Elias POV

I didn’t sleep that night. Not after the way Mara had come apart in my arms.

I stayed awake, watching the moon crawl across the sky, my hand resting protectively on her waist as she finally drifted into sleep. Every time she whimpered or stirred, I was there, pressing a kiss to her forehead. By the time morning came, I had already ordered a light breakfast for her. When she finally woke, she looked fragile, her eyes sore from the night's tears.

"Thank you for yesterday," she whispered, resting her back on the bed.

There it was again. That reflexive gratitude, as if she was just anyone in...