Elena's POV
The ride back to the penthouse was quiet. Adrian's hand never left mine, his thumb still tracing those slow circles on my skin like he needed the contact as much as I did. Dust from the estate still clung to our clothes, and the faint smell of smoke followed us like a ghost.
Leo was waiting when we walked through the door, running straight into my arms the second he saw me. "Mommy! You're back!"
I dropped to my knees and held him tight, breathing him in—shampoo, crayons, and the faint sweetness that was just him. His small arms locked around my neck, squeezing so hard I could barely breathe. "I'm back, baby. I promised."
Adrian knelt beside us, one big hand on Leo's back. Leo looked up at him, gray eyes curious. "Did you fight the witch, Prince?"
Adrian's laugh was tired b
