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

Chapter 81 - Would you have stopped her?

FORBES HOUSEHOLD

Aella stood on the familiar porch of Caroline's house, her heart heavy with the weight of recent events. The comforting warmth of the home, usually a source of solace, now felt tinged with the echoes of her turmoil. Stefan had dropped her off, his departure a silent agreement to confront Damon while giving Aella the space she needed to confide in Caroline.

Before Aella could even muster the strength to knock, the door swung open, revealing Caroline's expectant face.

"About time. What the hell-" Caroline's words trailed off as she took in the sight of Aella, her friend's tear-streaked face a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanor.

Without a word, Aella collapsed into Caroline's embrace, her sobs wracking her body. Caroline's shock was palpable, but she wasted no time in enveloping Aella in a tight embrace, her own eyes brimming with concern. Aella, who rarely shed tears, now found herself unraveling under the weight of her emotions, the events of the past week taking their toll.

"What?!" Caroline exclaimed, her voice a mixture of confusion and worry, but her hold on Aella remained steadfast, offering a sense of security in the midst of turmoil.

As Caroline gently rocked Aella, offering silent support, with a trembling voice, she issued a quiet threat, her words tinged with anguish.

"Who the hell do I have to tear apart for doing this to you?" Caroline's voice was laced with righteous fury, her protective instincts kicking into overdrive.

But Aella could only cry harder, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Aella clung to Caroline like a lifeline, her tears flowing freely as they stumbled into the familiar sanctuary of the living room. Caroline's heart ached at the sight of her friend's distress, a silent vow to offer whatever comfort she could swell within her.

In the dimly lit room, shadows danced across the walls, casting an eerie yet comforting ambiance. Caroline guided Aella with gentle insistence, their movements synchronized in a poignant display of solidarity. It was almost comical, the way they navigated the space together, a tangle of limbs and emotions when Aella refused to let go of her best friend.

"Okay, we'll just move together," Caroline quipped with forced lightness, her attempt at humor falling flat against the weight of Aella's sorrow.

With a tenderness born of years of friendship, Caroline reached for Liz's whiskey, her hands moving with practiced ease despite the turmoil swirling around them. She poured a generous measure into a glass, the amber liquid glinting in the soft glow of the room.

"Need me to pour it down your throat, too?" Caroline's attempt at levity was met with a weak smile from Aella, her eyes still clouded with anguish.

Aella's grip on Caroline finally loosened, her fingers trembling as she reached for the glass. With a plaintive whine, she accepted the offering, her movements sluggish with grief. In one swift motion, she downed the whiskey; Aella's throat burned as she swallowed the liquid, its fiery warmth searing down her throat. With a soft whine, she finally released her grip on the glass, setting it down on the table before sinking onto the plush couch beside Caroline. The weight of recent events pressed heavily upon her, casting a shadow over her features as she grappled with her inner turmoil.

Caroline watched with a mixture of concern and empathy, her heart breaking for her friend. "Another?" she offered quietly, her voice soft yet unwavering in its support, ready to offer whatever solace Aella sought in the depths of the whiskey bottle.

Aella shook her head, and Caroline followed suit, settling beside Aella with a furrowed brow, her expression reflecting a mix of concern and confusion. Aella's voice, barely above a whisper, carried to Caroline's keen ears, laced with self-doubt and regret.