Faith returned from the woods, the crisp morning air still clinging to her clothes. Inside, the house was quiet. Zoey was still asleep, undisturbed by Faith's early movements.
She made her way to her room, searching for the ring she needed for the ball later that evening. As she rummaged through her belongings, the sound of soft footsteps reached her ears.
Zoey emerged from her room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she entered the kitchen where Faith was preparing coffee.
Faith: Morning.
Zoey: You're up early.
Faith: Yeah, I had no clue when Veronica would be making her way here.
Zoey: Did they already leave?
Faith: Yeah, they're in town.
Zoey: What are we going to do later?
Faith: We've done it before.
Zoey: Yeah, you mentioned that. But you're going to act the whole night, then?
Faith: Pretty much.
Zoey: What about holding hands and dancing?
Faith: I'll be fine, Zoey.
A sudden knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
Zoey quickly retreated back to the room she slept in while Faith made her way to the door. She hesitated for a moment before opening it.
Standing outside was Veronica, her expression tense, worry evident in her eyes.
Veronica: Hi, are you Stefan's wife? Bob mentioned you.
Faith: Yes, I am. My name is Faith. I'm new to town.
Veronica: Bob said that you and Stefan just moved here.
Faith: Yeah, we did.
Veronica: He built this?
Faith: Him and his cousin, who's been staying with us, have been working on it.
Faith felt something was off. There was an uneasiness in Veronica's voice.
Veronica: I can't find my husband. The last place he said he'd be last night was the bar.
Faith: I haven't seen him.
Veronica: Oh.
Faith: I can help you this afternoon to look for him.
Veronica: Yeah, sure.
Faith: Veronica, I'm sure he's fine. He's probably just sleeping it off somewhere.
Veronica: I hope so.
Faith: I'm sure of it.
Veronica: Are you and Stefan attending the ball tonight?
Faith: Yes, we are.
Veronica: Great.
Faith: Veronica, are you okay?
Veronica: I'm just worried about Bob.
Faith: I noticed there aren't any kids in this town.
Veronica: That's because most of the women here have medical conditions that prevent them from having children.
Faith: Oh, that's... weird.
Veronica: Do you have one?
Faith: No, but Stefan and I aren't ready for kids.
Veronica: You're young, though.
Faith: Yeah, but we're not ready.
Veronica: Then why build such a big house?
Faith: It's for people who don't have a place to stay. They can stay here.
Veronica: Like a hotel?
Faith: Yeah.
Faith walked into the kitchen, grabbing her coffee. Veronica followed, lingering by the counter.
Veronica: Sorry if it seems like I'm overstaying my welcome.
Faith: You're fine.
Inside Faith's Mind – A Telepathic Conversation
Suddenly, Stefan's voice filled Faith's mind through their mental connection.
Stefan, Get to the hospital. It's Damon, not me, but they need both of us there.
Faith, I'm dealing with Veronica right now. Can't you compel them to let him go?
Stefan, Fine, but what's wrong?
Faith, It's not me.
Stefan, That's weird.
Faith, Now it is me. But I felt it earlier.
Stefan, If it was me, you would've known that.
Faith, Damon?
Stefan, Maybe, but if he's feeling something from you, then it's coming back to us.
Faith, We'll talk later.
In the Town Square
Veronica: Faith, have you met the other wives in town?
Faith: I would love to.
Veronica: You might meet some of them tonight.
Faith: Can't wait.
Veronica: We should get going.
Faith: Oh, yeah.
Faith and Veronica left the house and made their way into the town square. The streets were already bustling with people preparing for the ball that evening.
IN THE TOWN SQUAR
Veronica: Why aren't you ready to have kids?
Faith: We just don't feel like it's the right time for us. We haven't really had time for ourselves lately.
Veronica: I say find a way to get rid of the cousin, then.
Faith: Oh, no, he's fine. It has nothing to do with him.
Veronica: Then why don't you take your time tonight? I'd suggest you get drunk to express how you really feel about having kids.
Faith: Me and Stefan have talked about it. We both feel like we're not ready yet.
Veronica: Oh.
A familiar voice called out to them.
Pearl: Veronica, hi!
