“This is so fascinating!”

Gabriel looks up to see Ravi beaming down at him, gripping the book tightly in his hand.

“I’m halfway through,” Ravi adds, “I’ve been rereading several passages. Taking it all in. It seems so real. The author appears to have really done his research. I mean, he most certainly could have made it all up, but…my god…if I could prove that these beings existed… Well, my father’s life’s work would certainly have more merit.”

“You would want to research them?” Gabriel asks, frowning slightly.

“Just…talk to them. I mean, his discovery of that man who could scale walls. They all appear to have a severe allergy to the sun. That seems so unfortunate. But the changes they undergo. It’s so fascinating,” Ravi gushes, “I’m going to go read some more. I can barely put this down. It will most certainly put a dent in my own work.”

Ravi gives Gabriel a warm grin, and turns away.

“I hope you’ll accept me when I turn you,” Gabriel mutters, just low enough that Ravi doesn’t hear him.