Page 66 of Caller of Crows

"Oh, honey." Katya's expression became sad. "There is no saving me. You know that, don't you?"

Sven's breath caught.

Fuck, no.

"Mom, no, don't say that."

"Shhh." His mom squeezed his hand.

"I met this vampire. He could have helped. If I could make him turn me, if I could turn you…"

"Sven…"

"I'll ask him again." Sven rose from the chair and strode toward the window. "He'll understand. I know he will."

Katya's hand reached out to him before he could open the curtains. "No, Sven."

"Mom, you don't understand."

"No," his mother repeated, her voice firmer now. "You can't change my mind about this. I'm okay, Sven."

Sven whirled around to her. "You're not okay."

"Listen to me." Katya's dark brown eyes bore into his. "Iamokay. Death is not the end."

"It's not the beginning either," Sven shot back, tears gathering in his eyes.

Katya was silent, her expression thoughtful, her hand still reaching for him. She waited until he returned to her side and then took his hand in both of hers, her grip weak.

"I can't live without you, Mom."

"You can," his mother said. "And you will."

Sven wiped at his face, struggling not to sob. He couldn't cry, though. He had to be strong for his mother, now more than ever. Even if he didn't understand why she was making this choice. "You could have eternal life."

"As a vampire?" His mother shook her head again. "Not for me."

Sven squeezed his eyes shut.

Fuck, how could his mother do this to him?

"Everything is going to be alright," his mother murmured, her thumb stroking over the back of his hand. "You'll find your own way," Katya said. "That's what I want for you."

"Mom…"

"It's okay," Katya whispered. "I'm not afraid. I know what awaits me." She let out a quiet sigh. "I miss your father."

Sven felt a pang. His father had died many years ago—before Sven had even been born—but he'd heard so much about the man, he felt like he knew him anyway. "I wish he could be here."

"He is," Katya said. "He's watching over us. Just like I'll be watching over you."

Sven's chest ached. He wanted more than that. He would have done anything to keep his mother with him.Anything.

But he had to respect her wishes too, no matter how much they hurt him.

His mother deserved that much.

"Promise me something." Katya squeezed his hand.