Page 24

Twenty Three

Broken Promises

I t felt like losing her dad all over again.

Alexa remembered promising her dad that she’d try to be happy, but all she had wanted to do at the thought of losing him was shut herself away from the world and cry until there were no tears left.

The prospect of finding happiness after him had seemed impossible then. And after his death, as she began to lose the girl she used to be, that promise felt empty. Alexa no longer had the intention of keeping it.

Until Tristan. The boy who completed her in every way.

Now, he was leaving her too, asking her to make the same promise her dad did. Only this time, it was going to be even harder to keep.

“Tell me,” Tristan began after a moment. “How has life been these two years? How’s college?”

His question felt almost surreal, as if they could just talk about the last two years like old friends catching up.

“College…” she began in a trembling voice, as she remembered the plans they had made, of attending college together somewhere far away. “It’s… fine. I mean, it’s college, you know? Classes, assignments, the usual.”

She shrugged. She didn’t want to talk more about it.

Tristan sighed. “And you? How have you been? Truly.”

Alexa gave a dry chuckle. “I’ve been surviving, I guess.”

“Who took you to senior prom?”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, I’m curious.”

Alexa sighed in defeat. “He was my lab partner in Chemistry with whom I had zero chemistry, in case you are wondering, mister .”

Tristan rested his chin over her head. “There’s the Alexa I know.” The smile in his voice warmed her heart a little.

“No, the Alexa you know turned down every boy who asked her for prom because she was only interested in the boy who dressed in black, whom she pretended to be mad at, at that time.”

Tristan’s chest shook as he chuckled. “You’re not wrong there, angel. But I was actually hinting at the way you called me mister . It’s kind of adorable because you sound particularly feisty and in charge when you use it.”

A sad smile pulled at her lips. “I didn’t know…” Just like so many other things she would never get to know—didn’t have time to know anymore.

“And how did it go?”

“What? Prom?”

“Yeah.”

“Boring.” Alexa closed her eyes and cringed. “I ended up ditching my date and hanging out with Daphne instead.”

“Why does that satisfy my ears?”

A genuine smile broke into her face, as small as it was. “Because you like being informed that you can dance better than any of my prom dates.”

“I’m flattered that you think so.” The smile was still in his voice. “And speaking of which, those dances your date ruined were supposed to be mine to give. So—” He pulled away and stood, offering her his hand. His eyes were red-rimmed but alight. “Alexandra Ford, will you let me make it up to you and do me the honor of this one last dance?”

Alexa’s breath hitched. She placed her trembling hand in his and let him pull her up to her feet. Tristan took his phone and opened the Spotify app. Her heart stuttered to see a playlist named Alexa there. His thumb hovered over it, and she heard him breathe in sharply.

“I can’t believe I never questioned who Alexa was,” he whispered and met her gaze. “Before Jude wiped our memories the second time, I was convinced I had an ex-girlfriend named Alexa. I’m glad I didn’t delete it then. After the second time, it’s like my brain didn’t even register the name I saw every time I opened the app.”

He sounded frustrated, even close to blaming himself for not remembering who the name belonged to. She rubbed his shoulder comfortingly.

“It was just a name, Tristan—”

“The only name that made my heart race,” he interjected, “when I used to remember it, at least.”

He had never once failed to make her heart flip with the words from his mouth. She relished the feeling while it lasted.

“Do you remember what happened after Jude wiped our memories the second time?” she asked. “When I woke up, I was in my bed, convinced that I took a brief nap to ward off my headache but overslept.”

Tristan’s eyes darkened. “Same. I found myself on the couch in my living room. I’ll bet he had some help to drag me downstairs and into his car and dump me inside my house.” Then he sighed. “I don’t want to think about it now, Lexa. I only want to think of the present—about us.”

He opened the playlist Alexa . All her favorites were there. He played Run to You and set the phone on the nightstand before pulling her closer and swaying them to the music.

Alexa tightened her hold on him, as if she could somehow keep him anchored to this world, to her. As the song wrapped around them, her tears ran free. Each line that used to make her heart flutter now weighed her down; a bitter realization that she’d never be able to listen to her favorite songs without thinking about Tristan again.

They had become their songs. And they always would be.

“Remember what you said you wanted your future to be like when we first learned I wouldn’t be around long?” Tristan murmured into her hair.

