Nothing belongs to me.
III: Hope
He knew this day would come. What he didn't know was that that day would be today.
She had seen it. And it had scared her, he could tell, by the way she pulled back as if stung by the ebony black mark branded into his forearm.
It was a symbol of his transgressions, his cowardice, and his stupidity. It was the reason why he had resisted and why now he was going to lose her today.
He closed his eyes, trying to banish the look on her face, but they fluttered open at her sudden touch.
She was stroking his arm, gently tracing circles into his arm. Then, in a swift movement, she brought his forearm up to her lips, planting small kisses along the tattoo, her hair tickling his skin.
It was a simple gesture, but because of it, he was assured of her love. He would have no doubts anymore, and this, this gave him hope.