Ash's pov ;
I couldn't bring myself to turn around and face him. The pain in his voice, desperate and laced with concern, tore through my thoughts like a sharp blade.
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly as if he already knew I was leaving. My heart raced in my chest, betraying my emotions.
With a shaky breath, I took a step forward, but suddenly felt his hands slip around my waist. His touch, so familiar and tender, only made the ache inside me grow stronger. His lips found the nape of my neck, kissing it gently with soft, warm kisses.
"Where are you going, leaving me?" Elijah whispered again, his voice low and filled with longing. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to push down the pain that was nibbling on my heart slowly.
My words stumbled out in a stutter as I forced them past the lump in my throat. "You…you'll lock me up if I stay," I could feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes as I spoke the words.
