The Vampire Diaries-8

Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
AbouttheAuthor
OtherBooksbyThisAuthor
Credits
BackAds
Copyright
AboutthePublisherChapter1
ElenaGilbertsteppedontoasmoothexpanseofgrass,thespongybladescollapsingbeneathherfeet.Clustersofscarletrosesandvioletdelphiniumspushedupfromtheground,whileagiantcanopyhungaboveher,twinklingwithglowinglanterns.Ontheterraceinfrontofherstoodtwocurvingwhitemarblefountainsthatshotspraysofwaterhighintotheair.Everythingwasbeautiful,elegant,andsomehowfamiliar.
ThisisBloddeuwedd’spalace,avoiceinherheadsaid.Butwhenshehadbeenherelast,thefieldhadbeencrowdedwithlaughing,dancingpartygoers.Theyweregonenow,althoughsignsoftheirpresenceremained:emptyglasseslitteredthetablessetaroundtheedgesofthelawn;asilkenshawlwastossedoverachair;alonehigh-heeledshoeperchedontheedgeofafountain.
Somethingelsewasodd,too.Before,thescenehadbeenlitbythehellishredlightthatilluminatedeverythingintheDarkDimension,turningbluestopurples,whitestopinks,andpinkstothevelvetycolorofblood.Nowaclearlightshoneovereverything,andafullwhitemoonsailedcalmlyoverhead.
Awhisperofmovementcamefrombehindher,andElenarealizedwithastartthatshewasn’taloneafterall.Adarkfigurewassuddenlythere,approachingher.
Damon.
OfcourseitwasDamon,Elenathoughtwithasmile.Ifanyonewasgoingtoappearunexpectedlybeforeherhere,atwhatfeltliketheendoftheworld—oratleastthehourafteragoodpartyhadended—itwouldbeDamon.God,hewassobeautiful.Blackonblack:softblackhair,eyesblackasmidnight,blackjeans,andasmoothleatherjacket.
Astheireyesmet,shewassogladtoseehimthatshecouldhardlybreathe.Shethrewherselfintohisembrace,claspinghimaroundtheneck,feelingthelithe,hardmusclesinhisarmsandchest.
“Damon,”shesaid,hervoicetremblingforsomereason.Herbodywastrembling,too,andDamonstrokedherarmsandshoulders,calmingher.
“Whatisit,princess?Don’ttellmeyou’reafraid.”Hesmirkedlazilyather,hishandsstrongandsteady.
“Iamafraid,”sheanswered.
“Butwhatareyouafraidof?”
Thatleftherpuzzledforamoment.Then,slowly,puttinghercheekagainsthis,shesaid,“I’mafraidthatthisisjustadream.”
“I’lltellyouasecret,princess,”hesaidintoherear.“YouandIaretheonlyrealthingshere.It’severythingelsethat’sthedream.”
“Justyouandme?”Elenaechoed,anuneasythoughtnaggingather,asthoughshewereforgettingsomething—orsomeone.Afleckofashlandedonherdress,andsheabsentlybrusheditaway.
“It’sjustthetwoofus,Elena,”Damonsaidsharply.“You’remine.I’myours.We’velovedeachothersincethebeginningoftime.”
Ofcourse.Thatmustbewhyshewastrembling—itwasjoy.Hewashers.Shewashis.Theybelongedtogether.
Shewhisperedoneword:“Yes.”
Thenhekissedher.
Hislipsweresoftassilk,andwhenthekissdeepened,shetiltedherheadback,exposingherthroat,anticipatingthedoublewaspstinghe’ddeliveredsomanytimes.
Whenitdidn’tcome,sheopenedhereyesquestioningly.Themoonwasasbrightasever,andthescentofroseshungheavyintheair.ButDamon’schiseledfeatureswerepaleunderhisdarkhair,andmoreashhadlandedontheshouldersofhisjacket.Allatonce,thelittledoubtsthathadbeennigglingathercametogether.
Oh,no.Oh,no
“Damon.”Shegasped,lookingintohiseyesdespairinglyastearsfilledherown.“Youcan’tbehere,Damon.You’re…dead.”
“Formorethanfivehundredyears,princess.”Damonflashedhisblindingsmileather.Moreashwasfallingaroundthem,likeafinegrayrain,thesamegrayashDamon’sbodywasburiedbeneath,worldsanddimensionsaway.
“Damon,you’re…deadnow.Notundead,but…gone.”
“No,Elena…”Hebegantoflickerandfade,likeadyinglightbulb.
“Yes.Yes!Iheldyouasyoudied….”Elenawassobbinghelplessly.Shecouldn’tfeelDamon’sarmsatallnow.Hewasdisappearingintoshimmeringlight.
“Listentome,Elena….”
Shewasholdingmoonlight.Anguishcaughtatherheart.
“Allyouneedtodoiscallforme,”Damon’svoicesaid.“Allyouneed…”
Hisvoicefadedintothesoundofwindrustlingthroughthetrees.
Elena’seyessnappedopen.Throughafogsheregisteredthatshewasinaroomfilledwithsunlight,andahugecrowwasperchedonthesillofanopenwindow.Thebirdtilteditsheadtoonesideandgaveacroak,watchingherwithbrighteyes.
Acoldchillrandownherspine.“Damon?”shewhispered.
Butthecrowjustspreaditswingsandflewaway.Chapter2
DearDiary,
IAMHOME!Icanhardlydaretobelieveit,buthereIam.
Iwokewiththestrangestfeeling.Ididn’tknowwhereIwasandjustlayheresmellingthecleancotton-and-fabric-softenerscentofthesheets,tryingtofigureoutwhyeverythinglookedsofamiliar.
Iwasn’tinLadyUlma’smansion.There,Ihadsleptnestledinthesmoothestsatinandsoftestvelvet,andtheairhadsmelledofincense.AndIwasn’tattheboardinghouse:Mrs.Flowerswashesthebeddingthereinsomeweird-smellingherbalmixturethatBonniesaysisforprotectionandgooddreams.
Andsuddenly,Iknew.Iwashome.TheGuardiansdidit!Theybroughtmehome.
Everythingandnothinghaschanged.It’sthesameroomIsleptinfromwhenIwasatinybaby:mypolishedcherry-wooddresserandrockingchair;thelittlestuffedblack-and-whitedogMattwonatthewintercarnivalourjunioryearperchedonashelf;myrolltopdeskwithitscubbyholes;theornateantiquemirrorabovemydresser;andtheMonetandKlimtpostersfromthemuseumexhibitsAuntJudithtookmetoinWashington,DC.Evenmycombandbrusharelinedupneatlysidebysideonmydresser.It’sallasitshouldbe.
Igotoutofbedandusedasilverletteropenerfromthedesktopryupthesecretboardinmyclosetfloor,myoldhidingplace,andIfoundthisdiary,justwhereIhiditsomanymonthsago.ThelastentryistheoneIwrotebeforeFounder’sDaybackinNovember,beforeI…died.BeforeIlefthomeandnevercameback.Untilnow.
InthatentryIdetailedourplantostealbackmyotherdiary,theoneCarolinetookfromme,theonethatshewasplanningtoreadaloudattheFounder’sDaypageant,knowingitwouldruinmylife.Theverynextday,IdrownedinWickeryCreekandroseagainasavampire.AndthenIdiedagainandreturnedasahuman,andtraveledtotheDarkDimension,andhadathousandadventures.AndmyolddiaryhasbeensittingrightherewhereIleftitundertheclosetfloor,justwaitingforme.
TheotherElena,theonethattheGuardiansplantedineveryone’smemories,washereallthesemonths,goingtoschoolandlivinganormallife.ThatElenadidn’twritehere.I’mrelieved,really.Howcreepywoulditbetoseediaryentriesinmyhandwritingandnotrememberanyofthethingstheyrecounted?Althoughthatmighthavebeenhelpful.IhavenoideawhateveryoneelseinFell’sChurchthinkshasbeenhappeninginthemonthssinceFounder’sDay.
ThewholetownofFell’sChurchhasbeengivenafreshstart.Thekitsunedestroyedthistownoutofsheermaliciousmischief.Pittingchildrenagainsttheirparents,makingpeopledestroythemselvesandeveryonetheyloved.
Butnownoneofiteverhappened.
IftheGuardiansmadegoodontheirword,everyoneelsewhodiedisnowaliveagain:poorVickieBennettandSueCarson,murderedbyKatherineandKlausandTylerSmallwoodbackinthewinter;disagreeableMr.Tanner;thoseinnocentsthatthekitsunekilledorcausedtobekilled.Me.Allbackagain,allstartingover.
And,exceptformeandmyclosestfriends—Meredith,Bonnie,Matt,mydarlingStefan,andMrs.Flowers—nooneelseknowsthatlifehasn’tgoneonasusualeversinceFounder’sDay.
We’veallbeengivenanotherchance.Wedidit.Wesavedeveryone.
EveryoneexceptDamon.Hesavedus,intheend,butwecouldn’tsavehim.Nomatterhowhardwetriedorhowdesperatelywepleaded,therewasnowayfortheGuardianstobringhimback.Andvampiresdon’treincarnate.Theydon’tgotoHeaven,orHell,oranykindofafterlife.Theyjust…disappear.
Elenastoppedwritingforamomentandtookadeepbreath.Hereyesfilledwithtears,butshebentoverthediaryagain.Shehadtotellthewholetruthiftherewasgoingtobeanypointtokeepingadiaryatall.
Damondiedinmyarms.Itwasagonizingtowatchhimslipawayfromme.ButI’llneverletStefanknowhowItrulyfeltabouthisbrother.Itwouldbecruel—andwhatgoodwoulditdonow?
Istillcan’tbelievehe’sgone.TherewasnooneasaliveasDamon—noonewholovedlifemorethanhedid.Nowhe’llneverknow—
AtthatmomentthedoorofElena’sbedroomsuddenlyflewopen,andElena,herheartinherthroat,slammedthediaryshut.Buttheintruderwasonlyheryoungersister,Margaret,dressedinpinkflower-printedpajamas,hercorn-silkhairstandingstraightupinthemiddlelikeathrush’sfeathers.Thefive-year-olddidn’tdecelerateuntilshewasalmostontopofElena—andthenshelaunchedherselfatherthroughtheair.
Shelandedsquarelyonheroldersister,knockingthebreathoutofher.Margaret’scheekswerewet,hereyesshining,andherlittlehandsclutchedatElena.
Elenafoundherselfholdingonjustastightly,feelingtheweightofhersister,inhalingthesweetscentofbabyshampooandPlay-Doh.
“Imissedyou!”Margaretsaid,hervoiceonthevergeofsobbing.“Elena!Imissedyousomuch!”
“What?”Despiteherefforttomakehervoicelight,Elenacouldhearitshaking.Sherealizedwithajoltthatshehadn’tseenMargaret—reallyseenher—formorethaneightmonths.ButMargaretcouldn’tknowthat.“Youmissedmesomuchsincebedtimethatyouhadtocomerunningtofindme?”
MargaretdrewslightlyawayfromElenaandstaredather.Margaret’sfive-year-oldclearblueeyeshadalookinthem,anintenselyknowinglook,thatsentashiverdownElena’sspine.
ButMargaretdidn’tsayaword.ShesimplytightenedhergriponElena,curlingupandlettingherheadrestonElena’sshoulder.“Ihadabaddream.Idreamedyouleftme.Youwentaway.”Thelastwordwasaquietwail.
“Oh,Margaret,”Elenasaid,hugginghersister’swarmsolidity,“itwasonlyadream.I’mnotgoinganywhere.”SheclosedhereyesandheldontoMargaret,prayinghersisterhadtrulyonlyhadanightmare,andthatshehadn’tslippedthroughthecracksoftheGuardians’spell.
“Allright,cookie,timetogetamoveon,”saidElenaafterafewmoments,gentlyticklingMargaret’sside.“Arewegoingtohaveafabulousbreakfasttogether?ShallImakeyoupancakes?”
MargaretsatupthenandgazedatElenawithwideblueeyes.“UncleRobert’smakingwaffles,”shesaid.“HealwaysmakeswafflesonSundaymornings.Remember?”
UncleRobert.Right.HeandAuntJudithhadgottenmarriedafterElenahaddied.“Sure,hedoes,bunny,”shesaidlightly.“IjustforgotitwasSundayforaminute.”
NowthatMargarethadmentionedit,shecouldhearsomeonedowninthekitchen.Andsmellsomethingdeliciouscooking.Shesniffed.“Isthatbacon?”
Margaretnodded.“Raceyoutothekitchen!”
Elenalaughedandstretched.“Givemeaminutetowakeallthewayup.I’llmeetyoudownthere.”I’llgettotalktoAuntJudithagain,sherealizedwithasuddenburstofjoy.
Margaretbouncedoutofbed.Atthedoor,shepausedandlookedbackathersister.“Youreallyarecomingdown,right?”sheaskedhesitantly.
“Ireallyam,”Elenasaid,andMargaretsmiledandheadeddownthehall.
Watchingher,Elenawasstruckoncemorebywhatanamazingsecondchance—thirdchance,really—she’dbeengiven.ForamomentElenajustsoakedintheessenceofherdear,darlinghome,aplaceshe’dneverthoughtshe’dliveinagain.ShecouldhearMargaret’slightvoicechatteringawayhappilydownstairs,thedeeperrumbleofRobertansweringher.Shewassolucky,despiteeverything,tobebackhomeatlast.Whatcouldbemorewonderful?
Hereyesfilledwithtearsandsheclosedthemtightly.Whatastupidthingtothink.Whatcouldbemorewonderful?IfthecrowonherwindowsillhadbeenDamon,ifshe’dknownthathewasouttheresomewhere,readytoflashhislazysmileorevenpurposelyaggravateher,nowthatwouldhavebeenmorewonderful.
Elenaopenedhereyesandblinkedhardseveraltimes,willingthetearsaway.Shecouldn’tfallapart.Notnow.Notwhenshewasabouttoseeherfamilyagain.Nowshewouldsmileandlaughandhugherfamily.Latershewouldcollapse,indulgingthesharpacheinsideher,andletherselfsob.Afterall,shehadallthetimeintheworldtomournDamon,becauselosinghimwouldnever,everstophurting.Chapter3
Thebrightmorningsunshoneonthelong,windingdrivethatledtothegaragebehindtheboardinghouse.Puffsofwhitecloudscuddedacrossthelightbluesky.Itwassuchapeacefulscenethatitwasalmostimpossibletobelievethatanythingbadhadeverhappenedinthisplace.
ThelasttimeIwashere,thoughtStefan,puttingonhissunglasses,itwasawasteland.
WhenthekitsunehadheldswayinFell’sChurch,ithadbeenawarzone.Childrenagainstparents,teenagegirlsmutilatingthemselves,thetownhalf-destroyed.Bloodonthestreets,painandsufferingeverywhere.
Behindhim,thefrontdooropened.StefanturnedquicklytoseeMrs.Flowerscomingoutofthehouse.Theoldwomanworealongblackdress,andhereyeswereshieldedbyastrawhatcoveredwithartificialflowers.Shelookedtiredandworn,buthersmilewasasgentleasalways.
“Stefan,”shesaid.“Theworldisherethismorning,thewayitshouldbe.”Mrs.Flowerssteppedcloserandgazedupintohisface,hersharpblueeyeswarmwithsympathy.Shelookedasifshewereabouttoaskhimsomething,butatthelastminuteseemedtochangehermindandinsteadsaid,“Meredithcalled,andMatt,too.Itseemsthat,againstalltheodds,everyonehassurvivedunscathed.”Shehesitated,andthensqueezedhisarm.“Almosteveryone.”
SomethingtwistedpainfullyinStefan’schest.Hedidn’twanttotalkaboutDamon.Hecouldn’t,notyet.Instead,hebowedhishead.“Weoweyouagreatdebt,Mrs.Flowers,”hesaid,choosinghiswordswithcare.“Wenevercouldhavedefeatedthekitsunewithoutyou—youweretheonewhoheldthematbayanddefendedthetownforsolong.Noneofuswilleverforgetthat.”
Mrs.Flowers’ssmiledeepened,anunexpecteddimpleflickeringinonecheek.“Thankyou,Stefan,”shesaidwithequalformality.“ThereisnooneIwouldhaveratherfoughtalongsidethanyouandtheothers.”Shesighedandpattedhisshoulder.“AlthoughImustbegettingoldatlast;Ifeeltheneedtospendmostoftodaydozinginachairinthegarden.Fightingeviltakesmoreoutofmethanitusedto.”
Stefanofferedhisarmtoassistherdowntheporchsteps,andshesmiledathimoncemore.“TellElenathatI’llmakethoseteabiscuitsshelikeswhenevershe’sreadytoleaveherfamilyandcomevisit,”shesaid,thenturnedtowardherrosegarden.
Elenaandherfamily.Stefanimaginedhislove,hersilkyblondhairtumblingabouthershoulders,littleMargaretinherlap.Elenahadanothershotatarealhumanlifenow,whichwaswortheverything.
IthadbeenStefan’sfaultthatElenalostherfirstlife—heknewthatwithahardcertaintythatgnawedathisinsides.HehadbroughtKatherinetoFell’sChurch,andKatherinehaddestroyedElena.ThistimehewouldmakesureElenawasprotected.
WithonelastglanceatMrs.Flowersinhergarden,hesquaredhisshouldersandwalkedintothewoods.Birdssangatthesun-dapplededgesoftheforest,butStefanwasheadedmuchdeeperin,whereancientoaksgrewandtheunderbrushwasthick.Wherenoonewouldseehim,wherehecouldhunt.
Stoppinginasmallclearingseveralmilesin,Stefantookoffhissunglassesandlistened.Fromnearbycamethesoftcrackleofsomethingmovingbeneathabush.Heconcentrated,reachingoutwithhismind.Itwasarabbit,itsheartbeatingrapidly,lookingforitsownmorningmeal.
Stefanfocusedhismindonit.Cometome,hethought,gentlyandpersuasively.Hesensedtherabbitstiffenforamoment;thenithoppedslowlyoutfromunderabush,itseyesglassy.
Itcametowardhimdocilelyand,withanextramentalnudgefromStefan,stoppedathisfeet.Stefanscoopeditupandturneditovertoreachthetenderthroat,whereitspulsefluttered.Withasilentapologytotheanimal,Stefangavehimselfovertohishunger,allowinghisfangstoclickintoplace.Hetoreintotherabbit’sthroat,drinkingthebloodslowly,tryingnottowinceatthetaste.
WhilethekitsunehadthreatenedFell’sChurch,Elena,Bonnie,Meredith,andMatthadinsistedhefeedonthem,knowinghumanbloodwouldkeephimasstrongaspossibleforthefight.Theirbloodhadbeenalmostotherworldly:Meredith’sfieryandstrong;Matt’spureandwholesome;Bonnie’ssweetasdessert;Elena’sheadyandinvigorating.Despitethefoultasteoftherabbitinhismouth,hiscaninesprickledwithrememberedhunger.
Butnowhewouldn’tdrinkhumanblood,hetoldhimselffirmly.Hecouldn’tkeepcrossingthatline,eveniftheywerewilling.Notunlesshisfriends’safetywasatrisk.Thechangefromhumantoanimalbloodwouldbepainful;herememberedthatfromwhenhehadfirststoppeddrinkinghumanblood—achingteeth,nausea,irritability,thefeelingthathewasstarvingevenwhenhisstomachwasfull—butitwastheonlyoption.
Whentherabbit’sheartbeatstoppedaltogether,Stefangentlydisengaged.Heheldthelimpbodyinhishandsforamoment,thensetitonthegroundandcovereditwithleaves.Thankyou,littleone,hethought.Hewasstillhungry,buthehadalreadytakenonelifethismorning.
Damonwouldhavelaughed.Stefancouldalmosthearhim.NobleStefan,hewouldscoff,hisblackeyesnarrowinginhalf-affectionatedisdain.You’remissingallthebestpartsofbeingavampirewhileyouwrestlewithyourconscience,youfool
Asifsummonedbyhisthoughts,acrowcawedoverhead.Foramoment,Stefanfullyexpectedthebirdtoplummettoearthandtransformintohisbrother.Whenitdidn’t,Stefangaveashorthalflaughathisownstupidityandwassurprisedwhenitsoundedalmostlikeasob.
Damonwasnevercomingback.Hisbrotherwasgone.They’dhadcenturiesofbitternessbetweenthemandhadonlyjuststartedtorepairtheirrelationship,joiningtogethertofighttheevilthatalwaysseemeddrawntoFell’sChurchandtoshieldElenafromit.ButDamonwasdead,andnowStefanwastheonlyonelefttoprotectElenaandtheirfriends.
Alatentwormoffearsquirmedinhischest.Therewassomuchthatcouldgowrong.Humansweresovulnerable,andnowthatElenahadnospecialpowers,shewasasvulnerableasanyofthem
Thethoughtsenthimreeling,andimmediatelyhetookoff,runningstraighttowardElena’shouseontheothersideofthewoods.Elenawashisresponsibilitynow.Andhewouldneverletanythinghurtheragain.
TheupstairslandingwasalmostthesameasElenarememberedit:shiningdarkwoodwithanOrientalcarpetrunner,afewlittletableswithknickknacksandphotographs,acouchnearthebigpicturewindowoverlookingthefrontdrive.
Buthalfwaytothestairs,Elenapaused,glimpsingsomethingnew.Amongthesilver-framedphotosononeofthesmalltableswasapictureofherselfandMeredithandBonnie,facesclosetogether,grinningwidelyincapsandgownsandproudlybrandishingdiplomas.Elenapickeditup,holdingitclose.Shehadgraduatedfromhighschool.
ItfeltoddtoseethisotherElena,asshecouldn’thelpthinkingofher,herblondhairpulledbackinanelegantFrenchtwist,creamyskinflushedwithexcitement,smilingwithherbestfriends,andnotrememberathingaboutit.Andshelookedsocarefree,thisElena,sofullofjoyandhopeandexpectationsforthefuture.ThisElenaknewnothingofthehorroroftheDarkDimensionorthehavocthekitsunehadcaused.ThisElenawashappy.
Glancingquicklyamongthephotos,Elenalocatedafewmoreshehadn’tseenbefore.ApparentlythisotherElenahadbeenqueenoftheSnowBall,thoughElenarememberedCarolinehadwonthatcrownafterElena’sdeath.Inthispicture,however,QueenElenawasresplendentinpalevioletsilk,surroundedbyhercourt:Bonniefluffyandadorableinshinybluetaffeta;Meredithsophisticatedinblack;auburn-hairedCarolinelookingaggrievedinatightsilverdressthatleftverylittletotheimagination;andSueCarson,prettyinpalepink,smilingstraightintothecamera,verymuchalive.TearsstungElena’seyesoncemore.Theyhadsavedher.ElenaandMeredithandBonnieandMattandStefanhadsavedSueCarson.
ThenElena’sgazelandedonanotherphotograph,thisoneofAuntJudithinalong,lacyweddingdress,Robertstandingproudlybesideherinamorningsuit.WiththemwastheotherElena,clearlythemaidofhonor,inadressthecolorofgreenleaves,holdingabouquetofpinkroses.BesideherstoodMargaret,shiningblondheadduckedshyly,graspingElena’sdresswithonehand.Shewaswearingafull-skirtedwhiteflowergirl’sdresstiedwithawidegreensash,andsheclutchedabasketofrosesinherotherhand.
Elena’shandsshookalittleassheputthispicturedown.Itlookedasifagoodtimehadbeenhadbyall.Whatapityshehadn’tactuallybeenthere.
Downstairs,aglassclinkedagainstthetable,andsheheardAuntJudithlaugh.Puttingasideallthestrangenessofthisnewpastshe’dhavetolearn,Elenahurrieddownthestairs,readytogreetherfuture.
Inthediningroom,AuntJudithpouredorangejuicefromabluejugwhileRobertspoonedbatterontothewaffleiron.Margaretwaskneelingbehindherchair,narratinganintenseconversationbetweenherstuffedrabbitandatoytiger.
AgreatsurgeofjoyfilledElena’schest,andshegrabbedAuntJudithinatighthugandspunheraround.Orangejuicespilledacrossthefloorinawidearc.
“Elena!”scoldedAuntJudith,halflaughing.“What’sthematterwithyou?”
“Nothing!IjustIloveyou,AuntJudith,”Elenasaid,hugginghertighter.“Ireallydo.”
“Oh,”saidAuntJudith,hereyessoft.“Oh,Elena,Iloveyou,too.”
“Andwhatabeautifulday,”Elenasaid,pirouettingaway.“Awonderfuldaytobealive.”ShedroppedakissonMargaret’sblondhead.AuntJudithreachedforthepapertowels.
Robertclearedhisthroat.“Arewetotakeitthatyou’veforgivenusforgroundingyoulastweekend?”
Oh.Elenatriedtofigureouthowtorespond,butaftershe’dbeenlivingonherownformonths,thewholeconceptofbeinggroundedbyAuntJudithandRobertseemedridiculous.Still,shewidenedhereyesandputonanappropriatelycontriteexpression.“I’mtrulysorry,AuntJudithandRobert.Itwon’thappenagain.”Whateveritis.
Robert’sshouldersrelaxed.“We’llsaynomoreaboutit,then,”hesaidwithobviousrelief.Heslidahotwaffleontoherplateandhandedherthesyrup.“Doyouhaveanythingfunplannedfortoday?”
“Stefanispickingmeupafterbreakfast,”Elenasaid,thenpaused.ThelasttimeshehadtalkedtoAuntJudith,afterthedisastrousFounder’sDaypageant,AuntJudithandRoberthadbeenseriouslyanti-Stefan.They,likemostofthetown,hadsuspectedhimofbeingresponsibleforMr.Tanner’sdeath.
ButapparentlytheyhadnoproblemwithStefaninthisworld,becauseRobertsimplynodded.And,sheremindedherself,iftheGuardianshaddonewhatsheasked,Mr.Tannerwasalive,sotheycouldn’thavesuspectedStefanofkillinghim….Oh,itwasallsoconfusing!
Shewenton:“We’regoingtohangoutintown,maybecatchupwithMeredithandtheothers.”Shecouldn’twaittoseethetownbacktoitsold,safeselfandtobewithStefanwhen,foronce,theyweren’tbattlingsomehorribleevilbutcouldjustbeanormalcouple.
AuntJudithgrinned.“So,justanotherlazyday,hmm?I’mgladyou’rehavinganicesummerbeforeyougoofftocollege,Elena.Youworkedsohardalllastyear.”
“Mmm,”saidElenavaguely,cuttingintoherwaffle.ShehopedtheGuardianshadgottenherintoDalcrest,asmallcollegeacouplehoursaway,asshe’drequested.
“Comeonup,Meggie,”Robertsaid,butteringthelittlegirl’swaffle.Margaretscrambledupontoherchair,andElenasmiledattheobviousaffectiononRobert’sface.Margaretwasclearlyhisdarlinglittlegirl.
CatchingElena’seye,Margaretgrowledandthrustthetoytigeracrossthetabletowardher.Elenajumped.Thelittlegirlsnarled,andherfacewasmomentarilytransformedintosomethingsavage.
“Hewantstoeatyouwithhisbigteeth,”Margaretsaid,herlittle-girlvoicehoarse.“He’scomingtogetyou.”
“Margaret!”AuntJudithscoldedasElenashuddered.Margaret’sbrieflyferallookremindedherofthekitsune,ofthegirlstheyhaddrivenmad.ButthenMargaretgaveherahugegrinandmadethetigernuzzleElena’sarm.
Thedoorbellrang.Elenacrammedthelastbiteofwaffleintohermouth.“That’sStefan,”shemumbledaroundit.“Seeyoulater.”Shewipedherlipsandcheckedherhairinthemirrorbeforeopeningthedoor.
AndtherewasStefan,ashandsomeasever.ElegantRomanfeatures,highcheekbones,aclassicalstraightnose,andsensuallycurvingmouth.Heheldhissunglasseslooselyinonehand,andhisleafgreeneyescaughtherswithagazeofpurelove.Elenabrokeintoawide,involuntarysmile.
Oh,Stefan,shethoughttohim,Iloveyou,Iloveyou.It’ssowonderfultobehome.Ican’tstopmissingDamonandwishingwecouldhavedonesomethingdifferentlyandsavedhim—andIwouldn’twanttostopthinkingofhim—butIcan’thelpbeinghappy,too.
Wait.Shefeltlikesomeonehadslammedonthebrakesandshe’dbeenthrownagainstaseatbelt.
ThoughElenawassendingthewords,andahugewaveofaffectionandlovewiththem,towardStefan,therewasnoresponse,noreturnofemotions.ItwasasiftherewereaninvisiblewallbetweenherandStefan,blockingherthoughtsfromreachinghim.
“Elena?”Stefansaidaloud,hissmilefaltering.
Oh.Shehadn’trealized.Shehadn’teventhoughtaboutthis.
WhentheGuardianstookherpowers,theymusthavetakeneverything.IncludinghertelepathicconnectiontoStefan.Ithadlingered….Shewassureshehadstillheardhim,andreachedhismind,aftershehadlostherconnectiontoBonnie.Butnowitwasgonecompletely.
Leaningforward,shegraspedhisshirt,pulledhimtoher,andkissedhimfiercely.
Oh,thankGod,shethought,asshefeltthefamiliar,comfortingsenseoftheirmindsentwining.Stefan’slipscurledintoasmilebeneathhers.
IthoughtI’dlostyou,shethought,thatIwouldn’tbeabletoreachyoulikethisanymore,either.Unlikewiththetelepathicconnectionthey’dshared,sheknewthethoughtsweren’treachingStefanaswordsbutasimagesandemotions.Fromhim,shefeltawordless,steadystreamofunfailinglove.
Athroatwasclearedpointedlybehindthem.ElenareluctantlyreleasedStefanandturnedtoseeAuntJudithwatchingthem.
Stefanstraightenedwithanembarrassedblush,theslightestlookofapprehensioninhiseyes.Elenagrinned.Shelovedthathe’dbeenthroughhell—literally—butwasstillscaredtoupsetElena’saunt.Sheputherhandonhisarm,tryingtosendamessagethatAuntJudithnowacceptedtheirrelationship,butAuntJudith’swarmsmileandgreetingsaiditforher.
“Hello,Stefan.You’llbebackbysix,won’tyou,Elena?”AuntJudithasked.“Robert’sgotalatemeeting,soIthoughtyou,Margaret,andIcouldgooutforagirls’nighttogether.”Shelookedhopefulyethesitant,likesomeoneknockingonadoorthatmightbeslammedinherface.Elena’sstomachknottedwithguilt.HaveIbeenavoidingAuntJudiththissummer?
Shecouldimaginethat,ifshehadn’tdied,shemighthavebeeneagertomoveonwithherlifeandchafedatthefamilythatwantedtokeepherhomeandsafe.ButthisElenaknewbetter—knewhowluckyshewastohaveAuntJudithandRobert.AnditseemedthatthisElenahadalotofmakinguptodo.
“Soundslikefun!”shesaidcheerfully,pastingabrightsmileonherface.“CanIinviteBonnieandMeredith?They’dloveagirls’night.”Anditwouldbenice,shethought,tohavefriendsaroundwhowereascluelessaboutwhathadbeengoingoninthisversionofFell’sChurchasshewas.
“Wonderful,”AuntJudithsaid,lookinghappierandmorerelaxed.“Haveagoodtime,kids.”
AsElenaheadedoutthedoor,Margaretranoutofthekitchen.“Elena!”shesaid,wrappingherarmstightlyaroundElena’swaist.Elenabentandkissedthetopofherhead.
“I’llcatchyoulater,bunnyrabbit,”shesaid.
MargaretmotionedforElenaandStefantokneeldown,thenputherlipsrightnexttotheirears.“Don’tforgettocomebackthistime,”shewhisperedbeforeretreatinginside.
Foramoment,Elenajustkneltthere,frozen.Stefansqueezedherhand,pullingherup,andevenwithouttheirtelepathicconnection,sheknewtheywerehavingthesamethought.
Astheyheadedawayfromthehouse,Stefantookherbytheshoulders.Hisgreeneyesgazedintohers,andhebentforwardtobrushalightkissuponherlips
“Margaret’salittlegirl,”hesaidfirmly.“Itcouldjustbethatshedoesn’twantherbigsistertoleave.Maybeshe’sworriedaboutyougoingofftocollege.”
“Maybe,”ElenamurmuredasStefanwrappedhisarmsaroundher.Sheinhaledhisgreen,woodsyscentandfeltherbreathingslowandtheknotinherstomachloosen.
“Andifnot,”shesaidslowly,“we’llworkitout.Wealwaysdo.ButrightnowIwanttoseewhattheGuardiansgaveus.”Chapter4
ItwasthelittlechangesthatsurprisedElenathemost.ShehadexpectedtheGuardianstobringFell’sChurchback.Andtheyhad.
Thelasttimeshe’dseenthetown,probablyaquarterofthehouseshadbeenrubble.They’dbeenburnedorbombed,somefullydestroyed,someonlyhalf-gone,withpolicetapedanglingdismallyacrosswhatwasleftoftheirentrances.Aroundandabovetheruinedhouses,treesandbusheshadgrownandstretchedstrangely,vinesdrapingoverthedebris,givingthestreetsofthesmalltownthelookofanancientjungle.
NowFell’sChurchwas—mostly—thewayElenarememberedit.Apicturepostcard–perfectsmallSoutherntownofdeep-porchedhousessurroundedbycarefullytendedflowergardensandbigoldtrees.ThesunwasshiningandtheairwaswarmwiththepromiseofahotandhumidVirginiasummerday.
Fromafewblocksawaycamethemutedroarofalawnmower,andthesmellofcutgrassfilledtheair.TheKinkadekidsinthehouseonthecornerhaddraggedouttheirbadmintonsetandwerebattingthebirdiebackandforth;theyoungestgirlwavedtoElenaandStefanastheypassed.EverythingtookElenabacktothelongJulydaysshe’dknownalltheprevioussummersofherlife.
Elenahadn’taskedforheroldlifeback,though.Herexactwordshadbeen:Iwantanewlife,withmyrealoldlifebehindme.She’dwantedFell’sChurchtobethewayitwouldhavebeennow,monthslater,ifevilhadnevercometotownbackatthebeginningofhersenioryear.
Butshehadn’trealizedhowjarringallthelittlechangeswouldbe.Thesmallcolonial-stylehouseinthemiddleofthenextblockhadbeenpaintedasurprisingshadeofpink,andtheoldoaktreeinitsfrontlawnhadbeencutdownandreplacedwithafloweringshrub.
“Huh.”ElenaturnedtoStefanastheypassedthehouse.“Mrs.McCloskeymusthavedied,ormovedtoanursinghome.”Stefanlookedatherblankly.“Sheneverwouldhaveletthempaintherhousethatcolor.Theremustbenewpeoplelivingthere,”sheexplained,shiveringslightly.
“Whatisit?”Stefanaskedinstantly,asattunedtohermoodsasever.
“Nothing,it’sjust…”Elenatriedtosmileasshetuckedasilkylockofhairbehindherear.“SheusedtofeedmecookieswhenIwasakid.It’sstrangetorealizeshemighthavediedofnaturalcauseswhilewe’vebeengone.”
Stefannodded,andthetwowalkedsilentlytoFell’sChurch’ssmalldowntown.Elenawasabouttopointoutthatherfavoritecoffeeshophadbeenreplacedbyadrugstore,whenshegrabbedStefan’sarm.“Stefan.Look.”
ComingtowardthemwereIsobelSaitouandJimBryce.
“Isobel!Jim!”Elenashoutedjoyfully,andrantowardthem.ButIsobelwasstiffinherarms,andJimwaslookingathercuriously.
“Uh,hi?”Isobelsaidhesitantly.
Elenainstantlysteppedback.Oops.Inthislife,didsheevenknowIsobel?They’dbeeninschooltogether,ofcourse.JimhadgoneoutwithMeredithacoupleoftimesbeforeheandIsobelstarteddating,althoughElenahadn’tknownhimwell.Butitwaspossibleshehadneverevenspokentoquiet,studiousIsobelSaitoubeforethekitsunecametotown.
Elena’smindworkedbusily,tryingtofigureouthowtogetoutofthiswithoutseemingcrazy.Butawarmbuzzofhappinesskeptrisingupinherchest,keepingherfromtakingtheproblemtooseriously.Isobelwasokay.She’dsufferedsomuchatthehandsofthekitsune:She’dpiercedherselfinhorriblewaysandslitherowntonguesoseverelythatevenaftershe’drecoveredfromthekitsune’sthrall,she’dspokeninasoftslur.Worse,thekitsunegoddesshadbeeninIsobel’shousethewholetime,pretendingtobeIsobel’sgrandmother.
AndpoorJim…InfectedthroughIsobel,Jimhadtornhimselfapart,eatingathisownflesh.Yetherehewas,ashandsomeandcarefree—albeitmildlyconfused—asever.
Stefansmiledbroadly,andElenacouldn’tstopgiggling.“Sorry,guys,I’mjust…sohappytoseefamiliarfacesfromschool.ImustmissgoodoldRobertE.LeeHighSchool,youknow?Whowouldhavethought?”
Itwasaprettyweakexcuse,butIsobelandJimsmiledandnodded.Jimclearedhisthroatawkwardlyandsaid,“Yeah,itwasagoodyear,wasn’tit?”
Elenalaughedagain.Shecouldn’thelpherself.Agoodyear.
TheychattedforafewminutesbeforeElenacasuallyasked,“How’syourgrandmother,Isobel?”
Isobellookedatherblankly.“Mygrandmother?”shesaid.“Youmustbeconfusingmewithsomeoneelse.Bothmygrandmothershavebeendeadforyears.”
“Oh,mymistake.”Elenasaidgood-byeandmanagedtocontainherselfuntilIsobelandJimwereoutofearshot.ThenshetookStefanbythearms,pulledhimtowardher,andgavehimaresoundingkiss,feelingdelightandtriumphpassingbackandforthbetweenthem.
“Wedidit,”shesaidwhenthekisshadended.“They’refine!Andnotjustthem.”Moresolemnnow,shegazedupintohisgreeneyes,soseriousandkind.“Wedidsomethingreallyimportantandwonderful,didn’twe?”
“Wedid,”Stefanagreed,butshecouldn’thelpbutnoticesomethinghardinhisvoiceashesaidit.
Theywalkedhandinhand,andwithoutdiscussingit,theyheadedfortheedgeoftown,crossingWickeryBridgeandclimbingthehill.Theyturnedintothecemetery,pasttheruinedchurchwhereKatherinehadhidden,anddownintothelittlevalleybelowthatheldthenewerpartofthegraveyard.
ElenaandStefansatdownontheneatlytrimmedgrassbythebigmarbleheadstonewith“Gilbert”carvedintothefront.
“Hi,Mom.Hi,Dad,”Elenawhispered.“I’msorryit’sbeensolong.”
Backinheroldlife,shehadvisitedherparents’gravesoften,justtotalktothem.She’dfeltliketheywereabletohearhersomehow,thattheywerewishingherwellfromwhateverhigherplanethey’dendedupon.Ithadalwaysmadeherfeelbettertotellthemhertroubles,andbeforeherlifehadgottensocomplicated,shehadtoldthemeverything.
Sheputoutonehandandgentlytouchedthenamesanddatescarvedonthetombstone.Elenabentherhead.
“It’smyfaultthey’redead,”shesaid.Stefanmadeasoftnoiseofdisagreement,andsheturnedtolookathim.“Itis,”shesaid,hereyesburning.“TheGuardianstoldmeso.”
Stefansighedandkissedherforehead.“TheGuardianswantedtokillyou,”hesaid.“Tomakeyouoneofthem.Andtheyaccidentallykilledyourparentsinstead.It’snomoreyourfaultthaniftheyhadshotatyouandmissed.”
“ButIdistractedmyfatheratthecriticalmomentandmadehimcrash,”Elenasaid,hunchinghershoulders.
“SotheGuardianssay,”Stefanreplied.“Buttheywouldn’twantittosoundliketheirfault.Theydon’tliketoadmittheymakemistakes.Thefactremainsthattheaccidentthatkilledyourparentswouldn’thavehappenediftheGuardianshadn’tbeenthere.”
Elenaloweredhereyestohidethetearsswimminginthem.WhatStefansaidwastrue,shethought,butshecouldn’tstopthechorusofmyfaultmyfaultmyfaultinherhead.
Afewwildvioletsweregrowingonherleft,andshepickedthem,alongwithapatchofbuttercups.Stefanjoinedher,handingherasprigofcolumbinewithyellowbell-shapedblossomstoaddtohertinywildflowerbouquet.
“DamonnevertrustedtheGuardians,”hesaidquietly.“Well,hewouldn’t—theydon’tthinkmuchofvampires.Butbeyondthat…”HereachedforatallstalkofQueenAnne’slacegrowingbesideanearbyheadstone.“Damonhadaprettyfinelytunedsensefordetectinglies—theliespeopletoldthemselvesandtheonestheytoldotherpeople.Whenwewereyoungwehadatutor—apriest,noless—whoIlikedandmyfathertrusted,andDamondespised.Whenthemanranoffwithmyfather’sgoldandayoungladyfromtheneighborhood,Damonwastheonlyonewhowasn’tsurprised.”StefansmiledatElena.“Hesaidthatthepriest’seyeswerewrong.Andthathespoketoosmoothly.”Stefanshrugged.“MyfatherandInevernoticed.ButDamondid.”
Elenasmiledtremulously.“HealwaysknewwhenIwasn’tbeingtotallyhonestwithhim.”Shehadasuddenflashofmemory:ofDamon’sdeepblackeyesholdinghers,hispupilsdilatedlikeacat’s,hisheadtiltingastheirlipsmet.ShelookedawayfromStefan’swarmgreeneyes,sodifferentfromDamon’sdarkones,andtwistedthethickstalkoftheQueenAnne’slacearoundtheotherflowers.Whenthebouquetwastiedtogether,sheplaceditonherparents’grave.
“Imisshim,”Stefansaidsoftly.“TherewasatimewhenIwouldhavethought…whenhisdeathmighthavebeenarelief.ButI’msogladwecametogether—thatwewerebrothersagain—beforehedied.”HeputagentlehandbeneathElena’schinandtiltedherheadupsothathereyesmethisagain.“Iknowyoulovedhim,Elena.It’sokay.Youdon’thavetopretend.”
Elenagavealittlegaspofpain.
Itwasliketherewasadarkholeinsideher.Shecouldlaughandsmileandmarvelattherestoredtown;shecouldloveherfamily;butallthetimetherewasthisdullache,thisterriblesenseofloss.
Lettinghertearslooseatlast,ElenafellintoStefan’sarms.
“Oh,mylove,”hesaid,hisvoicecatching,andtheywepttogether,takingcomfortineachother’swarmth.
Fineashhadfallenforalongtime.NowitsettledatlastandthesmallmoonoftheNetherWorldwascoveredwiththick,stickypilesofdust.Hereandthere,opalescentfluidpooledagainstthecharredblackness,coloringitwiththerainbowofanoilslick.
Nothingmoved.NowthattheGreatTreehaddisintegrated,nothinglivedinthisplace.
Deepbelowthesurfaceoftheruinedmoonwasabody.Hispoisonedbloodhadstoppedflowingandhelayunmoving,unfeeling,unseeing.Butthedropsoffluidsaturatinghisskinnourishedhim,andaslowthrumofmagicallifebeatsteadilyon.
Everynowandthenaflickerofconsciousnessrosewithinhim.Hehadforgottenwhohewasandhowhehaddied.Buttherewasavoicesomewheredeepinsidehim,alight,sweetvoiceheknewwell,thattoldhim,Closeyoureyesnow.Letgo.Letgo.Go.Itwascomforting,andhislastsparkofconsciousnesswasholdingonforamomentlonger,justtohearit.Hecouldn’trememberwhosevoiceitwas,althoughsomethinginitremindedhimofsunlight,ofgoldandlapislazuli.
Letgo.Hewasslippingaway,thelastsparkdimming,butitwasallright.Itwaswarmandcomfortable,andhewasreadytoletgonow.Thevoicewouldtakehimallthewayto…towhereveritwashewouldgo.
Astheflickerofconsciousnesswasabouttogooutforthelasttime,anothervoice—asharper,morecommandingvoice,thevoiceofsomeoneusedtohavinghisordersobeyed—spokewithinhim.
Sheneedsyou.She’sindanger.
Hecouldn’tletgo.Notyet.Thatvoicepulledpainfullyathim,holdinghimtolife.
Withasharpshock,everythingshifted.Asifhe’dbeenrippedoutofthatgentle,cozyplace,hewassuddenlyfreezingcold.Everythinghurt.
Deepwithintheash,hisfingerstwitched.Chapter5
“AreyouexcitedforAlarictoarrivetomorrow?”Mattasked.“He’sbringinghisresearcherfriendCelia,right?”
Meredithkickedhiminthechest.
“Oof!”Mattstaggeredbackward,knockedbreathlessdespitetheprotectivevesthehadon.MeredithfollowedupwitharoundhousekicktoMatt’sside,andhefelltohisknees,barelymanagingtoraisehishandsandblockastraightpunchtohisface.
“Ow!”hesaid.“Meredith,time-out,okay?”
Meredithdroppedintoagracefultigerstance,herbacklegsupportingherweightwhileherfrontfootrestedlightlyonhertoes.Herfacewascalm,hereyescoolandwatchful.ShelookedreadytopounceifMattshowedanysignofsuddenmovement.
Whenhe’darrivedtosparwithMeredith—tohelpherkeepherhunter-slayerskillsintop-notchshape—Matthadwonderedwhyshehadhandedhimahelmet,mouthguard,gloves,shinguards,andvest,whilesheworeonlysleekblackworkoutclothes.
Nowheknew.Hehadn’tevencomeclosetohittingher,whileshe’dpummeledhimmercilessly.Matteasedahandupunderthevestandrubbedruefullyathisside.Hehopedhehadn’tcrackedarib.
“Readytogoagain?”Meredithsaid,hereyebrowsraisedinchallenge.
“Please,no,Meredith,”Mattsaid,raisinghishandsinsurrender.“Let’stakeabreak.Itfeelslikeyou’vebeenpunchingmeforhours.”
Meredithwalkedovertothesmallfridgeinthecornerofherfamily’srecroomandtossedMattabottleofwater,thensankdownnexttohimonthemat.“Sorry.IguessIgotcarriedaway.I’veneversparredwithafriendbefore.”
Lookingaroundashetookalong,cooldrink,Mattshookhishead.“Idon’tknowhowyoumanagedtokeepthisplacesecretforsolong.”Thebasementroomhadbeenconvertedintoaperfectplacetotrain:throwingstars,knives,swords,andstavesofvariouskindsweremountedonthewalls;apunchingbaghunginonecorner,whileapaddeddummyleanedinanother.Thefloorwaslinedwithmats,andonewallwascompletelymirrored.Inthemiddleoftheoppositewallhungthefightingstave:aspecialweaponforbattlingthesupernaturalthathadbeenhandeddownthroughgenerationsofMeredith’sfamily.Itwasdeadlybutelegant-looking,thehiltcoveredwithjewels,theendsspikedwithsilver,wood,andwhiteash,andtheneedlessteepedinpoison.Matteyeditwarily.
“Well,”saidMeredith,lookingaway,“theSuarezfamilyhasalwaysbeengoodatkeepingsecrets.”Shebegantomovethroughataekwondoform:backstance,doublefistblock,leftfrontstance,reversemiddlepunch.Shewasgracefulasaslimblackcatinherworkoutgear.
Afteramoment,Mattcappedhiswaterbottle,climbedtohisfeet,andbegantomirrorhermovements.Leftdoublefrontkick,leftinsideblock,double-handedpunch.Heknewhewashalfabeatbehindandfeltshamblingandawkwardnexttoher,butfrownedandconcentrated.He’dalwaysbeenagoodathlete.Hecoulddothis,too.
“Besides,it’snotlikeIwasbringingmypromdatesdownhere,”Meredithofferedafteracycle,halfsmiling.“Itwasn’tthathardtohide.”ShewatchedMattinthemirror.“No,blocklowwithyourlefthandandhighwithyourrighthand,likethis.”Sheshowedhimagain,andheshadowedhermovements.
“Okay,yeah,”hesaid,onlyhalfconcentratingonhiswordsnow,focusedonthepositions.“Butyoucouldhavetoldus.We’reyourbestfriends.”HemovedhisleftfootforwardandmimickedMeredith’sbackwardelbowblow.“Atleast,youcouldhavetoldusafterthewholethingwithKlausandKatherine,”heamended.“Beforethat,wewouldhavethoughtyouwerecrazy.”
Meredithshruggedanddroppedherhands,andMattfollowedbeforeherealizedthatthegesturesweren’tpartofthetaekwondoform.
Nowtheystoodsidebyside,staringateachotherinthemirror.Meredith’scoolandelegantfacelookedpaleandpinched.“Iwasbroughtuptokeepmyheritageasahunter-slayeradeep,darksecret,”shesaid.“Tellinganybodywasn’tsomethingIcouldconsider.EvenAlaricdoesn’tknow.”
MattturnedawayfromMeredith’smirrorimagetogapeattherealgirl.AlaricandMeredithwerepracticallyengaged.Matthadneverbeenthatseriouswithanyone—thegirlhe’dcomeclosesttolovingwasElena,andobviouslythathadn’tworkedout—buthe’dsortoffiguredthat,ifyoucommittedyourhearttosomebody,youtoldthemeverything.
“Isn’tAlaricaparanormalresearcher?Don’tyouthinkhewouldunderstand?”
Frowning,Meredithshruggedagain.“Probably,”shesaid,soundingirritatedanddismissive,“butIdon’twanttobesomethingforhimtostudyorresearch,anymorethanIwanthimtofreakout.Butsinceyouandtheothersknow,I’llhavetotellhim.”
“Hmm.”Mattrubbedhisachingsideagain.“Isthatwhyyou’repoundingonmesoaggressively?Becauseyou’reworriedabouttellinghim?”
Meredithmethiseyes.Thelinesofherfacewerestilltense,butamischievousglimmershoneinhereyes.“Aggressive?”sheaskedsweetly,fallingbackintothetigerstance.Mattfeltanansweringsmiletugatthecornersofhismouth.“Youhaven’tseenanythingyet.”
ElenasurveyedtherestaurantJudithhadpickedwithakindofbemusedhorror.Beepingvideogamemachinesviedforattentionwithold-fashionedarcadegameslikeWhac-A-MoleandSkee-Ball.Bouquetsofbrightlycoloredballoonsbobbedovereverytable,andacacophonyofsongrosefromvariouscornersassingingwaitersdeliveredpizzaafterpizza.Whatseemedlikehundredsofchildrenranlooseacrossthefloor,shriekingandlaughing.
Stefanhadwalkedhertotherestaurant,but,eyeingtheneonpaintjobwithalarm,he’ddeclinedtocomein.
“Oh,Ishouldn’tintrudeongirls’night,”he’dsaidvaguely,andthendisappearedsoquicklyElenasuspectedhe’dusedvampiricspeed.
“Traitor,”she’dmuttered,beforewarilyopeningthebrightpinkdoor.Aftertheirtimetogetherinthegraveyard,shefeltstrongerandhappier,butshewouldhavelikedsomesupporthere,too.
“WelcometoHappytown,”chirpedanunnaturallycheeryhostess.“Tableforone,orareyoumeetingaparty?”
Elenarepressedashudder.Shecouldn’timagineanyonechoosingtocometoaplacelikethisbythemselves.“IthinkIseemygroupnow,”shesaidpolitely,catchingsightofAuntJudithwavingtoherfromacorner.
“Thisisyourideaofafungirls’nightout,AuntJudith?”sheaskedwhenshereachedthetable.“Iwaspicturingsomethingmorelikeacozybistro.”
AuntJudithnoddedtowardtheothersideoftheroom.Peeringover,ElenaspottedMargaret,happilywhackingawayattoymoleswithamallet.
“We’realwaysdraggingMargarettogrown-upplacesandexpectinghertobehave,”AuntJudithexplained.“Ithoughtitwastimeshegotaturntodosomethingsheenjoyed.IhopeBonnieandMeredithwon’tmind.”
“Shecertainlylookslikeshe’senjoyingherself,”Elenasaid,studyingherlittlesister.HermemoriesofMargaretfromthelastyearwereofstrainandanxiety:DuringthefallMargarethadbeenupsetbyElena’sfightingwithJudithandRobertandbythemysterioushappeningsinFell’sChurch,andthen,ofcourse,devastatedbyElena’sdeath.Elenahadwatchedherthroughthewindowsafterwardandseenhersobbing.She’dsufferedmorethananyfive-year-oldshould,evenifshedidn’trememberanyofitnow.
I’lltakecareofyou,Margaret,shepromisedfiercelyandsilently,watchingthestudiousconcentrationonhersister’sfaceasMargaretpracticedalittleold-fashionedcarnivalviolence.Youwon’thavetofeellikethatagaininthisworld.
“ArewewaitingforBonnieandMeredith?”AuntJudithpromptedgently.“Didyouendupinvitingthemtojoinus?”
“Oh,”saidElena,jarredoutofherreverie.Shereachedforahandfulofpopcornfromthebasketinthemiddleofthetable.“Icouldn’tgetaholdofMeredith,butBonnie’scoming.She’lllovethis.”
“Iabsolutely,totallydolovethis,”avoiceagreedfrombehindher.ElenaturnedtoseeBonnie’ssilkyredcurls.“Especiallytheexpressiononyourface,Elena.”Bonnie’swidebrowneyesweredancingwithamusement.SheandElenasharedalookthatwasfullofallthewe’reback,we’reback,theydidwhattheysaidandFell’sChurchisthewayitshouldbeagainthattheycouldn’tsayinfrontofAuntJudith,thenfellintoeachother’sarms.
ElenasqueezedBonnietightly,andBonnieburiedherfaceinElena’sshoulderforamoment.HerpetitebodyquiveredslightlyinElena’sarms,andElenarealizedthatshewasn’ttheonlyonewalkingafinelinebetweendelightanddevastation.They’dgainedsomuch—butithadcomeataveryhighprice.
“Actually,”saidBonniewithcarefulcheerasshereleasedElena,“Ihadmyninthbirthdayataplaceverymuchlikethis.RemembertheHokey-PokeyGrill?Thatwastheplacetobewhenwewereinelementaryschool.”Hereyesheldabrightsheenthatmightbetears,butherchinstuckoutdeterminedly.Bonnie,Elenathoughtwithadmiration,wasgoingtohavefunifitkilledher.
“Irememberthatparty,”Elenasaid,matchingBonnie’slightness.“Yourcakehadabigpictureofsomeboybandonit.”
“Iwasmatureformyage,”BonnietoldAuntJudithmerrily.“Iwasboycrazywaybeforeanyofmyfriendswere.”
AuntJudithlaughedandwavedMargaretovertowardtheirtable.“We’dbetterorderbeforethestageshowstarts,”shesaid.
Elena,eyeswide,mouthed,Stageshow?atBonnie,whosmirkedandshrugged.
“Doyougirlsknowwhatyouwant?”AuntJudithasked.
“Dotheyhaveanythingbesidespizza?”Elenaasked.
“Chickenfingers,”answeredMargaret,climbingintoherchair.“Andhotdogs.”
Elenagrinnedathersister’stousledhairandexpressionofdelight.“Whatareyougoingtohave,bunny?”sheasked.
“Pizza!”Margaretanswered.“Pizza,pizza,pizza.”
“I’llhavepizza,too,then,”Elenadecided.
“It’sthebestthinghere,”Margaretconfided.“Thehotdogsareweird-tasting.”Shesquirmedinherchair.“Elena,areyoucomingtomydancerecital?”sheasked.
“Whenisit?”Elenaasked.
Margaretfrowned.“Thedayaftertomorrow,”shesaid.“Youknowthat.”
ElenaglancedquicklyatBonnie,whoseeyeswerewide.“Iwouldn’tmissitfortheworld,”shetoldMargaretaffectionately,andhersisternoddedfirmlyandstooduponherchairtoreachthepopcorn.
UndercoverofAuntJudith’sscoldingandthesemimelodioussoundoftheirsingingwaiterapproaching,BonnieandElenaexchangedasmile.
Dancerecitals.Singingwaiters.Pizza.
Itwasgoodtoliveinthiskindofworldforachange.Chapter6
Thenextmorningwasclearandhotagain,anotherbeautifulsummerday.Elenastretchedlazilyinhercomfybed,thenpulledonaT-shirtandshortsandpaddeddowntothekitchenforabowlofcereal.
AuntJudithwasbraidingMargaret’shairatthetable.
“Morning,”Elenasaid,pouringmilkintoherbowl.
“Hi,sleepyhead,”saidAuntJudith,andMargaretgaveherabigsmileandafinger-wigglingwave.“Keepstill,Margaret.We’reabouttoleaveforthemarket,”shetoldElena.“Whatareyoudoingtoday?”
Elenaswallowedhermouthfulofcereal.“We’regoingtopickupAlaricandhisfriendatthetrainstationandjusthangoutandcatchup,”shesaid.
“Who?”AuntJudithasked,hereyesnarrowing.
Elena’smindspun.“Oh,uh,youremember,hesubbedforMr.Tannerteachinghistorylastyear,”shesaid,wonderingifthatwasinfacttrueinthisworld
AuntJudithfrowned.“Isn’thealittleoldtobesocializingwithhighschoolgirls?”
Elenarolledhereyes.“We’renotinhighschoolanymore,AuntJudith.Andhe’sonlyaboutsixyearsolderthanus.Andit’snotjustgirls.MattandStefanarecoming,too.”
IfthiswasAuntJudith’sreactiontothenewsoftheirspendingtimewithAlaric,ElenacouldtellwhyMeredithwashesitanttotellpeopleabouttheirrelationship.Itmadesensetowaitacoupleofyears,untilpeoplethoughtofherasagrown-up.SincenoonehereknewallthatMeredithhadseenanddone,sheseemedlikeanyothereighteen-year-oldtothem.
It’sagoodthingAuntJudithdoesn’tknowStefan’sfivehundredyearsolderthanIam,Elenathoughtwithasecretsmirk.ShethinksAlaric’stooold.
Thedoorbellrang.
“That’sMattandeverybody,”Elenasaid,risingtoputherbowlinthesink.“Seeyouguystonight.”
MargaretwidenedhereyesatElenainsilentappeal,andElenadetouredonherwaytothedoortosqueezethelittlegirl’sshoulder.WasMargaretstillworriedElenawouldn’tcomeback?
Outinthefoyer,sheranherfingersthroughherhairbeforeopeningthedoor.
StandinginfrontofherwasnotStefan,though,butaperfectstranger.Areallygood-lookingstranger,Elenanotedautomatically,aboyaboutheragewithcurlygoldenhair,sculptedfeatures,andbrightblueeyes.Hewasholdingadeepredroseinonehand.
Elenastoodalittlestraighter,unconsciouslypullinghershouldersbackandpushingherhairbehindherears.SheadoredStefan,butthatdidn’tmeanshecouldn’tlookatotherboys,ortalktothem.Shewasn’tdead,afterall.Notanymore,shethought,smilingatherprivatejoke.
Theboysmiledback.“Hey,Elena,”hesaidcheerfully.
“CalebSmallwood!”AuntJudithsaid,comingintothehall.“Thereyouare!”
Elenafeltherselfrecoil,butshekeptthesmileonherface.“AnyrelationtoTyler?”shesaid,outwardlycalm,andranhereyesoverhim,tryingtobesubtle,checkingfor…forwhat?Forsignsofhisbeingawerewolf?Sherealizedshedidn’tevenknowwhatthosewouldbe.Tyler’sgoodlookshadalwayshadaflavorofananimalaboutthem,withhislargewhiteteethandbroadfeatures,buthadthatbeenacoincidence?
“Tyler’smycousin,”Calebanswered,hissmilebeginningtoturntoaquizzicalfrown.“Ithoughtyouknewthat,Elena.I’mstayingwithhisfolkswhileTyler’s…gone.”
Elena’smindraced.TylerSmallwoodhadrunawayafterElena,Stefan,andDamonhaddefeatedhisally,theevilvampireKlaus.Tylerhadlefthisgirlfriend—andsometimeshostage—Carolinepregnant.Elenahadn’tdiscussedTylerandCaroline’sfatewiththeGuardians,soshehadnoideawhathadhappenedwiththeminthisreality.WasTylerevenawerewolfnow?WasCarolinepregnant?Andifshewas,wasitwithwerewolforhumanbabies?Sheshookherheadslightly.Bravenewworld,indeed.
“Well,don’tleaveCaleboutontheporch.Lethimin,”AuntJudithinstructedfrombehindher.Elenastoodaside,andCalebmovedpastherintothehall.
ElenatriedtoreachoutwithhermindandsenseCaleb’saura,toreadhimtoseeifhewasdangerous,butonceagaincameupagainstthatbrickwall.Itwouldtakesometimetogetusedtobeinganormalgirlagain,andsuddenlyElenafelthorriblyvulnerable.
Calebshiftedfromfoottofoot,lookinguncomfortable,andshequicklycomposedherself.“Howlonghaveyoubeenintown?”sheasked,andthenkickedherselffortreatingthisboysheobviouslywassupposedtoknowlikeastrangeragain.
“Well,”hesaidslowly,“I’vebeenintownallsummer.Didyouhityourheadovertheweekend,Elena?”Hegrinnedteasinglyather.
Elenaliftedashoulder,thinkingofallshehadsufferedovertheweekend.“Somethinglikethat.”
Heheldouttherose.“Thismustbeforyou.”
“Thankyou,”saidElena,confused.Athornprickedherfingerasshetookitbythestem,andshestuckthefingerinhermouthtostanchtheblood.
“Don’tthankme,”hesaid.“ItwasjustsittingonthefrontstepswhenIgothere.Youmusthaveasecretadmirer.”
Elenafrowned.Plentyofboyshadadmiredherthroughschool,andifthishadbeenninemonthsago,shecouldhavemadeagoodguessatwhowouldleaveherarose.Butnowshedidn’thaveaclue.
Matt’sbatteredoldFordsedanpulledupoutsideandhonked.“I’vegottorun,AuntJudith,”shesaid.“They’rehere.Niceseeingyou,Caleb.”
Elena’sstomachtwistedasshewalkedtowardMatt’scar.Itwasn’tjustthestrangenessofmeetingCalebthatwasaffectingher,sherealized,turningtherose’sstemabsentlybetweenherfingers.Itwasthecaritself.
Matt’soldFordwasthecarshehaddrivenoffWickeryBridgebackinthewinter,panickedandpursuedbyevilforces.She’ddiedinthiscar.Thewindowshadshatteredasshehitthecreek,andthecarhadfilledwithicywater.Thescratchedsteeringwheelandthedentedhoodofthecar,coveredwithwater,hadbeenthelastthingsshe’dseeninthatlife.
Butherethecarwas—aswholeagainasshewas.Pushingthememoryofherdeathfromhermind,shewavedatBonnie,whoseeagerfacewasvisiblethroughthepassengerwindow.Shecouldforgetaboutallthoseoldtragedies,becausenowtheyhadneverhappened.
Meredithperchedelegantlyontheswingonherfrontporch,pushingherselfgentlybackandforthwithonefoot.Herstrong,taperedfingerswerestill;herdarkhairfellsmoothlyacrosshershoulders;herexpressionwasassereneasever.
TherewasnothingaboutMerediththatmightshowhowtenselyandbusilyherthoughtswerechurning,worriesandcontingencyplanswhirringawaybehindhercoolfacade.
ShehadspentyesterdaytryingtofigureoutwhattheGuardians’spellhadchangedforherandherfamily—particularlyherbrother,Christian,whoKlaushadkidnappedoveradecadeago.Shestilldidn’tunderstanditall,butitwasdawningonherthatElena’sbargainhadmorefar-reachingconsequencesthananyofthemhadimagined.
ButtodayherthoughtswereoccupiedwithAlaricSaltzman.
Herfingerstappedanxiouslyagainstthearmoftheswing.Thensheschooledherselfintostillnessagain.
Self-disciplinewaswhereMeredithfoundherstrength,andifAlaric,herboyfriend—oratleast,hehadbeenherboyfriend…actuallyherperhapsengaged-to-be-engaged,sortofalmostfiancé,beforehelefttown—turnedouttohavechangedtowardherinthemonthsthey’dbeenapart,well,noone,notevenAlaric,wouldseehowthatwouldhurther.
AlarichadspentthepastseveralmonthsinJapan,investigatingparanormalactivity,adreamcometrueforadoctoralstudentinparapsychology.HisstudyofthetragichistoryofUnmeinoShima,theIslandofDoom,asmallcommunitywherechildrenandparentshadturnedagainstoneanother,hadhelpedMeredithandherfriendstounderstandwhatthekitsuneweredoingtoFell’sChurch,andhowtofightit.
AlarichadbeenworkingatUnmeinoShimawithDr.CeliaConnor,aforensicpathologistwho,despiteherfullacademiccredentials,wasthesameageasAlaric,onlytwenty-four.So,clearly,Dr.Connorwasbrilliant.
Fromhislettersandemails,AlarichadbeenhavingthetimeofhislifeinJapan.Andhe’dcertainlyfoundalotofinterestsincommonwithDr.Connor.PerhapsmoresothanwithMeredith,whohadonlyjustgraduatedfromasmall-townhighschool,nomatterhowmatureandintelligentshemightbe.
Meredithgaveherselfamentalshakeandsatupstraighter.Shewasbeingridiculous,worryingaboutAlaric’srelationshipwithhiscolleague.Shewasprettysureshewasbeingridiculous,anyway.Fairlysure.
Shegrippedthearmsoftheswingmoretightly.Shewasavampirehunter.Shehadadutytoprotecthertown,andshehad,withherfriends,protecteditwellalready.Shewasn’tjustanordinaryteenager,andifsheneededtoprovethattoAlaricagain,shewasconfidentshecould,Dr.CeliaConnorornoDr.CeliaConnor.
Matt’srattletrapofanoldFordsedanchuggeduptothecurb,BonnieinfrontwithMatt,StefanandElenasittingclosetogetherintheback.Meredithroseandcrossedthelawntowardit.
“Iseverythingokay?”saidBonnie,roundeyed,whensheopenedthedoor.“Yourfacelookslikeyou’reheadingofftobattle.”
Meredithsmoothedherfeaturesintoimpassivityandscrambledforanexplanationthatwasn’t,I’mworriedaboutwhethermyboyfriendstilllikesme.Quicklyandeasily,sherealizedtherewasanotherreasonshewastense,atrueone.
“Bonnie,Ihaveadutytohelplookoutforeveryonenow,”Meredithsaidsimply.“Damon’sdead.Stefandoesn’twanttohurthumans,andthathandicapshim.Elena’sPowersaregone.Eventhoughthekitsuneweredefeated,westillneedprotection.We’llalwaysneedtobecareful.”
StefantightenedhisarmaroundElena’sshoulders.“ThethingsthatmakeFell’sChurchsoappealingtothesupernatural,theleylinesthathaveattractedallkindsofbeingshereforgenerations,areallstillhere.Icansensethem.Andotherpeople,othercreatures,willsensethem,too.”
Bonnie’svoiceroseinalarm.“Soit’sallgoingtohappenagain?”
Stefanrubbedthebridgeofhisnose.“Idon’tthinkso.Butsomethingelsemight.Meredith’sright,wehavetobevigilant.”HedroppedakissontoElena’sshoulderandrestedhischeekagainstherhair.Therewasnoquestion,Merediththoughtwryly,whythisparticularsupernaturalbeingwasdrawntoFell’sChurch,anyway,anditwasn’tbecauseoftheleylinesrunningthroughthearea
Elenatoyedwithasingledarkredrose,somethingStefanmusthavebroughther.“Isthattheonlyreasonyou’reworried,Meredith?”sheaskedlightly.“YourdutytoFell’sChurch?”
