The town felt smaller with him standing there.
Dannis didn't advance. He stood between Gabriel and the gate like something placed there on purpose, feet set, weight balanced, soft eyes fixed forward.
Behind them, steel rang as Tess, Gilbert, and Adan drew the rest of the attackers away, the sound of their fight bleeding into alleys and rooftops.
Gabriel adjusted his stance, spreading his weight. His blades stayed low, points angled toward the stone.
His eyes began pulsing, the red glow lighting his features.
"You're steadier," he said. "There was a time you couldn't hold yourself like that."
He didn't smile.
"If this had been when we first met," Dannis continued quietly, "you would have run."
The giant inclined his head, raising two fingers and tapping his chest.
His hand reached up to the hilt protruding over his shoulder.
