In response to my question, the vampire Prince smiles sadly, shaking his head. At this I feel my face drop. I had hoped initially that he might be here longer, that I might be able to soak in his presence uninterrupted for just a fraction more and not be addled with thoughts of losing him all over again. But upon seeing my crestfallen expression, gently he reaches down to lift my hand out of the water and enclose it over his own.
"I'm sorry, darling," he whispers, the once vivacious light leaving his eyes, his expression dulling as a sweeping melancholy makes its way over the air around us. My heart pangs with grief as his hand tightens over my own.
"Azrael is about to give me another shot of silver. My shadow form is going to be depleted for a while, I will not be able to be with you physically until I have recovered. But I promise as soon as I do have enough strength, I will find you again. You will see me before the end. I-"
