledafistfulofcrumpledlire—mostly50,000and100,000notes—outofhispocketandledheroutside.
Whenshewassafelyinacab,hewentbackinsideandmadestraightforDamon’sbedroom.
Damonwasloungingnearthewindow,peelinganorange,notevendressedyet.Helookedup,annoyed,asStefanentered.
“It’scustomarytoknock,”hesaid.
“Where’dyoumeether?”saidStefan.Andthen,whenDamonturnedablankstareonhim,headded,“Thatgirl.Rachael.”
“Wasthathername?Idon’tthinkIbotheredtoask.AtBarGilli.OrperhapsitwasBarMario.Why?”
Stefanstruggledtocontainhisanger.“That’snottheonlythingyoudidn’tbothertodo.Youdidn’tbothertoinfluencehertoforgetyou,either.Doyouwanttogetcaught,Damon?”
Damon’slipscurvedinasmileandhetwistedoffacurlicueoforangepeel.“Iamnevercaught,littlebrother,”hesaid.
“Sowhatareyougoingtodowhentheycomeafteryou?Whensomebodyrealizes,‘MyGod,there’sabloodsuckingmonsteronViaTornabuoni’?Killthemall?Waituntiltheybreakdownthefrontdoorandthenmeltawayintodarkness?”
Damonmethisgazedirectly,challengingly,thatfaintsmilestillclingingabouthislips.
“Whynot?”hesaid.
“Damnyou!”saidStefan.“Listentome,Damon.Thishasgottostop.”
“I’mtouchedatyourconcernformysafety.”
“Itisn’tfair,Damon.Totakeanunwillinggirllikethat—”
“Oh,shewaswilling,brother.Shewasvery,verywilling.”
“Didyoutellherwhatyouweregoingtodo?Didyouwarnherabouttheconsequencesofexchangingbloodwithavampire?Thenightmares,thepsychicvisions?Wasshewillingforthat?”Damonclearlywasn’tgoingtoreply,sohewenton.“Youknowit’swrong.”
“Asamatteroffact,Ido.”Withthat,Damongaveoneofhissudden,unnervingsmiles,turningitonandoffinstantly.
“Andyoudon’tcare,”Stefansaiddully,lookingaway.
Damontossedawaytheorange.Histonewassilky,persuasive.“Littlebrother,theworldisfullofwhatyoucall‘wrong,’”hesaid.“Whynotrelaxandjointhewinningside?It’smuchmorefun,Iassureyou.”
Stefanfelthimselfgohotwithanger.“Howcanyouevensaythat?”heflashedback.“Didn’tyoulearnanythingfromKatherine?Shechose‘thewinningside.’”
“Katherinediedtooquickly,”saidDamon.Hewassmilingagain,buthiseyeswerecold.
“Andnowallyoucanthinkaboutisrevenge.”Lookingathisbrother,Stefanfeltacrushingweightsettleonhisownchest.“Thatandyourownpleasure,”hesaid.
“Whatelseisthere?Pleasureistheonlyreality,littlebrother—pleasureandpower.Andyou’reahunterbynature,justasmuchasIam,”Damonsaid.Headded,“Idon’trememberinvitingyoutocometoFlorencewithme,anyway.Sinceyou’renotenjoyingyourself,whydon’tyoujustleave?”
TheweightinStefan’schesttightenedsuddenly,unbearably,buthisgaze,lockedwithDamon’s,didnotwaver.“Youknowwhy,”hesaidquietly.AndatlasthehadthesatisfactionofseeingDamon’seyesdrop.
StefanhimselfcouldhearElena’swordsinhismind.She’dbeendyingthen,andhervoicehadbeenweak,buthe’dheardherclearly.Youhavetotakecareofeachother.Stefan,willyoupromise?Promisetotakecareofeachother?Andhehadpromised,andhewouldkeephisword.Nomatterwhat.
“YouknowwhyIdon’tleave,”hesaidagaintoDamon,whowouldn’tlookathim.“Youcanpretendyoudon’tcare.Youcanfoolthewholeworld.ButIknowdifferently.”ItwouldhavebeenkindestatthispointtoleaveDamonalone,butStefanwasn’tinakindmood.“Youknowthatgirlyoupickedup,Rachael?”headded.“Thehairwasallright,buthereyeswerethewrongcolor.Elena’seyeswereblue.”
Withthatheturned,meaningtoleaveDamonheretothinkitover—ifDamonwoulddoanythingsoconstructive,ofcourse.Buthenevermadeittothedoor.
“It’sthere!”saidMeredithsharply,hereyesonthecandleflameandthepin
Bonniesuckedinherbreath.Somethingwasopeninginfrontofherlikeasilverthread,asilvertunnelofcommunication.Shewasrushingalongit,withnowaytostopherselforcheckherspeed.Oh,God,shethought,whenIreachtheendandhit—
TheflashinStefan’sheadwassoundless,light-less,andpowerfulasathunderclap.Atthesametimehefeltaviolent,wrenchingtug.Anurgetofollow—something.ThiswasnotlikeKatherine’sslysubliminalnudgingtogosomewhere;thiswasapsychicshout.Acommandthatcouldnotbedisobeyed.
Insidetheflashhesensedapresence,buthecouldscarcelybelievewhoitwas.
Bonnie?
Stefan!It’syou!Itworked!
Bonnie,whathaveyoudone?
Elenatoldmeto.Honestly,Stefan,shedid.We’reintroubleandweneed—
Andthatwasit.Thecommunicationcollapsed,cavinginonitself,dwindlingtoapinpoint.Itwasgone,andinitsaftermaththeroomvibratedwithPower.
Stefanandhisbrotherwereleftstaringateachother.
Bonnieletoutalongbreathshehadn’trealizedshe’dbeenholdingandopenedhereyes,thoughshedidn’trememberclosingthem.Shewaslyingonherback.MattandMeredithwerecrouchedoverher,lookingalarmed.
“Whathappened?Diditwork?”Meredithdemanded.
“Itworked.”Sheletthemhelpherup.“ImadecontactwithStefan.Italkedtohim.Nowallwecandoiswaitandseeifhe’scomingornot.”
“DidyoumentionElena?”Mattasked.
“Yes.”
“Thenhe’scoming.”5
Monday,June8,11:15p.m.
DearDiary,
Idon’tseemtobesleepingverywelltonight,soImightaswellwriteyou.AlldaytodayI’vebeenwaitingforsomethingtohappen.Youdon’tdoaspelllikethatandhaveitworklikethatandthenhavenothinghappen.
Butnothinghas.IstayedhomefromschoolbecauseMomthoughtIshould.ShewasupsetaboutMattandMeredithstayingsolateSundaynight,andshesaidIneededtogetsomerest.ButeverytimeIliedownIseeSue’sface.
Sue’sdaddidtheeulogyatElena’sfuneral.Iwonderwho’sgoingtodoitforSueonWednesday?
I’vegottostopthinkingaboutthingslikethis.
MaybeI’lltrytogotosleepagain.MaybeifIliedownwithmyheadphoneson,Iwon’tseeSue.
BonnieputthediarybackinhernightstanddrawerandtookoutherWalkman.Sheflippedthroughthechannelsasshestaredattheceilingwithheavyeyes.ThroughthecrackleandsputterofstaticaD.J.’svoicesoundedinherear.
“Andhere’sagoldenoldieforallyoufabulousfiftiesfans.‘GoodnightSweetheart’ontheVeeJaylabelbyTheSpaniels…”
Bonniedriftedawayonthemusic.
Theicecreamsodawasstrawberry,Bonnie’sfavorite.Thejukeboxwasplaying“GoodnightSweetheart”andthecounterwassqueakyclean.ButElena,Bonniedecided,wouldneverhavereallywornapoodleskirt.
“Nopoodles,”shesaid,gesturingatit.Elenalookedupfromherhotfudgesundae.Herblondhairwaspulledbackinaponytail.“Whothinksofthesethingsanyway?”Bonnieasked.
“Youdo,silly.I’monlyvisiting.”
“Oh.”Bonnietookapullatthesoda.Dreams.Therewasareasontobeafraidofdreams,butshecouldn’tthinkofitjustnow.
“Ican’tstaylong,”Elenasaid.“IthinkhealreadyknowsI’mhere.Ijustcametotellyou….”Shefrowned.
Bonnielookedathersympathetically.“Can’tyouremembereither?”Shedrankmoresoda.Ittastedodd.
“Idiedtooyoung,Bonnie.TherewassomuchIwassupposedtodo,toaccomplish.AndnowIhavetohelpyou.”
“Thanks,”Bonniesaid.
“Thisisn’teasy,youknow.Idon’thavethatmuchpower.It’shardgettingthroughandit’shardkeepingeverythingtogether.”
“Gottakeepittogether,”Bonnieagreed,nodding.Shewasfeelingstrangelylight-headed.Whatwasinthissoda?
“Idon’thavemuchcontrol,andthingsturnoutstrangesomehow.He’sdoingit,Iguess.He’salwaysfightingme.Hewatchesyou.Andeverytimewetrytocommunicate,hecomes.”
“Okay.”Theroomwasfloating.
“Bonnie,areyoulisteningtome?Hecanuseyourfearagainstyou.It’sthewayhegetsin.”
“Okay…”
“Butdon’tlethimin.Telleveryonethat.AndtellStefan…”Elenastoppedandputahandtohermouth.Somethingfellontothehotfudgesundae.
Itwasatooth.
“He’shere.”Elena’svoicewasstrange,indistinct.Bonniestaredatthetoothinmesmerizedhorror.Itwaslyinginthemiddleofthewhippedcream,amongthesliveredalmonds.“Bonnie,tellStefan….”
Anothertoothplunkeddown,andanother.Elenasobbed,bothherhandsathermouthnow.Hereyeswereterrified,helpless.“Bonnie,don’tgo….”
ButBonniewasstumblingback.Everythingwaswhirlingaround.Thesodawasbubblingoutoftheglass,butitwasn’tsoda;itwasblood.Brightredandfrothy,likesomethingyoucoughedupwhenyoudied.Bonnie’sstomachconvulsed.
“TellStefanIlovehim!”Itwasthevoiceofatoothlessoldwoman,anditendedinhystericalsobs.Bonniewasgladtofallintodarknessandforgeteverything.
Bonnienibbledattheendofherfeltpen,hereyesontheclock,hermindonthecalendar.Eightandahalfmoredaysofschooltosurvive.Anditlookedasifeveryminutewasgoingtobemisery.
Someguyhadsaiditoutright,backingawayfromheronthestairs.“Nooffense,butyourfriendskeepturningupdead.”Bonniehadgoneintothebathroomandcried.
Butnowallshewantedwastobeoutofschool,awayfromthetragicfacesandaccusingeyes—orworse,thepityingeyes.TheprincipalhadgivenaspeechovertheP.A.about“thisnewmisfortune”and“thisterribleloss,”andBonniehadfelttheeyesonherbackasiftheywereboringholesthere.
Whenthebellrang,shewasthefirstpersonoutthedoor.Butinsteadofgoingtohernextclassshewenttothebathroomagain,whereshewaitedforthenextbell.Then,oncethehallswereempty,shehurriedtowardtheforeignlanguagewing.Shepassedbulletinsandbannersforend-of-the-yeareventswithoutglancingatthem.WhatdidSATsmatter,whatdidgraduationmatter,whatdidanythingmatteranymore?Theymightallbedeadbytheendofthemonth.
Shenearlyranintothepersonstandinginthehall.Hergazejerkedup,offherownfeet,totakeinfashionablyrattydeckshoes,someforeignkind.Abovethatwerejeans,bodyhugging,oldenoughtolooksoftoverhardmuscles.Narrowhips.Nicechest.Facetodriveasculptorcrazy:sensuousmouth,highcheekbones.Darksunglasses.Slightlytousledblackhair.Bonniestoodgapingamoment.
Oh,myGod,Iforgothowgorgeousheis,shethought.Elena,forgiveme;I’mgoingtograbhim.
“Stefan!”shesaid.
Thenhermindwrenchedherbackintorealityagainandshecastahuntedlookaround.Noonewasineyeshot.Shegrabbedhisarm.
“Areyoucrazy,showinguphere?Areyounuts?”
“Ihadtofindyou.Ithoughtitwasurgent.”
“Itis,but—”Helookedsoincongruous,standingthereinthehighschoolhallway.Soexotic.Likeazebrainaflockofsheep.Shestartedpushinghimtowardabroomcloset.
Hewasn’tgoing.Andhewasstrongerthanshewas.“Bonnie,yousaidyou’dtalkedto—”
“Youhavetohide!I’llgogetMattandMeredithandbringthembackhereandthenwecantalk.Butifanybodyseesyou,you’reprobablygoingtogetlynched.There’sbeenanothermurder.”
Stefan’sfacechanged,andheletherpushhimtowardthecloset.Hestartedtosaysomething,thenclearlydecidednotto.
“I’llwait,”hesaidsimply.
IttookonlyafewminutestofindMattinautotechandMeredithineconomicsclass.TheyhurriedbacktothebroomclosetandbustledStefanoutofschoolasinconspicuouslyaspossible,whichwasn’tvery.
Someone’sboundtohaveseenus,Bonniethought.Italldependsonwho,andhowmuchofablabtheyare.
“Wehavetogethimsomeplacesafe—nottoanyofourhouses,”Meredithwassaying.Theywereallwalkingasfastastheycouldthroughthehighschoolparkinglot.
“Fine,butwhere?Waitaminute,whatabouttheboardinghouse…?”Bonnie’svoicetrailedoff.Therewasalittleblackcarintheparkingslotinfrontofher.AnItaliancar,sleek,svelte,andsexylooking.Allthewindowsweretintedillegallydark;youcouldn’tevenseeinside.ThenBonniemadeoutthestallionemblemontheback.
“Oh,myGod.”
StefanglancedattheFerraridistractedly.“It’sDamon’s.”
Threesetsofeyesturnedtohiminshock.“Damon’s?”Bonniesaid,hearingthesqueakinherownvoice.ShehopedStefanmeantDamonhadjustloanedittohim.
Butthecarwindowwasrollingdowntorevealblackhairassleekandliquidyasthecar’spaintjob,mirroredglasses,andaverywhitesmile.“Buongiorno,”saidDamonsmoothly.“Anybodyneedaride?”
“Oh,myGod,”Bonniesaidagain,faintly.Butshedidn’tbackaway.
Stefanwasvisiblyimpatient.“We’llheadfortheboardinghouse.Youfollow.Parkbehindthebarnsonobodyseesyourcar.”
MeredithhadtoleadBonnieawayfromtheFerrari.Itwasn’tthatBonnielikedDamonorthatshewasevergoingtolethimkissheragainashehadatAlaric’sparty.Sheknewhewasdangerous;notasbadasKatherinehadbeen,maybe,butbad.He’dkilledwantonly,justforthefunofit.He’dkilledMr.Tanner,thehistoryteacher,attheHauntedHousefund-raiserlastHalloween.Hemightkillagainatanytime.MaybethatwaswhyBonniefeltlikeamousestaringatashiningblacksnakewhenshelookedathim.
IntheprivacyofMeredith’scarBonnieandMeredithexchangedglances.
“Stefanshouldn’thavebroughthim,”saidMeredith.
“Maybehejustcame,”Bonnieoffered.Shedidn’tthinkDamonwasthesortofpersonwhogotbroughtanywhere.
“Whyshouldhe?Nottohelpus,that’sforsure.”
Mattsaidnothing.Hedidn’tevenseemtonoticethetensioninthecar.Hejuststaredthroughthewindshield,lostinhimself.
Theskywascloudingup.
“Matt?”
“Justleaveitalone,Bonnie,”saidMeredith.
Wonderful,thoughtBonnie,depressionsettlinglikeadarkblanketoverher.MattandStefanandDamon,alltogether,allthinkingaboutElena.
Theyparkedbehindtheoldbarn,nexttothelowblackcar.Whentheywentinside,Stefanwasstandingalone.HeturnedandBonniesawthathe’dtakenoffhissunglasses.Thefaintestchillwentthroughher,justthelightestpricklingofthehairsonherarmsandneck.Stefanwasn’tlikeanyotherguyshe’devermet.Hiseyesweresogreen;greenasoakleavesinthespring.Butjustnowtheyhadshadowsunderneath.
Therewasamomentofawkwardness;thethreeofthemstandingononesideandlookingatStefanwithoutaword.Nooneseemedtoknowwhattosay.
ThenMeredithwentovertohimandtookhishand.“Youlooktired,”shesaid
“IcameassoonasIcould.”Heputanarmaroundherinabrief,almosthesitanthug.Heneverwouldhavedonethatintheolddays,Bonniethought.Heusedtobesoreserved.
Shecameforwardforherownhug.Stefan’sskinwascoolundertheT-shirt,andshehadtomakeherselfnotshiver.Whenshepulledback,hereyeswereswimming.WhatdidshefeelnowthatStefanSalvatorewasbackinFell’sChurch?Relief?Sadnessforthememorieshebroughtwithhim?Fear?Allshecouldtellwasthatshewantedtocry.
StefanandMattwerelookingateachother.Herewego,thoughtBonnie.Itwasalmostfunny;thesameexpressionwasonboththeirfaces.Hurtandtired,andtryingnottoshowit.Nomatterwhat,Elenawouldalwaysbebetweenthem.
Atlast,MattstuckouthishandandStefanshookit.Theybothsteppedback,lookinggladtohaveitoverwith.
“Where’sDamon?”saidMeredith.
“Pokingaround.Ithoughtwemightwantafewminuteswithouthim.”
“Wewantafewdecadeswithouthim,”Bonniesaidbeforeshecouldstopherself,andMeredithsaid,“Hecan’tbetrusted,Stefan.”
“Ithinkyou’rewrong,”Stefansaidquietly.“Hecanbeabighelpifheputshismindtoit.”
“Inbetweenkillingafewofthelocalseveryothernight?”Meredithsaid,hereyebrowsup.“Youshouldn’thavebroughthim,Stefan.”
“Buthedidn’t.”ThevoicecamefrombehindBonnie,behindandfrighteninglyclose.BonniejumpedandmadeaninstinctivelungeforMatt,whogrippedhershoulder.
Damonsmiledbriefly,justonecornerofhismouthup.He’dtakenoffhissunglasses,buthiseyesweren’tgreen.Theywereblackasthespacesbetweenthestars.He’salmostbetterlookingthanStefan,Bonniethoughtwildly,findingMatt’sfingersandhangingontothem.
“Soshe’syoursnow,isshe?”DamonsaidtoMattcasually.
“No,”Mattsaid,buthisgriponBonniedidn’tloosen.
“Stefandidn’tbringyou?”promptedMeredithfromtheotherside.Ofallofthem,sheseemedleastaffectedbyDamon,leastafraidofhim,leastsusceptibletohim.
“No,”Damonsaid,stilllookingatBonnie.Hedoesn’tturnlikeotherpeople,shethought.Hegoesonlookingatwhateverhewantsnomatterwho’stalking.“Youdid,”hesaid.
“Me?”Bonnieshrankalittle,uncertainwhohemeant.
“You.Youdidthespell,didn’tyou?”
“The…”Oh,hell.ApictureblossomedinBonnie’smind,ofblackhaironawhitenapkin.HereyeswenttoDamon’shair,finerandstraighterthanStefan’sbutjustasdark.ObviouslyMatthadmadeamistakeinthesorting.
Stefan’svoicewasimpatient.“Yousentforus,Bonnie.Wecame.What’sgoingon?”
Theytookseatsonthedecayingbalesofhay,allexceptDamon,whoremainedstanding.Stefanwasleaningforward,handsonknees,lookingatBonnie.
“Youtoldme—yousaidthatElenaspoketoyou.”Therewasaperceptiblepausebeforehegotthenameout.Hisfacewastensewithcontrol.
“Yes.”Shemanagedasmileforhim.“Ihadthisdream,Stefan,thisverystrangedream…”
Shetoldhimaboutit,andaboutwhathadhappenedafter.Ittookalongtime.Stefanlistenedintently,hisgreeneyesflaringeverytimeshementionedElena.WhenshetoldabouttheendofCaroline’spartyandhowtheyhadfoundSue’sbodyinthebackyard,theblooddrainedfromhisface,buthesaidnothing.
“Thepolicecameandsaidshewasdead,butweknewthatalready,”Bonniefinished.“AndtheytookVickieaway—poorVickiewasjustraving.Theywouldn’tletustalktoher,andhermotherhangsupifwecall.SomepeopleareevensayingVickiedidit,whichisinsane.Buttheywon’tbelievethatElenatalkedtous,sotheywon’tbelieveanythingshesaid.”
“Andwhatshesaidwas‘he,’”Meredithinterrupted.“Severaltimes.It’saman;someonewithalotofpsychicpower.”
“Anditwasamanwhograbbedmyhandinthehallway,”saidBonnie.ShetoldStefanabouthersuspicionofTyler,butasMeredithpointedout,Tylerdidn’tfittherestofthedescription.HehadneitherthebrainsnorthepsychicpowertobetheoneElenawaswarningthemabout.
“WhataboutCaroline?”Stefanasked.“Couldshehaveseenanything?”
“Shewasoutfront,”Meredithsaid.“Shefoundthedoorandgotoutwhilewewereallrunning.Sheheardthescreams,butshewastoofrightenedtogobackinthehouse.Andtobehonest,Idon’tblameher.”
“SonobodyactuallysawwhathappenedexceptVickie.”
“No.AndVickie’snottelling.”Bonniepickedupthestorywhereshehadleftoff.“Oncewerealizednobodywouldbelieveus,werememberedElena’smessageaboutthesummoningspell.Wefigureditmusthavebeenyoushewantedtosummon,becauseshethoughtyoucoulddosomethingtohelp.So…canyou?”
“Icantry,”Stefansaid.Hegotupandwalkedalittledistanceaway,turninghisbackonthem.Hestoodlikethatinsilenceawhile,unmoving.AtlastheturnedbackandlookedBonnieintheeyes.“Bonnie,”hesaid,quietbutintense,“inyourdreamsyouactuallyspoketoElenafacetoface.Doyouthinkifyouwentintoatranceyoucoulddoitagain?”
Bonniewasalittlefrightenedbywhatshesawinhiseyes.Theywereblazingemeraldgreeninhispaleface.Allatonceitwasasifshecouldseebehindthemaskofcontrolhewore.Underneathwassomuchpain,somuchlonging—somuchofthatintensitythatshecouldhardlybeartolookatit.
“Icould,maybe…butStefan—”
“Thenwe’lldoit.Righthere,rightnow.Andwe’llseeifyoucantakemewithyou.”Thoseeyesweremesmerizing,notwithanyhiddenPower,butwiththesheerforceofhiswill.Bonniewantedtodoitforhim—hemadeherwanttodoanythingforhim.Butthememoryofthatlastdreamwastoomuch.Shecouldn’tfacethathorroragain;shecouldn’t.
“Stefan,it’stoodangerous.Icouldbeopeningmyselfuptoanything—andI’mscared.Ifthatthinggetsholdofmymind,Idon’tknowwhatmighthappen.Ican’t,Stefan.Please.EvenwithaOuijaboard,it’sjustinvitinghimtocome.”
Foramomentshethoughthewasgoingtotrytomakeherdoit.Hismouthtightenedinanobstinateline,andhiseyesblazedevenbrighter.Butthen,slowly,thefirediedoutofthem.
Bonniefeltherhearttear.“Stefan,I’msorry,”shewhispered.
“We’lljusthavetodoitonourown,”hesaid.Themaskwasbackon,buthissmilelookedstiff,asifithurthim.Thenhespokemorebriskly.“Firstwehavetofindoutwhothiskilleris,whathewantshere.AllweknownowisthatsomethingevilhascometoFell’sChurchagain.”
“Butwhy?”saidBonnie.“Whywouldanythingeviljusthappentopickhere?Haven’twebeenthroughenough?”
“Itdoesseemabitofastrangecoincidence,”Meredithsaiddrolly.“Whyshouldwebesosingularlyblessed?”
“It’snotcoincidence,”saidStefan.Hegotupandliftedhishandsasifunsurehowtostart.“Therearesomeplacesonthisearththatare…different,”hesaid.“Thatarefullofpsychicenergy,eitherpositiveornegative,goodorevil.Someofthemhavealwaysbeenthatway,liketheBermudaTriangleandSalisburyPlain,theplacewheretheybuiltStonehenge.Othersbecomethatway,especiallywherealotofbloodhasbeenshed.”HelookedatBonnie.
“Unquietspirits,”shewhispered.
“Yes.Therewasabattlehere,wasn’tthere?”
“IntheCivilWar,”Mattsaid.“That’showthechurchinthecemeterygotruined.Itwasaslaughteronbothsides.Nobodywon,butalmosteveryonewhofoughtgotkilled.Thewoodsarefulloftheirgraves.”
“Andthegroundwassoakedwithblood.Aplacelikethatdrawsthesupernaturaltoit.Itdrawseviltoit.That’swhyKatherinewasattractedtoFell’sChurchinthefirstplace.Ifeltittoo,whenIfirstcamehere.”
“Andnowsomethingelsehascome,”Meredithsaid,perfectlyseriousforonce.“Buthowarewesupposedtofightit?”
“Wehavetoknowwhatwe’refightingfirst.Ithink…”Butbeforehecouldfinish,therewasacreak,andpale,dustysunlightfellacrossthebalesofhay.Thebarndoorhadopened.
Everyonetenseddefensively,readytojumpupandrunorfight.Thefigurenudgingthehugedoorbackwithoneelbow,however,wasanythingbutmenacing.
Mrs.Flowers,whoownedtheboardinghouse,smiledatthem,herlittleblackeyescrinklingintowrinkles.Shewascarryingatray.
“Ithoughtyouchildrenmightlikesomethingtodrinkwhileyou’retalking,”shesaidcomfortably.
Everyoneexchangeddisconcertedglances.Howhadsheknowntheywereouthere?Andhowcouldshebesocalmaboutit?
“Hereyougo,”Mrs.Flowerscontinued.“Thisisgrapejuice,madefrommyownConcordgrapes.”SheputapapercupbesideMeredith,thenMatt,thenBonnie.“Andherearesomegingersnapcookies.Fresh.”Sheheldtheplatearound.Bonnienoticedshedidn’tofferanytoStefanorDamon.
“Youtwocancomeroundtothecellarifyoulikeandtrysomeofmyblackberrywine,”shesaidtothem,withwhatBonniewouldswearwasawink.
Stefantookadeep,warybreath.“Uh,look,Mrs.Flowers…”
“Andyouroldroom’sjustlikeyouleftit.Nobody’sbeenuptheresinceyouwent.Youcanuseitwhenyouwant;itwon’tputmeoutabit.”
Stefanseemedatalossforwords.“Well—thankyou.Thankyouverymuch.But—”
“Ifyou’reworriedI’llsaysomethingtosomebodyyoucansetyourmindatease.Idon’ttendtorunoffatthemouth.Neverhave,neverwill.How’sthatgrapejuice?”—turningsuddenlyonBonnie.
Bonniehastilytookagulp.“Good,”shesaidtruthfully.
“Whenyoufinish,throwthecupsinthetrash.Ilikethingskepttidy.”Mrs.Flowerscastalookaboutthebarn,shakingherheadandsighing.“Suchashame.Suchaprettygirl.”ShelookedatStefanpiercinglywitheyeslikeonyxbeads.“You’vegotyourworkcutoutforyouthistime,boy,”shesaid,andleft,stillshakingherhead.
“Well!”saidBonnie,staringafterher,amazed.Everyoneelsejustlookedateachotherblankly.
“‘Suchaprettygirl’—butwhich?”saidMeredithatlast.“SueorElena?”Elenahadactuallyspentaweekorsointhisverybarnlastwinter—butMrs.Flowerswasn’tsupposedtoknowthat.“Didyousaysomethingtoheraboutus?”MeredithaskedDamon.
“Notaword.”Damonseemedamused.“She’sanoldlady.She’sbatty.”
“She’ssharperthananyofusgavehercreditfor,”Mattsaid.“WhenIthinkofthedayswespentwatchingherpotteraroundthatbasement—doyouthinksheknewwewerewatching?”
“Idon’tknowwhattothink,”Stefansaidslowly.“I’mjustgladsheseemstobeonourside.Andshe’sgivenusasafeplacetostay.”
“Andgrapejuice,don’tforgetthat.”MattgrinnedatStefan.“Wantsome?”Heprofferedtheleakycup.
“Yeah,youcantakeyourgrapejuiceand…”ButStefanwasalmostsmilinghimself.ForaninstantBonniesawthetwoofthemthewaytheyusedtobe,beforeElenahaddied.Friendly,warm,ascomfortabletogetherassheandMeredithwere.Apangwentthroughher.
ButElenaisn’tdead,shethought.She’smoreherethanever.She’sdirectingeverythingwesayanddo.
Stefanhadsoberedagain.“WhenMrs.Flowerscamein,Iwasabouttosaythatwe’dbettergetstarted.AndIthinkweshouldstartwithVickie.”
“Shewon’tseeus,”Meredithrepliedinstantly.“Herparentsarekeepingeveryoneaway.”
“Thenwe’lljusthavetobypassherparents,”Stefansaid.“Areyoucomingwithus,Damon?”
“Avisittoyetanotherprettygirl?Iwouldn’tmissit.”
BonnieturnedtoStefaninalarm,buthespokereassuringlyasheguidedheroutofthebarn.“It’llbeallright.I’llkeepaneyeonhim.”
Bonniehopedso.6
Vickie’shousewasonacorner,andtheyapproacheditfromthesidestreet.Bynowtheskywasfilledwithheavypurpleclouds.Thelighthadanalmostunderwaterquality.
“Lookslikeit’sgoingtostorm,”Mattsaid.
BonnieglancedatDamon.NeitherhenorStefanlikedbrightlight.AndshecouldfeelthePoweremanatingfromhim,likealowthrumjustunderthesurfaceofhisskin.Hesmiledwithoutlookingatherandsaid,“HowaboutsnowinJune?”
Bonnieclampeddownonashiver.
ShehadlookedDamon’swayonceortwiceinthebarnandfoundhimlisteningtothestorywithanairofdetachedindifference.UnlikeStefan,hisexpressionhadn’tchangedintheslightestwhenshementionedElena—orwhenshetoldaboutSue’sdeath.WhatdidhereallyfeelforElena?He’dcalledupasnowstormonceandlefthertofreezeinit.Whatwashefeelingnow?Didheevencareaboutcatchingthemurderer?
“That’sVickie’sbedroom,”saidMeredith.“Thebaywindowintheback.”
StefanlookedatDamon.“Howmanypeopleinthehouse?”
“Two.Manandwoman.Thewoman’sdrunk.”
PoorMrs.Bennett,thoughtBonnie.
“Ineedthembothasleep,”Stefansaid.
Inspiteofherself,BonniewasfascinatedbythesurgeofPowershefeltfromDamon.Herpsychicabilitieshadneverbeenstrongenoughtosenseitsrawessencebefore,butnowtheywere.NowshecouldfeelitasclearlyasshecouldseethefadingvioletlightorsmellthehoneysuckleoutsideVickie’swindow.
Damonshrugged.“They’reasleep.”
Stefantappedlightlyontheglass.
Therewasnoresponse,oratleastnoneBonniecouldsee.ButStefanandDamonlookedateachother.
“She’shalftrancedalready,”Damonsaid.
“She’sscared.I’lldoit;sheknowsme,”saidStefan.Heputhisfingertipsonthewindow.“Vickie,it’sStefanSalvatore,”hesaid.“I’mheretohelpyou.Comeletmein.”
Hisvoicewasquiet,nothingthatshouldhavebeenheardontheothersideoftheglass.Butafteramomentthecurtainsstirredandafaceappeared.
Bonniegaspedaloud.
Vickie’slong,lightbrownhairwasdisheveled,andherskinwaschalky.Therewerehugeblackringsunderhereyes.Theeyesthemselveswerefixedandglassy.Herlipswereroughandchapped.
“Shelookslikeshe’sdresseduptodoOphelia’smadscene,”Meredithsaidunderherbreath.“Nightgownandall.”
“Shelookspossessed,”Bonniewhisperedback,unnerved.
Stefanjustsaid,“Vickie,openthewindow.”
Mechanically,likeawindupdoll,Vickiecrankedoneofthesidepanelsofthebaywindowopen,andStefansaid,“CanIcomein?”
Vickie’sglazedeyessweptoverthegroupoutside.ForamomentBonniethoughtshedidn’trecognizeanyofthem.Butthensheblinkedandsaidslowly,“Meredith…Bonnie…Stefan?You’reback.Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Askmein,Vickie.”Stefan’svoicewashypnotic.
“Stefan…”Therewasalongpauseandthen:“Comein.”
Shesteppedbackasheputahandonthesillandvaultedthrough.Mattfollowedhim,thenMeredith.Bonnie,whowaswearingamini,remainedoutsidewithDamon.Shewishedshe’dwornjeanstoschooltoday,butthenshehadn’tknownshe’dbegoingonanexpedition.
“Youshouldn’tbehere,”VickiesaidtoStefan,almostcalmly.“He’scomingtogetme.He’llgetyoutoo.”
Meredithputanarmaroundher.Stefanjustsaid,“Who?”
“Him.Hecomestomeinmydreams.HekilledSue.”Vickie’smatter-of-facttonewasmorefrighteningthananyhysteriacouldhavebeen.
“Vickie,we’vecometohelpyou,”Meredithsaidgently.“Everything’sgoingtobeallrightnow.Wewon’tlethimhurtyou,Ipromise.”
Vickieswungaroundtostareather.ShelookedMeredithupanddownasifMeredithhadsuddenlychangedintosomethingunbelievable.Thenshebegantolaugh.
Itwasawful,ahoarseburstofmirthlikeahackingcough.ItwentonandonuntilBonniewantedtocoverherears.FinallyStefansaid,“Vickie,stopit.”
Thelaughterdiedintosomethinglikesobs,andwhenVickieliftedherheadagain,shelookedlessglassyeyedbutmoregenuinelyupset.“You’reallgoingtodie,Stefan,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Noonecanfighthimandlive.”
“Weneedtoknowabouthimsowecanfighthim.Weneedyourhelp,”Stefansaid.“Tellmewhathelookslike.”
“Ican’tseehiminmydreams.He’sjustashadowwithoutaface.”Vickiewhisperedit,hershouldershunching.
“ButyousawhimatCaroline’shouse,”Stefansaidinsistently.“Vickie,listentome,”headdedasthegirlturnedawaysharply.“Iknowyou’refrightened,butthisisimportant,moreimportantthanyoucanunderstand.Wecan’tfighthimunlessweknowwhatwe’reupagainst,andyouaretheonlyone,theonlyonerightnowwhohastheinformationweneed.Youhavetohelpus.”
“Ican’tremember—”
Stefan’svoicewasunyielding.“Ihaveawaytohelpyouremember,”hesaid.“Willyouletmetry?”
Secondscrawledby,thenVickiegavealong,bubblingsigh,herbodysagging.“Dowhateveryouwant,”shesaidindifferently.“Idon’tcare.Itwon’tmakeanydifference.”
“You’reabravegirl.Nowlookatme,Vickie.Iwantyoutorelax.Justlookatmeandrelax.”Stefan’svoicedroppedtoalullingmurmur.Itwentonforafewminutes,andthenVickie’seyesdroopedshut.
