Was this how Stefan and Damon ensnared humans into submission? I had anticipated a more intricate process, something with layers and finesse.

But the attempt didn't seem to work — or I hoped it hadn't. Perhaps Stefan lacked the strength for true compulsion.

Regardless of the reasons, relief washed over me that his powers had faltered. I decided to play along to buy myself a little time.

"You and Damon aren't vampires; vampires aren't real," I asserted, my voice steady.

"Forget everything you know about vampires," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Okay," I replied, sensing the gravity of his words.

Stefan fixed a penetrating gaze on me, his eyes narrowing as he leaned closer. He inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of my hair, and in that moment, something shifted in his demeanor. His skin rippled with dark veins, and his fangs emerged with a menacing sharpness reminiscent of the chilling encounter with Damon the night of my attack.

I instinctively recoiled, turning away as his grip on my arm tightened, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed again, scenting the air between us.

"Look at me!" he commanded. I turned back to him, feeling the weight of his intensity. "Do not invite me or Damon into your home, and make sure your grandmother doesn't extend the invitation either."

He doesn't want to drink my blood?

"Okay," I replied,

"And don't let Vicky Donovan in either," he added, his tone grave.

Vicky?!

The revelation hit me like a punch. Vicky was a vampire, too?!

That implication sent my thoughts spiraling.

"Bella, listen to me. Do not let Vicky into your home," he insisted, urgency in his voice.

"I understand," I said firmly,

"Forget about the night Damon attacked you," he continued, his eyes locking onto mine.

"Fine..." I murmured, trying to suppress the fear rising within me.

He stared into my eyes briefly, then caressed my cheek.

"Go inside and lock your door," he instructed.

I complied, retreating to my room and securing the door behind me.

If Stefan was to be believed, then the truth resonated painfully in my consciousness: Vicky was dead.

The thought crushed me—Vicky had died and been turned into a vampire.

I don't want to hurt you or Mattie.

Damon, perhaps even Stefan, had tuned Vicky into this nightmarish form.

She might still be alive if I had just gone to the sheriff.

Grief and anger intertwined within me, spilling over into silent tears as I fought to contain my emotions. I couldn't risk alerting Stefan if he was still lurking outside, listening intently.


Tears must have dried on my cheeks as I eventually cried myself to sleep because I was jolted awake by a soft, persistent knocking on my bedroom door.

"Bella?" Gran's soothing voice called from the hallway, her tone laced with warmth. "Caroline Forbes is here."

The door swung open, and Caroline burst into the room, her vibrant outfit of pink and white contrasting sharply with the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. "Bella! Wake up!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable.

I groaned, burying my face deeper into the pillow. "Caroline, what time is it?"

"It's time for school—your first day back!" she declared, a grin spreading across her face like sunshine.

"I'm not going to school. I'm headed to the police station," I replied, trying to muster determination.

"To help with the search for Vicky? She's probably just off on another bender," Caroline shrugged.

But the truth was, there was no one I felt I could talk to about Vicky.

"Today's really not a school day," I insisted, hoping to discourage her further.

"But you are going to the Halloween party at school, right?" she asked, her eyes sparkling excitedly.

"No," I replied firmly.

"Oh, Bella, come on! You can't just brood under your blanket forever!" Her voice lifted.

"Yes, I can and will! Besides, I don't even have a costume," I argued.

"We can go shopping!" Caroline suggested, her enthusiasm unwavering.

"Uhh… maybe?" I hesitated, unsure.

Why was she so obsessed with my wardrobe?

Just then, Gran chimed in, her voice gentle yet persuasive. "I already have a costume for you, Bella. I thought you might want to ask that nice Gilbert boy."

I could see Caroline's smile returning, widening contagiously, while I sank deeper into the sheets, groaning at the thought of it all.


'Thank god!' Elena cried as she approached Vicky and me.

Elena's costume is that of a nurse, and Vicky's is that of a vampire.

'What's the matter?' I asked.

'I lost track of Jeremy.' Elena cried. 'I was worried.'

'What's going on?' asked Matt as he approached us briskly.

'Hey, uh, everything is fine.' I told him, wanting as few people involved as possible.

Vicky stepped between Matt and I. 'I told you to quit bothering me.' She asserted.

'No, Vicky, don't do this!' cried Elena.

'Matt, he won't leave me alone.'

Matt instantly turned on me. 'You need to back off, man.'

Elena stepped in front of me. 'Matt, it's... It's okay.'

'No, it's not okay.' he turned his gaze back on as Vicky fled. 'What the hell is your problem?!'

