"Answer me, little one. Knowing what we are, would you have sent me to eternal darkness?" She made a supreme effort to get herself under control. A part of her still could not believe this was happening. A part of her struggled to understand and be fair. "I told you I could accept you, even love you as you are, Mikhail. And I meant that then. The same is true now." She was so weak, she could hardly speak. "I know you're a good man, there is no evil in you. Father Hummer said I couldn't judge you by our standards, and I won't. No, I would have chosen life for you. I love you." There was too much sorrow in her eyes for him to feel relief. "But?" he prompted softly. "I can accept it in you, Mikhail, but not for me. I could never drink blood. The thought of it sickens me." her tongue touched her dry lips. "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."