Surprise and anguish equal magnitudes within me. I didn't comment anything regarding his last confession, because I calmed down with that "almost."—I knew you weren't in danger with them around, as long as you didn't know the truth."I know," he whispered, pursing his lips. I know you would have protected me if something happened, but… Shit! His cursing of her made me jump slightly. Why didn't you tell me? Why you did not tell me anything? I thought... I told you about my stepfather, damn it.Suddenly, his expression changed from upset to resentful."It's not the same, Nat." I shook my head. Please understand…—I never told anyone, and I told you! "She," she interrupted me with exasperation. Why couldn't you tell me something like that?—Because when I found out about all this, I almost went crazy! —I didn't know why I exploded like that. The girl in front of me widened her eyes and leaned back slightly. "Everything I believed in went to shit, Nat." I lowered my tone, but she continu

—You're a terrible friend, Dave! —My voice sounded strange, in a way I had never heard before. David's laughter on the other end of the line was barely perceptible amid the noise of the bar's busy music. You reject my invitation and now you make fun of me?David laughed loudly again, which, for some reason, made me laugh too.—Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh, but I've never heard you drunk, Amy.-I'm not drunk! Well…, not yet. —We laughed again in unison—. I'm just...I'm just happy. That's very strange, isn't it? The happiness. It makes you forget about problems.-That? “He,” he mocked louder. What the hell are you talking about? What are you drinking?—Come on, Dave! Come!“Woman, leave the boy alone,” Nat intervened with a huge smile, next to me on a stool."But I want him to meet you..." I insisted, still with the cell phone pressed to my ear.“I'm sorry, Amy, but I can't come,” David lamented in my ear. I have to study for next week's exams... Maybe another day.I gave a sigh before

“I sat on it,” I lied, but then shook my head. I wasn't supposed to remember any of that by now. Today I had to forget everything.In reality, it was just cracked by a line on the front and I figured it wouldn't affect the photo so I could transfer it to my laptop later.I pointed the camera at her, but Nat scowled at me."Not alone," he objected. Both, or else, no.I grimaced slightly. Honestly, I didn't like taking photos. I loved having the people I wanted in the gallery on my phone and my laptop, I saved my entire family, even some of Diana's. He never revealed them; I just liked having them there.Before I refused, Tyler came to us.—I'll take them one. —He took the cell phone from me and held it in her hands, pointing toward us—. Smile, let's see, make a "duck mouth."Nat pressed herself against my side and rested her head on my shoulder. The only thing I could do was laugh like a fool when the flash blinded me."Damn, Tyler, I closed my eyes," she complained."They're terrible

"So you get brave with a little alcohol," he murmured. I didn't miss the menacing edge in her voice.“Azazziel…” Khaius whispered cautiously, as if he were warning him of something, but he barely looked at him.—Why don't you go back to Hell? —I spat. Azazziel's eyebrows rose in shock, but I didn't stop. I could n't do it. I want you to leave me alone.The amalgamation of gray tones in his pupils darkened. However, far from causing me fear—as it always did—a brief laugh escaped my lips; His, however, twisted into a grimace full of rage.“Amy…” I didn't look at him, but Khaius used the same admonishing tone as before with Azazziel.Someone shook my arm in a gentle but urgent motion. I tilted my head to meet Nat's wide, frightened eyes. The image hit me like I'd been hit with a hammer, and it made me react immediately.I couldn't be reckless, not now. I had to control myself for her. As much as he wanted to confront Azazziel, he couldn't put her at risk for it... Or any of the clients

"I don't understand what you're trying to do," Khaius said, leaning over the bar, resting his elbows on it to get a little closer."I want to enjoy a quiet night with my friends," I expressed sincerely.I saw him lower his head.—And, of course, I am not included in that category.I slanted my lips, sensing a hint of discomfort. But, more than that, a torrent of remorse came over me as I detected a shadow of melancholy crossing his features.—Hey, I'm sorry, okay? I blurted out, trying to sound condescending. But she tries to put you in my place. What do you want me to think? That they are like us? What do they feel like us? I know it's not like that. —I looked down at the glass in my hands—. It has already become clear to me that this is not the case."No..." he agreed, in a barely audible tone. We are not the same.I saw him close his eyes, his shoulders slumped. Suddenly, he looked like a helpless child, so much so that the guilt and feeling of protectiveness towards him wreaked