“And we die together." He smiled softly. "I would prefer that. I do not want to live in this worldーor any other world, for that matterーwithout you.”

“I am not afraid to die because I know that when we go, we will go together. It is living without you that would be unbearable.”

“I am not talking about immortality now," Perenelle said, her Breton accent thickening. "We have lived for centuries, Nicholas, centuries. I am not afraid to die because I know that when we go, we will go together. It is living without you that would be unbearable.”

“It looks deserted. Does anyone live here anymore?""Yes.As a matter of fact, I actually have some friends who live on the other side of the island.""I didn't think you had any friends," Dee grumbled."Unlike you, Doctor, I am a good friend.”

“John,be reasonable," Virginia said. "I've known Billy a very long time, and we have had some great adventures together. He's as close as I have to a friend.When he dies, which he will,sooner or later,because he can be so stupid," she added, glaring at the American immortal, "it should be with a degree of dignity,rather than being fed to this...this thing.""Thanks," Billy wheezed."You're welcome.And you owe me.""I'll remember."Virginia turned back to Dee. "I'll make a deal.""For what?" he demanded."For Billy's life," she said evenly."Do you forget who you're dealing with?" Dee snarled."Do you?" she asked softly.”

“Or maybe he just rediscovered his humanity,” Niten said quietly. “Maybe someone reminded him that he is human first, immortal second.”“You said as if you are speaking from personal experience,” Perenelle said.”“I am,” he said softly. “There was a time when I was . . . wild.”“What happened?”He smiled. “I met a redheaded Irish warrior.”“And fell in love?” she teased.“I didn’t say that.”“You didn’t have to.”

“What have you done, brother?" Anubis snarled. "You have betrayed us.""I did what I had to do to save the world.""Chain him," Anubis commanded. He looked at his brother and his stuff face managed to twist and contort in rage. "Waerloga,"he spat.The Elder nodded in agreement. "Aten the Warlock. It has a ring to it, don't you think?”