The vision of Gabriel's chained form faded slowly, leaving Azrael kneeling at the crystal altar with blood still flowing from his palm onto its black surface. But the ritual had worked—he could feel the difference immediately. The Forsaken Flame burned steadier within his chest, no longer threatening to consume him with each use. The chaotic energy that had made his power unpredictable was now focused, controlled, shaped by understanding rather than raw emotion.

Elena helped him to his ...