Elena stirred from her sleep, her eyelids fluttering open. The pain in her abdomen had subsided, but she felt like she had run a long marathon. Blinking slowly, she was surprised to find Kai seated in a chair next to her bed, lost in thought.
When she tried to move, his magnetic gaze fixed on her, and for a moment, she forgot where she was, getting lost in his eyes. But after a few moments, the reality of the situation crashed down on her. The conflicted and distant look in his eyes reminded her that while this was Kai, he was not her Kai.
Her heart squeezed painfully, and tears gathered in her eyes. Wrapping her hands protectively around her stomach, she sought some power and stability.
"Hi," he greeted her, unsure of what to say.
"Hi," she replied, her voice trembling with emotion.
