I love this episode! It's been a while since I have written enough to separate an episode into 2 parts. I feel like the last few chapters haven't really been my best. I'm going to try to do better. Let me know what you think of this chapter!

Season 3 Episode 14 Dangerous Liaisons

Damon was not a happy camper. After he left the house last night, he had this wacky idea that Elijah and his siblings would come through and get rid of Klaus. However, that was not the case.

"It was their mother Esther who was sealed in that coffin." Elena explained. After checking on Rick last night, she had been attacked, by Rebekah. She was still pretty miffed about Elena stabbing her in the back the night of homecoming. Lucky for Elena, Elijah saved her and explained the whole situation to her. She was now telling Damon and Stefan.

"As in the Original Witch?" Stefan asked. Damon shook his head.

"How is she even alive?" Damon asked. "Thought her hybrid freak show of a son ripped her heart out a thousand years ago."

"I don't know. I'm guessing she has a couple connections in the witching community." Elena shrugged. "Elijah said that she wants to live in peace with her family, including Klaus."

Damon furrowed his brows. Klaus had been threatening to take Alex away and make her part of his family for a while now. Now that there was no way of killing him and they had a witch on their side… what would stop them from taking her?

"Did Elijah say anything about Alex?" Damon asked.

"No, he didn't." Elena replied. "He promised that his family wouldn't hurt us."

"That's all fine and dandy. But we know they don't want to hurt Alex." Damon said. "What's to stop them from taking her and making her part of their creepy little family?"

Elena's face fell, because she knew he was right. Alex was frightened of her connection with the Originals. He didn't believe she would go willingly. But they were strong vampires, who had a powerful witch mother. There was no telling what they would do.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang and brought them all from their thoughts. Elena turned to the door to answer it, Stefan and Damon not far behind. She opened the front door, but no one was there. She looked around, but the street was clear. Her eyes travelled down to the welcome mat where a white envelope sat. She picked it up, seeing that it was addressed to her.

"What is it?" Damon asked. Elena closed the door behind her, holding the letter gently in her hand. She opened up the letter, reading the words on the front of the paper.

"It's an invitation." She said. "Please join the Mikaelson Family, this evening at seven o'clock. For dancing, cocktails and celebration."

"Who the hell are the Mikaelsons?" Stefan asked. Elena visibly swallowed.

"The Original family."

I woke up the next morning, feeling oh so happy. The Original's would have taken care of Klaus and probably moved on by now. Knowing this information, I felt free, like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I skipped down the hall, unable to stop myself. Once it was confirmed they were gone, I could get her mother back. Things would go back to normal, and I could be happy.

I had showered, my long hair falling in waves down my back, catching the light when I passed by her window. I wore dark jeans, my favorite pair, and a blue Mystic Grill shirt. I had a shift today, and while usually I would have hated the idea of going, today I was excited.

Freedom, I thought to myself. It was something that I hadn't thought about in a long time.

As I put on my shoes, I heard the front door bell ring. I sighed, tugging on the backs of my sneakers and walking down the hall. I made my way to the door, yanking it open, expecting to see one of my friends or a sales person.

Instead I saw no one.

I looked down the street, no one was there. I furrowed my brows, looking down at the front step. A letter was on the welcome mat, addressed to Alexandra Gilbert. I looked around once more before squatting down and picking it up. When I touched it, I felt a shiver go up my spine. It was one of those feelings where you felt like someone was watching you.

I swallowed my eyes travelling down the street once more before I grabbed the letter and retreated into the house. I locked it, just as a precaution, even though I knew a vampire could break it down. I shuffled away from the door, wanting as much distance between it and I as possible.

Why was I acting so weird? The Originals wouldn't be here anymore. They had nothing for them here. They would go their separate ways, away from the place that tore their family apart. I didn't need to act so crazy.

Then why did that feeling that I was being watched not go away?

I ripped open the letter, finding out that it was more of an invitation than a letter. The front of it read Please join the Mikaelson Family, this evening at seven o'clock. For dancing, cocktails and celebration. I furrowed my brows. Who were the Mikaelson's?

