Azara knocked lightly on Abel's door. She knew he was struggling with the demon inside himself, but she did not think he should have to deal with it alone. After Sister Esther's reaction to seeing him in his Crusnik form Abel had shut himself up in his room and had been there for days now.

"Father Abel?" Azara called softly.

There was no reply, and once again she knocked upon his door. She had been shocked to see his true self as much as Esther had, but she did not see the monster everyone else had seen.

"I'm coming in," she called boldly and turned the handle.

It stuck at once as Abel's voice floated out to her in misery, "Don't."

"Father Abel please," she begged, "let me in. Everyone is worried about you."

Silence greeted her again. Frowning she shoved against the door. Surprising enough she was able to force the door open even with Abel trying to keep it shut. She stumbled into Abel's room and almost tripped over her feet before Abel caught her.

"Please leave Azara," he pleaded, "I don't want you to see me like this."

Azara looked up at him and tilted her head in confusion, "You look the same as you always do."

Pushing her away gently Abel retreated back into his room. All of the lights were off, but she could plainly see red points of light where his eyes should have been. Moonlight was streaking through his window covering most of the room in dim blue light. Trying her best to steady her breathing and heart she stood up straight and closed the door behind her.

"I'm not leaving until you talk to me," she said coming forward.

"Stay away!" he shouted forcefully and pushed her back.

This time she did trip over her feet and landed on the floor. A sharp pain ran through her back but otherwise she was fine. Looking up she saw Abel looking down at her in utter horror. His face was twisted with sorrow as he dropped to his knees beside her and took her hand. She could feel it trembling.

"Forgive me, Azara…" he stammered as red tears spilt from his eyes, "I didn't mean…"

Azara watched as he brought his hands over his face and cried into them. She had never seen him act like this, and it broke her heart to see him in so much emotional pain. Sitting forward she slowly brought her arms around him.

"I'm okay Father," she soothed, "You didn't hurt me."

His sobbing continued as his hands became soaked with blood. Blinking slowly Azara forced his hands away from his face. Her heart quickened at the sight of him, but she retained her composure. His eyes were bright red, and his hair had begun floating around him on its own just as it had before. A tear formed in Azara's eye, but she would not allow it to fall. Gathering all of her courage she brought her lips against his. They were cold, but warmed at her soft touch.

"Please, don't," he begged her, but soon Azara could feel his arms draw around her as if they moved of their own accord.

He deepened their kiss, and she could feel his fangs against her lips. Sitting back she brought him with her as she put her back to the floor. One of his hands gripped both of her wrists and brought them over her head. He placed his other hand firmly on her chest just above her heart.

"I can't do this," he whispered, "I'm afraid of what I might do to you."

Looking up at him she answered, "I trust you Abel, and if you need…blood,"

"Don't say it," he wailed against her hair, "I could never…" he stammered, "Besides, I… drink the blood of vampires…not humans."

Nodding slightly Azara brought herself up and kissed him again. Brining herself back she saw his eyes had returned to their beautiful blue. He held her hands firmly as his other hand brushed through her hair.

"Why did you come here?" he asked pulling her to her feet.

"I told you, everyone is worried about you," she replied looking down.

A small smile formed on his face, "Yet you are the first person to come looking for me. It's not virtuous to lie."

Lowing her head she told him the truth, "I needed to know you were okay. After everything that happened, I thought…you might leave."

Abel reached out and brought her chin up with a more genuine smile, "Azara, my duty is to the church. Even with all that has happened I couldn't just up and leave without some kind of permission."

Nodding Azara broke from him. She walked over to his window and looked out at the city. She did not know why, but his answer had upset her. She felt like crying all over again but she held it inside. She felt warm hands on her shoulders, and the next thing she knew Abel was kissing her. Both of his hands took her wrists and brought them to the wall. He pressed against her and deepened their kiss.

"I don't want a life of pain and sorrow for you," he stated breaking away suddenly.

"I can handle it," she replied trying to wiggle out from his grip, "If I stay by your side, if you let me stay with you, I can handle anything."

She saw his eyes flash in the moonlight. Shaking his head slowly he brought himself forward and kissed her again. Azara's wrists relaxed against Abel's hands, and soon he was nuzzling her hair.

"You don't know what it's like…" he began but broke off at her words.

"I don't care Abel," she protested, "I want to be by your side."

She felt him smile against her hair. He pulled her forward sharply and embraced her in his arms. With her wrists now free she returned his embrace. They remained that way for countless minutes. Each one knew the dangers of being with the other, but at that moment neither of them cared. Abel had saved Azara's life countless times, and now it was her turn to save him from himself.

"Abel," she whispered as the first rays of dawn touched the sky.

"Yes?" he replied pulling away from her.

Staring into his eyes she grew lost in them. She had rarely seen him without his glasses, and seeing him now only confirmed what she had thought for so long.

"Azara?" he questioned breaking her from her silence.

"I have…" she stammered trying desperately to find her words, "For a long time now…I…"

Smiling sweetly he hugged her gently, "I know. I have been in love with you for some time myself."

A smile spread across Azara's face as she pushed herself against Abel. Of course he had known her feelings, and now he would be able to show his without fear. A single tear spilled from her eyes.