In the span of a day, all of the progress Jeremy made that week was gone.

Only 8 people attended Vicki's funeral and only half were there for Vicki herself, the rest were there to pick up the pieces of the ones she left behind. They had covered up her death as overdose, much to Jeremy's sheathing anger. Even Stefan didn't come, he and Damon had to lay low after all. But it still left a bad taste on Aly's mouth, Vicki was his protégé.

Aly stood right beside him despite his anger, knowing that it wasn't exactly directed at her. Elena stood next to Matt in the other corner of the room, and she kept giving them both guilty glances. Jeremy ignored her.

At least he wasn't completely ignoring Aly.

Their family was a mess. They had entered the cold war with everyone ignoring everyone, if not being downright hostile. Jenna avoided Aly outside of tiny disappointed looks here and there, she'd bolt the room every time Aly would even try to talk to her. Jeremy would throw a hissy fit every time he saw Elena. To which Elena would begin to tear up and lock herself up in her room- or go straight to the Salvatore's.

And Aly, well, she was trying her best to water the fire.

Aly was surprised to see Caroline there. They personally didn't know Vicki, and even then they weren't even on good speaking terms. In truth, Aly didn't know if her own attendance counted as good in nature. She even caught herself wondering if Vicki would even have wanted her to be there.

And yet, even though the girl had attacked them twice, Aly didn't want her to die, die.

"What are you doing here?" Jeremy sneered at her blonde friend. Aly's hand immediately went to him, giving him a look.

Caroline looked at him in surprise. "I'm here for Matt." she said, confused. "He's my friend."

"Well, you shouldn't be here."

"Jeremy," Aly shot Caroline an apologetic look as she pulled Jeremy away. "What the hell?" she hissed.

"You're defending them?" Jeremy glared at her. "After what I saw?"

"I'm not defending them. Caroline has nothing to do with this. She knows nothing, Jeremy. She's not her mom."

Jeremy ran a hand through his face. "Isn't there anything we could do?" he asked, desperate. "There has to be something. Vicki was murdered, Alyssandra. They're covering it up with overdose. That's not right."

"I know." Aly nodded, agreeing with him. "But-" what could they do? This was the Council, the same group of people who burned a chapel down with 27 people inside. She bit her lower lip.

"But what? We're just going to let it slide?"

"I don't know what we could do!" Aly said, exasperated.

"She didn't do anything wrong." Jeremy pushed, "They killed her for nothing. We have to do something."

Aly pursed her lips, she took something out of her pocket- it was a vervain bracelet. She got it from Zach after requesting for it. There were a lot of things she could squeeze out from him after the compulsion room. "Wear this." she instructed.

"What is it?"

"It's a bracelet with vervain in it." Aly explained, "It won't do much against anyone from the Council but it'll keep you safe from other vampires."

Jeremy frowned, "It wasn't a vampire that murdered someone right in front of me."

Aly placed it on his wrist, lightly slapping his hand away as he tried to stop him. "You can still be compelled." Aly said gently, holding his hand as he angrily scoffed. "Jeremy. There are people out there that are dangerous, and I don't mean regular humans, vampires, or witches specifically."

"I know that." He snapped.

"I know you do." Aly continued, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know that you want to avenge Vicki's death." she said lowly, careful to make sure they weren't overheard. "But this is big, okay? We can't just rush into something. It's dangerous."

"You can." Jeremy countered, heat on his eyes. "You're a witch. You can teach everyone in the Council a lesson."

Aly swallowed, "Jeremy-"

"Forget it." Jeremy rolled his eyes, stepping away.

"Jeremy wait!"Aly ran forwards towards him, "There's something else I want to talk about. I don't know if you've read it from Elena's journal but-" she took a deep breath. "We're adopted. I know it's a lot but-"

"It's not." Jeremy's gaze softened, and in a change of heart, he held her by the arms, "You're still my sister, Alyssandra. I still love you. It doesn't matter if we're biologically related or not. I'm mad but- I'm not mad at you."

Aly felt a weight lift from her shoulders, "Thank you."

Jeremy shook his head, a small smile gracing his features. Aly took that in as a good sign. "I can't believe you'll even say that." He said, "I know you, Aly. You'll never do anything to hurt me." Jeremy suddenly shook his head. "Not like Elena."

Aly didn't know what to say to that, so she kept silent. "I have to go," He said, "I'm meeting up with Anna again."

"Text me, okay?"

"I will."

