Embrace the Night

Page 117



Go away!

"Gabriel, where are you?"
Go away!

Taking a deep, calming breath, she went into the kitchen and down the stairs that led to the cellar door. She was surprised to find the door unlocked, and more surprised by the sudden and total terror that engulfed her as she lifted the latch and crossed the threshold into darkness so thick it was almost palpable.

"Gabriel?" Her voice was soft and low and shaky. "Go away!"

She peered into the darkness, trying to see him. "Gabriel, where are you?" "Sara, for the love of heaven, get out of here while you can!"
"I'm not leaving. You called me, and I'm here."

Tears stung his eyes. She had heard his anguished cries, and she had come to him. He pressed his forehead against the cold stone wall and closed his eyes, striving for control.
"Please, Sara, go away."

"What's wrong, Gabriel? Won't you tell me?" "I'm… not well."

"I'll help you. Only tell me what to do."

"No." He placed his hands on the wall on either side of his head, his fingernails raking the cold stones. "Please… go. Please… I don't want to hurt you."

"Tell me what you need, and I'll get it for you."

"What I need?" His voice was shrill, edged with pain and despair. "What I need! Ah, Sara," he murmured brokenly. "If you only knew."

"I'll get it, Gabriel, I promise, whatever it is. Only tell me."

She took another step into the room. Her eyes had become accustomed to the darkness and she could see him now, a black shape huddled against the opposite wall.

She took another step, and he whirled away, his cloak swirling around him as he stumbled toward the far corner.

"Gabriel, my angel, please let me help you."