CHAPTER 63

Sophia’s POV

The storm raged outside, the wind howling like a restless spirit, and the thunder clapped with such ferocity it felt like the world was splitting in two.

I lay on the bed, rigid and tense, my heart racing as I realized that I had an arm draped over the man lying beside me. The room was dark, save for the occasional flashes of lightning that illuminated Elijah's profile.

As the rain pounded against the window, I listened to the steady rhythm of Elijah's breathing. I began to pull away. But then, thunder boomed again, and I flinched involuntarily. In the darkness, I felt the mattress shift as Elijah turned toward me, opening his eyes and gazing at me with deep longing.

“Sophia,” he murmured, touching my face and leaning in to kiss me.

It was gentle at first, and I found myself closing my eyes and simply relishing the familiar taste of his lips on mine, only passively responding. I didn’t move away, even though every rational part of me screamed that I should.

His kiss