As I was about to turn around, someone pushed me into the room so firmly that I almost stumbled forward. The door slammed shut, and I immediately spun around.

"King Elijah?" My voice caught in my throat.

Without thinking, I leaped forward and wrapped him in a desperate embrace. The longing was suffocating; my chest felt tight. I feared something terrible had happened to him, though deep down, I knew no one would dare hurt Elijah.

Still, I'd rather sacrifice myself for his safety than risk losing him. All I wanted was for Elijah to be safe and happy.

"Delilah," he murmured, his warm embrace enveloping me.

His strong arms...