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❝ 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺
𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥 ❞
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"You're very special, Maddison. Remember that," a soft, familiar voice whispers through the haze.

I blink, trying to make sense of my surroundings, but everything is a blur. Shapes shift and colors bleed together. I can't tell where I am or what time it is.

"Mom?" I call out, my voice trembling. That's her voice—I know it anywhere. "Mom, where are you?"

As if in answer, the world sharpens around me. I'm no longer lost in the void but standing in the garden of our old house in Mystic Falls—the one we sold after she passed.

The sun is bright and golden, flowers sway gently in a soft breeze, and the air is warm with the scent of jasmine and lavender. It's so vivid, so real, that for a moment, I forget this can't possibly be happening.

I step further into the garden, and there she is. My mom. She's standing by the roses, wearing a flowing blue dress patterned with tiny white flowers, her hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders.

The moment she sees me, she smiles and walks toward me with open arms. I don't hesitate. I run to her, tears streaming down my face as I bury myself in her embrace.

"I missed you so much," I sob, clinging to her as if she might disappear at any moment.

She strokes my hair gently, her touch warm and familiar. "I missed you too, sweetheart," she whispers.

I pull back slightly, my hands clutching her arms as I look into her face. "How am I here? How are you here?" My voice shakes with confusion, a flicker of panic creeping in.

Her expression shifts, the warmth dimming as a shadow falls over her features. "I'm so, so sorry," she says, her voice breaking.

"Sorry? Sorry for what?" I ask, alarmed.

Before she can answer, the world begins to change. The vibrant garden darkens as clouds roll in, blocking out the sun. The wind picks up, sharp and cold, and the flowers wilt and crumble to ash before my eyes.

"What's happening?" I cry out, my voice trembling as fear sets in. "Mom, what's going on?"

Her figure begins to fade, her voice echoing as she steps away. "Look after yourself, Maddison. Remember what I said."

"Wait! Don't go!" I shout, but it's too late. She vanishes into the swirling darkness.

My vision blurs, my knees buckle, and the world slips away.

...

I jolt awake, gasping for air. Cold sweat clings to my skin as I sit up in bed, my heart pounding. My room in the Salvatore mansion slowly comes into focus, its shadows stretching in the faint morning light.

I press a hand to my chest, trying to steady my breathing. "It was just a dream," I whisper, though the weight of it lingers.

But was it?

As I sit there, fragments of last night flash through my mind. Stefan in the woods. His cryptic warnings. And then... nothing. I must've passed out. But how did I get here?

I glance at the clock on my bedside table. 7:00 a.m. Too early for answers, but I know I won't find peace lying here.

I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, my mind racing. "Damon must've brought me back," I mutter. But where did Stefan go? And what did he mean when he said I don't remember? Remember what?

And my mom... what did she mean?

Shaking my head, I force myself to focus. No use spiraling. I grab some clothes, throw them on, and head downstairs.

...

The house is eerily quiet when I step into the kitchen. "Guys?" I call out, but there's no response.

The table is empty, save for a single piece of paper on the counter.

"WE WENT TO BRING STEFAN BACK, DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID WHILE WE'RE GONE"

I pick it up and skim it quickly, my frustration bubbling over. "Seriously?" I mutter. "They could've woken me up."

Pulling out my phone, I dial Damon.

He answers on the second ring, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Look who's finally awake. For a minute there, I thought you were dead."

"Where the hell are you?" I snap, ignoring his jab.

"Ah, the questions game. My turn. Why and how did you leave last night?"

I frown, confused. "What? I didn't leave. Wait—are you talking about when you and Elena were arguing? Or after I passed out?"

There's a pause on his end, and when he speaks again, his tone is different. Less sarcastic. More concerned. "You passed out?"

I hear Elena in the background. "Is she okay?"

"You didn't know? Then who brought me home?" I ask, my confusion deepening.

"That doesn't make sense, Maddison," Damon says, his voice laced with unease.

"Neither does the fact that you didn't tell me where you are," I shoot back.

"Fine. We're on our way to Chicago," he admits grudgingly.

"So can I—"

"No," Damon cuts me off sharply. "You're not coming. I can barely manage Elena as it is. Stay home."

I sigh, too tired to argue. "Fine. Just... be careful, okay?"

"Always am," Damon replies before hanging up.

...

A little while later, I'm standing on Caroline's porch, knocking on her door.

When there's no answer, I frown. "That's strange," I mumble, stepping back to look around.

Before I can knock again, I hear footsteps approaching. The door creaks open to reveal Sheriff Forbes, her expression tired and grim.

"Good morning, Liz," I say with a cautious smile. "Is Caroline home?"

Her lips tighten, and there's a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. "Maddison, sweetheart," she begins gently. "I didn't expect you here this early."

My stomach drops. Something's wrong.

"Is everything okay?" I ask, my voice tinged with worry.

She exhales, her shoulders sagging under some invisible weight. "Caroline is missing."

...

The only thing I know for sure in this chapter is that Damon has a great handwriting :")

Also this time I am not making any promises for when I am about to update because last time I did it didn't go very well 🌚

Love you all <33

-chrysa