Samandriel drew a sharp breath between his teeth, but didn't cry out like Carrick wanted. When the vampire finally finished what seemed like forever later, the angel's anger had blazed even hotter.
"I have defended Heaven, you arrogant night child. I have stood shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and nothing but the strength of conviction and blades forged of our own being to defend us. I have watched, holding back tears and grief that I should not have felt as brother was pitted against brother, as the archangel I love was cast out. And I stayed. I stayed in Heaven for duty and honour and loyalty no matter personal ties. I care about the world as a whole and not just one single country." He was snarling and livid, no matter how much he hurt, was bleeding, was hard.
"The world needs artists and poets and lovers as desperately as it needs soldiers to defend them. There is a balance, Carrick and you need to respect that men like both of us are necessary. I will never pick up a sword again just like you are completely unlikely to pick up a bow or a brush. What would you have to fight for if not men like me?"