Elena - POV

Silas and Emily reunited, their reunion characterized by an embrace that radiated the warmth of a mother-son bond that had been dormant until now. Silas and I returned home, clinging to each other, the fear of his disappearance lingering.

"El, I'm right here," Silas whispered.

"Silas, I'm scared. You can't blame me for holding you this tightly," I replied, smirking, his eyes dancing with a lust that made me gasp.

"How about I prove to you that I'm alive?" he suggested in ...