Broken Promises
Prologue – Picture Perfect
By Janelle Baril

The perfect picture.
A moment frozen in time.
Framed and sitting upon the mantle.
Two lovers, bound by everlasting vows.
And sealed with a kiss.

She didn't need to say a word. Anger radiated from her entire being; from the tips of her twitching fox ears, to her rainbow colored toe nails. Small fires of rage smoldered in the depths of her azure eyes. A pointed fang dented her bottom lip as those unblinking eyes remained focused on her husband. He sat before her on the bed they shared. His scarlet eyes looked up at her, calm and collected. Fiery hair spilling over his shoulders and down his back. His lips parted as if to speak, but closed without a word.

“Two weeks,” She hissed, her teeth clenched together.

He couldn't stop himself from smiling, “I know. Our first anniversary.”

“And you're still going to go.”

“I don't have a choice,” He stood and took her hands in his, “My crimes will be forgiven if I do this. I'll finally be free and I won't have to leave you again.”

The fury melted away at his touch and she leaned into him, losing herself in his arms, “Can't it wait until after? It's our first...”

“I wouldn't miss it for the world,” He cupped her chin and tilted her face upwards, “No matter what I've got to do, I'll be back in time.”

“Promise?”

“Promise,” He lowered his head to claim her lips one last time before leaving, “I love you.”

The mantle was bumped.
The frame fell.
The glass cracked.
The memory was marred.