TheVampireDiariesBook3

THEFURY

L.J.Smith

PublishedbyHarperPaperbacks

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsareproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiouslyandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Any

resemblancetoactualevents,locales,organizations,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

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TomyAuntMargie,andinmemoryofmyAuntAgnesandAuntEleanore,forfosteringcreativity.

THEVAMPIREDIARIES

TheFuryVolumeIII

L.J.Smith

HarperTorchAnImprintofHarperCollinsPublishers

One

Elenasteppedintotheclearing.

Beneathherfeettattersofautumnleaveswerefreezingintotheslush.Duskhadfallen,andalthoughthestormwasdyingawaythewoodsweregettingcolder.Elenadidn’tfeelthecold.

Neitherdidshemindthedark.Herpupilsopenedwide,gatheringuptinyparticlesoflightthatwouldhavebeeninvisibletoahuman.Shecouldseethetwofiguresstrugglingbeneaththegreatoaktreequiteclearly.

Onehadthickdarkhair,whichthewindhadchurnedintoatumbledseaofwaves.Hewasslightlytallerthantheother,andalthoughElenacouldn’tseehisfaceshesomehowknewhiseyesweregreen.

Theotherhadashockofdarkhairaswell,buthiswasfineandstraight,almostlikethepeltofananimal.Hislipsweredrawnbackfromhisteethinfury,andthelounginggraceofhisbodywasgatheredintoapredator’scrouch.Hiseyeswereblack.

Elenawatchedthemforseveralminuteswithoutmoving.She’dforgottenwhyshehadcomehere,whyshe’dbeenpulledherebytheechoesoftheirbattleinhermind.Thisclosetheclamoroftheirangerandhatredandpainwasalmostdeafening,likesilentshoutscomingfromthefighters.Theywerelockedinadeathmatch.

Iwonderwhichofthemwillwin,shethought.Theywerebothwoundedandbleeding,andthetallerone’sleftarmhungatanunnaturalangle.Still,hehadjustslammedtheotheragainstthegnarledtrunkofanoaktree.HisfurywassostrongthatElenacouldfeelandtasteitaswellashearit,andsheknewitwasgivinghimimpossiblestrength.AndthenElenarememberedwhyshehadcome.Howcouldshehaveforgotten?Hewashurt.Hismindhadsummonedherhere,batteringherwithshockwavesofrageandpain.Shehadcometohelphimbecauseshebelongedtohim.

Thetwofiguresweredownontheicygroundnow,rightinglikewolves,snarling.SwiftlyandsilentlyElenawenttothem.Theonewiththewavyhairandgreeneyes–Stefan,avoiceinhermindwhispered–wasontop,fingersscrabblingattheother’sthroat.AngerwashedthroughElena,angerandprotectiveness.Shereachedbetweenthetwoofthemtograbthatchokinghand,toprythefingersup.

Itdidn’toccurtoherthatsheshouldn’tbestrongenoughtodothis.Shewasstrong

enough;thatwasall.Shethrewherweighttotheside,wrenchinghercaptiveawayfromhisopponent.Forgoodmeasure,sheboredownhardonhiswoundedarm,knockinghimflatonhisfaceintheleaf-strewnslush.Thenshebegantochokehimfrombehind.Herattackhadtakenhimbysurprise,buthewasfarfrombeaten.Hestruckbackather,hisgoodhandfumblingforherthroat.Histhumbdugintoherwindpipe.

Elenafoundherselflungingatthehand,goingforitwithherteeth.Hermindcouldnotunderstandit,butherbodyknewwhattodo.Herteethwereaweapon,andtheyslashedintoflesh,drawingblood.

Buthewasstrongerthanshewas.Withajerkofhisshoulders,hebrokeherholdonhimandtwistedinhergrasp,flingingherdown.Andthenhewasaboveher,hisfacecontortedwithanimalfury.Shehissedathimandwentforhiseyeswithhernails,butheknockedherhandaway.

Hewasgoingtokillher.Evenwounded,hewasbyfarthestronger.Hislipshaddrawnbacktoshowteethalreadystainedwithscarlet.Likeacobra,hewasreadytostrike.Thenhestopped,hoveringoverher,hisfacechanging.

Elenasawthegreeneyeswiden.Thepupils,whichhadbeencontractedtoviciousdots,sprangopen.Hewasstaringdownatherasiftrulyseeingherforthefirsttime.Whywashelookingatherthatway?Whydidn’thejustgetitoverwith?Butnowtheironhandonhershoulderwasreleasingher.Theanimalsnarlhaddisappeared,replacedbyalookofbewildermentandwonder.Hesatback,helpinghertositup,allthewhilegazingintoherface.

“Elena,”hewhispered.Hisvoicewascracked.“Elena,it’syou.”IsthatwhoIam?shethought.Elena?

Itdidn’treallymatter.Shecastaglancetowardtheoldoaktree.Hewasstillthere,standingbetweentheupthrustroots,panting,supportinghimselfagainstitwithonehand.Hewaslookingatherwithhisendlesslyblackeyes,hisbrowsdrawntogetherinafrown.Don’tworry,shethought.Icantakecareofthisone.He’sstupid.Thensheflungherselfonthegreen-eyedoneagain.

“Elena!”hecriedassheknockedhimbackward.Hisgoodhandpushedathershoulder,holdingherup.“Elena,it’sme,Stefan!Elena,lookatme!”

Shewaslooking.Allshecouldseewastheexposedpatchofskinathisneck.Shehissedagain,upperlipdrawingback,showinghimherteeth.Hefroze.

Shefelttheshockreverberatethroughhisbody,sawhisgazeshatter.Hisfacewentaswhiteasifsomeonehadstruckhimablowinthestomach.Heshookhisheadslightlyonthemuddyground.“No,”hewhispered.“Oh,no…”Heseemedtobesayingittohimself,asifhedidn’texpecthertohearhim.Hereachedahandtowardhercheek,andshesnappedatit.“Oh,Elena…”hewhispered.

Thelasttracesoffury,ofanimalbloodlust,haddisappearedfromhisface.Hiseyesweredazedandstrickenandgrieving.

Andvulnerable.Elenatookadvantageofthemomenttodiveforthebareskinathisneck.Hisarmcameuptofendheroff,topushheraway,butthenitdroppedagain.Hestaredatheramoment,thepaininhiseyesreachingapeak,andthenhesimplygaveup.Hestoppedfightingcompletely.

Shecouldfeelithappen,feeltheresistanceleavehisbody.Helayontheicygroundwithscrapsofoakleavesinhishair,staringuppastherattheblackandcloudedsky.Finishit,hiswearyvoicesaidinhermind.

Elenahesitatedforaninstant.Therewassomethingaboutthoseeyesthatcalledupmemoriesinsideher.Standinginthemoonlight,sittinginanatticroom…Butthememoriesweretoovague.Shecouldn’tgetagrasponthem,andtheeffortmadeherdizzyandsick.

Andthisonehadtodie,thisgreen-eyedonecalledStefan.Becausehe’dhurthim,theotherone,theoneElenahadbeenborntobewith.Noonecouldhurthimandlive.Sheclampedherteethintohisthroatandbitdeep.

Sherealizedatoncethatshewasn’tdoingitquiteright.Shehadn’thitanarteryorvein.Sheworriedatthethroat,angryatherowninexperience.Itfeltgoodtobitesomething,butnotmuchbloodwascoming.Frustrated,sheliftedupandbitagain,feelinghisbodyjerkinpain.

Muchbetter.She’dfoundaveinthistime,butshehadn’ttornitdeeplyenough.Alittlescratchlikethatwouldn’tdo.Whatsheneededwastoripitrightacross,tolettherichhotbloodstreamout.

Hervictimshudderedassheworkedtodothis,teethrakingandgnawing.Shewasjustfeelingthefleshgivewaywhenhandspulledather,liftingherfrombehind.

Elenasnarledwithoutlettinggoofthethroat.Thehandswereinsistentthough.Anarmloopedaboutherwaist,fingerstwinedinherhair.Shefought,clingingwithteethandnailstoherprey.Letgoofhim.Leavehim!

Thevoicewassharpandcommanding,likeablastfromacoldwind.Elenarecognizeditandstoppedstrugglingwiththehandsthatpulledheraway.Astheydepositedheronthegroundandshelookeduptoseehim,anamecameintohermind.Damon.HisnamewasDamon.Shestaredathimsulkily,resentfulofbeingyankedawayfromherkill,butobedient.

Stefanwassittingup,hisneckredwithblood.Itwasrunningontohisshirt.Elenalickedherlips,feelingathroblikeahungerpangthatseemedtocomefromeveryfiberofherbeing.Shewasdizzyagain.“Ithought,”Damonsaidaloud,“thatyousaidshewasdead.”

HewaslookingatStefan,whowasevenpalerthanbefore,ifthatwaspossible.Thatwhitefacefilledwithinfinitehopelessness.“Lookather”wasallhesaid.

AhandcuppedElena’schin,tiltingherfaceup.ShemetDamon’snarroweddarkeyesdirectly.Thenlong,slenderfingerstouchedherlips,probingbetweenthem.InstinctivelyElenatriedtobite,butnotveryhard.Damon’sfingerfoundthesharpcurveofacanine

tooth,andElenadidbitenow,givingitaniplikeakitten’s.Damon’sfacewasexpressionless,hiseyeshard.

“Doyouknowwhereyouare?”hesaid.

Elenaglancedaround.Trees.“Inthewoods,”shesaidcraftily,lookingbackathim.“Andwhoisthat?”

Shefollowedhispointingfinger.“Stefan,”shesaidindifferently.“Yourbrother.”

“AndwhoamI?DoyouknowwhoIam?”Shesmiledupathim,showinghimherpointedteeth.“OfcourseIdo.You’reDamon,andIloveyou.”

Two

Stefan’svoicewasquietlysavage.“That’swhatyouwanted,wasn’tit,Damon?Andnowyou’vegotit.Youhadtomakeherlikeus,likeyou.Itwasn’tenoughjusttokillher.”

Damondidn’tglancebackathim.HewaslookingatElenaintentlythroughthosehoodedeyes,stillkneelingthereholdingherchin.“That’sthethirdtimeyou’vesaidthat,andI’mgettingalittletiredofit,”hecommentedsoftly.Disheveled,stillslightlyoutofbreath,hewasyetself-composed,incontrol.“Elena,didIkillyou?”

“Ofcoursenot,”Elenasaid,windingherfingersinthoseofhisfreehand.Shewasgettingimpatient.Whatweretheytalkingaboutanyway?Nobodyhadbeenkilled.“Ineverthoughtyouwerealiar,”StefansaidtoDamon,thebitternessinhisvoiceunchanged.“Justabouteverythingelse,butnotthat.I’veneverheardyoutrytocoverupforyourselfbefore.”

“Inanotherminute,”saidDamon,“I’mgoingtolosemytemper.”

Whatmorecanyoupossiblydotome?Stefanreturned.Killingmewouldbeamercy.“Iranoutofmercyforyouacenturyago,”Damonsaidaloud.Heletgo,finally,ofElena’schin.“Whatdoyourememberabouttoday?”heaskedher.

Elenaspoketiredly,likeachildrecitingahatedlesson.“TodaywastheFounders’Daycelebration.”Flexingherfingersinhis,shelookedupatDamon.Thatwasasfarasshecouldgetonherown,butitwasn’tenough.Nettled,shetriedtoremembersomethingelse.

“Therewassomeoneinthecafeteria…Caroline.”Sheofferedthenametohim,pleased.“Shewasgoingtoreadmydiaryinfrontofeveryone,andthatwasbadbecause…”Elenafumbledwiththememoryandlostit.“Idon’trememberwhy.Butwetrickedher.”Shesmiledathimwarmly,conspiratorially.“Oh,‘we’did,didwe?”

“Yes.Yougotitawayfromher.Youdiditforme.”Thefingersofherfreehandcreptunderhisjacket,searchingforthesquare-corneredhardnessofthelittlebook.“Becauseyouloveme,”shesaid,findingitandscratchingatitlightly.“Youdoloveme,don’tyou?”

Therewasafaintsoundfromthecenteroftheclearing.ElenalookedandsawthatStefanhadturnedhisfaceaway.“Elena.Whathappenednext?”Damon’svoicecalledherback.

“Next?NextAuntJudithstartedarguingwithme.”Elenaponderedthisamomentandatlastshrugged.“Over…something.Igotangry.She’snotmymother.Shecan’ttellmewhattodo.”

Damon’svoicewasdry.“Idon’tthinkthat’sgoingtobeaproblemanymore.Whatnext?”

Elenasighedheavily.“NextIwentandgotMatt’scar.Matt.”Shesaidthenamereflectively,flickinghertongueoverhercanineteeth.Inhermind’seye,shesawahandsomeface,blondhair,sturdyshoulders.“Matt.”“AndwheredidyougoinMatt’scar?”

“ToWickeryBridge,”Stefansaid,turningbacktowardthem.Hiseyesweredesolate.“No,totheboardinghouse,”Elenacorrected,irritated.“Towaitfor…mm…Iforget.Anyway,Iwaitedthere.Then…thenthestormstarted.Wind,rain,allthat.Ididn’tlikeit.Igotinthecar.Butsomethingcameafterme.”“Someonecameafteryou,”saidStefan,lookingatDamon.

“Something,”Elenainsisted.Shehadhadenoughofhisinterruptions.“Let’sgoawaysomewhere,justus,”shesaidtoDamon,kneelingupsothatherfacewasclosetohis.“Inaminute,”hesaid.“Whatkindofthingcameafteryou?”

Shesettledback,exasperated.“Idon’tknowwhatkindofthing!ItwaslikenothingI’veeverseen.NotlikeyouandStefan.Itwas…”Imagesrippledthroughhermind.Mistflowingalongtheground.Thewindshrieking.Ashape,white,enormous,lookingasifitweremadeoutofmistitself.Gainingonherlikeawind-drivencloud.

“Maybeitwasjustpartofthestorm,”shesaid.“ButIthoughtitwantedtohurtme.Igotawaythough.”FiddlingwiththezippertoDamon’sleatherjacket,shesmiledsecretlyandlookedupathimthroughherlashes.

Forthefirsttime,Damon’sfaceshowedemotion.Hislipstwistedinagrimace.“Yougotaway.”

“Yes.Irememberedwhat…someone…toldmeaboutrunningwater.Evilthingscan’tcrossit.SoIdrovetowardDrowningCreek,towardthebridge.Andthen…”Shehesitated,frowning,tryingtofindasolidmemoryinthenewconfusion.Water.Sherememberedwater.Andsomeonescreaming.Butnothingelse.“AndthenIcrossedit,”sheconcludedfinally,brightly.“Imusthave,becausehereIam.Andthat’sall.Canwegonow?”Damondidn’tanswerher.

“Thecar’sstillintheriver,”saidStefan.HeandDamonwerelookingateachotherliketwoadultshavingadiscussionovertheheadofanuncomprehendingchild,theirhostilitiessuspendedforthemoment.Elenafeltasurgeofannoyance.Sheopenedhermouth,butStefanwascontinuing.“BonnieandMeredithandIfoundit.Iwentunderwaterandgother,butbythen…”Bythen,what?Elenafrowned.

Damon’slipswerecurvedmockingly.“Andyougaveuponher?You,ofallpeople,shouldhavesuspectedwhatmighthappen.Orwastheideasorepugnanttoyouthatyoucouldn’tevenconsiderit?Wouldyourathershewerereallydead?”

“Shehadnopulse,norespiration!”Stefanflared.“Andshe’dneverhadenoughbloodtochangeher!”Hiseyeshardened.“Notfrommeanyway.”

Elenaopenedhermouthagain,butDamonlaidtwofingersonittokeepherquiet.Hesaidsmoothly,“Andthat’stheproblemnow–orareyoutooblindtoseethat,too?Youtoldmetolookather;lookatheryourself.She’sinshock,irrational.Oh,yes,evenIadmitthat.”Hepausedforablindingsmilebeforegoingon.“It’smorethanjustthenormalconfusionafterchanging.She’llneedblood,humanblood,orherbodywon’thavethestrengthto

finishthechange.She’lldie.”

Whatdoyoumeanirrational?Elenathoughtindignantly.“I’mfine,”shesaidaroundDamon’sfingers.“I’mtired,that’sall.IwasgoingtosleepwhenIheardyoutwofighting,andIcametohelpyou.Andthenyouwouldn’tevenletmekillhim,”shefinished,disgusted.

“Yes,whydidn’tyou?”saidStefan.HewasstaringatDamonasifhecouldboreholesthroughhimwithhiseyes.Anytraceofcooperationonhispartwasgone.“Itwouldhavebeentheeasiestthingtodo.”

Damonstaredbackathim,suddenlyfurious,hisownanimosityfloodinguptomeetStefan’s.Hewasbreathingquicklyandlightly.“MaybeIdon’tlikethingseasy,”hehissed.Thenheseemedtoregaincontrolofhimselfoncemore.Hislipscurledinmockery,andheadded,“Putitthisway,dearbrother:ifanyone’sgoingtohavethesatisfactionofkillingyou,itwillbeme.Nooneelse.Iplantotakecareofthejobpersonally.Andit’ssomethingI’mverygoodat;Ipromiseyou.”

“You’veshownusthat,”Stefansaidquietly,asifeachwordsickenedhim.

“Butthisone,”Damonsaid,turningtoElenawithglitteringeyes,“Ididn’tkill.WhyshouldI?IcouldhavechangedheranytimeIliked.”

“Maybebecauseshehadjustgottenengagedtomarrysomeoneelse.”

DamonliftedElena’shand,stilltwinedwithhis.Onthethirdfingeragoldringglittered,setwithonedeepbluestone.Elenafrownedatit,vaguelyrememberinghavingseenitbefore.ThensheshruggedandleanedagainstDamonwearily.

“Well,now,”Damonsaid,lookingdownather,“thatdoesn’tseemtobemuchofaproblem,doesit?Ithinkshemayhavebeengladtoforgetyou.”HelookedupatStefanwithanunpleasantsmile.“Butwe’llfindoutonceshe’sherselfagain.Wecanaskherthenwhichofusshechooses.Agreed?”

Stefanshookhishead.“Howcanyouevensuggestthat?Afterwhathappened…”Hisvoicetrailedoff.

“WithKatherine?Icansayit,ifyoucan’t.Katherinemadeafoolishchoice,andshepaidthepriceforit.Elenaisdifferent;sheknowsherownmind.Butitdoesn’tmatterifyouagree,”headded,overridingStefan’snewprotests.“Thefactisthatshe’sweaknow,andsheneedsblood.I’mgoingtoseethatshegetsit,andthenI’mgoingtofindwhodidthistoher.Youcancomeornot.Suityourself.”Hestood,drawingElenaupwithhim.Let’sgo.

Elenacamewillingly,pleasedtobemoving.Thewoodswereinterestingatnight;she’dnevernoticedthatbefore.Owlsweresendingtheirmournful,hauntingcriesthroughthetrees,anddeermicescuttledawayfromherglidingfeet.Theairwascolderinpatches,asitfrozefirstinthehollowsanddipsofthewood.ShefounditwaseasytomovesilentlybesideDamonthroughtheleaflitter;itwasjustamatterofbeingcarefulwhereshestepped.Shedidn’tlookbacktoseeifStefanwasfollowingthem.

Sherecognizedtheplacewheretheyleftthewood.Shehadbeenthereearliertoday.Now,however,therewassomesortoffrenziedactivitygoingon:redandbluelightsflashingon

cars,spotlightsframingthedarkhuddledshapesofpeople.Elenalookedatthemcuriously.Severalwerefamiliar.Thatwoman,forinstance,withthethinharrowedfaceandtheanxiouseyes–AuntJudith?Andthetallmanbesideher–AuntJudith’sfiancé,Robert?

Thereshouldbesomeoneelsewiththem,Elenathought.AchildwithhairaspaleasElena’sown.Buttryasshemight,shecouldnotconjureupaname.

Thetwogirlswiththeirarmsaroundeachother,standinginacircleofofficials,thosetwosherememberedthough.Thelittlered-hairedonewhowascryingwasBonnie.Thetalleronewiththesweepofdarkhair,Meredith.

“Butshe’snotinthewater,”Bonniewassayingtoamaninauniform.Hervoicetrembledontheedgeofhysteria.“WesawStefangetherout.I’vetoldyouandtoldyou.”“Andyoulefthimherewithher?”

“Wehadto.Thestormwasgettingworse,andtherewassomethingcoming–“

“Nevermindthat,”Meredithbrokein.ShesoundedonlyslightlycalmerthanBonnie.“Stefansaidthatifhe–hadtoleaveher,he’dleaveherlyingunderthewillowtrees.”“AndjustwhereisStefannow?”anotheruniformedmanasked.

“Wedon’tknow.Wewentbacktogethelp.Heprobablyfollowedus.Butasforwhathappenedto–toElena…”BonnieturnedbackandburiedherfaceinMeredith’sshoulder.

They’reupsetaboutme,Elenarealized.Howsillyofthem.Icanclearthatup,anyway.Shestartedforwardintothelight,butDamonpulledherback.Shelookedathim,wounded.

“Notlikethat.Picktheonesyouwant,andwe’lldrawthemout,”hesaid.“Wantforwhat?”

“Forfeeding,Elena.You’reahunternow.Thoseareyourprey.”

Elenapushedhertongueagainstacaninetoothdoubtfully.Nothingouttherelookedlikefoodtoher.Still,becauseDamonsaidso,shewasinclinedtogivehimthebenefitofthedoubt.“Whicheveryouthink,”shesaidobligingly.

Damontiltedhisheadback,eyesnarrowed,scanningthescenelikeanexpertevaluatingafamouspainting.“Well,howaboutacoupleofniceparamedics?”“No,”saidavoicebehindthem.DamonbarelyglancedoverhisshoulderatStefan.“Whynot?”

“Becausethere’vebeenenoughattacks.Shemayneedhumanblood,butshedoesn’thavetohuntforit.”Stefan’sfacewasshutandhostile,buttherewasanairofgrimdeterminationabouthim.“There’sanotherway?”Damonaskedironically.

“Youknowthereis.Findsomeonewho’swilling–orwhocanbeinfluencedtobewilling.SomeonewhowoulddoitforElenaandwhoisstrongenoughtodealwiththis,mentally.”

“AndIsupposeyouknowwherewecanfindsuchaparagonofvirtue?”

“Bringhertotheschool.I’llmeetyouthere,”Stefansaid,anddisappeared.

Theylefttheactivitystillbustling,lightsflashing,peoplemilling.Astheywent,Elena

noticedastrangething.Inthemiddleoftheriver,illuminatedbythespotlights,wasanautomobile.Itwascompletelysubmergedexceptforthefrontfender,whichstuckoutofthewater.

Whatastupidplacetoparkacar,shethought,andfollowedDamonbackintothewoods.

Stefanwasbeginningtofeelagain.

Ithurt.He’dthoughthewasthroughwithhurting,throughwithfeelinganything.Whenhe’dpulledElena’slifelessbodyoutofthedarkwater,he’dthoughtthatnothingcouldeverhurtagainbecausenothingcouldmatchthatmoment.He’dbeenwrong.

Hestoppedandstoodwithhisgoodhandbracedagainstatree,headdown,breathingdeeply.Whentheredmistsclearedandhecouldseeagain,hewenton,buttheburningacheinhischestcontinuedundiminished.Stopthinkingabouther,hetoldhimself,knowingthatitwasuseless.

Butshewasn’ttrulydead.Didn’tthatcountforsomething?He’dthoughthewouldneverhearhervoiceagain,neverfeelhertouch…Andnow,whenshetouchedhim,shewantedtokillhim.

Hestoppedagain,doublingover,afraidhewasgoingtobesick.

Seeingherlikethiswasworsetorturethanseeingherlyingcoldanddead.MaybethatwaswhyDamonhadlethimlive.MaybethiswasDamon’srevenge.

AndmaybeStefanshouldjustdowhathe’dplannedtodoafterkillingDamon.Waituntildawnandtakeoffthesilverringthatprotectedhimfromsunlight.Standbathinginthefieryembraceofthoseraysuntiltheyburnedthefleshfromhisbonesandstoppedthepainonceandforall.

Butheknewhewouldn’t.AslongasElenawalkedtheearth,hewouldneverleaveher.Evenifshehatedhim,evenifshehuntedhim.Hewoulddoanythinghecouldtokeephersafe.

Stefandetouredtowardtheboardinghouse.Heneededtocleanupbeforehecouldlethumansseehim.Inhisroom,hewashedthebloodfromhisfaceandneckandexaminedhisarm.Thehealingprocesshadalreadybegun,andwithconcentrationhecouldaccelerateitstillfurther.HewasburninguphisPowersfast;thefightwithhisbrotherhadalreadyweakenedhim.Butthiswasimportant.Notbecauseofthepain–hescarcelynoticedthat–butbecauseheneededtobefit.

DamonandElenawerewaitingoutsidetheschool.Hecouldfeelhisbrother’simpatienceandElena’swildnewpresencethereinthedark.“Thishadbetterwork,”Damonsaid.

Stefansaidnothing.Theschoolauditoriumwasanothercenterofcommotion.PeopleoughttohavebeenenjoyingtheFounders’Daydance;infact,thosewhohadremainedthroughthestormwerepacingaroundorgatheredinsmallgroupstalking.Stefanlookedintheopendoor,searchingwithhismindforoneparticularpresence.Hefoundit.Ablondheadwasbentoveratableinthecorner.Matt.

Mattstraightenedandlookedaround,puzzled.Stefanwilledhimtocomeoutside.You

needsomefreshair,hethought,insinuatingthesuggestionintoMatt’ssubconscious.Youfeellikejuststeppingoutforamoment.

ToDamon,standinginvisiblejustbeyondthelight,hesaid,Takeherintotheschool,tothephotographyroom.Sheknowswhereitis.Don’tshowyourselvesuntilIsay.ThenhebackedawayandwaitedforMatttoappear.

Mattcameout,hisdrawnfaceturneduptothemoonlesssky.HestartedviolentlywhenStefanspoketohim.

“Stefan!You’rehere!”Desperation,hope,andhorrorstruggledfordominanceonhisface.HehurriedovertoStefan.“Didthey–bringherbackyet?Isthereanynews?”“Whathaveyouheard?”

Mattstaredathimamomentbeforeanswering.“BonnieandMeredithcameinsayingthatElenahadgoneoffofWickeryBridgeinmycar.Theysaidthatshe…”Hepausedandswallowed.“Stefan,it’snottrue,isit?”Hiseyeswerepleading.Stefanlookedaway.

“Oh,God,”Mattsaidhoarsely.HeturnedhisbackonStefan,pressingtheheelsofhishandsintohiseyes.“Idon’tbelieveit;Idon’t.Itcan’tbetrue.”“Matt…”Hetouchedtheotherboy’sshoulder.

“I’msorry.”Matt’svoicewasroughandragged.“Youmustbegoingthroughhell,andhereIammakingitworse.”

Morethanyouknow,thoughtStefan,hishandfallingaway.He’dcomewiththeintentionofusinghisPowerstopersuadeMatt.Nowthatseemedanimpossibility.Hecouldn’tdoit,nottothefirst–andonly–humanfriendhe’dhadinthisplace.HisonlyotheroptionwastotellMattthetruth.LetMattmakehisownchoice,knowingeverything.

“IfthereweresomethingyoucoulddoforElenarightnow,”hesaid,“wouldyoudoit?”

Mattwastoolostinemotiontoaskwhatkindofidioticquestionthatwas.“Anything,”hesaidalmostangrily,rubbingasleeveoverhiseyes.“I’ddoanythingforher.”HelookedatStefanwithsomethinglikedefiance,hisbreathingshaky.

Congratulations’,Stefanthought,feelingthesuddenyawningpitinhisstomach.You’vejustwonyourselfatriptotheTwilightZone.“Comewithme,”hesaid.“I’vegotsomethingtoshowyou.”

Three

ElenaandDamonwerewaitinginthedarkroom.StefancouldsensetheirpresenceinthesmallannexashepushedthedoortothephotographyroomopenandledMattinside.“Thesedoorsaresupposedtobelocked,”MattsaidasStefanflippedonthelightswitch.

“Theywere,”saidStefan.Hedidn’tknowwhatelsetosaytoprepareMattforwhatwascoming.He’dneverdeliberatelyrevealedhimselftoahumanbefore.

Hestood,quietly,untilMattturnedandlookedathim.Theclassroomwascoldandsilent,andtheairseemedtohangheavily.Asthemomentstretchedout,hesawMatt’sexpressionslowlychangefromgrief-numbedbewildermenttouneasiness.“Idon’tunderstand,”Mattsaid.

“Iknowyoudon’t.”HewentonlookingatMatt,purposefullydroppingthebarriersthatconcealedhisPowersfromhumanperception.HesawthereactioninMatt’sfaceasuneasinesscoalescedintofear.Mattblinkedandshookhishead,hisbreathcomingquicker.“What–?”hebegan,hisvoicegravelly.

“Thereareprobablyalotofthingsyou’vewonderedaboutme,”Stefansaid.“WhyIwearsunglassesinstronglight.WhyIdon’teat.Whymyreflexesaresofast.”Matthadhisbacktothedarkroomnow.Histhroatjerkedasifheweretryingtoswallow.Stefan,withhispredator’ssenses,couldhearMatt’sheartthuddingdully.“No,”Mattsaid.

“Youmusthavewondered,musthaveaskedyourselfwhatmakesmesodifferentfromeverybodyelse.”

“No.Imean–Idon’tcare.Ikeepoutofthingsthataren’tmybusiness.”Mattwasedgingtowardthedoor,hiseyesdartingtowarditinabarelyperceptiblemovement.“Don’t,Matt.Idon’twanttohurtyou,butIcan’tletyouleavenow.”HecouldfeelbarelyleashedneedemanatingfromElenainherconcealment.Wait,hetoldher.Mattwentstill,givingupanyattempttomoveaway.“Ifyouwanttoscareme,youhave,”hesaidinalowvoice.“Whatelsedoyouwant?”Now,StefantoldElena.HesaidtoMatt,“Turnaround.”Mattturned.Andstifledacry.

Elenastoodthere,butnottheElenaofthatafternoon,whenMatthadlastseenher.Nowherfeetwerebarebeneaththehemofherlongdress.Thethinfoldsofwhitemuslinthatclungtoherwerecakedwithicecrystalsthatsparkledinthelight.Herskin,alwaysfair,hadastrangewintrylustertoit,andherpalegoldhairseemedoverlaidwithasilverysheen.Buttherealdifferencewasinherface.Thosedeepblueeyeswereheavylidded,almostsleepylooking,andyetunnaturallyawake.Andalookofsensualanticipationandhungercurledaboutherlips.Shewasmorebeautifulthanshehadbeeninlife,butitwasa

frighteningbeauty.

AsMattstared,paralyzed,Elena’spinktonguecameoutandlickedherlips.

“Matt,”shesaid,lingeringoverthefirstconsonantofthename.Thenshesmiled.

StefanheardMatt’sindrawnbreathofdisbelief,andthenearsobhegaveashefinallybackedawayfromher.

It’sallright,hesaid,sendingthethoughttoMattonasurgeofPower.AsMattjerkedtowardhim,eyeswidewithshock,headded,“Sonowyouknow.”

Matt’sexpressionsaidthathedidn’twanttoknow,andStefancouldseethedenialinhisface.ButDamonsteppedoutbesideElenaandmovedalittletotheright,addinghispresencetothechargedatmosphereoftheroom.

Mattwassurrounded.Thethreeofthemclosedinonhim,inhumanlybeautiful,innatelymenacing.

StefancouldsmellMatt’sfear.Itwasthehelplessfearoftherabbitforthefox,themousefortheowl.AndMattwasrighttobeafraid.Theywerethehuntingspecies;hewasthehunted.Theirjobinlifewastokillhim.

Andjustnowinstinctsweregettingoutofcontrol.Matt’sinstinctwastopanicandrun,anditwastriggeringreflexesinStefan’shead.Whenthepreyran,thepredatorgavechase;itwasassimpleasthat.Allthreeofthepredatorsherewerekeyedup,onedge,andStefanfelthecouldn’tberesponsiblefortheconsequencesifMattbolted.

Wedon’twanttoharmyou,hetoldMatt.It’sElenawhoneedsyou,andwhatsheneedswon’tleaveyoupermanentlydamaged.Itdoesn’tevenhavetohurt,Matt.ButMatt’smuscleswerestilltensedtoflee,andStefanrealizedthatthethreeofthemwerestalkinghim,movingcloser,readytocutoffanyescape.

YousaidyouwoulddoanythingforElena,heremindedMattdesperatelyandsawhimmakehischoice.

Mattreleasedhisbreath,thetensiondrainingfromhisbody.“You’reright;Idid,”hewhispered.Hevisiblybracedhimselfbeforehecontinued.“Whatdoessheneed?”ElenaleanedforwardandputafingeronMatt’sneck,tracingtheyieldingridgeofanartery.

“Notthatone,”Stefansaidquickly.“Youdon’twanttokillhim.Tellher,Damon.”Headded,whenDamonmadenoefforttodoso,Tellher.

“Tryhere,orhere.”Damonpointedwithclinicalefficiency,holdingMatt’schinup.HewasstrongenoughthatMattcouldn’tbreakthegrip,andStefanfeltMatt’spanicsurgeupagain.

Trustme,Matt.Hemovedinbehindthehumanboy.Butithastobeyourchoice,hefinished,suddenlywashedwithcompassion.Youcanchangeyourmind.

Matthesitatedandthenspokethroughclenchedteeth.“No.Istillwanttohelp.Iwanttohelpyou,Elena.”

“Matt,”shewhispered,herheavy-lashedjewelblueeyesfixedonhis.Thentheytraileddowntohisthroatandherlipspartedhungrily.Therewasnosignoftheuncertaintyshe’d

shownwhenDamonsuggestedfeedingofftheparamedics.“Matt.”Shesmiledagain,andthenshestruck,swiftasahuntingbird.

StefanputaflattenedhandagainstMatt’sbacktogivehimsupport.Foramoment,asElena’steethpiercedhisskin,Matttriedtorecoil,butStefanthoughtswiftly,Don’tfightit;that’swhatcausesthepain.

AsMatttriedtorelax,unexpectedhelpcamefromElena,whowasradiatingthewarmhappythoughtsofawolfcubbeingfed.Shehadgottenthebitingtechniquerightonthefirsttrythistime,andshewasfilledwithinnocentprideandgrowingsatisfactionasthesharppangsofhungereased.AndwithappreciationforMatt,Stefanrealized,withasuddenshockofjealousy.Shedidn’thateMattorwanttokillhim,becauseheposednothreattoDamon.ShewasfondofMatt.

Stefanlethertakeasmuchaswassafeandthenintervened.That’senough,Elena.Youdon’twanttoinjurehim.Butittookthecombinedeffortsofhim,Damon,andarathergroggyMatttopryheroff.

“Sheneedstorestnow,”Damonsaid.“I’mtakinghersomeplacewhereshecandoitsafely.”Hewasn’taskingStefan;hewastellinghim.

Astheyleft,hismentalvoiceadded,forStefan’searsalone,Ihaven’tforgottenthewayyouattackedme,brother.We’lltalkaboutthatlater.

Stefanstaredafterthem.He’dnotedhowElena’seyesremainedlockedonDamon,howshefollowedhimwithoutquestion.Butshewasoutofdangernow;Matt’sbloodhadgivenherthestrengthsheneeded.ThatwasallStefanhadtohangonto,andhetoldhimselfitwasallthatmattered.

HeturnedtotakeinMatt’sdazedexpression.Thehumanboyhadsunkintooneoftheplasticchairsandwasgazingstraightahead.

ThenhiseyesliftedtoStefan’s,andtheyregardedeachothergrimly.

“So,”Mattsaid.“NowIknow.”Heshookhishead,turningawayslightly.“ButIstillcan’tbelieveit,”hemuttered.Hisfingerspressedgingerlyatthesideofhisneck,andhewinced.“Exceptforthis.”Thenhefrowned.“Thatguy–Damon.Whoishe?”“Myolderbrother,”Stefansaidwithoutemotion.“Howdoyouknowhisname?”

“HewasatElena’shouselastweek.Thekittenspatathim.”Mattpaused,clearlyrememberingsomethingelse.“AndBonniehadsomekindofpsychicfit.”“Shehadaprecognition?Whatdidshesay?“Shesaid–shesaidthatDeathwasinthehouse.”

StefanlookedatthedoorDamonandElenahadpassedthrough.“Shewasright.”

“Stefan,what’sgoingon?”AnoteofappealhadenteredMatt’svoice.“Istilldon’tunderstand.What’shappenedtoElena?Isshegoingtobelikethisforever?Isn’tthereanythingwecando?”

“Belikewhat?”Stefansaidbrutally.“Disoriented?Avampire?”Mattlookedaway.“Both.”

“Asforthefirst,shemaybecomemorerationalnowthatshe’sfed.That’swhatDamon

thinksanyway.Asfortheother,there’sonlyonethingyoucandotochangehercondition.”AsMatt’seyeslitwithhope,Stefancontinued.“Youcangetawoodenstake

andhammeritthroughherheart.Thenshewon’tbeavampireanymore.She’lljustbedead.”Mattgotupandwenttothewindow.

“Youwouldn’tbekillingher,though,becausethat’salreadybeendone.Shedrownedintheriver,Matt.Butbecauseshe’dhadenoughbloodfromme”–hepausedtosteadyhisvoice–“and,itseems,frommybrother,shechangedinsteadofsimplydying.Shewokeupahunter,likeus.That’swhatshe’llbefromnowon.”

Withhisbackstillturned,Mattanswered.“Ialwaysknewtherewassomethingaboutyou.Itoldmyselfitwasjustbecauseyouwerefromanothercountry.”Heshookhisheadagainself-deprecatingly.“ButdeepdownIknewitwasmorethanthat.AndsomethingstillkepttellingmeIcouldtrustyou,andIdid.”“Likewhenyouwentwithmetogetthevervain.”

“Yeah.Likethat.”Headded,“Canyoutellmewhatthehellitwasfor,now?”

“ForElena’sprotection.IwantedtokeepDamonawayfromher.Butitlooksasifthat’snotwhatshewantedafterall.”Hecouldn’thelpthebitterness,therawbetrayal,inhisvoice.

Mattturned.“Don’tjudgeherbeforeyouknowallthefacts,Stefan.That’sonethingI’velearned.”

Stefanwasstartled;then,hegaveasmallhumorlesssmile.AsElena’sexes,heandMattwereinthesamepositionnow.HewonderedifhewouldbeasgraciousaboutitasMatthadbeen.Takehisdefeatlikeagentleman.Hedidn’tthinkso.

Outside,anoisehadbegun.Itwasinaudibletohumanears,andStefanalmostignoredit–untilthewordspenetratedhisconsciousness.

Thenherememberedwhathehaddoneinthisveryschoolonlyafewhoursago.Untilthatmoment,he’dforgottenallaboutTylerSmallwoodandhistoughfriends.

Nowthatmemoryhadreturned;shameandhorrorclosedhisthroat.He’dbeenoutofhismindwithgriefoverElena,andhisreasonhadsnappedunderthepressure.Butthatwasnoexcuseforwhathehaddone.Weretheyalldead?Hadhe,whohadswornsolongagonevertokill,killedsixpeopletoday?