Meredithfeltherselfflushalittle,buthervoicewasdryandcalm.“Ithinkthat’sreasonenough,don’tyou?”
Elenagrinned.“Oh,it’sreasonenough,Isuppose.Butcouldtherebeanotherone?”ShewinkedatBonnie,whoseanxiousexpressionlightenedinresponse.“Whodoweknowwhowillbefascinatedbyallthetalesyouhavetotell?Especiallywhenhefindsoutthatthestory’snotoveryet?”
Bonnieturnedallthewayaroundinherseat,hersmilegrowing.“Oh.Oh.Isee.Hewon’tbeabletothinkofanythingelse,willhe?Oranyoneelse.”
NowStefan’sshouldersrelaxed,andupinthedriver’sseatMattletoutachuckleandshookhishead.“Youthree,”hesaidaffectionately.“Usguysneverstoodachance.”
Meredithlookedstraightaheadandliftedherchinslightly,ignoringthemall.ElenaandBonnieknewhertoowell,andthethreeofthemhadspentenoughtimeschemingtogetherthatsheshouldhaveknownthey’dseethroughherplaninaminute.Butshedidn’thavetoadmittoit.
Thesolemnmoodinthecarhadlifted,though.Meredithrealizedtheywerealldoingitonpurpose,reachingoutgentlyandcarefullywithjokesandlightheartedteasing,tryingtoeasethepainElenaandStefanmustbothbefeeling.
Damonwasdead.AndwhileMeredithhaddevelopedacautious,waryrespectfortheunpredictablevampireduringtheirtimeintheDarkDimension,andBonniehadfelt,Merediththought,somethingwarmer,Elenahadlovedhim.Reallylovedhim.AndeventhoughDamonandStefan’srelationshiphadbeenrocky,tosaytheleast,forcenturies,hehadbeenStefan’sbrother.StefanandElenawerehurting,andeveryoneknewit.
Afteraminute,Matt’seyesflickeduptotherearviewmirrortoglanceatStefan.“Hey,”hesaid,“Iforgottotellyou.Inthisrealityyoudidn’tdisappearonHalloween—youstayedthestartingwidereceiverandwetookthefootballteamallthewaytothestatechampionships.”Hegrinned,andStefan’sfaceopenedinsimplepleasure.
MeredithhadalmostforgottenthatStefanhadplayedwithMattontheirhighschoolfootballteambeforetheirhistoryteacher,Mr.Tanner,diedattheHalloweenhauntedhouseandeverythingwenttohell.ShehadforgottenheandMatthadbeenrealfriends,playingsportsandhangingout,despitethefactthatthey’dbothlovedElena.
AndmaybestilldobothloveElena?shewondered,andglancedquicklyatthebackofMatt’sheadfromunderhereyelashes.Shewasn’tsurehowMattfelt,buthehadalwaysstruckherasthekindofguywho,whenhefellinlove,stayedinlove.Buthewasalsothekindofguywhowouldalwaysbetoohonorabletotrytobreakuparelationship,nomatterwhathefelt.
“And,”Mattwenton,“asthequarterbackofthestatechampions,IguessI’maprettygoodprospectforcolleges.”Hepausedandbrokeoutinawide,proudsmile.“Apparently,IhaveafullathleticscholarshiptoKentState.”
Bonniesquealed,Elenaclapped,andMeredithandStefanburstoutwithcongratulations.
“Me,menow!”Bonniesaid.“IguessIstudiedharderinthisreality.Whichwasprobablyeasier,sinceoneofmybestfriendsdidn’tdiefirstsemesterandwasavailabletohelptutorme.”
“Hey!”Elenasaid.“Meredithwasalwaysabettertutorthanme.Youcan’tblameitonme.”
“Anyway,”Bonniecontinued,“Igotintoafour-yearcollege!Ididn’tevenbothertoapplytoanyinourotherlifebecausemyGPAwasnothigh.IwasgoingtotakenursingclassesatthecommunitycollegelikeMarydid,eventhoughI’mnotsureI’mreallycutouttobeanursebecause,yuck,bloodandotherfluids.But,anyway,mymomwassayingthismorningthatweshouldgoshoppingformyroomatDalcrestbeforeLaborDay.”Sheshruggedalittle.“Imean,Iknowit’snotHarvard,butI’mprettyexcited.”
Meredithjoinedinthecongratulationsquietly.Shehad,infact,gottenintoHarvard.
“Ooh.And!And!”Bonniewasbouncinginherseatwithexcitement.“IranintoVickieBennettthismorning.She’sdefinitelynotdead!IthinkshewassurprisedwhenIhuggedher.Iforgotweweren’treallyfriends.”
“Howisshe?”askedElenainterestedly.“Didsherememberanything?”
Bonnietiltedherhead.“Sheseemsfine.Icouldn’texactlyaskherwhatsheremembered,butshedidn’tsayanythingaboutbeingdeadorvampiresoranything.Imean,shewasalwaysalittlebitblah,youknow?Shedidtellmeshesawyoudowntownlastweekendandyoutoldherwhatcolorlipglosssheoughttobuy.”
Elenaraisedhereyebrows.“Really?”Shepausedandwentonuncertainly,“Isanybodyelsefeelingweirdaboutallofthis?Imean,it’swonderful—don’tgetmewrong.Butit’sweird,too.”
“It’sconfusing,”Bonniesaid.“I’mgrateful,obviously,thatallthehorriblethingsaregoneandeverybody’sokay.I’mthrilledtohavemylifeback.ButmyfatherblewupatmethismorningwhenIaskedwhereMarywas.”MarywasoneofBonnie’soldersisters,thelastonelivingathomebesidesBonnie.“HethoughtIwastryingtobefunny.Apparentlyshemovedinwithherboyfriendthreemonthsago,andyoucanimaginehowmydadfeelsaboutthat.”
Meredithnodded.Bonnie’sdadwastheprotectivepaternaltype,andprettyold-fashionedinhisattitudestowardhisdaughters’boyfriends.IfMarywaslivingwithherboyfriend,hemustbeapoplectic.
“AuntJudithandIhavebeenfighting—atleast,Ithinkso.ButIcan’tfindoutexactlywhy,”Elenaconfessed.“Ican’task,becauseobviouslyIshouldalreadyknow.”
“Shouldn’teverythingbeperfectnow?”Bonniesaidwistfully.“Itseemslikewe’vebeenthroughenough.”
“Idon’tmindbeingconfused,aslongaswecangobacktoreallife,”Mattsaidearnestly.
Therewasalittlepause,whichMeredithbroke,reachingforsomethingtotakethemoutoftheirsomberthoughts.“Prettyrose,Elena,”shesaid.“IsthatagiftfromStefan?”
“No,actually,”Elenasaid.“Itwassittingonmyfrontstoopthismorning.”Shetwirleditbetweenherfingers.“It’snotfromanyofthegardensonourstreet,though.Noonehassuchbeautifulroses.”ShesmiledteasinglyatStefan,whotenseduponcemore.“It’samystery.”
“Mustbefromasecretadmirer,”Bonniesaid.“CanIsee?”
Elenahandedituptothefrontseat,andBonnieturnedthestemaroundcarefullyinherhand,lookingattheblossomfromallangles.“It’sgorgeous,”shesaid.“Asingle,perfectrose.Howromantic!”Shepretendedtoswoon,liftingtherosetoherforehead.Thensheflinched.“Ouch!Ouch!”
Bloodrandownherhand.Muchmorebloodthanoughttocomefromtheprickofathorn,Meredithnoted,alreadyreachingintoherpocketforatissue.Mattpulledofftheroad.
“Bonnie—”hebegan.
Stefanbreathedinsharplyandleanedforward,hiseyeswidening.Meredithforgotaboutthetissue,fearingthesuddensightofbloodhadcausedStefan’svampiricnaturetotakeover.
ThenMattgaspedandElenasaidsharply,“Acamera,quick!Someonegivemeyourphone!”withsuchatoneofcommandthatMeredithautomaticallyhandedElenaherphone.
AsElenapointedthecameraphoneatBonnie,Meredithfinallysawwhathadstartledtheothers.
ThedarkredbloodwasrunningdownBonnie’sarm,andasitran,ithadstreamedintotwistsandcurvesfromherwristtoherelbow.Thetricklesofbloodspelledoutanameoverandover.ThesamenamethathadbeenhauntingMeredithformonths.
celiaceliaceliaceliaChapter7
“Who’sCelia?”Bonniesaidindignantly,assoonasthey’dwipedofftheblood.She’dputtherosedowncarefullyinthemiddleofthefrontseat,betweenherandMatt,andtheywereallveryconsciouslynottouchingit.Prettyasitwas,itlookedmoresinisterthanbeautifulnow,Stefanthoughtgrimly.
“CeliaConnor,”Meredithsaidsharply.“Dr.CeliaConnor.Yousawherinavisiononce,Bonnie.Theforensicanthropologist.”
“Theonewho’sworkingwithAlaric?”Bonniesaid.“Butwhywouldhernameshowupinbloodonmyarm?Inblood.”
“That’swhatI’dliketoknow,”Meredithsaid,frowning.
“Itcouldbesomekindofwarning,”Elenaproposed.“Wedon’tknowenoughyet.We’llgotothestation,we’llmeetAlaricandCelia,andthen…”
“Then?”promptedMeredith,meetingElena’scoolblueeyes.
“Thenwe’lldowhateverwehavetodo,”Elenasaid.“Asusual.”
Bonniewasstillcomplainingwhentheygottothetrainstation.
Patience,Stefanremindedhimself.UsuallyheenjoyedBonnie’scompany,butrightnow,hisbodycravingthehumanbloodhe’dbecomeaccustomedto,hefelt…off.Herubbedhisachingjaw.
“I’dreallyhopedwe’dgetatleastacoupledaysofeverythingbeingnormal,”Bonniemoanedforwhatseemedlikethethousandthtime.
“Life’snotfair,Bonnie,”Mattsaidgloomily.Stefanglancedathiminsurprise—Mattwasusuallythefirsttoleapinandtrytocheerupthegirls—butthetallblondwasleaningagainsttheclosedticketbooth,hisshouldersdrooping,hishandstuckedintohispockets.
MattmetStefan’sgaze.“It’sallstartingupagain,isn’tit?”
Stefanshookhisheadandglancedaroundthestation.“Idon’tknowwhat’sgoingon,”hesaid.“Butweallneedtobevigilantuntilwecanfigureitout.”
“Oh,that’scomforting,”Meredithmuttered,hergrayeyesalertlyscanningtheplatform.
StefanfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandshiftedclosertoElenaandBonnie.Allhissenses,normalandparanormal,wereonfullalert.HereachedoutwithhisPower,tryingtosenseanysupernaturalconsciousnessesnearthem,butfeltnothingneworalarming,justthecalmbackgroundbuzzofordinaryhumansgoingabouttheireverydaybusiness.
Itwasimpossibletostopworrying,though.Stefanhadseenmanythingsinhisfivehundredyearsofexistence:vampires,werewolves,demons,ghosts,angels,witches,allsortsofbeingswhopreyedonorinfluencedhumansinwaysmostpeoplecouldneverevenimagine.And,asavampire,heknewalotaboutblood.Morethanhehadcaredtoadmit.
He’dseenMeredith’seyesflicktowardhimwithsuspicionwhenBonniebegantobleed.Shewasrighttobewaryofhim:Howcouldtheytrusthimwhenhisbasicnaturewastokillthem?
Bloodwastheessenceoflife;itwaswhatkeptavampiregoingcenturiesafterhisnaturallifespanshouldhaveended.Bloodwasthecentralingredientinmanyspellsbothbenevolentandwicked.BloodhadPowersofitsown,Powersthatweredifficultanddangeroustoharness.ButStefanhadneverseenbloodbehaveinthewayithadonBonnie’sarmtoday.
Athoughtstruckhim.“Elena,”hesaid,turningtofaceher.
“Hmmm?”sheanswereddistractedly,shadinghereyesasshepeereddownthetrack.
“Yousaidtherosewasjustlyingtherewaitingforyouontheporchwhenyouopenedthedoorthismorning?”
Elenabrushedherhairoutofhereyes.“Actually,no.CalebSmallwoodfounditthereandhandedittomewhenIopenedthedoortolethimin.”
“CalebSmallwood?”Stefannarrowedhiseyes.ElenahadmentionedearlierthatheraunthadhiredtheSmallwoodboytodosomeworkaroundthehouse,butsheshouldhavetoldhimofCaleb’sconnectiontotherosebefore.“TylerSmallwood’scousin?Theguywhojustshowedupoutofnowheretohangaroundyourhouse?Theonewho’sprobablyawerewolf,liketherestofhisfamily?”
“Youdidn’tmeethim.Hewasperfectlyfine.Apparentlyhe’sbeenaroundtownallsummerwithoutanythingweirdhappening.Wejustdon’trememberhim.”Hertonewasbreezy,buthersmiledidn’tquitereachhereyes.
Stefanreachedoutautomaticallytospeaktoherwithhismind,tohaveaprivateconversationaboutwhatshewasreallyfeeling.Buthecouldn’t.Hewassousedtodependingontheconnectionbetweenthemthathekeptforgettingitwasgonenow;hecouldsenseElena’semotions,couldfeelheraura,buttheycouldnolongercommunicatetelepathically.HeandElenawereseparateagain.Stefanhunchedhisshouldersmiserablyagainstthebreeze.
Bonniefrowned,thesummerwindwhippingherstrawberryringletsaroundherface.“IsTylerevenawerewolfnow?BecauseifSue’salive,hedidn’tkillhertobecomeawerewolf,right?”
Elenaheldherpalmstothesky.“Idon’tknow.He’sgone,anyway,andI’mnotsorry.Evenbeforehewasawerewolf,hewasarealjerk.Rememberwhatabullyhewasatschool?Andhowhewasalwaysdrinkingoutofthathipflaskandhittingonus?ButI’mprettysureCaleb’sjustaregularguy.I’dhaveknowniftherewassomethingwrongwithhim.”
Stefanlookedather.“You’vegotwonderfulinstinctsaboutpeople,”hesaidcarefully.“Butareyousureyou’renotrelyingonsensesyoudon’thaveanymoretotellyouwhatCalebis?”HethoughtofhowtheGuardianshadpainfullyclippedElena’sWingsanddestroyedherPowers,thePowerssheandherfriendsonlyhalf-understood.
Elenalookedtakenabackandwasopeninghermouthtoreplywhenthetrainchuggedintothestation,preventingfurtherdiscussion.
OnlyafewpeopleweredisembarkingattheFell’sChurchstation,andStefansoonspottedAlaric’sfamiliarform.Aftersteppingdowntotheplatform,AlaricreachedbacktosteadyaslenderAfrican-Americanwomanassheexitedbehindhim.
Dr.CeliaConnorwascertainlylovely—Stefanwouldgiveherthat.Shewastiny,assmallasBonnie,withdarkskinandclose-croppedhair.ThesmileshegaveAlaricasshetookhisarmwascharmingandslightlypuckish.Shehadlargebrowneyesandalong,elegantneck.Stylishbutpracticalindesignerclothing,sheworesoftleatherboots,skinnyjeans,andasapphire-tonedsilkshirt.Along,diaphanousscarfwaswrappedaroundherneck,addingtohersophisticateddemeanor.
WhenAlaric,alltousledsandyhairandboyishgrin,whisperedfamiliarlyinherear,StefanfeltMeredithtense.Shelookedlikeshe’dlikenothingbetterthantotryoutafewofhermartialartsmovesonacertaingorgeousforensicanthropologist.
ButthenAlaricspottedMeredith,dashedover,andtookherinhisarms,pullingheroffherfeetasheswungherintoahug,andshevisiblyrelaxed.Inafewmoments,theywerebothlaughingandtalking,andtheydidn’tseemtobeabletostoptouchingeachother,asiftheyneededtoreassurethemselvesthattheywereactuallytogetheragainatlast.
Clearly,Stefanthought,anyworriesMeredithhadhadaboutAlaricandDr.Connorhadbeengroundless,atleastasfarasAlaricwasconcerned.StefanturnedhisattentiontoCeliaConnoragain.
HisfirstwarytendrilsofPowerdiscoveredaslightsimmeringresentmentemanatingfromtheanthropologist.Understandable:Shewashuman,shewasquiteyoungdespiteherpoiseandhermanyprofessionalachievements,andshehadspentagreatdealoftimeworkingcloselywiththeveryattractiveAlaric.Itwouldn’tbesurprisingifshefeltabitproprietarytowardhim,andherehewasbeingpulledawayfromherandintotheorbitofateenagegirl.
Butmoreimportant,hisPowerfoundnosupernaturalshadowhangingaboutherandnoansweringPowerinher.WhateverthemeaningofthenameCeliawritteninblood,itseemedDr.CeliaConnorhadn’tcausedit.
“Somebodytakepictures!”Bonniecalled,laughing.“Wehaven’tseenAlaricformonths.Wehavetodocumenthisreturn!”
MattgotouthisphoneandtookacoupleofpicturesofAlaricandMeredith,theirarmsaroundeachother.
“Allofus!”Bonnieinsisted.“Youtoo,Dr.Connor.Let’sstandinfrontofthetrain—it’saterrificbackdrop.Youtakethisone,Matt,andthenI’lltakesomewithyouinthem.”
Theyshuffledintovariouspositions:bumping,excusing,introducingthemselvestoCeliaConnor,throwingtheirarmsaroundoneanotherinacasuallyexuberantstyle.Stefanfoundhimselfpushedtotheedge,Elena’sarmthroughhis,andhediscreetlyinhaledtheclean,sweetscentofherhair.
“Allaboard!”theconductorcalled,andthetraindoorsclosed.
Matt,Stefanrealized,hadstoppedtakingpicturesandwasstaringatthem,hisblueeyeswideninginwhatlookedliketerror.“Stopthetrain!”heshouted.“Stopthetrain!”
“Matt?Whatonearth?”Elenasaid.AndthenMeredithlookedbehindthem,towardthetrain,withanexpressionofdawningcomprehension.
“Celia,”shesaidurgently,reachingouttowardtheotherwoman.
StefanwatchedinconfusionasCeliajerkedawayfromthemabruptly,almostasifanunseenhandhadgrabbedher.Asthetrainbegantomove,Celiawalked,thenranbesideitwithstiff,franticmotions,herhandspullingrapidlyatherthroat.
SuddenlyStefan’sperspectiveshiftedandheunderstoodwhatwashappening.Celia’sdiaphanousscarfhadsomehowbeenfirmlycaughtbytheclosingdoorofthetrain,andnowthetrainwaspullingheralongbytheneck.Shewasrunningtokeepfrombeingstrangled,thescarflikealeashyankingheralong.Andthetrainwasbeginningtopickupspeed.Herhandspulledatthescarf,butbothendswerecaughtinthedoor,andhertuggingonlyseemedtotightenitaroundherneck.
Celiawasapproachingtheendoftheplatformandthetrainwaschuggingfaster.Itwasaflatdropfromtheplatformtothescrubgroundbeyond.Inafewmoments,shewouldfall,herneckwouldbebroken,andthetrainwoulddragheralongformiles.
Stefantookallthisinwithinthespaceofasinglebreathandsprangintoaction.HefelthiscanineslengthenasasurgeofPowerwentthroughhim.Andthenhetookoff,fasterthananyhuman,fasterthanthetrain,andspedtowardher.
Withonequickmotion,hetookherinhisarms,relievingthepressurearoundherthroat,andtorethescarfinhalf.
HestoppedandputCeliadownasthetrainspedupandleftthestation.Theremnantsofthescarfslippedfromaroundherneckandflutteredontotheplatformbyherfeet.SheandStefanstaredateachother,breathinghard.Behindthem,hecouldheartheothersshouting,theirfeetpoundingontheplatformastheyrantowardthem.
Celia’sdarkbrowneyeswerewideandfilledwithtearsofpain.Shelickedherlipsnervouslyandtookseveralshort,gaspingbreaths,pressingherhandsagainstherchest.Hecouldhearherheartpounding,herbloodrushingthroughhersystem,andheconcentratedonpullinghiscaninesbackandresuminghishumanface.Shestaggeredsuddenly,andStefanslippedhisarmaroundher.
“It’sokay,”hesaid.“You’reallrightnow.”
Celiagaveashort,slightlyhystericallaughandwipedathereyes.Thenshestoodupright,straighteninghershoulders,andinhaleddeeply.Stefancouldseeherdeliberatelycalmingherself,althoughherheartbeatwasreeling,andheadmiredherself-control.
“So,”shesaid,holdingoutherhand,“youmustbethevampireAlaric’stoldmeabout.”
Theotherswerecominguptothemnow,andStefanglancedatAlaricinalarm.
“That’ssomethingI’dratheryoukeptprivate,”Stefantoldher,feelingaprickofirritationatAlaricfordivulginghissecret.ButhiswordswerealmostdrownedoutbyagaspfromMeredith.Hergrayeyes,usuallysoserene,weredarkwithhorror.
“Look,”shesaid,pointing.“Lookatwhatitsays.”Stefanturnedhisattentiontothepiecesofsheerfabricaroundtheirfeet.
BonniegavealittlewhimperandMatt’seyebrowsfurrowed.Elena’sbeautifulfacewasblankwithshock,andAlaricandCeliabothappearedentirelyconfused.
Foramoment,Stefansawnothing.Then,likeapicturecomingintofocus,hisvisionadjustedandhesawwhateveryonewaslookingat.Thetornscarfhadfallenintoanelaboratelytwistedheap,andthesupposedlyrandomfoldsoffabricquiteclearlyformedlettersthatspelled:
meredithChapter8
“Itwasseriouslycreepy,”saidBonnie.TheyhadallbundledintoMatt’scar,ElenahoppingontoStefan’slapandMeredithontoAlaric’s(which,Bonniehadnoted,Dr.Celiahadseemedlessthanthrilledby).Thenthey’dhurriedbacktotheboardinghouse,lookingforcounsel.
Oncethere,they’dallcrowdedintotheparlorandspilledoutthestorytoMrs.Flowers,talkingoveroneanotherintheirexcitement.“FirstCelia’sname—inmyblood—appearingoutofnowhere,”Bonniewenton,“andthenthere’sthisweirdaccidentthatcouldhavekilledher,andthenMeredith’snameappears,too.Itwasalljustreally,reallycreepy.”
“I’dputitabitmorestronglythanthat,”Meredithsaid.Thenshearchedaneleganteyebrow.“Bonnie,thisisnodoubtthefirsttimeI’veevercomplainedyouweren’tbeingdramaticenough.”
“Hey!”Bonnieobjected.
“Thereyougo,”Elenajoked.“Keeplookingonthebrightside.ThelatestinsanityismakingBonnielow-key.”
Mattshookhishead.“Mrs.Flowers,doyouknowwhat’shappening?”
Mrs.Flowers,seatedinacozycornerchairoftheparlor,smiledandpattedhimontheshoulder.She’dbeenknittingwhentheycamein,buthadlaidthepinkbundleofyarnasideandhadfixedhercalmblueeyesonthemwithherfullattentionastheytoldtheirstory.“DearMatt,”shesaid.“Alwaysstraighttothepoint.”
PoorCeliahadbeensittingonthecouchbyAlaricandMeredith,lookingstunnedsincethey’darrived.Itwasonethingtostudythesupernatural,buttherealityofavampire,mysteriouslyappearingnames,andabrushwithdeathmusthavebeenashocktohersystem.Alarichadareassuringarmaroundhershoulders.BonniethoughtmaybethearmshouldhavebeenaroundMeredith’sshoulders.Afterall,Meredith’snamehadjustshownupinthescarf’sfolds.ButMeredithwasjustsittingthere,watchingAlaricandCelia,herfacecomposed,hereyesunreadable.
NowCelialeanedforwardandspokeforthefirsttime.
“Pardonme,”shesaidpolitely,hervoiceshakingabit,“butIdon’tunderstandwhywe’vebroughtthis…thisissueto…”HervoicetrailedoffashereyesflickeredtoMrs.Flowers.
Bonnieknewwhatshemeant.Mrs.Flowerslookedliketheepitomeofasweet,dottyelderlylady:softflyawaygrayhairdrawnbackinabun,apolitelyvagueexpression,awardrobethatleanedtowardpastelsorshabbyblacks,andahabitofmutteringquietly,apparentlytoherself.Ayearago,BonnieherselfhadthoughtMrs.FlowerswasjustthecrazyoldwomanwhorantheboardinghousewhereStefanlived.
Butappearancescouldbedeceptive.Mrs.Flowershadearnedtherespectandadmirationofeveryoneofthembythewayshehadprotectedthetownwithhermagic,Power,andgoodsense.Therewasalotmoretothislittleoldladythanmettheeye.
“Mydear,”saidMrs.Flowersfirmly,“you’vehadaverytraumaticexperience.Drinkyourtea.It’saspecialcalmingblendthat’sbeenpasseddowninmyfamilyforgenerations.Wewilldoeverythingwecanforyou.”
Which,Bonnieobserved,wasaverysweetandladylikewayofputtingDr.CeliaConnorinherplace.Shewastodrinkherteaandrecuperate,andtheywouldfigureouthowtosolvetheproblem.Celia’seyesflashed,butshesippedherteaobediently.
“Now,”Mrs.Flowerssaid,lookingaroundattheothers,“itseemstomethatthefirstthingtodoistofigureoutwhattheintentionisbehindtheappearanceofthenames.Oncewedothat,perhapswewillhaveabetterideaofwhomightbebehindtheirappearance.”
“Maybetowarnus?”Bonniesaidhesitantly.“Imean,Celia’snameappeared,andthenshealmostdied,andnowMeredith…”HervoicetrailedoffandshelookedatMeredithapologetically.“I’mworriedyoumightbeindanger.”
Meredithsquaredhershoulders.“Itcertainlywouldn’tbethefirsttime,”shesaid.
Mrs.Flowersnoddedbriskly.“Yes,it’spossiblethattheappearanceofthenameshasabenevolentintention.Let’sexplorethattheory.Someonemaybetryingtogetawarningtoyou.Ifso,who?Andwhydotheyhavetodoitinthisway?”
Bonnie’svoicewasevensofterandmorehesitantnow.Butifnooneelsewasgoingtosayit,shewould.“CoulditbeDamon?”
“Damon’sdead,”Stefansaidflatly.
“ButwhenElenawasdead,shewarnedmeaboutKlaus,”Bonnieargued.
Stefanmassagedhistemples.Helookedtired.“Bonnie,whenElenadied,Klaustrappedherspiritbetweendimensions.Shehadn’tfullypassedaway.Andeventhen,shecouldonlyvisityouinyourdreams—notanyoneelse,justyou,becauseyoucansensethingsotherpeoplecan’t.Shecouldn’tmakeanythinghappeninthephysicalworld.”
Elena’svoicetrembled.“Bonnie,theGuardianstoldusthatvampiresdon’tliveonafterdeath.Inanysenseoftheword.Damon’sgone.”Stefanreachedoutandtookherhand,hiseyestroubled.
Bonniefeltasharpstabofsympathyforthemboth.Shewassorryshe’dbroughtDamonup,butshehadn’tbeenabletostopherself.Thethoughtthathemightbewatchingoverthem,irascibleandmockingbutultimatelykind,hadbrieflyliftedtheweightfromherheart.Nowthatweightcamecrashingbackdown.“Well,”shesaiddully,“thenIdon’thaveanyideawhomightbewarningus.Doesanybodyelse?”
Theyallshooktheirheads,baffled.“Whoevenknowsaboutusnowthathasthiskindofpower?”Mattasked.
“TheGuardians?”saidBonniedoubtfully.
ButElenashookherheadwithaquickdecisivemotion,blondhairswinging.“It’snotthem,”shesaid.“Thelastthingthey’ddoissendamessageinblood.Visionswouldbemoretheirstyle.AndI’mprettysuretheGuardianswashedtheirhandsofuswhentheysentusbackhere.”
Mrs.Flowersinterlockedherfingersinherlap.“Soperhapsthereissomeasyetunknownpersonorbeinglookingafteryou,warningyouofdangerahead.”
MatthadbeensittingramrodstraightinoneofMrs.Flowers’sdaintierchairs,anditcreakedalarminglyasheleanedforward.“Um,”hesaid.“Ithinkthebetterquestionis,what’scausingthatdanger?”
Mrs.Flowersspreadhersmall,wrinkledhands.“You’reperfectlyright.Let’sconsidertheoptions.Ontheonehand,itcouldbeawarningforsomethingthatwasnaturallygoingtohappen.Celia’s—youdon’tmindifIcallyouCelia,doyou,dear?”
Celia,stilllookingshell-shocked,shookherhead.
“Good.Celia’sscarfgettingcaughtinthetraindoorscouldhavebeenanaturalaccident.Forgivemeforsayingso,butthoselong,dramaticscarvescanbeverydangerous.ThedancerIsadoraDuncanwaskilledinjustthatwaywhenherscarfcaughtinthewheelofacarmanyyearsago.PerhapswhoeversentthemessagewassimplyraisingaflagforCeliatobecareful,orfortherestofyoutotakecareofher.PerhapsMeredithmerelyneedstobecautiousoverthenextfewdays.”
“Youdon’tthinkso,though,doyou?”askedMeredithsharply.
Mrs.Flowerssighed.“Thisallfeelsrathermalevolenttome.Ithinkifsomeonewantedtowarnyouaboutthepossibilityofaccidents,theycouldfindabetterwaythannameswritteninblood.Bothofthesenamesappearedastheresultsofratherviolentincidents,correct?BonniecuttingherselfandStefanrippingthescarffromCelia’sneck?”
Meredithnodded.
Lookingtroubled,Mrs.Flowerscontinued.“And,ofcourse,theotherpossibilityisthattheappearanceofthenamesisitselfmalicious.Perhapsthenames’appearanceisanessentialingredientinortargetingmethodforsomespellthatiscausingthedanger.”
Stefanfrowned.“You’retalkingaboutdarkmagic,aren’tyou?”
Mrs.Flowersmethiseyessquarely.“I’mafraidso.Stefan,you’retheoldestandmostexperiencedofusbyfar.I’veneverheardofanythinglikethis,haveyou?”
Bonniefeltabitsurprised.Ofcourse,sheknewthatStefanwasmucholderthanevenMrs.Flowers—afterall,he’dbeenalivebeforeelectricity,orrunningwater,orcars,oranythingtheytookforgrantedinthemodernworld,whileMrs.Flowerswasprobablyonlyinherseventies.
Butstill,itwaseasytoforgethowlongStefanhadlived.Helookedjustlikeanyothereighteen-year-old,exceptthathewasexceptionallyhandsome.Atraitorousthoughtflickeredatthebackofhermind,oneshe’dhadbefore:HowwasitthatElenaalwaysgotallthebest-lookingguys?
Stefanwasshakinghishead.“Nothinglikethis,no.ButIthinkyou’rerightthatitmaybedarkmagic.Perhaps,ifyouspoketoyourmotheraboutit…”
Celia,whowasstartingtotakemoreofaninterestinwhatwasgoingon,lookedatAlaricquizzically.Thenshecastaglancetowardthedoor,asifexpectingahundred-year-oldwomantowanderin.Bonniegrinnedtoherself,despitetheseriousnessofthesituation.
Theyhadallgottensomatter-of-factaboutMrs.Flowers’sfrequentconversationswiththeghostofhermotherthatnoneofthemblinkedwhenMrs.Flowersgazedoffintospaceandstartedmutteringrapidly,eyebrowslifting,eyesscanningunoccupiedspaceasifsomeoneunseenwerespeakingtoher.ButtoCeliaitmusthaveseemedprettystrange.
“Yes,”saidMrs.Flowers,returningherattentiontothem.“MamasaysthereisindeedsomethingdarkstirringinFell’sChurch.But”—herhandslifted,palmsempty—“shecannottellwhatformittakes.Shesimplywarnsustobecareful.Whateveritis,shecansensethatit’sdeadly.”
StefanandMeredithfrowned,takingthisin.AlaricwasmurmuringtoCelia,probablyexplainingwhatwasgoingon.Mattbowedhishead.
Elenapushedon,alreadyworkingonthenextangle.“Bonnie,whataboutyou?”sheasked.
“Huh?”Bonnieasked.ThensherealizedwhatElenameant.“No.Nuh-uh.I’mnotgoingtoknowanythingMrs.Flowers’smotherdoesn’t.”
Elenajustlookedather,andBonniesighed.Thiswasimportant,afterall.Meredith’snamewasnext,andiftherewasonethingthatwastrue,itwasthatsheandMeredithandElenahadoneanother’sbacks.Always.“Allright,”shesaidreluctantly.“I’llseeifIcanfindoutanythingelse.Canyoulightmeacandle?”
“Whatnow?”Celiaaskedinconfusion.
“Bonnie’spsychic,”Elenaexplainedsimply.
“Fascinating,”Celiasaidbrightly,buthereyesslid,coolanddisbelieving,acrossBonnie.
Well,whatever.Bonniedidn’tcarewhatshethought.ShecouldassumethatBonniewaspretendingorcrazyifshewantedto,butshe’dseewhathappenedeventually.Elenabroughtacandleoverfromitsspotonthemantel,litit,andplaceditonthecoffeetable.
Bonnieswallowed,lickedherlips,whichweresuddenlydry,andtriedtofocusonthecandleflame.Althoughshe’dhadplentyofpractice,shedidn’tlikedoingthis,didn’tlikethesensationoflosingherself,asifshewereslidingunderwater.
Theflameflickeredandgrewbrighter.ItseemedtoswellandfillBonnie’sfieldofvision.Allshecouldseewasflame.
Iknowwhoyouare,acold,roughvoicesuddenlygrowledinherear,andBonnietwitched.Shehatedthevoices,sometimesassoftasiftheywerecomingfromadistanttelevision,sometimesrightbesideher,likethisone.Shesomehowalwaysmanagedtoforgetthemuntilthenexttimeshebegantofallintoatrance.Afarawaychild’svoicebeganawordlessoff-keyhumming,andBonniefocusedonmakingherbreathingslowandsteady.
Shecouldfeelhereyesslippingoutoffocus.Asourtaste,wetandnasty,filledhermouth.
Envytwisted,sharpandbitter,insideher.It’snotfair,notfair,somethingmutteredsullenlyinherskull.Andthenblacknesstookover.
ElenawatchedapprehensivelyasBonnie’spupilswidened,reflectingthecandleflame.Bonniewasabletosinkintotrancesmuchmorequicklynowthanwhenshehadbegunhavingthem,whichworriedElena.
“Darknessrises.”Aflat,hollowvoicethatdidn’tsoundanythinglikeBonnie’scamefromherfriend’smouth.“It’snothereyet,butitwantstobe.It’scold.It’sbeencoldforalongtime.Itwantstobenearus,outofthedarknessandaswarmasourhearts.Ithates.”
“Isitavampire?”askedMeredithquickly.
Thenot-Bonnievoicegaveaharsh,chokinglaugh.“It’smuchstrongerthananyvampire.Itcanfindahomeinanyofyou.Watchoneanother.Watchyourselves.”
“Whatisit?”askedMatt.
WhateveritwasthatspokethroughBonniehesitated.
“Shedoesn’tknow,”saidStefan.“Orshecan’ttellus.Bonnie,”hesaidintently,“issomeonebringingthisthingtous?Who’scausingit?”
Nohesitationthistime.“Elena,”itsaid.“Elenabroughtit.”Chapter9
Bonniewincedatthenastymetallictasteinhermouthandblinkedseveraltimes,untiltheroomaroundhercamebackintofocus.“Ugh,”shesaid.“Ihatedoingthat.”
Everyonewasstaringather,theirfaceswhiteandshocked.
“What?”shesaiduneasily.“What’dIsay?”
Elenawassittingverystill.“Yousaiditwasmyfault,”shesaidslowly.“Whateveriscomingafterus,Ibroughtithere.”Stefanreachedouttocoverherhandwithhisown.
Unbidden,themeanest,narrowestpartofBonnie’smindthoughtwearily,Ofcourse.It’salwaysaboutElena,isn’tit?
MeredithandMattfilledBonnieinontherestofwhatshe’dsaidinhertrance,buttheireyeskeptreturningtoElena’sstrickenface,andassoonastheyfinishedtellingherwhatshe’dmissed,theyturnedawayfromBonnie,backtoElena.
“Weneedtomakeaplan,”Meredithsaidtohersoftly.
“We’llallwantsomerefreshment,”Mrs.Flowerssaid,risingtoherfeet,andBonniefollowedherintothekitchen,eagertoescapethetensionoftheroom.
Shewasn’treallyaplangirl,anyway,shetoldherself.She’dmadehercontributionjustbybeingthevisiongirl.ElenaandMeredithweretheoneseveryonelookedtoformakingthedecisions.
Butitwasn’tfair,wasit?Shewasn’tafool,despitethefactthatherfriendsalltreatedherlikethebabyofthegroup.EveryonethoughtElenaandMeredithweresocleverandsostrong,butBonniehadsavedthedayagainandagain—notthatanyoneeverrememberedthat.Sheranhertonguealongtheedgesofherteeth,tryingtoscrapeoffthenastysourtastestillinhermouth.
Mrs.Flowershaddecidedthatwhatthegroupneededtosoothethemwassomeofherspecialelder-flowerlemonade.Whileshefilledtheglasseswithice,pouredthedrinks,andsetthemoutonatray,Bonniewatchedherrestlessly.Therewasarough,emptyfeelinginsideBonnie,likesomethingwasmissing.Itwasn’tfair,shethoughtagain.Noneofthemappreciatedherorrealizedallshe’ddoneforthem.
“Mrs.Flowers,”shesaidsuddenly.“Howdoyoutalktoyourmother?”
Mrs.Flowersturnedtoher,surprised.“Why,mydear,”shesaid,“it’sveryeasytospeaktoghosts,iftheywanttospeaktoyou,oriftheyarethespiritsofsomeoneyouloved.Ghosts,yousee,havenotleftourplanebutstayclosetous.”
“Butstill,”Bonniepressedon,“youcandomorethanthat,alotmore.”ShepicturedMrs.Flowers,youngagain,eyesflashing,hairflying,fightingthekitsune’smalevolentPowerwithanequalPowerofherown.“You’reaverypowerfulwitch.”
Mrs.Flowers’sexpressionwasreserved.“It’skindofyoutosayso,dear.”
Bonnietwirledaringletofherhairaroundonefingeranxiously,weighinghernextwords.“Well…ifyouwould,ofcourse—onlyifyouhavetime—I’dlikeyoutotrainme.Whateveryou’dbewillingtoteachme.IcanseethingsandI’vegottenbetteratthat,butI’dliketolearneverything,anythingelseyoucanshowme.Divining,andaboutherbs.Protectionspells.Theworks,Iguess.Ifeellikethere’ssomuchIdon’tknow,andIthinkImighthavetalent,youknow?Ihopeso,anyway.”
Mrs.Flowerslookedatherappraisinglyforonelongmomentandthennoddedoncemore.
“Iwillteachyou,”shesaid.“Withpleasure.Youpossessgreatnaturaltalent.”
“Really?”Bonniesaidshyly.Awarmbubbleofhappinessroseinsideher,fillingtheemptinessthathadengulfedherjustmomentsago.
Thensheclearedherthroatandadded,ascasuallyasshecouldmanage,“AndIwaswondering…canyoutalktoanyonewho’sdead?Orjustyourmother?”
Mrs.Flowersdidn’tanswerforafewmoments.Bonniefeltliketheolderwoman’ssharpbluegazewaslookingstraightthroughherandanalyzingthemindandheartinside.WhenMrs.Flowersdidspeak,hervoicewasgentle.
“Whoisityouwanttocontact,dear?”
Bonnieflinched.“Nooneinparticular,”shesaidquickly,erasinganimageofDamon’sblack-on-blackeyesfromhermind.“Itjustseemslikesomethingthatwouldbeuseful.Andinteresting,too.Like,IcouldlearnallaboutFell’sChurch’shistory.”SheturnedawayfromMrs.Flowersandbusiedherselfwiththelemonadeglasses,leavingthesubjectbehindfornow.
Therewouldbetimetoaskagain,shethought.Soon.
“Themostimportantthing,”Elenawassayingearnestly,“istoprotectMeredith.We’vegottenawarning,andweneedtotakeadvantageofit,notsitaroundworryingaboutwhereitcamefrom.Ifsomethingterrible—somethingIbroughtsomehow—iscoming,we’lldealwithitwhenitgetshere.Rightnow,welookoutforMeredith.”
Shewassobeautiful,shemadeStefandizzy.Quiteliterally:Sometimeshewouldlookather,catchheratacertainangle,andwouldsee,asifforthefirsttime,thedelicatecurveofhercheek,thelightestrose-petalblushinhercreamyskin,thesoftseriousnessofhermouth.Inthosemoments,everytime,hisheadandstomachwouldswoopasifhe’djustgottenoffarollercoaster.Elena.
Hebelongedtoher;itwasassimpleasthat.Asifforhundredsofyearshehadbeenjourneyingtowardthisonemortalgirl,andnowthathehadfoundher,hislong,longlifefinallyhadfounditspurpose.
Youdon’thaveher,though,somethinginsidehimsaid.Notallofher.Notreally.
Stefanshookoffthetraitorousthought.Elenalovedhim.Shelovedhimbravelyanddesperatelyandpassionatelyandfarmorethanhedeserved.Andhelovedher.Thatwaswhatmattered.
Andrightnow,thissweetmortalgirlhelovedwasefficientlyorganizingascheduleforguardingMeredith,assigningdutieswiththecalmexpectationthatshewouldbeobeyed.“Matt,”shesaid,“ifyou’reworkingtomorrownight,youandAlariccantakethedaytimeshift.Stefanwilltakeoveratnight,andBonnieandIwillpickupinthemorning.”
“Youshouldhavebeenageneral,”Stefanmurmuredtoher,earninghimselfaquicksmile.
“Idon’tneedguards,”Meredithsaidirritably.“I’vebeentrainedinmartialartsandI’vefacedthesupernaturalbefore.”ItseemedtoStefanthathereyerestedspeculativelyonhimforasecond,andheforcedhimselfnottobristleunderherscrutiny.“MystaveisalltheprotectionIneed.”
“Astavelikeyourscouldn’thaveprotectedCelia,”Elenaargued.“WithoutStefantheretointervene,shewouldhavebeenkilled.”Onthecouch,CeliaclosedhereyesandrestedherheadagainstAlaric’sarm.
“Fine,then.”Meredithspokeinaclippedtone,hereyesonCelia.“It’strue,outofallofus,onlyStefancouldhavesavedher.Andthat’stheotherreasonthiswholeteamefforttoprotectmeisridiculous.Doyouhavethestrengthandspeedthesedaystosavemefromamovingtrain,Elena?DoesBonnie?”StefansawBonnie,cominginwithatrayoflemonadeglasses,pauseandfrownassheheardMeredith’swords.
Hehadknown,ofcourse,thatwithDamondeadandElena’sPowersgone,hewastheonlyonelefttoprotectthegroup.Well,Mrs.FlowersandBonniehadsomelimitedmagicalability.ThenStefanamendedthethoughtfurther.Mrs.Flowerswasactuallyquitepowerful,butherpowerswerestilldepletedfromfightingthekitsune.
Itcametothesamething,then:Stefanwastheonlyonewhocouldprotectthemnow.Meredithmighttalkaboutherresponsibilitiesasavampirehunter,butintheend,despitehertrainingandheritage,shewasjustanothermortal.
Hiseyesscannedthegroup,allthemortals,hismortals.Meredith,seriousgrayeyesandasteelyresolve.Matt,eagerandboyishanddecentdowntothebone.Bonnie,sunnyandsweet,andwithacoreofstrengthperhapsevenshedidn’tknowshehad.Mrs.Flowers,awisematriarch.AlaricandCelia…well,theyweren’thismortalsthewaytheotherswere,buttheyfellunderhisprotectionwhiletheywerehere.Hehadsworntoprotecthumans,whenhecould.Ifhecould.
HerememberedDamonsayingtohimonce,laughinginoneofhisfitsofdangerousgoodhumor,hisfacegleeful,“They’rejustsofragile,Stefan!Youcanbreakthemwithoutevenmeaningto!”
AndElena,hisElena.Shewasasvulnerableastherestofthemnow.Heflinched.Ifanythingeverhappenedtoher,Stefanknewbeyondadoubtthathewouldtakeofftheringthatlethimwalkintheday,liedowninthegrassabovehergrave,andwaitforthesun.
ButthesamehollowvoiceinsidethatquestionedElena’sloveforhimwhispereddarklyinhisear:Shewouldnotdothesameforyou.Youarenothereverything.
AsElenaandMeredith,withoccasionalinterjectionsfromMattandBonnie,continuedtoargueaboutwhetherMeredithneededtheeffortsofthegrouptoguardher,StefanclosedhiseyesandslippedintohismemoriesofDamon’sdeath.
Stefanwatched,foolishanduncomprehendingandjustnotfastenough,asDamon,quickerthanhimtillthelast,dashedtowardthehugetreeandflungBonnie,lightasdandelionfluff,outofthereachofthebarbedbranchesalreadyplummetingtowardher.
Ashethrewher,abranchcaughtDamonthroughhischest,pinninghimtotheground.Stefansawthemomentofshockinhisbrother’seyesbeforetheyrolledbackward.Asingledropofbloodranfromhismouthdownhischin.
“Damon,openyoureyes!”Elenawasscreaming.Therewasaroughtoneinhervoice,anagonyStefanhadneverheardfromherbefore.HerhandsjerkedatDamon’sshoulders,asifshewantedtoshakehimhard,andStefanpulledheraway.“Hecan’t,Elena,hecan’t,”hesaid,halfsobbing.
Couldn’tsheseethatDamonwasdying?Thebranchhadstoppedhisheartandthetree’spoisonwasspreadingthroughhisveinsandarteries.Hewasgone.StefanhadgentlyloweredDamon’sheadtotheground.Hewouldlethisbrothergo
ButElenawouldn’t.
Turningtotakeherinhisarmsandcomforther,Stefansawthatshehadforgottenhim.Hereyeswereclosedandherlipsweremovingsoundlessly.Allhermusclesweretaut,strainingtowardDamon,andStefanrealizedwithadullshockthatsheandDamonwereconnectedstill,thatalastconversationwasbeingcarriedonalongsomeprivatefrequencythatexcludedhim.
Herfacewaswetwithtears,andshesuddenlyfumbledforherknifeandwithoneswift,suremovement,nickedherownjugularvein,startingbloodflowingacrossherneck.“Drink,Damon,”shesaidinadesperate,prayerlikevoice,pryinghismouthopenwithherhandsandanglingherneckaboveit.
ThesmellofElena’sbloodwasrichandtangy,makingStefan’scaninesitchwithdesireeveninhishorrorathercarelessnessincuttingherownthroat.Damondidnotdrink.Thebloodranoutofhismouthanddownhisneck,soakinghisshirtandpoolingonhisblackleatherjacket.
ElenasobbedandthrewherselfontopofDamon,kissinghiscoldlips,hereyesclenchedshut.StefancouldtellshewasstillincommunionwithDamon’sspirit,atelepathicexchangeofloveandsecretsprivatebetweenthem,thetwopeoplehelovedmost.Theonlypeopleheloved.
Acoldtendrilofenvy,thefeelingofbeingtheoutsiderlookingin,theonewhowasleftallalone,curledalongStefan’sspineevenastearsofgriefrandownhisface.
Aphonerang,andStefansnappedbacktothepresent.
Elenaglancedathercellandthenanswered,“Hi,AuntJudith.”Shepaused.“Attheboardinghousewitheverybody.WepickedupAlaricandhisfriendfromthetrain.”Anotherpauseandshegrimaced.“I’msorry,Iforgot.Yes,Iwill.Injustafewminutes,allright?Okay.Bye.”
Shehungupandgottoherfeet.“ApparentlyatsomepointIpromisedAuntJudithIwouldbehomefordinnertonight.Robert’sgettingoutthefonduesetandMargaretwantsmetoshowherhowtodipbreadincheese.”Sherolledhereyes,butStefanwasn’tfooled.HecouldseehowdelightedElenawastohaveherbabysisteridolizingheragain.
Elenawenton,frowning,“I’mnotsureI’llbeabletogetoutagaintonight,butsomeoneneedstobewithMeredithatalltimes.Canyoustayheretonight,Meredith,insteadofathome?”
Meredithnoddedslowly,herlonglegsdrawnupunderheronthecouch.Shelookedtiredandapprehensive,despiteherearlierbravado.Elenatouchedherhandinfarewell,andMeredithsmiledather.“I’msureyourminionswilltakegoodcareofme,QueenElena,”shesaidlightly.
“I’dexpectnothingless,”Elenaansweredinthesametone,turninghersmileontherestoftheroom.
Stefangottohisfeet.“I’llwalkyouhome,”hesaid.
Mattrose,too.“Icandriveyou,”heoffered,andStefanwassurprisedtofindthathehadtosuppresstheurgetoshoveMattbackintohisseat.StefanwouldtakecareofElena.Shewashisresponsibility.
“No,stayhere,bothofyou,”Elenasaidfirmly.“It’sonlyafewblocks,andit’sstillbroaddaylightout.YoulookafterMeredith.”
Stefansettledbackinhischair,eyeingMatt.Withawave,Elenawasgone,andStefanstretchedouthissensestofollowherasfarashecould,pushinghisPowertosensewhetheranythingdangerous,anythingatall,lurkednearby.HisPowersweren’tstrongenough,though,toreachallthewaytoElena’shouse.Hecurledhishandsintotight,frustratedfists.Hehadbeensomuchmorepowerfulwhenheallowedhimselftodrinkhumanblood.
Meredithwaswatchinghim,grayeyessympathetic.“She’llbeokay,”shesaid.“Youcan’twatchherallthetime.”
ButIcantry,thoughtStefan.
WhenElenastrolledupherwalk,Calebwasclippingtheglossygreenleavesofthefloweringcamelliabushesinfrontofthehouse.
“Hi,”shesaid,surprised.“Haveyoubeenhereallday?”
Hestoppedtrimmingandwipedthesweatoffhisforehead.Withhisblondhairandhealthytan,helookedlikeaCaliforniasurfertransplantedtoaVirginialawn.ElenathoughtCalebseemedjustrightonaperfectsummerdaylikethisone,alawnmowerhumminginthedistancesomewhere,theskyblueandhighabovethem.
“Sure,”hesaidcheerfully.“Lotstodo.Itlooksgood,right?”
“Itreallydoes,”shesaid.Anditdid.Thegrasswasmowed,thehedgeswereperfectlytrimmed,andhehadsetoutsomedaisiesintheflowerbedsnearthehouse.
“What’veyoubeenuptotoday?”Calebasked.
“Nothingasenergeticasthis,”Elenasaid,suppressingthememoryofthedesperateracetosaveCelia.“MyfriendsandIjustpickedsomeoneupatthetrainstationandhungoutinsidefortherestoftheday.Ihopetheweatherholds,though.WewanttotakeapicnicuptoHotSpringstomorrow.”
“Soundslikefun,”Calebsaidagreeably.Elenawastemptedforamomenttoinvitehimalong.DespiteStefan’sreservations,heseemedlikeaniceguy,andheprobablydidn’tknowmanypeopleintown.MaybeBonniewouldhititoffwithhim.Hewasprettycute,afterall.AndBonniehadn’treallybeeninterestedinanyoneforawhile.AnyoneotherthanDamon,asecretlittlevoicesaidinthebackofhermind.
Butofcourseshecouldn’tinviteCaleb.Whatwasshethinking?Sheandherfriendscouldn’thaveoutsidersaroundwhiletheytalkedaboutwhatsupernaturalentityhaditinforthemnow.
Alittlepangoflonginghither.Wouldsheeverbeagirlwhocouldhaveapicnicandswimandflirtandbeabletotalktoanyonesheliked,becauseshehadnodarksecretstoconceal?
“Aren’tyouexhausted?”sheasked,quicklychangingthesubject.
Shethoughtshesawaflickerofdisappointmentinhiseyes.Hadherealizedshewasthinkingofinvitinghimalongonthepicnicandthenchangedhermind?Butheansweredreadilyenough.“Oh,yourauntranmeoutacoupleofglassesoflemonade,andIhadasandwichwithyoursisteratlunchtime.”Hegrinned.“She’sacutie.Andanexcellentconversationalist.Shetoldmeallabouttigers.”
“Shetalkedtoyou?”Elenasaidwithsurprise.“She’susuallyreallyshyaroundnewpeople.Shewouldn’ttalktomyboyfriend,Stefan,untilhe’dbeenaroundformonths.”
“Oh,well,”hesaid,andshrugged.“OnceIshowedheracoupleofmagictricks,shewassofascinatedsheforgottobeshy.She’sgoingtobeamastermagicianbythetimeshestartsfirstgrade.She’sanatural.”
“Really?”saidElena.Shefeltasharpshiftinherstomach,asenseofloss.Shehadmissedsomuchofherlittlesister’slife.She’dnoticedatbreakfastthatshelookedandsoundedolder.ItwaslikeMargarethadgrownintoadifferentpersonwithouther.Elenagaveherselfamentalshake:Sheneededtostopbeingsuchawhiner.Shewasunbelievablyluckyjusttobeherenow.
“Oh,yeah,”hesaid.“Look,Itaughtherthis.”Heheldoutatannedfist,turneditover,andopenedhishandtorevealacamelliablossom,waxyandwhite,closedhishand,thenopeneditagaintorevealatightlyfurledbud.
“Wow,”saidElena,intrigued.“Doitagain.”
Shewatchedintentlyasheopenedandclosedhishandseveraltimes,revealingflowerthenbud,flowerthenbud.
“IshowedMargarethowtodoitwithcoins,switchingbetweenaquarterandapenny,”hesaid,“butit’sthesameprinciple.”
“I’veseentrickslikethatbefore,”shesaid,“butIcan’tfigureoutwhereyou’rehidingtheonethatisn’tshowing.Howdoyoudoit?”
“Magic,ofcourse,”hesaid,smiling,andopenedhishandtoletthecamelliablossomfallatElena’sfeet.
“Doyoubelieveinmagic?”shesaid,lookingupintohiswarmblueeyes.Hewasflirtingwithher,sheknew—guysalwaysflirtedwithElenaifsheletthem.
“Well,Ioughtto,”hesaidsoftly.“I’mfromNewOrleans,youknow,thehomeofvoodoo.”
“Voodoo?”shesaid,acoldshivergoingdownherspine.
Caleblaughed.“I’mjustplayingwithyou,”hesaid.“Voodoo.Jeez,whataloadofcrap.”
“Oh,right.Totally,”Elenasaid,forcingagiggle.
“Onetime,though,”Calebcontinued,“backbeforemyparentsdied,Tylerwasvisiting,andthetwoofuswenttotheFrenchQuartertogetourfortunestoldbythisoldvoudonpriestess.”
“Yourparentsdied?”Elenaasked,surprised.Calebloweredhisheadforamoment,andElenareachedouttotouchhim,herhandlingeringonhis.“Minedid,too,”shesaid.
Calebwasverystill.“Iknow,”hesaid.
Theireyesmet,andElenawincedinsympathy.TherewassuchpaininCaleb’swarmblueeyeswhenshelookedforit,despitehiseasysmile.
“Itwasyearsago,”hesaidsoftly.“Istillmissthemsometimes,though,youknow.”
Shesqueezedhishand.“Iknow,”shesaidquietly.
ThenCalebsmiledandshookhisheadalittle,andthemomentbetweenthemwasover.“Thiswasbeforethat,though,”hesaid.“WeweremaybetwelveyearsoldwhenTylervisited.”Caleb’sslightSouthernaccentgotstrongerashewenton,histonelazyandrich.“Ididn’tbelieveinthatstuffbackthen,either,andIdon’tthinkTylerdid,butwethoughtitmightbekindoffun.Youknowhowit’sfuntoscareyourselfalittlesometimes.”Hepaused.“Itwasprettycreepy,actually.Shehadalltheseblackcandlesburningandweirdcharmseverywhere,stuffmadeofbonesandhair.Shethrewsomepowderontheflooraroundusandlookedatthedifferentpatterns.ShetoldTylershesawabigchangecomingforhimandthatheneededtothinkcarefullybeforeheputhimselfinsomeoneelse’spower.”
Elenaflinchedinvoluntarily.AbigchangehadcertainlycomeforTyler,andhehadputhimselfinthevampireKlaus’spower.WhereverTylerwasnow,thingshadn’tturnedoutthewayhe’dplanned.
“Andwhatdidshetellyou?”sheasked.
“Nothingmuch,really,”heanswered.“Mostlyjusttobegood.Stayoutoftrouble,lookoutformyfamily.Thatkindofthing.StuffItrytodo.Myauntanduncleneedmeherenow,withTylermissing.”Helookeddownatheragain,shrugged,andsmiled.“LikeIsaid,though,itwasmostlyjustaloadofcrap.Magicandallthatnuttystuff.”
“Yeah,”Elenasaidhollowly.“Allthatnuttystuff.”
ThesunwentbehindacloudandElenashiveredoncemore.Calebmovedclosertoher.
“Areyoucold?”hesaid,andreachedahandouttowardhershoulder.
Atthatmomentaraucouscawburstfromthetreesbythehouse,andabigblackcrowflewtowardthem,lowandfast.Calebdroppedhishandandducked,coveringhisface,butthecrowangledupatthelastminute,flappingfuriously,andsoaredawayovertheirheads.
“Didyouseethat?”Calebcried.“Italmosthitus.”
“Idid,”Elenaanswered,watchingasthegracefulwingedsilhouettedisappearedintothesky.“Idid.”Chapter10
Elderblossomscanbeusedforexorcism,protection,orprosperity,Bonnieread,lyingfloppeddownonherbed,chinproppedonherhands.Mixwithcomfreyandcoltsfootandbindinredsilkduringawaxingmoontomakeacharmbagforattractingwealth.Distillinabathwithlavender,feverfew,andmotherwortforpersonalprotection.Burnwithhyssop,whitesage,anddevil’sshoestringtocreateasmokethatcanbeusedinexorcisingbadspirits.
Devil’sshoestring?Wasthatreallyanherb?Unlikemostoftheothers,itdidn’tsoundlikesomethingshe’dfindinhermother’sgarden.Shesighednoisilyandskippedaheadalittle.
Thebestherbsforaidingmeditationareagrimony,chamomile,damiana,eyebright,andginseng.Theymaybetossedtogetherandburnedtocreatesmokeor,whenpickedatdawn,driedandsprinkledaroundthesubjectinacircle.
Bonnieeyedthethickbookbalefully.Pagesandpagesandpagesofherbsandwhattheirpropertieswereindifferentcircumstances,andwhentogatherthem,andhowtousethem.Allwrittenasdrylyanddullyasherhighschoolgeometrytextbook.
Shehadalwayshatedstudying.Thebestthingaboutthesummerbetweenhighschoolandcollegewasthatnoonecouldexpecthertospendanytimetuckedupwithaheavybook,tryingtomemorizeexcessivelyboringfacts.Yethereshewas,doingjustthat,andshe’dtotallybroughtitonherself.
ButwhenshehadaskedMrs.Flowerstoteachhermagic,shehadexpectedsomething,well,coolerthanbeinghandedaheavybookonherbs.Secretly,shehadbeenhopingforone-on-onesessionsthatinvolvedcastingspells,orflying,orsummoningfantasticalservantstodoherbidding.Lessreadingquietlytoherself,anyway.Shouldn’ttherebesomewaythatmagicalknowledgecouldjustimplantitselfinherbrain?Like,well,magically?
Sheflippedforwardafewmorepages.Ooh,thislookedabitmoreinteresting
Anamuletfilledwithcinnamon,cowslip,anddandelionleaveswillhelpinattractingloveandfulfillingsecretdesires.Gathertheherbsinagentlerainand,afterdrying,bindthemwithredvelvetandgoldthread.
Bonniegiggledandkickedherfeetagainstthemattress,thinkingthatshecouldprobablycomeupwithsomesecretdesirestofulfill.Didsheneedtopickthecinnamon,orwoulditbeokaytojustgetitoutofthespicecupboard?Sheturnedafewmorepages.Herbsforclarityofsight,herbsforcleansing,herbsthathadtobegatheredunderthefullmoonoronasunnydayinJune.Shesighedoncemoreandclosedthebook.
Itwaspastmidnight.Shelistened,butthehousewasquiet.Herparentsweresleeping.
NowthathersisterMary,who’dbeenthelastofBonnie’sthreeoldersisterstoleavehome,hadmovedinwithherboyfriend,Bonniemissedhavingherrightdownthehall.Buttherewerealsoadvantagestonothavinghernosy,bossybigsistersoclose.
Sheclimbedoutofbedasquietlyandcautiouslyasshecould.Herparentsweren’tassharp-earedasMary,buttheywouldcomeandcheckonheriftheyheardhergettingupinthemiddleofthenight.
Carefully,Bonniepriedupafloorboardunderherbed.Shehaduseditasherhidingplaceeversinceshewasalittlegirl.Atfirstshehadkeptadollshe’dborrowedfromMarywithoutpermission;asecretcandystashboughtwithherallowance;herfavoriteredsilkribbon.Later,she’dhiddennotesfromherfirstboyfriend,ortestsshe’dfailed
Nothingassinisteraswhatwashiddentherenow,though.
SheliftedoutanotherbookjustasthickasthevolumeonherbsMrs.Flowershadlenther.Butthisonewasolder-looking,withadarkleathercoverwrinkledandsoftenedbytime.ThisbookwasfromMrs.Flowers’slibrary,too,butMrs.Flowershadn’tgivenittoher.BonniehadsnuckitofftheshelfwhileMrs.Flowers’sbackwasturned,slidingitintoherbackpackandprojectinghermostinnocentfacewhenMrs.Flowers’ssharpeyeslingeredonherafterward.
BonniefeltabitguiltytrickingMrs.Flowerslikethat,especiallyaftertheoldwomanagreedtomentorher.But,honestly,nooneelsewouldhavehadtosneakthebookoutinthefirstplace.AnyreasonMeredithorElenagaveforwantingitwouldhaveimmediatelybeenacceptedbyeverybodyasrightandtrue.Theywouldn’tevenhavetogiveareason,justsaythattheyneededthebook.ItwasonlyBonniewhowouldbesighedatandpattedonthehead—sweet,sillyBonnie—andstoppedfromdoingwhatshewanted.
Bonniestubbornlysetherchinandtracedthelettersonthebook’scover.TraversingtheBoundariesBetweentheQuickandtheDead,theyread.
Herheartwaspoundingassheopenedthebooktothepageshe’dmarkedearlier.Butherhandswerequitesteadyassheremovedfourcandles,twowhiteandtwoblack,frombeneaththefloorboard.
Shestruckamatch,litoneoftheblackcandles,andtiltedittodripwaxonthefloorbesideherbed.Whentherewasalittlepoolofmeltedwax,Bonniepressedthebottomofthecandleintoit,sothatitstooduprightonthefloor.
“FireintheNorth,protectme,”sheintoned.Shereachedforawhitecandle.
Pluggedintoitschargeronthebedsidetable,herphonerang.Bonniedroppedthecandleandswore.
Leaningover,shepickedupthephonetoseewhowascalling.Elena.Ofcourse.Elenaneverrealizedhowlateitwaswhenshewantedtotalktosomebody.
Bonniewastemptedtopress“ignore,”butthoughtbetterofit.Maybethiswasasignthatsheshouldn’tperformtheritualafterall,atleastnottonight.Maybesheshoulddosomemoreresearchfirsttomakesureshewasdoingitright.Bonnieblewouttheblackcandleandpushedthebuttontoanswerherphone.
“Hey,Elena,”shesaid,hopingherfrienddidn’tsenseherirritationassheplacedthebookgentlybackunderthefloorboard.“What’sup?”
Theashwasunbearablyheavy.Hestrainedagainstit,pushingattheblanketofgrayholdinghimdown.Heclawedfrantically,apanickedpartofhimwonderingwhetherhewasevengoingupwardatall,whetherhemightnotinsteadbedigginghimselffartherunderthesurface.
Oneofhishandswasclutchedtightlyaroundsomething—somethingfineandfibrous,likethinpetals.Hedidn’tknowwhatitwas,butheknewheshouldn’tletgoofit,anddespitethefactthatithamperedhisstruggle,hedidnotquestionthisneedtoholdon.
Itseemedasifhewereclawingatthethickashforever,butfinallyhisotherhandbrokethroughthecrumblinglayersandrelieffloodedhisbody.He’dbeengoingtherightway;hewasn’tgoingtobeburiedforever.
Hereachedoutblindly,searchingforsomethinghecouldusetoleverhimselfout.Ashandmudslidunderhisfingers,givinghimnothingfirm,andhefloundereduntilhefoundwhatfeltlikeapieceofwoodinhisgrasp.
Theedgesofthewoodbitintohisfingersasheclungtoitasthoughitwerealifelineinastormyocean.Hegraduallymaneuveredhiswayup,slippingandslidingintheslickmud.Withonelastgreateffort,hewrenchedhisbodyoutoftheashandmud,whichgaveathicksuckingnoiseashisshouldersemerged.Heclimbedtohisknees,hismusclesscreaminginagony,thentohisfeet.Heshudderedandshook,nauseatedbuteuphoric,andwrappedhisarmsaroundhistorso.
Buthecouldn’tseeanything.Hepanickeduntilherealizedsomethingwasholdinghiseyesshut.Hescrubbedathisfaceuntilhedetachedstickyclumpsofashymudfromhiseyelashes.Afteramoment,hewasfinallyabletoopenhiseyes.
Adesolatewastelandsurroundedhim.Blackenedmud,puddlesofwaterchokedwithash.“Somethingterriblehappenedhere,”hesaidhoarsely,thesoundstartlinghim.Itwassoprofoundlyquiet.
Itwasfreezing,andherealizedhewasnaked,coveredwithonlythesamemuddyashthatwaseverywhere.Hehunchedoverandthen,cursinghimselfforhismomentaryweakness,painfullystraightenedhimselfup.
Hehadto…
He…
Hecouldn’tremember.
Adropofliquidrandownhisface,andhewonderedvaguelywhetherhewascrying.Orwasitthethick,shimmeringfluidthatwaseverywherehere,mixingwiththeashandmud?
Whowashe?Hedidn’tknowthat,either,andthatblanknesstriggeredatremblinginhimthatwasquiteseparatefromtheshiveringcausedbythecold.
Hishandwasstillclenchedprotectivelyaroundtheunknownobject,andheraisedhisfistandstaredatit.Afteramoment,heslowlyuncurledhisfingers.
Blackfibers.
Thenadropoftheopalescentfluidranacrosshispalm,overthemiddleofthefibers.Whereittouched,theytransformed.Itwashair.Silkyblondandcopperhair.Quitebeautiful.
Heclosedhisfistagainandheldthemagainsthischest,anewdeterminationbuildinginsidehim.
Hehadtogo.
Throughthehaze,aclearpictureofhisdestinationsprangintohismind.Heshuffledforwardthroughtheashandmud,towardthecastlelikegatehousewithhighspiresandheavyblackdoorsthathesomehowknewwouldbethere.Chapter11
Elenahungupthephone.SheandBonniehaddiscussedeverythingthatwasgoingon,fromthemysteriousappearanceofCelia’sandMeredith’snamestoMargaret’supcomingdancerecital.Butshehadn’tbeenabletobringupwhatshehadreallycalledtotalkabout.
Shesighed.Afteramoment,shefeltunderhermattressandpulledouthervelvet-coveredjournal.
DearDiary,
Thisafternoon,ItalkedwithCalebSmallwoodonthefrontlawnofmyhouse.Ibarelyknowhim,yetIfeelthisvisceralconnectionwithhim.IloveBonnieandMeredithmorethanlifeitself,buttheyhavenoideawhatit’sliketoloseyourparents,andthatputsaspacebetweenus.
