"Don't we look dashing," Damon said, adjusting the black coat over his loose, white shirt as he stared into the mirror.

Caroline sat on the bed in her dress, petting Caine as the brothers got ready. Though his tone made her gag, he wasn't wrong. They would make heads turn in a way that hopefully wouldn't bring them too much attention. Maybe she should dirty up a bit.

"Too bad your friend can't come," Stefan said, glancing toward the door.

Caroline sighed. If only Matt wasn't so terrible at picking food. Maybe he wouldn't have gotten so sick.

"He knows he'll slow down the rescue if he goes," she said. It was one less person for her to worry about though. As much as she wanted him there, it was best that he worked on the mission from their room. Everything would have to be ready to go once they got Bonnie out.

"How do we know what this chick looks like?" Damon asked.

"Look for the girl on Lord Kol's arm."

"I'm sure he'll have more than one," Stefan reminded them.

"Then I'll point her out when I see her." She tried not to think about if she saw her. Bonnie would be there. She had a gut feeling.

"So we go in, get her, and then hope for the best?" Stefan ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, making Caroline wonder if he'd even tried to look decent, or if it just came naturally.

"Seeing as it was impossible to get inside the castle…that's the plan," Damon said.

When they went to scout the grounds, they'd come upon a heavily guarded front entrance. According to one on the men on duty, no one was allowed in until the party. Something about "keeping the splendor a surprise." A convenient excuse that kept them from learning the layout, or even sneaking a peek at where Bonnie was being kept. She knew it would be a long shot, but it didn't keep her from being disappointed.

"Don't worry," Damon added. "It's nothing we haven't done before."

"I think this is a little bigger than anything you've done before," Caroline said. This didn't involve hustling or petty thievery. They were going to take a girl with them this time.

"But we're quick on our feet. It'll be easy," he smirked, tying the last lace on his boot.

"It'll be okay," Stefan assured her, offering his arm. "Now…shall we?"

Caroline nodded, taking his arm. The four of them checked on Matt before leaving. He let them know he'd have everything ready by the time they left the castle. He'd wait at the city's edge, anxious for their return.

That left the four of them to walk to the castle, unable to afford a carriage for the night. Caroline preferred it this way. It would help them be stealthier if they went by foot, she thought.

They weren't the only group going by foot, however. Too many people for Caroline to count journeyed to the castle that night, laughing and holding hands with loved ones. Caroline's grip tightened on Stefan's arm when they entered, a heavy sigh leaving her lips as Caine stealthy walked in and hid without a guard noticing. She wasn't sure if pets would be allowed, and she wasn't going to risk asking.

And if she weren't so worried about Bonnie's wellbeing, she might actually have enjoyed the party. Extravagant decorations had been hung, food laid out for everyone to feast upon. Lively tunes played by violins and flutes carried through the halls, encouraging those in attendance to dance. She gathered all of this only from her first impression of the grand foyer. When they turned into the massive ballroom, her breath was taken away.

The room was crowded, the music now loud and impossible not to tap her toes to. The room shined as bright as a star, setting the mood for the night. Flowers in elaborately designed vases were placed around the room; their color bringing an extra touch to the life that already filled the white marbled room. She put a gloved hand to her mouth to keep from gawking.

"Do you really think it was a good idea to let the dog come?" Damon whispered in her ear, hands clasped together in front of him as he stared into the crowd.

"If we run into trouble, you'll be happy he came," she said. She would stand by her decision to let him follow. He'd been nothing but help to them so far.

"Forget him, we need to focus on the girl," Stefan said, searching the many faces as if he knew what Bonnie looked like. "We need to find her while we have a chance of getting away unnoticed."

"I'll mingle amongst the people, see what I can find. Keep a low profile," Damon said, striding toward the crowd before becoming lost in the sea of shiny dresses and clean coats.

"It's not me I'm worried about," Caroline muttered, earning a chuckle from Stefan.

"He'll be fine," Stefan said, leading her out to the dance floor.

She put her hand gently on his shoulder, letting him lead her as they searched the masses. She knew what Lord Kol looked like, but there seemed to be no sign of him, and therefore no sign of Bonnie. Wherever he was, Caroline had a strong feeling that Bonnie would be there, too.

"Loosen up. I don't want people thinking I'm dancing with you against your will," Stefan whispered.

"Sorry," she mumbled, giving him an apologetic smile.

"They'll make an appearance. Relax."

"Relax? I know you aren't as invested in this cause as I am, but do you realize what we're trying to do? What's at stake?" Caroline snapped. She kept her voice to hushed tones, hoping they looked like lovers having a spat. She sighed, catching sight of Caine stalking the room behind a row of sculptures. Caroline turned back to Stefan. "I'll relax when we have Bonnie and are far away from Roeth."

"Then start relaxing," Stefan said. "It won't be long now."