“Stefan,wait.Whereareyougoing?”Whenhedidn’tanswer,Mattfollowedhim,halfrunningtokeepup,outofthemainschoolbuildingandontotheblacktop.Onthefarsideofthefield,Mr.ShelbystoodbytheQuonsethut.

Thejanitor’sfacewasgrayandfurrowedwithlinesofhorror.Heseemedtobetryingtoshout,butonlysmallhoarsegaspscameoutofhismouth.Elbowingpasthim,Stefanlookedintotheroomandfeltacurioussenseofdejàvu.

ItlookedliketheMadSlasherroomfromtheHauntedHousefundraiser.Exceptthatthiswasnotableausetupforvisitors.Thiswasreal.

Bodiesweresprawledeverywhere,amidshardsofwoodandglassfromtheshattered

window.Everyvisiblesurfacewasspatteredwithblood,red-brownandsinisterasitdried.Andonelookatthebodiesrevealedwhy:eachonehadapairoflividpurplewoundsintheneck.ExceptCaroline’s:herneckwasunmarked,buthereyeswereblankandstaring.

BehindStefan,Mattwashyperventilating.“Stefan,Elenadidn’t–shedidn’t–“

“Bequiet,”Stefanansweredtersely.HeglancedbackatMr.Shelby,butthejanitorhadstumbledovertohiscartofbroomsandmopsandwasleaningagainstit.GlassgratedunderStefan’sfeetashecrossedthefloortokneelbyTyler.

Notdead.ReliefexplodedoverStefanattherealization.Tyler’schestmovedfeebly,andwhenStefanliftedtheboy’sheadhiseyesopenedaslit,glazedandunfocused.Youdon’trememberanything,Stefantoldhimmentally.Evenashedidit,hewonderedwhyhewasbothering.HeshouldjustleaveFell’sChurch,cutoutnowandnevercomeback.Buthewouldn’t.NotaslongasElenawashere.

Hegatheredtheunconsciousmindsoftheothervictimsintohismentalgraspandtoldthemthesamething,feedingitdeepintotheirbrains.Youdon’trememberwhoattackedyou.Thewholeafternoonisablank.

Ashedid,hefelthismentalPowerstremblelikeoverfatiguedmuscles.Hewasclosetoburnout.

Outside,Mr.Shelbyhadfoundhisvoiceatlastandwasshouting.Wearily,StefanletTyler’sheadslipbackthroughhisfingerstothefloorandturnedaround.

Matt’slipswerepeeledback,hisnostrilsflared,asifhehadjustsmelledsomethingdisgusting.Hiseyesweretheeyesofastranger.“Elenadidn’t,”hewhispered.“Youdid.”Bequiet!Stefanpushedpasthimintothethankfulcoolnessofthenight,puttingdistancebetweenhimandthatroom,feelingtheicyaironhishotskin.Runningfootstepsfromthevicinityofthecafeteriatoldhimthatsomehumanshadheardthejanitor’scriesatlast.

“Youdidit,didn’tyou?”MatthadfollowedStefanouttothefield.Hisvoicesaidhewastryingtounderstand.

Stefanroundedonhim.“Yes,Ididit,”hesnarled.HestaredMattdown,concealingnoneoftheangrymenaceinhisface.“Itoldyou,Matt,we’rehunters.Killers.You’rethesheep;we’rethewolves.AndTylerhasbeenaskingforiteverydaysinceIcamehere.”“Askingforapunchinthenose,sure.Likeyougavehimbefore.But–that?”Mattclosedinonhim,standingeyetoeye,unafraid.Hehadphysicalcourage;Stefanhadtogivehimthat.“Andyou’renotevensorry?Youdon’tevenregretit?”

“WhyshouldI?”saidStefancoldly,emptily.“Doyouregretitwhenyoueattoomuchsteak?Feelsorryforthecow?”HesawMatt’slookofsickdisbeliefandpressedon,drivingthepaininhischestdeeper.ItwasbetterthatMattstayawayfromhimfromnowon,faraway.OrMattmightenduplikethosebodiesintheQuonsethut.“IamwhatIam,Matt.Andifyoucan’thandleit,you’dbettersteerclearofme.”

Mattstaredathimamomentlonger,thesickdisbelieftransformingslowlyintosickdisillusionment.Themusclesaroundhisjawstoodout.Then,withoutaword,heturnedonhisheelandwalkedaway.

Elenawasinthegraveyard.

Damonhadleftherthere,exhortinghertostayuntilhecameback.Shedidn’twanttositstill,though.Shefelttiredbutnotreallysleepy,andthenewbloodwasaffectingherlikeajoltofcaffeine.Shewantedtogoexploring.

Thegraveyardwasfullofactivityalthoughtherewasn’tahumaninsight.Afoxslunkthroughtheshadowstowardtheriverpath.Smallrodentstunneledunderthelonglankgrassaroundtheheadstones,squeakingandscurrying.Abarnowlflewalmostsilentlytowardtheruinedchurch,whereitalightedonthebelfrywithaneeriecry.

Elenagotupandfollowedit.Thiswasmuchbetterthanhidinginthegrasslikeamouseorvole.Shelookedaroundtheruinedchurchinterestedly,usinghersharpenedsensestoexamineit.Mostoftheroofhadfallenin,andonlythreewallswerestanding,butthebelfrystooduplikealonelymonumentintherubble.

AtonesidewasthetombofThomasandHonoriaFell,likealargestoneboxorcoffin.Elenagazedearnestlydownintothewhitemarblefacesoftheirstatuesonthelid.Theylayintranquilrepose,theireyesshut,theirhandsfoldedontheirbreasts.ThomasFelllookedseriousandalittlestern,butHonorialookedmerelysad.Elenathoughtabsentlyofherownparents,lyingsidebysidedowninthemoderncemetery.

I’llgohome;that’swhereI’llgo,shethought.Shehadjustrememberedabouthome.Shecouldpictureitnow:herprettybedroomwithbluecurtainsandcherrywoodfurnitureandherlittlefireplace.Andsomethingimportantunderthefloorboardsinthecloset.ShefoundherwaytoMapleStreetbyinstinctsthatrandeeperthanmemory,lettingherfeetguideherthere.Itwasanold,oldhouse,withabigfrontporchandfloor-toceilingwindowsinfront.Robert’scarwasparkedinthedriveway.

Elenastartedforthefrontdoorandthenstopped.Therewasareasonpeopleshouldn’tseeher,althoughshecouldn’trememberwhatitwasrightnow.Shehesitatedandthennimblyclimbedthequincetreeuptoherbedroomwindow.

Butshewasn’tgoingtobeabletogetinherewithoutbeingnoticed.AwomanwassittingonthebedwithElena’sredsilkkimonoinherlap,staringdownatit.AuntJudith.Robertwasstandingbythedresser,talkingtoher.Elenafoundthatshecouldpickupthemurmurofhisvoiceeventhroughtheglass.

“…outagaintomorrow,”hewassaying.“Aslongasitdoesn’tstorm.They’llgoovereveryinchofthosewoods,andthey’llfindher,Judith.You’llsee.”AuntJudithsaidnothing,andhewenton,soundingmoredesperate.“Wecan’tgiveuphope,nomatterwhatthegirlssay–“

“It’snogood,Bob.”AuntJudithhadraisedherheadatlast,andhereyeswereredrimmedbutdry.“It’snouse.”

“Therescueeffort?Iwon’thaveyoutalkingthatway.”Hecameovertostandbesideher.

“No,notjustthat…althoughIknow,inmyheart,thatwe’renotgoingtofindheralive.Imean…everything.Us.Whathappenedtodayisourfault–”“That’snottrue.Itwasafreakaccident.”

“Yes,butwemadeithappen.Ifwehadn’tbeensoharshwithher,shewouldneverhave

drivenoffaloneandbeencaughtinthestorm.No,Bob,don’ttrytoshutmeup;Iwantyoutolisten.”AuntJudithtookadeepbreathandcontinued.“Itwasn’tjusttoday,either.Elena’sbeenhavingproblemsforalongtime,eversinceschoolstarted,andsomehowI’veletthesignssliprightpastme.BecauseI’vebeentooinvolvedwithmyself–withus–topayattentiontothem.Icanseethatnow.AndnowthatElena’s…gone…Idon’twantthesamethingtohappenwithMargaret.”“Whatareyousaying?”

“I’msayingthatIcan’tmarryyou,notassoonasweplanned.Maybenotever.”Withoutlookingathim,shespokesoftly.

“Margarethaslosttoomuchalready.Idon’twanthertofeelshe’slosingme,too.”

“Shewon’tbelosingyou.Ifanything,she’llbegainingsomeone,becauseI’llbeheremoreoften.YouknowhowIfeelabouther.”“I’msorry,Bob;Ijustdon’tseeitthatway.”

“Youcan’tbeserious.AfterallthetimeI’vespenthere–afterallI’vedone…”

AuntJudith’svoicewasdrainedandimplacable.“Iamserious.”

Fromherperchoutsidethewindow,ElenaeyedRobertcuriously.Aveinthrobbedinhisforehead,andhisfacehadflushedred.“You’llfeeldifferentlytomorrow,”hesaid.“No,Iwon’t.”“Youdon’tmeanit–“

“Idomeanit.Don’ttellmethatI’mgoingtochangemymind,becauseI’mnot.”

Foraninstant,Robertlookedaroundinhelplessfrustration;then,hisexpressiondarkened.Whenhespoke,hisvoicewasflatandcold.“Isee.Well,ifthat’syourfinalanswer,I’dbetterleaverightnow.”

“Bob.”AuntJudithturned,startled,buthewasalreadyoutsidethedoor.Shestoodup,wavering,asifshewereunsurewhetherornottogoafterhim.Herfingerskneadedattheredmaterialshewasholding.“Bob!”shecalledagain,moreurgently,andsheturnedtodropthekimonoonElena’sbedbeforefollowinghim.

Butassheturnedshegasped,ahandflyingtohermouth.Herwholebodystiffened.HereyesstaredintoElena’sthroughthesilverypaneofglass.Foralongmoment,theystaredateachotherthatway,neithermoving.ThenAuntJudith’shandcameawayfromhermouth,andshebegantoshriek.

Four

SomethingyankedElenaoutofthetreeand,yowlingaprotest,shefellandlandedonherfeetlikeacat.Herkneeshitthegroundasecondlaterandgotbruised.

Sherearedback,fingershookedintoclawstoattackwhoeverhaddoneit.Damonslappedherhandaway.“Whydidyougrabme?”shedemanded.“Whydidn’tyoustaywhereIputyou?”hesnapped.

Theyglaredateachother,equallyfurious.ThenElenawasdistracted.Theshriekingwasstillgoingonupstairs,augmentednowbyrattlingandbangingatthewindow.Damonnudgedheragainstthehouse,wheretheycouldn’tbeseenfromabove.“Let’sgetawayfromthisnoise,”hesaidfastidiously,lookingup.Withoutwaitingforaresponse,hecaughtherarm.Elenaresisted.“Ihavetogointhere!”

“Youcan’t.”Hegaveherawolfishsmile.“Imeanthatliterally.Youcan’tgointhathouse.Youhaven’tbeeninvited.”

Momentarilynonplussed,Elenalethimtowherafewsteps.Thenshedugherheelsinagain.“ButIneedmydiary!”“What?”

“It’sinthecloset,underthefloorboards.AndIneedit.Ican’tgotosleepwithoutmydiary.”Elenadidn’tknowwhyshewasmakingsuchafuss,butitseemedimportant.Damonlookedexasperated;then,hisfacecleared.“Here,”hesaidcalmly,eyesglinting.Hewithdrewsomethingfromhisjacket.“Takeit.”Elenaeyedhisofferingdoubtfully.“It’syourdiary,isn’tit?”“Yes,butit’smyoldone.Iwantmynewone.”

“Thisonewillhavetodo,becausethisoneisallyou’regetting.Comeonbeforetheywakeupthewholeneighborhood.”Hisvoicehadturnedcoldandcommandingagain.Elenaconsideredthebookheheld.Itwassmall,withabluevelvetcoverandabrasslock.Notthenewesteditionperhaps,butitwasfamiliartoher.Shedecideditwasacceptable.SheletDamonleadheroutintothenight.

Shedidn’taskwheretheyweregoing.Shedidn’tmuchcare.ButsherecognizedthehouseonMagnoliaAvenue;itwaswhereAlaricSaltzmanwasstaying.

AnditwasAlaricwhoopenedthefrontdoor,beckoningElenaandDamoninside.

Thehistoryteacherlookedstrange,though,anddidn’treallyseemtoseethem.Hiseyeswereglassyandhemovedlikeanautomaton.Elenalickedherlips.

“No,”Damonsaidshortly.“Thisone’snotforbiting.There’ssomethingfishyabouthim,butyoushouldbesafeenoughinthehouse.I’vesleptherebefore.Uphere.”Heledherupaflightofstairstoanatticwithonesmallwindow.Itwascrowdedwithstoredobjects:sleds,skis,ahammock.Atthefarend,anoldmattresslayonthefloor.“Hewon’tevenknowyou’rehereinthemorning.Liedown.”Elenaobeyed,assumingapositionthatseemednaturaltoher.Shelayonherback,handsfoldedoverthediarythatsheheldtoherbreast.

Damondroppedapieceofoilclothoverher,coveringherbarefeet.“Gotosleep,Elena,”hesaid.

Hebentoverher,andforamomentshethoughthewasgoingto…dosomething.Herthoughtsweretoomuddled.Buthisnightblackeyesfilledhervision.Thenhepulledback,andshecouldbreatheagain.Thegloomoftheatticsettledinonher.Hereyesdriftedshutandsheslept.

Shewokeslowly,assemblinginformationaboutwhereshewas,piecebypiece.Somebody’satticfromthelooksofit.Whatwasshedoinghere?

Ratsormicewerescufflingsomewhereamongthepilesofoilcloth-drapedobjects,butthesounddidn’tbotherher.Thefaintesttraceofpalelightshowedaroundtheedgesoftheshutteredwindow.Elenapushedhermakeshiftblanketoffandgotuptoinvestigate.

Itwasdefinitelysomeone’sattic,andnotthatofanyonesheknew.Shefeltasifshehadbeensickforalongtimeandhadjustwokenupfromherillness.Whatdayisit?shewondered.

Shecouldhearvoicesbelowher.Downstairs.Somethingtoldhertobecarefulandquiet.Shefeltafraidofmakinganykindofdisturbance.Sheeasedtheatticdooropenwithoutasoundandcautiouslydescendedtothelanding.Lookingdown,shecouldseealivingroom.Sherecognizedit;she’dsatonthatottomanwhenAlaricSaltzmanhadgivenaparty.ShewasintheRamseyhouse.

AndAlaricSaltzmanwasdownthere;shecouldseethetopofhissandyhead.Hisvoicepuzzledher.Afteramomentsherealizeditwasbecausehedidn’tsoundfatuousorinaneoranyofthewaysAlaricusuallysoundedinclass.Hewasn’tspoutingpsychobabble,either.Hewasspeakingcoollyanddecisivelytotwoothermen.

“Shemightbeanywhere,evenrightunderournoses.Morelikelyoutsidetown,though.Maybeinthewoods.”

“Whythewoods?”saidoneofthemen.Elenaknewthatvoice,too,andthatbaldhead.ItwasMr.Newcastle,thehighschoolprincipal.

“Remember,thefirsttwovictimswerefoundnearthewoods,”saidtheotherman.IsthatDr.Feinberg?Elenathought.What’shedoinghere?WhatamIdoinghere?“No,it’smorethanthat,”Alaricwassaying.Theothermenwerelisteningtohimwithrespect,evenwith

deference.“Thewoodsaretiedupinthis.Theymayhaveahidingplaceoutthere,alairwheretheycangotoearthifthey’rediscovered.Ifthereisone,I’llfindit.”

“Areyousure?”saidDr.Feinberg.“I’msure,”Alaricsaidbriefly.

“Andthat’swhereyouthinkElenais,”saidtheprincipal.“Butwillshestaythere?Orwillshecomebackintotown?”

“Idon’tknow.”Alaricpacedafewstepsandpickedupabookfromthecoffeetable,runninghisthumbsoveritabsently.“Onewaytofindoutistowatchherfriends.BonnieMcCulloughandthatdark-hairedgirl,Meredith.Chancesarethey’llbethefirstonestoseeher.That’showitusuallyhappens.”“Andoncewedotrackherdown?”Dr.Feinbergasked.

“Leavethattome,”Alaricsaidquietlyandgrimly.Heshutthebookanddroppeditonthecoffeetablewithadisturbinglyconclusivesound.

Theprincipalglancedathiswatch.“I’dbettergetmoving;theservicestartsatteno’clock.Ipresumeyou’llbothbethere?”Hepausedonhiswaytothedoorandlookedback,hismannerirresolute.“Alaric,Ihopeyoucantakecareofthis.WhenIcalledyouin,thingshadn’tgonethisfar.NowI’mbeginningtowonder–“

“Icantakecareofit,Brian.Itoldyou;leaveittome.WouldyouratherhaveRobertE.Leeinallthepapers,notjustasthesceneofatragedybutalsoas‘TheHauntedHighSchoolofBooneCounty’?Agatheringplaceforghouls?Theschoolwheretheundeadwalk?Isthatthekindofpublicityyouwant?”

Mr.Newcastlehesitated,chewinghislip,thennodded,stilllookingunhappy.“Allright,Alaric.Butmakeitquickandclean.I’llseeyouatthechurch.”HeleftandDr.Fein-bergfollowedhim.

Alaricstoodthereforsometime,apparentlystaringintospace.Atlasthenoddedonceandwentoutthefrontdoorhimself.Elenaslowlytrailedbackupthestairs.

Nowwhathadallthatbeenabout?Shefeltconfused,asifshewerefloatinglooseintimeandspace.Sheneededtoknowwhatdayitwas,whyshewashere,andwhyshefeltsofrightened.Whyshefeltsointenselythatnoonemustseeherorhearherornoticeheratall.

Lookingaroundtheattic,shesawnothingthatwouldgiveheranyhelp.Whereshehadbeenlyingtherewereonlythemattressandtheoilcloth–andalittlebluebook.Herdiary!Eagerly,shesnatcheditupandopenedit,skippingthroughtheentries.TheystoppedwithOctober17;theywerenohelptodiscoveringtoday’sdate.Butasshelookedatthewriting,imagesformedinhermind,stringinguplikepearlstomakememories.Fascinated,sheslowlysatdownonthemattress.SheleafedbacktothebeginningandbegantoreadaboutthelifeofElenaGilbert.

Whenshefinished,shewasweakwithfearandhorror.Brightspotsdancedandshimmeredbeforehereyes.Therewassomuchpaininthesepages.Somanyschemes,somanysecrets,somuchneed.Itwasthestoryofagirlwho’dfeltlostinherownhometown,inherownfamily.Who’dbeenlookingfor…something,somethingshecould

neverquitereach.Butthatwasn’twhatcausedthisthrobbingpanicinherchestthatdrainedalltheenergyfromherbody.Thatwasn’twhyshefeltasifshewerefallingevenwhenshesatasstillasshecouldget.Whatcausedthepanicwasthatsheremembered.Sherememberedeverythingnow.

Thebridge,therushingwater.Theterrorastheairleftherlungsandtherewasnothingbutliquidtobreathe.Thewayithadhurt.Andthefinalinstantwhenithadstoppedhurting,wheneverythinghadstopped.Wheneverything…stopped.

Oh,Stefan,Iwassofrightened,shethought.Andthesamefearwasinsidehernow.Inthewoods,howcouldshehavebehavedlikethattoStefan?Howcouldshehaveforgottenhim,everythinghemeanttoher?Whathadmadeheractthatway?

Butsheknew.Atthecenterofherconsciousness,sheknew.Nobodygotupandwalkedawayfromadrowninglikethat.Nobodygotupandwalkedawayalive.Slowly,sheroseandwenttolookattheshutteredwindow.Thedarkenedpaneofglassactedasamirror,throwingherreflectionbackather.

Itwasnotthereflectionshe’dseeninherdream,whereshehadrundownahallofmirrorsthatseemedtohavealifeoftheirown.Therewasnothingslyorcruelaboutthisface.Justthesame,itwassubtlydifferentfromwhatshewasusedtoseeing.Therewasapaleglowtoherskinandatellinghollownessabouttheeyes.Elenatouchedfingertipstoherneck,oneitherside.ThiswaswhereStefanandDamonhadeachtakenherblood.Haditreallybeenenoughtimes,andhadshereallytakenenoughoftheirsinreturn?Itmusthavebeen.Andnow,fortherestofherlife,fortherestofherexistence,shewouldhavetofeedasStefandid.Shewouldhaveto…

Shesanktoherknees,pressingherforeheadagainstthebarewoodofawall.Ican’t,shethought.Oh,please,Ican’t;Ican’t.

Shehadneverbeenveryreligious.Butfromthatdeepplaceinside,herterrorwaswellingup,andeveryparticleofherbeingjoinedinthecryforaid.Oh,please,shethought.Oh,please,please,helpme.Shedidn’taskforanythingspecific;shecouldn’tgatherherthoughtsthatfar.Only:Oh,pleasehelpme,ohplease,please.Afterawhileshegotupagain.

Herfacewasstillpalebuteerilybeautiful,likefineporcelainlitfromwithin.Hereyeswerestillsmudgedwithshadows.Buttherewasaresolveinthem.

ShehadtofindStefan.Iftherewasanyhelpforher,hewouldknowofit.Andiftherewasn’t…well,sheneededhimallthemore.Therewasnowhereelseshewantedtobeexceptwithhim.

Sheshutthedooroftheatticcarefullybehindherasshewentout.AlaricSaltzmanmustn’tdiscoverherhidingplace.Onthewall,shesawacalendarwiththedaysuptoDecember4crossedoff.FourdayssincelastSaturdaynight.She’dsleptforfourdays.Whenshereachedthefrontdoor,shecringedfromthedaylightoutside.Ithurt.Eventhoughtheskywassoovercastthatrainorsnowlookedimminent,ithurthereyes.Shehadtoforceherselftoleavethesafetyofthehouse,andthenshefeltagnawingparanoiaaboutbeingoutintheopen.Sheslunkalongbesidefences,stayingclosetotrees,readytomeltintotheshadows.Shefeltlikeashadowherself–oraghost,inHonoriaFell’slong

whitegown.Shewouldfrightenthewitsoutofanyonewhosawher.

Butallhercircumspectionseemedtobewasted.Therewasnooneonthestreetstoseeher;thetownmighthavebeenabandoned.Shewentbyseeminglydesertedhouses,forsakenyards,closedstores.Presentlyshesawparkedcarsliningthestreet,buttheywereempty,too.

Andthenshesawashapeagainsttheskythatstoppedherinhertracks.Asteeple,whiteagainstthethickdarkclouds.Elena’slegstrembledasshemadeherselfcreepclosertothebuilding.She’dknownthischurchallherlife;she’dseenthecrossinscribedonthatwallathousandtimes.Butnowsheedgedtowarditasifitwereacagedanimalthatmightbreaklooseandbiteher.Shepressedonehandtothestonewallandsliditnearerandnearertothecarvedsymbol.

Whenheroutspreadfingerstouchedthearmofthecross,hereyesfilledandherthroatached.Sheletherhandglidealongituntilitgentlycoveredtheengraving.Thensheleanedagainstthewallandletthetearscome.

I’mnotevil,shethought.IdidthingsIshouldn’thave.Ithoughtaboutmyselftoomuch;IneverthankedMattandBonnieandMeredithforalltheydidforme.IshouldhaveplayedmorewithMargaretandbeennicertoAuntJudith.ButI’mnotevil.I’mnotdamned.

Whenshecouldseeagain,shelookedupatthebuilding.Mr.Newcastlehadsaidsomethingaboutthechurch.Wasitthisonehemeant?

Sheavoidedthefrontofthechurchandthemaindoorway.Therewasasidedoorthatledtothechoirloft,andsheslippedupthestairsnoiselesslyandlookeddownfromthegallery.

Shesawatoncewhythestreetshadbeensoempty.ItseemedasifeveryoneinFell’sChurchwashere,everyseatineverypewfilled,andthebackofthechurchpackedsolidwithpeoplestanding.Staringatthefrontrows,Elenarealizedthatsherecognizedeveryface;theyweremembersoftheseniorclass,andneighbors,andfriendsofAuntJudith.AuntJudithwasthere,too,wearingtheblackdressshe’dworntoElena’sparents’funeral.Oh,myGod,Elenathought.Herfingersgrippedtherailing.Untilnowshe’dbeentoobusylookingtolisten,butthequietmonotoneofReverendBethea’svoicesuddenlyresolvedintowords.

“…shareourremembrancesofthisveryspecialgirl,”hesaid,andhemovedaside.

Elenawatchedwhathappenedafterwiththeunearthlyfeelingthatshehadalogeseatataplay.Shewasnotatallinvolvedintheeventsdownthereonstage;shewasonlyaspectator,butitwasherlifeshewaswatching.

Mr.Carson,SueCarson’sfather,cameupandtalkedabouther.TheCarsonshadknownhersinceshewasborn,andhetalkedaboutthedayssheandSuehadplayedintheirfrontyardinthesummer.Hetalkedaboutthebeautifulandaccomplishedyoungladyshehadbecome.Hegotafroginhisthroatandhadtostopandtakeoffhisglasses.SueCarsonwentup.SheandElenahadn’tbeenclosefriendssinceelementaryschool,butthey’dremainedongoodterms.Suehadbeenoneofthefewgirlswho’dstayedonElena’ssideafterStefanhadcomeundersuspicionforMr.Tanner’smurder.ButnowSuewascryingasifshe’dlostasister.

“Alotofpeopleweren’tnicetoElenaafterHalloween,”shesaid,wipinghereyesandgoingon.“AndIknowthathurther.ButElenawasstrong.Sheneverchangedjusttoconformtowhatotherpeoplethoughtsheshouldbe.AndIrespectedherforthat,somuch…”Sue’svoicewobbled.“WhenIwasupforHomecomingQueen,Iwantedtobechosen,butIknewIwouldn’tbeandthatwasallright.BecauseifRobertE.Leeeverhadaqueen,itwasElena.AndIthinkshealwayswillbenow,becausethat’showwe’llallrememberher.AndIthinkthatforyearstocomethegirlswhowillgotoourschoolmightrememberherandthinkabouthowshestuckbywhatshethoughtwasright…”ThistimeSuecouldn’tsteadyhervoiceandthereverendhelpedherbacktoherseat.Thegirlsintheseniorclass,eventheonesthathadbeennastiestandmostspiteful,werecryingandholdinghands.GirlsElenaknewforafacthatedherweresniffling.Suddenlyshewaseverybody’sbestfriend.

Therewereboyscrying,too.Shocked,Elenahuddledclosertotherailing.Shecouldn’tstopwatching,eventhoughitwasthemosthorriblethingshehadeverseen.FrancesDecaturgotup,herplainfaceplainerthaneverwithgrief.“Shewentoutofherwaytobenicetome,”shesaidhuskily.“Sheletmeeatlunchwithher.”Rubbish,Elenathought.IonlyspoketoyouinthefirstplacebecauseyouwereusefulinfindingoutinformationaboutStefan.Butitwasthesamewitheachpersonwhowentuptothepulpit;noonecouldfindenoughwordstopraiseElena.“Ialwaysadmiredher…”“Shewasarolemodeltome…”“Oneofmyfavoritestudents…”

WhenMeredithrose,Elena’swholebodystiffened.Shedidn’tknowifshecoulddealwiththis.Butthedark-hairedgirlwasoneofthefewpeopleinthechurchwhowasn’tcrying,althoughherfacehadagrave,sadlookthatremindedElenaofHonoriaFellasshelookedonhertomb.

“WhenIthinkaboutElena,Ithinkaboutthegoodtimeswehadtogether,”shesaid,speakingquietlyandwithhercustomaryself-control.“Elenaalwayshadideas,andshecouldmakethemostboringworkintofun.Inevertoldherthat,andnowIwishIhad.IwishthatIcouldtalktoheronemoretime,justsoshewouldknow.AndifElenacouldhearmenow”–Meredithlookedaroundthechurchanddrewalongbreath,apparentlytocalmherself–“ifshecouldhearmenow,Iwouldtellherhowmuchthosegoodtimesmeanttome,andhowmuchIwishthatwecouldstillhavethem.LiketheThursdaynightsweusedtosittogetherinherroom,practicingforthedebateteam.Iwishwecoulddothatjustoncemorelikeweusedto.”Meredithtookanotherlongbreathandshookherhead.“ButIknowwecan’t,andthathurts.”

Whatareyoutalkingabout?Elenathought,hermiseryinterruptedbybewilderment.WeusedtopracticeforthedebateteamonWednesdaynights,notThursdays.Anditwasn’tinmybedroom;itwasinyours.Anditwasnofunatall;infact,weendedupquittingbecausewebothhatedit…

Suddenly,watchingMeredith’scarefullycomposedface,socalmontheoutsidetoconcealthetensionwithin,Elenafeltherheartbegintopound.

Meredithwassendingamessage,amessageonlyElenacouldbeexpectedtounderstand.WhichmeantthatMeredithexpectedElenatobeabletohearit.Meredithknew.

HadStefantoldher?Elenascannedtherowsofmournersbelow,realizingforthefirst

timethatStefanwasn’tamongthem.NeitherwasMatt.No,itdidn’tseemlikelythatStefanwouldhavetoldMeredith,orthatMeredithwouldchoosethiswayofgettingamessagetoherifhehad.ThenElenarememberedthewayMeredithhadlookedatherthenighttheyhadrescuedStefanfromthewell,whenElenahadaskedtobeleftalonewithStefan.

Sherememberedthosekeendarkeyesstudyingherfacemorethanonceinthelastmonths,andthewayMeredithhadseemedtogrowquieterandmorethoughtfuleachtimeElenacameupwithsomeoddrequest.

Meredithhadguessedthen.Elenawonderedjusthowmuchofthetruthshe’dputtogether.

Bonniewascomingupnow,cryinginearnest.Thatwassurprising;ifMeredithknew,whyhadn’tshetoldBonnie?ButmaybeMeredithhadonlyasuspicion,somethingshedidn’twanttosharewithBonnieincaseitturnedouttobeafalsehope.

Bonnie’sspeechwasasemotionalasMeredith’shadbeencollected.Hervoicekeptbreakingandshekepthavingtobrushtearsoffhercheeks.FinallyReverendBetheacrossedoverandgavehersomethingwhite,ahandkerchieforsometissue.

“Thankyou,”Bonniesaid,wipingherstreamingeyes.Shetiltedherheadbacktolookattheceiling,eithertoregainherpoiseortogetinspiration.Asshedid,Elenasawsomethingthatnooneelsecouldsee:shesawBonnie’sfacedrainofcolorandofexpression,notlikesomebodyabouttofaint,butinawaythatwasalltoofamiliar.AchillcrawledupElena’sbackbone.Nothere.Oh,God,ofalltimesandplaces,nothere.

Butitwasalreadyhappening.Bonnie’schinhadlowered;shewaslookingatthecongregationagain.Exceptthatthistimeshedidn’tseemtoseethematall,andthevoicethatcamefromBonnie’sthroatwasnotBonnie’svoice.

“Nooneiswhattheyappear.Rememberthat.Nooneiswhattheyappear.”Thenshejuststoodthere,unmoving,staringstraightaheadwithblankeyes.

Peoplebegantoshuffleandlookatoneanother.Therewasamurmurofworry.

“Rememberthat–remember–nooneiswhattheyseem…”Bonnieswayedsuddenly,andReverendBethearantoherwhileanothermanhastenedupfromtheotherside.Thesecondmanhadabaldheadthatwasnowshiningwithsweat–Mr.Newcastle,Elenarealized.Andthereatthebackofthechurch,stridingupthenave,wasAlaricSaltzman.HereachedBonniejustasshefainted,andElenaheardastepbehindheronthestair.

Five

Dr.Feinberg,Elenathoughtwildly,tryingtotwistaroundtolookandsimultaneouslypressherselfintotheshadows.Butitwasn’tthesmall,hawk-nosedvisageofthedoctorthatmethereyes.ItwasafacewithfeaturesasfineasthoseonaRomancoinormedallion,andhauntedgreeneyes.Timecaughtforamoment,andthenElenawasinhisarms.“Oh,Stefan.Stefan…”

Shefelthisbodygostillwithshock.Hewasholdinghermechanically,lightly,asifshewereastrangerwho’dmistakenhimforsomeoneelse.

“Stefan,”shesaiddesperately,burrowingherfaceintohisshoulder,tryingtogetsomeresponse.Shecouldn’tbearitifherejectedher;ifhehatedhernowshewoulddie…Withamoan,shetriedtogetevenclosertohim,wantingtomergewithhimcompletely,todisappearinsidehim.Oh,please,shethought,oh,please,oh,please…“Elena.Elena,it’sallright;I’vegotyou.”Hewentontalkingtoher,repeatingsillynonsensemeanttosoothe,strokingherhair.Andshecouldfeelthechangeashisarmstightenedaroundher.Heknewwhohewasholdingnow.Forthefirsttimesinceshe’dawakenedthatday,shefeltsafe.Still,itwasalongwhilebeforeshecouldrelaxhergriponhimevenslightly.Shewasn’tcrying;shewasgaspinginpanic.

Atlastshefelttheworldstarttosettleintoplacearoundher.Shedidn’tletgo,though,notyet.Shesimplystoodforendlessminuteswithherheadonhisshoulder,drinkinginthecomfortandsecurityofhisnearness.Thensheraisedherheadtolookintohiseyes.

Whenshe’dthoughtofStefanearlierthatday,she’dthoughtofhowhemighthelpher.She’dmeanttoaskhim,tobeghim,tosaveherfromthisnightmare,tomakeherthewayshehadbeenbefore.Butnow,asshelookedathim,shefeltastrangedespairingresignationflowthroughher.

“There’snothingtobedoneaboutit,isthere?”shesaidverysoftly.Hedidn’tpretendtomisunderstand.“No,”hesaid,equallysoft.

Elenafeltasifshehadtakensomefinalstepoveraninvisiblelineandthattherewasnoreturning.Whenshecouldspeakagain,shesaid,“I’msorryforthewayIactedtowardyouinthewoods.Idon’tknowwhyIdidthosethings.Irememberdoingthem,butIcan’trememberwhy.”

“You’resorry?”Hisvoiceshook.“Elena,afterallI’vedonetoyou,allthat’shappenedtoyoubecauseofme…”Hecouldn’tfinish,andtheyclungtoeachother.

“Verytouching,”saidavoicefromthestairway.“Doyouwantmetoimitateaviolin?”

Elena’scalmshattered,andfearsnakedthroughherbloodstream.She’dforgottenDamon’shypnoticintensityandhisburningdarkeyes.“Howdidyougethere?”saidStefan.

“Thesamewayyoudid,Ipresume.AttractedbytheblazingbeaconofthefairElena’sdistress.”Damonwasreallyangry;Elenacouldtell.Notjustannoyedordiscommodedbutinawhiteheatofrageandhostility.

Buthe’dbeendecenttoherwhenshe’dbeenconfusedandirrational.He’dtakenhertoshelter;he’dkepthersafe.Andhehadn’tkissedherwhileshe’dbeeninthathorrifyinglyvulnerablestate.He’dbeen…kindtoher.

“Incidentally,there’ssomethinggoingondownthere,”Damonsaid.

“Iknow;it’sBonnieagain,”saidElena,releasingStefanandmovingback.“That’snotwhatImeant.Thisisoutside.”

Startled,Elenafollowedhimdowntothefirstbendinthestairs,wheretherewasawindowoverlookingtheparkinglot.ShefeltStefanbehindherasshelookeddownatthescenebelow.

Acrowdofpeoplehadcomeoutofthechurch,buttheywerestandinginasolidphalanxattheedgeofthelot,notgoinganyfarther.Oppositethem,intheparkinglotitself,wasanequallylargeassemblyofdogs.

Itlookedliketwoarmiesfacingeachother.Whatwaseerie,though,wasthatbothgroupswereabsolutelymotionless.Thepeopleseemedtobeparalyzedbyuneasiness,andthedogsseemedtobewaitingforsomething.

Elenasawthedogsfirstasdifferentbreeds.Thereweresmalldogslikesharp-facedcorgisandbrown-and-blacksilkyterriersandaLhasaapsowithlonggoldenhair.Thereweremedium-sizeddogslikespringerspanielsandAiredalesandonebeautifulsnowwhiteSamoyed.Andtherewerethebigdogs:abarrel-chestedrottweilerwithacroppedtail,apantinggraywolfhound,andagiantschnauzer,pureblack.ThenElenabegantorecognizeindividuals.

“That’sMr.Grunbaum’sboxerandtheSullivans’Germanshepherd.Butwhat’sgoingonwiththem?”

Thepeople,originallyuneasy,nowlookedfrightened.Theystoodshouldertoshoulder,noonewantingtobreakoutofthefrontlineandmoveanyclosertotheanimals.

Andyetthedogsweren’tdoinganything,justsittingorstanding,somewiththeirtongueslollinggentlyout.Strange,though,howstilltheywere,Elenathought.Everytinymotion,suchastheslightesttwitchoftailorears,seemedvastlyexaggerated.Andtherewerenowaggingtails,nosignsoffriendliness.Just…waiting.

Robertwastowardthebackofthecrowd.Elenawassurprisedatseeinghim,butforamomentshecouldn’tthinkofwhy.Thensherealizeditwasbecausehehadn’tbeeninthe

church.Asshewatched,hedrewfartherapartfromthegroup,disappearingundertheoverhangbelowElena.“Chelsea!Chelsea…”

Someonehadmovedoutofthefrontlineatlast.ItwasDouglasCarson,Elenarealized,SueCarson’smarriedolderbrother.He’dsteppedintotheno-man’s-landbetweenthedogsandthepeople,onehandslightlyextended.

Aspringerspanielwithlongearslikebrownsatinturnedherhead.Herwhitestumpofatailquiveredslightly,questioningly,andherbrown-and-whitemuzzlelifted.Butshedidn’tcometotheyoungman.

DougCarsontookanotherstep.“Chelsea…goodgirl.Comehere,Chelsea.Come!”Hesnappedhisfingers.

“Whatdoyousensefromthosedogsdownthere?”Damonmurmured.

Stefanshookhisheadwithoutlookingawayfromthewindow.“Nothing,”hesaidshortly.

“NeitherdoI.”Damon’seyeswerenarrowed,hisheadtiltedbackappraisingly,buthisslightlybaredteethremindedElenaofthewolfhound.“Butweshouldbeableto,youknow.Theyoughttohavesomeemotionswecanpickupon.Instead,everytimeItrytoprobethemit’slikerunningintoablankwhitewall.”

Elenawishedsheknewwhattheyweretalkingabout.“Whatdoyoumean‘probethem’?”shesaid.“They’reanimals.”

“Appearancescanbedeceiving,”Damonsaidironically,andElenathoughtabouttherainbowlightsinthefeathersofthecrowthathadfollowedhersincethefirstdayofschool.Ifshelookedclosely,shecouldseethosesamerainbowlightsinDamon’ssilkyhair.“Butanimalshaveemotions,inanycase.IfyourPowersarestrongenough,youcanexaminetheirminds.”

AndmyPowersaren’t,thoughtElena.Shewasstartledbythetwingeofenvythatwentthroughher.Justafewminutesagoshe’dbeenclingingtoStefan,frantictogetridofanyPowersshehad,tochangeherselfback.Andnow,shewishedshewerestronger.Damonalwayshadanoddeffectonher.

