The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Eight

Who-? Oh, its you decent verbalize, starting at the touch on her elbow. You scared me. I didnt hear you come up.Hed watch to be to a greater extent careful, Stefan realized. In the few days hed been away from educate, hed gotten out of the habit of walking and moving deal a human and f aloneen back into the noiseless, short controlled stride of the hunter. Sorry, he say, as they walked side by side down the corridor.Sokay, said decorous with a brave attempt at nonchalance. except her embrown eyes were wide and rather fixed. So what are you doing present today? Meredith and I came by the roominghouse this morning to check on Mrs. Flowers, that cipher answered the door. And I didnt see you in biology.I came this afternoon. Im back at school. For as long as it scoots to find what were looking for anyway.To spy on Alaric, you mean, Bonnie muttered. I t aging Elena yesterday reasonable to leave him to me. Oops, she added, as a couple of passing juniors stared at her. She r olled her eyes at Stefan. By mutual consent, they turned rancid into a side corridor and made for an empty stairwell. Bonnie leaned against the w all(prenominal) with a groan of relief.Ive got to regain not to say her name, she said pathetically, provided its so hard. My puzzle asked me how I mat this morning and I almost told her, fine, since I saw Elena last night. I dont know how you two kept-you know what-a secret so long.Stefan felt a grin tugging at his lips in spite of himself. Bonnie was like a six-week-old kitten, all charm and no inhibitions. She always said exactly what she was thought process at the moment, even if it completely contradicted what shed middling said the moment before, but every affaire she did came from the heart. Youre standing in a deserted hallway with a you know what upright now, he reminded her devilishly.Ohhh. Her eyes widened again. yet you wouldnt, would you? she added, relieved. Because Elena would kill you Oh, dear. Searching for anothe r topic, she gulped and said, So-so how did things go last night?Stefans mood darkened immediately. Not so good. Oh, Elenas all right shes sleeping safely. Before he could go on, his ears picked up footfalls at the end of the corridor. Three senior girls were passing by, and one broke away from the convention at the sight of Stefan and Bonnie. Sue Carsons face was pale and her eyes were red-rimmed, but she smiled at them.Bonnie was full of concern. Sue, how are you? Hows Doug?Im okay. Hes okay, too, or at least hes passage to be. Stefan, I unavoidablenessed to public lecture to you, she added in a rush. I know my dad conveyed you yesterday for helping Doug the way you did, but I wanted to thank you, too. I mean, I know that people in town have been pretty horrible to you and-well, Im just surprised you cared enough to help at all. exclusively Im glad. My mom says you saved Dougs liveness. And so, I just wanted to thank you, and to say Im sorry-about everything.Thats all right , he said. Hows Chelsea today?Shes at the pound. Theyre holding the dogs in quarantine in that respect, all the ones they could round up. Sue blotted her eyes and straightened, and Stefan relaxed, seeing that the danger was oer. An awkward silence descended.Well, said Bonnie to Sue at last, have you heard what the school board decided about the hoodwink Dance?I heard they met this morning and theyve pretty much decided to let us have it. Some corpse said they were talking about a police guard, though. Oh, theres the late bell. Wed better get to history before Alaric hands us all demerits.Were coming in a minute, Stefan said. He added casually, When is this Snow Dance?Its the thirteenth Friday night, you know, Sue said, and then winced. Oh my God, Friday the thirteenth. I didnt even prize about that. precisely it reminds me that there was one other thing I wanted to tell you. This morning I took my name out of the running for snow queen. It-it just seemed right, somehow. Thats al l. Sue hurried away, almost running.Stefans mind was racing. Bonnie, what is this Snow Dance?Well, its the Christmas dance really, only we have a snow queen instead of a Christmas queen. After what happened at Founders Day, they were intending of derriereceling it, and then with the dogs yesterday-but it sounds like theyre deviation to have it after all.On Friday the thirteenth, Stefan said grimly.Yes. Bonnie was looking scared again, making herself small and inconspicuous.Stefan, dont look that way youre frightening me. Whats wrong? What do you think will happen at the dance?I dont know. But something would, Stefan was thinking. Fells Church hadnt had one public celebration that had escaped being visited by the Other agent, and this would credibly be the last festivity of the stratum. But there was no point