Damon had barely made it to the front door when he staggered, one hand clutching the frame for support as a sharp, icy pang shot through his chest.

It wasn’t physical — it was something deeper.

His heart clenched. His vision blurred. His wolf howled in panic.

“Talia…” he gasped, breath short. His knees buckled slightly.

Lucien, already behind him, caught him just before he collapsed. “Damon!”

“She’s in trouble,” Damon rasped, voice barely holding steady. “I felt it… through the bond. Something’s wrong. It’s—” He winced, as another pulse of pain slammed into him, dull but agonizing. “She’s scared. Hurt. I can feel it.”

Lucien’s face hardened instantly. “When...