The Complexities


Damon groaned as his eyes flew open. The pain in his chest was still there, but it already started healing. He then sat up as he remembered what happened. "That bitch," He mumbled. And he suddenly realized that he wasn't in his apartment, and that he was on somebody else's bed. Right on cue, Camille approached him, and he remembered that she didn't know that he knew Elizabeth. And so, he had to feign innocence.

"You're already awake..." Camille breathed. "I thought they got you good." Damon narrowed his eyes as he glanced at her questioningly.

"Who're they?" He asked with a frown. "What happened?" Camille sat on the edge of the bed.

"Elizabeth..." She breathed again. "They wouldn't attack you if it weren't under her orders." Damon looked away. He already knew that and he wanted to know something else. Anything. But for some reason, Camille wasn't giving him any good answers since they met. Then again, why would she start spilling details when they only just met, right? Unfortunately though, he could only count on some information by reading her mind.

"But why would she attack me?" He then asked. Camille looked away, looking guilty all of a sudden. He read her mind and found out that she felt guilty because Elizabeth managed to read hers. She knew about their little rendezvous last night, and Camille knew that she wasn't happy about it. Now, Camille thought that Damon was attacked because of her, just to put her into her misery. He tried to hide a smirk as he wanted to tell her that not everything was about her. But of course, she would think that Elizabeth attacked him because of her since she hated her guts. And judging by Camille's memories, Elizabeth loved pissing her off. Damon knew just how sadistic she could be.

Not to mention, relentless.

"Camille?" She looked at him as she fumbled over her fingers.

"I think it was because of me..." She now explained with fear in her brown eyes. Damon could almost smile because she looked as if she cared for him. Now she stood up and began to pace as he took a good look of where he was. The room was old with wood-paneled walls, mahogany furniture, an old four-poster, king sized bed with red cotton sheets that had gold baroque prints on them, and shelves of books that looked musty, dusty, and rarely used. He frowned since this kind of reminded him of his home back in Mystic Falls. Surely, this could not be Elizabeth's judging by her taste. "She does these things, Damon. And she will not stop until you are dead. She wants me to be miserable after what I..." She trailed off as she turned and faced him. Panic began to rise in her throat, but she swallowed it back. "After what I've done." Damon tried not to raise his eyebrows in interest. She was finally going to tell him.

"What is it?" He insisted, looking as if he was concerned. With the story? Yes. But with her? Not quite. She made her way as she swallowed yet again in fear and in panic. Her eyes were still wide. And Damon only watched her.

"Two years ago before she returned..." She began as she sat down on the edge of the bed again. "Isaac and I were happily together. We've spent five hundred years united and we've made an army of vampires that are located here in London throughout the years. We were the oldest, so we figured that we needed to take over just so they won't run amuck and cause chaos around the city – to keep our kind safe. But when Elizabeth came for a visit, Isaac changed because his sire was alive again. I, however, did not bless her welcome, and instead, I had my men at the club to launch stakes at her." Camille sighed as she rolled her eyes. "She wasn't entirely pleased, especially Isaac. He had demanded to offer my apologies to Elizabeth just so I could live. I agreed, eventually, and I did just that a few days later. Elizabeth was kind enough for Isaac since she had forgiven me. But she warned me if I ever did it again, then she'd kill me..."

"And then?" He asked with his eyebrows raised. There was nothing in her story that he didn't already know. And perhaps the next too, but it'd better if she told the story. Perhaps it'll be interesting…

"Well, Elizabeth won my men over because of Isaac. Then, he broke up with me a few months later. That was when I began to conspire against her. I formed a rebel group to strike her, and a group of witches to desiccate her. Months of planning and going underground..." She then abruptly stood up as she waved her hand.

"But you failed?" He asked, raising an eyebrow and predicting her story. She faced him with her eyes still wide, and she finally nodded.

"Yes," She breathed. "I failed because Isaac found out, and clearly, someone ratted me out, and he stopped me. Just a few nights before it would even be in motion." Damon now frowned. Maybe someone did rat her out, but he had a feeling that it was Elizabeth who knew. No one could hide something from her.

"And did she find out?" Immediately, she turned her back on him and rested her hand on her forehead.

