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.542Please respect copyright.PENANAfLKxd27mZN
A few minutes later, as my vision blurs, I vaguely hear Alaric after I feel the dagger come out.542Please respect copyright.PENANAukwIUtVyRK
"Katherine, hang in there. You're going to be okay."542Please respect copyright.PENANAK9tyTm97pA
I feel the stake come out, as I weaken.542Please respect copyright.PENANABd0KuztZFT
"You'll live," he assures me.542Please respect copyright.PENANABS27TGUCgZ
He gently sits me up.542Please respect copyright.PENANALx1caZN7rE
"Alaric," I greet.542Please respect copyright.PENANAljvmiD3ioc
I feel my wounds close up, but I'm still weak.542Please respect copyright.PENANA29hgi20BJ2
He helps me to my feet and I put a hand on his shoulder to keep from falling. I feel weak and light headed.542Please respect copyright.PENANAeK5sDNPB6X
"Katherine, look at me," he says gently.542Please respect copyright.PENANA5fzzskUvYp
I do.542Please respect copyright.PENANArty0h0Edlj
He gently puts hands on either side of my head. He then looks back at me.542Please respect copyright.PENANAI98Ot6L7vT
"Focus, Katherine. Focus. Stay with me."542Please respect copyright.PENANAZd2kEeCBsD
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.542Please respect copyright.PENANAcCozVCYKvS
"Alaric, I-" I start.542Please respect copyright.PENANAde5XyPExQn
"Whatever you want to tell me, can probably wait until you're feeling better," he interrupts.542Please respect copyright.PENANApUBPsnwby2
"No. Alaric, I can't. I feel…" I try.542Please respect copyright.PENANAc8jS8G6YwN
I feel like I should tell him how I'm feeling.542Please respect copyright.PENANA1iGSHU102G
"I don't feel well," I finally get out.542Please respect copyright.PENANAvd6gugGYcR
He lets go of me.542Please respect copyright.PENANAaJhSa5rozd
"I know. And I'm going to help you."542Please respect copyright.PENANAcq76cxFj5a
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.542Please respect copyright.PENANA4yPXqH4JsF
"Try to stay awake," he encourages me, as I try to fight, but I know I'm losing the fight.