𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆: 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐈 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

...🌑...

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓, 𝑀𝑌𝑆𝑇𝐼𝐶 𝐹𝐴𝐿𝐿𝑆

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟗

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫❜𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥.

The preparations for my ascension were well underway, witches and workers bustling around, cleaning, arranging, and perfecting every detail. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a reminder of the monumental change awaiting me.

Mrs. Lockwood and my mom stood near the staircase, discussing the arrangements. Their voices carried through the cold air, mingling with brooms sweeping the courtyard clean.

"It's coming along beautifully," Mrs. Lockwood remarked, her tone brisk and efficient.

My mom nodded, her eyes scanning the courtyard. "All we need is..."

"Don't worry. I sent out the list for the Founder's Court. The Miss Mystic Falls pageant will disguise your daughter's ascension."

"Good."

I descended the steps, the cold seeping through my shoes and grounding me. Workers moved around, clearing twigs and dirt, their breaths visible in the chill. The week would end with my ascension, and the thought sent a shiver down my spine, though not from the cold.

"I'll need an escort," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

My mom turned to me, a faint smile on her lips. "I've got it covered. One of the boys in the coven."

I sighed, knowing she wouldn't understand if I told her I wanted Damon. It would lead to questions I wasn't ready to answer, not yet.

"While the pageant goes on, you will go into the backroom alone and touch the crystal. When you feel the pull, good or evil, you'll latch on to it, and before you know it, you'll ascend."

Worry gnawed at me. "What if I'm destined for evil?"

She grasped my hands, her gaze piercing into mine. "You're not."

"Mom, I'm serious."

"So am I." She brushed a stray lock of hair from my face, the wind tousling it again. "A mom knows."

Her confidence did little to soothe my anxiety. "Why do you ask?"

I hesitated, my feelings for Damon pressing down on me. Forbidden as the future Queen, but I couldn't help it. "You told me to stay away."

She stiffened. "I tried, Mom. But—"

"Don't say another word." Her hand shot up, silencing me. "Not here. There are ears everywhere."

I glanced around, noticing witches pausing in their tasks, their attention on us. I swallowed hard, nodding.

"We'll talk after your ascension," she said, her voice a whisper.

She turned and walked back into the hall, leaving me to follow. I held my head high, trying to ignore the whispers and stares. The weight of the impending ascension and the complications with Damon bore down on me, each step feeling heavier than the last.

...🌑...

Walking through the school with Bonnie felt like a small slice of normalcy in the chaos that had become my life. The sun was shining, students were laughing, and for a moment, I almost believed we were just two regular high school girls.

"Are you still avoiding Elena?" I asked, glancing at Bonnie.

She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Yes."

"She's going to be upset that you talked with me and Caroline and not her."

"I just couldn't face her after Grams died," Bonnie admitted, her voice tinged with guilt.

I pulled her into a side hug, trying to offer some comfort. "I know."

"Your mom tells me that your ascension is the same night as Miss Mystic Falls."

"Yeah," I replied, the weight of the upcoming event pressing down on me.

"So only Hastings witches have an ascension?" Bonnie asked, her curiosity evident.

"Any witch that doesn't need a direct line to the ancestors. Most of those witches are dead, leaving just my family and a few scattered throughout the world."

Bonnie looked thoughtful. "So what can I expect?"

"A lot of drinking, magic, and witches kissing my mom's ass," I said with a wry smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Bonnie laughed, but it was cut short by a voice calling out. "Bonnie!"

We turned to see Elena running towards us. "Hey," Bonnie greeted her, her tone a mix of warmth and hesitation.

"Hey, I tried to grab you after class, but you had already taken off with Selene. How are you? How's your family?" Elena asked, her concern genuine.

"We're dealing. It's been hard," Bonnie replied, her gaze dropping to the ground.

"Everyone here really missed you," Elena said softly.

"Yeah, I just had so much to deal with after Grams' funeral, and, honestly, after you and Selene told me the tomb spell failed, I just didn't really want to come back," Bonnie admitted.