Alexa nodded against his shoulder.

“You wanted us to get married, and if possible, have a child.”

She nodded again.

“I-if things were different, is that what you would’ve wanted?” His question was tentative.

“Yes,” she whispered. “Because nothing hurts more than not getting to know how life would’ve been with you. The heartbreak was inevitable.”

“I—I wish I was able to give you that life, Lexa.”

“I wish too, Tristan.” She sniffed. “I wanted to be your widow rather than your girlfriend if you were truly going to leave.”

“I’m so sorry we didn’t have enough time together.” Tristan’s voice was thick with emotion. “Six months. We barely had six months together.”

“And now I’ll never get that proposal I was looking forward to.”

Tristan stiffened against her suddenly. “T-there’s something I want to give you.” He pulled away from her slowly and retrieved his jacket from the bed. Sinking a hand into the inner pocket, he pulled out a small, square box, and turned back to her.

Alexa stared at him.

“This was my mother’s.” He opened the box and revealed a gorgeous diamond ring. “Dad gave it to me on my birthday three days ago, saying he wants me to find love and give it to the girl I’d marry one day.” He sighed, and the longing in his eyes—Alexa knew it would haunt her for the rest of her life.

“Alexandra Noelle Ford,” he began, taking her hand in his. “Will you accept this ring as the token of my infinite love for you, as a part of me in exchange for yours that I’ll be carrying with me when I go?”

Alexa’s fingers closed around his shirt. She pulled him closer and captured his lips with hers. In that kiss, she poured out everything—her yes, her love, her longing, and the sorrow that words could never express.

Tristan met her intensity, his own desperation evident as he kissed her back, as if trying to pour every last ounce of his love into this final moment with her. Without breaking their kiss, he slipped the ring onto her finger and tossed the box aside before his arms encircled her, drawing her closer until there was no space left between them.

Alexa arched into him, her body pressing against his, her arms wrapping around his neck. Her fingers found their way into his hair, then they slowly trailed to his face and traced the lines, trying to memorize every detail, every curve. She wanted to lock away the memory of his features deep within her, to carry it with her no matter what happened next.

Tristan’s hands moved in response, mirroring her actions. He traced the contours of her face, his touch gentle yet burning with intensity. His fingers glided down her neck, leaving a trail of fire along her skin. They explored her collarbones, then moved to her shoulders, down to her waist, before slipping to her back, where they ran up and down her spine, sending shivers of pleasure through her.

Alexa trembled, the tears still streaming down her face. She could taste the salt of them mingled with their kiss. They broke apart briefly, gasping for air, but the moment was fleeting as she brushed her thumb over his lips and pulled him back into another kiss, hungry and filled with a need that went beyond words.

Tristan’s hands explored every inch of her back, his touch both familiar and achingly new. Her shirt rode up, and they slid beneath it, his fingers brushing her bare skin. The touch sent a shiver through her, and she gasped softly into his mouth.

He paused, pulling back enough to search her eyes, as if asking for permission, or perhaps seeking reassurance that this was real. She met his gaze and nodded.

He gently eased the fabric up, his hands trembling slightly as he caressed her skin. Every touch was deliberate, and tender, as if he was afraid to do this but also burning with desire. Then, he began to touch her with more confidence. It was gentle but electrifying, like a whisper of fire igniting a thousand sparks along her nerves.

Their lips met again.

It was a new level of intimacy for both of them. Alexa felt both vulnerable and exhilarated. It was more overwhelming than anything she’d experienced before. Her senses were acutely aware of every movement, every breath, as his hands mapped out the contours of her waist, the curve of her hips, and the delicate line of her spine.

Alexa’s own hands found their way under his t-shirt. Her palms pressed against the warmth of his skin. She felt the firm muscles of his chest and the defined ridges of his abs.

She had never seen him without his shirt before. Of course, she had known he was strong and had felt the hard panes of his body through the fabric of his clothes, but this was different. This took her breath away.

The sensation of his bare skin under her fingers and the warmth radiating from him gave her the sense of discovering another layer of him, a sacred one, hidden beneath the armor he wore for the world. Like a secret revealed only to her.

It made her hold on to him even tighter.

“Alexa,” Tristan whispered, coming up for air from their lip-lock. “Alexa, Alexa, Alexa.” He bent his head, his lips finding her neck, and trailed kisses along her skin.

