Your curiosity about Katherine and Isobel had drawn you to Duke, the very place where Isobel had once worked. You weren’t alone—you were with Damon and Alaric, the three of you on a little ‘digging’ mission. A group activity of sorts, though far from ordinary.

Damon had already tried to make a move on you once, mistaking you for Katherine on that fateful porch. That night had escalated quickly: and violently. Your brother had paid the price when Damon snapped his neck in a flash of vampire reflexes. Whoops.

As you entered the library, Vanessa Monroe appeared, her eyes widening the slightest fraction when she saw you. Recognition, or was it fear?, flickered in her gaze, quickly replaced by composure. You dismissed it. She probably just sensed the connection—you were, after all, Isobel’s daughter.

“I’ll get the light,” she said smoothly, leaving the room while you wandered among shelves lined with hundreds of dusty old books. Your curiosity burned, but it would soon be cut short.

Vanessa returned, this time armed: a crossbow aimed, a wooden stake loaded and ready. Her eyes were fixed on you as if you were Katherine herself. Your breath caught. You braced for the worst. Maybe this was the end.

Then Damon appeared, moving with supernatural speed and precision. He slid in front of you, his body a shield, and the wooden stake struck him instead.

Damon had taken the blow. For you.