Abaddon could barely hear the angel anymore. She was a distant sound, as was every other, all noises becoming warped and confused. He felt detached from his body, and perhaps he was; he had no means of checking. All he was able to do was feel. Images flashed through his mind, millions of flickering images of anguish and pain that he had been directly responsible for. The images seemed to eventually take on a life of their own and turned to him, accusing eyes and directed screams. Unlike before, Abaddon actually felt their pain. He derived no joy from it, only pain. *"A mutamur."* A voice repeated over and over, through the warped nothingness. *A clean slate*. He understood now. To be forgiven was to suffer and understand and be reborn. Abaddon smiled as the light disappeared and he dropped to the ground, dazed and exhausted but, at the same time, feeling anew.

Camael hurried to Abaddon's side as the light vanished and he dropped into the ground. He looked as though he'd just rode the fastest and highest rollercoaster in history as a mortal - with adrenaline pumping through his veins as though he wouldn't wake up tomorrow. She sunk to her knees beside him, hands immediately seeking solace on each of Abaddon's cheeks. She searched his face for any sign of pain, but oddly, what she found was relief. Confused endlessly, she called out his name, "Abe?"