Marked by midnight

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Meeting them

Dawn's first light crept through the curtains of the Salvatore mansion, casting long shadows across Damon's room. He had barely slept after that dream, his mind still churning with the feelings it had stirred. Damon had faced countless enemies, survived centuries of torment, but nothing had prepared him for the emotional maelstrom brought on by a single woman. It wasn't just the dream—it was her, the way she haunted his thoughts, and the inexplicable draw he felt toward her.

Damon tried to shake off the remnants of the dream as he dressed and made his way downstairs. He needed a distraction, something to pull him back into the present and away from the confusion that was gnawing at him. A drink. Maybe some bourbon would clear his mind.

Meanwhile, across town, the morning was just beginning for two new arrivals in Mystic Falls. Celeste and Seraphina, the latter still reeling from her last encounter with the girls, were up early, preparing for the first day of their new plan. They needed to blend in, to get close to them—Bonnie, Elena, Caroline, and the others. Information was key to breaking the curse that had been threatening Seraphina and her species for many years, and the Mystic Falls High School was the perfect place to start.

Celeste had insisted that this was the best course of action. They would be just two ordinary high school students, nothing more. The school would offer them access to the people they needed to be close to, without the immediate risk of running into Damon, who was known to avoid the school. Seraphina had reluctantly agreed; she knew Celeste was right, but the thought of encountering Damon again filled her with an unease she couldn't quite shake.

"We need to be careful," Seraphina whispered as they stood outside the school's front office. The building loomed before them, a mix of brick and glass, buzzing with the energy of students who had no idea of the supernatural forces that surrounded them. "If they suspect anything, all our plans could unravel."

Celeste nodded, her expression calm and determined. "We'll be careful. But we need to remember why we're here. This is our best chance to find the information we need. The Originals, the magic in this town—they're all connected. We need to know more if we're going to break the curse."

Seraphina took a deep breath and followed Celeste into the office. The room was a typical high school administrative area, with a counter separating the staff from the students, who were already forming a line to pick up schedules and other first-day essentials.

A friendly-looking secretary with short, graying hair smiled at them as they approached. "Hello, girls! You must be our new students. I'm Mrs. Daniels. Welcome to Mystic Falls High!"

Celeste returned the smile, slipping effortlessly into her new role. "Thank you! We're Celeste and Seraphina Alder. We just moved to town, and we're excited to be here."

They were not afraid to use their real names, since she never told Damon her name.

Mrs. Daniels handed them their schedules. "It's always nice to have new faces. I hope you'll find everything you need here. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."

As they left the office, Seraphina glanced down at her schedule. The day was going to be a long one—History, English, and Math, all with the same group of students. Celeste had made sure they were in the same classes as them. It was all part of the plan, after all.

The bell rang, signaling the start of first period. The hallways filled with students, their voices a chaotic mix of chatter and laughter. Seraphina felt a pang of anxiety as they navigated the crowded corridor. She had been around humans before, of course, but always at a distance. This close proximity felt different—more dangerous, somehow.