~ soulmark ~

The rest of Mystic Falls High returned back to their daily script after giving Vicki a quick look- sad over another death, but overall unbothered. The word 'expected' was written clearly in their eyes.

Aly walked towards Caroline on the way to school. They huddled together as Caroline watched Elena and Matt wistfully.

"You like him?"

"He's my friend too, and I want to comfort him." Caroline quietly said, breaking her gaze. "You don't think I'm shallow, do you?"

Aly instantly frowned, ready to defend her friend's character. Caroline shook her head, giving a small hurt laugh.

"What am I saying?" she said, "His sister just died and all I'm thinking of is myself. Matt's right. I am shallow."

Caroline wiped a tear from her eye, looking heavily disappointed with herself. Aly grabbed her shoulders, forcing her blonde friend to look at her.

"That's not true. You're amazing, Caroline."

"Ugh. You're just saying that to make me feel better." She huffed.

"Alright." Aly changed tactics, "But he can't say you're shallow when he hasn't dived."

Caroline snorted, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Whatever you want?" Aly giggled slightly, and Caroline gave her a smile. Aly pulled her into a hug, "You're not shallow, Caroline." she murmured to her ear. "And if Matt doesn't see how good you are, then he doesn't deserve you."

It was hard to push away the thought that Liz killed Vicki, especially since Caroline was her daughter and Aly's best friend. It almost made her feel nauseous, Liz had practically raised their entire generation. But Aly had to remember that the sins of the parent weren't of the children. Elena's actions popped up to Aly's mind, along with Grayson's. She angrily shoved the thought away.

They got Bonnie back to their table in the cafeteria, but their table was still oddly tense. Aly picked on her food, the cold war glaringly obvious. That was all besides the fact of all the things they've been hiding it from their friends. The two twins avoided each other's eyes, it wasn't that they were mad at each other, but that they both didn't like the other's recent actions.

Elena didn't like that Aly told Jenna, Aly had instantly backed Jeremy up about when they fought about his compulsion.

"Do you guys have dates yet?" Caroline asked, noticing the silence between the four of them. "The Decade's Dance is just around the corner."

"Nope." Aly popped the 'p'. "I haven't really had the time to think about it."

"Who's that?" Bonnie pointed off to a kid sitting all alone on one of the tables. He was dark-skinned with soft-looking features, seemingly quiet in nature.

"That is Luka Martin," Caroline smirked, happy that the conversation got ongoing. Her blue eyes briefly fluttered to Elena, who remained quiet. "He's new, came here last week with his dad."

Bonnie smirked back, "I think I know who I'm asking then."

Aly snorted on her drink, shaking her head. "Are you serious? You literally just saw him."

"And I'll be seeing him in the dance." Bonnie stood from their table and made her way towards Luka's. His eyes briefly met with hers, and the rest of them watched, amused, as Bonnie made her introductions.

Caroline sighed, "Bonnie just came back and she already has a date."

"Girl moves fast."

~ soulmark ~

"I'd like to thank you so much for coming in such short notice, Alice."

"It's Alyssandra now, Carol." Aly corrected, giving the woman a polite smile. Carol looked at her in surprise.

"Well then, Alyssandra." Carol opened the door wider, gesturing for her to come in. "I hear that your and Caroline's charity was a success. I think it's wonderful, children around the world deserve a second chance, especially with a fate like theirs. Though, I think it's such a shame that Caroline keeps on declining my invitations."

"Caroline's not really for one for sitting around," Aly explained. "She's a bit more pro-active."

Carol frowned, no doubt she was thinking more of Caroline's 'pro-active' activities. Aly tried not to roll her eyes. Adults just can't handle the millenials. "Is there a reason why you requested me?"

"Richard's planning on catering this Christmas eve. You see, Mystic Falls has once again garnered the attention of a renowned historical author. He personally requested the attendance of Mystic Fall's brightest aspiring students. I thought who else, than the daughter of one of the most brilliant historians I know. Your mother had you following her footsteps from the moment you entered High School, after all."

Carol handed her the invitation. "And who is this author?"

"He goes by Mr. Smith."

"How mysterious." Aly commented drily, raising an eyebrow.

"Well I have yet to meet him personally as well, but my husband tells me he's quite the bachelor." Carol smiled, "I've invited your Aunt, along with some of your peers. It's a fair opportunity, after all. Though I have to admit that there is something else I'd like to discuss with you,"

led her to the tearoom, she gestured for Aly to sit opposite from her. "As you know, your family has such a reputable reputation. Being so closely tied with your own parents' interest, I must ask you, have you heard of the Gilbert journals?"