I sighed. It was probably some fundraiser that Carol set up. I dropped the invitation on the coffee table, but it fell onto the floor. I huffed, crouching down to pick it up. It had landed on its back, and I could now see that there was something written there. I stood up straight, letting my eyes go over the hand written words.

I cannot wait to see you- Esther

I felt my blood run cold and the invitation fell from my hands. I was frozen in my spot, staring blankly at the wall. Esther was the Original witch, Klaus' mother. They weren't gone at all. In fact, it looked like they were staying.

My eyes shifted to the front door. They knew where I lived. They had been here. I felt like I was going to be sick, or faint. Neither one sounded pleasant at the time. I grabbed at my mother's favorite chair sitting down into it so I wouldn't fall.

"No." I whispered to myself, feeling the tears form in my eyes. Now, there was no telling how long it would be until I could get my mother back. The tears escaped and in a fit of anger, I grabbed the lamp on the table and threw it at the wall.

The bulb shattered on the floor, and so did I. I fell to the ground, unable to keep myself upright. When would this ever end?

Klaus was beginning to wonder if waking up his family was such a good idea. They had all taken over, his house, his town. With their mother on their side, he couldn't do anything to stop them. Besides her power, Klaus had killed his mother. He was walking on eggshells with her as it was. He didn't want to anger her in anyway.

But he was angry.

"You went after Elena?" Klaus barked, marching right up to his sister. "What is wrong with you?!"

Rebekah rolled her eyes, sitting up straight.

"Here we go." She mumbled.

"Do you want another dagger in your heart?" Klaus threatened. Rebekah seemed unfazed by the threat, and it was really getting under Klaus' skin.

"Again with the dagger threats?" Kol asked, turning from the mirror. "Don't you have any other tricks?"

Klaus turned to his little brother and glared.

"Oh, go back to staring at yourself." Klaus suggested. Kol was always vain when it came to his appearance. Klaus didn't think that time trapped in a casket would change that fact.

"And who are you, my father?" Kol asked. Klaus hated being compared to Mikel, who wasn't even Klaus' biological father anyway. He didn't want to be anything like that tyrant, and his siblings knew that.

"No, Kol, but you're in my house." Klaus replied. Kol walked closer, getting his Klaus' face.

"Then perhaps we should go outside." Kol suggested. Klaus narrowed his eyes. Oh how easy it would be to snap his neck. Klaus was the strong one here, not Kol. He should have put him in his place.

"Enough!"

Both boys turned to the entry way where their mother stood. She had gotten a haircut, and was taking well to modern day clothes. They all were really.

"Niklaus." Esther said. "Come."

He knew by the look in her eye she meant business, so he followed her obediently. He didn't like being the one not in control. He was so used to power and getting what he wanted. It was hard for him not to be doing do.

"Rebekah wasn't even out of her box a day before she tried to ruin my life." Klaus said, sounding much like a child. "What happened to peace, acceptance, family?"

Esther gave him a look.

"You put daggers in their hearts." Esther said. "You want them to go down on their knees and kiss your feet for reuniting them?"

"So it's a crime to want our family to be as we were?" Klaus asked. Esther sighed, taking her sons hand. Klaus swallowed, not used to this kind of affection. That died when he killed her.

"We can never be as we were." She replied. "But, we can give it time."

Klaus nodded. His family was angry with him. Eventually, his charm would worm it's way back in their hearts. Either that or they would fear him so much that they would have to.

"How are you going to bring Alissa back?" Klaus asked, sounding hopeful. The way his mother had acted, she seemed to have an idea of how to get his beloved sister's memories back. He wanted that more than anything. She always got him, understood him. Everything except his obsession with power.

"Unfortunately, I cannot." Esther said, making Klaus' face fall. "The magic I used to create the curse, made it impossible for Lissa to ever remember who she was in her past lives."

Klaus furrowed his brows.

