TheVampireDiariesBook4DARKREUNION

L.J.Smith

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

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

HARPERTORCH

AnImprintofHarperCollinsPublishers

10East53rdStreet

NewYork,NewYork10022-5299

Copyright©1992byDanielWeissAssociates,Inc.andLisaSmithCoverartcopyright©1992byDanielWeissAssociates,Inc.ISBN:0-06-105992-7

FirstHarperTorchpaperbackprinting:October2001FirstHarperPrism

printing:April1999

Amassmarketeditionofthisbookwaspublishedin1992byHarperPaperbacks.

ProducedbyDanielWeissAssociates,Inc.,33West17thStreet,NewYork,NY10011.

PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

VisitHarperTorchontheWorldWideWebatwww.harpercollins.com

ForJohnandMarianneVrabec,withlove.AndwiththankstoJulie–again–forhelpingitgetwritten.

THEVAMPIREDIARIESDarkReunion

VolumeIV

L.J.Smith

HarperTorch

AnImprintofHarperCollinsPublishers

One

“Thingscanbejustliketheywerebefore,”saidCarolinewarmly,reachingouttosqueezeBonnie’shand.

Butitwasn’ttrue.NothingcouldeverbethewayithadbeenbeforeElenadied.Nothing.AndBonniehadseriousmisgivingsaboutthispartyCarolinewastryingtosetup.Avaguenagginginthepitofherstomachtoldherthatforsomereasonitwasavery,verybadidea.

“Meredith’sbirthdayisalreadyover,”shepointedout.“ItwaslastSaturday.”

“Butshedidn’thaveaparty,notarealpartylikethisone.We’vegotallnight;myparentswon’tbebackuntilSundaymorning.Comeon,Bonnie–justthinkhowsurprisedshe’llbe.”

Oh,she’llbesurprised,allright,thoughtBonnie.Sosurprisedshejustmightkillmeafterward.“Look,Caroline,thereasonMeredithdidn’thaveabigpartyisthatshestilldoesn’tfeelmuchlikecelebrating.Itseems–disrespectful,somehow–“

“Butthat’swrong.Elenawouldwantustohaveagoodtime,youknowshewould.Shelovedparties.Andshe’dhatetoseeussittingaroundandcryingoverhersixmonthsaftershe’sgone.”Carolineleanedforward,hernormallyfelinegreeneyesearnestandcompelling.Therewasnoartificeinthemnow,noneofCaroline’susualnastymanipulation.Bonniecouldtellshereallymeantit.

“Iwantustobefriendsagainthewayweusedtobe,”Carolinesaid.“Wealwaysusedtocelebrateourbirthdaystogether,justthefourofus,remember?Andrememberhowtheguyswouldalwaystrytocrashourparties?Iwonderifthey’lltrythisyear.”

Bonniefeltcontrolofthesituationslippingawayfromher.Thisisabadidea,thisisaverybadidea,shethought.ButCarolinewasgoingon,lookingdreamyandalmostromanticasshetalkedaboutthegoodolddays.Bonniedidn’thavethehearttotellherthatthegoodolddayswereasdeadasdisco.

“Buttherearen’tevenfourofusanymore.Threedoesn’tmakemuchofaparty,”sheprotestedfeeblywhenshecouldgetawordin.

“I’mgoingtoinviteSueCarson,too.Meredithgetsalongwithher,doesn’tshe?”

BonniehadtoadmitMeredithdid;everyonegotalongwithSue.Butevenso,Carolinehadtounderstandthatthingscouldn’tbethewaytheyhadbeenbefore.Youcouldn’tjustsubstituteSueCarsonforElenaandsay,There,everythingisfixednow.ButhowdoIexplainthattoCaroline?Bonniethought.Suddenlysheknew.“Let’sinviteVickieBennett,”shesaid.

Carolinestared.“VickieBennett?Youmustbejoking.Invitethatbizarrelittledripwhoundressedinfrontofhalftheschool?Aftereverythingthathappened?”

“Becauseofeverythingthathappened,”saidBonniefirmly.“Look,Iknowshewasneverinourcrowd.Butshe’snotinwiththefastcrowdanymore;theydon’twantherandshe’sscaredtodeathofthem.Sheneedsfriends.Weneedpeople.Let’sinviteher.”ForamomentCarolinelookedhelplesslyfrustrated.Bonniethrustherchinout,putherhandsonherhips,andwaited.FinallyCarolinesighed.

“Allright;youwin.I’llinviteher.ButyouhavetotakecareofgettingMeredithtomyhouseSaturdaynight.AndBonnie–makesureshedoesn’thaveanyideawhat’sgoingon.Ireallywantthistobeasurprise.”

“Oh,itwillbe,”Bonniesaidgrimly.ShewasunpreparedforthesuddenlightinCaroline’sfaceortheimpulsivewarmthofCaroline’shug.

“I’msogladyou’reseeingthingsmyway,”Carolinesaid.“Andit’llbesogoodforusalltobetogetheragain.”

Shedoesn’tunderstandathing,Bonnierealized,dazed,asCarolinewalkedoff.WhatdoIhavetodotoexplaintoher?Sockher?Andthen:Oh,God,nowIhavetotellMeredith.

ButbytheendofthedayshedecidedthatmaybeMeredithdidn’tneedtobetold.CarolinewantedMeredithsurprised;well,maybeBonnieshoulddeliverMeredithsurprised.ThatwayatleastMeredithwouldn’thavetoworryaboutitbeforehand.Yes,Bonnieconcluded,itwasprobablykindesttonottellMeredithanything.

Andwhoknows,shewroteinherjournalFridaynight.MaybeI’mbeingtoohardonCaroline.Maybeshe’sreallysorryaboutallthethingsshedidtous,liketryingtohumiliateElenainfrontofthewholetownandtryingtogetStefanputawayformurder.MaybeCaroline’smaturedsincethenandlearnedtothinkaboutsomebodybesidesherself.Maybewe’llactuallyhaveagoodtimeatherparty.

Andmaybealienswillkidnapmebeforetomorrowafternoon,shethoughtassheclosedthediary.Shecouldonlyhope.

Thediarywasaninexpensivedrugstoreblankbook,withapatternoftinyflowersonthecover.She’donlystartedkeepingitsinceElenahaddied,butshe’dalreadybecomeslightlyaddictedtoit.Itwastheoneplaceshecouldsayanythingshewantedwithoutpeoplelookingshockedandsaying,“BonnieMcCullough!”or“Oh,Bonnie.”

ShewasstillthinkingaboutElenaassheturnedoffthelightandcrawledunderthecovers.

Shewassittingonlush,manicuredgrassthatspreadasfarasshecouldseeinalldirections.Theskywasaflawlessblue,theairwaswarmandscented.Birdsweresinging.“I’msogladyoucouldcome,”Elenasaid.“Oh–yes,”saidBonnie.“Well,naturally,soamI.Ofcourse.”Shelookedaroundagain,thenhastilybackatElena.“Moretea?”

TherewasateacupinBonnie’shand,thinandfragileaseggshell.“Oh–sure.Thanks.”

Elenawaswearinganeighteenth-centurydressofgauzywhitemuslin,whichclungtoher,showinghowslendershewas.Shepouredtheteaprecisely,withoutspillingadrop.“Wouldyoulikeamouse?”“Awhat?”“Isaid,wouldyoulikeasandwichwithyourtea?”

“Oh.Asandwich.Yeah.Great.”Itwasthinlyslicedcucumberwithmayonnaiseonadaintysquareofwhitebread.Withoutthecrust.

ThewholescenewasassparklyandbeautifulasapicturebySeurat.WarmSprings,that’swhereweare.Theoldpicnicplace,Bonniethought.Butsurelywe’vegotmoreimportantthingstodiscussthantea.

“Whodoesyourhairthesedays?”sheasked.Elenaneverhadbeenabletodoitherself.

“Doyoulikeit?”Elenaputahanduptothesilky,palegoldmasspiledatthebackofherneck.

“It’sperfect,”saidBonnie,soundingforalltheworldlikehermotherataDaughtersoftheAmericanRevolutiondinnerparty.

“Well,hairisimportant,youknow,”Elenasaid.Hereyesglowedadeeperbluethanthesky,lapislazuliblue.Bonnietouchedherownspringyredcurlsself-consciously.“Ofcourse,bloodisimportanttoo,”Elenasaid.

“Blood?Oh–yes,ofcourse,”saidBonnie,flustered.ShehadnoideawhatElenawastalkingabout,andshefeltasifshewerewalkingonatightropeoveralligators.“Yes,blood’simportant,allright,”sheagreedweakly.“Anothersandwich?”

“Thanks.”Itwascheeseandtomato.Elenaselectedoneforherselfandbitintoitdelicately.Bonniewatchedher,feelinguneasinessgrowbytheminuteinsideher,andthen–

Andthenshesawthemudoozingoutoftheedgesofthesandwich.

“What–what’sthat?”Terrormadehervoiceshrill.Forthefirsttime,thedreamseemedlikeadream,andshefoundthatshecouldn’tmove,couldonlygaspandstare.AthickglobofthebrownstufffelloffElena’ssandwichontothecheckeredtablecloth.Itwasmud,allright.“Elena…Elena,what–“

“Oh,wealleatthisdownhere.”Elenasmiledatherwithbrown-stainedteeth.Exceptthatthevoicewasn’tElena’s;itwasuglyanddistortedanditwasaman’svoice.“Youwilltoo.”

Theairwasnolongerwarmandscented;itwashotandsicklysweetwiththeodorofrottinggarbage.Therewereblackpitsinthegreengrass,whichwasn’tmanicuredafterallbutwildandovergrown.Thiswasn’tWarmSprings.Shewasintheoldgraveyard;howcouldshenothaverealizedthat?Onlythesegraveswerefresh.“Anothermouse?”Elenasaid,andgiggledobscenely.

Bonnielookeddownatthehalf-eatensandwichshewasholdingandscreamed.Dangling

fromoneendwasaropybrowntail.Shethrewitashardasshecouldagainstaheadstone,whereithitwithawetslap.Thenshestood,stomachheaving,scrubbingherfingersfranticallyagainstherjeans.

“Youcan’tleaveyet.Thecompanyisjustarriving.”Elena’sfacewaschanging;shehadalreadylostherhair,andherskinwasturninggrayandleathery.Thingsweremovingintheplateofsandwichesandthefreshlydugpits.Bonniedidn’twanttoseeanyofthem;shethoughtshewouldgomadifshedid.“You’renotElena!”shescreamed,andran.

Thewindblewherhairintohereyesandshecouldn’tsee.Herpursuerwasbehindher;shecouldfeelitrightbehindher.Gettothebridge,shethought,andthensheranintosomething.

“I’vebeenwaitingforyou,”saidthethinginElena’sdress,thegrayskeletalthingwithlong,twistedteeth.“Listentome,Bonnie.”Itheldherwithterriblestrength.“You’renotElena!You’renotElena!”“Listentome,Bonnie!”

ItwasElena’svoice,Elena’srealvoice,notobscenelyamusednorthickandugly,buturgent.ItcamefromsomewherebehindBonnieanditsweptthroughthedreamlikeafresh,coldwind.“Bonnie,listenquickly–“

Thingsweremelting.ThebonyhandsonBonnie’sarms,thecrawlinggraveyard,therancidhotair.ForamomentElena’svoicewasclear,butitwasbrokenuplikeabadlong-dis-tanceconnection.

“…He’stwistingthings,changingthem.I’mnotasstrongasheis…”Bonniemissedsomewords.“…butthisisimportant.Youhavetofind…rightnow.”Hervoicewasfading.“Elena,Ican’thearyou!Elena!”

“…aneasyspell,onlytwoingredients,theonesItoldyoualready…”“Elena!”Bonniewasstillshoutingasshesatboltuprightinbed.

Two

“Andthat’sallIremember,”BonnieconcludedassheandMeredithwalkeddownSunflowerStreetbetweentherowsoftallVictorianhouses.“ButitwasdefinitelyElena?”

“Yes,andshewastryingtotellmesomethingattheend.Butthat’sthepartthatwasn’tclear,exceptthatitwasimportant,terriblyimportant.Whatdoyouthink?”

“Mousesandwichesandopengraves?”Mereditharchedaneleganteyebrow.“Ithinkyou’regettingStephenKingmixedupwithLewisCarroll.”

Bonniethoughtshewasprobablyright.Butthedreamstillbotheredher;ithadbotheredherallday,enoughtoputherearlierworriesoutofhermind.Now,assheandMeredithapproachedCaroline’shouse,theoldworriesreturnedwithavengeance.ShereallyshouldhavetoldMeredithaboutthis,shethought,castinganuneasysidewaysglanceatthetallergirl.Sheshouldn’tletMeredithjustwalkinthereunprepared…

MeredithlookedupatthelightedwindowsoftheQueenAnneHousewithasigh.“Doyoureallyneedthoseearringstonight?”

“Yes,Ido;yes,absolutely.”Toolatenow.Mightaswellmakethebestofit.“You’lllovethemwhenyouseethem,”sheadded,hearingthenoteofhopefuldesperationinherownvoice.

MeredithpausedandherkeendarkeyessearchedBonnie’sfacecuriously.Thensheknockedonthedoor.“IjusthopeCaroline’snotstayinghometonight.Wecouldendupstuckwithher.”

“CarolinestayinghomeonaSaturdaynight?Don’tberidiculous.”Bonniehadbeenholdingherbreathtoolong;shewasstartingtofeellightheaded.Hertinklinglaughtercameoutbrittleandfalse.“Whataconcept,”shecontinuedsomewhathystericallyasMeredithsaid,“Idon’tthinkanybody’shome,”andtriedtheknob.PossessedbysomecrazyimpulseBonnieadded,“Fiddle-dee-dee.”

Handondoorknob,Meredithstoppeddeadandturnedtolookather.

“Bonnie,”shesaidquietly,“haveyougonecompletelythroughtheozone?”

“No.”Deflated,BonniegrabbedMeredith’sarmandsoughthereyesurgently.Thedoorwasopeningonitsown.“Oh,God,Meredith,pleasedon’tkillme…”“Surprise!”shoutedthreevoices.

“Smile,”Bonniehissed,shovingthesuddenlyresistantbodyofherfriendthroughthedoorandintothebrightroomfullofnoiseandshowersoffoilconfetti.Shebeamedwildly

herselfandspokethroughclenchedteeth.“Killmelater–Ideserveit–butfornowjustsmile.”

Therewereballoons,theexpensiveMylarkind,andaclusterofpresentsonthecoffeetable.Therewasevenaflowerarrangement,althoughBonnienoticedtheorchidsinitmatchedCaroline’spalegreenscarfexactly.ItwasaHermessilkwithadesignofvinesandleaves.She’llendupwearingoneofthoseorchidsinherhair,I’llbet,Bonniethought.

SueCarson’sblueeyeswerealittleanxious,hersmilewavering.“Ihopeyoudidn’thaveanybigplansfortonight,Meredith,”shesaid.

“NothingIcan’tbreakwithanironcrowbar,”Meredithreplied.ButshesmiledbackwithwrywarmthandBonnierelaxed.SuehadbeenaHomecomingPrincessonElena’scourt,alongwithBonnie,Meredith,andCaroline.ShewastheonlygirlatschoolbesidesBonnieandMeredithwho’dstoodbyElenawheneveryoneelsehadturnedagainsther.AtElena’sfuneralshe’dsaidthatElenawouldalwaysbetherealqueenofRobertE.Lee,andshe’dgivenupherownnominationforSnowQueeninElena’smemory.NobodycouldhateSue.Theworstwasovernow,Bonniethought.

“Iwanttogetapictureofusallonthecouch,”Carolinesaid,positioningthembehindtheflowerarrangement.“Vickie,takeit,willyou?”

VickieBennetthadbeenstandingbyquietly,unnoticed.Nowshesaid,“Oh,sure,”andnervouslyflickedlong,lightbrownhairoutofhereyesasshepickedupthecamera.Justlikeshe’ssomekindofservant,Bonniethought,andthentheflashbulbblindedher.

AsthePolaroiddevelopedandSueandCarolinelaughedandtalkedaroundMeredith’sdrypoliteness,Bonnienoticedsomethingelse.Itwasagoodpicture;Carolinelookedstunningaseverwithherauburnhairgleamingandthepalegreenorchidsinfrontofher.AndtherewasMeredith,lookingresignedandironicanddarklybeautifulwithouteventrying,andthereshewasherself,aheadshorterthantheothers,withherredcurlstousledandasheepishexpressiononherface.Butthestrangethingwasthefigurebesideheronthecouch.ItwasSue,ofcourseitwasSue,butforamomenttheblondhairandblueeyesseemedtobelongtosomeoneelse.Someonelookingatherurgently,onthevergeofsayingsomethingimportant.Bonniefrownedatthephoto,blinkingrapidly.Theimageswaminfrontofher,andachillinguneasinessranupherspine.

No,itwasjustSueinthepicture.Shemust’vegonecrazyforaminute,orelseshewaslettingCaroline’sdesireforthem“alltobetogetheragain”affecther.

“I’lltakethenextone,”shesaid,springingup.“Sitdown,Vickie,andleanin.No,farther,farther–there!”AllofVickie’smovementswerequickandlightandnervous.Whentheflashbulbwentoff,shestartedlikeascaredanimalreadytobolt.

Carolinescarcelyglancedatthispicture,gettingupandheadingforthekitcheninstead.“Guesswhatwe’rehavinginsteadofcake?”shesaid.“I’mmakingmyownversionofDeathbyChocolate.Comeon,you’vegottohelpmemeltthefudge.”Suefollowedher,andafteranuncertainpause,sodidVickie.

ThelasttracesofMeredith’spleasantexpressionevaporatedandsheturnedtoBonnie.

“Youshouldhavetoldme.”

“Iknow.”Bonnieloweredherheadmeeklyaminute.Thenshelookedupandgrinned.“Butthenyouwouldn’thavecomeandwewouldn’tbehavingDeathbyChocolate.”

“Andthatmakesitallworthwhile?”

“Well,ithelps,”Bonniesaid,withanairofbeingreasonable.“Andreally,itprobablywon’tbesobad.Caroline’sactuallytryingtobenice,andit’sgoodforVickietogetoutofthehouseforonce…”

“Itdoesn’tlooklikeit’sgoodforher,”Meredithsaidbluntly.“Itlookslikeshe’sgoingtohaveaheartattack.”

“Well,she’sprobablyjustnervous.”InBonnie’sopinion,Vickiehadgoodreasontobenervous.She’dspentmostofthepreviousfallinatrance,beingslowlydrivenoutofhermindbyapowershedidn’tunderstand.Nobodyhadexpectedhertocomeoutofitaswellasshehad.

Meredithwasstilllookingbleak.“Atleast,”Bonniesaidconsolingly,“itisn’tyourrealbirthday.”

Meredithpickedupthecameraandturneditoverandover.Stilllookingdownatherhands,shesaid,“Butitis.”

“What?”Bonniestaredandthensaidlouder,“Whatdidyousay?”

“Isaid,itismyrealbirthday.Caroline’smommusthavetoldher;sheandmymomusedtobefriendsalongtimeago.”

“Meredith,whatareyoutalkingabout?Yourbirthdaywaslastweek,May30.”

“No,itwasn’t.It’stoday,June6.It’strue;it’sonmydriver’slicenseandeverything.MyparentsstartedcelebratingitaweekearlybecauseJune6wastooupsettingforthem.Itwasthedaymygrandfatherwasattackedandwentcrazy.”AsBonniegasped,unabletospeak,sheaddedcalmly,“Hetriedtokillmygrandmother,youknow.Hetriedtokillme,too.”Meredithputthecameradowncarefullyintheexactcenterofthecoffeetable.“Wereallyshouldgointhekitchen,”shesaidquietly.“Ismellchocolate.”

Bonniewasstillparalyzed,buthermindwasbeginningtoworkagain.Vaguely,sherememberedMeredithspeakingaboutthisbefore,butshehadn’ttoldherthefulltruththen.Andshehadn’tsaidwhenithadhappened.

“Attacked–youmeanlikeVickiewasattacked,”Bonniegotout.Shecouldn’tsaythewordvampire,butsheknewMeredithunderstood.

“LikeVickiewasattacked,”Meredithconfirmed.“Comeon,”sheadded,evenmorequietly.“They’rewaitingforus.Ididn’tmeantoupsetyou.”

Meredithdoesn’twantmetobeupset,soIwon’tbeupset,Bonniethought,pouringhotfudgeoverthechocolatecakeandchocolateicecream.Eventhoughwe’vebeenfriendssincefirstgradeandshenevertoldmethissecretbefore.

Foraninstantherskinchilledandwordscamefloatingoutofthedarkcornersofher

mind.Nooneiswhattheyseem.She’dbeenwarnedthatlastyearbythevoiceofHonoriaFellspeakingthroughher,andtheprophecyhadturnedouttobehorrifyinglytrue.Whatifitwasn’toveryet?

ThenBonnieshookherheaddeterminedly.Shecouldn’tthinkaboutthisrightnow;shehadapartytothinkabout.AndI’llmakesureit’sagoodpartyandweallgetalongsomehow,shethought.

Strangely,itwasn’teventhathard.MeredithandVickiedidn’ttalkmuchatfirst,butBonniewentoutofherwaytobenicetoVickie,andevenMeredithcouldn’tresistthepileofbrightlywrappedpresentsonthecoffeetable.Bythetimeshe’dopenedthelastonetheywerealltalkingandlaughing.ThemoodoftruceandtolerationcontinuedastheymovedupintoCaroline’sbedroomtoexamineherclothesandCDsandphotoalbums.Asitgotnearmidnighttheyfloppedonsleepingbags,stilltalking.

“What’sgoingonwithAlaricthesedays?”SueaskedMeredith.

AlaricSaltzmanwasMeredith’sboyfriend–sortof.HewasagraduatestudentfromDukeUniversitywho’dmajoredinparapsychologyandhadbeencalledtoFell’sChurchlastyearwhenthevampireattacksbegan.Thoughhe’dstartedoutanenemy,he’dendedupanally–andafriend.

“He’sinRussia,”Meredithsaid.“Perestroika,youknow?He’sovertherefindingoutwhattheyweredoingwithpsychicsduringtheColdWar.”

“Whatareyougoingtotellhimwhenhegetsback?”askedCaroline.

ItwasaquestionBonniewouldhavelikedtoaskMeredithherself.BecauseAlaricwasalmostfouryearsolder,Meredithhadtoldhimtowaituntilaftershegraduatedtotalkabouttheirfuture.ButnowMeredithwaseighteen–today,Bonnieremindedherself–andgraduationwasintwoweeks.Whatwasgoingtohappenafterthat?

“Ihaven’tdecided,”Meredithsaid.“AlaricwantsmetogotoDuke,andI’vebeenacceptedthere,butI’mnotsure.Ihavetothink.”

Bonniewasjustasglad.ShewantedMeredithtogotoBooneJuniorCollegewithher,notgooffandgetmarried,orevenengaged.Itwasstupidtodecideononeguysoyoung.Bonnieherselfwasnotoriousforplayingthefield,goingfromboytoboyasshepleased.Shegotcrusheseasily,andgotoverthemjustaseasily.

“Ihaven’tseentheguysofarworthremainingfaithfulto,”shesaidnow.

Everyonelookedatherquickly.Sue’schinwasrestingonherfistsassheasked,“NotevenStefan?”

Bonnieshouldhaveknown.Withtheonlylightthedimbedsidelampandtheonlysoundtherustleofnewleavesontheweepingwillowsoutside,itwasinevitablethattheconversationwouldturntoStefan–andtoElena.

StefanSalvatoreandElenaGilbertwerealreadyasortoflegendinthetown,likeRomeoandJuliet.WhenStefanhadfirstcometoFell’sChurch,everygirlhadwantedhim.AndElena,themostbeautiful,mostpopular,mostunapproachablegirlatschool,hadwantedhimtoo.Itwasonlyaftershe’dgottenhimthatsherealizedthedanger.Stefanwasn’twhat

heseemed–hehadasecretfardarkerthananyonecouldhaveguessed.Andhehadabrother,Damon,evenmoremysteriousanddangerousthanhimself.Elenahadbeencaughtbetweenthetwobrothers,lovingStefanbutdrawnirresistiblytoDamon’swildness.Intheendshehaddiedtosavethemboth,andtoredeemtheirlove.

“MaybeStefan–ifyou’reElena,”Bonniemurmured,yieldingthepoint.Theatmospherehadchanged.Itwashushednow,alittlesad,justrightforlate-nightconfidences.

“Istillcan’tbelieveshe’sgone,”Suesaidquietly,shakingherheadandshuttinghereyes.“Shewassomuchmorealivethanotherpeople.”

“Herflameburnedbrighter,”saidMeredith,gazingatthepatternstherose-and-goldlampmadeontheceiling.Hervoicewassoftbutintense,anditseemedtoBonniethatthosewordsdescribedElenabetterthananythingshe’deverheard.

“ThereweretimeswhenIhatedher,butIcouldneverignoreher,”Carolineadmitted,hergreeneyesnarrowedinmemory.“Shewasn’tapersonyoucouldignore.”

“OnethingIlearnedfromherdeath,”Suesaid,“isthatitcouldhappentoanyofus.Youcan’twasteanyoflifebecauseyouneverknowhowlongyou’vegot.”

“Itcouldbesixtyyearsorsixtyminutes,”Vickieagreedinalowvoice.“Anyofuscoulddietonight.”

Bonniewriggled,disturbed.Butbeforeshecouldsayanything,Suerepeated,“Istillcan’tbelieveshe’sreallygone.SometimesIfeelasifshe’ssomewherenear.”

“Oh,sodoI,”saidBonnie,distracted.AnimageofWarmSpringsflashedthroughhermind,andforamomentitseemedmorevividthanCaroline’sdimroom.“LastnightIdreamedabouther,andIhadthefeelingitreallywasherandthatshewastryingtotellmesomething.Istillhavethatfeeling,”shesaidtoMeredith.

Theothersgazedathersilently.Once,theywouldallhavelaughedifBonniehintedatany-thingsupernatural,butnotnow.Herpsychicpowerswereundisputed,awesome,andalittlescary.“Doyoureally?”breathedVickie.“Whatdoyouthinkshewastryingtosay?”askedSue.

“Idon’tknow.Attheendshewastryingsohardtostayincontactwithme,butshecouldn’t.”

Therewasanothersilence.AtlastSuesaidhesitantly,withthefaintestcatchinhervoice,“Doyouthink…doyouthinkyoucouldcontacther?”

Itwaswhatthey’dallbeenwondering.BonnielookedtowardMeredith.Earlier,Meredithhaddismissedthedream,butnowshemetBonnie’seyesseriously.

“Idon’tknow,”Bonniesaidslowly.Visionsfromthenightmarekeptswirlingaroundher.“Idon’twanttogointoatranceandopenmyselfuptowhateverelsemightbeoutthere,that’sforsure.”

“Isthattheonlywaytocommunicatewithdeadpeople?WhataboutaOuijaboardorsomething?”Sueasked.

“MyparentshaveaOuijaboard,”Carolinesaidalittletooloudly.Suddenlythehushed,

low-keymoodwasbrokenandanindefinabletensionfilledtheair.Everyonesat

upstraighterandlookedateachotherwithspeculation.EvenVickielookedintriguedontopofherscaredness.“Woulditwork?”MeredithsaidtoBonnie.“Shouldwe?”Suewonderedaloud.“Dowedare?That’sreallythequestion,”Meredithsaid.OnceagainBonniefoundeveryonelookingather.Shehesitatedafinalinstant,andthenshrugged.Excitementwasstirringinherstomach.“Whynot?”shesaid.“Whathavewegottolose?”

CarolineturnedtoVickie.“Vickie,there’saclosetatthebottomofthestairs.TheOuijaboardshouldbeinside,onthetopshelfwithabunchofothergames.”

Shedidn’tevensay,“Please,willyougetit?”Bonniefrownedandopenedhermouth,butVickiewasalreadyoutthedoor.

“Youcouldbealittlemoregracious,”BonnietoldCaroline.“Whatisthis,yourimpressionofCinderella’sevilstepmother?”

“Oh,comeon,Bonnie,”Carolinesaidimpatiently.“She’sluckyjusttobeinvited.Sheknowsthat.”

“AndhereIthoughtshewasjustovercomebyourcollectivesplendor,”Meredithsaiddryly.

“Andbesides–”Bonniestartedwhenshewasinterrupted.Thenoisewasthinandshrillanditfelloffweaklyattheend,buttherewasnomistakingit.Itwasascream.Itwasfollowedbydeadsilenceandthensuddenlypealafterpealofpiercingshrieks.Foraninstantthegirlsinthebedroomstoodtransfixed.Thentheywereallrunningoutintothehallwayanddownthestairs.

“Vickie!”Meredith,withherlonglegs,reachedthebottomfirst.Vickiewasstandinginfrontofthecloset,armsoutstretchedasiftoprotectherface.SheclutchedatMeredith,stillscreaming.

“Vickie,whatisit?”Carolinedemanded,soundingmoreangrythanafraid.ThereweregameboxesscatteredacrossthefloorandMonopolymarkersandTrivialPursuitcardsstrewneverywhere.“Whatareyouyellingabout?”

“Itgrabbedme!Iwasreachinguptothetopshelfandsomethinggrabbedmearoundthewaist!”“Frombehind?”“No!Frominsidethecloset.”

Startled,Bonnielookedinsidetheopencloset.Wintercoatshunginanimpenetrablelayer,someofthemreachingthefloor.GentlydisengagingherselffromVickie,Meredithpickedupanumbrellaandbeganpokingthecoats.

“Oh,don’t–”Bonniebeganinvoluntarily,buttheumbrellaencounteredonlytheresistanceofcloth.Meredithusedittopushthecoatsasideandrevealthebarecedarwoodoftheclosetwall.

“Yousee?Nobodythere,”shesaidlightly.“Butyouknowwhatistherearethesecoatsleeves.Ifyouleanedinfarenoughbetweenthem,I’llbetitcouldfeellikesomebody’sarmsclosingaroundyou.”

Vickiesteppedforward,touchedadanglingsleeve,thenlookedupattheshelf.Sheputherfaceinherhands,longsilkyhairfallingforwardtoscreenit.ForanawfulmomentBonniethoughtshewascrying,thensheheardthegiggles.

“Oh,God!Ireallythought–oh,I’msostupid!I’llcleanitup,”Vickiesaid.“Later,”saidMeredithfirmly.“Let’sgointhelivingroom.”Bonniethrewonelastlookattheclosetastheywent.

Whentheywereallgatheredaroundthecoffeetable,withseverallightsturnedoffforeffect,Bonnieputherfingerslightlyonthesmallplasticplanchette.She’dneveractuallyusedaOuijaboard,butsheknewhowitwasdone.Theplanchettemovedtopointatlettersandspelloutamessage–ifthespiritswerewillingtotalk,thatis.

“Weallhavetobetouchingit,”shesaid,andthenwatchedastheothersobeyed.Meredith’sfingerswerelongandslender,Sue’sslimandtaperingwithovalnails.Caroline’snailswerepaintedburnishedcopper.Vickie’swerebitten.

“Nowwecloseoureyesandconcentrate,”Bonniesaidsoftly.Therewerelittlehissesofanticipationasthegirlsobeyed;theatmospherewasgettingtoallofthem.

“ThinkofElena.Pictureher.Ifshe’soutthere,wewanttodrawherhere.”

Thebigroomwassilent.InthedarkbehindherclosedlidsBonniesawpalegoldhairandeyeslikelapislazuli.“Comeon,Elena,”shewhispered.“Talktome.”Theplanchettebegantomove.

Noneofthemcouldbeguidingit;theywereallapplyingpressurefromdifferentpoints.Nevertheless,thelittletriangleofplasticwasslidingsmoothly,confidently.Bonniekepthereyesshutuntilitstoppedandthenlooked.TheplanchettewaspointingtothewordYes.Vickiegavesomethinglikeasoftsob.

Bonnielookedattheothers.Carolinewasbreathingfast,greeneyesnarrowed.Sue,theonlyoneofallofthem,stillhadhereyesresolutelyclosed.Meredithlookedpale.Theyallexpectedhertoknowwhattodo.

“Keepconcentrating,”Bonnietoldthem.Shefeltunreadyandalittlestupidaddressingtheemptyairdirectly.Butshewastheexpert;shehadtodoit.“Isthatyou,Elena?”shesaid.TheplanchettemadealittlecircleandreturnedtoYes.

SuddenlyBonnie’sheartwasbeatingsohardshewasafraiditwouldshakeherfingers.Theplasticunderneathherfingertipsfeltdifferent,electrifiedalmost,asifsomesupernaturalenergywasflowingthroughit.Shenolongerfeltstupid.Tearscametohereyes,andshecouldseethatMeredith’seyeswereglisteningtoo.Meredithnoddedather.“Howcanwebesure?”Carolinewassaying,loudly,suspiciously.Carolinedoesn’tfeelit,Bonnierealized;shedoesn’tsenseanythingIdo.Psychicallyspeaking,she’sadud.

Theplanchettewasmovingagain,touchinglettersnow,soquicklythatMeredith

barelyhadtimetospelloutthemessage.Evenwithoutpunctuationitwasclear.CAROLINEDONTBEAJERK,itsaid.YOURELUCKYIMTALKINGTOYOUATALL“That’sElena,allright,”Meredithsaiddryly.“Itsoundslikeher,but–“

“Oh,shutup,Caroline,”Bonniesaid.“Elena,I’mjustsoglad…”Herthroatlockedupandshetriedagain.

BONNIETHERESNOTIMESTOPSNIVELINGANDGETDOWNTOBUSINESS

AndthatwasElenatoo.Bonniesniffedandwenton.“Ihadadreamaboutyoulastnight.”TEA

“Yes.”Bonnie’sheartwasthuddingfasterthanever.“Iwantedtotalktoyou,butthingsgotweirdandthenwekeptlosingcontact–”BONNIEDONTTRANCENOTRANCENOTRANCE

“Allright.”Thatansweredherquestion,andshewasrelievedtohearit.

CORRUPTINGINFLUENCESDISTORTINGOURCOMMUNICATIONTHEREAREBADTHINGSVERYBADTHINGSOUTHERE

“Likewhat?”Bonnieleanedclosertotheboard.“Likewhat?”

NOTIME!

Theplanchetteseemedtoaddtheexclamationpoint.ItwasjerkingviolentlyfromlettertoletterasifElenacouldbarelycontainherimpatience.

HESBUSYSOICANTALKNOWBUTTHERESNOTMUCHTIMELISTENWHENWESTOPGETOUTOFTHEHOUSEFASTYOUREINDANGER“Danger?”Vickierepeated,lookingasifshemightjumpoffthechairandrun.

WAITLISTENFIRSTTHEWHOLETOWNISINDANGER“Whatdowedo?”saidMeredithinstantly.

YOUNEEDHELPHESOUTOFYOURLEAGUEUNBELIEVABLYSTRONGNOWLISTENANDFOLLOWINSTRUCTIONSYOUHAVETODOASUMMONINGSPELLANDTHEFIRSTINGREDIENTISH–

Withoutwarning,theplanchettejerkedawayfromthelettersandflewaroundtheboardwildly.Itpointedatthestylizedpictureofthemoon,thenatthesun,thenatthewordsParkerBrothers,Inc.“Elena!”Theplanchettebobbedbacktotheletters.

ANOTHERMOUSEANOTHERMOUSEANOTHERMOUSE

“What’shappening?”Suecried,eyeswideopennow.

Bonniewasfrightened.Theplanchettewaspulsingwithenergy,adarkanduglyenergylikeboilingblacktarthatstungherfingers.ButshecouldalsofeelthequiveringsilverthreadthatwasElena’spresencefightingit.“Don’tletgo!”shecrieddesperately.“Don’t

takeyourhandsoffit!”

MOUSMUDKILLYOU,theboardreeledoff.BLOODBLOODBLOOD.Andthen…BONNIEGETOUTRUNHESHERERUNRUNRU–

Theplanchettejerkedfuriously,whippingoutfromunderBonnie’sfingersandbeyondherreach,flyingacrosstheboardandthroughtheairasifsomeonehadthrownit.Vickiescreamed.Meredithstartedtoherfeet.

Andthenallthelightswentout,plungingthehouseintodarkness.

Three

Vickie’sscreamswentoutofcontrol.Bonniecouldfeelpanicrisinginherchest.

“Vickie,stopit!Comeon;we’vegottogetoutofhere!”Meredithwasshoutingtobeheard.“It’syourhouse,Caroline.Everybodygrabhandsandyouleadustothefrontdoor.”

“Okay,”Carolinesaid.Shedidn’tsoundasfrightenedaseverybodyelse.Thatwastheadvantagetohavingnoimagination,Bonniethought.Youcouldn’tpicturetheterriblethingsthatweregoingtohappentoyou.

ShefeltbetterwithMeredith’snarrow,coldhandgraspinghers.ShefumbledontheothersideandcaughtCaroline’s,feelingthehardnessoflongfingernails.

Shecouldseenothing.Hereyesshouldbeadjustingtothedarkbynow,butshecouldn’tmakeoutevenaglimmeroflightorshadowasCarolinestartedleadingthem.Therewasnolightcomingthroughthewindowsfromthestreet;thepowerseemedtobeouteverywhere.Carolinecursed,runningintosomepieceoffurniture,andBonniestumbledagainsther.

Vickiewaswhimperingsoftlyfromthebackoftheline.“Hangon,”whisperedSue.“Hangon,Vickie,we’llmakeit.”

Theymadeslow,shufflingprogressinthedark.ThenBonniefelttileunderherfeet.“Thisisthefronthall,”Carolinesaid.“StayhereaminutewhileIfindthedoor.”HerfingersslippedoutofBonnie’s.

“Caroline!Don’tletgo–whereareyou?Caroline,givemeyourhand!”Bonniecried,gropingfranticallylikeablindperson.

Outofthedarknesssomethinglargeandmoistclosedaroundherfingers.Itwasahand.Itwasn’tCaroline’s.Bonniescreamed.

Vickieimmediatelypickeditup,shriekingwildly.Thehot,moisthandwasdraggingBonnieforward.Shekickedout,struggling,butitmadenodifference.ThenshefeltMeredith’sarmsaroundherwaist,botharms,wrenchingherback.Herhandcamefreeofthebigone.

Andthenshewasturningandrunning,justrunning,onlydimlyawarethatMeredithwasbe-sideher.Shewasn’tatallawarethatshewasstillscreaminguntilsheslammedintoa

largearmchairthatstoppedherprogress,andsheheardherself.

“Hush!Bonnie,hush,stop!”Meredithwasshakingher.Theyhadsliddownthebackofthechairtothefloor.“Somethinghadme!Somethinggrabbedme,Meredith!”

“Iknow.Bequiet!It’sstillaround,”Meredithsaid.BonniejammedherfaceintoMeredith’sshouldertokeepfromscreamingagain.Whatifitwashereintheroomwiththem?

Secondscrawledpast,andthesilencepooledaroundthem.NomatterhowBonniestrainedherears,shecouldhearnosoundexcepttheirownbreathingandthedullthuddingofherheart.

“Listen!We’vegottofindthebackdoor.Wemustbeinthelivingroomnow.Thatmeansthekitchen’srightbehindus.Wehavetogetthere,”Meredithsaid,hervoicelow.Bonniestartedtonodmiserably,thenabruptlyliftedherhead.“Where’sVickie?”shewhisperedhoarsely.

“Idon’tknow.Ihadtoletgoofherhandtopullyouawayfromthatthing.Let’smove.”Bonnieheldherback.“Butwhyisn’tshescreaming?”AshudderwentthroughMeredith.“Idon’tknow.”“Oh,God.Oh,God.Wecan’tleaveher,Meredith.”“Wehaveto.”

“Wecan’t.Meredith,ImadeCarolineinviteher.Shewouldn’tbehereexceptforme.Wehavetogetherout.”

Therewasapause,andthenMeredithhissed,“Allright!Butyoupickthestrangesttimestoturnnoble,Bonnie.”

Adoorslammed,causingbothofthemtojump.Thentherewasacrashing,likefeetonstairs,Bonniethought.Andbriefly,avoicewasraised.“Vickie,whereareyou?Don’t–Vickie,no!No!”

“ThatwasSue,”gaspedBonnie,jumpingup.“Fromupstairs!”“Whydon’twehaveaflashlight?”Meredithwasraging.

Bonnieknewwhatshemeant.Itwastoodarktogorunningblindlyaroundthishouse;itwastoofrightening.Therewasaprimitivepanichammeringinherbrain.Sheneededlight,anylight.

Shecouldn’tgofumblingintothatdarknessagain,exposedonallsides.Shecouldn’tdoit.Nevertheless,shetookoneshakystepawayfromthechair.

“Comeon,”shegasped,andMeredithcamewithher,stepbystep,intotheblackness.Bonniekeptexpectingthatmoist,hothandtoreachoutandgrabheragain.Everyinchofherskintingledinanticipationofitstouch,andespeciallyherownhand,whichshehadoutstretchedtofeelherway.Thenshemadethemistakeofrememberingthedream.

Instantly,thesicklysweetsmellofgarbageoverwhelmedher.SheimaginedthingscrawlingoutofthegroundandthenrememberedElena’sface,grayandhairless,withlipsshriveledbackfromgrinningteeth.Ifthatthinggrabbedholdofher…

Ican’tgoanyfarther;Ican’t,Ican’t,shethought.I’msorryforVickie,butIcan’tgoon.Please,justletmestophere.

ShewasclingingtoMeredith,almostcrying.Thenfromupstairscamethemosthorrifyingsoundshehadeverheard.

Itwasawholeseriesofsounds,actually,buttheyallcamesoclosetogetherthattheyblendedintooneterribleswellofnoise.Firsttherewasscreaming,Sue’svoicescreaming,“Vickie!Vickie!No!”Thenaresonantcrash,thesoundofglassshattering,asifahundredwindowswerebreakingatonce.Andoverthatasustainedscream,onanoteofpure,exquisiteterror.Thenitallstopped.“Whatwasit?Whathappened,Meredith?”

“Somethingbad.”Meredith’svoicewastautandchoked.“Somethingverybad.Bonnie,letgo.I’mgoingtosee.”“Notalone,you’renot,”Bonniesaidfiercely.

Theyfoundthestaircaseandmadetheirwayupit.Whentheyreachedthelanding,Bonniecouldhearastrangeandoddlysickeningsound,thetinkleofglassshardsfalling.Andthenthelightswenton.

Itwastoosudden;Bonniescreamedinvoluntarily.TurningtoMeredithshealmostscreamedagain.Meredith’sdarkhairwasdisheveledandhercheekboneslookedtoosharp;herfacewaspaleandhollowwithfear.Tinkle,tinkle.

Itwasworsewiththelightson.Meredithwaswalkingtowardthelastdoordownthehall,wherethenoisewascomingfrom.Bonniefollowed,butsheknewsuddenly,withallherheart,thatshedidn’twanttoseeinsidethatroom.

Meredithpulledthedooropen.Shefrozeforaminuteinthedoorwayandthenlungedquicklyinside.Bonniestartedforthedoor.“Oh,myGod,don’tcomeanyfarther!”

Bonniedidn’tevenpause.Sheplungedintothedoorwayandthenpulledupshort.Atfirstglanceitlookedasifthewholesideofthehousewasgone.TheFrenchwindowsthatconnectedthemasterbedroomtothebalconyseemedtohaveexplodedoutward,thewoodsplintered,theglassshattered.Littlepiecesofglasswerehangingprecariouslyhereandtherefromtheremnantsofthewoodframe.Theytinkledastheyfell.

Diaphanouswhitecurtainsbillowedinandoutofthegapingholeinthehouse.Infrontofthem,insilhouette,BonniecouldseeVickie.Shewasstandingwithherhandsathersides,asmotionlessasablockofstone.

“Vickie,areyouokay?”Bonniewassorelievedtoseeheralivethatitwaspainful.“Vickie?”

Vickiedidn’tturn,didn’tanswer.Bonniemaneuveredaroundhercautiously,lookingintoherface.Vickiewasstaringstraightahead,herpupilspinpoints.Shewassuckinginlittlewhistlingbreaths,chestheaving.

