Please don't think I've given up on the story if I can't update for a while. I've already given my word to finish this and from the pace I realized I'm writing in, I'm going to be here for a long time. This might go past more than 30 - 40 chapters with all the stuff I've got to cover. Please be patient with the good stuff. I'm trying to have other view points of the other characters during the original Vampire Diaries plot - more than just Elena and the Salvatore brothers and what they're doing all the time. They'll be making an appearance soon, I haven't forgotten them. I'll make it as interesting as I can. Enjoy it, read it, review it if you can! -Lady Shiri

Chapter Four

Behind The Shy Smiles

-Mystic Falls, Virginia-

2009

Today had been a busy day for me. I realized that as we were sitting in a circle in Elena's bedroom, getting ready to start Caroline's horrific plan of saving this blasted sleepover. From getting whacked in the face in the airport and starting friendships with Elena and Bonnie during a fight between close friends, I was surprised I hadn't crashed from the exhaustion of it all. I was even more surprised of myself by actually agreeing to participate in this séance; and I wasn't even sure if ghost really existed. If they did, was it smart to do this kind of voodoo?

Caroline sat between Bonnie and I, lighting the candles and motioning for Elena to turn off the lights. We shared uneasy looks at the sudden darkness of the room. "I still think this is a bad idea," Bonnie murmured.

"Relax, it's not like anything's gonna happen," Caroline said dismissively.

I scowled at her desperate act to save the sleepover. "Then why are we doing this in the first place?"

"Does it look like there's anything else for us to do?"

"Lots."

"Something fun?"

I bit my lip, glancing at Elena with a small apology in my eyes, and Elena shook her head. "It's fine, Char. I admit that movies and cupcakes weren't my best ideas."

"Like ever," Caroline mumbled. Bonnie and I frowned at her tactlessness; couldn't she have been any less obvious with her light accusation? "Let's get this thing started."

She took hold of my hand and Bonnie's as well in a tight grip. "Okay then . . ."

It was like she was expecting us to make a run for the door the moment she dropped her guard, and my lips turned up at that thought. Elena mirrored her actions less enthusiastically. Another fuzzy feeling warmed my stomach when our hands touched; it was quite different to what I felt with Bonnie. It was friendly, yes, but very familiar - I just couldn't put my finger on it. Why hadn't I felt this at the door the first time we held hands? A late reaction maybe? Was Elena something . . . supernatural as well?

Caroline interrupted my train of thought and I pushed my suspicions away for now. "Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and calm your thoughts." We did as she told us, Bonnie being the hesitant one of the group. I could literally hear our heartbeats picking up at Caroline's next words. "Bonnie, call to her."

"Emily," she said in a bored tone, "You there?"

I opened my eyes and to my amusement, we were all looking at Bonnie in confusion. "Emily, you there?" Caroline repeated with an exasperated sigh. "C'mon, that's all you got? Where's the spirit in that? Give it your best shot. Do it again."

Bonnie shot her a dirty look. "I didn't even want to do this."

"I second that," I chipped in.

"You guys aren't even trying to enjoy tonight!" My second cousin cried out, "You keep questioning everything I'm doing. We're supposed to have fun if you've forgotten."

Bonnie groaned in defeat. "Whatever."

Caroline turned to me, fluttering her blue eyes and giving me a puppy dog face. With a nod, I glanced away quickly. "Do what you want." She just loved using the guilt/cute card, didn't she? We closed our eyes again, less tense than before.

"Emily, I call on you." When nothing happened, Bonnie tried again more seriously, "I know you have a message for me. So now I'm here to listen."

A flash of heat passed through my body and the force of it took most of the air in my lungs. Chills began to crawl up my spine at the foreign feeling in the room, my hands instinctively tightening on theirs. My heartbeat began to pound in my chest. Something is here, a voice murmured in my head, neither cautious or unguarded. The candles flickered suddenly, cloaking us in darkness for a second or two, and we all jumped apart with our eyes wide and anticipating. That was a big mistake. Even with the candles steady again, I felt a little cold, bare. Something was wrong and I honestly didn't want to see anything I wasn't ready for. Maybe a headless dead girl in a white dress?

