VampireDiariesVolume1

THEAWAKENING

LisaJ.Smith

ContentsChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTen

ChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteen

“Areyouhavingagoodtime?”Elenaasked.

Iamnow.Stefandidn’tsayit,butElenaknewitwaswhathewasthinking.Shecouldseeitinthewayhestaredather.Shehadneverbeensosureofherpower.Exceptthatactuallyhedidn’tlookasifhewerehavingagoodtime;helookedstricken,inpain,asifhecouldn’ttakeonemoreminuteofthis.

Thebandwasstartingup,aslowdance.Hewasstillstaringather,drinkingherin.Thosegreeneyesdarkening,goingblackwithdesire.Shehadthesuddenfeelingthathemightjerkhertohimandkissherhard,withouteversayingaword.

“Wouldyouliketodance?”shesaidsoftly.I’mplayingwithfire,withsomethingIdon’tunderstand,shethoughtsuddenly.Andinthatinstantsherealizedthatshewasfrightened.Herheartbegantopoundviolently.Itwasasifthosegreeneyesspoketosomepartofherthatwasburieddeepbeneaththesurface–andthatpartwasscreaming“danger”ather.Someinstinctolderthancivilizationwastellinghertorun,toflee.

Shedidn’tmove.

Don’tmisstheseexcitingbooksfromHarperPaperbacks!

THEVAMPIREDIARIES:ATRILOGY

L.J.Smith

VolumeITheAwakeningVolumeIITheStruggleVolumeIIITheFury

HORRORHIGH

NicholasAdams

Mr.Popularity

Resolved:You’reDead

Heartbreaker

NewKidontheBlock

HardRock

SuddenDeath

PepRally

FinalCurtain

AnotherhorrornovelbyNicholasAdams

I.O.U.

THEVAMPIREDIARIES

TheAwakening

Volume1

L.J.Smith

HarperPaperbacks

ADivisionofHarperCollinsPublishers

Thisisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguesareproductsoftheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualevents

orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

HarperPaperbacksADivisionofHarperCollinsPublishers

10East53rdStreet,NewYork,N.Y.10022

Copyright©1991byDanielWeissAssociates,Inc.andLisaSmith

Coverartcopyright©1991byDanielWeissAssociates,Inc.

Firstprinting:September,1991

PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

HarperPaperbacksandcolophonaretrademarksofHarperCollinsPublishers

ChapterOne

September4

DearDiary,

Somethingawfulisgoingtohappentoday.

Idon’tknowwhyIwrotethat.It’scrazy.There’snoreasonformetobeupsetandeveryreasonformetobehappy,but…

ButhereIamat5:30inthemorning,awakeandscared.Ikeeptellingmyselfit’sjustthatI’mallmessedupfromthetimedifferencebetweenFranceandhere.Butthatdoesn’texplainwhyIfeelsoscared.Solost.

Thedaybeforeyesterday,whileAuntJudithandMargaretandIweredrivingbackfromtheairport,Ihadsuchastrangefeeling.WhenweturnedontoourstreetIsuddenlythought,“MomandDadarewaitingforusathome.Ibetthey’llbeonthefrontporchorinthelivingroomlookingoutthewindow.Theymusthavemissedmesomuch.”

Iknow.Thatsoundstotallycrazy.

ButevenwhenIsawthehouseandtheemptyfrontporchIstillfeltthatway.IranupthestepsandItriedthedoorandknockedwiththeknocker.AndwhenAuntJudithunlockedthedoorIburstinsideandjuststoodinthehallwaylistening,expectingtohearMomcomingdownthestairsorDadcallingfromtheden.

JustthenAuntJudithletasuitcasecrashdownonthefloorbehindmeandsighedahugesighandsaid,“We’rehome.”AndMargaretlaughed.AndthemosthorriblefeelingI’veeverfeltinmylifecameoverme.I’veneverfeltsoutterlyandcompletelylost.

Home.I’mhome.Whydoesthatsoundlikeahe?

IwasbornhereinFell’sChurch.I’vealwayslivedinthishouse,always.Thisismysameoldbedroom,withthescorchmarkonthefloorboardswhereCarolineandItriedtosneakcigarettesin5thgradeandnearlychokedourselves.IcanlookoutthewindowandseethebigquincetreeMattandtheguysclimbeduptocrashmybirthdayslumberpartytwoyearsago.Thisismybed,mychair,mydresser.

Butrightnoweverythinglooksstrangetome,asifIdon’tbelonghere.It’smethat’soutofplace.AndtheworstthingisthatIfeelthere’ssomewhereIdobelong,butIjustcan’tfindit.

IwastootiredyesterdaytogotoOrientation.

Meredithpickedupmyscheduleforme,butIdidn’tfeelliketalkingtoheronthephone.AuntJudithtoldeveryonewhocalledthatIhadjetlagandwassleeping,butshewatchedmeatdinnerwithafunnylookonherface.

I’vegottoseethecrowdtoday,though.We’resupposedtomeetintheparkinglotbeforeschool.IsthatwhyI’mscared?AmIfrightenedofthem?

ElenaGilbertstoppedwriting.Shestaredatthelastlineshehadwrittenandthenshookherhead,penhoveringoverthesmallbookwiththebluevelvetcover.Then,withasuddengesture,sheliftedherheadandthrewpenandbookatthebigbaywindow,wheretheybouncedoffharmlesslyandlandedontheupholsteredwindowseat.

Itwasallsocompletelyridiculous.

Sincewhenhadshe,ElenaGilbert,beenscaredofmeetingpeople?Sincewhenhadshebeenscaredofanything?Shestoodupandangrilythrustherarmsintoaredsilkkimono.Shedidn’tevenglanceattheelaborateVictorianmirrorabovethecherrywooddresser;sheknewwhatshe’dsee.ElenaGilbert,coolandblondandslender,thefashiontrendsetter,thehighschoolsenior,thegirleveryboywantedandeverygirlwantedtobe.Whojustnowhadanunaccustomedscowlonherfaceandapinchtohermouth.

AhotbathandsomecoffeeandI’llcalmdown,shethought.Themorningritualofwashinganddressingwassoothing,andshedawdledoverit,sortingthroughhernewoutfitsfromParis.Shefinallychoseapalerosetopandwhitelinenshortscombothatmadeherlooklikearaspberrysundae.Goodenoughtoeat,shethought,andthemirrorshowedagirlwithasecretsmile.Herearlierfearshadmeltedaway,forgotten.

“Elena!Whereareyou?You’regoingtobelateforschool!”Thevoicedriftedfaintlyupfrombelow.

Elenaranthebrushonemoretimethroughsilkyhairandpulleditbackwithadeeproseribbon.Thenshegrabbedherbackpackandwentdownthestairs.

Inthekitchen,four-year-oldMargaretwaseatingcerealatthekitchentable,andAuntJudithwasburningsomethingonthestove.AuntJudithwasthesortofwomanwhoalwayslookedvaguelyflustered;shehadathin,mildfaceandlightflyawayhairpushedbackuntidily.Elenalandedapeckonhercheek.

“Goodmorning,everybody.SorryIdon’thavetimeforbreakfast.”

“But,Elena,youcan’tjustgooffwithouteating.Youneedyourprotein–“

“I’llgetadoughnutbeforeschool,”saidElenabriskly.ShedroppedakissonMargaret’stowheadandturnedtogo.

“But,Elena–“

“AndI’llprobablygohomewithBonnieorMeredithafterschool,sodon’twaitdinner.Bye!”

“Elena–“

Elenawasalreadyatthefrontdoor.Shecloseditbehindher,cuttingoffAuntJudith’sdistantprotests,andsteppedoutontothefrontporch.

Andstopped.

Allthebadfeelingsofthemorningrushedoverheragain.Theanxiety,thefear.Andthecertaintythatsomethingterriblewasabouttohappen.

MapleStreetwasdeserted.ThetallVictorianhouseslookedstrangeandsilent,asiftheymightallbeemptyinside,likethehousesonanabandonedmovieset.Theylookedasiftheywereemptyofpeople,butfullofstrangewatchingthings.

Thatwasit;somethingwaswatchingher.Theskyoverheadwasnotbluebutmilkyandopaque,likeagiantbowlturnedupsidedown.

Theairwasstifling,andElenafeltsurethattherewereeyesonher.

Shecaughtsightofsomethingdarkinthebranchesoftheoldquincetreeinfrontofthehouse.

Itwasacrow,sittingasstillastheyellow-tingedleavesaroundit.Anditwasthethingwatchingher.

Shetriedtotellherselfthatthiswasridiculous,butsomehowsheknew.Itwasthebiggestcrowshehadeverseen,plumpandsleek,withrainbowsshininginitsblackfeathers.Shecouldseeeverydetailofitclearly:thegreedydarkclaws,thesharpbeak,thesingleglitteringblackeye.

Itwassomotionlessthatitmighthavebeenawaxmodelofabirdsittingthere.Butasshestaredatit,Elenafeltherselfflushslowly,heatcominginwavesupherthroatandcheeks.Becauseitwas…lookingather.Lookingthewayboyslookedatherwhensheworeabathingsuitorasheerblouse.Asifitwereundressingherwithitseyes.

Beforesherealizedwhatshewasdoing,shehaddroppedherbackpackandpickedupastonefrombesidethedriveway.“Getoutofhere,”shesaid,andheardtheshakingangerinherownvoice.“Goon!Getaway!”Withthelastword,shethrewthestone.

Therewasanexplosionofleaves,butthecrowsoaredupunharmed.Itswingswerehuge,andtheymadeenoughracketforawholeflockofcrows.Elenacrouched,suddenlypanickedasitflappeddirectlyoverherhead,thewindofitswingsrufflingherblondhair.

Butitswoopedupagainandcircled,ablacksilhouetteagainstthepaper-whitesky.Then,withoneharshcroak,itwheeledawaytowardthewoods.

Elenastraightenedupslowly,thenglancedaround,self-conscious.Shecouldn’tbelievewhatshehadjustdone.Butnowthatthebirdwasgone,theskyfeltordinaryagain.Alittlewindmadetheleavesflutter,andElenatookadeepbreath.Downthestreetadooropenedandseveralchildrenpouredout,laughing.

Shesmiledatthem,andtookanotherbreath,reliefsweepingthroughherlikesunlight.Howcouldshehavebeensosilly?Thiswasabeautifulday,fullofpromise,andnothingbadwasgoingtohappen.

Nothingbadwasgoingtohappen–exceptthatshewasgoingtobelategettingtoschool.Thewholecrowdwouldbewaitingforherintheparkinglot.

YoucouldalwaystelleveryoneyoustoppedtothrowstonesataPeepingTom,shethought,andalmostgiggled.Now,thatwouldgivethemsomethingtothinkabout.

Withoutabackwardglanceatthequincetree,shebegantowalkasquicklyasshecoulddownthestreet.

Thecrowcrashedthroughthetopofthemassiveoak,andStefan’sheadjerkedupreflexively.Whenhesawitwasonlyabird,herelaxed.

Hiseyesdroppedtothelimpwhiteforminhishands,andhefelthisfacetwistinregret.Hehadn’tmeanttokillit.Hewouldhavehuntedsomethinglargerthanarabbitifhe’dknownhowhungryhewas.But,ofcourse,thatwastheverythingthatfrightenedhim:neverknowinghowstrongthehungerwouldbe,orwhathemighthavetodotosatisfyit.Hewasluckythatthistimehe’dkilledonlyarabbit.

Hestoodbeneaththeancientoaktrees,sunlightfilteringdownontohiscurlyhair.InjeansandT-shirt,StefanSalvatorelookedexactlylikeanormalhighschoolstudent.

Hewasn’t.

Deepinthewoods,wherenoonewouldseehim,he’dcometofeed.Nowhelickedathisgumsandlipspainstakingly,tomakesuretherewasnostainonthem.Hedidn’twanttotakeanychances.Thismasqueradewasgoingtobehardenoughtopulloffasitwas.

Foramomenthewondered,again,ifheshouldjustgiveitallup.PerhapsheshouldgobacktoItaly,backtohishidingplace.Whatmadehimthinkthathecouldrejointheworldofdaylight?

Buthewastiredoflivinginshadows.Hewastiredofthedarkness,andofthethingsthatlivedinit.Mostofall,hewastiredofbeingalone.

Hewasn’tsurewhyhe’dchosenFell’sChurch,Virginia.Itwasayoungtown,byhisstandards;theoldestbuildingshadbeenputuponlyacenturyandahalfago.ButmemoriesandghostsoftheCivilWarstilllivedhere,asrealasthesupermarketsandfast-foodjoints.

Stefanappreciatedrespectforthepast.HethoughthemightcometolikethepeopleofFell’sChurch.Andperhaps–justperhaps–hemightfindaplaceamongthem.

He’dneverbeacceptedcompletely,ofcourse.Abittersmilecurvedhislipsattheidea.Heknewbetterthantohopeforthat.Therewouldneverbeaplacewherehecouldbelongcompletely,wherehecouldtrulybehimself.

Unlesshechosetobelongtotheshadows…

Heslappedthethoughtaway.He’drenouncedthedarkness;he’dlefttheshadowsbehindhim.Hewasblottingallthoselongyearsoutandstartingafresh,today.

Stefanrealizedhewasstillholdingtherabbit.Gently,helaiditdownonthebedofbrownoakleaves.Faraway,toofarforhumanearstopickup,herecognizedthenoisesofafox.

Comealong,brotherhunter,hethoughtsadly.Yourbreakfastiswaiting.

Asheslunghisjacketoverhisshoulder,henoticedthecrowthathaddisturbedhimearlier.Itwasstillperchedintheoaktree,anditseemedtobewatchinghim.Therewasawrongnessaboutit.

Hestartedtosendaprobingthoughttowardit,toexaminethebird,andstoppedhimself.Rememberyourpromise,hethought.Youdon’tusethePowersunlessitisabsolutelynecessary.Notunlessthereisnootherchoice.

Movingalmostsilentlyamongthedeadleavesanddrytwigs,hemadehiswaytowardtheedgeofthewoods.Hiscarwasparkedthere.Heglancedback,once,andsawthatthecrowhadleftthebranchesanddroppeddownontherabbit.

Therewassomethingsinisterinthewayitspreaditswingsoverthelimpwhitebody,somethingsinisterandtriumphant.Stefan’sthroattightened,andhealmoststrodebacktochasethebirdaway.Still,ithadasmuchrighttoeatasthefoxdid,hetoldhimself.

Asmuchrightashedid.

Ifheencounteredthebirdagain,he’dlookintoitsmind,hedecided.Justnow,hetorehiseyesfromthesightofitandhurriedonthroughthewoods,jawset.Hedidn’twanttobelatearrivingatRobertE.LeeHighSchool.

ChapterTwo

Elenawassurroundedtheinstantshesteppedintothehighschoolparkinglot.Everyonewasthere,thewholecrowdshehadn’tseensincelateJune,plusfourorfivehangers-onwhohopedtogainpopularitybyassociation.Onebyonesheacceptedthewelcominghugsofherowngroup.

CarolinehadgrownatleastaninchandwasslinkierandmorelikeaVoguemodelthanever.ShegreetedElenacoollyandsteppedbackagainwithhergreeneyesnarrowedlikeacat’s.

Bonniehadn’tgrownatall,andhercurlyredheadbarelycameuptoElena’schinassheflungherarmsaroundElena.Waitaminute–curls?thoughtElena.Shepushedthesmallergirlback.

“Bonnie!Whatdidyoudotoyourhair?”

“Doyoulikeit?Ithinkitmakesmelooktaller.”Bonniefluffedupthealreadyfluffybangsandsmiled,herbrowneyessparklingwithexcitement,herlittleheart-shapedfacealight.

Elenamovedon.“Meredith.Youhaven’tchangedatall.”

Thishugwasequallywarmonbothsides.ShehadmissedMeredithmorethananyone,Elenathought,lookingatthetallgirl.Meredithneverworeanymakeup;butthen,withperfectoliveskinandheavyblacklashes,shedidn’tneedany.RightnowshehadoneeleganteyebrowraisedasshestudiedElena.

“Well,yourhairistwoshadeslighterfromthesun…Butwhere’syourtan?IthoughtyouwerelivingitupontheFrenchRiviera.”

“YouknowInevertan.”Elenaheldupherhandsforherowninspection.Theskinwasflawless,likeporcelain,butalmostasfairandtranslucentasBonnie’s.

“Justaminute;thatremindsme,”Bonnieinterjected,snatchingoneofElena’shands.“GuesswhatIlearnedfrommycousinthissummer?”Beforeanyonecouldspeak,sheinformedthemtriumphantly:“Palmreading!”

Thereweregroans,andsomelaughter.

“Laughwhileyoucan,”saidBonnie,notatalldisturbed.“MycousintoldmeI’mpsychic.Now,letmesee…”ShepeeredintoElena’spalm.

“Hurryuporwe’regoingtobelate,”saidElenaabitimpatiently.

“Allright,allright.Now,thisisyourlifeline–orisityourheartline?”Inthecrowd,

someonesnickered.“Quiet;I’mreachingintothevoid.Isee…Isee…”Allatonce,Bonnie’sfacewentblank,asifshewerestartled.Herbrowneyeswidened,butshenolongerseemedtobestaringatElena’shand.Itwasasifshewerelookingthroughit–atsomethingfrightening.

“Youwillmeetatall,darkstranger,”Meredithmurmuredfrombehindher.Therewasaflurryofgiggles.

“Dark,yes,andastranger…butnottall.”Bonnie’svoicewashushedandfaraway.

“Although,”shecontinuedafteramoment,lookingpuzzled,“hewastall,once.”HerwidebrowneyesliftedtoElena’sinbewilderment.“Butthat’simpossible…isn’tit?”ShedroppedElena’shand,almostflingingitaway.“Idon’twanttoseeanymore.”

“Okay,show’sover.Let’sgo,”Elenatoldtheothers,vaguelyirritated.She’dalwaysfeltpsychictrickswerejustthat–tricks.Sowhywassheannoyed?Justbecausethatmorningshe’dalmostfreakedoutherself…

Thegirlsstartedtowardtheschoolbuilding,buttheroarofafinelytunedmotorstoppedthemallintheirtracks.

“Well,now,”Carolinesaid,staring.“Quiteacar.”

“QuiteaPorsche,”Meredithcorrecteddryly.

Thesleekblack911Turbopurredthroughtheparkinglot,searchingforaspace,movingaslazilyasapantherstalkingprey.

Whenthecarcametoastop,thedooropened,andtheyglimpsedthedriver.

“Oh,myGod,”Carolinewhispered.

“Youcansaythatagain,”breathedBonnie.

Fromwhereshestood,Elenacouldseehehadalean,flat-muscledbody.Fadedjeansheprobablyhadtopeeloffatnight,tightT-shirt,andaleatherjacketofunusualcut.Hishairwaswavy–anddark.

Hewasn’ttall,though.Justaverageheight.

Elenaletoutherbreath.

“Whoisthatmaskedman?”saidMeredith.Andtheremarkwasapt–darksunglassescompletelycoveredtheboy’seyes,shieldinghisfacelikeamask.

“Thatmaskedstranger,”someoneelsesaid,andababbleofvoicesroseup.

“Doyouseethatjacket?That’sItalian,asinRoma.”

“Howwouldyouknow?You’veneverbeenfartherthanRome,NewYork,inyourlife!”

“Uh-oh.Elena’sgotthatlookagain.Thehuntinglook.”

“Short-Dark-and-Handsomehadbetterbecareful.”

“Heisn’tshort;he’sperfect!”

Throughthechatter,Caroline’svoicesuddenlyrangout.“Oh,comeon,Elena.You’vealreadygotMatt.Whatmoredoyouwant?Whatcanyoudowithtwothatyoucan’tdo

withone?”

“Thesamething–onlylonger,”drawledMeredith,andthegroupdissolvedintolaughter.

Theboyhadlockedhiscarandwaswalkingtowardschool.Casually,Elenastartedafterhim,theothergirlsrightbehindherinaclose-knitpack.Foraninstant,annoyancebubbledupinsideher.Couldn’tshegoanywherewithoutaparadeonherheels?ButMeredithcaughthereye,andshesmiledinspiteofherself.

“Noblesseoblige,”Meredithsaidsoftly.

“What?”

“Ifyou’regoingtobequeenoftheschool,youhavetoputupwiththeconsequences.”

Elenafrownedatthisastheyenteredthebuilding.Alongcorridorstretchedbeforethem,andafigureinjeansandleatherjacketwasdisappearingthroughtheofficedoorwayupahead.Elenaslowedherpaceasshewalkeduptotheoffice,finallystoppingtoglancethoughtfullyatthemessagesonthecorkbulletinboardbythedoor.Therewasalargewindowhere,throughwhichtheentireofficewasvisible.

Theothergirlswereopenlygazingthroughthewindow,andgiggling.“Nicerearview.”“ThatisdefinitelyanArmanijacket.”“Youthinkhe’sfromoutofstate?”

Elenawasstrainingherearsfortheboy’sname.Thereseemedtobesomekindoftroubleinthere:Mrs.Clarke,theadmissionssecretary,waslookingatalistandshakingherhead.Theboysaidsomething,andMrs.Clarkeliftedherhandsina“WhatcanIsay?”gesture.Sheranafingerdownthelistandshookherheadagain,conclusively.Theboystartedtoturnaway,thenturnedback.AndwhenMrs.Clarkelookedupathim,herexpressionchanged.

Theboy’ssunglasseswerenowinhishand.Mrs.Clarkeseemedstartledbysomething;Elenacouldseeherblinkseveraltimes.Herlipsopenedandclosedasifsheweretryingtospeak.

Elenawishedshecouldseemorethanthebackoftheboy’shead.Mrs.Clarkewasfumblingthroughpilesofpapernow,lookingdazed.Atlastshefoundaformofsomekindandwroteonit,thenturneditaroundandpushedittowardtheboy.

Theboywrotebrieflyontheform–signingit,probably–andreturnedit.Mrs.Clarkestaredatitasecond,thenfumbledthroughanewpileofpapers,finallyhandingwhatlookedlikeaclassscheduletohim.Hereyesneverlefttheboyashetookit,inclinedhisheadinthanks,andturnedtothedoor.

Elenawaswildwithcuriositybynow.Whathadjusthappenedinthere?Andwhatdidthisstranger’sfacelooklike?Butasheemergedfromtheoffice,hewassettlinghissunglassesinplaceagain.Disappointmentcoursedthroughher.

Still,shecouldseetherestofhisfaceashepausedinthedoorway.ThedarkcurlyhairframedfeaturessofinethattheymighthavebeentakenfromanoldRomancoinormedallion.Highcheekbones,classicalstraightnose…andamouthtokeepyouawakeatnight,Elenathought.Theupperlipwasbeautifullysculpted,alittlesensitive,awholelotsensual.Thechatterofthegirlsinthehallwayhadstoppedasifsomeonehadthrowna

switch.

Mostofthemwereturningawayfromtheboynow,lookinganywherebutathim.Elenaheldherplacebythewindowandgavealittletosstoherhead,pullingtheribbonoutofherhairsothatitfellloosearoundhershoulders.

Withoutlookingtoeitherside,theboymovedondownthehallway.Achorusofsighsandwhispersflaredupthemomenthewasoutofearshot.

Elenadidn’thearanyofit.

He’dwalkedrightbyher,shethought,dazed.Rightbywithoutaglance.

Dimly,sherealizedthebellwasringing.Meredithwastuggingherarm.

“What?”

“Isaidhere’syourschedule.We’vegottrigonthesecondfloorrightnow.Comeon!”

ElenaallowedMeredithtopropelherdownthecorridor,upaflightofstairs,andintoaclassroom.Sheslidintoanemptyseatautomaticallyandfixedhereyesontheteacheratthefrontwithoutreallyseeingher.Theshockstillhadn’twornoff.

He’dwalkedrightby.Withoutaglance.Shecouldn’trememberhowlongithadbeensinceaboyhaddonethat.Theyalllooked,atleast.Somewhistled.Somestoppedtotalk.Somejuststared.

AndthathadalwaysbeenfinewithElena.

Afterall,whatwasmoreimportantthanboys?Theywerethemarkofhowpopularyouwere,ofhowbeautifulyouwere.Andtheycouldbeusefulforallsortsofthings.Sometimestheywereexciting,butusuallythatdidn’tlastlong.Sometimestheywerecreepsfromthebeginning.

Mostboys,Elenareflected,werelikepuppies.Adorableintheirplace,butexpendable.Averyfewcouldbemorethanthat,couldbecomerealfriends.LikeMatt.

Oh,Matt.Lastyearshe’dhopedthathewastheoneshewaslookingfor,theboywhocouldmakeherfeel…well,somethingmore.Morethantherushoftriumphatmakingaconquest,theprideinshowingyournewacquisitionofftotheothergirls.AndshehadcometofeelastrongaffectionforMatt.Butoverthesummer,whenshe’dhadtimetothink,she’drealizeditwastheaffectionofacousinorsister.

Ms.Halpernwaspassingouttrigonometrybooks.Elenatookhersmechanicallyandwrotehernameinside,stillwrappedinthought.

ShelikedMattmorethananyotherboyshe’dknown.Andthatwaswhyshewasgoingtohavetotellhimitwasover.

Shehadn’tknownhowtotellhiminaletter.Shedidn’tknowhowtotellhimnow.Itwasn’tthatshewasafraidhe’dkickupafuss;hejustwouldn’tunderstand.Shedidn’treallyunderstandherself.

Itwasasifshewerealwaysreachingfor…something.Only,whenshethoughtshe’dgotit,itwasn’tthere.NotwithMatt,notwithanyoftheboysshe’dhad.

Andthenshehadtostartalloveragain.Fortunately,therewasalwaysfreshmaterial.Noboyhadeverresistedhersuccessfully,andnoboyhadeverignoredher.Untilnow.

Untilnow.Rememberingthatmomentinthehall,Elenafoundthatherfingerswereclenchedonthepensheheld.Shestillcouldn’tbelievehe’dbrushedbyherthatway.

Thebellrangandeveryonefloodedoutoftheclassroom,butElenapausedinthedoorway.Shebitherlip,scanningtheriverofstudentsflowingthroughthehall.Thenshespottedoneofthehangers-onfromtheparkinglot.

“Frances!Comehere.”

Francescameeagerly,herplainfacebrightening.

“Listen,Frances,yourememberthatboythismorning?”

“WiththePorscheandthe–er–assets?HowcouldIforget?”

“Well,Iwanthisclassschedule.Getitfromtheofficeifyoucan,orcopyitfromhimifyouhaveto.Butdoit!”

Franceslookedsurprisedforamoment,thengrinnedandnodded.“Okay,Elena.I’lltry.I’llmeetyouatlunchifIcangetit.”

“Thanks.”Elenawatchedthegirlgo.

“Youknow,youreallyarecrazy,”Meredith’svoicesaidinherear.

“What’stheuseofbeingqueenoftheschoolifyoucan’tpullalittleranksometimes?”returnedElenacalmly.“WheredoIgonow?”

“GeneralBusiness.Here,takeityourself.”Merediththrustascheduleather.“I’vegottorunforchemistry.Later!”

GeneralBusinessandtherestofthemorningpassedinablur.Elenahadhopedtocatchanotherglimpseofthenewstudent,buthewasinnoneofherclasses.Mattwasinone,andshefeltapangashisblueeyesmetherswithasmile.

Atthelunchbell,shenoddedgreetingsrightandleftasshewalkedtothecafeteria.Carolinewasoutside,posedcasuallyagainstawallwithchinup,shouldersback,hipsforward.ThetwoboysshewastalkingtofellsilentandnudgedeachotherasElenaapproached.

“Hi,”Elenasaidbrieflytotheboys;andtoCaroline:“Readytogoinandeat?”

Caroline’sgreeneyesbarelyflickeredtowardElena,andshepushedglossyauburnhairoutofherface.“What,attheroyaltable?”shesaid.

Elenawastakenaback.SheandCarolinehadbeenfriendssincekindergarten,andtheyhadalwayscompetedwitheachothergood-naturedly.ButlatelysomethinghadhappenedtoCaroline.She’dbeguntotaketherivalrymoreandmoreseriously.AndnowElenawassurprisedatthebitternessintheothergirl’svoice.

“Well,it’shardlyasifyouwereacommoner,”shesaidlightly.

“Oh,you’resorightaboutthat,”saidCaroline,turningtofaceElenafully.Thosegreencat-eyeswereslittedandsmoky,andElenawasshockedbythehostilityshesawthere.

Thetwoboyssmileduneasilyandedgedaway.

Carolinedidn’tseemtonotice.“Alotofthingschangedwhileyouweregonethissummer,Elena,”shecontinued.“Andjustmaybeyourtimeonthethroneisrunningout.”

Elenahadflushed;shecouldfeelit.Shestruggledtokeephervoicesteady.“Maybe,”shesaid.“ButIwouldn’tbuyascepterjustyetifIwereyou,Caroline.”Sheturnedandwentintothelunchroom.

ItwasarelieftoseeMeredithandBonnie,andFrancesbesidethem.Elenafelthercheekscoolassheselectedherlunchandwenttojointhem.Shewouldn’tletCarolineupsether;shewouldn’tthinkofCarolineatall.

“Igotit,”saidFrances,wavingapieceofpaperasElenasatdown.

“AndIhavesomegoodstuff,”saidBonnieimportantly.“Elena,listentothis.He’sinmybiologyclass,andIsitrightacrossfromhim.AndhisnameisStefan,StefanSalvatore,andhe’sfromItaly,andhe’sboardingwitholdMrs.Flowersontheedgeoftown.”Shesighed.“Heissoromantic.Carolinedroppedherbooks,andhepickedthemupforher.”

Elenamadeawryface.“HowclumsyofCaroline.Whatelsehappened?”

“Well,that’sall.Hedidn’treallytalktoher.He’sver-r-rymysterious,yousee.Mrs.Endicott,mybiologyteacher,triedtogethimtotakeoffhisglasses,buthewouldn’t.Hehasamedicalcondition.”

“Whatkindofmedicalcondition?”

“Idon’tknow.Maybeit’sterminalandhisdaysarenumbered.Wouldn’tthatberomantic?”

“Oh,very,”saidMeredith.

ElenawaslookingoverFrances’ssheetofpaper,bitingherlip.“He’sinmyseventhperiod,HistoryofEurope.“Anybodyelsehavethatclass?”

“Ido,”saidBonnie.“AndIthinkCarolinedoes,too.Oh,andmaybeMatt;hesaidsomethingyesterdayabouthowitwasjusthisluck,gettingMr.Tanner.”

Marvelous,Elenathought,pickingupaforkandstabbingathermashedpotatoes.Itlookedasifseventhperiodwasgoingtobeextremelyinteresting.

Stefanwasgladtheschooldaywasalmostover.Hewantedtogetoutofthesecrowdedroomsandcorridors,justforafewminutes.

Somanyminds.Thepressureofsomanythoughtpatterns,somanymentalvoicessurroundinghim,wasmakinghimdizzy.Ithadbeenyearssincehehadbeeninaswarmofpeoplelikethis.

Onemindinparticularstoodoutfromtheothers.Shehadbeenamongthosewatchinghiminthemaincorridoroftheschoolbuilding.Hedidn’tknowwhatshelookedlike,butherpersonalitywaspowerful.Hefeltsurehe’drecognizeitagain.

Sofar,atleast,he’dsurvivedthefirstdayofthemasquerade.He’dusedthePowersonlytwice,andthensparingly.Buthewastired,and,headmittedruefully,hungry.The

rabbithadn’tbeenenough.

Worryaboutthatlater.Hefoundhislastclassroomandsatdown.Andimmediatelyhefeltthepresenceofthatmindagain.

Itglowedattheedgeofhisconsciousness,agoldenlight,softandyetvibrant.And,forthefirsttime,hecouldlocatethegirlitwascomingfrom.Shewasseatedrightinfrontofhim.

Evenashethoughtit,sheturnedaroundandhesawherface.Itwasallhecoulddonottogaspinshock.

Katherine!Butofcourseitcouldn’tbe.Katherinewasdead;nooneknewthatbetterthanhedid.

Still,theresemblancewasuncanny.Thatpalegoldenhair,sofairitalmostseemedtoshimmer.Thatcreamyskin,whichhadalwaysmadehimthinkofswans,oralabaster,flushingfaintlypinkoverthecheekbones.Andtheeyes…Katherine’seyeshadbeenacolorhehadneverseenbefore;darkerthanskyblue,asrichasthelapislazuliinherjeweledheadband.Thisgirlhadthosesameeyes.

Andtheywerefixeddirectlyonhisasshesmiled.

Helookeddownfromthesmilequickly.Ofallthings,hedidnotwanttothinkaboutKatherine.Hedidn’twanttolookatthisgirlwhoremindedhimofher,andhedidn’twanttofeelherpresenceanylonger.Hekepthiseyesonthedesk,blockinghismindasstronglyasheknewhow.Andatlast,slowly,sheturnedaroundagain.

Shewashurt.Eventhroughtheblocks,hecouldfeelthat.Hedidn’tcare.Infact,hewasgladofit,andhehopeditwouldkeepherawayfromhim.Otherthanthat,hehadnofeelingsaboutheratall.

Hekepttellinghimselfthisashesat,thedroningvoiceoftheteacherpouringoverhimunheard.Buthecouldsmellasubtlehintofsomeperfume–violets,hethought.Andherslenderwhiteneckwasbowedoverherbook,thefairhairfallingoneithersideofit.

Inangerandfrustrationherecognizedtheseductivefeelinginhisteeth–moreaticklingoratinglingthananache.Itwashunger,aspecifichunger.Andnotonehewasabouttoindulge.

Theteacherwaspacingabouttheroomlikeaferret,askingquestions,andStefandeliberatelyfixedhisattentionontheman.Atfirsthewaspuzzled,foralthoughnoneofthestudentsknewtheanswers,thequestionskeptcoming.Thenherealizedthatthatwastheman’spurpose.Toshamethestudentswithwhattheydidn’tknow.

Justnowhe’dfoundanothervictim,asmallgirlwithclustersofredcurlsandaheartshapedface.Stefanwatchedindistasteastheteacherbadgeredherwithquestions.Shelookedwretchedasheturnedawayfromhertoaddresstheentireclass.

“YouseewhatImean?Youthinkyou’reprettyhotstuff;you’reseniorsnow,readytograduate.Well,letmetellyou,someofyouaren’treadytograduatekindergarten.Likethis!”Hegesturedtowardthered-hairedgirl.“NoideaabouttheFrenchRevolution.ThinksMarieAntoinettewasasilentfilmstar.”

StudentsallaroundStefanwereshiftinguncomfortably.Hecouldfeeltheresentmentintheirminds,andthehumiliation.Andthefear.Theywereallafraidofthisthinlittlemanwitheyeslikeaweasel,eventhehuskyboyswhoweretallerthanhewas.

“Allright,let’stryanotherera.”Theteacherswungbacktothesamegirlhe’dbeenquestioning.“DuringtheRenaissance–”Hebrokeoff.“YoudoknowwhattheRenaissanceis,don’tyou?Theperiodbetweenthethirteenthandseventeenthcenturies,inwhichEuroperediscoveredthegreatideasofancientGreeceandRome?TheperiodthatproducedsomanyofEurope’sgreatestartistsandthinkers?”Whenthegirlnoddedconfusedly,hecontinued.“DuringtheRenaissance,whatwouldstudentsyouragebedoingatschool?Well?Anyideaatall?Anyguesses?”

Thegirlswallowedhard.Withaweaksmileshesaid,“Playingfootball?”

Attheensuinglaughter,theteacher’sfacedarkened.“Hardly!”hesnapped,andtheclassroomquieted.“Youthinkthisisajoke?Well,inthosedays,studentsyouragewouldalreadybeproficientinseverallanguages.Theywouldalsohavemasteredlogic,mathematics,astronomy,philosophy,andgrammar.Theywouldbereadytogoontoauniversity,inwhicheverycoursewastaughtinLatin.Footballwouldbeabsolutelythelastthingon–“

“Excuseme.”

Thequietvoicestoppedtheteacherinmidharangue.EveryoneturnedtostareatStefan.

“What?Whatdidyousay?”

“Isaid,excuseme,”Stefanrepeated,removinghisglassesandstandingup.“Butyou’rewrong.StudentsintheRenaissancewereencouragedtoparticipateingames.Theyweretaughtthatahealthybodygoeswithahealthymind.Andtheycertainlyplayedteamsports,likecricket,tennis–andevenfootball.”Heturnedtothered-hairedgirlandsmiled,andshesmiledbackgratefully.Totheteacher,headded,“Butthemostimportantthingstheylearnedweregoodmannersandcourtesy.I’msureyourbookwilltellyouthat.”

Studentsweregrinning.Theteacher’sfacewasredwithblood,andhewassputtering.ButStefancontinuedtoholdhiseyes,andafteranotherminuteitwastheteacherwholookedaway.

Thebellrang.

Stefanputhisglassesonquicklyandgatheredhisbooks.He’dalreadydrawnmoreattentiontohimselfthanheshould,andhedidn’twanttohavetolookattheblondgirlagain.Besides,heneededtogetoutofherequickly;therewasafamiliarburningsensationinhisveins.

Ashereachedthedoor,someoneshouted,“Hey!Didtheyreallyplayfootballbackthen?”

Hecouldn’thelpthrowingagrinoverhisshoulder.“Oh,yes.Sometimeswiththeseveredheadsofprisonersofwar.”

Elenawatchedhimashewent.He’ddeliberatelyturnedawayfromher.He’dsnubbedheronpurpose,andinfrontofCaroline,who’dbeenwatchinglikeahawk.Tearsburnedinhereyes,butatthatmomentonlyonethoughtburnedinhermind.

She’dhavehim,evenifitkilledher.Ifitkilledbothofthem,she’dhavehim.

ChapterThree

Thefirstlightofdawnwasstreakingthenightskywithpinkandpalestgreen.Stefanwatcheditfromthewindowofhisroomintheboardinghouse.Hehadrentedthisroomspecificallybecauseofthetrapdoorintheceiling,atrapdoorthatopenedontothewidow’swalkontheroofabove.Justnowthatdoorwasopen,andacooldampwindblewdowntheladderbelowit.Stefanwasfullydressed,butnotbecausehewasupearly.Hehadneverbeentosleep.

He’djustreturnedfromthewoods,andafewscrapsofwetleafclungtothesideofhisboot.Hebrushedthemofffastidiously.Thecommentsofthestudentsyesterdayhadnotescapedhim,andheknewtheyhadbeenstaringathisclothes.Hehadalwaysdressedinthebest,notmerelyoutofvanity,butbecauseitwastherightthingtodo.Histutorhadoftensaidit:Anaristocratshoulddressasbefitshisposition.Ifhedoesnot,heisshowingcontemptforothers.Everyonehadaplaceintheworld,andhisplacehadoncebeenamongthenobility.Once.

Whywashedwellingonthesethings?Ofcourse,heshouldhaverealizedthatplayingtheroleofastudentwaslikelytobringhisownstudentdaysback.Nowthememoriescamethickandfast,asifhewereskimmingthroughthepagesofajournal,hiseyescatchinganentryhereandthere.Oneflashedbeforehimvividlynow:hisfather’sfacewhenDamonhadannouncedhewasquittingtheUniversity.Hewouldneverforgetthat.Hehadneverseenhisfathersoangry…

“Whatdoyoumean,youarenotgoingback?”Giuseppewasusuallyafairman,buthehadatemper,andhiseldersonbroughtouttheviolenceinhim.

Justnowthatsonwasdabbingathislipswithasaffron-coloredsilkhandkerchief.“Iwouldhavethoughtevenyoucouldunderstandsuchasimplesentence,father.ShallIrepeatitinLatinforyou?”

“Damon–”Stefanbegantightly,appalledatthisdisrespect.Buthisfatherinterrupted.

“YouaretellingmethatI,Giuseppe,ContediSalvatore,willhavetofacemyfriendsknowingthatmysonisascioparto?Ane’er-do-well?AnidlerwhomakesnousefulcontributiontoFlorence?”ServantswereedgingawayasGiuseppeworkedhimselfintoarage.

Damondidnotevenblink.“Apparently.Ifyoucancallthosewhofawnonyouinthehopesthatyouwilllendthemmoneyyourfriends.”

“Sporcoparassito!”criedGiuseppe,risingfromhischair.“Isitnotbadenoughthatwhenyouareatschoolyouwasteyourtimeandmymoney?Oh,yes,Iknowallaboutthe

gambling,thejousting,thewomen.AndIknowthatifitwerenotforyoursecretaryandyourtutorsyouwouldbefailingeverycourse.Butnowyoumeantodisgracemeutterly.Andwhy?Why?”HislargehandwhippeduptograspDamon’schin.“Sothatyoumayreturntoyourhuntingandhawking?”

Stefanhadtogivehisbrothercredit;Damondidnotwince.Hestood,almostlounginginhisfather’sgrip,everyinchthearistocrat,fromtheelegantlyplaincaponhisdarkheadtohisermine-trimmedcloaktohissoftleathershoes.Hisupperlipwascurvedinalineofpurearrogance.

You’vegonetoofarthistime,thoughtStefan,watchingthetwomenwhoseeyeswerelockedtogether.Evenyouwon’tbeabletocharmyourwayoutthistime.

