He appreciates the sympathy. He knows where it comes from. Ava had suggested the same when they first sprang from his back. But he's learned to accept them as a part of himself now. They do come in quite handy when he needs to get somewhere swiftly.

"Thank you, but there is no need for that. I learned of a new aspect to them recently. Watch, and try not to be too alarmed." He warns her because the time Darcy witnessed this they found it terribly distressing.

"Drake." With that one word uttered, the wings vanish. Gone, as if they never were. The only proof that they were there are the holes that remain in the back of his shirt.

"You see, I can remove them whenever I wish."