─ 𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇, 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 returns to Mystic Falls after five years of absence and finds herself entangled with Damon Salvatore, unintentionally extending her stay in the small town beyond all expectations.
[ 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐕�...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
DAMON STIRRED, PAIN THROBBING THROUGH HIS CHEST BEFORE HIS EYES EVEN OPENED. The world came back to him in slow, jagged pieces, dim light, the smell of blood and rust, and the searing burn of metal lodged deep in his chest. A low groan escaped him as he shifted, only to find himself unable to move more than a few inches. Thick chains were wound around his arms, binding him to the chair he was slumped in.
His voice was hoarse, from whatever knockout dose he'd taken as he muttered, "You've got to be kidding me."
His gaze dropped to the poker sticking out of his chest, still hot from the fire it had been pulled from. Just beyond his shoes, lying carelessly on the floor, was his daylight ring. Damon let out a humorless laugh.
"That's a low blow, Stefan. Low blow." he said bitterly, as if the cruelty was more annoying than the impalement.
From the shadows, footsteps echoed against floorboards. Stefan stepped into view, his arms crossed, leaning casually against the doorway like he'd just walked in on something mildly interesting.
"What the hell happened to you?" he asked, voice flat with a hint of dry amusement.
Damon rolled his eyes, trying not to wince as pain stabbed through his ribs. "Whatever twisted ripper game this is, leave me out of it."
Stefan scoffed and stepped closer. "I didn't do this."
He crouched slightly, inspecting the poker. Then he straightened and arched a brow. "It's pretty messed up though, isn't it?"
Without warning, Stefan reached out and yanked the poker from Damon's chest in one swift, brutal motion.
He lurched forward, the sudden absence of the metal rod leaving a fresh bloom of agony in its wake. Blood spilled down his shirt, dripping to the dusty floor beneath him.
"God damn it, Stefan!" Damon snarled through clenched teeth.
Stefan shrugged like it was no big deal and began tearing at the binds on Damon's hands. He made quick work of them, the chains clattering to the floor, but left the rest wrapped around Damon's torso, still securing him to the chair.
"Thanks for the assist." Damon muttered dryly. "Guess I'll just untangle myself."
He tilted his head back, breath ragged, eyes flicking from his brother to the ring still lying on the floor.
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
The sun hung high in the crisp blue sky above Mystic Falls High School, casting a golden warmth over the bustling school courtyard. Illumination Night preparation was in full swing. Dozens of paper lanterns were strung between poles and tree branches, their delicate colors fluttering lightly in the breeze. Volunteers moved about with purpose. Climbing ladders, hauling boxes, and carefully hanging decorations that honored the town's long-standing tradition.
