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She sensed his presence, like she always did, and she looked up to see him standing at the entrance.

Grey eyes stared into blue green ones, as he made his way over to her.

She really didn't think she'd see him here, out of all places.

She didn't even know his name.

But she guessed she shouldn't be too surprised. He always made an appearance when she'd least expect him to.

He was a wolf, that much she knew. And much too old. There was something about him that was otherworldly. He must have been brought back from the dead. It took a lot of nerve for him to show up, knowing that her family would be here. The minute any of them found out about him, he'd be good as dead.

As he stood closer to her, nearly touching, but not quite, she picked up on his distinct scent. He'd never gotten this close before. He was a wolf, but something else. There was magic surrounding him. She could feel this pulsating energy rolling off him in waves. She realised that the werewolf presence tonight greatly exceeded what was on her guest list and it did not go unnoticed. So he'd brought a few pack members. What was he doing here? Planning on stealing her away? There was only one man on this earth stronger than her, and it was not the one who had his hand placed possessively on the small of her back.

"Happy birthday, Ivantika Rose," his said in his deep accent.

"Thank you," she answered, smiling politely. She had never given him her name, but she was right all along. He did know.

He delivered a line and she giggled at his poorly delivered bloodsucker joke. She should be offended. If he was hoping to woo her, he'd better step up his game. Who was he? What did he want?

"You" he had said, a charming smile on his face, the first time she had met him. She had gotten a little lost some where in Indonesia, holed up in a little family restaurant, working on a sketch of a Buddhist temple she'd like to have built. He walked in with half a dozen wolves flanking him. She paid them no mind, but he sat down at the opposite end of her table and offered her a drink. She didn't even think of killing him. No, she was very rarely impressed but easily intrigued. Perhaps this mysterious stranger would prove to be good company.

"You can't have me," she had stated, matter of factly.

"Belong to another?" he had asked curiously. His brow had furrowed, as if wary of her reply.

"I belong to no one but myself."

He had laughed, and he did prove to be good company. There in Indonesia. A few months later, in Saudi Arabia. Again in Chile, where she had gone to visit Matt and auntie Bekah. And a few other places, over the past two years. She'd sense his presence, and he'd be there, looking at her, smiling knowingly.

She didn't know a single thing about him, except everything. They talked for hours, even days, never running out of conversation material. In fact, it became increasingly hard for her to pry herself away from him, but she always did. He never did. He never left her. She was always the one to say "goodbye." He'd say, "until next time." He always carefully dodged any personal questions that would give him away, so, so did she. Although she had a gut feeling that he already knew who she was. What she was.

And so he did.

It was dangerous.

He was dangerous, she realised much too late.

Ivantika had seen Caroline storm out of the room. Her father chased after her as soon as he could. What was so special about that blonde vampire? Between uncle Lijah's "family above all" and her father's "love is a vampire's greatest weakness" perfectly exemplified by auntie Bekah falling in love with a human, too weak to turn him, and the family's tolerance of said relationship. She just brought uncle Kol back from the dead and now nothing was going to tear them apart again. Not Caroline. Not Matt. Not the Bonnie's missing, the other side's being torn apart nonsense.

"I don't believe we've been properly introduced," Kol said, bringing both their attention to him.

"This is my friend," Ivantika introduced, smiling, "uncle Kol." At least the wolf had the good manners to nod in acknowledgement.

Kol smirked. "Your face looks awfully familiar" he commented. "Have we met before?"

"I don't recall," he stated.

"Well it was a long time ago," Kol remarked. "Allow me to refresh your memory. When I was still human, I used to go deep in the forest with my brothers Nik and Henrick, to spy on the wolves during a full moon," he explained, voice low, "it was fascinating to watch the transformation. You look so familiar to the pack leader's youngest son." Kol smiled maliciously.

She sensed him bristle. His fingers that were tracing circles on the small of her black were now clawing into the fabric of her dress.

"Dorian Graymark, was that your father's name?" Kol answered, highly amused, "You must be Darius." "Perhaps we should ask Nik? He was always so much more knowledgeable of the wolves," he asked, quirking a brow at Ivantika.

