Nicole’s POV
As Nathan’s arms tightened around me, I clung to him, burying my face in his shoulder. “Goodbye,” I whispered, my voice cracking. My tears soaked into his shirt, but he did not seem to care. When I finally forced myself to let go, Nathan still held me firmly, as if he could not bear to release me.
“I will get you out of here soon,” he murmured, his voice filled with conviction. Then he leaned in and kissed me, his lips warm and tender against mine. I tasted the salt of my tears as they mingled between us. My heart ached, torn between the comfort of his touch and the cold reality of where I was headed.
When he finally stepped back, I felt a hollowness in my chest, like a piece of me had been taken away. I watched him leave, the heavy iron door of the dungeon slamming shut