"Oh, hell. Did you feel that?" I breathed as I crossed my arms over my chest, shivering slightly at the abrupt chlll. Bonnie and Elena unexpectedly did the same.

Caroline looked around the room, wearing a wary expression as if Bloody Mary was going to pop out of nowhere and drag one of us away. "That was-"

"Nothing," Bonnie interjected, anxious. "That was nothing, Caroline. It was just the air conditioning."

Stubborn as always, she told her in excitement, "Ask Emily if that was a sign." When Bonnie turned her head around defiantly, Caroline took the lead and with a clear voice called, "Emily, if you're really here among us, show us another sign."

"Caroline!" Elena hissed but stayed silent afterwards, waiting for anything else to happen.

"It's not working. That really was nothing," Bonnie assured us when nothing out of the blue happened. It was upsetting to hear the panic in her voice, and it sounded like she was assuring herself more so than us.

Elena opened her mouth to say something when the window snapped open by itself and slammed against the upper window sill, the glass trembling from the force of it. We gave out small screams of shock and instantly edged away from the wall. "What was that?" She demanded, not expecting an answer.

"Damn," I let out. A breeze flew past the open window, only intensifying the gelidity that settled in the room.

"That is it! I can't do this!" Bonnie yanked the necklace off from her neck and flung it away from her. It landed in the middle of the candles that flickered at each waft of air. "I am done!"

I couldn't help but agree and got to my feet. "Sorry Elena but I kind of want to get out of your room right now."

Before Caroline could argue, the worst possible thing happened. Our dread reached its peak when the candles were put out without warning, and I saw nothing but shadows. My imagination dangerously went on overdrive and my childhood fears of the boogeyman rose up again. I didn't know who screamed afterwards, but there was a high probability that it was me who screamed bloody murder. "The lights! Someone please get the lights!" I heard Bonnie shriek.

A few footsteps later, someone flipped the switch. "Got it!" Elena gasped.

Caroline and I eased up slightly when the darkness was gone, but the damage was done. My nerves were on edge and I wasn't the only one. All of us were on our feet. "This is freaky," I said, swallowing hard.

"Guys, the necklace is gone." Bonnie whispered. Our eyes simultaneously drifted off to where she had thrown that godforsaken piece of metal; it wasn't there.

"Okay, Caroline. Very funny . . ."

Caroline gaped at Elena. "Excuse me?"

"You made your point," Elena continued rejectedly, "and we totally get it. For fun, right? Now give it back."

Miffed, she narrowed her large, blue eyes at us. "I didn't take it."

Something caught my eye in the hallway and I frowned in confusion when I saw nothing. I immediately latched on to the closest person to me which happened to be Elena. "Char?" She took one look at me and followed my gaze to across the hall. "Jeremy?" She called out, walking forward.

Who was Jeremy?

I followed when I refused to let her arm go. We stood at the doorway to his room which was impressively clean for a guy. A few things were scattered at his desk and his stuff were randomly put in the shelves without order, but at least there weren't clothes lying on the floor. It was a low-ceiling bedroom that was connected to Elena's by the joint bathroom. Winslow didn't have a problem with keeping his things organized so we never argued about finding things that weren't meant to be found by the opposite sex - not yet anyways. I was less vigilant with keeping my things intact and neat than Winslow, which annoyed him greatly.

"Guys?" We turned to see Bonnie bending down to pick something up from the floor. I couldn't see what caught her attention, but her face wore a mask of absolute fear.

"Bonnie?" I asked cautiously when she took a step back. Elena was not far behind, staring at her best friend with worry. The doors swung forward, nearly hitting my face, and slammed shut on both sides. There was a scream from the inside and my blood sharply froze.

