Stella – POV

"I don’t want to," I snapped, my voice cutting through the tension. I noticed Olivia nearby, and the last thing I wanted was to scare her. Damon and I headed to his room, the silence between us heavy.

“Stella, I’m sorry for what happened,” Damon said softly. “I hate this cold shoulder you’re giving me.”

“Sorry doesn’t stop the nightmares or the constant fear,” I replied, my voice trembling. This was the first time I was truly opening up about the anguish that haunted me—the nightmares of seeing him, my parents, and Kellan dead. The thought of losing anyone else I cared about was terrifying.

“I’m here...