If they were, Gabriel wasn't entirely sure he'd passed that test. If it was a test. He'd joined the fight just a little too late--late enough to ensure his own death, no matter what. If he'd been earlier, maybe he could've done more and stayed alive in the bargain.

Which was annoying. He'd known that going in, but it wasn't like he'd expected to be able to regret the choice afterward.

"Well? Don't hold me in suspense, here," the archangel said with a deprecating smile. "How'd you manage that and what did it look like?"