Read Online Gabriel by Nikki Kelly - Free Book Online Page B

tracing the outline of the slabs. There was a small crack over by the coat stand, and as I focused on it, I realized that I could distinguish every speck of dirt and dust trapped inside it.
    â€œIt’s all clear. I didn’t mean to worry you. Better to be safe than sorry,” Ruadhan said, locking his arm into mine as he escorted me down the driveway.
    It was still very frosty, and the subzero temperature had caused the rain from the night before to form a skating rink across the pavement. I followed the outline of the riverbank and a large bridge appeared in the distance. It reminded me of something from a travel guide, and I took a second to breathe in the freshness of the morning once again. I looked up toward the sky, but the sun was hidden behind light gray clouds.
    â€œWhere are we going?” I inquired as we began making our way down the lane, passing the last of the local stores.
    Ruadhan pawed at the stubble on his chin. “I’m not sure.”
    We strolled alongside the riverbank for a while. Ruadhan seemed consumed in private thought. We walked past a sign that read “Mill Meadows,” and Ruadhan nudged me toward the gate of the park, eyeing a bench next to the pathway.
    â€œAre you all right?” I asked.
    Ruadhan uncoiled a scarf from around his neck, placing it down for me to sit on, and I smiled at his chivalry. I took a seat next to him. The park was tranquil as the trees that bordered it swayed gently in the soft breeze.
    â€œI’m so sorry about what happened on the mountain, Lailah,” Ruadhan finally began.
    I shifted uncomfortably. “It’s okay. You didn’t know. I hadn’t known. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I was before Azrael did.” I had just as much to apologize for—perhaps more. When Ruadhan had pushed Ethan’s sword through my chest, he thought he was ending a Pureblood; he hadn’t a clue that the girl in shadow was me. I had deliberately kept my past from him—everything, including my real name. Gabriel had thought it was safer to keep the little we did know about me a secret while he searched for the answers to what we didn’t.
    â€œI care about you, love. I only want you to be happy,” Ruadhan said, scratching the tops of his legs.
    â€œI know that.” I was so lucky to have someone like Ruadhan in my life. I couldn’t lose him. “Ruadhan, what did you mean about Gabriel finishing you properly?”
    â€œOh, little love. I told you once before, I had a debt to repay to Gabriel for saving me. But now he has found what he was looking for, he doesn’t need me anymore. And so, I have asked him to end me before you leave together.” Ruadhan didn’t look at me, instead choosing to stare out over the Thames.
    I stifled a gasp. “No, Ruadhan, just because we’re leaving doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go on. I don’t care what you say, you don’t deserve to die; there’s nothing for you in death.”
    â€œI don’t fear death, Lailah.” His words were smooth as he continued to stare out at the river.
    â€œYou should,” I shot back.
    Ruadhan finally turned to face me, taking my hands in his. He squeezed them as he attempted to reassure me.
    But I wasn’t reassured. He needed to understand. “Before you tell me your life has already been taken, let me be clear. You are not dead. You should cling to the existence you have, because there is nothing for you after this.…”
    â€œYou’re right, love, and I know I cannot change the color of my soul. But Gabriel will afford me one final moment of light.” His voice dropped into a low whisper. “And even though it will be but a single moment, it’s one in which the Devil will no longer own me. I will know my God again. I will find peace.” He cleared his throat. “With no purpose left here, why would I cling to what I have become—to this ?”
    I