I couldn't stop staring at the her left hand, the ring shining brightly on her finger. I had felt my world come to a halt when I had waited for her answer to my proposal, my heart finally shuddering back into motion when I'd heard her sob out a happy yes, tears sparkling their way down her cheeks before she launched herself into my arms. At that moment I had felt like I could fly if she asked it of me.

I had spent hours that night showing her how much I loved her, how happy her answer had made me. My precious Shina. Mine.

--------

I'd had to find another car, the smell from the original far too repulsive to allow near Shina. Luckily the new car had no issues with the trunk and we were able to store the luggage inside once I emptied its contents, far away from the sight of my soon-to-be wife. She'd looked beautiful sitting on the leather seat beside me as we drove slowly back down the mountain, the wind blowing her hair behind her.

Every so often Shina would let out a gasp or shout, pointing up into the sky at the occasional hawk or eagle flying overhead. But the best part of the drive home was when she finally got to see a deer, standing just inside the tree-line as it grazed on the grass growing tall within the shade.

--------

We had finally finished unpacking everything, sharing smiles as we reminisced over our favorite memories of the weekend together. The swim in the lake, the picnic lunch, the long nights in each others arms... Every memory was a perfect moment captured in our hearts. Holding her close, I started placing gentle kisses and bites up and down her neck and shoulders.

"I have to admit, I missed our own bed while we were away. Perhaps we should spend a little time... Re-familiarizing ourselves with it?" I whispered softly against her neck, my voice deep with need.

--------

As much as I hated doing it, I had to admit that Shina looked beautful with dark hair. And this would allow her more freedom to come out during the day, not having to worry that someone might recognize her. I'd hated only being able to bring her out at night, even if she did look exquisite in the moonlight.

Reaching out a hand, I gently lifted a lock of newly dyed black hair to my lips.

--------

I walked out of the doors in a daze, my mind filled with the image of Shina as she came out of the dressing rooms just a few minutes before. She'd looked radiant in the dress, my breath catching at the sight. Just a few days and she would be wearing it in front of the minister, our future bright before us.

I only had to wait.

--------

"NOOOO! LEON!" I could hear her voice screaming my name as I was shoved into the back of the car, my hands behind my back as I could feel the handcuffs bite into my wrists. All I could do was look helplessly out the window at her, all my previous struggles to get to her useless.

I could feel my heart shattering as I saw the tears start flowing down her pale face as she fell to her knees.