Chapter 43

Chapter Forty Three

The warmth of Elijah's embrace had anchored me through what felt ke endless waves of grief. My body trembled from exhaustion, my face buried in his chest as tears continued to flow. But eventually the storm began to ebb, leaving me breathless and drained.

I shifted slightly, finally looking up from Elijah's chest. My vision was still blurry from crying, but the sight before me stopped me.

Austin stood in the doorway, dorning an apron, his broad shoulders slumped as he rubbed at his eyes. He looked utterly miserable.

"Austin?" I croaked, my voice hoarse from crying, "Why are you crying?"

Austin sniffed dramatically, his lower lip quivering. "It's the onions," he said, holding up his hands, which were covered in faint smears of onion juice. "I was trying to cook something for all of us, and now my eyes feel like they're on fire. Every time I blink, it's like onions rubbing themselves deeper into my eyes."

I stared at him, stunned for a moment by the sheer ridiculousness of the situation. Then, unexpectedly, a giggle bubbled up from Mythroat.

It started small, barely audible, but soon grew louder until I was clutching my stomach and laughing.

"There she is,” Alex said from where he stood near the window, his lips twitching into a smile. He walked over and kissed my cheek,

his warm touch chasing away some of the lingering sadness.

breath. "Austin,

on his hips. The sight of him standing there in

lighter than

starve," Austin

fighting back a grin.

down my back. "We appreciate the effort,

that to my list of survival tips," Austin grumbled, retreating toward

of something cooking began to fill the cabin, and despite myself, my stomach growled.

until now.

helped me to my feet, steadying me as I

on," he said softly, his hand resting on the small of my back. Let's see what masterpiece Austin's creating for

way to the kitchen, where Austin was stirring something in a pot. His apron was now slightly

are you making?" I asked, leaning against

proudly. "It's warm, comforting, and most

small dining table. "You

Austin protested, brandishing a wooden spoon. "I'll have you

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