Darkest Temptations

by Katrina-H-Creates

18PLUS Heavy Sexual Content. Caroline, Elena and April make a daring choice. They invite Klaus to participate in a pural marriage spell, hoping to escape their old lives. The spell creates a barrier, isolating them from friends and everything familiar. But freedom comes with unexpected consequences. As they settle into their new life, jealousy soon takes root.

1. Chapter 1

Darkest Temptations

No Way Out

Caroline Forbes

After the memorial, an eerie feeling settled over Mystic Falls, disturbing the peace and tranquility of our seemingly idyllic town. Just a few hours ago, we came together, feeling the weight of sorrow and somberness in the air, as we paid tribute to the lives lost in the tragic gas explosion at Pastor Young's farm. But what started as a tragic event quickly turned into a chaotic situation. The infamous vampire hunter returned to finish the job he had started the night before when he attacked Tyler.

The Sheriff's Department implemented strict measures, enforcing a ten p.m. curfew to ensure the safety of its citizens as they began their search.

Looking back, I could cringe at the memory of my arrogance this morning. I had boasted to both Stefan and Tyler that I could single-handedly take down any hunter who dared to show their face. He had not only shown up but had in fact ensnared all of us in his intricate scheme when he cunningly used April Young as bait to lure us out.

The people who walked past me on the church grounds, heading towards their cars, were engaged in intense conversations about the horrific incident that had just occurred. Some were even contemplating the idea of leaving Mystic Falls as a result.

I was the first one to leave the church grounds that morning. I watched from afar as Stefan assisted Elena into the passenger seat of his car before he glanced at Damon with a palpable animosity that was evident to all. Elsewhere, Jeremy and Matt discreetly helped April Young into Matt's truck behind the church, ensuring that no one would notice the remaining blood residue on her dress or face. There were no words to express the overwhelming shame and guilt that consumed me for concealing the truth about what had happened to her.

April now found herself completely alone in this world, robbed of the only family she had left, and forced to return to a town consumed with secrets.

I needed to disappear from everyone's sight. I left the church premises with a secret and a sense of quiet confidence, knowing that today would mark the end of my life here in Mystic Falls.

As soon as my mom arrived at the church with the rest of the sheriff's department, she had immediately rushed over to me to ensure my safety. She later confided in me that she would gladly step away from the chaos rather than face another crime scene. After devoting almost thirty years to the town of Mystic Falls, she was finally prepared to retire and leave behind this destitute place we called home.

As I drove away, a weight seemed to lift off me, as if all the stress from the past three years was finally dissipating.

There was a stirring within a newfound strength that allowed me to let go of the hold my past had on me. I no longer felt tied to Mystic Falls or even to my friends. I had been clinging to the past for far too long, unable to let go of the familiar routine of school and the ongoing struggle against supernatural forces.

It was time to let go of my past and say goodbye.

I arrived home just after eleven that morning, only to find the street devoid of the usual parked cars. It appeared that everyone in town had gathered at the memorial and were now being interviewed about what they witnessed. I quickly stepped out of my car. I had no interest in seeing or talking to anyone, as was clear when I immediately turned off my phone after locking the front door behind me.

Despite a nagging feeling of unease, I couldn't resist the allure of staying in the town I knew so well. I was completely unaware of the world beyond Mystic Falls, having spent my entire life here, accepting my situation fully. However, I had never been more certain that it was time for me to go.

I entered my bedroom and quickly started removing the clothes I had worn this morning, vowing to myself to never wear the same heels again. I stashed them away in the depths of my closet, hoping to banish them from my memory for good. I threw my remaining clothes into the laundry hamper in the corner of the room, attempting to rid myself of this morning's events.

I ran my hands through my hair, desperately holding onto the curls I had painstakingly styled just a couple of hours ago, all while trying to unravel my own thoughts. Leaving my friends behind was out of the question, but the thought of enduring another day in Mystic Falls was absolutely unbearable.

With meticulous planning, I had already prepared my change of clothes in advance. Whenever I returned from a funeral, my mind would immediately turn to the comforting embrace of my coziest clothes. I slipped into my gray joggers and oversized white PJ top, savoring the comforting embrace they provided.

I headed into the bathroom next, and with a tender touch, I carefully wiped away all my makeup, unveiling the real me beneath. I then cleaned my nails, making sure to remove any traces of blood. At last, I brushed my teeth, feeling renewed and restored.

In the past, I would have spent the entire afternoon meticulously cleaning every corner of the house. As I looked around the room, I couldn't help but notice the thin layer of dust that had collected on almost every surface. It was a clear reflection of the inner turmoil I was experiencing. The difficulties I faced on a regular basis were enough to make anyone want to run.

For the past few months, I've been grappling with an overwhelming feeling of anxiety. During the night, I would frequently startle awake, my heart pounding and my body covered in a clammy sweat. It felt like my thoughts were consumed by an unending horror, leaving me breathless and striving to find peace. I knew I had to confide in someone, but the idea of burdening my loved ones with my troubles made me hesitate. I was always the type of person who preferred to handle her own problems. It was simply a part of my personality, something that had always defined me. I had never even thought about opening up to Tyler about my fears. Our friends believed we were the perfect couple, completely unaware of the hidden unrest lurking beneath the facade.

But I knew what I wanted for myself now.

I returned to my bedroom, feeling a surge of excitement as I reached for my laptop resting on my dresser. With determination in each step, I made my way to the sitting room, settling down on the plump couch. I closed my eyes, savoring the indulgent comfort of the pillows behind me and the blissful release of the weight lifted off my feet. I could have easily given in and gone to sleep right there and then. However, there was something I desired more than sleep, a reality that I had put off for far too long.

You can do it. I try to reassure myself.

In that moment, I had to confront my true feelings and be completely honest. I knew as soon as I admitted it to myself that all would be well and that I would find the strength I needed for what came next.

"I don't want to live here anymore."

Without any delay, I swiftly turned on my laptop and opened a new browser tab. I draped the comfortable beige blanket over my shoulders that I found behind the couch, nestling into its comforting embrace as I began the next chapter of my life.

My escape.

Gone were the days where I would have been comfortable leaving town in the middle of the night with nothing but my curling wand and whatever cash I could get my hands on. I was far from that same girl who considered leaving town with Tyler that night. I was my own person now, and I was never going to look back on the mess I was before.

I've never truly been content being alone. Since I can remember, I've always been in a relationship, either falling for or getting over a guy. When Tyler and I started dating, we knew we weren't destined to be together, but we gave in to our attraction and called our relationship love. Even my relationship with Matt was doomed from the start. I think a part of me wanted to know why Elena would dump such a fantastic guy. He was athletic, down-to-earth, worked hard, and genuinely wanted to help people. But nobody mentions the in-between times of a relationship. Sometimes picking the sweet guy wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

The Salvatore brothers' return all those years ago changed all our lives. A heavy cloud loomed above us; now we'd count ourselves lucky if we made it to graduation. We'd skipped classes to chase down leads and do research, and we were always busy keeping each other on the blood wagon. After spending your days running from werewolves and dodging the wrath of Katherine, it was difficult to concentrate on such small matters as homework and cheerleading practice.

We were all stuck, unable to move forward with our lives. The dreams we once cherished had lost their luster, leaving us with a perpetual feeling of hollowness. Our discussions shifted away from our interests and ambitions, focusing instead on the responsibilities that come with living a supernatural existence. We seemed to have accepted a future where we would forever remain in the state of adolescence. I couldn't stand the idea of enduring another second in this never-ending state of decline.

Choosing to stay and feigning normalcy would be the most heartless decision I could ever make.

And so I was choosing to go.

There was no chance of me getting away from the town or my friends clutches without some kind of supernatural intervention guiding me. Regardless of the destination, I was resolute about leaving my past behind and embarking on a fresh start. I would need a protection spell that could form an invisible barrier around me, ensuring that no one could ever trace my whereabouts.

Enemies lurked beyond the borders of Mystic Falls, threatening not only the Salvatore family but also me. Katherine, with her relentless pursuit, sought to make a game out of hunting me. And then there was Rebekah, harboring a deadly desire to eliminate all of us.

I understood that to achieve my goal, I needed to be focused, accurate, and resolute in my efforts. There were countless books at Bonnie's and in the boarding house across town. However, the spells recorded in their pages required the expertise of a skilled witch. I couldn't count on a witch to lend a hand in my escape, so I had to trust in my own knowledge and intuition. I focused on the key fundamentals of spellbinding, searching for the perfect incantation that would require only key components to create them rather than a witch to bind them.

After years of immersing myself in the world of the supernatural, my laptop and other devices were brimming with a plethora of bookmarked websites. Some I discovered on my own, while others were unveiled to me with Damon's guidance. Several spells had been carefully recorded and stored on these online platforms, gathered from unknown contributors over many years. As I immersed myself in the ancient documents, I felt a sense of bewilderment as I tried to navigate their intricate passages. There was no straightforward guide to navigate the complex network of barrier spells that awaited me. Instead, I had to handle each page delicately. There were many spells, but they all required a powerful witch or a worthy sacrifice to be completed.

I struggled to keep my eyes open, determined to push through the exhaustion. There had been a whirlwind of events in such a short span. At the memorial, Carol insisted on calling paramedics after Tyler was shot. She was well aware of the potential damage this incident could cause to her reputation and that of her family. Once it was evident that Tyler's injuries were less serious than initially thought, the crowds outside the church calmed down. It was speculated that the object that struck him was merely a rubber bullet, likely taken from a nearby police academy training center.

Once Tyler and I were alone, he eagerly shared his strategy for defeating the hunter. He felt an intense, instinctual desire, as if his inner beast had been set free and was now craving its prey. As I watched him, a complex blend of disgust and uncertainty washed over me, leaving me pondering the uncertain path that lay ahead for the two of us. I too had been completely fixated on thoughts of revenge, but witnessing Elena teetering on the edge of losing control caused all of those plans to vanish from my memory.

I was completely focused on the task at hand, determined not to waver. I sensed a shift in the air. Success was the only outcome. I longed for a spell, but not just any ordinary one. No, I required one so intricately crafted and cleverly designed that it would not reveal any evidence of my actions. I had to execute my plan flawlessly, ensuring there was no margin for error.

As I took a moment to ponder, my thoughts drifted towards a particular individual.

Klaus stood as the sole individual possessing the necessary skills to navigate his way out of any trouble. He had managed to stay ahead of Mikael for years. His own father, driven by an obsession to hunt down and destroy his own children, they had no choice but to adjust, to transcend their humanity, in order to stay alive. However, amidst their struggle to retain their humanity, it is likely that each individual started questioning their own morality, pondering whether they had become just as monstrous as their father had made them out to be.

Klaus's ability to navigate the dangerous underworld was truly impressive, leaving many in awe of his skills. He achieved success by trusting his instincts and surrounding himself with a talented group of individuals. He was the only one who could help me vanish into thin air.

My friends couldn't grasp my relentless curiosity to explore the depths of his mind and uncover the enigmatic motives behind his every move. Yet, I couldn't resist, I was completely and utterly enthralled by the mysterious existence of the original hybrid. As I witnessed my friends engaging with Elijah, it struck me how effortlessly they had let go of his past. Elena's forgiveness seemed to have ignited a powerful force, engulfing everyone in its wake. Had they truly forgiven Elijah for his part in bringing Klaus into our lives?

It was clear beyond a shadow of a doubt: Klaus had committed a terrible act by ending Jenna's life for his own selfish motives. Elena's decision not to forgive him was completely justified. But if she could find it in her heart to forgive one original brother, then why can't I extend the same forgiveness to another? Elijah never tried to be someone he wasn't; he was determined to protect his family at all costs. However, in contrast to his brother, he adopted a more methodical approach to his killings. Clad in sleek fashion and armed with a smooth way with words, he executed his lethal actions with a composed and collected demeanor. However, I was well aware of the sinister and deceitful paths that had brought the brothers to their present condition, which were just as sinister and malicious as any other.

I had a feeling that asking for Klaus's help in my escape would only make things more complicated.

I had allowed the opinions and wants of others to control my actions for far too long. I couldn't believe what I was doing right now. I would forever be tormented by the consequences of my selfish choices. I would need to come to terms with the burden of my decision.

As I immersed myself in the ancient texts, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of spells. The pages were brimming with powerful spells capable of wiping away the memories of both mortals and creatures of the supernatural realm, guaranteeing absolute anonymity. I would conduct an extensive search, exploring every possible avenue to uncover the spells that were specifically designed to assist in escape rather than conformity.

For almost an hour, I tirelessly searched the internet for a spell that didn't require the sacrifice of innocent lives or the possession of ancient relics. My browser was filled with a staggering amount of tabs, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find what I was looking for. I adjusted my position on the couch, plumping up the cushions behind me and settling further into the warm blanket enveloping me. Taking a moment to gather myself, I immersed myself once again in my research, meticulously studying the ancient spell archives that traced back to the sixteenth century. Back to a time when covens of witches roamed the land, their hearts heavy with fear and uncertainty. They were acutely aware of the perils that loomed at every turn, with the villagers ever ready to falsely accuse them of wrongdoing. However, these witches were not ones to back down when faced with challenges. No, they actively looked for ways to safeguard themselves from the impending chaos.

It felt like an eternity had passed since I started my search for answers, and the thought of a soothing bath was growing more powerful. The sense of uncertainty was almost exhausting. And suddenly, out of nowhere, something finally caught my eye.

As I discovered the weathered pages of Edith Walls' journal, a captivating sense of curiosity enveloped me. As I delved into each entry, I became more and more captivated by her story. The journals appeared weathered and worn, with pages that had turned yellow and become stained over time. The words etched onto the pages were nearly impossible to make out, particularly in the earliest records. However, these journals contained hidden secrets and untold stories just waiting to be discovered. Her journals were filled with detailed entries about her life, capturing both the ordinary and the remarkable moments. She passionately documented her adventures and daily routines, but it went far beyond that. It was a captivating tale of how she wielded magic to alter not just her own destiny but also the fates of three others.

Edith pondered the possibility of a life beyond her current circumstances, yearning for liberation from the constraints imposed by societal norms from a very young age. I could sense the immense passion she invested in every single entry.

She stumbled upon her supernatural abilities at a tender age, although the exact age remains a mystery. She was fully aware of her capabilities, yet the idea of being confined because of them made her reluctant to utilize them. Throughout her early years, she had observed the unfair mistreatment of respectable women in her community. They faced harsh accusations of sorcery, which shattered their lives and left their families and children in despair.

Edith, at the young age of nineteen, found herself as the sole survivor in her family. Her heart shattered as the merciless plague claimed the lives of her beloved siblings and mother, leaving her and her father alone. Since her birth, her father had always intended to arrange a marriage for her in order to reduce the number of mouths to feed. He had chosen an apprentice who worked under him as a potential partner for his daughter. Edith would soon realize that this seemingly charming young man had made an agreement with her father. With just two chickens and five bottles of ale, he managed to win her hand in marriage.

When she attempted to flee the night before, her had raped her. That fateful night, she realized she had to break free from his grasp before it was too late. With a newfound determination, she seized a nearby candle and forcefully drove it into his eye socket. Leaving him in excruciating pain, she escaped into the nearby forest with only what she could carry on her back. After a decade of searching, she eventually discovered peace in a charming coastal village, where she toiled as a domestic worker in a grand home.

Destiny brought her into an unexpected encounter with Emma Brooks, a fellow non-practicing witch, and Heather Petersbay, a vampire in hiding. They formed a strong bond and eagerly spent every available moment together. Once they had saved up enough money, they purchased a charming home with a stunning ocean view near the cliffs.

Despite having limited land, they were determined to live a self-sufficient life. They had a knack for gardening and a deep love for the healing power of nature. They carefully nurtured their own herbs, using them to create exquisite skin balms that they sold at the market. The villagers were unhappy with this turn of events. They were convinced that the presence of unmarried women cohabiting would negatively influence the impressionable individuals who recently arrived in their village. Within a matter of weeks, rumors of sorcery swiftly circulated, plunging the entire community into utter turmoil. In the face of adversity, she found herself on the brink of an engagement with Marcus Roberts, a prosperous nobleman hailing from the bustling city of London.

Edith and Emma had been working diligently, striving to create the ideal spell that would rescue them from the upcoming trial. They had exhausted all their efforts, experimenting with a wide range of spells and incantations, yet their search for peace of mind remained elusive. Every effort ended in disappointment and frustration, leaving the three friends feeling hopeless and defeated. Marcus suggested that they make a hasty retreat to London. Unfortunately, his suggestion was met with rejection.

With her journal in hand, Edith ventured into the lush forest that lay just beyond her doorstep early one morning before the others woke up. There, amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature, Edith discovered solace and guidance for the path that awaited her. Her mind wandered to Marcus and her closest friends. She was determined to protect them at all costs, even if it meant putting her own happiness on the line.

She was willing to do anything for them, regardless of the consequences. Armed only with their love, she began to construct a spell that would save them. After completing her writing, she shut her journal with a mix of anticipation and unease. The spell was finished, and now all that remained was to cast it. Unlike the other pages before and after it, she paid special attention to her handwriting on this one. Every detail was meticulously attended to. As I devoured her words, I couldn't help but envision her immersed in the tranquil embrace of nature, her hair swaying with the wind as she poured her emotions onto the paper.

The spell she had created required a great sacrifice from all those who were involved. It required Marcus to not only marry her but also her two closest friends in order to bring them together as a single entity. It wasn't uncommon; there were stories of men having multiple women in their lives, she had heard. The spell only required strong and unwavering trust among all those involved. The spell was straightforward but incredibly potent.

By the end of that same day, Edith had convinced the others to join her in the spell, each believing it was the only way out. Gathered beneath the night sky, they huddled around a burning cast iron pot. They all cut their palms with a silver blade and allowed their blood to slowly fall into the flames. Edith wrote that her heart raced as she extended her hand, intertwining her life with Marcus's as his first wife. Emma quickly joined, while Heather was the final addition to the group of wives. As the flames intensified, they tightly gripped each other's hands and started to recite incantations, their voices reverberating through the dense woods. The flames flickered and swayed, stretching towards the sky as they continued to chant.

Edith expressed her feelings of jealousy shortly after finishing the spell. She couldn't help but notice her new husband's lingering glances towards one of her friends, which ignited a deep and overwhelming jealousy within her. However, she would constantly remind herself of the spell, emphasizing that their bond was forged through trust rather than affection.

They escaped into the night, leaving the village behind forever.

Edith was one of the wives to give Marcus a child after they escaped the village. Emma gave Marcus his first son and three daughters. After years of dedication, many attempts with herbs, and relentless efforts, Heather was finally blessed with a child.

I was in complete disbelief as I reached the final sentence of the passage. I decided to give it another go, adjusting the screen angle and cranking up the brightness to its highest setting. I wanted to fully immerse myself in the text, ensuring I had read it correctly.

"Hold on a second; that can't be right." I quietly spoke to myself.

Heather's ability to give birth seemed impossible, considering she was a vampire like me. Everyone knew that vampires couldn't have children. How is this even possible? I was overwhelmed, my thoughts racing as I tried to make sense of it all. Stefan had shared this with me immediately after I turned. He expected me to have a deep understanding of my newfound abilities and the boundaries of my physical capabilities.

I remembered how he had sat next to me in my dimly lit room. After Bonnie finished casting the spell on my daylight ring, As he uttered those words, I became overwhelmed, and I watched Stefan retreat, leaving me to grapple with my own thoughts. The ache in my chest was nearly overpowering as I struggled to suppress the tears that were on the verge of breaking free.

I dove deeper into the story, discovering how Heather and Marcus grew closer as they tried to start a family. Edith often struggled with feelings of jealousy. She would frequently hear their lovemaking during the night and hope that each interaction between them was fulfilling.

And after years of effort, it finally happened. She welcomed a precious newborn into the world without any issues. However, that was merely the start. Two years later, she discovered she was expecting once more, and just like before, everything went smoothly. They never had to endure the pain of a miscarriage or stillbirth, and their family was whole in every sense. Their love radiated with the essence of dedication and loyalty.

Edith would later recount her discovery of another vampire pregnancy, which came as a surprise to her in the later years of her life. The murmurs of its potential were scarce and elusive, concealed in mystery and doubt. Over the years, it gradually slipped away from memory, becoming a forgotten tale buried in the depths of time. In this day and age, it was considered impossible.

I immediately began to wonder if Klaus knew vampires were capable of having children.

As I reached the end of the journal entries, tears streamed down my face. The stories of their bravery and perseverance left me feeling inspired to be brave as well.

It was beyond my imagination to consider being in a marriage where I would have to share my husband with two other women. I remained steadfast in my conviction, undeterred by even the most challenging of circumstances. If I dared to let my imagination run wild and considered entering into such an unconventional arrangement, I couldn't think of any other women I knew who would be open to it, even if it meant breaking free from the monotony of this town. I had never encountered a man who could handle the burden of three marriages at once. That type of guy stands out from the rest—a powerful figure who demands respect and captivates those in his presence with his remarkable brilliance.

Oh my god, Klaus

Why on earth was he the one occupying my thoughts? Why him, of all people?

Whenever I found myself alone, Klaus always seemed to magically materialize. During our brief instances, it felt as though I held a special place in his heart, where my presence was of utmost importance. And I couldn't help but be captivated by the intriguing aura he exuded. His body language was captivating, pulling me in with each movement. It wasn't his charm that captivated me, but rather his ability to effortlessly capture my focus. He had a strong desire to hear my point of view and to understand the intricate workings of my thoughts and feelings. I couldn't escape a sense of emotional betrayal towards Tyler. I knew exactly how he felt about him. However, I couldn't resist the allure of pursuing my own happiness with the person who had completely devastated Tyler's life.

Klaus was a mysterious and unpredictable individual who seemed like the ideal candidate for such an arrangement. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of thrilling and dangerous adventures he'd get into if he did live such a life. But could Klaus be a polygamist? And why didn't I think of Tyler as my first choice? Why not him? He embodied everything I had ever desired in a man, exuding charm, wit, and undeniable attractiveness. Why did Klaus come to mind before Tyler?

Klaus had likely daydreamed about getting back at me for the things I had done to him. At the Mikaelson ball, there was an undeniable spark between us. Our gazes met, and the intensity between us was undeniable. The atmosphere was palpable, and I longed for his embrace. That night I came home, took off that dress, and found myself dangerously close to imagining him as I slid between the sheets.

His creativity knew no bounds, and he adamantly rejected the constraints that confined the rest of us. When it came to intense and intimate moments, he was particularly unyielding. His name came to me effortlessly as I tried to envision a man who could effortlessly handle the affection and devotion of three different women. Nevertheless, Klaus was a fiercely independent individual, unapologetically embracing life on his own terms. It was difficult to envision him ever yielding to the societal pressures of matrimony and surrendering to another person's desires. He was a formidable presence, and no woman could ever hope to influence him into such an intricate partnership.

