"Spending an afternoon with a lovely lady and a library of books, or spending it with these reprobates?" Merlin raised his hands as if weighing up and then offered his arm to China with a smile. "It isn't really a contest, I admit. Which sigil am I calling, my dear?"

It took only the right sigil's name, a weaving of magic, a step--and then Merlin and China, her hand resting on his arm as befitting a lady, were gone.

Gabe knew it was only a matter of time before the Ancient would come back with his own dry quips and nudges. He couldn't see souls, but he would wonder. And believe. And want to know. And offer advice.

They were doomed. Especially since Gabe's cheeks were pink again. Rafe wasn't exactly wrong, either. Skul was blushing, even though no one except the two Archangels could see it. In light of Tanith's dawning realisation and Rafe's wicked grin, Gabe chose the path of valour: changing the subject.

"I'll help," he offered. "Valkyrie's earned a day off. Everyone's earned a day off, really." He smiled around at them, trying to get the attention off the two of them. "Thank you all. Really. Especially you, Erskine. You didn't even know I existed an hour ago."