A few weeks after the terrible night when my magic was damaged, I had a meeting with Caroline (one of my best friends) at the Grill. I needed to take my mind off of everything and a little date with a friend seemed like a good idea. I realized that I was wrong as soon as I got there. Everyone was staring at me and the fact that I came a little bit early and had to wait for Caroline hadn't helped the situation at all. It hadn't been even a month since my parents died and for a little town like Mystic Falls where nothing criminal ever happens and people die either of old age or illness, it meant that me and my family would keep receiving pitiful (or not so) stares at least for another few years.

After a little chat with Matt, who was also my waiter (who was also my sister's ex which made the conversation awkward as hell) I was waiting for my offer trying to pretend that people around weren't whispering about me, when I saw my art teacher heading in my direction. She was relatively young and super nice unlike my previous teacher who was a complete arsehole.

"Thalia! It's so good to see you dear! How are you?" she asked hugging me tightly.

"Hi, Ms. White. I'm fine, thank you." There's that phrase again. Well, it's not that I wasn't used to it already.

"I'm so glad to meet you here, I didn't know how to start this conversation with you, but I figured you might need a distraction. I have some news for you, darling. I've been sending some of my students' best works to a friend of mine in LA who organizes exhibitions, and I showed her some of your works too. I know that you don't like attention, but she is genuinely in love with them. She is organizing an exhibition in a few weeks and asked me to convince you to participate. This is a great opportunity," she said looking at me expectantly with hope shining in her eyes.

To say I was speechless would be an understatement. I loved painting I always did. But to be honest I've never thought that it was something special. My therapist suggested me to either start painting, writing or learn how to play a musical instrument, saying that it would be a big step forward in my healing. I wasn't fond of writing that was more of Elena's thing to do, and I was torn between painting and playing the violin (I don't know why violin, maybe I just liked how it sounds), so I ended up doing both and after some time realized that I wanted to focus more on painting and ended my violin lessons. My hopes were really high but when I first started attending art class, I was told by my previous art teacher that my works were too dark and depressing, more than that, he humiliated me in front of the class. From that day on, I decided to paint only what everyone expected from me, without putting myself into it. I only let myself loose when I was alone. Ms. White saw my works one day, accidentally, and from so on she was telling me that I had a talent (which I personally doubted) and trying to make me participate in various painting contests.

"Ms. White... I don't think..." I started saying, but she interrupted me.

"I know darling, but that's not an ordinary exhibition, there will be an auction too, you can sell some of your works if not all of them. And I am sure you could use a little extra cash. What do you think?"

Well to say the least that got my attention. It wasn't like I needed money (at least not after my grandmother left me everything she had after her death) but money equals independence and that was always my goal in life. But I still was hesitating.

"I don't know Ms. White, I don't think that my works are worth anything. It's just a hobby really, something that helps me to relax my mind. There are a lot of people that really devote themselves to this, even in my art class I know a few people that would kill for an opportunity such as this."

And that was the truth. There was even the girl that genuinely hated my guts, because she thought that I was better than her.

"I know who you are talking about, those «people» as you say, spend a lot of money on art teachers and extra classes in addition to my classes, but truth be told, they will never be half as good as you. It's all about the talent. You are naturally gifted. What your previous art teacher did was wrong. So I want to help you to embrace your gift," she said, looking at me with pleading eyes and I could feel myself giving in under her pressure. I really loved painting and if what she was saying was true, it wouldn't hurt me to try. I needed a distraction anyway.

"If you are sure that that friend of yours wasn't joking about my paintings, I guess we can..." I wasn't able to finish the sentence, as I suddenly found myself in my teacher's suffocating embrace.

"Yes, yes, yes, you won't regret your decision, I promise. I should really go and tell my friend you said yes. I'll call you if something comes up." And... she ran away. She really did!

Watching her leave I started to doubt that I made a right decision.

Later that day, when I got home, I told my family about my conversation with Ms. White. Saying that they were excited would be an understatement. Aunt Jenna and Elena were hugging each other and jumping at the same time like little girls, while Jeremy was laughing his ass off looking at them.

"Calm your tits girls it's not like I'm going to space, it's just an exhibition. Besides, I don't really think that anyone would be interested in buying my works," I said, rolling my eyes at their antics.

"First of all, watch your language young lady," Jenna said, trying her best to play the role of a responsible adult, "second of all, of course they would buy them, it will turn out as a huge success, mark my words."

"You will totally sell them all, your paintings are amazing, big sis." Jeremy said giving me thumbs up.

"And when you return with victory you will treat us with a dinner," Elena said wiggling her eyebrows.

"Enough with smugness and overconfidence guys, your faith in me is flattering, but I don't want you to get upset if the result of this trip will be different from your expectations," I said playfully, trying to hide the huge grin that was trying to appear on my face. I've really missed that, them laughing and just being happy. It was the first time they... we were being this relaxed since our parents died.

"Okay, you know what time it is," Aunt Jenna said with serious face, and immediately continued ignoring our confusion, "it's time for hugs!" And then without giving us time to escape, she hugged me and Jeremy while Elena joined us laughing happily.

