Chapter 226: Apologies
It took nearly a week for Rainier to finally encounter Malzkael again.
He was in an out-of-the-way corner of the library, reading a book about tempering techniques for angels when he heard someone else enter.
She was reading a book about monsters when Rain tapped her on the shoulder, startling her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked when she realized it was him.
"I’ve been wanting to talk to you," Rain said.
"Well, you can forget it. You chose your side and-"
"I want to apologize," Rain said. "I’m sorry, Malz. You were just trying to help and I should have stood up for you better." He bowed his head.
For a long time, Malz just stared at him. Then she looked away.
"Thanks..." she muttered. "So did Cassie finally drop you?"
"I told her I wanted to keep things professional and she said she understood," Rainier replied. "I, uh, didn’t know about you two. Or that I was your replacement..." He sighed. "She felt betrayed when you left the squad."
"Betrayed? I was transitioning! The window to change a body gets narrower with every evolution, and I took the first chance that arrived! It’s not my fault she got all pissy after-" Cutting herself off, Malz covered her eyes, plopping her elbows on the table. "Gragh! I’m an idiot... I thought this was about her taking my virginity this whole time..." She wiped her left eye. "Sorry, I took it out on you... I forgive you... can you do the same for me?"