Ivantika paled. She stiffened at Kol's subtle threat, also wary of Darius' reaction. She could feel the rage emanating off him, a growl rumbling from his chest. But Kol seemed completely nonplussed. In fact, he looked expectant, as if a fight broke out between them, then at least he'd have something to do.

She had introduced him as her friend. Was he her friend? Well at least now she knew his name. Darius. Darius Graymark. She weighed her desire to get to know more about him, with the real possibility that her father would just kill him. She shuddered.

But before she could make a move to place herself between them, their attention was directed to Elena, in the middle of the dance floor, clutching her head in pain. A piercing, blood curdling scream filled the air. Matt, whom Elena was dancing with, looked on in dismay.

Followed by a cry, coming from outside. The other anchor, Caroline, must also be in pain.

Then there was blood.

If the scream hadn't caught their attention, the blood had. There was a flurry of activity and the witches who were invited struggled to get out of the way. Only not all of them did. Ivantika quickly realised that there were too many unfamiliar faces in the crowd. Some of them had their attention focused solely on Elena, whilst others were focusing on something else entirely. Witches.

"I can't move" Kol choked out.

Ivantika realised that uncle Elijah, auntie Bekah and the Salvatores seemed unable to move as well.

"Go" Ivantika said, softly, looking at the scene unfold. She could feel his eyes on her, but didn't meet his gaze. After a second too long, Darius was gone.

A blonde haired stranger looked at her curiously. Then he fixed her with a determined gaze, muttering in a language she made out to be either Bengali or Latin. Upon realising his intention, Ivantika vamp sped infront of him. He startled and his heart skipped a beat. "Suicidal warlock?" she purred, reaching out to wrap her hand around his neck. But before she could even touch him, he erupted in flames. Flames which quickly began to spread.

Ravenous vampires were honing in on the doppelgänger. Elena was a vampire, like them. But she was much too young. She was like a delicacy. And blood was blood. They seemed unperturbed by the fire, as if transfixed in a trance. Ivantika could see the vampires moving towards Elena, but Matt placed himself infront of her, hoping to provide a literal human shield. His bravery was commendable. But foolish. Some of the vampires now set their sights set on him. Veins around their eyes, fangs elongated, ready to attack.

Ivantika looked over at Rebekah who was staring helplessly at Matt. Noticing the panicked look in her aunt's eyes, without a moment's hesitation, she vamp sped infront of Matt. Digging her fingers into the flesh on the neck of a vampire, effectively separating head from body, tearing apart another, pulling out two hearts, and snapping a few necks.

More witches burned. The heat of the raging fire, thick smoke and smell of charred flesh filled the air. With danger quickly approaching them, the vampires began snapping out of the trance they were in. The older vampires seemed to be regaining their control quicker, the younger ones being held back.

As the witches burned, their magic seemed to be wearing off. As soon as they could move, Rebekah sped to Matt's side. While the Salvatores tended to Elena, trying to get her up and out of the way.

Elena's screams had turned to cries and now she was a whimpering mess on the floor, muttering something about visions. She was probably delusional. By the looks of it, she had nearly bled out.

There were still some werewolves and witches around too. Almost friends, but valued acquaintances. Brave onlookers. They were trying to help Elijah quell the blaze. The whole property would burn to the ground at this rate.

But as quickly as the fire started, smoke and ash lay in it's wake. The witches who had sacrificed themselves, were now small heaps of residue on the floor, charred bones and ash.

Ivantika looked around the ballroom. Her birthday party had been ruined before she even got a chance to cut the cake. She looked at the lights and decorations. The fabric of the curtains were still melting, lights shattered, decorations completely destroyed. She thought about all the party plans that were made. Bringing uncle Kol back from the dead. Darius making a surprise appearance. The façade of civility. What was mean't to be her very own cotillion.

Ruined.

"Leave." Her voice resounded throughout the ball room. "Now," she all but snarled. Vampires flashed away, werewolves and witches seemed to disappear. The room emptied out in less than a minute.

Ivantika looked up and there he stood, leaning casually at the door. Darius offered her an endearing smile, before turning and slowly walking away.