"God, I hope not." She sighed. "Otherwise, she'll kill me." She faced him again. Her brown eyes looked scared, and somehow, her blonde hair looked duller. "She's terrible, Damon. She always had, and always will be." But as Damon stared at frightened face, he couldn't help but raise his chin slightly. Camille will be dead because clearly, Elizabeth knew. Why else would Isaac find out and stop her? He couldn't help but slightly shake his head. This one was stupid enough to expect as if Elizabeth didn't.


England, 1491

"There he is..." She heard her friend, Lacey, say. So she looked at the direction that her friend was looking at. Lacey leaned closer to her as their arms were locked. "Talking to the Duke of Norfolk. I wonder what they're chatting about."

"Perhaps we should eavesdrop." Camilla replied with a whisper, and then both of them giggled. "You shall never know what we can find out." It was a good offer, plus they could get closer to him.

"Oh but it's absolutely inappropriate." Lacey waved her hand dismissively as they continued to watch.

"What is?" Their other friend, Jane, chimed in, holding a goblet of wine. Her auburn hair was down in massive curls. But then, she glanced at the direction that they were looking at, then back at them as she raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "I assume you're talking about the Lord Isaac?" She then smiled as both of them nodded sheepishly. Quickly, Jane went by Camilla's side and linked her arm around hers as well. "If you want to talk to him, then just go. Lots of ladies got their eyes on him; you do know that, do you?" Camilla shook her head. Unfortunately, she had no idea whatsoever. Lacey, however, knew as she nodded.

"I didn't think it was true, though." Lacey replied, her blue doe eyes shone bright as she continued to glance. Camilla then looked at Jane. "It's the first time that I've seen him."

"Perhaps it's just another rumor, then?" Camilla raised her eyebrows as she told them both. She definitely wished it was just another rumor running around the mill. "If they've got their eyes on him, how come no lady is talking to him?"

"It's not like they should." Jane shrugged after she sipped on her goblet. "He has got his eyes on someone else. I heard..." She then leaned in further in a hushed tone as she unraveled the juicy rumor. Camilla and Lacey leaned in too with much eagerness and excitement. "That he's been seen courting a lady at court." Immediately, Lacey scoffed as she waved her hand in dismissal. Apparently, she thought that it was all too ridiculous that Camilla agreed as well.

"Please, that is absolutely false!" Lacey commented. "She is not a lady at court. But I did hear she's a lady nonetheless."

"Where in God's name do you hear these stories?" Camilla asked in disbelief as she laughed. "And how come I've never heard of them?" She gave them a frown as both of her friends giggled. They were at the Richmond Palace, celebrating King Henry VII's thirty-fifth birthday. Everything looked so extravagant with music playing, people dancing and chatting, a buffet with several different meals settled on them. It was exciting to be in this type of crowd, with royals and all.

"Because you do not engage yourself in gossip," Jane replied matter-of-factly as she gave her a smile. Camilla then shrugged as she thought this was true. Nobody could possibly believe all of these crazy stories about aristocrats roaming around. She thought it was simply a product of people's imaginations – which could probably be the case. But then Lacey tugged on her arms with alarm.

"Who's that?" Camilla glanced at what she was looking at and saw that it was a woman who was wearing red velvet dress that exposed her shoulders, gold lining, and lace trimmings on her cuffs. Her golden brown hair was down in glorious waves, and her alabaster skin looked somewhat radiant under the candlelit room. Who was this girl? And why hasn't Camilla seen her before here at court? Perhaps it was another guest from Scotland? She definitely looked Scottish.

"I have no idea…" She mumbled in wonder. "Perhaps another guest of the king… From Scotland?"

"She does look Scottish, doesn't she?" Lacey continued to stare, and so did Jane.

"She looks English to me."

"That's because she is." Someone suddenly chimed in. Camilla looked and saw that it was her brother, Charles. He was wearing a black leather vest over an emerald velvet tunic. His blonde hair was pushed back. "That is the Lady Elizabeth. She just arrived from France." She then narrowed her eyes at her brother. Just by the way he looked at that Lady Elizabeth and the tone in his voice, it definitely oozed with certain intent – an intent that seemed to be rather suggestive.

