-Chrysalis Stage-

by Imagine-write-and-love

She's different. She feels different. Mila is broken beyond words and doesn't think she can get out of her abyss of pain. Until the day two mysterious brothers arrive in the small town of Mystic Falls. One wants more than anything to kill her and the other, to save her from herself. From there, Mila finds herself immersed in the supernatural world and can't go back ...

25. Chapter 25 : How far does the dark go ?

Chapter twenty-five : How far does the dark go

This place again.

I looked around with one hand in front of my eyes to protect myself from the light.

The lush trees, the sunlight through the leaves, the lake looming in the background, all seemed barely real. I had never seen a place like this. It was almost like this I had been teleported into a fancy grassy field.

A bird song rises to my right causing me to jump and I jump to the source of the noise just to let a smile adorn my lips at the sight of a bird perched on top of a tree. He had his curious little eyes on me and I did not hesitate to look back at him with an amused little smile before taking a step forward.

"Hey, little guy. You wouldn't know where I am by any chance?"

As I predicted, the bird remained on its positions with its watchful gaze when suddenly, he turned his head to the left.

I quickly copied his movement in fear just to widen my gaze like a deer caught in the headlights of a car.

Laughs.

Many of them came in my direction.

I felt my heart racing and retreated unconsciously into apprehension. My gaze fixed on the brown trees in front of me, I almost waited to see a horde of people scrutinized me but nothing came.

Still, I could still hear the laughs. They grew stronger as the minutes passed.

I did not know how much I was here or even how many minutes had passed since I was in this position but I decided to take a new step forward in curiosity.

I knew.

After all that had happened, I should have known better but to be honest, his laughs seemed strangely familiar and I wanted to know more. It was like this, I was attracted to them. I took more steps in the direction than laughed at them simply to find that I could have continued like this to infinity. More, I took steps towards people and more, trees came in my path.

I stopped in the realization of this fact and immediately made a turn on myself in a state of panic. I had left the clearing in which I was initially for a long time and it seems that I had simply helped to lose me more. I felt a thin stream of sweat forming on my forehead, and my quick breaths from the effort only accelerated further. I was trying to calm my heart in a race but I could not stop my thoughts from running in a rush.

Where was I? Was I lost? Was I going to find my way? How was I going to do it? Oh, lord! God, Mila, think! Inspire! Expires! Inspire!
Another shine.

I broke my gaze to the new source of noise instantly forgetting my imminent panic attack and suddenly held my breath at the sight of two flashes of color passed between the trees. I was unable to make a single movement as two forms seemed to stand out from the lush trees. They were getting closer slowly, laughing with them all along. They were close enough now to say they were a boy and a girl.

I could not see their faces but the girl had long brown hair almost a black raven braided in a bohemian style while those of a bright blond boy seemed to reach his broad shoulders.

They were definitely happy and I could not help but feel a surge of envy as I listened to them venting their happiness. A sort of tug pulled me towards them like a magnet and I could not stop my feet from taking me to the bewitching duo. I closed my eyes unconsciously and let myself be carried away by the waves of joy surrounding me until I felt a cool touch on my cheeks. I instantly flashed my eyelids open just to freeze at the sight of a man without a face. I wanted to scream, run, run away as far as possible from here, but it was like this, my body was unable to make any movement. The man came closer. So close that I could feel his fresh breath on my own lips and I swallowed my saliva in anticipation just to frown at the throbbing agreement in a boring voice all too familiar.

---

"Mila! God, Mila! It's not time to sleep! ''

I flicked my eyes open in surprise just to close them immediately in Elena's sight and flipped back on my side cursing against my mattress.

My groans became more and more annoyed as I felt Elena's eyes piercing holes in my skull and I ended up catching the first object that was in my path before throwing it blindly in the direction of her voice.

''Go away! '' I cried shortly followed by the muffled sound of my pillow falling to the ground and a half-smile settled on my lips as only silence reigned in my room.

I honestly thought that she had finally given up but I suddenly remembered not having heard the familiar slam of my door and instantly straightened up looking for my older sister just to feel anger creeping through my veins right from the moment where my eyes found her. She was frozen, gaping, holding my assignment card for the internship at the university just accentuating my exasperation.

"You couldn't keep your hands from my things, did you?" I chuckled coldly as I pulled my covers off my body.

"Is it ... Mila, what is this ?"

I jumped on my feet, ignoring the chills backing my spine at the sensation of the cold floor against my sole and stumbled straight on Elena to tear the sheet from her hands. I sent her a cold stare before opening the first drawer at hand and slammed it hard after storing my assignment away from prying eyes.

I took a step back with a sigh as I felt Elena's eyes narrowed to the side of my face and I glanced at her sideways in irritation.

The brunette stared at me in disbelief with wide eyes, her foamy orbs going back and forth between me and the paper now under keys.

I shook my head slightly in irritation at her intrusion and worse, again, I blamed myself for being so careless. I knew now that I would never hear the end of it and nothing, I could say would change her mindset. She was going to start an interminable interrogation giving me a headache and I was certainly not ready for that. Especially not after the dream I just had. As I thought about it, I felt a sense of emptiness and confusion settle inside my chest and I could not stop the slight frown from settling on my face.

Temporarily forgetting Elena, I went to my dresser and pulled the first drawer open to choose an outfit for the day but not without trying to find a meaning to my dream.

It was not a nightmare but it was not a dream either.

Suddenly, a slight creak echoed behind me, reminding me of my sister's presence, and I turned around with an eyebrow raised with boredom. ''You stay for the show or?'

Elena seemed instantly to come out of her trance to my obvious sarcasm and sent me a dark stare in my way before announcing her retirement but not without warning me to hurry.

Like if I was really going to listen to her.

I returned to my search for clothing and opted for a simple faded jeans and a hoodie belonging to my father during his years at Whitmore College.

I went into our shared bathroom and blocked all access before leaning against my wooden door with a tired sigh.

This morning had definitely not started well and I suspected that with my luck it would only get worse.

A throbbing pain began to be felt in my temples and I let out a low moan by massaging the beginning of my scalp before returning my attention to the shower. I quickly decompressed my pajamas before letting the water run and jumped under the jet without even waiting for the water to reach its proper temperature. The freezing water instantly made me shudder but I forced myself to stay under the jet in the hope of getting all this morning out of me.

It was just the beginning of the day and yet, I already wanted to go back under my covers.

Finally, hot water appeared and I poured a dab of cinnamon shampoo into my palm before carefully massaging my aching head followed closely by my naked body with my odorless shower gel. I had never been very fond of all its artificial smells that drowned your body in several perfume confused in one.

---

I could not believe I was waking up for that. I looked at the front of the boarding house with a deep hatred and turned sharply back to my sister with a murderous glare.

It was very low. Even for her.

I did not want to witness supernatural problems now and she had to fit me here. The only place I did not want to be. What had happened to the sister who wanted to stop me from meeting Stefan because he was too dangerous?

My jaw checked, I crossed my arms on my chest with determination."I wouldn't go in there."

It was out of the question that I put a foot in the pension. There was no urgency for now and no imminent threat so today would be a day without drama.

I had decided and I planned to hold.

"Very mature, Mil." Elena sighed, only increasing my irritation. She turned to me with her famous spoiled child pout and I quickly turned my gaze to gauge the pension with annoyance."Seriously, Mila. Stefan wants to talk to us. Maybe it's about Katherine. "

I blinked in surprise before turning my attention back to her. "Oh, Katherine, huh? And what does it concern me? She's your weird creepy look-alike, not mine. "

I knew it was very immature but I could not care less. All I wanted was to get away from here. I had enough of it. Enough conspiracies, threats, deaths, arguments and all that went in pairs with the vampires. I wanted to recover my life, as insignificant as it was. Elena released the steering wheel, stifled before sighing heavily like a petulant girl and opened her door in a fit of anger. I watched her indifferently as she stomped towards the entrance to the boarding house.

''Huh! "I sniffed in a whisper with bitterness." And then, I'm the so-called immature."

I was not stupid. I understood she was trying to make me feel guilty, but this time I would not give in. I would stay in this car until she agreed to take me home. With this idea in mind, I unbuckled my belt and made myself more comfortable by lifting my feet from my basic converses on the dashboard. I looked absentmindedly at the ceiling and began counting tissue snags to pass the time.

An evil grin adorned my lips as I suspected that Elena must be stimulating in frustration now and I could not help but let go of a grin in the image that presented itself in my mind. The thought of a Stefan overtaking by my sister's emotions was entertaining.

