Prophecy

The Founders Party

Chapter Ten

Bonnie

As Caroline and I walk up to the Grill, she's practically glowing, like she just won the lottery or something. I eye her suspiciously, feeling a pang of unease twist in my gut. Caroline's excitement usually means she's up to something, and I can't shake the feeling that whatever it is, it's going to be trouble.

"So, you're taking Damon to the Founder's Party?" I ask, trying to keep my tone casual. I'm half-hoping she'll laugh it off, say it's just a joke. "What about me?"

She shrugs, not even looking at me, like it's the most natural thing in the world. "Go with Elena."

I blink, feeling a little hurt by the nonchalance. "Elena's asking Stefan. You know that."

"Okay, then go by yourself." Caroline doesn't miss a beat, and the grin on her face doesn't waver. It's like she's on some kind of high, completely oblivious to anything I'm saying.

"Gee, thanks, Care. Real supportive," I say, rolling my eyes. "What about your mom? Is she okay with you bringing Damon?"

She lets out this little laugh, like I'm the one being ridiculous. "And I'm supposed to care why?"

The unease in my stomach sharpens. "He's older sexy danger guy, Caroline. Does that not raise any red flags for you?"

"Older sexy danger guy?" she repeats, smirking like she thinks I'm being dramatic. "Is that an official witch Twitter tweet?"

I glare at her, not in the mood for her jokes. "No more witch jokes, okay? That whole Mr. Tanner prediction thing has me freaked. You know I don't joke around about stuff like that."

Caroline sighs, rolling her eyes a little, but she drops the smirk. "Fine, no more witch jokes." She waves a hand, like she's brushing it all away. "Besides, Damon's not dangerous. He just has issues with his brother. Like, major, deep-rooted drama."

"Like...?" I press, not letting it go. I can tell there's something more she's not saying, and if anyone's got secrets, it's the Salvatore brothers.

She hesitates, biting her lip as she glances around, leaning in closer. "I'm not really supposed to say anything..."

I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms. "Caroline Forbes, when have you ever kept a secret in your life?"

She sighs, like she's been backed into a corner. "Alright, fine. But you can't tell Elena." She lowers her voice, clearly enjoying the chance to spill some insider info. "Apparently, Damon and Stefan have been at each other's throats for ages. Over some girl, I think. But he didn't give me all the details."

I narrow my eyes, feeling the unease grow. "You don't think that's a little, I don't know... suspicious? Dangerous?"

"Oh, please." Caroline waves her hand like she's dismissing a pesky fly. "Look, I'm going to the Founder's Party with Damon Salvatore. He's hot, he's mysterious, and Blaire clearly didn't know what to do with him. So why not? Maybe I'm just better suited to him."

I cross my arms tighter, feeling frustration and worry coil together. "Caroline, this isn't some competition. And Damon... he's not just some prize. Blaire is dealing with a lot right now. Maybe you should consider that instead of relishing in 'stealing' Damon away from her."

She scoffs, like I'm being ridiculous. "Relax, Bonnie. Blaire's got enough on her plate. Damon's just a guy, and besides, he's the one who picked me. If she didn't see his worth, that's her loss."

I stare at her, biting back the urge to shake some sense into her. Damon Salvatore is not just a guy, and I know better than to believe Caroline's little adventure with him will end in anything good. But arguing with her now feels pointless—she's already made up her mind. And no matter what I say, she won't hear it.