Uriel had never seen the creature, and had only learned of its existence recently, yet he instantly recognised it.
He smiled, then raised a finger to caress the little creature's reptilian head. "Hey, buddy."
It happily flicked its tongue at him, and he couldn't help but chuckle.
He turned back to Ophanis. He found all four of his spirits, or rather seven if the large serpents and lotus were counted, all looking at the serpent with a swirling storm of complicated emotion in their eyes.
"Did you choose this…or did he…did I make you?"
Mariah, who was still tightly holding onto his chest, pulled back a little, looking up at him while still clutching his waist.
"Rid yourself of the foul image you have of your past self. You'd never force us to do anything. If we so wished, you'd have made us living humans, free and without any obligations."
"But we decided to stay."
She reached a hand up to caress his face. "This is our choice."
"Your choice is to leave me?"
