Through the Darkness

Chapter 22: Mystic Falls

"So, you know about my mother," Stefan replied to Cami's observation.

"I know that she's the one that brought the heretics back with her. And, I know that you both have the same...affliction."

Stefan appeared embarrassed. "So, Klaus filled you in on my deep dark secret."

"Well, if I can manage to help Klaus deal with his killer instinct, maybe I can help you, too, if you ever need me."

Smiling at her acute perception, Stefan replied, "I am happy to know that if I ever do need therapy, there is someone I can talk to who understands."

"I can't say I always understand it, but it is quickly becoming just a normal thing to me."

"I can see why Klaus, of all people, finds it easy to talk to you. Whatever you're doing for him, keep it up. I like seeing him like this."

The two shared some laughs as Klaus came up to them, looking rather serious. They both looked at him curiously. Cami asked, "Klaus? What's wrong?"

The twinge of jealousy that emerged within him began to feed his paranoia. "Well, it seems you two are getting along quite well. Anything of importance that I missed?"

"Um, no. I'm going to find Caroline. Cami, it was a pleasure," Stefan said, kissing her hand once again.

"Stefan," she acknowledged politely. After he walked away, Cami looked incredulously at her beau. "Don't tell me you're jealous!"

He responded with an air of arrogance and domination. "That is ridiculous, Camille. I am far superior in every aspect to that Salvatore boy. The hour is late and I think it is time we make our exit. Shall we?" He offered his arm to her and she accepted hesitantly.

As they walked out together, Cami muttered, "So, how did you piss off Caroline? She left you in a hurry."

"What can I say, Love. I'm impossible to get over."

She rolled her eyes. "Spoken like a true egotist."

They got back to the hotel and lounged on the cushy sofa in their suite. Cami took off her high heeled shoes and began rubbing her sore feet. Klaus watched her for a brief moment.

"Please. Allow me."

She hesitantly propped her legs on his lap and he began massaging her feet. As she closed her eyes and relaxed under the gentle pressure of his fingers on her aching arches, the sensation of her magic powers began to take hold. Looking at the window with its curtains drawn, Cami felt the urge to see the moonlight in its full glory. Chanting and motioning her arms outward, the curtains opened as she commanded. Klaus and Cami stared at each other is surprise. "Wow! That was unexpected." She stared at the window. "I did that? It was so easyIt was so easy!"

"I see you've found the key to unleashing your powers. You have to be in a relaxed state."

"Or this handy bracelet Freya gave me really works. She said it would amplify my powers." Cami shifted her legs off his lap and sat next to him. "I know all this magic stuff isn't new to you. You've seen so much as long as you've been around."

"Perhaps. But I've never seen you do anything like this. It is a whole new experience for me." Klaus stood up and went to his suitcase. He pulled out a small box and brought it to her. "Since this is a night of new beginnings, I want you to have this."

Cami swallowed. "Uh, oh. Please tell me that's not what I think it is."

Laughing softly, he replied, "No, it is not what you think it is. Open it."

She complied, lifting the lid of the box to reveal an ancient silver ring with a perfect sapphire in the center. "Klaus, this is beautiful. And old! Where did you get this?"