Very Important: I have decided to exclude Klaus and Caroline's previous interactions. Therefore, in this story, Klaus never asked Tyler to bite her; never healed her with his blood and never personally invited her to the Mikaelson Ball. I'm also aware that at this time Elena, Stefan and Damon were undergoing some relationship problems. Yet, for now, their storyline is rather neutral as I've disregarded what happened on the show during this period of time. This just makes it a lot easier for me to create the story I envision. Thank you for understanding. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries or any of its characters (the CW does as does L. J. Smith).
Chapter 1: Homecoming
"It's good to be back home," I commented, using the pad of my thumb to wipe away the thick residue that covered my bottom lip. The woman stared back at me but her mouth remained firmly shut. "Well that's a bit rude. Don't you know it's polite to participate in small talk? Especially when you've only just met someone. My, oh, my, what would your mother think; I bet she'd be awfully disappointed in you." Her eyes widened; her breath hitched; her pulse quickened ever so. But speak she did not. I let my lips stretch into a warm smile, scrunching my nose and hunching my shoulders before tapping her cheek. Then, after letting my veins darken and fangs protrude, I bit into her shoulder once again.
The moment she went limp in my arms and her veins could offer not a drop more, I took her face between my hands and brought her to eye level.
"Oh that's right. I compelled you not to make a sound," I cooed, letting a giggle escape before tearing her head right off her neck. I threw it behind me, hearing it hit the bottom of the empty dumpster with a resonating thud, then proceeded out of the alleyway and into the street. "Did you miss me, Mystic Falls?"
"Where is everyone?" I pushed my forearm harder into his neck; he sputtered and gasped, his face turning an interesting shade of pink. "Well?!" He tapped at my arm weakly but in an urgent manner, his face darkening to a crimson. I pulled back just enough so that he could speak and after a few rather melodramatic breaths he did.
"The Mikaelsons. The Mikaelsons are having a party," he managed to get out. Of course, the night of my grand return home, all of the town's residents were at some stiff party, grouped together and inaccessible. I gazed into his eyes, focusing on his large pupils.
"Give me your invitation," I compelled.
"I don't have one I swear!" he insisted, his eyes brimmed with tears. Pathetic.
"Well you're useless, aren't you?" I pulled myself off of him, letting him drop to the pavement. "And apparently a bore at parties."
I continued my way through the ghost town, the click of boots as they hit the sidewalk only competing with the muffled thump of a nearby restaurant's music.
"The Mystic Grill," I read. "How cute."
It was evident, upon entering the building, that business was slow that night. It seemed most people preferred caviar and champagne to burgers and beer. I lingered at the doorway prepared to snack on the two men seated at the bar when, lo and behold, a young woman in a strapless red ball gown passed by me. Quickly forgetting the men, I followed the seemingly distressed girl to the washroom to find her entranced by the mirror, patting at her face and smoothing her hair.
"Wow, you look gorgeous!" I gushed, pushing my hands against my chest enthusiastically, practically choking on the sweetness of my tone. She turned around immediately, gripping onto the counter behind her.
"You really think so?" She smoothed the skirt of her dress, which looked silky to the touch, before meeting my gaze.
"Of course," I vowed, moving towards the other sink, pretending to examine my reflection in the mirror. "Headed somewhere special?"
"Yes, a ball actually. I just came in here to touch up my hair and makeup. I'm so nervous I could die."
"Oh don't say such things, sweetheart!" I laughed, hitting at her arm lightly. "You don't need to die." I grabbed both her shoulders and pushed her against the stone wall. "Just give me your invitation," I compelled. She stuck her hand down the front of her strapless dress, pulling out a small white card, and handed it to me. "Smart hiding place. Now take off your dress and shoes…quickly."
She stripped in a matter of moments, leaving her garments in a mound before me, then merely stood there as if waiting for further instruction.
"Now run along." She gaped at me, then at her scantily clad self, before rushing into the nearest stall and locking the door behind her. I stepped into the dress, shimmying it all the way up my body before recognizing a slight problem. I banged on the stall behind me; the one that held the practically naked girl.
"Knock, knock. I need you to come out here and zip me up." She did as I commanded before scurrying back. "You're such a doll," I called, slipping on the nude heels. "Oh, you're a size seven aren't you? I'm an eight but I think my toes can handle it. I've definitely endured worse."
Utilizing the contents of her makeup bag, which were poured out over the counter, I touched myself up then ruffled my long curls for good measure.
"You, my dear, have been ever so kind," I insisted, loud enough so that she could hear. "Have a magical night." And with that, I was off.
Before me stood a creamy manor, consisting of sharp edges; large, square windows and a towering French door. The trees before it were wrapped in strings of warm light, echoing the glow that came from within the house. I used the heels of my palms to smooth the figure-hugging satin bodice, then ran my fingertips through the pleated skirt that pushed out at my waist and fell to the floor. Fortunately, the woman was around my size but I was, evidently, a bit bustier as the sweetheart neckline kissed my chest fiercely.
It was time to make my grand entrance.
I wrapped each fist around a cast iron door handle, smiling to myself before pushing forward to reveal a room full of people and of utter silence. The gentle knock of the heavy doors against the interior wall resounded throughout the high-ceilinged room, causing every last soul to turn away from the grand staircase and towards myself. I looked to the stairs, which held a handful of well-dressed, beautiful creatures; all of which were staring at me. One, a man with golden hair and a white bowtie, ever so intently; as if closely studying each and every detail of my appearance. I drew my gaze away and focused back on the soundless crowd gathered at the foot of the staircase; waiting expectantly for me to do something…anything.
For most, this situation would bring about great anxiety, cause them to panic even. One might feel embarrassed for having caused a scene or bashful under the stare of so many strangers. See that was the best part about having my humanity turned off: I didn't feel a thing.
Thank you so much to all those who have read, favourited, followed and commented on this story. As for whether or not Evelyn is Damon's twin...you'll find out soon enough :) I appreciate feedback and predictions so keep the comments coming!