Caroline followed his gaze to see that the music had stopped and everyone's gaze was facing the ballroom's entrance. The sea of partygoers had parted just enough to make way for a small group of well-groomed, noble looking people. Leading the pack was definitely Lord Kol, a young man with eyes that dared anyone to ruin his fun. Holding his hand was the girl Caroline would search the entire land of Kael for. She looked ever the part of a princess, her rigid posture only broken by a small smile on her painted lips.

The crowd bowed in unison as the noble pack entered the room, forcing Caroline and Stefan to do the same. It didn't stop her from looking up, hoping to catch her friend's gaze. There were butterflies in her stomach as she tried not to beam in delight during such a serious moment.

Bonnie was alive.


"It's time," Jeremy said after poking his head through Bonnie's doors.

Bonnie stared at herself in the mirror, different escape scenarios running through her mind as she continued to get ready. Her heart was pumping fast, her palms sweaty as she tried to smooth the fabric of her gown. The corset didn't help matters. Kol would surely disapprove if she ruined her appearance because all the powers washed away from nerves. He would surely disapprove if he knew why she was nervous in the first place.

"Where's Olivia?" Bonnie asked, turning to face her friend.

"With her coven. They've slipped away so they can start working on the spell. She said she would find you when she's ready to do the cloaking enchantment."

"Good," Bonnie said, nodding. "Then everything's in place. Were you able to find the jewel?"

"No, he's too careful with where he hides his treasure. If I look any further, they'll be suspicious."

"Then don't. We can't risk you getting caught." Teleportation would've been helpful, but she could take a horse. Nothing lost.

"Remember to stay on his good side," Jeremy reminded her, offering his arm.

"How can I forget?" That's all anyone ever did. Stay on Lord Kol's good side. Make sure he never gets angry. Don't pester the conniving brat. Well…at least she wouldn't be on his good side once she was out of this place.

"Promise to write me when you're free?" Jeremy smiled, leading her down the hallway. It was silent, just the two of them occupying the space. She'd only had a week to become familiar with the castle, but there was one thing she would miss about it. Too bad that one thing couldn't leave with her.

"I'll send you a letter as soon as I arrive in the East."

"Don't keep me waiting too long. And Bonnie?"

"Yeah?"

"If you ever come across Jenna, would you tell her I love her? And miss her?"

"I don't think I'd know what she looks like, but I promise to relay the message if I ever meet her."

"Thank you," he said, clearly grateful for her promise.

"Believe me, it's the least I can do." However short a sentence, her time as a prisoner felt like it lasted an eternity. She only hoped it wouldn't last any longer after tonight.

They made their way down the grand stairwell, the room full of people chatting and laughing already. Jeremy led her away from them, and into another room that she knew to be the smaller, more intimate dining room. There were a select number of people around Kol when they entered, all dressed more ostentatiously than anyone Bonnie saw before. The room smelled of power and money.

"There she is," Kol said as soon as he spotted Bonnie. "My date for this evening. Gentlemen, and ladies, of course…I give you Miss Bennett."

Bonnie curtsied as she approached, Jeremy bowing. She placed her hand atop Kol's palm, seeming to glide across the floor in her best effort to appear regal. She smiled for his friends, hiding her fear with feigned meekness and giggles. Thankfully, she didn't have to stay too long. Kol was all about the people, as he liked to keep saying to his friends, which meant they had to leave the privacy of the dining room and see to the party.

Kol lead them from the room, Jeremy finding a spot beside her as they walked. She held her head high as they passed the excited guests, mentally planning her escape route. Kol may have had enhanced hearing, but if he were properly distracted, she could get the cloaking spell activated and slip out without anyone noticing. The thought made her smile.

The drone of chatter stopped as soon as they entered the ballroom. Every head in the room dropped, giving either a curtsy or a bow now that Kol had arrived. Bonnie and Jeremy both glanced at each other, following the crowd toward the dance floor.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen," Kol boomed, his arms outstretched as he walked. "Welcome to the event of the season. Please, dance. Eat. Be merry. Tonight, we celebrate a most joyous friendship. It is a friendship that will help our soldiers return home safely. A friendship that will finally give the East the advantage we need in this everlasting war. It is a friendship, my dearest citizens, that leaves me hungry for victory. On this day, I want it to be known that you will no longer have to suffer. Our time has come, and it will be a glorious new era. Of that, I assure you."

His eyes sought Bonnie out while the crowd applauded, taking her hand lightly when she had reached him and placing it on his shoulder. The room was silent once more, anticipating the start of the first musical note. There was a sudden pang in her chest as they twirled about the room, the violin strings sounding more like cries than a slow melody to dance to. His speech made her think about the one thing she never considered.

There were people—innocent people—waiting for this war to be over. If she could stop it, helping whatever side she had to help…would it be so bad?

