The flame inside the lantern had finally begun to dim. It was an estimate of how long Spirit had been out here, but it was easily remedied by holding her hand close to the glass. After she whispered a few words, the flame roared back to life. It provided Spirit with the amount of light she desired.

She stood there until she heard footsteps approaching. It was only then that Spirit emerged from behind the tree.

“Spirit?” a small, shadowed figure called out.

“I expected you to be here by sunset, Eden.”

The figure lowered her hood, unveiling a cascade of white-blond hair and eyes so blue they nearly glowed. Her skin was impossibly pale, with a faint bluish undertone that made her look almost otherworldly. She was the perfect contrast to Spirit, whose fiery red hair blazed like a flame and whose jade-green eyes sparkled with life, her complexion warm and sun-kissed.

Eden tilted her head to the side and smiled apologetically. “I couldn’t sneak away until late. Will you forgive me?”

“I suppose I can.” Spirit set the lantern on the ground. Then she walked forward and drew Eden into a soft kiss.

She was head taller than Eden, forcing her to lean down, whereas Eden had to reach up, standing on her tiptoes.

Eden took charge and gently pushed her against the tree. A feeling of cold overtook her, and Spirit instinctively pushed back with her heat. The two temperatures battled against one another and made for a sensation that left her gasping for more.

It had been four weeks since Spirit had last seen or touched Eden. She knew her kisses were clumsy and desperate, but she didn’t care. This could be the last time they saw each other for quite a while, and Spirit wanted to make the most of it.

When the kiss ended, there were flecks of ice on Spirit’s lips. Eden used her thumb to brush them away before kissing her forehead.

“I apologize for being late,” Eden whispered. “I wasted what little time we could’ve had together.”

Spirit shook her head and cupped Eden’s cheek. Slowly, she pushed her head forward so their lips could meet in another quick yet reassuring kiss. “I’ll leave the note on the tree as soon as I can.”

Eden responded with a nod before kissing her one last time. She then turned and ran back into the darkness of the forest with no light. Once she vanished from her sight, Spirit re-lit the flame in the lantern and started making her way in the opposite direction.