Damon’s POV

The council chamber still smelled of blood and smoke when I carried Aria in my arms. Her body was trembling, her eyes half-open and unfocused, the faintest whimper escaping her lips. Every step I took echoed against the stone floor, every sound too loud in the silence that followed her outburst.

The elders stared, their faces twisted in fear and judgment, but I didn’t care. All I could think about was the sight of her turning on me...her eyes burning crimson, her hands ...