Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0172

Chapter 0172

Alexander POV

Ella lay quiet and still beside me, her breathing steady but her body tense. Despite her insistence that this arrangement was fine, I knew she was uncomfortable. I couldn’t blame her–this situation was awkward, to say

the least.

As I lay there, the memory of that night crept into my mind unbidden and unwelcome. The night David had poisoned her. I clenched my jaw, pushing the thought away but it lingered, as it always did. That night had been a mistake. Not because of my being there for her, but the way I handled it after.

E

I should have known better than to let things escalate the way they had. Ella had insisted she wanted me to stay, and I’d been unable to resist. Something about her vulnerability, her raw honesty, had shattered my resolve. Walking away from her then had been impossible, and now regretted it–not because of the moment itself, but because I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

again. This time, without desperation, without the weight of danger hanging over us. My attraction to Ella wasn’t something I could ignore or push aside–it was persistent, undeniable, and, at times,

that she might finally be asleep. I waited, unwilling to disturb her. This arrangement was never going to work for me, not because I didn’t trust myself, but because I couldn’t

Not since…

pushed that thought away too, focusing on the present. After several minutes, I

“Ella.”

stir, didn’t make a

the blankets, moving as quietly as I could. I crossed the room with measured steps, avoiding the furniture in the dim light. Reaching the recliner, I

wasn’t comfortable, but comfort wasn’t the point. I wasn’t expecting to sleep much tonight anyway. I pulled the quilt over me, closed my eyes, and tried to relax. Morning would come soon

Ella POV

left me

and focused on steadying my breathing, hoping to lull myself into rest. Even if I didn’t fall asleep right away, at least calming my body might help me feel less restless. I was hovering on the edge of consciousness, my mind finally beginning to quiet, when

hesitated, unsure if I should respond or pretend I hadn’t heard him. My indecision stretched too long, apparently, because Alexander shifted quietly, slipping out of