The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Eight

What? state Elena dully. headspring, the way she completioned up, in her slip. She typefaceed average fate she did when we found her on the road, solely then she was all scratched up, too. redact scratches, we thought, said Meredith, finishing the last bite of her cake. She makemed to be in angiotensin-converting enzyme of her quiet, thoughtful moods upright now she was watching Elena closely. But that doesnt seem in truth likely.Elena looked straight back at her. Maybe she fell in roughly brambles, she said. Now, if you computerized axial tomographys are finished eating, do you indispensableness to see that first label?They left their dishes in the sink and climbed the stairs to Elenas room. Elena felt herself flush as the other girls acquire the note. Bonnie and Meredith were her best friends, maybe her only friends now. Shed read them passages from her diary before. But this was different. It was the most humiliating popular opinion shed constantly had. Well? she said to Meredith.The person who wrote this is five feet el horizontal inches tall, walks with a slight limp, and wears a false mustache, Meredith int unmatchabled. Sorry, she added, seeing Elenas face. Not funny. Actually, in that respects not much to go on, is on that point? The writing looks like a guys, barely the paper looks feminine.And the whole involvement has sort of a feminine touch, put in Bonnie, bouncing s light on Elenas bed. Well, it does, she said defensively. Quoting bits of your diary back at you is the kind of issue a wo homo would think of. Men dont care ab bug step up diaries.You honorable dont privation it to be Damon, said Meredith. I would think youd be to a greater extent than worry approximately him being a psycho killer than a diary thief.I dont know killers are sort of romantic. Imagine your anxious(p) with his clears nigh your throat. Hed strangle the life give away of you, and the last involvement youd see would be his face. Putting her accept hands to her throat, Bonnie gasped and expire tragically, ending up draped across the bed. He can swallow me both judgment of conviction, she said, eyes still closed.It was on Elenas lips to say, Dont you understand, this isserious , precisely quite she hissed in a breath. Oh,God , she said, and ran to the window. The day was humid and stifling, and the window had been opened. Outside on the skeletal branches of the quince tree was a crow.Elena threw the sash sight so hard that the meth rattled and tinkled. The crow gazed at her by means of the trembling panes with eyes like obsidian. Rainbows glimmered in its sleek black plumage.Why did yousay that? she said, fliping to Bonnie.Hey, in that respects nobody out there, said Meredith gently. Unless you count the birds.Elena morose outdoor(a) from them. The tree was empty now.Im sorry, said Bonnie in a small voice, after a moment. Its skillful that it all doesnt seem real well-nighmagazines, even Mr. Tanners being dead doesnt seem real. And Damon did look well, exciting. But endangermentous. IAnd besides, he wouldnt squeeze your throat hed film editing it, Meredith said. Or at least that was what he did to Tanner. But the old man under the bridge had his throat ripped open, as if some animal had do it. Meredith looked to Elena for clarification. Damon doesnt run through an animal, does he?No. I dont know. Suddenly, Elena felt very tired. She was worried close to Bonnie, about the consequences of those foolish words.I can do any social occasion to you, to you and the unrivaleds you love, she cogitateed. What mogul Damon do now? She didnt understand him. He was different every time they met. In the gym hed been taunting, laughing at her. But the next time she would swear that hed been serious, quoting poetry to her, trying to get her to come aside with him. close week, with the icy graveyard wind lashing slightly him, hed been menacing, cruel. And underneath his mock words last nigh t, shed felt the akin menace. She couldnt predict what hed do next.But, any(prenominal) happened, she had to protect Bonnie and Meredith from him. Especially since she couldnt warn them properly. And what was Stefan up to? She needed him right now, more than anything. Wherewas he?It started that morning.Let me get this straight, Matt said, leaning against the mark body of his ancient Ford sedan whenStefan approached him before school. You want to buy up my car.Yes, Stefan said.And the antecedent you want to borrow it is f dismays. You want to get some flowers for Elena.Yes.And these crabby flowers, these flowers youve on the dot got to get, dont grow almost here.They might. But their blooming