''26. 27.28.29. ''

Yeah, I know. I could be childish when I wanted to.

I looked away at the still open door of the boarding house before returning to my calculation. This car really had a nice design. My gaze fell on the radio player and I arched my head to the side, nodding in approval. I leaned over to reach the power button and soon pop music was blasting through the slaps of Elena's car.

I pulled my phone from the pocket of my denim jacket and started typing a text message to check on our new resident vampire. I knew it was not going to be easy for Caroline and although I had never been closed to the blonde, I could not help but worry. I thought it was just in my genetic material. As soon as I knew someone had some problems, I could not stop worrying about those people.

God, I had spent too much time with Stefan.

I was so engrossed in my screen and the music in its cockpit that I could not even see Alaric's car making its way down Salvatore Lane until he suddenly knock on the door still open from Elena and made me jump at the same time.

"What ... oh my god, Ric." I breathed, holding my chest with wide eyes before sighing as I searched the floor for my phone. I had drop it down in my fright and now I had to find it."What are you doing here?"

Ric folded his arms over his chest with a thick eyebrow arched in the inquisition."I could ask you the same thing. Why aren't you inside? ''

"One word!" I announced, raising my index finger to illustrate my words before letting an evil grin on my lips. "Resistance!"

"Oh, really?" Alaric questioned with a smile at my antics as I let out a small shout of joy when I got my phone out of the floor again and turned my attention back to the teacher. "So, you don't know what they plan."

''Hell no!''

''Or why would they want me here? '' He asked again in curiosity, making me shake my head in the negation again with a proud half-smile of my ignorance.'' Well, you're not really helpful at this time."

A big smile lit up my features in agreement, "I know." I admitted with pride, furrowing Alaric's brows in confusion, "I don't know anything about what's going on right now. Nothing at all. No supernatural drama. Nothing. Nada. ''

I readjusted nonchalantly in the seat as the realization fell on the teacher closely followed by his laugh as he gauged me with jest. I frowned at his expression knowing that he had something in mind now and that in any case it would not mean anything as much as it concerned me.

"You know I will not go in if you don't come with me. Well, Mila?"Ric said with a naughty expression to my stunned state.

I swallowed in disbelief before letting a mischievous smile regain the top as I pointed the driver's seat as an invitation."Well, make yourself comfortable because I certainly wouldn't go there. ''

"Mila." Ric sighed suddenly as he leaned against the metal frame before giving me a sharp look in impatience.

I quickly looked away and stared at the windshield with a scowl. I knew that if I looked at him then I would give in and that was the last thing I wanted. I was ready to resist hours and hours if it was not for the perseverance of Alaric. I could feel his eyes piercing holes in my side and more, the minutes passed and more, my lip was rising in an annoyed tick. I hated receiving attention and especially if it was concentrated like now.

Finally, I let out a sigh in the resilience and raised my hands in the air before making my way outside of Elena's SUV under Ric's hilarious and smug look.

"You're evil, Rick." I said, gritting my teeth over my shoulder in exasperation.

I rolled my eyes when Ric made a big knock before entering and ignored the person whose name I would not mention. He wore his usual pretentious smile, and the latter only grew as soon as he turned his attention to me.

I raised my eyes to the ceilling before passing in front of him, being careful to jostle him in my way.

Well, it would work if he was not a damn vampire with an abnormally strong build. I would clench my teeth to contain the pain I felt at impact while the sting rewarded us again with his false-friendly look.

"Thank you for coming, Ric. You want something?"He said nonchalantly as I took a step into the familiar living room just to meet the thoughtful look of Stefan and Elena." Coffee? Bourbon or bourbon in your coffee? "

It was definitive. I wanted to get out of here. It was enough that I meet their eyes to know that I did not want to be here and I could not even imagine what would follow.

Alaric ignored the false benevolence and cut straight to the point as he sat on one of the empty sofas."Elena told me you need a hand."

"Yeah.'' Stefan agreed as I took a seat next to Alaric on the arm of the sofa. I felt Elena's disapproving look at me at this action but just kept my attention on Stefan as he spoke again."We hoped you could help us to see more clearly about the Lockwood and their secret. ''

I was literally crashing from my place.

I remained open-mouthed before swallowing a big gulp of air and stammering my surprise.''Yo-you… what? ''

All eyes were on me in confusion except that of the vampire psychopath. The latter carefully gauged me in suspicion while I was still trying to recover from this information. I knew the Lockwood's had a secret and for a good reason. I had been with more Lockwood boys than I could ever count and was fully aware of the supernatural atmosphere around them.

Only if Mason and Tyler were recognized Lockwood, Felix was not, and if the vampires began to interfere in their affairs, it would do nothing to fix things.

I was so convinced.

"Lockwood's Secret, Mila."Support -you know who's- intentionally forcing me to look at him." Given the amount of time you've spent with them lately, you wouldn't have some info to share? ''

I broke a cold stare on the vampire while Elena stared at me in disbelief.'' Spend time ... wait ... what does he mean, Mila? ''

I kept my glare focused on the vampire who obviously seemed to take advantage of the situation for some reason. I gave a vague answer to the others in the room and glared at the vampire with all the hatred I could convey.

I could not let them know about Felix.

In fact, it was out of the question that they would involve the Lockwood's in all that damn disaster that was our life. Maybe they had secrets but until now, they had not been a problem and I preferred to handle the secret of my best friend myself to involve vampires and even less psychopaths. Wherever the vampire went, the dead followed and I would not let anything happen to Felix. Not if I had something to say.

"Leave them alone!" I ordered, leaping to my feet."They have nothing to do with you or you." I pointed at Elena and Stefan to make my point clear before watching out for the vampire with a dark glow.

The vampire narrowed his gaze on me and before I could blink, he was only a few inches from my face with a threatening look.''What do you know about them?''

Fortunately for me, Ric took a step forward to support me as he kept a close eye on the vampire. ''What makes you think she knows something? Or myself for this? ''

''No. Not you. But ..."Damon took his eyes off me as an arrogant smile slid down his lips as he took a step back to gauge Alaric condescendingly." Maybe your late wife who is a vampire today. "

"Oh, do you mean the psychopathic vampire who gave an invention to kill you to my uncle and unfortunately failed?" I sarcastically shook the vampire in question before Elena quickly drew her attention away from me.

"Isobel was doing research when you were both at Duke."

I took off my jacket knowing that now I just could not leave. Not since it involved the Lockwood. I sat down next to Alaric and crossed my arms over my chest with a scowl to hide my real concern. I could feel Stefan's green orbs scrutinizing me and I was focusing on Elena and Alaric's conversation to try to disregard his inquisition. If there was anyone who could recognize my habit of hiding my emotions with irritation it would be him.

"She has been studying Mystic Falls for years." Stefan supported to make a point.

Honestly, if I did not have this bad pre-feeling dabbling in the pit of my stomach, I would probably have already left but I would recognize this look among the Elder Salvatore and that did not inspire me any good. I knew him more than I would like to admit and god help me, the vampire was obsessive.

I hated to know so much about him as the way he loved his bourbon or even his sarcastic and cynical mimicry. In fact, I hated everything about this vampire and yet, I could not leave because I knew his new obsession was now on the Lockwood.

''Isobel had based her research on Mystic Falls on popular traditions and legends. At the time, I thought most were ... fictions." Alaric gave a hint of regret in his voice as he gave a discreet glance to the dark-haired vampire who, on the other hand, wore a smug smile.

"Like the incredible story of the blood suckers."He chanted still smugly as he crossed his hands in front of him.

I shook my head wearily, swinging my high tail from right to left, pinching the bridge of my nose before refocusing my attention on Elena's next question."She was studying vampires? Nothing else?''

''They already exist. That's not enough for you?"I snapped, glaring at the dark vampire before waving an apologetic grin when I saw Stefan's wounded look.

''Hm!"Exalted the vampire sarcastically, forcing me to stare coldly at him as he continued to grow on my nerves." I feel a little too much hostility here."

That was it.

I had enough of taking this bullshit.

I jumped up on my feet, thundering my steps toward the vampire and clenched my fists and jaw in a fit of anger. "You want to see hostility? I'll show you. "

In a fraction of a second, I found myself in a hold of arms while the dark-haired vampire gauged me now with a look devoid of humor while Elena and Alaric watched us with apprehension.

Damon POV

"Um, the pill still has not pass to what I see." Damon commented nonchalantly, even though Mila's eyes were reaching him more than he wanted to admit.

He knew that he had crossed the line with the young Gilbert by killing her twin but he was a vampire and was what he was doing. Human life meant nothing, let alone what she thought of him.

