Chapter 149

Elena The moment I saw him, though, all that resolve shattered. I stepped into his arms and held him like I was afraid he’d disappear again, fingers curling tight at the back of his neck. “Philip…” My voice broke. “I thought I’d lost you.” He hugged me back just as tightly, solid and warm, grounding in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. When he pulled away, it was only far enough to frame my face in his hands. “Let me see you,” he said softly. “Really see you. What have they done to you?” While his eyes searched mine, I took him in too. He was thinner. Sharper around the edges. The reckless ease he once carried like armor was gone, replaced by something heavier; control, restraint and experience earned the hard way. He looked older, not in years, but in weight. And disturbingly… a little like his brother. That realization hurt more than I expected. My throat tightened. “Philip,” I whispered, tears spilling despite my effort to stop them. “What did he do to you?” He huffed a quiet laugh,