A Temporary Goodbye

"...You are leaving." It was not a question, merely a toneless statement of fact intoned in that husky timbre that never failed to send frissons of longing ricocheting through her.

For several endless heartbeats, Anastasia couldn't summon the will to respond.

How did one even begin to explain the complex, gut-wrenching situation to their mate?

The excruciating decisions that were being forced upon her despite her most fervent desires?

Finally, with visible effort, Anastasia twisted at the waist to directly meet Liam's heated brandy stare.

Though her features remained impassive and regal as ever, her eyes alone shone with naked, wretched remorse.

Anastasia sighed heavily, the weight of an invisible burden seeming to press down on her slender shoulders.

She slid her phone back into the pocket of her jeans and rose from the battered old armchair, her movements slow and reluctant.