"Damon!" Stefan warned him with a dignified look at the perfect little brother and Damon looked up before catching the look Elena was throwing at him.

It was pure disgust and hatred, and he had to chew his words to prevent himself from aggravating his case with a worthy return of the vampire without emotion that he was.

Alaric took a step forward, cutting through the thick tension between the quartet and swallowing his saliva before drawing attention to him. "And the lycanthropes."

Mila POV

I instantly unlaced my vampire hate to gauge Rick in complete amazement.

Forgetting the arms of Stefan around me, I allowed myself a look at the vampire himself to recognize the similar surprise etched on his face.

"Wait! Serious! Werewolves? "Exclaims Elena in disbelief before being instantly countered by the execrable vampire.

''Whatever! It's impossible."Objected the vampire shaking his head in denial." That's a lot too much fantasy movies."

''Yes ! Because the vampires, that's quite realistic."I said sarcastically with an annoyed roll of eyes gathering a vampire grimace before pushing against Stefan's hold." You can let me go now. "

Stefan released me but stayed by my side all the same before turning his attention to his brother with skepticism. '' Are you sure? ''

"I'm on Earth since 160 and wheelbarrows. I've never met one ... If werewolves exist that I'm told where they are hiding."Assured Damon stupidly making me roll my eyes again.

"160 years old and yet, still stupid." I grumbled under my breath, taking a warning look from Stefan as Damon stared at me with narrowed eyes.

I really did not know if the werewolves were real but with all that had happened in the last few months, I would be ready to believe that Santa Claus existed if I was given the proof. The world was definitely bigger and weird than we thought, and since I turned out to be a kind of supernatural magnet, it would not even surprise me if the Lockwood's were werewolves. Especially with what I discovered about this family. Something was clearly going on with Tyler and Felix and I did not know what but something told me that this hypothesis could not be so far from the truth.

However, I was not sure I wanted to hear confirmation of this fact. It would make my relationship with the Lockwood even more difficult than it already was, especially with Felix.

"He made me think of ... a supernatural being." Stefan said intently as he met Alaric's gaze in memory of his battle with Mason making me swallow in nervousness.

"We hope that Isobel's research will help us understand all that." Elena suddenly intervened, forcing me to stare at her in disbelief and irritation.

She could not be serious.

Since when did we help Damon? Yes, Damon! Because I was sure the problem was Damon. The Lockwood's were his obsession not ours.

Damn it, I did not even understand why we were here to question them when we knew that it did not concern us. None of this concerned us.

"Can I know why we even want to understand all this?" I questioned irritably as I received several surprised looks before frowning in irritation when I spotted Stefan's gaze on Damon.''Seriously? For him? Because the local psychopath decides to make my friends his obsession? "

The whole quartet exhilarated at this, gauging me in the slight surprise, and the suspicion of the vampire only increased as he took a step forward with one of his famous bad smiles.''Your friends, huh? It's true that you were rather close to the surfer back to the Funeral."

''Mason!'' I shout, forgetting the other people in the room as I concentrated all my hate on the vampire who was currently frowning in boredom. "His name is Mason and yes, he's my friend."

"How touching." Damon commented, before turning his gaze back to Ric without even blinking for a second."Rick, a little idea where you could find the supernatural research of your now vampire ex-wife?"

Ric gauged each of us indecisively before telling Damon."Her things stayed at Duke." It was obvious that talking about Isobel was still a pain for the teacher and I did not really understand how he was doing to support the vampire in front of him. There was still a few weeks Elena had to stop him from killing him and now he was forcing him to help him even if it brought back some old wounds. "She still has her office to the extent that she is still missing.''

"Is there a way to access it?" Damon insisted, not even losing a breath that made me cringe while Alaric released a sigh of annoyance that only accentuated the murderous vampire's eye. ''Ric. We need to know what we are dealing with. If this wolf man story is true. I read enough books to know it's not good at all."

The feeling of anxiety as I saw the vampire's proximity to Alaric resurfaced in the pit of my stomach.

"Relax, Little Red Riding Hood!" I let out, my tone dripping with sarcasm as a bitter smile adorned my lips."Never think you would be such a melodramatic wet bitch."

At that, Damon instantly narrowed his eyes annoyed at me and in a blur ended up in my face."You don't seem to understand well. Your boyfriend Mason Lockwood is the big bad wolf straight out of the tales of Perrault. As for this thug Tyler, he begins to show fangs. Clearly, the Little Red Riding Hood in other words me, will be crunched before the end of the month.''

---

This time Elena had completely lost her mind.

I could not even come to realize that she had agreed to that, and even less that she had forced me to bend to the idea too. I was eyeing my backpack stored on my bed with my arms crossed over my chest. My frowning expression had not left my face for a good ten minutes and I became more and more aware of my annoyance. It was out of the question that I was going with them.

With him.

Besides, my presence here was certainly more required than in an old university library. I had no research to do on my ancestors like Elena and more, I did not want to know more about the nature of my friends. If I accompanied them, I should be helpless to discover their secret and I could do nothing to prevent it.

With one last dirty look at my travel bag, I turned back and stomped straight into Elena's room just to wince at the sight of my older sister and Stefan in action.

I cleared my throat, wearing a look of disgust when they turned to me with clumsy happy smiles and crossed my arms over my boredom again."I will not go."

"Mila." Elena sighs for probably the tenth time today. "You know I can't go without you."

''Hm! Hm! "I was humming in the negation." Sorry. But not enough. I don't really know why but the idea of a trip with his demonic vampire brother doesn't make me exalted. "

Stefan gave a comprehensive look at Elena before taking a cautious step towards me as if trying to coax a small injured animal making me roll my eyes in irritation.

I really hated when he did that. I knew he would give me a valid argument and I could not do anything to refute it.

''Please, Mila. You know it's not easy for Elena."I narrowed my gaze on the vampire to that and Stefan instantly backed up on his words."Just like you. But I don't really like the idea and you're the one I trust most to handle the situation. "

I remained totally stoic in front of the two in the room and tried hard not to succumb to the vampire's pleadings.

"Sorry but it's always no." I decreed confidently before turning around.

I was about to step out of Elena's door and win this argument when her voice was heard.

''You could visit the university?'' I was instantly stopping in surprise before turning back slowly with an arching eyebrow in questioning. "I know what I saw this morning and obviously, you're already thinking about leaving for college. You might as well kill two birds with one stone."

To that, Stefan gave me a mixed look between surprise and betrayal. Probably because I did not tell him anything. I knew it only showed how far we had been lately and I could not ignore that sense of urgency to run away. Dealing with that hurt look was the last thing I wanted to do now.

However, I forced myself to hold my ground ignoring the vampire's gaze. '' Duke is not one of my application choices.'' I countered by losing my determination a little bit more as I felt the weight of the Stefan's look at me.

"Mila, please," Elena said in a last attempt to make me accept.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, releasing a deep melodramatic sigh and raised my hands in the air in surrender. "Fine," I yielded before quickly raising a finger at Elena with a cold stare to keep her from hugging me."You'll owe me. Big time!" "I shifted my attention to the vampire and narrowed my eyes, accuser."Both of you."

I went back to my room to pick up my travel bag and cursed myself for bending so easily when suddenly my phone rang. I frowned in confusion before looking for my cell in the pocket of my jacket and widened wildly my eyes at the sight of the ID of my correspondent. I quickly unlocked my mail and eagerly read Tyler's message with a sense of unease.

Tyler: We need to talk! It's important!

Suddenly, the sound of opening a door from below broke my trance and I jumped before quickly lock my screen and pocket it in my pocket in a fit of panic before catching my new bag.

I made my way to the entrance and jumped nervously the last step before stopping at the heights of Jenna, Stefan and Elena who turned to me at the same time.

"I still do not understand why Mila has to come with you." Jenna said, still confused as to my involvement in all of this.
Honestly, with the stupid excuse they gave, I couldn't blame her.

These morons. Well Damon had decided to use my many days of absence as an excuse and so, that I should go with them to catch some imaginary credits. The worst excuse ever but coming from the vampire was not big news.

I was about to agree to Jenna's words, but Elena grabbed my arm before I could open my mouth and pulled me along with her to join a smiling Damon leaning against the door of the SUV.

Elena stopped right in front of the vampire sending him a murderous glare before turning to Stefan as soon as he spoke."If you need something ..."

''Oh ! Don't worry! I'm going to take care of them very well. "Damon snapped at him with a smirk, at which I just rolled my eyes and quickly pulled me out of Elena's hold before throwing the door open and throwing my bag inside and settle in my turn.