"I hope that you understand why I called...I wanted you to know before you came home," Elena explained, her eyes pleading for understanding.

"I understand why. I just...shouldn't know," Bonnie replied, the air thick with tension.

I looked between them, feeling the awkwardness settle in. "So have you—"

I started to ask but was interrupted by Caroline's enthusiastic shout.

"Bonnie! Bonnie! Thank god you're home!" Caroline rushed towards us, pulling Bonnie into a tight embrace.

"I know we talked every day, and you occasionally talk to Selene, but I missed you."

I winced, catching Elena's hurt expression. Caroline's enthusiasm was a double-edged sword, cutting through the tension.

"How are you doing?" Caroline asked Bonnie, her concern genuine.

"Better. Better. You know, glad to be back and trying to keep myself busy," Bonnie replied, offering a small smile.

Caroline grinned. "Well, I can help with that. Major wardrobe problem. You need to help me pick up the perfect dress for the Founders' Court."

Elena looked confused. "The Founders' court? Did I miss something?"

Caroline rolled her eyes playfully. "The Founders' Court! You know, Miss Mystic Falls. They announced it today, and you, Selene, and I are all on it."

Bonnie and I exchanged a knowing look.

"Oh my god! We signed up for that so long ago...I completely forgot," Elena exclaimed, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

Caroline's eyes sparkled mischievously. "So, are you dropping out then?"

Elena shook her head. "I can't."

Caroline looked hopeful. "No?"

Bonnie jumped in. "Her mom is the one who wanted her to enter."

...🌑...

The hallways of Mystic Falls High School buzzed with the usual pre-pageant chaos. I closed my locker, the metallic clang echoing louder than usual. Beside me, Bonnie was rifling through her bag.

"Ready to be moral support for Caroline?" she asked, glancing up with a small smile.

I sighed, nodding. "I'm just happy I already know the dance, so I don't have to spend time rehearsing it."

Bonnie chuckled. "At least your escort is cute."

"Yeah," I mumbled, my voice lacking enthusiasm.

Bonnie immediately caught my tone and stopped me in the bustling hallway. "Okay, spill. What's wrong?"

I hesitated, biting my lip. "If I tell you, you'll judge me. You'll probably hate me."

"Try me," she urged, her eyes sincere.

I took a deep breath. "I like him."

"Your escort?"

I shook my head. "No."

"Who?"

"Damon," I whispered, bracing myself for her reaction.

Her frown deepened. "He's a..."

"I know," I interrupted. "I know he's killed people. I know he's done horrible things."

"Then why?" she demanded, her voice laced with confusion and concern.

"It's like he's invading my every thought. I feel this pull toward him, and when I'm not near him, it physically hurts," I confessed, placing a hand over my heart.

Bonnie's eyes softened. "Selene..."

"I know it's wrong. I know my coven would never approve, but...I can't help it," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Bonnie sighed, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Just be careful. I can't lose you too."

"I will. I promise," I said, hugging her tightly before we resumed walking down the hall.

Caroline joined us, her presence a whirlwind of anxiety. "The Fell cousins don't have a shot, and Amber Bradley and Selene are only on the court, so the pageant doesn't look like its founding families only—which, of course, it is."

"Thanks, Care," I muttered.

"Sorry, but that leaves Elena, who totally has the sympathy vote since her parents died. How can I compete with that?"

"Very nice, very sensitive," Bonnie remarked dryly.

Caroline's face fell. "I'm sorry. This must sound really unimportant in light of everything."

"It's okay, I get it. You want to win," Bonnie reassured her.

"My grandmother was Miss Mystic, and both of my aunts. My mom is the only one who didn't get the gene, and I want this. I actually deserve this."

"Just be yourself, Care. The judges will love you," I said, squeezing her arm.

Caroline smiled weakly. "You don't want to win this thing?"

"I'm doing it for my mom," I replied, glancing at Bonnie.

