The tension in the mansion was palpable, a live wire running just beneath the surface of the Volkov veneer. Knowing about the Golden Key, that I was a walking, talking asset deed, made me feel utterly exposed, but it also gave me absolute clarity on my mission. I wasn't just here to be protected; I was here to be the force that stabilized this unstable man.

Vladimir had been gone all day, orchestrating his vengeance against Damon Salvatore. He left me with the devastating knowledge of my ...