After Tyler's message, I really did not have the patience to handle another boring quarrel. I just wanted to be done with this trip and talk with him. He seemed really worried in his message and the purpose of this trip did nothing to soothe my nerves.

For all I knew it could be related and I had to leave for a damn part of research while I could learn more by staying here.
I decided to send a message to Tyler hoping for answers and cast a discreet glance at the trio just to see Elena provoke Damon by giving a passionate kiss to Stefan.

I pinched the bridge of my nose again in the stupidity of the situation and leaned my head on the headrest of the seat and closed my eyes wearily.

This story was never going to end.

I could not believe they had been following the same pattern for a hundred and fifty years. It was not surprising that Katherine managed to play the brothers so easily. Regardless of all they could say, they would forever be under Pierce's spell.

A headache began to be felt and I gritted my teeth slightly in pain before looking up at the sudden hand in my face to meet the sympathetic eyes of Alaric.

"Aspirin?"

I looked back at his outstretched hand and noticed that he was holding a small box of medicine between his fingers making me nod my head fervently.

I pulled a bottle of water from my bag and uncapped the little white pill from its base before throwing it in my mouth. I swallowed a sip of water to swallow it before jumping slightly to the agreement of a weak knock on the glass.
I focused on the source of the noise and raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Stefan's sight. He beckoned me to lower my window and I executed myself ignoring the impatient look of Damon and confused of Elena.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked blankly, and I did not need to think about what he was talking about.

"It's not really the best moment for that, Stefan." I said, feeling my headache grow louder than I thought I had to have this conversation with the vampire.

To be honest, I did not really know how to explain my choice.

The truth was that I chose all these sites because I wanted to take as much distance as possible from him and his brother maniac.

He was my closest friend but lately a lot of things had changed and I was not sure that this friendship was as healthy as I originally thought. I should not constantly fear that he could go on an episode of frenzy and end up chewing my artery.

If the last few months had done anything for me, it was to make me more aware of our vulnerability to vampires. Our lives were so short in front of them and they could easily stop it without a second thought.

In simple answer, Stefan gave me a sharp look, not obviously buying my opposition.

''Fine. Okay."I gave in, slamming my hand on my thigh with a sigh. ''We'll talk when I get back.''

At that, Stefan nodded in agreement and stepped back before watching us slip into the corner of the street. As soon as he disappeared, I released a tired sigh and looked anxiously on the screen of my phone.

The first hours of road had been relatively quiet if we did not count the nagging attempts of the vampire to try to make us talk my sister and me.

Well, it seemed like I was better prepared for his attempts. After only ten minutes, I took out my iPod and drowned his boring voice with music. I still remembered the look of betrayal that Elena had sent in my direction pulling me a smirk unlike the vampire who had raised a scowl mixed with a certain admiration.

I was looking at my phone screen again for what seemed to be the tenth time since we had hit the road and I could not help keeping that feeling of anxiety from growing in the hollow of my chest. Tyler still had not answered me and I had not stopped wondering what could have put him in such a state of emergency.

He seemed more emphasized and with what had happened lately I could not really blame him. Not to mention the purpose of our trip on the improvised road.

No matter what we were going to discover, it would not end well for the Lockwood's. I was seriously beginning to think that my life would never be normal again.

A painful tug pulled me out of my thoughts and I turned sharply back to my older sister with an annoyed shine.'' What ... '' I stopped dead in my tracks when I noticed her gaze darted towards the vampire currently in the passenger seat and I removed one of my earphones with a questioning look.''What?''

Elena just squinted in irritation before giving another brief forward motion making me frown and crumple my nose in misunderstanding. I quickly resumed a neutral air when the vampire turned in our direction with an eyebrow arched in mistrust.

"How is it going behind?" He asked in a falsely innocent voice to which I just rolled my eyes and returned to my observation of the landscape before smiling at the warning of Alaric.''Your little number of the girl who pretends to hate me becomes frankly ridiculous in the long run. ''

I frowned slightly in annoyance at Damon's insulting before deepening my frown when I realized he had spoken in the singular and not the plural.

This arrogant bastard had the audacity to wear a small smile that only increased the boiling in my veins. I wanted nothing more than to brandish a stake here and there and plant it in his perfect face of little pretentious sucker.

"Ah!" Alaric sighed from behind the wheel. "I'm not sure they're pretending after what you did to their brother."

Damon immediately took a distressed look before raising an eyebrow paired with a witty smile and I would tighten my fists in anticipation.''I think a slight correction is needed. He has come back to life. "

"Oh yes!" I exclaimed in exasperation, drawing most of the attention to me. "And that's supposed to make it excusable?" I narrowed my eyes to the vampire who had now bothered to look slightly guilty. '' Admit it, you've never seen the ring!''

''Why are you so sure that I didn't know?'' He replied boldly, simply lifting my hands to the ceiling in surrender before crossing my arms over my chest, looking away from him.

He was simply impossible. Every word that came out of his mouth only added to my irritation. I was more than willing to drop the subject and not hear the vampire's irritating voice for the rest of the way, but it looks like Elena was on a different note as she bothered to challenge him again on his lie.

''You knew it?''

"Well, yes." His lie was barely believable since his voice rose an octave deep, not to mention, his nonchalant little shrug.

I jabbed my jaw as I quickly turned my look for my phone screen with an annoyed frown. I hated to know so much about the vampire. I felt my headache silently making its way to the surface and wincing slightly to the pain before feeling a sense of anxiety at the sight of my phone. The lack of response from Lockwood only increased my anxiety and I could not stop questioning myself about the source of his distress.

If only I had not left.

I was so engrossed in my anxious observation of my screen that I had completely dropped the thread of the conversation until the suspicious voice of Elena pulled me out of my stupor again.

''What is the story with your phone? Are you waiting for a call or something?''

I jerked my head around looking nervously around me like a deer caught in the headlights of a car and briefly met the suspicious look of the vampire before quickly resuming a controlled expression to try to hide my lie. I opened my mouth to give her a witty answer when just then, my ringtone rang. I literally forgot my surroundings and rushed through my phone under the attentive and suspicious eyes of the other three.

Tyler: What are you doing Mila? I really need to talk to you! This is not the moment to bail out on me. Join me quickly in the old ruins of my family.

I felt my heart racing in panic as I read his message and was more than sorry to be here when he needed me. I did not know what was in these ruins but it only made me nervous.

I detached my attention from my screen and realized nervously that the attention had narrowed on my form. Even Alaric looked suspiciously through his rearview mirror. I felt Elena's eyes piercing holes in my side forcing me to stare at her with a faint, bored glare.

I locked my cell and put it in my jacket pocket before putting my earphone back in my ear trying to ignore the looks, they were giving me. I knew they were watching me closely, but I kept my eyes on the road.

Finally, the ordeal of a road trip came to an end and I could not wait to get away from my traveling companions. I quickly unbuckled my belt and replaced my audio equipment before bursting out of the SUV. Alaric also came down from the SUV giving me a meaningful look for understanding while I was doing a show of stretching myself before grabbing my bag in the back and slinging the strap over my shoulder to follow him. I ignored the other two, starting to walk in our wake and trying to ignore the feeling of Damon's eyes piercing holes in my back.

''Isobel was officially employed by the Department of Anthropology. Paranormal phenomena are, for the most part, deeply rooted in ... popular traditions ... "Alaric explained as he walked inside the residence while looking around him until he spotted a brunette girl in the eyes of bright green, probably about twenty years old. ''Oh, Excuse me. Hello, Alaric Saltzman."

I rolled my eyes as the young woman ogling Ric and crossed my arms over my chest before checking my jaw at the intrusion of the execrable vampire into my private space.

''Why so much hate? ''

I pretended not to have heard and refocused my attention on the brunette as Rick continued to show up.''I phoned you. ''

''Ah yes ! Of course."She acknowledges with a pleasant smile before introducing herself.''My name is Vanessa Monroe. I'm a master student of comparative folk traditions."I watched her carefully as she seemed to stop at Damon and Elena with a brief expression of disbelief and I could not help but feel a bad feeling about this girl. "Give me a second to catch the keys!"

Ric also seemed to have noticed her downtime on my sister and the vampire as he felt obliged to defend our presence.''Oh, excuse me, I came with my friends Elena, Mila and Damon. I hope you don't mind too much. "

At the agreement of a third name the girl turned to me and if it was still possible, her eyes widened more in recognition. I tried to avoid her eyes by shifting my weight from one leg to another and swallowed the bile that had formed in the hollow of my throat.

