You tell yourself it’s the right thing.

That turning in Katherine Pierce—the manipulative, selfish, dangerous vampire who ruined lives without blinking—is justice. That helping the Salvatores stop her will finally bring peace.

That you won’t miss her.

You stand in the Salvatore boarding house, hands clenched, heart racing as Damon watches you with thinly veiled suspicion and Stefan listens too carefully.

“She’ll be at the old church tonight,” you say. “She’s hurt. Weak.”

Damon’s smile is sharp. “That’s the most useful thing you’ve ever said.”

Stefan searches your face. “Are you sure?”

You nod. You don’t trust your voice.

They leave.

And the moment the door shuts, your chest tightens like you’ve swallowed glass.

The church smells like dust and burned wax. You arrive too late—just in time to hear Katherine scream.

It’s not theatrical. Not mocking.

It’s raw.

You freeze in the doorway as Damon pins her, vervain burning into her skin. Stefan looks conflicted, torn between duty and something softer.

Her eyes find yours.

Not angry.

Not surprised.

Hurt.

“So,” she breathes. “This is how you choose.”

“I didn’t mean—” Your voice breaks. “I thought they’d just stop you. I thought—”

“You thought I’d survive,” she finishes quietly. “You always think that.”

Damon turns. “You okay?”

You nod numbly, unable to look away as Katherine’s strength drains, her body trembling.

She laughs weakly. “I trusted you. That’s on me.”

They drag her away.

Days pass. Mystic Falls is quieter. Safer.

And emptier.

You start seeing her everywhere—every shadow, every sharp laugh that isn’t hers. Guilt settles deep, heavy and unshakable.

Then one night, your door creaks open.

Katherine stands there, pale but alive, leaning on the frame.

“You look awful,” she says softly. “Good. Means you have a conscience.”

You rush to her without thinking, catching her as she stumbles.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper. “I never wanted this.”

She rests her forehead against yours. “I know.”

That’s what hurts the most.

“I needed you,” she says quietly. “Not to save me. Just… not to hand me over.”

Tears burn your eyes. “I’ll fix this. I swear.”

She pulls back, studying you like she’s deciding whether you’re worth the risk again.

“You already chose,” Katherine says. “Now you get to live with it.”