Damon’s POV

The pain hit me immediately, sharp, burning, and making me feel so alive in that moment.

It moved through my veins like fiery liquid, each breath pulling in smoke and blood into my lungs. My wrists were gently restrained above my head, with silver gently pressing into the skin. Every inhale felt intense, and each heartbeat felt like a quiet battle between resilience and pain.

The air smelled like a mix of rot and rust, giving the place an earthy, abandoned feel. Wooden beams ...