Alexa arched into him, her hands gripping his shoulders as she tilted her head back to give him more access. His breath was warm against her skin, his kisses soft yet searing, branding her with the memory of his touch.

“I love you,” he whispered against her skin. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too,” she repeated. “I love you— Tristan? ”

Tristan had pulled away from her abruptly and began to cough into his hand. He stepped back from her and lowered himself to the bed.

“Tristan?” She touched his shoulder, not concealing the fear from her voice. It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over her. The warmth and assurances of the moments before were suddenly lost.

She was scared.

“It’s alright,” Tristan rasped, taking a deep breath. “I’m alright.” He looked up at her, but Alexa was staring at the horrifying sight in front of her.

Blood. There was blood in the palm of his hand.

It took her back to her dad’s final days in the hospital. Her worst nightmare, the one that had haunted her days and nights, was right before her again. In another form.

“T-Tristan…”

He followed her gaze, and his eyes widened. He curled the hand into a fist to hide it from her and stood. “I’ll go wa—” He sat back down, stopping short as he coughed again. More blood sprayed into his hand.

For a moment, Alexa stood there, frozen in shock, not knowing what to do. Then she composed herself and ran into the bathroom. She threw open one of the cupboards, grabbed a towel, and wet part of it before running back to his side.

Tristan had stopped coughing, but he looked weary. Alexa knelt in front of him and took his hand, wiping it clean of blood. Then she wiped the stain from his mouth.

“I love you so much,” he whispered.

She looked up. He was watching her with gentle eyes, his gaze the epitome of adoration. Her heart throbbed with pain again. “I love you so much, too.” She grabbed his hands and looked down at them, whispering, “Please don’t leave me.”

“If the chance of staying was even a possibility, angel, I would’ve fought with everything in me to stay with you—even for a day. Even for a night or another hour.”

Alexa took a shuddering breath. She shouldn’t make this any harder for him. Making impossible wishes and breaking his heart further was imprudent.

“Dad’s here,” he said suddenly. “I hear his car.”

Alexa rose from the floor to sit next to him, but before she could, Tristan snatched the bloodied towel from her hand and lurched forward, coughing into it.

“Tristan…” she uttered helplessly.

Tristan moved the cloth from his mouth. There was more blood than the last time. One look at his paper-white face, which highlighted the shadows beneath his eyes, told Alexa that time was ticking. They were going to say goodbye.

“Lexa?” he called her in a small voice, not taking his eyes off the towel. “I-I’m scared.”

Alexa didn’t think her heart could break anymore, but it did. She wrapped her arms around him and drew him to her chest, resting her back against the headboard and cradling him.

“I’m here,” she whispered shakily, stroking his face. “I’m right here. I won’t leave you. I-I’m not going anywhere, my darling.”

“Darling,” he repeated weakly. “I can’t recall the last time you called me that, but I love it.”

Her fingers curled in his hair. “You will always be my darling. My one and only,” she said, smiling sadly. “My darling Tristan, my darling knight. My darling love.”

“I love you so much,” he said it like he couldn’t stop himself from saying it.

“I love you too, darling.”

Hurrying footsteps neared the room, and Albert appeared at the doorway. He was a sight of distress from head to toe. The moment his eyes fell on Tristan, he froze.

“Dad.” Tristan smiled. It was so weary and so achingly beautiful.

Albert stumbled into the room, his gaze never leaving his son. The helplessness and heartbreak in his eyes were almost unbearable to watch. Alexa looked away.

“Trist…” He sank onto the bed and grabbed Tristan’s hand.

“I’m so glad you made it,” Tristan said, still smiling. “I only have a little time left.”

Albert shook his head. Tears ran down his cheeks. “No. No.”

“Dad, listen.” Tristan placed his other hand over his dad’s. “I’ve got some things to tell you—”

“You know what, you’re not dying!” Albert shot to his feet. “Not under my watch. We’re taking you to the—”

“Dad,” Tristan interrupted, his voice firm. “There’s nothing you can do about this.”

“No, I can give you—”

“Dad, you know there’s nothing you can give me to save my life from a magical curse,” Tristan cut in again, softer this time. “I want you to sit next to me and hold my hand until I take my last breath.” As Albert continued to stare down at him with tormented eyes, Tristan tugged at his hand. “Please, Dad?”

