The following day, Sarah and Elisabeth went to work on the studio with a vengeance. Sarah was determined to finish it before Elisabeth left for the full moon. "You'll have something special to come back to."
The room was smaller than her studio at home, yet Elisabeth felt it was more inspiring, with the coffered ceiling and wainscoting. The men brought all the supplies up from the basement. They finished one day before the full moon, and all stood admiring their accomplishment as Elisabeth said, "I'm going to do some great work here. I can feel it."
Sarah jumped up and down, clapping. "I can't wait!"
That evening, Jackson and Elisabeth stayed up late as they had for the previous full moon, neither wanting to waste precious time together sleeping. Jackson almost pressed her to stay again, but did not wish their night to be ruined by an argument. After Elisabeth fell asleep, he watched her for a long while before nodding off.
When he woke, he was alone. As he rose to find Elisabeth, he noticed her engagement ring on the nightstand with a note under it. Keep this safe for me until I return. I love you, E. While placing the ring on the top of his index finger, a wave of profound sadness washed over him.
Sarah made an early dinner, and the three vampires prepared for the full moon. The mood was heavy. Jackson wore his unease like a veil.
Connor suggested a chess match. When they were about half way through the game he asked, "Do you think she will ever agree to stay for the full moon again?"
"No. She can't understand how sure I was she wouldn't hurt me. She thinks she is some kind of vicious animal. Nothing could be further from the truth."
"Hmm. Too bad you didn't videotape her, so she could see for herself."
"Hindsight's 20/20, Skippy."
***
Sleep escaped Jackson. He had become so accustomed to Elisabeth's warmth, the bed only served to spotlight the cold vacancy. He spent some time in the music room, but was unable to concentrate, so ended up downstairs at 2:30 a.m., wondering where she could be and whether or not she felt lonely. This night could not end soon enough; everything about it unsettled him. Handling this month after month seemed an insurmountable task.
He almost nodded off, but a noise outside alerted him. It was coming from the door, and sounded like scratching. He peeked through the sidelight then gasped in disbelief. Elisabeth, in wolf form, stood scratching at the door, whimpering. Jackson opened the door; the wolf lumbered in and collapsed at his feet. She was panting heavily and her heart beat erratically. He sat on the floor with her, but could discern neither what was wrong, nor how to help.