Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter One

Caroline Forbes shot Elena Gilbert a confused look as they hurried out of the Lockwood Mansion after the masquerade ball. "Elena, why are you in jeans and that long-sleeved lavender top instead of a dress? And what's that bloodstain on the back?"

Before Elena could respond, a man ambushed them from the shadows. He injected chloroform into their necks with a syringe, knocking them both unconscious, then carefully loaded their limp bodies into the trunk of his car without causing bruises. He sped off into the night.

Hours later, as dawn broke, he pulled over on a deserted rural road beside another black sedan with tinted windows. The driver's window rolled down. He first dragged the unconscious Caroline to the second car and shoved her into its trunk, then did the same with Elena.

Behind the wheel sat a vampire in a low-pulled baseball cap and dark sunglasses. In the passenger seat was a woman dressed identically — cap and shades concealing her features. After slamming the trunk shut, the human delivery man approached the driver's window.

"Where are they?" the vampire demanded, his voice cold and steady.

"In the trunk. I followed your instructions exactly," the man replied, fidgeting nervously.

"Good. Your job's done," the vampire said flatly.

"Anything else?" the man asked.

"Yeah. Step closer," the vampire ordered, leaning toward the window.

The man leaned in — and the vampire's face transformed: eyes turning jet-black with throbbing veins, fangs extending razor-sharp. He seized the man's collar, jerked him forward, and plunged his fangs into his neck, draining him completely until the body slumped lifeless to the ground.

The woman in the passenger seat chuckled darkly, smirking at the fresh kill. The vampire flashed her a quick, satisfied grin, wiped the blood from his mouth with his hand, and floored the accelerator.

They drove a few miles deeper into the dense woods, arriving at an abandoned, crumbling mansion — windows boarded up, ivy choking the weathered stone walls. The vampire popped the trunk, slung the still-unconscious Caroline over his shoulder, and carried her inside. The chloroform was wearing off; her head lolled as she began to stir, eyes fluttering open in confusion that turned to sheer panic when she registered the strange vampire gripping her tightly.

"Let me go!" Caroline demanded, her voice trembling but defiant. "Please, just let me go — I swear I won't tell anyone!"

"Shut up," the vampire snapped, dumping her onto a filthy, moldy couch that stank of rot and dust.

"My mom's the sheriff, you know? We're broke — we just paid the electric and cable bills!" Caroline blurted desperately, ignoring him. "We don't have money!"

"I don't want your money," he growled.

Her eyes widened in horror as realization hit. "Oh my God, no! No, no, no!" She thrashed wildly, kicking and scrambling to escape, but he pinned her effortlessly with vampire strength.

"Enough!" he barked, veins bulging in frustration.

Caroline kept screaming and sobbing, begging hysterically, "Please don't hurt me! Don't do this!" The vampire hesitated — he could've knocked her out with a precise vampire strike, but she was too valuable to risk injuring. He released her, leaving her curled up crying on the couch, and went back for Elena.

Minutes later, he returned, hauling Elena over his shoulder. She was groggily coming to, head lolling from the drugs. He dropped her beside Caroline on the couch and cut the thick ropes binding her wrists and ankles — neither he nor his partner had bothered restraining Caroline, wary of angering their employer.

"What do you want?" Elena rasped weakly, still disoriented and not yet noticing Caroline.

"Quiet," he hissed sharply.

"Please... I'm hurt," Elena whimpered, wincing at the gash on her arm.

He grinned hungrily. "I know. Just a taste." His vampire face erupted — black-veined eyes, fangs bared — and he lunged toward her bloody wound.

Elena screamed as his fangs grazed her skin, finally spotting Caroline and freaking out. "Caroline!" That set Caroline off shrieking again too.

The woman stormed in, yanking his shoulder back hard. "Trevor! Get a grip," she snapped, voice sharp and authoritative.

Trevor rolled his eyes in irritation, tossed Elena's ropes to the grimy floor, and brushed past her. "You're no fun," he muttered, stalking out.

Now the woman stood alone with the two terrified girls.

"Caroline," Elena said urgently, pulling her terrified best friend into a tight hug.

"Elena," Caroline whimpered, her voice cracking with raw fear and confusion.

Elena pulled back, gently wiping the tears streaming down Caroline's face. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

Caroline shook her head frantically, blonde hair disheveled. "No, but I'm freaking out. I just want to go home. I want my mom."

Elena's heart sank — her best friend was finally getting dragged into their dangerous supernatural world, and not in a way she'd ever wanted. She'd kept it from Caroline on purpose, just like Bonnie had insisted, to protect her.

Elena whipped her head toward the woman, eyes blazing with accusation. "What do you want with us?"

The woman ignored her completely, staring at Elena in stunned disbelief. "Oh my God... you look exactly like her."

"I'm not her," Elena insisted desperately. "Please, whatever this is—"

"Be quiet!" the woman snapped sharply, and Caroline flinched hard, huddling closer to Elena.

"I'm not Katherine," Elena pleaded firmly, squeezing Caroline's hand for reassurance before standing up and stepping toward the woman. "My name is Elena Gilbert. You don't have to do this."

The woman shot her a fierce glare. "I know exactly who you are. I said be quiet."

"What do you want from us?" Elena pressed.

The woman lost her patience and slapped Elena hard across the face, sending her sprawling back onto the couch beside a screaming Caroline —unconscious, blood trickling from her lip.

"I want you to be quiet," the woman snapped, then turned to Caroline, whose eyes were wide with terror. "Stop screaming. I'm not going to hurt you. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Need the bathroom?"

Caroline shook her head vigorously, too frightened and distrustful to respond.

"You sure? You were out cold for hours," the woman continued, her tone softening slightly. "I can get you some food and water. I'm Rose, by the way. Rose-Marie. Just call me Rose."

Caroline let out a sharp, disbelieving scoff. "My mom forced me to watch True Crime documentaries my whole life. I might be blonde, but I'm not an idiot. You give me food, I pass out, and next thing I know, your creep friend is forcing himself on me."

Rose's face twisted in a mix of offense for Trevor and genuine horror. "He would never do that — to you or any woman. I'd rip his heart out if he even tried. We're just trying to keep you from starving. Please, just eat something."

Caroline's stomach let out a loud, betraying growl right then, and Rose smirked, clearly amused. "See? You're starving. What do you want? I'll order delivery. Pizza? Sushi? Chinese?" She pulled out her phone, staring at Caroline expectantly.

Caroline couldn't wrap her head around why one of her kidnappers was suddenly playing nice, offering food like this — especially after Rose had just backhanded Elena so brutally she'd knocked her out cold. But hey, she wasn't about to turn it down.

"Pizza," Caroline said finally, then glanced worriedly at Elena's limp form. "And... maybe enough for two?"

Rose barely flicked her eyes toward Elena before nodding and dialing. "Fine."

Caroline couldn't hold back anymore. "Why are we here? What do you even want with us?" Her mind raced with terrifying possibilities — no way was this a ransom, her mom was broke. Human trafficking? The idea made her stomach churn.

Rose rolled her eyes in clear irritation. "I can't tell you anything yet. Just shut up and stay quiet. If your friend wakes up, make sure she does the same. Food's on the way."

She strode out of the room without another word. Caroline leaned down toward Elena, whispering softly, "Elena? Elena, wake up." But Elena stayed out cold, barely stirring.

Caroline sighed heavily, scanning the dingy room with a mix of raw fear and steely resolve. She was getting out of here — no matter what. She'd bide her time, wait for the right moment... and for Elena to wake up. There was no way she was leaving her best friend behind.

Hours dragged by with no sign of Elena waking up. Caroline's heart pounded with dread — had her best friend actually died from that brutal slap? But then, to her massive relief, Elena's eyes finally fluttered open, locking onto Caroline's worried face.

"Care?" Elena whispered hoarsely, trying to sit up.

"Shh," Caroline hushed her urgently, steadying Elena's shoulders before handing over a pizza box. She'd scarfed down her own slices hours ago. "It's cold, but hey, food's food, right?"

Elena nodded weakly, guilt crashing over her like a tidal wave. This was her mess — her supernatural chaos — and now Caroline was trapped in it. She'd have to beg Stefan or Damon to compel the memories away, keep her safe and clueless. She flipped open the box — pepperoni, her favorite — but her stomach twisted; how could she eat when they were kidnapped? Caroline nudged her insistently. When Elena glanced up, Caroline pressed a finger to her lips, then subtly pointed toward the adjoining room.

Through the cracked door, Rose and Trevor stood locked in a heated, hushed argument — tension crackling between them like a live wire.

Elena started to stand, itching to eavesdrop on Rose and Trevor's hushed argument, but Caroline grabbed her arm, shaking her head frantically. She jerked her chin toward the door — let's get out now while they're distracted. Elena stubbornly refused, rolling her eyes in frustration. Why wouldn't her best friend see how stupid running was? Rose and Trevor were vampires — super-hearing, super-speed. They'd hear every creak, catch them in seconds. Elena had learned that lesson the hard way months ago during her own nightmare escapes. No phone, no pen, no paper to explain it —ugh.

Instead, Elena clasped Caroline's hand tightly and, moving as silently as possible, pulled her toward the narrow hallway. Peeling wallpaper flaked off the walls, a dusty chandelier dangled bare bulbs overhead, string lights snaked along the edges, and a rickety ladder leaned precariously against one side. They crouched at the edge of an open doorway on the creaky wooden staircase, peering into the room where Rose and Trevor stood locked in tense whispers.

"They said Elijah got the message," Rose said curtly.

"And?" Trevor demanded, voice edged with nerves.

"That's it. He got it. We wait," she replied firmly.

Trevor's panic cracked through. "We can still bail, Rose. Ditch them here. We don't have to do this."

"I'm done running," Rose snapped back.

"Running's what keeps us alive!" he shot back desperately.

Her tone turned icy. "Elijah's old-school. If he takes the deal, we're free."

Elena and Caroline exchanged baffled glances — Elijah? Who the hell was that? — until Elena shifted slightly, her foot pressing down on a loose floorboard. It groaned loudly under her weight.

Caroline shot Elena a what the hell glare. Elena mouthed a sheepish sorry, but it was too late — they were busted.

Rose's head snapped toward them like a predator sensing prey. "You two!" she barked, vampire speed blurring as she stormed over. "There's nothing but endless woods out there for miles." She glared daggers between them. "Think you can just escape? You're dead wrong."

Elena swallowed hard, voice trembling but defiant. "Who's Elijah?"

Rose paused, eyes narrowing dangerously. "He's your worst nightmare." Then she spun on her heel and stalked away.

Elena shook her head in disbelief and trailed after Rose into the next room, Caroline close behind. The space was a dusty wreck — boarded-up windows except for two letting in slivers of fading daylight, air thick with mildew and decay. Ancient, leather-bound books lay scattered across a heavy wooden table, and Rose was fussing to straighten them up for no clear reason.

"Why are we here?" Elena demanded, arms crossed.

Rose didn't even glance up as she stacked the books. "You keep asking questions like I'm actually gonna answer them."

"Why won't you?" Elena shot back, eyebrow arched.

"That's another one," Rose said, rolling her eyes.

"You've got us trapped here — it's not like we can just walk out," Elena pressed. "The least you can do is tell us what you want."

Rose finally finished tidying and fixed Elena with a steady stare. "Personally? Nothing. I'm just the delivery girl."

"Delivery to who? Elijah?" Elena guessed.

Rose's lips curved in a humorless smile. "Two points for the little eavesdropper."

"Is Elijah some kind of mob boss or what?" Caroline piped up, forcing a nervous half-smile.

Rose glanced at her and actually barked a short laugh. "Wow." She turned to Elena. "She really has no clue, does she?"

Elena stiffened, avoiding Caroline's eyes. Caroline frowned deeply. "Clue about what?"

Rose kept her gaze on Elena, tone dripping sarcasm. "I mean, she's your best friend, right?"

Elena glared daggers at Rose, pleading silently for her to drop it. "I didn't want her to know."

"Well, tough luck — she's finding out now," Rose said flatly.

"Hello?" Caroline snapped, hands on hips as both women finally looked at her. "Why are you talking about me like I'm invisible? What the hell are you talking about?"

Elena shot Rose a desperate look, but Rose just shrugged it off with fake innocence. "Your pal here's dating a vampire. His brother's one too."

Caroline's eyes bugged out. Elena squeezed hers shut in defeat.

"What?" Caroline sputtered, then let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. "Right, sure. And I'm the freaking Easter Bunny."

"She's telling the truth, Care," Elena said softly, meeting her gaze. "Stefan's a vampire. Damon's one too. And... Bonnie's a witch."

Caroline still looked skeptical, so Rose rolled her eyes dramatically. In a blur of vampire speed, she rushed right up to them — Caroline yelped and stumbled back — then zipped back to her spot across the room just as fast.

"Believe us now?" Rose taunted, smirking.

"Oh my God," Caroline gasped, staring at Rose in pure horror. "You're a — you're a—"

"Vampire," Rose finished casually, tilting her head. "Don't freak. I don't kill humans if I can help it. And even if I wanted to rip into you, I *can't* — not with Elijah coming."

"Speaking of," Elena cut in sharply, redirecting fast — she'd deal with Caroline's meltdown later. "Who is he? Another vampire?"

"He's the vampire," Rose corrected. "One of the Originals."

"What do you mean, 'Originals'?" Elena asked, brow furrowed.

Rose groaned under her breath. "God, more questions. Haven't the Salvatores taught you any vampire lore?"

