Damon's POV
The darkness wasn’t calm—it felt heavy and smothering, reminding me that I wasn’t in control.
When consciousness clawed its way back, the sharp scent of antiseptic filled my lungs. I was in my room, on the oversized bed. The ache in my chest had dulled to a throbbing reminder of my foolishness.
"You're an i***t," Black growled in the recesses of my mind, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Shut up," I replied, though the venom in my tone was weaker than usual.
The sound of a chair scraping against the floor made my head snap to the side. John was sitting there, arms crossed, his face a mixture of exasperation and concern.
"You’re awake," he said, his voice low but firm. "Took you long enough. I thought I’d have to drag the pack doctor in here."
I forced myself upright, ig
