The carriage rolled to a slow stop in front of the grand Salvatore Boarding House, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sprawling estate. Katherine stepped down first, elegant as ever, a knowing smile playing on her lips before turning to offer you her hand. “Come along, Lana,” she said smoothly. “The Salvatores have been expecting us.” You gathered your skirts and stepped onto the gravel drive, taking in the towering home and the brothers waiting on the porch. Stefan greeted Katherine with an eager smile, while Damon, leaning casually against one of the columns, barely spared Katherine a glance. Instead, his eyes settled on you. For a moment, the world seemed to go still.