Damon was down in the living room explaining everything that had happened with Melanie to Stefan. He was worried too. But Damon kept the guess about Katherine to himself. 

He knew that would mean more threat to Melanie's life and he didn't wish to endanger her life more than it already was. And it struck him that probably they had a connection with Melanie's past life, there was a link that related them. 

They were just discussing the problem when they heard a shrill scream. Both of them rushed to Damon's room where Melanie was supposed to be asleep. They found the girl unconscious on the floor and rushed towards her. 

The bed sheets were tumbled upside down as if she had got out in great hurry or fear. They tried to revive her by sprinkling water at her face. Gradually her eyes fluttered open and when she saw them she let out a sigh of relief, "you're here... Thank God you're here." 

Stefan asked, "Mel are you okay?" 

Fear and terror was visible on her face, "no, she would have killed me." 

Damon sighed, "not again." 

Stefan stroked her hand with his thumb, "don't be scared. Just tell me what happened to you." 

She shook her head, "she's here. She won't spare me." 

Stefan tried to soothe her, "who are you talking about?" She raised her hand pointing at Damon's bookshelf. 

"Mel there's nobody..." Damon began to speak but his voice trailed off seeing what she was exactly pointing at. 

"She's dead," Stefan stated simply when he saw she was pointing at the picture of Katherine Pierce on his bookshelf; a pencil sketch made by Damon himself. 

"No, she's not... She's alive," she stammered. 

He shook his head, "that isn't possible. She died years ago." 

But Damon seemed a bit lost, "are you sure that you're talking about the girl in this picture? Katherine?" 

She quivered at the name, "yes... she's a monster. Why do you have a picture of her?" 

Damon mumbled, "we knew her... long ago." 

She was reckless, "but she could have killed you! I... I saw her k-killing people." 

He spoke, "so you mean she's alive." 

Stefan didn't quite agree, "no she's not. It was just a nightmare. A fragment of your imagination. And Damon you know she's not alive. We saw her die, remember?" 

His dark eyes flashed violently, "well what if she's right? What if Katherine's alive?" 

Stefan patted his back as an act of comfort, "you know its not true, brother. And it would be foolish to hope against hope. And even if she is alive it's not going to be a good thing. Look at her, Damon, she's scared and terrified. We should be thinking about Melanie right now." 

There was a war going on in his eyes. He had just been told that the love of his life was alive, that the woman he had been pining for centuries was still alive. But she was a great threat to his dear Melanie. He was faced with a difficult choice. 

But seeing the poor child who was terrified out of her wits was tearing him apart. He could definitely not let anyone hurt her now. He couldn't bear it. And he knew he'd protect her even if he lost Katherine once again. He would pick Melanie over Katherine any time if faced with the choice. 

He realized it would just have to be this; the little girl meant a lot to him. And he couldn't simply let go of her. And obviously not for the woman who had toyed with him and his feelings. Definitely not for Katherine. 

Finally after a long while of silence he let out a soft sad sigh, "she won't hurt you. I won't allow it." 

The girl was pulled closer by Damon as she rested her head on his shoulder mumbling something inaudible and burying herself deeper into him, "don't leave me." 

He simply held her close tightly as if he wouldn't possibly let go of her, "you're safe, Mel. No one will hurt you because I won't let them. Not even Katherine. I would stand in front of you as a wall even if the person I'm up against is someone I personally loved. Even if it is Katherine." 

Stefan's eyes widened in shock, "Damon did you really say what I just heard?" 

He was rocking the little girl gently, "yes you heard that. Unless you've suddenly grown deaf. I'll protect Melanie. From everyone. From Katherine. Even she can't think of laying her hand on my little Princess."