IseemyselfinCaleb.He’ssohandsomeandseemssocarefree.I’msuremostpeoplethinkhislifeisperfect.Iknowwhatit’sliketopretendtohaveittogether,evenwhenyou’recomingapart.Itcanbetheloneliestthingintheworld.IhopehehasaBonnieoraMeredithofhisown,afriendhecanleanon.
Thestrangestthinghappenedwhileweweretalking.Acrowflewstraightatus.Itwasabigcrow,oneofthebiggestI’veeverseen,withiridescentblackfeathersthatshoneinthesunandahugehookedbeakandclaws.Itmighthavebeenthesameonethatappearedonmywindowsillyesterdaymorning,butIwasn’tsure.Whocantellcrowsapart?
And,ofcourse,boththecrowsremindedmeofDamon,whowatchedmeasacrowbeforeweevenmet.
What’sstrange—ridiculous,really—isthisdawningfeelingofhopeIhavedeepinsideme.Whatif,Ikeepthinking,whatifsomehowDamon’snotdeadafterall?
Andthenthehopecollapses,becauseheisdead,andIneedtofacethat.IfIwanttostaystrongIcan’tlietomyself.Ican’tmakeupprettyfairytaleswherethenoblevampiredoesn’tdie,wheretherulesgetchangedbecauseit’ssomeoneIcareabout.
Butthathopecomessneakinguponmeagain:Whatif?
ItwouldbetoocrueltosayanythingaboutthecrowtoStefan.Hisgriefhaschangedhim.Sometimes,whenhe’squiet,Icatchastrangelookinhisleafgreeneyes,likethere’ssomeoneIdon’tknowinthere.AndIknowhe’sthinkingofDamon,thoughtsthattakehimsomewhereIcan’tfollowanymore.
IthoughtIcouldtellBonnieaboutthecrow.ShecaredaboutDamon,andshewouldn’tlaughatmeforwonderingwhetherthereweresomewayhemightstill,insomeform,bealive.Notaftershesuggestedtheverysamethingearliertoday.Atthelastminute,though,Icouldn’ttalktoheraboutit.
Iknowwhy,andit’salousy,selfish,stupidreason:I’mjealousofBonnie.BecauseDamonsavedherlife.
Awful,right?
Here’sthething:Foralongtime,outofmillions,therewasonehumanDamoncaredabout.Onlyone.Andthatonepersonwasme.Everyoneelsecouldgotohellasfarashewasconcerned.Hecouldbarelyremembermyfriends’names.
ButsomethingchangedbetweenDamonandBonnie,maybewhentheywerealoneintheDarkDimensiontogether,maybeearlier.She’salwayshadalittlecrushonhim,whenhewasn’tbeingcruel,butthenhestartedtotakenoticeofhislittleredbird.Hewatchedher.Hewastenderwithher.
Andwhenshewasindanger,hemovedtosaveherwithoutasecondthoughtastowhatitmightcosthim.
SoI’mjealous.BecauseDamonsavedBonnie’slife.
I’materribleperson.But,becauseIamsoterrible,Idon’twanttoshareanymoreofDamonwithBonnie,notevenmythoughtsaboutthecrow.Iwanttokeeppartofhimjustforme.
Elenarereadwhatshehadwritten,herlipspressedtightlytogether.Shewasn’tproudofherfeelings,butshecouldn’tdenytheyexisted.
Sheleanedbackonherpillow.Ithadbeenalong,exhaustingday,andnowitwasoneo’clockinthemorning.She’dsaidgoodnighttoAuntJudithandRobertacoupleofhoursago,butshedidn’tseemtobeabletomakeitintobed.She’djustputteredaroundafterchangingintohernightdress:brushingherhair,rearrangingsomeofherpossessions,flippingthroughamagazine,lookingwithsatisfactionatthefashionablewardrobeshehadn’thadaccesstoinmonths.CallingBonnie.
Bonniehadsoundedodd.Distracted,maybe.Orperhapsjusttired.Itwaslate,afterall.
Elenawastired,too,butshedidn’twanttogotosleep.Shefinallyadmittedittoherself:Shewasalittleafraidtogotosleep.Damonhadbeensorealinherdreamtheothernight.Hisbodyhadfeltfirmandsolidassheheldhim;hissilkyblackhairhadbeensoftagainsthercheek.Hissmoothvoicehadsoundedsarcastic,seductive,andcommandingbyturns,justlikethelivingDamon’s.Whenshehadremembered,withasickeninghorror,thathewasgone,ithadbeenasifhehaddiedalloveragain.
Butshecouldn’tstayawakeforever.Shewassotired.Elenaswitchedoffthelightandclosedhereyes.
Shewassittingonthecreakyoldbleachersintheschoolgym.Theairsmelledofsweatyathleticshoesandthepolishtheyusedonthewoodenfloor.
“Thisiswherewemet,”saidDamon,whoshenowrealizedwassittingbesideher,soclosethesleeveofhisleatherjacketbrushedherarm.
“Romantic,”Elenareplied,raisingoneeyebrowandlookingaroundthebigemptyroom,thebasketballhoopshangingateachend.
“Itry,”Damonsaid,atingeofalaughcoloringhisdryvoice.“Butyouchosewhereweare.It’syourdream.”
“Isitadream?”Elenaaskedsuddenly,turningtostudyhisface.“Itdoesn’tfeellikeone.”
“Well,”hesaid,“letmeputitthisway.We’renotactuallyhere.”Hisfacewasseriousandintentashegazedbackather,butthenheflashedoneofhissudden,brilliantsmilesandhiseyesslidaway.“I’mgladwedidn’thavegymnasiumslikethiswhenIdidmystudies,”hesaidcasually,stretchingouthislegsinfrontofhim.“Itseemssoundignified,withtheshortsandtherubberballs.”
“Stefansaidthatyouplayedsportsthen,though,”Elenasaid,distracteddespiteherself.DamonfrownedatStefan’sname.
“Nevermind,”shesaidhastily.“Wemightnothavemuchtime.Please,Damon,please,yousaidyou’renothere,butareyouanywhere?Areyouallright?Evenifyou’redead…Imeanreallydead,deadforgood,areyousomewhere?”
Helookedathersharply.Hismouthtwistedalittleashesaid,“Doesitmatterthatmuchtoyou,princess?”
“Ofcourseitdoes,”Elenasaid,shocked.Hereyeswerefillingwithtears.
Histonewaslight,buthiseyes,soblackshecouldn’ttellwheretheirisendedandthepupilbegan,werewatchful.“Everyoneelse—allyourfriends—thistown—they’reallokay,though,aren’tthey?Youhaveyourworldback.Therearesuchthingsascollateraldamagesyouhavetoexpectifyou’regoingtogetwhatyouwant.”
ElenacouldtellfromDamon’sexpressionthatwhatshesaidnextwouldmatterdreadfully.And,inherheartofhearts,hadn’tsheadmittedtoherselftheotherdaythat,asmuchasshelovedDamon,thingswerebetternow,thateverythingcouldbegoodagainwiththetownsavedandherreturnedtoheroldlife?Andthatshewanteditthatway,evenifitmeantDamonwasdead?ThatDamonwaswhathesaid:collateraldamage?
“Oh,Damon,”shesaidatlast,helplessly.“Ijustmissyousomuch.”
Damon’sfacesoftenedandhereachedforher.“Elena—”
“Yes?”Elenamurmured.
“Elena?”Ahandwasgentlyshakingher.“Elena?”Someonestrokedherhair,andElenanuzzledsleepilyintothetouch.
“Damon?”shesaid,stillhalfdreaming.
Thehandpausedinitsstrokingandthenwithdrew.Sheopenedhereyes.
“Justme,I’mafraid,”saidStefan.Hewassittingnexttoheronherbed,hismouthastraight,tightline,hiseyesaverted.
“Oh,Stefan,”saidElena,sittingupandthrowingherarmsaroundhim.“Ididn’tmean—”
“It’sallright,”Stefansaidflatly,turningawayfromher.“Iknowwhathemeanttoyou.”
Elenapulledhimtowardherandlookedupintohisface.“Stefan.Stefan.”Hisgreeneyeshadadistantexpression.“I’msorry,”shesaidpleadingly.
“Youhavenothingtoapologizefor,Elena,”hesaid.
“Stefan,IwasdreamingaboutDamon,”sheconfessed.“You’reright,Damonwasimportanttome,andI…misshim.”AmuscletwitchedatthesideofStefan’sface,andshestrokedhisjaw.“IwillneverloveanyonemorethanIloveyou,Stefan.Itwouldbeimpossible.Stefan,”shesaid,feelinglikeshemightcry,“you’remytruelove,youknowthat.”Ifonlyshecouldreachoutandshowhimwithhermind,makehimunderstandwhatshefeltforhim.She’dneverfullyexploredherotherPowers,neverfullyclaimedthem,butlosingtheirtelepathicconnectionfeltlikeitmightkillher.
Stefan’sexpressionsoftened.“Oh,Elena,”hesaidslowly,andwrappedhisarmsaroundher.“ImissDamon,too.”Heburiedhisfaceinherhairandhisnextwordsweremuffled.“I’vespenthundredsofyearsfightingwithmyonlybrother,withushatingeachother.Wekilledeachotherwhenwewerehuman,andIdon’tthinkeitherofusevergotovertheguiltandtheshock,thehorrorofthatmoment.”Shefeltalongshuddergothroughhisbody.
Hesighed,asoft,sadsound.“Andwhenwefinallystartedtofindourwaybacktobeingbrothersagain,itwasallbecauseofyou.”Hisforeheadstillrestingonhershoulder,StefantookElena’shandandhelditbetweenbothofhis,turningitoverandstrokingitashethought.“Hediedsosuddenly.IguessIneverexpected…IneverexpectedDamontodiebeforeIdid.Hewasalwaysthestrongone,theonewhotrulylovedlife.Ifeel…”Hesmiledalittle,justasadtwistofhislips.“Ifeel…surprisinglylonelywithouthim.”
ElenaentwinedherfingerswithStefan’sandheldhishandtightly.Heturnedhisfacetowardhers,meetinghereyes,andshepulledbackalittlesoshecouldseehimmoreclearly.Therewaspaininhiseyes,andgrief,buttherewasalsoahardnessshehadneverseentherebefore.
Shekissedhim,tryingtoerasethathardedge.Heresistedherforhalfasecond,andthenhekissedherback.
“Oh,Elena,”hesaidthickly,andkissedheragain.
Asthekissdeepened,Elenafeltasweet,satisfyingsenseofrightnesssweepthroughher.Itwasalwayslikethis:IfshefeltdistancedfromStefan,thetouchoftheirlipscouldunitethem.Shefeltawaveofloveandwonderfromhim,andheldontoit,feedingtheemotionbacktohim,thetendernessbetweenthemgrowing.WithherPowersgone,sheneededthismorethanever.
Shereachedoutwithhermindandemotions,pastthetenderness,pasttherock-solidlovethatwasalwayswaitingforherinStefan’skiss,anddelveddeeperintohismind.Therewasafiercepassionthere,andshereturnedit,theiremotionstwiningtogether,astheirhandsheldeachotherharder.
Beneaththepassion,therewasgrief,aterrible,endlessgrief,andfartherstill,buriedinthedepthsofStefan’semotions,wasanachingloneliness,thelonelinessofamanwhohadlivedforcenturieswithoutcompanionship.
Andinthatlonelinesswasthetasteofsomethingunfamiliar.Something…unyieldingandcoldandfaintlymetallic,asifshehadbittenintofoil.
TherewassomethingStefanwasholdingbackfromher.Elenawassureofit,andshereacheddeeperintohismindastheirkissesintensified.Sheneededallofhim….Shestartedtopullbackherhair,toofferhimherblood.Thatalwaysbroughtthemascloseastheycouldpossiblybe.
Butbeforehecouldacceptheroffer,therewasasuddenknockonthedoor.
AlmostimmediatelyitopenedandAuntJudithpeekedin.Elena,blinking,foundherselfalone,herpalmsstingingfromthespeedwithwhichStefanhadpulledawayfromher.Shelookedaroundhastily,buthe’dvanished.
“Breakfastisonthetable,Elena,”AuntJudithsaidcheerfully.
“Uh-huh,”Elenasaid,distracted,peeringatthecloset,wonderingwhereStefanhadhiddenhimself.
“Areyouallright,dear?”herauntsaid,herforeheadcreasedwithconcern.Elenahadasuddenpictureofhowshemustlook:wide-eyed,flushed,anddisheveled,sittinginherrumpledbedandlookingwildlyaroundtheroom.IthadbeenalongtimesinceStefanhadneededtousehisvampiricspeedforanythingasmundaneasnotgettingcaughtinherbedroom!
ShegaveAuntJudithareassuringsmile.“Sorry,I’mstillhalf-asleep.I’llberightdown,”shesaid.“I’dbetterhurry.Stefanwillbeheretopickmeupsoon.”
AsAuntJudithlefttheroom,ElenafinallycaughtsightofStefan,wavingfromthelawnbelowheropenwindow,andshewavedback,laughing,thestrangeemotionsatthebottomofStefan’smindputasideforthemoment.Hegesturedthathewasgoingaroundtothefrontofthehouseandthathewouldseeherinaminute.
ShelaughedagainandjumpeduptogetreadyforthepicnicatHotSprings.Itwasnicetobethekindofgirlwhoworriedaboutgettinggrounded.Itfelt…pleasurablynormal.
Afewminuteslater,asElena,nowdressedinshortsandalightblueT-shirt,herhairpulledbackinaponytail,headeddownthestairs,thedoorbellrang.
“That’llbeStefan,”shecalledasAuntJudithappearedinthekitchendoorway.Elenagrabbedherbeachbagandpicniccoolerfromthebenchinthehall.
“Elena!”AuntJudithscolded.“Youhavetoeatsomethingbeforeyougo!”
“Notime,”Elenasaid,smilingatthefamiliarityoftheargument.“I’llgrabamuffinorsomethingontheway.”SheandAuntJudithhadexchangedthesewords,orsimilarones,mostmorningsofElena’syearsinhighschool.
“Oh,Elena,”AuntJudithsaid,rollinghereyes.“Don’tmove,younglady.I’llberightback.”
ElenaopenedthedoorandsmiledupintoStefan’seyes.“Why,hellothere,stranger,”shesaidsoftly.Hekissedher,asweettouchofhislipsonhers.
AuntJudithhurriedbackintothehallwayandpressedagranolabarintoElena’shand.“There,”shesaid.“Atleastyou’llhavesomethinginyourstomach.”
Elenagaveheraquickhug.“Thankyou,AuntJudith,”shesaid.“I’llseeyoulater.”
“Havefun,butpleasedon’tforgetMargaret’sdancerecitaltonight,”AuntJudithsaid.“She’ssoexcitedaboutit.”AuntJudithwavedgood-byefromthedoorwayasElenaandStefanstrolledtowardthecar.
“We’remeetingtheothersattheboardinghouseandcaravanningtoHotSprings,”Stefansaid.“MattandMereditharebothbringingtheircars.”
“Oh,good,wewon’tbeascrowdedaswewereyesterday.NotthatImindedsittingonyourlap,butIthoughtImightsquishCeliainthemiddle,”Elenasaid.Sheturnedherfaceupandstretchedlikeacatinthesunshine.Abreezetossedherponytail,andsheclosedhereyesandenjoyedthesensation.“It’sagorgeousdayforapicnic,”shesaid.Theworldwasalivewithbirdsongandwiththerustleoftrees.Afainttraceryofwhitecloudsunderscoredthebrightblueofthesky.“Woulditbejinxingourselvestosayitfeelslikethekindofdaywherenothingcouldgowrong?”sheasked.
“Yes,itabsolutelywouldbejinxingourselvestosaythat,”Stefansaid,straight-faced,unlockingthepassenger-sidedoorforher.
“ThenIwon’tsayit,”Elenasaid.“Iwon’teventhinkit.ButIfeelgood.Ihaven’tbeentoHotSpringsforages.”Shegrinnedwithpurepleasure,andStefansmiledbackather,butElenawasstruckonceagainbythatcertainsomethingnew—somethingtroubling—inhiseyes.Chapter12
“It’sgoingtobealovelyday—perfectforapicnic,”Meredithobservedcalmly.
BonniehadtactfullybutfirmlysteeredCeliaintoMatt’scarinsteadofMeredith’s,andsoMeredithwasalonewithAlaric—atlast!—forthefirsttimesincehe’darrived.Halfofherjustwantedtopullofftheroad,grabAlaric,andkisshimandkisshim,shewassogladthathewasfinallyhere.Allthroughtheinsanityofthelastfewmonths,she’dwishedthatheweretheretofightbyherside,todependon.
Buttheotherhalfofherwantedtopullofftheroad,grabAlaric,anddemandthatheexplaintoherexactlywhathisrelationshipwaswithDr.CeliaConnor
Instead,hereshewas,drivingplacidly,handsattenandtwoonthesteeringwheel,makingsmalltalkabouttheweather.Shefeltlikeacoward,andMeredithSuarezwasnocoward.Butwhatcouldshesay?Whatifshewasjustparanoid,andmakingaridiculousfussaboutastrictlyprofessionalrelationship?
SheglancedatAlaricoutofthecornerofhereye.“So…”shesaid.“TellmemoreaboutyourresearchinJapan.”
Alaricranhishandsthroughhisalreadytousledhairandgrinnedather.“Thetripwasfascinating,”hesaid.“Celia’ssointelligentandexperienced.Shejustputstogetherallthesecluesaboutacivilization.Itwasarealeye-openerformetowatchherdeciphersomuchfromtheevidenceinthegravesthere.Ineverknewmuchaboutforensicanthropologybefore,butshewasabletoreconstructanamazingamountaboutthecultureofUnmeinoShima.”
“Soundslikeshe’ssimplyamazing,”Meredithsaid,hearingtheacidinhertone.
ApparentlyAlaricdidn’tnoticeit.Hesmiledalittle.“Ittookquiteawhileforhertotakemyparanormalresearchseriously,”hesaidruefully.“Parapsychologyisn’tparticularlywellregardedbytheexpertsinotherscientificdisciplines.Theythinkpeoplelikemewhochoosetospendtheirlivesstudyingthesupernaturalarecharlatans,ornaive.Oralittlecrazy.”
Meredithmadeherselfspeakpleasantly.“Youwereabletoconvinceheratlast,though?That’sgood.”
“Sortof,”Alaricanswered.“Wegottobefriends,anyway,soshestoppedthinkingIwasacompletefraud.Ithinkshe’sfounditallalotmorebelievableaftertheonedayshe’sspenthere,though.”Hegaveawrysmile.“Shetriedtohideit,butshewasblownawayyesterdaywhenStefansavedher.Theexistenceofavampiremakesitclearthatthere’salotconventionalscienceknowsnothingabout.I’msureshe’llwanttoexamineStefanifhe’lllether.”
“Iwouldimagineso,”saidMeredithdryly,resistingtheurgetoaskAlaricwhyhethoughtStefanwouldcooperatewhenhehadseemedsodispleasedthatAlarichadtoldCeliaabouthim.
AlaricslidahandacrossthecarseatuntilhewascloseenoughtorunafingergentlyalongMeredith’sarm.“IlearnedalotwhileIwasgone,”hesaidearnestly,“butI’mreallymoreconcernedaboutwhat’sgoingonrightnowinFell’sChurch.”
“Youmeanthisdarkmagicthatissupposedlyrisinghere?”Meredithasked.
“ImeanthedarkmagicthatseemstobetargetingyouandCelia,”Alaricsaidforcefully.“I’mnotsureeitherofyouistakingitseriouslyenough.”
MeandCelia,thoughtMeredith.He’sjustasworriedaboutherasheisaboutme.Maybemore.
“Iknowwe’vefaceddangerinthepast,butIfeelresponsibleforCelia,”Alaricwenton.“Ibroughtherhere,andI’dneverbeabletoforgivemyselfifsomethinghappenedtoher.”
Definitelymore,Merediththoughtbitterly,andshruggedoffAlaric’shand.
Sheinstantlyregrettedthemotion.Whatwasthematterwithher?Thiswasn’twhoshewas.She’dalwaysbeenthecalm,rationalone.Nowhereshewasfeelinglike,well,likeajealousgirlfriend.
“Andnowit’sthreateningyou,too,”Alaricwenton.Hetentativelytouchedherknee,andthistimeMeredithlethishandstay.“Meredith,Iknowhowstrongyouare.Butit’sterrifyingtomethatthisdoesn’tseemtobethekindofenemywe’reusedto.Howcanwefightwhatwecan’tevensee?”
“Allwecandoisbevigilant,”Meredithsaid.Hertraininghadbeencomprehensive,butevenshedidn’tunderstandthisnewevil.YetsheknewhowtoprotectherselfmuchbetterthanAlaricrealized.Sheglancedathimoutofthecornerofhereye.Hiswindowwasopenacrack,andthebreezeruffledhissandyhair.Theykneweachothersowell,yethestilldidn’tknowherbiggestsecret.
Foramomentsheconsideredtellinghim,butthenheturnedtoherandsaid,“Celia’sputtingonabraveface,butIcantellshe’sscared.She’snotastoughasyouare.”
Meredithstiffened.No,thiswasn’ttherighttimetotellAlaricthatshewasahunter-slayer.Notwhenshewasdriving.Notwhenshewasthisangry.Suddenlyhishandfeltheavyandclammyonherknee,butsheknewshecouldn’tpushitoffagainwithoutbetrayingherfeelings.Inside,though,shewasragingathowtheconversationkeptcomingbacktoCelia.Alarichadthoughtofherfirst.AndevenwhenhewastalkingaboutthedangertoMeredith,hecoucheditintermsofwhathadhappenedtoCelia.
Alaric’svoicebecameabuzzinthebackgroundasMeredithclutchedthesteeringwheelsotightlyherknuckleswhitened.
Really,whywasshesurprisedthatAlarichadfeelingsforCelia?Meredithwasn’tblind.Shecouldbeobjective.Celiawassmart,accomplished,beautiful.CeliaandAlaricwereinthesameplaceintheirlives.Meredithhadn’tevenstartedcollegeyet.Shewasattractive—sheknewthat—andcertainlyintelligent.ButCeliawasallthatandmore:ShewasAlaric’sequalinawayMeredithcouldn’tbejustyet.Sure,Meredithwasavampirehunter.ButAlaricdidn’tknowthat.Andwhenhedidknow,wouldheadmireherstrength?Orwouldheturnawayfromher,scaredofherabilities,andtowardsomeonemoreacademic,likeCelia?
AblackbubbleofmiseryfilledMeredith’schest.
“I’mbeginningtothinkIshouldtakeCeliaawayfromhereifIcangethertoleave.”Alaricsoundedreluctant,butMeredithcouldhardlyhearhim.Shefeltascoldasifshewerebeingenvelopedinafog.“MaybeIshouldgetherbacktoBoston.IthinkyoushouldleaveFell’sChurch,too,Meredith,ifyoucanconvinceyourfamilytoletyougoawayfortherestofthesummer.Youcouldcomewithus,ormaybethere’sarelativeyoucouldstaywithifyourfamilywouldn’tlikethat.I’mworriedthatyouaren’tsafehere.”
“Nothing’shappenedtomeyet,”saidMeredith,surprisedbythecalmofherownvoice,whensuchdarkemotionswereboilinginsideher.“AndIhavearesponsibilitytobehereandprotectthetown.IfyouthinkCeliawillbesaferawayfromhere,dowhatyouandshethinkisbest.Butyouknowthere’snoguaranteethatwhatever’sthreateninguswon’tfollowhersomewhereelse.Andatleastheretherearepeoplewhobelieveinthedanger.
“Besides,”sheaddedthoughtfully,“thethreattoCeliamaybeover.Maybeoncetheattackisaverted,itmovesontosomeoneelse.Mynamedidn’tappearuntilafterStefansavedCelia.Ifso,thenthedangerisonlytome.”
Notthatyoucare,shethoughtviciously,andwassurprisedatherself.OfcourseAlariccared.
ItwasjustthatheseemedtocareaboutwhathappenedtoCeliamore.
HerfingernailscutintoherpalmsaroundthesteeringwheelasshecarefullyfollowedStefan’scarofftheroadandtowardtheparkinglotforHotSprings.
“Stop!”Alaricshouted,panicinhisvoice,andMeredithautomaticallyslammedonthebrakes.Thecarsquealedtoahalt.
“What?”Meredithgasped.“Whatisit?”
Andthenshesawher.
Dr.CeliaConnorhadgottenoutofMatt’scartocrosstothepathuptothesprings.Meredithhadcomespeedingrighttowardher.OnlyinchesfromMeredith’sfrontbumper,Celiawasfrozen,herprettyfacegraywithfear,hermouthaperfectO.
Onemoresecond,andMeredithwouldhavekilledher.Chapter13
“I’msosorry.I’msosorry,”Meredithsaidforthetenthtime.Herusuallycomposedfacewasflushed,andhereyeswerebrightwithunshedtears.Mattdidn’tremembereverseeinghersoupsetaboutsomething,especiallysomethingthathadendedupnotbeingabigdeal.Sure,Celiacouldhavebeenhurt,butthecarhadn’ttouchedher.
“I’mfine,reallyIam,Meredith,”Celiaassuredheragain.
“Ijustdidn’tseeyou.Idon’tknowhow,butIdidn’t.ThankGodforAlaric,”Meredithsaid,throwingagratefulglanceatAlaric,whowassittingclosebesideherandrubbingherback.
“It’sokay,Meredith,”hesaid.“It’sallokay.”AlaricseemedmoreconcernedforMerediththanforCelia,andMattdidn’tblamehim.BabblingwasprettyoutofcharacterforMeredith.AlaricwrappedhisarmstightlyaroundMeredith,andshevisiblyrelaxed.
Celia,ontheotherhand,tensednoticeablyasMeredithleanedintoAlaric’sembrace.MatttradedaruefulglancewithBonnie.
ThenStefanreachedoutandstrokedElena’sshoulderabsently,andMattwassurprisedtofeelajealouspangofhisown.Wasn’theevergoingtogetoverElenaGilbert?Ithadbeenmorethanayearsincetheydated,andaboutacenturyinexperience.
Bonniewasstillwatchinghim,nowwithaspeculativegleaminhereyes,andMattshotherablandsmile.He’djustassoonnotknowwhatBonniesawinhisfacewhenhelookedatElenaandStefan.
“AroundthisbendanduptheslopeisthePlunge,”hesaidtoCelia,usheringherforwardalongthetrail.“It’salittlebitofahike,butit’sthebestplacearoundhereforapicnic.”
“Absolutelythebest,”saidBonniecheerily.“Wecanjumpdownthewaterfall.”ShefellinonCelia’sotherside,helpinghimtoherdherawayfromthetwocouples,whoweremurmuringtooneanothersoftlyastheyfollowedbehind.
“Isthatsafe?”askedCeliadubiously.
“Totally,”saidBonnie.“Everybodyjumpsthewaterfallhere,andnobody’severgottenhurt.”
“Usuallyit’ssafe,”saidMatt,morecautiously.“YouandMeredithmightwanttothinkaboutnotswimming,Celia.”
“Ihatethis,”Bonniesaid.“Ihatehavingtobeextra-carefulbecauseofsomedarkthingthatwedon’tknowanythingabout.Everythingshouldbenormal.”
Normalornot,itwasamagnificentpicnic.Theyspreadtheirblanketsontherocksnearthetopofthewaterfall.Thesmallfallsplummeteddownthesideofthecliffandendedinadeeppoolofeffervescentwater,makingasortofnaturalfountainthatspilledintoaclearbronze-greenpool.
Mrs.Flowershadpackedsaladsandbreadsanddessertsforthem,aswellasmeatandcorntogrillonahibachiStefanhadbroughtfromtheboardinghouse.Theyhadmorethanenoughfoodforacoupledaysofcamping,letaloneonelunch.Elenahadstowedcolddrinksinacooler,and,afterhikingupthetrailintheVirginiasummerheat,everyonewashappytocrackopenalemonadeorsoda.
EvenStefantookawaterbottleanddrankashestartedheatingthegrill,althoughitwasautomaticallyunderstoodbyeveryonethathewouldnotbeeating.MatthadalwaysfoundthefactthatheneversawStefaneatingalittlecreepy,evenbeforeMattknewhewasavampire.
Thegirlssquirmedoutofjeansandtopstodisplaytheirbathingsuits,likecaterpillarstransformingintobutterflies.Meredithwastanandleaninablackone-piece.Bonniewaswearingapetitemermaid-greenbikini.Elenaworeasoftgoldbandeauthatwentwithherhair.MattwatchedStefanwatchingherappreciatively,andfeltthatlittletwistofjealousyagain.
BothElenaandBonniepulledtheirT-shirtsbackonovertheirbathingsuitsalmostimmediately.Theyalwaysdid:Theirpaleskinburnedinsteadoftanned.Celialoungedonatowel,lookingspectacularinacasualyetdaringlycutwhiteswimsuit.TheeffectofthepurewhiteagainstCelia’scoffee-coloredskinwasamazing.MattnoticedMeredith’seyespassingoverherandthenglancingsharplyatAlaric.
ButAlaricwastoobusyshuckingdowntoapairofredtrunks.Stefanstayedoutofthedirectsunlight,remaininginhisdarkjeansandblackT-shirt.
Wasn’tthatalittlecreepy,too?Mattthought.Stefan’sringprotectedhimfromthesun’srays,didn’tit?Didhestillhavetosticktotheshadows?Andwhatwaswiththeblackclothing?WashepretendingtobeDamonnow?Mattfrownedatthethought:OneDamonhadbeenmorethanenough.
Mattshookhishead,stretchedhisarmsandlegs,turnedhisfacetowardthesun,andtriedtogetridofhisthoughts.HelikedStefan.Healwayshad.Stefanwasagoodguy.Avampire,adryvoiceinthebackofhismindnoted,evenaharmlessone,canrarelybedescribedasagoodguy.
Mattignoredthevoice.
“Let’sjump!”hesaid,andheadedtowardthewaterfall.
“NotMeredith,”saidStefanflatly.“NotMeredith,andnotCelia.Youtwostayhere.”
Therewasalittlesilence,andheglancedupfromthegrilltoseehisfriendsstaringathim.Hekepthisfaceneutralashereturnedtheirgazes.Thiswasalife-or-deathsituation.ItwasStefan’sresponsibilitynowtokeepthemsafe,whethertheylikeditornot.Helookedatthemeachinturn,holdingtheireyes.Hewasnotgoingtobackdown
MeredithhadrisentoherfeettofollowMatttothefalls’edge,andshehesitatedforamoment,clearlyunsurehowtoreact.Thenherfacehardened,andStefansawthatshehadchosentotakeastand.
Shesteppedtowardhim.“I’msorry,Stefan,”shesaid,hervoicelevel.“Iknowyou’reworried,butI’mgoingtodowhatIdecideIwanttodo.Icanlookaftermyself.”
ShemovedtojoinMatt,whowasstandingattheedgeofthecliff,butStefan’shandwhippedouttograbherwrist,hisfingersasstrongassteel.“No,Meredith,”hesaidfirmly.
Outofthecornerofhiseye,hesawBonnie’smouthdropopen.Everyonewaslookingathimwithpuzzled,anxiousfaces,andStefantriedtosoftenhistone.“I’mjusttryingtodowhat’sbestforyou.”
Meredithsighed,along,gustysound,andseemedtobemakinganefforttoletgoofsomeofheranger.“Iknowthat,Stefan,”shesaidreasonably,“andIappreciateit.ButIcan’tgothroughtheworldnotdoingthethingsIusuallydo,justwaitingforwhateverthisistocomegetme.”
Shetriedtomovearoundhim,buthesidesteppedtoblockherwayagain.
MeredithglancedatCelia,whothrewupherhandsandshookherhead.“Don’tlookatme,”Celiasaid.“Ihavenourgetojumpoffacliff.I’mjustgoingtolieinthesunshineandletyouallworkthisoutyourselves.”Sheleanedbackonherhandsandturnedherfacetowardthesun.
Meredith’seyesnarrowedandshewhirledbacktoStefan.Asshewasopeninghermouth,Elenabrokein.
“Whatiftherestofusgofirst?”shesuggestedplacatinglytoStefan.“Wecanmakesurethere’snothingclearlydangerousdownthere.Andwe’llbenearheratthebottom.Nobody’severbeenhurtjumpinghere,notthatI’veheardof.Right,guys?”MattandBonnienoddedinagreement.
Stefanfelthimselfsoftening.WheneverElenausedherlogicalvoiceandherwide,appealingeyes,hefoundhimselfagreeingtoplansthat,inhisheartofhearts,hethoughtwerefoolhardy.
Elenapressedheradvantage.“Youcouldstandrightbythewaterbelow,too,”shesaid.“Then,ifthere’sanyproblem,youcoulddiveinrightaway.You’resofast,you’dgettherebeforeanythingbadcouldhappen.”
Stefanknewthiswaswrong.Hehadn’tforgottenthatsickswoopofdespair,ofrealizinghewastooslowtosavesomeone.Onceagain,hesawDamon’slong,gracefulleaptowardBonniethathadendedwithDamonfallingtoearth,awoodenbranchdriventhroughhisheart.DamonhaddiedbecauseStefanwastooslowtosavehim,tooslowtorealizethedangerandsaveBonniehimself.
He’dalsobeentoolatetosaveElenawhenshehaddrivenoffthebridgeanddrowned.Thefactthatshenowlivedagaindidn’tmeanhehadn’tfailedherthen.HerememberedherpalehairfloatinglikeseaweedinthechillywaterofWickeryCreek,herhandsstillrestingonthesteeringwheel,hereyesclosed,andshuddered.Hehaddivedrepeatedlybeforehefoundher.Shehadbeensocoldandwhitewhenhecarriedhertoshore.
Still,hefoundhimselfnodding.WhatElenawanted,Elenagot.HewouldstandbyandprotectMeredithasbestashecould,andheprayed,asfarasavampirecouldpray,thatitwouldbeenough.
Therestofthefriendsstayedatthetopwhile,downatthebottomofthefalls,Stefansurveyedthepoolathisfeet.Thewatersprayedupexuberantlyfromwherethefallshitthesurface.Warm,palesandencircledthepool’sedges,makingatinybeach,andthecenterofthepoolseemeddarkanddeep.
Mattjumpedfirst,withalong,waveringwhoopasheplummeted.Thesplashashehitthewaterwashuge,andheseemedtostaysubmergedforalongtime.Stefanleanedforwardtowatchthewater.Hecouldn’tseethroughthefoamthrownupbythefalls,andananxiousquivershotthroughhisstomach.
HewasjustthinkingofdivinginafterhimwhenMatt’ssleekwetheadbrokethesurface.“Itouchedthebottom!”heannounced,grinning,andshookhisheadlikeadog,throwingglitteringdropsofwatereverywhere.
HeswamtowardStefan,strongtanlimbsmovingpowerfully,andStefanthoughthoweasyeverythingseemedforMatt.Hewasacreatureofsunlightandsimplicity,whileStefanwasstuckintheshadows,livingalonghalf-lifeofsecretsandloneliness.Sure,hissapphireringlethimwalkinthesun,butbeingexposedtothesunlightforalongtime,liketoday,wasuncomfortable,asifthereweresomekindofitchdeepinsidehim.Itwasworsenowthathewasreadjustingtoadietofanimalbloodagain.Hisuneasewasyetanotherreminderthathedidn’treallybelonghere.NotthewayMattdid.
Heshruggedoffhissourfeelings,surprisedattheiremergenceinthefirstplace.Mattwasagoodfriend.Healwayshadbeen.Thedaylightmustbegettingtohim.
Bonniejumpednext,andsurfacedmorequickly,coughingandsnorting.“Oof!”shesaid.“Igotwaterupmynose!Ugh!”ShepulledherselfoutofthewaterandperchedonarocknearStefan’sfeet.“Youdon’tswim?”sheaskedhim.
Stefanwasstruckwithaflashofmemory.Damon,tannedandstrong,splashinghimandlaughinginoneofhisrarefitsofgoodhumor.Itwashundredsofyearsagonow.BackwhentheSalvatorebrothershadlivedinthesunlight,backbeforeeventhegreat-grandparentsofhisfriendshadbeenborn.“Notforalongtime,”heanswered.
Elenajumpedwiththesamecasualgraceasshedideverythingelse,straightasanarrowtowardthebottomofthefalls,hergoldbathingsuitandhergoldenhairgleaminginthesunshine.ShewasunderwaterforlongerthanBonniehadbeen,andagainStefantensed,watchingthepool.Whenshebrokethesurface,shegavethemaruefulgrin.“Icouldn’tquitereachthebottom,”shesaid.“Iwasstretchingandstretchingdown.Icouldseethesand,butthewaterpushedmebackup.”
“Ididn’teventry,”Bonniesaid.“I’veacceptedthatI’mtooshort.”
Elenaswamawayfromthebottomofthefallsandclimbedontothesand,settlingnexttoBonnieatStefan’sfeet.Mattclimbedoutofthewater,too,andstoodnearthefalls,gazingupcritically.“Justjumpfeetfirst,Meredith,”hecalledteasingly.“You’resuchashow-off.”
Meredithwaspoisedattheedgeofthefalls.Shesalutedthemandthenleapedintoaperfectswandive,archingswiftlytowardthepool,disappearingsmoothlybeneaththewaterwithbarelyasplash.
“Shewasontheswimteam,”BonniesaidconversationallytoStefan.“Shehasarowofribbonsandtrophiesonashelfathome.”
Stefannoddedabsently,hiseyesscanningthewater.SurelyMeredith’sheadwouldbreakthesurfaceinasecond.Theothershadtakenaboutthislongtoreemerge.
“CanIjumpyet?”Alariccalledfromabove.
“No!”Elenashouted.SherosetoherfeetandsheandStefanexchangedaworriedglance.Meredithhadbeendowntheretoolong.
Meredithsurfaced,sputteringandpushingherwethairoutofhereyes.Stefanrelaxed.
“Ididit!”shecalled.“I—”
Hereyeswidenedandshebegantoshriek,butherscreamwascutoffasshewasabruptlyyankedunderthewaterbysomethingtheycouldn’tsee.Inthespaceofabreath,shewasgone.
Foramoment,StefanjuststaredatwhereMeredithhadbeen,unabletomove.Tooslow,tooslow,aninternalvoicetauntedhim,andhepicturedDamon’sface,laughingcruellyandsayingagain,Sofragile,Stefan.Hecouldn’tseeMeredithanywhereundertheclear,effervescentwater.Itwasasifshehadbeentakensuddenlyaway.AllofthisflewthroughStefan’sheadinonlyaheartbeat,andthenhedivedintothewaterafterher.
Underwater,hecouldn’tseeanything.Thewhitewaterfromthefallsbubbledup,throwingfoamandgoldensandinfrontofhim.
StefanurgentlychanneledhisPowertohiseyes,sharpeninghisvision,butmostlythatjustmeantthatnowhecouldseetheindividualbubblesofthewhitewaterandthegrainsofsandinsharprelief.WherewasMeredith?
Thebubblingwaterwastryingtopushhimuptothesurface,too.Hehadtostruggletomoveforwardthroughthemurkywater,reachingout.Somethingbrushedhisfingersandhegrabbedatit,butitwasonlyahandfulofslipperypondweed.
Wherewasshe?Timewasrunningout.Humanscouldgowithoutoxygenforonlyafewminutesbeforebraindamagesetin.Afewminutesafterthat,therewouldbenorecoveryatall.
HerememberedElena’sdrowningoncemore,thefrailwhiteshapethathehadpulledfromMatt’swreckedcar,icecrystalsinherhair.Thewaterherewaswarm,butwouldkillMeredithjustassurely.Heswallowedasobandreachedoutfranticallyagainintotheshadoweddepths.
Hisfingersfoundskin,anditmovedagainsthishand.
Stefangraspedwhateverlimbitwas,tightenoughtobruise,andsurgedforward.Inlessthanasecondmore,hecouldseethatitwasMeredith’sarm.Shewasconscious,hermouthtightwithfear,herhairstreamingaroundherinthewater.
Atfirsthecouldn’tseewhyshehadn’tcometothesurface.ThenMeredithgesturedemphatically,reachingtofumbleatlongtendrilsofpondweedthathadsomehowbecomeentangledwithherlegs.
Stefanswamdown,pushingagainstthewhitewaterfromthefalls,andtriedtoworkhishandunderthepondweedtopullitoffher.ItwaswrappedsotightlyaroundMeredith’slegsthathecouldn’tgethisfingersbeneathit.Herskinwaspressedwhitebythestrands.
Stefanstruggledforamoment,thenswamcloserandletPowersurgeintohim,sharpeningandlengtheninghiscanines.Hebit,carefulnottoscratchMeredith’slegs,andpulledatthepondweed,butitresistedhim.
Alittlelate,herealizedthattheresilienceoftheplantsmustbesupernatural:HisPower-enhancedstrengthwasenoughtobreakbones,tearthroughmetal,andshouldhavehadnoproblemwithabitofpondweed.
Andfinally—soslow,hereprimandedhimself,alwaysjustsodamnslow—herealizedwhathewaslookingat.Stefanfelthiseyeswideninhorror.
ThetightstrandsofpondweedagainstMeredith’slonglegsspelledoutaname.
damonChapter14
Wherewerethey?Elenawatchedthewateranxiously.IfanythinghadhappenedtoMeredithorStefan,itwasElena’sfault.ShehadconvincedStefantoletMeredithjumpthefalls.
Hisobjectionshadbeentotallyreasonable;shecouldseethatnow.Meredithhadbeenmarkedfordeath.ForGod’ssake,Celiahadalmostbeenkilledsimplygettingoffatrain.WhathadMeredithbeenthinking,jumpingoffacliffintowaterwhenshewasinthesamesortofperil?WhathadElenabeenthinkingoftolether?SheshouldhavebeenbyStefan’sside,holdingMeredithback.
AndStefan.Sheknewheoughttobefine;therationalpartofherbrainkeptremindingherthatStefanwasavampire.Hedidn’tevenneedtobreathe.Hecouldstayunderwaterfordays.Hewasincrediblystrong.
Butnotsolongago,shehadthoughtStefanwasgoneforever,stolenbythekitsune.Badthingscouldhappentohim—vampireornot.Ifshelosthimnowthroughherownstupidfault,throughherownstubbornnessandinsistencethateveryonepretendthatlifecouldbethewayitusedtobe—thattheycouldhavesomesimplefunwithoutdoomfollowingthem—Elenawouldliedownanddie.
“Doyouseeanything?”Bonnieasked,atrembleinhervoice.Herfrecklesstoodoutindarkdotsagainstherpaleface,andhernormallyexuberantredcurlswereplasteredflatanddarkagainstherhead.
“No.Notfromuphere.”Elenashotheragrimlook,andbeforesheevenconsciouslymadethedecision,shedivedintothepool.
Underwater,Elena’svisionwascloudedbythefrothandsandthrownupbythefalls,andshetreadedwaterforamomentasshetriedtopeeraround.Shesawapatchofdarknessthatlookedlikeitmightbehumanfiguresoffnearthemiddleofthepoolandstruckouttowardit.
ThankGod,Elenathoughtfervently.Whenshegotcloser,thedarknessresolveditselfintoMeredithandStefan.Theyseemedtobestrugglingagainstsomethinginthewater,Stefan’sfacenearMeredith’slegs,Meredith’shandsreachingdesperatelytowardthesurface.Herfacewasbluishfromlackofoxygen,andhereyeswerewidewithpanic.
JustasElenacameclosetothem,StefanjerkedsharplyandMeredithshotupward.Asifinslowmotion,ElenasawMeredith’sarmswingtowardherasMeredithrose.AsuddenblowsentElenashootingbackwardtowardtherocksbehindthefalls,thefallspushingherdeeperunderwaterasshepassedunderthem.
Thisisbad,shehadjustenoughtimetothink,andthenherheadhittherocksandeverythingwentblack.
WhenElenaawoke,shefoundherselfinherroomathome,stillinherbathingsuit.Sunshonethroughthewindow,butElenawaswetandshiveringwithcold.Watertrickledfromherhairandbathingsuit,dropletswindingdownherarmsandlegsandpuddlingonthecarpet.
ShewasunsurprisedtoseethatDamonwasthere,lookingassleekanddarkandpoisedasever.He’dbeenperusingherbookshelf,ascomfortableasifhewereinhisownhome,andhewheeledaroundtostareather.
“Damon,”shesaidweakly,confusedbut,asalways,sohappytoseehim.
“Elena!”hesaid,appearingdelightedforamoment,andthenhefrowned.
“No,”hesaidsharply.“Elena,wakeup.”
“Elena,wakeup.”Thevoicewasfrightenedanddesperate,andElenafoughtthedarknessthatseemedtobeholdingherdownandopenedhereyes.
Damon?shealmostsaid,butbitthewordback.BecauseofcourseitwasStefanwhowasgazingworriedlyintohereyes,andevensweet,understandingStefanmightobjecttohercallinghimbyhisdeadbrother’snametwiceinoneday.
“Stefan,”shesaid,remembering.“IsMeredithallright?”
Stefanwrappedhertightlyinhisarms.“Shewillbe.Oh,God,Elena,”hesaid.“IthoughtIwasgoingtoloseyou.Ihadtopullyoutoshore.Ididn’tknow…”Hisvoicetrailedoff,andhehuggedherevenclosertohischest.
Elenadidaquickself-inventory.Shewassore.Herthroatandlungshurt,probablyfrombreathinginwaterandcoughingitout.Therewassandalloverher,coatingherarmsandbathingsuit,anditwasstartingtoitch.Butshewasalive.
“Oh,Stefan,”Elenasaid,andclosedhereyesforamoment,restingherheadagainsthim.Shewassocoldandwet,andStefanwassowarm.Shecouldhearhisheartbeatingbeneathherear.Slowerthanahuman’s,butthere,steadyandreassuring.
Whensheopenedhereyesagain,Mattwaskneelingnexttothem.“Areyouokay?”heaskedher.Whenshenodded,heturnedhisgazetoStefan.“Ishouldhavejumpedin,”hesaidguiltily.“Ishouldhavehelpedyousavethem.Everythingseemedtohappensofast,andbythetimeIknewsomethingwasreallywrong,youwerebringingthembackoutofthewater.”
ShesatupandtouchedMatt’sarm,feelingawarmfloodofaffectionforhim.Hewassogood,andhefeltsoresponsibleforallofthem.“Everyone’sfine,Matt,”shesaid.“That’swhatmatters.”
Afewfeetaway,AlaricwasinspectingMeredithasBonniehoveredoverthem.Celiastoodalittlefartheraway,herarmswrappedaroundherselfasshewatchedAlaricandMeredith.
WhenAlaricshiftedaway,MeredithcaughtElena’seye.Herfacewaswhitewithpain,butshemanagedtogiveheranapologeticsmile.
“Ididn’tmeantohityou,”shesaid.“AndStefan,Ishouldhavelistenedtoyou,orjusthadmoresenseandstayedonshore.”Shegrimaced.“IthinkImighthavesprainedmyankle.Alaric’sgoingtodrivemetothehospitalsotheycantapeitup.”
“WhatIwanttoknow,”Bonniesaid,“iswhetherthismeansit’sallover.Imean,Celia’snameappeared,andshewasalmoststrangledinthetraindoors.AndMeredith’snameappeared,andshealmostdrowned.Theybothgotsaved—byStefan,goodjob,Stefan—sodoesthatmeanthey’resafenow?Wehaven’tseenanymorenames.”
Elena’sheartlightenedwithhope.ButMattwasshakinghishead.
“It’snotthateasy,”hesaiddarkly.“It’sneverthateasy.JustbecauseMeredithandCeliacouldbesavedonetime,itdoesn’tmeanwhateveritisisn’tstillafterthem.Andeventhoughhernamewasn’tcalled,Elenawasindanger,too.”
Stefan’sarmswerestillaroundElena,buttheyfelthardandunyielding.Whensheglancedupathisface,hisjawwassetandhisgreeneyesfullofpain.
“I’mafraidit’snottheend.Anothernamehasappeared,”hetoldthem.“Meredith,Idon’tthinkyoucouldhaveseenit,buttheplantsyouweretangledinspelleditoutagainstyourlegs.”Everyonegasped.Elenaclutchedhisarm,herstomachdropping.ShelookedatMatt,atBonnie,atStefanhimself.They’dneverseemedmoreprecioustoher.Whichoneofthepeoplewhoshelovedwasindanger?
“Well,don’tkeepusinsuspense,”Meredithsaidwryly.Hercolorwasbetter,Elenanoted,andhervoicesoundedcrispandcompetentagain,althoughshewincedasAlarictouchedheranklegently.“Whosenamewasit?”
Stefanhesitated.HiseyesdartedtoElenaandthenquicklyaway.Helickedhislipsinanervousgestureshe’dneverseenfromhimbefore.Takingadeepbreath,hefinallysaid,“ThenametheplantsspelledoutwasDamon.”
Bonniesatdownwithathump,asthoughherlegshadgivenway.“ButDamon’sdead,”shesaid,herbrowneyeswide.
Butforsomereasonthenewsdidn’tshockElenatothecore.Instead,ahard,brightfeelingofhopefloodedher.ItwouldmakesenseShehadneverbelievedsomeonelikeDamoncouldjustbegone
“Maybehe’snot,”sheheardherselfsay,lostinthoughtassherecalledtheDamoninherdreams.Whenshehadpassedoutunderthewater,shehadseenhimagain,andhehadtoldhertowakeup.Wasthatdreamlikebehavior?Itcouldhavebeenhersubconsciouswarningher,shesupposeddoubtfully,buthisnamehadappearedunderwater.
Couldhebealive?Hehaddied—shehadnodoubtaboutthat.Buthewasavampire;hehaddiedbefore,andlivedagain.TheGuardianshadtried,theysaid,andtheyhadsaidtherewasnowaytobringDamonback.Wasitapointlesshope?WastheeagerbeatingofherheartatthethoughtthatDamonmightbealivejustElenafoolingherself?
Elenasnappedbacktothepresenttofindherfriendsstaringather.Therewasamomentofcompletesilence,asifeventhebirdshadstoppedsinging.
“Elena,”Stefansaidgently.“Wesawhimdie.”
ElenagazedintoStefan’sgreeneyes.Surely,iftherewasanyreasontohope,hewouldfeelitthesamewayshedid.Buthisgazewassteadyandsad.Stefan,shesaw,hadnodoubtthatDamonwasdead.Herheartsqueezedpainfully.
“Who’sDamon?”Celiaasked,butnooneanswered.
Alaricwasfrowning.“IfDamon’sdefinitelydead,”hesaid,“ifyou’resureaboutthat,thenwhateveriscausingtheseaccidentsmightbeplayingonyourgrief,tryingtohityouwhereithurts.Perhapsthere’sanemotionaldangerherethatit’stryingtocreateaswellasaphysicalone.”
“IfspellingoutDamon’snameismeanttoupsetus,thenit’saimingatStefanandElena,”Mattsaid.“Imean,it’snosecretthatMeredithandIdidn’tlikehimmuch.”Hecrossedhisarmsdefensively.“I’msorry,Stefan,butit’strue.”
“IrespectedDamon,”saidMeredith,“especiallyafterheworkedsohardwithusintheDarkDimension,butit’struethathisdeathdidn’t…affectmethewayitdidElenaandStefan.IhavetoagreewithMatt.”
ElenaglancedatBonnieandnoticedthatherjawwasclenchedandhereyesglistenedwithangrytears.
AsElenawatched,Bonnie’sbrighteyesdulledandlostfocus,gazingoffintothedistance.Shestiffenedandturnedherfaceuptowardthetopofthecliff
“She’shavingavision,”Elenasaid,jumpingtoherfeet.
Bonniespokeinavoiceflatterandrougherthanherown.“Hewantsyou,Elena,”shesaid.“Hewantsyou.”
Elenafollowedhergazetowardthecliff.Forawildmoment,thathard,brighthopecameburstingbackintoherchestagain.ShefullyexpectedtoseeDamonupthere,smirkingdownatthem.Itwouldbejustlikehim,ifhe’dsomehowsurviveddeath,toshowupsuddenly,makeagrandentrance,andthenpassoffthemiraclewithashrugandadryquip
Andtherewassomeonestandingatthetopofthecliff.Celiagavealittlescream,andMattsworeloudly.
Itwasn’tDamon,though.Elenacouldtellthatrightaway.ThesilhouettedfigurewasbroaderthanDamon’slitheform.Butthesunwassobrightshecouldn’tmakeouttheperson’sfeatures,andsheliftedherhandtoshadehereyes.
Likeahalo,blondcurlyhairgleamedinthesunlight.Elenafrowned.
“Ithink,”shesaid,recognitiondawningonher,“that’sCalebSmallwood.”Chapter15
AssoonasElenaspokeCaleb’sname,thepersononthecliffbegantopullbackoutoftheirlineofsight.Afteramomentofhesitation,Matttookoffrunningpell-mellupthepathtowardwherethey’dseenhim.
Itshouldhavebeensilly,Elenathought,thewaytheyallreactedasifthey’dbeenthreatened.AnyonehadarighttohikethetrailsatHotSprings,andCaleb—ifitwasCaleb—hadn’tdoneanythingbutpeerdownovertheedgeofthecliffatthem.Butnevertheless,therehadbeensomethingominousaboutthefigurehoveringsowatchfullyabovethem,andtheirreactiondidn’tfeelsilly.
Bonniegaspedandherbodyrelaxedasshecameoutofthetrance.
“Whathappened?”sheasked.“Oh,gosh,notagain.”
“Doyourememberanything?”Elenasaid.
Bonnieshookherheadmournfully.
“Yousaid,‘Hewantsyou,Elena,’”saidCelia,examiningBonniewithaclinicallyenthusiasticglintinhereye.“Youdon’trememberwhoyouweretalkingabout?”
“IguessifhewantedElena,itcouldhavebeenanyone,”Bonniesaid,hereyesnarrowing.Elenastaredather.HadtherebeenanuncharacteristiccattyedgetoBonnie’stone?ButBonniegrinnedruefullybackather,andElenadecidedthecommenthadjustbeenajoke.
Afewminuteslater,Mattcamebackdownthepath,shakinghishead.
“Whoeveritwasjustvanished,”hesaid,hisforeheadcrinkledinconfusion.“Icouldn’tseeanyoneonthetrailineitherdirection.”
“Doyouthinkhe’sawerewolf,likeTylerwas?”Bonnieasked.
“You’renotthefirstpersonwho’saskedmethat,”Elenasaid,glancingatStefan.“Ijustdon’tknow.Idon’tthinkso,though.Calebseemstotallyniceandnormal.RememberhowwolfyTylerwasevenbeforehebecameawerewolf?Thosebigwhiteteethandhissortofanimalness?Caleb’snotlikethat.”
“Thenwhywouldhespyonus?”
“Idon’tknow,”Elenasaidagain,frustrated.Shecouldn’tthinkaboutthisnow.Hermindwasstillswimmingwiththequestion:CouldDamonbealive?WhatdidCalebmatter,comparedtothat?“Maybehewasjusthiking.I’mnotevensureitwasCaleb.Itcouldhavebeensomeotherguywithcurlyblondhairinstead.JustarandomhikerwhogotscaredoffwhenMattwentchargingupthehilltowardhim.”
TheirdiscussionwentincirclesuntileventuallyAlarictookMeredithofftothehospitaltohaveadoctorcheckoutherankle.Therestofthemadjournedtothetopofthefallstogatherupthepicnicstuff.
Theyallnibbledatthechipsandbrowniesandfruit,andMattmadehimselfahotdogonthehibachigrill,butthejoyhadgoneoutoftheday.
WhenElena’sphonerang,itwasawelcomerelief.“Hey,AuntJudith,”shesaid,forcingacheerfulnoteintohervoice.
“Hi,”AuntJudithsaidhurriedly.“Listen,Ihavetogototheauditoriumtohelpdoallthegirls’hairandmakeup,andRobertalreadywillhavetoleaveworkearlytogettotherecitalontime.WouldyoudomeafavorandpickupsomeflowersforMargaretonyourwayover?Somethingsweetandballerinaish,ifyouknowwhatImean.”
“Noproblem,”Elenasaid.“Iknowexactlywhatyoumean.I’llseeyouthere.”Shewantedtoforgetforawhile:forgetmysteryhikersandnear-drowningsandherconstantalternatingfeelingsofhopeanddespairabouttheappearanceofDamon’sname.Watchingherlittlesistertwirlaroundinatutusoundedjustaboutright.
“Terrific,”saidAuntJudith.“Thankyou.Well,ifyouareallthewayupatHotSprings,you’dbetterstartheadinghomesoon.”
“Okay,AuntJudith,”Elenasaid.“I’llgetgoingnow.”
Theysaidgood-bye,andElenahungupandstartedgatheringherthingstogether.“Stefan,canItakeyourcar?”sheasked.“IneedtogettoMargaret’sdancerecital.Youcangivehimarideback,right,Matt?I’llcallyouguyslaterandwe’llworkonfiguringthisout.”
Stefangottohisfeet.“I’llcomewithyou.”
“What?”saidElena.“No,youneedtostaywithCeliaandgettothehospitaltotakecareofMeredith,too.”
Stefantookherarm.“Don’tgo,then.Youshouldn’tbealonenow.Noneofusaresafe.There’ssomethingouttherehuntingus,andweneedtoallsticktogether.Ifwedon’tleteachotheroutofoursight,thenwecanallprotectoneanother.”
Hisleafgreeneyeswereclearandfullofanxietyandlove,andElenafeltapangofregretasshetuggedherarmgentlyoutofhisgrasp.“Ineedtogo,”shesaidquietly.“IfIspendallmytimebeingscaredandhiding,thentheGuardiansmightaswellhaveletmestaydead.IneedtobewithmyfamilyandliveasnormalalifeasIcan.”
Shekissedhimgently,lingeringforamomentagainstthesoftnessofhislips.“Andyouknowtheyhaven’ttargetedmeyet,”shesaid.“Nothing’sspelledoutmyname.ButIpromiseI’llbecareful.”
Stefan’seyeswerehard.“WhataboutwhatBonniesaid?”heargued.“Thathewantsyou?WhatifthatmeansCaleb?He’shangingaroundatyourhouse,Elena!Hecouldcomeafteryouatanytime!”
“Well,I’mnotgoingtobethere.I’llbeatadancerecitalwithmyfamilybesideme,”Elenapointedout.“Nothingwillhappentometoday.It’snotmyturnyet,isit?”
“Elena,don’tbestupid!”Stefansnapped.“You’reindanger.”
Elenabristled.Stupid?Stefan,nomatterhowstressedoranxious,hadnevertreatedherwithlessthantotalrespect.“Excuseme?”
Stefanreachedforher.“Elena,”hesaid.“Letmecomewithyou.I’llstaywithyouuntilnightfallandthenkeepwatchoutsideyourhousetonight.”
“It’sreallynotnecessary,”Elenasaid.“ProtectMeredithandCeliainstead.They’retheoneswhoneedyou.”Stefan’sfacefell,andhelookedsodevastatedthatsherelentedalittle,adding,“Pleasedon’tworry,Stefan.I’llbecareful,andI’llseeyoualltomorrow.”
Hisjawclenched,buthesaidnothingmore,andsheturnedtomakeherwaydownthetrail,notlookingback.
Oncetheywerebackattheboardinghouse,Stefancouldn’trelax.
Hecouldn’trememberever,inallhislonglife,feelingsoedgyanduncomfortableinhisownbody.Heitchedandachedwithanxiety.Itwasasifhisskinwerefittedtootightlyoverhisbones,andhemovedirritably,tappinghisfingersagainstthetable,crackinghisneck,shrugginghisshoulders,shiftingbackandforthinhischair.
Hewantsyou,Elena.Whatthehelldidthatmean?Hewantsyou.
Andthesightofthatdark,hulkingfigureuponthecliff,ashadowblottingoutthesun,thosegoldencurlsshininglikeahaloabovethefigure’shead.
StefanknewheshouldbewithElena.Allhewantedtodowastoprotecther.
Butshehaddismissedhim,had—metaphorically,atleast—pattedhimontheheadandtoldhimtostay,faithfulguarddogthathewas,andwatchoversomeoneelse.Tokeepsomeoneelsesafe.Nomatterthatshewasclearlyindanger,thatsomeone—somehe—wantedher.Stillshedidn’twantStefantobewithherrightnow.
WhatdidElenawant?NowthatStefanstoppedtothinkaboutit,itseemedthatElenawantedahostofincompatiblethings.TohaveStefanasherloyalknight.Whichhewouldalways,alwaysbe,heassertedtohimself,clenchinghisfisttightly.
ButshealsowantedtoholdontothememoriesofDamon,andtokeepthatpartofhershehadsharedwithhimprivateandpristine,separatefromeveryoneelse,evenfromStefan.
Andshewantedsomuchmore,too:tobethesaviorofherfriends,ofhertown,ofherworld.Tobelovedandadmired.Tobeincontrol.
Andtobeanormalgirlagain.Well,thatnormallifeshehadlivedhadbeendestroyedforeverwhenshemetStefan,whenhemadethechoicetoletherintohisworld.Heknewitwashisfault,allofit,everythingthatfollowedafterthat,buthecouldn’tbesorrythatshewaswithhimnow.Helovedhertoomuchtohaveanyroomforregret.Shewasthecenterofhisworld,butatthesametime,heknewitwasn’tthesameforher.
Aholeinsidehimgapedwithlonging,andhemovedrestlesslyinhischair.Hiscanineteethlengthenedinhismouth.Hecouldn’trememberthelasttimehehadfeltso…wrong.Hecouldn’tgettheimageofCaleboutofhishead,lookingdownatthemfromthetopofthecliff,asifcheckingtoseewhetherwhateverviolencehe’dhopedtocausehadcometopass.
“Moretea,Stefan?”Mrs.Flowersaskedhimsoftly,breakingintohisfuriousthoughts.Shewasleaningforwardoveralittletablewiththeteapot,herwideblueeyeswatchinghimfrombehindherglasses.Herfacewassocompassionatethathewonderedwhatshecouldseeinhim.Thiselderly,wisewomanalwaysseemedtoperceivesomuchmorethananyoneelse;perhapsshecouldtellhowhewasfeelingnow.
Herealizedshewasstillwaitingpolitelyforhisanswer,theteapotsuspendedinonehand,andhenoddedautomatically.“Thankyou,Mrs.Flowers,”hesaid,offeringforthhiscup,whichwasstillhalf-fullofcoldtea.
Hedidn’treallylikethetasteofnormalhumandrinks;hehadn’tforalongtimenow,butsometimesdrinkingthemmadehimfitin,madetheothersrelaxabitmorearoundhim.Whenhedidn’teatordrinkatall,hecouldsenseElena’sfriendsprickling,thehairsonthebackoftheirnecksrising,assomesubconsciousvoiceinthemnotedthathewasnotlikethem,addingittoalltheotherlittledifferenceshecouldn’tcontrol,andtherebyconcludinghewaswrong
Mrs.Flowersfilledhiscupandsatback,satisfied.Pickingupherknitting—somethingpinkandfluffy—shesmiled.“It’ssonicetohaveallyouyoungpeoplegatheredtogetherhere,”shecommented.“Suchalovelygroupofchildren.”
Glancingattheothers,StefanhadtowonderwhetherMrs.Flowerswasbeinggentlysarcastic.
AlaricandMeredithhadreturnedfromthehospital,whereherinjuryhadbeendiagnosedasamildsprainandtapedupbytheemergencyroomnurse.Meredith’susuallyserenefacewastight,probablyatleastpartiallybecauseofthepainandherirritationatknowingshe’dhavetostayoffherfootforacoupleofdays.
Andpartially,Stefansuspected,becauseofwhereshewassitting.Forsomereason,whenAlarichadhelpedherhobbleintothelivingroomandovertothecouch,hehadparkedherdirectlynexttoCelia.
Stefandidn’tconsiderhimselfanexpertonromance—afterall,he’dlivedforhundredsofyearsandfalleninloveonlytwice,andhisromancewithKatherinehadbeenadisaster—butevenhecouldn’tmissthetensionbetweenMeredithandCelia.Hewasn’tsurewhetherAlaricwasasoblivioustoitasheseemedorwhetherhewaspretendingobliviousnessinthehopethatthesituationwouldblowover.
CeliahadchangedintoanelegantwhitesundressandsatflippingthroughajournaltitledForensicAnthropology,lookingcoolandcomposed.Meredithwas,incontrast,unusuallygrimyandsmudged,herbeautifulfeaturesandsmootholiveskinmarredbytirednessandpain.Alarichadtakenachairnexttothecouch.
Celia,ignoringMeredith,leanedacrosshertowardAlaric.
“Ithinkyoumightfindthisinteresting,”shesaidtohim.“It’sanarticleonthedentalpatternsinmummifiedbodiesfoundonanislandquitenearUnmeinoShima.”
MeredithshotCeliaanastylook.“Oh,yes,”shesaidquietly.“Teeth,howfascinating.”Celia’smouthflattenedintoaline,butshedidn’treply.
Alarictookthemagazinewithapolitemurmurofinterest,andMeredithfrowned.
Stefanfrowned,too.AllthetensionhummingbetweenMeredith,Celia,andAlaric—andnowthathewaswatching,hecouldtellthatAlaricknewexactlywhatwasgoingonbetweenthetwoyoungwomenandwasflattered,irritated,andanxiousinequalparts—wasinterferingwithStefan’sPowers.
Whilehe’dsatandsippedhisfirstcupoftea,reluctantlyfollowingElena’scommandto“stay,”StefanhadbeensendingouttendrilsofPower,tryingtosensewhetherElenahadmadeithome,whetheranythinghadstoppedheronherway.WhetherCalebhadstoppedher.
Buthehadn’tbeenabletofindher,evenwithhissensesextendedtotheirutmost.Onceortwice,he’dcaughtwhatfeltlikeafleetingimpressionofwhatmightbetheveryspecificsound,scent,andaurathatunmistakablymeantElena,butthenitslippedawayfromhim.
He’dblamedthefactthathecouldn’tlocateheronhisweakeningPowers,butnowitwascleartohimwhatwaskeepinghimfromfindingher.Alltheemotioninthisroom:thepoundinghearts,theflushesofanger,theacridscentofjealousy.
Stefanpulledhimselfback,triedtoquelltheragerisingwithinhim.Thesepeople—hisfriends,heremindedhimself—werenotpurposelyinterfering.Theycouldn’thelptheiremotions.Hetookaswigofhisrapidlycoolingtea,tryingtorelaxbeforehelostcontrol,andwincedatthetaste.Teawasn’twhathewascraving,herealized.Heneededtogetouttotheforestsoonandhunt.Heneededblood.
No,heneededtofindoutexactlywhatCalebSmallwoodwasupto.Hestoodupsoabruptly,soviolently,thechairrockedunsteadilybeneathhim.
“Stefan?”Mattaskedinanalarmedvoice.
“Whatisit?”Bonnie’seyeswereenormous.
Stefanglancedaroundthecircleofdistractedfaces,nowallwatchinghim.“Ihavetogo.”Thenheturnedonhisheelsandran.Chapter16
Hewalkedforalong,longtime,thoughitseemedhissurroundingsneverchanged.Thesamedimlightfilteredthroughaconstantcloudofash.Heploddedonthroughgrime,throughmud,throughankle-deeppoolsofdarkwater.
Occasionally,heunclenchedhisfistandgazedagainatthelocksofhair.Eachtime,themagicliquidcleanedthemalittlemore,changingascrapoffibrousblacknesstotwolocksofshininghair,redandgold.
Hewalkedon.
Everythinghurt,buthecouldn’tstop.Ifhestoppedhewouldsinkbackbelowtheashandmud,backtothegrave—backtodeath.