"Brother," She then said. "You seem to know an awful lot about the Lady Elizabeth. Do pray tell, when did she arrive?" She arched her eyebrows as she pursed her lips, and Charles finally looked at her. He gave her one of his slow smiles.

"She arrived today, sister. Have you not heard?" He then asked as he raised an inquisitive but teasing eyebrow. She slightly raised her chin as her brother gave her and her friends one last look before he finally made his way towards Lady Elizabeth. She shook her head in dismay. Her brother never seemed to contain himself. It was just humiliating.

"I cannot believe him." She mumbled as they watched him. Lady Elizabeth was escorted by a man with dark, wavy brown hair, wearing a white tunic and a red velvet cloak. And as they passed, somehow, everyone has got their eyes on them. Who were they anyway?

"So she's actually English?" Lacey asked with a frown. Jane shrugged.

"I told you she was." And just as she said it, Camilla saw that the Lord Isaac suddenly watched Lady Elizabeth as she passed by, seeming to forget that he was talking to someone. For some reason, she already did not quite like her at all.

"Looks like she's already quite the apple of everyone's eyes." She then commented.


"Mornings would be far more fun if we did this, wouldn't it?" Elizabeth held the sword down on her side as she gave Isaac a smile. Sparring in the foyer was more appropriate than in her room, since less furniture would be destroyed and there was just less furniture to begin with. Isaac nodded as he caught his breath. He had a few gashes across his chest that was due to Elizabeth's rather fast pace and well, most of them were intentional. Not that they weren't healing, but it was a few symbols of defeat. Elizabeth was just faster than him and was likely more skilled. It was also probably an effect of her hunter-training with Mikael.

"It is." He said as he brought the sword back to its sheathe. "Now, would you please tell me what happened last night?" Elizabeth smiled. They had a deal, that she would only answer his question if he won. But he didn't, so his question will never be answered.

Until she pleased, of course.

"But my dear Isaac," She said sweetly. "You did not win. Therefore, your question will not be answered."

"Oh come on," He said as he gave her his charming smile. If only that would work on her – she couldn't help but smirk. "I did bring a fair fight." She sheathed back the sword.

"Not really all that fair." She commented since she did have the upper hand after all. He playfully rolled his eyes as he continued to smile.

"Fine," He said as she chuckled. "But don't I get an answer for effort? Considering these so-called 'accidental' gashes?" He made quotation marks in the air. She smiled as she took this into consideration.

"Alright," She said as she exhaled. "I do not see why you're making such a fuss about this, when really, it's nothing."

"You mean, the guy who you ordered to be staked near at the heart was nothing?" He asked as his smile disappeared and gave her a condescending look instead.

"Yes," She said with her eyebrows arched. "I was in a foul mood, and I thought I saw a familiar face, so I ordered just that."

"You do know that it was Camilla's date, right?" He continued. But she tried to feign innocence.

"Was he?" She asked as she shrugged. "I did not notice." Now Isaac laughed, clearly mocking her for her acting.

"Please," He said. "You did not have to do that, y'know? I was absolutely alright with her and the bloke. She could do whatever she wanted to do." At first, Elizabeth frowned at his statement as she read her mind. What was he suddenly talking about anyway? That was until she understood that he thought that she ordered to stake Damon because Camilla slept with him and that Isaac used to be her ex-boyfriend. Oh like she bloody cared about Isaac and Camilla's petty relationship. If he only knew why she really did order to stake Damon... But it was better if it was a secret. Isaac did not exactly know anything about Elizabeth and Damon. None of them knew other than Elijah and Klaus. Then again, she could play this game. It'd be better to go along with his claims.

"No, you were not." She then exclaimed, all seriousness in her tone. "It was quite rude for her to suddenly just do that without your permission. You have not seen anyone since then, and that does not really give her the right to do that out of the blue." She reasoned, even if she knew it was a shrewd one. She absolutely agreed that Camilla could do whatever she wanted since it's already been two years after their so-called "breakup." But if she had to go with this lie then that'll do. Now, Isaac smiled.

"Elizabeth, really, it's alright." He now said. "You really didn't have to do that." She gave him a faux concerned look, when she really couldn't help but mock him slightly.

