Author's Note: This is an AU version of the Vampire Diaries and also my first real attempt at writing a fanfiction. The story features early Stelena with Delena to come later. Many thanks to Kelsie for her input on the title, quote, and her help in getting me started here on the website. This is a very short preface, and chapter 1 will come before the end of the week. I look forward to sharing this writing adventure with you all.

"When I was a little my understanding of revenge was as simple as the Sunday school proverbs it hid behind. Neat little morality slogans, like 'Do unto others' and 'Two wrongs don't make a right.' But two wrongs can never make a right because two wrongs can never equal each other. For the truly wronged real satisfaction can only be found in one of two places absolute forgiveness or mortal vindication. This is not a story about forgiveness."

-Emily Thorne (Revenge)

"Mr. Salvatore, we need you to come to the hospital. There's been an accident..."

Before the next words came out of the detective's mouth, he knew in his heart what was coming. As he drove to the morgue, all he could really think about was how unnaturally tired he was, for some reason. What did I eat for breakfast? He shook his head at such ridiculous thoughts. After the news he'd gotten, he didn't know what to think.

"We believe it's your wife, sir..."

How long have I been married now? 4 years? 5? How many months? Why can't I focus? His mind was racing and he couldn't stop it if he wanted to. He was surprised he even had the will to drive himself over, but then again, he had nobody else to do it for him. No family, at least not since his parent's death and... My brother. Anger flashed over his tired features, energizing him. His mind became crystal clear at even the thought of his brother, Damon. Rage filled him. This is HIS fault. If he'd have just come to the damned wedding, I wouldn't be in this situation!

"Please come immediately."

Arriving at the hospital, he found, as expected, a large number of emergency cars and other vehicles parked outside, it being midday. He got out of his Explorer and walked inside to the window. Greeted by a pleasant looking lady who's name he couldn't focus enough on to remember, he informed her he was Stefan Salvatore.

"Ah, Mr. Salvatore, please go through the door to your left and follow it to the end. Tell the lady down there you're here to identify a body."

He was buzzed in and opened the door. I thought it would smell...different. Walking through the door to the end, he was greeted again and escorted by a detective into a cold metal room where there was a person dressed in scrubs waiting for him next to what looked like a body with a sheet over it.

"Mr. Salvatore, this may be a hard sight to witness, are you sure you're ready?" the detective questioned.

"Ready as I'll be." he sighed.

The detective nodded to the doctor who pulled the sheet back. As the sheet was pulled back, the detective spoke, "We believe there was foul play involved, please prepare yourself." Stefan's heart caught in his throat. His thoughts became clear as crystal. On the table before him lay Elena Salvatore, his wife of 5 years, 4 months, and 12 days, and she had been murdered.