( The fear that had so thoroughly gripped Shealtiel earlier is so far gone that only exhaustion tinged with sadness is left on his face. He keeps walking with her, towards the stairs, down halls, slow and close. )

So my wings didn’t open up.

( He breathes out, but it’s too rough to be called relief. )

…Other angels don’t have those things. Normal angels just have two eyes, normal teeth, and big, beautiful white wings.

I guess I’m not great at being an angel in any way.