"Alright," She nodded. He continued to smile as he finally extended his hand for her sword. So she tossed it towards him, which he immediately caught using his vampire speed, and he finally made his way to the living room to return them. Just as he did, she heard Klaus and Elijah talking in Klaus' room upstairs. She smirked as she decided to make her way to interrupt them.

Perhaps a little trip outside would do for them...


"Tell me, brother." He then heard Elijah say as he flipped through another page of Shakespeare's first part of Henry IV. "What is it that you so hate about her? You do not seem to have hated her centuries ago." Klaus rolled his eyes in sudden annoyance. It was early morning and somehow Elijah was already rampantly prying about his and Elizabeth's relationship. What suddenly struck his curiosity then? Was it because of yesterday's bearing of such tragic news made him do so? Sometimes, he didn't understand Elijah.

"And what suddenly struck your curiosity, big brother?" He then asked as he turned around with a tumbler of a half-drunken scotch at hand. His eyebrows were arched in sudden interest, but his voice hinted his annoyance. "There's nothing more than our rather complex relationship." Elijah looked at him and suddenly closed the book.

"It is a rather complex relationship. That is what I want to understand." He then replied. Their gazes were locked for a moment as silence dawned within them. Perhaps there was nothing wrong with a simple answer now, wasn't it? As Klaus took this into consideration, he finally inhaled a sharp breath.

"Very well," He said as he swirled his drink around. And then he turned his back again at him, as he faced the window. He then exhaled. What suddenly made Elijah think that he hated Elizabeth? Yes, perhaps they do seem to have a love-hate relationship, but Klaus knew that there was something deeper there. Something that none of them want to bring back up. Something that Elizabeth continued to shadow her hate over. There was so much history in just a short span of time. But he felt as if he knew her forever, regardless if they only met during the late fifteenth century, or he drove a dagger at her chest that lasted for more than five hundred years. He knew her just as well as she knew him.

He could never hate her.

"I do not hate her, brother." He then finally said. "I simply despise the amount of influence she could have over anyone. She has this impact that leaves a scar which cannot be removed forever. She's very clever" – he faced Elijah again – "Strong, powerful, manipulative… She's everything that anyone could ever hate. But I don't. And for that, she has gained a tremendous amount of respect that I truly despise." Elijah narrowed his eyes. But Klaus arched his eyebrows. He never really understood how he felt about Elizabeth. "My only mistake was daggering her for five hundred centuries. I see it now. I acted on impulse." With that, Elijah looked down at his book and put it on the table beside him. Klaus then drank on the tumbler until it was empty and saw that Elijah stood up and took a step towards him.

"And you seem to admit that mistake now?" He then teased with a hard gaze. Klaus returned the same gaze as he was about to reply. For some reason, Elijah was pushing his buttons today. That was until they were interrupted by the door that was suddenly opened.

"Do not stop on my account." Elizabeth suddenly said with a smile as she came in.

"Have you not heard of manners, Elizabeth?" Klaus asked with his eyebrows arched again. But Elizabeth continued to come in, still with a smile. She just knew how to annoy him even more. He rolled his eyes as she finally stood beside Elijah, wearing this black shirt, leather skirt that went below her knees, knee-high leather boots, and leather coat. Clearly, she was going somewhere.

"It's my home; I could do whatever I want." She replied. Elijah smirked, but Klaus remained neutral. "And speaking of doing whatever I want, you're both coming with me to the Household Cavalry Museum. I believe that we all need to take our minds off from Kol's death, and that is why I am also telling you that you cannot refuse. Especially you, Nik – I have missed so much history while I was rotting in that tomb, and although I've already seen this, you will still come as a price to pay." Klaus scoffed. What were they, children that needed to be taken to a little fieldtrip to this museum? And what about that price to pay again? Hadn't he already paid enough considering his momentary desiccation two years ago?

"Haven't I already paid enough?" He then teased as he gave her a vicious smile. But Elizabeth gave him a sharp gaze and another smile.

"You have paid enough until I say so." She replied matter-of-factly. But then, she turned to Elijah. "I'm sure you shall not refuse?" And he smiled in return as he nodded. Klaus could not possibly watch this. Elizabeth always had a certain effect on Elijah – just as what he said earlier about her impact on people.

