" Is she going to make it?"

"We've managed to patch up the wound on her artery, but she's lost a lot of blood. Her condition is stabile for now, but we'll have to keep her overnight; in case any changes occur."

I heard snippets of the conversation, as my body hadn't regained full awareness yet. I guess it was one of the witchy perks of being a witch, our out-of-body senses were on high alert when our bodies were down. And right now my senses were instinctively making sure, I wasn't in any danger. The best way to describe it, was like a reflex. I couldn't help it, I'd been on my own so long, it had become second nature.

"When do you think she'll wake up?"

"I'd give her at least a couple of hours."

Sure, if I wasn't a dabbler of the magical kind.

I sat up straight, feeling the wires and tubes creeping around my arms and neck. It felt suffocating. The first thing I noticed were the bright white walls, and the sickening sterile smell hospitals often carried. I could definitely feel the anxiety kicking in. My track record with hospitals wasn't too good. I looked down my left hand, and instinctively ripped out the morphine drop. The pain was excruciating, but I'd live. The second thing to go was some odd looking wire on my right wrist.

"What in the world do you think you're doing?!"

I'd clearly caught the nurse of guard, by waking up and ripping out my medical shackles. I wasn't about to stay here, no matter my strength level. I'd rent a room in a scrappy motel before I stayed one night in a hospital. I quickly threw away the blanket and tried to get up, but was quickly overpowered by the lack of strength and searing pain in my head. My efforts to get up had ripped up some of the stiches on my neck.

"Miss, you can't just leave, you need to stay the night; you'll be released tomorrow."

"I'm NOT staying here!"

I cringed at the thought, and held my hand up to my neck, trying to cover the pain. I quickly glanced at my hands and noticed the marks from the places I'd ripped the drop and wire. It didn't look to bad, but I should probably heal it before it got any worse. I placed my hands on the bruised areas and closed my eyes, trying to pull back the panic.

"Sana, sana."

The bruises started healing under my fingertips, as I whispered the words. I wasn't about to give this nurse a reason to lock me in the psych ward. So I tried to be as subtle as possible with my little trick. I slowly got up, leaning on a nearby table. I looked at the Donavan who had been talking to the nurse earlier. I wasn't sure why he was still around, I appreciated his determination to not let me die. But that still didn't make me his responsibility. At least now, I knew what to protect myself against. Just another motivational reason to find my father's grimoire, fast.

"Discharge me, my neck is going to heal just fine at home; give this bed to someone who actually needs it."

I was looking straight at the nurse, whom seemed quite reluctant to do what I asked; so I knew I had to do something drastic. I knew I'd regret it. But I seriously couldn't stay one more second in this place.

"I'm sorr-"

I gently took her hand, not breaking eye-contact. I felt Donavan's gaze on me, clearly he was in for a surprise. The nurse seemed to be frozen in her spot, eyes locked as if in a trance. I noticed she had my paperwork in her other hand, and I slowly took it out, and put it in front of her. She seemed in a complete daze and kept her eyes on me. I had to be quick as my energy level was starting to weaken immensely because of my current power-play.

"Look at the papers, all my results are as expected. The protocol will be to discharge me, so go on; sign the form and file it."

"Your results are as expected, I'll sign the papers and discharge you according to our protocol."

Her voice seemed distant as she spoke and wrote her signature on the papers. My legs almost gave in, keeping up the hypnosis when I still wasn't fully healed was taking a tool on my body. This wasn't something I did often, especially given the fact that it drained the individual commencing the hypnosis. Not all witches had the ability to pull it off, even within my family, very few witches had access to it. My mother being one of them. Thus, my reluctance to make use of it. That and my father warned me of its corruption, if used excessively. Some witches had even been led to the brink of insanity.

"What the hell did you just do! Did you just compel her?!"

Compulsion? I guess hypnosis and compulsion could be one and the same, vampire compulsion was just longer lasting than a witches' hypnosis. We often tend to be a bit more shortsighted when it comes to the more crazed categories. Unless we've been given a reason to be vindictive. That's a whole different ballgame. I looked at him and gave small nod.

"I'm actually more used to the term hypnosis? But sure, let's give compulsion a world."

I laughed, staring at the bandage on my neck, examining the damage. It wasn't too bad, but I was still pissed I'd given the heretic an opportunity to hurt me. I noticed dark circles under my eyes, and felt the fatigue hit me. I sat on the bed, tumble back on top of it, to be more exact and noticed the glare the deputy was giving me. He was about to start an argument; it was practically written on his face. And I wasn't about to lose any more energy. So I decided to take out my phone and look for what I'd initially been looking for, before I ended up here. A place to eat.