As Olivia said to her, she chose one of four evils to side with. There was no right side. At least, not that she could see. All four leaders were old and terrible creatures that were out for their own gain, not their lands. If she had even the smallest chance of bringing peace back…

"You look troubled, darling," Kol whispered in her ear. She shook her head, bringing her eyes up to meet Kol's gaze.

"How are you going to use me?" she asked, keeping her voice hushed so no one else would hear. "How am I supposed to stop a war?"

"I don't know yet. My brother's plans haven't been made clear at the present time."

"When will they be clear?"

"When I taunt him with you, of course."

Bonnie swallowed the lump in her throat. "Will people get hurt?"

Silence. Then a smirk slowly began to grow on his face. "If all goes well, my family. But I take it you don't mean them."

Bonnie shook her head.

"I can't make that promise," was all he said on the matter, picking her up and spinning them both before setting her back down.

No promises. Duly noted.

"Excuse me, your highness," a man said, interrupting her dance with Kol to bow before his lord. "Would it be rude if I asked to have a turn with the lady?"

"Yes," Kol said matter of factly. "It would be very rude."

Bonnie found the courage to speak up when she saw something in the man's eyes that said he wouldn't back down. As if Kol's refusal was a challenge. "It would be a good idea for me to get to know the guests. Don't you agree?" she asked Kol politely, making extra sure to cozy up to him in front of the stranger.

Kol looked between her and the stranger, eyes narrowed. "Very well. Do take care of her while I attend to my people."

Bonnie turned to the man once Kol was out of sight, giving him a small curtsy before taking his hand and returning to the position she had held when she danced with Kol. "You're either very brave, or very stupid."

"So I've been told," he said. His grin wasn't nearly as sinister as Kol's, but it was just as mischievous. "What's a pretty lady like you doing with such a royal pain?"

Bonnie's eyes widened. So stupid it was. If he intended to be beheaded for saying blasphemous words, she would rather not be seen with him. But he was a better dance partner than Kol. "What woman wouldn't be lucky to be around Lord Kol's arm?"

"Only every woman," he answered. He bent his head lower to whisper. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

Bonnie felt her heart rate increase. "What secret?"

"That you would rather be hanged than spend another minute with his majesty."

She sighed. "You're too kind."

"I know. That's exactly why I don't plan on telling anyone about your voodoo powers either."

It hit her hard, and it hit her fast. A surge of power she hadn't felt yet spread through her body, electricity thrumming in her fingertips. Something inside her screamed to protect herself. The man she danced with quickly lost any mirth in his expression, their dance slowing as he visibly struggled with something she couldn't see, but knew was there. The pain she knew she caused him.

"Do not threaten me," she warned him, her voice low. "I am tired of being in danger. Do you understand?"

"Not in danger," he hissed, his eyes closing like that would make it all go away. "Friends are here."

The electric current between her and the man crackled, seeming to increase his pain. "What?"

"I'm with your friends. Stop trying to kill me," he said. "Caroline…she's here."

Immediately he let out a gasp of air, his fingers loosening their grip on her waist and hand as they continued to dance.

"Caroline? She's in the West?"

"She's in the castle."

Bonnie thought she might start floating. "What about—"

"Pretty boy? He's waiting somewhere else. Somewhere grateful witches can't thank him."

Her mouth became a thin line. "If you'd made your intentions clear, none of this would've happened."

He scoffed. "Your friend owes us big for this."

"Us?"

"My brother's with Caroline, right over there."

When the man pointed toward the corner of the room, Bonnie felt all the breath leave her. There, talking with this man's brother was a girl with blonde hair that, until this moment, she hadn't been sure she'd see again. A tear rolled down her cheek.

That smile that was beginning to grow shattered the moment she saw another man begin to approach Caroline.

"No," Bonnie breathed.

"No what?"

"Listen…whoever you are…"

"Damon."

"Damon, we have to get over there."

"Relax, you'll have plenty of time to—" he stopped, his face just as serious as hers now. "Oh."

"Quickly, tell me your plan. Once you found me, what were we going to do next?"

"We haven't really gotten to that part yet," he joked.

Bonnie inhaled deeply, trying to keep her composure. Her plan was only meant for one person, not four. They would have to improvise. The way Kol was staring at Caroline with that gleam in his eyes, and that predatory stalk to his stride, she knew they would have to think fast, too. He would not take her friend. Not after she'd just gotten her back.

"Okay. Here's what we're going to do…"


"Where is he?" Caroline asked, tapping her foot against the floor so fast that she could've danced to the beat. "I want to get Bonnie."

"We'll get to her. And Damon usually finds his way back. At least he does if a woman isn't involved."

"Great. Your brother is getting boozed up with some girl while we figure a way out of this place. Just perfect."

Stefan smirked and offered Caroline his hand, a gesture she shook her head to. He frowned. "Come on, Caroline. We should look like we're having fun."