Vanessa quickly took off her eyes before starting to survey her desk distractedly in what seemed to be an act of nervousness and I could not stop thinking that something was wrong with her. She had looked at me like she knew me and now, it seems she is agitated as she wanted to be anywhere but here.

''You're welcome. Isobel's office is right next door."She walked over to a desk, telling us after her, and I unconsciously approached Alaric in discomfort as she continued to babble nervously. '' Isobel is one of them of my first three teachers. I am in 3rd cycle today. She was ... brilliant and it's thanks to her if I turned to popular traditions.'' She took the keys out of one of the drawers in the office before stopping, giving a curiously clumsy look at Ric. ''Uh! I must ask you a delicate question. There anything new? "

At that, I took a disdainful look at Damon knowingly that he just rolled his eyes as it was nothing and I felt again this strong desire to hit him violently. I had never felt so much hatred for someone. The vampire had always had the gift of bringing out the worst in me.

''No. Nothing, unfortunately. "

I gave an attentive look at Alaric as we followed without a word after the girl as she led us to a closed door. She opened the door showing us the way and I felt my heart speed up considerably as I realized that the room was completely thrown into darkness.

I was so uncomfortable in this atmosphere that I jumped as soon as Vanessa became known again. ''I'm going to turn on the light. Feel free to rummage!''

As soon as the words had left these lips, a bright light popped up causing us to close our eyes to adjust to the new brightness and I focused on her again as she spoke again.

''It's fascinating. Isn't it ?''

I was briefly captivated by Alaric's surprise look, unlike Elena and Damon, who had already started poking through Isobel's search when a new alarm sounded again in my mind. I immediately went looking for the other girl just to find that she had disappeared.

"Where did she go?" I asked panicked alerting others as I was about to retrace my steps just to find myself nose-to-nose with the point of a crossbow.

I did not even have time to release a mad breath as the girl released the trigger and soon, I was pushed back before looking up just to see that Damon had interposed between the arrow and me and was now moaning in pain while Alaric handle Katniss. I could still feel my heart pounding against my chest in a fast pace and I had to swallow the bile that had formed in the hollow of my throat to provide a new sound.

My eyes caught those of Damon, who had a mixed expression of pain and something much more intense. He lingered over me like he was trying to get some message out and I had a little idea what it could be just that did not change anything. No matter what he could do to change things, at the end of the day he was still a vampire and I could not forget what he had done to Jeremy. Not now. Never, never.

I passed my tongue over my dry lips and broke our mute exchange with a sharp tone."It doesn't change anything."

I did not know Elena's look of understanding and pressed me to the doors."I need a break."

---

Elena POV

Elena watched Mila's withdrawal with a pained look in her understanding before turning back to Damon who still seemed in pain. She knew what Mila felt.

He had killed Jeremy and had yielded to his bad side again. It was always like that with him. It was impossible to trust him.

Only she would never have thought that he would do something like this. Not only because of her but for Mila. She could not deny the connection that these two had or rather had in the past.

She had never seen Mila hold such a strong grudge for anyone, but she had to admit that her younger sister had changed in recent months. She was much stronger and more rational than she probably would ever be. Mila had a way of visualizing things that went beyond logic. If Elena was honest with herself, she would admit that she secretly envied her sister to handle the supernatural as she did. No matter what was on their way, she remained stony and tried to hold on despite the pitfalls.

It was certain!

Mila was no longer the teenager who shut herself up in silence to escape the pain that overwhelmed her.

Now she was strong and she did not hesitate to show it.

Elena jabbed the arrow into the vampire's shoulder with a grimace and tried to find the right angle to remove it. If she had been told a few months ago that she would be in this situation she would have laughed but now she was expecting everything.

"Get it out!" Damon growled impatiently with a sighing whistle. ''It's out of my reach, Elena. Get rid of this thing! Now! I suffer."

Honestly, she did not understand why she was helping him. He was just so execrable sometimes.

Mila had left and left him without a look. Why she couldn't do it?

Finally, she grabbed the arrow and yanked it away, reaping another dramatic vampire moan before moving away into indifference.

Damon sighed and his next nonchalant words alerted Elena to panic.''The bitch is dead.''

She turned at once in the challenge and folded her arms over her chest, throwing a cold stare on the vampire. ''No, you don't.''

"Wait and see." The vampire countered, trying to get around her, but she stayed on her position.

It was her turn to be strong. She was tired of taking the vampire's actions without ever retaliating.

"Touch one of her hair and I swear I never speak to you again."

At that, Damon turned around, staring at her coldly. ''What makes you believe that your poor threats carry weight? The arrow I just took in the back instead of Mila?"He approached with an intimidating air, but she knew better.

Indeed, his act was not as selfless as he thought. He could deny it as much as he wanted, but he shared something with his sister and that was enough to make him take an arrow in her place.

''You overestimate her, she's far from having so much influence over me. ''

''I couldn't agree more. '' Mila's cold, familiar voice challenged them and Elena turned her attention to the vampire as he seemed to gauge Mila with raised eyebrows in confusion before clenching fists at those hard words. ''After all, no one can have any influence on a psychopathic who can kill people on a simple whim.''

---

POV Mila

I really needed air.

This trip on the road was a damn fucking idea.

I knew I was going to regret it and yet I gave in. How stupid I was.

I had passed the fury with Alaric on my way and had totally ignored the teacher's calls as I continued my quick exit towards the car. Now I was sitting on the earthy floor of the university and slammed my head against the Alaric SUV for what seemed to me the millionth time. I released a trembling breath and turned my attention to my phone in my hands.

No calls.

No texts. I had no news of Felix or Tyler. I wanted more than anything to calling him but the truth was that I was scared. I was completely panicked to discover that they too were supernatural beings.

I had enough and just wanted to resume a normal life. Living with vampires were already completely crazy but dreams and lycanthropes now? It was beyond anything I could take. With all the events of the day, I could not really think back to my strange dream, but I could certainly say that it was not a simple dream.

How many people could tell they heard laughter in a seemingly familiar meadow. Everything in this dream had seemed real as a memory and I could not ignore the feeling of nostalgia I was feeling right now just thinking about it.

Without speaking of the man. He knew my name and his touch ...

I released a tired moan before I hit my skull against the sheet metal of the SUV again and Felix's image popped up again from my mind. Indeed, if I had accepted this trip it was certainly not to work in the game of the vampire but definitely to obtain information and maybe help Felix to cross all this without him having to undergo what he had arrived at Caroline.

Maybe having more knowledge on the subject will allow me to make a difference.

Another sigh passed my lips and I decided to call Caroline to get some sort of report on her introduction to vampire life. I did not really know why but I felt somehow responsible for the pretty blonde.

The first ring sounded and soon Caroline's bored voice became known through the device.''Thank God, Mila! It's you.''

"Uh ... hello to you too, Caroline. I see that -Mr. Stefan Salvatore's 101 classes on how to be a good vampire- are exciting. "I stated with a small, uncertain frown, though a faint, amused smile adorned my features.

"You think that's funny?" Caroline replied, obviously much more sensitive now before continuing with a non-amused sharp tone.'Try to catch a little cute rabbit and then we'll see if you'll laugh so much. ''

Honestly, I could not help my next burst of laughter.

It was just way too tempting. Caroline's simple thought chasing Pan pan was hilarious.

I could hear Stefan's other familiar bursts of laughter through the phone and instantly felt a surge of nostalgia for my friend. It had been weeks since I had heard him laugh like that and I could not stop telling myself that it was all my fault. I was the one who had taken the distance. Not him.

With that thought, my smile and laughter stopped and I rested my head against the metal again before asking Caroline to pass me my vampire friend.

I heard the static rustle and crackle before Stefan's soft voice reached my ear."Hey Mila!"

"Hey!" I hissed weakly through the receiver who lost all energy to pretend.

My change of mood did not go unnoticed by the vampire and soon he asked me about the course of our journey in anxiety.

"First, no, I have not staked him yet. Then it's Damon, of course he's drives me nuts and finally, I've almost been pierced by an arrow if it's not for him so I guess I should be grateful, isn't it? ''

"Mila ... ''sighed the vampire in defeat. ''You know it was Katherine ... she played with him ...''

"I know, Stefan. I know."I cut him quickly before releasing a contrite sigh as I pinched the bridge of my nose at the sensation of a future headache.''Only he killed Jeremy and he would have killed Caroline if Elena didn't intervene. ''

There was silence at the other end of the conversation and I knew that Stefan was trying to find something to complain about even though he knew I was right.

