Gabriel didn't come home until after midnight.
I'd tried to sleep, but every sound made me jump. Every creak of the house settling, every rustle of wind against the windows. Matteo had checked on me twice, bringing me tea I didn't drink and asking if I needed anything I didn't want.
When I finally heard the front door open, I was out of bed and down the stairs before I could think better of it.
Gabriel stood in the entryway, and my heart clenched at the sight of him. There was blood on his shirt, his knuckles were split and bruised, and his eyes were hollow.
"Gabriel," I breathed.
He looked up at me, and for a moment, he just stared. Like he couldn't quite believe I was real. Then he moved, crossing the distance between us in three long strides and pulling me into his arms.
"I'm okay