Butjustthentherewasalightstepinthestudydoorway.Turning,Stefanhadbeendazzledbyeyesthecoloroflapislazuli,framedwithlonggoldenlashes.ItwasKatherine.Herfather,BaronvonSwartzschild,hadbroughtherfromthecoldlandsoftheGermanprincestotheItaliancountryside,hopingitwouldhelpherrecoverfromaprolongedillness.Andsincethedayshehadarrived,everythinghadchangedforStefan.

“Ibegyourpardon.Ididnotmeantointrude.”Hervoicewassoftandclear.Shemadeaslightmotionasiftoleave.

“No,don’tgo.Stay,”Stefansaidquickly.Hewantedtosaymore,tocatchherhand–buthedidn’tdare.Notwithhisfatherhere.Allhecoulddowasgazeintothosejewellikeblueeyesthatwereraisedtohis.

“Yes,stay,”Giuseppesaid,andStefansawthathisfather’sthunderousexpressionhadlightenedandthathehadreleasedDamon.Hesteppedforward,straighteningtheheavyfoldsofhislongfur-trimmedgown.“Yourfathershouldbereturningfromhisbusinessinthecitytoday,andhewillbedelightedtoseeyou.Butyourcheeksarepale,littleKatherine.Youarenotillagain,Ihope?”

“YouknowIamalwayspale,sir.IdonotuserougelikeyourboldItaliangirls.”

“Youdon’tneedit,”saidStefanbeforehecouldstophimself,andKatherinesmiledathim.Shewassobeautiful.Anachebeganinhischest.

Hisfathercontinued,“AndIseealltoolittleofyouduringtheday.Youseldomgiveusthepleasureofyourcompanyuntiltwilight.”

“Ihavemystudiesanddevotionsinmyownrooms,sir,”saidKatherinequietly,herlashesdropping.Stefanknewthiswasnottrue,buthesaidnothing;hewouldneverbetrayKatherine’ssecret.Shelookedupathisfatheragain.“ButIamherenow,sir.”

“Yes,yes,thatistrue.AndImustseethattonightwehaveaveryspecialmealforyourfather’sreturn.Damon…wewillspeaklater.”AsGiuseppemotionedtoaservantandstrodeout,StefanturnedtoKatherineindelight.ItwasseldomtheycouldspeaktoeachotherwithoutthepresenceofhisfatherorofGudren,herstolidGermanmaid.

ButwhatStefansawthenwaslikeablowtohisstomach.Katherinewassmiling–thelittlesecretsmilethatshehadoftensharedwithhim.

Butshewasnotlookingathim.ShewaslookingatDamon.

Stefanhatedhisbrotheratthatmoment,hatedDamon’sdarkbeautyandgraceandthesensualitythatdrewwomentohimlikemothstoaflame.Hewanted,inthatinstant,tostrikeDamon,tosmashthatbeautytopieces.InsteadhehadtostandandwatchasKatherinemovedslowlytowardhisbrother,stepbystep,hergoldenbrocadegownwhisperingonthetiledfloor.

Andevenashewatched,DamonheldoutahandtoKatherine,andsmiledthecruelsmileoftriumph…

Stefanturnedawayfromthewindowsharply.

Whywashereopeningoldwounds?But,evenashethoughtit,hedrewouttheslendergoldchainheworeunderhisshirt.Histhumbandforefingercaressedtheringthathungfromit,thenheheldituptothelight.

Thelittlecircletwasexquisitelyworkedingold,andfivecenturieshadnotdimmeditsluster.Itwassetwithonestone,alapisthesizeofhislittlefingernail.Stefanlookedatit,thenattheheavysilverring,alsosetwithlapis,onhisownhand.Inhischestwasafamiliartightness.

Hecouldnotforgetthepast,andhedidn’treallywishto.Despiteeverythingthathadhappened,hecherishedKatherine’smemory.Buttherewasonememoryhemusttrulynotdisturb,onepageofthejournalhemustnotturn.Ifhehadtorelivethathorror,that…abomination,hewouldgomad.Ashehadbeenmadthatday,thatfinalday,whenhehadlookeduponhisowndamnation…

Stefanleanedagainstthewindow,hisforeheadpressedtoitscoolness.Histutorhadhadanothersaying:Evilwillneverfindpeace.Itmaytriumph,butitwillneverfindpeace.

WhyhadheevencometoFell’sChurch?

Hehadhopedtofindpeacehere,butthatwasimpossible.Hewouldneverbeaccepted,hewouldneverrest.Becausehewasevil.Hecouldnotchangewhathewas.

Elenawasupevenearlierthanusualthatmorning.ShecouldhearAuntJudithpotteringaboutinherroom,gettingreadyforhershower.Margaretwasstillfastasleep,curleduplikealittlemouseinherbed.Elenapassedheryoungersister’shalf-opendoornoiselesslyandcontinueddownthehallwaytoletherselfoutofthehouse.

Theairwasfreshandclearthismorning;thequincetreewasinhabitedonlybytheusualjaysandsparrows.Elena,whohadgonetobedwithathrobbingheadache,liftedherfacetothecleanblueskyandbreatheddeeply.

Shefeltmuchbetterthanshehadyesterday.She’dpromisedtomeetMattbefore

school,andthoughshewasn’tlookingforwardtoitshewassureitwasgoingtobeallright.

Mattlivedonlytwostreetsawayfromthehighschool.Itwasasimpleframehouse,likealltheothersonthatstreet,exceptthatmaybetheswingontheporchwasalittleshabbier,thepaintalittlemorepeeled.Mattwasalreadystandingoutside,andforamomentherheartpickedupatthesightofhimasitusedto.

Hewasgood-looking.Therewasnodoubtaboutthat.Notinthestunning,almostdisturbingwaythat–thatsomepeoplewere,butinahealthyAmericanway.MattHoneycuttwasall-American.Hisblondhairwascroppedshortforthefootballseason,andhisskinwassunburntfromworkingoutdoorsonhisgrandparents’farm.Hisblueeyeswerehonestandstraightforward.Andjusttoday,asheheldouthisarmstohughergently,theywerealittlesad.

“Youwanttocomeinside?”

“No.Let’sjustwalk,”Elenasaid.Theywentsidebysidewithouttouching.Maplesandblackwalnuttreeslinedthisstreet,andtheairstillhadamorninghush.Elenawatchedherfeetonthewetsidewalk,feelingsuddenlyuncertain.Shedidn’tknowhowtostartafterall.

“Soyoustillhaven’ttoldmeaboutFrance,”hesaid.

“Oh,itwasgreat,”saidElena.Sheglancedsidewaysathim.Hewaslookingatthesidewalk,too.“Everythingaboutitwasgreat,”shecontinued,tryingtoputsomeenthusiasminhervoice.“Thepeople,thefood,everything.Itwasreally…”Hervoicetrailedoff,andshelaughednervously.

“Yeah,Iknow.Great,”hefinishedforher.Hestoppedandstoodlookingdownathisscuffedtennisshoes.Elenarecognizedthemfromlastyear.Matt’sfamilybarelygotby;maybehehadn’tbeenabletoaffordnewshoes.Shelookeduptofindthosesteadyblueeyesonherface.

“Youknow,youlookprettygreatrightnow,”hesaid.

Elenaopenedhermouthindismay,buthewasspeakingagain.

“AndIguessyouhavesomethingtotellme.”Shestaredathim,andhesmiled,acrooked,ruefulsmile.Thenheheldouthisarmsagain.

“Oh,Matt,”shesaid,hugginghimhard.Shesteppedbacktolookintohisface.“Matt,youarethenicestguyI’veevermet.Idon’tdeserveyou.”

“Oh,sothat’swhyyou’redumpingme,”saidMattastheystartedwalkingagain.“BecauseI’mtoogoodforyou.Ishouldhaverealizedthatbefore.”

Shepunchedhiminthearm.“No,thatisn’twhy,andIamnotdumpingyou.We’regoingtobefriends,right?”

“Oh,sure.Oh,absolutely.”

“Becausethat’swhatI’verealizedweare.”Shestopped,lookingupathimagain.“Goodfriends.Behonest,now,Matt,isn’tthathowyoureallyfeelaboutme?”

Helookedather,thenrolledhiseyesheavenward.“CanItaketheFifthonthat?”hesaid.AsElena’sfacefell,headded,“Itdoesn’thaveanythingtodowiththatnewguy,doesit?”

“No,”Elenasaidafterahesitation,andthenaddedquickly,“Ihaven’tevenmethimyet.Idon’tknowhim.”

“Butyouwantto.No,don’tsayit.”Heputanarmaroundherandgentlyturnedher.“Comeon,let’sheadtowardschool.Ifwehavetime,I’llevenbuyyouadoughnut.”

Astheywalked,somethingthrashedinthewalnuttreeabovethem.Mattwhistledandpointed.“Lookatthat!BiggestcrowI’veeverseen.”

Elenalooked,butitwasalreadygone.

SchoolthatdaywasmerelyaconvenientplaceforElenatoreviewherplan.

Shehadwokenupthismorningknowingwhattodo.AndtodayshegatheredasmuchinformationasshecouldonthesubjectofStefanSalvatore.Whichwasn’thard,becauseeveryoneatRobertE.Leewastalkingabouthim.

Itwascommonknowledgethathe’dhadsomesortofrun-inwiththeadmissionssecretaryyesterday.Andtodayhe’dbeencalledtotheprincipal’soffice.Somethingabouthispapers.Buttheprincipalhadsenthimbacktoclass(after,itwasrumored,along-distancecalltoRome–orwasitWashington?),andeverythingseemedtobesettlednow.Officially,atleast.

WhenElenaarrivedforEuroHistoryclassthatafternoon,shewasgreetedbyalowwhistleinthehall.DickCarterandTylerSmallwoodwereloiteringthere.Acoupleofprizejerks,shethought,ignoringthewhistleandtheirstaring.Theythoughtbeingtackleandsafetyonthevarsityfootballteammadethemhotstuff.Shekeptaneyeonthemassheloiteredinthecorridorherself,refreshingherlipstickandfiddlingwithhercompact.She’dgivenBonnieherspecialinstructions,andtheplanwasreadytobeputintoeffectassoonasStefanshowedup.Thecompactmirrorgaveherawonderfulviewofthehallbehindher.

Still,shemissedhimcomingsomehow.Hewasbesidehersuddenly,andshesnappedthecompactshutashepassed.Shemeanttostophim,butsomethinghappenedbeforeshecould.Stefantensed–or,atleast,therewassomethingabouthimthatseemedwaryallatonce.JustthenDickandTylersteppedinfrontofthedoortothehistoryclassroom.Blockingtheway.

World-classjerks,thoughtElena.Fuming,sheglaredatthemoverStefan’sshoulder.

Theywereenjoyingthegame,slouchinginthedoorway,pretendingtheywerecompletelyblindtoStefanstandingthere.

“Excuseme.”Itwasthesametonehe’dusedwiththehistoryteacher.Quiet,detached.

DickandTylerlookedateachother,thenallaround,asifhearingspiritvoices.

“Scoozi?”Tylersaidinafalsetto.“Scoozime?Mescoozi?Jacuzzi?”Theybothlaughed.

ElenawatchedmusclestightenundertheT-shirtinfrontofher.Thiswascompletelyunfair;theywerebothtallerthanStefan,andTylerwasabouttwiceasbroad.

“Isthereaproblemhere?”Elenawasasstartledastheboyswereatthenewvoicebehindher.SheturnedtoseeMatt.Hisblueeyeswerehard.

ElenabitherlipsonasmileasTylerandDickmovedslowly,resentfullyoutoftheway.GoodoldMatt,shethought.ButnowgoodoldMattwaswalkingintoclassbesideStefan,andshewasleftfollowingthem,staringatthebacksoftwoT-shirts.Whentheysatdown,sheslidintothedeskbehindStefan,whereshecouldwatchhimwithoutbeingwatchedherself.Herplanwouldhavetowaituntilafterclass.

Mattwasrattlingchangeinhispocket,whichmeanthewantedtosaysomething.

“Uh,hey,”hebeganatlast,uncomfortably.“Thoseguys,youknow…”

Stefanlaughed.Itwasabittersound.“WhoamItojudge?”TherewasmoreemotioninhisvoicethanElenahadheardbefore,evenwhenhehadspokentoMr.Tanner.Andthatemotionwasrawunhappiness.“Anyway,whyshouldIbewelcomehere?”hefinished,almosttohimself.

“Whyshouldn’tyoube?”MatthadbeenstaringatStefan;nowhisjawsquaredwithdecision.

“Listen,”hesaid.“Youweretalkingaboutfootballyesterday.Well,ourstarwidereceivertorealigamentyesterdayafternoon,andweneedareplacement.Tryoutsarethisafternoon.Whatdoyouthink?”

“Me?”Stefansoundedcaughtoffguard.“Ah…Idon’tknowifIcould.”

“Canyourun?”

“Can–?”StefanhalfturnedtowardMatt,andElenacouldseeafainthintofasmilecurvehislips.“Yes.”

“Canyoucatch?”

“Yes.”

“That’sallawidereceiverhastodo.I’mthequarterback.IfyoucancatchwhatIthrowandrunwithit,youcanplay.”

“Isee.”Stefanwasactuallyalmostsmiling,andthoughMatt’smouthwasserioushisblueeyesweredancing.Astonishedatherself,Elenarealizedshewasjealous.Therewasawarmthbetweenthetwoboysthatshutheroutcompletely.

ButthenextinstantStefan’ssmiledisappeared.Hesaiddistantly,“Thankyou…butno.Ihaveothercommitments.”

Atthatmoment,BonnieandCarolinearrivedandclassstarted.

ThroughoutTanner’slectureonEurope,

Elenarepeatedtoherself,“Hello.I’mElenaGilbert.I’montheSeniorWelcomingCommittee,andI’vebeenassignedtoshowyouaroundtheschool.Now,youwouldn’t

wanttogetmeintrouble,wouldyou,bynotlettingmedomyjob?”Thatlastwithwide,wistfuleyes–butonlyifhelookedlikehemighttrytogetoutofit.Itwasvirtuallyfoolproof.Hewasasuckerformaidenswhoneededtoberescued.

Halfwaythroughclass,thegirlsittingtoherrightpassedheranote.ElenaopeneditandrecognizedBonnie’sround,childishhandwriting.Itread:“IkeptC.awayforaslongasIcould.Whathappened?Diditwork???”

ElenalookeduptoseeBonnietwistedaroundinherfront-rowseat.Elenapointedtothenoteandshookherhead,mouthing,“Afterclass.”

ItseemedacenturyuntilTannergavesomelast-minuteinstructionsaboutoralreportsanddismissedthem.Theneverybodysprangupatonce.Heregoes,thoughtElena,and,withherheartpounding,shesteppedsquarelyintoStefan’spath,blockingtheaislesothathecouldn’tgetaroundher.

JustlikeDickandTyler,shethought,feelingahystericalurgetogiggle.Shelookedupandfoundhereyesexactlyonalevelwithhismouth.

Hermindwentblank.Whatwasitshewassupposedtosay?Sheopenedhermouth,andsomehowthewordsshe’dbeenpracticingcametumblingout.“Hi,I’mElenaGilbert,andI’montheSeniorWelcomingCommitteeandI’vebeenassigned–“

“I’msorry;Idon’thavetime.”Foraminute,shecouldn’tbelievehewasspeaking,thathewasn’tevengoingtogiveherachancetofinish.Hermouthwentrightonwiththespeech.

”–toshowyouaroundtheschool–“

“I’msorry;Ican’t.Ihaveto–togettofootballtryouts.”StefanturnedtoMatt,whowasstandingbylookingamazed.“Yousaidtheywererightafterschool,didn’tyou?”

“Yes,”Mattsaidslowly.“But–“

“ThenI’dbettergetmoving.Maybeyoucouldshowmetheway.”

MattlookedhelplesslyatElena,thenshrugged.“Well…sure.Comeon.”Heglancedbackonceastheyleft.Stefandidn’t.

Elenafoundherselflookingaroundatacircleofinterestedobservers,includingCaroline,whowasopenlysmirking.Elenafeltanumbnessinherbodyandafullnessinherthroat.Shecouldn’tstandtobehereforonemoresecond.Sheturnedandwalkedasquicklyasshecouldfromtheroom.

ChapterFour

BythetimeElenareachedherlocker,thenumbnesswaswearingoffandthelumpinherthroatwastryingtodissolveintotears.Butshewouldn’tcryatschool,shetoldherself,shewouldn’t.Afterclosingherlocker,shemadeforthemainexit.

Fortheseconddayinarow,shewascominghomefromschoolrightafterthelastbell,andalone.AuntJudithwouldn’tbeabletocope.ButwhenElenareachedherhouse,AuntJudith’scarwasnotinthedriveway;sheandMargaretmusthavegoneouttothemarket.ThehousewasstillandpeacefulasElenaletherselfin.

Shewasgladforthatstillness;shewantedtobealonerightnow.But,ontheotherhand,shedidn’texactlyknowwhattodowithherself.

Nowthatshefinallycouldcry,shefoundthattearswouldn’tcome.Sheletherbackpacksagtothefloorinthefronthallandwalkedslowlyintothelivingroom.

Itwasahandsome,impressiveroom,theonlypartofthehousebesidesElena’sbedroomthatbelongedtotheoriginalstructure.Thatfirsthousehadbeenbuiltbefore1861,andhadbeenalmostcompletelyburnedintheCivilWar.Allthatcouldbesavedwasthisroom,withitselaboratefireplaceframedbyscrolledmolding,andthebigbedroomabove.Elena’sfather’sgreatgrandfatherhadbuiltanewhouse,andGilbertshadlivediniteversince.

Elenaturnedtolookoutofoneoftheceiling-to-floorwindows.Theglasswassooldthatitwasthickandwavery,andeverythingoutsidewasdistorted,lookingslightlytipsy.Sherememberedthefirsttimeherfatherhadshowedherthatwaveryoldglass,whenshehadbeenyoungerthanMargaretwasnow.

Thefullnessinherthroatwasback,butstillnotearswouldcome.Everythinginsideherwascontradictory.Shedidn’twantcompany,andyetshewasachinglylonely.Shedidwanttothink,butnowthatshewastryingto,herthoughtseludedherlikemicerunningfromawhiteowl.

Whiteowl…huntingbird…flesheater…crow,shethought.“BiggestcrowI’veeverseen,”Matthadsaid.

Hereyesstungagain.PoorMatt.She’dhurthim,buthe’dbeensoniceaboutit.He’devenbeennicetoStefan.

Stefan.Herheartthuddedonce,hard,squeezingtwohottearsoutofhereyes.There,shewascryingatlast.Shewascryingwithangerandhumiliationandfrustration–andwhatelse?

Whathadshereallylosttoday?Whatdidshereallyfeelforthisstranger,thisStefanSalvatore?Hewasachallenge,yes,andthatmadehimdifferent,interesting.Stefanwasexotic…exciting.

Funny,thatwaswhatguyshadsometimestoldElenashewas.Andlatersheheardfromthem,orfromtheirfriendsorsisters,hownervoustheywerebeforegoingoutwithher,howtheirpalmsgotsweatyandtheirstomachswerefullofbutterflies.Elenahadalwaysfoundsuchstoriesamusing.Noboyshe’devermetinherlifehadmadehernervous.

Butwhenshe’dspokentoStefantoday,herpulsehadbeenracing,herkneesweak.Herpalmshadbeenwet.Andtherehadn’tbeenbutterfliesinherstomach–therehadbeenbats.

Shewasinterestedintheguybecausehemadeherfeelnervous?Notaverygoodreason,Elena,shetoldherself.Infact,averybadreason.

Buttherewasalsothatmouth.Thatsculptedmouththatmadeherkneesweakwithsomethingentirelydifferentthannervousness.Andthatnight-darkhair–herfingersitchedtoweavethemselvesintoitssoftness.Thatlithe,flat-muscledbody,thoselonglegs…andthatvoice.Itwashisvoicethathaddecidedheryesterday,makingherabsolutelydeterminedtohavehim.HisvoicehadbeencoolanddisdainfulwhentalkingtoMr.Tanner,butstrangelycompellingforallthat.Shewonderedifitcouldturnnight-darkaswell,andhowitwouldsoundsayinghername,whisperinghername…

“Elena!”

Elenajumped,herreverieshattered.Butitwasn’tStefanSalvatorecallingher,itwasAuntJudithrattlingthefrontdooropen.

“Elena?Elena!”AndthatwasMargaret,hervoiceshrillandpiping.“Areyouhome?”

MiserywelledupinElenaagain,andsheglancedaroundthekitchen.Shecouldn’tfaceheraunt’sworriedquestionsorMargaret’sinnocentcheerfulnessrightnow.Notwithhereyelasheswetandnewtearsthreateninganyminute.Shemadealightningdecisionandquietlyslippedoutthebackdoorasthefrontdoorbangedshut.

Onceoffthebackporchandintotheyard,shehesitated.Shedidn’twanttorunintoanyonesheknew.Butwherecouldshegotobealone?

Theanswercamealmostinstantly.Ofcourse.She’dgoseeMomandDad.

Itwasafairlylongwalk,almosttotheedgeoftown,butoverthelastthreeyearsithadbecomefamiliartoElena.ShecrossedoverWickeryBridgeandclimbedupthehill,pasttheruinedchurch,thendownintothelittlevalleybelow.

Thispartofthecemeterywaswell-kept;itwastheoldsectionthatwasallowedtorunslightlywild.Here,thegrasswasneatlytrimmed,andbouquetsofflowersmadesplashesofbrightcolor.Elenasatdownbythebigmarbleheadstonewith“Gilbert”carvedintothefront.

“Hi,Mom.Hi,Dad,”shewhispered.Sheleanedovertoplaceapurpleimpatiensblossomshe’dpickedalongthewayinfrontofthemarker.Thenshecurledherlegsunderherandjustsat.

She’dcomehereoftenaftertheaccident.Margarethadbeenonlyoneatthetimeofthecarcrash;shedidn’treallyrememberthem.ButElenadid.Nowshelethermindleafbackthroughmemories,andthelumpinherthroatswelled,andthetearscameeasier.Shemissedthemsomuch,still.Mother,soyoungandbeautiful,andFather,withasmilethatcrinkleduphiseyes.

ShewasluckytohaveAuntJudith,ofcourse.Itwasn’teveryauntwhowouldquitherjobandmovebackintoalittletowntotakecareoftwoorphanednieces.AndRobert,AuntJudith’sfiancé,wasmorelikeastepfathertoMargaretthananuncle-to-bebymarriage.

ButElenarememberedherparents.Sometimes,rightafterthefuneral,shehadcomeoutheretorageatthem,angrywiththemforbeingsostupidastogetthemselveskilled.Thatwaswhenshehadn’tknownAuntJudithverywell,andhadfelttherewasnowhereonearthshebelongedanymore.

Wheredidshebelongnow?shewondered.Theeasyanswerwas,here,inFell’sChurch,whereshe’dlivedallherlife.Butlatelytheeasyanswerseemedwrong.Latelyshefelttheremustbesomethingelseoutthereforher,someplaceshewouldrecognizeatonceandcallhome.

Ashadowfelloverher,andshelookedup,startled.Foraninstant,thetwofiguresstandingoverherwerealien,unfamiliar,vaguelymenacing.Shestared,frozen.

“Elena,”saidthesmallerfigurefussily,handsonhips,“sometimesIworryaboutyou,Ireallydo.”

Elenablinkedandthenlaughedshortly.ItwasBonnieandMeredith.“Whatdoesapersonhavetodotogetalittleprivacyaroundhere?”shesaidastheysatdown.

“Tellustogoaway,”suggestedMeredith,butElenajustshrugged.MeredithandBonniehadoftencomeoutheretofindherinthemonthsaftertheaccident.Suddenly,shefeltgladaboutthat,andgratefultothemboth.Ifnowhereelse,shebelongedwiththefriendswhocaredabouther.Shedidn’tmindiftheyknewshehadbeencrying,andsheacceptedthecrumpledtissueBonnieofferedherandwipedhereyes.Thethreeofthemsattogetherinsilenceforalittlewhile,watchingthewindrufflethestandofoaktreesattheedgeofthecemetery.

“I’msorryaboutwhathappened,”Bonniesaidatlast,inasoftvoice.“Thatwasreallyterrible.”

“Andyourmiddlenameis‘Tact,’”saidMeredith.“Itcouldn’thavebeenthatbad,Elena.”

“Youweren’tthere.”Elenafeltherselfgohotalloveragainatthememory.“Itwasterrible.ButIdon’tcareanymore,”sheaddedflatly,defiantly.“I’mfinishedwithhim.Idon’twanthimanyway.”

“Elena!”

“Idon’t,Bonnie.Heobviouslythinkshe’stoogoodfor–forAmericans.Sohecanjusttakethosedesignersunglassesand…”

Thereweresnortsoflaughterfromtheothergirls.Elenawipedhernoseandshookher

head.“So,”shesaidtoBonnie,determinedlychangingthesubject,“atleastTannerseemedinabettermoodtoday.”

Bonnielookedmartyred.“Doyouknowthathemademesignuptobetheveryfirstonetogivemyoralreport?Idon’tcare,though;I’mgoingtodomineonthedruids,and–“

“Onthewhat?”

“Droo-ids.TheweirdoldguyswhobuiltStonehengeanddidmagicandstuffinancientEngland.I’mdescendedfromthem,andthat’swhyI’mpsychic.”

Meredithsnorted,butElenafrownedatthebladeofgrassshewastwirlingbetweenherfingers.“Bonnie,didyoureallyseesomethingyesterdayinmypalm?”sheaskedabruptly.

Bonniehesitated.“Idon’tknow,”shesaidatlast.“I–IthoughtIdidthen.Butsometimesmyimaginationrunsawaywithme.”

“Sheknewyouwerehere,”saidMeredithunexpectedly.“Ithoughtoflookingatthecoffeeshop,butBonniesaid,‘She’satthecemetery.’“

“DidI?”Bonnielookedfaintlysurprisedbutimpressed.“Well,thereyousee.MygrandmotherinEdinburghhasthesecondsightandsodoI.Italwaysskipsageneration.”

“Andyou’redescendedfromthedruids,”Meredithsaidsolemnly.

“Well,it’strue!InScotlandtheykeepuptheoldtraditions.Youwouldn’tbelievesomeofthethingsmygrandmotherdoes.Shehasawaytofindoutwhoyou’regoingtomarryandwhenyou’regoingtodie.ShetoldmeI’mgoingtodieearly.”

“Bonnie!”

“Shedid.I’mgoingtobeyoungandbeautifulinmycoffin.Don’tyouthinkthat’sromantic?”

“No,Idon’t.Ithinkit’sdisgusting,”saidElena.Theshadowsweregettinglonger,andthewindhadachilltoitnow.

“Sowhoareyougoingtomarry,Bonnie?”Meredithputindeftly.

“Idon’tknow.Mygrandmothertoldmetheritualforfindingout,butInevertriedit.Ofcourse”–Bonniestruckasophisticatedpose–“hehastobeoutrageouslyrichandtotallygorgeous.Likeourmysteriousdarkstranger,forexample.Particularlyifnobodyelsewantshim.”ShecastawickedglanceatElena.

Elenarefusedthebait.“WhataboutTylerSmallwood?”shemurmuredinnocently.“Hisfather’scertainlyrichenough.”

“Andhe’snotbad-looking,”agreedMeredithsolemnly.“Thatis,ofcourse,ifyou’reananimallover.Allthosebigwhiteteeth.”

Thegirlslookedateachotherandthensimultaneouslyburstintolaughter.BonniethrewahandfulofgrassatMeredith,whobrusheditoffandthrewadandelionbackather.Somewhereinthemiddleofit,Elenarealizedthatshewasgoingtobeallright.Shewasherselfagain,notlost,notastranger,butElenaGilbert,thequeenofRobertE.Lee.Shepulledtheapricotribbonoutofherhairandshookthehairfreeaboutherface.

“I’vedecidedwhattodomyoralreporton,”shesaid,watchingwithnarroweyesasBonniefinger-combedgrassoutofhercurls.

“What?”saidMeredith.

Elenatiltedherchinuptogazeattheredandpurpleskyabovethehill.Shetookathoughtfulbreathandletthesuspensebuildforamoment.Thenshesaidcoolly,“TheItalianRenaissance.”

BonnieandMeredithstaredather,thenlookedateachotherandburstintowhoopsoflaughteragain.

“Aha,”saidMeredithwhentheyrecovered.“Sothetigerreturneth.”

Elenagaveheraferalgrin.Hershakenconfidencehadreturnedtoher.Andthoughshedidn’tunderstanditherself,sheknewonething:shewasn’tgoingtoletStefanSalvatoregetawayalive.

“Allright,”shesaidbriskly.“Now,listen,youtwo.Nobodyelsecanknowaboutthis,orI’llbethelaughingstockoftheschool.AndCarolinewouldjustloveanyexcusetomakemelookridiculous.ButIdostillwanthim,andI’mgoingtohavehim.Idon’tknowhowyet,butIam.UntilIcomeupwithaplan,though,we’regoingtogivehimthecoldshoulder.”

“Oh,weare?”

“Yes,weare.Youcan’thavehim,Bonnie;he’smine.AndIhavetobeabletotrustyoucompletely.”

“Waitaminute,”saidMeredith,aglintinhereye.Sheunclaspedthecloisonnepinfromherblouse,then,holdingupherthumb,madeaquickjab.“Bonnie,givemeyourhand.”

“Why?”saidBonnie,eyeingthepinsuspiciously.

“BecauseIwanttomarryyou.Whydoyouthink,idiot?”

“But–but–Oh,allright.Ow!”

“Nowyou,Elena.”MeredithprickedElena’sthumbefficiently,andthensqueezedittogetadropofblood.“Now,”shecontinued,lookingattheothertwowithsparklingdarkeyes,“weallpressourthumbstogetherandswear.Especiallyyou,Bonnie.SweartokeepthissecretandtodowhateverElenaasksinrelationtoStefan.”

“Look,swearingwithbloodisdangerous,”Bonnieprotestedseriously.“Itmeansyouhavetosticktoyouroathnomatterwhathappens,nomatterwhat,Meredith.”

“Iknow,”saidMeredithgrimly.“That’swhyI’mtellingyoutodoit.IrememberwhathappenedwithMichaelMartin.”

Bonniemadeaface.“Thatwasyearsago,andwebrokeuprightawayanywayand–Oh,allright.I’llswear.”Closinghereyes,shesaid,“IsweartokeepthisasecretandtodoanythingElenaasksaboutStefan.”

Meredithrepeatedtheoath.AndElena,staringatthepaleshadowsoftheirthumbsjoinedtogetherinthegatheringdusk,tookalongbreathandsaidsoftly,“AndIswearnottorestuntilhebelongstome.”

Agustofcoldwindblewthroughthecemetery,fanningthegirls’hairoutandsendingdryleavesflutteringontheground.Bonniegaspedandpulledback,andtheyalllookedaround,thengigglednervously.

“It’sdark,”saidElena,surprised.

“We’dbettergetstartedhome,”Meredithsaid,refasteningherpinasshestoodup.Bonniestood,too,puttingthetipofherthumbintohermouth.

“Good-bye,”saidElenasoftly,facingtheheadstone.Thepurpleblossomwasablurontheground.Shepickeduptheapricotribbonthatlaynexttoit,turned,andnoddedtoBonnieandMeredith.“Let’sgo.”

Silently,theyheadedupthehilltowardtheruinedchurch.Theoathsworninbloodhadgiventhemallasolemnfeeling,andastheypassedtheruinedchurchBonnieshivered.Withthesundown,thetemperaturehaddroppedabruptly,andthewindwasrising.Eachgustsentwhispersthroughthegrassandmadetheancientoaktreesrattletheirdanglingleaves.

“I’mfreezing,”Elenasaid,pausingforamomentbytheblackholethathadoncebeenthechurchdoorandlookingdownatthelandscapebelow.

Themoonhadnotyetrisen,andshecouldjustmakeouttheoldgraveyardandWickeryBridgebeyondit.TheoldgraveyarddatedfromCivilWardays,andmanyoftheheadstonesborethenamesofsoldiers.Ithadawildlooktoit;bramblesandtallweedsgrewonthegraves,andivyvinesswarmedovercrumblinggranite.Elenahadneverlikedit.

“Itlooksdifferent,doesn’tit?Inthedark,Imean,”shesaidunsteadily.Shedidn’tknowhowtosaywhatshereallymeant,thatitwasnotaplacefortheliving.

“Wecouldgothelongway,”saidMeredith.“Butthatwouldmeananothertwentyminutesofwalking.”

“Idon’tmindgoingthisway,”saidBonnie,swallowinghard.“IalwayssaidIwantedtobeburieddownthereintheoldone.”

“Willyoustoptalkingaboutbeingburied!”Elenasnapped,andshestarteddownthehill.Butthefartherdownthenarrowpathshegot,themoreuncomfortableshefelt.ShesloweduntilBonnieandMeredithcaughtupwithher.Astheynearedthefirstheadstone,herheartbeganbeatingfast.Shetriedtoignoreit,butherwholeskinwastinglingwithawarenessandthefinehairsonherarmswerestandingup.Betweenthegustsofwind,everysoundseemedhorriblymagnified;thecrunchingoftheirfeetontheleaf-strewnpathwasdeafening.

Theruinedchurchwasablacksilhouettebehindthemnow.Thenarrowpathledbetweenthelichen-encrustedheadstones,manyofwhichstoodtallerthanMeredith.Bigenoughforsomethingtohidebehind,thoughtElenauneasily.Someofthetombstonesthemselveswereunnerving,liketheonewiththecherubthatlookedlikearealbaby,exceptthatitsheadhadfallenoffandhadbeencarefullyplacedbyitsbody.Thewidegraniteeyesoftheheadwereblank.Elenacouldn’tlookawayfromit,andherheartbegantopound.

“Whyarewestopping?”saidMeredith.

“Ijust…I’msorry,”Elenamurmured,butwhensheforcedherselftoturnsheimmediatelystiffened.“Bonnie?”shesaid.“Bonnie,what’swrong?”

Bonniewasstaringstraightoutintothegraveyard,herlipsparted,hereyesaswideandblankasthestonecherub’s.FearwashedthroughElena’sstomach.“Bonnie,stopit.Stopit!It’snotfunny.”

Bonniemadenoreply.

“Bonnie!”saidMeredith.SheandElenalookedateachother,andsuddenlyElenaknewshehadtogetaway.Shewhirledtostartdownthepath,butastrangevoicespokebehindher,andshejerkedaround.

“Elena,”thevoicesaid.Itwasn’tBonnie’svoice,butitcamefromBonnie’smouth.Paleinthedarkness,Bonniewasstillstaringoutintothegraveyard.Therewasnoexpressiononherfaceatall.

“Elena,”thevoicesaidagain,andadded,asBonnie’sheadturnedtowardher,“there’ssomeonewaitingoutthereforyou.”

Elenaneverquiteknewwhathappenedinthenextfewminutes.Somethingseemedtomoveoutamongthedarkhumpedshapesoftheheadstones,shiftingandrisingbetweenthem.ElenascreamedandMeredithcriedout,andthentheywerebothrunning,andBonniewasrunningwiththem,screaming,too.

Elenapoundeddownthenarrowpath,stumblingonrocksandclumpsofgrassroot.Bonniewassobbingforbreathbehindher,andMeredith,calmandcynicalMeredith,waspantingwildly.Therewasasuddenthrashingandashriekinanoaktreeabovethem,andElenafoundthatshecouldrunfaster.

“There’ssomethingbehindus,”criedBonnieshrilly.“Oh,God,what’shappening?”

“Gettothebridge,”gaspedElenathroughthefireinherlungs.Shedidn’tknowwhy,butshefelttheyhadtomakeitthere.“Don’tstop,Bonnie!Don’tlookbehindyou!”Shegrabbedtheothergirl’ssleeveandpulledheraround.

“Ican’tmakeit,”Bonniesobbed,clutchingherside,herpacefaltering.

“Yes,youcan,”snarledElena,grabbingBonnie’ssleeveagainandforcinghertokeepmoving.“Comeon.Comeon!”

Shesawthesilvergleamofwaterbeforethem.Andtherewastheclearingbetweentheoaktrees,andthebridgejustbeyond.Elena’slegswerewobblingandherbreathwaswhistlinginherthroat,butshewouldn’tletherselflagbehind.Nowshecouldseethewoodenplanksofthefootbridge.Thebridgewastwentyfeetawayfromthem,tenfeetaway,five.

“Wemadeit,”pantedMeredith,feetthunderingonthewood.

“Don’tstop!Gettotheotherside!”

Thebridgecreakedastheyranstaggeringacrossit,theirstepsechoingacrossthewater.Whenshejumpedontopackeddirtonthefarshore,ElenaletgoofBonnie’ssleeveatlast,

andallowedherlegstostumbletoahalt.

Meredithwasbentover,handsonthighs,deep-breathing.Bonniewascrying.

“Whatwasit?Oh,whatwasit?”shesaid.“Isitstillcoming?”

“Ithoughtyouweretheexpert,”Meredithsaidunsteadily.“ForGod’ssake,Elena,let’sgetoutofhere.”

“No,it’sallrightnow,”Elenawhispered.Thereweretearsinherowneyesandshewasshakingallover,butthehotbreathatthebackofherneckhadgone.Theriverstretchedbetweenherandit,thewatersadarktumult.“Itcan’tfollowushere,”shesaid.

Meredithstaredather,thenattheothershorewithitsclusteredoaktrees,thenatBonnie.Shewetherlipsandlaughedshortly.“Sure.Itcan’tfollowus.Butlet’sgohomeanyway,allright?Unlessyoufeellikespendingthenightouthere.”

SomeunnameablefeelingshudderedthroughElena.“Nottonight,thanks,”shesaid.SheputanarmaroundBonnie,whowasstillsniffling.“It’sokay,Bonnie.We’resafenow.Comeon.”

Meredithwaslookingacrosstheriveragain.“Youknow,Idon’tseeathingbackthere,”shesaid,hervoicecalmer.“Maybetherewasn’tanythingbehindusatall;maybewejustpanickedandscaredourselves.Withalittlehelpfromthedruidpriestesshere.”

Elenasaidnothingastheystartedwalking,keepingveryclosetogetheronthedirtpath.Butshewondered.Shewonderedverymuch.

ChapterFive

ThefullmoonwasdirectlyoverheadwhenStefancamebacktotheboardinghouse.Hewasgiddy,almostreeling,bothfromfatigueandfromtheglutofbloodhe’dtaken.Ithadbeenalongtimesincehe’dlethimselffeedsoheavily.ButtheburstofwildPowerbythegraveyardhadcaughthimupinitsfrenzy,shatteringhisalreadyweakenedcontrol.Hestillwasn’tsurewherethePowerhadcomefrom.Hehadbeenwatchingthehumangirlsfromhisplaceintheshadowswhenithadexplodedfrombehindhim,sendingthegirlsfleeing.HehadbeencaughtbetweenthefearthattheywouldrunintotheriverandthedesiretoprobethisPowerandfinditssource.Intheend,hehadfollowedher,unabletochancehergettinghurt.

Somethingblackhadwingedtowardthewoodsasthehumansreachedthesanctuaryofthebridge,butevenStefan’snightsensescouldnotmakeoutwhatitwas.Hehadwatchedwhilesheandtheothertwostartedinthedirectionoftown.Thenhehadturnedbacktothegraveyard.

Itwasemptynow,purgedofwhateverhadbeenthere.Onthegroundlayathinstripofsilkthattoordinaryeyeswouldhavebeengrayinthedark.Buthesawitstruecolor,andashecrusheditbetweenhisfingers,bringingitslowlyuptotouchhislips,hecouldsmellthescentofherhair.

Memoryengulfedhim.Itwasbadenoughwhenshewasoutofsight,whenthecoolglowofhermindonlyteasedattheedgesofhisconsciousness.Buttobeinthesameroomwithherattheschool,tofeelherpresencebehindhim,tosmelltheheadyfragranceofherskinallaroundhim,wasalmostmorethanhecouldbear.

Hehadheardeverysoftbreathshetook,feltherwarmthradiatingagainsthisback,sensedeachthrobofhersweetpulse.Andeventually,tohishorror,hehadfoundhimselfgivingintoit.Histonguehadbrushedbackandforthoverhiscanineteeth,enjoyingthepleasure-painthatwasbuildingthere,encouragingit.He’dbreathedhersmellintohisnostrilsdeliberately,andletthevisionscometohim,imaginingitall.Howsoftherneckwouldbe,andhowhislipswouldmeetitwithequalsoftnessatfirst,plantingtinykisseshere,andhere,untilhereachedtheyieldinghollowofherthroat.Howhewouldnuzzlethere,intheplacewhereherheartbeatsostronglyagainstthedelicateskin.Andhowatlasthislipswouldpart,woulddrawbackfromachingteethnowsharpaslittledaggers,and–

No.He’dbroughthimselfoutofthetrancewithajerk,hisownpulsebeatingraggedly,hisbodyshaking.Theclasshadbeendismissed,movementwasallaroundhim,andhecouldonlyhopenoonehadbeenobservinghimtooclosely.