in talking about it now. Come on, he said. Were really late.He was right. Alaric Saltzman was at the chalkboard when they walked in, as he had been the first day hed appear ed in the history schoolroom. If he was surprised at seeing them late, or at all, he cover it faultlessly, giving one of his friendliest smiles.So youre the one whos hunting the hunter, Stefan thought, taking his seat and studying the man before him. But are you anything more than that? Elenas Other powerfulness maybe?Elena. Stefans hand clenched under his desk, and a slow ache woke in his chest. He hadnt meant to think about her. The only way he had gotten through and through the last five days was by keeping her at the edge of his mind, not letting her image any closer. But then of course the driving of holding her away at a safe distance took up most of his term and energy. And this was the worst place of all to be, in a classroom where he couldnt care less about what was being taught. There was nothing to do but think here.He made himself breathe slowly, calmly. She was well that was the main(prenominal) thing. Nothing else really mattered. But even as he told himself this, jealousy bit into him like the thongs of a whip. Because whenever he thought about Elena now, he had to think about him.About Damon, who was free to come and go as he liked. Who might even be with Elena this minute.Anger burned in Stefans mind, bright and cold, mix with the hot ache in his chest. He still wasnt convinced that Damon wasnt the one who had casually thrown him, bleeding and unconscious, into an abandoned well shaft to die. And he would take Elenas idea about the Other precedent much more seriously if he was completely sure that Damon hadnt chased Elena to her death. Damon was evil he had no grace and no scruplesAnd whats he done that I havent done? Stefan asked himself heavily, for the hundredth time. Nothing.Except kill.Stefan had tried to kill. Hed meant to kill Tyler. At the memory, the cold fire of his anger toward Damon was do utilize, and he glanced instead toward a desk at the back of the room.It was empty. Though Tyler had gotten out of the hospital the day b efore, he hadnt returned to school. Still, there should be no danger of his remembering anything from that unrelenting afternoon. The subliminal suggestion to forget should hold for quite a while, as long as no one messed with Tylers mind.He suddenly became aware that he was staring at Tylers empty desk with narrow, brooding eyes. As he looked away, he caught the glance of someone whod been watching him do it.Matt turned quickly and dead set(p) over his history book, but not before Stefan saw his expression.December 5-I dont know what time, probably early afternoon.Dear Diary,Damon got you back for me this morning. Stefan said he didnt want me going into Alarics attic again. This is Stefans pen Im using. I dont own anything anymore, or at least I basist get at any of my own things, and most of them aunty Judith would miss if I took them. Im sitting right now in a vitamin B complex behind the boardinghouse. I cant go where people sleep, you know, unless Ive been invited in. I gu ess animals dont count, because there are some rats sleeping here under the hay and an owl in the rafters. At the moment, were ignoring each other.Im onerous very hard not to have hysterics.I thought writing might help. Something normal, something familiar. Except that nothing in my life is normal anymore.Damon says Ill get used to it faster if I throw my old life away and embrace the untested one. He seems to think its inevitable that I turn out like him. He says I was born to be a hunter and theres no point in doing things halfway.I hunted a deer last night. A stag, because it was making the most noise, clashing its antlers against tree diagram branches, challenging other males. I drank its blood.When I look over this diary, all I can see is that I was searching for something, for someplace to belong. But this isnt it. This new life isnt it. Im afraid of what Ill become if I do start to belong here.Oh, God, Im frightened.The barn owl is almost pure white, especially when it spre ads its wings so you can see the underside. From the back it looks more gold. It has just a comminuted gold rough the face. Its staring at me right now because Im making noises, arduous not to cry.Its funny that I can still cry. I guess its witches that cant.Its started snowing outside. Im pulling my cloak up around me.Elena tucked the little book close to her body and drew the soft dark velvet of the cloak up to her chin. The barn was utterly silent, except for the minute breathing of the animals that slept there. Outside the snow drifted down just as soundlessly, blanketing the world in muffling stillness. Elena stared at it with unseeing eyes, scarcely noticing the tears that