Alexis
It was time to go, though every part of me wanted to stay. I longed to remain wrapped in Alex’s warmth but knew the risks were too high. I slowly pulled away from his arms, feeling the emptiness settle in.
“I have to go,” I said to him, trying to convince myself as much as him.
He looked at me with a playful pout, and his arms pulled me back in with a firm hold. His eyes, full of longing, silently begged me to stay.
“I have to,” I replied, giving him a sad smile. “Byron’s council meeting will end soon, and if I’m not home by then, he’ll start suspecting something. You were strong enough to escape that explosion. I don’t think I’d get as lucky.”
He sighed, reluctant to let me leave. We walked down the stairs together, his hand never leaving mine, as if letting go meant losing so