“Sitdown.”Stefanguidedhertositonthebed.Hesatbesideher,lookingintoherface.“Vickie,youfeelcalmandrelaxednow.Nothingyourememberwillhurtyou,”hesaid,hisvoicesoothing.“Now,IneedyoutogobacktoSaturdaynight.You’reupstairs,inthemasterbedroomofCaroline’shouse.SueCarsoniswithyou,andsomeoneelse.Ineedyoutosee—”
“No!”Vickietwistedbackandforthasiftryingtoescapesomething.“No!Ican’t—”
“Vickie,calmdown.Hewon’thurtyou.Hecan’tseeyou,butyoucanseehim.Listentome.”
AsStefanspoke,Vickie’swhimpersquieted.Butshestillthrashedandwrithed.
“Youneedtoseehim,Vickie.Helpusfighthim.Whatdoeshelooklike?”
“Helookslikethedevil!”
Itwasalmostascream.MeredithsatonVickie’sothersideandtookherhand.ShelookedoutthroughthewindowatBonniewholookedbackwideeyedandshruggedslightly.BonniehadnoideawhatVickiewastalkingabout.
“Tellmemore,”Stefansaidevenly.
Vickie’smouthtwisted.Hernostrilswereflaredasifsheweresmellingsomethingawful.Whenshespoke,shegotouteachwordseparatelyasiftheyweremakinghersick.
“Hewears…anoldraincoat.Itflapsaroundhislegsinthewind.Hemakesthewindblow.Hishairisblond.Almostwhite.Itstandsupalloverhishead.Hiseyesaresoblue—electricblue.”Vickielickedherlipsandswallowed,lookingnauseated.“Blueisthecolorofdeath.”
Thunderrumbledandcrackedinthesky.Damonglancedupquickly,thenfrowned,eyesnarrowed.
“He’stall.Andhe’slaughing.He’sreachingforme,laughing.ButSuescreams,‘No,no’andtriestopullmeaway.Sohetakesherinstead.Thewindow’sbroken,andthebalconyisrightthere.Sue’scrying,‘No,please.’AndthenIwatchhim—Iwatchhimthrowher….”Vickie’sbreathwashitching,hervoicerisinghysterically.
“Vickie,it’sallright.You’renotreallythere.You’resafe.”
“Oh,please,no—Sue!Sue!Sue!”
“Vickie,staywithme.Listen.Ineedjustonemorething.Lookathim.Tellmeifhe’swearingabluejewel—”
ButVickiewaswhippingherheadbackandforth,sobbing,morehystericaleachsecond.“No!No!I’mnext!I’mnext!”Suddenly,hereyessprangopenasshecameoutofthetrancebyherself,chokingandgasping.Thenherheadjerkedaround.
Onthewall,apicturewasrattling.
Itwaspickedupbythebamboo-framedmirror,thenbyperfumebottlesandlipsticksonthedresserbelow.Withasoundlikepopcorn,earringsbeganburstingfromanearringtree.Therattlinggotlouderandlouder.Astrawhatfelloffahook.Photoswereshoweringdownfromthemirror.TapesandCDssprayedoutofarackandontothefloorlikeplayingcardsbeingdealt.
MeredithwasonherfeetandsowasMatt,fistsclenched.
“Makeitstop!Makeitstop!”Vickiecriedwildly.
Butitdidn’tstop.MattandMeredithlookedaroundasnewobjectsjoinedthedance.Everythingmovablewasshaking,jittering,swaying.Itwasasiftheroomwerecaughtinanearthquake.
“Stop!Stop!”shriekedVickie,herhandsoverherears.
Directlyabovethehousethunderexploded.
Bonniejumpedviolentlyasshesawthezigzagoflightningshootacrossthesky.Instinctivelyshegrabbedforsomethingtohangonto.AsthelightningboltflaredaposteronVickie’swalltorediagonallyasifslashedbyaphantomknife.Bonniechokedbackascreamandclutchedtighter.
Then,asquicklyasifsomeonehadflickedapowerswitchoff,allthenoisestopped.
Vickie’sroomwasstill.Thefringeonthebedsidelampswayedslightly.Theposterhadcurledupintwoirregularpieces,topandbottom.Slowly,Vickieloweredherhandsfromherears.
MattandMeredithlookedaroundrathershakily.
Bonnieshuthereyesandmurmuredsomethinglikeaprayer.Itwasn’tuntilsheopenedthemagainthatsherealizedwhatshehadbeenhangingonto.Itwasthesupplecoolnessofaleatherjacket.ItwasDamon’sarm.
Hehadn’tmovedawayfromher,though.Hedidn’tmovenow.Hewasleaningforwardslightly,eyesnarrowed,watchingtheroomintently.
“Lookatthemirror,”hesaid.
Everyonedid,andBonniedrewinherbreath,fingersclenchingagain.Shehadn’tseenit,butitmusthavehappenedwhileeverythingintheroomwasgoingberserk.
OntheglasssurfaceofthebamboomirrortwowordswerescrawledinVickie’shotcorallipstick.
Goodnight,Sweetheart.
“Oh,God,”Bonniewhispered.
StefanturnedfromthemirrortoVickie.Therewassomethingdifferentabouthim,Bonniethought—hewasholdinghimselfrelaxedbutpoised,likeasoldierwho’sjustgottenconfirmationofabattle.Itwasasifhe’dacceptedapersonalchallengeofsomekind.
Hetooksomethingoutofhisbackpocketandunfoldedit,revealingsprigsofaplantwithlonggreenleavesandtinylilacflowers.
“Thisisvervain,freshvervain,”hesaidquietly,hisvoiceevenandintense.“IpickeditoutsideFlorence;it’sbloomingtherenow.”HetookVickie’shandandpressedthepacketintoit.“Iwantyoutoholdontothisandkeepit.Putsomeineveryroomofthehouse,andhidepiecessomewhereinyourparents’clothesifyoucan,sothey’llhaveitnearthem.Aslongasyouhavethiswithyou,hecan’ttakeoveryourmind.Hecanscareyou,Vickie,buthecan’tmakeyoudoanything,likeopenawindowordoorforhim.Andlisten,Vickie,becausethisisimportant.”
Vickiewasshivering,herfacecrumpled.Stefantookbothherhandsandmadeherlookathim,speakingslowlyanddistinctly.
“IfI’mright,Vickie,hecan’tgetinunlessyoulethim.Sotalktoyourparents.Tellthemit’simportantthattheydon’taskanystrangerinsidethehouse.Infact,IcanhaveDamonputthatsuggestionintheirmindrightnow.”HeglancedatDamon,whoshruggedslightlyandnodded,lookingasifhisattentionwassomewhereelse.Self-consciously,Bonnieremovedherhandfromhisjacket.
Vickie’sheadwasbentoverthevervain.“He’llgetinsomehow,”shesaidsoftly,withterriblecertainty.
“No.Vickie,listentome.Fromnowon,we’regoingtowatchyourhouse;we’regoingtobewaitingforhim.”
“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Vickiesaid.“Youcan’tstophim.”Shebegantolaughandcryatthesametime.
“We’regoingtotry,”Stefansaid.HelookedatMeredithandMatt,whonodded.“Right.Fromthismomenton,youwillneverbealone.Therewillalwaysbeoneormoreofusoutsidewatchingyou.”
Vickiejustshookherbenthead.MeredithgaveherarmasqueezeandstoodasStefantiltedhisheadtowardthewindow.
WhensheandMattjoinedhimthere,Stefanspoketoalloftheminalowvoice.“Idon’twanttoleaveherunguarded,butIcan’tstaymyselfrightnow.There’ssomethingIhavetodo,andIneedoneofthegirlswithme.Ontheotherhand,Idon’twanttoleaveeitherBonnieorMeredithalonehere.”HeturnedtoMatt.“Matt,willyou…”
“I’llstay,”saidDamon.
Everyonelookedathim,startled.
“Well,it’sthelogicalsolution,isn’tit?”Damonseemedamused.“Afterall,whatdoyouexpectoneofthemtodoagainsthimanyway?”
“Theycancallforme.Icanmonitortheirthoughtsthatfar,”Stefansaid,notgivingoneinch.
“Well,”Damonsaidwhimsically,“Icancallforyoutoo,littlebrother,ifIgetintotrouble.I’mgettingboredwiththisinvestigationofyoursanyway.Imightaswellstayhereasanywhere.”
“Vickieneedstobeprotected,notabused,”Stefansaid.
Damon’ssmilewascharming.“Her?”Henoddedtowardthegirlwhosatonthebed,rockingoverthevervain.Fromdisheveledhairtobarefeet,Vickiewasnotaprettypicture.“Takemywordforit,brother,Icandobetterthanthat.”ForjustaninstantBonniethoughtthosedarkeyesflickedsidewaystowardher.“You’realwayssayinghowyou’dliketotrustme,anyway,”Damonadded.“Here’syourchancetoproveit.”
Stefanlookedasifhewantedtotrust,asifheweretempted.Healsolookedsuspicious.Damonsaidnothing,merelysmiledinthattaunting,enigmaticway.Practicallyaskingtobemistrusted,Bonniethought.
Thetwobrothersstoodlookingateachotherwhilethesilenceandthetensionstretchedoutbetweenthem.JustthenBonniecouldseethefamilyresemblanceintheirfaces,oneseriousandintense,theotherblandandfaintlymocking,butbothinhumanlybeautiful.
Stefanlethisbreathoutslowly.“Allright,”hesaidquietlyatlast.BonnieandMattandMeredithwereallstaringathim,buthedidn’tseemtonotice.HespoketoDamonasiftheyweretheonlytwopeoplethere.“Youstayhere,outsidethehousewhereyouwon’tbeseen.I’llcomebackandtakeoverwhenI’mfinishedwithwhatI’mdoing.”
Meredith’seyebrowswereinherhair,butshemadenocomment.NeitherdidMatt.Bonnietriedtoquellherownfeelingsofunease.Stefanmustknowwhathe’sdoing,shetoldherself.Anyway,he’dbetter.
“Don’ttaketoolong,”Damonsaiddismissively.
Andthatwashowtheyleftit,withDamonblendinginwiththedarknessintheshadowoftheblackwalnuttreesinVickie’sbackyardandVickieherselfinherroom,rockingendlessly.
Inthecar,Meredithsaid,“Wherenext?”
“Ineedtotestatheory,”saidStefanbriefly.
“Thatthekillerisavampire?”Mattsaidfromtheback,wherehesatwithBonnie.
Stefanglancedathimsharply.“Yes.”
“That’swhyyoutoldVickienottoinviteanyonein,”Meredithadded,nottobeoutdoneinthereasoningdepartment.Vampires,Bonnieremembered,couldn’tenteraplacewherehumanslivedandsleptunlesstheywereinvited.“Andthat’swhyyouaskedifthemanwaswearingabluestone.”
“Anamuletagainstdaylight,”Stefansaid,spreadinghisrighthand.Onthethirdfingertherewasasilverringsetwithlapislazuli.“Withoutoneofthese,directexposuretothesunkillsus.Ifthemurdererisavampirehekeepsastonelikethissomewhereonhim.”Asifbyinstinct,StefanreacheduptobrieflytouchsomethingunderhisT-shirt.AfteramomentBonnierealizedwhatitmustbe.
Elena’sring.Stefanhadgivenittoherinthefirstplace,andaftershediedhe’dtakenittowearonachainaroundhisneck.Sothatpartofherwouldbewithhimalways,he’dsaid.
WhenBonnielookedatMattbesideher,shesawhiseyeswereclosed.
“Sohowcanwetellifhe’savampire?”Meredithasked.
“There’sonlyonewayIcanthinkof,anditisn’tverypleasant.Butit’sgottobedone.”
Bonnie’sheartsank.IfStefanthoughtitwasn’tverypleasant,shewassureshewasgoingtofinditevenlessso.“Whatisit?”shesaidunenthusiastically.
“IneedtogetalookatSue’sbody.”
Therewasdeadsilence.EvenMeredith,normallysounflappable,lookedappalled.Mattturnedaway,leaninghisforeheadagainstthewindowglass.
“You’vegottobekidding,”Bonniesaid.
“IwishIwere.”
“But—forGod’ssake,Stefan.Wecan’t.Theywon’tletus.Imean,whatarewegoingtosay?‘ExcusemewhileIexaminethiscorpseforholes’?”
“Bonnie,stopit,”Meredithsaid.
“Ican’thelpit,”Bonniesnappedbackshakily.“It’sanawfulidea.Andbesides,thepolicealreadycheckedherbody.Therewasn’tamarkonitexceptthecutsshegotinthefall.”
“Thepolicedon’tknowwhattolookfor,”Stefansaid.Hisvoicewassteely.HearingitbroughtsomethinghometoBonnie,somethingshetendedtoforget.Stefanwasoneofthem.Oneofthehunters.He’dseendeadpeoplebefore.Hemightevenhavekilledsome.
Hedrinksblood,shethought,andshuddered.
“Well?”saidStefan.“Areyoustillwithme?”
Bonnietriedtomakeherselfsmallinthebackseat.Meredith’shandsweretightonthesteeringwheel.ItwasMattwhospoke,turningbackfromthewindow.
“Wedon’thaveachoice,dowe?”hesaidtiredly.
“There’saviewingofthebodyfromseventotenatthefuneralhome,”Meredithadded,hervoicelow.
“We’llhavetowaituntilaftertheviewing,then.Aftertheyclosethefuneralhome,whenwecanbealonewithher,”saidStefan.
“ThisisthemostgruesomethingI’veeverhadtodo,”Bonniewhisperedwretchedly.Thefuneralchapelwasdarkandcold.Stefanhadsprungthelocksontheoutsidedoorwithathinpieceofflexiblemetal.
Theviewingroomwasthicklycarpeted,itswallscoveredwithsomberoakpanels.Itwouldhavebeenadepressingplaceevenwiththelightson.Inthedarkitseemedcloseandsuffocatingandcrowdedwithgrotesqueshapes.Itlookedasifsomeonemightbecrouchingbehindeachofthemanystandingflowerarrangements.
“Idon’twanttobehere,”Bonniemoaned.
“Let’sjustgetitoverwith,okay?”Mattsaidthroughhisteeth.
Whenhesnappedtheflashlighton,Bonnielookedanywherebutwhereitwaspointing.Shedidn’twanttoseethecoffin,shedidn’t.Shestaredattheflowers,ataheartmadeofpinkroses.Outside,thundergrumbledlikeasleepinganimal.
“Letmegetthisopen—here,”Stefanwassaying.Inspiteofherresolvenotto,Bonnielooked.
Thecasketwaswhite,linedwithpalepinksatin.Sue’sblondhairshoneagainstitlikethehairofasleepingprincessinafairytale.ButSuedidn’tlookasifsheweresleeping.Shewastoopale,toostill.Likeawaxwork.
Bonniecreptcloser,hereyesfixedonSue’sface.
That’swhyit’ssocoldinhere,shetoldherselfstaunchly.Tokeepthewaxfrommelting.Ithelpedalittle.
StefanreacheddowntotouchSue’shigh-neckedpinkblouse.Heundidthetopbutton.
“ForGod’ssake,”Bonniewhispered,outraged.
“Whatdoyouthinkwe’reherefor?”Stefanhissedback.Buthisfingerspausedonthesecondbutton.
Bonniewatchedaminuteandthenmadeherdecision.“Getoutoftheway,”shesaid,andwhenStefandidn’tmoveimmediately,shegavehimashove.MeredithdrewupclosetoherandtheyformedaphalanxbetweenSueandtheboys.Theireyesmetwithunderstanding.Iftheyhadtoactuallyremovetheblouse,theguysweregoingout.
BonnieundidthesmallbuttonswhileMeredithheldthelight.Sue’sskinfeltaswaxyasitlooked,coolagainstherfingertips.Awkwardly,shefoldedtheblousebacktorevealalacywhiteslip.ThenshemadeherselfpushSue’sshininggoldhairoffthepaleneck.Thehairwasstiffwithspray.
“Noholes,”shesaid,lookingatSue’sthroat.Shewasproudthathervoicewasalmoststeady.
“No,”saidStefanoddly.“Butthere’ssomethingelse.Lookatthis.”Gently,hereachedaroundBonnietopointoutacut,paleandbloodlessastheskinaroundit,butvisibleasafaintlinerunningfromcollarbonetobreast.Overtheheart.Stefan’slongfingertracedtheairaboveitandBonniestiffened,readytosmackthehandawayifhetouched.
“Whatisit?”askedMeredith,puzzled.
“Amystery,”Stefansaid.Hisvoicewasstillodd.“IfIsawamarklikethatonavampire,itwouldmeanthevampirewasgivingbloodtoahuman.That’showit’sdone.Humanteethcan’tpierceourskin,sowecutourselvesifwewanttoshareblood.ButSuewasn’tavampire.”
“Shecertainlywasn’t!”saidBonnie.Shetriedtofightofftheimagehermindwantedtoshowher,ofElenabendingtoacutlikethatonStefan’schestandsucking,drinking….
Sheshudderedandrealizedhereyeswereshut.“Isthereanythingelseyouneedtosee?”shesaid,openingthem.
“No.That’sall.”
Bonniedidupthebuttons.SherearrangedSue’shair.Then,whileMeredithandStefaneasedthelidofthecasketbackdown,shewalkedquicklyoutoftheviewingroomandtotheoutsidedoor.Shestoodthere,armswrappedaroundherself
Ahandtouchedherelbowlightly.ItwasMatt.
“You’retougherthanyoulook,”hesaid.
“Yes,well…”Shetriedtoshrug.Andthensuddenlyshewascrying,cryinghard.Mattputhisarmsaroundher.
“Iknow,”hesaid.Justthat.Not“Don’tcry”or“Takeiteasy”or“Everything’sgoingtobeallright.”Just“Iknow.”Hisvoicewasasdesolateasshefelt.
“They’vegothairsprayinherhair,”shesobbed.“Sueneverusedhairspray.It’sawful.”Somehow,justthen,thisseemedtheworstthingofall.
Hesimplyheldher.
AfterawhileBonniegotherbreath.ShefoundshewasholdingontoMattalmostpainfullytightlyandloosenedherarms.“Igotyourshirtallwet,”shesaidapologetically,sniffling.
“Itdoesn’tmatter.”
Somethinginhisvoicemadeherstepbackandlookathim.Helookedthewayhehadinthehighschoolparkinglot.Solost,so…hopeless.
“Matt,whatisit?”shewhispered.“Please.”
“Itoldyoualready,”hesaid.Hewaslookingawayintosomeimmeasurabledistance.“Sue’slyingintheredead,andsheshouldn’tbe.Yousaidityourself,Bonnie.Whatkindofworldisitthatletsathinglikethathappen?ThatletsagirllikeSuegetmurderedforkicks,orkidsinAfghanistanstarve,orbabysealsgetskinnedalive?Ifthat’swhattheworldislike,whatdoesanythingmatter?It’salloveranyway.”Hepausedandseemedtocomebacktohimself.“DoyouunderstandwhatI’mtalkingabout?”
“I’mnotsosure.”Bonniedidn’teventhinkshewantedto.Itwastooscary.Butshewasoverwhelmedbyanurgetocomforthim,towipethatlostlookfromhiseyes.“Matt,I—”
“We’refinished,”Stefansaidfrombehindthem.
AsMattlookedtowardthevoicethelostlookseemedtointensify.“SometimesIthinkwe’reallfinished,”Mattsaid,movingawayfromBonnie,buthedidn’texplainwhathemeantbythat.“Let’sgo.”7
Stefanapproachedthecornerhousereluctantly,almostafraidofwhathemightfind.HehalfexpectedthatDamonwouldhaveabandonedhispostbynow.He’dprobablybeenanidiottorelyonDamoninthefirstplace.
Butwhenhereachedthebackyard,therewasashimmerofmotionamongtheblackwalnuttrees.Hiseyes,sharperthanahuman’sbecausetheywereadaptedforhunting,madeoutthedarkershadowleaningagainstatrunk.
“Youtookyourtimegettingback.”
“Ihadtoseetheothershomesafe.AndIhadtoeat.”
“Animalblood,”Damonsaidcontemptuously,eyesfixedonatinyroundstainonStefan’sT-shirt.“Rabbit,fromthesmellofit.Thatseemsappropriatesomehow,doesn’tit?”
“Damon—I’vegivenBonnieandMeredithvervaintoo.”
“Awiseprecaution,”Damonsaiddistinctly,andshowedhisteeth.
AfamiliarsurgeofirritationwelledupinStefan.WhydidDamonalwayshavetobesodifficult?Talkingwithhimwaslikewalkingbetweenlandmines.
“I’llbegoingnow,”Damoncontinued,swinginghisjacketoveroneshoulder.“I’vegotbusinessofmyowntotakecareof.”Hetossedadevastatinggrinoverhisshoulder.“Don’twaitup.”
“Damon.”Damonhalfturned,notlookingbutlistening.“Thelastthingweneedissomegirlinthistownscreaming‘Vampire!’”Stefansaid.“Orshowingthesigns,either.Thesepeoplehavebeenthroughitbefore;they’renotignorant.”
“I’llbearthatinmind.”Itwassaidironically,butitwastheclosestthingtoapromiseStefanhadevergottenfromhisbrotherinhislife.
“And,Damon?”
“Nowwhat?”
“Thankyou.”
Itwastoomuch.Damonwhippedaround,hiseyescoldanduninviting,astranger’seyes.
“Don’texpectanythingofme,littlebrother,”hesaiddangerously.“Becauseyou’llbewrongeverytime.Anddon’tthinkyoucanmanipulateme,either.Thosethreehumansmayfollowyou,butIwon’t.I’mhereforreasonsofmyown.”
HewasgonebeforeStefancouldgatherwordsforareply.Itwouldn’thavematteredanyway.Damonneverlistenedtoanythinghesaid.Damonneverevencalledhimbyname.Itwasalwaysthescornful“littlebrother.”
AndnowDamonwasofftoprovehowunreliablehewas,Stefanthought.Wonderful.He’ddosomethingparticularlyviciousjusttoshowStefanhewascapableofit.
Wearily,Stefanfoundatreetoleanagainstandsliddownittolookatthenightsky.Hetriedtothinkabouttheproblemathand,aboutwhathe’dlearnedtonight.ThedescriptionVickiehadgivenofthekiller.Tall,blondhairandblueeyes,hethought—thatseemedtoremindhimofsomeone.Notsomeonehe’dmet,butsomeonehe’dheardabout…
Itwasnouse.Hecouldn’tkeephismindonthepuzzle.Hewastiredandlonelyandindesperateneedofcomfort.Andthestarktruthwasthattherewasnocomforttobehad.
Elena,hethought,youliedtome.
Itwastheonethingshe’dinsistedon,theonethingshe’dalwayspromised.“Whateverhappens,Stefan,I’llbewithyou.Tellmeyoubelievethat.”Andhehadanswered,helplessinherspell,“Oh,Elena,Ibelieveit.Whateverhappens,we’llbetogether.”
Butshehadlefthim.Notbychoicemaybe,butwhatdidthatmatterintheend?Shehadlefthimandgoneaway.
Thereweretimeswhenallhewantedwastofollowher.
Thinkaboutsomethingelse,anythingelse,hetoldhimself,butitwastoolate.Onceunleashed,theimagesofElenaswirledaroundhim,toopainfultobear,toobeautifultopushaway.
Thefirsttimehe’dkissedher.Theshockofdizzysweetnesswhenhismouthmethers.Andafterthat,shockaftershock,butatsomedeeperlevel.Asifshewerereachingdowntothecoreofhimself,acorehe’dalmostforgotten.
Frightened,he’dfelthisdefensestearaway.Allhissecrets,allhisresistance,allthetricksheusedtokeepotherpeopleatarm’slength.Elenahadrippedthroughthemall,exposinghisvulnerability.
Exposinghissoul.
Andintheend,hefoundthatitwaswhathewanted.HewantedElenatoseehimwithoutdefenses,withoutwalls.Hewantedhertoknowhimforwhathewas.
Terrifying?Yes.Whenshe’ddiscoveredhissecretatlast,whenshe’dfoundhimfeedingonthatbird,hehadcringedinshame.Hewassurethatshe’dturnawayfromthebloodonhismouthinhorror.Indisgust.
Butwhenhelookedintohereyesthatnight,hesawunderstanding.Forgiveness.Love.
Herlovehadhealedhim.
Andthatwaswhenheknewtheycouldneverbeapart.
OthermemoriessurgedupandStefanheldontothem,eventhoughthepaintoreintohimlikeclaws.Sensations.ThefeelofElenaagainsthim,suppleinhisarms.Thebrushofherhaironhischeek,lightasamoth’swing.Thecurveofherlips,thetasteofthem.Theimpossiblemidnightblueofhereyes.
Alllost.Allbeyondhisreachforever.
ButBonniehadreachedElena.Elena’sspirit,hersoul,wasstillsomewherenear.
Ofanyone,heshouldbeabletosummonit.HehadPowerathiscommand.Andhehadmorerightthananyonetoseekher.
Heknewhowitwasdone.Shutyoureyes.Picturethepersonyouwanttodrawnear.Thatwaseasy.HecouldseeElena,feelher,smellher.Thencallthem,letyourlongingreachoutintotheemptiness.Openyourselfandletyourneedbefelt.
Easierstill.Hedidn’tgiveadamnaboutthedanger.Hegatheredallhisyearning,allhispain,andsentitoutsearchinglikeaprayer.
Andfelt…nothing.
Onlyvoidandhisownloneliness.Onlysilence.
HisPowerwasn’tthesameasBonnie’s.Hecouldn’treachtheonethinghelovedmost,theonethingthatmatteredtohim.
Hehadneverfeltsoaloneinhislife.
“Youwantwhat?”Bonniesaid.
“SomesortofrecordsaboutthehistoryofFell’sChurch.Particularlyaboutthefounders,”Stefansaid.TheywereallsittinginMeredith’scar,whichwasparkedadiscreetdistancebehindVickie’shouse.ItwasduskofthenextdayandtheyhadjustreturnedfromSue’sfuneral—allbutStefan.
“ThishassomethingtodowithSue,doesn’tit?”Meredith’sdarkeyes,alwayssolevelandintelligent,probedStefan’s.“Youthinkyou’vesolvedthemystery.”
“Possibly,”headmitted.Hehadspentthedaythinking.He’dputthepainoflastnightbehindhim,andonceagainhewasincontrol.AlthoughhecouldnotreachElena,hecouldjustifyherfaithinhim—hecoulddowhatshewanteddone.Andtherewasacomfortinwork,inconcentration.Inkeepingallemotionaway.Headded,“Ihaveanideaaboutwhatmighthavehappened,butit’salongshotandIdon’twanttotalkaboutituntilI’msure.”
“Why?”demandedBonnie.SuchacontrasttoMeredith,Stefanthought.Hairasredasfireandaspirittogowithit.Thatdelicateheart-shapedfaceandfair,translucentskinweredeceptive,though.Bonniewassmartandresourceful—evenifshewasonlybeginningtofindthatoutherself.
“BecauseifI’mwrong,aninnocentpersonmightgethurt.Look,atthispointit’sjustanidea.ButIpromiseifIfindanyevidencetonighttobackitup,I’lltellyouallaboutit.”
“YoucouldtalkwithMrs.Grimesby,”Meredithsuggested.“She’sthetownlibrarian,andsheknowsalotaboutthefoundingofFell’sChurch.”
“Orthere’salwaysHonoria,”Bonniesaid.“Imean,shewasoneofthefounders.”
Stefanlookedatherquickly.“IthoughtHonoriaFellhadstoppedcommunicatingwithyou,”hesaidcarefully.
“Idon’tmeantalktoher.She’sgone,pfft,kaput,”Bonniesaiddisgustedly.“Imeanherjournal.It’srightthereinthelibrarywithElena’s;Mrs.Grimesbyhasthemondisplaynearthecirculationdesk.”
Stefanwassurprised.Hedidn’tentirelyliketheideaofElena’sjournalondisplay.ButHonoria’srecordsmightbeexactlywhathewaslookingfor.Honoriahadnotjustbeenawisewoman;shehadbeenwellversedinthesupernatural.Awitch.
“Thelibrary’sclosedbynow,though,”Meredithsaid.
“That’sevenbetter,”saidStefan.“Noonewillknowwhatinformationwe’reinterestedin.Twoofuscangodownthereandbreakin,andtheothertwocanstayhere.Meredith,ifyou’llcomewithme—”
“I’dliketostayhere,ifyoudon’tmind,”shesaid.“I’mtired,”sheaddedinexplanation,seeinghisexpression.“AndthiswayIcangetmywatchoverwithandgethomeearlier.Whydon’tyouandMattgoandBonnieandIstayhere?”
Stefanwasstilllookingather.“Okay,”hesaidslowly.“Fine.Ifit’sallrightwithMatt.”Mattshrugged.“That’sit,then.Itmighttakeusacoupleofhoursormore.Youtwostayinthecarwiththedoorslocked.Youshouldbesafeenoughthatway.”Ifhewasrightinhissuspicions,therewouldn’tbeanymoreattacksforawhile—afewdaysatleast.BonnieandMeredithshouldbesafe.Buthecouldn’thelpwonderwhatwasbehindMeredith’ssuggestion.Notsimpletiredness,hewassure.
“Bytheway,where’sDamon?”BonnieaskedasheandMattstartedtoleave.
Stefanfelthisstomachmusclestighten.“Idon’tknow.”Hehadbeenwaitingforsomeonetoaskthat.Hehadn’tseenhisbrothersincelastnight,andhehadnoideawhatDamonmightbedoing.
“He’llshowupeventually,”hesaid,andclosedthedooronMeredith’s,“That’swhatI’mafraidof.”
HeandMattwalkedtothelibraryinsilence,keepingtotheshadows,skirtingareasoflight.Hecouldn’taffordtobeseen.StefanhadcomebacktohelpFell’sChurch,buthefeltsureFell’sChurchdidn’twanthishelp.Hewasastrangeragain,anintruderhere.Theywouldhurthimiftheycaughthim.
Thelibrarylockwaseasytopick,justasimplespringmechanism.AndthejournalswererightwhereBonniehadsaidtheywouldbe.
StefanforcedhishandawayfromElena’sjournal.InsidewastherecordofElena’slastdays,inherownhandwriting.Ifhestartedthinkingaboutthatnow…
Heconcentratedontheleather-boundbookbesideit.Thefadedinkontheyellowingpageswashardtoread,butafterafewminuteshiseyesgotaccustomedtothedense,intricatewritingwithitselaboratecurlicues.
ItwasthestoryofHonoriaFellandherhusband,whowiththeSmallwoodsandafewotherfamilieshadcometothisplacewhenitwasstillvirginwilderness.Theyhadfacednotonlythedangersofisolationandhungerbutofnativewildlife.Honoriatoldthestoryoftheirbattletosurvivesimplyandclearly,withoutsentimentality.
AndinthosepagesStefanfoundwhathewaslookingfor.
Withapricklingatthebackofhisneck,herereadtheentrycarefully.Atlastheleanedbackandshuthiseyes.
He’dbeenright.Therewasnolongeranydoubtinhismind.AndthatmeanthemustalsoberightaboutwhatwasgoingoninFell’sChurchnow.Foraninstant,brightsicknesswashedoverhim,andanangerthatmadehimwanttoripandtearandhurtsomething.Sue.PrettySuewhohadbeenElena’sfriendhaddiedfor…that.Abloodritual,anobsceneinitiation.Itmadehimwanttokill.
Butthentheragefaded,replacedbyafiercedeterminationtostopwhatwashappeningandsetthingsright.
Ipromiseyou,hewhisperedtoElenainhisownmind.Iwillstopitsomehow.Nomatterwhat.
HelookeduptofindMattlookingathim.
Elena’sjournalwasinMatt’shand,closingitselfoverhisthumb.JustthenMatt’seyeslookedasdarkablueasElena’s.Toodark,fullofturmoilandgriefandsomethinglikebitterness.
“Youfoundit,”Mattsaid.“Andit’sbad.”
“Yes.”
“Itwouldbe.”MattpushedElena’sjournalbackintothecaseandstood.Therewasaringalmostofsatisfactioninhisvoice.Likesomebodywho’sjustprovedapoint.
“Icouldhavesavedyouthetroubleofcominghere.”Mattsurveyedthedarkenedlibrary,jinglingchangeinhispocket.Acasualobservermighthavethoughthewasrelaxed,buthisvoicebetrayedhim.Itwasrawwithstrain.“Youjustthinkoftheworstthingyoucanimagineandthat’salwaysthetruth,”hesaid
“Matt…”SuddenconcernstabbedatStefan.He’dbeentoopreoccupiedsincecomingbacktoFell’sChurchtolookatMattproperly.Nowherealizedthathe’dbeenunforgivablystupid.Somethingwasterriblywrong.Matt’swholebodywasrigidwithtensionlyingjustunderthesurface.AndStefancouldsensetheanguish,thedesperationinhismind.
“Matt,whatisit?”hesaidquietly.Hegotupandcrossedtotheotherboy.“IsitsomethingIdid?”
“I’mfine.”
“You’reshaking.”Itwastrue.Finetremorswererunningthroughthetautmuscles.
“IsaidI’mfine!”Mattswungawayfromhim,shouldershuncheddefensively.“Anyway,whatcouldyouhavedonetoupsetme?Besidestakingmygirlandgettingherkilled,Imean?”
Thisstabwasdifferent,itwassomewherearoundStefan’sheartanditwentstraightthrough.Likethebladethathadkilledhimonceuponatime.Hetriedtobreathearoundit,nottrustinghimselftospeak.
“I’msorry.”Matt’svoicewasleaden,andwhenStefanlooked,hesawthatthetenseshouldershadslumped.“Thatwasalousythingtosay.”
“Itwasthetruth.”Stefanwaitedamomentandthenadded,levelly,“Butit’snotthewholeproblem,isit?”
Mattdidn’tanswer.Hestaredatthefloor,pushingsomethinginvisiblewiththesideofoneshoe.JustwhenStefanwasabouttogiveup,heturnedwithaquestionofhisown.
“What’stheworldreallylike?”
“What’s…what?”
“Theworld.You’veseenalotofit,Stefan.You’vegotfourorfivecenturiesontherestofus,right?Sowhat’sthedeal?Imean,isitbasicallythekindofplaceworthsavingorisitessentiallyapileofcrap?”
Stefanshuthiseyes.“Oh.”
“Andwhataboutpeople,huh,Stefan?Thehumanrace.Arewethediseaseorjustasymptom?Imean,youtakesomebodylike—likeElena.”Matt’svoiceshookbriefly,buthewenton.“ElenadiedtokeepthetownsafeforgirlslikeSue.AndnowSue’sdead.Andit’sallhappeningagain.It’sneverover.Wecan’twin.Sowhatdoesthattellyou?”
“Matt.”
“WhatI’mreallyaskingis,what’sthepoint?IstheresomecosmicjokeI’mnotgetting?Oristhewholethingjustonebigfreakingmistake?DoyouunderstandwhatI’mtryingtosayhere?”
“Iunderstand,Matt.”Stefansatdownandranhishandsthroughhishair.“Ifyou’llshutupaminute,I’lltrytoansweryou.”
