Chapter 24

For several seconds, time seemed to stop. Alexander stood frozen, staring at her—alive and unharmed, standing before him. The tight knot in his chest finally gave way, crashing into a wave of overwhelming relief and grief that swept away what was left of his reason. He ignored the searing pain in his arm and the weight of the mud clinging to him. In a few desperate strides, he reached her and pulled her into his arms before anyone could react. His grip was so fierce it was as if he feared she might vanish if he let go. His whole body trembled uncontrollably. His voice was hoarse and broken, thick with tears. "Thank God. You're safe. Thank God." It was the sound of someone who had stared into the abyss and just barely pulled back from it. Eleanor could feel his heartbeat pounding against her chest and smell the mingled scent of blood, mud, and something even heavier—fear. For an instant, her body stiffened, and a flicker of complicated emotion passed through her eyes. There was c