Whenshehadspokentohim,hehadbeenunabletobelievethathehadtofaceherwhilehisveinsburnedandhiswholeupperjawached.He’dbeenafraidforamomentthathiscontrolwouldbreak,thathewouldseizehershouldersandtakeherinfrontofallofthem.Hehadnoideahowhe’dgottenaway,onlythatsometimelaterhewaschannelinghisenergyintohardexercise,dimlyawarethathemustnotusethePowers.Itdidn’tmatter;evenwithoutthemhewasineverywaysuperiortothemortalboyswhocompetedwithhimonthefootballfield.

Hissightwassharper,hisreflexesfaster,hismusclesstronger.PresentlyahandhadclappedhimonthebackandMatt’svoicehadrunginhisears:

“Congratulations!Welcometotheteam!”

Lookingintothathonest,smilingface,Stefanhadbeenovercomewithshame.IfyouknewwhatIwas,youwouldn’tsmileatme,he’dthoughtgrimly.I’vewonthiscompetitionofyoursbydeception.Andthegirlyoulove–youdoloveher,don’tyou?–isinmythoughtsrightnow.

Andshehadremainedinhisthoughtsdespiteallhiseffortstobanishherthatafternoon.Hehadwanderedtothegraveyardblindly,pulledfromthewoodsbyaforcehedidnotunderstand.Oncetherehehadwatchedher,fightinghimself,fightingtheneed,untilthesurgeofPowerhadsentherandherfriendsrunning.Andthenhe’dcomehome–butonlyafterfeeding.Afterlosingcontrolofhimself.

Hecouldn’trememberexactlyhowithadhappened,howhe’dletithappen.ThatflareofPowerhadstartedit,awakeningthingsinsidehimbestleftsleeping.Thehuntingneed.Thecravingforthechase,forthesmelloffearandthesavagetriumphofthekill.Ithadbeenyears–centuries–sincehe’dfelttheneedwithsuchforce.Hisveinshadbegunburninglikefire.Andallhisthoughtshadturnedred:hecouldthinkofnothingelsebutthehotcopperytaste,theprimalvibrancy,ofblood.

Withthatexcitementstillragingthroughhim,he’dtakenasteportwoafterthegirls.Whatmighthavehappenedifhehadn’tscentedtheoldmanwasbetternotthoughtabout.Butashereachedtheendofthebridge,hisnostrilshadflaredatthesharp,distinctiveodorofhumanflesh.

Humanblood.Theultimateelixir,theforbiddenwine.Moreintoxicatingthananyliquor,thesteamingessenceoflifeitself.Andhewassotiredoffightingtheneed.

Therehadbeenamovementonthebankunderthebridge,asapileofoldragsstirred.Andthenextinstant,Stefanhadlandedgracefully,catlike,besideit.Hishandshotoutandpulledtheragsaway,exposingawizened,blinkingfaceatopascrawnyneck.Hislipsdrewback.

Andthentherewasnosoundbutthefeeding.

Now,ashestumbledupthemainstaircaseoftheboardinghouse,hetriednottothinkaboutit,andnottothinkabouther–aboutthegirlwhotemptedhimwithherwarmth,herlife.Shehadbeentheonehetrulydesired,buthemustputastoptothat,hemustkillanysuchthoughtsbeforetheywerestartedfromnowon.Forhissake,andforherown.Hewasherworstnightmarecometrue,andshedidn’tevenknowit.

“Who’sthere?Isthatyou,boy?”acrackedvoicecalledsharply.Oneofthesecond-storydoorsopened,andagrayheadpokedout.

“Yes,signora–Mrs.Flowers.I’msorryifIdisturbedyou.”

“Ah,ittakesmorethanacreakyfloorboardtodisturbme.Youlockedthedoorbehindyou?”

“Yes,signora.You’re…safe.”

“That’sright.Weneedtobesafehere.Youneverknowwhatmightbeoutthereinthosewoods,doyou?”Helookedquicklyatthesmilinglittlefacesurroundedbywispsofgrayhair,thebrightdartingeyes.Wasthereasecrethiddeninthem?

“Goodnight,signora.”

“Goodnight,boy.”Sheshutthedoor.

Inhisownroomhefellontothebedandlaystaringupatthelow,slantingceiling.

Usuallyheresteduneasilyatnight;itwasnothisnaturalsleepingtime.Buttonighthewastired.Ittooksomuchenergytofacethesunlight,andtheheavymealonlycontributedtohislethargy.Soon,althoughhiseyesdidnotclose,henolongersawthewhitewashedceilingabovehim.

Randomscrapsofmemoryfloatedthroughhismind.Katherine,solovelythateveningbythefountain,moonlightsilveringherpalegoldenhair.Howproudhehadbeentositwithher,tobetheonetosharehersecret…

“Butcanyounevergooutinsunlight?”

“Ican,yes,aslongasIwearthis.”Sheheldupasmallwhitehand,andthemoonlightshoneonthelapisringthere.“Butthesuntiresmesomuch.Ihaveneverbeenverystrong.”

Stefanlookedather,atthedelicacyofherfeaturesandtheslightnessofherbody.Shewasalmostasinsubstantialasspunglass.No,shewouldneverhavebeenstrong.

“Iwasoftenillasachild,”shesaidsoftly,hereyesontheplayofwaterinthefountain.“Thelasttime,thesurgeonfinallysaidIwoulddie.IrememberPapacrying,andIrememberlyinginmybigbed,tooweaktomove.Evenbreathingwastoomucheffort.Iwassosadtoleavetheworldandsocold,soverycold.”Sheshivered,andthensmiled.

“Butwhathappened?”

“IwokeinthemiddleofthenighttoseeGudren,mymaid,standingovermybed.Andthenshesteppedaside,andIsawthemanshehadbrought.Iwasfrightened.HisnamewasKlaus,andI’dheardthepeopleinthevillagesayhewasevil.IcriedouttoGudrentosaveme,butshejuststoodthere,watching.Whenheputhismouthtomyneck,Ithoughthewasgoingtokillme.”

Shepaused.Stefanwasstaringatherinhorrorandpity,andshesmiledcomfortinglyathim.“Itwasnotsoterribleafterall.Therewasalittlepainatfirst,butthatquicklywentaway.Andthenthefeelingwasactuallypleasant.Whenhegavemeofhisownbloodtodrink,IfeltstrongerthanIhadformonths.Andthenwewaitedoutthehourstogether

untildawn.Whenthesurgeoncame,hecouldn’tbelieveIwasabletositupandspeak.Papasaiditwasamiracle,andhecriedagainfromhappiness.”Herfaceclouded.“Iwillhavetoleavemypapasometimesoon.OnedayhewillrealizethatsincethatillnessIhavenotgrownanhourolder.”

“Andyouneverwill?”

“No.Thatisthewonderofit,Stefan!”Shegazedupathimwithchildlikejoy.“Iwillbeyoungforever,andIwillneverdie!Canyouimagine?”

Hecouldnotimagineherasanythingotherthanwhatshewasnow:lovely,innocent,perfect.“But–youdidnotfinditfrighteningatfirst?”

“Atfirst,alittle.ButGudrenshowedmewhattodo.Itwasshewhotoldmetohavethisringmade,withagemthatwouldprotectmefromsunlight.WhileIlayinbed,shebroughtmerichwarmpossetstodrink.Later,shebroughtsmallanimalshersontrapped.”

“Not…people?”

Herlaughterrangout.“Ofcoursenot.IcangetallIneedinanightfromadove.GudrensaysthatifIwishtobepowerfulIshouldtakehumanblood,forthelifeessenceofhumansisstrongest.AndKlaususedtourgeme,too;hewantedtoexchangebloodagain.ButItellGudrenIdonotwantpower.AndasforKlaus…”Shestoppedanddroppedhereyes,sothatheavylasheslayonhercheek.Hervoicewasverysoftasshecontinued.“Idonotthinkitisathingtobedonelightly.IwilltakehumanbloodonlywhenIhavefoundmycompanion,theonewhowillbebymysideforalleternity.”Shelookedupathimgravely.

Stefansmiledather,feelinglight-headedandburstingwithpride.Hecouldscarcelycontainthehappinesshefeltatthatmoment.

ButthatwasbeforehisbrotherDamonhadreturnedfromtheUniversity.BeforeDamonhadcomebackandseenKatherine’sjewel-blueeyes.

Onhisbedinthelow-roofedroom,Stefanmoaned.Thenthedarknessdrewhimindeeperandnewimagesbegantoflickerthroughhismind.

Theywerescatteredglimpsesofthepastthatdidnotformaconnectedsequence.Hesawthemlikescenesbrieflyilluminatedbyflashesoflightning.Hisbrother’sface,twistedintoamaskofinhumananger.Katherine’sblueeyessparklinganddancingasshepirouettedinhernewwhitegown.Theglimmerofwhitebehindalemontree.Thefeelofaswordinhishand;Giuseppe’svoiceshoutingfromfaraway.Thelemontree.Hemustnotgobehindthelemontree.HesawDamon’sfaceagain,butthistimehisbrotherwaslaughingwildly.Laughingonandon,asoundlikethegrateofbrokenglass.Andthelemontreewasclosernow…

“Damon–Katherine–no!”

Hewassittingboltuprightonhisbed.

Heranshakinghandsthroughhishairandsteadiedhisbreath.

Aterribledream.Ithadbeenalongtimesincehehadbeentorturedbydreamslikethat;long,indeed,sincehe’ddreamedatall.Thelastfewsecondsplayedoverandoveragain

inhismind,andhesawagainthelemontreeandheardagainhisbrother’slaughter.

Itechoedinhismindalmosttooclearly.Suddenly,withoutbeingawareofaconsciousdecisiontomove,Stefanfoundhimselfattheopenwindow.ThenightairWascoolonhischeeksashelookedintothesilverydark.

“Damon?”HesentthethoughtoutonasurgeofPower,questing.Thenhefellintoabsolutestillness,listeningwithallhissenses.

Hecouldfeelnothing,norippleofresponse.Nearby,apairofnightbirdsroseinflight.Inthetown,manymindsweresleeping;inthewoods,nocturnalanimalswentabouttheirsecretbusiness.

Hesighedandturnedbackintotheroom.Perhapshe’dbeenwrongaboutthelaughter;perhapshe’devenbeenwrongaboutthemenaceinthegraveyard.Fell’sChurchwasstill,andpeaceful,andheshouldtrytoemulateit.Heneededsleep.

September5(actuallyearlySeptember6–about1:00a.m.)

DearDiary,

Ishouldgobacktobedsoon.JustafewminutesagoIwokeupthinkingsomeonewasshouting,butnowthehouseisquiet.Somanystrangethingshavehappenedtonightthatmynervesareshot,Iguess.

AtleastIwokeupknowingexactlywhatI’mgoingtodoaboutStefan.Thewholethingjustsortofsprangintomymind.PlanB,PhaseOne,beginstomorrow.

Frances’seyeswereblazing,andhercheekswereflushedwithcolorassheapproachedthethreegirlsatthetable.

“Oh,Elena,you’vegottohearthis!”

Elenasmiledather,politebutnottoointimate.Francesduckedherbrownhead.“Imean…canIjoinyou?I’vejustheardthewildestthingaboutStefanSalvatore.”

“Haveaseat,”saidElenagraciously.“But,”sheadded,butteringaroll,“we’renotreallyinterestedinthenews.”

“You–?”Francesstared.ShelookedatMeredith,thenatBonnie.“Youguysarejoking,right?”

“Notatall.”Meredithspearedagreenbeanandeyeditthoughtfully.“Wehaveotherthingsonourmindstoday.”

“Exactly,”saidBonnieafterasuddenstart.“Stefan’soldnews,youknow.Passe.”Shebentdownandrubbedherankle.

FranceslookedatElenaappealingly.“ButIthoughtyouwantedtoknowallabouthim.”

“Curiosity,”Elenasaid.“Afterall,heisavisitor,andIwantedtowelcomehimtoFell’s

Church.ButofcourseIhavetobeloyaltoJean-Claude.”

“Jean-Claude?”

“Jean-Claude,”saidMeredith,raisinghereyebrowsandsighing.

“Jean-Claude,”echoedBonniegamely.

Delicately,withthumbandforefinger,Elenadrewaphotooutofherbackpack.“Hereheisstandinginfrontofthecottagewherewestayed.Rightafterwardhepickedmeaflowerandsaid…“Well,”–shesmiledmysteriously–“Ishouldn’trepeatit.”

Franceswasgazingatthephoto.Itshowedabronzedyoungman,shirtless,standinginfrontofahibiscusbushandsmilingshyly.“He’solder,isn’the?”shesaidwithrespect.

“Twenty-one.Ofcourse,”–ElenaglancedoverTiershoulder–“myauntwouldneverapprove,sowe’rekeepingitfromheruntilIgraduate.Wehavetowritetoeachothersecretly.”

“Howromantic,”Francesbreathed.“I’llnevertellasoul,Ipromise.ButaboutStefan…”

Elenagaveherasuperiorsmile.“If,”shesaid,“IamgoingtoeatContinental,IpreferFrenchtoItalianeverytime.”SheturnedtoMeredith.“Right?”

“Mm-hmm.Everytime.”MeredithandElenasmiledknowinglyateachother,thenturnedtoFrances.“Don’tyouagree?”

“Oh,yes,”saidFranceshastily.“Me,too.Everytime.”Shesmiledknowinglyherselfandnoddedseveraltimesasshegotupandleft.

Whenshewasgone,Bonniesaidpiteously,“Thisisgoingtokillme.Elena,IamgoingtodieifIdon’thearthegossip.”

“Oh,that?Icantellyou,”Elenarepliedcalmly.“Shewasgoingtosaythere’sarumorgoingaroundthatStefanSalvatoreisanarc.”

“Awhat!”Bonniestared,andthenburstintolaughter.“Butthat’sridiculous.Whatnarcintheworldwoulddresslikethatandweardarkglasses?Imean,he’sdoneeverythinghecantodrawattentiontohimself…”Hervoicetrailedoff,andherbrowneyeswidened.“Butthen,thatmaybewhyhedoesit.Whowouldeversuspectanybodysoobvious?Andhedoeslivealone,andhe’sawfullysecretive…Elena!Whatifit’strue?”

“Itisn’t,”saidMeredith.

“Howdoyouknow?”

“BecauseI’mtheonewhostartedit.”AtBonnie’sexpression,shegrinnedandadded:“Elenatoldmeto.”

“Ohhhh.”BonnielookedadmiringlyatElena.“You’rewicked.CanItellpeoplehe’sgotaterminaldisease?”

“No,youcannot.Idon’twantanyFlorenceNightingaletypeslininguptoholdhishand.ButyoucantellpeoplewhateveryouwantaboutJean-Claude.”

Bonniepickedupthephotograph.“Whowashereally?”

“Thegardener.Hewascrazyaboutthosehibiscusbushes.Hewasalsomarried,withtwokids.”

“Pity,”saidBonnieseriously.“AndyoutoldFrancesnottotellanyoneabouthim…”

“Right.”Elenacheckedherwatch.“Whichmeansthatby,oh,saytwoo’clock,itoughttobeallovertheschool.”

Afterschool,thegirlswenttoBonnie’shouse.Theyweregreetedatthefrontdoorbyashrillyapping,andwhenBonnieopenedthedoor,averyold,veryfatPekingesetriedtoescape.HisnamewasYangtze,andhewassospoiledthatnooneexceptBonnie’smothercouldstandhim.HenippedatElena’sankleasshewentby.

Thelivingroomwasdimandcrowded,withlotsofratherfussyfurnitureandheavycurtainsatthewindows.Bonnie’ssisterMarywasthere,unpinningacapfromherwavyredhair.ShewasjusttwoyearsolderthanBonnie,andsheworkedattheFell’sChurchclinic.

“Oh,Bonnie,”shesaid,“I’mgladyou’reback.Hello,Elena,Meredith.”

ElenaandMeredithsaid“hello.”“What’sthematter?Youlooktired,”saidBonnie.

Marydroppedhercaponthecoffeetable.Insteadofanswering,sheaskedaquestioninreturn.“Lastnightwhenyoucamehomesoupset,wheredidyousayyougirlshadbeen?”

“Downinthe–JustdownbyWickeryBridge.”

“That’swhatIthought.”Marytookadeepbreath.“Now,youlistentome,BonnieMcCullough.Don’tyouevergooutthereagain,andespeciallynotaloneandatnight.Doyouunderstand?”

“Butwhynot?”Bonnieasked,bewildered.

“Becauselastnightsomebodywasattackedoutthere,that’swhynot.Anddoyouknowwheretheyfoundhim?RightonthebankunderWickeryBridge.”

ElenaandMeredithstaredatherindisbelief,andBonnieclutchedatElena’sarm.“Somebodywasattackedunderthebridge?Butwhowasit?Whathappened?”

“Idon’tknow.Thismorningoneofthecemeteryworkersspottedhimlyingthere.Hewassomehomelessperson,Iguess,andhe’dprobablybeensleepingunderthebridgewhenhewasattacked.Buthewashalfdeadwhentheybroughthimin,andhehasn’tregainedconsciousnessyet.Hemaydie.”

Elenaswallowed.“Whatdoyoumean,attacked?”

“Imean,”saidMarydistinctly,“thathisthroatwasnearlyrippedout.Helostanincredibleamountofblood.Theythoughtitmighthavebeenananimalatfirst,butnowDr.Lowensaysitwasaperson.Andthepolicethinkwhoeverdiditmaybehidinginthecemetery.”Marylookedateachoftheminturn,hermouthastraightline.“Soifyouweretherebythebridge–orinthecemetery,ElenaGilbert–thenthispersonmayhavebeentherewithyou.Getit?”

“Youdon’thavetoscareusanymore,”saidBonniefaintly.“Wegetthepoint,Mary.”

“Allright.Good.”Mary’sshouldersslumped,andsherubbedatthebackofherneckwearily.“I’vegottoliedownforawhile.Ididn’tmeantobecrabby.”Shewalkedoutofthelivingroom.

Alone,thethreegirlslookedatoneanother.

“Itcouldhavebeenoneofus,”saidMeredithquietly.“Especiallyyou,Elena;youwenttherealone.”

Elena’sskinwasprickling,thatsamepainfullyalertfeelingshe’dhadintheoldgraveyard.Shecouldfeelthechillofthewindandseetherowsoftalltombstonesallaroundher.SunshineandRobertE.Leehadneverseemedsofaraway.

“Bonnie,”shesaidslowly,“didyouseesomebodyoutthere?Isthatwhatyoumeantwhenyousaidsomeonewaswaitingforme?”

Inthedimroom,Bonnielookedatherblankly.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Ididn’tsaythat.”

“Yes,youdid.”

“No,Ididn’t.Ineversaidthat.”

“Bonnie,”saidMeredith,“webothheardyou.Youstaredoutattheoldgravestones,andthenyoutoldElena–“

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,andIdidn’tsayanything.”Bonnie’sfacewaspinchedwithanger,butthereweretearsinhereyes.“Idon’twanttotalkaboutitanymore.”

ElenaandMeredithlookedatoneanotherhelplessly.Outside,thesunwentbehindacloud.

ChapterSix

September26

DearDiary,

I’msorryit’sbeensolong,andIcan’treallyexplainwhyIhaven’twritten–exceptthattherearesomanythingsIfeelfrightenedtotalkabout,eventoyou.

First,themostterriblethinghappened.ThedaythatBonnieandMeredithandIwereatthecemetery,anoldmanwasattackedthere,andalmostkilled.Thepolicestillhaven’tfoundthepersonwhodidit.Peoplethinktheoldmanwascrazy,becausewhenhewokeuphestartedravingabout“eyesinthedark”andoaktreesandthings.ButIrememberwhathappenedtusthatnight,andIwonder.Itscaresme.

Everyonewasscaredforawhile,andallthekidshadtostayinsideafterdarkorgooutingroups.Butit’sbeenaboutthreeweeksnow,andnomoreattacks,sotheexcitementisdyingdown.AuntJudithsaysitmusthavebeenanothervagrantthatdidit.TylerSmallwood’sfatherevensuggestedthattheoldmanmighthavedoneittohimself–thoughIwouldliketoseesomebodybitehimselfinthethroat.

ButmostlywhatI’vebeenbusywithisPlanB.Asfarasitgoes,it’sbeengoingwell.I’vegottenseverallettersandabouquetofredrosesfrom“Jean-Claude”(Meredith’suncleisaflorist),andeverybodyseemstohaveforgottenthatIwaseverinterestedinStefan.Somysocialposition’ssecure.EvenCarolinehasn’tbeenmakinganytrouble.

Infact,Idon’tknowwhatCarolineisdoingthesedays,andIdon’tcare.Ineverseeheratlunchorafterschoolanymore;sheseemstohavedrawnawayfromheroldcrowdcompletely.

There’sonlyonethingIdocareaboutrightnow.Stefan.

EvenBonnieandMeredithdon’trealizehowimportantheistome.I’mafraidtotellthem;I’mafraidthey’llthinkI’mcrazy.AtschoolIwearamaskofcalmandcontrol,butontheinside–well,everydayitjustgetsworse.

AuntJudithhasstartedtoworryaboutme.ShesaysIdon’teatenoughthesedays,andshe’sright.Ican’tseemtoconcentrateonmyclasses,orevenonanythingfunliketheHauntedHousefund-raiser.Ican’tconcentrateonanythingbuthim.AndIdon’tevenunderstandwhy.

Hehasn’tspokentomesincethathorribleafternoon.ButI’lltellyousomethingstrange.Lastweekinhistoryclass,Iglancedupandcaughthimlookingatme.Wewere

sittingafewseatsapart,andhewasturnedcompletelysidewaysinhisdesk,justlooking.ForamomentIfeltalmostfrightened,andmyheartstartedpounding,andwejuststaredateachother–andthenhelookedaway.Butsincethenit’shappenedtwicemore,andeachtimeIfelthiseyesonmebeforeIsawthem.Thisistheliteraltruth.Iknowit’snotmyimagination.

Heisn’tlikeanyboyI’veeverknown.

Heseemssoisolated,solonely.Eventhoughit’shisownchoice.He’smadequiteahitonthefootballteam,buthedoesn’thangaroundwithanyoftheguys,exceptmaybeMatt.Matt’stheonlyonehetalksto.Hedoesn’thangaroundwithanygirls,either,thatIcansee,somaybethenarcrumorisdoingsomegood.Butit’smorelikehe’savoidingotherpeoplethanthey’reavoidinghim.Hedisappearsinbetweenclassesandafterfootballpractice,andI’veneveronceseenhiminthecafeteria.He’sneverinvitedanybodytohisroomattheboardinghouse.Henevervisitsthecoffeeshopafterschool.

SohowcanIevergethimsomeplacewherehecan’trunfromme?ThisistherealproblemwithPlanB.Bonniesays,“Whynotgetstuckinathunderstormwithhim,soyouhavetohuddletogethertoconservebodywarmth?”AndMeredithsuggestedthatmycarcouldbreakdowninfrontoftheboardinghouse.Butneitherofthoseideasispractical,andI’mgoinginsanetryingtocomeupwithsomethingbetter.

Everydayit’sgettingworseforme.IfeelasifIwereaclockorsomething,windinguptighterandtighter.IfIdon’tfindsomethingtodosoon,I’ll–

Iwasgoingtosay“die.”

Thesolutioncametoherquitesuddenlyandsimply.

ShefeltsorryaboutMatt;sheknewhe’dbeenhurtbytheJean-Clauderumor.He’dhardlyspokentohersincethestoryhadbroken,usuallypassingherwithaquicknod.AndwhensheranintohimonedayinanemptyhalloutsideofCreativeWriting,hewouldn’tmeethereyes.

“Matt–”shebegan.Shewantedtotellhimthatitwasn’ttrue,thatshewouldneverhavestartedseeinganotherboywithouttellinghimfirst.Shewantedtotellhimthatshe’dnevermeanttohurthim,andthatshefeltterriblenow.Butshedidn’tknowhowtobegin.Finally,shejustblurtedout,“I’msorry!”andturnedtogointoclass.

“Elena,”hesaid,andsheturnedback.Hewaslookingathernow,atleast,hiseyeslingeringonherlips,herhair.Thenheshookhisheadasiftosaythejokewasonhim.“IsthisFrenchguyforreal?”hefinallydemanded.

“No,”saidElenaimmediatelyandwithouthesitation.“Imadehimup,”sheaddedsimply,“toshoweverybodyIwasn’tupsetabout–”Shebrokeoff.

“AboutStefan.Igetit.”Mattnodded,lookingbothgrimmerandsomewhatmoreunderstanding.“Look,Elena,thatwasprettylousyofhim.ButIdon’tthinkhemeantitpersonally.He’sthatwaywitheverybody–“

“Exceptyou.”

“No.Hetalkstome,sometimes,butnotaboutanythingpersonal.Heneversaysanythingabouthisfamilyorwhathedoesoutsideofschool.It’slike–likethere’sawallaroundhimthatIcan’tgetthrough.Idon’tthinkhe’lleverletanybodygetthroughthatwall.Whichisadamnshame,becauseIthinkthatbehindithe’smiserable.”

Elenaponderedthis,fascinatedbyaviewofStefanshe’dneverconsideredbefore.Healwaysseemedsocontrolled,socalmandundisturbed.Butthen,sheknewsheseemedthatwayherselftootherpeople.Wasitpossiblethatunderneathhewasasconfusedandunhappyasshewas?

Itwasthenthattheideacame,anditwasridiculouslysimple.Nocomplicatedschemes,nothunderstormsorcarsbreakingdown.

“Matt,”shesaid,slowly,“don’tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodthingifsomebodydidgetbehindthatwall?AgoodthingforStefan,Imean?Don’tyouthinkthatwouldbethebestthingthatcouldhappentohim?”Shelookedupathimintensely,willinghimtounderstand.

Hestaredatheramoment,thenshuthiseyesbrieflyandshookhisheadindisbelief.“Elena,”hesaid,“youareincredible.Youtwistpeoplearoundyourlittlefinger,andIdon’tthinkyouevenknowyou’redoingit.Andnowyou’regoingtoaskmetodosomethingtohelpyouambushStefan,andI’msuchadumbsuckerImightevenagreetodoit.”

“You’renotdumb,you’reagentleman.AndIdowanttoaskyouafavor,.butonlyifyouthinkit’sright.Idon’twanttohurtStefan,andIdon’twanttohurtyou.”

“Don’tyou?”

“No.Iknowhowthatmustsound,butit’strue.Ionlywant–”Shebrokeoffagain.Howcouldsheexplainwhatshewantedwhenshedidn’tevenunderstanditherself?

“YouonlywanteverybodyandeverythingrevolvingaroundElenaGilbert,”hesaidbitterly.“Youonlywanteverythingyoudon’thave.”

Shocked,shesteppedbackandlookedathim.Herthroatswelled,andwarmthgatheredinhereyes.

“Don’t,”hesaid.“Elena,don’tlooklikethat.I’msorry.”Hesighed.“Allright,whatisitI’msupposedtodo?Hog-tiehimanddumphimonyourdoorstep?”

“No,”saidElena,stilltryingtomakethetearsgobackwheretheybelonged.“IonlywantedyoutogethimtocometotheHomecomingDancenextweek.”

Mart’sexpressionwasodd.“Youjustwanthimtobeatthedance.”

Elenanodded.

“Allright.I’mprettysurehe’llbethere.And,Elena…therereallyisn’tanybodybutyouIwanttotake.”

“Allright,”saidElenaafteramoment.“And,well,thankyou.”

Matt’sexpressionwasstillpeculiar.“Don’tthankme,Elena.It’snothing…really.”She

waspuzzlingoverthatwhenheturnedawayandwalkeddownthehall.

“Holdstill,”saidMeredith,givingElena’shairareprovingtwitch.

“Istillthink,”saidBonniefromthewindowseat,“thattheywerebothwonderful.”

“Who?”Elenamurmuredabsently.

“Asifyoudidn’tknow,”saidBonnie.“Thosetwoguysofyourswhopulledoffthelastminutemiracleatthegameyesterday.WhenStefancaughtthatlastpass,IthoughtIwasgoingtofaint.Orthrowup.”

“Oh,please,”saidMeredith.

“AndMatt–thatboyissimplypoetryinmotion…”

“Andneitherofthemismine,”Elenasaidflatly.UnderMeredith’sexpertfingers,herhairwasbecomingaworkofart,asoftmassoftwistedgold.Andthedresswasallright;theicedvioletcolorbroughtoutthevioletinhereyes.Buteventoherselfshelookedpaleandsteely,notsoftlyflushedwithexcitementbutwhiteanddetermined,likeaveryyoungsoldierbeingsenttothefrontlines.

StandingonthefootballfieldyesterdaywhenhernamewasannouncedasHomecomingQueen,therehadbeenonlyonethoughtinhermind.Hecouldn’trefusetodancewithher.Ifhecametothedanceatall,hecouldn’trefusetheHomecomingQueen.Andstandinginfrontofthemirrornow,shesaidittoherselfagain.

“Tonightanyoneyouwantwillbeyours,”Bonniewassayingsoothingly.“And,listen,whenyougetridofMatt,canItakehimoffandcomforthim?”

Meredithsnorted.“What’sRaymondgoingtothink?”

“Oh,youcancomforthim.But,really,Elena,IlikeMatt.AndonceyouhomeinonStefan,yourthreesomeisgoingtogetalittlecrowded.So…”

“Oh,dowhateveryouwant.Mattdeservessomeconsideration.”He’scertainlynotgettingitfromme,Elenathought.Shestillcouldn’texactlybelievewhatshewasdoingtohim.Butjustnowshecouldn’taffordtosecond-guessherself;sheneededallherstrengthandconcentration.

“There.”MeredithputthelastpininElena’shair.“Nowlookatus,theHomecomingQueenandhercourt–orpartofit,anyway.We’rebeautiful.”

“Isthattheroyal‘we’?”Elenasaidmockingly,butitwastrue.Theywerebeautiful.Meredith’sdresswasapuresweepofburgundysatin,gatheredtightatthewaistandpouringintofoldsfromthehips.Herdarkhairhungloosedownherback.AndBonnie,asshestoodupandjoinedtheothersinfrontofthemirror,waslikeashimmeringpartyfavorinpinktaffetaandblacksequins.

Asforherself…Elenascannedherimagewithanexperiencedeyeandthoughtagain,Thedressisallright.Theonlyotherphrasethatcametomindwascrystallizedviolets.Hergrandmotherhadkeptalittlejarofthem,realflowersdippedincrystallizedsugarand

frozen.

Theywentdownstairstogether,astheyhadforeverydancesincetheseventhgrade–exceptthatbefore,Carolinehadalwaysbeenwiththem.Elenarealizedwithfaintsurprisethatshedidn’tevenknowwhoCarolinewasgoingwithtonight.

AuntJudithandRobert–soontobeUncleRobert–wereinthelivingroom,alongwithMargaretinherpajamas.

“Oh,yougirlsalllooklovely,”saidAuntJudith,asflutteryandexcitedasifsheweregoingtothedanceherself.ShekissedElena,andMargaretheldupherarmsforahug.

“You’repretty,”shesaidwithfour-year-oldsimplicity.

RobertwaslookingatElena,too.Heblinked,openedhismouth,andcloseditagain.

“What’sthematter,Bob?”

“On.”HelookedatAuntJudith,seemingembarrassed.“Well,actually,itjustoccurredtomethatElenaisaformofthenameHelen.AndforsomereasonIwasthinkingofHelenofTroy.”

“Beautifulanddoomed,”saidBonniehappily.

“Well,yes,”saidRobert,notlookinghappyatall.Elenasaidnothing.

Thedoorbellrang.Mattwasonthestep,inhisfamiliarbluesportscoat.WithhimwereEdGoff,Meredith’sdate,andRaymondHernandez,Bonnie’s.ElenalookedforStefan.

“He’sprobablyalreadythere,”saidMatt,interpretingherglance.“Listen,Elena–“

Butwhateverhehadbeenabouttosaywascutoffinthechatterfromtheothercouples.BonnieandRaymondwentwiththeminMatt’scar,andkeptupaconstantstreamofwitticismsallthewaytotheschool.

Musicdriftedouttheopendoorsoftheauditorium.AsElenasteppedoutofthecar,acuriouscertaintyrushedoverher.Somethingwasgoingtohappen,sherealized,lookingatthesquarebulkoftheschoolbuilding.Thepeacefullowgearofthelastfewweekswasabouttoslipintohigh.

I’mready,shethought.Andhopeditwastrue.

Inside,itwasakaleidoscopeofcolorandactivity.SheandMattweremobbedtheinstanttheycamein,andcomplimentsraineddownonbothofthem.Elena’sdress…herhair…herflowers.Mattwasalegendinthemaking:anotherJoeMontana,asurebetforanathleticscholarship.

Inthedizzyingwhirlthatshouldhavebeenlifeandbreathtoher,Elenakeptsearchingforonedarkhead.

TylerSmallwoodwasbreathingheavilyonher,smellingofpunchandBrutandDoublemintgum.Hisdatewaslookingmurderous.Elenaignoredhiminthehopesthathewouldgoaway.

Mr.Tannerpassedbywithasoggypapercup,lookingasifhiscollarwasstranglinghim.SueCarson,theotherseniorhomecomingprincess,breezedupandcooedoverthe

violetdress.Bonniewasalreadyoutonthedancefloor,shimmeringunderthelights.ButnowheredidElenaseeStefan.

OnemorewhiffofDoublemintandshewasgoingtobesick.ShenudgedMattandtheyescapedtotherefreshmenttable,whereCoachLymanlaunchedintoacritiqueofthegame.Couplesandgroupscameuptothem,spendingafewminutesandthenretreatingtomakeroomforthenextinline.Justasifwereallywereroyalty,thoughtElenawildly.SheglancedsidewaystoseeifMattsharedheramusement,buthewaslookingfixedlyofftohisleft.

Shefollowedhisgaze.Andthere,halfconcealedbehindaclusteroffootballplayers,wasthedarkheadshe’dbeenlookingfor.Unmistakable,eveninthisdimlight.Athrillwentthroughher,moreofpainthananythingelse.

“Nowwhat?”saidMatt,hisjawset.“Thehog-tying?”

“No.I’mgoingtoaskhimtodance,that’sall.I’llwaituntilwe’vedancedfirst,ifyouwant.”

Heshookhishead,andshesetouttowardStefanthroughthecrowd.

Piecebypiece,Elenaregisteredinformationabouthimassheapproached.Hisblackblazerwasofasubtlydifferentcutthantheotherboys’,moreelegant,andheworeawhitecashmeresweaterunderit.Hestoodquitestill,notfidgeting,alittleapartfromthegroupsaroundhim.And,althoughshecouldseehimonlyinprofile,shecouldseehewasn’twearinghisglasses.

Hetookthemoffforfootball,ofcourse,butshe’dneverseenhimcloseupwithoutthem.Itmadeherfeelgiddyandexcited,asifthiswereamasqueradeandtheunmaskingtimehadcome.

Shefocusedonhisshoulder,thelineofhisjaw,andthenhewasturningtowardher.

Inthatinstant,Elenawasawarethatshewasbeautiful.Itwasn’tjustthedress,orthewayherhairwasdone.Shewasbeautifulinherself:slender,imperial,athingmadeofsilkandinnerfire.Shesawhislipspartslightly,reflexively,andthenshelookedupintohiseyes.

“Hello.”Wasthatherownvoice,soquietandself-assured?Hiseyesweregreen.Greenasoakleavesinsummer.“Areyouhavingagoodtime?”shesaid.

Iamnow.Hedidn’tsayit,butsheknewitwaswhathewasthinking;shecouldseeitinthewayhestaredather.Shehadneverbeensosureofherpower.Exceptthatactuallyhedidn’tlookasifhewerehavingagoodtime;helookedstricken,inpain,asifhecouldn’ttakeonemoreminuteofthis.

Thebandwasstartingup,aslowdance.Hewasstillstaringather,drinkingherin.Thosegreeneyesdarkening,goingblackwithdesire.Shehadthesuddenfeelingthathemightjerkhertohimandkissherhard,withouteversayingaword.

“Wouldyouliketodance?”shesaidsoftly.I’mplayingwithfire,withsomethingIdon’tunderstand,shethoughtsuddenly.Andinthatinstantsherealizedthatshewasfrightened.Herheartbegantopoundviolently.Itwasasifthosegreeneyesspoketosome

partofherthatwasburieddeepbeneaththesurface–andthatpartwasscreaming“danger”ather.Someinstinctolderthancivilizationwastellinghertorun,toflee.

Shenevermoved.Thesameforcethatwasterrifyingherwasholdingherthere.Thisisoutofcontrol,shethoughtsuddenly.Whateverwashappeningherewasbeyondherunderstanding,wasnothingnormalorsane.Buttherewasnostoppingitnow,andevenwhilefrightenedshewasrevelinginit.Itwasthemostintensemomentshe’deverexperiencedwithaboy,butnothingatallwashappening.Hewasjustgazingather,asifhypnotized,andshewasgazingback,whiletheenergyshimmeredbetweenthemlikeheatlightning.Shesawhiseyesgodarker,defeated,andfeltthewildleapofherownheartasheslowlystretchedoutonehand.

Andthenitallshattered.

“Why,Elena,howsweetyoulook,”saidavoice,andElena’svisionwasdazzledwithgold.ItwasCaroline,herauburnhairrichandglossy,herskintannedtoaperfectbronze.Shewaswearingadressofpuregoldlamethatshowedanincrediblydaringamountofthatperfectskin.SheslippedonebarearmthroughStefan’sandsmiledlazilyupathim.Theywerestunningtogether,likeacoupleofinternationalmodelsslummingatahighschooldance,farmoreglamorousandsophisticatedthananyoneelseintheroom.

“Andthatlittledressissopretty,”continuedCaroline,whileElena’smindkeptonrunningonautomatic.ThatcasuallypossessivearmlinkedwithStefan’stoldhereverything:whereCarolinehadbeenatlunchthesepastweeks,whatshehadbeenuptoallthistime.“ItoldStefanwesimplyhadtostopbyforamoment,butwe’renotgoingtostaylong.Soyoudon’tmindifIkeephimtomyselfforthedances,doyou?”

Elenawasstrangelycalmnow,hermindahummingblank.Shesaidno,ofcourseshedidn’tmind,andwatchedCarolinemoveaway,asymphonyinauburnandgold.Stefanwentwithher.

TherewasacircleoffacesaroundElena;sheturnedfromthemandcameupagainstMatt.

“Youknewhewascomingwithher.”

“Iknewshewantedhimto.She’sbeenfollowinghimaroundatlunchtimeandafterschool,andkindofforcingherselfonhim.But…”

“Isee.”Stillheldinthatqueer,artificialcalm,shescannedthecrowdandsawBonniecomingtowardher,andMeredithleavinghertable.They’dseen,then.Probablyeveryonehad.WithoutawordtoMatt,shemovedtowardthem,headinginstinctivelyforthegirls’restroom.

Itwaspackedwithbodies,andMeredithandBonniekepttheirremarksbrightandcasualwhilelookingatherwithconcern.

“Didyouseethatdress?”saidBonnie,squeezingElena’sfingerssecretly.“Thefrontmustbeheldonwithsuperglue.Andwhat’sshegoingtoweartothenextdance?Cellophane?”

“Handiwrap,”saidMeredith.Sheaddedinalowvoice,“Areyouokay?”

“Yes.”Elenacouldseeinthemirrorthathereyesweretoobrightandthattherewas

onespotofcolorburningoneachcheek.Shesmoothedherhairandturnedaway.

Theroomemptied,leavingtheminprivacy.Bonniewasfiddlingnervouslywiththesequinedbowatherwaistnow.“Maybeitisn’tsuchabadthingafterall,”shesaidquietly.“Imean,youhaven’tthoughtaboutanythingelsebuthiminweeks.Nearlyamonth.Andsomaybeit’sjustforthebest,andyoucanmoveontootherthingsnow,insteadof…well,chasinghim.”

Ettu,Brute?thoughtElena.“Thankyousomuchforyoursupport,”shesaidaloud.

“Now,Elena,don’tbelikethat,”Meredithputin.“Sheisn’ttryingtohurtyou,shejustthinks–“

“AndIsupposeyouthinkso,too?Well,that’sfine.I’lljustgooutandfindmyselfsomeotherthingstomoveonto.Likesomeotherbestfriends.”Sheleftthembothstaringafterher.

Outside,shethrewherselfintothewhirlofcolorandmusic.Shewasbrighterthanshehadeverbeenatanydancebefore.Shedancedwitheveryone,laughingtooloudly,flirtingwitheveryboyinherpath.

Theywerecallinghertocomeupandbecrowned.Shestoodonthestage,lookingdownonthebutterfly-brightfiguresbelow.Someonegaveherflowers;someoneputarhinestonetiaraonherhead.Therewasclapping.Itallpassedasifinadream.

SheflirtedwithTylerbecausehewasclosestwhenshecameoffthestage.ThensherememberedwhatheandDickhaddonetoStefan,andshebrokeoffoneoftherosesfromherbouquetandgaveittohim.Mattwaslookingonfromthesidelines,hismouthtight.Tyler’sforgottendatewasalmostintears.

ShecouldsmellalcoholalongwiththemintonTyler’sbreathnow,andhisfacewasred.Hisfriendswerearoundher,ashouting,laughingcrowd,andshesawDickpoursomethingfromabrownpaperbagintohisglassofpunch.