Somethingwhisperedaroundtheedgesofhismind.Hedidn’tknowquitewhathadhappenedtohim,butwordsandphrasesspuninhishead.
Wordslikeabandoned,wordslikealone
Hewasverycold.Hekeptwalking.Afterawhile,herealizedhewasmumbling.“Leftmeallalone.They’dneverhavelefthimhere.”Hecouldn’trememberwhothishimwas,buthefeltasicksortofsatisfactionfromtheglowofresentment.Heheldontoitashecontinuedhismarch.
Afterwhatfeltlikeanunchangingeternity,somethinghappened.Aheadofhimhecouldseethegatehousehehadimagined:spiredlikeafairy-talecastle,blackasnight.
Hewalkedfaster,hisfootstepsshufflingthroughtheash.Andthentheearthopenedsuddenlybeneathhisfeet.Inthespaceofaheartbeat,hewasfallingintonothingness.Somethinginsidehimhowled,Notnow,notnow.Hegrabbedandclawedattheearth,hisarmsholdinghimafloat,hisfeetswingingintotheemptinessbelowhim.
“No,”hemoaned.“No,theycan’t…Don’tleavemehere.Don’tleavemeagain.”Hisfingersslipped,mudandashslidingbeneathhishands.
“Damon?”anincredulousvoiceroared.Agreatmuscularfigurestoodabovehim,silhouettedagainstthemoonsandplanetsinthesky,hischestbared,long,spiralingtanglesofhairspillingoverhisshoulders.Thisstatueofamanreacheddownandgraspedhimbythearms,liftinghimup.
Heyelpedinpain.Somethingbeneaththeearthhadlatchedontohislegsandwaspullinghimbackdown.
“Holdon!”Theothermangrunted,musclesrippling.HestrainedandheavedagainstwhateverwasclingingontoDamon—Damon,themanhadcalledhim,andthatfeltright,somehow.Theothermangaveagreattug,andfinallytheforcebelowreleasedhim,andheshotoutoftheearth,knockinghisrescuerbackward.
Damonlaypantingontheground,spent.
“Youaresupposedtobedead,”theothermantoldhim,climbingtohisfeetandholdingoutahandtosteadyDamon.HepushedalonglockofhairawayfromhisfaceandgazedatDamonwithserious,troubledeyes.“Thefactthatyouarenot…well,IamnotassurprisedasIshouldbe.”
Damonblinkedathissavior,whowaswatchinghimattentively.Hewethislipsandtriedtospeak,buthisvoicewouldn’tcome.
“Everythinghasbeendisturbedheresinceyourfriendsleft,”themansaid.“Somethingessentialhasshiftedinthisuniverse.Thingsarenotright.”Heshookhishead,hiseyestroubled.“Buttellme,moncher,howdoesitcometobethatyouarehere?”
FinallyDamonfoundhisvoice.Itcameoutroughandquavering.“I…don’tknow.”
Themanimmediatelywasallcourtesy.“IthinkthesituationcallsforsomeBlackMagic,oui?Andsomeblood,perhaps,andachancetocleanup.Andthen,Damon,wemusttalk.”
Hegesturedtowardthedarkcastleaheadofthem.Damonhesitatedforamoment,glancingattheemptinessandasharoundthem,thentrudgedafterhimtowardtheopendoors.
AfterStefansweptoutoftheroomsosuddenly,everyonecouldonlystareafterhimasthefrontdoorbanged,signalingthathehadleftthehousejustasquickly.Bonniehuggedherarmsaroundherself,shivering.Alittlevoiceinthebackofherheadtoldherthatsomethingwasvery,verywrong.
Celiafinallybrokethesilence.“Interesting,”shesaid.“Ishealwaysso…intense?Orisitavampirething?”
Alaricchuckleddryly.“Believeitornot,he’salwaysseemedverylow-keyandpracticaltome.Idon’trememberhimbeingsovolatile.”Heranahandthroughhissandyhairandaddedthoughtfully,“Maybeitwasthecontrastwithhisbrotherthatmadehimseemsoreasonable.Damonwasprettyunpredictable.”
Meredithfrownedthoughtfully.“No,you’reright.Thisisn’tthewayStefanusuallyacts.Maybehe’semotionalbecauseElena’sthreatened?Butthatdoesn’tmakesense…she’sbeenindangerbefore.Evenwhenshedied—hewasheartbroken,but,ifanything,itmadehimmoreresponsible,notwilder.”
“ButwhenElenawasdead,”Alaricremindedher,“theworstthinghecouldimaginehadalreadyhappened.It’spossiblethatwhat’smakinghimsojumpyisthathedoesn’tknowwherethethreat’scomingfromthistime.”
Bonnietookasipoftea,zoningoutasMeredithhmmmedthoughtfully,andCeliaraisedoneskepticaleyebrow.“Istilldon’tunderstandwhatyoumeanwhenyousayElenadied.Areyousuggestingsheactuallyrosefromthedead?”
“Yes,”saidMeredith.“Shewasturnedintoavampire,thenshewasexposedtosunlightandphysicallydied.Theyburiedherandeverything.Later—monthslater—shereturned.She’shumanagain,though.”
“Ifindallthatveryhardtobelieve,”saidCeliaflatly.
“Honestly,Celia,”saidAlaric,throwinguphishandsinexasperation.“Witheverythingyou’veseensincewegothere—yourscarfnearlychokingyou,thenspellingoutaname,Bonniehavingavision,Stefanpracticallyflyingtosaveyou—Idon’tknowwhyyou’redrawingthelinenowandsayingyoudon’tbelieveagirlcouldcomebackfromthedead.”Hepausedandtookabreath.“Idon’tmeantosoundharsh,butreally.”
Meredithsmirked.“Believeitornot,it’strue.Elenacamebackfromthedead.”
Bonniewrappedonelongredcurlaroundherfinger.Shewatchedasherfingerturnedwhiteandredagainstthestrandofhair.Elena.OfcoursetheyweretalkingaboutElena.EveryonewasalwaystalkingaboutElena.Whethershewaswiththemornot,everythingtheydidorthoughtcenteredonElena.
Alaricturnedtoaddressthewholegroup.“Stefanseemsconvincedthat‘hewantsyou’meansCaleb,butI’mnotsurethatitdoes.FromwhatI’veseenofBonnie’svisions,andwhatyouguyshavetoldme,they’rehardlyeveraboutwhat’srightinfrontofher.Caleb’sappearance—ifitevenwasCaleb—couldhavebeenacoincidence.Don’tyouthinkso,Meredith?”
Oh,don’tbothertoaskmeaboutthevisions,Bonniethoughtbitterly.I’monlytheonewhohasthem.Wasn’tthatthewayitalwayswas,though?Shewastheoneeveryoneoverlooked.
“Itcouldbeacoincidence,”Meredithsaiddoubtfully.“Butifit’snotCalebshewastalkingabout,whoisit?WhowantsElena?”
BonnieglancedunderhereyelashesatMatt,buthewasstaringoutthewindow,apparentlycompletelydetachedfromtheconversation.ShecouldtellthatMattstilllovedElena,evenifnooneelseknew.Itwastoobad:Mattwasawfullycute.Hecoulddateanyone,butitwastakinghimalongtimetogetoverher.
Butthen,nooneeverseemedtogetoverElena.HalftheboysatRobertE.LeeHighSchoolhadgonearoundgazingwistfullyafterher,asifshemightsuddenlyturnaroundandfallintotheirarms.CertainlymostoftheboysElenahaddatedhadstayedalittlebitinlovewithher,evenafterElenahadmoreorlessforgottentheirnames.
Itisn’tfair,Bonniethought,twirlingherhairmoretightlyaroundherfinger.EveryonealwayswantedElena,andBonniehadneverevenhadaboyfriendformorethanafewweeksatatime.Whatwaswrongwithher?Peoplealwaystoldherhowcuteshewas,howadorable,howfun…andthentheylookedpasthertoElena,anditwasliketheycouldn’tseeBonnieanymore.
AndwhileDamon,amazing,sexyDamon,hadbeenfondofher,sometimes,whenshewasn’ttryingtokidherself,sheknewhehadn’treallyseenher,either.
I’mjustthesidekick,that’smyproblem,Bonniethoughtglumly.Elenawasthestar;Meredithwasahero;Bonniewasasidekick.
Celiaclearedherthroat.“IhavetoconfessI’mintriguedbytheappearanceofthenames,”shesaidstiffly.“Itdoesseemliketheypointtosomekindofthreat.WhetherornotBonnie’spurportedvisioncomestoanything”—BonnieshotherbestnastylookatCelia,butCeliaignoredit—“weshoulddefinitelyinvestigateanybackgroundorcontextwecanfindfortheunexplainedappearanceofthenames.Weshouldfindoutifthere’sarecordedhistoryofthiskindofthinghappeningbefore.Thewritingonthewall,ifyouwill.”Shegaveathin-lippedsmileatherownjoke.
“Butwhatwouldweinvestigate?”Bonniesaid,findingherselfunwillinglyrespondingtoCelia’steacherlikemanner.“Iwouldn’tevenknowwheretostartlookingforsomethinglikethis.Abookoncurses,maybe?Oromens?Doyouhaveanythinglikethatinyourlibrary,Mrs.Flowers?”
Mrs.Flowersshookherhead.“I’mafraidnot,dear.Mylibrary,asyouknow,ismostlyherbals.Ihaveafewmorespecializedbooks,butIcan’trecallanythingthatmightbehelpfulwiththisproblem.”
Whenshementioned“morespecializedbooks,”Bonnie’scheeksgothot.Shethoughtofthegrimoireoncommunicationwiththedead,stilltuckedunderthefloorboardsinherbedroom,andhopedMrs.Flowershadn’tnoticeditwasmissing
Afterafewseconds,hercheekshadcooledenoughthatshedaredtoglancearound,butonlyMeredithwaslookingather,oneeleganteyebrowraised.IfMerediththoughtsomethingwasup,shewouldn’trestuntilshegotthewholestoryfromBonnie,soBonniegaveherablandsmileandcrossedherfingersbehindherbackforluck.Meredithraisedherothereyebrowandlookedatherwithdeepsuspicion.
“Actually,”Celiasaid,“IhaveacontactattheUniversityofVirginiawhostudiesfolkloreandmythology.Shespecializesinwitchcraft,folkmagic,curses,allthatkindofthing.”
“Doyouthinkwecouldcallher?”saidAlarichopefully.
Celiafrowned.“IthinkitwouldbebetterifIwentupthereforafewdays.Herlibraryisn’taswellorganizedasitcouldbe—Isupposeit’ssymptomaticofthekindofmindthatstudiesstoriesratherthanfacts—anditmighttakeawhiletodiscoverifthere’sanythingusefulthere.Ithinkitwouldbejustaswellformetogetoutoftownforawhile,anyway.Aftertwobrusheswithdeathintwodays”—shesentapointedglancetowardMeredith,whoblushed—“I’mbeginningtofeelthatFell’sChurchisn’tthehealthiestplaceforme.”ShelookedatAlaric.“Youmightfindherlibraryofinterest,ifyou’dliketocomewithme.Dr.Beltramisoneofthebest-knownexpertsinherfield.”
“Uh…”Alariclookedstartled.“Thanks,butI’dbetterstayhereandhelpMeredith.Withhersprainedankleandeverything.”
“Mmm-hmmm.”CeliaglancedatMeredithagain.Meredith,whohadbeenlookingsteadilymoredelightedeverysecondsinceCeliahadannouncedshewasleaving,ignoredherandsmiledatAlaric.“Well,IsupposeIshouldgiveheracallandgetmythingstogether.Notimelikethepresent.”
Celiastoodup,smoothedhersundress,andwalkedoutthedoor,headhigh.Asshepassed,shebrushedagainstthetablenearMrs.Flowers’schair,sendingherknittingtothefloor.
BonnieletoutabreathasCelialefttheroom.“Well,really!”shesaidindignantly.
“Bonnie,”saidMattwarningly.
“Iknow,”saidBonnieangrily.“Shecouldhaveatleastsaid‘excuseme,’right?AndwhatwasthatwithaskingAlarictocomewithhertoUVA?Hejustgothere,practically.Hehasn’tseenyouformonths.Ofcoursehe’snotgoingtoleaveagainwithherrightnow.”
“Bonnie,”saidMeredith,inastrangelychokedvoice.
“What?”saidBonnie,catchingtheoddnessinhertoneandlookingaround.“Oh.Oh.Oh,no.”
Mrs.Flowers’sknittinghadfallenfromitstable,andtheskeinofyarnhadrolledacrossthefloor,unwindingasitwent.Now,inthecurlsofsoftpalepink,theycouldallclearlyreadonewordwrittenacrossthecarpet:
bonnieChapter17
Oncehegotoutside,StefanrememberedthatElenahadtakenhiscar.Turningintothewoods,hebegantorun,usinghisPowertospeedhispace.Thepoundingofhisfeetseemedtothud,Guardher,Guardher.
HeknewwhereTylerSmallwoodhadlived.AfterTylerhadattackedElenaatadance,ithadmadesensetokeepaneyeonhim.StefanburstfromthewoodsattheedgeoftheSmallwoods’property.
Theyownedanuglyhouse,inStefan’sopinion.AninaccurateportrayalofanoldSouthernmanorestate,itwastoobigforthelawnitsatonandbulgedwithunnecessarycolumnsandtwistingrococodecorations.Justlookingatit,StefanhadbeenabletotellthattheSmallwoodshadmoremoneythantaste,andthatthearchitectswho’ddesigneditweren’teducatedintrueclassicalforms.
Herangthebellatthefrontdoor,thenfroze.WhatifMr.orMrs.Smallwoodansweredthebell?HewouldhavetoInfluencethemtogivehimasmuchinformationastheycouldaboutCaleb,andthentoforgetStefanhadbeenthere.HehopedhehadthePowertodoit:Hehadn’tbeeneatingenough,notevenofanimalblood.
Butnoonecame.Afterafewseconds,StefansentquestingtendrilsofPowerthroughthehouse.Itwasempty.Hecouldn’tgoin,couldn’tsearchCaleb’sroomlikehewantedto.Withoutaninvitation,hewasstuckouthere.
Hewanderedaroundthehouse,peeringthroughthewindows,butfindingnothingoutoftheordinaryotherthanentirelytoomanygildedframesandmirrors.
Behindthehousehefoundasmallwhiteshed.SendingPowertowardit,hefeltsomethingslightly…off.Justtheslightesttingeofdarkness,afeelingoffrustrationandillintent.
Theshedwaspadlocked,butthelockwaseasyenoughtosnap.Andasnoonelivedhere,hedidn’tneedaninvitationtoenter.
ThefirstthinghesawwasElena’sface.Newspaperclippingsandphotosweretackedalloverthewalls:Elena,Bonnie,Meredith,himself.Onthefloorwasapentagramwithmorepicturesandroses.
Stefan’scertaintythatsomethingwaswrongsolidified.Elenawasindanger.SendingPowerbeforehim,searchingdesperatelyforanytraceofher,hetookoffrunningagain.
Asshedroveawayfromtheflorist’s,ElenaturnedtheconversationwithStefanoverandoverinhermind.
Whatwasgoingonwithhimsincethey’dcomebacktoFell’sChurch?Itfeltliketherewaspartofhimthathewasholdingback,hidingfromher.Sherememberedtheloneliness,thesinking,dizzyfeelingofisolationthatshehadsensedwhenshekissedhim.WasitDamon’slossthatwaschangingStefan?
Damon.Justthethoughtofhimwasenoughtocauseanalmostphysicalpaininher.Mercurial,difficult,beautifulDamon.Dangerous.Loving,inhisownway.Thethoughtofhisname,writteninwaterplantsacrossMeredith’slegs,floatedthroughhermind.
Shedidn’tknowwhatitmeant.Buttherewasnohope.Sheneededtostoplyingtoherselfaboutthat.ShehadseenDamondie.YetitseemedimpossiblethatsomeoneascomplexandstrongandseeminglyundefeatableasDamoncouldbegonesoquicklyandsosimply.Butthatwasthewayithappened,wasn’tit?Sheshouldknowthatdeathdidn’toftencomewithagrandshow,thatitusuallycamewhenyouwereleastexpectingit.Shehadknownthatbeforeallthis…allthisstuffwithvampiresandwerewolvesandevilmysteriousopponents.Shehadknownallaboutthesuddennessandsimplicityofdeathforyears,backwhenshewasjustnormalElenaGilbert,whodidn’tbelieveinanythingsupernatural,notevenhoroscopesorfortune-telling,muchlessmonsters.
Sheglancedatthepassengerseatnexttoher,wheretherelaythebouquetofpinkrosesshehadpickeduptogivetoMargaret.And,nexttothem,asimplebunchofforget-me-nots.LikeI’deverforget,shethought.
ElenarememberedridinginthecartowardhomewithherparentsandbabyMargaretonanordinarySundayafternoon.Ithadbeenabeautifulsunnyfallday,theleavesofthetreesbytheroadsidejustbeginningtobepaintedwithredandgold.
They’dgonetolunchatalittleinnoutinthecountry.Margaret,whowasteething,hadbeencrankyattherestaurant,andthey’dtakenturnswalkingherupanddownontheporchoftheinnforafewminutesatatimewhiletheothersate.Butinthecarshewasquiet,halfdrowsing,herlightgoldenlashesflutteringdowntorestforlongerandlongerperiodsagainsthercheeks.
Elena’sfatherhadbeendriving,sheremembered,andtheradiohadbeentunedtothelocalstationsohecouldcatchthenews.HermotherhadtwistedtolookatElenainthebackseat,hersapphireblueeyessolikeElena’sown.Hergoldenhair,touchedwithalittlegray,waspulledbackinaFrenchbraid,elegantandpractical.Smiling,shehadsaid,“DoyouknowwhatIthinkwouldbenice?”
“What?”askedElena,smilingbackather.Thenshesawastrangeglitter,highinthesky,andleanedforwardwithoutwaitingforareply.“Daddy,what’sthat?”She’dpointedupward.
Elenaneverfoundoutwhathermotherhadthoughtwouldbenice.Herfatherneveransweredwhatthatwas.
ThelastthingsElenarememberedweresounds:herfather’sgaspandthescreechofthecar’stires.Everythingafterthatwasblank,untilElenahadwokenupinthehospital,AuntJudithbyherbedside,andlearnedthatherparentsweredead.Theyhaddiedbeforetheparamedicshadevenpriedthemoutofthecar.
BeforetheyrestoredFell’sChurch,theGuardianshadtoldElenathatsheshouldhavediedinthataccident,andthatherparentsshouldhavelived.Theglitterhadbeentheiraircar,andElenahaddistractedherfatherattheworstpossiblemoment,causingallthewrongpeopletodie.
Shecouldfeeltheweightofitnow,theguiltatsurviving,herangerattheGuardians.Sheglancedatthedashboardclock.TherewasstillplentyoftimebeforeshehadtobeatMargaret’srecital.Turningoffthehighway,shepulledintothecemetery’sparkinglot.
Elenaparkedthecarandwalkedbrisklythroughthenewerpartofthecemetery,carryingtheforget-me-nots.Birdswerechirpinggailyoverhead.Somuchhadhappenedinthiscemeteryinthelastyear.Bonniehadseenoneofherfirstvisionsamongthesetombstones.Stefanhadfollowedherhere,watchinghersecretlywhenshethoughthewasjustthegorgeousnewguyatschool.Damonhadnearlydrainedanoldtrampunderthebridge.KatherinehadchasedElenaoutofthecemeterywithfogandiceandafar-reaching,far-seeingevil.And,ofcourse,Elenahaddrivenoffabridgetoherdeathherebythecemetery,attheendofthatfirstlife,theonethatseemedsolongagonow.
ElenapickedherwaypastanornatemarblememorialtoFell’sChurch’sCivilWarveteransanddowntotheshadyglenwhereherparentswereburied.ThetinywildflowerbouquetsheandStefanhadlefttwodaysbeforehadwithered,andElenathrewitawayandputtheforget-me-notsinitsplace.Shepickedabitofmossoffherfather’sname.
Thelightestcrunchofgravelsoundedfromthepathbehindher,andElenawhirledaround.Therewasnoonethere.
“I’mjustjumpy,”shemutteredtoherself.Hervoicesoundedoddlyloudinthequietofthecemetery.“Nothingtoworryabout,”shesaidmorefirmly.
Shesettledinthegrassbyherparents’gravesandtracedthelettersonhermother’sheadstonewithonehand.
“Hi,”shesaid.“It’sbeenawhilesinceI’veactuallysathereandtalkedtoyou,Iknow.I’msorry.Anawfullothashappened….”Sheswallowed.“I’msorry,too,becauseIfoundoutthatyouweren’tsupposedtodiewhenyoudid.IaskedtheGuardiansto…tobringyouback,buttheysaidyouhadmovedontoabetterplaceandtheycouldn’treversethat.Iwish…I’mgladyou’rehappywhereveryouare,butIstillmissyou.”
Elenasighed,loweredherhandfromthegravestone,andtraileditthroughthegrassbyherknees.“Something’saftermeagain,”shecontinuedunhappily.“Afterallofus,Iguess,butBonniesaidIbroughtitherewhenshewasinatrance.Andlatershesaidhewantsme.Idon’tknowifit’stwodifferentpeople—orwhatever—afterus,orjustone.Butit’salwaysmethebadthingsfocuson.”Shetwistedabladeofgrassbetweenherfingers.“Iwishthingscouldbesimplerforme,thewaytheyareforothergirls.
“Sometimes…I’msogladtohaveStefan,andgladIcouldhelpprotectFell’sChurch,but…it’shard.It’sreallyhard.”Asobwasbuildinginherthroatandsheswalloweditback.“And…Stefan’salwaysbeenthereforme,butIfeellikeIdon’tknowallofhimanymore,especiallybecauseIcan’treadhisthoughts.He’ssotense,andit’slikeheneedstobeincontrolallthetime….”
Somethingshiftedbehindher,justtheslightesthintofmovement.Shefeltawarm,dampbreezelikeabreathonthebackofherneck.
Elenawhippedherheadaround.Calebwascrouchingbehindher,soclosetheywerealmostnose-to-nose.Shescreamed,butCalebslappedhishandoverhermouth,mufflinghercry.Chapter18
Caleb’shandwashotandheavyagainstherlips,andElenascrabbledagainstitwithhernails.Hegrippedhertightlywithhisotherhand,holdingherstill,hisfingersdiggingintohershoulder.
Elenastruggledfiercely,flailingherarmsandlandingafirmblowinCaleb’sstomach.Shebitdownhardonthehandhehadoverhermouth.Calebjerkedbackward,quicklylettinggoofherandpullinghisbittenhandtohischest.Assoonashermouthwasuncovered,Elenascreamed.
Calebsteppedawayfromher,holdinghishandsupinsurrender.“Elena!”hesaid.“Elena,I’msosorry.Ididn’tmeantoscareyou.Ijustdidn’twantyoutoscream.”
Elenaeyedhimwarily,breathinghard.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”sheasked.“Whywereyousneakingupbehindmeifyoudidn’twanttoscareme?”
Calebshruggedandlookedalittleembarrassed.“Iwasworriedaboutyou,”heconfessed,stuffinghishandsinhispocketsandhanginghishead.“IwashikingupbyHotSpringsearlierandIsawyouandyourfriends.Theywerepullingyououtofthewater,anditlookedlikeyouweren’tbreathing.”Hepeekedupatherthroughhislonggoldenlashes
“Youweresoworriedaboutmeyoudecidedtograbmeandcovermymouthtokeepmefromscreaming?”Elenaasked.Calebduckedhisheadfurtherandscrubbedatthebackofhisneckinanembarrassedway.
“Iwasn’tthinking.”Calebnoddedsolemnly.“Youlookedsopale,”hesaid.“Butyouopenedyoureyesandsatup.Iwasgoingtocomedownandseeifyouwereokay,butyourfriendsawmeandstartedrunningupthepathtowardmelikehewasgoingtojumpme,andIguessIjustfreakedout.”Hegrinnedsuddenly.“I’mnotusuallysuchawuss,”hesaid.“Buthelookedmad.”
Elenafoundherselffeelingunexpectedlydisarmed.HershoulderstillachedwhereCalebhadgrabbedher.Butheseemedsosincere,andsoapologetic.
“Anyway,”Calebcontinued,gazingatheroutofcandidlightblueeyes,“Iwasdrivingbacktomyauntanduncle’splace,andIrecognizedyourcarinthecemeteryparkinglot.IjustcameinbecauseIwantedtotalktoyouandmakesureyouwereokay.Andthen,whenIgotclosetoyou,youweresittingdownandtalking,andIguessIwasembarrassed.Ididn’twanttointerruptyou,andIdidn’twanttobargeinonsomethingpersonal,soIjustwaited.”Heduckedhisheadsheepishlyagain.“AndinsteadIendedupassaultingyouandscaringyoutodeath,whichsurewasn’tthebetterwaytogo.I’mreallysorry,Elena.”
Elena’sheartbeatwasreturningtonormal.WhateverCaleb’sintentions,heobviouslywasn’tgoingtoattackheragainnow.“It’sallright,”shesaid.“Ihitmyheadonanunderwaterrock.I’mfinenow,though.Itmusthavelookedprettyweirdtoseemejustsittinghereandmuttering.SometimesIcomeheretotalktomyparents,that’sall.Thisiswherethey’reburied.”
“It’snotweird,”hesaidquietly.“Ifindmyselftalkingtomyparentssometimes,too.WhensomethinghappensandIwishtheywerewithme,Istarttellingthemaboutitanditmakesmefeellikethey’rethere.”Heswallowedhard.“It’sbeenafewyears,butyouneverstopmissingthem,doyou?”
ThelastbitsofangerandfeardrainedoutofElenawhenshesawthesadnessinCaleb’sface.“Oh,Caleb,”shesaid,reachingouttotouchhisarm.
Shecaughtasuddenmotionoutofthecornerofhereyeandthen,seeminglyoutofnowhere,Stefanappeared,runningincrediblyfast,straighttowardthem.
“Caleb,”hegrowled,grabbinghimbytheshirtandthrowinghimtotheground.Calebletoutagruntofsurpriseandpain.
“Stefan,no!”shoutedElena.
Stefanspuntolookather.Hiseyeswerehardandhisfangswerefullyextended.“He’snotwhathesaysheis,Elena,”hesaidinaneerilycalmvoice.“He’sdangerous.”
Calebslowlypulledhimselftohisfeet,usingagravestoneasasupport.HewasstaringatStefan’sfangs.“What’sgoingon?”heasked.“Whatareyou?”
Stefanturnedtowardhimand,almostcasually,slappedhimbackdown.
“Stefan,stopit!”Elenayelled,unabletocontainthenoteofhysteriainhervoice.Shereachedoutforhisarm,butmissed.“You’regoingtohurthim!”
“Hewantsyou,Elena,”Stefangrowled.“Doyouunderstandthat?Youcan’ttrusthim.”
“Stefan,”Elenapleaded.“Listentome.Hewasn’tdoinganythingwrong.Youknowthat.He’sahuman.”Shecouldfeelhottearsgatheringinhereyesandsheblinkedthemaway.Nowwasnotthetimetoweepandwail.NowwasthetimetobecoolandrationalandtokeepStefanfromlosingcontrol.
Calebstaggeredtohisfeet,grimacingwithpain,andthistimechargedclumsilyatStefan,hisfaceflushed.HegotonearmaroundStefan’sneckandyankedhimtotheside,butthenStefan,withaneasystrength,tossedCalebtothegroundoncemore.
Stefanloomedoverhimthreateninglyashestaredupathimfromthegrass.“Youcan’tfightme,”Stefangrowled.“I’mstrongerthanyou.Icandriveyououtofthistown,orkillyoujustaseasily.AndIwilldoeitherifyoumakemethinkit’snecessary.Iwon’thesitate.”
ElenagrabbedStefan’sarm.“Stopit!Stopit!”sheshouted.Shepulledhimtowardher,tryingtoturnhimsoshecouldlookintohiseyes,soshecouldgetthroughtohim.
Breathe,shethoughtdesperately.Shehadtocalmthingsdownhere,andshetriedtosteadyhervoice,tosoundlogical.“Stefan,Idon’tknowwhatyouthinkisgoingonwithCaleb,butjuststopforaminuteandthink.”
“Elena,lookatme,”Stefansaid.Hiseyesweredarkwithemotion.“Iknow,I’mabsolutelysure,thatCalebisevil.He’sdangeroustous.Wehavetogetridofhimbeforehegetsachancetodestroyus.Wecan’tgivehimtheopportunitytogetthebetterofusbywaitingforhimtomakehismove.”
“Stefan…”Elenasaid.Hervoicewasshaking,andanoddlyrational,detachedpartofhernotedthatthismustbewhatitfeltlikewhenthepersonyoulovedmostlosthismind.
Shedidn’tknowwhatshewasgoingtosaynext,butbeforeshecouldevenopenhermouth,Calebhadrisenagain.Therewasalongscratchdownthesideofhisface,andhisblondhairwastangledandfullofdirt.
“Backoff,”Calebsaidgrimly,comingtowardStefan.Hewaslimpingalittlebit,andclutchedafist-sizerockinhisrighthand.“Youcan’tjust…”Heraisedtherockthreateningly.
“Stopit,bothofyou,”Elenayelled,tryingforafiercegeneral’svoicethatwouldcommandtheirattention.
ButCalebjusthoistedtherockandthrewitstraightatStefan’sface.
Stefandodgedtherock,movingalmosttooquicklyforElenatosee,grabbedCalebbythewaist,and,inonegracefulmotion,flunghimintotheair.Foramoment,Calebwassuspended,seeminglyaslightandbonelessasascarecrowtossedfromthebackofapickuptruck,andthenhehitthesideofthemarbleCivilWarmonumentwithasickeningcrunch.Withathud,hefelltothegroundatthefootofthestatueandwasstill.
“Caleb!”Elenascreamedinhorror.Sherantowardhim,shovingherwaybetweenthebushesandclumpsofgrassthatencircledthemonument.
Hiseyeswereclosedandhisfacewaspale.Elenacouldseethelightblueveinsinhiseyelids.Therewasaspreadingpoolofbloodonthegroundbeneathhishead.Astreakofdirtranacrosshisface,andthatdirtandthelongredscratchonhischeeksuddenlyseemedlikesomeofthemostheartbreakingthingsshehadeverseen.Hewasn’tmoving.Shecouldn’ttellwhetherhewasbreathing.
ElenadroppedtoherkneesandfeltforCaleb’spulse,fumblingathisneck.Asshefoundthesteadythrumofaheartbeatbeneathherfingers,shegaspedinrelief.
“Elena.”StefanhadfollowedhertoCaleb’sside.Heputhishandonhershoulder.“Please,Elena.”
Elenashookherhead,refusingtolookathim,andshruggedhishandaway.Shefeltinherpocketforherphone.“Mygod,Stefan,”shesaid,herwordsclippedandtight,“youcouldhavekilledhim.Youhavetogetoutofhere.IcantellthepoliceIfoundhimlikethis,butiftheyseeyou,they’regoingtoknowyoutwowerefighting.”SheswallowedhardassherealizedthestreakofdirtstainingCaleb’sshirtwasStefan’shandprint.
“Elena,”Stefanpleaded.Attheanguishinhistone,shefinallyturnedtowardhim.“Elena,youdon’tunderstand.Ihadtostophim.Hewasathreattoyou.”Stefan’sleafgreeneyesbeseechedher,andElenahadtosteelherselftokeepfromcrying.
“Youhavetoleave,”shesaid.“Gohome.I’lltalktoyoulater.”Don’thurtanyoneelse,shethought,andbitherlip.
Stefanstaredatherforalongmoment,thenfinallybackedaway.“Iloveyou,Elena.”Heturnedanddisappearedintothetrees,throughtheolderandwilderpartofthecemetery.
Elenatookasteadyingbreath,wipedhereyes,anddialed911.“There’sbeenanaccident,”shesaid,hervoicepanicky,whentheoperatorpickedup.“I’mintheFell’sChurchCemeteryoffRouteTwenty-three,overbytheCivilWarmonumentneartheedgeofthenewersection.I’vefoundsomeone….Itlookslikehewasknockedunconscioussomehow….”Chapter19
“Honestly,Elena,”AuntJudithsaid,shakingherheadassheadjustedthecar’srearviewmirror.“Idon’tknowwhythesekindsofthingsalwaysseemtohappentoyou,butyoufindyourselfinthestrangestsituations.”
“Tellmeaboutit,”Elenasaid,slumpingdowninthepassengerseatofheraunt’scarandrestingherheadinherhands.“Thankyouforpickingmeup,AuntJudith.IjustfelttooshakytodriveafterbeingatthehospitalwithCalebandeverything.”Sheswallowed.“I’msorryImissedMargaret’sdancerecitalafterall.”
AuntJudithpattedElena’skneewithonecoolhandwithouttakinghereyesofftheroad.“ItoldMargaretthatCalebgothurtandyouhadtotakecareofhim.Sheunderstood.RightnowI’mworriedaboutyou.Itmusthavebeenashocktofindhimlikethat,especiallywhenyourealizeditwassomeoneyouknew.Whatexactlyhappened?”
Elenashruggedandrepeatedthelieshe’dtoldthepolice.“IjustfoundhimlyingtherewhenIwenttovisitMomandDad.”Elenaclearedherthroatbeforecontinuing.“Thehospital’skeepinghimforacoupleofdays.Theythinkhe’sgotabadconcussionandtheywanttowatchandmakesurehisbraindoesn’tswell.Hewokeupalittlebitintheambulancebutwasreallygroggyanddidn’trememberwhathadhappened.”Whichwaslucky,Elenathought.Whatifhe’dsaidhewasattackedbyElenaGilbert’sboyfriend,whohadsomethingweirdgoingonwithhisteeth?Whatifhe’dsaidherboyfriendwasamonster?Itwouldbelastfallalloveragain.
AuntJudithfrownedsympatheticallyandshookherhead.“Well,Caleb’sluckyyoucamealong.Hecouldhavebeenlyingtherefordaysbeforeanyonewentlookingforhim.”
“Yeah,lucky,”saidElenahollowly.SherolledthebottomofherT-shirtbetweenherfingersandwasstartledtorealizeshestillhadherbathingsuitonunderherclothes.Thepicnicthatafternoonseemedlikeithadtakenplaceamillionyearsago.
ThensomethingAuntJudithsaidstruckher.“Whatdoyoumean,hecouldhavebeenlyingtherefordaysbeforeanyonelookedforhim?Whatabouthisauntanduncle?”
“Itriedcallingthemafteryoucalledme,butitseemsthatCaleb’sbeenfendingforhimselfforquiteawhile.WhenIreachedthem,theywereoutoftownonvacation,andfranklytheydidn’tseemliketheyweretooconcernedabouttheirnephew,evenwhenItoldthemwhathadhappened.”Shesighedheavily.“I’llgovisithimtomorrowandbringhimsomeoftheflowersfromourgardenhe’sbeenworkingsohardon.He’lllikethat.”
“Huh,”saidElenaslowly.“IthoughthetoldmehecameheretostaywithhisauntandunclebecausetheyweresoupsetaboutTylerbeingmissing.”
“Maybeso,”AuntJudithsaiddryly,“buttheSmallwoodsseemtobedoingprettywellnow.Theysaidthatintheiropinion,Tylerwillcomehomewhenhe’sgoodandready.Thatboywasalwaysalittleoutofcontrol.ItsoundslikeCalebismoreworriedaboutTylerthantheyare.”
Shepulledintothedrivewayoftheirhouse,andElenafollowedherinsidetowhereRobertwasreadinghisnewspaperatthekitchentable.
“Elena,youlookexhausted,”hesaid,foldingthepaperandlookingupatherinconcern.“Areyouallright?”
“I’mokay,”shesaidnumbly.“It’sjustbeenalongday.”Shethoughtshehadnevermademoreofanunderstatementinherlife.
“Well,Margaret’sgonetobed,butwesavedyousomedinner,”AuntJudithsaid,makingamovetowardtherefrigerator.“It’sachickencasserole,andthere’ssomesalad.Youmustbestarving.”
ButsuddenlyElenafeltsick.She’dbeensuppressingallherfeelingsaboutStefanandhisattackonCaleb,keepingtheimagestampeddownsoshecouldgetonwiththebusinessofdealingwiththepoliceandthestaffatthehospitalandherownfamily.Butshewastiredandherhandswereshaking.Sheknewthatshecouldn’tkeepeverythingundercontrolformuchlonger.
“Idon’twantanything,”shesaid,backingaway.“Ican’t…I’mnothungry,AuntJudith.Thankyou,though.Ijustwanttotakeabathandgotobed.”Sheturnedandhurriedoutofthekitchen.
“Elena!Youhavetoeatsomething,”sheheardAuntJudithcryexasperatedlybehindherasshehurriedupthestairs.
Thesolid-soundingmurmurofRobert’svoicebrokein:“Judith,lethergo.”
Elenaduckedintothebathroomandclosedthedoorbehindher.
SheandMargaretsharedthehallbathroom,andshebusiedherselfwithemptyingMargaret’sbathtoysfromthetub,keepinghermindcarefullyblank:apinkrubberducky,apirateship,astackofgailycoloredplasticcups.Agoofilysmilingpurpleseahorselookedupatherwithpaintedblueeyes.
Oncethetubwasempty,Elenaranthewaterashotasshecouldstandandpouredinagenerousdollopofapricot-scentedbubblebathfromabottlethatpromisedtosootheherspiritwhilerejuvenatingherskin.Soothingandrejuvenatingsoundedgood,althoughElenahadherdoubtsabouthowmuchshecouldreasonablyexpectfromabottleofbubblebath.
Whenthetubwasfullandfrothywithathicklayerofbubbles,Elenaquicklyundressedandsteppedintothesteamingwater.Itstungatfirst,butsheeasedherselfinbitbybit,graduallygettingaccustomedtothetemperature.
Onceshewascomfortable,shelaybackinthewater,herhairfloatingoutlikeamermaid’s,thesoundsofthehousemuffledbythewateroverherears,andletthethoughtsshe’dbeenavoidingcomeatlast.
Tearsoverflowedhereyesandtrickleddownhercheekstojointhebathwater.Shehadbelievedthateverythingwasgoingtobenormalnowthattheywerebackhome,thatthingsweregoingtobegoodagain.WhensheandherfriendshadgottentheGuardianstosendthembackandtochangethings,toreversethedeaths,tofixthebroken,tomakeeverythingthewayitwouldhavebeenifnothingdangeroushadtouchedthelittletownofFell’sChurch,shehadthoughtthatitwouldmakeherlifesimpleandeasy.Shewouldhaveherfamily,herfriends,herStefan.
Butitwasn’tgoingtowork,wasit?Itwasn’tevergoingtobethatway,notforElena.
Assoonasshe’dcomebacktotown,theveryfirstdayshe’dsteppedoutsideintothesunshineofaFell’sChurchsummer,somethingdarkandevilandsupernaturalhadstartedstalkingherandherfriends.
AndasforStefan…God…Stefan.Whatwashappeningtohim?
Whensheclosedhereyes,shesawCalebflyingthroughtheairandheardthathorrible,final-soundingcrackthatCaleb’sheadhadmadeasitconnectedwiththemarbleofthemausoleum.WhatifCalebneverfullyrecovered?Whatifthiscute,innocentguy,thisguywhoseparentshaddiedandlefthimlikehershaddiedandlefther,wasbrokenforeverbecauseofStefan?
Stefan.Howhadhebecomethekindofpersonwhocoulddosomethinglikethat?Stefan,whofeltguiltyabouttheanimalshetookbloodfrom,thedovesandrabbitsanddeeroftheforest.TheStefanwhosheknewatthedeepestlevelofhersoul,whoshethoughtkeptnothingfromher—thatStefanwouldneverhaveharmedahumanbeinglikethat.
Elenalayinthebathtubuntilthewatergotcoldandhertearshadstopped.Thenshegotout,drainedthetub,driedherhair,brushedherteeth,putonanightgown,calledgoodnighttoAuntJudithandRobert,andclimbedintobed.Shedidnotwanttowriteinherdiary.Nottonight.
Sheswitchedoffthelightandlayflatonherback,staringintothedarkness—thesameblackness,shethought,asDamon’seyes.
Damonhadbeenamonster,sheknew—hehadkilled,althoughnotasblithelyashepretended;hehadmanipulatedpeopleandenjoyedit;hehadhauntedandhatedStefanforhundredsofyears—butshehadalsoseenthelostlittleboyhekeptlockedinsidehim.Hehadlovedher,shehadlovedhim,andhehaddied.
AndshelovedStefan.Desperately,devotedly,undeniably.Shelovedthesincerityinhiseyes,hispride,hiscourtlymanners,hishonor,andhisintelligence.Shelovedthathehadrejectedthemonsterthatlurkedinsidehim,theonethathaddrivensomanyvampirestoterribleacts.Shelovedthesorrowheheld—forhispast,forhishatredandjealousyofDamon,fortheterriblethingshehadseen.Andshelovedthehopethatalwayssprangupinhim,thestrengthofwillStefanpossessedthatallowedhimtokeepfightingbackthedarkness.
Beyondallthat,shelovedStefan.Butshewasafraid.
Shehadthoughtsheknewhiminsideandout,thatshecouldseeclearthroughtotheinnermostreachesofhissoul.Thatwasn’ttrue,notanymore.NotsincetheGuardianshadstrippedherpowers,severingtheirpsychicconnectionandrevertingherbacktoanormal,humangirl.
Elenarolledoverandburiedherfaceinthepillow.Sheknewthetruthnow.NomatterwhattheGuardianshaddoneforher,shewouldneverbeanormalgirl.Herlifewouldneverbesimple.Tragedyandhorrorwouldfollowherforever.
Intheend,therewasnothingElenacoulddotochangeherdestiny.Chapter20
“Cookies,”Alaricsaidgravely.“Bonniethinksshecouldmanagetochokedownafewcookies.Justtokeepherstrengthup.”
“Cookies,gotit,”saidMeredith,rummaginginMrs.Flowers’skitchencabinettofindamixingbowl.Sheclunkedabigchinabowlthatwasprobablyolderthanshewasontothecounterandcheckedtherefrigerator.Eggs,milk,butter.Flourinthefreezer.Vanillaandsugarinthecupboard.
“Lookatyou,”AlaricsaidadmiringlyasMeredithunwrappedastickofbutter.“Youdon’tevenneedarecipe.Isthereanythingyoucan’tdo?”
“Lotsofthings,”Meredithreplied,baskinginthewarmthofAlaric’sgaze
“WhatcanIdotohelp?”heaskedcheerfully.
“Youcangetanothermixingbowlandmeasuretwocupsofflourandateaspoonofbakingpowderintoit,”Meredithtoldhim.“I’llbeatthebutterwiththeotheringredientsinthisbowl,andthenwecanputthemtogether.”
“Gotit.”Alaricfoundabowlandmeasuringcupsandstartedtomeasureouttheitems.Meredithwatchedhisstrong,tannedhandsconfidentlylevelingofftheflour.Alarichadgorgeoushands,shethought.Hisshoulderswerenice,too,andhisface.Allofhim,really.
Sherealizedshewasoglingherboyfriendinsteadofstirring,andfelthercheekscolor,eventhoughnoonewaswatchingher.“Passmethemeasuringcupswhenyou’redonewiththem?”
Hehandedthemtoher.“Iknowsomethingscary’sgoingon,andIwanttoprotectBonnie,too,”hesaid,smilingalittle,“butIthinkshemightbemilkingthesituationalittle.Shelovesthateveryone’spamperingher.”
“Bonnie’sbeingverybrave,”saidMeredithprimly,thenflashedhimagrin,“and,yes,shemightbemilkingit.”
Mattcamedownthestairsandintothekitchen.“IthinkmaybeBonnieshouldhavesometeawhenshegetsoutofherbubblebath,”hesaid.“Mrs.FlowersisbusyputtingprotectivespellsonthebedroomBonniechose,butshesaidshehasamixofchamomileandrosemarythatwouldbegood,andtoputhoneyinit.”
MeredithfocusedonmixingthecookieingredientstogetherasMattboiledwaterandcarefullymeasureddriedherbsandhoneytomaketheteatoMrs.Flowers’sexactspecifications.Whenhefinallyfinishedfussingoverit,Mattpickedupthefragileteacupandsaucercarefully.
“Wait,maybeI’dbettertakethewholepotup,”hesaid.Ashesearchedforatraytocarryiton,heasked,“Meredith,areyousureyouandBonniegoteverythingshemightneedfromherhouse?”
“Shewasuptherefornearlyahalfhour.Shegoteverythingshewanted,”saidMeredith,“andifwemissedanything,I’msureMrs.Flowershassomeextras.”
“Good,”saidMatt,hishandsomefaceintentashepickeduptheteatraywithoutspillinganything.“IjustwanttomakesureBonnie’sokay.”
Heleftthekitchen,andMeredithlistenedtohisfootstepsheadingbackupstairs.Oncehewasoutofearshot,sheandAlaricbothburstoutlaughing.
“Yes,she’sdefinitelymilkingit,”saidMeredith,whenshe’dstoppedgiggling.
Alaricpulledhertowardhim.Hisfacewasseriousandintentnow,andMeredithcaughtherbreath.Whentheywerethisclose,shecouldseethehiddenflecksofgoldinhishazeleyes,andtheyfeltlikeasecretonlyMeredithknew.
“Ilovehowyoutakecareofyourfriend,”Alarictoldher,hisvoicelow.“WhatIlovemostisthatyouknowshe’spushingitasfarasshecan,seeingwhatyou’lldoforher,andyoulaugh,butyou’restillgoingtogiveherwhateversheneeds.”Hefrownedalittle.“No,that’snotright.Idolovehowyouseethefunnysideofit,butwhatIlovemostishowwellyoutakecareofeveryoneyoucan.”Hepulledhercloserstill.“IguessmostlyIloveyou,Meredith.”
Meredithkissedhim.HowcouldshehaveworriedthatCeliawouldcomebetweenthem?Itwasliketherehadbeenamistfillinghereyes,makingitsothatshewasunabletoseethesimpletruth:Alaricwascrazyabouther.
Afteraminute,shebrokethekissandturnedbacktothecookiedough.“Getacookiesheet,wouldyou?”sheasked.
Alaricstoodstillforamoment.“Okay…”hesaid.
Closinghereyes,Meredithsummonedallherstrength.Shehadtotellhim.Shehadpromisedherselfshewould.
Hehandedheracookiesheetandshebusiedherselfbyscoopingspoonfulsofdoughontoit.“There’ssomethingIneedtotellyou,Alaric,”shesaid.
Alaricfrozenexttoher.“Whatisit?”heasked,hisvoicewary.
“It’sgoingtosoundunbelievable.”
Hegaveasnortoflaughter.“Moreunbelievablethaneverythingelsethat’shappenedsinceImetyou?”
“Sortof,”Meredithsaid.“Or,atleast,it’sspecificallyaboutmethistime.I’vebeen…”Itwashardtosay.“Icomefromafamilyofvampirehunters.Allmylife,I’vebeentrainingtofight.Iguesstakingcareofpeopleisafamilytrait.”Shesmiledweakly.
Alaricstaredather.
“Saysomething,”Meredithpromptedafteramoment.
Hepushedhishairoutofhiseyesandlookedwildlyaround.“Idon’tknowwhattosay.I’msurprisedyounevertoldmethis.Ithought”—hepaused—“thatwekneweachotherreallywell.”
“Myfamily…”saidMeredithmiserably.“TheymademeswearthatIwouldkeepoursecret.Inevertoldanybodyuntilafewdaysago.”
Alaricclosedhiseyesforaminuteandpressedhispalmsagainstthemhard.Whenheopenedthem,helookedcalmer.“Iunderstand.Ido.”
“Wait,”saidMeredith.“There’smore.”Thecookiesheetwasfull,andshecastaboutforsomethingelsetooccupyherhandsandeyeswhileshetalked.Shesettledonadishtowelandtwisteditnervously.“DoyourememberthatKlausattackedmygrandfather?”
Alaricnodded.
“Well,Ifoundoutafewdaysagothathealsoattackedme,andstolemybrother—thebrotherI’dneverknownIhad—andtookhimawayandmadehimavampire.Andheleftme—Iwasonlythree—somekindofhalfvampire.Alivinggirl,butonewhoneededtoeatbloodsausageandsometimeshad…sharpteethlikeakitten’s.”
“Oh,Meredith…”Alaric’sfacewasfullofcompassion,andhemovedtowardher,handsout.Towardme,Meredithnoted.Notaway,notafraid.
“Wait,”shesaidagain.“ElenaaskedtheGuardianstochangethingstothewaytheywouldhavebeenifKlausnevercamehere.”Sheputdownthedishtowel.“Soitneverhappened.”
“What?”Alaricsaid,staringather.
Meredithnodded,ahelpless,confusedsmilespreadingoverherface.“MygrandfatherdiedinaretirementhomeinFloridatwoyearsago.Ihaveabrother—oneIdon’tremember,unfortunately—hegotsentawaytoboardingschoolwhenweweretwelveandjoinedthemilitaryassoonasheturnedeighteen.Apparentlyhe’stheproblemchildofthefamily.”Shetookadeepbreath.“I’mnotavampire.Notevenahalfvampire.Notnow.”
Alaricwasstillstaringather.“Wow,”hesaid.“Waitaminute.DoesthatmeanthatKlausisstillalive?Couldhecomehere,comeafteryourfamilynow?”
“Ithoughtofthat,”Meredithsaid,gladtoaddressthepracticalities.“Idon’tthinkso.ElenaaskedtheGuardianstochangeFell’sChurchsoitwasasifKlausnevercamehere.Shedidn’taskthemtochangeKlausandhisexperience.Forhim,Ithink,logically,hedidcomehere,longago,andnowhe’sdead.”Shesmiledshakily.“Ihopeso,anyway.”
“Soyou’resafe,”Alaricsaid,“assafeasavampirehuntermightbe.Isthatallyouneededtotellme?”WhenMeredithnodded,hereachedforherandpulledherbackintohisarms.Holdinghertightly,hesaid.“Iwouldhavelovedyouwithsharpteeth,too.ButI’msogladforyou.”
Meredithclosedhereyes.Shehadneededtotellhim,toknowhowhewouldhavereactediftheGuardianshadn’tchangedeverything.Agreatwarminggladnessspreadallthroughher.
Alaricpressedhislipsagainstherhair.
“Wait,”shesaidoncemore,andhereleasedher,lookinginquisitive.
“Thecookies.”Meredithlaughedandputthemintheoven,settingthetimerfortenminutes.
Theykisseduntilthebuzzerrang.
“Areyousureyou’llbeokayalone?”Mattaskedanxiously,standingbyBonnie’sbed.“I’llberightdownstairsifyouneedanything.OrmaybeIshouldstayhere.Icouldsleeponyourfloor.IknowIsnore,butI’dtrynotto,Iswear.”
Bonniegavehimabravelittlesmile.“I’llbefine,Matt.Thankyousomuch.”
Withonelastworriedglance,Mattpattedherhandawkwardly,thenlefttheroom.Bonnieknewhewouldtossandturnonhisownbed,thinkingofwaystokeephersafe.Probablyhewouldendupsleepingontheflooroutsideherdoor,shethought,givingadelightedlittlewriggle.
“Sleepwell,mydear,”saidMrs.Flowers,takinghisplacebyBonnie’sbedside.“IhavecastalltheprotectivecharmsIknowaroundyou.Ihopeyoulikethetea.It’smyownspecialbrew.”
“Thankyou,Mrs.Flowers,”Bonniesaid.“Goodnight.”
“Youareenjoyingthiswaytoomuch,”saidMeredith,whocameinnextcarryingaplateofcookies.Shewaslimping,buthadinsistedthatshedidn’tneedacaneorcrutchaslongasheranklewasbandaged.
Infact…BonnietookacloserlookatMeredith.Hercheekswereflushed,andherusuallysmoothhairwasalittlemussed.Ithinkshe’sverygladthatCelia’sgonetoUVA,Bonniethoughtwithasmirk.
“I’mjusttryingtokeepmyspiritsup,”Bonniesaidwithamischievoussmile.“Andyouknowwhattheysay:Whenlifegivesyoulemons,makelemonade.MylemonadeishavingMatttryingtofulfillmyeveryneed.It’stoobadwedon’thavemoreboysaroundhere.”
“Don’tforgetaboutAlaric,”saidMeredith.“Hehelpedmakethecookies.Andhe’sdownstairsresearchingeverythinghecanthatmightberelatedtothis.”
“Ah,everyonecateringtome,that’swhatIlike,”Bonniejoked.“DidItellyouhowmuchIenjoyedthedinneryoumade?Allmyfavorites…itwaslikemybirthday.Ormylastmeal,”sheaddedmoresoberly.
Meredithfrowned.“Areyousureyoudon’twantmetostayinhere?Iknowwe’veprotectedthehouseaswellaswecan,butwedon’treallyknowwhatwe’refighting.Andjustbecausethelastcoupleofattackstookplaceindaylightwiththewholegrouparound,itdoesn’tnecessarilymeanthat’sthewaytheyhavetobe.Whatifwhateverthisiscangetpastourdefenses?”
“Iwillbefine,”saidBonnie.Intellectuallysheknewshewasindanger,butoddly,shedidn’tfeelscared.Shewasinahousewithpeopleshetrusted,allofwhomwerefocusedwholeheartedlyonhersafety.Besides,shehadaplanforthenight—somethingshecouldn’tdoifMeredithsleptintheroom.
“Areyousure?”Meredithfretted.
“Yes,”Bonniesaidemphatically.“Ifsomethingbadwasgoingtohappentometonight,I’dknowinadvance,right?BecauseI’mpsychic,andIgetwarningsaboutthings.”
“Hmmm,”saidMeredith,quirkingoneeyebrow.Foramomentshelookedlikeshewasgoingtoargue.Bonniekepthergazefirm.Finally,MeredithputthetrayofcookiesonthetablebythebednexttotheteapotandcupMatthadbroughtupearlier,pulledthecurtainsacrossthewindow,andlookedanxiouslyaroundtoseewhatelsecouldbedone.
“Okay,then,”shesaid.“I’llberightnextdoorifyouneedme.”
“Thanks,Mer.Goodnight.”Assoonastheknobclickedintoplace,Bonnielaybackinbedandbitintoacookie.Delicious.
Aslowsmilebloomedonherlips.Shewasthecenterofattentionnow,asifshewereaVictorianheroinebravelysufferingfromsomekindofwastingillness.Shehadbeenencouragedtopickoutherfavoriteoftheboardinghouse’smanybedroomsandhadchosenthisone.Itwasacharmingroomwithcreamyrose-patternedwallpaperandamaplesleighbed.
Matthadn’tlefthersideallnight.Mrs.Flowershadfussedaroundher,fluffingpillowsandofferingherherbaltonics,andAlarichadbeenconscientiouslyresearchingprotectionspellsinallthegrimoireshecouldfind.EvenCelia,whohadneverbeenanythingbutsnippytoherabouther“visions,”promisedbeforeshelefttoletherknowassoonasshefoundsomethinghelpful.
Bonnieturnedonherside,inhalingthesweetscentofMrs.Flowers’stea.Hereinthiscozyroom,itwasimpossibletofeellikesheneededprotection,thatshecouldbeindangerthisverysecond.
Butwasshe?Whatwasthetimeframeafterone’snamewascalled?AfterCelia’snamehadappeared,shehadbeenattackedwithinthehour.AfterMeredith’shadappeared,shehadn’tbeenattackeduntilthenextday.Maybethingsweregettingmorespacedout.MaybeBonniewasn’tgoingtobeindangeruntiltomorroworthenextday.Ornextweek.AndDamon’snamehadappearedbeforeBonnie’sdid.
Bonnie’sskintingledatthethoughtofDamon’snameinlakeweeds.Damonwasdead.Shehadseenhimdie—andinfacthe’ddiedforher(althougheveryoneelse,intheircompassionforElena,seemedtohaveforgottenthat).Buttheappearanceofhisnamemustmeansomething.Andshewasdeterminedtofigureoutjustwhat.
Shelistened.ShecouldhearthesoundsofMeredithmovingaroundintheroomnextdoorwithasteadythumpingthatsuggestedshewaspracticingwithherstave,andfromdownbelowcamethefaintvoicesofMatt,Alaric,andMrs.Flowerstalkinginthestudy.
Bonniecouldwait.Shepouredherselfacupoftea,crunchedonanothercookie,andwiggledhertoespleasurablyunderthesoftpinksheets.Shesortoflikedbeingasupernaturalinvalid.
Anhourlater,shehadfinishedhercupofteaandallthecookies,andthehousewasquieter.Itwastime.
Sheclimbedoutofbed,hertoo-longpolka-dottedpajamapantsflappingaroundherankles,andopenedherovernightbag.WhileMeredithhadwaiteddownstairsatherhouse,shehadpriedupthelooseboardbyherbedandtakenoutTraversingtheBoundariesBetweentheQuickandtheDead,abookofmatches,asilverknife,andthefourcandlessheneededfortheritual.Nowshetookthemoutofherbagandrolledbacktherugbythebedsoshecouldcrouchonthefloor.
Tonight,nothingwasgoingtostopher.ShewasgoingtoreachDamon.Maybehecouldtellherwhatwasgoingon.Ormaybehewasinsomesortofdanger,inwhateverplanedeadvampiresendedupon,andneededtobewarned.
Inanycase,shemissedhim.Bonniehunchedhershouldersandwrappedherarmsaroundherselfforamoment.Damon’sdeathhadhurther,notthatanyonehadnoticed.Everyone’sattention,everyone’ssympathies,hadbeendirectedtowardElena.Asusual.
Bonniegotbacktowork.Quickly,shelitthefirstcandleand,drippingwaxonthefloortoanchoritupright,placedittohernorth.“FireintheNorth,protectme,”shewhispered.Shelittheminwiddershinsorder:blacktothenorth,whitetothewest,blacktothesouth,whitetotheeast.Whenthecircleofprotectionwascompletearoundher,sheclosedhereyesandsatquietlyforafewmoments,focusingherself,reachingtofindthepowerathercenter.
Whensheopenedhereyes,shetookadeepbreath,pickedupthesilverknife,andquickly,withoutgivingherselftimetowimpout,cutagashacrossherleftpalm.
“Ouch,”shemuttered,andturnedherhandover,drippingbloodonthefloorinfrontofher.Thenshedabbedthefingersofherrighthandinthebloodandsmearedabitoneachcandle.
Bonnie’sskintingledpainfullyasmagicrosearoundher.Hersenseshoned,andshecouldseetinymovementsintheair,asifflashesoflightwereappearinganddisappearingjustoutofsight.
“‘ThroughthedarknessIcalltoyou,’”sheintoned.Shedidn’tneedtolookatthebook;shehadmemorizedthispart.“‘WithmybloodIcalltoyou;withfireandsilverIcalltoyou.Hearmethroughthecoldbeyondthegrave.Hearmethroughtheshadowsbeyondthenight.Isummonyou.Ihaveneedofyou.Hearmeandcome!’”
Theroomwentstill.Itwasthestillnessofexpectation,asifsomegreatcreaturewereholdingitsbreath.Bonniefeltlikeanentireaudiencestoodaroundher,suspendedineagerness.Theveilbetweentheworldswasabouttolift.Shehadnodoubts.
“DamonSalvatore,”shesaidclearly.“Cometome.”
Nothinghappened.
“DamonSalvatore,”Bonniesaidagain,lessconfidently,“cometome.”
Thetension,thefeelingofmagicintheroomwasbeginningtodissipate,asifherinvisibleaudiencewerequietlycreepingaway.
YetBonnieknewthespellhadworked.Shehadafunny,blank,cutofffeeling,likewhenshewastalkingonthephoneandhercarriersuddenlydroppedthecall.Hercallhadgonethrough,shewassureofit,buttherewasnooneontheotherend.Onlywhatdiditmean?WasDamon’ssouljust…gone?
SuddenlyBonnieheardsomething.Alightbreathing,justasmidgeoutoftimewithherown.
Therewassomeonerightbehindher.
Thehairsroseonthebackofherneck.Shehadn’tbrokenthecircleofprotection.Nothingshouldbeabletocrossintothatcircle,certainlynospirit,butwhoeverwasbehindherwasinsidethecircle,soclosetoBonniethattheywerealmosttouchingher.
Bonniefroze.Thenslowly,carefully,sheputdownherhandandfeltfortheknife.“Damon?”shewhispereduncertainly.
Atinklinglaughsoundedbehindher,followedbyalowvoice.“Damondoesn’twanttotalktoyou.”Thevoicewashoney-sweet,butsomehowalsopoisonous-sounding,insidiousandoddlyfamiliar.
“Whynot?”Bonnieaskedshakily.
“Hedoesn’tloveyou,”thevoicesaidinasoft,persuasivetone.“Heneverevennoticedyouwerethere,unlesstherewassomethinghewantedfromyou.OrperhapsifhewantedtomakeElenajealous.Youknowthat.”
Bonnieswallowed,tooafraidtoturnaround,tooafraidtoseewhothevoicebelongedto.
“DamonsawonlyElena.DamonlovedonlyElena.Evennowthathe’sdeadandlosttoher,hewon’thearyoucalling,”thevoicelilted.“Nobodylovesyou,Bonnie.EveryonelovesElena,andthat’showshelikesit.Elenakeepseveryoneforherself.”
AburningsensationbeganbehindBonnie’seyes,andasinglehottearrandownhercheek.
“Noonewilleverloveyou,”thevoicewhispered.“Notwhenyou’restandingnexttoElena.WhydoyouthinknooneeversawyouasanythingbutElena’sfriend?Allthewaythroughschool,shewasstandinginthesunshineandyouwerehiddeninhershadow.Elenamadesureofthat.Shecouldn’tbeartosharethespotlight.”
ThewordsrattledinsideBonnie’smind,andsuddenlysomethinginsidehershifted.Theicyterrorshe’dfeltjustmomentsagohadthawed,makingwayforroilinganger.
Thevoicewasright.Whyhadsheneverseenitbefore?ElenawasBonnie’sfriendonlybecauseBonniewasafoilforherownbeauty,herownsparkle.ShehadbeenusingherforyearswithoutcaringhowBonniefeltatall.
“Shecaresonlyaboutherself,”Bonniesaid,halfsobbing.“Whycan’tanyoneseethat?”Sheshovedthebookawayfromheranditknockedovertheblackcandletohernorth,breakingthecircle.Thewicksmokedandguttered,andallfourcandleswentout.
“Ahhhh,”saidthevoiceinsatisfaction,andtendrilsofdarkfogbegantocreepfromthecornersoftheroom.Justasquicklyasherfearhadlefther,itsnappedback.Bonniespunaround,holdingtheknife,readytofacethevoice,buttherewasnoonethere—justdark,amorphousfog.
Hysteriawellingwithinher,shegottoherfeetandstumbledtowardthedoor.Butthefogmovedquickly,andsoonBonniewasenvelopedinit.Somethingfellwithaclatter.Shecouldn’tseemorethanafewinches.Bonnieopenedhermouthandtriedtoscream,butthefogflowedoverherlips,andherscreamturnedintoamuffledmoan.Shefelthergripontheknifeloosenanditdroppedtothefloorwithadullclank.Hervisiongrewblurry.Bonnietriedtoliftherfootbutcouldbarelymove.
Then,blindedbythefog,shelostherbalanceandpitchedforwardintodarkness.Chapter21
Whensheopenedhereyes,Elenafoundherselfinsomeone’sattic.Itswidewoodenfloorboardsandlowrafterswerethickwithdust,andthelongroomwascrowdedwithobjects:ahammock,sleds,skis,boxeswithwordslikeXmasortoddlertoysorB’swinterclothesscribbledontheminblackmarker.Oilclothsweredrapedoverlargerobjectsthatmightbefurniture,chairsandtables,bytheirshapes.
Atthefarendoftheroomanoldmattresslayonthefloor,withanoilclothcrumpledatoneend,asifsomeonesleepingtherehadbeenusingitasamakeshiftblanketandhadshoveditoffwhentheyrose.
Fainttracesofpalelightshowedaroundtheedgesofasmallshutteredwindowatthenearerendoftheattic.Therewasasoftrustling,asifmiceweregoingabouttheirprivatebusinessbehindtheshelterofthestoredfurniture.
Itwasallweirdlyfamiliar.
Shelookedbacktowardthefarendoftheatticandsaw,withoutthefaintestsenseofsurprise,thatDamonwasnowsittingontheoldmattress,hislongblack-cladlegsdrawnup,hiselbowsrestingonhisknees.Hewasmanagingtogivetheappearanceoflounginggracefullydespitehisawkwardposition.
“Theplaceswherewemeetaregettinglessandlesselegant,”shetoldhimdryly.
Damonlaughedandhelduphishandsindenial.“Youpickthelocations,princess,”hesaid.“Thisisyourshow.I’mjustalongfortheride.”Hepausedthoughtfully.“Okay,that’snotentirelytrue,”heconfessed.“Butyoudopickthelocations.Wherearewe,anyway?”
“Youdon’tknow?”Elenasaidwithmockindignation.“Thisisaveryspecialplaceforus,Damon!Fullofmemories!YoubroughtmehererightafterIbecameavampire,remember?”
Helookedaround.“Oh,yes.Theatticofthehousewheretheteacherwasstaying.Convenientatthetime,butyou’reright—anelegantsettingsuitsusbothmuchbetter.MayIsuggestanicepalacenexttime?”Hepattedthemattressnexttohim.
Elena,crossingthefloortowardhim,tookamomenttomarvelathowrealisticanddetailedherdreamwas.Eachstepshetooksenttinypuffsofdustupfromthefloor.Therewasaslightscentofmildew:Shecouldn’tremembereverhavingsmelledanythinginadreambeforethesevisionsofDamon.
Whenshesatdown,themildewsmellgotstronger.ShenestledclosetoDamonanyway,restingherheadonhisshoulder,andhisleatherjacketcreakedasheputhisarmaroundher.Elenaclosedhereyesandsighed.Shefeltsafeandsecurewithinhisembrace,feelingsshehadneverassociatedwithDamon,buttheyweregoodones.“Imissyou,Damon,”shesaid.“Pleasecomebacktome.”
Damonleanedhischeekagainstherhead,andshebreathedinthesmellofhim.LeatherandsoapandthestrangebutpleasantwoodsyscentthatwasDamon’sown.“I’mrighthere,”hesaid.
“Notreally,”Elenasaid,andhereyesfilledwithtearsagain.Shewipedthemroughlyawaywiththebacksofherhands.“ItfeelslikeI’vebeendoingnothingbutcryinglately,”shesaid.“WhenI’mherewithyouIfeelsafer,though.Butit’sjustadream.Itwon’tlast,thisfeeling.”
Damonstiffened.“Safer?”hesaid,andtherewasastrainednoteinhisvoice.“Youaren’tsafewhenyou’renotwithme?Isn’tmylittlebrotherlookingafteryouproperly?”
“Oh,Damon,youcan’timagine,”Elenasaid.“Stefan…”Shetookadeepbreath,putherheadinherhands,andbegantosob.
“Whatisit?What’shappened?”askedDamonsharply.WhenElenadidn’tanswer,justcontinuedtocry,hetookherhandsandtuggedthemgentlybutfirmlyawayfromherface.“Elena,”hesaid.“Lookatme.HassomethinghappenedtoStefan?”
“No,”saidElenathroughhertears.“Well,yes,sortof…Idon’treallyknowwhat’shappenedtohim,buthe’schanged.”Damonwaslookingatherintently,hisnight-blackeyesfixedonhers,andElenamadeanefforttopullherselftogether.Shehatedactinglikethis,soweakandpathetic,sobbingonsomeone’sshoulderinsteadofcoollyformulatingasolutiontotheproblemathand.Shedidn’twantDamon,evenadreamDamonwhowasjustpartofhersubconscious,seeingherlikethis.Shesniffledandwipedhereyeswiththebackofherhand.
