“Never?” Merope whispered, her eyes wide and tear bright.

Kur kissed her with a tender hunger, long moments drifting by. Finally he drew back just enough to speak, his voice husky, “I swear on my own Music that I shall never leave you again. In the years you were gone all I knew was the gaping emptiness of your absence. An aching void that drew me ever closer to madness.” His eyes widened and Merope knew then that their time apart had scarred them both.

Her arms slid around his waist and she held herself against him tightly. His body was warm, flush with life. She lay her head against his chest as his arms went around her and she heard the deep rhythm of his heart. Each beat tugged at her, demanding that she acknowledge a truth. She tried to dismiss the feeling, wanting nothing more than to just be content stay where she was…to let time pass…to grow old…

Merope gasped and looked up, “You’re mortal! I remember now, why are we still mortal?”

Kur’s eyes were sad as he answered, “It was the only way…”