"I ... don't know," Elena said, picking her words carefully. "I do, except I ... don't want to be the only one trying. Maybe I just need to get on with my life. Maybe I need to know if there's any chance he'll come around, or if I'm just wasting my time."

He felt something for her. She had no idea how strong it was. He'd felt a great deal for the Ancient, they all had known that, and he had contented himself to stand back and watch her entire life.