DARK PARADISE | D. SALVATORE [1]

0.4

It was love at first sight, at last sight, at ever and ever sight."

-Vladimir Nabokov,

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 Elena and Dahlia sat at a small round table, their mugs of steaming coffee sending wisps of fragrant steam into the air. Dahlia was animatedly recounting a story about a stray dog she had encountered, her bright laughter ringing like music in the cozy space.

"And then I swear, it looked at me as if to say, 'I'll be your best friend forever!'" Dahlia giggled, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I mean, who could resist that face?"

Elena smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders as she reveled in her friend's lightheartedness. It was moments like these that reminded her of the simple joys amidst the chaos swirling around them.

Just then, a shadow fell over their table. Damon slid into the chair next to Dahlia with a casual confidence that was both annoying and oddly charming. Elena's heart raced momentarily in surprise before annoyance washed over her.

"What do you want?" she snapped, trying to keep her composure.

Damon leaned back, crossing his arms as he flashed a mischievous grin. "So, this is where you spend your time when you're not stabbing people in the back."

Elena raised an eyebrow, not about to let him bait her. "I tricked you into telling me the truth. That's not stabbing you in the back; it's using your own tactics against you."

With a huff, she stood up, determined not to engage any further.

"Where are you going?" Damon asked, his tone light yet tinged with something deeper.

"I made myself clear, Damon. I want nothing to do with you."

He shrugged, unfazed. "Okay. See you at Jenna's barbecue."

Elena paused, an incredulous look crossing her face. "How did you know about Jenna's barbecue?"

"It was my idea," Damon said with a grin, clearly enjoying himself. "Jenna went to high school with Mason Lockwood, so I figured a social gathering would be a good way to get to know the guy. I told Ric to tell Jenna and..."

Elena crossed her arms, skeptical. "Does Jenna know that you're going to be there? Because she's not exactly a fan of yours."

Before Damon could respond, a woman approached their table, a pie box in her hands. She leaned down, handing it to him with a smile. "Here you go! I hope you enjoy the peach cobbler."

"Perfect. Thank you," Damon replied, beaming at her. "I'm hoping this peach cobbler will pave the way."

"What are you up to?" Elena narrowed her eyes, suspicion creeping back in.

Damon shrugged casually, though his eyes glinted with mischief. "I'm gonna put some silver into Mason Lockwood and prove he's a werewolf. See you at the barbecue."

With that, he stood, the chair scraping against the floor as he sauntered away, leaving a trail of tension in his wake.

Dahlia watched him go, her brow furrowing slightly. "He really knows how to push your buttons, doesn't he?" she said, her voice laced with concern. "Are you okay?"

Elena sighed, sinking back into her chair. "I don't know, Dahlia. It's just... complicated. He can be infuriating."

"But also kind of charming?" Dahlia offered playfully, a hint of teasing in her voice. "I mean, he clearly likes to get under your skin, but there's something about him."