Disclaimer: I do not own the vampire diaries.

11

Hello, brother.

Alex looked up, arms stretched above her head, she counted the stars still lingering in the morning sky before she lowered her arms, relishing the peace she felt right now, standing alone in the middle of the forest.

Around her, the woods were quiet, except for the occasional crunch of leaves caused by her feet as she shifted her body, stretching her muscles, bones cracking as she did so.

A cold breeze flew past her, ruffling the stray hairs that escaped her ponytail. The tip of her nose felt ice cold and she sniffed, wiping it with the sleeve of her hoodie.

The hairs at the base of her neck stood up suddenly, a warning that she was no longer alone.

She was being watched.

There was a rush behind her, sticks and leaves crunched at the movement and Alex turned around, coming face to face with a smirking Stefan.

"Morning," Alex greeted groggily, smirking back, "You ready?"

"Always am." He answered and Alex started to jog lightly and soon, he joined her side.

After realising Stefan was staying in town for the unforeseeable future, Alex had made sure to keep in contact with him, waving hello when they ran into each other around town and awkwardly keeping conversation with each other before Alex took the next step and invited him to join her in her morning runs, using a very convincing argument to do so, 'I can run while you go and get breakfast! Isn't that great?!' She had told him. He was unsure at first, but Alex's sincere offer made him reconsider and eventually accept her invitation. It was awkward at first, neither of them were sure of what to say or how to act but as they spent more time together and Alex started to make jokes, the ice broke.

Stefan's was good company. He was a good listener, opting to let her do most of the talking while he silently gave her his full attention. That's how she found out he liked to gossip. He was subtle about it though, never prodding too much and keeping his comments polite. But Alex noticed the way his ears would perk up whenever she talked, giving him an abridged version of Caroline's daily reports from the group chat they shared with Anna.

"I didn't think you'd show up today," Stefan said, emerging from the woods, not a single trace of blood staining his face nor clothes.

She'd had to ask him how he managed to do that considering most vampires were messy eaters from what she'd seen in the show.

"Why wouldn't I?" Alex responded, brows knitted together, panting lightly.

"Well, school starts today," he commented casually, "I just thought you wouldn't want to show up sweaty and stinky on your first day of senior year." He said, smirking, pointing at her sweaty face, "Since it's kind of an important milestone in a teen's life and all." He teased lightly, knowing full well that she had plenty of time to get home and shower before her big day.

Alex bumped his shoulder, grinning, "You would know about it. Wouldn't you?" She teased back, "How many times have you graduated high school by the way?" Alex asked. This was her second time going through it and she was ready to burn the place down and never set foot on a high school ever again. She couldn't phantom doing it again, let alone as many times as Stefan has.

He took a moment to answer, "Sixteen times," he answered with melancholy.

She whistled, impressed, "Damn, you must really like school." She said, smiling, inwardly questioning how she was going to ask what she really wanted to know.

He chuckled, denying her words with a shake of his head, "Not really. I like learning, but the American system is not the best for that." He said wincing and further explained himself, "I mostly do it to keep up appearances."

'Just blurt it out!' She decided.

"Will you be doing it here? Going back to school, I mean?"

He paused, stopping completely and Alex did the same a few steps ahead, then he shook his head, muttering quietly, "No... no, I don't think so." He said, expression hardening slightly, "I'm just waiting for Damon to show up," He looked at her, "It's today isn't it?"

"Yes," she uttered softly, "It is. Are you ready to face him?"

Humorlessly, he grinned, "As I'll ever be." He said, resuming his pace.

Troubled, Alex sighed, going after him. Today was going to be a long day.

(...)

True to his word, Stefan didn't show up at school. Inadvertently disappointing the female population of the Robert E. Lee high by his absence as the rumour of a new mysterious guy in town had spread quickly amongst the main gossipers at school. Even Caroline was caught up on it, telling Alex and Anna every bit of information she could gather from Stefan. They let her give her report before Alex told her she already knew all of that as Stefan was friends- acquaintance- (Anna corrected her,) with them. After that, Alex had agreed to introduce them at the back-to- school bonfire.

