Kapitel 21: The Plot 1
The sun had begun to set over Mystic Falls, casting long shadows across the quaint town as it settled into the cool embrace of evening. The streets were alive with the sound of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves as the wind swept through. Everything seemed peaceful, yet an undercurrent of tension permeated the air—a sense that something monumental was about to unfold.
**The Gilbert Family: An Evening Out**
Inside the Gilbert household, Elena Gilbert was busy getting ready for an evening out with her parents, Miranda and Grayson. It was a rare family outing, one she cherished amidst the whirlwind of her teenage life. Her younger brother, Jeremy, had decided to stay home, engrossed in a video game.
Elena, standing in front of her mirror, adjusted her necklace and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She was excited yet pensive, a feeling she couldn't quite shake. As she turned to leave her room, she caught sight of a photograph on her dresser—a picture of her and her parents at the beach, all smiles and sunshine.
She smiled to herself, feeling a warm rush of affection for her family. Tonight, they would attend a charity event at the Mystic Falls Town Hall. It was the kind of thing her parents were always involved in, but Elena appreciated it—one more opportunity to see her parents' love for their community.
Downstairs, Grayson and Miranda were having a lighthearted conversation about the event. Grayson, with his gentle eyes and easy smile, was trying to convince Miranda that they would need to leave early to avoid the inevitable speeches that tended to drag on. Miranda, always the optimist, laughed it off, playfully swatting him with her purse.
Elena joined them in the hallway, her presence greeted by her father's affectionate, "There she is, our little lady!"
She rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Dad, I'm not little anymore," she teased.
Miranda placed a hand on Elena's shoulder, her eyes soft with maternal pride. "No, but you'll always be our girl."
They exchanged smiles, a family united in love and understanding.
**A Journey into Darkness**
The drive to the Town Hall was filled with light banter and laughter. Elena sat in the back seat, watching the familiar scenery of Mystic Falls pass by through the car window. Her parents were discussing the upcoming Founder's Day celebration, planning the roles they would play in making it a success.
"Do you think Caroline will win the Miss Mystic Falls pageant this year?" Miranda asked, glancing at Grayson with a knowing smile.
Grayson chuckled. "If enthusiasm counted, she'd win every year. That girl is unstoppable."
Elena chimed in, "And probably planning her acceptance speech as we speak. She's definitely got it in the bag."
The conversation shifted to school, friends, and Elena's plans for the future. As they crossed Wickery Bridge, Elena felt a sudden shiver, like a ghostly finger trailing down her spine. She shook it off, attributing it to the cool breeze that swept through the slightly open window.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a figure appeared on the road ahead—a dark silhouette illuminated by the car's headlights. Grayson reacted instinctively, swerving sharply to avoid a collision. The car skidded, tires screeching against the asphalt as it careened off the road.
**A Haunting Decision**
The car plunged into the cold waters below Wickery Bridge, sinking rapidly into the murky depths. Inside the vehicle, chaos reigned. Grayson struggled with his seatbelt, Miranda's eyes were wide with fear, and Elena was tossed against the door, the impact dazing her.
Panic threatened to overtake them as water rushed in, filling the cabin with its icy grip. Grayson, with a desperate urgency, managed to free himself, turning to help Miranda. But it was too late—the pressure of the water was too much.
As Elena struggled to remain conscious, the frigid water swallowing her senses, she felt a strange calm wash over her. Her parents' voices became distant, a fading echo in her mind.
And then, a shadow moved through the water—a figure like Stefan Salvatore, but not quite. He moved with a fluid grace, eyes glowing faintly in the underwater gloom. He reached the car, wrenching the door open with inhuman strength.
The figure pulled Elena free, guiding her towards the surface, away from the car that had become a watery tomb for her parents. Her consciousness wavered, flickering like a candle in the wind as she broke the surface, gasping for air.
**The Rescue and Aftermath**
The night air was a shock to her system, cold and sharp as she was dragged to the riverbank. She was vaguely aware of the figure, now more clearly visible—a young man, his features sharp and eyes piercing.
"Hang on," he whispered, his voice urgent yet gentle, carrying a weight of compassion.
Elena coughed, water spilling from her lungs as she struggled to breathe. Her savior laid her on the grass, his expression unreadable as he checked her pulse. Satisfied she was alive, he vanished into the night, leaving no trace of his presence.
Moments later, headlights cut through the darkness as another car approached. The driver, a local resident who had seen the accident, rushed to Elena's side, calling for help. Sirens filled the air, a haunting wail that matched the turmoil in Elena's heart.
**In the Hospital**
Elena awoke to the sterile scent of antiseptic and the soft beeping of monitors. She was in a hospital room, surrounded by concerned faces—Jeremy, Jenna, and the town's sheriff. Her mind was a fog of memories, swirling with images of water, darkness, and the mysterious figure who had saved her.
Jeremy sat by her side, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with worry. "Elena, you're awake!" he exclaimed, relief flooding his voice.
Jenna, their aunt and guardian, tried to smile, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "You scared us, sweetheart."
Elena tried to speak, her voice raspy and weak. "Mom? Dad?" she managed, fear gripping her heart.
Jenna's expression faltered, pain etching deeper lines into her features. "They didn't make it, Elena. I'm so sorry."
The words hit Elena like a physical blow, the weight of the loss crashing down upon her. Tears spilled from her eyes as the reality settled in—her parents were gone.
**The Mystery of Her Savior**
As the days passed, Elena grappled with her grief, haunted by the memory of that night. She remembered the figure who had saved her, a presence she couldn't shake. There was something about him, something familiar yet elusive.
She asked about the stranger, hoping to find some answers. But the police found no trace of him, no evidence that he had ever been there. It was as if he had vanished into thin air, leaving only questions in his wake.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein