As we make our way out of that hell, Elena's arms wrap weakly around my neck. She's shivering violently but she's alive.
She's alive, and she's mine, and I'm bringing her home.
CHAPTER 35
Elena
My body is batteredand bruised. I've been beaten and drugged who knows how many times. I've lost large chunks of time and I don't know what happened to me while I was unconscious. The not knowing is almost worse than knowing.
The cold has seeped into my bones. The wet shirt clings to my skin. I can't stop shivering. Can't feel my fingers or toes anymore.
Maybe it's better this way. To just... slip away. Stop fighting.
The darkness is pulling at me, soft and inviting.
I let it take me.
Somewhere far away, I hear sounds. Shouting. Gunfire.
Am I dreaming?
"Elena!" A voice. Distant. Desperate. "Elena, baby, wake up!"
I know that voice.
Hands touching me. Cutting the ropes at my wrists and ankles. Something warm wrapping around me.
"Come on, baby. Come on. You're safe now. I've got you. Just wake up for me."
Marco.
I force my eyes open. Everything is blurry. There's a face above me. Dark eyes filled with fear and relief.
"Marco?" My voice is barely a whisper.
"I'm here. I'm right here. I've got you."
Those eyes. That face. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
"You came," I breathe, tears sliding down my cheeks.
"Of course I came. Did you really think I wouldn't?" His arms gather me close, holding me like I'm something precious. "I'm never letting you go again. Never."
I can't believe it. He's real. He's here.
"Little fox," he whispers against my hair.
Only one person calls me that.
I try to hold onto him but my body won't cooperate. Everything hurts. I'm so cold. But he's warm and solid andhere.
Another voice. "Jesus. We need to get her out of here. Now."
Dante.
"Can you walk?" Marco asks gently.
I try. My legs won't hold me. I start to collapse but Marco catches me, lifting me into his arms like I weigh nothing.
