Prophecy

She Needs Time

Chapter Twelve

Blair

I'm seated by my window, pouring my thoughts into my diary. The recent events have been nothing short of chaotic, and I feel the need to document it all before it slips away. Tonight, Damon—selfish, morally bankrupt Damon—tried to kill Bonnie. He claimed it was part of some ancient deal made with Emily Bennett back when he was first turned. Whatever the details may be, I'm just relieved I wasn't there to witness the horror.

I've reached a decision. I'm cutting ties with him. I won't get sucked back in. His piercing blue eyes, his effortless charm, and his chiseled chin won't lure me back. I refuse to fall back into his web. Men are off the agenda for the foreseeable future.

"Hey, Blaire? Dinner's ready," Jeremy calls from my doorway, his voice pulling me out of my thoughts.

I force a smile and tuck my diary away. "Okay, I'll be right there," I reply.

I head down to the kitchen, where the smell of garlic bread and tomato sauce fills the air. Jenna is bustling around, setting plates and serving pasta with a flourish.

"We lucked out tonight," Jenna says, placing a pan of spaghetti on the table. "The mayor's wife dropped this off. It's supposed to be a token of appreciation for our loyalty and commitment."

"Really? I didn't know our commitment extended to free dinner," I reply with a grin, though I can't help but wonder what strings are attached to this particular act of generosity.

We settle around the table, and for a brief moment, the tension that has defined the last few weeks fades. It almost feels normal, sharing a meal like this.

"Maybe we should send a thank-you card," Elena suggests, picking at her salad.

Jeremy snorts, rolling his eyes. "As if she made this herself."

I laugh. "Maybe we should thank her chef instead. The garlic bread's pretty amazing."

They exchange confused glances, and Jenna shakes her head. "That's not how things work around here, Blaire. In the South, you don't acknowledge 'the help.' It's always been that way, especially in Mystic Falls."

"Wait," I say, pausing with my fork mid-air. "So we're part of one of those founding families? Like Jamestown?"

"I know! It's not from my side," Jenna says, flashing a wry grin. "It's all your dad's. But yeah, you're connected to it. There are trusts set up for you guys. It's your birthright."

I lean back in my chair, taking that in. I've never thought much about my family's legacy, but now I'm starting to realize just how deeply rooted we are in this town.

After dinner, I retreat back to my room, the walls feeling like they're closing in on me. I grab my jacket and head out to the falls, needing to escape, to breathe. The sounds of the forest—crickets, rustling leaves, the distant trickle of water—are a balm to my nerves. Out here, I can let my mind drift, can escape from the tangled web of secrets and betrayals that have consumed my life.

<>

The sun is dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows over the trees as I make my way to the falls. It's almost dark, and the cool evening air clings to my skin as I step closer to the rushing water. This place holds too many memories. It's where Damon turned me, where everything changed. And now, it's the place I keep returning to, driven by dreams I can't escape.

It started with vague images—a flash of moonlight on the water, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind. But each night, the dreams grow clearer, more vivid. There's always someone watching me, a dark presence lurking just out of sight. I never see his face, but I can feel his eyes on me, following my every move. It's like he's waiting for something, biding his time.