That time of year was upon all of Mystic Falls's residents, the highly anticipated Mystic Falls Masquerade Ball. It was only the most important event held each year in honor of the founders of the town many people called home. It used to be held solely for the most prestigious families of Mystic Falls, but when many citizens began to complain, the council more than happily agreed to allow any and everyone to attend. As long as they followed the dress code of course, any old riff raff wouldn't be tolerated.

Elena sat on the edge of the bed, admiring her gown she'd be wearing for the Ball tonight. It hung on her wardrobe door, wrapped securely in plastic so that it wouldn't wrinkle. She had to look perfect, no one would accept anything less. Elena was among the top wealthiest families who would be attending the Ball. People respected her parents and thought highly of her, and there was no way in hell she'd disappoint. Elena loved to wear beautiful dresses, it was one of her favorite pastimes.

Her mother walked into her room in a silk robe, putting a pair of diamonds earrings into her ears. "Why aren't you getting ready, sweetheart?" She asked in her typical soft voice. "The Ball starts in 2 hours." Elena nodded and stood up from her bed. "I know, mom. It shouldn't take me long." She then kissed Mrs. Gilbert on the cheek and smiled at her. "I can't get dressed with you standing here," Elena said with a laugh.

Once her mother left her alone, Elena took the dress out of the plastic covering and slipped it over her slim figure. The dress was purple and black, complete with a corset that easily tied across the back. It looked even more gorgeous on her and made her look flawless in all the right places, it was a perfect fit. "I'm ready Cassandra," she called out to her professional makeup and hair stylist. As Cassandra entered the room, Elena slipped her small feet into her heels and sat at her vanity. Elena looked into the mirror all the while she was finishing off her look and thanked her once Cassandra's job was done.

She took a last look at the perfect reflection staring back at her and smiled to herself, then grabbed the most important thing to complete her look...her mask.

Elena and her parents arrived at the Ball on time as per usual. Before entering, Elena slipped on her mask carefully over half pinned up, half loose curled hair and curtsied politely at the doorman. Elena greeted everyone she came into contact with and received many compliments on her attire for the evening. "You look beautiful, Elena." was what many people said to her. She took each compliment with a smile and a gracious "Thank you, you do as well."

The elegant mask hid her identity well, which is exactly what she hoped for because she had a secret agenda. A certain man, by the name of Damon Salvatore had a key to her heart. She really wanted to impress him tonight. They'd never met formally before, but she'd seen him around town plenty of times and from the moment she laid eyes on him she knew she wanted to be his forever. She never gave the slightest interest in anyone else.

Call it love at first sight. Elena didn't have the nerve to approach him at any other time and what better time than at a mysterious masquerade ball. This night was meant for adventure and Damon would be her first successful conquest; she was determined.

She hadn't seen a sign of Damon the entire night. It was already 8:30 and wouldn't be long before people would start saying their goodbyes. There had to have been a few hundred people here and she prayed that was the reason why she hadn't spotted him yet, if she misses her chance she may not get another. The gentleman's masks made it 10x harder to determine who they were, being the point, but she wanted this night to work out in her favor. She wanted to finally introduce herself to Damon and stop being such a wuss.

Elena stood at the concession table and made small talk with guests who approached her. She tried her best to put up a facade despite how she really felt inside.

Something caused Elena to glance passed the young woman she was speaking to and that's when she saw him, dressed in a black tuxedo that showed off his muscular build; she knew it was him because he'd taken a moment to adjust his mask and she saw his crystal blue eyes.

"Excuse me, I'm terribly sorry," Elena said as she lifted a finger to excuse herself from her recent conversation. He stood alone, giving Elena the perfect opportunity to approach him.

"I think you're the only person here I haven't introduced myself to." Elena said in the sexiest voice she could muster once standing opposite him. Flirting usually helped in situations like this, so she intended to use it to her advantage. "My name is -"

"Elena, is it? Elena Gilbert." Interrupted Damon with this sort of sly smile, his eyes smoldering. How did he know her name? Was he interested in her as well?

His interruption caught Elena by surprise and she swallowed and nodded. She smiled at him, her chocolate brown eyes staring deeply into his beyond her mask. She was done pretending. Since he knew hers there shouldn't be a problem with her knowing his as well. "Yes, and you are Damon. Damon Salvatore."