♛ ] The air was particularly chilly that morning, the sun yet having to rise and tendrils of mist surrounding the world—yet there she was, bare feet peeking from under her nightgown. But of course. If he had left in the light of day, would she have risked running after him?
In that moment the little bird looked very much lost, reminding him of the first time they met. A young woman desperately trying to keep herself together, while she was really just a child, without protection or guidance. It made everything much harder than it was supposed to be. The Horseman had taken it upon himself to lighten those burdens, to bring forth genuine smiles of joy as often as possible, but that was to come to an end. At least for now. It couldn’t last forever, it was simply not in his nature.
It was not that he was incapable of love, like he had seen so many claim to be. Oh no, he had absolutely no troubles loving. Attachment was what he lacked.
(Something that one might expect considering the inevitable amount of loss in a vampire’s life.)
He quietly stared down at her from his horse, taking in the trembling hands and shivering lips, knowing how very easy it would be to do to her what he had done to so many others before. Cutting the ties, reducing whatever there had ever been and leaving endless doubts to fester. Easy, yes. So very easy. One day he wanted to watch her cry, to see tears stream down that pretty face because of him.
A grin appeared on his face as he reached out, scarred hand stroking her brown locks. "Don't be like that, now. It's only for a little while. I'll be back before you know it." That was a lie. "Take care of yourself, okay? You're one fine lady. I wouldn't want to miss you when I come back."