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Mystic Falls, Virginia. The television in the Salvatore Mansion living room droned softly in the background, but no one was really watching—until the local news anchor's voice sharpened. "Authorities are investigating the discovery of three more bodies just outside Mystic Falls. This brings the total number of missing persons and unexplained deaths in the county to seventeen over the last two months..." The room fell silent. Stefan Salvatore stood by the window, arms crossed, his expression tightening. "Seventeen," he muttered. "That's impossible." Elena Gilbert frowned as she looked between him and Damon. "I thought things had actually been... quieter." "They were," Stefan replied. "Until a few months ago." Damon Salvatore leaned against the fireplace with a glass of bourbon, looking almost bored—except his eyes stayed fixed on the television. "They're finding bodies," he said flatly. Stefan nodded once. "Too many." Damon sighed. "If one of us was feeding that much, there wouldn't be bodies." Elena glanced at him. "That's... somehow reassuring?" "I'm serious." Damon shrugged. "A vampire who's been alive longer than five minutes doesn't leave a trail this obvious." Another news report appeared. A police officer described the victims as suffering from "massive blood loss," while authorities insisted there was no evidence connecting the cases. Damon snorted. "They're practically announcing 'vampire' on live TV." The front door opened without so much as a knock. "Still discussing your little mystery?" Niklaus Mikaelson stepped inside as though he owned the house, wearing an amused smile that immediately irritated Damon. "You know," Damon drawled, "most people knock." "And most people aren't me." Klaus poured himself a drink without asking. "I've been hearing the whispers." Stefan looked directly at him. "This isn't you." Klaus actually looked offended. "Please." He took a sip. "If I wished to make a statement, Mystic Falls would know it w