Deidre's Death

What the fuck had Darkyn managed to do in four days that Gabriel hadn't been able to in the week he spent with her? Removed her tumor, immortalized her and now, could comfort her with a single touch. Gabriel had never felt inadequate in his life until that moment.

"Agreed," he said. "Harmony for the dealer you have."

"I'll have him brought to the shadow world and summon you," Darkyn said.

Deidre was watching him, her gaze troubled. Gabriel wanted to say something to her, to apologize, to rationalize what happened … He felt like he was on the verge of snapping, unable to settle the turmoil of his emotions.

"You don't deserve to spend your life in Hell," he said, pacing. "Gods, if I could send her home with that demon in your place, I -"

"Gabriel!" Deidre exclaimed.

"Would you consider a trade, Darkyn?" Gabriel asked with a bitter laugh.

"She did what she did because she loves you, Gabriel," Deidre said. She moved away from Darkyn to stand in front of Gabriel, searching his gaze.

"After all she did to you, how can you say this?" he demanded, glaring down at her. "She'll be lucky if I let her survive the day."

"I was angry at her," Deidre admitted. "Maybe I still am. But you can't kill her! She deserves a chance."

"To what? Turn on me again? To make my life hell?" Gabriel shook his head.

"To have a second chance with you," Deidre answered softly.

"I knew something was wrong. Her story just didn't make sense." He looked away, towards the window, hands on his hips.

"When you thought I was dying, you weren't willing to take a chance," Deidre added sadly.

"Deidre, I -"

"No, wait. You weren't, Gabriel. You did exactly what she did. You hurt me to protect yourself," Deidre said with emotion that made her face flush. "I had to make a choice without knowing what would happen or even if you would be there for me in the morning."

He was quiet, unaware of the depths of her hurt until now. Everything he did was to help her, or so he thought. Did he ever tell her that? Or did he simply push her away, leaving her to interpret his rejection in the worst way possible?

"I don't want you to apologize, Gabriel," she said with a sigh. "I want you to see what I do. You both made selfish choices. You both have a chance to make it right."

"And leave you in Hell with him?"

"I made a choice, too. I chose to live, no matter what the consequences. That path lies in a direction I never would've expected. But I accept that, Gabriel. There's a greater purpose than myself. You and she never understood that, when it came to caring for someone else. You have that chance now."