When it's over, Elena's left with her heart pounding and her breath coming in quiet pants (because the danger that someone could come looking for either of them is very real, and if they happen to come knocking on her door there's nowhere for him to hide), but she is calm, content and secure. She knows that it can't last, that it's too risky for him to stay here for much longer, but she's going to savor this for as long as she can.

"I love you, too," she says from where she's draped herself over him, head tucked against his cheek. She reaches for one of his hands and pulls it to her mouth, pressing her lips against his knuckles. 'I've missed you', she thinks, but that goes without saying.