Not Gone

“He’s not gone, Zira. Never gone. But he is broken.”

“Broken?” I breathed. Feeling my whole body shaking again. In disbelief perhaps.

“He cannot live without being attached to a human soul.”

“He doesn’t have you anymore?”

“No, Zira. He doesn’t.”

“How? But you said-”

“I’ve no idea how it’s possible.” He squeezed my hands. “Or how long it will last. But for a moment, this moment, I’m free.”

It was a strange night. Van held me throughout it.

We made love. The slowest, tenderest lovemaking he’d ever done with me. He truly did touch every part of my body.

And afterward, he tugged me tight against him. Molding my body with his. Curving his legs up to frame behind my knees with his. His arms clinging to my waist and chest as though he couldn’t bear the idea of letting me go.

Ever.

Good. I don’t want him to.

“Zira…” He said against my hair. Kissing the top of my head and leaning forward to press his lips to my temple.