"Then how will we make her join us?" Klaus asked. If she couldn't remember them, then she wouldn't join them. Alexandra wasn't very willing when it came to the family matters he had. He had tried, but she just wouldn't budge. She was still holding on to this life that she remembered.

"While I cannot make her remember with magic…" Esther said. "She can remember on her own. With our help."

Klaus stared at her confusingly. Esther grinned.

"Your sister loved you dearly." She said. "That kind of love never truly vanishes."

"She loved us all." Klaus said, looking down at the ground, ashamed.

He remembered what it was like, how devastated everyone was when she fled. She wanted to grow old, marry, and have children. Becoming a vampire would stop all of that from happening. While Alissa was strong, like Klaus, she didn't like the idea of killing. She didn't want anyone to fear her, and she didn't want to fear herself. But because Klaus could not get away… he made the ultimate mistake… and he killed her.

"Niklaus." Esther said, taking his face in her hands. He leaned into her palm. "You have made mistakes. But I forgive you."

Klaus met her gaze, tears in his eyes. He missed her. He missed all of them. And now, they were together.

They only needed one more piece to the puzzle.

"Ok, this is seriously creepy."

"Tell me about it." I said, taking the invitation from Jace. I stuffed it in my bag before stowing it away in a locker in the back of the Grill. Everyone was a buzz with this party, the Grill was even closing early. I assumed that was Klaus' doing, trying to force me to go to this thing.

"So, she's like your mom." Jace said, leaning on the bar. "But not your mom."

"My mom is Lauren James." I told him. "Esther is Alissa's mom."

"Ok, ok." Jace said holding his hands up. "But from this note, I think she doesn't see it that way."

I huffed. The Original's obsession with me was starting to get to my head. I didn't know what they were capable of or what lengths they would go to fix their broken family. All I knew is, that I didn't want any part of it.

"So, are you going?" Jace asked. I looked up at him with wide eyes. "What? It's an honest question."

"I would be crazy to go." I replied. "I don't know what they have planned. And who knows what they would do to me."

"I don't think they want to hurt you." Jace said. "I think that's the last thing they want."

"And the last thing I want is to be part of their messed up family." I said, grabbing a tray. Jace gave me a tight lipped smile as he watched me walk away.

I tried to act as normal as possible. When people asked me about the ball, I told them that I wasn't going. And I had every intention to just sit at home, curled up into a ball and not go anywhere.

I saw Elena sitting at a table with Caroline and walked over to them. They were locked in deep conversation, but when they saw me they stopped speaking. I furrowed my brows.

"Hey." I said. Elena smiled and Caroline looked like she had a big secret. "Everything ok?"

"Perfect!" Elena squeaked. She then cleared her throat. "Everything's perfect."

I looked between the two. Obviously, they were uncomfortable and they probably wanted me to leave. But I didn't. I sat down, next to Caroline, and stared them down.

"You are both terrible liars." I said, looking at Elena and then to Caroline. "What are you two up to?"

Neither one spoke, but Caroline looked like she was about to burst. I cocked an eyebrow, something Damon taught me, and waited until she cracked. I knew she would. Caroline couldn't keep a secret from a friend.

"Um…" Caroline mumbled. My lips curved up a bit.

"Caroline." Elena warned. "Stay strong."

"What is so bad that neither of you can tell me?" I asked. Caroline looked to Elena, with a look that was telling her to tell me. Elena sighed.

"I'm going to this ball tonight." She said. I furrowed my brows. "I know I said I wouldn't, but I have to."

"No you don't." I replied. "Neither of us do. We can stay home and be safe."

Elena shook her head. I reached across the table and grabbed her hand, squeezing it so I could get her attention.

"Esther said she wanted to meet with you." I reminded her. "And I don't think that that's a good thing."

"But I have to know what she wants." Elena replied. "I'm going."

I shook my head once more, but then I heard my name being called. I looked up and Jace was pointing to a table that needed my assistance. I huffed, giving Elena a look before I stood up and walked over to them. I took their order and took it to the back for it to be filled. I turned back to Elena's table but stopped when someone spoke.

