Damon’s POV

The world slowly came back into focus first through sounds, then through pain.

A scream pierced the quiet night, loud and full of desperation. It was Aria.

I suddenly woke up, feeling the weight of my body pressing down on me. I was lying on the ground, with cold silver chains biting into my wrists and the metal making a hissing sound against my burned skin. Every breath I took felt sharp and intense, and a bitter taste of blood filled my mouth.

I gently turned my head to catch a ...