"Why are you doing this, Jacob?" Nathan attempted to draw the Soul Eater's attention away from me. It worked, but only a little. I could breathe again, but my head was still pulled up at an uncomfortable angle. My spine popped and my muscles screamed in protest.

Still, I sent Nathan a mental Thank you.

Hang on, sweetheart. His gaze met mine for just a second before he addressed the Soul Eater again. "Why are you on this demented quest? Do you really think there isn't going to be another vampire just as ambitious as you are, gunning for you once you become a god? Imagine the kind of trophy you would make!"

"More ambitious?" The Soul Eater cackled at that. "Have you met an ambitious vampire in your life? Look at yourself. You could have stayed with me, never wanting for anything, if only you would have done what I'd asked of you. Instead, you chose to live out your pathetic existence serving those who would see us subjugated and exterminated. Living in a filthy apartment and running your pathetic shop full of superstitions you've never believed.

"And you, Simon! All I ever asked is for you to carry out my wishes, to be my eyes when I could not rouse from my slumber. But you were more concerned with finding a woman to adore you, as if that would make you more of a man. You embarrass me!" He gave a grunt of disgust. "If you intend to serve me, I suggest you rid yourself of your insipid humanity.

"A new age is dawning, my children. Vampires will rule this earth, as we're meant to. No more of this 'the meek will inherit' preaching from the Movement. Let the meek have the kingdom of heaven. The strong shall rule on earth." As he spoke, his hand tightened around my neck. His body trembled with rage. "The Oracle has fulfilled her role. She has secured the child I need. She sees a vision of chaos, thinking to impress me with horror. But the true horror will come when I rule, when I kill the Oracle and reign in her stead."

His hand at my throat relaxed once again, stroking down the column of my windpipe. He took me by the hand, the strength of his grip a warning, and turned me to face him. "Despite your failings and your naive alliance to those who would destroy me, your death is not essential, Carrie. You're of my line. You could serve me. Or can die here tonight."

"If they die, I die." I said it with as much steel as I could inject into my voice, but I was terrified.

The Soul Eater smiled. "So brave. I should kill you for that alone. But I am feeling kind tonight."

"Thank you?" I looked over Nathan and Cyrus, saw their grim faces. They knew better than I how the Soul Eater displayed his kindness.