"You don't understand Damon." Stefan countered Ron's words, his tone tight with frustration. "After what happened with Sarah, you should know by now—he'll do anything to get what he wants."
Ron exhaled. "Fine. So the ring protects you guys from sunlight… what about the necklace?" he asked, pointing to the one Stefan held.
"That necklace used to belong to Katherine. It's enchanted—some sort of magical object. I don't really know why Damon wants it so badly."
Ron thought for a moment. "If it belonged to Katherine, it's probably important to him. Here's what we'll do—give Damon the ring back, on one condition: that he doesn't hurt Elena. I'll hold onto the necklace. If he wants it, he can come find me."
Stefan hesitated briefly, then nodded and handed the necklace over.
"I'll take it to Bonnie later," Ron said, slipping it into his jacket pocket. "She's a witch—she might be able to figure out what it does."
"A witch?" Elena asked in disbelief.
"Yeah," Ron nodded. "She just recently discovered her powers, still figuring things out. She's been staying with her grandma lately to learn control."
"I was there when her powers went wild for the first time—at the car wash," Caroline added quietly.
Ron stood. "Alright, Stefan, let's go check on Sarah."
Stefan nodded. "Yeah, let's go. If she's accepted the transition, we'll need your help."
The group piled into Elena's car and drove to Stefan's house.
"Sarah's upstairs?" Ron asked as they stepped inside, scanning the room.
"Probably. I'll check." Stefan sped up the stairs—and a moment later, he was back down again, his face grim.
"She's gone."
"When did she wake up?" Ron asked sharply.
"This morning. I didn't tell her about the transition—I just said I'd bring you by later," Stefan replied.
"Caroline, does Sarah have any other family or friends here in Mystic Falls?"
Caroline frowned. "I'm not sure. I hadn't seen her in years—her family moved away a long time ago."
Ron's eyes narrowed. "Then we'll split up and search. If she doesn't feed soon, it might be too late."
"Agreed." Stefan's tone was clipped.
"Stefan, I'll head toward my place. Caroline, you stay here. I'll be back before sunset." With that, Ron invoked his Rabbit Talisman and vanished in a blur.
He scoured the town—his home, the roads, the alleys—everywhere he could think of. Even with supernatural speed, hours passed. As twilight settled over Mystic Falls, there was still no sign of Sarah.
Finally, he returned to Stefan's house, dialing his phone.
"Is Stefan back yet?" he asked Caroline.
"Not yet. Did you find Sarah?"
"No. I'll call Stefan."
The line clicked. "Stefan, any luck? I searched my side of town—nothing. Don't worry about Elena, she's safe with Caroline."
"I'm near the cemetery," Stefan's voice came through, faint but steady. "I hear crying—I think I found her."
"Keep me on the line," Ron said, switching to speaker. Caroline leaned closer, tense. "If she's there, talk to her. We'll try to help calm her down."
"Got it."
Stefan approached slowly, spotting Sarah crouched before a headstone, her shoulders trembling.
"Hey, Sarah," he said softly.
"I remember now," she whispered, lifting her tear-streaked face. "Who he was… what he said. I remember you, and Ron—everything that happened at your house and at the party."
"I'm so sorry," Stefan murmured. "Damon had no right to do this to you."
"He said I had to drink blood… or what?" Her voice broke as she asked the question.
"If you don't, you'll grow weaker… and eventually, it'll all be over," Stefan admitted quietly.
"You mean—I'll die?" Sarah's lip trembled, eyes wide with fear.
Stefan nodded solemnly.
"Sarah!" Caroline's voice burst from the phone speaker.
Stefan crouched beside her. "It's going to be okay. We'll help you. Ron, Elena, and Caroline—they're waiting for you. They're worried." He held the phone out to her.
"Can you take me home?" Sarah asked weakly.
"Of course," Stefan said, reaching out his hand.
But the moment she touched him—a gunshot cracked through the air. Stefan staggered back, collapsing to the ground with a groan of pain.
"Stefan?!" Elena's voice shrieked through the phone.
"Ron—help him!" she cried.
"Calm down, Elena," Ron said firmly. "Find out what's happening first. Stefan can heal from bullets—he'll be fine. Stay inside, both of you. It's not safe to move."
Before he could say more, a scream tore through the line—Sarah's. Then came the sound of a body hitting the ground.
A cold voice followed. "Wooden bullets. They already know. And if anyone's going to kill you, it'll be me. Now—give me the ring and the necklace."
"Damon…" Ron muttered darkly.
"No, Sarah—don't!" Stefan's voice shouted, pained.
But it was too late. Sarah was already on her knees, feeding from the fallen body.
"I'm sorry," she whispered before fleeing into the night.
Damon glanced at Stefan, his tone mocking. "Where's my necklace? You've got the ring—but I don't see that piece anywhere."
"It's with Ron," Stefan snapped. "Talk to him yourself." He handed over the phone.
"Ron," Damon's voice came through, low and dangerous. "Give me back my necklace."
Ron's tone was icy calm. "Stefan—go after Sarah. Bring her back before she hurts anyone."
He ended the call.
-------------------------
Support me so I can keep bringing you more chapters! Your comments, reviews, and power stones mean a lot.