There are several meanings that can be attached to each song, one arises from what the writer intended, one from the sources they drew from and one from how the listener relates it to their experience. Since Epica and Black Halo are a retelling of the classic tale of Faust, the significance of the background story can't be ignored. The most important point for this song is that in all of the versions of Faust, Helena is granted to him as part of his deal with the Devil (ie. her will is altered). When he sings "Although you hold me close, I feel retention arise..." he may be referring to this rather than the more straight interpretation that Helena just senses something wrong in him. It is possible even Ariel doesn't know which is the case for sure. In any case this is where the seeds to seek redemption are planted as he reflects himself through the "angelic" Helena, a theme that is further emphasized in "Ways to Epica".
There are several meanings that can be attached to each song, one arises from what the writer intended, one from the sources they drew from and one from how the listener relates it to their experience. Since Epica and Black Halo are a retelling of the classic tale of Faust, the significance of the background story can't be ignored. The most important point for this song is that in all of the versions of Faust, Helena is granted to him as part of his deal with the Devil (ie. her will is altered). When he sings "Although you hold me close, I feel retention arise..." he may be referring to this rather than the more straight interpretation that Helena just senses something wrong in him. It is possible even Ariel doesn't know which is the case for sure. In any case this is where the seeds to seek redemption are planted as he reflects himself through the "angelic" Helena, a theme that is further emphasized in "Ways to Epica".