"There you are."

I turned, the voice eerily familiar. I felt my heart sink when I saw Rebekah. She had a large smile on her face, looking very much alive compared to the last time I saw her, gray and lifeless.

"Oh… hey." I said awkwardly. Her smile didn't falter. "I see you are among the living again."

"Yes, I am." She said, still smiling. I swallowed nervously. I wasn't sure what she was doing here or why she was talking to me.

"Listen, I didn't have anything to do with that whole plot." I said. "I didn't know they would dagger you."

"Oh, honey." She said. "It's in the past. Besides, I know that you didn't know about it."

I nodded. She was still staring at me, that smile on her face. I was beginning to get creeped out by it. I noticed then that she had a box in her hand. A nice looking box, with a big bow on it.

"What's that?" I asked, pointing to it. She looked down at her hands and then smiled at me again.

"This is for you." She said, handing it to me. "Mother picked it out."

I felt the blood leave my face, but I didn't say anything. I put the box on an empty table and opened it. Inside, sat a white dress. A gown would be more of an appropriate word. It was simple, with a beaded top that met the bottom of her neck. I swallowed hard before turning back to Rebekah.

"Esther sent this?" I asked. Rebekah nodded. "That's very kind."

"She's so excited to meet you." Rebekah gushed. "I told my brothers all about you."

I forced a smile, unable to speak. After this, I couldn't not go. They would be expecting me, especially with this grand gift. And they sent Rebekah, knowing if I refused the invitation, she would not take no for an answer.

"I need to go hand out more invitations." Rebekah said. "But I'll see you there, right?"

She was baiting me. I could see in her eyes and that smile that she was daring me to say no. While I would usually stick to my guns, tell her to back off, I knew that I couldn't. Whether it was willingly or by force, I would have to go to this party. I didn't think Rebekah cared which one I chose.

"Of course." I replied, keeping my voice even and cool. "Tell your mother thank you for the gown."

I saw Rebekah's smile twitch. I could tell that she did not like the way I called her your mother and not our mother. I would go to this ball. I would take their gown. But I would not call Esther my mother. Not ever.

"I will." Rebekah said, recovering quickly. "See you later."

I watched her walk away, out the door, and out of sight before I completely lost it. I couldn't keep it in anymore. My fear for what they could do, what they would do, to me was too much. I felt my breathing pick up and knew that I was beginning to have a panic attack. The tears fell from my eyes without my permission, and I was panting loudly. I couldn't stop it. I couldn't control myself.

I felt hands on me, and instead of fighting them, I let them take me away. I was lead to the storage closet, the closet that Maria trapped me in when the other side was opened. I didn't even turn to see who had pulled me away. I just held my head and willed myself to calm down. I could hear someone speaking to me, but I couldn't make out any words. I couldn't focus on anything but the fact that they could take me away. Tonight.

"Alex!" I heard my name, and I shook my head. "Alex! Hey, it's me."

"I can't do this." I said, shaking my head. "I can't."

I felt hand all over me, trying to calm me down. Nothing worked. It wasn't until the person who had saved me pulled me to them and began hugging me did I start to feel better. He was cooing in my ear, soft words that forced me to calm down. My breathing evened out and my heartbeat slowed. I let out a sob into the person's shoulder.

"I'm not going to let anything happen to you." I recognized the voice as Jace. He was stroking my hair, comforting me. "I won't let them take you."

I made another strangled noise and held onto him for dear life. Would this be the night I last saw him? Would I ever see Bonnie, or Caroline again? What about Jeremy or Stefan? Alaric? Elena? My mom?

Damon.

I had to hold it together. I couldn't let them scare me this bad. I had too much to lose. I had too many people I cared about. I had to fight. I had to survive.

I stood in front of Damon's floor length mirror, in the dress.