Damondelvedintoaninnerpocketofhisleatherjacketandhandedheraneatlyfoldedwhitehandkerchief.Elenastaredatit,thenathim,andheshrugged.“I’manold-fashionedgentleman,sometimes,”hesaid,straight-faced.“Hundredsofyearsoflinenhandkerchiefs.Somehabitsarehardtobreak.”
Elenablewhernoseandwipedhercheeks.Shedidn’tquiteknowwhattodowiththesoggyhandkerchief—itseemedgrosstohanditbacktoDamon—soshejustheldontoit,twistingitbetweenherhandsasshethought.
“Nowtellmeaboutwhat’sgoingon.What’swrongwithStefan?Whathappenedtohim?”Damoncommanded.
“Well…”Elenasaidslowly,“Idon’tknowwhat’swrongwithStefan,andIdon’tknowifanythinghappenedtochangehimthatyoudon’talreadyknowabout.Maybehe’sjustreactingtoyour…youknow.”ItsuddenlyseemedweirdtorefertoDamon’sdeathwhenhewassittingnexttoher—impolitesomehow—butDamonnoddedathertogoon.“It’sbeenhardonhim.Andhe’sbeenevenmoretenseandweirdforthelastcoupleofdays.Then,earlierthisevening,Iwasvisitingmyparentsinthecemetery…”ShetoldDamonaboutStefan’sattackonCaleb.“TheworstpartisthatIneversuspectedthissideofStefanexisted,”shefinished.“Ican’tthinkofanyrealreasonhehadtoattackCaleb—hejustclaimedthatCalebwantedme,andthathewasdangerous,butCalebhadn’tdoneanything—andStefanseemedsoirrational,andsoviolent.Hewaslikeanotherperson.”
Elena’seyeswerefillingwithtearsagain,andDamonpulledhercloser,strokingherhairandgentlypepperingherfacewithsoftkisses.Elenaclosedhereyesandgraduallyrelaxedintohisarms.Damonheldhermorefirmly,andhiskissesgotsloweranddeeper.Thenhewascradlingherheadwithhisstrong,gentlehandsandkissinghermouth.
“Oh,Damon,”shemurmured.Thiswasmorevividthananydreamshe’deverhad.Hislipsweresoftandwarm,withjustalittleroughnesstothem,anditfeltlikeshewasfallingintohim.“Wait.”Hekissedhermoreinsistentlybut,whenshepulledaway,lethergo.
“Wait,”Elenarepeated,sittingupstraight.SomehowshehadlainbackuntilshewashalfrecliningacrossthemustyoldmattresswithDamon,herlegsentangledwithhis.Shemovedawayfromhim,towardtheedgeofthemattress.“Damon,whatever’sgoingonwithStefanscaresme.Butthatdoesn’tmean…Damon,I’mstillinlovewithStefan.”
“Youloveme,too,youknow,”Damonsaidlightly.Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.“You’renotgettingridofmethateasily,princess.”
“Idoloveyou,”Elenasaid.Hereyesweredrynow.Shethoughtshemightbeallcriedout,atleastforthemoment.Hervoicewasquitesteadyassheadded,“I’llalwaysloveyou,Iguess.Butyou’redead.”AndStefanismytruelove,ifIhadtochoosebetweenyou,shethought,butdidnotsay.Whatwasthepoint?“I’msorry,Damon,”shewenton,“butyou’regone.AndI’llalwaysloveStefan,butsuddenlyI’mafraidofhim,ofwhathemightdo.Idon’tknowwhat’sgoingtohappentous.Ithoughtthingswouldbeeasynowthatwe’rehomeagain,butawfulthingsarestillhappening.”
Damonsighedandlaybackonthemattress.Hestaredupattheceilinginsilenceforamoment.“Listen,”hesaidfinally,lacinghisfingersacrosshischest.“You’vealwaysunderestimatedStefan’spotentialforviolence.”
“He’snotviolent,”Elenasaidhotly.“Hedoesn’tevendrinkhumanblood.”
“Hedoesn’tdrinkhumanbloodbecausehedoesn’twanttobeviolent.Hedoesn’twanttohurtanyone.ButElena”—Damonreachedoutandtookherhand—“mylittlebrother’sgotatemper.Iknowthatifanyonedoes.”
Elenashivered.Sheknewthat,backwhentheywerehumans,StefanandDamonhadkilledeachotherinafitofrageoverwhattheythoughtwasKatherine’sdeath.Katherine’sbloodhadbeeninboththeirsystems,andtheyhadrisenagainasvampiresthatnight.Theirangerandjealousyoveralostlovehaddestroyedthemboth.
“However,”Damoncontinued,“muchasitpainsmetoadmitit,Stefanwouldneverhurtyou,andwouldn’thurtanyoneelsewithoutarealreason.Notwithoutthekindofreasonyouwouldapproveof.Notthesedays.Hemighthaveatemper,buthe’salsogotaconscience.”Hesmirkedalittleandadded,“Anannoying,self-righteouskindofconscience,ofcourse,butit’sthere.Andhelovesyou,Elena.You’rethewholeworldtohim.”
“Maybeyou’reright,”Elenasaid.“I’mscared,though.AndIwishyouweretherewithme.”Shelookedathim,assleepyandconfidingasatiredchildnow.“Damon,Iwishyouweren’tdead.Imissyou.Pleasecomebacktome.”
Damonsmiledandkissedhersoftly.ButthenhepulledawayandElenacouldfeelthedreamchanging.Shetriedtoclingtothemoment,butitfadedandDamonwaslosttoheragain.
“Pleasebecareful,Damon,”saidSage,worrylinesmarringhisbronzedforehead.
Itwasn’toftenthatthemuscularKeeperoftheGateslookedworried—orspokeonlyonelanguageatatime—buteversinceDamonhadstaggeredbackfromdeathandoutoftheashes,SagehadspokensoftlyandclearlytohiminEnglish,treatingthevampireasifhewerelikelytoshatteratanyminute.
“Iusuallyamcareful,”saidDamon,leaningagainstthewallofwhattheycalled,forwantofabetterterm,themysticalelevator.“UnlessI’mbeingheart-stoppinglybrave,ofcourse.”Thewordswereright,buttoDamon’sownears,hisvoicesoundedoff:hoarseandhesitant.
Sageseemedtohearthewrongnessthere,too,andhishandsomefacefurrowedinafrown.“Youcanstaylongerifyouwant.”
Damonleanedbackagainsttheplainwhitewall.“Ihavetogo,”hesaidwearily,forwhatfeltlikethemillionthtime.“She’sindanger.Butthankyouforeverything,Sage.”
Hewouldn’tbeherenowwithoutSage.ThepowerfulvampirehadcleanedDamonup,givenhimclothes—stylishblackclothesintherightsize—andfedhimbloodandrichBlackMagicwineuntilDamonhadbeenhauledbackfromtheedgeofdeathandrealizedwhohewasagain.
But…Damondidn’tfeellikehimself.Therewasastrangeemptyacheinsidehim,asifhe’dleftsomethingbehind,burieddeepundertheash.
Sagewasstillfrowning,staringathimwithgraveconcern.DamonpulledhimselftogetherandgaveSageasuddenbrilliantsmile.“Wishmeluck,”hesaid.
Thesmilehelped:Theothervampire’sfacerelaxed.“Bonnechance,monami,”hesaid.“Iwishyoutheverybestofluck.”
Bilingualagain,Damonthought.Imustbelookingbetter.
“Fell’sChurch,”hesaidintotheemptyair.“TheUnitedStates,themortalrealm.SomewhereIcanhide.”
HeraisedahandinsolemnsalutetoSageandpushedtheelevator’ssinglebutton.
Elenawokeupindarkness.Sheranaquickandautomaticmentalcheck:smooth,fabric-softener-scentedcottonsheets,dimlightfromthewindowpastthefootofherbedontheright,thefaintsoundofRobertsnoringinhisandAuntJudith’sbedroomattheotherendofthehall.Herownoldfamiliarroom.Homeagain.
Sheheavedadeepsigh.Shedidn’tfeelquiteasmiredindespairasshehadwhensheclimbedintobed;thingsweredark,butshecouldadmittherewasapossibilitytheymightsomedaygetbetteragain.Buthereyesandthroatfeltrawfromcrying.ShemissedDamonsomuch.
Afloorboardcreaked.Elenastiffened.Sheknewthatcreak.Itwasthehigh,complainingwhinethefloorboardovernearherwindowgaveifyousteppedrightinthemiddleofit.Someonewasinherroom.
Elenalayverystill,runningthroughthepossibilities.Stefanwouldhaveannouncedhimselfassoonasheheardhersigh.WasitMargaret,quietlywanderingintocrawlintobedwithElena?
“Margaret?”sheaskedsoftly.
Therewasnoanswer.Herearsstraining,Elenathoughtshecouldmakeoutthesoundofslow,heavybreathing.
Suddenlythelamponherdeskwasswitchedon,andElenawastemporarilydazzledbythebrightlight.Shecouldseeonlythesilhouetteofadarkfigure.
Thenhervisioncleared.Andatthefootofherbed,ahalfsmileonhischiseledface,darkeyeswary,asifhewasunsureofhiswelcome,stoodafiguredressedallinblack.
Damon.Chapter22
Elenacouldn’tbreathe.Shecouldvaguelyfeelhermouthopeningandclosing,butshefoundshewasn’tabletosayanything.Herhandsandfeethadgonenumb.
Damongaveheranalmostshysmile—whichwasfunny,becauseDamondidn’tdoshy—andshrugged.“Well,princess?Youwantedmetobeherewithyou,didn’tyou?”
Asifarubberbandholdingherbackhadsnapped,ElenaleapedoutofbedandhurtledintoDamon’sarms.
“Areyoureal?”shesaid,halfsobbing.“Isthisreal?”Shekissedhimfiercely,andhemetherkisswithequalfervor.Hefeltreal,coolskinandleather,thesurprisingsoftnessofhislipsfamiliarunderhers.
“HereIam,”hemurmuredintoherhairashepulledherclosetohim.“It’sreal,Ipromiseyou.”
Elenasteppedbackandsmackedhimhardacrosstheface.Damonglaredatherandreacheduptorubhischeek.“Ouch,”hesaid,andthencrackedanarrow,irritatingsmile.“Ican’tsaythatwascompletelyunexpected—Igetslappedbywomenmoreoftenthanyou’dthinkpossible—butnotanicewelcomeforthelong-lostlove,sweetheart.”
“Howcouldyou?”Elenasaid,dry-eyednowandfurious.“Howcouldyou,Damon?We’veallbeenmourningyou.Stefan’sfallingapart.Bonnieblamesherself.I…I…Apieceofmyheartdied.Howlonghaveyoubeenwatchingus?Didn’tyoucare?Wasthisallsomekindofjoketoyou?Didyoulaughwhenwecried?”
Damonwinced.“Darling,”hesaid.“Myprincess.Aren’tyougladtoseemeatall?”
“OfcourseIam!”saidElenaindignantly.Shetookabreathandcooleddownalittle.“But,Damon,whatwereyouthinking?Weallthoughtyouweredead!Permanentlydead,notshow-up-in-my-bedroom-a-few-days-later-looking-perfectly-healthydead!What’sgoingon?DidtheGuardiansdothis?Theytoldmetheycouldn’twhenIbeggedthemto,thatdeathispermanentforavampireonceithappens.”
Damongracedherwithagenuine,laughingsmile.“Well,youofallpeopleoughttoknowthatdeathisn’talwayspermanent.”
Elenashruggedandwrappedherarmsaroundherself.“TheytoldmethatwhenIcameback,itwasdifferent,”shesaidinasmallvoice,heremotionszigzaggingallovertheplace.Becauseyou’reinshock,atinyvoiceatthebackofherheadsaidwisely.“Mysticalstuff,youknow.Mytimewasn’tup.Hey!”Shepokedhimwithonefinger,perkingup.“Areyouhumannow?IwashumanwhenIreturned.”
Damongavealong,theatricalshudder.“Godforbid.Ihadenoughofthatwhenthatmeddlingkitsunemademeamortal.Thankheaven—orwhoever—Idon’thavetogolookingforanobligingvampireprincesstoturnmebackthistime.”HegrinnedslylyatElena.“I’masbloodsuckingasever,darling.”Heeyedherneck.“Speakingofwhich,I’mratherhungry….”
Elenasmackedhimagain,thoughmoregentlythistime.“Knockitoff,Damon.”
“CanIsitdownnow?”Damonaskedand,whenshenodded,settledhimselfonthefootofherbedanddrewherdowntositbesidehim.Elenalookedsearchinglyintohiseyes,thengentlytracedherhandoverhissharpcheekbones,hissculptedmouth,hissoftravenhair.
“Youweredead,Damon,”shesaidquietly.“Iknowit.Isawyoudie.”
“Yes,”hesaid,andsighed.“Ifeltmyselfdie.Itwashorriblypainfulanditseemedtobothgoonforeverandbeoverinafewmoments.”Heshuddered.“Therewasalittlebitleftofmeeventhenthough”—Elenanodded—“andStefantoldme,toldhim,toflyaway.Andyouheldhim—heldme—andtoldmetoclosemyeyes.Andthenthatlastlittlebitofmewasgone,too,andeventhepainwasgone.Andthen…Icameback.”Damon’sdarkeyeswerewidewithrememberedwonder.
“Buthow?”askedElena.
“Rememberthestarball?”
“HowcouldIforget?Itwastherootofallourproblemswiththekitsune.ItwasvaporizedwhenI…Oh,Damon,IusedmyWingsofDestructiononthetreeontheNetherWorld’smoon.Buttheydestroyedthekitsune’sstarball,too,andIhadtogototheGuardianstosaveFell’sChurch.TheWingsofDestructionwere…likenothingI’veeverseenorfeltbefore.”Sheshivered.
“I’veseenwhatyoudidtothatmoon,”Damonsaid,smilingslightly.“Woulditmakeyoufeelbetter,mylovelyangel,ifyouknewthatusingyourPowerslikethatanddestroyingthestarballiswhatsavedme?”
“Don’tcallmethat,”saidElena,scowling.TheGuardiansweretheclosestthingshehadeverseentorealangels,andshedidnothavefondmemoriesofthem.“Howdiditsaveyou?”
“Dotheyexplainhowcondensationworksinmodernschools?”Damonaskedwiththesuperciliousexpressionhealwaysworewhenheteasinglycriticizedherworldincomparisontotheonehehadgrownupin.“Isitallsexeducation,empathy,andsecond-ratenovelsnow,ordotheystilltellthechildrenalittleaboutscience?Iknowthey’vedroppedLatinandGreekinfavoroftheaterandconsciousness-raising.”Hisvoicedrippedwithcontempt.
Elenatoldherselfnottorisetohisbait.Insteadshefoldedherhandsneatlyinfrontofherinherlap.“Ithinkyoumaybeafewdecadesout-of-date.Butplease,Owiseone,”shesaid,“assumethatmyeducationdidn’tincludetheconnectionbetweencondensationandrisingfromthedead,andenlightenme.”
“Nice.”Damonsmirked.“Iliketoseeayoungwomanwhoisrespectfulofhereldersandbetters.”Elenacockedaneyebrowathimwarningly.“Anyway,”hecontinued,“theliquidinthestarball,thepuremagic,didn’tvanish.It’snotthateasytogetridofreallystrongmagic.Astheatmospherecooled,themagicturnedfromvaporbackintoliquidandfelldownonme,withtherainofash.IwassoakinginpurePowerforhours,graduallybeingreborn.”
Elena’smouthdroppedopen.“Thosesneaks,”shesaidindignantly.“TheGuardianstoldmeyouweregoneforgood,andtheytookallthetreasureswebribedthemwith,too.”Shethoughtbrieflyoftheonelasttreasureshestillhad,awaterbottlefulloftheWaterofEternalYouth,hiddenhighupontheshelfinhercloset,andpushedthethoughtaway.Shecouldn’tevenacknowledgethathiddentreasuretoherselfformorethanamoment,forfeartheGuardianswouldrealizeshehadit,andshecouldn’tuseit…notyet,maybenotever.
Damonshruggedoneshoulder.“Theydocheat,sometimes,Ihear.Butit’smorelikelythistimethattheythoughttheyweretellingthetruth.Theydon’tknoweverything,eventhoughtheyliketopretendtheydo.Andkitsuneandvampiresarebothalittleoutsidetheirareaofexpertise.”
Hetoldherhowhehadwoken,burieddeepinashandmud,clawedhiswaytothesurface,andsetoffacrossthedesolatemoon,notknowingwhohewasorwhathadhappenedtohim,andhowhehadalmostdiedagain,andthatSagehadsavedhim.
“Andthenwhat?”Elenaaskedeagerly.“Howdidyouremembereverything?HowdidyougetbacktoEarth?”
“Well,”saidDamon,turningaslight,fondsmileonher,“that’safunnystory.”Hereachedintoaninnerpocketofhisleatherjacketandpulledoutaneatlyfoldedwhitelinenhandkerchief.Elenablinked.Itlookedlikethesamehandkerchiefhehadgivenherinherdream.Damonnoticedherexpressionandsmiledmorewidely,asthoughheknewwhereshewasrecognizingitfrom.HeunfoldeditandhelditoutforElena’sinspection.
Cradledinsidethehandkerchiefweretwostrandsofhair.Veryfamiliarhair,Elenarealized.SheandBonniehadeachcutoffalockofhairandplacedthemonDamon’sbody,wantingtoleaveapartofthemselveswithhim,sincetheycouldn’ttakehisbodyoffthedesolatemoonwiththem.Beforehernowlayacurlingredlockandawavinggoldone,asbrightandshinyasiftheyhadjustbeencutfromfreshlywashedheads,ratherthanleftonaworldwithashfallingallaround.
Damongazedatthelockswithanexpressionmadeupoftendernessandalittleawe.Elenathoughtthatshehadneverseensuchanopen,almosthopefullookfromhim.
“ThePowerfromthestarballsavedthese,too,”hesaid.“Firsttheywereburnedalmosttoash,butthentheyregenerated.Iheldthemandstudiedthemandcherishedthem,andyoustartedtocomebacktome.Sagehadgivenmemyname,anditsoundedrighttome,butIcouldn’trecallanythingelseaboutmyself.ButasIheldtheselocksofhair,Igraduallyrememberedwhoyouwere,andwhatwehadbeenthroughtogether,andallthethingsI…”Hepaused.“WhatIknewandfeltaboutyou,andthenIrememberedthelittleredbird,too,andtheneverythingelsecamefloodingbackandIwasmyselfagain.”
Heglancedawayandlostthesentimentallook,smoothinghisfaceintoitsusualcoolexpression,asifembarrassed,thenfoldedthelocksofhairbackinsidethehandkerchiefandtuckeditcarefullyawayintohisjacket.
“Well,”hesaidbriskly,“thenitwasjustamatterofhavingSagelendmesomeclothes,fillmeinonwhatIhadmissed,andgivemealiftbacktoFell’sChurch.AndnowhereIam.”
“Ibethewasamazed,”saidElena,“andecstatic.”ThevampireKeeperoftheGatesBetweenWorldswasadearfriendofDamon’s,theonlyfriendofDamon’ssheknewof,otherthanherself.Damon’sacquaintancestendedtobeenemiesoradmirersmoreoftenthanfriends.
“Hewasquitepleased,”Damonadmitted.
“SoyoujustnowmadeitbacktoEarth?”
Damonnodded.
“Well,you’vemissedalothere,”Elenasaid,launchingintoanexplanationofthepastfewdays,startingwithCelia’snamewritteninbloodandendingonCaleb’shospitalization.
“Wow.”Damonletoutalowwhistle.“ButIhavetoassumetheproblemismorethanmylittlebrotheractinglikeamadmanwithCaleb?Because,youknow,thatmaybesimplejealousy.JealousyhasalwaysbeenStefan’sbiggestsin.”Hesaidthelastwithasmugtwisttohislips,andElenaelbowedhimgentlyintheribs.
“Don’tputStefandown,”shesaidreprovingly,andsmiledtoherself.ItfeltsogoodtobescoldingDamonagain.Hereallywashisownmaddening,changeable,wonderfulselfagain.Damonwasback.
Wait.Oh,no.“You’reindanger,too!”Elenagasped,rememberingsuddenlythathecouldstillbetakenfromher.“Yournameappearedearlier,writtenintheweedsthatwereholdingMeredithunderwater.Wedidn’tknowwhatitcouldmean,becausewethoughtyouweredead.But,sinceyou’realive,itseemsyou’rethenexttarget.”Shepaused.“Unlessfallingthroughthesurfaceofthemoonwastheattackonyou.”
“Don’tworryaboutme,Elena.Youareprobablyrightabouttheattackonthemoonbeingmy‘accident.’Buttheyhaven’tbeenverysuccessfulattempts,havethey?”Damonsaidthoughtfully.“Almostasifwhateverthisisisn’ttryingveryhardtokillus.Ihaveafaintinklingaboutwhatmightbecausingthis.”
“Youdo?”askedElena.“Tellme.”
Damonshookhishead.“It’sjustaglimmerrightnow,”hesaid.“Letmegetsomesortofconfirmation.”
“ButDamon,”Elenapleaded,“evenaglimmerismuchmorethantherestofushavebeenabletocomeupwith.Comewithmetomorrowmorningandtelleveryoneaboutit,andwecanallworktogether.”
“Oh,yes,”saidDamon,withamockshudder.“YouandmeandMuttandthevampirehunter,acozygroup.Plusmypiousbrotherandthelittleredwitch.Andtheoldladywitchandtheteacher.No,I’mgoingtodosomemorediggingonmyown.Andwhat’smore,Elena,”hesaid,fixingherwithadarkstare,“you’renottotellanyonethatI’malive.EspeciallynotStefan.”
“Damon!”Elenaprotested.“Youdon’tknowhowabsolutelydevastatedStefanis,thinkingyou’redead.Wehavetolethimknowyou’reallright.”
Damonsmiledwryly.“Ithinkthere’sprobablyapartofStefanthat’sgladenoughtohavemeoutofthepicture.Hedoesn’thaveanyreasontowantmehere.”Elenashookherheadinfuriousdenial,buthewenton.“It’strue.Butmaybeit’stimeforthingstobedifferentbetweenus.Tothatend,IhavetoshowhimthatIcanchange.Inanycase,Ican’tinvestigatethisproperlyifeveryoneknowsI’maround.Keepquietfornow,Elena.”Sheopenedhermouthtoobjectfurther,buthesilencedherwithaquick,fiercekiss.Whentheybrokeapart,hesaid,“Promisemefornow,andI’llpromiseyouthatassoonasIfigurethisout,youcanannouncemyresurrectiontotheworld.”
Elenanoddeddoubtfully.“Ifthat’swhatyoureallywant,Damon,andyoureallythinkit’snecessary,”shesaid.“ButI’mnothappyaboutit.”
Damongottohisfeetandpattedhershoulder.“Thingsaregoingtobedifferentnow,”hesaid.Helookeddownather,hisfaceserious.“I’mnotthesameasIwas,Elena.”
Elenanoddedagain,morefirmlythistime.“I’llkeepyoursecret,Damon,”shepromised.
Damongaveherasmall,tightsmile,thentookthreestepstowardheropenwindow.Inamomenthewasgone,andalargeblackcrowflewoutintothenight.
Chapter23
Thenextmorning,Elenafeltlightandjoyful,asifshewashugginganenormous,wonderfulsecrettoherself.Damonwasstillalive.Hehadbeeninherroomlastnight.
Right?
She’dbeenthroughsomuch,shecouldhardlytrustit.Sheclimbedoutofbed,notingthatthecloudsoutsidewerestillpinkandgoldfromthesunrise,soitmustbeveryearly.Shecarefullymovedtowardthewindow.Shewasn’tsurewhatshewaslookingfor,butshewentdownonherhandsandkneesandscannedthefloorcarefully.
There.Atinypieceofdirtonthesqueakyboard,fallenfromsomeone’sshoe.Andthere,onthewindowsill,thelongscratchesofabird’sclaws.ThatwasproofenoughforElena.
Shestoodupandgaveafunnylittlehopofjoy,clappingherhandstogethersharplyonce,anunstoppablegrinspreadingacrossherface.Damonwasalive!
Thenshetookadeepbreathandstoodstill,willingherfaceintoblankness.Ifshewasreallygoingtokeepthissecret—andshesupposedshewouldhaveto;she’dpromised,afterall—shewasgoingtohavetoactlikenothinghadchanged.Andreally,thingswereprettybadstill,shetoldherself.Ifshethoughtaboutthefacts,sheshouldn’tbecelebratingjustyet.
Damon’sreturnhadn’talteredthefactthatsomethingdarkwasafterElenaandherfriends,orthatStefanwasactingirrationallyandviolently.HerheartsankalittleasshethoughtofStefan,butstillabubbleofhappinesswentthroughher.Damonwasalive!
And,whatwasmore,hehadanideaofwhatmightbegoingon.ItwasexactlylikeDamonathismostinfuriatingtoplaythisideaclosetohischestandnotletherknowwhathewasthinking,butstill,hisglimmerwasmorehopethananyoneelsehadbeenabletoofferyet.Perhapstherewaslightattheendofthetunnelafterall.
ApebblepingedagainstElena’swindow.
Whenshelookedout,shesawStefan,shouldershunched,handsinhispockets,watchingherfromthelawn.Elenawavedtohimtostaywherehewas,threwonjeans,alacywhitetanktop,andshoes,andwentdownstairstomeethim.Therewasdewonthegrass,andElena’sstepsleftfootprints.Thecoolofdawnwasalreadybeingreplacedbydazzlinghotsunshine:ItwasgoingtobeanotherstickyVirginiasummerday.
AssheapproachedStefan,Elenasloweddown.Shedidn’tquiteknowwhattosaytohim.Sincelastnight,everytimeshehadthoughtofStefan,shehadinvoluntarilypicturedCaleb’sbodyflyingthroughtheair,thesickeningcrunchashehitthemarblemonument.Andshecouldn’tstopseeingStefan’ssavageangerashehadattackedhim,althoughDamonhadbeensuretheremusthavebeenareason.Damon.HowwouldsheeverkeepStefanfromguessingthetruthabouthisbrother?
FromthepainedlookonStefan’sface,itwasclearhesensedherapprehension.Heheldouthishand.“Iknowyoudon’tunderstandwhyIdidwhatIdidyesterday,”hesaid,“butthere’ssomethingyouhavetosee.”
Elenastopped,butshedidn’ttakehisoutstretchedhand.Hisfacefellalittlefurther.“Tellmewherewe’regoing,”shesaid.
“IneedtoshowyousomethingthatIfound,”Stefansaidpatiently.“You’llunderstandwhenwegetthere.Please,Elena.Iwouldneverhurtyou.”
Elenastaredathim.SheknewwithoutadoubtthatitwastruethatStefanwouldneverhurther.
“Okay,”shesaid,makinguphermind.“Waithereforaminute.I’llberightback.”
SheleftStefanonthelawnintheearlymorningsunshineassheretreatedintothequietdimnessofthehouse.Everyoneelsewasstillasleep:Aquickglanceattheclockinthekitchentoldheritwasbarelysixo’clock.ShescribbledanotetoAuntJudith,sayingshewasgoingtograbbreakfastwithStefanandwouldbebacklater.Reachingforherpurse,shepausedandmadesurethatadriedsprigofvervainwasstilltuckedinsideit.NotthatshethoughtStefanwouldeverdoanythingtoher…butitneverhurttobeprepared.
Whenshecameoutofthehouse,Stefanusheredherintohiscarparkedatthecurb,openingthepassenger-sidedoorforherandhoveringoverherasshefastenedherseatbelt.
“Howfarawayisit?”Elenaasked.
“Notfar,”Stefansaidsimply.Watchinghimdrive,Elenanoticedtheworrylinesatthecornersofhiseyes,theunhappydroopofhismouth,thetensioninhisshoulders,andwishedshecouldputherarmsaroundhimandcomforthim,raiseherhandandwipethoselinesbyhiseyesaway.Buthermemoriesoftherageonhisfacethedaybeforeheldherback.Shejustcouldn’tmakeherselfreachouttohim.
Theyhadn’tdrivenforlongwhenStefanturnedontoacul-de-sacofexpensivehouses.
Elenaleanedforward.Theywerepullinguptoalargewhitehousefrontedbyaspaciouspillaredporch.Sheknewthatporch.Afterjuniorprom,sheandMatthadsatonitsstepsandwatchedthesunrise,stillwearingtheirclothesfromthedance.ShehadkickedoffhersatinsandalsandlaidherheadagainstMatt’stuxedoedshoulder,listeningdreamilytothemusicandvoicescomingfromtheafter-prompartyinthehousebehindthem.Ithadbeenagoodnightfromadifferentlifetime.
ShestaredatStefanaccusingly.“ThiswasTylerSmallwood’shouse,Stefan.Idon’tknowwhatyou’replanning,butCaleb’snothere.He’sinthehospital.”
Stefansighed.“Iknowhe’snothere,Elena.Hisauntandunclehaven’tbeenhereeither,notforseveraldays,atleast.”
“They’reoutoftown,”Elenasaidautomatically.“AuntJudithtalkedtothemyesterday.”
“That’sgood,”Stefansaidgrimly.“Thenthey’resafe.”Hecastaworriedglanceupanddownthestreet.“You’resureCalebwon’tbeoutofthehospitaltoday?”
“Yes,”saidElenaacidly.“Hewastooinjured.They’rekeepinghimforobservation.”
Elenagotoutofthecar,slammedthedoor,andmarchedtowardtheSmallwoods’house,notlookingbacktoseewhetherStefanwasfollowing.
Hecaughtuptoherinstantly.Shecursedhisvampiricspeedinherheadandwalkedfaster.
“Elena,”hesaid,circlinginfrontofherandforcinghertoastop.“AreyouangrythatIwanttokeepyousafe?”
“No,”shesaidscathingly.“I’mangrythatyoualmostkilledCalebSmallwood.”
Stefan’sfacesaggedwithexhaustionandsorrow,andElenainstantlyfeltguilty.WhateverwasgoingonwithStefan,hestillneededher.Butshedidn’tknowhowtodealwithhisviolence.She’dfalleninlovewithStefanforhispoeticsoul,forhisgentleness.Damonwasthedangerousone.DangerouslooksmuchbetteronDamonthanitdoesonStefan,adryobservingvoiceatthebackofhermindsaid,andElenacouldn’tdenythetruthofit.
“Justshowmewhatyouwantedmetosee,”shefinallysaid.
Stefansighed,thenturnedandledherupthedriveoftheSmallwoods’house.ShehadexpectedhimtogototheSmallwoods’frontdoor,buthecutaroundthesideofthehouseandtowardasmallshedinthebackyard.
“Thetoolshed?”askedElenaquizzically.“Dowehavealawnmowingemergencyweneedtoaddressbeforebreakfast?”
Stefanignoredherjokeandwenttothesheddoor.Elenanoticedthatapadlockthathadheldthedoubledoorshuthadbeenwrenchedapart,pulledtopieces.Ahalfloopofmetalhunguselesslyfromtheshackle.Stefanhadclearlybrokeninearlier.
Elenafollowedhimin.Atfirst,afterthedew-brightmorningoutside,shecouldn’tseeanythinginthedimnessoftheshed.Gradually,sherealizedthatthewallsoftheshedwerelinedwithloosepapers.Stefanreachedoutandshovedthedoorswider,lettingthesunshinestreamintothespace.
Elenapeeredatthepapersonthewallsandthensteppedbackwithasharpgasp:Thefirstthingshehadbeenabletomakeoutwasapictureofherownface.Sheyankedthepaperoffthewallandlookedatitmoreclosely.Itwasaclippingfromthelocalpaper,showingherdressedinasilvergown,dancinginStefan’sarms.Thecaptionunderthepictureread:“RobertE.LeeHighSchoolpromqueenElenaGilbertandpromkingStefanSalvatore.”
Promqueen?Despitetheseriousnessofthesituation,herlipscurledupinasmile.Shereallyhadfinishedhighschoolinablazeofglory,hadn’tshe?
Shepulledanotherclippingfromthewallandherfacefell.Thisoneshowedacoffincarriedthroughtherainbypallbearers,grim-facedmournersstandingby.Inthecrowd,ElenarecognizedAuntJudith,Robert,Margaret,Meredith,andBonnie,lipsset,cheeksstreakedwithtears.Thecaptionhereread:“TownmournslocalhighschoolstudentElenaGilbert.”
Elena’sfingerstightenedunconsciously,crumplingtheclipping.SheturnedtolookatStefan.“Thisshouldn’tbehere,”shesaid,anoteofhysteriacreepingintohervoice.“TheGuardianschangedthepast.Thereshouldn’tbeanynewspaperarticlesoranythingleft.”
Stefanstaredbackather.“Iknow,”hesaid.“I’vebeenthinking,andthebestguessIcanmakeisthatmaybetheGuardiansjustchangedpeople’sminds.Theywouldn’tseeanyevidenceofwhatweaskedtheGuardianstoerase.They’djustseewhatsupportedtheirnewmemories,thememoriesofanormalsmalltownandofabunchofordinaryteenagers.Justanotherschoolyear.”
Elenabrandishedthepaper.“Butthenwhyisthishere?”
Stefandroppedhisvoice.“Maybeitdoesn’tworkoneverybody.Caleb’sgotsomenotesscribbledinanotebookIfound,anditseemsfromthemasthoughhe’srememberingtwodifferentsetsofevents.Listentothis.”Stefanscrabbledthroughthepaperslitteringthefloorandpulledoutanotebook.“Hewrites:‘TherearegirlsintownnowthatIknowweredead.Thereweremonstershere.Thetownwasdestroyed,andweleftbeforetheycouldgetustoo.ButnowI’mbackandweneverleft,eventhoughnoonebutmeremembers.Everything’snormal:nomonsters,nodeath.’”
“Hmm.”Elenatookthenotebookfromhimandscannedthroughthepages.Calebhadliststhere.VickieBennett,Caroline,her.Allofthem.Everyonewhowasdifferentinthisworldthanintheotherone.Therewerenotesabouthowherememberedthem—howhethoughtElenawasdeadandwhatwasgoingonnow.Sheturnedafewpages,andhereyeswidened.“Stefan,listen.Tylertoldhimaboutus:‘TylerwasafraidofStefanSalvatore.HethoughthekilledMr.Tannerandthattherewassomethingelsestrangeabouthim,somethingunnatural.AndhethoughtElenaGilbertandherfriendsweretangledupinwhateverwasgoingon.’Andthere’sanasteriskreferringbacktoMr.Tannerbeingdeadinonesetofmemoriesandaliveintheother.”Elenaquicklyscannedafewpages.“Itlookslikehefocusedinonusasthecauseofthechanges.Hefiguredoutwewereatthecenterofeverything.Becausewe’rethepeoplethemostchanged—otherthanthevampireandkitsunevictims—andbecauseheknewTylerwassuspiciousofus,he’sblamingusforTyler’sdisappearance.”
“Twosetsofmemories,”Stefanrepeated,frowning.“WhatifCaleb’snottheonlyonerememberingbothrealities?Whatifsupernaturalbeings,orpeopleawareofthesupernatural,weren’taffectedbythespell?”
Elenafroze.“Margaret—Iwonderedifsherememberedsomething.Sheseemedsoupsetwhenshefirstsawme.RememberhowshewasafraidIwasgoingtogoawayagain?Doyouthinkshe’srememberingmedyingalongwiththememoriestheGuardiansgaveher?”
Stefanshookhishead.“Idon’tknow,Elena.DoyouhaveanyreasontothinkMargaretisanythingotherthanaperfectlynormallittlegirl?Littlekidscanbeverydramaticwithoutneedingareason.Margaret’sgotalotofimagination.”
“Idon’tknow,”Elenasaidinfrustration.“ButiftheGuardiansjustcoveredovertheoldmemorieswithnewones,thatwouldexplainwhymyoldjournalwasstillhiddeninmybedroomjustwhereIleftit,andeverythingthathadhappenedupuntilIlefthomewritteninit.SoyouthinkthatCalebsuspectssomethingisgoingonbecauseheisawerewolfafterall?”
“Look,”Stefansaid,gesturingaroundtheshed.
Forthefirsttime,Elenatookinthewholesceneanditsimplications.Picturesofher.PicturesofBonnieandMeredith.EvenpicturesofpoorCaroline,rangingfromthehaughtygreen-eyeddebutantetoaferalhalfmonster,heavilypregnantwithTyler’s…baby?Pup?Elenarealizedwithashockthatshehadn’tthoughtofCarolineindays.WasCarolinestillpregnant?WasshestilltransformingintoawerewolfbecauseshewascarryingTyler’sbaby?Therewere,Elenaremembered,anawfullotofwerewolvesinFell’sChurch.Powerful,importantwerewolves,andifthathadn’tchanged,andifthepackrememberedeverything,orenoughofeverything,thentheywereprobablyjustbidingtheirtime.
Therewerenotonlyclippingsbutoriginalphotographsaroundtheroom.ShesawapicturetakenthroughtheboardinghousewindowofherselfleaningforwardexcitedlytotalktoMeredith,whowascaressingherdeadlyhuntingstave.Basedonheroutfit,ithadbeentakenrightaftertheypickedupAlaricandCelia.CalebhadbeennotonlyresearchingthetwosetsofmemoriesoverthelastfewmonthsbutalsospyingonElenaandherfriends.
Thenshenoticedsomethingelse.Inthefarcorneronthefloorwasahugebunchofroses.“What…?”Elenasaid,reachingforthem.Andthenshesaw.Apentagramwasdrawnaroundtheroses.Andencirclingthepentagramwasabunchofphotographs:herself,Bonnie,Meredith,Matt,Stefan,Damon.
“ThosearethesamekindsofrosesastheoneCalebgaveyou,aren’tthey?”Stefanaskedsoftly.Elenanodded.Theywereperfect,delicatebloomsinadarklusciousredthatmadeherwanttotouchthem.
“Therosethatstarteditall,”shewhispered.“ItprickedBonnie’sfinger,andherbloodspelledCelia’sname.Itmusthavecomefromhere.”
“Calebisn’tjustawerewolf,”Stefansaid.“Idon’tknowexactlywhathedidhere,butitlookslikeprettydarkmagictome.”Helookedatherpleadingly.“Idiscovereditallyesterday,”hecontinued.“Ihadtofighthim,Elena.IknowIscaredyou,butIhadtoprotectyou—andeveryoneelse—fromhim.”
Elenanodded,toostunnedtospeak.NowsheunderstoodwhyStefanhadactedthewayhehad.Hethoughtshewasindanger.Butstill…shecouldn’thelpfeelingsickwhensherememberedthearcofCaleb’sbodyashewasthrown.Calebmighthaveattackedthemwithdangerousmagic,buthisnotessoundedconfusedandfrightened.Elenaandherfriendshadchangedhisworld,andnowhecouldn’ttellwhatwasreality.
“We’dbetterpackupallofthisandbringitbacktotheboardinghouse,”shesaidbriskly.“Aretheremorenotebooks?”Stefannodded.“Thenwe’dbetterlookthroughthemcarefully.Ifhecastaspellonus—somekindofcurse—itcouldstillbeactive,eventhoughhe’sconfinedtothehospitalfornow.Thespellheusedmightbeinoneofthenotebooks,oratleastwemightfindsomekindofclueastowhatitisandexactlywhatit’sdoing.And,hopefully,howtoreverseit.”
Stefanwaslookingalittlelost,hisgreeneyesquestioning.Hisarmswereheldoutveryslightly,asifhehadbeenexpectinghertoembracehimandhadn’trememberedtoputthemdownwhenshehadn’t.Butforsomereasonshecouldn’tquiteputherfingeron,Elenacouldn’tbringherselftohughim.Instead,shelookedawayandsaid,“Doyouhaveanyplasticbagsoranythinginthecarwecanusetomoveitall?”
Chapter24
ElenahunguphercellphoneastheypulleduptotheboardinghouseinStefan’scar.“ThenurseatthehospitalsaysCaleb’sstillunconscious,”shesaid.
“Good,”saidStefan.Shegavehimareprovingglanceandhestaredbackatherinexasperation.“Ifhe’sunconscious,”heexplained,“it’llgiveusmoreofachancetofigureoutwhatspellhe’scastonus.”
They’dfilledthreefatblacktrashbagswiththepapers,clippings,andbooksthey’dfoundintheSmallwoods’gardenshed.Elenahadbeenafraidtodisturbthepentagramwiththerosesandphotographsarounditontheshedfloor,incasethatwouldaffectthespellsomehow,butshe’dtakenacoupleofpicturesofitwithhercellphone.
Mattcameoutandpickeduponeofthebags.“Bringingoversomegarbage?”
“Somethinglikethat,”Elenasaidgrimly,andfilledhiminonwhatthey’ddiscoveredattheSmallwoodhouse.
Mattgrimaced.“Wow.Butmaybenowwecanfinallydosomethingaboutwhat’sbeenhappening.”
“Howcomeyou’reheresoearly?”Elenaasked,followinghimtowardthehouse.“Ithoughtyouweren’tcomingontoguarddutyuntilten.”Stefantrailedalongbehindher.
“Ispentthenight,”Matttoldher.“AfterBonnie’snameappeared,Ididn’twanttoletheroutofmysight.”
“Bonnie’snameappeared?”ElenawhirledaccusinglyonStefan.“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”
Stefanshruggeduncomfortably.“Ididn’tknow,”heconfessedhesitantly.
“Stefan,ItoldyoutoprotectMeredithandCelia,”shesnapped.“Youweresupposedtobehere.EvenbeforeBonnie’snameshowedup,itwasMeredithandCeliawhowereindanger.Iwasrelyingonyoutowatchoverthem.”
Stefanglaredbackather.“I’mnotyourlapdog,Elena,”hesaidquietly.“IsawamysteriousthreatthatIthoughtboreinvestigation.Iactedtoprotectyou.AndIwasright.Thedangerwasmoreimmediatetoyouthantheothers.Andnowwehaveachancetopiecetogetherthespell.”
Elenablinkedathistonebutcouldn’tdenythetruthinhiswords.“I’msorry,”shesaidcontritely.“You’reright.I’mgladwediscoveredCaleb’sshed.”
Mattopenedthefrontdoor.Theydumpedthebagsinthehallandwentthroughtothekitchen,whereMrs.Flowers,Alaric,andMeredithwereenjoyingabreakfastofcroissants,jam,fruit,andsausages.
“Celia’sgone,”MeredithsaidtoElenaassoonastheyenteredtheroom.Hertonewascasuallyinformative,butherusuallycoolgrayeyesweretwinkling,andElenasharedasecretsmilewithherfriend.
“Where’dshego?”Elenaasked,equallycasually,reachingforacroissant.Ithadbeenalongmorning,andshewasstarving.
“UniversityofVirginia,”Alaricanswered.“She’shopingtogetsomeleadsbydoingresearchoncursesandfolkmagic.”
“Wemighthavesomemoreinformationnow,”Elenaannouncedaroundamouthfulofdeliciouslybutterycroissant.Sheexplainedwhattheyhadfoundintheshed.“WebroughtallthepapersandCaleb’snotebookswithus.Andhere’swhathe’dlaidoutonthefloor.”Shepulledoutherphone,loadedthepicture,andhandedittoMrs.Flowers.
“Mygoodness,”saidtheoldwoman.“Thiscertainlylookslikedarkmagic.Iwonderwhatthatchildthoughthewasdoing.”
Stefansnorted.“He’snochild,Mrs.Flowers.Istronglysuspecthe’sawerewolfaswellasadarkmagician.”
Mrs.Flowerslookedathimsternly.“He’sfoundthewrongwayofgoingaboutlookingforhiscousin,that’sforcertain.Butthismagiclooksratheramateurishtome.Ifithasworked,itwillhavebeenmorebyaccidentthandesign.”
“Ifit’sworked?”Meredithasked.“Ithinktheevidencesuggeststhatwhateverhe’sdoneworked.”
“SurelyitwouldbetoomuchofacoincidenceforCalebtobetryingtocastspellsonusandforanunexplainedcursetobeaffectingusaswell,”Alaricnoted.
“Where’sCalebnow?”Mattasked,frowning.“Doesheknowyoufoundallthis?Doweneedtotrackhimdownandkeepaneyeonhim?”
Stefancrossedhisarms.“He’sinthehospital.”
Therewasalittlepauseastheotherslookedatoneanotheranddecided,basedonStefan’sstonydemeanor,nottodelvedeeper.MeredithglancedquestioninglyatElena,andElenanoddedslightlytosay,I’llexplainlater.
SheturnedtoMrs.Flowers.“CanyoutellwhatspellCalebwasusing?Whatwashetryingtodo?”
Mrs.Flowersstaredthoughtfullyatthepicture.“It’saninterestingquestion,”shesaid.“Rosesaretypicallyusedinlovespells,butthepentagramandmultiplepicturesarounditsuggestadarkerintenthere.Theroses’unusualcrimsoncolorwouldprobablymakethemmoreeffective.Theymightbeusedtoevokeotherpassionsaswell.MybestguesswouldbethatCalebwastryingtocontrolyouremotionsinsomeway.”
ElenacastasuddenglanceatStefan,takinginhisguardedexpressionandtenseshoulders.
“Butthat’sasmuchasIcantellyoufornow,”Mrs.Flowerscontinued.“IftherestofyouwanttolookthroughCaleb’snotebooksforclues,BonnieandIcanresearchthemagicalpropertiesofrosesandwhatspellstheycouldbeusedin.”
“WhereisBonnie?”Elenaasked.Althoughshe’dhadthesensethatsomethingwasmissing,she’donlyjustconsciouslyrealizedthatthepetiteredheadwasn’tamongthegroupinthekitchen.
“Stillsleeping,”Meredithsaid.“Youknowhowshelovestosleepin.”Shegrinned.“Bonniewasdefinitelyenjoyingbeingthedamselinperilandhavingeverybodyfussingoverherlastnight.”
“Ithoughtshewasbeingreallybrave,”Mattsaidunexpectedly.Elenaeyedhim.WashebeginningtofeelsomethingromanticforBonnie?They’dbegoodtogether,shethought,andwassurprisedtofeelatinytwingeofpossessiveangermixedinwithherspeculativematchmaking.Matthasalwaysbeenyours,afterall,ahardvoicewhisperedtoher.
“I’llgoupandwakeher,”Meredithsaidcheerfully.“Norestforthewitches.”Sheswungtoherfeetandheadedforthestairs,limpingonlyslightly.
“How’syourankle?”Elenaasked.“Youlookalotbetter.”
“Ihealfast,”Meredithsaid.“Iguessit’spartofthevampire-hunterthing.Ididn’tneedthecanebythetimeIwenttobedlastnight,andthismorningitfeelsalmostbacktonormal.”
“Luckyyou,”saidElena.
“Luckyme,”Meredithagreed,grinningatAlaric,whosmiledbackadmiringly.Showingoff,sheranlightlyupthestairs,leaningonlyalittleonthebanisterforsupport.
Elenatookanothercroissantandspreadjamonit.“TherestofusshouldstartgoingthroughallthepapersandthingswetookfromCaleb’sshed.Alaric,asyou’retheonlyoneotherthanMrs.FlowersandBonniewhoknowsmuchaboutmagic,youcantakehisnotebooksandI’ll—”
Shebrokeoffasascreamcamefromoverhead.
“Meredith!”shoutedAlaric.
Later,Elenadidn’treallyremembergettingupstairs.Therewasjustaflashofshovinglimbsandpandemoniumaseveryonetriedtogetupthenarrowstaircaseasquicklyaspossible.Atthedoorofthelittlecream-and-rosebedroomattheendofthehall,Meredithstood,white-facedandstricken.Sheturnedlargepanickedgrayeyestowardthemandwhispered,“Bonnie.”
Inside,Bonnie’ssmallfigurelaymotionlessfacedownonthefloor,onepajamaedarmflungouttowardthedoor.Unlitblackandwhitecandleswereinaringbehindher,oneblackcandleknockedover.Therewasasmudgeofwhatlookedlikemostlydriedbloodinsidethecandlering,andaweatheredbooklayopenbesideit.
ElenapushedpastMeredithandkneltbesidethestillfigure,feelingatherneckforapulse.Sheletoutthebreathshe’dbeenholdingasshefeltBonnie’sheartbeat,steadyandstrong,beneathherfingers.
“Bonnie,”shesaid,shakingherbytheshoulder,thengentlyrollingherover.Bonniefloppedwithoutresistanceontoherback.Shewasbreathingregularly,buthereyesstayedclosed,herlonglashesdarkagainstherfreckledcheeks.
“Somebodycallanambulance,”Elenasaidquickly.
“I’lldoit,”Meredithsaid,breakingoutofherfrozenstance.
“Wedon’tneedanambulance,”Mrs.Flowerssaidquietly,gazingdownatBonniewithanexpressionofsorrowonherface.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Meredithsnapped.“She’sunconscious!Wehavetogetherhelp.”
Mrs.Flowers’seyesweregrave.“Thedoctorsandnursesatthehospitalwon’tbeabletohelpBonnie,”shesaid.“Theymightevenhurtherbyinterferingwithineffectivemedicalsolutionstoanonmedicalproblem.Bonnie’snotsick;she’sunderaspell.Icanfeelthemagicthickintheair.Thebestthingwecandoistomakeherascomfortableaswecanherewhilewelookforacure.”
Mattsteppedforwardintotheroom.Hisfacewasaghast,buthewasn’tlookingatBonnie’smotionlessformonthefloor.Heraisedonehandandpointed.“Look,”hesaid.
Nearthebed,atraycontainingasmallteapot,acup,andaplatehadbeenknockedoverontothefloor.Thecuphadsmashedandtheteapotlayonitsside,tealeavesspillingoutinalong,darkcurveacrossthefloor.
Acurvethatspelledoutaname.
elenaChapter25
MattswunghisgazeinhorrorbetweenBonnie’spronefigure,thenameonthefloor,andElena’spaleface.Afterafewshockedminutes,Elenaspunandlefttheroom.StefanandMattfollowedherasMeredithandtheothersmovedtoBonnie’sside.Outinthehallway,ElenapouncedonStefan.“Youweresupposedtolookafterthem.Ifyouhadbeenhere,Bonniewouldhavehadsomeprotection.”
Matt,trailingStefanoutofBonnie’sbedroom,balked.Elena’steethwerebared,herdarkblueeyesflashed,andsheandStefanbothlookedfurious.
“Itwasn’tStefan’sfault,Elena,”Mattprotestedgently.“AlaricandMrs.Flowershadsetmagicalprotections.Nothingoughttohavebeenabletogetin.EvenifStefanhadbeenhere,hewouldn’thavebeeninBonnie’sroomwithherallnight.”
“Heshouldhavebeen,ifthat’swhatittooktoprotecther,”Elenasaidbitterly.HerfacewastightwithangerasshelookedatStefan.
EvenasMattstoodupforStefan,hecouldn’tsuppressaglowofsatisfactionatseeingtroublebetweenElenaandStefanatlast.It’sabouttimeElenarealizedStefanisn’tperfect,theworstpartofhimsaidgleefully.
Mrs.FlowersandAlarichurriedoutoftheroom,breakingthetensionbetweenElenaandStefan.Mrs.Flowersshookherhead.“ItseemsthatBonniewasveryfoolishlytryingtocontactthedead,butIdon’tseehowshecouldhavedonethistoherself.Thismustbetheresultofwhateverhasbeenendangeringyou.MeredithisgoingtostaybyBonnie’sbedsideforthetimebeingwhileweinvestigate.”
MattglancedatElenaandStefan.“IthoughtyousaidthatCalebwasoutofthepicture.”
“Ithoughthewas!”Stefansaidastheyallheadeddownstairs.“Maybethisissomethinghestartedbeforewefought.”
Alaricfrowned.“Ifthat’strueandit’sstillgoing,Calebhimselfmightnotbeabletostopit.Evenifhedied,thatwouldn’tinterruptaself-perpetuatingcurse.”
Elenastrodeouttothehallandrippedintothefirstofthetrashbags,herjawset.“Weneedtofigureoutwhathedid.”Shedugoutastackofnotebooksandshovedthemintotheothers’hands.“Lookfortheactualstepsofaspell.Ifweknowhowhedidit,maybeAlaricorMrs.Flowerscanfigureouthowtoreverseit.”
“ThespellbookBonniewasusingisoneofmine,”Mrs.Flowerssaid.“Nothinginitshouldhavehadthiseffectonher,butI’llexamineitjustincase.”
Theyeachtookanotebookandapileofpapersandspreadoutaroundthekitchentable.
“Therearediagramsinmine,”Stefansaidafteraminute.“There’sapentagram,butIdon’tthinkit’sthesameastheonewesawonthefloor.”
Alarictookthenotebookandpeeredatit,thenshookhishead.“I’mnotanexpert,butthatlookslikepartofastandardprotectionspell.”
ThenotebookinfrontofMattwasmostlyscribblednotes.Tannerfirstdeath?itasked.Halloween?Elena,Bonnie,Meredith,Matt,Tyler,Stefanallpresent.HecouldhearMeredith’sfeetupstairs,restlesslypacingbyBonnie’sbedside,andthewordsblurredbeforehim.Hescrubbedthebackofhisfistagainsthiseyesbeforehecouldembarrasshimselfbycrying.Thiswasuseless.Andeveniftherewassomethinghelpfulinhere,hewouldneverrecognizeit.
“Doesitstrikeyouguysasweird,”Elenaasked,“thatCeliawasthefirstoneaffectedbywhateverthisevilis?Therewasn’tanythingaboutherintheshed.AndshenevermetTyler,letaloneCaleb.IfCalebwastryingtogetrevengeonusforTyler’sdisappearance,whywouldheattackCeliafirst?Oratall,really.”
Thatwasareallygoodpoint,Mattthought,andhewasabouttosaysowhenhespottedMrs.Flowers.Shewasstandingstick-straight,staringoffpasthisleftearandnoddingslightly.“Doyoureallythinkso?”shesaidsoftly.“Oh,thatdoesmakeadifference.Yes,Isee.Thankyou.”
Bythetimeshehadfinishedandhereyessnappedbacktofocusonthem,theothershadalsonoticedherone-sidedconversationandgrownsilent,watchingher.
“DoesyourmotherknowwhathappenedtoBonnie?”Mattaskedhereagerly.HehadstayedinFell’sChurchfightingthekitsunewithMrs.FlowerswhenhisfriendshadtraveledtotheDarkDimension,andtheirtimeascomradesinarmshadmadehimfamiliarwithMrs.Flowers’scasualexchangeswiththespiritrealm.IfMrs.Flowers’smotherhadinterruptedtheirconversation,sheprobablyhadsomethingusefulandimportanttosay.
“Yes,”saidMrs.Flowers,smilingathim.“Yes,indeed,Mamawasveryhelpful.”Herfacegrewseriousassheglancedaround.“MamawasabletosensethethingthattookBonnie’sspirit.Onceithadenteredthehouse,shecouldobserveit,althoughshewaspowerlesstofightitherself.She’supsetthatshewasn’tabletosaveBonnie.She’squitefondofher.”
“IsBonniegoingtobeokay?”Mattasked,overtheothers’questionsof,“Sowhatisit?”and“It’sademonorsomething,then,notacurse?”
Mrs.FlowerslookedatMattfirst.“WemaybeabletosaveBonnie.Wewillcertainlytry.Butwewillhavetodefeatthethingthattookher.Andtherestofyouarestillverymuchindanger.”
Shelookedaroundatthemall.“It’saphantom.”
Therewasalittlepause.
“What’saphantom?”Elenaasked.“Doyoumeanaghost?”
“Aphantom,ofcourse,”Stefansaidquietly,shakinghisheadlikehecouldn’tbelievetheideahadn’toccurredtohimearlier.“TherewasatownIheardofoncebackinItalymanyyearsago,wheretheysaidaphantomstalkedthestreetsofUmbria.Itwasn’taghost,butabeingcreatedbystrongemotions.Thestorywasthatamanbecamesoenragedathisunfaithfulloverthathekilledherandherparamour,andthenhimself.Andtheseactionsreleasedsomething,abeingmadeoutoftheiremotions.Onebyonepeoplelivingnearbywentmad.Theydidterriblethings.”Stefanlookedshakentohiscore.
“Isthatwhatwe’refacing?Somekindofdemoncreatedoutofangerthatwilldrivepeoplemad?”ElenaturnedtoMrs.Flowersimploringly.“BecausefranklyIthinkthistownhashadenoughofthat.”
“Itcan’thappenagain,”Mattsaid.HewasalsolookingatMrs.Flowers.Shewastheonlyonewhohadseenthenear-destructionofFell’sChurchwithhim.Theothershadbeenthereforthebeginning,sure,butwhenthingsgotreallyawful,whentheywereattheirworst,thegirlsandthevampireshadbeenoffintheDarkDimension,fightingtheirownbattlestofixit.
Mrs.Flowersmethiseyesandnoddedfirmly,likeshewasmakingapledge.“Itwon’t,”shesaid.“Stefan,whatyou’redescribingprobablywasaragephantom,butitsoundslikethepopularexplanationofwhatwasgoingonwasn’tquiteaccurate.AccordingtoMama,phantomsfeedonemotionslikevampiresdoonblood.Thestrongeranemotionis,thebetterfedandmoreactivetheyare.They’reattractedtopeopleorcommunitiesthatalreadyhavethesestrongemotions,andtheycreatealmostafeedbackloop,encouragingandnurturingthoughtsthatwillmaketheemotionstrongersothattheycancontinuetofeed.They’requitepsychicallypowerful,buttheycansurviveonlyaslongastheirvictimskeepfeedingthem.”
Elenawaslisteningcarefully.“ButwhataboutBonnie?”ShelookedatStefan.“InthistowninUmbria,didpeoplefallintocomasbecauseofthephantom?”
Stefanshookhishead.“NotthatIeverheardof,”hesaid.“Maybethat’swhereCalebcomesin.”
“I’llcallCelia,”saidAlaric.“Thiswillhelpfocusherresearch.Ifanyonehasanymaterialatallonthis,it’llbeDr.Beltram.”
“Couldyourmothertellwhatkindofphantomitwas?”StefanaskedMrs.Flowers.“Ifweknowwhatemotionitfeedson,wecouldcutoffitssupply.”
“Shedidn’tknow,”shesaid.“Andshedoesn’tknowhowtodefeataphantomeither.Andthere’sonemorethingweshouldtakeintoconsideration:Bonnie’sgotalotofinnatepsychicpowerofherown.Ifthephantomhastakenher,it’sprobablytappedintothat.”
Mattnodded,followinghertrainofthought.“Andifthat’sso,”hefinishedgrimly,“thenthisthingisonlygoingtogetstrongerandmoredangerous.”Chapter26
Thedaypassedwithmuchresearch,butwithverylittleinthewayofresults,whichleftElenafeelingincreasinglyconcernedforhercomatosefriend.BythetimenightfellandAuntJudithcalledtowearilyinquirewhetherElena’sfamilywouldseeheratallthatday,theyhadsortedthroughthefirstbagofpapersandAlarichadgoneoverathirdorsoofwhatseemedtobethenotebookinwhichCalebkepttherecordofhismagicalexperiments,grumblingaboutCaleb’sterriblehandwriting.
Elenafrowned,flippingthroughanotherstackofpapers.LookingthroughthepicturesandclippingsconfirmedthatCeliahadn’tbeenamongCaleb’splannedvictims.Ifthephantomhadtargetedherfirst,itmusthavebeenbecauseshewasrichinwhateveremotionthisphantomfedoff.
“Snippiness,”Meredithsuggested,butshewascarefultosayitoutofAlaric’shearing.
TheclippingsandprintoutsalsoshowedthatCalebwasindeedobsessedwithTyler’sdisappearance,andthathehadevidenceandmemoriesoftwodifferenttimelinesforthesameperiod—onewhereFell’sChurchhadbeenfallingapartandElenaGilberthadbeendead,andonewhereeverythinghadbeenjustfine,thanksinthesmallVirginiatownofFell’sChurch,includingthecontinuingreignoftheseniorclass’sgoldengirl,Elena.InadditiontoCaleb’sowndoublememories,whichcoveredonlythesummer,TylerhadapparentlytalkedtohimoverthephonethepreviousfallandwinteraboutthemysteriouseventssurroundingMr.Tanner’sdeathandeverythingthatfollowed.Althoughitdidn’tsoundfromCaleb’snoteslikeTylerhadmentionedhisowntransformationtowerewolfandconspiracywithKlaus,justhisgrowingsuspicionsofStefan.
“Tyler.”Elenagroaned.“Eventhoughhe’slonggone,hemanagestomaketrouble.”
Alaric’sexaminationofthenotebooksofarhadprovedthattheywererightthatCalebwasamagicuser,andthathewasplanningtousehismagicbothtotakevengeanceagainstthemandtotrytolocateTyler.Butithadn’tshownhowhehadsummonedthephantom.
AnddespiteAlaric’sbringinganylikelylookingnote,incantation,ordrawingtoMrs.Flowersforinspection,theyhadnotyetdiscoveredwhatkindofspellCalebhadbeendoing,orwhatpurposetherosesserved.
StefanescortedElenahomefordinner,thenreturnedtocontinuehelpingtheothers.He’dwantedtostaywithElena,butshehadafeelingherauntwouldnotappreciatealast-minutedinnerguest.
ThesecondElenasteppedthroughthedoor,shecouldfeelDamon’slingeringpresenceandrememberedhow,justhoursago,theyhadstoodupstairs,holdingeachother.Allthroughthemeal,whileshetoldMargaretabedtimestory,andthenduringherlastcalltoMeredithtocheckontherestofthegroup’sprogress,she’dthoughtlonginglyofhim,wonderingwhethershewouldseehimtonight.ThatinturnsetoffpangsofguiltrelatedtoStefanandBonnie.Shewasbeingsoselfish,keepingStefan’sbrother’sreturnfromhim,andthinkingofherselfwhileBonniewasindanger.Thewholecyclewasexhausting,butstillshecouldn’tcontainherexuberancethatDamonwasalive.
Aloneinherroomatlast,Elenaranabrushthroughhersilkygoldenhairandpulledonthesimplecoolnightgownshe’dwornthenightbefore.Itwashotandhumidoutside,andthroughherwindowshecouldhearthecricketschirpingbusily.Thestarswereshining,andahalf-moonfloatedhighoverthetreesoutside.ShecalledgoodnighttoAuntJudithandRobertandclimbedintobed,fluffingthepillowsaroundher.
Shehalfexpectedalongwait.Damonlikedtotease,andhelikedtomakeanentrance,sohewasquitelikelytowaituntilhethoughtshewouldbeasleep,andthensweepintoherroom.Butshehadbarelyturnedoffthelightwhenapieceofdarknessseemedtoseparateitselffromthenightoutsideherwindow.Therewasthefaintestscuffofafootsteponthefloor,andthenhermattressgroanedasDamonsettledhimselfatthefootofherbed.
“Hello,love,”hesaidsoftly.
“Hi,”shesaid,smilingathim.Hisblackeyesglitteredatherfromtheshadows,andElenasuddenlyfeltwarmandhappy,despiteeverything.
“What’sthelatest?”heasked.“Isawalotoffussgoingonattheboardinghouse.Somethinggotyoursidekicksinatizzy?”Histonewascasuallysarcastic,buthisgazewasintense,andElenaknewhehadbeenworried.
“Ifyouletmetelleveryoneyou’realive,youcouldbewithusandthenyou’dknoweverythingthat’sgoingonfirsthand,”sheteased.Thenshegrewsomber.“Damon,weneedyourhelp.Somethingterriblehashappened.”
ShetoldhimaboutBonnie,andaboutwhattheyhaddiscoveredintheSmallwoods’gardenshed.
Damon’seyesflamed.“Aphantom’sgotthelittleredbird?”
“That’swhatMrs.Flowers’smothersaid,”Elenaanswered.“Stefantoldusthathe’dknownofaragephantomsomewherebackinItaly.”
Damonmadealittlepfft!noise.“Irememberthat.Itwasamusingatthetime,butnothinglikewhatyou’vebeendescribing.HowdoesthistheoryofStefan’sexplainBonnie’sbeingtaken?Ortheappearanceofthenameswhensomeoneisthreatened?”
“It’sMrs.Flowers’stheory,too,”Elenasaidindignantly.“Orhermother’s,Iguess.Andit’stheonlyonethatmakessense.”ShecouldfeelDamonstrokingherarmwiththemostfeatherlighttouch,anditfeltgood.Thehairsprickledonthebackofherarms,andsheshiveredwithpleasureinspiteofherself.Stopit,shethoughtsternly.Thisisseriousbusiness.ShemovedherarmoutofDamon’sreach.
Hesoundedamusedandlazywhenhenextspoke.“Well,Ican’tblametheoldwitchandherghostmother,”hesaid.“Humansmostlystayintheirowndimension;theylearnonlythetiniestpieceofwhat’shappening,eventhemostgiftedofthem.ButifStefanbehavedlikeanyself-respectingvampireanddidn’tgoaroundtryingtobehumanallthetime,he’dhavealittlemoreofaclue.He’sbarelyeventraveledtotheDarkDimensionexceptwhenhewasdraggedtheretositinacageorsaveBonnie.Maybeifhehad,hewouldunderstandwhatwasgoingonandbeabletoprotecthispethumansalittlebetter.”
Elenabristled.“Pethumans?I’moneofthosepethumans,too.”
Damonchuckled,andElenarealizedhehadsaidthatpurposely,torileherup.“Apet?You,princess?Never.Atiger,maybe.Somethingwildanddangerous.”
Elenarolledhereyes.ThentheimplicationofDamon’swordshither.“Wait,areyousayingthisisn’taphantom?Andthatyouknowwhatitactuallyis?IsitsomethingthatcomesfromtheDarkDimension?”
Damonshiftedclosertoheragain.“WouldyouliketoknowwhatIknow?”hesaid,hisvoicelikeacaress.“TherearealotofthingsIcouldtellyou.”
“Damon,”Elenasaidfirmly.“Stopflirtingandpayattention.Thisisimportant.Ifyouknowanything,pleasetellme.Ifyoudon’t,pleasedon’tplaygameswithme.Bonnie’slifeisatstake.Andwe’reallindanger.You’reindanger,too,Damon:Don’tforget,yourname’sbeenwritten,andwedon’tknowforsurethatwhateverhappenedontheDarkMoonwastheattackonyou.”
“I’mnottooconcerned.”Damonwavedhishanddisparagingly.“Itwouldtakemorethanaphantomtohurtme,princess.But,yes,IknowalittlemoreaboutthisthanStefandoes.”Heturnedherhandoverandtracedherpalmwithcoolfingers.“Itisaphantom,”hesaid.“Butit’snotthesamekindwesawinItalylongago.DoyourememberthatKlauswasanOriginal?Hewasn’tsiredlikeKatherineorStefanorIwas;hewasneverhuman.VampireslikeKlausconsidervampireslikeuswhostartedoutashumanstobeweakhalf-breeds.Hewasmuchstrongerthanusandmuchmoredifficulttokill.Therearedifferenttypesofphantoms,too.ThephantomswhoarebornofhumanemotionsonEarthareabletointensifyandspurontheseemotions.Theydon’thavemuchconsciousnessoftheirown,though,andtheynevergetverystrong.They’rejustparasites.Iftheyarecutofffromtheemotionstheyneedtosurvive,theyfadeawayprettyquickly.”
Elenafrowned.“Butyouthinkthisisanother,morepowerfulkindofphantom?Why?WhatdidSagetellyou?”