"Listen, Matt, right? Chief Deputy Matt Donovan; I'm thankful you didn't let me die. Really, thank you. But I don't think you have the right to judge me for not wanting to stay here, and actually doing something about it. No one got hurt, no one died, so stop looking at me like I've just killed a puppy."

I didn't have to look up from my phone to know how he'd been looking at me. It was most likely the same look he'd given right before I started looking through my phone. A look of annoyance and slight disgust. I quickly got back up, exhaled and gave him a pat on the shoulder before I walked out of the room. I'd found a little Italian diner not too fare from here, so there was no need to keep the good deputy from his work.

"Wait! You can't leave, you have to come with me, I have friends that can help you, help you stay safe."

His voice had desperation underlining it, just like the first time we'd met. I was starting to wonder, if he carried a martyr-complex – wanting to save anyone and everyone. I turned towards him, a couple of steps away, and sighed.

I was also starting to question what kind of vibe I was giving, because he didn't seem to understand I could take care of myself. Sure, I almost died, but that was once! And that was only because I got startled, which wouldn't be happening again any time soon.

"I'll be fine on my own, so don't bother and don't try to follow me."

My eyes spoke the words into a stronger existence, as I was determined not to get cornered into submission. I had my own back, and I wasn't about to change that. His gaze seemed to lose hope, which made it easier for me to leave. I wasn't about to get others involved in my whereabouts. It would only take me away from focusing on finding my father's grimoire. So I had to keep my distance. But it didn't make me any less grateful, after all. He saved my life.

I walked out of the hospital, feeling my body crave sustenance. I quickly found the diner and decided to sit in a booth by the window. Thank god, my wallet was in these jeans. I practically order every item on the menu, which made a couple of eyes land on me. But I didn't really care, I hadn't had a solid meal for a whole day; So dessert, was pretty much a given as well. The diner was authentic, as the waiters spoke fluent Italian. I only knew common phrases, but hopefully they spoke English as well.

When my food finally arrived, I could almost hear the angels sing. Sadly I couldn't recall the last time hunger had me feeling so overjoyed. Needless to say, I dug in. eating, and binging until the table looked like a massacre. Somehow I managed to slaughter the meal without getting any food on myself; which interestingly filled me with a sense of pride. I sat there for a couple of minutes, awaiting my dessert. While gently dapping the corners of my mouth with a tissue, trying to seem just a tad bit lady-like. When the tiramisu arrived, I gracefully replied grazie tante, flaunting whatever leftover Italian phrases I had in me. The waiter smiled, before leaving me to devour yet another dessert (yes, this was my second).

When I was finally finished, I sat back and looked around the diner, it had a cozy feel and I knew straight away this wasn't my last visit.

"Well, aren't you a healthy eater. I sure hope, whoever came to dine with you, didn't bail because of the check?"

I glanced, to my right and noticed a dark-haired guy with a glass of one, sitting in the booth opposite mine. I hadn't noticed him until now, most likely because he hadn't been there for long. He wore a devilish smile, and I couldn't help but to remember the brunette heretic, and the similar smile she gave. That was right before she threw a dagger at me. It seemed as though he was awaiting a response, but I didn't budge. I wasn't about to converse with strangers, especially not when their aura was this intoxicating. His features were sharp, and his eyes an unknown shade of dark brown. And I could swear, he knew what his presence was giving off, but he didn't let it show. Could he sense I was a witch? or was I just getting paranoid.

"What's the matter, love? Cat got your tongue?"

My eyes narrowed, as I tapped a finger on the table. Why was he singling me out for small-talk? He had a thick accent, which reminded me of the blonde heretic; although his accent wasn't completely similar to hers – it brought on unwanted memories. Memories of being overpowered and put in a vulnerable position. But the tone in his voice, helped soothe that out.

"Healthy is the last thing I would call this meal, especially given the fact that I finished it myself. I wouldn't worry too much about the check, as I still haven't maxed out all of my credit cards."

I gave a polite smile with my deliverance before getting up and pointing a waiter in my direction, so I could pay the bill. The guy in the opposite booth, seemed to chuckle at my statement, taking one last sip of his drink. It was probably best to leave before, chatty-man over here threw more words at me. Even though the food helped my energy level, I still felt sore because of yesterdays events. So right now, resting was a top priority, right alongside finding my father's grim. And no matter how good looking this guy was, I wasn't about to deviate from the plan. Needless to say, my father would've been pretty proud.

I paid the waiter, the owner came and thanked me for my appetite (eating all of the food was by no means cheap) and I headed towards the door. The minute my hand was about to touch the door, it was pulled open by none other than the same guy. My eyes fell on him, as if to search for an explanation. Because common curtesy, did not extend to opening doors for random strangers. He seemed to be amused by the suspicious look I gave him.