I heard Caroline's gasp. "Bonnie? Bonnie!"

Elena tried to yank it open, twisting on the knob and slapping her palm on the door. Her screams only heightened. I slammed the door with my fists, yelling for someone - anyone to do something in vain. Even our efforts of kicking it down didn't work. It remained unaffected by our struggles. Elena blurted out in a hurry, "Let's go to Caroline." We dashed to her side and combined our strengths to see if that would help; it didn't.

As quickly as the screaming began, it stopped. The silence was much more frightening than her screams. "Bonnie?" Caroline asked hesitantly, fearing the answer. I think we all did.

Not wasting a second, I shoved the door open with a slam that echoed throughout the house. I would've apologized but I was too caught up in my worry and Elena didn't seem to notice. We eyed Bonnie in the middle of the bathroom with her face in her hands, breathing heavily as if to catch her breath. She looked so defenseless and fragile that the questions that threatened to spill from my mouth burned out. Caroline stayed at the door as Elena and I gingerly made our way to her side. The feeling of something there intensified as I drew closer to the dark-skinned girl, making me swallow down my apprehension that was telling me to be wary.

"What happened?" Elena asked softly. "Are you alright?"

Bonnie looked up to meet Elena's gaze emotionlessly before turning to me. Her dark brown orbs flickered with interest, almost scrutinizing me under her hard stare. I was surprised to see a flash of respect gleam in her eyes for a few seconds before it disappeared and she became indifferent again. "I am fine." Her tone was fixed and dispassionate.

The was a moment of silence. I didn't think either of us knew what to do or how to react to that until there was a sudden yell from behind us, full of outrage. "Oh, my God! Y-You were faking it!" Caroline was livid. She could've had steam coming out her ears. "I can't believe you! Seriously? I said fun! I don't remember telling you to scream like a dying banshee and scare the hell out of us!"

"Caroline," Elena began impatiently.

"No! This is such a sick joke Bonnie!" Caroline snapped before storming off.

Elena and I exchanged looks before glancing at the silent girl. "Are you sure you're okay?" I asked fastidiously.

Her lips quivered upward before returning to a straight line. "I am fine. Everything will be fine."

I was a little perplexed with her attitude as she walked past us to the stairs. I tried looking to Elena for answers but she was deep at thought. Following Bonnie to the hallway, I heard Caroline in Elena's room as she steamed. "I cannot believe her. Ugh, I can't believe I fell for it."

"I must go," Bonnie announced as she ignored Caroline.

Feeling offended, Caroline muttered, "Then I'm going too."

Elena argued, appearing at my side and holding on to Bonnie's forearm to keep her still. "You can't just leave - both of you, I mean."

My second cousin went in the bedroom and grabbed our things, handing me my bag as well. "No way am I staying here tonight. This is just too much freaky witch stuff to go through at one time. Later Elena." She turned her head childishly at Bonnie before walking to the door, leaving Elena gaping after her. Caroline seemed to have forgotten it was her idea in the first place.

Glancing at the brunette, I managed to say calmly, "Well, that was one hell of a sleepover. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

She tried to smile, failing. "Er . . . yeah, I'll look for you."

Still a bit freaked, I didn't know how to approach Bonnie. She was moodier than I was which definitely was saying something. "Um, see you around."

Bonnie only stared at me in reply. I would've been lying if I said I wasn't a bit creeped out with that too. As if something would try to scare me on the way to the door, I took only three steps down until a hand clenched tightly around my shoulder, making me jump in fright. "Please forgive me."

"I forgive you," I replied instinctively. Whatever for? I had no clue.

She didn't acknowledge what I had said and warned, "She is not the same girl as before, Varvara."

Elena and I stared at her inquiringly. I was going to ask who Varvara was when an impatient honk made us jump - aside from Bonnie, of course. "Chardonnay! C'mon already!" We heard Caroline's muffled voice from outside. With another questioning glance, I broke free from her grip and literally ran from the house. I didn't care what they thought of me at that moment. They were either questionably insane or very devoted and skilled actresses to freak two girls out of their house. Bonnie, especially, was confusing to comprehend.

