Forbes sister || (Elijah & Stefan)

50. Serene

Cassie's POV

The living room was quiet, the only sound was the low hum of the TV in the background. Damon had just stepped out, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My body still ached from the aftermath of Esther draining my power, leaving me feeling weaker than ever. I was lost in my thoughts when I heard the unmistakable sound of Stefan's footsteps approaching.

"Hey," I called out, trying to sound more awake than I felt.

"You're awake," he replied, his voice soft but filled with a hint of surprise.

"Yeah, for the past four hours," I admitted, attempting a smile.

"No one told me," he said, shaking his head slightly as if disappointed in himself for not knowing.

I shrugged. "Oh, I thought you knew."

He gave a small nod, a subtle acknowledgment before he turned to leave. "Okay, I'm going to my room. If you need anything, I'll be here."

"Hey, actually..." I hesitated, unsure if I should ask, but the reality of my situation left me little choice. "I need help."

Stefan immediately walked over to me, concern etched on his face. "What do you need?"

I glanced down, embarrassed. "I couldn't walk properly. Damon took me here, but I need to go back to my room."

Without a word, Stefan scooped me up in his arms, his strength comforting, and carried me to Damon's room. He gently placed me on the bed and turned to leave, but as I tried to stand on my own, my legs gave out beneath me, and I collapsed to the floor.

"Ahh," I gasped in pain, frustration welling up inside me.

Stefan rushed back in, his eyes wide with concern. "What happened?" He knelt beside me, his hands hovering as if afraid to touch me.

"I... I need to use the washroom," I confessed, feeling utterly helpless.

"You could have asked me," Stefan said softly, a hint of reproach in his voice.

"Where's Elena or Caroline?" I asked, hoping for some form of normalcy.

"Caroline went with Bonnie out of town. Elena is helping Alaric," he explained.

I nodded, the reality sinking in that Stefan was my only option. "Oh, okay."

"Do you want anything?" he asked, his voice gentle, almost tender.

I didn't reply, feeling embarrassed by how much I needed his help.

"Tell me, Cassie," he urged, his eyes searching mine.

"I need to shower. I stink," I finally admitted, the words tumbling out in a rush.

A small smile appeared on Stefan's lips, and I felt my cheeks heat up in response.