Leon Grave's Arc

Chapter 2 of 2

The new guard came down from the tower just after sunset. He had that same easy smile, but it faded when he reached Leon. He glanced back toward the fire ring, then met Leon's eyes. His voice was quiet when he spoke, careful in a way it hadn't been before. "There's something you should know," his partner said. He looked uncomfortable now, shifting his weight. "The person who stopped by this morning. I'm interested. I wanted to tell you before I made a move." Leon felt the words like a hand closing around his chest. Three years of watching, waiting, keeping every feeling locked down where it couldn't interfere with the job. His partner was giving him a courtesy, nothing more. A warning that time had just run out. Leon walked past the fire ring without answering. His feet carried him to the old oak tree at the forest edge, the one with pink leaves that never fell no matter the season. Someone had arranged fallen leaves beneath it in the shape of a heart. His partner's work, probably. Leon reached inside his coat and pulled out the folded paper he'd carried for months. The letter was worn at the edges from being moved from pocket to pocket, never sent. He'd written it six months ago and rewritten it a dozen times since. Every version said the same thing in different words. He turned back toward the tower. His partner was still standing by the fire, waiting. Leon walked past him and climbed the stairs to the upper platform. He left the letter on the desk where they both worked, weighted down with a stone so it wouldn't blow away. Then he went back down and took the night watch alone. By morning, his partner would know. By morning, Leon would have to face whatever came next. But the choice was made now, and there was no taking it back.