[She continues to pet his hair, feeling her heart break more at how he clings to her so desperately like this. As much as the fire seraph wants to shield him from the world, she can't do it forever. Sorey needs to learn from this. He needs to re-learn to trust himself.]

I know. [Her voice is sorrowful.] Zaveid told me. Honestly, I had no idea such a thing was possible.

[But that doesn't excuse it, does it?]

I can't speak for Zaveid or Dezel, but know that I forgive you.

[Lailah always will. Even though he tried tearing her soul apart, tried taking away her fire, she still forgives him. In the end...she always forgives her Shepherds.]

I owe you an apology, Sorey. I didn't teach you enough to handle your personal malevolence. Neither did I teach my Sub Lords enough to help you in my absence.