Devoted | KLAUS MIKAELSON

dix huit

Now it's the next day. Founders' Ball day. Jenna helped me with my makeup and hair. My dress was safe in a garment bag, along with all my other accessories in a small suitcase.

The moment I set foot outside my room, I bumped into Elena. She was furious when she found out I was in the Founder's Court as well. She told me that Mom wanted her to win and I had no business worming my way into the court like this.

That just makes me feel more competitive to win.

Thankfully at the Lockwoods' mansion, I managed to get a dressing room for myself. All the other girls had to share a room. I guess it's my lucky day.

A knock was heard at my door, just as I was about to get changed.

A familiar voice is heard. "Yoo-hoo, big bad vampire out here." I hear Damon whistle through the door.

In a huff, I irritatedly opened the door and let him in, locking it behind him.

I look at him up and down, surprised he's dressed formally for once. "You look nice. Didn't expect to see you." I turn his shoulders, turning him to face the back while I put my dress on.

"We need to talk." Damon said, his back still turned.

"What's the matter?" I asked, hinting at a sense of worry in his voice.

"Normally I would have a completely different outlook on what I'm about to tell you, but since it could really inconvenience me, I'll squeal. Stefan's still drinking human blood."

I froze, my dress only halfway up my body. My vision hit play again, my eyes watching it over, again and again. That wasn't Stefan. That was someone else. Blood dripping down his face and onto his clothes. The look in his eyes before he sunk his teeth into my neck.

I shake it off my daze and quickly finish putting my dress on. "You can turn around." I muttered softly.

I motion to the zipper on the back of my dress as he walks over to me. I don't say anything as he turns me around and zips up the dress.

"A month ago, I would've rejoiced. But with the council back on alert, it's not a good time for Stefan to fly off the handle."

I pat and smooth out my dress. "Wouldn't you be able to teach him? Like, how to drink blood normally?" I turn to the mirror, putting the final touch of lipstick on.

"He has a fridge full of stolen blood bank contraband in the house. He has no idea what normal is. His entire existence isn't normal, Angelina. Normal to a vampire is drinking human blood. Be, he's spent all this time fighting it when he should've been learning how to control it. And now, it's controlling him."

I sigh. This is Stefan. Kind, usually broody Stefan. It was hard to soak in that a guy like him was changing into an entirely different person. "Can't you tell him to stop then? Take it easy at least?"

"We're talking about Stefan on human blood. He'll do anything, say anything, because he's not going to want to stop. Trust me on that." Damon explains.

I bite my lip. My hands involuntarily travel around my neck, the vision of Stefan popping up, his sharp fangs piercing my neck.

Noticing my distressed presence, Damon held my hand. "Hey, I'm not gonna let Stefan hurt you. I don't think he's that far gone yet. Elena's dealing with him as we speak, but this is about to start, so I'm gonna go and get a drink, okay?" He looks into my eyes reassuringly.

I smile at him, acknowledging a small nod.

Damon turns around, with a few steps left to the door, he unexpectedly turns around and walks back to be in front of me.