No way would Klaus ever consider becoming a polygamist. And neither could I. So why couldn't I prevent my mind from dwelling on it?

I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like to be in a polygamist relationship. My thoughts quickly turned to the two other women who would be a part of this unconventional arrangement. They'd have to be friends of mine—two people I felt completely at ease with. But who else did I know who was so desperate to do anything to escape Mystic Falls that they'd become polygamists?

Naturally, my thoughts were drawn to Elena. She was my closest friend, the person I relied on above all others; no one had ever felt more like family to me than she did. However, Elena found herself bound to Mystic Falls due to her deep-rooted connections. It was the place where her parents were laid to rest, where Jeremy lived, and where she had formed significant bonds and cherished friendships throughout the years. Elena would have zero interest in pursuing a polygamous lifestyle; she couldn't handle the complexities that came with it. Besides, her heart belonged to Stefan, and she had every intention of spending the rest of her life with him. Elena's current struggle as a new vampire is temporary. Despite her current beliefs, she will eventually adjust to her new life, and things will gradually return to normal.

Elena, on the other hand, would be thrilled to hear that our bodies were still capable of conceiving children. Elena possessed a nurturing nature that was unparalleled. It was clear that she was meant to be a mother. I had always pictured her with at least four children. I was determined to reach out to Elena and share my discovery, no matter where I ended up. She needed to know that there was still hope, and perhaps that hope would keep her going through her struggles.

Despite the immense pain and sorrow she had endured, she stood tall and faced each challenge with unwavering durability. As I watched her navigate this new phase of her journey, I couldn't help but feel a deep admiration for her resilience and determination. All I could do was offer my support and stand by her side as she continued to discover her path. She could never bring herself to leave Mystic Falls. The memories of a simpler time, before the supernatural took over, were too precious to let go. The quaint streets, the familiar faces, and the memories that lingered around every corner kept her rooted in place. Mystic Falls had become nothing but a collection of our shared memories.

My train of thought abruptly stopped when reality hit me hard.

Everyone around me, even my closest friends, believed that I was just as happy as Elena and that I still considered Mystic Falls my true home. I was filled with shame as I realized that I had failed to acknowledge the potential that Elena, too, could be concealing her true feelings. Putting on a facade of satisfaction with our current situation while secretly yearning for a fresh start elsewhere. It wasn't random speculation. It actually caught me off guard because I hadn't thought about it earlier. What if Elena was deeply unhappy? And what if, perhaps, she entertained the idea of leaving town with me?

I didn't want to leave town alone. The thought of total isolation was enough to keep me stuck here forever. The idea of Elena being with me was enough to put a smile on my face for the first time that morning. If she agreed to leave town with me, we could set out on a journey of complete self-transformation. Together, we could support each other in letting go of our past and embracing our future.

If Elena were to agree to run away, the guilt of abandoning Jeremy, Stefan, and the rest would consume her in a matter of days. The only thing that would get Elena to agree was for her and me to be on the same page about this life not being enough for us anymore. It's frustrating to think that despite our victories in the supernatural world, we sacrificed valuable time with our family and friends.

I was eager to uncover Elena's true feelings about her life here. I had no choice but to confront her directly in order to discover the truth. Discussing such a delicate subject would be very difficult, especially with a recently transformed vampire. I sensed that by exposing the extent of my sorrow, she would finally feel compelled to share her own apprehensions about what lies ahead.

I knew the reality of projecting happiness, of putting on a smile, and of carrying on for the sake of others. A sense of unease gnaws at your core, accompanied by the fear of being discovered and the relentless barrage of doubts that ensue. Those very questions proved to be a challenge for you, whether you were dealing with them alone or sharing them with others, regardless of your level of intimacy. If there was any possibility that Elena was going through a similar situation as me, it felt like my duty as a friend and as a woman to have a conversation with her about the option of leaving town together.

I required a dose of reality, a reminder of the unforgiving reality that lay ahead. This conversation would be life-changing. I prepared myself for the impending storm. As I considered opening up to Elena about my intentions to leave, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was a pivotal point with no turning back. The gravity of the decision weighed heavily on my heart, yet I remained resolute in my determination to see it through. Once she uncovered the truth, she would possess an immense amount of power. She could easily tell Tyler about my plans. She might even go as far as involving my mom. I was convinced that a heartfelt conversation was all I needed to sway my decision.

I took a deep breath and centered myself, determined to tune out distractions and truly connect with my innermost desires in this very moment.

I want to leave Mystic Falls and never come back.

The answer and the reality struck me with a force that was hard to bear, just as the truth often did. Eventually, the truth would always come to light, even if you desperately attempted to avoid it. It was time to confront the truth and face the consequences. I felt the burden of guilt weighing me down, as if it could drag me under at any moment.

I longed to find myself again, to immerse myself in a new community, and to make a positive impact while radiating true happiness. I had a feeling I wouldn't come across it in this place. Every unfamiliar face in town made me uneasy, especially after what happened today, which really set me back. I imagined a fresh start in a place where my troubled history and otherworldly abilities would remain a secret. I longed to experience the essence of humanity once more. I imagined convincing my mother to move away, perhaps to move in with her sister or fulfill her long-held dream of purchasing a cozy home in Maine upon her retirement. I couldn't bear to abandon her, especially after what happened earlier today. She had experienced more challenging situations during her time serving the town, but today was the last straw for both of us. The town seemed to be fading away, and I couldn't bear to witness what would happen to this place in the future.

I breathed in deeply, settling my hands and crossing my arms tightly across my chest. It was time to get serious and concentrate.

I had come to the realization that Tyler wasn't the right person for me long ago. There was a presence of love between us, but it failed to bring us the satisfaction we both wanted. Our journey was a rollercoaster of obstacles, but we stood by each other every step of the way. Tyler and I appeared to have a superficial bond that went no further than our physical interactions, much to the confusion of my friends. Our relationship has made me realize how low my self-esteem is, both as a woman and as an individual.

When I thought about leaving town, a wave of relief washed over me. It was as if I had been trapped under a rock, unable to break free from its crushing weight.

Leaving Tyler was the hardest decision of my life. I knew he wouldn't let me go without a fight. He'd search high and low, telling everyone who would listen that I was the love of his life and he wouldn't give up on us. But I had to do what was best for me, even if it meant breaking his heart. It was clear that Tyler was struggling with inner turmoil, unable to break free from the constant blame he placed on Klaus for the emotional baggage he had carried since childhood. He was constantly filled with rage, prepared to unleash his wrath and sow discord wherever he went. He couldn't escape the lingering effects of a past trauma that he was determined to avoid. I couldn't continue to deceive myself into thinking that I possessed the ability to mend him. He found himself trapped in an endless loop of brutality, lust, and an overpowering and unappealing amount of male hormones. Without discovering the answers he yearned for, he would be forever confined to his own private torment.

Tyler would hate me for a long time. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I had no choice but to come to terms with it. Living in constant fear of upsetting someone was no way to live my life. It was a foolish and unsustainable way to exist.

But he wasn't the only part of my life that was long over.

By this stage, school had become irrelevant. Switching from studying calculus and economics one day to fighting for survival the next was an incredibly jarring experience. Keeping up with a strict schedule, going to cheer practice, and completing homework drained all of my energy, and I decided it was time to give up. Whether I landed up next, high school would not be part of my life anymore.

I hated the idea of leaving my friends.

We were all growing up; school was almost over, and whether they liked it or not, life wouldn't always be like this. We could no longer ignore the fact that the carefree days of our youth were coming to an end. The future was approaching rapidly, and we had no other option but to confront it directly. Our skin was absolutely perfect, thanks to a diet and skincare routine that went above and beyond the norm. As time passed, the townspeople became increasingly wary, while our classmates aged before our eyes. Wasn't this obvious to anyone else? I couldn't help but feel that my departure would be transformed into a grand spectacle, with them making it all about themselves. It was a toxic pattern that I had grown to despise, and yet I couldn't help but feel remorseful for even contemplating it. They had a knack for twisting my words and turning them against me. Bonnie would likely recount the challenges she faced in bringing us to this point today. The mere thought of her actions filled me with an overwhelming urge to unleash a torrent of screams, tears streaming down my face. In my opinion, a good friend understands that you will always hold a special place in their heart, while a great friend recognizes the importance of pursuing your own path in life and making an effort to stay connected whenever possible.

In my opinion, a good friend understands the importance of maintaining a lasting connection, while a great friend recognizes the value of allowing each other to pursue individual paths and keeping in touch whenever possible. I couldn't bear to remain in this state, immobile and devoid of life, simply because she wasn't ready to confront the harsh reality that our carefree escapades were coming to an end. I was filled with such a strong desire to escape this place that I could easily leave town tonight.

The only question that remained was whether I wanted to venture alone or if I wanted to consider performing the spell.

Klaus was the only person I knew who had the balls to tackle such an intricate agreement. I had never seen such an impressive demonstration of masculine strength. Experiencing the embrace of not one, not two, but three women simultaneously was an accomplishment that only the boldest and most self-assured of men could achieve. He had an air of wisdom and maturity that surpassed his age. Over the years, though, he had never found himself walking down the aisle or committing to a long-term partnership. He had never encountered a woman who could truly captivate him. His house lacked any reminders of past relationships, in contrast to the Salvatores, who held onto the memories of their former partners. Despite Katherine Pierce's notorious reputation for her cunning and seductive ways, she was unable to influence him and change his steadfast determination. We were all aware of her drive to achieve her goals, but he was a formidable presence.

But the question remained whether he'd be willing to help me tonight or not.

His strong and steady presence had always been my refuge in times of need. Never before had I dared to ask him for something so bold, but I knew in my heart that he was the only one who could help me. His unwavering loyalty and devotion to me were evident in his eyes every time he looked at me. I was asking the most complex of men whether or not he'd consider entering into a shared marriage and leaving Mystic Falls. This would mean putting an end to his plans of creating more hybrids to do his bidding, bidding farewell to his family forever, and letting go of any thoughts of revenge against us for what we had done to him in the past few months.

Klaus never did anything he didn't want to do.

Every decision was shrouded in mystery and carefully thought out. Klaus had only one desire—to build a powerful hybrid army and take over our town. But there was something else he craved, something that he couldn't resist—me. He yearned for every inch of me, from the depths of my mind to the curves of my body and the essence of my soul. The mere thought of him being the one to rescue me from Tyler's embrace after all these years sent shivers down his spine. It was a tantalizing idea that I imagined would give him plenty to think about.

Deep down inside, I had an unseen attraction for him that I kept hidden from others. If Tyler and I weren't together, I would have given in to my desires and given myself to him completely. He was devilishly gorgeous, with his chiseled features and piercing gaze that could make any girl weak in the knees. His impeccable grooming was a testament to his attention to detail; he never settled for anything less than perfection. Unlike most guys, who were content with a new t-shirt and a little cologne every few months, he took pride in his appearance. His clothes were impeccably tailored, hugging his toned physique in all the right places. He carried himself with an air of confidence and authority, commanding the attention of all those around him.

He didn't suspect anything from me, of course, because I had deceived him, Tyler, and my own best friends into thinking he had a one-sided infatuation with me. They would detest me if they knew the truth; Tyler would break up with me; and I would be lucky if Elena and Jeremy ever spoke to me again.

If I truly needed Klaus, I believe he would help me. The only missing pieces to my plan were two fierce women who were willing to leave this run-down town behind. I could practically taste the freedom that awaited us, and I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.

Elena would never fathom the idea of being wed to Klaus, for reasons that were all too clear. There was nothing but bitterness and death between them; there was no hidden sexual tension to be found. Despite the undeniable chemistry between them, I couldn't shake off the feeling that their union would be doomed from the start. Would any level of trust be strong enough to withstand the trials and tribulations that lay ahead? They were determined to tear each other apart until there was nothing left but ruins. He no longer needed her blood, and their interactions came to a close soon after.

Even if there was a strong chance of pregnancy, she wouldn't betray her own values. Elena always stood her ground, determined to stay true to herself no matter what. I believe she'd rather die all over again than have a baby with Mikaelson blood.

However, this spell did not specify that the shared marriages had to form out of love and attraction, but instead trust, trust that they would remain married and united by their surrendered blood. Love and attraction were mere afterthoughts in the face of this powerful magic. So if Elena and Klaus were to participate, all they'd have to agree upon was that they would remain married and nothing more.

Without initially discussing it with them, none of this mattered. Up until that point, I had merely been pretending and fantasizing about what could be. Elena definitely wouldn't consent to this.

Furthermore, the spell required the presence of three women, who else would want to escape Mystic Falls? ?

Oh my god! April Young! Her name reverberated in my thoughts.

I witnessed Elena compelling in April. She stood by as she generously offered her help to aid her in overcoming her sorrow. April was forced to give up boarding school after her father died. We were bound to see her at school on Monday. She was alone now with no prospects, barely enough money to sustain herself, and no safety net to speak of.

Today, she said her final goodbye to her dad.

The only solace you can find is the assurance that no other pain will ever pierce your heart so profoundly again. Whether you're a vampire or mortal, the absence of your hero can turn you into a lost little girl once more. Life just doesn't feel quite the same afterwards. She was tragically isolated, unknowingly residing in a town teeming with supernatural occurrences. She was wandering around with her human ignorance, just like the other mortals in this town, oblivious to the dangers lurking in the shadows. And today, it caught up with her on that balcony. Asking her about the shared marriage meant spilling the beans on the flow of savage assaults in the vicinity, Tyler's gun wound, and the presence of all the supernatural beings lurking beyond her doorstep. Not only might she fear the supernatural, but also Edith's spell. She may, like Elena, spill the beans to my friends and set them on edge, urging them to come to me with vengeance and seek answers.

What's the use of all this overthinking if you're not seriously contemplating casting Edith's spell? I pondered at that moment.

I guess I was contemplating it, at least entertaining the notion of embracing polygamy. I had the resolve and mindset required to navigate a partnership in marriage. I didn't know all the ins and outs of how my daily life would play out in this situation, but I could at least grasp the basic idea. There are three women and one man. It's not a typical scenario, but that doesn't imply it's impossible to work with enough effort.

I could potentially have a marriage with Elena, April, and Klaus. If living in a polygamous relationship meant escaping the town and starting a new chapter, then it was worth it. Somehow, I'm certain we could all come up with a plan to share Klaus as a husband.

I intended to immediately invite Elena over, disclose my intentions to leave, and provide her with everything that I had gathered. If she rejected me, I would vanish, never to be seen by them again. Without Elena, I had no motivation to continue, so there was no point in discussing the concept of a shared marriage with April Young or Klaus. We needed three women. I pondered the best way to broach the subject. I wanted to illustrate the stark difference between our present circumstances and the potential for a fresh start in a safe haven, where we could establish a sanctuary and build a lasting foundation. We couldn't simply escape Mystic Falls and wander around aimlessly, hoping to stumble upon a 'For Sale' sign.

We couldn't start new lives somewhere else and all share the same house, even if we were going to be modern-day polygamists. I couldn't start a new chapter in my life without having a place to call my own. I wanted my own house rather than sharing someone else's. And if we were going to move together, I wanted it to be in a place far away from Mystic Falls.

Alright, I need to figure this out, I told myself.

If Klaus were to agree to be our husband, then each of us should have our own home to share with him. Three properties, side by side, would allow us to lead independent yet harmonious lives. Even better, we could flatten the backyards, enabling Klaus to move stealthily between the houses without raising any eyebrows from neighbors. It's clear that he had a preference for extravagant mansions or luxurious seaside villas rather than modest colonial houses with only three or four bedrooms.

Elena, April, and I had always been confined to the monotonous suburbs, never daring to explore beyond their limits. I wanted to ensure that we found a place where we would feel comfortable and at ease. Klaus would need to adjust to a new lifestyle.

If we were to acquire three adjacent properties, I would have to explore the latest real estate developments. Freshly paved roads are flanked by empty houses, untouched and eagerly awaiting their rightful owners. Newly constructed streets are lined with vacant houses, untouched and waiting for their rightful owners to claim them. Each one was up for grabs, eagerly awaiting offers from potential buyers. We needed a place where we could all move in on the same day without the neighbors asking too many questions.

We had to move to a location that was completely off the radar, beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Considering Klaus's extensive travels throughout the United States, I needed to find a location that didn't offer the bustling nightlife he was used to. It had to be a place free from complications and far enough away from here to prevent any chance encounters with people from our past. I expanded my search across different states, looking for captivating areas, but couldn't find any homes that were right next to each other. So, I decided to broaden my search to include the states along the west coast.

"Utah," I murmured softly, my finger delicately gliding over the state on the captivating map displayed on my screen.

I started by examining recent real estate construction, for it would be futile to ponder over the state's entirety if there wasn't ample room to accommodate all of us. In Utah, there were five residential contracts under construction, with one of them actively seeking offers for their latest project.

At long last, I managed to secure three opulent neighboring residences that were all the same size and had ample space. Each home features its own distinct interior and exterior design, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and private en suites for the master bedrooms. In addition, each residence was furnished with generous indoor garages capable of housing two vehicles. I couldn't help but smile with pure joy, as if I were being completely consumed by an overwhelming sense of happiness.

The properties were impeccable, with not a single blade of grass in sight in their gardens, both in the front and back. If we decide to buy them, we will need to lay new soil and build each home from the ground up. Every corner of these houses exuded a sense of untapped potential; their essence was pure and unrefined. Which meant that we had to invest our own personal time into every step required to transform them into our new homes.

The initial property had a substantial price of five hundred thousand dollars. The house had a charming brown exterior that exuded a certain allure, giving it a quaint and inviting feel. The simple front porch was decorated with elegant maroon window shutters that enhanced the overall beauty. Upon entering, you were immediately welcomed by a grand entrance, complete with a spacious sitting area and dining room to your right. A welcoming archway invites you into the kitchen, with a cozy sitting area just beyond to the left. The kitchen, with its elegant dark wooden cabinets and sleek granite countertops, flowed effortlessly into the adjacent pantry and laundry room. This house, different from the other two, had a basement, perfect for bulk shopping and storage. This meant that we could reduce our trips to the town, which would help us keep our shared marriage a secret.

I carefully examined every detail of the enlarged photograph of the master bedroom in this property with a deep sense of interest. If we cast the spell, this could be the room where Klaus and I would spend our nights together, possibly for the first time. My thoughts were immediately shut down, igniting a surge of anger and intensifying my senses.

The middle property had a remarkable similarity to the first one, but its front porch had a delightful and inviting charm. The second storey was adorned with a rich, deep shade of green, while the lower level was covered in a soft, delicate grey. The entrance was located on the right side of the building instead of in the center. In contrast to the previous house, this one boasted a private pool area tucked away in the backyard. The bedrooms were larger in size, but the kitchen was quite small. The total value of this house was four hundred and ninety-five thousand.

As I looked at the pictures, I couldn't help but imagine April living here. The property would be situated between Elena's house and mine, forming a perfect trifecta. If she decides to participate in the spell, this could be the place where she creates her own life with Klaus.

April exuded a captivating charm, radiating irresistible energy—exactly the type of woman Klaus would find appealing. I knew that if Klaus and I were to give in to our primal urges, it would only be a matter of time before our feelings consumed us. I knew that, given our history, Klaus and I would be sleeping together long before he and April even developed a friendship with one another. I didn't want to imagine them together just yet, however.

As I contemplated the idea of becoming entangled with him so quickly, my thoughts inevitably drifted to Elena's potential response. The very idea of her passing judgment sent shivers down my spine. I had a feeling that Klaus would soon be completely enchanted by April's gentle nature. After all, they would be married, and their intimate relationship would be of no concern to me. If we wanted to, our sexual life could easily become a regular part of our daily routine. I would have to adjust to life as a polygamist quickly; jealousy wasn't an emotion I could afford.

At last, the final price for the house amounted to five hundred and twelve thousand dollars. The color was reminiscent of the moonlit sky. The kitchen was more impressive than the average house, and in contrast to the other two homes, every bedroom had plenty of closet space. This house had a generous layout while emitting a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The master bedroom was located at the far end of the hallway, separate from the other three bedrooms. If Elena and Klaus were to keep their distance for a while, this would serve as an ideal home for them. I should have known better than to presume, but in this circumstance, it was undoubtedly accurate.

Is this really happening? Am I truly considering becoming a polygamist?

In my humble opinion, their paths would never intertwine—not now, not ever. Elena's heart remained steadfastly loyal to Stefan, despite Damon's persistent efforts to win her over. She exuded an irresistible charm, captivating everyone with her stunning natural beauty. However, Klaus was fully aware that she had a heart that surpassed most. He could feel the intensity of her commitment to her loved ones, constantly ready to sacrifice herself to keep them safe.

I took a deep breath before printing out all the details of the spell and the details of the life of Edith Walls in my bedroom. The room was permeated with the aroma of newly printed pages as the story unfolded before my eyes. Shortly after, a wealth of information about the Utah properties emerged. This included detailed descriptions of the houses, their prices, blueprints, property taxes, insurance groups, and even the contact information for the real estate agent who was handling the sale of ten other properties on the same street, including ours. I made sure I was going to provide Elena with every possible detail to demonstrate my unwavering commitment to the spell and our life in Utah. I wanted to demonstrate to her that my dedication to the task was unwavering. I set out to plan the most efficient way to travel from Mystic Falls to Sandy, Utah. We couldn't take the risk of flying there, as any flight records could have led our friends straight to our front doors. We would need to go on a journey across nearly two thousand miles of open road. We would need to leave our phones behind to avoid being tracked, which meant I had to print out the entire route from start to finish. If we were going to proceed with this endeavor, we were determined to execute it with the utmost precision and excellence. In other words, we couldn't afford to screw this up.

I meticulously compiled a comprehensive document that captured every intricate detail of our journey. I made sure to highlight the location of each gas station along our route and meticulously identify roads that were undergoing maintenance. I even planned alternative routes to avoid any potential delays. Additionally, I included information about every dirt road that could potentially shorten our journey by a few precious miles. Each page was color-coded to indicate its function, and the entire document was thoughtfully cross-referenced and indexed. The most important of these pages was the fastest route out of Mystic Falls, which I dedicated a significant amount of time to perfecting. My goal was to depart from town swiftly, avoiding passing by any of our friends' houses.

Afterwards, I proceeded to print out the spell and create duplicates for all of us involved. I gathered a handful of A4 plastic wallets from the top drawer of my desk, one for each section of information. Because Elena liked light pink, I carefully selected a wallet in that particular shade to hold all the details about the house I had in mind for her.

