Owner of the daylight ring

“There is only one group of vampires, I can think of with this kind of daylight ring and I know where their hideout is.”

Stefan stated as we all went inside the car. Clark started the car and they act as if nothing happened while I’m still shocked and I can feel my hands trembling because this is my first time seeing a woman burn!

“I’ll take Celestine to the rest house first then we’ll head to that hideout.”

"What?? No, I’m coming with you!”

I objected as Clark is driving and Stefan is beside him since he will be guiding him.

“You don’t look well Celine and you might see something even worst there”

I was silent for a second but I can’t back down now. If I’m going to save my mom, I need to start adapting to this world.

“It will be better if you stay at the rest house with Faira at least there I know you’re safe because the way I see it things are getting more dangerous.”

I licked my lower lip as I pondered.

“I’m coming with you”

Clark stared at me in the rearview mirror, and I gave him a determined expression.

“Okay”, he sighed in defeat.

It took almost an hour to arrive at the location. Stefan gets out of the car first then we followed him. He walked through an alley and stopped in front of a blue door. After a few knocks, a tall bald man with several tattoos on his arm opened the door.

"I need to talk to Dominic"

Stefan said and the tall bald man stared at him and nodded. It looks like that he knew Stefan that is why he easily allowed him inside.

"No witch, only vampire and mundane"

We turned to Clark who was blocked by the man. Stefan approached my cousin and talked for a while and then Stefan approached me again.

"Let's go"

Stefan took a step inside and extended his hand, waiting for me to follow him but I just stood there.

“How about Clark?”

I asked. Isn’t it dangerous to leave him here? I looked at Clark worriedly.

“You decide now if you want to go inside or stay here with him”

I’m torn between the two. I’m worried about Clark but at the same time, I want to go inside because I’m curious what it's like to be in a hideout of the vampires.

I glanced at them both and decided to take a step.

“We’ll be back”

Stefan held my hand as we walk inside.

As we entered the club, I was overwhelmed by the flashing lights and loud music. There are many people inside, drinking, dancing and playing. As we passed by My eyes widened upon seeing a vampire feeding on someone. I swallowed hard then Stefan suddenly blocked my view. I feel nauseous seeing these creatures feeding on human blood.

While we were walking, I’ve bumped into numerous people, good thing Stefan was holding my wrist and keeping me close to him.

We entered an office without even knocking as if Stefan owns the place. We halted in front of a man who is sitting on the sofa with his crossed legs and he doesn’t seem surprised upon seeing us.

"Stefan, glad to see you again"

He said in a monotone voice. The guy looks like he is the same age as Stefan also he has violet hair and eyeliner.

“So, what brought you here with this gorgeous lady?”

He stood up and smiled at me and I can’t help but smile wryly in return.

“We need to talk, Dominic… in private”

Dominic stared at us for a second then he commanded his people to leave us alone.

“Now, why don’t we have a drink first. You two look so intense”

Dominic poured out a wine for us I was taken aback when he put his arm around my shoulder as he handed me the glass of wine. Stefan immediately took Dominic’s hand away from me.

“We’re not here to play games, Dominic, so stop it”

Stefan gave him a cold stare, but Dominic only grinned. He put the drink down and glanced at us. Stefan, meantime, took out the daylight ring from his pocket and showed it to Dominic.

"I need to know who owns this ring"

Dominic approached Stefan and took the ring, which he examined.

"What would I get in return? Are you going to give me this girl?"

My eyes widen when Dominic pointed me and I can’t help but feel nervous about it. There’s no way that Stefan is thinking of selling me to this violet hair guy, right?

"I'll just give you some wine in my cellar."

I was relieved by his answer and I can see some spark in Dominic’s eyes like he is pleased with what Stefan said.

"Okay, accepted. Wait here"

Dominic entered another room, while waiting I decided to sit on the sofa while Stefan is roaming around the room. I suddenly thought of Clark, I hope he is doing okay outside. After a few minutes, Dominic is back.

"The owner of that ring is Jaspher Reyes"

He returned the ring to Stefan.

"Where is he now?"

Dominic went to his desk to pour out some wine

“Well, it’s been a month since I last saw Jaspher”

Dominic offered me a drink but I refused. I gazed at Stefan who is looking at Dominic seriously.

“Does he have a family? Or friends?”

Stefan asked as Dominic sit at the edge of his table

“He does have a brother. His name is Jonas Reyes but I doubt you’ll be able to talk to him especially regarding his brother. Aside from Jonas, I don’t know anyone in his family. “

"Do you have his address?"

Dominic played with the wine glass in his hand while looking at us.

"That would be another favor, my dear Stefan, why don't you just use your witch to find Jonas. I'm sure he's just there somewhere"

Are people here like this? They always ask for something in return, can’t they just help?

"Fine! Expect your wine on Thursday"

"Try to ask the institution too as far as I know they were looking for Jaspher as well."

"Okay, don't tell anyone about this"

Dominic nodded and raised the wine glass that he is holding then left his office. I was shocked to see that there were more people than there had been before. It was too crowded that I got separated from Stefan. I tried to look for him but I was being carried away. I started to panic because I can’t find Stefan anymore. While I was finding my way out, I bumped into someone and he was too strong that I hit the wall.

When I glanced at my arm, I noticed a cut that was bleeding. I bit my lip because it stings and when I turn my gaze to the crowd, I was surprised to see them staring at me. I swallowed hard because it seems like I look like meat in their eyes.

I looked around to find a way out. I tried to walk fast but I could feel someone following me until someone did grab me and pushed me to the wall. I scream in fear but the vampire girl didn’t budge. I tried to fight her as I saw her fangs ready to bite me. The girl moved her mouth closer to my neck while everybody is watching and waiting. Suddenly another girl push her away that’s why I escape, I thought she was going to help me but she wanted to feed on me too.

"No please noo"

I begged as she held me tightly and moved her face closer to mine.

"Help!!"

I shouted at the top of my lungs. The girl was so close to biting me and I can’t do anything anymore because she was too strong so I just closed my eyes praying that someone would save me. I was waiting for her to bite me but when I felt that nothing is happening, I opened my eyes and I saw Stefan. He snapped the neck of the vampire girl who wanted to bite me.

I gasped at what he did then he held me closer to him. Nobody dares to come near me again as we leave the club and I didn’t look back.

"You, okay?"

Stefan whispered in my ears and I nodded in response. He stopped walking so I stared at him. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and he carefully tied it at my arm that was cut earlier.

When we went outside, we saw Clark looking anxious while waiting for us. When he saw us, he immediately went for me and checked me.

“Did something happen?”, He asks worriedly.

“Nothing, I’m fine”

I smiled at him so that he won't worry. Good thing Stefan lends me his jacket so that Clark won’t be able to see the cut in my arm.

-----------