Albert lifted his eyes to Alexa, acknowledging her for the first time since entering the room. He took in her tear-filled gaze for a moment before sitting back down. Taking a shaky breath, he looked at Tristan.

“I’m listening.”

“Okay…” He took a deep breath. “Tell the girls they’re the best little sisters I could’ve asked for. I love them, and I hope they’ll tell their kids about me.”

Alexa had only met his cousins twice, but she knew how much Tristan loved them and how much they loved him back.

Albert closed his eyes and nodded, squeezing Tristan’s hand.

“Everything I own,” Tristan continued. “I want it to go to Alexa. Everything.”

Alexa stiffened in shock. “Tristan—”

“Yes,” Albert said, cutting her off. He gave Tristan’s hand another squeeze.

“Thank you, Dad.” Tristan inhaled. “Promise me you won’t go after Merissa or her son.”

Albert’s eyes flew open. “I’m sorry, Trist, but I’m afraid I can’t make—”

“But it’s my wish ,” Tristan insisted. “I love you, Dad. Please keep away from her.”

Albert stared at Tristan, clenching his jaw.

“Dad,” Tristan prompted as he continued to stay silent.

Albert looked like he didn’t want to relent. But then, Alexa saw him squeeze Tristan’s hand.

“I’ll take that as a promise,” Tristan said and craned his neck to look at Alexa. “I think I should lie down.”

Alexa nodded and shifted aside as Tristan lifted his head from her chest and rested it on the pillow. He exhaled, and she cradled his other hand, wiping away the tears from her cheek with her shoulder.

Tristan returned his gaze to his dad, and they turned so incredibly solemn that Alexa knew what he was going to say next. She was momentarily taken back to two years ago in his library and the promise she’d made him replayed in her mind.

“You may have lived all these years bearing that guilt, but not anymore. I’m not going to let you. Even if it will take my whole life, I’ll spend it trying to make you understand you are innocent. I will, Tristan.”

“I’m not going to leave you alone in this, Tristan. I believe in your innocence, I know you’re innocent, and I’m going to fight until the last hold of guilt is lost on you. You’ve carried this weight all your life, all on your own. I’m not going to leave you alone in this, not anymore.”

“I’m so sorry I took Mom and my sister away from you.”

Alexa stifled her sob. He had told her he would carry the guilt to his grave. Now here he was, and she would never get to fulfill that promise.

“Trist…” Albert’s pupils dilated as he stared at his son. There was disbelief and anguish in them.

“I know you never blamed me for their deaths,” Tristan added abruptly. “You’ve never once blamed me, treated me any less, loved me any less, or looked at me with anything such as accusation for it—”

“Tristan,” Albert cut him off. “Why would I ever do that? It wasn’t your fault—”

“The guilt I’ve carried all my life says otherwise,” Tristan interjected wearily. “I took them away from you—”

“Tristan—”

“—and now I’m going too, leaving you here all alone. I’m so sorry, Dad. I’m so sorry!” Tears escaped from the corners of his eyes. “I’ve never told you about this. I’ve never told anyone but Alexa. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am—”

“You think this is your fault?” Albert asked, his voice hardening. “All this mess in our life since you got cursed, you think it’s all your fault? What if I told you it was mine? What if I told you I’ve been carrying the guilt of it all since the day your curse was activated, that the guilt increased when you lost your mom, and that I had to raise you, the one person I love the most, isolated from the world? No, Trist, none of that was your fault. How could you have even thought so? This fate befell us because I broke Merissa’s heart. I’m going to lose you because I crushed her. She’s crushing my heart in return.”

Tristan stared at his dad with undisguised disbelief. “You—you’ve never once blamed me for Mom’s death?”

Albert looked at him with sad eyes. “If I ever made you feel that way, I have failed as a dad.”

“No,” Tristan protested. “Don’t say that. Don’t ever say that. You’ve been the best dad I could’ve asked for. I don’t know what I would’ve done all these years without you. It’s just that, we’ve never talked about it, and I took it upon myself to believe that somewhere in your heart you blamed me for Mom’s death. But I swear I’ve never once doubted your love.” Then he added, with a smile, “You never gave me a chance to.”

Albert tried to smile back, but it faltered. He leaned down and hugged Tristan, wrapping an arm around him and resting his head near him. Then he broke down.

