After leaving Stefan's house, Ron didn't return home. Instead, he ran straight to his small cabin. Once inside, he began reviewing his mistakes from the earlier fight and how to improve his weapons. Stefan had Lexi helping him this time — who knew how many other vampires Ron might encounter in the future?
He realized he needed to stock up on vervain and consult some weapons experts to design modern anti-vampire gear — like vervain-infused grenades or bullets tipped with hardened wooden shards. At least those could injure younger vampires; if Stefan hadn't been saved by Damon last time, he'd already be dead.
Determined, Ron immediately went online to look for vervain. Since Mystic Falls had none left (Stefan still hadn't given him what he promised), Ron ordered from several international suppliers. He wasn't sure how fast foreign delivery was compared to domestic, but ordering from multiple stores increased his chances of getting one shipment early. Once that was done, he finally went home to sleep — his car was still there, and using the Rabbit Talisman to sprint to school in broad daylight would look suspicious.
The next morning, Ron headed to class. History lessons were restarting today, and there was a new teacher. Stefan wasn't around, but Ron didn't care — as long as Stefan left town within two days, that was fine.
"Good morning, everyone. Okay, so my name is Alaric Saltzman — a bit of a mouthful, I know. It's German. My family immigrated to Texas in 1755, but I was born and raised in Boston. The name Alaric comes from one of my ancestors — a man I deeply admire. Some might pronounce it 'Olaric,' but it's Alaric. You can call me Rick, your new history teacher."
The man's long introduction almost made Ron doze off. After surviving the lecture, he decided to talk to Bonnie about the necklace — it was time to get it back before Damon discovered she had it.
Later, Ron overheard Bonnie talking to Elena.
"When I woke up, I was in the ruins of the old Fell Church — in the woods," Bonnie said softly.
"Do you still see your ancestor, Emily?" Elena asked.
"Hey, Bonnie," Ron interrupted as he approached.
"Hey, Ron! I was just about to find you," Bonnie replied.
"Do you believe in ghosts?" she asked, then began telling Ron everything — her dreams of her ancestor Emily Bennett, and how the necklace had once belonged to her.
"Two weeks ago, I would've said no," Elena admitted.
"I think I'm being haunted," Bonnie confessed before Elena could finish.
"Bonnie, did Emily say anything specific to you in those dreams? I think it's connected to the necklace. Witches may retain magic after death — the necklace could be acting as a conduit," Ron reasoned.
"My grandmother said Emily was a powerful witch during the Civil War. This necklace was her charm. I do think she's communicating through it, but I don't want this — I want it to stop," Bonnie said uneasily.
"I'm sorry, Bonnie. I didn't expect this to happen when I gave it to you. Try giving it back to me — besides, I don't trust Stefan to keep Damon from finding out you have it," Ron said, extending his hand.
"Stefan wouldn't tell Damon," Elena interjected, defending him.
"I used to trust him too. After yesterday, I don't anymore. Forget it — they'll be gone in two days anyway. Come on, Bonnie, hand it over. I'll just hold the chain; you can let go," Ron said firmly.
Bonnie passed it to him, looking relieved as Ron held the necklace by its chain.
"There, that should be fine. You two stay together tonight and see if Emily shows up again. I'll keep watch near Caroline — just in case," Ron said, pocketing the necklace.
"Bonnie, come sleep over at my place tonight," Elena offered.
"Yeah, it's been forever since we had a girls' night," Bonnie said, smiling.
As Ron exited the building, he spotted Caroline and Matt arguing nearby.
"You spent the night in my bed, held me, and then snuck out before dawn to avoid facing me? That's just pathetic, Matt. You made me feel worthless," Caroline snapped.
"I heard your mom come home this morning — I didn't want to cause trouble. That's why I left through the window," Matt explained.
Ron didn't stay to listen. After everything, he felt out of place in scenes like that. He turned and walked toward another building — only to spot Stefan approaching Elena.
"Stefan, I need a word," Ron said bluntly.
"Bonnie gave the necklace back to me. Tell Damon that if you see him. I don't want him showing up at her place." Ron's tone made it clear he didn't trust Stefan to keep the secret. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.
Stefan glanced at Elena, silently asking if it was true. She nodded.
Ron headed to the parking lot, intending to drive home and rest — but there, he saw Damon confronting Bonnie, demanding the necklace.
"Still running around alone, huh? Did you really think I wouldn't come for you? And don't tell me Stefan didn't call to say I have the necklace now," Ron said sharply, catching Damon off guard and kicking him hard in the side.
As Damon fell, his phone rang. He answered briefly — it was Stefan confirming Ron had the necklace.
"Give me the necklace, Ron, and I'll leave Mystic Falls immediately," Damon said after hanging up.
"You were supposed to leave anyway. The three days I gave you weren't an invitation — they were a warning," Ron replied, pulling out the necklace and letting it dangle tauntingly.
"I don't know what you told Stefan, but I know this necklace means more to you than just a trinket. Forget it — you're not getting it," Ron said, slipping it back into his pocket.
"I'll take it one way or another. Aren't you afraid I'll hurt your Caroline?" Damon threatened.
"She and I broke up. She's with Matt now. Protecting her isn't my job anymore — and if you touch her, you'll lose every bargaining chip you have. Not to mention, your brother will die before I'm done," Ron said coldly, his patience wearing thin.
"Caroline's with Matt?" Bonnie asked after Damon stormed off.
"Probably. I overheard them arguing earlier — I went to check on her in case Damon tried something," Ron said calmly.