It was at that moment that I stopped dead, as I fully grasped the potential consequences of my efforts. If all my hard work were to go to waste, if Elena were to reject the idea of taking part in the spell, then I would be leaving town tonight. It suddenly dawned on me that I would never experience the comfort of my own bed again, never indulge in a subpar cup of coffee from the Grill, never buy flowers from old Mrs. Doyle's quaint flower shop on Mother's Day, or take a final stroll through the school hallways.

This marked the end of a significant chapter in my life. Tomorrow, I might be gone.

I had to reach out to Elena and April, arrange a meeting with them, and take care of this matter promptly, as I couldn't afford any further delays. If they weren't on board with the plan, there would be no point in contacting Klaus. I needed—no, I wanted April and Elena with me. Ever since I transformed into a vampire, Bonnie and I have struggled to regain our connection. It's not uncommon for us to go days without exchanging a single word. I was fully aware of the efforts I had made to preserve our friendship, so I knew it wasn't my fault.

Right now, my main goal is to persuade everyone to come on board with the spell.

If Klaus was going to be our husband, it was important for him to have a life with each of us. This meant that he needed to live in all three homes. We made sure that we all spent time together after the spell, so he had to live in each different house to ensure that everyone got an equal amount of time together. We would have to coordinate a schedule, Elena, April, and I, maybe even while we're on our way to Utah. We had to determine which house Klaus would sleep in each night to maintain the integrity of the spell barrier.

Nevertheless, my primary objective was to ensure our arrival, a task that would prove to be exceptionally challenging.

Every decision, timeline, and course of action had to undergo a thorough review and obtain approval from everyone involved. It turns out that my controlling nature was actually a blessing rather than something to be criticized.

I need to stop wasting time, I remind myself.

I had to prepare the house for Elena's impending arrival. The entire house needed to radiate a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. The conversation was going to be incredibly intense for both of us, filled with palpable tension and the possibility of forever damaging our relationship. I needed to find out if we shared the same sentiments and if she too was tired of the never-ending cycle of funerals and villains that seemed to dominate our lives. Apart from Stefan, her connection to this town was rooted in obligations and a sense of responsibility. She had to take Jeremy into account, as she fulfilled the dual role of being both his sister and his legal guardian. I knew she wouldn't leave town if it meant leaving him. The hunter lurked in the shadows, ready to strike fear into the hearts of vampires, werewolves, witches, and anyone who crossed his path. They were simply targets, mere names to eliminate and put down. She'd have to compel Jeremy to understand that it was for his own safety to leave town and that it was in his best interest to abstain from reaching out to any of his friends after he left. Instead, the only person he would keep in contact with was Elena, who told him through letters that she could set up a PO box just outside of Utah.

Klaus could come up with a more effective strategy. I couldn't help but ponder at that moment.

I was sure that he had a network of contacts, enabling him to find a solution for her. Perhaps he could even help me connect with my mom someday. Perhaps he would be more willing to assist me than Elena. The mere thought of the two of them trying to coexist together left me feeling drained.

As I focused on the task before me, my heart raced with anticipation. My mind was clear, my senses were heightened, and I knew that nothing could distract me from achieving my goal. With a determined look, I made my way through the house, pulling down the lace net curtains as I went. The sun was casting a brilliant glow outside, and I desired to soften its radiance within the rooms. As I completed my task in the final room, a wave of contentment washed over me. It was a minor triumph, but it gave me a sense of moving forward. I sparked the flame of a lighter and brought it close to the wick of the fragrant pillar candles. The room was instantly filled with the captivating scent of citrus and spice as the candles flickered to life. I couldn't help but grin as I went from one room to another, carefully lighting candles in each. The sitting room, bathroom, and dining area underwent a delightful transformation, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is absolutely ideal for a cozy night in. As I diligently attended to the humidifier near the entrance, I couldn't help but envision her arrival, being welcomed by the calming aroma of lavender that now permeated the room.

As I stepped into my room, a surge of anticipation washed over me. I swiftly changed my outfit, determined not to appear untidy in her presence. I opted for a fresh pair of blue jeans, a white blouse with a slightly revealing neckline, and a soft taupe cardigan that fastened low on my body. Finally, I slipped into my comfortable beige slippers.

I carefully closed all the doors in the house before turning on the heat, feeling a sense of anticipation. I wanted everything to be flawless for her. At long last, the moment I had been eagerly anticipating had arrived, and my excitement was palpable. In the sitting room, I carefully adjusted and arranged each cushion, ensuring that everything was just right. I couldn't resist envisioning the two of us here, immersed in conversation. As I switched on the TV, my heart filled with excitement. I swiftly selected Father of the Bride 1 on Netflix, aware that it was a beloved film of ours, muting it while I prepared everything else.

I felt a rush of excitement as I carefully held the tray of snacks, making sure not to spill anything. On the tray, there was a bowl of microwave popcorn, accompanied by a smaller bowl of chocolate buttons. I also had two tall glasses of Coca-Cola, complete with crushed ice and black straws. I placed everything on the coffee table in front of the couch. I set a box of tissues next to the tray, anticipating their inevitable use. As I lowered the lights, the atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming more calm and serene.

We had a lot to discuss before the materials became relevant to the conversation, so I opted to temporarily store the folders containing the documents in my bedroom. I went back to the living room to collect my phone to text her.

Either way, you're gone by morning. I reminded myself then.

After exchanging a few messages about the events at the memorial, April's condition, and Elena's emotional state after feeding, I extended an invitation for Elena to come over, which she gladly accepted. She planned to head over as soon as she changed her clothes.

As the time drew nearer for her arrival, my heart quickened with excitement and fear. I couldn't allow her to see my anxiety, not after the extensive preparation in which I had invested. Less than twenty minutes later, I looked out of the sitting room window to see her car pulled up in front. I casually brushed my hair back, letting it fall gracefully around my shoulders, before making my way towards the front door. As I entered the hall, I inhaled deeply, attempting to soothe my jangled nerves.

Her expression was filled with pure happiness. I could sense the remarkable transformation in her after she had acquired Matt's blood at the memorial. She appeared more vibrant than ever, exuding a newfound vitality. The dark circles that had long permeated her eyes were now gone, replaced by a bright and vibrant glow. She was now wearing a midnight blue half-sleeve t-shirt paired with blue boot-cut jeans. I embraced her tightly, holding her close to me.

Elena headed in and straight down onto the couch, her gaze sweeping across the room as she casually removed her shoes and let her shoulder bag fall to the floor. She couldn't contain her excitement as she laid eyes on the tray of delicious food and refreshing drinks before her. I moved closer to her on the couch. Our eyes locked, and a smile spread across both of our faces.

"You're looking better." I commented.

"I'm feeling terrific. I was starting to feel pretty exhausted."

"It's no surprise. I can't imagine how difficult these last few days must have been for you. Keeping it together like you have. You've done amazing."

"I haven't, not really."

Elena lay back on the couch, then crossed her arms across her chest as she settled down and relaxed. I, on the other hand, grabbed a handful of popcorn and began to eat, needing energy for what was to come.

"Is your mom home?"

"No. She was still taking statements at the church the last time I heard from her. I'm sure she'll check in later tonight if she has time."

"I'm still reeling from what happened today. As if the victims' families haven't been through enough."

"I know. This hunter is far from discreet."

"Using April Young like that, he clearly doesn't care who he hurts to get what he wants."

I was glad that she had brought up what had happened to April again. Clearly, it was still fresh in her mind, which was a good thing.

"You were great with her."

Elena shook her head and said, "I could have killed her."

"But you didn't. She's still alive, and thanks to you, she'll make it through this now."

"The last time I saw her was at my parents' funeral. I had Jenna and Jeremy at my side; she's got no one left, not so much as a cousin. It was just her and her dad."

"She's going to have a tough time of it. I've never felt the same since losing my dad. It's like they take a piece of you with them when they go."

"I know. I'll try and visit her tomorrow; I think I still remember where she lives. I'll ask Stefan to come with me so she knows we're all here to help."

"I'm sure she'll appreciate that."

"I hated when people came over to visit after my parents' funeral. I just wanted to curl up in my bed and barricade the doors."

"They mean well, but casseroles and apple pies aren't the key to fixing grief."

"I hated getting flowers the most; I didn't see the point of giving a grieving person something that's going to die."

At some point, I knew I would have to broach the topic of the spell with her. If it made her rush for the door, I would need to prepare myself, find my mom, and leave before Tyler and the others could arrive and confront me. I just hoped Elena wouldn't judge me for suggesting such an arrangement.

We should focus on our own interpretations of love and beauty rather than relying on the opinions of others. This type of closed-mindedness held many of us captive; not everything needed to conform to societal norms in order to be considered beautiful.

I wanted so desperately to enter the next phase of my life, enter adulthood, and explore what new life awaited in it. I wanted to change my wardrobe to prioritize my own comfort and warmth rather than dressing to impress Tyler. I pictured Klaus expecting a more sophisticated wardrobe from me. Swap out sneakers for ankle boots, lengthen the hem of a few dresses, and opt for high-waisted dress trousers instead of skinny jeans. I didn't perceive any issues with that. It's not like I'll wake up tomorrow as a completely different person. However, some minor alterations to my life could be nice. None of which would take place if I didn't start talking.

Elena and I enjoyed a cozy ten minutes together, indulging in Father of the Bride while savoring our drinks, chocolate buttons, and popcorn. She was finally able to unwind, draping the couch throw over our laps as we settled in to rewatch the movie we knew so well. I politely excused myself and made my way from the sitting room to the bathroom to use the facilities. I had never experienced such a desperate need to use the bathroom before. The mere thought of her potential judgment was causing me physical discomfort and a shy bladder. I took a few moments to compose myself, leaving the faucet running to create a soothing background noise. She would either give a positive or negative response, and it was time to confront it once and for all. I made sure to wash my hands before making my way to my bedroom to gather all the important documents I would need when the time arrived. I carefully arranged them in the order I would require them.

As I carefully held the wallets close to me in front of her, Elena reached for the remote and silenced the movie. Her gaze remained fixed on me as I settled back into my seat, placing the wallets on the coffee table in front of me. I shifted in my seat to directly face her, offering a slight smile as she watched me with evident curiosity.

"Is everything alright?" she asked me with concern.

She's already worried. Which made me anxious.

"Everything is fine, but there is something I need to talk about with you."

There I had overcome the initial obstacle, just one of the many that lay ahead. But it didn't faze me, for I was making great progress. It felt as though my voice had transformed, becoming more soulful and mature, as if I were embodying the woman I aspired to become once we were out there.

"I'm feeling better now. I wasn't before. Today was overwhelming for me."

"Of course it did; I mean, you saw Tyler being shot. No one would blame you for being a little shaken up." She hesitated, extending her hand to gently cover mine. "Why didn't you reach out to any of us?"

"I needed some time alone; I needed to figure some things out."

She released my hand and adjusted her posture, sitting up slightly.

"What sort of things?"

Pause for a moment and refrain from blurting it out, I remind myself.

I followed my own advice then, with Elena watching me intently. I took a deep breath, holding it momentarily before releasing it slowly. My shoulders relaxed, but unfortunately, my stomach muscles remained as tense as ever. The moment had finally arrived, and I felt completely unprepared, but there was no going back now. This would always be the exact moment that I changed our friendship forever, regardless of the outcome. If she agreed, we could potentially marry Klaus tonight and leave Mystic Falls behind for good.

"I'm leaving Mystic Falls,"

I couldn't tear my gaze away from her, even for a moment, when the news struck her with such force. Her face turned pale, and for a brief moment, I feared she might faint on the spot. She squinted her eyes and shook her head in disbelief. If I let her have her reaction right now, then I'd never be able to finish what I want to say.

"I'm leaving tonight." I exclaimed, much to her dismay.

When she opened her mouth to object, I leaned forward on the couch, placing my hand over hers in comfort.

"Please, before you say anything, just hear me out for a second."

She seemed eager to express her thoughts and seek answers from me, and I could understand her perspective if I were in her position. However, rather than reacting strongly, Elena managed to regain her composure and, surprisingly, started to agree by nodding her head.

Impressive. Thanks a lot. I pondered silently.

Her concern for me was evident in her expression. She never mastered the art of concealing her emotions, unlike the rest of us. Elena's open display of emotions has always been a defining characteristic, contributing to her remarkable personality. I had no choice but to be honest and open with her, just as she had always been with me. It was time to speak sincerely and express everything that needed to be said.

"I don't feel like I belong here anymore. I know this is our home; it's where we grew up and where we became friends. But it's just not enough to keep me here another day. I'm sorry."

Elena opened her mouth to speak, and I braced myself for the lecture about who and what I would be leaving behind if I took off. But seeing me press my lips together as my body tensed up, she stopped herself. She knew I was about to give her the floor to let it out, but she didn't; instead, she said nothing, allowing me to continue.

"This isn't the result of a bad day of gore and carnage; it's fair to say I've developed a thicker skin for such horrors, and before you ask, it's not a delayed shock from Tyler being gunned down like some sort of animal either. As much as it hurts me to admit, seeing him being shot wasn't the worst thing I've seen just this year alone."

I paused to consider, "Actually, when I think about it, today doesn't even make the top ten of the worst days for me."

Again, Elena was able to keep her composure. On the other hand, I wanted to take her hand in mine in an effort to confront her, but I too managed to hold strong and keep it together.

"I'm sorry to burden you with all of this. When I finally made the decision, You were the one person I wanted to tell. You're my best friend; you know what you mean to me."

I began to tear up at the sight of tears forming in Elena's eyes then. I always hated it when she cried; it took me right back to the day of her parents funeral. She was inconsolable. I had to keep it together the best I could; I was nowhere near done with what I had to say.

"Elena, what I'm about to tell you is going to be very difficult to hear. And I'm only asking that you let me explain myself before you judge me."

I could see the uncertainty in her eyes; she was grasping the blanket around the two of us a little tighter now. I should have cranked up the heat a little more, because she was clearly in shock. I was determined to see it through to the end. I looked away from her then to retrieve the first wallet from the pile on the table, placing it down on my lap before laying my palms down across it, feeling the cool, crisp plastic of the wallet against my palms.

Stay calm, I remind myself.

"Regardless of whatever happens next, you need to know upfront that my decision has been made and that I'll be leaving no matter what."

Elena, to my amazement, stayed silent, as tense as ever but mute nonetheless. I'd be ripping my hair out by now, wanting to know what was in all of these wallets.

"I didn't want to start a new life constantly looking over my shoulder, so I realized I'd need more than just a passport to start again. So I began to look into spells that didn't require a practicing witch to cast them, primarily protection spells, barrier spells, whatever you want to call them. Most of the spells that I looked over called for a witch or an antique of sorts. So I expanded my search and looked into spells that, instead of vital ingredients, called for exact replications of the original spell. It took a while to find one that checked all the right boxes, but finally, I did. A spell that didn't risk the lives of those casting it or destroy any memories. But instead, a spell that, when cast correctly, makes it impossible for other supernatural beings to track you from the place the spell was cast. This spell wraps around each individual involved like an invisible cloak; not even a spirit on the other side can break through it once cast."

I stopped then to take a much-needed and well-deserved breather. I hadn't blurted anything out, nor had I gone into considerable depth. I had the materials in front of me for Elena to look through when the time came.

Finally, Elena couldn't keep silent a second longer.

"Maybe you just need a few days away from all of this. Bonnie and I could come up with a plan, and..."

She came to a stop as I reached out and placed my hand on hers, a tight smile on my lips as I shook my head back and forth. She was taken back by the realization. Even if the company were my two greatest pals, this wasn't going to be remedied by a few days in the sun. Nothing could persuade me otherwise, and she could see it in my eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Elena. Believe me." I softly pleaded.

"We all get caught up in things, but we can't just walk out on our lives."

I let go of her hand, and then my smile remained in check ever so slightly as I moved back from her.

"But this isn't the kind of life I want for myself. And I can't do it anymore."

"And what about the people counting on us? I mean, what about Bonnie? Why bring me here and not her?"

Say it; she deserves the truth I tell myself.

"Because this next chapter of my life isn't going to involve Bonnie."

Elena was ashamed of me, barely able to look me in the eye as she asked.

"How can you even say that after everything she's done for us?"

"There won't be a day now or in the future that I won't be grateful for everything that she's sacrificed. But I can't spend my life here repaying her by spending my days taking down whatever crosses our town lines next. She sacrificed for us so that we could live. And I've done plenty in return. It's time that I start living for myself again, not just for those around me."

"Did you bring me here to say goodbye?"

It's time I decided, then.

I held her hand and placed it across my lap to soothe her while I explained why I asked her to come alone. I told her about Edith Walls' adventurous life, her childhood, the horrific rape she endured before fleeing into the night, meeting her soul mates, her relationship with Marcus, the witchcraft trials, the spell, their escape into the night, and their shared marriages' lives and children. I told them about the babies from the marriages and how witches Edith and Emma conceived effortlessly but vampire Heather battled. Elena grabbed my hand as I began to tell her, watching her eyes fill with new tears as she realized vampires may be able to procreate. Elena looked surprised, relieved, and joyful as I informed her about Heather's pregnancy and the children she had with her husband.

I cried as I told her how I felt while reading it and how relieved I felt when I realized I could still be a mom. I told her about how they all lived a joyful life together, not always easy and sometimes very difficult, but always together for the rest of their lives, as Edith wrote about the spell's power expanding with their children.

I quickly grabbed a couple of tissues off the coffee table and gave them to her, knowing her excitement would soon dissipate.

I told her I thought this magic would get us out of Mystic Falls, guarantee we wouldn't be followed, and let us say goodbye to all our mistakes. I studied her look as I informed her I would ask her, April Young, and Klaus to perform this spell. She showed her shock and fear, which I couldn't blame her for. I immediately assured her that the spell was off if she didn't want to participate and that I would leave Mystic Falls alone if necessary.

Instead of defending my argument, I explained why I was making such an outrageous and unconventional plea. I told her how I felt about asking her, how I thought my support would help her transition into a new era of her life as a vampire and a woman, and how I hoped we could get Jeremy out of town tonight. April Young was vulnerable after today's attack; she hadn't been in town long enough to make new friends, and without her father's financial support, she'd have to stay here and attend school with us rather than abroad.

Elena was still speechless but didn't run away. She was now a vampire and could flee without a fight, not that I would stop her.

I watched her as she listened to me despite her uneasiness when the subject of Klaus came up. I said his crush on me had nothing to do with my decision to include him. It was just that Klaus was the only man I knew who could handle three relationships without drama. If I had asked Stefan or Tyler, both of our hearts would have broken seeing them try to live such a life, struggling with them every day because we couldn't bear not being their top priority, and that they had to love and respect all three women equally.

I told her that I didn't expect the spell to change Klaus. I told Elena, point blank, that she did not have to be romantically involved with him should she agree to this. I would never ask her to enter into such a contract. If they cooperated in the spell, their marriage would be private. Klaus couldn't provide emotional support like a husband, but April and I could. We would be her emotional support as her friends and new family.

I advised her that starting this new life required being honest with April from the beginning. She needed to know our secret, the founding families, Katherine, werewolves, dopplegangers, and, most crucially, Klaus's history. Everyone had to be completely dedicated for this to succeed. I stated that April and Klaus may fall in love because April didn't know Klaus as well as we did; she hadn't seen the bloodshed. I then reminded her of Edith's opinion that having children and continuing the bloodline of the initial spellcaster strengthens it.

I looked her in the eyes and said I might become a mom in ten or twenty years. Keeping my gaze on her, I reinforced her terror that I may be open to Klaus fathering that baby. More than the spell's possible benefits, I wanted to reclaim something I thought was lost forever. I aspired to be a mother and to unconditionally love and nurture a child. I told her I wasn't in love with Klaus, but I knew he liked me. I warned her that this would fail without us being honest with each other from the start.

Elena watched me break the wallet seal in my lap and retrieve the first spell-related documents as she remained silent. I handed it over without hesitation, maybe a little because Elena's hand trembled in acceptance. At least thirty minutes passed without a move. I watched her absorb Edith's journal entries and the spell page by page. As I watched her, I prayed that reading this was a good sign. At the same time, she may be reading it to learn everything she can about the spell in order to prevent it.

There was no point in thinking that way; Elena was fully aware that if she refused to participate in the spell, I would go my own way without conducting it. So her reading about it now was surely a good sign.

I reached out to take the document from her on the last page, but she didn't allow it. She took a few impatient sips of her drink after brushing through both her hairs. There was no point in waiting, so I revealed my Utah plans. Elena saw me grab more documents from the next wallet and give her the fastest ways out of Mystic Falls and directions. Explaining color schemes, routes, and highlighted sections.

"I wanted you to have all of the information I had gathered so you could see that this was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. I wanted you to see the kind of life we might have together."

I watched her meticulously examine the house descriptions, carefully scrutinizing the photographs and blueprints. When Elena stumbled upon the information about the house I had envisioned for her, she carefully absorbed every detail, unlike the previous two. As she reached the end, she gently traced her fingers over the image of the front room.

"I don't understand," Elena confessed.

She was right to be confused; the whole thing was cart before horse, and I hadn't taken the time to explain the second stage of my idea. I picked up my drink from the table, taking a few sips, then returned to my side of the couch, believing it was best to give her some space for what I was about to tell her next. Sitting the nearing empty glass back on the coffee table, I turned to Elena, hoping with all my might that her still being here with me was a positive thing and not a delayed shock.

"We did perform this spell; we'd need somewhere to live together, far from Mystic Falls and the origin of where we cast it. So I began to look into other places for us to live. And I know it was wrong to just make assumptions about this; frankly, it's bordering on disgusting, but I had to show you the lengths I was willing to go to if it meant us remaining together out there."

Elena said nothing in response, merely staring back at me.

"Utah seemed like the perfect fit—a new property development with three houses side by side. I mean, you've read the details on each house; they've been on the market for less than twenty-four hours."

"Why three houses?"

"Well, the spell didn't specifically say how they lived afterwards, only that they were together. I thought living in a house together, or even in Klaus's mansion, would be too much for us. If we were to move to a typical suburban neighborhood, then we really were starting new lives. We'd be in our new houses, living our own lives however we wanted. And if we were side by side, it would keep the neighbors at bay too. We could tell them whatever story we wanted about our pasts. Plus, it seemed like the perfect method for, uh, marriages."

"What do you mean by method?"

"I hadn't really gone so far as thinking about how it would work once we got there, but we'd have to keep up appearances for the neighbors, and we couldn't have people asking questions about seeing Klaus moving between each house. I mean, they'd make assumptions about that pretty quickly, just like we would. So I figured if we, I don't know, leveled out the backyards completely as one, then the neighbors wouldn't see him or us going between each other's houses. So the marriages wouldn't be discovered."

