And soon enough, after Lucius pressed that kiss to my lips, he left without a word, just like the breeze. Or maybe the breeze left with him. He was beginning to harness the energy inside him. I just watched him go. I didn't call out. I didn't chase. I just stood there.
Then Veryon stepped into the room.
The wind had thrown the window wide open. Rain poured in, hitting my face, my hair drenching me. But I didn't flinch. I didn't even feel it. I only watched the place where Lucius had disappeared.
Veryon reached for my hand.
"Was... is anyone here?" he asked, eyes searching mine like he could read the truth there.
I looked away.
"No. Nobody is."
Why did I lie?
Veryon had to know. He deserved the truth. So why was I keeping it from him?
"I don't know why I'm doing this," I whispered, more to myself than him.
He sat me down gently, pulling me aside with a quiet urgency. His breath brushed my ear as he leaned in.
