There was a period of time that Aleksander would have been happy to travel back with Eliot if there had been a way - after Nina had brought home to him the fact that he had lost but before he'd grappled with the incredible harm he had to Ravka. A new world with a partner beside him who not only wanted him but was not afraid to use his power? Such a thing would have been irresistible and all things considered, it was surely for the best that this never happened.

"It is only one way," Aleksander said softly, resolutely not thinking about Alina and the stag. "The amplification, that is. I can't take any of your power, just strengthen it. I've had time to get used to this feeling when I touch someone with power but as you've discovered, it's not something one can tune out easily."