And standing like that, squeezed between Jeremy and Aunt Jenna, listening to Jeremy's annoyed grumbling and Elena's happy laughter, I realized that I would do anything to keep my family happy. And safe. Always.

-

And that's how I ended up in LA with Ms. White and some of my best paintings. Her friend, Ms. "you can call me Dolores" Stewart, met us at the airport. Then she drove us to the center of the city to show the building where the exhibition would be taking place the next day, and I must say what a building that was. It looked exactly like a scene from a movie, where people in expensive evening gowns wander from painting to painting, with glasses of champagne, trying to look smart and bored at the same time. A little too pompous to my taste.

My first thought when we got there the next day was "thank God it is not as pompous as I feared". People were looking presentable, nothing too luxurious, going from painting to painting as was expected, but seemed very interested in what they were seeing... and still were carrying glasses of champagne. Well, at least I guessed that one right.

I was standing in a corner near one of my paintings, looking stunning in my LBD and stilettos, with my crimson red hair in a messy bun.

With every person coming near my paintings I was starting to feel more and more uncomfortable. I didn't want to see their reaction. Maybe I was being a coward, but I couldn't help myself. I didn't know anyone here, Ms. White and Dolores went to say hello to their acquaintances, and I couldn't find anything to distract me from my not so happy thoughts.

So, I hope I didn't look as startled as I felt, when I heard this delicious British accent a little too close to me.

"Wonderful evening, isn't it?"

I turned around to see a very handsome man standing right next to me. He had gorgeous blue eyes that seemingly looked straight through my soul, plump kissable lips, curly dirty blond hair and dimples (oh my God, he had dimples!).

"Yeah I guess," I answered, trying to look like I wasn't checking him out a second ago, "it's my first time on an event like this so..." God, I hope I wasn't blushing, that would be so embarrassing.

"Is this the first time you are exhibiting your works as well?" he asked with a knowing smile, which got bigger when he saw my surprised expression.

"How do you know?" Was it that obvious?

"I've been through this myself so I know the feeling. I am Nik, by the way," he said extending his hand.

"Thalia," I introduced myself reaching for a handshake, but was totally unprepared, when he brought my hand up to his lips and gently kissed it instead. As soon as he touched me, I felt as if my body had been electrocuted. It wasn't a bad feeling though, as it sent shivers dance down my spine, but at the same time, I realized something important. The charming gentleman in front of me was a vampire.

"What a beautiful name. You have quite a talent Thalia. I am an artist myself so I know what I'm talking about," he said when we were passing by the wall with my works. I looked him in the eyes to see if he really meant what he said, and was relieved when I saw that he was being sincere. I don't know why, but for some odd reason his approval meant a lot to me. He was just a stranger, for God's sake.

"Thank you, but I still think that they pale in comparison to other works that are exhibited here. I am sure that people here are professionals and this event means more to them than it means to me," I said pointing to our surroundings.

"And you? Does it mean that little to you?" he asked, looking at me with genuine interest. His eyes were so captivating that I had a hard time trying to compose myself.

"No, it's not like that. It's just... maybe these people were awaiting for this event, preparing for it for a long time or something, and then there is me who was nearly forced to attend," I sighed and shook my head. "Anyways, thank you for distracting me. I always feel nervous on formal events," I gave him a small smile looking at him with gratitude.

"You're most welcome," he said with a breathtaking smile, his eyes never leaving mine. I could feel myself drowning in his gaze and decided to look away, until I could embarrass myself even more. I was sure he already heard my heart beating faster with every look that he gave me. I was desperately searching for anything that could get my attention, when my eyes fell on a beautiful painting right behind his back. He definitely saw my awed expression, as he turned around to see what had got my attention.

"Wow..." that was everything I could say, as I looked at the masterpiece in front of me. It was abstract, painted in dark colors, just as I liked. I could almost touch the feelings that the artist put in it.

"You like it? Don't you think that it's a little too dark?" The question caught me off guard, as I almost forgot about my company. I could hear some strange undertone in his voice, but I was too captivated with a masterpiece in front of me to pay attention to it.

"It's perfect. There's so much loneliness and sadness, that I literally can feel it on the tips of my fingers. So beautiful," I said, finally meeting his gaze that never left my face. This time it was him looking into my eyes, as if to make sure that I really meant what I'd just said. And when he found out that I was sincere, his expression softened. I didn't understand at first why he was so interested in my opinion, until I realized that he must've been the one who painted it.

"Is it yours?" I asked, even though I knew the answer already.

"It is indeed," he said, looking at me strangely, like he was trying to figure me out. "You are the first person who was able to understand exactly how I felt while painting it."

"I don't know, it just feels relatable. It's like you expressed exactly what I've been feeling for a last few months," I said trying to hide my sadness at the thought of my parents. But his next words showed me that I wasn't as good at that as I thought.

"I am sorry for your loss," he said gently, "I am also familiar with the feeling."

