"Can you change me back? A transfusion, perhaps?" He shook his head regretfully. "Then let me die. Just me. If you love me, let me go." Mikhail's eyes darkened, burned. "You do not understand. You are my life. My heart. There is no Mikhail without Raven. If you wish to seek eternal darkness, I must go with you. I had never known the pain and ecstasy of our people's love until I found you. You are the very air I breathe, the blood in my veins, my joy, my tears, my very feelings. I would not wish to continue a barren, empty existence. It would be impossible. The torment you felt for those short hours without our mind touch would be nothing compared to the hell to which you wish to condemn me." "Mikhail"--she whispered his name in anguish--"I am not Carpathian." "You are, little one. You have come fully into our world. Please give yourself time to heal, to absorb all this and adjust to it." He was pleading with her, his voice soft and persuasive. She closed her eyes against the tears welling up. "I want to sleep." Raven needed more blood. The transfer would be easier on her if she had no idea what was happening to her. The healing sleep of the earth might provide her with comfort; in any case, it would speed the healing process of her body. Mercifully, Mikhail obliged her request and sent her into a deep sleep."