Veil of Vengeance: A Mystic Falls Tale [ Elijah Mikaelson

Chapter 19: Animal Blood

Isabella stood in the middle of the Salvatore boarding house's living room, frustration etched across her face as she faced off with Stefan. Her argument with him over Caroline's transition had become heated, to say the least.

"I can't believe you're so against this, Stefan," Isabella muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. "Caroline needs strength, and she won't get that from animal blood. We can't afford to let her be vulnerable."

Stefan's brows furrowed deeply as he tried to make her see reason. "Isabella, I understand your concerns, but the risk of Caroline losing control is too great. We can't put innocent people in danger."

Isabella's eyes flashed with irritation. "Innocent people? Stefan, we're vampires. We're predators. You were once a ripper, for crying out loud. Don't act like you've suddenly developed a conscience."

Stefan clenched his jaw, clearly hurt by her words. "I'm just trying to protect Caroline. To protect everyone."

Isabella couldn't hold back her sarcasm. "Oh, Stefan, look at you, Mr. Responsible Vampire. You've come a long way since the good old ripper days."

Stefan's frustration matched hers, his voice rising. "Isabella, this isn't about me! It's about Caroline's safety."

Isabella stepped closer to him, her tone cutting. "You're worried that Caroline will turn out like you, aren't you? That she'll become a ripper?"

Stefan hesitated, his eyes avoiding hers for a moment before he admitted quietly, "Yes. I don't want her to go through what I did."

Caroline, who had been watching the heated exchange in silence, finally spoke up, her voice wavering. "Guys, maybe I should try the animal diet first. It sounds safer."

Isabella's eyes widened with disbelief, and she turned to Caroline, her voice low and furious. "You're choosing Stefan's side? Caroline, I thought you understood the danger Katherine poses. You'll become one of her pawns if you don't get stronger."

Caroline bit her lip, clearly torn. "Isabella, I'm sorry, but I don't want to hurt anyone. I just need time to adjust."

Isabella felt a surge of anger, but she knew she couldn't force Caroline to do something she wasn't comfortable with. She was afraid of losing Caroline, just like she had lost her brother. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she turned to Stefan.

"Fine, Stefan. Caroline will try the animal diet. But if anything happens, it's on you."

Stefan nodded solemnly, and Isabella stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her. She couldn't stay there and watch Caroline make what she considered to be a dangerous mistake.

Outside, the night air felt cool against her skin as Isabella paced back and forth, her mind racing. She didn't tell Stefan or Caroline, but she had a hunch about Katherine's plans. The doppelgänger wanted Caroline as one of the sacrifices for Klaus, and Isabella had no intention of letting that happen. She needed to teach her friends how to defend themselves, make them strong, and then leave. It might sound selfish, but it was what had kept her alive for centuries.

Isabella's thoughts were consumed by the dangerous path ahead as she walked through the dark streets of Mystic Falls, a sense of determination burning in her eyes.