The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 3

The agleam aurora solarise sh unrivalled on the long, winding drive that led to the garage behind the boardinghouse. Puffs of white cloud scudded across the light blue sky. It was such a irenic scene that it was almost impossible to believe that any occasion bad had ever go alonged in this place. The stomach date I was here, idea Stefan, putting on his sunglasses, it was a wasteland.When the kitsune had held sway in Fel s perform, it had been a war z whiz. Children against parents, teenage girls mutilating themselves, the t stimulatespeople sensation-half-destroyed. Blood on the streets, pain and suffering everywhere.Behind him, the front doorstep opened. Stefan turned quickly to see Mrs. Flowers overture stunned of the house. The old cleaning lady wore a long black dress, and her eyeball were shielded by a straw hat covered with artificial flowers. She looked tired and worn, merely her smile was as gentle as always.Stefan, she state. The world is here this morning, the way it should be. Mrs. Flowers stepped imminent and gazed up into his face, her sharp blue look warm with sympathy. She looked as if she were round to ask him something, but at the inhabit minute seemed to change her question and instead said, Meredith cal ed, and Matt, too. It seems that, against al the one(a)s, everyone has survived unscathed. She hesitated, and thus squeezed his arm. Almost everyone.Something twisted painful y in Stefans chest. He didnt want to talk approximately Damon. He couldnt, non in time. Instead, he bowed his head. We owe you a great debt, Mrs. Flowers,he said, choosing his words with care. We never could have defeated the kitsune without you you were the one who held them at bay and defended the town for so long. None of us wil ever forget that.Mrs. Flowerss smile deepened, an unlooked-for dimple flickering in one cheek. Thank you, Stefan, she said with oppose formality. There is no one I would have rather fought aboard than you and th e others. She sighed and patted his shoulder. Although I must be getting old at last I feel the need to spend most of to daylight dozing in a c hairsbreadth in the garden. Fighting evil takes more out of me than it used to.Stefan off-keyered his arm to assist her down the porch steps, and she smiled at him once more. Tel Elena that Il hazard those tea biscuits she wish wells whenever shes ready to leave her family and come visit, she said, indeed turned toward her rosebush garden.Elena and her family. Stefan imagined his whop, her silky blond hair tumbling most her shoulders, little Margaret in her lap. Elena had another shot at a real human manners presently, which was worth everything.It had been Stefans fault that Elena lost her first emotional state he knew that with a hard certainty that gnawed at his in locations. He had brought Katherine to Fel s Church, and Katherine had destroyed Elena. This time he would make sure Elena was cling toed.With one last glance at Mr s. Flowers in her garden, he squared his shoulders and walked into the woods. Birds sang at the sun-dappled edges of the forest, but Stefan was headed much deeper in, where ancient oaks grew and the underbrush was thick. Where no one would see him, where he could hunt. gibe in a smal clearing several miles in, Stefan took off his sunglasses and listened. From burn upby came the soft crackle of something moving beneath a bush. He concentrated, arrive at out with his mind. It was a rabbit, its heart beating rapidly, looking for its own morning meal. Stefan focused his mind on it. Come to me, he thought, lightly and persuasively. He sensed the rabbit stiffen for a moment then it hopped behind out from under a bush, its look glassy.It came toward him docilely and, with an extra mental jab from Stefan, halt at his feet. Stefan scooped it up and turned it over to reach the cordial throat, where its pulse fluttered. With a silent apology to the tool, Stefan gave himself over to his hunger, al owe his fangs to click into place. He tore into the rabbits throat, drinking the blood slowly, seek not to wince at the taste. While the kitsune had threatened Fel s Church, Elena, decorous, Meredith, and Matt had insisted he feed on them, kat onceing human blood would keep him as strong as possible for the fight. Their blood had been almost otherworldly Merediths crashing(a) and strong Matts pure and wholesome Bonnies sweet as dessert Elenas intoxicating and invigorating. Despite the foul taste of the rabbit in his mouth, his canines prickled with remembered hunger. nevertheless now he wouldnt drink human blood, he told himself firmly. He couldnt keep cross that line, even if they were wil ing. Not unless his friends skilfulty was at risk. The change from human to animal blood would be painful he remembered that from when he had first stopped drinking human blood aching teeth, nausea, irritability, the feeling that he was starving even when his stomach was f ul but it was the only option.When the rabbits heartbeat stopped altogether, Stefan gently disengaged. He held the limp body in his workforce for a moment, then set it on the ground and covered it with leaves. Thank you, little one, he thought. He was stil hungry, but he had already taken one life this morning. Damon would have laughed. Stefan could almost hear him. Noble Stefan, he would scoff, his black eyes narrowing in half-affectionate disdain. Youre missing all the best parts of creationness a vampire while you wrestle with your conscience, you fool.As if summoned by his thoughts, a crow cawed overhead. For a moment, Stefan ful y expected the bird to plummet to priming coat and transform into his brother. When it