Blackthorn Eternal Bind

Grave Promise

Police vans faded into midnight fog. Blue lights dissolved. Shed stood sealed tape-flutter. Ellen exhaled porch deep. Chill brushed arm—Luke's unseen presence. Heart tugged south. Path behind manor whispered gravel. Moon silvered overgrowth. Old oaks bowed ancient. Iron gate rusted ajar. Family cemetery slept small. Mossy stones etched Blackthorn names. Wind sighed leaves.

She sensed him clear. Pushed gate creak. Luke stood at weathered slab. Gray eyes distant moon-glow. Chestnut waves stirred breeze. Fingertip traced faded script. "My mother. She died when I was little. My father... he died a few years before me. I forgot this was back here."

Ellen walked up right next to him. Shoulder brushed chill frame. "I'm sorry, Luke."

He put his arm around her slow. Cold seeped jacket—fire beneath. She leaned in. Graves watched silent. "Luke, I think we can figure out who killed you and set you free if you want to."

"Ellen, whoever killed me is long gone." Voice carried centuries weary.

"I'm here with you now." Fingers laced his icy.

"I cannot ask you to stay with me." Gray eyes pierced ache. "I can never give you a perfect life. We can’t legally marry or go out or have kids."

"I don’t care." She cupped jaw firm. "You stay young forever. And when I die, we can stay here forever."

He kissed her knowing deep down he had to let her go. Lips sealed desperate. Cold fire bloomed eternal. Stars wheeled above graves. Manor loomed shadow guardian. Bind pulled tighter.