“ImaynotbeabletoprobeChelsea,butIdon’tthinkDougshouldgoanycloser,”shesaidaloud.

Stefanhadbeenstaringfixedlyoutthewindow,hiseyebrowsdrawntogether.Nowhenoddedfractionally,butwithasuddensenseofurgency.“Idon’teither,”hesaid.“C’mon,Chelsea,beagoodgirl.Comehere.”DougCarsonhadalmostreachedthefirstrowofdogs.Alleyes,humanandcanine,werefixedonhim,andevensuchtinymovementsastwitcheshadstopped.IfElenahadn’tseenthesidesofoneortwodogshollowandfillwiththeirbreathing,shemighthavethoughtthewholegroupwassomegiantmuseumdisplay.

Doughadcometoahalt.ChelseawaswatchinghimfrombehindthecorgiandtheSamoyed.Dougcluckedhistongue.Hestretchedouthishand,hesitated,andthenstretcheditoutfarther.

“No,”Elenasaid.Shewasstaringattherottweiler’sglossyflanks.Hollowandfill,hollow

andfill.“Stefan,influencehim.Gethimoutofthere.”

“Yes.”Shecouldseehisgazeunfocuswithconcentration;then,heshookhishead,exhalinglikeapersonwho’striedtoliftsome-thingtooheavy.“It’snogood;I’mburntout.Ican’tdoitfromhere.”

Below,Chelsea’slipsskinnedbackfromherteeth.Thered-goldAiredalerosetoherfeetinonebeautifullysmoothmovement,asifpulledbystrings.Thehindquartersoftherottweilerbunched.

Andthentheysprang.Elenacouldn’tseewhichofthedogswasthefirst;theyseemedtomovetogetherlikeagreatwave.HalfadozenhitDougCarsonwithenoughforcetoknockhimbackward,andhedisappearedundertheirmassedbodies.

Theairwasfullofhellishnoise,fromametallicbayingthatsetthechurchraftersringingandgaveElenaaninstantheadache,toadeep-throatedcontinuousgrowlthatshefeltratherthanheard.Dogsweretearingatclothing,snarling,lunging,whilethecrowdscatteredandscreamed.

ElenacaughtsightofAlaricSaltzmanattheedgeoftheparkinglot,theonlyonewhowasn’trunning.Hewasstandingstiffly,andshethoughtshecouldseehislipsmoving,andhishands.

Everywhereelsewaspandemonium.Someonehadgottenahoseandwasturningitintothethickofthepack,butitwashavingnoeffect.Thedogsseemedtohavegonemad.WhenChelsearaisedherbrown-and-whitemuzzlefromhermaster’sbody,itwastingedwithred.

Elena’sheartwaspoundingsothatshecouldbarelybreathe.“Theyneedhelp!”shesaid,justasStefanbrokeawayfromthewindowandwentdownthestairs,takingthemtwoandthreeatatime.Elenawashalfwaydownthestairsherselfwhensherealizedtwothings:Damonwasn’tfollowingher,andshecouldn’tletherselfbeseen.

Shecouldn’t.Thehysteriaitwouldcause,thequestions,thefearandhatredoncethequestionswereanswered.Somethingthatrandeeperthancompassionorsympathyortheneedtohelpwrenchedherback,flatteningheragainstthewall.

Inthedim,coolinteriorofthechurch,sheglimpsedaboilingpocketofactivity.Peopleweredashingbackandforth,shouting.Dr.Feinberg,Mr.McCullough,ReverendBethea.ThestillpointofthecirclewasBonnielyingonapewwithMeredithandAuntJudithandMrs.McCulloughbentoverher.“Somethingevil,”shewasmoaning,andthenAuntJudith’sheadcameup,turninginElena’sdirection.

Elenascuttledupthestairsasquicklyasshecould,prayingAuntJudithhadn’tseenher.Damonwasatthewindow.“Ican’tgodownthere.TheythinkI’mdead!”“Oh,you’verememberedthat.Goodforyou.”“IfDr.Feinbergexaminesme,he’llknowsomething’swrong.Well,won’the?”shedemandedfiercely.“He’llthinkyou’reaninterestingspecimen,allright.”

“ThenIcan’tgo.Butyoucan.Whydon’tyoudosomething?”

Damoncontinuedtolookoutthewindow,eyebrowshikingup.“Why?”

“Why?”Elena’salarmandoverexcitementreachedflashpointandshealmostslappedhim.“Becausetheyneedhelp!Becauseyoucanhelp.Don’tyoucareaboutanythingbesidesyourself?”

Damonwaswearinghismostimpenetrablemask,theexpressionofpoliteinquiryhe’dwornwhenheinvitedhimselftoherhousefordinner.Butsheknewthatbeneathithewasangry,angryatfindingherandStefantogether.Hewasbaitingheronpurposeandwithsavageenjoyment.

Andshecouldn’thelpherreaction,herfrustrated,impotentrage.Shestartedforhim,andhecaughtherwristsandheldheroff,hiseyesboringintohers.Shewasstartledtohearthesoundthatcamefromherlipsthen;itwasahissthatsoundedmorefelinethanhuman.Sherealizedherfingerswerehookedintoclaws.

WhatamIdoing?Attackinghimbecausehewon’tdefendpeopleagainstthedogsthatareattackingthem?Whatkindofsensedoesthatmake?Breathinghard,sherelaxedherhandsandwetherlips.Shesteppedbackandhelether.Therewasalongmomentwhiletheystaredateachother.“I’mgoingdown,”Elenasaidquietlyandturned.“No.”“Theyneedhelp.”

“Allright,then,damnyou.”She’dneverheardDamon’svoicesolow,orsofurious.“I’ll–”hebrokeoffandElena,turningbackquickly,sawhimslamafistintothewindow-sill,rattlingtheglass.Buthisattentionwasoutsideandhisvoiceperfectlycomposedagainwhenhesaiddryly,“Helphasarrived.”

Itwasthefiredepartment.Theirhosesweremuchmorepowerfulthanthegardenhose,andthejetstreamsofwaterdrovethelungingdogsoffwithsheerforce.Elenasawasheriffwithagunandbittheinsideofhercheekasheaimedandsighted.Therewasacrack,andthegiantschnauzerwentdown.Thesheriffaimedagain.

Itendedquicklyafterthat.Severaldogswerealreadyrunningfromthebarrageofwater,andwiththesecondcrackofthepistolmorebrokefromthepackandheadedfortheedgesoftheparkinglot.Itwasasifthepurposethathaddriventhemhadreleasedthemallatonce.ElenafeltarushofreliefasshesawStefanstandingunharmedinthemiddleoftherout,shovingadazed-lookinggoldenretrieverawayfromDougCarson’sform.Chelseatookaskulkingsteptowardhermasterandlookedintohisface,headandtaildrooping.

“It’sallover,”Damonsaid.Hesoundedonlymildlyinterested,butElenaglancedathimsharply.Allrightthen,damnyou,I’llwhat?shethought.Whathadhebeenabouttosay?Hewasn’tinanymoodtotellher,butshewasinamoodtopush.“Damon…”Sheputahandonhisarm.Hestiffened,thenturned.“Well?”

Forasecondtheystoodlookingateachother,andthentherewasasteponthestair.Stefanhadreturned.

“Stefan…you’rehurt,”shesaid,blinking,suddenlydisoriented.

“I’mallright.”Hewipedbloodoffhischeekwithatatteredsleeve.“WhataboutDoug?”

Elenaasked,swallowing.

“Idon’tknow.Heishurt.Alotofpeopleare.ThatwasthestrangestthingI’veeverseen.”

ElenamovedawayfromDamon,upthestairsintothechoirloft.Shefeltthatshehadtothink,butherheadwaspounding.ThestrangestthingStefanhadeverseen…thatwassayingalot.SomethingstrangeinFell’sChurch.

Shereachedthewallbehindthelastrowofseatsandputahandagainstit,slidingdowntositonthefloor.Thingsseemedatonceconfusedandfrighteninglyclear.SomethingstrangeinFell’sChurch.Thedayofthefounders’celebrationshewouldhaveswornshedidn’tcareanythingaboutFell’sChurchorthepeopleinit.Butnowsheknewdifferently.Lookingdownonthememorialservice,shehadbeguntothinkperhapsshedidcare.

Andthen,whenthedogshadattackedoutside,she’dknownit.Shefeltsomehowresponsibleforthetown,inawayshehadneverfeltbefore.

Herearliersenseofdesolationandlonelinesshadbeenpushedasideforthemoment.Therewassomethingmoreimportantthanherownproblemsnow.Andsheclungtothatsomething,becausethetruthwasthatshereallycouldn’tdealwithherownsituation,no,shereally,reallycouldn’t…

SheheardthegaspinghalfsobshegavethenandlookeduptoseebothStefanandDamoninthechoirloft,lookingather.Sheshookherheadslightly,puttingahandtoit,feelingasifshewerecomingoutofadream.“Elena…?”

ItwasStefanwhospoke,butElenaaddressedherselftotheotherone.

“Damon,”shesaidshakily,“ifIaskyousomething,willyoutellmethetruth?Iknowyoudidn’tchasemeoffWickeryBridge.Icouldfeelwhateveritwas,anditwasdifferent.ButIwanttoaskyouthis:wasityouwhodumpedStefanintheoldFrancherwellamonthago?”

“Inawell?”Damonleanedbackagainsttheoppositewall,armscrossedoverhischest.Helookedpolitelyincredulous.

“OnHalloweennight,thenightMr.Tannerwaskilled.AfteryoushowedyourselfforthefirsttimetoStefaninthewoods.Hetoldmeheleftyouintheclearingandstartedtowalktohiscarbutthatsomeoneattackedhimbeforehereachedit.Whenhewokeup,hewastrappedinthewell,andhewouldhavediedthereifBonniehadn’tledustohim.Ialwaysassumedyouweretheonewhoattackedhim.Healwaysassumedyouweretheone.Butwereyou?”

Damon’slipcurled,asifhedidn’tlikethedemandingintensityofherquestion.HelookedfromhertoStefanwithhooded,deridingeyes.ThemomentstretchedoutuntilElenahadtodigherfingernailsintoherpalmswithtension.ThenDamongaveasmallshrugandlookedoffatamiddledistance.“Asamatteroffact,no,”hesaid.Elenaletoutherbreath.

“Youcan’tbelievethat!”Stefanexploded.“Youcan’tbelieveanythinghesays.”

“WhyshouldIlie?”Damonreturned,clearlyenjoyingStefan’slossofcontrol.“IadmitfreelytokillingTanner.Idrankhisblooduntilheshriveledlikeaprune.AndIwouldn’tminddoingthesamethingtoyou,brother.Butawell?It’shardlymystyle.”“Ibelieveyou,”Elenasaid.Hermindwasrushingahead.SheturnedtoStefan.“Don’tyoufeelit?There’ssomethingelsehereinFell’sChurch,somethingthatmaynotevenbehuman–mayneverhavebeenhuman,Imean.Somethingthatchasedme,forcedmycaroffthebridge.Somethingthatmadethosedogsattackpeople.Someterribleforcethat’shere,somethingevil…”Hervoicetrailedoff,andshelookedovertowardtheinteriorofthechurchwhereshehadseenBonnielying.“Somethingevil…”sherepeatedsoftly.Acoldwindseemedtoblowinsideher,andshehuddledintoherself,feelingvulnerableandalone.

“Ifyou’relookingforevil,”Stefansaidharshly,“youdon’thavetolookfar.”

“Don’tbeanymorestupidthanyoucanhelp,”saidDamon.“ItoldyoufourdaysagothatsomeoneelsehadkilledElena.AndIsaidthatIwasgoingtofindthatsomeoneanddealwithhim.AndIam.”Heuncrossedhisarmsandstraightenedup.“YoutwocancontinuethatprivateconversationyouwerehavingwhenIinterrupted.”

“Damon,wait.”Elenahadn’tbeenabletohelptheshudderthattorethroughherwhenhesaidkilled.Ican’thavebeenkilled;I’mstillhere,shethoughtwildly,feelingpanicswellupinheragain.ButnowshepushedthepanicasidetospeaktoDamon.“Whateverthisthingis,it’sstrong,”shesaid.“Ifeltitwhenitwasafterme,anditseemedtofillthewholesky.Idon’tthinkanyofuswouldstandachanceagainstitalone.”“So?”

“So…”Elenahadn’thadtimetogatherherthoughtsthisfar.Shewasrunningpurelyoninstinct,onintuition.AndintuitiontoldhernottoletDamongo.“So…Ithinkwethreeoughttosticktogether.Ithinkwehaveamuchbetterchanceoffindingitanddealingwithittogetherthanseparately.Andmaybewecanstopitbeforeithurtsor–orkills–anyoneelse.”

“Frankly,mydear,Idon’tgiveadamnaboutanyoneelse,”Damonsaidcharmingly.Thenhegaveoneofhisice-coldlightningsmiles.“Butareyousuggestingthatthisisyourchoice?Remember,weagreedthatwhenyouweremorerationalyouwouldmakeone.

Elenastaredathim.Ofcourseitwasn’therchoice,ifhemeantromantically.ShewaswearingtheringStefanhadgivenher;sheandStefanbelongedtogether.

Butthensherememberedsomethingelse,justaflash:lookingupatDamon’sfaceinthewoodsandfeelingsuch–suchexcitement,suchaffinitywithhim.Asifheunderstoodtheflamethatburnedinsideherasnobodyelseevercould.Asiftogethertheycoulddoanythingtheyliked,conquertheworldordestroyit;asiftheywerebetterthananyoneelsewhohadeverlived.

Iwasoutofmymind,irrational,shetoldherself,butthatlittleflashofmemorywouldn’tgoaway.

Andthensherememberedsomethingelse:howDamonhadactedlaterthatnight,howhe’dkepthersafe,evenbeengentlewithher.

Stefanwaslookingather,andhisexpressionhadchangedfrombelligerencetobitterangerandfear.Partofherwantedtoreassurehimcompletely,tothrowherarmsaround

himandtellhimthatshewashisandalwayswouldbeandthatnothingelsemattered.Notthetown,notDamon,notanything.

Butshewasn’tdoingit.Becauseanotherpartofherwassayingthatthetowndidmatter.Andbecausestillanotherpartwasjustterribly,terriblyconfused.Soconfused…Shefeltatremblingbegindeepinsideher,andthenshefoundshecouldn’tmakeitstop.Emotionaloverload,shethought,andputherheadinherhands.

Six

“She’salreadymadeherchoice.Yousawityourselfwhenyou‘interrupted’us.You’vealreadychosen,haven’tyou,Elena?”Stefansaiditnotsmugly,orasademand,butwithakindofdesperatebravado.

“I…”Elenalookedup.“Stefan,Iloveyou.Butdon’tyouunderstand,ifIhaveachoicerightnowIhavetochooseforallofustostaytogether.Justfornow.Doyouunderstand?”SeeingonlystoninessinStefan’sface,sheturnedtoDamon.“Doyou?”“Ithinkso.”Hegaveherasecret,possessivesmile.“ItoldStefanfromthebeginningthathewasselfishnottoshareyou.Brothersshouldsharethings,youknow.”“That’snotwhatImeant.”“Isn’tit?”Damonsmiledagain.

“No,”Stefansaid.“Idon’tunderstand,andIdon’tseehowyoucanaskmetoworkwithhim.He’sevil,Elena.Hekillsforpleasure;hehasnoconscienceatall.Hedoesn’tcareaboutFell’sChurch;hesaidthathimself.He’samonster–“

“Rightnowhe’sbeingmorecooperativethanyouare,”Elenasaid.ShereachedforStefan’shand,searchingforsomewaytogetthroughtohim.“Stefan,Ineedyou.Andwebothneedhim.Can’tyoutrytoacceptthat?”Whenhedidn’tanswersheadded,“Stefan,doyoureallywanttobemortalenemieswithyourbrotherforever?”“Doyoureallythinkhewantsanythingelse?”

Elenastareddownattheirjoinedhands,lookingattheplanesandcurvesandshadows.Shedidn’tanswerforaminute,andwhenshediditwasveryquietly.“Hestoppedmefromkillingyou,”shesaid.

ShefelttheflareofStefan’sdefensiveanger,thenfeltitslowlyfade.Somethinglikedefeatcreptthroughhim,andhebowedhishead.

“That’strue,”hesaid.“And,anyway,whoamItocallhimevil?What’shedonethatIhaven’tdonemyself?”

Weneedtotalk,Elenathought,hatingthisself-hatredofhis.Butthiswasn’tthetimeorplace.

“Thenyoudoagree?”shesaidhesitantly.“Stefan,tellmewhatyou’rethinking.”

“RightnowI’mthinkingthatyoualwaysgetyourway.Becauseyoualwaysdo,don’tyou,Elena?”

Elenalookedintohiseyes,noticinghowthepupilsweredilated,sothatonlyaringofgreenirisshowedaroundtheedge.Therewasnolongerangerthere,butthetirednessandthebitternessremained.

ButI’mnotjustdoingitformyself,shethought,thrustingoutofhermindthesuddensurgeofself-doubt.I’llprovethattoyou,Stefan;you’llsee.ForonceI’mnotdoingsomethingformyownconvenience.“Thenyouagree?”shesaidquietly.“Yes.I…agree.”

“AndIagree,”saidDamon,extendinghisownhandwithexaggeratedcourtesy.HecapturedElena’sbeforeshecouldsayanything.“Infact,weallseemtobeinafrenzyofpureagreement.”

Don’t,Elenathought,butatthatmoment,standinginthecooltwilightofthechoirloft,shefeltthatitwastrue,thattheywereallthreeconnected,andinaccord,andstrong.ThenStefanpulledhishandaway.Inthesilencethatfollowed,Elenacouldhearthesoundsoutsideandinthechurchbelow.Therewasstillcryingandtheoccasionalshout,buttheoverallurgencywasgone.Lookingoutthewindow,shesawpeoplepickingtheirwayacrossthewetparkinglotbetweenthelittlegroupsthathuddledoverwoundedvictims.Dr.Feinbergwasmovingfromislandtoisland,apparentlydispensingmedicaladvice.Thevictimslookedlikesurvivorsofahurricaneorearthquake.“Nooneiswhattheyseem,”Elenasaid.“What?”

“That’swhatBonniesaidduringthememorialservice.Shehadanotheroneofherfits.Ithinkitmightbeimportant.”Shetriedtoputherthoughtsinorder.“Ithinktherearepeopleintownthatweoughttolookoutfor.LikeAlaricSaltzman.”Shetoldthem,briefly,whatshehadoverheardearlierthatdayinAlaric’shouse.“He’snotwhatheseems,butIdon’tknowexactlywhatheis.Ithinkweshouldwatchhim.AndsinceIobviouslycan’tappearinpublic,youtwoaregoingtohavetodoit.Butyoucan’tlethimsuspectyouknow–”ElenabrokeoffasDamonheldupahandswiftly.

Downatthebaseofthestairs,avoicewascalling.“Stefan?Areyouupthere?”Andthen,tosomeoneelse,“IthoughtIsawhimgouphere.”

ItsoundedlikeMr.Carson.“Go,”ElenahissedalmostinaudiblytoStefan,“YouhavetobeasnormalaspossiblesoyoucanstayhereinFell’sChurch.I’llbeallright.”“Butwherewillyougo?”“ToMeredith’s.I’llexplainlater.Goon.”

Stefanhesitated,andthenstarteddownthestairs,calling,“I’mcoming.”Thenhepulledback.“I’mnotleavingyouwithhim,”hesaidflatly.

Elenathrewherhandsupinexasperation.“Thenbothofyougo.Youjustagreedtoworktogether;areyougoingtogobackonyourwordnow?”sheaddedtoDamon,whowaslookingunyieldinghimself.

Hegaveanotherofhislittleshrugs.“Allright.Justonething–areyouhungry?”

“I–no.”Stomachlurching,Elenarealizedwhathewasasking.“No,notatall.”

“That’sgood.Butlateron,youwillbe.Rememberthat.”HecrowdedStefandownthestairs,earninghimselfasearinglook.ButElenaheardStefan’svoiceinhermindastheybothdisappeared.I’llcomeforyoulater.Waitforme.

Shewishedshecouldanswerwithherownthoughts.Shealsonoticedsomething.Stefan’smentalvoicewasmuchweakerthanithadbeenfourdaysagowhenhehadbeenfightinghisbrother.Cometothinkofit,hehadn’tbeenabletospeakwithhismindatallbeforetheFounders’Daycelebration.She’dbeensoconfusedwhenshewokeupbytheriverthatithadn’toccurredtoher,butnowshewondered.Whathadhappenedtomakehimsostrong?Andwhywashisstrengthfadingnow?

Elenahadtimetothinkaboutitasshesatthereinthedesertedchoirloft,whilebelowthepeopleleftthechurchandoutsidetheovercastskiesslowlygrewdarker.ShethoughtaboutStefan,andaboutDamon,andshewonderedifshehadmadetherightchoice.She’dvowednevertoletthemfightoverher,butthatvowwasbrokenalready.Wasshecrazytotryandmakethemliveunderatruce,evenatemporaryone?

Whentheskyoutsidewasuniformlyblack,sheventureddownthestairs.Thechurchwasemptyandechoing.Shehadn’tthoughtabouthowshewouldgetout,butfortunatelythesidedoorwasboltedonlyfromtheinside.Sheslippedoutintothenightgratefully.Shehadn’trealizedhowgooditwastobeoutsideandinthedark.Beinginsidebuildingsmadeherfeeltrapped,anddaylighthurthereyes.Thiswasbest,freeandunfettered–andunseen.Herownsensesrejoicedatthelushworldaroundher.Withtheairsostill,scentshungintheairforalongtime,andshecouldsmellawholeplethoraofnocturnalcreatures.Afoxwasscavenginginsomebody’strash.Brownratswerechewingsomethinginthebushes.Nightmothswerecallingtooneanotherwithscent.

Shefounditwasn’thardtogettoMeredith’shouseundetected;peopleseemedtobestayinginside.Butonceshegotthere,shestoodlookingupatthegracefulfarmhousewiththescreenedporchindismay.Shecouldn’tjustwalkuptothefrontdoorandknock.WasMeredithreallyexpectingher?Wouldn’tshebewaitingoutsideifshewere?Meredithwasabouttogetaterribleshockifsheweren’t,Elenareflected,eyeingthedistancetotheroofoftheporch.Meredith’sbedroomwindowwasaboveitandjustaroundthecorner.Itwouldbeabitofareach,butElenathoughtshecouldmakeit.Gettingontotheroofwaseasy;herfingersandbaretoesfoundholdsbetweenthebricksandsenthersailingup.ButleaningaroundthecornertolookintoMeredith’swindowwasastrain.Sheblinkedagainstthelightthatfloodedout.

Meredithwassittingontheedgeofherbed,elbowsonknees,staringatnothing.Everysooftensheranahandthroughherdarkhair.Aclockonthenightstandsaid6:43.Elenatappedonthewindowglasswithherfingernails.

Meredithjumpedandlookedthewrongway,towardthedoor.Shestoodupinadefensivecrouch,clutchingathrowpillowinonehand.Whenthedoordidn’topen,shesidledapaceortwotowardit,stillinadefensiveposture.“Whoisit?”shesaid.Elenatappedontheglassagain.Meredithspuntofacethewindow,herbreathcomingfast.

“Letmein,”saidElena.Shedidn’tknowifMeredithcouldhearher,soshemoutheditclearly.“Openthewindow.”

Meredith,panting,lookedaroundtheroomasifsheexpectedsomeonetoappearandhelpher.Whennoonedid,sheapproachedthewindowasifitwereadangerousanimal.Butshedidn’topenit.

“Letmein,”Elenasaidagain.Thensheaddedimpatiently,“Ifyoudidn’twantmeto

come,whydidyoumakeanappointmentwithme?”

ShesawthechangeasMeredith’sshouldersrelaxedslightly.Slowly,withfingersthatwereunusuallyclumsy,Meredithopenedthewindowandstoodback.“Nowaskmetocomeinside.OtherwiseIcan’t.

“Come…”Meredith’svoicefailedandshehadtotryagain.“Comein,”shesaid.WhenElena,wincing,hadboostedherselfoverthesillandwasflexinghercrampedfingers,Meredithaddedalmostdazedly,“It’sgottobeyou.Nobodyelsegivesorderslikethat.”

“It’sme,”Elenasaid.Shestoppedwringingoutthecrampsandlookedintotheeyesofherfriend.“Itreallyisme,Meredith,”shesaid.

Meredithnoddedandswallowedvisibly.RightthenwhatElenawouldhavelikedmostintheworldwouldhavebeenfortheothergirltogiveherahug.ButMeredithwasn’tmuchofthehuggingtype,andrightnowshewasbackingslowlyawaytositonthebedagain.

“Sitdown,”shesaidinanartificiallycalmvoice.ElenapulledoutthedeskchairandunthinkinglytookupthesamepositionMeredithhadbeeninbefore,elbowsonknees,headdown.Thenshelookedup.“Howdidyouknow?”

“I…”Meredithjuststaredatherforamoment,thenshookherself.“Well.You–yourbodywasneverfound,ofcourse.Thatwasstrange.AndthenthoseattacksontheoldmanandVickieandTanner–andStefanandlittlethingsI’dputtogetherabouthim–butIdidn’tknow.Notforsure.Notuntilnow.”Sheendedalmostinawhisper.

“Well,itwasagoodguess,”Elenasaid.Shewastryingtobehavenormally,butwhatwasnormalinthissituation?Meredithwasactingasifshecouldscarcelybeartolookather.ItmadeElenafeelmorelonely,morealone,thanshecouldeverrememberbeinginherlife.

Adoorbellrangdownstairs.Elenaheardit,butshecouldtellMeredithdidn’t.“Who’scoming?”shesaid.“There’ssomeoneatthedoor.”

“IaskedBonnietocomeoveratseveno’clock,ifhermotherwouldlether.It’sprobablyher.I’llgosee.”Meredithseemedalmostindecentlyeagertogetaway.“Wait.Doessheknow?”

“No…Oh,youmeanIshouldbreakittohergently.”Meredithlookedaroundtheroomagainuncertainly,andElenasnappedonthelittlereadinglightbythebed.“Turntheroomlightoff.Ithurtsmyeyesanyway,”shesaidquietly.WhenMeredithdid,thebedroomwasdimenoughthatshecouldconcealherselfintheshadows.WaitingforMeredithtoreturnwithBonnie,shestoodinacorner,huggingherelbowswithherhands.MaybeitwasabadideatryingtogetMeredithandBonnieinvolved.IfimperturbableMeredithcouldn’thandlethesituation,whatwouldBonniedo?

Meredithheraldedtheirarrivalbymutteringoverandover,“Don’tscreamnow;don’tscream,”asshebundledBonnieacrossthethreshold.

“What’swrongwithyou?Whatareyoudoing?”Bonniewasgaspinginreturn.“Letgoofme.DoyouknowwhatIhadtodotogetmymothertoletmeoutofthehousetonight?ShewantstotakemetothehospitalatRoanoke.”

Meredithkickedthedoorshut.“Okay,”shesaidtoBonnie.“Now,you’regoingtosee

somethingthatwill…well,it’sgoingtobeashock.Butyoucan’tscream,doyouunderstandme?I’llletgoofyouifyoupromise.”

“It’stoodarktoseeanything,andyou’rescaringme.What’swrongwithyou,Meredith?Oh,allright,Ipromise,butwhatareyoutalking–“

“Elena,”saidMeredith.Elenatookitasaninvitationandsteppedforward.

Bonnie’sreactionwasn’twhatsheexpected.Shefrownedandleanedforward,peeringinthedimlight.WhenshesawElena’sform,shegasped.Butthen,asshestaredatElena’sface,sheclappedherhandstogetherwithashriekofjoy.

“Iknewit!Iknewtheywerewrong!Sothere,Meredith–andyouandStefanthoughtyouknewsomuchaboutdrowningandallthat.ButIknewyouwerewrong!Oh,Elena,Imissedyou!Everyone’sgoingtobeso–“

“Bequiet,Bonnie!Bequiet!”Meredithsaidurgently.“Itoldyounottoscream.Listen,youidiot,doyouthinkifElenawerereallyallrightshe’dbehereinthemiddleofthenightwithoutanybodyknowingaboutit?”

“Butsheisallright;lookather.She’sstandingthere.Itisyou,isn’tit,Elena?”Bonniestartedtowardher,butMeredithgrabbedheragain.

“Yes,it’sme.”Elenahadthestrangefeelingshe’dwanderedintoasurrealcomedy,maybeonewrittenbyKafka,onlyshedidn’tknowherlines.Shedidn’tknowwhattosaytoBonnie,whowaslookingrapturous.

“It’sme,but…I’mnotexactlyallright,”shesaidawkwardly,sittingdownagain.MeredithnudgedBonnietositdownonthebed.

“Whatareyoutwobeingsomysteriousfor?She’shere,butshe’snotallright.What’sthatsupposedtomean?”

Elenadidn’tknowwhethertolaughorcry.“Look,Bonnie…oh,Idon’tknowhowtosaythis.Bonnie,didyourpsychicgrandmotherevertalktoyouaboutvampires?”Silencefell,heavyasanax.Theminutestickedby.Impossibly,Bonnie’seyeswidenedstillfurther;then,theyslidtowardMeredith.Therewereseveralmoreminutesofsilence,andthenBonnieshiftedherweighttowardthedoor.“Uh,look,youguys,”shesaidsoftly,“thisisgettingreallyweird.Imean,really,really,really…”

Elenacastaboutinhermind.“Youcanlookatmyteeth,”shesaid.Shepulledherupperlipback,pokingatacaninewithherfinger.Shefeltthereflexivelengtheningandsharpening,likeacat’sclawlazilyextending.

Meredithcameforwardandlookedandthenlookedawayquickly.“Igetthepoint,”shesaid,butinhervoicetherewasnoneoftheoldwrypleasureinherownwit.“Bonnie,look,”shesaid.

Alltheelation,alltheexcitementhaddrainedoutofBonnie.Shelookedasifsheweregoingtobesick.“No.Idon’twantto.”

“Youhaveto.Youhavetobelieveit,orwe’llnevergetanywhere.”MeredithgrappledastiffandresistingBonnieforward.“Openyoureyes,youlittletwit.You’retheonewholovesallthissupernaturalstuff.”

“I’vechangedmymind,”Bonniesaid,almostsobbing.Therewasgenuinehysteriainhertone.“Leavemealone,Meredith;Idon’twanttolook.”Shewrenchedherselfaway.“Youdon’thaveto,”Elenawhispered,stunned.Dismaypooledinsideher,andtearsfloodedhereyes.“Thiswasabadidea,Meredith.I’llgoaway.”

“No.Oh,don’t.”Bonnieturnedbackasquicklyasshe’dwhirledawayandprecipitatedherselfintoElena’sarms.“I’msorry,Elena;I’msorry.Idon’tcarewhatyouare;I’mjustgladyou’reback.It’sbeenterriblewithoutyou.”Shewassobbingnowinearnest.Thetearsthatwouldn’tcomewhenElenahadbeenwithStefancamenow.Shecried,holdingontoBonnie,feelingMeredith’sarmsgoaroundbothofthem.Theywereallcrying–Meredithsilently,Bonnienoisily,andElenaherselfwithpassionateintensity.Shefeltasifshewerecryingforeverythingthathadhappenedtoher,foreverythingshehadlost,forallthelonelinessandthefearandthepain.

Eventually,theyallendedupsittingonthefloor,kneetoknee,thewaytheyhadwhentheywerekidsatasleepovermakingsecretplans.

“You’resobrave,”BonniesaidtoElena,sniffling.“Idon’tseehowyoucanbesobraveaboutit.”

“Youdon’tknowhowI’mfeelinginside.I’mnotbraveatall.ButI’vegottodealwithitsomehow,becauseIdon’tknowwhatelsetodo.”

“Yourhandsaren’tcold.”MeredithsqueezedElena’sfingers.“Justsortofcool.Ithoughtthey’dbecolder.”

“Stefan’shandsaren’tcoldeither,”Elenasaid,andshewasabouttogoon,butBonniesqueaked:“Stefan?”MeredithandElenalookedather.

“Besensible,Bonnie.Youdon’tgettobeavampirebyyourself.Somebodyhastomakeyouone.”

“ButyoumeanStefan…?Youmeanhe’sa…?”Bonnie’svoicechokedoff.

“Ithink,”saidMeredith,“thatmaybethisisthetimetotellusthewholestory,Elena.Likeallthoseminordetailsyouleftoutthelasttimeweaskedyouforthewholestory.”Elenanodded.“You’reright.It’shardtoexplain,butI’lltry.”Shetookadeepbreath.“Bonnie,doyourememberthefirstdayofschool?ItwasthefirsttimeIeverheardyoumakeaprophecy.YoulookedintomypalmandsaidI’dmeetaboy,adarkboy,astranger.Andthathewasn’ttallbutthathehadbeenonce.Well”–shelookedatBonnieandthenatMeredith–“Stefan’snotreallytallnow.Buthewasonce…comparedtootherpeopleinthefifteenthcentury.”

Meredithnodded,butBonniemadeafaintsoundandswayedbackward,lookingshell-shocked.“Youmean–“

“ImeanhelivedinRenaissanceItaly,andtheaveragepersonwasshorterthen.SoStefanlookedtallerbycomparison.And,wait,beforeyoupassout,here’ssomethingelseyoushouldknow.Damon’shisbrother.”

Meredithnoddedagain.“Ifiguredsomethinglikethat.ButthenwhyhasDamonbeensayinghe’sacollegestudent?”

“Theydon’tgetalongverywell.Foralongtime,Stefandidn’tevenknowDamonwasinFell’sChurch.”Elenafaltered.ShewasvergingonStefan’sprivatehistory,whichshe’dalwaysfeltwashissecrettotell.ButMeredithhadbeenright;itwastimetocomeoutwiththewholestory.“Listen,itwaslikethis,”shesaid.“StefanandDamonwerebothinlovewiththesamegirlbackinRenaissanceItaly.ShewasfromGermany,andhernamewasKatherine.ThereasonStefanwasavoidingmeatthebeginningofschoolwasthatIremindedhimofher;shehadblondhairandblueeyes,too.Oh,andthiswasherring.”ElenaletgoofMeredith’shandandshowedthemtheintricatelycarvedgoldencircletsetwithasinglestoneoflapislazuli.

“AndthethingwasthatKatherinewasavampire.AguynamedKlaushadmadeheronebackinhervillageinGermanytosaveherfromdyingofherlastillness.StefanandDamonbothknewthis,buttheydidn’tcare.Theyaskedhertochoosebetweenthemtheoneshewantedtomarry.”Elenastoppedandgavealopsidedsmile,thinkingthatMr.Tannerhadbeenright;historydidrepeatitself.Sheonlyhopedherstorydidn’tendlikeKatherine’s.“Butshechosebothofthem.Sheexchangedbloodwithbothofthem,andshesaidtheycouldallthreebecompanionsthrougheternity.”“Soundskinky,”murmuredBonnie.“Soundsdumb,”saidMeredith.

“Yougotit,”Elenatoldher.“Katherinewassweetbutnotverybright.StefanandDamonalreadydidn’tlikeeachother.Theytoldhershehadtochoose,thattheywouldn’teventhinkofsharingher.Andsheranoffcrying.Thenextday–well,theyfoundherbody,orwhatwasleftofit.See,avampireneedsatalismanlikethisringtogooutinthesunwithoutbeingkilled.AndKatherinewentoutinthesunandtookhersoff.Shethoughtifshewereoutoftheway,DamonandStefanwouldbereconciled.”“Oh,myGod,howro–“

“No,itisn’t,”ElenacutBonnieoffsavagely.“It’snotromanticatall.Stefan’sbeenlivingwiththeguilteversince,andIthinkDamonhas,too,althoughyou’dnevergethimtoadmitit.Andtheimmediateresultwasthattheygotacoupleofswordsandkilledeachother.Yes,killed.That’swhythey’revampiresnow,andthat’swhytheyhateeachothersomuch.Andthat’swhyI’mprobablycrazytryingtogetthemtocooperatenow.”

Seven

“Tocooperateatwhat?”Meredithasked.

“I’llexplainaboutthatlater.ButfirstIwanttoknowwhat’sbeengoingonintownsinceI–left.”

“Well,hysteriamostly,”Meredithsaid,raisinganeyebrow.“YourAuntJudith’sbeenprettybadlyoff.Shehallucinatedthatshesawyou–onlyitwasn’tahallucination,wasit?AndsheandRoberthavesortofbrokenup.”“Iknow,”Elenasaidgrimly.“Goon.”

“Everybodyatschoolisupset.IwantedtotalktoStefan,especiallywhenIbegantosuspectyouweren’treallydead,buthehasn’tbeenatschool.Matthasbeen,butthere’ssomethingwrongwithhim.Helookslikeazombie,andhewon’ttalktoanyone.Iwantedtoexplaintohimthattherewasachanceyoumightnotbegoneforever;Ithoughtthatwouldcheerhimup.Buthewouldn’tlisten.Hewasactingtotallyoutofcharacter,andatonepointIthoughthewasgoingtohitme.Hewouldn’tlistentoaword.”

“Oh,God–Matt.”SomethingterriblewasstirringatthebottomofElena’smind,somememorytoodisturbingtobeletloose.Shecouldn’tcopewithanythingmorejustnow,shecouldn’t,shethought,andslamdunkedthememorybackdown.

Meredithwasgoingon.“It’sclear,though,thatsomeotherpeoplearesuspiciousaboutyour‘death.’That’swhyIsaidwhatIdidinthememorialservice;IwasafraidifIsaidtherealdayandplacethatAlaricSaltzmanwouldendupambushingyououtsidethehouse.He’sbeenaskingallsortsofquestions,andit’sagoodthingBonniedidn’tknowanythingshecouldblab.”

“Thatisn’tfair,”Bonnieprotested.“Alaric’sjustinterested,that’sall,andhewantstohelpusthroughthetrauma,likebefore.He’sanAquarius–“

“He’saspy,”saidElena,“andmaybemorethanthat.Butwe’lltalkaboutthatlater.WhataboutTylerSmallwood?Ididn’tseehimattheservice.”Meredithlookednonplussed.“Youmeanyoudon’tknow?”

“Idon’tknowanything;I’vebeenasleepforfourdaysinanattic.”

“Well…”Meredithpauseduneasily.“Tylerjustgotbackfromthehospital.SamewithDickCarterandthosefourtoughguystheyhadalongwiththemonFounders’Day.They

wereattackedintheQuonsethutthateveningandtheylostalotofblood.”

“Oh.”ThemysteryofwhyStefan’sPowershadbeensomuchstrongerthatnightwasexplained.Andwhythey’dbeengettingweakereversince.Heprobablyhadn’teatensincethen.“Meredith,isStefanasuspect?”

“Well,Tyler’sfathertriedtomakehimone,butthepolicecouldn’tmakethetimesworkout.TheyknowapproximatelywhenTylerwasattackedbecausehewassupposedtomeetMr.Smallwood,andhedidn’tshowup.AndBonnieandIcanalibiStefanforthattimebecausewe’djustlefthimbytheriverwithyourbody.Sohecouldn’thavegottenbacktotheQuonsethuttoattackTyler–atleastnonormalhumancould.Andsofarthepolicearen’tthinkingaboutanythingsupernatural.”

“Isee.”Elenafeltrelievedonthatscoreatleast.