Aly didn't even dare blink. "Yes, I have." she answered honestly, "Why?"

"I've spoken with Jenna earlier today. Spoken of its contents. She was rather, adamant, about the topic. She never quite believed the historical validity behind your family's work, even backwhen. Although, she did tell me that the stories have gone over your head."

Well then, it turns out Jenna was madder at her than she expected.

The two women stared at each other, and for the first time in her life, even with their friendly first-name basis relationship, Aly felt as though Carol looked at her with capability. Yet, despite the reassurance of being respected- that Carol even thought of her that way, Aly knew exactly what happened to Vicki.

Aly sat straight up, looking at the woman with caution. "Go on."

"I've always been interested in your family's writing. Elena has the same beautiful talent as your ancestors. The sway of words." The elderly woman elaborated, taking a sip from her tea. "I requested Jenna if I could borrow the books, along with some of the infamous Gilbert inventions. She disagreed with me, admittedly, your family has always been cagey about them. But with recent developments, such as our approaching historian, I thought it would be perfect to cater them."

"Jenna's my guardian." Aly said firmly, mulling over her words. "I respect whatever decision she made about them."

"Jenna is a Sommers, not a Gilbert." Carol argued, much to Aly's annoyance. "As I said, she doesn't quite understand the historical accuracy behind your family's writing. I trust you've read the journals?"

Aly cleared her throat, her heart was beating fast. "I have."

"It's quite the tale, is it not?" Carol questioned, not breaking her eye contact. "From a hundred years ago, almost two, if you give it some years. Most would say it's a cautionary tale; detailed, thorough, dangerous." She placed her cup back on the table. "What do you think of it?"

Aly thought something extremely shady and illegal was going on, bar vampirism aside. Naming: murder. "They are rather extensive." she agreed. Should she dare? "Though, I didn't know you were aware of its contents. It's a shame, with nothing backing it up, it's authenticity got all sucked up."

"Stories hold truth." Carol argued once more, "Mother's tell stories to their children to keep them safe and well. Us Lockwoods have our own fairy tales to keep our children away from the dark."

"Then why ask me at all?" Aly asked, "I'm sure Mr. Smith would be glad to give those a look."

Carol eyed her. "Your parents taught you well."

"I'm not their shadow."

"Which is exactly why I requested your presence." Carol smiled, and Aly thought that she said the wrong thing. "You must understand that in such a small town as Mystic Falls, shadows outnumber the living."

Aly stared, not believing the woman's words. Not that they weren't true, but that Carol had called her in the first place. Aly thought there was a long list of reasons as to why Carol would react in such a way. Had they found out about Damon and Stefan as well? The vampires in the tomb? Or her father's experiments? Did they know she was a witch along with the Bennett's? That someone was mysteriously giving her letters? How did they even know about Vicki?

Aly had no idea.

"I wasn't aware that dusk has settled."

Carol looked at her grimly. "A cautionary tale, Alyssandra. We have been warned, but it's not too late to act."

Aly swallowed, Vicki. Inside her own head, she could hear Jeremy's voice nagging at her to do something. "She was just a girl." Aly defended. "She didn't deserve that."

Carol sighed, knowing fully well who the 'girl' was. "And so your brother says the same. He made quite the racket at the Sheriff's office this morning." With that- they escaped the realm of metaphors.

Aly mentally cursed. "He saw it happen, what did you all expect him to do?"

"It was a mistake." Carol agreed, "But we've talked to him, made him aware of all the dangers vampires possess, especially in our small town. In time he will learn. I trust that you were the one that gave him vervain?" she asked, "From Zach Salvatore?"

"Yes." Aly answered slowly, "About the vampires in Mystic Falls…?"

"We suspect there to be at least two more. You know, we should be grateful for the Salvatore's arrival; Zach's nephew, Damon, alerted us of Vicki a couple of weeks before." Carol leaned back to her seat. Aly broke out in cold sweat, she had to drink her tea to stop herself from reacting... Damon had practically written Vicki's death sentence.

"The Salvatore family has done so much for this town. And despite only returning to Mystic Falls along with his brother, Damon has proven to be a good ally. Though I think you already knew that." She gave Aly a small wink. "Word is that you've gotten together."

"We are not together." Aly answered with gritted teeth.