“I’mnext.ItsaidI’mnext,”shewhisperedoverandover,butshedidn’tseemtobetalkingtoBonnie.Shedidn’tseemtoseeBonnieatall.

Shuddering,Bonniereeledaway.Meredithwasonthebalcony.SheturnedasBonniereachedthecurtainsandtriedtoblocktheway.

“Don’tlook.Don’tlookdownthere,”shesaid.

Downwhere?SuddenlyBonnieunderstood.SheshovedpastMeredith,whocaughtherarmtostopherontheedgeofadizzyingdrop.ThebalconyrailinghadbeenblastedoutliketheFrenchwindowsandBonniecouldseestraightdowntothelightedyardbelow.Onthegroundtherewasatwistedfigurelikeabrokendoll,limbsaskew,neckbentatagrotesqueangle,blondhairfannedonthedarksoilofthegarden.ItwasSueCarson.

Andthroughoutalltheconfusionthatragedafterward,twothoughtskeptvyingfordominanceinBonnie’smind.OnewasthatCarolinewouldneverhaveherfoursomenow.Andtheotherwasthatitwasn’tfairforthistohappenonMeredith’sbirthday.Itjustwasn’tfair.

“I’msorry,Meredith.Idon’tthinkshe’suptoitrightnow.”

Bonnieheardherfather’svoiceatthefrontdoorasshelistlesslystirredsweetenerintoacupofchamomiletea.Sheputthespoondownatonce.Whatshewasn’tuptowassittinginthiskitchenoneminutelonger.Sheneededout.“I’llberightthere,Dad.”

Meredithlookedalmostasbadasshehadlastnight,facepeaked,eyesshadowed.Hermouthwassetinatightline.

“We’lljustgooutdrivingforalittlewhile,”Bonniesaidtoherfather.“Maybeseesomeofthekids.Afterall,you’retheonewhosaiditisn’tdangerous,right?”

Whatcouldhesay?Mr.McCulloughlookeddownathispetitedaughter,whostuckoutthestubbornchinshe’dinheritedfromhimandmethisgazesquarely.Heliftedhishands.“It’salmostfouro’clocknow.Bebackbeforedark,”hesaid.

“Theywantitbothways,”BonniesaidtoMeredithonthewaytoMeredith’scar.Onceinside,bothgirlsimmediatelylockedtheirdoors.

AsMeredithputthecaringearshegaveBonnieaglanceofgrimunderstanding.“Yourparentsdidn’tbelieveyou,either.”

“Oh,theybelieveeverythingItoldthem–exceptanythingimportant.Howcantheybesostupid?”

Meredithlaughedshortly.“You’vegottolookatitfromtheirpointofview.Theyfindonedeadbodywithoutamarkonitexceptthosecausedbythefall.TheyfindthatthelightswereoffintheneighborhoodbecauseofamalfunctionatVirginiaElectric.Theyfindus,hysterical,givinganswerstotheirquestionsthatmusthaveseemedprettyweird.Whodidit?Somemonsterwithsweatyhands.Howdoweknow?OurdeadfriendElenatoldusthroughaOuijaboard.Isitanywondertheyhavetheirdoubts?”

“Ifthey’dneverseenanythinglikeitbefore,”Bonniesaid,hittingthecardoorwithherfist.“Buttheyhave.DotheythinkwemadeupthosedogsthatattackedattheSnowDancelastyear?DotheythinkElenawaskilledbyafantasy?”

“They’reforgettingalready,”Meredithrepliedsoftly.“Youpredictedityourself.Lifehas

gonebacktonormal,andeverybodyinFell’sChurchfeelssaferthatway.Theyallfeellikethey’vewokenupfromabaddream,andthelastthingtheywantistogetsuckedinagain.”Bonniejustshookherhead.

“Andsoit’seasiertobelievethatabunchofteenagegirlsgotriledupplayingwithaOuijaboard,andthatwhenthelightswentouttheyjustfreakedandran.Andoneofthemgotsoscaredandconfusedsheranrightoutawindow.”

TherewasasilenceandthenMeredithadded,“IwishAlaricwerehere.”

Normally,Bonniewouldhavegivenheradigintheribsandanswered,“SodoI,”inalecherousvoice.Alaricwasoneofthehandsomestguysshe’deverseen,evenifhewasadodderingtwenty-twoyearsold.Now,shejustgaveMeredith’sarmadisconsolatesqueeze.“Can’tyoucallhimsomehow?”“InRussia?Idon’tevenknowwhereinRussiaheisnow.”Bonniebitherlip.

Thenshesatup.MeredithwasdrivingdownLeeStreet,andinthehighschoolparkinglottheycouldseeacrowd.

SheandMeredithexchangedglances,andMeredithnodded.“Wemightaswell,”shesaid.“Let’sseeifthey’reanysmarterthantheirparents.”

Bonniecouldseestartledfacesturningasthecarcruisedslowlyintothelot.WhensheandMeredithgotout,peoplemovedback,makingapathforthemtothecenterofthecrowd.

Carolinewasthere,clutchingherelbowswithherhandsandshakingbackherauburnhairdistractedly.

“We’renotgoingtosleepinthathouseagainuntilit’srepaired,”shewassaying,shiveringinherwhitesweater.“Daddysayswe’lltakeanapartmentinHeronuntilit’sover.”

“Whatdifferencedoesthatmake?HecanfollowyoutoHeron,I’msure,”saidMeredith.

Carolineturned,buthergreencat’seyeswouldn’tquitemeetMeredith’s.“Who?”shesaidvaguely.“Oh,Caroline,notyoutoo!”Bonnieexploded.“Ijustwanttogetoutofhere,”Carolinesaid.HereyescameupandforaninstantBonniesawhowfrightenedshewas.“Ican’ttakeanymore.”Asifshehadtoproveherwordsthatminute,shepushedherwaythroughthecrowd.“Lethergo,Bonnie,”Meredithsaid.“It’snouse.”

“She’snouse,”saidBonniefuriously.IfCaroline,whoknew,wasactingthisway,whatabouttheotherkids?

Shesawtheanswer-inthefacesaroundher.Everybodylookedscared,asscaredasifsheandMeredithhadbroughtsomeloathsomediseasewiththem.AsifsheandMeredithweretheproblem.“Idon’tbelievethis,”Bonniemuttered.

“Idon’tbelieveiteither,”saidDeannaKennedy,afriendofSue’s.Shewasinthefrontofthecrowd,andshedidn’tlookasuneasyastheothers.“ItalkedwithSueyesterdayafternoonandshewassoup,sohappy.Shecan’tbedead.”Deannabegantosob.Her

boyfriendputanarmaroundher,andseveralothergirlsbegantocry.Theguysinthecrowdshifted,theirfacesrigid.

Bonniefeltalittlesurgeofhope.“Andshe’snotgoingtobetheonlyonedead,”sheadded.“Elenatoldusthatthewholetownisindanger.Elenasaid…”DespiteherselfBonnieheardhervoicefailing.ShecouldseeitinthewaytheireyesglazedupwhenshementionedElena’sname.Meredithwasright;they’dputeverythingthathadhappenedlastwinterbehindthem.Theydidn’tbelieveanymore.

“What’swrongwithyouall?”shesaidhelplessly,wantingtohitsomething.“Youdon’treallythinkSuethrewherselfoffthatbalcony!”

“Peoplearesaying–”Deanna’sboyfriendstartedandthenshruggeddefensively.“Well–youtoldthepoliceVickieBennettwasintheroom,right?Andnowshe’soffherheadagain.Andjustalittlebitearlieryou’dheardSueshouting,‘No,Vickie,no!’?”Bonniefeltasifthewindhadbeenknockedoutofher.“YouthinkthatVickie–oh,God,you’reoutofyourmind!Listentome.Somethinggrabbedmyhandinthathouse,anditwasn’tVickie.AndVickiehadnothingtodowiththrowingSueoffthatbalcony.”“She’shardlystrongenough,foronething,”Meredithsaidpointedly.“Sheweighsaboutninety-fivepoundssoakingwet.”

Somebodyfromthebackofthecrowdmutteredaboutinsanepeoplehavingsuperhumanstrength.“Vickiehasapsychiatricrecord–“

“Elenatoldusitwasaguy!”Bonniealmostshouted,losingherbattlewithselfcontrol.Thefacestiltedtowardherwereshuttered,unyielding.Thenshesawonethatmadeherchestloosen.“Matt!Tellthemyoubelieveus.”

MattHoneycuttwasstandingonthefringewithhishandsinhispocketsandhisblondheadbowed.Nowhelookedup,andwhatBonniesawinhisblueeyesmadeherdrawinherbreath.Theyweren’thardandshutteredlikeeveryoneelse’s,buttheywerefullofaflatdespairthatwasjustasbad.Heshruggedwithouttakinghishandsfromhispockets.“Forwhatit’sworth,Ibelieveyou,”hesaid.“Butwhatdifferencedoesitmake?It’sallgoingtoturnoutthesameanyway.”

Bonnie,foroneofthefirsttimesinherlife,wasspeechless.MatthadbeenupseteversinceElenadied,butthis…

“Hedoesbelieveit,though,”Meredithwassayingquickly,capitalizingonthemoment.“Nowwhathavewegottodotoconvincetherestofyou?”

“ChannelElvisforus,maybe,”saidavoicethatimmediatelysetBonnie’sbloodboiling.Tyler.TylerSmallwood.GrinninglikeanapeinhisoverexpensivePerryEllissweater,showingamouthfulofstrongwhiteteeth.

“It’snotasgoodaspsychice-mailfromadeadHomecomingQueen,butit’sastart,”Tyleradded.

Mattalwayssaidthatgrinwasaskingforapunchinthenose.ButMatt,theonlyguyinthecrowdwithclosetoTyler’sphysique,wasstaringdullyattheground.

“Shutup,Tyler!Youdon’tknowwhathappenedinthathouse,”Bonniesaid.

“Well,neitherdoyou,apparently.Maybeifyouhadn’tbeenhidinginthelivingroom,you’dhaveseenwhathappened.Thensomebodymightbelieveyou.”

Bonnie’sretortdiedonhertongue.ShestaredatTyler,openedhermouth,andthenclosedit.Tylerwaited.Whenshedidn’tspeak,heshowedhisteethagain.

“Formymoney,Vickiedidit,”hesaid,winkingatDickCarter,Vickie’sex-boyfriend.“She’sastronglittlebabe,right,Dick?Shecouldhavedoneit.”Heturnedandaddeddeliberatelyoverhisshoulder,“OrelsethatSalvatoreguyisbackintown.”

“Youcreep!”shoutedBonnie.EvenMeredithcriedoutinfrustration.BecauseofcourseattheverymentionofStefanpandemoniumensued,asTylermusthaveknownitwould.Everyonewasturningtothepersonnexttothemandexclaiminginalarm,horror,excitement.Itwasprimarilythegirlswhowereexcited.

Effectively,itputanendtothegathering.Peoplehadbeenedgingawaysurreptitiouslybefore,andnowtheybrokeupintotwosandthrees,arguingandhasteningoff.Bonniegazedafterthemangrily.

“Supposingtheydidbelieveyou.Whatdidyouwantthemtodo,anyway?”Mattsaid.Shehadn’tnoticedhimbesideher.

“Idon’tknow.Somethingbesidesjuststandingaroundwaitingtobepickedoff.”Shetriedtolookhimintheface.“Matt,areyouallright?”“Idon’tknow.Areyou?”

Bonniethought.“No.Imean,inonewayI’msurprisedI’mdoingaswellasIam,becausewhenElenadied,Ijustcouldn’tdeal.Atall.ButthenIwasn’tasclosetoSue,andbesides…Idon’tknow!”Shewantedtohitsomethingagain.“It’sjustalltoomuch!”“You’remad.”

“Yes,I’mmad.”SuddenlyBonnieunderstoodthefeelingsshe’dbeenhavingallday.“KillingSuewasn’tjustwrong,itwasevil.Trulyevil.Andwhoeverdiditisn’tgoingtogetawaywithit.Thatwouldbe–iftheworldislikethat,aplacewherethatcanhappenandgounpunished…ifthat’sthetruth…”Shefoundshedidn’thaveawaytofinish.“Thenwhat?Youdon’twanttolivehereanymore?Whatiftheworldislikethat?”

Hiseyesweresolost,sobitter.Bonniewasshaken.Butshesaidstaunchly,“Iwon’tletitbethatway.Andyouwon’teither.”

HesimplylookedatherasifshewereakidinsistingtherewassoaSantaClaus.

Meredithspokeup.“Ifweexpectotherpeopletotakeusseriously,we’dbettertakeourselvesseriously.Elenadidcommunicatewithus.Shewantedustodosomething.Nowifwereallybelievethat,we’dbetterfigureoutwhatitis.”

Matt’sfacehadflexedatthementionofElena.Youpoorguy,you’restillasmuchinlovewithherasever,thoughtBonnie.Iwonderifanythingcouldmakeyouforgether?Shesaid,“Areyougoingtohelpus,Matt?”

“I’llhelp,”Mattsaidquietly.“ButIstilldon’tknowwhatitisyou’redoing.”

“We’regoingtostopthatmurderingcreepbeforehekillsanybodyelse,”saidBonnie.It

wasthefirsttimeshe’dfullyrealizedherselfthatthiswaswhatshemeanttodo.“Alone?Becauseyouarealone,youknow.”

“Wearealone,”Meredithcorrected.“Butthat’swhatElenawastryingtotellus.Shesaidwehadtodoasummoningspelltocallforhelp.”

“Aneasyspellwithonlytwoingredients,”Bonnierememberedfromherdream.Shewasgettingexcited.“Andshesaidshe’dalreadytoldmetheingredients–butshehadn’t.”“Lastnightshesaidtherewerecorruptinginfluencesdistortinghercommunication,”Meredithsaid.“Nowtomethatsoundslikewhatwashappeninginthedream.DoyouthinkitreallywasElenayouweredrinkingteawith?”

“Yes,”Bonniesaidpositively.“Imean,Iknowweweren’treallyhavingamadteapartyatWarmSprings,butIthinkElenawassendingthatmessageintomybrain.Andthenpartwaythroughsomethingelsetookoverandpushedherout.Butshefought,andforaminuteattheendshegotbackcontrol.”

“Okay.Thenthatmeanswehavetoconcentrateonthebeginningofthedream,whenitwasstillElenacommunicatingwithyou.Butifwhatshewassayingwasalreadybeingdistortedbyotherinfluences,thenmaybeitcameoutweird.Maybeitwasn’tsomethingsheactuallysaid,maybeitwassomethingshedid…”Bonnie’shandflewuptotouchhercurls.“Hair!”shecried.“What?”

“Hair!Iaskedherwhodidhers,andwetalkedaboutit,andshesaid,‘Hairisveryimportant.’AndMeredith–whenshewastryingtotellustheingredientslastnight,thefirstletterofoneofthemwasH!”

“That’sit!”Meredith’sdarkeyeswereflashing.“Nowwejusthavetothinkoftheotherone.”

“ButIknowthattoo!”Bonnie’slaughterbubbledupexuberantly.“Shetoldmerightafterwetalkedabouthair,andIthoughtshewasjustbeingstrange.Shesaid,‘Bloodisimportanttoo.’“

Meredithshuthereyesinrealization.“Andlastnight,theOuijaboardsaid‘Bloodblood-blood.’Ithoughtitwastheotherthingthreateningus,butitwasn’t,”shesaid.Sheopenedhereyes.“Bonnie,doyouthinkthat’sreallyit?Arethosetheingredients,ordowehavetostartworryingaboutmudandsandwichesandmiceandtea?”

“Thosearetheingredients,”Bonniesaidfirmly.“They’rethekindofingredientsthatmakesenseforasummoningspell.I’msureIcanfindaritualtodowiththeminoneofmyCelticmagicbooks.Wejusthavetofigureoutthepersonwe’resupposedtosummon…”Somethingstruckher,andhervoicetrailedoffindismay.

“Iwaswonderingwhenyou’dnotice,”Mattsaid,speakingforthefirsttimeinalongwhile.“Youdon’tknowwhoitis,doyou?”

Four

MeredithtiltedanironicglanceatMatt.“Hmm,”shesaid.“Now,whodoyouthinkElenawouldcallintimeoftrouble?”

Bonnie’sgringavewaytoatwingeofguiltatMatt’sexpression.Itwasn’tfairtoteasehimaboutthis.“Elenasaidthatthekilleristoostrongforusandthat’swhyweneedhelp,”shetoldMatt.“AndIcanthinkofonlyonepersonElenaknowswhocouldfightoffapsychickiller.”

Slowly,Mattnodded.Bonniecouldn’ttellwhathewasfeeling.HeandStefanhadbeenbestfriendsonce,evenafterElenahadchosenStefanoverMatt.ButthathadbeenbeforeMattfoundoutwhatStefanwas,andwhatkindofviolencehewascapableof.InhisrageandgriefoverElena’sdeathStefanhadnearlykilledTylerSmallwoodandfiveotherguys.CouldMattreallyforgetthat?CouldheevendealwithStefancomingbacktoFell’sChurch?

Matt’ssquare-jawedfacegavenosignnow,andMeredithwastalkingagain.“Soallweneedtodoisletsomebloodandcutsomehair.Youwon’tmissacurlortwo,willyou,Bonnie?”

Bonniewassoabstractedthatshealmostmissedthis.Thensheshookherhead.“No,no,no.Itisn’tourbloodandhairweneed.Weneeditfromthepersonwewanttosummon.”

“What?Butthat’sridiculous.IfwehadStefan’sbloodandhairwewouldn’tneedtosummonhim,wouldwe?”

“Ididn’tthinkofthat,”Bonnieadmitted.“Usuallywithasummoningspellyougetthestuffbeforehandanduseitwhenyouwanttocallapersonback.Whatarewegoingtodo,Meredith?It’simpossible.”

Meredith’sbrowsweredrawntogether.“WhywouldElenaaskitifitwereimpossible?”

“Elenaaskedlotsofimpossiblethings,”Bonniesaiddarkly.“Don’tlooklikethat,Matt;youknowshedid.Shewasn’tasaint.”

“Maybe,butthisoneisn’timpossible,”Mattsaid.“IcanthinkofoneplacewhereStefan’sbloodhasgottobe,andifwe’reluckysomeofhishair,too.Inthecrypt.”Bonnieflinched,butMeredithsimplynodded.

“Ofcourse,”shesaid.“WhileStefanwastiedupthere,hemusthavebledallovertheplace.Andinthatkindoffighthemighthavelostsomehair.Ifonlyeverythingdowntherehasbeenleftundisturbed…”

“Idon’tthinkanybody’sbeendowntheresinceElenadied,”Mattsaid.“Thepoliceinvestigatedandthenleftit.Butthere’sonlyonewaytofindout.”

Iwaswrong,Bonniethought.IwasworryingaboutwhetherMattcoulddealwithStefancomingback,andhereheisdoingeverythinghecantohelpussummonhim.“Matt,Icouldkissyou!”shesaid.

Foraninstantsomethingshecouldn’tidentifyflickeredinMatt’seyes.Surprise,certainly,buttherewasmorethanthat.SuddenlyBonniewonderedwhathewoulddoifshedidkisshim.

“Allthegirlssaythat,”herepliedcalmlyatlast,withashrugofmockresignation.Itwasascloseashe’dgottentolightheartednessallday.

Meredith,however,wasserious.“Let’sgo.We’vegotalottodo,andthelastthingwewantistogetstuckinthecryptafterdark.”

Thecryptwasbeneaththeruinedchurchthatstoodonahillinthecemetery.It’sonlylateafternoon,plentyoflightleft,Bonniekepttellingherselfastheywalkedupthehill,butgoose-fleshbrokeoutonherarmsanyway.Themoderncemeteryononesidewasbadenough,buttheoldgraveyardontheothersidewasdownrightspookyevenindaylight.Thereweresomanycrumblingheadstonestiltingcrazilyintheovergrowngrass,representingsomanyyoungmenkilledintheCivilWar.Youdidn’thavetobepsychictofeeltheirpresence.“Unquietspirits,”shemuttered.

“Hmm?”saidMeredithasshesteppedoverthepileofrubblethatwasonewalloftheruinedchurch.“Look,thelidofthetomb’sstilloff.That’sgoodnews;Idon’tthinkwewouldhavebeenabletoliftit.”

Bonnie’seyeslingeredwistfullyonthewhitemarblestatuescarvedonthedisplacedlid.Hon-oriaFelllaytherewithherhusband,handsfoldedonherbreast,lookingasgentleandsadasever.ButBonnieknewtherewouldbenomorehelpfromthatquarter.Honoria’sdutiesasprotectorofthetownshe’dfoundedweredone.

LeavingElenaholdingthebag,Bonniethoughtgrimly,lookingdownintotherectangularholethatledtothecrypt.Ironrungsdisappearedintodarkness.

EvenwiththehelpofMeredith’sflashlightitwashardtoclimbdownintothatundergroundroom.Inside,itwasdankandsilent,thewallsfacedwithpolishedstone.Bonnietriednottoshiver.“Look,”saidMeredithquietly.

Matthadtheflashlighttrainedontheirongatethatseparatedtheanteroomofthecryptfromitsmainchamber.Thestonebelowwasstainedblackwithbloodinseveralplaces.LookingatthepuddlesandrivuletsofdriedgoremadeBonniefeeldizzy.“WeknowDamonwashurttheworst,”Meredithsaid,movingforward.Shesoundedcalm,butBonniecouldhearthetightcontrolinhervoice.“Sohemusthavebeenonthissidewherethere’sthemostblood.StefansaidElenawasinthecenter.ThatmeansStefanhimselfmusthavebeen…here.”Shebentdown.

“I’lldoit,”Mattsaidgruffly.“Youholdthelight.”Withaplasticpicnicknifefrom

Meredith’scarhescrapedattheencrustedstone.Bonnieswallowed,gladshe’dhadonlyteaforlunch.Bloodwasallrightintheabstract,butwhenyouwereactuallyconfrontedwithsomuchofit–especiallywhenitwasthebloodofafriendwho’dbeentortured…Bonnieturnedaway,lookingatthestonewallsandthinkingaboutKatherine.BothStefanandhisolderbrother,Damon,hadbeeninlovewithKatherine,backinfifteenthcenturyFlorence.Butwhattheyhadn’tknownwasthatthegirltheylovedwasn’thuman.AvampireinherownGermanvillagehadchangedhertosaveherlifewhenshewasill.Katherineinherturnhadmadeboththeboysvampires.

Andthen,thoughtBonnie,shefakedherowndeathtogetStefanandDamontostopfightingoverher.Butitdidn’twork.Theyhatedeachothermorethanever,andshehatedbothofthemforthat.She’dgonebacktothevampirewhomadeher,andovertheyearsshe’dturnedasevilashewas.Untilatlastallshewantedtodowasdestroythebrothersshehadonceloved.She’dluredthembothtoFell’sChurchtokillthem,andthisroomwaswhereshe’dalmostsucceededindoingit.Elenahaddiedstoppingher.

“There,”Mattsaid,andBonnieblinkedandcamebacktoherself.MattwasstandingwithapapernapkinthatnowheldflakesofStefan’sbloodinitsfolds.“Nowthehair,”hesaid.

Theysweptthefloorwiththeirfingers,findingdustandbitsofleavesandfragmentsofthingsBonniedidn’twanttoidentify.Amongthedetrituswerelongstrandsofpalegoldhair.Elena’s–orKatherine’s,Bonniethought.Theyhadlookedmuchalike.Therewerealsoshorterstrandsofdarkhair,crispwithaslightwave.Stefan’s.

Itwasslow,finickyworksortingthroughitallandputtingtherighthairsinanothernapkin.

Mattdidmostofit.Whentheywerethrough,theywerealltiredandthelightsiftingdownthroughtherectangularopeningintheceilingwasdimblue.ButMeredithsmiledtigerishly.

“We’vegotit,”shesaid.“TylerwantsStefanback;well,we’llgivehimStefanback.”AndBonnie,whohadbeenonlyhalfpayingattentiontowhatshewasdoing,stilllostinherownthoughts,froze.

She’dbeenthinkingaboutotherthingsentirely,nothingtodowithTyler,butatthementionofhisnamesomethinghadwinkedoninhermind.Somethingshe’drealizedintheparkinglotandthenforgottenafterwardintheheatofarguing.Meredith’swordshadtriggereditandnowitwassuddenlyallclearagain.Howhadheknown!shewondered,heartracing.“Bonnie?What’sthematter?”

“Meredith,”shesaidsoftly,“didyoutellthepolicespecificallythatwewereinthelivingroomwheneverythingwasgoingonupstairswithSue?”“No,IthinkIjustsaidweweredownstairs.Why?”

“BecauseIdidn’teither.AndVickiecouldn’thavetoldthembecauseshe’sgonecatatonicagain,andSue’sdeadandCarolinewasoutsidebythattime.ButTylerknew.Remember,hesaid,‘Ifyouhadn’tbeenhidinginthelivingroom,you’dhaveseenwhathappened.’Howcouldheknow?”

“Bonnie,ifyou’retryingtosuggestTylerwasthemurderer,itjustwon’twash.He’snotsmartenoughtoorganizeakillingspree,foronething,”Meredithsaid.

“Butthere’ssomethingelse.Meredith,lastyearattheJuniorProm,Tylertouchedmeonmybareshoulder.I’llneverforgetit.Hishandwasbig,andmeaty,andhot,anddamp.”Bonnieshiveredattherecollection.“Justlikethehandthatgrabbedmelastnight.”

ButMeredithwasshakingherhead,andevenMattlookedunconvinced.

“Elena’ssurewastinghertimeaskingustobringbackStefan,then,”hesaid.“IcouldtakecareofTylerwithacoupleofrighthooks.”

“Thinkaboutit,Bonnie,”Meredithadded.“DoesTylerhavethepsychicpowertomoveaOuijaboardorcomeintoyourdreams?Doeshe?”

Hedidn’t.Psychicallyspeaking,TylerwasasmuchadudasCaroline.Bonniecouldn’tdenyit.Butshecouldn’tdenyherintuition,either.Itdidn’tmakesense,butshestillfeltTylerhadbeeninthehouselastnight.

“We’dbettergetmoving,”Meredithsaid.“It’sdark,andyourfather’sgoingtobefurious.”

Theywereallsilentontheridehome.BonniewasstillthinkingaboutTyler.OnceatherhousetheysmuggledthenapkinsupstairsandbeganlookingthroughBonnie’sbooksonDruidsandCelticmagic.Eversinceshe’ddiscoveredthatshewasdescendedfromtheancientraceofmagicworkers,BonniehadbeeninterestedintheDruids.Andinoneofthebooksshefoundaritualforasummoningspell.

“Weneedtobuycandles,”shesaid.“Andpurewater–bettergetsomebottled,”shesaidtoMeredith.“Andchalktodrawacircleonthefloor,andsomethingtomakeasmallfirein.Icanfindthoseinthehouse.There’snohurry;thespellhastobedoneatmidnight.”

Midnightwasalongtimecoming.Meredithboughtthenecessaryitemsatagrocerystoreandbroughtthemback.TheyatedinnerwithBonnie’sfamily,thoughnoonehadmuchofanappetite.Byeleveno’clockBonniehadthecircledrawnonthehardwoodfloorofherbedroomandalltheotheringredientsonalowbenchinsidethecircle.Onthestrokeoftwelveshestarted.

WithMattandMeredithwatching,shemadeasmallfireinanearthenwarebowl.Threecandleswereburningbehindthebowl;shestuckapinhalfwaydowntheoneinthecenter.Thensheunfoldedanapkinandcarefullystirredthedriedflakesofbloodintoawineglassofwater.Itturnedrustypink.

Sheopenedtheothernapkin.Threepinchesofdarkhairwentintothefire,sizzlingwithaterriblesmell.Thenthreedropsofthestainedwater,hissing.Hereyeswenttothewordsintheopenbook.

Swiftontheheelthoucomest,

Thricesummonedbymyspell,

Thricetroubledbymyburning.

Cometomewithoutdelay.

Shereadthewordsaloudslowly,threetimes.Thenshesatbackonherheels.Thefirewentonburningsmokily.Thecandleflamesdanced.“Andnowwhat?”Mattsaid.

“Idon’tknow.Itjustsayswaitforthemiddlecandletoburndowntothepin.”“Andwhatthen?”“Iguesswe’llfindoutwhenithappens.”

InFlorence,itwasdawn.

Stefanwatchedthegirlmovedownthestairway,onehandrestinglightlyonthebanistertokeepherbalance.Hermovementswereslowandslightlydreamlike,asifshewerefloating.

Suddenly,sheswayedandclutchedatthebanistermoretightly.Stefanmovedquicklybehindherandputahandunderherelbow.“Areyouallright?”

Shelookedupathimwiththesamedreaminess.Shewasverypretty.Herexpensiveclotheswerethelatestfashionandherstylishlydisarrayedhairwasblond.Atourist.HeknewshewasAmericanbeforeshespoke.“Yes…Ithink…”Herbrowneyeswereunfocused.“Doyouhaveawaytogethome?Whereareyoustaying?”

“OnViadeiConti,neartheMedicichapel.I’mwiththeGonzagainFlorenceprogram.”

Damn!Notatourist,then;astudent.Andthatmeantshe’dbecarryingthisstorybackwithher,tellingherclassmatesaboutthehandsomeItalianguyshe’dmetlastnight.Theonewithnight-darkeyes.TheonewhotookherbacktohisexclusiveplaceonViaTornabuoniandwinedheranddinedherandthen,inthemoonlight,maybe,inhisroomoroutintheenclosedcourtyard,leanedclosetolookintohereyesand…

Stefan’sgazeslidawayfromthegirl’sthroatwithitstworeddenedpuncturewounds.He’dseenmarkslikethatsooften–howcouldtheystillhavethepowertodisturbhim?Buttheydid;theysickenedhimandsetaslowburninginhisgut.“What’syourname?”“Rachael.Withana.”Shespelledit.

“Allright,Rachael.Lookatme.Youwillgobacktoyourpensioneandyouwon’trememberanythingaboutlastnight.Youdon’tknowwhereyouwentorwhoyousaw.Andyou’veneverseenmebefore,either.Repeat.”

“Idon’trememberanythingaboutlastnight,”shesaidobediently,hereyesonhis.Stefan’sPowerswerenotasstrongastheywouldhavebeenifhe’dbeendrinkinghumanblood,buttheywerestrongenoughforthis.“Idon’tknowwhereIwentorwhoIsaw.Ihaven’tseenyou.”

“Good.Doyouhavemoneytogetback?Here.”Stefanpulledafistfulofcrumpledlire–mostly50,000and100,000notes–outofhispocketandledheroutside.Whenshewassafelyinacab,hewentbackinsideandmadestraightforDamon’sbedroom.

Damonwasloungingnearthewindow,peelinganorange,notevendressedyet.Helookedup,annoyed,asStefanentered.“It’scustomarytoknock,”hesaid.

“Where’dyoumeether?”saidStefan.Andthen,whenDamonturnedablankstareonhim,headded,“Thatgirl.Rachael.”

“Wasthathername?Idon’tthinkIbotheredtoask.AtBarGilli.OrperhapsitwasBarMario.Why?”

Stefanstruggledtocontainhisanger.“That’snottheonlythingyoudidn’tbothertodo.Youdidn’tbothertoinfluencehertoforgetyou,either.Doyouwanttogetcaught,Damon?”

Damon’slipscurvedinasmileandhetwistedoffacurlicueoforangepeel.“Iamnevercaught,littlebrother,”hesaid.

“Sowhatareyougoingtodowhentheycomeafteryou?Whensomebodyrealizes,‘MyGod,there’sabloodsuckingmonsteronViaTornabuoni’?Killthemall?Waituntiltheybreakdownthefrontdoorandthenmeltawayintodarkness?”

Damonmethisgazedirectly,challengingly,thatfaintsmilestillclingingabouthislips.“Whynot?”hesaid.

“Damnyou!”saidStefan.“Listentome,Damon.Thishasgottostop.”“I’mtouchedatyourconcernformysafety.”“Itisn’tfair,Damon.Totakeanunwillinggirllikethat–”“Oh,shewaswilling,brother.Shewasvery,verywilling.”

“Didyoutellherwhatyouweregoingtodo?Didyouwarnherabouttheconsequencesofexchangingbloodwithavampire?Thenightmares,thepsychicvisions?Wasshewillingforthat?”Damonclearlywasn’tgoingtoreply,sohewenton.“Youknowit’swrong.”

“Asamatteroffact,Ido.”Withthat,Damongaveoneofhissudden,unnervingsmiles,turningitonandoffinstantly.“Andyoudon’tcare,”Stefansaiddully,lookingaway.

Damontossedawaytheorange.Histonewassilky,persuasive.“Littlebrother,theworldisfullofwhatyoucall‘wrong,’”hesaid.“Whynotrelaxandjointhewinningside?It’smuchmorefun,Iassureyou.”

Stefanfelthimselfgohotwithanger.“Howcanyouevensaythat?”heflashedback.“Didn’tyoulearnanythingfromKatherine?Shechose‘thewinningside.’“

“Katherinediedtooquickly,”saidDamon.Hewassmilingagain,buthiseyeswerecold.

“Andnowallyoucanthinkaboutisrevenge.”Lookingathisbrother,Stefanfeltacrushingweightsettleonhisownchest.“Thatandyourownpleasure,”hesaid.“Whatelseisthere?Pleasureistheonlyreality,littlebrother–pleasureandpower.Andyou’reahunterbynature,justasmuchasIam,”Damonsaid.Headded,“Idon’trememberinvitingyoutocometoFlorencewithme,anyway.Sinceyou’renotenjoyingyourself,whydon’tyoujustleave?”

TheweightinStefan’schesttightenedsuddenly,unbearably,buthisgaze,lockedwithDamon’s,didnotwaver.“Youknowwhy,”hesaidquietly.AndatlasthehadthesatisfactionofseeingDamon’seyesdrop.

StefanhimselfcouldhearElena’swordsinhismind.She’dbeendyingthen,andhervoicehadbeenweak,buthe’dheardherclearly.Youhavetotakecareofeachother.Stefan,willyoupromise?Promisetotakecareofeachother?Andhehadpromised,andhewould

keephisword.Nomatterwhat.

“YouknowwhyIdon’tleave,”hesaidagaintoDamon,whowouldn’tlookathim.“Youcanpretendyoudon’tcare.Youcanfoolthewholeworld.ButIknowdifferently.”ItwouldhavebeenkindestatthispointtoleaveDamonalone,butStefanwasn’tinakindmood.“Youknowthatgirlyoupickedup,Rachael?”headded.“Thehairwasallright,buthereyeswerethewrongcolor.Elena’seyeswereblue.”

Withthatheturned,meaningtoleaveDamonheretothinkitover–ifDamonwoulddoanythingsoconstructive,ofcourse.Buthenevermadeittothedoor.

“It’sthere!”saidMeredithsharply,hereyesonthecandleflameandthepin.

Bonniesuckedinherbreath.Somethingwasopeninginfrontofherlikeasilverthread,asilvertunnelofcommunication.Shewasrushingalongit,withnowaytostopherselforcheckherspeed.Oh,God,shethought,whenIreachtheendandhit–

TheflashinStefan’sheadwassoundless,lightless,andpowerfulasathunderclap.Atthesametimehefeltaviolent,wrenchingtug.Anurgetofollow–something.ThiswasnotlikeKatherine’sslysubliminalnudgingtogosomewhere;thiswasapsychicshout.Acommandthatcouldnotbedisobeyed.

Insidetheflashhesensedapresence,buthecouldscarcelybelievewhoitwas.

Bonnie?Stefan!It’syou!Itworked!

Bonnie,whathaveyoudone?

Elenatoldmeto.Honestly,Stefan,shedid.We’reintroubleandweneed–

Andthatwasit.Thecommunicationcollapsed,cavinginonitself,dwindlingtoapinpoint.Itwasgone,andinitsaftermaththeroomvibratedwithPower.Stefanandhisbrotherwereleftstaringateachother.

Bonnieletoutalongbreathshehadn’trealizedshe’dbeenholdingandopenedhereyes,thoughshedidn’trememberclosingthem.Shewaslyingonherback.MattandMeredithwerecrouchedoverher,lookingalarmed.“Whathappened?Diditwork?”Meredithdemanded.“Itworked.”Sheletthemhelpherup.“ImadecontactwithStefan.Italkedtohim.Nowallwecandoiswaitandseeifhe’scomingornot.”“DidyoumentionElena?”Mattasked.“Yes.”“Thenhe’scoming.”

Five

Monday,June8,11:15P.M.DearDiary,

Idon’tseemtobesleepingverywelltonight,soImightaswellwriteyou.AlldaytodayI’vebeenwaitingforsomethingtohappen.Youdon’tdoaspelllikethatandhaveitworklikethatandthenhavenothinghappen.

Butnothinghas.IstayedhomefromschoolbecauseMomthoughtIshould.ShewasupsetaboutMattandMeredithstayingsolateSundaynight,andshesaidIneededtogetsomerest.ButeverytimeIliedownIseeSue’sface.

Sue’sdaddidtheeulogyatElena’sfuneral.Iwonderwho’sgoingtodoitforSueonWednesday?I’vegottostopthinkingaboutthingslikethis.

MaybeI’lltrytogotosleepagain.MaybeifIliedownwithmyheadphoneson,Iwon’tseeSue.

BonnieputthediarybackinhernightstanddrawerandtookoutherWalkman.Sheflippedthroughthechannelsasshestaredattheceilingwithheavyeyes.ThroughthecrackleandsputterofstaticaD.J.‘svoicesoundedinherear.

“Andhere’sagoldenoldieforallyoufabulousfiftiesfans.‘GoodnightSweetheart’ontheVeeJaylabelbyTheSpaniels…”Bonniedriftedawayonthemusic.

Theicecreamsodawasstrawberry,Bonnie’sfavorite.Thejukeboxwasplaying‘GoodnightSweetheart’andthecounterwassqueakyclean.ButElena,Bonniedecided,wouldneverhavereallywornapoodleskirt.

“Nopoodles,”shesaid,gesturingatit.Elenalookedupfromherhotfudgesundae.Herblondhairwaspulledbackinaponytail.“Whothinksofthesethingsanyway?”Bonnieasked.“Youdo,silly.I’monlyvisiting.”

“Oh.”Bonnietookapullatthesoda.Dreams.Therewasareasontobeafraidofdreams,butshecouldn’tthinkofitjustnow.

“Ican’tstaylong,”Elenasaid.“IthinkhealreadyknowsI’mhere.Ijustcametotellyou…”Shefrowned.

Bonnielookedathersympathetically.“Can’tyouremembereither?”Shedrankmoresoda.Ittastedodd.

“Idiedtooyoung,Bonnie.TherewassomuchIwassupposedtodo,toaccomplish.AndnowIhavetohelpyou.”“Thanks,”Bonniesaid.

“Thisisn’teasy,youknow.Idon’thavethatmuchpower.It’shardgettingthrough,andit’shardkeepingeverythingtogether.”

“Gottakeepittogether,”Bonnieagreed,nodding.Shewasfeelingstrangelylightheaded.Whatwasinthissoda?

“Idon’thavemuchcontrol,andthingsturnoutstrangesomehow.He’sdoingit,Iguess.He’salwaysfightingme.Hewatchesyou.Andeverytimewetrytocommunicate,hecomes.”“Okay.”Theroomwasfloating.“Bonnie,areyoulisteningtome?Hecanuseyourfearagainstyou.It’sthewayhegetsin.”“Okay…”

“Butdon’tlethimin.Telleveryonethat.AndtellStefan…”Elenastoppedandputahandtohermouth.Somethingfellontothehotfudgesundae.Itwasatooth.

“He’shere.”Elena’svoicewasstrange,indistinct.Bonniestaredatthetoothinmesmerizedhorror.Itwaslyinginthemiddleofthewhippedcream,amongthesliveredalmonds.“Bonnie,tellStefan…”

Anothertoothplunkeddown,andanother.Elenasobbed,bothherhandsathermouthnow.Hereyeswereterrified,helpless.“Bonnie,don’tgo…”

ButBonniewasstumblingback.Everythingwaswhirlingaround.Thesodawasbubblingoutoftheglass,butitwasn’tsoda;itwasblood.Brightredandfrothy,likesomethingyoucoughedupwhenyoudied.Bonnie’sstomachconvulsed.

“TellStefanIlovehim!”Itwasthevoiceofatoothlessoldwoman,anditendedinhystericalsobs.Bonniewasgladtofallintodarknessandforgeteverything.

Bonnienibbledattheendofherfeltpen,hereyesontheclock,hermindonthecalendar.Eightandahalfmoredaysofschooltosurvive.Anditlookedasifeveryminutewasgoingtobemisery.

Someguyhadsaiditoutright,backingawayfromheronthestairs.“Nooffense,butyourfriendskeepturningupdead.”Bonniehadgoneintothebathroomandcried.Butnowallshewantedwastobeoutofschool,awayfromthetragicfacesandaccusingeyes–orworse,thepityingeyes.TheprincipalhadgivenaspeechovertheP.A.about“thisnewmisfortune”and“thisterribleloss,”andBonniehadfelttheeyesonherbackasiftheywereboringholesthere.

Whenthebellrang,shewasthefirstpersonoutthedoor.Butinsteadofgoingtohernextclassshewenttothebathroomagain,whereshewaitedforthenextbell.Then,oncethe

hallswereempty,shehurriedtowardtheforeignlanguagewing.Shepassedbulletinsandbannersforend-of-the-yeareventswithoutglancingatthem.WhatdidSATsmatter,whatdidgraduationmatter,whatdidanythingmatteranymore?Theymightallbedeadbytheendofthemonth.

Shenearlyranintothepersonstandinginthehall.Hergazejerkedup,offherownfeet,totakeinfashionablyrattydeckshoes,someforeignkind.Abovethatwerejeans,bodyhugging,oldenoughtolooksoftoverhardmuscles.Narrowhips.Nicechest.Facetodriveasculptorcrazy:sensuousmouth,highcheekbones.Darksunglasses.Slightlytousledblackhair.Bonniestoodgapingamoment.

Oh,myGod,Iforgothowgorgeousheis,shethought.Elena,forgiveme;I’mgoingtograbhim.“Stefan!”shesaid.Thenhermindwrenchedherbackintorealityagainandshecastahuntedlookaround.Noonewasineyeshot.Shegrabbedhisarm.“Areyoucrazy,showinguphere?Areyounuts?”

“Ihadtofindyou.Ithoughtitwasurgent.”

“Itis,but–”Helookedsoincongruous,standingthereinthehighschoolhallway.Soexotic.Likeazebrainaflockofsheep.Shestartedpushinghimtowardabroomcloset.Hewasn’tgoing.Andhewasstrongerthanshewas.“Bonnie,yousaidyou’dtalkedto–“

“Youhavetohide!I’llgogetMattandMeredithandbringthembackhereandthenwecantalk.Butifanybodyseesyou,you’reprobablygoingtogetlynched.There’sbeenanothermurder.”

Stefan’sfacechanged,andheletherpushhimtowardthecloset.Hestartedtosaysomething,thenclearlydecidednotto.“I’llwait,”hesaidsimply.

IttookonlyafewminutestofindMattinautotechandMeredithineconomicsclass.TheyhurriedbacktothebroomclosetandbustledStefanoutofschoolasinconspicuouslyaspossible,whichwasn’tvery.

Someone’sboundtohaveseenus,Bonniethought.Italldependsonwho,andhowmuchofablabtheyare.

“Wehavetogethimsomeplacesafe–nottoanyofourhouses,”Meredithwassaying.Theywereallwalkingasfastastheycouldthroughthehighschoolparkinglot.“Fine,butwhere?Waitaminute,whatabouttheboardinghouse…?”Bonnie’svoicetrailedoff.Therewasalittleblackcarintheparkingslotinfrontofher.AnItaliancar,sleek,svelte,andsexylooking.Allthewindowsweretintedillegallydark;youcouldn’tevenseeinside.ThenBonniemadeoutthestallionemblemontheback.“Oh,myGod”

StefanglancedattheFerraridistractedly.“It’sDamon’s.”

Threesetsofeyesturnedtohiminshock.“Damon’s?”Bonniesaid,hearingthesqueakinherownvoice.ShehopedStefanmeantDamonhadjustloanedittohim.Butthecarwindowwasrollingdowntorevealblackhairassleekandliquidyasthecar’spaintjob,mirroredglasses,andaverywhitesmile.“Buongiorno,”saidDamonsmoothly.