“Tylerandthoseguyscan’tidentifytheattackerbecausetheycan’trememberathingaboutthatafternoon,”Meredithadded.“NeithercanCaroline.”“Carolinewasinthere?”

“Yes,butshewasn’tbitten.Justinshock.Inspiteofeverythingshe’sdone,Ialmostfeelsorryforher.”Meredithshruggedandadded,“Shelooksprettypatheticthesedays.”“AndIdon’tthinkanyonewilleversuspectStefanafterwhathappenedwiththosedogsatchurchtoday,”Bonnieputin.“MydadsaysthatabigdogcouldhavebrokenthewindowintheQuonsethut,andthewoundsinTyler’sthroatlookedsortoflikeanimalwounds.Ithinkalotofpeoplebelieveitwasadogorapackofdogsthatdidit.”“It’saconvenientexplanation,”Meredithsaiddryly.“Itmeanstheydon’thavetothinkanymoreaboutit.”

“Butthat’sridiculous,”saidElena.“Normaldogsdon’tbehavethatway.Aren’tpeoplewonderingaboutwhytheirdogswouldsuddenlygomadandturnonthem?”

“Lotsofpeoplearejustgettingridofthem.Oh,andIheardsomeonetalkaboutmandatoryrabiestesting,”Meredithsaid.“Butit’snotjustrabies,isit,Elena?”“No,Idon’tthinkso.AndneitherdoStefanorDamon.Andthat’swhatIcameovertotalktoyouabout.”Elenaexplained,asclearlyasshecould,whatshehadbeenthinkingabouttheOtherPowerinFell’sChurch.Shetoldabouttheforcethathadchasedheroffthebridgeandaboutthefeelingshe’dhadwiththedogsandabouteverythingsheandStefanandDamonhaddiscussed.Shefinishedwith,“AndBonniesaiditherselfinchurchtoday:‘Somethingevil.’Ithinkthat’swhat’shereinFell’sChurch,somethingnobodyknowsabout,somethingcompletelyevil.Idon’tsupposeyouknowwhatyoumeantbythat,Bonnie.”

ButBonnie’smindwasrunningonanothertrack.“SoDamondidn’tnecessarilydoallthoseawfulthingsyousaidhedid,”shesaidshrewdly.“LikekillingYangtzeandhurtingVickieandmurderingMr.Tanner,andall.Itoldyounobodythatgorgeouscouldbeapsychokiller.”

“Ithink,”saidMeredithwithaglanceatElena,“thatyouhadbetterforgetaboutDamonasaloveinterest.”

“Yes,”saidElenaemphatically.“HedidkillMr.Tanner,Bonnie.Anditstandstoreasonhedidtheotherattacks,too;I’llaskhimaboutthat.AndI’mhavingenoughtroubledealingwithhimmyself.Youdon’twanttomesswithhim,Bonnie,believeme.”“I’msupposedtoleaveDamonalone;I’msupposedtoleaveAlaricalone…Arethereanyguys

I’mnotsupposedtoleavealone?AndmeanwhileElenagetsthemall.It’snotfair.”

“Lifeisn’tfair,”Meredithtoldhercallously.“Butlisten,Elena,evenifthisOtherPowerexists,whatsortofpowerdoyouthinkitis?Whatdoesitlooklike?”

“Idon’tknow.Somethingtremendouslystrong–butitcouldbeshieldingitselfsothatwecan’tsenseit.Itcouldlooklikeanordinaryperson.Andthat’swhyIcameforyour

help,becauseitcouldbeanybodyinFell’sChurch.It’slikewhatBonniesaidduringtheservicetoday:‘Nobodyiswhattheyseem.’“Bonnielookedforlorn.“Idon’tremembersayingthat.”

“Yousaidit,allright.‘Nobodyiswhattheyseem,’”Elenaquotedagainweightily.“Nobody.”SheglancedatMeredith,butthedarkeyesundertheelegantlyarchedeyebrowswerecalmanddistant.

“Well,thatwouldseemtomakeeverybodyasuspect,”Meredithsaidinhermostunruffledvoice.“Right?”

“Right,”saidElena.“Butwe’dbettergetanotepadandpencilandmakealistofthemostimportantones.DamonandStefanhavealreadyagreedtohelpinvestigate,andifyou’llhelp,too,we’llstandanevenbetterchanceoffindingit.”Shewashittingherstridewiththis;she’dalwaysbeengoodatorganizingthings,fromschemestogetboystofundraisingevents.ThiswasjustamoreseriousversionoftheoldplanAandplanB.MeredithgavethepencilandpapertoBonnie,wholookedatit.andthenatMeredith,andthenatElena.“Fine,”shesaid,“butwhogoesonthelist?”

“Well,anyonewehavereasontosuspectofbeingtheOtherPower.Anyonewhomighthavedonethethingsweknowitdid:sealStefaninthewell,chaseme,setthosedogsonpeople.Anyonewe’venoticedbehavingoddly.”

“Matt,”saidBonnie,writingbusily.“AndVickie.AndRobert.”“Bonnie!”exclaimedElenaandMeredithsimultaneously.

Bonnielookedup.“Well,Matthasbeenactingoddly,andsohasVickie,formonthsnow.AndRobertwashangingaroundoutsidethechurchbeforetheservice,buthenevercamein–“

“Oh,Bonnie,honestly,”Meredithsaid.“Vickie’savictim,notasuspect.AndifMatt’sanevilPower,I’mthehunchbackofNotreDame.AndasforRobert–“

“Fine,I’vecrosseditallout,”saidBonniecoldly.“Nowlet’shearyourideas.”

“No,wait,”Elenasaid.“Bonnie,waitamoment.”Shewasthinkingaboutsomething,somethingthathadbeennaggingatherforquiteawhile,eversince–“Eversincethechurch,”shesaidaloud,rememberingit.“Doyouknow,IsawRobertoutsidethechurch,too,whenIwashiddeninthechoirloft.Itwasjustbeforethedogsattacked,andhewassortofbackingawaylikeheknewwhatwasgoingtohappen.”“Oh,butElena–“

“No,listen,Meredith.AndIsawhimbefore,onSaturdaynight,withAuntJudith.Whenshetoldhimshewouldn’tmarryhimtherewassomethinginhisface…Idon’tknow.ButIthinkyou’dbetterputhimbackonthelist,Bonnie.”

Soberly,afteramoment’shesitation,Bonniedid.“Whoelse?”shesaid.

“Well,Alaric,I’mafraid,”Elenasaid.“I’msorry,Bonnie,buthe’spracticallynumberone.”ShetoldwhatshehadoverheardthatmorningbetweenAlaricandtheprincipal.“Heisn’tanormalhistoryteacher;theycalledhimhereforsomereason.HeknowsI’mavampire,andhe’slookingforme.Andtoday,whilethedogswereattacking,hewasstandingthereonthesidelinesmakingsomekindofweirdgestures.He’sdefinitelynotwhatheseems,andtheonlyquestionis:whatishe?Areyoulistening,Meredith?”“Yes.Youknow,IthinkyoushouldputMrs.Flowersonthatlist.Rememberthewayshestoodatthewindowoftheboarding-housewhenwewerebringingStefanbackfromthewell?Butshewouldn’tcomedownstairstoopenthedoorforus?That’soddbehavior.”

Elenanodded.“Yes,andhowshekepthanginguponmewhenIcalledhim.Andshecertainlykeepstoherselfinthatoldhouse.Shemayjustbeadottyoldlady,butputherdownanyway,Bonnie.”Sheranahandthroughherhair,liftingitoffthebackofherneck.Shewashot.Or–nothotexactly,butuncomfortableinsomewaythatwassimilartobeingoverheated.Shefeltparched.

“Allright,we’llgobytheboardinghousetomorrowbeforeschool,”Meredithsaid.“Meanwhile,whatelsecanwebedoing?Let’shavealookatthatlist,Bonnie.”Bonnieheldthelistoutsotheycouldseeit,andElenaandMeredithleanedforwardandread:

MattHoneycutt

VickieBennett

RobertMaxwell–Whatwashedoingatthechurchwhenthedogsattacked?AndwhatwasgoingonthatnightwithElena’saunt?

AlaricSaltzman–Whydoesheasksomanyquestions?WhatwashecalledtoFell’sChurchtodo?Mrs.Flowers–Whydoessheactsostrange?Whydidn’tsheletusinthenightStefanwaswounded?

“Good,”Elenasaid.“Iguesswecouldalsofindoutwhosedogswereatthechurchtoday.AndyoucanwatchAlaricatschooltomorrow.”

“I’llwatchAlaric,”Bonniesaidfirmly.“AndI’llgethimclearedofsuspicion;youseeifIdon’t.”

“Fine,youdothat.Youcanbeassignedtohim.AndMeredithcaninvestigateMrs.Flowers,andIcantakeRobert.AndasforStefanandDamon–well,theycanbeassignedtoeveryone,becausetheycanusetheirPowerstoprobepeople’sminds.Besides,thatlistisbynomeanscomplete.I’mgoingtoaskthemtoscoutaroundtownsearchingforanysignsofPower,oranythingelseweirdgoingon.They’remorelikelythanIamtorecognizeit.”

Sittingback,Elenawetherlipsabsently.Shewasparched.Shenoticedsomethingshe’dnevernoticedbefore:thefinetraceryofveinsonBonnie’sinnerwrist.Bonniewasstillholdingthenotepadout,andtheskinofherwristwassotranslucentthatthetealblueveinsshowedclearlythrough.Elenawishedshe’dlistenedwhenthey’dstudied

humananatomyatschool;nowwhatwasthenameforthisvein,thebigonethatbranchedlikeaforkinatree…?“Elena.Elena!”

Startled,Elenalookedup,toseeMeredith’swarydarkeyesandBonnie’salarmedexpression.ItwasonlythenthatsherealizedshewascrouchedclosetoBonnie’swrist,rubbingthebiggestveinwithherfinger.

“Sorry,”shemurmured,sittingback.Butshecouldfeeltheextralengthandsharpnessofhercanineteeth.Itwassomethinglikewearingbraces;shecouldclearlyfeelthedifferenceinweight.SherealizedherreassuringsmileatBonniewasnothavingthedesiredeffect.Bonniewaslookingscared,whichwassilly.BonnieoughttoknowthatElenawouldneverhurther.AndElenawasn’tveryhungrytonight;Elenahadalwaysbeenalighteater.Shecouldgetallsheneededfromthistinyveinhereinthewrist…Elenajumpedtoherfeetandspuntowardthewindow,leaningagainstthecasing,feelingthecoolnightairblowingonherskin.Shefeltdizzy,andshecouldn’tseemtogetherbreath.

Whathadshebeendoing?SheturnedaroundtoseeBonniehuddledclosetoMeredith,bothofthemlookingsickwithfear.Shehatedhavingthemlookatherthatway.

“I’msorry,”shesaid.“Ididn’tmeanto,Bonnie.Look,I’mnotcominganycloser.IshouldhaveeatenbeforeIcamehere.DamonsaidI’dgethungrylater.”Bonnieswallowed,lookingevensicker.“Eaten?”

“Yes,ofcourse,”Elenasaidtartly.Herveinswereburning;thatwaswhatthisfeelingwas.Stefanhaddescribeditbefore,butshe’dneverreallyunderstood;she’dneverrealizedwhathewasgoingthroughwhentheneedforbloodwasonhim.Itwasterrible,irresistible.“WhatdoyouthinkIeatthesedays,air?”sheaddeddefiantly.“I’mahunternow,andI’dbettergoouthunting.”

BonnieandMeredithweretryingtocope;shecouldtelltheywere,butshecouldalsoseetherevulsionintheireyes.Sheconcentratedonusinghernewsenses,inopeningherselftothenightandsearchingforStefan’sorDamon’spresence.Itwasdifficult,becauseneitherofthemwasprojectingwithhismindashehadbeenthenightthey’dbeenfightinginthewoods,butshethoughtshecouldsenseaglimmerofPoweroutthereinthetown.

Butshehadnowaytocommunicatewithit,andfrustrationmadethescorchinginherveinsevenworse.She’djustdecidedthatshemighthavetogowithoutthemwhenthecurtainswhippedbackintoherface,flappinginaburstofwind.Bonnielurchedupwithagasp,knockingthereadinglampoffthenight-standandplungingtheroomintodarkness.Cursing,Meredithworkedtogetitrightedagain.Thecurtainsflutteredmadlyintheflickeringlightthatemerged,andBonnieseemedtobetryingtoscream.

Whenthebulbwasfinallyscrewedbackin,itrevealedDamonsittingcasuallybutprecariouslyonthesilloftheopenwindow,onekneeup.Hewassmilingoneofhiswildestsmiles.“Doyoumind?”hesaid.“Thisisuncomfortable.”

ElenaglancedbackatBonnieandMeredith,whowerebracedagainstthecloset,lookinghorrifiedandhypnotizedatonce.Sheherselfshookherhead,exasperated.“AndIthoughtIlikedtomakeadramaticentrance,”shesaid.“Veryfunny,Damon.Nowlet’sgo.”

“Withtwosuchbeautifulfriendsofyoursrighthere?”DamonsmiledagainatBonnieandMeredith.“Besides,Ionlyjustgothere.Won’tsomebodybepoliteandaskmein?”Bonnie’sbrowneyes,fixedhelplesslyonhisface,softenedabit.Herlips,whichhadbeenpartedinhorror,partedfurther.Elenarecognizedthesignsofimminentmeltdown.“No,theywon’t,”shesaid.SheputherselfdirectlybetweenDamonandtheothergirls.“Nobodyhereisforyou,Damon–notnow,notever.”Seeingtheflareofchallengeinhiseyes,sheaddedarchly,“Andanyway,I’mleaving.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butI’mgoinghunting.”ShewasreassuredtosenseStefan’spresencenearby,ontheroofprobably,andtohearhisinstantamendment:We’regoinghunting,Damon.Youcansitthereallnightifyouwant.

Damongaveinwithgoodgrace,shootingonelastamusedglancetowardBonniebeforedisappearingfromthewindow.BonnieandMeredithbothstartedforwardinalarmashedid,obviouslyconcernedthathehadjustfallentohisdeath.

“He’sfine,”saidElena,shakingherheadagain.“Anddon’tworry,Iwon’tlethimcomeback.I’llmeetyouatthesametimetomorrow.Good-bye.”

“But–Elena–”Meredithstopped.“Imean,Iwasgoingtoaskyouifyouwantedtochangeyourclothes.”

Elenaregardedherself.Thenineteenth-centuryheirloomdresswastatteredandbedraggled,thethinwhitemuslinshreddedinsomeplaces.Buttherewasnotimetochangeit;shehadtofeednow.

“It’llhavetowait,”shesaid.“Seeyoutomorrow.”AndsheboostedherselfoutofthewindowthewayDamonhad.Thelastshesawofthem,MeredithandBonniewerestaringafterherdazedly.

Shewasgettingbetteratlandings;thistimeshedidn’tbruiseherknees.Stefanwasthere,andhewrappedsomethingdarkandwarmaroundher.

“Yourcloak,”shesaid,pleased.Foramomenttheysmiledateachother,rememberingthefirsttimehehadgivenherthecloak,afterhe’dsavedherfromTylerinthegraveyardandtakenherbacktohisroomtocleanup.He’dbeenafraidtotouchherthen.But,Elenathought,smilingupintohiseyes,shehadtakencareofthatfearratherquickly.“Ithoughtwewerehunting,”Damonsaid.

Elenaturnedthesmileonhim,withoutunlinkingherhandfromStefan’s.“Weare,”shesaid.“Whereshouldwego?”

“Anyhouseonthisstreet,”Damonsuggested.“Thewoods,”Stefansaid.

“Thewoods,”Elenadecided.“Wedon’ttouchhumans,andwedon’tkill.Isn’tthathowitgoes,Stefan?”

Hereturnedthepressureofherfingers.“That’showitgoes,”hesaidquietly.

Damon’slipcurledfastidiously.“Andjustwhatarewelookingforinthewoods,ordon’tIwanttoknow?Muskrat?Skunk?Termites?”HiseyesmovedtoElenaandhisvoicedropped.“Comewithme,andI’llshowyousomerealhunting.”“Wecangothroughthegraveyard,”Elenasaid,ignoringhim.

“White-taileddeerfeedallnightintheopenareas,”Stefantoldher,“butwe’llhavetobecarefulstalkingthem;theycanhearalmostaswellaswecan.”Anothertime,then,Damon’svoicesaidinElena’smind.

Eight

“Who–?Oh,it’syou!”Bonniesaid,startingatthetouchonherelbow.“Youscaredme.Ididn’thearyoucomeup.”

He’dhavetobemorecareful,Stefanrealized.Inthefewdayshe’dbeenawayfromschool,he’dgottenoutofthehabitofwalkingandmovinglikeahumanandfallenbackintothenoiseless,perfectlycontrolledstrideofthehunter.“Sorry,”hesaid,astheywalkedsidebysidedownthecorridor.

“S’okay,”saidBonniewithabraveattemptatnonchalance.Butherbrowneyeswerewideandratherfixed.“Sowhatareyoudoingheretoday?MeredithandIcamebytheboardinghousethismorningtocheckonMrs.Flowers,butnobodyansweredthedoor.AndIdidn’tseeyouinbiology.”

“Icamethisafternoon.I’mbackatschool.Foraslongasittakestofindwhatwe’relookingforanyway.”

“TospyonAlaric,youmean,”Bonniemuttered.“ItoldElenayesterdayjusttoleavehimtome.Oops,”sheadded,asacoupleofpassingjuniorsstaredather.SherolledhereyesatStefan.Bymutualconsent,theyturnedoffintoasidecorridorandmadeforanemptystairwell.Bonnieleanedagainstthewallwithagroanofrelief.

“I’vegottoremembernottosayhername,”shesaidpathetically,“butit’ssohard.MymotheraskedmehowIfeltthismorningandIalmosttoldher,‘fine,’sinceIsawElenalastnight.Idon’tknowhowyoutwokept–youknowwhat–asecretsolong.”Stefanfeltagrintuggingathislipsinspiteofhimself.Bonniewaslikeasix-week-oldkitten,allcharmandnoinhibitions.Shealwayssaidexactlywhatshewasthinkingatthemoment,evenifitcompletelycontradictedwhatshe’djustsaidthemomentbefore,buteverythingshedidcamefromtheheart.“You’restandinginadesertedhallwaywithayouknowwhatrightnow,”heremindedherdevilishly.

“Ohhh.”Hereyeswidenedagain.“Butyouwouldn’t,wouldyou?”sheadded,relieved.“BecauseElenawouldkillyou…Oh,dear.”Searchingforanothertopic,shegulpedandsaid,“So–sohowdidthingsgolastnight?”

Stefan’smooddarkenedimmediately.“Notsogood.Oh,Elena’sallright;she’ssleepingsafely.”Beforehecouldgoon,hisearspickedupfootfallsattheendofthecorridor.Threeseniorgirlswerepassingby,andonebrokeawayfromthegroupatthesightofStefanandBonnie.SueCarson’sfacewaspaleandhereyeswerered-rimmed,butshesmiledatthem.Bonniewasfullofconcern.“Sue,howareyou?How’sDoug?”

“I’mokay.He’sokay,too,oratleasthe’sgoingtobe.Stefan,Iwantedtotalktoyou,”she

addedinarush.“IknowmydadthankedyouyesterdayforhelpingDougthewayyoudid,butIwantedtothankyou,too.Imean,Iknowthatpeopleintownhavebeenprettyhorribletoyouand–well,I’mjustsurprisedyoucaredenoughtohelpatall.ButI’mglad.MymomsaysyousavedDoug’slife.Andso,Ijustwantedtothankyou,andtosayI’msorry–abouteverything.”

Hervoicewasshakingbytheendofthespeech.Bonniesniffedandgropedinherbackpackforatissue,andforamomentitlookedasifStefanwasgoingtobecaughtonthestairwellwithtwosobbingfemales.Dismayed,herackedhisbrainsforadistraction.“That’sallright,”hesaid.“How’sChelseatoday?”

“She’satthepound.They’reholdingthedogsinquarantinethere,alltheonestheycouldroundup.”Sueblottedhereyesandstraightened,andStefanrelaxed,seeingthatthedangerwasover.Anawkwardsilencedescended.

“Well,”saidBonnietoSueatlast,“haveyouheardwhattheschoolboarddecidedabouttheSnowDance?”

“Iheardtheymetthismorningandthey’veprettymuchdecidedtoletushaveit.Somebodysaidtheyweretalkingaboutapoliceguard,though.Oh,there’sthelatebell.We’dbettergettohistorybeforeAlarichandsusalldemerits.”

“We’recominginaminute,”Stefansaid.Headdedcasually,“WhenisthisSnowDance?”

“It’sthethirteenth;Fridaynight,youknow,”Suesaid,andthenwinced.“OhmyGod,Fridaythethirteenth.Ididn’teventhinkaboutthat.ButitremindsmethattherewasoneotherthingIwantedtotellyou.ThismorningItookmynameoutoftherunningforsnowqueen.It–itjustseemedright,somehow.That’sall.”Suehurriedaway,almostrunning.Stefan’smindwasracing.“Bonnie,whatisthisSnowDance?”

“Well,it’stheChristmasdancereally,onlywehaveasnowqueeninsteadofaChristmasqueen.AfterwhathappenedatFounders’Day,theywerethinkingofcancelingit,andthenwiththedogsyesterday–butitsoundslikethey’regoingtohaveitafterall.”“OnFridaythethirteenth,”Stefansaidgrimly.

“Yes.”Bonniewaslookingscaredagain,makingherselfsmallandinconspicuous.“Stefan,don’tlookthatway;you’refrighteningme.What’swrong?Whatdoyouthinkwillhappenatthedance?”

“Idon’tknow.”Butsomethingwould,Stefanwasthinking.Fell’sChurchhadn’thadonepubliccelebrationthathadescapedbeingvisitedbytheOtherPower,andthiswouldprobablybethelastfestivityoftheyear.Buttherewasnopointintalkingaboutitnow.“Comeon,”hesaid.“We’rereallylate.”

Hewasright.AlaricSaltzmanwasatthechalkboardwhentheywalkedin,ashehadbeenthefirstdayhe’dappearedinthehistoryclassroom.Ifhewassurprisedatseeingthemlate,oratall,hecovereditfaultlessly,givingoneofhisfriendliestsmiles.Soyou’retheonewho’shuntingthehunter,Stefanthought,takinghisseatandstudyingthemanbeforehim.Butareyouanythingmorethanthat?Elena’sOtherPowermaybe?

Onthefaceofit,nothingseemedmoreunlikely.Alaric’ssandyhair,wornjustalittletoolongforateacher,hisboyishsmile,hisstubborncheerfulness,allcontributedtoan

impressionofharmlessness.ButStefanhadbeenwaryfromthebeginningofwhatwasunderthatinoffensiveexterior.Still,itdidn’tseemverylikelythatAlaricSaltzmanwasbehindtheattackonElenaortheincidentwiththedogs.Nodisguisecouldbethatperfect.

Elena.Stefan’shandclenchedunderhisdesk,andaslowachewokeinhischest.Hehadn’tmeanttothinkabouther.Theonlywayhehadgottenthroughthelastfivedayswasbykeepingherattheedgeofhismind,notlettingherimageanycloser.Butthenofcoursetheeffortofholdingherawayatasafedistancetookupmostofhistimeandenergy.Andthiswastheworstplaceofalltobe,inaclassroomwherehecouldn’tcarelessaboutwhatwasbeingtaught.Therewasnothingtodobutthinkhere.

Hemadehimselfbreatheslowly,calmly.Shewaswell;thatwastheimportantthing.Nothingelsereallymattered.Butevenashetoldhimselfthis,jealousybitintohimlikethethongsofawhip.BecausewheneverhethoughtaboutElenanow,hehadtothinkabouthim.

AboutDamon,whowasfreetocomeandgoasheliked.WhomightevenbewithElenathisminute.

AngerburnedinStefan’smind,brightandcold,minglingwiththehotacheinhischest.Hestillwasn’tconvincedthatDamonwasn’ttheonewhohadcasuallythrownhim,bleedingandunconscious,intoanabandonedwellshafttodie.AndhewouldtakeElena’sideaabouttheOtherPowermuchmoreseriouslyifhewascompletelysurethatDamonhadn’tchasedElenatoherdeath.Damonwasevil;hehadnomercyandnoscruples…

Andwhat’shedonethatIhaven’tdone?Stefanaskedhimselfheavily,forthehundredthtime.Nothing.Exceptkill.

Stefanhadtriedtokill.He’dmeanttokillTyler.Atthememory,thecoldfireofhisangertowardDamonwasdoused,andheglancedinsteadtowardadeskatthebackoftheroom.

Itwasempty.ThoughTylerhadgottenoutofthehospitalthedaybefore,hehadn’treturnedtoschool.Still,thereshouldbenodangerofhisrememberinganythingfromthatgrislyafternoon.Thesubliminalsuggestiontoforgetshouldholdforquiteawhile,aslongasnoonemessedwithTyler’smind.

HesuddenlybecameawarethathewasstaringatTyler’semptydeskwithnarrow,broodingeyes.Ashelookedaway,hecaughttheglanceofsomeonewho’dbeenwatchinghimdoit.

Mattturnedquicklyandbentoverhishistorybook,butnotbeforeStefansawhisexpression.

Don’tthinkaboutit.Don’tthinkaboutanything,Stefantoldhimself,andhetriedtoconcentrateonAlaricSaltzman’slectureabouttheWarsoftheRoses.

December5–Idon’tknowwhattime,probablyearlyafternoon.

DearDiary,

Damongotyoubackformethismorning.Stefansaidhedidn’twantmegoingintoAlaric’satticagain.ThisisStefan’spenI’musing.Idon’townanythinganymore,orat

leastIcan’tgetatanyofmyownthings,andmostofthemAuntJudithwouldmissifItookthem.I’msittingrightnowinabarnbehindtheboardinghouse.Ican’tgowherepeoplesleep,youknow,unlessI’vebeeninvitedin.Iguessanimalsdon’tcount,becausetherearesomeratssleepinghereunderthehayandanowlintherafters.Atthemoment,we’reignoringeachother.I’mtryingveryhardnottohavehysterics.

Ithoughtwritingmighthelp.Somethingnormal,somethingfamiliar.Exceptthatnothinginmylifeisnormalanymore.

DamonsaysI’llgetusedtoitfasterifIthrowmyoldlifeawayandembracethenewone.Heseemstothinkit’sinevitablethatIturnoutlikehim.HesaysIwasborntobeahunterandthere’snopointindoingthingshalfway.

Ihuntedadeerlastnight.Astag,becauseitwasmakingthemostnoise,clashingitsantlersagainsttreebranches,challengingothermales.Idrankitsblood.

WhenIlookoverthisdiary,allIcanseeisthatIwassearchingforsomething,forsomeplacetobelong.Butthisisn’tit.Thisnewlifeisn’tit.I’mafraidofwhatI’llbecomeifIdostarttobelonghere.Oh,God,I’mfrightened.

Thebarnowlisalmostpurewhite,especiallywhenitspreadsitswingssoyoucanseetheunderside.Fromthebackitlooksmoregold.Ithasjustalittlegoldaroundtheface.It’sstaringatmerightnowbecauseI’mmakingnoises,tryingnottocry.It’sfunnythatIcanstillcry.Iguessit’switchesthatcan’t.

It’sstartedsnowingoutside.I’mpullingmycloakuparoundme.

Elenatuckedthelittlebookclosetoherbodyanddrewthesoftdarkvelvetofthecloakuptoherchin.Thebarnwasutterlysilent,exceptfortheminutebreathingoftheanimalsthatsleptthere.Outsidethesnowdrifteddownjustassoundlessly,blanketingtheworldinmufflingstillness.Elenastaredatitwithunseeingeyes,scarcelynoticingthetearsthatrandownhercheeks.

“AndcouldBonnieMcCulloughandCarolineForbespleasestayafterclassamoment,”Alaricsaidasthelastbellrang.

Stefanfrowned,afrownthatdeepenedashesawVickieBennetthoveringoutsidetheopendoorofthehistoryroom,hereyesshyandfrightened.“I’llberightoutside,”hesaidmeaningfullytoBonnie,whonodded.Headdedawarningliftofhiseyebrows,andsherespondedwithavirtuouslook.CatchmesayinganythingI’mnotsupposedto,thelooksaid.Goingout,Stefanonlyhopedshecouldsticktoit.

VickieBennettwasenteringasheexited,andhehadtostepoutofherway.ButthattookhimrightintothepathofMatt,who’dcomeouttheotherdoorandwastryingtogetdownthecorridorasfastaspossible.Stefangrabbedhisarmwithoutthinking.“Matt,wait.”

“Letgoofme.”Matt’sfistcameup.Helookedatitinapparentsurprise,asifnotsurewhatheshouldbesomadabout.ButeverymuscleinhisbodywasfightingStefan’sgrip.“Ijustwanttotalktoyou.Justforaminute,allright?”

“Idon’thaveaminute,”Mattsaid,andatlasthiseyes,alighter,lesscomplicatedbluethanElena’s,metStefan’s.ButtherewasablanknessinthedepthsofthemthatremindedStefanofthelookofsomeonewho’dbeenhypnotized,orwhowasundertheinfluenceofsomePower.

OnlyitwasnoPowerexceptMatt’sownmind,herealizedabruptly.Thiswaswhatthehumanbraindidtoitselfwhenfacedwithsomethingitsimplycouldn’tdealwith.Matthadshutdown,turnedoff.Testing,Stefansaid,“AboutwhathappenedSaturdaynight–“

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.Look,IsaidIhadtogo,damnit.”DenialwaslikeafortressbehindMatt’seyes.ButStefanhadtotryagain.

“Idon’tblameyouforbeingmad.IfIwereyou,I’dbefurious.AndIknowwhatit’slikenottowanttothink,especiallywhenthinkingcandriveyoucrazy.”Mattwasshakinghishead,andStefanlookedaroundthehallway.Itwasalmostempty,anddesperationmadehimwillingtotakearisk.Heloweredhisvoice.“Butmaybeyou’datleastliketoknowthatElena’sawake,andshe’smuch–“

“Elena’sdead!”Mattshouted,drawingtheattentionofeveryoneinthecorridor.“AndItoldyoutoletgoofme!”headded,obliviousoftheiraudience,andshovedStefanhard.ItwassounexpectedthatStefanstumbledbackagainstthelockers,almostendingupsprawledontheground.HestaredatMatt,butMattneverevenglancedbackashetookoffdownthehallway.

StefanspenttherestofthetimeuntilBonnieemergedjuststaringatthewall.TherewasapostertherefortheSnowDance,andhekneweveryinchofitbythetimethegirlscameout.

DespiteeverythingCarolinehadtriedtodotohimandElena,Stefanfoundhecouldn’tsummonupanyhatredofher.Herauburnhairlookedfaded,herfacepinched.Insteadofbeingwillowy,herposturejustlookedwilted,hethought,watchinghergo.

“Everythingokay?”hesaidtoBonnie,astheyfellintostepwitheachother.

“Yes,ofcourse.Alaricjustknowswethree–Vickie,Caroline,andI–havebeenthroughalot,andhewantsustoknowthathesupportsus,”Bonniesaid,butevenherdoggedoptimismaboutthehistoryteachersoundedalittleforced.“Noneofustoldhimaboutanything,though.He’shavinganotherget-togetherathishousenextweek,”sheaddedbrightly.

Wonderful,thoughtStefan.Normallyhemighthavesaidsomethingaboutit,butatthatmomenthewasdistracted.“There’sMeredith,”hesaid.

“Shemustbewaitingforus–no,she’sgoingdownthehistorywing,”Bonniesaid.“That’sfunny,ItoldherI’dmeetherouthere.”

Itwasmorethanfunny,thoughtStefan.He’dcaughtonlyaglimpseofherassheturnedthecorner,butthatglimpsestuckinhismind.TheexpressiononMeredith’sfacehadbeencalculating,watchful,andherstephadbeenstealthy.Asifsheweretryingtodosomethingwithoutbeingseen.

“She’llcomebackinaminutewhensheseeswe’renotdownthere,”Bonniesaid,butMeredithdidn’tcomebackinaminute,ortwo,orthree.Infact,itwasalmosttenminutes

beforesheappeared,andthenshelookedstartledtoseeStefanandBonniewaitingforher.

“Sorry,Igotheldup,”shesaidcoolly,andStefanhadtoadmireherself-possession.Buthewonderedwhatwasbehindit,andonlyBonniewasinamoodtochatasthethreeofthemleftschool.

“Butlasttimeyouusedfire,”Elenasaid.

“ThatwasbecausewewerelookingforStefan,foraspecificperson,”Bonniereplied.“Thistimewe’retryingtopredictthefuture.IfitwasjustyourpersonalfutureIwastryingtopredict,I’dlookinyourpalm,butwe’retryingtofindoutsomethinggeneral.”Meredithenteredtheroom,carefullybalancingachinabowlfulltothebrimwithwater.Inherotherhand,sheheldacandle.“I’vegotthestuff,”shesaid.

“WaterwassacredtotheDruids,”Bonnieexplained,asMeredithplacedthedishonthefloorandthethreegirlssataroundit.

“Apparently,everythingwassacredtotheDruids,”saidMeredith.

“Shh.Now,putthecandleinthecandlestickandlightit.ThenI’mgoingtopourmeltedwaxintothewater,andtheshapesitmakeswilltellmetheanswerstoyourquestions.Mygrandmotherusedmeltedlead,andshesaidhergrandmotherusedmeltedsilver,butshetoldmewaxwoulddo.”WhenMeredithhadlitthecandle,Bonnieglancedatitsidewaysandtookadeepbreath.“I’mgettingscarederandscaredertodothis,”shesaid.“Youdon’thaveto,”Elenasaidsoftly.

“Iknow.ButIwantto–thisonce.Besides,it’snotthesekindofritualsthatscareme;it’sgettingtakenoverthat’ssoawful.Ihateit.It’slikesomebodyelsegettingintomybody.”

Elenafrownedandopenedhermouth,butBonniewascontinuing.

“Anyway,heregoes.Turndownthelights,Meredith.Givemeaminutetogetattunedandthenaskyourquestions.”

InthesilenceofthedimroomElenawatchedthecandlelightflickeringoverBonnie’sloweredeyelashesandMeredith’ssoberface.Shelookeddownatherownhandsinher

lap,paleagainsttheblacknessofthesweaterandleggingsMeredithhadlenther.Thenshelookedatthedancingflame.“Allright,”Bonniesaidsoftlyandtookthecandle.

Elena’sfingerstwinedtogether,clenchinghard,butshespokeinalowvoicesoasnottobreaktheatmosphere.“WhoistheOtherPowerinFell’sChurch?”

Bonnietiltedthecandlesothattheflamelickedupitssides.Hotwaxstreameddownlikewaterintothebowlandformedroundglobulesthere.

“Iwasafraidofthat,”Bonniemurmured.“That’snoanswer,nothing.Tryadifferentquestion.”

Disappointed,Elenasatback,fingernailsbitingintoherpalms.ItwasMeredithwhospoke.

“CanwefindthisOtherPowerifwelook?Andcanwedefeatit?”

“That’stwoquestions,”Bonniesaidunderherbreathasshetiltedthecandleagain.Thistimethewaxformedacircle,alumpywhitering.

“That’sunity!Thesymbolforpeoplejoininghands.Itmeanswecandoitifwesticktogether.”

Elena’sheadjerkedup.Thosewerealmostthesamewordsshe’dsaidtoStefanandDamon.Bonnie’seyeswereshiningwithexcitement,andtheysmiledateachother.“Watchout!You’restillpouring,”Meredithsaid.

Bonniequicklyrightedthecandle,lookingintothebowlagain.Thelastspillofwaxhadformedathin,straightline.

“That’sasword,”shesaidslowly.“Itmeanssacrifice.Wecandoitifwesticktogether,butnotwithoutsacrifice.”“Whatkindofsacrifice?”askedElena.

“Idon’tknow,”Bonniesaid,herfacetroubled.“That’sallIcantellyouthistime.”Shestuckthecandlebackinthecandleholder.

“Whew,”saidMeredith,asshegotuptoturnonthelights.Elenastood,too.

“Well,atleastweknowwecanbeatit,”shesaid,tugginguptheleggings,whichweretoolongforher.ShecaughtaglimpseofherselfinMeredith’smirror.Shecertainlydidn’tlooklikeElenaGilbertthehighschoolfashionplateanymore.Dressedallinblacklikethis,shelookedpaleanddangerous,likeasheathedsword.Herhairfellhaphazardlyaroundhershoulders.

“Theywouldn’tknowmeatschool,”shemurmured,withapang.Itwasstrangethatsheshouldcareaboutgoingtoschool,butshedid.Itwasbecauseshecouldn’tgo,sheguessed.Andbecauseshe’dbeenqueentheresolong,she’drunthingsforsolong,thatitwasalmostunbelievablethatshecouldneversetfootthereagain,

“Youcouldgosomewhereelse,”Bonniesuggested.“Imean,afterthisisallover,youcouldfinishtheschoolyearsomeplacewherenobodyknowsyou.LikeStefandid.”“No,Idon’tthinkso.”Elenawasinastrangemoodtonight,afterspendingthedayaloneinthebarnwatchingthesnow.“Bonnie,”shesaidabruptly,“wouldyoulookatmypalmagain?Iwantyoutotellmyfuture,mypersonalfuture.”

“Idon’tevenknowifIrememberallthestuffmygrandmothertaughtme…but,allright,I’lltry,”Bonnierelented.“There’djustbetterbenomoredarkstrangersontheway,that’sall.You’vealreadygotallyoucanhandle.”ShegiggledasshetookElena’soutstretchedhand.“RememberwhenCarolineaskedwhatyoucoulddowithtwo?Iguessyou’refindingoutnow,huh?”“Justreadmypalm,willyou?”

“Allright,thisisyourlifeline–”Bonnie’sstreamofpatterbrokeoffalmostbeforeitwasstarted.ShestaredatElena’shand,fearandapprehensioninherface.“Itshouldgoallthewaydowntohere,”shesaid.“Butit’scutoffsoshort…”

SheandElenalookedateachotherwithoutspeakingforamoment,whileElenafeltthatsameapprehensionsolidifyinsideherself.ThenMeredithbrokein.

“Well,naturallyit’sshort,”shesaid.“Itjustmeanswhathappenedalready,whenElena

drowned.”

“Yes,ofcourse,thatmustbeit,”Bonniemurmured.SheletgoofElena’shandandElenaslowlydrewback.“That’sit,allright,”Bonniesaidinastrongervoice.

Elenawasgazingintothemirroragain.Thegirlwhogazedbackwasbeautiful,buttherewasasadwisdomabouthereyesthattheoldElenaGilberthadneverhad.SherealizedthatBonnieandMeredithwerelookingather.

“Thatmustbeit,”shesaidlightly,buthersmiledidn’ttouchhereyes.

Nine

“Well,atleastIdidn’tgettakenover,”Bonniesaid.“ButI’msickofthispsychicstuffanyway;I’mtiredofthewholething.Thatwasthelasttime,absolutelythelast.”“Allright,”saidElena,turningawayfromthemirror,“let’stalkaboutsomethingelse.Didyoufindanythingouttoday?”