"So you know Stefan and Damon?" Elena pressed.

"I know of them," Rose said. "A century ago, a friend tried fixing me up with Stefan — called him one of the 'good ones.' Me? I go for the bad boys." She smirked, grabbing a hammer to board up the remaining windows with swift, precise bangs.

"Who are the Originals?" Caroline demanded, still reeling.

Rose sighed heavily, nails screeching into wood. "Trevor and I've been on the run for 500 years. We're exhausted. We want out. You're our ticket to negotiating a clean slate."

"But why us?" Elena asked, glancing at Caroline, who nodded frantically — yeah, why us?

Rose hammered the last board in place and turned, dead serious. "Because you're a Petrova doppelgänger, Elena. You're the key to breaking the curse."

Elena's eyes flew wide in shock — Caroline's matched hers a second later.

"The curse?" Elena whispered. "The Sun and the Moon curse?"

Rose grinned, almost impressed. "Look at you — actually know your history."

Elena's brows furrowed as she crossed her arms. "What do you mean I'm the key? The moonstone is what breaks the curse."

Rose shook her head. "No, the moonstone is what binds the curse. The sacrifice is what breaks it."

"The sacrifice?" Elena asked and Caroline also looked really confused but moreso than Elena.

"The blood of the doppelgänger. You're the doppelgänger. Which means, in order to break the curse you're the one who has to die," Rose explained with a small amount of sympathy.

Elena's eyes widened in horror and so did Caroline's.

"I'm sorry, what?" She snapped and they both looked at her. "What the actual hell is going on!" She looked at Elena. "Elena what is she talking about? Why did she just call you a doppleganger and why do you have to die for some stupid curse?"

Elena sighed. "Doppleganger just means I have an evil identical version of me somewhere out there. She used to be... romantically involved with the Salvatores and now she tried to make my life a living hell just because I'm dating Stefan and she's obsessed with him."

Caroline rubbed her temples like her head was splitting as Elena whipped back to Rose. "Why is she here?" she demanded, nodding at Caroline. "She has zero part in this."

Rose's grin was ice-cold as she glanced at Caroline with fake pity. "Oh, she has everything to do with it."

"Why?" Caroline blurted, voice tight with dread.

"Because you're Elijah's soulmate."

"What?" Elena and Caroline yelped in unison, eyes bulging in pure horror.

Rose sighed, leaning against the table like she was explaining the obvious. "Soulmates have been a thing for centuries — everyone's got one. Vampires just sense theirs easier because our emotions are cranked up to eleven. Trevor and I have been dodging the Originals for 500 years, digging for any way to get back in their good graces. We found seers who prophesied Elijah's soulmate: a blonde human girl. One sketched her face for us right before the Originals tracked her down and snapped her neck."

She fished a brittle, yellowed drawing from her pocket — creased and crumbling with age — and thrust it at Caroline. Elena and Caroline stared down at the faded sketch, jaws dropping.

Caroline blinked up at Rose, baffled. "That doesn't look anything like me."

Elena kept studying it, tilting her head thoughtfully. "Actually, Care... it kinda does. Wow."

Caroline shot Elena a death glare before shoving the drawing back at Rose. "So we're just leverage?" she snapped, eyebrow arched defiantly.

"Yes," Rose confirmed flatly, not a hint of apology in her voice.

Caroline scoffed sharply and spun toward the door, but Rose blocked her path in a blur. "Where do you think you're going?"

Caroline whirled back, eyes flashing. "Do you have any idea how much this dress cost me?" She yanked at the elegant red gown from the masquerade ball. "Nineteen dollars and seventy-nine cents. My mom and I scraped together every penny after struggling to pay the electric and cable bills — she handed me her last cash just so I could go to that ball and have fun. And I did — until I saw Elena sneaking out looking like a mess in jeans with blood all over her shirt. Then I get jumped, dragged here, and bam — vampires are real, witches are real, my best friends knew everything and never told me. Now you're saying I'm here because I'm 'soulmates' with some Original creep named Elijah? That I'm just leverage? My head is pounding. I need to lie down and pretend this hell isn't real. So excuse me — I'm taking that nasty couch."

Rose stared back with a blank, unimpressed expression. Caroline scoffed again, stormed past without glancing at Elena's guilty face, and flopped onto the filthy living room couch.

She wished she'd skipped that damn masquerade ball entirely.

Chapter Text

Chapter Two

Elena stayed behind in the room to grill Rose further. Trevor slipped in to join their heated discussion moments later, but Caroline couldn't have cared less. She sprawled across the grimy, mildew-soaked couch in the living room, eyes squeezed shut, desperately trying to block out the nightmare her life had become. Elena eventually emerged and plopped down beside her, voice soft as she tried to coax Caroline to talk. But Caroline shut her out completely — furious that her best friend had hidden the truth about vampires and witches for months, and just not in the mood to deal. After a few failed attempts, Elena gave up, and Caroline felt a wave of relief.

Rose strode into the living room, eyeing Caroline. "You need the bathroom? You downed a whole pizza box and two cans of soda by yourself."

Caroline shot her a flat look. "Nope. And even if I did, I'd hold it. I bet the bathroom in this dump is as gross as this couch."

Trevor burst in, face pale and eyes wild with panic. "He's here! This was a huge mistake!"

Rose's jaw tightened. "No, I told you I'd get us out of this. Trust me."

"No way!" Trevor snapped, voice cracking. "He wants me dead, Rose!"

"He wants them more," Rose countered, jabbing a finger toward Elena and Caroline, who sat frozen on the couch, watching the vampires' argument unfold.

Trevor shook his head frantically. "I can’t do this. You hand them over, maybe he’ll spare you, but I’m out of here."

"Hey!" Rose barked, stepping closer. "What are we?"

Trevor exhaled heavily, deflating. "Family. Forever."

A sharp knock echoed from the front door. Trevor flinched hard, and Rose’s body went rigid. Elena and Caroline swapped a quick, anxious glance.

"You're scared," Elena said, staring at Trevor’s trembling hands.

Rose’s eyes narrowed. "Stay here, keep them quiet, and don’t make a sound," she ordered Trevor before stalking off to face Elijah.

Elijah opened the creaking front door just as Rose reached it. "Rose-Marie," he greeted, his voice smooth but commanding. "Is there a place we can speak privately?"

"Yes, this way," Rose replied, gesturing toward a side room. "Sorry about the state of this place."

He stepped into the dusty, decaying mansion, scanning the boarded windows and peeling wallpaper with a faint smirk. "No matter. A little dirt is hardly an issue," he said dismissively. "Now, tell me — what gives you the nerve to summon me?"

Rose met his piercing gaze, unflinching. "I want my freedom. I’m done running. Are you in a position to grant that?"

Elijah settled into a creaky, dust-covered chair and fixed Rose with a calm, piercing stare. "I have full authority to grant a pardon to you and your... companion. Trevor, isn’t it? If I deem it appropriate."

Rose exhaled heavily. "Katerina Petrova."

His eyes glinted with interest. "I'm listening."

"She didn’t burn in the church in 1864," Rose revealed, her voice controlled despite her nerves.

"Go on," he urged.

"She survived," Rose said.

"Where is she now?" Elijah asked, leaning forward slightly.

Rose hesitated, noting his lack of surprise. "You don’t seem shocked by this."

He tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "When you summoned me to this... charming backwater, a mere three hours from Mystic Falls, I assumed it had everything to do with Katerina. Do you have her in your possession?"

"No," Rose replied, a touch of smugness breaking through her fear. "But I’ve got something better. Her doppelgänger."

Elijah’s eyes narrowed, skeptical. "Impossible. Her bloodline ended with her. I know that for a fact."

"Your facts are wrong," Rose countered firmly.

He leaned back, studying her. "Then show her to me," he commanded, still seated.

Rose shifted nervously, her voice wavering. "There’s... someone else, too. Someone I think is even more valuable than Katerina’s doppelgänger."

Elijah’s brow arched, his tone dripping with disinterest. "Who could possibly be more important than a Petrova doppelgänger?"

Rose swallowed hard. "Your soulmate."

For a moment, Elijah’s expression remained impassive. Then, almost imperceptibly, his head tilted — a rare crack in his cultivated composure. "My what?" His voice was low, smooth, and laced with menace.

"Your soulmate," Rose repeated, her throat tight with fear. "She’s here, Elijah. On the couch with the doppelgänger."

"And her name?" he demanded, his patience thinning.

"Caroline Forbes," Rose answered.

A heavy silence hung between them. Elijah’s gaze turned razor-sharp, like a blade poised to strike. "You’d do well not to waste my time with fantasies," he said evenly.

"I’m not lying," Rose insisted, her voice quick and desperate. "Trevor and I didn’t believe it either, but she matches the seer’s drawing perfectly."

A flicker of curiosity sparked in Elijah’s eyes — subtle but undeniable. He rose from the chair with measured grace, every movement radiating authority. "Show me," he ordered.

Rose nodded, then paused, her voice trembling slightly. "Elijah, you’re a man of honor. I trust you, but I need to hear it again."

He didn’t hesitate. "You have my word I will pardon you."

"Follow me," Rose said, leading him toward the living room where Elena and Caroline stood, their faces pale and tense with fear.

Elijah’s gaze locked onto Elena first, and in a blur of vampire speed, he was inches from her, making her flinch hard. Her body trembled as he leaned in, eyes narrowing, and inhaled deeply near her neck, catching her scent. Elena shook uncontrollably, heart pounding, as he pulled back, his face registering genuine shock.

"Human," he murmured, almost to himself. "Impossible." Then, a cold, calculated smile curved his lips. "Hello there."

His eyes shifted to Caroline, who stood frozen, trembling just as fiercely. A flicker of recognition flashed in his dark gaze as he moved in an instant to stand before her, towering with an intensity that pinned her in place. His lips parted, then closed, as if grappling for words — a rare crack in his composed demeanor. His expression softened, a faint warmth breaking through, and his lips, soft and faintly pink, twitched upward at the corners.

"You’re real," he said, voice low and reverent.

Rose and Trevor swapped uneasy glances, curiosity mixing with their nerves. Elena, gripped by fear for Caroline, watched with a spark of confusion and dread.

Elijah’s eyes never left Caroline as he spoke her name with reverent precision. "Caroline Forbes."

Caroline stood paralyzed, her voice caught in her throat — whether from terror or the jarring realization that the man before her was strikingly handsome, she couldn’t tell. Maybe both. Elijah raised a brow, expectant, waiting for her to speak.

"Please, don’t hurt her!" Elena blurted, stepping forward, her voice desperate. "She’s got nothing to do with this. Please — just do whatever you want with me, but leave her out of it!"

Elijah shot Elena a sharp, offended glare, his jaw tightening at the implication he’d ever harm his soulmate. Then his gaze softened as it returned to Caroline, warmth flickering in his dark eyes.

"I would never hurt you," he said firmly, voice low and sincere. "You have my word."

Caroline stood rooted to the spot, frozen as Elijah gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek with a tenderness that sent her pulse racing. Her heart pounded — not from fear, but from the magnetic pull of his presence. He was strikingly handsome, his chiseled features and intense gaze almost overwhelming. His touch was soft, reverent, and he smelled incredible — like cedarwood and crisp linen. Elijah’s eyes flicked briefly to her chest, catching the rapid thump of her heartbeat, and a faint, knowing smirk curved his lips. If his own heart could still beat, it would’ve matched hers. After a thousand years, he’d finally found her — his soulmate, the living embodiment of the seer’s sketch he’d carried in his pocket for centuries. She was stunning, her scent like warm vanilla, her red masquerade gown a stark contrast to Elena’s casual jeans and bloodstained shirt. It puzzled him briefly, but it was irrelevant. Joy surged through him, tempered only by the awareness of their audience. Reluctantly, he stepped back, dropping his hand.

Caroline exhaled sharply, not realizing she’d been holding her breath, her cheeks flushing as she tried to process the moment.

Elijah’s voice cut through the tense silence. "We have a long journey ahead. We should leave now." Caroline’s eyes widened, panic surging — she was about to be dragged off again.

Elena turned to Rose, voice desperate. "Please, don’t let him take us."

Rose avoided their gazes, staring at the dusty floorboards, a flicker of guilt crossing her face.

"One last matter to settle," Elijah said, striding toward Trevor, who stood with his head bowed, trembling faintly.

Trevor’s voice shook as he spoke. "I’ve waited so long for this, Elijah. I’m truly sorry."

"Your apology isn’t necessary," Elijah replied smoothly.

Trevor shook his head. "No, it is. You trusted me with Katerina, and I failed you."

Elijah’s tone stayed calm, almost forgiving. "Yes, you did fail me. Rose aided you out of loyalty, which I respect. But where was your loyalty?" He raised a brow, staring down the younger vampire.

Trevor summoned his courage, meeting Elijah’s gaze. "I beg your forgiveness."

Elijah’s lips curved into a faint smirk. "Granted."

Rose and Trevor exhaled in relief, Trevor even flashing a hopeful smile, believing freedom was finally his after 500 years. But in a blur, Elijah struck — ripping Trevor’s head clean off his shoulders. The body crumpled to the floor. Rose screamed in anguish, her face twisting in horror. Elena gasped, clapping a hand over her mouth, while Caroline let out a piercing scream, eyes wide with shock.

Elijah glanced at Caroline, a pang of guilt hitting him instantly. He should’ve warned her to look away — she didn’t need to witness that. Would she see him as a monster now? Shaking off the thought, he adjusted his cufflinks as Rose wailed, her fists clenched like she wanted to lunge at him.

