Brandon knew the moment he accepted the mission—he'd probably never make it back alive.
That night, he drank a ton, said a bunch of stuff half-drunk and half-serious. He told Elena he'd already taken care of everything for her. If he didn't return, she'd still be okay.
He asked her to visit him every year on holidays.
But before he could go on, Elena cut him off. Usually distant and cold, she suddenly surged forward and kissed him.
They held each other close. Sheets tangled, bloodstains sinking into the fabric—bodies intertwined, emotions raw and overwhelming.
“Goodbye, Brandon…”
With a soft smile, she took a sudden step forward—and jumped.
“No! No—” Brandon lunged, trying to stop her, but he couldn't reach her in time. She dropped from the railing of the second-floo