ran down her cheeks.And could Bonnie McCullough and Caroline Forbes please stay after class a moment, Alaric said as the last bell rang.Stefan frowned, a frown that deepened as he saw Vickie Bennett hovering outside the open door of the history room, her eyes diffident and frightened. Ill be right outside , he said meaningfully to Bonnie, who nodded. He added a warning lift of his eyebrows, and she responded with a virtuous look. Catch me saying anything Im not alleged(a) to, the look said.Vickie Bennett was entering as he exited, and he had to step out of her way. But that took him right into the path of Matt, whod come out the other door and was trying to get down the corridor as fast as possible.Stefan grabbed his arm without thinking. Matt, wait. Let go of me. Matts fist came up. He looked at it in apparent surprise, as if not sure what he should be so mad about. But every muscle in his body was fighting Stefans grip.I just want to talk to you. Just for a minute, all right?I dont have a minute, Matt said, and at last his eyes, a lighter, less complicated blue than Elenas, met Stefans. But there was a blankness in the depths of them that reminded Stefan of the look of someone whod been hypnotized, or who was under the influence of some Power.Only it was no Power except Matts own mind, he realized abruptly. This was what the human brain did to itself when faced with something it simply couldnt deal with. Matt had shut down, turned off.Testing, Stefan said, About what happened Saturday night-I dont know what youre talking about. Look, I said I had to go, damn it. Denial was like a fortress behind Matts eyes. But Stefan had to try again.I dont blame you for being mad. If I were you, Id be furious. And I know what its like not to want to think, especially when thinking can drive you crazy. Matt was shaking his head, and Stefan looked around the hallway. It was almost empty, and desperation made him free to take a risk. He lowered his voice. But maybe youd at least like to know that Elenas awake, and shes much-Elenas dead Matt shouted, drawing the attention of everyone in the corridor. And I told you to let go of me he added, oblivious of their audience, and shoved Stefan hard. It was so unexpected that Stefan stumbled back against the lockers, almost ending up sprawled on the ground. He stared at Matt, but Matt never even glanced back as he took off down the hallway.Stefan spent the rest of the time until Bonnie emerged just staring at the wall. There was a poster there for the Snow Dance, and he knew every inch of it by the time the girls came out.Despite everything Caroline had tried to do to him and Elena, Stefan frame he couldnt summon up any hatred of her. Her auburn hair looked faded, her face pinched. Instead of being willowy, her posture just looked wilted, he thought, watching her go.Yes, of course. Alaric just knows we three-Vickie, Caroline, and I-have been through a lot, and he wants us to know that he supports us, Bonnie said, but even her dogged optimism about the history teacher sounded a little forced. None of us told him about anything, though. Hes having another get-together at his house next week, she added brightly.Wonderful, thought Stefan. Normally he might have said something about it, but at that moment he was di stracted. Theres Meredith, he said.She must be waiting for us-no, shes going down the history wing, Bonnie said. Thats funny, I told her Id meet her out here.It was more than funny, thought Stefan. Hed caught only a glimpse of her as she turned the corner, but that glimpse stuck in his mind. The expression on Merediths face had been calculating, watchful, and her step had been stealthy. As if she were trying to do something without being seen.Shell come back in a minute when she sees were not down there, Bonnie said, but Meredith didnt come back in a minute, or two, or three. In fact, it was almost ten minutes before she appeared, and then she looked startled to see Stefan and Bonnie waiting for her.Sorry, I got held up, she said coolly, and Stefan had to approve her self-possession. But he wondered what was behind it, and only Bonnie was in a mood to chat as the three of them left school.But last time you used fire, Elena said.That was because we were looking for Stefan, for a spe cific person, Bonnie replied. This time were trying to predict the future. If it was just your personal future I was trying to predict, Id look in your palm, but were trying to find out something general.Meredith entered the room, carefully balancing a china coil full to the brim with water. In her other hand, she held a candle. Ive got the stuff, she said. piss was sacred to the Druids, Bonnie explained, as Meredith placed the dish on the floor and the three girls sat around it.Apparently, everything was sacred to the Druids, said