Part of her was disappointed by his decision not to attend. She grew used to his presence during summer break and now that they were separated she realised how much she missed him. It wasn't the end of the world though, his absence just felt weird.

The day went by swiftly, faster than she expected and before she realised, the bell rang, startling her from her inner musing, she started to gather her things, shoving her notebook and pen inside her bag when someone stepped in front of her seat.

Alex looked up, meeting Mr. Saltzman's friendly smile towering over her. "Yes?" She stood, shouldering her backpack, not liking the height disadvantage between them. Though he seemed harmless enough, Alex was still wary of this sudden approach. He had been eyeing her during class, distracting her, hence why her thoughts had strayed to her newest vampire friend.

Noticing her caution, he took a step back, obviously apologetic, "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." He apologised and Alex nodded, prompting him to continue, "I just wanted to talk to you." He said gently, "If you have time to spare, of course." He said, noticing the way she eyed the open door beside him where the rest of the students were scurrying out.

"About what, Mr. Saltzman?" She asked, already knowing what this was about, trying not to sound defensive.

"Just wanted to let you know that I'm here if you need anything." He offered, "I know I haven't been around for long but-"

"I know, sir. Thank you." She interrupted him, and then realised how rude she'd been, and quickly apologised, "Sorry, Mr. Saltzman. I know you mean well, it's just... everyone's been telling the same to me and my siblings since we arrived today and I'm a little fed up with it."

He folded his arm over his chest, sitting on top of his desk, contemplating her words, "May I ask why?"

Alex shrugged, avoiding his gaze, "I don't know, really." She said and looked up, "I'm just tired of hearing the same thing over and over again."

"That's understandable." he agreed to her surprise, "You're overwhelmed by it. There's nothing wrong in that as long as you don't forget you have people to lean on. Maybe not me, but someone else. Just remember to take easy, okay?" He said, unfolding his arms, "And do let me know if you need anything. I'm here to help besides boring you all with old tales." He smiled, extending his hand for her to shake, to make a promise of sorts.

Alex relaxed, fidgeting with her hands, embarrassed at her earlier reaction, "Thank you, Mr. Saltzman. I'll keep it in mind," she said sincerely, accepting his hand.

The moment they touched she felt an electric jolt at the contact, making her jump and hiss as she took a step back, feeling the magic swirling wildly around her ring.

Alaric stared at his hand in shock, flexing his numb fingers before he looked at her, just as perplexed as her. He saw her ring then, a wave of realisation falling upon him, his face went from surprised to curious as he took in the details of her ring. It looked exactly the same as his. His mind screamed at him to ask her about her, about Isobel but before he could, his student was already leaving, practically running away. He watched her go, jaw clenched in frustration, not at her but himself. He wanted to go after her but knew that it might not be the best course of action as he too was trying to process what happened. He never felt anything like this before. Something so powerful it felt invigorating, like he could conquer the world right now and faint whispers inside his head told him he could.

But the longer he stayed there, in the same position as before, that sensation went away as his heartbeat slowed down to a normal rhythm and the whispers faded away, getting lost in the noise coming from the hallway. Now calmer, he started to contemplate what happened, hoping to find an answer within himself he came to the conclusion that if someone had an explanation, it would be Alexandra Gilbert. All he had to do was wait for their next class.

(...)

Still shaken by this turn of events, Alex had driven to work with Anna in the passenger seat. The vampire had asked her if she was okay, noticing how jittery she was and Alex had confided in her, tapping her ring against the steering wheel for no reason at all. Her fingers still felt funny, like she stuck them inside an outlet. She could still hear the voices too, she was unable to understand anything they said to her as they spoke too fast, hundreds of voices screaming at her. Hateful words she was sure of. The venom in their voice was unmistakable.

"You should talk to that woman," Anna suggested wisely as she stepped out of the car, waiting for Alex to do the same to continue, "Emily's descendant. She must have her grimoires around if she's also a witch."

Alex paled, "I was thinking the same," she said, pushing the glass door open, swallowing thickly, "But she doesn't have it. At least not the one I need."

