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Penelope ran through hallways of the Salvatore Boarding House, desperate to get out of the place she had spent the last 8 months . That place was a literally hell.
Penelope's heart pounded in her chest as she collided with Damon, the impact sending her stumbling back. She barely registered his smirk before darting toward the front door, desperation propelling her forward.
"Penelope, where do you think you're going?" Damon called, amusement lacing his voice.
As she reached for the doorknob, she froze. There, blocking her escape, stood Stefan, his expression a mix of concern and something darker. The brothers were a force to be reckoned with, and in that moment, Penelope felt the weight of her helplessness.
"You don't want to do this," Stefan said, his voice calm but firm. "We can help you."
But help felt like a trap. Memories of her time in the house flooded her mind—whispers in the night, the feeling of being watched, the moments that made her question her sanity.
"No!" Penelope shouted, backing away from them. "I can't stay here any longer! You don't understand!"
Damon stepped closer, his gaze sharp. "You're safer with us than out there. You know that."
"Safer?" Penelope laughed bitterly, the sound echoing off the walls. "This place is a prison! You don't get to decide what's safe for me!"
Stefan took a step forward, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "We can talk about this. You don't have to run."
But she could see it in their eyes—a mix of power and control that sent chills down her spine. With a surge of defiance, Penelope turned and sprinted down another hallway, determined to find a way out, even if it meant facing her worst fears.
As she ran, the sound of their footsteps echoed behind her, but she wouldn't stop. Not now. Not ever again.
