Until death," Jem replied gently. "Those are the words of the oath. 'Until aught but death part thee and me.' Someday, Will, I will go where none can follow me, and I think it will be sooner rather than later. Have you ever asked yourself why I agreed to be your parabola?"" No better offers forthcoming?" Will tried for humor, but his voice cracked like glass." I thought you needed me," Jem said. "There is a wall you have built about yourself, Will, and I have never asked you why. But no one should shoulder every burden alone. I thought you would let me inside if I became your parabola, and then you would have at least someone to lean upon. I did wonder what my death would mean for you. Furthermore, I used to fear it, for your sake. Furthermore, I feared you would be left alone inside that wall. But now... something has changed. I do not know why. But I know that it is true."" That what is true?" Will's fingers were still digging into Jem's wrist. "That the wall is coming down.

Clockwork Prince