𝑨𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒎 - 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔

「Chapter 2」

Mr. Tanner, the history teacher, stood in front of the class and began his lecture. "Once our home state of Virginia joined the Confederacy in 1861, it created a tremendous amount of tension within the state".

"People in Virginia's northwest region had different ideals than those from the traditional deep south. They believed in the Union and wanted to remain loyal to the United States. This led to a lot of conflict and division within the state" Tanner continued.

Elias placed his trembling hand over his racing heart, trying to quell the rising tide of emotions. It was as if the initials "S.S." were etched into his soul, burning like a brand. He couldn't fathom why, and that uncertainty gnawed at him.

Just then, Elias was startled by a buzz in his pocket. He quickly retrieved his phone and couldn't help but laugh at the message Bonnie had sent him, originally meant for Elena: "HAWT-E. STARING @ U."

Turning his attention back to Stefan, Elias was taken aback by the gentle look in Stefan's eyes. It was as if Stefan had something he wanted to say but was holding back. A warm smile crossed Elias's lips, but it quickly faded as a realization struck him.

The burning mark, those initials, "S.S." – it all began to make sense. Elias's eyes widened in astonishment, but a question nagged at him: why were there nine of them?

——

Elias politely declined Elena's invitation to visit the cemetery, citing the weight of his thoughts as his reason. 

As he strolled through the familiar neighborhood, an uneasy sensation crept over him once more. 

He couldn't help but cast a glance behind him in search of Stefan, but the streets appeared empty. A sigh escaped Elias as he quickened his pace, the unease growing.

Then, amidst the quiet, a snap of a branch underfoot shattered the silence, causing Elias to whirl around abruptly, only to lose his balance and begin to fall. But before he could touch the ground, a sudden, electrifying touch enveloped him, pulling him back from the brink. 

As Elias turned to face Stefan, his breath caught in his throat, captivated by Stefan's gaze. It was a look that seemed to hold the entire world in its grasp, making Elias acutely aware of the differences between them, heightened vampire senses and all.

Stefan's concern broke the spell. "Are you okay?" he finally asked.

Elias couldn't help but retreat, a sense of longing for Stefan's touch already evident in his eyes. "Were you following me?" he inquired cautiously.

Stefan stammered, his nervousness palpable. "No, I-a, uh, I-a just — I saw you fall," he admitted, his hands fidgeting as if yearning to reach out to Elias again.

"Right," Elias replied, a hint of skepticism in his tone, as if ready to continue on his way.

"Wait," Stefan called out desperately.

Elias paused, his eyes fixed on Stefan. "You feel it too, right?" Stefan's words caught him off guard. He hadn't expected Stefan to address the sensation that had brought them together.

Elias widened his eyes in surprise, then slightly nodded in response to Stefan's question.

"I can explain," Stefan hurriedly offered, a sense of urgency in his voice.

Elias couldn't help but be intrigued. This unexpected confrontation was undoubtedly linked to the inexplicable feeling they shared.

"What is it?" Elias inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Stefan glanced around the area, then cautiously took a step forward. Elias retreated slightly, but Stefan quickly reassured him, saying softly, "I won't hurt you."