As we entered the empty classroom turned dance room, I spotted Elena and Stefan grabbing their jackets to leave. Stefan's presence still made me uneasy after he'd attacked me. I watched him warily as he approached.

"Bonnie, Selene. Hey," Elena greeted us.

"Hey, how are you?" Stefan added, but Bonnie didn't respond.

"I thought you guys were practicing earlier," I said.

"My class ran over," Elena explained.

"Bonnie, do you have a minute?" Elena asked, her eyes pleading.

"We only have thirty minutes for rehearsal," Bonnie replied tersely.

"It'll only take a minute, please? You too, Selene," Elena insisted.

Sighing, I followed them out into the hallway.

"Bonnie, you have to tell me what's wrong. You too, Selene," Elena said, looking between us.

"It's not worth talking about," Bonnie muttered.

"What do you mean not worth it? You've barely said ten words to me, and you won't even look at Stefan. Is that what it is? Is it Stefan?" Elena pressed.

"Listen, Elena, I can't just pretend that everything's okay. Everything my Grams and Selene did was to protect us from those vampires in the tomb. And now they're out, which means she died for nothing," Bonnie snapped, her voice trembling.

Elena's face crumpled with regret. "I'm so sorry, Bonnie. What can I do to make it better?"

"That's just it. There's nothing you can do. I blame him, Elena, him, and Damon, and I'm not gonna put you in a situation where you have to choose sides. I'm just having a hard time with it, okay?" Bonnie explained, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

Elena turned to me, her expression desperate. "Selene?"

I took a deep breath. "Elena, I'm worried about Stefan. He attacked me. I'm just scared he'll lash out again."

Elena's shoulders sagged. "What can I do?"

"Give us time," I said simply.

"Okay," she agreed, her voice barely audible.

We stood there for a moment, the weight of our words hanging heavily in the air, before Bonnie and I turned back toward the rehearsal room, leaving Elena alone in the hallway, lost in her thoughts.

...🌑...

A breath escaped my lips as I looked into the mirror, adjusting the delicate fabric of my dress. My mom's hands rested on my shoulders, her touch warm and reassuring.

"Hermosa," she whispered, a proud smile illuminating her face.

I placed my hand over hers, squeezing gently. "It's hard not to be nervous," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Just go through it like we practiced, and everything will be fine," she said, her eyes holding a world of confidence.

I turned in the chair to face her. "You don't hate me, right?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

"Oh, mija, why would you think that?" She cupped my face, her touch tender.

"Because of my feelings for Damon."

"Damon's not the problem," came Orianna's voice from the doorway. She stepped in, looking stunning in an elegant gold dress and matching heels.

"He's not?" I asked, searching her face for any hint of disapproval.

"Honestly," she sighed. "I think you've changed him, Selene."

Our mom nodded in agreement. "Yes, he's not the same as he was."

I stood up, facing them both. "Then what is it?"

Mom's expression grew serious. "Your life will not be easy, mija. There will be witches who think you are betraying them."

"Some won't care that the future Queen of the Witches is with a vampire," Orianna added. "But there are others who are more radical in their belief."

"They will come for you and try to kill you for your betrayal," Mom finished, her eyes filled with concern.

"So what? I'm just supposed to choose my duty?" I asked, feeling a pang of frustration.

"No. You should follow your heart. Every Queen before you has."

"Follow my heart?" I echoed, feeling a mixture of hope and confusion.

"You can't help who you love, honey," Mom said, brushing a few stray hairs from my face. "Now you have to go get ready. Mrs. Lockwood would be upset if you were late."

I grabbed the black garment bag holding my dress and left the suite, reeling from her words. Walking down the hall, I tried to process everything.

Love.

Duty.

Betrayal.

It all swirled in my mind like a storm.

Entering the dressing room, I found Elena helping Amber, who looked like she was having a panic attack.

"Are you okay, Amber?" Elena asked gently.

Amber nodded, though her expression said otherwise. "I hate being the center of attention. I get panic attacks."

"Do you need us to get someone?" I offered.

