Stefan smiled unpleasantly, disappointed, though he knew her reaction was based on injured pride rather than having any basis in fact. "If you truly prefer my brother's methods, then there is nothing left for us to discuss. But make no mistake, Elena. My brother will hurt you. He will lie to you. And then he'll look deep into your eyes and you'll forgive him absolutely everything, because he'll tell you to. And when you no longer prove to be a challenge for him, when you've accepted your fate and are ready to dedicate yourself to him, he'll sell you to the highest bidder."
He'd seen it, up close and personal, more times than he can count. And they never believe him, but he'd thought Elena might. Apparently he was wrong.