Anne entered Richmond's room. Richmond was sprawled on the bed, his eyes hollowed, his lips dry and cracked.
Anne closed the door softly behind her, her heart aching at the sight before her.
"Why are you doing this, Richmond? Why?" Anne's voice was thick with emotion, a mixture of anger and sorrow that she struggled to contain.
Richmond stared at Anne, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Come here," he said, opening his arms.
Against her better judgment, Anne walked toward him, feeling a magnetic pull that she could not resist. She fell into his outstretched arms, feeling his body against hers. Richmond drew her closer, inhaling her scent deeply as if trying to memorize every part of her. "I have missed you," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.
Anne pulled back slightly, enough to look into his eyes. "Today is the last day," she said firmly. "You need to go out and look for your mate."