"I assure you, I'm not trying to be a creep; just polite."

I crossed my arms, tilting my head to the side. He wasn't as easy to read as the deputy had been. That bothered me. It was as if his aura was enveloping me, smacking me right in the face, but I just couldn't decipher it; and to say it bugged me, was an understatement. He didn't seem to pick up on my trail of thoughts, given the smiling façade I was upholding – it made sense. I felt the headache from earlier sneaking up on me, and I tried my best to fight off showing how much it hurt.

"Thanks, I appreciate the gesture. Have a nice day, Sir."

I walked off, not wanting to show weakness to a complete stranger. He seemed surprised by my sudden act of leaving. I wasn't even sure which direction I should be going, so I searched my pocket for my phone. I quickly stopped in my tracks. I forgot it at the table, dammit. I quickly walked back and noticed the guy still standing in front of the door. Instead of walking past him and checking the table, I quickly put two and two together. He gave a smile that showed off his teeth, and slightly elevated cheekbones. Dangling from his left hand was my phone, his other hand was calmly placed in his pocket.

"I was wondering when you'd notice it was missing, you left it at the table."

"I take it, you were about to give it to me, before I rudely walked off."

I felt slightly guilty for letting my assumptions get the better of me. I was fiddling with my sleeves, not to think too hard about the pending headache. I decided to stop gazing at my feet and meet his gaze, feeling some remorse from my abrupt behavior. I reached my hand out, and he placed the phone in my palm.

"You seem to be in an awful hurry, family emergence?"

My gaze went blank. I suddenly felt the urge to say there was no family to create an emergency, but I didn't. My morbid thoughts wouldn't be taken well by most, and most likely not someone I'd just met. I scratched my shoulder, with a vague smile, and shook my head.

"Actually, I'm headed towards Mystic Falls, do you know where I can catch a cab?"

I was starting to regret getting driven by Donavan. Then again, I hadn't planned on almost dying. If I had, I would've persisted on him driving my car. That way I could at least get back home safely. I looked at the guy and it seemed as though his interest level peaked when I mentioned Mystic Falls. His eyes almost devoured me on the spot. I really hoped he wasn't a groupie for haunted places and forbidden areas. If that was the case, I wasn't prepared how to escape.

"No cabs are allowed to enter the town, love. You do know the place is closed off, right?"

Great, why didn't I just stick to asking him where I could get a cab; I'm sure the cabbie would be more than willing to drive me there, if the pay was worth it. I sighed and ruffled my hair, with a tired smile.

"Yeah, I know, supposedly there's a gas leak and the air makes it impossible to live there. Still, know where I can get a cab?"

I cheered up my voice, when I mentioned the cab, hoping he would just point me in the right direction, so I could be on my way. Instead he kept staring at me, like I was the most fascinating thing in the world, this guy sure was starting to climb the creep-scale, pretty fast.

"Oh that's just a cover-up, love."

Now, I was the intrigued one. What exactly did he know? One thing was pretty clear though, he was enjoying the role reversal. Although I tried my best not to show my intrigue, he sensed it. I started playing out a bunch of different scenarios in my head. He could be a heretic, a friend of the deputy, or maybe even something else entirely. It all depended on what information he gave up next. All I had to do, was ask as if I didn't know what was going on. Which in this case, happened to be the overall truth. I had no idea what was going on in Mystic Falls, no idea of the allegiances and absolutely no idea how the heretics had secured a whole town for themselves.

"And what exactly is being covered up? Possible alien contact, maybe?"

I laughed, as if dismissing his theory. Provoking the truth out of someone could often result in the said individual, spilling the truth in anger, to showcase how above their opponent they actually are. Not that I was 100% sure he would fall for it, it was still worth a try. He seemed surprised by my reaction and looked as if he wasn't sure exactly how to verbalize his answer. If he was about to tell me about the heretics, or something else supernatural, I understood his hesitance. I wouldn't be able to casually delve into those matters, with a complete stranger either. Nonetheless, I was expecting something useful. Hopefully.

"I take it you haven't heard the stories, of students breaking into the town, only to be found dead with their hearts ripped out and their bodies drained for blood. It's a real life horror town, love – wouldn't recommend anyone to go there. At least if you love your life."

