The figure solidified slowly, essence pulling together like scattered embers reforming into flame.

Black wings manifested first—torn and smoking but present. Then torso, arms, legs. Finally a face that the Baptized recognized despite the burns covering it.

Azrael.

He collapsed to his knees the moment reformation completed, hands pressed against the crater's scorched floor. Every breath was agony. Every movement threatened to tear apart the essence holding him together. The Black Flame had ...