𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚|| 𝑫𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒆 [1]

𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒔

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VII. SEVEN

145 YEARS, 59,535 DAYS

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

THE BACK OF AVA'S head hit the pillows beneath her. Her front faced the ceiling of her bedroom as she gripped her sketchbook at hand. She did not want it to be true. She kept repeating on and on, "I wasn't a believer." But she couldn't deny what was in front of her. She waited in her bedroom, as Elena had told her to stay home. She needed to know the truth. Both of them needed to know.

The house is silent. The only sounds that could be heard, as Ava closed her eyes, were the faint sounds of Jeremy's music that was blasted from his room as well as the soft breaths that she took in and out. Her eyes snapped open at the sound of the front door slamming shut. Then footsteps. Loud and thumping footsteps against the old staircase of the Gilbert home.

Ava stood up, wondering if Elena was home as it was late. Too late for her liking.

"Ava." A calm voice said behind her.

Ava's body turned, seeing Stefan standing by her bay window with his hands up in defense. Her eyes widened. The window was wide open, the cold night air coming into her bedroom. So many things were rushing through her head. Why was he here? How did he get in? But the number one question was finally answered.

It was true. Everything that she had known, everything she believed to be true was all a lie.

"Elena didn't let me explain. But I want to explain to you, please-"

Stefan goes to walk towards the Gilbert girl, only to see her flinch and back away from him. His face softened. She was afraid. Not of Damon, but of him. He turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of the drawing Ava had made of him. He was a monster.

"I would never hurt you," Stefan said in a whisper as he looked at Ava. "I would never hurt either of you." He stated. "You and Elena are safe with me." Stefan tried to reason with her, trying to walk towards her once again. Ava tried to run towards the door. Anxiety rushed through her, as she gripped the doorknob opening it slightly. A gush of wind caused Ava to shiver, as Stefan pushed the door closed.

Ava took in a shaky breath as she couldn't bare to look at Stefan.

"All those animal attacks?" Ava whispered, her face against the wall as her eyes remained closed. "Those people who died?" She asked, tilting her head slightly as Stefan could see her body shaking. He could see her fear-ridden expression. Her eyes opened to connect with his as she tried to calm down.