Chapter Text
The night was heavy with fog and the scent of pine, and the trees loomed like sentinels as she ran.
Blood ran down her thighs, hot and unwelcome, seeping into the hem of her dress. Her breaths came in ragged, ragged gasps. She cradled the newborn in her arms, its cries muffled against her chest. It was so small. So fragile. And the pain—oh God, the pain wouldn't stop. But she couldn't stop.
She stumbled forward through the woods, each step threatening to knock her over. The baby whimpered again, a faint sound. She held it closer, kissing its damp forehead.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice hoarse with fatigue and fear. "But this is the only way."
Ahead of her, the woods opened. A house stood at the edge of the clearing—a pure white porch, ivy climbing the posts, warm light glowing behind tall windows. A spark of hope flickered inside her, and she forced her legs to hurry.
She climbed the stairs and lowered the baby onto the mat with trembling hands. His blanket was stained with blood, hastily but tightly wrapped. She hesitated for a moment—just long enough to look into his whiskey-colored eyes. Then she rang the bell twice, quickly, turned to run, and disappeared into the trees like a ghost.
The baby's cries echoed in the stillness of the night.
The door opened.
Lisa stood there barefoot, her golden hair cropped short, barely reaching her shoulders, a look of confusion creased on her forehead. Noah appeared behind her, his eyes narrowing at the sound.
"Lisa...?"
But she had already advanced. Her breath caught when she saw the bundle at her feet.
She knelt, lifting the baby in her arms. His skin was flushed, very cold, and his cry was faint with exhaustion.
"Oh my God," she breathed. "It's a newborn. Someone just left it here."
Noah looked out into the dark woods. "Is anyone there?"
"No." Lisa was already back inside. "We have to get him to the hospital. Now."
Noah didn't hesitate. He reached for the car keys, then stopped. "Take my jacket. And go. I'll stay."
"What? Why?"
"Caroline's asleep," he said quietly." I didn't want her to wake up and find no one else; she'd panic."
Lisa hesitated. She clutched the baby tightly.
Noah stepped forward and kissed her—hard and fast, steadying her. "Go, Liz. I'll be right here."
She nodded, her eyes shining. Then she turned and walked quickly to the car, the baby pressed against her chest, his tiny hand wrapped around her shoulder.
The door slammed shut. The engine roared.
Noah stood on the porch, watching the car disappear down the driveway. Then he looked out into the empty woods, unaware that the night had changed everything.
Forbes
Noah Forbes
Elizabeth Forbes
Caroline Forbes
Stiles Forbes
Gilbert
Melissa Sommers
Elena Gilbert
Scott Gilbert
Jeremy Gilbert
Lockwood
Richard Lockwood
Carol Lockwood
Tyler Lockwood
Lydia Lockwood
Bennett
Sheila Bennett
Alan Bennett
Bonnie Bennett
Argent
Chris Argent
Alaric Argent
Kate Argent
Allison Argent
Hale
Peter Hale
Derek Hale
Salvatore
Damon Salvatore
Stefan Salvatore