I woke up the next morning, expecting to have Caelin's arms around me. But as my eyes cracked open to see the milky light of the moon pouring in from the window, Caelin was gone. I turned over to see if he was just not in the bed, but in his place was a slip of parchment. Across it lay a single black feather.
My Dearest Deliah,
I'm sorry to leave you, but it is the only way I can keep you safe. I have to fight something that is threatening your life, and that can't happen. I cant loose you. Not again.
Again? What did that mean? I read on.
I'll fight to survive with you in my heart. But I cant say for sure that I will make it back to you. If I do, then I have something important to tell you. If I dont, then Zara will tell you.
Oh, Deliah, I love you. So much. More than you know. Thats why I need to do this. You meen the world and more to me.
Forever loving you,
~Caelin
I drew in a sharp breath and clutched the side of the bed for support. Caelin... Was gone. He left me. I was alone. And he thought he was going to die.
No. It cant happen. This was a dream.
Tears ran down my face as Zara stepped into the room. She saw the note and came to hold me up. I held onto her, sobbing wildly. Caelin was going to die. For me. It was my fault.
I calmed a bit and looked at Zara.
"We're going after him," I said.
Zara shook her head sadly. "We cant. He doesnt want you to."
"Screw that! We're following him. If he insists on fighting, then I'll be with him when he does."
Zara sighed. "Fine. I'll get a servant to bring up a couple of horses. We''l chase him down."
I hugged her and said, "Thank you."
**Caelin**
I landed on my feet after flying for miles, non-stop. My mind was terrifyingly clear, and I was preparing to kill Alanze. And I would. Even if I went down with her. I had to protect Deliah.
The thought of Deliah clouded my mind. I missed her, after just a few hours away from her. Last night had been a goodbye. It had also been me paniking. I couldnt pinick now. I had to be... More like the old me. The me that had been hardened by all the years of pain. I had to be clear-minded and deadly.
I would get to that after I gave my wings a rest. I was near passing out.
I layed down on the hard ground, one of the Hell-Hounds I was using to track Alanze came to lay himslef beside me. I ran a hand through his fur.
I closed my eyes and let Dreams take over.
