A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

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again, his life was in danger. And, this time, perhaps his soul.

Going to the window, she drew back the curtains and stared out into the night. A full yellow moon shone down on the ocean, painting the tips of the waves with gold and casting long, golden shadows on the face of the water.

Standing there, she felt a sudden uneasiness. Dropping the curtains back into place, she went through the house, making sure all the doors and windows were closed and locked even though Dominic had told her vampires could not enter a dwelling uninvited.

Going upstairs, she slipped into her smock, put a new canvas on one of the easels, mixed her colors, and began to paint.

Slowly, the image on the canvas took form. It was a young man with dark blond hair and brown eyes.A man wearing the proud gray uniform of a Confederate soldier. A house with four white columns rose to his left. Fields planted in cotton could be seen stretching away on his right. There was a woman in the painting, too. She stood on the porch, one hand pressed to her heart, a bittersweet smile on her lips. A tear glistened in her eye.

Taking a step back,Tracy stared at the painting of Jacob and Libby and felt again her anguish as she bid her son farewell for the last time.

"It is a powerful piece."

Warmth flooded her being at the sound of his voice. Contentment washed through her as he came up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist.

She leaned against him, reveling in his strength. "I'm glad you came back."
"I cannot stay." He kissed her cheek. "I must go to meet Kitana ." "Don't go, please. I'm afraid."

"You and Bryan will be safe here."

"I'm not afraid for us." She turned in his arms so she could see his face. "Please don't go."

"I cannot be less than I am. If I do not meet with Kitana , the others will see it as weakness on my part. I cannot afford to be weak, not even for you." He kissed her again. "Promise me you will not leave the house until the sun is up."

"I promise. Promise you'll come back to me as soon as you can." "I promise."

She stared up at him, wishing she had the words to make him stay.
"Do not be afraid, my best beloved one."

Nodding, she blinked back the tears stinging her eyes. "Kiss me."