“I will beg you on my knees. Don’t do this.” He peeled her fingers off the robe and brushed his lips across hers. A kiss of farewell. “Your master awaits you in the courtyard. I won’t see you off.” He turned away and strode to her door, pausing when she held out a supplicating hand and called his name. “Silhara…” His broad shoulders remained stiff, and he kept his back to her. “Fortune favor you, apprentice.” The door closed with a final click.
