Adara woke with a start. It was dark but the moonlight spilled through the cracks in the walls to light the room. She automatically glanced at Lucan, and saw him asleep, wrapped up in warm blankets.
Something was not right though. It took Adara a moment to work out what it was. Dagonet. He had been here. She looked around wildly, a sudden fear that he may have left without her setting in.
"Adara?" she heard the familiar voice from outside, and rose and padded out on bare feet.
Dagonet stood there, bare-chested, wearing only a loose pair of trousers, his back to her. He turned when he heard her come out, a smile on his face.
"Look," he said gently, turning back
Adara went to stand beside him, and he wrapped one strong arm around her slim shoulders as they both gazed in wonder.
A yellow moon was rising, and its light flooded through the trees, illuminating the clearing. The night was warm, and perfectly still, and Adara laid her head on Dagonet's shoulder with a soft sigh.
He held her close for some time, breathing in the intoxicating scent of her hair and feeling the burning sensation on his skin where he held her. He sighed, and eventually spoke.
"I'll have to leave you know," he said softly, almost afraid to break the stillness.
"I know," Adara answered simply.
"You'll come with me?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
"I can't."
Dagonet nodded and tightened his grip around her. They stood, once more in silence, for some time before Adara finally spoke.
"You won't forget me?" she asked in a small voice.
"I couldn't."
Adara let out a long, shuddering sigh and buried her face in his chest. Dagonet kissed the top of her head, and she felt a tear run down her cheek.
"Don't forget me," she whispered once more. "Never forget me."