Pearl approached with a friendly but curious expression.
Veronica: Hi, Pearl. This is Faith. She's new to town—married to Stefan.
Pearl: Whoa, she's lucky then.
Faith: I guess so.
Pearl: Sometimes, we come to town to watch our husbands work on the buildings they have left to finish.
Faith: Really?
Veronica: Yeah. We thought Stefan was single until Bob saw you and told us.
Pearl: Speaking of Bob, where is he?
Veronica: He's not here yet?
Pearl: haven't seen him, but he could be around.
Damon sent faith a thought
Damon, Most of the women in town just come to watch me, Stefan, and Enzo. They cover it up by saying they're watching their husbands.
Faith, Something is off.
Damon, I thought it was you.
Faith, No, it was me when Veronica started talking about kids... and then saying the same things Bob did.
Damon, Let Stefan know.
Faith, No, I don't want him to worry. I mean, we're both going to be out later anyway.
Damon, I know.
Faith, Zoey is fine. I gave her breakfast and coffee.
Damon, I wasn't worried about that.
Faith, I'm going to head back to the house, see if Zoey knows what's going on.
Damon, We'll join in a bit. Let Stefan know what Veronica talked to you about, please.
Faith, I'm a big girl, Damon. I can handle it.
Damon, I'm not saying you can't. Let him know so he can help you.
Faith, I got it, Damon. I know what I'm doing, okay?
Damon, Something isn't feeling right again.
Faith, I know.
Back in the Town Square
Faith: Will you excuse me, ladies? I need to head home and make sure my house is clean.
Without waiting for a response, Faith rushed off, her mind racing as she made her way back home.
AT FAITH'S HOUSE
Faith rushed into the house, her heart pounding as she tried to piece everything together. Zoey stepped out of the room, concern written all over her face.
Faith: "Zoey, what's going on?"
Zoey: "It's not me... it might be my mom."
Faith: "How can the three of us feel the same worry?"
Zoey: "Not sure what's going on."
A sudden knock at the door made them both freeze. Faith turned to Zoey, her voice dropping to a whisper.
Faith: Zoey... is it her?
Zoey: Not sure.
Faith: Okay.
Faith cautiously opened the door. Sure enough, Clio stood there, her piercing gaze locking onto Zoey.
Clio: There you are, Zoey.
Zoey stepping forward
Zoey: Mom, keep her out of it. She was just helping me.
Clio: (smirking) Oh, the townspeople will deal with her.
Zoey: (panicked) What have you done?
Before Faith could react, Stefan and Damon walked into the house. The tension thickened as Clio's expression darkened. Then, without warning, dark smoke curled from her hands, spilling into the air.
Faith, Stefan, and Damon barely had time to register what was happening before the black mist engulfed them, their bodies collapsing to the ground, unconscious.
Zoey: (her voice steady, defiant) I'm 18 now. I need to do things on my own, and I know how to take care of myself. I know you want what's best for me, and I'll do my best to make that happen."
Clio: fine have it your way but listen to me now these three will just up and leave you. Once that happens you got one one left now.
Zoey: Faith would never leave me, Mom. She's more of a friend than you'll ever know.
Clio: (raising an eyebrow) Is that so? Then why was she talking about going somewhere?
Zoey: She'll be back, Mom. She counts me as her sister.
Clio: I wouldn't be so sure about that. You don't know much about vampires, Zoey. They leave the first chance they get.
Zoey: (firmly) Just leave, Mom. I don't want to hear what you have to say anymore.
Clio: (taken aback) You can't mean that.
Zoey: I do. I'm tired of you thinking my friendships are doomed to end.
Clio: (coldly) "You should know that, Sophie."
Zoey: (frowning) What about her?
Before Clio could answer, Faith stirred, sitting up suddenly. Clio's eyes widened.
Clio: How?
Faith: How what?
Zoey: (rushing to her side) Faith, how are you awake?
Faith: (groggy) No clue.
Clio: (narrowing her eyes) That is unheard of.
Faith glanced around, quickly spotting Stefan and Damon still unconscious on the floor.
Faith: Not good.
Clio: (smirking) Actually, I think it is.
Zoey: (shaking her head) Mom, we're done. Just leave.
