Chapter 14 Playing With Fire

• After the last few days, Gabriel wanted to believe it was for the best that she wasn't here. He knew what was important in his life: protecting his master and training the recruits until Keane and Caelan had returned. Even though Caelan hadn't served Dagen in so long, he wondered why Dracul would allow an ex-soldier to return, especially one who had betrayed his brother. What would keep Caelan and Keane from crossing Dracul? Such questions he knew Dracul wasn't oblivious to, but after being around Natalya as long as he had. He could see why Caelan had fallen from his grace. He knew that Caelan was a faithful soldier, an honorable warrior for Dagen. He had met the man a few times, but of course, that was before Isadora came into the picture. After hearing of the betrayal of Caelan and then Keane, Gabriel didn't understand how a woman could break the bond between a servant and his master. Now he knew, even though Dracul hadn't made his intention known about Natalya. He knew his master had feelings toward her, even if those feelings were hidden, even from his most trusted friend. Gabriel knew that his loyalty was to Dracul, which was the oath he had taken and honored.
• "Gabriel, how do you feel for her?"
• "I feel something for her. It's because I have been alone for so long; maybe that's the only reason."