Mattdrewupachairandstraddledit.“Great.Takeyourbestshot.”Hiseyeswerehardandchallenging,butunderneathStefansawthebewilderedhurtthathadbeenfesteringthere.
“I’veseenalotofevil,Matt,morethanyoucanimagine,”Stefansaid.“I’veevenlivedit.It’salwaysgoingtobeapartofme,nomatterhowIfightit.SometimesIthinkthewholehumanraceisevil,muchlessmykind.AndsometimesIthinkthatenoughofbothourracesisevilthatitdoesn’tmatterwhathappenstotherest.
“Whenyougetdowntoit,though,Idon’tknowanymorethanyoudo.Ican’ttellyouifthere’sapointorifthingsareevergoingtoturnoutallright.”StefanlookedstraightintoMatt’seyesandspokedeliberately.“ButI’vegotanotherquestionforyou.Sowhat?”
Mattstared.“Sowhat?”
“Yeah.Sowhat.”
“Sowhatiftheuniverseisevilandifnothingwedototryandchangeitcanreallymakeanydifference?”Matt’svoicewasgainingvolumewithhisdisbelief.
“Yeah,sowhat?”Stefanleanedforward.“Sowhatareyougoingtodo,MattHoneycutt,ifeverybadthingyou’vesaidistrue?Whatareyougoingtodopersonally?Areyougoingtostopfightingandswimwiththesharks?”
Mattwasgraspingthebackofhischair.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Youcandothat,youknow.Damonsayssoallthetime.Youcanjoinupwiththeevilside,thewinningside.Andnobodycanreallyblameyou,becauseiftheuniverseisthatway,whyshouldn’tyoubethatwaytoo?”
“Likehell!”Mattexploded.Hisblueeyesweresearingandhehadhalfrisenfromhischair.“That’sDamon’sway,maybe!Butjustbecauseit’shopelessdoesn’tmeanit’sallrighttostopfighting.EvenifIknewitwashopeless,I’dstillhavetotry.Ihavetotry,damnit!”
“Iknow.”Stefansettledbackandsmiledfaintly.Itwasatiredsmile,butitshowedthekinshiphefeltrightthenwithMatt.AndinamomenthesawbyMatt’sfacethatMattunderstood.
“IknowbecauseIfeelthesameway,”Stefancontinued.“There’snoexcuseforgivingupjustbecauseitlookslikewe’regoingtolose.Wehavetotry—becausetheotherchoiceistosurrender.”
“I’mnotreadytosurrenderanything,”Mattsaidthroughhisteeth.Helookedasifhe’dfoughthiswaybacktoafireinsidehimthathadbeenburningallalong.“Ever,”hesaid.
“Yeah,well,‘ever’isalongtime,”Stefansaid.“Butforwhatit’sworth,I’mgoingtotrynottoeither.Idon’tknowifit’spossible,butI’mgoingtotry.”
“That’sallanybodycando,”Mattsaid.Slowly,hepushedhimselfoffthechairandstoodstraight.Thetensionwasgonefromhismuscles,andhiseyesweretheclear,almostpiercingblueeyesStefanremembered.“Okay,”hesaidquietly.“Ifyoufoundwhatyoucamefor,we’dbettergetbacktothegirls.”
Stefanthought,hismindswitchinggears.“Matt,ifI’mrightaboutwhat’sgoingon,thegirlsshouldbeokayforawhile.Butyougoaheadandtakeoverthewatchfromthem.AslongasI’mherethere’ssomethingI’dliketoreadupon—byaguynamedGervaseofTilbury,wholivedintheearly1200s.”
“Evenbeforeyourtime,eh?”Mattsaid,andStefangavehimtheghostofasmile.Theystoodforamoment,lookingateachother.
“Allright.IguessI’llseeyouatVickie’s.”Mattturnedtothedoor,thenhesitated.Abruptly,heturnedagainandheldouthishand.“Stefan—I’mgladyoucameback.”
Stefangrippedit.“I’mgladtohearit”wasallhesaid,butinsidehefeltawarmththattookawaythestabbingpain.
Andsomeoftheloneliness,too.8
FromwhereBonnieandMeredithsatinthecar,theycouldjustseeVickie’swindow.Itwouldhavebeenbettertobecloser,butthensomeonemighthavediscoveredthem.
MeredithpouredthelastofthecoffeeoutoftheThermosanddrankit.Thensheyawned.ShecaughtherselfguiltilyandlookedatBonnie.
“Youhavingtroublesleepingatnighttoo?”
“Yes.Ican’timaginewhy,”Meredithsaid.
“Doyouthinktheguysarehavingalittletalk?”
Meredithglancedatherquickly,obviouslysurprised,thensmiled.BonnierealizedMeredithhadn’texpectedhertocatchon.“Ihopeso,”Meredithsaid.“ItmightdoMattsomegood.”
Bonnienoddedandrelaxedbackintotheseat.Meredith’scarhadneverseemedsocomfortablebefore.
WhenshelookedatMeredithagain,thedark-hairedgirlwasasleep.
Oh,great.Terrific.Bonniestaredintothedregsofhercoffeemug,makingaface.Shedidn’tdarerelaxagain;iftheybothfellasleep,itcouldbedisastrous.ShedughernailsintoherpalmsandstaredatVickie’slightedwindow.
Whenshefoundtheimageblurringanddoublingonher,sheknewsomethinghadtobedone.
Freshair.Thatwouldhelp.Withoutbotheringtobetooquietaboutit,sheunlockedthedoorandpulledthehandleup.Thedoorclickedopen,butMeredithwentonbreathingdeeply.
Shemustreallybetired,Bonniethought,gettingout.Sheshutthedoormoregently,lockingMeredithinside.Itwasonlythenthatsherealizedsheherselfdidn’thaveakey.
Oh,well,she’dwakeMeredithtoletherbackin.Meanwhileshe’dgocheckonVickie.Vickiewasprobablystillawake.
Theskywasbroodingandovercast,butthenightwaswarm.BehindVickie’shousetheblackwalnuttreesstirredveryfaintly.Cricketssang,buttheirmonotonouschirpingonlyseemedlikepartofalargersilence.
ThescentofhoneysucklefilledBonnie’snostrils.ShetappedonVickie’swindowlightlywithherfingernails,peeringthroughthecrackinthecurtains.
Noanswer.Onthebedshecouldmakeoutalumpofblanketswithunkemptbrownhairstickingoutthetop.Vickiewasasleeptoo.
AsBonniestoodthere,thesilenceseemedtothickenaroundher.Thecricketsweren’tsinginganymore,andthetreeswerestill.Andyetitwasasifshewasstrainingtohearsomethingsheknewwasthere.
I’mnotalone,sherealized.
Noneofherordinarysensestoldherthis.Buthersixthsense,theonethatsentchillsupherarmsandicedownherspine,theonethatwasnewlyawakenedtothepresenceofPower,wascertain.Therewas…something…near.Something…watchingher.
Sheturnedslowly,afraidtomakeasound.Ifshedidn’tmakeanynoise,maybewhateveritwaswouldn’tgether.Maybeitwouldn’tnoticeher.
Thesilencehadbecomedeadly,menacing.Ithummedinherearswiththebeatofherownblood.Andshecouldn’thelpimaginingwhatmightcomescreamingoutofitatanyminute.
Somethingwithhot,moisthands,shethought,staringintothedarknessofthebackyard.Blackongray,blackonblackwasallshecouldsee.Everyshapemightbeanything,andalltheshadowsseemedtobemoving.Somethingwithhot,sweatyhandsandarmsstrongenoughtocrushher—
Thesnapofatwigexplodedthroughherlikegunfire.
Shespuntowardit,eyesandearsstraining.Buttherewasonlydarknessandsilence.
Fingerstouchedthebackofherneck.
Bonniewhirledagain,almostfalling,almostfainting.Shewastoofrightenedtoscream.Whenshesawwhoitwas,shockrobbedallhersensesandhermusclescollapsed.Shewouldhaveendedupinaheaponthegroundifhehadn’tcaughtherandheldherstraight.
“Youlookfrightened,”Damonsaidsoftly.
Bonnieshookherhead.Shedidn’thaveanyvoiceyet.Shethoughtshestillmightfaint.Butshetriedtopullawayjustthesame.
Hedidn’ttightenhisgrip,buthedidn’tletgo.Andstrugglingdidaboutasmuchgoodastryingtobreakabrickwallwithbarehands.Shegaveupandtriedtocalmherbreathing.
“Areyoufrightenedme?”Damonsaid.Hesmiledreprovingly,asiftheysharedasecret.“Youdon’tneedtobe.”
HowhadElenamanagedtodealwiththis?ButElenahadn’t,ofcourse,Bonnierealized.ElenahadsuccumbedtoDamonintheend.Damonhadwonandhadhisway
Hereleasedoneofherarmstotrace,verylightly,thecurveofherupperlip.“IsupposeIshouldgoaway,”hesaid,“andnotscareyouanymore.Isthatwhatyouwant?”
Likearabbitwithasnake,Bonniethought.Thisishowtherabbitfeels.OnlyIdon’tsupposehe’llkillme.Imightjustdieonmyown,though.Shefeltasifherlegsmightmeltawayatanyminute,asifshemightcollapse.Therewasawarmthandatremblinginsideher.
Thinkofsomething…fast.Thoseunfathomableblackeyeswerefillingtheuniversenow.Shethoughtshecouldseestarsinsidethem.Think.Quickly.
Elenawouldn’tlikeit,shethought,justashislipstouchedhers.Yes,thatwasit.Buttheproblemwas,shedidn’thavethestrengthtosayit.Thewarmthwasgrowing,rushingouttoallpartsofher,fromherfingertipstothesolesofherfeet.Hislipswerecool,likesilk,buteverythingelsewassowarm.Shedidn’tneedtobeafraid;shecouldjustletgoandfloatonthis.Sweetnessrushedthroughher….
“Whatthehellisgoingon?”
Thevoicebrokethesilence,brokethespell.Bonniestartedandfoundherselfabletoturnherhead.Mattwasstandingattheedgeoftheyard,hisfistsclenched,hiseyeslikechipsofblueice.Icesocolditburned.
“Getawayfromher,”Mattsaid.
ToBonnie’ssurprise,thegriponherarmseased.Shesteppedback,straighteningherblouse,alittlebreathless.Hermindwasworkingagain.
“It’sokay,”shesaidtoMatt,hervoicealmostnormal.“Iwasjust—”
“Gobacktothecarandstaythere.”
Nowwaitaminute,thoughtBonnie.ShewasgladMatthadcome;theinterruptionhadbeenveryconvenientlytimed.Buthewascomingonalittleheavywiththeprotectiveolderbrotherbit.
“Look,Matt—”
“Goon,”hesaid,stillstaringatDamon.
Meredithwouldn’thaveletherselfbeorderedaroundthisway.AndElenacertainlywouldn’t.BonnieopenedhermouthtotellMatttogositinthecarhimselfwhenshesuddenlyrealizedsomething.
Thiswasthefirsttimeinmonthsshe’dseenMattreallycareaboutanything.Thelightwasbackinthoseblueeyes—thatcoldflashofrighteousangerthatusedtomakeevenTylerSmallwoodbackdown.Mattwasaliverightnow,andfullofenergy.Hewashimselfagain.
Bonniebitherlip.Foramomentshestruggledwithherpride.Thensheconquereditandloweredhereyes.
“Thanksforrescuingme,”shemurmured,andlefttheyard.
Mattwassoangryhedidn’tdaremoveclosertoDamonforfearhemighttakeaswingathim.AndthechillingdarknessinDamon’seyestoldhimthatwouldn’tbeaverygoodidea.
ButDamon’svoicewassmooth,almostdispassionate.“Mytasteforbloodisn’tjustawhim,youknow.It’sanecessityyou’reinterferingwithhere.I’monlydoingwhatIhaveto.”
ThiscallousindifferencewastoomuchforMatt.Theythinkofusasfood,heremembered.They’rethehunters,we’retheprey.AndhehadhisclawsinBonnie,Bonniewhocouldn’twrestleakitten.
Contemptuouslyhesaid,“Whydon’tyoupickonsomebodyyourownsize,then?”
Damonsmiledandtheairwentcolder.“Likeyou?”
Mattjuststaredathim.Hecouldfeelmusclesclenchinhisjaw.Afteramomenthesaidtightly,“Youcantry.”
“Icandomorethantry,Matt.”Damontookasinglesteptowardhimlikeastalkingpanther.Involuntarily,Mattthoughtofjunglecats,oftheirpowerfulspringandtheirsharp,tearingteeth.HethoughtofwhatTylerhadlookedlikeintheQuonsethutlastyearwhenStefanwasthroughwithhim.Redmeat.Justredmeatandblood.
“Whatwasthathistoryteacher’sname?”Damonwassayingsilkily.Heseemedamusednow,enjoyingthis.“Mr.Tanner,wasn’tit?Ididmorethantrywithhim.”
“You’reamurderer.”
Damonnodded,unoffended,asifhe’djustbeenintroduced.“Ofcourse,hestuckaknifeinme.Iwasn’tplanningtodrainhimquitedry,butheannoyedmeandIchangedmymind.You’reannoyingmenow,Matt.”
Matthadhiskneeslockedtokeepfromrunning.Itwasmorethanthecatlikestalkinggrace,itwasmorethanthoseunearthlyblackeyesfastenedonhis.TherewassomethinginsideDamonthatwhisperedterrortothehumanbrain.SomemenacethatspokedirectlytoMatt’sblood,tellinghimtodoanythingtogetaway.
Buthewouldn’trun.HisconversationwithStefanwasblurredinhismindrightnow,butheknewonethingfromit.Evenifhediedhere,hewouldn’trun.
“Don’tbestupid,”Damonsaid,asifhe’dheardeverywordofMatt’sthoughts.“You’veneverhadbloodtakenfromyoubyforce,haveyou?Ithurts,Matt.Ithurtsalot.”
Elena,Mattremembered.Thatfirsttimewhenshe’dtakenhisbloodhe’dbeenscared,andthefearhadbeenbadenough.Buthe’dbeendoingitofhisownvolitionthen.Whatwoulditbelikewhenhewasunwilling?
Iwillnotrun.Iwillnotlookaway.
Aloudhesaid,stilllookingstraightatDamon,“Ifyou’regoingtokillme,you’dbetterstoptalkinganddoit.Becausemaybeyoucanmakemedie,butthat’sallyoucanmakemedo.”
“You’reevenstupiderthanmybrother,”Damonsaid.WithtwostepshecrossedthedistancetoMatt.HegrabbedMattbyhisT-shirt,onehandoneithersideofthethroat.“IguessI’llhavetoteachyouthesameway.”
Everythingwasfrozen.Mattcouldsmellhisownfear,buthewouldn’tmove.Hecouldn’tmovenow.
Itdidn’tmatter.Hehadn’tgivenin.Ifhediedrightnow,hediedknowingthat.
Damon’steethwereawhiteglitterinthedark.Sharpascarvingknives.Mattcouldalmostfeeltherazorbiteofthembeforetheytouchedhim.
Iwillnotsurrenderanything,hethought,andclosedhiseyes.
Theshovetookhimcompletelyoffbalance.Hestumbledandfellbackward,hiseyesflyingopen.Damonhadletgoandpushedhimaway.
Expressionless,thoseblackeyeslookeddownathimwherehesatinthedirt.
“I’lltrytoputthisinawayyoucanunderstand,”Damonsaid.“Youdon’twanttomesswithme,Matt.Iammoredangerousthanyoucanpossiblyimagine.Nowgetoutofhere.It’smywatch.”
Silently,Mattgotup.HerubbedathisshirtwhereDamon’shandshadcrumpledit.Andthenheleft,buthedidn’trunandhedidn’tflinchfromDamon’seyes.
Iwon,hethought.I’mstillalive,soIwon.
Andtherehadbeenakindofgrimrespectinthoseblackeyesintheend.ItmadeMattwonderaboutsomethings.Itreallydid.
BonnieandMeredithweresittinginthecarwhenhegotback.Theybothlookedconcerned.
“Youweregonealongtime,”Bonniesaid.“Areyouokay?”
Mattwishedpeoplewouldstopaskinghimthat.“I’mfine,”hesaid,andthenadded,“Really.”Afteramoment’sthoughthedecidedtherewassomethingelseheshouldsay.“SorryifIyelledatyoubackthere,Bonnie.”
“That’sallright,”Bonniesaidcoolly.Then,thawing,shesaid,“Youreallydolookbetter,youknow.Morelikeyouroldself.”
“Yeah?”HerubbedathiscrumpledT-shirtagain,lookingaround.“Well,tanglingwithvampiresisobviouslyagreatwarm-upexercise.”
“What’dyouguysdo?Loweryourheadsandrunateachotherfromoppositesidesoftheyard?”askedMeredith.
“Somethinglikethat.Hesayshe’sgoingtowatchVickienow.”
“Doyouthinkwecantrusthim?”Meredithsaidsoberly.
Mattconsidered.“Asamatteroffact,Ido.It’sweird,butIdon’tthinkhe’sgoingtohurther.Andifthekillercomesalong,Ithinkhe’sinforasurprise.Damon’sspoilingforafight.WemightaswellgobacktothelibraryforStefan.”
Stefanwasn’tvisibleoutsidethelibrary,butwhenthecarhadcruisedupanddownthestreetonceortwicehematerializedoutofthedarkness.Hehadathickbookwithhim.
“Breakingandenteringandgrandtheft,librarybook,”Meredithremarked.“Iwonderwhatyougetforthatthesedays?”
“Iborrowedit,”Stefansaid,lookingaggrieved.“That’swhatlibrariesarefor,right?AndIcopiedwhatIneededoutofthejournal.”
“Youmeanyoufoundit?Youfigureditout?Thenyoucantelluseverything,likeyoupromised,”Bonniesaid.“Let’sgototheboardinghouse.”
StefanlookedslightlysurprisedwhenheheardthatDamonhadturnedupandstationedhimselfatVickie’s,buthemadenocomment.Mattdidn’ttellhimexactlyhowDamonhadturnedup,andhenoticedBonniedidn’teither.
“I’malmostpositiveaboutwhat’sgoingoninFell’sChurch.AndI’vegothalfthepuzzlesolved,anyway,”Stefansaidoncetheywereallsettledinhisroomintheboardinghouseattic.“Butthere’sonlyonewaytoproveit,andonlyonewaytosolvetheotherhalf.Ineedhelp,butitisn’tsomethingI’mgoingtoasklightly.”HewaslookingatBonnieandMeredithashesaidit.
Theylookedateachother,thenbackathim.“Thisguykilledoneofourfriends,”saidMeredith.“Andhe’sdrivinganotheronecrazy.Ifyouneedourhelp,you’vegotit.”
“Whateverittakes,”Bonnieadded.
“It’ssomethingdangerous,isn’tit?”Mattdemanded.Hecouldn’trestrainhimself.AsifBonniehadn’tbeenthroughenough…
“It’sdangerous,yes.Butit’stheirfighttoo,youknow.”
“Darnrightitis,”saidBonnie.Meredithwasobviouslytryingtorepressasmile.Finallyshehadtoturnawayandgrin.
“Matt’sback,”shesaidwhenStefanaskedherwhatthejokewas.
“Wemissedyou,”addedBonnie.Mattcouldn’tunderstandwhytheywereallsmilingathim,anditmadehimfeelhotanduncomfortable.Hewentovertostandbythewindow.
“Itisdangerous;Iwon’ttrytokidyouaboutthat,”Stefansaidtothegirls.“Butit’stheonlychance.Thewholething’salittlecomplicated,andI’dbetterstartatthebeginning.WehavetogobacktothefoundingofFell’sChurch…”
Hetalkedonlateintothenight.
Thursday,June11,7:00a.m.
DearDiary,
Icouldn’twritelastnight,becauseIgotintoolate.Momwasupsetagain.She’dhavebeenhystericalifshe’dknownwhatIwasactuallydoing.Hangingoutwithvampiresandplanningsomethingthatmaygetmekilled.Thatmaygetusallkilled.
StefanhasaplantotraptheguywhomurderedSue.ItremindsmeofsomeofElena’splans—andthat’swhatworriesme.Theyalwayssoundedwonderful,butlotsofthetimetheywentwrong.
WetalkedaboutwhogetsthemostdangerousjobanddecideditshouldbeMeredith.Whichisfinewithme—Imean,sheisstrongerandmoreathletic,andshealwayskeepscalminemergencies.Butitbugsmejustalittlethateverybodywassoquickaboutchoosingher,especiallyMatt.Imean,it’snotlikeI’mtotallyincompetent.IknowI’mnotassmartastheothers,andI’mcertainlynotasgoodatsportsorascoolunderpressure,butI’mnotatotaldweeb.I’mgoodforsomething.
Anyway,we’regoingtodoitaftergraduation.We’reallinonitexceptDamon,who’llbewatchingVickie.It’sstrange,butwealltrusthimnow.Evenme.Despitewhathedidtomelastnight,Idon’tthinkhe’llletVickiegethurt.
Ihaven’thadanymoredreamsaboutElena.IthinkifIdo,Iwillgoabsolutelyscreamingberserk.Ornevergotosleepagain.Ijustcan’ttakeanymoreofthat.
Allright.I’dbettergo.Hopefully,bySundaywe’llhavethemysterysolvedandthekillercaught.ItrustStefan.
IjusthopeIcanremembermypart.9
“…Andso,ladiesandgentlemen,Igiveyoutheclassof’92!”
Bonniethrewhercapintotheairalongwitheveryoneelse.Wemadeit,shethought.Whateverhappenstonight,MattandMeredithandImadeittograduation.Therehadbeentimesthislastschoolyearwhenshehadseriouslydoubtedtheywould.
ConsideringSue’sdeath,Bonniehadexpectedthegraduationceremonytobelistlessorgrim.Instead,therewasasortoffrenziedexcitementaboutit.Asifeveryonewascelebratingbeingalive—beforeitwastoolate.
ItturnedintorowdinessasparentssurgedforwardandtheseniorclassofRobertE.Leefragmentedinalldirections,whoopingandactingup.Bonnieretrievedhercapandthenlookedupintohermother’scameralens.
Actnormal,that’swhat’simportant,shetoldherself.ShecaughtaglimpseofElena’sauntJudithandRobertMaxwell,themanAuntJudithhadrecentlymarried,standingonthesidelines.RobertwasholdingElena’slittlesister,Margaret,bythehand.Whentheysawher,theysmiledbravely,butshefeltuncomfortablewhentheycameherway.
“Oh,MissGilbert—Imean,Mrs.Maxwell—youshouldn’thave,”shesaidasAuntJudithhandedherasmallbouquetofpinkroses.
AuntJudithsmiledthroughthetearsinhereyes.“ThiswouldhavebeenaveryspecialdayforElena,”shesaid.“IwantittobespecialforyouandMeredith,too.”
“Oh,AuntJudith.”Impulsively,Bonniethrewherarmsaroundtheolderwoman.“I’msosorry,”shewhispered.“Youknowhowmuch.”
“Weallmissher,”AuntJudithsaid.Thenshepulledbackandsmiledagainandthethreeofthemleft.Bonnieturnedfromlookingatthemwithalumpinherthroattolookatthemadlycelebratingcrowd.
TherewasRayHernandez,theboyshe’dgonetoHomecomingwith,invitingeverybodytoapartyathishousethatnight.TherewasTyler’sfriendDickCarter,makingafoolofhimselfasusual.Tylerwassmilingbrazenlyashisfathertookpictureafterpicture.Mattwaslistening,withanunimpressedlook,tosomefootballrecruiterfromJamesMasonUniversity.Meredithwasstandingnearby,holdingabouquetofredrosesandlookingpensive.
Vickiewasn’tthere.Herparentshadkeptherhome,sayingshewasinnostatetogoout.Carolinewasn’tthereeither.ShewasstayingintheapartmentinHeron.HermotherhadtoldBonnie’smothershehadtheflu,butBonnieknewthetruth.Carolinewasscared.
Andmaybeshe’sright,Bonniethought,movingtowardMeredith.Carolinemaybetheonlyoneofustomakeitthroughnextweek.
Looknormal,actnormal.ShereachedMeredith’sgroup.Meredithwaswrappingthered-and-blacktasselfromhercaparoundthebouquet,twistingitbetweenelegant,nervousfingers.
Bonniethrewaquickglancearound.Good.
Thiswastheplace.Andnowwasthetime.
“Becarefulwiththat;you’llruinit,”shesaidaloud.
Meredith’slookofthoughtfulmelancholydidn’tchange.Shewentonstaringatthetassel,kinkingitup.“Itdoesn’tseemfair,”shesaid,“thatweshouldgettheseandElenashouldn’t.It’swrong.”
“Iknow;it’sawful,”Bonniesaid.Butshekepthertonelight.“Iwishtherewassomethingwecoulddoaboutit,butwecan’t.”
“It’sallwrong,”Meredithwenton,asifshehadn’theard.“Hereweareoutinthesunlight,graduating,andtheresheisunderthat—stone.”
“Iknow,Iknow,”Bonniesaidinasoothingtone.“Meredith,you’regettingyourselfallupset.Whydon’tyoutrytothinkaboutsomethingelse?Look,afteryougoouttodinnerwithyourparents,doyouwanttogotoRaymond’sparty?Evenifwe’renotinvited,wecancrashit.”
“No!”Meredithsaidwithstartlingvehemence.“Idon’twanttogotoanyparty.Howcanyoueventhinkofthat,Bonnie?Howcanyoubesoshallow?”
“Well,we’vegottodosomething.…”
“I’lltellyouwhatI’mdoing.I’mgoinguptothecemeteryafterdinner.I’mgoingtoputthisonElena’sgrave.She’stheonewhodeservesit.”
Meredith’sknuckleswerewhiteassheshookthetasselinherhand.
“Meredith,don’tbeanidiot.Youcan’tgoupthere,especiallyatnight.That’scrazy.Mattwouldsaythesamething.”
“Well,I’mnotaskingMatt.I’mnotaskinganybody.I’mgoingbymyself.”
“Youcan’t.God,Meredith,Ialwaysthoughtyouhadsomebrains—”
“AndIalwaysthoughtyouhadsomesensitivity.Butobviouslyyoudon’tevenwanttothinkaboutElena.Orisitjustbecauseyouwantheroldboyfriendforyourself?”
Bonnieslappedher.
Itwasagoodhardslap,withplentyofenergybehindit.Meredithdrewinasharpbreath,onehandtoherreddeningcheek.Everyonearoundthemwasstaring.
“That’sitforyou,BonnieMcCullough,”Meredithsaidafteramoment,inavoiceofdeadlyquiet.“Idon’teverwanttospeaktoyouagain.”Sheturnedonherheelandwalkedaway.
“Neverwouldbetoosoonforme!”Bonnieshoutedatherretreatingback.
EyeswerehastilyavertedasBonnielookedaroundher.ButtherewasnoquestionthatsheandMeredithhadbeenthecenterofattentionforseveralminutespast.BonniebittheinsideofhercheektokeepastraightfaceandwalkedovertoMatt,whohadlosttherecruiter.
“Howwasthat?”shemurmured.
“Good.”
“Doyouthinktheslapwastoomuch?Wedidn’treallyplanthat;Iwasjustsortofgoingwiththemoment.Maybeitwastooobvious….”
“Itwasfine,justfine.”Mattwaslookingpreoccupied.Notthatdull,apathetic,turned-inlookofthelastfewmonths,butdistinctlyabstracted.
“Whatisit?Somethingwrongwiththeplan?”Bonniesaid.
“No,no.Listen,Bonnie,I’vebeenthinking.YouweretheonetodiscoverMr.Tanner’sbodyintheHauntedHouselastHalloween,right?”
Bonniewasstartled.Shegaveaninvoluntaryshiverofdistaste.“Well,Iwasthefirstonetoknowhewasdead,reallydead,insteadofjustplayinghisscene.Whyonearthdoyouwanttotalkaboutthatnow?”
“Becausemaybeyoucananswerthisquestion.CouldMr.TannerhavegotaknifeinDamon?”
“What?”
“Well,couldhe?”
“I…”Bonnieblinkedandfrowned.Thensheshrugged.“Isupposeso.Sure.Itwasadruidsacrificescene,remember,andtheknifeweusedwasarealknife.Wetalkedaboutusingafakeone,butsinceMr.Tannerwasgoingtobelyingrighttherebesideit,wefigureditwassafeenough.Asamatteroffact…”Bonnie’sfrowndeepened.“IthinkwhenIfoundthebody,theknifewasinadifferentplacefromwherewe’dsetitinthebeginning.Butthen,somekidcouldhavemovedit.Matt,whyareyouasking?”
“JustsomethingDamonsaidtome,”Mattsaid,staringoffintothedistanceagain.“Iwonderedifitcouldbethetruth.”
“Oh.”Bonniewaitedforhimtosaymore,buthedidn’t.“Well,”shesaidfinally,“ifit’sallclearedup,canyoucomebacktoEarth,please?Anddon’tyouthinkyoushouldmaybeputyourarmaroundme?Justtoshowyou’reonmysideandthere’snochanceyou’regoingtoshowupatElena’sgravetonightwithMeredith?”
Mattsnorted,butthefarawaylookdisappearedfromhiseyes.Forjustabriefinstantheputhisarmaroundherandsqueezed.
Déjàvu,Merediththoughtasshestoodatthegatetothecemetery.Theproblemwas,shecouldn’trememberexactlywhichofherpreviousexperiencesinthegraveyardthisnightremindedherof.Therehadbeensomany.
Inaway,ithadallstartedhere.IthadbeenherethatElenahadswornnottorestuntilStefanbelongedtoher.She’dmadeBonnieandMeredithsweartohelpher,too—inblood.Howsuitable,Merediththoughtnow.
AndithadbeenherethatTylerhadassaultedElenathenightoftheHomecomingdance.Stefanhadcometotherescue,andthathadbeenthebeginningforthem.Thisgraveyardhadseenalot.
IthadevenseenthewholegroupofthemfileupthehilltotheruinedchurchlastDecember,lookingforKatherine’slair.Sevenofthemhadgonedownintothecrypt:Meredithherself,Bonnie,Matt,andElena,withStefan,Damon,andAlaric.Butonlysixofthemhadcomeoutallright.WhentheytookElenaoutofthere,itwastoburyher.
Thisgraveyardhadbeenthebeginning,andtheendaswell.Andmaybetherewouldbeanotherendtonight.
Meredithstartedwalking.
Iwishyouwereherenow,Alaric,shethought.Icoulduseyouroptimismandyoursavvyaboutthesupernatural—andIwouldn’tmindyourmuscles,either.
Elena’sheadstonewasinthenewcemetery,ofcourse,wherethegrasswasstilltendedandthegravesmarkedwithwreathsofflowers.Thestonewasverysimple,almostplainlooking,withabriefinscription.Meredithbentdownandplacedherbouquetofrosesinfrontofit.Then,slowly,sheaddedthered-and-blacktasselfromhercap.Inthisdimlight,bothcolorslookedthesame,likedriedblood.Shekneltandfoldedherhandsquietly.Andshewaited.
Allaroundherthecemeterywasstill.Itseemedtobewaitingwithher,breathheldinanticipation.Therowsofwhitestonesstretchedoneithersideofher,shiningfaintly.Meredithlistenedforanysound.
Andthensheheardone.Heavyfootsteps.
Withherheaddown,shestayedquiet,pretendingshenoticednothing.
Thefootstepssoundedcloser,notevenbotheringtobestealthy.
“Hi,Meredith.”
Meredithlookedaroundquickly.“Oh—Tyler,”shesaid.“Youscaredme.Ithoughtyouwere—nevermind.”
“Yeah?”Tyler’slipsskinnedbackinanunsettlinggrin.“Well,I’msorryyou’redisappointed.Butit’sme,justmeandnobodyelse.”
“Whatareyoudoinghere,Tyler?Nogoodparties?”
“Icouldaskyouthesamequestion.”Tyler’seyesdroppedtotheheadstoneandthetasselandhisfacedarkened.“ButIguessIalreadyknowtheanswer.You’rehereforher.ElenaGilbert,ALightinDarkness,”hereadsarcastically.
“That’sright,”Meredithsaidevenly.“‘Elena’meanslight,youknow.Andshewascertainlysurroundedbydarkness.Italmostbeather,butshewonintheend.”
“Maybe,”Tylersaid,andworkedhisjawmed-itatively,squinting.“Butyouknow,Meredith,it’safunnythingaboutdarkness.There’salwaysmoreofitwaitinginthewings.”
“Liketonight,”Meredithsaid,lookingupatthesky.Itwasclearanddottedwithfaintstars.“It’sverydarktonight,Tyler.Butsoonerorlaterthesunwillcomeup.”
“Yeah,butthemooncomesupfirst.”Tylerchuckledsuddenly,asifatsomejokeonlyhecouldsee.“Hey,Meredith,youeverseetheSmallwoodfamilyplot?Well,comeonandI’llshowyou.It’snotfar.”
JustlikeheshowedElena,Merediththought.Inawayshewasenjoyingthisverbalfencing,butsheneverlostsightofwhatshehadcomeherefor.Hercoldfingersdippedintoherjacketpocketandfoundthetinysprigofvervainthere.“That’sallright,Tyler.IthinkI’dprefertostayhere.”
“Yousureaboutthat?Acemetery’sadangerousplacetobealone.”
Unquietspirits,Merediththought.Shelookedrightathim.“Iknow.”
Hewasgrinningagain,displayingteethliketombstones.“Anyway,youcanseeitfromhereifyouhavegoodeyes.Lookthatway,towardtheoldgraveyard.Now,doyouseesomethingsortofshiningredinthemiddle?”
“No.”Therewasapaleluminosityoverthetreesintheeast.Meredithkepthereyesonit.
“Aw,comeon,Meredith.You’renottrying.
Oncethemoon’supyou’llseeitbetter.”
“Tyler,Ican’twasteanymoretimehere.I’mgoing.”
“No,you’renot,”hesaid.Andthen,asherfingerstightenedonthevervain,encompassingitinherfist,headdedinawheedlingvoice,“Imean,you’renotgoinguntilItellyouthestoryofthatheadstone,areyou?It’sagreatstory.See,theheadstoneismadeofredmarble,theonlyoneofitskindinthewholegraveyard.Andthatballontop—seeit?—thatmustweighaboutaton.Butitmoves.ItturnswheneveraSmallwoodisgoingtodie.Mygrandfatherdidn’tbelievethat;heputascratchonitrightdownthefront.Heusedtocomeoutandcheckiteverymonthorso.Thenonedayhecameandfoundthescratchintherear.Theballhadturnedcompletelybackward.Hedideverythinghecouldtoturnitaround,buthecouldn’t.Itwastooheavy.Andthatnight,inbed,hedied.Theyburiedhimunderit.”
“Heprobablyhadaheartattackfromover-exertion,”Meredithsaidcaustically,butherpalmsweretingling.
“You’refunny,aren’tyou?Alwayssocool.Alwayssotogether.Takesalottomakeyouscream,doesn’tit?”
“I’mleaving,Tyler.I’vehadenough.”
Heletherwalkafewpaces,thensaid,“YouscreamedthatnightatCaroline’s,though,didn’tyou?”
Meredithturnedback.“Howdoyouknowthat?”