"Don’t, Rose," he warned coolly. "You’re free now." He turned to the girls, extending his hands. "Come."

Elena darted to Caroline’s side, still trembling, and blurted, "No — what about the moonstone?"

Elijah froze, lowering his hands, his brows lifting as he studied her. "What do you know about the moonstone?"

"I know you need it," Elena said defiantly. "And I know where it is."

He tilted his head, intrigued. "Go on."

"I can help you get it," she offered.

"Tell me where it is," he commanded, voice soft but firm.

Elena shook her head. "It doesn’t work like that."

Elijah’s eyes flickered with amusement. "Are you negotiating with me?" He glanced at Rose, who was still staring at Trevor’s headless body.

Rose didn’t look up, her voice flat. "First I’ve heard of it."

Elena and Caroline exchanged a quick look — they knew she was lying.

Elijah turned back to Elena, stepping closer to compel her. His gaze caught on the vervain necklace around her neck. "What’s this vervain doing around your neck?" he muttered, yanking it off and tossing it aside. Elena gasped, and Caroline started to move, but Elijah shot her a sharp warning look, freezing her in place. He gripped Elena’s face, locking eyes. "Tell me where the moonstone is."

Elena’s voice went flat, compelled. "In the tomb under the church ruins."

"What’s it doing there?" he pressed.

"It’s with Katherine," she answered.

Elena groaned as he released her, swaying slightly. "Interesting," Elijah murmured, processing the information.

A sudden crash of breaking glass echoed from upstairs, shattering the tense moment.

"What was that?" Elijah demanded, head snapping toward the sound.

"I don’t know," Rose said, voice tight with fear.

"Who else is in this house?" he barked.

"I don’t know!" Rose snapped, frustrated and on edge.

Elijah grabbed Elena roughly by the arm but took Caroline’s with a gentler grip, pulling them toward another part of the dilapidated mansion. Shadows flickered as Stefan and Damon Salvatore darted around them with vampire speed. Elijah shoved both girls into Rose’s arms.

"Don’t let her out of your sight," he ordered, pointing at Caroline, before striding toward the staircase to confront the intruders.

Stefan’s voice echoed from above. "Up here!" Elijah blurred up the creaking staircase with vampire speed.

"Down here!" Damon called out. A moment later, a wooden stake slammed into Elijah’s hand. Elena, Caroline, and Rose vanished in the chaos, and soon Elena was with Stefan.

Stefan’s eyes locked on Elena, his finger to his lips. "Shh." Meanwhile, Damon stood with Caroline and Rose, hands clamped over their mouths, signaling for silence. With an irritated grunt, Elijah yanked the stake from his hand, the wound healing instantly.

"Excuse me," Elijah said, his voice cold and commanding as he addressed the unseen brothers. "To whom it may concern — you’re making a grave mistake thinking you can defeat me. You can’t." He snapped a wooden coat rack, fashioning a sharp stake. "I’ll say it again: you cannot win. I want the girls. I’ll count to three, or heads will roll. Do we understand each other?"

Elena stepped out at the top of the stairs, voice steady but pleading. "I’ll come with you. Just don’t hurt my friends — they were only trying to help me."

Elijah blurred up to her, stake in hand, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What game are you playing, Elena? Where’s Caroline? I’m not leaving without her."

Elena hurled a vervain grenade — slipped to her by Stefan — right at his face. It exploded, sizzling his skin, but he healed in seconds, unfazed. He lunged for her, but Stefan appeared, firing a compressed air weapon. It barely slowed Elijah down. Stefan tossed the weapon aside and tackled him, sending them both tumbling down the stairs. Elijah sprang up instantly, but Stefan stayed down, groaning. As Elijah advanced on him, Damon materialized and drove a stake through Elijah’s heart, pinning him against the front door. Elijah’s skin turned ashen, veins graying as he desiccated, his body going rigid like stone.

Damon stepped back, eyeing what he believed was Elijah’s lifeless form. Rose, catching sight of the staked Original, bolted with vampire speed. Damon started after her, but Elena grabbed his arm.

"Just let her go," she said, then threw her arms around Stefan in a tight hug.

"You okay? Are you hurt?" Stefan asked, pulling back to check her over.

"Yeah," Elena nodded, gazing at him with relief and love. She glanced past Damon, mouthing a silent thank you. Damon mouthed you’re welcome back, his face tight with pain he tried to mask. Elena turned back to Stefan, and they shared a quick, tender kiss.

Caroline stared at Elijah’s staked body, a strange pang of hurt twisting in her chest — she didn’t understand why it stung so much. Damon noticed her staring and grabbed her arm roughly, making her wince and struggle.

"Hey," Damon snapped, drawing Elena and Stefan’s attention. "What are we doing about her?"

"That’s Caroline, my best friend," Elena said, voice firm.

"I don’t care who she is," Damon shot back. "She knows too much."

Elena sighed, looking at Caroline with guilt. "Just compel her, please. I’m so sorry, Care, that you got dragged into this and found out this way. But I don’t want you to know about this ever again. I’m doing this because I’m your friend and I love you."

Caroline’s eyes widened in panic. "No — what’s he gonna do to me?"

"He’s just going to take away your memories of today," Elena said, trying to sound reassuring.

"No, don’t touch me!" Caroline pleaded, but Damon grabbed her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. 

His pupils dilated as he compelled her. "You went home right after the masquerade ball. You had too much to drink, so you’re staying home from school today. You’ll fall asleep in the car and wake up when we get you back to Mystic Falls."

Caroline’s eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed into a fierce glare. "Are you serious? You think I’d buy that? I went to school with pneumonia when I was nine!"

Elena and the Salvatore brothers froze, stunned that Damon’s compulsion had failed. Damon’s expression darkened, and he lunged, grabbing Caroline by the throat with a rough grip, his eyes scanning her for vervain jewelry. Finding none, his face shifted — veins bulging under his eyes, fangs snapping out — and he sank his teeth into her neck. Caroline screamed, a raw mix of pain, terror, and shock.

"Damon!" Elena shouted, horrified, as Stefan tackled his brother, hurling him across the room.

Damon hit the wall but recovered instantly, Caroline’s blood smeared across his lips. He licked it off casually, unfazed, as Caroline glared at him with pure hatred, clutching the bleeding, throbbing wound on her neck. Elena wrapped an arm around her, trying to comfort her, while Stefan shot Damon a scathing look.

"She hasn’t taken vervain," Damon said, wiping the remaining blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, his tone cold and analytical.

Caroline trembled, her breath shaky, as Elena turned her fury on Damon. "How dare you feed on her like that! Do you ever get tired of being such a monster, Damon?"

He rolled his eyes, completely unbothered by the reprimand. "No vervain jewelry, no vervain in her system — so why the hell can’t I compel her?" He fixed Caroline with a suspicious stare. "What are you, Blondie? Spill, or I’ll snap that pretty little neck of yours."

Caroline’s voice erupted with fury. "I’m not anything, you jerk!" She winced, clutching her neck where Damon’s bite still throbbed, blood crusted on her skin.

Stefan stepped forward, biting into his wrist, blood welling up before it began to heal. "Here, drink this. It’ll heal you, fast."

Caroline stared at his wrist in disgust, the blood already clotting, then glanced at Elena, who gave her a small, encouraging nod.

"It’s true, Care," Elena said softly. "Vampire blood heals injuries."

Stefan bit his wrist again, fresh blood pooling. Caroline grimaced, squeezed her eyes shut, and forced herself to lean in, her lips touching his skin. The metallic taste made her gag, and she pulled back quickly. Even that small sip worked — her neck wound closed, leaving only dried blood staining her pale skin.

"She has to die," Damon said coldly, turning to Elena and Stefan.

Elena stepped in front of Caroline, shielding her. "Leave her alone, Damon."

"She knows too much," he insisted, his voice sharp with frustration.

Caroline trembled behind Elena, who stood firm. "I’ve known her since we were five. She’s my best friend, right up there with Bonnie. If you kill her, I’ll never forgive you. I’ll hate you forever. Got it?"

Elena knew Damon’s feelings for her gave her leverage, and with Caroline’s life at stake, she wasn’t above using it. She loved Stefan — or thought she did — but this was about saving her friend. Damon glanced at Stefan, who clearly sided with Elena, and his jaw clenched in irritation.

"Fine," Damon snapped. "But when this backfires, don’t come crying to me." He stormed out of the dilapidated mansion, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

Elena turned to Caroline, who looked pale and queasy, like she might throw up any second. "Are you okay?" she asked, voice thick with concern.

Caroline shook her head, eyes glassy. "I just want to go home."

Elena nodded and glanced at Stefan. "Let’s get out of here."

Stefan gave a curt nod, and the three hurried out, leaving Elijah’s staked, desiccated body pinned to the door behind them.

The drive back to Mystic Falls was thick with tension, the air heavy in the cramped car. Stefan rode shotgun while Damon gripped the wheel, his jaw tight. In the backseat, Elena and Caroline sat pressed close, arms wrapped around each other for comfort. Caroline felt a wave of relief knowing Damon was dropping her off first, not Elena — she couldn’t stomach being alone with the guy who’d planned to kill her hours ago and the one who’d rejected her back in September. When they pulled up to her house, Caroline bolted out, shutting the car door behind her. Inside, she found her mom, Elizabeth 'Liz' Forbes, pacing the living room, her sheriff’s uniform nowhere in sight despite it being a workday. Her face was drawn with worry, clearly having skipped her shift.

"Mom," Caroline said, voice breaking as she rushed forward and threw her arms around her.

Liz hugged her back tightly, relief and fear mixing in her tone. "Oh my God, Caroline! Where have you been? Bonnie called, said you were missing — I left work and started calling everyone. I was losing my mind."

She pulled back, studying Caroline’s face — those familiar features, a blend of her own and a hint of the man she still loved. A heavy weight lifted from Liz’s chest; she’d been terrified, knowing only that Caroline, her ever-responsible daughter, hadn’t shown up at school, which was completely out of character.

Caroline let out a heavy sigh, shaking her head. "You wouldn’t believe me if I told you."

"Try me," Liz said firmly, her eyes locked on her daughter’s.

Caroline raised an eyebrow, skeptical, but spilled it all. "Fine. Elena and I got kidnapped by vampires. They wanted to use us as bargaining chips to get a pardon from this other vampire, Elijah, because Elena’s a Petrova doppelgänger — still not totally clear on what that means — and apparently, I’m his soulmate."

Liz stared at her daughter, brows shooting up, before exhaling a slow, resigned breath. "Goddamn vampires."

Caroline’s jaw dropped. "Wait, you know vampires are real? What about witches?"

Liz nodded, her face grim. Caroline’s expression shifted to hurt and betrayal. "Why didn’t you tell me? How do you even know?"

Her mother sighed again, rubbing her temple. "I’ve known my whole life, Caroline. I’m sorry I kept it from you. I never thought you’d run into vampires here — Mystic Falls was safe, quiet, until the Salvatores showed up."

"How did you know about vampires your whole life?" Caroline pressed, voice sharp with disbelief.

Liz hesitated, then met her daughter’s gaze. "Because my mother — your grandmother — was a witch."

Thirty minutes later, they sat side by side on the living room couch. Caroline, freshly showered and in soft lavender pajamas, clutched a steaming mug of her favorite lavender chamomile tea, the familiar scent calming her frayed nerves.

Liz took a deep breath, her voice unwavering but heavy with the weight of her confession. "My mother was Rowena Valemont, a powerful witch from a long line of them — her mother, my grandmother, was one too. Growing up in Salem, Massachusetts, they taught me everything about vampires, their history, their weaknesses. They didn’t raise me to fear or hate them like most witches do, but I’ve never been a fan. Despite their power, I was born without magic — no spark, no abilities. When my grandmother died when I was eighteen, I moved to Mystic Falls for a fresh start, away from all that."

Caroline’s brow furrowed, her voice sharp with betrayal. "You always said you were born here in Mystic Falls, and that your mom died of natural causes. Why did you lie to me?"

Liz’s face softened with regret. "I wasn’t ready to tell you the truth, Care. I planned to when you turned eighteen. My mom died in 2001, eleven years after my grandmother. I didn’t think it mattered much since neither of us inherited any powers — no magic, no witchy destiny."

"You still should’ve told me," Caroline snapped, her hurt clear.

"I know," Liz said, reaching for her daughter’s hand. "I’m sorry, honey."

Caroline let out a weary sigh, too exhausted to hold onto her anger. The day’s chaos had drained her completely, leaving her desperate for sleep. She placed her lavender chamomile tea on the coffee table and leaned into her mom for another hug. Liz wrapped her arms around her daughter tightly, her embrace warm and steady.

"Does anyone else in the family know?" Caroline asked, pulling back slightly. "Daddy? Nana and Pop Pop? Uncle Zeno?"

Liz shook her head. "I never told your father I’m an untapped witch. Didn’t see the point, like I said." As Caroline settled back, Liz’s brow furrowed. "And what’s this about you being Elijah’s soulmate?"

Caroline’s eyes widened. "You know him?"

"I know of him," Liz clarified. "He’s one of the Originals — the first vampires, ancient and powerful."

"Yeah, and apparently I’m his soulmate," Caroline muttered, rubbing her temples. "I don’t even get what that means."

