STEFANIE ARRIVED AT THE BALL,COMPLETELY oblivious to the actions she had just committed. This was the second time this had happened to her. The first time she had blacked out was the night she had settled in the Salvatore school. She had gone down to the kitchen to get a glass of water and just like that, the world fell dark for a quick second and then she was in her bedroom, waking up at the sound of an alarm she didn't remember setting. She didn't say anything when it happened; she had figured she had just returned to sleep and simply was too tired and overwhelmed with emotions to even remember when she did. It was no fuss.
But now it just happened again and something in her gut told her that it wasn't normal. Something was happening and she had no idea what it was. Why was she in the woods? And why did the smell of blood waft up into her nose, tempting her to go and rip someone's throat out? No. Blood bags only, Stef. You know that, she thought just as she climbed the steps of the balcony. Taking a deep breath, she pulled out her on-the-go perfume and sprayed herself head to toe, trying to rid herself of the scent of blood that she was pretty sure was in her head. Putting the atomizer away, she pulled the doors open. The Salvatore School was eccentric, full of sounds of music and conversations, teens enjoying themselves. Although she was just in the halls, her super-hearing had already prepared her for what she was about to face in the ballroom.
As she hurried through the halls, her mind raced just as fast as she did. Why was she having blackouts? What was the cause behind them? And as much as she was enjoying the power, how and why could she read minds? In the last couple of days, Stefanie had her fair share of enjoyment with the power. Reading minds was a luxury in some instances and at other times, she didn't want to hear how badly Lucas Malora wanted to get into Beatrix King's pants. As helpful as the power had been, Stefanie needed more insight into what she could do. But first, she had to know how she got it.
Finally, the Salvatore vampire arrived at the steps that led down to the ball and gasped. The sight was beautiful. Fairy lights, streamers, balloons that were perfectly made thanks to the Witch Faction's magic. There were strobe lights flashing lights everywhere, illuminating various students of the Salvatore School and Mystic Falls High School. She smiled, fixed her hair once more, and descended down the stairs. Her eyes searched the crowd, looking for the people she had come to call "friends". There was Josie and Lizzie, chatting and dancing as MG and Kaleb danced between them. Landon and Hope, sitting at one of the tables, conversing with only each other. And finally, she caught sight of Rafael Waithe, the Alpha of the Werewolf Faction. He was in a dark green suit, with a white dress shirt and a black tie. He looked gorgeous in Stefanie's eyes.
Taking a deep breath, she descended down the steps. Since she was the last person to arrive at the ball, everyone had eyes on her. Her cheeks flushed immediately and all she wanted was for someone to save her from this moment. And as if he had mind-reading powers like her, Rafael was waiting at the end of the stairs, his hand out for hers. She smiled and took it gracefully, quickly wrapping her arm around his. The loudness of the ball resumed as many girls complimented her dress.