Tylerrolledhiseyes.“Givemecreditforalittleintelligence,okay?Iknowalot,Meredith.Forinstance,Iknowwhat’sinyourpocket.”
Meredith’sfingersstilled.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Vervain,Meredith.Verbenaofficinalis.I’vegotafriendwho’sintothesethings.”Tylerwasfocusednow,hissmilegrowing,watchingherfaceasifitwerehisfavoriteTVshow.Likeacattiredofplayingwithamouse,hewasmovingin.“AndIknowwhatit’sfor,too.”Hecastanexaggeratedglancearoundandputafingertohislips.“Shh.Vampires,”hewhispered.Thenhethrewbackhisheadandlaughedloudly.
Meredithbackedawayastep.
“Youthinkthat’sgoingtohelpyou,don’tyou?ButI’mgoingtotellyouasecret.”
Meredith’seyesmeasuredthedistancebetweenherselfandthepath.Shekeptherfacecalm,butaviolentshakingwasbeginninginsideher.Shedidn’tknowifshewasgoingtobeabletopullthisoff.
“You’renotgoinganywhere,babe,”Tylersaid,andalargehandclaspedMeredith’swrist.Itwashotanddampwhereshecouldfeelitbelowherjacketcuff.“You’regoingtostayrighthereforyoursurprise.”Hisbodywashunchednow,hisheadthrustforward,andtherewasanexultantleeronhislips.
“Letmego,Tyler.You’rehurtingme!”PanicflasheddownallMeredith’snervesatthefeelofTyler’sfleshagainsthers.Butthehandonlygrippedharder,grindingtendonagainstboneinherwrist.
“Thisisasecret,baby,thatnobodyelseknows,”Tylersaid,pullingherclose,hisbreathhotinherface.“Youcameherealldeckedoutagainstvampires.ButI’mnotavampire.”
Meredith’sheartwaspounding.“Letgo!”
“FirstIwantyoutolookoverthere.Youcanseetheheadstonenow,”hesaid,turninghersothatshecouldn’thelpbutlook.Andhewasright;shecouldseeit,likearedmonumentwithashiningglobeontop.Or—notaglobe.Thatmarbleballlookedlike…itlookedlike…
“Nowlookeast.Whatdoyouseethere,Meredith?”Tylerwenton,hisvoicehoarsewithexcitement.
Itwasthefullmoon.Ithadrisenwhilehe’dbeentalkingtoher,andnowithungabovethehills,perfectlyroundandenormouslydistended,ahugeandswollenredball.
Andthatwaswhattheheadstonelookedlike.Likeafullmoondrippingwithblood.
“Youcamehereprotectedagainstvampires,Meredith,”Tylersaidfrombehindher,evenmorehoarsely.“ButtheSmallwoodsaren’tvampiresatall.We’resomethingelse.”
Andthenhegrowled.
Nohumanthroatcouldhavemadethesound.Itwasn’tanimitationofananimal;itwasreal.Aviciousgutturalsnarlthatwentupandup,snappingMeredith’sheadaroundtolookathim,tostareindisbelief.Whatshewasseeingwassohorriblehermindcouldn’tacceptit….
Meredithscreamed.
“Itoldyouitwasasurprise.Howdoyoulikeit?”Tylersaid.Hisvoicewasthickwithsaliva,andhisredtonguelolledamongtherowsoflongcanineteeth.Hisfacewasn’tafaceanymore.Itjuttedoutgrotesquelyintoamuzzle,andhiseyeswereyellow,withslitlikepupils.Hisreddish-sandyhairhadgrownoverhischeeksanddownthebackofhisneck.Apelt.“Youcanscreamallyouwantuphereandnobody’sgoingtohearyou,”headded.
EverymuscleinMeredith’sbodywasrigid,tryingtogetawayfromhim.Itwasavisceralreaction,oneshecouldn’thavehelpedifshewantedto.Hisbreathwassohot,anditsmelledferal,likeananimal.Thenailshewasdiggingintoherwristwerestumpyblackenedclaws.Shedidn’thavethestrengthtoscreamagain.
“There’sotherthingsbesidesvampireswithatasteforblood,”Tylersaidinhisnewslurpingvoice.“AndIwanttotasteyours.Butfirstwe’regoingtohavesomefun.”
Althoughhestillstoodontwofeet,hisbodywashumpedandstrangelydistorted.Meredith’sstruggleswerefeebleasheforcedhertotheground.Shewasastronggirl,buthewasfarstronger,hismusclesbunchingunderhisshirtashepinnedher.
“You’vealwaysbeentoogoodforme,haven’tyou?Well,nowyou’regoingtofindoutwhatyou’vebeenmissing.”
Ican’tbreathe,Merediththoughtwildly.Hisarmwasacrossherthroat,blockingherair.Graywavesrolledthroughherbrain.Ifshepassedoutnow…
“You’regoingtowishyoudiedasfastasSue.”Tyler’sfacefloatedaboveher,redasthemoon,withthatlongtonguelolling.Hisotherhandheldherarmsaboveherhead.“YoueverhearthestoryofLittleRedRidingHood?”
Thegraywasturningintoblackness,speckledwithlittlelights.Likestars,Merediththought.I’mfallinginthestars….
“Tyler,takeyourhandsoffher!Letgoofher,now!”Matt’svoiceshouted.
Tyler’sslaveringsnarlbrokeoffintoasurprisedwhine.ThearmagainstMeredith’sthroatreleasedpressure,andairrushedintoherlungs.
Footstepswerepoundingaroundher.“I’vebeenwaitingalongtimetodothis,Tyler,”Mattsaid,jerkingthesandy-redheadbackbythehair.ThenMatt’sfistsmashedintoTyler’snewlygrownmuzzle.Bloodspurtedfromthewetanimalnose.
ThesoundTylermadefrozeMeredith’sheartinherchest.HesprangatMatt,twistinginmidair,clawsoutstretched.MattfellbackundertheassaultandMeredith,dizzy,triedtopushherselfupofftheground.Shecouldn’t;allhermusclesweretremblinguncontrollably.ButsomeoneelsepickedTyleroffMattasifTylerweighednomorethanadoll.
“Justlikeoldtimes,Tyler,”Stefansaid,settingTyleronhisfeetandfacinghim.
Tylerstaredaminute,thentriedtorun.
Hewasfast,dodgingwithanimalagilitybetweentherowsofgraves.ButStefanwasfasterandcuthimoff.
“Meredith,areyouhurt?Meredith?”Bonniewaskneelingbesideher.Meredithnodded—shestillcouldn’tspeak—andletBonniesupportherhead.“Iknewweshouldhavestoppedhimsooner,Iknewit,”Bonniewentonworriedly.
StefanwasdraggingTylerback.“Ialwaysknewyouwereajerk,”hesaid,shovingTyleragainstaheadstone,“butIdidn’tknowyouwerethisstupid.I’dhavethoughtyouwouldhavelearnednottojumpgirlsingraveyards,butno.AndyouhadtobragaboutwhatyoudidtoSue,too.Thatwasn’tsmart,Tyler.”
Meredithlookedatthemastheyfacedeachother.Sodifferent,shethought.Eventhoughtheywerebothcreaturesofdarknessinsomeway.Stefanwaspale,hisgreeneyesblazingwithangerandmenace,buttherewasadignity,almostapurityabouthim.Hewaslikesomesternangelcarvedinunyieldingmarble.Tylerjustlookedlikeatrappedanimal.Hewascrouched,breathinghard,bloodandsalivaminglingonhischest.Thoseyelloweyesglitteredwithhateandfear,andhisfingersworkedasifhe’dliketoclawsomething.Alowsoundcameoutofhisthroat.
“Don’tworry,I’mnotgoingtobeatyouupthistime,”Stefansaid.“Notunlessyoutrytogetaway.We’reallgoinguptothechurchtohavealittlechat.Youliketotellstories,Tyler;well,you’regoingtotellmeonenow.”
Tylersprangathim,vaultingstraightfromthegroundforStefan’sthroat.ButStefanwasreadyforhim.MeredithsuspectedthatbothStefanandMattenjoyedthenextfewminutes,workingofftheiraccumulatedaggressions,butshedidn’t,soshelookedaway.
Intheend,Tylerwastrussedupwithnyloncord.Hecouldwalk,orshuffleatleast,andStefanheldthebackofhisshirtandguidedhimungentlyupthepathtothechurch.
Inside,StefanpushedTylerontothegroundneartheopentomb.“Now,”hesaid,“wearegoingtotalk.Andyou’regoingtocooperate,Tyler,oryou’regoingtobevery,verysorry.”10
Meredithsatdownontheknee-highwalloftheruinedchurch.“Yousaiditwasgoingtobedangerous,Stefan,butyoudidn’tsayyouweregoingtolethimstrangleme.”
“I’msorry.Iwashopinghe’dgivesomemoreinformation,especiallyafterheadmittedtobeingtherewhenSuedied.ButIshouldn’thavewaited.”
“Ihaven’tadmittedanything!Youcan’tproveanything,”Tylersaid.Theanimalwhinewasbackinhisvoice,butonthewalkuphisfaceandbodyhadreturnedtonormal.Orrather,they’dreturnedtohuman,Merediththought.Theswellingandbruisesanddriedbloodweren’tnormal.
“Thisisn’tacourtoflaw,Tyler,”shesaid.“Yourfathercan’thelpyounow.”
“Butifitwere,we’dhaveaprettygoodcase,”Stefanadded.“Enoughtoputyouawayonconspiracytocommitmurder,Ithink.”
“That’sifsomebodydoesn’tmeltdowntheirgrandma’steaspoonstomakeasilverbullet,”Mattputin.
Tylerlookedfromonetoanotherofthem.“Iwon’ttellyouanything.”
“Tyler,youknowwhatyouare?You’reabully,”Bonniesaid.“Andbulliesalwaystalk.”
“Youdon’tmindpinningagirldownandthreateningher,”saidMatt,“butwhenherfriendsturnupyou’rescaredspitless.”
Tylerjustglaredatallofthem.
“Well,ifyoudon’twanttotalk,IguessI’llhaveto,”Stefansaid.Heleaneddownandpickedupthethickbookhe’dgottenfromthelibrary.Onefootonthelipofthetomb,herestedthebookonhiskneeandopenedit.Inthatmoment,Merediththought,helookedfrighteninglylikeDamon.
“ThisisabookbyGervaseofTilbury,Tyler,”hesaid.“Itwaswrittenaroundtheyear1210A.D.Oneofthethingsittalksaboutiswerewolves.”
“Youcan’tproveanything!Youdon’thaveanyevidence—”
“Shutup,Tyler!”Stefanlookedathim.“Idon’tneedtoproveit.Icanseeit,evennow.HaveyouforgottenwhatIam?”Therewasasilence,andthenStefanwenton.“WhenIgothereafewdaysago,therewasamystery.Agirlwasdead.Butwhokilledher?Andwhy?AllthecluesIcouldseeseemedcontradictory.
“Itwasn’tanordinarykilling,notsomehumanpsychooffthestreet.IhadthewordofsomebodyItrustedonthat—andindependentevidence,too.Anordinarykillercan’tworkaOuijaboardbytelekinesis.Anordinarykillercan’tcausefusestoblowinapowerplanthundredsofmilesaway.
“No,thiswassomebodywithtremendousphysicalandpsychicpower.FromeverythingVickietoldme,itsoundedlikeavampire.
“ExceptthatSueCarsonstillhadherblood.Avampirewouldhavedrainedatleastsomeofit.Novampirecouldresistthat,especiallynotakiller.That’swherethehighcomesfrom,andthehigh’sthereasontokill.Butthepolicedoctorfoundnoholesinherveins,andonlyasmallamountofbleeding.Itdidn’tmakesense.
“Andtherewasanotherthing.Youwereinthathouse,Tyler.YoumadethemistakeofgrabbingBonniethatnight,andthenyoumadethemistakeofshootingoffyourmouththenextday,sayingthingsyoucouldn’thaveknownunlessyouwerethere.
“Sowhatdidwehave?Aseasonedvampire,aviciouskillerwithPowertospare?Orahighschoolbullywhocouldn’torganizeatriptothetoiletwithoutfallingoverhisownfeet?Which?Theevidencepointedbothways,andIcouldn’tmakeupmymind.
“ThenIwenttoseeSue’sbodymyself.Andthereitwas,thebiggestmysteryofall.Acuthere.”Stefan’sfingersketchedasharplinedownfromhiscollarbone.“Typical,traditionalcut—madebyvampirestosharetheirownblood.ButSuewasn’tavampire,andshedidn’tmakethatcutherself.Someonemadeitforherasshelaytheredyingontheground.”
Meredithshuthereyes,andsheheardBonnieswallowhardbesideher.SheputoutahandandfoundBonnie’sandheldtight,butshewentonlistening.Stefanhadnotgoneintothiskindofdetailinhisexplanationtothembefore.
“Vampiresdon’tneedtocuttheirvictimslikethat;theyusetheirteeth,”Stefansaid.Hisupperlipliftedslightlytoshowhisownteeth.“Butifavampirewantedtodrawbloodforsomebodyelsetodrink,hemightcutinsteadofbiting.Ifavampirewantedtogivesomeoneelsethefirstandonlytaste,hemightdothat.
“Andthatstartedmethinkingaboutblood.Bloodisimportant,yousee.Forvampires,itgiveslife,Power.It’sallweneedforsurvival,andtherearetimeswhenneedingitdrivesuscrazy.Butit’sgoodforotherthings,too.Forinstance…initiation.
“InitiationandPower.NowIwasthinkingaboutthosetwothings,puttingthemtogetherwithwhatI’dseenofyou,Tyler,whenIwasinFell’sChurchbefore.LittlethingsIhadn’treallyfocusedon.ButIrememberedsomethingElenahadtoldmeaboutyourfamilyhistory,andIdecidedtocheckitoutinHonoriaFell’sjournal.”
Stefanliftedapieceofpaperfrombetweenthepagesofthebookheheld.“Andthereitwas,inHonoria’shandwriting.IXeroxedthepagesoIcouldreadittoyou.TheSmallwoods’littlefamilysecret—ifyoucanreadbetweenthelines.”
Lookingdownatthepaper,heread:
“November12.Candlesmade,flaxspun.Weareshortoncornmealandsalt,butwewillgetthroughthewinter.Lastnightanalarm;wolvesattackedJacobSmallwoodashereturnedfromtheforest.Itreatedthewoundwithwhortleberryandsallowbark,butitisdeepandIamafraid.AftercominghomeIcasttherunes.IhavetoldnoonebutThomastheresults.
“Castingtherunesisdivining,”Stefanadded,lookingup.“Honoriawaswhatwe’dcallawitch.Shegoesonheretotalkabout‘wolftrouble’invariousotherpartsofthesettlement—itseemsthatallofasuddentherewerefrequentattacks,especiallyonyounggirls.Shetellshowsheandherhusbandbecamemoreandmoreconcerned.Andfinally,this:
“December20.WolftroubleattheSmallwoods’again.Weheardthescreamsafewminutesago,andThomassaiditwastime.Hemadethebulletsyesterday.Hehasloadedhisrifleandwewillwalkover.Ifwearespared,Iwillwriteagain.
“December21.WentovertoSmallwoods’lastnight.Jacobsorelyafflicted.Wolfkilled.
“WewillburyJacobinthelittlegraveyardatthefootofthehill.Mayhissoulfindpeaceindeath.
“IntheofficialhistoryofFell’sChurch,”Stefansaid,“that’sbeeninterpretedtomeanthatThomasFellandhiswifewentovertotheSmallwoods’tofindJacobSmallwoodbeingattackedbyawolfagain,andthatthewolfkilledhim.Butthat’swrong.WhatitreallysaysisnotthatthewolfkilledJacobSmallwoodbutthatJacobSmallwood,thewolf,waskilled.”
Stefanshutthebook.“Hewasawerewolf,yourgreat-great-great-whatevergrandfather,Tyler.Hegotthatwaybybeingattackedbyawerewolfhimself.Andhepassedhiswerewolfvirusontothesonwhowasborneightandahalfmonthsafterhedied.Justthewayyourfatherpasseditontoyou.”
“Ialwaysknewtherewassomethingaboutyou,Tyler,”Bonniesaid,andMeredithopenedhereyes.“Inevercouldtellwhatitwas,butatthebackofmymindsomethingwastellingmeyouwerecreepy.”
“Weusedtomakejokesaboutit,”Meredithsaid,hervoicestillhusky.“Aboutyour‘animalmagnetism’andyourbigwhiteteeth.Wejustneverknewhowclosetothemarkwewere.”
“Sometimespsychicscansensethatkindofthing,”Stefanconceded.“Sometimesevenordinarypeoplecan.Ishouldhaveseenit,butIwaspreoccupied.Still,that’snoexcuse.Andobviouslysomebodyelse—thepsychickiller—sawitrightaway.Didn’the,Tyler?Amanwearinganoldraincoatcametoyou.Hewastall,withblondhairandblueeyes,andhemadesomekindofadealwithyou.Inexchangefor—something—he’dshowyouhowtoreclaimyourheritage.Howtobecomearealwerewolf.
“BecauseaccordingtoGervaseofTilbury”—Stefantappedthebookonhisknee—“awerewolfwhohasn’tbeenbittenhimselfneedstobeinitiated.Thatmeansyoucanhavethewerewolfvirusallyourlifebutneverevenknowitbecauseit’sneveractivated.GenerationsofSmallwoodshavelivedanddied,buttheviruswasdormantinthembecausetheydidn’tknowthesecretofwakingitup.Butthemanintheraincoatknew.Heknewthatyouhavetokillandtastefreshblood.Afterthat,atthefirstfullmoonyoucanchange.”Stefanglancedup,andMeredithfollowedhisgazetothewhitediskofthemooninthesky.Itlookedcleanandtwo-dimensionalnow,nolongerasullenredglobe.
AlookofsuspicionpassedoverTyler’sfleshyfeatures,andthenalookofrenewedfury.“Youtrickedme!Youplannedthis!”
“Veryclever,”saidMeredith,andMattsaid,“Nokidding.”Bonniewetherfingerandmarkedanimaginary1onaninvisiblescoreboard.
“Iknewyouwouldn’tbeabletoresistfollowingoneofthegirlshereifyouthoughtshe’dbealone,”saidStefan.“You’dthinkthatthegraveyardwastheperfectplacetokill;you’dhavecompleteprivacy.AndIknewyouwouldn’tbeabletoresistbraggingaboutwhatyou’ddone.Iwashopingyou’dtellMeredithmoreabouttheotherkiller,theonewhoactuallythrewSueoutthewindow,theonewhocuthersoyoucoulddrinkfreshblood.Thevampire,Tyler.Whoishe?Whereishehiding?”
Tyler’slookofvenomoushatredchangedtoasneer.“YouthinkI’dtellyouthat?He’smyfriend.”
“Heisnotyourfriend,Tyler.He’susingyou.Andhe’samurderer.”
“Don’tgetinanydeeper,Tyler,”Mattadded.
“You’realreadyanaccessory.TonightyoutriedtokillMeredith.Prettysoonyou’renotgoingtobeabletogobackevenifyouwantto.Besmartandstopthisnow.Telluswhatyouknow.”
Tylerbaredhisteeth.“I’mnottellingyouanything.How’reyougoingtomakeme?”
Theothersexchangedglances.Theatmospherechanged,becamechargedwithtensionastheyallturnedbacktoTyler.
“Youreallydon’tunderstand,doyou?”Meredithsaidquietly.“Tyler,youhelpedkillSue.ShediedforanobsceneritualsothatyoucouldchangeintothatthingIsaw.Youwereplanningtokillme,andVickieandBonnietoo,I’msure.Doyouthinkwehaveanypityforyou?Doyouthinkwebroughtyouupheretobenicetoyou?”
Therewasasilence.ThesneerwasfadingfromTyler’slips.Helookedfromonefacetoanother.
Theywereallimplacable.EvenBonnie’ssmallfacewasunforgiving.
“GervaseofTilburymentionsoneinterestingthing,”Stefansaid,almostpleasantly.“There’sacureforwerewolvesbesidesthetraditionalsilverbullet.Listen.”Bymoonlight,hereadfromthebookonhisknee.“Itiscommonlyreportedandheldbygraveandworthydoctorsthatifawerewolfbeshornofoneofhismembers,heshallsurelyrecoverhisoriginalbody.GervasegoesontotellthestoryofRaimbaudofAuvergne,awerewolfwhowascuredwhenacarpentercutoffoneofhishindpaws.Ofcourse,thatwasprobablyhideouslypainful,butthestorygoesthatRaimbaudthankedthecarpenter‘forriddinghimforeveroftheaccursedanddamnableform.’”Stefanraisedhishead.“Now,I’mthinkingthatifTylerwon’thelpuswithinformation,theleastwecandoismakesurehedoesn’tgooutandkillagain.Whatdotherestofyousay?”
Mattspokeup.“Ithinkit’sourdutytocurehim.”
“Allwehavetodoisrelievehimofoneofhismembers,”Bonnieagreed.
“Icanthinkofonerightoff,”Meredithsaidunderherbreath.
Tyler’seyeswerestartingtobulge.Underthedirtandbloodhisnormallyruddyfacehadgonepale.“You’rebluffing!”
“Gettheax,Matt,”saidStefan.“Meredith,youtakeoffoneofhisshoes.”
Tylerkickedwhenshedid,aimingforherface.Mattcameandgothisheadinahammerlock.“Don’tmakeitanyworseonyourself,Tyler.”
ThebarefootMeredithexposedwasbig,thesoleassweatyasTyler’spalms.Coarsehairsproutedfromthetoes.ItmadeMeredith’sskincrawl.
“Let’sgetthisoverwith,”shesaid.
“You’rejoking!”Tylerhowled,thrashingsothatBonniehadtocomeandgrabhisotherlegandkneelonit.“Youcan’tdothis!Youcan’t!”
“Keephimstill,”Stefansaid.Workingtogether,theystretchedTylerout,hisheadlockedinMatt’sarm,hislegsspreadandpinnedbythegirls.MakingsureTylercouldseewhathewasdoing,Stefanbalancedabranchperhapstwoinchesthickonthelipofthetomb.Heraisedtheaxandthenbroughtitdownhard,severingthestickwithoneblow.
“It’ssharpenough,”hesaid.“Meredith,rollhispantslegup.Thentiesomeofthatcordjustabovehisankleastightasyoucanforatourniquet.Otherwisehe’llbleedout.”
“Youcan’tdothis!”Tylerwasscreaming.“Youcan’tdooooooothis!”
“Screamallyouwant,Tyler.Uphere,nobody’sgoingtohearyou,right?”Stefansaid.
“You’renobetterthanIam!”Tyleryelledinasprayofspittle.“You’reakillertoo!”
“IknowexactlywhatIam,”Stefansaid.“Believeme,Tyler.Iknow.Iseverybodyready?Good.Holdontohim;he’sgoingtojumpwhenIdoit.”
Tyler’sscreamsweren’tevenwordsanymore.MattwasholdinghimsothathecouldseeStefankneelandtakeaim,heftingtheaxbladeaboveTyler’sankletogaugeforceanddistance.
“Now,”saidStefan,raisingtheaxhigh.
“No!No!I’lltalktoyou!I’lltalk!”shriekedTyler.
Stefanglancedathim.“Toolate,”hesaid,andbroughttheaxdown.
Itreboundedoffthestonefloorwithaclangandaspark,butthenoisewasdrownedbyTyler’sscreaming.ItseemedtotakeTylerseveralminutestorealizethatthebladehadn’ttouchedhisfoot.Hepausedforbreathonlywhenhechoked,andturnedwild,bulgingeyesonStefan.
“Starttalking,”Stefansaid,hisvoicewintry,remorseless.
LittlewhimperswerecomingfromTyler’sthroatandtherewasfoamonhislips.“Idon’tknowhisname,”hegaspedout.“Buthelookslikeyousaid.Andyou’reright;he’savampire,man!Isawhimdrainaten-pointbuckwhileitwasstillkicking.Heliedtome,”Tyleradded,thewhinecreepingbackintohisvoice.“HetoldmeI’dbestrongerthananybody,asstrongashim.HesaidIcouldhaveanygirlIwanted,anywayIwanted.Thecreeplied.”
“Hetoldyouthatyoucouldkillandgetawaywithit,”Stefansaid.
“HesaidIcoulddoCarolinethatnight.Shehaditcomingafterthewaysheditchedme.Iwantedtomakeherbeg—butshegotoutofthehousesomehow.IcouldhaveCarolineandVickie,hesaid.AllhewantedwasBonnieandMeredith.”
“ButyoujusttriedtokillMeredith.”
“Thatwasnow.Thingsaredifferentnow,stupid.Hesaiditwasallright.”
“Why?”MeredithaskedStefaninanundertone.
“Maybebecauseyou’dservedyourpurpose,”hesaid.“You’dbroughtmehere.”Thenhewenton.“Allright,Tyler,showusyou’recooperating.Tellushowwecangetthisguy.”
“Gethim?You’renuts!”Tylerburstintouglylaughter,andMatttightenedthearmaroundhisthroat.“Hey,chokemeallyouwant;it’sstillthetruth.Hetoldmehe’soneoftheOldOnes,oneoftheOriginals,whateverthatmeans.Hesaidhe’sbeenmakingvampiressincebeforethepyramids.Hesaidhe’smadeabargainwiththedevil.Youcouldstickastakeinhisheartanditwouldn’tdoanything.Youcan’tkillhim.”Thelaughterbecameuncontrolled.
“Where’shehiding,Tyler?”Stefanrappedout.“Everyvampireneedsaplacetosleep.Whereisit?”
“He’dkillmeifItoldyouthat.He’deatme,man.God,ifItoldyouwhathedidtothatbuckbeforeitdied…”Tyler’slaughterwasturningintosomethinglikesobs.
“Thenyou’dbetterhelpusdestroyhimbeforehecanfindyou,hadn’tyou?What’shisweakpoint?How’shevulnerable?”
“God,thatpoorbuck…”Tylerwasblubbering.
“WhataboutSue?Didyoucryoverher?”Stefansaidsharply.Hepickeduptheax.“Ithink,”hesaid,“thatyou’rewastingourtime.”
Theaxlifted.
“No!No!I’lltalktoyou;I’lltellyousomething.Look,there’sonekindofwoodthatcanhurthim—notkillhim,buthurthim.Headmittedthatbutdidn’ttellmewhatitwas!Isweartoyouthat’sthetruth!”
“Notgoodenough,Tyler,”saidStefan.
“ForGod’ssake—I’lltellyouwherehe’sgoingtonight.Ifyougetovertherefastenough,maybeyoucanstophim.”
“Whatdoyoumean,wherehe’sgoingtonight?Talkfast,Tyler!”
“He’sgoingtoVickie’s,okay?Hesaidtonightwegetoneeach.That’shelpful,isn’tit?Ifyouhurry,maybeyoucangetthere!”
Stefanhadfrozen,andMeredithfeltherheartracing.Vickie.Theyhadn’teventhoughtaboutanattackonVickie.
“Damon’sguardingher,”Mattsaid.“Right,Stefan?Right?”
“He’ssupposedtobe,”Stefansaid.“Ilefthimthereatdusk.Ifsomethinghappened,heshouldhavecalledme….”
“Youguys,”Bonniewhispered.Hereyeswerebigandherlipsweretrembling.“Ithinkwe’dbettergetovertherenow.”
Theystaredatheramomentandtheneveryonewasmoving.TheaxclangedonthefloorasStefandroppedit.
“Hey,youcan’tleavemelikethis!Ican’tdrive!He’sgonnacomebackforme!Comebackanduntiemyhands!”Tylershrieked.Noneofthemanswered.
TheyranallthewaydownthehillandpiledintoMeredith’scar.Meredithtookoffspeeding,roundingcornersdangerouslyfastandglidingthroughstopsigns,buttherewasapartofherthatdidn’twanttogettoVickie’shouse.Thatwantedtoturnaroundanddrivetheotherway.
I’mcalm;I’mtheonewho’salwayscalm,shethought.Butthatwasontheoutside.Meredithknewverywellhowcalmyoucouldlookontheoutsidewheninsideeverythingwasbreakingup.
TheyroundedthelastcornerontoBirchStreetandMeredithhitthebrakes.
“Oh,God!”Bonniecriedfromthebackseat.“No!No!”
“Quick,”Stefansaid.“Theremaystillbeachance.”Hewrenchedopenthedoorandwasoutevenbeforethecarhadstopped.Butinback,Bonniewassobbing.11
Thecarskiddedinbehindoneofthepolicecarsthatwasparkedcrookedlyinthestreet.Therewerelightseverywhere,lightsflashingblueandredandamber,lightsblazingfromtheBennetthouse.
“Stayhere,”Mattsnapped,andheplungedoutside,followingStefan.
“No!”Bonnie’sheadjerkedup;shewantedtograbhimanddraghimback.Thedizzynauseashe’dfelteversinceTylerhadmentionedVickiewasoverwhelmingher.Itwastoolate;she’dknowninthefirstinstantthatitwastoolate.Mattwasonlygoingtogethimselfkilledtoo.
“Youstay,Bonnie—keepthedoorslocked.I’llgoafterthem.”ThatwasMeredith.
“No!I’msickofhavingeverybodytellmetostay!”Bonniecried,strugglingwiththeseatbelt,finallygettingitunlocked.Shewasstillcrying,butshecouldseewellenoughtogetoutofthecarandstarttowardVickie’shouse.SheheardMeredithrightbehindher
Theactivityallseemedconcentratedatthefront:peopleshouting,awomanscreaming,thecracklingvoicesofpoliceradios.BonnieandMeredithheadedstraightfortheback,forVickie’swindow.Whatiswrongwiththispicture?Bonniethoughtwildlyastheyapproached.Thewrongnessofwhatshewaslookingatwasundeniable,yethardtoputafingeron.Vickie’swindowwasopen—butitcouldn’tbeopen;themiddlepaneofabaywindowneveropens,Bonniethought.Butthenhowcouldthecurtainsbeflutteringoutlikeshirttails?
Notopen,broken.Glasswasalloverthegravelpathway,grindingunderfoot.Therewereshardslikegrinningteethleftinthebareframe.Vickie’shousehadbeenbrokeninto.
“Sheaskedhimin,”Bonniecriedinagonizedfury.“Whydidshedothat?Why?”
“Stayhere,”Meredithsaid,tryingtomoistendrylips.
“Stoptellingmethat.Icantakeit,Meredith.I’mmad,that’sall.Ihatehim.”ShegrippedMeredith’sarmandwentforward.
Thegapingholegotcloserandcloser.Thecurtainsrippled.Therewasenoughspacebetweenthemtoseeinside.
Atthelastmoment,MeredithpushedBonnieawayandlookedthroughfirstherself.Itdidn’tmatter.Bonnie’spsychicsenseswereawakeandalreadytellingheraboutthisplace.Itwaslikethecraterleftinthegroundafterameteorhashitandexploded,orlikethecharredskeletonofaforestafterawildfire.Powerandviolencewerestillthrummingintheair,butthemaineventwasover.Thisplacehadbeenviolated.
Meredithspunawayfromthewindow,doublingover,retching.Clenchingherfistssothatthenailsbitintoherpalms,Bonnieleanedforwardandlookedin.
Thesmellwaswhatstruckherfirst.Awetsmell,meatyandcoppery.Shecouldalmosttasteit,andittastedlikeanaccidentallybittentongue.Thestereowasplayingsomethingshecouldn’thearoverthescreamingoutfrontandthedrumming-surfsoundinherownears.Hereyes,adjustingfromthedarknessoutside,couldseeonlyred.Justred.
BecausethatwasthenewcolorofVickie’sroom.Thepowderbluewasgone.Redwallpaper,redcomforter.Redingreatgaudysplashesacrossthefloor.Asifsomekidhadgottenabucketofredpaintandgonecrazy.
Therecordplayerclickedandthestylusswungbacktothebeginning.Withashock,Bonnierecognizedthesongasitstartedover.
Itwas“GoodnightSweetheart.”
“Youmonster,”Bonniegasped.Painshotthroughherstomach.Herhandgrippedthewindowframes,tighter,tighter.“Youmonster,Ihateyou!Ihateyou!”
Meredithheardandstraightenedup,turning.Sheshakilypushedbackherhairandmanagedafewdeepbreaths,tryingtolookasifshecouldcope.“You’recuttingyourhand,”shesaid.“Here,letmeseeit.”
Bonniehadn’tevenrealizedshewasgrippingbrokenglass.SheletMeredithtakethehand,butinsteadoflettingherexamineit,sheturneditoverandclaspedMeredith’sowncoldhandtightly.Meredithlookedterrible:darkeyesglazed,lipsblue-whiteandshaking.ButMeredithwasstilltryingtotakecareofher,stilltryingtokeepittogether.
“Goon,”shesaid,lookingatherfriendintently.“Cry,Meredith.Scream,ifyouwantto.Butgetitoutsomehow.Youdon’thavetobecoolnowandkeepitallinside.Youhaveeveryrighttoloseittoday.”
ForamomentMeredithjuststoodthere,trembling,butthensheshookherheadwithaghastlyattemptatasmile.“Ican’t.I’mjustnotmadethatway.Comeon,letmelookatthehand.”
Bonniemighthaveargued,butjustthenMattcamearoundthecorner.Hestartedviolentlytoseethegirlsstandingthere.
“Whatareyoudoing—?”hebegan.Thenhesawthewindow.
“She’sdead,”Meredithsaidflatly.
“Iknow.”Mattlookedlikeabadphotographofhimself,anoverexposedone.“Theytoldmeupfront.They’rebringingout…”Hestopped.
“Weblewit.Evenafterwepromisedher…”Meredithstoppedtoo.Therewasnothingmoretosay.
“Butthepolicewillhavetobelieveusnow,”Bonniesaid,lookingatMatt,thenMeredith,findingonethingtobegratefulfor.“They’llhaveto.”
“No,”Mattsaid,“theywon’t,Bonnie.Becausethey’resayingit’sasuicide.”
“Asuicide?Havetheyseenthatroom?Theycallthatasuicide?”Bonniecried,hervoicerising.
“They’resayingshewasmentallyunbalanced.They’resayingshe—gotholdofsomescissors….”
“Oh,myGod,”Meredithsaid,turningaway.
“TheythinkmaybeshewasfeelingguiltyforhavingkilledSue.”
“Somebodybrokeintothishouse,”Bonniesaidfiercely.“They’vegottoadmitthat!”
“No.”Meredith’svoicewassoft,asifshewereverytired.“Lookatthewindowhere.Theglassisalloutside.Somebodyfromtheinsidebrokeit.”Andthat’stherestofwhat’swrongwiththepicture,Bonniethought.
“Heprobablydid,gettingout,”Mattsaid.Theylookedateachothersilently,indefeat.
“Where’sStefan?”MeredithaskedMattquietly.“Isheoutfrontwhereeveryonecanseehim?”
“No,oncewefoundoutshewasdeadheheadedbackthisway.Iwascomingtolookforhim.Hemustbearoundsomewhere….”
“Sh!”saidBonnie.Theshoutingfromthefronthadstopped.Sohadthewoman’sscreaming.Intherelativestillnesstheycouldhearafaintvoicefrombeyondtheblackwalnuttreesinthebackoftheyard.
“—whileyouweresupposedtobewatchingher!”
