you ever, ever do that again!
I think I can give my word on that, Damon sent - in different tones than his usual ones - sober but at the same time whimsical. But you have to give me something in return.
Yes, of course, Elena said. Just let me get some of my hair off my neck. It worked best like this when Stefan was lying down - when we were carrying him out on his pallet from the prison -
Not that, Damon told her. For once, angel, I don't want your blood. I need you to give me your most solemn word that you will try to be brave. If it helps at all, I know that females are better than males at this sort of thing. They're less cowardly at facing - what you have to face now.
Elena didn't like the tone of these words. The dizziness that was making her lips numb was traveling al over her body.
There was nothing to be brave about. Damon could stand pain. She would find a Wings power that would obliterate al that wood that was poisoning him. It might hurt, but it would save his life.
Don't talk to me like that! she snapped harshly, before she could remember to be gentle. Everything had begun to float, and she couldn't even remember why she had to be gentle, but there was a reason. Still, it was difficult, when she was using every ounce of her concentration and strength to search for a Wings power she had never heard of.
Purification? Would that take away the wood or would it just leave Damon without his wicked smile? There was no harm in trying it, anyway, and she was getting desperate -
because Damon's face was so pale.
But even the stance for Wings of Purification eluded her.
Suddenly, a huge shudder - a convulsion - went through Damon's entire body. Elena heard broken words behind her.
"Love, love - you real y have to let him go. He's living in - in intolerable pain, just because you're keeping him here,"the voice said, and it was Stefan's. Stefan, who would never lie to her.
For just an instant Elena wavered, but then a blazing rage came rushing up through her body. It gave her the strength to cry hoarsely, "I... won't! I won't ever let him go! Damn you, Damon, you have to fight! Let me help you! My blood - it's special. It'l give you strength. You drink it!"
She fumbled for her knife. Her blood was magical. Maybe if she gave enough, it would give Damon the strength to fight off the wooden fibers that were Stillspreading through his body.
Elena slashed at her throat. Maybe subconsciously she avoided doing more than nicking her carotid artery, but if so it was entirely subconsciously. She simply reached down, found a metal knife, and with one sweep set the blood to gushing out. Bright red arterial blood, that even in the semi-darkness was the color of hope.
"Here, Damon. Here! Drink this. As much as you want - al you need to heal yourself."She got into the best position that she could, hearing but not hearing Stefan's horrified gasp behind her at the recklessness of her slashing, not heeding his grip on her.
But - Damon didn't drink. Not even the heady blood of his Princess of Darkness - and how did the phrase go? It was like rocket fuel compared to the gasoline found in other girls'veins. Now it just ran out of the sides of his mouth. It flowed onto his pale face, soaking his black shirt and pooling in his leather jacket.
No...
Damon, Elena sent, please. I'm - begging you. Please. I'm begging you for me, for Elena. Please drink. We can do this - together.
Damon didn't move. Blood spil ed into the mouth she'd opened and it fil ed and spil ed out again. It was as if Damon were taunting her, saying, "You wanted me to give up human blood? Well, I have - forever."
Oh, dear God, please...
Elena was dizzier than ever now. Outside events passed dimly around her, like an ocean that only slightly bobbed a person out deep in the swell s. She was entirely focused on Damon.
But one thing she did feel. Her bravery - Damon had been wrong about that. Huge sobs were rising from somewhere deep inside her. She had made Stefan let go of her and now she couldn't hold herself up any longer.
She fel right on top of her blood and