The atmosphere was suffocating.
Gabriel stood frozen, his thoughts unraveling one by one. Sir Luka—gone without a trace. His brother injured. And Zaria, an Angel no longer. He couldn't even sense her divine presence. Her wings... were gone. Everything felt wrong.
"Brother," Gabriel said, stepping forward, his voice low but heavy with tension. "What the hell happened?"
Daemon opened his mouth to speak, preparing the story he'd crafted—until Zaria suddenly cut in.
"Don't blame Daemon! He didn't do anything," she shouted, eyes wide.
Gabriel blinked. "Blame Daemon? What are you talking about?"
Daemon stiffened. His eyes flicked toward Zaria as she gave a quick, awkward wink. He nearly groaned aloud. She really doesn't know how to lie. Still, she was trying. And now, it was his turn to take over.
He dropped his gaze, letting his voice soften with just the right amount of weariness.
