That night, as Ron Mills slept, he suddenly sensed someone enter his room and approach the bed.
"Anna? What are you doing here?" Ron reacted instantly — his instincts sharp as ever. Activating the Rabbit Talisman, he moved with blinding speed, pinning Anna down on the bed with one hand at her throat. When he realized it was her, he immediately released his grip.
"You're leaving Mystic Falls tomorrow," Anna murmured, wrapping her arms around him. "I don't even know when you'll be back."
She leaned closer, whispering, "And besides… I haven't properly thanked you for saving my mother." Her lips met his before he could respond.
Ron didn't resist — after all, this wasn't their first time. The intensity between them was familiar, but tonight Anna was different — wild, unrestrained, her movements infused with vampiric strength.
"Whoa, Anna… where did you learn that?" Ron asked with a half-laugh, breathless.
"I've seen it before… just never tried it — until now," she whispered, then pushed him back down with a mischievous grin.
They didn't care who might hear — not even Pearl. The night stretched on, passion burning until dawn's first light.
"You're not worried your mom heard everything?" Ron asked the next morning.
"Oh, she definitely did," Anna said lazily, sprawled across the sheets. "Super hearing — can't hide it even if I wanted to. I was ready for that before I came in."
Ron chuckled, giving her a playful slap that sent a ripple across her pale skin. "You're unbelievable."
"Stop it," she said with a blush, swatting his arm.
He couldn't help himself — he pulled her close again, kissing her deeply before finally letting go.
"Alright," he said, standing. "We've got things to do before I leave."
"Okay," Anna replied softly.
Later that morning, Ron and Anna went to his school. With a few quiet adjustments — and a touch of influence — his academic records were set to show a passing status. In a year or two, he could "graduate" without ever returning.
Afterward, they parted ways. Anna went back home to continue helping Pearl adapt to the modern world. Ron, meanwhile, drove straight to Stefan's house.
"Is Stefan home?" Ron knocked at the door.
"Ron? What brings you here?" Stefan asked when he opened it.
"I need to borrow something," Ron said plainly.
"What is it?" Stefan asked as he stepped aside to let him in.
"The compass — the one Logan used to track vampires. Damon took it once, but I think it's here now," Ron explained.
"I'll get it," Stefan said. He knew there was no point denying it. It wasn't of much use to him anyway, and if Ron had it, that meant fewer people who could use it against them.
"Thanks," Ron said, taking the device.
"No problem," Stefan replied. "But what do you need it for? You're close to Anna — this could put you at odds with her kind."
"The vampires here are dealt with," Ron said. "I'm leaving Mystic Falls — going to play vampire hunter for a while."
"Vampire hunter?" Stefan frowned. "If you come across Lexi… promise me you'll spare her. She's not like the others. She doesn't hurt humans."
"Relax," Ron said with a smirk. "You know me. I'll judge for myself. If they kill humans, I won't hesitate. If they don't, I'll just warn them. If I were really that ruthless, do you think you'd still be standing here talking to me?"
"Fair point," Stefan said quietly. "Any idea how long you'll be gone?"
"Not sure," Ron replied. "But while I'm away, keep an eye on Anna and Pearl. They've decided to stay in town. I already warned them — no killing humans. They'll behave."
Ron clapped him on the shoulder. "If you need me, call. I'll have my phone. I'm not disappearing into the mountains or anything. Take care, Stefan."
He headed home, packed a few changes of clothes, said his goodbyes to Anna and Pearl, and then went to his cabin.
"Let's see… vervain — take plenty. Wooden stakes, check. With the Dragon Talisman, I can lighten the load. Maybe a few extra arrows for the crossbow," he muttered as he packed.
Soon, two bags sat in the backseat — one for clothes, one for weapons. He started the engine and drove out of Mystic Falls, beginning his new journey.
Once past the town limits, he activated the compass, following its faint pull. For hours, he found nothing — just open roads and quiet woods. But he knew random searching was inefficient. He needed chaos. Vampires thrived in it.
He looked up the most crime-ridden cities nearby, memorized a few names, and set his GPS toward the closest one.
Sure enough, the moment he arrived, the compass began to spin wildly.
Ron activated the Snake and Rabbit Talismans, racing through the streets until he saw a vampire feeding on a terrified girl — draining her dry.
"Hey," Ron called out, voice calm but cold. "That's not very nice."
Before the vampire could react, Ron hurled a vervain syringe straight into his chest. One hand unleashed the Snake Talisman's power, binding the creature, while the other channeled the Horse Talisman, healing the wounded girl.
Once she was safe, he dragged the immobilized vampire into the woods.
"Who are you?" the vampire demanded, still weak.
"Who I am doesn't matter," Ron replied, tossing him into a shallow pit lined with vervain. "You just answer my questions, or you'll be taking a vervain bath."
"What do you want to know?" the vampire stammered.
"How many vampires are in this city? Who's in charge?" Ron asked.
"There are… maybe twenty of us," the vampire said nervously. "Most act alone, though we stay in touch. Hardly ever gather together."
"If I told you to summon them all, could you?" Ron asked.
"Most of them, yes… but there are three I don't get along with — they stick together. I doubt they'd listen to me."
"Three? I thought you said most vampires act alone," Ron said.
"They do. But those three are different," the vampire explained. "They feed on blood bags from hospitals, refuse to kill humans. They even fight us when we do. They're outcasts among us — self-righteous fools."
Ron's eyes narrowed. "Interesting."
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