Black Knight

He untangled himself from the blankets and her embrace, reluctant to leave the warm covers and the one in them. Lifting a hand, he traced it down her cheek, smiling as she murmured in her sleep; he gazed at her, wanting to memorize every curve, every feature, every freckle.

Slowly he forced himself to turn away, standing up from the bed and striding over to the balcony. He looked over his shoulder to catch one last glimpse of her, before throwing open the doors and stepping out into the cool night air; blending into the shadows like a whisper in the darkness.

Soft footsteps sounded behind him, a melodious voice like chimes in the wind whispered, "Must you leave?" 

His heart twisted as he turned, gazing at her as she tugged the white blankets tightly around her frame, black hair wisps in the wind as she stared after him, head cocked to one side in a melancholy expression of question. 

"I must, my love," He said hoarsely, closing the distance between them, gazing into her soft brown eyes brimming with tears.

His lips met hers, then trailed down her neck, her shoulders, skin velvet beneath him; she sighed at his touch, her hands tangling themselves in his hair.

As the first tears escaped her eyes, he raised his head and his eyes bored into hers; a fierce fire burning in them as he murmured, "One day, I will see you again, I swear it."

He withdrew quickly, unfurling his ink-black wings and leaping off the edge of the balcony, she watched as he disappeared, turning back to gaze at her once, twice, three times, she watched until he was a speck on the horizon, until he was gone, then closed her eyes and breathed, 

"Goodbye, my Black Knight."

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