“Anybodyneedaride?”

“Oh,myGod,”Bonniesaidagain,faintly.Butshedidn’tbackaway.

Stefanwasvisiblyimpatient.“We’llheadfortheboardinghouse.Youfollow.Parkbehindthebarnsonobodyseesyourcar.”

MeredithhadtoleadBonnieawayfromtheFerrari.Itwasn’tthatBonnielikedDamonorthatshewasevergoingtolethimkissheragainashehadatAlaric’sparty.Sheknewhewasdangerous;notasbadasKatherinehadbeen,maybe,butbad.He’dkilledwantonly,justforthefunofit.He’dkilledMr.Tanner,thehistoryteacher,attheHauntedHousefund-raiserlastHalloween.Hemightkillagainatanytime.MaybethatwaswhyBonniefeltlikeamousestaringatashiningblacksnakewhenshelookedathim.IntheprivacyofMeredith’scarBonnieandMeredithexchangedglances.“Stefanshouldn’thavebroughthim,”saidMeredith.

“Maybehejustcame,”Bonnieoffered.Shedidn’tthinkDamonwasthesortofpersonwhogotbroughtanywhere.“Whyshouldhe?Nottohelpus,that’sforsure.”Mattsaidnothing.Hedidn’tevenseemtonoticethetensioninthecar.Hejuststaredthroughthewindshield,lostinhimself.Theskywascloudingup.“Matt?”“Justleaveitalone,Bonnie,”saidMeredith.

Wonderful,thoughtBonnie,depressionsettlinglikeadarkblanketoverher.MattandStefanandDamon,alltogether,allthinkingaboutElena.

Theyparkedbehindtheoldbarn,nexttothelowblackcar.Whentheywentinside,Stefanwasstandingalone.HeturnedandBonniesawthathe’dtakenoffhissunglasses.Thefaintestchillwentthroughher,justthelightestpricklingofthehairsonherarmsandneck.Stefanwasn’tlikeanyotherguyshe’devermet.Hiseyesweresogreen;greenasoakleavesinthespring.Butjustnowtheyhadshadowsunderneath.

Therewasamomentofawkwardness;thethreeofthemstandingononesideandlookingatStefanwithoutaword.Nooneseemedtoknowwhattosay.

ThenMeredithwentovertohimandtookhishand.“Youlooktired,”shesaid.

“IcameassoonasIcould.”Heputanarmaroundherinabrief,almosthesitanthug.Heneverwouldhavedonethatintheolddays,Bonniethought.Heusedtobesoreserved.

Shecameforwardforherownhug.Stefan’sskinwascoolundertheT-shirt,andshehadtomakeherselfnotshiver.Whenshepulledback,hereyeswereswimming.WhatdidshefeelnowthatStefanSalvatorewasbackinFell’sChurch?Relief?Sadnessforthememorieshebroughtwithhim?Fear?Allshecouldtellwasthatshewantedtocry.StefanandMattwerelookingateachother.Herewego,thoughtBonnie.Itwasalmostfunny;thesameexpressionwasonboththeirfaces.Hurtandtired,andtryingnottoshowit.Nomatterwhat,Elenawouldalwaysbebetweenthem.

Atlast,MattstuckouthishandandStefanshookit.Theybothsteppedback,lookinggladtohaveitoverwith.

“Where’sDamon?”saidMeredith.

“Pokingaround.Ithoughtwemightwantafewminuteswithouthim.”

“Wewantafewdecadeswithouthim,”Bonniesaidbeforeshecouldstopherself,andMeredithsaid,“Hecan’tbetrusted,Stefan.”

“Ithinkyou’rewrong,”Stefansaidquietly.“Hecanbeabighelpifheputshismindtoit.”

“Inbetweenkillingafewofthelocalseveryothernight?”Meredithsaid,hereyebrowsup.“Youshouldn’thavebroughthim,Stefan.”

“Buthedidn’t.”ThevoicecamefrombehindBonnie,behindandfrighteninglyclose.BonniejumpedandmadeaninstinctivelungeforMatt,whogrippedhershoulder.Damonsmiledbriefly,justonecornerofhismouthup.He’dtakenoffhissunglasses,buthiseyesweren’tgreen.Theywereblackasthespacesbetweenthestars.He’salmostbetterlookingthanStefan,Bonniethoughtwildly,findingMatt’sfingersandhangingontothem.“Soshe’syoursnow,isshe?”DamonsaidtoMattcasually.“No,”Mattsaid,buthisgriponBonniedidn’tloosen.

“Stefandidn’tbringyou?”promptedMeredithfromtheotherside.Ofallofthem,sheseemedleastaffectedbyDamon,leastafraidofhim,leastsusceptibletohim.

“No,”Damonsaid,stilllookingatBonnie.Hedoesn’tturnlikeotherpeople,shethought.Hegoesonlookingatwhateverhewantsnomatterwho’stalking.“Youdid,”hesaid.“Me?”Bonnieshrankalittle,uncertainwhohemeant.“You.Youdidthespell,didn’tyou?”

“The…”Oh,hell.ApictureblossomedinBonnie’smind,ofblackhaironawhitenapkin.HereyeswenttoDamon’shair,finerandstraighterthanStefan’sbutjustasdark.ObviouslyMatthadmadeamistakeinthesorting.

Stefan’svoicewasimpatient.“Yousentforus,Bonnie.Wecame.What’sgoingon?”Theytookseatsonthedecayingbalesofhay,allexceptDamon,whoremainedstanding.Stefanwasleaningforward,handsonknees,lookingatBonnie.

“Youtoldme–yousaidthatElenaspoketoyou.”Therewasaperceptiblepausebeforehegotthenameout.Hisfacewastensewithcontrol.

“Yes.”Shemanagedasmileforhim.“Ihadthisdream,Stefan,thisverystrangedream…”

Shetoldhimaboutit,andaboutwhathadhappenedafter.Ittookalongtime.Stefanlistenedintently,hisgreeneyesflaringeverytimeshementionedElena.WhenshetoldabouttheendofCaroline’spartyandhowtheyhadfoundSue’sbodyinthebackyard,theblooddrainedfromhisface,buthesaidnothing.

“Thepolicecameandsaidshewasdead,butweknewthatalready,”Bonniefinished.“AndtheytookVickieaway–poorVickiewasjustraving.Theywouldn’tletustalktoher,andhermotherhangsupifwecall.SomepeopleareevensayingVickiedidit,whichisinsane.Buttheywon’tbelievethatElenatalkedtous,sotheywon’tbelieveanythingshesaid.”

“Andwhatshesaidwas‘he,’”Meredithinterrupted.“Severaltimes.It’saman;someonewithalotofpsychicpower.”

“Anditwasamanwhograbbedmyhandinthehallway,”saidBonnie.ShetoldStefanabouthersuspicionofTyler,butasMeredithpointedout,Tylerdidn’tfittherestofthedescription.

HehadneitherthebrainsnorthepsychicpowertobetheoneElenawaswarningthemabout.

“WhataboutCaroline?”Stefanasked.“Couldshehaveseenanything?”

“Shewasoutfront,”Meredithsaid.“Shefoundthedoorandgotoutwhilewewereallrunning.Sheheardthescreams,butshewastoofrightenedtogobackinthehouse.Andtobehonest,Idon’tblameher.”“SonobodyactuallysawwhathappenedexceptVickie.”

“No.AndVickie’snottelling.”Bonniepickedupthestorywhereshehadleftoff.“Oncewerealizednobodywouldbelieveus,werememberedElena’smessageaboutthesummoningspell.Wefigureditmusthavebeenyoushewantedtosummon,becauseshethoughtyoucoulddosomethingtohelp.So…canyou?”

“Icantry,”Stefansaid.Hegotupandwalkedalittledistanceaway,turninghisbackonthem.Hestoodlikethatinsilenceawhile,unmoving.AtlastheturnedbackandlookedBonnieintheeyes.“Bonnie,”hesaid,quietbutintense,“inyourdreamsyouactuallyspoketoElenafacetoface.Doyouthinkifyouwentintoatranceyoucoulddoitagain?”

Bonniewasalittlefrightenedbywhatshesawinhiseyes.Theywereblazingemeraldgreeninhispaleface.Allatonceitwasasifshecouldseebehindthemaskofcontrolhewore.Underneathwassomuchpain,somuchlonging–somuchofthatintensitythatshecouldhardlybeartolookatit.“Icould,maybe…butStefan-–“

“Thenwe’lldoit.Righthere,rightnow.Andwe’llseeifyoucantakemewithyou.”Thoseeyesweremesmerizing,notwithanyhiddenPower,butwiththesheerforceofhiswill.Bonniewantedtodoitforhim–hemadeherwanttodoanythingforhim.Butthememoryofthatlastdreamwastoomuch.Shecouldn’tfacethathorroragain;shecouldn’t.

“Stefan,it’stoodangerous.Icouldbeopeningmyselfuptoanything–andI’mscared.Ifthatthinggetsholdofmymind,Idon’tknowwhatmighthappen.Ican’t,Stefan.Please.EvenwithaOuijaboard,it’sjustinvitinghimtocome.”

Foramomentshethoughthewasgoingtotrytomakeherdoit.Hismouthtightenedinanobstinateline,andhiseyesblazedevenbrighter.Butthen,slowly,thefirediedoutofthem.Bonniefeltherhearttear.“Stefan,I’msorry,”shewhispered.

“We’lljusthavetodoitonourown,”hesaid.Themaskwasbackon,buthissmilelookedstiff,asifithurthim.Thenhespokemorebriskly.“Firstwehavetofindoutwhothiskilleris,whathewantshere.AllweknownowisthatsomethingevilhascometoFell’sChurchagain.”

“Butwhy?”saidBonnie.“Whywouldanythingeviljusthappentopickhere?Haven’twebeenthroughenough?”

“Itdoesseemabitofastrangecoincidence,”Meredithsaiddrolly.“Whyshouldwebesosingularlyblessed?”

“It’snotcoincidence,”saidStefan.Hegotupandliftedhishandsasifunsurehowtostart.“Therearesomeplacesonthisearththatare…different,”hesaid.“Thatarefullofpsychicenergy,eitherpositiveornegative,goodorevil.Someofthemhavealwaysbeenthatway,liketheBermudaTriangleandSalisburyPlain,theplacewheretheybuiltStonehenge.Othersbecomethatway,especiallywherealotofbloodhasbeenshed.”HelookedatBonnie.“Unquietspirits,”shewhispered.“Yes.Therewasabattlehere,wasn’tthere?”

“IntheCivilWar,”Mattsaid.“That’showthechurchinthecemeterygotruined.Itwasaslaughteronbothsides.Nobodywon,butalmosteveryonewhofoughtgotkilled.Thewoodsarefulloftheirgraves.”

“Andthegroundwassoakedwithblood.Aplacelikethatdrawsthesupernaturaltoit.Itdrawseviltoit.That’swhyKatherinewasattractedtoFell’sChurchinthefirstplace.Ifeltittoo,whenIfirstcamehere.”

“Andnowsomethingelsehascome,”Meredithsaid,perfectlyseriousforonce.“Buthowarewesupposedtofightit?”

“Wehavetoknowwhatwe’refightingfirst.Ithink…”Butbeforehecouldfinish,therewasacreakandpale,dustysunlightfellacrossthebalesofhay.Thebarndoorhadopened.

Everyonetenseddefensively,readytojumpupandrunorfight.Thefigurenudgingthehugedoorbackwithoneelbow,however,wasanythingbutmenacing.

Mrs.Flowers,whoownedtheboardinghouse,smiledatthem,herlittleblackeyescrinklingintowrinkles.Shewascarryingatray.

“Ithoughtyouchildrenmightlikesomethingtodrinkwhileyou’retalking,”shesaidcomfortably.

Everyoneexchangeddisconcertedglances.Howhadsheknowntheywereouthere?Andhowcouldshebesocalmaboutit?

“Hereyougo,”Mrs.Flowerscontinued.“Thisisgrapejuice,madefrommyownConcordgrapes.”SheputapapercupbesideMeredith,thenMatt,thenBonnie.“Andherearesomegingersnapcookies.Fresh.”Sheheldtheplatearound.Bonnienoticedshedidn’tofferanytoStefanorDamon.

“Youtwocancomeroundtothecellarifyoulikeandtrysomeofmyblackberrywine,”shesaidtothem,withwhatBonniewouldswearwasawink.Stefantookadeep,warybreath.“Uh,look,Mrs.Flowers…”

“Andyouroldroom’sjustlikeyouleftit.Nobody’sbeenuptheresinceyouwent.Youcanuseitwhenyouwant;itwon’tputmeoutabit.”

Stefanseemedatalossforwords.“Well–thankyou.Thankyouverymuch.But–”“Ifyou’reworriedI’llsaysomethingtosomebody,youcansetyourmindatease.Idon’ttendtorunoffatthemouth.Neverhave,neverwill.How’sthatgrapejuice?”–turning

suddenlyonBonnie.Bonniehastilytookagulp.“Good,”shesaidtruthfully.

“Whenyoufinish,throwthecupsinthetrash.Ilikethingskepttidy.”Mrs.Flowerscastalookaboutthebarn,shakingherheadandsighing.“Suchashame.Suchaprettygirl.”ShelookedatStefanpiercinglywitheyeslikeonyxbeads.“You’vegotyourworkcutoutforyouthistime,boy,”shesaid,andleft,stillshakingherhead.

“Well!”saidBonnie,staringafterher,amazed.Everyoneelsejustlookedateachotherblankly.

”‘Suchaprettygirl’–butwhich?”saidMere-dithatlast.“SueorElena?”Elenahadactuallyspentaweekorsointhisverybarnlastwinter–butMrs.Flowerswasn’tsupposedtoknowthat.“Didyousaysomethingtoheraboutus?”MeredithaskedDamon.“Notaword.”Damonseemedamused.“She’sanoldlady.She’sbatty.”

“She’ssharperthananyofusgavehercreditfor,”Mattsaid.“WhenIthinkofthedayswespentwatchingherpotteraroundthatbasement–doyouthinksheknewwewerewatching?”

“Idon’tknowwhattothink,”Stefansaidslowly.“I’mjustgladsheseemstobeonourside.Andshe’sgivenusasafeplacetostay.”

“Andgrapejuice,don’tforgetthat.”MattgrinnedatStefan.“Wantsome?”Heprofferedtheleakycup.

“Yeah,youcantakeyourgrapejuiceand…”ButStefanwasalmostsmilinghimself.ForaninstantBonniesawthetwoofthemthewaytheyusedtobe,beforeElenahaddied.Friendly,warm,ascomfortabletogetherassheandMeredithwere.Apangwentthroughher.

ButElenaisn’tdead,shethought.She’smoreherethanever.She’sdirectingeverythingwesayanddo.

Stefanhadsoberedagain.“WhenMrs.Flowerscamein,Iwasabouttosaythatwe’dbettergetstarted.AndIthinkweshouldstartwithVickie.”

“Shewon’tseeus,”Meredithrepliedinstantly.“Herparentsarekeepingeveryoneaway.”

“Thenwe’lljusthavetobypassherparents,”Stefansaid.“Areyoucomingwithus,Damon?”“Avisittoyetanotherprettygirl?Iwouldn’tmissit.”

BonnieturnedtoStefaninalarm,buthespokereassuringlyasheguidedheroutofthebarn.“It’llbeallright.I’llkeepaneyeonhim.”Bonniehopedso.

Six

Vickie’shousewasonacorner,andtheyapproacheditfromthesidestreet.Bynowtheskywasfilledwithheavypurpleclouds.Thelighthadanalmostunderwaterquality.“Lookslikeit’sgoingtostorm,”Mattsaid.

BonnieglancedatDamon.NeitherhenorStefanlikedbrightlight.AndshecouldfeelthePoweremanatingfromhim,likealowthrumjustunderthesurfaceofhisskin.Hesmiledwithoutlookingatherandsaid,“HowaboutsnowinJune?”Bonnieclampeddownonashiver.

ShehadlookedDamon’swayonceortwiceinthebarnandfoundhimlisteningtothestorywithanairofdetachedindifference.UnlikeStefan,hisexpressionhadn’tchangedintheslightestwhenshementionedElena–orwhenshetoldaboutSue’sdeath.WhatdidhereallyfeelforElena?He’dcalledupasnowstormonceandlefthertofreezeinit.Whatwashefeelingnow?Didheevencareaboutcatchingthemurderer?

“That’sVickie’sbedroom,”saidMeredith.“Thebaywindowintheback.”StefanlookedatDamon.“Howmanypeopleinthehouse?”“Two.Manandwoman.Thewoman’sdrunk.”PoorMrs.Bennett,thoughtBonnie.“Ineedthembothasleep,”Stefansaid.Inspiteofherself,BonniewasfascinatedbythesurgeofPowershefeltfromDamon.Herpsychicabilitieshadneverbeenstrongenoughtosenseitsrawessencebefore,butnowtheywere.NowshecouldfeelitasclearlyasshecouldseethefadingvioletlightorsmellthehoneysuckleoutsideVickie’swindow.Damonshrugged.“They’reasleep.”Stefantappedlightlyontheglass.Therewasnoresponse,oratleastnoneBonniecouldsee.ButStefanandDamonlookedateachother.“She’shalftrancedalready,”Damonsaid.

“She’sscared.I’lldoit;sheknowsme,”saidStefan.Heputhisfingertipsonthewindow.“Vickie,it’sStefanSalvatore,”hesaid.“I’mheretohelpyou.Comeletmein.”Hisvoicewasquiet,nothingthatshouldhavebeenheardontheothersideoftheglass.Butafteramomentthecurtainsstirredandafaceappeared.Bonniegaspedaloud.

Vickie’slong,lightbrownhairwasdisheveled,andherskinwaschalky.Therewerehugeblackringsunderhereyes.Theeyesthemselveswerefixedandglassy.Herlipswereroughandchapped.

“Shelookslikeshe’sdresseduptodoOphelia’smadscene,”Meredithsaidunderherbreath.“Nightgownandall.”“Shelookspossessed,”Bonniewhisperedback,unnerved.Stefanjustsaid,“Vickie,openthewindow.”

Mechanically,likeawindupdoll,Vickiecrankedoneofthesidepanelsofthebaywindowopen,andStefansaid,“CanIcomein?”

Vickie’sglazedeyessweptoverthegroupoutside.ForamomentBonniethoughtshedidn’trecognizeanyofthem.Butthensheblinkedandsaidslowly,“Meredith…Bonnie…Stefan?You’reback.Whatareyoudoinghere?”“Askmein,Vickie.”Stefan’svoicewashypnotic.“Stefan…”Therewasalongpauseandthen:“Comein.”

Shesteppedbackasheputahandonthesillandvaultedthrough.Mattfollowedhim,then

Meredith.Bonnie,whowaswearingamini,re-mainedoutsidewithDamon.Shewishedshe’dwornjeanstoschooltoday,butthenshehadn’tknownshe’dbegoingonanexpedition.

“Youshouldn’tbehere,”VickiesaidtoStefan,almostcalmly.“He’scomingtogetme.He’llgetyoutoo.”Meredithputanarmaroundher.Stefanjustsaid,“Who?”

“Him.Hecomestomeinmydreams.HekilledSue.”Vickie’smatter-of-facttonewasmorefrighteningthananyhysteriacouldhavebeen.

“Vickie,we’vecometohelpyou,”Meredithsaidgently.“Everything’sgoingtobeallrightnow.Wewon’tlethimhurtyou,Ipromise.”

Vickieswungaroundtostareather.ShelookedMeredithupanddownasifMeredithhadsuddenlychangedintosomethingunbelievable.Thenshebegantolaugh.

Itwasawful,ahoarseburstofmirthlikeahackingcough.ItwentonandonuntilBonniewantedtocoverherears.FinallyStefansaid,“Vickie,stopit.”

Thelaughterdiedintosomethinglikesobs,andwhenVickieliftedherheadagain,shelookedlessglassyeyedbutmoregenuinelyupset.“You’reallgoingtodie,Stefan,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Noonecanfighthimandlive.”

“Weneedtoknowabouthimsowecanfighthim.Weneedyourhelp,”Stefansaid.“Tellmewhathelookslike.”

“Ican’tseehiminmydreams.He’sjustashadowwithoutaface.”Vickiewhisperedit,hershouldershunching.

“ButyousawhimatCaroline’shouse,”Stefansaidinsistently.“Vickie,listentome,”headdedasthegirlturnedawaysharply.“Iknowyou’refrightened,butthisisimportant,moreimportantthanyoucanunderstand.Wecan’tfighthimunlessweknowwhatwe’reupagainst,andyouaretheonlyone,theonlyonerightnowwhohastheinformationweneed.Youhavetohelpus.”“Ican’tremember–“

Stefan’svoicewasunyielding.“Ihaveawaytohelpyouremember,”hesaid.“Willyouletmetry?”

Secondscrawledby,thenVickiegavealong,bubblingsigh,herbodysagging.“Dowhateveryouwant,”shesaidindifferently.“Idon’tcare.Itwon’tmakeanydifference.”

“You’reabravegirl.Nowlookatme,Vickie.Iwantyoutorelax.Justlookatmeandrelax.”Stefan’svoicedroppedtoalullingmurmur.Itwentonforafewminutes,andthenVickie’seyesdroopedshut.

“Sitdown.”Stefanguidedhertositonthebed.Hesatbesideher,lookingintoherface.

“Vickie,youfeelcalmandrelaxednow.Nothingyourememberwillhurtyou,”hesaid,hisvoicesoothing.“Now,IneedyoutogobacktoSaturdaynight.You’reupstairs,inthemasterbedroomofCaroline’shouse.SueCarsoniswithyou,andsomeoneelse.Ineedyoutosee–“

“No!”Vickietwistedbackandforthasiftryingtoescapesomething.“No!Ican’t–”“Vickie,calmdown.Hewon’thurtyou.Hecan’tseeyou,butyoucanseehim.Listentome.”

AsStefanspoke,Vickie’swhimpersquieted.Butshestillthrashedandwrithed.

“Youneedtoseehim,Vickie.Helpusfighthim.Whatdoeshelooklike?”

“Helookslikethedevil!”

Itwasalmostascream.MeredithsatonVickie’sothersideandtookherhand.ShelookedoutthroughthewindowatBonnie,wholookedbackwideeyedandshruggedslightly.BonniehadnoideawhatVickiewastalkingabout.“Tellmemore,”Stefansaidevenly.

Vickie’smouthtwisted.Hernostrilswereflaredasifsheweresmellingsomethingawful.Whenshespoke,shegotouteachwordseparately,asiftheyweremakinghersick.

“Hewears…anoldraincoat.Itflapsaroundhislegsinthewind.Hemakesthewindblow.Hishairisblond.Almostwhite.Itstandsupalloverhishead.Hiseyesaresoblue–electricblue.”Vickielickedherlipsandswallowed,lookingnauseated.“Blueisthecolorofdeath.”

Thunderrumbledandcrackedinthesky.Damonglancedupquickly,thenfrowned,eyesnarrowed.

“He’stall.Andhe’slaughing.He’sreachingforme,laughing.ButSuescreams‘No,no’andtriestopullmeaway.Sohetakesherinstead.Thewindow’sbroken,andthebalconyisrightthere.Sue’scrying‘No,please.’AndthenIwatchhim–Iwatchhimthrowher…”Vickie’sbreathwashitching,hervoicerisinghysterically.“Vickie,it’sallright.You’renotreallythere.You’resafe.”“Oh,please,no–Sue!Sue!Sue!”

“Vickie,staywithme.Listen.Ineedjustonemorething.Lookathim.Tellmeifhe’swearingabluejewel–“

ButVickiewaswhippingherheadbackandforth,sobbing,morehystericaleachsecond.“No!No!I’mnext!I’mnext!”Suddenly,hereyessprangopenasshecameoutofthetrancebyherself,chokingandgasping.Thenherheadjerkedaround.Onthewall,apicturewasrattling.

Itwaspickedupbythebamboo-framedmirror,thenbyperfumebottlesandlipsticksonthedresserbelow.Withasoundlikepopcorn,earringsbeganburstingfromanearringtree.Therattlinggotlouderandlouder.Astrawhatfelloffahook.Photoswereshoweringdownfromthemirror.TapesandCDssprayedoutofarackandontothefloorlikeplaying

cardsbeingdealt.MeredithwasonherfeetandsowasMatt,fistsclenched.“Makeitstop!Makeitstop!”Vickiecriedwildly.

Butitdidn’tstop.MattandMeredithlookedaroundasnewobjectsjoinedthedance.Everythingmovablewasshaking,jittering,swaying.Itwasasiftheroomwerecaughtinanearthquake.“Stop!Stop!”shriekedVickie,herhandsoverherears.Directlyabovethehousethunderexploded.

Bonniejumpedviolentlyasshesawthezigzagoflightningshootacrossthesky.Instinctivelyshegrabbedforsomethingtohangonto.AsthelightningboltflaredaposteronVickie’swalltorediagonallyasifslashedbyaphantomknife.Bonniechokedbackascreamandclutchedtighter.

Then,asquicklyasifsomeonehadflickedapowerswitchoff,allthenoisestopped.Vickie’sroomwasstill.Thefringeonthebedsidelampswayedslightly.Theposterhadcurledupintwoirregularpieces,topandbottom.Slowly,Vickieloweredherhandsfromherears.MattandMeredithlookedaroundrathershakily.

Bonnieshuthereyesandmurmuredsomethinglikeaprayer.Itwasn’tuntilsheopenedthemagainthatsherealizedwhatshehadbeenhangingonto.Itwasthesupplecoolnessofaleatherjacket.ItwasDamon’sarm.

Hehadn’tmovedawayfromher,though.Hedidn’tmovenow.Hewasleaningforwardslightly,eyesnarrowed,watchingtheroomintently.“Lookatthemirror,”hesaid.

Everyonedid,andBonniedrewinherbreath,fingersclenchingagain.Shehadn’tseenit,butitmusthavehappenedwhileeverythingintheroomwasgoingberserk.OntheglasssurfaceofthebamboomirrortwowordswerescrawledinVickie’shotcorallipstick.Goodnight,Sweetheart.“Oh,God,”Bonniewhispered.

StefanturnedfromthemirrortoVickie.Therewassomethingdifferentabouthim,Bonniethought–hewasholdinghimselfrelaxedbutpoised,likeasoldierwho’sjustgottenconfirmationofabattle.Itwasasifhe’dacceptedapersonalchallengeofsomekind.

Hetooksomethingoutofhisbackpocketandunfoldedit,revealingsprigsofaplantwithlonggreenleavesandtinylilacflowers.

“Thisisvervain,freshvervain,”hesaidquietly,hisvoiceevenandintense.“IpickeditoutsideFlorence;it’sbloomingtherenow.”HetookVickie’shandandpressedthepacketintoit.“Iwantyoutoholdontothisandkeepit.Putsomeineveryroomofthehouse,andhidepiecessomewhereinyourparents’clothesifyoucan,sothey’llhaveitnearthem.Aslongasyouhavethiswithyou,hecan’ttakeoveryourmind.Hecanscareyou,Vickie,buthecan’tmakeyoudoanything,likeopenawindowordoorforhim.Andlisten,Vickie,becausethisisimportant.”

Vickiewasshivering,herfacecrumpled.Stefantookbothherhandsandmadeherlookathim,speakingslowlyanddistinctly.

“IfI’mright,Vickie,hecan’tgetinunlessyoulethim.Sotalktoyourparents.Tellthem

it’simportantthattheydon’taskanystrangerinsidethehouse.Infact,IcanhaveDamonputthatsuggestionintheirmindrightnow.”HeglancedatDamon,whoshruggedslightlyandnodded,lookingasifhisattentionwassomewhereelse.Selfconsciously,Bonnieremovedherhandfromhisjacket.Vickie’sheadwasbentoverthevervain.

“He’llgetinsomehow,”shesaidsoftly,withterriblecertainty.

“No.Vickie,listentome.Fromnowon,we’regoingtowatchyourhouse;we’regoingtobewaitingforhim.”

“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Vickiesaid.“Youcan’tstophim.”Shebegantolaughandcryatthesametime.

“We’regoingtotry,”Stefansaid.HelookedatMeredithandMatt,whonodded.“Right.Fromthismomenton,youwillneverbealone.Therewillalwaysbeoneormoreofusoutsidewatchingyou.”

Vickiejustshookherbenthead.MeredithgaveherarmasqueezeandstoodasStefantiltedhisheadtowardthewindow.

WhensheandMattjoinedhimthere,Stefanspoketoalloftheminalowvoice.“Idon’twanttoleaveherunguarded,butIcan’tstaymyselfrightnow.There’ssomethingIhavetodo,andIneedoneofthegirlswithme.Ontheotherhand,Idon’twanttoleaveeitherBonnieorMeredithalonehere.”HeturnedtoMatt.“Matt,willyou…”“I’llstay,”saidDamon.Everyonelookedathim,startled.

“Well,it’sthelogicalsolution,isn’tit?”Damonseemedamused.“Afterall,whatdoyouexpectoneofthemtodoagainsthimanyway?”

“Theycancallforme.Icanmonitortheirthoughtsthatfar,”Stefansaid,notgivingoneinch.

“Well,”Damonsaidwhimsically,“Icancallforyoutoo,littlebrother,ifIgetintotrouble.I’mgettingboredwiththisinvestigationofyoursanyway.Imightaswellstayhereasanywhere.”“Vickieneedstobeprotected,notabused,”Stefansaid.

Damon’ssmilewascharming.“Her?”Henoddedtowardthegirlwhosatonthebed,rockingoverthevervain.Fromdisheveledhairtobarefeet,Vickiewasnotaprettypicture.“Takemywordforit,brother,Icandobetterthanthat.”ForjustaninstantBonniethoughtthosedarkeyesflickedsidewaystowardher.“You’realwayssayinghowyou’dliketotrustme,anyway,”Damonadded.“Here’syourchancetoproveit.”Stefanlookedasifhewantedtotrust,asifheweretempted.Healsolookedsuspicious.Damonsaidnothing,merelysmiledinthattaunting,enigmaticway.Practicallyaskingtobemistrusted,Bonniethought.

Thetwobrothersstoodlookingateachotherwhilethesilenceandthetensionstretchedoutbetweenthem.JustthenBonniecouldseethefamilyresemblanceintheirfaces,oneseriousandintense,theotherblandandfaintlymocking,butbothinhumanlybeautiful.

Stefanlethisbreathoutslowly.“Allright,”hesaidquietlyatlast.BonnieandMattandMeredithwereallstaringathim,buthedidn’tseemtonotice.HespoketoDamonasiftheyweretheonlytwopeoplethere.“Youstayhere,outsidethehousewhereyouwon’tbeseen.I’llcomebackandtakeoverwhenI’mfinishedwithwhatI’mdoing.”Meredith’s

eyebrowswereinherhair,butshemadenocomment.NeitherdidMatt.Bonnietriedtoquellherownfeelingsofunease.Stefanmustknowwhathe’sdoing,shetoldherself.Anyway,he’dbetter.“Don’ttaketoolong,”Damonsaiddismissively.

Andthatwashowtheyleftit,withDamonblendinginwiththedarknessintheshadowoftheblackwalnuttreesinVickie’sbackyardandVickieherselfinherroom,rockingendlessly.Inthecar,Meredithsaid,“Wherenext?”“Ineedtotestatheory,”saidStefanbriefly.

“Thatthekillerisavampire?”Mattsaidfromtheback,wherehesatwithBonnie.Stefanglancedathimsharply.“Yes.”

“That’swhyyoutoldVickienottoinviteanyonein,”Meredithadded,nottobeoutdoneinthereasoningdepartment.Vampires,Bonnieremembered,couldn’tenteraplacewherehumanslivedandsleptunlesstheywereinvited.“Andthat’swhyyouaskedifthemanwaswearingabluestone.”

“Anamuletagainstdaylight,”Stefansaid,spreadinghisrighthand.Onthethirdfingertherewasasilverringsetwithlapislazuli.“Withoutoneofthese,directexposuretothesunkillsus.Ifthemurdererisavampire,hekeepsastonelikethissomewhereonhim.”Asifbyinstinct,StefanreacheduptobrieflytouchsomethingunderhisT-shirt.AfteramomentBonnierealizedwhatitmustbe.

Elena’sring.Stefanhadgivenittoherinthefirstplace,andaftershediedhe’dtakenittowearonachainaroundhisneck.Sothatpartofherwouldbewithhimalways,he’dsaid.

WhenBonnielookedatMattbesideher,shesawhiseyeswereclosed.

“Sohowcanwetellifhe’savampire?”Meredithasked.

“There’sonlyonewayIcanthinkof,anditisn’tverypleasant.Butit’sgottobedone.”Bonnie’sheartsank.IfStefanthoughtitwasn’tverypleasant,shewassureshewasgoingtofinditevenlessso.“Whatisit?”shesaidunenthusiastically.“IneedtogetalookatSue’sbody.”

Therewasdeadsilence.EvenMeredith,normallysounflappable,lookedappalled.Mattturnedaway,leaninghisforeheadagainstthewindowglass.“You’vegottobekidding,”Bonniesaid.“IwishIwere.”

“But–forGod’ssake,Stefan.Wecan’t.Theywon’tletus.Imean,whatarewegoingtosay?‘ExcusemewhileIexaminethiscorpseforholes’?”“Bonnie,stopit,”Meredithsaid.

“Ican’thelpit,”Bonniesnappedbackshakily.“It’sanawfulidea.Andbesides,thepolicealreadycheckedherbody.Therewasn’tamarkonitexceptthecutsshegotinthefall.”

“Thepolicedon’tknowwhattolookfor,”Stefansaid.Hisvoicewassteely.HearingitbroughtsomethinghometoBonnie,somethingshetendedtoforget.Stefanwasoneofthem.Oneofthehunters.He’dseendeadpeoplebefore.Hemightevenhavekilledsome.Hedrinksblood,shethought,andshuddered.“Well?”saidStefan.“Areyoustillwithme?”

Bonnietriedtomakeherselfsmallinthebackseat.Meredith’shandsweretightonthesteeringwheel.ItwasMattwhospoke,turningbackfromthewindow.“Wedon’thaveachoice,dowe?”hesaidtiredly.

“There’saviewingofthebodyfromseventotenatthefuneralhome,”Meredithadded,hervoicelow.

“We’llhavetowaituntilaftertheviewing,then.Aftertheyclosethefuneralhome,whenwecanbealonewithher,”saidStefan.

“ThisisthemostgruesomethingI’veeverhadtodo,”Bonniewhisperedwretchedly.Thefuneralchapelwasdarkandcold.Stefanhadsprungthelocksontheoutsidedoorwithathinpieceofflexiblemetal.

Theviewingroomwasthicklycarpeted,itswallscoveredwithsomberoakpanels.Itwouldhavebeenadepressingplaceevenwiththelightson.Inthedarkitseemedcloseandsuffocatingandcrowdedwithgrotesqueshapes.Itlookedasifsomeonemightbecrouchingbehindeachofthemanystandingflowerarrangements.“Idon’twanttobehere,”Bonniemoaned.

“Let’sjustgetitoverwith,okay?”Mattsaidthroughhisteeth.

Whenhesnappedtheflashlighton,Bonnielookedanywherebutwhereitwaspointing.Shedidn’twanttoseethecoffin,shedidn’t.Shestaredattheflowers,ataheartmadeofpinkroses.Outside,thundergrumbledlikeasleepinganimal.

“Letmegetthisopen–here,”Stefanwassaying.Inspiteofherresolvenotto,Bonnielooked.

Thecasketwaswhite,linedwithpalepinksatin.Sue’sblondhairshoneagainstitlikethehairofasleepingprincessinafairytale.ButSuedidn’tlookasifsheweresleeping.Shewastoopale,toostill.Likeawaxwork.Bonniecreptcloser,hereyesfixedonSue’sface.

That’swhyit’ssocoldinhere,shetoldherselfstaunchly.Tokeepthewaxfrommelting.Ithelpedalittle.

StefanreacheddowntotouchSue’shigh-neckedpinkblouse.Heundidthetopbutton.“ForGod’ssake,”Bonniewhispered,outraged.

“Whatdoyouthinkwe’reherefor?”Stefanhissedback.Buthisfingerspausedonthesecondbutton.

Bonniewatchedaminuteandthenmadeherdecision.“Getoutoftheway,”shesaid,andwhenStefandidn’tmoveimmediately,shegavehimashove.MeredithdrewupclosetoherandtheyformedaphalanxbetweenSueandtheboys.Theireyesmetwithunderstanding.Iftheyhadtoactuallyremovetheblouse,theguysweregoingout.BonnieundidthesmallbuttonswhileMeredithheldthelight.Sue’sskinfeltaswaxyasitlooked,coolagainstherfingertips.Awkwardly,shefoldedtheblousebacktorevealalacywhiteslip.ThenshemadeherselfpushSue’sshininggoldhairoffthepaleneck.Thehairwasstiffwithspray.

“Noholes,”shesaid,lookingatSue’sthroat.Shewasproudthathervoicewasalmoststeady.

“No,”saidStefanoddly.“Butthere’ssomethingelse.Lookatthis.”Gently,hereachedaroundBonnietopointoutacut,paleandbloodlessastheskinaroundit,butvisibleasafaintlinerunningfromcollarbonetobreast.Overtheheart.Stefan’slongfingertracedtheairaboveitandBonniestiffened,readytosmackthehandawayifhetouched.“Whatisit?”askedMeredith,puzzled.

“Amystery,”Stefansaid.Hisvoicewasstillodd.“IfIsawamarklikethatonavampire,itwouldmeanthevampirewasgivingbloodtoahuman.That’showit’sdone.Humanteethcan’tpierceourskin,sowecutourselvesifwewanttoshareblood.ButSuewasn’tavampire.”

“Shecertainlywasn’t!”saidBonnie.Shetriedtofightofftheimagehermindwantedtoshowher,ofElenabendingtoacutlikethatonStefan’schestandsucking,drinking…Sheshudderedandrealizedhereyeswereshut.“Isthereanythingelseyouneedtosee?”shesaid,openingthem.“No.That’sall.”

Bonniedidupthebuttons.SherearrangedSue’shair.Then,whileMeredithandStefaneasedthelidofthecasketbackdown,shewalkedquicklyoutoftheviewingroomandtotheoutsidedoor.Shestoodthere,armswrappedaroundherself.Ahandtouchedherelbowlightly.ItwasMatt.

“You’retougherthanyoulook,”hesaid.

“Yes,well…”Shetriedtoshrug.Andthensuddenlyshewascrying,cryinghard.Mattputhisarmsaroundher.

“Iknow,”hesaid.Justthat.Not“Don’tcry”or“Takeiteasy”or“Everything’sgoingtobeallright.”Just“Iknow.”Hisvoicewasasdesolateasshefelt.

“They’vegothairsprayinherhair,”shesobbed.“Sueneverusedhairspray.It’sawful.”Somehow,justthen,thisseemedtheworstthingofall.Hesimplyheldher.

AfterawhileBonniegotherbreath.ShefoundshewasholdingontoMattalmostpainfullytightlyandloosenedherarms.“Igotyourshirtallwet,”shesaidapologetically,sniffling.“Itdoesn’tmatter.”Somethinginhisvoicemadeherstepbackandlookathim.Helookedthewayhehadinthehighschoolparkinglot.Solost,so…hopeless.“Matt,whatisit?”shewhispered.“Please.”

“Itoldyoualready,”hesaid.Hewaslookingawayintosomeimmeasurabledistance.“Sue’slyingintheredead,andsheshouldn’tbe.Yousaidityourself,Bonnie.Whatkindofworldisitthatletsathinglikethathappen?ThatletsagirllikeSuegetmurderedforkicks,orkidsinAfghanistanstarve,orbabysealsgetskinnedalive?Ifthat’swhattheworldislike,whatdoesanythingmatter?It’salloveranyway.”Hepausedandseemedtocomebacktohimself.“DoyouunderstandwhatI’mtalkingabout?”

“I’mnotsosure.”Bonniedidn’teventhinkshewantedto.Itwastooscary.Butshewasoverwhelmedbyanurgetocomforthim,towipethatlostlookfromhiseyes.“Matt,

I–““We’refinished,”Stefansaidfrombehindthem.

AsMattlookedtowardthevoicethelostlookseemedtointensify.“SometimesIthinkwe’reallfinished,”Mattsaid,movingawayfromBonnie,buthedidn’texplainwhathemeantbythat.“Let’sgo.”

Seven

Stefanapproachedthecornerhousereluctantly,almostafraidofwhathemightfind.HehalfexpectedthatDamonwouldhaveabandonedhispostbynow.He’dprobablybeenanidiottorelyonDamoninthefirstplace.

Butwhenhereachedthebackyard,therewasashimmerofmotionamongtheblackwalnuttrees.Hiseyes,sharperthanahuman’sbecausetheywereadaptedforhunting,madeoutthedarkershadowleaningagainstatrunk.“Youtookyourtimegettingback.”“Ihadtoseetheothershomesafe.AndIhadtoeat.”

“Animalblood,”Damonsaidcontemptuously,eyesfixedonatinyroundstainonStefan’sT-shirt.“Rabbit,fromthesmellofit.Thatseemsappropriatesomehow,doesn’tit?”“Damon–I’vegivenBonnieandMeredithvervaintoo.”

“Awiseprecaution,”Damonsaiddistinctly,andshowedhisteeth.

AfamiliarsurgeofirritationwelledupinStefan.WhydidDamonalwayshavetobesodifficult?Talkingwithhimwaslikewalkingbetweenlandmines.

“I’llbegoingnow,”Damoncontinued,swinginghisjacketoveroneshoulder.“I’vegotbusinessofmyowntotakecareof.”Hetossedadevastatinggrinoverhisshoulder.“Don’twaitup.”

“Damon.”Damonhalfturned,notlookingbutlistening.“Thelastthingweneedissomegirlinthistownscreaming‘Vampire!’”Stefansaid.“Orshowingthesigns,either.Thesepeoplehavebeenthroughitbefore;they’renotignorant.”

“I’llbearthatinmind.”Itwassaidironically,butitwastheclosestthingtoapromiseStefanhadevergottenfromhisbrotherinhislife.“And,Damon?”“Nowwhat?”“Thankyou.”

Itwastoomuch.Damonwhippedaround,hiseyescoldanduninviting,astranger’seyes.

“Don’texpectanythingofme,littlebrother,”hesaiddangerously.“Becauseyou’llbewrongeverytime.Anddon’tthinkyoucanmanipulateme,either.Thosethreehumansmayfollowyou,butIwon’t.I’mhereforreasonsofmyown.”

HewasgonebeforeStefancouldgatherwordsforareply.Itwouldn’thavematteredanyway.Damonneverlistenedtoanythinghesaid.Damonneverevencalledhimbyname.Itwasalwaysthescornful“littlebrother.”

AndnowDamonwasofftoprovehowunreliablehewas,Stefanthought.Wonderful.He’ddosomethingparticularlyviciousjusttoshowStefanhewascapableofit.Wearily,Stefanfoundatreetoleanagainstandsliddownittolookatthenightsky.Hetriedtothinkabouttheproblemathand,aboutwhathe’dlearnedtonight.ThedescriptionVickiehadgivenofthekiller.Tall,blondhairandblueeyes,hethought–thatseemedtoremindhimofsomeone.Notsomeonehe’dmet,butsomeonehe’dheardabout…

Itwasnouse.Hecouldn’tkeephismindonthepuzzle.Hewastiredandlonelyandindesperateneedofcomfort.Andthestarktruthwasthattherewasnocomforttobehad.Elena,hethought,youliedtome.

Itwastheonethingshe’dinsistedon,theonethingshe’dalwayspromised.“Whateverhappens,Stefan,I’llbewithyou.Tellmeyoubelievethat.”Andhehadanswered,helplessinherspell,“Oh,Elena,Ibelieveit.Whateverhappens,we’llbetogether.”Butshehadlefthim.Notbychoicemaybe,butwhatdidthatmatterintheend?Shehadlefthimandgoneaway.Thereweretimeswhenallhewantedwastofollowher.

