Elissa ran a hand over her temple, feeling the anxiety flare within her.

— What do you mean? — she asked, looking at Raphael.

The vampire stepped forward slowly, lazily, like a cat playing with its prey.

— Oh, princess, you’re clever. — He tilted his head, his eyes glimmering in the dim lantern light. — Isn’t it strange that a man of the church knows so much about creatures of the night? Isn’t it suspicious that he appeared here at this exact moment?

Elissa pressed her lips together.

— Gabriel is a pastor. He is wise and strong in spirit.

— Perhaps. — Raphael shrugged. — But there was more than just concern in his voice. That was a warning. And warnings come from those who either fear something or have something to hide.

Elissa hesitated.

Gabriel had always seemed unwavering, unshakable—a man who had answers to any question. She trusted him. He was the one she turned to when she found no comfort in the palace.

But what if Raphael was right?

What if the pastor was hiding more than he let on?

— Are you saying… he’s connected to you?

Raphael chuckled.

— To us? — He spread his arms. — Princess, you still think this world has only two sides? Light and darkness? Humans and monsters?

— Doesn’t it?

— It’s far more complicated than that.

He leaned closer, and Elissa felt her heart freeze for a moment.

— If you truly seek the truth, — he whispered, — you must be ready to see it through to the end.

She met his gaze, searching for deception, but found none. Only challenge. Only intrigue.

— Fine, — she said. — But first, I will speak to Gabriel.

Raphael straightened and smirked.

— As you wish. But be careful, princess. Sometimes, answers are far more terrifying than the questions.

Elissa returned to the palace just before dawn.

Before stepping into her chambers, she glanced at the dark sky. Just a few more hours, and she would see Gabriel again. She would finally ask him the questions that burned on her tongue.

She hoped he would answer truthfully.

But deep inside, she doubted it.

The morning greeted her with gray light and cold air.

She and Gabriel had agreed to meet in his quarters at the church. When Elissa entered, the pastor was already waiting. He stood by the tall stained-glass window, his hands clasped behind his back.

— You came, — he said calmly, without turning.

— Of course, — she replied.

He turned to face her.

— And what is it you wish to know?

Elissa clenched her fingers.

— Who are you, Gabriel?

He didn’t look surprised. He only tilted his head slightly.

— An interesting question.

— I deserve an answer.

— Do you truly need it?

She held his gaze.

— Yes.

Gabriel was silent for a moment, then walked to the table, running his fingers over an old book bound in dark leather.

— Do you know what the name “Gabriel” means?

— It’s the name of an angel.

— Correct. An archangel who brings messages. One who stands between God and men.

He lifted his eyes.

— I, too, stand between two worlds, princess.

Elissa froze.

— What do you mean?

— I am not just a pastor. And not just a man.

Her heart pounded faster.

— Then what are you?

Gabriel smiled—calmly, sorrowfully.

— One who fights the darkness.

— You’re a hunter?

— In a way.

Elissa suddenly remembered Raphael’s warning.

— And you’ve been hiding this from me?

Gabriel slowly closed the book.

— I was protecting you.

— From whom?

— From him.

She knew exactly who he meant.

— You’re hiding something, too, — she whispered.

Gabriel sighed.

— You’re right.

Elissa tensed.

— Then tell me everything.

Gabriel studied her for a long moment.

— Very well, — he said. — But after this, you won’t be able to return to the world you knew.

She lifted her chin.

— I’ve already crossed that line.

He nodded.

— Then listen.

And he began to speak.