"I don't want to have fun. I want—"

"Don't want to have fun? That's simply too criminal," a voice said from behind her. From Stefan's quick bow, she assumed the man it belonged to wasn't good news.

Caroline turned around, remembering to keep her expression pleasant.

Oh, no. No, no, no, no.

Of all the people here, why did it have to be Lord Kol?

"Your majesty," she said.

"Please, share a dance with me. I would hate for you to be bored at one of my parties."

"You're too kind, your highness," she said, curtseying and taking his extended hand. She gave Stefan one last, scared look before walking off with her friend's captor.

"I hope you don't mind my forward behavior. You simply looked too beautiful to leave standing in a corner though."

"And the flattery continues," she grinned, holding her arms up in the proper position to begin their dance.

"What can I say? You bring it out of me."

"I hope you know you'll need more than compliments to win me over."

"A challenge, then. I always did like a challenge."

Caroline didn't fake the blush. He was dangerous.

"And how many challenges have you won?"

"Too many to count, darling. I'm a bit of a sore loser, you see."

"So am I," she smiled coyly.

Kol twirled her, a grin of his own plastered to his face. It was hard to keep her eyes from darting around to see where her friends were. Kol was watching her every move, and he would surely notice if she was seeking someone out.

She hoped he mistook her quickened heartbeat as excitement from his presence.

"You must tell me what it will take to insure your happiness."

"Wouldn't that be cheating?" Caroline quirked an eyebrow.

"Consider it a hint. I'm sure it will take more than one measly tidbit to win your affections."

She thought about what to say. Was there a way to spin this to her advantage?

"Well I suppose a glass of wine would liven things up."

"Your wish is my command. If you'd like, I would be happy to show you my wine cellar. I'm sure we could fine something there to suit your tastes."

Oh, no. Nope. She was not going to help him find a wine that went well with her blood. "I'm sure you have something here."

He seemed to understand why she refused. Or she was reading too much into his expression. "Very well. Shall we?"

She nodded, placing her hands around his elbow so he could take her to his table full of nobles. Caroline inclined her head to each of them, being ever the polite decoration. They barely looked at her.

"Pay no attention to them. They can all be terribly rude," he said, loud enough for them to hear.

Never had she seen humans move so fast. Smiles were instantly slapped on as they scurried to get Caroline's attention. She took their offerings in stride, grinning at each and every one. Who knew what Lord Kol would do to them if their efforts displeased him.

"It's lovely to meet all of you," she said, letting an affectionate gaze turn to Lord Kol. At least he wasn't unhappy with her.

"Anything for a friend of Lord Kol's," one elderly woman chirped.

"A glass of wine, as promised," Kol said, handing her a golden goblet filled with red liquid. Please let that be something other than what she thought it was.

"Thank you, your majesty."

"Please, sit."

"Oh, I couldn't. Shouldn't you be conversing with the rest of your guests?"

"But they bore me," he pouted, taking a seat in the most regal chair. "I'd much rather give all my attention to you."

Caroline pretended to be overwhelmed with the kindness, taking a seat beside him. "And I you."

"Then leave with me, so we can give each other all the attention we could ever hope for."

"Well that would go against everything I stand for," she teased.

"I can hear your heart," he whispered. His fingertips tapped the beat against her forearm. "Perhaps a night living out your greatest fantasies will change your mind."

Caroline was about to answer, her heartbeat rapidly increasing, when another woman spoke. "Is that what you tell all the girls?"

She turned to see a familiar face staring back. A face she refused to give up on.

Lord Kol simply seemed amused by her interruption. "Jealous, are we?"

"You promised me a place by your side. I thought you meant it, but I must have been mistaken."

"My dear Miss Bennett, of course I meant it. This woman means nothing. In fact," he said, now turning to Caroline, "you may leave."

Caroline was dumbfounded. Bonnie's face was all business, her eyes never turning to even look at her old friend. Apparently her sad expression only pleased Kol more, but it had no affect on Bonnie. She wanted to silently signal her friend, to tell her they would get her out of this.

But when Bonnie finally looked at her, there was no love in her eyes. "He said you could leave. Your date is waiting on you."

Caroline frowned, slowly standing up. Bonnie took her seat without hesitation, allowing Kol to dote on her. Caroline looked toward the ballroom, mouth still slightly open from her utter shock. She spotted Stefan by the doors, subtly waving her over.

Making her way across the room, she tried to understand why Bonnie would do this. Maybe it was because Kol was around? Maybe if she acted like she knew Caroline, it would be bad for the both of them. She kept her tears in check, refusing to cry at such an event. This wasn't over.

"We need a plan now," she told Stefan as she approached.

He nodded, leading her out of the ballroom. "I couldn't agree more."

Caroline sighed, the wheels in her head already turning. However, she was caught off guard when someone came barreling toward her, arms outstretched until she could pull Caroline into a whopping hug.

