Chapter 547 - Chapter 546 — The Door Beneath the Estate

"Elara, look at me; do not try to stand until Elena tells you that you can," Alessandro said, lowering himself beside her as the last traces of crimson light disappeared beneath her skin. His voice remained controlled, yet his fingers trembled when he brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face, and the sight of her struggling to draw a full breath struck him with a helplessness he had not felt even when his Alpha bond had fallen silent. "You frightened me half to death, and I swear I shall never understand how you manage to look so determined when you can barely keep your eyes open, but I need you to tell me whether you are in pain." Elara managed a faint smile, although the effort left her looking more exhausted than before, and she tightened her fingers around his hand to reassure him that she was still listening.