"Of course," Elijah replied. And then, before Klaus could protest yet again, Elizabeth turned and finally made her way out.

"Shall we then?" She called back as he glared at her and Elijah glanced at him with a mocking look on his face. Klaus glared at him as well once she was finally out.


Camille burst through the doors with much ado. "Was that completely necessary?" She immediately demanded as she saw Isaac playing the violin. "She knew that Damon was my date, and she just had to direct orders to stake him! Does she really want to make my life miserable?" Isaac then stopped playing as he patiently glanced at her.

"She thought that I was not alright with it." He calmly replied.

"With what?" She continued to demand as she raised an eyebrow. Her glare was directly shot at his rather passive stare.

"With the both of you and your little rendezvous," He then replied as he settled the violin down on the coffee table. Immediately, Camille's eyebrows shot up as she finally understood. She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. It was a tad bit surprising how Elizabeth could be so protective of Isaac. Was it true though? She didn't quite believe it but then, she did witness it firsthand last night.

"Oh," She finally said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Well... Are you?" It had never occurred to her that this could affect him. It's been two years for crying out loud. Don't they deserve to move on? And yet, once that question came out of her mouth, she knew she couldn't take it back anymore. She felt vulnerable all of a sudden. Isaac glanced back at her and gave her an easy smile. She felt her heart sink as he did. His handsome face was very difficult to be upset with. Not that she had always been, but sometimes his charms could definitely work on her.

"It's alright." He said, with an assuring tone. "I am fine with it." She then pressed her lips. It wasn't exactly what she wanted to hear. A little jealousy wouldn't hurt, right? A little protest too, wouldn't hurt. But what did she really expect? Was she that crazy about him that deep down, she still at some point or another, couldn't let go? Had she completely lost her mind?

"Great," She then said, a little too cheerfully. "I thought for a second that you weren't, but you are so... That's great." She breathed as she smiled. But then, she suddenly remembered why she was here in the first place. Her smile faded and a frown replaced it after for a few short silent moments. "But what Elizabeth did was absolutely preposterous. Absolutely uncalled for, and you know it!" She then pointed a finger at him. His smile disappeared and nodded matter-of-factly.

"She'll never do it again." He then said as he stood up straight. Suddenly, everything was awkward. He was all formal and she was just all jumpy. "It was an honest mistake." But then she charged towards him after he gravely added. Something just struck a nerve when it came to Elizabeth again.

"You keep apologizing for her!" She said as she scrounged her nose in annoyance. "Just make sure that she keeps her word, Isaac." And with their gazes locked, she gave him one last hard gaze before she finally began to leave.

"I will." She heard him say. As if he'll ever. He could not even control his so-called "sire." And she couldn't help but admit that fact to herself bitterly.


"Should you buy me a cotton candy next?" Klaus commented sarcastically as Elizabeth suddenly appeared beside him. He sat on a steel bench, painted in black, and she was also seated beside him. She glanced at him and began to laugh. First, it was a throaty chuckle, and then she began to laugh whole heartedly. What has gone in her head? Perhaps a loose nail had finally gone off? The day was gloomy – as it always was here in London. And somehow, that was one of the things he missed about being here. It was his home once after all… But there were too many memories here that he couldn't try and relive again. "Someone seems to be in a terrific mood. Was it Elijah's constant tailing and hanging onto your every word that seemed to entertain you so much?" She continued to laugh.

"Oh you should see the scowl on your face…" She then commented with a chuckle. "That is what's entertaining me." She arched her eyebrows as her deep green eyes glistened from all the laughter. He slightly smiled as he looked away again, at the museum that was just more than a few yards before them. Elizabeth's charms always seem to work on him – he tried to hide it, of course, but she was irresistible that way. Although he'll never admit that to her.

"You never fail to torment me." He commented with his eyebrows arched. Elizabeth had a very dark but sadistic sense of humor. It was one of the many things that they share.

"And you never fail to torment me either." She then commented. The amusement was gone in her voice as she looked away again. Elijah was still inside, looking for something that he thought he already saw before, which left them here all alone all of a sudden. Silence dawned between them as a crisp blew. That was when she finally broke the ice again. "You knew." He turned to look at her, and saw her looking at him, straight in his eyes. If there was one thing they have never brought up before, it was clear that she did so now. This was, apparently, not a game anymore. And he suddenly looked away in bitterness.