Thinkaboutsomethingelse,anythingelse,hetoldhimself,butitwastoolate.Onceunleashed,theimagesofElenaswirledaroundhim,toopainfultobear,toobeautifultopushaway.

Thefirsttimehe’dkissedher.Theshockofdizzysweetnesswhenhismouthmethers.Andafterthat,shockaftershock,butatsomedeeperlevel.Asifshewerereachingdowntothecoreofhimself,acorehe’dalmostforgotten.

Frightened,he’dfelthisdefensestearaway.Allhissecrets,allhisresistance,allthetricksheusedtokeepotherpeopleatarm’slength.Elenahadrippedthroughthemall,exposinghisvulnerability.Exposinghissoul.

Andintheend,hefoundthatitwaswhathewanted.HewantedElenatoseehimwithoutdefenses,withoutwalls.Hewantedhertoknowhimforwhathewas.Terrifying?Yes.Whenshe’ddiscoveredhissecretatlast,whenshe’dfoundhimfeedingonthatbird,hehadcringedinshame.Hewassurethatshe’dturnawayfromthebloodonhismouthinhorror.Indisgust.

Butwhenhelookedintohereyesthatnight,hesawunderstanding.Forgiveness.Love.Herlovehadhealedhim.Andthatwaswhenheknewtheycouldneverbeapart.

OthermemoriessurgedupandStefanheldontothem,eventhoughthepaintoreintohimlikeclaws.Sensations.ThefeelofElenaagainsthim,suppleinhisarms.Thebrushofherhaironhischeek,lightasamoth’swing.Thecurveofherlips,thetasteofthem.Theimpossiblemidnightblueofhereyes.Alllost.Allbeyondhisreachforever.

ButBonniehadreachedElena.Elena’sspirit,hersoul,wasstillsomewherenear.

Ofanyone,heshouldbeabletosummonit.HehadPowerathiscommand.Andhehadmorerightthananyonetoseekher.

Heknewhowitwasdone.Shutyoureyes.Picturethepersonyouwanttodrawnear.That

waseasy.HecouldseeElena,feelher,smellher.Thencallthem,letyourlongingreachoutintotheemptiness.Openyourselfandletyourneedbefelt.

Easierstill.Hedidn’tgiveadamnaboutthedanger.Hegatheredallhisyearning,allhispain,andsentitoutsearchinglikeaprayer.Andfelt…nothing.Onlyvoidandhisownloneliness.Onlysilence.HisPowerwasn’tthesameasBonnie’s.Hecouldn’treachtheonethinghelovedmost,theonethingthatmatteredtohim.Hehadneverfeltsoaloneinhislife.

“Youwantwhat?”Bonniesaid.

“SomesortofrecordsaboutthehistoryofFell’sChurch.Particularlyaboutthefounders,”Stefansaid.TheywereallsittinginMeredith’scar,whichwasparkedadiscreetdistancebehindVickie’shouse.ItwasduskofthenextdayandtheyhadjustreturnedfromSue’sfuneral–allbutStefan.

“ThishassomethingtodowithSue,doesn’tit?”Meredith’sdarkeyes,alwayssolevelandintelligent,probedStefan’s.“Youthinkyou’vesolvedthemystery.”

“Possibly,”headmitted.Hehadspentthedaythinking.He’dputthepainoflastnightbehindhim,andonceagainhewasincontrol.AlthoughhecouldnotreachElena,hecouldjustifyherfaithinhim–hecoulddowhatshewanteddone.Andtherewasacomfortinwork,inconcentration.Inkeepingallemotionaway.Headded,“Ihaveanideaaboutwhatmighthavehappened,butit’salongshotandIdon’twanttotalkaboutituntilI’msure.”

“Why?”demandedBonnie.SuchacontrasttoMeredith,Stefanthought.Hairasredasfireandaspirittogowithit.Thatdelicateheart-shapedfaceandfair,translucentskinweredeceptive,though.Bonniewassmartandresourceful–evenifshewasonlybeginningtofindthatoutherself.

“BecauseifI’mwrong,aninnocentpersonmightgethurt.Look,atthispointit’sjustanidea.ButIpromiseifIfindanyevidencetonighttobackitup,I’lltellyouallaboutit.”“YoucouldtalkwithMrs.Grimesby,”Meredithsuggested.“She’sthetownlibrarian,andsheknowsalotaboutthefoundingofFell’sChurch.”

“Orthere’salwaysHonoria,”Bonniesaid.“Imean,shewasoneofthefounders.”

Stefanlookedatherquickly.“IthoughtHonoriaFellhadstoppedcommunicatingwithyou,”hesaidcarefully.

“Idon’tmeantalktoher.She’sgone,pfft,kaput,”Bonniesaiddisgustedly.“Imeanherjournal.It’srightthereinthelibrarywithElena’s;Mrs.Grimesbyhasthemondisplaynearthecirculationdesk.”

Stefanwassurprised.Hedidn’tentirelyliketheideaofElena’sjournalondisplay.ButHonoria’srecordsmightbeexactlywhathewaslookingfor.Honoriahadnotjustbeenawisewoman;shehadbeenwellversedinthesupernatural.Awitch.“Thelibrary’sclosedbynow,though,”Meredithsaid.

“That’sevenbetter,”saidStefan.“Noonewillknowwhatinformationwe’reinterestedin.Twoofuscangodownthereandbreakin,andtheothertwocanstayhere.Meredith,ifyou’llcomewithme–“

“I’dliketostayhere,ifyoudon’tmind,”shesaid.“I’mtired,”sheaddedinexplanation,seeinghisexpression.“AndthiswayIcangetmywatchoverwithandgethomeearlier.Whydon’tyouandMattgoandBonnieandIstayhere?”

Stefanwasstilllookingather.“Okay,”hesaidslowly.“Fine.Ifit’sallrightwithMatt.”Mattshrugged.“That’sit,then.Itmighttakeusacoupleofhoursormore.Youtwostayinthecarwiththedoorslocked.Youshouldbesafeenoughthatway.”Ifhewasrightinhissuspicions,therewouldn’tbeanymoreattacksforawhile–afewdaysatleast.BonnieandMeredithshouldbesafe.Buthecouldn’thelpwonderwhatwasbehindMeredith’ssuggestion.Notsimpletiredness,hewassure.

“Bytheway,where’sDamon?”BonnieaskedasheandMattstartedtoleave.

Stefanfelthisstomachmusclestighten.“Idon’tknow.”Hehadbeenwaitingforsomeonetoaskthat.Hehadn’tseenhisbrothersincelastnight,andhehadnoideawhatDamonmightbedoing.

“He’llshowupeventually,”hesaid,andclosedthedooronMeredith’s,“That’swhatI’mafraidof.”

HeandMattwalkedtothelibraryinsilence,keepingtotheshadows,skirtingareasoflight.Hecouldn’taffordtobeseen.StefanhadcomebacktohelpFell’sChurch,buthefeltsureFell’sChurchdidn’twanthishelp.Hewasastrangeragain,anintruderhere.Theywouldhurthimiftheycaughthim.

Thelibrarylockwaseasytopick,justasimplespringmechanism.AndthejournalswererightwhereBonniehadsaidtheywouldbe.

StefanforcedhishandawayfromElena’sjournal.InsidewastherecordofElena’slastdays,inherownhandwriting.Ifhestartedthinkingaboutthatnow…

Heconcentratedontheleather-boundbookbesideit.Thefadedinkontheyellowingpageswashardtoread,butafterafewminuteshiseyesgotaccustomedtothedense,intricatewritingwithitselaboratecurlicues.

ItwasthestoryofHonoriaFellandherhusband,whowiththeSmallwoodsandafewotherfamilieshadcometothisplacewhenitwasstillvirginwilderness.Theyhadfacednotonlythedangersofisolationandhungerbutofnativewildlife.Honoriatoldthestoryoftheirbattletosurvivesimplyandclearly,withoutsentimentality.AndinthosepagesStefanfoundwhathewaslookingfor.

Withapricklingatthebackofhisneck,herereadtheentrycarefully.Atlastheleanedbackandshuthiseyes.

He’dbeenright.Therewasnolongeranydoubtinhismind.AndthatmeanthemustalsoberightaboutwhatwasgoingoninFell’sChurchnow.Foraninstant,brightsicknesswashedoverhim,andanangerthatmadehimwanttoripandtearandhurtsomething.Sue.PrettySuewhohadbeenElena’sfriendhaddiedfor…that.Abloodritual,anobsceneinitiation.Itmadehimwanttokill.

Butthentheragefaded,replacedbyafiercedeterminationtostopwhatwashappeningandsetthingsright.

Ipromiseyou,hewhisperedtoElenainhisownmind.Iwillstopitsomehow.Nomatterwhat.HelookeduptofindMattlookingathim.Elena’sjournalwasinMatt’shand,closingitselfoverhisthumb.JustthenMatt’seyeslookedasdarkablueasElena’s.Toodark,fullofturmoilandgriefandsomethinglikebitterness.“Youfoundit,”Mattsaid.“Andit’sbad.”“Yes.”

“Itwouldbe.”MattpushedElena’sjournalbackintothecaseandstood.Therewasaringalmostofsatisfactioninhisvoice.Likesomebodywho’sjustprovedapoint.“Icouldhavesavedyouthetroubleofcominghere.”Mattsurveyedthedarkenedlibrary,jinglingchangeinhispocket.Acasualobservermighthavethoughthewasrelaxed,buthisvoicebetrayedhim.Itwasrawwithstrain.“Youjustthinkoftheworstthingyoucanimagineandthat’salwaysthetruth,”hesaid.

“Matt…”SuddenconcernstabbedatStefan.He’dbeentoopreoccupiedsincecomingbacktoFell’sChurchtolookatMattproperly.Nowherealizedthathe’dbeenunforgivablystupid.Somethingwasterriblywrong.Matt’swholebodywasrigidwithtensionlyingjustunderthesurface.AndStefancouldsensetheanguish,thedesperationinhismind.

“Matt,whatisit?”hesaidquietly.Hegotupandcrossedtotheotherboy.“IsitsomethingIdid?”“I’mfine.”

“You’reshaking.”Itwastrue.Finetremorswererunningthroughthetautmuscles.

“IsaidI’mfine!”Mattswungawayfromhim,shouldershuncheddefensively.“Anyway,whatcouldyouhavedonetoupsetme?Besidestakingmygirlandgettingherkilled,Imean?”

Thisstabwasdifferent,itwassomewherearoundStefan’sheartanditwentstraightthrough.Likethebladethathadkilledhimonceuponatime.Hetriedtobreathearoundit,nottrustinghimselftospeak.

“I’msorry.”Matt’svoicewasleaden,andwhenStefanlooked,hesawthatthetenseshouldershadslumped.“Thatwasalousythingtosay.”

“Itwasthetruth.”Stefanwaitedamomentandthenadded,levelly,“Butit’snotthewholeproblem,isit?”

Mattdidn’tanswer.Hestaredatthefloor,pushingsomethinginvisiblewiththesideofoneshoe.JustwhenStefanwasabouttogiveup,heturnedwithaquestionofhisown.“What’stheworldreallylike?”“What’s…what?”“Theworld.You’veseenalotofit,Stefan.You’vegotfourorfivecenturiesontherestofus,right?Sowhat’sthedeal?Imean,isitbasicallythekindofplaceworthsavingorisitessentiallyapileofcrap?”

Stefanshuthiseyes.“Oh.”

“Andwhataboutpeople,huh,Stefan?Thehumanrace.Arewethediseaseorjustasymptom?Imean,youtakesomebodylike–likeElena.”Matt’svoiceshookbriefly,buthewenton.“ElenadiedtokeepthetownsafeforgirlslikeSue.AndnowSue’sdead.Andit’sallhappeningagain.It’sneverover.Wecan’twin.Sowhatdoesthattellyou?”“Matt.”

“WhatI’mreallyaskingis,what’sthepoint?IstheresomecosmicjokeI’mnotgetting?Oristhewholethingjustonebigfreakingmistake?DoyouunderstandwhatI’mtryingtosayhere?”

“Iunderstand,Matt.”Stefansatdownandranhishandsthroughhishair.“Ifyou’llshutupaminute,I’lltrytoansweryou.”

Mattdrewupachairandstraddledit.“Great.Takeyourbestshot.”Hiseyeswerehardandchallenging,butunderneathStefansawthebewilderedhurtthathadbeenfesteringthere.

“I’veseenalotofevil,Matt,morethanyoucanimagine,”Stefansaid.“I’veevenlivedit.It’salwaysgoingtobeapartofme,nomatterhowIfightit.SometimesIthinkthewholehumanraceisevil,muchlessmykind.AndsometimesIthinkthatenoughofbothourracesisevilthatitdoesn’tmatterwhathappenstotherest.

“Whenyougetdowntoit,though,Idon’tknowanymorethanyoudo.Ican’ttellyouifthere’sapointorifthingsareevergoingtoturnoutallright.”StefanlookedstraightintoMatt’seyesandspokedeliberately.“ButI’vegotanotherquestionforyou.Sowhat?”Mattstared.“Sowhat?”“Yeah.Sowhat.”

“Sowhatiftheuniverseisevilandifnothingwedototryandchangeitcanreallymakeanydifference?”Matt’svoicewasgainingvolumewithhisdisbelief.

“Yeah,sowhat?”Stefanleanedforward.“Sowhatareyougoingtodo,MattHoneycutt,ifeverybadthingyou’vesaidistrue?Whatareyougoingtodopersonally?Areyougoingtostopfightingandswimwiththesharks?”

Mattwasgraspingthebackofhischair.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“Youcandothat,youknow.Damonsayssoallthetime.Youcanjoinupwiththeevilside,thewinningside.Andnobodycanreallyblameyou,becauseiftheuniverseisthatway,whyshouldn’tyoubethatwaytoo?”

“Likehell!”Mattexploded.Hisblueeyesweresearingandhehadhalfrisenfromhischair.“That’sDamon’sway,maybe!Butjustbecauseit’shopelessdoesn’tmeanit’sallrighttostopfighting.EvenifIknewitwashopeless,I’dstillhavetotry.Ihavetotry,damnit!”

“Iknow.”Stefansettledbackandsmiledfaintly.Itwasatiredsmile,butitshowedthekinshiphefeltrightthenwithMatt.AndinamomenthesawbyMatt’sfacethatMattunderstood.

“IknowbecauseIfeelthesameway,”Stefancontinued.“There’snoexcuseforgivingupjustbecauseitlookslikewe’regoingtolose.Wehavetotry–becausetheotherchoiceistosurrender.”

“I’mnotreadytosurrenderanything,”Mattsaidthroughhisteeth.Helookedasifhe’dfoughthiswaybacktoafireinsidehimthathadbeenburningallalong.“Ever,”hesaid.“Yeah,well,‘ever’isalongtime,”Stefansaid.“Butforwhatit’sworth,I’mgoingtotrynottoeither.Idon’tknowifit’spossible,butI’mgoingtotry.”

“That’sallanybodycando,”Mattsaid.Slowly,hepushedhimselfoffthechairandstoodstraight.Thetensionwasgonefromhismuscles,andhiseyesweretheclear,almostpiercingblueeyesStefanremembered.“Okay,”hesaidquietly.“Ifyoufoundwhatyoucamefor,we’dbettergetbacktothegirls.”

Stefanthought,hismindswitchinggears.“Matt,ifI’mrightaboutwhat’sgoingon,thegirlsshouldbeokayforawhile.Butyougoaheadandtakeoverthewatchfromthem.AslongasI’mherethere’ssomethingI’dliketoreadupon–byaguynamedGervaseofTilbury,wholivedintheearly1200s.”

“Evenbeforeyourtime,eh?”Mattsaid,andStefangavehimtheghostofasmile.Theystoodforamoment,lookingateachother.

“Allright.IguessI’llseeyouatVickie’s.”Mattturnedtothedoor,thenhesitated.Abruptly,heturnedagainandheldouthishand.“Stefan–I’mgladyoucameback.”Stefangrippedit.“I’mgladtohearit”wasallhesaid,butinsidehefeltawarmththattookawaythestabbingpain.Andsomeoftheloneliness,too.

Eight

FromwhereBonnieandMeredithsatinthecar,theycouldjustseeVickie’swindow.Itwouldhavebeenbettertobecloser,butthensomeonemighthavediscoveredthem.Meredithpouredthelastofthecoffeeoutofthethermosanddrankit.Thensheyawned.ShecaughtherselfguiltilyandlookedatBonnie.“Youhavingtroublesleepingatnighttoo?”“Yes.Ican’timaginewhy,”Meredithsaid.“Doyouthinktheguysarehavingalittletalk?”

Meredithglancedatherquickly,obviouslysurprised,thensmiled.BonnierealizedMeredithhadn’texpectedhertocatchon.“Ihopeso,”Meredithsaid.“ItmightdoMattsomegood.”

Bonnienoddedandrelaxedbackintotheseat.Meredith’scarhadneverseemedsocomfortablebefore.

WhenshelookedatMeredithagain,thedark-hairedgirlwasasleep.

Oh,great.Terrific.Bonniestaredintothedregsofhercoffeemug,makingaface.Shedidn’tdarerelaxagain;iftheybothfellasleep,itcouldbedisastrous.ShedughernailsintoherpalmsandstaredatVickie’slightedwindow.

Whenshefoundtheimageblurringanddoublingonher,sheknewsomethinghadtobedone.

Freshair.Thatwouldhelp.Withoutbotheringtobetooquietaboutit,sheunlockedthedoorandpulledthehandleup.Thedoorclickedopen,butMeredithwentonbreathingdeeply.

Shemustreallybetired,Bonniethought,gettingout.Sheshutthedoormoregently,lockingMeredithinside.Itwasonlythenthatsherealizedsheherselfdidn’thaveakey.Oh,well,she’dwakeMeredithtoletherbackin.Meanwhileshe’dgocheckonVickie.Vickiewasprobablystillawake.

Theskywasbroodingandovercast,butthenightwaswarm.BehindVickie’shousetheblackwalnuttreesstirredveryfaintly.Cricketssang,buttheirmonotonouschirpingonlyseemedlikepartofalargersilence.

ThescentofhoneysucklefilledBonnie’snostrils.ShetappedonVickie’swindowlightlywithherfingernails,peeringthroughthecrackinthecurtains.

Noanswer.Onthebedshecouldmakeoutalumpofblanketswithunkemptbrownhairstickingoutthetop.Vickiewasasleeptoo.

AsBonniestoodthere,thesilenceseemedtothickenaroundher.Thecricketsweren’tsinginganymore,andthetreeswerestill.Andyetitwasasifshewasstrainingtohearsomethingsheknewwasthere.I’mnotalone,sherealized.

Noneofherordinarysensestoldherthis.Buthersixthsense,theonethatsentchillsupherarmsandicedownherspine,theonethatwasnewlyawakenedtothepresenceofPower,wascertain.Therewas…something…near.Something…watchingher.Sheturnedslowly,afraidtomakeasound.Ifshedidn’tmakeanynoise,maybewhateveritwaswouldn’tgether.Maybeitwouldn’tnoticeher.

Thesilencehadbecomedeadly,menacing.Ithummedinherearswiththebeatofherownblood.Andshecouldn’thelpimaginingwhatmightcomescreamingoutofitatanyminute.

Somethingwithhot,moisthands,shethought,staringintothedarknessofthebackyard.Blackongray,blackonblackwasallshecouldsee.Everyshapemightbeanything,andalltheshadowsseemedtobemoving.Somethingwithhot,sweatyhandsandarmsstrongenoughtocrushher–Thesnapofatwigexplodedthroughherlikegunfire.

Shespuntowardit,eyesandearsstraining.Buttherewasonlydarknessandsilence.Fingerstouchedthebackofherneck.

Bonniewhirledagain,almostfalling,almostfainting.Shewastoofrightenedtoscream.Whenshesawwhoitwas,shockrobbedallhersensesandhermusclescollapsed.Shewouldhaveendedupinaheaponthegroundifhehadn’tcaughtherandheldherstraight.“Youlookfrightened,”Damonsaidsoftly.

Bonnieshookherhead.Shedidn’thaveanyvoiceyet.Shethoughtshestillmightfaint.Butshetriedtopullawayjustthesame.

Hedidn’ttightenhisgrip,buthedidn’tletgo.Andstrugglingdidaboutasmuchgoodastryingtobreakabrickwallwithbarehands.Shegaveupandtriedtocalmherbreathing.

“Areyoufrightenedofme?”Damonsaid.Hesmiledreprovingly,asiftheysharedasecret.“Youdon’tneedtobe.”

HowhadElenamanagedtodealwiththis?ButElenahadn’t,ofcourse,Bonnierealized.

ElenahadsuccumbedtoDamonintheend.Damonhadwonandhadhisway.

Hereleasedoneofherarmstotrace,verylightly,thecurveofherupperlip.“IsupposeIshouldgoaway,”hesaid,“andnotscareyouanymore.Isthatwhatyouwant?”Likearabbitwithasnake,Bonniethought.Thisishowtherabbitfeels.OnlyIdon’tsupposehe’llkillme.Imightjustdieonmyown,though.Shefeltasifherlegsmightmeltawayatanyminute,asifshemightcollapse.Therewasawarmthandatremblinginsideher.

Thinkofsomething…fast.Thoseunfathomableblackeyeswerefillingtheuniversenow.Shethoughtshecouldseestarsinsidethem.Think.Quickly.

Elenawouldn’tlikeit,shethought,justashislipstouchedhers.Yes,thatwasit.Buttheproblemwas,shedidn’thavethestrengthtosayit.Thewarmthwasgrowing,rushingouttoallpartsofher,fromherfingertipstothesolesofherfeet.Hislipswerecool,likesilk,

buteverythingelsewassowarm.Shedidn’tneedtobeafraid;shecouldjustletgoandfloatonthis.Sweetnessrushedthroughher…

“Whatthehellisgoingon?”

Thevoicebrokethesilence,brokethespell.Bonniestartedandfoundherselfabletoturnherhead.Mattwasstandingattheedgeoftheyard,hisfistsclenched,hiseyeslikechipsofblueice.Icesocolditburned.“Getawayfromher,”Mattsaid.

ToBonnie’ssurprise,thegriponherarmseased.Shesteppedback,straighteningherblouse,alittlebreathless.Hermindwasworkingagain.

“It’sokay,”shesaidtoMatt,hervoicealmostnormal.“Iwasjust–”“Gobacktothecarandstaythere.”

Nowwaitaminute,thoughtBonnie.ShewasgladMatthadcome;theinterruptionhadbeenveryconvenientlytimed.Buthewascomingonalittleheavywiththeprotectiveolderbrotherbit.“Look,Matt–““Goon,”hesaid,stillstaringatDamon.

Meredithwouldn’thaveletherselfbeorderedaroundthisway.AndElenacertainlywouldn’t.BonnieopenedhermouthtotellMatttogositinthecarhimselfwhenshesuddenlyrealizedsomething.

Thiswasthefirsttimeinmonthsshe’dseenMattreallycareaboutanything.Thelightwasbackinthoseblueeyes–thatcoldflashofrighteousangerthatusedtomakeevenTylerSmallwoodbackdown.Mattwasaliverightnow,andfullofenergy.Hewashimselfagain.

Bonniebitherlip.Foramomentshestruggledwithherpride.Thensheconquereditandloweredhereyes.“Thanksforrescuingme,”shemurmured,andlefttheyard.

Mattwassoangryhedidn’tdaremoveclosertoDamonforfearhemighttakeaswingathim.AndthechillingdarknessinDamon’seyestoldhimthatwouldn’tbeaverygoodidea.

ButDamon’svoicewassmooth,almostdispassionate.“Mytasteforbloodisn’tjustawhim,youknow.It’sanecessityyou’reinterferingwithhere.I’monlydoingwhatIhaveto.”

ThiscallousindifferencewastoomuchforMatt.Theythinkofusasfood,heremembered.They’rethehunters,we’retheprey.AndhehadhisclawsinBonnie,Bonniewhocouldn’twrestleakitten.

Contemptuouslyhesaid,“Whydon’tyoupickonsomebodyyourownsize,then?”Damonsmiledandtheairwentcolder.“Likeyou?”

Mattjuststaredathim.Hecouldfeelmusclesclenchinhisjaw.Afteramomenthesaidtightly,“Youcantry.”

“Icandomorethantry,Matt.”Damontookasinglesteptowardhimlikeastalking

panther.Involuntarily,Mattthoughtofjunglecats,oftheirpowerfulspringandtheirsharp,tearingteeth.HethoughtofwhatTylerhadlookedlikeintheQuonsethutlastyearwhenStefanwasthroughwithhim.Redmeat.Justredmeatandblood.

“Whatwasthathistoryteacher’sname?”Damonwassayingsilkily.Heseemedamusednow,enjoyingthis.“Mr.Tanner,wasn’tit?Ididmorethantrywithhim.”“You’reamurderer.”

Damonnodded,unoffended,asifhe’djustbeenintroduced.“Ofcourse,hestuckaknifeinme.Iwasn’tplanningtodrainhimquitedry,butheannoyedmeandIchangedmymind.You’reannoyingmenow,Matt.”

Matthadhiskneeslockedtokeepfromrunning.Itwasmorethanthecatlikestalkinggrace,itwasmorethanthoseunearthlyblackeyesfastenedonhis.TherewassomethinginsideDamonthatwhisperedterrortothehumanbrain.SomemenacethatspokedirectlytoMatt’sblood,tellinghimtodoanythingtogetaway.

Buthewouldn’trun.HisconversationwithStefanwasblurredinhismindrightnow,butheknewonethingfromit.Evenifhediedhere,hewouldn’trun.

“Don’tbestupid,”Damonsaid,asifhe’dheardeverywordofMatt’sthoughts.“You’veneverhadbloodtakenfromyoubyforce,haveyou?Ithurts,Matt.Ithurtsalot.”Elena,Mattremembered.Thatfirsttimewhenshe’dtakenhisbloodhe’dbeenscared,andthefearhadbeenbadenough.Buthe’dbeendoingitofhisownvolitionthen.Whatwoulditbelikewhenhewasunwilling?Iwillnotrun.Iwillnotlookaway.

Aloudhesaid,stilllookingstraightatDamon,“Ifyou’regoingtokillme,you’dbetterstoptalkinganddoit.Becausemaybeyoucanmakemedie,butthat’sallyoucanmakemedo.”

“You’reevenstupiderthanmybrother,”Damonsaid.WithtwostepshecrossedthedistancetoMatt.HegrabbedMattbyhisT-shirt,onehandoneithersideofthethroat.“IguessI’llhavetoteachyouthesameway.”

Everythingwasfrozen.Mattcouldsmellhisownfear,buthewouldn’tmove.Hecouldn’tmovenow.

Itdidn’tmatter.Hehadn’tgivenin.Ifhediedrightnow,hediedknowingthat.

Damon’steethwereawhiteglitterinthedark.Sharpascarvingknives.Mattcouldalmostfeeltherazorbiteofthembeforetheytouchedhim.Iwillnotsurrenderanything,hethought,andclosedhiseyes.

Theshovetookhimcompletelyoffbalance.Hestumbledandfellbackward,hiseyesflyingopen.Damonhadletgoandpushedhimaway.

Expressionless,thoseblackeyeslookeddownathimwherehesatinthedirt.

“I’lltrytoputthisinawayyoucanunderstand,”Damonsaid.“Youdon’twanttomesswithme,Matt.Iammoredangerousthanyoucanpossiblyimagine.Nowgetoutofhere.It’smywatch.”

Silently,Mattgotup.HerubbedathisshirtwhereDamon’shandshadcrumpledit.Andthenheleft,buthedidn’trunandhedidn’tflinchfromDamon’seyes.

Iwon,hethought.I’mstillalive,soIwon.

Andtherehadbeenakindofgrimrespectinthoseblackeyesintheend.ItmadeMattwonderaboutsomethings.Itreallydid.

BonnieandMeredithweresittinginthecarwhenhegotback.Theybothlookedconcerned.“Youweregonealongtime,”Bonniesaid.“Areyouokay?”

Mattwishedpeoplewouldstopaskinghimthat.“I’mfine,”hesaid,andthenadded,“Really.”Afteramoment’sthoughthedecidedtherewassomethingelseheshouldsay.“SorryifIyelledatyoubackthere,Bonnie.”

“That’sallright,”Bonniesaidcoolly.Then,thawing,shesaid,“Youreallydolookbetter,youknow.Morelikeyouroldself.”

“Yeah?”HerubbedathiscrumpledT-shirtagain,lookingaround.“Well,tanglingwithvampiresisobviouslyagreatwarm-upexercise.”

“What’dyouguysdo?Loweryourheadsandrunateachotherfromoppositesidesoftheyard?”askedMeredith.

“Somethinglikethat.Hesayshe’sgoingtowatchVickienow.”“Doyouthinkwecantrusthim?”Meredithsaidsoberly.

Mattconsidered.“Asamatteroffact,Ido.It’sweird,butIdon’tthinkhe’sgoingtohurther.Andifthekillercomesalong,Ithinkhe’sinforasurprise.Damon’sspoilingforafight.WemightaswellgobacktothelibraryforStefan.”

Stefanwasn’tvisibleoutsidethelibrary,butwhenthecarhadcruisedupanddownthestreetonceortwicehematerializedoutofthedarkness.Hehadathickbookwithhim.“Breakingandenteringandgrandtheft,librarybook,”Meredithremarked.“Iwonderwhatyougetforthatthesedays?”

“Iborrowedit,”Stefansaid,lookingaggrieved.“That’swhatlibrariesarefor,right?AndIcopiedwhatIneededoutofthejournal.”

“Youmeanyoufoundit?Youfigureditout?Thenyoucantelluseverything,likeyoupromised,”Bonniesaid.“Let’sgototheboardinghouse.”

StefanlookedslightlysurprisedwhenheheardthatDamonhadturnedupandstationedhimselfatVickie’s,buthemadenocomment.Mattdidn’ttellhimexactlyhowDamonhadturnedup,andhenoticedBonniedidn’teither.

“I’malmostpositiveaboutwhat’sgoingoninFell’sChurch.AndI’vegothalfthepuzzlesolved,anyway,”Stefansaidoncetheywereallsettledinhisroomintheboardinghouseattic.“Butthere’sonlyonewaytoproveit,andonlyonewaytosolvetheotherhalf.Ineedhelp,butitisn’tsomethingI’mgoingtoasklightly.”HewaslookingatBonnieandMeredithashesaidit.

Theylookedateachother,thenbackathim.“Thisguykilledoneofourfriends,”saidMeredith.“Andhe’sdrivinganotheronecrazy.Ifyouneedourhelp,you’vegotit.”“Whateverittakes,”Bonnieadded.

“It’ssomethingdangerous,isn’tit?”Mattdemanded.Hecouldn’trestrainhimself.AsifBonniehadn’tbeenthroughenough…“It’sdangerous,yes.Butit’stheirfighttoo,youknow.”

“Darnrightitis,”saidBonnie.Meredithwasobviouslytryingtorepressasmile.Finallyshehadtoturnawayandgrin.

“Matt’sback,”shesaidwhenStefanaskedherwhatthejokewas.

“Wemissedyou,”addedBonnie.Mattcouldn’tunderstandwhytheywereallsmilingathim,anditmadehimfeelhotanduncomfortable.Hewentovertostandbythewindow.

“Itisdangerous;Iwon’ttrytokidyouaboutthat,”Stefansaidtothegirls.“Butit’stheonlychance.Thewholething’salittlecomplicated,andI’dbetterstartatthebeginning.WehavetogobacktothefoundingofFell’sChurch…”Hetalkedonlateintothenight.

Thursday,June11,7:00A.M.

DearDiary,

Icouldn’twritelastnight,becauseIgotintoolate.Momwasupsetagain.She’dhavebeenhystericalifshe’dknownwhatIwasactuallydoing.Hangingoutwithvampiresandplanningsomethingthatmaygetmekilled.Thatmaygetusallkilled.

StefanhasaplantotraptheguywhomurderedSue.ItremindsmeofsomeofElena’splans–andthat’swhatworriesme.Theyalwayssoundedwonderful,butlotsofthetimetheywentwrong.

WetalkedaboutwhogetsthemostdangerousjobanddecideditshouldbeMeredith.Whichisfinewithme–Imean,sheisstrongerandmoreathletic,andshealwayskeepscalminemergencies.Butitbugsmejustalittlethateverybodywassoquickaboutchoosingher,especiallyMatt.Imean,it’snotlikeI’mtotallyincompetent.IknowI’mnotassmartastheothers,andI’mcertainlynotasgoodatsportsorascoolunderpressure,butI’mnotatotaldweeb.I’mgoodforsomething.

Anyway,we’regoingtodoitaftergraduation.We’reallinonitexceptDamon,who’llbewatchingVickie.It’sstrange,butwealltrusthimnow.Evenme.Despitewhathedidtomelastnight,Idon’tthinkhe’llletVickiegethurt.

Ihaven’thadanymoredreamsaboutElena.IthinkifIdo,Iwillgoabsolutelyscreamingberserk.Ornevergotosleepagain.Ijustcan’ttakeanymoreofthat.Allright.I’dbettergo.Hopefully,bySundaywe’llhavethemysterysolvedanddiekillercaught.ItrustStefan.IjusthopeIcanremembermypart.

Nine

“…Andso,ladiesandgentlemen,Igiveyoutheclassof‘92!”

Bonniethrewhercapintotheairalongwitheveryoneelse.Wemadeit,shethought.Whateverhappenstonight,MattandMeredithandImadeittograduation.Therehadbeentimesthislastschoolyearwhenshehadseriouslydoubtedtheywould.

ConsideringSue’sdeath,Bonniehadexpectedthegraduationceremonytobelistlessorgrim.Instead,therewasasortoffrenziedexcitementaboutit.Asifeveryonewascelebratingbeingalive–beforeitwastoolate.

ItturnedintorowdinessasparentssurgedforwardandtheseniorclassofRobertE.Leefragmentedinalldirections,whoopingandactingup.Bonnieretrievedhercapandthenlookedupintohermother’scameralens.

Actnormal,that’swhat’simportant,shetoldherself.ShecaughtaglimpseofElena’sauntJudithandRobertMaxwell,themanAuntJudithhadrecentlymarried,standingonthesidelines.RobertwasholdingElena’slittlesister,Margaret,bythehand.Whentheysawher,theysmiledbravely,butshefeltuncomfortablewhentheycameherway.“Oh,MissGilbert–Imean,Mrs.Maxwell–youshouldn’thave,”shesaidasAuntJudithhandedherasmallbouquetofpinkroses.

AuntJudithsmiledthroughthetearsinhereyes.“ThiswouldhavebeenaveryspecialdayforElena,”shesaid.“IwantittobespecialforyouandMeredith,too.”

“Oh,AuntJudith.”Impulsively,Bonniethrewherarmsaroundtheolderwoman.“I’msosorry,”shewhispered.“Youknowhowmuch.”

“Weallmissher,”AuntJudithsaid.Thenshepulledbackandsmiledagainandthethreeofthemleft.Bonnieturnedfromlookingatthemwithalumpinherthroattolookatthemadlycelebratingcrowd.

TherewasRayHernandez,theboyshe’dgonetoHomecomingwith,invitingeverybodytoapartyathishousethatnight.TherewasTyler’sfriendDickCarter,makingafoolofhimselfasusual.Tylerwassmilingbrazenlyashisfathertookpictureafterpicture.Mattwaslistening,withanunimpressedlook,tosomefootballrecruiterfromJamesMasonUniversity.Meredithwasstandingnearby,holdingabouquetofredrosesandlookingpensive.

Vickiewasn’tthere.Herparentshadkeptherhome,sayingshewasinnostatetogoout.Carolinewasn’tthereeither.ShewasstayingintheapartmentinHeron.HermotherhadtoldBonnie’smothershehadtheflu,butBonnieknewthetruth.Carolinewasscared.Andmaybeshe’sright,Bonniethought,movingtowardMeredith.Carolinemaybetheonlyoneofustomakeitthroughnextweek.

Looknormal,actnormal.ShereachedMeredith’sgroup.Meredithwaswrappingthered-and-blacktasselfromhercaparoundthebouquet,twistingitbetweenelegant,nervousfingers.

Bonniethrewaquickglancearound.Good.Thiswastheplace.Andnowwasthetime.

“Becarefulwiththat;you’llruinit,”shesaidaloud.

Meredith’slookofthoughtfulmelancholydidn’tchange.Shewentonstaringatthetassel,kinkingitup.“Itdoesn’tseemfair,”shesaid,“thatweshouldgettheseandElenashouldn’t.It’swrong.”

“Iknow;it’sawful,”Bonniesaid.Butshekepthertonelight.“Iwishtherewassomethingwecoulddoaboutit,butwecan’t.”

“It’sallwrong,”Meredithwenton,asifshehadn’theard.“Hereweareoutinthesunlight,graduating,andtheresheisunderthat–stone.”

“Iknow,Iknow,”Bonniesaidinasoothingtone.“Meredith,you’regettingyourselfallupset.Whydon’tyoutrytothinkaboutsomethingelse?Look,afteryougoouttodinnerwithyourparents,doyouwanttogotoRaymond’sparty?Evenifwe’renotinvited,wecancrashit.”

“No!”Meredithsaidwithstartlingvehemence.“Idon’twanttogotoanyparty.Howcanyoueventhinkofthat,Bonnie?Howcanyoubesoshallow?”“Well,we’vegottodosomething…”

“I’lltellyouwhatI’mdoing.I’mgoinguptothecemeteryafterdinner.I’mgoingtoputthisonElena’sgrave.She’stheonewhodeservesit.”Meredith’sknuckleswerewhiteassheshookthetasselinherhand.

“Meredith,don’tbeanidiot.Youcan’tgoupthere,especiallyatnight.That’scrazy.Mattwouldsaythesamething.”

“Well,I’mnotaskingMatt.I’mnotaskinganybody.I’mgoingbymyself.”

“Youcan’t.God,Meredith,Ialwaysthoughtyouhadsomebrains–“

“AndIalwaysthoughtyouhadsomesensitivity.Butobviouslyyoudon’tevenwanttothinkaboutElena.Orisitjustbecauseyouwantheroldboyfriendforyourself?”Bonnieslappedher.

Itwasagoodhardslap,withplentyofenergybehindit.Meredithdrewinasharpbreath,onehandtoherreddeningcheek.Everyonearoundthemwasstaring.

“That’sitforyou,BonnieMcCullough,”Meredithsaidafteramoment,inavoiceofdeadlyquiet.“Idon’teverwanttospeaktoyouagain.”Sheturnedonherheelandwalkedaway:

“Neverwouldbetoosoonforme!”Bonnieshoutedatherretreatingback.

EyeswerehastilyavertedasBonnielookedaroundher.ButtherewasnoquestionthatsheandMeredithhadbeenthecenterofattentionforseveralminutespast.BonniebittheinsideofhercheektokeepastraightfaceandwalkedovertoMatt,whohadlosttherecruiter.“Howwasthat?”shemurmured.“Good.”

“Doyouthinktheslapwastoomuch?Wedidn’treallyplanthat;Iwasjustsortofgoingwiththemoment.Maybeitwastooobvious…”

“Itwasfine,justfine.”Mattwaslookingpreoccupied.Notthatdull,apathetic,turnedinlookofthelastfewmonths,butdistinctlyabstracted.“Whatisit?Somethingwrongwiththeplan?”Bonniesaid.

“No,no.Listen,Bonnie,I’vebeenthinking.YouweretheonetodiscoverMr.Tanner’sbodyintheHauntedHouselastHalloween,right?”

Bonniewasstartled.Shegaveaninvoluntaryshiverofdistaste.“Well,Iwasthefirstonetoknowhewasdead,reallydead,insteadofjustplayinghisscene.Whyonearthdoyouwanttotalkaboutthatnow?”

“Becausemaybeyoucananswerthisquestion.CouldMr.TannerhavegotaknifeinDamon?”“What?”“Well,couldhe?”

“I…”Bonnieblinkedandfrowned.Thensheshrugged.“Isupposeso.Sure.ItwasaDruidsacrificescene,remember,andtheknifeweusedwasarealknife.Wetalkedaboutusingafakeone,butsinceMr.Tannerwasgoingtobelyingrighttherebesideit,wefigureditwassafeenough.Asamatteroffact…”Bonnie’sfrowndeepened.“IthinkwhenIfoundthebody,theknifewasinadifferentplacefromwherewe’dsetitinthebeginning.Butthen,somekidcouldhavemovedit.Matt,whyareyouasking?”“JustsomethingDamonsaidtome,”Mattsaid,staringoffintothedistanceagain.“Iwonderedifitcouldbethetruth.”

“Oh.”Bonniewaitedforhimtosaymore,buthedidn’t.“Well,”shesaidfinally,“ifit’sallclearedup,canyoucomebacktoEarth,please?Anddon’tyouthinkyoushouldmaybeputyourarmaroundme?Justtoshowyou’reonmysideandthere’snochanceyou’regoingtoshowupatElena’sgravetonightwithMeredith?”

Mattsnorted,butthefarawaylookdisappearedfromhiseyes.Forjustabriefinstantheputhisarmaroundherandsqueezed.

Déjàvu,Merediththoughtasshestoodatthegatetothecemetery.Theproblemwas,shecouldn’trememberexactlywhichofherpreviousexperiencesinthegraveyardthisnightremindedherof.Therehadbeensomany.

Inaway,ithadallstartedhere.IthadbeenherethatElenahadswornnottorestuntilStefanbelongedtoher.She’dmadeBonnieandMeredithsweartohelpher,too–in

blood.Howsuitable,Merediththoughtnow.

AndithadbeenherethatTylerhadassaultedElenathenightoftheHomecomingdance.Stefanhadcometotherescue,andthathadbeenthebeginningforthem.Thisgraveyardhadseenalot.

IthadevenseenthewholegroupofthemfileupthehilltotheruinedchurchlastDecember,lookingforKatherine’slair.Sevenofthemhadgonedownintothecrypt:Meredithherself,Bonnie,Matt,andElena,withStefan,Damon,andAlaric.Butonlysixofthemhadcomeoutallright.WhentheytookElenaoutofthere,itwastoburyher.

Thisgraveyardhadbeenthebeginning,andtheendaswell.Andmaybetherewouldbeanotherendtonight.Meredithstartedwalking.

Iwishyouwereherenow,Alaric,shethought.Icoulduseyouroptimismandyoursavvyaboutthesupernatural–andIwouldn’tmindyourmuscles,either.

Elena’sheadstonewasinthenewcemetery,ofcourse,wherethegrasswasstilltendedandthegravesmarkedwithwreathsofflowers.Thestonewasverysimple,almostplainlooking,withabriefinscription.Meredithbentdownandplacedherbouquetofrosesinfrontofit.Then,slowly,sheaddedthered-and-blacktasselfromhercap.Inthisdimlight,bothcolorslookedthesame,likedriedblood.Shekneltandfoldedherhandsquietly.Andshewaited.

Allaroundherthecemeterywasstill.Itseemedtobewaitingwithher,breathheldinanticipation.Therowsofwhitestonesstretchedoneithersideofher,shiningfaintly.Meredithlistenedforanysound.Andthensheheardone.Heavyfootsteps.

Withherheaddown,shestayedquiet,pretendingshenoticednothing.

Thefootstepssoundedcloser,notevenbotheringtobestealthy.“Hi,Meredith.”

Meredithlookedaroundquickly.“Oh–Tyler,”shesaid.“Youscaredme.Ithoughtyouwere–nevermind.”

“Yeah?”Tyler’slipsskinnedbackinanunsettlinggrin.“Well,I’msorryyou’redisappointed.Butit’sme,justmeandnobodyelse.”“Whatareyoudoinghere,Tyler?Nogoodparties?”

“Icouldaskyouthesamequestion.”Tyler’seyesdroppedtotheheadstoneandthetasselandhisfacedarkened.“ButIguessIalreadyknowtheanswer.You’rehereforher.ElenaGilbert,ALightinDarkness,”hereadsarcastically.

“That’sright,”Meredithsaidevenly.”‘Elena’meanslight,youknow.Andshewascertainlysurroundedbydarkness.Italmostbeather,butshewonintheend.”

“Maybe,”Tylersaid,andworkedhisjawmeditatively,squinting.“Butyouknow,Meredith,it’safunnythingaboutdarkness.There’salwaysmoreofitwaitinginthewings.”

