Chapter 49

I turned.

My pupils dilated in effort to search the castle's accomplice penumbra. As the moment gave its end into the beginning of the next, I turned completely and took a few steps toward him; toward the familiarity beckoning, like a magic flute summoning a hypnotized snake. In the intimate darkness I could barely outline a sharp jaw; thick black hair and a hint of surprise atbeing discovered?

My heart held its breath.

I found his eyes while the intense, jaded look searing my skin didn't prevent me from asking rather bluntly: "Are you hiding?"

"No." He stepped closer to me. "Just making memories." His English sounded surprisingly impeccable.

Within such closeness, I had to lift my chin to hold his gaze. "You speak English?"

"Yes."

"Making memories?"

"Yes."

Taking in his darkness, mesmerized, I could not look away.

"You look Japanese from behind." He finally broke the spell.