"Thank you," I answered quietly, the emotions in his eyes mirroring mine.

Our moment was interrupted by my teacher, who approached me to ask if I was okay. I assured her that I was fine, still she didn't look convinced, but let it go and went to greet some of her friends on the other end of the room. If her mischievous smile was any indication, I think she was glad that I had such a gorgeous company.

"That was my teacher checking on me. She just knows how I feel about events like this," I said as I saw the question in his eyes.

"Would you like to go for a walk? There are still a few hours till the end," he suddenly asked gesturing at the exit.

Now, I would never go for a walk with some stranger, who's also a vampire, but I somehow felt that I could trust him. I know it was irrational, but I always trusted my instincts. They never failed me.

"Sure," I could see that he was surprised with my answer, but genuinely pleased at the same time. He offered me his hand and we headed outside.

It was a very pleasant walk. The sun was going down and everything around was painted in orange and red. My hand was laying on his forearm while he showed me around the city. We were truly enjoying each other's company, discussing various topics.

We were so deeply engaged in the conversation, that didn't even notice that it was already dark. I was laughing at Nik's joke, when he suddenly stopped walking. His expression changed, and he put a finger to his lips, gesturing me to stay quiet. I tensed immediately, cursing myself for being careless and started looking around, trying to see where the danger was coming from. I could feel that he was surprised by my reaction, but he didn't say anything, still trying to hear the approaching danger.

I was feeling helpless as I wasn't even able to use any detecting spells, knowing that my magical power was limited and it would be extremely painful to use it now, after what my grandmother did to me. That's why I decided to wait for the right moment and use it only if there wouldn't be another choice.

I knew that whatever was coming had reached us, when Nik hid me behind his back. One second there was nothing and then suddenly vampires started to appear in front of us. One, three, six, twelve. There were twelve of them and I knew that we were screwed. It was too much. There was no way that we could survive this.

One of them stepped forward and I figured that he was the one in charge.

"Clan Reaper is sending its regards," that's all he said before they attacked.

It all happened so fast. One second everyone was standing still, the next I realized that Nik wasn't near anymore. Everything was in a blur, they were moving too fast for me to keep up with the fight. Then suddenly one of them fell, then another one and another one. With rapidly beating heart, I looked at the bodies, but none of them belonged to Nik. And only then I realized that the battle was pretty much one-sided and Nik was winning. I knew that he was old but was still impressed.

Before I could finish that thought, there were only three vampires left standing and Nik was one of them. I looked around, bodies were laying everywhere with heads and hearts missing. That was not a pretty sight, but the only thing that I felt was relief that Nik was okay.

"You shouldn't have come," Nik said with a growl, but before he could continue he suddenly fell on his knees screaming in pain. I didn't understand what was happening until the woman came out of shadows and started approaching Nik with her hands stretched out in his direction, obviously chanting a spell. She hovered above him and put her hands on his chest where his heart was, still chanting her spell. I Immediately understood what she was doing, when I saw Nik's skin slowly turning grey. She was desiccating him.

I felt so angry that I started acting even before I realized what I was doing. I stretched out my hands in the direction of two remaining vampires and with the single pull of my magic ripped their hearts out. The pain that went through my body nearly made me fall on my knees, but I managed to overcome it as I wasn't done yet. I briefly noticed the surprised expressions on the dead vampires' faces as I turned to the witch. She didn't see what happened to her friends as she was too concentrated on what she was doing. So it took her completely by surprise, when I sent her flying into a nearby wall. She hit her head pretty hard and fell on a ground with a thud.

I didn't care if she was alive or dead as I was worried about Nik. I ran to him as fast as I could, ignoring the pain.

"Nik?! Nik! Please be okay!" I started to shake him but he wouldn't move. He was alive but too weak. I was thinking about what I could do to help him, when I realized that he needed blood. I didn't hesitate even for a second as I made a tiny cut on my left wrist with my magic and held it over his mouth.

"Come on, Nik. Drink." I opened his mouth with my right hand and massaged his throat to make him swallow enough to wake up and start drinking on his own.

He finally swallowed some of my blood that had got in his mouth and opened his eyes. His eyes changed and I saw the fangs. He looked at me and I could still tell that he was weak.

"Here Nik, drink. You need to feed," I said still holding my wrist in front of his mouth. A strange emotion flashed in his eyes, when he finally understood what I was saying, but before I could identify it he sunk his fangs in my bleeding wrist. I prepared myself for the pain but it never came. Don't get me wrong, my body was still in agony because I used magic, but that was different kind of pain. Instead, when he started to drink my blood, I kinda enjoyed it.

I haven't really had time to figure out what I was feeling, when he stopped drinking. I looked at him and was relieved to see that he was completely fine. His skin wasn't grey anymore. I helped him to stand up, feeling his gaze on my face.

When I realized that he was okay, I couldn't ignore the pain anymore. I stumbled and almost fell, but he immediately caught me, looking concerned.

"Thalia, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" he asked trying to find any injuries.

"I can't use magic, it hurts," was all that I managed to say, before the darkness consumed me.