Aria’s POV

The cold air cut against my skin as Kael pulled me out of that wretched cage, but it didn’t matter—I was free, in his arms, pressed against the heat of him like the world itself couldn’t touch me.

My body trembled uncontrollably, though, every muscle screaming from the hours of fear. My nails dug into his shirt as though if I let go for a second, he’d vanish like a dream.

“I knew you’d come,” I whispered, my throat raw.

His hand cupped the back of my head, firm and grounding. “I will always come for you, Aria.”

But there was no time to breathe in the safety...