Elena's POV
His hold tightened. One hand slid down to my back, pressing me closer to him, anchoring me there like he was afraid I might slip away if he loosened his grip even a little.
"I'm here," he said, his voice rough, almost breaking. "I promise. I'm here."
I stayed still in his arms, listening to his heartbeat beneath my cheek. It was steady. Strong. Real. I wanted to believe him. More than, I needed to.
Slowly, the tension that had been coiled tight inside me for days began to ease. I wrapped my arms around his waist and held him just as firmly.
"Okay," I whispered. "Then we start again. Right now."
He nodded against my hair, his breath warm. "Right now."