She’dneverbeenwiththisgroupbefore.Theywelcomedher,admiringher,theboysvyingforherattention.Jokesflewbackandforth,andElenalaughedevenwhentheydidn’tmakesense.Tyler’sarmcircledherwaist,andshejustlaughedharder.OutofthecornerofhereyeshesawMattshakehisheadandwalkaway.Thegirlsweregettingshrill,theboysrowdy.Tylerwasnuzzlingmoistlyatherneck.

“I’vegotanidea,”heannouncedtothegroup,huggingElenamoretightlytohim.“Let’sgosomeplacemorefun.”

Somebodyshouted,“Likewhere,Tyler?Yourdad’shouse?”

Tylerwasgrinning,abig,boozy,recklessgrin.“No,Imeansomeplacewherewecanleaveourmark.Likethecemetery.”

Thegirlssquealed.Theboyselbowedeachotherandfakedpunches.

Tyler’sdatewasstillstandingoutsidethecircle.“Tyler,that’scrazy,”shesaid,hervoicehighandthin.“Youknowwhathappenedtothatoldman.Iwon’tgothere.”

“Great,then,youstayhere.”Tylerfishedkeysoutofhispocketandwavedthemattherestofthecrowd.“Whoisn’tafraid?”hesaid.

“Hey,I’mupforit,”saidDick,andtherewasachorusofapproval.

“Me,too,”saidElena,clearanddefiant.ShesmiledupatTyler,andhepracticallyswungheroffherfeet.

AndthensheandTylerwereleadinganoisy,roughhousinggroupoutintotheparkinglot,wheretheywereallpilingintocars.AndthenTylerwasputtingthetopofhisconvertibledownandshewasclimbingin,withDickandagirlnamedVickieBennettsquashingintothebackseat.

“Elena!”somebodyshouted,faraway,fromthelighteddoorwayattheschool.

“Drive,”shesaidtoTyler,takingoffhertiara,andtheenginegrowledtolife.Theyburnedrubberoutoftheparkinglot,andthecoolnightwindblewintoElena’sface.

ChapterSeven

Bonniewasonthedancefloor,eyesshut,lettingthemusicflowthroughher.Whensheopenedhereyesforaninstant,Meredithwasbeckoningfromthesidelines.Bonniethrustherchinoutmutinously,butasthegesturesbecamemoreinsistentsherolledhereyesupatRaymondandobeyed.Raymondfollowed.

MattandEdwerebehindMeredith.Mattwasscowling.Edwaslookinguncomfortable.

“Elenajustleft,”saidMeredith.

“It’safreecountry,”saidBonnie.

“ShewentwithTylerSmallwood,”saidMeredith.“Matt,areyousureyoudidn’thearwheretheyweregoing?”

Mattshookhishead.“I’dsayshedeserveswhateverhappens–butit’smyfault,too,inaway,”hesaidbleakly.“Iguessweoughttogoafterher.”

“Leavethedance?”Bonniesaid.ShelookedatMeredith,whomouthedthewordsyoupromised.“Idon’tbelievethis,”shemutteredsavagely.

“Idon’tknowhowwe’llfindher,”saidMeredith,“butwe’vegottotry.”Thensheadded,inastrangelyhesitantvoice,“Bonnie,youdon’thappentoknowwheresheis,doyou?”

“What?No,ofcoursenot;I’vebeendancing.You’veheardofthat,haven’tyou:whatyougotoadancefor?”

“YouandRaystayhere,”MattsaidtoEd.“Ifshecomesback,tellherwe’reoutlooking.”

“Andifwe’regoing,we’dbettergonow,”Bonnieputinungraciously.Sheturnedandpromptlyranintoadarkblazer.

“Well,excuseme,”shesnapped,lookingupandseeingStefanSalvatore.HesaidnothingassheandMeredithandMattheadedforthedoor,leavinganunhappy-lookingRaymondandEdbehind.

Thestarsweredistantandice-brightinthecloudlesssky.Elenafeltjustlikethem.PartofherwaslaughingandshoutingwithDickandVickieandTylerovertheroarofthewind,butpartofherwaswatchingfromfaraway.

Tylerparkedhalfwayupthehilltotheruinedchurch,leavinghisheadlightsonastheyallgotout.Althoughtherehadbeenseveralcarsbehindthemwhentheylefttheschool,theyappearedtobetheonlyoneswho’dmadeitallthewaytothecemetery.

Tyleropenedthetrunkandpulledoutasix-pack.“Allthemoreforus.”HeofferedabeertoElena,whoshookherhead,tryingtoignorethesickfeelinginthepitofher

stomach.Shefeltallwrongbeinghere–buttherewasnowayshewasgoingtoadmitthatnow.

Theyclimbedtheflagstonepath,thegirlsstaggeringintheirhighheelsandleaningontheboys.Whentheyreachedthetop,ElenagaspedandVickiegavealittlescream.

Somethinghugeandredwashoveringjustabovethehorizon.IttookElenaamomenttorealizeitwasactuallythemoon.Itwasaslargeandunrealisticasapropinascience-fictionmovie,anditsbloatedmassgloweddullywithanunwholesomelight.

“Likeabigrottenpumpkin,”saidTyler,andlobbedastoneatit.Elenamadeherselfsmilebrilliantlyupathim.

“Whydon’twegoinside?”Vickiesaid,pointingawhitehandattheemptyholeofthechurchdoorway.

Mostoftheroofhadfallenin,althoughthebelfrywasstillintact,atowerstretchinguphighabovethem.Threeofthewallswerestanding;thefourthwasonlyknee-high.Therewerepilesofrubbleeverywhere.

AlightflaredbyElena’scheek,andsheturned,startled,toseeTylerholdingalighter.Hegrinned,showingstrongwhiteteeth,andsaid,“WanttoflickmyBic?”

Elena’slaughterwastheloudest,tocoverheruneasiness.Shetookthelighter,usingittoilluminatethetombinthesideofthechurch.Itwaslikenoothertombinthecemetery,althoughherfathersaidhe’dseensimilarthingsinEngland.Itlookedlikealargestonebox,bigenoughfortwopeople,withtwomarblestatueslyinginreposeonthelid.

“ThomasKeepingFellandHonoriaFell,”saidTylerwithagrandgesture,asifintroducingthem.“OldThomasallegedlyfoundedFell’sChurch.AlthoughactuallytheSmallwoodswerealsothereatthetime.Mygreat-grandfather’sgreat-great-grandfatherlivedinthevalleybyDrowningCreek–“

”–untilhegoteatenbywolves,”saidDick,andhethrewbackhisheadinawolfimitation.Thenhebelched.Vickiegiggled.AnnoyancecrossedTyler’shandsomefeatures,butheforcedasmile.

“ThomasandHonoriaarelookingkindofpale,”saidVickie,stillgiggling.“Ithinkwhattheyneedisalittlecolor.”Sheproducedalipstickfromherpurseandbegantocoatthewhitemarblemouthofthewoman’sstatuewithwaxyscarlet.Elenafeltanothersicktwinge.Asachild,she’dalwaysbeenawedbythepaleladyandthegravemanwholaywiththeireyesclosed,handsfoldedontheirbreasts.And,afterherparentsdied,she’dthoughtofthemaslyingsidebysidelikethisdowninthecemetery.Butsheheldthelighterwhiletheothergirlputalipstickmustacheandclown’snoseonThomasFell.

Tylerwaswatchingthem.“Hey,they’realldressedupwithnoplacetogo.”Heputhishandsontheedgeofthestonelidandleanedonit,tryingtoshiftitsideways.“Whatdoyousay,Dick–wanttogivethemanightoutonthetown?Likemayberightinthecenteroftown?”

No,thoughtElena,appalled,asDickguffawedandVickieshriekedwithlaughter.ButDickwasalreadybesideTyler,gettingbracedandready,theheelsofhishandsonthestonelid.

“Onthree,”saidTyler,andcounted,“One,two,three.”

Elena’seyeswerefixedonthehorribleclown-likefaceofThomasFellastheboysstrainedforwardandgrunted,musclesbunchingundercloth.Theycouldn’tbudgethelidaninch.

“Damnthingmustbeattachedsomehow,”saidTylerangrily,turningaway.

Elenafeltweakwithrelief.Tryingtoseemcasual,sheleanedagainstthestonelidofthetombforsupport–andthatwaswhenithappened.

Sheheardthegrindingofstoneandfeltthelidshiftunderherlefthandallatonce.Itwasmovingawayfromher,makingherloseherbalance.Thelighterwentflying,andshescreamedandscreamedagain,tryingtokeepherfeet.Shewasfallingintotheopentomb,andanicywindroaredallaroundher.Screamsranginherears.

Andthenshewasoutsideandthemoonlightwasbrightenoughthatshecouldseetheothers.Tylerhadholdofher.Shestaredaroundherwildly.

“Areyoucrazy?Whathappened?”Tylerwasshakingher.

“Itmoved!Thelidmoved!Itslidopenand–Idon’tknow–Ialmostfellin.Itwascold…”

Theboyswerelaughing.“Poorbaby’sgotthejitters,”Tylersaid.“C’mon,Dicky-boy,we’llcheckitout.”“Tyler,no–“

Buttheywentinsideanyway.Vickiehunginthedoorway,watching,whileElenashivered.Presently,Tylerbeckonedherfromthedoor.

“Look,”hesaidwhenshereluctantlysteppedbackinside.He’dretrievedthelighter,andhehelditaboveThomasFell’smarblechest.“Itstillfits,snugasabuginarug.See?”

Elenastareddownattheperfectalignmentoflidandtomb.“Itdidmove.Inearlyfellintoit…”

“Sure,whateveryousay,baby.”Tylerwoundhisarmsaroundher,claspinghertohimbackwards.ShelookedovertoseeDickandVickieinmuchthesameposition,exceptthatVickie,eyesshut,waslookingasifsheenjoyedit.Tylerrubbedastrongchinoverherhair.

“I’dliketogobacktothedancenow,”shesaidflatly.

Therewasapauseintherubbing.ThenTylersighedandsaid,“Sure,baby.”HelookedatDickandVickie.“Whataboutyoutwo?”

Dickgrinned.“We’lljuststayhereawhile.”Vickiegiggled,hereyesstillshut.

“Okay.”Elenawonderedhowtheyweregoingtogetback,butsheallowedTylertoleadherout.Onceoutside,however,hepaused.

“Ican’tletyougowithoutonelookatmygrandfather’sheadstone,”hesaid.“Aw,c’mon,Elena,”hesaidasshestartedtoprotest,“don’thurtmyfeelings.You’vegottoseeit;it’sthefamilyprideandjoy.”

Elenamadeherselfsmile,althoughherstomachfeltlikeice.Maybeifshehumored

him,hewouldgetheroutofhere.“Allright,”shesaid,andstartedtowardthecemetery.

“Notthatway.Thisway.”Andthenextmoment,hewasleadingherdowntowardtheoldgraveyard.“It’sokay,honest,it’snotfaroffthepath.Look,there,yousee?”Hepointedtosomethingthatshoneinthemoonlight.

Elenagasped,musclestighteningaroundherheart.Itlookedlikeapersonstandingthere,agiantwitharoundhairlesshead.Andshedidn’tlikebeinghereatall,amongthewornandleaninggranitestonesofcenturiespast.Thebrightmoonlightcaststrangeshadows,andtherewerepoolsofimpenetrabledarknesseverywhere.

“It’sjusttheballontop.Nothingtobescaredof,”saidTyler,pullingherwithhimoffthepathanduptotheshiningheadstone.Itwasmadeofredmarble,andthehugeballthatsurmounteditremindedherofthebloatedmoononthehorizon.Nowthatsamemoonshonedownonthem,aswhiteasThomasFell’swhitehands.Elenacouldn’tcontainhershivering.

“Poorbaby,she’scold.Gottogetherwarnedup,”saidTyler.Elenatriedtopushhimaway,buthewastoostrong,wrappingherinhisarms,pullingheragainsthim.

“Tyler,Iwanttogo;Iwanttogorightnow.…”

“Sure,baby,we’llgo,”hesaid.“Butwe’vegottogetyouwarmfirst.Gosh,you’recold.”

“Tyler,stop,”shesaid.Hisarmsaroundherhadmerelybeenannoying,restricting,butnowwithasenseofshockshefelthishandsonherbody,gropingforbareskin.

NeverinherlifehadElenabeeninasituationlikethis,farawayfromanyhelp.Sheaimedaspikedheelforhispatent-leatherinstep,butheevadedher.“Tyler,takeyourhandsoffme.”

“C’mon,Elena,don’tbelikethat,Ijustwanttowarmyouupallover…”

“Tyler,letgo,”shechokedout.Shetriedtowrenchherselfawayfromhim.Tylerstumbled,andthenhisfullweightwasonher,crushingherintothetangleofivyandweedsontheground.Elenaspokedesperately.“I’llkillyou,Tyler.Imeanit.Getoffme.”

Tylertriedtorolloff,gigglingsuddenly,hislimbsheavyanduncoordinated,almostuseless.“Aw,c’mon,Elena,don’bemad.Iwasjus’warmin’youup.ElenatheIcePrincess,warmin’up…You’regettin’warmnow,aren’you?”ThenElenafelthismouthhotandwetonherface.Shewasstillpinnedbeneathhim,andhissloppykissesweremovingdownherthroat.Sheheardclothtear.

“Oops,”Tylermumbled.“Sorry‘boutthat.”

Elenatwistedherhead,andhermouthmetTyler’shand,clumsilycaressinghercheek.Shebitit,sinkingherteethintothefleshypalm.Shebithard,tastingblood,hearingTyler’sagonizedyowl.Thehandjerkedaway.

“Hey!IsaidIwassorry!”Tylerlookedaggrievedlyathismaimedhand.Thenhisfacedarkened,as,stillstaringatit,heclenchedthehandintoafist.

Thisisit,Elenathoughtwithnightmarecalmness.He’seithergoingtoknockmeoutorkillme.Shebracedherselffortheblow.

Stefanhadresistedcomingintothecemetery;everythingwithinhimhadcriedoutagainstit.Thelasttimehe’dbeenherehadbeenthenightoftheoldman.

Horrorshiftedthroughhisgutagainatthememory.Hewouldhaveswornthathehadnotdrainedthemanunderthebridge,thathehadnottakenenoughbloodtodoharm.ButeverythingthatnightafterthesurgeofPowerwasmuddled,confused.IftherehadbeenasurgeofPoweratall.Perhapsthathadbeenhisownimagination,orevenhisowndoing.Strangethingscouldhappenwhentheneedgotoutofcontrol.

Heshuthiseyes.Whenhe’dheardthattheoldmanwashospitalized,neardeath,hisshockhadbeenbeyondwords.Howcouldhehavelethimselfgetsofaroutofhand?Tokill,almost,whenhehadnotkilledsince…

Hewouldn’tlethimselfthinkaboutthat.

Now,standinginfrontofthecemeterygateinthemidnightdarkness,hewantednothingsomuchastoturnaroundandgoaway.Gobacktothedancewherehe’dleftCaroline,thatsupple,sun-bronzedcreaturewhowasabsolutelysafebecauseshemeantabsolutelynothingtohim.

Buthecouldn’tgoback,becauseElenawasinthecemetery.Hecouldsenseher,andsenseherrisingdistress.Elenawasinthecemeteryandintrouble,andhehadtofindher.

Hewashalfwayupthehillwhenthedizzinesshit.Itsenthimreeling,strugglingontowardthechurchbecauseitwastheonlythinghecouldkeepinfocus.Graywavesoffogsweptthroughhisbrain,andhefoughttokeepmoving.Weak,hefeltsoweak.Andhelplessagainstthesheerpowerofthisvertigo.

Heneeded…togotoElena.Buthewasweak.Hecouldn’tbe…weak…ifheweretohelpElena.Heneeded…to…

Thechurchdooryawnedbeforehim.

ElenasawthemoonoverTyler’sleftshoulder.Itwasstrangelyfittingthatitwouldbethelastthingsheeversaw,shethought.Thescreamhadcaughtinherthroat,chokedoffbyfear.

AndthensomethingpickedTylerupandthrewhimagainsthisgrandfather’sheadstone.

ThatwaswhatitlookedliketoElena.Sherolledtotheside,gasping,onehandclutchinghertorndress,theothergropingforaweapon.

Shedidn’tneedone.Somethingmovedinthedarkness,andshesawthepersonwhohadpluckedTyleroffher.StefanSalvatore.ButitwasaStefanshehadneverseenbefore:thatfine-featuredfacewaswhiteandcoldwithfury,andtherewasakillinglightinthosegreeneyes.Withoutevenmoving,StefanemanatedsuchangerandmenacethatElenafoundherselfmorefrightenedofhimthanshehadbeenofTyler.

“WhenIfirstmetyou,Iknewyou’dneverlearnedanymanners,”saidStefan.Hisvoice

wassoftandcoldandlight,andsomehowitmadeElenadizzy.Shecouldn’ttakehereyesoffhimashemovedtowardTyler,whowasshakinghisheaddazedlyandstartingtogetup.Stefanmovedlikeadancer,everymovementeasyandpreciselycontrolled.“ButIhadnoideathatyourcharacterwasquitesounderdeveloped.”

HehitTyler.Thelargerboyhadbeenreachingoutonebeefyhand,andStefanhithimalmostnegligentlyonthesideoftheface,beforethehandmadecontact.

Tylerflewagainstanotherheadstone.Hescrambledupandstoodpanting,hiseyesshowingwhite.Elenasawatrickleofbloodfromhisnose.Thenhecharged.

“Agentlemandoesn’tforcehiscompanyonanyone,”saidStefan,andknockedhimaside.Tylerwentsprawlingagain,facedownintheweedsandbriars.Thistimehewassloweringettingup,andbloodflowedfrombothnostrilsandfromhismouth.HewasblowinglikeafrightenedhorseashethrewhimselfatStefan.

StefangrabbedthefrontofTyler’sjacket,whirlingthembotharoundandabsorbingtheimpactofthemurderousrush.HeshookTylertwice,hard,whilethosebigbeefyfistswindmilledaroundhim,unabletoconnect.ThenheletTylerdrop.

“Hedoesn’tinsultawoman,”hesaid.Tyler’sfacewascontorted,hiseyesrolling,buthegrabbedforStefan’sleg.Stefanjerkedhimtohisfeetandshookhimagain,andTylerwentlimpasaragdoll,hiseyesrollingup.Stefanwentonspeaking,holdingtheheavybodyuprightandpunctuatingeverywordwithabone-wrenchingshake.“And,aboveall,hedoesnothurther…”

“Stefan!”Elenacried.Tyler’sheadwassnappingbackandforthwitheveryshake.Shewasfrightenedofwhatshewasseeing;frightenedofwhatStefanmightdo.AndfrightenedaboveallelseofStefan’svoice,thatcoldvoicethatwaslikearapierdancing,beautifulanddeadlyandutterlymerciless.“Stefan,stop.”

Hisheadjerkedtowardher,startled,asifhehadforgottenherpresence.Foramomenthelookedatherwithoutrecognition,hiseyesblackinthemoonlight,andshethoughtofsomepredator,somegreatbirdorsleekcarnivoreincapableofhumanemotion.Thenunderstandingcametohisfaceandsomeofthedarknessfadedfromhisgaze.

HelookeddownatTyler’slollinghead,thensethimgentlyagainsttheredmarbletombstone.Tyler’skneesbuckledandhesliddownthefaceofit,buttoElena’sreliefhiseyesopened–oratleasttheleftonedid.Therightwasswellingtoaslit.

“He’llbeallright,”saidStefanemptily.

Asherfearebbed,Elenafeltemptyherself.Shock,shethought.I’minshock.I’llprobablystartscreaminghystericallyanyminutenow.

“Istheresomeonetotakeyouhome?”saidStefan,stillinthatchillinglydeadenedvoice.

ElenathoughtofDickandVickie,doingGodknewwhatbesideThomasFell’sstatue.“No,”shesaid.Hermindwasbeginningtoworkagain,totakenoticeofthingsaroundher.Thevioletdresswasrippedallthewaydownthefront;itwasruined.Mechanically,shepulledittogetheroverherslip.

“I’lldriveyou,”saidStefan.

Eventhroughthenumbness,Elenafeltaquickthrilloffear.Shelookedathim,astrangelyelegantfigureamongthetombstones,hisfacepaleinthemoonlight.Hehadneverlookedso…sobeautifultoherbefore,butthatbeautywasalmostalien.Notjustforeign,butinhuman,becausenohumancouldprojectthatauraofpower,orofdistance.

“Thankyou.Thatwouldbeverykind,”shesaidslowly.Therewasnothingelsetodo.

TheyleftTylerpainfullygettingtohisfeetbyhisancestor’sheadstone.ElenafeltanotherchillastheyreachedthepathandStefanturnedtowardWickeryBridge.

“Ileftmycarattheboardinghouse,”hesaid.“Thisisthefastestwayforustogetback.”

“Isthisthewayyoucame?”

“No.Ididn’tcrossthebridge.Butit’llbesafe.”

Elenabelievedhim.Paleandsilent,hewalkedbesideherwithouttouching,exceptwhenhetookoffhisblazertoputitaroundherbareshoulders.Shefeltoddlysurehewouldkillanythingthattriedtogetather.

WickeryBridgewaswhiteinthemoonlight,andunderittheicywatersswirledoverancientrocks.Thewholeworldwasstillandbeautifulandcoldastheywalkedthroughtheoaktreestothenarrowcountryroad.

Theypassedfencedpasturesanddarkfieldsuntiltheyreachedalongwindingdrive.Theboardinghousewasavastbuildingofrust-redbrickmadefromthenativeclay,anditwasflankedwithage-oldcedarsandmaples.Allbutoneofthewindowsweredark.

Stefanunlockedoneofthedoubledoorsandtheysteppedintoasmallhallway,withaflightofstairsdirectlyinfrontofthem.Thebanister,likethedoors,wasnaturallightoaksopolishedthatitseemedtoglow.

Theywentupthestairstoasecond-storylandingthatwaspoorlylit.ToElena’ssurprise,

Stefanledherintooneofthebedroomsandopenedwhatlookedlikeaclosetdoor.Throughitshecouldseeaverysteep,verynarrowstairway.

Whatastrangeplace,shethought.Thishiddenstairwayburieddeepintheheartofthehouse,wherenosoundfromoutsidecouldpenetrate.Shereachedthetopofthestairsandsteppedoutintoalargeroomthatmadeupthewholethirdstoryofthehouse.

Itwasalmostasdimlylitasthestairway,butElenacouldseethestainedwoodfloorandtheexposedbeamsintheslantingceiling.Thereweretallwindowsonallsides,andmanytrunksscatteredamongafewpiecesofmassivefurniture.

Sherealizedhewaswatchingher.“IsthereabathroomwhereI–?”

Henoddedtowardadoor.Shetookofftheblazer,heldittowardhimwithoutlookingathim,andwentinside.

ChapterEight

Elenahadgoneintothebathroomdazedandnumblygrateful.Shecameoutangry.

Shewasn’tquitesurehowthetransformationhadtakenplace.Butsometimewhileshewaswashingthescratchesonherfaceandarms,annoyedatthelackofamirrorandatthefactshe’dleftherpurseinTyler’sconvertible,shestartedfeelingagain.Andwhatshefeltwasanger.

DamnStefanSalvatore.Socoldandcontrolledevenwhilesavingherlife.Damnhimforhispoliteness,andforhisgallantry,andforthewallsaroundhimthatseemedthickerandhigherthanever.

Shepulledtheremainingbobbypinsoutofherhairandusedthemtofastenthefrontofherdresstogether.Thensheranthroughherloosenedhairquicklywithanengravedbonecombshefoundbythesink.Shecameoutofthebathroomwithherchinheldhighandhereyesnarrowed.

Hehadn’tputhiscoatbackon.Hewasstandingbythewindowinhiswhitesweaterwithbowedhead,tense,waiting.Withoutliftinghishead,hegesturedtoalengthofdarkvelvetlaidoverthebackofachair.

“Youmightwanttoputthatonoveryourdress.”

Itwasafull-lengthcloak,veryrichandsoft,withahood.Elenapulledtheheavymaterialaroundhershoulders.Butshewasnotmollifiedbythegift;shenoticedthatStefanhadn’tcomeanyclosertoher,orevenlookedatherwhilespeaking.

Deliberately,sheinvadedhisterritorialspace,pullingthecloakmoretightlyaboutherandfeeling,evenatthatmoment,asensualappreciationofthewaythefoldsfellabouther,trailingbehindheronthefloor.Shewalkeduptohimandmadeanexaminationoftheheavymahoganydresserbythewindow.

Onitlayawicked-lookingdaggerwithanivoryhiltandabeautifulagatecupmountedinsilver.Therewerealsoagoldenspherewithsomesortofdialsetintoitandseveralloosegoldcoins.

Shepickeduponeofthecoins,partlybecauseitwasinterestingandpartlybecausesheknewitwouldupsethimtoseeherhandlinghisthings.“What’sthis?”

Itwasamomentbeforeheanswered.Thenhesaid:

“Agoldflorin.AFlorentinecoin.”

“Andwhat’sthis?”

“AGermanpendantwatch.Latefifteenthcentury,”hesaiddistractedly.Headded,“Elena–“

Shereachedforasmallironcofferwithahingedlid.“Whataboutthis?Doesitopen?”

“No.”Hehadthereflexesofacat;hishandslappedoverthecoffer,holdingtheliddown.“That’sprivate,”hesaid,thestrainobviousinhisvoice.

Shenoticedthathishandmadecontactonlywiththecurvingironlidandnotwithherflesh.Sheliftedherfingers,andhedrewbackatonce.

Suddenly,herangerwastoogreattoholdinanylonger.“Careful,”shesaidsavagely.“Don’ttouchme,oryoumightgetadisease.”

Heturnedawaytowardthewindow.

Andyetevenasshemovedawayherself,walkingbacktothecenteroftheroom,shecouldsensehiswatchingherreflection.Andsheknew,suddenly,whatshemustlookliketohim,palehairspillingovertheblacknessofthecape,onewhitehandholdingthevelvetclosedatherthroat.Aravagedprincesspacinginhertower.

Shetiltedherheadfarbacktolookatthetrapdoorintheceiling,andheardasoft,distinctintakeofbreath.Whensheturned,hisgazewasfixedonherexposedthroat;thelookinhiseyesconfusedher.Butthenextmomenthisfacehardened,closingherout.

“Ithink,”hesaid,“thatIhadbettergetyouhome.”

Inthatinstant,shewantedtohurthim,tomakehimfeelasbadashe’dmadeherfeel.Butshealsowantedthetruth.Shewastiredofthisgame,tiredofschemingandplottingandtryingtoreadStefanSalvatore’smind.Itwasterrifyingandyetawonderfulrelieftohearherownvoicesayingthewordsshe’dbeenthinkingsolong.

“Whydoyouhateme?”

Hestaredather.Foramomenthecouldn’tseemtofindwords.Thenhesaid,“Idon’thateyou.”

“Youdo,”saidElena.“Iknowit’snot…notgoodmannerstosayit,butIdon’tcare.IknowIshouldbegratefultoyouforsavingmetonight,butIdon’tcareaboutthat,either.Ididn’taskyoutosaveme.Idon’tknowwhyyouwereeveninthegraveyardinthefirstplace.AndIcertainlydon’tunderstandwhyyoudidit,consideringthewayyoufeelaboutme.”

Hewasshakinghishead,buthisvoicewassoft.“Idon’thateyou.”

“Fromtheverybeginning,you’veavoidedmeasifIwere…weresomekindofleper.Itriedtobefriendlytoyou,andyouthrewitbackinmyface.Isthatwhatagentlemandoeswhensomeonetriestowelcomehim?”

Hewastryingtosaysomethingnow,butsheswepton,heedless.“You’vesnubbedmeinpublictimeaftertime;you’vehumiliatedmeatschool.Youwouldn’tbespeakingtomenowifithadn’tbeenamatteroflifeordeath.Isthatwhatittakestogetawordoutofyou?Doessomeonehavetonearlybemurdered?

“Andevennow,”shecontinuedbitterly,“youdon’twantmetogetanywherenearyou.

What’sthematterwithyou,StefanSalvatore,thatyouhavetolivethisway?Thatyouhavetobuildwallsagainstotherpeopletokeepthemout?Thatyoucan’ttrustanyone?What’swrongwithyou?”

Hewassilentnow,hisfaceaverted.Shetookadeepbreathandthenstraightenedhershoulders,holdingherheadupeventhoughhereyesweresoreandburning.“Andwhat’swrongwithme,”sheadded,morequietly,“thatyoucan’tevenlookatme,butyoucanletCarolineForbesfallalloveryou?Ihavearighttoknowthat,atleast.Iwon’teverbotheryouagain,Iwon’teventalktoyouatschool,butIwanttoknowthetruthbeforeIgo.Whydoyouhatemesomuch,Stefan?”

Slowly,heturnedandraisedhishead.Hiseyeswerebleak,sightless,andsomethingtwistedinElenaatthepainshesawonhisface.

Hisvoicewasstillcontrolled–butbarely.Shecouldheartheeffortitcosthimtokeepitsteady.

“Yes,”hesaid,“Ithinkyoudohavearighttoknow.Elena.”Helookedatherthen,meetinghereyesdirectly,andshethought,Thatbad?Whatcouldbeasbadasthat?“Idon’thateyou,”hecontinued,pronouncingeachwordcarefully,distinctly.“I’veneverhatedyou.Butyou…remindmeofsomeone.”

Elenawastakenaback.Whatevershe’dexpected,itwasn’tthis.“Iremindyouofsomeoneelseyouknow?”

“OfsomeoneIknew,”hesaidquietly.“But,”headdedslowly,asifpuzzlingsomethingoutforhimself,“you’renotlikeher,really.Shelookedlikeyou,butshewasfragile,delicate.Vulnerable.Insideaswellasout.”

“AndI’mnot.”

Hemadeasoundthatwouldhavebeenalaughiftherehadbeenanyhumorinit.“No.You’reafighter.Youare…yourself.”

Elenawassilentforamoment.Shecouldnotkeepholdofheranger,seeingthepainonhisface.“Youwereveryclosetoher?”

“Yes.”

“Whathappened?”

Therewasalongpause,solongthatElenathoughthewasn’tgoingtoanswerher.Butatlasthesaid,“Shedied.”

Elenaletoutatremulousbreath.Thelastofherangerfoldedupanddisappearedfromunderher.“Thatmusthavehurtterribly,”shesaidsoftly,thinkingofthewhiteGilbertheadstoneamongtheryegrass.“I’msosorry.”

Hesaidnothing.Hisfacehadclosedagain,andheseemedtobelookingfarawayatsomething,somethingterribleandheartbreakingthatonlyhecouldsee.Buttherewasnotjustgriefinhisexpression.Throughthewalls,throughallhistremblingcontrol,shecouldseethetorturedlookofunbearableguiltandloneliness.Alooksolostandhauntedthatshehadmovedtohissidebeforesheknewwhatshewasdoing.

“Stefan,”shewhispered.Hedidn’tseemtohearher;heseemedtobeadriftinhisown

worldofmisery.

Shecouldnotstopherselffromlayingahandonhisarm.“Stefan,Iknowhowitcanhurt–“

“Youcan’tknow,”heexploded,allhisquietnesseruptingintowhiterage.Helookeddownatherhandasifjustrealizingitwasthere,asifinfuriatedathereffronteryintouchinghim.Hisgreeneyesweredilatedanddarkasheshookherhandoff,flingingahanduptobarherfromtouchinghimagain–

–andsomehow,instead,hewasholdingherhand,hisfingerstightlyinterlockedwithhers,hangingonfordearlife.Helookeddownattheirlockedhandsinbewilderment.Then,slowly,hisgazemovedfromtheirclaspingfingerstoherface.

“Elena…”hewhispered.

Andthenshesawit,theanguishshatteringhisgaze,asifhesimplycouldn’tfightanylonger.Thedefeatasthewallsfinallycrumbledandshesawwhatwasunderneath.

Andthen,helplessly,hebenthisheaddowntoherlips.

“Wait–stophere,”saidBonnie.“IthoughtIsawsomething.”

Matt’sbatteredFordslowed,edgingtowardthesideoftheroad,wherebramblesandbushesgrewthickly.Somethingwhiteglimmeredthere,comingtowardthem.

“Oh,myGod,”saidMeredith.“It’sVickieBennett.”

Thegirlstumbledintothepathoftheheadlightsandstoodthere,wavering,asMatthitthebrakes.Herlight-brownhairwastangledandindisarray,andhereyesstaredglassilyoutofafacethatwassmudgedandgrimywithdirt.Shewaswearingonlyathinwhiteslip.

“Getherinthecar,”saidMatt.Meredithwasalreadyopeningthecardoor.Shejumpedoutandranuptothedazedgirl.

“Vickie,areyouallright?Whathappenedtoyou?”

Vickiemoaned,stilllookingstraightahead.ThenshesuddenlyseemedtoseeMeredith,andsheclutchedather,digginghernailsintoMeredith’sarms.

“Getoutofhere,”shesaid,hereyesfilledwithdesperateintensity,hervoicestrangeandthick,asifshehadsomethinginhermouth.“Allofyou–getoutofhere!It’scoming.”

“What’scoming?Vickie,whereisElena?”

“Getoutnow.…”

Meredithlookeddowntheroad,thenledtheshakinggirlbacktothecar.“We’lltakeyouaway,”shesaid,“butyouhavetotelluswhat’shappened.Bonnie,givemeyourwrap.She’sfreezing.”

“She’sbeenhurt,”saidMattgrimly.“Andshe’sinshockorsomething.Thequestionis,

wherearetheothers?Vickie,wasElenawithyou?”

Vickiesobbed,puttingherhandsoverherfaceasMeredithsettledBonnie’siridescentpinkwraparoundhershoulders.“No…Dick,”shesaidindistinctly.Itseemedtohurthertospeak.“Wewereinthechurch…itwashorrible.Itcame…likemistallaround.Darkmist.Andeyes.Isawitseyesinthedarkthere,burning.Theyburntme…”

“She’sdelirious,”saidBonnie.“Orhysterical,orwhateveryoucallit.”

Mattspokeslowlyandclearly.“Vickie,please,justtellusonething.WhereisElena?Whathappenedtoher?”

“Idon’tknow.”Vickieliftedatear-stainedfacetothesky.“DickandI–wewerealone.Wewere…andthensuddenlyitwasallaroundus.Icouldn’trun.Elenasaidthetombhadopened.Maybethatwaswhereitcamefrom.Itwashorrible…”

“Theywereinthecemetery,intheruinedchurch,”Meredithinterpreted.“AndElenawaswiththem.Andlookatthis.”Intheoverheadlight,theycouldallseethedeepfreshscratchesrunningdownVickie’snecktothelacebodiceofherslip.

“Theylooklikeanimalmarks,”saidBonnie.“Likethemarksofcat’sclaws,maybe.”

“Nocatgotthatoldmanunderthebridge,”saidMatt.Hisfacewaspale,andmusclesstoodoutinhisjaw.Meredithfollowedhisgazedowntheroadandthenshookherhead.

“Matt,wehavetotakeherbackfirst.Wehaveto,”shesaid.“Listentome,I’masworriedaboutElenaasyouare.ButVickieneedsadoctor,andweneedtocallthepolice.Wedon’thaveanychoice.Wehavetogoback.”

Mattstareddowntheroadforanotherlongmoment,thenletouthisbreathinahiss.Slammingthedoorshut,heputthecarintogearandturneditaround,eachmotionviolent.

Allthewaybacktotown,Vickiemoanedabouttheeyes.

ElenafeltStefan’slipsmeethers.

And…itwasassimpleasthat.Allquestionsanswered,allfearsputtorest,alldoubtsremoved.Whatshefeltwasnotmerelypassion,butabruisingtendernessandalovesostrongitmadehershakeinside.Itwouldhavebeenfrighteninginitsintensity,exceptthatwhileshewaswithhim,shecouldnotbeafraidofanything.

Shehadcomehome.

Thiswaswhereshebelonged,andshehadfounditatlast.WithStefan,shewashome.

Hepulledbackslightly,andshecouldfeelthathewastrembling.

“Oh,Elena,”hewhisperedagainstherlips.Wecan’t–

“Wealreadyhave,”shewhispered,anddrewhimbackdownagain.

Itwasalmostasifshecouldhearhisthoughts,couldfeelhisfeelings.Pleasureanddesireracedbetweenthem,connectingthem,drawingthemcloser.AndElenasensed,too,awellspringofdeeperemotionswithinhim.Hewantedtoholdherforever,toprotecther

fromallharm.Hewantedtodefendherfromanyevilthatthreatenedher.Hewantedtojoinhislifewithhers.

Shefeltthetenderpressureofhislipsonhers,andshecouldhardlybearthesweetnessofit.Yes,shethought.Sensationrippledthroughherlikewavesonastill,clearpond.Shewasdrowninginit,boththejoyshesensedinStefanandthedeliciousansweringsurgeinherself.Stefan’slovebathedher,shonethroughher,lightingeverydarkplaceinhersoullikethesun.Shetrembledwithpleasure,withlove,andwithlonging.

Hedrewbackslowly,asifhecouldnotbeartopartfromher,andtheylookedintoeachother’seyeswithwonderingjoy.

Theydidnotspeak.Therewasnoneedforwords.Hestrokedherhair,withatouchsolightthatshecouldscarcelyfeelit,asifhewasafraidshemightbreakinhishands.Sheknew,then,thatithadnotbeenhatredthathadmadehimavoidherforsolong.No,ithadnotbeenhatredatall.

Elenahadnoideahowmuchlateritwasthattheyquietlywentdownthestairsoftheboardinghouse.Atanyothertime,shewouldhavebeenthrilledtogetintoStefan’ssleekblackcar,buttonightshescarcelynoticedit.Heheldherhandastheydrovethroughthedesertedstreets.

ThefirstthingElenasawastheyapproachedherhousewasthelights.

“It’sthepolice,”shesaid,findinghervoicewithsomedifficulty.Itwasoddtotalkafterbeingsilentsolong.“Andthat’sRobert’scarinthedriveway,andthere’sMatt’s,”shesaid.ShelookedatStefan,andthepeacethathadfilledhersuddenlyseemedfragile.“Iwonderwhathappened.Youdon’tsupposeTyler’salreadytoldthem…?”

“EvenTylerwouldn’tbethatstupid,”saidStefan.

Hepulledupbehindoneofthepolicecars,andreluctantlyElenaunclaspedherhandfromhis.ShewishedwithallherheartthatsheandStefancouldjustbealonetogether,thattheywouldneverneedtofacetheworld.

Buttherewasnohelpforit.Theywalkedupthepathwaytothedoor,whichwasopen.Inside,thehousewasablazeoflights.

Entering,Elenasawwhatseemedlikedozensoffacesturnedtowardher.Shehadasuddenvisionofwhatshemustlooklike,standingthereinthedoorwayinthesweepingblackvelvetcloak,withStefanSalvatoreatherside.AndthenAuntJudithgaveacryandwasholdingherinherarms,shakingherandhuggingherallatonce.

“Elena!Oh,thankGodyou’resafe.Butwherehaveyoubeen?Andwhydidn’tyoucall?Doyourealizewhatyou’veputeveryonethrough?”

Elenastaredaroundtheroominbewilderment.Shedidn’tunderstandathing.

“We’rejustgladtoseeyouback,”saidRobert.

“I’vebeenattheboardinghouse,withStefan,”shesaidslowly.“AuntJudith,thisisStefanSalvatore;herentsaroomthere.Hebroughtmeback.”

“Thankyou,”saidAuntJudithtoStefanoverElena’shead.Then,pullingbacktolookatElena,shesaid,“Butyourdress,yourhair–whathappened?”

“Youdon’tknow?ThenTylerdidn’ttellyou.Butthenwhyarethepolicehere?”ElenaedgedtowardStefaninstinctively,andshefelthimmoveclosertoherinprotection.

“They’reherebecauseVickieBennettwasattackedinthecemeterytonight,”saidMatt.HeandBonnieandMeredithwerestandingbehindAuntJudithandRobert,lookingrelievedandalittleawkwardandmorethanalittletired.“Wefoundhermaybetwo,threehoursago,andwe’vebeenlookingforyoueversince.”

“Attacked?”saidElena,stunned.“Attackedbywhat?”

“Nobodyknows,”saidMeredith.

“Well,now,itmaybenothingtoworryabout,”saidRobertcomfortingly.“Thedoctorsaidshe’dhadabadscare,andthatshe’dbeendrinking.Thewholethingmayhavebeeninherimagination.”

“Thosescratchesweren’timaginary,”saidMatt,politebutstubborn.

“Whatscratches?Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Elenademanded,lookingfromonefacetoanother.

“I’lltellyou,”saidMeredith,andsheexplained,succinctly,howsheandtheothershadfoundVickie.“Shekeptsayingshedidn’tknowwhereyouwere,thatshewasalonewithDickwhenithappened.Andwhenwegotherbackhere,thedoctorsaidhecouldn’tfindanythingconclusive.Shewasn’treallyhurtexceptforthescratches,andtheycouldhavebeenfromacat.”

“Therewerenoothermarksonher?”saidStefansharply.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dspokensinceenteringthehouse,andElenalookedathim,surprisedbyhistone.