Carol nodded, looking pleased with her answer. "I trust that you'll be able to convince Jenna?"

"I'll see what I can do." Aly said guardedly, "I'm still a Gilbert, and I'm sure my family has their reasons as to why they didn't just hand over the journals."

"We're living in dangerous times, Alyssandra." Carol warned her, "Your family's inventions are one of the best weapons we have against them."

"I'll give it some thought." Aly threw back, "I'm sure the Council has something else in the meantime."

The moment Aly went out of the Lockwood's mansion, Aly had tucked tail and ran. The latter more literally than the former. She compulsively started jogging the moment she went out of the estate's line of sight, earphones plugged on her ears in the effort of calming her mind. A thousand thoughts traveled through her head, every single one of them laced with anxiety.

Aly stood in the middle of the crossroads, with no clear path to choose.

They were going to kill Stefan and Damon, along with the other vampires from the tomb (if they haven't escaped already), Aly was sure of it. They already killed Vicki.

On the flip side, Damon was incredibly erratic and impulsive. Not to mention his occasional homicidal tendencies. She shook her head in disgust, not believing that he threw Vicki under the bus just like that.

But should she give the Gilbert journals away? Damon for sure would be furious if she helped the Council in whatever diabolical plan they had. Stefan was just waltzing around with Elena, and there wasn't even an indication of what happened with the vampires from the tomb.

Aly sighed, perhaps she and Jenna could talk about what to do. Except Jenna already knew, she just didn't believe her.

Aly wanted their family safe and prepared for whatever came its way, but she didn't want them giving away the crazy machines the Gilbert's made. What would the council even do with a machine like Grayson's compulsion room?

If there's anything Aly had learned from history, it was that any form of government could turn corrupt. She couldn't give something as big as a fucking mind-altering machine away to the Council. It could easily be given to the wrong hands.

The knowledge written in the journals was too rich for man to hold. No less for a group of people with their own personal agenda.

Her jog turned cautious upon seeing two figures steadily approaching. Aly frowned, stopping altogether. She soon felt relieved upon seeing who it was. "Tyler."

Tyler stopped his run, he was with a shirtless blonde with clear blue eyes. His friend gave her a wide smile. "Is that you, Alyssandra?" He gave her his hand to shake, "It's Mason, Mason Lockwood."

Aly looked at him in surprise, she hadn't seen Mason since she was a small child. He turned hot, with a strong jawline, twinkling blue eyes, and cute dimples. Dimples!

"What are you doing here?" Tyler asked, noticing Aly's eyes trail over Mason's form. Hey, what's a girl gotta do?

Licking her lips, Aly shrugged. "Just had a talk with your mom." she answered, "What about- um- you two?"

"Oh you know, just had a race with Ty, here." Mason laughed, he friendly punched Tyler's arm. "Though it wasn't that much of a race as it was a limp. I think Grandma Lockwood would have actually passed you in her walker!"

They were running shirtless in the middle of November? Honestly, who was she to judge?

Aly laughed slightly at his comment. Tyler rolled his eyes, punching him back. "Shut up." Mason looked between the two of them.

"Didn't you two date?"

"Okay," Aly had enough Lockwood interaction that day. "I'll see you guys around, see you at school Ty."

~ soulmark ~

Aly had sent Damon a multitude of texts, all demanding him to explain what happened to Vicki. He didn't reply. The house was abnormally empty and quiet. A quick text from Elena told her that she was currently at Stefan's- as she always was nowadays. Jeremy didn't reply, and neither did Jenna. Aly tiredly rubbed her eyes.

She heads to open the door upon hearing it ring. "Mr. Saltzman? What are you doing here?"

"Hi." Alaric gave her a tight smile, his head briefly looked towards the kitchen, "Is your aunt here?"

"No." Aly shook her head, she frowned. It was already night, though it wasn't unusual for her to get home late. "Is there something wrong? Were you two supposed to meet today?"

"Oh no," He denied. "I think I just got the dates mixed up." he lied, "I'll see you in class." with that, he scurried away and headed back to his car. Aly watched him as he drove away.

Quickly closing the door when he was out of the street, Aly rushed towards her room. She quickly went through Jenna's room. Aly worriedly took some of her belongings, deciding it was probably better if she called her aunt, it wasn't like her to blow off dates like that, being a romantic. Jenna didn't answer. Looking around, Aly took note that Jenna's wallet was still there despite her gone.

