Alyssane froze.
She took a trembling step back, the haste of her heartbeats mirrored the raging storm.
Vernon stiffened, trying to say something but his words failed him.
The silence stretched between them, filled only the feeble creaking of the window and the distant crying of the restless rain.
"Leave," Alyssane whispered, her voice barely above a breath yet it was too loud in the emptiness surrounding them.
He hesitated, reaching out towards her but she flinched, and her heart ached as she gazed into his eyes filled with regret.
Alyssane clenched her fists.
"Leave!" She repeated, louder, no plea but a command laced with venom.
.
.
The crisp winter air scrapped against her skin.