“No,”saidMeredith.“Ofcourse,acatdidn’ttearherclothesoff–butDickmighthave.Oh,andhertonguewasbitten.”

“What?”saidElena.

“Badlybitten,Imean.Itmusthavebledalot,andithurtshertotalknow.”

BesideElena,Stefanhadgoneverystill.“Didshehaveanyexplanationforwhathappened?”

“Shewashysterical,”Mattsaid.“Reallyhysterical;shewasn’tmakinganysense.Shekeptbabblingabouteyesanddarkmistandnotbeingabletorun–whichiswhythedoctorthinksmaybeitwassomesortofhallucination.Butasfarasanyonecanmakeout,thefactsarethatsheandDickCarterwereintheruinedchurchbythecemeteryataboutmidnight,andthatsomethingcameinandattackedherthere.”

Bonnieadded,“Itdidn’tattackDick,whichatleastshowsithad,sometaste.Thepolicefoundhimpassedoutonthechurchfloor,andhedoesn’trememberathing.”

ButElenascarcelyheardthelastwords.SomethinghadgoneterriblywrongwithStefan.Shecouldn’ttellhowsheknewit,butsheknew.HehadstiffenedasMattfinishedspeaking,andnow,thoughhehadn’tmoved,shefeltasifagreatdistancewasseparating

them,asifsheandhewereonoppositesidesofarifting,crackingfloeofice.

Hesaid,intheterriblycontrolledvoiceshehadheardbeforeinhisroom,“Inthechurch,Matt?”

“Yes,intheruinedchurch,”Mattsaid.

“Andyou’resureshesaiditwasmidnight?”

“Shecouldn’tbepositive,butitmusthavebeensometimearoundthen.Wefoundhernotlongafter.Why?”

Stefansaidnothing.Elenacouldfeelthegulfbetweenthemwidening.“Stefan,”shewhispered.Then,aloud,shesaiddesperately,“Stefan,whatisit?”

Heshookhishead.Don’tshutmeout,shethought,buthewouldn’tevenlookather.“Willshelive?”heaskedabruptly.

“Thedoctorsaidtherewasnothingmuchwrongwithher,”Mattsaid.“Nobody’sevensuggestedshemightdie.”

Stefan’snodwasabrupt;thenheturnedtoElena.“I’vegottogo,”hesaid.“You’resafenow.”

Shecaughthishandasheturnedaway.“OfcourseI’msafe,”shesaid.“Becauseofyou.”

“Yes,”hesaid.Buttherewasnoresponseinhiseyes.Theywereshielded,dull.

“Callmetomorrow.”Shesqueezedhishand,tryingtoconveywhatshefeltunderthescrutinyofallthosewatchingeyes.Shewilledhimtounderstand.

Helookeddownattheirhandswithnoexpressionatall,then,slowly,backupather.Andthen,atlast,hereturnedthepressureofherfingers.“Yes,Elena,”hewhispered,hiseyesclingingtohers.Thenextminutehewasgone.

Shetookadeepbreathandturnedbacktothecrowdedroom.AuntJudithwasstillhovering,hergazefixedonwhatcouldbeseenofElena’storndressunderneaththecloak.

“Elena,”shesaid,“whathappened?”AndhereyeswenttothedoorthroughwhichStefanhadjustleft.

AsortofhystericallaughtersurgedupinElena’sthroat,andshechokeditback.“Stefandidn’tdoit,”shesaid.“Stefansavedme.”Shefeltherfaceharden,andshelookedatthepoliceofficerbehindAuntJudith.“ItwasTyler,TylerSmallwood…”

ChapterNine

ShewasnotthereincarnationofKatherine.

Drivingbacktotheboardinghouseinthefaintlavenderhushbeforedawn,Stefanthoughtaboutthat.

He’dsaidasmuchtoher,anditwastrue,buthewasonlynowrealizinghowlonghe’dbeenworkingtowardthatconclusion.He’dbeenawareofElena’severybreathandmoveforweeks,andhe’dcataloguedeverydifference.

HerhairwasashadeortwopalerthanKatherine’s,andhereyebrowsandlashesweredarker.Katherine’shadbeenalmostsilvery.AndshewastallerthanKatherinebyagoodhandspan.Shemovedwithgreaterfreedom,too;thegirlsofthisageweremorecomfortablewiththeirbodies.

Evenhereyes,thoseeyesthathadtransfixedhimwiththeshockofrecognitionthatfirstday,werenotreallythesame.Katherine’seyeshadusuallybeenwidewithchildlikewonder,orelsecastdownaswasproperforayounggirlofthelatefifteenthcentury.ButElena’seyesmetyoustraighton,lookedatyousteadilyandwithoutflinching.AndsometimestheynarrowedwithdeterminationorchallengeinawayKatherine’sneverhad.

Ingraceandbeautyandsheerfascination,theywerealike.ButwhereKatherinehadbeenawhitekitten,Elenawasasnow-whitetigress.

Ashedrovepastthesilhouettesofmapletrees,Stefancringedfromthememorythatsprangupsuddenly.Hewouldnotthinkaboutthat,hewouldnotlethimself…buttheimageswerealreadyunreelingbeforehim.Itwasasifthejournalhadfallenopenandhecoulddonomorethanstarehelplesslyatthepagewhilethestoryplayeditselfoutinhismind.

White,Katherinehadbeenwearingwhitethatday.AnewwhitegownofVenetiansilkwithslashedsleevestoshowthefinelinenchemiseunderneath.Shehadanecklaceofgoldandpearlsaboutherneckandtinypearldropearringsinherears.

Shehadbeensodelightedwiththenewdressherfatherhadcommissionedespeciallyforher.

ShehadpirouettedinfrontofStefan,liftingthefull,floor-lengthskirtinonesmallhandtoshowtheyellowbrocadedunderskirtbeneath…

“Yousee,itisevenembroideredwithmyinitials.Papahadthatdone.MeinlieberPapa

…”Hervoicetrailedoff,andshestoppedtwirling,onehandslowlysettlingtoherside.“Butwhatiswrong,Stefan?Youarenotsmiling.”

Hecouldnoteventry.Thesightofherthere,whiteandgoldlikesomeetherealvision,wasaphysicalpaintohim.Ifhelosther,hedidnotknowhowhecouldlive.

Hisfingersclosedconvulsivelyaroundthecoolengravedmetal.“Katherine,howcanIsmile,howcanIbehappywhen…”

“When?”

“WhenIseehowyoulookatDamon.”There,itwassaid.Hecontinued,painfully.“Beforehecamehome,youandIweretogethereveryday.Myfatherandyourswerepleased,andspokeofmarriageplans.Butnowthedaysgrowshorter,summerisalmostgone–andyouspendasmuchtimewithDamonasyoudowithme.TheonlyreasonFatherallowshimtostayhereisthatyouaskedit.Butwhydidyouaskit,Katherine?Ithoughtyoucaredforme.”

Herblueeyesweredismayed.“Idocareforyou,Stefan.Oh,youknowIdo!”

“ThenwhyintercedeforDamonwithmyfather?Ifnotforyou,he’dhavethrownDamonoutintothestreet…”

“WhichI’msurewouldhavepleasedyou,littlebrother.”Thevoiceatthedoorwassmoothandarrogant,butwhenStefanturnedhesawthatDamon’seyesweresmoldering.

“Oh,no,thatisn’ttrue,”saidKatherine.“Stefanwouldneverwishtoseeyouhurt.”

Damon’slipquirked,andhethrewStefanawryglanceashemovedtoKatherine’sside.“Perhapsnot,”hesaidtoher,hisvoicesofteningslightly.“Butmybrotherisrightaboutonethingatleast.Thedaysgrowshorter,andsoonyourfatherwillbeleavingFlorence.Andhewilltakeyouwithhim–unlessyouhaveareasontostay.”

Unlessyouhaveahusbandtostaywith.Thewordswereunspoken,buttheyallheardthem.Thebaronwastoofondofhisdaughtertoforcehertomarryagainstherwill.IntheenditwouldhavetobeKatherine’sdecision.Katherine’schoice.

Nowthatthesubjectwasbroached,Stefancouldnotkeepsilent.“Katherineknowsshemustleaveherfathersometimesoon–”hebegan,flauntinghissecretknowledge,buthisbrotherinterrupted.

“Ah,yes,beforetheoldmangrowssuspicious,”Damonsaidcasually.“Eventhemostdotingoffathersmuststarttowonderwhenhisdaughtercomesforthonlyatnight.”

AngerandhurtsweptthroughStefan.Itwastrue,then;Damonknew.Katherinehadsharedhersecretwithhisbrother.

“Whydidyoutellhim,Katherine?Why?Whatcanyouseeinhim:amanwhocaresfornothingbuthisownpleasure?Howcanhemakeyouhappywhenhethinksonlyofhimself?”

“Andhowcanthisboymakeyouhappywhenheknowsnothingoftheworld?”Damoninterposed,hisvoicerazor-sharpwithcontempt.“Howwillheprotectyouwhenhehasneverfacedreality?Hehasspenthislifeamongbooksandpaintings;lethimstaythere.”

Katherinewasshakingherheadindistress,herjewel-blueeyesmistedwithtears.

“Neitherofyouunderstand,”shesaid.“YouarethinkingthatIcanmarryandsettleherelikeanyotherladyofFlorence.ButIcannotbelikeotherladies.HowcouldIkeepahouseholdofservantswhowillwatchmyeverymove?HowcouldIliveinoneplacewherethepeoplewillseethattheyearsdonottouchme?Therewillneverbeanormallifeforme.”

Shedrewadeepbreathandlookedatthemeachinturn.“Whochoosestobemyhusbandmustgiveupthelifeofsunlight,”shewhispered.“Hemustchoosetoliveunderthemoonandinthehoursofdarkness.”

“Thenyoumustchoosesomeonewhoisnotafraidofshadows,”Damonsaid,andStefanwassurprisedbytheintensityofhisvoice.HehadneverheardDamonspeaksoearnestlyorwithsolittleaffectation.“Katherine,lookatmybrother:willhebeabletorenouncethesunlight?Heistooattachedtoordinarythings:hisfriends,hisfamily,hisdutytoFlorence.Thedarknesswoulddestroyhim.”

“Liar!”criedStefan.Hewasseethingnow.“Iamasstrongasyouare,brother,andIfearnothingintheshadowsorthesunlighteither.AndIloveKatherinemorethanfriendsorfamily–“

”–oryourduty?Doyouloveherenoughtogivethatupaswell?”

“Yes,”Stefansaiddefiantly.“Enoughtogiveupeverything.”

Damongaveoneofhissudden,disturbingsmiles.ThenheturnedbacktoKatherine.“Itwouldseem,”hesaid,“thatthechoiceisyoursalone.Youhavetwosuitorsforyourhand;willyoutakeoneofusorneither?”

Katherineslowlybowedhergoldenhead.Thensheliftedwetblueeyestobothofthem.

“GivemeuntilSundaytothink.Andinthemeantime,donotpressmewithquestions.”

Stefannoddedreluctantly.Damonsaid,“AndonSunday?”

“SundayeveningattwilightIwillmakemychoice.”

Twilight…thevioletdeepdarknessoftwilight…

ThevelvethuesfadedaroundStefan,andhecametohimself.Itwasnotdusk,butdawn,thatstainedtheskyaroundhim.Lostinhisthoughts,hehaddrivenuptotheedgeofthewoods.

TothenorthwesthecouldseeWickeryBridgeandthegraveyard.Newmemorysethispulsepounding.

HehadtoldDamonhewaswillingtogiveupeverythingforKatherine.Andthatwasjustwhathehaddone.Hehadrenouncedallclaimtothesunlight,andhadbecomeacreatureofdarknessforher.Ahunterdoomedtobeforeverhuntedhimself,athiefwhohadtosteallifetofillhisownveins.

Andperhapsamurderer.No,theyhadsaidthegirlVickiewouldnotdie.Buthisnext

victimmight.Theworstthingaboutthislastattackwasthatherememberednothingofit.Herememberedtheweakness,theoverpoweringneed,andherememberedstaggeringthroughthechurchdoor,butnothingafter.He’dcometohissensesoutsidewithElena’sscreamechoinginhisears–andhehadracedtoherwithoutstoppingtothinkaboutwhatmighthavehappened.

Elena…Foramomenthefeltarushofpurejoyandawe,forgettingeverythingelse.Elena,warmassunlight,softasmorning,butwithacoreofsteelthatcouldnotbebroken.Shewaslikefireburninginice,likethekeenedgeofasilverdagger.

Butdidhehavetherighttoloveher?Hisveryfeelingforherputherindanger.WhatifthenexttimetheneedtookhimElenawasthenearestlivinghuman,thenearestvesselfilledwithwarm,renewingblood?

Iwilldiebeforetouchingher,hethought,makingavowofit.BeforeIbroachherveins,Iwilldieofthirst.AndIswearshewillneverknowraysecret.Shewillneverhavetogiveupthesunlightbecauseofme.

Behindhim,theskywaslightening.Butbeforeheleft,hesentoutoneprobingthought,withalltheforceofhispainbehindit,seekingforsomeotherPowerthatmightbenear.Searchingforsomeothersolutiontowhathadhappenedinthechurch.

Buttherewasnothing,nohintofananswer.Thegraveyardmockedhimwithsilence.

Elenawokewiththesunshininginherwindow.Shefelt,atonce,asifshe’djustrecoveredfromalongboutoftheflu,andasifitwereChristmasmorning.Herthoughtsjumbledtogetherasshesatup.

Oh.Shehurtallover.ButsheandStefan–thatmadeeverythingright.ThatdrunkenslobTyler…ButTylerdidn’tmatteranymore.NothingmatteredexceptthatStefanlovedher.

Shewentdownstairsinhernightgown,realizingfromthelightslantinginthewindowsthatshemusthavesleptinverylate.AuntJudithandMargaretwereinthelivingroom.

“Goodmorning,AuntJudith.”Shegavehersurprisedauntalong,hardhug.“Andgoodmorning,pumpkin.”ShesweptMargaretoffherfeetandwaltzedaroundtheroomwithher.“And–oh!Goodmorning,Robert.”Alittleembarrassedatherexuberanceandherstateofundress,sheputMargaretdownandhurriedintothekitchen.

AuntJudithcamein.Thoughthereweredarkcirclesunderhereyes,shewassmiling.“Youseemingoodspiritsthismorning.”

“Oh,Iam.”Elenagaveheranotherhug,toapologizeforthedarkcircles.

“Youknowwehavetogobacktothesheriff’stotalktothemaboutTyler.”

“Yes.”Elenagotjuiceoutoftherefrigeratorandpouredherselfaglass.“ButcanIgoovertoVickieBennett’shousefirst?Iknowshemustbeupset,especiallysinceitsoundslikenoteverybodybelievesher.”

“Doyoubelieveher,Elena?”

“Yes,”shesaidslowly,“Idobelieveher.And,AuntJudith,”sheadded,comingtoadecision,“somethinghappenedtomeinthechurch,too.Ithought–“

“Elena!BonnieandMeredithareheretoseeyou.”Robert’svoicesoundedfromthehallway.

Themoodofconfidencewasbroken.“Oh…sendthemin,”Elenacalled,andtookasipoforangejuice.“I’lltellyouaboutitlater,”shepromisedAuntJudith,asfootstepsapproachedthekitchen.

BonnieandMeredithstoppedinthedoorway,standingwithunaccustomedformality.

Elenaherselffeltawkward,andwaiteduntilherauntlefttheroomagaintospeak.

Thensheclearedherthroat,hereyesfixedonaworntileinthelinoleum.ShesneakedaquickglanceupandsawthatbothBonnieandMeredithwerestaringatthatsametile.

Sheburstintolaughter,andatthesoundtheybothlookedup.

“I’mtoohappytoevenbedefensive,”Elenasaid,holdingoutherarmstothem.“AndIknowIoughttobesorryaboutwhatIsaid,andIamsorry,butIjustcan’tbeallpatheticaboutit.IwasterribleandIdeservetobeexecuted,andnowcanwejustpretenditneverhappened?”

“Yououghttobesorry,runningoffonuslikethat,”Bonniescoldedasthethreeofthemjoinedinatangledembrace.

“AndwithTylerSmallwood,ofallpeople,”saidMeredith.

“Well,Ilearnedmylessononthatscore,”Elenasaid,andforamomenthermooddarkened.ThenBonnietrilledlaughter.

“Andyouscoredthebigoneyourself–StefanSalvatore!Talkaboutdramaticentrances.Whenyoucameinthedoorwithhim,IthoughtIwashallucinating.Howdidyoudoit?”

“Ididn’t.Hejustshowedup,likethecavalryinoneofthoseoldmovies.”

“Defendingyourhonor,”saidBonnie.“Whatcouldbemorethrilling?”

“Icanthinkofoneortwothings,”saidMeredith.“Butthen,maybeElena’sgotthosecovered,too.”

“I’lltellyouallaboutit,”Elenasaid,releasingthemandsteppingback.“ButfirstwillyoucomeovertoVickie’shousewithme?Iwanttotalktoher.”

“Youcantalktouswhileyou’redressing,andwhilewe’rewalking,andwhileyou’rebrushingyourteethforthatmatter,”saidBonniefirmly.“Andifyouleaveoutonetinydetail,you’regoingtobefacingtheSpanishInquisition.”

“Yousee,”saidMereditharchly,“allMr.Tanner’sworkhaspaidoff.BonnienowknowstheSpanishInquisitionisnotarockgroup.”

Elenawaslaughingwithsheerebullienceastheywentupthestairs.

Mrs.Bennettlookedpaleandtired,butinvitedthemin.

“Vickie’sbeenresting;thedoctorsaidtokeepherinbed,”sheexplained,withasmilethattrembledslightly.Elena,Bonnie,andMeredithcrowdedintothenarrowhallway.

Mrs.BennetttappedlightlyatVickie’sdoor.“Vickie,sweetheart,somegirlsfromschooltoseeyou.Don’tkeepherlong,”sheaddedtoElena,openingthedoor.

“Wewon’t,”Elenapromised.Shesteppedintoaprettyblue-and-whitebedroom,theothersrightbehindher.Vickiewaslyinginbedproppeduponpillows,withapowder-bluecomforterdrawnuptoherchin.Herfacewaspaper-whiteagainstit,andherheavy-liddedeyesstaredstraightahead.

“That’showshelookedlastnight,”Bonniewhispered.

Elenamovedtothesideofthebed.“Vickie,”shesaidsoftly.Vickiewentonstaring,butElenathoughtherbreathingchangedslightly.“Vickie,canyouhearme?It’sElenaGilbert.”SheglanceduncertainlyatBonnieandMeredith.

“Looksliketheygavehertranquilizers,”saidMeredith.

ButMrs.Bennetthadn’tsaidthey’dgivenheranydrugs.Frowning,Elenaturnedbacktotheunresponsivegirl.

“Vickie,it’sme,Elena.Ijustwantedtotalktoyouaboutlastnight.IwantyoutoknowthatIbelieveyouaboutwhathappened.”ElenaignoredthesharpglanceMeredithgaveherandcontinued.“AndIwantedtoaskyou–“

“No!”Itwasashriek,rawandpiercing,tornfromVickie’sthroat.Thebodythathadbeenasstillasawaxfigureexplodedintoviolentaction.Vickie’slight-brownhairwhippedacrosshercheeksasshetossedherheadbackandforthandherhandsflailedattheemptyair.“No!No!”shescreamed.

“Dosomething!”Bonniegasped.“Mrs.Bennett!Mrs.Bennett!”

ElenaandMeredithweretryingtoholdVickieonthebed,andshewasfightingthem.Theshriekingwentonandon.ThensuddenlyVickie’smotherwasbesidethem,helpingtoholdher,pushingtheothersaway.

“Whatdidyoudotoher?”shecried.

Vickieclutchedathermother,calmingdown,butthentheheavy-liddedeyesglimpsedElenaoverMrs.Bennett’sshoulder.

“You’repartofit!You’reevil!”shescreamedhystericallyatElena.“Keepawayfromme!”

Elenawasdumbfounded.“Vickie!Ionlycametoask–“

“Ithinkyou’dbetterleavenow.Leaveusalone,”saidMrs.Bennett,claspingherdaughterprotectively.“Can’tyouseewhatyou’redoingtoher?”

Instunnedsilence,Elenalefttheroom.BonnieandMeredithfollowed.

“Itmustbedrugs,”saidBonnieoncetheywereoutofthehouse.“Shejustwentcompletelynonlinear.”

“Didyounoticeherhands?”MeredithsaidtoElena.“Whenweweretryingtorestrainher,Igotholdofoneofherhands.Anditwascoldasice.”

Elenashookherheadinbewilderment.Noneofitmadesense,butshewouldn’tletitspoilherday.Shewouldn’t.Desperately,shesearchedhermindforsomethingthatwouldoffsettheexperience,thatwouldallowhertoholdontoherhappiness.

“Iknow,”shesaid.“Theboardinghouse.”

“What?”

“ItoldStefantocallmetoday,butwhydon’twewalkovertotheboardinghouseinstead?It’snotfarfromhere.”

“Onlyatwenty-minutewalk,”saidBonnie.Shebrightened.“Atleastwecanfinallyseethatroomofhis.”

“Actually,”saidElena,“Iwasthinkingyoutwocouldwaitdownstairs.Well,I’llonlygettoseehimforafewminutes,”sheadded,defensively,astheylookedather.Itwasodd,perhaps,butshedidn’twanttoshareStefanwithherfriendsjustyet.Hewassonewtoherthathefeltalmostlikeasecret.

TheirknockontheshiningoakdoorwasansweredbyMrs.Flowers.Shewasawrinkledlittlegnomeofawomanwithsurprisinglybrightblackeyes.

“YoumustbeElena,”shesaid.“IsawyouandStefangooutlastnight,andhetoldmeyournamewhenhecameback.”

“Yousawus?”saidElena,startled.“Ididn’tseeyou.”

“No,noyoudidn’t,”saidMrs.Flowers,andchuckled.“Whataprettygirlyouare,mydear,”sheadded.“Averyprettygirl.”ShepattedElena’scheek.

“Uh,thankyou,”saidElenauneasily.Shedidn’tlikethewaythosebirdlikeeyeswerefixedonher.ShelookedpastMrs.Flowerstothestairs.“IsStefanhome?”

“Hemustbe,unlesshe’sflownofftheroof!”saidMrs.Flowers,andchuckledagain.Elenalaughedpolitely.

“We’llstaydownherewithMrs.Flowers,”saidMeredithtoElena,whileBonnierolledhereyesinmartyrdom.Hidingagrin,Elenanoddedandmountedthestairs.

Suchastrangeoldhouse,shethoughtagainasshelocatedthesecondstairwayinthebedroom.Thevoicesbelowwereveryfaintfromhere,andasshewentupthestepstheyfadedentirely.Shewaswrappedinsilence,andasshereachedthedimlylitdooratthetop,shehadthefeelingshehadenteredsomeotherworld.Herknockingsoundedverytimid.“Stefan?”Shecouldhearnothingfrominside,butsuddenlythedoorswungopen.Everyonemustlookpaleandtiredtoday,thoughtElena,andthenshewasinhisarms.

Thosearmstightenedaboutherconvulsively.“Elena.Oh,Elena…”

Thenhedrewback.Itwasjustthewayithadbeenlastnight;Elenacouldfeelthechasmopeningbetweenthem.Shesawthecold,correctlookgatherinhiseyes.

“No,”shesaid,hardlyawarethatshespokealoud.“Iwon’tletyou.”Andshepulledhismouthdowntohers.

Foramomenttherewasnoresponse,andthenheshuddered,andthekissbecamesearing.Hisfingerstangledinherhair,andtheuniverseshrankaroundElena.NothingelseexistedbutStefan,andthefeelofhisarmsaroundher,andthefireofhislipsonhers.

Afewminutesorafewcenturieslatertheyseparated,bothshaking.Buttheirgazeremainedconnected,andElenasawthatStefan’seyesweretoodilatedforeventhisdimlight;therewasonlyathinbandofgreenaroundthedarkpupils.Helookeddazed,andhismouth–thatmouth!–wasswollen.

“Ithink,”hesaid,andshecouldhearthecontrolinhisvoice,“thatwehadbetterbecarefulwhenwedothat.”

Elenanodded,dazedherself.Notinpublic,shewasthinking.AndnotwhenBonnieandMeredithwerewaitingdownstairs.Andnotwhentheywereabsolutelyalone,unless…

“Butyoucanjustholdme,”shesaid.

Howodd,thatafterthatpassionshecouldfeelsosafe,sopeaceful,inhisarms.“Iloveyou,”shewhisperedintotheroughwoolofhissweater.

Shefeltaquivergothroughhim.“Elena,”hesaidagain,anditwasasoundalmostofdespair.

Sheraisedherhead.“What’swrongwiththat?Whatcouldpossiblybewrongwiththat,Stefan?Don’tyouloveme?”

“I…”Helookedather,helplessly–andtheyheardMrs.Flowers’svoicecallingfaintlyfromthebottomofthestairs.

“Boy!Boy!Stefan!”Itsoundedasifshewerepoundingonthebanisterwithhershoe.

Stefansighed.“I’dbettergoseewhatshewants.”Heslippedawayfromher,hisfaceunreadable.

Leftalone,Elenafoldedherarmsacrossherchestandshivered.Itwassocoldhere.Heoughttohaveafire,shethought,eyesmovingidlyaroundtheroomtorestfinallyonthemahoganydressershe’dexaminedlastnight.

Thecoffer.

Sheglancedatthecloseddoor.Ifhecamebackinandcaughther…Shereallyshouldn’t–butshewasalreadymovingtowardthedresser.

ThinkofBluebeard’swife,shetoldherself.Curiositykilledher.Butherfingerswereontheironlid.Herheartbeatingrapidly,sheeasedthelidopen.

Inthedimlight,thecofferappearedatfirsttobeempty,andElenagaveanervouslaugh.Whathadsheexpected?LovelettersfromCaroline?Abloodydagger?

Thenshesawthethinstripofsilk,foldedoverandoveronitselfneatlyinonecorner.Shedrewitoutandranitbetweenherfingers.Itwastheapricotribbonshe’dlosttheseconddayofschool.

Oh,Stefan.Tearsstunghereyes,andinherchestlovewelleduphelplessly,overflowing.

Thatlongago?Youcaredaboutmethatlongago?Oh,Stefan,Iloveyou…

Anditdoesn’tmatterifyoucan’tsayittome,shethought.Therewasasoundoutsidethedoor,andshefoldedtheribbonquicklyandreplaceditinthecoffer.Thensheturnedtowardthedoor,blinkingtearsfromhereyes.

Itdoesn’tmatterifyoucan’tsayitrightnow.I’llsayitforbothofus.Andsomedayyou’lllearn.

ChapterTen

October7,about8:00a.m.

DearDiary,

I’mwritingthisduringtrigclass,andIjusthopeMs.Halperndoesn’tseeme.

Ididn’thavetimetowritelastnight,eventhoughIwantedto.Yesterdaywasacrazy,mixed-upday,justlikethenightoftheHomecomingDance.SittinghereinschoolthismorningIalmostfeellikeeverythingthathappenedthisweekendwasadream.Thebadthingsweresobad,butthegoodthingsweresovery,verygood.

I’mnotgoingtopresscriminalchargesagainstTyler.He’ssuspendedfromschool,though,andoffthefootballteam.So’sDick,forbeingdrunkatthedance.Nobodyissayingso,butIthinkalotofpeoplethinkhewasresponsibleforwhathappenedtoVickie.Bonnie’ssistersawTylerattheclinicyesterday,andshesaidhehadtwoblackeyesandhiswholefacewaspurple.Ican’thelpworryingaboutwhat’sgoingtohappenwhenheandDickgetbacktoschool.TheyhavemorereasonthanevertohateStefannow.

WhichbringsmetoStefan.WhenIwokeupthismorningIpanicked,thinking,“Whatifitallisn’ttrue?Whatifitneverhappened,orifhe’schangedhismind?”AndAuntJudithwasworriedatbreakfastbecauseIcouldn’teatagain.ButthenwhenIgottoschoolIsawhiminthecorridorbytheoffice,andwejustlookedateachother.AndIknew.Justbeforeheturnedaway,hesmiled,sortofwryly.AndIunderstoodthat,too,andhewasright,itwasbetternottogouptoeachotherinapublichallway,notunlesswewanttogivethesecretariesathrill.

Weareverydefinitelytogether.NowIjusthavetofindawaytoexplainallthistoJeanClaude.Ha-ha.

WhatIdon’tunderstandiswhyStefanisn’tashappyaboutitasIam.Whenwe’rewitheachotherIcanfeelhowhefeels,andIknowhowmuchhewantsme,howmuchhecares.There’sanalmostdesperatehungerinsidehimwhenhekissesme,asifhewantstopullthesouloutofmybody.Likeablackholethat.

StillOctober7,nowabout2:00p.m.

Will,alittlebreaktherebecauseMissHalperncaughtme.SheevenstartedtoreadwhatI’dwrittenoutloud,butthenIthinkthesubjectmattersteamedherglassesupandshestopped.ShewasNotAmused.I’mtoohappytocareaboutminorthingslikeflunkingtrigonometry.

StefanandIhadlunchtogether,oratleastwewentoffintoacornerofthefieldandsatdownwithmylunch.Hedidn’tevenbothertobringanything,andofcourseasitturnedoutIcouldn’teateither.Wedidn’ttoucheachothermuch–wedidn’t–butwetalkedandlookedateachotheralot.Iwanttotouchhim.MorethananyboyI’veeverknown.AndIknowhewantsit,too,buthe’sholdingbackonme.That’swhatIcan’tunderstand,whyhe’sfightingthis,whyhe’sholdingback.YesterdayinhisroomIfoundproofpositivethathe’sbeenwatchingmefromthebeginning.YourememberhowItoldyouthatontheseconddayofschoolBonnieandMeredithandIwereinthecemetery?Well,yesterdayinStefan’sroomIfoundtheapricotribbonIwaswearingthatday.IrememberitfallingoutofmyhandwhileIwasrunning,andhemusthavepickeditupandkeptit.Ihaven’ttoldhimIknow,becauseheobviouslywantstokeepitasecret,butthatshows,doesn’tit,thathecaresaboutme?

I’lltellyousomeoneelsewhoisNotAmused.Caroline.Apparentlyshe’sbeendragginghimoffintothephotographyroomforluncheveryday,andwhenhedidn’tshowuptodayshewentsearchinguntilshefoundus.PoorStefan,he’dforgottenabouthercompletely,andhewasshockedathimselfOncesheleft–anastyunhealthyshadeofgreen,Imightadd–hetoldmehowshe’dattachedherselftohimthefirstweekofschool.Shesaidshe’dnoticedhedidn’treallyeatatlunchandshedidn’teithersinceshewasonadiet,andwhydidn’ttheygosomeplacequietandrelax?Hewouldn’treallysayanythingbadabouther(whichIthinkishisideaofmannersagain,agentlemandoesn’tdothat),buthedidsaytherewasnothingatallbetweenthem.AndforCarolineIthinkbeingforgottenwasworsethanifhe’dthrownrocksather.

IwonderwhyStefanhasn’tbeeneatinglunch,though.It’sstrangeinafootballplayer.

Uh-oh.Mr.TannerjustwalkedbyandIslammedmynotepadoverthisdiaryjustintime.Bonnieissnickeringbehindherhistorybook,Icanseehershouldersshaking.AndStefan,who’sinfrontofme,looksastenseasifhe’sgoingtoleapoutofhischairanyminute.Mattisgivingme“younut”looksandCarolineisglaring.Iambeingvery,veryinnocent,writingwithmyeyesfixedonTannerupfront.Soifthisisabitwobblyandmessy,you’llunderstandwhy.

Forthelastmonth,Ihaven’treallybeenmyself.Ihaven’tbeenabletothinkclearlyorconcentrateonanythingbutStefan.ThereissomuchI’veleftundonethatI’malmostscared.I’msupposedtobeinchargeofdecorationsfortheHauntedHouseandIhaven’tdoneonethingaboutityetNowI’vegotexactlythreeandahalfweekstogetitorganized–andIwanttobewithStefan.

Icouldquitthecommittee.ButthatwouldleaveBonnieandMeredithholdingthebag.AndIkeeprememberingwhatMattsaidwhenIaskedhimtogetStefantocometothedance:“YouwanteverybodyandeverythingrevolvingaroundElenaGilbert.”

Thatisn’ttrue.Oratleast,ifithasbeeninthepast,I’mnotgoingtoletitbetrueanymore.Iwant–oh,thisisgoingtosoundcompletelystupid,butIwanttobeworthyof

Stefan.Iknowhewouldn’tlettheguysontheteamdownjusttosuithisownconvenience.Iwanthimtobeproudofme.

IwanthimtolovemeasmuchasIlovehim.

“Hurryup!”calledBonniefromthedoorwayofthegym.Besideherthehighschooljanitor,Mr.Shelby,stoodwaiting.

Elenacastonelastglanceatthedistantfiguresonthefootballfield,thenreluctantlycrossedtheblacktoptojoinBonnie.

“IjustwantedtotellStefanwhereIwasgoing,”shesaid.AfteraweekofbeingwithStefan,shestillfeltathrillofexcitementjustsayinghisname.Everynightthisweekhe’dcometoherhouse,appearingatthedooraroundsunset,handsinpockets,wearinghisjacketwiththecollarturnedup.Theyusuallytookawalkinthedusk,orsatontheporch,talking.Althoughnothingwassaidaboutit,ElenaknewitwasStefan’swayofmakingsuretheyweren’talonetogetherinprivate.Sincethenightofthedance,he’dmadesureofthat.Protectingherhonor,Elenathoughtwryly,andwithapang,becausesheknewinherheartthattherewasmoretoitthanthat.

“Hecanlivewithoutyouforoneevening,”saidBonniecallously.“Ifyougettalkingtohimyou’llnevergetaway,andI’dliketogethomeintimeforsomekindofdinner.”

“Hello,Mr.Shelby,”saidElenatothejanitor,whowasstillpatientlywaiting.Tohersurprise,heclosedoneeyeinasolemnwinkather.“Where’sMeredith?”sheadded.

“Here,”saidavoicebehindher,andMeredithappearedwithacardboardboxoffilefoldersandnotepadsinherarms.“I’vegotthestufffromyourlocker.”

“Isthatallofyou?”saidMr.Shelby.“Allright,now,yougalsleavethedoorshutandlocked,youhear?Thatwaynobodycangetin.”

Bonnie,abouttoenter,pulledupshort.

“You’resurethere’snobodyalreadyin?”shesaidwarily.

Elenagaveherapushbetweentheshoulderblades.“Hurryup,”shemimickedunkindly.“Iwanttogethomeintimefordinner.”

“There’snobodyinside,”saidMr.Shelby,mouthtwitchingunderhismustache.“Butyougalsyellifyouwantanything.I’llbearound.”

Thedoorslammedshutbehindthemwithacuriouslyfinalsound.

“Work,”saidMeredithresignedly,andputtheboxonthefloor.

Elenanodded,lookingupanddownthebigemptyroom.EveryyeartheStudentCouncilheldaHauntedHouseasafund-raiser.Elenahadbeenonthedecoratingcommitteeforthelasttwoyears,alongwithBonnieandMeredith,butitwasdifferentbeingchairman.Shehadtomakedecisionsthatwouldaffecteveryone,andshecouldn’tevenrelyonwhathadbeendoneinyearspast.

TheHauntedHousewasusuallysetupinalumberyardwarehouse,butwiththe

growinguneasinessabouttownithadbeendecidedthattheschoolgymwassafer.ForElena,itmeantrethinkingthewholeinteriordesign,andwithlessthanthreeweeksnowuntilHalloween.

“It’sactuallyprettyspookyhere,”saidMeredithquietly.Andtherewassomethingdisturbingaboutbeinginthebigclosedroom,Elenathought.Shefoundherselfloweringhervoice.

“Let’smeasureitfirst,”shesaid.Theymoveddowntheroom,theirfootstepsechoinghollowly.

“Allright,”saidElenawhentheyhadfinished.“Let’sgettowork.”Shetriedtoshakeoffherfeelingofuneasiness,tellingherselfthatitwasridiculoustofeelunsettledintheschoolgym,withBonnieandMeredithbesideherandanentirefootballteampracticingnottwohundredyardsaway.

Thethreeofthemsatonthebleacherswithpensandnotebooksinhand.ElenaandMeredithconsultedthedesignsketchesforpreviousyearswhileBonniebitherpenandgazedaroundthoughtfully.

“Well,here’sthegym,”saidMeredith,makingaquicksketchinhernotebook.“Andhere’swherethepeoplearegoingtohavetocomein.NowwecouldhavetheBloodyCorpseattheveryend…Bytheway,who’sgoingtobetheBloodyCorpsethisyear?”

“CoachLyman,Ithink.Hedidagoodjoblastyear,andhehelpskeepthefootballguysinline.”Elenapointedtotheirsketch.“Okay,we’llpartitionthisoffandmakeittheMedievalTortureChamber.They’llgostraightoutofthatandintotheRoomoftheLivingDead…”

“Ithinkweshouldhavedruids,”saidBonnieabruptly.

“Havewhat?”saidElena,andthen,asBonniestartedtoyell“droo-ids,”shewavedaquellinghand.“Allright,allright,Iremember.Butwhy?”

“Becausethey’retheoneswhoinventedHalloween.Really.Itstartedoutasoneoftheirholydays,whentheywouldbuildfiresandputoutturnipswithfacescarvedinthemtokeepevilspiritsaway.Theybelieveditwasthedaywhenthelinebetweenthelivingandthedeadwasthinnest.Andtheywerescary,Elena.Theyperformedhumansacrifices.WecouldsacrificeCoachLyman.”

“Actually,that’snotabadidea,”saidMeredith.“TheBloodyCorpsecouldbeasacrifice.Youknow,onastonealtar,withaknifeandpoolsofbloodallaround.Andthenwhenyougetreallyclose,hesuddenlysitsup.”

“Andgivesyouheartfailure,”saidElena,butshehadtoadmititwasagoodidea,definitelyscary.Itmadeherfeelalittlesickjustthinkingaboutit.Allthatblood…butitwasonlyKarosyrup,really.

Theothergirlshadgonequiet,too.Fromtheboys’lockernextdoor,theycouldhearthesoundofwaterrunningandlockersbanging,andoverthatindistinctvoicesshouting.

“Practiceisover,”murmuredBonnie.“Itmustbedarkoutside.”

“Yes,andOurHeroisgettingallwashedup,”saidMeredith,cockinganeyebrowat

Elena.“Wanttopeek?”

“Iwish,”saidElena,onlyhalfjokingly.Somehow,indefinably,theatmosphereintheroomhaddarkened.JustatthemomentshedidwishshecouldseeStefan,couldbewithhim.

“HaveyouheardanythingmoreaboutVickieBennett?”sheaskedsuddenly.

“Well,”saidBonnieafteramoment,“Ididhearthatherparentsweregettingherapsychiatrist.”

“Ashrink?Why?”

“Well…Iguesstheythinkthatthosethingsshetolduswerehallucinationsorsomething.AndIheardhernightmaresareprettybad.”

“Oh,”saidElena.Thesoundsfromtheboys’lockerroomwerefading,andtheyheardanoutsidedoorslam.Hallucinations,shethought,hallucinationsandnightmares.Forsomereason,shesuddenlyrememberedthatnightinthegraveyard,thatnightwhenBonniehadsentthemallrunningfromsomethingnoneofthemcouldsee.

“We’dbettergetbacktobusiness,”saidMeredith.Elenashookherselfoutofherreverieandnodded.

“We…wecouldhaveagraveyard,”Bonniesaidtentatively,asifshe’dbeenreadingElena’sthoughts.“IntheHauntedHouse,Imean.”

“No,”saidElenasharply.“No,we’lljuststickwithwhatwehave,”sheaddedinacalmervoice,andbentoverherpadagain.

Onceagaintherewasnosoundbutthesoftscratchingofpensandtherustleofpaper.

“Good,”saidElenaatlast.“Nowweonlyneedtomeasureforthedifferentpartitions.Somebody’sgoingtohavetogetinbehindthebleachers…Whatnow?”

Thelightsinthegymhadflickeredandgonedowntohalfpower.

“Oh,no,”saidMeredith,exasperated.Thelightsflickeredagain,wentout,andreturneddimlyoncemore.

“Ican’treadathing,”saidElena,staringatwhatnowseemedtobeafeaturelesspieceofwhitepaper.ShelookedupatBonnieandMeredithandsawtwowhiteblobsoffaces.

“Somethingmustbewrongwiththeemergencygenerator,”saidMeredith.“I’llgetMr.Shelby.”

“Can’twejustfinishtomorrow?”Bonniesaidplaintively.

“Tomorrow’sSaturday,”saidElena.“Andweweresupposedtohavethisdonelastweek.”

“I’llgetShelby,”saidMeredithagain.“Comeon,Bonnie,you’regoingwithme.”

Elenabegan,“Wecouldallgo–”butMeredithinterrupted.

“Ifweallgoandwecan’tfindhim,thenwecan’tgetbackin.Comeon,Bonnie,it’sonlyinsidetheschool.”

“Butit’sdarkthere.”

“It’sdarkeverywhere;it’snighttime.Comeon;withtwoofusit’llbesafe.”ShedraggedanunwillingBonnietothedoor.“Elena,don’tletanybodyelsein.”

