Page 139 of Eternal Craving
“Why?”
I smiled. “Just trying to understandyou.”
He glanced at the letter opener. “Assuming anything would be foolish at best.”
“Is that the philosophy on which you base your life?”
“My life is not my own. I serve a greater purpose.”
“But you hate this life, don’t you?”
His expression softened.
I released him and folded my arms. “A reluctant Stone Master.”
“This conversation is over.”
“You’re tired. You hate what you do.”
“Mistakes have been made.”
“It’s the killing, isn’t it? You’ve been feeling this way for quite some time.”
He shrugged. “Do you want me to admit that I enjoy the act of murder, even if it’s meant for the ultimate good?”
“What path would you have chosen otherwise?”
“I can’t believe I’m having this conversation withyou!”
“I could always extract it from your mind.”
“Please don’t.”
“But it’s so easy to rummage around in there. Your thoughts are fascinating.”
“You kill every night. How do you come to terms with murder?”
“They die because I want to live.”
“Has any part of the old you survived?”
I leaned against the desk. “I think so.”
“Can you still experience love?”
“Of course.”
“What were you like as a mortal?”
“Not half as dashing as I am now.”
He almost smiled. “What does it feel like never to age?”
“It is what it is. Eternity has its privileges.”
All fear had gone from him. “How old are you?”
“You’re stalling.”
