haunted, tvd

01, MOONSTONE

2010, MYSTIC FALLS

"I almost killed a girl today." Tyler spoke, startling Mason who had only just entered the room.

"What?" Mason said, turning to find his nephew.

"It was an accident," Tyler sighed, "I was being stupid. She's okay though." Mason sighed a breath of relief as he continued to look at his nephew; killing someone was awful, but the curse that came with it was torturous. At least for the Lockwoods. "But there I was, you know just for a moment—for a split second, I hoped she died." Mason shook his head in disbelief as Tyler continued, "look, whatever this is inside me I don't want any part of it. I don't ever want to feel that way again. I won't. I can't."

Mason took tentative steps towards him, "I know." he spoke, meeting his eyes with a level of understanding that Tyler knew he wouldn't—couldn't find else where. Tyler's gaze dropped to the floorboards, sighing as he made a decision. He feared the curse and he hadn't even triggered it, he couldn't imagine the dread that consumed Mason from it. If the moonstone really could cure transitions, Tyler understood why Mason was so desperate for it.

If he were Mason, he'd want it, too.

He walked past Mason, kneeling as he flipped over the rug. Under, a latch attached to a square cut out in the floor. Mason narrowed his eyes as Tyler opened it, reaching in to pull out an old, binded journal. J. LOCKWOOD was inscribed on the leather cover. It was the one Lockwood artifact his father had kept hidden from his mother and the founding society. Tyler stood, approaching Mason as he opened the journal, finding the folded page. He handed the journal to Mason whose eyes met the heading:

     October, 1864
     To my wife

     "What is this?" Mason spoke, his eyes still tracing the cursive lettering on the browned paper. Tyler didn't answer as Mason finally found the words he'd been waiting for.

Gaia, if we cannot build the life I swore you and I cannot bury you as my wife then I shall bury you with the most sacred thing to all Lockwoods, as you should've been one.

      You should've worn this on our wedding day. I was to have it made into your ring, but everything has happened so fast it is still merely a stone, forgive me for it. It feels as though I've lost you just as soon as I've had you.

     Never will my heart be full again.

    The moonstone is sacred to people like me, Gaia. It taunts us with the chance for choice within this awful curse. Yet still, nothing compares to you: my most sacred love.

So I bury the moonstone with you, my beautiful girl. I know even in your rest you will protect it until the curse can be broken upon beasts like me.

     Please forgive me for failing you, Gaia. I will always dream of the life I'd have had as your husband.

     Love always,
your James

     "I, um, did some research. James Lockwood was engaged to Gaia Salvatore before she died. She's buried in the Salvatore crypt."

      Mason finally looked up from the journal, clutching it tightly. "Thank you." He said to Tyler who nodded slightly before taking his leave.

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