“ItalkedwithAlaric,andhe’shavinganotherget-togethernextweek,”Bonniereplied.“HeaskedCarolineandVickieandmeifwewantedtobehypnotizedtohelpusdealwithwhat’sbeenhappening.ButI’msureheisn’ttheOtherPower,Elena.He’stoonice.”Elenanodded.She’dhadsecondthoughtsabouthersuspicionsofAlaricherself.Notbecausehewasnice,butbecauseshehadspentfourdaysinhisatticasleep.WouldtheOtherPowerreallyhaveletherstaythereunharmed?Ofcourse,Damonhadsaidhe’dinfluencedAlarictoforgetthatshewasupthere,butwouldtheOtherPowerhavesuccumbedtoDamon’sinfluence?Shouldn’titbefartoostrong?

UnlessitsPowershadtemporarilyburnedout,shethoughtsuddenly.ThewayStefan’swereburningoutnow.Orunlessithadonlybeenpretendingtobeinfluenced.“Well,wewon’tcrosshimoffthelistjustyet,”shesaid.“We’vegottobecareful.WhataboutMrs.Flowers?Didyoufindoutanythingabouther?”

“Noluck,”saidMeredith.“Wewenttotheboardinghousethismorning,butshedidn’tanswerthedoor.Stefansaidhe’dtrytotrackherdownintheafternoon.”

“Ifsomebodywouldonlyinvitemeinthere,Icouldwatchher,too,”Elenasaid.“IfeellikeI’mtheonlyonenotdoinganything.Ithink…”Shepausedamoment,considering,andthensaid,“IthinkI’llgobyhome–byAuntJudith’s,Imean.MaybeI’llfindRoberthangingaroundinthebushesorsomething.”“We’llgowithyou,”Meredithsaid.

“No,it’sbetterformetodoitalone.Really,itis.Icanbeveryinconspicuousthesedays.”

“Thentakeyourownadviceandbecareful.It’sstillsnowinghard.”Elenanoddedanddroppedoverthewindowsill.

Assheapproachedherhouse,shesawthatacarwasjustpullingoutofthedriveway.Shemeltedintotheshadowsandwatched.Theheadlightsilluminatedaneeriewintersight:theneighbors’blacklocusttree,likeabare-branchedsilhouette,withawhiteowlsittinginit.

Asthecarroaredpast,Elenarecognizedit.Robert’sblueOldsmobile.

Now,thatwasinteresting.Shehadanurgetofollowhim,butastrongerurgetocheckthehouse,makesureeverythingwasallright.Shecircleditstealthily,examiningwindows.

Theyellowchintzcurtainsatthekitchenwindowwereloopedback,revealingabright

sectionofkitcheninside.AuntJudithwasclosingthedishwasher.HadRobertcometodinner?Elenawondered.

AuntJudithmovedtowardthefronthallwayandElenamovedwithher,circlingthehouseagain.Shefoundaslitinthelivingroomcurtainsandcautiouslyappliedhereyetothethick,waveryoldglassofthewindow.Sheheardthefrontdooropenandshut,andthenlock,andthenAuntJudithcameintothelivingroomandsatonthecouch.SheswitchedontheTVandbeganflippingthroughchannelsidly.

Elenawishedshecouldseemorethanjustheraunt’sprofileintheflickeringlightoftheTV.Itgaveherastrangefeelingtolookatthisroom,knowingthatshecouldonlylookandnotgoin.Howlonghaditbeensincesherealizedwhataniceroomitwas?Theoldmahoganywhatnot,crowdedwithchinaandglassware,theTiffanylamponthetablenexttoAuntJudith,theneedlepointpillowsonthecouch,allseemedprecioustohernow.Standingoutside,feelingthefeatherycaressofthesnowonthebackofherneck,shewishedshecouldgoinjustforamoment,justforalittlewhile.

AuntJudith’sheadwastiltingback,hereyesshutting.Elenaleanedherforeheadagainstthewindow,thenslowlyturnedaway.

Sheclimbedthequincetreeoutsideherownbedroom,buttoherdisappointmentthecurtainswereshuttight.ThemapletreeoutsideMargaret’sroomwasfragileandhardertoclimb,butonceshegotupshehadagoodview;thesecurtainswerewideopen.Margaretwasasleepwiththebedcoversdrawnuptoherchin,hermouthopen,herpalehairspreadoutlikeafanonthepillow.

Hello,baby,Elenathoughtandswallowedbacktears.Itwassuchasweetlyinnocentscene:thenightlight,thelittlegirlinbed,thestuffedanimalsontheshelveskeepingwatchoverher.Andherecamealittlewhitekittenpaddingthroughtheopendoortocompletethepicture,Elenathought.

SnowballjumpedontoMargaret’sbed.Thekittenyawned,showingatinypinktongue,andstretched,displayingminiatureclaws.ThenitwalkeddaintilyovertostandonMargaret’schest.SomethingtingledattherootsofElena’shair.

Shedidn’tknowifitwassomenewhunter’ssenseorsheerintuition,butsuddenlyshewasafraid.Therewasdangerinthatroom.Margaretwasindanger.

Thekittenwasstillstandingthere,tailswishingbackandforth.AndallatonceElenarealizedwhatitlookedlike.Thedogs.ItlookedthewayChelseahadlookedatDougCarsonbeforeshelungedathim.Oh,God,thetownhadquarantinedthedogs,butnobodyhadthoughtaboutthecats.

Elena’smindwasworkingattopspeed,butitwasn’thelpingher.Itwasonlyflashingpicturesofwhatacatcoulddowithcurvedclawsandneedle-sharpteeth.AndMargaretjustlaytherebreathingsoftly,oblivioustoanydanger.

ThefuronSnowball’sbackwasrising,hertailswellinglikeabottlebrush.Herearsflattenedandsheopenedhermouthinasilenthiss.HereyeswerefixedonMargaret’sfacejustthewayChelsea’shadbeenonDougCarson’s.

“No!”Elenalookedarounddesperatelyforsomethingtothrowatthewindow,somethingtomakenoise.Shecouldn’tgetanycloser;theouterbranchesofthetreewouldn’tsupportherweight.“Margaret,wakeup!”

Butthesnow,settlinglikeablanketaroundher,seemedtodeadenthewordsintonothingness.Alow,discordantwailwasstartedinSnowball’sthroatasitflickeditseyestowardthewindowandthenbacktoMargaret’sface.

“Margaret,wakeup!”Elenashouted.Then,justasthekittenpulledbackacurvedpaw,shethrewherselfatthewindow.

Sheneverknew,later,howshemanagedtohangon.Therewasnoroomtokneelonthesill,butherfingernailssankintothesoftoldwoodofthecasing,andthetoeofonebootjammedintoafootholdbelow.Shebangedagainstthewindowwithherbodyweight,shouting.“Getawayfromher!Wakeup,Margaret!”

Margaret’seyesflewopenandshesatup,throwingSnowballbackward.Thekitten’sclawscaughtintheeyeletbedspreadasitscrambledtorightitself.Elenashoutedagain.“Margaret,getoffthebed!Openthewindow,quick!”

Margaret’sfour-year-oldfacewasfullofsleepysurprise,butnofear.ShegotupandstumbledtowardthewindowwhileElenagrittedherteeth.“That’sit.Goodgirl…nowsay,‘Comein.’Quick,sayit!”

“Comein,”Margaretsaidobediently,blinkingandsteppingback.

ThekittensprangoutasElenafellin.Shemadeagrabforit,butitwastoofast.Onceoutsideitglidedacrossthemaplebrancheswithtauntingeaseandleapeddownintothesnow,disappearing.

AsmallhandwastuggingatElena’ssweater.“Youcameback!”Margaretsaid,huggingElena’ships.“Imissedyou.”

“Oh,Margaret,Imissedyou–”Elenabegan,andthenfroze.AuntJudith’svoicesoundedfromthetopofthestairs.“Margaret,areyouawake?What’sgoingoninthere?”

Elenahadonlyaninstanttomakeherdecision.“Don’ttellherI’mhere,”shewhispered,droppingtoherknees.“It’sasecret;doyouunderstand?Sayyouletthekittyout,butdon’ttellherI’mhere.”Therewasn’ttimeforanymore;Elenadivedunderthebedandprayed.

Fromunderthedustruffle,shewatchedAuntJudith’sstockingfeetcomeintotheroom.Shepressedherfaceintothefloorboards,notbreathing.

“Margaret!Whatareyoudoingup?Comeon,let’sgetyoubackinbed,”AuntJudith’svoicesaid,andthenthebedcreakedwithMargaret’sweightandElenaheardthenoisesofAuntJudith’sfussingwiththecovers.“Yourhandsarefreezing.Whatonearthisthewindowdoingopen?”

“IopeneditandSnowballwentout,”Margaretsaid.Elenaletoutherbreath.

“Andnowthere’ssnowalloverthefloor.Ican’tbelievethis…Don’tyouopenitupagain,doyouhearme?”Alittlemorebustlingandthestockingfeetwentoutagain.The

doorshut.Elenasquirmedout.

“Goodgirl,”shewhisperedasMargaretsatup.“I’mproudofyou.NowtomorrowyoutellAuntJudiththatyouhavetogiveyourkittyaway.Tellheritscaredyou.Iknowyoudon’twantto”–sheputupahandtostopthewailthatwasgatheringonMargaret’slips–“butyouhaveto.BecauseI’mtellingyouthatkittywillhurtyouifyoukeepit.Youdon’twanttogethurt,doyou?”“No,”saidMargaret,herblueeyesfilling.“But–“

“Andyoudon’twantthekittytohurtAuntJudith,either,doyou?YoutellAuntJudithyoucan’thaveakittenorapuppyorevenabirduntil–well,forawhile.Don’ttellherthatIsaidso;that’sstilloursecret.Tellheryou’rescaredbecauseofwhathappenedwiththedogsatchurch.”Itwasbetter,Elenareasonedgrimly,togivethelittlegirlnightmaresthantohaveanightmareplayoutinthisbedroom.Margaret’smouthdroopedsadly.“Okay.”

“I’msorry,sweetie.”Elenasatdownandhuggedher.“Butthat’sthewayithastobe.”“You’recold,”Margaretsaid.ThenshelookedupintoElena’sface.“Areyouanangel?”“Uh…notexactly.”Justtheopposite,Elenathoughtironically.

“AuntJudithsaidyouwenttobewithMommyandDaddy.Didyouseethemyet?”

“I–it’ssortofhardtoexplain,Margaret.Ihaven’tseenthemyet,no.AndI’mnotanangel,butI’mgoingtobelikeyourguardianangelanyway,allright?I’llwatchoveryou,evenwhenyoucan’tseeme.Okay?”

“Okay.”Margaretplayedwithherfingers.“Doesthatmeanyoucan’tlivehereanymore?”

Elenalookedaroundthepink-and-whitebedroom,atthestuffedanimalsontheshelvesandthelittlewritingdeskandtherockinghorsethathadoncebeenhersinthecorner.“That’swhatitmeans,”shesaidsoftly.

“WhentheysaidyouwenttobewithMommyandDaddy,IsaidIwantedtogo,too.”Elenablinkedhard.“Oh,baby.It’snottimeforyoutogo,soyoucan’t.AndAuntJudithlovesyouverymuch,andshe’dbelonelywithoutyou.”

Margaretnodded,hereyelidsdrooping.ButasElenaeasedherdownandpulledthebedspreadoverher,Margaretaskedonemorequestion.“Butdon’tyouloveme?”“Oh,ofcourseIdo.Iloveyousomuch–Ineverevenknewhowmuchuntilnow.ButI’llbeallright,andAuntJudithneedsyoumore.And…”Elenahadtotakeabreathtosteadyherself,andwhenshelookeddownshesawMargaret’seyeswereshut,herbreathingregular.Shewasasleep.

Oh,stupid,stupid,Elenathought,forgingthroughthebankedsnowtotheothersideofMapleStreet.She’dmissedherchancetoaskMargaretwhetherRoberthadbeenatdinner.Itwastoolatenow.

Robert.Hereyesnarrowedsuddenly.Atthechurch,Roberthadbeenoutsideandthenthedogshadgonemad.AndtonightMargaret’skittenhadgoneferal–justalittlewhileafterRobert’scarhadpulledoutofthedriveway.Roberthasalottoanswerfor,shethought.

Butmelancholywaspullingather,tuggingherthoughtsaway.Hermindkeptreturningto

thebrighthouseshe’djustleft,goingoverthethingsshe’dneverseeagain.Allherclothesandknickknacksandjewelry–whatwouldAuntJudithdowiththem?Idon’townanythinganymore,shethought.I’mapauper.Elena?

Withrelief,Elenarecognizedthementalvoiceandthedistinctiveshadowattheendofthestreet.ShehurriedtowardStefan,whotookhishandsoutofhisjacketpocketsandheldherstowarmthem.“Meredithtoldmewhereyou’dgone.”

“Iwenthome,”Elenasaid.Thatwasallshecouldsay,butassheleanedagainsthimforcomfort,sheknewthatheunderstood.

“Let’sfindsomeplacewecansitdown,”hesaid,andstoppedinfrustration.AlltheplacestheyusedtogowereeithertoodangerousorclosedtoElena.ThepolicestillhadStefan’scar.

Eventuallytheyjustwenttothehighschoolwheretheycouldsitundertheoverhangofaroofandwatchthesnowsiftdown.ElenatoldhimwhathadhappenedinMargaret’sroom.

“I’mgoingtohaveMeredithandBonniespreaditaroundtownthatcatscanattack,too.Peopleshouldknowthat.AndIthinksomebodyoughttobewatchingRobert,”sheconcluded.“We’lltailhim,”Stefansaid,andshecouldn’thelpsmiling.

“It’sfunnyhowmuchmoreAmericanyou’vegotten,”shesaid.“Ihadn’tthoughtaboutitinalongtime,butwhenyoufirstcameyouwerealotmoreforeign.Nownobodywouldknowyouhadn’tlivedhereallyourlife.”

“Weadaptquickly.Wehaveto,”Stefansaid.“Therearealwaysnewcountries,newdecades,newsituations.You’lladapt,too.”

“WillI?”Elena’seyesremainedontheglitteroffallingsnowflakes.“Idon’tknow…”“You’lllearn,intime.Ifthereisanything…good…aboutwhatweare,it’stime.Wehaveplentyofit,asmuchaswewant.Forever.”

”‘Joyouscompanionsforever.’Isn’tthatwhatKatherinesaidtoyouandDamon?”Elenamurmured.

ShecouldfeelStefan’sstiffening,hiswithdrawal.“Shewastalkingaboutallthreeofus,”hesaid.“Iwasn’t.”

“Oh,Stefan,pleasedon’t,notnow.Iwasn’teventhinkingaboutDamon,onlyaboutforever.Itscaresme.Everythingaboutthisscaresme,andsometimesIthinkIjustwanttogotosleepandneverwakeupagain…”

Intheshelterofhisarmsshefeltsafer,andshefoundhernewsenseswerejustasamazingcloseupastheywereatadistance.ShecouldheareachseparatepulseofStefan’sheart,andtherushofbloodthroughhisveins.Andshecouldsmellhisowndistinctivescentmingledwiththescentofhisjacket,andthesnow,andthewoolofhisclothes.

“Pleasetrustme,”shewhispered.“Iknowyou’reangrywithDamon,buttrytogivehimachance.Ithinkthere’smoretohimthanthereseemstobe.AndIwanthishelpinfindingtheOtherPower,andthat’sallIwantfromhim.”

Atthatmomentitwascompletelytrue.Elenawantednothingtodowiththehunter’slifetonight;thedarknessheldnoappealforher.Shewishedshecouldbeathomesittinginfrontofafire.

Butitwassweetjusttobeheldlikethis,evenifsheandStefanhadtositinthesnowtodoit.Stefan’sbreathwaswarmashekissedthebackofherneck,andshesensednofurtherwithdrawalinStefan’sbody.

Nohunger,either,oratleastnotthekindshewasusedtosensingwhentheywerecloselikethis.Nowthatshewasahunterlikehe,theneedwasdifferent,aneedfortogethernessratherthanforsustenance.Itdidn’tmatter.Theyhadlostsomething,buttheyhadgainedsomething,too.SheunderstoodStefaninawaysheneverhadbefore.Andherunderstandingbroughtthemcloser,untiltheirmindsweretouching,almostmeshingwitheachother’s.Itwasn’tthenoisychatterofmentalvoices;itwasadeepandwordlesscommunion.Asiftheirspiritswereunited.

“Iloveyou,”Stefansaidagainstherneck,andsheheldontighter.Sheunderstoodnowwhyhe’dbeenafraidtosayitforsolong.Whenthethoughtoftomorrowscaredyousick,itwashardtomakeacommitment.Becauseyoudidn’twanttodragsomeoneelsedownwithyou.

Particularlysomeoneyouloved.“Iloveyou,too,”shemadeherselfsayandsatback,herpeacefulmoodbroken.“AndwillyoutrytogiveDamonachance,formysake?Trytoworkwithhim?”

“I’llworkwithhim,butIwon’ttrusthim.Ican’t.Iknowhimtoowell.”

“Isometimeswonderifanybodyknowshimatall.Allright,then,dowhatyoucan.MaybewecanaskhimtofollowRoberttomorrow.”

“IfollowedMrs.Flowerstoday.”Stefan’slipquirked.“Allafternoonandevening.Andyouknowwhatshedid?”“What?”

“Threeloadsofwash–inanancientmachinethatlookedlikeitwasgoingtoexplodeanyminute.Noclothesdryer,justawringer.It’salldowninthebasement.Thenshewentoutsideandfilledabouttwodozenbirdfeeders.Thenbacktothebasementtowipeoffjarsofpreserves.Shespendsmostofhertimedownthere.Shetalkstoherself.”“Justlikeadottyoldlady,”saidElena.“Allright;maybeMeredith’swrongandthat’sallsheis.”ShenoticedhischangeofexpressionatMeredith’snameandadded,“What?”“Well,Meredithmayhavesomeexplainingtodoherself.Ididn’taskheraboutit;Ithoughtmaybeitwasbettercomingfromyou.ButshewenttotalktoAlaricSaltzmanafterschooltoday.Andshedidn’twantanyonetoknowwhereshewasgoing.”DisquietuncoiledinElena’smiddle.“Sowhat?”

“Sosheliedaboutitafterward–oratleastsheevadedtheissue.Itriedtoprobehermind,butmyPowersarejustaboutburntout.Andshe’sstrong-willed.”

“Andyouhadnoright!Stefan,listentome.Meredithwouldneverdoanythingtohurtusorbetrayus.Whatevershe’skeepingfromus–““Soyoudoadmitthatshe’shidingsomething.”

“Yes,”Elenasaidreluctantly.“Butit’snothingthatwillhurtus,I’msure.Meredithhasbeenmyfriendsincethefirstgrade…”Withoutknowingit,Elenaletthesentenceslipawayfromher.Shewasthinkingofanotherfriend,onewho’dbeenclosetohersincekindergarten.Caroline.WholastweekhadtriedtodestroyStefanandhumiliateElenainfrontoftheentiretown.

AndwhatwasitCaroline’sdiaryhadsaidaboutMeredith?Meredithdoesn’tdoanything;shejustwatches.It’sasifshecan’tact,shecanonlyreacttothings.Besides,I’veheardmyparentstalkingaboutherfamily–nowondershenevermentionsthem.Elena’seyesleftthesnowylandscapetoseekStefan’swaitingface.“Itdoesn’tmatter,”shesaidquietly.“IknowMeredith,andItrusther.I’lltrusthertotheend.”“Ihopeshe’sworthyofit,Elena,”hesaid.“Ireallydo.”

Ten

December12,ThursdaymorningDearDiary,Soafteraweekofwork,whathaveweaccomplished?

Well,betweenuswe’vemanagedtofollowourthreesuspectsjustaboutcontinuouslyforthelastsixorsevendays.Results:reportsonRobert’smovementsforthelastweek,whichhespentactinglikeanynormalbusinessman.ReportsonAlaric,whohasn’tbeendoinganythingunusualforahistoryteacher.ReportsonMrs.Flowers,whoapparentlyspendsmostofhertimeinthebasement.Butwehaven’treallylearnedanything.StefansaysthatAlaricmetwiththeprincipalacoupletimes,buthecouldn’tgetcloseenoughtohearwhattheyweretalkingabout.

MeredithandBonniespreadthenewsaboutotherpetsbesidesdogsbeingdangerous.Theydidn’tneedtoworkveryhardatit;itseemsasifeverybodyintownisonthevergeofhysteriaalready.Sincethenthere’vebeenseveralotheranimalattacksreported,butit’shardtoknowwhichonestotakeseriously.Somekidswereteasingasquirrelanditbitthem.TheMassases’petrabbitscratchedtheirlittlestboy.OldMrs.Coombersawcopperheadsnakesinheryard,whenallthesnakesshouldbehibernating.

TheonlyoneI’msureaboutistheattackonthevetwhowaskeepingthedogsinquarantine.Abunchofthembithimandmostofthemescapedfromtheholdingpens.Afterthattheyjustdisappeared.Peoplearesayinggoodriddanceandhopingthey’llstarveinthewoods,butIwonder.

Andit’sbeensnowingallthetime.Notstormingbutnotstopping,either.I’veneverseensomuchsnow.Stefan’sworriedaboutthedancetomorrownight.

Whichbringsusbackto:whathavewelearnedsofar?Whatdoweknow?NoneofoursuspectswereanywhereneartheMassases’orMrs.Coomber’sorthevet’swhentheattackshappened.We’renoclosertofindingtheOtherPowerthanwewerewhenwestarted.

Marie’slittleget-togetheristonight.Merediththinksweshouldgotoit.Idon’tknowwhatelsethereistodo.

Damonstretchedouthislonglegsandspokelazily,lookingaroundthebarn.“No,Idon’tthinkit’sdangerous,particularly.ButIdon’tseewhatyouexpecttoaccomplish.”“NeitherdoI,exactly,”Elenaadmitted.“ButIdon’thaveanybetterideas.Doyou?”“What,you

meanaboutotherwaystospendthetime?Yes,Ido.Doyouwantmetotellyouaboutthem?”Elenawavedhimtosilenceandhesubsided.

“Imeanaboutusefulthingswecandoatthispoint.Robert’soutoftown,Mrs.Flowersisdown–““Inthebasement,”chorusedseveralvoices.

“Andwe’realljustsittinghere.Doesanybodyhaveabetteridea?”

Meredithbrokethesilence.“Ifyou’reworriedaboutitsbeingdangerousformeandBonnie,whydon’tyouallcome?Idon’tmeanyouhavetoshowyourselves.Youcouldcomeandhideintheattic.Thenifanythinghappened,wecouldscreamforhelpandyouwouldhearus.”

“Idon’tseewhyanybody’sgoingtobescreaming,”saidBonnie.“Nothing’sgoingtohappenthere.”

“Well,maybenot,butitdoesn’thurttobesafe,”Meredithsaid.“Whatdoyouthink?”Elenanoddedslowly.“Itmakessense.”Shelookedaroundforobjections,butStefanjustshrugged,andDamonmurmuredsomethingthatmadeBonnielaugh.“Allright,then,it’sdecided.Let’sgo.”

Theinevitablesnowgreetedthemastheysteppedoutsidethebarn.

“BonnieandIcangoinmycar,”Meredithsaid.“Andyouthree–“

“Oh,we’llfindourownway,”Damonsaidwithhiswolfishsmile.Meredithnodded,notimpressed.Funny,Elenathoughtastheothergirlswalkedaway;MeredithneverwasimpressedwithDamon.Hischarmseemedtohavenoeffectonher.

ShewasabouttomentionthatshewashungrywhenStefanturnedtoDamon.

“AreyouwillingtostaywithElenatheentiretimeyou’reoverthere?Everyminute?”hesaid.

“Tryandstopme,”Damonsaidcheerfully.Hedroppedthesmile.“Why?”

“Becauseifyouare,thetwoofyoucangooveralone,andI’llmeetyoulater.I’vegotsomethingtodo,butitwon’ttakelong.”

Elenafeltawaveofwarmth.Hewastryingtotrusthisbrother.ShesmiledatStefaninapprovalashedrewheraside.“Whatisit?”

“IgotanotefromCarolinetoday.SheaskedifIwouldmeetherattheschoolbeforeAlaric’sparty.Shesaidshewantedtoapologize.

Elenaopenedhermouthtomakeasharpremark,andthenshutitagain.Fromwhatshe’dheard,Carolinewasasorrysightthesedays.AndmaybeitwouldmakeStefanfeelbettertotalktoher.

“Well,youdon’thaveanythingtoapologizefor,”shetoldhim.“Everythingthathappenedtoherwasherownfault.Youdon’tthinkshe’sdangerousatall?”

“No;I’vegotthatmuchofmyPowersleftanyway.She’sallright.I’llmeether,andsheandIcangotoAlaric’stogether.”

“Becareful,”Elenasaidashestartedoffintothesnow.

Theatticwasassherememberedit,darkanddustyandfullofmysteriousoilclothcoveredshapes.Damon,whohadcomeinmoreconventionallythroughthefrontdoor,hadhadtotaketheshuttersofftoletherinthroughthewindow.Afterthattheysatsidebysideontheoldmattressandlistenedtothevoicesthatcameupthroughtheducts.“Icouldthinkofmoreromanticsettings,”Damonmurmured,fastidiouslypullingacobweboffhissleeve.“Areyousureyouwouldn’trather–”“Yes,”saidElena.“Nowhush.”

Itwaslikeagame,listeningtothebitsandpiecesofconversationsandtryingtoputthemtogether,tryingtomatcheachvoicetoaface.

“AndthenIsaid,Idon’tcarehowlongyou’vehadtheparakeet;getridofitorI’mgoingtotheSnowDancewithMikeFeldman.Andhesaid–“

”–rumorgoingaroundthatMr.Tanner’sgravewasduguplastnight–“

”–youhearthateverybodybutCarolinehasdroppedoutofthesnowqueencompetition?Don’tyouthink–“

”–dead,butI’mtellingyouIsawher.Andno,Iwasn’tdreaming;shewaswearingasortofsilverydressandherhairwasallgoldenandblowing–“

ElenaraisedhereyebrowsatDamon,thenlookedmeaningfullydownathersensibleblackattire.Hegrinned.“Romanticism,”hesaid.“Myself,Ilikeyouinblack.”

“Well,youwould,wouldn’tyou?”shemurmured.ItwasstrangehowmuchmorecomfortableshefeltwithDamonthesedays.Shesatquietly,lettingtheconversationsdriftaroundher,almostlosingtrackoftime.Thenshecaughtafamiliarvoice,cross,andcloserthantherest.“Okay,okay,I’mgoing.Okay.”

ElenaandDamonexchangedaglanceandrosetotheirfeetasthehandleontheatticdoorturned.Bonniepeeredaroundtheedge.

“Meredithtoldmetocomeuphere.Idon’tknowwhy.She’shoggingAlaricandit’sarottenparty.Achoo!”

Shesatdownonthemattress,andafterafewminutesElenasatbackdownbesideher.ShewasbeginningtowishthatStefanwouldgethere.BythetimethedooropenedagainandMeredithcamein,shewassureofit.“Meredith,what’sgoingon?”

“Nothing,oratleastnothingtoworryabout.Where’sStefan?”Meredith’scheekswereunusuallyflushed,andtherewasanoddlookabouthereyes,asifshewereholdingsomethingtightlyundercontrol.“He’scominglater–”Elenabegan,butDamoninterrupted.“Nevermindwhereheis.Who’scomingupthestairs?”

“Whatdoyoumean,‘who’scomingupthestairs?’”saidBonnie,rising.

“Everybodyjuststaycalm,”Meredithsaid,takingupapositioninfrontofthewindowasifguardingit.Shedidn’tlookoverlycalmherself,Elenathought.“Allright,”shecalled,andthedooropenedandAlaricSaltzmancamein.

Damon’smotionwassosmooththatevenElena’seyescouldn’tfollowit;inonemovementhecaughtElena’swristandpulledherbehindhim,atthesametimemovingtofaceAlaricdirectly.Heendedinapredator’scrouch,everymuscledrawntautandreadyfortheattack.

“Oh,don’t,”criedBonniewildly.SheflungherselfatAlaric,whohadalreadybeguntorecoilastepfromDamon.Alaricnearlylosthisbalanceandgropedbehindhimselfforthedoor.Hisotherhandwasgropingathisbelt.

“Stopit!Stopit!”Meredithsaid.ElenasawtheshapebeneathAlaric’sjacketandrealizeditwasagun.

Again,shecouldn’tquitefollowwhathappenednext.DamonletgoofherwristandtookholdofAlaric’s.AndthenAlaricwassittingonthefloor,wearingadazedexpression,andDamonwasemptyingthegunofcartridges,onebyone.

“Itoldyouthatwasstupidandyouwouldn’tneedit,”Meredithsaid.Elenarealizedshewasholdingthedark-hairedgirlbythearms.ShemusthavedoneittokeepMeredithfrominterferingwithDamon,butshedidn’tremember.

“Thesewood-tippedthingsarenasty;theymighthurtsomebody,”Damonsaid,mildlychiding.Hereplacedoneofthecartridgesandsnappedtheclipbackin,aimingthoughtfullyatAlaric.

“Stopit,”saidMeredithintensely.SheturnedtoElena.“Makehimstop,Elena;he’sonlydoingmoreharm.Alaricwon’thurtyou;Ipromise.I’vespentallweekconvincinghimthatyouwon’thurthim.”

“AndnowIthinkmywristisbroken,”Alaricsaid,rathercalmly.Hissandyhairwasfallingintohiseyesinfront.

“You’vegotnoonebutyourselftoblame.”Meredithreturnedbitterly.Bonnie,whohadbeenclutchingsolicitouslyatAlaric’sshoulders,lookedupatthefamiliarityofMeredith’stone,andthenbackedawayafewpacesandsatdown.“Ican’twaittoheartheexplanationforthis,”shesaid.“Pleasetrustme,”MeredithsaidtoElena.

Elenalookedintothedarkeyes.ShedidtrustMeredith;she’dsaidso.Andthewordsstirredanothermemory,herownvoiceaskingforStefan’strust.Shenodded.

“Damon?”shesaid.Heflippedthegunawaycasuallyandthensmiledaroundatallofthem,makingitabundantlyclearthathedidn’tneedanysuchartificialweapons.“Nowifeverybodywilljustlisten,you’llallunderstand,”Meredithsaid.“Oh,I’msure,”Bonniesaid.

ElenawalkedtowardAlaricSaltzman.Shewasn’tafraidofhim,butbythewayhelookedonlyather,slowly,startingfromthefeetandthencontinuingup,hewasafraidofher.

Shestoppedwhenshewasayardfromwherehesatonthegroundandkneltthere,lookingintohisface.“Hello,”shesaid.Hewasstillholdinghiswrist.“Hello,”hesaid,andgulped.

ElenaglancedbackatMeredithandthenlookedatAlaricagain.Yes,hewasscared.

Andwithhishairinhiseyesthatway,helookedyoung.MaybefouryearsolderthanElena,maybefive.Nomorethanthat.“We’renotgoingtohurtyou,”shesaid.

“That’swhatI’vebeentellinghim,”Meredithsaidquietly.“Iexplainedthatwhateverhe’sseenbefore,whateverstorieshe’sheard,you’redifferent.ItoldhimwhatyoutoldmeaboutStefan,howhe’sbeenfightinghisnatureallthoseyears.Itoldhimaboutwhatyou’vebeengoingthrough,Elena,andhowyouneveraskedforthis.”

Butwhydidyoutellhimsomuch?Elenathought.ShesaidtoAlaric,“Allright,youknowaboutus.Butallweknowaboutyouisthatyou’renotahistoryteacher.”“He’sahunter,”Damonsaidsoftly,menacingly.“Avampirehunter.”

“No,”saidAlaric.“Oratleast,notinthesensethatyoumeanit.”Heseemedtocometosomedecision.“Allright.FromwhatIknowofyouthree–”Hebrokeoff,lookingaroundthedarkroomasifsuddenlyrealizingsomething.“Where’sStefan?”

“He’scoming.Infact,heshouldbeherebynow.HewasgoingtostopbytheschoolandbringCaroline,”Elenasaid.ShewasunpreparedforAlaric’sreaction.

“CarolineForbes?”hesaidsharply,sittingup.Hisvoicesoundedthewayithadwhenshe’doverheardhimtalkingwithDr.Fein’bergandtheprincipal,hard-edgedanddecisive.

“Yes.Shesenthimanotetoday,saidshewantedtoapologizeorsomething.Shewantedtomeethimatschoolbeforetheparty.”

“Hecan’tgo.You’vegottostophim.”Alaricscrambledtohisfeetandrepeatedurgently,“You’vegottostophim.”

“He’sgonealready.Why?Whyshouldn’the?”Elenademanded.

“BecauseIhypnotizedCarolinetwodaysago.I’dtrieditearlierwithTyler,withnoluck.ButCaroline’sagoodsubject,andsherememberedalittleofwhathappenedintheQuonsethut.AndsheidentifiedStefanSalvatoreastheattacker.”

Theshockedsilencelastedonlyafractionofasecond.ThenBonniesaid,“ButwhatcanCarolinedo?Shecan’thurthim–“

“Don’tyouunderstand?You’renotjustdealingwithhighschoolstudentsanymore,”Alaricsaid.“It’sgonetoofar.Caroline’sfatherknowsaboutit,andTyler’sfather.They’reconcernedforthesafetyofthetown–“

“Hush!Bequiet!”Elenawascastingaboutwithhermind,tryingtopickupsomehintofStefan’spresence.He’slethimselfgetweak,shethought,withthepartofherthatwasicycalmamidthewhirlingfearandpanic.Atlastshesensedsomething,justatrace,butshethoughtitwasStefan.Anditwasindistress.

“Something’swrong,”Damonconfirmed,andsherealizedhemusthavebeensearching,too,withamindmuchmorepowerfulthanhers.“Let’sgo.”

“Wait,let’stalkfirst.Don’tjustgojumpingintothis.”ButAlaricmightaswellhavebeentalkingtothewind,tryingtoreininitsdestructivepowerwithwords.Damonwasalreadyatthewindow,andthenextmomentElenaletherselfdropout,landingneatlybyDamon

inthesnow.Alaric’svoicefollowedthemfromabove.

“We’recoming,too.Waitforusthere.Letmetalktothemfirst.Icantakecareofit…”

Elenascarcelyheardhim.Hermindwasburningwithonepurpose,onethought.TohurtthepeoplewhowantedtohurtStefan.It’sgonetoofar,allright,shethought.AndnowI’mgoingtogoasfarasittakes.Iftheydaretotouchhim…imagesflashedthroughhermind,tooquicklytocount,ofwhatshewoulddotothem.Atanothertime,shemighthavebeenshockedattherushofadrenaline,ofexcitement,thatcoursedupatthethoughts.

ShecouldsenseDamon’smindbesideherastheyracedoverthesnow;itwaslikeablazeofredlightandfury.ThefiercenessinsideElenawelcomedit,gladtofeelitsonear.Butthensomethingelseoccurredtoher.

“I’mslowingyoudown,”shesaid.Shewasscarcelyoutofbreath,evenfromrunningthroughunbrokensnow,andtheyweremakingextraordinarytime.Butnothingontwolegs,orevenfour,couldmatchthespeedofabird’swings.“Goon,”shesaid.“Getthereasfastasyoucan.I’llmeetyou.”

Shedidn’tstaytowatchtheblurandshudderoftheair,ortheswirlingdarknessthatendedintherushofbeatingwings.ButsheglancedupatthecrowthatsoaredupandsheheardDamon’smentalvoice.

Goodhunting,itsaid,andthewingedblackshapearrowedtowardtheschool.

Goodhunting,Elenathoughtafterhim,meaningit.Sheredoubledherspeed,hermindfixedallthewhileonthatglimmerofStefan’spresence.

Stefanlayonhisback,wishinghisvisionwasn’tsoblurredorthathehadmorethanatentativeholdonconsciousness.Theblurwaspartlypainandpartlysnow,buttherewasalsoatrickleofbloodfromthethree-inchwoundinhisscalp.

He’dbeenstupid,ofcourse,nottolookaroundtheschool;ifhehadhewouldhaveseenthedarkenedcarsparkedontheotherside.He’dbeenstupidtocomehereinthefirstplace.Andnowhewasgoingtopayforthatstupidity.

Ifonlyhecouldcollecthisthoughtsenoughtocallforhelp…buttheweaknessthathadallowedthesementoovercomehimsoeasilypreventedthat,too.He’dscarcelyfedsincethenighthe’dattackedTyler.Thatwasironic,somehow.Hisownguiltwasresponsibleforthemesshewasin.

Ishouldneverhavetriedtochangemynature,hethought.Damonhaditrightafterall.

Everyone’sthesame–Alaric,Caroline,everyone.Everyonewillbetrayyou.Ishouldhavehuntedthemallandenjoyedit.

HehopedDamonwouldtakecareofElena.She’dbesafewithhim;Damonwasstrongandruthless.Damonwouldteachhertosurvive.Hewasgladofthat.

Butsomethinginsidehimwascrying.

Thecrow’ssharpeyesspottedthecrossingshaftsofheadlightbelowanddropped.But

Damondidn’tneedtheconfirmationofsight;hewashominginonthefaintpulsationthatwasStefan’slife-force.FaintbecauseStefanwasweakandbecausehe’dallbutgivenup.Youneverlearn,doyou,brother?Damonthoughttohim.Ioughttojustleaveyouwhereyouare.Butevenasheskimmedtheground,hewaschanging,takingashapethatwoulddomoredamagethanacrow.

TheblackwolfleapedintotheknotofmensurroundingStefan,aimingpreciselyfortheoneholdingthesharpenedcylinderofwoodaboveStefan’schest.Theforceoftheblowknockedthemantenfeetbackward,andthestakewentskitteringacrossthegrass.Damonrestrainedhisimpulse–allthestrongerbecauseitfittheinstinctsoftheshapehewaswearing–tolockhisteethintheman’sthroat.Hetwistedaroundandwentbackfortheothermenwhowerestillstanding.

Hissecondrushscatteredthem,butoneofthemreachedtheedgeofthelightandturned,liftingsomethingtohisshoulder.Rifle,thoughtDamon.AndprobablyloadedwiththesamespeciallytreatedbulletsasAlaric’shandgunhadbeen.Therewasnowaytoreachthemanbeforehecouldgetashotoff.Thewolfgrowledandcrouchedforaleapanyway.Theman’sfleshyfacecreasedinasmile.

Quickasastrikingsnake,awhitehandreachedoutofthedarknessandknockedtherifleaway.Themanlookedaroundfrantically,bewildered,andthewolfletitsjawsfallopeninagrin.Elenahadarrived.

Eleven

ElenawatchedMr.Smallwood’sriflebounceacrossthegrass.Sheenjoyedtheexpressiononhisfaceashespunaround,lookingforwhathadgrabbedit.AndshefelttheflareofDamon’sapprovalfromacrossthepooloflight,fierceandhotliketheprideofawolfforitscub’sfirstkill.ButwhensheglimpsedStefanlyingontheground,sheforgoteverythingelse.Whitefurytookherbreathaway,andshestartedtowardhim.“Everybodystop!Juststopeverything,rightwhereyouare!”

Theshoutwasbornetowardthemalongwiththesoundoftiressquealing.AlaricSaltzman’scarnearlyspunoutasitturnedintothestaffparkinglotandscreechedtoahalt,andAlaricleapedfromthecaralmostbeforeitstoppedmoving.

“What’sgoingonhere?”hedemanded,stridingtowardthemen.