It was floor length, coming down in a flowy manner. It reminded me of a wedding gown, one that I would probably pick out. The waist was tight around the smallest part of me, but I could still breathe and move comfortably. I wondered how they knew my size, but then I thought I must be the same size as Alissia. My hair was pulled up in an elegant fashion, to show off the high neckline of the dress. White gloves were paired with it, and I had slipped my vervain bracelet over it. I wouldn't fall prey to their mind tricks. I was cursing Rebekah, because I had to wear heels to keep it from dragging the floor. They were red, curtesy of Caroline.

"Pretty girl!" Damon called from downstairs. "Let's go!"

"Coming!" I called back. I looked at myself once more before I turned and scurried down the hall. I descended the staircase, seeing Damon standing at the bottom. If I wasn't so nervous about this thing, I might actually have been excited. He was in a tux, and I always thought he looked handsome in a tux.

He looked up from his watch and his gaze met mine. At first, his eyes widened as he looked me over. I bit my bottom lip, wondering what he thought of the gown I had been forced into. I would have gone with a darker color, but I bet that Esther picked this out so I would stand out from the crowd. Not that any of the Originals could miss me. I was the exact copy of their beloved sibling.

I reached the bottom of the stairs, Damon's eyes never leaving me. I swallowed, feeling myself blush.

"You look…" Damon said, taking my hand and making me do a turn. "Perfect."

I met his gaze when I turned back around and found myself unable to control myself. I put my hands on his shoulders and pressed my lips to his. I was afraid that this would be the last night I saw him. If that were true, I was going to make it last.

"What was that for?" He asked when I pulled back. I swallowed.

"I love you." I said. "You know that right?"

Damon chuckled, leaning his forehead against mine. I put my hand on the back of his neck, wishing that I could hold him there forever.

"I love you too." He said, pressing a kiss to my nose. "And I will protect you with my life."

"That's what I'm afraid of." I mumbled making him chuckle again. He pulled me to him and I wound my arms around him tightly. I never wanted to let go. I wanted to just hold him forever, go off to that island we kept talking about. Where the world would stop and it would just be us.

"We should go." He said, kissing my shoulder before he pulled away. I sighed, but let him detach himself from me. He never let go of my hand, as he led me to his car. Before he closed my door, he leaned in close to my face.

"You don't leave my sight ok?" He ordered. I nodded. I didn't plan on leaving his side anyway. I had a wooden stake attached to my leg, but I knew that would do no good to an Original. It would only hurt them for a second. A second that I could use to escape.

Damon drove slowly, well slowly for Damon, to the mansion. I couldn't even bring myself to enjoy its outer beauty because I was too nervous to go inside of it. Cars were lined up, and I was sure the whole town was here. I laughed to myself, knowing my mother would enjoy something like this. Dressing up and dancing with Alaric… but she had no idea what horrors wait inside for me.

"You ready?" Damon asked, holding out his hand for me. I nodded, letting him lead me outside of the car and up to the front of the house. I never let go of his hand, afraid that I would lose him in the crowd, and also afraid I might break my ankles in those heels.

We walked inside, the house already hopping. I knew every person in the front room. My suspicion that the whole town was correct. I leaned into Damon's side, not wanting any distance between us. He chuckled, but didn't push me away.

Making our rounds, we found Stefan who gave a nod to his brother. Emotions on or off, Stefan was here to protect me as per request of his brother. Because of this, I still held hope that one day the real Stefan would come back.

"You look like you could use a drink." Damon said, taking two glasses from the tray that was going around. I took the glass from him.

"You read my mind." I replied, knocking the thing back. Damon shook his head at me, sipping at his own. "There's the mayor."

Carol Lockwood stood in the center of the front room. Damon had told me that she knew all about the Originals, and how Klaus was using her son for his own gain. Much to my surprise, she was on their side. But then again, when someone had that much power what else could you do?

"Carol." Damon said as we approached the mayor. She turned a smile on her face.

"Hello Damon." She said, her eyes turning to me. "Alexandra."

