An Elemental Difference - FIRE - Book 2 (Stefan Salvatore)

Chapter 78 - Since when did you turn into Oliver Queen?

Elena's anger seethed as she dragged Bonnie away from the school and the pulsating energy of the party, seeking solace in the cool night air. Hurt and frustration bubbled within her, mingling with her disbelief that Bonnie could harbor such a monumental secret, especially one that involved sacrificing herself to save Elena.

"How could you not tell me? How could you not tell Aella?" Elena's voice was sharp with accusation, her eyes flashing with raw emotion.

Bonnie gestured to the intensity of Elena's anger as if it were evidence supporting her decision to keep silent. "'Cause I knew how you'd react, and Aella would stop me," she explained, her tone tinged with resignation.

Elena scoffed in disbelief, her heart heavy with betrayal. "She'd stop you because it was the right thing to do. What else did you expect from me? You can't do this, Bonnie, no way. It's not an option," she argued vehemently, her voice trembling with emotion.

But Bonnie remained resolute, unwavering in her conviction. "It's our only option now. You don't have to die," she insisted, her eyes pleading with Elena to understand.

Elena felt a surge of panic rising within her. How could everyone believe that Aella would allow her to die? How could they all be on a different page?

"I'm not going to die! Aella figured it out, Bonnie. I don't have to die, and you're not dying to save my life," Elena protested, her voice filled with desperation.

Yet Bonnie shook her head, her gaze unwavering. She knew she possessed the power to save Elena, a power that surpassed even Aella's. It was why Jonas had chosen to help her, not Aella.

"I have the power! What if Aella's way doesn't work? If I don't use it and something happens, that would kill me more," Bonnie argued, her voice tinged with urgency.

Elena shook her head tearfully, unable to comprehend the gravity of Bonnie's decision. "I can't let you," she whispered hoarsely, her voice barely above a whisper.

But Bonnie posed a question that pierced through Elena's resolve, forcing her to confront the depth of their friendship. "Just answer one question... if the situation were reversed, would you do it for me?" she challenged, her voice steady with resolve.

Elena paled at the thought, her heart heavy with the weight of Bonnie's sacrifice. She didn't respond, but both she and Bonnie knew the answer. Bonnie nodded knowingly.

"So you know why I have to," Bonnie concluded softly, her tone filled with a solemn acceptance that sent shivers down Elena's spine.

As panic gripped her, Elena could only utter a desperate denial. "No. No!"

Suddenly, the night air was pierced by the sound of rushing footsteps, drawing Elena's attention away from her intense conversation with Bonnie. Alaric's urgent approach caught her off guard, and his pale face sent a shiver down her spine.

"Elena!" Alaric's voice was strained, his expression grave as he reached them, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

Sensing that something was terribly wrong, Elena's heart sank, and she turned to Alaric with a sense of dread. "What is it?" she demanded, her voice trembling with concern.

Klaus, disguised as Alaric, feigned exhaustion, a sly grin tugging at the corners of his lips as he reveled in the impending chaos. He lied to Elena and Bonnie, knowing the havoc his words would unleash.

"He has Jeremy," Klaus declared, his tone laced with false urgency.

Elena's blood ran cold at the mention of Jeremy's name, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty. "What?" she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart pounding in her chest.