Attheshout,Elenahadpulledbackautomaticallyintotheshadows.Now,shelookedatthemen’sfacesastheyturnedtowardhim.BesidesMr.Smallwood,sherecognizedMr.ForbesandMr.Bennett,VickieBennett’sfather.Theothersmustbethefathersoftheotherguyswho’dbeenwithTylerintheQuonsethut,shethought.

Itwasoneofthestrangerswhoansweredthequestion,inadrawlthatcouldn’tquitehidethenervousnessunderneath.“Wellnow,wejustgotalittletiredofwaitinganylonger.Wedecidedtospeedthingsupabit.”

Thewolfgrowled,alowrumblingthatrosetoachainsawsnarl.Allthemenflinchedback,andAlaric’seyesshowedwhiteashenoticedtheanimalforthefirsttime.Therewasanothersound,softerandcontinuous,comingfromafigurehuddlednexttooneofthecars.CarolineForbeswaswhimperingoverandover,“Theysaidtheyjustwantedtotalktohim.Theydidn’ttellmewhattheyweregoingtodo.”

Alaric,withoneeyeonthewolf,gesturedtowardher.“Andyouweregoingtoletherseethis?Ayounggirl?Doyourealizethepsychologicaldamagethatcoulddo?”“Whataboutthepsychologicaldamagewhenherthroatgetsrippedout?”Mr.Forbesreturned,andtherewereshoutsofagreement.“That’swhatwe’reworriedabout.”“Thenyou’dbetterworryaboutgettingtherightman,”Alaricsaid.“Caroline,”headded,turningtowardthegirl,“Iwantyoutothink,Caroline.Wedidn’tgettofinishyoursessions.IknowwhenweleftoffyouthoughtyourecognizedStefan.But,areyouabsolutelypositiveitwashim?Couldithavebeensomebodyelse,somebodywhoresembledhim?”

Carolinestraightened,bracingherselfagainstthecarandraisingatear-stainedface.ShelookedatStefan,whowasjustsittingup,andthenatAlaric.“I…”

“Think,Caroline.Youhavetobeabsolutelycertain.Istheresomeoneelseitcouldhave

been,like–“

“LikethatguywhocallshimselfDamonSmith,”cameMeredith’svoice.ShewasstandingbesideAlaric’scar,aslimshadow.“Yourememberhim,Caroline?HecametoAlaric’sfirstparty.HelookslikeStefaninsomeways.”

TensionheldElenainperfectsuspensionasCarolinestared,uncomprehending.Then,slowly,theauburn-hairedgirlbegantonod.

“Yes…itcouldhavebeen,Isuppose.Everythinghappenedsofast…butitcouldhavebeen.”“Andyoureallycan’tbesurewhichitwas?”Alaricsaid.“No…notabsolutelysure.”

“There,”saidAlaric.“Itoldyousheneededmoresessions,thatwecouldn’tbecertainofanythingyet.She’sstillveryconfused.”Hewaswalking,carefully,towardStefan.Elenarealizedthatthewolfhadwithdrawnbackintotheshadows.Shecouldseeit,butthemenprobablycouldn’t.

Itsdisappearancemadethemmoreaggressive.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?WhoisthisSmith?I’veneverseenhim.”

“ButyourdaughterVickieprobablyhas,Mr.Bennett,”Alaricsaid.“Thatmaycomeoutinmynextsessionwithher.We’lltalkaboutittomorrow;itcanwaitthatlong.RightnowIthinkI’dbettertakeStefantoahospital.”Therewasdiscomfortedshiftingamongsomeofthemen.

“Oh,certainly,andwhilewe’rewaitinganythingcouldhappen,”beganMr.Smallwood.“Anytime,anywhere–“

“Soyou’rejustgoingtotakethelawintoyourownhands,then?”Alaricsaid.Hisvoicesharpened.“Whetheryou’vegottherightsuspectornot.Where’syourevidencethisboyhassupernaturalpowers?What’syourproof?Howmuchofafightdidheevenputup?”

“There’sawolfaroundsomewherewhoputupplentyoffight,”Mr.Smallwoodsaid,red-faced.“Maybethey’reinittogether.”

“Idon’tseeanywolf.Isawadog.Maybeoneofthedogsthatgotoutofquarantine.Butwhat’sthatgottodowithit?I’mtellingyouthatinmyprofessionalopinionyou’vegotthewrongman.”

Themenwerewavering,buttherewasstillsomedoubtintheirfaces.Meredithspokeup.

“Ithinkyoushouldknowthatthere’vebeenvampireattacksinthiscountybefore,”shesaid.“AlongtimebeforeStefancamehere.Mygrandfatherwasavictim.Maybesomeofyouhaveheardaboutthat.”ShelookedacrossatCaroline.

Thatwastheendofit.Elenacouldseethemenexchanginguneasyglancesandbackingtowardtheircars.Suddenlytheyallseemedeagertobesomewhereelse.Mr.Smallwoodwasonewhostayedbehindtosay,“Yousaidwe’dtalkaboutthistomorrow,Saltzman.Iwanttohearwhatmysonsaysthenexttimehe’shypnotized.”Caroline’sfathercollectedherandgotinhiscarfast,mutteringsomethingaboutthisallbeingamistakeandnobodytakingittooseriously.Asthelastcarpulledaway,ElenarantoStefan.“Areyouallright?

Didtheyhurtyou?”

HemovedawayfromAlaric’ssupportingarm.“SomebodyhitmefrombehindwhileIwastalkingtoCaroline.I’llbeallright–now.”HeshotaglanceatAlaric.“Thanks.Why?”

“He’sonourside,”saidBonnie,joiningthem.“Itoldyou.Oh,Stefan,areyoureallyokay?IthoughtIwasgoingtofaintthereforaminute.Theyweren’tserious.Imean,theycouldn’treallyhavebeenserious.…”

“Seriousornot,Idon’tthinkweshouldstayhere,”saidMeredith.“DoesStefanreallyneedahospital?”

“No,”Stefansaid,asElenaanxiouslyexaminedthecutonhishead.“Ijustneedrest.Somewheretositdown.”“I’vegotmykeys.Let’sgotothehistoryroom,”Alaricsaid.

Bonniewaslookingaroundtheshadowsapprehensively.“Thewolf,too?”shesaid,andthenjumpedasashadowcoalescedandbecameDamon.“Whatwolf?”hesaid.Stefanturnedslightly,wincing.

“Thankyou,too,”hesaidunemotionally.ButStefan’seyeslingeredonhisbrotherwithsomethinglikepuzzlementastheywalkedtotheschoolbuilding.

Inthehallway,Elenapulledhimaside.“Stefan,whydidn’tyounoticethemcomingupbehindyou?Whywereyousoweak?”

Stefanshookhisheadevasively,andsheadded,“Whendidyoufeedlast?Stefan,when?YoualwaysmakesomeexcusewhenI’maround.Whatareyoutryingtodotoyourself?”“I’mallright,”hesaid.“Really,Elena.I’llhuntlater.”“Doyoupromise?”“Ipromise.”

Itdidn’toccurtoElenaatthemomentthattheyhadn’tagreedonwhat“later”meant.Sheallowedhimtoleadherondownthehall.

ThehistoryroomlookeddifferentatnighttoElena’seyes.Therewasastrangeatmosphereaboutit,asifthelightsweretoobright.Justnowallthestudents’deskswereshovedoutoftheway,andfivechairswerepulleduptoAlaric’sdesk.Alaric,who’djustfinishedarrangingthefurniture,urgedStefanintohisownpaddedchair.“Okay,whydon’ttherestofyoutakeaseat.”

Theyjustlookedathim.AfteramomentBonniesankdownintoachair,butElenastoodbyStefan,Damoncontinuedtoloungehalfwaybetweenthegroupandthedoor,andMeredithpushedsomepaperstothecenterofAlaric’sdeskandperchedonthecorner.

TheteacherlookfadedfromAlaric’seyes.“Allright,”hesaidandsatdowninoneofthestudents’chairshimself.“Well.”“Well,”saidElena.

Everyonelookedateveryoneelse.Elenapickedupapieceofcottonfromthefirst-aidkitshe’dgrabbedatthedoorandbegandabbingStefan’sheadwithit.“Ithinkit’stimefor

thatexplanation,”shesaid.

“Right.Yes.Well,youallseemedtohaveguessedI’mnotahistoryteacher…”

“Inthefirstfiveminutes,”Stefansaid.Hisvoicewasquietanddangerous,andwithajoltElenarealizeditremindedherofDamon’s.“Sowhatareyou?”

Alaricmadeanapologeticgestureandsaidalmostdiffidently,“Apsychologist.Notthecouchkind,”headdedhastilyastherestofthemexchangedlooks.“I’maresearcher,anexperimentalpsychologist.FromDukeUniversity.Youknow,wheretheESPexperimentswerestarted.”

“Theoneswheretheymakeyouguesswhat’sonthecardwithoutlookingatit?”Bonnieasked.

“Yes,well,it’sgoneabitbeyondthatnow,ofcourse.NotthatIwouldn’tlovetotestyouwithRhinecards,especiallywhenyou’reinoneofthosetrances.”Alaric’sfacelitwithscientificinquiry.Thenheclearedhisthroatandwenton.“But–ah–asIwassaying.ItstartedacoupleofyearsagowhenIdidapaperonparapsychology.Iwasn’ttryingtoprovesupernaturalpowersexisted,Ijustwantedtostudywhattheirpsychologicaleffectisonthepeoplewhohavethem.Bonnie,here,isacaseinpoint.”Alaric’svoicetookonalecturer’stone.“Whatdoesitdotoher,mentally,emotionally,tohavetodealwiththesepowers?”

“It’sawful,”Bonnieinterruptedvehemently.“Idon’twantthemanymore.Ihatethem.”

“Well,thereyousee,”Alaricsaid.“You’dhavemadeagreatcasestudy.MyproblemwasthatIcouldn’tfindanybodywithrealpsychicpowerstoexamine.Therewereplentyoffakers,allright–crystalhealers,dowsers,channelers,younameit.ButIcouldn’tfindanythinggenuineuntilIgotatipfromafriendinthepolicedepartment.

“TherewasthiswomandowninSouthCarolinawhoclaimedshe’dbeenbittenbyavampire,andsincethenshewashavingpsychicnightmares.BythattimeIwassousedtofakesIexpectedhertoturnouttobeone,too.Butshewasn’t,atleastnotaboutbeingbitten.Inevercouldproveshewasreallypsychic.”“Howcouldyoubesureshe’dbeenbitten?”Elenaasked.

“Therewasmedicalevidence.Tracesofsalivainherwoundsthatweresimilartohumansaliva–butnotquitethesame.Itcontainedananticoagulatoryagentsimilartothatfoundinthesalivaofleeches…”Alariccaughthimselfandhurriedon.“Anyway,Iwassure.Andthatwashowitstarted.OnceIwasconvincedsomethinghadreallyhappenedtothewoman,Istartedtolookupothercaseslikehers.Thereweren’talotofthem,buttheywereoutthere.Peoplewho’dencounteredvampires.

“Idroppedallmyotherstudiesandconcentratedonfindingvictimsofvampiresandexaminingthem.AndifIsaysomyself,I’vebecometheforemostexpertinthefield,”Alaricconcludedmodestly.“I’vewrittenanumberofpapers–“

“Butyou’veneveractuallyseenavampire,”Elenainterrupted.“Untilnow,Imean.Isthatright?”

“Well–no.Notintheflesh,asitwere.ButI’vewrittenmonographs…andthings.”Hisvoicetrailedoff.

Elenabitherlip.“Whatwereyoudoingwiththedogs?”sheasked.“Atthechurch,whenyouwerewavingyourhandsatthem.”

“Oh…”Alariclookedembarrassed.“I’vepickedupafewthingshereandthere,youknow.Thatwasaspellanoldmountainmanshowedmeforfendingoffevil.Ithoughtitmightwork.”“You’vegotalottolearn,”saidDamon.

“Obviously,”Alaricsaidstiffly.Thenhegrimaced.“Actually,IfiguredthatoutrightafterIgothere.Yourprincipal,BrianNewcastle,hadheardofme.HeknewaboutthestudiesIdo.WhenTannerwaskilledandDr.Feinbergfoundnobloodinthebodyandlacerationsmadebyteethintheneck…well,theygavemeacall.Ithoughtitcouldbeabigbreakforme–acasewiththevampirestillinthearea.TheonlyproblemwasthatonceIgothereIrealizedtheyexpectedmetotakecareofthevampire.Theydidn’tknowI’ddealtonlywiththevictimsbefore.And…well,maybeIwasinovermyhead.ButIdidmybesttojustifytheirconfidence–“

“Youfakedit,”Elenaaccused.“ThatwaswhatyouweredoingwhenIheardyoutalkingtothematyourhouseaboutfindingoursupposedlairandallthat.Youwerejustwingingit.”

“Well,notcompletely,”Alaricsaid.“Theoretically,Iamanexpert.”Thenhedidadoubletake.“Whatdoyoumean,whenyouheardmetalkingtothem?”

“Whileyouwereoutsearchingforalair,shewassleepinginyourattic,”Damoninformedhimdryly.Alaricopenedhismouthandthenshutitagain.

“WhatI’dliketoknowishowMeredithcomesintoallthis,”Stefansaid.Hewasn’tsmiling.

Meredith,whohadbeengazingthoughtfullyatthejumbleofpapersonAlaric’sdeskduringallthis,lookedup.Shespokeevenly,withoutemotion.

“Irecognizedhim,yousee.Icouldn’trememberwhereI’dseenhimatfirst,becauseitwasalmostthreeyearsago.ThenIrealizeditwasatGranddad’shospital.WhatItoldthosemenwasthetruth,Stefan.Mygrandfatherwasattackedbyavampire.”

TherewasalittlesilenceandthenMeredithwenton.“Ithappenedalongtimeago,beforeIwasborn.Hewasn’tbadlyhurtbyit,butheneverreallygotwell.Hebecame…well,sortoflikeVickie,onlymoreviolent.Itgotsothattheywereafraidhe’dharmhimself,orsomebodyelse.Sotheytookhimtoahospital,aplacehe’dbesafe.”“Amentalinstitution,”Elenasaid.Shefeltapangofsympathyforthedark-hairedgirl.“Oh,Meredith.Butwhydidn’tyousayanything?Youcouldhavetoldus.”“Iknow.Icouldhave…butIcouldn’t.Thefamily’skeptitasecretsolong–ortriedanyway.FromwhatCarolinewroteinherdiary,she’dobviouslyheard.Thethingis,nobodyeverbelievedGranddad’sstoriesaboutthevampire.Theyjustthoughtitwasanotherofhisdelusions,andhehadalotofthem.EvenIdidn’tbelievethem…untilStefancame.Andthen–Idon’tknow,mymindstartedtoputlittlethingstogether.ButIdidn’treallybelievewhatIwasthinkinguntilyoucameback,Elena.”“I’msurprisedyoudidn’thateme,”Elenasaidsoftly.

“HowcouldI?Iknowyou,andIknowStefan.Iknowyou’renotevil.”Meredithdidn’t

glanceatDamon;hemightaswellnothavebeenpresentforalltheacknowledgmentshegavehim.“ButwhenIrememberedseeingAlarictalkingtoGranddadatthehospitalIknewhewasn’t,either.Ijustdidn’tknowexactlyhowtogetallofyoutogethertoproveit.”

“Ididn’trecognizeyou,either,”Alaricsaid.“Theoldmanhadadifferentname–he’syourmother’sfather,right?AndImayhaveseenyouhangingaroundthewaitingroomsometime,butyouwerejustakidwithskinnylegsthen.You’vechanged,”headdedappreciatively.Bonniecoughed,apointedsound.

Elenawastryingtoarrangethingsinhermind.“Sowhatwerethosemendoingouttherewithastakeifyoudidn’ttellthemtobe?”

“IhadtoaskCaroline’sparentsforpermissiontohypnotizeher,ofcourse.AndIreportedwhatIfoundtothem.Butifyou’rethinkingIhadanythingtodowithwhathappenedtonight,you’rewrong.Ididn’tevenknowaboutit.”

“I’vetoldhimaboutwhatwe’vebeendoing,howwe’vebeenlookingfortheOtherPower,”Meredithsaid.“Andhewantstohelp.”“IsaidImighthelp,”Alaricsaidcautiously.

“Wrong,”saidStefan.“You’reeitherwithusoragainstus.I’mgratefulforwhatyoudidoutthere,talkingtothosemen,butthefactremainsthatyoustartedalotofthistroubleinthefirstplace.Nowyouhavetodecide:areyouonourside–ortheirs?”Alariclookedaroundateachofthem,atMeredith’ssteadygazeandBonnie’sraisedeyebrows,atElenakneelingonthefloorandatStefan’salready-healingscalp.ThenheturnedtoglanceatDamon,whowasleaningagainstthewall,darkandsaturnine.“I’llhelp,”hesaidatlast.“Hell,it’stheultimatecasestudy.”

“Allright,then,”Elenasaid.“You’rein.Now,whataboutMr.Smallwoodtomorrow?WhatifhewantsyoutohypnotizeTyleragain?”

“I’llstallhim,”Alaricsaid.“Itwon’tworkforever,butit’llbuysometime.I’lltellhimI’vegottohelpwiththedance–“

“Wait,”saidStefan.“Thereshouldn’tbeadance,notifthere’sanywaytopreventit.You’reongoodtermswiththeprincipal;youcantalktotheschoolboard.Makethemcancelit.”

Alariclookedstartled.“Youthinksomething’sgoingtohappen?”

“Yes,”Stefansaid.“Notjustbecauseofwhat’shappenedattheotherpublicfunctions,butbecausesomething’sbuildingup.It’sbeenbuildingupallweek;Icanfeelit.”“SocanI,”Elenasaid.Shehadn’trealizedituntilthatmoment,butthetensionshefelt,thesenseofurgency,wasnotjustfrominsideher.Itwasoutside,allaround.Itthickenedtheair.“Something’sgoingtohappen,Alaric.

Alaricletouthisbreathinasoftwhistle.“Well,Icantrytoconvincethem,but–Idon’tknow.Yourprincipalisdeadsetonkeepingeverythinglookingnormal.Anditisn’tasifIcangiveanyrationalexplanationforwantingtoshutitdown.”“Tryhard,”Elenasaid.

“Iwill.Andmeanwhile,maybeyoushouldthinkaboutprotectingyourself.IfwhatMeredithsaysisright,thenmostoftheattackshavebeenonyouandpeopleclosetoyou.

Yourboyfriendgotdroppedinawell;yourcargotchasedintotheriver;yourmemorialservicewasbrokenup.Meredithsaysevenyourlittlesisterwasthreatened.Ifsomething’sgoingtohappentomorrow,youmightwanttoleavetown.”

ItwasElena’sturntobestartled.Shehadneverthoughtoftheattacksinthatway,butitwastrue.SheheardStefan’sindrawnbreathandfelthisfingerstightenonhers.“He’sright,”Stefansaid.“Youshouldleave,Elena.Icanstayhereuntil–“

“No.I’mnotgoingwithoutyou.And,”Elenacontinued,slowly,thinkingitout,“I’mnotgoinganywhereuntilwefindtheOtherPowerandstopit.”Shelookedupathimearnestly,speakingquicklynow.“Oh,Stefan,don’tyousee,nobodyelseevenhasachanceagainstit.Mr.Smallwoodandhisfriendsdon’thaveaclue.Alaricthinksyoucanfightitbywavingyourhandsatit.Noneofthemknowwhatthey’reupagainst.We’retheonlyoneswhocanhelp.”

ShecouldseetheresistanceinStefan’seyesandfeelitinthetenorofhismuscles.Butasshekeptonlookingstraightathim,shesawhisobjectionsfallonebyone.Forthesimplereasonthatitwasthetruth,andStefanhatedlying.

“Allright,”hesaidatlast,painfully.“Butassoonasthisisallover,we’releaving.I’mnothavingyoustayinatownwherevigilantesrunaroundwithstakes.”

“Yes.”Elenareturnedthepressureofhisfingerswithhers.“Oncethisisallover,we’llgo.”

StefanturnedtoAlaric.“Andifthere’snowaytotalkthemoutofhavingthedancetomorrow,Ithinkweshouldkeepaneyeonit.Ifsomethingdoeshappen,wemaybeabletostopitbeforeitgetsoutofhand.”

“That’sagoodidea,”Alaricsaid,perkingup.“Wecouldmeettomorrowafterdarkhereinthehistoryroom.Nobodycomeshere.Wecouldkeepupawatchallnight.”ElenatiltedadoubtfuleyetowardBonnie.“Well…itwouldmeanmissingthedanceitself–forthoseofuswhocouldhavegone,Imean.”

Bonniedrewherselfup.“Oh,whocaresaboutmissingadance?”shesaidindignantly.“Whatonearthdoesadancemattertoanyone?”

“Right,”saidStefangravely.“Thenit’ssettled.”Aspasmofpainseemedtoovertakehimandhewinced,lookingdown.Elenawasimmediatelyconcerned.

“Youneedtogethomeandrest,”shesaid.“Alaric,canyoudriveus?It’snotthatfar.”

Stefanprotestedthathewasperfectlyabletowalk,butintheendhegavein.Attheboardinghouse,afterStefanandDamonhadgottenoutofthecar,ElenaleanedinAlaric’swindowforonelastquestion.IthadbeengnawingathermindeversinceAlarichadtoldthemhisstory.

“Aboutthosepeoplewho’dencounteredvampires,”shesaid.“Justwhatwerethepsychologicaleffects?Imean,didtheyallgocrazyorhavenightmares?Wereanyofthemokay?”

“Itdependsontheindividual,”Alaricsaid.“Andwithhowmanycontactsthey’dhad,andwhatkindofcontactstheywere.Butmostlyjustwiththepersonalityofthevictim,with

howwelltheindividualmindcancope.”

Elenanodded,andsaidnothinguntilthelightsofAlaric’scarhadbeenswallowedbythesnowyair.ThensheturnedtoStefan.“Matt.”

Twelve

StefanlookedatElena,snowcrystalsdustinghisdarkhair.“WhataboutMatt?”

“Iremember–something.It’snotclear.Butthatfirstnight,whenIwasn’tmyself–didIseeMattthen?DidI–?”

Fearandasicksenseofdismayswelledherthroatandcutherwordsoff.Butshedidn’tneedtofinish,andStefandidn’tneedtoanswer.Shesawitinhiseyes.

“Itwastheonlyway,Elena,”hesaidthen.“Youwouldhavediedwithouthumanblood.Wouldyouratherhaveattackedsomebodyunwilling,hurtthem,maybekilledthem?Theneedcandriveyoutothat.Isthatwhatyouwouldhavewanted?”

“No,”Elenasaidviolently.“ButdidithavetobeMatt?Oh,don’tanswerthat;Ican’tthinkofanybodyelse,either.”Shetookashakybreath.“ButnowI’mworriedabouthim,Stefan.Ihaven’tseenhimsincethatnight.Isheokay?Whathashesaidtoyou?”“Notmuch,”saidStefan,lookingaway.”‘Leavemealone’wasaboutthegistofit.Healsodeniedthatanythinghappenedthatnight,andsaidthatyouweredead.”

“Soundslikeoneofthoseindividualswhocan’tcope,”Damoncommented.

“Oh,shutup!”saidElena.“Youkeepoutofthis,andwhileyou’reatit,youmightthinkaboutpoorVickieBennett.Howd’youthinkshe’scopingthesedays?”

“ItmighthelpifIknewwhothisVickieBennettis.Youkeeptalkingabouther,butI’venevermetthegirl.”

“Yes,youhave.Don’tplaygameswithme,Damon–thecemetery,remember?Theruinedchurch?Thegirlyouleftwanderingaroundthereinherslip?”

“Sorry,no.AndIusuallydoremembergirlsIleavewanderingintheirslips.”

“IsupposeStefandidit,then,”Elenasaidsarcastically.

AngerflashedtothesurfaceofDamon’seyes,coveredquicklywithadisturbingsmile.

“Maybehedid.Maybeyoudid.It’sallthesametome,exceptthatI’mgettingalittletiredofaccusations.Andnow–“

“Wait,”saidStefan,withsurprisingmildness.“Don’tgoyet.Weshouldtalk–“

“I’mafraidIhaveapreviousengagement.”Therewasaflurryofwings,andStefanandElenawerealone.

Elenaputaknuckletoherlips.“Damn.Ididn’tmeantomakehimangry.Afterhewasreallyalmostcivilizedallevening.”

“Nevermind,”saidStefan.“Helikestobeangry.WhatwereyousayingaboutMatt?”ElenasawthewearinessinStefan’sfaceandputanarmaroundhim.“Wewon’ttalkaboutitnow,butIthinktomorrowmaybeweshouldgoseehim.Totellhim…”Elenaliftedherotherhandhelplessly.Shedidn’tknowwhatshewantedtotellMatt;sheonlyknewthatsheneededtodosomething.

“Ithink,”saidStefanslowly,“thatyouhadbettergoseehim.Itriedtotalktohim,buthedidn’twanttolistentome.Icanunderstandthat,butmaybeyou’lldobetter.AndI

think,”hepausedandthenwentonresolutely,“Ithinkyou’ddobetteralonewithhim.Youcouldgonow.”Elenalookedathimhard.“Areyousure?”“Yes.”“But–willyoubeallright?Ishouldstaywithyou–““I’llbefine,Elena,”Stefansaidgently,“Goon.”

Elenahesitated,thennodded.“Iwon’tbelong,”shepromisedhim.

Unseen,ElenaslippedaroundthesideoftheframehousewiththepeelingpaintandthecrookedmailboxlabeledHoneycutt.Matt’swindowwasunlocked.Carelessboy,shethoughtreprovingly.Don’tyouknowsome-thingmightcomecreepingin?Sheeaseditopen,butofcoursethatwasasfarasshecouldgo.Aninvisiblebarrierthatfeltlikeasoftwallofthickenedairblockedherway.

“Matt,”shewhispered.Theroomwasdark,butshecouldseeavagueshapeonthebed.Adigitalclockwithpalegreennumbersshowedthatitwas12:15.“Matt,”shewhisperedagain.Thefigurestirred.“Uh?”“Matt,Idon’twanttofrightenyou.”Shemadehervoicesoothing,tryingtowakehimgentlyratherthanstartlehimoutofhiswits.“Butit’sme,Elena,andIwantedtotalk.Onlyyou’vegottoaskmeinfirst.Canyouaskmein?”“Uh.C’monin.”

Elenawasamazedatthelackofsurpriseinhisvoice.Itwasonlyaftershe’dgottenoverthesillthatsherealizedhewasstillasleep.

“Matt.Matt,”shewhispered,afraidtogotooclose.Theroomwasstiflingandoverheated,theradiatorgoingfullblast.Shecouldseeabarefootstickingoutofthemoundofblanketsonthebedandblondhairatthetop.“Matt?”Tentatively,sheleanedoverandtouchedhim.

Thatgotaresponse.Withanexplosivegrunt,Mattsatboltupright,whippingaround.Whenhiseyesmethers,theywerewideandstaring.

Elenafoundherselftryingtolooksmallandharmless,nonthreatening.Shebackedawayagainstthewall.“Ididn’tmeantofrightenyou.Iknowit’sashock.Butwillyoutalktome?”

Hesimplywentonstaringather.Hisyellowhairwassweatyandruffleduplikewetchickenfeathers.Shecouldseehispulsepoundinginhisbareneck.Shewasafraidhewas

goingtogetupanddashoutoftheroom.

Thenhisshouldersrelaxed,slumping,andheslowlyshuthiseyes.Hewasbreathingdeeplybutraggedly.“Elena.”“Yes,”shewhispered.“You’redead.”“No.I’mhere.”

“Deadpeopledon’tcomeback.Mydaddidn’tcomeback.”

“Ididn’treallydie.Ijustchanged.”Matt’seyeswerestillshutinrepudiation,andElenafeltacoldwaveofhopelessnesswashoverher.“ButyouwishIhaddied,don’tyou?I’llleavenow,”shewhispered.Matt’sfacecrackedandhestartedtocry.

“No.Oh,no.Oh,don’t,Matt,please.”Shefoundherselfcradlinghim,fightingnottocryherself.“Matt,I’msorry;Ishouldn’tevenhavecomehere.”“Don’tleave,”hesobbed.“Don’tgoaway.”

“Iwon’t.”Elenalostthefight,andtearsfellontoMatt’sdamphair.“Ididn’tmeantohurtyou,ever,”shesaid.“Notever,Matt.Allthosetimes,allthosethingsIdid–Ineverwantedtohurtyou.Truly…”Thenshestoppedtalkingandjustheldhim.

Afterawhilehisbreathingquietedandhesatback,swipinghisfacewithafistfulofsheet.Hiseyesavoidedhers.Therewasalookonhisface,notjustofembarrassment,butofdistrust,asifhewerebracinghimselfforsomethinghedreaded.

“Okay,soyou’rehere.You’realive,”hesaidroughly.“Sowhatdoyouwant?”Elenawasdumbfounded.“Comeon,theremustbesomething.Whatisit?”

Newtearswelledup,butElenagulpedthemback.“IguessIdeservethat.IknowIdo.Butforonce,Matt,Iwantabsolutelynothing.Icametoapologize,tosaythatI’msorryforusingyou–notjustthatonenight,butalways.Icareaboutyou,andIcareifyouhurt.IthoughtmaybeIcouldmakethingsbetter.”Afteraheavysilence,sheadded,“IguessIwillleavenow.”

“No,wait.Waitasecond.”Mattscrubbedathisfacewiththesheetagain.“Listen.Thatwasstupid,andI’majerk–“

“Thatwasthetruthandyou’reagentleman.Oryou’d’vetoldmetogotakeahikealongtimeago.”

“No,I’mastupidjerk.Ishouldbebangingmyheadagainstthewallwithjoybecauseyou’renotdead.Iwillinaminute.Listen.”HegrabbedherwristandElenalookedatitinmildsurprise.“Idon’tcareifyou’retheCreaturefromtheBlackLagoon,It,GodzillaandFrankensteinallrolledupintoone.Ijust–”“Matt.”Panicked,Elenaputherfreehandoverhismouth.

“Iknow.You’reengagedtotheguyintheblackcape.Don’tworry;Irememberhim.Ievenlikehim,thoughGodknowswhy.”Matttookabreathandseemedtocalmdown.“Look,Idon’tknowifStefantoldyou.Hesaidabunchofstufftome–aboutbeingevil,aboutnotbeingsorryforwhathedidtoTyler.YouknowwhatI’mtalkingabout?”Elena

shuthereyes.“He’sscarcelyeatensincethatnight.Ithinkhe’shuntedonce.Tonighthealmostgothimselfkilledbecausehe’ssoweak.”

Mattnodded.“Soitwasyourbasiccrap.Ishouldhaveknown.”

“Well,itisanditisn’t.Theneedisstrong,strongerthanyoucanimagine.”ItwasdawningonElenathatshehadn’tfedtodayandthatshe’dbeenhungrybeforethey’dset

outforAlaric’s.“Infact–Matt,I’dbettergo.Justonething–ifthere’sadancetomorrownight,don’tgo.Something’sgoingtohappenthen,somethingbad.We’regoingtotrytoguardit,butIdon’tknowwhatwecando.”“Who’s‘we’?”Mattsaidsharply.

“StefanandDamon–IthinkDamon–andme.AndMeredithandBonnie…andAlaricSaltzman.Don’taskaboutAlaric.It’salongstory.”“Butwhatareyouguardingagainst!”

“Iforgot;youdon’tknow.That’salongstory,too,but…well,theshortansweris,whateverkilledme.Whatevermadethosedogsattackpeopleatmymemorialservice.It’ssomethingbad,Matt,that’sbeenaroundFell’sChurchforawhilenow.Andwe’regoingtotrytostopitfromdoinganythingtomorrownight.”Shetriednottosquirm.“Look,I’msorry,butIreallyshouldleave.”Hereyesdrifted,despiteherself,tothebroadblueveininhisneck.

Whenshemanagedtotearhergazeawayandlookathisface,shesawshockgivingwaytosuddenunderstanding.Thentosomethingincredible:acceptance.“It’sokay,”Mattsaid.Shewasn’tsureshe’dheardcorrectly.“Matt?”“Isaid,it’sokay.Itdidn’thurtmebefore.”“No.No,Matt,really.Ididn’tcomehereforthat–“

“Iknow.That’swhyIwantto.Iwanttogiveyousomethingyoudidn’taskfor.”Afteramomenthesaid,“Foroldfriends’sake.”

Stefan,Elenawasthinking.ButStefanhadtoldhertocome,andcomealone.Stefanhadknown,sherealized.Anditwasallright.ItwashisgifttoMatt–andtoher.ButI’mcomingbacktoyou,Stefan,shethought.

Assheleanedtowardhim,Mattsaid,“I’mgoingtocomeandhelpyoutomorrow,youknow.EvenifI’mnotinvited.”Thenherlipstouchedhisthroat.

December13,FridayDearDiary,Tonight’sthenight.

IknowI’vewrittenthatbefore,orthoughtitatleast.Buttonightisthenight,thebigone,wheneverythingisgoingtohappen.Thisisit.

Stefanfeelsit,too.Hecamebackfromschooltodaytotellmethatthedanceisstillon–Mr.Newcastledidn’twanttocauseapanicbycancelingitorsomething.Whatthey’regoingtodoishave“security”outside,whichmeansthepolice,Iguess.AndmaybeMr.Smallwoodandsomeofhisfriendswithrifles.Whatever’sgoingtohappen,Idon’tthink

theycanstopit.Idon’tknowifwecan,either.

It’sbeensnowingallday.Thepassisblocked,whichmeansnothinggetsinoroutoftownonwheels.Untilthesnowplowgetsupthere,whichwon’tbeuntilmorning,whichwillbetoolate.

Andtheairhasafunnyfeelingtoit.Notjustsnow.It’sasifsomethingevencolderthanthatiswaiting.It’spulledbackthewaytheoceanpullsbackbeforeatidalwave.Whenitletsgo…

Ithoughtaboutmyotherdiarytoday,theoneunderthefloorboardsofmybedroomcloset.IfIownanythinganymore,Iownthatdiary.Ithoughtaboutgettingitout,butIdon’twanttogohomeagain.Idon’tthinkIcouldcope,andIknowAuntJudithcouldn’tifshesawme.

I’msurprisedanybody’sbeenabletocope.Meredith,Bonnie–especiallyBonnie.Well,Meredith,too,consideringwhatherfamilyhasbeenthrough.Matt.

They’regoodandloyalfriends.It’sfunny,IusedtothinkthatwithoutawholegalaxyoffriendsandadmirersIwouldn’tsurvive.NowI’mperfectlyhappywiththree,thankyou.Becausethey’rerealfriends.

Ididn’tknowhowmuchIcaredaboutthembefore.OraboutMargaret,orAuntJuditheven.Andeverybodyatschool…IknowafewweeksagoIwassayingthatIdidn’tcareiftheentirepopulationofRobertE.Leedroppeddead,butthatisn’ttrue.TonightI’mgoingtodomybesttoprotectthem.

IknowI’mjumpingfromsubjecttosubject,butI’mjusttalkingaboutthingsthatareimportanttome.Kindofgatheringthemtogetherinmymind.Justincase.

Well,it’stime.Stefaniswaiting.I’mgoingtofinishthislastlineandthengo.

Ithinkwe’regoingtowin.Ihopeso.We’regoingtotry.

Thehistoryroomwaswarmandbrightlylit.Ontheothersideoftheschoolbuilding,thecafeteriawasevenbrighter,shiningwithChristmaslightsanddecorations.Uponarriving,Elenahadscrutinizeditfromacautiousdistance,watchingthecouplesarriveforthedanceandpassbythesheriff’sofficersatthedoor.FeelingDamon’ssilentpresencebehindher,shehadpointedoutagirlwithlong,lightbrownhair.“VickieBennett,”shesaid.“I’lltakeyourwordforit,”hereplied.

Now,shelookedaroundtheirmakeshiftheadquartersforthenight.Alaric’sdeskhadbeencleared,andhewasbentoveraroughmapoftheschool.Meredithleanedinbesidehim,herdarkhairsweepinghissleeve.MattandBonniewereoutminglingwiththedancegoersintheparkinglot,andStefanandDamonwereprowlingtheperimeteroftheschoolgrounds.Theyweregoingtotaketurns.

“You’dbetterstayinside,”AlarichadtoldElena.“Allweneedisforsomebodytoseeyouandstartchasingyouwithastake.”

“I’vebeenwalkingaroundtownallweek,”Elenasaid,amused.“IfIdon’twanttobeseen,youdon’tseeme.”Butsheagreedtostayinthehistoryroomandcoordinate.It’s

likeacastle,shethoughtasshewatchedAlaricplotoutthepositionsofsheriff’sofficersandothermenonthemap.Andwe’redefendingit.Meandmyloyalknights.Theround,flat-facedclockonthewalltickedtheminutesby.Elenawatcheditassheletpeopleinthedoorandletthemoutagain.ShepouredhotcoffeeoutofaThermosforthosewhowantedit.Shelistenedtothereportscomein.“Everything’squietonthenorthsideoftheschool.”“Carolinejustgotcrownedsnowqueen.Bigsurprise.”

“Somerowdykidsintheparkinglot–thesheriffjustroundedthemup…”Midnightcameandwent.

“Maybewewerewrong,”Stefansaidanhourorsolater.Itwasthefirsttimethey’dallbeeninsidetogethersincethebeginningoftheevening.

“Maybeit’shappeningsomewhereelse,”saidBonnie,emptyingoutabootandpeeringintoit.

“There’snowaytoknowwhereit’sgoingtohappen,”Elenasaidfirmly.“Butweweren’twrongaboutithappening.”

“Maybe,”saidAlaricthoughtfully,“thereisaway.Tofindoutwhereit’sgoingtohappen,Imean.”Asheadsraisedquestioningly,hesaid,“Weneedaprecognition.”AlleyesturnedtoBonnie.“Oh,no,”Bonniesaid.“I’mthroughwithallthat.Ihateit.”

“It’sagreatgift–”beganAlaric.

“It’sagreatbigpain.Look,youdon’tunderstand.Theordinarypredictionsarebadenough.ItseemslikemostofthetimeI’mfindingoutthingsIdon’twanttoknow.Butgettingtakenover–that’sawful.AndafterwardIdon’tevenrememberwhatI’vesaid.It’shorrible.”“Gettingtakenover?”Alaricrepeated.“What’sthat?”

Bonniesighed.“It’swhathappenedtomeinthechurch,”shesaidpatiently.“Icandootherkindsofpredictions,likediviningwithwaterorreadingpalms”–sheglancedatElena,andthenaway–“andstufflikethat.Butthentherearetimeswhen–someone–takesmeoverandjustusesmetotalkforthem.It’slikehavingsomebodyelseinmybody.”

“Likeinthegraveyard,whenyousaidtherewassomethingtherewaitingforme,”saidElena.“Orwhenyouwarnedmenottogonearthebridge.OrwhenyoucametodinnerandsaidthatDeath,mydeath,wasinthehouse.”ShelookedautomaticallyaroundatDamon,whoreturnedhergazeimpassively.Still,thathadbeenwrong,shethought.Damonhadn’tbeenherdeath.Sowhathadtheprophecymeant?Forjustaninstantsomethingglimmeredinhermind,butbeforeshecouldgetagrasponit,Meredithinterrupted.