"I didn't know if I would ever see you again," she said through tears, her tight curls finding a way into Caroline's mouth as she nuzzled into her more. From the direction the girl had come, Damon came strolling up, looking around the room as he stood by Stefan.

"Um," Caroline mumbled, fumbling for words, "we've never met."

The girl pulled away to stare at Caroline directly in the eyes. "It really worked."

"What?" Caroline was more confused than ever.

"We have to go. Olivia said she wasn't sure how long Kol would buy it."

"Buy wh—" Caroline looked between the door and the girl. What was Kol supposed to buy?

"I hate to break up this touching reunion, but I don't want to be here when Lord Creepy finds out we've pulled a switcheroo," Damon said.

The boys took the girls' hands and immediately began walking toward the castle doors. The girl yanked hers out of Damon's immediately.

"I wasn't sure we had enough time to pull off a spell like this, but Olivia made it look so easy," the other woman said.

Caroline still couldn't believe what was being implied. "It's really you?"

"It's me. I promise, it's me," she smiled. "The spell will wear off and you'll see. I'm really Bonnie."

Caroline felt like her heart might start flying. They did it. They got to Bonnie.

And just in time, too.

Screams erupted from behind them, causing all heads in the grand foyer to turn toward the source. The ballroom doors flew open as guards ran out. At the table, Caroline could see the person with Bonnie's face being dragged away by two strong tins of armor.

"Don't let them get you!" she managed to yell through the growing panic. "He cannot take you again!"

Guards slammed the front doors shut, locking them tight and standing watch. Through the ballroom doors, Caroline could see Kol seething behind the dinner table, scowling at the room before him.

"I want every part of this castle turned upside down until that witch is found! Do not let her leave!"

The four of them hid amongst the crowd, getting lost in the masses as they tried to get anywhere that lacked guards or an angry monarch.

"Stay close. I'll try to get us to the back of the castle. There has to be a door outside there," Bonnie said. Caroline still had trouble believing that since it was someone else's face, but it did sound like Bonnie. She would have to work with it for now.

"The guards will beat us there before we can get to it," Stefan said. "Is there a secret passage that they won't think to be at?"

"Not that I know of. I didn't get much time to explore," Bonnie admitted.

The four of them ran down hallways, up stairs, and turned too many corners. The palace felt like a maze to Caroline, one she was afraid they would never get out of. They were about to turn another corner when they heard footsteps running toward them. Bonnie shushed them and pointed to the set of double doors on their left. They entered as quietly as they could, shutting the doors behind them. They listened as the footsteps became echoes, trotting farther and farther away from them.

They collectively let out a sigh of relief; turning to see what darkened room they had entered. Caroline grabbed an unlit torch hanging from the wall. Much to her surprise, it was lit seconds later. Bonnie's lifted hand gave her a small indication as to how it happened.

When she turned, she noticed the miles of bookshelves and small wooden tables scattered through the room. It appeared they'd stumbled into a massive library.

"Great. Now how do we get out?" Damon asked.

"Not helping," Caroline muttered. They needed ideas, not pessimism.

"Is there a window in here? We could make a jump for it," Stefan suggested.

"Sure, if you don't mind dying," Damon snipped.

"Up that spiral staircase. There might be one on the top floor," Bonnie said.

"Did everyone miss the part about 'dying?'" Damon said.

"No, we're just choosing to ignore you," Stefan said.

Bonnie linked arms with Caroline as the four ran toward the stairs. Even from their temporary sanctuary, she could hear the screams ringing through the castle walls. With everyone stuck in the castle, and an unhappy Lord searching for his lost witch, she hated to imagine what it would all look like when this was over.

To their good fortune, there was a window just at the end of the floor. The took a peek out to see just how much luck they had.

"That could work," Stefan said. "I like our chances from this distance."

"I could soften the fall," Bonnie said.

"Are you sure you can handle it, witchy?"

"Should I show you how capable I am again?"

It was silent for a couple minutes, but Damon didn't push the matter. Bonnie gave a sharp nod, and then unlocked the window latch. Outside, the air was brisk, the wind blowing the small particles of sand around the immaculate brick. Below them was nothing but more sand. She didn't know if that would help their fall, or hurt it, even with Bonnie's assistance.

Just as Stefan was climbing the ledge, something terrible came to Caroline's mind.

"Caine," she whispered.

"What?" Bonnie looked confused.

"Her pet wolf," Damon sighed.

"You brought a wolf here?" Bonnie's eyes widened.

"He could still be downstairs. Oh I'm such a terrible person, how could I not have looked for him?" She shook her head, stepping away from the window. "I have to find him."

"You know that would be suicide," Bonnie said, walking to Caroline and taking her hands gently. "I just got you back. Please don't make me lose you again."

"Bonnie, he helped us get to you. What kind of person would I be if I just left him in that mess?"