Clio stared at Zoey for a long moment before finally turning and walking out the door. The moment she left, silence fell over the room.
A few minutes later, Stefan and Damon stirred.
Damon: (groaning) Woah.
Stefan said nothing, sitting up slowly.
Zoey: Will he be okay?
Faith: No clue what they saw when they were out.
Damon: (shaking his head) All the times I would mess with you...
Faith: (raising an eyebrow) So you're fine?
Damon: (scoffing) For the most part.
Faith moved toward Stefan, concern etching her face.
Faith: Stefan?
Damon watching his brother closely
Damon: Stef?
Stefan finally lifted his head, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he stood up and walked out the door.
Damon: (exasperated) What's his deal?
Faith eyes widening
Faith: Crap.Not that night again.
Faith rushed out the door to go after Stefan.
OUTSIDE
Stefan sat on the porch, his elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the ground. Faith approached carefully, sensing his turmoil.
Faith: Stefan?
Stefan: I'm fine.
Faith crossing her arms
Faith: Nice try.
Stefan sighing
Stefan: Faith, I'm not ready to tell him. But that night... that's what I saw. I can't.
Faith: We have tonight. If you want to go on your own, you can.
Stefan shaking his head
Stefan: That's not what I want. I want the three of us to be siblings again—without the past getting in the way, without what we have or haven't done to each other coming between us.
Faith: Stefan, we need to tell him both things.
Stefan: Why?
Faith: Because he might be able to help you. I try my best, but sometimes you let it take over.
Stefan clenching his jaw
Stefan: He's going to freak out.
Faith: I know.
Damon stepped outside, his expression unreadable.
Damon: Stefan, what did you see?
Stefan: (hesitating) "The night after we turned... I know you heard the news the next day about Valery."
Damon: They said she died of a broken heart.
Stefan: Umm...
Damon: (narrowing his eyes) How did she really die?
Stefan: (running a hand through his hair) Remember how we needed human blood to complete the transition? You went after Dad, Faith went after some random person...
Damon: Yeah?
Stefan: Well, the truth is... I killed her. She was a few weeks pregnant.
Silence fell between them, thick and heavy.
Damon: (stiffening) The child was yours?
Stefan: She said it was mine... but we aren't sure when...
Faith: (cutting in) Stefan, it wasn't yours. She cheated on you. Damon and I knew, but you wouldn't listen.
Stefan: (shocked) Then why did she tell me it was mine?
Damon: Because we still had money after we left Mom and Dad.
Stefan: (his voice breaking slightly) So you're telling me she was only with me for the money?
Damon: Who knows? But from the sounds of it...
Faith: We don't know why she wanted you to believe the child was yours.
Damon: I'm not mad you didn't tell me. I'm actually more shocked you killed her.
Stefan: (looking away) We got into a disagreement, and I was angry...
Damon: She left before we...
Stefan: Before we came to the house. That's when we argued.
Damon: (nodding slowly) Oh.
Faith took a deep breath, glancing at Zoey as she stepped onto the porch.
Faith: We have a ball to get ready for
Zoey: Enzo should be here soon, right?
Damon: Yeah.
Stefan: (holding up a small box) I've got the ring.
Zoey: We need to change."
Faith: Zoey, borrow one of my dresses.
Zoey: You sure?
Faith: Yeah.
Everyone was getting ready for the ball when a knock echoed through the house.
Damon: I got it. It's probably Enzo.
Damon opened the door, but instead of Enzo, Veronica stood there.
Veronica: is Faith here?
Damon: Yeah, give her a minute or two, and she'll be out.
Faith stepped out of her room, surprised to see her.
Faith: Oh, hi, Veronica.
Veronica: Hi. Where's Stefan?
Stefan emerged from his room and stepped into the living room.
Veronica: (glancing between them) I'm sorry if some of the townspeople do something to you two. I tried to stop them.
Faith: What will happen?
Veronica: They probably changed their plan, but they initially wanted to lock the two of you in a room.
Faith and Stefan exchanged concerned looks.
Veronica: I have no clue what they'll do now, but I wanted you to know—I'm not part of it.
Stefan: Thanks for letting us know.
