Chapter 182

Elijah POV

Kara’s hand was trembling in mine as we entered the west wing leading to my chambers. The cool marble floor did little to cool the anger still roaring in my blood. My shirt was a little torn at the shoulder, the scent of smoke clung to my hair, and my heart hadn’t stopped hammering since the mating ceremony descended into chaos. The storm Elvira had unleashed hours ago was still rattling the windows of our world.

I squeezed Kara’s hand tighter as we passed under the tall silver archway that led to my private wing. “I’ve got you,” I whispered, my voice hoarse from all the shouting. “You’re safe here.”

She nodded, eyes glassy and red-rimmed. Her lower lip quivered, but she said nothing. Her silence scared me more than her tears did.

When we reached my chamber doors, I pushed them open and led her inside. T