When {{user}} entered the room, she slammed the door with more force than she realized, the sound echoing like a warning through the quiet space. She leaned against it, chest heaving, trying to calm the storm inside her. But it was no use—tears streamed down her cheeks, hot and unrelenting.

Her mind was a whirlwind of what-ifs.

What if {{user}} had grown up with a father? Would Erica and I have turned out different?

What if my mother had never run away? If we’d never come to Mystic Falls… would I have met my mates at all?

And my father… if I ever find him, would he even care?

She forced herself to move. Hands trembling, {{user}} grabbed a duffle bag, stuffing it with clothes, essentials—anything her fingers could reach. It wasn’t perfect. It didn’t need to be. All she knew was she needed to leave. She couldn’t stay here. Not tonight.

The Grill buzzed with low conversations and clinking glasses, but {{user}} barely noticed. Her focus was on the shadows at the far end: Elena. Matt. Stefan. All of them staring, silent but unmistakably hostile.

{{user}}’s grip tightened on her phone. She had just foiled their plan—and she knew better than to stick around.

“{{user}}, are you home?” Elijah’s voice came instantly through the speaker, calm, controlled, tinged with worry.

“No… not yet,” she whispered, keeping her eyes locked on the trio.

“What’s wrong?”

“Apparently Stefan, Elena, and Matt want you all dead,” {{user}} said bluntly.

There was a pause. Then:

“We suspected as much,” Elijah replied. “Where are you going with this?”

“I don’t think they know you’re unlinked,” she whispered. “You are unlinked, right?”

“Yes. Ms. Bennett just finished the spell. We’re unlinked.” His voice was steady, though she could hear the tension underneath. “{{user}}, what is happening?”

“They still think you’re linked… because they just tried to kill Finn,” she said.

There was a long silence.

“What do you mean ‘tried to kill Finn’?”

“I mean they have White Oak stakes,” she said quickly. “I… I stopped them from killing your brother. They’re not exactly thrilled with me right now.”

“Where are you?”

“The Grill.”

“Stay there,” Elijah ordered, his voice sharp now. “I’m coming to you.”

The call ended. {{user}} exhaled shakily. Relief fluttered through her chest—but her instincts told her she wasn’t safe yet. Stefan had heard everything.

Stefan, Elena, and Matt were at the far end of the Grill, forming a wall of hostility. {{user}} could feel their eyes burning into her skin. Stefan looked ready to snap; Elena was more curious than anything; Matt simply looked worn out, frustrated.

“{{user}}, right?” Stefan’s voice was calm, but the thin smile on his lips didn’t reach his eyes “Can we talk?” he asked, raising an eyebrow "Outside. Not giving her a chance Stefan interrupted, gripping her arm and pulling her to her feet.

{{user}} glanced at her arm. “I’m losing feeling…” Stefan released her immediately, muttering something barely resembling an apology.

“He’s not going to kill you,” Elena’s voice cut in. “We just want to talk.Do you know what you stopped tonight?

“What do you know about the Mikaelsons?” Stefan pressed as Stefan stepped closer, and {{user}} braced herself.

Then suddenly, a shadow fell between them.

“If you value your life,” a calm, measured voice said, “step back.”

{{user}}’s breath hitched as she looked up.

“You nearly succeeded in killing me once,” Finn said coolly. “I assure you it won’t happen again.” A gentle hand caught her wrist, pulling her back. Sage gave her a wink.

“Walk away, Salvatore,” Finn said, voice cold. “My brothers won’t be so forgiving—especially when they see the bruise forming on her arm.”

They appeared like shadows in the night, stepping out of the darkness as if it had been theirs to command all along.

Elijah first, tall and composed, eyes scanning her like he could see every secret. His gaze softened when it landed on {{user}}.

“{{user}},” he said, his voice deep, calm, but laced with concern. “You shouldn’t have been alone.” Klaus and Kol stare down Stefan.