'Stefan. She's gone.'

'I'm trying to help her.'


The witch is a witch; how subtle.

I needed to find Emily's talisman, and Caroline had last. She was alone, with no Stefan or Elena around to protect her.

No, Caroline, either.

'So where...where'd Caroline run off to?'

My voice made her jump, and she turned to me and rolled her eyes.

'Do yourself a favor, Damon, and don't ask me about Caroline.'

'Oh, Bonnie. So loyal.'

'Just stay away from her.'

I chuckle at the threat; then I notice the crystal.

Around her neck.

'Where'd you get that?'

'From a friend.'

'Caroline. You know that's mine, don't you?'

'Not anymore.'

'Funny. I'd like it back, please.'

'I'm not giving it to you. I'll give it to Caroline; she can give it to you if she likes it.'

'Or I could just take it right now.'

I grabbed the crystal, and it burned my hand; Bonnie ran. I

was set to chase her when the scent hit me.

Her scent, Bella Swan.

I turned to see her step into the gym, wearing a white halter dress, kind of like white Marilyn Monroe, only a puffier skirt, kind of like a wedding dress, with little white polka dots all over it, and white flower on the bodice, drawing attention her... bruised neck and the bite marks left, and a leather jacket.

Her long dark mane was in a bun, and she wore a leather jacket and white sneakers.

She rubbed her wound, and my mouth watered.

My ringing cell stopped me from flying over to her and draining her dry.

She didn't see me.

What do you want, Stefan?

'What?'

'I need your help.'

I could hear Elena sobbing in the background.


I didn't see Jeremy.

I didn't see Caroline.

I didn't see Stefan or Elena.

I didn't see Matt, Tyler, or anyone!

I did get hit on by a lot of guys and some girls, and after an hour of that, I decided to go home.

While driving by Elena's house, I saw her, Stefan, and Damon standing out of the house.

I slammed on my brakes; lucky I was alone on the road and wearing a belt, the sound of my tires screeching made them turn to me.

I stumbled out of the trunk and sauntered over to them.

'I don't have the energy to deal with you, Bella.' Elena said in a tired voice; it sounded like a sob. She turned away from me, then abruptly turned back to me, eyeing my bruise and bite mark.

Her eyes widened, and she veered around to face Damon, giving him a stabbing glare.

So she knew the truth now as well.

'Did you go to the dance?' Stefan asked.

'Yeah,' I took the bun out, but I felt uncomfortable with the

weight on my neck. 'I thought it would be good to get out of the house; well, Caroline did.'

'Where is Caroline?' Damon asked.

He came across as the type that couldn't stomach not being the center of attention.

'I like your costume.' Elena said, ignoring Damon.

She was dressed as a nurse, with blood on her; was she a vampire too now?

Who turned her, Damon or Stefan?

Or was it Vicky?

Where was Vicky?

'Yeah.'

'Who are you supposed to be? Marilyn Monroe?'

'Buffy, The Vampire Slayer.'

They paled at my retort; the Salvatore brothers exchanged glances while Elena cleared her throat.

'I... I don't remember Sarah Michelle Geller ever wearing that.'

'No, but Kristy Swanson did in the movie.'

'Right.'

'Are you guys on your way to the dance?'

'On our way back, actually.'

'How's your neck?' Damon sneered.

'I'm still here. It'll take more than that to stop me.'

'Duly noted.'

Kiss my butt, Damon.

'It's late,' Stefan stood between Damon and me, 'I'm sure your grandmother is eager to hear from you.'

'Is Jeremy home?'

'Asleep.'

Or dead.

'Ok.'

'I'll walk you back to your truck.' Stefan put his hand on my shoulders and led me to the truck. 'How's healing going?'

'Fine, have you seen Vicky?'

'No.'

'Do you think Jeremy has?'

'Maybe.'

'I've been calling her like crazy.'

'You know how Vicky is.'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'She has issues with drugs, I mean she's your friend-'

'People with drug issues need money, and or at least someone with pain medication. I have both, and Vicky hasn't called me to exploit that-'

'Maybe she cares about you more than you think.'

'I think her addiction is strong-'

'Maybe she went off to see her mom.'

'Or maybe she found something stronger than booze and pills.'

Like human blood.

'Bella.' Gran called from the yard, causing Stefan to back away.

'Gran.'

I drove home as somber music played, and Stefan, Damon, and Elena watched.

As I drove home, I couldn't shake the feeling that something ominous was happening. However, I resolved to stay strong and face whatever was coming.