Grabbing a map and placing it in the middle of the room, Aly siphoned herself, slightly wincing as she accidentally zapped herself in her hurry. Her thoughts turned to a dark turn upon seeing that she was miles away from Mystic Falls and Whitmore College- which were the only two areas her aunt would go to.

Just to be sure, Aly searched up Jeremy's location as well, relieved to see him close by. She took in tired breaths, that was a lot of magic in one go. Aly called Jenna for the third time, pacing around the room. She cursed when nobody answered once again.

Aly ran towards her own room, grabbing her grimoire as she made another call. "Zach? I need your car."

"What for? Why?"

"I'm heading to Jenna's." Aly explained, "Elena has the family car and I need a ride."

There was a pause. "You want me to give you a ride? Do you have any idea what time it is?"

Aly bit her lip, he was the only one she knew she could bring with just in case things went sour. "I don't have a car."

It took Zach a while to arrive. Aly impatiently waited for him at their porch, she had already sent Jeremy and Elena texts that she'd be gone, because apparently, she was the only one that did that anymore. Aly instantly went inside the car upon seeing it arrive in the driveway.

Zach gave her a patient smile. "Where to?"

Aly showed him the map, watching as his face turned into confusion. He began to drive. "Where are we going?"

"I don't know either." Aly shrugged.

Zach gave her a look. "I can't heed everytime you call, Alice."

"It's Alyssandra." she snapped, sending him a small glare. "And I'm not going to stop until you don't feel obliged to."

Zach winced from guilt, his eyes going back to the road. They were almost the same shade as Damon's, his eyes only being more slightly gray. "I'm sorry, Alyssandra." he said, sorrowful. "I'm sorry that things ended up this way, but I'm not sorry for hiding it all from you."

Aly scoffed, "Wow."

"Your parents would want you to be safe and away from danger." He said firmly, shaking his head a little.

"It's a bit too late for that." Aly bounced her leg, "Just drive."

Aly watched as he drove, thinking that he can probably drive faster. Even though she knew Jenna wouldn't reply, she still kept on sending her messages. Jenna was either going to be super annoyed with her, or dead. She paled at the thought, taking a huge deep breath.

They arrive later than she thought. Aly instantly went out of the car, Zach was calling her from behind.

"Where are we?" Zach asked her, stopping her walk. "What are we doing here?"

Aly pursed her lips, ready to answer when a shrill scream broke through from the abandoned warehouse. They gave each other a look when Aly made a run for it. She could hear Zach following behind her, demanding to know what was going on. He ultimately quieted down upon entering the warehouse with her.

"Alyssandra-"

Aly shushed him, pulling him down. Her heart thundered hard on her chest, she could hear a woman sob;

"You killed him!" Zach and Aly looked at each other in equal terror, "Wh-why?"

"You don't understand, Jen. He doesn't deserve you."

Aly scooted closer, her eyes widened upon the sight. Alaric Saltzman laid bloodied on the floor, stake on hand. Her Aunt was crying whilst tied on a pole, she screamed hysterically when Logan Fell moved towards her. Logan's shirt was completely covered with Mr. Saltzman's blood.

Zach pulled Aly down to stop her from moving, he covered her mouth and shushed her.

"We belong together." The psycho continued, carefully crouching down in front of Jenna. Logan looked at her sincerely, moving his hand to fix a stray hair on Jenna's face. Jenna whimpered. "And we're going to be together for the rest of our lives. My Jenna, my mate."

Zach let go of her, but he had pushed her down to the ground, standing up way faster than she could. "Hey!"

Jenna sobbed even more at the sight of Zach, "Don't come closer! He'll kill you!"

"I'm not coming closer!" Zach held both of his hands up. Logan had tensed up, ready to fight him. Aly began to siphon herself, moving away from Logan's line of sight. He hadn't taken notice of her so far. Zach's eyes went from Alaric's body then back to Logan. "You don't have to do this man, you can let her go."

Logan growled, veins quickly appearing on his eyes. He lunged towards Zach and that's when Aly made her move. She sprang up from where she was, (Jenna screamed her name) holding her hands up and focused hard. Logan instantly went down to the floor, holding his head in pain. Zach rushed towards Alaric's body and took the stake, shoving it in Logan, effectively killing him.

Aly watched as he grayed before she stumbled down herself. She breathed in ragged breaths, exhausted.

Zach moved towards Jenna, releasing her from the pole. Her Aunt instantly ran towards her, pulling her into a hug. "O my God!" she cried. Aly hugged her back just as tightly, running circles on her back as she cried.

