This is pretty short, but the next one is in progress- promise! I might not be able to update for a while because finals week is fast approaching, and I need to study.

I've never seen the guy standing in front of me before. Trust me; he isn't someone that I'd forget, even if I just passed him on the street. His hair is a sandy brown color that resembles the light bark of the trees around him. His deep brown eyes glitter with intelligence. There isn't a move I make that escapes his careful notice. He stands on the Gilbert's front porch with the relaxed confidence of someone that had stood in the very same spot countless times before. Still, he seems uneasy. He throws glances over his shoulder. He shuffles his feet. I can't get a read on him. For the second time in two days, I have no idea what to make of the person standing in front of me. When he speaks, his voice is deeper than I expect.

"You aren't Elena," he accuses. His eyes harden and something like hope dies in them.

"No," I venture, "I don't know where Elena is. Sorry." The man crosses his arms.

"Well, that's unfortunate. Still, that isn't what I'm here for. I have a message from Klaus." The man waits for me to respond. I shrug.

"Look, I'm sorry, but I don't have any idea who that is. Do you want me to get Jeremy?" My voice trails off. The man shakes his head.

"No, you'll do." He takes a step closer. "You know, my brother said something not too long ago that seems to apply to right now. Now, this isn't verbatim, but here goes. I do believe in killing the messenger. You know why?" I can feel his hot breath on my neck. "Because it sends a message." I step back.

"Jeremy!" I scream. "Run!"

The man continues. "I won't kill you today. I need you to be my messenger. Tell Elena and Damon and whoever else cares to stop looking for me. Tell them to give up. I don't want to be found."

"Emma!" Jeremy yells. "What's wrong?"

The man sighs, looking defeated. "I'm sorry." Without further warning, he lunges at me. With impossible speed, I fly backwards and hit the stairs. I grunt and slide down, lying in the wreckage of the railing. My shoulder burns and I can't catch my breath. My chest rises and falls rapidly. A single tear rolls down my face. Through a haze of pain, I watch the man bend down next to me. His eyes seem different. It almost looks like vines are creeping down his face, growing every second. His teeth are sharper somehow.

"And one more thing- tell my brother not to mess with Elena." He bends down, grabs my wrist, and brings it to his mouth. I watch Jeremy enter the room from the corner of my eye. He runs towards us, brandishing a stake. I try to get up to help him, but the room is spinning too fast. What is Jeremy yelling? I can't hear. I open my mouth to warn Jeremy about the man. Before I get the chance, the pain overwhelms me and the world goes dark.