dare you make this choice for me! I was on my feet again, and finished with whining and begging.
Don't come at me again, he said patiently. If you do, I shall hurt you. And that I don't wish to do.
Ah, you've killed me! That's what you've done. You think I believe all your lies! You've condemned me to this rotting, Stinking, aching body, that's what you've done! You think I don't know the depth of hatred in you, the true face of retribution when I see it! For the love of God, speak the truth.
It isn't the truth. I love you. But you are blind with impatience now, and overwrought with simple aches and pains. It is you who will never forgive me if I rob you of this destiny. Only it will take time for you to see the true meaning of what I've done.
No, no, please. I came towards him, only this time not in anger. I approached slowly, until I could lay my hands on his shoulders and smell the faint fragrance of dust and the grave that clung to his clothes. Lord God, what was our skin that it drew the light to itself so exquisitely And our eyes. Ah, to look into his eyes.
Louis, I said. I want you to take me. Please, do as I ask you. Leave the interpretations of all my tales to me. Take me, Louis, look at me. I snatched up his cold, lifeless hand and laid it on my face. Feel the blood in me, feel the heat. You want me, Louis, you know you do. You want me, you want me in your power the way I had you in my power so long, long ago. I'll be your fledgling, your child, Louis. Please, do this. Don't make me beg you on my knees.
I could sense the change in him, the sudden predator}' glaze that covered his eyes. But what was stronger than his thirst His will.
No, Lestat, he whispered. I can't do it. Even if I'm wrong and you are right, and all your metaphors are meaningless, I can't do it.
I took him in my arms, oh, so cold, so unyielding, this monster which I had made out of human flesh. I pressed my lips against his cheek, shuddering as I did so, my fingers sliding around his neck.
He didn't move away from me. He couldn't bring himself to do it. I felt the slow silent heave of his chest against mine.
Do it to me, please, beautiful one, I whispered in his ear. Take this heat into your veins, and give me back all the power that I once gave to you. I pressed my lips to his cold, colorless mouth. Give me the future, Louis. Give me eternity. Take me off this cross.
In the corner of my eye, I saw his hand rise. Then I felt the satin fingers against my cheek. I felt him stroke my neck. I can't do it, Lestat.
You can, you know you can, I whispered, kissing his ear as I spoke to him, choking back the tears, my left arm slipping around his waist. Oh, don't leave me hi this misery, don't do it.
Don't beg me anymore, he said sorrowfully. It's useless. I'm going now. You won't see me again.
Louis! I held fast to him. You can't refuse me.
Ah, but I can and I have.
I could feel him stiffening, trying to withdraw without bruising me. I held him ever more tightly, refusing to back away.
You won't find me again here. But you know where to find her. She's waiting for you. Don't you see your own victory Mortal again, and so very, very young. Mortal again, and so : very, very beautiful. Mortal again, with all your knowledge and hi with the same indomitable will.
Firmly and easily he removed my arms and pushed me back, ^closing his hands over mine as he held me away from him.
Good-bye, Lestat, he said. Perhaps the others will come to you. In time, when they feel you've paid enough.
I gave one last cry, trying to free my hands, trying to fix upon him, for I knew full well what he meant to do. In a dark flash of movement, he was gone, and I was lying on the floor.
The candle had fallen over on the desk and had gone out. Only the light of the dying fire filled the little room. And the shutters of the door stood open, and the rain was falling, thin