Stefan ran into the garden. He knew Klaus was with Caroline, but he wanted to make sure she was okay. He cringed at the sight before him. Caroline was drenched in her own blood, even her golden locks were stained red. Open wounds marred her skin. Klaus cradled her in his arms, but she was trembling against him. She was obviously still in pain, but Stefan hadn't heard a sound. It was then he noticed her jaw firmly clenched.

He knelt down next to her, gently stroking her hair. She whimpered. He immediately pulled his hand away.

"Elena?" Caroline asked breathlessly. "Stefan, where's Elena?" Caroline tried to move, but it was a feeble attempt. Coughs racked her body and she choked up blood. Klaus tried to lift her, but Caroline made another move to stand. This time, Klaus wrapped his arms around her, supporting most of her weight and walked with her inside. Stefan followed, scowling.

She looked at him. "I saw Bonnie," she said, softly. Her voice sounded so weak. "I saw Bonnie... in a vision" she explained. "There was someone else there... a witch. And the witch was standing next to someone... but I couldn't see." Caroline's breathing became laboured and she was struggling to breathe. She took a few deep calming breaths and then continued. "Klaus can see" she said, her voice becoming stronger. "Klaus can look into my mind and see what I saw." She turned to glare at Klaus.

Klaus was looking away from her. It was obvious that she had asked him to do so before and he declined. Though Stefan didn't understand why. If Caroline wanted Klaus to see, it mean't that she thought he'd be able understand her visions. Klaus might be able to see where Bonnie was and who had her.

When they got inside, Damon was already feeding Elena his blood.

"Elijah," Klaus spoke up, "Caroline saw Bonnie in a vision. Perhaps you could take a look?"

"He's already tried with me, but they're just flashes" Elena explained, standing up. Her wounds were already healing and she looked phenomenally better.

"Yes brother," Elijah agreed. "It seems the connection was not strong enough."

"Or the witches could have blocked it," Rebekah added. "Maybe they just didn't want you to see." Rebekah was looking at Matt worriedly. He was still coughing. The smoke made it hard for him to breathe, but he refused to go outside and get some fresh air. So Rebekah resorted to rubbing his back gently as he struggled to get his breathing under control.

Elijah nodded, thoughtfully.

"But I actually saw Bonnie," Caroline explained, trembling slightly. She grabbed on to The lapels in Klaus' jacket to steady herself. "Why is there so much smoke?" she asked, confused, coughing up more blood. But she quickly wiped it away with the sleeve of her dress.

"You saw Bonnie?" Elena asked hopefully.

"Yeah," Caroline nodded. "I saw someone else there too, looking straight at me... like she was happy to see me. There was some else, hidden." "If you would just see." She looked at Klaus, pleadingly.

"I think they were using Bonnie to find us" Caroline said as an afterthought. She shared a look with Elena.

"Why did you see more than I did?" Elena wondered aloud.

"The witches wanted Caroline alone to see?" Rebekah offered. "That doesn't make any sense" she added frustratedly.

Caroline shook her head. "It's Klaus' blood. He can see." She was glaring at him again, but he still refused to meet her gaze.

"Niklaus, perhaps you should..." Elijah started.

"No," Klaus snapped. Klaus detangled himself and nearly pushed Caroline into Stefan and Stefan quickly reached out to hold onto her. She looked so confused. Klaus fetched a glass, bit his wrist and collected some of his blood in it. He gave the glass to Caroline, who immediately started drinking. Stefan shot Klaus a questioning look, but Klaus didn't offer a reply. Seems like Klaus didn't find the circumstances appropriate to be his naturally smug self. Stefan was so sure Klaus would take the opportunity to make Caroline drink from him again.

"If the hybrid blood in your system made you strong enough to see the visions clearer than the doppelgänger, then a hybrid would be able to see too. Even see more" Klaus agreed.

"Then why won't you..." Caroline started, frustratedly.

"Because looking into someone's mind is akin to compulsion," Klaus explained, cutting her off, "it's another form of mind manipulation." Caroline frowned. "If I look into your mind" Klaus continued, "every thought, every feeling, your entire mind will be open to me."

"If that's what it takes to find Bonnie, then..." Stefan knew that Caroline must be truly desperate, if she would allow Klaus to get inside her head like that. He felt a surge of protectiveness over her helplessness and hated that they were at the mercy of Klaus, once again.