Anna frowned, studying her friend's face with care, "You know where it is." She concluded.

"Yep, and is not pretty." She winced. Robbing a grave wasn't something she was looking forward to. She'll have to give Stefan a call- or maybe paying him a visit would be for the best as she didn't imagine asking permission to perturbe his father's resting place over the phone would be ideal. She wasn't so insensitive.

Pearl came out of the back then, "Less talking more working," she said with a twinkle in her eyes that let them know she was partly joking, "Anna, can you go and help Harper? I need to speak to Alexandra in private."

Anna's stare darted from her mother to Alex back and forth before she agreed with a small nod, giving Alex one last look before she disappeared behind the sturdy wood door that led to the storage room where they crafted their 'miraculous' products.

Pearl studied her face, a subtle frown formed in her forehead, "Did something happen at school?" She inquired suddenly.

She nodded, letting out a heavy breath, "Yes."

Pearl raised a brow, "Do you wish to talk about it?"

She couldn't hide her surprise as she let out a chuckle.

The vampire's frown deepened, "What's the matter? I don't recall saying something worthy of laughter." She said seriously.

Alex raised her hands in surrender, smiling, "It's just I didn't know you cared." She admitted, "Caught me by surprise. That's all."

Pearl nodded stiffly, ignoring her implication, "Well? You haven't answered me."

"Just something magic related. Nothing to worry about." Alex waved her off, changing the topic, "You wanted to talk with me?"

She tensed, "I did." She said, growing somber, "About the favour you requested... I'm going to help you." She took a step closer, lowering her face to meet Alex's unwavering stare, "But if this backfires and Anna or Harper end up being hurt in the process I'm going to kill you myself." She promised, the coldness in her tone was chilling but Alex refused to back down, "Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, boss!" She said, "Thank you."

"Don't thank me for helping you kill your sister," Pearl grunted, before sighing as she walked away, heels clicking as she did so, "I can't believe you want to get involved with them, you foolish girl." She uttered, voice softening at the end, "You're playing with fire, you know that, don't you?"

"I do. But I have no choice." Alex confessed, sounding defeated, "He's coming either way and I'd rather be on 'friendly' terms with him than to try and fight back like Katherine did. You know how well that worked for her. I don't want my sister or anyone in my family to be forced to live like that."

Pearl nodded at her words knowing she was right. She could still recall the time she spent alongside Katherine as her friend and confidant. She knew about the vampire's past with Klaus and why she was running away from him. Katherine might be old in age but she still was young in mind back then, risking their lives just to play with the Salvatore's boys hearts. To think the young girl before her was planning on facing the man of Katherine's nightmares was frightening. But she knew the young witch had made up her mind about it and no argument could convince her otherwise. She just hoped Alex didn't come to regret her decision.

Around 7 pm, Alex received a text from her blonde friend asking her to come over to the Mystic Grill. She debated it for a second, she'd just finished work and she was starving since she didn't eat her lunch, her appetite ruined by the earlier events.

'Sure. Be there in 10.' She texted back before heading there.

The place was packed, filled with groups of people and the lone patron here and there spread around the place grabbing dinner while the rest were gathered around the pool table, cheering after every move. Alex surveyed the place, spotting Matt's blonde head with ease as he was the tallest in their group. He was sitting next to his new girlfriend, Erica- 'Or was it Nicole?' Alex couldn't remember the name of the girl as she never spoke to her. To his left, sat Tyler, who was busy stuffing himself with nachos, and then there was her favourite blonde along with Bonnie. Her friend was talking with Bonnie in hushed tones, her displeasure evident by the deep frown in her face as she glared at someone.

Curious, Alex made her way to them when her phone buzzed, making her stop in her tracks.

'He's here.' She read, hunger now forgotten. 'He attacked two people yesterday. Is all over the news.' Came a second text from Stefan.

Alex's gut twisted when she heard Elena's laugh. Her head snapped towards her, finding her sitting in a stool at the bar, engaged in conversation with a guy.

His head turned slightly and Alex got a partial view of his face, body tensing in response, her mind filled with horrific thoughts at the possibility of Elena's suffering the same fate as Caroline in the show.

