**Stefano’s POV**
I held her in my hands.
The moment my arms wrapped around her, Elena didn’t lean into me. She exploded, her whole body vibrating with terror so deep it felt like her bones might shatter. She let out a choked sound and started clawing at my chest, her small fists slamming into me again and again, panic driving her movements.
"Get off! Let me go!" she screamed, her voice thin and broken.
I tightened my grip, pulling her against my chest to pin her flailing arms. I had to be careful; I was ten times stronger than she was, and the last thing I wanted was to bruise her further than she already was.
"Elena!" I shouted over her screams, trying to calm her through the panic. "Elena, look at me! It’s me, Stefano. You’re safe. I’ve got you."
She froze.
Slowly, she lifted her
