The moment she pushed against him, something inside Azrayel splintered.
Her eyes cleared—only for a heartbeat—but it was enough to show him horror, recognition, and a dawning understanding of how far she had fallen into the awakening's grip.
She whispered "No," as if she were choking on the word, and shoved weakly at his chest.
Her limbs trembled violently, too fragile to obey her command. She tried to stand. Her knees collapsed instantly. She hit the stone floor with a dull, sickening sound.
Azrayel reached for her—
But she recoiled as if his hand were fire.
"Stay away," she gasped. "Please… stay away from me."
The words rooted him where he was.
He forced his hand to close into a fist and lowered it slowly to his side. Obeying her hurt more sharply than any blade he'd ever carried. Instinct screamed at him to gather her into his arms again but she had asked him not to touch her.