“Liketonight,”Meredithsaid,lookingupatthesky.Itwasclearanddottedwithfaintstars.“It’sverydarktonight,Tyler.Butsoonerorlaterthesunwillcomeup.”

“Yeah,butthemooncomesupfirst.”Tylerchuckledsuddenly,asifatsomejokeonlyhecouldsee.“Hey,Meredith,youeverseetheSmallwoodfamilyplot?Well,comeonandI’llshowyou.It’snotfar.”

JustlikeheshowedElena,Merediththought.Inawayshewasenjoyingthisverbalfencing,butsheneverlostsightofwhatshehadcomeherefor.Hercoldfingersdippedintoherjacketpocketandfoundthetinysprigofvervainthere.“That’sallright,Tyler.IthinkI’dprefertostayhere.”

“Yousureaboutthat?Acemetery’sadangerousplacetobealone.”

Unquietspirits,Merediththought.Shelookedrightathim.“Iknow.”

Hewasgrinningagain,displayingteethliketombstones.“Anyway,youcanseeitfromhereifyouhavegoodeyes.Lookthatway,towardtheoldgraveyard.Now,doyouseesomethingsortofshiningredinthemiddle?”

“No.”Therewasapaleluminosityoverthetreesintheeast.Meredithkepthereyesonit.

“Aw,comeon,Meredith.You’renottrying.Oncethemoon’supyou’llseeitbetter.”“Tyler,Ican’twasteanymoretimehere.I’mgoing.”

“No,you’renot,”hesaid.Andthen,asherfingerstightenedonthevervain,encompassingitinherfist,headdedinawheedlingvoice,“Imean,you’renotgoinguntilItellyouthestoryofthatheadstone,areyou?It’sagreatstory.See,theheadstoneismadeofredmarble,theonlyoneofitskindinthewholegraveyard.Andthatballontop–seeit?–thatmustweighaboutaton.Butitmoves.ItturnswheneveraSmallwoodisgoingtodie.Mygrandfatherdidn’tbelievethat;heputascratchonitrightdownthefront.Heusedtocomeoutandcheckiteverymonthorso.Thenonedayhecameandfoundthescratchintherear.Theballhadturnedcompletelybackward.Hedideverythinghecouldtoturnitaround,buthecouldn’t.Itwastooheavy.Andthatnight,inbed,hedied.Theyburiedhimunderit.”

“Heprobablyhadaheartattackfromoverexertion,”Meredithsaidcaustically,butherpalmsweretingling.

“You’refunny,aren’tyou?Alwayssocool.Alwayssotogether.Takesalottomakeyouscream,doesn’tit?”“I’mleaving,Tyler.I’vehadenough.”Heletherwalkafewpaces,thensaid,“YouscreamedthatnightatCaroline’s,though,didn’tyou?”Meredithturnedback.“Howdoyouknowthat?”Tylerrolledhiseyes.“Givemecreditforalittleintelligence,okay?Iknowalot,Meredith.Forinstance,Iknowwhat’sinyourpocket.”Meredith’sfingersstilled.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Vervain,Meredith.Verbenaofficinalis.I’vegotafriendwho’sintothesethings.”Tylerwasfocusednow,hissmilegrowing,watchingherfaceasifitwerehisfavoriteTVshow.Likeacattiredofplayingwithamouse,hewasmovingin.“AndIknowwhatit’sfor,too.”Hecastanexaggeratedglancearoundandputafingertohislips.“Shh.Vampires,”hewhispered.Thenhethrewbackhisheadandlaughedloudly.Meredithbackedawayastep.

“Youthinkthat’sgoingtohelpyou,don’tyou?ButI’mgoingtotellyouasecret.”

Meredith’seyesmeasuredthedistancebetweenherselfandthepath.Shekeptherfacecalm,butaviolentshakingwasbeginninginsideher.Shedidn’tknowifshewasgoingtobeabletopullthisoff.

“You’renotgoinganywhere,babe,”Tylersaid,andalargehandclaspedMeredith’swrist.Itwashotanddampwhereshecouldfeelitbelowherjacketcuff.“You’regoingtostayrighthereforyoursurprise.”Hisbodywashunchednow,hisheadthrustforward,andtherewasanexultantleeronhislips.

“Letmego,Tyler.You’rehurtingme!”PanicflasheddownallMeredith’snervesatthefeelofTyler’sfleshagainsthers.Butthehandonlygrippedharder,grindingtendonagainstboneinherwrist.

“Thisisasecret,baby,thatnobodyelseknows,”Tylersaid,pullingherclose,hisbreathhotinherface.“Youcameherealldeckedoutagainstvampires.ButI’mnotavampire.”Meredith’sheartwaspounding.“Letgo!”

“FirstIwantyoutolookoverthere.Youcanseetheheadstonenow,”hesaid,turninghersothatshecouldn’thelpbutlook.Andhewasright;shecouldseeit,likearedmonumentwithashiningglobeontop.Or–notaglobe.Thatmarbleballlookedlike…itlookedlike…

“Nowlookeast.Whatdoyouseethere,Meredith?”Tylerwenton,hisvoicehoarsewithexcitement.

Itwasthefullmoon.Ithadrisenwhilehe’dbeentalkingtoher,andnowithungabovethehills,perfectlyroundandenormouslydistended,ahugeandswollenredball.Andthatwaswhattheheadstonelookedlike.Likeafullmoondrippingwithblood.“Youcamehereprotectedagainstvampires,Meredith,”Tylersaidfrombehindher,evenmorehoarsely.“ButtheSmallwoodsaren’tvampiresatall.We’resomethingelse.”Andthenhegrowled.

Nohumanthroatcouldhavemadethesound.Itwasn’tanimitationofananimal;itwasreal.Aviciousgutturalsnarlthatwentupandup,snappingMeredith’sheadaroundtolookathim,tostareindisbelief.Whatshewasseeingwassohorriblehermindcouldn’tacceptit…Meredithscreamed.

“Itoldyouitwasasurprise.Howdoyoulikeit?”Tylersaid.Hisvoicewasthickwithsaliva,andhisredtonguelolledamongtherowsoflongcanineteeth.Hisfacewasn’tafaceanymore.Itjuttedoutgrotesquelyintoamuzzle,andhiseyeswereyellow,withslitlikepupils.Hisreddish-sandyhairhadgrownoverhischeeksanddownthebackofhisneck.Apelt.“Youcanscreamallyouwantuphereandnobody’sgoingtohearyou,”headded.

EverymuscleinMeredith’sbodywasrigid,tryingtogetawayfromhim.Itwasavisceralreaction,oneshecouldn’thavehelpedifshewantedto.Hisbreathwassohot,anditsmelledferal,likeananimal.Thenailshewasdiggingintoherwristwerestumpyblackenedclaws.Shedidn’thavethestrengthtoscreamagain.

“There’sotherthingsbesidesvampireswithatasteforblood,”Tylersaidinhisnew

slurpingvoice.“AndIwanttotasteyours.Butfirstwe’regoingtohavesomefun.”Althoughhestillstoodontwofeet,hisbodywashumpedandstrangelydistorted.Meredith’sstruggleswerefeebleasheforcedhertotheground.Shewasastronggirl,buthewasfarstronger,hismusclesbunchingunderhisshirtashepinnedher.

“You’vealwaysbeentoogoodforme,haven’tyou?Well,nowyou’regoingtofindoutwhatyou’vebeenmissing.”

Ican’tbreathe,Merediththoughtwildly.Hisarmwasacrossherthroat,blockingherair.Graywavesrolledthroughherbrain.Ifshepassedoutnow…

“You’regoingtowishyoudiedasfastasSue.”Tyler’sfacefloatedaboveher,redasthemoon,withthatlongtonguelolling.Hisotherhandheldherarmsaboveherhead.“YoueverhearthestoryofLittleRedRidingHood?”

Thegraywasturningintoblackness,speckledwithlittlelights.Likestars,Merediththought.I’mfallinginthestars…

“Tyler,takeyourhandsoffher!Letgoofher,now!”Matt’svoiceshouted.

Tyler’sslaveringsnarlbrokeoffintoasurprisedwhine.ThearmagainstMeredith’sthroatreleasedpressure,andairrushedintoherlungs.

Footstepswerepoundingaroundher.“I’vebeenwaitingalongtimetodothis,Tyler,”Mattsaid,jerkingthesandy-redheadbackbythehair.ThenMatt’sfistsmashedintoTyler’snewlygrownmuzzle.Bloodspurtedfromthewetanimalnose.

ThesoundTylermadefrozeMeredith’sheartinherchest.HesprangatMatt,twistinginmidair,clawsoutstretched.MattfellbackundertheassaultandMeredith,dizzy,triedtopushherselfupofftheground.Shecouldn’t;allhermusclesweretremblinguncontrollably.ButsomeoneelsepickedTyleroffMattasifTylerweighednomorethanadoll.

“Justlikeoldtimes,Tyler,”Stefansaid,settingTyleronhisfeetandfacinghim.Tylerstaredaminute,thentriedtorun.

Hewasfast,dodgingwithanimalagilitybetweentherowsofgraves.ButStefanwasfasterandcuthimoff.

“Meredith,areyouhurt?Meredith?”Bonniewaskneelingbesideher.Meredithnodded–shestillcouldn’tspeak–andletBonniesupportherhead.“Iknewweshouldhavestoppedhimsooner,Iknewit,”Bonniewentonworriedly.

StefanwasdraggingTylerback.“Ialwaysknewyouwereajerk,”hesaid,shovingTyleragainstaheadstone,“butIdidn’tknowyouwerethisstupid.I’dhavethoughtyouwouldhavelearnednottojumpgirlsingraveyards,butno.AndyouhadtobragaboutwhatyoudidtoSue,too.Thatwasn’tsmart,Tyler.”

Meredithlookedatthemastheyfacedeachother.Sodifferent,shethought.Eventhoughtheywerebothcreaturesofdarknessinsomeway.Stefanwaspale,hisgreeneyesblazingwithangerandmenace,buttherewasadignity,almostapurityabouthim.Hewaslikesomesternangelcarvedinunyieldingmarble.Tylerjustlookedlikeatrappedanimal.Hewascrouched,breathinghard,bloodandsalivaminglingonhischest.Thoseyelloweyes

glitteredwithhateandfear,andhisfingersworkedasifhe’dliketoclawsomething.Alowsoundcameoutofhisthroat.

“Don’tworry,I’mnotgoingtobeatyouupthistime,”Stefansaid.“Notunlessyoutrytogetaway.We’reallgoinguptothechurchtohavealittlechat.Youliketotellstories,Tyler;well,you’regoingtotellmeonenow.”

Tylersprangathim,vaultingstraightfromthegroundforStefan’sthroat.ButStefanwasreadyforhim.MeredithsuspectedthatbothStefanandMattenjoyedthenextfewminutes,workingofftheiraccumulatedaggressions,butshedidn’t,soshelookedaway.Intheend,Tylerwastrussedupwithnyloncord.Hecouldwalk,orshuffleatleast,andStefanheldthebackofhisshirtandguidedhimurgentlyupthepathtothechurch.Inside,StefanpushedTylerontothegroundneartheopentomb.“Now,”hesaid,“wearegoingtotalk.Andyou’regoingtocooperate,Tyler,oryou’regoingtobevery,verysorry.”

Ten

Meredithsatdownontheknee-highwalloftheruinedchurch.“Yousaiditwasgoingtobedangerous,Stefan,butyoudidn’tsayyouweregoingtolethimstrangleme.”“I’msorry.Iwashopinghe’dgivesomemoreinformation,especiallyafterheadmittedtobeingtherewhenSuedied.ButIshouldn’thavewaited.”

“Ihaven’tadmittedanything!Youcan’tproveanything,”Tylersaid.Theanimalwhinewasbackinhisvoice,butonthewalkuphisfaceandbodyhadreturnedtonormal.Orrather,they’dreturnedtohuman,Merediththought.Theswellingandbruisesanddriedbloodweren’tnormal.

“Thisisn’tacourtoflaw,Tyler,”shesaid.“Yourfathercan’thelpyounow.”

“Butifitwere,we’dhaveaprettygoodcase,”Stefanadded.“Enoughtoputyouawayonconspiracytocommitmurder,Ithink.”

“That’sifsomebodydoesn’tmeltdowntheirgrandma’steaspoonstomakeasilverbullet,”Mattputin.

Tylerlookedfromonetoanotherofthem.“Iwon’ttellyouanything.”

“Tyler,youknowwhatyouare?You’reabully,”Bonniesaid.“Andbulliesalwaystalk.”

“Youdon’tmindpinningagirldownandthreateningher,”saidMatt,“butwhenherfriendsturnup,you’rescaredspitless.”Tylerjustglaredatallofthem.

“Well,ifyoudon’twanttotalk,IguessI’llhaveto,”Stefansaid.Heleaneddownandpickedupthethickbookhe’dgottenfromthelibrary.Onefootonthelipofthetomb,herestedthebookonhiskneeandopenedit.Inthatmoment,Merediththought,helookedfrighteninglylikeDamon.

“ThisisabookbyGervaseofTilbury,Tyler,”hesaid.“Itwaswrittenaroundtheyear1210A.D.Oneofthethingsittalksaboutiswerewolves.”“Youcan’tproveanything!Youdon’thaveanyevidence–”

“Shutup,Tyler!”Stefanlookedathim.“Idon’tneedtoproveit.Icanseeit,evennow.HaveyouforgottenwhatIam?”Therewasasilence,andthenStefanwenton.“WhenIgothereafewdaysago,therewasamystery.Agirlwasdead.Butwhokilledher?Andwhy?AllthecluesIcouldseeseemedcontradictory.

“Itwasn’tanordinarykilling,notsomehumanpsychooffthestreet.IhadthewordofsomebodyItrustedonthat–andindependentevidence,too.Anordinarykillercan’twork

aOuijaboardbytelekinesis.Anordinarykillercan’tcausefusestoblowinapowerplanthundredsofmilesaway.

“No,thiswassomebodywithtremendousphysicalandpsychicpower.FromeverythingVickietoldme,itsoundedlikeavampire.

“ExceptthatSueCarsonstillhadherblood.Avampirewouldhavedrainedatleastsomeofit.Novampirecouldresistthat,especiallynotakiller.That’swherethehighcomesfrom,andthehigh’sthereasontokill.Butthepolicedoctorfoundnoholesinherveins,andonlyasmallamountofbleeding.Itdidn’tmakesense.

“Andtherewasanotherthing.Youwereinthathouse,Tyler.YoumadethemistakeofgrabbingBonniethatnight,andthenyoumadethemistakeofshootingoffyourmouththenextday,sayingthingsyoucouldn’thaveknownunlessyouwerethere.

“Sowhatdidwehave?Aseasonedvampire,aviciouskillerwithPowertospare?Orahighschoolbullywhocouldn’torganizeatriptothetoiletwithoutfallingoverhisownfeet?Which?Theevidencepointedbothways,andIcouldn’tmakeupmymind.“ThenIwenttoseeSue’sbodymyself.Andthereitwas,thebiggestmysteryofall.Acuthere.”Stefan’sfingersketchedasharplinedownfromhiscollarbone.“Typical,traditionalcut–madebyvampirestosharetheirownblood.ButSuewasn’tavampire,andshedidn’tmakethatcutherself.Someonemadeitforherasshelaytheredyingontheground.”

Meredithshuthereyes,andsheheardBonnieswallowhardbesideher.SheputoutahandandfoundBonnie’sandheldtight,butshewentonlistening.Stefanhadnotgoneintothiskindofdetailinhisexplanationtothembefore.

“Vampiresdon’tneedtocuttheirvictimslikethat;theyusetheirteeth,”Stefansaid.Hisupperlipliftedslightlytoshowhisownteeth.“Butifavampirewantedtodrawbloodforsomebodyelsetodrink,hemightcutinsteadofbiting.Ifavampirewantedtogivesomeoneelsethefirstandonlytaste,hemightdothat.

“Andthatstartedmethinkingaboutblood.Bloodisimportant,yousee.Forvampires,itgiveslife,Power.It’sallweneedforsurvival,andtherearetimeswhenneedingitdrivesuscrazy.Butit’sgoodforotherthings,too.Forinstance…initiation.

“InitiationandPower.NowIwasthinkingaboutthosetwothings,puttingthemtogetherwithwhatI’dseenofyou,Tyler,whenIwasinFell’sChurchbefore.LittlethingsIhadn’treallyfocusedon.ButIrememberedsomethingElenahadtoldmeaboutyourfamilyhistory,andIdecidedtocheckitoutinHonoriaFell’sjournal.”

Stefanliftedapieceofpaperfrombetweenthepagesofthebookheheld.“Andthereitwas,inHonoria’shandwriting.IXeroxedthepagesoIcouldreadittoyou.TheSmallwoods’littlefamilysecret–ifyoucanreadbetweenthelines.”Lookingdownatthepaper,heread:

“November12.Candlesmade,flaxspun.Weareshortoncornmealandsalt,butwewillgetthroughthewinter.Lastnightanalarm;wolvesattackedJacobSmallwoodashereturnedfromtheforest.Itreatedthewoundwithwhortleberryandsallowbark,butitisdeepandIamafraid.AftercominghomeIcasttherunes.IhavetoldnoonebutThomastheresults.

“Castingtherunesisdivining,”Stefanadded,lookingup.“Honoriawaswhatwe’dcallawitch.Shegoesonheretotalkabout‘wolftrouble’invariousotherpartsofthesettlement–itseemsthatallofasuddentherewerefrequentattacks,especiallyonyounggirls.Shetellshowsheandherhusbandbecamemoreandmoreconcerned.Andfinally,this:

“December20.WolftroubleattheSmallwoods’again.Weheardthescreamsafewminutesago,andThomassaiditwastime.Hemadethebulletsyesterday.Hehasloadedhisrifleandwewillwalkover.Ifwearespared,Iwillwriteagain.

“December21.WentovertoSmallwoods’lastnight.Jacobsorelyafflicted.Wolfkilled.

“WewillburyJacobinthelittlegraveyardatthefootofthehill.Mayhissoulfindpeaceindeath.

“IntheofficialhistoryofFell’sChurch,”Stefansaid,“that’sbeeninterpretedtomeanthatThomasFellandhiswifewentovertotheSmallwoods’tofindJacobSmallwoodbeingattackedbyawolfagain,andthatthewolfkilledhim.Butthat’swrong.WhatitreallysaysisnotthatthewolfkilledJacobSmallwoodbutthatJacobSmallwood,thewolf,waskilled.”

Stefanshutthebook.“Hewasawerewolf,yourgreat-great-great-whatevergrandfather,Tyler.Hegotthatwaybybeingattackedbyawerewolfhimself.Andhepassedhiswerewolfvirusontothesonwhowasborneightandahalfmonthsafterhedied.Justthewayyourfatherpasseditontoyou.”

“Ialwaysknewtherewassomethingaboutyou,Tyler,”Bonniesaid,andMeredithopenedhereyes.“Inevercouldtellwhatitwas,butatthebackofmymindsomethingwastellingmeyouwerecreepy.”

“Weusedtomakejokesaboutit,”Meredithsaid,hervoicestillhusky.“Aboutyour‘animalmagnetismandyourbigwhiteteeth.Wejustneverknewhowclosetothemarkwewere.”

“Sometimespsychicscansensethatkindofthing,”Stefanconceded.“Sometimesevenordinarypeoplecan.Ishouldhaveseenit,butIwaspreoccupied.Still,that’snoexcuse.Andobviouslysomebodyelse–thepsychickiller–sawitrightaway.Didn’the,Tyler?Amanwearinganoldraincoatcametoyou.Hewastall,withblondhairandblueeyes,andhemadesomekindofadealwithyou.Inexchangefor–something–he’dshowyouhowtoreclaimyourheritage.Howtobecomearealwerewolf.

“BecauseaccordingtoGervaseofTilbury”–Stefantappedthebookonhisknee–“awerewolfwhohasn’tbeenbittenhimselfneedstobeinitiated.Thatmeansyoucanhavethewerewolfvirusallyourlifebutneverevenknowitbecauseit’sneveractivated.GenerationsofSmallwoodshavelivedanddied,buttheviruswasdormantinthembecausetheydidn’tknowthesecretofwakingitup.Butthemanintheraincoatknew.Heknewthatyouhavetokillandtastefreshblood.Afterthat,atthefirstfullmoonyoucanchange.”Stefanglancedup,andMeredithfollowedhisgazetothewhitediskofthemooninthesky.Itlookedcleanandtwodimensionalnow,nolongerasullenredglobe.AlookofsuspicionpassedoverTyler’sfleshyfeatures,andthenalookofrenewedfury.“Youtrickedme!Youplannedthis!”

“Veryclever,”saidMeredith,andMattsaid,“Nokidding.”Bonniewetherfingerand

markedanimaginary1onaninvisibleScoreboard.

“Iknewyouwouldn’tbeabletoresistfollowingoneofthegirlshereifyouthoughtshe’dbealone,”saidStefan.“You’dthinkthatthegraveyardwastheperfectplacetokill;you’dhavecompleteprivacy.AndIknewyouwouldn’tbeabletoresistbraggingaboutwhatyou’ddone.Iwashopingyou’dtellMeredithmoreabouttheotherkiller,theonewhoactuallythrewSueoutthewindow,theonewhocuthersoyoucoulddrinkfreshblood.Thevampire,Tyler.Whoishe?Whereishehiding?”

Tyler’slookofvenomoushatredchangedtoasneer.“YouthinkI’dtellyouthat?He’smyfriend.”

“Heisnotyourfriend,Tyler.He’susingyou.Andhe’samurderer.”“Don’tgetinanydeeper,Tyler,”Mattadded.

“You’realreadyanaccessory.TonightyoutriedtokillMeredith.Prettysoonyou’renotgoingtobeabletogobackevenifyouwantto.Besmartandstopthisnow.Telluswhatyouknow.”

Tylerbaredhisteeth.“I’mnottellingyouanything.How’reyougoingtomakeme?”Theothersexchangedglances.Theatmospherechanged,becamechargedwithtensionastheyallturnedbacktoTyler.

“Youreallydon’tunderstand,doyou?”Meredithsaidquietly.“Tyler,youhelpedkillSue.ShediedforanobsceneritualsothatyoucouldchangeintothatthingIsaw.Youwereplanningtokillme,andVickieandBonnietoo,I’msure.Doyouthinkwehaveanypityforyou?Doyouthinkwebroughtyouupheretobenicetoyou?”

Therewasasilence.ThesneerwasfadingfromTyler’slips.Helookedfromonefacetoanother.

Theywereallimplacable.EvenBonnie’ssmallfacewasunforgiving.

“GervaseofTilburymentionsoneinterestingthing,”Stefansaid,almostpleasantly.“There’sacureforwerewolvesbesidesthetraditionalsilverbullet.Listen.”Bymoonlight,hereadfromthebookonhisknee.“Itiscommonlyreportedandheldbygraveandworthydoctorsthatifawerewolfbeshornofoneofhismembers,heshallsurelyrecoverhisoriginalbody.GervasegoesontotellthestoryofRaimbaudofAuvergne,awerewolfwhowascuredwhenacarpentercutoffoneofhishindpaws.Ofcourse,thatwasprobablyhideouslypainful,butthestorygoesthatRaimbaudthankedthecarpenter‘forriddinghimforeveroftheaccursedanddamnableform.’”Stefanraisedhishead.“Now,I’mthinkingthatifTylerwon’thelpuswithinformation,theleastwecandoismakesurehedoesn’tgooutandkillagain.Whatdotherestofyousay?”Mattspokeup.“Ithinkit’sourdutytocurehim.”

“Allwehavetodoisrelievehimofoneofhismembers,”Bonnieagreed.“Icanthinkofonerightoff,”Meredithsaidunderherbreath.

Tyler’seyeswerestartingtobulge.Underthedirtandbloodhisnormallyruddyfacehadgonepale.“You’rebluffing!”

“Gettheax,Matt,”saidStefan.“Meredith,youtakeoffoneofhisshoes.”

Tylerkickedwhenshedid,aimingforherface.Mattcameandgothisheadinahammer-lock.“Don’tmakeitanyworseonyourself,Tyler.”

ThebarefootMeredithexposedwasbig,thesoleassweatyasTyler’spalms.Coarsehairsproutedfromthetoes.ItmadeMeredith’sskincrawl.“Let’sgetthisoverwith,”shesaid.

“You’rejoking!”Tylerhowled,thrashingsothatBonniehadtocomeandgrabhisotherlegandkneelonit.“Youcan’tdothis!Youcan’t!”

“Keephimstill,”Stefansaid.Workingtogether,theystretchedTylerout,hisheadlockedinMatt’sarm,hislegsspreadandpinnedbythegirls.MakingsureTylercouldseewhathewasdoing,Stefanbalancedabranchperhapstwoinchesthickonthelipofthetomb.Heraisedtheaxandthenbroughtitdownhard,severingthestickwithoneblow.“It’ssharpenough,”hesaid.“Meredith,rollhispantslegup.Thentiesomeofthatcordjustabovehisankleastightasyoucanforatourniquet.Otherwisehe’llbleedout.”“Youcan’tdothis!”Tylerwasscreaming.“Youcan’tdooooooothis!”

“Screamallyouwant,Tyler.Uphere,nobody’sgoingtohearyou,right?”Stefansaid.“You’renobetterthanIam!”Tyleryelledinasprayofspittle.“You’reakillertoo!”“IknowexactlywhatIam,”Stefansaid.“Believeme,Tyler.Iknow.Iseverybodyready?Good.Holdontohim;he’sgoingtojumpwhenIdoit.”Tyler’sscreamsweren’tevenwordsanymore.

MattwasholdinghimsothathecouldseeStefankneelandtakeaim,heftingtheaxbladeaboveTyler’sankletogaugeforceanddistance.“Now,”saidStefan,raisingtheaxhigh.“No!No!I’lltalktoyou!I’lltalk!”shriekedTyler.

Stefanglancedathim.“Toolate,”hesaid,andbroughttheaxdown.

Itreboundedoffthestonefloorwithaclangandaspark,butthenoisewasdrownedbyTyler’sscreaming.ItseemedtotakeTylerseveralminutestorealizethatthebladehadn’ttouchedhisfoot.Hepausedforbreathonlywhenhechoked,andturnedwild,bulgingeyesonStefan.“Starttalking,”Stefansaid,hisvoicewintry,remorseless.

LittlewhimperswerecomingfromTyler’sthroatandtherewasfoamonhislips.“Idon’tknowhisname,”hegaspedout.“Buthelookslikeyousaid.Andyou’reright;he’savampire,man!Isawhimdrainaten-pointbuckwhileitwasstillkicking.Heliedtome,”Tyleradded,thewhinecreepingbackintohisvoice.“HetoldmeI’dbestrongerthananybody,asstrongashim.HesaidIcouldhaveanygirlIwanted,anywayIwanted.Thecreeplied.”

“Hetoldyouthatyoucouldkillandgetawaywithit,”Stefansaid.

“HesaidIcoulddoCarolinethatnight.Shehaditcomingafterthewaysheditchedme.Iwantedtomakeherbeg–butshegotoutofthehousesomehow.IcouldhaveCarolineandVickie,hesaid.AllhewantedwasBonnieandMeredith.”

“ButyoujusttriedtokillMeredith.”

“Thatwasnow.Thingsaredifferentnow,stupid.Hesaiditwasallright.”

“Why?”MeredithaskedStefaninanundertone.

“Maybebecauseyou’dservedyourpurpose,”hesaid.“You’dbroughtmehere.”Thenhewenton,“Allright,Tyler,showusyou’recooperating.Tellushowwecangetthisguy.”

“Gethim?You’renuts!”Tylerburstintouglylaughter,andMatttightenedthearmaroundhisthroat.“Hey,chokemeallyouwant;it’sstillthetruth.Hetoldmehe’soneoftheOldOnes,oneoftheOriginals,whateverthatmeans.Hesaidhe’sbeenmakingvampiressincebeforethepyramids.Hesaidhe’smadeabargainwiththedevil.Youcouldstickastakeinhisheartanditwouldn’tdoanything.Youcan’tkillhim.”Thelaughterbecameuncontrolled.

“Where’shehiding,Tyler?”Stefanrappedout.“Everyvampireneedsaplacetosleep.Whereisit?”

“He’dkillmeifItoldyouthat.He’deatme,man.God,ifItoldyouwhathedidtothatbuckbeforeitdied…”Tyler’slaughterwasturningintosomethinglikesobs.“Thenyou’dbetterhelpusdestroyhimbeforehecanfindyou,hadn’tyou?What’shisweakpoint?How’shevulnerable?”“God,thatpoorbuck…”Tylerwasblubbering.

“WhataboutSue?Didyoucryoverher?”Stefansaidsharply.Hepickeduptheax.“Ithink,”hesaid,“thatyou’rewastingourtime.”Theaxlifted.“No!No!I’lltalktoyou;I’lltellyousomething.Look,there’sonekindofwoodthatcanhurthim–notkillhim,buthurthim.Headmittedthatbutdidn’ttellmewhatitwas!Isweartoyouthat’sthetruth!”“Notgoodenough,Tyler,”saidStefan.

“ForGod’ssake–I’lltellyouwherehe’sgoingtonight.Ifyougetovertherefastenough,maybeyoucanstophim.”

“Whatdoyoumean,wherehe’sgoingtonight?Talkfast,Tyler!”

“He’sgoingtoVickie’s,okay?Hesaidtonightwegetoneeach.That’shelpful,isn’tit?Ifyouhurry,maybeyoucangetthere!”

Stefanhadfrozen,andMeredithfeltherheartracing.Vickie.Theyhadn’teventhoughtaboutanattackonVickie.“Damon’sguardingher,”Mattsaid.“Right,Stefan?Right?”

“He’ssupposedtobe,”Stefansaid.“Ilefthimthereatdusk.Ifsomethinghappened,heshouldhavecalledme…”

“Youguys,”Bonniewhispered.Hereyeswerebigandherlipsweretrembling.“Ithinkwe’dbettergetovertherenow.”

Theystaredatheramomentandtheneveryonewasmoving.TheaxclangedonthefloorasStefandroppedit.

“Hey,youcan’tleavemelikethis!Ican’tdrive!He’sgonnacomebackforme!Comebackanduntiemyhands!”Tylershrieked.Noneofthemanswered.

TheyranallthewaydownthehillandpiledintoMeredith’scar.Meredithtookoffspeeding,roundingcornersdangerouslyfastandglidingthroughstopsigns,buttherewasapartofherthatdidn’twanttogettoVickie’shouse.Thatwantedtoturnaroundanddrivetheotherway.

I’mcalm;I’mtheonewho’salwayscalm,shethought.Butthatwasontheoutside.Meredithknewverywellhowcalmyoucouldlookontheoutsidewheninsideeverythingwasbreakingup.

TheyroundedthelastcornerontoBirchStreetandMeredithhitthebrakes.“Oh,God!”Bonniecriedfromthebackseat.“No!No!”

“Quick,”Stefansaid.“Theremaystillbeachance.”Hewrenchedopenthedoorandwasoutevenbeforethecarhadstopped.Butinback,Bonniewassobbing.

Eleven

Thecarskiddedinbehindoneofthepolicecarsthatwasparkedcrookedlyinthestreet.Therewerelightseverywhere,lightsflashingblueandredandamber,lightsblazingfromtheBennetthouse.

“Stayhere,”Mattsnapped,andheplungedoutside,followingStefan.

“No!”Bonnie’sheadjerkedup;shewantedtograbhimanddraghimback.Thedizzynauseashe’dfelteversinceTylerhadmentionedVickiewasoverwhelmingher.Itwastoolate;she’dknowninthefirstinstantthatitwastoolate.Mattwasonlygoingtogethimselfkilledtoo.

“Youstay,Bonnie–keepthedoorslocked.I’llgoafterthem.”ThatwasMeredith.

“No!I’msickofhavingeverybodytellmetostay!”Bonniecried,strugglingwiththeseatbelt,finallygettingitunlocked.Shewasstillcrying,butshecouldseewellenoughtogetoutofthecarandstarttowardVickie’shouse.SheheardMeredithrightbehindher.Theactivityallseemedconcentratedatthefront:peopleshouting,awomanscreaming,thecracklingvoicesofpoliceradios.BonnieandMeredithheadedstraightfortheback,forVickie’swindow.Whatiswrongwiththispicture?Bonniethoughtwildlyastheyapproached.Thewrongnessofwhatshewaslookingatwasundeniable,yethardtoputafingeron.Vickie’swindowwasopen–butitcouldn’tbeopen;themiddlepaneofabaywindowneveropens,Bonniethought.Butthenhowcouldthecurtainsbeflutteringoutlikeshirttails?

Notopen,broken.Glasswasalloverthegravelpathway,grindingunderfoot.Therewereshardslikegrinningteethleftinthebareframe.Vickie’shousehadbeenbrokeninto.

“Sheaskedhimin,”Bonniecriedinagonizedfury.“Whydidshedothat?Why?”

“Stayhere,”Meredithsaid,tryingtomoistendrylips.

“Stoptellingmethat.Icantakeit,Meredith.I’mmad,that’sall.Ihatehim.”ShegrippedMeredith’sarmandwentforward.

Thegapingholegotcloserandcloser.Thecurtainsrippled.Therewasenoughspacebetweenthemtoseeinside.

Atthelastmoment,MeredithpushedBonnieawayandlookedthroughfirstherself.Itdidn’tmatter.Bonnie’spsychicsenseswereawakeandalreadytellingheraboutthisplace.Itwaslikethecraterleftinthegroundafterameteorhashitandexploded,orlikethecharredskeletonofaforestafterawildfire.Powerandviolencewerestillthrummingintheair,butthemaineventwasover.Thisplacehadbeenviolated.

Meredithspunawayfromthewindow,doublingover,retching.Clenchingherfistssothatthenailsbitintoherpalms,Bonnieleanedforwardandlookedin.

Thesmellwaswhatstruckherfirst.Awetsmell,meatyandcoppery.Shecouldalmosttasteit,andittastedlikeanaccidentallybittentongue.Thestereowasplayingsomethingshecouldn’thearoverthescreamingoutfrontandthedrumming-surfsoundinherownears.Hereyes,adjustingfromthedarknessoutside,couldseeonlyred.Justred.BecausethatwasthenewcolorofVickie’sroom.Thepowderbluewasgone.Redwallpaper,redcomforter.Redingreatgaudysplashesacrossthefloor.Asifsomekidhadgottenabucketofredpaintandgonecrazy.

Therecordplayerclickedandthestylusswungbacktothebeginning.Withashock,Bonnierecognizedthesongasitstartedover.Itwas“GoodnightSweetheart.”

“Youmonster,”Bonniegasped.Painshotthroughherstomach.Herhandgrippedthewindowframe,tighter,tighter.“Youmonster,Ihateyou!Ihateyou!”

Meredithheardandstraightenedup,turning.Sheshakilypushedbackherhairandmanagedafewdeepbreaths,tryingtolookasifshecouldcope.“You’recuttingyourhand,”shesaid.“Here,letmeseeit.”

Bonniehadn’tevenrealizedshewasgrippingbrokenglass.SheletMeredithtakethehand,butinsteadoflettingherexamineit,sheturneditoverandclaspedMeredith’sowncoldhandtightly.Meredithlookedterrible:darkeyesglazed,lipsblue-whiteandshaking.ButMeredithwasstilltryingtotakecareofher,stilltryingtokeepittogether.“Goon,”shesaid,lookingatherfriendintently.“Cry,Meredith.Screamifyouwantto.Butgetitoutsomehow.Youdon’thavetobecoolnowandkeepitallinside.Youhaveeveryrighttoloseittoday.”

ForamomentMeredithjuststoodthere,trembling,butthensheshookherheadwithaghastlyattemptatasmile.“Ican’t.I’mjustnotmadethatway.Comeon,letmelookatthehand.”

Bonniemighthaveargued,butjustthenMattcamearoundthecorner.Hestartedviolentlytoseethegirlsstandingthere.“Whatareyoudoing–?”hebegan.Thenhesawthewindow.“She’sdead,”Meredithsaidflatly.

“Iknow.”Mattlookedlikeabadphotographofhimself,anoverexposedone.“Theytoldmeupfront.They’rebringingout…”Hestopped.

“Weblewit.Evenafterwepromisedher…”Meredithstoppedtoo.Therewasnothingmoretosay.

“Butthepolicewillhavetobelieveusnow,”Bonniesaid,lookingatMatt,thenMeredith,findingonethingtobegratefulfor.“They’llhaveto.”

“No,”Mattsaid,“theywon’t,Bonnie.Becausethey’resayingit’sasuicide.”

“Asuicide?.Havetheyseenthatroom?Theycallthatasuicide?”Bonniecried,hervoicerising.

“They’resayingshewasmentallyunbalanced.They’resayingshe–gotholdofsomescissors…”“Oh,myGod,”Meredithsaid,turningaway.

“TheythinkmaybeshewasfeelingguiltyforhavingkilledSue.”

“Somebodybrokeintothishouse,”Bonniesaidfiercely.“They’vegottoadmitthat!”

“No.”Meredith’svoicewassoft,asifshewereverytired.“Lookatthewindowhere.Theglassisalloutside.Somebodyfromtheinsidebrokeit.”Andthat’stherestofwhat’swrongwiththepicture,Bonniethought.

“Heprobablydid,gettingout,”Mattsaid.Theylookedateachothersilently,indefeat.“Where’sStefan?”MeredithaskedMattquietly.“Isheoutfrontwhereeveryonecanseehim?”

“No,oncewefoundoutshewasdeadheheadedbackthisway.Iwascomingtolookforhim.Hemustbearoundsomewhere…”

“Sh!”saidBonnie.Theshoutingfromthefronthadstopped.Sohadthewoman’sscreaming.Intherelativestillnesstheycouldhearafaintvoicefrombeyondtheblackwalnuttreesinthebackoftheyard.”–whileyouweresupposedtobewatchingher!”

ThetonemadeBonnie’sskinbreakoutingooseflesh.“That’shim!”Mattsaid.“Andhe’swithDamon.Comeon!”

OncetheywereamongthetreesBonniecouldhearStefan’svoiceclearly.Thetwobrotherswerefacingeachotherinthemoonlight.

“Itrustedyou,Damon.Itrustedyou!”Stefanwassaying.Bonniehadneverseenhimsoangry,notevenwithTylerinthegraveyard.Butitwasmorethananger.

“Andyoujustletithappen,”Stefanwenton,withoutglancingatBonnieandtheothersastheyappeared,withoutgivingDamonachancetoreply.“Whydidn’tyoudosomething?Ifyouweretoomuchofacowardtofighthim,youcouldatleasthavecalledforme.Butyoujuststoodthere!”

Damon’sfacewashard,closed.Hisblackeyesglittered,andtherewasnothinglazyorcasualabouthisposturenow.Helookedasunbendingandbrittleasapaneofglass.Heopenedhismouth,butStefaninterrupted.

“It’smyownfault.Ishouldhaveknownbetter.Ididknowbetter.Theyallknew,theywarnedme,butIwouldn’tlisten.”

“Oh,didthey?”DamonsnappedaglancetowardBonnieonthesidelines.Achillwentthroughher.“Stefan,wait,”Mattsaid.“Ithink–“

“Ishouldhavelistened!”Stefanwasragingon.Hedidn’tevenseemtohearMatt.“Ishouldhavestayedwithhermyself.Ipromisedhershewouldbesafe–andIlied!ShediedthinkingIbetrayedher.”Bonniecouldseeitinhisfacenow,theguilteatingintohimlikeacid.“IfIhadstayedhere–“

“Youwouldbedeadtoo!”Damonhissed.“Thisisn’tanordinaryvampireyou’redealing

with.Hewouldhavebrokenyouintwolikeadrytwig–“

“Andthatwouldhavebeenbetter!”Stefancried.Hischestwasheaving.“Iwouldratherhavediedwithherthanstoodbyandwatchedit!Whathappened,Damon?”Hehadgottenholdofhimselfnow,andhewascalm,toocalm;hisgreeneyeswereburningfeverishlyinhispaleface,hisvoicevicious,poisonous,ashespoke.“Wereyoutoobusychasingsomeothergirlthroughthebushes?Orjusttoouninterestedtointerfere?”Damonsaidnothing.Hewasjustaspaleashisbrother,everymuscletenseandrigid.WavesofblackfurywererisingfromhimashewatchedStefan.

“Ormaybeyouenjoyedit,”Stefanwascontinuing,movinganotherhalfstepforwardsothathewasrightinDamon’sface.“Yes,thatwasprobablyit;youlikedit,beingwithanotherkiller.Wasitgood,Damon?Didheletyouwatch?”Damon’sfistjerkedbackandhehitStefan.

IthappenedtoofastforBonnie’seyetofollow.Stefanfellbackwardontothesoftground,longlegssprawling.Meredithcriedoutsomething,andMattjumpedinfrontofDamon.

Brave,Bonniethoughtdazedly,butstupid.Theairwascracklingwithelectricity.Stefanraisedahandtohismouthandfoundblood,blackinthemoonlight.Bonnielurchedovertohissideandgrabbedhisarm.

Damonwascomingafterhimagain.Mattfellbackbeforehim,butnotalltheway.HedroppedtohiskneesbesideStefan,sittingonhisheels,onehandupraised.“Enough,youguys!Enough,allright?”heshouted.

Stefanwastryingtogetup.Bonnieheldontohisarmmorefirmly.“No!Stefan,don’t!Don’t!”shebegged.Meredithgrabbedhisotherarm.

“Damon,leaveitalone!Justleaveit!”Mattwassayingsharply.

We’reallcrazy,gettinginthemiddleofthis,Bonniethought.Tryingtobreakupafightbetweentwoangryvampires.They’regoingtokillusjusttoshutusup.Damon’sgoingtoswatMattlikeafly.

ButDamonhadstopped,withMattblockinghisway.Foralongmomentthesceneremainedfrozen,nobodymoving,everybodyrigidwithstrain.Then,slowly,Damon’sstancerelaxed.

Hishandsloweredandunclenched.Hedrewaslowbreath.Bonnierealizedshe’dbeenholdingherownbreath,andsheletitout.

Damon’sfacewascoldasastatuecarvedinice.“Allright,haveityourway,”hesaid,andhisvoicewascoldtoo.“ButI’mthroughhere.I’mleaving.Andthistime,brother,ifyoufollowme,I’llkillyou.Promiseornopromise.”

“Iwon’tfollowyou,”Stefansaidfromwherehesat.Hisvoicesoundedasifhe’dbeenswallowinggroundglass.

Damonhitcheduphisjacket,straighteningit.WithaglanceatBonniethatscarcelyseemedtoseeher,heturnedtogo.Thenheturnedbackandspokeclearlyandprecisely,eachwordanarrowaimedatStefan.

“Iwarnedyou,”hesaid.“AboutwhatIam,andaboutwhichsidewouldwin.Youshould

havelistenedtome,littlebrother.Maybeyou’lllearnsomethingfromtonight.”“I’velearnedwhattrustingyouisworth,”Stefansaid.“Getoutofhere,Damon.Ineverwanttoseeyouagain.”

Withoutanotherword,Damonturnedandwalkedawayintothedarkness.BonnieletgoofStefan’sarmandputherheadinherhands.

Stefangotup,shakinghimselflikeacatthathadbeenheldagainstitswill.Hewalkedalittledistancefromtheothers,hisfaceavertedfromthem.Thenhesimplystoodthere.Therageseemedtohavelefthimasquicklyasithadcome.

Whatdowesaynow?Bonniewondered,lookingup.Whatcanwesay?Stefanwasrightaboutonething:theyhadwarnedhimaboutDamonandhehadn’tlistened.He’dtrulyseemedtobelievethathisbrothercouldbetrusted.Andthenthey’dallgottencareless,relyingonDamonbecauseitwaseasyandbecausetheyneededthehelp.NoonehadarguedagainstlettingDamonwatchVickietonight.

Theywerealltoblame.ButitwasStefanwhowouldtearhimselfapartwithguiltoverthis.Sheknewthatwasbehindhisout-of-controlfuryatDamon:hisownshameandremorse.ShewonderedifDamonknewthat,orcared.Andshewonderedwhathadreallyhappenedtonight.NowthatDamonhadleft,theywouldprobablyneverknow.Nomatterwhat,shethought,itwasbetterhewasgone.