He was testing me, by giving me the details of the death. Drained bodies, reeked of vampires. I was starting to understand the two women I had encountered, weren't the only heretics in town. And that this guy wasn't all too normal himself. I mean how many, brits hang out in small towns like these? At least to me, this was suspicious, and very much out of the ordinary. He seemed to know a lot more than what he'd just given me, but I wasn't about to push it. that's usually how you end up in the back trunk of some psychos' car; and I was hoping to end my day on a more positive note. I whistled for dramatic effect and tipped back and forth on my feet. It was obvious he wasn't about to give me a cab-number I could call, so I pondered the possibilities.

"That's a really good story, I'm sure it keeps the locals away. But I think I'll manage just fine, besides. There are much scarier things in the dark, than those that go bump in the night. "

I shrugged with a smile and signaled my leave. He quickly reached out his hand to stop me, it was clear he had something to say. So I stopped and listen, if anything he'd been an interesting, but brief distraction. And I wasn't mad at that. Although his creep-factor was still pending, he seemed nice even through his deviousness. But his words were interrupted by an approaching woman. Long, slender and with dark brown hair. She had a pale complexion, and looked like the ideal age most women would love to stop aging at. The way she walked, and the posture in which she carried herself, signaled she wasn't from around here. Or even from this decade, she just seemed. Timeless. I couldn't help but eye her subtly, and I quickly noticed I wasn't the only one.

"What's the matter, love? Cat caught your tongue?"

I mimicked his accent and words from before, which seemed to wake him from his minor trance. He laughed taken aback by how good I faked his accent. The woman walked over, not laying eyes on me, but only acknowledging the guy. Which I had no issue with. Her gaze was filled with love, the same way a mother looks lovingly at her child. But she was far too young to be anyone's mother, at least after my calculation. She briefly noticed me and gave me a polite nod before addressing me.

"I'm sorry, I didn't notice you, are you a friend of Lorenzo?"

I smiled, finally putting a name to the person I'd been conversing with, before laughingly ruffling my curls, and opening my mouth to answer. But Lorenzo beat me to it.

"Ariah, here was just about to be on her way. See, she thought Mystic Falls was habitable, but now knows better, and will be leaving that town alone, isn't that right, Ariah."

Two things freaked me out here, the first thing quickly got debunked, as my name was written on my phone cover; so it made sense he'd picked up on that. The other thing, didn't really get debunk but instead confirmed one of my suspicions. Lorenzo, the charming creep, was a vampire. And the guy was trying to compel me, in broad daylight! I couldn't surprise a smile, as I was wearing a necklace laced with vervain, so compulsion wasn't going to work. The woman on the other hand, was the one with the surprise.

"Actually, Lorenzo, your friend can go to mystic falls if she'd like, there's no longer any danger there."

We both stared at her in confusion, she seemed to pick up on it and smile, before lending me her hand.

"My name is Lilly Salvatore, and I'm happy to give you the glad tidings, of welcoming you back to the town, as many other residents will be returning as well."

I shook her hand, not quit understanding what was happening, but it all became a littler clearer when Lorenzo addressed Lilly.

"But the gas leak is still a danger'"

"No, my sweet Lorenzo, the gas leak has been.. Tamed and the town is now ready to work with the changes the gas leak has made. That way we can all move forward and live amongst each other again."

My mind started replacing the word gas leak with heretic, and suddenly everything was starting to make sense. I did my best not to show the lightbulb moment I just had, and forced myself not to look at Lilly any differently than before. Which wasn't easy, since I know safely could assume she was one of the heretics, and clearly the one calling all the shots. She did seem to have years of wisdom behind her, so it didn't surprise me.

"That's amazing news! Lorenzo here was giving me a hard time, about going back in town. Now, if only I could find a cab to get me back home, my day would be made."

I exclaimed sounding as cheerful as I could, this was something Lilly took to. And something Lorenzo clearly saw through, as I'd changed my whole demeanor. But could he blame me? I mean by now, he should've put two and two together, and noticed that I didn't do his compulsions bidding. He gave a fake laugh, to accommodate my overzealous smile. Lilly gently laughed and put a hand on my shoulder.

"I'm sure Lorenzo won't have a problem driving you home, isn't that right?"

She gave him a hopeful smile, and I understood by his compliant reaction, the power she had over him. His eyes briefly met mine, and I tried not to look to interested in their relation. Something about them both drew me in. It was most likely the supernatural in them, calling to my clairsentience abilities. Lilly gave me a look, as if to assure that I was okay with it. Which I definitely was. I took a quick look at the bag of leftover food, in my hand and gave Lilly a thankful smile.

"That's really sweet of you to offer, both of you and I see no reason to decline."

I laughed and gave Lilly a genuine smile, I was happy to be on my way home. Needless to say the car drive was going to be interesting, to say the least. I looked at Lorenzo, he took my hint and started to walk towards a car. Just as I was about to follow, Lilly stopped me.

