Damon had been avoiding discussing Dimitri since Clara's return, anticipating her advocacy and dreading the negativity it would bring.

"Are you going to listen to me, Damon?" she asked, her question unanswered. He sighed, fastening her shoe.

"I'll always listen, Clara, but nothing will change my mind about Dimitri. If you want him released, fine, but I don't want to see him," he said. She frowned.

"Do you know how badly he's beating himself up because you haven't forgiven him? Dimitri looks up to you, Damon…"

"Then he should have known I don't joke and never should have involved you. God, he knew you were pregnant! He still went ahead with his stupid plan. We lost a child once, Clara. What if we lost this one because of his stupidity? What then?" His voice trembled with emotion.

She couldn't fathom his pain at her abduction.

Clara's face softened, and she gently cupped his face. "I understand your feelings, and I'll never invalidate them. You have reason to be angry, but he was only trying to help," she explained. He scoffed.

"Endangering you isn't helping; it's making things worse. There were other ways, but he chose to put you in danger," he countered. Before she could respond, he lifted her from the chair, sat down, and settled her on his lap, wrapping his arms around her. Only her scent and touch could calm his rising anger.

"If you're angry at Dimitri, you might as well be angry at me. He told me about his plan, and I chose to go along with him to see my uncle. So, I'm at fault too," she reasoned. He frowned.

"You were manipulated, and…"

"Oh God, I wasn't! Dimitri said you're in trouble, Damon. Supernatural beings will come for you, including my uncle's army. They're planning to destroy you. Dimitri was trying to help. If we captured my uncle, the others would know you're innocent and not killing their kind. That was his goal—to lift your burden," she explained. He frowned silently.

He knew about the killings and Dimitri's intentions, but the risk remained unacceptable.

"I can handle them. I don't need anyone's help," he muttered. She tried to pull away, but he held her tighter. "Where are you going?"

"You're not ready to listen, so I'm leaving," she said, pulling again. He pulled her back.

"Wait. To make you happy, I'll talk to Dimitri," he said. Her bright smile mirrored his own. He knew she had him completely wrapped around her finger.

"Yes! I hate arguing with you, or seeing you angry. Talking to him will make you feel better. I'd have to talk to him eventually anyway," he mumbled. She shrieked, kissing his face.

"Thank you! And you'll let him speak, okay? And don't unleash your dark aura, okay?" He rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile.

"Yes, Mother. Now, let's get you home to rest. Have you eaten?" he asked, reluctant to let go. He loved having her so close.

"No, I'm not hungry. You almost stuffed me to death with food not long ago," she said, and he frowned.

"We're getting food on the way, and you'll finish it before I see Dimitri," he said. She pouted.

"But Damon…"

"No buts. Let's go," he said, settling her comfortably in his arms as they left the room.

After they ate, Clara fell asleep. He ensured her comfort and security before leaving a kiss on her forehead and departing.

Luca followed him to the dungeon, waiting outside. He needed to speak with Dimitri, not only about Clara, but also Aurora. They had much to discuss.

He didn't need to be told Dimitri's cell; he'd already smelled him and the lingering scent of Clara.

"Damon?" Dimitri called out as Damon appeared.

"Hello, Dimitri," Damon replied, watching Dimitri's shocked expression.

"We need to talk…"