Chapter 49: Cast-Off, Part 2

Tristan was alone. There was no derisive nymph around. "Vincent said you wanted to talk to me," I said, stepping inside the archaic room.

He hesitated a few seconds and turned around, his face hard. "This place is more private."

"Where's Esha?" I moved toward him.

"She's in the sunroom."

I stopped several feet away from him, locking my eyes with his. "What's going on, Tristan?"

"Kalista." He stepped closer, opening his mouth to say something. He raised his hand and brushed his thumb against my cheek, his eyes glistening. The golden light from above made them a sparkly shade of sadness, agony even, as if touching me hurt him. And the persistence of his touch had an edge to it, like he was feeling me for the last time.

"Tell me," I pleaded softly. I laced my fingers with his. He slid his other hand behind my neck and pulled me closer. He pressed his lips to my forehead for a long moment and pulled back, releasing my hands.