Because we can't be together."<br />"Because of the age thing, right?" I asked. "Because you're my mentor?"<br />His fingertip gently wiped away after that had escaped down my cheek. "That's part of it," he said. "But also… well, you and I will both be Lissa's guardians someday. I need to protect her at all costs. If a pack of strigoi come, I need to throw my body between them and her."<br />"I know that. Of course that's what you have to do." The black sparkles were dancing in front of my eyes again. I was fading out.<br />"No. If I let myself love you, I won't throw myself in front of her. I'll throw myself in front of you.