Sahriel waved frantically to Miriam, his other hand held firmly at his side. His smile was a little strained, but he understood the need to stay apart, out in the open where the lights still touched them and people could, conceievably, see. But as soon as they were off the main path, heading through the dark into the wood, Sahriel snatched up Connor’s hand, holding tightly to it as if afraid he might disappear into the trees and leave him there alone.

Not that it would matter, Sahriel could see just fine, but he didn’t want Connor to let go; to shake him off as if he didn’t want him. Now, more than ever, he needed Connor to want him. He’d sent Nefertem to Hell to stay with Connor. He’d certainly never risked that much before.

(more…)