"Finally," Caroline muttered as I slid on my seatbelt.

I spared her a look and bluntly told her, "You have strange friends."

"Ugh, tell me about it."

-The New World-

1024

"Where had you gone?" Aunt Sylvia asked me the next evening.

Surprised at my aunt's query, I calmed my stiff body for I did not want her to suspect a thing. "I do not know what you mean."

I had been busy with Yvonne the entire morning and afternoon, painfully listening to her brag about what an amusing and satisfying night she had. Yvonne had affirmed my guess of seeing the foreigners at the feast, claiming their beauty and difference in style. That wasn't the only reason behind my lack of conversation with Aunt Sylvia. I felt guilty for avoiding her, carefully taking longer ways to where I had to go instead of taking a chance to come across my aunt. Despite gaining Tatia's forgiveness, I feared that it would only be time until she realized there was more to me than my abnormal eyes.

"Heidi, please stop."

There was a motherly tone in her voice that I immediately caught and I looked up from my work. "Pardon?"

She shook her head to say that I wasn't in trouble and I relaxed slightly. "Last night I had searched the crowd for you,"

"I would have ruined the feast,"

"If you must care for one's thoughts, let it be your own."

A bit ashamed, I glanced away. "It would not have made a difference."

Aunt Sylvia gave me a sad smile that I saw from the corner of my eye and nodded for me to return to my work, finishing the vegetables for dinner. On usual routine, I would have been assisting Yvonne with whatever she needed but Magdalene requested my presence in the kitchen. Emanuel and Magdalene were hosting guests for the night. Who exactly? I did not know. I was flushed from the heat of the fire, patting my warmed cheeks with the edges of my sleeve. I may not have burned last night but I did not fully know of my capabilities or my control. I hardly wished to lose an arm on a tiny chance that I would not feel fire's wrath.

When I was dismissed, she told me to inform Magdalene that dinner would soon be ready. I found her finely dressed in her best gown, organizing the tables for seven people. She caught sight of me and smiled. When I informed her of Aunt Sylvia's thoughts, she was pleased. Magdalene then looked at my apparel and told me to clean up. "You and your family may eat afterwards."

"Of course. Thank you."

With another smile, I went to my room which was considerably smaller than Yvonne's. I had three dresses at my disposal; the one I was wearing was torn and used to its limit from all the housecleaning over the years. Magdalene had promised me a new one once the tailor returned from his travels to other smaller villages such as ours, across the hills and valleys. Gingerly, I combed my hair to make sure it was free of leaves and dust, and slipped into a pale blue dress that made my skin look creamy. Glancing up, I saw that Aunt Sylvia had appeared at my doorway, running her clean fingers through my blond locks.

To my dismay, she looked so melancholy - guilty, even. "You have grown," she sighed.

"It is inevitable," I told her softly.

"Heidi, you deserve more."

Caught up with emotion, I hugged her. Tears did not come for I had used them all last night. I missed the reassurance this once had given me, but for now, I was content with the warmth that enveloped my body. "I shall be content with what I am blessed with, Aunt Sylvia."

"Such a sweet girl." Aunt Sylvia nodded determinedly. "I shall wait for you when they leave."

When I saw the worried look on her face, I asked, "What bothers you still?"

"It is your uncle. I worry for him as well."

"Is he unwell?"

She shrugged. "I have yet to see him since last night."

My eyes widened slightly. "Should we inform Magdalene of this?"

Aunt Sylvia pressed her lips together. She did not want to cause problems, especially if Uncle Johan was not in any danger in the long run, but she was anxious for her husband. "Let us give your uncle time. I am sure he will return safely."

