Damon rode his horse through the large, open iron gates of the Benson mansion. The horse's metal shoes hit the stone pavement of the courtyard with a loud, steady rhythm. The animal was tired, and Damon was also physically exhausted from the long day.
However, Damon's mind was awake. He was thinking deeply about the advice his friend Syrus had given him at the tavern.
"Show your vulnerability," Syrus had told him. "Use your injury. Tell her it hurts. Let her take care of you."
Damon pulled gently on the thick leather reins. The large horse slowed down to a steady walk. Damon looked down at his own left shoulder.
Damon frowned slightly in the darkness.
"The cut does not hurt at all," Damon thought to himself. His internal voice was very practical and slightly doubtful. "It is just a tiny scratch. If I just walk inside and tell her it hurts, she will not believe me. She is too smart. She will know I am lying to get her attention."
