When I came to, I found myself miraculously floating 50 feet in the air. I thought I was having some kind of out-of-body experience, until I felt Peal’s slender fingers gripping my underarms with all their might.

“Hrrgggh…note to self…do not attempt aerial rescue on adult male humans…ever again…”

“Peal…? Where is Knell?!” I demanded.

“He’s still…on the ground,” she said, straining. “But there’s nothing to worry about…even though the demon struck him point-blank…if he’s an angel, then he should still be alive…we’re hardier than you earth-crawlers, you know-”

“I already know, and I don’t care! Just put me down!”

Peal dove down as fast as she had when she first arrived, and as soon as she came within safe landing distance, she dropped me roughly on the ground. “You could at least express some human gratitude,” she said indignantly. “I didn’t have to save you, you know. I didn’t have to drain the power of my biofilm barrier, touching you…”

“Look, I’m grateful, okay?” I answered. “Now can we please focus on finding Knell? Just because he’s still alive, doesn’t mean he isn’t injured or scared…he’s still only a child.”

Peal actually helped me search. We spent ten full minutes turning over boulders and calling for him, but he never answered. Worst-case scenarios began to run through my head. The demon might have killed him, despite his angelic hardiness. Or it might have swallowed him and taken him away before he could get out. If the demon had come from the Font, then it could be taking him back there: to certain death. On the other hand, if it had come from somewhere outside the area, we might never find him again…

Peal floated back up to me, interrupting my thoughts. “Well, human, I have some good news and some bad news: the bad news is that my biofilm barrier has exhausted its energy reserves, since I’ve been touching all this Earth matter…I’m going to have to take my leave soon.” She fluttered her wings, which had already turned a pale green. “The good news is that I completed my mission, AND I found your little friend!”

She held out Knell’s severed arm.