"Hello." I replied, still holding onto Damon. She didn't seem to notice.

"Hanging out with your new besties?" Damon asked, taking another sip of champagne. Carol rolled her eyes and let out a disapproving breath.

"I'm the mayor, Damon." Carol said. "When the oldest, deadliest, family of vampires moves into your town, you welcome them with a smile."

"Hmm." Damon hummed. "Well at least you know who you're borrowing that cup of sugar from."

"I'm trying to protect this town." Carol insisted. "They've assured me they want peace, and I've assured them that I'd enforce it."

Damon opened his mouth to speak again, but he was cut off when someone approached the mayor. At the sight of him, that same strange recognition for someone I had never met popped up again. He was an Original.

"Mayor Lockwood. We haven't formally met. Kol Mikaelson." He said, kissing Carol's hand. "I hope your lovely town embraces us just as much as we plan to embrace it."

Carol smiled at him, but Kol wasn't paying much attention. He looked up to me, his eyes widening a bit before he grinned. I felt my heart start to beat faster, and I tried as best as I could to slow it down.

"Hello there." He said, taking my hand without my permission. "I have been dying to meet you."

"The pleasure is all hers." Damon spat. "Damon Salvatore. Her boyfriend."

Kol narrowed his eyes at Damon, smirking a bit before he turned back to me. Carol took that as her cue to leave, turning from the awkward situation and fleeing the scene. I shifted uncomfortably, partially because of Kol staring, and also from the heels.

"Alexandra correct?" He asked. I couldn't speak so I merely nodded. "My sister was right. You look exactly like Lissa."

"Well, she's not here for a family reunion." Damon said, pulling me closer to his side. I let him, unable to do anything but cower in fear.

"I believe that she can speak for herself." Kol said, then looked at me again. "I will be seeing you, Alexandra."

He then turned and walked the opposite way, away from us. I let out a breath of relief when he was finally gone. Damon grabbed hold of me so tight that I would probably bruise. But I didn't care. I wanted to leave, but I knew I couldn't. They were calling the shots now.

"Dammit." Damon said. I looked up at him and then followed his gaze to the front door. In walked in Elena, dressed in a beautiful dark gown. However, I couldn't really admire said dress because both Damon and I were stomping in her direction. She just couldn't listen could she?

"Elena." I said, making her look up at me. She looked guilty. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I told you, I have to find out what Ester wants." She replied. I huffed, shaking my head. "You would do the same thing."

"No, no I wouldn't." I replied. "You could have stayed home. I had no choice in this matter. Whatever Esther wants it cant be good."

"You don't know that." Elena replied. I glared at her with narrowed eyes. She was always so sure that everything would be ok. But it wasn't ok. None of this was ok. I grabbed her shoulders and shook her a bit.

"These people are the most powerful people in the world." I said. "Meeting with them, is not a good idea."

Elena looked at me defiantly, like a mother and child. I looked up to Damon.

"Help me out here?" I asked. Damon just shrugged. I looked at Stefan, expecting him to say something. He shrugged as well. I groaned. "You two are no help."

"No one is going to force me to go home, Alex." Elena said. "I want to hear what she has to say, and I'm going to do it."

Elena gave me a stony glare, one that told me she wasn't leaving. I shook my head. I knew that once she set her mind, there was no changing it. She was a lot like me in that way. I dropped my hands from her shoulders.

"Fine." I said, then looked back at Stefan. "Watch her."

He smirked, holding out his arm for Elena to take. She sighed, taking it and he led her away. I watched them leave and felt that immediate dread wash over me. Maybe it was the guardian in me, but every time she left to go into a dangerous situation, I always felt it.

"You sound like a mother." Damon said. I rolled my eyes. "Or a concerned friend… maybe even a sister."

"Shut up." I mumbled nudging him. I clung to him still, not trusting anyone in this house. I knew Rebekah, and Elijah, and Klaus. I had even met Kol. But the other brother and Esther, I wasn't sure what they looked like. So instead of being blind-sided, I just hugged onto Damon's arm like a child.