Alexa let go of Tristan’s hand so he could hug his dad back. She brought her knees up and cried into them. Tears trickled down from the corners of Tristan’s eyes. Seeing that, she cried harder.

Alexa needed her sister right now. She wished Cassie was here so she could hold onto her when she lost her gravity.

She fished out the phone from her pocket, and upon switching it on, saw a dozen missed calls from Cassie. She called her back immediately, knowing this could only mean one thing.

Cassie remembered, too.

The moment the lightning had struck Tristan, it must’ve broken the spell on them.

“Alexa! Thank God. I’ve been calling you non-stop for the last half an hour! Where are you? Are you alright?”

Alexa tried to speak, but all that escaped her was a whimper.

“Lex?” Alarm filled Cassie’s voice.

“T-Tristan’s dying.”

Dead silence followed from Cassie’s end of the line. And then, she heard a sniffle, and John asked, “What?”

“It’s too late,” Cassie answered him.

“Lex?” It was John. The tremor in his voice was undeniable. “Are you with Tristan?”

“Yes,” she murmured, her eyes locking with Tristan’s.

“C-can I talk with him?”

Alexa didn’t trust herself to speak. She was still mad at her brother figure, but she put him on speaker and held it toward Tristan.

“John?” Tristan rasped.

“Man…” John sighed. “I’m so sorry, I—”

“I know.” Tristan’s eyes were on Alexa. “I know you knew me—but I don’t understand. Why didn’t you help us?”

“I wanted to,” John said, his voice desperate. “I really wanted to, but I had to listen to God over my own desires.”

Alexa stared at the phone. “W-what did you say?”

“Why do you think I was unaffected by the spell while you all got affected?” He sighed. “I’m not trying to gloat, and I’m not saying I was perfect, but God’s eyes deemed me as someone who walks in His path and follows His word. I was granted protection against evil.”

Alexa had already guessed that, but she didn’t understand what he meant by listening to God. Before she could ask, he was continuing.

“I’m not the only one who was protected; your mom was too.”

Alexa’s eyes widened. “B-but I saw her falling to the spell.”

“She was prompted by the Holy Spirit to pretend to fall asleep—just like I did when Jude came to me,” John explained. “But we were told to trust this matter completely into God’s hands. He said He had a plan. I-I never thought it’d ever come down to this, but even if I did, I know I’d still choose to trust God’s plan. I want you two to know that I’m truly sorry. I wasn’t doing it on purpose.”

Tristan chuckled, drawing her gaze to him. He was staring at the ceiling.

“I have always failed to understand your God,” he said and met her gaze. They softened. “But I also saw the witches who took away my memory speak of Him with fear, declaring that He was unbeatable, that He protects His people. At that moment, I didn’t want anything but you and me to be someone He protected. But I knew I wasn’t worthy, and it was too late already.”

Alexa took his hand back in hers. Albert straightened and wiped his tears away.

“It’s never too late to seek His mercy,” John said softly, brotherly. “ Do you want His mercy, Tristan?”

Tristan stared at Alexa. “I have underestimated Him so much.”

“Jesus came for sinners, Trist,” John began. “We all sin daily as we do or say wrong things, big or small. Yet, He forgives us when we seek Him, and continues to hold us close, because no one’s perfect, and He knows it. You didn’t know Him, Tristan. Every time you accused Him, you didn’t know Him. And He knows that. He’s ready to forgive you if you are willing to seek His forgiveness.”

Tristan continued to stare at Alexa, silent tears escaping his eyes that his dad was now wiping away.

“Are you willing to ask for forgiveness?” John asked.

“Yes,” Tristan said finally, nodding. “Yes, I am.”

“Can you repeat this prayer after me?” John asked. “If you can’t say it out loud, just repeat it in your heart. You would realize that you could never wish for a better listener than Jesus.”

Tristan sighed. “Okay.”

“Dear Jesus,” John began. “I’m a sinner.”

Tristan closed his eyes. Alexa did the same. This prayer was for her as much as it was for him. She had failed as a Christian, and it had now cost her the love of her life—because she let God down and lost herself His protection.

“I have sinned against You and heaven. I have failed You, rejected You, and let You down in every way. I have been blind. I know I don’t deserve it, but I ask for Your forgiveness. Show me who You really are. Give me a chance to know You. Give me a chance to right all my wrongs. My life is slipping away, Lord. I know I was cursed to die, but You are the Creator of life, and every living being is in Your hands. One word from You can make me live. But if that’s not Your will…” John trailed off, his voice breaking. Taking a deep breath, he continued, “I give my soul into Your hands. Please accept this prodigal son.”

