Damon took a deep breath, steadying his mind. There was no room for hesitation.
He walked up to Leona.
"I know I'm asking too much, but I need your help."
She smirked. "If you bow your head to me, I'll break it."
A chuckle followed. "Do you even need to ask? I mean, it's only a dark spirit with the power to destroy an entire city… no biggie."
Damon allowed a faint smile. Leona was a good person—where had she been all his life? If he had met someone like her earlier, maybe he wouldn't have been so mistrusting.
He turned to Xander, his pride catching in his throat. Asking Xander Ravenscroft for a favor...
It left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Pride? What pride? He took pride in having none.
Still, he stood in front of the other boy.
"I… I need your… help."
Xander's eyes widened, not with fear, but with shock.
"You what…?"
Damon glanced at Evangeline. She had lowered her head slightly, a silent plea.