But Luna didn't say it.
Instead, she kissed him on the lips—softly, as if to pour everything she didn't say into the space between them.
"I do have to go," she whispered against his mouth. "I'll see you at work."
Damien nodded, reluctantly loosening his hold. "I'll be in late. I called in the council to announce the news."
"Okay." She leaned in for one more kiss—brief but lingering, a promise in the form of parted lips. "See you then."
And then she was gone.
Damien stood in silence, unmoving, staring at the spot she had occupied just moments ago. He looked toward the ceiling.
Please, he thought. Blood Goddess, if you're listening… let us have a child. Let her carry a piece of me when I'm gone. Let my death mean something. Let my love live on for her.
He exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
A part of him wanted to believe in miracles. The other part already feared he was running out of time.
*****
