"She's an innocent, Father. I told myself I would not do this thing, that it was wrong, but I knew I would." It was a measure of his distress that he called the priest "Father." "And knowing you would do something you believe is wrong, you still did it. You must have had a good reason." "Selfishness. Did you not hear me? I, I, I. Everything for myself. I found a reason to continue my existence and I took what did not belong to me, and still, even now, talking to you, I know I will not give her up." "Accept your nature, Mikhail. Accept yourself as you are." Mikhail's laughter was bitter. "Everything is so clear to you. You say I am one of God's children. I have purpose, I should accept my nature. My nature is to take what I believe is mine, hold it, protect it. Chain it to my side if necessary. I cannot let her go. I cannot. She is like the wind, open and free. If I caged the wind, would it die?" "Then don't cage it, Mikhail. Trust it to stay beside you." "How can I protect the wind, Edgar?" "You said , Mikhail. You cannot let her go. Not would not, will not. You said cannot. There is a difference." "For me. What of her? What choice am I giving her?" "I have always believed in you, in your goodness and your strength. It is very possible that the young lady needs you as well. You have heard the legends and lies associated with your kind for so long, you are beginning to believe the nonsense. To a true vegetarian, a meat eater can be repulsive. The tiger needs deer to survive. A plant needs water. We all need something. You take only what you need. Kneel, receive God's blessing, and go back to your woman. You will find a way to protect your wind." Mikhail knelt obediently, his head bent, allowing the peace of the old man and his words to comfort him. Outside, the fury of the storm abated abruptly, as if it had spent its anger and now could rest in the aftermath. "Thank you, Father," Mikhail whispered. "Do what you must to protect your race, Mikhail. In the eyes of God, they are His children."