didnt, Stefan gave a short half laugh at his own stupidity and was surprised when it sounded almost like a sob. Damon was never coming guts. His brother was gone. Theyd had centuries of bitterness amid them and had only plainly started to repair their relatio nship, fall in together to fight the evil that always seemed drawn to Fel s Church and to shield Elena from it. But Damon was dead, and now Stefan was the only one left to protect Elena and their friends.A latent worm of fear squirmed in his chest. There was so much that could go wrong. Humans were so vulnerable, and now that Elena had no peculiar(a) powers, she was as vulnerable as any of them.The thought sent him reeling, and instantaneously he took off, running straight toward Elenas house on the other side of the woods. Elena was his responsibility now. And he would never let anything hurt her again.The upstairs get was almost the same as Elena remembered it shining dark wood with an eastern carpet runner, a few little tables with knickknacks and photographs, a couch near the big picture window overlooking the front drive.But halfway to the stairs, Elena paused, glimpsing something new. Among the liquid-framed photos on one of the smal tables was a picture of herself and Meredith and Bonnie, faces close together, grinning astray in caps and gowns and proudly brandishing diplomas. Elena picked it up, holding it close. She had graduated from high school. It felt odd to see this other Elena, as she couldnt help thinking of her, her blond hair pul ed back in an elegant French twist, creamy splutter flushed with excitement, smiling with her best friends, and not remember a thing about(predicate) it. And she looked so carefree, this Elena, so ful of joy and hope and expectations for the future. This Elena knew nothing of the shame of the Dark Dimension or the havoc the kitsune had caused. This Elena was happy. Glancing quickly among the photos, Elena located a few more she hadnt seen before. Apparently this other Elena had been queen of the Snow Bal , though Elena remembered Caroline had won that crown after Elenas death. In this picture, however, Queen Elena was glorious in pale violet silk, surrounded by her court Bonnie fluffy and adorable in shin y blue taffeta Meredith sophisticated in black auburn-haired Caroline looking aggrieved in a tight silver dress that left very little to the imagination and Sue Carson, sensibly in pale pink, smiling straight into the camera, very much alive. crying stung Elenas eyes once more. They had save her. Elena and Meredith and Bonnie and Matt and Stefan had saved Sue Carson.Then Elenas gaze landed on another photograph, this one of aunt Judith in a long, lacy wedding dress, Robert standing proudly beside her in a morning suit. With them was the other Elena, clearly the maid of honor, in a dress the color of green leaves, holding a sweet of pink roses. Beside her stood Margaret, shining blond head ducked shyly, grasping Elenas dress with one hand. She was wearing a ful -skirted white flower girls dress tied with a wide green sash, and she clutched a basket of roses in her other hand.Elenas hands shook a little as she put this picture down. It looked as if a good time had been had by al . What a disgrace she hadnt actual y been in that respect.Downstairs, a glass clinked against the table, and she perceive aunt Judith laugh. putting aside al the strangeness of this new past shed have to learn, Elena go down the stairs, ready to greet her future.In the dining room, aunt Judith poured orangeness juice from a blue jug while Robert spooned batter onto the pause iron. Margaret was kneeling behind her chair, narrating an intense conversation between her stuffed rabbit and a toy tiger.A great surge of joy fil ed Elenas chest, and she grabbed auntie Judith in a tight hug and spun her about. Orange juice spil ed across the floor in a wide arc.Elena scolded Aunt Judith, half laughing. Whats the matter with you?Nothing I just I acknowledge you, Aunt Judith, Elena said, hugging her tighter. I real y do.Oh, said Aunt Judith, her eyes soft. Oh, Elena, I love you, too.And what a beautiful day, Elena said, pirouetting away.A wonderful day to be alive. She dropped a kiss on Margarets blond head. Aunt Judith reached for the newspaper publisher towels.Robert cleared his throat. Are we to take it that youve forgiven us for grounding you last spend?Oh. Elena tried to figure out how to respond, but after shed been living on her own for months, the whole concept of being grounded by Aunt Judith and Robert seemed ridiculous. Stil , she widened her eyes and put on an appropriately contrite expression. Im truly sorry, Aunt Judith and Robert. It wont happen again. Whatever it is. Roberts shoulders relaxed. Wel say no more about it, then, he said with obvious relief. He slid a hot waffle onto her plate and transfer her the syrup. Do you have anything fun planned for today?Stefan is picking me up after breakfast, Elena said, then paused. The last time she had talked to Aunt Judith, after the disastrous Founders Day pageant, Aunt Judith and Robert had been seriously anti-Stefan. They, like most of the town, had suspected him of being responsible for Mr. Tanner s death.But apparently they had no problem with Stefan in this world, because Robert precisely nodded. And, she reminded herself, if the Guardians had done what she asked, Mr. Tanner was alive, so they couldnt have suspected Stefan of kil ing him Oh, it was al so confusingShe went on Were going to hang out in town, possibly catch up with Meredith and the others. She couldnt wait to see the town back to its old, safe self and to be with Stefan when, for once, they werent battling some horrible evil but