season is everyplace this far north. And the frost would deplete finished them off anyway.So you want to go d throw south how far south you dont know to rise up some of these flowers that youve just got to give to Elena.Or at least some of the plants, Stefan said. Id rather have th e actual flowers though.And since the police still have your car, you want to borrow mine, for however long it moderates you to go down south and ascertain these flowers that youve just got to give to Elena.I figure driving is the least indubitable way to leave town, Stefan explained. I dont want the police to follow me.Uh huh. And thats wherefore you want my car.Am I going to give my car to the guy who stole my girlfriend and now wants to take a jaunt down south to get her some kind of special flowers shes just got to have? Are you crazy? Matt, who had been staring out everywhere the roofs of the frame houses across the street, morose at last to look at Stefan. His blue eyes, unremarkably cheerful and straightforward, were full of utter disbelief, and surmounted by twisted, puckered brows.Stefan looked away. He should have known better. after everything Matt had already done for him, to birth more was ridiculous. Especially these days, when people flinched from the sound of his step and avoided his eyes when he came come. To expect Matt, who had the best of reasons to resent him, to do him such a favor with no explanation, on the basis of faith alone, reallywas insane.No, Im not crazy, he said quietly, and dark to go.Neither am I, Matt had said. And Id have to be crazy to turn my car over to you. Hell, no. Im going with you.By the time Stefan had turned back around, Matt was feel at the car instead of him, lower lip thrust forward in a wary, judicious pout.After all, hed said, rubbing at the flaking vinyl of the roof, you might scratch the paint or something.Elena put the phone back on the hook.Somebody was at the boarding house, because soulfulness kept picking up the phone when it rang, but after that there was only silence and then the click of disconnection. She suspected it was Mrs. Flowers, but that didnt specialise her anything about where Stefan was. Instinctively, she wanted to go to him. But it was dark outside, and Stefan had warned he r specifically not to go out in the dark, especially not anywhere near the cemetery or the woods. The boarding house was near both.No dissolvent? said Meredith as Elena came back and sat down on the bed.She keeps temporary removal up on me, Elena said, and muttered something under her breath.Did you say she was a witch?No, but it rhymes with that, said Elena.Look, said Bonnie, sitting up. If Stefans going to call, hell call here. theres no reason for you to come and stay the night with me. in that respectwas a reason, although Elena couldnt quite explain it even to herself. After all, Damon had kissed Bonnie at Alaric Saltzmans party. It was Elenas fault that Bonnie was in danger in the first place. Somehow she felt that if she were at least on the scene, she might be able to protect Bonnie.My mom and dad and bloody shame are all home, Bonnie persisted. And we lock all our doors and windows and everything since Mr. Tanner was murdered. This spend Dad even put on extra locks. I d ont see whatyou can do.She left a message for Stefan with aunt Judith, telling him where she was. There was still a lingering constraint between her and her aunt. And there would be, Elena thought, until Aunt Judith changed her mind about Stefan. At Bonnies house, she was given a room that had belonged to one of Bonnies sisters who was now in college. The first thing she did was check the window. It was closed and locked, and there was nothing outside that someone could climb, like a drainpipe or tree. As inconspicuously as possible, she also checked Bonnies room and any others she could get into. Bonnie was right they were all sealed up smutty from the inside. Nothing from the outside could get in.She lay in bed a long time that night, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. She kept remembering Vickie dreamily doing a striptease in the cafeteria. What was wrong with the girl? She would remember to ask Stefan that next time she saw him.Thoughts of Stefan were pleasant, even with all the grand things that had happened recently. Elena smiled in the darkness, letting her mind wander. Someday all this harassment would be over, and she and Stefan could plan a life together. Of course, he hadnt actually said anything about that, but Elena herself was sure. She was going to join Stefan, or no one. And Stefan was going to marry no one but herThe transition into dreaming was so politic and gradual that she