Uriel sighed as Michael left the room. The other seemed to be rather distressed over all this, and, in all honesty, Uriel felt the same himself. He understood Michael's wish to be away from him. Had he been in the other's place, he probably would have fled as well.

"May the Presence be strong in you, Michael," he whispered in his usual manner even though there was nobody around to hear it anymore. Then, his voice too quiet to ever reach mortal ears, he added, more a plea -- or prayer -- than a wish, "And in Raphael as well."