'Damon wouldn't hurt her.' She tried to console herself, 'He wouldn't- But everything is different now!' She inwardly yelled. Damon was the first season villain! He was the one who hurt and abused Caroline, the one that killed Lexi, and the one that snapped Jeremy's neck when he got rejected! 'And much more!' She thought, unable to think beyond that. She needed to get Elena out of here!

Alex squared her shoulders, chin held high, she waltzed between them, hearing Caroline's sharp gasp behind her. With a sweet smile, Alex spoke to him, "Hi, stay the fuck away from my sister, please."

His brows shot up, mouth opening to talk but Alex was already facing her sister, acting as a protective wall between them.

Elena's face was red with shame, trying to muster an apology but Alex mouthed the word 'vampire' and she froze, glancing at Damon with fearful eyes before Alex grabbed her forearm and tugged her along towards the exit.

Baffled, Caroline shot up from her seat and went after them, Bonnie did the same after excusing herself with the rest of the members at the table who were confused at their sudden departure.

Piercing blue eyes followed after them, narrowing at the rude brunette that interrupted them. He downed the remaining amber liquid in his glass unaffected by the burn in his throat, he got up, throwing a pair of crumpled bills at the bar before he left, his next destination clear in his mind. He hoped Stefan was in the mood for a surprise visit from his favourite person because he certainly was looking forward to it.

"Alex, wait!" Caroline called after her, catching up to the sisters, "Mind explaining what the heck was that?" She asked, breathless as Bonnie stopped by her side, wondering the same.

"Did you know him?" Bonnie asked.

Alex nodded tersely, "Something like that. He's Stefan's brother." She said, "He's not a good guy and I would prefer if you three stayed away from him."

"Stefan?" Caroline's brow creased, "Your mysterious hot 'friend'?" She questioned, using air quotes to refer to her relationship with Stefan since Caroline was convinced there was something more between them despite the multiple times Alex denied it.

She didn't like Stefan like that.

Bonnie looked over her shoulder, towards the grill before looking at Alex, "What, is he like a crept or something?"

'Much worse.' Alex thought, shaking her head, "Just stay away from him, okay?"

They nodded, but Caroline voiced her thoughts as always, "What a pity." She lamented, pouting slightly, "To let a hottie like him go to waste because he's got a screw loose. Sorry Elena. Looks like you'll be single for another while." She said, not sounding sorry at all.

Alex raised a brow at the comment, not bothering to call her out like she always did. She didn't have the will to deal with this.

Bonnie rolled her eyes, biting her lips to stop herself from saying something she might regret. She didn't like the triumphant glint in Caroline's eyes.

Instead, Bonnie addressed the very pale Elena, "Are you okay? You don't look too good."

Alex turned to look at her sister, loosening her grip.

Elena nodded quickly, "Yes, yes. Just feeling a little lightheaded."

Alex took that as their cue to leave, seeing as both girls looked like they wanted to keep asking questions, "You both should head home. I'll walk you to your cars." She offered to dismiss them.

"Oh my, that's very gentlemanly of you." Caroline teased, starting to walk.

Alex grinned at her, safely escorting them to Bonnie's car.

"See ya tomorrow!" Caroline said from the passenger seat, tugging the seat-belt across her chest.

"Take care." Bonnie told Elena with worry, "You too, Alex."

Alex nodded, "Good night." She waved, watching them go before she guided her sister towards her own car.

"Elena," she said once she started the engine, "Where's your bracelet?" she asked, referring to the vervain jewellery she gifted her sister and Caroline for protection. it was lovely piece, silver in colour and adorned with single charm that contained the vervain. Alex got it commissioned from the same man that crafted the new version of the Gilbert rings after their father's passing.

Elena blinked, one hand reaching to touch her bare wrist. She recoiled, alarmed, she patted her pant's pocket, finding the jewellery tucked in her back pocket.

Alex clicked her tongue, "Didn't I tell you to never take it off?"

"Y-yes but I got stuck in Michelle's hair and-"

"Who?"

