It was warm and gentle, like lying in clouds that had soaked up the sun, suffused with a faint, comforting fragrance. It smelled of cedar, of a bamboo grove beneath the moonlight, faint and cool.
A dry, elegant hand gently brushed through his silver-white hair, as though soothing a lazy cat.
His long eyelashes fluttered. Xie De opened his eyes, confusion and uncertainty rising in his dark green gaze.
He discovered that he was actually lying across someone's lap. Startled, he hurriedly stood and backed away, his movements scattering a bank of mist in every direction.
The person before him looked at him.
It was their first meeting, but Xie De guessed his identity with a single glance-an angel.
His outline melted into layers of holy light. His fourteen pairs of wings were not entirely pure white; their tips glowed softly like opal, and when they spread, they resembled curtains of falling stars.
His white robe was simply cut, with dark gold lilies embroidered at the collar and cuffs. His face possessed an elusive softness, both masculine and feminine, with a faint golden halo gathered at his brow and eyes the clear color of glass. His presence was as crisp as sacred temple ointment in the morning mist, yet carried an unquestionable divine pressure.
He sat upon the white clouds, looking at Xie De with a gentle, harmless expression. His voice was just as gentle.
"My name is Gabriel. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Scheid."
"...Am I dead?"
Xie De looked at the angel before him, then glanced around at his surroundings. He pressed his lips together, his fingers resting against the spot where the bullet had pierced his chest. Even now, he seemed able to feel the agony of his blood draining away.
Gabriel nodded, as gentle