The warm sun shimmered across the Mystic River as it flowed steadily along the forest edge. Birds sang in the trees, and you laughed as Stefan held your hand, helping you balance across a fallen log like it was a bridge to another world.

“Careful,” he said gently, smiling. “One step at a time, little dove.”

Damon lounged nearby, tossing stones into the water, acting indifferent—but his eyes never strayed far from you.

It was one of those rare peaceful afternoons. No whispers of war. No looming threats. Just you and your brothers, tucked away from the world.

Then… you heard it.

A crack of a branch. A rustle too heavy to be wind.

Stefan’s smile faded. Damon stood, instantly alert.

“I’ll take her back,” Stefan whispered, but Damon held up a hand. “No. Keep her still.”

A man stepped from the shadows. Pale. Smiling too widely. His eyes locked on you.

“I was just out for a walk,” the man said smoothly. “Didn’t know this land belonged to the Salvatores.”

“You’re too close to town,” Damon growled. “Leave.”

The stranger’s eyes glinted red for a split second—only Damon and Stefan saw it. A vampire. Feeding near their home. Near you.

Stefan scooped you into his arms. “Close your eyes, sweetheart.”

You didn’t understand, but you obeyed, pressing your face into his shoulder.

Behind you, something monstrous stirred—teeth, snarling, shadows fighting in the trees. You didn’t see Damon drive the broken branch through the vampire’s chest.

But you heard the scream.

Back home, Stefan wrapped you in a blanket while Damon wiped the blood from his hands at the basin.

“She’s too young for this,” Stefan whispered.

Damon looked at you, asleep on the couch, your hand still gripping the hem of Stefan’s coat.

“She’s not too young to be protected,” he said darkly. “And I’ll kill every single one of them if they ever come close again.”