One Hundred-Eighteen

"Oh gods, no, Elena. I loved you. I still do. But the change in you has caused that love to change as well. I don't know how to explain it. None of the languages I know have a word for it. It's just, well, it's different."

"Okay, I believe you. So, will you teach me how to do the mind stuff and control my shift?"

"Yes, I told you last night I would. Our time will have to be short, however. I cannot be with you for more than a couple of hours at a time, before my control is pushed to its limits. Also, there are two things that I want in return for this help"

"Oh? What are they, Damien?"

Elena was instantly suspicious. Damien was different now and her trust in him was no longer what it once was.

"First, I need a promise. You have to swear a blood oath to do something for me when our time is finished."

"A blood oath? Why? No one does those anymore."

"It doesn't matter, you will do this or I won't help you. I hate to be so uncouth, Elena, but I have to have this blood oath."

"Okay, say I