Chapter 26

Julian looked into Trina's eyes and saw that unyielding, utterly detached resolve. The tension that had held him together finally snapped with a sharp, definitive crack. A surge of panic and despair washed over him. He suddenly seized Trina's wrist, ignoring her struggles and furious protests, and dragged her up to the rooftop of the townhouse. The fading sunlight set the sky ablaze in a mournful crimson. Julian dragged Trina to the edge of the rooftop, where the flimsy railing offered no protection from the sheer drop of several stories. He held her arm tightly, his eyes bloodshot and blazing with intensity. His voice trembled violently with the extremes of pain and madness, torn between a threat and pure, overwhelming despair. "Trin! If you really dare to leave… If you actually walk away from me…" he shouted. He jabbed a finger toward the drop below, his eyes wild. "I'll jump from right here! If I die… If it can ease your anger… If it can make you feel better… I'll do it no