Uriel’s POV

I released her from my embrace, and she slowly withdrew as well. Her head retreated until I saw the wistful gaze she was giving me. The trembling of her hands indicated that she was scared, so I furrowed my eyebrows while still holding the sides of her shoulders.

“I thought I had lost you, too,” she replied and smiled sadly. “I could not bear seeing you hurt like that. I also get hurt.”

“Shhh,” I said and caressed her cheek. I put the strands of her hair on the back of ...