"No, I just need some air," Amber muttered, rushing out and closing the door behind her.

Elena and I exchanged worried glances before she returned to adjusting her blue dress. I placed my garment bag on the mirror, frowning at the reflection. I whipped around as Damon stood behind me.

"What are you doing back here?" I asked, trying to sound more annoyed than I felt.

"We need to talk," he said, his gaze shifting between me and Elena.

"Does it have to be right now?" Elena protested. "We need to change."

"Normally, I'd have a completely different outlook on what I'm about to tell you, but since it could really inconvenience me, I'll squeal," Damon said, stepping closer.

"What is it?" I asked, my heart pounding.

"Stefan's still drinking human blood."

"What?!" Elena exclaimed, her face pale.

"Yeah, a month ago, I would have rejoiced, but with the council back on alert, it is not a good time for Stefan to fly off the handle," Damon explained.

I frowned at Damon's words, knowing it wouldn't be long till the council asked the witches for help.

"Off the handle, how?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"He has a fridge full of stolen blood bank contraband in the house," Damon revealed.

"He said that was normal," Elena said, her voice shaking.

"Normal to a vampire is drinking human blood, but he spent all this time fighting it when he should have been learning to control it, and now it's controlling him instead," Damon clarified.

"Oh my God," Elena whispered, sinking onto the couch.

"We have to tell the coven," I said, sinking in dread.

Elena looked at me with wide eyes. "This is all my fault; I'm the one who fed him the blood in the first place."

"No, Elena. Don't blame yourself," I said, offering comfort.

The door knocked, and Stefan walked in. The tension in the room skyrocketed.

"What's going on in here?" he asked, sounding casual.

"I was just filling Elena in on your extracurricular activities," Damon said, crossing his arms.

Stefan laughed nervously. "What are you talking about?"

"I know about the blood, Stefan," Elena said, standing up.

"I'll give you guys a moment," I said, looking wearily between Elena and Stefan.

"I'll be downstairs, drinking," he added, following me into the hallway.

Damon gently grabbed my arm, steering me into an empty suite. His grip was firm but not unkind. He turned me around to face him, his eyes searching mine.

"I need to change," I said, my voice tight with nerves.

"Happy birthday, Sunshine," he murmured, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.

Since finding out Elena was my sister and twin, I knew it wasn't my birthday, but I didn't care at that moment.

He leaned down and gently kissed my cheek. I stared into his piercing blue eyes as he pulled back, his eyes softer than I'd ever seen them. "I'll see you later," he said, his voice a promise.

I nodded, watching him walk out, my heart aching as I saw him leave.

...🌑...

Mayor Lockwood's voice echoed through the hall. "Miss Tina Fell, escorted by Bartholomew Whitmore." 

The grand ballroom of Founder's Hall was packed with elegantly dressed townsfolk, all eyes fixed on the stage. My nerves jangled as I waited, clutching the railing with white-knuckled fingers. Beside me, Elena and Caroline fidgeted, each lost in their own thoughts.

Mrs. Lockwood, clipboard in hand, bustled past us. "Has anyone seen Amber?"

I shook my head, trying to steady my breathing. 

My dress—a pale blue, almost silver creation—felt beautiful and suffocating. Gold embroidery swirled across the off-shoulder sleeves and the plunging neckline, trailing down the skirt that parted with a dramatic slit. I fiddled with the gold crescent necklace around my neck, a talisman of sorts that failed to calm my racing heart.

"Do you see Stefan down there?" Elena asked, peering over the balcony.

I scanned the crowd below, shaking my head. 

"Nope, just my boring fill-in escort," Caroline grumbled.

"What happened to Matt?" Elena pressed.

"They wouldn't let him out of work. Wait, what happened to Stefan?" Caroline's voice tightened with concern.

"I don't know," Elena confessed, her voice shaking. "He just disappeared. I never should have gone through with this."

"What do you mean?" Caroline asked, alarmed.