"That it was you who conspired against me all along?" He asked with an annoyed smirk. "Turning Katerina, letting her escape just by Elijah's petty request? Just because he wanted you to have a change of heart?" He then scoffed as he remembered. How the mighty have fallen, he seemed to think. Then again, perhaps Elizabeth was never the mighty. "Always has been a pity memory…" He waited for her sharp remarks, but they never came. She was silent, and he glanced at her again. Her eyes were casted downward. The thing was, he always knew. And those were the repercussions of what she had done – rotten for five hundred years, which may have even lasted longer if it wasn't for his baby sister, Rebekah.

"Are you upset because I turned her, or because I had a change of heart?" She quietly asked. Immediately, he slammed his palm on the bench that had a space between them as he leaned closer.

"You cost me another five hundred to break the curse!" He hissed. It was that and the latter to her question. But he'll also never admit that straight to her. The truth was, he had learned to trust Elizabeth more than his siblings during that time. He was a fool to have thought that he could. And instead, he ended up betrayed. She chose to have a change of heart for Elijah, than her loyalty to him. It was a huge slap in his face that fury gushed through his veins. He finally had everything, a kingdom, a family, a doppelganger, and a companion – but apparently, all good things must come to an end.

And yet, it's strange that they were suddenly having this conversation – another five hundred years later.

"And you never fail to be dishonest with me." She slyly turned to face him and gave him a condescending but knowing look. "All these games that we play only have burnt us in the end. And yet, we always play. It does not even matter if anyone wins." His gaze hardened as their gazes were locked. If there was one other thing about Elizabeth, was that nobody could hide anything from her. It's both convenient and inconvenient. Truthfully, there were just some things that were difficult to say, and she made it not too difficult because she already knew – thanks to her skill in telepathy. But there were some things that he wanted to keep to himself, and yet she knew all about them still… It's absolutely an invasion of privacy. What was more difficult though was she knew all about what someone thought and felt, but nobody ever knew about what she did. Although, Klaus knew since he was one of the few.

"It does matter in the end…" He commented. She rolled her eyes in sheer mockery.

"You do not even see how much you've already lost." Her voice was low and even as she gave him a sharp gaze. "We both did." Now he slightly raised his chin, as he leaned back. What was this all about anyway? Why the sudden epiphany of some sort? Was she suddenly experiencing an eternal life crisis? She already had everything she ever wanted with London and Paris. She had a loyal army of vampires bowing and kissing at her feet. But then he finally understood. She had everything, but she couldn't get what she really wanted.

That other Salvatore brother.

And now, she's settling for familiar territory. Why now, when the Salvatore was only nearby? He heard that she ordered for that Damon to be staked near at his heart. Clearly, she didn't want him dead. But it was also clear, that she was trying to drive him away. Now, he slowly smiled at Elizabeth. "Ah," He said. With that look in her eyes, she knew that he already knew. She also knew that he understood. His smile widened. With that, he laid a hand on top of hers and squeezed it gently. "It's quite difficult to achieve companionship, doesn't it?" He then teased and she glared. But before she could say anything, he added. "Nobody can have it all, love."

And then he opened his mind to hers as he made her remember a certain memory that both of them shared…


They both shook as a surge of sensation released the both of them, and Klaus finally settled beside her. Both of them took a moment to catch their breaths as she covered herself with the blanket. He smiled at her as he softly brushed her hair away from her face. And she smiled back. To be united in love was always such a wonderful fete. Nobody could deny that, but Elizabeth was willing to take another step forward because somehow, this wasn't enough. But Klaus continued to stroke her hair, with his eyes glimmering with warmth and love. Who knew he was capable of this? And to be the one to witness this was absolutely surreal.

"Amor vincit omnia," He whispered and kissed her forehead. His gaze landed on hers with such meaning. She continued to smile as she nodded. He kissed her tenderly on her lips until it turned into a passionate one. Then, she rolled on top of him as she broke of the kiss. With a secretive smile she then kissed both of his eyelids.

