Undying Beauty

"That’s a hell of a necklace. What’s it mean?"

"It’s not a necklace," she replies. "It’s a promise."

"To who?" the man asks.

"To the ones who came before me. And the ones I’ve yet to make."

He laughs, thinking it’s poetic flirtation.

"You here alone?"

"For now. But I’m waiting for someone…"

"Well, lucky for you, I’m free tonight."

She studies him intently and finally turns to face him. She studies him. The pulse in his neck beats fast, visible. Her eyes flicker gold for a heartbeat, then human again.

"Tell me," she begins, "would you give your life to create something eternal?"

"If it meant a night with you? Yeah, sure."

She smiles, slow. This night might not be a total loss anyway.