"I need to find Stefan. This isn't me. I'm not this person anymore."

Caroline grabbed her arm, shaking her head. "No way. You had your chance to drop out, and believe me, I was all for it because there's no way I could beat you. Elena, you're doing this because it was important to your mom."

I placed a comforting hand on Elena's shoulder. "We'll find Stefan after, okay?"

Elena nodded, her eyes brimming with worry.

"Miss Caroline Forbes and her escort Jeffrey Lockwood Hamilton," Mayor Lockwood announced.

Caroline shot us a quick look before descending the stairs.

Mrs. Lockwood turned to Elena. "You're next."

"Just breathe," I urged Elena softly.

She took a deep breath, nodded, and stepped forward.

"Miss Elena Gilbert, escorted by Mister Stefan Salvatore," Mayor Lockwood's voice rang out.

Elena hesitated for a moment before moving down the stairs, her movements graceful despite the anxiety etched on her face.

Mrs. Lockwood turned to me. "Get ready, Selene."

I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my racing heart as I moved towards the top of the stairs.

"Miss Selene Hastings, escorted by William Thomas," Mayor Lockwood announced.

I descended the stairs, lifting my skirt to avoid tripping. As I reached the bottom, my eyes widened in surprise. Damon stood there, his intense gaze fixed on me. He took my hand, his touch sending a jolt through me.

"Where's William?" I whispered.

"With Elena," Damon replied, his voice low.

"And Stefan?" I pressed.

"I don't know," he admitted.

He led me outside to the courtyard, the cool night air different from the warmth inside. I ignored the curious stares and murmurs, focusing on the feel of Damon's hand in mine.

"They're staring," I whispered, feeling self-conscious.

"Don't look at them," Damon murmured, his eyes never leaving mine. "Just look at me."

The violin music began to play, and we moved into position. I held my hand up, palm a breath away from Damon's, mirroring his movements. We circled each other, and the dance had a delicate balance of closeness and distance. Damon's eyes held me captive as I switched hands and continued the dance. The world around us faded until the two of us were moving in perfect harmony.

Damon's grip tightened slightly, his eyes softening as the music swelled. A small smile tugged at my lips, and I allowed myself to be lost in the moment.

The music drew to a close, and I stepped back. Our connection was severed, and all I stared at him, feeling the loss of his touch and longing in Damon's eyes that I knew was reflected in mine.  

...🌑...

I grabbed the door handle and pushed it open into the dark backroom of the Founder's Hall. The air was heavy with the scent of aged wood and ancient magic. The door closed behind me with a soft click, sealing me into the quiet, dim space. My steps were tentative as I moved forward, each one echoing in the silence. One by one, candles flickered to life, casting an eerie glow and revealing a white platform in the center of the room.

I walked up the platform, feeling the weight of my future pressing heavily on my chest. Every step felt like a leap into the unknown. 

A black bowl on a white table sat in the middle of the platform, intricate runes etched in gold winding around its surface. My gaze was drawn to the amethyst, its glow pulsing like a heartbeat in the darkness.

I took a deep breath and placed my hand on the amethyst. A shock jolted through my entire body, and I gasped, my fingers trembling. The air around me began to stir, a wind whipping through the room, tugging at my hair and the skirt of my dress.

"Good or evil," a voice slithered into my mind, cold and ancient.

I stood still, waiting, my heart pounding.

"Which one calls to you, child?" the voice wondered.

A sharp pain, like lightning, struck my chest, and I let out a gasp, my skin buzzing with energy. I felt a pull deep within me, something primal and raw. Without thinking, I reached for it, and my decision was made.

"Ah, good," the voice said, almost pleased.

A single beam of white light burst from the crystal, spreading around the room and illuminating the darkness with a blinding radiance.

"But not only good. You'll bring something ancient back into the world."

My brows furrowed in confusion and concern.

"It's time the world saw it again," the voice whispered, filled with foreboding.

Before I could respond, the beam shot into my chest, and white-hot heat burned through my veins. I gritted my teeth, my body wracked with intense pain. The heat seared into my back, and I felt like I might be torn apart.

