The atmosphere was tense as Elena gathered Damon and Stefan in the living room. She could feel the urgency of their situation pressing down on her, the weight of Katerina's words heavy on her shoulders.

"Katerina told me something important," Elena began, her voice steady. "She mentioned a heretic named Anastasija. Apparently, she has a sister named Maria, who might be our only way to reach her."

Damon scoffed, "Pff, a heretic? N-O!" Emphasizing the words in the air. "A ripper? Oh, yes."

"Why am I not surprised that you know this girl?" Stefan said while rubbing his forehead.

 "We met in New York when my emotions were turned off. It was a wild ride—partying, killing... you name it." Damon talked while grasping the memories of his former friend, "She is a ripper and trust me Steffy, there is someone more crude than you."

"Very funny, Damon." Stefan said, his voice dry.

To break the tension Elena clasped her hands and smiled, "Great, so Damon you are our way in getting in contact with her."

"No, no, no... I haven't heard from her in decades. When I think of it now she simply disappeared." He looked deep in thought. "I can't quite remember how or when."

✴

Nestled deep in the woods outside of Richmond, Maria's secluded cabin was a world away from busy city life. The structure, hidden beneath an ancient canopy of trees, emanated a quiet power. Wildflowers and herbs surrounded the weathered porch, their faint aroma carried on the cool night breeze. An old, hand-carved sigil was etched into the doorframe—a protective enchantment, perhaps, or a warning.

Damon and Stefan stood outside the cabin, their presence an intrusion on the untouched sanctity of the place. A faint light flickered inside, casting long shadows on the drawn curtains.

Damon knocked casually, but the sharp creak of the door swinging open interrupted him. Maria stood in the doorway, her piercing eyes meeting theirs.

"You don't learn, do you?" she said coldly, her Serbian accent cutting through the silence like a blade. "Trespassing on my land? Bold."

Damon smirked. "We're not here to fight. Just a friendly chat."

Maria's expression remained unmoved. "You think you're entitled to my time because you've decided your problems are mine? Typical."

Stefan stepped forward, his tone more earnest. "Maria, we're looking for Anastasija. Katherine said you're the only one who can help us find her."

The mention of her sister's name made Maria pause, but her demeanor remained guarded. She leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms. "Anastasija doesn't want to be found. And if she did, you wouldn't need me."

"We don't have time for games," Damon interjected. "Klaus is a threat to all of us, including your sister. If she's as powerful as Katherine claims, we need her help."

Maria's laugh was low and bitter. "And you think mentioning Klaus will sway me? You don't understand. My sister doesn't get involved in vampire squabbles. She has bigger priorities."

"Like what?" Damon asked.

Maria's gaze hardened. "Like staying alive. Or have you forgotten what happens to witches who defy their covens? Her own family cursed her. Do you think she'd risk more just to clean up your mess?"

Stefan took a step closer. "We're not asking her to fight for us. We just need a chance—something that tips the odds against Klaus. If you know a way to reach her, tell us."

Maria's shoulders tightened, her reluctance clear. "Even if I wanted to help, Anastasija doesn't trust easily. She sees through deception, and she's more likely to kill you than listen if she senses an ulterior motive."

"We'll take our chances," Damon said, flashing a confident grin. "Point us in the right direction, and we'll handle the rest."

Maria studied them for a long moment, her eyes flicking between the brothers. Finally, she sighed and stepped back, motioning for them to enter. The interior of the cabin was warm and lived-in, with shelves lined with old tomes and jars of herbs. A small fire crackled in the hearth, its glow softening the room's edges.

"If you want to find her, you'll need more than bravado," Maria said, her voice quieter now. "Anastasija doesn't show herself without a reason. And if you waste her time, you'll regret it."

Stefan nodded, his tone earnest. "Thank you, Maria."

Damon, ever the charmer, smirked. "See? That wasn't so hard."

Maria shot him a glare. "Get out before I change my mind."

As they left the cabin, Damon turned to Stefan. "She's definitely got the Bolera family charm. Let's hope her sister's just as welcoming."

Stefan didn't respond, his thoughts already racing ahead to what lay ahead—and the unpredictable power of the heretic they sought.