"Then I'm coming with you. I can protect you."

"No, we can't risk Kol taking you again. You three get to Matt. Caine and I will meet up with you as soon as I find him."

"I don't like this," Bonnie said, running her fingers through hair that wasn't hers.

"I have to make sure he's okay. I'll be as quick as I can."

With one final look to each of them, she ran back to the library doors and listened for noise outside. When she was sure the coast was clear, she snuck out and hurried down the corridor. Where was she even supposed to start? He could be anywhere by now.

She tried to remember the way they came, retracing every turn they took until she was sure she was in the main hallway on the second floor. Caroline hid behind a tall, intricately detailed pillar, watching the guard march past in a hurry to fulfill Kol's wishes. Once they were gone, she came out from her hiding spot and continued downstairs, heart pounding.

How was she supposed to even find Caine? She couldn't very well call for him in this chaos. Hiking her dress up, she went from shadowy corner to shadowy corner, searching every crevice and hiding from every onslaught of footsteps. Sweat trickled down her brow, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she walked underneath the stairs through a narrow hallway. What if someone found him? What if this was a waste of time, and she should have gotten out when she had the chance?

"If it isn't my pretty little partner," a cool voice said from behind her.

Caroline turned around to see Kol approaching, arms stuffed in his pockets. Compared to his earlier display, he was too calm for her liking. She tried to keep her expression neutral.

"Your majesty," she said, loud enough for him to hear over the commotion. The screams had begun to settle, but there was still an overwhelming sense of panic from the guests clambering to escape.

"I apologize for the inconvenience. You understand I can't let anyone out of the castle until I know that my special guest is found." He sighed. "I should never have left you for her."

"I'm grateful for the time I got." Why wouldn't he just yell, be angry…something? His easy smile was more frightening than his snarl.

Kol walked closer. "I insist you let me make it up to you. I would hate for my impoliteness to be your last impression of me."

"Thank you, but I—" Caroline paused, noticing a pair of yellow eyes glowing from behind a pillar to Kol's right. She continued looking at the floor, trying to remember what she was going to say. "I only want you to find your guest so I can leave. It's been an eventful evening, and I'm tired."

He didn't seem pleased by this, but he was apparently determined not to be rude again. "I understand. Allow me to at least show you to a room where you can wait."

Caroline wet her lips. How many more times could she say no before his patience wore thin? "Uh…yes, that would be great. Thank you."

Kol gestured to another hallway just to Caroline's right. It wasn't decorated as extravagantly as the rest of the castle, making her wonder how often it saw life. She swallowed the lump in her throat and took one last look at the golden eyes. She hoped he would be able to follow.

It was quiet as they walked, Kol not saying a word about making it up to her anymore. She was still waiting for the storm. For him to yell, to stomp his feet, slash her throat. This eerie silence made her heart pound harder.

"Here we are," Kol said, opening a door to their left. Caroline nodded a thank you.

The room wasn't meant for guests. Sure, there was a bed, but that was about it. The stone walls and floor weren't particularly inviting without paintings or other decor. Who normally stayed here?

Caroline thought Kol was about to leave. She planned to wait a couple minutes before making her getaway, but it seemed neither were going to happen. Kol shut the door, still in the room. He turned to Caroline, that easy smile back on his face.

"You know…since you are the last person I saw before that imposter came to me, I must ask if you saw a girl who looked just like her. Or perhaps, if my calculations are correct, she'll have pale skin, curly blonde hair. No taller than you. She would answer to the name Olivia."

Caroline pretended to think about it. "No…I haven't seen anyone that matches that description, I'm afraid. Sorry."

Kol didn't stop grinning. He moved closer. "I can still hear your heart. You should learn to control it, darling."

"I'm not lying, your highness. I'm not used to being so close to—"

"I admire your efforts, but please stop. I'm becoming queasy," he chuckled. "You're lying, and you're frightened. Please tell me the truth before I'm forced to use other methods."

Caroline's eyes widened. "I don't know where she is."

Kol sighed, grabbing her arms and looking straight in her eyes. "Tell me where the witch is."

She knew what he was doing. She'd never come across vampires before, but she knew what method he was trying to use. Which is why she was even more confused that she didn't feel obligated to tell him. He seemed to realize at the same time she did that his other method was useless. He grabbed her arms tighter. "Tell me where the witch is!"

Still she didn't answer.

He growled. "Always when I need it most."

She stopped herself before asking if he had performance issues. Not appropriate. Not helpful. Instead, she tried to yank her arm from his grip. "Let me go."

"I have more than one method up my sleeve." Kol snarled, a set of fangs descending. Her heart jumped inside her throat. He bent down so that his mouth hovered just above her neck. The points of his fangs barely grazed her skin. "Where's the girl?" he whispered.