It was simply in his nature. He could not help but try to see the best in everyone and even if it was a quality, I admired in him, it could sometimes annoy me when it came to Damon.

''Why didn't you tell me about your application?'' Suddenly Stefan's voice came up, breaking in my thoughts and I felt my breath catch in my throat in nervousness.

I knew he would not give up on the subject so easily but I was definitely not ready to continue this conversation. I jumped abruptly to my feet with a grimace and quickly finished the conversation without even giving him a chance to work me more.

After that, I looked at my phone with a miserable expression as I realized that I had just created a new distance between Stefan and me. It seems that getting back to Stefan as it was before was much more difficult than I thought. I knew that the last few weeks had changed many things in my life but I never imagined that it would create so much mess.

With a new sigh, I made my entrance inside the premises and soon heard Elena's heated voice making me pinch the bridge of my nose even before entering the library.

''What makes you believe that your poor threats carry weight? The arrow that I just took in the back instead of Mila. "An annoyed frown came to tease my face to the agreement of my name and I accelerated the pace just to enter the room to hear the end bruising vampire, exasperating me again. ''You overestimate her, she is far from having so much influence over me.''

The words flew from my mouth without me even aware of it and Damon and Elena immediately turned in my direction with expressions shared between surprise and confusion. ''I couldn't agree more. ''

I crossed my arms over my chest staring at the vampire and said my next words with all the coolness I could muster in my tone. ''After all, no one can have any influence on a psychopathic who can kill people on a simple whim.''

With that, I retraced my steps and ignored the sounds of footsteps behind me as I entered the room where was Alaric and the little bitch who seemed rather scared.

Honestly, she had something.

Even though I was against killing her, that did not mean I did not want to take revenge. The bitch had tried to shoot me with an arrow and I was not even the one with the demonic double.

"First of all, my name is Mila Gilbert and her-" I pointed my sister with my chin over my shoulder before turning my attention back to the girl.''Is Elena. Well, she's more like my foster sister but ... the details. So, to get back to the facts, she's kind of a weird descendant of a bad bitch. As for the one you shot, it's Damon Salvatore."

''In your place, I'll be super nice to me. ''Warned Damon with a threatening accent to his tone and I rolled my eyes taking a step forward to get away from him with boredom.

''Just ignore him. That's what I usually do."I warned her nonchalantly before resuming a serious expression with no regard for the girl visibly shocked. ''Now, as much as I don't particularly appreciate you. We need your help to access Isobel's research on Mystic Falls."

I watched Vanessa closely as she brought back a box of research when I felt a presence by my side. I recognized the familiar smell of Ric's cologne but still focused on the brunette with suspicion.

''You're okay?'' He asked in his usually thoughtful tone and I nonchalantly shrugged my shoulders before answering in mockery.

"Oh, you know pretty much about someone you wanted to shoot a few minutes ago."

"Mila, I don't think it's a source of laughter. She said she'd recognized you from Isobel's research." Reign Alaric, serious forcing me to turn to him with a bewildered and slightly panicked look.

"What do you mean by: recognized of Isobel's research?'' I wondered quickly feeling my heart quicken in anxiety and I followed Alaric's gaze to meet Vanessa's gaze as she put the cardboard on a round wooden study table.

"This carton contains documents that trace Katherine's arrival to Mystic Falls in April 1864." She announced, dusting herself off and Elena was quick to dig through the search while I was still trying to sort out with what I had just heard.

My attention focused on Vanessa again and that was all I could do before heading straight for her in search of an answer. I hardly listened to Elena's question as I stopped by her side, keeping my eyes on the brunette. I was about to ask her for answers as to what Alaric had just taught me, but I just ended up staying completely frozen like a picket.

I did not really know why but an anxious ball formed in my throat and I was now unable to form even a single word. For I don't know what reason, my mind drifted back to my dream this morning and I was totally unable to release a sound. She recognized Elena and Damon because they were supernatural beings but I was not, and I could not help but think that her answers to my questions would only make things more difficult. So, without even thinking, I turned around for Damon and stood in front of him without even glancing at him and began searching through the documents he was passing through. I felt his awkward look on me but persisted in ignoring him until the stupid and not so discreet conversation of my sister and Vanessa came to my ears.

"Does it really work vervain?" Vanessa asked in what I supposed to be a whisper even though I could hear them perfectly from where I was.

And if I could, I had no doubt that the vampire could too.

My thoughts were quick to be confirmed as Elena nodded in agreement just to be falsely contradicted by the vampire in a mocking tone.''No. Not at all.''

Honestly, after that I thought they would be a lot smarter to stop talking stupidly in a low voice but Vanessa kept shaking my head bored.

''He hears everything we say? ''

''No. That would be too scary."The vampire mocked again, mockingly imitating a murmur reminding me how immature he could be.

"Hm!" Vanessa sighed before continuing to another question, muttering, making me want to hit me in the face with all the stupidity of this conversation. "And he can read people's thoughts too?"

At that, I looked up and met Damon's mischievous gaze telling me that nothing good was going to follow and I instantly hit my forehead at his next words. ''You know if you want to see me naked, just ask. ''

I let out a deep sigh, still asking what I was doing here and could not help thinking how much Stefan was missing. Especially in this kind of situation. Stefan always had the gift of making things better, and I missed that attraction now.

"Why the pout, little Gilbert? Jealous, maybe?'' Threatened the vampire's naughty voice through my thoughts and I stopped right in the middle of my search to throw him a clearly unamused shine.

"Just forget me, will you?" I lashed before turning around and entering the second room containing all of Isobel's other research.

The following step agreement made me pinch the bridge of my nose before turning back in exasperation and meeting the vampire's chest harshly. I held my forehead slightly in pain and stepped back quickly before casting a new glare on the vampire who seemed rather amused by my current state.

''What don't you understand in let me in peace? "I was crossing my arms on my chest now with exasperation.

"Hm ..." The vampire pretended to think, bringing his hand to his chin, which only accentuated my irritation to his attention. ''Sorry but I can't do it. ''

I brought my hand to my forehead wearily and let out a deep, frustrated sigh before turning back, keeping my gaze locked on the cluttered shelves as I squeezed my fists in impatience.

"Mila." I heard the soft voice devoid of all the humor of the vampire before I jumped slightly when I felt his hand rest on my shoulder.

At that moment, I just wanted to tear my hair. The vampire was a real source of confusion and exasperation for me. In fact, from the moment I yielded to Stefan and Elena's request for this trip I was screwed up. I did not want to feel that way. In fact, I hated practically all my reactions when I was in the presence of the vampire. He brought out things in me that I should not feel and hated that. Like now for example, I was so indecisive and lost. I knew what he had done to Jeremy and I wanted more than anything to hold it to him, but he still managed to crawl under my skin. He was like a throbbing headache. He always came back, numbing our mind until we were unable to think clearly.

I turned to coldly gauge the vampire before becoming much more captivated by one of the books on one of the dusty shelves behind the vampire.

The latter noticed my distraction and questioned me about it but I was content to get around him without a word and easily grabbed the huge book before watching it from every angle. I blew dust on the cover page and could easily feel the presence of the vampire at my side.

The clipping was very old and torn in some places but it was not that which interrupted me. There were words written on the back and I slightly narrowed my eyes to decrypt them aloud. ''Biblise Petrova."I sensed the vampire's shift of weight to the agreement of this words and I instantly turned to him with an inquisitive look.''Do you know what that means? ''

''Katherine was originally from Europe. Petrova is her real name.'' He explained, slightly widening my eyes in surprise.''Katerina Petrova to be exact. ''

"I thought you didn't know anything about her? That she was secretive and evil?"I asked, rolling my eyes sarcastically and the vampire slightly narrowed his eyes at me.

''At the time, I saw that her name was engraved on an old family object. Men search too, you know... "

At that, I rolled my eyes before turning my attention curiously back to the book. It was about Katherine and it was probably the first thing that could lead us to her, but it was also Elena's heritage whether she wanted it or not and I did not really know what I had to do with this book.

A very big part of me wanted to keep it to be able to dissect it under all the seams but another much more rational part knew that it belonged to Elena to decide what she wanted to make of it.

I took my eyes off the book and suddenly glanced at the vampire in indecision. It might be a bad idea but a part of me still had a minimum of respect for him and I sincerely thought that I should entrust him.

After all, Elena was important to him and even if she said the opposite, I knew she had much less determination when it came to Damon.

It was certain to predict that she would easily forgive him unlike me.

On a whim, I handed the book to him, gathering one of his confused looks and rolled my eyes before clarifying my thoughts.

