Elena’s POV

Warm water slid slowly down my throat, soothing the raw burning sensation that had tormented me since morning. The relief came gradually, spreading through my chest as my breathing began to steady.

The person standing in front of me lifted a hand and gently wiped the corner of my lips.

His movements were careful, almost reverent, as though he were touching something fragile and precious. When his fingertips brushed lightly across my skin, a faint shiver ran through me despite the ...