Gabriel was leaning forward slightly, raptly, eyes fixed on Lucifer's face. "Your light has not dimmed. I missed it, in Heaven."

He had a vague feeling that he should not be admitting such things, but he also hoped that his honesty would please Lucifer; he wanted to please the Lightbringer, ached for what Lucifer must have endured when His love was ripped away from him, was entranced by his words.

"But humans do not have to bear our pain when they question Him. They Fell from grace too, but it was not the same; they can ask questions, can change. We cannot do so, not without direr consequences. And every day I fear those consequences. I love Him more than anything, but I also fear Him."