Liz’s voice softened, but her tone was serious. "It means your souls are linked — bound by something deeper than reason or choice. It’s rare, Care, and incredibly powerful. If Elijah is who I think, that connection could change everything for you both."

Caroline groaned, slumping back. "No way. I want nothing to do with him — or any of this!"

Liz gave her a sad, knowing smile. "I’m sorry, honey, but you don’t get to choose."

Caroline dropped her head into her mom’s lap, her blonde hair — inherited from Liz — splaying across her mother’s knees. Liz gently stroked her daughter’s hair as Caroline mumbled, "Elijah’s dead. Damon killed him." Her eyes fluttered shut, exhaustion pulling her under.

Liz froze, her hand pausing mid-stroke. "He’s not dead, Care. He’s an Original. A regular stake won’t kill them."

But Caroline was already out, soft breaths signaling sleep. Liz sighed heavily, resuming the gentle strokes through her daughter’s hair.

"I’m so sorry, honey," she whispered. "This isn’t the life I wanted for you."

Chapter Text

Chapter Three

When Caroline woke, she found herself tucked into her own bed, the room cloaked in darkness from the night outside. Blinking groggily, she wondered what time it was and reached for her phone on the nightstand. The screen lit up: 9:39 PM. With a groan, she flicked on her bedside lamp, its soft glow illuminating her cozy room, and slipped into her fuzzy bunny slippers. Padding downstairs, she realized the house was empty — her mom must’ve left while she was out cold. Her stomach growled, so she opened the refrigerator, only to find her mom’s leftover lasagna from two nights ago. Liz had made a huge batch after a grocery run, knowing her sheriff duties wouldn’t leave time to cook again soon. Caroline had eaten it for two days straight and was beyond sick of it — a classic struggle meal. Cooking wasn’t her thing, and baking was even worse. Shutting the fridge, she grabbed a box of Lucky Charms instead, poured a bowl, and settled on the living room couch. She flipped on the TV, picking Beauty and the Beast for some light Disney comfort, and ate quietly, the cereal crunching as Belle sang on screen. Fifteen minutes in, her phone pinged. Her heart sank, dreading a text from Elena — she wasn’t ready to deal with her yet.

Relief hit when she saw it was just Matt, her friend and ex-boyfriend. His text asked where she’d been — she’d skipped school and her shift at the Mystic Grill. Panic surged; she’d totally forgotten her 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM waitressing shift. Scrambling, she dialed Elena, praying she’d pick up. No answer. Cursing under her breath, she called Jeremy instead. She’d known him since they were kids, and though they weren’t super close, they’d swapped numbers over the years. He was only two years younger, after all.

To her relief, Jeremy answered. "Care?" His voice carried surprise — she rarely called him. The last time was October, for his birthday, when he’d ditched school.

"Hey, Jer, is Elena there?" Caroline asked, her anxiety obvious.

"Uh, yeah, she’s in the bathroom. Hang on," he said. She heard his bed creak as he got up, followed by a knock on the bathroom door connecting his and Elena’s bedrooms.

Seconds later, the door opened, and Jeremy’s muffled voice said, "Elena, Caroline’s on the phone." Elena grabbed it quickly.

"Care, are you okay?" Elena asked, worry lacing her tone.

"Oh, you mean aside from being kidnapped and chomped on by your boyfriend’s psycho brother? I’m just peachy," Caroline snapped, sarcasm dripping before her voice turned serious. "Look, I need a favor. You owe me big time for keeping me in the dark about all this vampire crap for months — you and Bonnie, but I’ll deal with her later."

"Anything. What do you need?" Elena asked.

"Vampires can do that mind control thing, right?" Caroline said.

"It’s called compulsion," Elena corrected.

Caroline huffed, rolling her eyes even though Elena couldn’t see. "Whatever! Can you get Stefan to compel my boss? I missed my shift at the Grill today without calling in, and Roger’s such a jerk — he’ll fire me for sure. I can’t lose that job, Elena. You know I need it to help my mom with bills."

"Of course I know," Elena said softly. Growing up, she’d always felt a pang of sympathy for Caroline and Matt, whose families scraped by, unlike her own comfortable upbringing. Bonnie’s family was well-off too, thanks to her dad’s high-paying job as a pharmaceutical executive, which kept him traveling constantly and often absent from home.

"I’ll call Stefan right now," Elena said, her voice firm with resolve, prompting Caroline to exhale a shaky sigh of relief.

"Thanks," Caroline replied, her thumb hovering over the end call button, but Elena’s voice stopped her.

"Caroline, I’m really sorry," Elena said, her tone heavy with genuine regret. "I was just trying to protect you."

Caroline’s jaw tightened. "I don’t need protecting, Elena. I can handle myself — I’ve been doing it my whole life."

"You’re right," Elena admitted. "I screwed up. I’m so sorry, Care. Please, just tell me we’re okay? I can’t handle you hating me." Her voice cracked slightly. She, Caroline, and Bonnie had been inseparable since kindergarten— more like sisters than friends.

Caroline paused, her anger warring with their history. Finally, she sighed. "Yeah, we’re okay."

Elena let out a relieved breath. "God, you don’t know how much that means to hear. I love you, Care. Talk soon?"

"Love you too, Lena. Yeah, we’ll talk. Night," Caroline said.

"Night," Elena replied, and the call ended.

Caroline set her phone down on the couch beside her, staring at the flickering TV screen as Beauty and the Beast played on. Had she forgiven Elena too quickly? Her best friend had lied to her for months — would’ve kept lying if Damon’s compulsion had worked. But thirteen years of friendship, of being as close as sisters, wasn’t something she could just toss aside. Elena’s intentions were good, even if she was wrong. Caroline’s heart softened. She’d forgive her anyway — because she loved her.

The next morning, as Caroline slipped into her favorite jeans and a fitted top for school, her phone buzzed on her dresser. The screen flashed Elena’s name. She answered, and the two greeted each other with their usual warmth, like no time had passed since their fight. "Hey, Care, want to come with me to question someone?" Elena asked, her voice tinged with urgency.

"Who?" Caroline replied, pausing as she brushed her hair.

"Katherine Pierce — my evil doppelgänger," Elena said.

Caroline hesitated, gripping her phone tighter. "Elena, I’ve got school. I already missed yesterday, and you know I’ve had perfect attendance since kindergarten. I’m not about to ruin that."

"Don’t worry," Elena reassured her. "Stefan will compel the school secretary — she handles attendance — and your teachers to think you were there yesterday and today. It’ll be fine."

Caroline frowned, skeptical. "Stefan’s not exactly my buddy. He already compelled my boss at the Grill to cover for me missing work yesterday. Why would he do this?"

"Because he’s a good guy, Care," Elena said earnestly. "And you’re my best friend. He’ll do it for me, which means he’ll do it for you."

That was enough to sway her. "Fine, I’m in. Pick me up? I don’t have my car."

"Got it," Elena said. "I’m on my way."

"Alright, see you soon, Lena," Caroline said, their usual goodbye rolling off her tongue.

"Later, Care," Elena replied, and they hung up.

Minutes later, Caroline sat at their small, worn dining table, hurriedly spooning Lucky Charms into her mouth as she waited for Elena’s car to pull up. The familiar clink of cereal against the bowl filled the quiet morning. Liz came down the stairs, her sheriff’s uniform crisp and badge gleaming, and headed into their cramped kitchen to grab her lunch box from the refrigerator.

"I’ll be home by six tonight," Liz called out, stepping back into the dining area.

Caroline swallowed her last bite and nodded. "Okay. Have a good day, Mom."

Liz smiled warmly, leaning down to press a quick kiss to the top of Caroline’s head before heading toward the front door.

Caroline hesitated, her spoon clinking against the empty bowl, then spoke up. "Hey, Mom? Could you maybe tell me more about our witch ancestry later?"

Liz paused, hand on the doorknob, and glanced back with a thoughtful nod. "Sure, Care. We’ll talk tonight."

Caroline flashed a small smile as Liz headed out the door, her sheriff’s badge glinting in the morning light. Ten minutes later, Elena’s car pulled into the driveway. Caroline grabbed her bag, locked the front door behind her, and slid into the passenger seat of Elena’s sedan.

"You eat anything?" Elena asked, glancing over as she started the engine. "We can swing by the Grill or somewhere if you’re hungry."

Caroline shook her head, buckling her seatbelt. "I had some Lucky Charms, but thanks. So, where are we even going?"

Elena sighed, her fingers tightening on the wheel. "It’s… complicated. Hard to explain right now."

Caroline’s brow furrowed, but she didn’t push, sensing Elena’s reluctance. As they drove, their conversation flowed easily, slipping back into their familiar rhythm. Caroline shared what she’d learned last night: "So, turns out I’m descended from a long line of witches on my mom’s side. But Mom and I are untapped witches — no powers, no magic. She told me after I spilled about the whole vampire kidnapping thing. She wasn’t even shocked when I said vampires are real."

Elena’s eyes widened, her grip on the wheel faltering for a second. "Wait, seriously? That’s huge, Care. Bonnie was an untapped witch too, you know — until she tapped into her powers last September. Maybe you will too."

Caroline shrugged, staring out the window at the passing trees. "Maybe. Who knows?"

Elena’s face lit up with a sudden thought. "Hold on — do you think that’s why Damon couldn’t compel you? Because of your witch blood?"

Caroline frowned, shifting in her seat as they neared their destination. "I don’t know, Elena. This whole supernatural thing is brand new to me, remember?"

Elena’s face flushed with guilt as she remembered Caroline had only learned about the supernatural world yesterday. "Right, my bad," she said, her tone sheepish but sincere. "Just so you know, you’re awesome — magic or no magic."

Caroline snorted, rolling her eyes. "Wow, thanks, Mom," she teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Elena let out a small giggle as she turned off the car’s ignition. Caroline’s expression shifted to a frown as they stepped out, and she slung her backpack over her shoulder, scanning their surroundings.

"Uh, why are we in the middle of the woods?" Caroline asked, her voice wary as she eyed the dense trees around them.

Elena popped the trunk, grabbing a worn duffel bag — not her usual school backpack — and slammed it shut before joining Caroline. They started walking, crunching over fallen leaves. "To question my evil doppelgänger, like I said," Elena reminded her.

"Yeah, but why the woods?" Caroline pressed, her brows knitting together.

"Because that’s where she’s locked up," Elena explained. "She’s trapped in a tomb under the old church ruins out here."

Caroline’s face scrunched in confusion. "Wait, what?"

Elena sighed, leading the way as they trekked deeper into the forest. They descended into the ruins of the old church, stopping in front of a heavy stone tomb door, already cracked open.

"Katherine?" Elena called, her voice echoing in the damp, musty air.

Caroline’s nerves spiked, and she edged closer to Elena, who noticed her anxiety and offered a quick, reassuring smile. A faint scuffling sound made them both whip their heads toward the tomb’s entrance. Katherine Pierce emerged, stopping just inside the threshold. Her skin was grayish, her body gaunt and nearly desiccated — she hadn’t fed since the masquerade ball two nights ago. Caroline’s blue eyes widened to cartoonish proportions, her jaw dropping.

"Oh my God," she gasped, glancing rapidly between Elena and Katherine. "You two could be identical twins."

Katherine’s lips curled into a weak, mocking smirk. "Hello, Elena. Come to watch me waste away?" Her gaze slid to Caroline, her tone devoid of warmth. "And you must be Caroline. Charmed, I’m sure."

Elena placed a steadying hand on Caroline’s arm. "As long as we stay outside the door, she can’t touch us," she said firmly, sensing Caroline’s unease. Caroline nodded, still visibly rattled, her eyes darting between the two doppelgängers.

Katherine leaned against the rough stone wall of the tomb, her black masquerade dress now grimy and frayed at the hem from days of confinement. "Does Stefan know you’re here?" she asked Elena, her voice sharp with suspicion.

Elena ignored the question, gesturing to the duffel bag at her feet. "I brought you some things."

Katherine snorted, not sparing the bag a glance. "What, you think you can bribe me? Spill it — what do you want?"

"I want you to tell me about Klaus," Elena said firmly. Caroline’s brows shot up, confusion flickering across her face — who the hell was Klaus?

Katherine’s eyes narrowed, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Well, someone’s been digging."

Elena reached into the bag and pulled out a worn, leather-bound book. "I also brought this. It’s your family history. Says the Petrova line ended with you. Clearly, that’s a lie."

Katherine scoffed, unimpressed. "You think waving some old family heirloom will get me to spill my guts?"

Elena didn’t flinch, pulling a blood bag from the duffel and holding it up. Katherine’s eyes locked on it, and she lunged forward, only to be stopped by the tomb’s magical barrier. Caroline flinched, instinctively stepping closer to Elena for safety.

Elena’s voice took on a mock-sympathetic tone. "You’re not looking so hot, Katherine. How long until your body gives out completely? Ten years? Twenty? Desiccation’s gotta be brutal — drying up, mummifying. I can’t even imagine."

Katherine sank back to the floor, weakened. Elena poured some of the blood into a glass, slid it across the ground with a stick, and watched as Katherine grabbed it and drank greedily. Color seeped back into her pale, ashen skin, her eyes sharpening.

Katherine wiped her mouth, studying Elena with a grudging respect. "You’ve got that Petrova fire," she said, her tone laced with faint admiration.

"More blood?" Elena asked, holding up another blood bag.

Katherine set the empty glass on the cold stone floor, and Elena retrieved it as the vampire spoke, her voice dripping with bitter nostalgia. "Klaus and I — it’s a long story. Goes back to England, 1492, after I fled Bulgaria. Or, more accurately, got thrown out."