"No." Klaus said firmly, steadfastly against it.

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to."

Caroline bristled. "Klaus, this might be the only way we can find Bonnie," Caroline stated. Her voice was strong, almost menacing. And Stefan could see the conviction in her eyes. Stefan knew that look. Caroline wasn't taking no for an answer. She opened her mouth to speak again, but Elijah spoke.

"Perhaps there is another way" Elijah offered. "Niklaus is not the only hybrid in the room," he said, smiling, clearly trying to dissipate some of the tension. Klaus smiled at his brother's suggestion.

Truthfully, Stefan hadn't even considered Klaus' daughter and he was sure that by the looks of it, none of them had. Ivantika stood, silently taking in the scene before her. She gave no reaction to Elijah's suggestion. Stefan noticed that her dress was ruined. Parts of it was burnt, other parts spotted with ash and blood. Her hands were coated with blood. With blood splattered on her arms, shoulders and face.

"V" Klaus called, with a warm smile on his face, nodding to Caroline.

When his daughter made no move, he looked at her expectantly.

"Ivantika" Klaus reiterated.

Then the smile slowly slipped from Klaus' face.

She caught her father in an unflinching gaze, which they held, as what Stefan assumed was a silent conversation, passed between them. Klaus' expression hardened.

"No." Her voice was soft but firm, and in her eyes, Stefan could see her defiance. Klaus released a feral snarl and his eyes darkened with specks of gold. He looked as if he were trying very hard to contain his anger. Her eyes narrowed at his reaction.

In an instant Elijah stood between them. Elijah's back to Klaus, Caroline and him. Rebekah and Kol were immediately standing on either side of Ivantika. Stefan noticed that Rebekah infinitesimally angled her body in front of her niece. Elijah frowned at the turn of events.

"We may be able to locate their friend Bonnie" Elijah reasoned, voice calm and placating.

"What makes you think I care about finding their friend Bonnie?" she asked sardonically.

"Listen princess" Damon said, sarcastically. "The witches used Bonnie to find Elena and Caroline. And with all three anchors, they'll be able to tear down the other side again."

"It is of little consequence to me whether the other side stands strong or completely crumbles" she answered, her tone patronizing.

"Right, you were just a baby when it happened last time, so you have no idea the kind of hell on earth that rained down on us" Damon spat out, indignantly.

"I'm an Original. I can't be killed." She stated definitively, "My family can't be killed."

"Finn's dead," Damon said menacingly, "so was Kol." Damon's cocky attitude was not helping the situation.

"Damon..." Stefan said, trying to reign his brother in.

"No Stefan," Damon continued, "maybe baby hybrid here has forgotten all about the white oak stake." Damon was purposefully baiting her. Stefan saw her eyes darken, from blue sea green to darkest blue, but her body was relaxed, the perfect picture of control. "And are you really going to jeopardise grandma and grandpa coming back from the dead?"

In less than a second, too fast for even his eyes, Ivantika was standing directly infront of Damon. Damon flinched, taking an involuntarily step back. She gave him a malicious smile. She wasn't touching him, but from where Stefan stood, he could feel the power rolling off her in waves. It was stifling. Rebekah shared a look with Elijah. Kol was looking on, sipping from his glass of champagne.

"Well aren't you brave" she said lowly, menacingly. "I'm not going to let anyone threaten to tear my family apart again" she explained, "not even if I have to kill every single last one of you, until there's no one left on this earth but my family and I. Do you understand me?"

At least Damon had the good sense to not say anything. Stefan saw Damon's jaw clench. But after a little while, he nodded. Ivantika offered Damon a sweet smile.

Turning to her father once again, who was regarding her carefully, "I'm going to cut my cake and enjoy what's left of my birthday" she said, leaving the ballroom. Kol chuckled amusedly and followed her. Rebekah sighed. She shared a meaningful look with Klaus, before she too left.

Klaus sighed in frustration. Stefan noticed that Klaus looked almost regretful.

After a moment, Caroline broke the silence. "Maybe I can describe what I saw" she offered, "and you can draw it?"

"That's a wonderful idea, love" Klaus said approvingly, smiling at her.