"I thought you hadn't given it much thought."

"There were some things I just had to consider to fill in the blanks. This isn't exactly a comfortable subject for me either, Elena."

Elena sighed before running her hand down her face, not able or perhaps just unwilling to look me in the eye.

"How did you even come up with all of this?"

"Honestly?"

"I figured us marrying the same guy would be a big enough adjustment; the idea of being under the same roof would feel forced, and I didn't want that to be the case. Look, all this marriage requires is trust; that's it, and if somewhere down the line feelings grew, then I wouldn't want us falling apart over jealousy."

"Well, that wouldn't be the case if I were involved, believe me." Elena was quick to point out the obvious then.

I joined my hands together in my lap. "Plus, when I move, I'm saying goodbye to this side of me; the eternal teen has got to go. I'm entering my adulthood, Elena, at long last. I'm not planning on finishing school."

"But-"

"No, listen to me; it's redundant to me now. We've faced life-and-death situations and seen ten times more mayhem in the past year than the kids in our class have seen in horror movies. I'm tired of pop quizzes, waving pom-poms, and above all, I refuse to ask permission to go to the restroom even one more time."

To my surprise, Elena caught herself nodding in agreement on that one at least, which was certainly a welcomed sight for me. I even felt my stomach muscles relax for a second or two.

"I want to move to Utah, Elena. And have a house of my own. I want to pay my own bills, hold down a job, pick up dry cleaning, go jogging, clip coupons, make coffee, and hopefully have someone with me at the end of a bad day."

"And you think that person could be Klaus?" Elena practically screeched then.

"Elena. If you aren't part of this, then he's not even going to find out I'm leaving town. I told you, without you, there's no spell."

"What about Tyler?" she asked, making sure to lock eyes with me as she did.

She wanted honesty, and she was going to get it.

Say it, just say it.

"I love him, but I'm not in love with him. We're not even a couple, not really. We fight some new evil together; we have sex afterwards; maybe a little bit of pillow talk, but the train stops there."

"But you guys are still new to your relationship,"

"We are, but technically, when you think about it, so are you and Stefan too. Are we really about to pretend that my relationship holds a candle to your endgame with him?" I challenged her.

She was about to protest, but reality hit hard instead as her eyes found mine again. She couldn't look at me and pretend; she wasn't that type of person, and we both knew it.

"Okay, so things aren't great between you guys right now, but that's still no reason to do this spell."

"I wasn't planning to do the spell because I wanted out of my relationship. When I think about doing this spell of getting out of here, I could just I stopped, then felt tears form in my eyes as I was confronted by my own truth.

Seeing me this way, Elena collected a few tissues for me without hesitation, handing them to me before offering me my glass of juice, which I refused. Instead, she used the tissues to dry my eyes.

"Every day it's the same thing, and I'm just so miserable." I sobbed

"I'm starting to get that." I heard her say that over my sniffling.

Elena's jaw quivered as I met eyes with her, and she moved forward on the couch towards me, and we hugged. We didn't look at each other as we came to terms with the notion that this may be the final time we were together. Elena made her way to the bathroom to splash some water on her face after we parted ways, while I headed to the kitchen. I immediately took a painkiller for my impending headache before refilling both of our glasses and warming up a new bag of popcorn, which I served in the same bowl. Elena had returned and was waiting for me when I got back. I placed our fresh drinks and the bowl of popcorn in the same place again before taking my seat.

"I'm sorry I asked this of you." I confessed before she was able to say anything first.

"You needed a friend. I get that. But this is far from borrowing a sweater or copying my homework."

I laughed, trying to hide the strain it put on my stomach to do so. I was physically stressed, and my body hated me for it.

"I'm not mad at you, Caroline. But I need to understand. Why me of all people?"

"Well-"

"You can be honest. I'd rather you did." She told me.

"Because you were the only person in this world I'd do this for if you were the one asking me too."

She wanted honesty, and I gave it. Elena grinned in reaction to my surprise. It was almost as though she had expected that to be my response.

"I know what I'm asking of you is the most selfish thing I've ever asked for in my entire life, and you know it, too. I'm asking you to give up your entire life, your relationship, and the chance to see Jeremy grow into the amazing man we all know he's going to be."

Elena sighed and extended her legs along inside the couch, and I did the same, as we went top to toe like we did on sleepovers. For a moment, neither of us said a word.

"If we suspended reality for a second and pretended I agreed to do this, how did you imagine it all going down anyway?" she inquired

"To be honest, I hadn't gotten that far. I mean, I thought of a way for you to get Jeremy to safety and routes for us to take out of town. All of which is useless without you, obviously."

"What did you have in mind for Jeremy?"

Why does she even care? I should get started on packing. It's like she's just trying to hold me back at this point.

"It doesn't even matter; don't worry about it; you're not coming, and it's okay."

"Tell me," Elena urged as she picked up the wallet containing the details on the houses again.

What was she doing? Was she just curious? Was this some sophisticated plot to delay me further?

Hold on, she went to the bathroom. Did she bring her phone along? I'm drawing a blank!

"Did you call or text anyone when you went to the toilet?" I questioned her.

"No," she replied, unfazed by my change of tone, keeping her eyes fixed on the pages as she turned from one to the next.

"It won't stop me from going, even if you do."

"I left my phone out here," she told me before placing the paperwork in her hands back down onto the coffee table and finally looking my way.

"You're asking a lot of questions all of a sudden." I elaborated.

"...I know"

"Why?"

"Because the more you explain it to me, the less anxious I become about the idea of it all."

"About what?"

When finally pressed, she admitted the truth.

"Utah."

I straightened up on the couch, and she studied me closely, her gaze never leaving mine.

"Are you considering coming with me?" I luckily inquired

She began to sob, breaking my heart before answering, "I feel like a terrible person." She told me, her eyes welling with tears.

I reassured her, "No, you're not."

I helped her by holding her drink while she cautiously sipped, then gently wiping away her tears.

"But we have to protect Jeremy above all else. I need to know how we're going to do that."

As I settled back onto the couch, I gently cradled her ankle in my hand and began outlining my strategy to protect Jeremy. Elena was all ears, but I could sense her mind racing, consumed by fear and uncertainty. It was disheartening to witness her growing doubt, and it left me with a knot in my stomach.

"But what about the hunter? We can't just leave everyone behind to deal with him."

"We're not abandoning them."

"That's exactly what we're doing, Caroline. Exactly!"

"Let's be logical about this. The hunter isn't going to make it another day in this town with Damon after him."

"He got the jump on Damon out in the parking lot and got away."

"Damon had just spent that past half hour surrounded by humans and breathing in April's blood. The whole time, he was watching you on stage, worrying you were going to completely lose it in front of everyone. The hunter used that to his advantage. Besides, nobody ever beats Damon and lives to tell the tale. Not in this town."

Then, I reached behind the couch to activate the air fan that we kept on the window frame with a few photographs and books. I angled it so that it would blow directly across at Elena, setting the speed to it's lowest mode so it wasn't too overwhelming for her. Over the next few minutes, Elena sat quietly with her eyes closed, savoring the soothing effect of the air on her skin. I couldn't take my eyes off of me, so worried that one wrong move could cause her to change her mind completely.

This is unbelievable! She's coming with me!

"Look, I know this is moving too fast for you. I wish you had more time to process it."

As she turned to me, Elena asked, "Why do you have to go tonight?"

I pressed my lips together for a moment so that my answer wasn't immediate.

"I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it just feels like tonight is my last night in Mystic Falls."

"You say that, and I feel like I might be sick." She confessed

"Imagine how I feel."

"I just can't imagine you not seeing me every day. What are you going to tell the others?"

"Nothing," I answered point-blank.

"Wait. No. What do you mean, nothing? You have to talk to them. At least give them a chance to say goodbye." She pleaded with me.

"Elena, I want you to listen to me." I told her to keep my tone in check as best I could.

I straightened myself up a little before crossing my legs.

"I'm so grateful for them; I know I wouldn't have made it this far without them in my life. But I don't want to say goodbye. What I want is to just slip away in the night. And I know how selfish that is, but I've spent too long living my life worrying about the thoughts and feelings of those around me instead of my own. Placing their needs above mine is no way to live."

"It's been tough on all of us the past few months."

"Let's not pretend anymore, please. This has been going on for years now."

She bent her head in humility at the brutal reality she had to face. I appreciated the silence that we shared because it provided me with an opportunity to daydream about what the next few days may hold for me. At last, I wasn't dreading tomorrow, afraid of what villain could enter our lives next. We may be in a different state tomorrow, on our way to Utah and our future together. This all depended on April and Klaus agreeing to the marriage too. I had to keep that in mind and not get ahead of myself too much.

"What about your mom?" Elena questioned me.

"I've thought about it a lot, and there's no chance I'm going to start a new life and leave her in Mystic Falls." I told her.

"So, what are you going to do?"

My answer came after a brief pause as I composed myself.

"I'm going to make up an excuse to get her home early tonight—something she'll believe, like I'm locked out or my car won't start. After she's home, I'm going to cook us some dinner, spend some time with her, and then finally, when I'm ready, I'll compel her. I know it will hurt, but I have to do it for her own good. I'm going to convince her that it's time to turn in her badge and gun. She's served Mystic Falls proudly, and she could retire knowing the town is safe and in capable hands. While she packs, I'll send an email from her to the board informing them of her immediate retirement without notice, explaining that this recent attack on the mayor's son has shown her that what the Sheriff's Office needs now is new blood. After that, I'll send another email to her work colleagues, informing them of the same along with her plans to move out to Iowa, where she plans to meet up with an old flame from college she's been writing over the past few weeks. All of which is a lie, of course. I'm planning on compelling her to finally move out to Maine; she used to spend summers there as a kid, and it was always her dream to move out there and buy a house by the water. I'm going to compel her into believing it's best not to contact anyone from Mystic Falls again, now or in the future."

"And you think they'll believe that?"

"Today was a lot for even the most experienced sheriff to handle. They'll believe it; besides, there are already one or two people in the pipe line desperate to replace her."

I paused, brushing my hands down my thighs, removing any crumbs from the popcorn.

"She'll stop by the station on her way out of town; there'll be no one in the office by the time she's done packing up here. Everyone will be out on patrol. She'll leave her badge and service gun in the top drawer of her desk, delete the CCTV footage of her entering the station, and then after that, she'll leave for good. Then, a few hours after that, I'll do the same."

"But how will you keep in touch with her?"

I attempted a smile in an effort to prevent threatening tears as I answered, "I won't, not at first; I'll wait a few years before reaching out to her. Long enough until I'm sure there's no one keeping tabs on her."

"You know Tyler is never going to stop looking for you."

"He will, sooner or later, eventually stop. He's got a lot more demons than I thought when we first got together. I thought he was just intense and adjusting to life as a werewolf, but sometimes he'd just get so angry, and since Klaus came into our lives, he's just been a completely different person. And I'm tired of pretending that I can help him. Only he can help himself now."

"Why didn't you talk to me about all of this sooner?" Elena asked, her voice soft.

"It wouldn't have made a difference. Like I said, it's his problem to fix, not mine. I know what I want my life to be, and with time he'll figure out the same."

It was then that Elena retrieved the information on the houses from the coffee table again as I tucked into a few chocolate buttons. Feeling the chocolate melt against my tongue comforted me; it was the same joy that came to a child on Christmas morning with a belly full of chocolate and other treats. I studied her, turning one page to the next as tears welled up in her eyes, seeing these beautiful houses and the possibility of what our lives might be should she agree to come with me.

It's about time I wrapped things up.

"Are you coming with me?" I finally asked the question that may change my life forever.

Elena's eyes never lifted from the pages on her lap, but fresh tears escaped as she began to nod. We were still top to toe on the couch with Elena's legs on the inside. I took hold of her ankle, then under the blanket, causing her to sniffle before she retrieved a tissue to dry her eyes.

"I love him." Elena sobbed, her teary eyes meeting mine as she confessed.

"I know, I know," I repeated as softly as a lullaby.

"But it's just not enough anymore; it's not enough. Every day, I'm just waiting for the next funeral." She cried.

"It's not right."

"And I'm trying so hard for Jeremy, being a vampire and trying to get everything right for him, but he doesn't need a guardian; he just wants me to be his sister again, and I just can't stop trying to make it all perfect, all the time."

"Just hearing you talk about it sounds exhausting."

"I just keep thinking that one day it'll get that little bit easier, but it doesn't, and now with this hunter showing up, he doesn't care about our town; the lives we've built are just animals to him, and I'm so sick and tired of all of it. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired."

"I get that. Trying to make it work here when it just doesn't feel like home anymore."

"No, it doesn't," Elena cried before collecting a few more tissues from the box.

"And things between you and Stefan, how have they been?"

"He's been amazing since I turned; you know how hard he's been trying to help me stay on the animal blood, but since I turned, I don't feel like the same girl anymore. And it's not just my emotions that are all over the place; it's facing the reality that this might be what my life will be forever—fighting monsters, looking over my shoulder, and literally dodging bullets."

"Like today?"

"Exactly, like today," Elena groaned before blowing her nose and gathering herself.

"It's not enough anymore. Is it?" I asked, giving her ankle a reassuring squeeze.

"No," Elena mouthed to me.

Elena became a wreck afterwards. I held her in my arms for nearly twenty minutes as she mourned over the loss of her relationship with Stefan, the friends we were leaving behind, saying goodbye to her hometown, along with the life she would have had if she had stayed. We knew she couldn't see April in this mess. I took over since I needed to care for her.

After leaving the sitting room, I went to the bathroom and gave Elena a bubble bath, despite her complaints. She was cold and had red, puffy eyes. I won; she needed a bubble bath to sink below the warm water, close her eyes, and process what we would be doing tonight.

When I prepared her bath, I put the nicest towels from the linen cupboard over the sink. I lit delicate pink tea light candles one by one on the tub edge after clearing it of our items. I gave her a hairbrush and a hair tie to keep her hair dry since she probably wouldn't wash it. I added oil, bath salts, and lavender bubble bath to the water. When Elena finally made her way to the bathroom, I used the time alone to my advantage. Before keeping them in my room, I tidied the sitting room and returned all the paperwork to its wallet. Before washing the coffee table and throwing away the tissues, I put away the tray, empty glasses, and unfinished nibbles. I turned up the heat and turned off all the ceiling lights, then switched on the smaller lamps in the sitting room and hall before closing the curtains.

I made us food in the kitchen after hanging Elena's bag on a hall hook. I didn't know Elena, but popcorn didn't help me, and crying made me hungry. So I worked in the kitchen and put the remaining tray of lasagne and chips in the oven. While they baked, I made a side salad and two garlic breads. I got a tray for each dinner dish, fresh orange juice, and two painkillers for Elena's headache. We sat and enjoyed our meal together after our good cry. I had to refill our drinks twice before we finished our dinner because we drank them so quickly, needing them badly, I suppose. I returned the empty dishes to the kitchen, and we relaxed on the couch for thirty minutes following our conversation. We were sensible enough to refuel before making any plans after the decision.

I was surprised that Elena was the first to mute the movie. She nodded to me, confirming she was ready. It was time to bring in April. We decided to call her from a payphone in town rather than leave a phone record of our call the night we left. Elena washed dishes at home while I went into town to accomplish that, likely to divert herself. I hoped April or Klaus wouldn't reject us after all this. Time was ticking, so we had to do this immediately so we could get out of town by sunrise. The town wasn't bustling, but there were a few people outside the grill when I drove by, probably gossiping instead of drinking. Most of the other restaurants in town had closed for the night, some with signs in their store windows reflecting the local curfew.

My mom told me which roads would have road blocks up at ten o'clock to remind people of the curfew, so I knew the route we would take out of town to avoid them. Everyone would feel better about this situation the more organized we were.

Klaus and April were out there without a clue about our Utah plans. My future was bleak just because they might reject us. But then I envisioned what might happen if they agreed and the duties I would face tonight to escape this prison that had felt like home.

After Elena consented, I couldn't stop thinking about him. But the prospect that he would reject us was ten times worse than my friends learning our intentions. I had a feeling he would accept our offer—a new life without anyone wanting to stick a dagger in his back—a life with three amazing women, one of whom had been thinking about him all day. It was too far from the grill to see or hear any customers drinking outdoors when I used the phone just around the bakery. April was glad to hear from me so soon and thanked me for arranging for Matt to drive her home after the service. I said Tyler was lucky, and we still do not know what happened today. April had no idea that the hunter had stabbed her and used her as bait to bring us out as she bled to death.

She thought she had stayed upstairs on the balcony to grieve alone and that the town had only good things to say about her father and his philanthropy and spiritual growth of Mystic Falls. If April helped us tonight, we would spend our lives atoning for what that monster hunter did to her.

We worked hard together to prepare for her arrival with limited time. When I got home, Elena had cleaned and put away all our dinner plates and tidied the living room. We brewed a big pot of coffee, thinking it would aid April later on tonight. While Elena lit more candles, I sprayed each room with air freshener before rewinding Father of the Bride to the beginning on mute to avoid interrupting our conversation. Elena and I planned how to introduce the supernatural to April before the spell and our plans.

April arrived quickly, I could smell the apple-scented shampoo on her hair as I took her coat. She wore a black tank top with an unknown band upon it, an oversized grey cardigan, and dark blue narrow pants to show off her diminutive body. Her right arm had several bangles that jingled as she sat on the armchair across from the couch. Elena quickly offered her a cup of coffee, which she happily drank while Elena and I took a seat across from her.

We're in this together now, I thought to myself as Elena and I exchanged a knowing look.

We addressed today's service and allowed April the opportunity to talk about her father's passing before discussing why we asked her here. Elena served her another cup of coffee first. She was human and would thank us for the caffeine later on tonight. Elena's past with April made it only appropriate that she tell everything. The truth behind Mystic Falls' animal attacks and eighteenth-century secrets. Elena carefully presented the truth to a sensitive April over the following two hours. How the founding families discovered vampires in town and tried to kill them by burning them alive in the church that night in 1864, how Katherine Pierce was one of them and how she came to Mystic Falls to meet Stefan and Damon, then the vampire attacks in town since then and how the new founding families disguised them as animal attacks to hide the truth.

How Stefan and Damon kept the town safe since returning, how Elena discovered she was a doppelganger and adopted, how we became vampires, and how Tyler escaped this morning's attack. Of course we told her about Bonnie and everything she had done to protect all of us. Mikael, Esther, Finn, Elijah, Rebekah, Kol, and Klaus's pasts; all his actions against us to become the immortal hybrid he is today. Elena stated that Klaus watched over the few supernatural beings in town. April had been in boarding school and didn't know Klaus owned the huge estate she passed by on her way back to Mystic Falls. She saw the big iron fence and surveillance cameras on each concrete pillar. As we predicted, April was surprised, horrified, in denial, and thought we were joking. She searched the room for hidden cameras. She was shocked to learn her father's role and that the gas explosion was not an accident. When tears fell, we didn't blink. April requested proof that we were indeed vampires, so Elena and I showed her to avoid a fight.

I showed April my fangs and black pulsating veins under my eyes. Elena, however, used the coffee table glass corner to pierce her palm and draw blood, showing how quickly a little scratch may heal itself. After her first astonishment, April naturally asked if she was safe with us. She shed many tears, and Elena and I spent a long time to comfort her after she realized how far her father had gone to keep the founding families in power.

I informed April of Edith's spell. Like Elena, I guided her through each stage and answered all her questions. I gave her all my research paperwork and patiently read her Edith Walls' journal entries. Before telling her why Elena and I had brought her here tonight, I told her we wanted to cast the same enchantment with her and Klaus's cooperation.

When asked why we asked her instead of someone else, we edged forward in our chairs and discreetly recounted what occurred to her today in church. What the hunter did to her on the balcony and how Elena and I saved and brought her home. We explained how compulsion worked and why she didn't remember.

After that reveal, April felt safer by the back door, so we talked in the hallway. She was upset to find we had hurt her, but she was delighted we confessed and healed her. Today had been horrible, so she was glad she didn't recall her attack. There was no scar on April's belly, despite her constant checks. In our presence, she had nothing to fear, but it would take time and effort to prove it if given the chance. Since we were dating other guys, April had many questions about why we included Klaus in the spell and not our boyfriends. Elena and I then explained Klaus's persona, revealing that he had a network of subterranean connections that may help us escape. However, the guy behind the beast, Klaus, was charismatic, and we believed he was the only man we knew who could engage into such an arrangement and separate himself in each marriage.

Elena was in the kitchen when I told April about my Klaus interactions since he moved to town. She was curious about our time together, Klaus's attempts to make Tyler unhappy, his desire to give me everything I wanted, and his various flirtations that had caused so many issues for Tyler and me in recent months. When asked if I encouraged or acted on Klaus's flirtations, I said no, despite my current troubles with Tyler. April then read the information alone in my backyard to make sure she understood it fully. She felt more relaxed when she learned that this was my original idea to get us out of town. She assumed at first that Klaus might have put it all together. But was delighted to find it was just us girls for now that knew the truth.

We gave her all the information about Utah, the houses, the one we wanted her to live in, the routes out of town to get around the road blocks placed in four hours, and the perfect route to Utah. April sat alone at the picnic table for an hour before making her decision. Elena and I watched her from the kitchen window while washing the coffee cups.

She later found us in the sitting room, where we all sat down again. April wanted to know she was safe with us and how often we fed. She didn't know if stating it out made a difference, but she wanted it emphasized that she didn't give us or Klaus permission to feed on her. Which didn't surprise me, it was human. She was still very scared and smart to ask. Later, she asked us to explain that this shared marriage meant she did not have to have sex with Klaus or other intimacies to keep the spell intact, which she was delighted to hear did not. She then asked us if Elena and I if we were thinking of having children with him later in life should he agree. Elena said she wouldn't because of her background and feelings about Klaus. She wanted to be a mother someday but right now didn't want to think that far ahead. This was news to me as Elena had practically cringed over the idea of being married to Klaus before April arrived and she might consider having a baby. Perhaps she meant through insemination, I doubted she'd thought about actually having sex with him, she wouldn't, that wasn't the type of person she was.

When asked if I planned to do the same, I agreed that I did, but all of which was redundant without Klaus's thoughts on the subject. For all we knew he would turn down the offer of the new life and we were just three girls all alone about to leave their home.

Why does my stomach churn at the thought of him rejecting the idea of marriage? Maybe because it's a peculiar scenario that I am fully aware he will reject immediately!

I think deep down for now between us girls anyway was that we all needed reassurance that this wasn't something we'll come to regret in a few days or weeks from now. The three of us agreed to leave town that night regardless of Klaus's decision. But if Klaus surprised us and agreed to the marriages, we had to know what to do next. Over the following hour, April, Elena, and I would agree upon the steps. If Klaus agreed to help us then we would follow his advice about how we should escape Mystic Falls. The timings of tonight however we were keeping under our control.

