It does indeed have something to do with the clergyman; Carlisle's influence over the vampire wanes as he removes his glasses, his hands trembling as he cleans them off with his glove. Though the simple act, along with the fading illusion, seems to calm some of his nerves, his legs still shake beneath him, fear making them weak, yet petrifying him enough to keep him there.

"I told you I didn't want any," he utters quietly, his voice unsteady. That's not the answer Armand is looking for, but it's what he manages to put together as he tries not to think too hard on the fact that he just exerted dominance over a vampire's mind. His curse remains as much a sin as his savior, much to his absolute shame.