Damon's screams echoed as Sebastian's goons pressed a fire-hot, silver-drenched iron rod against his skin.

"I always thought you were immune to pain," Sebastian commented, lounging in a chair across from Damon's cage, a smirk playing on his lips. "The joy I feel seeing you like this is boundless. How the mighty have fallen—over a girl? I never would have believed it."

"She's not just any girl," Damon gritted through clenched teeth, glaring despite the agony. "She's my wife. I surrendered to you; don't touch her."

Having learned that Sebastian could circumvent Romeo's defenses and knew their locations, Damon had no choice but to yield. He'd willingly sacrifice his life if it meant Clara and their children lived.

"You're in no position to threaten me, Death Viper," Sebastian sneered. "I'm far stronger than you'll ever be. If I want to kill every fucking wolf on this planet, I will."

Damon chuckled, the sound more groan than laughter. "Stop the torture and let's fight. If I weren't stronger, you wouldn't resort to these tactics. Admit it, Sebby, immortal or not, you're second best."

He grinned. Instantly, Sebastian was before him, eyes blazing. He snatched the rod from a goon and pressed it to Damon's neck, eliciting a scream.

"Big talk for someone at my mercy," Sebastian hissed. "After I kill you, I'll take your wife as my mistress. The sex must be heavenly, keeping you all this time. I can only imagine."

Damon howled, surprising Sebastian when he snapped a chain binding his wrist and grabbed his neck, digging in his claws.

"I don't care if you're immortal," Damon snarled, "Speak of my wife like that again, and I'll inflict such mental torment you'll kill yourself to escape. I dare you."

Fear flickered in Sebastian's eyes before they turned red. He seized Damon's neck, easily breaking his grip. He bent Damon's fingers cruelly, but Damon held his gaze, daring him. When it came to Clara, he was all teeth.

Seeing Damon's resolve, Sebastian chuckled and threw him to the ground. "Tough one, aren't you? Chain him up—stronger chains this time."

The goons re-chained Damon. He was too exhausted to resist.

"You could have joined me," Sebastian said. "Together, we'd rule the world. No one could stop us. Why be on their level when they can be beneath us? I want to be a god, Damon, and you can be one too."

Damon scoffed. "I thought you hated me for killing your parents?"

Sebastian rolled his eyes. "You did me a favor. That old man didn't want to die, and I wanted to be king, but now even that isn't enough. Stop acting like the hero you're not and join me. Do you think anyone appreciates you fighting for them? They don't care, Damon."

Damon stared at him. "I have children and a wife I love dearly. My wife bows to no one, not even me. I fight for them. If I'm not a hero to anyone else, I'll be one to my children. That's all that matters."

Sebastian smirked. "Too bad. Soon, the whole world will bow to me, including your wife and children—if I don't wipe out the wolf race. We'll talk tomorrow. I have better things to do."

"Wait," Damon said softly. "I need to talk to my wife. She's worried."

Sebastian stopped. "Lovesick puppy. I never knew love could make someone so weak."

Damon scoffed. "And you never will. No one would love a psychopath like you. I've loved and been loved. You never will, not even your mother could love you."

Sebastian frowned. "To talk to your wife, get on your knees and beg. Otherwise, forget it."

Damon immediately knelt. "I'm not afraid to look weak for Clara. Please, let me talk to her." His fingers dug into his palms.

Sebastian stared, shocked. Damon had always refused to kneel.

"I'm only doing this because it'll bring you more misery to hear her voice for the last time," Sebastian said. "Savor it. Bring his phone."

A man brought Damon's phone. Sebastian dialed Clara, and pressed it to Damon's ear.

Clara answered immediately. Damon heard her breathing, and a smile touched his lips. "Cla—"

"Don't worry, I'm coming to save you. I will come for you, Damon."

Damon's eyes widened. She knew! He glanced at Sebastian, who smirked.

"Don't come, Clara! Stay put!" Damon yelled.

"I won't listen, Damon. Your life's on the line, and I'd rather die than do nothing." The line went dead.

"Clara! Clara!" Damon cried into the phone.

"Well, well," Sebastian said, laughing maniacally. "Seems you gave yourself up for nothing. Now, I must prepare a special gift and banquet for your wife's arrival. Perhaps I'll serve your head to her on a silver platter. What do you think?" He walked away, leaving Damon kneeling, shaking with fear. He couldn't let anything happen to her. He had to escape. Fast.