Episode 5

DAMON

“Drop your sabers, Mr. and Mrs. Claw,” Luciano said smoothly, his voice carrying an unnatural weight that sent chills down my spine. He casually stood, pulling his pants on with an unbothered air, as if he hadn’t just turned my world upside down. “Now, walk to your room, get some rest, and forget everything you saw tonight. It’s better that way—for all of us.”  

I blinked, stunned into silence as my parents immediately obeyed. Their weapons clattered to the ground, and without a word, they turned and walked out, their faces blank and eerily calm. It was as if they were sleepwalking, utterly detached from reality.  

“What the hell…” I whispered, watching them disappear into the hallway. “Why are they doing what you said? Did you hypnotize them?”  

Luciano’s gaze flicked to me, his expression unreadable. He adjusted the cuffs of his shirt like this was the most mundane thing in the world. “You could say I… encouraged them. It’s a little trick I’ve picked up over the years.”  

I stepped closer, desperate for clarity. “They won’t remember anything when they wake up, right? Please tell me they won’t.”  

He tilted his head slightly, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “No, they won’t. I’ve ensured they’ll wake up blissfully ignorant.” He paused, his dark eyes locking onto mine. “You looked like you were about to faint back there. I couldn’t let that happen, could I?”  

"Luciano, you fucking asshole. You think that would be a blissful way to gain my trust, don't you? Apart from forgetting, what else would happen to them?" I stepped closer, locking my gaze with his so my message that I didn't trust him one bit would get passed on and received properly.

"Shouldn't you be thanking me?" Luciano tilted his head to a side and I gritted my teeth together. It's imperative for me to remember that I and this man was having sex few minutes ago.

"What else might happen to them? You can't just encanto my parents and expect me to believe and thank you. Vampires are not trustworthy!" I yelled and he raised his hands like he was in surrender.

"Encanto? I wouldn't believe you know what the word means but trust me, there are no side effects. I was just saving your life, as always. A thank you is necessary." I stated. 

"Fuck you." 

Luciano’s smirk deepened, and there was something in his expression—something dark and knowing—that made my stomach twist in both fear and longing. “Oh, Damon,” he purred, his voice like velvet laced with sin, “there are far more interesting ways I’d prefer to be thanked… but we’ll save that for another night.”  

Before I could respond, he stepped closer and brushed a kiss against my forehead, lingering just long enough to leave my skin tingling.  

“I have somewhere to be, *Pooh Bear.*” The nickname sounded almost taunting as it rolled off his tongue. He buttoned his shirt with deliberate precision, his movements slow and calculated. “Enjoy your night. For now.”  

And just like that, he turned and slipped out of the room, leaving me alone with the echoes of his words—and the unmistakable reminder that, no matter how much I wanted to believe otherwise, Luciano Salvatore was not a man I could ever truly control.  

The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual, my nerves already on edge. 

I needed to confirm whether my parents truly remembered nothing—or if Luciano’s powers whatsoever had failed to erase the events of the previous night and if there had been any side effects.

*Side effects* The thought itself had kept me on edge the enter night.

“Good morning, Mum. Morning, Dad,” I greeted, forcing a casual tone as they walked into the kitchen. My fists clenched and unclenched in my pockets, the nervous energy practically coursing through my body.  

“You’re up early,” Mum remarked, heading straight for the coffee machine. Her voice was as calm and familiar as ever, but I couldn’t shake the anxiety twisting in my gut.  

“You look exhausted,” I said, trying to sound conversational while carefully observing her every move.

 “Was the ceremony that unbearable? I left right after I got my task.” Dad chuckled lightly as he grabbed a slice of toast. 

“Ceremonies are always exhausting, son. You’ll get used to it.” I hesitated, deciding to push a little further. 

“Speaking of tasks…” I trailed off, keeping my tone neutral.  

“Oh!” Mum turned back to face me, her expression suddenly thoughtful. “You know, I had the strangest dream last night. I could’ve sworn I saw Luciano Salvatore.”  

My stomach dropped, but I forced a small smile as I bit the inside of my cheek to keep calm.  

“Really?” I asked, my voice tight.  

Dad frowned, his brows knitting together. 

“That’s odd. I had the same dream. He looked… familiar, almost friendly.”

“Right? That's how he was in my own dream.” Mum said raising her head like she was trying to remember.

“Tsk, forget it. I’m too tired to even think.” He paused, exchanging a glance with Mum. “You need to be careful. Dreams like that can be a sign. Luciano Salvatore is dangerous.” Mum nodded, her face etched with concern.

 “If he’s your task, the best way to handle it is simple: get close to him. Make him trust you. Pretend to be a friend.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, as if the walls themselves might overhear. “And then strike when he least expects it.”  

 They didn’t remember last night. Not a single thing.  

And yet, somehow, Luciano still lingered in their subconscious.

This is interesting. Absolutely interesting.