***

After that night, things changed. Melanie was a lot better than before but would still get scared easily. Those nightmares were troubling her and leaving a worse impact on her health. She didn't tell us what she exactly saw but we knew it was something horrible. And it involved Katherine. 

I had been surprised when she had pointed to Katherine's picture because I was definitely not expecting her to know her. As to the fact that Katherine was alive; that wasn't so surprising. Of course I had tried to convince Damon that she was dead but deep inside I too knew that Mel was right in saying that she was alive. 

I knew she was alive. I had seen her years ago in Chicago in the 1920s to be precise but at that time it seemed to be a suspicion. I had never told Damon because I feared what would be the consequences if he came to know of her existence. 

He still loved her. Even after all she had done. And I couldn't risk losing Damon to his insane ways again. If he found out she was alive he would tear down the world to seek her. And it could get disastrous. 

But now Melanie had disclosed the secret. He believed her when she said Katherine was alive. Despite all my efforts to lead him otherwise. He had said he'd protect Melanie if the need arose from Katherine but I wasn't too sure about that.

 Damon loved Mel but he also loved Katherine. I know he still does because now I often find him drunk and depressed pondering over something. He can't keep his mind away from her thoughts. And I don't blame him. 

No one could possibly forget Katherine. 

Not even me. To this day I still remember the day she had first stepped into our lives and how my world had stopped when I first laid eyes on her. To this day I remember her charm, her grace and her beauty beyond description. 

To this day I remember the way I used to feel jealous whenever I saw her with Damon and I knew he felt the same otherwise. 

She had toyed with us. She had faked her love. She had used us both to her purpose. But it was true that we let her and allowed her. She had clouded our senses like smoke, engulfed us like that enticing flowery scent she had and we were addicted to her like some drug. Because of her, we hated each other. 

Damon hates me because he loved her. And that is his humanity. The day we were turned and she was burnt in the tomb, Damon had promised me a lifetime of misery and he kept his word. 

Until Melanie came that is. 

But the flame has been sparked again. And I knew it will torch everything. Everything will get burnt. And there will be no way to stop the spreading wildfire.

***