Elira's POV

I pulled away from the kiss, almost gasping for breath. The taste of Aiden lingered in my mouth raw. He had kissed every inch of my mouth so deeply I had wondered if he was going to stop.

Even though we broke the kiss, his arms encircled mine protectively. Way too protective. His fingers still trembled slightly at my back while his soft warm breath fanned my face.

“You're beautiful, Elira,” Aiden whispered and for a second, warmth spread across my chest.

“Thank you,” I managed to whisper. I was about to say another word when the sharp cry broke through our conversation.

Valen.

I pulled away from...