"Matt's girlfriend," Elena said quickly, "So I took it off-"

"I told you not to!" Alex grunted, gripping the steering wheel tighter, "No matter what." She emphasised.

"I know, but I was pulling Michelle's-"

"I don't care about Michelle's hair!" Alex turned to her, aggravated, she raised her voice, "Goddamn it, Elena! you put yourself in danger because of your carelessness! Don't let it happen again."

Insulted, Elena snapped back, "Why are you blaming me?! It's not like I knew he was a vampire and ran into his arms!"

"Because it's your fault you didn't put the bracelet back on." She growled, she was so freaking pissed her sister risked her life for something so stupid, "Vervain is the only thing that might make a difference in an encounter with a vampire. Vervain keeps you alive Elena." She said as If she were talking to a toddler.

Elena gritted her teeth, agitated, she muttered, "I told you, I had no idea he was a vampire."

"You're still not getting my point," Alex said, wanting to be over with this at once, "Just don't take the fucking thing off."

"Fine." Elena spat, crossing her arms stubbornly, facing at the window to avoid looking at her sister, "Next time I'll just rip Michelle's hair out."

"Rip her scalp out for all I care!" Alex snarled, "But don't take it off, never again."

Perplexed, Elena's mouth hung open, eyes round with shock. She'd never seen her sister this angry, especially not at her. It made her uncomfortable to be on the receiving end of Alex's ferocity. She sunk into her seat, lips pressed into a thin line, she nodded weakly, "Okay." She mumbled, wrapping her arms around her.

As soon as Alex parked her car, Elena jumped out of it without giving as much as a glance back, hurrying inside their home.

"Fucking fuck," Alex scoffed, "What a shitty day." She breathed out, pulling out her phone to text Stefan.

'Just met your brother. Might've been a little rude. Not sorry though.' She pressed send before heading inside as well.

(...)

The following day, Alex found herself eating breakfast with Jeremy, Elena nowhere in sight. She had left earlier on, obviously avoiding her sister.

With a good night of sleep in her, Alex was able to think about yesterday's mess with a clearer head, coming to the conclusion that Elena had been partly right. There was no way she would know she was going to run into a vampire in the few minutes she took her bracelet off BUT Alex wasn't in the wrong either. She should've just been nicer with her wording. She regretted raising her voice at her. The day's events had finally gotten to her and she had snapped at Elena. She needed to apologise.

School was alright, nothing out of the ordinary happened to her for which she was grateful. Alex wasn't sure she could handle anything else right now. Most of her day was spent avoiding Alaric as best as she could, running away as soon as she spotted him coming her way.

She didn't see much of Elena at school either besides the back of her head walking ahead of her, heading towards her next class. Definitely a bad moment to have a heart to heart. Soon, the bell rang and her school day was over. She was so ready to graduate.

Work was the same as well, she spent most of her time holed in the back, mixing herbs and spices into 'miraculous' concoctions and ointments whose properties she boasted with her magic, wondering what would the super conservatives town's people would think if they knew she was doing literal witch craft right before their noses. They'll probably vanish her from town. Not so bad, considering witches used to be burned alive at the stake.

That train of thought made her think in the time she spent training with the witches. Then her thoughts moved to Emily and then to the grimoire she needed to get in her possession.

She needed an answer soon before she lost her head.

"Is it okay if I leave early today?" She asked her boss, throwing a mint leaf in the cauldron.

"Does this have to do with what happened yesterday?"

"Yes."

Pearl, surprisingly, had allowed her to leave one hour before closing time and not waiting to be told twice, Alex started her trek to the Salvatore Boarding house. A nervous knot growing in her belly when she spotted the house in the distance.

Alex rapped her knuckles against the wooden door and took a step back, wiping her sweaty hands on her jeans, letting out a breath and plastering a nervous smile.

The door flew open, Alex's smile dropped before it was slammed on her face.

'Why you little-'

The door opened again, Stefan stood on the other side very apologetic, side-eyeing Damon with a tight jaw, disgruntled.

Damon stood by his side, leaning on the frame, arms crossed, smirking as he munched on peanuts.

