Elira's POV

I watched Aiden as he debated. I thought that's what he wanted. I thought that's what we both wanted. Why… was he taking longer to answer?

He finally nodded, and I hated the fact that my shoulders fell as relief washed over me. I needed him by my side— and that terrified me and angered me at the same time.

“I'll be in the shower,” I forced, dragging myself out of the suffocating air. As soon as I reached the bathroom, a shaky breath escaped my lips.

The bathroom door closed behind me with a soft click. Steam curled in the air, wrapping around me like a gentle...