I sat by the window in my small rented room, the faint strain of using my magic to summon Emily's grimoire still lingering in my body. My journal lay open on the desk, its pages filled with careful notes and incantations. The scratch of my pen against paper was the only sound in the quiet room as I continued to transcribe Emily's grimoire into my spare, methodically replicating the ancient symbols and words. Every stroke had to be precise—this wasn't just magic; it was survival.
The original grimoire rested on the table nearby, radiating a subtle, undeniable power. A faint hum echoed in the air around it, an almost imperceptible vibration that seemed to react to my presence. It was more than a book; it was a weapon, a bargaining chip, a trump card.
I paused, flexing my fingers to ease the ache from hours of meticulous work. A gust of wind rattled the loose windowpane, and my gaze drifted outside. Mystic Falls lay quiet beneath the moonlight, its picturesque streets betraying none of the darkness simmering just below the surface.
Leaning back in my chair, my thoughts swirled. The events of the day—the cafeteria encounters, the cemetery ritual—had left me with plenty to think about. Bonnie Bennett had been an unexpected variable. Her natural curiosity and energy intrigued me, but it was her connection to the Bennett bloodline that truly mattered. I had sensed it, that spark of dormant power, unrefined but potent. She would be valuable.
And then there was Caroline Forbes. Her interest in me had been transparent, though I suspected it was as much about asserting dominance in her small-town hierarchy as anything else. She was sharp, bold, and, more importantly, she had connections—connections I might need.
I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Chessboard," I murmured to myself, echoing the thought that had crossed my mind in the cafeteria. Each person in this town was a piece, and I was learning the board with every interaction. The question wasn't whether I could win the game. It was how much I was willing to risk to do it.
My fingers hovered over the grimoire. For all its power, it wasn't without its dangers. Emily's magic was old and unyielding, her spells woven with threads of consequence. The ritual at the cemetery had been proof enough of that—I could still feel the faint pull yet from this action. I don't know if the timeline is correcting itself, like an elastic band snapping back into place, or if this was the final straw of the camal's back. I had been careful, yes, but careful only went so far.
A knock at the door startled me out of my thoughts.
My eyes narrowed as I rose from the chair, my movements silent and deliberate. I wasn't expecting anyone. Stepping lightly, I crossed the room and placed my hand against the doorframe, feeling for the subtle vibrations of another presence.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. It was soft but deliberate, a quick rhythm that echoed in the quiet room. I glanced at the clock—late enough to make the timing odd, but not suspicious. Rising, I moved to the door, my hand brushing the frame as I felt for any unusual vibrations. Nothing.
"Who is it?" I called, my tone even.
"It's Bonnie," came the reply, her voice unmistakable and slightly hesitant. "I, uh… need to talk to you."
I opened the door, and there she was. Bonnie stood in the dim hallway, illuminated by the pale light above. Her shoulders were slightly hunched, and she looked nervous but determined.
"Bonnie," I said, leaning against the frame. "Didn't expect to see you here."
She offered a sheepish smile, her fingers toying with the strap of her bag. "Yeah, I figured. Sorry for just… showing up. I hope this isn't weird."
I raised an eyebrow, not quite dismissing her concern but letting her know it didn't bother me. "How'd you find me?"
Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she gave a small laugh. "Small town. Word gets around. Caroline might've mentioned it when she brought up the party." She paused, then quickly added, "I hope you don't think I'm, like, stalking you or anything."
I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "It's fine. Just… takes some getting used to, that's all."
Bonnie's shoulders relaxed slightly, her nervous energy easing. "Good. I'd hate for you to think I'm some kind of creep or anything."
I stepped aside slightly, but she didn't move to come in. Instead, she pulled a card from her bag and held it out.
"So, about the party," she started, her voice soft but earnest. "Caroline wanted me to follow up, just to make sure you knew you were invited. And, um, I thought I'd ask, too." She hesitated, her gaze flicking to mine briefly before dropping back to the card in her hand. "It's not just her invite—it's kind of mine, too."
I reached for the card, and our fingers brushed.
It wasn't a spark; it was a pulse, sharp and sudden. The brief contact sent a jolt through me, like touching a live wire, and Bonnie stiffened instantly. Her breath hitched, her eyes widening as if she'd been struck by an invisible force.
She swayed slightly, her free hand gripping the strap of her bag as her gaze turned distant. Her pupils dilated, and for a moment, it was like she wasn't there at all—her body here, but her mind elsewhere, seeing something I couldn't.
"Bonnie?" I said, frowning.
Her lips parted, but no sound came out. Then, with a sharp inhale, she snapped back, blinking rapidly and shaking her head as if to clear it.
"Sorry," she said quickly, her voice tight. "I… I didn't mean to space out. Long day, I guess."
I studied her carefully, the faint tremor in her hands and the flush on her cheeks. She was shaken but trying to cover it. Whatever she'd just experienced wasn't a simple lapse of focus, but I decided not to press.
"No worries," I said, brushing it off casually. "We all have those days."
Bonnie's smile was small and unsteady, but there was relief in her eyes as she handed me the card. "So, yeah. It's just one of those Mystic Falls things. Parties in the woods, a little music, a little drinking…" Her words trailed off, and she fidgeted, glancing away. "I just thought you might want to come. Not just for Caroline, but… well, I haven't met a lot of new people I've actually liked. As, you know… friends."
She stumbled slightly over the last word, her face flushing deeper.
"I'll think about it," I said after a moment, my voice even.
Bonnie nodded, her nervousness only slightly abating. "Good," she said softly, backing up a step. "I should go. Just wanted to give you that."
She turned on her heel before I could say anything else, her movements brisk and slightly awkward, like she was trying to escape.
As the sound of her footsteps faded, I shut the door, the faint charge from her touch still lingering in my hand.
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What plot points from here on out do you would you like me to explore?
Any constructive criticism is welcomed
POWER STONES!!!!!!!!!!