Outsidenoiseswerereassertingthemselves:carsbeingstartedinthestreet,theshortburstofasiren,doorsslamming.Theyweresafeinthelittlegroveoftreesforthemoment,buttheycouldn’tstayhere.

Meredithhadonehandpressedtoherforehead,hereyesshut.BonnielookedfromhertoStefan,tothelightsofVickie’ssilenthomebeyondthetrees.Awaveofsheerexhaustionpassedthroughherbody.Alltheadrenalinethathadbeensupportingherthroughoutthiseveningseemedtohavedrainedaway.Shedidn’tevenfeelangryanymoreatVickie’sdeath;onlydepressedandsickandvery,verytired.Shewishedshecouldcrawlintoherbedathomeand.pulltheblanketsoverherhead.

“Tyler,”shesaidaloud.Andwhentheyallturnedtolookather,shesaid,“Welefthimintheruinedchurch.Andhe’sourlasthopenow.We’vegottomakehimhelpus.”Thatrousedeveryone.Stefanturnedaroundsilently,notspeakingandnotmeetinganyone’seyesashefollowedthembacktothestreet.Thepolicecarsandambulanceweregone,andtheydrovetothecemeterywithoutincident.Butwhentheyreachedtheruinedchurch,Tylerwasn’tthere.

“Welefthisfeetuntied,”Mattsaidheavily,withagrimaceofself-disgust.“Hemusthavewalkedawaysincehiscar’sstilldownthere.”Orhecouldhavebeentaken,Bonniethought.Therewasnomarkonthestonefloortoshowwhich.

Meredithwenttotheknee-highwallandsatdown,onehandpinchingthebridgeofhernose.Bonniesaggedagainstthebelfry.

They’dfailedcompletely.Thatwasthelongandshortofittonight.They’dlostandhehadwon.Everythingthey’ddonetodayhadendedindefeat.

AndStefan,shecouldtell,wastakingthewholeresponsibilityonhisownshoulders.

Sheglancedatthedark,bowedheadinthefrontseatastheydrovebacktotheboardinghouse.Anotherthoughtoccurredtoher,onethatsentthrillsofalarmdownhernerves.StefanwasalltheyhadtoprotectthemnowthatDamonwasgone.AndifStefanhimselfwasweakandexhausted…

BonniebitherlipasMeredithpulleduptothebarn.Anideawasforminginhermind.Itmadeheruneasy,evenfrightened,butanotherlookatStefanputsteelinherresolve.TheFerrariwasstillparkedbehindthebarn–apparentlyDamonhadabandonedit.Bonniewonderedhowheplannedtogetaboutthecountryside,andthenthoughtofwings.Velvetysoft,strongblackcrow’swingsthatreflectedrainbowsintheirfeathers.Damondidn’tneedacar.

TheywentintotheboardinghousejustlongenoughforBonnietocallherparentsandsayshewasspendingthenightatMeredith’s.Thiswasheridea.ButafterStefanhadclimbedthestairstohisatticroom,BonniestoppedMattonthefrontporch.“Matt?CanIaskyouafavor?”

Heswungaround,blueeyeswidening.“That’saloadedphrase.EverytimeElenasaidthoseparticularwords…”

“No,no,thisisnothingterrible.IjustwantyoutotakecareofMeredith,seeshe’sokayonceshegetshomeandall.”Shegesturedtowardtheothergirl,whowasalreadywalkingtowardthecar.“Butyou’recomingwithus.”Bonnieglancedatthestairsthroughtheopendoor.“No.IthinkI’llstayafewminutes.Stefancandrivemehome.Ijustwanttotalktohimaboutsomething.”Mattlookedbewildered.“Talktohimaboutwhat?”“Justsomething.Ican’texplainnow.Willyou,Matt?”

“But…oh,allright.I’mtootiredtocare.Dowhatyouwant.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”Hewalkedoff,seemingbaffledandalittleangry.

Bonniewasbaffledherselfathisattitude.Whyshouldhecare,tiredornot,ifshetalkedtoStefan?Buttherewasnotimetowastepuzzlingoverit.Shefacedthestairsand,squaringhershoulders,wentupthem.

Thebulbintheatticceilinglampwasmissing,andStefanhadlightedacandle.Hewaslyinghaphazardlyonthebed,onelegoffandonelegon,hiseyesshut.Maybeasleep.Bonnietiptoedupandfortifiedherselfwithadeepbreath.“Stefan?”Hiseyesopened.“Ithoughtyou’dleft.”

“Theydid.Ididn’t.”God,he’spale,thoughtBonnie.Impulsively,sheplungedrightin.“Stefan,I’vebeenthinking.WithDamongone,you’retheonlythingbetweenusandthekiller.Thatmeansyou’vegottobestrong,asstrongasyoucanbe.And,well,itoccurredtomethatmaybe…youknow…youmightneed…”Hervoicefaltered.Unconsciouslyshe’dbegunfiddlingwiththewadoftissuesformingamakeshiftbandageonherpalm.Itwasstillbleedingsluggishlyfromwhereshe’dcutitontheglass.Hisgazefollowedhersdowntoit.Thenhiseyesliftedquicklytoherface,readingtheconfirmationthere.Therewasalongmomentofsilence.Thenheshookhishead.

“Butwhy?Stefan,Idon’twanttogetpersonal,butfranklyyoudon’tlooksogood.You’renotgoingtobemuchhelptoanybodyifyoucollapseonus.And…Idon’tmind,ifyouonlytakealittle.Imean,I’mnevergoingtomissit,right?Anditcan’thurtallthatmuch.And…”Onceagainhervoicetrailedoff.Hewasjustlookingather,whichwasverydisconcerting.“Well,whynot?”shedemanded,feelingslightlyletdown.“Because,”hesaidsoftly,“Imadeapromise.Maybenotinsomanywords,but–apromisejustthesame.Iwon’ttakehumanbloodasfood,becausethatmeansusingaperson,likelivestock.AndIwon’texchangeitwithanyone,becausethatmeanslove,and–”Thistimehewastheonewhocouldn’tfinish.ButBonnieunderstood.“Therewon’teverbeanyoneelse,willthere?”shesaid.

“No.Notforme.”StefanwassotiredthathiscontrolwasslippingandBonniecouldseebehindthemask.Andagainshesawthatpainandneed,sogreatthatshehadtolookawayfromhim.

Astrangelittlechillofpremonitionanddismaytrickledthroughherheart.Before,shehadwonderedifMattwouldevergetoverElena,andhehad,itseemed.ButStefan–Stefan,sherealized,thechilldeepening,wasdifferent.Nomatterhowmuchtimepassed,nomatterwhathedid,hewouldnevertrulyheal.WithoutElenahewouldalwaysbehalfhimself,onlyhalfalive.

Shehadtothinkofsomething,dosomething,topushthisawfulfeelingofdreadaway.StefanneededElena;hecouldn’tbewholewithouther.Tonighthe’dstartedtocrackup,swingingbetweendangerouslytightcontrolandviolentrage.IfonlyhecouldseeElenaforjustaminuteandtalktoher…

She’dcomeupheretogiveStefanagiftthathedidn’twant.Buttherewassomethingelsehedidwant,sherealized,andonlyshehadthepowertogiveittohim.

Withoutlookingathim,hervoicehusky,shesaid,“WouldyouliketoseeElena?”

Deadsilencefromthebed.Bonniesat,watchingtheshadowsintheroomswayandflicker.Atlast,shechancedalookathimoutofthecornerofhereye.

Hewasbreathinghard,eyesshut,bodytautasabowstring.Trying,Bonniediagnosed,toworkupthestrengthtoresisttemptation.Andlosing.Bonniesawthat.Elenaalwayshadbeentoomuchforhim.Whenhiseyesmethersagain,theyweregrim,andhismouthwasatightline.Hisskinwasn’tpaleanymorebutflushedwithcolor.Hisbodywasstilltrembling-tautandkeyedupwithanticipation.“Youmightgethurt,Bonnie.”“Iknow.”

“You’dbeopeningyourselfuptoforcesbeyondyourcontrol.Ican’tguaranteethatIcanprotectyoufromthem.”“Iknow.Howdoyouwanttodoit?”

Fiercely,hetookherhand.“Thankyou,Bonnie,”hewhispered.

Shefeltthebloodrisetoherface.“That’sallright,”shesaid.Goodgrief,hewasgorgeous.Thoseeyes…inaminuteshewaseithergoingtojumphimormeltintoa

puddleonhisbed.Withapleasurablyagonizingfeelingofvirtuesheremovedherhandfromhisandturnedtothecandle.

“HowaboutifIgointoatranceandtrytoreachher,andthen,onceImakecontact,trytofindyouanddrawyouin?Doyouthinkthatwouldwork?”

“Itmight,ifI’mreachingforyoutoo,”hesaid,withdrawingthatintensityfromherandfocusingitonthecandle.“Icantouchyourmind…whenyou’reready,I’llfeelit.”“Right.”Thecandlewaswhite,itswaxsidessmoothandshining.Theflamedrewitselfupandthenfellback.Bonniestareduntilshebecamelostinit,untiltherestoftheroomblackedoutaroundher.Therewasonlytheflame,herselfandtheflame.Shewasgoingintotheflame.

Unbearablebrightnesssurroundedher.Thenshepassedthroughitintothedark.

Thefuneralhomewascold.Bonnieglancedarounduneasily,wonderinghowshehadgottenhere,tryingtogatherherthoughts.Shewasallalone,andforsomereasonthatbotheredher.Wasn’tsomebodyelsesupposedtobeheretoo?Shewaslookingforsomeone.

Therewaslightinthenextroom.Bonniemovedtowarditandherheartbeganpounding.Itwasavisitationroom,anditwasfilledwithtallcandelabras,thewhitecandlesglimmeringandquivering.Inthemidstofthemwasawhitecoffinwithanopenlid.

Stepbystep,asifsomethingwerepullingher,Bonnieapproachedthecasket.Shedidn’twanttolookin.Shehadto.Therewassomethinginthatcoffinwaitingforher.Thewholeroomwassuffusedwiththesoftwhitelightofthecandles.Itwaslikefloatinginanislandofradiance.Butshedidn’twanttolook…

Movingasifinslowmotion,shereachedthecoffin,staredatthewhitesatinlininginside.Itwasempty.Bonniecloseditandleanedagainstit,sighing.Thenshecaughtmotioninherperipheralvisionandwhirled.ItwasElena.“Oh,God,youscaredme,”Bonniesaid.“IthoughtItoldyounottocomehere,”Elenaanswered.

Thistimeherhairwasloose,flowingoverhershouldersanddownherback,thepalegoldenwhiteofaflame.Shewaswearingathinwhitedressthatglowedsoftlyinthecandlelight.Shelookedlikeacandleherself,luminous,radiant.Herfeetwerebare.“Icamehereto…”Bonniefloundered,someconceptteasingaroundtheedgesofhermind.Thiswasherdream,hertrance.Shehadtoremember.“IcameheretoletyouseeStefan,”shesaid.

Elena’seyeswidened,herlipsparting.Bonnierecognizedthelookofyearning,ofalmostirresistiblelonging.Notfifteenminutesagoshe’dseenitonStefan’sface.“Oh,”Elenawhispered.Sheswallowed,hereyesclouding.“Oh,Bonnie…butIcan’t.”“Whynot?”

TearswereshininginElena’seyesnow,andherlipsweretrembling.“Whatifthingsstarttochange?Whatifhecomes,and…”SheputahandtohermouthandBonnie

rememberedthelastdream,withteethfallinglikerain.BonniemetElena’seyeswithunderstandinghorror.

“Don’tyousee?Icouldn’tstanditifsomethinglikethathappened,”Elenawhispered.“Ifhesawmelikethat…AndIcan’tcontrolthingshere;I’mnotstrongenough.Bonnie,pleasedon’tlethimthrough.TellhimhowsorryIam.Tellhim–”Sheshuthereyes,tearsspilling.

“Allright.”Bonniefeltasifshemightcrytoo,butElenawasright.ShereachedforStefan’smindtoexplaintohim,tohelphimbearthedisappointment.Buttheinstantshetoucheditsheknewshe’dmadeamistake.

“Stefan,no!Elenasays–”Itdidn’tmatter.Hismindwasstrongerthanhers,andtheinstantshe’dmadecontacthehadtakenover.He’dsensedthegistofherconversationwithElena,buthewasn’tgoingtotakenoforananswer.Helplessly,Bonniefeltherselfbeingoverridden,felthismindcomecloser,closertothecircleoflightformedbythecandelabras.Shefelthispresencethere,feltittakingshape.Sheturnedandsawhim,darkhair,tenseface,greeneyesfierceasafalcon’s.Andthen,knowingtherewasnothingmoreshecoulddo,shesteppedbacktoallowthemtobealone.

Twelve

Stefanheardavoicewhisper,softwithpain,“Oh,no.”

Avoicethathe’dneverthoughttohearagain,thathewouldneverforget.Ripplesofchillspouredoverhisskin,andhecouldfeelashakingstartinsidehim.Heturnedtowardthevoice,hisattentionfixinginstantly,hismindalmostshuttingdownbecauseitcouldn’tcopewithsomanysuddendrivingemotionsatonce.

Hiseyeswereblurredandcouldonlydiscernawashofradiancelikeathousandcandles.Butitdidn’tmatter.Hecouldfeelherthere.Thesamepresencehehadsensedtheveryfirstdayhe’dcometoFell’sChurch,agoldenwhitelightthatshoneintohisconsciousness.Fullofcoolbeautyandsearingpassionandvibrantlife.Demandingthathemovetowardit,thatheforgeteverythingelse.Elena.ItwasreallyElena.

Herpresencepervadedhim,fillinghimtohisfingertips.Allhishungrysenseswerefixedonthatwashofluminance,searchingforher.Needingher.Thenshesteppedout.

Shemovedslowly,hesitantly.Asifshecouldbarelymakeherselfdoit.Stefanwascaughtinthesameparalysis.Elena.

Hesawhereveryfeatureasifforthefirsttime.Thepalegoldhairfloatingaboutherfaceandshoulderslikeahalo.Thefair,flawlessskin.Theslender,supplebodyjustnowcantedawayfromhim,onehandraisedinprotest.

“Stefan,”thewhispercame,anditwashervoice.Hervoicesayinghisname.Buttherewassuchpaininitthathewantedtoruntoher,holdher,promiseherthateverythingwouldbeallright.“Stefan,please…Ican’t…”

Hecouldseehereyesnow.Thedarkblueoflapislazuli,fleckedinthislightwithgold.Widewithpainandwetwithunshedtears.Itshreddedhisguts.“Youdon’twanttoseeme?”Hisvoicewasdryasdust.

“Idon’twantyoutoseeme.Oh,Stefan,hecanmakeanythinghappen.Andhe’llfindus.He’llcomehere…”

ReliefandachingjoyfloodedthroughStefan.Hecouldscarcelyconcentrateonherwords,anditdidn’tmatter.Thewayshesaidhisnamewasenough.That“Oh,Stefan”toldhimeverythinghecaredabout.

Hemovedtowardherquietly,hisownhandcominguptoreachforhers.Hesawtheprotestingshakeofherhead,sawthatherlipswerepartedwithherquickeningbreath.Upclose,herskinhadaninnerglow,likeaflameshiningthroughtranslucentcandlewax.

Dropletsofwetnesswerecaughtonhereyelasheslikediamonds.

Althoughshekeptshakingherhead,keptprotesting,shedidnotmoveherhandaway.Notevenwhenhisoutspreadfingerstouchedit,pressingagainsthercoolfingertipsasiftheywereonoppositesidesofapaneofglass.

Andatthisdistancehereyescouldnotevadehis.Theywerelookingateachother,lookingandnotturningaside.Untilatlastshestoppedwhispering“Stefan,no”andonlywhisperedhisname.

Hecouldn’tthink.Hisheartwasthreateningtocomethroughhischest.Nothingmatteredexceptthatshewashere,thattheywereheretogether.Hedidn’tnoticethestrangesurroundings,didn’tcarewhomightbewatching.

Slowly,soslowly,heclosedhishandaroundhers,intertwiningtheirfingers,thewaytheyweremeanttobe.Hisotherhandliftedtoherface.

Hereyesclosedatthetouch,hercheekleaningintoit.Hefeltthemoistureonhisfingersandalaughcaughtinhisthroat.Dreamtears.Buttheywerereal,shewasreal.Elena.

Sweetnesspiercedhim.Apleasuresosharpitwasapain,justtostrokethetearsawayfromherfacewithhisthumb.

Allthefrustratedtendernessofthelastsixmonths,alltheemotionhe’dkeptlockedinhisheartthatlong,camecascadingout,submerginghim.Drowningbothofthem.Ittooksuchalittlemovementandthenhewasholdingher.

Anangelinhisarms,coolandthrillingwithlifeandbeauty.Abeingofflameandair.Sheshiveredinhisembrace;then,eyesstillshut,putupherlips.

Therewasnothingcoolaboutthekiss.ItstrucksparksfromStefan’snerves,meltinganddissolvingeverythingaroundit.Hefelthiscontrolunraveling,thecontrolhe’dworkedsohardtopreservesincehe’dlosther.Everythinginsidehimwasbeingjarredloose,allknotsuntied,allfloodgatesopened.Hecouldfeelhisowntearsasheheldhertohim,tryingtofusethemintooneflesh,onebody.Sothatnothingcouldeverseparatethemagain.

Theywerebothcryingwithoutbreakingthekiss.Elena’sslenderarmswerearoundhisnecknow,everyinchofherfittingtohimasifshehadneverbelongedanywhereelse.Hecouldtastethesaltofhertearsonhislipsanditdrenchedhimwithsweetness.Heknew,vaguely,thattherewassomethingelseheshouldbethinkingabout.Butthefirstelectrictouchofhercoolskinhaddrivenreasonfromhismind.Theywereinthecenterofawhirlwindoffire;theuniversecouldexplodeorcrumbleorburntoashesforallhecared,aslongashecouldkeephersafe.ButElenawastrembling.

Notjustfromemotion,fromtheintensitythatwasmakinghimdizzyanddrunkwithpleasure.Fromfear.Hecouldfeelitinhermindandhewantedtoprotecther,toshieldherandtocherishherandtokillanythingthatdaredfrightenher.Withsomethinglikeasnarlheraisedhisfacetolookaround.

“Whatisit?”hesaid,hearingthepredator’sraspinhisownvoice.“Anythingthattriestohurtyou–“

“Nothingcanhurtme.”Shestillclungtohim,butsheleanedbacktolookintohisface.“I’mafraidforyou,Stefan,forwhathemightdotoyou.Andforwhathemightmakeyousee…”Hervoicequavered.“Oh,Stefan,gonow,beforehecomes.Hecanfindyouthroughme.Please,please,go…”

“AskmeanythingelseandI’lldoit,”Stefansaid.Thekillerwouldhavetoshredhimnervefromnerve,musclefrommuscle,cellfromcelltomakehimleaveher.

“Stefan,it’sonlyadream,”Elenasaiddesperately,newtearsfalling.“Wecan’treallytouch,wecan’tbetogether.It’snotallowed.”

Stefandidn’tcare.Itdidn’tseemlikeadream.Itfeltreal.AndeveninadreamhewasnotgoingtogiveupElena,notforanyone.Noforceinheavenorhellcouldmakehim…“Wrong,sport.Surprise!”saidanewvoice,avoiceStefanhadneverheard.Herecognizeditinstinctively,though,asthevoiceofakiller.Ahunteramonghunters.Andwhenheturned,herememberedwhatVickie,poorVickie,hadsaid.Helookslikethedevil.Ifthedevilwashandsomeandblond.

Heworeathreadbareraincoat,asVickiehaddescribed.Dirtyandtattered.Helookedlikeanystreetpersonfromanybigcity,exceptthathewassotallandhiseyesweresoclearandpenetrating.Electricblue,likerazor-frostedsky.Hishairwasalmostwhite,standingstraightupasifblownbyablastofchillywind.HiswidesmilemadeStefanfeelsick.

“Salvatore,Ipresume,”hesaid,scrapingabow.“AndofcoursethebeautifulElena.ThebeautifuldeadElena.Cometojoinher,Stefan?Youtwowerejustmeanttobetogether.”

Helookedyoung,olderthanStefan,butstillyoung.Hewasn’t.

“Stefan,leavenow,”Elenawhispered.“Hecan’thurtme,butyou’redifferent.Hecanmakesomethinghappenthatwillfollowyououtofthedream.”Stefan’sarmstayedlockedaroundher.

“Bravo!”themanintheraincoatapplauded,lookingaroundasiftoencourageaninvisibleaudience.Hestaggeredslightly,andifhe’dbeenhuman,Stefanwouldhavethoughthewasdrunk.“Stefan,please,”Elenawhispered.

“Itwouldberudetoleavebeforewe’veevenbeenproperlyintroduced,”theblondmansaid.Handsincoatpockets,hestrodeasteportwocloser.“Don’tyouwanttoknowwhoIam?”

Elenashookherhead,notinnegationbutindefeat,anddroppedittoStefan’sshoulder.Hecuppedahandaroundherhair,wantingtoshieldeverypartofherfromthismadman.

“Iwanttoknow,”hesaid,lookingattheblondmanoverherhead.

“Idon’tseewhyyoudidn’taskmeinthefirstplace,”themanreplied,scratchinghischeekwithhismiddlefinger.“Insteadofgoingtoeverybodyelse.I’mtheonlyonewhocantellyou.I’vebeenaroundalongtime.”“Howlong?”saidStefan,unimpressed.

“Alongtime…”Theblondman’sgazeturneddreamy,asiflookingbackovertheyears.“IwastearingprettywhitethroatswhenyourancestorswerebuildingtheColosseum.I

killedwithAlexander’sarmy.IfoughtintheTrojanWar.I’mold,Salvatore.I’moneoftheOriginals.InmyearliestmemoriesIcarriedabronzeax.”Slowly,Stefannodded.

He’dheardoftheOldOnes.Theywerewhisperedaboutamongvampires,butnooneStefanhadeverknownhadactuallymetone.Everyvampirewasmadebyanothervampire,changedbytheexchangeofblood.Butsomewhere,backintime,hadbeentheOriginals,theoneswhohadn’tbeenmade.Theywerewherethelineofcontinuitystopped.Nooneknewhowthey’dgottentobevampiresthemselves.ButtheirPowerswerelegendary.

“IhelpedbringtheRomanEmpiredown,”theblondmancontinueddreamily.“Theycalledusbarbarians–theyjustdidn’tunderstand!War,Salvatore!There’snothinglikeit.Europewasexcitingthen.Idecidedtostickaroundthecountrysideandenjoymyself.Strange,youknow,peopleneverreallyseemedcomfortablearoundme.Theyusedtorunorholdupcrosses.”Heshookhishead.“Butonewomancameandaskedmyhelp.Shewasamaidinabaron’shousehold,andherlittlemistresswassick.Dying,shesaid.Shewantedmetodosomethingaboutit.Andso…”Thesmilereturnedandbroadened,gettingwiderandimpossiblywider,“Idid.Shewasaprettylittlething.”

StefanhadturnedhisbodytoholdElenaawayfromtheblondman,andnow,foramoment,heturnedhisheadawaytoo.Heshouldhaveknown,shouldhaveguessed.Andsoitallcamebacktohim.Vickie’sdeath,andSue’s,wereultimatelytobelaidathisdoor.Hehadstartedthechainofeventsthatendedhere.

“Katherine,”hesaid,liftinghisheadtolookattheman.“You’rethevampirewhochangedKatherine.”

“Tosaveherlife,”theblondmansaid,asifStefanwerestupidatlearningalesson.“Whichyourlittlesweetheartheretook.”

Aname.Stefanwassearchingforanameinhismind,knowingthatKatherinehadtoldittohim,justasshemusthavedescribedthismantohimonce.HecouldhearKatherine’swordsinhismind:IwokeinthemiddleofthenightandIsawthemanthatGudren,mymaid,hadbrought.Iwasfrightened.HisnamewasKlausandI’dheardthepeopleinthevillagesayhewasevil…

“Klaus,”theblondmansaidmildly,asifagreeingwithsomething.“Thatwaswhatshecalledme,anyway.ShecamebacktomeaftertwolittleItalianboysjiltedher.She’ddoneeverythingforthem,changedthemintovampires,giventhemeternallife,buttheywereungratefulandthrewherout.Verystrange.”“Thatisn’thowithappened,”Stefansaidthroughhisteeth.

“Whatwasevenstrangerwasthatshenevergotoveryou,Salvatore.Youespecially.Shewasalwaysdrawingunflatteringcomparisonsbetweenus.Itriedtobeatsomesenseintoher,butitneverreallyworked.MaybeIshouldhavejustkilledhermyself,Idon’tknow.ButbythenI’dgottenusedtohavingheraround.Sheneverwasthebrightest.Butshewasgoodtolookat,andsheknewhowtohavefun.Ishowedherthat,howtoenjoythekilling.Eventuallyherbrainturnedalittle,butsowhat?Itwasn’therbrainsIwaskeepingherfor.”

TherewasnolongeranyvestigeofloveforKatherineinStefan’sheart,buthefoundhe

couldstillhatethemanwhohadmadeherwhatshewasintheend.

“Me?Me,sport?”Klauspointedtohisownchestinunbelief.“YoumadeKatherineintowhatsheisrightnow,orratheryourlittlegirlfrienddid.Rightnow,she’sdust.Worm’smeat.Butyoursweetieisjustslightlybeyondmyreachatpresent.Vibratingonahigherplane,isn’tthatwhatthemysticssay,Elena?Whydon’tyouvibratedownherewiththerestofus?”

“IfonlyIcould,”whisperedElena,liftingherheadandlookingathimwithhatred.

“Oh,well.MeanwhileI’vegotyourfriends.Suewassuchasweetgirl,Ihear.”Helickedhislips.“AndVickiewasdelectable.Delicatebutfullbodied,withanicebouquet.Morelikeanineteen-year-oldthanseventeen.”

Stefanlungedonestepforward,butElenacaughthim.“Stefan,don’t!Thisishisterritory,andhismentalpowersarestrongerthanours.Hecontrolsit.”

“Precisely.Thisismyterritory.Unreality.”Klausgrinnedhisstaringpsychoticgrinagain.“Whereyourwildestnightmarescometrue,freeofcharge.Forinstance,”hesaid,lookingatStefan,“how’dyouliketoseewhatyoursweetheartreallylookslikerightnow?Withouthermakeup?”

Elenamadeasoftsound,almostamoan.Stefanheldhertighter.

“It’sbeenhowlongsinceshedied?Aboutsixmonths?Doyouknowwhathappenstoabodyonceit’sbeeninthegroundsixmonths?”Klauslickedhislipsagain,likeadog.NowStefanunderstood.Elenashivered,headbent,andtriedtomoveawayfromhim,buthelockedhisarmsaroundher.

“It’sallright,”hesaidtohersoftly.AndtoKlaus:“You’reforgettingyourself.I’mnotahumanwhojumpsatshadowsandthesightofblood.Iknowaboutdeath,Klaus.Itdoesn’tfrightenme.”

“No,butdoesitthrillyou?”Klaus’svoicedropped,low,intoxicating.“Isn’titexciting,thestench,therot,thefluidsofdecomposingflesh?Isn’titakick?”

“Stefan,letmego.Please.”Elenawasshaking,pushingathimwithherhands,allthetimekeepingherheadtwistedawaysohecouldn’tseeherface.Hervoicesoundedclosetotears.“Please.”

“TheonlyPoweryouhavehereisthepowerofillusion,”StefansaidtoKlaus.HeheldElenatohim,cheekpressedtoherhair.Hecouldfeelthechangesinthebodyheembraced.ThehairunderhischeekseemedtocoarsenandElena’sformtoshrinkonitself.

“Incertainsoilstheskincantanlikeleather,”Klausassuredhim,brighteyed,grinning.

“Stefan,Idon’twantyoutolookatme–“

EyesonKlaus,StefangentlypushedthecoarsenedwhitehairawayandstrokedthesideofElena’sface,ignoringtheroughnessagainsthisfingertips.

“Butofcoursemostofthetimeitjustdecomposes.Whatawaytogo.Youloseeverything,skin,flesh,muscles,internalorgans–allbackintotheground…”

ThebodyinStefan’sarmswasdwindling.Heshuthiseyesandheldtighter,hatredforKlausburninginsidehim.Anillusion,itwasallanillusion…

“Stefan…”Itwasadrywhisper,faintasthescratchofpaperblowndownasidewalk.Ithungontheairaminuteandthenvanished,andStefanfoundhimselfholdingapileofbones.

“Andfinallyitendsuplikethat,inovertwohundredseparate,easy-to-assemblepieces.Comeswithitsownhandy-dandycarryingcase…”Onthefarsideofthecircleoflighttherewasacreakingsound.Thewhitecoffintherewasopeningbyitself,thelidlifting.“Whydon’tyoudothehonors,Salvatore?GoputElenawhereshebelongs.”Stefanhaddroppedtohisknees,shaking,lookingattheslenderwhitebonesinhishands.Itwasallanillusion–KlauswasmerelycontrollingBonnie’stranceandshowingStefanwhathewantedStefantosee.Hehadn’treallyhurtElena,butthehot,protectivefuryinsideStefanwouldn’trecognizethat.Carefully,Stefanlaidthefragilebonesonthegroundandtouchedthemonce,gently.ThenhelookedupatKlaus,lipscurledwithcontempt.“ThatisnotElena,”hesaid.

“Ofcourseitis.I’drecognizeheranywhere.”Klausspreadhishandsanddeclaimed,”‘Iknewawoman,lovelyinherbones…’“

“No.”SweatwasbeadingonStefan’sforehead.HeshutoutKlaus’svoiceandconcentrated,fistsclenched,musclescrackingwitheffort.Itwaslikepushingaboulderuphill,fightingKlaus’sinfluence.Butwheretheylay,thedelicatebonesbegantrembling,andafaintgoldenlightshonearoundthem.

”‘Aragandaboneandahankofhair…thefoolhecalledthemhisladyfair…’“

Thelightwasshimmering,dancing,linkingthebonestogether.Warmandgoldenitfoldedaboutthem,clothingthemastheyroseintheair.Whatstoodtherenowwasafeaturelessformofsoftradiance.SweatranintoStefan’seyesandhefeltasifhislungswouldburst.”‘Clayliesstill,butblood’sarover…’“

Elena’shair,longandsilkygold,arrangeditselfoverglowingshoulders.Elena’sfeatures,blurredatfirstandthenclearlyfocused,formedontheface.Lovingly,Stefanreconstructedeverydetail.Thicklashes,smallnose,partedlipslikerosepetals.Whitelightswirledaroundthefigure,creatingathingown.

”‘Andthecrackintheteacupopensalanetothelandofthedead…’“

“No.”DizzinesssweptoverStefanashefeltthelastsurgeofPowersighoutofhim.Abreathliftedthefigure’sbreast,andeyesblueaslapislazuliopened.

Elenasmiled,andhefelttheblazeofherlovearctomeethim.“Stefan.”Herheadwashigh,proudasanyqueen’s.

StefanturnedtoKlaus,whohadstoppedspeakingandwasglaringmutely.

“This,”Stefansaiddistinctly,“isElena.Notwhateveremptyshellshe’sleftbehindintheground.ThisisElena,andnothingyoudocanevertouchher.”

Heheldouthishand,andElenatookitandsteppedtohim.Whentheytouched,hefeltajolt,andthenfeltherPowersflowingintohim,sustaininghim.Theystoodtogether,side

byside,facingtheblondman.Stefanhadneverfeltasfiercelyvictoriousinhislife,orasstrong.

Klausstaredatthemforperhapstwentysecondsandthenwentberserk.

Hisfacetwistedinloathing.StefancouldfeelwavesofmalignantPowerbatteringagainsthimandElena,andheusedallhisstrengthtoresistit.Themaelstromofdarkfurywastryingtotearthemapart,howlingthroughtheroom,destroyingeverythinginitspath.Candlessnuffedoutandflewintotheairasifcaughtinatornado.Thedreamwasbreakinguparoundthem,shattering.

StefanclungtoElena’sotherhand.Thewindblewherhair,whippingitaroundherface.

“Stefan!”Shewasshouting,tryingtomakeherselfheard.Thenheheardhervoiceinhismind.“Stefan,listentome!Thereisonethingyoucandotostophim.Youneedavictim,Stefan–findoneofhisvictims.Onlyavictimwillknow–“

Thenoiselevelwasunbearable,asiftheveryfabricofspaceandtimewastearing.StefanfeltElena’shandsrippedfromhis.Withacryofdesperation,hereachedoutforheragain,buthecouldfeelnothing.HewasalreadydrainedbytheeffortoffightingKlaus,andhecouldn’tholdontoconsciousness.Thedarknesstookhimspinningdownwithit.

Bonniehadseeneverything.

Itwasstrange,butonceshesteppedasidetoletStefangotoElena,sheseemedtolosephysicalpresenceinthedream.Itwasasifshewerenolongeraplayerbutthestagetheactionwasbeingplayedupon.Shecouldwatch,butshecouldn’tdoanythingelse.Intheend,she’dbeenafraid.Shewasn’tstrongenoughtoholdthedreamtogether,andthewholethingfinallyexploded,throwingheroutofthetrance,backintoStefan’sroom.Hewaslyingonthefloorandhelookeddead.Sowhite,sostill.ButwhenBonnietuggedathim,tryingtogethimonthebed,hischestheavedandsheheardhimsuckinagaspingbreath.“Stefan?Areyouokay?”

Helookedwildlyaroundtheroomasiftryingtofindsomething.“Elena!”hesaid,andthenhestopped,memoryclearlyreturning.

Hisfacetwisted.ForonedreadfulinstantBonniethoughthewasgoingtocry,butheonlyshuthiseyesanddroppedhisheadintohishands.

“Stefan?”“Ilosther.Icouldn’tholdon.”

“Iknow.”Bonniewatchedhimamoment,then,gatheringhercourage,kneltinfrontofhim,touchinghisshoulders.“I’msorry.”

Hisheadliftedabruptly,hisgreeneyesdrybutsodilatedtheylookedblack.Hisnostrilswereflared,hislipsdrawnbackfromhisteeth.

“Klaus!”Hespatthenameasifitwereacurse.“Didyouseehim?”

“Yes,”Bonniesaid,pullingback.Shegulped,herstomachchurning.“He’scrazy,isn’the,Stefan?”“Yes.”Stefangotup.“Andhemustbestopped.”

“Buthow?”SinceseeingKlaus,Bonniewasmorefrightenedthanever,morefrightenedandlessconfident.“Whatcouldstophim,Stefan?I’veneverfeltanythinglikethatPower.”

“Butdidn’tyou–?”Stefanturnedtoherquickly.“Bonnie,didn’tyouhearwhatElenasaidattheend?”

“No.Whatdoyoumean?Icouldn’thearanything;therewasaslighthurricanegoingonatthetime.”

“Bonnie…”Stefan’seyeswentdistantwithspeculationandhespokeasiftohimself.“Thatmeansthatheprobablydidn’theariteither.Sohedoesn’tknow,andhewon’ttrytostopus.”“Fromwhat?Stefan,whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“Fromfindingavictim.Listen,Bonnie,ElenatoldmethatifwecanfindasurvivingvictimofKlaus’s,wecanfindawaytostophim.”Bonniewasincompletelyoverherhead.“But…why?”

“Becausevampiresandtheirdonors–theirprey–sharemindsbrieflywhilethebloodisbeingexchanged.Sometimesthedonorcanlearnthingsaboutthevampirethatway.Notalways,butoccasionally.That’swhatmusthavehappened,andElenaknowsit.”“That’sallverywellandgood–exceptforonesmallthing,”Bonniesaidtartly.“WillyoupleasetellmewhoonearthcouldhavesurvivedanattackbyKlaus?”

SheexpectedStefantobedeflated,buthewasn’t.“Avampire,”hesaidsimply.“AhumanKlausmadeintoavampirewouldqualifyasavictim.Aslongasthey’veexchangedblood,they’vetouchedminds.”

“Oh.Oh.So…ifwecanfindavampirehe’smade…butwhere?”

“MaybeinEurope.”Stefanbegantopacearoundtheroom,hiseyesnarrowed.“Klaushasalonghistory,andsomeofhisvampiresareboundtobethere.Imayhavetogoandlookforone.”

Bonniewasutterlydismayed.“ButStefan,youcan’tleaveus.Youcan’t!”

Stefanstoppedwherehewas,acrosstheroom,andstoodverystill.Thenatlast,heturnedtofaceher.“Idon’twantto,”hesaidquietly.“Andwe’lltrytothinkofanothersolutionfirst–maybewecangetholdofTyleragain.I’llwaitaweek,untilnextSaturday.ButImayhavetoleave,Bonnie.YouknowthataswellasIdo.”Therewasalong,longsilencebetweenthem.

Bonniefoughttheheatinhereyes,determinedtobegrownupandmature.Shewasn’tababyandshewouldprovethatnow,onceandforall.ShecaughtStefan’sgazeandslowlynodded.

Thirteen

June19,Friday,11:45P.M.DearDiary,Oh,God,whatarewegoingtodo?

Thishasbeenthelongestweekofmylife.TodaywasthelastdayofschoolandtomorrowStefanisleaving.He’sgoingtoEuropetosearchforavampirewhogotchangedbyKlaus.Hesayshedoesn’twanttoleaveusunprotected.Buthe’sgoingtogo.Wecan’tfindTyler.Hiscardisappearedfromthecemetery,buthehasn’tturnedupatschool.He’smissedeveryfinalthisweek.Notthattherestofusaredoingmuchbetter.IwishRobertE.Leewasliketheschoolsthathavealltheirfinalsbeforegraduation.Idon’tknowwhetherI’mwritingEnglishorSwahilithesedays.

IhateKlaus.FromwhatIsawhe’sascrazyasKatherine–andevencrueler.WhathedidtoVickie–butIcan’teventalkaboutthatorI’llstartcryingagain.HewasjustplayingwithusatCaroline’sparty,likeacatwithamouse.AndtodoitonMeredith’sbirthday,too–althoughIsupposehecouldn’thaveknownthat.Heseemstoknowalot,though.Hedoesn’ttalklikeaforeigner,notlikeStefandidwhenhefirstcametoAmerica,andheknowsallaboutAmericanthings,evensongsfromthefifties.Maybehe’sbeenoverhereforawhile…

Bonniestoppedwriting.Shethoughtdesperately.Allthistime,theyhadbeenthinkingofvictimsinEurope,ofvampires.ButfromthewayKlaustalked,hehadobviouslybeeninAmericaalongtime.Hedidn’tsoundforeignatall.Andhe’dchosentoattackthegirlsonMeredith’sbirthday…

Bonniegotup,reachedforthetelephone,andcalledMeredith’snumber.Asleepymalevoiceanswered.“Mr.Sulez,thisisBonnie.CanIspeaktoMeredith?”“Bonnie!Don’tyouknowwhattimeitis?”

“Yes.”Bonniethoughtquickly.“Butit’sabout–aboutafinalwehadtoday.Please,Ihavetotalkwithher.”Therewasalongpause,thenaheavysigh.“Justaminute.”

Bonnietappedherfingersimpatientlyasshewaited.Atlasttherewastheclickofanotherphonebeingpickedup.“Bonnie?”cameMeredith’svoice.“What’swrong?”

“Nothing.Imean–”Bonniewasexcruciatinglyconsciousoftheopenline,ofthefactthatMeredith’sfatherhadn’thungup.Hemightbelistening.“It’sabout–thatGermanproblemwe’vebeenworkingon.Youremember.Theonewecouldn’tfigureoutforthefinal.Youknowhowwe’vebeenlookingfortheonepersonwhocanhelpussolveit?

Well,IthinkIknowwhoitis.”

“Youdo?”BonniecouldsenseMeredithscramblingfortherightwords.“Well–whoisit?Doesitinvolveanylong-distancecalls?”

“No,”Bonniesaid,“itdoesn’t.Ithitsalotclosertohome,Meredith.Alot.Infact,youcouldsayit’srightinyourownbackyard,hangingonyourfamilytree.”

ThelinewassilentsolongBonniewonderedifMeredithwasstillthere.“Meredith?”“I’mthinking.Doesthissolutionhaveanythingtodowithcoincidence?”

“Nope.”Bonnierelaxedandsmiledslightly,grimly.Meredithhaditnow.“Notathingtodowithcoincidence.It’smoreacaseofhistoryrepeatingitself.Deliberatelyrepeatingitself,ifyouseewhatImean.”

“Yes,”Meredithsaid.Shesoundedasifshewererecoveringfromashock,andnowonder.“Youknow,Ithinkyoujustmayberight.Butthere’sstillthematterofpersuading–thisperson–toactuallyhelpus.”“Youthinkthatmaybeaproblem?”

“Ithinkitcould.Sometimespeoplegetveryrattled–aboutatest.Sometimestheyevenkindoflosetheirminds.”

Bonnie’sheartsank.Thiswassomethingthathadn’toccurredtoher.Whatifhecouldn’ttellthem?Whatifhewerethatfargone?

“Allwecandoistry,”shesaid,makinghervoiceasoptimisticaspossible.“Tomorrowwe’llhavetotry.”“Allright.I’llpickyouupatnoon.Goodnight,Bonnie.”“Night,Meredith.”Bonnieadded,“I’msorry.”

“No,Ithinkitmaybeforthebest.Sothathistorydoesn’tcontinuetorepeatitselfforever.Good-bye.”

Bonniepressedthedisconnectbuttononthehandset,clickingitoff.Thenshejustsatforafewminutes,herfingeronthebutton,staringatthewall.Finallyshereplacedthehandsetinitscradleandpickedupherdiaryagain.Sheputaperiodonthelastsentenceandaddedanewone.WearegoingtoseeMeredith’sgrandfathertomorrow.

“I’manidiot,”StefansaidinMeredith’scarthenextday.TheyweregoingtoWestVirginia,totheinstitutionwhereMeredith’sgrandfatherwasapatient.Itwasgoingtobeafairlylongdrive.

“We’reallidiots.ExceptBonnie,”Mattsaid.EveninthemidstofheranxietyBonniefeltawarmglowatthat.

ButMeredithwasshakingherhead,eyesontheroad.“Stefan,youcouldn’thaverealized,sostopbeatinguponyourself.Youdidn’tknowthatKlausattackedCaroline’spartyontheanniversaryoftheattackonmygrandfather.Anditdidn’toccurtoMattormethatKlauscouldhavebeeninAmericaforsolongbecauseweneversawKlausorheardhimspeak.WewerethinkingofpeoplehecouldhaveattackedinEurope.Really,Bonniewastheonlyonewhocouldhaveputitalltogether,becauseshehadalltheinformation.”

Bonniestuckouthertongue.Meredithcaughtitintherearviewmirrorandarchedaneyebrow.“Justdon’twantyougettingtoococky,”shesaid.

“Iwon’t;modestyisoneofmymostcharmingqualities,”Bonniereplied.

Mattsnorted,butthenhesaid,“Istillthinkitwasprettysmart,”whichstartedtheglowalloveragain.

Theinstitutionwasaterribleplace.Bonnietriedashardasshecouldtoconcealherhorroranddisgust,butsheknewMeredithcouldsenseit.Meredith’sshoulderswerestiffwithdefensiveprideasshewalkeddownthehallsinfrontofthem.Bonnie,whohadknownherforsomanyyears,couldseethehumiliationunderneaththatpride.Meredith’sparentsconsideredhergrandfather’sconditionsuchablotthattheyneverallowedhimtobementionedtooutsiders.Ithadbeenashadowovertheentirefamily.

AndnowMeredithwasshowingthatsecrettostrangersforthefirsttime.Bonniefeltarushofloveandadmirationforherfriend.ItwassolikeMeredithtodoitwithoutfuss,withdignity,lettingnobodyseewhatitcosther.Buttheinstitutionwasstillterrible.Itwasn’tfilthyorfilledwithravingmaniacsoranythinglikethat.Thepatientslookedcleanandwellcaredfor.ButtherewassomethingaboutthesterilehospitalsmellsandthehallscrowdedwithmotionlesswheelchairsandblankeyesthatmadeBonniewanttorun.

