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.582Please respect copyright.PENANAqyIeTPdDrM
A few minutes later, as my vision blurs, I vaguely hear Alaric after I feel the dagger come out.582Please respect copyright.PENANAA6tlxuRAWO
"Katherine, hang in there. You're going to be okay."582Please respect copyright.PENANA9NoGwwlkr2
I feel the stake come out, as I weaken.582Please respect copyright.PENANAR6V9RIRMP5
"You'll live," he assures me.582Please respect copyright.PENANAlZUy3yqrKU
He gently sits me up.582Please respect copyright.PENANAFeYLoAVYlH
"Alaric," I greet.582Please respect copyright.PENANArwk1BKu705
I feel my wounds close up, but I'm still weak.582Please respect copyright.PENANAqTywoNfgKA
He helps me to my feet and I put a hand on his shoulder to keep from falling. I feel weak and light headed.582Please respect copyright.PENANAsCHX6xhfrG
"Katherine, look at me," he says gently.582Please respect copyright.PENANAdt6ZX6pZEy
I do.582Please respect copyright.PENANAPoxtgYCqAP
He gently puts hands on either side of my head. He then looks back at me.582Please respect copyright.PENANAd1iRyeeTSh
"Focus, Katherine. Focus. Stay with me."582Please respect copyright.PENANAgJvxajPvwI
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.582Please respect copyright.PENANAK3U0XLJZwe
"Alaric, I-" I start.582Please respect copyright.PENANAVh8wprNHJJ
"Whatever you want to tell me, can probably wait until you're feeling better," he interrupts.582Please respect copyright.PENANAdm6PiYpX6a
"No. Alaric, I can't. I feel…" I try.582Please respect copyright.PENANAxGkhDgbk9K
I feel like I should tell him how I'm feeling.582Please respect copyright.PENANAJxurVJjvJC
"I don't feel well," I finally get out.582Please respect copyright.PENANA1t7KRs3jnp
He lets go of me.582Please respect copyright.PENANARZSO9GSqNQ
"I know. And I'm going to help you."582Please respect copyright.PENANAxKzhLNEEwC
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.582Please respect copyright.PENANAlQgp4wSIh5
"Try to stay awake," he encourages me, as I try to fight, but I know I'm losing the fight.