Damontappedherhandwithonefingerashecounted.“One:thenames.That’sbeyondthepowersofanordinaryphantom.Two:IttookBonnie.Aregularphantomwouldn’tbeabletodothat,andwouldn’tgetanythingoutofitifitcould.AnOriginalphantom,though,canstealherspiritandtakeitbacktotheDarkDimension.Itcandrainherlifeforceandemotionstomakeitselfstronger.”
“Wait,”Elenasaid,alarmed.“Bonnie’sbackintheDarkDimension?Anythingcouldbehappeningtoher!Shecouldbeenslavedagain!”TearsprickedatthecornersofhereyesasshethoughtofhowhumansweretreatedintheDarkDimension.
Damonsqueezedherhand.“No,don’tworryaboutthat.She’sthereonlyinspirit—thephantomwillhaveherinsomekindofholdingcell;it’llwanthersafe.Ithinktheworstthingthatcouldhappentoherisshe’llbebored.”Hefrowned.“It’llsapherlifeforce,though,andthat’llweakenhereventually.”
“Youthinkthatbeingbored’stheworstthingthatcouldhappentoher…oh,atleastuntilitdrainsallherlifeforce?That’snotgoodenough,Damon.Wehavetohelpher.”Elenathoughtforamoment.“SophantomsliveintheDarkDimension?”
Damonhesitated.“Notinthebeginning.TheOriginalphantomswererelegatedtotheDarkMoonbytheGuardians.”
“Whereyoudied.”
“Yes,”Damonsaidcaustically.Thenherubbedthebackofherhandinasilentapologyforhistone.“OriginalphantomsarekeptinsidesomekindofprisonontheDarkMoon,justitchingforachancetogetout.Likegeniesinabottle.Ifsomethingbroketheprisonwall,theirultimategoalwouldbetomakeittoEarthandfeedonhumanemotions.AftertheWorldTreewasdestroyed,Sagesaidthingschanged,whichwouldmakesenseifanOriginalphantommanagedtoescapeasthingsshiftedafterthedestruction.”
“WhycomeallthewaytoEarth,though?”Elenaasked.“There’reallthosedemonsandvampiresintheDarkDimension.”
ShecouldseeDamon’ssmileintheshadows.“Iguesshumanemotionisextra-delicious.Likehumanbloodis.Andtherearen’tenoughhumansintheDarkDimensiontomakeareallygoodmeal.TherearesomanyhumansonEarththatanOriginalherecanjustkeepongorgingonemotionandgrowingevermorepowerful.”
“SoitfollowedusfromtheDarkMoon?”Elenaasked.
“ItmusthavehitchedaridewithyouwhenyoucamebacktoEarth.Itwouldhavewantedtogetasfarfromitsprisonaspossible,soanopeningbetweendimensionswouldhavebeenirresistible.”
“AnditwasfreedfromitsprisonwhenIusedmyWingsofDestructionandblastedthemoon?”
Damonshrugged.“Thatseemstobethemostlikelyexplanation.”
Elena’sheartsank.“SoBonnie’svisionwasright.Ibroughtthis.It’smyfault.”
Hebrushedbackherhairandkissedherneck.“Don’tthinkofitthatway,”hesaid.“Howcouldyouhavestoppedit?Youdidn’tknow.AndI’mgratefulyouusedtheWingsofDestruction:That’swhatsavedme,afterall.Theimportantthingnowistofightthephantom.Weneedtosenditbackbeforeitgetstoopowerful.Ifitgetsarealfootholdhere,itcanstartinfluencingmoreandmorepeople.Thewholeworldcouldbeindanger.”
ElenahalfconsciouslyarchedhernecktoonesidesothatDamoncouldgetabetterangle,andhegentlytracedtheveinonthesideofherneckwithhislipsforamomentbeforesherealizedwhattheyweredoingandnudgedhimawayagain.“Idon’tunderstand,though.Whywouldittelluswhoit’sgoingafternext?”shesaid.“Whydoesitgiveusthenames?”
“Oh,that’snotitsowndoing,”Damonsaid,andkissedhershoulder.“Eventhemostpowerfulphantomhastofollowtherules.It’spartofthespelltheGuardiansputontheOriginalphantoms,whentheyrelegatedthemtotheDarkMoon.AsafeguardincasetheOriginalseverescaped.Thisway,theirpreyknowsthey’recoming,anditgivesthemafairshotatresisting.”
“TheGuardiansimprisonedit,”Elenasaid.“Wouldtheyhelpussenditback?”
“Idon’tknow,”Damonsaidshortly.“Iwouldn’taskthemifIcouldhelpit,though.Idon’ttrustthem,doyou?”
ElenathoughtofthecoolefficiencyoftheGuardians,ofthewaytheyhaddismissedDamon’sdeathasirrelevant.Ofthewaytheyhadcausedherownparents’death.“No,”shesaid,shivering.“Let’sleavethemoutofitifwecan.”
“We’lldefeatitourselves,Elena,”Damonsaid,andcaressedhercheekwithhishand.
“Stopit,”Elenasaid.“Wehavetoconcentrate.”
Damonstoppedtryingtotouchherforamomentandthought.“Tellmeaboutyourlittlefriends.Havepeoplebeentense?Fighting?Actingoutofcharacter?”
“Yes,”Elenasaidimmediately.“Noone’sbeenactinglikethemselves.Ican’tputmyfingeronit,butsomething’sbeenwrongsincewegotback.”
Damonnodded.“Sinceitprobablycamewithyou,itmakessensethatitwouldhavetargetedyouandthoseconnectedtoyouasitsfirstvictims.”
“Buthowdowestopit?”Elenaasked.“Whatdothesestoriesyou’veheardabouttheOriginalphantomssayaboutrecapturingthemoncethey’veescapedfromtheirprison?”
Damonsighed,andhisshouldersslumpedalittle.“Nothing,”hesaid.“Idon’tknowanythingmore.I’llhavetogobacktotheDarkDimensionandseewhatIcanfindout,orifIcanfightthephantomfromthere.”
Elenastiffened.“It’stoodangerous,Damon.”
Damonchuckled,adrysoundinthedarkness,andElenafelthisfingersrunthroughherhair,smoothingthesilkystrands,thentwistingthem,tuggingthemgently.“Notforme,”hesaid.“TheDarkDimensionisagreatplacetobeavampire.”
“Exceptthatyoudiedthere,”Elenaremindedhim.“Damon,please.Ican’tstandtoloseyouagain.”
Damon’shandstilled,andthenhewaskissinghergently,andhisotherhandcameuptotouchhercheek.“Elena,”hesaidashereluctantlybrokethekiss.“Youwon’tloseme.”
“Therehastobeanotherway,”sheinsisted.
“Well,thenwe’dbetterfindit,andsoon,”Damonansweredgrimly.“Otherwisetheentireworldwillbeatrisk.”
DamonwassaturatedwithElena.Hersweet,richscentinhisnostrils,thethrobbingbeatofherheartinhisears,thesilkofherhairandthesatinofherskinagainsthisfingers.Hewantedtokissher,toholdher,tosinkhisfangsintoherandtastetheheadynectarofherblood,thatvibrantbloodthattastedlikenooneelse’s.
Butshemadehimgo,althoughheknewshedidn’treallywantto.
Shedidn’tsayitwasbecauseofhislittlebrotherthatshepushedhimaway,butheknewanyway.ItwasalwaysStefan.
Whenhelefther,hetransformedgracefullyintoalargeblackcrowagainandflewfromherbedroomwindowtothequincetreenearby.There,hefoldedhiswingsandshiftedfromonefoottoanother,settlingintowatchoverher.Hecouldsenseherthroughthewindow,anxiousatfirst,herthoughtschurning,butsoonherpulseslowed,herbreathingdeepened,andheknewshewasasleep.Hewouldstayandguardher.
Therewasnoquestion:Hehadtosaveher.IfElenawantedachivalrousknight,someonewhowouldprotecthernobly,Damoncoulddothat.WhyshouldthatweaklingStefanhavealltheglory?
Buthewasn’tsurewhatcamenext.DespiteElena’sbegginghimnottogo,headingintotheDarkDimensionseemedlikethelogicalnextstepinfightingthisphantom.Buthowtogetthere?Therewerenoeasypaths.Hedidn’thavethetimetojourneytooneofthegatesagain,nordidhewanttoleaveElena’ssidelongenoughtotravelthere.Andhecouldn’texpecttofindsomethingasusefulasastarballagainbychance.
Plus,ifhedidgetthere,beingintheDarkDimensionwouldhavespecialdangersforhimnow.Hedidn’tthinktheGuardiansknewhehadcomebackfromthedead,andhedidn’tknowhowtheywouldreactwhentheydid.He’drathernotfindout.TheGuardiansdidn’tcareforvampiresmuch,andtheytendedtolikethingstostaythewaytheyoughttobe.LookathowtheyhadstrippedElena’sPowerswhenshecametotheirattention.
Damonhunchedhisshouldersandfluffedouthisiridescentfeathersirritably.Therehadtobeanotherway.
Therewastheslightestrustleunderfoot.Noonewithoutthesensitiveearsofavampirewouldhaveheardit,itwassocautious,butDamoncaughtit.Hesnappedtoattentionandpeeredsharplyaround.Noonewouldgettohisprincess.
Oh.Damonrelaxedagainandclickedhisbeakinvexation.Stefan.Theshadowyfigureofhislittlebrotherstoodbeneaththetree,headtiltedback,gazingindevotionatElena’sdarkenedwindow.Ofcoursehewasthere,standingbytodefendheragainstallthehorrorsofthenight.
Andjustlikethat,Damonknewwhathehadtodo:Ifhewantedtolearnmoreaboutthephantom,he’dhavetogivehimselfovertoit.
Heclosedhiseyes,allowingeverynegativefeelinghe’deverhadaboutStefantowashoverhim.HowStefanhadalwaystakeneverythingDamonwanted,hadstolenit,ifheneededto.
DamnStefan,Damonthoughtbitterly.Ifhisbrotherhadn’tcometotownearlierthanhim,DamonwouldhavehadachancetomakeElenafallinlovewithhimfirst,tobetheonetoreaptheutterdevotionhesawinhereyeswhenshelookedatStefan.
Instead,herehewas,second-best.Hehadn’tbeenenoughforKatherineeither;shehadwantedhisbrother,too.Elena,tigertothekittenKatherinehadbeen,wouldhavebeentheperfectmateforDamon.Beautiful,strong,wily,capableofgreatlove,theycouldhaveruledthenighttogether.
Butshehadfallenforhislily-liveredweaklingofalittlebrother.Damon’sclawsclenchedthebranchhesaton.
“Isn’titsad,”aquietvoicebesidehimsuggested,“howyoutryandtry,butyou’reneverenoughforthewomenyoulove?”
Acooltendriloffogtouchedhiswing.Damonstraightenedandlookedaround.Darkfogwaswindingaroundthequincetree,justatDamon’slevel.Below,Stefanstoodunaware.ThefoghadcomeforDamonalone.
Withaprivatesmile,Damonfeltthefogenvelophim,andthenallwasdarkness.Chapter27
Thenextmorningwasanotherhotone.Theairwassothickandhumidthatjustwalkingdownthestreetfeltunpleasantlylikegettingslappedwithawarm,dampwashcloth.Eveninsidethecarwiththeair-conditioningon,Elenacouldfeelherusuallysleekhairfrizzingfromthehumidity.
Stefanhadturnedupatherhousejustafterbreakfast,thistimewithalistofherbsandmagicalsuppliesMrs.Flowerswantedthemtofindintownfornewprotectionspells.
Astheydrove,ElenagazedoutthewindowattheneatwhitehousesandtrimgreenlawnsofresidentialFell’sChurchastheygraduallygavewaytothebrickbuildingsandtastefulstorewindowsoftheshoppingdistrictatthecenteroftown.
Stefanparkedonthemainstreet,outsideacutelittlecaféwheretheyhadsippedcappuccinostogetherlastfall,shortlyaftershe’dlearnedwhathewas.Sittingatoneofthetinytables,StefanhadtoldherhowtomakeatraditionalItaliancappuccino,andthathadledtohisreminiscingaboutthegreatfeastsofhisyouthduringtheRenaissance:aromaticsoupssprinkledwithpomegranateseeds;richroastsbastedwithrosewater;pastrieswithelderflowersandchestnuts.Courseaftercourseofsweet,rich,heavilyspicedfoodsthatamodernItalianwouldneverrecognizeaspartofhiscountry’scuisine.
IthadawedElenawhensherealizedhowdifferenttheworldhadbeenthelasttimeStefanhadeatenhumanfood.Hehadmentionedinpassingthatforkshadjustbeencomingintofashionwhenhewasyoung,andthathisfatherhadderidedthemasafoppishfad.UntilKatherinehadbroughtamorefashionableandladylikeinfluenceintotheirhome,theyhadeatenwithonlyspoonsandsharpknivesforcutting.“Itwaselegant,though,”he’dsaid,laughingattheexpressiononherface.“Weallhadexcellenttablemanners.You’dhardlyhavenoticed.”
Atthetime,she’dthoughthisdifferencesfromtheboysshe’dknown—thescopeofallthehistoryhe’dwitnessed—wasromantic.
Now…well,nowshedidn’tknowwhatshethought.
“It’sdownhere,Ithink,”saidStefan,takingherhandandreturninghertothepresent.“Mrs.FlowerssaidaNewAgestorehasopenedupandthattheyshouldhavemostofthethingsweneed.”
TheshopwascalledSpiritandSoul,anditwastinybutvibrant,clutteredwithcrystalsandunicornfigurines,tarotcardsanddreamcatchers.Everythingwaspaintedinshadesofpurpleandsilver,andsilkywallhangingsblewinthebreezefromalittlewindowsillairconditioner.Theairconditionerwasn’tstrongenoughtoputmuchofadentinthestickinessoftoday’sheat,though,andthebirdlikelittlewomanwithlongcurlinghairandclatteringnecklaceswhoemergedfromthebackoftheshoplookedtiredandsweaty.
“HowcanIhelpyou?”shesaidinalow,musicalvoicethatElenasuspectedsheadoptedtofitinwiththeatmosphereofthestore.
StefanpulledoutthescrapofpapercoveredinMrs.Flowers’stangledhandwritingandsquintedatit.Vampirevisionornot,decipheringMrs.Flowers’swritingcouldbeachallenge.
Oh,Stefan.Hewasearnest,andsweet,andnoble.Hispoet’ssoulshonethroughthosegorgeousgreeneyes.Shecouldn’tregretlovingStefan.ButsometimesshesecretlywishedthatshehadfoundStefaninalesscomplicatedform,thatthesoulandtheintelligence,theloveandthepassion,thesophisticationandthegentlenesshadsomehowbeenpossibleintheformofarealeighteen-year-oldboy;thathehadbeenwhathehadpretendedtobewhenshefirstmethim:mysterious,foreign,buthuman.
“Doyouhaveanythingmadeofhematite?”heaskednow.“Jewelry,ormaybeknickknacks?Andincensewith…”Hefrownedatthepaper.“Altheainit?Doesaltheasoundright?”
“Ofcourse!”saidtheshopkeeperenthusiastically.“Althea’sgoodforprotectionandsecurity.Anditsmellsgreat.Thedifferentkindsofincenseareoverhere.”
Stefanfollowedherdeeperintotheshop,butElenalingerednearthedoor.Shefeltexhausted,eventhoughthedayhadbarelybegun.
Therewasarackofclothingbythefrontwindow,andshefiddleddistractedlywithit,pushinghangersbackandforth.Therewasawispypinktunicstuddedwithtinymirrors,alittlehippieishbutcute.Bonniemightlikethis,Elenathoughtautomatically,andthenflinched.
Throughthewindow,sheglimpsedafacesheknew,andturned,thetophangingforgotteninherhand.
Shesearchedhermindforthename.TomParker,thatwasit.She’dgoneoutonafewdateswithhimjunioryear,beforesheandMatthadgottentogether.Itfeltlikealotmorethanayearandahalfago.Tomhadbeenpleasantenoughandhandsomeenough,aperfectlysatisfactorydate,butshehadn’tfeltasparkbetweenthemand,asMeredithhadsaid,“practicedcatchandrelease”withhim,“freeinghimtoswimbackintothewatersofdating.”
Hehadbeencrazyabouther,though.Evenaftershesethimloose,he’dhungaround,lookingatherwithpuppy-dogeyes,pleadingwithhertotakehimback.
Ifthingshadbeendifferent,ifshehadfeltanythingforTom,wouldn’therlifebesimplernow?
ShewatchedTom.Hewasstrollingdownthestreet,smiling,handinhandwithMarissaPeterson,thegirlhehadstarteddatingneartheendoflastyear.Tomwastall,andhebenthisshaggydarkheaddowntohearwhatMarissawassaying.Theygrinnedateachother,andheliftedhisfreehandtogently,teasinglytugonherlonghair.Theylookedhappytogether.
Well,goodforthem.Easytobehappywhentheywereuncomplicatedlyinlove,whentherewasnothingmoredifficultintheirlivesthanasummerspentwiththeirfriendsbeforeheadingofftocollege.Easytobehappywhentheycouldn’tevenrememberthechaostheirtownhadbeeninbeforeElenahadsavedthem.Theyweren’tevengrateful.Theyweretoolucky:Theyknewnothingofthedarknessthatlurkedontheedgesoftheirsafe,sunlitlives.
Elena’sstomachtwisted.Vampires,demons,phantoms,star-crossedlove.Whydidshehavetobetheonetodealwithitall?
Shelistenedforamoment.Stefanwasstillconsultingwiththeshopkeeper,andsheheardhimsayworriedly,“Willrowantwigshavethesameeffect,though?”andthewoman’sreassuringmurmur.Hewouldbebusyforawhilelonger,then.HewasonlyaboutathirdofthewaydownthelistMrs.Flowershadgiventhem
Elenaputtheshirtbackinitsplaceontherackandwalkedoutofthestore
Carefulnottobenoticedbythecoupleacrossthestreet,shefollowedthematadistance,takingagoodlonglookatMarissa.Shewasskinny,withfrecklesandalittleblobofanose.Prettyenough,Elenasupposed,withlong,straightdarkhairandawidemouth,butnotespeciallyeye-catching.She’dbeennobodymuchatschool,either.Volleyballteam,maybe.Yearbook.Passable,butnotstellargrades.Friends,butnotpopular.Anoccasionaldate,butnotagirlwhoboysnoticed.Apart-timejobinastore,ormaybethelibrary.Ordinary.Nothingspecial.
Sowhydidordinary,nothing-specialMarissagettohavethisuncomplicated,sunlitlife,whileElenahadbeenthroughhell—literally—togetwhatMarissaseemedtohavewithTomandyetshestilldidn’tgettohaveit?
AcoldbreezetouchedElena’sskin,andsheshivereddespitethemorning’sheat.Shelookedup.
Dark,cooltendrilsoffogweredriftingaroundher,yettherestofthestreetwasjustassunnyasithadbeenafewminutesbefore.Elena’sheartbegantopoundhardbeforeherbrainevencaughtupandrealizedwhatwashappening.Run!somethinginsideherhowled,butitwastoolate.Herlimbsweresuddenlyheavyaslead.
Acool,dryvoicespokeclosebehindher,avoicethatsoundedeerilyliketheobservationaloneinsideherownhead,theonethattoldhertheuncomfortabletruthsshedidn’twanttoacknowledge.“Whyisit,”thevoicesaid,“thatyoucanonlylovemonsters?”
Elenacouldn’tbringherselftoturnaround.
“Orisitthatonlymonsterscantrulyloveyou,Elena?”thevoicewenton,takingonasoftlytriumphanttone.“Allthoseboysinhighschool,theyonlywantedyouasatrophy.Theysawyourgoldenhairandyourblueeyesandyourperfectfaceandtheythoughthowfinetheywouldlookwithyouontheirarm.”
Steelingherself,Elenaslowlyturnedaround.Therewasnoonethere,butthefogwasgrowingthicker.Awomanpushingastrollerbrushedpastherwithaplacidglance.Couldn’tsheseeElenawasbeingwrappedinherownprivatefog?Elenaopenedhermouthtocryout,butthewordsstuckinherthroat.
Thefogwascoldernow,anditfeltalmostsolid,likeitwasholdingElenaback.Withagreateffortofwill,sheforcedherselfforward,butcouldstaggeronlyasfarasthebenchinfrontofanearbystore.Thevoicespokeagain,whisperinginherear,gloating.“Theyneversawyou,thoseboys.GirlslikeMarissa,likeMeredith,canfindloveandbehappy.OnlythemonstersbothertofindtherealElena.Poor,poorElena,you’llneverbenormal,willyou?Notlikeothergirls.”Itlaughedsoftly,viciously.
Thefogpressedthickeraroundher.NowElenacouldn’tseetherestofthestreet,oranythingbeyondthedarkness.Shetriedtogettoherfeet,tomoveforwardafewsteps,toshakeoffthefog.Butshecouldn’tmove.Thefogwaslikeaheavyblanketholdingherdown,butshecouldn’ttouchit,couldn’tfightit.
Elenapanicked,triedoncemoretosurgetoherfeet,openedhermouthtocall,Stefan!Butthefogswirledintoher,throughher,soakingintohereverypore.Unabletofightbackorcallout,shecollapsed.
Itwasstillfreezingcold.
“AtleastIhaveclothesonthistime,”Damonmuttered,kickingatapieceofcharredwoodashetrudgedacrossthebarrensurfaceoftheDarkMoon.
Theplacewasbeginningtogettohim,hehadtoadmit.Hehadbeenwanderingthisdesolatelandscapeforwhatfeltlikedays,althoughtheunchangingdarknessheremadeitimpossibleforhimtoknowforsurehowmuchtimehadpassed.
Whenhehadawakened,Damonhadassumedhewouldfindthelittleredbirdnexttohim,eagerforhiscompanyandprotection.Buthe’dawokenalone,lyingontheground.Nophantom,nogratefulgirl.
Hefrownedandpokedonetentativefootintoaheapofashthatmightconcealabody,butwasunsurprisedtofindnothingbutmudbeneaththeash,smearingmorefilthontohisonce-polishedblackboots.Afterhe’darrivedhereandstartedsearchingforBonnie,he’dexpectedthatatanymoment,hemightstumbleacrossherunconsciousbody.He’dhadapowerfulimageofwhatshewouldlooklike,paleandsilentinthedarkness,longredcurlscakedwithash.Butnowhewasbecomingconvincedthat,whereverthephantomhadtakenBonnie,shewasn’there.
He’dcomeheretobeahero:defeatthephantom,savethegirl,andultimatelysavehisgirl.Whatanidiot,hethought,curlinghislipathisownfoolishness.
Thephantomhadn’tbroughthimtowhereveritwaskeepingBonnie.Aloneonthisashheapofthemoon,hefeltoddlyrejected.Didn’titwanthim?
Asuddenpowerfulwindpushedagainsthim,andDamonstaggeredbackwardafewstepsbeforeregaininghisbalance.Thewindbroughtasoundwithit:Wasthatamoan?Healteredhiscourse,hunchinghisshouldersandheadingforwherehethoughtthesoundhadcomefrom.
Thenthesoundcameagain,asad,sobbingmoanechoingbehindhim.
Heturnedback,buthisfootstepswereclosertogetherandlessconfidentthanusual.Whatifhewaswrongandthelittlewitchwashurtandalonesomewhereonthisgodforsakenmoon?
Hewasterriblyhungry.Hepushedhistongueagainsthisachingcanines,andtheygrewknife-sharp.Hismouthwassodry;heimaginedtheflowofsweet,richblood,lifeitselfpulsingagainsthislips.Themoaningcameoncemore,fromhisleftthistime,andagainheswervedtowardit.Thewindblewagainsthisface,coldandwetwithmist.
ThiswasallElena’sfault.
Hewasamonster.Hewassupposedtobeamonster,totakebloodunflinchingly,tokillwithoutasecondthoughtorcare.ButElenahadchangedallthat.Shehadmadehimwanttoprotecther.Thenhehadstartedlookingoutforherfriends,andfinallyevensavingherprovinciallittletown,whenanyself-respectingvampirewouldhaveeitherbeenlonggonewhenthekitsunecame,orenjoyedthedevastationwithwarmbloodonhislips.
He’ddoneallthat—he’dchangedforher—andshestilldidn’tlovehim.
Notenough,anyway.Whenhe’dkissedherthroatandstrokedherhairtheothernight,whohadshebeenthinkingof?ThatweaklingStefan.
“It’salwaysStefan,isn’tit?”aclear,coolvoicesaidbehindhim.Damonfroze,thehairsonthebackofhisneckrising.
“Whateveryoutriedtotakefromhim,”thevoicecontinued,“youwerejustfightingtoeventhescales,becausethefactisthathegoteverything,andyouhadnothingatall.Youjustwantedthingstobefair.”
Damonshuddered,notturningaround.Noonehadeverunderstoodthat.Hejustwantedthingstobefair.
“Yourfathercaredforhimmuchmorethanhedidforyou.You’vealwaysknownthat,”thevoicewenton.“Youweretheoldest,theheir,butStefanwastheoneyourfatherloved.And,inromance,youhavealwaysbeentwostepsbehindStefan.Katherinealreadylovedhimbythetimeyoumether;thenthesamesadstoryhappenedalloveragainwithElena.Theysaytheyloveyou,thesegirlsofyours,buttheyhaveneverlovedyoubest,ormost,oronly,notevenwhenyougivethemyourwholeheart.”
Damonshudderedagain.Hefeltatearrundownhischeekand,infuriated,wipeditaway.
“Andyouknowwhythatis,don’tyou,Damon?”thecreaturewentonsmoothly.“Stefan.Stefan’salwaystakeneverythingyou’veeverwanted.He’sgottenthethingsyouwantedbeforeyouevensawthem,andleftnothingforyou.Elenadoesn’tloveyou.Sheneverhasandsheneverwill.”
SomethingbrokeinsideDamonatthecreature’swords,andinstantlyhesnappedbacktohimself.HowdarethephantommakehimquestionElena’slove?Itwastheonlytruethingheknew.
AcoldbreezeflutteredDamon’sclothing.Hecouldn’thearthemoaningnow.Andtheneverythingwentstill.
“Iknowwhatyou’redoing,”Damonsnarled.“Youthinkyoucantrickme?DoyousupposeyoucanturnmeagainstElena?”
Asoft,wetfootstepinthemudsoundedbehindhim.“Oh,littlevampire,”thevoicesaidmockingly.
“Oh,littlephantom,”Damonsaidback,matchingthecreature’stone.“Youhavenoideathemistakeyoujustmade.”Steelinghimselftoleap,hewhirledaround,fangsfullyextended.Butbeforehecouldpounce,coldstronghandsseizedhimbythethroatandpulledhimintotheair.
“I’dalsorecommendburyingpiecesofironaroundwhateveryou’retryingtoprotect,”theshopkeepersuggested.“Horseshoesaretraditional,butanythingmadeofiron,especiallyanythingroundorcurved,willdo.”She’dpassedthroughvariousstagesofdisbeliefasStefanhadtriedtobuyupwhatseemedlikeeverysingleobject,herb,orcharmrelatedtoprotectionintheshop,andnowhadbecomemanicallyhelpful.
“IthinkI’vegoteverythingIneedfornow,”Stefansaidpolitely.“Thankyousomuchforyourhelp.”
Herdimplesshoneassheranguphispurchasesontheshop’sold-fashionedmetalcashregister,andhesmiledback.HethoughthehadmanagedtodeciphereveryitemonMrs.Flowers’slistcorrectly,andwasfeelingfairlyproudofhimself.
Someoneopenedthedoortocomein,andacoldbreezewhooshedintotheshop,settingthemagicalitemsandwallhangingsflapping.
“Doyoufeelthat?”theshopkeeperasked.“Ithinkastorm’scoming.”Herhair,caughtbythewind,fannedoutintheair.
Stefan,abouttomakeapleasantrejoinder,staredinhorror.Herlonglocks,suspendedforamoment,twistedtheirtendrilsintoonecurlingstrandthatspelledout,clearlyandchillingly:
matt
Butifthephantomhadfoundanewtarget,thatmeantElena—
Stefanwhippedaround,lookingfranticallytowardthefrontoftheshop.Elenawasn’tthere.
“Areyouallright?”theshopkeeperaskedasStefanstaredwildlyaround.Ignoringher,hehurriedbacktowardthedooroftheshop,lookingdowneveryaisle,ineverynook.
StefanlethisPowerspreadout,reachingforatraceofElena’sdistinctivepresence.Nothing.Shewasn’tintheshop.Howcouldhenothavenoticedherleaving?
Hepressedhisfistsintohiseyesuntillittlestarsburstbeneathhislids.Thiswashisfault.Hehadn’tbeenfeedingonhumanblood,andhispowersweresorelydiminished.Whyhadhelethimselfgetsoweak?Ifhehadbeenatfullstrength,hewouldhaverealizedimmediatelythatshehadgone.Itwasself-indulgenttogiveintohisconsciencewhenhehadpeopletoprotect.
“Areyouallright?”thewomanaskedagain.She’dfollowedhimdowntheaislesofthestore,holdingouthisbag,andwaslookingathimanxiously.
Stefantookholdofthebag.“ThegirlIcameinwith,”hesaidurgently.“Didyouseewhereshewent?”
“Oh,”shereplied,frowning.“Shewentbackoutsidewhenwewereheadingofftolookthroughtheincensesection.”
Thatlongago.EventheshopkeeperhadnoticedElenaleaving.
Stefangaveajerkynodofthanksbeforestridingoutintothedazzlingsunlight.HelookedfranticallyupanddownMainStreet.
Hefeltawaveofreliefwhenhespottedhersittingonabenchoutsidethedrugstoreafewdoorsdown.Butthenhetooknoteofherslumpedposture,herbeautifulblondheadrestinglimplyononeofhershoulders.
Stefanwasathersideinaflash,gratefultofindherbreathingshallowyetsteady,herpulsestrong.Butshewasunconscious.
“Elena,”hesaid,gentlystrokinghercheek.“Elena,wakeup.Comebacktome.”Shedidn’tmove.Heshookherarmabitharder.“Elena!”Herbodyfloppedonthebench,butneitherherbreathingnorthesteadybeatofherheartchangedatall.
JustlikeBonnie.ThephantomhadgottenElena,andStefanfeltsomethinginsidehimtearintwo.Hehadfailedtoprotecther,toprotecteitherofthem.
StefangentlyslidahandunderElena’sbody,cuppingherheadprotectivelywithhisotherhand,andpulledherintohisarms.Hecradledheragainsthimand,channelingwhatlittlePowerhehadleftintospeed,begantorun.
Meredithcheckedherwatchforwhatfeltlikethehundredthtime,wonderingwhyStefanandElenaweren’tbackyet.
“Ican’treadthiswordatall,”Mattcomplained.“Iswear,Ithoughtmyhandwritingwasbad.ItlookslikeCalebwrotethiswithhiseyesclosed.”Hehadbeenrunninghishandsthroughhishairinfrustrationanditstoodupinmessylittlespikes,andtherewerefaintblueshadowsunderhiseyes.
Meredithtookaswigofcoffeeandheldoutherhand.Mattpassedherthenotebookhe’dbeenexamining.They’ddiscoveredthatshewasthebestatreadingCaleb’stiny,angularhandwriting.“That’sanO,Ithink,”shesaid.“Isdeosilaword?”
“Yes,”saidAlaric,sittingupalittlestraighter.“Itmeansclockwise.Itrepresentsmovingspiritualenergyintophysicalforms.Mightbesomethingthere.CanIsee?”
Meredithhandedhimthenotebook.HereyesweresoreandhermusclesstifffromsittingallmorningandgoingthroughCaleb’snotebooks,clippings,andpictures.Sherolledhershouldersforwardandback,stretching.
“No,”saidAlaricafterafewminutesofreading.“Nogood.Thisisjustaboutcastingamagiccircle.”
MeredithwasabouttospeakwhenStefanappearedinthedoorway,paleandwild-eyed.Elenalayunconsciousinhisarms.Meredithdroppedhercoffeecup.“Stefan!”shecried,staringinhorror.“Whathappened?”
“Thephantom’strappedher,”Stefansaid,hisvoicecatching.“Idon’tknowhow.”
Meredithfeltlikeshewasfalling.“Ohno,ohno,”sheheardherselfsayinatiny,shockedvoice.“NotElena,too.”
Mattstoodup,glowering.“Whydidn’tyoustopit?”heaskedaccusingly.
“Wedon’thavetimeforthis,”Stefansaidcoldly,andstrodepastthemtothestairs,clutchingElenaprotectively.Insilentaccord,Matt,Meredith,andAlaricfollowedhimuptotheroomwhereBonnielaysleeping.
Mrs.Flowerswasknittingbyherbedside,andhermouthopenedintoanOofdismaywhenshesawwhoStefancarried.StefangentlyplacedElenaontheothersideofthedoublebedbyBonnie’spaleandtinyform.
“I’msorry,”Mattsaidslowly.“Ishouldn’thaveblamedyou.But…whathappened?”
Stefanjustshrugged,lookingstricken.
Meredith’sheartsqueezedinherchestatthesightofhertwobestfriendslaidoutlikeragdolls.Theyweresostill.Eveninsleep,Elenahadalwaysbeenmoremobile,moreexpressivethanthis.Overthecourseofathousandsleepovers,eversincetheywerelittle,MeredithhadseensleepingElenasmile,rollherselfmoretightlyintheblankets,snuggleherfaceintothepillows.Nowthepink-and-gold-and-cream-coloredwarmthofElenaseemedfadedandcold.
AndBonnie,Bonniewhowassovibrantandquick-moving,she’dhardlyeverkeptstillformorethanamomentortwoinherwholelife.Nowshewasmotionless,frozen,almostcolorlessexceptforthedarkdotsofherfrecklesagainstherpalecheeksandthebrightexpanseofredhaironherpillow.Ifitweren’tfortheslightriseandfalloftheirchests,bothgirlscouldhavebeenmannequins.
“Idon’tknow,”Stefansaidagain,thewordssoundingmorepanickedthistime,andlookeduptomeetMeredith’seyes.“Idon’tknowwhattodo.”
Meredithclearedherthroat.“WecalledthehospitaltocheckonCalebwhileyouweregone,”shesaidcarefully,knowingwhateffectherwordswouldhave.“He’sbeenreleased.”
Stefan’seyesflashedmurderously.“Ithink,”hesaid,hisvoicelikeaknife,“thatweshouldpayCalebavisit.”
Elenawassuspendedindarkness.Shewasn’talarmed,though.Itwaslikefloatingslowlyunderwarmwater,gentlybobbinginthecurrent,andapartofherwondereddistantlyandwithoutfearwhetheritwaspossiblethatshehadnevercomeupoutofthewaterfallbasinatHotSprings.Hadshebeendriftinganddreamingallthistime?
Thensuddenlyshewasspeeding,burstingupward,andsheopenedhereyesondazzlingdaylightandgulpedalong,shakybreath.
Soulful,worrieddarkbrowneyesgazeddownintohersfromapalefacehoveringaboveher.
“Bonnie?”Elenagasped.
“Elena!ThankGod,”Bonniecried,grabbingherbythearmsinaviselikegrip.“I’vebeenhereallbymyselffordaysanddays,orwhatfeelslikedaysanddaysanyway,becausethelightneverchanges,soIcan’ttellbythesun.Andthere’snothingtodohere.Ican’tfigureouthowtogetout,andthere’snothingtoeat,althoughI’mweirdlynothungry,soIguessitdoesn’tmatter.Itriedtosleeptopassthetime,butIwasn’tgettingtired,either.Andsuddenlyyouwerehere,andIwassohappytoseeyou,butyouwouldn’twakeup,andIwasgettingreallyworried.What’sgoingon?”
“Idon’tknow,”Elenasaidgroggily.“ThelastthingIrememberisbeingonabench.IthinkIgotcaughtbysomekindofmysticalfog.”
“Metoo!”Bonnieexclaimed.“Notthebenchpart,butthefogpart.Iwasinmyroomattheboardinghouse,andthisweirdfogtrappedme.”Sheshiveredtheatrically.“Icouldn’tmoveatall.AndIwassocold.”Suddenlyhereyeswidenedwithguilt.“Iwasdoingaspellwhenithappened,andsomethingcameupbehindmeandsaidstuff.Nastythings.”
Elenashuddered.“Iheardavoice,too.”
“DoyouthinkI…setsomethingloose?WhenIwasdoingthespell?I’vebeenworryingthatmaybeImighthavedonesoaccidentally.”Bonnie’sfacewaswhite.
“Itwasn’tyourfault,”Elenareassuredher.“Wethinkit’sthephantom—thethingthat’sbeencausingtheaccidents—thatitstoleyourspiritsoitcoulduseyourpowerforitself.Andnowit’stakenme,Iguess.”
ShequicklytoldBonnieaboutthephantom,thenpusheduponherelbowsandreallylookedaroundforthefirsttime.“Ican’tbelievewe’rehereagain.”
“Where?”askedBonnieanxiously.“Wherearewe?”
Itwasmiddayandasunlitblueskystretchedbrightlyoverhead.Elenawasprettysureitwasalwaysmiddayhere:Itcertainlyhadbeenthelasttimeshe’dbeenhere.Theywereinawide,longfieldthatseemedtogoonforever.AsfarasElenacouldsee,thereweretallbushesgrowing—rosebusheswithperfectvelvetyblackblooms.
Midnightroses.Richlymagicalrosesgrownforholdingspellsonlythekitsunecouldcoatontothem.AkitsunehadsentStefanoneoftheserosesonce,withaspelltomakehimhuman,butDamonhadaccidentallyinterceptedit,muchtobothbrothers’dismay.
“We’reinthekitsunes’magicrosefield,theonethattheGatehouseoftheSevenTreasuresopensinto,”shetoldBonnie.
“Oh,”Bonniesaid.Shethoughtforamomentandthenaskedhelplessly,“Whatarewedoinghere?Isthephantomakitsune?”
“Idon’tthinkso,”Elenaanswered.“Maybeit’sjustaconvenientplacetostashus.”
Elenatookadeepbreath.Bonniewasagoodpersontobewithinacrisis.NotgoodinthewaythatMeredithwas—Meredith’swaywastheplanning-and-getting-things-doneway—butgoodinthatBonnielookedupatElenatrustinglywithbig,innocenteyesandaskedquestions,confidentthatElenawouldknowtheanswers.AndElenawouldimmediatelyfeelcompetentandprotective,asifshecoulddealwithwhateversituationtheywereembroiledin.Likerightnow.WithBonniedependingonher,Elena’smindwasworkingmoreclearlythanithadfordays.Anymomentnow,she’dcomeupwithaplantogetthemoutofhere.Anymomentnow,shewassure.
Bonnie’scold,smallfingersworkedtheirwayintoElena’shand.“Elena,arewedead?”sheaskedinatiny,quaveringvoice.
Weretheydead?Elenawondered.Shedidn’tthinkso.Bonniehadbeenaliveafterthephantomtookher,butunwakeable.ItwasmorelikelytheirspiritshadtraveledhereontheastralplaneandtheirbodieswerebackinFell’sChurch.
“Elena?”Bonnierepeatedanxiously.“Doyouthinkwe’redead?”
Elenaopenedhermouthtorespondwhenacrackling,stompingnoiseinterruptedher.Therosebushesnearbybegantothrashwildly,andtherewasagreatrushingsoundthatseemedtocomefromeverydirectionatonce.Thesnappingofbrancheswasdeafening,asifsomethinghugewasshovingitswaythroughthebracken.Allaroundthem,thornyrosebushbrancheswhippedbackandforth,althoughtherewasnowind.Sheyelpedasoneofthewavingbranchessmackedheracrossthearm,gashingherskinopen.
Bonnieletoutawail,andElena’sheartbeatdoubletimeinherchest.Shewhirledaround,pushingBonniebehindher.Sheballedherhandsintofistsandcrouched,tryingtorememberwhatMeredithhadtaughtheraboutfightinganattacker.Butasshelookedaround,allshecouldseeformileswereroses.Black,perfectroses.
BonniegaveasmallwhimperandpressedclosertoElena’sback.
SuddenlyElenafeltasharp,achingtugripthroughher,asifsomethingwerebeingpulledslowlybutfirmlyoutofhertorso.Shegaspedandstumbled,clutchingherhandstoherstomach.Thisisit,shethoughtnumbly,feelingasthougheveryboneinherbodywerebeinggroundtoapulp.Iamgoingtodie.Chapter28
NooneansweredthedoorattheSmallwoods’house.Thedrivewaywasemptyandthehouselookeddeserted,theshadespulleddown.
“MaybeCaleb’snothere,”Mattsaidnervously.“Couldhehavegonesomewhereelsewhenhegotoutofthehospital?”
“Icansmellhim.Icanhearhimbreathing,”Stefangrowled.“He’sinthere,allright.He’shidingout.”
MatthadneverseenStefanlooksoangry.Hisusuallycalmgreeneyeswerebrightwithrage,andhisfangsseemedtobeinvoluntarilyextended,littlesharppointsshowingeverytimeheopenedhismouth.StefancaughtMattlookingatthemandfrowned,runninghistongueself-consciouslyacrosshiscanines.
MattglancedatAlaric,whohe’dbeenthinkingofastheonlyothernormalpersonleftintheirgroup,butAlaricwaswatchingStefanwithwhatwasclearlyfascinationratherthanalarm.Notentirelynormal,then,either,Mattthought.
“Wecangetin,”Meredithsaidcalmly.ShelookedtoAlaric.“Letmeknowifsomeone’scoming.”Henoddedandpositionedhimselftoblocktheviewofanyonewalkingpastonthesidewalk.Withcoolefficiency,Meredithwedgedoneendofherfightingstaveinthecrackofthefrontdoorandstartedtopryitopen
Thedoorwasmadeofheavyoak,andclearlyhadtwolocksandachainengagedinside,anditwithstoodMeredith’sleverageagainstit.Meredithswore,thenmuttered,“Comeon,comeon,”redoublingherefforts.Thelocksandchainsgavesuddenlyagainstherstrength,andthedoorflewopen,bangingintothewallbehindit.
“Somuchforaquietentrance,”Stefansaid.Heshiftedrestlesslyonthedoorstepastheyfiledpasthim.
“You’reinvitedin,”Meredithsaid,butStefanshookhishead.
“Ican’t,”hesaid.“Itonlyworksifyoulivehere.”
Meredith’slipstightened,andsheturnedandranupthestairs.Therewasabriefshoutofsurpriseandsomemuffledthumping.AlaricglancedatMattnervously,andthenupthestairs.
“Shouldwehelpher?”hesaid.
BeforeMattcouldanswer—andhewasprettysureMeredithwasn’ttheonewhoneededhelp—shereturned,shovingCalebdownthestairsbeforeher,twistingoneofhisarmstightlybehindhisback.
“Invitehimin,”sheorderedasCalebstumbledtothebottomofthestairs.Calebshookhishead,andsheyankedhisarmuphighersothatheyelpedinpain.
“Iwon’t,”hesaidstubbornly.“Youcan’tcomein.”MeredithpushedhimtowardStefan,stoppinghimjustatthethresholdofthefrontdoor.
“Lookatme,”Stefansaidsoftly,andCaleb’seyesflewtohis.Stefan’spupilswidened,swallowinghisgreenirisesinblack,andCalebshookhisheadfrantically,butseemedunabletobreakhisgaze.
“Let.Me.In,”Stefanordered.
“Comein,then,”saidCalebsullenly.Meredithreleasedhimandhiseyescleared.Heturnedanddashedupthestairs.
Stefanburstthroughthedoorlikehe’dbeenshotthroughagunandthenstalkedupthestairs.Hissmooth,stealthymovementsremindedMattofapredator’s—ofalionorashark.Mattshivered.SometimesheforgothowtrulydangerousStefanwas.
“I’dbettergowithhim,”Meredithsaid.“Wedon’twantStefandoinganythinghe’dregret.”Shepaused.“Notbeforewefindoutwhatweneedtoknow,anyway.Alaric,you’retheonewhoknowsthemostaboutmagic,soyoucomewithme.Matt,keepaneyeoutandwarnusiftheSmallwoodspullintothedrive.”SheandAlaricfollowedStefanupthestairs.
Mattwaitedforthescreamingtostart,butitremainedominouslyquietupstairs.Keepingoneeyeonthedrivewaythroughthefrontwindows,Mattprowledthroughthelivingroom.HeandTylerhadbeenfriendsonceuponatime,oratleasthadhungout,becausetheywerebothfirst-stringonthefootballteam.They’dknowneachothersincemiddleschool.
Tylerdranktoomuch,partiedtoohard,wasgrossandsexisttowardgirls,buttherehadbeensomethingabouthimthatMatthadsometimesenjoyed.Itwasthewayhe’dthrownhimselfintothings,whetheritwastheno-holds-barredtackleofanopposingteam’squarterbackorthrowingtheabsolutelycraziestpartyanyonehadeverseen.Orthetimewhenthey’dbeeninseventhgradeandhe’dgottenobsessedwithwinningatStreetFighteronPlayStation2.Everydayhe’dhadMattandtherestoftheguysover,allofthemspendinghourssittingonthefloorofTyler’sbedroom,eatingchipsandtalkingtrashandpoundingthebuttonsofthecontrolleruntilTylerhadfiguredouthowtowineveryfight.
Mattheavedasighandpeeredoutthefrontwindowagain.
Therewasabriefmuffledthumpfromupstairs,andMattfroze.Silence.
Asheturnedbacktopaceacrossthelivingroomagain,Mattnoticedaparticularphotoamongtheneatrowofframesontopofthepiano.Hecrossedoverandpickeditup.
Itmusthavebeenthefootballbanquet,junioryear.Inthepicture,Matt’sarmwasaroundElena,whohe’dbeendatingthen,andshewassmilingupathim.NexttothemstoodTyler,handinhandwithagirlwhosenameMattcouldn’tremember.Alison,maybe,orAlicia.She’dbeenolderthanthem,asenior,andhadgraduatedthatyearandlefttown.Theywerealldressedup,heandTylerinjacketsandties,thegirlsinpartydresses.Elenahadwornawhite,deceptivelysimpleshortdress,andlookedsolovelythatshe’dtakenMatt’sbreathaway.
Thingshadbeensoeasythen.Thequarterbackandtheprettiestgirlinschool.They’dbeentheperfectcouple.
ThenStefancametotown,acold,mechanicalvoicewhisperedtohim,anddestroyedeverything.
Stefan,whohadpretendedtobeMatt’sfriend.Stefan,whohadpretendedtobeahumanbeing.
Stefan,whohadpursuedMatt’sgirlfriend,theonlygirlMatthadeverreallybeeninlovewith.Probablytheonlygirlhewouldeverfeelthatwayabout.Sure,they’dbrokenupjustbeforeElenametStefan,butMattmighthavegottenherback,ifnotforhim.
Matt’smouthtwisted,andhethrewthephototothefloor.Theglassdidn’tbreak,andthephotojustlaythere,MattandElenaandTylerandthegirlwhosenamehedidn’tremembersmilinginnocentlyupattheceiling,unawareofwhatwasheadingtowardthem,ofthechaosthatwoulderuptlessthanayearlater.BecauseofStefan.
Stefan.Matt’sfacewashotwithanger.Therewasabuzzinginhishead.Stefanthetraitor.Stefanthemonster.StefanwhohadstolenMatt’sgirl.
Mattsteppeddeliberatelyontothepictureandgrounditbeneathhisheel.Thewoodenframesnapped.Thefeeloftheglassshatteringunderhisfootwasoddlysatisfying.
Withoutlookingback,Mattstompedacrossthelivingroomtowardthestairs.Itwastimeforhimtodealwiththemonsterwhohadruinedhislife.
“Confess!”Stefangrowled,doinghisbesttocompelCaleb.ButhewassoweakandCalebkeptthrowingupmentalblocks.Nodoubtaboutit—thisboyhadaccesstoPower.
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,”Calebsaid,pressinghisbackagainstthewallasifhecouldtunnelintoit.HiseyesflickednervouslyfromStefan’sangryfacetoMeredith,whowasholdingherstaffbalancedbetweenherhands,readytostrike,andbacktoStefan.“Ifyoujustleavemealone,Iwon’tgotothepolice.Idon’twantanytrouble.”
CaleblookedpaleandshorterthanStefanremembered.Therewerebruisesonhisface,andoneofhisarmswasinacastandsupportedbyasling.Despiteeverything,Stefanfeltatwingeofguiltashelookedathim.
He’snothuman,heremindedhimself.
Although…Calebdidn’tseemallthatwolfisheither,forawerewolf.Shouldn’ttherebealittlemoreoftheanimalinhim?Stefanhadn’tknownmanywerewolves,butTylerhadbeenallbigwhiteteethandbarelyrepressedaggression.
Nexttohim,Alaricblinkedattheinjuredboy.Cockinghisheadtoonesideandexamininghim,heechoedStefan’sthoughts,askingskeptically,“Areyousurehe’sawerewolf?”
“Awerewolf?”saidCaleb.“Areyouallcrazy?”
ButStefanwaswatchingCalebcarefully,andhesawatinyflickerinCaleb’seyes.“You’relying,”Stefansaidcoldly,reachingoutwithhismindoncemore,finallyfindingacrackinCaleb’sdefenses.“Youdon’tthinkwe’recrazy.You’rejustsurprisedthatweknowaboutyou.”
Calebsighed.Hisfacewasstillwhiteandstrained,butacertainfalsenesswentoutofitasStefanspoke.Hisshouldersslumpedandhesteppedawayfromthewallalittle,headhangingwearily.
Meredithtensed,readytospring,ashemovedforward.Hestoppedandhelduphishands.“I’mnotgoingtotryanything.AndI’mnotawerewolf.But,yeah,IknowTyleris,andI’mguessingthatyouknowthat,too.”
“You’vegotthewerewolfgene,”Stefantoldhim.“Youcouldeasilybeawerewolf,too.”
CalebshruggedandlookedStefanstraightintheeye.“Iguess.Butitdidn’thappentome;ithappenedtoTyler.”
“Happenedto?”Meredithasked,hervoicerisingwithoutrage.“DoyouknowwhatTylerdidtobecomeawerewolf?”
Calebglancedatherwarily.“Whathedid?Tylerdidn’tdoanything.Thefamilycursecaughtupwithhim,that’sall.”Hisfacewasshadowedandanxious.
Stefanfoundhistonegentlingdespitehimself.“Caleb,youhavetokillsomeonetobecomeawerewolf,evenifyoucarrythegene.Unlessyou’rebittenbyawerewolfyourself,therearecertainritualsthathavetobeperformed.Bloodrituals.Tylermurderedaninnocentgirl.”
Caleb’skneesseemedtogiveout,andheslidtothefloorwithamuffledthump.Helookedsick.“Tylerwouldn’tdothat,”hesaid,buthisvoicewasunsteady.“Tylerwaslikeabrothertomeaftermyparentsdied.Hewouldn’tkillanyone.Idon’tbelieveyou.”
“Hedid,”Meredithconfirmed.“TylermurderedSueCarson.Wenegotiatedforhertocomebacktolife,butitdoesn’tchangethefactthathedidkillher.”
Hervoiceheldtheunmistakableringoftruth,andallthefightseemedtogooutofCaleb.Hesanklowerandrestedhisforeheadagainsthisknees.“Whatdoyouwantfromme?”
Helookedsothinandrumpledthat,despitetheurgencyoftheirmission,Stefanwasdistracted.“Weren’tyoutallerthanthis?”heasked.“Bigger?More…puttogether?ThelasttimeIsawyou,Imean.”
Calebmumbledsomethingintohisknees,toomuffledanddistortedforevenavampiretohearproperly.“What?”Stefanasked.
Caleblookedup,hisfacesmudgedwithtears.“Itwasaglamour,okay?”hesaidbitterly.“ImademyselflookbetterbecauseIwantedElenatowantme.”StefanthoughtofCaleb’sglowing,healthyface,hisheight,hiscrowninghaloofgoldencurls.Nowonderhehadseemedsuspicious;subconsciouslyStefanmusthaveknownhowunlikelyitwasthatanordinaryhumanwouldlookthatmuchlikeanarchangel.NowonderhefeltsomuchlighterthanIexpectedwhenIthrewhimacrossthegraveyard,Stefanthought.
“Soyouareamagicuser,evenifyouaren’tawerewolf,”Meredithsaidswiftly.
Calebshrugged.“Youknewthatalready,”hesaid.“Isawwhatyoudidtomyworkroomintheshed.Whatmoredoyouwantfromme?”
Meredithsteppedforwardwarningly,staveattheready,hergazeclearandpitiless,andCalebflinchedawayfromher.“Whatwewant,”shesaid,enunciatingeveryworddistinctly,“isforyoutotellushowyousummonedthephantom,andhowwecangetridofit.Wewantourfriendsback.”
Calebstaredather.“IswearIdon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
StefanprowledtowardCalebonhisotherside,keepinghimoffbalancesothattheboy’seyesflickednervouslybackandforthbetweenStefanandMeredith.
ThenStefanstopped.HecouldseethatCaleblookedgenuinelyconfused.Wasitpossiblethathewastellingthetruth?StefankneltsothathewasateyelevelwithCalebandtriedasoftertone.“Caleb?”heasked,depletinghislastremnantsofPowertocompeltheboytospeak.“Canyoutelluswhatkindofmagicyoudid?Somethingwiththeroses,right?Whatwasthespellsupposedtodo?”
Calebswallowed,hisAdam’sapplebobbing.“IhadtofindoutwhathappenedtoTyler,”hesaid.“SoIcamehereforthesummer.Nooneseemedworried,butIknewTylerwouldn’tjustdropoutofsight.Tylerhadtalkedaboutyou,allofyou,andElenaGilbert.Tylerhatedyou,Stefan,andatfirsthelikedElena,andthenhereallyhatedher,too.WhenIcamehere,though,everyoneknewElenaGilbertwasdead.Herfamilywasstillmourningher.Andyouweregone,Stefan;you’dlefttown.Itriedtoputthepiecestogetheraboutwhathadhappened—thereweresomeprettystrangestories—andthenlotsofotherweirdthingshappenedintown.Violence,andgirlsgoingcrazy,andchildrenattackingtheirparents.Andthen,suddenly,itwasover;itjuststopped,anditwaslikeIwastheonlyonewhorememberedithappening.ButIalsorememberedjustanormalsummer.ElenaGilberthadbeenherethewholetime,andnoonethoughtanythingofit,becausetheydidn’trememberherdying.OnlyIseemedtohavetwosetsofmemories.PeoplewhoI’dseengethurt”—heshudderedatthememory—“orevenkilledwerefineagain.IfeltlikeIwasgoingcrazy.”
Calebpushedhisshaggydarkblondhairbackoutofhisface,rubbedhisnose,andtookabreath.“Whateverwasgoingon,IknewyouandElenawereatthecenterofit.Thedifferencesbetweenthememoriestoldmethat.AndIfiguredthatyoumustbeconnectedtoTyler’sdisappearance,too.Eitheryou’ddonesomethingtohim,oryouknewsomethingaboutwhathadhappenedtohim.IfiguredifIcouldpullyouandyourfriendsapart,somethingwouldcomeout.Onceyouweresetagainstoneanother,I’dbeabletoworkmywayinandfindoutwhatwasgoingon.MaybeIcouldgetElenatofallformewithaglamour,oroneoftheothergirls.Ijusthadtoknow.”Helookedfromonetoanotherofthem.“Therosespellwassupposedtomakeyouirrational,turnyouagainstoneanother.”
Alaricfrowned.“Youmeanyoudidn’tsummonanything?”
Calebshookhishead.“Look,”hesaid,pullingathickleather-boundvolumefromunderhisbed.“ThespellIusedisinhere.That’sallIdid,honest.”
Alarictookthebookandflippedthroughthepagesuntilhefoundtherightspell.Hestudiedit,hisforeheadcrinkling,andsaid,“He’stellingthetruth.Thereisn’tanythingaboutsummoningaphantominthisbook.AndthespellherefitswhatwesawinCaleb’sworkshopandwhatI’vebeenreadinginhisnotebooks.Thisrosespellisafairlylow-leveldiscordspell;itwouldmakewhatevernegativeemotionswewerefeeling—hate,anger,jealousy,fear,sorrow—justalittlebitstronger,makeusalittlemorelikelytoblameoneanotherforanythingthatwentwrong.”
“Butwhencombinedwiththepowersofwhateverphantommightbehangingaroundhere,thespellwouldbecomeafeedbackloop,justasMrs.Flowerssaidcouldhappen,strengtheningouremotionsandmakingthephantommorepowerful,”Stefansaidslowly.
“Jealousy,”saidMerediththoughtfully.“Youknow,Ihatetoadmitit,butIwashorriblyjealousofCeliawhenshewashere.”SheglancedapologeticallyatAlaric,whoreachedoutandgentlytouchedherhand.
“Shewasjealousofyou,too,”Stefansaidmatter-of-factly.“Icouldsenseit.”Hesighed.“AndI’vebeenfeelingjealousaswell.”
“Soperhapsajealousyphantom?”Alaricsaid.“Good,that’llgiveusmoreofabasisforresearchingbanishingspells.AlthoughIhaven’tbeenfeelingjealousatall.”
“Ofcoursenot,”Meredithsaidpointedly.“You’retheonewho’shadtwogirlsfightingoveryou.”
SuddenlyStefanfeltsoexhaustedthathislegsshook.Heneededtofeed,immediately.HenoddedawkwardlytoCaleb.“I’msorry…forwhathappened.”
Caleblookedupathim.“PleasetellmewhathappenedtoTyler,”heimplored.“Ihavetoknow.I’llleaveyoualoneifyoujusttellmethetruth,Ipromise.”
MeredithandStefanglancedateachother,andStefanraisedhiseyebrowsslightly.“Tylerwasalivewhenhelefttownthispastwinter,”Meredithsaidslowly.“That’sallweknowabouthim,Iswear.”
Calebstaredupatherforalongmoment,thennodded.“Thankyou,”hesaidsimply.
Shenoddedbackathimcrisply,likeageneralacknowledgingthetroops,andledthewayoutofhisroom.
Justthenamuffled,cutoffshoutcamefromdownstairs,followedbyathud.StefanandAlaricracedafterMeredithdownthestairs,almostbumpingintoherasshepulledtoasuddenhalt.
“Whatisit?”Stefanasked.Meredithdrewaside.
Mattwaslyingfacedownatthefootofthestairs,hisarmsflungoutasthoughtocatchhimself.Meredithsteppedquicklytherestofthewaydownthestairstohimandturnedhimovergently.
Hiseyeswereclosed,hisfacepale.Hewasbreathing,slowlybutsteadily.Meredithfelthispulse,thenshookhimgentlybytheshoulder.“Matt,”shecalled.“Matt!”ShelookedupatStefanandAlaric.“Justliketheothers,”shesaidgrimly.“Thephantom’sgothim.”Chapter29
Iwillnotdie—notagain,Elenathoughtfuriouslyasshewrithedinpain,theinvisibleviseclampingdownevenharderonher.
Bonniefelltothegrass,evenpalerthanbefore,clutchingherstomachinamirrorimageofElena.
Itcannottakeme!
Andthen,justassuddenlyasithadstarted,thedeafeningroarceasedandthecrushingpainlifted.Elenacollapsedtotheground,airwhooshingbackintoherlungs.It’sfinishedgrindingbonestomakeitsbread,Elenathoughtsemihysterically,andalmostgiggled.
Bonniegaspedloudly,lettingoutasmallsob.
“Whatwasthat?”Elenaaskedher.
Bonnieshookherhead.“Itfeltlikesomethingwasgettingpulledoutofus,”shesaid,panting.“Ifeltitbefore,too,rightbeforeyoushowedup.”
“Thatpullingfeeling.”Elenagrimaced,hermindwhirling.“Ithinkit’sthephantom.Damonsaysthatitwantstodrainourpower.Thatmustbehowitdoesit.”
Bonniewasstaringather,hermouthjustatinybitopen.Herpinktonguedartedoutandlickedherlips.“Damonsays?”shesaid.Shefrownedanxiously.“Damon’sdead,Elena.”
“No,he’salive.Thestarballbroughthimbackafterwe’dalreadylefttheDarkMoon.Ifoundoutafterthephantomtookyou.”
Bonniemadealittlenoise,asortofeep!thatremindedElenaofabunny,ofsomethingsoftandsmallandsurprised.Alltheblooddrainedoutofherface,leavingherusuallyfaintfrecklesvividspotsagainstthewhiteofhercheeks.Shepressedshakinghandstohermouth,staringatElenawithhugedarkeyes.
“Listen,Bonnie,”Elenasaidfiercely.“Nobodyelseknowsthisyet.Nobodybutyouandme,Bonnie.Damonwantedtokeepitasecretuntilhecouldfigureouttherightwaytocomeback.Soweneedtokeepquietaboutit.”
Bonnienodded,stillgaping.Thecolorwasrushingbackintohercheeks,andshelookedlikeshewascaughtbetweenjoyandtotalconfusion.
Glancingoverhershoulder,ElenanoticedthattherewassomethinginthegrassatthefootofarosebushbeyondBonnie,somethingmotionlessandwhite.AchillwentthroughherasshewasremindedofCaleb’sbodyatthefootofthemonumentinthegraveyard.
“What’sthat?”sheaskedsharply.Bonnie’sexpressiontippedoverintoconfusion.Elenabrushedpastherandwalkedtowardit,squintinginthesunlight.
Whenshegotcloseenough,ElenasawwithamazementthatitwasMatt,lyingstillandsilentbeneaththerosebush.Asprinkleofblackpetalswasscatteredacrosshischest.Asshecameclosetohim,Matt’seyestwitched—shecouldseethemmovingrapidlybackandforthunderthelids,asifhewashavinganintensedream—andthenflewopenashetookinalong,rattlinggulpofair.Hispaleblueeyesmethers.
“Elena!”Hegasped.Hehitchedhimselfupontohiselbowsandlookedpasther.“Bonnie!ThankGod!Areyouokay?Wherearewe?”
“Thephantomcaughtus,broughtustotheNetherWorld,andisusingustomakeitselfmorepowerful,”Elenasaidsuccinctly.“Howdoyoufeel?”
“Alittlestartled,”Mattjokedinaweakvoice.Helookedaround,thenlickedhislipsnervously.“Huh,sothisistheNetherWorld?It’snicerthanI’dpicturedfromyourdescriptions.Shouldn’ttheskybered?Andwhereareallthevampiresanddemons?”HelookedatElenaandBonniesternly.“Wereyouguystellingthetruthabouteverythingthathappenedtoyouhere?BecausethisplaceseemsprettyniceforaHelldimension,whatwithalltherosesandeverything.”
Elenastaredathim.It’spossibletoomanyweirdthingshavehappenedtous.
ThenshenoticedthehintofpaniconMatt’sface.Hewasn’tunnaturallyblaséaboutwhatwasgoingon;hewasjustbeingbrave,whistlingtokeepuptheirspiritsinthisnewestdanger.
“Well,wewantedtoimpressyou,”shejokedbackwithatremuloussmile,thenquicklygotdowntobusiness.“Whatwasgoingonwhenyouwerebackhome?”sheaskedhim.
“Um,”Mattsaid,“StefanandMeredithwerequestioningCalebabouthowhesummonedthephantom.”
“Caleb’snotresponsibleforthephantom,”Elenasaidfirmly.“Itfollowedushomewhenwewereherebefore.Wehavetogethomerightawaysowecantellthemthey’redealingwithoneoftheOriginalones.It’llbemuchmoredifficultforustogetridofthananordinaryone.”
MattlookedatBonniequestioningly.“Howdoessheknowthis?”
“Well,”Bonniesaid,withahintofthegleeshealwaysgotfromgossip,“apparentlyDamontoldher.He’saliveandshesawhim!”
SomuchforkeepingDamon’ssecret,Bonnie,Elenathought,rollinghereyes.Still,itdidn’treallymatterifMattknew.Hewasn’ttheoneDamonwaskeepingthesecretfrom,andhewasn’tlikelytobeabletotellStefananytimesoon.
ElenatunedoutMatt’sexclamationsofwonderandBonnie’sexplanationsasshescannedtheareaaroundthem.Sunshine.Rosebushes.Rosebushes.Sunshine.Grass.Clearbluesky.Allthesame,ineverydirection.Wherevershelooked,velvetyblackperfectbloomsnoddedserenelyinaclearmiddaysun.Thebusheswereallthesame,downtothenumberandpositionsoftherosesoneachoneandthedistancesbetweenthem.Eventhestemsofgrasswereuniform—allstoppingatthesameheight.Thesunhadn’tmovedsinceshe’darrived.
Itallseemedlikeitshouldbelovelyandrelaxing,butafterafewminutesthesamenessbecameunnerving.
“Therewasagate,”shetoldBonnieandMatt.“WhenwewerelookingintothisfieldfromtheGatehouseoftheSevenTreasures.Therewasawayinfromthere,sotheremustbeawaytogetouttothere.Wejusthavetofindit.”
Theyhadbeguntoclambertotheirfeetwhen,withoutwarning,thesharptuggingpainstruckagain.Elenaclutchedherstomach.Bonnielostherbalanceandfellbacktoasittingpositionontheground,hereyesclenchedshut.
Mattgaveachoked-offexclamationandgasped.“Whatisthat?”
Elenawaitedforthepaintofadeagainbeforesheansweredhim.Herkneeswerewobbling.Shefeltdizzyandsick.“Anotherreasonweneedtogetoutofhere,”shesaid.“Thephantom’susingustoincreaseitspower.Ithinkitneedsusheretodothat.Andifwedon’tfindthegatesoon,wemightbetooweaktomakeithome.”
Shelookedaroundagain,theuniformityalmostdizzying.Eachrosebushwascenteredinasmallcircularbedofrich-lookingdarkloam.Betweenthesecircles,thegrassofthefieldwasvelvetysmooth,likethelawnofanEnglishmanorhouseorareallygoodgolfcourse.
“Okay,”Elenasaid,andtookadeep,calmingbreath.“Let’sspreadoutandlookcarefully.We’llstayabouttenfeetapartfromoneanotherandgofromoneendofthisrosegardentotheother,searching.Lookaroundcarefully—anythingthat’satalldifferentfromtherestofthefieldcouldbetheclueweneedtofindthewayout.”
“We’regoingtosearchthewholefield?”Bonnieasked,soundingdismayed.“It’shuge.”
“We’lljustdoonelittlebitatatime,”Elenasaidencouragingly.
Theystartedinaspread-outline,gazingintentlybackandforth,upanddown.Atfirsttherewasonlythesilenceoffocusedconcentrationastheysearched.Therewasnosignofagate.Stepbystepthroughthefield,nothingchanged.Endlessrowsofidenticalrosebushesstretchedinalldirections,spacedaboutthreefeetfromoneanother,enoughroombetweenthemforonepersontoeasilypass.
Theeternalmiddaysunbeatdownuncomfortablyonthetopsoftheirheads,andElenawipedabeadofsweatfromherforehead.Thescentofroseshungheavilyinthewarmair;atfirstElenahadfounditpleasant,butnowitwasnauseating,likeatoo-sweetperfume.Theperfectstalksofgrassbentunderherfeet,thensprangupagain,uncrushed,asifshehadneverpassed.
“Iwishtherewereabreeze,”Bonniecomplained.“ButIdon’tthinkthewindeverblowshere.”
“Thisfieldmustcometoanendsometime,”Elenasaiddesperately.“Itcan’tjustgoonforever.”Therewasasickeningfeelinginthepitofherstomach,though,thatsuggestedtoherthatmaybeitcouldgoonforever.Thiswasn’therworld,afterall.Therulesweredifferenthere.
“Sowhere’sDamonnow?”Bonnieaskedsuddenly.Shewasn’tlookingatElena.Shewaskeepingupthesamesteadypace,thesamecareful,systematicgaze.Buttherewasanoteofstraininhervoice,andElenabrokeherownsearchtoglanceatherquickly.