Itwaslikeabuildingfullofzombies.Bonniesawoneoldwoman,herpinkscalpshowingthroughthinwhitehair,slumpedwithherheadonthetablenexttoanakedplasticdoll.WhenBonniereachedoutdesperately,shefoundMatt’shandalreadyreachingforhers.TheyfollowedMerediththatway,holdingonsohardithurt.“Thisishisroom.”

Insidewasanotherzombie,thisonewithwhitehairthatstillshowedanoccasionalfleckofblacklikeMeredith’s.Hisfacewasamassofwrinklesandlines,theeyesrheumyandrimmedwithscarlet.Theystaredvacantly.

“Granddad,”Meredithsaid,kneelinginfrontofhiswheelchair,“Granddad,it’sme,Meredith.I’vecometovisityou.I’vegotsomethingimportanttoaskyou.”Theoldeyesneverflickered.

“Sometimesheknowsus,”Meredithsaidquietly,withoutemotion.“Butmostlythesedayshedoesn’t.”Theoldmanjustwentonstaring.

Stefandroppedtohisheels.“Letmetry,”hesaid.Lookingintothewrinkledfacehebegantospeak,softly,soothingly,ashehadtoVickie.

Butthefilmydarkeyesdidn’tsomuchasblink.Theyjustwentonstaringaimlessly.Theonlymovementwasaslight,continuoustremorintheknottedhandsonthearmsofthewheelchair.

AndnomatterwhatMeredithorStefandid,thatwasalltheresponsetheycouldelicit.

EventuallyBonnietried,usingherpsychicpowers.Shecouldsensesomethingintheoldman,somesparkoflifetrappedintheimprisoningflesh.Butshecouldn’treachit.“I’msorry,”shesaid,sittingbackandpushinghairoutofhereyes.“It’snouse.Ican’tdo

anything.”

“Maybewecancomeanothertime,”Mattsaid,butBonnieknewitwasn’ttrue.Stefanwasleavingtomorrow;therewouldneverbeanothertime.Andithadseemedlikesuchagoodidea…Theglowthathadwarmedherearlierwasashesnow,andherheartfeltlikealumpoflead.SheturnedawaytoseeStefanalreadystartingoutoftheroom.Mattputahandunderherelbowtohelpherupandguideherout.Andafterstandingforaminutewithherheadbentindiscouragement,Bonnielethim.Itwashardtosummonupenoughenergytoputonefootinfrontoftheother.SheglancedbackdullytoseewhetherMeredithwasfollowing–

Andscreamed.Meredithwasstandinginthecenteroftheroom,facingthedoor,discouragementwrittenonherface.Butbehindher,thefigureinthewheelchairhadstirredatlast.Inasilentexplosionofmovement,ithadrearedaboveher,therheumyoldeyesopenwideandthemouthopenwider.Meredith’sgrandfatherlookedasifhehadbeencaughtintheactofleaping–armsflungout,mouthformingasilenthowl.Bonnie’sscreamsrangfromtherafters.

Everythinghappenedatoncethen.Stefancamechargingbackin,Meredithspunaround,Mattgrabbedforher.Buttheoldfiguredidn’tleap.Hestoodtoweringaboveallofthem,staringovertheirheads,seemingtoseesomethingnoneofthemcould.Soundswerecomingfromhismouthatlast,soundsthatformedoneululatingword.“Vampire!Vampiire!”

Attendantswereintheroom,crowdingBonnieandtheothersaway,restrainingtheoldman.Theirshoutsaddedtothepandemonium.

“Vampire!Vampire!”Meredith’sgrandfathercaterwauled,asifwarningthetown.Bonniefeltpanicked–washelookingatStefan?Wasitanaccusation?

“Please,you’llhavetoleavenow.I’msorry,butyou’llhavetogo,”anursewassaying.Theywerebeingwhiskedout.Meredithfoughtasshewasforcedoutintothehall.“Granddaddy–!”“Vampire!”thatunearthlyvoicewailedon.

Andthen:“Whiteashwood!Vampire!Whiteashwood–”Thedoorslammedshut.

Meredithgasped,fightingtears.BonniehadhernailsdugintoMatt’sarm.Stefanturnedtothem,greeneyeswidewithshock.

“Isaid,you’llhavetoleavenow,”theharassednursewasrepeatingimpatiently.Thefourofthemignoredher.Theywerealllookingateachother,stunnedconfusiongivingwaytorealizationintheirfaces.

“Tylersaidtherewasonlyonekindofwoodthatcouldhurthim–”Mattbegan.“Whiteashwood,”saidStefan.

“We’llhavetofindoutwherehe’shiding,”Stefansaidonthewayhome.Hewasdriving,sinceMeredithhaddroppedthekeysatthecardoor.“That’sthefirstthing.Ifwerushthis,wecouldwarnhimoff.”

Hisgreeneyeswereshiningwithaqueermixtureoftriumphandgrimdetermination,andhespokeinaclippedandrapidvoice.Theywereallontheraggededge,Bonniethought,

asifthey’dbeengulpinguppersallnight.Theirnerveswerefrayedsothinthatanythingcouldhappen.

Shehadasense,too,ofimpendingcataclysm.Asifeverythingwerecomingtoahead,alltheeventssinceMeredith’sbirthdaypartygatheringtoaconclusion.

Tonight,shethought.Tonightitallhappens.Itseemedstrangelyappropriatethatitshouldbetheeveofthesolstice.“Theeveofwhat?”Mattsaid.

Shehadn’tevenrealizedshe’dspokenaloud.“Theeveofthesolstice,”shesaid.“That’swhattodayis.Thedaybeforethesummersolstice.”“Don’ttellme.Druids,right?”

“Theycelebratedit,”Bonnieconfirmed.“It’sadayformagic,formarkingthechangeoftheseasons.And…”shehesitated.“Well,it’slikeallotherfeastdays,likeHalloweenorthewintersolstice.Adaywhenthelinebetweenthevisibleworldandtheinvisibleworldisthin.Whenyoucanseeghosts,theyusedtosay.Whenthingshappen.”“Things,”Stefansaid,turningontothemainhighwaythatheadedbacktowardFell’sChurch,“aregoingtohappen.”Noneofthemrealizedhowsoon.

Mrs.Flowerswasinthebackgarden.Theyhaddrivenstraighttotheboardinghousetolookforher.Shewaspruningrosebushes,andthesmellofsummersurroundedher.Shefrownedandblinkedwhentheyallcrowdedaroundherandaskedherinarushwheretofindawhiteashtree.

“Slowdown,slowdownnow,”shesaid,peeringatthemfromunderthebrimofherstrawhat.“Whatisityouwant?Whiteash?There’sonejustdownbeyondthoseoaktreesinback.Now,waitaminute–”sheaddedastheyallscrambledoffagain.

Stefanringedabranchofthetreewithajack-knifeMattproducedfromhispocket.Iwonderwhenhestartedcarryingthat?Bonniethought.ShealsowonderedwhatMrs.Flowersthoughtofthemastheycameback,thetwoboyscarryingtheleafysix-footboughbetweenthemontheirshoulders.

ButMrs.Flowersjustlookedwithoutsayinganything.Astheynearedthehouse,though,shecalledafterthem,“Apackagecameforyou,boy.”

Stefanturnedhishead,thebranchstillonhisshoulder.“Forme?”

“Ithadyournameonit.Apackageandaletter.Ifoundthemonthefrontporchthisafternoon.Iputthemupstairsinyourroom.”

BonnielookedatMeredith,thenatMattandStefan,meetingtheirbewildered,suspiciousgazesinturn.Theanticipationintheairheightenedsuddenly,almostunbearably.

“Butwhocoulditbefrom?Whocouldevenknowyou’rehere–”shebeganastheyclimbedthestairstotheattic.Andthenshestopped,dreadflutteringbetweenherribs.Premonitionwasbuzzingaroundinsideherlikeanaggingfly,butshepusheditaway.Notnow,shethought,notnow.

ButtherewasnowaytokeepfromseeingthepackageonStefan’sdesk.Theboysproppedthewhiteashbranchagainstthewallandwenttolookatit,alongish,flattishparcel

wrappedinbrownpaper,withacreamyenvelopeontop.

Onthefront,infamiliarcrazyhandwriting,wasscrawledStefan.Thehandwritingfromthemirror.

Theyallstoodstaringdownatthepackageasifitwereascorpion.

“Watchout,”MeredithsaidasStefanslowlyreachedforit.Bonnieknewwhatshemeant.Shefeltasifthewholethingmightexplodeorbelchpoisonousgasorturnintosomethingwithteethandclaws.

TheenvelopeStefanpickedupwassquareandsturdy,madeofgoodpaperwithafinefinish.Likeaprince’sinvitationtotheball,Bonniethought.Butincongruously,therewereseveraldirtyfingerprintsonthesurfaceandtheedgesweregrimy.Well–Klaushadn’tlookedanytoocleaninthedream.

Stefanglancedatfrontandbackandthentoretheenvelopeopen.Hepulledoutasinglepieceofheavystationery.Theotherthreecrowdedaround,lookingoverhisshoulderasheunfoldedit.ThenMattgaveanexclamation.“Whatthe…it’sblank!”

Itwas.Onbothsides.Stefanturneditoverandexaminedeach.Hisfacewastense,shuttered.Everyoneelserelaxed,though,makingnoisesofdisgust.Astupidpracticaljoke.Meredithhadreachedforthepackage,whichlookedflatenoughtobeemptyaswell,whenStefansuddenlystiffened,hisbreathhissingin.Bonnieglancedquicklyoverandjumped.Meredith’shandfrozeonthepackage,andMattswore.

Ontheblankpaper,heldtautlybetweenStefan’stwohands,letterswereappearing.Theywereblackwithlongdownstrokes,asifeachwerebeingslashedbyaninvisibleknifewhileBonniewatched.Asshereadthem,thedreadinsidehergrew.

Stefan–

Shallwetrytosolvethislikegentlemen?Ihavethegirl.Cometotheoldfarmhouseinthewoodsafterdarkandwe’lltalk,justthetwoofus.ComealoneandI’lllethergo.Bringanyoneelseandshedies.

Therewasnosignature,butatthebottomthewordsappearedThisisbetweenyouandme.

“Whatgirl?”Mattwasdemanding,lookingfromBonnietoMeredithasiftomakesuretheywerestillthere.“Whatgirl?”

Withasharpmotion,Meredith’selegantfingerstorethepackageopenandpulledoutwhatwasinside.Apalegreenscarfwithapatternofvinesandleaves.Bonnieremembereditperfectly,andavisioncametoherinarush.Confettiandbirthdaypresents,orchidsandchocolate.“Caroline,”shewhispered,andshuthereyes.

Theselasttwoweekshadbeensostrange,sodifferentfromordinaryhighschoollife,thatshehadalmostforgottenCarolineexisted.Carolinehadgoneofftoanapartmentinanothertowntoescape,tobesafe–butMeredithhadsaidittoherinthebeginning.HecanfollowyoutoHeron,I’msure.

“Hewasjustplayingwithusagain,”Bonniemurmured.“Heletusgetthisfar,evengoingtoseeyourgrandfather,Meredith,andthen…”

“Hemusthaveknown,”Meredithagreed.“Hemusthaveknownallalongwewerelookingforavictim.Andnowhe’scheckmatedus.Unless–”Herdarkeyeslitwithsuddenhope.“Bonnie,youdon’tthinkCarolinecouldhavedroppedthisscarfthenightoftheparty?Andthathejustpickeditup?”

“No.”ThepremonitionwasbuzzingcloserandBonnieswattedatit,tryingtokeepitaway.Shedidn’twantit,didn’twanttoknow.Butshefeltcertainofonething:thiswasn’tabluff.KlaushadCaroline.“Whatarewegoingtodo?”shesaidsoftly.

“Iknowwhatwe’renotgoingtodo,andthat’slistentohim,”Mattsaid.”‘Trytosolveitlikegentlemen’–he’sscum,notagentleman.It’satrap.”

“Ofcourseit’satrap,”Meredithsaidimpatiently.“Hewaiteduntilwefoundouthowtohurthimandnowhe’stryingtoseparateus.Butitwon’twork!”

BonniehadbeenwatchingStefan’sfacewithgrowingdismay.BecausewhileMattandMeredithwereindignantlytalking,hehadbeenquietlyfoldinguptheletterandputtingitbackinitsenvelope.Nowhestoodgazingdownatit,hisfacestill,untouchedbyanythingthatwasgoingonaroundhim.AndthelookinhisgreeneyesscaredBonnie.“Wecanmakeitbackfireonhim,”Mattwassaying.“Right,Stefan?Don’tyouthink?”“Ithink,”saidStefancarefully,concentratingoneachword,“thatIamgoingouttothewoodsafterdark.”

Mattnodded,andlikethequarterbackhewas,begantochartoutaplan.“Okay,yougodistracthim.Andmeanwhile,thethreeofus–“

“Thethreeofyou,”Stefancontinuedjustasdeliberately,lookingrightathim,“aregoinghome.Tobed.”

TherewasapausethatseemedendlesstoBonnie’stautnerves.TheothersjuststaredatStefan.

AtlastMeredithsaidlightly,“Well,it’sgoingtobehardtocatchhimwhilewe’reinbedunlesshe’skindenoughtocomevisiting.”

ThatbrokethetensionandMattsaid,drawingalong-sufferingbreath,“Allright,Stefan,Iunderstandhowyoufeelaboutthis–”ButStefaninterrupted.

“I’mdeadserious,Matt.Klausisright;thisisbetweenhimandme.Andhesaystocomealoneorhe’llhurtCaroline.SoI’mgoingalone.It’smydecision.”

“It’syourfuneral,”Bonnieblurtedout,almosthysterically.“Stefan,you’recrazy.Youcan’t.”“Watchme.”“Wewon’tletyou–“

“Doyouthink,”Stefansaid,lookingather,“thatyoucouldstopmeifyoutried?”

Thissilencewasacutelyuncomfortable.Staringathim,BonniefeltasifStefanhadchangedsomehowbeforehereyes.Hisfaceseemedsharper,hisposturedifferent,asifto

remindherofthelithe,hardpredator’smusclesunderhisclothes.Allatonceheseemeddistant,alien.Frightening.Bonnielookedaway.

“Let’sbereasonableaboutthis,”Mattwassaying,changingtactics.“Let’sjuststaycalmandtalkthisover–““There’snothingtotalkover.I’mgoing.You’renot.”

“Youoweusmorethanthat,Stefan,”Meredithsaid,andBonniefeltgratefulforhercoolvoice.“Okay,soyoucantearusalllimbfromlimb;fine,noargument.Wegetthepoint.Butafterallwe’vebeenthroughtogether,wedeservemoreofathoroughdiscussionbeforeyougorunningoff.”

“Yousaiditwasthegirls’fighttoo,”Mattadded.“Whendidyoudecideitwasn’t?”

“WhenIfoundoutwhothekillerwas!”Stefansaid.“It’sbecauseofmethatKlausishere.”

“No,itisn’t!”Bonniecried.“DidyoumakeElenakillKatherine?”

“ImadeKatherinegobacktoKlaus!That’showthisgotstarted.AndIgotCarolineinvolved;ifitwasn’tforme,shewouldneverhavehatedElena,neverhavegotteninwithTyler.Ihavearesponsibilitytowardher.”

“Youjustwanttobelievethat,”Bonniealmostyelled.“Klaushatesallofus!Doyoureallythinkhe’sgoingtoletyouwalkoutofthere?Doyouthinkheplanstoleavetherestofusalone?”

“No,”Stefansaid,andpickedupthebranchleaningagainstthewall.HetookMatt’sknifeoutofhisownpocketandbegantostripthetwigsoff,makingitintoastraightwhitespear.

“Oh,great,you’regoingoffforsinglecombat!”Mattsaid,furious.“Don’tyouseehowstupidthatis?You’rewalkingrightintohistrap!”HeadvancedasteponStefan.“Youmaynotthinkthatthethreeofuscanstopyou–“

“No,Matt.”Meredith’slow,levelvoicecutacrosstheroom.“Itwon’tdoanygood.”Stefanlookedather,themusclesaroundhiseyeshardening,butshejustlookedback,herfacesetandcalm.“Soyou’redeterminedtomeetKlausfacetoface,Stefan.Allright.Butbeforeyougo,atleastbesureyouhaveafightingchance.”Coolly,shebegantounbuttontheneckofhertailoredblouse.

Bonniefeltajolt,eventhoughshe’dofferedthesamethingonlyaweekearlier.Butthathadbeeninprivate,forGod’ssake,shethought.Thensheshrugged.Publicorprivate,whatdifferencediditmake?

ShelookedatMatt,whosefacereflectedhisconsternation.ThenshesawMatt’sbrowcreaseandthebeginningofthatstubborn,bullheadedexpressionthatusedtoterrifythecoachesofop-posingfootballteams.Hisblueeyesturnedtohersandshenodded,thrustingoutherchin.Withoutaword,sheunzippedthelightwind-breakershewaswearingandMattpulledoffhisT-shirt.

Stefanstaredfromonetoanotherofthethreepeoplegrimlydisrobinginhisroom,tryingtoconcealhisownshock.Butheshookhishead,thewhitespearinfrontofhimlikea

weapon.“No.”

“Don’tbeajerk,Stefan,”Mattsnapped.EvenintheconfusionofthisterriblemomentsomethinginsideBonniepausedtoadmirehisbarechest.“There’sthreeofus.Youshouldbeabletotakeplentywithouthurtinganyoneofus.”

“Isaid,no!Notforrevenge,andnottofightevilwithevil!Notforanyreason.Ithoughtyouwouldunderstandthat.”Stefan’slookatMattwasbitter.

“Iunderstandthatyou’regoingtodieoutthere!”Mattshouted.

“He’sright!”Bonniepressedherknucklesagainstherlips.Thepremonitionwasgettingthroughherdefenses.Shedidn’twanttoletitin,butshedidn’thavethestrengthtoresistanymore.Withashudder,shefeltitstabthroughandheardthewordsinhermind.

“Noonecanfighthimandlive,”shesaidpainfully.“That’swhatVickiesaid,andit’strue.Ifeelit,Stefan.Noonecanfighthimandlive!”

Foramoment,justamoment,shethoughthemightlistentoher.Thenhisfacewenthardagainandhespokecoldly.“Itisn’tyourproblem.Letmeworryaboutit.”“Butifthere’snowaytowin–”Mattbegan.“Thatisn’twhatBonniesaid!”Stefanrepliedtersely.

“Yes,itis!Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”Mattshouted.ItwashardtomakeMattlosehistemper,butoncelostitwasn’teasilygottenback.“Stefan,I’vehadenough–“

“AndsohaveI!”Stefanshotbackinaroar.InatoneBonniehadneverheardhimusebefore.“I’msickofyouall,sickofyourbickeringandyourspinelessness–andyourpremonitions,too!Thisismyproblem.”“Ithoughtwewereateam–”Mattcried.

“Wearenotateam.Youareabunchofstupidhumans!Evenwitheverythingthat’shappenedtoyou,deepdownyoujustwanttoliveyoursafelittlelivesinyoursafelittlehousesuntilyougotoyoursafelittlegraves!I’mnothinglikeyouandIdon’twanttobe!I’veputupwithyouthislongbecauseIhadto,butthisistheend.”Helookedateachofthemandspokedeliberately,emphasizingeachword.“Idon’tneedanyofyou.Idon’twantyouwithme,andIdon’twantyoufollowingme.You’llonlyspoilmystrategy.Anyonewhodoesfollowme,I’llkill.”

Andwithonelastsmolderingglance,heturnedonhisheelandwalkedout.

Fourteen

“He’sgoneroundthebend,”Mattsaid,staringattheemptydoorwaythroughwhichStefanhaddisappeared.

“No,hehasn’t,”saidMeredith.Hervoicewasruefulandquiet,buttherewasakindofhelplesslaughinittoo.“Don’tyouseewhathe’sdoing,Matt?”shesaidwhenheturnedtoher.“Yellingatus,makingushatehimtotryandchaseusaway.Beingasnastyaspossiblesowe’llstaymadandlethimdothisalone.”Sheglancedatthedoorwayandraisedhereyebrows.”‘Anyonewhodoesfollowme,I’llkill’wasgoingabitoverboard,though.”

Bonniegiggledsuddenly,wildly,inspiteofherself.“IthinkheborroweditfromDamon.‘Getthisstraight,Idon’tneedanyofyou!’“”‘Youbunchofstupidhumans,’”Mattadded.

“ButIstilldon’tunderstand.Youjusthadapremonition,Bonnie,andStefandoesn’tusuallydiscountthose.Ifthere’snowaytofightandwin,what’sthepointofgoing?”“Bonniedidn’tsaytherewasnowaytofightandwin.Shesaidtherewasnowaytofightandsurvive.Right,Bonnie?”Meredithlookedather.

Thefitofgigglesdissolvedaway.Startledherself,Bonnietriedtoexaminethepremonition,butsheknewnomorethanthewordsthathadsprungintohermind.Noonecanfighthimandlive.

“YoumeanStefanthinks–”Slow,thunderousoutragewassmolderinginMatt’seyes.“Hethinkshe’sgoingtogoandstopKlauseventhoughhegetskilledhimself?Likesomesacrificiallamb?”

“MorelikeElena,”Meredithsaidsoberly.“Andmaybe–sohecanbewithher.”

“Huh-uh.”Bonnieshookherhead.Shemightnotknowmoreabouttheprophecy,butthissheknew.“Hedoesn’tthinkthat,I’msure.Elena’sspecial.Sheiswhatsheisbecauseshediedtooyoung;sheleftsomuchunfinishedinherownlife,and–well,she’saspecialcase.ButStefan’sbeenavampireforfivehundredyears,andhecertainlywouldn’tbedyingyoung.There’snoguaranteehe’dendupwithElena.Hemightgotoanotherplaceor–orjustgoout.Andheknowsthat.I’msureheknowsthat.Ithinkhe’sjustkeepinghispromisetoher,tostopKlausnomatterwhatitcosts.”

“Totry,atleast,”Mattsaidsoftly,anditsoundedasifhewerequoting.“Evenifyouknowyou’regoingtolose.”Helookedupatthegirlssuddenly.“I’mgoingafterhim.”“Ofcourse,”saidMeredithpatiently.

Matthesitated.“Uh–Idon’tsupposeIcouldconvinceyoutwotostayhere?”“Afterallthatinspiringtalkaboutteamwork?Notachance.”“Iwasafraidofthat.So…”“So,”saidBonnie,“we’reoutofhere.”

Theygatheredwhatweaponstheycould.Matt’spocketknifethatStefanhaddropped,theivory-hilteddaggerfromStefan’sdresser,acarvingknifefromthekitchen.Outside,therewasnosignofMrs.Flowers.Theskywaspalepurple,shadingtoapricotinthewest.Twilightofthesolsticeeve,Bonniethought,andhairsonherarmstriedtolift.

“Klaussaidtheoldfarmhouseinthewoods–thatmustmeantheFrancherplace,”Mattsaid.“WhereKatherinedumpedStefanintheabandonedwell.”

“Thatmakessense.He’sprobablybeenusingKatherine’stunneltogetbackandforthundertheriver,”Meredithsaid.“UnlessOldOnesaresopowerfultheycancrossrunningwaterwithoutharmingthemselves.”

That’sright,Bonnieremembered,evilthingscouldn’tcrossrunningwater,andthemoreevilyouwere,theharderitwas.“Butwedon’tknowanythingabouttheOriginals,”shesaidaloud.

“No,andthatmeanswe’vegottobecareful,”Mattsaid.“Iknowthesewoodsprettywell,andIknowthepathStefanwillprobablyuse.Ithinkweshouldtakeadifferentone.”“SoStefanwon’tseeusandkillus?”

“SoKlauswon’tseeus,ornotallofus.Somaybewe’llhaveachanceofgettingtoCaroline.Somehoworotherwe’vegottogetCarolineoutoftheequation;aslongasKlauscanthreatentohurtherhecanmakeStefandoanythinghewants.Andit’salwaysbesttoplanahead,togetajumpontheenemy.Klaussaidmeetthereafterdark;well,we’llbetherebeforedarkandmaybewecansurprisehim.”

Bonniewasdeeplyimpressedbythisstrategy.Nowonderhe’saquarterback,shewasthinking.Iwouldhavejustrushedin,yelling.

Mattpickedoutanalmostinvisiblepathbetweentheoaktrees.Theundergrowthwasespeciallylushthistimeofyear,withmosses,grasses,floweringplants,andferns.BonniehadtotrustthatMattknewwherehewasgoing,becauseshecertainlydidn’t.Above,birdsweregivingonelastburstofsongbeforeseekingoutaroostforthenight.Itgotdimmer.MothsandlacewingsflutteredpastBonnie’sface.Afterstumblingthroughapatchoftoadstoolscoveredwithfeedingslugs,shewasintenselygratefulthatthistimeshe’dwornjeans.

AtlastMattstoppedthem.“We’regettingclose,”hesaid,hisvoicelow.“There’sasortofbluffwherewecanlookdownandKlausmightnotseeus.Bequietandcareful.”Bonniehadnevertakensomuchtroubleplacingherfeetbefore.Fortunatelytheleaflitterwaswetandnotcrackly.AfterafewminutesMattdroppedtohisstomachandgesturedforthemtofollow.Bonniekepttellingherself,fiercely,thatshedidn’tmindthecentipedesandearthwormsherslidingfingersdugup,thatshehadnofeelingsonewayoranotheraboutcobwebsintheface.Thiswaslifeanddeath,andshewascompetent.Nodweeb,nobaby,

butcompetent.

“Here,”Mattwhispered,hisvoicebarelyaudible.Bonniescootedonherstomachuptohimandlooked.

TheyweregazingdownontheFrancherhomestead–orwhatwasleftofit.Ithadcrumbledintotheearthlongago,takenbackbytheforest.Nowitwasonlyafoundation,buildingstonescoveredwithfloweringweedsandpricklybrambles,andonetallchimneylikealonelymonument.

“Theresheis.Caroline,”MeredithbreathedinBonnie’sotherear.

Carolinewasadimfiguresittingagainstthechimney.Herpalegreendressshowedupinthegatheringdark,butherauburnhairjustlookedblack.Somethingwhiteshoneacrossherface,andafteramomentBonnierealizeditwasagag.Tapeorabandage.Fromherstrangeposture–armsbehindher,legsstretchedstraightoutinfront–Bonniealsoguessedshewastied.

PoorCaroline,shethought,forgivingtheothergirlallthenasty,petty,selfishthingsshe’deverdone,whichwasaprettyconsiderableamountwhenyougotdowntoit.ButBonniecouldn’timagineanythingworsethanbeingabductedbyapsychovampirewho’dalreadykilledtwoofyourclassmates,draggedoutheretothewoodsandbound,andthenlefttowait,withyourlifedependingonanothervampirewhohadfairlygoodreasontohateyou.Afterall,CarolinehadwantedStefaninthebeginning,andhadhatedandtriedtohumiliateElenaforgettinghim.StefanSalvatorewasthelastpersonwhoshouldfeelkindlytowardCarolineForbes.“Look!”saidMatt.“Isthathim?Klaus?”

Bonniehadseenittoo,arippleofmovementontheoppositesideofthechimney.Asshestrainedhereyesheappeared,hislighttanraincoatflappingghostlikearoundhislegs.HeglanceddownatCarolineandsheshrankfromhim,tryingtoleanaway.HislaughtersoundedsoclearlyinthequietairthatBonnieflinched.

“That’shim,”shewhispered,droppingdownbehindthescreeningferns.“Butwhere’sStefan?It’salmostdarknow.”“Maybehegotsmartanddecidednottocome,”saidMatt.

“Nosuchluck,”saidMeredith.Shewaslookingthroughthefernstothesouth.Bonnieglancedthatwayherselfandstarted.

Stefanwasstandingattheedgeoftheclearing,havingmaterializedthereasifoutofthinair.NotevenKlaushadseenhimcoming,Bonniethought.Hestoodsilently,makingnoattempttohidehimselforthewhiteashspearhewascarrying.TherewassomethinginhisstanceandthewayhelookedoverthescenebeforehimthatmadeBonnierememberthatinthefifteenthcenturyhe’dbeenanaristocrat,amemberofthenobility.Hesaidnothing,waitingforKlaustonoticehim,refusingtoberushed.

WhenKlausdidturnsouthhewentstill,andBonniegotthefeelinghewassurprisedStefanhadsneakeduponhim.Butthenhelaughedandspreadhisarms.

“Salvatore!Whatacoincidence;Iwasjustthinkingaboutyou!”

Slowly,StefanlookedKlausupanddown,fromthetailsofhistatteredraincoattothetopofhiswindblownhead.WhatStefansaidwas:“Youaskedforme.I’mhere.Letthegirlgo.”

“DidIsaythat?”Lookinggenuinelysurprised,Klauspressedtwohandstohischest.Thenheshookhishead,chuckling.“Idon’tthinkso.Let’stalkfirst.”

Stefannodded,asifKlaushadconfirmedsomethingbitterhe’dbeenexpecting.Hetookthespearfromhisshoulderandhelditinfrontofhim,handlingtheunwieldylengthofwooddeftly,easily.“I’mlistening,”hesaid.

“Notasdumbashelooks,”Mattmurmuredfrombehindtheferns,anoteofrespectinhisvoice.“Andhe’snotasanxioustogetkilledasIthought,”Mattadded.“He’sbeingcareful.”

KlausgesturedtowardCaroline,thetipsofhisfingersbrushingherauburnhair.“Whydon’tyoucomeheresowedon’thavetoshout?”Buthedidn’tthreatentohurthisprisoner,Bonnienoticed.“Icanhearyoujustfine,”Stefanreplied.“Good,”Mattwhispered.“That’sit,Stefan!”

Bonnie,though,wasstudyingCaroline.Thecaptivegirlwasstruggling,tossingherheadbackandforthasifshewerefranticorinpain.ButBonniegotastrangefeelingaboutCaroline’smovements,especiallythoseviolentjerksofthehead,asifthegirlwasstrainingtoreachthesky.Thesky…Bonnie’sgazelifteduptoit,wherefulldarknesshadfallenandawaningmoonshoneoverthetrees.ThatwaswhyshecouldseethatCaroline’shairwasauburnnow:themoonlight,shethought.Then,withashock,hereyesdroppedtothetreejustaboveStefan,whosebrancheswererustlingslightlyintheabsenceofanywind.“Matt?”shewhispered,alarmed.

StefanwasfocusedonKlaus,everysense,everymuscle,everyatomofhisPowerhonedandturnedtowardtheOldOnebeforehim.Butinthattreedirectlyabovehim…Allthoughtsofstrategy,ofaskingMattwhattodo,fledfromBonnie’smind.Sheboltedupfromherplaceofconcealmentandshouted.“Stefan!Aboveyou!It’satrap!”

Stefanleapedaside,neatasacat,justassomethingplungeddownontheexactplacehe’dbeenstandinganinstantbefore.Themoonlitthesceneperfectly,enoughforBonnietoseethewhiteofTyler’sbaredteeth.

AndtoseethewhiteflashofKlaus’seyesashewhirledonher.Foronestunnedinstantshestaredathim,andthenlightningcrackled.Fromanemptysky.

ItwasonlylaterthatBonniewouldrealizethestrangeness–thefearsomeness–ofthis.AtthetimeshescarcelynotedthattheskywasclearandstarsweptandthatthejaggedblueboltthatforkeddownstruckthepalmofKlaus’supraisedhand.Thenextsightshesawwassoterrifyingastoblackeverythingelseout:Klausfoldinghishandoverthatlightning,gatheringitsomehow,andthrowingitather.

Stefanwasyelling,tellinghertogetaway,getaway!Bonnieheardhimwhileshestared,paralyzed,andthensomethinggrabbedherandwrenchedheraside.Theboltsnappedoverherhead,withasoundlikeagiantwhipcrackingandasmelllikeozone.ShelandedfacedowninmossandrolledovertograspMeredith’shandandthankMeredithforsavingher,onlytofindthatitwasMatt.“Stayhere!Righthere!”heshouted,andboundedaway.

Thosedreadedwords.TheycatapultedBonnierightup,andshewasrunningafterhim

beforesheknewwhatshewasdoing.Andthentheworldturnedintochaos.

KlaushadwhirledbackonStefan,whowasgrapplingwithTyler,beatinghim.Tyler,inhiswolfform,wasmakingterriblesoundsasStefanthrewhimtotheground.MeredithwasrunningtowardCaroline,approachingfrombehindthechimneysoKlauswouldn’tspother.BonniesawherreachCarolineandsawtheflashofStefan’ssilverdaggerasMeredithcutthecordsaroundCaroline’swrists.ThenMeredithwashalfcarrying,halfdraggingCarolinebehindthechimneytoworkonherfeet.

AsoundlikeantlersclashingmadeBonniespinaround.KlaushadcomeatStefanwithatallbranchofhisown–itmusthavebeenlyingflatonthegroundbefore.ItlookedjustassharpasStefan’s,makingitaserviceablelance.ButKlausandStefanweren’tjuststabbingateachother;theywereusingthesticksasquarterstaffs.RobinHood,Bonniethoughtdazedly.LittleJohnandRobin.Thatwaswhatitlookedlike:KlauswasthatmuchtallerandheavierbonedthanStefan.

ThenBonniesawsomethingelseandcriedoutwordlessly.BehindStefan,Tylerhadgottenupagainandwascrouching,justashehadinthegraveyardbeforelungingforStefan’sthroat.Stefan’sbackwastohim.AndBonniecouldn’twarnhimintime.Butshe’dforgottenaboutMatt.Headdown,ignoringclawsandfangs,hewaschargingatTyler,tacklinghimlikeafirst-ratelinebackerbeforehecouldleap.Tylerwentflyingsideways,withMattontopofhim.

Bonniewasoverwhelmed.Somuchwashappening.MeredithwassawingthroughCaroline’sanklecords;MattwaspummelingTylerinawaythatcertainlywouldhavegottenhimdisqualifiedonthefootballfield;Stefanwaswhirlingthatwhiteashstaffasifhe’dbeentrainedforit.Klauswaslaughingdeliriously,seemingexhilaratedbytheexercise,astheytradedblowswithdeadlyspeedandaccuracy.

ButMattseemedtobeintroublenow.Tylerwasgrippinghimandsnarling,tryingtogetaholdonhisthroat.Wildly,Bonnielookedaroundforaweapon,entirelyforgettingthecarvingknifeinherpocket.Hereyefellonadeadoakbranch.ShepickeditupandrantowhereTylerandMattwerestruggling.

Oncethere,though,shefaltered.Shedidn’tdareusethestickforfearshe’dhitMattwithit.HeandTylerwererollingoverandoverinablurofmotion.

ThenMattwasontopofTyleragain,holdingTyler’sheaddown,holdinghimselfclear.Bonniesawherchanceandaimedthestick.ButTylersawher.Withaburstofsupernaturalstrength,hegatheredhislegsandsentMattsoaringoffhimbackward.Matt’sheadstruckatreewithasoundBonniewouldneverforget.Thedullsoundofarottenmelonbursting.Hesliddownthefrontofthetreeandwasstill.

Bonniewasgasping,stunned.ShemighthavestartedtowardMatt,butTylerwasthereinfrontofher,breathinghard,bloodysalivarunningdownhischin.Helookedevenmorelikeananimalthanhehadinthegraveyard.Asifinadream,Bonnieraisedherstick,butshecouldfeelitshakinginherhands.Mattwassostill–washebreathing?BonniecouldhearthesobinherownbreathasshefacedTyler.Thiswasridiculous;thiswasaboyfromherownschool.Aboyshe’ddancedwithlastyearattheJuniorProm.HowcouldhebekeepingherawayfromMatt,howcouldhebetryingtohurtthemall?Howcouldhebe

doingthis?

“Tyler,please–”shebegan,meaningtoreasonwithhim,tobeghim…

“Allaloneinthewoods,littlegirl?”hesaid,andhisvoicewasathickandgutturalgrowl,shapedatthelastminuteintowords.InthatinstantBonnieknewthatthiswasnottheboyshe’dgonetoschoolwith.Thiswasananimal.Oh,God,he’sugly,shethought.Ropesofredspithungoutofhismouth.Andthoseyelloweyeswiththeslittedpupils–inthemshesawthecrueltyoftheshark,andthecrocodile,andthewaspthatlaysitseggsinacaterpillar’slivingbody.Allthecrueltyofanimalnatureinthosetwoyelloweyes.“Somebodyshouldhavewarnedyou,”Tylersaid,droppinghisjawtolaughthewayadogdoes.“Becauseifyougooutinthewoodsalone,youmightmeettheBigBad–”“Jerk!”avoicefinishedforhim,andwithafeelingofgratitudethatborderedonthereligious,BonniesawMeredithbesideher.Meredith,holdingStefan’sdagger,whichshoneliquidlyinthemoonlight.

“Silver,Tyler,”Meredithsaid,brandishingit.“Iwonderwhatsilverdoestoawerewolf’smembers?Wanttosee?”AllMeredith’selegance,herstandoffishness,hercoolobserver’sdispassionweregone.ThiswastheessentialMeredith,awarriorMeredith,andalthoughshewassmiling,shewasmad.

“Yes!”shoutedBonniegleefully,feelingpowerrushthroughher.Suddenlyshecouldmove.SheandMeredith,together,werestrong.MeredithwasstalkingTylerfromoneside,Bonnieheldherstickreadyontheother.Alongingshe’dneverfeltbeforeshotthroughher,thelongingtohitTylersohardhisheadwouldcomeflyingoff.Shecouldfeelthestrengthtodoitsurginginherarm.

AndTyler,withhisanimalinstinct,couldsenseit,couldsenseitfrombothofthem,closinginoneitherside.Herecoiled,caughthimself,andturnedtotryandgetawayfromthem.Theyturnedtoo.Inaminutetheywereallthreeorbitinglikeaminisolarsystem:Tylerturningaroundandaroundinthemiddle;BonnieandMeredithcirclinghim,lookingforachancetoattack.

One,two,three.SomeunspokensignalflashedfromMeredithtoBonnie.JustasTylerleapedatMeredith,tryingtoknocktheknifeaside,Bonniehit.Rememberingtheadviceofadistantboyfriendwho’dtriedtoteachhertoplaybaseball,sheimaginednotjusthittingTyler’sheadbutthroughhishead,hittingsomethingontheoppositeside.Sheputthewholeweightofhersmallbodybehindtheblow,andtheshockofconnectingnearlyjarredherteethloose.Itjoltedherarmsagonizinglyanditshatteredthestick.ButTylerfelllikeabirdshotoutofthesky.

“Ididit!Yes.Allright!Yes!”Bonnieshouted,flingingthestickaway.Triumpheruptedfromherinaprimalshout.“Wedidit!”ShegrabbedtheheavybodybythebackofthemaneandpulleditoffMeredith,whereithadfallen.“We–“

Thenshebrokeoff,herwordsfreezinginherthroat.“Meredith!”shecried.

“It’sallright,”Meredithgasped,hervoicetightwithpain.Andweakness,Bonniethought,chilledasifdousedwithicewater.Tylerhadclawedherlegtothebone.Therewerehuge,gapingwoundsinthethighofMeredith’sjeansandinthewhiteskinthatshowedclearlythroughthetorncloth.AndtoBonnie’sabsolutehorror,shecouldseeinsidetheskintoo,

couldseefleshandmusclerippedandredbloodpouringout.“Meredith–”shecriedfrantically.TheyhadtogetMeredithtoadoctor.Everyonehadtostopnow;everyonemustunderstandthat.Theyhadaninjuryhere;theyneededtogetanambulance,tocall911.“Meredith,”shegasped,almostweeping.

“Tieitupwithsomething.”Meredith’sfacewaswhite.Shock.Goingintoshock.Andsomuchblood;somuchbloodcomingout.Oh,God,thoughtBonnie,pleasehelpme.Shelookedforsomethingtotieitupwith,buttherewasnothing.

Somethingdroppedonthegroundbesideher.Alengthofnyloncordlikethecordthey’dusedtotieupTyler,withfrayededges.Bonnielookedup.

“Canyouusethat?”askedCarolineuncertainly,herteethchattering.

Shewaswearingthegreendress,herauburnhairstragglingandstucktoherfacewithsweatandblood.Evenasshespokesheswayed,andfelltoherkneesbesideMeredith.“Areyouhurt?”Bonniegasped.

Carolineshookherhead,butthenshebentforward,rackedwithnausea,andBonniesawthemarksinherthroat.ButtherewasnotimetoworryaboutCarolinenow.Meredithwasmoreimportant.

BonnietiedthecordaboveMeredith’swounds,hermindrunningdesperatelyoverthingsshe’dlearnedfromhersisterMary.Marywasanurse.Marysaid–atourniquetcouldn’tbetootightorleftontoolongorgangrenesetin.Butshehadtostopthegushingblood.Oh,Meredith.

“Bonnie–helpStefan,”Meredithwasgasping,hervoicealmostawhisper.“He’sgoingtoneedit…”Shesaggedbackward,herbreathingstertorous,herslittedeyeslookingupatthesky.

Wet.Everythingwaswet.Bonnie’shands,herclothes,theground.WetwithMeredith’sblood.AndMattwasstilllyingunderthetree,unconscious.Shecouldn’tleavethem,especiallynotwithTylerthere.Hemightwakeup.

Dazed,sheturnedtoCaroline,whowasshiveringandretching,sweatbeadingherface.Useless,Bonniethought.Butshehadnootherchoice.

“Caroline,listentome,”shesaid.Shepickedupthelargestpieceofthestickshe’dusedonTylerandputitintoCaroline’shands.“YoustaywithMattandMeredith.Loosenthattourniqueteverytwentyminutesorso.AndifTylerstartstowakeup,ifheeventwitches,youhithimashardasyoucanwiththis.Understand?Caroline,”sheadded,“thisisyourbigchancetoproveyou’regoodforsomething.Thatyou’renotuseless.Allright?”Shecaughtthefurtivegreeneyesandrepeated,“Allright?”“Butwhatareyougoingtodo?”Bonnielookedtowardtheclearing.

“No,Bonnie.”Caroline’shandgraspedher,andBonnienotedwithsomepartofhermindthebrokennails,theropeburnsonthewrists.“Stayherewhereit’ssafe.Don’tgotothem.There’snothingyoucando–“

Bonnieshookheroffandmadefortheclearingbeforeshelostherresolve.Inherheart,sheknewCarolinewasright.Therewasnothingshecoulddo.ButsomethingMatthadsaidbeforetheyleftwasringinginhermind.Totryatleast.Shehadtotry.Still,inthose

nextfewhorribleminutesallshecoulddowaslook.

Sofar,StefanandKlaushadbeentradingblowswithsuchviolenceandaccuracythatithadbeenlikeabeautiful,lethaldance.Butithadbeenanequal,oralmostequal,match.Stefanhadbeenholdinghisown.

NowshesawStefanbearingdownwithhiswhiteashlance,pressingKlaustohisknees,forcinghimbackward,fartherandfartherback,likealimbodancerseeinghowlowhecouldgo.AndBonniecouldseeKlaus’sfacenow,mouthslightlyopen,staringupatStefanwithwhatlookedlikeastonishmentandfear.Theneverythingchanged.

Attheverybottomofhisdescent,whenKlaushadbentbackasfarashecouldgo,whenitseemedthathemustbeabouttocollapseorbreak,somethinghappened.Klaussmiled.Andthenhestartedpushingback.BonniesawStefan’smusclesknot,sawhisarmsgorigid,tryingtoresist.ButKlaus,stillgrinningmadly,eyeswideopen,justkeptcoming.Heunfoldedlikesometerriblejack-in-the-box,onlyslowly.Slowly.Inexorably.Hisgringettingwideruntilitlookedasifitwouldsplithisface.LiketheCheshirecat.Acat,thoughtBonnie.Catwithamouse.NowStefanwastheonegruntingandstraining,teethclenched,tryingtoholdKlausoff.ButKlausandhisstickboredown,forcingStefanbackward,forcinghimtotheground.Grinningallthetime.

UntilStefanwaslyingonhisback,hisownstickpressingintohisthroatwiththeweightofKlaus’slanceacrossit.Klauslookeddownathimandbeamed.“I’mtiredofplaying,littleboy,”hesaid,andhestraightenedandthrewhisownstickdown.“Nowit’sdyingtime.”

