Damon's hand heals immediately afterward, and he lifts his head up to finally meet the other vampire's gaze. He shakes his head.

"I don't know. She doesn't think so," he says even as he swallows thickly, because he has never believed or trusted in any version of himself as much as Elena Gilbert has. She believed he was worthy of love before anyone else did.

He breathes in and then breathes out again. Panic claws at his chest along with grief.

"I don't think it's-" He shakes his head. He already held her body, empty of her this week. He's already- Damon blinks and swallows and tries to collect himself again. His voice lowers. "She's already died this week, Regis. I can't let her get hurt again."