Contract With The Alpha King
Contract 56

Chapter 56

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"Elijah, you have to let go," Fiona managed to say, her voice strained as she tried to catch her breath. His arms were wrapped tightly around her, squeezing her so firmly that she could barely move. Despite the joy that filled her heart, she couldn't help but feel like he was trying to crush her in his embrace. "I can't breathe," she added, giving him a playful tap on his back.

Elijah finally loosened his grip, his eyes shining with a mix of relief and happiness as he pulled back just enough to look at her. "Sorry," he said softly, though there was a smile playing on his lips. "I just needed to make sure you're really here, safe."

Before Fiona could respond, Elijah leaned in and kissed her. The world seemed to stop for a moment as his lips met hers. The kiss was slow, gentle, and filled with all the emotions he hadn't been able to express during the hours of tension and uncertainty. Fiona melted into his arms, her heart soaring as she kissed him back, her hands resting on his chest as she pressed closer.

The kiss deepened for a moment, and Fiona felt warmth spread through her, easing the tension that had built up inside her. She had missed him-missed his touch, his presence-and now, with his arms around her, everything else faded away.

When they finally pulled apart, Elijah rested his forehead against hers, his breathing slightly uneven. "You're okay," he whispered, almost as if he were reassuring himself.

Fiona smiled, her fingers gently brushing against his cheek. "I'm okay," she confirmed softly, her heart still pounding from the kiss. She looked around and realized they were back in Elijah's study, the familiar warmth of the room wrapping around them. After the intense questioning and her release, Elijah had brought her straight back to the palace, refusing to leave her side for even a moment.

"I was so worried," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "When they arrested you, I thought..." He trailed off, shaking his head as if trying to push away the memory.

Fiona placed a hand on his chest, her fingers lightly tracing the fabric of his shirt. "I'm here now," she said, her voice steady. "And they released me because the truth came out. They found the poison, just like I said."

Elijah nodded, his expression softening as he looked at her. "I know. As soon as they confirmed it, I couldn't wait to get you out of there. I wasn't going to let anyone take you from me."

Fiona laughed, the sound light and teasing. "Elijah, I was only there for an hour," she said, raising an eyebrow.

Elijah gave her a serious look. "An hour too long," he replied, his arms tightening around her again, though this time with more gentleness. He smiled, then glanced at her more closely. "You lost weight," he said, frowning slightly. "I'm going to have the guards punished for starving you."

Fiona's eyes widened in disbelief before she burst into laughter, her head resting against his chest as the sound filled the room. "They didn't starve me. I wasn't even there long enough for that!" She shook her head, still chuckling at his overreaction.

Elijah shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, they kept you in a dungeon. That's bad enough. Someone's going to answer for that."

Fiona rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the warmth she felt from his protectiveness. "You can't punish them for doing their jobs," she said, smiling up at him.

"Watch me," Elijah teased, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're safe and taken

care of."

Fiona's heart swelled at his words. She rested her hand against his cheek, her voice softening. "I know you will," she whispered. "But I'm safe now. We're both safe."

For a moment, they simply stood there in the quiet of the study wrapped in each other's arms. After what felt like forever. Elijah finally decided to let her go.

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16:58 Sun, Dec

Chapter 56

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"So, how did you replace out about the Prince?" Fiona asked. She immediately understood that the reason why Elijah was late was because he wanted to know about the Prince that Fiona was accused of harming.

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Elijah handed Fiona a cup of tea, steam curling from its surface. "Here, drink this. It'll help you relax," he said, his voice soft but still carrying that protective tone.

Fiona took the cup with a grateful smile, wrapping her fingers around the warmth. "Thank you," she said, taking a small sip. The calming herbs in the tea soothed her nerves almost instantly, and she couldn't help but feel a little more at ease.

Elijah settled into the chair across from her, his sharp gaze softening as he watched her. "Poisoning isn't uncommon during the Rites," he explained. "That's why we're all so careful with our food and drink. When I heard about what happened, I immediately sent someone to check on the prince, just in case there was more going on."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "It didn't take long before we found something-black blood. It was enough for me to assume there was poison involved. I figured you discovered it too, so I used that to prove your innocence." His lips tugged into a slight smile. "Although, it didn't seem like you needed my help."

Fiona lowered her cup, processing his words. She hadn't even realized how close Elijah had come to solving the problem on his own. "How did you know I found out about the poison?" she asked, curious now. "I didn't get a chance to tell anyone before they arrested me." Elijah leaned back. His gaze softened, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "I didn't know," he admitted. "I just trusted you."

Fiona froze, her fingers still wrapped around the warm cup. That single word-trust-hit her harder than anything else he'd said. Her heart swelled, and she felt something stir deep within her. She had been through so much, often having to rely only on herself, fighting battles without expecting anyone to believe in her. But here was Elijah, who had put everything on the line because he trusted her.

Her throat tightened, and for a moment, she couldn't replace the words. Instead, she looked at him, her emotions swirling in a way she hadn't anticipated. "You... you trusted me enough to do that?" she finally asked, her voice quiet, almost disbelieving. What if he was wrong? What if... she didn't know about the poison?

Elijah shrugged, his expression sincere. "Of course I did," he said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I've seen what you're capable of. I know you. And I believe in you."

Fiona stared at him, her heart racing. No one had ever trusted her like this before, not without question or doubt.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but the sincerity in it couldn't be mistaken.

Elijah smiled softly, leaning forward again. "You don't have to thank me, Fiona. I just did what felt right."

For a moment, they sat there in comfortable silence. Fiona felt lighter somehow as if Elijah's trust had lifted something heavy off her shoulders. She had always known she could rely on herself, but now she knew she wasn't alone. Not anymore. Elijah reached across the small table and placed his hand over hers, his touch warm and grounding. "You're safe now" he said quietly. "And I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Not while I'm here."

Fiona smiled, feeling her heart flutter at his words. For the first time in a long while, she felt truly safe. Not just because of the situation, but because she knew Elijah would stand by her side no matter what. However, this short peaceful moment was interrupted when Regor informed them that soldiers are outside of the palace asking to see Elijah.

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