ThenonepossibleanswertoBonnie’squestionhitElenaandshestoppeddead.“That’sit!”shesaid.“Bonnie,Matt,IthinkDamonmightbehere.Ornothere,notintherosegarden,butsomewhereintheNetherWorld,intheDarkDimension.”Theylookedatherblankly.
“Damonwasgoingtotrytocomeheretolookforthephantom,”Elenaexplained.“Hethoughtitfollowedushomefromherewhenwecamebacktoourownworld,sothisisprobablywherehe’dstartsearchingforitsphysicalbody.ThelasttimeIsawhim,hetoldmethathethoughthewouldbeabletofightitbetterfromhere,whereitcamefrom.Ifheishere,maybehecanhelpusgetbacktoFell’sChurch.”
Damon,pleasebeheresomewhere.Pleasehelpus,shebeggedsilently.
Justthen,somethingcaughthereye.Aheadofthem,betweentworosebushesthatlookedjustthesameasanyothertworosebushesinthegarden,therewastheslightestshift,thetiniestdistortion.Itlookedliketheheatshimmerthatwouldsometimesappearoverthehighwayonthehottest,moststilldaysofsummerasthesun’sraysbouncedofftheasphalt.
Noasphaltheretoradiatebackthesun’sheat.Butsomethinghadtobecausingthatshimmer.
Unlessshewasimaginingit.Werehereyesplayingtricksonher,showingheramirageamongtherosebushes?
“Doyouseethat?”sheaskedtheothers.“Overthere,justalittletotheright?”
Theystoppedandpeeredcarefully.
“Maybe?”Bonniesaidhesitantly.
“Ithinkso,”Mattsaid.“Likehotairrising,right?”
“Right,”Elenasaid.Shefrowned,estimatingthedistance.Maybefifteenfeet.“Weshouldtakeitatarun,”shesaid.“Incasewehaveanytroublegettingthrough.Theremightbesomekindofbarrierwehavetobreaktogetout.Idon’tthinkhesitatingwillhelpus.”
“Let’sholdhands,”Bonniesuggestednervously.“Idon’twanttoloseyouguys.”
Elenadidn’ttakehereyesofftheshimmerintheair.Ifshelostit,she’dneverfinditagain,notwiththesamenessofeverythinginhere.Oncetheygotturnedaround,they’dneverbeabletotellthisspotfromanyother.
Theyallthreetookoneanother’shands,staringatthesmalldistortionthattheyhopedwasagate.BonniewasinthemiddleandsheclutchedElena’slefthandwithherthin,warmfingers.
“One,two,three,go,”Bonniesaid,andthentheywererunning.Theystumbledoverthegrass,wovebetweenrosebushes.Thespacebetweenthebusheswasbarelywideenoughforthreetorunabreast,andathornybranchcaughtinElena’shair.Shecouldn’tletgoofBonnieandshecouldn’tstop,soshejustyankedherheadforwarddespitetheeye-wateringlypainfultugonherhairandkeptrunning,leavingatangleofhairhangingfromabushbehindher.
Thentheywereattheshimmerbetweenthebushes.Closeup,itwasevenhardertosee,andElenawouldhavedoubtedthattheywereattherightspotexceptforthechangeinthetemperature.Itmighthavelookedlikeaheatshimmerfromadistance,butitwasascoldandbracingasamountainlake,despitethewarmsunrightabovethem.
“Don’tstop!”Elenashouted.Andtheyplungedintothecoldness.
Inaninstant,everythingwentblack,asifsomeonehadswitchedoffthesun.
ElenafeltherselffallingandclungdesperatelytoBonnie’shand.
Damon!shecriedsilently.Helpme!Chapter30
Stefandrovelikeamaniacallthewaybacktotheboardinghouse.“Ican’tbelieveIforgottotellhimthathisnamehadbeencalled,”hesaidforwhatfeltlikethehundredthtime.“Ican’tbelievewelefthimalone.”
“Slowdown,”Meredithtoldhim,tryingtoholdMatt’ssleepingbodysteadyinthebackseatasStefanwhippedaroundacorner,tiressquealing.“You’regoingwaytoofast.”
“We’reinahurry,”Stefangrowled,yankingonthewheeltomakeahardright.AlaricturnedaroundinthepassengerseatandgaveMeredithapanickylookasStefannarrowlymissedagarbagetruck.Shesighed.Sheknewhewastryingtomakeupforhismistake,fornottellingthemimmediatelythatMatt’snamehadappearedintheherbshop,butkillingthemallinaracetogethomewasn’texactlythesolution.Besides,althoughtheyprobablywouldhavedonethingsdifferentlyifthey’dknown,itmightnothavechangedtheoutcomeforMatt.Itwasn’tasiftheirprecautionshadsavedeitherBonnieorElena.
“Atleastyou’vegotvampirereflexes,”shesaid,moretoreassureAlaricthanoutofanyparticularconfidenceinStefan’sdrivingabilities.
She’dinsistedonbeingtheonesittinginthebackwithMatt,andnowsheturnedherattentiontohim.Sheputarestraininghandonhischestsohewouldn’tgotumblingtothefloorasthecarjerkedandswerved.
Hewassostill.Noneofthetwitchingandeyemovementsthatusuallywentwithsleep,justthesteadyshallowriseandfallofhisbreathing.Hewasn’tevensnoring.AndsheknewfromcampingtripsasfarbackassixthgradethatMattsnoredlikeabuzzsaw.Always.
Meredithnevercried.Notevenwhentheworsthappened.Andshewasn’tgoingtostartnow,notwhenherfriendsneededhercalmandfocusedtotrytofigureouthowtosavethem.Butifshehadbeenthekindofgirlwhocried,insteadofthekindofgirlwhostrategized,shewouldhavebeensobbing.Andevennow,thebreathcaughtinherthroatalittlepainfully,untilsheschooledherselfintoimpassivecalmagain.
Shewastheonlyoneleft.Ofthefouroldfriendswho’dgonethroughschoolandsummersandadolescenceandallthehorrorsthesupernaturalworldcouldthrowatthem,shewastheonlyonethephantomhadn’tcaptured.Yet.
MeredithclenchedherteethandheldMattsteady.
Stefanpulledupandparkedinfrontoftheboardinghouse,havingsomehowavoidedcausinganydamagetoothercarsorpedestriansalongtheway.AlaricandMeredithstartedtoinchMattcarefullyoutofthecar,loopinghisarmsaroundtheirnecksandslowlyshiftinghimforwardintoahalf-standingposition.ButStefansimplygrabbedMattawayfromthemandthrewhimoverhisshoulder.
“Let’sgo,”hesaid,andstalkedofftowardtheboardinghouse,easilybalancingMatt’sunconsciousbodywithonehand,notlookingback.
“He’sbecomekindofastrangeguy,”Alariccommented,watchingStefanalertly.ThesunshinecaughtthestubbleonAlaric’sunshavenchinanditglintedwithatouchofgold.HeturnedtowardMeredithandgaveherarueful,disarminggrin.“Oncemoreintothebreach…”hesaid.
Meredithtookhishand,warmandsolidinherown.“Comeon,”shesaid.
Oncetheywereintheboardinghouse,StefanclompedstraightupstairstodepositMattwiththeotherbodies—theothersleepers,Meredithremindedherselffiercely.
MeredithandAlaric,handinhand,turnedtowardthekitchen.Asshepushedthedooropen,MeredithheardMrs.Flowers’svoice.
“Veryusefulindeed,mydear,”shewassaying,awarmnoteofapprovalinhervoice.“You’vedoneverywell.I’msograteful.”
Meredithgaped.AtthekitchentablewithMrs.Flowers,coolandcalmandprettyinabluelinendress,satDr.CeliaConner,sippingtea.
“Hello,Alaric.Hello,Meredith,”saidCelia.HerdarkeyesboredcoollyintoMeredith’s.“You’llneverbelievewhatI’vefound.”
“What?”saidAlariceagerly,lettinggoofMeredith’shand.Herheartsank
Celiareachedintoatotebagsittingbyherchairandpulledoutathickbookboundinraggedbrownleather.Shesmiledtriumphantlyandannounced,“It’sabookonphantoms.Dr.BeltramendedupsendingmetoDalcrestCollege,whichactuallyhasaverycomprehensivecollectionoftextsontheparanormal.”
“Isuggestweadjourntotheden,”Mrs.Flowerssaid,“wherewecanbemorecomfortable,andexamineitscontentstogether.”
Theymovedtotheden,butStefan,whenhejoinedthem,didnotseemanymorecomfortable.
“Differenttypesofphantoms,”hesaid,takingthebookfromCeliaandflippingrapidlythroughthepages.“Thehistoryofphantomsinourdimension.Whereisthebanishmentritual?Whydoesn’tthisthinghaveanindex?”
Celiashrugged.“It’sveryoldandrare,”shesaid.“Itwasdifficulttofind,andit’stheonlybookonthesubjectwe’relikelytobeabletogetourhandson,maybetheonlyonethatexists,sowe’llhavetoexcusethingslikethat.Theseoldertexts,theauthorswantedyoutoreadstraightthroughandreallylearnabouttheirsubject,tounderstandwhattheywantedtotellyou,notjusttofindthepageyouneededrightaway.Youmighttrylookingneartheend,though.”
AlaricwaswatchingStefanwhipthroughthepageswithanexpressionofpain.“It’sararebook,Stefan,”hesaid.“Pleasebemorecarefulwithit.Wouldyoulikemetolook?I’musedtofindingwhatIneedinthesekindsofbooks.”
Stefansnarled,literallysnarledathim,andMeredithfeltthehairsalongthebackofherneckrise.“I’lldoitmyself,teacher.I’minahurry.”
Hesquinteddownatthetext.“Whydoesithavetobeinsuchornateprint?”hecomplained.“Don’ttellmeit’sbecauseit’sold.I’molderthanitis,andIcanbarelyreadit.Huh.‘Phantomswhoarefeedinglikevampiresononechoicesensibility,whetheritbeguilt,ordespair,orgrudge;orlustforvictuals,thedemonrum,orfallenwomen.Thestrongerbethesensibility,theworsebetheoutcomeofthephantomcreated.’Ithinkwecouldhavefiguredthatoutourselves.”
Mrs.Flowerswasstandingslightlyremovedfromtherestofthegroup,eyesfixedonemptyair,mutteringseeminglytoherselfasshecommunedwithhermother.
“Iknow,”shesaid.“I’lltellthem.”HereyesfocusedontheothersastheystoodaroundStefan,peeringoverhisshoulders.“Mamasaysthattimeisgettingshort,”shewarned.
Stefanleapedtohisfeetandexploded.“Iknowit’sgettingshort,”heroared,gettingrightupintoMrs.Flowers’ssurprisedface.“Can’tyourmothertellussomethingusefulforonce?”
Mrs.Flowersstaggeredawayfromhim,reachingouttosteadyherselfonthebackofachair.Herfacewaswhite,andsuddenlyshelookedolderandmorefrailthaneverbefore.
Stefan’seyeswidened,theircolordarkeningtoastormyseagreen,andheheldouthishands,hisfacehorrified.“I’msorry,”hesaid.“Mrs.Flowers,I’msorry.Ididn’tmeantofrightenyou.Idon’tknowwhatcameoverme….I’mjustsoworriedaboutElenaandtheothers.”
“Iknow,Stefan,”Mrs.Flowerssaidgravely.Shehadregainedherbalanceandshelookedstronger,calmandwiseagain.“Wewillgetthemback,youknow.Youmusthavefaith.Mamadoes.”
Stefansatdown,turningbacktothebook,hislipspressedtogetherintoastraightline.
Herskinpricklingwithapprehension,Meredithgrippedherstavemoretightlyasshewatchedhim.Whenshehadrevealedtotheothersthatthemembersofherfamilywerehereditaryvampirehuntersandthatitwasnowherturntotakeontheduty,shehadtoldElenaandStefanthatshewouldneverturnonStefan,thatsheunderstoodthathewasn’tlikeother,evilvampires,thathewasgood:harmlessandbenigntohumans.
ShehadmadenosuchpromisesaboutDamon,andElenaandStefanhadn’taskedherto.TheyallsharedanunspokenunderstandingthatDamoncouldn’treallybecharacterizedasharmless,notevenwhenhebegrudginglyworkedwiththem,andthatMeredithwouldneedtokeepheroptionsopenwhenitcametohim.
ButStefan…shehadneverthoughtthiswouldhappen,butnowMeredithwasworriedthatsomedayshemightnotbeabletokeepherpromisesaboutStefan.Shehadneverseenhimactingthewayhehadbeenlately:irrational,angry,violent,unpredictable.Sheknewhisbehaviorwasprobablycausedbythephantom,butwasStefanbecomingtoodangerous?Couldshekillhimifshehadto?Hewasherfriend.
Meredith’sheartwasracing.Sherealizedthatherknuckleshadwhitenedagainstherfightingstave,andherhandached.Yes,sherealized,shewouldfightStefanandtrytokillhim,ifshehadto.Itwastruethathewasherfriend,butherdutyhadtocomefirst.
Shetookadeepbreathandconsciouslyrelaxedherhands.Staycalm,shecoachedherself.Breathe.Stefanwaskeepinghimselfmoreorlessundercontrol.Itwasn’tadecisionshehadtomake.Notyet,anyway.
Afewminuteslater,Stefanstoppedflippingpages.“Here,”hesaid.“Ithinkthisisit.”HehandedthebooktoMrs.Flowers.Shescannedthepagequicklyandnodded.“Thatfeelsliketherightritual,”shesaidseriously.“Ioughttohaveeverythingweneedtoperformitrighthereinthehouse.”
Alaricreachedforthebook.Hereadthespell,too,frowning.“Doesithavetobeabloodspell?”heaskedMrs.Flowers.“Ifitbackfires,thephantommightbeabletoturnitagainstus.”
“I’mafraidit’sgoingtohavetobeabloodspell,”Mrs.Flowersreplied.“We’dneedmoretimetoexperimenttochangethespell,andtimeistheonethingwedon’thave.Ifthephantomisabletouseitscaptivesthewaywethinkitcan,it’sonlygoingtogetmorepowerful.”
Alaricbegantospeakagainbutwasinterrupted.
“Wait,”saidCelia,aslightlyshrillnoteinherusuallyhuskyvoice.“Abloodspell?Whatdoesthatmean?Idon’twanttogetinvolvedinanything”—shesearchedforaword—“unsavory.”
Shereachedforthebook,butStefanslammedhishanddownonit.“Unsavoryornot,thisiswhatwe’redoing,”hesaidquietly,butwithavoiceashardassteel.“Andyou’reapartofit.It’stoolateforyoutobackoutnow.Iwon’tletyou.”
Celiagaveaconvulsiveshudderandcringedbackinherchair.“Don’tyoudarethreatenme,”shesaid,hervoicequavering.
“Everybodycalmdown,”Meredithsaidsharply.“Celia,nooneisgoingtomakeyoudoanythingunlessyouagreetoit.I’llprotectyoumyselfifneedbe.”HereyesflewquicklytoAlaric,whowasglancingbackandforthbetweenthem,lookingworried.“Butweneedyourhelp.Please.Youmayhavesavedusallbyfindingthespell,andwe’regrateful,butStefan’sright—you’repartofthis,too.Idon’tknowifit’llworkwithoutyou.”Shehesitatedabeat.“Or,ifitdoes,itmightleaveyouasthephantom’sonlytarget,”sheaddedcunningly.
Celiashiveredagainandwrappedherarmsaroundherself.“I’mnotacoward,”shesaidmiserably.“I’mascientist,andthis…irrationalmysticismworriesme.ButI’min.I’llhelpanywayIcan.”
Meredith,forthefirsttime,feltaflashofsympathyforher.SheunderstoodhowharditmustbeforCeliatocontinuetothinkofherselfasalogicalpersonwhiletheboundariesofwhatshe’dalwaysacceptedasrealitycollapsedaroundher.
“Thankyou,Celia.”Meredithglancedaroundtheroomattheothers.“We’vegottheritual.We’vegottheingredients.Wejustneedtogathereverythingtogetherandstartcastingthespell.Areweready?”
Everyonesatupstraighter,theirfacestakingonexpressionsofsternresolve.Asscaryasthiswas,itwasgoodtofinallyhaveapurposeandaplan.
Stefanbreatheddeeplyandvisiblytookholdofhimself,hisshouldersrelaxingandhisstancesettlingintosomethinglesspredatory.“Okay,Meredith,”hesaid.Hisstormygreeneyesmethercoolgrayones,inperfectaccord.“Let’sdothis.”Chapter31
Knowinghecouldn’tperformtheritualonanemptystomach,StefanhunteddownseveralsquirrelsinMrs.Flowers’sbackyard,thenreturnedtotheboardinghouse’sgarage.MeredithhadparkedMrs.Flowers’santiqueFordoutinthedrive,andtherewasmorethanenoughroomtosetupeverythingtheyneededforthebanishmentritual.
Stefancockedhisheadataskitteringnoiseintheshadowsandidentifiedthefast-beatingheartofalittlemouse.Theatmospheremightnotbeacomfortableone,butthespaciousnessoftheroomanditscementfloormeantitwouldbeanexcellentplacetoworkthespell.
“Handmethetapemeasure,please,”Alaricsaidfromhissprawledpositioninthemiddleofthegaragefloor.“Ineedtogetthislinejusttherightlength.”Mrs.Flowershaddugupaboxofmulticoloredchalkfromsomewhereintheboardinghouse,andAlarichadthebookproppedopenandwascarefullycopyingthecircles,arcanesymbols,parabolas,andellipsesfromitspagesontothesmoothcement.
Stefangavehimthetoolandwatchedashemeasuredcarefullyfromtheinnermostcircletoarowofstrangerunesneartheoutermostedgeofhisdrawing.“It’simportantthateverythingbeprecise,”Alaricsaid,frowninganddouble-checkingtheendsofthemeasuringtape.“ThesmallesterrorcouldleadtousaccidentallysettingthisthinglooseinFell’sChurch.”
“Butisn’titloosealready?”askedStefan.
“No,”Alaricexplained.“Thisritualwillallowthephantomtoappearinitscorporealform,whichisfarmoredangerousthantheinsubstantialthingitisnow.”
“Thenyou’dbettergetthisright,”Stefanagreedgrimly.
“Ifthisallgoesasplanned,thephantomwillbetrappedintheinnermostcircle,”Alaricsaid,pointing.“We’llbeattheoutermostedge,overtherepasttherunes.Weoughttobesafeoutthere.”HelookedupandgaveStefanaruefulgrin.“Ihope.I’mafraidI’veneverdoneanykindofsummoninginreallifebefore,althoughI’vereadalotaboutit.”
Terrific,Stefanthought,buthereturnedAlaric’ssmilewithoutcomment.Themanwasdoingthebesthecould.AlltheycoulddowashopeitwouldbeenoughtosaveElenaandtheothers.
MeredithandMrs.Flowersenteredthegarage,eachcarryingaplasticshoppingbag.Celiatrailedbehindthem.
“Holywater,”Meredithsaid,liftingaplantmisteroutofherbagtoshowhim.
“Itdoesn’tworkonvampires,”Stefanremindedher.
“We’renotsummoningavampire,”shereplied,andwentofftomisttheouterspacesinthediagram,carefulnottodisturbthechalklines.
Alaricstoodandstartedverycautiouslyhoppingoutofthehugemulticoloreddiagram,clutchingthebookinonehand.“Ithinkwe’reaboutready,”hesaid.
Mrs.FlowerslookedatStefan.“Weneedtheothers,”shesaid.“Everyoneaffectedbythephantom’spowershastobehere.”
“I’llhelpyoucarrythemdown,”Alaricoffered.
“Notnecessary,”Stefantoldhim,andheadedupstairsalone.Standingbythesideofthebedinthelittlerose-and-creambedroom,helookeddownatElena,Matt,andBonnie.NoneofthemhadmovedsincehehadplacedMattthere.
HesighedandgatheredElenainhisarmsfirst.Afteramoment,healsopickedupherpillowandablanket.Atleasthecouldtrytomakehercomfortable.
Afewminuteslaterallthreeofthesleeperswerelyinginthefrontofthegarage,welloutsidethediagram,theirheadssupportedbypillows.
“Nowwhat?”Stefanasked.
“Nowweeachchooseacandle,”Mrs.Flowerssaid,openingherplasticbag.“Onethatyoufeelrepresentsyouincolor.Accordingtothebook,theyreallyshouldbehand-dippedandspeciallyscented,butthiswilljusthavetodo.Iwon’tpickonemyself,”Mrs.Flowerssaid,handingthebagtoStefan.“Thephantomhasn’tfocuseditspowersonme,andIdon’trememberbeingjealousofanyonesince1943.”
“Whathappenedin1943?”askedMeredithcuriously.
“IlosttheLittleMissFell’sChurchcrowntoNancySueBaker,”Mrs.Flowersanswered.WhenMeredithgapedather,shethrewherhandsupintheair.“EvenIwasachildonce,youknow.Iwasstrikinglyadorable,withShirleyTemplecurls,andmymotherlikedtodressmeinfrillsandshowmeoff.”
PuttingtheastoundingimageofMrs.FlowersinShirleyTemplecurlsoutofhismind,Stefanpokedthroughtheassortmentofcandlesandchoseadarkblueone.Itseemedrighttohimsomehow.“Weneedcandlesfortheothers,too,”hesaid.Carefully,hechoseagoldenoneforElenaandapinkoneforBonnie.
“Areyoujustgoingbytheirhaircolors?”askedMeredith.“You’resuchaguy.”
“Youknowthesearetherightcolorsforthem,though,”Stefanargued.“Besides,Bonnie’shairisred,notpink.”
Meredithnoddedgrudgingly.“Iguessyou’reright.WhiteforMatt,though.”
“Really?”Stefanasked.Hedidn’tknowwhathewouldhavechosenforMatt.American-flagpatterned,maybe,iftheyhadhadit.
“He’sthepurestpersonIknow,”Meredithsaidsoftly.Alaricraisedaneyebrowatherandsheelbowedhim.“Pureinspirit,Imean.WhatyouseeiswhatyougetwithMatt,andhe’sgoodandtrueheartedallthewaythrough.”
“Isupposeso,”saidStefan,andhewatchedwithoutcommentasMeredithchoseadarkbrowncandleforherself.
Alaricshuffledthroughthebagandpickedadarkgreencandle,andCeliaselectedoneofpalelavender.Mrs.Flowerstookthebagwiththeremainingcandlesandstasheditonahighshelfnearthegaragedoors,betweenabagofpottingsoilandwhatlookedlikeanold-fashionedkerosenelantern.
Theyallsatdownonthegaragefloorinasemicircle,outsidethediagram,facingtowardtheemptyinnercircle,holdingtheirunlitcandles.Thesleeperslaybehindthem,andMeredithheldBonnie’scandleinherlapaswellasherown;StefantookElena’s,andAlaricMatt’s.
“Nowweanointthemwithourblood,”Alaricsaid.Theyalllookedathim,andheshruggeddefensively.“It’swhatthebooksays.”
Meredithremovedasmallpocketknifefromherbag,cutherfinger,andquickly,matter-of-factly,smearedastripeofbloodfromthetoptothebottomofherbrowncandle,thenpassedtheknifetoAlaricalongwithalittlebottleofdisinfectant.Onebyone,theothersfollowedherlead.
“Thisisreallyunsanitary,”Celiasaid,wincing,butshefollowedthrough.
Stefanwasveryawareofthesmellofhumanbloodinsuchanenclosedspace.Eventhoughhe’djustfed,hiscaninesprickledinanautomaticresponse.
Meredithpickedupthecandlesandwalkedtotheirsleepingfriends,crossingfromonetothenextandraisingtheirhandstomakeaswiftcutandwipetheirbloodagainsttheircandles.Notoneofthemevenflinched.Whenshehadfinished,Meredithredistributedthesleepers’candlesandreturnedtoherspot.
Alaricbegantoread,inLatin,thefirstwordsofthespell.Afterafewsentences,hehesitatedatawordandStefansilentlytookthegrimoire.SmoothlyhepickedupwhereAlarichadleftoff.Thewordsflowedoffhistongue,thefeeloftheLatinonhislipsremindinghimofhoursspentwithhischildhoodtutorhundredsofyearsago,andofaperiodwhenhelivedinamonasteryinEnglandduringtheearlydaysofhisstrugglewithvampirism.
Whenthetimecame,hesnappedhisfingersand,withatouchofPower,hiscandlelititself.HehandedittoMeredith,whodrippedalittleofthemeltedwaxontothegaragefloorattheedgeofthediagramandstuckthecandlethere.Onebyone,attheappropriatepointsintheritual,helitacandleandsheplacedit,untiltherewasalittlerowofmulticoloredcandlesbravelyburningbetweenthemandthechalkoutlinesofthediagram.
Stefanreadon.Suddenlythepagesofthebookbegantoflutter.Acold,unnaturalwindroseinsidetheclosedgarage,andtheflamesofthecandlesflickeredwildlyandthenblewout.Twocandlesfellover.Meredith’slonghairwhippedaroundherface.
“Thisisn’tsupposedtohappen,”Alaricshouted.
ButStefanjustsquintedhiseyesagainstthegaleandreadon.
Thepitch-blacknessandtheunpleasantsensationoffallinglastedforonlyamoment,andthenElenalandedjarringlyonbothfeetandstaggeredforward,clutchingMatt’sandBonnie’shands.
Theywereinadimoctagonalroomlinedwithdoors.Asinglepieceoffurnituresatinthecenter.Behindthelonedeskloungedatanned,beautiful,amazinglymuscular,bare-chestedvampirewithalong,spiralingmaneofbronzehairfallingpasthisshoulders.
InstantlyElenaknewwhereshewas.
“We’rehere.”Shegasped.“TheGatehouse!”
Sageleapedtohisfeetontheothersideofthedesk,hisfacealmostcomicallysurprised.“Elena?”heexclaimed.“Bonnie?Matt?What’sgoingon?Qu’est-cequiarrive?”
Usually,ElenawouldhavebeenrelievedtoseeSage,whohadalwaysbeenkindandhelpfultoher,butshehadtogettoDamon.Sheknewwherehemustbe.Shecouldalmosthearhimcallingtoher.
Shestrodeacrosstheemptyroomwithbarelyaglanceatthestartledgatekeeper,pullingMattandBonniealongwithher.
“Sorry,Sage,”shesaidasshereachedthedoorshewanted.“We’vegottofindDamon.”
“Damon?”hesaid.“He’sbackagain?”andthentheypassedthrough,ignoringSage’sshoutsof“Stop!Arretez-vous!”
Thedoorclosedbehindthem,andtheyfoundthemselvesinalandscapeofash.Nothinggrewhere,andtherewerenolandmarks.Harshwindshadblownthefineblackashintoshiftinghillsandvalleys.Astheywatched,astronggustcaughtatthelighttoplayerofashandsentitflyinginacloudthatsoonsettledintonewshapes.Belowthelighterash,theycouldseeswampsofwet,muddyash.Nearbywasanash-chokedpoolofstillwater.Nothingbutashandmud,exceptforanoccasionalscorchedandblackenedbitofwood.
Abovethemwasatwilitskyinwhichhungahugeplanetandtwogreatmoons,oneaswirlingbluishwhite,theothersilvery.
“Wherearewe?”saidMatt,gapingupatthesky.
“Oncethiswasaworld—amoon,technically—thatwasshadedbyahugetree,”Elenatoldhim,walkingsteadilyforward.“UntilIdestroyedit.ThisiswhereDamondied.”
ShefeltratherthansawMattandBonnieexchangeaglance.“But,uh,thenhecameback,right?YousawhiminFell’sChurchtheothernight,didn’tyou?”Mattsaidhesitantly.“Whyareweherenow?”
“IknowthatDamon’sclose,”Elenasaidimpatiently.“Icanfeelhim.He’scomebackhere.Maybethisiswherehebeganhissearchforthephantom.”Theykeptwalking.Soontheywerenotsomuchwalkingaswadingthroughblackashthatstucktotheirlegsinnastythickclumps.Themudunderneaththeashclungtotheirshoes,releasingthemateachstepwithawetsuckingsound.
Theywerealmostthere.Shecouldfeelit.Elenapickedupthepace,andtheothers,stilllinkedtoher,hurriedtokeepup.Theashwasthickeranddeeperherebecausetheywereapproachingwherethetrunkhadbeen,theverycenterofthisworld.Elenaremembereditexploding,shootingupintotheskylikearocket,disintegratingasitwent.Damon’sbodyhadlainunderneathandhadbeencompletelyburiedinthefallingash.
Elenastopped.Therewasathick,driftingpileofashthatlookedlikeitwouldbeatleastashighasherwaistinplaces.ShethoughtshecouldseewhereDamonhadawoken—theashwasdisturbedandcavedin,asifsomeonehadtunneledoutofoneofthedeeperdrifts.Buttherewasnoonearoundexceptthemselves.Acoldwindblewupasprayofash,andBonniecoughed.Elena,knee-deepincold,stickyash,droppedBonnie’shandandwrappedherarmsaroundherself.
“He’snothere,”shesaidblankly.“Iwassosurehewouldbehere.”
“Hemustbesomewhereelse,then,”saidMattlogically.“I’msurehe’sfightingthephantom,likeyousaidhewasgoingto.TheDarkDimension’sabigplace.”
BonnieshiveredandhuddledclosertoMatt,herbrowneyeshugeandfullofpathos,likeahungrypuppy’s.“Canwegohomenow?Please?Sagecansendusbackagain,can’the?”
“Ijustdon’tunderstand,”Elenasaid,staringattheemptyspacewherethegreattrunkofthetreehadoncebeen.“Ijustknewhewouldbehere.Icouldpracticallyhearhimcallingme.”
Justthenalow,musicallaughcutthroughthesilence.Itwasabeautifulsound,buttherewassomethingchillyandalienaboutit,somethingthatmadeElenashudder.
“Elena,”Bonniewhispered,hereyeswide.“That’sthethingIheardbeforethefogtookme.”
Theyturned.
Behindthemstoodawoman.Awoman-shapedbeing,anyway,Elenaamendedquickly.Thiswasnowoman.And,likeitslaugh,thiswoman-shapedbeingwasbeautiful,butfrightening.She—it—washuge,morethanoneandahalftimesthesizeofahuman,butperfectlyproportioned,anditlookedlikeitwasmadeoficeandmistinbluesandgreens—likethepurestglacier,itseyeswereclearwithjustatouchofpalegreen.Astheywatched,itssolid,icy-translucenthipsandlegsshiftedandblurred,changingtoaswirlofmist.
Alongwaveofblue-greenhairdriftedbehindit,itsshapelikeagraduallyroilingcloud.ItsmiledatElena,anditssharpteethshonelikesilveryicicles.Therewassomethinginitschest,though,thatwasn’tice,somethingsolidandroundishanddark,darkred.
Elenasawallofthisinaninstantbeforeherattentionwasfullyrivetedonwhathungfromtheice-woman-thing’soutstretchedhand.
“Damon.”Shegasped.
Theice-womanwasholdinghimcasuallyaroundtheneck,ignoringhisstrugglesashedangledintheair.Itheldhimsoeasilythathelookedlikeatoy.Theblack-cladvampireswungoutwithhisleg,kickingattheice-woman’sside,buthisfootsimplypassedthroughmist.
“Elena,”Damonsaidinachoked,thinvoice.
Theice-woman—thephantom—cockeditsheadtoonesideandlookedatDamon,thensqueezedhisneckalittletighter.
“Idon’tneedtobreathe,you…idiotphantom,”hegaspeddefiantly
Thephantom’ssmilewidenedanditsaidinasweet,coldvoice,likecrystalschimingtogether,“Butyourheadcanpopoff,can’tit?That’lldojustaswell.”Itshookhimalittle,andthentransferreditssmiletoElena,Bonnie,andMatt.Elenainstinctivelysteppedbackastheglacier-coldeyesfoundher.
“Welcome,”thephantomsaidtoherinatoneofpleasure,asthoughtheywereoldfriends.“I’vefoundyouandyourfriendssorefreshing,allyourlittlejealousies.Eachofyouwithyourownspecialflavorofenvy.You’vegotanawfullotofproblems,don’tyou?Ihaven’tfeltsostrongorsowell-nourishedformillennia.”Itsfacebecamethoughtful,anditbegantoshakeDamongentlyupanddown.Hewasmakingagutturalchokingnoisenow,andtearsofpainrandownhisface.
“ButyoureallyshouldhavestayedwhereIputyou,”thephantomcontinued,itsvoicealittlecolder,anditswungDamoncasuallyinagreatarcthroughtheair.Hewheezedandpulledatitshugehand.Wasiteventruethathedidn’tneedtobreathe?Elenadidn’tknow.Damonwasn’tabovelyingaboutitifhehadareason,orevenfornoreasonexcepttoannoyhisopponent.
“Stopit!”Elenashouted.
Thephantomlaughedagain,genuinelyamused.“Goaheadandmakeme,littleone.”ItsgriptightenedaroundDamon’sthroatandheshuddered.ThenhiseyesrolledbackuntilElenacouldseeonlytheghastly,red-veinedwhitesofhiseyes,andhewentlimp.Chapter32
MattwatchedinhorrorasthephantomshookDamonlikearagdoll.
ElenaspunaroundtolockeyeswithMattandBonnie.“Wehavetosavehim,”shewhispered,afiercedeterminationonherface,andimmediatelytookoffrunning,shovingherwaythroughthepilesofash.
MattfiguredthatifDamon,withallhisvampirestrengthandfightingskillshonedoverthecenturies,wassocompletelyhelplessinthehandsofthisphantom—andjeez,withthewayitwasyankinghimbackandforthnow,hisheadreallywasgoingtopopoff—thenMatt,Bonnie,andElenahadlessthanasnowball’schanceinhellofmakinganydifferencetothisfight.Theonlyrealquestionwouldbewhetherthephantomwouldkillthem,too.
AndthetruthwasthatMattdidn’tevenlikeDamon,notonetinylittlebit.Sure,DamonhadhelpedsaveFell’sChurchfromKatherineandKlaus,andfromthekitsunedemons,buthewasstillamurderous,sarcastic,unrepentant,cocky,arrogant,nasty,usuallyunpleasantvampire.Damonhadundoubtedlyhurtmorepeoplethanhehadhelpedoverhislonglife,evenifyougenerouslycreditedhimwithsavingeverysingleresidentofFell’sChurch.AndhealwayscalledMatt“Mutt,”pretendingthathecouldn’trememberhisactualname,whichwascompletelyinfuriating.AsDamonmeantittobe.
Still,ElenalovedDamon.Forwhateverreason.Probablythesameinexplicablereasonthatregulargirlslovedregularoldbadboys,Mattsuspected.Adyed-in-the-woolgoodguy,he’dneverseentheappealhimself.
ButElenadid.
AndDamonwaspartoftheteam,sortof,andyoudidn’tleaveyourteammatestogetdecapitatedbydemonice-womenonash-blanketedmoonsinotherdimensionswithoutatleastdoingyourbesttoputupafight.
Notevenifyoudidn’tlikethematall.
MattranafterElena,andBonniefollowed.Whentheyreachedthephantom,ElenawasalreadyscrabblingattheicybluehandclutchedaroundDamon’sthroat,tryingtopryitsfingersupenoughtoslipherownunderneath.Thephantombarelyglancedather.Mattgaveaninwardsighatthehopelessnessofitallandswungapowerfulroundhouseblowtowardthephantom’sstomach.
Beforehisfistcouldconnect,histargetturnedfromicetoswirling,intangiblemist,andhispunchpassedrightthroughthephantom.Thrownoffbalance,Mattstaggeredandfellintothephantom’snow-vaporoustorso.
Itwaslikefallingintoafreezing-coldriverofsewage.Anumbingchillandahorrible,sickeningsmellwashedoverMatt.Hepulledbackoutofthemist,nauseousandshiveringbutupright.Heblinkeddazedlyaround.
Elenawasgrapplingwiththephantom’sfingers,scratchingandyanking,andthephantomwatchedherwithakindofdistantamusement,nottheleastbitalarmedordiscomfortedbythegirl’sefforts.Thenitmoved,soquicklyMattsawonlyablurofbluishgreen,sendingElenaflying,herarmsandlegsflailing,intoaheapofash.Shescrambledtoherfeetimmediately,bloodtricklingfromherhairline,leavingredtracksthroughtheashthatnowcoatedherskin.
Bonniewastrying,too:She’dworkedherwayaroundbehindthephantomandwashittingandkickingatit.Mostly,herfeetandfistsswungharmlesslyrightthroughthephantom’smist,butoccasionallyablowwouldconnectwiththemoresolidice.Theseblowsseemedliketheyweretotallyineffective,though:Mattcouldn’ttellwhetherthephantomhadevennoticedBonniewasattackingit.
VeinswerebulgingoutofDamon’sfaceandneck,andhehungfromthephantom’shand.Thefleshofhisneckwaswhitearoundthestretchedtendons.Superpoweredstrongoldvampireornot,Damonwashurting.Matttossedupaprayerinthedirectionofwhateversaintlookedafterpeoplepursuinghopelesscauses,andthrewhimselfbackintothefight.
Therewasblackness.Andthentherewaspain,andthedarknessreddened,thencleared,andDamoncouldseeoncemore.
Thephantom—thatbitchofaphantom—washoldinghimbytheneck,andherskinwassocold,socolditburnedeverywhereittouchedhim.Hecouldn’tmove.
ButhecouldseeElenastandingbelowhim.BeautifulElena,coveredinash,streakedwithblood,herteethbaredandhereyesflashinglikeawarriorgoddess.Hisheartswelledwithloveandfear.ThebravelittleredbirdandtheboyMuttfoughtbesideher.
Please,hewantedtosay.Don’ttrytosaveme.Run.Elena,youhavetorun.
Buthecouldn’tmove,couldn’tspeak.
Thenthephantomshiftedherstanceand,asDamonwatched,Elenastoppedherattackandclutchedatherstomach,grimacinginpain.MattandBonniewereholdingthemselvesaswell,theirfacespaleandstrained,theirmouthsopeninscreams.Withawail,Bonniecollapsed.
Ohno,Damonthoughtwithaboltofhorror.NotElena.Nottheredbird.Notforme.
Thensuddenly,agustingwindswirledaroundhim,andhewasflungfromthephantom’sgrip.Therewasaroaringinhisearsandastinginginhiseyes.Lookingaround,hesawBonnieandElena,theirlonghairflyingaroundthemwildly;Matt,hisarmspinwheeling;andthephantom,itsglass-greenfaceforoncestartledinsteadofknowing.
Tornado,Damonthoughtvaguely,andthen,Gateway,andherealizedhewasbeingthrownupward,backintothedarknessoncemore.
Thewindwashowlingatadeafeningpitchnow,andStefanhadtoraisehisvoicetoashouttoevenhearhimselfoverit.Hehadtokeepbothhandsclampeddownonthebook—itwasbeingpulledoutofhishandsasifsomethingaliveandverystrongwereconsciouslytryingtoyankitaway.
“Mihiadi.Tevoco.Necesseesttibiparere,”Stefansaid.“Cometome.Isummonyou.Youmustobey.”
ThatwastheendofthesummoningspellinLatin.Thenextpartwasthebanishingspell,whichwouldbeinEnglish.Ofcourse,thephantomwouldhavetoactuallybethereforthatpartofthespelltobeeffective.
Thewindwhippingthroughthegaragegrewevenstronger.Outside,thunderrumbled.
Stefanwatchedtheinnermostcircle,deepintheshadowsofthegarage,buttherewasnothingthere.Theunnaturalwindwasbeginningtoletup.Panicroseinhischest.Hadtheyfailed?HeglancedanxiouslyatAlaricandMeredith,thenatMrs.Flowers,butnoneofthemwerelookingathim,staringtransfixedatthecircle.
Stefanlookedbackintoit,hopingagainsthope.Buttherewasnothingthere.
Wait.
Therewasthefaintestmovementofsomething,rightinthecenterofthecircle,thetiniestflashofblue-greenlight,andalongwithitcameachill.Notlikethecoldwindthathadspunthroughthegarage,butmorelikeanicybreath—inhaleandexhale,inhaleandexhale—slowandsteadyandfreezingcold,rightfromthatonespot.
Theglimmerwidened,deepened,darkened,andsuddenlywhatStefanwaslookingatshiftedandchangedfromanamorphousglimmertoawoman.Anicy,misty,giantwomantintedinshadesofblueandgreen.Insideherchestwasadeepredrose,itsstemasolidmassofthorns.
MeredithandCelialetoutaudiblegasps.Mrs.Flowersstaredcalmly,whileAlaric’sjawhaddropped.
Thismustbethejealousyphantom.Stefanhadalwaysthoughtofjealousyasburninghot.Fierykisses,fieryanger.Butanger,lust,envy,allthethingsthatmadeupjealousy,couldbecold,too,andhehadnodoubtthattheyhadtherightphantom.
Stefannoticedallthesethingsaboutthephantomandforgotthemagaininasplitsecond,becauseitwasn’tjusttheice-womanwhomaterializedatthecenterofthecircle.
Confused,weeping,staggering,streakedwithashandmud,threehumanshadappearedthereaswell.
Hisbeautiful,elegantElena,cakedingrime,hergoldenhairtangledandmatted,linesofbloodrunningdownherface.DelicatelittleBonnie,tearstainedandpaleasmilk,butwithanexpressionoffuryasshekickedandclawedatthephantom.Andall-American,alwaysreliableMatt,dustyanddisheveled,turningtopeeroutatthemwithapeculiarlyblankexpression,asifsimplywonderingwhatfreshhellhe’dlandedinnow.
Andthenonemoreperson,afourthfigurewobblingandgasping,thelasttoshimmerintoview.Foramoment,Stefandidn’trecognizehim—couldn’trecognizehim,becausethismanwasn’tsupposedtoexistanymore.Insteadhejustfeltlikeahauntinglyfamiliarstranger.Thestrangerputhishandstohisthroatprotectivelyandlookedoutofthecircle,straightatStefan.Throughabloody,swollenlipandbruisedslitsofeyes,theghostofabrilliantsmileappeared,andthegearsofStefan’smindslottedintoplaceandbegantoturnagainatlast.
Damon.
Stefanwassoflabbergastedhedidn’tknowwhattofeelatfirst.Then,deepwithinhim,aslowwarmthspreadwiththerealizationthathisbrotherwasback.Thelastpieceleftofallhisstrangehistorywashereonceagain.Stefanwasn’talone.Stefantookastepforwardtowardtheedgeofthediagram,holdinghisbreath.
“Damon?”hesaidsoftly,wonderingly.
Jealousysnappeditsheadtowardhim,andStefanwaspinnedtohisspotbyitsglassycoldgaze.
“Hecamebackbefore,youknow,”itsaidconversationally,anditsvoicechilledStefanasificewaterhadbeenthrowninhisface.“Hejustdidn’twantyoutoknowsohecouldhaveElenaalltohimself.He’sbeenlurkingaround,lyinglow,playingtrickslikehealwaysdoes.”
Jealousywasundoubtedlyfeminine,anditscoolobservationaltoneremindedStefanofthelittlevoicethatsometimesspokefromthebackofhismind,callingouthisdarkestandmostshamefulthoughts.Couldtheothersevenhearit?Orwasitspeakingstraightintohismind?
Heriskedaglancearound.Theyall—Meredith,Celia,Alaric,Mrs.Flowers—stoodstillasstatues,staringatJealousy.Behindthem,themakeshiftbedslayempty.Whenthethreesleepers’astralformshadenteredthecirclewiththephantom,theirbodiesmusthavesomehowjoinedthem,makingthemsolidwithintheinnercircle.
“HecametoElena,”thephantomtaunted.“Hekepthisresurrectionasecretfromyousothathecouldpursueher.Damondidn’tworryforamomentabouthowyoufeltabouthisdeath.Andwhileyouwerebusymourninghim,hewasbusyvisitingElena’sbedroom.”
Stefanreeledbackward.
“Healwayswantswhatyouhave,andyouknowit,”thephantomcontinued,itstranslucentlipscurvinginasmile.“It’sbeentruesinceyouweremortals.RememberhowhecamehomefromuniversityandstoleKatherineawayfromyou?Heusedallhischarmsonher,justbecauseheknewyoulovedher.Evenwiththesmallthings:Ifyouhadatoy,he’dtakeit.Ifyouwantedahorse,he’drideit.Iftherewasapieceofmeatontheplatterbetweenyou,he’dtakeitevenifhewasn’thungry,justsoyouwouldn’tgetit.”
Stefanshookhisheadslowlyfromsidetoside,againfeelingtooslow,likehehadonceagainmissedtheimportantmoment.DamonhadbeenvisitingElena?Whenhehadcriedonhershoulderabouthisfallenbrother,hadElenaknownDamonwasalive?
“ButyouthoughtyoucouldtrustElena,didn’tyou,Stefan?”Elenaturnedtostareathim,hercheekspalebeneaththeircoatingofash.Shelookedsickandapprehensive.
“No,Stefan—”Elenastartedtosay,butthephantomwentswiftlyon,itswordssoothinglyspokenpoison.Stefanknewwhatitwasdoing.Hewasn’tafool.Yethefelthimselfnodding,agreeing,aslowredangerrisinginsidehimdespitehismorerationalself’sstruggleagainstit.
“Elenakepthissecretfromyou,Stefan.SheknewyouwereinpainandthatknowingDamonwasalivewouldhaveeasedthatsuffering,butstillshekeptsilent,becauseDamonaskedherto,andwhatDamonwantedwasmoreimportantthanhelpingyou.Elena’salwayswantedbothoftheSalvatorebrothers.It’sfunny,really,Stefan,howyou’reneverquiteenoughforthewomenyoulove.Thisisn’tthefirsttimeElena’schosenDamonoveryou,isit?”
Elenashookherhead,butStefancouldbarelyseeherthroughthetideoffuryandmiseryrisingupinsidehim.
“Secretsandlies,”thephantomwentonmerrily,withanicytinklinglaugh,“andfoolishStefanSalvatorealwaysafewstepsbehind.You’veknownallalongtherewassomethingbetweenElenaandDamonthatyouweren’tpartof,Stefan,andyetyouwouldneverhavesuspectedshe’dbetrayyouforhim.”
Damonseemedtosnapoutofhisdaze,asifsuddenlyhearingthephantomforthefirsttime.Hisbrowsdrewintoaheavyfrownandheslowlyturnedhisheadtostareatit.
Heopenedhismouthtospeak,butatthatmoment,somethinginStefanbroke,andbeforeDamoncouldissuewhateverdenialortauntwasonthetipofhistongue,Stefanlungedforwardwithashoutofrage,plungingstraightthroughthechalkeddiagram.Fasterthanthehumaneyecouldfollow,StefanknockedDamonbackwardoutofthecircleandthrewhimagainstthefarwallofthegarage.Chapter33
“Stop!”Elenascreamed.“Stefan!Stopit!You’llkillhim!”
Evenasshesaidit,sherealizedthatkillingDamonmightbeexactlywhatStefan’sideawashere.StefantoreatDamonwithhisteethandhands,notpummelinghim,butrippingferally,withfangsandclaws.Stefan,hisbodyinaviciousprimalcrouch,hiscaninesextended,hisfacedistortedbyasnarlofanimalfury,hadneverlookedmorelikeabloodthirstyvampire.
AndbehindElenaasshewatchedthem,thatseductive,chillingvoicewenton,tellingStefanthathewouldloseeverything,justlikehealwayslosteverything.ThatDamontookeverythingfromhimandthentosseditcarelessly,cruellyaside,becauseDamonsimplywantedtoruinwhateverStefanhad.
Elenaturnedand,toofrightenedbywhatStefanwasdoingtoDamontohaveanyfearleftofthephantom,slammeditwithherfists.Afteramoment,MattandBonniejoinedher.
Asbefore,mostlytheirhandsjustslidthroughthephantom’smist.Thephantom’schestwassolid,though,andElenafocusedherrageonthat,hittingagainstthehardicetherewithasmuchpowerasshecould.
Beneaththeiceofthecreature’schest,aroseglowedarichdarkred.Itwasabeautifulflower,butdeadlylooking,itscolorremindingherofpoisonedblood.Itsthornystemseemedswollen,thickerthananormalflower’s.AsElenastaredatit,theglowdeepenedandtheflower’spetalsopenedfurther,swellingtofullbloom.Isthatherheart?Elenawondered.IsStefan’sjealousynourishingit?Shesmashedherfistagainstthephantom’schestagain,rightabovetherose,andthephantomglancedatherforamoment.
“Stopit,”Elenasaidfiercely.“LeaveStefanalone.”
Thephantomwasreallylookingathernow,andits—no,her—smilewidened,herglassliketeethsharpandshinyunderneathhermistylips.Intheglacialdepthsofhereyes,Elenathoughtshecaughtachillybutgenuinetwinkle,andElena’sownheartfroze.
ThenthephantomturnedherattentionbacktowardStefanandDamon,and,althoughElenawouldneverhavebelieveditpossible,thingsgotworse.
“Damon,”saidthephantomthroatily,andDamon,who’dbeenlimpandexhausted,eyesclenchedshut,passiveunderStefan’sassault,shieldinghisfacebutnotfightingback,openedhiseyes.
“Damon,”shesaidagain,hereyesglittering.“WhatrightdoesStefanhavetoattackyou?Whateveryoutriedtotakefromhim,youwerejustfightingagainstthefactthathegoteverything—yourfather’slove,thegirlsyouwanted—andyouhadnothingatall.He’sasanctimoniousbrat,aself-loathingweakling,buthegetseverything.”
Damon’seyeswidenedasifinrecognitionathearinghisowndeepestmiseriesvoiced,andhisfacetwistedwithemotion.Stefanwasstillclawingandbitingathim,buthefellbackalittleasDamonsnappedintoaction,grabbinghimbythearmandwrenchingit.Elenawincedwithhorrorassheheardthecrunchofsomething—oh,God—somethinginStefan’sarmorshoulderbreaking.
Undaunted,StefanonlygrimacedandthenthrewhimselfatDamonagain,thehurtarmdanglingawkwardly.Damonwasstronger,Elenanumblynoted,butexhausted;surelyhewouldn’tbeabletokeephisadvantageforlong.Fornowtheyseemedfairlyevenlymatched.Theywerebothfurious,bothfightingwithnoreservations.Abestial,nastysnarlcamefromoneofthem,shaky,viciouslaughterfromtheother,andElenarealizedwithhorrorthatshehadnoideawhichsoundwascomingfromwho.
Thephantomhissedwithenjoyment.Elenaflinchedawayfromherand,outofthecornerofhereye,sawBonnieandMattstepback,too.
“Don’tbreakthelines!”Alaricshoutedfromtheothersideof…whereweretheynow,anyway?Oh,Mrs.Flowers’sgarage—thegarage.Hesoundeddesperate,andElenawonderedifhehadbeenshoutingforawhile.Therehadbeensomebackgroundnoisegoingon,buttherehadn’tbeenamomenttolistentoit.“Elena!Bonnie!Matt!Don’tbreakthelines!”heshoutedagain.“Youcangetout,butstepoverthelinescarefully!”
Elenaglanceddown.Anelaboratepatternoflinesindifferentcolorswaschalkedbeneaththeirfeet,andshe,Bonnie,Matt,andthephantomwerealltogetherinasmallcircleintheinnermostcenterofthispattern.
BonniewasthefirstonetoclearlyrealizewhatAlaricwassaying.“Comeon,”shemuttered,yankingatElena’sandMatt’sarms.Thenshepickedherway,daintilybutquickly,acrossthefloor,awayfromthephantomandtowardtheirfriends.Mattfollowedher.Hehadtopauseononefootinasmallsectionandreachwithhisotherfoot,andtherewasamomentwhenhewobbled,onesneakeralmostblurringabluelineofchalk.Buthecaughthisbalanceandcontinuedon.
IttookElena,stillmostlyfocusedonthedesperatelygrapplingfiguresofDamonandStefan,afewsecondslongertorealizesheneededtomoveaswell.Shewasalmosttoolate.Asshepoisedherselftotakethatfirststepoutoftheinnercircle,thephantomturneditsglassyeyesuponher.
Elenafled,jumpingquicklyoutofthecircleandjustbarelymanagingtostopherselffromskiddingacrossthediagram.Thephantomtookaswipeather,butitshandstoppedbeforecrossingaboveachalkline,anditgrowledinfrustration.
Alaricshakilypushedhistousledhairoutofhiseyes.“Iwasn’tsurewhetherthatwouldholdher,”headmitted,“butitseemslikeit’sworking.Now,carefully,Elena,watchingwhereyoustep,makeyourwayoverhere.”MattandBonniehadalreadyreachedthewallofthegarage,atadistancefromwhereStefanandDamonwerelockedinbattle,andMeredithhadwrappedherarmsaroundthem,herdarkheadburiedinMatt’sshoulder,Bonnienestledagainstherside,hereyesasroundasafrightenedkitten’s.
Elenalookeddownatthecomplicatedpatterndrawnonthefloorandstartedmovingcarefullybetweenthelines,headingnotforherotherfriendsbutforthetwostrugglingvampires.
“Elena!No!Thisway!”calledAlaric,butElenaignoredhim.ShehadtogettoDamonandStefan.
“Please,”shesaid,halfsobbing,asshereachedthem,“Damon,Stefan,youhavetostop.Thephantom’sdoingthistoyou.Youdon’treallywanttohurteachother.It’snotyou.Please.”
Neitherofthempaidanyattentiontoher.Shewasn’tevensurewhethertheycouldhearher.Theywerealmostmotionlessnow,theirmusclesstrainingineachother’sgripaseachtriedtosimultaneouslyattackandfendofftheother.Slowly,asElenawatched,DamonbegantoovercomeStefan,graduallypushinghisarmsaside,leaningintowardhisthroat,whiteteethflashing.
“Damon!No!”Elenascreamed.Shestretchedouttograbhisarm,topullhimoffStefan.Withoutevenlookingather,hecasually,viciouslyshovedheraside,sendingherflying.
Shelandedhardonherbackandslidacrossthefloor,andithurt,theimpactjoltingherteethtogether,bangingherheadagainstthecement,whiteshocksofpainflaringbehindhereyes.Asshestartedtogetupagain,shesawwithdismayDamonpushthroughthelastofStefan’sdefensesandsinkhisfangsintohisyoungerbrother’sneck.
“No!”shescreamedagain.“Damon,no!”
“Elena,becareful,”Alaricshouted.“You’reinthediagram.Please,whateveryoudo,don’tbreakanymorelines.”
Elenalookedaround.Herlandinghadsentherskiddingthroughseveralofthechalkmarks,whichwerenowsmearedallaroundher,smudgesofcolor.Shestiffenedinterrorandsuppressedawhimper.Wasitloosenow?Hadshesetitfree?
Steelingherself,sheturnedtowardtheinnermostcircle.
Thephantomwasfeelingarounditselfwithitslongarms,pattingupanddownagainstsomeinvisiblewallborderingthecirclethatkeptitcontained.AsElenawatched,itsmouththinnedwitheffortanditbroughtitshandstogetherinonespotandpushed.
Theairintheroomrippled.
Butthephantomdidnotmanagetobreakthroughthecircle,andafteramomentitstoppedpushingandhissedindisappointment.
ThenitseyesfellonElena,anditsmiledagain.
“Oh,Elena,”itsaid,itsvoicesoftwithfalsecompassion.“Theprettygirl,theoneeveryonewants,theonetheboysallfightover.It’ssoveryhardbeingyou.”Thevoicetwisted,itstonechangingtobittermockery.“Butthey’renotreallythinkingofyou,arethey?Thetwoyouwant,you’renotthegirlforthem.Youknowwhytheyareattractedtoyou.Katherine.AlwaysKatherine.Theywantyoubecauseyoulooklikeher,butyou’renother.Thegirltheylovedsolongagowassoftandsweetandgentle.Aninnocent,avictim,afoilfortheirfantasies.You’renothinglikeher.They’llfindthatout,youknow.Onceyourmortalformchanges—anditwill.They’llbethesameforever,butyou’rechangingandgettingoldereveryday;inafewyearsyou’lllookmucholderthantheydo—thenthey’llrealizeyou’renottheonetheyloveatall.You’renotKatherine,andyouneverwillbe.”
Elena’seyesstung.“Katherinewasamonster,”shespatoutthroughherteeth.
“Shebecameamonster.Shestartedoutasasweetyounggirl,”thephantomcorrectedher.“DamonandStefandestroyedher.Likethey’lldestroyyou.You’llneverleadanormallife.You’renotlikeMeredithorBonnieorCelia.They’llhavechancesatnormalcywhenthey’reready,despitethewayyou’vedraggedthemintoyourbattles.Butyou,you’llneverbenormal.Andyouknowwho’stoblameforthat,don’tyou?”
Elena,withoutthinking,lookedatDamonandStefan,justasStefanmanagedtoshoveDamonawayfromhim.Damonstaggeredbackward,towardthegroupofhumanshuddlingbythewallofthegarage.BloodwasrunningfromhismouthandstreamingdownStefan’sneckfromaterriblegash.
“They’vedoomedyou,justliketheydoomedtheonetheyreallyloved,”thephantomsaidsoftly.
Elenapushedherselftoherfeet,herheartpoundinghard,heavywithmiseryandanger.
“Elena,stop!”calledapowerfulcontraltovoice,filledwithsuchauthoritythatElenaturnedawayfromDamonandStefanand,blinkingasthoughshe’dbeenwokenfromadream,lookedoutofthediagramtowardtheothers.
Mrs.Flowersstoodattheedgeofthechalklines,handsonherhips,feetplantedfirmly.Herlipswereastraightangryline,buthereyeswereclearandthoughtful.ShemetElena’sgaze,andElenafeltcalmedandstrengthened.ThenMrs.Flowerslookedaroundattheothersgatheredbesideher.
“Wemustperformthebanishingspellnow,”shedeclared.“Beforethephantommanagestodestroyusall.Elena!Canyouhearme?”
Asurgeofpurposerunningthroughher,Elenanoddedandmovedbacktojointheothers.
Mrs.Flowersbroughtherhandssharplytogether,andtheairrippledagain.Thephantom’svoicebrokeoffanditshriekedinfury,shovingattheairaroundit,itshandsmeetingresistancesooner,itsinvisibleprisonsmaller.
Meredithfelturgentlyaroundonthehighshelfnearthegaragedoor,herhandstouchingandrejectingvariousobjects.WherehadMrs.Flowersputthecandles?Paintbrushes,no.Flashlights,no.Ancientcanofbugspray,no.Bagofpottingsoil,no.Someweirdmetalthingthatshecouldn’tfigureoutfromtouchingwhatitmightbe,no.
Bagofcandles.Yes.
“I’vegotit,”shesaid,pullingitofftheshelfanddumpingprobablyadecade’sworthofdustfromtheshelfontoherownhead.“Urgh,”shesputtered
Itwasamarkoftheseriousnessofthesituation,Merediththought,thatBonnieandElenabothlookedather,headandshoulderscoatedinthickdustandspiderwebs,andneithergigglednormovedtobrushheroff.Theyallhadmoreimportantthingstoworryaboutthanalittledirt.
“Okay,”shesaid.“Firstoff,weneedtofigureoutwhatcolorcandleDamonwouldbe.”Mrs.FlowershadpointedoutthatDamonwasclearlyavictimofthejealousyphantomaswell,andsowouldhavetotakepartinthebanishmentritualforittoworkfully.
Lookingatthetwovampirebrothersstillattemptingtoteareachotherapart,MeredithseriouslydoubtedwhetherDamonwouldbeparticipating.Stefaneither,forthatmatter.Theyweresolelyfocusedoninflictingasmuchdamageaspossibleoneachother.Still,theywouldhavetogetthetwovampiresbacktomakethespellwork.
Somehow.
Meredithfoundherselfcoollywonderingwhether,ifbothDamonandStefandied,theycouldsafelybecountedoutoftheritual.Wouldtherestofthembeabletodefeatthephantomthen?Andiftheydidn’tmurdereachother,butsimplycontinuedtofight,endangeringthemall,wouldshebeabletokillthem?Sheshovedthethoughtaway.Stefanwasherfriend.
Andthenshedeterminedlymadeherselfconsiderkillinghimagain.Thiswasherduty.Thatwasmoreimportantthanfriendship;ithadtobe.
Yes,shecouldkillthemtoday,eveninthenextfewminutes,ifitwasnecessary,sherealized.Shewouldregretitforeverifshehadto,butshecould.
Besides,apartofhermindnotedclinically,ifthingswentonastheywerenow,DamonandStefanwouldkilleachother,andsaveherthatburden.
Elenahadbeenthinkinghard—ormaybezoningout,focusedonwhatthejealousyphantomhadsaidtoher,Meredithwasn’tsure—andnowshespoke.“Red,”shesaid.“IstherearedcandleforDamon?”
Therewasadarkredcandle,andalsoablackone.MeredithpulledbothoutandshowedthemtoElena.
“Red,”saidElena.
“Forblood?”askedMeredith,eyeingthefighters,nowonlyabouttenfeetaway.God,theywerebothjustcoveredwithbloodnow.Asshewatched,DamongrowledlikeananimalandbangedStefan’sheadrepeatedlyagainstthewallofthegarage.MeredithwincedatthehollowsoundofStefan’sskullslammingagainstthewoodandplasterofthewall.DamonhadonehandaroundStefan’sneck,theotherrippingatStefan’schestasifDamonwantedtogougeouthisheart.
Asoft,sinistervoicewasstillcomingfromthephantom.Meredithcouldn’tmakeoutwhatitwassaying,butitseyeswereonthebrothers,anditwassmilingasitspoke.Itlookedsatisfied.
“Forpassion,”saidElena,andsnatchedthecandleoutofMeredith’shandsandmarchedover,straight-backedandheadhighlikeasoldier’s,tothelineofcandlesAlaricwasrelightingattheedgeofthediagram.MeredithstaredafterherasElenalitthecandleanddrippedapuddleofhotwaxtostanditupon.
StefanforcedDamonbackward,closertotheothersandtheirlineofcandles.Damon’sbootsscrapedagainstthefloorashestrainedagainstStefan.
“Okay,”Alaricsaid,lookingatthecandlesapprehensively,thendownatthebook.“Eachofuswilldeclarethejealousiesinsideourselves—theweaknessesthatthephantomisabletoplayon—andcastthemout.Ifwereallymeanit,ifwemanage,atleastforthemoment,totrulyandsincerelycastoutourjealousy,ourcandleswillgooutandthephantomwillbeweakened.Thetrickistoreallybeabletobanishthejealousiesfromourheartsandstopfeedingthephantom,andifweallcandoitatonce,thephantomoughttodisappear,ormaybeevendie.”
“Whatifwecan’t?Whatifwetrytocastoutjealousy,butitdoesn’tgocompletelyaway?”Bonnieasked,herforeheadcrinklingwithworry.
“Thenitdoesn’tworkandthephantomstays,”saidAlaricflatly.“Whowantstogofirst?”
StefanslammedDamondownviciouslyontothecementfloor,ahowlofangercomingfromhim.Theywereonlyafewfeetfromthelineofcandles,andAlaricsteppedbetweenthemandtherowoftinyflames,tryingtoshieldthecandleswithhisbody.CeliashudderedasStefangavealow,furiousgrowlandloweredhisheadtobiteatDamon’sshoulder.Jealousykeptupasteadystreamofvenomouschatter,hereyesgleaming.
Mrs.Flowersclappedherhandstogeteveryoneelse’sattention,herfacesternandencouraging.“Children,youwillallhavetobehonestandbrave,”shesaid.“Youmustalltrulyadmittoyourworstselvesinfrontofyourfriends,whichwillbehard.Andthenyouwillneedtobestrongenoughtocasttheseworstselvesofyoursaway,whichmaybeevenharder.Butyouloveoneanother,andIpromisewewillgetthroughit.”
Athumpandamuffledshoutofrageandpaincamefromafewfeetaway,andAlaricglancednervouslyoverhisshoulderatthebattlebehindhim.
“Timeisoftheessence,”Mrs.Flowerssaidbriskly.“Whowillgofirst?”
Meredithwasabouttostepforward,clutchingherstaveforcomfort,whenBonniespokeup.
“Iwill,”shesaidfalteringly.“Um.I’vebeenjealousofMeredithandofElena.Ialways…”Sheswallowed,andthenspokemorefirmly.“IsometimesfeellikeI’monlyasidekickwhenI’maroundthem.They’rebraverthanme,andthey’rebetterfighters,andsmarterandprettier,and…andtallerthanIam.I’mjealousbecauseIfeellikepeopledon’trespectmeasmuchastheydothemanddon’treallytakemeseriouslyliketheydoElenaandMeredith.I’mjealousbecausesometimesI’mstandingintheirshadows,whichareprettybigshadows…metaphoricallyspeaking,Imean.AndI’malsojealousbecauseI’veneverevenhadarealboyfriend,andMeredithhasAlaric,andElenahasStefan,andbecauseElenaalsohasDamon,whoIthinkisprettyamazing,butwhowouldnevernoticemewhenI’mstandingnexttoElena,becauseshe’sallhecansee.”
Bonniepausedagain,andglancedatElena,hereyeswideandshining.“ButIloveElenaandMeredith.IknowIneedtostopcomparingmyselftothem.I’mnotjustasidekick;I’musefulandtalented,too.And”—shespokethewordsAlarichadgiventhemall—“Ihavefedthephantomofjealousy.ButnowIcastmyjealousyaway.”
Inthesemicircleofcandles,theflameofBonnie’spinkoneflickeredandwentout.Bonniegavealittlegaspandsmiled,half-shamefaced,half-proud,atMeredithandElena.Frominsidethediagram,thephantomofjealousysnappeditsheadaroundandglaredatBonnie.“Bonnie—”Meredithstartedtosay,wantingtotellherfriendthatofcourseshewasn’tasidekick.Didn’tBonnieknowhowamazingshewas?
ButthenElenasteppedtowardthecandlesandshookbackherhair,headhigh.“I’vebeenjealousofotherpeopleinFell’sChurch,”shedeclared.“Isawhoweasyitwasforothercouplestobetogether,andafterallStefanandI—andDamon,andtherestofmyfriends—havebeenthrough,andevenafterwesavedFell’sChurchandmadeitnormalagain,everythingjustkeptonbeingsohardandsoweirdandsupernatural.IguessI’vebeenrealizingthatthingsaren’tevergoingtobejusteasyandnormalforme,andthat’sbeentoughtoaccept.WhenIwatchedotherpeopleandwasjealousofthem,Ifedthephantomofjealousy.Icastthatjealousyaway.”
Elenasmiledalittle.Itwasastrange,ruefulsortofsmile,andMeredith,watchingher,thoughtthat,whileElenahadcastoutherjealousy,shewasstillhauntedbyregretfortheeasy,goldenlifeshe’doncehadaheadofherandthathadprobablybeentakenawayforevernow.
Thecandlewasstillburning.Elenahesitated.MeredithfollowedhergazepastthelineofcandlestowhereStefanandDamonstruggled.Astheywatched,DamonheavedandrolledStefanunderhim,leavingalongstreakofbloodacrossthefloorofthegarage.Stefan’sfootbrushedtheredcandleattheendoftheline,andAlaricleapedtosteadyit.
“AndI’vebeenjealousofKatherine,”Elenasaid.“DamonandStefanlovedherfirst,andsheknewthembeforesomuchhappenedtochangethem,to…warpthemoutofwhotheyoughttobe.AndeventhoughIrealizethattheybothknowI’mnotKatherineandthattheylovemeforwhoIam,Ihaven’tbeenabletoforgetthattheynoticedmeatfirstbecauseIlooklikeher.IhavefedthephantomofjealousybecauseofKatherine,andIcastthatjealousyaway.”
