"Please, Delina," I whisper desperately. "We can't do this without you."
I can tell from the slight twitch on her cheek that she doesn't like what she is hearing- doesn't like or doesn't want to believe it. Her expression is drawn and darkened, red nailed fingers clacking nervously against the tips of her elbows, echoing unspoken worries into the waters around us.
As quiet as a mouse, she whispers:
"And you are certain this was Azrael- not some trick or illusion or-"
I cut her off with a gentle wave of my hand, taking her hands into mine with an apologetic half smile. Tightly, she clenches onto my fingers.
"I am so sorry, Delina," I say, shaking my head. "It was Azrael, there is no question about it. I am sorry you had to find out this way, I really am but that still doesn't change the fact that we need your help. We don't have much time."
