Chapter 2

The video kept playing.

I watched, torturing myself, as Serena clung to Damon’s arm, making no secret of their intimacy.

"It's a birthday present from Damon," Serena cooed into a microphone. "He said this crown was made for me."

The vampires in attendance applauded their perfect union.

Then the ball began, vampires in timeless, elegant attire sweeping across the dance floor. Damon and Serena were at the center of it all, her body pressed against his. They performed the traditional rites of vampire nobility—cheeks touching, foreheads pressed together, fangs ghosting over the side of the neck.

It was a courtship signal.

I thought of just a few hours ago, when Damon was in my bed, whispering sweet nothings in my ear.

Now he was holding another woman in the exact same way.

The worst part? The Blood Moon Ceremony was an exclusive event for pureblood vampires and their chosen mates.

As a human, I couldn't even get through the door.

I ended the video, and the world went silent.

Chloe was still talking. "...Elena, listen to me, that bastard is stringing you along while he's planning to marry some other vampire. He's not worth it—"

"You're right," I cut in, my voice surprisingly steady. "I get it now."

"Get what?"

"Loving someone who doesn't even see you as an equal… it's a sick joke."

Chloe heard the break in my voice. She sighed. "Elena, do you remember your old dream?"

I froze.

"You said you wanted to go Oxford, to become the best art restorer," Chloe said softly. "But you gave it up for him. You chose a school in New Orleans just to be near Damon."

I closed my eyes.

"You're more than his blood servant, Elena," Chloe said, each word hitting home. "You are a person first and foremost."

Her words were like a lightning strike, shattering the fog that had clouded my mind for a decade.

Not a blood bag. Not a substitute. Not an accessory for some high-and-mighty vampire.

I am Elena. A person.

"Thank you, Chloe," I said, wiping my tears, my voice now firm. "I don't want immortality anymore. I want to be human again."

After we hung up, I immediately opened my email and found the acceptance letter from Oxford, sent two months ago. I’d never been able to bring myself to delete it.

I clicked 'Reply,' my fingers hovering over the keyboard.

Ten years. What had I given up for Damon?

A life in the sun, a circle of warm-hearted friends, the school of my dreams. I'd trapped myself in this cold castle, thinking obedience would earn me his love. All I got were lies and whatever scraps he felt like throwing my way.

I took a deep breath and started typing. [Dear Admissions Office, I would like to formally accept your offer of admission…]

The moment I hit 'send,' I felt something snap inside my chest. A chain breaking.

Outside, clouds swallowed the moon, plunging the castle into deeper darkness.

But for the first time, I felt like the dawn was coming.

I withdrew my application to the University of New Orleans and deleted every file I had on Damon. Ten years of memories, tossed in the trash. It was as easy for me as it had been for him.

Finally, I looked out at the night sky and whispered, "Damon, you chose your own kind. So I'm going back to the light."