“Please tell me that you are not who you say you are,” Aeliana whispered, hints of the slightest tears in her eyes. “I have only heard mortals speak of your presence, but I never could have possibly imagined or dreamed that you would come to me here, more alive and tangible than ever.” Swallowing deeply, Aeliana took her fingers and traced them along the contours of the angel’s wings.

She did not wish to make any assumptions regarding the true identity of this ...