The time had come to set up our meeting. April used the bathroom first and reappeared with brushed hair, soft pink lipstick, and mascara. She worked hard to make a good first impression, and deep down I couldn't blame her.

Tonight she might marry a stranger.

Elena used the bathroom but returned to the sitting area unchanged. I reapplied my perfume, brushed my teeth, and gargled mouthwash before

heading to my bedroom and placing all my information in a leather binder to make it less fragile while April and Elena blew out the candles and checked the doors. The girls borrowed some scarves and hats from me before slipping on their coats. The temperature had plummeted in recent hours. Elena held the information binder and April had the plastic bags for later use. I disalarmed my car so the girls could get inside while I locked up the house. We turned off our phones to avoid leaving tracks. After getting in the car, I started the motor and turned up the heat. I could see my breath in front of my face and had to clear the front and back screens before driving safely. I drove us into town and found more cars on the town square than earlier beside the Grill.

I chose the phone box off the enormous parking lot behind the new butchers this time. I parked as close as I could to the phone box, but I still had to walk a bit to get there. I kept the engine running to keep them warm. I was glad Elena couldn't overhear my phone call with Klaus, not that I would have cared, but just in case he turned on the charm like he always did. I slipped a handful of change into the payphone and called him with shaking hands. My pulse raced as I waited for his voice. I regretted not wearing gloves to protect my frigid fingertips from the metal. I held the phone between my ear and shoulder, hoping he would answer soon.

"Who is this?" He finally answered with a hint of irritation in his tone.

I let out a sigh of relief the thought of leaving a message on his voicemail made me uneasy - I needed to speak to him directly. With my eyes closed, I braced myself for the conversation ahead.

"It's Caroline" I announced trying to sound more confident then I actually was.

Almost immediately, I sensed him double-check the caller ID. It seemed that I had made it onto his contact list, a small victory for me in the grand scheme of things.

"I'm calling from a payphone in town," I said into the receiver before he could even inquire.

"Why the late-night phone call, love?"

Naturally, he misconstrues it at once. What did he expect to hear? That I had dumped Tyler and now wanted to sleep with him? It was as if the very air around him was charged with tension and awe. The silence stretched on, broken only by the sound of my breathing.

No, it was far worse, I wanted to marry him.

"We need to talk, can you meet me?" I inquired.

"I don't know, love, it's nearing my bedtime," he said, his tone practically dripping with sarcasm

For a fleeting moment, I shifted my attention to Elena and April watching me with a shared curiosity. But then, I swiftly redirected my gaze ahead, raising my eyebrow in a subtle display of frustration.

"Seriously?" I hissed, my teeth clenched.

On the other end of the line, Klaus let out a deep sigh, "Very well, you have bested me. When?"

"Right now, behind the old town church with the clock tower."

"Another one of your friend's cunning ploys to ensnare me?" He enquired.

"Trust me." I told him before slamming the phone shut, not giving him the opportunity to respond with another snarky remark.

Swiftly, I spun on my heels and strode back across the desolate car park, my eyes fixated on the ground. I could sense their piercing stare as I rounded the front of the car and slipped inside, only to be bombarded with a flurry of questions.

"What did he say?" Elena asked

"Did he agree to meet us?"

With a swift movement, I activated the function key for the heated screen, as the frost began to accumulate around the edges, obstructing my view. We were stuck for now, unable to move until the frost cleared.

"He's coming, if he's at his place it should take him around twenty minutes or so to get there."

"Are you sure he meant it?" Elena was quick to ask

"...Yeah" I breathed

As the screen cleared, I wasted no time in hitting the road again. The old church was just five minutes away, but we had to make sure everything was in place before Klaus arrived.

"Alright so is everyone clear on what they're doing once they get there?"

"Yeah a hundred percent, I'll collect the cast iron pot, it's still there I saw it only yesterday on my drive home, they're using it as a plant pot." April confirmed

"And that just leaves you and me on pick up detail" Elena replied.

Edith's spell was made up of fallen maple tree leaves, dirt, lavender, fire and the blood of everyone united in the shared marriage, which was brought to the flame in a cast iron pot. This is the reason we choose the old town church, it was the only place we knew where we could find a pot dating back to that time period, we couldn't exactly go online for help on this one, not if we wanted to be out of town by morning. As we drove down the street towards the church, I couldn't help but notice Elena's unease. Her body was rigid, and her eyes were filled with a fear that I had never seen before. I pushed aside my own inner turmoil, allowing my focus to hone in on her.

"Hey, don't worry. Everything will be fine," I assured her causing her to look my way then.

"And what if it doesn't? What if he calls Stefan or Tyler right in front of us and tells them what we tried to do?"

"Then we get into my car and just drive out of town that very second." I told her.

"Elena you can't think like that, it won't help." April said from the shadows of the backseat

"She's right. We really need to focus right now. Get everything done so that when he arrives he can see the extent we have gone to, he'll see for himself that we're serious about this. It's not some scheme to get out of town, it's how we start our new lives." I explained softly.

Elena sighed "When does the town curfew begin?"

"At ten, we have just under an hour to convince him."

"You're kidding me?" April gasped

"If we can't do it in an hour we can't do it at all." I clarified.

When we pulled up at the church I parked my car way in the back out of sight.

"She's right. We really need to focus right now. Get everything done so that when he arrives he can see the extent we have gone to, he'll see for himself that we're serious about this. It's not some scheme to get out of town, it's how we start our new lives." I explained, voice ringing out in the stillness.

Elena let out a heavy sigh "When does the town curfew start?"

I furrowed my brow, feeling the pressure of time weighing heavily on my shoulders.

At ten, we have just under an hour to convince him I said, my voice urgent.

"You're kidding me?" April gasped her brows shooting up in surprise as she took a sharp intake of breath.

"If we can't do it in an hour we can't do it at all." I clarified.

I parked the car discreetly behind the church, far from any curious onlookers.

I switched off the engine and we all exchanged a brief look. We carefully surveyed the surroundings, keeping a vigilant eye out for any potential followers. Content with our solitude, we let out a sigh of relief. It felt as if we were successfully getting away with it. We got out the car cautiously, ensuring that our actions were deliberate and controlled. April approached me and gave me a plastic bag. I noted the lavender inside, which she had picked from a pot in my backyard. Elena and I quietly made our way towards the rear of the church, seeking refuge behind the imposing stone wall. Meanwhile, April was assigned the duty of retrieving the pot from the front of the church near the old-fashioned entrance gate. As we rounded the bend, the sound of her footsteps grew more pronounced. I caught a glimpse of her coming towards us, clutching the old pot with a firm grip.

Amidst the shadows of the forest, we gathered around the fallen maple leaves beneath our feet. With the torch I had brought along, we meticulously selected the leaves and placed them into the pot. Then, we gathered handfuls of dirt and added them to the pile, collaborating to finish our task. We hesitated at the edge of the forest, unsure about delving too far into its depths. We understood the importance of remaining within Klaus's line of sight, ensuring that he knew our whereabouts. We crouched behind the stone wall, making sure to remain hidden from any passing cars near the church. With the curfew in place, it was highly unlikely that there would be a significant number of cars on the road at this hour. Standing amidst the dense forest, encircled by majestic trees and the gentle symphony of rustling leaves, we poured the bag's contents into the pot. We stirred the mixture of leaves, lavender, and dirt with a stick, creating a swirling concoction. After we finished our task, we casually disposed of the bag in the nearby bushes, ensuring it was hidden from view. Elena then turned to me and gave me the wallet, her eyes filled with worry. I could feel the moisture building on my palms as I braced myself to explain the situation to Klaus. Considering my past experiences with him, it was unanimously agreed that it would be most appropriate for me to inform him about our plans.

The wind echoed through the forest, causing a chill to run down our backs. April huddled closer, pulling her arms tightly around her body and pulling her hood over her head. Elena and I walked back and forth, our breaths visible in the freezing air, attempting to create some warmth.

April's voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke, shattering the peaceful quiet that had enveloped us. "I don't even know what he looks like," she confessed, her eyes fixed on the horizon.

This is hardly the time!

I stood in front of her, my arms crossed and my expression serious. "It's not a good time," I said firmly.

April shivered as she begged, "Oh just tell me," her teeth chattering in the cold.

"You guys told me about him. And I know about all the pain he's caused and his personality, but come on, give me something." She pleaded with us, hoping for some redeeming quality to justify her attraction to him. Despite knowing about his hurtful actions and unpleasant demeanour, she couldn't help but search for a glimmer of hope. She stood there, shivering in the cold, her teeth chattering uncontrollably.

"He's about five eleven, has dark blonde hair, and sort of dark green eyes, he's attractive."

"You said he's over a thousand years old, but is he young-looking like you guys?"

"He appears to be in his late twenties," Elena said.

"But his personality goes beyond that, he's got the old soul thing going for him."

"Is he well-built?" April inquired, causing both Elena and me to turn our heads towards her.

Really not the time to be asking this!

"Yeah," I said as I continued my pacing.

The tension was tangible as we waited for him to show.

"What happens if he doesn't show up?" Elena stood shivering in the chilly air, her arms crossed tightly over her chest in an attempt to keep warm. She looked around, searching for any sign of relief from the biting cold.

"He'll show," I promised.

Klaus eagerly awaited the chance to meet with me in private. The silence was broken by the faint noise of a car approaching. We strained our ears to listen as the sound grew louder and closer. Finally, the car drew up and came to a stop in the same parking lot we had came from. As I stood shivering alone at the edge parking lot, a sleek black Bentley pulled into the spot next to mine. The driver's door opened and Klaus emerged, his black coat billowing around him in the frigid air. He quickly turned up the collar of his coat, as if trying to shield himself from the biting cold. He suddenly spun around, his senses tingling. He caught a glimpse of me lurking in the shadows, and our eyes locked in a tense moment. I quickly retreated, daring him to follow me further into the mysterious forest. I shifted my gaze towards Elena and April, noticing the apprehension etched on their faces. We all stood in positions, listening to the sound of his footsteps drawing near. The leaves on the ground had turned brittle from the cold, and they crunched loudly with every step he took, making our nerves even more frayed.

Klaus froze in his tracks, his eyes widening as he realised that they were not alone in the dark as he had assumed. I stood in the centre of us, flanked by Elena and April. His eyes immediately locked onto mine. He glanced briefly at the others before quickly dismissing them and returning his focus to me.

He stood with his arms crossed, looking around with a dissatisfied expression. "This isn't exactly what I had in mind, love," he complained.

I looked into his eyes and spoke with conviction, "It's not a trap."

"Not exactly a party either, is it?" He remarked dropping his arms back to his sides, a sly grin on his face as he surveyed the area again.

"We need your help"

"I assumed you did."

Elena broke her silence. "Thank you for coming," she said softly. She avoided his gaze, as she always did, but it didn't seem to bother him.

"I'm April, by the way." April introduced herself with a friendly smile.

Klaus stood before her, his face a mask of stoicism as he watched her stumble through her introduction. April's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Despite her efforts, Klaus remained unmoved, his lips pressed tightly together as he suppressed a scowl. I was sure that he was fighting back laughter at her blundering attempt to impress him. She stood shocked, realising for the first time that it was impossible to talk to him when he was like this. The truth hitting her hard as she came to terms with who we were dealing with.

He turned his head back towards me, his eyes locking onto mine "I'm listening, love," he stated.

I turned my gaze towards Elena and April, who stood beside me, shivering from the cold. They both nodded in encouragement, urging me to take the next step.

Our eyes met and I declared, "We're leaving Mystic Falls."

Klaus' face fell as he looked at me, clearly distressed at the thought of me leaving. He didn't try to hide his emotions as he silenty contemplated my departure. His eyes piercing through me before shifting to Elena. She immediately looked down, unable to stand the intensity of his gaze.

"I see. So, this is our final farewell?"

Why do I feel like you're missing me already?

"No, it's nothing like that." I clarified quickly denying the assumption.

"Then I suggest you start making some sense, sweetheart," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"We want you to come with us." I responded promptly for if I didn't act now, things could escalate fast.

Klaus slowly turned his head, scanning each of our faces with his wide eyes. He took a moment to look at each of us, one by one, before turning his gaze back to me in the centre and said, "You're comedians."

Elena's eyes narrowed as she spoke, her tone serious and unwavering. "It's not a joke," she explained, her voice carrying a weight that left no room for doubt.

As the forest fell silent and the wind slowly dipped, Klaus stepped backwards, his mouth agape but no words escaping. I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on him, unsure of what to make of the situation.

Beside me April's heart was threatening to burst out of her chest. She tried to calm herself down, but it was too late. Klaus, who was watching her, noticed her sudden change in demeanour. His face was twisted in anger, and I could tell he was not in the mood for the human condition. However, I held onto hope that the evidence we had compiled inside the leather binder would be enough to convince him of our true intentions.

As soon as he had arrived, my stomach had twisted into knots that refused to untangle. The feeling inside me was a mix of excitement and terror, leaving me unsure of how to act. As they stood beside me, Elena and April seemed to blend in seamlessly with my presence. It was as if we had been working together for years, and their company brought a sense of comfort and relief. We were a team, united in our purpose and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

I took a deep breath and turned towards him, extending the binder for him to take. I had purposely arranged the binder's contents so that the first thing he would see was a section entirely dedicated to Edith's life. After that, he would come across the spell. Before ultimately coming to the section pertaining to all three houses.

"If we're going to get out of Mystic Falls together, we want to use this spell to ensure no one ever finds us again." My voice was calm and measured as I hoped to convey my message clearly as the others nodded in agreement, their expressions determined.

"And who exactly are you all running away from?" Klaus inquired

"No one," April answered firmly.

Klaus shifted his gaze towards her, and I watched as April held his stare, her eyes betraying a strength that belied her appearance. She was no fool, and she had pushed past his tough guy exterior. Klaus slowly turned his head towards me, his eyes meeting mine. Looking to the unopened binder clasped in his hands I gestured towards it, silently urging him to trust us and reveal its contents. Klaus took a deep breath and finally opened the binder.

"Fine." Klaus let out an anguished sigh before reluctantly agreeing to read it.

As he turned to the first page and began to read. I stood still, watching him intently. Klaus stood in the centre of the clearing, oblivious to the fact that we had already taken our places around the large iron pot. We had carefully marked our positions on the ground, just as the wives had done before they surrendered their blood to the flame that night.

A soft breeze brushed against me, causing my hair to gracefully dance over my shoulder. Klaus, who was standing nearby, became tense. However, Elena and April were too absorbed in their techniques to stay warm to pay attention. Klaus glanced in my direction, his gaze briefly meeting mine. It was obvious that he had noticed the scent of my perfume, and it was clear that it had a strong impact on him. Shortly after that, Klaus briefly looked away from the page and gazed into the wilderness. He cleared his throat before reluctantly turning his attention back to the page. In that moment, it became clear to me that he was engrossed in the details of Edith's harrowing experience. As I observed Klaus intently, I started to catch glimpses of his genuine character. Recollections of his devotion to Rebekah overwhelmed me, and it dawned on me that he would stop at nothing to shield her from the same terrors that Edith endured.

The rest of us stood in silence as he approached the page that held the crucial spell we were in dire need of. The atmosphere was thick with tension as we anxiously awaited Klaus to grasp the seriousness of the situation. As Klaus turned his head towards us, we instinctively clasped each other's hands. We faced him, our question lingering in the air. His gaze, intense and penetrating, cut through us all. He understood our question perfectly. I stood there, stressed with nausea and a desperate desire to vanish into thin air. Elena and April stood beside me, holding onto my hands. Klaus watched them closely, carefully studying each of them and then turning his gaze back to the other. He glanced up from the text and surveyed the space, taking in our presence. We exchanged hesitant looks, pondering what thoughts were occupying his mind. The forest was hushed, with only the gentle rustling of pages breaking the silence. I couldn't help but ponder the implications of his reading.

Klaus lifted his head from the page and looked around at us. We exchanged uncertain glances, wondering what was going through his mind. His eyes glued to the pages of the binder in his hands. The forest was quiet except for the sound of the turning pages. I couldn't help but wonder if it was a good or bad thing that he kept reading.

I cleared my throat before calling out, "Klaus?" the others remaining silent as I waited for a response.

He lifted his hand, motioning for me to stop. His eyes remained fixed on the page in front of him, as if nothing else in the world mattered.

"What should we do?" April mouthed to me when I looked her way, and I shook my head.

He's already furious.

We stood there in silence as he flipped through the pages of the binder, not once acknowledging our presence. It wasn't until he reached the final page that he finally looked up, slamming the binder shut with a loud snap startling April. The forest fell silent again without a whisper of wind as everyone looked at each other, unsure of who should break the tension. I wondering if Elena or April should be the one's to speak up or if I should again take the lead. I had anticipated this conversation was going to be difficult, but I didn't expect this kind of reaction from him. As I released the girl's hands, Klaus suddenly became aware that we had been holding hands the entire time he'd been reading.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Elena inquired

She looked at him expectantly, waiting for his response. He held her gaze for a moment before finally speaking. "I doubt you'd like to hear what I'm thinking right now, sweetheart," he said with a sly smile.

"We know exactly what we're asking," I explained, my voice firm and unwavering. The others looked at me eagerly, waiting for me to continue.

He looked at him with a growing frustration. "No, I don't think you do love," he said, her voice barely above a whisper. He didn't respond, just stared at me afterwards with a blank expression. The silence that followed was suffocating.

"It was all my idea." I informed him keeping my voice steady. I watched him process my words trying to make sense of them.

The two stood in silence until he looked to them for answers, both acknowledging the statement made with a nod.

"Why, of all people, would you want this?" Klaus inquired raising an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.

"It's more than just what I want. It concerns all of us." my tone laced with determination "It concerns all of us," I explained.

"Why not just leave?"

"Everyone who has left has come back time and time again to save someone or help another. We don't want that option. We'd like to start over. We're tired of living this way." My heart pounding with adrenaline as I voiced the thoughts that had been weighing heavily on all of their minds.

"You've fought me tooth and nail to keep your little town standing."

"And look where it's led us. Living in a place where people are attacked at funerals? That's not the life we want or deserve." Elena responded.

"I see," He said coolly "And which one of your little friends got hurt this time?"

April looked to him, her chin held high as she confidently declared, "Me."

"And Tyler," I added.

Klaus and I locked eyes, and I could feel the tension between us. I had just mentioned Tyler's name, and Klaus clearly didn't appreciate it. We both understood the animosity that existed between them was beyond the sire bond, it was about me too.

"There's a new hunter in town, we don't know what his end game is but he's already made it clear who he assumes is a supernatural creature, like he senses us or something." Elena elaborated her words flowed smoothly, punctuated by occasional pauses as she gathered her thoughts. After all none of us knew what to make of the hunter just yet.

"He does, he'll sense or at least suspect the vampire in you the moment he steps into the room."

"Wait, do you know anything about hunters?" I asked

"They've appeared throughout the centuries, never surviving long enough to catch up with me." He shared.

"Well, today one of them stabbed me and left me to bleed to death at my own father's funeral." April's voice cut through us then.

Klaus stood silently, his eyes fixed on her as she absentmindedly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and shrugged her shoulders. She struggled to find the words to describe the gruesome violence she had unknowingly endured. Even hearing that it had happened to her had left her traumatised, yet she had somehow found the strength to be with us tonight. For a brief moment Klaus looked at her with admiration and respect. She had just gone through her own father's memorial and yet here she was, standing strong. It was truly incredible to see such strength and resilience in a human being.

"He's never going to get near you again." I promised her.

"She's right, April," Elena confirmed.

"Let's get back to business, sweethearts," he said, his voice minimal and assertive.

"We needed a spell to stop anyone from ever finding us again, one that didn't require the casting of a witch."

"So the little witch isn't involved in all of this?"

"No, Bonnie knows nothing about any of this. It's just us and it's going to stay that way."

Klaus's eyes narrowed as he curled his lips into a sneer.

Stop looking at him.

"Explain," he demanded.

I turned to Elena and saw her nodding in agreement as I prepared to confront Klaus with the truth. Then, I faced him and spoke my mind.

"We're not going to tell anyone about the spell because it's none of their business. We've discussed it, and decided that it's best for us to just disappear."

He looked at me with a curious expression. "Tonight?" he inquired.

I nodded my head in response.

Klaus' his eyes fixed on us, unblinking. The forest was filled with an eerie silence, his lips tightly sealed. Every passing second only made my nerves more frayed, I watched him intently, trying to decipher the thoughts behind his expressionless face. It was a constant source of frustration, as if he took pleasure in keeping me on the edge of my seat.

"You're all willing to pack up and leave the little town you adore without saying anything to the ripper or little Tyler about your destination or wicked intentions?"

"Our business is our own," I said.

"We don't belong here. We believe we belong with you." I told him and quickly seized Elena and April's hands by my sides again.

Klaus looked at our hands as they linked before returning his gaze to me.

"You expect me to believe you?"

"You don't have to compel me to know the truth. You can see it in my eyes."

"Don't tell me what I know."

"If you thought we were lying, then you would have done something about it by now." I was quick to point out then.

"Why are there descriptions of three properties in..." he trailed off, his mind struggling to recall the state they were based in.

The three of us stood there, staring at him with anticipation. Suddenly, we all blurted out the same word at the same time: "Utah!" He looked surprised by our synchronised response.

"Why did you add them in with the rest of this?" Klaus held up his hand, the binder still clutched tightly in his grip.

I turned to him and raised an eyebrow. "Curious?" I asked.

"You have me curious," He said, "But far from interested."

"We want to move there. We want to live in these exact houses."

"There are only three house listings. Does this imaginary husband of yours live outside?"

"You already understand what we're asking of you in this. Let's not pretend."

"Says the girl who wants to play house," Klaus pointed out.

You can be such an ass sometimes...

"We agree to keep our names off anything official. All three properties will be under your name making this a clean investment. And if it doesn't work then we walk away with nothing and you get your money back."

He looked at me with with a slightly raised eyebrow and a smirk on his face. "This is hardly a selfless act, love," he said

Klaus looked at each of us, frustration etched on his face. Elena and April remained silent, avoiding eye contact. He turned to me, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. It was clear that he was seeking answers, and he knew that I was the only one who could provide them now.

"We thought about that and we think we've come up with a way of evening things out in that area too." I paused taking a small breath as I tried to collect my jumbled thoughts "We're not proposing a dictatorship but we have agreed that in return for your participation in the spell we'll provide you with something in return."

Klaus simply returned my gaze.

