Wanna know the first lesson I learned after coming back to Mystic Falls? (Aside from the fact that Mystic Grill has the best bourbon, obviously). When people brag about how this town is full of "mysteries" and "secret legends," don't. Underestimate. Them.

Am I going crazy? Hmm... yes.
Am I delusional? Absolutely.
Does all of this have something to do with the fact that, by the time I got back from Chicago, I'm being plagued by endless visions of my mother and childhood? Also yes.

I've woken up more times than I can count in the middle of the night, each time the same vision replaying over and over again.

The first time, I was sitting on a bench in my old house's garden, my mother beside me.
The second, I was standing by the bookcase inside the house.
The third, I was in my bedroom.
And the fourth? Well, that was a place I didn't recognize. A small, dark room, barely enough space to breathe. It felt like I was trapped—creepy as hell.

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, I have no idea how or why I was there.

Am I rushing to investigate or trying to make sense of these "dreams" or "visions" (call them what you will)? No. Not right now.
Why? Because in less than two hours, I need to drag myself out of bed—after barely any sleep—and help Elena and the girls get ready for the school prank night.

I guess this is the perfect time to break the promise I made to myself two years ago: "I'm never stepping foot in high school again." Too bad. Even though I'm not a fan of these so-called "celebrations," I'd like to see how this one plays out.
From what I heard last year, some students took the pranks a little too personally... but that's a story I'll leave to your imagination.

And shoot, I almost forgot I have to stop by Liz's office to pick up some case reports. Fantastic. This day is shaping up to be really interesting.

...

"Oh really...? I mean, wow. I could come with you, if you want. Exploring creepy mansions isn't really my thing, but I'd love to help," Bonnie says, her playful expression only slightly masking the sincerity in her voice. Honestly, if I had to bring anyone with me to investigate my old house, it'd be her.

"Thanks, Bon. I'll consider your kind offer," I reply, matching her playful tone. She smiles in return, and for a moment, the chaos around us fades into the background.

"Anyway, are you sure your mom wasn't part of the supernatural? Because unless that's just your mind playing tricks on you, I can't find any other reason why you'd be seeing visions of her."

But before I can respond, we hear a voice from downstairs. "Of course there's an explanation. It's called schizophrenia," Damon says as he walks into the room, his usual sarcastic smirk in place.

I roll my eyes. "Haha, very funny, bourbon addict."

"I'm not the one who drank half the bottle last night after picking you up from your little suicide mission," Damon shoots back, eyes glinting with amusement.

"It was not a suicide mission," I say, crossing my arms. And no, before you ask, I'm not going to boost his already inflated ego by admitting I had no idea what I was doing. "I knew what I was doing."

"You could've gotten yourself killed, smartass."

"Don't throw Elena's lines at me. It's not going to work. Now, would you kindly drop us off at school?"

"No?" Damon replies with a smug expression, casually sitting down on the couch, bourbon glass in hand.

Bonnie and I share a glance. Then, in unison, we say, "And in three... two... one..."

Before he can react, Damon spits out his drink, coughing violently. "Vervain!" he manages to choke out, glaring at us.

Bonnie and I struggle to hold in our laughter as Damon tries to regain his composure.

"Alright, alright, let's go," i mutter standing up.

As we walk toward the door, Damon's voice follows us, "I'm going to rip your hearts out!"

"We both know you won't, D," I call back with a wave, stepping out of the Salvatore mansion, Bonnie right behind me.

...

The day at school is chaotic, to say the least.

Me, Caroline, Elena, Bonnie, and Matt are all crowded inside a classroom, laughing and preparing our pranks.

"Hey, where are you going?" Bonnie asks, glancing up from the list of pranks we've been organizing.

"Supergluing Alaric's desk chair," Elena replies with a playful grin, looking back at me and Caroline. "Making memories."

"I love youuu," Caroline giggles, her voice dripping with mock affection.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, pulling my attention away from the conversation. I pull it out and see my brother's name flashing on the screen.

"Is everything alright?" Matt asks, noticing my distraction.

"Yeah, it's just my brother. One second," I reply, flashing them a quick smile as I step out of the classroom to answer the call.

"The only times you call me are either to get out of trouble or ask for money. So, which is it this time?" I tease, picking up the phone.

-Oh good morning Ethan, how are you? "-Hey little sis, I am great how are you?" "-I am alright thanks for asking, I missed you" "-I missed you too..." Now you were saying." He throws back at me with his usual teasing attitude

"You're literally so funny" I say sarcastically "But... I do in fact miss you"

"I miss you too" he says genuinely "I just called to check up on you, we haven't talked in days."

I sigh, guilt creeping in. "I know... A lot's been happening here. Vampires, werewolf hybrids, the usual."

I pause, not quite sure how to bring up the visions. Honestly? I'm not planning on mentioning them anytime soon. Ethan's life is already complicated enough with his studies. He doesn't need to hear about my... mysterious visions.

"Wait, did you finally manage to kill that psycho trying to kill you guys? What was his name again? Kaleb? Kevin?"

"Klaus," I gasp in shock, my heart skipping a beat.

"Ah, yeah, him." Ethan chuckles, but then his tone shifts as he realizes something's off. "Hey, why the surprise? He's not standing in front of you or something, is he?"

I stay silent, my throat tightening. Ethan's voice turns more concerned. "Maddison? Are you okay?"

The line goes dead.

"Hello?" Ethan's voice is faint now. "Maddison?"

...

"Get your hands off us!" I snap, my voice cold and hard as I glare at the figure holding Bonnie and Elena.

"Easy there, sweetheart," Klaus says, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. He turns his attention to Elena. "You, on the other hand..."

...

*Authors note*

We're finally meeting klaussss🫠
I am so excited to write the next chapter, revelations coming...