''Elena is not mad at you. She will eventually forgive you, it's only a matter of time. You just must do the right things to get back in her esteem. "I explained before shrugging cynically.''She is simple like that. ''

I gave him the book under his uncertain gaze before starting to walk back just to take a break from his next question. ''What about you? Will you forgive me?''

"You, like me, know that I'm not Elena." I replied over my shoulder without even looking at him before resuming my walk with a slight ball in my stomach.

I did not want to act so hard but I could not do anything about it. Whenever I looked at the vampire, Jeremy's dead body lying on the floor ended up resurfacing in my mind and pain with it.

I spotted Elena go through the books and stood beside her, ignoring Alaric's worried look on my back.''So ?''

"I peeled but found nothing new on Katherine." Elena answered when Damon chose this moment to enter our conversation.

''Zzz ... Ah! What a mess! "He declared falsely concerned with a smirk that made me stare, distressed. ''It's no good that we are no longer friends because if we were, I would tell you what I know. ''

I obviously knew what he was talking about given what we had found a few minutes ago and I was beginning to question my decision to give him the book. He was just a little nagging madman most of the time and he was known for not making the right choices.

Only part of me always seemed to recognize certain qualities in him and I ended up putting a bit of faith in him. Like rather.

I spotted Elena give him an annoyed shine and decided to get away from the duo on the point of arguing and found me next to Vanessa. I tried to ignore the bad feeling I felt under her not-so-insistent eyes when she opened her mouth. I was preparing mentally for everything that would follow with apprehension but soon, the familiar voice of Alaric cut in her attempt and we all turned our attention to the teacher.

''Hey! Look at this!"He handed Vanessa a book under my puzzled eyes as Elena and Damon got closer with interest.

"There is no trace of myth around werewolves in Mystic Falls. But we ... "Vanessa informed us as she went through the book before showing us some of the material she contained. ''We don't have archives that take up some little-known legends. Hold on! Everything is in this document.''

She handed them to Damon and I got closer to the vampire to look at the documents over his shoulder. Most of them were drawings and symbols of lycanthropes, but so little of this research only increased my anxiety for my friends.

Vanessa suddenly spoke as I tried to stay as calm as possible. ''Scandinavian lycanthropes with Aztec legends. "Maledictio sol and Luna. If we had to translate, it would basically give us the curse of the sun and the moon."

I took my eyes off the book for Vanessa and raised an inquiring eyebrow as Alaric asked if it was American.

"Aztec."Corrected the brunette before continuing with passion.''This is one of the origins of the legend of the werewolves known in Virginia. To sum up, 600 years ago, the Aztecs lived under the constant attacks of vampires and werewolves, who spread terror in the countryside. Breeding and hunting had become impossible. And then, one day, a shaman smote them with a vampire curse, the sun slaves and the werewolves, the servants of the moon. As a result, the vampires were doomed to roam the night and the werewolves to transform themselves on a full moon. Whenever the moon is full, whoever has the misfortune to be touched by the curse turns into a wolf. "

At that, I looked at the budding historian with anxiety and asked the first thing on my mind.''Do they have a way to master the transformation?''

I had watched enough movie about werewolves to know that this was not a painless process and I could not imagine Felix or even one of the Lockwood's having to go through such an ordeal.

''If they could choose to mutate or not. It wouldn't be a curse anymore. "Vanessa replied sarcastically and I felt the churn in my stomach when a bad smile crossed the vampire's face.

Only, it seems that it was not over as Vanessa turned to Elena with a solemn air. ''Werewolves attack men, but their instinct and centuries of rivalry have also programmed them to hunt their favorite prey: vampires. ''

At this, all eyes were formed on Damon while the latter jumped at the news before quickly approaching Vanessa slightly incredulous.

''Hey! Uh! ... If the werewolves chased the vampire, I think I'll know it.'' He said sarcastically.

''Unless there are too few specimens alive today.'' Vanessa refuted, forcing me to stare her in confusion. ''Centuries ago, vampires chased them almost to extinction. ''

I felt my heart speed up in this realization and could not help but think of Felix. Vampires, witches, all that was crazy but werewolves? It exceeded all reality.

"Why would they do that?" Elena asked naively as I looked at Vanessa in the hope that she would not formulate my thoughts, to no avail.

"To save their skin." Damon nodded to that, but through Vanessa's face, I knew there was more.''According to legend, a werewolf can kill a vampire with a single bite.''

Suddenly, my mind, ran instantly to Stefan and Caroline and I was looking for my phone under the perplexed eyes of others.

"Mila, what are you doing?'' Elena asked as I quickly dialed Stefan's number without even glancing at her.

I carried my device to my ear and waited in a state of panic for him to pick up his phone. I jumped slightly on my feet and started pacing up and down the room just to stop as soon as Stefan's voice entered my cell phone.

"We have just discovered something really important. You must listen to me very, very, carefully, okay?''

''What is happening? '' Was the first question Stefan asked me while Elena approached me with the agreement of his voice.

I gave him a brief summary of everything we had just heard before casting an undecided look on the others knowing that what I was going to reveal would only make my case worse.

"Stefan, you must seriously listen to me. I know it sounds crazy and I know we're not sure but I spent more time with the Lockwood's than any of you ... "I could see the eyes of others well, mainly Damon's, wrinkling over me in suspicion forcing me to break eye contact.''But you should really be paying attention to Mason. I saw what he can do. He's very strong.''

"Mila, why didn't you tell us anything? "Asked Stefan immediately while I avoided attention to me.

I swallowed the bile forming in the hollow of my throat and swallowed before continuing.''It's not really the point. Currently, there is even worse. ''

''What? ''

"If you believe the legend, their bite is deadly for vampires." I declared, feeling the adrenaline running through my veins at the agreement of my own words out loud.

The line suddenly became silent and I stared in panic and looked at my screen to reassure me that he was still there before calling frantically for the vampire in worry.

There was the static line and soon, Stefan's anxious voice resurfaced. ''Listen! Uh! ... I must hang up. We see each other when you come back. Okay?''

''What? No,Stefan ... "I heard the line cut off and looked at my screen in disbelief before looking up to catch the worried look of Elena and Alaric's questioner while the vampire was now wearing an annoyed expression. ''Something is wrong. We must go ho-"

I did not even finish my sentence that I was already in action to the door but a strong grip soon closed on my arm and I raised my eyes to see that it was none other than the scourge of my life.''Oh that, you can say it! ''

"What-let me go, Damon!" I broke in impatience, trying to pull my arm out of his reach which only accentuated his grip.

"Tell us what you know about the Lockwood's!" The vampire ordered, narrowing his bluish eyes on me as if to challenge me to avoid his question and I took my eyes off to return to Alaric and Elena hoping to get some help just to find that they seemed to be on the vampire's side.

With a burst of anger, I broke a shine again on the dark-haired vampire. "I already told you everything! I don't know more than you, it's clear! ''

It was a pure shameful lie but it was out of the question that I was going to put the Lockwood's and Felix in danger to satisfy any passing fad of the vampire. My answer only accentuated the vampire's nervousness as he tightened his grip considerably, making me cringe in the slight pain.

"You don't seem to understand!" He chuckled coldly. ''You heard just like us. If your precious boyfriends are werewolves, we're all dead. "

The next ones screaming out of my mouth were uncontrolled and certainly the effect of frustration and repressed anger.''Maybe it would be for the best! ''

I felt my breath catch in my throat as I watched the whole room freeze and contacted the vampire. The night blue faced the cerulean blue of his eyes and I felt that time had stopped for a moment.

Well it was before the vampire narrowed his cerulean orbs further on me before I slacked off like this, I burned him. "Good."

I stood frozen on the spot as I watched the vampire make his way back to the trio who was trying to look anywhere except me. I knew my words had passed my thought but I could not give the Lockwood's. I took a deep breath to stop the jolts that threatened to appear and made my way to others. I silently took one of the books on one of the round tables and sat on one of the leather seats ignoring my surroundings.

---

The sun had long ago given way to the night now and we were still as uninformed as before. Except for the book Alaric had found, we had not gotten anything new.

The atmosphere was always so cold and I did best to avoid the vampire.

With a new sigh I got up from my seat by closing the book I was reading and walked over to Elena just to look over her shoulder at a vintage picture of Katherine. The resemblance between her and my older sister was still striking, but I had to admit that certain characteristics showed their differences. The way they had to smile for example. If Elena was still smiling like a foolish girl, Katherine was smiling with an afterthought, as she was aware she was being watched.

"Vanessa?" Elena called me out of my observation for staring at her with intrigue. "Did you research the look-alikes?"