"And with love, we shall be united forever." She whispered as she kissed his cheek, his chin, then down to his neck before she finally dug her fangs. She drank and drank as she knew pleasurable sensations washed all over him in a form of intoxicating ecstasy. When she was finished, she licked the remaining blood clean, but then he suddenly turned them around. She knew he couldn't wait any longer, and so she stretched her neck openly for him. When he finally dug his fangs, she felt the same sensations she knew he had earlier. It was intoxicating. It was a feeling that she couldn't explain. She had already done this before, but with Klaus it was different. Absolutely and amazingly different.

When he was done, he licked his lips and she smiled at him almost groggily. The sacred bond was finally complete. Just by the hint of warmth in his eyes, she knew he was happy. And she was too. He then embraced her as his head fell on her chest. "We're bonded."

She breathed as she nodded with an exhilarated smile, "We're bonded."


Damon sat as he angrily swirled his drink around. He actually preferred whiskey today. Some Jack Daniel's wouldn't hurt, especially now, since he had a crappy night last night. He didn't really want to see Camille, or anyone for that matter. He wanted to be alone. And so, he went to the club at noon where it was still empty, and the bartenders were still doing inventory. They didn't exactly mind all that much that he was here and he really didn't mind if they were going around with crates of booze.

See? It's a win-win.

He was still pissed, though, about that stake thing with Elizabeth. It was another one of her antics of trying to "push" him away. She had done it so many times already that he knew right then and there when she's already doing it. Didn't she understand that they have too much in common for him to not know? Sometimes, she could be such an idiot. And yeah, he thought of that with much annoyance. But so what if she blocked her thoughts from him and that he only assumed that? It was clear enough anyway. He wasn't stupid. But just as when everything was going well with him being alone with fountains of booze coming along, his peace was disturbed.

"Is everything good for tonight?" The intruder asked Greg, who was cleaning the glasses with a cloth. "She wants it all prepared. You know how it goes." Damon glanced at Greg at the corner of his eyes as he emptied his glass. Greg smiled and nodded.

"Yeah," He said. "We've got a few more crates for inventory, but other than that, everything's goin' to go well, as it always does." The intruder – or as everyone really called him – Isaac, Elizabeth's right-hand man, gave Greg a smile and nodded. With that, Damon put down his tumbler with a loud clank on the counter. Both of them glanced at him as he looked at them and made a forceful smile.

"Oops." He then said. Isaac gave him a one over look before he finally recognized Damon and gave him a smile. He then walked towards him, and stood before him. Damon did not flinch, but instead, looked straight at his hazel eyes.

"You must be Damon," He said, and Damon arched his eyebrows as he stood up so they could face each other. "It's good to know that you are alive, otherwise, we would have suffered such repercussions."

"And you must be Isaac," Damon replied with an annoying smile. "I heard a lot about you too." Now he arched up his eyebrows as he pursed his lips, making him see that he wasn't really all that impressed. And judging by this guy's memories, Elizabeth hadn't told him who he was yet. And she pretended that she only wanted Damon to be staked was because he spent the night with Camille – which was kind of amusing.

What a little liar…

Their gazes were locked until Isaac suddenly grabbed his neck. Damon tried to get the upper hand, but Isaac was stronger, and he found his back slammed onto the counter. Isaac then, continued to choke him. "Mark my words, lad," Isaac glared at him as he leaned his face closer to Damon's. "If you hurt Camilla, I will slit your throat and burn you alive. Understood?"

"Y-yeah…" He struggled to say. But then, Isaac scrounged his nose.

"You're lucky that it was under strict orders that you get to be alive even if you were staked." He continued. "If my men weren't all that skilled, then you would be dead since last night." With that, he roughly released his hold on Damon and backed away. Damon then glared at him as he stood up straight again and watched Isaac leave.

Whoever thought that Elizabeth's loyal follower could have such balls to suddenly threaten him? Sure, he was a tad impressed, but Damon was more pissed off. If Elizabeth didn't happen to take control over her people, then maybe he'll have to do something else to piss her off. Once Isaac left, he immediately thought of something. Surely, that little order she did last night had another reason why she did so. And so, with a smirk, he left the club with his vampire speed.