I do not own anything in this story. The CW created the universe, and I just play in it.

This is my first fanfiction. Please rate and review!


Elena was shaking with terror, looking up at Annora. "If you kill me, you'll die too."

"That is the problem, Elena," Annora said, eerily calm. She began pacing up and down in front of Elena, almost talking to herself. "You see, I value my life much more than I do yours, or your friend's. And because of that, I cannot kill you and put my life on the line. But at the same time, I cannot allow you to live."

"What's so wrong about allowing others to find the cure?" Elena demanded. "Why do you have to be so selfish about it?"

"It is my cure, and mine alone," Annora snapped. "Do you know how many would flock here if they knew there was a cure for werewolf bites? Do you not understand what would happen? The town of Boyce, as much a home to me as this mountain, would become a feeding ground. Werewolves would forever threaten this place, seeking to destroy the cure. The balance between supernatural creatures would be completely overthrown. The witch Ayana knew very well what she was doing when she placed the spell on the pool, Elena. The water supply here is not infinite—eventually, it will dry out, and what of me then? This pool is not just a werewolf cure. It is my lifeline."

"Then at least allow Damon to take the cure," Elena pleaded. "I promise, we won't tell anyone about it. Just save his life, please."

"And why should I save him?" Annora spat, turning to look at Damon with disgust. "He is like all the others who came here, if not worse. He killed Rose, the only family I have left. How would you feel, Elena, if he killed Jeremy?"

"He did kill Jeremy!" shouted Elena. "And even though my brother came back to life, I hated Damon so much. I hated him for a long time after that. But you know what, Annora? Damon was helping Rose. You weren't there—you didn't see how much pain she was in. She asked Damon to end the pain, to help her find peace. Why can't you understand that?"

"She was still my sister," Annora said softly but fiercely. "And maybe his intentions were good, and it was what she wanted, but I cannot sympathize with him. I have made up my mind, and I will watch him die."

"Then you'll die too," Elena said, her anger and frustration of the past day bubbling up to the top. "Because if you don't let me help Damon, I will drop the venom into the pool. How long do you think it'll take for Ayana's spell to kill you? A day, maybe two? I hope your skin shrivels up, Annora. I hope it feels like you've been staked a thousand times. I hope you feel the pain of every vampire you've watched die, I hope you relive it all ten times over. And maybe I'll be dead by then, and maybe Damon will be too, but at least we'll both go knowing that you died just as painfully as we did."

Annora's eyes were gleaming with hatred, and her voice was low when she spoke. "I have not seen this side of you, Elena, and maybe it is for the better. You are playing a very dangerous game."

Elena dangled the venom over the pool, an unspoken threat.

"Consider yourself lucky. I do not often show mercy, but you have tested my hand." Annora strode over to where Damon was laying and started dragging him over. "I will allow Damon one drink of the cure. One drink, and one drink only. Should you spill the cure, or should he refuse to take it for any reason, you will not get a second chance. After he takes it, I will allow you three seconds to leave this place, or I will rip your heart from your chest." She leaned in close to Damon's ear. "You understand? Three seconds, and three seconds only."

Damon was barely conscious, but he nodded.

"Elena, know that you have made an enemy of me. Should any of your friends return, asking for my help, I will not hesitate to kill them on the spot."

Elena swallowed hard. "Understood."

"Very well. And in exchange for my graciousness, sparing you and your friend, I demand the venom." Annora held out her hand. "Now."

"How do I know you won't go back on your word once you have the venom?"

"I am a woman of honor, Elena. I would rather die than go back on my word."

Elena looked at Damon, who was still slumped on the ground. "Fine." She slapped the capsule into Annora's hand.

"Remember, Elena. One sip, and one sip only."

Elena grabbed Damon's jacket and hauled him over to the pool. "Damon, come on, stay with me," she murmured, dipping her hands into the water. It was unnaturally cold, despite the fact that the sun was high in the sky. "Come on, Damon, stay awake, come on." She cupped her hands and slowly poured the water into his open mouth. "Please, please work."

Damon coughed and choked, but he swallowed the water. He sat up suddenly. The black was receding from his face and neck, and he was, almost visibly, regaining his strength. "Elena?"

"He is cured," Annora said shortly. "Remember, Elena, that I have no desire to see anyone associated with you, ever again. I will count to three, and you will be gone or dead."

"Damon, how are we going to get off?" Elena glanced around—they were nearly five hundred feet in the air, with rocky cliffs on each side. "Damon…"

"One."

"Damon!"

"Two."

"Elena." Damon's voice was hoarse but stronger than it'd been in days. "Jump."

"Three."

Elena ran to the edge of the cliff, and without a second thought, leaped into the air.


I had the idea for this chapter all perfectly laid out in my head, but when it came to type it... it didn't really come out right. Hope you liked it, though. The story's nearly finished, two chapters left! xox