We separated as she returned to the kitchens and I to the dining hall. My duty was to wait on them as they ate while Aunt Sylvia prepared and brought out the dishes I had helped create in the kitchen. Uncle Johan was the stableman of the household, and he was commonly missing from the house most of the time, only having the pleasure of seeing us during breakfast and dinner. I made my way behind Magdalene's figure as Emanuel greeted the guest, Yvonne right beside him. She was in a vivid scarlet dress with her hair twisted back simply, a few curls loose and hanging against the base of her collarbone. As scandalous as her apparel was, she was unmistakably beautiful.

"Just in time," Magdalene noted.

I grinned sheepishly. "Forgive me."

Filled with curiosity, I saw four people enter - one by one with their own aura of poise and mystery. A man with sparkling blue eyes and dark blond hair stepped forward, taking Emanuel's hand in greeting. He was a handsome fellow who could greatly rival that dark-haired stranger I could not forget. The men greeted each other, hinting that they had met during the feast. Behind them, a breathtaking young woman who could not have yet passed twenty years stood firmly on his right. She bore similar features to that of the blond with long, fair hair, twinkling light blue eyes, and an oval-shaped face with pale skin. Her perfectly pink lips curved into a civil smile as she took the sight of Emanuel and Yvonne.

"Emanuel," the blond greeted before turning to his daughter. He took Yvonne's hand in his, placing a chaste kiss on the back of her hand without ever moving his eyes from hers. "Yvonne. Tis lovely to see you again."

Yvonne giggled. "Twas only, merely moments ago."

I could sense Magdalene's uneasiness at the obvious lust in his eyes and Yvonne's smugness for capturing his attention, but said nothing. Emanuel obviously approved when he took a discreet step away from the pair. When I took her hand shyly as comfort, she glanced down, inquiring. "I am fine," Magdalene whispered hesitantly.

Two more entered the hall. The third was a younger man who appeared to be of eighteen years. He bared a striking resemblance of that unknown traveler and my mouth hung partially open in shock. They surely could not be related.

No . . . could they? His straight dark brown hair reached past his shoulders and his narrow eyes assessed Yvonne's family politely. They traveled to Magdalene once he acknowledged her husband and daughter, before they landed on me. It was confusing when he openly stared at me, the smile freezing on his face. Several emotions flashed through his face - too fast for me to understand, but I caught a single emotion that was caught between astonishment and obfuscation.

Is this how people will continue to react to my gaze?

The blonde noticed his confusion and followed his stare to me. Her reaction was similar to that of the boy's - wonder, shock, and joy - but there was also worry that lingered in her light blue eyes. She composed herself faster than the boy, adapting a cool expression as her attention returned to her companion. Her lips moved and though I could not hear the words, I had a feeling she snapped him out of his daze, mercifully releasing me of his scrutinizing stare. He mouthed unwaveringly, "My apologies."

Blinking, I managed a nod. I thought that would have been the end of any more unwelcomed surprises. What a fool I was for I had hoped too soon.

As the fourth person entered the group, I met his familiar oak brown eyes. The air in my lungs gave out as a spark of familiarity appeared on his face. He was bringing more unfamiliar emotions out from myself, making me feel like a stranger to my own body. I glanced at Yvonne uneasily but she was too preoccupied with the blond to notice anything else. "Emanuel, Yvonne, Magdalene," his smooth voice began, his gaze never leaving mine. My cheeks reddened at the attention. "On behalf of my family, we are honored to be invited to your lovely home."

"It is only our pleasure to." Magdalene offered him a friendly smile.

My stomach sank uncomfortably. Yes, then I am right. Those two are blood related. I studied them briefly, controlling myself from staring at Elijah particularly longer than the rest. They were wearing strange clothes, far different from the ones in this village, but it added to their appeal. They were all beautiful, uniquely gorgeous for we all seemed plain beside their commanding presence. I now knew why the village people had created such a fuss.

Yvonne glanced at the youngest of the group. Curiosity flashed in her bright green eyes. "I had not seen you during the feast,"

The blond smirked. "He follows the ever noble footsteps of our eldest brother, does he not Elijah?"

