Isabella

It was as though a cloud of darkness had fallen over Damon. Such an ultimatum was akin to pronouncing his death. Cassandra was truly seeking ways to control everything. Normally, taking Frank would be a declaration of war, for which I suppose she might not have had the means to participate.

 Perhaps she negotiated with the treacherous houses for support, promising that if they kept Damon from returning with me, they would have the city to themselves.

 I looked up at Damon to find him still lost in his thoughts. I would trust him to come up with a way out, but for now, I knew he needed comfort...