"Hi-"

"Stay the fuck away from my brother." The door was slammed again, blowing a breeze against her scowling face.

It opened again, this time Stefan's annoyance was as clear as day, "Sorry, Alex. Come in." He said, stepping aside to let her in.

Damon stayed on the same spot, partially blocking her path. Undeterred, Alex marched in, sticking her tongue out as she passed by him. He rolled his eyes, amused, walking after her.

"You want something to drink? Coffee, Tea?" Stefan offered politely, sitting on top of the arm rest.

"Peanuts?" Damon said, shaking the brightly coloured package at her.

Alex sat on the long couch, Damon sitting as well, closer than he should, "No, thank you. I'm not staying for long really." She licked her lips, "I have a bit of a strange request,"

Curious, Stefan inched closer, "A request? About what?" He said, giving Damon a pointed look as he started to chew louder.

"Sowry," he said between chews. Alex paid him no mind.

"Well, is a big of a strange story," she said, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, "I had a weird interaction with my history teacher-"

"Oh?" Damon cut in, eyebrows raised and lips curling upwards.

She made a face, disgusted at the implication in his tone, "Not like that, you jerk!" She cried, blushing, shoving her hand at his face, "And stop looking at me like that! You're making me nervous."

He grabbed her wrist, lowering her hand, smirking, "Like what?"

Alex yanked her hand back, turning to Stefan with a pleading look.

He smiled wearily at her, "You were saying?"

"Right." She bobbed her head, "I need Emily's grimoire."

"For what?" Damon asked, gaze glinting dangerously as he regarded her with new eyes.

"None of your business." she said, giving him a fake smile that he returned. His smile was predatory in a way that she didn't like. It made her uneasy.

"And why do you need my help?" Stefan cut their staring contest.

Alex jumped at his voice, she had been so caught up with Damon... "Not your help. More like your permission." She fidgeted in her seat, twiddling her thumbs, "I need to open your father's grave."

"Ah, you want to use his bones for a ritual or do you want to send his ghost to haunt someone you don't like?" Damon said, finishing the last of his snack, tilting his head back and throwing the tiny nut in the air. To her annoyance, he caught it without problem.

"None of that. I just want the grimoire." Alex said.

Stefan knew he wouldn't get more out of her, especially not with his brother here. He contemplated her request. He hadn't visited his father's resting place in a long time. It hadn't crossed his mind really. His father was a complicated topic he didn't visit much. 'Does Alex know the truth?' He wondered, fearing that she might. His past was something he wasn't proud of.

Seeing as Stefan was taking too long to answer, Alex sputtered an apology, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude or sound demanding. It's totally okay if you say no. Is not that important-"

"I'll take you there." Damon interjected, standing up and grabbing his leather jacket, "It's been a long time since I visited daddy dearest." He said, looking directly at Stefan, "Besides, you said you have somewhere to go, don't you?"

He clenched his jaw, standing as well, coming to his full height, meeting Damon's gaze with his own hard stare.

Alex didn't like being a mere bystander and wanting to put a stop to any incoming violence, she put a hand on Stefan's chest, gaining his attention, "It's okay, Stef. I'll be fine."

"Yes, Stef. She'll be fine," Damon sassed, draping an arm over her shoulders, "I'll keep her safe. " he said with a toothy grin, offering her his arm that she didn't take.

Alex shook him off, full of mistrust. She didn't like his mood swings. She was under the impression he didn't like her and now he was being... friendly? "Yeah, I'll be fine." She assured him for a third time, "But if something happens... avenge me."

"So dramatic." Damon said, waiting by the door, holding it open, "Let's get moving." He said, looking out at the sky, "We barely got daylight left. Shall we?" He hurried her, impatient.

"We shall." Alex walked past him, nudging his side, handing him her keys, "You're driving. Be mindful of the speed limit. I don't need a speeding ticket in my record."

(...)

Alex stood there, gripping the green gardening shovel with a firm hold. She stared at the grave, mentally paying her respects when Damon ripped the shovel from her hand, taking her previous spot.

