If you like music while you're reading, try "I Want You Here" by Plumb. Although the subject of the verse is a different kind of loss, the chorus in particular shows Reth & Elia's hearts in these scenes.
*****
ELIA
Everything that was happening in that moment faded away and Elia was transported back, in her mind, to the moment she'd met the Creator face to face. While her body threatened to leave this world, and her mate lost his mind, she'd stood before the most powerful heart in the universe.
He had kind eyes.
He'd stared down at her, his lips pulled into a gentle smile. "…Your greatest fear is the very gateway I made for your victory. Your beast is not your enemy, Elia. She is your strength. Use her. The voices told you she would destroy you because if they could keep you afraid you would never learn the strength I had given you."
Elia's heart began to race. Was he saying…?