"Ariah, since you're a friend of Lorenzo's, I'd like to invite you to a welcome back party, I'll be hosting for someone very special to me. A lot of the towns people will be there, so I'd be thrilled if you joined us."

Lorenzo stood a bit in the distance with his arms crossed, listening intently to Lilly's words. it was clear he wasn't aware of the party being thrown, but the mention of it seemed to rub him the wrong way. I stood a bit surprised, looking at the woman I'd just met, whom I was almost positive was a heretic, and now was inviting me into her home, to celebrate the return of someone special to her? This was taking turns, I simply couldn't keep up with. She seemed awaiting, but quickly laughed, when she noticed how random and quickly everything was happening.

"It seems I've startled you, let me just have an invitation sent to you, that way you can make the decision later."

I gave a nervous laugh and nodded, thanking her for the invitation. I couldn't say I was leaping at the opportunity to run into the two women from yesterday's interesting events. But I had to give it to them, they sure knew how to mess with my head. Two acting extremely impulsive and this one being a beacon of calm and serenity. Different strokes, for different fokes, didn't even cut it.

"Anyways, I should be on my way. But it was a pleasure meeting you!"

I quickly assured before running of to catch up with Lorenzo. The name had an oddly serious ring to it, Lorenzo. I desperately hoped he had a nickname, so I wouldn't have to say his full name every single time. That was anticipating we had more than one conversation. I quickly got into the passenger seat in the front, placing my decently packed leftovers on my lap. He got in, but didn't start the car. We sat in silence, which didn't make any sense, while he eyed me, as if awaiting some type of epiphany.

"Is there a reason why you haven't put a peddle to the meddle?"

I asked jokingly. The atmosphere was getting a bit too intense for my liking, but that didn't sway me away from seeking eye-contact.

"My compulsion didn't work on you, why?"

"Because I take a sip of vervain every day, and occasionally wear it, if it matches my outfit. Now, can we at least drive, while you interrogate me?"

"Why would you have a reason to wear and drink vervain? What exactly are you?"

"I'm pretty sure you've already figured that one out, I mean I do have pulse, you know."

He finally started the car with a smug smile, he'd know from the minute I hadn't complied to his compulsion.

"So we have another witch in our midst, you guys are starting to become a rare commodity, you know."

"Don't get to excited, I haven't made any plans to stay in town for too long, and when I'm gone you'll be down to one witch again."

I wasn't completely sure if Bonnie was the only with in town, but she had been the one Donovan had mention, so the thought was tempting. He gave a light chuckle and nodded my way.

"I see you've heard about our resident witch, Bonnie."

"Yeah, I have. Supposedly, I'm related to her."

Lorenzo almost broke the breaks, when he abruptly stopped the car. Looking at me in disbelief. Seconds later he starting laughing, a wholehearted laughter. I wasn't quite sure where it was coming from, but my relation to Bonnie seemed to amuse him. Hopefully, they liked her. I wasn't about to make enemies on behalf of a family member.

"I should've known. That Bennett spirit. Gets me every time."

He trailed of, restarting the car. I just shook my head with a minor smile. I didn't know the girl, but I was taking his statement as a complement. We talked ourselves through various topics, the town, the state it was in, and very vaguely why it was in that state. He didn't seem to want to give too much away, and I could respect that. He seemed like a loyal guy, and for the time being that loyalty seemed to be placed with Lilly, understandably. After a couple of minutes of silence, we finally came to my house, I got out of the car and so did he.

"Well, love, this is where we part."

I laughed at his dramatic statement.

"Are you always this theatrical, Lorenzo?"

"Not always, but sometimes the occasion calls for it, wouldn't you say?"

He smiled cheekily.

"Well then, I should properly say my goodbyes, good day, kind sir."

I attempted a failure of a ladylike bow, and almost lost my balance. To this he laughed, and I tried to compose myself from following suit. Instead I waved and started walking towards where my front door used to be. I had to fix that door soon, I reminded myself.

"Also, another thing, love."

I turned around, trying to count the amount of times he'd used the word love. I guessed it was a brit-thing, and didn't finish my count. Instead I looked at him, awaiting him to speak, yet again.

"Call me, Enzo."

"Enzo."

It felt like a more natural fit. I gave a grateful smile for the drive and walked inside the house.

First chapter and second chapter only a day apart, surprising I know :D I really enjoyed writting the meeting between Enzo and Ariah, and i'm looking forward to her meeting with Bonnie. I can't wait to write Ariah into Julian's welcome party! Once again contructive criticism is welcomed, reviews would be loved and whatever comments you'd like to leave, I welcome as well. 3