"H-hey!"

He looked over his shoulder, "I'll better do it myself or else we'll be standing here for the rest of the night," he said, digging in without hesitation, "If you were planning to rob my father's grave, why didn't you bring a proper shovel?" He said, looking at it with disgust.

Alex had to move aside to dodge the piles of dirt flying over his shoulder, "I didn't have one just laying around and I wasn't sure Stefan was going to agree."

"Alright." He said, shrugging dismissively, "Then why didn't you bring a flashlight?" He pointed at her phone which she was using as a light source.

"I forgot. Sue me!"

He muttered something under his breath she didn't quite catch and not wanting to start an argument, Alex took the opportunity to stare at him in contemplation as he worked diligently. No emotions crossed his features as he did so. It was perturbing how he could dig out his father's grave like it was nothing. Sure, Giuseppe was not a good parent but still... shouldn't he at least look upset?

"Glad to know you think I'm handsome," he said, turning to her with a half smile.

"W-what?" Alex stammered, "Where did you get that from?"

"Well, you haven't stopped staring at me." He pointed out, mirthful, "Is that why you wanted your sister to stay away from me?" He gave a wry smile, "You cheeky thing, wanted me all for yourself. Don't cha?"

"As if." Alex said, unimpressed at his assumption, "I rather drink a gallon of vervain."

"Sure you do." He said amused.

Brows furrowed, he worked without a pause, sweat building on his forehead that he wiped with the back of his hand, huffing as he took a step back to admire his work.

He grinned, pearly whites flashing at the closed coffin, "Hello, father. Long time no see." He muttered, ripping the lid open, lips turning downward as his eyebrows shot up in appreciation, "I must say you look better than I remember." He said, plucking the grimoire out.

Alex, whose half face was covered with her hand so as to not inhale 'fermented old man's dusty bones', extended her free hand towards him for the book.

He raised the book up above his head, clicking his tongue and shaking his index finger 'no,' "Not so fast, Hermione." He said.

Alex stiffened, the only one that called her that was her dad, it felt weird to have someone else use that nickname, "What?"

"I'm going to propose a deal to you." He said, "I'm in dire need of a witch willing to work for me."

Alex shook her head, "I'm not going to open the tombs for you-"

He was by her side in a second, squeezing her cheeks with one hand, stopping her from talking. He tilted her head in contemplation, "Now, how do you know that?"

"Foresight is one of my many gifts." She managed to say as he tightened his hold. She must've looked like a blob fish right now.

He let her go, "Is that so?" He wondered, one brow raised in question, "Then you know what I am."

"A vampire." Alex said then cringed, "Crap, we just poorly quoted twilight. Too bad is nighttime now or else all ask you to show me your shiny pecs-"

Unamused, he grabbed her arm, flashing his fangs at her, "You'll open the tombs unless you want me to-"

"Kill all of my loved ones?" Alex completed for him, "Besides I can't open what's not close."

He frowned with confusion, loosening his grip, "What?"

"The tombs are open." She said in a matter of fact tone, "Had been for a good year or so."

He looked unconvinced before he swept her off her feet into his arms. Alex yelped, ready to yell at him when the world blurred around them. Her hair lashed at her face like tiny, painful whips as she closed her eyes to avoid getting something in them. Nausea hit her as they came to a sudden halt and she stammered out of his hold. If it weren't for the fact he was still holding her arm, she would be face down on the ground.

"What the fuck!" She yelled at him as he started to drag her along towards the church's ruins.

Alex dug her heels on the ground, "I can't-" she shook her head, feeling lightheaded, "I can't go down there." She said anxiously. Recalling what she'd done the last time she was there. She didn't want to see how the place looked after she burned it, 'It's probably littered with their ashes-'

Damon's frown deepened, "Why?" He asked before his nostrils flared as he sniffed the air. Realisation dawned on him and he pulled her closer to sneer at her, "What did you do to Katherine?!" He asked, venom lacing his voice. It only got worse when she didn't respond, "Answer me! What did you do?!"

"I did what needed to be done." She cried out, "She wasn't there! I swear!"

