The clouds hung low over the church. The Gothic architecture made the weather seem even more ominous. Stained glass windows reflected streaks of red and blue across the concrete steps below. The building was surrounded by gardens and drooping willow trees.
Jules stood at the top of the driveway near the church gates. She watched Lucian and Cassius trail up together, both wearing the same melancholic expressions. Seeing Lucian like this unsettled her—if the leader looked so concerned, then something was terribly wrong.
When Lucian reached her, she spoke quickly.
"What happened?"
Lucian's eyes were normally collected—calm. This time, they looked devastated, as though something had torn his heart straight out of his chest. He clenched his fists, his hair damp from the rain.
"I'm leaving," he said.
"What?"
Jules blinked, her heart sinking. Her throat tightened painfully.
"I'm leaving town," he continued. "You'll stay at my home, where the coven can protect you."
He couldn't bring himself to meet her eyes.
Jules took a step back. Her gaze sharpened as fury flared through her.
"So you're just going to run away?" she hissed.
Lucian shook his head and began to pace. He loosened his collar, exposing the locket resting against his chest.
"No, Jules. That's not it," he gritted out.
"This is how you survive. This is what keeps you safe."
Jules stamped her foot, anger sealing her off from him.
"You're leaving me," she said. Her lips quivered despite herself.
Lucian felt like his heart was being ripped out. The way she looked at him—hopeless, resigned, like she already knew she'd lost him—nearly broke him.
He paused, then fixed his gaze on the ground. He couldn't look at her. If he did, he would shatter.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I hope you can understand."
Jules reached for his arm, desperation flooding her expression.
He pulled away, wincing. The rejection stung, humiliation washing over her as she stepped back and folded her hands together.
Lucian clenched his jaw and, without looking at her, turned and walked back down the driveway toward the waiting car. All Jules could see was his raven-dark hair and broad shoulders.
It felt like he was moving in slow motion.
Lucian could hear Jules shouting behind him, but he forced himself to drown it out. His throat burned as he fought the heartbreak clawing its way up his chest. He was choosing the coven's protection for her over his own. He hated himself for it.
Jules tried to sprint after him, but Cassius caught her. He grabbed her mid-lunge as she reached for Lucian, sobbing as Cassius held her tightly.
"You're a coward!" she screamed.
Cassius wrapped an arm around her waist, struggling to keep her still as she kicked and fought against him.
Lucian could hear them struggling behind him. He didn't turn around. He knew—deep down—that this was the right thing. This was him protecting her. He would take his last breath doing so if he had to. That was his calling.
Jules's next words were barely a whisper—meant only for him.
"Never forget—you're making this choice."
All she wanted was for him to turn around. To fight for her. To prove that his affection hadn't been a lie meant to keep her safe.
Her strength finally gave out, and Jules collapsed into Cassius's arms. Her eyes never left the place where Lucian had once stood.
Lucian reached the car and glanced at the rearview mirror. He saw Jules struggling against Cassius, her grief unmistakable.
He forced his eyes back to the road.
It was done.