“Asifyouhadtotellme,”saidElena,lettingthemoutandthenwatchingthemgoafewpacesdownthehall.Atthepointatwhichtheybegantomergewiththedimness,shesteppedbackinsideandshutthedoor.

Well,thiswasafinemess,ashermotherusedtosay.ElenamovedovertothecardboardboxMeredithhadbroughtandbeganstackingfilingfoldersandnotebooksbackinsideit.Inthislightshecouldseethemonlyasvagueshapes.Therewasnosoundatallbutherownbreathingandthesoundsshemade.Shewasaloneinthehuge,dimroom–

Someonewaswatchingher.

Shedidn’tknowhowsheknew,butshewassure.Someonewasbehindherinthedarkgymnasium,watching.Eyesinthedark,theoldmanhadsaid.Vickiehadsaidit,too.Andnowtherewereeyesonher.

Shewhirledquicklytofacetheroom,strainingherowneyestoseeintotheshadows,tryingnoteventobreathe.Shewasterrifiedthatifshemadeasoundthethingouttherewouldgether.Butshecouldseenothing,hearnothing.

Thebleachersweredim,menacingshapesstretchingoutintonothingness.Andthefarendoftheroomwassimplyafeaturelessgrayfog.Darkmist,shethought,andshecouldfeeleverymuscleagonizinglytenseasshelisteneddesperately.OhGod,whatwasthatsoftwhisperingsound?Itmustbeherimagination…Pleaseletitbeherimagination.

Suddenly,hermindwasclear.Shehadtogetoutofthisplace,now.Therewasrealdangerhere,notjustfantasy.Somethingwasoutthere,somethingevil,somethingthatwantedher.Andshewasallalone.

Somethingmovedintheshadows.

Herscreamfrozeinherthroat.Hermuscleswerefrozen,too,heldmotionlessbyherterror–andbysomenamelessforce.Helplessly,shewatchedastheshapeinthedarknessmovedoutoftheshadowsandtowardher.Itseemedalmostasifthedarknessitselfhadcometolifeandwascoalescingasshewatched,takingonform–humanform,theformofayoungman.

“I’msorryifIfrightenedyou.”

Thevoicewaspleasant,withaslightaccentshecouldn’tplace.Itdidn’tsoundsorryatall.

Reliefwassosuddenandcompletethatitwaspainful.Sheslumpedandheardherownbreathsighout.

Itwasonlyaguy,someformerstudentoranassistantofMr.Shelby’s.Anordinaryguy,whowassmilingfaintly,asifithadamusedhimtoseeheralmostpassout.

Well…perhapsnotquiteordinary.Hewasremarkablygood-looking.Hisfacewaspaleintheartificialtwilight,butshecouldseethathisfeatureswerecleanlydefinedandnearlyperfectunderashockofdarkhair.Thosecheekboneswereasculptor’sdream.Andhe’dbeenalmostinvisiblebecausehewaswearingblack:softblackboots,blackjeans,blacksweater,andleatherjacket.

Hewasstillsmilingfaintly.Elena’sreliefturnedtoanger.

“Howdidyougetin?”shedemanded.“Andwhatareyoudoinghere?Nobodyelseissupposedtobeinthegym.”

“Icameinthedoor,”hesaid.Hisvoicewassoft,cultured,butshecouldstillheartheamusementandshefounditdisconcerting.

“Allthedoorsarelocked,”shesaidflatly,accusingly.

Heraisedhiseyebrowsandsmiled.“Arethey?”

Elenafeltanotherquiveroffear,hairsliftingonthebackofherneck.“Theyweresupposedtobe,”shesaidinthecoldestvoiceshecouldmanage.

“You’reangry,”hesaidgravely.“IsaidIwassorrytofrightenyou.”

“Iwasn’tfrightened!”shesnapped.Shefeltfoolishinfrontofhimsomehow,likeachildbeinghumoredbysomeonemucholderandmoreknowledgeable.Itmadeherevenangrier.“Iwasjuststartled,”shecontinued.“Whichishardlysurprising,whatwithyoulurkinginthedarklikethat.”

“Interestingthingshappeninthedark…sometimes.”Hewasstilllaughingather;shecouldtellbyhiseyes.Hehadtakenastepcloser,andshecouldseethatthoseeyeswereunusual,almostblack,butwithoddlightsinthem.Asifyoucouldlookdeeperanddeeperuntilyoufellintothem,andwentonfallingforever.

Sherealizedshewasstaring.Whydidn’tthelightscomeon?Shewantedtogetoutofhere.Shemovedaway,puttingtheendofableacherbetweenthem,andstackedthelastfoldersintothebox.Forgettherestoftheworkfortonight.Allshewantedtodonowwasleave.

Butthecontinuingsilencemadeheruneasy.Hewasjuststandingthere,unmoving,watchingher.Whydidn’thesaysomething?

“Didyoucomelookingforsomebody?”Shewasannoyedwithherselfforbeingtheonetospeak.

Hewasstillgazingather,thosedarkeyesfixedonherinawaythatmadehermoreandmoreuncomfortable.Sheswallowed.

Withhiseyesonherlips,hemurmured,“Oh,yes.”

“What?”She’dforgottenwhatshe’dasked.Hercheeksandthroatwereflushing,burningwithblood.Shefeltsolight-headed.Ifonlyhe’dstoplookingather…

“Yes,Icameherelookingforsomeone,”herepeated,nolouderthanbefore.Then,inonestephemovedtowardher,sothattheywereseparatedonlybythecornerofonebleacherseat.

Elenacouldn’tbreathe.Hewasstandingsoclose.Closeenoughtotouch.Shecouldsmellafainthintofcologneandtheleatherofhisjacket.Andhiseyesstillheldhers–shecouldnotlookawayfromthem.Theywerelikenoeyesshehadeverseen,blackasmidnight,thepupilsdilatedlikeacat’s.Theyfilledhervisionasheleanedtowardher,bendinghisheaddowntohers.Shefeltherowneyeshalfclose,losingfocus.Shefelther

headtiltback,herlipspart.

No!Justintimeshewhippedherheadtotheside.Shefeltasifshe’djustpulledherselfbackfromtheedgeofaprecipice.WhatamIdoing?shethoughtinshock.Iwasabouttolethimkissme.Atotalstranger,someoneImetonlyafewminutesago.

Butthatwasn’ttheworstthing.Forthosefewminutes,somethingunbelievablehadhappened.Forthosefewminutes,shehadforgottenStefan.

Butnowhisimagefilledhermind,andthelongingforhimwaslikeaphysicalpaininherbody.ShewantedStefan,wantedhisarmsaroundher,wantedtobesafewithhim.

Sheswallowed.Hernostrilsflaredasshebreathedhard.Shetriedtokeephervoicesteadyanddignified.

“I’mgoingtoleavenow,”shesaid.“Ifyou’relookingforsomebody,Ithinkyou’dbetterlooksomewhereelse.”

Hewaslookingatheroddly,withanexpressionshecouldn’tunderstand.Itwasamixtureofannoyanceandgrudgingrespect–andsomethingelse.Somethinghotandfiercethatfrightenedherinadifferentway.

Hewaiteduntilherhandwasonthedoorknobtoanswer,andhisvoicewassoftbutserious,withnotraceofamusement.“PerhapsI’vealreadyfoundher…Elena.”

Whensheturned,shecouldseenothinginthedarkness.

ChapterEleven

Elenastumbleddownthedimcorridor,tryingtovisualizewhatwasaroundher.Thentheworldsuddenlyflickeredtobrightnessandshefoundherselfsurroundedbyfamiliarrowsoflockers.Herreliefwassogreatthatshealmostcriedout.She’dneverhavethoughtshewouldbesogladjusttosee.Shestoodforaminutelookingaroundgratefully.

“Elena!Whatareyoudoingouthere?”

ItwasMeredithandBonnie,hurryingdownthehalltowardher.

“Wherehaveyoubeen?”shesaidfiercely.

Meredithgrimaced.“Wecouldn’tfindShelby.Andwhenwefinallydidfindhim,hewasasleep.I’mserious,”sheaddedatElena’sincredulouslook.“Asleep.Andthenwecouldn’tgethimtowakeup.Itwasn’tuntilthelightswentbackonthatheopenedhiseyes.Thenwestartedbacktoyou.Butwhatareyoudoinghere?”

Elenahesitated.“Igottiredofwaiting,”shesaidaslightlyasshecould.“Ithinkwe’vedoneenoughworkforoneday,anyway.”

“Nowyoutellus,”saidBonnie.

Meredithsaidnothing,butshegaveElenaakeen,searchinglook.Elenahadtheuncomfortablefeelingthatthosedarkeyessawbeneaththesurface.

Allthatweekendandthroughoutthefollowingweek,ElenaworkedonplansfortheHauntedHouse.TherewasneverenoughtimetobewithStefan,andthatwasfrustrating,butevenmorefrustratingwasStefanhimself.Shecouldsensehispassionforher,butshecouldalsosensethathewasfightingit,stillrefusingtobecompletelyalonewithher.Andinmanywayshewasjustasmuchamysterytoherashehadbeenwhenshefirstsawhim.

HeneverspokeabouthisfamilyorhislifebeforecomingtoFell’sChurch,andifsheaskedanyquestionsheturnedthemaside.OnceshehadaskedhimifhemissedItaly,ifhewassorryhe’dcomehere.Andforaninstanthiseyeshadlightened,thegreensparklinglikeoakleavesreflectedinarunningstream.“HowcouldIbesorry,whenyouarehere?”hesaid,andkissedherinawaythatputallinquiriesoutofhermind.Inthatmoment,Elenahadknownwhatitwasliketobecompletelyhappy.She’dfelthisjoy,too,andwhenhepulledbackshehadseenthathisfacewasalight,asifthesunshonethroughit.

“Oh,Elena,”he’dwhispered.

Thegoodtimeswerelikethat.Buthehadkissedherlessandlessfrequentlyoflate,andshefeltthedistancebetweenthemwidening.

ThatFriday,sheandBonnieandMeredithdecidedtosleepoverattheMcCulloughs’.TheskywasgrayandthreateningtodrizzleassheandMeredithwalkedtoBonnie’shouse.Itwasunusuallychillyformid-October,andthetreesliningthequietstreethadalreadyfeltthenipofcoldwinds.Themapleswereablazeofscarlet,whiletheginkgoeswereradiantyellow.

Bonniegreetedthematthedoorwith:“Everybody’sgone!We’llhavethewholehousetoourselvesuntiltomorrowafternoon,whenmyfamilygetsbackfromLeesburg.”Shebeckonedtheminside,grabbingfortheoverfedPekingesethatwastryingtogetout.“No,Yangtze,stayin.Yangtze,no,don’t!No!”

Butitwastoolate.Yangtzehadescapedandwasdashingthroughthefrontyarduptothesinglebirchtree,whereheyappedshrillyupintothebranches,rollsoffatonhisbackjiggling.

“Oh,what’sheafternow?”saidBonnie,puttingherhandsoverherears.

“Itlookslikeacrow,”saidMeredith.

Elenastiffened.Shetookafewstepstowardthetree,lookingupintothegoldenleaves.Andthereitwas.Thesamecrowshehadseentwicebefore.Perhapsthreetimesbefore,shethought,rememberingthedarkshapewingingupfromtheoaktreesinthecemetery.

Asshelookedatitshefeltherstomachclenchinfearandherhandsgrowcold.Itwasstaringatheragainwithitsbrightblackeye,analmosthumanstare.Thateye…wherehadsheseenaneyelikethatbefore?

Suddenlyallthreegirlsjumpedbackasthecrowgaveaharshcroakandthrasheditswings,burstingoutofthetreetowardthem.Atthelastmomentitswoopeddowninsteadonthelittledog,whichwasnowbarkinghysterically.Itcamewithininchesofcanineteethandthensoaredbackupagain,flyingoverthehousetodisappearintotheblackwalnuttreesbeyond.

Thethreegirlsstoodfrozeninastonishment.ThenBonnieandMeredithlookedateachother,andthetensionshatteredinnervouslaughter.

“ForamomentIthoughthewascomingforus,”saidBonnie,goingovertotheoutragedPekingeseanddragginghim,stillbarking,backintothehouse.

“SodidI,”saidElenaquietly.Andasshefollowedherfriendsinside,shedidnotjoininthelaughter.

OncesheandMeredithhadputtheirthingsaway,however,theeveningfellintoafamiliarpattern.ItwashardtokeepholdofheruneasinesssittinginBonnie’sclutteredlivingroombesidearoaringfire,withacupofhotchocolateinherhand.SoonthethreeofthemwerediscussingthefinalplansfortheHauntedHouse,andsherelaxed.

“We’reinprettygoodshape,”saidMeredithatlast.“Ofcourse,we’vespentsomuchtimefiguringouteveryoneelse’scostumesthatwehaven’teventhoughtaboutourown.”

“Mine’seasy,”saidBonnie.“I’mgoingtobeadruidpriestess,andIonlyneeda

garlandofoakleavesinmyhairandsomewhiterobes.MaryandIcansewitinonenight.”

“IthinkI’llbeawitch,”saidMerediththoughtfully.“Allthattakesisalongblackdress.Whataboutyou,Elena?”

Elenasmiled.“Well,itwassupposedtobeasecret,but…AuntJudithletmegotoadressmaker.IfoundapictureofaRenaissancegowninoneofthebooksIusedformyoralreport,andwe’rehavingitcopied.It’sVenetiansilk,iceblue,andit’sabsolutelybeautiful.”

“Itsoundsbeautiful,”Bonniesaid.“Andexpensive.”

“I’musingmyownmoneyfrommyparents’trust.IjusthopeStefanlikesit.It’sasurpriseforhim,and…well,Ijusthopehelikesit.”

“What’sStefangoingtobe?IshehelpingwiththeHauntedHouse?”saidBonniecuriously.

“Idon’tknow,”Elenasaidafteramoment.“Hedoesn’tseemtoothrilledwiththewholeHalloweenthing.”

“It’shardtoseehimallwrappedupintornsheetsandcoveredwithfakebloodliketheotherguys,”agreedMeredith.“Heseems…well,toodignifiedforthat.”

“Iknow!”saidBonnie.“Iknowexactlywhathecanbe,andhe’llhardlyhavetodressupatall.Look,he’sforeign,he’ssortofpale,hehasthatwonderfulbroodinglook…Puthimintailsandyou’vegotaperfectCountDracula!”

Elenasmiledinspiteofherself.“Well,I’llaskhim,”shesaid.

“SpeakingofStefan,”saidMeredith,herdarkeyesonElena’s,“howarethingsgoing?”

Elenasighed,lookingawayintothefire.“I’m…notsure,”shesaidatlast,slowly.“Therearetimeswheneverythingiswonderful,andthenthereareothertimeswhen…”

MeredithandBonnieexchangedaglance,andthenMeredithspokegently.“Othertimeswhenwhat?”

Elenahesitated,debating.Thenshecametoadecision.“Justasec,”shesaid,andgotupandhurriedupthestairs.Shecamebackdownwithasmallbluevelvetbookinherhands.

“IwrotesomeofitdownlastnightwhenIcouldn’tsleep,”shesaid.“ThissaysitbetterthanIcouldnow.”Shefoundthepage,tookadeepbreath,andbegan:

“October17

“DearDiary,

“Ifeelawfultonight.AndIhavetoshareitwithsomeone.

“SomethingisgoingwrongwithStefanandme.ThereisthisterriblesadnessinsidehimthatIcan’treach,andit’sdrivingusapart.Idon’tknowwhattodo.

“Ican’tbearthethoughtoflosinghim.Buthe’ssoveryunhappyaboutsomething,andifhewon’ttellmewhatitis,ifhewon’ttrustmethatmuch,Idon’tseeanyhopeforus.

“YesterdaywhenhewasholdingmeIfeltsomethingsmoothandroundunderneathhisshirt,somethingonachain.Iaskedhim,teasingly,ifitwasagiftfromCaroline.Andhejustfrozeandwouldn’ttalkanymore.Itwasasifheweresuddenlyathousandmilesaway,andhiseyes…therewassomuchpaininhiseyesthatIcouldhardlystandit.”

Elenastoppedreadingandtracedthelastlineswritteninthejournalsilentlywithhereyes.Ifeelasifsomeonehashurthimterriblyinthepastandhe’snevergotoverit.ButIalsothinkthere’ssomethinghe’safraidof,somesecrethe’safraidI’llfindout.IfIonlyknewwhatthatwas,Icouldprovetohimthathecantrustme.Thathecantrustmenomatterwhathappens,totheend.

“IfonlyIknew,”shewhispered.

“Ifonlyyouknewwhat?”saidMeredith,andElenalookedup,startled.

“Oh–ifonlyIknewwhatwasgoingtohappen,”shesaidquickly,closingthediary.“Imean,ifIknewweweregoingtobreakupeventually,IsupposeI’djustwanttogetitoverwith.AndifIknewitwasgoingtoturnoutallrightintheend,Iwouldn’tmindanythingthathappensnow.Butjustgoingdayafterdaywithoutbeingsureisawful.”

Bonniebitherlip,thensatup,eyessparkling.“Icanshowyouawaytofindout,Elena,”shesaid.“Mygrandmothertoldmethewaytofindoutwhoyou’regoingtomarry.It’scalledadumbsupper.”

“Letmeguess,anolddruidtrick,”saidMeredith.

“Idon’tknowhowolditis,”saidBonnie.“Mygrandmothersaystherehavealwaysbeendumbsuppers.Anyway,itworks.Mymothersawmyfather’simagewhenshetriedit,andamonthlatertheyweremarried.It’seasy,Elena;andwhathaveyougottolose?”

ElenalookedfromBonnietoMeredith.“Idon’tknow,”shesaid.“But,look,youdon’treallybelieve…”

Bonniedrewherselfupwithaffronteddignity.“Areyoucallingmymotheraliar?Oh,comeon,Elena,there’snoharmintrying.Whynot?”

“WhatwouldIhavetodo?”saidElenadoubtfully.Shefeltstrangelyintrigued,butatthesametimeratherfrightened.

“It’ssimple.Wehavetogeteverythingreadybeforethestrokeofmidnight…”

Fiveminutesbeforemidnight,ElenastoodintheMcCulloughs’diningroom,feelingmorefoolishthananythingelse.Fromthebackyard,shecouldhearYangtze’sfranticbarking,butinsidethehousetherewasnosoundexcepttheunhurriedtickofthegrandfatherclock.FollowingBonnie’sinstructions,shehadsetthebigblackwalnuttablewithoneplate,oneglass,andonesetofsilverware,allthetimenotsayingaword.Thenshehadlitasinglecandleinacandleholderinthecenterofthetable,andpositionedherselfbehindthechairwiththeplacesetting.

AccordingtoBonnie,onthestrokeofmidnightshewassupposedtopullthechairbackandinviteherfuturehusbandin.Atthatpoint,thecandlewouldblowoutandshewould

seeaghostlyfigureinthechair.

Earlier,she’dbeenalittleuneasyaboutthis,uncertainthatshewantedtoseeanyghostlyfigures,evenofherhusband-to-be.Butjustnowthewholethingseemedsillyandharmless.Astheclockbegantochime,shestraightenedupandgotabettergriponthechairback.Bonniehadtoldhernottoletgountiltheceremonywasover.

Oh,thiswassilly.Maybeshewouldn’tsaythewords…butwhentheclockstartedtotolloutthehour,sheheardherselfspeaking.

“Comein,”shesaidself-consciouslytotheemptyroom,drawingoutthechair.“Comein,comein…”

Thecandlewentout.

Elenastartedinthesuddendarkness.She’dfeltthewind,acoldgustthathadblownoutthecandle.ItcamefromtheFrenchdoorsbehindher,andsheturnedquickly,onehandstillonthechair.Shewouldhaveswornthosedoorswereshut.

Somethingmovedinthedarkness.

TerrorwashedthroughElena,sweepingawayherself-consciousnessandanytraceofamusement.Oh,God,whathadshedone,whathadshebroughtonherself?Herheartcontractedandshefeltasifshehadbeenplunged,withoutwarning,intohermostdreadfulnightmare.Itwasnotonlydarkbututterlysilent;therewasnothingtoseeandnothingtohear,andshewasfalling…

“Allowme,”saidavoice,andabrightflamesputteredinthedarkness.

Foraterrible,sickeninginstantshethoughtitwasTyler,rememberinghislighterintheruinedchurchonthehill.Butasthecandleonthetablesprangtolife,shesawthepale,longfingeredhandthatheldit.NotTyler’sbeefyredfist.ShethoughtforaninstantitwasStefan’s,andthenhereyesliftedtotheface.

“You!”shesaid,astounded.“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoinghere?”ShelookedfromhimtotheFrenchdoors,whichwereindeedopen,showingthesidelawn.“Doyoualwaysjustwalkintootherpeople’shousesuninvited?”

“Butyouaskedmetocomein.”Hisvoicewasassherememberedit,quiet,ironicalandamused.Sherememberedthesmile,too.“Thankyou,”headded,andgracefullysatdowninthechairshehaddrawnout.

Shesnatchedherhandofftheback.“Iwasn’tinvitingyou,”shesaidhelplessly,caughtbetweenindignationandembarrassment.“WhatwereyoudoinghangingaroundoutsideBonnie’shouse?”

Hesmiled.Inthecandlelight,hisblackhairshonealmostlikeliquid,toosoftandfineforhumanhair.Hisfacewasverypale,butatthesametimeutterlycompelling.Andhiseyescaughtherownandheldthem.

”‘Helen,thybeautyistome/LikethoseNiceanbarksofyore/Thatgently,overaperfumedsea…’“

“Ithinkyou’dbetterleavenow.”Shedidn’twanthimtotalkanymore.Hisvoicedidstrangethingstoher,madeherfeeloddlyweak,startedameltinginherstomach.“You

shouldn’tbehere.Please.”Shereachedforthecandle,meaningtotakeitandleavehim,fightingoffthedizzinessthatthreatenedtoovercomeher.

Butbeforeshecouldgraspit,hedidsomethingextraordinary.Hecaughtherreachinghand,notroughlybutgently,andhelditinhiscoolslenderfingers.Thenheturnedherhandover,benthisdarkhead,andkissedherpalm.

“Don’t…”whisperedElena,stunned.

“Comewithme,”hesaid,andlookedupintohereyes.

“Pleasedon’t…”shewhisperedagain,theworldswimmingaroundher.Hewasmad;whatwashetalkingabout?Comewithhimwhere?Butshefeltsodizzy,sofaint.

Hewasstanding,supportingher.Sheleanedagainsthim,feltthosecoolfingersonthefirstbuttonoftheshirtatherthroat,“Please,no…”

“It’sallright.You’llsee.”Hepulledtheshirtawayfromherneck,hisotherhandbehindherhead.

“No.”Suddenly,strengthreturnedtoher,andshejerkedawayfromhim,stumblingagainstthechair.“Itoldyoutoleave,andImeantit.Getout–now!”

Foraninstant,purefurysurgedinhiseyes,adarkwaveofmenace.Thentheywentcalmandcoldandhesmiled,aswift,brilliantsmilethatheturnedoffagaininstantly.

“I’llleave,”hesaid.“Forthemoment.”

SheshookherheadandwatchedhimgoouttheFrenchdoorswithoutspeaking.Whentheyhadshutbehindhim,shestoodinthesilence,tryingtogetherbreath.

Thesilence…butitshouldn’tbesilent.Sheturnedtowardthegrandfatherclockinbewildermentandsawthatithadstopped.Butbeforeshecouldexamineitclosely,sheheardMeredith’sandBonnie’sraisedvoices.

Shehurriedoutintothehall,feelingtheunaccustomedweaknessinherlegs,pullinghershirtbackupandbuttoningit.Thebackdoorwasopen,andshecouldseetwofiguresoutside,stoopingoversomethingonthelawn.

“Bonnie?Meredith?What’swrong?”

BonnielookedupasElenareachedthem.Hereyeswerefilledwithtears.“Oh,Elena,he’sdead.”

Withachillofhorror,ElenastareddownatthelittlebundleatBonnie’sfeet.ItwasthePekingese,lyingverystifflyonhisside,eyesopen.“Oh,Bonnie,”shesaid.

“Hewasold,”saidBonnie,“butIneverexpectedhimtogothisquickly.Justalittlewhileago,hewasbarking.”

“Ithinkwe’dbettergoinside,”saidMeredith,andElenalookedupatherandnodded.Tonightwasnotanighttobeoutinthedark.Itwasnotanighttoinvitethingsinside,either.Sheknewthatnow,althoughshestilldidn’tunderstandwhathadhappened.

Itwaswhentheygotbackinthelivingroomthatshefoundherdiarywasmissing.

Stefanliftedhisheadfromthevelvet-softneckofthedoe.Thewoodswerefilledwithnightnoises,andhecouldn’tbesurewhichhaddisturbedhim.

WiththePowerofhisminddistracted,thedeerrousedfromitstrance.Hefeltmusclesquiverasshetriedtogetherfeetunderher.

Go,then,hethought,sittingbackandreleasingherentirely.Withatwistandaheave,shewasupandrunning.

He’dhadenough.Fastidious,helickedatthecornersofhismouth,feelinghiscanineteethretractandblunt,oversensitiveasalwaysafteraprolongedfeed.Itwashardtoknowwhatenoughwasanymore.Therehadbeennospellsofdizzinesssincetheonebesidethechurch,buthelivedinfearoftheirreturn.

Helivedinonespecificfear:thathewouldcometohissensesoneday,hismindreelingwithconfusion,tofindElena’sgracefulbodylimpinhisarms,herslimthroatmarkedwithtworedwounds,herheartstilledforever.

Thatwaswhathehadtolookforwardto.

Thebloodlust,withallitsmyriadterrorsandpleasures,wasamysterytohimevennow.Althoughhehadlivedwithiteverydayforcenturies,hestilldidnotunderstandit.Asalivinghuman,hewouldnodoubthavebeendisgusted,sickened,bythethoughtofdrinkingtherichwarmstuffdirectlyfromabreathingbody.Thatis,ifsomeonehadproposedsuchathingtohiminsomanywords.

Butnowordshadbeenusedthatnight,thenightKatherinehadchangedhim.

Evenafteralltheseyears,thememorywasclear.Hehadbeenasleepwhensheappearedinhischamber,movingassoftlyasavisionoraghost.Hehadbeenasleep,alone…

Shewaswearingafinelinenshiftwhenshecametohim.

Itwasthenightbeforethedayshehadnamed,thedaywhenshewouldannounceherchoice.Andshecametohim.

Awhitehandpartedthecurtainsaroundhisbed,andStefanwokefromsleep,sittingupinalarm.Whenhesawher,palegoldenhairgleamingabouthershoulders,blueeyeslostinshadow,hewasstrucksilentwithamazement.

Andwithlove.Hehadneverseenanythingmorebeautifulinhislife.Hetrembledandtriedtospeak,butsheputtwocoolfingersoverhislips.

“Hush,”shewhispered,andthebedsankundernewweightasshegotin.

Hisfaceflamed,hisheartwasthunderingwithembarrassmentandwithexcitement.Therehadneverbeenawomaninhisbedbefore.AndthiswasKatherine,Katherinewhosebeautyseemedtocomefromheaven,Katherinewhomhelovedmorethanhisownsoul.

Andbecausehelovedher,hemadeagreateffort.Assheslippedunderthesheets,drawingsoneartohimthathecouldfeelthecoolfreshnessofnightairinherthinshift,hemanagedtospeak.

“Katherine,”hewhispered.“We–Icanwait.Untilwearemarriedinthechurch.Iwillhavemyfatherarrangeitnextweek.It–itwillnotbelong…”

“Hush,”shewhisperedagain,andhefeltthatcoolnessonhisskin.Hecouldn’thelphimself;heputhisarmsaroundher,holdinghertohim.

“Whatwedonowhasnothingtodowiththat,”shesaid,andreachedoutherslimfingerstostrokehisthroat.

Heunderstood.Andfeltaflashoffear,whichdisappearedasherfingerswentonstroking.Hewantedthis,wantedanythingthatwouldlethimbewithKatherine.

“Lieback,mylove,”shewhispered.

Mylove.Thewordssangthroughhimashelaybackonthepillow,tiltinghischinbacksothathisthroatwasexposed.Hisfearwasgone,replacedbyahappinesssogreatthathethoughtitwouldshatterhim.

Hefeltthesoftbrushofherhaironhischest,andtriedtocalmhisbreathing.Hefeltherbreathonhisthroat,andthenherlips.Andthenherteeth.

Therewasastingingpain,butheheldhimselfstillandmadenosound,thinkingonlyofKatherine,ofhowhewishedtogivetoher.Andalmostatoncethepaineased,andhefeltthebloodbeingdrawnfromhisbody.Itwasnotterrible,ashehadfeared.Itwasafeelingofgiving,ofnurturing.

Thenitwasasiftheirmindsweremerging,becomingone.HecouldfeelKatherine’sjoyindrinkingfromhim,herdelightintakingthewarmbloodthatgaveherlife.Andheknewshecouldfeelhisdelightingiving.Butrealitywasreceding,theboundariesbetweendreamsandwakingbecomingblurred.Hecouldnotthinkclearly;hecouldnotthinkatall.Hecouldonlyfeel,andhisfeelingswerespiralingupandup,carryinghimhigherandhigher,breakinghislasttieswithearth.

Sometimelater,withoutknowinghowhehadgottenthere,hefoundhimselfinherarms.Shewascradlinghimlikeamotherholdinganinfantchild,guidinghismouthtorestonthebarefleshjustabovethelowneckofhernightshift.Therewasatinywoundthere,acutshowingdarkagainstthepaleskin.Hefeltnofearorhesitation,andwhenshestrokedhishairencouragingly,hebegantosuck.

Coldandprecise,Stefanbrusheddirtoffhisknees.Thehumanworldwasasleep,lostinstupor,buthisownsenseswereknife-keen.Heshouldhavebeensated,buthewashungryagain;thememoryhadwakenedhisappetite.Nostrilsflaringwidetocatchthemuskyscentoffox,hebegantohunt.

ChapterTwelve

Elenarevolvedslowlybeforethefull-lengthmirrorinAuntJudith’sbedroom.Margaretsatatthefootofthebigfour-posterbed,herblueeyeslargeandsolemnwithadmiration.

“IwishIhadadresslikethatfortrick-or-treat,”shesaid.

“Ilikeyoubestasalittlewhitecat,”saidElena,droppingakissbetweenthewhitevelvetearsattachedtoMargaret’sheadband.Thensheturnedtoheraunt,whostoodbythedoorwithneedleandthreadready.“It’sperfect,”shesaidwarmly.“Wedon’thavetochangeathing.”

ThegirlinthemirrorcouldhavesteppedoutofoneofElena’sbooksontheItalianRenaissance.Herthroatandshoulderswerebare,andthetightbodiceoftheice-bluedressshowedoffhertinywaist.Thelong,fullsleeveswereslashedsothatthewhitesilkofthechemiseunderneathshowedthrough,andthewide,sweepingskirtjustbrushedthefloorallaroundher.Itwasabeautifuldress,andthepaleclearblueseemedtoheightenthedarkerblueofElena’seyes.

Assheturnedaway,Elena’sgazefellontheold-fashionedpendulumclockabovethedresser.“Oh,no–it’salmostseven.Stefanwillbehereanyminute.”

“That’shiscarnow,”saidAuntJudith,glancingoutthewindow.“I’llgodownandlethimin.”

“That’sallright,”saidElenabriefly.“I’llmeethimmyself.Good-bye,haveagoodtimetrick-or-treating!”Shehurrieddownthestairs.

Heregoes,shethought.Asshereachedforthedoorknob,shewasremindedofthatday,nearlytwomonthsagonow,whenshe’dsteppeddirectlyintoStefan’spathinEuropeanHistoryclass.She’dhadthissamefeelingofanticipation,ofexcitementandtension.

Ijusthopethisturnsoutbetterthanthatplandid,shethought.Forthelastweekandahalf,she’dpinnedherhopestothismoment,tothisnight.IfsheandStefandidn’tcometogethertonight,theyneverwould.

Thedoorswungopen,andshesteppedbackwithhereyesdown,feelingalmostshy,afraidtoseeStefan’sface.Butwhensheheardhissharpindrawnbreath,shelookedupquickly–andfeltherheartgocold.

Hewasstaringatherinwonder,yes.Butitwasnotthewonderingjoyshe’dseeninhiseyesthatfirstnightinhisroom.Thiswassomethingclosertoshock.

“Youdon’tlikeit,”shewhispered,horrifiedatthestinginginhereyes.

Herecoveredswiftly,asalways,blinkingandshakinghishead.“No,no,it’sbeautiful.You’rebeautiful.”

Thenwhyareyoustandingtherelookingasifyou’dseenaghost?shethought.Whydon’tyouholdme,kissme–something!

“Youlookwonderful,”shesaidquietly.Anditwastrue;hewassleekandhandsomeinthetuxandcapehe’ddonnedforhispart.Shewassurprisedhe’dagreedtoit,butwhenshe’dmadethesuggestionhe’dseemedmoreamusedthananythingelse.Justnow,helookedelegantandcomfortable,asifsuchclotheswereasnaturalashisusualjeans.

“We’dbettergo,”hesaid,equallyquietandserious.

Elenanoddedandwentwithhimtothecar,butherheartwasnolongermerelycold;itwasice.Hewasfurtherawayfromherthanever,andshehadnoideahowtogethimback.

Thundergrowledoverheadastheydrovetothehighschool,andElenaglancedoutofthecarwindowwithdulldismay.Thecloudcoverwasthickanddark,althoughithadn’tactuallybeguntorainyet.Theairhadacharged,electricfeel,andthesullenpurplethunderheadsgavetheskyanightmarishlook.ItwasaperfectatmosphereforHalloween,menacingandotherworldly,butitwokeonlydreadinElena.SincethatnightatBonnie’s,she’dlostherappreciationfortheeerieanduncanny.

Herdiaryhadneverturnedup,althoughthey’dsearchedBonnie’shousetoptobottom.Shestillcouldn’tbelievethatitwasreallygone,andtheideaofastrangerreadinghermostprivatethoughtsmadeherfeelwildinside.Because,ofcourse,ithadbeenstolen;whatotherexplanationwasthere?MorethanonedoorhadbeenopenthatnightattheMcCulloughhouse;someonecouldhavejustwalkedin.Shewantedtokillwhoeverhaddoneit.

Avisionofdarkeyesrosebeforeher.Thatboy,theboyshe’dalmostgivenintoatBonnie’shouse,theboywho’dmadeherforgetStefan.Washetheone?

Sherousedherselfastheypulleduptotheschoolandforcedherselftosmileastheymadetheirwaythroughthehalls.Thegymwasbarelyorganizedchaos.InthehoursinceElenahadleft,everythinghadchanged.Then,theplacehadbeenfullofseniors:StudentCouncilmembers,footballplayers,theKeyClub,allputtingthefinishingtouchesonpropsandscenery.Nowitwasfullofstrangers,mostofthemnotevenhuman.

SeveralzombiesturnedasElenacamein,theirgrinningskullsvisiblethroughtherottingfleshoftheirfaces.Agrotesquelydeformedhunchbacklimpedtowardher,alongwithacorpsewithlividwhiteskinandholloweyes.Fromanotherdirectioncameawerewolf,itssnarlingmuzzlecoveredwithblood,andadarkanddramaticwitch.

Elenarealized,withajolt,thatshecouldn’trecognizehalfthesepeopleintheircostumes.Thentheywerearoundher,admiringtheice-bluegown,announcingproblemsthathaddevelopedalready.Elenawavedthemquietandturnedtowardthewitch,whoselongdarkhairfloweddownthebackofatight-fittingblackdress.

“Whatisit,Meredith?”shesaid.

“CoachLyman’ssick,”Meredithrepliedgrimly,“sosomebodygotTannertosubstitute.”

“Mr.Tanner?”Elenawashorrified.

“Yes,andhe’smakingtroublealready.PoorBonnie’sjustabouthadit.You’dbettergetoverthere.”

Elenasighedandnodded,thenmadeherwayalongthetwistingrouteoftheHauntedHousetour.AsshepassedthroughthegrislyTortureChamberandtheghastlyMadSlasherRoom,shethoughttheyhadalmostbuilttoowell.Thisplacewasunnervingeveninthelight.

TheDruidRoomwasneartheexit.There,acardboardStonehengehadbeenconstructed.Buttheprettylittledruidpriestesswhostoodamongtheratherrealistic-lookingmonolithswearingwhiterobesandanoak-leafgarlandlookedreadytoburstintotears.

“Butyou’vegottoweartheblood,”shewassayingpleadingly.“It’spartofthescene;you’reasacrifice.”

“Wearingtheseridiculousrobesisbadenough,”repliedTannershortly.“NooneinformedmeIwasgoingtohavetosmearsyrupallovermyself.”

“Itdoesn’treallygetonyou,”saidBonnie.“It’sjustontherobesandonthealtar.You’reasacrifice,”sherepeated,asifsomehowthiswouldconvincehim.

“Asforthat,”saidMr.Tannerindisgust,“theaccuracyofthiswholesetupishighlysuspect.Contrarytopopularbelief,thedruidsdidnotbuildStonehenge;itwasbuiltbyaBronzeAgeculturethat–”

Elenasteppedforward.“Mr.Tanner,thatisn’treallythepoint.”

“No,itwouldn’tbe,toyou,”hesaid.“Whichiswhyyouandyourneuroticfriendherearebothfailinghistory.”

“That’suncalledfor,”saidavoice,andElenalookedquicklyoverhershoulderatStefan.

“MisterSalvatore,”saidTanner,pronouncingthewordsasiftheymeantNowmydayiscomplete.“Isupposeyouhavesomenewwordsofwisdomtooffer.Orareyougoingtogivemeablackeye?”HisgazetraveledoverStefan,whostoodthere,unconsciouslyelegantinhisperfectlytailoredtux,andElenafeltasuddenshockofinsight.

Tannerisn’treallythatmucholderthanweare,shethought.Helooksoldbecauseofthatrecedinghairline,butI’llbethe’sinhistwenties.Then,forsomereason,sherememberedhowTannerhadlookedatHomecoming,inhischeapandshinysuitthatdidn’tfitwell.

I’llbetheneverevenmadeittohisownhomecoming,shethought.And,forthefirsttime,shefeltsomethinglikesympathyforhim.

PerhapsStefanfeltit,too,foralthoughhesteppedrightuptothelittleman,standingfaceto-facewithhim,hisvoicewasquiet.“No,I’mnot.Ithinkthiswholethingisgettingblownoutofproportion.Whydon’t…”Elenacouldn’theartherest,buthewasspeakinginlow,calmingtones,andMr.Tanneractuallyseemedtobelistening.Sheglancedbackatthecrowdthathadgatheredbehindher:fourorfiveghouls,thewerewolf,agorilla,andahunchback.

“Allright,everything’sundercontrol,”shesaid,andtheydispersed.Stefanwastakingcareofthings,althoughshewasnotsurehow,sinceshecouldseeonlythebackofhishead.

Thebackofhishead…Foraninstant,animageflashedbeforeherofthefirstdayofschool.OfhowStefanhadstoodintheofficetalkingtoMrs.Clarke,thesecretary,andofhowoddlyMrs.Clarkehadacted.Sureenough,whenElenalookedatMr.Tannernow,heworethesameslightlydazedexpression.Elenafeltaslowrippleofdisquiet.

“Comeon,”shesaidtoBonnie.“Let’sgoupfront.”

TheycutstraightthroughtheAlienLandingRoomandtheLivingDeadRoom,slippingbetweenthepartitions,comingoutinthefirstroomwherevisitorswouldenterandbegreetedbyawerewolf.ThewerewolfhadtakenhisheadoffandwastalkingtoacoupleofmummiesandanEgyptianprincess.

ElenahadtoadmitthatCarolinelookedgoodasCleopatra,thelinesofthatbronzedbodyfranklyvisiblethroughthesheerlinensheathshewore.Matt,thewerewolf,couldhardlybeblamedifhiseyeskeptstrayingdownwardfromCaroline’sface.

“How’sitgoinghere?”saidElenawithforcedlightness.

Mattstartedslightly,thenturnedtowardherandBonnie.ElenahadscarcelyseenhimsincethenightofHomecoming,andsheknewthatheandStefanhaddrawnapart,too.Becauseofher.AndthoughMattcouldhardlybeblamedforthat,either,shecouldtellhowmuchithurtStefan.

“Everything’sfine,”saidMatt,lookinguncomfortable.

“WhenStefanfinisheswithTanner,IthinkI’llsendhimuphere,”Elenasaid.“Hecanhelpbringpeoplein.”

Mattliftedoneshoulderindifferently.Thenhesaid,“FinisheswhatwithTanner?”

Elenalookedathiminsurprise.Shecouldhaveswornhe’dbeenintheDruidRoomaminuteagotoseeit.Sheexplained.

Outside,thunderrumbledagain,andthroughtheopendoorElenasawaflashlightthenightsky.Therewasanother,louderclapofthunderafewsecondslater.

“Ihopeitdoesn’train,”Bonniesaid.

“Yes,”saidCaroline,whohadbeenstandingsilentwhileElenaspoketoMatt.“Itwouldbesuchapityifnobodycame.”

