Ominis Gaunt Loves a Pureblood

12. Graduation

Sorsa Fossey POV

   My escape to the Undercroft couldn't have been more closely called. I felt a panic attack creeping over me, my breathing became rapid, and my mind clouded. I'd been having them more often recently. Graduation was this evening. Somehow six weeks had flown by. It's too fast. Time went by too fast. My heart hammers away in my chest, and I feel lightheaded. I can't lose him. I can't lose Ominis. Sebastian and I, we had tried to convince him. Every day we tried again and again. Even Natty had tried. The worst part was, Ominis never got frustrated with us. He just gave a resigned smile and placated us until we let it go again. My vision blacks, and I do everything I can to force myself to take a slow breath. I grip the stone wall, hoping I reach the nest at the back. I'm vaguely aware of the lift opening behind me.

   "Sorsa," Ominis's voice is strained. He takes me in his arms, leading us to the nest. "Breath, Sorsa. In and out, you can do it."

   "I.. can't... I can't..." I gasp, my breathing increasing again. I feel the tears, and my vision is cloudy as I turn to look at him. His beautiful face. He looks pained. He holds me close, and I feel myself begin to relax.

   "I'm here," He murmurs into my hair. "I'm here, Darling." He promises. I take a stuttered breath and then another.

   "But you won't be." I sob. "You won't be." My hands cling to his robes; they feel like they're locking up.

   "Sorsa, It's alright. Just breath. We have graduation tonight. Let's be excited about that." He tries to calm and distract me the way he's been trying these past weeks.

   "Ominis," It's all I can say. I bury my face in his chest, and he rubs my back gently. After a moment has passed, and my heart rate has returned to normal, I speak again. "Aren't you upset at all?" I ask. My voice sounds angry. Ominis scoffs.

   "Why would you even ask that?" He wrenches my hands from his robes and stands, pacing before me. "Why would I not be upset? These weeks passed so quickly, all the while, it's like I've been poisoned, and with each day that passes, I'm sicker than the last. I feel pressure on my heart, and I think it will crush me. Do you think I'm unbothered? While you and Sebastian confront me, day after day, of my dreams and wishes to stay by your side, all the while, knowing all the while I'm to be parted from you forever." His last words come out broken. I let out a sob, my agony for his suffering and shame for doubting him overcoming me.

   "I'm sorry," I whisper, my own voice weak.

   Ominis faces me then, unseeing eyes filled with pain. He opens his arms, and I rush into them. He stumbles back as he catches me, another sob strangled in his throat.

   "I'm sorry too. More than you know," His lips say the words into my hair.

   "I'm scared," I admit, burying my face in his chest. He tightens his grip on me.

   "Me too," He huffs. He shakes in my arms, and I pull back, reaching up to cup his face in my hands. I use my thumbs to wipe his tears, and he sighs.

   "When do they arrive?" I ask, referring to his family. I know once they do, we'll only get a few stolen moments in secret before he leaves with them.

   "In two hours," His voice sounds resigned. "I will find a moment to say-" I cut him off, placing a hand on his soft lips. He kisses my palm.

   "Don't say it. We'll find a moment to hold each other before you leave." I whisper. I don't want a goodbye.

   "Okay," He says softly.

   Ominis's fingers slid under my jaw, and he tilted my head up. His thumb presses on my plump bottom lip, pulling it down so my lips part. I make a noise of desire. A pained smile crosses his lips. He dips his head and kisses me. His breath smells like earl grey tea, and I drink it up, hungry for as much of him as possible. His free hand pushes my robe from my shoulders, and it falls to the floor. I do the same with his robe. Our kisses become frantic, desperate. I strip my clothes off, and he does too. My heart beats wildly as I view his princely figure. Pale broad shoulders and silver scars that I feel like I've memorized.