Thecandleflameflickered,butdidnotgoout.Jealousysmirkedtriumphantly,butthenElenawenton.“I’vealsobeenjealousofBonnie.”Bonnie’sheadshotup,andshestaredatElenawithanexpressionofdisbelief.“IwasusedtobeingtheonlyhumanDamoncaredabout,theonlyonewhohewouldwanttosave.”ShelookedatBonniewithtear-filledeyes.“Iamso,sogladthatBonnieisalive.ButIwasjealousthatDamoncaredenoughtodieforher.WhenIwasjealousofBonnie,Ifedthephantomofjealousy.ButnowIcastmyjealousyaway.”
Thegoldencandlewentout.ElenalookedalmosttimidlyatBonnie,andBonniesmiledather,anopen,lovingsmile,andheldoutherarms.Elenahuggedhertightly.
OtherthanthegriefshefeltoverElena’sparents’deaths,MeredithhadneverfeltsorryforElena.Whywouldshe?Elenawasbeautiful,smart,aleader,passionatelyloved…butnowMeredithcouldn’thelpbutfeelapangofsympathyforher.Sometimesitmustbeeasiertoliveaneverydaylifethantobeaheroine.
Meredithglancedatthephantom.Itseemedtobesimmeringandwasnowwhollyfocusedonthehumans.
Alaricsteppedaroundthecandlestowardtheothers,glancingbacktowardDamonandStefan.DamonhadpinnedStefanpainfullyagainstthewallbehindAlaric.Stefan’sfacewastwistedinagrimace,andtheycouldhearthescrapeofhisbodyagainstthehardsurface.ButatleastStefanandDamonweren’tendangeringthecandlesfornow.
Meredithturnedherattentiontoherboyfriend.WhatcouldAlaricbejealousof?Ifanything,he’dbeenthefocusofjealousythelastweekorso.
HereachedforMeredithandtookoneofherhands.“I’vebeenjealous,”Alaricsaid,lookingintohereyes.“Ofyou,Meredith.Andofyourfriends.”
Meredithreflexivelyarchedabrowathim.Whatdidhemean?
“God.”Hehalflaughed.“HereIam,agraduatestudentinparapsychology.I’vebeendyingmywholelifetoprovetomyselfthatthere’ssomethingmoregoingonintheworldthanwhateverybodyknows,thatsomeofthethingswethinkofassupernaturalarereal.AndthenIcometothissmalltowninVirginiabecausetherearerumors,rumorsIdon’treallybelieve,thattheremightbevampireshere,andwhenIgethereIfindthisamazing,beautiful,confidentgirl,anditturnsoutshecomesfromafamilythathuntsvampires.Andherfriendsarevampiresandwitchesandpsychicsandgirlswhocomebackfromthedeadtofightevil.Theyonlyjustfinishedhighschool,butthey’veseenthingsI’veneverimagined.They’vedefeatedmonsters,andsavedtowns,andtraveledtootherdimensions.And,youknow,I’mjustthisordinaryguy,andsuddenlyhalfthepeopleIknow—andthegirlIlove—arepracticallysuperheroes.”Heshookhishead,lookingatMeredithadmiringly.“I’vefedthephantomofjealousy.ButnowIcastmyjealousyaway.I’lljusthavetodealwithbeingtheboyfriendofasuperhero.”Instantly,thedarkgreencandlewentout.
Sealedintheinnercircle,thephantomhissedandpacedbackandforthinthesmallspacelikeatrappedtigress.Itlookedangry,butnotnoticeablyweaker
Celiaspokenext.Herfacewastiredbutcalm.“I’vefedthephantomofjealousy,”sheproclaimed.“I’vebeenjealousofMeredithSuarez.”Shedidn’tsaywhy.“ButnowIseethatit’spointless.I’vefedthephantomofjealousy,butnowIcastmyjealousyaway.”
Shespokeasifsheweredroppingsomethingintothetrash.Butstillthepalepurplecandlewentout.
Meredithopenedhermouthtospeak—shewasclearonwhatsheneededtosay,anditwouldn’tbetoohard,becauseshe’dwon,hadn’tshe?Ifithadeverbeenabattleanywherebesidesherownmind—butMattclearedhisthroatandspokefirst.
“Ihave…”Hestumbledoverhiswords.“Iguess…no,IknowI’vefedthephantomofjealousy.IhavealwaysbeencrazyaboutElenaGilbert,aslongasI’veknownher.AndI’vebeenjealousofStefan.Allalong.Evennow,whenJealousy’sgothimtrappedinthisbloodybattle,becausehehasElena.Sheloveshim,notme.But,well,itdoesn’tmatter….I’vealsoknownforalongtimethatElenaandItogetherdon’twork,notforher,andthat’snotStefan’sfault.I’vefedthephantomofjealousy,butnowIcastmyjealousyaway.”HeblushedandcarefullydidnotlookatElena.Thewhitecandlewentout,sendingalongtrailofsmoketowardtheceiling.
Threecandlesleft,Merediththought,lookingatthelaststeadyflames.Stefan’sdarkgreen,Damon’sred,andherownbrown.Wasthephantomanyweaker?Fromitsinvisiblecage,thePhantomgrowled.Ifanything,itseemedtohavemadethespacearounditselfbiggeragain,anditwasonceagainpushingatit,seeminglyfeelingforaweakspot.
Meredithknewshehadtokeeptheconfessionsgoing.“I’vefedthephantomofjealousy,”shesaidinastrong,clearvoice.“IwasjealousofDr.CeliaConnor.IloveAlaric,butIknowI’mmuchyoungerthanheis,notevenincollegeyet,andI’veneverreallybeenanywhereorseenanythingoftheworld—thehumanworld,atleast—outsideofwhereIgrewup.Celiasharessomuchwithhim—experiences,education,interests—andIknewhelikedheralot.Andshe’sbeautifulandreallysmartandpoised.IwasjealousbecauseIwasafraidshewouldtakehimfromme.Butifshehadbeenabletotakehim,thatwouldmeanhewasn’tminetokeep.Youcan’tstealaperson.”ShesmiledhesitantlyatCelia,andafteramoment,Celiasmiledslightlyinreturn.“Icast—”
“Watchout!”Alaricshouted.“Damon!Stefan!Stop!”
Meredithlookedup.DamonandStefanwerestaggeringacrossthefloorofthegarage,pastthelineofcandles,pastAlaric,whograbbedatthem.Theybrokeoutofhisholdeffortlesslywithoutseemingtoevennoticehistouch,shovingagainsteachotherdesperately,strugglingfiercely.Oblivioustoanythingbuttheirbattle,theyweregettingcloserandclosertothephantom.
“No!”shoutedElena.
DamonshovedStefanbackward,andtheheelofStefan’sbootscrapedacrossthechalkoutliningthesmallcirclethatcontainedthephantom—scrapedacrossthechalklineandsmudgedit,andthecirclewasnolongercomplete.
Withahowloftriumph,thephantomwasfree.Chapter34
Wedidn’tweakenit,notenough!”MeredithshoutedtoherfriendsoverJealousy’sshouts.Thephantom,ifanything,appearedstrongerasitcrossedthegarageinonegreatleapandbackhandedMeredithacrosstheface.Meredithfeltasearingpain,sawabrightflashoflight,andfeltherselfslamagainstthewall.Dazed,shestaggeredbackontoherfeet.
Thephantomwascomingtowardheragain.Moreslowlythistime,withasmileofanticipation.
Thespellmustbedoingsomethingthen,Merediththoughtgroggily,oritwouldn’tcareifIfinishedmypartornot.
Meredithgrippedherfightingstave.Shewasn’tgoingdowneasily,notifshecouldpreventit.Alarichadcalledherasuperhero.Superheroeskeptfighting,evenwhentheoddswerestackedagainstthem.
Sheslicedoutviciously,expertly,withtheendofthefightingstave.Allthosehoursofpracticepaidoff,becausethephantomdidn’tseemtoexpecttheblow,andratherthanthestavepassingharmlesslythroughmist,Meredithcaughtthephantominitssolidform,justabovetheroseinitschest.Thebladeattheendopenedadeepwoundinthephantom’schest,andwhenMeredithpulleditbackforasecondblow,viscousgreenfluiddrippedfromtheendofherweapon.
Assheswungagain,Meredith’sluckranout.Thephantomreachedouttowardher,itshandmovingsofastthatMeredithdidn’tseeituntilthephantomwasholdingtheotherendofthestave.Sharpasthestavewas,poisonousasthecoatingofallthosebitsofsilverandwoodandironwere,thephantomhelditlightlyandeasily,andpulled.
Meredithwentskiddingacrossthegaragefloortowardthephantom,fastandhelpless,andthephantomreachedoutlazilywithitsotherhandtocatchher,asneerofcontemptandangeronitsglassyface.Ohno,Meredith’sinternalvoicebabbled,notlikethis.Itcan’tendlikethis.
JustbeforeittouchedMeredith,though,thephantom’sfacechanged,suddenlyblossomingintoanexpressionofconfusion.Itletgoofthestave,andMeredithyankedherselfbackandcaughtherbalance,wobblingfuriously,gaspingforbreath.
Thephantomstaredpasther,Meredithforgotten,atleastforthemoment.Thephantom’sglassyteethwerebared,andtherewasanexpressionofterriblerageonitsgreen-tintedface.AsMeredithwatched,themusclesinitsicy-solidarmsseemedtostrain,thendissolvetoswirlsofarm-shapedmist,thensolidifyagain,stillinthesametensestillness.Shecan’tmove,Meredithrealized.Sheturnedtolookbehindher.
Mrs.Flowersstoodstraightandtall,herblazingblueeyesfixedonthephantom.Sheheldoutherhandsinfrontofher,herfacesetinstrong,determinedlines.Severalstrandsofhergrayhairhadescapedfromherbun,standingoutinalldirectionsasifcaughtbystaticelectricity.
Mrs.Flowers’slipsmovedsoundlessly,and,asthephantomstrainedtomove,Mrs.Flowersstrained,too,lookingasifshewasstrugglingtosupportsomethingcripplinglyheavy.Theireyes,coolintentblueandglacier-cleargreen,werelockedtogetherinsilentbattle.
Mrs.Flowers’seyesweresteady,butherarmswereshakingviolently,andElenadidn’tknowhowmuchlongertheolderwomanwouldbeabletohangonandkeepthephantomundercontrol.Notlong,shesuspected.ThebattlewiththekitsunehadtakenalotoutofMrs.Flowers,andshehadn’trecoveredfullyyet.Shewasn’treadyforanewfight.
Elena’sheartwasthumpinglikecrazy,andshecouldn’tstandtolookatthebloodyfiguresofDamonandStefanontheothersideofthegarage,becausetheonethingsheknewshecouldn’tdorightnowwaspanic.Sheneededtobeabletothink
“Meredith,”Elenasaidcrisply,withsuchatoneofauthoritythatherfriendsallturnedawayfromwatchingthestrugglebetweenMrs.Flowersandthephantomtolookather.“Finishyourpartoftheceremony.”
MeredithlookedatElenablanklyforamomentandthensnappedintogear.ThatwasoneofthemanywonderfulthingsaboutMeredith:Shecouldalwaysbereliedupon,nomatterwhat,topullherselftogetherandgetonwiththejob.
“Ihavefedthephantomofjealousy,”Meredithsaid,lookingdownatthefloorwhereherbrowncandlestillburned,“butnowIcastmyjealousyaway.”
Meredith’swordsrangwithtruth,andthecandlewentout.
Thephantomflinchedandgrimaced,flexingitsfingersangrily.Thedeepredoftheroseinitschestdulledtoadarkpinkforamomentbeforeflushingbacktocrimson.But…itdidn’tseemlikeitwasdefeated;itseemedmerelyirritated.ItseyesneverleftMrs.Flowers’s,anditsice-sculptedmusclesstillwerestrainingforward.
Almostallthecandleswereout.Onlytwoflameswereflickering,fromtheblueandredcandles,onlytwovictimsfeedingthephantomwiththeirjealousy.
So,withalmostallitsvictimstornawayfromit,shouldn’tthephantombeweaker?Shouldn’titbesickandstruggling?
ElenaturnedtoAlaric.“Alaric,”shewhispered.“Whatdidthebooksay?Shouldn’tthespellbestartingtokillthephantombynow?”
AlaricwaswatchingthesilentshowdownbetweenMrs.Flowersandthephantomagain,hisownfistsclenchedandhisbodystrainingasifhecouldsomehowlendMrs.Flowershisstrength,andittookalittletime—timewedon’thave,thoughtElenafuriously—forhimtodraghisattentiontoElena.Whenhedidandsherepeatedherquestion,heturnedamoreanalyticalgazeonthephantom,andanewworrydawnedinhiseyes.
“I’mnotentirelysure,”hesaid,“butthebookdidsuggest…thebooksaidsomethinglike,‘Everywordtrulyspokenbyitsvictims,eachdarkemotionwillinglyrejected,willdrawbacktothemthelifethephantomhasstolenfromtheirthoughtsanddeeds.Thecreaturewillcrumblewitheveryhonestwordspokenagainstit.’Itcouldbejustrhetoric,ormaybethepersonwhowrotedownthespellhadheardabouttheritualwithoutseeingitperformed,butitsounds…”Hehesitated.
“Itsoundslikethespelloughttobekillingthephantombynow,”saidElenaflatly.“Itsoundslikethisisn’tworkingright.”
“Idon’tknowwhat’sgoingwrong,”saidAlaricunhappily.
Theworldshiftedandeverythingsnappedintofocus.
“Ido,”saidElena.“ItmustbebecausethisisanOriginal,notanordinaryphantom.Wedidn’tcreateitwithouremotions,sowecan’tdestroyitjustbytakingthemaway.Ithinkwe’regoingtoneedtotrysomethingelse.”
StefanandDamonwerestilllockedincombat.Theywerebothbloodyandbattered.Hishurtarmdanglingatanunnaturalangle,Stefanmovedasthoughsomethinginsidehimhadbeendamaged,buttheywerebothstillattackingeachotherviciously,StefannolessthanDamon.
Elenareasonedthattheymustbefightingontheirowninitiativenow.Thephantom,absorbedinitsbattlewithMrs.Flowers,wasnolongermutteringpoisonousencouragementtothem.IfDamonandStefanweren’tbeingseducedbyJealousy’svoice,maybetheycouldbepersuadedtolistentosomeoneelse.Elena,tryingnottocatchthephantom’sattention,easedherwaytowardthefighters.
Damonwasbleedingfromhisneckandalongcutonhishead,andtheskinaroundbothhiseyeswasbruisingup.Hewaslimping,buthewasclearlygainingtheupperhand.Stefan,circlingwarilynowjustoutofarm’sreach,wasnotonlycurledforwardtoprotectwhateverwasinjuredinsidehimbuthadalongstripoftornskinhangingfromhischeek.
Damonwasgrinningsavagelyathim,movingcloserwitheveryshiftofhisfeet.TherewasanalertnesstoDamon’seyesthatspokeonlyofthepredatorwithin,ofhisjoyinthehuntandinthekill.Damonmusthaveforgotteninthepleasureofthefightwhohewasbattling,Elenatoldherself.Hewouldneverforgivehimself,oncehewashimselfagain,ifhereallyseriouslyhurtStefan,orevenkilledhim.Although,somethinginsideherwhispered,partofhimhasalwayswantedthis.
Sheshovedthethoughtaside.PartofDamonmightwanttohurtStefan,butthereal,wholeDamondidnot.Iftherewasanythingthatfightingthephantomhadshownher,itwasthatthedarkemotionseveryonehidintheirdepthsweren’tallofwhotheyreallywere.Theyweren’ttheirtrueselves.
“Damon,”sheshouted.“Damon,think!Thephantomisinfluencingyou!It’smakingyoufight.”Sheheardhervoicerisepleadingly.“Don’tletitbeatyou.Don’tletitdestroyyou.”
Damondidn’tseemtohearher,though.Hestillworethatferalsmile,andprowledalittleclosertoStefan,edginghimfartherandfarthertowardthecornerofthegarage.PrettysoonStefanwouldbetrapped,boxedinandunabletorun.
And,catchingaglimpseofthedefiantexpressiononStefan’spoor,batteredface,ElenarealizedwithasinkingheartthatStefanwouldn’trun,evenifDamongavehimthechance.ThepartofStefanthathatedDamonwasincontrolofhimnow.
Stefanbaredhisteethinaferocioussnarl.Damonpulledbackhisfisttodeliverapowerfulblow,hiscaninesextendinginanticipationofdrinkinghisbrother’slifeblood.
Morequicklythanshehadevermovedbefore,atleastasahuman,ElenaflungherselfbetweenthemasDamon’sfistswungforward.Eyessqueezedclosed,shethrewherarmswidetoprotectStefanandawaitedtheimpact.
Damonwasmovingsofastbythetimeshejumpedinfrontofhimthatmomentumwascarryinghiswholebodyforward.Withhisinhumanstrength,itwasapunchthatwouldbreakherbonesandcrushherface.
ButDamonstoppedintime,asonlyavampirecould.Shecouldfeeltherushofdisplacedairfromtheblow,eventhebrushofhisknucklesagainstherface,buttherewasnopain.
GingerlyElenaopenedhereyes.Damonstoodpoised,coiledtostrike,onearmstillraised.Hewasbreathinghard,andhiseyesglitteredstrangely.Elenareturnedhisgaze.
WasthereatinybitofreliefshininginDamon’seyes?Elenathoughtso.Thequestionwas,wasitreliefthathehadstoppedhimselfbeforehekilledher,orthatshehadstoppedhimfromkillingStefan?SurelyDamoncouldhavethrownheroutofthewaybynowandattackedStefanagain,ifthatwaswhathereallywanted.
ElenatookachanceandreachedouttowardDamon’sfist,foldingthosebatteredknuckleswithinherownsmallerhand.Hedidn’tresistassheloweredhisfisttohisside,passivelyallowinghimselftobemoved.
“Damon,”shesaidsoftly.“Damon,youcanstopnow.”Hiseyesnarrowedandsheknewhecouldhearher,buthismouthwastightandfierce,andhedidn’tanswer.
WithoutlettinggoofDamon’shand,ElenaturnedtowardStefan.Hewasclosebehindher,hiseyesfixedonDamon.Hewaspantingrapidly,andhewipedthebackofhishandabsentlyagainsthismouth,smearingbloodacrosshisface.Elenareachedoutandtookhishand,stickyasitwaswithblood.
Damon’shandtensedinhers,andsheglancedathimtoseehewasstaringatherotherhand,theonethatwasholdingStefan’s.StefansawwhereDamonwaslooking,too,andthecornersofhisswollenmouthdrewupinabitterlittlesmile.
Behindthem,thephantomsnarledasitfoughtMrs.Flowers’spower.Itsoundedlouder,fiercer.
“Listen,”shesaidurgently,lookingfromonebrothertotheother.“Thephantom’snotfocusingonyounow,soyoucanthinkforyourselves.ButMrs.Flowerswon’tbeabletoholdherforlong.Soyouneedtodoit;youneedtostartthinkingnow,insteadofjustacting.Ineedtotellyou…um.”Sheclearedherthroatuncomfortably.“Inevertoldyouthis,butwhenKlauswaskeepingmeprisoner,afterKatherine’sdeath,heusedtoshowme…images.Memories,Iguess,Katherine’smemories.Howyoubothwerewithher,backwhenyouwerehuman.Whenyouwereyoungandaliveandlovedher.Howmuchyoulovedher.Ihatedit,seeinghowrealthatlovewas.AndIknewthatyounoticedmeatfirstonlybecauseoftheloveyouhadforherthen.It’salwaysbotheredmealittlebit,eventhoughIknowyourloveformenowisdeeper.”
BothbrotherswerelookingatElenanow,andStefan’slipspartedtospeak.Elenashookherheadbrisklyandwenton.“No,letmefinish.It’sbotheredmealittlebit.Ithasn’tdestroyedme,andithasn’tchangedwhatIfeel…foreitherofyou.BecauseIalsoknowthatyoumighthavenoticedmeforKatherine’ssake,butthatonceyougotpastit,youbothsawme,Elena.Youdon’tseeKatherineinmeanymore.”
Shehadtoventureintodangerousterritorynow,sosheproceededcautiously,tryingtolayoutherargumentwithlogicandsensitivity.“So,Iknowthat,right?Butwhenthephantomspoketome,itdredgedupthatoldjealousyandmadeitburninsidemeagain.Andtheotherthingsthephantomsaidtomearepartlytrue,too.Yes,I’mjealoussometimesofgirlswith”—shesmileddespiteherself—“normallovelives.Butinmymostcenteredmoments,IknowIwouldn’twanttobethem.WhatI’vegotisamazing,evenifit’shard.”Elenaswallowed.“AndsoIknowthatwhatthephantomsaidtoyouispartlytrue.You’rejealousofeachother.You’reangryaboutthingsfromthepast,andyou’reupsetthatIlovebothofyou.ButIalsoknowthat’snotallthereis.It’snotthemostimportantthing,either.Notanymore.Thingshavechangedsincethedayswhenjealousyandangerweretheonlyemotionsbetweenyou.You’veworkedtogether,andyou’veprotectedeachother.You’vebecomebrothersagain.”
ShegazedintoDamon’seyes,searchingforaresponse.“Damon,Stefanwasdevastatedwhenhethoughtyouweredead.You’rehisbrother,andhelovesyou,andhedidn’tknowwhattodowithyougone.You’reabigpartofhislife—pastandpresent.You’retheonlyonewho’sbeentherewithhimthroughouthishistory.”
SheswungtolookatStefan.“Stefan,Damondidn’thidefromyouthefactthathewasalivebecausehewantedtomakeyousuffer,ortobefreeofyou,orwhateverthephantomwasconvincingyouof.Hewantedtobeabletocomebackinawayandatatimethathecouldshowyouthingsweregoingtobedifferent.Thathewascapableofchanging.Andyouwerethepersonhewantedtochangefor.Notme.You.You’rehisbrotherandhelovesyou,andhewantedthingstobebetterbetweenyou.”
Elenapausedforbreath,andtogaugewhateffect,ifany,herspeechwashavingonthebrothers.Atleasttheyweren’tcurrentlytryingtokilleachother.Thathadtobeagoodsign.Theystaredateachothernow,theirfacesunreadable.Damonlickedthebloodfromhislips.Stefanreachedupandcarefullyranhisfreehandoverthetornskinonhisfaceandchest.Neitheronesaidaword.Wasthereaconnectionleftbetweenthem?DamonwaslookingatthecutsonStefan’sneckwithanalmostsoftexpressioninhisblackeyes.
Elenaletgoofthemandthrewupherhands.“Fine,”shesaid.“Ifyoucan’tforgiveeachother,thenjustthinkaboutthis.Thephantomwantsyoutofight.Itwantsyoutokilleachother,tohateeachother.Yourjealousyiswhat’sfeedingit.OnethingIknowaboutyou—aboutbothofyou—isthatyou’venevergivenyourenemiesanythingtheywanted,notevenifitwouldhavesavedyou.Areyougoingtogiveintowhatthisphantom,thismanipulativemonster,wants?Isitgoingtocontrolyou,orareyougoingtocontrolyou?Doeseitherofyoureallywanttomurderyourbrotherforsomeoneelse?”
Atthesameexactmoment,DamonandStefanblinked.
Afterafewseconds,Stefanclearedhisthroatawkwardly.“I’mgladyou’renotdeadafterall,”heoffered.
ThecornerofDamon’smouthtwitched.“I’mrelievedIdidn’tmanagetokillyoutoday,littlebrother,”heanswered.
Apparently,thatwasalltheyhadtosay.Theyheldeachother’seyesforabeatlonger,thenturnedtoElena.
“So,”saidDamon,andhewasbeginningtosmile,awild,recklesssmilethatElenarecognized.Damontheunstoppable,Damontheantihero,wasback.“Howdowekillthisbitch?”
Mrs.Flowersandthephantomwerestilllockedintheirsilent,almostmotionlessbattle.Mrs.Flowerswasbeginningtolosegroundtothephantom,though.Thephantom’sstancewaswider;itsarmshadspreadout.Itwasgraduallygainingthepowertomove,andMrs.Flowers’shandsandarmswereshakingwithstrain.Herfacewaspale,andthelinesofagearoundhermouthseemeddeeper.
“Wehavetohurry,”ElenasaidtoDamonandStefan.TheyskirtedaroundMrs.Flowersandthephantom,andjoinedtheotherswho,white-facedandwary,werewatchingthemapproach.Infrontofthem,onlytwocandlesstillburned.
“Stefan,”Elenasaid.“Go.”
Stefanstareddownatthedarkbluecandlestillburningonthefloorofthegarage.“I’vebeenjealousofeveryonelately,itseems,”hesaid,theshameevidentinhistone.“I’vebeenjealousofMatt,whoselifeseemssosimpleandgoodtome,whoIknowcouldhavetakenElenaoutoftheshadowsandgivenhertheuncomplicatedlifeshedeserves.IwasjealousofCaleb,whoseemedlikethekindofgoldenboywhowouldbeagoodmatchforElena,somuchsothatIdistrustedhimevenbeforeIhadreasonto,becauseIthoughthewasafterher.Andespecially,IwasjealousofDamon.”
Hisgazeleftthecandleandsettledonhisbrother’sface.Damonlookedbackathimwithaninscrutableexpression.“IsupposeI’vealwaysbeenjealousofhim.Thephantomwastellingthetruthwhenshesaidthat.Whenwewerealive,hewasolder,faster,stronger,moresophisticatedthanIwas.Whenwedied”—Stefan’slipscurledupinabittersmileofremembrance—“thingsonlygotworse.And,evenmorerecently,whenDamonandIfoundwecouldworktogether,I’veresentedhowclosehewastoElena.HehasapieceofherthatI’mnotapartof,andit’shardnottobejealousofthat.”
Stefansighedandrubbedthebridgeofhisnosebetweenhisthumbandforefinger.“Thethingis,though,Ilovemybrother.Ido.”HelookedupatDamon.“Iloveyou.Ialwayshave,evenwhenwewereatourworst.Evenwhenallwewantedtodowaskilleachother.Elena’sright:We’remorethanthebadpartsofourselves.Ihavefedthephantomofjealousy,butnowIcastmyjealousyaway.”
Thebluecandleflickeredandwentout.Elenawaswatchingthephantomclosely,andsawtheroseinitstorsodullforamoment.Thephantomflinchedandsnarled,thenreneweditsstruggleagainstMrs.Flowers’sspell.Asitgaveapowerfultwist,theolderwomanstaggeredbackward.
“Now!”ElenamutteredquietlytoDamon,lookingathimmeaningfullyandwishingmorethaneverthatshehadherpowersoftelepathy.Distracther,shehopedhereyessaid.
Damonnoddedonce,asiftosayheunderstoodhermessage,thenclearedhisthroattheatrically,drawingeveryeyetohim,andpickedupthedarkredcandle,thelastoneburningintheline.Hedabbedalineofhisblooddownitslengthandspentafewsecondsposedwithhisheadloweredpensively,hislong,darkeyelashesbrushinghischeeks.Hewasmilkingthemomentforeverydropofdrama.
Onceeveryeyewasfixedonhim,ElenatouchedStefanandindicatedforhimtohelpherapproachthephantomfromeitherside.
“Ihavebeenjealous,”Damonintoned,staringdownattheflameofthecandleheheld.HeflickedhiseyesupquicklyatElena,andshenoddedencouragingly.
“Ihavebeenjealous,”herepeated,frowning.“Ihavecovetedthatwhichmybrotherhas,overandoveragain.”
Elenaslippedclosertothephantom,comingupbesideitonitsrightside.ShecouldseethatStefanwasinchingneareronitsleft.
Mrs.Flowerssawthem,too.Elenacouldtell,becausetheolderwomanraisedhereyebrowsfractionallyandbegantomutterherspellmoreloudlyandfiercely.Damon’svoicerose,too,everyoneintheroomcompetingforJealousy’sattention,tokeepitfromnoticingStefanandElena’smachinations.
“Idon’tneedtogointoeverysingledetailofmypast,”Damonsaid,hisfamiliarsmirkappearingonhisbatteredface,asmirkthatElenafoundoddlyreassuring.“Ithinkthere’sbeenenoughofthatheretoday.SufficeittosaytherearethingsI…regret.ThingsthatIwouldliketobedifferentinthefuture.”Hepauseddramaticallyforamoment,hisheadthrownbackproudly.“AndsoIadmitthatIhavefedthephantomofjealousy.AndnowIcastjealousyout.”
InthemomentthatDamon’scandlewentout—andthankGodithadgoneout,Elenathought;Damonwasapttoclingtohisworstimpulses—theroseinthephantom’schestdulledagaintoadarkpink.Jealousysnarledandwobbledeversoslightlyonitsfeet.Atthatsameinstant,Stefanlungedforthecutacrossthephantom’schestandgothishandinsideit,insidethephantom’storso,andgrabbedfortherose.
Agoutofgreen,viscousfluidspurtedfromthewoundasStefansqueezedtherose,andthenthephantomscreamed,along,unearthlyhowlthatmadeallthehumansflinch.Bonnieclappedherhandsoverherears,andCeliamoaned.
Foramoment,Elenathoughttheyweregoingtowinthateasily—thatbyattackingtheroseatthephantom’sheart,Stefanhaddefeatedit.Butthenthephantomsteadieditselfand,withahugeflexingofmuscle,pulledsuddenlyoutofMrs.Flowers’scontrol,andinonesmoothmotionrippedStefanawayfromitsside,hishandcomingemptyoutofitschest,andthrewhimacrossthegarage.
Stefanhitthewallwithamuffledthump,slidtothefloor,andlaystill.Evidentlyexhaustedbyherbattlewiththephantom,Mrs.Flowersalsosaggedbackward,andMattrushedtocatchherinhisarmsbeforeshehittheground.
ThephantomsmiledslowlyatDamon,showingitssharpteeth.Itsglacier-cleareyesglittered.
“It’stimetogo,Damon,”Jealousysaidsoftly.“You’rethestrongestonehere.Thebestofallofthem,thebestofanyone.Butthey’llalwaysfawnoverStefan,theweakling,thebrat,youruselessbabybrother.Nomatterwhatyoudo,noonewillevercareforyouthewaythesemortalsdoforhim.Thewayeveryone,forhundredsofyears,hasalwayscaredforStefan.Youshouldleavethembehind.Makethemsuffer.Whynotleavethemindanger?They’ddothesametoyou.Elenaandherfriendstraveledthroughdimensions,facedslavery,bravedthegreatestperils,tosaveStefan,buttheyleftyoulyingdead,farfromhome.Theycamebackhereandwerehappywithoutyou.Whatloyaltydoyouowethem?”
Damon,hisfaceinshadownowthatallthecandleswereout,gaveadark,bitterlittlelaugh.Hisblackeyesgleamedinthedimness,fixedonthephantom’sclearones.Therewasalongsilence,andElena’sbreathcaughtinherthroat.
Damonsteppedforward,stillholdinghiscandle.“Don’tyouremember?”hesaid,hisvoicecool.“Icastyouout.”
Andwithsuperhumanquickness,beforeanyonecouldevenblink,helithiscandleagainwithaflickofPowerandthrewit,straightandtrue,directlyintothephantom’sface.Chapter35
Elenaleapedbackwardasthephantomcaughtfire.Shewassoclosethattheheatoftheflamesburnedhercheeks,andshecouldsmellherownhairsmoking.
Shieldingherfacewithherhands,sheeasedherwayforwardassilentlyandsneakilyasshecould,closerandclosertothephantom.Herlegsshook,butshewilledthemstillandsteady.
ShewasconsciouslynotlettingherselflookatorthinkaboutStefan’sbodycrumpledonthefloorofthegarage,inthesamewayshehadkeptherselffromlookingatDamonandStefan’sfightwhensheneededtothink.
Suddenlyaburstofflamesshotintotheair,andforonedazzlingsecond,ElenadaredtohopethatDamonhaddoneit.Thephantomwasburning.Surelynocreatureoficecouldwithstandthat.
Butthensherealizedthatthephantomwasnotonlyburning.Shewasalsolaughing.
“Youfool,”thephantomsaidtoDamon,inasoftandalmosttendervoice.“Youthinkfirecanhurtme?Jealousycanburnhotterthanfireaswellascolderthanice.Youofallpeopleshouldknowthat,Damon.”Shelaughedherstrangeclinkinglaugh.“Icanfeelthejealousy,theangerthatburnsinyouallthetime,Damon,anditburnssohotIcansmellthehatredanddespairthatliveinyou,andyourlittlepettyhurtsandragesaremeatanddrinktome.Youclutchthemtoyouandporeoverthemliketreasure.Youmayhavesucceededincastingoutatinypieceofthemultitudesofhurtsthatburdenyou,butyou’llneverbefreeofme.”
Aroundthephantom’sfeet,tinybluelinesofflameignitedandspreadquicklyacrossthefloorofthegarage.Elenawatchedinhorror:WeretheseburningtracesofoilleftbyMrs.Flowers’sancientcar?Orwasitsimplythephantom’smaliciousnessmadesolid,spreadingfireamongthem?
Itdidn’treallymatter.Whatmatteredwasthatthegaragewasonfire,andwhilethephantommightbeimpervioustotheflames,therestofthemweren’t.Smokefilledthemustyspace,andElenaandherfriendsbegantocough.Shecoveredhernoseandmouthwithherhand.
StreakingpastElena,Damonsnarledandleapedforthephantom’sthroat.
Evenintheircurrentdiresituation,Elenacouldn’thelpadmiringDamon’sspeedandgrace.Hecollidedwiththephantomandknockedittothefloor,thenrecoiled,protectinghisfacewithhisleather-cladarm.Fire,Elenarememberedwithafrissonofterror.Fireisoneofthefewthingsthatcankillavampire.
Hereyeswateredfromthesmoke,butsheforcedthemtostayopenasshemovedcloser,circlingaroundbehindthephantom,whowasbackonitsfeet.Shecouldhearherfriendsshouting,butsheconcentratedonthefight.
Thephantomwasmovingmoreawkwardlythanithadbeenearlier,anddidnotimmediatelyattackDamon.Throughtheflames,ElenacouldseethatthickgreenishfluidwasstilltricklingdownitssolidtorsofromthewoundMeredithhadgivenit.Wheretheliquidtouchedtheflames,theyflickeredwithagreenishbluetint.
Damonlungedforthephantomagain,anditflunghimoffwithashrug.Snarling,theycircledeachotherwarily.Elenaskitteredaroundbehindthem,tryingtostayoutofDamon’sway,tryingtoseehowshecouldhelp.
AcracklingfromacrosstheroomdistractedElenaforasecond,andsheglancedbacktoseefireclimbingthefarwall,reachingforthewoodenshelvessetaroundtheroom.Shemissedseeingwhatexactlyhappenednext,butsuddenlyDamonwasskiddingacrosstheflooronhisback,anangryredburnglowingonhischeek.
Hewasupagaininasecondandprowlingbacktowardthephantom,buthiseyeshadaslightlywildglinttothemthatmadeElenanervous.Eveninjured,thephantomwasstrongerthanDamon,and,afterhislongfightwithStefan,Damon’sreservesmustbewaning.Hewasgrowingreckless.Elenagatheredhercourageandmovedclosertothephantomagain,asclosetotheflamesasshecouldstand.Thephantomglancedbackatherforasecondandthenaway,focusingonthestrongerthreat.
ItsprangforwardtomeetDamon,itsfieryarmsspreadwideandasavagelyjoyoussmileonitsface.
AndsuddenlyMeredithwastherebesideDamon.Shelookedsolemnandpaleasayoungmartyr,herlipstightandhereyeswary,butshemovedasfastaslightning.Herstaveslicedthroughtheairalmosttooquicklytosee,leavinganotherlongcutacrossthephantom’sstomach.Thephantomhowled,andtheflamesonitstorsohissedasmoregreenishfluidgushedfromthewound.
Butthephantomremainedupright.ItsnarledandreachedforMeredith,whodancedrapidlybackward,justoutofrange.MeredithandDamonexchangedawordlesslookandmovedtoflankthephantom,oneoneitherside,sothatitcouldn’twatchbothofthematonce.DamoncuffedJealousy,ashort,intenseblow,andpulledbackareddish,blisteringhand.Meredithswungherstaveagain,nearlycatchingthephantomonthearmbutinsteadcleavingonlyawispofsmoke.
Therewasacrashasaburningshelfcollapsedontothefloor.Thesmokegrewthicker.Awayfromthefight,ElenacouldhearBonnieandMattcoughing.
Elenamovedcloserstill,againcomingtowardthephantomfrombehind,safelyoutofMeredithandDamon’sway.Thephantom’sheatwaslikeabonfire.
MeredithandDamonweremovingintandemnow,assmoothlyasiftheyhadrehearsed,dancinginandback,sometimescatchingthephantomwithablow,moreoftenpassingthroughacurlofsmokeormistasthephantomtransformeditspartsfromsolidtoairyshapes.
Avoicerangout.“Imperatedesistere.”Mrs.FlowersleanedagainstthesupportingarmsofMattandAlaric.Buthereyeswereclearandhervoicewassteady.Powercrackledintheairaroundher.
Thephantomslowedonlyslightlyinitsfight,perhapsnomorethanahalfsecondbehindinitsthrustsandtransformations.Butthiswasenoughtomakeatleastalittledifference.MoreofDamon’sandMeredith’sblowslanded,andtheywereabletododgeafewmoreofthephantom’s.
Wasitenough,though?Thephantomflinchedwhenapunchhithome,anditbledhorriblegreengoowherethestavecutit,butitwasstillsteadyonitsfeetasMeredithandDamonhackedandchokedinthesmokeandstumbledawayfromtheflames.TheroseinJealousy’schestpulsedasteadydarkred.Elenaexhaledinfrustrationandimmediatelybegantocoughagain.Thephantomwasn’tstayinginoneplacelongenoughforElenatogetagoodshotatgrabbingtherose-heart
Meredithslicedatitwithherfightingstave,andthistimethestaveslidthroughsmoke,andthephantomgrabbedthestaveinonehand,swingingMeredithtowardDamon.Colliding,theybothfellheavilytotheground,andthephantom,stillslightlyhobbledbyMrs.Flowers’sspell,strainedtowardthem.
“I’veenviedMeredithforherbrains!”shoutedBonnie.Herfacewassmudgedwithsmokeandtears,andshelookedincrediblysmallandfragile,butshewasstandingstraight-backedandproud,yellingatthetopofherlungs.“IknowI’llneverbeasgoodatschoolassheis,butthat’sokay.Icastmyjealousyout!”
Thephantom’srosedimmedtoadarkpinkforamoment,anditstaggeredeversoslightly.ItglancedatBonnieandhissed.Itwasonlyatinypauseinthephantom’sadvance,butitwasenoughforDamontospringtohisfeet.HesteppedinfrontofMeredith,shieldingherassheclamberedup.Withoutevenlookingateachother,MeredithandDamonbegancirclinginoppositedirectionsagain.“I’vebeenjealousthatmyfriendshavemoremoneythanIdo!”Mattshouted,“butIcastthejealousyout!”
“IenvythewayAlarictrulybelievedinsomethingunproven,andturnedouttoberight!”Celiayelled.“ButIcastitout!”
“I’veenviedElena’sclothes!”Bonniecried.“I’mtooshorttolookgoodinlotsofthings!ButIcastthatout!”
Damonkickedatthephantom,pullinghissmolderinglegbackquickly.Meredithswungherstave.Mrs.FlowerschantedinLatin,andAlaricjoinedher,hislowvoiceincounterpointtohers,reinforcingherspell.Bonnie,Celia,andMattkeptshouting:dredgingupsmalljealousiesandhurtsthattheywereprobablyusuallyhardlyawareof,castingthemouttopepperthephantomwithtinyblows.
Andforthefirsttime,thephantomlooked…baffled.Itswungitsheadslowlyfromonetoanotherofitsopponents:Damonstalkingtowardit,fistsraised;Meredith,herstaveswingingsurelyasshewatchedthephantomwithacoolandconsideringgaze;AlaricandMrs.FlowersrecitingstringsofLatinwords,handslifted;Bonnie,Matt,andCeliashoutingconfessionsasiftheywerethrowingrocksatit.
Jealousy’sglassyeyespassedoverElenawithoutreallyseemingtonoticeher:Standingstillandquietamongtheentirehubbub,shewasnotathreat.
ThiswasthebestchanceElenawasgoingtoget.Shenervedherselftomoveforward,thenfrozeasthephantomturnedtowardher.
Then,miraculously,Stefanwasthere.Hegrappledatthephantom’sback,throwingonearmarounditsneckastheflameslickedathim.Hisshirtcaughtfire.Thephantom,briefly,waspulledbackwardpastElena,itstorsotowardher,unprotected.
Withouthesitation,Elenaplungedherhandintothefire.
Foramoment,shebarelyfelttheflames,justagentle,almostcooltouchagainstherhandastheflamesflickeredaroundher.Notsobad,shehadamomenttothink,andthenshefeltthepain.
Itwaspureandagonizing,anddarkfireworksofshockwentoffbehindhereyes.Shehadtofighttoovercomethealmostirresistibleinstincttopullherhandbackoutofthefire.Instead,shegropedatthephantom’storso,searchingforthecutMeredithhadmadejustaboveitsrose.Itwasslipperyandsmooth,andherhandfumbled.Whereisit?Whereisit?
DamonhadthrownhimselfintotheflamesalongsideStefan,yankingatthephantom’sarmsandneck,keepingitstorsoclearforElena,preventingthephantomfromrippingfreeandthrowingheracrosstheroom.MeredithbeatatJealousy’ssidewithherstave.Behindher,herfriends’voicesroseinababbleofconfessionsandspellsastheydidtheirparttokeepthephantomoffbalanceanddisoriented.
AtlastElena’shandfoundthecutandshepushedinside.Itwasicycoldinthephantom’schest,andElenayelpedatthecontrast—thecoldwasexcruciatingaftertheheat,andtheflamesstilllickedatherwristandarm.Thefreezingliquidinsidethephantom’schestwassothick,itwaslikefeelingthroughgelatin.Elenashovedandreached,andthephantomscreamedwithpain.
Itwasahorriblesoundand,despiteallthatthephantomhaddonetoherandherfriends,Elenacouldnothelpflinchinginsympathy.Amomentlater,Elena’shandclosedontherose’sstemandathousandthornspiercedherburnedflesh.Ignoringthepain,shepulledtheroseoutofthefreezingliquid,outofthefire,andstaggeredbackward,awayfromthephantom.
Shedidn’tknowwhatshe’dexpectedtohappen,exactly.ForthephantomtomeltliketheWickedWitchoftheWest,perhaps,leavingnothingbutapuddleofvilegreenishwater.Instead,thephantomstaredather,itsmouthopen,itspointed,shiningteethonfulldisplay.Thetearinitschesthadexpanded,andfluidoozedrapidly,likeanuntendedfaucet.Theflamesburnedlowandgreenwheretheliquidtrackeddownitsbodyanddrippedtothefloor.
“Giveittome,”Stefansaid,appearingatElena’sside.Hetooktherosefromherhandandrippedatitspetals,nowfadingtoalighterpink,andscatteredthepetalsintothefireburningupthesidesofthegarage.
Thephantomwatchedwithastunnedexpression,andgraduallyitsblazingfirethinnedtosmoke,itssolidformslowlyvaporizing.Foramoment,asmoky,malevolentimagehungintheairbeforethem,itseyesfixedsullenlyuponElena.Andthenitwasgone.Chapter36
Damonwasthefirsttomove,whichdidn’tsurpriseElena.Hisleatherjacketscorched,longburnsrunningacrosshisfaceandarms,hestaggeredpasttheothersthroughthefireandthrewopenthegaragedoor.Outside,thunderrumbledoverheadandaheavyrainwasfalling.
Despitetherain,thegaragewasburningferociously,flameslickingtheirwayupthesidesofthesmallbuildingandacrosstheroof.Astheyallstumbledoutside,Meredith,coughing,turnedherfaceuptotherain.MattandAlaricsupportedMrs.Flowersandplacedherinthedriver’sseatofhercar.Elenaheldherhandsout,lettingthedrivingrainwashawaythesootandsootheherburns.Therestofherfriendsmilledaroundnotfarfromtheburninggarage,stillstunned.
“Oh,Damon,”saidBonnie.Shepausedtocoughandwheezeforafewseconds,thenleanedcarefullytowardDamon,avoidinghisinjuries,andkissedhimonthecheek.“I’msohappyyoucameback.”
“Thankyou,redbird,”Damonsaid,pattingherontheback.“Excusemeforasecond;Ineedtotakecareofsomething.”HesteppedawayandcaughtElenabythehand.
Inthedistancecamethewailofsirens,signalingtheadvanceoffiretrucksandpolicecarsdrawnbythefire.
DamonpulledElenatowardthedarkshadowsunderatreenearthehouse.“Comeon,”hesaid.“Youneedbloodnow.”Hefelthisthroatwithcharredfingers,thendrewafingernailagainstoneofhisveins.Hisleatherjacketwaspracticallydestroyed,justragsandasheshangingfromhim,andthelongburnsonhisfaceandbodywerestillredandraw-looking,butalreadybetterthantheyhadbeenafewminutesbefore.
“Icoulddothat,”saidStefan,approachingthemandleaningagainstthewallofthehouse.Helookedtiredandbedraggled,buthisinjuries,too,werealreadyhealing.“Elena’salwayswelcometomyblood.”
“Youcandefinitelypitchin.Butthat’sabadinjuryshe’sgot,”saidDamonmatter-of-factly,“andyoudon’thavethePowertohealitrightnow.”
Elenahadbeentryingnottolookatherrighthand.Althoughshecouldn’treallymoveit,itdidn’thurtmuchanymore.Whichwasprobablyabadsign,actually.Didthatmeanthenerveendingsweredead?Aquick,anxiousglancedownatherhandmadeherstomachchurn.Eventhattinyglimpseshowedherhorriblyblackenedandreddenedfleshandpeelingskinand—God—shethoughtshe’dseenaglimpseofbonebeneaththeflesh.Sheletoutalow,involuntarywhimper.
“Drink,”saidDamonimpatiently.“Letmefixitbeforetheycomeanddragyouofftotheburnunit.”Elenastillhesitated,andDamonsighedandturnedtoStefanagain.“Look,”hesaid,hisvoicesoftening,“it’snotalwaysaboutPower.Sometimesthebloodisjustabouttakingcareofsomeone.”
“Iknowthat,”Stefanreplied,blinkingtiredlyathim.“Ijustwasn’tsurethatyoudid.”
Damon’smouthtwistedinawrysmile.“I’manoldman,littlebrother,”hesaid.“Iknowalotofthings.”HeturnedbacktoElena.“Drinknow,”heinsisted,andStefansmiledreassuringlyather.
ElenanoddedatStefanbeforepushinghermouthtightlyagainstDamon’sneck.Thesecondshetastedhisblood,Elenabecamewrappedinwarmthandthepaininherhandstopped.Shenolongerfelttheunpleasantcolddrummingoftherainonherheadandshoulders,theicytrickleofwaterdownherbody.Shewascozyandsafeandloved,andtimehadstoppedjustlongenoughforhertocatchherbreath.
Damon?shethought,andreachedouttohismindwithhers.Heansweredherwithoutwords,butwithawaveofaffectionandcare,ofundemandinglove.Throughthehaze,Elenarealizedtherewassomethingnewhere….
WhensheandDamonhadallowedtheirmindstotouchinthepast,shehadoftensensedthatDamonhadbeenholdingbackapartofhimself.Or,ontherareoccasionswhenshegotpasttheinnerbarriershe’dthrownupagainstintruders,she’dfoundhurtandrage,alostchildchainedtoarock.
NowElenasensedonlyloveandpeaceassheandDamonmeltedintoeachother.Whenshepulledbackfromhimatlast,ittookheramomenttoreturntotherealworld.Stefanwasnolongernexttothem.Itwasrainingstill,coldwaterrunningthroughherhair,overhershoulders,downherneckandarmsandbody.Herhandachedandwasstillbadlyburned,butithadhealedtothepointofneedingointmentandabandageratherthansurgery.
Acoupleoffiretrucksandpolicecarspulledintothedrive,lightsblazing,sirensscreaming.Closertothegarage,shesawMeredithabruptlydropStefan’sarm,andElenarealizedMeredithhadbeendrinkingfromhiswrist.
Sherealizedvaguelythatshewouldhavebeenshockedbythisonlyafewhoursago—shewouldhaveassumedMeredithwouldshyawayfromtouchingthebloodofanyvampire,andStefanhadalwaysreservedhisbloodforElenaaspartoftheconnectiononlytheyshared—butshecouldn’tworkupanyrealemotionaboutitnow.
Itfeltlikeallthebarriersbetweentheirgrouphadbrokendown.Whetherthisnewstateofthingslastedornot,theywereallonefornow.They’dseentheworstofoneanother.They’dtoldthetruthandcomeouttheotherside.Andnow,ifMeredithneededtobehealed,ofcourseStefanwouldgiveherhisblood.Itwouldbethesameforanyofthem.
Thefiremenjumpedfromtheirtruckandunrolledthehoses.Astheyturnedtheirattentiontoputtingoutthefire,acoupleofuniformedpoliceofficersandamanwhomustbethefiremarshalwalkedpurposefullytowardMrs.Flowers,Matt,Alaric,Celia,andBonnie,allofwhomwerenowhuddledinthecar.MeredithandStefanheadedtowardthem,too.
“Whydidn’ttheyhelpherintothehouse?”Elenawonderedaloudsuddenly,andDamonturnedablankgazeofsurpriseonher.
“Ihavenoidea,”hesaidslowly.“Itneverevenoccurredtomethatwecouldgoinside.Iguesseveryonefeltliketheyshouldbeoutheretowatchitburn.Makesurethephantomdoesn’tcomeout.”
“It’slikewewereattheendoftheworld,”shesaidsoftly,thinkingaloud.“Eventheboardinghouseseemedsofarawaythatitjustwasn’tpartofthepicture.Nowthatotherpeoplearehere,theworldisstartingtoturnagain.”
Damonhmmmednoncommittally.“We’dbettergetoverthere,”hesaid.“Ithinktheycouldusesomehelp.”Mrs.Flowers’svoicewasraisedindignantly,althoughElenacouldn’tmakeoutthewords.AsshetrailedafterDamonshesmiledtoherself:SincewhenhadDamoncaredwhetheranyone,exceptElenaherself,couldusesomehelp?
Astheygotcloser,ElenacouldseethatMrs.Flowershadgottenoutofthecarandassumedherbestexpressionofdottinessandeccentricity,blueeyeswide,armsakimbo,asAlaricheldanumbrellaoverherhead.
“Youngman!”shesnappedatthefiremarshal.“Whatareyoutryingtoimplybyaskingwhymycarwasn’tparkedinthegarage?SurelyIhaveeveryrighttodistributemypossessionsanywhereIlikeonmyownproperty!WhatsortofworlddoweliveinwhereIampenalized,whereIamjudgedfornotfollowingconventions?DoyoudaretosuggestthatImighthavehadsomeadvanceknowledgeofthisfire?”
“Well,ma’am,it’sbeenknowntohappen.I’mnotsuggestinganything,butthematterhastobeinvestigated,”saidthefiremarshalstolidly.
“What’reallthesekidsdoinghere?”oneofthepoliceofficersasked,shootingaglancearound.HiseyeslingeredonDamon’sburnedleatherjacketandtherawskinlesspatchonStefan’scheek.“We’regoingtoneedtotalktoallofyou,”hesaid.“Let’sstartbygettingyournamesandaddresses.”
Stefansteppedforwardandheldtheofficer’seyeswithhis.“I’msurethatwon’tbenecessary,”hesaidsoftly,compellingly.ElenacouldfeelhimusinghisPower.“Thegarageburnedbecauseitwasstruckbylightninginthestorm.Noonewashereexcepttheoldladyinthehouseandafewofherguests.Everything’ssostraightforwardandsimple,there’snoneedtoquestionanyone.”
Theofficerlookedpuzzledandthennodded,hisfaceclearing.“Thesestormscancausealotofpropertydamage,”hereplied.
Thefiremarshalsnorted.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Lightningdidn’tstrikeanywherenearhere.”
Stefanshiftedhisgazetothefiremarshal.“There’snothingtobotherinvestigating….”Butthespellwasbroken,andnowallthreemenwerelookingathimwithsuspicion.
Stefan’sPowerwasn’tgoingtobestrongenoughtouseonallthree,Elenarealized,andhewouldn’tbeabletoconvinceevenoneofthemifthemenwerealltogether,awakeningoneanother’sdoubts.Stefan’sfacewasdrawnandtired.Hehadfoughtalongbattle—morethanone,actually.AndStefanwasneverstronginPower,notwhenhedidn’tdrinkhumanblood.Ifhe’dbeenworryingoverherandpreparingtofightthephantom,ithadprobablybeendayssincehehadhadevenmorethanafewswallowsofanimalblood.
Damonsteppedforward.“Sir?”hesaidpolitely.Thefiremarshallookedathim.“IfIcouldspeaktoyouprivatelyforamoment,I’msurewecanclearthisup.”
Themarshalfrownedbutfollowedhimtothebackporchoftheboardinghouse,thesecondpoliceofficertaggingalong.Undertheporchlight,theyfacedDamon,atfirstsuspicious.Gradually,ashespoketothem,theirshouldersrelaxedandtheybegantonodandsmile.
Stefanspokesoftlytotheotherofficeragain.He’dbeabletohandleinfluencingonepersonalone,Elenaknew,eveninhiscurrentstate.
MeredithandBonniehadgottenintothebackseatofMrs.Flowers’sancientautomobile—sooldthatElenasuspecteditmightpredateMrs.Flowersherself—andweredeepinconversation,whileAlaricandCeliacontinuedtosupportMrs.FlowersundertheumbrellaasshelistenedtoStefan’sconversationwiththepoliceofficer,Matthoveringnearby.
ElenawalkedquietlypastthemandslippedintothebackofthecarwithBonnieandMeredith.Thedoorshutwithasatisfyinglyheavyclunk,andtheblackleatherbenchseatcreakedandgroanedunderher.
Bonnie’sredcurlsweresoakedstraight,wettendrilshangingdownoverhershouldersandstickingtoherforehead.Herfacewassmudgedwithashandhereyeswerered,butshegaveElenaagenuinelyhappysmile.“Wewon,”shesaid.“It’sgoneforgood,isn’tit?Wedidit.”
Meredithwassolemnyetexultant,hergrayeyesshining.TherewasstillasmearofStefan’sbloodonherlips,andElenastifledtheurgetowipeitawayforher.“Wedidwin,”Meredithaffirmed.“Youbothdidsoamazingly.Bonnie,itwasreallysmartofyoutostartcastingoffjealousiesasfastasyoucould.Itkeptthephantomoffbalance.AndElena…”Sheswallowed.“Plungingintothefirewassobraveofyou.How’syourhand?”
Elenaheldoutherhandandflexedthefingersinfrontofthem.“Theincrediblepowersofvampireblood,”Elenasaidlightly.“Veryusefulfortheaftermathofabattle,right,Meredith?”
MeredithflushedatElena’steasing,thensmiledalittle.“Idon’tknow,”shesaid.“Itseemedsillynottouseallour…advantages.Ifeelbetteralready.”
“Youwereterrific,too,Meredith,”Bonniesaid.“Youfoughtlikeyouweredancing.Gracefulandstrongandbeautifulandsosupertough,thewayyouusedyourstave.”
Elenaagreed.“Inevercouldhavegottentheroseifyouhadn’tcutthephantom.”
“Iguesswe’reallterrific,”saidMeredith.“ThefirstmeetingoftheRobertE.LeeHighSchoolAlumniMutualAdmirationSocietyisnowcalledtoorder.”
“We’llhavetogetMattinandtellhimhowwonderfulheis,”Bonniesaid.“AndIguessStefanalsocountsasanalum,right?Ithinknowthattheworld’schanged,hemighthavegraduatedwithus.”Sheyawned,showingasmallpinktonguelikeacat’s.“I’mjustwornout.”
Elenarealizedshewas,too.Ithadbeenaverylongday.AverylongyearsincetheSalvatorebrothershadcometoFell’sChurchandlifehadchangedforeverSheslumpeddownintheseatandrestedherheadonMeredith’sshoulder.“Thankyouforsavingthetownagain,bothofyou,”shesaidsleepily.Itseemedimportanttosayit.“Maybetomorrowwecanstartworkingonnormalagain.”
Meredithlaughedalittleandhuggedthemboth.“Nothingcandefeatoursisterhood,”shesaid.“We’retoogoodfornormal.”Herbreathhitched.“Whenyouwerebothtakenbythephantom,”shesaidquietly,“IwasafraidIhadlostyouforever.You’remysisters,really,notjustmyfriends,andIneedyou.Iwantyoutoknowthat.”
“Absolutely,”Bonniesaid,noddingfeverishly.Elenareachedoutforbothofthem.Thethreefriendssqueezedoneanothertightlyinalaughing,slightlytearfulgrouphug.
Tomorrowwouldcome,andmaybenormal—whateverthatwasatthispoint—wouldcome,too.Fornow,Elenahadhertruefriends.Thatwasalot.Whateverhappened,thatwouldbeenough.
Chapter37
Thenextmorningfoundthemallbackattheboardinghouse.Afterthepreviousnight’srain,thesunshinehadafreshqualitytoit,andeverythingfeltbrightanddampandclean,despitethesmellofsmokethatpermeatedtheboardinghouseandthecharredremainsofthegaragethatcouldbeglimpsedthroughthewindowsoftheden.
Elenasatonthecouch,leaningagainstStefan.Hetracedtheburnlines,nearlyentirelyfaded,onthebackofherhand.“Howdotheyfeel,heroine?”heasked.
“Theyhardlyhurtatall,thankstoDamon.”
Damon,ontheothersideofStefan,gaveherabrief,blindingsmilebutsaidnothing.
Theywereallbeingcarefulofoneanother,Elenathought.Shefelt—andshethoughteveryoneelseprobablydid,too—likethedaylooked:shiningandfreshlywashed,butslightlyfragile.Therewasalotofquietmurmuringbackandforth,exchangedsmiles,comfortablepauses.Itwasliketheyhadcompletedalongjourneyoradifficulttasktogether,andnowitwastimetorest.
Celia,dressedinpalelinentrousersandasilkdove-graytop,elegantandpoisedasalways,clearedherthroat.“I’mleavingtoday,”shesaidwhentheyalllookedupather.Herbagssatneatlyonthefloorbesideherfeet.“There’satraintoBostoninforty-fiveminutes,ifsomeonewilldrivemetothestation.”
“OfcourseI’lltakeyou,”Alaricsaidpromptly,gettingtohisfeet.ElenaglancedatMeredith,butMeredithwasfrowningatCeliainconcern.
“Youdon’thavetogo,youknow,”shetoldher.“We’dalllikeitifyoustayed.”
Celiashruggedexpressivelyandgavealittlesigh.“Thankyou,butitistimeIgetgoing.DespitethefactthatwedestroyedapricelessrarebookandIwillprobablyneverbeallowedontheDalcrestcampusagain,Iwouldn’thavemissedthiswholeexperiencefortheworld.”
Meredithgrinnedatherandraisedoneeyebrow.“Eventhebrusheswithdeath?”
Celiaraisedaneyebrowofherown.“Wasthereapartthatwasn’tabrushwithdeath?”
Theylaughed,andElenawasgratefultoseethatthetensionbetweenthemhadevaporated.
“We’llbegladtohaveyouanytimeyouwanttocomeback,dear,”Mrs.FlowerssaidtoCeliaearnestly.“Iwillalwayshavearoomforyou.”
“Thankyou,”Celiasaid,lookingtouched.“IhopeIcancomebackandseeyouallagainsomeday.”SheandAlariclefttheroom,andsoontherestofthemheardthesoundsoftheoutsidedoorshuttingandacarstartingup.
“Good-bye,Celia,”Bonniechirped.“Sheturnedouttobeokayintheend,though,didn’tshe?”Shewentonwithoutwaitingforananswer.“Whatarewegoingtodotoday?Weneedtohaveanadventurebeforesummerends.”
“Youhaven’thadenoughadventureyet?”Mattaskedherdisbelievinglyfromwherehewassprawledonarockingchairinthecorner.
“Imeanafun,summerykindofadventure,”shesaid.“Notalldoomandgloomandbattlestothedeath,butfun-in-the-sunstuff.Doyourealizewe’vegotonlyaboutthreeweeksbeforeit’stimetostartschoolagain?Ifwedon’twantouronlyrealmemoriesofthissummerinFell’sChurchtobeonedisastrouspicnicandahorrificbattlewithaphantom,we’dbettergetstarted.Ivotewegoouttothecountyfairtoday.Comeon!”sheurgedthem,bouncinginherseat.“Rollercoasters!Funhouses!Frieddough!Cottoncandy!DamoncanwinmeabigstuffedanimalandtakemethroughtheTunnelofLove!It’llbeanadventure!”SheflutteredhereyelashesatDamonflirtatiously,buthedidn’ttakeheruponherteasing.Infact,hewasgazingdownintohislapwithastrainedexpression.
“You’vedoneverywell,children,”saidMrs.Flowersapprovingly.“Youcertainlydeservesometimetorelax.”
Nooneanswered.Damon’stensesilencewasfillingtheroom,drawingeveryone’seyestohim.Finally,Stefanclearedhisthroat.“Damon?”heaskedcautiously.
Damonclenchedhisjawandraisedhiseyestomeettheirs.Elenafrowned.WasthatguiltonDamon’sface?Damondidn’tdoguilt—remorsewasn’toneofhismanyqualities.“Listen,”hesaidabruptly.“Irealized…whileIwasmakingmywaybackfromtheDarkDimension…”Hestoppedagain.
ElenaexchangedananxiousglancewithStefan.Again,stammeringandhavingtroublefindingthewordstosaywhathewantedtosaywerenottypicalofDamon.
Damonshookhisheadandcollectedhimself.“WhileIwasrememberingwhoIwas,whileIwasbarelyaliveagain,andthenwhileIwasgettingreadytocomebacktoFell’sChurch,andeverythingwassopainfulanddifficult,”hesaid,“allIcouldthinkofwashowwe—howElena—hadmovedheavenandearthtofindStefan.Shewouldn’tgiveupherhunt,nomatterwhatobstaclesshefaced.I’dhelpedher—I’driskedeverythingtodoso—andweweresuccessful.WefoundStefanandwebroughthimhome,safeandsound.Butwhenitwasmyturntobelost,youallleftmeonthatmoonalone.”
“ButDamon,”saidElena,reachingouttohim,“wethoughtyouweredead.”
“Andwedidtrytomoveheavenandearthtosaveyou,”Bonniesaidearnestly,herbigbrowneyesfillingwithtears.“Youknowthat.ElenatriedeverythingtobribetheGuardianstogetyouback.Shealmostwentcrazywithgrief.Theyjustkeptsayingthatwhenavampiredied,heorshewasgoneforgood.”
“Iknowthatnow,”Damonsaid.“I’mnotangryanymore.Ihaven’tbeenangryaboutitforwhatseemslikeages.That’snotwhyI’mtellingyouthis.”HeglancedguiltilyatElena.“Ineedtoapologizetoallofyou.”
Therewasatinycollectivegasp.Damonjustdidn’tapologize.Ever.
Elenafrowned.“Whatfor?”
Damonshrugged,andtheghostofasmirkpassedoverhisface.“Whatnotfor,myprincess.”Hesobered.“Thetruthis,Ididn’tdeservesaving.I’vedoneterriblethingstoyouallasavampire,andevenwhenIbecamehumanagain.IfoughtMeredith;IendangeredBonnieintheDarkDimension.Iendangeredallofyou.”Helookedaroundtheroom.“I’msorry,”hesaidtoeveryone,anoteofsincerityandregretinhisvoice.
Bonnie’slipstrembled;thenshethrewherarmsaroundDamon.“Iforgiveyou!”
Damonsmiledandawkwardlypattedherhair.HeexchangedasolemnnodwithMerediththatseemedtoindicatethatshealsoforgavehim—thistime.
“Damon,”saidMatt,shakinghishead.“Areyousureyou’renotpossessed?Youseemalittle…off.You’reneverpolitetoanyofusbutElena.”
“Well,”saidDamon,lookingrelievedathavinggottentheconfessionoffhischest,“don’tgetusedtoit.Matt.”
MattlookedsostartledandpleasedthatDamonhadcalledhimtherightnameforachange,insteadof“Mutt”ornothingatall,thatDamonmightaswellhavegivenhimapresent.ElenasawStefangivehisbrotherasly,affectionatenudge,andDamonelbowedhimback.
No,shewouldn’tgetusedtoit.Damon,temporarilydrainedofhisjealousiesandresentments,wasasbeautifulandintriguingasever,butaheckofaloteasiertogetalongwith.Itwouldn’tlast,butshecouldenjoyitfornow.
Shetookamomenttoreallylookatthem,theSalvatorebrothers.Thevampiressheloved.Stefanwithhissoftdarkcurlsandseagreeneyes,hislonglimbsandthesensitivecurveofhismouththatshealwayslongedtokiss.Sweetnessandsolidityandasorrowshe’dhadahandinlightening.Damon,leatherandsilkandfinechiseledfeatures.Mercurialanddevastating.Shelovedthemboth.Shecouldn’tbesorry,couldn’tbeanythingotherthansincerely,whollygratefulforthefatethathadthrowntheminherpath.
Butitwouldn’tbeeasy.Shecouldn’timaginewhatwouldhappenwhenthisnewcomfortandfriendlinessbetweenthebrothers,betweenallofthem,ended.Shedidn’tdoubtthatitwoulddissolve.Irritationsandjealousieswerejustapartoflife,andtheywouldbuildupagain.
ShesqueezedStefan’shandinhersandsmiledpasthimatDamon,whosedarkeyeswarmed.
Inwardly,shesighedalittle,thensmiledmorewidely.Bonniewasright:Collegewasjustaroundthecorner,awholenewadventure.Untilthen,theyshouldtaketheirpleasureswheretheycouldfindthem.
“Cottoncandy?”shesaid.“Ican’trememberthelasttimeIhadcottoncandy.I’mdefinitelyupforBonnie’sideaofadventure.”
Stefanbrushedhislipsagainsthersinakissthatwasassweetandlightascottoncandyitself,andsheleanedintothecomfortofhisarms.
Itcouldn’tlast.Elenaknewit.Butshewasveryhappy.Stefanwashimselfagain,notangryorfearfulorgrieving,buthimself,theonesheloved.AndDamonwasalive,andsafe,andwiththem.Allherfriendswerearoundher.
Shewastrulyhomeatlast.AbouttheAuthor
L.J.SMITHhaswrittenanumberofbestsellingbooksandseriesforyoungadults,includingTheVampireDiaries(nowahitTVshow),TheSecretCircle,TheForbiddenGame,NightWorld,andthe#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingDarkVisions.SheishappiestsittingbyacracklingfireinacabininPointReyes,California,orwalkingthebeachesthatsurroundthatarea.Shelovestohearfromreadersandhopestheywillvisitherupdatedwebsiteatwww.ljanesmith.net.
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TheVampireDiariesnovels
VOL.I:THEAWAKENING
VOL.II:THESTRUGGLE
VOL.III:THEFURY
VOL.IV:DARKREUNION
THERETURNVOL.1:NIGHTFALL
THERETURNVOL.2:SHADOWSOULS
THERETURNVOL.3:MIDNIGHT
THEHUNTERSVOL.1:PHANTOM
Stefan’sDiariesnovels
VOL.I:ORIGINS
VOL.2:BLOODLUST
VOL.3:THECRAVING
VOL.4:THERIPPER
TheSecretCirclenovels
THEINITIATIONANDTHECAPTIVEPARTI
THECAPTIVEPARTIIANDTHEPOWERCredits
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