Chapter 14

MY DEAREST, darling Clara--

I know this will cause you distress, and it pains my heart like a thousand arrows. But I have looked desperately for another way, and I have failed. I am so very sorry. I must away for a time. Please believe that there is no other way right now, but if a way can be found, I shall brave fire and danger and all the portals of the Netherworld itself to find it.

Please, my darling, don't cry. Remember that I worship you, I love you with everything in me, and you humble me with your presence and your laughter and your beauty and your love. Just knowing you exist gives me the strength to go on and do what I must do.

Don't lose faith in me, my love. I will return. If you cannot forgive me, and if you will not wait for me, know that I will understand, though it breaks my wretched heart. I love you, my darling, and so I want you to be happy, even if it is not I who brings you that happiness. Though I desperately hope that it will be.