“No, River,” Jayne shook his head. “That’s just it. I can’t go back. Not now. It’s too late for that.”
River’s mouth was open to ask why when suddenly the peace was shattered by a soul-wrenching howl, a scream really. A piercing wail of pure rage. River shrieked in spite of herself, and jumped behind Jayne, grabbing his shirt.
“What was that?” she asked, suddenly a little girl again.
“That’s the reason I can’t go back,” Jayne told her miserably. He sat down, and River went with him, staying glued to his back.
“What is it?” she whispered, looking over his shoulder, across the river where the howl had originated.
“It’s me,” Jayne’s voice was despondent.
-- Archangel – Chapter Twelve by badkarma00