Elena.

Killian wrapped both arms around me, pulling me into his warm embrace. I smiled against his shoulder, tightening my arms around his neck. The scent of vanilla cake calmed me, surrounding me like a soft blanket.

For the first time after everything that had happened, my body finally felt a little more relaxed. I could hear Killian's steady heartbeat from this close. His hand moved slowly across my back, as if making sure I was really there and not back in the middle of the chaos from a few days ago.

I didn't say anything. There was no need to. After watching Maxine nearly lose her life, seeing Killian...