ElenaglancedathersharplyandsawopenhatredinCaroline’snarrow,catlikeeyes.

“Caroline,”shesaidimpulsively,“look.Can’tyouandIcallitquits?Can’tweforgetwhat’shappenedandstartover?”

Underthecobraonherforehead,Caroline’seyeswidenedandthenslittedagain.Hermouthtwisted,andshesteppedclosertoElena.

“Iwillneverforget,”shesaid,andthensheturnedandleft.

Therewasasilence,BonnieandMattlookingatthefloor.Elenasteppedovertothe

doorwaytofeelcoolaironhercheeks.Outsideshecouldseethefieldandthetossingbranchesoftheoaktreesbeyond,andonceagainshewasovercomewiththatstrangefeelingofforeboding.Tonight’sthenight,shethoughtwretchedly.Tonight’sthenightwhenitallhappens.Butwhat“it”was,shehadnoidea.

Avoicesoundedthroughthetransformedgym.“Allright,they’reabouttoletthelineinfromtheparkinglot.Cutthelights,Ed!”Suddenly,gloomdescendedandtheairwasfilledwithgroansandmaniacallaughter,likeanorchestratuningup.Elenasighedandturned.

“Bettergetreadytostartherdingthemthrough,”shetoldBonniequietly.Bonnienoddedanddisappearedintothedarkness.Matthaddonnedhiswerewolfhead,andwasturningonatapedeckthataddedeeriemusictothecacophony.

Stefancamearoundthecorner,hishairandclothingmeltingintothedarkness.Onlyhiswhiteshirtfrontshowedupclearly.“EverythingworkedoutwithTanner,”hesaid.“IsthereanythingelseIcando?”

“Well,youcouldworkhere,withMatt,bringingpeoplein…”Elena’svoicetrailedoff.Mattwasbentoverthetapedeck,minutelyadjustingthevolume,notlookingup.ElenalookedatStefanandsawhisfacewastightandblank.“Oryoucouldgointotheboys’lockerroomandbeinchargeofcoffeeandthingsfortheworkers,”shefinishedtiredly.

“I’llgotothelockerroom,”hesaid.Asheturnedaway,shenoticedaslightfalteringinhisstep.

“Stefan?Areyouallright?”

“Fine,”hesaid,recoveringhisbalance.“Alittletired,that’sall.”Shewatchedhimgo,herchestfeelingheaviereveryminute.

SheturnedtoMatt,meaningtosaysomethingtohim,butatthatmomentthelineofvisitorsreachedthedoor.

“Show’son,”hesaid,andcrouchedintheshadows.

Elenamovedfromroomtoroom,troubleshooting.Inyearsbefore,shehadenjoyedthispartofthenightthemost,watchingthegruesomescenesbeingactedoutandthedeliciousterrorofthevisitors,buttonighttherewasafeelingofdreadandtensionunderlyingallherthoughts.Tonight’sthenight,shethoughtagain,andtheiceinherchestseemedtothicken.

AGrimReaper–oratleastthatwaswhatshesupposedthehoodedfigureinblackrobeswas–passedbyher,andshefoundherselfabsent-mindedlytryingtorememberifshehadseenitatanyoftheHalloweenparties.Therewassomethingfamiliaraboutthewaythefiguremoved.

Bonnieexchangedaharassedsmilewiththetall,slenderwitchwhowasdirectingtraffic

intotheSpiderRoom.Severaljuniorhighboyswereslappingatthedanglingrubberspidersandshoutingandgenerallymakinganuisanceofthemselves.BonniehustledthemonintotheDruidRoom.

Herethestrobelightsgavethesceneadreamlikequality.BonniefeltagrimtriumphtoseeMr.Tannerstretchedoutonthestonealtar,hiswhiterobesheavilystainedwithblood,hiseyesglaringattheceiling.

“Cool!”shoutedoneoftheboys,racinguptothealtar.Bonniestoodbackandgrinned,waitingforthebloodysacrificetorearupandscarethewitsoutofthekid.

ButMr.Tannerdidn’tmove,evenwhentheboyplungedahandintothepoolofbloodbythesacrifice’shead.

That’sstrange,Bonniethought,hurryinguptopreventthekidfromgrabbingthesacrificialknife.

“Don’tdothat,”shesnapped,sohehelduphisgoryhandinstead,anditshowedredineverysharpflashofthestrobe.BonniefeltasuddenirrationalfearthatMr.Tannerwasgoingtowaituntilshebentoverhimandthenmakeherjump.Buthejustkeptstaringattheceiling.

“Mr.Tanner,areyouokay?Mr.Tanner?Mr.Tanner!”

Notamovement,notasound.Notaflickerofthosewidewhiteeyes.Don’ttouchhim,somethinginBonnie’smindtoldhersuddenlyandurgently.Don’ttouchhimdon’ttouchhimdon’ttouch…

Underthestrobelightsshesawherownhandmoveforward,sawitgraspMr.Tanner’sshoulderandshakeit,sawhisheadflopbonelesslytowardher.Thenshesawhisthroat.

Thenshebegantoscream.

Elenaheardthescreams.TheywereshrillandsustainedandunlikeanyothersoundsintheHauntedHouse,andsheknewatoncethattheywerenojoke.

Everythingafterthatwasanightmare.

ReachingtheDruidRoomatarun,shesawatableau,butnottheonepreparedforvisitors.Bonniewasscreaming,Meredithholdinghershoulders.Threeyoungboysweretryingtogetoutofthecurtainedexit,andtwobouncerswerelookingin,blockingtheirway.Mr.Tannerwaslyingonthestonealtar,sprawledout,andhisface…

“He’sdead,”Bonniewassobbing,thescreamsturningintowords.“Oh,God,theblood’sreal,andhe’sdead.Itouchedhim,Elena,andhe’sdead,he’sreallydead…”

Peoplewerecoiningintotheroom.Someoneelsebeganscreaminganditspread,andtheneveryonewastryingtogetout,pushingeachotherinpanic,knockingintothepartitions.

“Getthelightson!”Elenashouted,andheardtheshouttakenupbyothers.“Meredith,quick,gettoaphoneinthegymandcallanambulance,callthepolice…Getthoselights

on!”

Whenthelightssnappedon,Elenalookedaround,butshecouldseenoadults,nooneentitledtotakechargeofthesituation.Partofherwasice-cold,hermindracingasittriedtothinkwhattodonext.Partofherwassimplynumbwithhorror.Mr.Tanner…Shehadneverlikedhim,butsomehowthatonlymadeitworse.

“Getallthekidsoutofhere.Everybodybutstaffout,”shesaid.

“No!Shutthedoors!Don’tletanybodyoutuntilthepolicegethere,”shoutedawerewolfbesideher,takingoffhismask.ElenaturnedinastonishmentatthevoiceandsawthatitwasnotMatt,itwasTylerSmallwood.

He’dbeenallowedbackinschoolonlythisweek,andhisfacewasstilldiscoloredfromthebeatinghehadtakenatStefan’shands.Buthisvoicehadtheringofauthority,andElenasawthebouncersclosetheexitdoor.Sheheardanotherdoorcloseacrossthegym.

OfthedozenorsopeoplecrowdedintotheStonehengearea,Elenarecognizedonlyoneasaworker.Therestwerepeoplesheknewfromschool,butnonesheknewwell.Oneofthem,aboydressedasapirate,spoketoTyler.

“Youmean…youthinksomebodyinheredidit?”

“Somebodyinheredidit,allright,”saidTyler.Therewasaqueer,excitedsoundtohisvoice,asifhewerealmostenjoyingthis.Hegesturedtothepoolofbloodontherock.“That’sstillliquid;itcan’thavehappenedtoolongago.Andlookatthewayhisthroat’scut.Thekillermusthavedoneitwiththat.”Hepointedtothesacrificialknife.

“Thenthekillermightbehererightnow,”whisperedagirlinakimono.

“Andit’snothardtoguesswhoitis,”saidTyler.“SomebodywhohatedTanner,whowasalwaysgettinginargumentswithhim.Somebodywhowasarguingwithhimearliertonight.Isawit.”

Soyouwerethewerewolfinthisroom,thoughtElenadazedly.Butwhatwereyoudoinghereinthefirstplace?You’renotonstaff.

“Somebodywhohasahistoryofviolence,”Tylerwascontinuing,hislipsdrawingbackfromhisteeth.“Somebodywho,forallweknow,isapsychopathwhocametoFell’sChurchjusttokill.”

“Tyler,whatareyoutalkingabout?”Elena’sdazedfeelinghadburstlikeabubble.Furious,shesteppedtowardthetall,huskyboy.“You’recrazy!”

Hegesturedatherwithoutlookingather.“Sosayshisgirlfriend–butmaybeshe’salittleprejudiced.”

“Andmaybeyou’realittleprejudiced,Tyler,”saidavoicefrombehindthecrowd,andElenasawasecondwerewolfpushinghiswayintotheroom.Matt.

“Oh,yeah?Well,whydon’tyoutelluswhatyouknowaboutSalvatore?Wheredoeshecomefrom?Where’shisfamily?Wheredidhegetallthatmoney?”Tylerturnedtoaddresstherestofthecrowd.“Whoknowsanythingabouthim?”

Peoplewereshakingtheirheads.Elenacouldsee,infaceafterface,distrust

blossoming.Thedistrustofanythingunknown,anythingdifferent.AndStefanwasdifferent.Hewasthestrangerintheirmidst,andjustnowtheyneededascapegoat.

Thegirlinthekimonobegan,“Iheardarumor–“

“That’sallanybody’sheard,rumors!”Tylersaid.“Noonereallyknowsathingabouthim.Butthere’sonethingIdoknow.TheattacksinFell’sChurchstartedthefirstweekofschool–whichwastheweekStefanSalvatorecame.”

Therewasaswellingmurmuratthis,andElenaherselffeltashockofrealization.Ofcourse,itwasallridiculous,itwasjustacoincidence.ButwhatTylerwassayingwastrue.TheattackshadstartedwhenStefanarrived.

“I’lltellyousomethingelse,”shoutedTyler,gesturingatthemtobequiet.“Listentome!I’lltellyousomethingelse!”Hewaiteduntileveryonewaslookingathimandthensaidslowly,impressively,“HewasinthecemeterythenightVickieBennettwasattacked.”

“Surehewasinthecemetery–rearrangingyourface,”saidMatt,buthisvoicelackeditsusualstrength.Tylergrabbedthecommentandranwithit.

“Yes,andhealmostkilledme.AndtonightsomebodydidkillTanner.Idon’tknowwhatyouthink,butIthinkhedidit.Ithinkhe’stheone!”

“Butwhereishe?”shoutedsomeonefromthecrowd.

Tylerlookedaround.“Ifhedidit,hemuststillbehere,”heshouted.“Let’sfindhim.”

“Stefanhasn’tdoneanything!Tyler–”criedElena,butthenoisefromthecrowdoverrodeher.Tyler’swordswerebeingtakenupandrepeated.Findhim…findhim…findhim.Elenahearditpassfrompersontoperson.AndthefacesintheStonehengeRoomwerefilledwithmorethandistrustnow;Elenacouldseeangerandathirstforvengeanceinthem,too.Thecrowdhadturnedintosomethingugly,somethingbeyondcontrolling.

“Whereishe,Elena?”saidTyler,andshesawtheblazingtriumphinhiseyes.Hewasenjoyingthis.

“Idon’tknow,”shesaidfiercely,wantingtohithim.

“Hemuststillbehere!Findhim!”someoneshouted,andthenitseemedeveryonewasmoving,pointing,pushing,atonce.Partitionswerebeingknockeddownandshovedaside.

Elena’sheartwaspounding.Thiswasnolongeracrowd;itwasamob.ShewasterrifiedofwhattheywoulddotoStefaniftheydidfindhim.Butifshetriedtogowarnhim,shewouldleadTylerrighttohim.

Shelookedarounddesperately.BonniewasstillstaringintoMr.Tanner’sdeadface.Nohelpthere.Sheturnedtoscanthecrowdagain,andhereyesmetMatt’s.

Hewaslookingconfusedandangry,hisblondhairruffledup,cheeksflushedandsweaty.Elenaputallherstrengthofwillintoalookofpleading.

Please,Matt,shethought.Youcan’tbelieveallthis.Youknowitisn’ttrue.

Buthiseyesshowedthathedidn’tknow.Therewasatumultofbewildermentand

agitationinthem.

Please,thoughtElena,gazingintothoseblueeyes,willinghimtounderstand.Oh,please,Matt,onlyyoucansavehim.Evenifyoudon’tbelieve,pleasetrytotrust…please…

Shesawthechangecomeoverhisface,theconfusionliftingasgrimdeterminationappeared.Hestaredatheranothermoment,eyesboringintohers,andnoddedonce.Thenheturnedandslippedintothemilling,huntingcrowd.

Mattknifedthroughthecrowdcleanlyuntilhegottotheothersideofthegym.Thereweresomefreshmenstandingnearthedoortotheboys’lockerroom;hebrusquelyorderedthemtostartmovingfallenpartitions,andwhentheirattentionwasdistractedhejerkedthedooropenandduckedinside.

Helookedaroundquickly,unwillingtoshout.Forthatmatter,hethought,Stefanmusthaveheardalltheracketgoingoninthegym.He’dprobablyalreadycutout.ButthenMattsawtheblack-cladfigureonthewhitetilefloor.

“Stefan!Whathappened?”Foraterribleinstant,Mattthoughthewaslookingdownonaseconddeadbody.ButashekneltbyStefan’sside,hesawmovement.

“Hey,you’reokay,justsitupslowly…easy.Areyouallright,Stefan?”

“Yes,”saidStefan.Hedidn’tlookokay,Mattthought.Hisfacewasdeadwhiteandhispupilsweredilatedhugely.Helookeddisorientedandsick.“Thankyou,”hesaid.

“Youmaynotthankmeinaminute.Stefan,you’vegottogetoutofhere.Can’tyouhearthem?They’reafteryou.”

Stefanturnedtowardthegym,asiflistening.Buttherewasnocomprehensiononhisface.“Who’safterme?Why?”

“Everybody.Itdoesn’tmatter.Whatmattersisthatyou’vegottogetoutbeforetheycomeinhere.”AsStefancontinuedsimplytostareblankly,headded,“There’sbeenanotherattack,thistimeonTanner,Mr.Tanner.He’sdead,Stefan,andtheythinkyoudidit.”

Now,atlast,hesawunderstandingcometoStefan’seyes.UnderstandingandhorrorandakindofresigneddefeatthatwasmorefrighteningthananythingMatthadseentonight.HegrippedStefan’sshoulderhard.

“Iknowyoudidn’t,”hesaid,andatthatmomentitwastrue.“They’llrealizethat,too,whentheycanthinkagain.Butmeanwhile,you’dbettergetout.”

“Getout…yes,”saidStefan.Thelookofdisorientationwasgone,andtherewasasearingbitternessinthewayhepronouncedthewords.“Iwill…getout.”

“Stefan…”

“Matt.”Thegreeneyesweredarkandburning,andMattfoundhecouldnotlookawayfromthem.“IsElenasafe?Good.Then,takecareofher.Please.”

“Stefan,whatareyoutalkingabout?You’reinnocent;thiswillallblowover…”

“Justtakecareofher,Matt.”

Mattsteppedback,stilllookingintothosecompellinggreeneyes.Then,slowly,henodded.

“Iwill,”hesaidquietly.AndwatchedStefango.

ChapterThirteen

Elenastoodwithinthecircleofadultsandpolice,waitingforachancetoescape.SheknewthatMatthadwarnedStefanintime–hisfacetoldherthat–buthehadn’tbeenabletogetcloseenoughtospeakwithher.

Atlast,withallattentionturnedtowardthebody,shedetachedherselffromthegroupandedgedtowardMatt.

“Stefangotoutallright,”hesaid,hiseyesonthegroupofadults.“Buthetoldmetotakecareofyou,andIwantyoutostayhere.”

“Totakecareofme?”AlarmandsuspicionflashedthroughElena.Then,almostinawhisper,shesaid,“Isee.”Shethoughtamomentandthenspokecarefully.“Matt,Ineedtogowashmyhands.Bonniegotbloodonme.Waithere;I’llbeback.”

Hestartedtosaysomethinginprotest,butshewasalreadymovingaway.Sheheldupherstainedhandsinexplanationasshereachedthedoorofthegirls’lockerroom,andtheteacherwhowasnowstandingthereletherthrough.Onceinthelockerroom,however,shekeptongoing,rightoutthefardoorandintothedarkenedschool.Andfromthere,intothenight.

Zuccone!Stefanthought,grabbingabookcaseandflingingitover,sendingitscontentsflying.Fool!Blind,hatefulfool.Howcouldhehavebeensostupid?

Findaplacewiththemhere?Beacceptedasoneofthem?Hemusthavebeenmadtohavethoughtitwaspossible.

Hepickeduponeofthegreatheavytrunksandthrewitacrosstheroom,whereitcrashedagainstthefarwall,splinteringawindow.Stupid,stupid.

Whowasafterhim?Everybody.Matthadsaidit.“There’sbeenanotherattack…Theythinkyoudidit.”

Well,foronceitlookedasifthebarbari,thepettylivinghumanswiththeirfearofanythingunknown,wereright.Howelsedidyouexplainwhathadhappened?Hehadfelttheweakness,thespinning,swirlingconfusion;andthendarknesshadtakenhim.Whenhe’dawakeneditwastohearMattsayingthatanotherhumanhadbeenpillaged,assaulted.Robbedthistimenotonlyofhisblood,butofhislife.Howdidyouexplainthatunlesshe,

Stefan,werethekiller?

Akillerwaswhathewas.Evil.Acreatureborninthedark,destinedtoliveandhuntandhidethereforever.Well,whynotkill,then?Whynotfulfillhisnature?Sincehecouldnotchangeit,hemightaswellrevelinit.Hewouldunleashhisdarknessuponthistownthathatedhim,thathuntedhimevennow.

Butfirst…hewasthirsty.Hisveinsburnedlikeanetworkofdry,hotwires.Heneededtofeed…soon…now.

Theboardinghousewasdark.Elenaknockedatthedoorbutreceivednoanswer.Thundercrackedoverhead.Therewasstillnorain.

Afterthethirdbarrageofknocking,shetriedthedoor,anditopened.Inside,thehousewassilentandpitchblack.Shemadeherwaytothestaircasebyfeelandwentupit.

Thesecondlandingwasjustasdark,andshestumbled,tryingtofindthebedroomwiththestairwaytothethirdfloor.Afaintlightshowedatthetopofthestairs,andsheclimbedtowardit,feelingoppressedbythewalls,whichseemedtocloseinonherfromeitherside.

Thelightcamefrombeneaththecloseddoor.Elenatappedonitlightlyandquickly.“Stefan,”shewhispered,andthenshecalledmoreloudly,“Stefan,it’sme.”

Noanswer.Shegraspedtheknobandpushedthedooropen,peeringaroundtheside.“Stefan–“

Shewasspeakingtoanemptyroom.

Andaroomfilledwithchaos.Itlookedasifsomegreatwindhadtornthrough,leavingdestructioninitspath.Thetrunksthathadstoodincornerssosedatelywerelyingatgrotesqueangles,theirlidsgapingopen,theircontentsstrewnaboutthefloor.Onewindowwasshattered.AllStefan’spossessions,allthethingshehadkeptsocarefullyandseemedtoprize,werescatteredlikerubbish.

TerrorsweptthroughElena.Thefury,theviolenceinthissceneofdevastationwerepainfullyclear,andtheymadeherfeelalmostgiddy.Somebodywhohasahistoryofviolence,Tylerhadsaid.

Idon’tcare,shethought,angersurginguptopushbackthefear.Idon’tcareaboutanything,Stefan;Istillwanttoseeyou.Butwhereareyou?

Thetrapdoorintheceilingwasopen,andcoldairwasblowingdown.Oh,thoughtElena,andshehadasuddenchilloffear.Thatroofwassohigh…

She’dneverclimbedtheladdertothewidow’swalkbefore,andherlongskirtmadeitdifficult.Sheemergedthroughthetrapdoorslowly,kneelingontheroofandthenstandingup.Shesawadarkfigureinthecorner,andshemovedtowarditquickly.

“Stefan,Ihadtocome–”shebegan,andbrokeoffshort,becauseaflashoflightninglittheskyjustasthefigureinthecornerwhirledaround.Andthenitwasasifeveryforebodingandfearandnightmareshe’deverhadwerecomingtrueallatonce.Itwasbeyondscreamingat;itwasbeyondanything.

Oh,God…no.Hermindrefusedtomakesenseofwhathereyeswereseeing.No.No.Shewouldn’tlookatthis,shewouldn’tbelieveit…

Butshecouldnothelpseeing.Evenifshecouldhaveshuthereyes,everydetailofthescenewasetcheduponhermemory.Asiftheflashoflightninghadseareditontoherbrainforever.

Stefan.Stefan,sosleekandelegantinhisordinaryclothes,inhisblackleatherjacketwiththecollarturnedup.Stefan,withhisdarkhairlikeoneoftheroilingstormcloudsbehindhim.Stefanhadbeencaughtinthatflashoflight,halfturnedtowardher,hisbodytwistedintoabestialcrouch,withasnarlofanimalfuryonhisface.

Andblood.Thatarrogant,sensitive,sensualmouthwassmearedwithblood.Itshowedghastlyredagainstthepallorofhisskin,againstthesharpwhitenessofhisbaredteeth.Inhishandswasthelimpbodyofamourningdove,whiteasthoseteeth,wingsoutspread.Anotherlayonthegroundathisfeet,likeacrumpledanddiscardedhandkerchief.

“Oh,God,no,”Elenawhispered.Shewentonwhisperingit,backingaway,scarcelyawarethatshewasdoingeither.Hermindsimplycouldnotcopewiththishorror;herthoughtswererunningwildlyinpanic,likemicetryingtoescapeacage.Shewouldn’tbelievethis,shewouldn’tbelieve.Herbodywasfilledwithunbearabletension,herheartwasbursting,herheadreeling.

“Oh,God,no–“

“Elena!”Moreterriblethananythingelsewasthis,toseeStefanlookingatheroutofthatanimalface,toseethesnarlchangingintoalookofshockanddesperation.“Elena,please.Please,don’t…”

“Oh,God,no!”Thescreamsweretryingtoriptheirwayoutofherthroat.Shebackedfartheraway,stumbling,ashetookasteptowardher.“No!”

“Elena,please–becareful–”Thatterriblething,thethingwithStefan’sface,wascomingafterher,greeneyesburning.Sheflungherselfbackwardashetookanotherstep,hishandoutstretched.Thatlong,slender-fingeredhandthathadstrokedherhairsogently–

“Don’ttouchme!”shecried.Andthenshedidscream,ashermotionbroughtherbackagainsttheironrailingofthewidow’swalk.Itwasironthathadbeentherefornearlyacenturyandahalf,andinplacesitwasnearlyrustedthrough.Elena’spanickedweightagainstitwastoomuch,andshefeltitgiveway.Sheheardthetearingsoundofoverstressedmetalandwoodminglingwithherownshriek.Andthentherewasnothingbehindher,nothingtograbonto,andshewasfalling.

Inthatinstant,shesawtheseethingpurpleclouds,thedarkbulkofthehousebesideher.Itseemedthatshehadenoughtimetoseethemclearly,andtofeelaninfinityofterrorasshescreamedandfell,andfell.

Buttheterrible,shatteringimpactnevercame.Suddenlytherewerearmsaroundher,supportingherinthevoid.Therewasadullthudandthearmstightened,weightgivingagainsther,absorbingthecrash.Thenallwasstill.

Sheheldherselfmotionlesswithinthecircleofthosearms,tryingtogetherbearings.

Tryingtobelieveyetanotherunbelievablething.Shehadfallenfromathree-storyroof,andyetshewasalive.Shewasstandinginthegardenbehindtheboardinghouse,intheuttersilencebetweenclapsofthunder,withfallenleavesonthegroundwhereherbrokenbodyshouldbe.

Slowly,shebroughthergazeupwardtothefaceoftheonewhoheldher.Stefan.

Therehadbeentoomuchfear,toomanyblowstonight.Shecouldreactnolonger.Shecouldonlystareupathimwithakindofwonder.

Therewassuchsadnessinhiseyes.Thoseeyesthathadburnedlikegreenicewerenowdarkandempty,hopeless.Thesamelookthatshe’dseenthatfirstnightinhisroom,onlynowitwasworse.Fornowtherewasself-hatredmixedwiththesorrow,andbittercondemnation.Shecouldn’tbearit.

“Stefan,”shewhispered,feelingthatsadnessenterherownsoul.Shecouldstillseethetingeofredonhislips,butnowitawakenedathrillofpityalongwiththeinstinctivehorror.Tobesoalone,soalienandsoalone…

“Oh,Stefan,”shewhispered.

Therewasnoanswerinthosebleak,losteyes.“Come,”hesaidquietly,andledherbacktowardthehouse.

Stefanfeltarushofshameastheyreachedthethirdstoryandthedestructionthatwashisroom.ThatElena,ofallpeople,shouldseethiswasinsupportable.Butthen,perhapsitwasalsofittingthatsheshouldseewhathetrulywas,whathecoulddo.

Shemovedslowly,dazedlytothebedandsat.Thenshelookedupathim,hershadowedeyesmeetinghis.“Tellme,”wasallshesaid.

Helaughedshortly,withouthumor,andsawherflinch.Itmadehimhatehimselfmore.“Whatdoyouneedtoknow?”hesaid.Heputafootonthelidofanoverturnedtrunkandfacedheralmostdefiantly,indicatingtheroomwithagesture.“Whodidthis?Idid.”

“You’restrong,”shesaid,hereyesonacapsizedtrunk.Hergazeliftedupward,asifshewererememberingwhathadhappenedontheroof.“Andquick.”

“Strongerthanahuman,”hesaid,withdeliberateemphasisonthelastword.Whydidn’tshecringefromhimnow,whydidn’tshelookathimwiththeloathinghehadseenbefore?Hedidn’tcarewhatshethoughtanylonger.“Myreflexesarefaster,andI’mmoreresilient.Ihavetobe.I’mahunter,”hesaidharshly.

Somethinginherlookmadehimrememberhowshehadinterruptedhim.Hewipedhismouthwiththebackofhishand,thenwentquicklytopickupaglassofwaterthatstoodunharmedonthenightstand.Hecouldfeelhereyesonhimashedrankitandwipedhismouthagain.Oh,hestillcaredwhatshethought,allright.

“Youcaneatanddrink…otherthings,”shesaid.

“Idon’tneedto,”hesaidquietly,feelingwearyandsubdued.“Idon’tneedanythingelse.”Hewhippedaroundsuddenlyandfeltpassionateintensityriseinhimagain.“You

saidIwasquick–butthat’sjustwhatI’mnot.Haveyoueverheardthesaying‘thequickandthedead,’Elena?Quickmeansliving;itmeansthosewhohavelife.I’mtheotherhalf.”

Hecouldseethatshewastrembling.Buthervoicewascalm,andhereyesneverlefthis.“Tellme,”shesaidagain.“Stefan,Ihavearighttoknow.”

Herecognizedthosewords.Andtheywereastrueaswhenshehadfirstsaidthem.“Yes,Isupposeyoudo,”hesaid,andhisvoicewastiredandhard.Hestaredatthebrokenwindowforafewheartbeatsandthenlookedbackatherandspokeflatly.“Iwasborninthelatefifteenthcentury.Doyoubelievethat?”

Shelookedattheobjectsthatlaywherehe’dscatteredthemfromthebureauwithonefurioussweepofhisarm.Theflorins,theagatecup,hisdagger.“Yes,”shesaidsoftly.“Yes,Ibelieveit.”

“Andyouwanttoknowmore?HowIcametobewhatIam?”Whenshenodded,heturnedtothewindowagain.Howcouldhetellher?He,whohadavoidedquestionsforsolong,whohadbecomesuchanexpertathidinganddeceiving.

Therewasonlyoneway,andthatwastotelltheabsolutetruth,concealingnothing.Tolayitallbeforeher,whathehadneverofferedtoanyothersoul.

Andhewantedtodoit.Eventhoughheknewitwouldmakeherturnawayfromhimintheend,heneededtoshowElenawhathewas.

Andso,staringintothedarknessoutsidethewindow,whereflashesofbluebrillianceoccasionallylitthesky,hebegan.

Hespokedispassionately,withoutemotion,carefullychoosinghiswords.Hetoldherofhisfather,thatsolidRenaissanceman,andofhisworldinFlorenceandattheircountryestate.Hetoldherofhisstudiesandhisambitions.Ofhisbrother,whowassodifferentthanhe,andoftheillfeelingbetweenthem.

“Idon’tknowwhenDamonstartedhatingme,”hesaid.“Itwasalwaysthatway,aslongasIcanremember.Maybeitwasbecausemymotherneverreallyrecoveredfrommybirth.Shediedafewyearslater.Damonlovedherverymuch,andIalwayshadthefeelingthatheblamedme.”Hepausedandswallowed.“Andthen,later,therewasagirl.”

“TheoneIremindyouof?”Elenasaidsoftly.Henodded.“Theone,”shesaid,morehesitantly,“whogaveyouthering?”

Heglanceddownatthesilverringonhisfinger,thenmethereyes.Then,slowly,hedrewouttheringheworeonthechainbeneathhisshirtandlookedatit.

“Yes.Thiswasherring,”hesaid.“Withoutsuchatalisman,wedieinsunlightasifinafire.”

“Thenshewas…likeyou?”

“ShemademewhatIam.”Haltingly,hetoldheraboutKatherine.AboutKatherine’sbeautyandsweetness,andabouthisloveforher.AndaboutDamon’s.

“Shewastoogentle,filledwithtoomuchaffection,”hesaidatlast,painfully.“Shegaveittoeveryone,includingmybrother.Butfinally,wetoldhershehadtochoose

betweenus.Andthen…shecametome.”

Thememoryofthatnight,ofthatsweet,terriblenightcamesweepingback.Shehadcometohim.Andhehadbeensohappy,sofullofaweandjoy.HetriedtotellElenaaboutthat,tofindthewords.Allthatnighthehadbeensohappy,andeventhenextmorning,whenhehadawakenedandshewasgone,hehadbeenthronedonhighestbliss…

Itmightalmosthavebeenadream,butthetwolittlewoundsonhisneckwerereal.Hewassurprisedtofindthattheydidnothurtandthattheyseemedtobepartiallyhealedalready.Theywerehiddenbythehighneckofhisshirt.

Herbloodburnedinhisveinsnow,hethought,andtheverywordsmadehisheartrace.Shehadgivenherstrengthtohim;shehadchosenhim.

HeevenhadasmileforDamonwhentheymetatthedesignatedplacethatevening.Damonhadbeenabsentfromthehouseallday,butheshowedupinthemeticulouslylandscapedgardenpreciselyontime,andstoodloungingagainstatree,adjustinghiscuff.Katherinewaslate.

“Perhapssheistired,”Stefansuggested,watchingthemelon-coloredskyfadeintodeepmidnightblue.Hetriedtokeeptheshysmugnessfromhisvoice.“Perhapssheneedsmorerestthanusual.”

Damonglancedathimsharply,hisdarkeyespiercingundertheshockofblackhair.“Perhaps,”hesaidonarisingnote,asifhewouldhavesaidmore.

Butthentheyheardalightsteponthepath,andKatherineappearedbetweentheboxhedges.Shewaswearingherwhitegown,andshewasasbeautifulasanangel.

Shehadasmileforbothofthem.Stefanreturnedthesmilepolitely,speakingtheirsecretonlywithhiseyes.Thenhewaited.

“Youaskedmetomakemychoice,”shesaid,lookingfirstathimandthenathisbrother.“AndnowyouhavecomeatthehourIappointed,andIwilltellyouwhatIhavechosen.”

Shehelduphersmallhand,theonewiththeringonit,andStefanlookedatthestone,realizingitwasthesamedeepblueastheeveningsky.ItwasasifKatherinecarriedapieceofthenightwithher,always.

“Youhavebothseenthisring,”shesaidquietly.“AndyouknowthatwithoutitIwoulddie.Itisnoteasytohavesuchtalismansmade,butfortunatelymywomanGudrenisclever.AndtherearemanysilversmithsinFlorence.”

Stefanwaslisteningwithoutcomprehension,butwhensheturnedtohimhesmiledagain,encouragingly.

“Andso,”shesaid,gazingintohiseyes.“Ihavehadapresentmadeforyou.”Shetookhishandandpressedsomethingintoit.Whenhelookedhesawthatitwasaringinthesamefashionasherown,butlargerandheavier,andwroughtinsilverinsteadofgold.

“Youdonotneedityettofacethesun,”shesaidsoftly,smiling.“Butverysoonyouwill.”

Prideandrapturemadehimmute.Hereachedforherhandtokissit,wantingtotakeherintohisarmsrightthen,eveninfrontofDamon.ButKatherinewasturningaway.

“Andforyou,”shesaid,andStefanthoughthisearsmustbebetrayinghim,forsurelythewarmth,thefondnessinKatherine’svoicecouldnotbeforhisbrother,“foryou,also.Youwillneedftverysoonaswell.”

Stefan’seyesmustbetraitors,too.Theywereshowinghimwhatwasimpossible,whatcouldnotbe.IntoDamon’shandKatherinewasputtingaringjustlikehisown.

Thesilencethatfollowedwasabsolute,likethesilenceaftertheworld’sending.

“Katherine–”Stefancouldbarelyforceoutthewords.“Howcanyougivethattohim?Afterwhatweshared–“

“Whatyoushared?”Damon’svoicewaslikethecrackofawhip,andheturnedonStefanangrily.“Lastnightshecametome.Thechoiceisalreadymade.”AndDamonjerkeddownhishighcollartoshowtwotinywoundsinhisthroat.Stefanstaredatthem,fightingdownthebrightsickness.Theywereidenticaltohisownwounds.

Heshookhisheadinutterbewilderment.“But,Katherine…itwasnotadream.Youcametome…”

“Icametobothofyou.”Katherine’svoicewastranquil,evenpleased,andhereyeswereserene.ShesmiledatDamonandthenatStefaninturn.“Ithasweakenedme,butIamsogladIdid.Don’tyousee?”shecontinuedastheystaredather,toostunnedtospeak.“Thisismychoice!Iloveyouboth,andIwillnotgiveeitherofyouup.Nowweallthreewillbetogether,andbehappy.”

“Happy–”Stefanchokedout.

“Yes,happy!Thethreeofuswillbecompanions,joyouscompanions,forever.”Hervoicerosewithelation,andthelightofaradiantchildshoneinhereyes.“Wewillbetogetheralways,neverfeelingsickness,nevergrowingold,untiltheendoftime!Thatismychoice.”

“Happy…withhim?”Damon’svoicewasshakingwithfury,andStefansawthathisnormallyself-containedbrotherwaswhitewithrage.“Withthisboystandingbetweenus,thisprating,mouthingparagonofvirtue?Icanbarelystandthesightofhimnow.IwishtoGodthatIshouldneverseehimagain,neverhearhisvoiceagain!”

“AndIwishthesameofyou,brother,”snarledStefan,hishearttearinginhisbreast.ThiswasDamon’sfault;DamonhadpoisonedKatherine’smindsothatshenolongerknewwhatshewasdoing.“AndIhavehalfamindtomakesureofit,”headdedsavagely.

Damondidnotmistakehismeaning.“Thengetyoursword,ifyoucanfindit,”hehissedback,hiseyesblackwithmenace.

“Damon,Stefan,please!Please,no!”Katherinecried,puttingherselfbetweenthem,catchingStefan’sarm.Shelookedfromonetotheother,herblueeyeswidewithshockandbrightwithunshedtears.“Thinkofwhatyouaresaying.Youarebrothers.”

“Bynofaultofmine,”Damongrated,makingthewordsacurse.

“Butcanyounotmakepeace?Forme,Damon…Stefan?Please.”

PartofStefanwantedtomeltatKatherine’sdesperatelook,athertears.Butwoundedprideandjealousyweretoostrong,andheknewhisfacewasashard,asunyielding,asDamon’s.

“No,”hesaid.“Wecannot.Itmustbeoneortheother,Katherine.Iwillnevershareyouwithhim.”

Katherine’shandfellawayfromhisarm,andthetearsfellfromhereyes,greatdropletsthatsplashedontothewhitegown.Shecaughtherbreathinawrenchingsob.Then,stillweeping,shepickedupherskirtsandran.

“AndthenDamontooktheringshehadgivenhimandputiton,”Stefansaid,hisvoicehoarsewithuseandemotion.“Andhesaidtome,‘I’llhaveheryet,brother.’Andthenhewalkedaway.”Heturned,blinkingasifhe’dcomeintoabrightlightfromthedark,andlookedatElena.

Shewassittingquitestillonthebed,watchinghimwiththoseeyesthatweresomuchlikeKatherine’s.Especiallynow,whentheywerefilledwithsorrowanddread.ButElenadidnotrun.Shespoketohim.

“And…whathappenedthen?”

Stefan’shandsclenchedviolently,reflexively,andhejerkedawayfromthewindow.Notthatmemory.Hecouldnotendurethatmemoryhimself,muchlesstrytospeakit.Howcouldhedothat?HowcouldhetakeElenadownintothatdarknessandshowhertheterriblethingslurkingthere?

“No,”hesaid.“Ican’t.Ican’t.”

“Youhavetotellme,”shesaidsoftly.“Stefan,it’stheendofthestory,isn’tit?That’swhat’sbehindallyourwalls,that’swhatyou’reafraidtoletmesee.Butyoumustletmeseeit.Oh,Stefan,youcan’tstopnow.”

Hecouldfeelthehorrorreachingforhim,theyawningpithehadseensoclearly,feltsoclearlythatdaylongago.Thedaywhenithadallended–whenithadallbegun.

Hefelthishandtaken,andwhenhelookedhesawElena’sfingersclosedaboutit,givinghimwarmth,givinghimstrength.Hereyeswereonhis.“Tellme.”

“Youwanttoknowwhathappenednext,whatbecameofKatherine?”hewhispered.Shenodded,hereyesnearlyblindbutstillsteady.“I’lltellyou,then.Shediedthenextday.MybrotherDamonandI,wekilledher.”

ChapterFourteen

Elenafeltherfleshcreepatthewords.

“Youdon’tmeanthat,”shesaidshakily.Sherememberedwhatshehadseenontheroof,thebloodsmearedonStefan’slips,andsheforcedherselfnottorecoilfromhim.“Stefan,Iknowyou.Youcouldn’thavedonethat…”

Heignoredherprotestations,justwentonstaringwitheyesthatburnedlikethegreeniceatthebottomofaglacier.Hewaslookingthroughher,intosomeincomprehensibledistance.“AsIlayinbedthatnight,Ihopedagainsthopethatshewouldcome.AlreadyIwasnoticingsomeofthechangesinmyself.Icouldseebetterinthedark;itseemedIcouldhearbetter.Ifeltstrongerthaneverbefore,fullofsomeelementalenergy.AndIwashungry.

“ItwasahungerIhadneverimagined.AtdinnerIfoundthatordinaryfoodanddrinkdidnothingtosatisfyit.Icouldn’tunderstandthat.AndthenIsawthewhiteneckofoneoftheservinggirls,andIknewwhy.”Hedrewalongbreath,hiseyesdarkandtortured.“Thatnight,Iresistedtheneed,thoughittookallmywill.IwasthinkingofKatherine,andprayingshewouldcometome.Praying!”Hegaveashortlaugh.“Ifacreaturelikemecanpray.”

Elena’sfingerswerenumbwithinhisgrasp,butshetriedtotightenthem,tosendhimreassurance.“Goon,Stefan.”

Hehadnotroublespeakingnow.Heseemedalmosttohaveforgottenherpresence,asifheweretellingthisstorytohimself.

“Thenextmorningtheneedwasstronger.Itwasasifmyownveinsweredryandcracked,desperateformoisture.IknewthatIcouldn’tstanditforlong.

“IwenttoKatherine’schambers.Imeanttoaskher,topleadwithher–”Hisvoicecracked.Hepausedandthenwenton.“ButDamonwastherealready,waitingoutsideherrooms.Icouldseethathehadn’tresistedtheneed.Theglowofhisskin,thespringinhisstep,toldmethat.Helookedassmugasthecatwho’shadthecream.

“Buthehadn’thadKatherine.‘Knockallyoulike,’hesaidtome,‘butthefemaledragoninsidewon’tletyoupast.I’vetriedalready.Shallweoverpowerher,youandI?’

“Iwouldn’tanswerhim.Thelookonhisface,thatsly,self-satisfiedlook,repelledme.Ipoundedonthatdoortowake…”Hefaltered,andthengaveanotherhumorlesslaugh.“Iwasgoingtosay,‘towakethedead.’Butthedeadaren’tsohardtowakeafterall,arethey?”Afteramoment,hewenton.

“Themaid,Gudren,openedthedoor.Shehadafacelikeaflatwhiteplate,andeyeslikeblackglass.IaskedherifIcouldseehermistress.IexpectedtobetoldthatKatherinewasasleep,butinsteadGudrenjustlookedatme,thenatDamonovermyshoulder.

”‘Iwouldnottellhim,’shesaidatlast,‘butIwilltellyou.MyladyKaterinaisnotwithin.Shewentoutearlythismorning,towalkinthegardens.Shesaidshehadmuchneedofthought.’

