To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 233

Zane considered the suggestion for a moment, his brow furrowing in doubt.

“She’s got a weak immune system. What if she picks up something else from me?”

Quincy Shelton didn’t answer, falling silent.

Without waiting for further discussion, Zane fetched a disposable syringe, removed the needle, and carefully drew the fever medicine into the barrel. Bit by bit, he coaxed the liquid into Elara’s mouth.

Unable to watch, Quincy retreated to the living room to await further orders.

After the medicine was given, Zane was about to let her rest when he noticed her hand wrapped tightly around the pocket of his trousers. He wasn’t sure when she’d grabbed him.

Maybe it was the fever rising again, but Elara murmured something about being cold, then reached out and clung to his thigh.

A shiver ran up Zane’s spine.

The warmth of her arm seeped through the thin fabric and into his skin, like a soft, smoldering flame searing his nerves.

He tensed his legs without thinking, his Adam’s apple bobbing with a dry swallow.

“Hey…” he tried, voice low and rough, gently nudging her shoulder, “can you let go of me?”

But the feverish woman only held tighter, burying her face against his leg.

Zane knew people with high fevers often felt chilled, instinctively seeking warmth. Yet the way she was holding onto him wasn’t just for comfort—it was as if she were drowning and he was the only thing keeping her afloat.

His breath caught. After a moment, he let out a soft sigh and pressed his warm palm to her burning forehead.

“I’m here. As long as you need me, you’re not alone.”

…

He leaned back against the headboard, trying to rest for a while, but suddenly his eyes snapped open and his brows drew together in concern.

He glanced down at the woman curled by his side; her fever had finally stopped climbing, but her hand was still firmly locked around his leg.

He tried to pry her fingers loose. The moment he moved, Elara only clung more tightly.

Zane took a shaky breath.

“Quincy,” he called quietly.

“On it!” Quincy didn’t waste a second, making a hasty retreat.

…

Past midnight, Elara’s fever finally broke, but she was lost in a nightmare, tears streaking her face.

Zane, now in gray lounge pants, was sipping coffee in the living room when he heard her crying. He set down his mug and hurried to the bedroom.

“What’s wrong?”

The words barely left his lips before he saw her curled up on the bed, cheeks wet, her tears soaking the white pillow beneath her.

Something twisted in his chest.

Without hesitation, he sat on the edge of the bed and gathered her gently into his arms.

Her tears seeped through his shirt, burning against his skin and making his heart ache.

“It’s all right,” he whispered, rocking her softly. “You’re safe now. It’s all right.”