Elena’s breath trembled, and though she’d only known Illium a mere heartbeat in contrast to the centuries of memories in Aodhan’s head, Aodhan knew she, too, was close to panic. Time made little difference; it was the heart that mattered, the ability to love. And Elena loved with a passion that had melted the ice-cold shields of an archangel. Her unhidden fear for Illium made it easier for Aodhan to reach out and lock his hand with hers, to make voluntary contact with anyone other than his closest friend. The sensation would’ve been a shock at any other time; at this instant his mind and his
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