"I was nearly lost," Cole explains. "I was saved before I was too far gone. Rhys saved me. He cared and he loved me even when he thought I was doing awful things. Even when he knew I was a demon, he still cared and that kept me... me."

He looks at her and gives that little smile again. "You care too. Yes, I've seen spirits be warped. It hurts them, they're confused and scared and angry and out of control. It's okay when Desire is born of Desire, but Desire born of Love... Love dies for Desire. Compassion can be Mercy but Despair kills it."