cast no shadow. (the lost boys).

Chapter Sixteen: The Dinner Revelation

I gently stroked Laddie's hair as he slept soundly, the boys still out and about. The cave was quiet until I heard someone stomping down the steps.

"Lizzie!" Michael's voice echoed. I straightened up on the bed, watching him search the cave. "Lizzie!" he called again, his voice tinged with desperation.

"I'm over here," I said softly, rising from the bed to approach him.

Michael's anger was palpable as he threw the bottle to the floor. "What's happening to me, Lizzie?" he demanded.

"I'm sorry," I said, my voice heavy with regret.

"What's happening to me?" he repeated, his voice trembling.

"I can't tell you. I'm sorry," I replied, shaking my head. "It had to be done."

"What did?" Michael asked, moving closer.

"I really can't explain," I said, my sadness evident. "I'm sorry. It's for the best."

Just then, the boys arrived, their entrance causing Michael to storm out, his anger still evident.

"What was that about?" David asked, his tone harsh as he noticed the tension between Michael and me.

"Nothing," I sighed, moving to sit back on the bed with Laddie.

"Elizabeth," David's voice was stern, "don't tell me you like him."

"Why would you even ask that?" I shot back. "I don't know what to tell you, David. He's scared and I feel bad for him."

"Why? You know we have to do this," David argued.

"I know, but can you lower your voice? Laddie's trying to sleep," I snapped.

"You know what, the sun's coming up. I'm going to bed. I'm not having this conversation now." David turned and walked away.

"Just walking away, very mature," I muttered as he left. "Fucking hell."

"You don't like him, do you?" Marko asked quietly.

"No!" I exclaimed.

"Then what was that earlier?" Paul pressed.

"I already told you. I feel bad for him. Just look after Laddie. I need to go," I said, frustrated. I hurried out of the cave, knowing the boys couldn't follow me due to the sun.

I made my way to Max's house, locking myself in my room when I arrived. Later, I prepared for my shift at the video store. When I saw Michael's brother Sam running to the Frog brothers, I decided to follow discreetly, fearing Michael might have revealed something.

In the comic book store, I overheard their conversation. Sam was trying to convince them that his brother was only a half-vampire and not the head vampire. He seemed sharp, but too curious for his own good.

"He doesn't know who the head vampire is?" Edgar asked.

"No," Sam replied.

"Then we'll have to kill him. If you don't, we will," Edgar said.

"It all started when my mom worked at Max's video store," Sam continued. "Max's dog was aggressive, and vampires need a daytime protector, like fierce dogs."

Edgar seemed skeptical but agreed to check out Max.

"Okay, I'll join you," I said to myself. After starting my shift at the video store, I left early, stopping by a flower shop to buy a bouquet for Lucy.

When I arrived at Max's house, I found him struggling with his tie. I helped him and informed him about the Frog brothers' plan.

"Thanks for the heads-up," Max said as he took the flowers for Lucy. "I guess it's a good thing to have a Mikaelson on my side."

We arrived at the Emerson household, where Michael seemed shocked to see me. Max and I were ushered inside by Michael, and I observed the strange aura in the house. It felt unsettling.

In the dining room, Lucy set the table as Max flirted awkwardly. I excused myself to use the bathroom, but it felt eerily familiar. I realized it was the bathroom from my vision—the scene where Paul was killed. My anxiety grew.

Returning downstairs, I saw items connected to the deaths of the boys. I made my way back to the dining room, finding the Frog brothers preparing to confront Max. Max was confident but seemed aware of their plan.

The tension heightened when Sam revealed Max's reflection. Lucy screamed, and I watched, stunned, as Max maintained his façade.

"I know what you're thinking, Sam, but you're wrong," Max said.

"Really?" Sam questioned.

"Yeah. I'm not replacing your father or stealing your mother. I just want to be your friend," Max explained as he and I prepared to leave.

I waited in the car, feeling the weight of what I'd seen. The house from my visions, the strange aura—it all pointed to something dangerous. The evening had only added to my fear and uncertainty.