Gabriel was about to reply, to say that he did understand Uriel's pain and that as much as being wielded as an instrument of bloodshed hurt, being away from Him hurt more, but he stepped back and stiffened in shock as the Lightbringer materialised.

His instinct was to go to them and pull Uriel away, but his very touch hurt Uriel now, and his brother had chosen Lucifer, who seemed to be as loving as Uriel had said. As Gabriel remembered.

"Lucifer," he said stiffly, inclining his head in greeting.