"Are they both dead?" Aly looked at both bodies. She can't believe she witnessed Logan Fell die twice.

"Looks like it." Zach answered.

"You were right." Jenna held her face, "I didn't believe you, I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay." Aly shook her head, wincing as vertigo instantly hit her as it did. She hugged her aunt once more, beyond looking disheveled, there wasn't anything on Jenna that said she'd been hurt. "We're okay, alright? That's what matters."

They both stood up, Aly slightly leaning in more towards Jenna. Her aunt gladly held her in her arms. "He tried to save me." Jenna whispered, staring at Alaric's body

Something clicked in Aly's mind. "We need to bring Logan to the Council." she told Zach, "They've been suspecting that vampires are still running around."

"That's because there are vampires running around." Zach answered, "What are you playing at Alyssandra? This is exactly what your parents wanted to prevent!"

Aly looked at him incredulously, gaping. "We just saved Jenna and you're mad at me?"

"Recklessly!" Zach snapped, "Why didn't you just say that your aunt was kidnapped from the start?"

Was she seriously being lectured right now? Aly ignored him, she focused her attention back towards her aunt. "Did he bite you?" she asked.

Jenna shook her head. "No." she denied, "He did bite him- and… what?"

They all looked back towards Alaric's body, moving backward in unison upon seeing that his wounds had healed. Jenna screamed as Alaric suddenly sat up. Aly readied herself immediately, siphoning herself again, ignoring the headache she was beginning to feel.

Alaric's hand flew to his neck as he gasped, standing up completely. His eyes widened upon seeing the pool of blood and Logan's body on the side.

"He's been turned!" Zach moved forwards towards them, almost shielding the two protectively. "Don't come any closer!" Zach told him threateningly, though it was moot. The stake he used was still impaled in Logan's body.

"Don't be ridiculous he still needs to drink blood!" Aly snapped, not wanting more people dead. She was beginning to feel sick over the amount of death she's been experiencing, she had completely desensitized over the sight of a dead body.

"No-" Alaric searched himself, his eyes settling to the ring he always wore, "Isobel." he whispered.

"No." Zach denied, "There's no way!"

Aly moved forward towards him, shrugging Jenna off her as she tried to hold her back. "How do you know Isobel? What do you have to do with her? What does she have to do with any of this?"

Alaric gave her an even more confused look. "She's my wife." He answered slowly, much to Aly's shock. "My dead wife." he corrected, his eyes briefly passing through Jenna. He then steadily explained how he got the ring from her. "She told me this ring would protect me."

"I don't believe you." Zach answered coolly. "Logan must have fed him blood."

"He didn't!" Jenna defended, moving forwards as well. She sent a scared look from Logan's body then back to Alaric. "Alaric saved my life. I believe him."

"Vampire's blood is the only thing that could prevent death."

"Actually." Aly stopped Zach right there, still eyeing Alaric. "It isn't. I've read some ways it could be countered. Though you'd need a witch to help with that." She bit her lip and gave a pointed look back towards Zach. "Besides, if he is- then what? He still has to drink blood before turning."

"I'm not." Alaric shook his head, "I'm never going to turn into one of them."

"He knows Isobel." Aly looked at Zach pleadingly.

"How do you know about Isobel?" "Who the hell is Isobel?"

The two men looked at each other upon talking at the same time. This could all just be one giant coincidence, Aly thought. But with everything that's happened so far she doubted it. "She's my birth mom," Aly explained. Alaric stared at her in shock.

"No." He said, "Isobel never had any children."

"My parents are prone to lying."

"This is going nowhere." Zach declared, "We need to go. You-" He gave a pointed glance towards Alaric, "Help me carry this thing."

"Wh-why are we bringing that with?!" Jenna asked shrilly.

Zach shook his head. "Alyssandra's right. We need to bring this up with the Council." He cautiously watched as Alaric moved towards him. "And you better not turn. The last thing Mystic Falls needs is even more vampires."

A/N I think I just wrote my favorite conversation in the story so far (Carol/Aly). So Zach and Ric together? honestly the weirdest duo I've written. Their interaction feels so weird. I'm still trying to pin down Zach's character. Thing are beginning to pick up though.

It's a late update, I know. Updates are going to be botched now since I have school again. I've switched to homeschooling now, and I'm still adjusting- it's a hard transition and it might reflect on the update sched :/