The dark-haired stranger turned to him, raising an eyebrow at his antics. "He is someone I am proud of."

Elijah, I tested the roll of his name in my head. It suited him, to be honest. Magdalene shot me a strange look and I realized I was openly swooning over a man she believed was a stranger. Composing myself, I responded with an apologetic expression.

"I am known as Henrik," I heard the youngest greet, "It is a joy to finally meet you, Yvonne."

She blushed. "To you as well, Henrik."

The four turned to the dinning hall before Aunt Sylvia appeared past the doors. Magdalene nudged me gently and I walked over to hold the second handle, my back heating at the stares that followed me. My neck was prickling at the weight of their stares. Taking a deep breath, I pressed my back to the door, keeping my attention on the ground meekly. I could smell a hint of his natural musk when Elijah passed painfully near. If I had reached out, I would have made contact with his hand. My cheeks warmed as I noted the clean attractive quality of his scent.

Then I reddened. What is it that I am doing? Going so far as to smell him, I had to accept Tatia's words. I was devastatingly entranced to this man named Elijah. The desperate part of me began to wish I had taken Tatia's advice to heart for I had no clue on how to catch a man's interest. I then remembered Tatia's warning, the risk of getting close. Did I wish myself to ignore her heeds of warning? Tatia did not warn me for pointless reasons, but to protect me from the heartache that would surely come to me if I pursued this path.

No, do not go through this! Choose the way that best suits the preservation of your well-being, a voice scolded me. It was what Aunt Sylvia would say as well. Elijah did not belong here and if my captivation grew more than interest, I would later reap what I sowed.

Ahead, the table was large enough to hold at least ten people and plenty of food for thirteen. The mouthwatering scents of supper made my stomach squirm and I slowly exhaled, hoping my stomach wouldn't growl at such a time - that would be embarrassing, even degrading in others' views. As I worked, I caught the blond beauty staring at me once again as if to check I was not a figment of her imagination; she appeared almost shy. Emanuel and Magdalene led them to their seats, telling short stories of their livelihood. Only Elijah and Henrik appeared to be listening, Niklaus being distracted by their daughter.

Emanuel, being the head of the house, sat at the end with Magdalene at his right and Yvonne his left. Elijah was between Magdalene and Henrik while the pair of blonds sat at Yvonne's right side. Magdalene glanced at Aunt Sylvia. "The wine, please."

She gave me a reassuring smile as she handed me the pitcher, reminding me of my duty. I forced myself to remain calm as I made my way around the table, especially when I neared Elijah and Henrik. They were glimpsing somewhat fondly at me and that added to my confusion. They were discreet about their stares too or Yvonne would've had my head by now. Who are they? Why are they giving me unnecessary attention? They were acting as if they liked me. What had I done to gain such . . . affection?

My heart skipped a beat when I accidentally pressed my lower arm on Elijah's shoulder. I could feel the warmth despite our layers of clothing. "My apologies, Elijah." I squeaked out.

He nodded, keeping a straight face though he seemed pleased with me saying his name. "There is no need."

Forcing down the desire to strike a conversation with him, I walked away and proceeded to fill Magdalene's cup. I peeked under my lashes and watched Yvonne warily. Thankfully, her focus was on her target - on Niklaus. The blonde beauty stiffened when I leaned over them to fill their chalices, her pink lips curving down warily. The blue-eyed man tilted his head up, his long blond hair brushing against my covered forearm suggestively. That act alone ignited my insides with warning. "And who is this?"

I straightened up before looking at him directly, secretly wondering what his reaction would be. Shamefully, I gave him less credit than he deserved. Amusement and curiosity flittered through his eyes that had imperceptibly widened as he scrutinized me; even a small glint of disbelief crossed. Yvonne frowned at the lack of attention. "Niklaus, this is Heidi," she added rather nastily, "one of the servants of this household."

