CHAPTER ONE

SEVENTEEN-YEARS-AGO

MYSTIC FALLS, VIRGINIA

It was every parent's worst nightmare, even more so for Meredith Fell and Mason Lockwood.

Only days after the birth of their daughter -Trista Jayne- did somebody take her from the confines of her nursery with a note saying that it was her destiny to be elsewhere and she would one day be back.

Years later when the two graduated Meredith went to med-school with a promise to herself that she would never have a family.

All the while Mason immediately headed off to Florida and only kept in contact via postcard every few months.

PRESENT TIME

LOCKWOOD RESIDENCE

MYSTIC FALLS, VIRGINIA

I felt the need to be sick as I got out of the cab to find people entering the Lockwood Residence where I was told my father would be, and at a closer look I saw everyone was in black causing a wave of panic to run through me.

Before I could get back in the cab it drove away and I found myself standing in the driveway like some stupid person until a girl with all black attire and long dark curls asked me if I needed help.

"I'm actually looking for Mason Lockwood, but maybe I should come back at another time…" I said drifting off as I pictured my father with closed eyes in a coffin.

"He's just up there with Carol, I'd hurry before you miss him if I were you" I looked at her and backed away at the realization that this girl was in fact a vampire and then speed walked my way up the stairs to my father and aunt.

But just before I stood before them I felt the presence of two more vampires, a witch and a werewolf -causing a wave of panic to spread throughout me.

As I was about to leave I caught the eye of both Carol and my father. Not knowing what to do as they made their way towards me I just did what everybody in the vicinity was doing, I gave a sympathetic smile and said "I'm sorry for your loss"

But I don't think I pulled off the sympathy act as they both kept their eyes on me for a few good minutes before the words "who are you?" came from my father.

I looked into the eyes which mirrored my own and looked at him as if to say 'It's me, it's your daughter' and I knew the message was sent as both he and Carol wrapped their arms around me whispering sweet nothings and prayers in my ears.

How was that?