Not far from there.

  A tall man with fair skin and dark brown hair, carefully combed back, sits at a table covered by a scarlet cloth over a larger ivory one. His voice, naturally loud and firm, carries softly through the surroundings.

  "I looked into her eyes. With the last drop of hope I had left, I confronted her. Why?"

  He pauses for a brief second, delicately finishing the final sip of wine that rested at the bottom of his glass.

  "How tragic. And then?" A soft feminine voice drifts from the lips of a slender blonde woman dressed in white, seated before him.

  "She left and never returned."

  He fills another glass, his gaze lifting toward the beautiful silver chandelier glowing with a golden aura above them. His pupils shimmer faintly in an almost infinite shade of blue.

  "And after all this time, you still remember her. I believe I am jealous."

  A subtle smile forms at the corner of her red lips as she swirls the wine and casts him a playful glance.

  He laughs softly.

  "You never cease to surprise me."

  His hand moves forward, gently resting over hers.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  His eyes follow the dance of their intertwined fingers, slowly tracing along her arm, her pale skin marked by delicate freckles. His gaze lingers upon her lips before finally meeting her eyes.

  "You truly are human?"

  Her closed mouth smile draws an equal smile from him.

  "You tell me. Are you truly not human?"

  Between exchanged glances and one final sip of wine, she answers without losing her gentleness.

  "I suppose our answers await at my home."

  Moments later, they walk across the red carpeted entrance hand in hand. A polished purple chrome luxury car arrives.

  "I never tire of this beauty."

  Her eyes gleam at the sight.

  He opens the door for her.

  "Your home, your direction."

  Hours later, morning light floods the room where he lies resting. A gentle whisper stirs him.

  "Wake up. I prepared breakfast for us."

  He smiles as he watches her approach, dressed only in a loose shirt and white undergarments.

  Their kiss begins tenderly, soon deepening.

  A playful exchange follows.

  "Even though those shorts are large, they seem small on you."

  He blushes faintly.

  For a moment, time itself appears to slow around him.

  "Is it possible for a being like me to receive such a gift?"

  Morning passes in laughter and shared stories.

  Afternoon arrives.

  A red signal pulses beneath the skin of his arm.

  His expression shifts.

  "I must go."

  She kisses his forehead.

  "Take care."

  He embraces her tightly.

  "Ottawa. That is my name."

  Her pupils widen as memories resurface.

  "My name is Selene."

  The door closes behind him.

  At his residence, a hidden chamber opens. Gray walls. Soft white light. A black technological suit lined with violet details awaits.

  Silence fills the room.

  Once dressed, helmet secured, twin pistols rest at his waist.

  Before a black wall, a blue light scans his face.

  A door opens.

  Minutes later, he stands within a vast gray chamber.

  Bodies scattered.

  "Fools."

  Flames rise beyond an open window.

  His eyes burn with intense blue light.

  Through the fire, movement.

  Children running.

  A smile slowly spreads across his face.

  With his last breath, he throws himself into hell.