As Jason walked through the forest, the whisper of the pine trees breathed peace into his spirit. For a moment, he forgot everything but the trees, the sky, the crunch of needles beneath his feet.

But he could not escape the reason he was here. He had to be alone, to think. There had to be a way. A way to be with her, and keep her safe.

But how can I keep her safe from myself? he wondered. There's no guarantee something like that won't happen again. And then there are the even deeper issues, which I have been avoiding.

He sat down on the forest floor, and leaned against a tree trunk. A crow cawed in the top of the tree; another crow answered, echoing from deep in the forest.

I have so much in my past—how could I ever delude myself that I was the right person for her? She loves me, I don't know why. Her love helped heal me last time—but at what cost? It's not just this, it's the labyrinth, it's everything. She is so young and innocent and I am this old spy with lots of history and darkness to deal with. She has never been a part of that world. It's the reason she was good for me, but I'm not so sure the opposite is true. I will only drag her down. I will only dull her light, singe her wings. How selfish of me was it to cling to that relationship, knowing deep down that it was bad for her? It made me feel good, that was all that mattered.

His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms. That is all I am good for, causing pain to others. I went so far as to hurt someone who was helpless—granted, he had tortured me first, but revenge is never a good reason for anything. All that I have done, I have done for selfish reasons.

Part of him knew this was not true, but he had to harden himself to his decision. Talk himself into doing what he knew he had to do.

It's not so bad, he told himself. I don't like sticking in one place for too long. I can be free, I can go where I want without any responsibilities—

Another part of him remonstrated that this was a bad idea, but he shut that voice down as well. He had to steel himself, numb any emotions that had to do with her. For her own good, he knew he had to leave Odyssey.

Not forever. Just long enough to work things out. And then, maybe, if she still wanted him—

But no. She would have to move on. She would want to move on, once she saw how futile this relationship really was.

The bottom line was that to continue this way, knowing that he might hurt her, would be to willingly put her in an abusive relationship.

He was not going to have that on his conscience.

End of story. End of discussion.

Stop struggling against the inevitable—you're only making it harder.

You have to say goodbye.

He rose, preparing to go back, firm in his decision. And then—everything over the past few months rolled over him like a wave, catching him breathless. Anger, fury, bitterness and sorrow burned through him and he lashed out, kicking the only thing in the vicinity—the tree. He hit it, attacking it with feet and fists as if it were the enemy personified—himself.

He screamed, the sound, raw with pain, echoing into the silence of the forest.

He fell to his knees, his knuckles bloody from the pine bark, his whole body aching. He leaned his forehead in the pine needles, and wept.

J

Connie knocked on the door to Jason's apartment. She'd called his number, but he hadn't answered. Terror raced through her as she wondered what had happened to him. Whit had given her his key and she opened the door after her knocks yielded no results.

She stepped inside. At first glance, everything looked normal, although a little more messy than usual. Some things were missing from the counter. Off the bookshelf. And in his bed room—

The drawers were open. Clothes scattered all over the floor. Panic gripped her; she wondered if he'd been kidnapped again. But kidnappers would not have taken the suitcase. He had left in a hurry, but why?

She looked in his office. On the desk where his laptop usually sat lay a handwritten note.

Dear Connie,

I love you. I always will. That is why I have to do this. I can't bear the thought of hurting you again, even if it is an accident. To stay here, knowing what I might do, is too much risk. I can't ask that sacrifice of you. You're too good, too brave, too beautiful and full of light and life. I can't darken that. I'm sorry if I'm causing you pain even now, but it will be better in the end. Please try to let go of your love for me. I'm not its most worthy object.

Love,

Jason

She grabbed the letter, felt like tearing it apart. How dare he do this? How dare he run off and leave her alone? She crumpled up the letter and stuffed it in her pocket.

And then the tears came.

He can't be leaving me. Jason, please don't leave! She sobbed, throwing couch pillows across the room. Throwing books, which almost hit the TV. When one hit the lamp, knocking it over with a crash, she stopped.

This wasn't helping anything.

What would help? What mattered, now that he was gone?

Maybe, a voice in her mind suggested, he isn't gone yet. Maybe you can catch him.

But how do I know where he is?

If he's still anywhere near Odyssey, he'd probably be at the airport.

Snagging this small piece of hope, she dashed out of the apartment, jumped in her car, and sped toward the edge of town, brimming with determination.

I will get him back if it's the last thing I do.