Aria's POV
The witch raised her hand. The air around us twisted violently, and a sharp pressure slammed into the battlefield.
Damon's body suddenly jerked. His eyes widened as though an invisible force had seized him from within, and I watched helplessly as the remaining strength drained from his face.
"Damon!"
He tried to stay upright, but his knees buckled. I caught him before he could hit the ground, lowering him carefully into my arms.
"Damon, look at me."
His eyes struggled to focus on mine. His breathing was shallow, and his fingers tightened weakly around mine.
"Aria..." His voice was barely a whisper. "Don't... let her..."
His eyes closed.
"Damon!"
I shook him gently, panic rising inside me. There was no response. My trembling hand pressed against his chest. For one terri
