章 165: The world didn't stop for you.

Azrael as he pushed open the creaking door of his apartment. Vera ran to hug him but her smile faltered the moment she saw his face.

"Azrael!" she exclaimed, hurrying towards him.

Her brow furrowed with concern as she reached for his face, her small soft thin fingers held his face. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you all day."

Azrael forced a smile, "Just… looking around," he mumbled, his gaze moving away from hers.

He couldn't bear to see worry cloud her eyes.

Vera studied him intently, her gaze lingering on the dark circles beneath his eyes and the forced smile he was making. "There's more," she stated, her voice gentle but firm.

"Tell me what's wrong."

Azrael hesitated, the weight of the tavern encounter pressing down on him.

He didn't want to burden her with his troubles about the memory of the possessed man, the promise the demon made and whispered in his ear, none of it.