𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬, km

The sun streamed through the antique curtains of the Salvatore Boarding House, painting stripes of warm gold across Aurora Salvatore’s face. She burrowed deeper into her blankets, a soft groan escaping her lips as she chased the last vestiges of sleep. A sleepy smile tugged at her mouth, a familiar comfort as she found the cool side of her pillow.

Her peaceful slumber, however, was a luxury her brother Damon rarely afforded. A loud, amused laugh ripped through the quiet, followed by the soft thud of a pillow hitting her head. “Come on, little gremlin, you gotta wake up, it’s Founder’s Day!” Damon’s voice, annoyingly cheerful, cut through her morning haze.

Rory’s face emerged from the pillow, only to be met with Damon’s obnoxiously smug grin. With a sigh, she dropped her head back down, a flick of her wrist sending the offending pillow—and three others—flying back at him. She heard his continued laughter as he exited her room. “Chop chop,” he’d called, leaving her to face the dreadful reality of a social event. She knew he’d drag her if she didn’t.

Reluctantly, Rory swung her legs out of bed. No use delaying the inevitable. After a quick shower, she found herself debating outfits in front of Stefan’s closet. “Hey, Stef?” she called out, spotting her brother brooding in the mirror, already dressed in his usual 1800s attire. “Is it okay if I wear some of your clothes? I am sure as hell not wearing a dress today.”

Stefan turned, a slight smile gracing his lips. “Um, sure? They might be a bit too big on you.”

Rory shrugged, already rummaging through his closet for the smallest items she could find. She knew she looked ridiculous, like a child playing dress-up, but it was better than the alternative. With her new, oversized ensemble, she headed downstairs to meet her brothers, ready to face whatever Mystic Falls had in store.