He does not. The cell door unlocks after the second night though.

She stays where she is.

The house receives a call the next day.

Zach answers. "Yes?"

"Hello, Mr. Salvatore? Your daughter Juliet wasn't seen in school yesterday, and we wanted to inform you. We haven't heard anything from you about her absence yet, so we thought we should reach out."

"I.." he looks at the basement door, conflicted, "Uh. She's sick. We're not sure if she'll be coming back. To school."

"Oh, I see. You understand that the proper paperwork will need to be filled out before her absence goes on too long?"

"Sure, whatever, send it to me. I have work to do. And a sick daughter to look after."

"Of course, sir. Have a good day."

He hangs up. Sits down and puts his face in his hands.

No further intrusions present themselves on Sunday, or Monday.

By Monday night Juliet is pacing in her cell, tightly coiled and frustrated.

Stefan comes to see her.

She ignores him.

So he opens the door and walks in. He has her backpack filled with her school things. And a key.

He puts the bag on the ground and hold the key out to her.

"Take it."

"He's going to lock the door tonight?"

"He's worried about you. What you'll do." Still holds out the key.

"It was nothing, nobody noticed anything. I've been good all weekend and today."

"I know." He reaches out and places the key in her hand. "I trust you."

She takes the key and hugs him. "Thank you, Uncle Stefan. I love you."

"I love you too, kid. Have fun. Make friends. Be merry," he teases. "I'll take care of your dad."

"I will be the Alpha of Happiness." She tucks the key in her shirt and moves the bag to one of her hiding places. "You should go. He'll be down in a minute to lock the door for the night."

He smiles at her and leaves.

Zach comes down a few minutes later and locks the door. "I'm sorry, Juliet. I love you."

She turns her back on him.