"Yvonne," Magdalene intervened, "how is Freja?"

Clearing her throat delicately, her daughter immediately backed off, brightening at the sound of her friend's name. "She had claimed to be made for marriage life. I can only guess it is suitable for certain types of people."

Escaping, I placed the pitcher at table and settled into standing at the background, purposely facing Elijah's back. I would not be able to concentrate if I met his intense eyes once again. They began to eat, though the guests seemed to just move the food around their plates. The sound their utensils brushing against their plates echoed softly in the dinning hall. "I am happy for her," Magdalene decided aloud. She turned to Elijah, sincerely curious. "Do you not have a beloved of your own, Elijah?"

I found myself waiting for his answer and couldn't help the relief I felt when he answered, "No, I do not."

"Do you plan to?"

He replied simply, "If fate is kind, it may be."

"What of you?" Emanuel asked Niklaus.

The girl beside Niklaus frowned at the question, clearly annoyed at Emanuel's desire for her daughter to be tied down with her brother. "I once did," he answered, surprising everyone on the table. Even his siblings looked a bit intrigued. They are not as close as everyone presumes, I thought silently, feeling a little pity for the blond man.

Yvonne didn't look pleased but questioned him to ease her main concern. "Did you marry?"

Another smirk graced his lips. His eyes flickered to at my direction so fast, I was beginning to think I had imagined it. "No, we did not." His siblings stayed silent while Yvonne and Emanuel visibly relaxed. I couldn't help but grit my teeth at their lack of sympathy. Emanuel was a fair landowner and did not ask for much in return, but when it came to his daughter, he acted just as bad as she did.

"I'm honestly surprised I was not informed of this, brother," the girl commented, trying to keep her tone light. Despite her tries for the picture of tranquility, her pretty face held a silent storm of anger and impatience.

"I had feared you would have reacted," he replied vaguely. From where I stood, I could not see Elijah or Henrik's reaction but the tension in the air was noticable. Did they disapprove as well?

Her scowl hardened. "If it was deserved, perhaps."

"Rebekah," Elijah warned.

She pouted but listened. "Forgive me." Her clipped apology did no good. No one was eating anymore for the air had turned too serious and gravely solemn.

A faint teasing smile appeared on his face despite the mood. "You would have liked her."

"What was she called?" Henrik asked cautiously. Yvonne liked this question as she leaned closer to Niklaus, frowning when he disregarded her completely. He didn't even turn to her as he usually did.

"Laelia," he murmured.

Niklaus had been in love once.

I did not know him for long but it seemed odd to know that he felt such an emotion. Was it instinct telling me this? His brothers had thought so too and stayed silent, not wanting to push for more details of his secret beloved. Rebekah, on the other hand, was quietly fuming. Her irritation turned her table manners harsh and unladylike. When Niklaus turned to stare at me, I was not imagining the circumstances in my head - this was real, raw. Nicklaus' blue eyes had darkened considerably through his banter with his sister and I nearly found it difficult to hold his stare. There was a familiar glaze in his eyes, similar to that haunted look from Tatia at the mention of her deceased lover - longing, sadness, and love.

Sharply, I inhaled. He was staring at me with love. His affectionate gaze was not for me, I knew that clearly, but no one had ever showed me such passion before. Overwhelmed, I focused on the patterns of the floor, my heart pounding against my ribcage. What is this? I asked myself, why am I reacting in such a way? This is not my pain to bear.

Magdalene cleared her throat with obvious discomfort. "I am sorry for your loss."

"As am I," Henrik put in. In agreement, they continued their dinner with no more disputes. I kept an eye on Niklaus after that, watching how he forced back the pain and plastered on a smile. He and Tatia were so much alike. It was somewhat unfair.

As am I, I repeated delicately, letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding in. Then something peculiar happened. From the amount of sympathy he was receiving, I could have sworn that the corners of his lips quivered upward in triumph.