"We've decided that when we pass that town line tonight, all previous wrongdoings will be forgotten. Some may be more difficult to forget than others, but we will start this new life without malice. We understand that this new life won't be easy, and that at some point, we all might want to give up or even come back here to start over alone. We're all going to fight, and at times we may even need a few days away from each other. But, as women, we've made a vow that this life won't be treated as a joke, which means our marriages are our own business and we won't be ruled by things such as pettiness or jealousy. This also means you don't have to worry about us breathing down your neck about each other. We're not entering this marriage for love, but each of us has agreed to be open the possibility of it in the future, and I mean in every sense of the word." I told him, slowly, pausing here and there. Giving him a clear sign of our commitment and the unknown future that lay ahead for all of us involve.

Klaus slowly shifted his eyes towards Elena, who was waiting for his attention. She stood tall, her eyes locked onto his with unwavering determination. Despite the intensity of his gaze, she refused to show any sign of weakness, holding her ground with a steely resolve. As they stood there, staring into each other's eyes, it was evident that this moment held immense importance for both of them.

I never finished my thought until Klaus again locked eyes with me.

"The reason there are three houses rather than four is that each wife will have one house to share with you and, in time, any children who may follow." I explained

Klaus suddenly averted my gaze.

"Why didn't you tell us about vampires being able to have children?" Elena inquired.

Klaus hesitated his eyes darting back and forth as he weighed his options. After a moment of contemplation, he finally spoke.

"It's been a rumour for centuries, and I hadn't even heard of a vampire giving birth until about eighty years ago. I'm guessing the chances of a vampire becoming pregnant by a hybrid are..."

"Are what?" I insisted that he finish.

Klaus riveted his gaze on mine and sighed, "A certainty."

Oh my god, oh my god, OH MY GOD! ITS TRUE!

"We weren't sure if that was something you might want or not," I paused to gather my thoughts "But we wanted you to know that we're not ruling out the idea."

"If you're just looking for a sperm donation love-"

"We want a husband." April said wistfully before he could make another idiotic joke.

"This isn't a game." Elena then stated

"Why would I agree to be a part of something like this?" he questioned us

"We don't want to be here any longer, it's not home. Does it feel like home for you?" I asked him then.

Klaus stood there, silent and motionless, refusing to acknowledge us. He averted his gaze, before ultimately turning his back to us completely.

"You're asking the most powerful creature on the planet to give up his life to move to the suburbs with not one, but three women."

"Yes, we are." I said

Just look at me...

"At the end of the day, you're being offered sex with three pretty hot girls." April laughed,

"April," I cautioned, shaking my head at her boldness.

Klaus was a man of insatiable desire, his eyes smouldering with a raw sensuality that left women weak in the knees, even willing to sink to their knees if it meant giving him pleasure. He had tasted the lips of countless women, each one succumbing to his command. Klaus was a master of the art of seduction, and he revelled in the power he held over the women in his life. As the forbidden idea crept into my mind, I couldn't help but imagine the tantalising possibility of him entertaining the idea of sleeping with us. The mere thought sent shivers down my spine, and I knew I wasn't alone in my desire. With his charm and seductive prowess, he could easily have us all under his spell before end of the month.

Klaus's piercing eyes locked onto us, sending shivers down our spines. He slowly slid his hands back into his pockets, revealing the outline of his muscular frame. As he tucked the binder under his left arm, I couldn't help but imagine what else he could hold with those strong hands.

"Life in Utah won't be easy. But you have my word that we'll figure it out." I told him

"How are you suggesting we do that, love?"

"We agree to give you final say."

"Excuse me?"

I figured that would get your attention hot shot.

"As I said before, we won't be dictated to. But if we're truly going to be true to the original spell then we have to have similar objectives to the people who originally cast it. And back then the man of the house would have had the final say in all matters. So we agreed before we came here that we'd live by those same terms."

"And what do you mean exactly by final say?" Klaus asked appearing slightly more curious now then before.

"We'll come directly to you for any major decisions to be made in any circumstance."

"Granted that we won't come to you all every little issue." April said then

"Right, what I meant was that all the daily tasks, all the stuff we know would bore you to death will be up to us to take care of."

Klaus' eyes lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary, sending shivers down my spine. But I was grateful that he didn't make a fuss about it. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I avoided the gaze of Elena and April, wondering what they must be thinking of me.

"The three of us will meet every day, during which time we'll divide up all the tasks such as utilities and food shopping. You'll never be burdened with that type of stuff. We know it's not your thing."

"Like a wives meeting" April mumbled trying to put a label on it.

"You're talking about playing house again, love"

"I'm not sure what games you played as a kid, but a husband and three wives were never in any of my playground activities. Klaus, we're not going to start wearing aprons and getting the dinner on table by five. That's never going to be us. What we want a genuine life togther, it will be messy, but not for you. Not with the schedule in place." I informed him.

"I'm not sure what games you played as a child but a husband and three wives were never part of any of our games at recess." I told him sternly

"Klaus we're not going to start wearing aprons and getting the dinner on the table for five. That's not what our lives are going to look like in Utah. What we want is a genuine life, which we can accomplish once we have a schedule in place"

"What schedule?"

I can't believe I just said that. We're no where near ready to talk about this yet.

"The reason for us buying three houses rather than four for each of us, is all down to the schedule," Elena explained.

"You will have a private life with each of us in your separate houses, and every day when you come back from work or whatever it is you might do out there, you'll go into the house of the wife you're scheduled to stay with that night." April informed him

"You're sharing me?" Klaus inquired, trying hard not to laugh.

"You would be sharing us. We'll be part of each other lives but for the spell to remain strong, we'll need to establish a marriage bond in each of the homes. But that's not something we'll discuss...ever"

"Every single day you'll get to live a life that men would kill for. A life with three remarkable women willing to spend eternity at your side."

"I doubt it's the wedding you all envisioned, so why settle for it?"

Don't point out the reality right now, it's too cold and too awkward!

Klaus continued to question us.

"Why ask me?"

"Who else do we know who can handle three different marriages at the same time?" I challenged.

He then turned his attention towards Elena, locking eyes with her and refusing to look away.

"Let's not pretend that you and I can get along, love."

"I'm not going to change my mind if that is your concern."

"I've been following your teen drama romance with the Salvatore brothers for months. I can't imagine a life in which you abandon them to save your own neck" He informed her

"Then why am I standing here right now?"

Klaus stared at her with a blank expression, taken aback by her boldness. He stood in front of her, his eyes piercing into hers. The air was tense as he spoke, questioning her motives. We all knew the truth - how much she loved Stefan.

I imagined that after Elena became a vampire that she was reminded of the life she had before her parents died and what they had wanted for her. Elena had became to treat each town event like an inconvenience instead of something to get excited about, she never talked about life after school, there was no mention about what college she wanted to attend and to be honest I can't even remember the last time I saw her writing in her diary. All of this had ceased when the town's supernatural element had become part of her daily life, and I could clearly now that Klaus was insuring that this life in Utah was not a spur-of-the-moment decision for her.

In that moment, he became even sexier to me.

"But why choose three houses side by side? Don't you enjoy privacy?"

"I figured it was best. So no neighbours would notice you walking into different houses at night. We could keep the backyards level to ensure it." I paused taking a small inhale "Besides none of us wanted to be apart."

"What makes you think I'll agree to this?"

"Life with three amazing girls," April responded, drawing another frown from Elena and I in result.

"Who exactly are you?" Klaus questioned her

"April Young"

"And what are you?"

"Ohhhh, you mean, um, no, I'm human, and obviously I know what you are."

"I'm not an obvious sweetheart." Klaus claimed

"None of you are. I mean, when they told me they were vampires tonight, I almost puked"

"What exactly does she mean by tonight?" Klaus questioned Elena and me.

"Well, I didn't know that until..." April stopped then.

"You told her all of this in a single night, and she still agreed?" Klaus inquired before taking a small step towards April then.

"She's not a spy for the hunter, Klaus." I told him.

His imagination knows no limit.

"What type of person agrees to such an arrangement in a single night?"

April turned her head from him then taking a deep inhale before answering "The sort that has just become an orphan I guess."

Klaus shifted his attention towards me, seeking clarification. I responded by mouthing the words "It's true" to him. He then turned back to face her, his eyes fixed on her.

"I don't have anything else keeping me here."

"This is hardly a step up." Klaus informed her

"You have no idea what my life has been like before tonight so let's not pretend you do." April said before finally meeting his gaze.

The Klaus I knew would have ripped her heart out of her chest and shown it to her for daring to speak out of term. But instead the all powerful alpha turned his back on her, returning to the same spot he had started.

April eyed him up and down. "They told me you were intense," she said, her voice soft and graceful.

Klaus turned his head towards Elena and me, his eyes fixed on us as he asked his question.

"What else did they tell you?"

"That you recognised loyalty when you saw it,"

We didn't say anything, just listened to the rustling of the tree branches overhead as a breeze blew over them. I didn't know it at the time, but this was the moment Klaus decided he wanted to marry us. And it wasn't my words or Elena's that accomplished it, but April's, she had shown him that, despite our prior offences against him, we had gotten to know him under the surface. We weren't asking for his affection, but rather a permanent allegiance in the form of blood and marriage, and that was all he needed to know in his heart.

"Will you help us?" I finally asked the ultimate question of all.

Klaus approached us and warned, "Your boyfriends will be nothing but suspicious if you all disappear on the same night."

"So, what do you recommend we do?" Elena questioned him.

"Listen and learn," He instructed firmly edging closer to us as he did.

Klaus revealed that while fleeing Mikael, he had mastered numerous tactics for going off the grit and remaining hidden, and he had a plan for when our friends came looking for us.

He wanted us to blame the new hunter for our murder.

Klaus ordered Elena to leave the forest tonight, text Stefan, and tell him she wanted to remain at my house with me to talk about her struggles. It was important that she mentioned her blood issues since it would help us later. Elena seemed like she might break down, whether at Klaus's orders or lying to Stefan. Klaus told her to go home and compel Jeremy to leave town immediately since Elena, like April and I, had a lot of work to do if we were to leave by sunrise. She would compel him to destroy his phone and drive it into the next state, abandon it where it would surely be stolen, and then take a city bus to wherever she wanted him to go, paying in cash only, compelled that he should never contact anyone from home again.

Klaus then told me to compel my mom to leave town after turning in her service pistol and badge so it looked legitimate, clean out her bank accounts and cancel all her cards in the morning, dump her car, and travel the rest by train. Klaus, to my surprise, owned a five-bedroom property in Maine and would arrange for a contact to prepare it for her arrival and supply her with everything she needed.

Elena's eyes were searing into my back while he was sharing this information. She stopped it when Klaus informed us he wanted to obtain Jeremy and my mom new IDs so no one could track them back here. As agonizing as forcing our loved ones to say goodbye for the foreseeable future. Tonight's tasks were just the beginning. All three of us would have to approach tasks individually. We had to scrub every inch of our homes with peroxide or ammonia-based chemicals. Scrub every item of furniture, counter, floor panel, doorknob, light switch, and ceiling. We had to sterilize anything with our fingerprints or scent. Klaus compared cleaning our houses tonight to a murder scene.

To remove any scents and traces, we had to wash or place our bed linens, towels, face cloths, bath mats, rugs, curtains, blinds, and cushion covers in water and bleach for at least two hours.

Once the night's cleaning was complete, we were to pack only what was essential. He had to tell us this because if we took our parents' or grandparents' photos or valuable stuff, our friends would notice they were missing, and our plans to fake our own deaths would fail.

He advised us to destroy all our technology—our tablets, phones, and laptops. Klaus tried to hide his amazement when he found we'd already gotten around the phone records. Tonight, our sole phone records were my texts to Elena asking her to come over, which supported our sleepover story. Finally, how to frame the hunter for our murder. It was simple enough; he knew from our behavior at the church who we were. He singled us out, thinking we were easy targets. He came in the night, killed us and everyone living under the same roof, cleaned the crime scene, and then moved onto the next house.

Tomorrow morning or even mid-afternoon, our friends will come to find us at our homes. There were no signs of fighting, broken furniture, or missing goods. However, they found a suffocating stench of cleaning agents, disinfectants, and other bleach-rimmed chemicals so deadly they stuck in their throats.

After finding nothing at Elena's house, they would head to mine, which they would find to contain the same bleach stench. However, unlike Elena's house, there would be something waiting for them at mine. A letter from Elena in unfamiliar handwriting. A letter explaining that she needs time to adjust to vampire life and has sought my support to do so, that she apologizes to Stefan for letting him down and all his efforts to keep him happy, and that we will return once she controls her bloodlust and honed her new abilities. When they conclude Elena hadn't written the letter, they will check the houses more closely. Investigate why they are so clean. From there, Bonnie will either cast a spell or drag a lab technician to the houses to investigate.

Then they'll locate the blood traces...

Klaus told Elena and me to search our personal blood bags, locating ten in total containing our blood groups along with Jeremy's and my mom's.

We'd puncture and empty five blood bags in one room of the house, then remove the other five and dump them somewhere. Let the blood soak into the floorboards' curves and contours, then clean it up.

And so the hunter would be framed.

The hunter staged Elena and me running away, wrote the letter himself, stole Jeremy's clothes to make it look like he ran away, and sent the emails about mom's retirement to cover up for what he did to her.

The hunter had previously attacked April, so framing him for her murder made no sense. It would be hard for him to clean up two crime scenes in one night. Instead, Klaus proposed that April fake her own death and write a letter explaining that she had been wearing vervain and was aware of vampires for some time, and that today, when we tried to compel her, she faked being taken under our influence, returned home, and became sickened by what we had tried to erase from her memory.

Klaus remembered that Mystic Falls' only train track ran behind April's neighborhood when asked where she lived. Klaus advised her to grab some strong alcohol, empty it, and shatter the bottle on the ground by the tracks. Use the glass to prick her finger enough to drip little drops of blood across the track lines.

Klaus planned to return home and tell his employees to clean the entire house before wiping their memories of working for or knowing him. This wasn't unusual for him to leave, and it wouldn't immediately alert his hybrids or any remaining siblings. Whether he was home alone or not was unclear. Stefan knew Klaus had gone to great lengths to preserve his art, so he was the only one who could assure the others that Klaus wouldn't leave town without it. They'd eliminate Klaus as a suspect quickly.

Klaus planned to leave Mystic Falls within the hour, while the three of us would arrange our own transport there.

We'd discussed this back at the house together and agreed to steal one of my neighbors cars, a car that wouldn't draw attention. We would sleep and drive in shifts to get to Utah as soon as possible to start our new lives together. Klaus warned us that stopping at several gas stations would only lead to unwarranted attention. Instead, he suggested we get as many gas canisters as we could from our first station, fill them, and then refill on the hard shoulders when needed.

Klaus returned to his car for a pen and paper after we covered the essentials. He planned to write the letter himself, so it wouldn't be in our handwriting. April practically leaped up and down when he left, thrilled that he had consented to the spell. Elena and I were too focused on the task at hand to see the light. I was pretending to do that, but I was barely holding it together and had to keep reminding myself to quit glancing at Klaus while he planned to frame the hunter.

"He's really cute," she said with a smile. "You could have led with the guy we're asking you to marry, who is the sexiest guy in town!"

"He can hear you." I reminded her then.

"Oh, he can't hear me from all the way over there," before hesitating and finally asking, "Wait, can he?" She turned around and looked over her shoulder in the direction he had gone, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of him.

"April, hold on a second; you do realize what we're doing tonight, right?"

"No, I've been sticking my fingers in my ears for the past ten minutes. Yes, I am aware of the plan."

"Faking our deaths means we'll never be able to return again. You need to be certain about this," I informed her, my gaze riveted on hers.

April's lips slowly curled downward as she studied both our expressions. The atmosphere was heavy and somber, and she realized that her usual cheerful disposition wasn't appropriate.

"I know."

I turned my gaze towards Elena, who stood before me with a heavy burden on her shoulders. The biting cold seemed to have no effect on her.

"Talk to me," I said, keeping my voice down. I placed my hand on her arm, offering encouragement.

"As long as Jeremy is alright."

"He will be. You know you'll get him out."

"Just say it one more time," Elena told me before closing her eyes.

I took a step towards her, holding her shoulders. April turned aside, giving Elena some dignity even if her eyes were closed.

"You're going to do the spell, go home, spend some time with him, then say goodbye for now but not forever; you'll help him pack, and one day, one day, you'll see him again, and he will forgive you; no matter what you're telling yourself right now, he will forgive you."

Elena nodded, her eyes welling up with tears, and I was quick to get a tissue from my pocket and dab them dry for her in a small measure to comfort her.

"I just can't believe he agreed."

"He certainly didn't make it easy." I said

"Does he always scowl like that? Because that could give off a really bad impression in Utah." April said then

"Don't worry, he knows how to bring out the charm when he's around humans." I was quick to assure her.

"Well, it's kind of hot; he's got like this whole Dracula thing going for him." April joked.

"No, he doesn't." Elena said

He kind of does...

April wasn't crushing on Klaus; she was just attempting to ease the tension. She had survived her first contact with the legend himself and lived to tell the tale, so she was already ahead of many others who had crossed paths with him over the years. Deep down, I believed she was terrified of faking her own death and fleeing town, but the possibility of staying here alone with no prospects or family was an even scarier scenario for her.

Faking our own deaths hadn't even occurred to me, and while it was the more horrifying option, it also meant a clean break for everyone involved. We could never return if we did this, bolstering our trust in one another and the spell. It also meant that we wouldn't have to spend the rest of our lives wandering if our friends kept searching for us or not. It was better if they thought we were dead, because we wouldn't be the girls they remembered when we left here tonight. We'd be leaving Mystic Falls as Mikaelsons...

Oh my god, I'm actually marrying him...

"So let's just go over a few things before he gets back." I encouraged the others, and we formed a tight circle to go over the agreement before leaving my house.

"You guys should arrive at my house for four; you can't be late."

"Four o'clock." Elena agreed, tucking her hands into the pockets of her coat.

"I'll be there," April promised.

"Wear black and wrap up warm; it's cold now; it will be freezing come four a.m."

"I've already got something ready in my head." April explained.

Elena merely nodded in response.

"Dump your phones as soon as possible. Use the app we downloaded, liquidate your content, dispose of it, and snap it half if you want to."

Again, they both nodded in agreement.

I turned my head in the direction Klaus had left and noted that we were still alone. I cautiously edged closer to them to whisper something.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Elena took my hand in agreement before April did, with a mix of excitement and apprehension. I wasn't sure which one of us was trembling the most; it felt evenly balanced. We were all about to embark on a new adventure and say goodbye to everything and everyone we had ever known. We'd be married forever to a man none of us were convinced would come to love us.

But I still wanted to marry him. I couldn't explain why, whether it was merely physical or my belief that this magic could take me to the future I was always destined to have, but I knew what I wanted.

And who I wanted...

Klaus walked towards us, his eyes scanning us before settling on me. He reached out and handed me a folded letter, which I quickly slipped into the back pocket of my jeans. We were about to cast the spell, and I wanted to keep the letter safe.

"Put it somewhere; they'll find it."

"They won't need a neon arrow pointed at it to notice it." I responded, unimpressed by his tone regarding my friend's competence.

"They're not as smart as you give them credit for, love."

"Don't talk about them that way. You don't know them as well as I do."

"And they don't know you nearly as well as you think they do."

"What makes you so sure?"

"You wouldn't be here otherwise."

I backed away, feeling his eyes devouring me as I moved away from him. I left him behind and rejoined the others, my body still tingling with anticipation.

Ok, so he just checked me out...

Klaus provided us with the binder, claiming to have read through the spell alone and now possessing an understanding of its steps and of the chant, along with a pocket knife he kept on the key ring to his Bentley made of silver. While he proceeded to light the fire, we studied the chant one last time until we were sure of it.

"Ok, so, uh, as soon as we're ready, we cut our palms, and then we join him by the fire and take each other's hands." I said, reminding myself aloud of the steps as I clenched the handle of the small knife.

"Utah," April said aloud, then reminded us of where our focus should be.

With a confident nod, I pressed the razor-sharp blade of the knife against my palm. It sliced through my skin effortlessly. The pain was excruciating, but I remained stoic. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, clouding my mind and escalating my senses. I handed the knife over, but I wasn't sure who took it from me before walking towards Klaus by the fire. As our eyes connected, we held each other's gaze, the flickering flames of the fire casting a gentle glow on his face in the darkness.

Klaus reached out his hand towards me, his palm covered in blood. As I approached him, I could see the determination in his eyes. Klaus and I stood facing each other, our eyes locked in a fierce gaze. I extended my hand, which was bleeding profusely, towards him. Klaus's jaw dropped in pain and pleasure as our blood mixed together. Our fingers intertwined immediately, dripping blood onto the ground below. We didn't break eye contact as we became one.

The spell, which had been explained in great detail, was that from the moment hands were joined, they were bound together in marriage. Klaus Mikaelson stood before me, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. Both of us knew that in that moment, I had just become his first wife.

Klaus remained silent, lost in his own thoughts, as I imagined. I was about to speak when I remembered we weren't alone; this wasn't just my marriage. I quickly composed myself before Elena and April saw my initial reaction to being married.

Klaus mouthed my name, his lips tantalizingly close, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of desire.

Elena was the next to arrive at the fire, and I noticed Klaus's attention immediately shift from me to her. As I saw her walking towards me, I greeted her with a smile. However, she didn't reciprocate the gesture. She didn't seem angry or sad; she was just unsure of how to be. They knew that their marriage would be challenging and fraught with obstacles and disagreements. Elena stood still, her eyes fixed on Klaus as he reached out his hand towards her. She hesitated for a moment before finally taking his other hand. She stared back at him as the wind swept her hair off her shoulders. Klaus is keeping his gaze on her as she becomes his second wife. It was their wedding, and they were both determined to put their differences aside. They avoided each other as much as possible, silently going about what needed to be done in that moment.

Elena just married Klaus. Okay, this is real. This is freaking real. I can't believe we're doing this right now.

The adrenaline was pumping through my veins as I tried to keep a grip on my senses. My heart felt like it was about to explode, but I couldn't slow down. There was still so much left to do tonight, and I couldn't afford to crash and burn just yet. We were getting married, and soon we'd be on our way to Utah.

The forest was quiet, with only the sound of crickets chirping in the distance. We were alone, surrounded by trees and darkness. I looked at the others, who seemed lost in thought. None of us appeared concerned about anyone finding us, and I trusted their judgment and instincts. Klaus stood there, observing as April made her way towards us. She was the only one who greeted him with a smile, reaching out her hand to take his when offered. I gazed at her with a grin, admiring her pureness. In that moment, she was the embodiment of hope and optimism. She lived solely for the possibilities of the future. Klaus turned to her and, with a sly smile, left her completely taken aback. I slowly shifted on my heels, giving them their privacy for a brief moment as they became married.

