The next morning, Nereus departed. Before the sun had even risen, Lysandra heard a knock on her door. She didn't even have time to say "Come in" before the door opened and someone stepped in.

"Lysandra," a voice said. She recognized it immediately.

"Nereus, is that you?" she asked, sliding out of bed and crossing the room. "What are you doing in here so early in the morning?"

"I just wanted... to tell you that I'm leaving," he whispered. "This morning."

"Hold on," ...