Veronica nodded and left.
Faith sighing
Faith:Great.
Damon: What is that all about?
Stefan: They want kids to be born in this town. And they know Faith and I don't have any medical issues preventing that.
Damon: (laughing dryly) Except for the part where you two are technically dead.
Faith: "We know, Damon, but we're keeping it low-key."
Damon: I'll try my best not to lose it.
Faith: Damon, Veronica is the one behind this. She lied.
Stefan: She's planning something, but I'm not sure what.
Zoey: (curious) You can read minds?
Faith: We choose when we do it.
Zoey: Did you read mine?
Faith: No, I haven't read your mind or Sophie's.
A knock at the door interrupted them.
Enzo: Sorry about running late.
Faith: Let's go now.
They all left the house, making their way to the mayor's mansion.
AT THE MAYOR'S MANSION
As they arrived, the grand mansion was alive with music and chatter. Faith felt uneasy about being at the ball now.
Stefan let go of her hand to get them drinks.
Veronica spotted them and approached.
Veronica: I was wondering when you'd make it.
Faith: We made it.
Pearl saw them and made her way over.
Pearl: Faith, glad you could make it.
Faith: Hi, Pearl.
Pearl: We should get going.
Faith: To where?
Pearl: Follow us.
Faith hesitated but followed Pearl and Veronica into the crowd. Zoey saw Faith passing by and moved toward them. Meanwhile, Stefan found Damon.
Damon: Faith is fine so far.
Stefan: We have to make sure nothing happens to her that draws attention.
Damon: Got it.
Enzo overheard them.
Meanwhile, Pearl and Veronica led Faith into a private room.
Faith: (frowning) What are we doing here?
Zoey now suspicious, rushed to find Damon.
Zoey: Have you seen Faith?
Damon: No, but she's here.
Inside the room
Veronica: We wanted to talk to you.
Faith: Okay... about what?
Pearl: The real reason you and Stefan don't want kids.
Faith: (sighs) Like I told Veronica, Stefan and I aren't ready. There's so much we want to do first. We never even had time to enjoy each other. Our wedding and honeymoon were rushed because of our parents.
Veronica: But you are capable of having kids.
Faith: I know that.
Pearl: You're the only one in town who is.
Faith: (confused) What about Zoey?
Veronica: (shrugging) Oh, her?
Faith: What?
Pearl: She can't have kids.
Faith: (surprised) She never told me that.
Veronica: (smirking) Of course not.
A knock at the door.
Pearl opened it—it was her husband.
Outside the Room
Zoey: (urgent) We have to find her.
Damon: We will.
Stefan joined them.
Stefan: She's just chatting with Veronica and Pearl.
Zoey: Get her away from them.
Stefan: Why?
Zoey: They're going to drug her, then lock you in the room with her to see what happens."
Stefan: (jaw tightening) Damn.
Damon: Veronica's doing?
Stefan: Yeah.
Zoey: Get to her before they drug her. Once she's drugged, there's a chance she might slip up.
Stefan: On it.
Damon: (curious) You're getting visions now?
Zoey: Yeah, it has its moments.
Damon: Okay.
Stefan hurried toward the room.
Inside the Room
Veronica: (pouring a drink) Why don't we have a drink, Faith?
Faith: Sure.
A knock at the door. Veronica ignored it.
Faith: That might be Stefan wondering where I'm at.
She sent a thought to Stefan.
Faith, Just let it happen. She'll leave after I take a sip.
Stefan, No, she won't. The drink is drugged. Zoey sensed you might slip up.
Faith, What do we do?
Stefan, Don't drink anything. I'll figure something out.
Faith, One issue...
Stefan, Damn it. You're weak again.
Faith, Yeah.
Stefan,That's it—pass out.
Faith, What?
Stefan Just drop. She'll leave the room. I'll come in, lock the door, and help you.
Faith, What about Pearl? They're working together.
Stefan, We fake it. Make it look like their plan worked.
Faith, I can't hold on much longer.
Stefan,It'll be okay.
Faith: Change of plan—let me get drugged. We expose Pearl and Veronica tomorrow.
Stefan, Fine.
Faith: Veronica, I'd like a drink now.