And then, just as suddenly as it began, the pain vanished.

A shaky breath escaped my lips, and I lowered my hand from the crystal, stepping back from the table. I looked down at my hands, feeling something powerful, ancient, and potent slithering beneath my skin. I turned away from the table, my mind racing with the implications of what had just happened.

I walked down the platform, each step heavier than the last, the gravity of my choice settling in. I reached the door, grabbed the handle, and glanced over my shoulder at the glowing amethyst one last time. I let out a breath, pushed the door open, and stepped out, leaving the dark room and its secrets behind.

...🌑...

The room buzzed with excitement as people mingled, sipping champagne and exchanging pleasantries. Standing on the stage with the other girls of the Founder's Court, I tried to focus on the ceremony. 

Caroline leaned towards me, her breath warm against my ear. "Where is Amber?"

I shrugged, glancing around. "I don't know."

Mayor Lockwood stepped up to the podium, his voice booming through the hall. "Before I crown the winner, I'd like to offer a personal thank you to all of these young ladies for their efforts to better our community."

Applause erupted, the sound of a comforting roar that filled the space. 

Mayor Lockwood continued, "So, without further ado, it is my honor to announce our very own Miss Mystic Falls, Miss Caroline Forbes!"

Caroline's eyes widened in surprise and delight. Elena and I turned to her, our smiles genuine.

"Congratulations!" Elena exclaimed.

"I actually won!" Caroline's voice trembled with excitement.

"Yeah, Care," I said, pulling her into a tight embrace. She beamed as she moved to the mayor, who draped the banner around her shoulder. The crowd's applause grew louder, and I felt a swell of pride for my friend.

As the ceremony concluded, we made our way off the stage, weaving through the crowd of well-wishers. Suddenly, a hand gripped my arm, pulling me aside. I frowned, recognizing the serious look in Damon's eyes. Elena trailed behind us, concern etched on her face.

"What is it? Did you find him?" Elena asked, her voice tinged with worry.

"There were signs of a struggle in the upstairs bathroom," Damon replied, his tone grim.

My heart sank. "Was it bad?"

"There was blood, and Amber is missing," Damon said.

"So bad," I said. 

"Oh my god! He wouldn't hurt her, he won't!" Elena's voice wavered.

"Let's just find him, okay?" Damon said, urgency in his voice. "Let's get your coats. Come on!"

We grabbed our coats and hurried out into the bitter cold night. The wind bit at my skin as I lifted my skirts, running alongside Damon and Elena into the woods behind the hall. The darkness closed in around us, but a piercing scream cut through the silence, sending a chill down my spine.

We came to a halt, and my blood ran cold as I saw Stefan, his face smeared with blood, fangs bared as he fed on Amber. Elena's anguished cry pierced the night.

"Stefan!"

He released Amber, turning to face us with wild, bloodshot eyes. Damon moved towards him slowly, his voice calm and measured. "Stefan, come on, get control. It's okay, come on. Breathe through it, man."

But Stefan's grip on reality slipped. He grabbed Damon, throwing him against a tree with inhuman strength. Damon got up in a blur, ready to intervene again.

"Stefan, stop it!" Elena pleaded, her voice breaking.

Stefan's gaze locked onto Elena, his expression a mix of hunger and torment. I felt a surge of warmth flood through my veins, my newly awakened magic stirring within me. I raised my hand towards Stefan, and he clutched his head, screaming in agony as he fell to his knees. The wind whipped around me, my power crackling in the air.

Gradually, the fangs retracted, and the bloodlust faded from his eyes. I lowered my hand, and the wind died down. Stefan looked around, guilt and fear etched on his face.

Damon approached him cautiously. "It's okay, Stefan."

But Stefan just shook his head, blood dripping from his mouth. Without a word, he turned and ran, disappearing into the darkness.

The silence that followed was heavy, punctuated only by the sound of our labored breathing.

This isn't good.