Dimitri opened his eyes, turned his head to look at her.
"Other things," Blanca went on decisively. "It isn't like I'm thinking of deserting you. I just need space now and then, don't you?"
He merged with her immediately. At once she felt stark emptiness. A black void that could never be filled. Her heart beat hard, pounding in near terror. The world was gray and black, dark and ugly. There was no relief, no hope, only the terrible emptiness of total despair. Her breath caught in her throat. She touched his hair with gentle fingers, ran a fingertip along his jaw in a small caress.
"You really dislike being alone." Blanca added.
"I think the word dislike is not nearly strong enough," Dimitri answered dryly. I cannot breathe unless you are close to me."