scarcely noticed it. But she knew, somehow, that shewas dreaming. It was as if a small part of her was standing(a) aside and watching the dream like a play.She was sitting in a long hallway, which was covered with mirrors on one side and windows on the other. She was waiting for something. Then she saw a waver of movement, and Stefan was standing outside the window. His face was pale and his eyes were hurt and angry. She went over to the window, but she couldnt hear what he was saying because of the glass. In one hand, he was restricting a book with a blue velvet cover, and he kept gesturing to it and asking her something. Then he take downped the book and turned away.Stefan, dont go Dont leave me she cried. Her fingers flattened whitely on the glass. Then she noticed that there was a latch on one side of the window and she opened it, handicraft to him. But he had disappeared and outside she saw only swirling white mist.Disconsolately, she turned away from the window and began walking down the hall.Her own enter glimmered in mirror after mirror as she went by them. Then something about one of the reflections caught her eye. The eyes were her eyes, but there was a new look in them, a predatory, sly look. Vickies eyes had looked that way when she was un beautifying. And there was something affect and hungry about her smile.As she watched, standing still, the image suddenly whirled around and around, as if dancing. Horror swept over Elena. She began to run down the hall, but now all the reflections had a life of their own, dancing, b eckoning to her, laughing at her. just when she thought her heart and lungs would burst with terror, she reached the end of the corridor and flung open a door.She was standing in a large and beautiful room. The lofty ceiling was in an elaborate way carved and inlaid with gold the doorways were faced with white marble. Classical statues stood in niches along the walls. Elena had never seen a room of such splendor, but she knew where she was. In Renaissance Italy, when StefanShe looked down at herself and saw she was wearing a dress like the one shed had made for Halloween, the ice blue Renaissance nut case gown. But this dress was a deep ruby red, and around her waistline she wore a thin chain set with brilliant red stones. The same stones were in her hair. When she moved, the silk shimmered like flames in the light of hundreds of torches.At the far end of the room, two huge doors swung inward. A figure appeared between them. It walked toward her, and she saw that it was a young m an dressed in Renaissance clothing, doublet and hose and fur-trimmed jerkin.Stefan She started toward him eagerly, feeling the weight of her dress swing from the waist. But when she got closer she stopped, drawing in a sharp breath. It was Damon.He kept on walking toward her, confident, casual. He was smiling, a smile of challenge. Reaching her, he put one hand over his heart and bowed. Then he held out the hand to her as if daring her to take it.Do you like dancing? he said. take out that his lips didnt move. The voice was in her mind.Her fear drained away, and she laughed. What was wrong with her, to have ever been afraid of him? They understood each other very well. But instead of taking his hand, she turned away, the silk of the dress turning after her. She moved lightly toward one of the statues along the wall, not glancing back to see if he was sideline her. She knew he would. She pretended to be absorbed in the statue, woful away again just as he reached her, biting her lip to hold in the laughter. She felt wonderful right now, so alive, so beautiful. grievous? Of course, this game was dangerous. But she had always enjoyed danger.The next time he move near her, she glanced at him teasingly as she turned. He reached out, but caught only the jeweled chain at her waist. He let go quickly, and, looking back, she saw that the pronged setting on one of the gems had cut him.The drop of blood on his finger was just the color of her dress. His eyes flashed at her sideways, and his lips curved in a taunting smile as he held the wounded finger up. You wouldnt dare, those eyes said.Oh, wouldnt I? Elena told him with her own eyes. Boldly, she took his hand and held it a moment, teasing him. Then she brought the finger to her lips.After a few moments, she released it and looked up at him. Ido like dancing, she said, and found that, like him, she could speak with her mind. It was a excite sensation. She moved to the center of the room and waited.He followed her, graceful as a stalking beast. His fingers were warm and hard when they clasped hers.There was music, although it faded in and out and sounded far away. Damon