Chapter 431: Elena Ward Trembled Violently

Elena Ward trembled violently, curled tightly in Adrian Stone's arms. Her face pressed against his chest, though the height difference left her just beneath his chin. Her hands, which had tried to embrace him, now lay stiff and unyielding.

"Don't worry. They'll be fine," Adrian murmured, glancing at Elena's hand still clutching Dr. Alice Monroe' before reluctantly lying down with her.

What else could he do?

Elena refused to let go.

Quickly unbuttoning his uniform, he tucked her icy fingers beneath his arms. His palms rubbed vigorously over her body, desperate to transfer warmth. Finally, a flicker of heat sparked within her—tiny embers spreading through her veins.

Her furnace had arrived.

Hank Miller stomped his foot in agitation. "Captain Stone, something's wrong with Dr. Ward!" Even the most oblivious could see she was nearly frozen solid.

"She overexerted herself treating the wounded," Adrian explained, knowing her condition would raise suspicions.

Hank suddenly recalled the mountain rumors—Dr. Ward possessed miraculous acupuncture skills that could heal the dying. She must have poured every ounce of energy into saving those patients.

His eyes burned, hands moving faster. Those martial arts novels always warned that depleting one's life force was fatal. Dr. Ward had risked everything to save others.

A faint warmth finally blossomed in Elena's chest.

"Tighter," she managed through chattering teeth.

Adrian's arms instantly constricted around her. When her body pressed against his, the bone-deep cold made him shudder.

God—how could anyone be this cold?

His body heat enveloped her like molten lava, rapidly thawing the ice within. Elena felt submerged in a scalding tide, so blissful she nearly fainted.

At first, only her skin registered the warmth. Then it seeped deeper—into muscle, into marrow. His powerful arms locked around her, shielding her from the lingering chill.

Oh God...

The relief was so profound it brought tears to her eyes.

His warmth melted her limbs until she slumped bonelessly against him. As the cold receded, her rigid muscles relaxed, and drowsiness crept in. Sensing the change, he held her closer.

Nothing—not hot drinks, not thick blankets—could compare to this.

Her frozen stiffness dissolved into shivers.

At least now she could shiver.

"Better?" Adrian felt her muscles soften. Still cold, but no longer ice.

Elena nodded, glancing at her entwined hand with Alice. "Much. Go help Hank—he's too slow alone." Reluctance tugged at her, but lives were at stake.