ThetonemadeBonnie’sskinbreakoutingooseflesh.“That’shim!”Mattsaid.“Andhe’swithDamon.Comeon!”
OncetheywereamongthetreesBonniecouldhearStefan’svoiceclearly.Thetwobrotherswerefacingeachotherinthemoonlight.
“Itrustedyou,Damon.Itrustedyou!”Stefanwassaying.Bonniehadneverseenhimsoangry,notevenwithTylerinthegraveyard.Butitwasmorethananger.
“Andyoujustletithappen,”Stefanwenton,withoutglancingatBonnieandtheothersastheyappeared,withoutgivingDamonachancetoreply.“Whydidn’tyoudosomething?Ifyouweretoomuchofacowardtofighthim,youcouldatleasthavecalledforme.Butyoujuststoodthere!”
Damon’sfacewashard,closed.Hisblackeyesglittered,andtherewasnothinglazyorcasualabouthisposturenow.Helookedasunbendingandbrittleasapaneofglass.Heopenedhismouth,butStefaninterrupted.
“It’smyownfault.Ishouldhaveknownbetter.Ididknowbetter.Theyallknew,theywarnedme,butIwouldn’tlisten.”
“Oh,didthey?”DamonsnappedaglancetowardBonnieonthesidelines.Achillwentthroughher.
“Stefan,wait,”Mattsaid.“Ithink—”
“Ishouldhavelistened!”Stefanwasragingon.Hedidn’tevenseemtohearMatt.“Ishouldhavestayedwithhermyself.Ipromisedhershewouldbesafe—andIlied!ShediedthinkingIbetrayedher.”Bonniecouldseeitinhisfacenow,theguilteatingintohimlikeacid.“IfIhadstayedhere—”
“Youwouldbedeadtoo!”Damonhissed.“Thisisn’tanordinaryvampireyou’redealingwith.Hewouldhavebrokenyouintwolikeadrytwig—”
“Andthatwouldhavebeenbetter!”Stefancried.Hischestwasheaving.“Iwouldratherhavediedwithherthanstoodbyandwatchedit!Whathappened,Damon?”Hehadgottenholdofhimselfnow,andhewascalm,toocalm;hisgreeneyeswereburningfeverishlyinhispaleface,hisvoicevicious,poisonous,ashespoke.“Wereyoutoobusychasingsomeothergirlthroughthebushes?Orjusttoouninterestedtointerfere?”
Damonsaidnothing.Hewasjustaspaleashisbrother,everymuscletenseandrigid.WavesofblackfurywererisingfromhimashewatchedStefan.
“Ormaybeyouenjoyedit,”Stefanwascontinuing,movinganotherhalfstepforwardsothathewasrightinDamon’sface.“Yes,thatwasprobablyit;youlikedit,beingwithanotherkiller.Wasitgood,Damon?Didheletyouwatch?”
Damon’sfistjerkedbackandhehitStefan.
IthappenedtoofastforBonnie’seyetofollow.Stefanfellbackwardontothesoftground,longlegssprawling.Meredithcriedoutsomething,andMattjumpedinfrontofDamon.
Brave,Bonniethoughtdazedly,butstupid.Theairwascracklingwithelectricity.Stefanraisedahandtohismouthandfoundblood,blackinthemoonlight.Bonnielurchedovertohissideandgrabbedhisarm.
Damonwascomingafterhimagain.Mattfellbackbeforehim,butnotalltheway.HedroppedtohiskneesbesideStefan,sittingonhisheels,onehandupraised.
“Enough,youguys!Enough,allright?”heshouted.
Stefanwastryingtogetup.Bonnieheldontohisarmmorefirmly.“No!Stefan,don’t!Don’t!”shebegged.Meredithgrabbedhisotherarm.
“Damon,leaveitalone!Justleaveit!”Mattwassayingsharply.
We’reallcrazy,gettinginthemiddleofthis,Bonniethought.Tryingtobreakupafightbetweentwoangryvampires.They’regoingtokillusjusttoshutusup.Damon’sgoingtoswatMattlikeafly.hisway.Foralongmomentthesceneremainedfrozen,nobodymoving,everybodyrigidwithstrain.Then,slowly,Damon’sstancerelaxed.
Hishandsloweredandunclenched.Hedrewaslowbreath.Bonnierealizedshe’dbeenholdingherownbreath,andsheletitout.
Damon’sfacewascoldasastatuecarvedinice.“Allright,haveityourway,”hesaid,andhisvoicewascoldtoo.“ButI’mthroughhere.I’mleaving.Andthistime,brother,ifyoufollowme,I’llkillyou.Promiseornopromise.”
“Iwon’tfollowyou,”Stefansaidfromwherehesat.Hisvoicesoundedasifhe’dbeenswallowinggroundglass.
Damonhitcheduphisjacket,straighteningit.WithaglanceatBonniethatscarcelyseemedtoseeher,heturnedtogo.Thenheturnedbackandspokeclearlyandprecisely,eachwordanarrowaimedatStefan.
“Iwarnedyou,”hesaid.“AboutwhatIam,andaboutwhichsidewouldwin.Youshouldhavelistenedtome,littlebrother.Maybeyou’lllearnsomethingfromtonight.”
“I’velearnedwhattrustingyouisworth,”Stefansaid.“Getoutofhere,Damon.Ineverwanttoseeyouagain.”
Withoutanotherword,Damonturnedandwalkedawayintothedarkness.
BonnieletgoofStefan’sarmandputherheadinherhands.
Stefangotup,shakinghimselflikeacatthathadbeenheldagainstitswill.Hewalkedalittledistancefromtheothers,hisfaceavertedfromthem.Thenhesimplystoodthere.Therageseemedtohavelefthimasquicklyasithadcome
Whatdowesaynow?Bonniewondered,lookingup.Whatcanwesay?Stefanwasrightaboutonething:theyhadwarnedhimaboutDamonandhehadn’tlistened.He’dtrulyseemedtobelievethathisbrothercouldbetrusted.Andthenthey’dallgottencareless,relyingonDamonbecauseitwaseasyandbecausetheyneededthehelp.NoonehadarguedagainstlettingDamonwatchVickietonight.
Theywerealltoblame.ButitwasStefanwhowouldtearhimselfapartwithguiltoverthis.Sheknewthatwasbehindhisout-of-controlfuryatDamon:hisownshameandremorse.ShewonderedifDamonknewthat,orcared.Andshewonderedwhathadreallyhappenedtonight.NowthatDamonhadleft,theywouldprobablyneverknow.
Nomatterwhat,shethought,itwasbetterhewasgone.
Outsidenoiseswerereassertingthemselves:carsbeingstartedinthestreet,theshortburstofasiren,doorsslamming.Theyweresafeinthelittlegroveoftreesforthemoment,buttheycouldn’tstayhere.
Meredithhadonehandpressedtoherforehead,hereyesshut.BonnielookedfromhertoStefan,tothelightsofVickie’ssilenthomebeyondthetrees.Awaveofsheerexhaustionpassedthroughherbody.Alltheadrenalinethathadbeensupportingherthroughoutthiseveningseemedtohavedrainedaway.Shedidn’tevenfeelangryanymoreatVickie’sdeath;onlydepressedandsickandvery,verytired.Shewishedshecouldcrawlintoherbedathomeandpulltheblanketsoverherhead.
“Tyler,”shesaidaloud.Andwhentheyallturnedtolookather,shesaid,“Welefthimintheruinedchurch.Andhe’sourlasthopenow.We’vegottomakehimhelpus.”
Thatrousedeveryone.Stefanturnedaroundsilently,notspeakingandnotmeetinganyone’seyesashefollowedthembacktothestreet.Thepolicecarsandambulanceweregone,andtheydrovetothecemeterywithoutincident.
Butwhentheyreachedtheruinedchurch,Tylerwasn’tthere.
“Welefthisfeetuntied,”Mattsaidheavily,withagrimaceofself-disgust.“Hemusthavewalkedawaysincehiscar’sstilldownthere.”Orhecouldhavebeentaken,Bonniethought.Therewasnomarkonthestonefloortoshowwhich.
Meredithwenttotheknee-highwallandsatdown,onehandpinchingthebridgeofhernose.
Bonniesaggedagainstthebelfry.
They’dfailedcompletely.Thatwasthelongandshortofittonight.They’dlostandhehadwon.Everythingthey’ddonetodayhadendedindefeat.
AndStefan,shecouldtell,wastakingthewholeresponsibilityonhisownshoulders.
Sheglancedatthedark,bowedheadinthefrontseatastheydrovebacktotheboardinghouse.Anotherthoughtoccurredtoher,onethatsentthrillsofalarmdownhernerves.StefanwasalltheyhadtoprotectthemnowthatDamonwasgone.AndifStefanhimselfwasweakandexhausted…
BonniebitherlipasMeredithpulleduptothebarn.Anideawasforminginhermind.Itmadeheruneasy,evenfrightened,butanotherlookatStefanputsteelinherresolve.
TheFerrariwasstillparkedbehindthebarn—apparentlyDamonhadabandonedit.Bonniewonderedhowheplannedtogetaboutthecountryside,andthenthoughtofwings.Velvetysoft,strongblackcrow’swingsthatreflectedrainbowsintheirfeathers.Damondidn’tneedacar.
TheywentintotheboardinghousejustlongenoughforBonnietocallherparentsandsayshewasspendingthenightatMeredith’s.Thiswasheridea.ButafterStefanhadclimbedthestairstohisatticroom,BonniestoppedMattonthefrontporch.
“Matt?CanIaskyouafavor?”
Heswungaround,blueeyeswidening.“That’saloadedphrase.EverytimeElenasaidthoseparticularwords…”
“No,no,thisisnothingterrible.IjustwantyoutotakecareofMeredith,seeshe’sokayonceshegetshomeandall.”Shegesturedtowardtheothergirl,whowasalreadywalkingtowardthecar.
“Butyou’recomingwithus.”
Bonnieglancedatthestairsthroughtheopendoor.“No.IthinkI’llstayafewminutes.Stefancandrivemehome.Ijustwanttotalktohimaboutsomething.”
Mattlookedbewildered.“Talktohimaboutwhat?”
“Justsomething.Ican’texplainnow.Willyou,Matt?”
“But…oh,allright.I’mtootiredtocare.Dowhatyouwant.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”Hewalkedoff,seemingbaffledandalittleangry.
Bonniewasbaffledherselfathisattitude.Whyshouldhecare,tiredornot,ifshetalkedtoStefan?Buttherewasnotimetowastepuzzlingoverit.Shefacedthestairsand,squaringhershoulders,wentupthem.
Thebulbintheatticceilinglampwasmissing,andStefanhadlightedacandle.Hewaslyinghaphazardlyonthebed,onelegoffandonelegon,hiseyesshut.Maybeasleep.Bonnietiptoedupandfortifiedherselfwithadeepbreath.
“Stefan?”
Hiseyesopened.“Ithoughtyou’dleft.”
“Theydid.Ididn’t.”God,he’spale,thoughtBonnie.Impulsively,sheplungedrightin.
“Stefan,I’vebeenthinking.WithDamongone,you’retheonlythingbetweenusandthekiller.Thatmeansyou’vegottobestrong,asstrongasyoucanbe.And,well,itoccurredtomethatmaybe…youknow…youmightneed…”Hervoicefaltered.Unconsciouslyshe’dbegunfiddlingwiththewadoftissuesformingamakeshiftbandageonherpalm.Itwasstillbleedingsluggishlyfromwhereshe’dcutitontheglass.
Hisgazefollowedhersdowntoit.Thenhiseyesliftedquicklytoherface,readingtheconfirmationthere.Therewasalongmomentofsilence.
Thenheshookhishead.
“Butwhy?Stefan,Idon’twanttogetpersonal,butfranklyyoudon’tlooksogood.You’renotgoingtobemuchhelptoanybodyifyoucollapseonus.And…Idon’tmind,ifyouonlytakealittle.Imean,I’mnevergoingtomissit,right?Anditcan’thurtallthatmuch.And…”Onceagainhervoicetrailedoff.Hewasjustlookingather,whichwasverydisconcerting.“Well,whynot?”shedemanded,feelingslightlyletdown.
“Because,”hesaidsoftly,“Imadeapromise.Maybenotinsomanywords,but—apromisejustthesame.Iwon’ttakehumanbloodasfood,becausethatmeansusingaperson,likelivestock.AndIwon’texchangeitwithanyone,becausethatmeanslove,and—”Thistimehewastheonewhocouldn’tfinish.ButBonnieunderstood.
“Therewon’teverbeanyoneelse,willthere?”shesaid.
“No.Notforme.”StefanwassotiredthathiscontrolwasslippingandBonniecouldseebehindthemask.Andagainshesawthatpainandneed,sogreatthatshehadtolookawayfromhim.
Astrangelittlechillofpremonitionanddismaytrickledthroughherheart.Before,shehadwonderedifMattwouldevergetoverElena,andhehad,itseemed.ButStefan—
Stefan,sherealized,thechilldeepening,wasdifferent.Nomatterhowmuchtimepassed,nomatterwhathedid,hewouldnevertrulyheal.WithoutElenahewouldalwaysbehalfhimself,onlyhalfalive.
Shehadtothinkofsomething,dosomething,topushthisawfulfeelingofdreadaway.StefanneededElena;hecouldn’tbewholewithouther.Tonighthe’dstartedtocrackup,swingingbetweendangerouslytightcontrolandviolentrage.IfonlyhecouldseeElenaforjustaminuteandtalktoher…
She’dcomeupheretogiveStefanagiftthathedidn’twant.Buttherewassomethingelsehedidwant,sherealized,andonlyshehadthepowertogiveittohim.
Withoutlookingathim,hervoicehusky,shesaid,“WouldyouliketoseeElena?”
Deadsilencefromthebed.Bonniesat,watchingtheshadowsintheroomswayandflicker.Atlast,shechancedalookathimoutofthecornerofhereye.
Hewasbreathinghard,eyesshut,bodytautasabowstring.Trying,Bonniediagnosed,toworkupthestrengthtoresisttemptation.
Andlosing.Bonniesawthat.
Elenaalwayshadbeentoomuchforhim.
Whenhiseyesmethersagain,theyweregrim,andhismouthwasatightline.Hisskinwasn’tpaleanymorebutflushedwithcolor.Hisbodywasstilltrembling-tautandkeyedupwithanticipation.
“Youmightgethurt,Bonnie.”
“Iknow.”
“You’dbeopeningyourselfuptoforcesbeyondyourcontrol.Ican’tguaranteethatIcanprotectyoufromthem.”
“Iknow.Howdoyouwanttodoit?”
Fiercely,hetookherhand.“Thankyou,Bonnie,”hewhispered.
Shefeltthebloodrisetoherface.“That’sallright,”shesaid.Goodgrief,hewasgorgeous.Thoseeyes…inaminuteshewaseithergoingtojumphimormeltintoapuddleonhisbed.Withapleasurablyagonizingfeelingofvirtuesheremovedherhandfromhisandturnedtothecandle.
“HowaboutifIgointoatranceandtrytoreachher,andthen,onceImakecontact,trytofindyouanddrawyouin?Doyouthinkthatwouldwork?”
“Itmight,ifI’mreachingforyoutoo,”hesaid,withdrawingthatintensityfromherandfocusingitonthecandle.“Icantouchyourmind…whenyou’reready,I’llfeelit.”
“Right.”Thecandlewaswhite,itswaxsidessmoothandshining.Theflamedrewitselfupandthenfellback.Bonniestareduntilshebecamelostinit,untiltherestoftheroomblackedoutaroundher.Therewasonlytheflame,herselfandtheflame.Shewasgoingintotheflame.
Unbearablebrightnesssurroundedher.Thenshepassedthroughitintothedark
Thefuneralhomewascold.Bonnieglancedarounduneasily,wonderinghowshehadgottenhere,tryingtogatherherthoughts.Shewasallalone,andforsomereasonthatbotheredher.Wasn’tsomebodyelsesupposedtobeheretoo?Shewaslookingforsomeone.
Therewaslightinthenextroom.Bonniemovedtowarditandherheartbeganpounding.Itwasavisitationroom,anditwasfilledwithtallcandelabras,thewhitecandlesglimmeringandquivering.Inthemidstofthemwasawhitecoffinwithanopenlid.
Stepbystep,asifsomethingwerepullingher,Bonnieapproachedthecasket.Shedidn’twanttolookin.Shehadto.Therewassomethinginthatcoffinwaitingforher.
Thewholeroomwassuffusedwiththesoftwhitelightofthecandles.Itwaslikefloatinginanislandofradiance.Butshedidn’twanttolook….
Movingasifinslowmotion,shereachedthecoffin,staredatthewhitesatinlininginside.Itwasempty.
Bonniecloseditandleanedagainstit,sighing.
Thenshecaughtmotioninherperipheralvisionandwhirled.
ItwasElena.
“Oh,God,youscaredme,”Bonniesaid.
“IthoughtItoldyounottocomehere,”Elenaanswered.
Thistimeherhairwasloose,flowingoverhershouldersanddownherback,thepalegoldenwhiteofaflame.Shewaswearingathinwhitedressthatglowedsoftlyinthecandlelight.Shelookedlikeacandleherself,luminous,radiant.Herfeetwerebare.
“Icamehereto…”Bonniefloundered,someconceptteasingaroundtheedgesofhermind.Thiswasherdream,hertrance.Shehadtoremember.“IcameheretoletyouseeStefan,”shesaid.
Elena’seyeswidened,herlipsparting.Bonnierecognizedthelookofyearning,ofalmostirresistiblelonging.Notfifteenminutesagoshe’dseenitonStefan’sface.
“Oh,”Elenawhispered.Sheswallowed,hereyesclouding.“Oh,Bonnie…butIcan’t.”
“Whynot?”
TearswereshininginElena’seyesnow,andherlipsweretrembling.“Whatifthingsstarttochange?Whatifhecomes,and…”SheputahandtohermouthandBonnierememberedthelastdream,withteethfallinglikerain.BonniemetElena’seyeswithunderstandinghorror.
“Don’tyousee?Icouldn’tstanditifsomethinglikethathappened,”Elenawhispered.“Ifhesawmelikethat…AndIcan’tcontrolthingshere;I’mnotstrongenough.Bonnie,pleasedon’tlethimthrough.TellhimhowsorryIam.Tellhim—”Sheshuthereyes,tearsspilling.
“Allright.”Bonniefeltasifshemightcrytoo,butElenawasright.ShereachedforStefan’smindtoexplaintohim,tohelphimbearthedisappointment.Buttheinstantshetoucheditsheknewshe’dmadeamistake.
“Stefan,no!Elenasays—”Itdidn’tmatter.Hismindwasstrongerthanhers,andtheinstantshe’dmadecontacthehadtakenover.He’dsensedthegistofherconversationwithElena,buthewasn’tgoingtotakenoforananswer.Helplessly,Bonniefeltherselfbeingoverridden,felthismindcomecloser,closertothecircleoflightformedbythecandelabras.Shefelthispresencethere,feltittakingshape.Sheturnedandsawhim,darkhair,tenseface,greeneyesfierceasafalcon’s.Andthen,knowingtherewasnothingmoreshecoulddo,shesteppedbacktoallowthemtobealone.12
Stefanheardavoicewhisper,softwithpain,“Oh,no.”
Avoicethathe’dneverthoughttohearagain,thathewouldneverforget.Ripplesofchillspouredoverhisskin,andhecouldfeelashakingstartinsidehim.Heturnedtowardthevoice,hisattentionfixinginstantly,hismindalmostshuttingdownbecauseitcouldn’tcopewithsomanysuddendrivingemotionsatonce.
Hiseyeswereblurredandcouldonlydiscernawashofradiancelikeathousandcandles.Butitdidn’tmatter.Hecouldfeelherthere.Thesamepresencehehadsensedtheveryfirstdayhe’dcometoFell’sChurch,agoldenwhitelightthatshoneintohisconsciousness.Fullofcoolbeautyandsearingpassionandvibrantlife.Demandingthathemovetowardit,thatheforgeteverythingelse.
Elena.ItwasreallyElena.
Herpresencepervadedhim,fillinghimtohisfingertips.Allhishungrysenseswerefixedonthatwashofluminance,searchingforher.Needingher.
Thenshesteppedout.
Shemovedslowly,hesitantly.Asifshecouldbarelymakeherselfdoit.Stefanwascaughtinthesameparalysis.
Elena.
Hesawhereveryfeatureasifforthefirsttime.Thepalegoldhairfloatingaboutherfaceandshoulderslikeahalo.Thefair,flawlessskin.Theslender,supplebodyjustnowcantedawayfromhim,onehandraisedinprotest.
“Stefan,”thewhispercame,anditwashervoice.Hervoicesayinghisname.Buttherewassuchpaininitthathewantedtoruntoher,holdher,promiseherthateverythingwouldbeallright.“Stefan,please…Ican’t….”
Hecouldseehereyesnow.Thedarkblueoflapislazuli,fleckedinthislightwithgold.Widewithpainandwetwithunshedtears.Itshreddedhisguts.
“Youdon’twanttoseeme?”Hisvoicewasdryasdust.
“Idon’twantyoutoseeme.Oh,Stefan,hecanmakeanythinghappen.Andhe’llfindus.He’llcomehere….”
ReliefandachingjoyfloodedthroughStefan.Hecouldscarcelyconcentrateonherwords,anditdidn’tmatter.Thewayshesaidhisnamewasenough.That“Oh,Stefan”toldhimeverythinghecaredabout.
Hemovedtowardherquietly,hisownhandcominguptoreachforhers.Hesawtheprotestingshakeofherhead,sawthatherlipswerepartedwithherquickeningbreath.Upclose,herskinhadaninnerglow,likeaflameshiningthroughtranslucentcandlewax.Dropletsofwetnesswerecaughtonhereyelasheslikediamonds.
Althoughshekeptshakingherhead,keptprotesting,shedidnotmoveherhandaway.Notevenwhenhisoutspreadfingerstouchedit,pressingagainsthercoolfingertipsasiftheywereonoppositesidesofapaneofglass.
Andatthisdistancehereyescouldnotevadehis.Theywerelookingateachother,lookingandnotturningaside.Untilatlastshestoppedwhispering“Stefan,no”andonlywhisperedhisname.
Hecouldn’tthink.Hisheartwasthreateningtocomethroughhischest.Nothingmatteredexceptthatshewashere,thattheywereheretogether.Hedidn’tnoticethestrangesurroundings,didn’tcarewhomightbewatching.
Slowly,soslowly,heclosedhishandaroundhers,intertwiningtheirfingers,thewaytheyweremeanttobe.Hisotherhandliftedtoherface.
Hereyesclosedatthetouch,hercheekleaningintoit.Hefeltthemoistureonhisfingersandalaughcaughtinhisthroat.Dreamtears.Buttheywerereal,shewasreal.Elena.
Sweetnesspiercedhim.Apleasuresosharpitwasapain,justtostrokethetearsawayfromherfacewithhisthumb.
Allthefrustratedtendernessofthelastsixmonths,alltheemotionhe’dkeptlockedinhisheartthatlong,camecascadingout,submerginghim.Drowningbothofthem.Ittooksuchalittlemovementandthenhewasholdingher.
Anangelinhisarms,coolandthrillingwithlifeandbeauty.Abeingofflameandair.Sheshiveredinhisembrace;then,eyesstillshut,putupherlips.
Therewasnothingcoolaboutthekiss.ItstrucksparksfromStefan’snerves,meltinganddissolvingeverythingaroundit.Hefelthiscontrolunraveling,thecontrolhe’dworkedsohardtopreservesincehe’dlosther.Everythinginsidehimwasbeingjarredloose,allknotsuntied,allfloodgatesopened.Hecouldfeelhisowntearsasheheldhertohim,tryingtofusethemintooneflesh,onebody.Sothatnothingcouldeverseparatethemagain.
Theywerebothcryingwithoutbreakingthekiss.Elena’sslenderarmswerearoundhisnecknow,everyinchofherfittingtohimasifshehadneverbelongedanywhereelse.Hecouldtastethesaltofhertearsonhislipsanditdrenchedhimwithsweetness.
Heknew,vaguely,thattherewassomethingelseheshouldbethinkingabout.Butthefirstelectrictouchofhercoolskinhaddrivenreasonfromhismind.Theywereinthecenterofawhirlwindoffire;theuniversecouldexplodeorcrumbleorburntoashesforallhecared,aslongashecouldkeephersafe.
ButElenawastrembling.
Notjustfromemotion,fromtheintensitythatwasmakinghimdizzyanddrunkwithpleasure.Fromfear.Hecouldfeelitinhermindandhewantedtoprotecther,toshieldherandtocherishherandtokillanythingthatdaredfrightenher.Withsomethinglikeasnarlheraisedhisfacetolookaround.
“Whatisit?”hesaid,hearingthepredator’sraspinhisownvoice.“Anythingthattriestohurtyou—”
“Nothingcanhurtme.”Shestillclungtohim,butsheleanedbacktolookintohisface.“I’mafraidforyou,Stefan,forwhathemightdotoyou.Andforwhathemightmakeyousee…”Hervoicequavered.“Oh,Stefan,gonow,beforehecomes.Hecanfindyouthroughme.Please,please,go….”
“AskmeanythingelseandI’lldoit,”Stefansaid.Thekillerwouldhavetoshredhimnervefromnerve,musclefrommuscle,cellfromcelltomakehimleaveher.
“Stefan,it’sonlyadream,”Elenasaiddesperately,newtearsfalling.“Wecan’treallytouch,wecan’tbetogether.It’snotallowed.”
Stefandidn’tcare.Itdidn’tseemlikeadream.Itfeltreal.AndeveninadreamhewasnotgoingtogiveupElena,notforanyone.Noforceinheavenorhellcouldmakehim…
“Wrong,sport.Surprise!”saidanewvoice,avoiceStefanhadneverheard.Herecognizeditinstinctively,though,asthevoiceofakiller.Ahunteramonghunters.Andwhenheturned,herememberedwhatVickie,poorVickie,hadsaid.
Helookslikethedevil.
Ifthedevilwashandsomeandblond.
Heworeathreadbareraincoat,asVickiehaddescribed.Dirtyandtattered.Helookedlikeanystreetpersonfromanybigcity,exceptthathewassotallandhiseyesweresoclearandpenetrating.Electricblue,likerazor-frostedsky.Hishairwasalmostwhite,standingstraightupasifblownbyablastofchillywind.HiswidesmilemadeStefanfeelsick.
“Salvatore,Ipresume,”hesaid,scrapingabow.“AndofcoursethebeautifulElena.ThebeautifuldeadElena.Cometojoinher,Stefan?Youtwowerejustmeanttobetogether.”
Helookedyoung,olderthanStefan,butstillyoung.Hewasn’t.
“Stefan,leavenow,”Elenawhispered.“Hecan’thurtme,butyou’redifferent.Hecanmakesomethinghappenthatwillfollowyououtofthedream.”
Stefan’sarmstayedlockedaroundher.
“Bravo!”themanintheraincoatapplauded,lookingaroundasiftoencourageaninvisibleaudience.Hestaggeredslightly,andifhe’dbeenhuman,Stefanwouldhavethoughthewasdrunk.
“Stefan,please,”Elenawhispered.
“Itwouldberudetoleavebeforewe’veevenbeenproperlyintroduced,”theblondmansaid.Handsincoatpockets,hestrodeasteportwocloser.“Don’tyouwanttoknowwhoIam?”
Elenashookherhead,notinnegationbutindefeat,anddroppedittoStefan’sshoulder.Hecuppedahandaroundherhair,wantingtoshieldeverypartofherfromthismadman.
“Iwanttoknow,”hesaid,lookingattheblondmanoverherhead.
“Idon’tseewhyyoudidn’taskmeinthefirstplace,”themanreplied,scratchinghischeekwithhismiddlefinger.“InsteadofgoingtoeverybodyelseI’mtheonlyonewhocantellyou.I’vebeenaroundalongtime.”
“Howlong?”saidStefan,unimpressed.
“ALongtime…”Theblondman’sgazeturneddreamy,asiflookingbackovertheyears.“IwastearingprettywhitethroatswhenyourancestorswerebuildingtheColosseum.IkilledwithAlexander’sarmy.IfoughtintheTrojanWar.I’mold,Salvatore.I’moneoftheOriginals.InmyearliestmemoriesIcarriedabronzeax.”
Slowly,Stefannodded.
He’dheardoftheOldOnes.Theywerewhisperedaboutamongvampires,butnooneStefanhadeverknownhadactuallymetone.Everyvampirewasmadebyanothervampire,changedbytheexchangeofblood.Butsomewhere,backintime,hadbeentheOriginals,theoneswhohadn’tbeenmade.Theywerewherethelineofcontinuitystopped.Nooneknewhowthey’dgottentobevampiresthemselves.ButtheirPowerswerelegendary.
“IhelpedbringtheRomanEmpiredown,”theblondmancontinueddreamily.“Theycalledusbarbarians—theyjustdidn’tunderstand!War,Salvatore!There’snothinglikeit.Europewasexcitingthen.Idecidedtostickaroundthecountrysideandenjoymyself.Strange,youknow,peopleneverreallyseemedcomfortablearoundme.Theyusedtorunorholdupcrosses.”Heshookhishead.“Butonewomancameandaskedmyhelp.Shewasamaidinabaron’shouse-hold,andherlittlemistresswassick.Dying,shesaid.Shewantedmetodosomethingaboutit.Andso…”Thesmilereturnedandbroadened,gettingwiderandimpossiblywider.“Idid.Shewasaprettylittlething.”
StefanhadturnedhisbodytoholdElenaawayfromtheblondman,andnow,foramoment,heturnedhisheadawaytoo.Heshouldhaveknown,shouldhaveguessed.Andsoitallcamebacktohim.Vickie’sdeath,andSue’s,wereultimatelytobelaidathisdoor.Hehadstartedthechainofeventsthatendedhere.
“Katherine,”hesaid,liftinghisheadtolookattheman.“You’rethevampirewhochangedKatherine.”
“Tosaveherlife,”theblondmansaid,asifStefanwerestupidatlearningalesson.“Whichyourlittlesweetheartheretook.”
Aname.Stefanwassearchingforanameinhismind,knowingthatKatherinehadtoldittohim,justasshemusthavedescribedthismantohimonce.HecouldhearKatherine’swordsinhismind:IwokeinthemiddleofthenightandIsawthemanthatGudren,mymaid,hadbrought.Iwasfrightened.HisnamewasKlausandI’dheardthepeopleinthevillagesayhewasevil….
“Klaus,”theblondmansaidmildly,asifagreeingwithsomething.“Thatwaswhatshecalledme,anyway.ShecamebacktomeaftertwolittleItalianboysjiltedher.She’ddoneeverythingforthem,changedthemintovampires,giventhemeternallife,buttheywereungratefulandthrewherout.Verystrange.”
“Thatisn’thowithappened,”Stefansaidthroughhisteeth.
“Whatwasevenstrangerwasthatshenevergotoveryou,Salvatore.Youespecially.Shewasalwaysdrawingunflatteringcomparisonsbetweenus.Itriedtobeatsomesenseintoher,butitneverreallyworked.MaybeIshouldhavejustkilledhermyself,Idon’tknow.ButbythenI’dgottenusedtohavingheraround.Sheneverwasthebrightest.Butshewasgoodtolookat,andsheknewhowtohavefun.Ishowedherthat,howtoenjoythekilling.Eventuallyherbrainturnedalittle,butsowhat?Itwasn’therbrainsIwaskeepingherfor.”
TherewasnolongeranyvestigeofloveforKatherineinStefan’sheart,buthefoundhecouldstillhatethemanwhohadmadeherwhatshewasintheend.
“Me?Me,sport?”Klauspointedtohisownchestinunbelief.“YoumadeKatherineintowhatsheisrightnow,orratheryourlittlegirlfrienddid.Rightnow,she’sdust.Worm’smeat.Butyoursweetieisjustslightlybeyondmyreachatpresent.Vibratingonahigherplane,isn’tthatwhatthemysticssay,Elena?Whydon’tyouvibratedownherewiththerestofus?”
“IfonlyIcould,”whisperedElena,liftingherheadandlookingathimwithhatred.
“Oh,well.MeanwhileI’vegotyourfriends.Suewassuchasweetgirl,Ihear.”Helickedhislips.“AndVickiewasdelectable.Delicatebutfullbodied,withanicebouquet.Morelikeanineteen-year-oldthanseventeen.”
Stefanlungedonestepforward,butElenacaughthim.“Stefan,don’t!Thisishisterritory,andhismentalpowersarestrongerthanours.Hecontrolsit.”
“Precisely.Thisismyterritory.Unreality.”Klausgrinned,hisstaringpsychoticgrinagain.“Whereyourwildestnightmarescometrue,freeofcharge.Forinstance,”hesaid,lookingatStefan,“how’dyouliketoseewhatyoursweetheartreallylookslikerightnow?Withouthermakeup?”
Elenamadeasoftsound,almostamoan.Stefanheldhertighter.
“It’sbeenhowlongsinceshedied?Aboutsixmonths?Doyouknowwhathappenstoabodyonceit’sbeeninthegroundsixmonths?”Klauslickedhislipsagain,likeadog.
NowStefanunderstood.Elenashivered,headbent,andtriedtomoveawayfromhim,buthelockedhisarmsaroundher.
“It’sallright,”hesaidtohersoftly.AndtoKlaus:“You’reforgettingyourself.I’mnotahumanwhojumpsatshadowsandthesightofblood.Iknowaboutdeath,Klaus.Itdoesn’tfrightenme.”
“No,butdoesitthrillyou?”Klaus’svoicedropped,low,intoxicating.“Isn’titexciting,thestench,therot,thefluidsofdecomposingflesh?Isn’titakick?”
“Stefan,letmego.Please.”Elenawasshaking,pushingathimwithherhands,allthetimekeepingherheadtwistedawaysohecouldn’tseeherface.Hervoicesoundedclosetotears.“Please.”
“TheonlyPoweryouhavehereisthepowerofillusion,”StefansaidtoKlaus.HeheldElenatohim,cheekpressedtoherhair.Hecouldfeelthechangesinthebodyheembraced.ThehairunderhischeekseemedtocoarsenandElena’sformtoshrinkonitself.
“Incertainsoilstheskincantanlikeleather,”Klausassuredhim,brighteyed,grinning.
“Stefan,Idon’twantyoutolookatme—”
EyesonKlaus,StefangentlypushedthecoarsenedwhitehairawayandstrokedthesideofElena’sface,ignoringtheroughnessagainsthisfingertips.
“Butofcoursemostofthetimeitjustdecomposes.Whatawaytogo.Youloseeverything,skin,flesh,muscles,internalorgans—allbackintotheground….”
ThebodyinStefan’sarmswasdwindling.Heshuthiseyesandheldtighter,hatredforKlausburninginsidehim.Anillusion,itwasallanillusion….
“Stefan…”Itwasadrywhisper,faintasthescratchofpaperblowndownasidewalk.Ithungontheairaminuteandthenvanished,andStefanfoundhimselfholdingapileofbones.
“Andfinallyitendsuplikethat,inovertwohundredseparate,easy-to-assemblepieces.Comeswithitsownhandy-dandycarryingcase….”Onthefarsideofthecircleoflighttherewasacreakingsound.Thewhitecoffintherewasopeningbyitself,thelidlifting.“Whydon’tyoudothehonors,Salvatore?GoputElenawhereshebelongs.”
