Page 63 of Fallen Saint

“Be safe, Willow. You do whatever you have to, to survive.”

Gasping, I pull away gently, locking eyes with him. “You too, Saint.”

At this moment, I understand why they say the eyes are the window to one’s soul. Saint’s soul seems to be in mourning with mine. We’ve spent fifty-three days together—a mere drop in the ocean compared to the endless hours of our lives—but I will never forget this fraction in time.

“I will send word as soon as I can.”

“Mmm-hmm.” It’s taking every ounce of strength I have not to break down and beg him to stay. But knowing he will be free has me pressing my lips to his. The kiss is chaste, and it’s how I want him to remember me.

“This isn’t goodbye,” he says because he can read straight through me.

“Then what is it?”

He ponders my question before he wraps his fingers around the back of my neck. “This is our new beginning.” And those words are his legacy because he kisses my forehead softly before untangling our bodies and standing.

There is so much more I want to say, but I can’t. So I will keep it under lock and key until we meet again.

There is a soft knock on the door, hinting it’s not Alek. When Sara enters, she looks back and forth between Saint and me, her eyes filled with sorrow. “The car is downstairs. Zoey is in the back. Alek made sure she wasn’t waking up anytime soon. I guess he isn’t one for goodbyes.” There is nothing but venom behind her words.

Saint nods, his jaw clenched. “Thanks, Sara.”

“I’ll miss you, Saint,” she says, tears welling, but she quickly wipes them away with the back of her hand. “You were the only person who was kind to Hans. Thank you.”

He clenches his jaw. “There is no need to thank me for being a human being. I’m sorry I couldn’t save him.”

I understand why she feels the need to express her gratitude. She is a lover scorned, and she reveals just how much so. “I want in. Whatever you’re planning, that bastard has to pay.”

Saint appears stunned by her aggression, and I am too.

“I know you would never leave Willow here alone without a plan.”

His chest rises and falls as it seems we weren’t as discreet as we believed.

“So whatever scheme you have up your sleeve, count me in.”

It feels nice knowing I can trust at least one person in this place.

“Okay, I will be in touch soon.” His lips twitch. “Look out for her. She tends not to listen.”

I scoff but don’t argue because it’s true.

“I’ve noticed.”

“Goodbye, Sara.” Saint reaches for her hand and squeezes it. Why is he saying goodbye to her? He said this wasn’t goodbye for us, so what plans does he have for her?

“Goodbye.”

The air is thick with unspoken promise, but Saint has to leave first because I am a coward and can’t say goodbye. He turns over his shoulder, and just as he’s done countless times before, he steals my breath.

“???????, ? ?????? ?????.”

I don’t know what he just said, but a single tear betrays my inner turmoil.

He watches me closely, and does something which tears me into two.

He smiles.

It’s not something I see often, but I will treasure forever his parting gift.

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