As I lay on the hard ground, I hear Klaus' footsteps, as he walks away. Then he's gone. But the next thing I know, I hear someone racing towards me and I smell Alaric's scent.530Please respect copyright.PENANA59N1t1x3ON
A few minutes later, as my vision blurs, I vaguely hear Alaric after I feel the dagger come out.530Please respect copyright.PENANAwPCI2jefzk
"Katherine, hang in there. You're going to be okay."530Please respect copyright.PENANAIBrk183Pfs
I feel the stake come out, as I weaken.530Please respect copyright.PENANAM2tvhGa7H5
"You'll live," he assures me.530Please respect copyright.PENANAFqth9U261t
He gently sits me up.530Please respect copyright.PENANAkmFereZxvV
"Alaric," I greet.530Please respect copyright.PENANAsDN31lFbzP
I feel my wounds close up, but I'm still weak.530Please respect copyright.PENANAKJ8GYET2K4
He helps me to my feet and I put a hand on his shoulder to keep from falling. I feel weak and light headed.530Please respect copyright.PENANApT7vV24dpm
"Katherine, look at me," he says gently.530Please respect copyright.PENANAmBbaYof8PJ
I do.530Please respect copyright.PENANADuRSEFWO1Y
He gently puts hands on either side of my head. He then looks back at me.530Please respect copyright.PENANA6xbwwFkxEO
"Focus, Katherine. Focus. Stay with me."530Please respect copyright.PENANAiyVwPjuPBa
I can barely stand, as he tries to keep me awake. It's hard on my part. I'm starting to lose my senses. Usually, vervain doesn't make me feel this way. But I haven't had any for a month. My body isn't used to it anymore. I feel dizzy, unsteady, drained, and unfocused. All I want to do is close my eyes. I've been fighting one thing or another for 500 years. I'm tired of fighting.530Please respect copyright.PENANABjFq8guHSH
"Alaric, I-" I start.530Please respect copyright.PENANAW73YI64Csp
"Whatever you want to tell me, can probably wait until you're feeling better," he interrupts.530Please respect copyright.PENANA1uRRtG23bH
"No. Alaric, I can't. I feel…" I try.530Please respect copyright.PENANAFI3Ewd1d2h
I feel like I should tell him how I'm feeling.530Please respect copyright.PENANAJuho2gns4z
"I don't feel well," I finally get out.530Please respect copyright.PENANAw9VgRgDf6X
He lets go of me.530Please respect copyright.PENANAO7ZjmBfl1K
"I know. And I'm going to help you."530Please respect copyright.PENANAzUslLN30ht
A moment later, I collapse to the ground, but he catches me with a hand between my shoulderblades, another hand behind my head, holding me up, as I start to lose it. And then he gently picks me up in his arms. I wrap my arms gently around his neck, as he starts walking, resting my head on his shoulder.530Please respect copyright.PENANAqGtiTGUtWU
"Try to stay awake," he encourages me, as I try to fight, but I know I'm losing the fight.