Caroline’s eyes widened. "Wait, so you’re over five hundred years old?"

Katherine shot her an irritated glance before turning back to Elena. "Why’d you bring her? She’s grating on my nerves."

Caroline’s glare could’ve burned a hole through the tomb’s walls. "Wow, rude. It was just a question."

Elena sighed, trying to keep things on track, and slid another glass of blood across the floor with the stick. "You said you were thrown out?" she prompted.

Katherine grabbed the glass, her movements sluggish but deliberate, and took a sip before answering. "My family — your real ancestors — they disowned me. Back then, my ‘indiscretions’ weren’t tolerated. I had a baby out of wedlock. Total scandal." She rolled her eyes, the sarcasm masking a flicker of old pain.

"It was kept a secret?" Elena asked, leaning forward slightly.

Katherine nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Yeah. My baby was taken from me and given away. My family banished me to England, so I had to adapt fast. I learned to blend in, became ‘English’ overnight. That’s where I met a nobleman named Klaus. He was charming — at first. Until I figured out what he was and what he wanted from me. Then I ran like my life depended on it, because it did."

Katherine’s voice grew distant as she recounted her desperate escape through a dense English forest in 1492. Her lungs had burned, her heart hammering as she sprinted, the hem of her dress snagging on jagged branches. She’d tripped once, her hands scraping raw against the cold, rocky ground, and ducked behind a gnarled tree, pressing herself against the rough bark to muffle her ragged breaths.

Elijah and his men were close behind — she could hear their boots crunching leaves, their low voices carrying through the trees, smug and certain she’d be caught. Just as panic threatened to overwhelm her, a stroke of luck: Trevor, defying Elijah, had misled the hunters, sending them off in the wrong direction. The forest went quiet, and Katherine, legs shaking, had hauled herself up, ready to bolt again. But Trevor appeared, blocking her path, his face etched with urgency. Without a word, he’d pointed east, silently urging her to go. Barely able to stand, she’d stumbled toward the direction he indicated.

Somehow, she’d reached the small, hidden cottage he’d promised — a cramped, temporary safe haven from the relentless pursuit that never truly stopped.

"So what did Klaus want from you?" Elena asked, her voice steady but tense.

Katherine’s eyes darkened. "The same thing he’ll want from you. To break the Sun and Moon curse."

"By sacrificing the Petrova doppelgänger," Elena said, her tone grim.

Katherine nodded, her voice cold. "He wanted to drain every last drop of blood from my body."

Caroline’s phone suddenly blared, jolting her. She fumbled it out of her pocket, her face darkening when she saw her stepsister Madelyn Kennish’s name on the caller ID. Without hesitation, she hit decline. No way was she dealing with her irritating older stepsister right now — especially not during school hours, even if Madelyn didn’t know Caroline was skipping. Or ever, if she could help it.

Katherine, who’d barely registered Caroline’s presence during her back-and-forth with Elena, glanced over, briefly distracted by the interruption.

"Everything okay?" Elena asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Caroline nodded, shoving her phone back in her pocket. "Yeah, just Madelyn. No big deal."

Elena gave a small nod and slid another glass of blood across the tomb’s stone floor to Katherine.

"What’s the Petrova bloodline got to do with Klaus?" Elena pressed, refocusing on Katherine.

Katherine downed the blood, crushing the glass in her hand as her skin regained more of its natural color. "It’s tedious," she said, her tone bored but sharp. "The curse was sealed with Petrova blood. Witches are sneaky like that. The doppelgänger was created as a loophole — when one shows up, the curse can be broken."

"So you ran before Klaus could kill you?" Elena asked.

"Something like that," Katherine replied, her voice cagey.

She launched into a story from 1492 England, describing how she’d fled through a dark, sprawling forest, her breath ragged as she stumbled upon a secluded cottage at the wood’s edge. Desperate, she’d pounded on the door, pleading for shelter.

An old woman answered, her eyes narrow with suspicion, reluctant to trust a frantic stranger. Katherine had dropped Trevor’s name — her only card left — and it was enough to make the woman pause.

Inside, Rose had overheard, muttering curses about Trevor’s reckless promises. Still, she’d let Katherine in, compelling the old woman to fetch food and water while eyeing Katherine warily.

Katherine had revealed the moonstone then, pulling it from her dress as proof of her identity and the danger she was running from. She’d explained it was for the sacrifice ritual and that she’d stolen it to escape Klaus.

Rose, unimpressed, had warned her no one ever truly outran Klaus — everyone who tried ended up dead, along with anyone foolish enough to help them.

Before Katherine could argue, Rose’s pity turned to action. She’d grabbed her, dragged her to an empty room, and locked her inside, ignoring Katherine’s screams as the door slammed shut on her fleeting hope of freedom.

"Rose never took you back to Klaus, did she?" Elena asked.

Katherine shook her head. "Not because she had a change of heart."

She explained that when night fell, Rose had returned to drag her back to Klaus, only to find her slumped on the bed, blood soaking her dress from a deep gash across her stomach. When Rose demanded to know what happened, Katherine had lied, claiming she’d fallen in the woods. But Rose saw the knife in her trembling hand and knew the truth — Katherine had tried to kill herself to avoid Klaus’s wrath.

Katherine had begged Rose to let her die, insisting death was better than facing Klaus. But Rose refused, knowing Katherine’s death would doom Trevor too.

Instead, Rose had forced her own blood into Katherine’s mouth, healing the wound against her will.

When Trevor burst in, the room erupted in chaos — Rose furious, accusing him of condemning them both, while Trevor pleaded that Klaus would understand, that his love for Katherine had driven his betrayal.

Their fight ended in bleak resignation, both knowing there was no way out.

Then, a noise had drawn them back to the room, where they found Katherine hanging from the rafters — cold, lifeless, her final act to cheat Klaus of his sacrifice.

"You killed yourself?" Elena gasped, echoed by Caroline’s shocked expression.

"Klaus needed a human doppelgänger," Katherine said coolly. "As a vampire, I was useless to him."

"But it didn’t work," Elena said. "You’ve been running from him ever since."

Katherine shrugged. "I underestimated how much he loves his revenge. But dodging him with a suitcase beats dying for some stupid rock." Elena’s face paled, unease settling in.

"What’s wrong? Scared I’m right?" Katherine taunted, slicing her wrist with a fingernail, blood welling up. "Don’t want to die? There’s another way out." She smirked as the blood dripped. "Better hurry — your chance is going, going… gone." Her cold chuckle made Caroline grimace in disgust. "I chose differently."

Katherine described waking in the cottage, her body whole again, the metallic taste of Rose’s blood lingering. Trevor had been there, devastated, asking why she’d done it, swearing he’d have helped her live. But Katherine knew escape wasn’t enough — not from Klaus.

Rose had seen through her, accusing her of manipulating them both — Trevor to flee, Rose to turn her. She’d warned that Klaus would find out, and they’d all pay.

Katherine had apologized, in her own way, but it was too late.

When Rose lunged with a stake, Katherine reacted on instinct, yanking the old woman in front of her as a shield. The stake hit flesh, and in that moment, Katherine fed, her new vampire strength surging.

She’d whispered for them to understand, but Rose’s eyes burned with fury and despair, saying Katherine had doomed them all.

Katherine’s response was simple: better them than her. Then, with her newfound power, she’d hurled the woman aside and vanished into the night, leaving Rose and Trevor to face Klaus’s wrath.

"Rose and Trevor ran for 500 years because you used them," Elena said, glaring. "Trevor just got killed."

Katherine shrugged, unfazed. "Didn’t think he’d last that long."

"You don’t even care that you ruined their lives," Elena snapped.

"I look out for myself, Elena," Katherine said, flipping open the Petrova book. "Always will. If you’re smart, you’ll do the same."

Just then, Caroline’s phone blared—an alarm this time. Her eyes widened in panic as she checked it. "Oh my God, I’ve got work in ten minutes!" She flashed the screen at Elena, who looked guilty, realizing she’d lost track of time.

"I’ll drive you," Elena said quickly, then shot Katherine a look. "I’m coming back to finish this."

Katherine barely glanced up, indifferent.

"This was a total waste of my time, Lena," Caroline huffed, frustration flaring as she gestured toward Katherine. "Why drag me here just to talk about her all day?"

Elena’s eyes lit up, remembering her real reason for bringing Caroline. "Wait — Katherine, do you know anything about soulmates?"

Katherine didn’t look up from the book, her expression flat. "Heard the stories," she said, her voice bored. "Five hundred years of running, you pick up rumors — curses, prophecies, soulmates."

Her eyes flicked up briefly, cold and sharp. "Never saw proof they’re real."

She smirked, snapping the book shut. "If they are, the universe wouldn’t waste one on me."

"I have a soulmate," Caroline said defiantly. Katherine made a dismissive noise, but Caroline pressed on. "Elijah."

Katherine froze, her gaze snapping to Caroline, then Elena, before settling on the blonde. "You’re lying."

"Why would I lie about that?" Caroline shot back, crossing her arms.

Katherine stared, searching Caroline’s face for a hint of deception. Finding none, a slow, unsettling smile spread across her lips. "Elijah?" she said, almost laughing. "Oh, honey."

Elena frowned. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

Katherine leaned back against the tomb wall, arms crossed. "It means I’ve known Elijah for centuries. He’s noble, disciplined, infuriatingly moral — and, yes," her voice turned sly, "incredible in bed."

Elena and Caroline grimaced in unison, revolted.

"Don’t give me that look," Katherine said, waving a hand. "It was ages ago. Trust me, that man could make even a cynic believe in heaven for a night."

Caroline’s nose wrinkled. "Okay, ew. And what does that have to do with anything?"

Katherine’s smirk faded, a rare hint of softness in her eyes. "He’s an Original, Caroline. A thousand years old. He’s made promises, broken them, lost people, killed people. His enemies could fill a graveyard."

She paused, her gaze piercing. "And you? You’re a human girl stressing about waitressing shifts."

Caroline’s jaw clenched, but she held Katherine’s stare.

Katherine sighed, almost pitying. "You think a soulmate means a fairy-tale ending. It doesn’t — not with Elijah. He might love you, but loving an Original is like dancing in a hurricane. You’ll get hit."

Her voice softened, just slightly. "I hope you’re tougher than you seem."

"Don’t let Katherine get in your head," Elena said firmly. "She’s a manipulative liar."

Elena was driving Caroline to the Mystic Grill in her sedan, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the road. Caroline, still in her jeans and casual top, knew she’d catch flak from Roger for not wearing her work uniform. Normally, she’d have it ironed and ready, but Roger kept spare uniforms in all sizes locked in his office, so she wasn’t overly stressed. Still, this kind of slip-up was new for her — she was always organized, always on top of things. This supernatural mess was starting to derail her life in ways she couldn’t ignore.

Caroline glanced at Elena, exhaling heavily. "I don’t want to talk about it, Elena. I don’t even want to think about it. I just need to get through my shift."

Elena nodded, respecting her friend’s boundaries. When they pulled up to the Grill, the two shared a quick, tight hug. Caroline grabbed her backpack and hurried inside, tossing a rushed wave at Matt, who was wiping down a table with a damp rag. She made a beeline for Roger’s office, knocking hard on the door. It swung open to reveal Roger — a short, heavyset man in his late forties, his greasy hair slicked back, his bushy beard framing a scowl, and his beer belly straining against his shirt.

"Where the hell were you earlier?" he barked.

"I’m sorry, Roger, I—" Caroline started.

"And where’s your damn uniform?" he cut her off, eyeing her casual outfit with disdain.

"I had a family emergency, and I forgot my uniform at home," Caroline explained quickly, her voice steady but apologetic. "I should’ve called in, but it slipped my mind because of the emergency. I’m really sorry, Roger — it won’t happen again."

Roger grumbled, lecturing her about responsibility before grabbing a spare uniform in her size from a storage closet and thrusting it into her hands. Caroline hurried to the women’s restroom, changing into the black Mystic Grill uniform in a cramped stall. She left her backpack in Roger’s office as he barked instructions to head to table five, where a customer had specifically requested her. "He’s in some fancy suit," Roger added gruffly. "Looks loaded, so you better keep him happy." He slammed his office door in her face. Caroline rolled her eyes, flipping off the closed door — unworried about cameras since they’d been broken since February last year, and Roger was too cheap to fix them.

She weaved through the bustling restaurant, passing Matt, who was scribbling down table two’s order. The Mystic Grill was busy, with other waiters and waitresses — all adults except for her and Matt, who was technically eighteen but still in high school — handling their own tables. Caroline pulled a pencil from one of the two pockets of her black apron, the restaurant’s logo embroidered in the center, while her phone sat in the other. She glanced at her notepad as she approached table five.

"Welcome to the Mystic Grill, I’m Caroline. What can I get started for you?" she said, looking up — and froze. Elijah sat there, impeccable in a tailored suit.

He smiled, warm and disarming. "Hello, Caroline."

"Elijah?" she gasped, her heart racing — not from fear, but from a rush of relief and something like excitement. He was alive. She’d seen Damon stake him, watched him desiccate. How was he here? 

"I think it’s time we had a talk," he said, his voice calm but laced with a quiet intensity, his eyes holding hers with an almost reverent gaze.

Caroline’s eyes widened, locked on his, her pulse hammering as the weight of the moment settled between them.

Chapter Text

Chapter Four

Caroline stared at Elijah, her mind racing as she tried to figure out what he could possibly want to discuss. Her eyes darted toward Roger’s office door, which started to creak open. Panic spiked — she could already hear her boss’s grating voice chewing her out in front of the entire restaurant, like he’d done when she first started working at the Mystic Grill. That public humiliation still stung.

"I can’t," she said quickly, turning back to Elijah. "I literally just clocked in."

Elijah’s expression remained calm, his voice smooth and assured. "I’ll compel your boss to let you leave early."

Caroline’s brow furrowed, confusion mixing with suspicion. "Why?"

"Because, as I said, we need to talk," he replied, his tone steady but carrying an undeniable weight.

She sighed, sensing she wasn’t going to win this argument. "Okay, fine," she said, her voice tinged with reluctance. "But you better compel him to pay me for today, too. I’ve got bills to cover, you know."

Elijah rose from his seat, his tailored suit impeccable as he prepared to approach Roger’s office. Caroline, acting on impulse, grabbed his wrist to stop him, her fingers brushing against the crisp fabric of his sleeve. The sudden contact startled them both, a flicker of surprise crossing Elijah’s composed features, though a subtle warmth in his eyes betrayed his quiet approval. Caroline quickly let go, her cheeks flushing slightly as she stepped back.

"Wait," she said, her voice earnest but tinged with her usual determination. "Could you also compel Roger to let my friend Matt leave early? He works his butt off, just like me, and he seriously needs a break."

Elijah’s dark brown eyes, sharp and perceptive, scanned the busy restaurant until they landed on Matt, who was scrubbing a table near the bar, his Mystic Grill nametag clearly visible. Elijah’s gaze returned to Caroline, his expression measured but accommodating, his tone formal. "Of course, Miss Forbes. I shall see to it. I will return shortly."

With a nod, he moved past her, his stride purposeful and elegant, heading toward Roger. The short, gruff manager stood behind the bar, his greasy hair slicked back as he snapped at a young bartender for daring to ask a customer for their ID. Roger’s voice carried over the hum of the restaurant, his words sharp and greedy — he’d always instructed his staff to skip ID checks to boost sales, a tactic as shady as the Grill’s dim lighting.

In a cramped stall of the Mystic Grill’s women’s restroom, Caroline quickly changed out of her black work uniform, swapping it for her jeans and top. She grabbed her backpack from Roger’s office, where she’d left it, and headed back into the bustling restaurant. Pausing by the bar, she caught Elijah’s eye and nodded toward the exit. "Wait for me outside," she said firmly.

She then spotted Matt wiping down a table, his apron still tied on, his face a mix of confusion and disbelief after Roger’s unexpected announcement. Caroline approached, slinging her backpack over one shoulder.

"Can you believe this?" Matt said, his blue eyes wide as he tossed the rag onto the table. "Roger just told me I can go home and get paid for it. Since when is he Mr. Generous?"

Caroline shrugged, her lips twitching with a knowing smirk. "Probably drunk or high or something. Who cares?"

Matt’s brow furrowed, still skeptical. "Yeah, maybe."

She rolled her eyes, exasperated, and grabbed his shoulders, giving him a playful shake. "Matt, you just got a paid day off. Stop overthinking it! Go home, crash, enjoy it. You deserve a break."

He finally cracked a grin, convinced. "Alright, fine. I’m heading home to sleep for, like, a week."

Caroline laughed, her giggle light but genuine, and they pulled each other into a quick, friendly hug. Outside, through the Grill’s foggy windows, Elijah observed, his jaw tightening slightly, a flicker of disapproval crossing his otherwise composed face. Though Caroline and Matt had broken up three months ago — after Matt admitted he still had feelings for Elena, despite her being happily with Stefan — they’d chosen to stay friends. Working together at the Grill made it easier to keep things civil, even if Elijah, watching from the parking lot, clearly wasn’t thrilled about their easy familiarity.

Caroline’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile as she approached Elijah in the Mystic Grill’s parking lot, the late afternoon sun glinting off the pavement. He returned the smile, his expression warm yet restrained, exuding the poised elegance of someone who’d lived centuries. "Shall we proceed?" he asked, gesturing toward the lot with a subtle, graceful motion of his hand.

Caroline nodded, and they fell into step side by side, their footsteps crunching faintly on the gravel. Elijah’s gaze flicked toward her, his dark eyes lingering briefly. The urge to take her hand or rest his arm around her waist tugged at him, but he held back — aware they were still near strangers, cautious not to unsettle her. Caroline, meanwhile, felt a strange pull in her chest, wondering why she craved the same gestures from him. Was this the soulmate bond at work? Its intensity caught her off guard, already so potent despite barely knowing him.

They reached a sleek, black luxury car — exactly the kind of ride she’d expect from someone like Elijah, whose every word, tailored suit, and composed demeanor screamed old-world wealth. Caroline, in her thrift-store jeans and top, bought for less than ten bucks at a local shop, felt the contrast sharply. When she reached for the passenger door, Elijah was already there, unlocking the car and opening the door with a fluid, practiced motion. He waited until she settled into the leather seat, buckling her seatbelt, before closing it gently and moving to the driver’s side to let himself in.

"What a gentleman," Caroline teased, her tone playful, as she flashed him a smirk.

Elijah’s lips twitched into a soft chuckle, the sound refined yet warm. "You’re most welcome, Miss Forbes," he replied as he started the engine.

Caroline shifted in the plush leather seat of Elijah’s sleek car, her eyes fixed on him as he drove with effortless precision, his hands steady on the wheel. Her heart gave a slight thud, the strange pull of their connection making her hyper-aware of his presence. "So, where are we going?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a touch of her usual boldness.

"Richmond," Elijah replied, his tone calm and measured.

Caroline’s brow arched, her head tilting skeptically. "Richmond? Why?"

Elijah kept his gaze on the road, his expression composed but purposeful. "Your acquaintance, Damon Salvatore, and Rose-Marie are meeting a vampire named Slater there. He is one of my informants, though they are unaware of this. I have tracked them to a restaurant where they are currently located."

Caroline’s eyes narrowed, her voice sharpening. "Okay, first off, Damon is not my acquaintance. I can’t stand that guy — he’s a total jerk. Second, why do you even care that they’re at some random restaurant?" Confusion flashed across her face, her arms crossing tightly as she waited for answers, clearly thrown by the sudden twist.

Elijah’s eyes remained fixed on the road, his posture straight and composed as he navigated the sleek black car through the quiet streets. "They believe me to be dead," he said, his voice smooth and articulate. "I merely intend to correct their misconception."

Caroline’s breath caught, the memory of Damon driving a stake through Elijah’s heart flashing vividly in her mind. She turned to him, her wide blue eyes reflecting both relief and confusion. "Okay, but how are you even alive?" she asked, her tone earnest, almost pleading for clarity. "I saw Damon stake you. You were… gone."

Elijah’s lips curved into a faint, composed smile, his hands steady on the wheel. "I am an Original, Miss Forbes. A common stake cannot end my life. The only weapon capable of such a feat is one crafted from the white oak tree, and that tree was reduced to ash centuries ago."

Caroline nodded slowly, her brows knitting together as she processed his words, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her thrift-store top. "An Original? So, what, you’re… different from other vampires?"

Elijah inclined his head, his expression calm but authoritative. "Indeed. I am among the first of our kind, hence the title. My strength and speed far surpass those of ordinary vampires. Neither the removal of my heart nor the severing of my head can destroy me. The sun, while uncomfortable, poses no lethal threat, provided I wear my daylight ring. In essence, I am… unkillable."

Caroline’s gaze lingered on him, her mind racing as the weight of his words settled in, the hum of the car’s engine filling the tense silence between them.

Caroline leaned forward in the passenger seat of the car as she glanced at him. "So, to become a vampire, do you have to get bitten by one?" she asked, her voice warm but tinged with genuine curiosity. Her mind flashed back to her middle school obsession with the Twilight books — the final one had dropped almost two years ago. She’d daydreamed about being Bella Swan, caught in a dramatic love triangle with two gorgeous supernatural guys, the star of her own epic story.

Elijah shook his head as he smoothly made a right turn, his posture impeccable behind the wheel. "No, Miss Forbes. To become a vampire, one must die with vampire blood in their system. Thereafter, you awaken in a state of transition — neither fully dead nor truly alive. To complete the transformation, you must consume human blood within twenty-four hours of waking. Should you fail to do so, death claims you permanently."

Caroline’s blue eyes widened, her breath catching. "Whoa," she exhaled, stunned. After a beat of silence, she added, "Okay, that’s honestly way better than getting bitten and suffering through three days of torture to turn."

Elijah’s gaze flicked toward her, a faint crease forming on his brow, betraying his confusion. He was well-versed in the myriad vampire myths he and his siblings had seeded over centuries to obscure the truth, but this specific notion — biting and three days of agony — was unfamiliar to him. He said nothing, his focus returning to the road as they entered Richmond. Pulling into a parking lot near an upscale restaurant, he stepped out and opened Caroline’s door with a practiced, gentlemanly gesture. She climbed out, smoothing her top, and they approached the sleek building together.

Through the restaurant’s large, floor-to-ceiling window, Caroline spotted Damon, Rose, and a man she assumed was Slater seated at a polished wooden table, surrounded by other diners chatting over plates of food. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her expression wary as she glanced at Elijah. He stood beside her, his dark eyes narrowing as he studied the three vampires, his face unreadable but brimming with quiet intensity, as if calculating his next move.

Elijah approached a street musician strumming a guitar on the sidewalk near the restaurant, his polished shoes clicking against the pavement. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a crisp hundred-dollar bill, and dropped it into the man’s open guitar case, taking a handful of coins in exchange. Caroline, standing a few steps behind, gave a small nod of approval — Elijah could’ve just taken the change, but he’d paid generously for it. She moved to his side as he transferred the coins to his other hand, the one bearing his daylight ring, which sparkled faintly in the late afternoon sun. His eyes remained fixed on Damon, Rose, and Slater through the restaurant’s large window, his gaze sharp and calculating.

"Elijah?" Caroline ventured, her voice warm but laced with uncertainty.

He raised a finger to his lips, silencing her gently. "A moment, Miss Forbes," he said, his tone calm but commanding attention.

Caroline huffed, rolling her eyes, and turned her attention back to the trio inside. Couldn’t they see them standing there? She squinted, wondering if the window was tinted from the inside. The minutes dragged on, the heat of the late afternoon pressing against her skin, making her shift impatiently. She was bored, restless, and ready for Elijah to get on with whatever he was planning. His focus hadn’t wavered — he was clearly listening to the vampires’ conversation with his heightened senses. Caroline crossed her arms, wishing she had vampire hearing to know what was so riveting.

Without warning, Elijah hurled the coins at the window with a flick of his wrist. The glass shattered in a deafening crash, shards exploding inward as screams erupted from the restaurant. Caroline let out a startled yelp, her hands flying to her mouth. Inside, chaos reigned — customers scrambled for the exits, their shouts filling the air. Rose and Slater’s exposed skin began to sizzle under the sunlight streaming through the broken window. Slater bolted, vanishing in a blur, while Rose collapsed to the floor, her pained gasps audible as her flesh burned. Damon, crouching beside her, snapped his head up to where Elijah and Caroline stood — but the spot was empty.

In a flash of vampire speed, Elijah had whisked Caroline back to his car in the parking lot, the world blurring around her. She stumbled away from him, doubling over with her hands on her knees, gasping for breath, her blonde hair falling into her face. The dizzying speed had left her stomach churning, her heart racing from the shock. Straightening up, she fixed Elijah with a fierce glare, her breathing still heavy but steadying.

"Are you well, Miss Forbes?" Elijah asked, his voice soft with genuine concern as he studied her, his dark eyes searching her face.

"Are you serious?" Caroline snapped, her tone sharp and incredulous as she pushed her hair back. "Am I well? What the hell was that back there?"

Elijah stood by his sleek black car, his tailored suit unruffled despite the chaos he’d just caused. "An intimidation tactic," he explained, his voice calm and articulate, tinged with a formal precision. "I wished to make it known that I am alive and fully aware of their actions without yet revealing my presence directly."

Caroline stared at him, her blue eyes wide with disbelief, as if he’d lost his mind. She shook her head, her blonde hair swaying. "Nope, I’m done. Take me home," she said firmly, her tone warm but edged with exasperation, clearly fed up with the supernatural drama for one day.

Elijah inclined his head respectfully and opened the passenger door for her, his movements smooth and deliberate. Caroline slid into the leather seat, buckling her seatbelt as he closed the door and took his place behind the wheel. The drive back to Mystic Falls was quiet, the hum of the engine filling the space. The silence wasn’t tense or awkward — Caroline simply wasn’t in the mood to talk, and Elijah, sensing her mood, respected her need for space. After she gave him her address, he navigated the familiar roads with ease, pulling up to her modest house under the glow of a streetlight.

As Caroline reached for the door handle, Elijah’s voice stopped her. "Miss Forbes," he said, his tone soft but earnest, carrying a quiet intensity. "I asked you to accompany me to Richmond because I wished to discuss the bond we share. I have waited over a thousand years to find you, and I would be honored if you would grant me the opportunity to know you better — to spend time together. I ask this of you sincerely."

Caroline froze, her hand hovering over the door. Her eyes widened, her jaw dropping slightly as her heart thudded in her chest, the weight of his words sinking in. After a long pause, she turned to him, her voice softer but still carrying her characteristic warmth. "Okay," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But if we’re doing this, you’ve gotta stop with the ‘Miss Forbes’ stuff. Just call me Caroline."

