Listening passively to the storm in each of their souls, Gabriel wasn't sure whether to be insulted on Michael's behalf or not. It seemed as if Merlin was of greater interest here. Mostly the Archangel just settled for being rather bemused. And also amused, mostly by the thought-process Ghastly was radiating.

Gabe would much rather have been able to stay in that frame of mind, but Skul's question ruined it. The Archangel hadn't told Skul details about his almost-Fall. Skul knew it had happened, but not details, and Gabe had assumed the detective had understood. Yet those words alone ... said he didn't. Not completely. Gabe looked away. "Angels become demons when they Fall, Skul," he said softly. "It's not just a change in name. It's a ... a change in nature. In the way they inhabit the metaphysical. The way they broadcast themselves."

That was why the nephilim had needed to become mortal to return to Heaven. Why Lucifer and the others would have to surrender their immortality if they chose the same--the choice Lucifer forever refused to make. A Fallen angel changed completely, irrevocably, and their natures needed to be shed to be renewed.

He tried to smile at Valkyrie. It didn't quite work. "In a way, I suppose. Distant cousins. He's the last living Ancient from my world."