"I don't know," she breathed, unable to think. He was too strong, too fast. She didn't like feeling so helpless against him. How could she fight an immortal? How could she fight one of the strongest creatures in existence?

She couldn't.

His hands began to shake on her arms, and he reared his head back to make an attack.

The door knocked, and Caroline thought she might faint from relief. "Your Majesty," a woman's voice said from outside, "we've been told there was a sighting on the third floor. We have the girl apprehended and need you to confirm the identity."

Kol sighed, looking down at her through grotesque eyes. She could see the inner struggle raging in them. Waste time with Caroline, or potentially find his treasure. Bonnie appeared to be more important—although Caroline wasn't so sure she preferred that alternative—and Kol released his grip on her. He opened the door to find a guard outside, straight back and waiting for his order. Without saying a word to either of them, Kol marched back toward the castle entrance.

The guard stayed still. Was there an unspoken rule to watch her so she didn't leave? So Kol could finish the job once he had Bonnie?

Just as Caroline thought her heart might finally slow, the guard took her helmet off and looked Caroline up and down with tired eyes. "We should get you out before he comes back."

Caroline's brows furrowed. "I don't understand."

Before the woman could answer, a certain wolf came trotting in. Caroline let out a deep breath and bent down to hug Caine.

"I found your wolf there and was following him when I saw you and Lord Kol enter this room. Your friend was unhappy with this, and I knew myself what happened when he took lonely girls away from the party. We have to hurry before he finds out we don't have the witch."

"You don't?" More relief washed over Caroline.

"No, now please, hurry along. I know another way out."

Caroline and Caine followed the guard to another room in the same corridor. The guard shut the door behind them. The room was much the same as the one they were in, except the bed was place in a different position. The guard moved it out of the way before pushing on one of the bricks that the bed had hidden. A small section of wall that went no higher than her knees fell away from the rest of the stone. It was better than nothing, at least.

"You'll have to crawl, but it will lead you out just by the entrance."

"Thank you so much. How can I repay you?"

The woman smiled. "If you ever see Ernest again, tell him I love him with all my heart."

It took Caroline a moment to understand what she was talking about. Then it hit her full force. "Victoria, right?"

She nodded. "The dress looks beautiful."

Caroline couldn't help but wrap her arms around Victoria. "Thank you. And be careful."

Victoria gave a gentle squeeze before pushing Caroline toward the secret passage.

With one final look back, Caroline got on her knees and entered the small tunnel first. Bits of rock stuck to her palms as she and Caine worked there way through the dark. It only got worse when Victoria closed the passage again. She didn't know how far the tunnel was supposed to go, or if there would be anything creepy and crawly ahead. The thought made her crawl a little faster.

"You owe me so big for this," she muttered. "I almost died! And now we're stuck in this for who knows how long, all because you couldn't stay with the group. That's your job, isn't it? Always stick with the pack. Wait, never mind, you're not a wolf. I can't wait until you can talk back so I don't feel like a crazy person."

Caine snorted, probably laughing at her. She grumbled more. Not only had she almost died, but this dress likely wouldn't make it through the night after all this crawling. She was ready to get back to everyone else. They better be ready to leave the city, safe and sound. She didn't want to go on anymore rescue missions for a long time.

Her head thumped against a wall not five steps later. She felt along the obstacle, running her hands both left and right. The only way to continue was to go forward, but the stone seemed immovable. "Help me push this," she said, moving as far left as she could to give Caine room.

He squeezed in next to her, bending his head and pressing against the stone. Together they pushed until she heard the familiar scrape of rocks moving. It encouraged her to keep going, not stopping until the rock door swung open like the entrance had. She smiled, hurrying to get out when Caine stood in front of her so he blocked the path. Caroline was confused at first until she heard guards run past, no doubt searching the perimeter. When their footsteps finally became fainter, Caroline heaved her millionth sigh of relief.

She pressed her forehead against Caine's fur. It surprised her that he didn't smell more like a forest or a dog that hadn't bathed in ages. It was distinctly…Caine. There was a strong mixture of perfumes from their time at the party, but it covered what she assumed was his natural scent. It was a strange combination of iron, sun, and old books. Had he been in the library too?

"You know, we'll have to find someone else to undo the curse you're under," she whispered. "I know you said the warlock who did it lives in the West, but we can't be here any longer. Think you can stay with us until we find someone?"

Caine looked at her a long time before finally nodding. Did he have a family to get back to? A wife? She knew nothing about the man, yet she couldn't wrap her mind around the thought of parting with him. Eventually, she would have to go back to Mystoria, and he would have to return to wherever he was from.

"Come on. The others will be waiting." She pulled herself away reluctantly from Caine, crouching through the shrubbery that hid them until they could make a clean break for the town. Everyone from the party appeared to still be locked in the castle, otherwise she thought there would be way more people out by the carriages. Her and Caine continued running through the empty streets until they made it to the city's entrance. Thankfully Kol hadn't sent his guards to patrol all of Roeth yet. The longer he thought Bonnie was still in the castle, the better.