Elijah’s lips curved into a gentle, genuine laugh, the sound warm and disarming. "Very well. Have a pleasant evening, Caroline."

"Bye, Elijah," she replied. Then, in a spontaneous move that surprised them both, she leaned over and pressed a quick peck to his cheek, her face flushing as she scrambled out of the car and hurried to her front door, the faintest smile lingering as she disappeared inside.

Caroline stepped into the cozy, well-lit kitchen of her Mystic Falls home, the savory aroma of her mom’s cooking filling the air. Liz, still in her sheriff’s uniform, stood at the stove stirring a pot of pasta sauce. Caroline leaned in and planted a quick kiss on her mom’s cheek, catching Liz off guard. Her mother turned, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"You’re home early," Liz said, her eyes narrowing as she noticed Caroline’s casual jeans and top, no trace of her Mystic Grill uniform. "Did you even go to work today?"

Caroline nodded, heading for the refrigerator. "Yeah, I did, but Elijah showed up and compelled Roger to give me a paid day off." She swung open the fridge door and let out an excited gasp at the sight of a pink bakery box filled with strawberry-frosted donuts.

"Those are for after dinner," Liz said firmly, her tone parental but warm, as Caroline’s face fell in mock annoyance. Then Liz’s brows furrowed again, her voice sharpening with concern. "Hold on — Elijah was at the Grill? Why?"

Caroline leaned against the kitchen counter, shrugging as she grabbed a glass from a cabinet. "He wanted to talk about… us, I guess. But he got sidetracked. Apparently, he tracked Damon, Rose — one of the vampires who kidnapped me and Elena — and some other vampire named Slater to a restaurant in Richmond. When he dropped me off just now, he asked if we could spend more time together."

Liz set down her wooden spoon, her expression guarded as she turned to face her daughter. "And what did you say?"

Caroline’s cheeks flushed, a shy smile breaking through. "I said yeah. I mean, come on, Mom — he’s tall, gorgeous, loaded, and super noble. He seems really into me, and… I kinda like him too."

Liz nodded, but her lips pressed into a thin line, her maternal concern evident. "You’re only seventeen, Caroline."

Caroline rolled her eyes, her tone sharp with exasperation. "Yeah, and you were the one who told me last night I don’t have a choice in this soulmate thing."

Liz’s voice grew firm, her sheriff’s authority creeping in. "You don’t have a choice about the bond, no. But you can choose to take it slow. Be friends first before you go diving into kissing or… anything more."

Caroline groaned, crossing her arms, clearly annoyed. "Mom, I’ll be eighteen in October."

"That’s seven months away," Liz countered, her tone unyielding as she fixed her daughter with a pointed look.

Caroline leaned against the kitchen counter, her voice earnest but tinged with frustration. "Mom, I really like Elijah, and he’s clearly into me. I’m going to be spending a lot of time with him. Can you just… respect that? Please? You don’t know how amazing it feels to finally have someone who genuinely seems to care about me. Remember that girl I had a crush on in seventh grade? She was just using me to get close to Bonnie, who’s, like, totally straight. And you know why I broke up with Matt — he’s still hung up on Elena."

Liz’s expression softened, but her tone remained firm, her sheriff’s resolve unwavering. "I hear you, Care, but I still want you to take it slow with him."

Caroline sighed, filling the glass from the cabinet with water from the sink. "Fine, whatever, I’ll take it slow," she said, her voice dripping with reluctant agreement. "What are you making, anyway?"

"Spaghetti," Liz replied, stirring the pot of simmering sauce on the stove. "Oh, and your dad called earlier."

Caroline’s face lit up. She gulped down her water, set the glass in the sink, and bolted up the creaky stairs to her bedroom. Plopping onto her bed, she grabbed her phone and called her dad back, a bright smile spreading across her face as they talked for about three minutes, her voice warm and animated with every word.

After hanging up with her dad, Caroline headed to the bathroom, the warm steam of the shower washing away the day’s chaos. She changed into soft, lavender pajamas and flopped onto her bed, the familiar comfort of her room grounding her. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen — Bonnie’s name lit up the caller ID.

"Hey, Bon," Caroline answered, her voice warm but tinged with exhaustion as she tucked a strand of damp hair behind her ear.

"Hey, Care," Bonnie replied, her tone earnest and a little rushed. "Elena told me you know about… everything. And you didn’t show up at school today, and when I swung by the Grill during your break, you weren’t there. I’m so, so sorry for keeping you in the dark."

Caroline rolled her eyes, a small, forgiving smile tugging at her lips. "It’s fine, Bon. I forgive you."

"Really?" Bonnie’s voice lifted with hope.

Caroline nodded, though Bonnie couldn’t see it. "Yeah. I already forgave Elena, so I’d be a total hypocrite if I held a grudge against you."

Bonnie let out a relieved sigh. "Okay, good. That’s really good. Oh, and Elena mentioned you’re a witch?" Her excitement was palpable, practically bubbling through the phone.

"An untapped witch," Caroline corrected, leaning back against her pillows. "No magic here, at least not yet."

"I was untapped too, remember?" Bonnie said, her enthusiasm undimmed. "And now look at me! You’ve gotta let me help you tap into your powers, Care. Being a witch is seriously awesome."

Caroline smiled faintly, intrigued but cautious. "I’ll let you know when I’m free, and we can try it out," she said, then hesitated, her fingers tightening around the phone. "Did Elena tell you anything else?"

There was a brief pause before Bonnie answered, her tone curious. "No, not really. Why? Is there something else?"

Caroline exhaled, relieved Elena hadn’t spilled about her soulmate bond with Elijah. She remembered Liz’s warning from last night — most witches despised vampires. She didn’t know if Bonnie shared that prejudice, but she wasn’t ready to risk finding out. "Nothing," she said quickly. "Just checking. Talk to you later, okay?"

"’Kay. Night, Care. Love you," Bonnie said warmly.

"Love you too," Caroline replied, ending the call.

About an hour later, Liz’s voice echoed up the stairs. "Caroline! Dinner’s ready!"

Caroline swung her legs off the bed and left her bedroom, the savory scent of spaghetti pulling her toward the kitchen for dinner.

Caroline was sprawled on her living room couch, nestled in soft lavender pajamas, her eyes glued to an episode of Jersey Shore blaring from the TV. A half-eaten bowl of Lucky Charms sat on the coffee table, the colorful cereal bits scattered across the ceramic. Liz had left for her sheriff shift hours ago and wouldn’t be back for another five hours, leaving Caroline to savor her rare day off. Earlier, Elena had called, practically begging her to join her and Rose on a trip to Slater’s apartment in Richmond to dig up more dirt on Klaus. Elena even tried to guilt-trip her, bringing up how, four months ago, she’d covered for Caroline so she and Matt could sneak off to an outdoor movie in the woods, and how Elena had gone to the pharmacy the next morning to buy Plan B because Caroline was too embarrassed to do it herself. But Caroline had shut it down, firmly telling Elena her presence wasn’t needed and she wasn’t going. Elena pushed a few more times before reluctantly giving up, the two exchanging their typical "love you, bye" before hanging up.

As Caroline scooped the last of her cereal, the doorbell rang, sharp and unexpected. She froze, her spoon hovering mid-air. Liz was at work and never forgot her keys. Elena was off with Rose, and Bonnie was probably with Jeremy — or maybe that new guy, Luka Martin. Curious but cautious, Caroline set her bowl and spoon in the kitchen sink, the metal clinking against the porcelain, and tiptoed to the front door. Peering through the peephole, her heart lurched.

Elijah.

Elijah, standing on her porch, and here she was in pajamas at two in the afternoon.

"One second!" she called out, her voice a little too loud, though she knew his vampire hearing would catch even a whisper.

She bolted upstairs to her bedroom, nearly tripping on the steps. In a frenzy, she swapped her pajamas for a fitted sweater and jeans — cute but comfortable — then yanked a brush through her blonde hair, smoothing out the tangles. She darted to the bathroom, splashed water on her face, brushed her teeth for the second time that day, and swiped on deodorant. After a quick glance in the mirror to confirm she looked presentable, she hurried back downstairs, her pulse racing as she swung open the front door.

Elijah stood there, impeccable in a tailored suit, his dark eyes lighting up the moment he saw her. Caroline’s heart thudded, warmth spreading through her at the sight of his handsome face. 

"Hey, Elijah," she said, leaning against the doorframe, trying to play it cool despite her racing heart. "What’s up?"

Elijah’s lips curved into a warm, genuine smile. "Miss Forbes — Caroline," he corrected, his voice articulate and faintly formal. "You may recall our conversation yesterday. I expressed my desire to spend more time with you. As today is your day of rest, I wondered if you might be amenable to… what is the modern term? A ‘date’?"

Caroline’s knees nearly buckled, but she caught herself, gripping the doorframe. "A date?" she echoed, her voice a mix of surprise and excitement, her eyes wide. "I mean, yeah, sure, a date sounds perfect! Or, you know, great. A date sounds great." She let out a nervous chuckle, her cheeks flushing. "Huh, that rhymed."

She wanted to melt into the floor from embarrassment, but Elijah’s soft laugh, warm and indulgent, told her he found her flustered rambling endearing.

Elijah’s lips curved into a warm, measured smile as he stood on Caroline’s porch, his tailored suit impeccable in the afternoon light. "Your candor is both captivating and refreshing, Caroline," he said, his voice carrying a quiet sincerity.

Caroline’s cheeks flushed, and she flashed a nervous grin, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "Okay, enough with the charm — you’re gonna make me blush even more," she said, her tone warm but playful, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "So, where are you taking me?"

Elijah’s smile turned enigmatic, a subtle glint in his dark eyes. “If I were to reveal our destination, it would diminish the pleasure of surprise, would it not?”

Caroline’s eyes widened, and a soft giggle escaped her. “Okay, mysterious. Give me a sec to change?” She gestured to her fitted sweater and jeans, suddenly self-conscious.

“There is no need,” Elijah replied smoothly, his gaze briefly sweeping over her outfit before meeting her eyes again. "You are perfectly attired as you are."

She nodded, still a bit flustered. "Alright, cool. I just need to leave a note for my mom. No idea how long we’ll be gone. Come on in — it’s, like, crazy hot out here." She stepped back, holding the door open, then paused, frowning. "Wait, do vampires even get hot?"

Elijah hesitated at the threshold, his expression tightening slightly as he tested the invisible barrier and found it unyielding. He remained outside, his voice calm but explanatory. "I cannot enter, Caroline. Vampires require an invitation to cross the threshold of a home."

She blinked, confused, stepping back toward him. "But I just invited you in?"

"You did," he said, his tone patient. "However, I suspect your mother’s name is on the deed, and thus, she must be the one to grant me entry."

Caroline’s shoulders slumped, her voice tinged with exasperation. “That’s so dumb.” Her mind flashed to Twilight, where vampires could waltz into any house without an invite, and she almost laughed at the contrast.

Elijah’s lips twitched, a faint amusement in his eyes. "It is nature’s balance, a safeguard for humans against my kind."

Her brows furrowed, curiosity piqued. "Nature?"

He offered only a cryptic smile. "I shall wait here for you."

"Okay, one minute," she said, then added, "Sorry, I gotta close the door — don’t want flies getting in."

Elijah nodded, his expression understanding, and she shut the door with a soft click. Caroline darted to the kitchen, yanking open a drawer to grab a notepad and pen. She scribbled a quick note for Liz, detailing where she’d be and guessing how long she’d be gone, then tore off the paper and stuck it to the fridge with a magnet. Hurrying back, she swung open the front door to find Elijah waiting patiently, his posture composed, hands clasped behind his back.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice gentle but inviting.

Caroline nodded eagerly, her heart racing with anticipation. She locked the door, and they walked side by side to his sleek black Aston Martin DB9 parked at the curb, its polished surface gleaming in the sunlight. Her gaze flicked to his hand, where his daylight ring glinted faintly. Biting her lip, she hesitated for a split second before boldly reaching out to take his hand, her fingers intertwining with his. She missed the fleeting, elated smile that crossed Elijah’s face as they approached the car.

Chapter Text

Chapter Five

Elijah’s Aston Martin hummed along the quiet Virginia back roads, the late-afternoon sun casting long shadows across the pavement. Caroline sat in the passenger seat, her knees bouncing slightly as she twisted the hem of her sweater. She was bursting with curiosity about their destination, but Elijah remained tight-lipped, his eyes fixed on the road, one hand steady on the wheel.

Her phone buzzed sharply in her lap — Elena. Caroline answered before the second ring. "Elena, slow down,” she said, her voice low but urgent as her friend’s panicked words spilled over. "Wait — what? No, I didn’t know! I swear, I had no idea!"

Her gaze flicked to Elijah. He didn’t react, his face calm, almost unnervingly so, as he drove. Caroline dropped her voice, forcing a casual tone. "I’ll call you back, okay? My… grandma’s calling, and if I don’t pick up, she’ll lose it. Love you." She hung up, stuffed the phone in her pocket, and turned to Elijah, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"Elena said you were at Slater’s apartment," she said, her tone sharp but searching. "And that you killed two vampires. Why?"

Elijah’s expression didn’t waver. "I was there," he said, his voice even and precise. "And yes, I ended two vampires."

Caroline froze, a chill running through her. She knew he was dangerous — she’d seen glimpses — but hearing it confirmed hit hard. "Why?" she pressed, her voice cracking slightly. "Were they a threat? Did you have to?"