Stefanhaddroppedtohisknees,shaking,lookingattheslenderwhitebonesinhishands.Itwasallanillusion—KlauswasmerelycontrollingBonnie’stranceandshowingStefanwhathewantedStefantosee.Hehadn’treallyhurtElena,butthehot,protectivefuryinsideStefanwouldn’trecognizethat.Carefully,Stefanlaidthefragilebonesonthegroundandtouchedthemonce,gently.ThenhelookedupatKlaus,lipscurledwithcontempt.
“ThatisnotElena,”hesaid.
“Ofcourseitis.I’drecognizeheranywhere.”Klausspreadhishandsanddeclaimed,“‘knewawoman,lovelyinherbones…’”
“No.”SweatwasbeadingonStefan’sforehead.HeshutoutKlaus’svoiceandconcentrated,fistsclenched,musclescrackingwitheffort.Itwaslikepushingaboulderuphill,fightingKlaus’sinfluence.Butwheretheylay,thedelicatebonesbegantrembling,andafaintgoldenlightshonearoundthem.
“‘Aragandaboneandahankofhair…thefoolhecalledthemhisladyfair…’”
Thelightwasshimmering,dancing,linkingthebonestogether.Warmandgoldenitfoldedaboutthem,clothingthemastheyroseintheair.Whatstoodtherenowwasafeaturelessformofsoftradiance.SweatranintoStefan’seyesandhefeltasifhislungswouldburst.
“‘Clayliesstill,butblood’sarover….’”
Elena’shair,longandsilkygold,arrangeditselfoverglowingshoulders.Elena’sfeatures,blurredatfirstandthenclearlyfocused,formedontheface.Lovingly,Stefanreconstructedeverydetail.Thicklashes,smallnose,partedlipslikerosepetals.Whitelightswirledaroundthefigure,creatingathingown
“‘Andthecrackintheteacupopensalanetothelandofthedead….’”
“No.”DizzinesssweptoverStefanashefeltthelastsurgeofPowersighoutofhim.Abreathliftedthefigure’sbreastandeyesblueaslapislazuliopened.
Elenasmiled,andhefelttheblazeofherlovearctomeethim.“Stefan.”Herheadwashigh,proudasanyqueen’s.
StefanturnedtoKlaus,whohadstoppedspeakingandwasglaringmutely.
“This,”Stefansaiddistinctly,“isElena.Notwhateveremptyshellshe’sleftbehindintheground.ThisisElena,andnothingyoudocanevertouchher.”
Heheldouthishand,andElenatookitandsteppedtohim.Whentheytouched,hefeltajolt,andthenfeltherPowersflowingintohim,sustaininghim.Theystoodtogether,sidebyside,facingtheblondman.Stefanhadneverfeltasfiercelyvictoriousinhislife,orasstrong.
Klausstaredatthemforperhapstwentysecondsandthenwentberserk.
Hisfacetwistedinloathing.StefancouldfeelwavesofmalignantPowerbatteringagainsthimandElena,andheusedallhisstrengthtoresistit.Themaelstromofdarkfurywastryingtotearthemapart,howlingthroughtheroom,destroyingeverythinginitspath.Candlessnuffedoutandflewintotheairasifcaughtinatornado.Thedreamwasbreakinguparoundthem,shattering.
StefanclungtoElena’sotherhand.Thewindblewherhair,whippingitaroundherface.
“Stefan!”Shewasshouting,tryingtomakeherselfheard.Thenheheardhervoiceinhismind.“Stefan,listentome!Thereisonethingyoucandotostophim.Youneedavictim,Stefan—findoneofhisvictims.Onlyavictimwillknow—”
Thenoiselevelwasunbearable,asiftheveryfabricofspaceandtimewastearing.StefanfeltElena’shandsrippedfromhis.Withacryofdesperation,hereachedoutforheragain,buthecouldfeelnothing.HewasalreadydrainedbytheeffortoffightingKlaus,andhecouldn’tholdontoconsciousness.Thedarknesstookhimspinningdownwithit.
Bonniehadseeneverything.
Itwasstrange,butonceshesteppedasidetoletStefangotoElena,sheseemedtolosephysicalpresenceinthedream.Itwasasifshewerenolongeraplayerbutthestagetheactionwasbeingplayedupon.Shecouldwatch,butshecouldn’tdoanythingelse.
Intheend,she’dbeenafraid.Shewasn’tstrongenoughtoholdthedreamtogether,andthewholethingfinallyexploded,throwingheroutofthetrance,backintoStefan’sroom.
Hewaslyingonthefloorandhelookeddead.Sowhite,sostill.ButwhenBonnietuggedathim,tryingtogethimonthebed,hischestheavedandsheheardhimsuckinagaspingbreath.
“Stefan?Areyouokay?”
Helookedwildlyaroundtheroomasiftryingtofindsomething.“Elena!”hesaid,andthenhestopped,memoryclearlyreturning.
Hisfacetwisted.ForonedreadfulinstantBonniethoughthewasgoingtocry,butheonlyshuthiseyesanddroppedhisheadintohishands.
“Ilosther.Icouldn’tholdon.”
“Iknow.”Bonniewatchedhimamoment,then,gatheringhercourage,kneltinfrontofhim,touchinghisshoulders.“I’msorry.”
Hisheadliftedabruptly,hisgreeneyesdrybutsodilatedtheylookedblack.Hisnostrilswereflared,hislipsdrawnbackfromhisteeth.
“Klaus!”Hespatthenameasifitwereacurse.“Didyouseehim?”
“Yes,”Bonniesaid,pullingback.Shegulped,herstomachchurning.“He’scrazy,isn’the,Stefan?”
“Yes.”Stefangotup.“Andhemustbestopped.”
“Buthow?”SinceseeingKlaus,Bonniewasmorefrightenedthanever,morefrightenedandlessconfident.“Whatcouldstophim,Stefan?I’veneverfeltanythinglikethatPower.”
“Butdidn’tyou—?”Stefanturnedtoherquickly.“Bonnie,didn’tyouhearwhatElenasaidattheend?”
“No.Whatdoyoumean?Icouldn’thearanything;therewasaslighthurricanegoingonatthetime.”
“Bonnie…”Stefan’seyeswentdistantwithspeculationandhespokeasiftohimself.“Thatmeansthatheprobablydidn’theariteither.Sohedoesn’tknow,andhewon’ttrytostopus.”
“Fromwhat?Stefan,whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Fromfindingavictim.Listen,Bonnie,ElenatoldmethatifwecanfindasurvivingvictimofKlaus’s,wecanfindawaytostophim.”
Bonniewasincompletelyoverherhead.“But…why?”
“Becausevampiresandtheirdonors—theirprey—sharemindsbrieflywhilethebloodisbeingexchanged.Sometimesthedonorcanlearnthingsaboutthevampirethatway.Notalways,butoccasionally.That’swhatmusthavehappened,andElenaknowsit.”
“That’sallverywellandgood—exceptforonesmallthing,”Bonniesaidtartly.“WillyoupleasetellmewhoonearthcouldhavesurvivedanattackbyKlaus?”
SheexpectedStefantobedeflated,buthewasn’t.“Avampire,”hesaidsimply.“AhumanKlausmadeintoavampirewouldqualifyasavictim.Aslongasthey’veexchangedblood,they’vetouchedminds.”
“Oh.Oh.So…ifwecanfindavampirehe’smade…butwhere?”
“MaybeinEurope.”Stefanbegantopacearoundtheroom,hiseyesnarrowed.“Klaushasalonghistory,andsomeofhisvampiresareboundtobethere.Imayhavetogoandlookforone.”
Bonniewasutterlydismayed.“ButStefan,youcan’tleaveus.Youcan’t!”
Stefanstoppedwherehewas,acrosstheroom,andstoodverystill.Thenatlast,heturnedtofaceher.“Idon’twantto,”hesaidquietly.“Andwe’lltrytothinkofanothersolutionfirst—maybewecangetholdofTyleragain.I’llwaitaweek,untilnextSaturday.ButImayhavetoleave,Bonnie.YouknowthataswellasIdo.”
Therewasalong,longsilencebetweenthem.Bonniefoughttheheatinhereyes,determinedtobegrownupandmature.Shewasn’tababyandshewouldprovethatnow,onceandforall.ShecaughtStefan’sgazeandslowlynodded.13
June19,Friday,11:45p.m.
DearDiary,
Oh,God,whatarewegoingtodo?
Thishasbeenthelongestweekofmylife.TodaywasthelastdayofschoolandtomorrowStefanisleaving.He’sgoingtoEuropetosearchforavampirewhogotchangedbyKlaus.Hesayshedoesn’twanttoleaveusunprotected.Buthe’sgoingtogo.
Wecan’tfindTyler.Hiscardisappearedfromthecemetery,buthehasn’tturnedupatschool.He’smissedeveryfinalthisweek.Notthattherestofusaredoingmuchbetter.IwishRobertE.Leewasliketheschoolsthathavealltheirfinalsbeforegraduation.Idon’tknowwhetherI’mwritingEnglishorSwahilithesedays.
IhateKlaus.FromwhatIsawhe’sascrazyasKatherine—andevencrueler.WhathedidtoVickie—butIcan’teventalkaboutthatorI’llstartcryingagain.HewasjustplayingwithusatCaroline’sparty,likeacatwithamouse.AndtodoitonMeredith’sbirthday,too—althoughIsupposehecouldn’thaveknownthat.Heseemstoknowalot,though.Hedoesn’ttalklikeaforeigner,notlikeStefandidwhenhefirstcametoAmerica,andheknowsallaboutAmericanthings,evensongsfromthefifties.Maybehe’sbeenoverhereforawhile…
Bonniestoppedwriting.Shethoughtdesperately.Allthistime,theyhadbeenthinkingofvictimsinEurope,ofvampires.ButfromthewayKlaustalked,hehadobviouslybeeninAmericaalongtime.Hedidn’tsoundforeignatall.Andhe’dchosentoattackthegirlsonMeredith’sbirthday…
Bonniegotup,reachedforthetelephone,andcalledMeredith’snumber.Asleepymalevoiceanswered.
“Mr.Sulez,thisisBonnie.CanIspeaktoMeredith?”
“Bonnie!Don’tyouknowwhattimeitis?”
“Yes.”Bonniethoughtquickly.“Butit’sabout—aboutafinalwehadtoday.Please,Ihavetotalkwithher.”
Therewasalongpause,thenaheavysigh.“Justaminute.”
Bonnietappedherfingersimpatientlyasshewaited.Atlasttherewastheclickofanotherphonebeingpickedup.
“Bonnie?”cameMeredith’svoice.“What’swrong?”
“Nothing.Imean—”Bonniewasexcruciatinglyconsciousoftheopenline,ofthefactthatMeredith’sfatherhadn’thungup.Hemightbelistening.“It’sabout—thatGermanproblemwe’vebeenworkingon.Youremember.Theonewecouldn’tfigureoutforthefinal.Youknowhowwe’vebeenlookingfortheonepersonwhocanhelpussolveit?Well,IthinkIknowwhoitis.”
“Youdo?”BonniecouldsenseMeredithscramblingfortherightwords.“Well—whoisit?Doesitinvolveanylong-distancecalls?”
“No,”Bonniesaid,“itdoesn’t.Ithitsalotclosertohome,Meredith.Alot.Infact,youcouldsayit’srightinyourownbackyard,hangingonyourfamilytree.”
ThelinewassilentsolongBonniewonderedifMeredithwasstillthere.“Meredith?”
“I’mthinking.Doesthissolutionhaveanythingtodowithcoincidence?”
“Nope.”Bonnierelaxedandsmiledslightly,grimly.Meredithhaditnow.“Notathingtodowithcoincidence.It’smoreacaseofhistoryrepeatingitself.Deliberatelyrepeatingitself,ifyouseewhatImean.”
“Yes,”Meredithsaid.Shesoundedasifshewererecoveringfromashock,andnowonder.“Youknow,Ithinkyoujustmayberight.Butthere’sstillthematterofpersuading—thisperson—toactuallyhelpus.”
“Youthinkthatmaybeaproblem?”
“Ithinkitcould.Sometimespeoplegetveryrattled—aboutatest.Sometimestheyevenkindoflosetheirminds.”
Bonnie’sheartsank.Thiswassomethingthathadn’toccurredtoher.Whatifhecouldn’ttellthem?Whatifhewerethatfargone?
“Allwecandoistry,”shesaid,makinghervoiceasoptimisticaspossible.“Tomorrowwe’llhavetotry.”
“Allright.I’llpickyouupatnoon.Goodnight,Bonnie.”
“Night,Meredith.”Bonnieadded,“I’msorry.”
“No,Ithinkitmaybeforthebest.Sothathistorydoesn’tcontinuetorepeatitselfforever.Good-bye.”
Bonniepressedthedisconnectbuttononthehandset,clickingitoff.Thenshejustsatforafewminutes,herfingeronthebutton,staringatthewall.Finallyshereplacedthehandsetinitscradleandpickedupherdiaryagain.Sheputaperiodonthelastsentenceandaddedanewone.
WearegoingtoseeMeredith’sgrandfathertomorrow.
“I’manidiot,”StefansaidinMeredith’scarthenextday.TheyweregoingtoWestVirginia,totheinstitutionwhereMeredith’sgrandfatherwasapatient.Itwasgoingtobeafairlylongdrive.
“We’reallidiots.ExceptBonnie,”Mattsaid.EveninthemidstofheranxietyBonniefeltawarmglowatthat.
ButMeredithwasshakingherhead,eyesontheroad.“Stefan,youcouldn’thaverealized,sostopbeatinguponyourself.Youdidn’tknowthatKlausattackedCaroline’spartyontheanniversaryoftheattackonmygrandfather.Anditdidn’toccurtoMattormethatKlauscouldhavebeeninAmericaforsolongbecauseweneversawKlausorheardhimspeak.WewerethinkingofpeoplehecouldhaveattackedinEurope.Really,Bonniewastheonlyonewhocouldhaveputitalltogether,becauseshehadalltheinformation.”
Bonniestuckouthertongue.Meredithcaughtitintherearviewmirrorandarchedaneyebrow.“Justdon’twantyougettingtoococky,”shesaid.
“Iwon’t;modestyisoneofmymostcharmingqualities,”Bonniereplied.
Mattsnorted,butthenhesaid,“Istillthinkitwasprettysmart,”whichstartedtheglowalloveragain.
Theinstitutionwasaterribleplace.Bonnietriedashardasshecouldtoconcealherhorroranddisgust,butsheknewMeredithcouldsenseit.Meredith’sshoulderswerestiffwithdefensiveprideasshewalkeddownthehallsinfrontofthem.Bonnie,whohadknownherforsomanyyears,couldseethehumiliationunderneaththatpride.Meredith’sparentsconsideredhergrandfather’sconditionsuchablotthattheyneverallowedhimtobementionedtooutsiders.Ithadbeenashadowovertheentirefamily.
AndnowMeredithwasshowingthatsecrettostrangersforthefirsttime.Bonniefeltarushofloveandadmirationforherfriend.ItwassolikeMeredithtodoitwithoutfuss,withdignity,lettingnobodyseewhatitcosther.Buttheinstitutionwasstillterrible.
Itwasn’tfilthyorfilledwithravingmaniacsoranythinglikethat.Thepatientslookedcleanandwellcaredfor.ButtherewassomethingaboutthesterilehospitalsmellsandthehallscrowdedwithmotionlesswheelchairsandblankeyesthatmadeBonniewanttorun.
Itwaslikeabuildingfullofzombies.Bonniesawoneoldwoman,herpinkscalpshowingthroughthinwhitehair,slumpedwithherheadonthetablenexttoanakedplasticdoll.WhenBonniereachedoutdesperately,shefoundMatt’shandalreadyreachingforhers.TheyfollowedMerediththatway,holdingonsohardithurt.
“Thisishisroom.”
Insidewasanotherzombie,thisonewithwhitehairthatstillshowedanoccasionalfleckofblacklikeMeredith’s.Hisfacewasamassofwrinklesandlines,theeyesrheumyandrimmedwithscarlet.Theystaredvacantly.
“Granddad,”Meredithsaid,kneelinginfrontofhiswheelchair.“Granddad,it’sme,Meredith.I’vecometovisityou.I’vegotsomethingimportanttoaskyou.”
Theoldeyesneverflickered.
“Sometimesheknowsus,”Meredithsaidquietly,withoutemotion.“Butmostlythesedayshedoesn’t.”
Theoldmanjustwentonstaring.
Stefandroppedtohisheels.“Letmetry,”hesaid.Lookingintothewrinkledfacehebegantospeak,softly,soothingly,ashehadtoVickie.
Butthefilmydarkeyesdidn’tsomuchasblink.Theyjustwentonstaringaimlessly.Theonlymovementwasaslight,continuoustremorintheknottedhandsonthearmsofthewheelchair.
AndnomatterwhatMeredithorStefandid,thatwasalltheresponsetheycouldelicit.
EventuallyBonnietried,usingherpsychicpowers.Shecouldsensesomethingintheoldman,somesparkoflifetrappedintheimprisoningflesh.Butshecouldn’treachit.
“I’msorry,”shesaid,sittingbackandpushinghairoutofhereyes.“It’snouse.Ican’tdoanything.”
“Maybewecancomeanothertime,”Mattsaid,butBonnieknewitwasn’ttrue.Stefanwasleavingtomorrow;therewouldneverbeanothertime.Andithadseemedlikesuchagoodidea….Theglowthathadwarmedherearlierwasashesnow,andherheartfeltlikealumpoflead.SheturnedawaytoseeStefanalreadystartingoutoftheroom.
Mattputahandunderherelbowtohelpherupandguideherout.Andafterstandingforaminutewithherheadbentindiscouragement,Bonnielethim.Itwashardtosummonupenoughenergytoputonefootinfrontoftheother.SheglancedbackdullytoseewhetherMeredithwasfollowing—
Andscreamed.Meredithwasstandinginthecenteroftheroom,facingthedoor,discouragementwrittenonherface.Butbehindher,thefigureinthewheelchairhadstirredatlast.Inasilentexplosionofmovement,ithadrearedaboveher,therheumyoldeyesopenwideandthemouthopenwider.Meredith’sgrandfatherlookedasifhehadbeencaughtintheactofleaping—armsflungout,mouthformingasilenthowl.Bonnie’sscreamsrangfromtherafters.
Everythinghappenedatoncethen.Stefancamechargingbackin,Meredithspunaround,Mattgrabbedforher.Buttheoldfiguredidn’tleap.Hestoodtoweringaboveallofthem,staringovertheirheads,seemingtoseesomethingnoneofthemcould.Soundswerecomingfromhismouthatlast,soundsthatformedoneululatingword.
“Vampire!Vampüüre!”
Attendantswereintheroom,crowdingBonnieandtheothersaway,restrainingtheoldman.Theirshoutsaddedtothepandemonium.
“Vampire!Vampire!”Meredith’sgrandfathercaterwauled,asifwarningthetown.Bonniefeltpanicked—washelookingatStefan?Wasitanaccusation?
“Please,you’llhavetoleavenow.I’msorry,butyou’llhavetogo,”anursewassaying.Theywerebeingwhiskedout.Meredithfoughtasshewasforcedoutintothehall.
“Granddaddy—!”
“Vampire!”thatunearthlyvoicewailedon.
Andthen:“Whiteashwood!Vampire!Whiteashwood—”
Thedoorslammedshut.
Meredithgasped,fightingtears.BonniehadhernailsdugintoMatt’sarm.Stefanturnedtothem,greeneyeswidewithshock.
“Isaid,you’llhavetoleavenow,”theharassednursewasrepeatingimpatiently.Thefourofthemignoredher.Theywerealllookingateachother,stunnedconfusiongivingwaytorealizationintheirfaces.
“Tylersaidtherewasonlyonekindofwoodthatcouldhurthim—”Mattbegan.
“Whiteashwood,”saidStefan.
“We’llhavetofindoutwherehe’shiding,”Stefansaidonthewayhome.Hewasdriving,sinceMeredithhaddroppedthekeysatthecardoor.“That’sthefirstthing.Ifwerushthis,wecouldwarnhimoff.”
Hisgreeneyeswereshiningwithaqueermixtureoftriumphandgrimdetermination,andhespokeinaclippedandrapidvoice.Theywereallontheraggededge,Bonniethought,asifthey’dbeengulpinguppersallnight.Theirnerveswerefrayedsothinthatanythingcouldhappen.
Shehadasense,too,ofimpendingcataclysm.Asifeverythingwerecomingtoahead,alltheeventssinceMeredith’sbirthdaypartygatheringtoaconclusion.
Tonight,shethought.Tonightitallhappens.Itseemedstrangelyappropriatethatitshouldbetheeveofthesolstice.
“Theeveofwhat?”Mattsaid.
Shehadn’tevenrealizedshe’dspokenaloud.“Theeveofthesolstice,”shesaid.“That’swhattodayis.Thedaybeforethesummersolstice.”
“Don’ttellme.Druids,right?”
“Theycelebratedit,”Bonnieconfirmed.“It’sadayformagic,formarkingthechangeoftheseasons.And…”Shehesitated.“Well,it’slikeallotherfeastdays,likeHalloweenorthewintersolstice.Adaywhenthelinebetweenthevisibleworldandtheinvisibleworldisthin.Whenyoucanseeghosts,theyusedtosay.Whenthingshappen.”
“Things,”Stefansaid,turningontothemainhighwaythatheadedbacktowardFell’sChurch,“aregoingtohappen.”
Noneofthemrealizedhowsoon.
Mrs.Flowerswasinthebackgarden.Theyhaddrivenstraighttotheboardinghousetolookforher.Shewaspruningrosebushes,andthesmellofsummersurroundedher.
Shefrownedandblinkedwhentheyallcrowdedaroundherandaskedherinarushwheretofindawhiteashtree.
“Slowdown,slowdownnow,”shesaid,peeringatthemfromunderthebrimofherstrawhat.“Whatisityouwant?Whiteash?There’sonejustdownbeyondthoseoaktreesinback.Now,waitaminute—”sheaddedastheyallscrambledoffagain.
Stefanringedabranchofthetreewithajack-knifeMattproducedfromhispocket.Iwonderwhenhestartedcarryingthat?Bonniethought.ShealsowonderedwhatMrs.Flowersthoughtofthemastheycameback,thetwoboyscarryingtheleafysix-footboughbetweenthemontheirshoulders.
ButMrs.Flowersjustlookedwithoutsayinganything.Astheynearedthehouse,though,shecalledafterthem,“Apackagecameforyou,boy.”
Stefanturnedhishead,thebranchstillonhisshoulder.“Forme?”
“Ithadyournameonit.Apackageandaletter.Ifoundthemonthefrontporchthisafternoon.Iputthemupstairsinyourroom.”
BonnielookedatMeredith,thenatMattandStefan,meetingtheirbewildered,suspiciousgazesinturn.Theanticipationintheairheightenedsuddenly,almostunbearably.
“Butwhocoulditbefrom?Whocouldevenknowyou’rehere—”shebeganastheyclimbedthestairstotheattic.Andthenshestopped,dreadflutteringbetweenherribs.Premonitionwasbuzzingaroundinsideherlikeanaggingfly,butshepusheditaway.Notnow,shethought,notnow.
ButtherewasnowaytokeepfromseeingthepackageonStefan’sdesk.Theboysproppedthewhiteashbranchagainstthewallandwenttolookatit,alongish,flattishparcelwrappedinbrownpaper,withacreamyenvelopeontop.
Onthefront,infamiliarcrazyhandwriting,wasscrawledStefan.
Thehandwritingfromthemirror.
Theyallstoodstaringdownatthepackageasifitwereascorpion.
“Watchout,”MeredithsaidasStefanslowlyreachedforit.Bonnieknewwhatshemeant.Shefeltasifthewholethingmightexplodeorbelchpoisonousgasorturnintosomethingwithteethandclaws.
TheenvelopeStefanpickedupwassquareandsturdy,madeofgoodpaperwithafinefinish.Likeaprince’sinvitationtotheball,Bonniethought.Butincongruously,therewereseveraldirtyfingerprintsonthesurfaceandtheedgesweregrimy.Well—Klaushadn’tlookedanytoocleaninthedream.
Stefanglancedatfrontandbackandthentoretheenvelopeopen.Hepulledoutasinglepieceofheavystationery.Theotherthreecrowdedaround,lookingoverhisshoulderasheunfoldedit.ThenMattgaveanexclamation.
“Whatthe…it’sblank!”
Itwas.Onbothsides.Stefanturneditoverandexaminedeach.Hisfacewastense,shuttered.Everyoneelserelaxed,though,makingnoisesofdisgust.Astupidpracticaljoke.Meredithhadreachedforthepackage,whichlookedflatenoughtobeemptyaswell,whenStefansuddenlystiffened,hisbreathhissingin.Bonnieglancedquicklyoverandjumped.Meredith’shandfrozeonthepackage,andMattswore.
Ontheblankpaper,heldtautlybetweenStefan’stwohands,letterswereappearing.Theywereblackwithlongdownstrokes,asifeachwerebeingslashedbyaninvisibleknifewhileBonniewatched.Asshereadthem,thedreadinsidehergrew.
Stefan—
Shallwetrytosolvethislikegentlemen?Ihavethegirl.Cometotheoldfarmhouseinthewoodsafterdarkandwe’lltalk,justthetwoofus.ComealoneandI’lllethergo.Bringanyoneelseandshedies.
Therewasnosignature,butatthebottomthewordsappeared:Thisisbetweenyouandme.
“Whatgirl?”Mattwasdemanding,lookingfromBonnietoMeredithasiftomakesuretheywerestillthere.“Whatgirl?”
Withasharpmotion,Meredith’selegantfingerstorethepackageopenandpulledoutwhatwasinside.Apalegreenscarfwithapatternofvinesandleaves.Bonnieremembereditperfectly,andavisioncametoherinarush.Confettiandbirthdaypresents,orchidsandchocolate.
“Caroline,”shewhispered,andshuthereyes.
Theselasttwoweekshadbeensostrange,sodifferentfromordinaryhighschoollifethatshehadalmostforgottenCarolineexisted.Carolinehadgoneofftoanapartmentinanothertowntoescape,tobesafe—butMeredithhadsaidittoherinthebeginning.HecanfollowyoutoHeron,I’msure.
“Hewasjustplayingwithusagain,”Bonniemurmured.“Heletusgetthisfar,evengoingtoseeyourgrandfather,Meredith,andthen…”
“Hemusthaveknown,”Meredithagreed.“Hemusthaveknownallalongwewerelookingforavictim.Andnowhe’scheckmatedus.Unless—”Herdarkeyeslitwithsuddenhope.“Bonnie,youdon’tthinkCarolinecouldhavedroppedthisscarfthenightoftheparty?Andthathejustpickeditup?”
“No.”ThepremonitionwasbuzzingcloserandBonnieswattedatit,tryingtokeepitaway.Shedidn’twantit,didn’twanttoknow.Butshefeltcertainofonething:thiswasn’tabluff.KlaushadCaroline.
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”shesaidsoftly.
“Iknowwhatwe’renotgoingtodo,andthat’slistentohim,”Mattsaid.“‘Trytosolveitlikegentlemen’—he’sscum,notagentleman.It’satrap.”
“Ofcourseit’satrap,”Meredithsaidimpatiently.“Hewaiteduntilwefoundouthowtohurthimandnowhe’stryingtoseparateus.Butitwon’twork!”
BonniehadbeenwatchingStefan’sfacewithgrowingdismay.BecausewhileMattandMeredithwereindignantlytalking,hehadbeenquietlyfoldinguptheletterandputtingitbackinitsenvelope.Nowhestoodgazingdownatit,hisfacestill,untouchedbyanythingthatwasgoingonaroundhim.AndthelookinhisgreeneyesscaredBonnie.
“Wecanmakeitbackfireonhim,”Mattwassaying.“Right,Stefan?Don’tyouthink?”
“Ithink,”saidStefancarefully,concentratingoneachword,“thatIamgoingouttothewoodsafterdark.”
Mattnodded,andlikethequarterbackhewas,begantochartoutaplan.“Okay,yougodistracthim.Andmeanwhile,thethreeofus—”
“Thethreeofyou,”Stefancontinuedjustasdeliberately,lookingrightathim,“aregoinghome.Tobed.”
TherewasapausethatseemedendlesstoBonnie’stautnerves.TheothersjuststaredatStefan.
AtlastMeredithsaidlightly,“Well,it’sgoingtobehardtocatchhimwhilewe’reinbedunlesshe’skindenoughtocomevisiting.”
ThatbrokethetensionandMattsaid,drawingalong-sufferingbreath,“Allright,Stefan,Iunderstandhowyoufeelaboutthis—”ButStefaninterrupted.
“I’mdeadserious,Matt.Klausisright;thisisbetweenhimandme.Andhesaystocomealoneorhe’llhurtCaroline.SoI’mgoingalone.It’smydecision.”
“It’syourfuneral,”Bonnieblurtedout,almosthysterically.“Stefan,you’recrazy.Youcan’t.”
“Watchme.”
“Wewon’tletyou—”
“Doyouthink,”Stefansaid,lookingather,“thatyoucouldstopmeifyoutried?”
Thissilencewasacutelyuncomfortable.Staringathim,BonniefeltasifStefanhadchangedsomehowbeforehereyes.Hisfaceseemedsharper,hisposturedifferent,asiftoremindherofthelithe,hardpredator’smusclesunderhisclothes.Allatonceheseemeddistant,alien.Frightening.
Bonnielookedaway.
“Let’sbereasonableaboutthis,”Mattwassaying,changingtactics.“Let’sjuststaycalmandtalkthisover—”
“There’snothingtotalkover.I’mgoing.You’renot.”
“Youoweusmorethanthat,Stefan,”Meredithsaid,andBonniefeltgratefulforhercoolvoice.“Okay,soyoucantearusalllimbfromlimb;fine,noargument.Wegetthepoint.Butafterallwe’vebeenthroughtogether,wedeservemoreofathoroughdiscussionbeforeyougorunningoff.”
“Yousaiditwasthegirls’fighttoo,”Mattadded.“Whendidyoudecideitwasn’t?”
“WhenIfoundoutwhothekillerwas!”Stefansaid.“It’sbecauseofmethatKlausishere.”
“No,itisn’t!”Bonniecried.“DidyoumakeElenakillKatherine?”
“ImadeKatherinegobacktoKlaus!That’showthisgotstarted.AndIgotCarolineinvolved;ifitwasn’tforme,shewouldneverhavehatedElena,neverhavegotteninwithTyler.Ihavearesponsibilitytowardher.”
“Youjustwanttobelievethat,”Bonniealmostyelled.“Klaushatesallofus!Doyoureallythinkhe’sgoingtoletyouwalkoutofthere?Doyouthinkheplanstoleavetherestofusalone?”
“No,”Stefansaid,andpickedupthebranchleaningagainstthewall.HetookMatt’sknifeoutofhisownpocketandbegantostripthetwigsoff,makingitintoastraightwhitespear.
“Oh,great,you’regoingoffforsinglecombat!”Mattsaid,furious.“Don’tyouseehowstupidthatis?You’rewalkingrightintohistrap!”HeadvancedasteponStefan.“Youmaynotthinkthatthethreeofuscanstopyou—”
“No,Matt.”Meredith’slow,levelvoicecutacrosstheroom.“Itwon’tdoanygood.”Stefanlookedather,themusclesaroundhiseyeshardening,butshejustlookedback,herfacesetandcalm.“Soyou’redeterminedtomeetKlausfacetoface,Stefan.Allright.Butbeforeyougo,atleastbesureyouhaveafightingchance.”Coolly,shebegantounbuttontheneckofhertailoredblouse.
Bonniefeltajolt,eventhoughshe’dofferedthesamethingonlyaweekearlier.Butthathadbeeninprivate,forGod’ssake,shethought.Thensheshrugged.Publicorprivate,whatdifferencediditmake?
ShelookedatMatt,whosefacereflectedhisconsternation.ThenshesawMatt’sbrowcreaseandthebeginningofthatstubborn,bullheadedexpressionthatusedtoterrifythecoachesofopposingfootballteams.Hisblueeyesturnedtohersandshenodded,thrustingoutherchin.Withoutaword,sheunzippedthelightwind-breakershewaswearingandMattpulledoffhisT-shirt.
Stefanstaredfromonetoanotherofthethreepeoplegrimlydisrobinginhisroom,tryingtoconcealhisownshock.Butheshookhishead,thewhitespearinfrontofhimlikeaweapon.“No.”
“Don’tbeajerk,Stefan,”Mattsnapped.EvenintheconfusionofthisterriblemomentsomethinginsideBonniepausedtoadmirehisbarechest.“There’sthreeofus.Youshouldbeabletotakeplentywithouthurtinganyoneofus.”
“Isaid,no!Notforrevenge,andnottofightevilwithevil!Notforanyreason.Ithoughtyouwouldunderstandthat.”Stefan’slookatMattwasbitter.
“Iunderstandthatyou’regoingtodieoutthere!”Mattshouted.
“He’sright!”Bonniepressedherknucklesagainstherlips.Thepremonitionwasgettingthroughherdefenses.Shedidn’twanttoletitin,butshedidn’thavethestrengthtoresistanymore.Withashudder,shefeltitstabthroughandheardthewordsinhermind.
“Noonecanfighthimandlive,”shesaidpainfully.“That’swhatVickiesaid,andit’strue.Ifeelit,Stefan.Noonecanfighthimandlive!”
Foramoment,justamoment,shethoughthemightlistentoher.Thenhisfacewenthardagainandhespokecoldly.
“Itisn’tyourproblem.Letmeworryaboutit.”
“Butifthere’snowaytowin—”Mattbegan.
“Thatisn’twhatBonniesaid!”Stefanrepliedtersely.
“Yes,itis!Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”Mattshouted.ItwashardtomakeMattlosehistemper,butoncelostitwasn’teasilygottenback.“Stefan,I’vehadenough—”
“AndsohaveI!”Stefanshotbackinaroar.InatoneBonniehadneverheardhimusebefore.“I’msickofyouall,sickofyourbickeringandyourspinelessness—andyourpremonitions,too!Thisismyproblem.”
“Ithoughtwewereateam—”Mattcried.
“Wearenotateam.Youareabunchofstupidhumans!Evenwitheverythingthat’shappenedtoyou,deepdownyoujustwanttoliveyoursafelittlelivesinyoursafelittlehousesuntilyougotoyoursafelittlegraves!I’mnothinglikeyouandIdon’twanttobe!I’veputupwithyouthislongbecauseIhadto,butthisistheend.”Helookedateachofthemandspokedeliberately,emphasizingeachword.“Idon’tneedanyofyou.Idon’twantyouwithme,andIdon’twantyoufollowingme.You’llonlyspoilmystrategy.Anyonewhodoesfollowme,I’llkill.”
Andwithonelastsmolderingglance,heturnedonhisheelandwalkedout.14
“He’sgoneroundthebend,”Mattsaid,staringattheemptydoorwaythroughwhichStefanhaddisappeared.