Veronica smiled and poured the drugged drink. Faith took a sip and collapsed.
Outside the Room
Damon found Stefan.
Stefan: We got it. Faith and I have a plan.
Damon: Whoa.
Stefan: I gotta go. Explain later.
Inside the room, Veronica smirked and left, leaving the door open. Stefan slipped in, picked Faith up, and walked out.
Damon: We leaving?
Stefan: Just me.
Damon: Fine.
AT FAITH'S HOUSE
Stefan carefully placed Faith on the couch, watching her closely to see how the drug would affect her. Her breathing was steady, but she looked pale. There was a sharp knock at the door.
Stefan opened it to find Pearl standing there, her expression filled with concern.
Pearl: I'm sorry about what Veronica did to Faith. I told the mayor everything. I wanted no part of it. I just wanted to know... why aren't you and Faith ready for kids?
Stefan: Thanks for letting me know. But that's personal.
Pearl: She might be sleeping it off for the next few days. When she wakes, she may act a bit... different.
Stefan: Thanks for the warning.
Pearl: You're welcome.
Pearl left, disappearing into the night. Stefan shut the door and turned back to Faith, still unconscious. Damon and Zoey walked in a few minutes later, their faces tense.
Stefan: It was Faith's idea, but she hasn't fed in days.
Zoey: What do we do?
Stefan: Pearl said she'll sleep it off in a few hours. Our immune systems recover faster than a human's. She should be fine soon.
Damon: I can't believe we let her go through with it.
Stefan: She wanted to handle it her way, to keep a low profile.
Damon: I get it, but still... It sucks. I could feel how weak she was.
Zoey: Maybe there's something I can do to help her.
Stefan: She'll be awake soon. Less than a few hours.
Damon: Stefan... she's also hungry.
Stefan: I know. I'll take her into the woods when she wakes up.
Damon: And what about Zoey?
Stefan: I don't think Faith would hurt her, but if she does... stop her.
Damon: Got it.
Zoey: I know there's a slight chance she might come after me.
Stefan and Damon exchanged glances. Before they could respond, Faith stirred. A low groan escaped her lips as she pushed herself up, her body weak and shaky. She tried to stand but collapsed almost instantly.
Stefan rushed to her side, catching her before she hit the floor.
Faith: Hi...
Damon: Woods. Now. Please.
Faith: I... I can't walk without help.
Damon: Then we'll help you.
Faith's face shifted, her fangs elongating, her eyes darkening with hunger. Zoey instinctively took a step back.
Damon moved in front of her protectively.
Stefan didn't hesitate. He opened the back door, leading Faith outside into the cool night air.
Damon: Sorry about that.
Zoey: I've never seen her like that before.
Damon: Really?
Zoey: She hid a lot about vampires from me and Sophie.
(Damon sighed.)
Zoey: I always got this sense she was scared of what she—
Damon: She is, in a way.
(Enzo entered the house.)
Enzo: Whoa, what's with all the emotions all over the place?
Damon: Explain later, but can you check if my sibling needs help? I've got to keep Zoey safe.
Enzo: Sure.
IN THE WOODS
Enzo finally found them, standing in the quiet of the forest.
Enzo: Damon sent me to check if you two need any help.
Stefan: We're fine.
Faith, now steady on her feet, gave Enzo a small nod.
Faith: Yeah, I'm good now.
Stefan: Thanks, Enzo, but I've got it from here.
Enzo took one last glance at them before turning back toward the house.
Faith: Yikes...
Stefan: Faith, are you sure you're ready to face her soon?
Faith: I'm not sure... I might need to stay away for a few days. The side effects of the drug are still messing with me, making my hunger go haywire.
Stefan: We have to tell Damon.
Faith: But—
Stefan: Faith, please.
She sighed, knowing he was right.
Faith: Fine. But promise me one thing—you and Damon don't leave me. And if things get bad, don't let me shut it off.
Stefan: We won't. We're here for you, okay? I'll tell the townspeople you're sick from the drug and that me and Damon are taking care of you.
Faith: Thanks.
Stefan: Let's go talk to Damon.
Faith exhaled deeply, bracing herself.
Stefan: You got this.