“Don’t listen to him, Leath,” Ever said. “He’s not himself.”

“And if he isn’t, you’re the one to blame,” I shouted.

“He’s the one to blame,” Ever yelled back. “He’s the one who—”

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” James said. “And Cole’s memory.”

Ever struggled to get out of Knox’s grasp. It was difficult, but he managed to pull her away from the small group. He dragged her to a clump of trees, trying to calm her down. When she broke free of his hold, he caught her by the waist, spinning her around to face him.

Oh, how I wished he’d let her go. If I found myself close to that girl again, she’d regret all she’d done to James and me.

“Let’s get out of here,” James said, taking the opportunity while Knox was distracted. He must have thought he’d won the battle, because his touch was gentle when he took my hand. This time, he walked rather than bolting away.

“Leathal.”

Victor’s quiet voice had broken my fixation on Ever and what I’d planned to do to her the next time our paths crossed.

“Love,” he said. His voice was tender, his expression patient. Victor and his indefinite supply of patience, always waiting for me. “In the other time, you chose James over me. This time, I need you to choose me.”

After releasing James’s hand, I moved closer to Victor. I hated hurting him, especially in front of someone he felt was his mortal enemy. But when I crossed back into Judaculla, Victor would forget all about me. This knowledge firmed my resolve to leave Woodvine.

“I love you, Victor. I always will.” I reached up to caress his cheek. “But we just aren’t meant to be together. It kills me to hurt you like this, but when I go, at least I’ll be taking your pain away with me.”

“You’re saying that because you think I’ll forget about you, but you’re wrong,” Victor said. “I think Knox is right. Intense feelings block the fading. If you go, I’ll remember what happened here today for the rest of my life.”

“Please don’t make this any harder than it already is,” I begged. “It’s going to tear me apart to leave you behind.”

Victor smiled, taking my hand. “So don’t do it.”

“Pathetic,” James said. “She’s already made her choice. Why can’t you just respect her decision?”

Because Victor will never be able to let go, I thought. He’d loved me forever, and he always would. Being with Victor would be effortless, our life together beautiful, if I stayed.

But my life wasn’t meant to be so easy.