Stefan’s Diaries: The Craving Epilogue

My time in New York clarified the perils of my existence despite my right-hand(a) intentions, I am dangerous to humans, and my br another(prenominal) is dangerous to everyone.And now? What does the in store(predicate) hold? My days seem to pass like minutes. I suppose this means Im growing accustomed to the idea of eternity.I have lost so much in the months since I became the creature I now am. But I have gained time. And with time, I gain opportunity. I will see Italy. And the residuum of Europe. I will travel the whole world. But I will never make a home among humans again.As for Damon I suppose our road together is long and our story is not over yet. Should one of us ever finally come to his doom, it will only be the other who causes it.And in the background heralded by the faint perfume of lemon and ginger will always be Katherine, laughing at both of us.Dont get away the new Vampire Diaries trilogy, The Hunters Read an exclusive sneak peek of the first volume, PhantomElena Gilbert stepped onto a smooth expanse of grass, the spongy blades collapsing beneath her feet. Clusters of ruddy roses and violet delphiniums pushed up from the ground while a giant canopy hung above her, twinkling with glowing lanterns. On the terrace in front of her stood both curving white marble fountains that shot sprays of water high into the air. Everything was beautiful, and elegant, and somehow familiar.This is Bloddeuwedds palace, a voice in her headway said. But when she had been here last, the field had been displace with laughing, dancing partygoers. They were gone now, though signs of their presence remained empty glasses littering the tables set around the edges of the lawn, a silken shawl tossed over a chair, a lone high-heeled fit out perched on the edge of a fountain.Something else was odd, too. Before, the scene had been lit by the hellish red light that illuminated everything in the Dark Dimension, turning blues to purples, whites to pinks, and pinks to the smooth color of blood. Now a clear white light shone over everything, and a full white moon sailed calmly overhead.A whisper of grounds came from behind her, and Elena realized with a start that she wasnt alone after all. A dark figure was suddenly there, approaching her.Damon.Of course it was Damon, Elena thought with a smile. If anyone was issue to appear unexpectedly before her, here, at what felt like the end of the world or at least the hour after a good party had ended it would be Damon. God, he was so beautiful. Black on black soft black hair, eyes black as midnight, black jeans, and a smooth leather jacket.As their eyes met, she was so glad to see him that she could hardly breathe. She threw herself into his embrace, clasping him around the neck. She felt the lithe, hard muscles in his arms and chest as he held her tight.Damon, she said, her voice trembling for some reason. Her body was trembling, too, and Damon stroked her arms and shoulders, calming her.What is it, pri ncess? Dont tell me youre afraid. He smirked lazily at her, but his hands were strong and steady.I am afraid, she answered.But what are you afraid of?That left her puzzled for a moment. Then, slowly, putting her cheek against his, she said, Im afraid that this is just a dream. Ill tell you a secret, he said into her ear. You and I are the only real things here. Its everything else thats the dream.Just you and I? Elena echoed, an uneasy thought nagging at her, as though she was forgetting something or someone. A fleck of alter landed on her dress, and she absently brushed it away.Its just the two of us, Elena, Damon said sharply. Youre mine. Im yours. Weve always loved each other, since the beginning of time.Of course. That must be why she was trembling it was joy. He was hers. She was his. They belonged together.She whispered one word, Yes.Then he kissed her.His lips were soft as silk, and when the kiss deepened, she tilted her head back, exposing her throat, anticipating the dou ble wasp-sting hed delivered so galore(postnominal) times.When it didnt come, she opened her eyes questioningly. The moon was bright as ever, and the scent of roses hung heavy in the air. But Damons chiseled features were pale under his dark hair, and more ash had landed on the shoulders of his jacket. All at once, the little doubts that had been niggling at her came into clear focus.Oh, no. Oh, no.Damon, she gasped, looking into his eyes despairingly as disunite filled her own. You cant be here, Damon. Youre dead.For more than five hundred years, princess. Damon flashed his blinding smile at her. I dont know why its such a shock to you. more ash was falling around them, like a fine gray rain. Like the ash Damons body was buried beneath, worlds and dimensions away.Damon, youre dead now. Not undead, but gone.No, Elena Yes. Yes I held you as you died. Elena was sobbing helplessly. She couldnt feel Damons arms at all now. He was disappearing into shimmering light.Listen to me, Elena She was holding moonlight. Anguish caught at her heart.All you need to do is call for me, Damons voice said. All you needHis voice faded into the sound of wind rustling through the trees. Elenas eyes snapped open. The room was full of sunlight, and a massive crow was perched on the sill of her open window. A cloud must have gone over the sun for a moment, the world was dim.The crow tilted its head to one side and gave another croak, watching her with bright eyes.A cold chill ran down her spine. Damon? she whispered.But the crow just spread its wings and flew away.