The lions and the zoo are forgotten, for Katherine's concentration is fully on Stefan. The fleeting touch to her cheek reminds Katherine of a similar action on the night of the Founder's party in 1864 and the words Stefan had spoken to her afterward, walking her to her room. Stefan has made his feelings on the things he'd told her back then perfectly clear, but Katherine simply can't resist the temptation.

"Does your entire body still ignite at the touch of my skin?" she asks softly, a teasing half-smile on her lips.