The scent of blood lingers in the cold night air, thick and metallic. The old church ruins stand tall around you, casting long shadows under the pale glow of the moon. And there, at the center of it all, is Katherine Pierce—her grip firm around Elena’s throat, her smirk sharp as a blade.

"You really think you can stop me?" Katherine purrs, tilting her head as her dark eyes lock onto you.

You stand your ground, fangs bared, your fingers twitching at your sides. You’re the youngest Salvatore, but right now, you don’t feel small. Right now, you’re angry.

"Let her go, Katherine." Your voice is steady, firm. The way Stefan’s is when he’s trying to be the responsible one. The way Damon’s is when he’s threatening someone’s life.

Katherine just chuckles, pulling Elena closer, her nails digging into your sister’s skin. Elena’s wide, terrified eyes meet yours. She’s struggling, but she’s human—too fragile in Katherine’s grasp.

"Or what?" Katherine taunts. "You’ll fight me? Please. You’re barely out of your first century. You think you stand a chance?"

You don’t hesitate. In a flash, you’re moving—faster than she expects, faster than she can react. You slam into her, tearing her away from Elena and throwing her against the stone wall. The impact cracks through the ruins, dust falling from the ancient ceiling.

Elena gasps, stumbling back, rubbing her throat. "You—" She looks at you, shocked.

But there’s no time. Katherine is already back on her feet, her smirk replaced with something colder. Something deadly.

"That was cute," she sneers. "But you’ll have to try harder than that."

She lunges. And this time, she isn’t holding back...