“No,hehasn’t,”saidMeredith.Hervoicewasruefulandquiet,buttherewasakindofhelplesslaughinittoo.“Don’tyouseewhathe’sdoing,Matt?”shesaidwhenheturnedtoher.“Yellingatus,makingushatehimtotryandchaseusaway.Beingasnastyaspossiblesowe’llstaymadandlethimdothisalone.”Sheglancedatthedoorwayandraisedhereyebrows.“‘Anyonewhodoesfollowme,I’llkill’wasgoingabitoverboard,though.”
Bonniegiggledsuddenly,wildly,inspiteofherself.“IthinkheborroweditfromDamon.‘Getthisstraight,Idon’tneedanyofyou!’”
“‘Youbunchofstupidhumans,’”Mattadded.“ButIstilldon’tunderstand.Youjusthadapremonition,Bonnie,andStefandoesn’tusuallydiscountthose.Ifthere’snowaytofightandwin,what’sthepointofgoing?”
“Bonniedidn’tsaytherewasnowaytofightandwin.Shesaidtherewasnowaytofightandsurvive.Right,Bonnie?”Meredithlookedather.
Thefitofgigglesdissolvedaway.Startledherself,Bonnietriedtoexaminethepremonition,butsheknewnomorethanthewordsthathadsprungintohermind.Noonecanfighthimandlive.
“YoumeanStefanthinks—”Slow,thunderousoutragewassmolderinginMatt’seyes.“Hethinkshe’sgoingtogoandstopKlauseventhoughhegetskilledhimself?Likesomesacrificiallamb?”
“MorelikeElena,”Meredithsaidsoberly.“Andmaybe—sohecanbewithher.”
“Huh-uh.”Bonnieshookherhead.Shemightnotknowmoreabouttheprophecy,butthissheknew.“Hedoesn’tthinkthat,I’msure.Elena’sspecial.Sheiswhatsheisbecauseshediedtooyoung;sheleftsomuchunfinishedinherownlife,and—well,she’saspecialcase.ButStefan’sbeenavampireforfivehundredyears,andhecertainlywouldn’tbedyingyoung.There’snoguaranteehe’dendupwithElena.Hemightgotoanotherplaceor—orjustgoout.Andheknowsthat.I’msureheknowsthat.Ithinkhe’sjustkeepinghispromisetoher,tostopKlausnomatterwhatitcosts.”
“Totry,atleast,”Mattsaidsoftly,anditsoundedasifhewerequoting.“Evenifyouknowyou’regoingtolose.”Helookedupatthegirlssuddenly.“I’mgoingaftermm.”
“Ofcourse,”saidMeredithpatiently.
Matthesitated.“Uh—Idon’tsupposeIcouldconvinceyoutwotostayhere?”
“Afterallthatinspiringtalkaboutteamwork?Notachance.”
“Iwasafraidofthat.So…”
“So,”saidBonnie,“we’reoutofhere.”
Theygatheredwhatweaponstheycould.Matt’spocketknifethatStefanhaddropped,theivoryhilteddaggerfromStefan’sdresser,acarvingknifefromthekitchen.
Outside,therewasnosignofMrs.Flowers.Theskywaspalepurple,shadingtoapricotinthewest.Twilightofthesolsticeeve,Bonniethought,andhairsonherarmstriedtolift.
“Klaussaidtheoldfarmhouseinthewoods—thatmustmeantheFrancherplace,”Mattsaid.“WhereKatherinedumpedStefanintheabandonedwell.”
“Thatmakessense.He’sprobablybeenusingKatherine’stunneltogetbackandforthundertheriver,”Meredithsaid.“UnlessOldOnesaresopowerfultheycancrossrunningwaterwithoutharmingthemselves.”
That’sright,Bonnieremembered,evilthingscouldn’tcrossrunningwater,andthemoreevilyouwere,theharderitwas.“Butwedon’tknowanythingabouttheOriginals,”shesaidaloud.
“No,andthatmeanswe’vegottobecareful,”Mattsaid.“Iknowthesewoodsprettywell,andIknowthepathStefanwillprobablyuse.Ithinkweshouldtakeadifferentone.”
“SoStefanwon’tseeusandkillus?”
“SoKlauswon’tseeus,ornotallofus.Somaybewe’llhaveachanceofgettingtoCaroline.Somehoworotherwe’vegottogetCarolineoutoftheequation;aslongasKlauscanthreatentohurtherhecanmakeStefandoanythinghewants.Andit’salwaysbesttoplanahead,togetajumpontheenemy.Klaussaidmeetthereafterdark;well,we’llbetherebeforedarkandmaybewecansurprisehim.”
Bonniewasdeeplyimpressedbythisstrategy.Nowonderhe’saquarterback,shewasthinking.Iwouldhavejustrushedin,yelling.
Mattpickedoutanalmostinvisiblepathbetweentheoaktrees.Theundergrowthwasespeciallylushthistimeofyear,withmosses,grasses,floweringplants,andferns.BonniehadtotrustthatMattknewwherehewasgoing,becauseshecertainlydidn’t.Above,birdsweregivingonelastburstofsongbeforeseekingoutaroostforthenight.
Itgotdimmer.MothsandlacewingsflutteredpastBonnie’sface.Afterstumblingthroughapatchoftoadstoolscoveredwithfeedingslugs,shewasintenselygratefulthatthistimeshe’dwornjeans.
AtlastMattstoppedthem.“We’regettingclose,”hesaid,hisvoicelow.“There’sasortofbluffwherewecanlookdownandKlausmightnotseeus.Bequietandcareful.”
Bonniehadnevertakensomuchtroubleplacingherfeetbefore.Fortunatelytheleaflitterwaswetandnotcrackly.AfterafewminutesMattdroppedtohisstomachandgesturedforthemtofollow.Bonniekepttellingherself,fiercely,thatshedidn’tmindthecentipedesandearthwormsherslidingfingersdugup,thatshehadnofeelingsonewayoranotheraboutcobwebsintheface.Thiswaslifeanddeath,andshewascompetent.Nodweeb,nobaby,butcompetent.
“Here,”Mattwhispered,hisvoicebarelyaudible.Bonniescootedonherstomachuptohimandlooked.
TheyweregazingdownontheFrancherhomestead—orwhatwasleftofit.Ithadcrumbledintotheearthlongago,takenbackbytheforest.Nowitwasonlyafoundation,buildingstonescoveredwithfloweringweedsandpricklybrambles,andonetallchimneylikealonelymonument.
“Theresheis.Caroline,”MeredithbreathedinBonnie’sotherear.
Carolinewasadimfiguresittingagainstthechimney.Herpalegreendressshowedupinthegatheringdark,butherauburnhairjustlookedblack.Somethingwhiteshoneacrossherface,andafteramomentBonnierealizeditwasagag.Tapeorabandage.Fromherstrangeposture—armsbehindher,legsstretchedstraightoutinfront—Bonniealsoguessedshewastied.
PoorCaroline,shethought,forgivingtheothergirlallthenasty,petty,selfishthingsshe’deverdone,whichwasaprettyconsiderableamountwhenyougotdowntoit.ButBonniecouldn’timagineanythingworsethanbeingabductedbyapsychovampirewho’dalreadykilledtwoofyourclassmates,draggedoutheretothewoodsandbound,andthenlefttowait,withyourlifedependingonanothervampirewhohadfairlygoodreasontohateyou.Afterall,CarolinehadwantedStefaninthebeginning,andhadhatedandtriedtohumiliateElenaforgettinghim.StefanSalvatorewasthelastpersonwhoshouldfeelkindlytowardCarolineForbes.
“Look!”saidMatt.“Isthathim?Klaus?”
Bonniehadseenittoo,arippleofmovementontheoppositesideofthechimney.Asshestrainedhereyesheappeared,hislighttanraincoatflappingghostlikearoundhislegs.HeglanceddownatCarolineandsheshrankfromhim,tryingtoleanaway.HislaughtersoundedsoclearlyinthequietairthatBonnieflinched.
“That’shim,”shewhispered,droppingdownbehindthescreeningferns.“Butwhere’sStefan?It’salmostdarknow.”
“Maybehegotsmartanddecidednottocome,”saidMatt.
“Nosuchluck,”saidMeredith.Shewaslookingthoughthefernstothesouth.Bonnieglancedthatwayherselfandstarted.
Stefanwasstandingattheedgeoftheclearing,havingmaterializedthereasifoutofthinair.NotevenKlaushadseenhimcoming,Bonniethought.Hestoodsilently,makingnoattempttohidehimselforthewhiteashspearhewascarrying.TherewassomethinginhisstanceandthewayhelookedoverthescenebeforehimthatmadeBonnierememberthatinthefifteenthcenturyhe’dbeenanaristocrat,amemberofthenobility.Hesaidnothing,waitingforKlaustonoticehim,refusingtoberushed.
WhenKlausdidturnsouthhewentstill,andBonniegotthefeelinghewassurprisedStefanhadsneakeduponhim.Butthenhelaughedandspreadhisarms.
“Salvatore!Whatacoincidence;Iwasjustthinkingaboutyou!”
Slowly,StefanlookedKlausupanddown,fromthetailsofhistatteredraincoattothetopofhiswindblownhead.WhatStefansaidwas:
“Youaskedforme.I’mhere.Letthegirlgo.”
“DidIsaythat?”Lookinggenuinelysurprised,Klauspressedtwohandstohischest.Thenheshookhishead,chuckling.“Idon’tthinkso.Let’stalkfirst.”
Stefannodded,asifKlaushadconfirmedsomethingbitterhe’dbeenexpecting.Hetookthespearfromhisshoulderandhelditinfrontofhim,handlingtheunwieldylengthofwooddeftly,easily.“I’mlistening,”hesaid.
“Notasdumbashelooks,”Mattmurmuredfrombehindtheferns,anoteofrespectinhisvoice.“Andhe’snotasanxioustogetkilledasIthought,”Mattadded.“He’sbeingcareful.”
KlausgesturedtowardCaroline,thetipsofhisfingersbrushingherauburnhair.“Whydon’tyoucomeheresowedon’thavetoshout?”Buthedidn’tthreatentohurthisprisoner,Bonnienoticed.
“Icanhearyoujustfine,”Stefanreplied.
“Good,”Mattwhispered.“That’sit,Stefan!”
Bonnie,though,wasstudyingCaroline.Thecaptivegirlwasstruggling,tossingherheadbackandforthasifshewerefranticorinpain.ButBonniegotastrangefeelingaboutCaroline’smovements,especiallythoseviolentjerksofthehead,asifthegirlwasstrainingtoreachthesky.Thesky…Bonnie’sgazelifteduptoit,wherefulldarknesshadfallenandawaningmoonshoneoverthetrees.ThatwaswhyshecouldseethatCaroline’shairwasauburnnow:themoonlight,shethought.Then,withashock,hereyesdroppedtothetreejustaboveStefan,whosebrancheswererustlingslightlyintheabsenceofanywind.“Matt?”shewhispered,alarmed.
StefanwasfocusedonKlaus,everysense,everymuscle,everyatomofhisPowerhonedandturnedtowardtheOldOnebeforehim.Butinthattreedirectlyabovehim…
Allthoughtsofstrategy,ofaskingMattwhattodo,fledfromBonnie’smind.Sheboltedupfromherplaceofconcealmentandshouted.
“Stefan!Aboveyou!It’satrap!”
Stefanleapedaside,neatasacat,justassomethingplungeddownontheexactplacehe’dbeenstandinganinstantbefore.Themoonlitthesceneperfectly,enoughforBonnietoseethewhiteofTyler’sbaredteeth.
AndtoseethewhiteflashofKlaus’seyesashewhirledonher.Foronestunnedinstantshestaredathim,andthenlightningcrackled.
Fromanemptysky.
ItwasonlylaterthatBonniewouldrealizethestrangeness—thefearsomeness—ofthis.AtthetimeshescarcelynotedthattheskywasclearandstarsweptandthatthejaggedblueboltthatforkeddownstruckthepalmofKlaus’supraisedhand.Thenextsightshesawwassoterrifyingastoblackeverythingelseout:Klausfoldinghishandoverthatlightning,gatheringitsomehow,andthrowingitather.
Stefanwasyelling,tellinghertogetaway,getaway!Bonnieheardhimwhileshestared,paralyzed,andthensomethinggrabbedherandwrenchedheraside.Theboltsnappedoverherhead,withasoundlikeagiantwhipcrackingandasmelllikeozone.ShelandedfacedowninmossandrolledovertograspMeredith’shandandthankMeredithforsavingher,onlytofindthatitwasMatt.
“Stayhere!Righthere!”heshouted,andboundedaway.
Thosedreadedwords.TheycatapultedBonnierightup,andshewasrunningafterhimbeforesheknewwhatshewasdoing.
Andthentheworldturnedintochaos.
KlaushadwhirledbackonStefan,whowasgrapplingwithTyler,beatinghim.Tyler,inhiswolfform,wasmakingterriblesoundsasStefanthrewhimtotheground.
MeredithwasrunningtowardCaroline,approachingfrombehindthechimneysoKlauswouldn’tspother.BonniesawherreachCarolineandsawtheflashofStefan’ssilverdaggerasMeredithcutthecordsaroundCaroline’swrists.ThenMeredithwashalfcarryinghalfdraggingCarolinebehindthechimneytoworkonherfeet.
AsoundlikeantlersclashingmadeBonniespinaround.KlaushadcomeatStefanwithatallbranchofhisown—itmusthavebeenlyingflatonthegroundbefore.ItlookedjustassharpasStefan’s,makingitaserviceablelance.ButKlausandStefanweren’tjuststabbingateachother;theywereusingthesticksasquarterstaffs.RobinHood,Bonniethoughtdazedly.LittleJohnandRobin.Thatwaswhatitlookedlike:KlauswasthatmuchtallerandheavierbonedthanStefan.
ThenBonniesawsomethingelseandcriedoutwordlessly.BehindStefan,Tylerhadgottenupagainandwascrouching,justashehadinthegraveyardbeforelungingforStefan’sthroat.Stefan’sbackwastohim.AndBonniecouldn’twarnhimintime.
Butshe’dforgottenaboutMatt.Headdown,ignoringclawsandfangs,hewaschargingatTyler,tacklinghimlikeafirst-ratelinebackerbeforehecouldleap.Tylerwentflyingsideways,withMattontopofhim.
Bonniewasoverwhelmed.Somuchwashappening.MeredithwassawingthroughCaroline’sanklecords;MattwaspummelingTylerinawaythatcertainlywouldhavegottenhimdisqualifiedonthefootballfield;Stefanwaswhirlingthatwhiteashstaffasifhe’dbeentrainedforit.Klauswaslaughingdeliriously,seemingexhilaratedbytheexercise,astheytradedblowswithdeadlyspeedandaccuracy.
ButMattseemedtobeintroublenow.Tylerwasgrippinghimandsnarling,tryingtogetaholdonhisthroat.Wildly,Bonnielookedaroundforaweapon,entirelyforgettingthecarvingknifeinherpocket.Hereyefellonadeadoakbranch.ShepickeditupandrantowhereTylerandMattwerestruggling.
Oncethere,though,shefaltered.Shedidn’tdareusethestickforfearshe’dhitMattwithit.HeandTylerwererollingoverandoverinablurofmotion.
ThenMattwasontopofTyleragain,holdingTyler’sheaddown,holdinghimselfclear.Bonniesawherchanceandaimedthestick.ButTylersawher.Withaburstofsupernaturalstrength,hegatheredhislegsandsentMattsoaringoffhimbackward.Matt’sheadstruckatreewithasoundBonniewouldneverforget.Thedullsoundofarottenmelonbursting.Hesliddownthefrontofthetreeandwasstill.
Bonniewasgasping,stunned.ShemighthavestartedtowardMatt,butTylerwasthereinfrontofher,breathinghard,bloodysalivarunningdownhischin.Helookedevenmorelikeananimalthanhehadinthegraveyard.Asifinadream,Bonnieraisedherstick,butshecouldfeelitshakinginherhands.Mattwassostill—washebreathing?BonniecouldhearthesobinherownbreathasshefacedTyler.Thiswasridiculous;thiswasaboyfromherownschool.Aboyshe’ddancedwithlastyearattheJuniorProm.HowcouldhebekeepingherawayfromMatt,howcouldhebetryingtohurtthemall?Howcouldhebedoingthis?
“Tyler,please—”shebegan,meaningtoreasonwithhim,tobegmm….
“Allaloneinthewoods,littlegirl?”hesaid,andhisvoicewasathickandgutturalgrowl,shapedatthelastminuteintowords.InthatinstantBonnieknewthatthiswasnottheboyshe’dgonetoschoolwith.Thiswasananimal.Oh,God,he’sugly,shethought.Ropesofredspithungoutofhismouth.Andthoseyelloweyeswiththeslittedpupils—inthemshesawthecrueltyoftheshark,andthecrocodile,andthewaspthatlaysitseggsinacaterpillar’slivingbody.Allthecrueltyofanimalnatureinthosetwoyelloweyes.
“Somebodyshouldhavewarnedyou,”Tylersaid,droppinghisjawtolaughthewayadogdoes.“Becauseifyougooutinthewoodsalone,youmightmeettheBigBad—”
“Jerk!”avoicefinishedforhim,andwithafeelingofgratitudethatborderedonthereligious,BonniesawMeredithbesideher.Meredith,holdingStefan’sdagger,whichshoneliquidlyinthemoonlight.
“Silver,Tyler,”Meredithsaid,brandishingit.“Iwonderwhatsilverdoestoawerewolf’smembers?Wanttosee?”AllMeredith’selegance,herstandoffishness,hercoolobserver’sdispassionweregone.ThiswastheessentialMeredith,awarriorMeredith,andalthoughshewassmiling,shewasmad.
“Yes!”shoutedBonniegleefully,feelingpowerrushthroughher.Suddenlyshecouldmove.SheandMeredith,together,werestrong.MeredithwasstalkingTylerfromoneside,Bonnieheldherstickreadyontheother.Alongingshe’dneverfeltbeforeshotthroughher,thelongingtohitTylersohardhisheadwouldcomeflyingoff.Shecouldfeelthestrengthtodoitsurginginherarm.
AndTyler,withhisanimalinstinct,couldsenseit,couldsenseitfrombothofthem,closinginoneitherside.Herecoiled,caughthimself,andturnedtotryandgetawayfromthem.Theyturnedtoo.Inaminutetheywereallthreeorbitinglikeaminisolarsystem:Tylerturningaroundandaroundinthemiddle;BonnieandMeredithcirclinghim,lookingforachancetoattack.
One,two,three.SomeunspokensignalflashedfromMeredithtoBonnie.JustasTylerleapedatMeredith,tryingtoknocktheknifeaside,Bonniehit.Rememberingtheadviceofadistantboyfriendwho’dtriedtoteachhertoplaybaseball,sheimaginednotjusthittingTyler’sheadbutthroughhishead,hittingsomethingontheoppositeside.Sheputthewholeweightofhersmallbodybehindtheblow,andtheshockofconnectingnearlyjarredherteethloose.Itjoltedherarmsagonizinglyanditshatteredthestick.ButTylerfelllikeabirdshotoutofthesky.
“Ididit!Yes!Allright!Yes!”Bonnieshouted,flingingthestickaway.Triumpheruptedfromherinaprimalshout.“Wedidit!”ShegrabbedtheheavybodybythebackofthemaneandpulleditoffMeredith,whereithadfallen.“We—”
Thenshebrokeoff,herwordsfreezinginherthroat.“Meredith!”shecried.
“It’sallright,”Meredithgasped,hervoicetightwithpain.Andweakness,Bonniethought,chilledasifdousedwithicewater.Tylerhadclawedherlegtothebone.Therewerehuge,gapingwoundsinthethighofMeredith’sjeansandinthewhiteskinthatshowedclearlythroughthetorncloth.AndtoBonnie’sabsolutehorror,shecouldseeinsidetheskintoo,couldseefleshandmusclerippedandredbloodpouringout.
“Meredith—”shecriedfrantically.TheyhadtogetMeredithtoadoctor.Everyonehadtostopnow;everyonemustunderstandthat.Theyhadaninjuryhere;theyneededtogetanambulance,tocall911.“Meredith,”shegasped,almostweeping.
“Tieitupwithsomething.”Meredith’sfacewaswhite.Shock.Goingintoshock.Andsomuchblood;somuchbloodcomingout.Oh,God,thoughtBonnie,pleasehelpme.Shelookedforsomethingtotieitupwith,buttherewasnothing.
Somethingdroppedonthegroundbesideher.Alengthofnyloncordlikethecordthey’dusedtotieupTyler,withfrayededges.Bonnielookedup.
“Canyouusethat?”askedCarolineuncertainly,herteethchattering.
Shewaswearingthegreendress,herauburnhairstragglingandstucktoherfacewithsweatandblood.Evenasshespokesheswayed,andfelltoherkneesbesideMeredith.
“Areyouhurt?”Bonniegasped.
Carolineshookherhead,butthenshebentforward,rackedwithnausea,andBonniesawthemarksinherthroat.ButtherewasnotimetoworryaboutCarolinenow.Meredithwasmoreimportant.
BonnietiedthecordaboveMeredith’swounds,hermindrunningdesperatelyoverthingsshe’dlearnedfromhersisterMary.Marywasanurse.Marysaid—atourniquetcouldn’tbetootightorleftontoolongorgangrenesetin.Butshehadtostopthegushingblood.Oh,Meredith.
“Bonnie—helpStefan,”Meredithwasgasping,hervoicealmostawhisper.“He’sgoingtoneedit….”Shesaggedbackward,herbreathingstertorous,herslittedeyeslookingupatthesky.
Wet.Everythingwaswet.Bonnie’shands,herclothes,theground.WetwithMeredith’sblood.AndMattwasstilllyingunderthetree,unconscious.Shecouldn’tleavethem,especiallynotwithTylerthere.Hemightwakeup.
Dazed,sheturnedtoCaroline,whowasshiveringandretching,sweatbeadingherface.Useless,Bonniethought.Butshehadnootherchoice.
“Caroline,listentome,”shesaid.Shepickedupthelargestpieceofthestickshe’dusedonTylerandputitintoCaroline’shands.“YoustaywithMattandMeredith.Loosenthattourniqueteverytwentyminutesorso.AndifTylerstartstowakeup,ifheeventwitches,youhithimashardasyoucanwiththis.Understand?Caroline,”sheadded,“thisisyourbigchancetoproveyou’regoodforsomething.Thatyou’renotuseless.Allright?”Shecaughtthefurtivegreeneyesandrepeated,“Allright?”
“Butwhatareyougoingtodo?”
Bonnielookedtowardtheclearing.
“No,Bonnie.”Caroline’shandgraspedher,andBonnienotedwithsomepartofhermindthebrokennails,theropeburnsonthewrists.“Stayherewhereit’ssafe.Don’tgotothem.
There’snothingyoucando—”
Bonnieshookheroffandmadefortheclearingbeforeshelostherresolve.Inherheart,sheknewCarolinewasright.Therewasnothingshecoulddo.ButsomethingMatthadsaidbeforetheyleftwasringinginhermind.Totryatleast.Shehadtotry.
Still,inthosenextfewhorribleminutesallshecoulddowaslook.
Sofar,StefanandKlaushadbeentradingblowswithsuchviolenceandaccuracythatithadbeenlikeabeautiful,lethaldance.Butithadbeenanequal,oralmostequal,match.Stefanhadbeenholdinghisown.
NowshesawStefanbearingdownwithhiswhiteashlance,pressingKlaustohisknees,forcinghimbackward,fartherandfartherback,likealimbodancerseeinghowlowhecouldgo.AndBonniecouldseeKlaus’sfacenow,mouthslightlyopen,staringupatStefanwithwhatlookedlikeastonishmentandfear.
Theneverythingchanged.
Attheverybottomofhisdescent,whenKlaushadbentbackasfarashecouldgo,whenitseemedthathemustbeabouttocollapseorbreak,somethinghappened.
Klaussmiled.
Andthenhestartedpushingback.
BonniesawStefan’smusclesknot,sawhisarmsgorigid,tryingtoresist.ButKlaus,stillgrinningmadly,eyeswideopen,justkeptcoming.Heunfoldedlikesometerriblejack-in-the-box,onlyslowly.Slowly.Inexorably.Hisgringettingwideruntilitlookedasifitwouldsplithisface.LiketheCheshirecat.
Acat,thoughtBonnie.
Catwithamouse.
NowStefanwastheonegruntingandstraining,teethclenched,tryingtoholdKlausoff.ButKlausandhisstickboredown,forcingStefanbackward,forcinghimtotheground.
Grinningallthetime.
UntilStefanwaslyingonhisback,hisownstickpressingintohisthroatwiththeweightofKlaus’slanceacrossit.Klauslookeddownathimandbeamed.“I’mtiredofplaying,littleboy,”hesaid,andhestraightenedandthrewhisownstickdown.“Nowit’sdyingtime.”
HetookStefan’sstaffawayfromhimaseasilyasifheweretakingitfromachild.Pickeditupwithaflickofhiswristandbrokeitoverhisknee,showinghowstronghewas,howstronghehadalwaysbeen.HowcruellyhehadbeenplayingwithStefan.
Oneofthehalvesofthewhiteashstickhetossedoverhisshoulderacrosstheclearing.TheotherhejabbedatStefan.Usingnotthepointedendbutthesplinteredone,brokenintoadozentinypoints.Hejabbeddownwithaforcethatseemedalmostcasual,butStefanscreamed.Hediditagainandagain,elicitingascreameachtime.
Bonniecriedout,soundlessly.
ShehadneverheardStefanscreambefore.Shedidn’tneedtobetoldwhatkindofpainmusthavecausedit.Shedidn’tneedtobetoldthatwhiteashmightbetheonlywooddeadlytoKlaus,butthatanywoodwasdeadlytoStefan.ThatStefanwas,ifnotdyingnow,abouttodie.ThatKlaus,withhishandnowraised,wasgoingtofinishitwithonemoreplungingblow.Klaus’sfacewastiltedtothemooninagrinofobscenepleasure,showingthatthiswaswhatheliked,wherehegothisthrills.Fromkilling.
AndBonniecouldn’tmove,couldn’tevencry.Theworldswamaroundher.Ithadallbeenamistake,shewasn’tcompetent;shewasababyafterall.Shedidn’twanttoseethatfinalthrust,butshecouldn’tlookaway.Andallthiscouldn’tbehappening,butitwas.Itwas.
Klausflourishedthesplinteredstakeandwithasmileofpureecstasystartedtobringitdown.
Andaspearshotacrosstheclearingandstruckhiminthemiddleoftheback,landingandquiveringlikeagiantarrow,likehalfagiantarrow.ItmadeKlaus’sarmsflingout,droppingthestake;itshockedtheecstaticgrinrightoffhisface.Hestood,armsextended,forasecond,andthenturned,thewhiteashstickinhisbackwobblingslightly.
Bonnie’seyesweretoodazzledbywavesofgraydotstosee,butsheheardthevoiceclearlyasitrangout,coldandarrogantandfilledwithabsoluteconviction.Justfivewords,buttheychangedeverything.
“Getawayfrommybrother.”15
Klausscreamed,ascreamthatremindedBonnieofancientpredators,ofthesabertoothcatandthebullmammoth.Bloodfrothedoutofhismouthalongwiththescream,turningthathandsomefaceintoatwistedmaskoffury.
Hishandsscrabbledathisback,tryingtogetagriponthewhiteashstakeandpullitout.Butitwasburiedtoodeep.Thethrowhadbeenagoodone.
“Damon,”Bonniewhispered.
Hewasstandingattheedgeoftheclearing,framedbyoaktrees.Asshewatched,hetookasteptowardKlaus,andthenanother;lithestalkingstepsfilledwithdeadlypurpose.
Andhewasangry.Bonniewouldhaverunfromthelookonhisfaceifhermuscleshadn’tbeenfrozen.Shehadneverseensuchmenacesobarelyheldincheck.
“Get…away…frommybrother,”hesaid,almostbreathingit,withhiseyesneverleavingKlaus’sashetookanotherstep.
Klausscreamedagain,buthishandsstoppedtheirfranticscrabbling.“Youidiot!Wedon’thavetofight!Itoldyouthatatthehouse!Wecanignoreeachother!”
Damon’svoicewasnolouderthanbefore.“Getawayfrommybrother.”Bonniecouldfeelitinsidehim,aswellofPowerlikeatsunami.Hecontinued,sosoftlythatBonniehadtostraintohearhim,“BeforeItearyourheartout.”
Bonniecouldmoveafterall.Shesteppedbackward.
“Itoldyou!”screamedKlaus,frothing.Damondidn’tacknowledgethewordsinanyway.HiswholebeingseemedfocusedonKlaus’sthroat,onhischest,onthebeatingheartinsidethathewasgoingtotearout.
Klauspickeduptheunbrokenlanceandrushedhim.
Inspiteofalltheblood,theblondmanseemedtohaveplentyofstrengthleft.Therushwassudden,violent,andalmostinescapable.BonniesawhimthrustthelanceatDamonandshuthereyesinvoluntarily,andthenopenedthemaninstantlaterassheheardtheflurryofwings.
KlaushadplungedrightthroughthespotwhereDamonhadbeen,andablackcrowwassoaringupwardwhileasinglefeatherfloateddown.AsBonniestared,Klaus’srushtookhimintothedarknessbeyondtheclearingandhedisappeared.
Deadsilencefellinthewood.
Bonnie’sparalysisbrokeslowly,andshefirststepped,andthenrantowhereStefanlay.Hedidn’topenhiseyesatherapproach;heseemedunconscious.Shekneltbesidehim.Andthenshefeltasortofhorriblecalmcreepoverher,likesomeonewhohasbeenswimminginicewaterandatlastfeelsthefirstundeniablesignsofhypothermia.Ifshehadn’thadsomanysuccessiveshocksalready,shemighthavefledscreamingordissolvedintohysterics.Butasitwas,thiswassimplythelaststep,thelastlittleslideintounreality.Intoaworldthatcouldn’tbe,butwas.
Becauseitwasbad.Verybad.Asbadasitcouldbe.
She’dneverseenanybodyhurtlikethis.NotevenMr.Tanner,andhehaddiedofhiswounds.NothingMaryhadeversaidcouldhelpfixthis.Evenifthey’dhadStefanonastretcheroutsideanoperatingroom,itwouldn’thavebeenenough.
Inthatstateofdreadfulcalmshelookeduptoseeaflutterofwingsblurandshimmerinthemoonlight.Damonstoodbesideher,andshespokequitecollectedlyandrationally.
“Willgivinghimbloodhelp?”
Hedidn’tseemtohearher.Hiseyeswereallblack,allpupil.Thatbarelyleashedviolence,thatsenseofferociousenergyheldback,wasgone.Hekneltandtouchedthedarkheadontheground.
“Stefan?”
Bonnieshuthereyes.
Damon’sscared,shethought.Damon’sscared—Damon!—andoh,God,Idon’tknowwhattodo.There’snothingtodo—andit’salloverandwe’realllostandDamonisscaredforStefan.Heisn’tgoingtotakecareofthingsandhehasn’tgotasolutionandsomebody’sgottofixthis.Andoh,God,pleasehelpmebecauseI’msofrightenedandStefan’sdyingandMeredithandMattarehurtandKlausisgoingtocomeback.
SheopenedhereyestolookatDamon.Hewaswhite,hisfacelookingterrifyinglyyoungatthatmoment,withthosedilatedblackeyes.
“Klausiscomingback,”Bonniesaidquietly.Shewasn’tafraidofhimanymore.Theyweren’tacenturies-oldhunterandaseventeen-year-oldhumangirl,sittinghereattheedgeoftheworld.Theywerejusttwopeople,DamonandBonnie,whohadtodothebesttheycould.
“Iknow,”Damonsaid.HewasholdingStefan’shand,lookingcompletelyunembarrassedaboutit,anditseemedquitelogicalandsensible.BonniecouldfeelhimsendingPowerintoStefan,couldalsofeelthatitwasn’tenough.
“Wouldbloodhelphim?”
“Notmuch.Alittle,maybe.”
“Anythingthathelpsatallwe’vegottotry.”
Stefanwhispered,“No.”
Bonniewassurprised.She’dthoughthewasunconscious.Buthiseyeswereopennow,openandalertandsmolderinggreen.Theyweretheonlyalivethingabouthim.
“Don’tbestupid,”Damonsaid,hisvoicehardening.HewasgrippingStefan’shanduntilhisknuckleswhitened.“You’rebadlyhurt.”
“Iwon’tbreakmypromise.”ThatimmovablestubbornnesswasinStefan’svoice,inhispaleface.AndwhenDamonopenedhismouthagain,undoubtedlytosaythatStefanwouldbreakitandlikeitorDamonwouldbreakhisneck,Stefanadded,“Especiallywhenitwon’tdoanygood.”
TherewasasilencewhileBonniefoughtwiththerawtruthofthis.Wheretheywerenow,inthisterribleplacebeyondallordinarythings,pretenseorfalsereassuranceseemedwrong.Onlythetruthwoulddo.AndStefanwastellingthetruth.
Hewasstilllookingathisbrother,whowaslookingback,allthatfierce,furiousattentionfocusedonStefanasithadbeenfocusedonKlausearlier.Asifsomehowthatwouldhelp.
“I’mnotbadlyhurt,I’mdead,”Stefansaidbrutally,hiseyeslockedonDamon’s.Theirlastandgreateststruggleofwills,Bonniethought.“AndyouneedtogetBonnieandtheothersoutofhere.”
“Wewon’tleaveyou,”Bonnieintervened.Thatwasthetruth;shecouldsaythat.
“Youhaveto!”Stefandidn’tglanceaside,didn’tlookawayfromhisbrother.“Damon,youknowI’mright.Klauswillbehereanyminute.Don’tthrowyourlifeaway.Don’tthrowtheirlivesaway.”
“Idon’tgiveadamnabouttheirlives,”Damonhissed.Thetruthalso,Bonniethought,curiouslyunoffended.TherewasonlyonelifeDamoncaredabouthere,anditwasn’thisown.
“Yes,youdo!”Stefanflaredback.HewashangingontoDamon’shandwithjustasfierceagrip,asifthiswasacontestandhecouldforceDamontoconcedethatway.“Elenahadalastrequest;well,thisismine.YouhavePower,Damon.Iwantyoutouseittohelpthem.”
“Stefan…”Bonniewhisperedhelplessly.
“Promiseme,”StefansaidtoDamon,andthenaspasmofpaintwistedhisface.
ForuncountablesecondsDamonsimplylookeddownathim.Thenhesaid,“Ipromise,”quickandsharpasthestrokeofadagger.HeletgoofStefan’shandandstood,turningtoBonnie.“Comeon.”
“Wecan’tleavehim….”
“Yes,wecan.”TherewasnothingyoungaboutDamon’sfacenow.Nothingvulnerable.“Youandyourhumanfriendsareleavinghere,permanently.Iamcomingback.”
Bonnieshookherhead.Sheknew,dimly,thatDamonwasn’tbetrayingStefan,thatitwassomecaseofDamonputtingStefan’sidealsaboveStefan’slife,butitwasalltooabstruseandincomprehensibletoher.Shedidn’tunderstanditandshedidn’twantto.AllsheknewwasthatStefancouldn’tbeleftlyingthere.