"Bullshit." He spat, dragging her towards the endless darkness of the tombs, "Give me your phone." He demanded.

Unsure, Alex shook her head, "I'm staying here. I'm not going with you." Who does he think he is? Dragging her around like his pet.

"Yes, you are." He said, no room for argument, "I'm not risking it. Lest you and dear Stefan planned to seal me down there."

Alex jutted her chin, very offended that he doubted her word, "Fine." She spat, and then her fake bravado faded when she turned towards the entrance. 'Why do I feel like this?'

"Your phone." He extended his hands, and sighed at Alex's hesitation, "I promise I'll take care of it. Scouts' honour." He pressed a hand over his heart mockingly.

She sighed doubtfully and handed over her phone.

He gripped her arm again and Alex was silently grateful for it. She needed something to ground her. They descended with a swift rush that worsened her nausea.

If she ended up throwing up, she was aiming for Damon's shoes.

He let go of her as soon as they reached the tombs. The smell was worse down here. It smelled like burned meat. The fire had left the ground and the walls scorched, painting them a deep black colour that reflected no light. It was hard to see where she was stepping into and every time she heard something crunch under her shoes, she felt a shiver crawl up her spine.

Damon ignored her for the most part, busy turning the place upside down. Lifting, digging and rummaging around anything that looked remotely like a body... or what was left of it.

Alex hugged herself. This was her doing. She had ended their lives because she wanted to save herself the inconvenience of dealing with them in the future, 'I already had this conversation with myself.' She shook her head abruptly, trying to get rid of her dark thoughts.

Damon was ahead of her, crunching on the ground, trying to find any trace of Katherine's whereabouts.

Alex couldn't bear looking at him like this and as kindly as she could she said, "I told you she wasn't here."

His head snapped in her direction, bloodshot eyes glared at her, "Katherine would never do that to me." He denied, voice trembling with emotion, he stood up, "She wouldn't."

"Damon," she called out softly, reaching out for him, "I have no reason to lie to you-"

He snorted, that mocking smile of his returned full force, "Yeah, right."

"I know you have no reason to believe me-"

"You're right about that, Hermione."

'Gosh! Why is he so hard to talk to!?'

"If you don't believe me then you can ask Pearl. She lives in the same building that used to be her apothecary."

"Pearl?" He repeated the name in disbelief, "She's here? Why?"

"I got her out." Alex shrugged.

"Why?"

"Listen, I don't have to explain myself to you. Just talk to her and-" a whoosh of wind cut her off.

Alex looked around frantically, finding herself surrounded by complete darkness. Goosebumps crawled up her arms and back as she broke into a cold sweat. She stretched her arms forward, trying to find a wall to support herself when she tripped with something, barely managing to catch herself in time.

Her imagination was going wild, picturing black tendrils that looked like grey desiccated arms reaching out to grab her and drag her into the darkness forever with them. Alex bolted out of there as fast as she could and into the woods. Feeling silly at her overreaction the further she ran. She couldn't believe she had let her fears control her like that, she wasn't even aware of the fact that she would react like this just by setting foot at the tombs. Needless to say, they'll be crossed out from her list of places to revisit.

Alex ran until her legs burned and she could no longer keep her pace. Her legs felt like jelly and she was panting heavily as she leaned into a tree, her heart was about to leapt out of her body and her mouth was as dry as sandpaper. She was going to kill Damon when she saw him.

She needed to call Stefan to let him now his emotionally unstable brother was out in the loose- 'Fuck! Damon has my phone!- And the grimoire!'

Alex cursed him before she willed herself to keep moving, she needed to reach her car and get to the boarding house. Tonight was the back-to-school party and the night Vicky's bad life turned for the worse. Unlike Caroline, Vicky wasn't fit for the vampire lifestyle and as much as she didn't like her, Alex didn't want the girl to die like that. No one deserved to die like that, around a girl she didn't like, a stranger and the guy who turned her into a monster.

(...)

yay Damon is finally here!

please make sure to let me know your thoughts on today's chapter!

thank u for reading

part two will be up some time today or tomorrow.