A sad moment…

There is a time in the book, SpellCast from Darkness, when things aren’t normal between Michael and Celie. Here is a snippet from that time, when Michael is desperate for things to return to the way they had been…

Celie glanced away from him down the corridor, toward the front door. After a moment, she turned her attention back to him and put down her teacup. “Best get this bandage ripped off already. Can you introduce me?”

Michael gave a nod and stood up. He held out his hand to help her stand up, something he had done his entire life. It was simply part of him to do things like that: holding a door open, pulling out a chair for a woman, et cetera. It was ingrained in him to behave chivalrously, and it was an inherent part of his character, especially at his age. Celie eyed his hand for a moment, then reached up to take it. 

At the connection of their hands, Michael felt a searing heat, and he gripped her tightly. Celie startled and looked into his eyes. The storm there must have been alight, like lightning on the ocean. He stared back at her, willing her to see into his soul, to see the depths of his eternal love for her. She was his mo shíorghra, his soulmate, enduring in his heart and keeper of its flame. His soul burned for her. Nothing could stop the feelings that welled within him and shone in his eyes for her.

Celie stared at him, into his eyes, into their depths, for what seemed like an eternity. Did she remember? Could she? She had to have felt it at least, their connection reigniting. She had to; there were practically sparks flying. Michael swore he saw the embers. He watched her expectantly, but it must have been a trick of the mind. She eventually released his hand and looked away.

Sorrowfully, Michael regained his composure and followed her as she walked out of the room towards the front of the house.