𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞

Moonlight filters weakly through the branches above, casting pale light across your face. The forest is heavy with silence, broken only by the wind moving through the leaves. Your breathing is uneven, but your head is held high. Damon stands right in front of you—too close. He smells like danger, like ruthless confidence.

That crooked, familiar smile rests on his lips.

In a low, steady voice, Damon says, “You know what your problem is? You’ve been lying to yourself for a long time.”

He steps closer. The distance between you is so small that, in the darkness of the forest, he can feel your heartbeat.

“You love me.” He pauses. His eyes lock directly onto yours. “And right now… you want to kiss me.”

His hand lifts, his fingers moving toward your chin. He expects you to freeze. He expects you to give in. But you don’t.

Before his cold touch can reach you—

A slap.

The sound of your hand striking his face echoes through the open forest. Hard. Real. Without a single second of hesitation.

A few seconds of silence.

Damon slowly turns his head back. The mark of your slap is red on his face, but his smile hasn’t disappeared… it’s just changed. More dangerous.

His eyes narrow, and his gaze drops to the necklace around your neck.

In that moment, he understands.

With a short, low laugh, he says, “Oh… so that’s what this is.”

He takes a step back, tilting his head. “Vervain. A smart choice… especially when it’s given to you by someone like my brother.”

When the name Stefan leaves his lips, his tone turns cold.

His eyes return to your face, more serious than ever. “That necklace stopped me—not you.”