Chapter 1

Elena's POV

I was so glad to have Stefan back. The last couple of days were hard, knowing that he was trapped in a tomb with the one and only Katarina Petrova; Katherine for short; and also my doppelganger.

I woke up after a night with Stefan, feeling less stressed about the problems my life now revolved around.

"Oh you're awake…" said Stefan, walking into my bedroom fully dressed.

I rubbed my eyes and yawned, "Good morning to you too, Stefan."

Stefan simply chuckled, apologized and restarted the greeting with a light kiss.

I pulled him down to my bed and held on to him; taking in his light, sweet, scent. For a second, I was afraid that he would be taken again; by Klaus. I was prepared to do anything for the ones I loved but I hadn't forgotten the deal with Elijah – I would stay out of the business with Klaus and keep myself safe so that Elijah wouldn't let my loved ones come to harm. Sometimes it just slipped out of my mind.

"Elena? Are you okay, love?" asked Stefan, breaking off from the hug and staring at me inquisitively.

I breathed out slowly, "Yes. I'm fine Stefan; just worried about Klaus and Katherine, like always."

Stefan sighed, "Don't worry about it Elena. We'll be fine. Seeing as you struck a deal with Elijah, it should prove to be useful and be put to good use. You just worry about falling down the stairs and crossing the road without looking."

I looked at him and smiled; I loved how he was trying to make the conversation light.

"Okay, whatever you say Stefan."

I smiled and got off the bed. I changed and Katherine came into my thoughts when I looked in the mirror, brushing my hair.

"Stefan, what do we do about Katherine?" I turned to look at him.

He was lying on my bed, looking straight at me.

"I don't know Elena, I really don't know. You know what she offered yesterday?"

"What?" I replied.

"She said that she'd be able to help us find Klaus." Stefan didn't look convinced and I didn't blame him; she put him through a lot. But after finding out what happened to her family, I actually felt a hint of sympathy for her.

"Oh, and at what price?" I asked, knowing that there would always be two sides from the deal where Katherine was involved.

"She didn't say; but she told us to start with Isobel." stated Stefan, his eyes lighting up.

I gasped, "My mother? But what does she have to do with anything?"

"Apparently she found and first got into contact, with Katherine."

I stared at Stefan in silence, not liking where all this was headed. I guess it was a really small world.

Then Elijah's deal popped up again in my head.

"But Elijah said-"I began to say before being cut off.

"-that about you. I don't remember you saying anything about the deal where he told Damon and I to stay out of Klaus's business." interrupted Stefan, deep in thought. But what he was saying was true; I couldn't deny that.

"I know Stefan. You're right but still, don't do anything. Please." I pleaded.

"But what if, we found Klaus and killed him? Katherine said that that would be the only way to protect you." said Stefan, completely ignoring my plea.

I couldn't reason with Stefan, as much as I tried. "Stefan, listen to me. Don't do this. Don't go looking for Klaus. He'll find us and then we can deal with him."

"Elena, don't you see? Katherine is really trying to help us! If we start with Isobel, we can keep going from link to link and get information about his whereabouts."

I was beginning to get impatient. "Since when do you believe what Katherine has to say? You didn't believe her apparent 'sob story' about her family and now you actually trust her? She's only playing with your mind to get freedom. She's been running for 500 years. She can run for so much longer."

"Elena, please try to understand. I'm only trying to protect you." argued Stefan, sitting up and facing me.

My life wasn't up for discussion; certainly not with vampires, witches and sacrifices involved.

"Well don't Stefan! Yes I understand you're named after a saint but how long are you going to keep doing this? I have a deal with Elijah; as long as I stay out of trouble, none of you guys are going to be harmed. Now if you get involved then I'll be in trouble and my deal with Elijah will be broken."

Stefan became silent and speechless. I didn't say a word after that left the room to brush my teeth and have shower. I showered slowly, trying to let go of the fears haunting me but to no avail.

I came back into my bedroom but Stefan wasn't there.I left him a voicemail message not to go against Elijah's deal before heading downstairs for breakfast. Aunt Jenna and Alaric were sat at the table, one drinking coffee and the other reading a newspaper; they looked like the perfect couple.

"Good morning." said Aunt Jenna, pouring me some coffee and placing a couple of pancakes on my plate with Hershey's Syrup drizzled on them.

"Good morning." I replied. I looked over to Alaric and he smiled and nodded.

I ate my pancakes quickly, filling my stomach excessively and ran upstairs to get my bag before going to school.

As I was packing my bag though, I turned to see the window open and a strong but warm breeze sidle in. I walked over to close the window before sensing a presence behind me. It was Elijah.

"Your boyfriend's going to be the death of you." said Elijah.

Elijah's usual smug smile was wiped off and his mouth was a straight, hard line.

"What?" I exclaimed, facing him.

"He's acted upon Katarina's words and gone to see your mother, along with Damon of course."

"What?" I repeated.

"I thought we had a deal Miss Gilbert." said Elijah, sitting on the window ledge staring expressionlessly at me.

"So did I." I muttered, failing to hide my surprise at Stefan's betrayal and stupidity.