"Do you think they will get back together?" I asked, trying to keep up conversation. "Elena and Stefan."

Damon shrugged.

"I don't think that will happen until he turns his emotions back on." Damon replied. "Even with them off he still cares about her."

"How is that possible?" I asked.

"Because a love that strong never dies." Damon said, kissing my temple. I smiled, leaning against him, never wanting to let go.

"There you guys are."

Both Damon and I turned and I came face to face with Jace. He was wearing a tux, and his hair was pushed back from his face. His green eyes were sparkling. He reminded me of Leonardo Dicaprio in Titanic, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Nice suit." Damon told him. Jace smirked.

"Thanks for the loan." Jace replied. I looked between them, the two men glaring at one another. I shook my head, pulling Jace in for a one armed hug.

"You look great." I told him. He put an arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. I never let go of Damon's hand.

"You look incredible." He told me. I pulled back and gave him a smile. "So, what's the game plan?"

"It's simple." Damon said, pulling me back to his side. "Keep both of the Gilbert girls away from Esther."

"Sounds easy enough." Jace replied. "Have we seen her yet?"

"Not that I have seen." I replied. "I did have the pleasure of meeting Kol though."

"He's a delight isn't he?" Damon muttered, making me giggle. It was a surprise that I still had it in me to giggle, especially with the anxiety I had from being in such close proximity to the enemy. But Damon always found a way of making me laugh.

"Attention!" Elijah's voice rang through my ears. "If everyone could gather."

Damon, Jace and I turned to where the grand staircase was. Elijah stood there, with Kol and Rebekah nearby. Another man took his place on the stairs. I assumed that was the other brother. Then there was Klaus who looked like he didn't want to be there. At least there was one thing we had in common.

And then, at the top of the stairs stood a woman. She was blonde, dressed very nicely. Her eyes were dark and they were searching all throughout the room. I assumed that this was Esther, and I immediately saw the resemblance between Esther and Rebekah. Almost exactly alike.

Esther's eyes scanned the crowd, but stopped when she fell on me. I tensed. She had seen me. I was sticking out pretty bad in this bright white gown. I think she did that on purpose. Esther stared at me for a long time, and I just stared back. I didn't want her to know how terrified I was of her. But the way I had a death grip on Damon, probably showed him that I was terrified. I grabbed Jace's hand for extra support.

"Welcome, thank you for joining us." Elijah said. "You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance."

Esther smiled at me slightly and I felt myself shiver.

"Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz, so if all of you could please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom." Elijah finished.

Esther silently retreated up the stairs, and I wondered if she wanted me to follow her. I wasn't going to, but I think that retreat was either meant for me or for Elena. My eyes then went around the room. I knew Elena would try to follow the Original witch, and I had to stop her.

It was then that I saw her, picking up her dress and walking toward the way Esther had left. This was the only time I let go of Damon. I picked up my own skirt and started after her. I had to rush, and try not to trip in those heels, but eventually my hand wrapped around her arm and pulled her back.

"Hey!" She protested, but I pulled her back a few steps easily. "Let go."

"No." I replied. "I'm not letting you walk into the lion's den."

"She wants to see me alone." Elena replied. I shook my head.

"Too bad." I told her. Elena huffed, dropping the skirt of her dress. The two of us had a stare down, and I could feel the boys standing behind us. It was smart that they didn't get involved. This was between me and her.

"You don't have to protect me all the time." Elena said, quieter than before. My face softened.

"Yes I do." I replied. Elena met my gaze and then she sighed. I took her hand and placed it in Stefan's outstretched one. "Now, go dance."

Elena rolled her eyes at me, but did what she was told. Damon took my arm, leading me to follow them into the ballroom. The music was already starting, and the partners were lined up to begin this crazy waltz.

"That was good." Damon said, taking my hands. "How do you do it?"

I smiled, turning to face him with a smile.

"It's a sister thing." I told him. He grinned at me and we began to waltz.