Her eyes were beautiful. He hadn't been able to name their color—some days they were green with specks of brown and other days they were golden. He'd learned to read her emotions based on the telltale colors. But lately, he couldn't even bring himself to catch a glimpse of those orbs. Many would call him a coward, but he desired to be seen as one instead of the opposite outcome had she known the real reason he was leaving this time.

"Do you really have to go?"

He forced himself to glance sideways lest she notice he was trying to hide something. "Yes."

Annoyance and something akin to resentment covered her features. Dull brown. That was the color her eyes took when she was mad, especially at him. He swallowed as he prepared to receive another long speech. The apprentice simply nodded before she stood from the table with her cup of tea still intact and spilled it on the sink.

Asra's heart clenched. The act itself, the tea and the lack of words—he'd gotten the message. She no longer would bother with him, no longer cared what he did whether it was with or without her. The feeling duplicated as he recalled Nadia's words before he erased her memories too, that this wouldn't solve his problems, only worsen it tenfold. A few months later, and it certainly did. He knew it wouldn't solve anything, but he really hoped it wouldn't get anything close to this. If only she knew he was ironically pushing her away to keep her safe with him. He really wished there was some way to tell her the truth unreservedly, but… Since last time, the memories of seeing her crumble down like a lifeless doll still had the upper hand on his resolve. So he would deny himself and his beloved apprentice that which they so much wished for in secret. That was what hurt the most—to know she wanted him just as bad as he wanted her but knowing also this was the price to pay. After all, magic had its price.

His apprentice remained before the sink lost in her thoughts. She only wished he'd talk to her. Nothing more. They lived together, for heaven's sake! The least they could do was be open with each other, but Asra had to make it worse. It wasn't enough for him to always be away. The very short time he was helping her with the shop, he treated her like a stranger. She wondered if he knew he was all she had in this world where her own identity was a mystery.

She felt him rise from his wooden seat and approach her with soft steps lightly scraping the floor. Asra lifted a hand to caress long strands of raven hair. It had a light scent of rain with hints of that floral water he'd made for her. He lifted a soft strand to his mouth and pressed a kiss. The apprentice looked t him over a smooth, honey colored shoulder.

"Will you at least tell me when you will be back?"

Asra let out a sigh. "Sooner or later."

The apprentice snorted, "Of course you are."

Hands sliding down her back and settling on her hips, Asra firmly pressed his body against hers and leaned over her shoulder. The apprentice wasn't sure she was breathing, but didn't dare to lest she break the spell they were under.

"I'll do my best to make it sooner."

Smooth, warm lips now pressed against the skin exposed of her shoulder. The intimate touch sent tingling sensations all over her body. She hated how he tended to overstep the invisible boundaries placed by him only moments before he left yet again. But for now… for now she wouldn't say anything. For now she would only enjoy this rare gift.

With vibrant brown-speckled green eyes, she pinned him on the spot, "You'd better make it 'sooner'."