Vampire diaries own most of the characters, but the plot is mine.

I hope you all enjoy my story and fall in love with the characters like I did when I saw TVD. The story might start a little slow but when you get to chapter 6 it really turns exciting, I promise ;)

Thanks so much to my Beta reader xxxMrsSalvatorexx who has helped me with my English.

There is a difference between my story and the end of season 3. Elena did not turn into a vampire, but they did cheat Klaus into thinking she is dead. Also, please expect the unexpected in this story, because I will be meddling with the entire mythology of vampire diaries, the origin of vampires and the role of the Originals. If you like the mystery and constant new twists of TVD then this story is certainly something for you. :)

The darkness shrouding Mystic Falls seemed far more impenetrable than any other place she had ever been, like the light of the moon and the stars counted for nothing. Lea hadn't even considered visiting the small town until she heard on the News that possible archaeological traces of a Viking settlement had been unearthed. On her road trip through the States, she had been drawn by historical sites and she never missed an opportunity to visit an excavation. Back home in Europe she had worked on several big dig sites and the opportunity to see old European remains in America was too tempting.

Driving on the lonely road flanked by crooked black trees she felt an uncomforting chill. Lea had always trusted her gut feeling and briefly considered just driving through Mystic Falls and passing on. Still, the promise of mysteries enticed her and with a shrug of her shoulders she decided that maybe a bit of a chill was just what she needed.

The growl of the motorbike sounded loud in the silence as she drove by the city sign. The hotel parking lot was practically empty as she arrived and there was only a hushed wind to greet her when she removed her helmet. The vague sound of music from a house across the street told her that some kids probably were exploiting their parents' absence. Lea grabbed her backpack from the silver bike and turned towards the hotel entrance, eager for a bed to crash on. The hotel looked like any other small town hotel with ugly curtains and

He had been waiting patiently for some drunken teen to stumble alone back to her house so he could eat. Damon preferred draining young pretty girls; they tasted so much sweeter than the musky men. None had caught his hungry eye just yet but the night was still young and Damon had the patience of a hunter.

The unexpected sound of an engine had him turning his head as he had spotted the black motorcycle pulling up by the hotel. The wind blew towards him and a strange scent had caught his attention. It was a foreign smell of ice water, newborn babies and something indecisive reminding him of soil after rain. The heartbeat of the driver was clearly audible so Damon was certain the person was human but he had never smelled anyone like that. The dark slender figure removed her helmet releasing a small wave of blond hair and as he moved closer very female curves became apparent in her dark leather suit.

Lea's heart skipped a beat when she bumped right into the chest of a dark figure. Confused she raised her chin only to stare into a pale pair of icy blue eyes framed by dark soft hair. Even before he had uttered a word Lea recognized murder in his gaze but she stood firm. The young man tilted his head watching her reaction with dark amusement.

When he snuck up on her Lea's strong heart started pumping faster but unlike most of the girls he had killed over the years this strange one didn't look for a way out. She didn't start flirting nervously or ignoring him. He considered whether she was the kind of prey who simply froze in the face of danger but her eyes seemed sharp.

"You're not from around here," his voice was smooth and deviously playful. She felt the small hairs on her neck rise and looked back at him with proud defiance, even though fear was boiling in her inside. The man was quite handsome and even though he oozed of bad intentions a strange glint of curiosity seemed to keep him from charging at her.

"No, I am not."

"Hmm" he muttered letting his eyes wander to her neck. "You should know there are strange and dangerous creatures in Mystic Falls." When she didn't reply he winked at her insolently. Damon inhaled her unfamiliar scent again and noticed how her eyes seemed to change color when he shifted from side to side. "What are you?" he whispered exhilarated and bended all the way towards her so their noses nearly met.

"What am I?" she almost smiled. "Aren't I supposed to ask you that question?" Damon laughed nonchalantly at her response.

"Touché," he smirked allowing her a just glimpse of his spiky fangs. Lea did not feel as brave as he deemed her. Whatever this… man wanted it wasn't good and if she was less of a – live life, no regrets – kind of girl she probably would have cried out for help. Something swift in his movements told her the ugly truth: she would never have time to utter even one syllable if he wanted to silence her. Old memories of dark fairy tales from her childhood came to mind and all she could think was that against such evil only bravery and holding her head high would be dignified.

Damon tried reading the thoughts behind her green eyes. Or were they yellow or maybe grey? Her face wasn't supermodel pretty, but her strong radiant eyes had an unparalleled beauty. Should he drink her dry? It was tempting. Her blood smelled intoxicating standing this close to her. Once again her eyes seemed to change under the moonlight almost appearing purple. Damon stared deep into them finding himself leaping inside a sky of dreams, passion, ambition and light. He felt like he'd gotten sucked into an alternate world so unlike his own gloomy and wild existence.

Lea only saw an icy gaze leaning towards her as if to eat her in one single bite. He was like the shadow of a murderous blade dripping of past crimes. The night was emanating from his skin and she wondered what had made him into this. Within the frosty blue threatening to invade her soul his twisted curiosity suddenly likened that of a plea. Not sure why, Lea placed a helping hand on his chest and pushed him gently away as to show him that he could walk away. Damon slowly broke his trance like fixation with the indefinite eyes when he felt the push. He didn't resist her as she turned away from him and started walking.

"Who are you?" he muttered, not really able to understand what had happened. Lea felt his death grip on her loosening and looked back at him with confidence.

"My name is Lea Feyal."

When the secure door slammed behind her Damon furiously turned back to face the house with the drunken teens. Somehow he felt like he had lost an extraordinary meal and this foreign girl baffled him in every way. The thirst was strong now and he ran into the night searching for a quick kill.

Lea sighed relieved, thankful for her still beating heart and leaned heavily against the door. She was certain she had survived an encounter with a strange monster. A monster who had an obvious desire to sink its teeth into her, but for some reason he didn't. With shaking hands she got her room key from the receptionist and collapsed on the bed when she reached her room.