HetookStefan’sstaffawayfromhimaseasilyasifheweretakingitfromachild.Pickeditupwithaflickofhiswristandbrokeitoverhisknee,showinghowstronghewas,howstronghehadalwaysbeen.HowcruellyhehadbeenplayingwithStefan.Oneofthehalvesofthewhiteashstickhetossedoverhisshoulderacrosstheclearing.TheotherhejabbedatStefan.Usingnotthepointedendbutthesplinteredone,brokenintoadozentinypoints.Hejabbeddownwithaforcethatseemedalmostcasual,butStefanscreamed.Hediditagainandagain,elicitingascreameachtime.Bonniecriedout,soundlessly.

ShehadneverheardStefanscreambefore.Shedidn’tneedtobetoldwhatkindofpainmusthavecausedit.Shedidn’tneedtobetoldthatwhiteashmightbetheonlywooddeadlytoKlaus,butthatanywoodwasdeadlytoStefan.ThatStefanwas,ifnotdyingnow,abouttodie.ThatKlaus,withhishandnowraised,wasgoingtofinishitwithonemoreplungingblow.Klaus’sfacewastiltedtothemooninagrinofobscenepleasure,showingthatthiswaswhatheliked,wherehegothisthrills.Fromkilling.AndBonniecouldn’tmove,couldn’tevencry.Theworldswamaroundher.Ithadallbeenamistake,shewasn’tcompetent;shewasababyafterall.Shedidn’twanttoseethatfinalthrust,butshecouldn’tlookaway.Andallthiscouldn’tbehappening,butitwas.Itwas.

Klausflourishedthesplinteredstakeandwithasmileofpureecstasystartedtobringit

down.

Andaspearshotacrosstheclearingandstruckhiminthemiddleoftheback,landingandquiveringlikeagiantarrow,likehalfagiantarrow.ItmadeKlaus’sarmsflingout,droppingthestake;itshockedtheecstaticgrinrightoffhisface.Hestood,armsextended,forasecond,andthenturned,thewhiteashstickinhisbackwobblingslightly.Bonnie’seyesweretoodazzledbywavesofgraydotstosee,butsheheardthevoiceclearlyasitrangout,coldandarrogantandfilledwithabsoluteconviction.Justfivewords,buttheychangedeverything.

“Getawayfrommybrother.”

Fifteen

Klausscreamed,ascreamthatremindedBonnieofancientpredators,ofthesabertoothcatandthebullmammoth.Bloodfrothedoutofhismouthalongwiththescream,turningthathandsomefaceintoatwistedmaskoffury.

Hishandsscrabbledathisback,tryingtogetagriponthewhiteashstakeandpullitout.Butitwasburiedtoodeep.Thethrowhadbeenagoodone.“Damon,”Bonniewhispered.

Hewasstandingattheedgeoftheclearing,framedbyoaktrees.Asshewatched,hetookasteptowardKlaus,andthenanother;lithestalkingstepsfilledwithdeadlypurpose.

Andhewasangry.Bonniewouldhaverunfromthelookonhisfaceifhermuscleshadn’tbeenfrozen.Shehadneverseensuchmenacesobarelyheldincheck.

“Get…away…frommybrother,”hesaid,almostbreathingit,withhiseyesneverleavingKlaus’sashetookanotherstep.

Klausscreamedagain,buthishandsstoppedtheirfranticscrabbling.“Youidiot!Wedon’thavetofight!Itoldyouthatatthehouse!Wecanignoreeachother!”

Damon’svoicewasnolouderthanbefore.“Getawayfrommybrother.”Bonniecouldfeelitinsidehim,aswellofPowerlikeatsunami.Hecontinued,sosoftlythatBonniehadtostraintohearhim,“BeforeItearyourheartout.”Bonniecouldmoveafterall.Shesteppedbackward.

“Itoldyou!”screamedKlaus,frothing.Damondidn’tacknowledgethewordsinanyway.HiswholebeingseemedfocusedonKlaus’sthroat,onhischest,onthebeatingheartinsidethathewasgoingtotearout.Klauspickeduptheunbrokenlanceandrushedhim.

Inspiteofalltheblood,theblondmanseemedtohaveplentyofstrengthleft.Therushwassudden,violent,andalmostinescapable.BonniesawhimthrustthelanceatDamonandshuthereyesinvoluntarily,andthenopenedthemaninstantlaterassheheardtheflurryofwings.

KlaushadplungedrightthroughthespotwhereDamonhadbeen,andablackcrowwassoaringupwardwhileasinglefeatherfloateddown.AsBonniestared,Klaus’srushtookhimintothedarknessbeyondtheclearingandhedisappeared.Deadsilencefellinthewood.

Bonnie’sparalysisbrokeslowly,andshefirststepped,andthenrantowhereStefanlay.Hedidn’topenhiseyesatherapproach;heseemedunconscious.Shekneltbesidehim.Andthenshefeltasortofhorriblecalmcreepoverher,likesomeonewhohasbeen

swimminginicewaterandatlastfeelsthefirstundeniablesignsofhypothermia.Ifshehadn’thadsomanysuccessiveshocksalready,shemighthavefledscreamingordissolvedintohysterics.Butasitwas,thiswassimplythelaststep,thelastlittleslideintounreality.Intoaworldthatcouldn’tbe,butwas.Becauseitwasbad.Verybad.Asbadasitcouldbe.

She’dneverseenanybodyhurtlikethis.NotevenMr.Tanner,andhehaddiedofhiswounds.NothingMaryhadeversaidcouldhelpfixthis.Evenifthey’dhadStefanonastretcheroutsideanoperatingroom,itwouldn’thavebeenenough.

Inthatstateofdreadfulcalmshelookeduptoseeaflutterofwingsblurandshimmerinthemoonlight.Damonstoodbesideher,andshespokequitecollectedlyandrationally.“Willgivinghimbloodhelp?”

Hedidn’tseemtohearher.Hiseyeswereallblack,allpupil.Thatbarelyleashedviolence,thatsenseofferociousenergyheldback,wasgone.Hekneltandtouchedthedarkheadontheground.“Stefan?”Bonnieshuthereyes.

Damon’sscared,shethought.Damon’sscared–Damon!–andoh,God,Idon’tknowwhattodo.There’snothingtodo–andit’salloverandwe’realllostandDamonisscaredforStefan.Heisn’tgoingtotakecareofthingsandhehasn’tgotasolutionandsomebody’sgottofixthis.Andoh,God,pleasehelpmebecauseI’msofrightenedandStefan’sdyingandMeredithandMattarehurtandKlausisgoingtocomeback.SheopenedhereyestolookatDamon.Hewaswhite,hisfacelookingterrifyinglyyoungatthatmoment,withthosedilatedblackeyes.

“Klausiscomingback,”Bonniesaidquietly.Shewasn’tafraidofhimanymore.Theyweren’tacenturies-oldhunterandaseventeen-year-oldhumangirl,sittinghereattheedgeoftheworld.

Theywerejusttwopeople,DamonandBonnie,whohadtodothebesttheycould.

“Iknow,”Damonsaid.HewasholdingStefan’shand,lookingcompletelyunembarrassedaboutit,anditseemedquitelogicalandsensible.BonniecouldfeelhimsendingPowerintoStefan,couldalsofeelthatitwasn’tenough.“Wouldbloodhelphim?”“Notmuch.Alittle,maybe.”“Anythingthathelpsatallwe’vegottotry.”Stefanwhispered,“No.”

Bonniewassurprised.She’dthoughthewasunconscious.Buthiseyeswereopennow,openandalertandsmolderinggreen.Theyweretheonlyalivethingabouthim.“Don’tbestupid,”Damonsaid,hisvoicehardening.HewasgrippingStefan’shanduntilhisknuckleswhitened.“You’rebadlyhurt.”

“Iwon’tbreakmypromise.”ThatimmovablestubbornnesswasinStefan’svoice,inhispaleface.AndwhenDamonopenedhismouthagain,undoubtedlytosaythatStefanwouldbreakitandlikeitorDamonwouldbreakhisneck,Stefanadded,“Especiallywhenitwon’tdoanygood.”

TherewasasilencewhileBonniefoughtwiththerawtruthofthis.Wheretheywerenow,

inthisterribleplacebeyondallordinarythings,pretenseorfalsereassuranceseemedwrong.

Onlythetruthwoulddo.AndStefanwastellingthetruth.

Hewasstilllookingathisbrother,whowaslookingback,allthatfierce,furiousattentionfocusedonStefanasithadbeenfocusedonKlausearlier.Asifsomehowthatwouldhelp.

“I’mnotbadlyhurt,I’mdead,”Stefansaidbrutally,hiseyeslockedonDamon’s.Theirlastandgreateststruggleofwills,Bonniethought.“AndyouneedtogetBonnieandtheothersoutofhere.”

“Wewon’tleaveyou,”Bonnieintervened.Thatwasthetruth;shecouldsaythat.

“Youhaveto!”Stefandidn’tglanceaside,didn’tlookawayfromhisbrother.“Damon,youknowI’mright.Klauswillbehereanyminute.Don’tthrowyourlifeaway.Don’tthrowtheirlivesaway.”

“Idon’tgiveadamnabouttheirlives,”Damonhissed.Thetruthalso,Bonniethought,curiouslyunoffended.TherewasonlyonelifeDamoncaredabouthere,anditwasn’thisown.

“Yes,youdo!”Stefanflaredback.HewashangingontoDamon’shandwithjustasfierceagrip,asifthiswasacontestandhecouldforceDamontoconcedethatway.“Elenahadalastrequest;well,thisismine.YouhavePower,Damon.Iwantyoutouseittohelpthem.”“Stefan…”Bonniewhisperedhelplessly.

“Promiseme,”StefansaidtoDamon,andthenaspasmofpaintwistedhisface.

ForuncountablesecondsDamonsimplylookeddownathim.Thenhesaid,“Ipromise,”quickandsharpasthestrokeofadagger.HeletgoofStefan’shandandstood,turningtoBonnie.“Comeon.”“Wecan’tleavehim…”

“Yes,wecan.”TherewasnothingyoungaboutDamon’sfacenow.Nothingvulnerable.“Youandyourhumanfriendsareleavinghere,permanently.Iamcomingback.”

Bonnieshookherhead.Sheknew,dimly,thatDamonwasn’tbetrayingStefan,thatitwassomecaseofDamonputtingStefan’sidealsaboveStefan’slife,butitwasalltooabstruseandincomprehensibletoher.Shedidn’tunderstanditandshedidn’twantto.AllsheknewwasthatStefancouldn’tbeleftlyingthere.

“You’recomingnow,”Damonsaid,reachingforher,thesteelyringbackinhisvoice.Bonniepreparedherselfforafight,andthensomethinghappenedthatmadealltheirdebatingmeaningless.Therewasacracklikeagiantwhipandaflashlikedaylight,andBonniewasblinded.Whenshecouldseethroughtheafterimage,hereyesflewtotheflamesthatwerelickingupfromanewlyblackenedholeatthebaseofatree.Klaushadreturned.Withlightning.

Bonnie’seyedartedtohimnext,astheonlyotherthingmovingintheclearing.Hewaswavingthebloodywhiteashstakehe’dpulledoutofhisownbacklikeagorytrophy.

Lightningrod,thoughtBonnieillogically,andthentherewasanothercrash.

Itstabbeddownfromanemptysky,inhugeblue-whiteforksthatliteverythinglikethe

sunatnoon.Bonniewatchedasonetreeandthenanotherwashit,eachonecloserthanthelast.Flameslickeduplikehungryredgoblinsamongtheleaves.

TwotreesoneithersideofBonnieexploded,withcrackssoloudthatshefeltratherthanheardit,apiercingpaininhereardrums.Damon,whoseeyesweremoresensitive,threwupahandtoprotectthem.

Thenheshouted“Klaus!”andsprangtowardtheblondman.Hewasn’tstalkingnow;thiswasthedeadlyraceofattack.Theburstofkillingspeedofthehuntingcatorthewolf.Lightningcaughthiminmidspring.

Bonniescreamedasshesawit,jumpingtoherfeet.Therewasablueflashofsuperheatedgasesandasmellofburning,andthenDamonwasdown,lyingmotionlessonhisface.Bonniecouldseetinywispsofsmokerisefromhim,justastheydidfromthetrees.Speechlesswithhorror,shelookedatKlaus.

Hewasswaggeringthroughtheclearing,holdinghisbloodysticklikeagolfclub.HebentdownoverDamonashepassed,andsmiled.Bonniewantedtoscreamagain,butshedidn’thavethebreath.Theredidn’tseemtobeanyairlefttobreathe.

“I’lldealwithyoulater,”KlaustoldtheunconsciousDamon.ThenhisfacetippeduptowardBonnie.“You,”hesaid,“I’mgoingtodealwithrightnow.”

ItwasaninstantbeforesherealizedhewaslookingatStefan,andnother.ThoseelectricblueeyeswerefixedonStefan’sface.TheymovedtoStefan’sbloodymiddle.“I’mgoingtoeatyounow,Salvatore.”

Bonniewasallalone.Theonlyoneleftstanding.Andshewasafraid.Butsheknewwhatshehadtodo.

Sheletherkneescollapseagain,droppingtothegroundbesideStefan.

Andthisishowitends,shethought.Youkneelbesideyourknightandthenyoufacetheenemy.

ShelookedatKlausandmovedsothatshewasshieldingStefan.Heseemedtonoticeherforthefirsttime,andfrownedasifhe’dfoundaspiderinhissalad.Firelightflickeredorange-redonhisface.“Getoutoftheway.”“No.”

Andthisishowtheendingstarts.Likethis,sosimply,withoneword,andyou’regoingtodieonasummernight.AsummernightwhenthemoonandstarsareshiningandbonfiresburnliketheflamestheDruidsusedtosummonthedead.“Bonnie,go,”Stefansaidpainfully.“Getoutwhileyoucan.”

“No,”Bonniesaid.I’msorry,Elena,shethought.Ican’tsavehim.ThisisallIcando.

“Getoutoftheway,”Klaussaidthroughhisteeth.

“No.”ShecouldwaitandletStefandiethisway,insteadofwithKlaus’steethinhisthroat.Itmightnotseemlikemuchofadifference,butitwasthemostshecouldoffer.

“Bonnie…”Stefanwhispered.

“Don’tyouknowwhoIam,girl?I’vewalkedwiththedevil.Ifyoumove,I’llletyoudiequickly.”Bonnie’svoicehadgivenout.Sheshookherhead.

Klausthrewbackhisownheadandlaughed.Alittlemorebloodtrickledout,too.“Allright,”hesaid.“Haveityourownway.Bothofyougotogether.”

Summernight,Bonniethought.Thesolsticeeve.Whenthelinebetweenworldsissothin.“Saygoodnight,sweetheart.”

Notimetotrance,notimeforanything.Nothingexceptonedesperateappeal.“Elena!”Bonniescreamed.“Elena!Elena!”

Klausrecoiled.

Foraninstant,itseemedasifthenamealonehadthepowertoalarmhim.OrasifheexpectedsomethingtorespondtoBonnie’scry.Hestood,listening.

Bonniedrewonherpowers,puttingeverythingshehadintoit,throwingherneedandhercalloutintothevoid.Andfelt…nothing.Nothingdisturbedthesummernightexceptthecracklingsoundofflames.KlausturnedbacktoBonnieandStefan,andgrinned.ThenBonniesawthemistcreepingalongtheground.

No–itcouldn’tbemist.Itmustbesmokefromthefire.Butitdidn’tbehavelikeeither.Itwasswirling,risingintheairlikeatinywhirlwindordustdevil.Itwasgatheringintoashaperoughlythesizeofaman.

Therewasanotheronealittledistanceaway.ThenBonniesawathird.Thesamethingwashappeningallover.

Mistwasflowingoutoftheground,betweenthetrees.Poolsofit,eachseparateanddistinct.Bonnie,staringmutely,couldseethrougheachpatch,couldseetheflames,theoaktrees,thebricksofthechimney.Klaushadstoppedsmiling,stoppedmoving,andwaswatchingtoo.BonnieturnedtoStefan,unabletoevenframethequestion.

“Unquietspirits,”hewhisperedhuskily,hisgreeneyesintent.“Thesolstice.”AndthenBonnieunderstood.

Theywerecoming.Fromacrosstheriver,wheretheoldcemeterylay.Fromthewoods,wherecountlessmakeshiftgraveshadbeendugtodumpbodiesinbeforetheyrotted.Theunquietspirits,thesoldierswhohadfoughthereanddiedduringtheCivilWar.Asupernaturalhostansweringthecallforhelp.Theywereformingallaround.Therewerehundredsofthem.

Bonniecouldactuallyseefacesnow.Themistyoutlineswerefillinginwithpalehueslikesomanyrunnywatercolors.Shesawaflashofblue,aglimmerofgray.BothUnionandConfederatetroops.Bonnieglimpsedapistolthrustintoabelt,theglintofanornamentedsword.Chevronsonasleeve.Abushydarkbeard;along,well-tendedwhiteone.Asmall

figure,childsize,withdarkholesforeyesandadrumhangingatthighlevel.

“Oh,myGod,”shewhispered.“Oh,God.”Itwasn’tswearing.Itwassomethinglikeaprayer.

Notthatshewasn’tfrightenedofthem,becauseshewas.Itwaseverynightmareshe’deverhadaboutthecemeterycometrue.LikeherfirstdreamaboutElena,whenthingscamecrawlingoutoftheblackpitsintheearth;onlythesethingsweren’tcrawling,theywereflying,skimmingandfloatinguntiltheyswirledintohumanform.EverythingthatBonniehadeverfeltabouttheoldgraveyard–thatitwasaliveandfullofwatchingeyes,thattherewassomePowerlurkingbehinditswaitingstillness–wasprovingtrue.TheearthofFell’sChurchwasgivingupitsbloodymemories.Thespiritsofthosewho’ddiedherewerewalkingagain.

AndBonniecouldfeeltheiranger.Itfrightenedher,butanotheremotionwaswakingupinsideher,makinghercatchherbreathandclenchtighteronStefan’shand.Becausethemistyarmyhadaleader.

Onefigurewasfloatinginfrontoftheothers,closesttotheplacewhereKlausstood.Ithadnoshapeordefinitionasyet,butitglowedandscintillatedwiththepalegoldenlightofacandleflame.Then,beforeBonnie’seyes,itseemedtotakeonsubstancefromtheair,shiningbrighterandbrightereveryminutewithanunearthlylight.Itwasbrighterthanthecircleoffire.ItwassobrightthatKlausleanedbackfromitandBonnieblinked,butwhensheturnedatalowsound,shesawStefanstaringstraightintoit,fearlessly,withwide-openeyes.Andsmiling,sofaintly,asifgladtohavethisbethelastthinghesaw.ThenBonniewassure.

Klausdroppedthestake.HehadturnedawayfromBonnieandStefantofacethebeingoflightthathungintheclearinglikeanavengingangel.Goldenhairstreamingbackinaninvisiblewind,Elenalookeddownonhim.“Shecame,”Bonniewhispered.

“Youaskedherto,”Stefanmurmured.Hisvoicetrailedoffintoalaboredbreath,buthewasstillsmiling.Hiseyeswereserene.

“Standawayfromthem,”Elenasaid,hervoicecomingsimultaneouslytoBonnie’searsandhermind.Itwaslikethechimingofdozensofbells,distantandcloseupatonce.“It’sovernow,Klaus.”

ButKlausralliedquickly.Bonniesawhisshouldersswellwithabreath,noticedforthefirsttimetheholeinthebackofthetanraincoatwherethewhiteashstakehadpiercedhim.Itwasstaineddullred,andnewbloodwasflowingnowasKlausflungouthisarms.

“YouthinkI’mafraidofyou?”heshouted.Hespunaround,laughingatallthepallidforms.“YouthinkI’mafraidofanyofyou?You’redead!Dustonthewind!Youcan’ttouchme!”“You’rewrong,”Elenasaidinherwind-chimevoice.

“I’moneoftheOldOnes!AnOriginal!Doyouknowwhatthatmeans?”Klausturnedagain,addressingallofthem,hisunnaturallyblueeyesseemingtocatchsomeoftheredglowofthefire.“I’veneverdied.Everyoneofyouhasdied,yougalleryofspooks!Butnotme.Deathcan’ttouchme.Iaminvincible!”

Thelastwordcameinashoutsolouditechoedamongthetrees.Invincible…invincible…invincible.Bonniehearditfadingintothehungrysoundofthefire.Elenawaiteduntilthelastechohaddied.Thenshesaid,verysimply,“Notquite.”Sheturnedtolookatthemistyshapesaroundher.“Hewantstospillmorebloodhere.”Anewvoicespokeup,ahollowvoicethatranlikeatrickleofcoldwaterdownBonnie’sspine.“There’sbeenenoughkilling,Isay.”ItwasaUnionsoldierwithadoublerowofbuttonsonhisjacket.

“Morethanenough,”saidanothervoice,liketheboomofafarawaydrum.AConfederateholdingabayonet.

“It’stimesomebodystoppedit”–anoldmaninhome-dyedbutternutcloth.

“Wecan’tletitgoon”–thedrummerboywiththeblackholesforeyes.

“Nomorebloodspilled!”Severalvoicestookitupatonce.“Nomorekilling!”Thecrypassedfromonetoanother,untiltheswellofsoundwaslouderthantheroarofthefire.“Nomoreblood!”“Youcan’ttouchme!Youcan’tkillme!”

“Let’stake‘im,boys!”

Bonnieneverknewwhogavethatlastcommand.Buthewasobeyedbyall,ConfederateandUnionsoldiersalike.Theywererising,flowing,dissolvingintomistagain,adarkmistwithahundredhands.ItboredownonKlauslikeanoceanwave,dashingitselfonhimandengulfinghim.Eachhandtookhold,andalthoughKlauswasfightingandthrashingwitharmsandlegs,theyweretoomanyforhim.Insecondshewasobscuredbythem,surrounded,swallowedbythedarkmist.Itrose,whirlinglikeatornadofromwhichscreamscouldbeheardonlyfaintly.“Youcan’tkillme!I’mimmortal!”

ThetornadosweptawayintothedarknessbeyondBonnie’ssight.Followingitwasatrailofghostslikeacomet’stail,shootingoffintothenightsky.

“Wherearetheytakinghim?”Bonniedidn’tmeantosayitaloud;shejustblurteditoutbeforeshethought.ButElenaheard.

“Wherehewon’tdoanyharm,”shesaid,andthelookonherfacestoppedBonniefromaskinganyotherquestions.

Therewasasquealing,bleatingsoundfromtheothersideoftheclearing.BonnieturnedandsawTyler,inhisterriblepart-human,part-animalshape,onhisfeet.TherewasnoneedforCaroline’sclub.HewasstaringatElenaandthefewremainingghostlyfiguresandgibbering.“Don’tletthemtakeme!Don’tletthemtakemetoo!”

BeforeElenacouldspeak,hehadspunaround.Heregardedthefire,whichwashigherthanhisownhead,foraninstant,thenplungedrightthroughit,crashingintotheforestbeyond.Throughapartingoftheflames,Bonniesawhimdroptotheground,beatingoutflamesonhimself,thenriseandrunagain.Thenthefireflaredupandshecouldn’tseeanythingmore.

Butshe’drememberedsomething:Meredith–andMatt.Meredithwaslyingproppedup,herheadinCaroline’slap,watching.Mattwasstillonhisback.Hurt,butnotsobadlyhurtasStefan.

“Elena,”Bonniesaid,catchingthebrightfigure’sattention,andthenshesimplylookedathim.

Thebrightnesscamecloser.Stefandidn’tblink.Helookedintotheheartofthelightandsmiled.“He’sbeenstoppednow.Thankstoyou.”

“ItwasBonniewhocalledus.Andshecouldn’thavedoneitattherightplaceandtherighttimewithoutyouandtheothers.”“Itriedtokeepmypromise.”“Iknow,Stefan.”

Bonniedidn’tlikethesoundofthisatall.Itsoundedtoomuchlikeafarewell–apermanentone.Herownwordsfloatedbacktoher:Hemightgotoanotherplaceor–orjustgoout.Andshedidn’twantStefantogoanywhere.Surelyanyonewholookedthatmuchlikeanangel…

“Elena,”shesaid,“can’tyou–dosomething?Can’tyouhelphim?”Hervoicewasshaking.

AndElena’sexpressionassheturnedtolookatBonnie,gentlebutsosad,wasevenmoredistressing.Itremindedherofsomeone,andthensheremembered.HonoriaFell.Honoria’seyeshadlookedlikethat,asifshewerelookingatalltheinescapablewrongsintheworld.Alltheunfairness,allthethingsthatshouldn’thavebeen,butwere.“Icandosomething,”shesaid.“ButIdon’tknowifit’sthekindofhelphewants.”SheturnedbacktoStefan.“Stefan,IcancurewhatKlausdid.TonightIhavethatmuchPower.ButIcan’tcurewhatKatherinedid.”

Bonnie’snumbedbrainstruggledwiththisforawhile.WhatKatherinedid–butStefanhadrecoveredmonthsagofromKatherine’stortureinthecrypt.Thensheunderstood.WhatKatherinehaddonewasmakeStefanavampire.

“It’sbeentoolong,”StefanwassayingtoElena.“Ifyoudidcureit,I’dbeapileofdust.”

“Yes.”Elenadidn’tsmile,justwentonlookingathimsteadily.“Doyouwantmyhelp,Stefan?”

“Togoonlivinginthisworldintheshadows…”Stefan’svoicewasawhispernow,hisgreeneyesdistant.Bonniewantedtoshakehim.Live,shethoughttohim,butshedidn’tdaresayitforfearshe’dmakehimdecidejusttheopposite.Thenshethoughtofsomethingelse.

“Togoontrying,”shesaid,andbothofthemlookedather.Shelookedback,chinthrustout,andsawthebeginningofasmileonElena’sbrightlips.ElenaturnedtoStefan,andthattinyhintofasmilepassedtohim.“Yes,”hesaidquietly,andthen,toElena,“Iwantyourhelp.”Shebentandkissedhim.

BonniesawthebrightnessflowfromhertoStefan,likeariverofsparklinglightengulfinghim.ItfloodedoverhimthewaythedarkmisthadsurroundedKlaus,likeacascadeofdiamonds,untilhisentirebodyglowedlikeElena’s.

ForaninstantBonnieimaginedshecouldseethebloodinsidehimturnedmolten,flowingouttoeachvein,eachcapillary,healingeverythingittouched.Thentheglowfadedtoagoldenaura,soakingbackintoStefan’sskin.Hisshirtwasstilldemolished,but

underneaththefleshwassmoothandfirm.Bonnie,feelingherowneyeswidewithwonder,couldn’thelpreachingouttotouch.Itfeltjustlikeanyskin.Thehorriblewoundsweregone.

Shelaughedaloudwithsheerexcitement,andthenlookedup,sobering.“Elena–there’sMeredith,too–“

ThebrightbeingthatwasElenawasalreadymovingacrosstheclearing.MeredithlookedupatherfromCaroline’slap.

“Hello,Elena,”shesaid,almostnormally,exceptthathervoicewassoweak.

Elenabentandkissedher.Thebrightnessflowedagain,encompassingMeredith.Andwhenitfaded,Meredithstooduponherowntwofeet.

ThenElenadidthesamethingwithMatt,whowokeup,lookingconfusedbutalert.ShekissedCarolinetoo,andCarolinestoppedshakingandstraightened.ThenshewenttoDamon.

Hewasstilllyingwherehehadfallen.Theghostshadpassedoverhim,takingnonoticeofhim.Elena’sbrightnesshoveredoverhim,oneshininghandreachingtotouchhishair.Thenshebentandkissedthedarkheadontheground.

Asthesparklinglightfaded,Damonsatupandshookhishead.HesawElenaandwentstill,then,everymovementcarefulandself-contained,stoodup.Hedidn’tsayanything,onlylookedasElenaturnedbacktoStefan.

Hewassilhouettedagainstthefire.BonniehadscarcelynoticedhowtheredglowhadgrownsothatitalmosteclipsedElena’sgold.Butnowshesawitandfeltathrillofalarm.“Mylastgifttoyou,”Elenasaid,anditbegantorain.

Notathunder-and-lightningstorm,butathoroughpatteringrainthatsoakedeverything–Bonnieincluded–anddousedthefire.Itwasfreshandcool,anditseemedtowashallthehorrorofthelasthoursaway,cleansingthegladeofeverythingthathadhappenedthere.Bonnietiltedherfaceuptoit,shuttinghereyes,wantingtostretchoutherarmsandembraceit.AtlastitslackenedandshelookedagainatElena.

ElenawaslookingatStefan,andtherewasnosmileonherlipsnow.Thewordlesssorrowwasbackinherface.“It’smidnight,”shesaid.“AndIhavetogo.”Bonnieknewinstantly,atthesoundofit,that“go”didn’tjustmeanforthemoment.“Go”meantforever.Elenawasgoingsomewherethatnotranceordreamcouldreach.AndStefanknewittoo.“Justafewmoreminutes,”hesaid,reachingforher.“I’msorry–““Elena,wait–Ineedtotellyou–“

“Ican’t!”Forthefirsttimetheserenityofthatbrightfacewasdestroyed,showingnotonlygentlesadnessbuttearinggrief.“Stefan,Ican’twait.I’msosorry.”Itwasasifshewerebeingpulledbackward,retreatingfromthemintosomedimensionthatBonniecouldnotsee.MaybethesameplaceHonoriawentwhenhertaskwasfinished,Bonniethought.Tobeatpeace.

ButElena’seyesdidn’tlookasifshewereatpeace.TheyclungtoStefan,andshereachedoutherhandtowardhis,hopelessly.Theydidn’ttouch.WhereverElenawasbeingpulledwastoofaraway.

“Elena–please!”ItwasthevoiceStefanhadcalledherwithinhisroom.Asifhisheartwasbreaking.

“Stefan,”shecried,bothhandsheldouttohimnow.Butshewasdiminishing,vanishing.Bonniefeltasobswellinherownchest,closeherownthroat.Itwasn’tfair.Alltheyhadeverwantedwastobetogether.AndnowElena’srewardforhelpingthetownandfinishinghertaskwastobeseparatedfromStefanirrevocably.Itjustwasn’tfair.

“Stefan,”Elenacalledagain,buthervoicecameasiffromalongdistance.Thebrightnesswasalmostgone.Then,asBonniestaredthroughhelplesstears,itwinkedout.Leavingtheclearingsilentonceagain.Theywereallgone,theghostsofFell’sChurchwhohadwalkedforonenighttokeepmorebloodfrombeingspilled.Thebrightspiritthathadledthemhadvanishedwithoutatrace,andeventhemoonandstarswerecoveredbyclouds.

BonnieknewthatthewetnessonStefan’sfacewasn’tduetotherainthatwasstillsplashingdown.

Hewasstanding,chestheaving,lookingatthelastplacewhereElena’sbrightnesshadbeenseen.AndallthelongingandthepainBonniehadglimpsedonhisfaceattimesbeforewasnothingtowhatshesawnow.

“Itisn’tfair,”shewhispered.Thensheshoutedittothesky,notcaringwhoshewasaddressing.“Itisn’tfair!”

Stefanhadbeenbreathingmoreandmorequickly.Nowheliftedhisfacetoo,notinangerbutinunbearablepain.Hiseyesweresearchingthecloudsasifhemightfindsomelasttraceofgoldenlight,someflickerofbrightnessthere.Hecouldn’t.Bonniesawthespasmgothroughhim,liketheagonyofKlaus’sstake.Andthecrythatburstoutofhimwasthemostterriblethingshe’deverheard.“Elena!”

Sixteen

Bonnienevercouldquiterememberhowthenextfewsecondswent.SheheardStefan’scrythatalmostseemedtoshaketheearthbeneathher.ShesawDamonstarttowardhim.Andthenshesawtheflash.

AflashlikeKlaus’slightning,onlynotblue-white.Thisonewasgold.

AndsobrightBonniefeltthatthesunhadexplodedinfrontofhereyes.Allshecouldmakeoutforseveralsecondswerewhirlingcolors.Andthenshesawsomethinginthemiddleoftheclearing,nearthechimneystack.Somethingwhite,shapedliketheghosts,onlymoresolidlooking.Somethingsmallandhuddledthathadtobeanythingbutwhathereyesweretellingheritlookedlike.

Becauseitlookedlikeaslendernakedgirltremblingontheforestfloor.Agirlwithgoldenhair.ItlookedlikeElena.

Nottheglowing,candle-litElenaofthespiritworldandnotthepale,inhumanlybeautifulgirlwhohadbeenElenathevampire.ThiswasanElenawhosecreamyskinwasblotchingpinkandshowinggoosefleshunderthespatteroftherain.AnElenawholookedbewilderedassheslowlyraisedherheadandgazedaroundher,asifallthefamiliarthingsintheclearingwereunfamiliartoher.

It’sanillusion.Eitherthatortheygaveherafewminutestosaygood-bye.Bonniekepttellingherselfthat,butshecouldn’tmakeherselfbelieveit.

“Bonnie?”saidavoiceuncertainly.Avoicethatwasn’tlikewindchimesatall.Thevoiceofafrightenedyounggirl.

Bonnie’skneesgaveout.Awildfeelingwasgrowinginsideher.Shetriedtopushitaway,notdaringtoevenexamineityet.ShejustwatchedElena.

Elenatouchedthegrassinfrontofher.Hesitantlyatfirst,thenmoreandmorefirmly,quickerandquicker.Shepickedupaleafinfingersthatseemedclumsy,putitdown,pattedtheground.Snatcheditupagain.Shegrabbedawholehandfulofwetleaves,heldthemtoher,smelledthem.ShelookedupatBonnie,theleavesscatteringaway.Foramoment,theyjustkneltandstaredateachotherfromthedistanceofafewfeet.Then,tremulously,Bonniestretchedoutherhand.Shecouldn’tbreathe.Thefeelingwasgrowingandgrowing.

Elena’shandcameupinturn.ReachedtowardBonnie’s.Theirfingerstouched.Realfingers.Intherealworld.Wheretheybothwere.Bonniegaveakindofscreamandthrew

herselfonElena.

Inaminuteshewaspattinghereverywhereinafrenzy,withwild,disbelievingdelight.AndElenawassolid.ShewaswetfromtherainandshewasshiveringandBonnie’shandsdidn’tgothroughher.BitsofdampleafandcrumbsofsoilwereclingingtoElena’shair.“You’rehere,”shesobbed.“Icantouchyou,Elena!”

Elenagaspedback,“Icantouchyou!I’mhere!”Shegrabbedtheleavesagain.“Icantouchtheground!”

“Icanseeyoutouchingit!”Theymighthavekeptthisupindefinitely,butMeredithinterrupted.Shewasstandingafewstepsaway,staring,herdarkeyesenormous,herfacewhite.Shemadeachokingsound.

“Meredith!”Elenaturnedtoherandheldouthandfulsofleaves.Sheopenedherarms.Meredith,whohadbeenabletocopewhenElena’sbodywasfoundintheriver,whenElenahadappearedatherwindowasavampire,whenElenahadmaterializedintheclearinglikeanangel,juststoodthere,shaking.Shelookedabouttofaint.

“Meredith,she’ssolid!Youcantouchher!See?”BonniepummeledElenaagainjoyfully.Meredithdidn’tmove.Shewhispered,“It’simpossible–“

“It’strue!See?It’strue!”Bonniewasgettinghysterical.Sheknewshewas,andshedidn’tcare.Ifanyonehadarighttogethysterical,itwasher.“It’strue,it’strue,”shecaroled.“Meredith,comesee.”

Meredith,whohadbeenstaringatElenaallthiswhile,madeanotherchokedsound.Then,withonemotion,sheflungherselfdownonElena.Shetouchedher,foundthatherhandmettheresistanceofflesh.ShelookedintoElena’sface.Andthensheburstintouncontrollabletears.Shecriedandcried,herheadonElena’snakedshoulder.Bonniegleefullypattedbothofthem.

“Don’tyouthinkshe’dbetterputsomethingon?”saidavoice,andBonnielookeduptoseeCarolinetakingoffherdress.Carolinediditrathercalmly,standinginherbeigepolyesterslipafterwardasifshedidthissortofthingallthetime.Noimagination,Bonniethoughtagain,butwithoutmalice.Clearlythereweretimeswhennoimaginationwasanadvantage.

MeredithandBonniepulledthedressoverElena’shead.Shelookedsmallinsideit,wetandsomehowunnatural,asifshewasn’tusedtoclothinganymore.Butitwassomeprotectionfromtheelements,anyway.ThenElenawhispered,“Stefan.”

Sheturned.Hewasstandingthere,withDamonandMatt,alittleapartfromthegirls.Hewasjustwatchingher.Asifnotonlyhisbreath,buthislifewasheld,waiting.Elenagotupandtookatotterysteptohim,andthenanotherandanother.Slimandnewlyfragileinsideherborroweddress,shewaveredasshemovedtowardhim.Likethelittlemermaidlearninghowtouseherlegs,Bonniethought.

Helethergetalmostallthewaythere,juststaring,beforehestumbledtowardher.Theyendedinarushandthenfelltothegroundtogether,armslockedaroundeachother,eachholdingonastightlyaspossible.Neitherofthemsaidaword.

AtlastElenapulledbacktolookatStefan,andhecuppedherfacebetweenhishands,justgazingbackather.Elenalaughedaloudforsheerjoy,openingandclosingherownfingersandlookingatthemindelightbeforeburyingtheminStefan’shair.Thentheykissed.

Bonniewatchedunabashedly,feelingsomeoftheheadyjoyspilloverintotears.Herthroatached,buttheseweresweettears,notthesalttearsofpain,andshewasstillsmiling.Shewasfilthy,shewassoakingwet,shehadneverbeensohappyinherlife.Shefeltasifshewantedtodanceandsinganddoallsortsofcrazythings.

SometimelaterElenalookedupfromStefantoallofthem,herfacealmostasbrightaswhenshe’dfloatedintheclearinglikeanangel.Shininglikestarlight.NoonewillevercallherIcePrincessagain,Bonniethought.

“Myfriends,”Elenasaid.Itwasallshesaid,butitwasenough,thatandthequeerlittlesobshegaveassheheldoutahandtothem.Theywerearoundherinasecond,swarmingher,alltryingtoembraceatonce.EvenCaroline.“Elena,”Carolinesaid,“I’msorry…”

“It’sallforgottennow,”Elenasaid,andhuggedherasfreelyasanyoneelse.Thenshegraspedasturdybrownhandandhelditbrieflytohercheek.“Matt,”shesaid,andhesmiledather,blueeyesswimming.ButnotwithmiseryatseeingherinStefan’sarms,Bonniethought.JustnowMatt’sfaceexpressedonlyhappiness.

Ashadowfelloverthelittlegroup,comingbetweenthemandthemoonlight.Elenalookedup,andheldoutherhandagain.“Damon,”shesaid.

Theclearlightandshiningloveinherfacewasirresistible.Oritshouldhavebeenirresistible,Bonniethought.ButDamonsteppedforwardunsmiling,hisblackeyesasbottomlessandunfathomableasever.NoneofthestarlightthatshonefromElenawasreflectedbackfromthem.

Stefanlookedupathimfearlessly,ashe’dlookedintothepainfulbrillianceofElena’sgoldenbrightness.Then,neverlookingaway,heheldouthishandaswell.

Damonstoodgazingdownatthem,thetwoopen,fearlessfaces,themuteofferoftheirhands.Theofferofconnection,warmth,humanity.Nothingshowedinhisownface,andhewasutterlymotionlesshimself.

“Comeon,Damon,”Mattsaidsoftly.Bonnielookedathimquickly,andsawthattheblueeyeswereintentnowastheylookedattheshadowedhunter’sface.Damonspokewithoutmoving.“I’mnotlikeyou.”

“You’renotasdifferentfromusasyouwanttothink,”Mattsaid.“Look,”headded,anoddnoteofchallengeinhisvoice,“IknowyoukilledMr.Tannerinself-defense,becauseyoutoldme.AndIknowyoudidn’tcomeheretoFell’sChurchbecauseBonnie’sspelldraggedyouhere,becauseIsortedthehairandIdidn’tmakeanymistakes.You’remorelikeusthanyouadmit,Damon.TheonlythingIdon’tknowiswhyyoudidn’tgointoVickie’shousetohelpher.”

Damonsnapped,almostautomatically,“BecauseIwasn’tinvited!”

MemorysweptoverBonnie.HerselfstandingoutsideVickie’shouse,Damonstandingbesideher.Stefan’svoice:Vickie,invitemein.ButnoonehadinvitedDamon.“Buthow

didKlausgetin,then–?”shebegan,followingherownthoughts.

“ThatwasTyler’sjob,I’msure,”Damonsaidtersely.“WhatTylerdidforKlausinreturnforlearninghowtoreclaimhisheritage.AndhemusthaveinvitedKlausinbeforeweeverstartedguardingthehouse–probablybeforeStefanandIcametoFell’sChurch.Klauswaswellprepared.ThatnighthewasinthehouseandthegirlwasdeadbeforeIknewwhatwashappening.”

“Whydidn’tyoucallforStefan?”Mattsaid.Therewasnoaccusationinhisvoice.Itwasasimplequestion.

“Becausetherewasnothinghecouldhavedone!IknewwhatyouweredealingwithassoonasIsawit.AnOldOne.Stefanwouldonlyhavegottenhimselfkilled–andthegirlwaspastcaring,anyway.”

Bonnieheardthethreadofcoldnessinhisvoice,andwhenDamonturnedbacktoStefanandElena,hisfacehadhardened.Itwasasifsomedecisionhadbeenmade.“Yousee,I’mnotlikeyou,”hesaid.

“Itdoesn’tmatter.”Stefanhadstillnotwithdrawnhishand.NeitherhadElena.

“Andsometimesthegoodguysdowin,”Mattsaidquietly,encouragingly.

“Damon–”Bonniebegan.Slowly,almostreluctantly,heturnedtowardher.ShewasthinkingaboutthatmomentwhentheyhadbeenkneelingoverStefanandhehadlookedsoyoung.WhentheyhadbeenjustDamonandBonnieattheedgeoftheworld.Shethought,forjustoneinstant,thatshesawstarsinthoseblackeyes.Andshecouldsenseinhimsomething–somefermentoffeelingslikelongingandconfusionandfearandangerallmixed.ButthenitwasallsmoothedoveragainandhisshieldswerebackupandBonnie’spsychicsensestoldhernothing.Andthoseblackeyesweresimplyopaque.Heturnedbacktothecoupleontheground.ThenheremovedhisjacketandsteppedbehindElena.Hedrapeditoverhershoulderswithouttouchingher.

“It’sacoldnight,”hesaid.HiseyesheldStefan’samomentashesettledtheblackjacketaroundher.

Andthenheturnedtowalkintothedarknessbetweentheoaktrees.InaninstantBonnieheardtherushofwings.

StefanandElenawordlesslyjoinedhandsagain,andElena’sgoldenheaddroppedtoStefan’sshoulder.OverherhairStefan’sgreeneyeswereturnedtowardthepatchofnightwherehisbrotherhaddisappeared.

Bonnieshookherhead,feelingacatchinherthroat.ItwaseasedassomethingtouchedherarmandshelookedupatMatt.Evensoakingwet,evencoveredwithbitsofmossandfern,hewasabeautifulsight.Shesmiledathim,feelingherwonderandjoycomeback.Thegiddy,dizzyexcitementasshethoughtaboutwhathadhappenedtonight.MeredithandCarolineweresmilingtoo,andinanimpulsiveburstBonnieseizedMatt’shandsandwhirledhimintoadance.Inthemiddleoftheclearingtheykickedupwetleavesandspunandlaughed.Theywerealive,andtheywereyoung,anditwasthesummersolstice.

“Youwantedusallbacktogetheragain!”BonnieshoutedatCaroline,andpulledthescandalizedgirlintothedance.Meredith,herdignityforgotten,joinedthemtoo.Andfora

longtimeintheclearingtherewasonlyrejoicing.

June21,7:30A.M.

TheSummerSolstice

DearDiary,

Oh,it’salltoomuchtoexplainandyouwouldn’tbelieveitanyway.I’mgoingtobed.

Bonnie