Disclaimer: Nothing is owned, only borrowed.
Summary: Set after 3x07. The ghosts from the other side have returned to Mystic Falls and desperate to find a means of killing Klaus to free Stefan from his compulsion, Damon is eager to follow deceased werewolf Mason into the Lockwood Cellar. However, when trouble inevitably finds him, Damon is left with no choice but to ask for help from the people he can only hope still care about him.
Hurt!Damon. Delena if you squint. Damon and Alaric friendship.
Warnings: Moderately graphic description of injury.
Chapter 3
Rain had since begun to fall, tapping persistently on the flats of oak leaves, before sliding down in gentle droplets to soften the soil beneath the trees. Lost to the patter of the rain, Alaric's breath was inaudible as he ran toward the dilapidated brick structure he knew to be the old Lockwood cellar. The stone was dark, lined with a layer of dark green moss, nearly black, stuck to the rock thickly as gum does adhere stubbornly to sneakers. Mud, cold and wet, further weighted Alaric's boots as he ran, small flecks flying every which way with every rise of his heel.
"Damon?" Alaric called, skipping down the stairs.
The cellar was dark and smelled of mold, though the teacher could hardly notice, pace never faltering as he navigated the tunnels. Stumbling through the dark, Alaric cursed himself for neglecting to bring his flashlight, rather at the time he'd deemed it more important to arm himself with his crossbow.
Much good it will do if I can't even see. Alaric thought distastefully.
"Salvatore?" Alaric's voice was loud and scraping, echoing through the passage in deafening waves.
Gripping his weapon in his hand, the teacher slowed his pace and quieted his step, listening. No voice emanated from the passage to guide him, and the teacher nearly had his phone in his hand again when a crash came from deeper within the cellar, followed by a shallow moan, hardly but a whisper.
Moving again, his pace urgent once more, Alaric came upon a brick wall with a hole savagely beaten into the brick.
"Damon are you in here?"
Alaric thrust his head through the gap, leaning in to catch a sign. The cave was completely dark, though still the teacher stepped through. He needed not see to know that this was where he would find the vampire. For, it was here that the air smelled so thickly of blood, the odor greeting him in waves stronger and stronger as he neared the source.
A/N: Like fodder for my soul, your reviews, favorites, and follows have sustained me. Though, come the dimming of my torch, I'm afraid I must have more. In exchange for another chapter, it is only fair.
*grins toothily*
We are getting farther along this darkening path, and it is becoming difficult to see the sun. If you still wish it, you may follow, but be warned. Past this point, there is no turning back. Thus, I say to you, leave now or forever hold your peace.
