Chapter 137: Visitors Most Vile

Gabriel descended to join us, a happy smile on his face, the ribbons lingering with him while Max held out his arms to my son. I found myself tearing up for some reason.

"Thank you," the drach leader said, swinging Gabriel up into his embrace. "You've set my sister free and I am very grateful."

"She's really nice." My son said it shyly, as though surprised to find himself in this position, cradled in the big drach's arms. "She's still here, you know."

Max exhaled, closing his diamond eyes. "I can feel her," he said. When he opened them again, the diamond sparkle fixed on me. "I'm sorry, Syd," he said. "I've been so distracted, so wrapped up in the big picture, I've forgotten. You're right. The small things are still important."

My heart broke for him.

He let Gabriel go, ruffling his hair. "You have some new friends, I see." The ribbons rubbed up against the drach leader who chuckled at their antics.