The air trembled with tension.
Elissa could feel the invisible force sparking between Raphael and Gabriel, their gazes clashing like blades.
— You don’t understand, Gabriel. — Raphael’s voice was low, threatening. — Her blood has already chosen.
Gabriel scoffed.
— Her blood, yes. But has she?
Elissa sucked in a shaky breath.
— Stop it! — Her voice wavered, but she didn’t back down. — This isn’t a game!
Gabriel shifted his gaze to her, something like regret flickering in his eyes.
— Oh, my dear… but that’s exactly how this is played.
Raphael stepped forward.
— You came for her because you’re afraid.
Gabriel smirked.
— Afraid? Me?
— You’re afraid that I’ll awaken.
A shadow passed over Gabriel’s face, but he quickly masked it.
— It’s inevitable, Raphael. But you don’t understand what that means.
Raphael clenched his jaw.
— Then explain.
Gabriel sighed.
— If she breaks the seal, you’ll lose everything you know. Everything you are.
Elissa froze.
— What do you mean?
Gabriel turned to her, and for the first time, there was no mockery in his voice.
— Raphael won’t be the man you know anymore.
Silence stretched between them.
Elissa looked at Raphael.
He said nothing.
— Is it true? — Her voice was barely a whisper.
Raphael’s fists tightened.
— I don’t know.
Gabriel nodded.
— Because you don’t remember. But I do.
A deep unease coiled in Elissa’s chest.
— And who was he?
Gabriel studied Raphael for a long moment before speaking.
— Someone even the angels feared.
Elissa shuddered.
But Raphael only smirked.
— Then maybe it’s time I got my memories back.
Gabriel shook his head.
— You have no idea what you’re asking for.
Elissa stepped forward, placing herself between them.
— Enough!
She turned to Raphael, then to Gabriel.
— I am not a thing. I am not a prize for you to fight over!
They went still.
— I will make my own choice.
Raphael and Gabriel held her gaze, and in their eyes, she saw the same thing.
They knew.
No matter what choice she made…
It would change everything.