“You’recomingnow,”Damonsaid,reachingforher,thesteelyringbackinhisvoice.Bonniepreparedherselfforafight,andthensomethinghappenedthatmadealltheirdebatingmeaningless.Therewasacracklikeagiantwhipandaflashlikedaylight,andBonniewasblinded.Whenshecouldseethroughtheafterimage,hereyesflewtotheflamesthatwerelickingupfromanewlyblackenedholeatthebaseofatree
Klaushadreturned.Withlightning.
Bonnie’seyedartedtohimnext,astheonlyotherthingmovingintheclearing.Hewaswavingthebloodywhiteashstakehe’dpulledoutofhisownbacklikeagorytrophy.
Lightningrod,thoughtBonnieillogically,andthentherewasanothercrash.
Itstabbeddownfromanemptysky,inhugeblue-whiteforksthatliteverythinglikethesunatnoon.Bonniewatchedasonetreeandthenanotherwashit,eachonecloserthanthelast.Flameslickeduplikehungryredgoblinsamongtheleaves.
TwotreesoneithersideofBonnieexploded,withcrackssoloudthatshefeltratherthanheardit,apiercinginhereardrums.Damon,whoseeyesweremoresensitive,threwupahandtoprotectthem.
Thenheshouted,“Klaus!”andsprangtowardtheblondman.Hewasn’tstalkingnow;thiswasthedeadlyraceofattack.Theburstofkillingspeedofthehuntingcatorthewolf.
Lightningcaughthiminmidspring.
Bonniescreamedasshesawit,jumpingtoherfeet.Therewasablueflashofsuperheatedgasesandasmellofburning,andthenDamonwasdown,lyingmotionlessonhisface.Bonniecouldseetinywispsofsmokerisefromhim,justastheydidfromthetrees.
Speechlesswithhorror,shelookedatKlaus.
Hewasswaggeringthroughtheclearing,holdinghisbloodysticklikeagolfclub.HebentdownoverDamonashepassed,andsmiled.Bonniewantedtoscreamagain,butshedidn’thavethebreath.Theredidn’tseemtobeanyairlefttobreathe.
“I’lldealwithyoulater,”KlaustoldtheunconsciousDamon.ThenhisfacetippeduptowardBonnie
“You,”hesaid,“I’mgoingtodealwithrightnow.”
ItwasaninstantbeforesherealizedhewaslookingatStefan,andnother.ThoseelectricblueeyeswerefixedonStefan’sface.TheymovedtoStefan’sbloodymiddle.
“I’mgoingtoeatyounow,Salvatore.”
Bonniewasallalone.Theonlyoneleftstanding.Andshewasafraid.
Butsheknewwhatshehadtodo.
Sheletherkneescollapseagain,droppingtothegroundbesideStefan.
Andthisishowitends,shethought.Youkneelbesideyourknightandthenyoufacetheenemy.
ShelookedatKlausandmovedsothatshewasshieldingStefan.Heseemedtonoticeherforthefirsttime,andfrownedasifhe’dfoundaspiderinhissalad.Firelightflickeredorange-redonhisface.
“Getoutoftheway.”
“No.”
Andthisishowtheendingstarts.Likethis,sosimply,withoneword,andyou’regoingtodieonasummernight.Asummernightwhenthemoonandstarsareshiningandbonfiresburnliketheflamesthedruidsusedtosummonthedead.
“Bonnie,go,”Stefansaidpainfully.“Getoutwhileyoucan.”
“No,”Bonniesaid.I’msorry,Elena,shethought.Ican’tsavehim.ThisisallIcando.
“Getoutoftheway,”Klaussaidthroughhisteeth.
“No.”ShecouldwaitandletStefandiethisway,insteadofwithKlaus’steethinhisthroat.Itmightnotseemlikemuchofadifference,butitwasthemostshecouldoffer.
“Bonnie…”Stefanwhispered.
“Don’tyouknowwhoIam,girl?I’vewalkedwiththedevil.Ifyoumove,I’llletyoudiequickly.”
Bonnie’svoicehadgivenout.Sheshookherhead.
Klausthrewbackhisownheadandlaughed.Alittlemorebloodtrickledout,too.“Allright,”hesaid.“Haveityourownway.Bothofyougotogether.”
Summernight,Bonniethought.Thesolsticeeve.Whenthelinebetweenworldsissothin.
“Saygoodnight,sweetheart.”
Notimetotrance,notimeforanything.Nothingexceptonedesperateappeal.
“Elena!”Bonniescreamed.“Elena!Elena!”
Klausrecoiled.
Foraninstant,itseemedasifthenamealonehadthepowertoalarmhim.OrasifheexpectedsomethingtorespondtoBonnie’scry.Hestood,listening.
Bonniedrewonherpowers,puttingeverythingshehadintoit,throwingherneedandhercalloutintothevoid.
Andfelt…nothing.
Nothingdisturbedthesummernightexceptthecracklingsoundofflames.KlausturnedbacktoBonnieandStefan,andgrinned.
ThenBonniesawthemistcreepingalongtheground.
No—itcouldn’tbemist.Itmustbesmokefromthefire.Butitdidn’tbehavelikeeither.Itwasswirling,risingintheairlikeatinywhirlwindordustdevil.Itwasgatheringintoashaperoughlythesizeofaman.
Therewasanotheronealittledistanceaway.ThenBonniesawathird.Thesamethingwashappeningallover.
Mistwasflowingoutoftheground,betweenthetrees.Poolsofit,eachseparateanddistinct.Bonnie,staringmutely,couldseethrougheachpatch,couldseetheflames,theoaktrees,thebricksofthechimney.Klaushadstoppedsmiling,stoppedmoving,andwaswatchingtoo.
BonnieturnedtoStefan,unabletoevenframethequestion.
“Unquietspirits,”hewhisperedhuskily,hisgreeneyesintent.“Thesolstice.”
AndthenBonnieunderstood.
Theywerecoming.Fromacrosstheriver,wheretheoldcemeterylay.Fromthewoods,wherecountlessmakeshiftgraveshadbeendugtodumpbodiesinbeforetheyrotted.Theunquietspirits,thesoldierswhohadfoughthereanddiedduringtheCivilWar.Asupernaturalhostansweringthecallforhelp.
Theywereformingallaround.Therewerehundredsofthem.
Bonniecouldactuallyseefacesnow.Themistyoutlineswerefillinginwithpalehueslikesomanyrunnywatercolors.Shesawaflashofblue,aglimmerofgray.BothUnionandConfederatetroops.Bonnieglimpsedapistolthrustintoabelt,theglintofanornamentedsword.Chevronsonasleeve.Abushydarkbeard;along,well-tendedwhiteone.Asmallfigure,childsize,withdarkholesforeyesandadrumhangingatthighlevel.
“Oh,myGod,”shewhispered.“Oh,God.”Itwasn’tswearing.Itwassomethinglikeaprayer.
Notthatshewasn’tfrightenedofthem,becauseshewas.Itwaseverynightmareshe’deverhadaboutthecemeterycometrue.LikeherfirstdreamaboutElena,whenthingscamecrawlingoutoftheblackpitsintheearth;onlythesethingsweren’tcrawling,theywereflying,skimmingandfloatinguntiltheyswirledintohumanform.EverythingthatBonniehadeverfeltabouttheoldgraveyard—thatitwasaliveandfullofwatchingeyes,thattherewassomePowerlurkingbehinditswaitingstillness—wasprovingtrue.TheearthofFell’sChurchwasgivingupitsbloodymemories.Thespiritsofthosewho’ddiedherewerewalkingagain.
AndBonniecouldfeeltheiranger.Itfrightenedher,butanotheremotionwaswakingupinsideher,makinghercatchherbreathandclenchtighteronStefan’shand.Becausethemistyarmyhadaleader.
Onefigurewasfloatinginfrontoftheothers,closesttotheplacewhereKlausstood.Ithadnoshapeordefinitionasyet,butitglowedandscintillatedwiththepalegoldenlightofacandleflame.Then,beforeBonnie’seyes,itseemedtotakeonsubstancefromtheair,shiningbrighterandbrightereveryminutewithanunearthlylight.Itwasbrighterthanthecircleoffire.ItwassobrightthatKlausleanedbackfromitandBonnieblinked,butwhensheturnedatalowsound,shesawStefanstaringstraightintoit,fearlessly,withwide-openeyes.Andsmiling,sofaintly,asifgladtohavethisbethelastthinghesaw.
ThenBonniewassure.
Klausdroppedthestake.HehadturnedawayfromBonnieandStefantofacethebeingoflightthathungintheclearinglikeanavengingangel.Goldenhairstreamingbackinaninvisiblewind,Elenalookeddownonhim.
“Shecame,”Bonniewhispered.
“Youaskedherto,”Stefanmurmured.Hisvoicetrailedoffintoalaboredbreath,buthewasstillsmiling.Hiseyeswereserene.
“Standawayfromthem,”Elenasaid,hervoicecomingsimultaneouslytoBonnie’searsandhermind.Itwaslikethechimingofdozensofbells,distantandcloseupatonce.“It’sovernow,Klaus.”
ButKlausralliedquickly.Bonniesawhisshouldersswellwithabreath,noticedforthefirsttimetheholeinthebackofthetanraincoatwherethewhiteashstakehadpiercedhim.Itwasstaineddullred,andnewbloodwasflowingnowasKlausflungouthisarms.
“YouthinkI’mafraidofyou?”heshouted.Hespunaround,laughingatallthepallidforms.“YouthinkI’mafraidofanyofyou?You’redead!Dustonthewind!Youcan’ttouchme!”
“You’rewrong,”Elenasaidinherwind-chimevoice.
“I’moneoftheOldOnes!AnOriginal!Doyouknowwhatthatmeans?”Klausturnedagain,addressingallofthem,hisunnaturallyblueeyesseemingtocatchsomeoftheredglowofthefire.“I’veneverdied.Everyoneofyouhasdied,yougalleryofspooks!Butnotme.Deathcan’ttouchme.Iaminvincible!”
Thelastwordcameinashoutsolouditechoedamongthetrees.Invincible…invincible…invincible.Bonniehearditfadingintothehungrysoundofthefire.
Elenawaiteduntilthelastechohaddied.Thenshesaid,verysimply,“Notquite.”Sheturnedtolookatthemistyshapesaroundher.“Hewantstospillmorebloodhere.”
Anewvoicespokeup,ahollowvoicethatranlikeatrickleofcoldwaterdownBonnie’sspine.“There’sbeenenoughkilling,Isay.”ItwasaUnionsoldierwithadoublerowofbuttonsonhisjacket.
“Morethanenough,”saidanothervoice,liketheboomofafarawaydrum.AConfederateholdingabayonet.
“It’stimesomebodystoppedit”—anoldmaninhome-dyedbutternutcloth.
“Wecan’tletitgoon”—thedrummerboywiththeblackholesforeyes.
“Nomorebloodspilled!”Severalvoicestookitupatonce.“Nomorekilling!”Thecrypassedfromonetoanotheruntiltheswellofsoundwaslouderthantheroarofthefire.“Nomoreblood!”
“Youcan’ttouchme!Youcan’tkillme!”
“Let’stake’im,boys!”
Bonnieneverknewwhogavethatlastcommand.Buthewasobeyedbyall,ConfederateandUnionsoldiersalike.Theywererising,flowing,dissolvingintomistagain,adarkmistwithahundredhands.ItboredownonKlauslikeanoceanwave,dashingitselfonhimandengulfinghim.Eachhandtookhold,andalthoughKlauswasfightingandthrashingwitharmsandlegs,theyweretoomanyforhim.Insecondshewasobscuredbythem,surrounded,swallowedbythedarkmist.Itrose,whirlinglikeatornadofromwhichscreamscouldbeheardonlyfaintly.
“Youcan’tkillme!I’mimmortal!”
ThetornadosweptawayintothedarknessbeyondBonnie’ssight.Followingitwasatrailofghostslikeacomet’stail,shootingoffintothenightsky.
“Wherearetheytakinghim?”Bonniedidn’tmeantosayitaloud;shejustblurteditoutbeforeshethought.ButElenaheard.
“Wherehewon’tdoanyharm,”shesaid,andthelookonherfacestoppedBonniefromaskinganyotherquestions.
Therewasasquealing,bleatingsoundfromtheothersideoftheclearing.BonnieturnedandsawTyler,inhisterriblepart-human,part-animalshape,onhisfeet.TherewasnoneedforCaroline’sclub.HewasstaringatElenaandthefewremainingghostlyfiguresandgibbering.
“Don’tletthemtakeme!Don’tletthemtakemetoo!”
BeforeElenacouldspeak,hehadspunaround.Heregardedthefire,whichwashigherthanhisownhead,foraninstant,thenplungedrightthroughit,crashingintotheforestbeyond.Throughapartingoftheflames,Bonniesawhimdroptotheground,beatingoutflamesonhimself,thenriseandrunagain.Thenthefireflaredupandshecouldn’tseeanythingmore.
Butshe’drememberedsomething:Meredith—andMatt.Meredithwaslyingproppedup,herheadinCaroline’slap,watching.Mattwasstillonhisback.Hurt,butnotsobadlyhurtasStefan.
“Elena,”Bonniesaid,catchingthebrightfigure’sattention,andthenshesimplylookedathim.
Thebrightnesscamecloser.Stefandidn’tblink.Helookedintotheheartofthelightandsmiled.“He’sbeenstoppednow.Thankstoyou.”
“ItwasBonniewhocalledus.Andshecouldn’thavedoneitattherightplaceandtherighttimewithoutyouandtheothers.”
“Itriedtokeepmypromise.”
“Iknow,Stefan.”
Bonniedidn’tlikethesoundofthisatall.Itsoundedtoomuchlikeafarewell—apermanentone.Herownwordsfloatedbacktoher:Hemightgotoanotherplaceor—orjustgoout.Andshedidn’twantStefantogoanywhere.Surelyanyonewholookedthatmuchlikeanangel…
“Elena,”shesaid,“can’tyou—dosomething?Can’tyouhelphim?”Hervoicewasshaking.
AndElena’sexpressionassheturnedtolookatBonnie,gentlebutsosad,wasevenmoredistressing.Itremindedherofsomeone,andthensheremembered.HonoriaFell.Honoria’seyeshadlookedlikethat,asifshewerelookingatalltheinescapablewrongsintheworld.Alltheunfairness,allthethingsthatshouldn’thavebeen,butwere.
“Icandosomething,”shesaid.“ButIdon’tknowifit’sthekindofhelphewants.”SheturnedbacktoStefan.“Stefan,IcancurewhatKlausdid.TonightIhavethatmuchPower.ButIcan’tcurewhatKatherinedid.”
Bonnie’snumbedbrainstruggledwiththisforawhile.WhatKatherinedid—butStefanhadrecoveredmonthsagofromKatherine’stortureinthecrypt.Thensheunderstood.WhatKatherinehaddonewasmakeStefanavampire.
“It’sbeentoolong,”StefanwassayingtoElena.“Ifyoudidcureit,I’dbeapileofdust.”
“Yes.”Elenadidn’tsmile,justwentonlookingathimsteadily.“Doyouwantmyhelp,Stefan?”
“Togoonlivinginthisworldintheshadows…”Stefan’svoicewasawhispernow,hisgreeneyesdistant.Bonniewantedtoshakehim.Live,shethoughttohim,butshedidn’tdaresayitforfearshe’dmakehimdecidejusttheopposite.Thenshethoughtofsomethingelse.
“Togoontrying,”shesaid,andbothofthemlookedather.Shelookedback,chinthrustout,andsawthebeginningofasmileonElena’sbrightlips.ElenaturnedtoStefan,andthattinyhintofasmilepassedtohim.
“Yes,”hesaidquietly,andthen,toElena,“Iwantyourhelp.”
Shebentandkissedhim.
BonniesawthebrightnessflowfromhertoStefan,likeariverofsparklinglightengulfinghim.ItfloodedoverhimthewaythedarkmisthadsurroundedKlaus,likeacascadeofdiamonds,untilhisentirebodyglowedlikeElena’s.ForaninstantBonnieimaginedshecouldseethebloodinsidehimturnedmolten,flowingouttoeachvein,eachcapillary,healingeverythingittouched.Thentheglowfadedtoagoldenaura,soakingbackintoStefan’sskin.Hisshirtwasstilldemolished,butunderneaththefleshwassmoothandfirm.Bonnie,feelingherowneyeswidewithwonder,couldn’thelpreachingouttotouch.
Itfeltjustlikeanyskin.Thehorriblewoundsweregone.
Shelaughedaloudwithsheerexcitement,andthenlookedup,sobering.“Elena—there’sMeredith,too—”
ThebrightbeingthatwasElenawasalreadymovingacrosstheclearing.MeredithlookedupatherfromCaroline’slap.
“Hello,Elena,”shesaid,almostnormallyexceptthathervoicewassoweak.
Elenabentandkissedher.Thebrightnessflowedagain,encompassingMeredith.Andwhenitfaded,Meredithstooduponherowntwofeet.
ThenElenadidthesamethingwithMatt,whowokeup,lookingconfusedbutalert.ShekissedCarolinetoo,andCarolinestoppedshakingandstraightened.
ThenshewenttoDamon.
Hewasstilllyingwherehehadfallen.Theghostshadpassedoverhim,takingnonoticeofhim.Elena’sbrightnesshoveredoverhim,oneshininghandreachingtotouchhishair.Thenshebentandkissedthedarkheadontheground.
Asthesparklinglightfaded,Damonsatupandshookhishead.HesawElenaandwentstill,then,everymovementcarefulandself-contained,stoodup.Hedidn’tsayanything,onlylookedasElenaturnedbacktoStefan.
Hewassilhouettedagainstthefire.BonniehadscarcelynoticedhowtheredglowhadgrownsothatitalmosteclipsedElena’sgold.Butnowshesawitandfeltathrillofalarm.
“Mylastgifttoyou,”Elenasaid,anditbegantorain.
Notathunder-and-lightningstorm,butathoroughpatteringrainthatsoakedeverything—Bonnieincluded—anddousedthefire.Itwasfreshandcool,anditseemedtowashallthehorrorofthelasthoursaway,cleansingthegladeofeverythingthathadhappenedthere.Bonnietiltedherfaceuptoit,shuttinghereyes,wantingtostretchoutherarmsandembraceit.AtlastitslackenedandshelookedagainatElena.
ElenawaslookingatStefan,andtherewasnosmileonherlipsnow.Thewordlesssorrowwasbackinherface.
“It’smidnight,”shesaid.“AndIhavetogo.”
Bonnieknewinstantly,atthesoundofit,that“go”didn’tjustmeanforthemoment.“Go”meantforever.Elenawasgoingsomewherethatnotranceordreamcouldreach.
AndStefanknewittoo.
“Justafewmoreminutes,”hesaid,reachingforher.
“I’msorry—”
“Elena,wait—Ineedtotellyou—”
“Ican’t!”Forthefirsttimetheserenityofthatbrightfacewasdestroyed,showingnotonlygentlesadnessbuttearinggrief.“Stefan,Ican’twait.I’msosorry.”Itwasasifshewerebeingpulledbackward,retreatingfromthemintosomedimensionthatBonniecouldnotsee.MaybethesameplaceHonoriawentwhenhertaskwasfinished,Bonniethought.Tobeatpeace.
ButElena’seyesdidn’tlookasifshewereatpeace.TheyclungtoStefan,andshereachedoutherhandtowardhis,hopelessly.Theydidn’ttouch.WhereverElenawasbeingpulledwastoofaraway.
“Elena—please!”ItwasthevoiceStefanhadcalledherwithinhisroom.Asifhisheartwasbreaking.
“Stefan,”shecried,bothhandsheldouttohimnow.Butshewasdiminishing,vanishing.Bonniefeltasobswellinherownchest,closeherownthroat.Itwasn’tfair.Alltheyhadeverwantedwastobetogether.AndnowElena’srewardforhelpingthetownandfinishinghertaskwastobeseparatedfromStefanirrevocably.Itjustwasn’tfair.
“Stefan,”Elenacalledagain,buthervoicecameasiffromalongdistance.Thebrightnesswasalmostgone.Then,asBonniestaredthroughhelplesstears,itwinkedout.
Leavingtheclearingsilentonceagain.Theywereallgone,theghostsofFell’sChurchwhohadwalkedforonenighttokeepmorebloodfrombeingspilled.Thebrightspiritthathadledthemhadvanishedwithoutatrace,andeventhemoonandstarswerecoveredbyclouds.
BonnieknewthatthewetnessonStefan’sfacewasn’tduetotherainthatwasstillsplashingdown.
Hewasstanding,chestheaving,lookingatthelastplacewhereElena’sbrightnesshadbeenseen.AndallthelongingandthepainBonniehadglimpsedonhisfaceattimesbeforewasnothingtowhatshesawnow.
“Itisn’tfair,”shewhispered.Thensheshoutedittothesky,notcaringwhoshewasaddressing.“Itisn’tfair!”
Stefanhadbeenbreathingmoreandmorequickly.Nowheliftedhisfacetoo,notinangerbutinunbearablepain.Hiseyesweresearchingthecloudsasifhemightfindsomelasttraceofgoldenlight,someflickerofbrightnessthere.Hecouldn’t.Bonniesawthespasmgothroughhim,liketheagonyofKlaus’sstake.Andthecrythatburstoutofhimwasthemostterriblethingshe’deverheard.
“Elena!”16
Bonnienevercouldquiterememberhowthenextfewsecondswent.SheheardStefan’scrythatalmostseemedtoshaketheearthbeneathher.ShesawDamonstarttowardhim.Andthenshesawtheflash.
AflashlikeKlaus’slightning,onlynotblue-white.Thisonewasgold.
AndsobrightBonniefeltthatthesunhadexplodedinfrontofhereyes.Allshecouldmakeoutforseveralsecondswerewhirlingcolors.Andthenshesawsomethinginthemiddleoftheclearing,nearthechimneystack.Somethingwhite,shapedliketheghosts,onlymoresolidlooking.Somethingsmallandhuddledthathadtobeanythingbutwhathereyesweretellingheritlookedlike.
Becauseitlookedlikeaslendernakedgirltremblingontheforestfloor.Agirlwithgoldenhair.
ItlookedlikeElena.
Nottheglowing,candlelitElenaofthespiritworldandnotthepale,inhumanlybeautifulgirlwhohadbeenElenathevampire.ThiswasanElenawhosecreamyskinwasblotchingpinkandshowinggoosefleshunderthespatteroftherain.AnElenawholookedbewilderedassheslowlyraisedherheadandgazedaroundher,asifallthefamiliarthingsintheclearingwereunfamiliartoher.
It’sanillusion.Eitherthatortheygaveherafewminutestosaygood-bye.Bonniekepttellingherselfthat,butshecouldn’tmakeherselfbelieveit.
“Bonnie?”saidavoiceuncertainly.Avoicethatwasn’tlikewindchimesatall.Thevoiceofafrightenedyounggirl.
Bonnie’skneesgaveout.Awildfeelingwasgrowinginsideher.Shetriedtopushitaway,notdaringtoevenexamineityet.ShejustwatchedElena.
Elenatouchedthegrassinfrontofher.Hesitantlyatfirst,thenmoreandmorefirmly,quickerandquicker.Shepickedupaleafinfingersthatseemedclumsy,putitdown,pattedtheground.Snatcheditupagain.Shegrabbedawholehandfulofwetleaves,heldthemtoher,smelledthem.ShelookedupatBonnie,theleavesscatteringaway.
Foramoment,theyjustkneltandstaredateachotherfromthedistanceofafewfeet.Then,tremulously,Bonniestretchedoutherhand.Shecouldn’tbreathe.Thefeelingwasgrowingandgrowing.
Elena’shandcameupinturn.ReachedtowardBonnie’s.Theirfingerstouched
Realfingers.Intherealworld.Wheretheybothwere.
BonniegaveakindofscreamandthrewherselfonElena.
Inaminuteshewaspattinghereverywhereinafrenzy,withwild,disbelievingdelight.AndElenawassolid.ShewaswetfromtherainandshewasshiveringandBonnie’shandsdidn’tgothroughher.BitsofdampleafandcrumbsofsoilwereclingingtoElena’shair.
“You’rehere,”shesobbed.“Icantouchyou,Elena!”
Elenagaspedback,“Icantouchyou!I’mhere!”Shegrabbedtheleavesagain.“Icantouchtheground!”
“Icanseeyoutouchingit!”Theymighthavekeptthisupindefinitely,butMeredithinterrupted.Shewasstandingafewstepsaway,staring,herdarkeyesenormous,herfacewhite.Shemadeachokingsound.
“Meredith!”Elenaturnedtoherandheldouthandfulsofleaves.Sheopenedherarms.
Meredith,whohadbeenabletocopewhenElena’sbodywasfoundintheriver,whenElenahadappearedatherwindowasavampire,whenElenahadmaterializedintheclearinglikeanangel,juststoodthere,shaking.Shelookedabouttofaint.
“Meredith,she’ssolid!Youcantouchher!See?”BonniepummeledElenaagainjoyfully.
Meredithdidn’tmove.Shewhispered,“It’simpossible—”
“It’strue!See?It’strue!”Bonniewasgettinghysterical.Sheknewshewas,andshedidn’tcare.Ifanyonehadarighttogethysterical,itwasher.“It’strue,it’strue,”shecaroled.“Meredith,comesee.”
Meredith,whohadbeenstaringatElenaallthiswhile,madeanotherchokedsound.Then,withonemotion,sheflungherselfdownonElena.Shetouchedher,foundthatherhandmettheresistanceofflesh.ShelookedintoElena’sface.Andthensheburstintouncontrollabletears.
Shecriedandcried,herheadonElena’snakedshoulder.
Bonniegleefullypattedbothofthem.
“Don’tyouthinkshe’dbetterputsomethingon?”saidavoice,andBonnielookeduptoseeCarolinetakingoffherdress.Carolinediditrathercalmly,standinginherbeigepolyesterslipafterwardasifshedidthissortofthingallthetime.Noimagination,Bonniethoughtagain,butwithoutmalice.Clearlythereweretimeswhennoimaginationwasanadvantage.
MeredithandBonniepulledthedressoverElena’shead.Shelookedsmallinsideit,wetandsomehowunnatural,asifshewasn’tusedtoclothinganymore.Butitwassomeprotectionfromtheelements,anyway.
ThenElenawhispered,“Stefan.”
Sheturned.Hewasstandingthere,withDamonandMatt,alittleapartfromthegirls.Hewasjustwatchingher.Asifnotonlyhisbreath,buthislifewasheld,waiting.
Elenagotupandtookatotterysteptohim,andthenanotherandanother.Slimandnewlyfragileinsideherborroweddress,shewaveredasshemovedtowardhim.Likethelittlemermaidlearninghowtouseherlegs,Bonniethought.
Helethergetalmostallthewaythere,juststaring,beforehestumbledtowardher.Theyendedinarushandthenfelltothegroundtogether,armslockedaroundeachother,eachholdingonastightlyaspossible.Neitherofthemsaidaword.
AtlastElenapulledbacktolookatStefan,andhecuppedherfacebetweenhishands,justgazingbackather.Elenalaughedaloudforsheerjoy,openingandclosingherownfingersandlookingatthemindelightbeforeburyingtheminStefan’shair.Thentheykissed.
Bonniewatchedunabashedly,feelingsomeoftheheadyjoyspilloverintotears.Herthroatached,buttheseweresweettears,notthesalttearsofpain,andshewasstillsmiling.Shewasfilthy,shewassoakingwet,shehadneverbeensohappyinherlife.Shefeltasifshewantedtodanceandsinganddoallsortsofcrazythings.
SometimelaterElenalookedupfromStefantoallofthem,herfacealmostasbrightaswhenshe’dfloatedintheclearinglikeanangel.Shininglikestarlight.NoonewillevercallherIcePrincessagain,Bonniethought.
“Myfriends,”Elenasaid.Itwasallshesaid,butitwasenough,thatandthequeerlittlesobshegaveassheheldoutahandtothem.Theywerearoundherinasecond,swarmingher,alltryingtoembraceatonce.EvenCaroline.
“Elena,”Carolinesaid,“I’msorry….”
“It’sallforgottennow,”Elenasaid,andhuggedherasfreelyasanyoneelse.Thenshegraspedasturdybrownhandandhelditbrieflytohercheek.“Matt,”shesaid,andhesmiledather,blueeyesswimming.ButnotwithmiseryatseeingherinStefan’sarms,Bonniethought.JustnowMatt’sfaceexpressedonlyhappiness.
Ashadowfelloverthelittlegroup,comingbetweenthemandthemoonlight.Elenalookedup,andheldoutherhandagain.
“Damon,”shesaid.
Theclearlightandshiningloveinherfacewasirresistible.Oritshouldhavebeenirresistible,Bonniethought.ButDamonsteppedforwardunsmiling,hisblackeyesasbottomlessandunfathomableasever.NoneofthestarlightthatshonefromElenawasreflectedbackfromthem.
Stefanlookedupathimfearlessly,ashe’dlookedintothepainfulbrillianceofElena’sgoldenbrightness.Then,neverlookingaway,heheldouthishandaswell.
Damonstoodgazingdownatthem,thetwoopen,fearlessfaces,themuteofferoftheirhands.Theofferofconnection,warmth,humanity.Nothingshowedinhisownface,andhewasutterlymotionlesshimself.
“Comeon,Damon,”Mattsaidsoftly.Bonnielookedathimquickly,andsawthattheblueeyeswereintentnowastheylookedattheshadowedhunter’sface.
Damonspokewithoutmoving.“I’mnotlikeyou.”
“You’renotasdifferentfromusasyouwanttothink,”Mattsaid.“Look,”headded,anoddnoteofchallengeinhisvoice,“IknowyoukilledMr.Tannerinself-defense,becauseyoutoldme.AndIknowyoudidn’tcomeheretoFell’sChurchbecauseBonnie’sspelldraggedyouhere,becauseIsortedthehairandIdidn’tmakeanymistakes.You’remorelikeusthanyouadmit,Damon.TheonlythingIdon’tknowiswhyyoudidn’tgointoVickie’shousetohelpher.”
Damonsnapped,almostautomatically,“BecauseIwasn’tinvited!”
MemorysweptoverBonnie.HerselfstandingoutsideVickie’shouse,Damonstandingbesideher.Stefan’svoice:Vickie,invitemein.ButnoonehadinvitedDamon.
“ButhowdidKlausgetin,then—?”shebegan,followingherownthoughts.
“ThatwasTyler’sjob,I’msure,”Damonsaidtersely.“WhatTylerdidforKlausinreturnforlearninghowtoreclaimhisheritage.AndhemusthaveinvitedKlausinbeforeweeverstartedguardingthehouse—probablybeforeStefanandIcametoFell’sChurch.Klauswaswellprepared.ThatnighthewasinthehouseandthegirlwasdeadbeforeIknewwhatwashappening.”
“Whydidn’tyoucallforStefan?”Mattsaid.Therewasnoaccusationinhisvoice.Itwasasimplequestion.
“Becausetherewasnothinghecouldhavedone!IknewwhatyouweredealingwithassoonasIsawit.AnOldOne.Stefanwouldonlyhavegottenhimselfkilledandthegirlwaspastcaring,anyway.”
Bonnieheardthethreadofcoldnessinhisvoice,andwhenDamonturnedbacktoStefanandElena,hisfacehadhardened.Itwasasifsomedecisionhadbeenmade.
“Yousee,I’mnotlikeyou,”hesaid.
“Itdoesn’tmatter.”Stefanhadstillnotwithdrawnhishand.NeitherhadElena.
“Andsometimesthegoodguysdowin,”Mattsaidquietly,encouragingly.
“Damon—”Bonniebegan.Slowly,almostreluctantly,heturnedtowardher.ShewasthinkingaboutthatmomentwhentheyhadbeenkneelingoverStefanandhehadlookedsoyoung.WhentheyhadbeenjustDamonandBonnieattheedgeoftheworld.
Shethought,forjustoneinstant,thatshesawstarsinthoseblackeyes.Andshecouldsenseinhimsomething—somefermentoffeelingslikelongingandconfusionandfearandangerallmixed.ButthenitwasallsmoothedoveragainandhisshieldswerebackupandBonnie’spsychicsensestoldhernothing.Andthoseblackeyesweresimplyopaque.
Heturnedbacktothecoupleontheground.ThenheremovedhisjacketandsteppedbehindElena.Hedrapeditoverhershoulderswithouttouchingher.
“It’sacoldnight,”hesaid.HiseyesheldStefan’samomentashesettledtheblackjacketaroundher.
Andthenheturnedtowalkintothedarknessbetweentheoaktrees.InaninstantBonnieheardtherushofwings.
StefanandElenawordlesslyjoinedhandsagain,andElena’sgoldenheaddroppedtoStefan’sshoulder.OverherhairStefan’sgreeneyeswereturnedtowardthepatchofnightwherehisbrotherhaddisappeared.
Bonnieshookherhead,feelingacatchinherthroat.ItwaseasedassomethingtouchedherarmandshelookedupatMatt.Evensoakingwet,evencoveredwithbitsofmossandfern,hewasabeautifulsight.Shesmiledathim,feelingherwonderandjoycomeback.Thegiddy,dizzyexcitementasshethoughtaboutwhathadhappenedtonight.MeredithandCarolineweresmilingtoo,andinanimpulsiveburstBonnieseizedMatt’shandsandwhirledhimintoadance.Inthemiddleoftheclearingtheykickedupwetleavesandspunandlaughed.Theywerealive,andtheywereyoung,anditwasthesummersolstice.
“Youwantedusallbacktogetheragain!”BonnieshoutedatCaroline,andpulledthescandalizedgirlintothedance.Meredith,herdignityforgotten,joinedthemtoo.
Andforalongtimeintheclearingtherewasonlyrejoicing.
June21,7:30a.m.
TheSummerSolstice
DearDiary,
Oh,it’salltoomuchtoexplainandyouwouldn’tbelieveitanyway.I’mgoingtobed.
BonnieEverythingwasfrozen.Mattcouldsmellhisownfear,buthewouldn’tmove.Hecouldn’tmovenow.
Itdidn’tmatter.Hehadn’tgivenin.Ifhediedrightnow,hediedknowingthat.
Damon’steethwereawhiteglitterinthedark.Sharpascarvingknives.Mattcouldalmostfeeltherazorbiteofthembeforetheytouchedhim.
Iwillnotsurrenderanything,hethought,andclosedhiseyes.BOOKSBYL.J.SMITH
TheVampireDiaries:Vol.I:TheAwakening
TheVampireDiaries:Vol.II:TheStruggle
TheVampireDiaries:Vol.III:TheFury
TheVampireDiaries:Vol.IV:DarkReunion
TheVampireDiaries:TheReturnVol.1:Nightfall
TheVampireDiaries:TheReturnVol.2:ShadowSouls
TheSecretCircle:TheInitiationandTheCaptivePartI
TheSecretCircle:TheCaptivePartIIandThePowerCopyright
Logoandcoverphoto?andtrademarkTheCWNetwork,LLC.Allrightsreserved.
TheVampireDiaries:DarkReunionCopyright?1991byDanielWeissAssociates,Inc.andLisaSmith
AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,down-loaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
EPubEdition?AUGUST2010ISBN:978-0-062-06475-2
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Revisedpaperbackedition,2010AboutthePublisher
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