『10』

( Stephanie is a 16-year-old runaway; she saw her best chance of survival and took it) 

Stephanie looked visibly stunned by her improved condition but tried to sit up, only to be struck by intense pain. Matt told her, "I wouldn't try to get up just yet. You're not fully healed."

She regarded Matt with curiosity and suspicion, asking, "What do you want?"

Matt maintained a calm demeanor and responded, "I'm curious about what a Gemini witch is doing here in Bologna, Italy, instead of back home in Portland."

Stephanie's expression was guarded, but Matt continued, "You should be thankful I healed you. The doctors said you wouldn't have survived the night. So, consider yourself welcome."

Drawing closer, Matt infused her with more Chi, making her less resistant to his inquiries. He leaned in and asked, "Now, tell me, why are you here?"

Stephanie responded hushedly with a strained moan, "I left the coven. They would have killed or shipped me off to a prison world."

Intrigued, Matt pressed on, "Why did you leave?"

Stephanie hesitated momentarily, then quietly confessed, "I'm a siphon witch."

"Interesting," Matt responded, his demeanor still inscrutable. Stephanie's mind was less foggy now, and she couldn't help but inquire, "What did you do to me?"

Matt replied with a playful and cryptic smile, "That's for me to know and you to dot, dot, dot.

Stephanie asked in a curious tone. "You didn't hate me when I said I was a siphon witch. Why is that?" she asked.

Matt regarded her and replied with understanding, "You didn't ask to be born a siphoner, so it's not your fault."

He offered valuable advice, "Also, why do you take to heart what others say? Sometimes, you've got to take the punches and keep on rolling. It's all part of life."

Matt had one foot out the door when Stephanie's request stopped him in his tracks. She implored, "Can I come with you? I don't have anywhere to go."

Matt briefly regarded her before inquiring, "How much magic do you know?"

Stephanie considered his question and replied, "I have a couple of grimoires back in my apartment, and my magical skills are sufficient."

Matt, satisfied with her response, nodded and said, "Alright, then you can come with me, Ill be back in an hour."

With a sense of purpose, Matt left the hospital, his mind focused on a singular goal. He sought the aura of a vampire, scanning the area for any signs of their presence. After a minute of concentrated effort, he detected the distinct aura of a vampire nearby.

Matt moved with deliberate steps, homing in on the vampire's location. Once he spotted her, he unleashed his Incubus aura, which had the power to draw the vampire's attention. She turned towards him, her eyes fixated on Matt.

In an instant, Matt acted with swift and deadly precision. He approached the vampire, snapping her neck with an efficient and practiced movement. Before leaving, he collected a vial of her blood as a valuable resource, a part of his intricate world.

With the vial, he returned to the hospital room where Stephanie awaited. He approached her and handed her the vial, saying, "Here, drink this."

Stephanie, her curiosity piqued, inquired, "What is it?"

Matt replied matter-of-factly, "It's vampire blood. So drink up, and let's get out of here."

With Stephanie collecting her stuff, Matt couldn't help but feel a sense of eagerness. He thought, "With a witch by my side, I can finally start learning some magic." Magic had always intrigued him; if he mastered it, he'd have more tricks to deal with others who became a threat. And it wouldn't hurt to have a siphon witch by his side.

—----------------------

Stephanie retrieved her belongings from the motel while Matt glanced curiously at her grimoires. She didn't seem to mind; after all, she had stolen them from her coven, and she had no qualms about anyone seeing them. As Matt perused the spells within, he couldn't help but be intrigued by a few of them.

As Matt delved into the grimoires, his focus was suddenly disrupted by an incoming call from Caroline. He answered promptly, a hint of concern in his voice. "Hey, Caroline, how can I help you?"

Caroline was sobbing on the other end of the line, and her voice quivered as she spoke. "Matt, please come back to Mystic Falls. Something terrible has happened to me, and I need you here."

Matt's concern deepened, and he assured her, "I'll be there as soon as possible." The call ended abruptly

After his conversation with Caroline, Matt swiftly dialed Camilla's number and explained the emergency that required his return to his hometown, Mystic Falls. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Camilla assured him, "I'll take care of it, Matt. We'll cancel the lesser gigs for now, but you'll have to attend the bigger ones, or else you will lose your support."

Matt nodded in agreement with Camilla's plan and then turned to Stephanie, who looked curious about the sudden events. He explained, "We're headed to Mystic Falls." 

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 Where has Stefan been for the whole summer that everyone has been looking for him?