INFERNAL PASSION

Echoes of prophecy

Gabriel woke up early the next morning, his body still aching from the intense battle the night before. The gallery, once a pristine haven for art, now bore the scars of the confrontation. As he looked around, he saw Diana, Vincent, and Sophia moving around the room, inspecting the damage. Despite their exhaustion, there was a sense of unity and resolve that filled the air. They had survived the first wave, but they knew more challenges lay ahead.

Gabriel found Diana near the shattered remains of one of her favorite sculptures, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and determination. He approached her, his voice gentle but firm.

- Last night was intense. But we made it through, thanks to everyone's efforts.

Diana turned to him, her eyes meeting his with a softness that belied the steel within her.

- We did. But we need to be prepared for what's next. We can't let our guard down.

Gabriel nodded, his resolve matching hers.

- Agreed. We're stronger together, and we'll keep fighting.

Nearby, Vincent was surveying the damage with a critical eye. His feelings for Diana and his suspicions about Gabriel had been gnawing at him for days, but the events of the previous night had forced him to see things differently. He needed to be honest with Diana, and he needed to do it now. He walked over to her, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

- Diana, I need to talk to you. I've been struggling with my feelings, and I need to be honest.

Diana looked at him, her expression serious but understanding.

- Vincent, I appreciate your honesty. This situation is complicated, and I understand if you're feeling conflicted.

Vincent's voice was filled with a mixture of frustration and sincerity.

- It's just... I've always felt this need to protect you. And seeing you with Gabriel... It's hard for me. But I see now that he's important to you, and I want to help. No matter what.

Diana reached out and placed a hand on Vincent's arm, her eyes filled with sincerity.

- Thank you, Vincent. Your support means a lot. We need to stick together now more than ever.

As they spoke, Sophia approached Gabriel, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and curiosity. She had seen things the night before that defied explanation, and she needed answers.

- Gabriel, I saw you last night. You're not just human, are you?

Gabriel sighed, knowing this moment was inevitable.

- No, I'm not. I'm an angel, Sophia. I left Heaven because I couldn't stand their rigid rules.

Sophia's eyes widened even further, the reality of his words sinking in.

- An angel... It's a lot to take in. But I believe you. I just want to understand.

Gabriel looked at her, his expression softening.

- I'll tell you everything. You deserve to know. It's a long story, but you need to hear it.

As Gabriel began to recount his tale, the heavy burden of his celestial past weighing on his shoulders, Sophia listened intently, her fear giving way to a deep empathy for his struggles.

While these conversations unfolded, Diana's phone buzzed. It was Emily, her trusted contact who had been gathering information about potential allies and the prophecy that seemed to govern their fates. Emily's voice was urgent and reassuring as she spoke.

- Diana, I've found some information that could be critical for your next steps. Can you all meet me tonight?

Diana nodded, even though Emily couldn't see her.