I gave a weary smile. “I think we’re going to find out,” I murmured, and kissed her. She leaned close, one hand gripping the front of my shirt, the other sliding into my hair. I closed my eyes and breathed her in, searing this moment into my brain, in case it really was the final one.

Ember pulled back very slightly, her gaze finding mine. “I love you, soldier boy,” she whispered. “I know you’ve heard it before, but I’m going to keep saying it...just in case I don’t get another chance. And I wish we had more time. We didn’t have a lot to begin with.” A shadow of anguish crossed her face before she blinked it away. “But I’ll take whatever we have. And Martin is probably getting impatient. So go on.” She gave my chest a little push, drawing back. “Before this gets any harder. I’ll find you again, I promise.” Though her eyes remained dark, she gave a tiny, wicked smile. “Don’t start the fight without me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Leaning forward, I kissed her once more. “I love you, too, Ember,” I murmured. “We’ll see each other soon.” And, even though it was one of the hardest things I’d ever made myself do, I slid out of the booth and walked away. Out of the bar, and into the dimly lit parking lot.

Martin was waiting for me outside the door in the flickering light of a broken streetlamp. His arms were crossed, and his gaze was scrutinizing as I approached. “That took longer than I thought it would,” he said as I stopped in front of him. “The Sebastian I knew once could barely hold a conversation with a civilian, let alone a girl.” His eyes narrowed. “What were you and that dragon talking about that was so interesting? You know what...never mind.” He held up a hand. “I don’t want to know. Do you have everything you need with you?”

Everything except the girl in question. “Yes, sir,” I replied simply.

“You are armed, I take it?”

“Yes, sir,” I said again.