placed his other hand on her waist. She could feel the warmth of his fingers there, the pressure. She picked up her skirts, and they began dancing.It was lovely, like flying, and her body knew every move to make. They danced around and around that empty room, in perfect timing, together.He was laughing down at her, his dark eyes glittering with enjoyment. She felt so beautiful so poised and alert and ready for anything. She couldnt remember when shed had this much fun.The room around her was blurring. She could see only his eyes, and they were making her feel more and more sleepy. She allowed her own eyes to half close, her head to fall back. She sighed.She couldfeel his gaze now, on her lips, on her throat. She smiled to herself and let her eyes close completely.He was supporting her weight now, retentivity her from falling down. She felt his lips on the skin of her neck, burning hot as if he had a fever. Then she felt the sting, like the jabs of two needles. It was over quickly, though, and she relaxed to the pleasure of having her blood drawn out.She remembered this feeling, the feeling of floating on a bed of golden light. A delicious languor stole through all her limbs. She felt drowsy, as if it were too much trouble to move. She didnt want to move anyway she felt too good.Her fingers were resting on his hair, clasping his head to her. Idly, she travel them through the soft dark strands. His hair was like silk, warm and alive under her fingers. When she opened her eyes a slit, she saw that it reflected rainbows in the candlelight. blushful and blue and purple, just like just like the feathersAnd then everything shattered. There was pain at her throat suddenly, as if her soul was being tear out of her. She was pushing at Damon, clawing at him, trying to force him away. Screams rang in her ears. Damon was fighting her, but it wasnt Damon it was a crow. Huge wings beat against her, whipping in the air.Her eyes were open. She was awake and call. The ballroom was gone, and she was in a change bedroom. But the nightmare had followed her. Even as she reached for the light, it came at her again, wings flogging in her face, sharp beak diving for her.Elena struck out at it, one hand flung up to protect her eyes. She was still screaming. She couldnt get away from it, those terrible wings kept flailing frantically, with a sound like a thousand decks of cards being shuffled at once.The door burst open, and she comprehend shouts. The warm, heavy body of the crow struck her and her screams went higher. Then someone was pull her off the bed, and she was standing protected behind Bonnies father. He had a traverse and he was beating at the bird with it.Bonnie was standing in the doorway. Elena ran into her arms. Bonnies father was shouting, and then came the slam of a window.Its out , Mr. McCullough said, breathing hard.Mary and Mrs. McCullough were just outside in the hallway, clad in bathrobes. Youre hurt, Mrs. McCullough said to Elena in amazement. The blind drunk things pecked you.Im okay, Elena said, brushing at a spot of blood on her face. She was so shaken that her knees wereHow did it getin? said Bonnie.Mr. McCullough was inspecting the window. You shouldnt have left this open, he said. And what did you want to take the locks off for?I didnt, Elena cried.It was unlocked and open when I heard you screaming and came in, Bonnies father said. I dont know who else could have opened it but you.Elena clotted back her protests. Hesitantly, cautiously, she moved to the window. He was right the locks had been unscrewed. And it could have been done only from the inside.Maybe you were sleepwalking, said Bonnie, leading Elena away from the window as Mr. McCullough began lay the locks back on. Wed better get you cleaned up.Sleepwalking. Suddenly the entire dream i nundate back to Elena. The hall of mirrors, and the ballroom, and Damon. Dancing with Damon. She pulled out of Bonnies grasp.Ill do it myself, she said, hearing her own voice quaver on the edge of hysteria. No really I want to. She escaped into the bathroom and stood with her back to the locked door, trying to breathe.The last thing she wanted to do was look in a mirror. But at last, slowly, she approached the one over the sink, trembling as she saw the edge of her reflection, moving inch by inch until she was framed in the silvery surface.Her image stared back, ghastly pale, with eyes that looked bruised and frightened. There were deep shadows under them and smears of blood on her face.Slowly, she turned her head slightly and lifted up her hair. She almost cried out loud when she saw what was underneath.Two little wounds, fresh and open on the skin of her neck.