"More time for you than for me." She turned away. "That's why we must talk. Later we will go for a walk and discuss this."
The sky was a glory of pink-scarlet as the dawn broke over the ruins of Pompeii. It seemed impossible that it had only been a day since they had stood on this same spot, Selene thought.
"I was going to tell you," Kadar said.
"When it suited you."
"It seemed better to wait."
She shrugged. "I'm not sure I believe any of this, you know."
"I know."
"But you do?"
"As much as I can with no proof."
She looked away from him. "Then I want you to give me the potion."
He stiffened. "Why?"
"What difference does it make? Just give it to me."
"It makes a considerable difference. I've been struggling to keep myself from persuading you since I was told about Eshe."
"Then stop struggling. The battle's won. Go to Tarik and tell him to give it to me."
He shook his head. "Not because I want it."
"Very well, then do it because I want it."
"But you don't. You told me you'd never choose it."
"I was afraid."
"And you're not afraid any longer?"
"Maybe," she whispered.
He looked at her.
"All right, I'm still afraid. But I'm more afraid of not taking it. I won't leave you alone. You need me."
"That's a poor reason."
"I'm not reasonable about this. The entire idea is mad. Why should I be sane?"
"Because I won't let you do this for me. It has to be because you want it for yourself."
"Maybe I do." She moistened her lips. "I was terribly afraid when I was running away from Nasim. I thought every minute I was going to die. I didn't want to die. I wanted to live with you and have your children. I wanted to see Thea again. I wanted to live. "
"Nothing is sweeter than life when you're close to losing it. You could change your mind."
"I won't change it. Why are you arguing with me?"
"Because it means too much. It's too important."
"You're just being selfish." She tried to smile. "You want me to grow old, ugly, and wrinkled and then you can laugh at me."
