The bonfire party slowly came to an end outside Mystic Falls.
Students began leaving one by one.
The music stopped.
The fire slowly burned lower.
And eventually the forest clearing became quiet again.
But for Elena Gilbert, the night was far from over.
She lay in her bed staring at the ceiling.
Her bedroom was dark except for the soft moonlight coming through the window.
Elena sighed quietly.
Then she turned onto her side.
But no matter how much she tried…
She couldn't stop thinking about him.
Alexander Nightshade.
His calm voice.
His mysterious smile.
And the strange feeling she had when they stood together beneath the moonlight.
Elena buried her face into her pillow.
"Why am I thinking about him so much?"
She had only met him that day.
Yet something about him felt different.
Comforting.
Interesting.
Almost magnetic.
Elena turned onto her back again.
A small smile appeared on her face without her noticing.
The next morning…
Mystic Falls High School was already busy with students arriving.
In the hallway, Caroline Forbes immediately rushed toward Elena.
Caroline grabbed her arm dramatically.
"Okay. I need details."
Elena looked confused.
"About what?"
Caroline stared at her.
"You disappeared with the hottest guy in school last night."
Elena rolled her eyes.
"We just went for a walk."
Caroline leaned closer suspiciously.
"Just a walk?"
Elena laughed nervously.
"Yes."
Caroline crossed her arms.
"You like him."
Elena immediately shook her head.
"No I don't."
Caroline smirked.
"You absolutely do."
Elena tried to hide her embarrassment.
But before she could argue more…
A familiar voice spoke from behind them.
"Good morning."
Both girls turned around.
Standing in the hallway was Alexander Nightshade.
Several nearby students were already glancing in his direction.
Caroline immediately smiled.
"Speak of the devil."
Alexander looked at Elena calmly.
"Good morning, Elena."
Elena felt her heart skip slightly again.
"Good morning."
Caroline suddenly stepped between them.
"So Alexander…"
She smiled mischievously.
"Did you enjoy the party?"
Alexander nodded slightly.
"It was interesting."
Caroline laughed.
"That's the most mysterious answer ever."
Meanwhile…
Across the hallway, someone else was watching the interaction carefully.
Leaning against the lockers with his usual relaxed posture was Damon Salvatore.
His eyes followed Alexander closely.
Damon was thinking.
Last night had confirmed something important.
Alexander had no heartbeat.
Which meant he definitely wasn't human.
But he wasn't a vampire either.
And Damon hated mysteries.
Beside him suddenly appeared Stefan Salvatore.
Stefan followed Damon's gaze.
"You're still watching him."
Damon smirked slightly.
"Wouldn't you?"
Stefan frowned.
"Something about him feels strange."
Damon nodded.
"Exactly."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"And I'm going to find out what he is."
Meanwhile…
In another part of the school hallway, Bonnie Bennett stood alone.
Her expression was serious.
In her hand she held a small charm necklace.
She closed her eyes briefly.
Quietly focusing her magic.
Her witch instincts tried to sense the supernatural energy she felt yesterday.
And the moment she did…
Her eyes snapped open.
A powerful wave of energy filled her senses.
Ancient.
Overwhelming.
Terrifying.
Bonnie looked down the hallway.
Directly toward Alexander Nightshade.
Her heart began beating faster.
"What are you…?"
She whispered quietly.
Because whatever Alexander was…
He was far more powerful than any supernatural creature she had ever sensed before.
And Mystic Falls was about to discover that truth.
Very soon.