“It’slikeanothervoicethatspeaksthroughBonnie,”MeredithexplainedtoAlaric.“Sheevenlooksdifferent.Maybeyouweren’tcloseenoughinthechurchtosee.”“Butwhydidn’tyoutellmeaboutthis?”Alaricwasexcited.“Thiscouldbeimportant.This–entity–whateveritis–couldgiveusvitalinformation.ItcouldclearupthemysteryoftheOtherPower,oratleastgiveusacluehowtofightit.”

Bonniewasshakingherhead.“No.Itisn’tsomethingIcanjustwhistleup,anditdoesn’tanswerquestions.Itjusthappenstome.AndIhateit.”

“Youmeanyoucan’tthinkofanythingthattendstosetitoff?Anythingthat’sledtoithappeningbefore?”

ElenaandMeredith,whoknewverywellwhatcouldsetitoff,lookedateachother.Elenabittheinsideofhercheek.ItwasBonnie’schoice.IthadtobeBonnie’schoice.Bonnie,whowasholdingherheadinherhands,shotasidewaysglancethroughredcurlsatElena.Thensheshuthereyesandmoaned.“Candles,”shesaid.“What?”“Candles.Acandleflamemightdoit.Ican’tbesure,youunderstand;I’mnotpromisinganything–““Somebodygoransackthesciencelab,”saidAlaric.

ItwasascenereminiscentofthedayAlarichadcometoschool,whenhe’daskedthemalltoputtheirchairsinacircle.Elenalookedatthecircleoffacesliteerilyfrombelowbythecandle’sflame.TherewasMatt,withhisjawset.Besidehim,Meredith,herdarklashesthrowingshadowsupward.AndAlaric,leaningforwardinhiseagerness.ThenDamon,lightandshadowdancingovertheplanesofhisface.AndStefan,highcheekboneslookingtoosharplydefinedtoElena’seyes.Andfinally,Bonnie,lookingfragileandpaleeveninthegoldenlightofthecandle.

We’reconnected,Elenathought,overcomebythesamefeelingthatshe’dhadinthechurch,whenshehadtakenStefan’sandDamon’shands.Sherememberedathinwhitecircleofwaxfloatinginadishofwater.Wecandoitifwesticktogether.

“I’mjustgoingtolookintothecandle,”Bonniesaid,hervoicequiveringslightly.“Andnotthinkofanything.I’mgoingtotryto–leavemyselfopentoit.”Shebegantobreathedeeply,gazingintothecandleflame.

Andthenithappened,justasithadbefore.Bonnie’sfacesmoothedout,allexpressiondrainingaway.Hereyeswentblankasthestonecherub’sinthegraveyard.Shedidn’tsayaword.

ThatwaswhenElenarealizedtheyhadn’tagreedonwhattoask.ShegropedthroughhermindtofindaquestionbeforeBonnielostcontact.“WherecanwefindtheOtherPower?”shesaid,justasAlaricblurtedout,“Whoareyou?”Theirvoicesmingled,theirquestionsintertwining.

Bonnie’sblankfaceturned,sweepingthecirclewithsightlesseyes.Thenthevoicethatwasn’tBonnie’svoicesaid,“Comeandsee.”

“Waitaminute,”Mattsaid,asBonniestoodup,stillentranced,andmadeforthedoor.“Where’sshegoing?”Meredithgrabbedforhercoat.“Arewegoingwithher?”

“Don’ttouchher!”saidAlaric,jumpingupasBonniewentoutthedoor.

ElenalookedatStefan,andthenatDamon.Withoneaccord,theyfollowed,trailingBonniedowntheempty,echoinghall.

“Wherearewegoing?Whichquestionissheanswering?”Mattdemanded.Elenacouldonlyshakeherhead.AlaricwasjoggingtokeepupwithBonnie’sglidingpace.She

sloweddownastheyemergedintothesnow,andtoElena’ssurprise,walkeduptoAlaric’scarinthestaffparkinglotandstoodbesideit.

“Wecan’tallfit;I’llfollowwithMatt,”Meredithsaidswiftly.Elena,herskinchilledwithapprehensionaswellascoldair,gotinthebackofAlaric’scarwhenheopeneditforher,withDamonandStefanoneitherside.Bonniesatupfront.Shewaslookingstraightahead,andshedidn’tspeak.ButasAlaricpulledoutoftheparkinglot,sheliftedonewhitehandandpointed.RightonLeeStreetandthenleftonArborGreen.StraightouttowardElena’shouseandthenrightonThunderbird.HeadingtowardOldCreekRoad.ItwasthenthatElenarealizedwheretheyweregoing.

Theytooktheotherbridgetothecemetery,theoneeveryonealwayscalled“thenewbridge”todistinguishitfromWickeryBridge,whichwasnowgone.Theywereapproachingfromthegateside,thesideTylerhaddrivenupwhenhetookElenatotheruinedchurch.

Alaric’scarstoppedjustwhereTyler’shadstopped.Meredithpulledupbehindthem.Withaterriblesenseofdéjàvu,Elenamadethetrekupthehillandthroughthegate,followingBonnietowheretheruinedchurchstoodwithitsbelfrypointinglikeafingertothestormysky.Attheemptyholethathadoncebeenthedoorway,shebalked.“Whereareyoutakingus?”shesaid.“Listentome.Willyoujusttelluswhichquestionyou’reanswering?”“Comeandsee.”

Helplessly,Elenalookedattheothers.Thenshesteppedoverthethreshold.Bonniewalkedslowlytothewhitemarbletomb,andstopped.

Elenalookedatit,andthenatBonnie’sghostlyface.Everyhaironherarmsandthebackofherneckwasstandingup.“Oh,no…”shewhispered.“Notthat.”“Elena,whatareyoutalkingabout?”Meredithsaid.

Dizzy,ElenalookeddownatthemarblecountenancesofThomasandHonoriaFell,lyingonthestonelidoftheirtomb.“Thisthingopens,”shewhispered.

Thirteen

“Youthinkwe’resupposedto–lookinside?”Mattsaid.

“Idon’tknow,”Elenasaidmiserably.Shedidn’twanttoseewhatwasinsidethattombnowanymorethanshehadwhenTylerhadsuggestedopeningittovandalizeit.“Maybewewon’tbeabletogetitopen,”sheadded.“TylerandDickcouldn’t.ItstartedtoslideonlywhenIleanedonit.”

“Leanonitnow;maybethere’ssomesortofhiddenspringmechanism,”Alaricsuggested,andwhenElenadid,withnoresults,hesaid,“Allright,let’sallgetagrip,andbraceourselves–likethis.Comeon,now–“

Fromhiscrouch,helookedupatDamon,whowasstandingmotionlessnexttothetomb,lookingfaintlyamused.“Excuseme,”Damonsaid,andAlaricsteppedback,frowning.DamonandStefaneachgrippedanendofthestonelidandlifted.

Thelidcameaway,makingagrindingsoundasDamonandStefanslidittothegroundononesideofthetomb.Elenacouldn’tbringherselftomovecloser.

Instead,fightingnausea,sheconcentratedonStefan’sexpression.Itwouldtellherwhatwastobefoundinthere.Picturescrashedthroughhermind,ofparchment-coloredmummifiedbodies,ofrottingcorpses,ofgrinningskulls.IfStefanlookedhorrifiedorsickened,disgusted…

ButasStefanlookedintotheopentomb,hisfaceregisteredonlydisconcertedsurprise.Elenacouldn’tstanditanylonger.“Whatisit?”

HegaveheracrookedsmileandsaidwithaglanceatBonnie,“Comeandsee.”

Elenaincheduptothetombandlookeddown.Thenherheadflewup,andsheregardedStefaninastonishment.“Whatisit?”

“Idon’tknow,”hereplied.HeturnedtoMeredithandAlaric.“Doeseitherofyouhaveaflashlight?Orsomerope?”

Afteralookinsidethestonebox,theybothheadedfortheircars.Elenaremainedwhereshewas,staringdown,straininghernightvision.Shestillcouldn’tbelieveit.Thetomb

wasnotatomb,butadoorway.

Nowsheunderstoodwhyshehadfeltacoldwindblowfromitwhenithadshiftedbeneathherhandthatnight.Shewaslookingdownintoakindofvaultorcellarintheground.Shecouldseeonlyonewall,theonethatdroppedstraightdownbelowher,andthatonehadironrungsdrivenintothestone,likealadder.

“Hereyougo,”MeredithsaidtoStefan,returning.“Alaric’sgotaflashlight,andhere’smine.Andhere’stheropeElenaputinmycarwhenwewentlookingforyou.”ThenarrowbeamofMeredith’sflashlightsweptthedarkroombelow.“Ican’tseeveryfarinside,butitlooksempty,”Stefansaid.“I’llgodownfirst.”

“Godown?”saidMatt.“Look,areyousurewe’resupposedtogodown?Bonnie,howaboutit?”

Bonniehadn’tmoved.Shewasstillstandingtherewiththatutterlyabstractedexpressiononherface,asifshesawnothingaroundher.Withoutaword,sheswungalegovertheedgeofthetomb,twisted,andbegantodescend.

“Whoa,”saidStefan.Hetuckedtheflashlightinhisjacketpocket,putahandonthetomb’sfoot,andjumped.

ElenahadnotimetoenjoyAlaric’sexpression;sheleaneddownandshouted,“Areyouokay?”

“Fine.”Theflashlightwinkedatherfrombelow.“Bonniewillbeallright,too.Therungsgoallthewaydown.Betterbringtheropeanyway.”

ElenalookedatMatt,whowasclosest.Hisblueeyesmetherswithhelplessnessandacertainresignation,andhenodded.ShetookadeepbreathandputahandonthefootofthetombasStefanhad.Anotherhandsuddenlyclampedonherwrist.

“I’vejustthoughtofsomething,”Meredithsaidgrimly.“WhatifBonnie’sentityistheOtherPower?”

“Ithoughtofthatalongtimeago,”Elenasaid.ShepattedMeredith’shand,prieditoff,andjumped.

ShestoodupintoStefan’ssupportingarmandlookedaround.“MyGod…”

Itwasastrangeplace.Thewallswerefacedwithstone.Theyweresmoothandalmostpolished-looking.Drivenintothematintervalswereironcandelabra,someofwhichhadtheremainsofwaxcandlesinthem.Elenacouldnotseetheotherendoftheroom,buttheflashlightshowedawrought-irongatequiteclose,likethegateinsomechurchesusedtoscreenoffanaltar.

Bonniewasjustreachingthebottomoftherungladder.Shewaitedsilentlywhiletheothersdescended,firstMatt,thenMeredith,thenAlaricwiththeotherflashlight.Elenalookedup.“Damon?”

Shecouldseehissilhouetteagainstthelighterblackrectanglethatwasthetomb’sopeningtothesky.“Well?”

“Areyouwithus?”sheasked.Not“Areyoucomingwithus?”Sheknewhewouldunderstandthedifference.

Shewaitedfiveheartbeatsinthesilencethatfollowed.Six,seven,eight…

Therewasarushofair,andDamonlandedneatly.Buthedidn’tlookatElena.Hiseyeswereoddlydistant,andshecouldreadnothinginhisface.

“It’sacrypt,”Alaricwassayinginwonder,ashisflashlightscythedthroughthedarkness.“Anundergroundchamberbeneathachurch,usedasaburialplace.They’reusuallybuiltunderlargerchurches.”

Bonniewalkedstraightuptothescrolledgateandplacedonesmallwhitehandonit,openingit.Itswungawayfromher.

Elena’sheartbeatswerecomingtooquicklytocountnow.Somehowsheforcedherlegstomoveforward,tofollowBonnie.Hersharpenedsenseswerealmostpainfullyacute,buttheycouldtellhernothingaboutwhatshewaswalkinginto.ThebeamfromStefan’sflashlightwassonarrow,anditshowedonlytherockfloorahead,andBonnie’senigmaticform.Bonniestopped.

Thisisit,thoughtElena,herbreathcatchinginherthroat.Oh,myGod,thisisit;thisisreallyit.Shehadthesuddenintensesensationofbeinginthemiddleofaluciddream,onewheresheknewshewasdreamingbutcouldn’tchangeanythingorwakeup.Hermusclesdeadlocked.

Shecouldsmellfearfromtheothers,andshecouldfeelthesharpedgeofitfromStefanbesideher.HisflashlightskimmedoverobjectsbeyondBonnie,butatfirstElena’seyescouldmakenosenseofthem.Shesawangles,planes,contours,andthensomethingleapedintofocus.Adead-whiteface,hanginggrotesquelysideways…

Thescreamnevergotoutofherthroat.Itwasonlyastatue,andthefeatureswerefamiliar.Theywerethesameasonthelidofthetombabove.Thistombwasthetwinoftheonetheyhadcomethrough.Exceptthatthisonehadbeenravaged,thestonelidbrokenintwoandflungagainstthewallofthecrypt.Somethingwasscatteredaboutthefloorlikefragileivorysticks.Bitsofmarble,Elenatoldherbraindesperately;it’sonlymarble,bitsofmarble.Theywerehumanbones,splinteredandcrushed.Bonnieturnedaround.

Herheart-shapedfaceswungasifthosefixedblankeyesweresurveyingthegroup.SheendeddirectlyfacingElena.

Then,withashudder,shestumbledandpitchedviolentlyforwardlikeamarionettewhosestringshavebeencut.

Elenabarelycaughther,halffallingherself.“Bonnie?Bonnie?”Thebrowneyesthatlookedupather,dilatedanddisoriented,wereBonnie’sownfrightenedeyes.“Butwhathappened?”Elenademanded.“Wherediditgo?”“Iamhere.”

Abovetheplunderedtomb,ahazylightwasshowing.No,notalight,Elenathought.Shewassensingitwithhereyes,butitwasnotlightinthenormalspectrum.Thiswassomethingstrangerthaninfraredorultraviolet,somethinghumansenseshadnotbeenbuilttosee.Itwasbeingrevealedtoher,forcedonherbrain,bysomeoutsidePower.“TheOtherPower,”shewhispered,herbloodfreezing.“No,Elena.”

Thevoicewasnotsound,inthesamewaythatthevisionwasnotlight.Itwasquietasstar

shine,andsad.Itremindedherofsomething.

Mother?shethoughtwildly.Butitwasn’thermother’svoice.Theglowabovethetombseemedtoswirlandeddy,andforamomentElenaglimpsedinitaface,agentle,sadface.Andthensheknew.

“I’vebeenwaitingforyou,”HonoriaFell’svoicesaidsoftly.“HereIcanspeaktoyouatlastinmyownform,andnotthroughBonnie’slips.Listentome.Yourtimeisshort,andthedangerisverygreat.”

Elenafoundhertongue.“Butwhatisthisroom?Whydidyoubringushere?”

“Youaskedmeto.Icouldn’tshowyouuntilyouasked.Thisisyourbattleground.”“Idon’tunderstand.”

“ThiscryptwasbuiltformebythepeopleofFell’sChurch.Arestingplaceformybody.Asecretplaceforonewhohadsecretpowersinlife.LikeBonnie,Iknewthingsnooneelsecouldknow.Isawthingsnooneelsecouldsee.”“Youwerepsychic,”Bonniewhisperedhuskily.

“Inthosedays,theycalleditwitchery.ButIneverusedmypowersforharm,andwhenIdiedtheybuiltmethismonumentsothatmyhusbandandIcouldlieinpeace.Butthen,aftermanyyears,ourpeacewasdisturbed.”

Theeldritchlightebbedandflowed,Honoria’sformwavering.“AnotherPowercametoFell’sChurch,fullofhatredanddestruction.Itdefiledmyrestingplaceandscatteredmybones.Itmadeitshomehere.Itwentouttoworkevilagainstmytown.Iwoke.“Ihavetriedtowarnyouagainstitfromthebeginning,Elena.Itlivesherebelowthegraveyard.Ithasbeenwaitingforyou,watchingyou.Sometimesintheformofanowl–“

Anowl.Elena’smindracedahead.Anowl,liketheowlshehadseennestinginthebelfryofthechurch.Liketheowlthathadbeeninthebarn,liketheowlintheblacklocusttreebyherhouse.

Whiteowl…huntingbird…flesheater…shethought.Andthensherememberedgreatwhitewingsthatseemedtostretchtothehorizononeitherside.Agreatbirdmadeofmistorsnow,comingafterher,focusedonher,fullofbloodlustandanimalhate…“No!”shecried,memoryengulfingher.

ShefeltStefan’shandsonhershoulders,hisfingersdigginginalmostpainfully.Itbroughtherbacktoreality.HonoriaFellwasstillspeaking.

“Andyou,Stefan,ithasbeenwatchingyou.IthatedyoubeforeithatedElena.Ithasbeentormentingyouandplayingwithyoulikeacatwithamouse.Ithatesthoseyoulove.Itisfullofpoisonedloveitself.”

Elenalookedinvoluntarilybehindher.ShesawMeredith,Alaric,andMattstandingfrozen.BonnieandStefanwerenexttoher.ButDamon…wherewasDamon?“Itshatredhasgrownsogreatthatanydeathwilldo,anybloodspilledwillgiveitpleasure.Rightnow,theanimalsitcontrolsareslinkingoutofthewoods.Theyaremovingtowardthetown,towardthelights.”“TheSnowDance!”Meredithsaidsharply.

“Yes.Andthistimetheywillkilluntilthelastofthemiskilled.”

“Wehavetowarnthosepeople,”Mattsaid.“Everyoneatthatdance–“

“Youwillneverbesafeuntilthemindthatcontrolsthemisdestroyed.Thekillingwillgoon.YoumustdestroythePowerthathates;thatiswhyIhavebroughtyouhere.”Therewasanotherfluxinthelight;itseemedtobereceding.“Youhavethecourage,ifyoucanfindit.Bestrong.ThisistheonlyhelpIcangiveyou.”“Wait–please–”Elenabegan.

Thevoicecontinuedrelentlessly,takingnoheedofher.“Bonnie,youhaveachoice.Yoursecretpowersarearesponsibility.Theyarealsoagift,andonethatcanbetakenaway.Doyouchoosetorelinquishthem?”

“I–”Bonnieshookherhead,frightened.“Idon’tknow.Ineedtime…”

“Thereisnotime.Choose.”Thelightwasdwindling,cavinginonitself.

Bonnie’seyeswerebewilderedanduncertainasshesearchedElena’sfaceforhelp.“It’syourchoice,”Elenawhispered.“Youhavetodecideforyourself.”

Slowly,theuncertaintyleftBonnie’sface,andshenodded.ShestoodawayfromElena,withoutsupport,turningbacktothelight.“I’llkeepthem,”shesaidhuskily.“I’lldealwiththemsomehow.Mygrandmotherdid.”

Therewasaflickerofsomethinglikeamusementfromthelight.“You’vechosenwisely.Mayyouusethemaswell.ThisisthelasttimeIwillspeaktoyou.”“But–“

“Ihaveearnedmyrest.Thefightisyours.”Andtheglowfaded,likethelastembersofadyingfire.

Withitgone,Elenacouldfeelthepressureallaroundher.Somethingwasgoingtohappen.Somecrushingforcewascomingtowardthem,orhangingoverthem.“Stefan–”Stefanfeltittoo;shecouldtell.“Comeon,”Bonniesaid,hervoicepanicked.“Wehavetogetoutofhere.”

“Wehavetogettothedance,”Mattgasped.Hisfacewaswhite.“Wehavetohelpthem–“

“Fire,”criedBonnie,lookingstartled,asifthethoughthadjustcometoher.“Firewon’tkillthem,butitwillholdthemoff–“

“Didn’tyoulisten?WehavetofacetheOtherPower.Andit’shere,righthere,rightnow.Wecan’tgo!”Elenacried.Hermindwasfilledwithturmoil.Images,memories,andadreadfulforeboding.Bloodlust…shecouldfeelit…

“Alaric.”Stefanspokewiththeringofcommand.“Yougoback.Taketheothers;dowhatyoucan.I’llstay–“

“Ithinkweallshouldleave!”Alaricshouted.Hehadtoshouttobeheardoverthedeafeningnoisesurroundingthem.

HisweavingflashlightshowedElenasomethingshehadn’tnoticedbefore.Inthewallnexttoherwasagapinghole,asifthestonefacinghadbeenrippedaway.Andbeyondwasatunnelintotherawearth,blackandendless.

Wheredoesitgo?Elenawondered,butthethoughtwaslostamongthetumultofherfear.Whiteowl…huntingbird…flesheater…crow,shethought,andsuddenlysheknewwith

blindingclaritywhatshewasafraidof.

“Where’sDamon?”shescreamed,draggingStefanaroundassheturned,looking.“Where’sDamon?”

“Getout!”criedBonnie,hervoiceshrillwithterror.Shethrewherselftowardthegatejustasthesoundsplitthedarkness.

Itwasasnarl,butnotadog’ssnarl.Itcouldneverbemistakenforthat.Itwassomuchdeeper,heavier,moreresonant.Itwasahugesound,anditreekedofthejungle,ofthehuntingbloodlust.ItreverberatedinElena’schest,jarredherbones.Itparalyzedher.

Thesoundcameagain,hungryandsavage,butsomehowalmostlazy.Thatconfident.Andwithitcameheavyfootfallsfromthetunnel.

Bonniewastryingtoscream,makingonlyathinwhistlingsound.Intheblacknessofthetunnel,somethingwascoming.Ashapethatmovedwitharangyfelineswing.Elenarecognizedthesnarlnow.Itwasthesoundofthelargestofthehuntingcats,largerthanalion.Thetiger’seyesshowedyellowasitreachedtheendofthetunnel.Andtheneverythinghappenedatonce.

ElenafeltStefantrytopullherbackwardtogetheroutoftheway.Butherownpetrifiedmuscleswereahindrancetohim,andsheknewthatitwastoolate.

Thetiger’sleapwasgraceitself,powerfulmuscleslaunchingitintotheair.Inthatinstant,shesawitasifcaughtinthelightofaflashbulb,andhermindnotedtheleanshiningflanksandthesupplebackbone.Buthervoicescreamedoutonitsown.“Damon,no!”

Itwasonlyastheblackwolfsprangoutofthedarknesstomeetitthatsherealizedthetigerwaswhite.

Thegreatcat’srushwasthrownoffbythewolf,andElenafeltStefanwrenchheroutoftheway,pullinghersidewaystosafety.Hermuscleshadmeltedlikesnowflakes,andsheyieldednumblyasheputheragainstthewall.Thelidofthetombwasbetweenherandthesnarlingwhiteshapenow,butthegatewasontheothersideofthefight.Elena’sownweaknesswaspartterrorandpartbewilderment.Shedidn’tunderstandanything;confusionroaredinherears.AmomentagoshehadbeencertainDamonhadbeenplayingwiththemallthistime,thathehadbeentheOtherPowerallalong.Butthemaliceandthebloodlustthatemanatedfromthetigerwereunmistakable.Thiswaswhathadchasedherinthegraveyard,andfromtheboardinghousetotheriverandherdeath.ThiswhitePowerthatthewolfwasfightingtokill.

Itwasanimpossiblematch.Theblackwolf,viciousandaggressivethoughitmightbe,didn’tstandachance.Oneswipeofthetiger’shugeclawslaidthewolf’sshoulderopentothebone.Itsjawssnarledopenasittriedtogetabone-crackinggriponthewolf’sneck.

ButthenStefanwasthere,trainingtheblazeoftheflashlightintothecat’seyes,thrustingthewoundedwolfoutoftheway.Elenawishedshecouldscream,wishedshecoulddosomethingtoreleasethisrushingacheinsideher.Shedidn’tunderstand;shedidn’tunderstandanything.Stefanwasindanger.Butshecouldn’tmove.

“Getout!”Stefanwasshoutingtotheothers.“Doitnow;getout!”

Fasterthananyhuman,hedartedoutofthewayofawhitepaw,keepingthelightinthetiger’seyes.Meredithwasontheothersideofthegatenow.MattwashalfcarryingandhalfdraggingBonnie.Alaricwasthrough.

Thetigerlungedandthegatecrashedshut.Stefanfelltotheside,slippingashetriedtoscrambleupagain.“Wewon’tleaveyou–”Alariccried.

“Go!”shoutedStefan.“Gettothedance;dowhatyoucan!Go!”

Thewolfwasattackingagain,despitethebleedingwoundsinitshead,anditsshoulderwheremuscleandtendonlayexposedandshining.Thetigerfoughtback.TheanimalsoundsrosetoavolumethatElenacouldn’tstand.Meredithandtheothersweregone;Alaric’sflashlighthaddisappeared.

“Stefan!”shescreamed,seeinghimpoisedtojumpintothefightagain.

Ifhedied,shewoulddie,too.Andifshehadtodie,shewantedittobewithhim.

Theparalysislefther,andshestumbledtowardhim,sobbing,reachingouttoclutchhimtightly.Shefelthisarmaroundherasheheldherwithhisbodybetweenherandthenoiseandviolence.Butshewasstubborn,asstubbornashewas.Shetwisted,andthentheyfacedittogether.

Thewolfwasdown.Itwaslyingonitsback,andalthoughitsfurwastoodarktoshowtheblood,aredpoolgatheredbeneathit.Thewhitecatstoodaboveit,jawsgapinginchesfromthevulnerableblackthroat.

Butthedeath-dealingbitetotheneckdidn’tcome.InsteadthetigerraiseditsheadtolookatStefanandElena.

Withastrangecalmness,Elenafoundherselfnoticingtinydetailsofitsappearance.Thewhiskerswerestraightandslender,likesilverwires.Itsfurwaspurewhite,stripedwithfaintmarkslikeunburnishedgold.Whiteandgold,shethought,rememberingtheowlinthebarn.Andthatstirredanothermemory…ofsomethingshe’dseen…orsomethingshe’dheardabout…

Withaheavyswipe,thecatsenttheflashlightflyingoutofStefan’shand.Elenaheardhimhissinpain,butshecouldnolongerseeanythingintheblackness.Wheretherewasnolightatall,evenahunterwasblind.Clingingtohim,shewaitedforthepainofthekillingblow.

Butsuddenlyherheadwasreeling;itwasfullofgrayandspinningfogandshecouldn’tholdontoStefan.Shecouldn’tthink;shecouldn’tspeak.Thefloorseemedtobedroppingawayfromher.Dimly,sherealizedthatPowerwasbeingusedagainsther,thatitwasoverwhelminghermind.

ShefeltStefan’sbodygiving,slumping,fallingawayfromher,andshecouldnolongerresistthefog.Shefellforeverandneverknewwhenshehittheground.

Fourteen

Whiteowl…huntingbird…hunter…tiger.Playingwithyoulikeacatwithamouse.Likeacat…agreatcat…akitten.Awhitekitten.Deathisinthehouse.

Andthekitten,thekittenhadrunfromDamon.Notoutoffear,butoutofthefearofbeingdiscovered.LikewhenithadstoodonMargaret’schestandwailedatthesightofElenaoutsidethewindow.

Elenamoanedandalmostsurfacedfromunconsciousness,butthegrayfogdraggedherbackunderbeforeshecouldopenhereyes.Herthoughtsseethedaroundheragain.Poisonedlove…Stefan,ithatedyoubeforeithatedElena…Whiteandgold…somethingwhite…somethingwhiteunderthetree…

Thistime,whenshestruggledtoopenhereyes,shesucceeded.Andevenbeforeshecouldfocusinthedimandshiftinglight,sheknew.Shefinallyknew.

Thefigureinthetrailingwhitedressturnedfromthecandleshewaslighting,andElenasawwhatmighthavebeenherownfaceonitsshoulders.Butitwasasubtlydistortedface,paleandbeautifulasanicesculpture,butwrong.ItwasliketheendlessreflectionsofherselfElenahadseeninherdreamofthehallofmirrors.Twistedandhungry,andmocking.“Hello,Katherine,”shewhispered.

Katherinesmiled,aslyandpredatorysmile.“You’renotasstupidasIthought,”shesaid.

Hervoicewaslightandsweet–silvery,Elenathought.Likehereyelashes.Thereweresilverylightsinherdresswhenshemoved,too.Butherhairwasgold,almostaspaleagoldasElena’sown.Hereyeswerelikethekitten’seyes:roundandjewelblue.Atherthroatsheworeanecklacewithastoneofthesamevividcolor.

Elena’sownthroatwassore,asifshehadbeenscreaming.Itfeltdryaswell.Whensheturnedherheadslowlytotheside,eventhatlittlemotionhurt.

Stefanwasbesideher,slumpedforward,boundbyhisarmstothewrought-ironpicketsofthegate.Hisheadsaggedagainsthischest,butwhatshecouldseeofhisfacewasdeathlywhite.Histhroatwastorn,andbloodhaddrippedontohiscollaranddried.ElenaturnedbacktoKatherinesoquicklythatherheadspun.“Why?Whydidyoudothat?”

Katherinesmiled,showingpointedwhiteteeth.“BecauseIlovehim,”shesaidinachildishsingsong.“Don’tyoulovehim,too?”

ItwasonlythenthatElenafullyrealizedwhyshecouldn’tmove,andwhyherarmshurt.ShewastieduplikeStefan,lashedsecurelytotheclosedgate.Apainfulturningofher

headtotheothersiderevealedDamon.

Hewasinworseshapethanhisbrother.Hisjacketandarmwererippedopen,andthesightofthewoundmadeElenasick.Hisshirthungintatters,andElenacouldseethetinymovementofhisribsashebreathed.Ifithadn’tbeenforthat,shewouldhavethoughthewasdead.Bloodmattedhishairandranintohisclosedeyes.

“Whichonedoyoulikebetter?”Katherineasked,inanintimate,confidingtone.“Youcantellme.Whichonedoyouthinkisbest?”

Elenalookedather,sickened.“Katherine,”shewhispered.“Please.Pleaselistentome…

“Tellme.Goon.”ThosejewelblueeyesfilledElena’svisionasKatherineleanedinclose,herlipsalmosttouchingElena’s.“Ithinkthey’rebothfun.Doyoulikefun,Elena?”Revolted,Elenashuthereyesandturnedherfaceaway.Ifonlyherheadwouldstopspinning.

Katherinesteppedbackwithaclearlaugh.“Iknow,it’ssohardtochoose.”Shedidalittlepirouette,andElenasawthatwhatshehadvaguelytakenforthetraintoKatherine’sdresswasKatherine’shair.Itflowedlikemoltengolddownherbacktospilloverthefloor,trailingbehindher.

“Italldependsonyourtaste,”Katherinecontinued,doingafewgracefuldancestepsandendingupinfrontofDamon.ShelookedoveratElenaimpishly.“ButthenIhavesuchasweettooth.”ShegraspedDamonbythehair,and,yankinghisheadup,sankherteethintohisneck.

“No!Don’tdothat;don’thurthimanymore…”Elenatriedtosurgeforward,butshewastiedtootightly.Thegatewassolidiron,setinstone,andtheropesweresturdy.Katherinewasmakinganimalsounds,gnawingandchewingattheflesh,andDamonmoanedeveninunconsciousness.Elenasawhisbodyjerkreflexivelywithpain.“Pleasestop;oh,pleasestop–“

Katherineliftedherhead.Bloodwasrunningdownherchin.“ButI’mhungryandhe’ssogood,”shesaid.Sherearedbackandstruckagain,andDamon’sbodyspasmed.Elenacriedout.

Iwaslikethat,shethought.Inthebeginning,thatfirstnightinthewoods,Iwaslikethat.IhurtStefanlikethat,Iwantedtokillhim…Darknesssweptuparoundher,andshegaveintoitgratefully.

Alaric’scarskewedonapatchoficeasitreachedtheschool,andMeredithalmostranintoit.SheandMattjumpedoutofhercar,leavingthedoorsopen.Ahead,AlaricandBonniedidthesame.

“Whatabouttherestofthetown?”Meredithshouted,runningtowardthem.Thewindwasrising,andherfaceburnedwithfrost.

“JustElena’sfamily–AuntJudithandMargaret,”Bonniecried.Hervoicewasshrillandfrightened,buttherewasalookofconcentrationinhereyes.Sheleanedherheadbackasiftryingtoremembersomething,andsaid,“Yes,that’sit.They’retheotheronesthedogs

willbeafter.Makethemgosomewhere–likethecellar.Keepthemthere!”“I’lldoit.Youthreetakethedance!”BonnieturnedtorunafterAlaric.Meredithracedbacktohercar.

Thedancewasinthelaststagesofbreakingup.Asmanycoupleswereoutsideasinside,startingtowardtheparkinglot.AlaricshoutedatthemasheandMattandBonniecamepoundingup.

“Gobackin!Geteverybodyinsideandshutthedoors!”heyelledatthesheriff’sofficers.

Buttherewasn’ttime.Hereachedthecafeteriajustasthefirstlurkingshapeinthedarknessdid.Oneofficerwentdownwithoutasoundorachancetofirehisgun.Anotherwasquicker,andagunshotrangout,amplifiedbytheconcretecourtyard.Studentsscreamedandbegantorunawayfromit,intotheparkinglot.Alaricwentafterthem,yelling,tryingtoherdthemback.

Othershapescameoutofthedarkness,frombetweenparkedcars,fromallsides.Panicensued.Alarickeptshouting,kepttryingtogathertheterrifiedstudentstowardthebuilding.Outheretheywereeasyprey.

Inthecourtyard,BonnieturnedtoMatt.“Weneedfire!”shesaid.Mattdartedintothecafeteriaandcameoutwithaboxhalf-fullofdanceprograms.Hethrewittotheground,gropinginhispocketsforoneofthematchesthey’dusedtolightthecandlebefore.Thepapercaughtandburnedbrightly.Itformedanislandofsafety.Mattcontinuedtowavepeopleintothecafeteriadoorsbehindit.Bonnieplungedinside,tofindascenejustasriotousasoutside.

Shelookedaroundforsomeoneinauthoritybutcouldn’tseeanyadults,onlypanickedkids.Thentheredandgreencrepepaperdecorationscaughthereye.

Thenoisewasthunderous;evenashoutcouldn’tbeheardinhere.Strugglingpastthepeopletryingtogetout,shemadeittothefarsideoftheroom.Carolinewasthere,lookingpalewithouthersummertan,andwearingthesnowqueentiara.Bonnietowedhertothemicrophone.

“You’regoodattalking.Tellthemtogetinsideandstayin!Tellthemtostarttakingdownthedecorations.Weneedanythingthat’llburn–woodchairs,stuffingarbagecans,anything.Tellthemit’souronlychance!”Sheadded,asCarolinestaredather,frightenedanduncomprehending:“You’vegotthecrownonnow–sodosomethingwithit!”Shedidn’twaittoseeCarolineobey.Sheplungedagainintothefuroroftheroom.AmomentlatersheheardCaroline’svoice,firsthesitantandthenurgent,ontheloudspeakers.

ItwasdeadquietwhenElenaopenedhereyesagain.“Elena?”

Atthehoarsewhisper,shetriedtofocusandfoundherselflookingintopain-filledgreeneyes.

“Stefan,”shesaid.Sheleanedtowardhimyearningly,wishingshecouldmove.Itdidn’tmakesense,butshefeltthatiftheycouldonlyholdeachotheritwouldn’tbesobad.

Therewasachildishlaugh.Elenadidn’tturntowardit,butStefandid.Elenasawhis

reaction,sawthesequenceofexpressionspassingacrosshisfacealmosttooquicklytoidentify.Blankshock,disbelief,dawningjoy–andthenhorror.Ahorrorthatfinallyturnedhiseyesblindandopaque.

“Katherine,”hesaid.“Butthat’simpossible.Itcan’tbe.You’redead…”“Stefan…”Elenasaid,buthedidn’trespond.

Katherineputahandinfrontofhermouthandgiggledbehindit.

“Youwakeup,too,”shesaid,lookingontheothersideofElena.ElenafeltasurgeofPower.AfteramomentDamon’sheadliftedslowly,andheblinked.

Therewasnoastonishmentinhisface.Heleanedhisheadback,eyeswearilynarrowed,andlookedforaminuteorsoathiscaptor.Thenhesmiled,afaintandpainfulsmile,butrecognizable.

“Oursweetlittlewhitekitten,”hewhispered.“Ishouldhaveknown.”

“Youdidn’tknow,though,didyou?”Katherinesaid,aseagerasachildplayingagame.“Evenyoudidn’tguess.Ifooledeveryone.”Shelaughedagain.“Itwassomuchfun,watchingyouwhileyouwerewatchingStefan,andneitherofyouknewIwasthere.Ievenscratchedyouonce!”Hookingherfingersintoclaws,shemimickedakitten’sslash.

“AtElena’shouse.Yes,Iremember,”Damonsaidslowly.Hedidn’tseemsomuchangryasvaguely,whimsicallyamused.“Well,you’recertainlyahunter.Theladyandthetiger,asitwere.”

“AndIputStefaninthatwell,”Katherinebragged.“Isawyoutwofighting;Ilikedthat.IfollowedStefantotheedgeofthewoods,andthen–”Sheclappedhercuppedhandstogether,likesomeonecatchingamoth.Openingthemslowly,shepeereddownintothemasifshereallyhadsomethingthere,andgiggledsecretly.“Iwasgoingtokeephimtoplaywith,”sheconfided.ThenherlowerlipthrustoutandshelookedatElenabalefully.“Butyoutookhim.Thatwasmean,Elena.Youshouldn’thavedonethat.”Thedreadfulchildishslynesswasgonefromherface,andforamomentElenaglimpsedthesearinghatredofawoman.

“Greedygirlsgetpunished,”Katherinesaid,movingtowardher,“andyou’reagreedygirl.”

“Katherine!”Stefanhadwokenfromhisdaze,andhespokequickly.“Don’tyouwanttotelluswhatelseyou’vedone?”

Distracted,Katherinesteppedback.Shelookedsurprised,thenflattered.

“Well–ifyoureallywantmeto,”shesaid.Shehuggedherelbowswithherhandsandpirouettedagain,hergoldenhairtwistingonthefloor.“No,”shesaidgleefully,turningbackandpointingatthem.“Youguess.YouguessandI’lltellyou‘right’or‘wrong.’Goon!

Elenaswallowed,castingacovertglanceatStefan.Shedidn’tseethepointofstallingKatherine;itwasallgoingtocomeoutthesameintheend.Butsomeinstincttoldhertohangontolifeaslongasshecould.

“YouattackedVickie,”shesaid,carefully.Herownvoicesoundedwindedtoherears,but

shewaspositivenow.“Thegirlintheruinedchurchthatnight.”

“Good!Yes,”Katherinecried.Shemadeanotherkittenswipewithclawedfingers.“Well,afterall,shewasinmychurch,”sheaddedreasonably.“Andwhatsheandthatboyweredoing–well!Youdon’tdothatinchurch.So,Iscratchedher!”Katherinedrewouttheword,demonstrating,likesomebodytellingastorytoayoungchild.“And…Ilickedthebloodup!”Shelickedpalepinklipswithhertongue.ThenshepointedatStefan.“Nextguess!”

“You’vebeenhoundinghereversince,”Stefansaid.Hewasn’tplayingthegame;hewasmakingasickenedobservation.

“Yes,we’redonewiththat!Goontosomethingelse,”Katherinesaidsharply.Butthenshefiddledwiththebuttonsattheneckofherdress,herfingerstwinkling.AndElenathoughtofVickie,withherstartled-fawneyes,undressinginthecafeteriainfrontofeveryone.“Imadeherdosillythings.”Katherinelaughed.“Shewasfuntoplaywith.”Elena’sarmswerenumbandcramped.Sherealizedthatshewasreflexivelystrainingagainsttheropes,sooffendedbyKatherine’swordsthatshecouldn’tholdstill.Shemadeherselfstop,tryinginsteadtoleanbackandgetalittlefeelingintoherdeadenedhands.Whatshewasgoingtodoifshegotfreeshedidn’tknow,butshehadtotry.“Nextguess,”Katherinewassayingdangerously.

“Whydoyousayit’syourchurch?”Damonasked.Hisvoicewasstilldistantlyamused,asifnoneofthisaffectedhimatall.“WhataboutHonoriaFell?”

“Oh,thatoldspook!”Katherinesaidmaliciously.ShepeeredaroundbehindElena,hermouthpursed,hereyesglaring.Elenarealizedforthefirsttimethattheywerefacingtheentrancetothecrypt,withtheransackedtombbehindthem.MaybeHonoriawouldhelpthem…

Butthensherememberedthatquiet,fadingvoice.ThisistheonlyhelpIcangiveyou.Andsheknewthatnofurtheraidwouldcome.

Asifshe’dreadElena’sthoughts,Katherinewassaying,“Shecan’tdoanything.She’sjustapackofoldbones.”ThegracefulhandsmadegesturesasifKatherinewerebreakingthosebones.“Allshecandoistalk,andlotsoftimesIstoppedyoufromhearingher.”Katherine’sexpressionwasdarkagain,andElenafeltanacidtwingeoffear.“YoukilledBonnie’sdog,Yangtze,”shesaid.Itwasarandomguess,thrownouttodivertKatherine,butitworked.

“Yes!Thatwasfunny.Youallcamerunningoutofthehouseandstartedmoaningandcrying…”Katherineevokedthesceneinpantomime:thelittledoglyinginfrontofBonnie’shouse,thegirlsrushingouttofindhisbody.“Hetastedbad,butitwasworthit.IfollowedDamontherewhenhewasacrow.Iusedtofollowhimalot.IfIwantedIcouldhavegrabbedthatcrow,and…”Shemadeasharpwringingmotion.

Bonnie’sdream,thoughtElena,icyrevelationsweepingoverher.Shedidn’tevenrealizeshe’dspokenalouduntilshesawStefanandKatherinelookingather.“Bonniedreamedaboutyou,”shewhispered.“Butshethoughtitwasme.Shetoldmethatshesawmestandingunderatreewiththewindblowing.Andshewasafraidofme.ShesaidIlookeddifferent,palebutalmostglowing.AndacrowflewbyandIgrabbeditandwrungits

neck.”BilewasrisinginElena’sthroat,andshegulpeditdown.“Butitwasyou,”shesaid.

Katherinelookeddelighted,asifElenahadsomehowprovedherpoint.“Peopledreamaboutmealot,”shesaidsmugly.“Youraunt–she’sdreamedaboutme.Itellheritwasherfaultyoudied.Shethinksit’syoutellingher.”“Oh,God…”

“Iwishyouhaddied,”Katherinewenton,herfaceturningspiteful.“Youshouldhavedied.Ikeptyouintheriverlongenough.Butyouweresuchatramp,gettingbloodfrombothofthem,thatyoucameback.Oh,well.”Shegaveafurtivesmile.“NowIcanplaywithyoulonger.Ilostmytemperthatday,becauseIsawStefanhadgivenyoumyring.Myring!”Hervoicerose.“Mine,thatIleftforthemtoremembermeby.Andhegaveittoyou.ThatwaswhenIknewIwasn’tjustgoingtoplaywithhim.Ihadtokillhim.”Stefan’seyeswerestricken,confounded.“ButIthoughtyouweredead,”hesaid.“Youweredead,fivehundredyearsago.Katherine…”

“Oh,thatwasthefirsttimeIfooledyou,”Katherinesaid,buttherewasnogleeinhertonenow.Itwassullen.“IarrangeditallwithGudren,mymaid.Thetwoofyouwouldn’tacceptmychoice,”sheburstout,lookingfromStefantoDamonangrily.“Iwantedusalltobehappy;Ilovedyou.Ilovedyouboth.Butthatwasn’tgoodenoughforyou.”Katherine’sfacehadchangedagain,andElenasawinitthehurtchildoffivecenturiesago.ThatmusthavebeenwhatKatherinelookedlike,then,shethoughtwonderingly.Thewideblueeyeswereactuallyfillingwithtears.“Iwantedyoutoloveeachother.”

Katherinewenton,soundingbewildered,“butyouwouldn’t.AndIfeltawful.IthoughtifyouthoughtI’ddied,thatyouwouldloveeachother.AndIknewIhadtogoaway,anyway,beforePapastartedtosuspectwhatIwas.

“SoGudrenandIarrangedit,”shesaidsoftly,lostinmemory.“Ihadanothertalismanagainstthesunmade,andIgavehermyring.Andshetookmywhitedress–mybestwhitedress–andashesfromthefireplace.Weburnedfattheresotheasheswouldsmellright.Andsheputthemoutinthesun,whereyouwouldfindthem,alongwithmynote.Iwasn’tsureyou’dbefooled,butyouwere.

“Butthen”–Katherine’sfacetwistedingrief–“youdideverythingallwrong.Youweresupposedtobesorry,andcry,andcomforteachother.Ididitforyou.Butinsteadyouranandgotswords.Whydidyoudothat?”Itwasacryfromtheheart.“Whydidn’tyoutakemygift?Youtreateditlikegarbage.ItoldyouinthenotethatIwantedyoutobereconciledwitheachother.Butyoudidn’tlistenandyougotswords.Youkilledeachother.Whydidyoudoit?”

TearswereslippingdownKatherine’scheeks,andStefan’sfacewaswet,too.“Wewerestupid,”hesaid,ascaughtupinthememoryofthepastasshewas.“Weblamedeachotherforyourdeath,andweweresostupid…Katherine,listentome.Itwasmyfault;Iwastheonewhoattackedfirst.AndI’vebeensorry–youdon’tknowhowsorryI’vebeeneversince.Youdon’tknowhowmanytimesI’vethoughtaboutitandwishedtherewassomethingIcoulddotochangeit.I’dhavegivenanythingtotakeitback–anything.Ikilledmybrother…”Hisvoicecracked,andtearsspilledfromhiseyes.Elena,herheartbreakingwithgrief,turnedhelplesslytoDamonandsawthathewasn’tevenawareofher.

Thelookofamusementwasgone,andhiseyeswerefixedonStefaninutterconcentration,riveted.

“Katherine,pleaselistentome,”Stefansaidshakily,regaininghisvoice.“We’veallhurtoneanotherenough.Pleaseletusgonow.Orkeepme,ifyouwant,butletthemleave.I’mtheonethat’stoblame.Keepme,andI’lldowhateveryouwant…”

Katherine’sjewel-likeeyeswereliquidandimpossiblyblue,filledwithanendlesssorrow.Elenadidn’tdaretobreathe,afraidtobreakthespellastheslendergirlmovedtowardStefan,herfacesoftenedandyearning.

ButthentheiceinsideKatherinecreptoutagain,freezingthetearsonhercheeks.“Youshouldhavethoughtofthatalongtimeago,”shesaid.“Imighthavelistenedtoyouthen.Iwassorryyou’dkilledeachotheratfirst.Iranaway,withoutevenGudren,backtomyhome.ButthenIdidn’thaveanything,notevenanewdress,andIwashungryandcold.ImighthavestarvedifKlaushadn’tfoundme.”

Klaus.Throughherdismay,ElenarememberedsomethingStefanhadtoldher.Klauswasthemanwho’dmadeKatherineavampire,themanthevillagerssaidwasevil.“Klaustaughtmethetruth,”Katherinesaid.“Heshowedmehowtheworldreallyis.Youhavetobestrong,andtakethethingsyouwant.Youhavetothinkonlyofyourself.AndI’mthestrongestofallnow.Iam.YouknowhowIgotthatway?”Sheansweredthequestionwithoutevenwaitingforthemtorespond.“Lives.Somanylives.Humansandvampires,andthey’reallinsidemenow.IkilledKlausafteracenturyortwo.Hewassurprised.Hedidn’tknowhowmuchI’dlearned.

“Iwassohappy,takinglives,fillingmyselfupwiththem.ButthenIwouldrememberyou,youtwo,andwhatyoudid.Howyoutreatedmygift.AndIknewIhadtopunishyou.Ifinallyfiguredouthowtodoit.

“Ibroughtyouhere,bothofyou.Iputthethoughtinyourmind,Stefan,thewayyouputthoughtsintoahuman’s.Iguidedyoutothisplace.AndthenImadesureDamonfollowedyou.Elenawashere.Ithinkshemustberelatedtomesomehow;shelookslikeme.Iknewyou’dseeherandfeelguilty.Butyouweren’tsupposedtofallinlovewithher!”TheresentfulnessinKatherine’svoicegavewaytofuryagain.“Youweren’tsupposedtoforgetme!Youweren’tsupposedtogivehermyring!”“Katherine…”

Katherineswepton.“Oh,youmademesoangry.AndnowI’mgoingtomakeyousorry,reallysorry.IknowwhoIhatemostnow,andit’syou,Stefan.BecauseIlovedyoubest.”Sheseemedtoregaincontrolofherself,wipingthelasttracesoftearsfromherfaceanddrawingherselfupwithexaggerateddignity.

“Idon’thateDamonasmuch,”shesaid.“Imightevenlethimlive.”Hereyesnarrowed,andthenwidenedwithanidea.“Listen,Damon,”shesaidsecretly.“You’renotasstupidasStefanis.Youknowthewaythingsreallyare.I’veheardyousayit.I’veseenthingsyou’vedone.”Sheleanedforward.“I’vebeenlonelysinceKlausdied.Youcouldkeepmecompany.Allyouhavetodoissayyoulovemebest.ThenafterIkillthemwe’llgoaway.Youcanevenkillthegirlifyouwant.I’dletyou.Whatdoyouthink?”Oh,God,thoughtElena,sickenedagain.Damon’seyeswereonKatherine’swideblueones;heseemedtobesearchingherface.Andthewhimsicalamusementwasbackinhisexpression.Oh,God,no,Elenathought.Please,no…Slowly,Damonsmiled.

Fifteen

ElenawatchedDamonwithmutedread.Sheknewthatdisturbingsmiletoowell.Butevenasherheartsank,hermindthrewamockingquestionather.Whatdifferencediditmake?SheandStefanweregoingtodieanyway.ItonlymadesenseforDamontosavehimself.Anditwaswrongtoexpecthimtogoagainsthisnature.

Shewatchedthatbeautiful,capricioussmilewithafeelingofsorrowforwhatDamonmighthavebeen.

Katherinesmiledbackathim,enchanted.“We’llbesohappytogether.Oncethey’redead,I’llletyougo.Ididn’tmeantohurtyou,notreally.Ijustgotangry.”Sheputoutaslenderhandandstrokedhischeek.“I’msorry.”“Katherine,”hesaid.Hewasstillsmiling.“Yes.”Sheleanedcloser.“Katherine…”“Yes,Damon?”“Gotohell.”

Elenaflinchedfromwhathappenednextbeforeithappened,feelingtheviolentupsurgeofPower,ofmalevolent,unbridledPower.ShescreamedatthechangeinKatherine.Thatlovelyfacewastwisting,mutatingintosomethingthatwasneitherhumannoranimal.AredlightblazedinKatherine’seyesasshefellonDamon,herfangssinkingintohisthroat.

Talonssprangfromherfingertips,andsherakedDamon’salready-bleedingchestwithit,tearingintohisskinwhilethebloodflowed.Elenakeptscreaming,realizingdimlythatthepaininherarmswasfromfightingtheropesthatheldher.SheheardStefanshouting,too,butaboveeverythingsheheardthedeafeningshriekofKatherine’smentalvoice.Nowyou’llbesorry!NowI’mgoingtomakeyousorry!I’llkillyou!I’llkillyou!I’llkillyou!I’llkillyou!

Thewordsthemselveshurt,likedaggersstabbingintoElena’smind.ThesheerPowerofitstupefiedher,rockingherbackagainsttheironpickets.Buttherewasnowaytogetawayfromit.Itseemedtoechofromallaroundher,hammeringinherskull.Killyou!Killyou!Killyou!Elenafainted.

Meredith,crouchedbesideAuntJudithintheutilityroom,shiftedherweight,strainingtointerpretthesoundsoutsidethedoor.Thedogshadgottenintothecellar;shewasn’tsurehow,butfromthebloodymuzzlesofsomeofthem,shethoughttheyhadbrokenthroughtheground-levelwindows.Nowtheywereoutsidetheutilityroom,butMeredithcouldn’t

tellwhattheyweredoing.Itwastooquietoutthere.Margaret,huddledonRobert’slap,whimperedonce.

“Hush,”Robertwhisperedquickly.“It’sallright,sweetheart.Everything’sgoingtobeallright.”

Meredithmethisfrightened,determinedeyesoverMargaret’stowhead.WealmosthadyoupeggedfortheOtherPower,shethought.Buttherewasnotimetoregretitnow.“Where’sElena?Elenasaidshe’dwatchoverme,”Margaretsaid,hereyeslargeandsolemn.“Shesaidshe’dtakecareofme.”AuntJudithputahandtohermouth.“Sheistakingcareofyou,”Meredithwhispered.“Shejustsentmetodoit,that’sall.It’sthetruth,”sheaddedfiercely,andsawRobert’slookofreproachmeltintoperplexity.Outside,thesilencehadgivenwaytoscratchingandgnawingsounds.Thedogswereatworkonthedoor.RobertcradledMargaret’sheadclosertohischest.

Bonniedidn’tknowhowlongtheyhadbeenworking.Hours,certainly.Forever,itseemedlike.Thedogshadgotteninthroughthekitchenandtheoldwoodensidedoors.Sofar,though,onlyaboutadozenhadgottenpastthefireslitlikebarricadesinfrontoftheseopenings.Andthemenwithgunshadtakencareofmostofthose.

ButMr.Smallwoodandhisfriendswerenowholdingemptyrifles.Andtheywererunningoutofthingstoburn.

Vickiehadgottenhystericalalittlewhileago,screamingandholdingherheadasifsomethingwashurtingher.They’dbeenlookingforwaystorestrainherwhenshefinallypassedout.

BonniewentuptoMatt,whowaslookingoutoverthefirethroughthedemolishedsidedoor.Hewasn’tlookingfordogs,sheknew,butforsomethingelsemuchfartheraway.Somethingyoucouldn’tseefromhere.

“Youhadtogo,Matt,”shesaid.“Therewasnothingelseyoucoulddo.”Hedidn’tanswerorturnaround.

“It’salmostdawn,”shesaid.“Maybewhenthatcomes,thedogswillleave.”Butevenasshesaidit,sheknewitwasn’ttrue.

Mattdidn’tanswer.Shetouchedhisshoulder.“Stefan’swithher.Stefan’sthere.”

Atlast,Mattgavesomeresponse.Henodded.“Stefan’sthere,”hesaid.Brownandsnarling,anothershapechargedoutofthedark.

ItwasmuchlaterwhenElenacamegraduallytoconsciousness.Sheknewbecauseshecouldsee,notjustbythehandfulofcandlesKatherinehadlitbutalsobythecoldgraydimnessthatfiltereddownfromthecrypt’sopening.

ShecouldseeDamon,too.Hewaslyingonthefloor,hisbondsslashedalongwithhisclothes.Therewasenoughlightnowtoseethefullextentofhiswounds,andElenawonderedifhewasstillalive.Hewasmotionlessenoughtobedead.

Damon?shethought.Itwasonlyaftershehaddoneitthatsherealizedthewordhadnot

beenspoken.Somehow,Katherine’sshriekinghadclosedacircuitinhermind,ormaybeithadawakenedsomethingsleeping.AndMatt’sbloodhadundoubtedlyhelped,givingherthestrengthtofinallyfindhermentalvoice.

Sheturnedherheadtheotherway.Stefan?

Hisfacewashaggardwithpain,butaware.Tooaware.ElenaalmostwishedthathewereasinsensibleasDamontowhatwashappeningtothem.Elena,hereturned.

Whereisshe?Elenasaid,hereyesmovingslowlyaroundtheroom.

Stefanlookedtowardtheopeningofthecrypt.Shewentupthereawhileago.Maybetocheckonhowthedogsaredoing.

Elenahadthoughtshe’dreachedthelimitoffearanddread,butitwasn’ttrue.Shehadn’trememberedtheothersthen.

Elena,I’msorry.Stefan’sfacewasfilledwithwhatnowordscouldexpress.

It’snotyourfault,Stefan.Youdidn’tdothistoher.Shedidittoherself.Or–itjusthappenedtoher,becauseofwhatsheis.Whatweare.RunningbeneathElena’sthoughtswasthememoryofhowshehadattackedStefaninthewoods,andhowshehadfeltwhenshewasracingtowardMr.Smallwood,planningherrevenge.Itcouldhavebeenme,shesaid.No!Youcouldneverbecomelikethat.

Elenadidn’tanswer.IfshehadthePowernow,whatwouldshedotoKatherine?Whatwouldn’tshedotoher?ButsheknewitwouldonlyupsetStefanmoretotalkaboutit.IthoughtDamonwasgoingtobetrayus,shesaid.

Idid,too,saidStefanqueerly.Hewaslookingathisbrotherwithanoddexpression.Doyoustillhatehim?

Stefan’sgazedarkened.No,hesaidquietly.No,Idon’thatehimanymore.

Elenanodded.Itwasimportant,somehow.Thenshestarted,hernerveshyper-alert,assomethingshadowedtheentrancetothecrypt.Stefantensed,too.She’scoming.Elena–

Iloveyou,Stefan,Elenasaidhopelessly,asthemistywhiteshapehurtleddown.Katherinetookforminfrontofthem.

“Idon’tknowwhat’shappening,”shesaid,lookingannoyed.“You’reblockingmytunnel.”ShepeeredbehindElenaagain,towardthebrokentombandtheholeinthewall.“That’swhatIuseforgettingaround,”shewenton,seeminglyunawareofDamon’sbodyatherfeet.“Itgoesbeneaththeriver.SoIdon’thavetocrossoverrunningwater,yousee.Instead,Icrossunderit.”Shelookedatthemasifwaitingfortheirappreciationofthejoke.

Ofcourse,thoughtElena.HowcouldIhavebeensostupid?DamonrodewithusinAlaric’scarovertheriver.Hecrossedrunningwaterthen,andprobablylotsofothertimes.Hecouldn’thavebeentheOtherPower.

Itwasstrangehowshecouldthinkeventhoughshewassofrightened.Itwasasifonepartofhermindstoodwatchingfromadistance.

“I’mgoingtokillyounow,”Katherinesaidconversationally.“ThenI’mgoingunderthe

rivertokillyourfriends.Idon’tthinkthedogshavedoneityet.ButI’lltakecareofitmyself.”

“LetElenago,”saidStefan.Hisvoicewasquenchedbutcompellingallthesame.

“Ihaven’tdecidedhowtodoit,”saidKatherine,ignoringhim.“Imightroastyou.There’salmostenoughlightforthatnow.AndI’vegotthese.”Shereacheddownthefrontofhergownandbroughtherclosedhandout.“One–two–three!”shesaid,droppingtwosilverringsandagoldoneontotheground.TheirstonesshoneblueasKatherine’seyes,blueasthestoneinthenecklaceatKatherine’sthroat.

Elena’shandstwistedfranticallyandshefeltthesmoothbarenessofherringfinger.Itwastrue.Shewouldn’thavebelievedhownakedshefeltwithoutthatcircletofmetal.Itwasnecessarytoherlife,tohersurvival.Withoutit–

“Withouttheseyou’lldie,”Katherinesaid,scuffingtheringscarelesslywiththetoeofonefoot.“ButIdon’tknowifthat’sslowenough.”Shepacedbackalmosttothefarwallofthecrypt,hersilverdressshimmeringinthedimlight.ItwasthenthattheideacametoElena.

Shecouldmoveherhands.Enoughtofeelonewiththeother,enoughtoknowthattheyweren’tnumbanymore.Theropeswerelooser.

ButKatherinewasstrong.Unbelievablystrong.AndfasterthanElena,too.EvenifElenagotfreeshewouldhavetimeforonlyonequickact.Sherotatedonewrist,feelingtheropesgive.

“Thereareotherways,”Katherinesaid.“Icouldcutyouandwatchyoubleed.Ilikewatching.”

Grittingherteeth,Elenaexertedpressureagainsttherope.Herhandwasbentatanexcruciatingangle,butshecontinuedtopress.Shefelttheburnoftheropeslippingaside.“Orrats,”Katherinewassayingpensively.“Ratscouldbefun.Icouldtellthemwhentostartandwhentostop.”

Workingtheotherhandfreewasmucheasier.Elenatriedtogivenosignofwhatwasgoingonbehindherback.ShewouldhavelikedtocalltoStefanwithhermind,butshedidn’tdare.NotiftherewasanychanceKatherinemighthear.

Katherine’spacinghadtakenherrightuptoStefan.“IthinkI’llstartwithyou,”shesaid,pushingherfaceclosetohis.“I’mhungryagain.Andyou’resosweet,Stefan.Iforgothowsweetyouwere.”

Therewasarectangleofgraylightonthefloor.Dawnlight.Itwascominginthroughthecrypt’sopening.Katherinehadalreadybeenoutinthatlight.But…

Katherinesmiledsuddenly,herblueeyessparkling.“Iknow!I’lldrinkyoualmostupandmakeyouwatchwhileIkillher!I’llleaveyoujustenoughstrengthsoyouseeherdiebeforeyoudo.Doesn’tthatsoundlikeagoodplan?”Blithely,sheclappedherhandsandpirouettedagain,dancingaway.

Justonemorestep,thoughtElena.ShesawKatherineapproachtherectangleoflight.Justonemorestep…

Katherinetookthestep.“That’sit,then!”Shestartedtoturnaround.“Whatagood–”Now!

Yankinghercrampedarmsoutofthelastloopsofrope,Elenarushedher.Itwasliketherushofahuntingcat.Onedesperatesprinttoreachtheprey.Onechance.Onehope.ShestruckKatherinewithherfullweight.Theimpactknockedthembothintotherectangleoflight.ShefeltKatherine’sheadcrackagainstthestonefloor.

Andfeltthesearingpain,asifherownbodyhadbeenplungedintopoison.Itwasafeelingliketheburningdrynessofhunger,onlystronger.Athousandtimesstronger.Itwasunbearable.“Elena!”Stefanscreamed,withmindandvoice.

Stefan,shethought.BeneathherPowersurgedasKatherine’sstunnedeyesfocused.Hermouthtwistedwithrage,fangsburstingforth.Theyweresolongtheycutintothelowerlip.Thatdistortedmouthopenedinahowl.

Elena’sclumsyhandfumbledatKatherine’sthroat.HerfingersclosedonthecoolmetalofKatherine’sbluenecklace.Withallherstrength,shewrenchedandfeltthechaingiveway.Shetriedtoclaspit,butherfingersfeltthickanduncoordinatedandKatherine’sclawinghandscrabbledatitwildly.Itspunawayintotheshadows.“Elena!”Stefancalledagaininthatdreadfulvoice.

Shefeltasifherbodywerefilledwithlight.Asifsheweretransparent.Only,lightwaspain.Beneathher,Katherine’swarpedfacewaslookingupdirectlyintothewintersky.Insteadofahowl,therewasashriekingthatwentupandup.

Elenatriedtoliftherselfoff,butshedidn’thavethestrength.Katherine’sfacewasrifting,crackingopen.Linesoffireopenedinit.Thescreamingreachedacrescendo.Katherine’shairwasaflame,herskinwasblackening.Elenafeltfirefrombothaboveandbelow.

Thenshefeltsomethinggrabher,seizehershouldersandyankheraway.Thecoolnessoftheshadowswaslikeicewater.Somethingwasturningher,cradlingher.ShesawStefan’sarms,redwheretheyhadbeenexposedtothesunandbleedingwherehehadtornfreeofhisropes.Shesawhisface,sawthestrickenhorrorandgrief.Thenhereyesblurredandshesawnothing.

MeredithandRobert,strikingattheblood-soakedmuzzlesthatthrustthroughtheholeinthedoor,pausedinconfusion.Theteethhadstoppedsnappingandtearing.Onemuzzlejerkedandslidoutoftheway.Edgingsidewaystolookattheother,Meredithsawthatthedog’seyeswereglazedandmilky.Theydidn’tmove.ShelookedatRobert,whostoodpanting.

Therewasnomorenoisefromthecellar.Everythingwassilent.Buttheydidn’tdaretohope.

Vickie’sdementedshriekingstoppedasifithadbeencutwithaknife.Thedog,whichhadsunkitsteethintoMatt’sthigh,stiffenedandgaveaconvulsiveshudder;then,itsjawsreleasedhim.Gaspingforbreath,Bonnieswungtolookbeyondthedyingfire.Therewasjustenoughlighttoseebodiesofotherdogslyingwheretheyhadfallenoutside.

SheandMattleanedoneachother,lookingaround,bewildered.Ithadfinallystoppedsnowing.

Slowly,Elenaopenedhereyes.Everythingwasveryclearandcalm.

Shewasgladtheshriekingwasover.Thathadbeenbad;ithadhurt.Now,nothinghurt.Shefeltasifherbodywerefilledwithlightagain,butthistimetherewasnopain.Itwasasifshewerefloating,veryhighandeasy,onwaftsofair.Shealmostfeltshedidn’thaveabodyatall.Shesmiled.

Turningherheaddidn’thurt,althoughitincreasedtheloose,floatingfeeling.Shesaw,intheoblongofpalelightonthefloor,thesmolderingremainsofasilverydress.Katherine’slieoffivehundredyearsagohadbecomethetruth.

Thatwasthat,then.Elenalookedaway.Shedidn’twishanyoneharmnow,andshedidn’twanttowastetimeonKatherine.Thereweresomanymoreimportantthings.“Stefan,”shesaidandsighed,andsmiled.Oh,thiswasnice.Thismustbehowabirdfelt.

“Ididn’tmeanforthingstoturnoutthisway,”shesaid,softlyrueful.Hisgreeneyeswerewet.Theyfilledagain,buthereturnedhersmile.“Iknow,”hesaid.“Iknow,Elena.”

Heunderstood.Thatwasgood;thatwasimportant.Itwaseasytoseethethingsthatwerereallyimportantnow.AndStefan’sunderstandingmeantmoretoherthanalltheworld.

Itseemedtoherthatithadbeenalongwhilesinceshe’dreallylookedathim.Sinceshe’dtakentimetoappreciatehowbeautifulhewas,withhisdarkhairandhiseyesasgreenasoakleaves.Butshesawitnow,andshesawhissoulshiningthroughthoseeyes.Itwasworthit,shethought.Ididn’twanttodie;Idon’twanttonow.ButI’ddoitalloveragainifIhadto.“Iloveyou,”shewhispered.“Iloveyou,”hesaid,squeezingtheirjoinedhands.

Thestrange,languorouslightnesscradledhergently.ShecouldscarcelyfeelStefanholdingher.

Shewouldhavethoughtshe’dbeterrified.Butshewasn’t,notaslongasStefanwasthere.

“Thepeopleatthedance–they’llbeallrightnow,won’tthey?”shesaid.

“They’llbeallrightnow,”Stefanwhispered.“Yousavedthem.”

“Ididn’tgettosaygood-byetoBonnieandMeredith.OrAuntJudith.YouhavetotellthemIlovethem.”“I’lltellthem,”Stefansaid.

“Youcantellthemyourself,”pantedanothervoice,hoarseandunusedsounding.DamonhadpulledhimselfacrossthefloorbehindStefan.Hisfacewasravaged,streakedwithblood,buthisdarkeyesburnedather.“Useyourwill,Elena.Holdon.Youhavethestrength–“

Shesmiledathim,waveringly.Sheknewthetruth.Whatwashappeningwasonlyfinishingwhathadbeenstartedtwoweeksago.She’dhadthirteendaystogetthingsstraight,tomakeamendswithMattandsaygood-byetoMargaret.TotellStefansheloved

him.Butnowthegraceperiodwasup.

Still,therewasnopointinhurtingDamon.ShelovedDamon,too.“I’lltry,”shepromised.“We’lltakeyouhome,”hesaid.

“Butnotyet,”shetoldhimgently.“Let’swaitjustalittlewhile.”

Somethinghappenedinthefathomlessblackeyes,andtheburningsparkwentout.ThenshesawthatDamonknew,too.

“I’mnotafraid,”shesaid.“Well–onlyalittle.”Adrowsinesshadstarted,andshefeltverycomfortable,butasifshewerefallingasleep.Thingsweredriftingawayfromher.Anacheroseinherchest.Shewasnotmuchafraid,butshewassorry.Thereweresomanythingsshewouldmiss,somanythingsshewishedshehaddone.“Oh,”shesaidsoftly.“Howfunny.”

Thewallsofthecryptseemedtohavemelted.Theyweregrayaridcloudyandtherewassomethinglikeadoorwaythere,likethedoorthatwastheopeningtotheundergroundroom.Onlythiswasadoorwayintoadifferentlight.“Howbeautiful,”shemurmured.“Stefan?I’msotired.”“Youcanrestnow,”hewhispered.“Youwon’tletgoofme?”“No.”“ThenIwon’tbeafraid.”

SomethingwasshiningonDamon’sface.Shereachedtowardit,touchedit,andliftedherfingersawayinwonder.

“Don’tbesad,”shetoldhim,feelingthecoolwetnessonherfingertips.Butapangofworrydisturbedher.WhowastheretounderstandDamonnow?Whowouldbetheretopushhim,totrytoseewhatwasreallyinsidehim?“Youhavetotakecareofeachother,”shesaid,realizingit.Alittlestrengthcamebacktoher,likeacandleflaringinthewind.“Stefan,willyoupromise?Promisetotakecareofeachother?”“Ipromise,”hesaid.“Oh,Elena…”

Wavesofsleepinesswereovercomingher.“That’sgood,”shesaid.“That’sgood,Stefan.”

Thedoorwaywascloser,socloseshecouldtouchitnow.Shewonderedifherparentsweresomewherebehindit.“Timetogohome,”shewhispered.

Andthenthedarknessandtheshadowsfadedandtherewasnothingbutlight.

Stefanheldherwhilehereyesclosed.Andthenhejustheldher,thetearshe’dbeenkeepingbackfallingwithoutrestraint.Itwasadifferentpainthanwhenhe’dpulledheroutoftheriver.Therewasnoangerinthis,andnohatred,butalovethatseemedtogoonandonforever.Ithurtevenmore.

Helookedattherectangleofsunlight,justasteportwoawayfromhim.Elenahadgoneintothelight.She’dlefthimherealone.Notforlong,hethought.Hisringwasonthefloor.Hedidn’tevenglanceatitasherose,hiseyesontheshaft

ofsunlightshiningdown.Ahandgrabbedhisarmandpulledhimback.Stefanlookedintohisbrother’sface.

Damon’seyesweredarkasmidnight,andhewasholdingStefan’sring.AsStefanwatched,unabletomove,heforcedtheringontoStefan’sfingerandreleasedhim.“Now,”hesaid,sinkingbackpainfully,“youcangowhereveryouwant.”HepickedtheringStefanhadgiventoElenaoffthegroundandhelditout.“Thisisyours,too.Takeit.Takeitandgo.”Heturnedhisfaceaway.Stefangazedatthegoldencircletinhispalmforalongtime.

ThenhisfingersclosedoveritandhelookedbackatDamon.Hisbrother’seyeswereshut,hisbreathinglabored.Helookedexhaustedandinpain.AndStefanhadmadeapromisetoElena.

“Comeon,”hesaidquietly,puttingtheringinhispocket.“Let’sgetyousomeplacewhereyoucanrest.”

Heputanarmaroundhisbrothertohelphimup.Andthen,foramoment,hejustheldon.

Sixteen

December16,Monday

Stefangavethistome.He’sgivenmostofthethingsinhisroomaway.IsaidIdidn’twantitatfirst,becauseIdidn’tknowwhattodowithit.ButnowIthinkIhaveanidea.Peoplearestartingtoforgetalready.They’regettingthedetailswrong,andaddingthingstheyjustimagined.And,mostofall,they’remakingupexplanations.Whyitwasn’treallysupernatural,whythere’sarationalreasonforthisorthat.It’sjustsilly,butthere’snowaytostopthem,especiallytheadults.

They’retheworst.They’resayingthedogswerehydrophobicorsomething.Thevet’scomeupwithanewnameforit,somekindofrabiesthat’sspreadbybats.Meredithsaysthat’sironic.Ithinkit’sjuststupid.

Thekidsarealittlebetter,especiallytheoneswhowereatthedance.TherearesomeIthinkwecanrelyon,likeSueCarsonandVickie.Vickie’schangedsomuchinthelasttwodaysthatit’slikeamiracle.She’snotthewayshe’sbeenforthelasttwoandahalfmonths,butshe’snotthewaysheusedtobe,either.Sheusedtobeprettymuchofabimbo,runningaroundwiththetoughcrowd.ButnowIthinkshe’sokay.

EvenCarolinewasn’tsobadtoday.Shedidn’ttalkattheotherservice,butshetalkedatthisone.ShesaidElenawastherealsnowqueen,whichwaskindofcribbingoffofSue’sspeechfrombefore,butprobablythebestCarolinecoulddo.Itwasanicegesture.Elenalookedsopeaceful.Notlikeawaxdoll,butasifsheweresleeping.Iknoweverybodysaysthat,butit’strue.Thistime,itreallyistrue.

Butafterwardpeopleweretalkingabout“herremarkableescapefromdrowning”andstufflikethat.Andsayingshediedofanembolismorsomething.Whichisabsolutelyridiculous.Butthat’swhatgavemetheidea.

I’mgoingtogetherotherdiaryoutofhercloset.AndthenI’mgoingtoaskMrs.Grimesbytoputtheminthelibrary,notinacaselikeHonoriaFell’s,butwherepeoplecanpickthemupandreadthem.Becausethetruthisinhere.Thisiswheretherealstoryis.AndIdon’twantanybodytoforgetit.Ithinkmaybethekidswillremember.

IsupposeIshouldputwhathappenedtotherestofthepeoplearoundhere;Elenawouldwantthat.AuntJudithisokay,althoughshe’soneoftheadultswhocan’tdealwiththetruth.Sheneedsarationalexplanation.SheandRobertaregoingtogetmarriedatChristmas.ThatshouldbegoodforMargaret.

Margaret’sgottherightidea.Shetoldmeattheservicethatshe’sgoingtogoseeElenaandherparentssomeday,butnotnow,becausetherewerealotofthingsshestillhadtodorighthere.Idon’tknowwhatputthatideaintoherhead.She’ssmartforafour-year-old.

AlaricandMereditharealsookay,ofcourse.Whentheysaweachotherthathorriblemorning,aftereverythinghadquieteddownandwewerepickingupthepieces,theypracticallyfellintoeachother’sarms.Ithinkthere’ssomethinggoingonthere.Meredithsaysshe’lldiscussitwhenshe’seighteenandshegraduates.

Typical,absolutelytypical.Everybodyelsegetstheguys.I’mthinkingoftryingoneofmygrandmother’srituals,justtoseeifI’llevergetmarriedatall.Thereisn’tevenanybodyIwanttomarryaroundhere.

Well,there’sMatt.Matt’snice.Butrightnowhe’sonlygotonegirlonhismind.Idon’tknowifthatwilleverchange.

HepunchedTylerinthenoseaftertheservicetoday,becauseTylersaidsomethingoff-colorabouther.TylerisonepersonIknowwillneverchange,nomatterwhat.He’llalwaysbethemean,obnoxiousjerkheisnow.

ButMatt–well,Matt’seyesareawfullyblue.Andhe’sgotaterrificrighthook.

Stefancouldn’thitTylerbecausehewasn’tthere.TherearestillplentyofpeopleintownwhothinkhekilledElena.Hemusthave,theysay,becausetherewasnobodyelsethere.Katherine’sasheswerescatteredalloverbythetimetherescuersgottothecrypt.Stefansaysit’sbecauseshewassooldthatsheflameduplikethat.Hesaysheshouldhaverealizedthefirsttime,whenKatherinepretendedtoburn,thatayoungvampirewouldn’tturntoashesthatway.She’djustdie,likeElena.Onlytheoldonescrumble.Somepeople–especiallyMr.Smallwoodandhisfriends–wouldprobablyblameDamoniftheycouldgetholdofhim.Buttheycan’t.Hewasn’ttherewhentheyreachedthetomb,becauseStefanhelpedhimgetaway.Stefanwon’tsaywhere,butIthinktosomeplaceinthewoods.VampiresmusthealfastbecausetodaywhenImethimaftertheservice,StefansaidthatDamonhadleftFell’sChurch.Hewasn’thappyaboutit;IthinkDamondidn’ttellhim.Nowthequestionseemstobe:WhatisDamondoing?Outbitinginnocentgirls?Orishereformed?Iwouldn’tlaybetsoniteitherway.Damonwasastrangeguy.Butgorgeous.Definitelygorgeous.

Stefanwon’tsaywherehe’sgoing,either.ButIhaveasneakingsuspicionDamonmaygetasurpriseifhelooksbehindhim.Apparently,ElenamadeStefanpromisetowatchoutforhimorsomething.AndStefantakespromisesvery,veryseriously.

Iwishhimluck.Buthe’llbedoingwhatElenawantedhimto,whichIthinkwillmakehimhappy.Ashappyashecanbeherewithouther.He’swearingherringonachainaroundhisnecknow.

IfyouthinkanyofthissoundsfrivolousorasifIdon’tcareaboutElena,thatjustshowshowwrongyouare.Idareanybodytosaythattome.MeredithandIcriedalldaySaturday,andmostofSunday.AndIwassoangryIwantedtoripthingsapartandbreakthem.Ikeptthinking,whyElena?Why?Whenthereweresomanyotherpeoplewhocouldhavediedthatnight.Outofthewholetown,shewastheonlyone.

Ofcourse,shedidittosavethem,butwhydidshehavetogiveherlifetodoit?Itisn’tfair.

Oh,I’mstartingtocryagain.That’swhathappenswhenyouthinkaboutlifebeingfair.AndIcan’texplainwhyitisn’t.I’dliketogobangonHonoriaFell’stombandaskherifshecanexplain,butshewouldn’ttalktome.Idon’tthinkit’ssomethinganybodyknows.

IlovedElena.AndI’mgoingtomissherterribly.Thewholeschoolis.It’slikealightthat’sgoneout.Robertsaysthat’swhathernamemeansinLatin,“light.”

Nowthere’llalwaysbeapartofmewherethelighthasgoneaway.

IwishI’dbeenabletosaygood-byetoher,butStefansaysshesentherlovetome.I’mgoingtotrytothinkofthatasalighttotakewithme.

I’dbetterstopwritingnow.Stefan’sleaving,andMattandMeredithandAlaricandIaregoingtoseehimoff.Ididn’tmeantogetsointothis;I’veneverkeptajournalmyself.ButIwantpeopletoknowthetruthaboutElena.Shewasn’tasaint.Shewasn’talwayssweetandgoodandhonestandagreeable.Butshewasstrongandlovingandloyaltoherfriends,andintheendshedidthemostunselfishthinganybodycoulddo.Meredithsaysitmeansshechoselightoverdarkness.Iwantpeopletoknowthatsothey’llalwaysremember.Ialwayswill.

–BonnieMcCullough

12/16/91