His jaw tightened, just for a moment. "They planned to deliver Elena to Klaus," he said, his tone soft but lethal. "I could not allow it."

Caroline exhaled, relief washing over her, followed by a stab of guilt. "So you saved her," she said, more to herself than him. He nodded once, controlled and steady, as if killing was just another task.

"I’m sorry," she said softly, her voice warm with remorse. "I shouldn’t have assumed the worst. Thank you, Elijah." She hesitated, then pushed forward. "But who is Klaus? I know he needs Elena for some curse—"

Elijah’s head turned sharply, his eyes locking onto hers as they idled at a red light. "How do you know that?"

Caroline raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Elena and I went to see Katherine — her doppelgänger. They’re, like, identical. Katherine said Klaus wanted to sacrifice her to break his curse, but she turned into a vampire and screwed it up, so now he’s after Elena." She squinted, then added, "She also said you two… you know, got together. Five hundred years ago. True?"

"Yes," Elijah replied, his tone flat, his eyes returning to the road.

Caroline frowned, trying to piece it together. "How do you even know Klaus? Were you, like, working for him?"

Elijah’s grip on the wheel tightened, his knuckles paling. "I have no desire to speak of Klaus," he said, his voice sharp before softening. "Please."

Caroline nodded quickly, guilt flickering across her face. "Okay. But you’ll tell me later, right? This is Elena — she’s family to me."

"You have my word," he said.

"And you’ll keep her safe," she pressed, her voice small but fierce. "Not just for her. For me. I can’t lose her, Elijah. Please."

"You will not," he vowed, his tone solemn.

The light turned green. He leaned toward her, and Caroline’s breath hitched, expecting a kiss, but his lips brushed her forehead, soft and deliberate. She swallowed her disappointment as he straightened, focusing on the road as the car moved forward.

The Aston Martin glided into the sprawling Kings Dominion parking lot, the distant screams of roller coasters and bright lights cutting through the evening air. Caroline’s eyes widened as she recognized the park, unbuckling her seatbelt before the engine fully shut off.

"No way," she gasped, turning to him. "Elijah, is this Kings Dominion?"

He stepped out and opened her door with smooth precision. "I deemed it a fitting choice," he said, a trace of uncertainty in his voice. "For our first courtship."

"Fitting?" Caroline squeaked, her face lighting up as she climbed out. "This is amazing!" She threw her arms around his neck, laughing breathlessly. "I’ve loved coming here since I was a kid!"

Elijah wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, his nose brushing her hair as he inhaled her vanilla scent. They pulled apart, and Caroline grabbed his hand, tugging him toward the entrance — only to stop dead at the sight of the massive line snaking through the parking lot.

"We’re not waiting in that, right?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

Elijah’s expression bordered on disdain. "Certainly not," he said firmly. He led her to a side gate labeled VIP Access. A tall, broad-shouldered security guard with olive skin and a shaved head nodded in recognition. "Evening, Mr. Elijah. Your passes are ready."

He handed over two Fast Lane passes. Caroline snatched one, her jaw dropping. "Oh my God, yes!" she cheered, her excitement infectious.

They bypassed the crowd entirely, stepping into the park’s vibrant chaos. Caroline glanced at Elijah, her grin half-impressed, half-exasperated. "You’re unreal," she whispered.

Elijah’s lips curved into a faint, smug smirk as he leaned down, pressing another gentle kiss to her forehead. "I am merely… motivated," he murmured.

Caroline practically skipped through the gates, her hand firmly in Elijah’s, the park’s upbeat music pulsing from overhead speakers. The air hit her with a rush of funnel cakes and buttered popcorn, instantly pulling her back to childhood summers.

"Oh my God," she laughed, inhaling deeply. "I can smell my childhood. Elijah, tell me you smell that."

He glanced at her, a faint amusement in his eyes. "Sugar, grease, and anticipation?"

She gasped in mock offense. "Excuse you — that’s the holy trinity of amusement park food."

Elijah’s lips curved. "My deepest apologies."

Caroline spun once on the pavement, her joy lighting up the space around them. For a second, Elijah’s gaze softened, a quiet reverence in his expression as he watched her. She didn’t notice, already pointing ahead. "Intimidator 305! That’s the one. Bonnie almost lost it on her sixteenth birthday — full-on tears. And okay, maybe I was crying a little too."

Elijah raised an eyebrow. "And you wish to repeat the experience?"

"That’s the point," Caroline said, throwing her hands up. "Screaming is therapy. Plus, the drop photos? Iconic."

He nodded gravely. "Naturally."

She squinted at him. "You’re totally judging me."

"I assure you, I am merely… observing," he replied smoothly.

Her cheeks warmed. Why does he say stuff like that?

With Fast Lane passes, they bypassed the queue and climbed straight onto the loading platform. Caroline grabbed his wrist. "Full disclosure — I scream. Loud. Like, horror-movie loud. No mocking."

Elijah dipped his head solemnly. "I would never ridicule a lady in distress."

"It’s not distress, it’s enthusiasm," she corrected, poking his chest.

"My error."

The harness locked. Caroline inhaled sharply. "Elijah?"

"Yes?"

"If I die up there, tell my mom the funeral needs pink accents — no lilies. Peonies, maybe some—"

The coaster launched.

Caroline screamed like the world was ending, a wild, exhilarated sound that echoed off the steel. Elijah sat motionless beside her, face serene for the on-ride camera — ancient composure against her glittery chaos.

When they rolled back into the station, Caroline’s hair was a wind-tossed mess, mascara smudged. Elijah looked pristine, suit untouched.

She panted, clutching the bar. "That — was — amazing."

Elijah studied her flushed face, breathless grin. "It appears so," he murmured, a smile tugging at his mouth.

Caroline wheezed a laugh. "Your turn — admit you were terrified."

"Terrified?" he echoed, deadpan. "Caroline, I have survived wooden stakes through the heart."

"Yeah, well, we didn’t drop three hundred feet on those stakes!"

A low, genuine laugh escaped him. Her heart flipped harder than the coaster.

They wandered on, her arm looped through his. "You know, I was here for Bonnie’s Sweet Sixteen," Caroline said, kicking a pebble. "February 2009. Freezing. But she wanted coasters — said the loops were like fate, gravity reminding us we’re alive."

Elijah hummed. "She sounds remarkable."

"She is," Caroline said softly. "Deserves everything."

She paused, voice quieter. "Mom brought me a few times when I was little. Sheriff salary didn’t stretch far, but she made it work. I started waitressing at the Grill at sixteen to help."

Elijah’s gaze settled on her, gentle. "Your resilience is admirable."

Caroline stopped walking, breath catching. His compliments weren’t casual — they landed like truth. "Most people call me bossy. Intense."

"Most people lack vision."

She bumped his shoulder, eyes stinging. "Careful, you’ll make me swoon."

"You are welcome to," he said, voice low.

They passed spinning rides and laughing kids. Caroline licked cotton candy from her thumb; Elijah declined a bite but watched her like she was a wonder.

"I was born October tenth," she offered suddenly. "Parents were great until I was six. Dad left, moved to West Virginia, remarried a guy named Stephen. Had a daughter, Madelyn — my age, basically. We… hated each other."

Elijah listened, fully present. "You sought connection. She saw intrusion."

Caroline’s throat tightened. "Yeah. Mom loved me enough for both of them. Money was tight, but we managed. Uncle Zeno — Mom’s friend — visited once a year on my birthday. Rich guy. Brought cash, gifts. Only time we breathed easy."

Elijah’s voice was a quiet vow. "You will never know that strain again."

She stopped under the glowing lights. "Elijah, I’m not telling you this because I want—"

His fingertip brushed her lips, silencing her. "I know. You shine because you are Caroline. Not for what you possess."

Her eyes glistened. "Then why me?"

He stepped closer. "Because you are joy I thought lost to time."

Without thinking, she kissed him — soft, surprised, her fingers clutching his lapel. His hand cupped her cheek, steady and warm. When she pulled back, breathless, she whispered, "You’re dangerous."

"And you are hope," he murmured.

Caroline laughed shakily. "I need fried Oreos or I’m gonna cry."

"Then fried Oreos you shall have," he said, smirking.

They rode more coasters, shared junk food. Caroline dragged him into a gift shop and plopped a foam crown on his head for exactly three seconds — long enough to burn the image into memory.

As dusk fell, they boarded the Ferris wheel.

"This is my favorite," Caroline said quietly.

Elijah glanced at her sunset-glowed profile. "Mine as well."

She blushed. "You didn’t know that."

"I do now."

The wheel lifted them above the park. "Do you ever wish you’d had a normal life?" she asked.

"No," he said. "But I wish I had found you sooner."

Caroline swallowed. "I spent years feeling like the runner-up. Matt was my ex. I ended it because he still loved Elena. I get it — she’s incredible — but it made me feel… second place. Like I had to fight to be seen."

A tear slipped; she wiped it fast. "Hearing you say things like that… it means something."

Elijah’s voice was steady. "You do not trail behind anyone, Caroline. You lead. I am privileged to follow."

She exhaled, small and shaky. "Thank you. For seeing me."

He lifted her hand, pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "As you deserve."

Caroline whispered, "Kiss me again."

He did — slow, reverent, like sealing a promise. The wheel crested, stars emerging, the world far below.

For one suspended moment, they were simply Elijah and Caroline — two souls, finally aligned.

The drive back to Mystic Falls was quiet in the best way — the windows cracked just enough for a cool night breeze to slip in, the radio off, the world outside a blur of streetlights and empty roads. Caroline sat angled toward Elijah, her fingers loosely intertwined with his on the center console, her thumb tracing slow circles over his knuckles. Every few minutes, she caught him glancing at her, his dark eyes warm, and her heart did that roller-coaster flip all over again.

When he pulled up to her house, the street was still, the porch light casting a soft glow. Elijah shifted the car into park, and something electric sparked in Caroline’s chest — bold, reckless, undeniable. Before he could say a word, she slid across the console and into his lap, knees bracketing his hips, her breath already uneven.

"Caroline—" he started, his voice soft, like her name was a treasure.

She silenced him with a kiss.

Not tentative. Not shy. All the pent-up want from the day poured out — adrenaline, joy, finally. His hands moved instantly — one gripping her waist, the other sliding up her back to cradle her neck, holding her like she was priceless. His lips met hers with controlled precision at first, impossibly gentle, but Caroline felt the restraint humming beneath, ancient and intense. She deepened the kiss, fingers threading through his hair, tugging lightly.

He exhaled against her mouth, a low, breathtaking sound that sent her pulse racing.

He kissed like he’d mastered it over lifetimes — like every brush of his lips was a promise. Caroline melted into him, heart pounding, mind screaming someone finally chooses me first. And yes, he was better than Matt. Not just better — unmatched. Matt had been sweet. Elijah was inevitable.

His hand drifted down her spine, pulling her closer, guiding her hips. Caroline gasped softly into his mouth, heat flaring low in her stomach, her breath trembling with need.

"Elijah…" she whispered, dizzy under the weight of his gaze — like he wanted her and revered her all at once. "How are you—"

"Centuries of practice,” he murmured against her lips, his voice low, amused, and edged with something wicked.

She laughed, breathless and needy, and kissed him again — slow, hungry, insatiable. He matched her, restraint fraying with every second.

Her fingers cupped his jaw, thumbs tracing his cheekbones, memorizing him. Sparks raced down her spine with every shift of his mouth. She could’ve stayed there forever — wrapped in his arms, lost in his lips, feeling utterly chosen.

A sharp bang rattled the driver’s side window.

Caroline jolted like she’d been shocked. Elijah froze, every instinct sharpening in an instant.

Her head whipped to the window — where Liz stood, hair damp from a shower, flannel pajama shirt buttoned crooked, fist pounding the glass like she was ready to drag Caroline out by force.

"CAROLINE ELIZABETH FORBES!" Liz roared, her voice carrying down the street. "Get out of that car. Now!"

Caroline went rigid in Elijah’s lap, eyes wide, lipstick smudged, breath ragged. "Oh my God," she whispered, mortified. "I’m going to die."

Liz pounded again. "CAROLINE!"

Caroline scrambled off Elijah so fast her knee hit the horn, blaring into the night. Elijah exhaled silently, the barest hint of resignation as he smoothed his tie with tragic calm.

Caroline shoved her hair into some order, hissing under her breath. "Please don’t kill her. Or compel her. Or anything. That’s my mom. She has a badge."

"I would never harm Sheriff Forbes," Elijah said, his voice unwavering.

She winced. "You used the title. I’m dead. Grounded forever. You’re immortal — maybe just… wait it out? I’ll see you in fifty years—"

"CAROLINE!"

She squeaked, grabbing the door handle, then paused, cheeks burning. "Elijah?"

"Yes?"

"If you never kiss me again after this, I get it."

His hand caught hers before she could bolt, his voice low and intimate despite the chaos. "Maternal disapproval does not deter me."

Her heart flipped again. She swallowed. "Pray for me."

She flung open the door.

Liz stood there, arms crossed, fury blazing like a storm. "You," she snapped, jabbing a finger at Caroline. "Inside. Now."

Caroline shot Elijah one last desperate look — half apology, half survive this — then bolted for the porch like she was fleeing a vampire instead of facing her mother’s wrath.

Liz turned slowly to Elijah, her expression lethal. "Elijah," she said, voice low and dangerous, "we need to talk."