could just be a normal couple.Aunt Judith grinned. So, just another faineant day, hmm? Im glad youre having a nice summer before you go off to col ege, Elena. You worked so hard al last year.Mmm, said Elena vaguely, sideslip into her waffle. She hoped the Guardians had gotten her into Dalcrest, a smal col ege a couple hours away, as shed requested.Come on up, Meggie, Robert said, buttering the little girls waffle. Margaret scrambled up onto her chair, and Elena smiled at the obviou s affection on Roberts face. Margaret was clearly his darling little girl. Catching Elenas eye, Margaret growled and thrust the toy tiger across the table toward her. Elena jumped. The little girl snarled, and her face was momentarily transform into something savage.He wants to eat you with his big teeth, Margaret said, her little-girl voice hoarse. Hes coming to get you.Margaret Aunt Judith scolded as Elena shuddered. Margarets briefly feral look reminded her of the kitsune, of the girls they had driven mad. But then Margaret gave her a huge grin and made the tiger nuzzle Elenas arm. The doorbel rang. Elena crammed the last bite of waffle into her mouth. Thats Stefan, she mumbled around it.See you later. She wiped her lips and checked her hair in the mirror before opening the door.And there was Stefan, as handsome as ever. Elegant Roman features, high cheekbones, a classical straight nose, and sottish y curving mouth. He held his sunglasses loosely in one hand, and his leaf green eyes caught hers with a gaze of pure love. Elena skint into a wide, involuntary smile.Oh, Stefan, she thought to him, I love you, I love you. Its so wonderful to be home. I cant stop missing Damon and need we could have done something differently and saved him and I wouldnt want to stop thinking of him but I cant help being happy, too.Wait. She felt like someone had slammed on the brakes and shed been thrown against a seat belt.though Elena was sending the words, and a huge wave of affection and love with them, toward Stefan, there was no response, no return of emotions. It was as if there were an invisible wal between her and Stefan, blocking her thoughts from reaching him.Elena? Stefan said aloud, his smile faltering. Oh. She hadnt realized. She hadnt even thought about this.When the Guardians took her powers, they must have taken everything. Including her telepathic partnership to Stefan. It had lingered She was sure she had stil heard him, and reached his mind, after she had lost her connection to Bonnie. But now it was gone completely. argument forward, she grasped his shirt, pul ed him to her, and kissed him fiercely.Oh, thank God, she thought, as she felt the familiar, comforting sense of their minds entwining. Stefans lips curling into a smile beneath hers.I thought Id lost you, she thought, that I wouldnt be able to reach you like this anymore, either. Unlike with the telepathic connection theyd shared, she knew the thoughts werent reaching Stefan as words but as images and emotions. From him, she felt a wordless, steady stream of unfailing love.A throat was cleared pointedly behind them. Elena reluctantly released Stefan and turned to see Aunt Judith watching them.Stefan straightened with an low blush, the slightest look of apprehension in his eyes. Elena grinned. She loved that hed been through hel literal y but was stil scared to upset Elenas aunt. She put her hand on his arm, trying to send a message that Aunt Judith now accepted their re lationship, but Aunt Judiths warm smile and greeting said it for her.Hel o, Stefan. Youl be back by six, wont you, Elena?Aunt Judith asked. Roberts got a late meeting, so I thought you, Margaret, and I could go out for a girls night together. She looked hopeful yet hesitant, like someone knocking on a door that top executive be slammed in her face. Elenas stomach knotted with guilt. Have I been avoiding Aunt Judith this summer?She could imagine that, if she hadnt died, she might have been eager to move on with her life and chafed at the family that wanted to keep her home and safe. But this Elena knew better knew how lucky she was to have Aunt Judith and Robert. And it seemed that this Elena had a lot of devising up to do.Sounds like fun she said cheerful y, pasting a b skilful smile on her face. Can I invite Bonnie and Meredith?Theyd love a girls night. And it would be nice, she thought, to have friends around who were as clueless about what had been going on in this version of Fel s Church as she was.Wonderful, Aunt Judith said, looking happier and more relaxed. Have a good time, kids.As Elena headed out the door, Margaret ran out of the kitchen. Elena she said, wrapping her arms tightly around Elenas waist. Elena lot and kissed the top of her head.Il catch you later, bunny rabbit, she said. Margaret motioned for Elena and Stefan to kneel down, then put her lips right next to their ears. Dont forget to come back this time, she whispered before retreating inside.For a moment, Elena just knelt there, frozen. Stefan squeezed her hand, pul ing her up, and even without their telepathic connection, she knew they were having the same thought.As they headed away from the house, Stefan took her by the shoulders. His green eyes gazed into hers, and he bent forward to brush a light kiss upon her lips.Margarets a little girl, he said firmly. It could just be that she doesnt want her big sister to leave. Maybe shes worried about you going off to col ege.Maybe, Elena murmured as Stefan wrapped his arms around her. She inhaled his green, woodsy scent and felt her breathing slow and the knot in her stomach loosen.And if not, she said slowly, wel work it out. We always do. But right now I want to see what the Guardians gave us.