Ephemeral and Fleeting

Having recently learned of the existence and location of the compound, he’d arrived there just before its residents who’d gone to the City of Light for a time, returned. But for days now, it had bustled with activity.

Hidden behind a tree, the remaining fall foliage that surrounded him concealed his lean form.

He peeked out. His black eyes narrowed. Things had grown quiet.

That had been a close call earlier. He was sure he’d been seen—by none other than Lucy Haven. When all those people rushed into the building that he’d seen her enter earlier, he’d feared they’d come looking for him. But then, no one did.

So . . . perhaps he was mistaken.

He pulled up the hood of his woolen robe. He’d best return to the cave in which he’d been staying.

He made his way through the woods striving to avoid stepping on dry, fallen leaves that might tattle on his presence. Fortunately, they were mostly damp now from a recent rain.

When he arrived at his camp, he settled in, and then retrieved some dried food from his pack. He’d need to return home soon. He hadn’t expected to be away for so long. He’d just longed to see her again . . . It had been some time since she’d gone into hiding.

After several hours of sitting silently, the first of the moons rose, and with it, the cold descended. He was grateful he was alone. He enjoyed his own company far more than that of anyone else. It gave him time to think.

She’s as beautiful as ever.

He cringed at the thought.

Oh, how I love her.

And hate her.

She should pay. They all should pay. Who were they anyway, endeavoring to determine his future?

He’d best them all.