A heavy silence followed after John’s prayer. And then, Tristan broke it.

“John?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for being my best friend for the last two years,” he said. “Without you, I would’ve never known what it’s like to have a friend, to hang out, and to have an older brother figure. You made life easy when it felt meaningless without Alexa; your friendship helped me survive. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for what you made me feel when I felt lost the most.”

John cleared his throat. “I’m glad we met a second time and that I got to be an important part of your life too, Trist. You’re the best, even though you didn’t trust me enough to share your secret with me.” He chuckled softly. “I guess no one was qualified for that post but Lex.”

“No one,” Tristan repeated, squeezing Alexa’s hand. She opened her eyes and saw him smiling at her. “Cass?”

“Yes?” Cassie answered from the other end of the line.

“I never got to send you my feedback on that book,” he said. “Some proofreader I am.”

Cassie chuckled, sniffling. “I’ve missed you, Tristan. Really.”

“You too, Cass. I got to know what it’s like to have an older sister because of you, even though you’re only a year older than me. And you treated me like I was family every time I was at your house—”

“You are family, Trist,” Cassie cut him off. “And you’ll always be.”

Tristan closed his eyes and swallowed, like it meant so much to him to hear that. Alexa squeezed his hand. He looked at her, and his eyes turned even more solemn.

“I know I don’t have to say this, but… please make sure Alexa is happy and not alone.”

“Tristan!” Alexa protested, her eyes growing wide. What was he talking about? He wasn’t going to die—he had just prayed and asked for forgiveness!

“Lexa…” Tears welled up in his eyes again. “ My Lexa.”

“Y-you’re not going to die!” She cradled his hand to her chest.

“I don’t think that’s what God’s plan is, love.”

She cried harder.

“We’re not to question Him, remember?” he asked softly. “You told me that.”

Alexa leaned over and hugged him. His hand fell from her hold and came to her hair, stroking gently.

“Will you take care of my dad when I’m gone?”

She clutched him closer. He took that as a yes.

“Dad, will you take care of my Lexa for me? And don’t let anyone else call her Lexa . No one.”

Alexa didn’t hear Albert’s response over the pounding of her own heart and listening to Tristan’s. But she knew he said yes.

“Lexa?” Tristan called her. “Look at me, love. Please.”

Alexa raised her head from his chest. She saw the heartbreak in his eyes. And whatever he asked of her next, she knew she wouldn’t be able to say no.

“Will you do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

His knuckles grazed her cheekbone. “Go see the world. I know that was our dream, one that we were supposed to fulfill together but don’t let my absence stop you, angel. I want you to see the world. And I’ll be with you, in here—” He pointed to her chest. “—in your heart, with your soul… If not for you, do it for me.

“And—” He inhaled deeply. “I know you said you can’t, but I want you to fall in love again. You have so much love to give, Lexa, and while I wish I could have it all for myself, I know I can’t. So when you find yourself falling for someone else—”

“Tristan—”

“I want you to be happy, even if it’s not with me,” he interjected, wiping away her tears as his own fell freely. “Because I love you that much, Alexandra Ford. Enough to let you go.”

She shook her head. “Don’t.”

“Don’t feel guilty when you find that lucky man. Don’t hold back on my account. Remember, I want you to be happy.” He inhaled again. “Your happiness is my everything.”

There was nothing she could tell him. These were his last words. His last wishes. And he was waiting for her response. Not trusting herself to speak, Alexa nodded.

He smiled—that beautiful, wide smile that had always made her heart soar to the clouds.

If it made him happy that she’d try to be happy after him, then she would at least try to keep her promise. Falling in love with another man was out of the question, but she would live. She would try to be happy. For him.

Even if it’d take her forever.

“I love you, Tristan Knight.”

She waited expectantly, to hear him return those words one last time. But Tristan didn’t respond.

His hand fell from her face, his smile faltered. And his eyes—the warmth, love, and adoration they’d looked at her with since the first day she had gazed into them—now stared through her.

The reality of his loss hit her like a sledgehammer. She fell over his face. A devastated sound tore from her chest.

He was gone.