Alaric's surprise was evident on his face as he gave me a questioning look and I shrugged just as perplexed. It was the first time we had raised this possibility but I had to admit that it made sense.

I turned my attention to Vanessa with more attention. ''Well, well, uh ... This word doesn't evoke the same thing according to the cultures. But it usually refers to a double of oneself."I felt eyes on us but continued to listen to the explanation ignoring this feeling of discomfort in the hollow of my stomach. ''A living being of flesh and blood.''

"Did Isobel find anything that explains the bond that unites me to Katherine?" Elena asked eagerly for an answer.

I had to admit that I was just as eager to know the answer as Elena was. I wanted to know more about the vampire.

Obviously, she intended to stick around and if she could create so much carnage in such a short time, I did not even want to know what she could do in the long run.

Only Vanessa paused slightly with a contrite air before gently shaking her head in negation."That's all she has on her, unfortunately."

Alaric cleared his throat awkwardly as I stared at Vanessa wearily. I felt that the closer we got to Katherine, the more we recoiled.

''Listen! The only thing I can tell you is that most of the time, the doubles torment the people they look like. They torture them until they can destroy their lives. I gaped at the understanding of this information and pinched the bridge of my nose in distress.''There is better to get in a good mood.''

I sent a faint glare to Vanessa's attention for her failed attempt to shed light on the situation and rolled my eyes at Elena's next words."Yeah. Another piece of information we already had. "She gave a new look at the picture before turning her attention to Vanessa.''Me all I want to know is why we look so much alike. ''

A sigh suddenly appeared on my right and I gave a bored look at the vampire who was in front of one of the libraries.''That's disconcerting! ''

"You know something or you make your interesting," Elena cried irritably and I rolled my eyes, doubting where the source of the vampire's information came from.

It was obvious that he had briefly read the Petrova book and it seemed to contain the answers that Elena was only asking for. I had stupidly given this book to the psychopathic vampire. Sometimes I hated myself.

''Well, if ... This was the case. I will not put you in the secret."Sneered Damon making me want to hit me at his stupid game as he sauntered up to my older sister. '' Unless you change your attitude. ''

At that, Elena turned sharply with glare that could glaze anyone's bone. ''You're right. And the worst is that it comes out of the mouth of someone who wants to be my friend. But you know what, we don't manipulate his friends. We support them. "

I tried not to roll my eyes at her dismal repartee and went back through the documents before following her with my eyes as she left the room in a dramatic way making me look at Ric with an arching eyebrow in disbelief. My attention turned to the vampire again and I bit the inside of my cheek in apprehension before deciding to take the first step in his direction. I was still pissed at him but I had to make sure he was going to give Elena the book and the sooner the better.

"I'm impressed!" I said sarcastically captivating his attention as I continued with an ironic nod.''And me, who thought you couldn't be more of an arrogant asshole than you already are.''

I saw a smile grow on Vanessa's lips as Alaric tried to hide his hilarity with a cough. I made my way to the exit and closed my jacket against me before putting on my hood. I nervously checked my phone for what seemed like the hundredth time and sighed wearily before breaking my attention over my shoulder at the footstep agreement.

I spotted Alaric out of college accompanied by Vanessa and tried to read on the lips as they seemed in intense conversation.

Finally, after a few minutes, I chose to abandon the spying and made my way to the duo just to stop briefly at the sight of Damon and Elena in full conversation.

I spotted the book in the hands of the vampire and a faint smile lit up my features before I resumed my walk towards Alaric. The latter seemed to have finished his conversation with Vanessa and stopped at my height with an exhausted expression.

"I think we're ready to go."He said with a slight stump in his voice as he turned back to the college with a haunted look.

I stared at him empathically and bit the inside of my cheek indecisively before formulating my thoughts aloud. "I'm sorry you had to come back here." Alaric immediately turned to me at that with an arched eyebrow in the inquisition. "With Isobel and all that ... I mean ... you know."

"That's good, Mila." Ric stopped me, putting a hand on my shoulder with a grateful smile. ''I was wondering what it would be like to come back here. And, uh, well, I'm fine. I handle it well. It's good to know that ... it's a thing of the past. You know? There is a moment when we must move on. "

I nodded in agreement with a smile before mimicking a nauseated grimace in the hope of alleviating the situation. ''Ew! You talk about Aunt Jenna, don't you? "

A smile settled on his lips as he shook his head but soon, my attention was again drawn to Vanessa.

Alaric's words still resonated in my mind and I immediately picked up a serious expression as I looked back at Ric. He noticed my eyes on the brunette and turned to me in uncertainty.

''You want to go talk to her. '' Recognized more in a tone of fact than a question and I turned my attention to him in slight surprise before acquiescing weakly. '' We'll wait.'' I nodded and started to get around him but stopped when I felt his hand close on my grip."You can't always keep everything for yourself, Mila. I understand that Lockwood are your friends but it could be serious. "

I nodded again and headed back to Vanessa once he released me.

The expression on the brunette's face was solemn as she noticed me approaching her and I did not have time to get out a single sound she had already answered my silent question.

''You want to know how I recognized you? '' I sat in silence for a moment trying to digest her tone but ended up nodding silently. '' Look, to be honest, I don't really know how I'm doing. I just recognized you. I don't know why, nor how, but as soon as I saw you it was like I had seen someone I had read but I couldn't remember where or when I-I met you in my readings. It's even stranger than seeing Damon Salvatore himself."

A frown had settled on my forehead as she explained it and I turned to her intentionally ignoring her attempt to make a joke. ''So, what you're telling me is that you've read some research on me but you don't remember it? ''

The brunette nodded reluctantly and I swallowed the bile that formed in my throat in the realization. I cut short the conversation as I had more questions than answers and made my way back to the SUV. I climbed inside in a sort of second state and openly ignored the glances that Alaric, Damon and Elena were throwing at me as I frantically searched for my iPod in my bag. I had to empty my head.

She had read about me. Isobel had done some research on me and now Vanessa could not remember.

Only the image of my appearance was in her mind unlike the content of the research.

I did not want to recognize it, but the only possible explanation was that a vampire had erased her memory.

Only here is the catch.

Why would a vampire take the trouble to erase all traces of Isobel's research concerning me?

I felt my heart and my lungs tighten as I thought about it and brought my legs closer to my chest as my head fell against the window. I closed my eyes trying to clear my mind of all thought and ended up let fatigue catch me.

---

I felt a slight pressure enveloping me and I unconsciously turned closer to the heat source before opening my eyes briefly in my sleepy state to see a familiar chiseled chin.

"Damon?" I murmured hoarsely, feeling even more tired than before.

Damon POV

The vampire focused his attention on the little brunette in his arms and could not help but bring her frail body against his chest.

After the conversation with Elena, he felt miserable. He had been played again and all he wanted was to talk to Mila. Even if it meant hearing her hard, cold tone, that was enough for him. He really thought so when he told her he'd better go see her the other night. As strange as it was, this kid had the gift of having more words than anyone else for him.

So he had decided to make the right choices for a moment and had gone to the car hoping to converse with her but what he had found was different. Mila was still asleep against the back seat and seemed to be sporting a small frown on her forehead.

He had noticed how she seemed emphasized but as usual, the brunette kept everything for her. She used her anger and sarcasm to hide the real Mila. It had been a long time since he could read her even though she could still be a mystery to him sometimes.

Stefan was not the only one who knew her. No matter what she thought. He knew her too.

With that thought, he had put one arm under her lap while the other rested on her back and carried her all the way through the Gilbert House.

He slowly opened the door of her bedroom and made his way to her bed before delicately putting her down and taking off her sneakers and laying them at the foot of her bed. She closed herself in a ball and his gaze lingered on her porcelain face. He did not like not being able to see her eyes. They were the only way to know Little Gilbert's thoughts and not seeing them was strangely difficult for him.

She had a way of looking at him and even though most of the time she stared at him with an exasperated look, he could sometimes see a brief glimmer of hope.

The hope she confided in him.

---

Hey, everyone,

Honestly thanks again for all your reviews and votes. Sincerely, you make me really happy.

Then, according to the votes Stefan is in the lead with Damon behind and Klaus and Kol as a result. To really know I advise you to follow the next chapter. I've already finished the entire season 2 and I can tell you that it's going to be a season of twists for Mila. She will immensely grow and mature during this time. She will also experience new emotions and her relationship with Stefan will be put to the test. You can imagine ...

Anyway, keep voting to tell me which pairing you like the most.

New vote: What do you think about Felix? And what would you like to see happen to him?