Fred had always treated Lily as the queen's possession. He cared for her well, but ultimately, he could not spare her.

Lily looked at Yasmin quietly as Yasmin raised an eyebrow. "You don't believe me? If you don't, I can—"

Lily interrupted, "No, I do. You're the queen, and I know you keep your promises. You wouldn't offer if you hadn't considered sparing my life."

Lily offered a somewhat mocking smile. "I should thank you for your willingness to do so." It sounded awkward, but she meant it. Yasmin didn't need to care about Lily's life, yet she was willing to find a new vessel. Still, that wasn't what Lily wanted. Yasmin noticed Lily's lack of elation and grew puzzled. "Then why can't you help me? Don't you want to reunite with your family? Don't you want them to achieve immortality, too?"

"No," Lily readily shook her head.

Yasmin looked at her in disbelief. "Why wouldn't you? Everyone wants to live forever. I'm sure you're only saying that because you're not old enough."

Lily shook her head again. "No, it's not that. I'm not old, but I am going to die soon. I've always been on the brink of death here, and you can kill me anytime. Isn't that so?"

Yasmin was stumped, knowing Lily was right. After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "So you really don't fear death?"

'How could anyone not fear death?' Yasmin thought incredulously.

Lily looked at Yasmin and said, "Honestly, I do. I have three—no, four children, and they're still very young." She counted Debbie as her own. "They still need me, and I'd feel horrible for them if I were to die. What about my husband? We love each other so much. He would be heartbroken if I died." Lily revealed a sweet smile as she thought of Alexander.

Yasmin asked, "Then why won't you help me? Why are you antagonizing me?"

Lily shook her head. "I'm not. I simply disapprove of this inhumane experiment. I also fear death, but I know I must accept it because that's what makes our lives so precious. How meaningless would it be if we lived for hundreds or even thousands of years? If we continue to live while those around us grow old and die, wouldn't each separation be worse than death?" She spoke gently and soothingly.