Samaelflexed his wings, knotting them together in tension. "Life comes at a price, sometimes a more hefty than one could ever imagine. I- I couldn't lose you. I regard you not only as my lover, Shannon Rose O'Connor, heart of my heart, flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood... my angel in human flesh... but also, to be honest, you are... my best friend. My only true friend, in fact, with no goals in befriending me, or desires for power. You see what you mean to me, Shana? You're a mirror into a world I do not know. Innocence, childish delights, young womanhood blossoming like a banquet of apples on your brow. Through you - cough - through you, I know peace. To have that connection severed, when I so desperately need insight into the world of the living, would be a critical loss at this point in time."
I spoke softly: "You're making no sense, Sam."
