It is this kindness of his that unsettles me most. I can dodge a blow or block a knife. I am impervious to poison and know a dozen ways to escape a chokehold or garrote wire. But kindness? I do not know how to defend against that.

Are men truly such idiots that they cannot resist two orbs of flesh?

He barks out a laugh. "My little rebel.

Jewels can be replaced, cousin. Independence, once lost, cannot.

And so it is with us; we serve as handmaidens to Death. When we are guided by His will, killing is a sacrament.

You love me?' 'Yes, you great lummox. I love you.' He lets out a sigh. 'Sweet Camulos! It's about time.

Perhaps that is because you mistake death for justice, and they are not the same thing at all.