I was his first wife, Elena was his second, and now April is his third.

Suddenly, the fire began to change color, turning a deep shade of blue, just as the spell had foretold. All eyes remained fixed on the mesmerizing sight before them. Each of us was relieved now that they knew for sure that the spell was going to work. There was a sense of newfound trust and unity among us. Klaus gave us a nod, and we began the chant. It was flawless; not a single beat was missed.

All our faces were glistening with sweat as we chanted in unison. The flames grew higher and higher, but we refused to back down. And after the fire had died down to a mere flicker, barely illuminating the forest, Finally, the last of the embers faded away, leaving nothing but darkness in their wake. It was as if the flames had never been there at all, leaving behind only a faint memory of their heat.

We remained in a circle around the pot, with our hands still clasped together. With a simultaneous step forward, we leaned over the pot and raised our bleeding hands over it.

Surrendering our blood to the flame and completing the spell.

All of a sudden, a mysterious and powerful energy struck us simultaneously. We were taken aback, our hands clutching tighter as everyone was startled by the sheer force of it. A shield that surrounds and safeguards us all. We were now inseparable, forever linked by its power.

"Did you feel that?" April gasped, her eyes wide from the shock.

Elena gasped for air as she spoke, trying to compose herself. "I did," she managed to say.

Klaus and I exchanged nods, gasping for air. Klaus held onto my hand tightly, silently challenging me to meet his gaze. Despite my strong urge to do so, I resisted and kept my eyes fixed ahead.

Thank you, Edith. Thank you so much.

Elena and April exchanged glances as Klaus released their hands. Unnoticed by the two girls, he held onto mine for a few seconds longer before finally letting go. As I stood there, I could sense his gaze on me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. Elena and I quickly sprang into action, rushing over to help April with the bandages we had brought along from my house just for this particular purpose. We huddled around her, carefully wrapping the bandage around her injured hand. With gentle knots, we secured it in place, making sure it would stay put for the rest of the night.

Why do I feel like he's watching me?

April wrapped her arms around Elena and me, thanking us for being part of this with her. As we turned around, Klaus revealed the binder he had been concealing under his coat.

"I assume that this is now mine."

He'd need to take it with him for all the details on the properties.

Are we really not going to talk about the fact that we all just got married to the same guy?

"How long do you think it will take to secure the deeds?" Elena asked

"I'll leave town within the next hour. I should have them in my possession no later than noon tomorrow."

Klaus was agreeing to spend over a million dollars to start our new lives in Utah. I could barely look him in the eye. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, trying to keep it together. But I couldn't. I looked around, wondering how they were all managing to stay so composed while I was falling apart.

"So you'll probably get to Utah a couple hours before us?" April asked Klaus

"We're likely to arrive around the same time. I'll be stopping along the way to pick up a few things." He replied, grasping the binder.

"What do you mean?" I asked, unsure of what he was trying to convey.

Klaus turned to me and said, "We'll all need new IDs, birth certificates, passports, medical records, and so on." He said, before bringing up the collar of his coat, "And I have a source."

"You know someone who can get you that kind of stuff?" April leaned forward, her eyes bright with excitement.

She playfully teased him, "You're like a secret agent."

Amused somewhat by her innocent naivety, he leaned in towards her and spoke softly, "I know all kinds of people, love."

Finally, we were done. Elena was to turn and head in the direction of the cars. When she disappeared from our view, April approached Klaus. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, leaving him stunned by her sudden and unnecessary display of affection. She couldn't resist the temptation and gave in to the moment, appearing to savor every second. With Elena out of sight, Klaus secretly drew me nearer, holding April's head against his chest for a few seconds. He caressed my chin with his hand, sending shivers down my spine. Our gazes met, consumed by the intensity of the moment. My jaw slumped as he pulled away, my body aching for more, while April was completely oblivious to our moment together.

What's happening right now?

We walked towards our cars. As Klaus unlocked the door to his Bentley, April kept patting my hand. She stared at it in disbelief, her eyes widening as she realized the magnitude of his fortune. It was clear that she had never given it much thought before. She stood in awe as she gazed upon the grandeur of the original vampire's wealth. She couldn't help but focus on trivial matters, ignoring the fact that she was now his third wife.

"So it's goodbye for now?" April inquired, prompting us all to freeze.

Klaus's eyes flickered between our faces, igniting a fiery tension. He glanced down for a moment before locking eyes with us once more, sending a delicious shiver down all our spines, I was sure. He was now surrounded by a harem of beautiful women, all of us his wives, acutely aware of his commanding presence and need to dominate.

"You'll follow my instructions?"

"We will," I tell him, and I mean it.

Our arrangement left him just as taken aback as we were.

Klaus gave us a lingering gaze, his eyes filled with a new desire that I knew in that moment did not scare any of us, but rather made us all the more curious. We were now his wives, and I was certain he was already eager to explore every inch of our bodies. It was an unsettling arrangement, but we were all willing to go forward together. Over the next few hours, he would leave town, hit the open road, arrange our new IDs, and spend over a million dollars to secure our new lives. He had to believe that we were worth the risk.

"Darlings," Klaus said goodbye with a nod and climbed into his sleek Bentley before speeding off into the distance.

He disappeared from our view, and the sound of sniffling filled the air.

I turned around to see Elena and April tearing up. Seeing them like this made me realize how much I was holding back, and I finally let myself succumb to the sadness and grief that had been building up inside me. As I embraced them tightly, their arms wrapped around my back, and we all began to cry. The reality of the situation hit us hard: we were leaving tonight, and there was no going back. We'd never graduate with our friends, push prams through the town square, or see any of our family after tonight.

"All right, all right, we need to stop." The words escaped my lips in a desperate plea, my voice trembling with emotion. Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to compose myself, determined to be a pillar of strength for them.

"Okay," Elena consented, wiping her eyes with the tissue I had previously given her.

I gently wipe away April's tears with both of my hands, offering comfort when needed most. I don't hesitate for a moment before using my own sleeve to dry under her nose. I found myself feeling an unexpected sense of protectiveness towards Elena and April, as if they were the only two people left in the world whom I could truly rely on.

"Everyone remembers what they need to do." I asked

They nodded in response. As I attempt to stop my knees and hands from trembling in that moment,.

"Are you sure that you can get us a car?" April inquired, wiping her cheeks with the sleeve of her coat.

"Yeah, it shouldn't be a problem," I said, with a slight sniffle.

We had to be cautious about any potential surveillance, whether it be from neighbors' doorbell cameras or street surveillance. The stakes were too high, so we had to stick to our plan. There was a convenient shortcut behind the church that led to a nearby neighborhood, only a short distance away from Elena's place. From there, it was just a quick five-minute walk to April's. We couldn't even risk sending a message to one another to confirm our safe arrival home—a reminder that we were now solely responsible for shaping our own destinies. April had experienced a challenging day, making it a relief for her to return home without any obligations. She only needed to tidy up and follow the instructions Klaus had given her about the train tracks. For Elena and me, it was going to be a challenging night. We knew we had to bid farewell before tackling the cleaning and packing.

Once Elena and April left my side, I headed back to my car. I couldn't get Klaus out of my mind. He was on his way home, fully aware that we were his wives and that we might have children together in the future. Had he given any consideration to our well-being since departing the premises? I suppose we had a lot to ponder.

The night had only just begun.

Upon arriving home, I noticed my mother's car stationed outside our house. The sight of it moved me deeply, and a gentle cry slipped out as I switched off my car's engine. I no longer needed to come up with an excuse to bring her back to the house. It was time for us to say goodbye. I carefully composed myself, ensuring my tears were dried and my hair was neatly arranged, before entering. I wished to shield her from my pain, as it would only complicate matters further for the both of us, a scenario I wished to avoid. I couldn't afford to break down at the moment; every minute was valuable. We crossed paths in the hallway, just as she was preparing to leave and complete her shift. I decided to stop her before she could leave. I removed the vervain bracelet I had given her, barely registering the discomfort as it seared and caused my skin to bleed. I couldn't hold back the tears as I made eye contact with her, knowing what was about to unfold. I felt a deep sadness and couldn't help but cry as I compelled her to believe the story I had crafted. I observed her becoming enthralled by my sway and gradually embracing every word I uttered. I despised myself for my actions, going so far as to fabricate a story about watching a heart-wrenching film just to justify my tears. At that moment, she proposed that we enjoy a comedy together instead. I thought it was a great idea, but before that, I offered to whip up a delicious dinner for us to enjoy while we indulged in something more lighthearted.

I quickly retreated to the bathroom, locking myself inside, and let the tears flow. It would be a while before I saw her again after tonight. So I wanted to create a night that would stay with me for years to come, a memory that would help me move forward without her. My mom and I shared a heartfelt meal together, as I had promised Elena, and I prepared her favorite dish from scratch. We had a delightful conversation, filled with laughter, which proved to be exactly what I needed for the events that unfolded afterwards.

As we enjoyed our meal, all of her clothes were diligently washed, one load after another. She took great care to ensure that every photograph and precious artifact was safely packed in her suitcase, protecting them with bubble wrap and tape to keep them intact throughout her journey. I made sure she had all of her account details. Tomorrow morning, she would empty each of them before boarding her train to start her new life. Later, I went outside and thoroughly cleaned her car, both inside and out, before carefully placing her suitcases in the trunk. I sent out the emails to let her superiors and co-workers know that she was retiring. She wouldn't be seeing any of them again. The sheriff's station was closed for the night, so she would be alone when she dropped in her service pistol and badge.

We said our goodbyes in the house, as I preferred to avoid any prying eyes from my neighbors catching sight of us near her car. I stood by the sitting room window, watching her leave. My mom, now content and retired, waved to me as if she were simply heading to work instead of bidding farewell to my life indefinitely.

I maintained composure as she drove away, sporting a wide grin on my face until the very end. I couldn't bear the thought of crumbling in her presence. Once she left, I found myself crumbling to the ground, overwhelmed by tears. I sought solace by burying my sobs into the softness of the couch, hoping to muffle the sound from prying ears next door.

I could have stayed there all night, allowing my heart to shatter repeatedly until it was completely depleted. I wouldn't have been able to gather the strength to get back on my feet if I had been leaving town all by myself, with no one relying on me. But the thought of Elena and April kept me going; knowing that they, too, were experiencing pain and that I wasn't alone in my suffering helped me find the strength to rise from the floor. I lifted myself off the floor and took a moment to wipe away my tears before finally managing to stand up again. I studied the sitting room, absorbing the memories captured in our photographs, the carefully selected curtains that adorned the walls after our recent makeover, the designated area where our cherished Christmas tree stood each year, and the very spot where my mother proudly declared I had taken my first steps. Everywhere I turned, the past engulfed me, reminding me of what I was leaving behind. The hope of reuniting with my mom someday provided solace, but for now, I couldn't help but feel exposed and defenseless.

I entered the bathroom and faced the mirror, taking in my tired and puffy eyes from all the tears. My forehead was dry and flaky, so I grabbed my hairbrush from the sink counter and gently untangled my hair, pulling it up into a neat bun.

There's so much to do, so much, that I won't get it done by the time they arrive.

The doubt set in hard as I was confronted with the tasks still in front of me. Klaus had been very clear about the extent it would take on each of us physically to clean our houses to the level required. It was easy for him; he had an entire household staff to scrub down his mansion for him as he merely packed a bag and skipped town.

Seriously, I'm pissed off and blaming the guy who just saved my life.

In the kitchen, I grabbed a carton of orange juice from the fridge, a bag of chips from the cabinet, and a bar of fruit and nuts from the snack drawer. I then returned to the sitting room and settled down on the couch. I needed some time to indulge in some unhealthy snacks and rest, as without these small moments, I would surely become overwhelmed in a matter of hours. So I turned on the TV to distract myself while I snacked, made myself comfortable on the couch, and dug into both the chocolate and chips, gulping the orange juice straight from the carton.

Sometimes a girl just needs five minutes, or in my case, ten.

When I was done, the bag of chips had been devoured, the chocolate bar reduced to a mere wrapper, and the carton left with just a few drops. However, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I completed the task. It wasn't just the physical exhaustion but also the mental strain that took a toll on me. There had been a whirlwind of events that left me feeling overwhelmed and struggling to comprehend everything. I decided to take a ten-minute break, not only to relax but also because I was aware that it would take my mom five minutes to get from our house to the station and another five minutes for her to start her journey out of town.

It's just me now. It's going to be me for a little while, but it's going to be alright.

I couldn't stand the idea of cleaning the house in complete silence, so I decided to browse through my Netflix library and put together a playlist of movies to listen to back-to-back. The movies I chose were quite juvenile, as they were all films I loved as a child. However, I intentionally made this selection to transport myself back to a time of innocence and surround myself with nostalgia while I worked. To be completely honest, I couldn't have cared less about its appearance. If I wanted some distraction, that's exactly what I was going to indulge in.

I began my playlist with Edward Scissorhands, then moved on to Snow White, The Princess Diaries, and Uncle Buck.

As my mind became more innocent, I found it less likely to dwell on my sorrow.

I switched on the movie and felt a sense of joy as the snowflakes gracefully descended over the Twentieth Century Fox logo, accompanied by the enchanting soundtrack of the film. I cranked up the volume of the movie so that its sound filled every room of the house. I returned to the kitchen and headed towards the cabinets under the sink, where we kept all the cleaning products. I retrieved the plastic bucket we typically use for mopping the kitchen floor and filled it with all the items I intended to use tonight. In the same cabinet, my mom kept a big box of latex gloves. I swiftly put on a pair and discovered that they fit comfortably around my wrists and fingers.

I gathered an arsenal of cleaning supplies, including cloths, sponges, bleach, antibacterial spray, window cleaner, mildew spray, drain-o, drain foam, oven cleaner, stain remover, carpet shampoo, baking soda, and stainless steel foam cleanser and polish. I would require all of them in order to ensure that the house is impeccably clean.

"You're okay; everything is going to be alright. You've got this, and you're going to finish on time." I quietly reassured myself, contemplating the potential outcomes of my diligent efforts and steadfast optimism.

The first task was, of course, taking care of everything that had to be laundered. Every single item was meticulously cleaned with a thorough boil wash, ensuring that even the toughest stains were eradicated. To add an extra touch of freshness, a generous amount of fabric softener was added to the rinse cycle, leaving the clothes feeling luxuriously soft.

As all of this was happening in the utility room, I stayed occupied in the kitchen. I diligently gathered every dish, cup, pot, pan, and glass from the cabinets and carefully washed each one by hand in a basin filled with hot water and bleach. One by one, I delicately cleaned each cabinet, making sure to scrub every surface inside and out. I even added fresh liners to ensure there were no traces of oil or stains left behind.

Our kitchen had never been this clean before, and by the time I was done, you could literally eat off the floor. I had moved the fridge away from the wall to clean the area behind it, revealing a layer of crumbs and dust on the tiles below. I had carefully arranged the cans, sorted through all the dry goods, lovingly polished my grandmother's silver, and diligently scrubbed the ceiling with the mop. Continuously tending to the washer and dryer, always stocking and emptying them.

The bathroom I planned to leave until the end, as I hoped to have a bath before leaving tonight. I was already feeling quite uncomfortable and didn't fancy traveling nearly two thousand miles in my current attire. If I kept up my current speed, I'd likely be done by two o'clock, giving me a couple of hours to relax with a bath and tie up any loose ends.

Once I finished tidying up my bedroom, I gathered my suitcases and carefully arranged them on my freshly cleaned mattress. I made sure to give the mattress a thorough treatment with baking soda, flipping it over, and vacuuming it to ensure it was spotless on either side. Everything needed to be perfectly organized before I began packing, which I wanted to do efficiently and without delay. This would be one of the many challenging tasks I had to tackle tonight. Deciding what I should and shouldn't take with me would break my heart, so I hoped to allow myself no more than ten minutes total to get everything folded, stored, and ready by the front door.

After I finished packing up my clothes and what other personal items I was taking with me to Utah, I made my way to the dresser to retrieve my purse and savings. My driver's license and other forms of identification will become obsolete after tonight. The name Caroline Forbes will no longer be mine. I emptied my purse, even though I knew I wouldn't have any use for the money. I was now married to Klaus, and I was well aware of his immense wealth. I would never have to worry about money again now that I was married to him.

It was a pleasant experience tidying up the hallway and sitting room, with the melodic tunes of Snow White playing softly in the background as I went about my tasks. I didn't whistle happily while I worked like she did, but at least I had calmed down and regained control. I wasn't obsessively tidying up and constantly glancing at the clock; I was simply completing the necessary physical tasks and ended up drenched in sweat as a result. However, the discomfort in my knees, elbows, and wrists was a small price to pay, as it signified the dedication I was putting into reaching our objective.

I rushed to tidy up my mom's room as soon as I entered it, overwhelmed by the strong scent of her perfume that I found unbearable. I meticulously attended to every detail of her bedroom, ensuring that every surface was spotless and every item was in its proper place. I left no corner untouched, from the mattress to the dresser, and even took the time to freshen up the room with a thorough cleaning of her belongings. Finally, I tidied up her closet, making sure that everything was neatly arranged. Her room couldn't appear as if she had never intended to return to town.

By the time I left her room, all that remained in the air was the scent of disinfectant and bleach. Her perfume had long faded away.

I unfolded the ironing board in the sitting room and meticulously pressed all of my clothes and the freshly washed linens as I indulged in the delightful film, The Princess Diaries. I carefully selected the essential items to accompany me on my journey to Utah and the initial days following my arrival, leaving behind any unnecessary clothing without hesitation. I had already made up my mind to revamp my wardrobe, intending to prioritize self-care and dress more modestly. Dare I even say more like a Mikaelson?

He would have left town by now. Somewhere out there, possibly on a long, wide highway, he'd be in his car, possibly with the windows down, and thinking about how he was possibly going to be our husband, my husband.

The truth was, no matter what anyone else thought, I was now a married woman, and I was a Mikaelson.

After completing the ironing, I thoroughly restored everything to its proper place throughout the house. I took the time to hang the curtains back up and replenish the linen cupboard. However, I couldn't help but notice that our belongings no longer carried their familiar scent. Instead, the overpowering odor of bleach permeated the air, which was too much to tolerate.

I hummed along to a song playing in the movie as I packed up my suitcases, making sure not to take anything that my friends would notice was missing. Just like my mom's bedroom, I had to leave everything intact to give the impression that I fully intended to come back to town after helping Elena adjust to her new life as a vampire. I carefully selected my clothes, including jeans, t-shirts, and a few jumpers. I made sure to bring along my trusty toiletry bag and my most cherished pair of pajamas. Of course, I couldn't forget my beloved boots and trainers. In addition, I packed a handful of precious photos capturing special moments with my mom. And, of course, I made sure to include my all-time favorite book and a selection of CDs.

I rolled my suitcases out into the hallway, carefully placing them by the front door in anticipation of our departure. Pausing to observe them collectively brought a sense of undeniable reality. I couldn't help but wonder if Elena and April were managing their own homes, just like me, as we approached the final stages of our cleaning and preparation for faking our deaths.

As I was tidying up, a delightful chicken was roasting in the oven. Once it was perfectly cooked, I carefully divided it into delectable bite-sized portions. I gathered a selection of crisp lettuce, a vibrant red onion, and a mix of red and yellow peppers from the refrigerator. Finally, I decided to take a moment and fully immerse myself in the task at hand: preparing for the road. I hadn't informed Elena or April about my plans. A small smile formed as I started to thoroughly and affectionately prepare food for the two women who wanted to be a part of my life forever. We were going to spend a considerable amount of time in the car, so I wanted to ensure maximum comfort for both of us.

I began by preparing some delicious chicken sandwiches, generously seasoning the chicken with a blend of spices and spreading a layer of creamy mayonnaise. I carefully sliced the fresh vegetables to perfection and skillfully assembled everything together. Afterwards, I prepared a variety of sandwiches, including classic ham and tuna. I utilized the last of the vegetables in the refrigerator and prepared a delectable pot of vegetable soup, which I transferred into a sizable flask to maintain its warmth. I carefully wrapped each sandwich in tin foil, ensuring that the edges were neat and crisp. Then, I stacked them one by one into the tupperware that I had prepared. I made sure to carefully secure everything together, ensuring that nothing would be crushed. I gathered them all and carefully packed them into a spacious black bag.

Next, I included a selection of refreshing drinks, including chilled bottles of orange juice, water, and a variety of canned sodas like cola, Red Bull, and Sprite. Then came the chocolate bars, crackers, peanuts, large bags of chips, babybels, boxes of raisins, and a whole tub of fresh fruit. It may appear overwhelming, but the food would have been wasted if it stayed here. In addition, this allowed us to avoid making any stops for food along the way, resulting in a faster arrival in Utah. I gathered a variety of other items, including plastic utensils, paper plates, plastic bowls, and napkins. Once everything was packed, I gathered three smaller individual flasks and prepared hot chocolate for each of us.

While the hot chocolate was warming up, I made sure to grab four packets of painkillers for the journey ahead. None of us would have bothered to take care of ourselves tonight; we were all frantically scrambling to leave. Eventually, our bodies were bound to catch up with us, and we were destined to experience a harsh crash. Once the hot chocolates were prepared, I added a touch of sweetness with mini marshmallows and a dollop of rich double cream. I made sure to place the bag with my luggage on top, so I wouldn't forget to bring it along in the car.

I took a quick detour to the bathroom and grabbed a bin liner from beneath the bathroom sink. Inside, I packed four rolls of toilet paper, a box of tampons, feminine wipes, Dove hand cream, and a small tub of Vaseline. All the necessary feminine products we would need while on the road.

With a screwdriver in hand, I made my way back to the laptop in the sitting room. Carefully, I began unscrewing the case, eager to retrieve my hard drive. With all my might, I forcefully snapped the drive in half, determined to obliterate the valuable information I had painstakingly collected about the spell and the properties in Utah. I carefully placed the sturdy laptop back in its protective casing and brought it back to my bedroom.

I quickly surveyed my surroundings before venturing outside just after one. The neighboring houses were shrouded in darkness, their curtains tightly closed, alleviating any worries I might have had. I had my trusty cleaning supplies in hand as I set out to tackle the task of cleaning my car. With all three of us having been in it tonight, it was clear that a thorough cleaning would be necessary, and I was prepared to put in the effort.

Once the car was spotless, I took it for a spin through town and discreetly parked it behind the abandoned library, where there were no surveillance cameras in sight. I meticulously cleaned the steering wheel and door handles with my fingertips, ensuring that I framed the hunter flawlessly. And if he had abandoned my car, he would make sure to cover all his bases. I raced back to my street at vampire speed, making sure I was nothing more than a blur.

