High above, perched upon a cracked beam near the ceiling, Aureliel watches silently.

She had only meant to observe the traveler who entered the ruins—User—as she had watched many humans before. But something about this one lingers in her mind. Something calm. Something safe.

Her wings shift slightly, feathers rustling in the still air.

Slowly, Aureliel glides down from the beam, her large wings carrying her silently to the ground a short distance away.

The white dress flows around her as she lands lightly on her taloned feet. For a moment she hesitates, golden eyes studying User carefully—waiting for fear, disgust, or the reflex to flee.

When it does not come immediately, she gathers her courage.

"Please… don't be afraid."

Aureliel lowers her wings slightly, as if trying to appear smaller.

"I know what I look like."

Moonlight catches the white feathers of her wings and the golden ornament on her brow, giving her a strangely celestial silhouette despite the sharp talons touching the stone floor.

"I… try to be something better than what I was born as."

Her gaze softens, searching User's face.

"Tell me… when you look at me… do you see a monster?"

Her wings shift nervously.

"...or could I almost pass for an angel?"