The spell. Victor said you had to want me... to care about me... for it to work." When he didn't say anything, I tried to grip his shirt, but my fingers were too weak. "Did you? Did you want me?"<br />His words came out thickly. "Yes, Roza. I did want you. I still do. I wish... we could be together."<br />"Then why did you lie to me?"<br />We reached the clinic, and he managed to open the door while still holding me. As soon as he stepped inside, he began yelling for help. <br />"Why did you lie?" I murmured again.<br />Still holding me in his arms, he looked down at me. I could hear voices and footsteps getting closer.<br />"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 a tear that had escaped down my cheek. "That's part of it," he said. "But also... well, you and I will both be Lissa's gaurdians someday. I need to protect her at all cost. If a pack of Strogoi 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.