I walked down the street with my damaged hard drive in hand. I disposed of one half in a storm drain and the other half a few streets away before retrieving my phone from my back pocket. With a few taps, I downloaded an app to erase all my contacts, settings, and files. After that, I removed the SIM card, breaking it into two pieces. I discreetly placed one half in a neighbor's hedge and the other under a parked car. As I continued walking, I spotted a house constructing a new garage. Swiftly, I cut through their driveway, dropping one half of the phone into their cement mixer. I saved the remaining half for later. Finally, as I passed the small park near my house, I carefully opened the lid of the dog waste bin and dropped the other half inside.

I made my way to the Bakers' driveway; they were out of town for the winter since one of their children was involved in some extreme sports that took them up into the mountains for weeks at a time. Whenever they were gone, my mom diligently watched over the house. In their garage, a vintage maroon Ford station wagon sat, tempting me with the possibility of using it to flee from Mystic Falls.

We wanted a car that would seamlessly fit in—something with a vintage charm that would catch you off guard. With a single swift motion, I broke the massive garage padlock in my grasp. Fortunately, there were a few gasoline canisters inside the garage. Surprisingly, they were relatively clean, with only a faint damp odor, suggesting they had been used frequently. They always left their keys on the front wheel. It seemed like they hadn't used it since before their kids were born. We had an incredible chance, and I was determined to seize it. The Bakers left yesterday, which meant the car wouldn't be reported stolen for weeks.

We were going to be stuck in this car for a while, so I wanted to ensure that everything was in order. I brought down some cleaning supplies from the house after parking their car just out front and used them to meticulously wipe down the leather seats, as well as every nook and cranny of the dashboard and windows. I'm not sure how long it had been since anyone had cleaned it, but I had to use four cloths just to get rid of all the dust. I meticulously refined every detail, ensuring it was flawless and met my exacting standards.

Next on the agenda was to meticulously inspect and adjust the tire pressure of each tire, followed by a thorough examination of the spare tire's levels. I made sure to thoroughly inspect the car's condition by checking the oil levels and adding water as needed. I also made sure to include some screen wash to guarantee that the solution we used to clean our windows while driving was of the highest quality.

I swapped out the old, stale air freshener they had with a fresh lavender-scented one, placing one in the front and one in the back. I arranged the recently cleaned pillows, placing two on each chair and across the backseat. I also made sure to include a cozy wool blanket for each of us, along with a pair of soft socks. Every blanket I carefully placed in the car was electric, guaranteeing optimal warmth and comfort for the three of us during our journey. The blankets were powered by a cigarette lighter and had a heat-length time of eight hours. I had kept all of them charging in the house as I had cleaned, and so they were toasty warm now. The blankets were heavy in weight, ensuring they would do the job all the way to Utah. Once more, I had a nagging feeling that I was going too far, but then I considered the predicament they would find themselves in upon their return. And if I could enhance their experience by offering small comforts to alleviate their suffering, then that's precisely what I intended to do.

I stashed a notebook, a pen, and an assortment of colorful post-it notes in the glove compartment of the car. We agreed to address the schedule once we were en route and only when we were collectively ready to tackle it.

After returning inside, I made sure to secure the front door and swiftly gathered all the cleaning supplies, tossing them into the trash bag alongside the other items I was eager to discard that evening. I used the backdoor and hopped the fence into my neighbor's yard, mixing my trash with theirs, which blended easily enough. After returning through the kitchen, I made sure to secure the backdoor just like the front before I proceeded to carefully close and lock all the windows, my hands still protected by gloves.

It was time to handle the crime scene.

I slipped on a fresh pair of gloves and made my way into my bedroom to collect the blood bags. I had concealed them, all for the sake of my mom.

I diligently followed Klaus's instructions and thoroughly set up two separate pools of blood in different rooms of the house. One pool contained my blood type, while the other was designated for my mom's. I carefully used my gloved hands to spread the blood across the floor, creating the illusion that the person who was injured might not have been able to get up again, considering the significant amount of blood present.

Once the blood ampoule had seeped into the floorboard grooves, I quickly cleaned it up using kitchen roll paper. As I moved from one crime scene to another, I disposed of all the dirty and marked paper in the kitchen sink. I took out a lighter and carefully burned all the stained paper sheets in the sink until they turned into ashes, which I quickly washed away. Afterwards, a generous amount of drain cleaner was used to thoroughly remove any residue.

Once more, I obediently followed Klaus's instructions and carefully dipped a brush into the small amount of blood that was left in the bags. Afterward, I carefully scattered minuscule droplets of blood throughout the house using the brush. These droplets were imperceptible to the naked eye, but I knew that a supernatural entity would eventually detect their distinct scent. I found my blood type on one of the chair legs, another one on a wire behind the television, and my mom's blood type on the edge of the floor lamp in the sitting room. I carefully sliced the bags containing the substance into smaller fragments using a pair of scissors. Afterwards, I proceeded to pour the contents into the blender, ensuring that everything was properly disposed of down the drain. I allowed the faucet to flow for a few minutes before carefully adding the necessary amount of bleach.

I can't believe I got it all done. I mean, seriously, I got it all done with time to spare, like I hoped for. That does not happen!

Before I could finally relax in my bath, I headed to the kitchen and gathered six hot water bottles. One by one, I filled them with steaming hot water. We each had two hot water bottles, which were absolutely essential given the current situation and the sudden decrease in temperature over the past few hours. Eventually, the consequences of our actions caught up with us unexpectedly, and we sought solace in the preparations we had made. That's why I made sure to bring blankets and painkillers, as I needed to look after everyone.

We brought them outside and carefully positioned one at each of our feet, with another one placed on top of our blankets, ready to be placed wherever we pleased. I sensed that my lower back pain would welcome the warmth on the road.

At last, the moment had come for me to indulge in a soothing bath, relieving my tired muscles. I made my way to the bathroom, my footsteps growing increasingly burdened. This was going to be my final bubble bath in my humble abode, so I was determined to make it a memorable experience, despite my overwhelming fatigue. I began my bath ritual by delicately pouring a few drops of lavender-scented bubble bath into the steaming water. Next, I added a touch of Johnson's bedtime bubble bath, followed by a generous amount of Epsom salts to provide relief to my tired muscles. To complete the sensory experience, I sprinkled in a dash of coconut-scented bath salts. I carefully lit the tea light candles I had used before for Elena and placed them along the sink counter and bath tub edge, filling the room with a gentle, warm glow.

I undressed and put my clothes in the washing machine, covering them in bleach, destroying them and my scent with them.

It wasn't just the sweat from all the housework that I wanted to wash off my skin; as strange as it sounded, I wanted to leave my house tonight not only clean but also cleansed. I felt no shame about my love life or the number of partners I had been intimate with. I saw nothing wrong with my choices. I desired them, and they desired me, and for a fleeting moment, everything felt acceptable. However, things have changed since then. However, there was something I needed to rid myself of, and that was my connection with Tyler. I hadn't yet fully processed everything that had happened tonight, so I wasn't in the right mindset to entertain such thoughts. I felt composed, and as I gazed at the misty water, I couldn't help but yearn to purify myself from my interactions with him. It wasn't because our connection wasn't genuine back then, but rather because I didn't appreciate the person I became when I was with him.

That girl had quite the ego and occasionally displayed immaturity. I was eager to dive into that challenging situation and cleanse myself of her presence, as the person I had become was far more resilient than the girl I used to be. I had every intention of doing this, not just for myself but also for Klaus. He ended up marrying the girl who made a solemn vow and promised to reunite with him in Utah. I had to remove the oil from her hair and eliminate the scent from her skin beforehand.

I stopped when I caught my reflection in the mirror. Taking a deep breath, I watched my face, holding my breath briefly before exhaling. It was as if a sudden burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I gazed at my reflection, a small smile forming on my lips as I whispered, "It's going to be alright. You are now Mrs. Mickaelson, and you're going to figure everything else out with time. Just get through tonight."

I started by putting on whitening strips for my teeth and then applied a nose strip to get rid of blackheads and clogged pores on my nose. As they went about their day, I decided to treat myself to a refreshing facial scrub. I couldn't help but appreciate the satisfying texture as it gently exfoliated my skin, removing all the impurities and leaving it feeling clean and rejuvenated. I filled the sink with hot water and gathered my razor and shaving gel formulated for sensitive skin.

I meticulously groomed my lower body, starting with my feet and gradually moving upward. I found myself contorting into some rather unconventional positions in order to achieve a completely hairless pubic area. Although it took me a bit longer than anticipated, I managed to successfully complete the task. There was even a moment when I ingeniously used the toilet roll holder as a makeshift support to ensure thorough cleanliness and tidiness. Later, I took care of my underarms by shaving them and used a waxing strip on my upper lip to get rid of any peach fuzz.

I plucked my eyebrows and then proceeded to remove all the strips. Afterwards, I diligently brushed my teeth, using up the last of my toothpaste, which I will now have to dispose of. Later, I applied a gel-backed facial mask that covered my entire face, leaving only my eyes exposed. I gathered my hair and secured it with a hairclip, then finally sank into my bath.

I knew I couldn't fully unwind until I freshened up, so I reached for my luxurious Nivea body wash made with cashmere. After that, I gathered my Aussie Mega shampoo and conditioner. My arms were sore as I vigorously massaged the shampoo into my hair, determined to eliminate any traces of dirt and grease. Later on, I managed to gather the courage to give my hair a double conditioning treatment.

It seemed unlikely that I would cross paths with Klaus in the next couple of days, so we needed to come up with a plan to freshen up before reaching our new homes. Perhaps we could locate a public pool or hotel along the way. It seemed impossible for Klaus to see me after enduring a two-thousand-mile car ride without me having the chance to freshen up.

Once I was fully refreshed, I settled deeper into the bathtub, relishing the sensation of the bubbles caressing my skin as I savored a moment of bliss with my eyes shut tight.

I left the bathroom door ajar so I could keep an eye on the clock on the wall. It was only ten minutes past three, so I decided to indulge myself and soak for another ten minutes. I had completed nearly all of the tasks on my list, and now was the perfect moment to seize them. There was always something inexplicably profound about taking a bath. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but every time I emerged from the water, rejuvenated and purified, I felt an invincible sense of empowerment. Maybe it was foolish, but that's just how I felt.

I couldn't help but wonder about April and Elena and what they could be up to right now. If they were clever, they would have already gotten rid of their phones and made the necessary arrangements. We had arranged to meet at this location at four in the morning, taking advantage of the darkness. Any police officers patrolling the streets would have likely found a secluded spot to park and rest before their shift change at six.

Klaus would have long departed from Mystic Falls; his compelled staff would have vacated the premises and erased all memory of their employment or the exhaustion they experienced. There would be no trace of him in that house anymore, not even fingerprints. It would be as if he never even existed, just like our own houses.

Even if our friends thought we were still alive, they wouldn't be able to locate us. Even as I sank in the bathtub, I could sense the protective shield enveloping me. Edith's words rang true; it was akin to a comforting cloak on a chilly evening. However, the barrier wasn't our sole source of protection in that place. A strong intuition assured me that, while I may be uncertain of Klaus' stance on these marriages, I was certain that he would defend us. He would not only fulfill his duties as a husband but also as a man. He would never allow anyone to discover us in that remote location, and any threat that dared to approach would be swiftly dealt with, just like an animal.

Our efforts would eventually yield results. We would embark on a new journey, leaving behind the past.

I chose to air dry to avoid leaving my scent on any towels. After finishing my bath, my clothes from today were ready to be put into the dryer.

I went back to my bedroom and started going through the clothes in my closet, looking for something appropriate for the journey. We had all made a collective decision to don black attire while traveling, at least until we had crossed state lines. From my wardrobe, I chose a pair of black leggings and a loose black turtleneck jumper. Realizing I wouldn't have the chance to see Klaus while I was traveling, I made the choice to prioritize comfort over style. I grinned as I picked up my black briefs, the ones I reserved for that time of the month. They were a size larger than my usual dress size, which added an extra level of comfort. Next, I selected a black bra without wires and with thick straps. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it provides excellent support. I then opted for my most comfortable and unattractive pair of socks, which I concealed beneath my black Uggs.

I picked up a pair of sunglasses and a sleek black hat. By the time I finished getting dressed, my hair was nearly dry. I wasted no time in putting on my hat to complete the look. I gazed at my reflection, a genuine smile gracing my face. There is no need for cosmetics or pretenses; I am just embracing my true self.

I went through every bin in the house, carefully extracting the trash bags from each one. I then proceeded to dispose of them all by depositing them into the sizable trash bag hanging from my kitchen door. I ventured into my backyard and swiftly leaped over the fences of five neighboring houses. Among these houses, there was one particular family with four children. Every other week, each household would place a single bin outside their home. However, this particular family stood out by placing four bins outside their residence. They had newborn triplets, and the odor emanating from their trash cans was indescribable. Fortunately, this provided me with the perfect opportunity to discreetly dispose of my bag alongside theirs.

Upon my return, I glanced at the clock in the kitchen and noticed that it was now ten minutes to four. I only had ten minutes left, and that was it. The mere thought of it sent my heart racing in my chest. I felt a sense of unease about attending, and the thought of our friends discovering our absence made me anxious. It seemed as though my bladder was constantly full, causing me to consider seeking refuge in the nearest restroom. Concocting our own demise was undeniably ruthless and perhaps the most extreme approach we could have taken, but by making them believe we had perished, we could effectively evade their pursuit.

I made sure to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of the house, diligently wiping down the door handles, light switches, and window locks with the sleeve of my jumper. I gathered the letter Klaus had given us, which detailed mine and Elena's choice to leave town for a few months, from my bedroom. I positioned this on the side table in the hallway, making it the prominent focal point upon entering through the front door. It served as a designated spot for storing the mail.

I turned off the water to the house and was just about to do the same with the power when I hesitated. Instead, I headed over to the air conditioner monitor, conveniently located behind the kitchen door, and turned up the dial. If the hunter had taken our lives, he would have ensured that the dwelling remained cool, eliminating any lingering scent of blood that may have escaped his notice. What you need to understand about our fear is that we were also running from the hunter tonight. I carefully moved through the rooms, my hands concealed by my sleeves, ensuring that all the lights were turned off. I made sure to leave the curtains open, though, so that the house would maintain its usual appearance by morning.

I lacked the courage to venture on a final stroll around the house, even under the cover of darkness. The emotional toll was simply too overwhelming for me. As time passed, my mind became blank, my heart pounded in my chest, and a sense of unease washed over me, fearing that the girls may have reconsidered their decision to relocate.

I waited in the hallway next to my luggage, confident that I had completed everything on my checklist. There was no further action required, no need for double-checking, and everything was in perfect order. I had managed to arrive on time with two minutes to spare. I stood there, completely still, gazing out of the glass panel of my front door, eagerly anticipating any signs of activity on the street. I held the keys to the station wagon firmly in my hand, prepared for what lay ahead. The only thing I could hear was the sound of my own heavy breathing as the gravity of what lay ahead sank in.

A mysterious silhouette appeared in the distance. Tears filled my eyes instantly. In the month of April, she strode with unwavering resolve. She tightly gripped two hefty black suitcases in each hand, with two fully packed holdalls slung across her chest. Regardless of the burden, she maintained a swift tempo, ensuring to lower her gaze as we had previously agreed.

She wore a black oversized jumper that draped effortlessly over her black skinny jeans. Her face was concealed by the hood, with a black beanie hat peeking out from underneath. She had on a pair of wide-frame sunglasses that looked just like mine. She had on a pair of sleek black boots. She adhered to each instruction and carefully planned out every detail, even going so far as to avoid making any noise with her luggage wheels as she made her way down the street. I couldn't help but be in awe of her meticulousness, and I found myself giving her a great deal of admiration and esteem in that particular instance.

I cautiously concealed my hand within my sleeve, ensuring it was hidden, before boldly swinging the front door open to its maximum extent. I carefully carried my suitcases out onto the front porch, one by one. Carefully holding the bag filled with our snacks and drinks, I made sure to keep it separate from the others and placed it in the backseat instead of the trunk. I turned towards the door, my trembling gloved hands closing and securing it behind her. I inhaled deeply, attempting to regain my composure, and resisted the temptation to glance back indoors. I was aware that doing so would shatter my heart once more. I couldn't afford to crumble at this moment. I had to summon my inner strength.

In a rush of adrenaline, I swiftly snatched my hefty suitcases and hurriedly made my way off the porch deck. Surrounded by silence, I could only hear the steady rhythm of my own heartbeat as I walked towards the station wagon. April glanced up and noticed me strolling down the walkway, carrying my cases. She hastened her steps, grappling with the weight of her luggage.

She moved forward with fixed determination, her usual cheerful demeanor absent from sight. She was completely absorbed in our objective, and no distractions could sway her. She was desperate to leave Mystic Falls for good. We were bound together as a family, determined to leave town, and nothing could stand in our way. I was confident that we would resolve all other matters. As I approached the trunk of the car, April quickened her pace, eager to load up our luggage. I silently hoped that Elena wasn't too far behind. April remained silent as she approached me, immediately taking charge of loading her belongings into the trunk while I discreetly attended to my own. I was taken aback by her unexpected strength as we struggled with both our increasing fear and the plummeting temperature. The temperature had dropped below freezing, and we could see our breath in front of us as we battled against the harsh cold.

I left her behind and hurried up the walkway towards the porch. I quickly gathered the remaining luggage and made my way back to the car, eager to get on the road before the sun began to rise.

I stood still next to the front door, shutting my eyes and softly murmuring, "Goodbye."

I didn't know about the girls, but my teeth were chittering.

As I looked back from the porch, my heart filled with joy to see that Elena had finally arrived. She was not only here, but she had already started assisting April with all the luggage behind the trunk. I cannot begin to express the immense relief that engulfed me in that moment. Elena and April stood side by side, both dressed in black; everything was going according to plan. Elena had her hood pulled up over her head, complete with a black cap. She wore a stylish pair of black jeans and paired them with black converses.

As they packed the last of the suitcases into the trunk, I effortlessly placed the bag with all the food and drinks in the backseat, along with a bag of other essentials for the road. I quickly made my way to the driver's seat and swiftly grabbed my heated blanket, draping it over my waist and legs. I settled into the seat, placing my socks beside me on the side of the chair. I swiftly shifted the hot water bottle to my lower back, where it promptly began to alleviate the discomfort in my muscles as I ignited the car engine. I could already sense the comforting warmth of the heated blanket and the soothing embrace of the hot water bottle on the floor.

The trunk door was closed in a matter of seconds, effortlessly. Elena and April simultaneously opened their doors, their eyes fixed on the blankets and other road comforts in their seats. Without wasting a moment, they swiftly climbed inside to make use of them. Elena settled into the front seat, while April sat in the seat directly behind her. I quickly reached up and adjusted the rear-view mirror to sneak a peek at April as she buckled her seatbelt. April and Elena watched me closely as I locked my car door, unsure of why I was being so careful. Quietly, they each followed suit and locked their own doors. In that moment, it felt as if we were all humans together. We were about to embark on a cross-country journey, and the feeling of vulnerability was unmistakable.

The car engine came alive with a powerful roar as I ventured onto the empty road. We sat in silence, our gaze sweeping the surroundings, searching for any hint of other vehicles on the road. I didn't expect to encounter anyone at this early hour, but it was wise to take precautions.

A haunting stillness surrounded us as we made our final journey through our beloved town. My pulse quickened with each fleeting second, uncertain of the potential threats concealed in the darkness. There was complete silence, except for the gentle hum of the engine as we navigated the empty streets. I appreciated the tranquility, as it kept me vigilant and attuned to our environment. We were well aware of the repercussions that awaited those who dared to defy the town curfew—being apprehended by the authorities. The very idea filled us with dread, as every police officer in town was under the influence of vervain.

As we inched closer to our dreams, a feeling of unease washed over me. Our friends were peacefully asleep, oblivious to the impending doom that loomed over us. We were fully aware that our actions would carry significant repercussions, affecting the lives of our loved ones. In that moment, we all felt a collective sense of regret, realizing that there was no going back. The atmosphere was filled with an undeniable sense of unease as the consequences of our choices burdened each of us.

I was eager to inquire about Elena's evening, but I understood that prying too much might cause her to reconsider sharing. I could feel my heart pounding and my mind racing to stay on track. Failure was simply not an option, especially after coming this far. As we drove down the desolate back road, silence filled the air. The towering pine trees stood above us, their long shadows stretching across the road ahead. I hesitated to switch on the lights, fully aware of the need for caution and patience.

Almost there, almost there, I reassured myself, feeling confident that I was getting closer.

The silence enveloped the car, broken only by the sound of our labored breaths, as we cautiously approached the foreboding outskirts of the town. We were completely absorbed by the path that lay before us. But April couldn't sit still, always glancing over her shoulder. I couldn't help but feel relieved that she was on high alert.

Out of nowhere, a glimmer of light captured my attention on the far-off horizon. I felt a rush of excitement as I noticed a small sign on the right side of the road. As we approached, it became clear that it was the sign bidding farewell to Mystic Falls. I noticed April unbuckle her seatbelt and slip between us. I felt a surge of excitement as she maneuvered her way between Elena and me, her gaze locked onto the tiny LED light.

As we stepped into the room, a rush of feelings washed over me. My eyes welled up with tears. We were on our way to Utah, and it was official.

I can't tolerate the cold any longer, so I promptly switch on the heater. I wasn't aware of the others, but I suddenly felt an intense chill and an urgent need for warmth. I pressed my lips together, struggling to maintain composure, as I finally glanced their way and saw the pair, both valiantly holding back their tears. I lowered my knees to grasp the steering wheel. After securing a firm hold, I reached behind me to make some adjustments to the pillows. I wanted to ensure that I would be at ease for the extensive journey that lay ahead.

Beside me, Elena and April followed suit. Despite their tears, they both sent me a smile when they came to see for themselves the efforts I had made to ensure their comfort.

"It'll heat up soon," I promised, finally breaking the silence.

"Do you think he's already left town?" Elena asked as she proceeded to wrap her blanket over her body and up around her shoulders.

"He's gone; he's probably hundreds of miles ahead of us by now." I replied

"So now the journey begins," April said.

This is the exact spot where our journey began. The three of us are on the open road, embarking on a journey towards our new life with Klaus.

The anticipation of what was to come was almost too much to bear. Were Elena, April, and I already competing for his affection? Would we succumb to jealousy, or would we find a way to navigate our shared marriage with a newfound maturity?

Klaus had truly hit the jackpot. He was now married to three incredible women.

By the end of the month, Klaus would have one of us in a vulnerable position. I knew he'd find some way of sleeping with one of us very, very soon.