Chapters Eighty-Six - Time Together

Ella's POV

But our clasped hands spoke what could not be voiced. Side by side we walked the last stretch down the corridor together, Aiden's pride and my own joy needing no expression between us. As ever we were in one mind about what mattered most.

But trepidation crept in as we neared the bedchamber door. This first joining carried heavy weight after the yawning absence - a bridge knitting together two shores of self that had grown strained from separation.

Would the gulf between us close seamlessly, or highlight cracks that may never fully smooth? Fearing the answer, yet I could not turn back. Restoring unity in full was the only path ahead.

At Aiden's subtle cue I stepped across the threshold first, hyper aware of his silent presence just behind. My too-quick breaths were deafening in the intimate hush.

But then solid arms enfolded me from behind, Aiden's chin settling atop my head as naturally as it had a hundred times before, and the moment passed. No further ceremonies were n