“Iwassurprised.‘Earlythismorning?’Isaid.

”‘Yes,’shereplied.ShelookedatbothDamonandmewithoutliking.‘Mymistresswasveryunhappylastnight,’shesaidmeaningfully.‘Allnightlong,shewept.’

“Whenshesaidthat,astrangefeelingcameoverme.Itwasn’tjustshameandgriefthatKatherineshouldbesounhappy.Itwasfear.Iforgotmyhungerandweakness.IevenforgotmyenmityforDamon.Iwasfilledwithhasteandagreatdrivingurgency.IturnedtoDamonandtoldhimthatwehadtofindKatherine,andtomysurprisehejustnodded.

“Webegantosearchthegardens,callingKatherine’sname.Irememberjustwhateverythinglookedlikethatday.Thesunwasshiningonthehighcypresstreesandthepinesinthegarden.DamonandIhurriedbetweenthem,movingmoreandmorequickly,andcalling.Wekeptcallingher…”

ElenacouldfeelthetremorsinStefan’sbody,communicatedtoherthroughhistightlygrippingfingers.Hewasbreathingrapidlybutshallowly.

“WehadalmostreachedtheendofthegardenswhenIrememberedaplacethatKatherinehadloved.Itwasalittlewayoutontothegrounds,alowwallbesidealemontree.Istartedthere,shoutingforher.ButasIgotcloser,Istoppedshouting.Ifelt…afear–aterriblepremonition.AndIknewImustn’t–mustn’tgo–“

“Stefan!”saidElena.Hewashurtingher,hisfingersbitingintoherown,crushingthem.Thetremorsracingthroughhisbodyweregrowing,becomingshudders.“Stefan,please!”

Buthegavenosignthatheheardher.“Itwaslike–anightmare–everythinghappeningsoslowly.Icouldn’tmove–andyetIhadto.Ihadtokeepwalking.Witheachstep,thefeargrewstronger.Icouldsmellit.Asmelllikeburnedfat.Imustn’tgothere–Idon’twanttoseeit–“

Hisvoicehadbecomehighandurgent,hisbreathcomingingasps.Hiseyeswerewideanddilated,likeaterrifiedchild’s.Elenagrippedhisviselikefingerswithherotherhand,enfoldingthemcompletely.“Stefan,it’sallright.You’renotthere.You’reherewithme.”

“Idon’twanttoseeit–butIcan’thelpit.There’ssomethingwhite.Somethingwhiteunderthetree.Don’tmakemelookatit!”

“Stefan,Stefan,lookatme!”

Hewasbeyondhearing.Hiswordscameinheavingspasms,asifhecouldnotcontrolthem,couldnotgetthemoutfastenough.“Ican’tgoanycloser–butIdo.Iseethetree,thewall.Andthatwhite.Behindthetree.Whitewithgoldunderneath.AndthenIknow,Iknow,andI’mmovingtowarditbecauseit’sherdress.Katherine’swhitedress.AndIget

aroundthetreeandIseeitonthegroundandit’strue.It’sKatherine’sdress,”–hisvoiceroseandbrokeinunimaginablehorror–“butKatherineisn’tinit.”

Elenafeltachill,asifherbodyhadbeenplungedintoicewater.Herskinroseingooseflesh,andshetriedtospeaktohimbutcouldn’t.Hewasrattlingonasifhecouldkeeptheterrorawayifhekeptontalking.

“Katherineisn’tthere,somaybeit’sallajoke,butherdressisonthegroundandit’sfullofashes.Liketheashesinthehearth,justlikethat,onlythesesmellofburnedflesh.Theystink.Thesmellismakingmesickandfaint.Besidethesleeveofthedressisapieceofparchment.Andonarock,onarockalittlewayawayisaring.Aringwithabluestone,Katherine’sring.Katherine’sring…”Suddenly,hecalledoutinaterriblevoice,“Katherine,whathaveyoudone?”Thenhefelltohisknees,releasingElena’sfingersatlast,toburyhisfaceinhishands.

Elenaheldhimashewasgrippedbywrackingsobs.Sheheldhisshoulders,pullinghimtoherlap.“Katherinetooktheringoff,”shewhispered.Itwasnotaquestion.“Sheexposedherselftothesun.”

Hisharshsobswentonandon,assheheldhimtothefullskirtsofthebluegown,strokinghisquiveringshoulders.Shemurmurednonsensemeanttosoothehim,pushingawayherownhorror.And,presently,hequietedandliftedhishead.Hespokethickly,butheseemedtohavereturnedtothepresent,tohavecomeback.

“Theparchmentwasanote,formeandforDamon.Itsaidshehadbeenselfish,wantingtohavebothofus.Itsaid–shecouldn’tbeartobethecauseofstrifebetweenus.Shehopedthatonceshewasgonewewouldnolongerhateeachother.Shedidittobringustogether.”

“Oh,Stefan,”whisperedElena.Shefeltburningtearsfillherowneyesinsympathy.“Oh,Stefan,I’msosorry.Butdon’tyousee,afterallthistime,thatwhatKatherinedidwaswrong?Itwasselfish,even,anditwasherchoice.Inaway,ithadnothingtodowithyou,orwithDamon.”

Stefanshookhisheadasiftoshakeoffthetruthofthewords.“Shegaveherlife…forthat.Wekilledher.”Hewassittingupnow.Buthiseyeswerestilldilated,greatdisksofblack,andhehadthelookofasmallbewilderedboy.

“Damoncameupbehindme.Hetookthenoteandreadit.Andthen–Ithinkhewentmad.Wewerebothmad.IhadpickedupKatherine’sring,andhetriedtotakeit.Heshouldn’thave.Westruggled.Wesaidterriblethingstoeachother.Weeachblamedtheotherforwhathadhappened.Idon’trememberhowwegotbacktothehouse,butsuddenlyIhadmysword.Wewerefighting.Iwantedtodestroythatarrogantfaceforever,tokillhim.Iremembermyfathershoutingfromthehouse.Wefoughtharder,tofinishitbeforehereachedus.

“Andwewerewellmatched.ButDamonhadalwaysbeenstronger,andthatdayheseemedfaster,too,asifhehadchangedmorethanIhad.AndsowhilemyfatherwasstillshoutingfromthewindowIfeltDamon’sbladegetpastmyguard.ThenIfeltitentermyheart.”

Elenastared,aghast,buthewentonwithoutpause.“Ifeltthepainofthesteel,Ifeltit

stabthroughme,deep,deepinside.Allthewaythrough,ahardthrust.AndthenthestrengthpouredoutofmeandIfell.Ilaythereonthepavedground.”

HelookedupatElenaandfinishedsimply,“Andthatishow…Idied.”

Elenasatfrozen,asiftheiceshe’dfeltinherchestearliertonighthadfloodedoutandtrappedher.

“Damoncameandstoodovermeandbentdown.Icouldhearmyfather’scriesfromfaraway,andscreamsfromthehousehold,butallIcouldseewasDamon’sface.Thoseblackeyesthatwerelikeamoonlessnight.Iwantedtohurthimforwhathehaddonetome.Foreverythinghehaddonetome,andtoKatherine.”Stefanwasquietamoment,andthenhesaid,almostdreamily,“AndsoIliftedmyswordandIkilledhim.Withthelastofmystrength,Istabbedmybrotherthroughtheheart.”

Thestormhadmovedon,andthroughthebrokenwindowElenacouldhearsoftnightnoises,thechirpofcrickets,thewindsiftingthroughtrees.InStefan’sroom,itwasverystill.

“IknewnothingmoreuntilIwokeupinmytomb,”saidStefan.Heleanedback,awayfromher,andshuthiseyes.Hisfacewaspinchedandweary,butthatawfulchildlikedreaminesswasgone.

“BothDamonandIhadhadjustenoughofKatherine’sbloodtokeepusfromtrulydying.Insteadwechanged.Wewoketogetherinourtomb,dressedinourbestclothing,laidonslabssidebyside.Weweretooweaktohurteachotheranymore;thebloodhadbeenjustbarelyenough.Andwewereconfused.IcalledtoDamon,butheranoutsideintothenight.

“Fortunately,wehadbeenburiedwiththeringsKatherinehadgivenus.AndIfoundherringinmypocket.”Asifunconsciously,Stefanreacheduptostrokethegoldencirclet.“Isupposetheythoughtshehadgivenittome.

“Itriedtogohome.Thatwasstupid.Theservantsscreamedatthesightofmeandrantofetchapriest.Iran,too.IntotheonlyplacewhereIwassafe,intothedark.

“AndthatiswhereI’vestayedeversince.It’swhereIbelong,Elena.IkilledKatherinewithmyprideandmyjealousy,andIkilledDamonwithmyhatred.ButIdidworsethankillmybrother.Idamnedhim.

“Ifhehadn’tdiedthen,withKatherine’sbloodsostronginhisveins,hewouldhavehadachance.Intimethebloodwouldhavegrownweaker,andthenpassedaway.Hewouldhavebecomeanormalhumanagain.Bykillinghimthen,Icondemnedhimtoliveinthenight.Itookawayhisonlychanceofsalvation.”

Stefanlaughedbitterly.“DoyouknowwhatthenameSalvatoremeansinItalian,Elena?Itmeanssalvation,savior.I’mnamedthat,andforSt.Stephen,thefirstChristianmartyr.AndIdamnedmybrothertohell.”

“No,”saidElena.Andthen,inastrongervoice,shesaid,“No,Stefan.Hedamned

himself.Hekilledyou.Butwhathappenedtohimafterthat?”

“ForawhilehejoinedoneoftheFreeCompanies,ruthlessmercenarieswhosebusinesswastorobandplunder.Hewanderedacrossthecountrywiththem,fightinganddrinkingthebloodofhisvictims.

“Iwaslivingbeyondthecitygatesbythen,halfstarved,preyingonanimals,ananimalmyself.Foralongtime,IheardnothingaboutDamon.ThenonedayIheardhisvoiceinmymind.

“HewasstrongerthanI,becausehewasdrinkinghumanblood.Andkilling.Humanshavethestrongestlifeessence,andtheirbloodgivespower.Andwhenthey’rekilled,somehowthelifeessencetheygiveisstrongestofall.It’sasifinthoselastmomentsofterrorandstrugglethesoulisthemostvibrant.BecauseDamonkilledhumans,hewasabletodrawonthePowersmorethanIwas.”

“What…powers?”saidElena.Athoughtwasgrowinginhermind.

“Strength,asyousaid,andquickness.Asharpeningofallthesenses,especiallyatnight.Thosearethebasics.Wecanalso…feelminds.Wecansensetheirpresence,andsometimesthenatureoftheirthoughts.Wecancastconfusionaboutweakerminds,eithertooverwhelmthemortobendthemtoourwill.Thereareothers.Withenoughhumanbloodwecanchangeourshapes,becomeanimals.Andthemoreyoukill,thestrongerallthePowersbecome.”

“Damon’svoiceinmymindwasverystrong.Hesaidhewasnowthecondottieriofhisown‘companyandhewascomingbacktoFlorence.HesaidthatifIwastherewhenhearrivedhewouldkillme.Ibelievedhim,andIleft.I’veseenhimonceortwicesincethen.Thethreatisalwaysthesame,andhe’salwaysmorepowerful.Damon’smadethemostofhisnature,andheseemstogloryinitsdarkestside.”

“Butit’smynature,too.Thesamedarknessisinsideme.IthoughtthatIcouldconquerit,butIwaswrong.That’swhyIcamehere,toFell’sChurch.IthoughtifIsettledinsomesmalltown,farawayfromtheoldmemories,Imightescapethedarkness.Andinstead,tonight,Ikilledaman.”

“No,”saidElenaforcefully.“Idon’tbelievethat,Stefan.”Hisstoryhadfilledherwithhorrorandpity…andfear,too.Sheadmittedthat.Butherdisgusthadvanished,andtherewasonethingshewassureabout.Stefanwasn’tamurderer.“Whathappenedtonight,Stefan?DidyouarguewithTanner?”

“I…don’tremember,”hesaidbleakly.“IusedthePowertopersuadehimtodowhatyouwanted.ThenIleft.ButlaterIfeltthedizzinessandtheweaknesscomeoverme.Asithasbefore.”Helookedupatherdirectly.“Thelasttimeithappenedwasinthecemetery,rightbythechurch,thenightVickieBennettwasattacked.”

“Butyoudidn’tdothat.Youcouldn’thavedonethat…Stefan?”

“Idon’tknow,”hesaidharshly.“Whatotherexplanationisthere?AndIdidtakebloodfromtheoldmanunderthebridge,thatnightyougirlsranawayfromthegraveyard.IwouldhaveswornIdidn’ttakeenoughtoharmhim,buthealmostdied.AndIwastherewhenbothVickieandTannerwereattacked.”

“Butyoudon’trememberattackingthem,”saidElena,relieved.Theideathathadbeengrowinginhermindwasnowalmostacertainty.

“Whatdifferencedoesitmake?Whoelsecouldhavedoneit,ifnotme?”

“Damon,”saidElena.

Heflinched,andshesawhisshoulderstightenagain.“It’sanicethought.Ihopedatfirstthattheremightbesomeexplanationlikethat.Thatitmightbesomeoneelse,someonelikemybrother.ButI’vesearchedwithmymindandfoundnothing,nootherpresence.ThesimplestexplanationisthatI’mthekiller.”

“No,”saidElena,“youdon’tunderstand.Idon’tjustmeanthatsomeonelikeDamonmightdothethingswe’veseen.ImeanDamonishere,inFell’sChurch.I’veseenhim.”

Stefanjuststaredather.

“Itmustbehim,”Elenasaid,takingadeepbreath.“I’veseenhimtwicenow,maybethreetimes.Stefan,youjusttoldmealongstory,andnowI’vegotonetotellyou.”

Asquicklyandsimplyasshecould,shetoldhimaboutwhathadhappenedinthegym,andatBonnie’shouse.HislipstightenedintoawhitelineasshetoldhimhowDamonhadtriedtokissher.Hercheeksgrewhotassherememberedherownresponse,howshehadalmostgivenintohim.ButshetoldStefaneverything.

Aboutthecrow,too,andalltheotherstrangethingsthathadhappenedsinceshehadcomehomefromFrance.

“And,Stefan,IthinkDamonwasattheHauntedHousetonight,”shefinished.“Justafteryoufeltdizzyinthefrontroom,someonepassedme.Hewasdresseduplike–likeDeath,inblackrobesandahood,andIcouldn’tseehisface.Butsomethingaboutthewayhemovedwasfamiliar.Itwashim,Stefan.Damonwasthere.”

“Butthatstillwouldn’texplaintheothertimes.Vickieandtheoldman.Ididtakebloodfromtheoldman.”Stefan’sfacewastaut,asifhewerealmostafraidtohope.

“Butyousaidyourselfyoudidn’ttakeenoughtoharmhim.Stefan,whoknowswhathappenedtothatmanafteryouleft?Wouldn’titbetheeasiestthingintheworldforDamontoattackhimthen?EspeciallyifDamon’sbeenspyingonyouallalong,maybeinsomeotherform…”

“Likeacrow,”murmuredStefan.

“Likeacrow.AndasforVickie…Stefan,yousaidthatyoucancastconfusionoverweakerminds,overpowerthem.Couldn’tthatbewhatDamonwasdoingtoyou?Overpoweringyourmindasyoucanoverpowerahuman’s?”

“Yes,andshieldinghispresencefromme.”TherewasmountingexcitementinStefan’svoice.“That’swhyhehasn’tansweredmycalls.Hewanted–“

“Hewantedjustwhat’shappenedtohappen.Hewantedyoutodoubtyourself,tothinkyouwereakiller.Butitisn’ttrue,Stefan.Oh,Stefan,youknowthatnow,andyoudon’thavetobeafraidanymore.”Shestoodup,feelingjoyandreliefcoursethroughher.Outofthishideousnight,somethingwonderfulhadcome.

“That’swhyyou’vebeensodistantwithme,isn’tit?”shesaid,holdingoutherhandstohim.“Becauseyou’reafraidofwhatyoumightdo.Butthere’snoneedforthatanylonger.”

“Isn’tthere?”Hewasbreathingquicklyagain,andheeyedheroutstretchedhandsasiftheyweretwosnakes.“Youthinkthere’snoreasontobeafraid?Damonmayhaveattackedthosepeople,buthedoesn’tcontrolmythoughts.Andyoudon’tknowwhatI’vethoughtaboutyou.”

Elenakepthervoicelevel.“Youdon’twanttohurtme,”shesaidpositively.

“No?Therehavebeentimes,watchingyouinpublic,whenIcouldscarcelybearnottotouchyou.WhenIwassotemptedbyyourwhitethroat,yourlittlewhitethroatwiththefaintblueveinsbeneaththeskin…”HiseyeswerefixedonherneckinawaythatremindedherofDamon’seyes,andshefeltherheartbeatstepup.“TimeswhenIthoughtIwouldgrabyouandforceyourightthereintheschool.”

“There’snoneedtoforceme,”saidElena.Shecouldfeelherpulseeverywherenow;inherwristsandtheinsideofherelbows–andinherthroat.“I’vemademydecision,Stefan,”shesaidsoftly,holdinghiseyes.“Iwantto.”

Heswallowedthickly.“Youdon’tknowwhatyou’reaskingfor.”

“IthinkIdo.YoutoldmehowitwaswithKatherine,Stefan.Iwantittobelikethatwithus.Idon’tmeanIwantyoutochangeme.Butwecansharealittlewithoutthathappening,can’twe?Iknow,”sheadded,evenmoresoftly,“howmuchyoulovedKatherine.Butshe’sgonenow,andI’mhere.AndIloveyou,Stefan.Iwanttobewithyou.”

“Youdon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout!”Hewasstandingrigid,hisfacefurious,hiseyesanguished.“IfIonceletgo,what’stokeepmefromchangingyou,orkillingyou?Thepassionisstrongerthanyoucanimagine.Don’tyouunderstandyetwhatIam,whatIcando?”

Shestoodthereandlookedathimquietly,herchinraisedslightly.Itseemedtoenragehim.

“Haven’tyouseenenoughyet?OrdoIhavetoshowyoumore?Can’tyoupicturewhatImightdotoyou?”Hestrodeovertothecoldfireplaceandsnatchedoutalongpieceofwood,thickerthanbothElena’swriststogether.Withonemotion,hesnappeditintwolikeamatchstick.“Yourfragilebones,”hesaid.

Acrosstheroomwasapillowfromthebed;hecaughtitupandwithaslashofhisnailsleftthesilkcoverinribbons.“Yoursoftskin.”ThenhemovedtowardElenawithpreternaturalquickness;hewasthereandhadholdofhershouldersbeforesheknewwhatwashappening.Hescaredintoherfaceamoment,then,withasavagehissthatraisedthehairsatthenapeofherneck,drewhislipsback.

Itwasthesamesnarlshe’dseenontheroof,thosewhiteteethbared,thecaninesgrowntounbelievablelengthandsharpness.Theywerethefangsofapredator,ahunter.“Yourwhiteneck,”hesaidinadistortedvoice.

Elenastoodparalyzedanotherinstant,gazingasifcompelledintothatchillingvisage,

andthensomethingdeepinherunconscioustookover.Shereachedupwithintherestrainingcircleofhisarmsandcaughthisfacebetweenhertwohands.Hischeekswerecoolagainstherpalms.Sheheldhimthatway,softly,sosoftly,asiftoreprovehishardgriponherbareshoulders.Andshesawtheconfusionslowlycometohisface,asherealizedshewasnotdoingittofighthimortoshovehimaway.

Elenawaiteduntilthatconfusionreachedhiseyes,shatteringhisgaze,becomingalmostalookofpleading.Sheknewthatherownfacewasfearless,softyetintense,herlipsslightlyparted.Theywerebothbreathingquicklynow,together,inrhythm.Elenacouldfeelitwhenhestartedtoshake,tremblingashehadwhenthememoriesofKatherinehadbecometoomuchtobear.Then,verygentlyanddeliberately,shedrewthatsnarlingmouthdowntoherown.

Hetriedtoopposeher.Buthergentlenesswasstrongerthanallhisinhumanstrength.SheshuthereyesandthoughtonlyofStefan,notofthedreadfulthingsshehadlearnedtonightbutofStefan,whohadstrokedherhairaslightlyasifshemightbreakinhishands.Shethoughtofthat,andshekissedthepredatorymouththathadthreatenedherafewminutesago.

Shefeltthechange,thetransformationinhismouthasheyielded,respondinghelplesslytoher,meetinghersoftkisseswithequalsoftness.ShefelttheshuddergothroughStefan’sbodyasthehardgriponhershoulderssoftened,too,becominganembrace.Andsheknewshe’dwon.

“Youwillneverhurtme,”shewhispered.

Itwasasiftheywerekissingawayallthefearanddesolationandlonelinessinsidethem.Elenafeltpassionsurgethroughherlikesummerlightning,andshecouldsensetheansweringpassioninStefan.Butinfusingeverythingelsewasagentlenessalmostfrighteninginitsintensity.Therewasnoneedforhasteorroughness,ElenathoughtasStefangentlyguidedhertositdown.

Gradually,thekissesgrewmoreurgent,andElenafeltthesummerlightningflickerallthroughherbody,chargingit,makingherheartpoundandherbreathcatch.Itmadeherfeelstrangelysoftanddizzy,madehershuthereyesandletherheadfallbackinabandon.

It’stime,Stefan,shethought.And,verygently,shedrewhismouthdownagain,thistimetoherthroat.Shefelthislipsgrazeherskin,felthisbreathwarmandcoolatonce.Thenshefeltthesharpsting.

Butthepainfadedalmostinstantly.Itwasreplacedbyafeelingofpleasurethatmadehertremble.Agreatrushingsweetnessfilledher,flowingthroughhertoStefan.

Atlastshefoundherselfgazingintohisface,intoafacethatatlasthadnobarriersagainsther,nowalls.Andthelookshesawtheremadeherfeelweak.

“Doyoutrustme?”hewhispered.Andwhenshesimplynodded,heheldhereyesandreachedforsomethingbesidethebed.Itwasthedagger.Sheregardeditwithoutfear,andthenfixedhereyesagainonhisface.

Heneverlookedawayfromherasheunsheatheditandmadeasmallcutatthebaseofhisthroat.Elenalookedatitwide-eyed,atthebloodasbrightashollyberries,butwhen

heurgedherforwardshedidnottrytoresisthim.

Afterwardhejustheldheralongtime,whilethecricketsoutsidemadetheirmusic.Finally,hestirred.

“Iwishyoucouldstayhere,”hewhispered.“Iwishyoucouldstayforever.Butyoucan’t.”

“Iknow,”shesaid,equallyquiet.Theireyesmetagaininsilentcommunion.Therewassomuchtosay,somanyreasonstobetogether.“Tomorrow,”shesaid.Then,leaningagainsthisshoulder,shewhispered,“Whateverhappens,Stefan,I’llbewithyou.Tellmeyoubelievethat.”

Hisvoicewashushed,muffledinherhair.“Oh,Elena,Ibelieveit.Whateverhappens,we’llbetogether.”

ChapterFifteen

AssoonasheleftElenaatherhouse,Stefanwenttothewoods.

HetookOldCreekRoad,drivingunderthesullenclouds-throughwhichnopatchofskycouldbeseen,totheplacewherehehadparkedonthefirstdayofschool.

Leavingthecar,hetriedtoretracehisstepsexactlytotheclearingwherehehadseenthecrow.Hishunter’sinstinctshelpedhim,recallingtheshapeofthisbushandthatknottedroot,untilhestoodintheopenplaceringedwithancientoaktrees.

Here.Underthisblanketofdingy-brownleaves,someoftherabbit’sbonesmightevenremain.

Takingalongbreathtostillhimself,togatherhisPowers,hecastoutaprobing,demandingthought.

Andforthefirsttimesincehe’dcometoFell’sChurch,hefelttheflickerofareply.Butitseemedfaintandwavering,andhecouldnotlocateitinspace.

Hesighedandturnedaround–andstoppeddead.

Damonstoodbeforehim,armscrossedoverhischest,loungingagainstthelargestoaktree.Helookedasifhemighthavebeenthereforhours.

“So,”saidStefanheavily,“itistrue.It’sbeenalongtime,brother.”

“Notaslongasyouthink,brother.”Stefanrememberedthatvoice,thatvelvety,ironicalvoice.“I’vekepttrackofyouovertheyears,”Damonsaidcalmly.Heflickedabitofbarkfromthesleeveofhisleatherjacketascasuallyashehadoncearrangedhisbrocadecuffs.“Butthen,youwouldn’tknowthat,wouldyou?Ah,no,yourPowersareasweakasever.”

“Becareful,Damon,”Stefansaidsoftly,dangerously.“Beverycarefultonight.I’mnotinatolerantmood.”

“St.Stefaninapique?Imagine.You’redistressed,Isuppose,becauseofmylittleexcursionsintoyourterritory.IonlydiditbecauseIwantedtobeclosetoyou.Brothersshouldbeclose.”

“Youkilledtonight.AndyoutriedtomakemethinkI’ddoneit.”

“Areyouquitesureyoudidn’t?Perhapswedidittogether.Careful!”hesaidasStefansteppedtowardhim.“Mymoodisnotthemosttoleranttonight,either.Ionlyhadawizenedlittlehistoryteacher;youhadaprettygirl.”

ThefuryinsideStefancoalesced,seemingtofocusinonebrightburningspot,likeasuninsidehim.“KeepawayfromElena,”hewhisperedwithsuchmenacethatDamonactuallytiltedhisheadbackslightly.“Keepawayfromher,Damon.Iknowyou’vebeenspyingonher,watchingher.Butnomore.Gonearheragainandyou’llregretit.”

“Youalwayswereselfish.Youronefault.Notwillingtoshareanything,areyou?”

Suddenly,Damon’slipscurvedinasingularlybeautifulsmile.“ButfortunatelythelovelyElenaismoregenerous.Didn’tshetellyouaboutourlittleliaisons?Why,thefirsttimewemetshealmostgaveherselftomeonthespot.”

“That’salie!”

“Oh,no,dearbrother.Ineverlieaboutanythingimportant.OrdoImeanunimportant?Anyway,yourbeauteousdamselnearlyswoonedintomyarms.Ithinkshelikesmeninblack.”AsStefanstaredathim,tryingtocontrolhisbreathing,Damonadded,almostgently,“You’rewrongabouther,youknow.Youthinkshe’ssweetanddocile,likeKatherine.Sheisn’t.She’snotyourtypeatall,mysaintlybrother.Shehasaspiritandafireinherthatyouwouldn’tknowwhattodowith.”

“Andyouwould,Isuppose.”

Damonuncrossedhisarmsandslowlysmiledagain.“Oh,yes.”

Stefanwantedtoleapforhim,tosmashthatbeautiful,arrogantsmile,totearDamon’sthroatout.Hesaid,inabarelycontrolledvoice,“You’rerightaboutonething.She’sstrong.Strongenoughtofightyouoff.Andnowthatsheknowswhatyoureallyare,shewill.Allshefeelsforyounowisdisgust.”

Damon’seyebrowslifted.“Doesshe,now?We’llseeaboutthat.Perhapsshe’llfindthatrealdarknessismoretohertastethanfeebletwilight.I,atleast,canadmitthetruthaboutmynature.ButIworryaboutyou,littlebrother.You’relookingweakandill-fed.She’satease,isshe?”

Killhim,somethinginStefan’sminddemanded.Killhim,snaphisneck,riphisthroattobloodyshreds.ButheknewDamonhadfedverywelltonight.Hisbrother’sdarkaurawasswollen,pulsing,almostshiningwiththelifeessencehehadtaken.

“Yes,Idrankdeeply,”Damonsaidpleasantly,asifheknewwhatwasinStefan’smind.Hesighedandranhistongueoverhislipsinsatisfiedremembrance.“Hewassmall,buttherewasasurprisingamountofjuiceinhim.NotprettylikeElena,andhecertainlydidn’tsmellasgood.Butit’salwaysexhilaratingtofeelthenewbloodsinginginsideyou.”Damonbreathedexpansively,steppingawayfromthetreeandlookingaround.Stefanrememberedthosegracefulmovements,too,eachgesturecontrolledandprecise.ThecenturieshadonlyrefinedDamon’snaturalpoise.

“Itmakesmefeellikedoingthis,”saidDamon,movingtoasaplingafewyardsaway.Itwashalfagainastallashewas,andwhenhegraspedithisfingersdidnotmeetaroundthetrunk.ButStefansawthequickbreathandtherippleofmusclesunderDamon’sthinblackshirt,andthenthetreetoreloosefromtheground,itsrootsdangling.Stefancouldsmellthepungentdampnessofdisturbedearth.

“Ididn’tlikeitthereanyway,”saidDamon,andheaveditasfarawayasthestill-entangledrootswouldallow.Thenhesmiledengagingly.“Italsomakesmefeellikedoingthis.”

Therewasashimmerofmotion,andthenDamonwasgone.Stefanlookedaroundbutcouldseenosignofhim.

“Uphere,brother.”Thevoicecamefromoverhead,andwhenStefanlookeduphesaw

Damonperchingamongthespreadingbranchesoftheoaktree.Therewasarustleoftawnybrownleaves,andhedisappearedagain.

“Backhere,brother.”Stefanspunatthetaponhisshoulder,onlytoseenothingbehindhim.“Righthere,brother.”Hespunagain.“No,tryhere.”Furious,Stefanwhippedtheotherway,tryingtocatchholdofDamon.Buthisfingersgraspedonlyair.

Here,Stefan.Thistimethevoicewasinhismind,andthePowerofitshookhimtothecore.Ittookenormousstrengthtoprojectthoughtsthatclearly.Slowly,heturnedaroundoncemore,toseeDamonbackinhisoriginalposition,leaningagainstthebigoaktree.

Butthistimethehumorinthosedarkeyeshadfaded.Theywereblackandfathomless,andDamon’slipsweresetinastraightline.

Whatmoreproofdoyouneed,Stefan?I’masmuchstrongerthanyouasyouarestrongerthanthesepitifulhumans.I’mfasterthanyou,too,andIhaveotherPowersyou’vescarcelyheardof.TheOldPowers,Stefan.AndI’mnotafraidtousethem.Ifyoufightme,I’llusethemagainstyou.

“Isthatwhatyoucameherefor?Totortureme?”

I’vebeenmercifulwithyou,brother.Manytimesyou’vebeenmineforthekilling,butI’vealwayssparedyourlife.Butthistimeisdifferent.Damonsteppedawayfromthetreeagainandspokealoud.“Iamwarningyou,Stefan,don’topposeme.Itdoesn’tmatterwhatIcameherefor.WhatIwantnowisElena.Andifyoutrytostopmefromtakingher,Iwillkillyou.”

“Youcantry,”saidStefan.Thehotpinpointoffuryinsidehimburnedbrighterthanever,pouringforthitsbrilliancelikeawholegalaxyofstars.Heknew,somehow,thatitthreatenedDamon’sdarkness.

“YouthinkIcan’tdoit?Youneverlearn,doyou,littlebrother?”StefanhadjustenoughtimetonoteDamon’swearyshakeoftheheadwhentherewasanotherblurofmotionandhefeltstronghandsseizehim.Hewasfightinginstantly,violently,tryingwithallhisstrengthtothrowthemoff.Buttheywerelikehandsofsteel.

Helashedoutsavagely,tryingtostrikeatthevulnerableareaunderDamon’sjaw.Itdidnogood;hisarmswerepinionedbehindhim,hisbodyimmobilized.Hewasashelplessasabirdundertheclawsofaleanandexpertcat.

Hewentlimpforaninstant,makinghimselfadeadweight,andthenhesuddenlysurgedwithallhismuscles,tryingtobreakfree,tryingtogetablowin.Thecruelhandsonlytightenedonhim,makinghisstrugglesuseless.Pathetic.

Youalwayswerestubborn.Perhapsthiswillconvinceyou.Stefanlookedintohisbrother’sface,paleasthefrosted-glasswindowsattheboardinghouse,andatthoseblackbottomlesseyes.Thenhefeltfingersgrasphishair,jerkhisheadback,exposinghisthroat.

Hisstrugglesredoubled,becamefrantic.Don’tbother,camethevoiceinhishead,andthenhefeltthesharprendingpainofteeth.Hefeltthehumiliationandhelplessnessofthehunter’svictim,ofthehunted,oftheprey.Andthenthepainofbloodbeingdrawnoutagainsthiswill.

Herefusedtogiveintoit,andthepaingrewworse,afeelingasifhissoulwastearinglooselikethesapling.Itstabbedthroughhimlikespearsoffire,concentratingonthepuncturesinhisfleshwhereDamon’steethhadsunkin.Agonyflameduphisjawandcheekanddownhischestandshoulder.Hefeltawaveofvertigoandrealizedhewaslosingconsciousness.

Then,abruptly,thehandsreleasedhimandhefelltotheground,ontoabedofdampandmolderingoakleaves.Gaspingforbreath,hepainfullygottohishandsandknees.

“Yousee,littlebrother,I’mstrongerthanyou.Strongenoughtotakeyou,takeyourbloodandyourlifeifIwishit.LeaveElenatome,orIwill.”

Stefanlookedup.Damonwasstandingwithheadthrownback,legsslightlyapart,likeaconquerorputtinghisfootontheneckoftheconquered.Thosenight-blackeyeswerehotwithtriumph,andStefan’sbloodwasonhislips.

HatredfilledStefan,suchhatredashehadneverknownbefore.ItwasasifallhisearlierhatredofDamonhadbeenadropofwatertothiscrashing,foamingocean.Manytimesinthelastlongcenturieshehadregrettedwhathehaddonetohisbrother,whenhe’dwishedwithallhissoultochangeit.Nowheonlywantedtodoitagain.

“Elenaisnotyours,”hegroundout,gettingtohisfeet,tryingnottoshowwhataneffortitcosthim.“Andsheneverwillbe.”Concentratingoneachstep,puttingonefootinfrontoftheother,hebeganwalkingaway.Hisentirebodyhurt,andtheshamehefeltwasevengreaterthanthephysicalache.Therewerebitsofwetleavesandcrumbsofearthadheringtohisclothes,buthedidnotbrushthemoff.Hefoughttokeepmoving,toholdoutagainsttheweaknessthatlappedathislimbs.

Youneverlearn,brother.

Stefandidnotlookbackortrytoreply.Hegrittedhisteethandkepthislegsmoving.Anotherstep.Andanotherstep.Andanotherstep.

Ifhecouldjustsitdownforamoment,rest…

Anotherstep,andanotherstep.Thecarcouldn’tbefarnow.Leavescrackledunderhisfeet,andthenheheardleavescracklebehindhim.

Hetriedtoturnquickly,buthisreflexeswerealmostgone.Andthesharpmotionwastoomuchforhim.Darknessfilledhim,filledhisbodyandhismind,andhewasfalling.Hefellforeverintotheblackofabsolutenight.Andthen,mercifully,heknewnomore.

ChapterSixteen

ElenahurriedtowardRobertE.Lee,feelingasifshe’dbeenawayfromitforyears.Lastnightseemedlikesomethingfromherdistantchildhood,barelyremembered.Butsheknewthattodaytherewouldbeitsconsequencestoface.

Lastnightshe’dhadtofaceAuntJudith.Heraunthadbeenterriblyupsetwhenneighborshadtoldheraboutthemurder,andevenmoreupsetthatnooneseemedtoknowwhereElenawas.BythetimeElenahadarrivedhomeatnearlytwointhemorning,shehadbeenfranticwithworry.

Elenahadn’tbeenabletoexplain.Shecouldonlysaythatshe’dbeenwithStefan,andthatsheknewhehadbeenaccused,andthatsheknewwasinnocent.Alltherest,everythingelsethathadhappened,shehadhadtokeeptoherself.EvenifAuntJudithhadbelievedit,shewouldneverhaveunderstood.

AndthismorningElenahadsleptin,andnowshewaslate.Thestreetsweredesertedexceptforher,asshehurriedontowardtheschool.Overhead,,theskywasgrayandawindwasrising.ShedesperatelywantedtoseeStefan.Allnight,whileshe’dbeensleepingsoheavily,she’dhadnightmaresabouthim.

Onedreamhadbeenespeciallyreal.InitshesawStefan’spalefaceandhisangry,accusingeyes.Heheldupabooktoherandsaid,“Howcouldyou,Elena?Howcouldyou?”Thenhedroppedthebookatherfeetandwalkedaway.Shecalledafterhim,pleading,buthewentonwalkinguntilhedisappearedindarkness.Whenshelookeddownatthebook,shesawitwasboundindarkbluevelvet.Herdiary.

Aquiverofangerwentthroughherasshethoughtagainofhowherdiaryhadbeenstolen.Butwhatdidthedreammean?WhatwasinherdiarytomakeStefanlooklikethat?

Shedidn’tknow.Allsheknewwasthatsheneededtoseehim,tohearhisvoice,tofeelhisarmsaroundher.Beingawayfromhimwaslikebeingseparatedfromherownflesh.

Sheranupthestepsofthehighschoolintothenearlyemptycorridors.Sheheadedtowardtheforeign-languagewing,becausesheknewthatStefan’sfirstclasswasLatin.Ifshecouldjustseehimforamoment,shewouldbeallright.

Buthewasn’tinclass.Throughthelittlewindowinthedoor,shesawhisemptyseat.Mattwasthere,andtheexpressiononhisfacemadeherfeelmorefrightenedthanever.HekeptglancingatStefan’sdeskwithalookofsickapprehension.

Elenaturnedawayfromthedoormechanically.Likeanautomaton,sheclimbedthe

stairsandwalkedtohertrigonometryclassroom.Assheopenedthedoor,shesaweveryfaceturntowardher,andsheslippedhastilyintotheemptydeskbesideMeredith.

Ms.Halpernstoppedthelessonforamomentandlookedather,thencontinued.Whentheteacherhadturnedbacktotheblackboard,ElenalookedatMeredith.

Meredithreachedovertotakeherhand.“Areyouallright?”shewhispered.

“Idon’tknow,”saidElenastupidly.Shefeltasiftheveryairaroundherwassmotheringher,asiftherewereacrushingweightallaroundher.Meredith’sfingersfeltdryandhot.“Meredith,doyouknowwhat’shappenedtoStefan?”

“Youmeanyoudon’tknow?”Meredith’sdarkeyeswidened,andElenafelttheweightgrowevenmorecrushing.Itwaslikebeingdeep,deepunderwaterwithoutapressuresuit.

“Theyhaven’t…arrestedhim,havethey?”shesaid,forcingthewordsout.

“Elena,it’sworsethanthat.He’sdisappeared.Thepolicewenttotheboardinghouseearlythismorningandhewasn’tthere.Theycametoschool,too,buthenevershoweduptoday.Theysaidthey’dfoundhiscarabandonedoutbyOldCreekRoad.Elena,theythinkhe’sleft,skippedtown,becausehe’sguilty.”

“That’snottrue,”saidElenathroughherteeth.Shesawpeopleturnaroundandlookather,butshewasbeyondcaring.“He’sinnocent!”

“Iknowyouthinkso,Elena,butwhyelsewouldheleave?”

“Hewouldn’t.Hedidn’t.”SomethingwasburninginsideElena,afireofangerthatpushedbackatthecrushingfear.Shewasbreathingraggedly.“Hewouldneverhaveleftofhisownfreewill.”

“Youmeansomeoneforcedhim?Butwho?Tylerwouldn’tdare–“

“Forcedhim,orworse,”Elenainterrupted.Theentireclasswasstaringatthemnow,andMs.Halpernwasopeninghermouth.Elenastoodupsuddenly,lookingatthemwithoutseeing.“Godhelphimifhe’shurtStefan,”shesaid.“Godhelphim.”Thenshewhirledandmadeforthedoor.

“Elena,comeback!Elena!”Shecouldhearshoutsbehindher,Meredith’sandMs.Halpern’s.Shewalkedon,fasterandfaster,seeingonlywhatwasstraightaheadofher,hermindfixedononething.

TheythoughtshewasgoingafterTylerSmallwood.Good.Theycouldwastetheirtimerunninginthewrongdirection.Sheknewwhatshehadtodo.

Shelefttheschool,plungingintothecoldautumnair.Shemovedquickly,legseatingupthedistancebetweentheschoolandtheOldCreekRoad.FromtheresheturnedtowardWickeryBridgeandthegraveyard.

Anicywindwhippedherhairbackandstungherface.Oakleaveswereflyingaroundher,swirlingintheair.Buttheconflagrationinherheartwassearinghotandburnedawaythecold.Sheknewnowwhatatoweringragemeant.Shestrodepastthepurplebeechesandtheweepingwillowsintothecenteroftheoldgraveyardandlookedaroundherwithfeverisheyes.

Above,thecloudswereflowingalonglikealead-grayriver.Thelimbsoftheoaksandbeecheslashedtogetherwildly.Agustthrewhandfulsofleavesintoherface.Itwasasifthegraveyardweretryingtodriveherout,asifitwereshowingheritspower,gatheringitselftodosomethingawfultoher.

Elenaignoredallofit.Shespunaround,herburninggazesearchingbetweentheheadstones.Thensheturnedandshouteddirectlyintothefuryofthewind.Justoneword,buttheonesheknewwouldbringhim.

“Damon!”