the name of the person who meant so much to her at that moment:"Raphael! Raphael!"

In the darkness of the night, his desolate and solitary form finally merged with the blonde youth she had just envisioned on the edge of the cliff in that dreamlike melody.

Raphael halted his steps in surprise, then let out a bitter smile without turning around."Why must you chase after me again?"

"If I let you go like this, I will regret it for the rest of my life," Edith firmly spoke.

"Why... are you saying these words?" Raphael''s voice trembled."Especially now? I won''t be able to take another step if you do."

"But I can''t let you go either."

"Are you deciding my fate for me, Edith?" Raphael suddenly smiled, his voice quivering."Then I will stay, only to be with you until the very last moment. Let them catch me, let them take me to the guillotine; death will be so sweet, for it''s the ending you have bestowed upon me!"

"No, let me go with you!" She abruptly rushed forward, embracing his waist from behind, calling out in agitation.

Raphael raised his arms in disbelief, hesitantly placing them on the warm hands clutching his abdomen."Have you truly made up your mind, Edith?"

She didn''t answer, but instead tightened her hold around his arms, pressing her cheek forcefully against his back. After a while, she felt a few cold droplets of water fall onto her hands.

As they mounted the horse, Edith still clung to him from behind. After leaving the city gates, she cast a deep glance back at the shrouded darkness of