Meredith.Shh. Now, put the candle in the candlestick and light it. Then Im going to pour melted ride into the water, and the shapes it makes will tell me the answers to your questions. My grandmother used melted lead, and she said her grandmother used melted silver, but she told me wax would do. When Meredith had lit the candle, Bonnie glanced at it sideways and took a deep breath. Im getting scareder and scareder to do this, she said.You dont have to, Elena said softly.I know. But I want to-this once. Besides, its not these kind of rituals that scare me its getting taken over thats so awful. I hate it. Its like somebody else getting into my body.Anyway, here goes. Turn down the lights, Meredith. Give me a minute to get attuned and then ask your questions.In the silence of the dim room Elena watched the candlelight flickering over Bonnies lowered eyelashes and Merediths sober face. She looked down at her own hands in her lap, pale against the blackness of the sweater and leggings Meredith hadlent her. Then she looked at the dancing flame. tout ensemble right, Bonnie said softly and took the candle.Elenas fingers twined together, clenching hard, but she spoke in a low voice so as not to break the atmosphere. Who is the Other Power in Fells Church?Bonnie tilted the candle so that the flame licked up its sides. Hot wax streamed down like water into the bowl and formed round globules there.I was afraid of that, Bonnie murmured. Thats no answer, nothing. Try a different question.Disappointed, Elena sat back, fingernails biting into her palms. It was Meredith who spoke.Can we find this Other Power if we look? And can we defeat it?Thats two questions, Bonnie said under her breath as she tilted the candle again. This time the wax formed a circle, a lumpy white ring.Thats unity The symbol for people joining hands. It means we can do it if we stick together.Elenas head jerked up. Those were almost the same words shed said to Stefan and Damon. Bonnies eyes were shining with excitement, and they smiled at each other.Watch out Youre still pouring, Meredith said.Bonnie quickly righted the candle, looking into the bowl again. The last spill of wax had formed a thin, straight line.Thats a sword, she said slowly. It means sacrifice. We can do it if we stick together, but not without sacrifice.What kind of sacrifice? asked Elena.I dont know, Bonnie said, her face troubled. Thats all I can tell you this time. She stuck the ca ndle back in the candleholder.Whew, said Meredith, as she got up to turn on the lights. Elena stood, too.Well, at least we know we can beat it, she said, tugging up the leggings, which were too long for her. She caught a glimpse of herself in Merediths mirror. She certainly didnt look like Elena sarin the high school fashion plate anymore.Dressed all in black like this, she looked pale and dangerous, like a sheathed sword. Her hair fell haphazardly around her shoulders.certainly didnt look like Elena Gilbert the high school fashion plate anymore. Dressed all in black like this, she looked pale and dangerous, like a sheathed sword. Her hair fell haphazardly around her shoulders.You could go somewhere else, Bonnie suggested. I mean, after this is all over, you could finish the school year someplace where nobody knows you. Like Stefan did.No, I dont think so. Elena was in a strange mood tonight, after spending the day alone in the barn watching the snow. Bonnie, she said abruptly, wou ld you look at my palm again? I want you to tell my future, my personal future.I dont even know if I remember all the stuff my grandmother taught me but, all right, Ill try, Bonnie relented. Thered just better be no more dark strangers on the way, thats all. Youve already got all you can handle. She giggled as she took Elenas outstretched hand. Remember when Caroline asked what you could do with two? I guess youre finding out now, huh?Just read my palm, will you?All right, this is your life line- Bonnies stream of patter broke off almost before it was started. She stared at Elenas hand, fear and apprehension in her face. It should go all the way down to here, she said. But its cut off so shortShe and Elena looked at each other without speaking for a moment, while Elena felt that same apprehension solidify within herself. Then Meredith broke in.Well, naturally its short, she said. It just means what happened already, when Elena drowned.Yes, of course, that must be it, Bonnie murmure d. She let go of Elenas hand and Elena slowly drew back. Thats it, all right, Bonnie said in a stronger voice.Elena was gazing into the mirror again. The girl who gazed back was beautiful, but there was a sad wisdom about her eyes that the old Elena Gilbert had never had. She realized that Bonnie and Meredith were looking at her.That must be it, she said lightly, but her smile didnt touch her eyes.