AN: Three chapters left. I'm trying to finish this story up quickly because I'm still working on Fifty Shades Bloodier and trying to introduce a new story, Black Out within the next month on here. Leave me your thoughts in a review. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 12

Since the night of their shared dance, things had changed. All the horror and terror brought on with his presence had evaporated.

A curse that could not be broken still masked his face. His attitude on the other hand had softened. The loud banging and out cries throughout the manor were still an occurrence, but none were within her sight. Damon had remained calm and collected when around her. He even cracked a smile as their eyes met from time to time. The subtle touches of affection were minimal and scarce, but still lovely when sparked. Living as a prisoner was beginning to turn up.

Each day started with a new spot or space to clean. No complaints came from the owner. She kept it refined to a small area seeing as she had the rest of eternity to clean the place. It was her duties to do so, but as the days grew on she needed more to occupy her time. Reading could only get her so far before her eyes were fluttering shut and her head was bobbing. As for Damon, their interaction was short and sweet. Nightly dinners together were routine and reading by the fireplace always ended the evening. Elena finally could admit to being content. But there was one thing still on her mind, Alaric.

Time had been lost since she stumbled upon this place. She did not know how long it had been since she last saw Alaric. Was he okay? Had he gone home? Was he ever going to try and come back to find her? So many questions were running through her head. She needed air.

Slamming the cover of the book she was reading, she put it down on the couch in the library. The stack on the table had multiplied into many piles at least ten books high. With plenty of good reads left, she was going through them fast.

Her mind was foggy with the thought of Alaric now as she scanned the room. The suffocating feeling of being trapped was sinking in. When was the last time she had been outside? She quickly got to her feet.

Her head poked out of the library and found an empty hallway. Damon was lurking somewhere, yet she had not heard in him a while. Promptly, she dashed down it trying to find a way out. She knew she could not leave even if she tried again. Things were getting better. It was enough to live with, but she still wanted the freedom to step outside these walls as she pleased.

The front doors looked promising, but she knew it would conclude to assumptions of her trying to flee. There had to be a backdoor, but where?

Elena scurried around remaining as quiet as she could be. There were still places to be discovered considering the house was so big. Something was telling her to go to the right and so she followed her instinct. Light was shining through from somewhere, she could see on the tile. As she got closer she noticed two French doors leading to the outside were boarded up. She let out a sigh of defeat. Maybe she would have better luck just going back out to the front.

Peering through the small cracks in the boards she could see a distorted view of the backyard. It was big and over grown, but she wanted to see more. Taking her fingers and curling them around the wood being careful not to get any splinters, she tugged on it. The wood was not bolted as tight as she had assumed. It wiggled and broke free with enough force. Prying the boards from the bottom, she had freed enough room for her to escape.

The door took a few pushes before it unhinged and a blast of fresh, cold air hit her. She ducked under the boards on the top she could not reach and inhaled freedom.

Taking a moment to prosper being outside, she closed her eyes and breathed slowly. Her lungs filled with the clean air. They had been so polluted with dust she had forgot what this felt like. Once she felt serene, she opened her eyes and saw the crazed beauty before her.

Over grown shrubs, thick vines, and smashed stones lied in the backyard. She was standing on a wide stone patio that was nearly half destroyed. The forest was just beyond the acres of greenery that made it up. She shivered at the thought of what lurked in it.

Looking up she saw the grey sky drawing in darker clouds. A storm was coming. A gust of wind whipped her hair around. She stared into the blank sky wondering about Alaric again. Tears filled them fast. She may not have been close with him, but she still did not wish for the pain and separation between them.

Water was gushing from her glistening eyes. The tall house stood behind her quiet as she sobbed. Sniffles and stained cheeks were not here curse. As much as she was settling in, she would never truly be able to accept her situation. She missed her old life. She missed Alaric. She missed simplicity.

"Elena?" His voice carried in the wind.

She turned around without a second thought of her appearance and saw him standing in the doorway.

"I'm not running away if that's what you think." She said wiping her face. "I just needed some air."

No response came. He nodded his head and starred at her uncomfortably. She wasn't one to show her tragic emotions in front of others, but now she did not care. She could not help herself.

"How are you even out here? I thought the light hurt you?" Elena asked trying to take her mind off missing home.

"The sun light hurts me," he explained. "A cloudy day like this and I can be outside all I want. I just choose not to."

He bowed his head. Something was telling her he was ashamed to speak about his disabilities and his curse. It was not something to flaunt.

"Oh," she replied.

Elena returned to gazing at the scenery. Another tear fell down her face. She felt him near and hovering behind her. Expecting a hand on her shoulder, it never came. Their physical contact was limited. He was not as accepting as she was. He did not enjoy the comfort of another to the extent that most humans did.

"Elena," Damon said her name again.

"Yes?" She asked.

"When I first took you prisoner I thought nothing more of you than another human being disgusted by my appearance." He spoke slowly. Not understanding why he was saying this, she still listened. "Over time I learned you're not like the rest. For some reason you defy me and don't shudder when you see me at my worst."

Breathing long, deep breaths, Elena folded her arms over her body. The air was colder than she had initially thought. She shivered and continued to listen to him.

"But what amazed me more than anything is the selfless act you made the day you stumbled upon my home." Damon said. "You gave your life for that man. You didn't think twice."

"He's all I have." She whispered. Her voice cracked and her eyes swelled.

"You miss him." He stated.

"Yes," she answered.

Damon sighed and bowed his head again. Sorrow was in his red eyes. She had never seen him sad like this before. She had only seen rage and kindness. This was a new emotion she wasn't sure he was capable of conveying.

"Then go." Damon uttered. She looked at him shocked. "I'm letting you go."

"But why?" Elena asked.

"Because I have to." He told her. "Because I want to."

She could not believe the words coming from him. Day one, he was monster holding her against her will. Now, he almost seemed heartbroken to let her go. It was the right thing, but she wondered what was the sudden change in heart.

"But…" She stammered.

"Go! Before I change my mind!" He half shouted.

Streams of tears were falling from her eyes. If she left now she would be able to make it back to civilization before nightfall and maybe the storm. Her body was telling her to go, but it was her heart that let her standing still.

"Why haven't you left yet?" Damon asked. Aggravation was behind it.

Her feet skipped on the stones as his tone rattled her. With nothing of meaning to gather, she ran through the halls and to the front door. She had left him standing on the patio alone. The thought of stopping and looking back struck her, but the sight of freedom ahead kept her from doing so. She was going home.