Caroline looked left and right for any sign of her friends. It took a little straining, but she found their cart hidden behind a small house. Matt, and Bonnie—who now looked like her old self—were sitting up front, and lying in the back with some food and all the bags were Damon and Stefan. She jumped into the back with the Salvatore brothers as soon as she reached the cart, Caine leaping in beside her. "Go!"

Matt didn't have to be told twice. The horses were off to a gallop in no time, leaving Caroline to watch as the Kol's castle grew smaller and smaller. The ride was quiet for the longest time, everyone listening to the silence of the night. Caroline lied on her back, staring up at the stars to pass the time. The back wasn't very big, which left Caine to lay his head on Caroline's stomach, and Stefan leaning into Damon's shoulder as he tried to fall asleep.

"Now that we're away and all together," Matt said, looking a little better than he did earlier, "maybe we should start thinking about where to go next."

Bonnie turned around so she could peer into the back. Her gaze briefly froze on Caine before returning to Caroline. "I'm glad you got out okay."

Caroline smiled up at her. "I'm glad we found you. I hope your friend is okay."

Bonnie's expression turned grim. "I'm trying not to think about it."

Caroline nodded, quickly changing subjects. "You didn't happen to learn about curses while you were stuck, did you?"

She tilted her head in confusion. "Curses?" When Caroline pat Caine in response, Bonnie seemed to understand. "No, nothing like that. But…Olivia did say she had a brother in the East. Maybe Malachi could help?"

"The East is…really far away," Caroline sighed. That would be a good thing though. Less chance for Kol to find them.

"The East isn't a good place. We should avoid it if we can," Stefan mumbled, eyes closed.

"What's so bad about it?" Bonnie asked.

"Stefan doesn't like talking about his time there. Don't ask why," Damon said. "He won't give a straight answer."

"Well since that says nothing," Bonnie said, rolling her eyes, "I think it's the best chance for your friend."

"Where in the East?" Matt asked.

"Imodon. She said to ask around when we get there."

"Great," Matt sighed. "That means he has a reputation."

"Caroline?" Bonnie's voice sounded so tiny.

Caroline tried to give her friend her full attention, but a yawn made it's way out. "Yeah?"

Bonnie smiled. "We can talk about it tomorrow. I think we're all tired."

"Okay," she said, happy with not talking anymore.

She petted Caine's fur as the night continued, feeling exhaustion pull her into a comfortable slumber. She almost didn't notice Caine sniffing her dress, stopping when he reached a hidden section with a purple flower sewn into the fabric. She was too tired to care why it there in the first place.

Caroline turned on her side so that she could properly nuzzle up to Caine. They may not be going home, but at least they were together. The curse on Caine would be broken soon, they could help the Salvatores get wherever they wanted to be, and then they could go home.

They could all go home.


He couldn't believe this. He'd let the Bennett girl slip right through his fingers! Kol seethed, upturning another table. The girl was, in fact, not apprehended, sending him further into a spiral and killing two of his guards.

Not to mention his one way of getting to her quickly, the precious jewel he held to dearly had been shattered into a thousand tiny pieces on the carpet. It was impossible! His hiding spots were perfection and no one should have found it. He would have to spend days getting to her, even if he knew where she was. This night of celebration had turned into a nightmare, and he was most displeased by it.

Kol charged toward the dungeons where the traitor waited. Whatever spell she had used was now gone, revealing to him her true identity. It was as he suspected.

"I'm disappointed, Olivia," he hissed. "I thought you might know better."

"She's not yours to keep," Olivia spat back. "You and your brother will never find her."

"I may not be able to compel an answer out of you, but I do have my ways."

Her expression brought a sense of glee to his dampened mood. "You're bluffing."

"I never bluff." He smirked, backing away from the bars she was imprisoned behind. "Once I have the Bennett girl in my hold, you will watch her die. And then I will kill you myself."

To the girl's credit, her expression only hardened. "If that's supposed to scare me, you'll be disappointed."

"No. But you will be." Kol smiled, heading for the stairs. "Take her to the torture room. Have fun with her for the night."

He heard the guards footsteps start to move as he ascended, returning to the main floor. He'd been nothing but kind to that little witch. For her to spit in his face and pull this…he wouldn't make the same mistake twice. The girl would die this time. His brother can't have her if she's dead.

"Gilbert!" he yelled, storming into the ballroom once more where a majority of his security was gathered.

Jeremy marched toward the angry monarch. "My lord?"

"Find me The Hunter!" Kol's eyes blazed with anticipation for what he would do to that infuriating witch, and anyone else that helped her escape. "I want him here tonight!"


A/N: Hello, sorry, the months keep flying by. Hope this chapter will satisfy.

Next up, a journey to the East.

Until next time!