Galadan eventually lets go of Raguel's mangled throat, blood staining muzzle and teeth.

It is still a heady taste, even if the creature that spawned such riches is now dead on the stage.

He shakes his head once, attention shifting focus from the former threat to his current charges.

Gabriel is breathing, as are River, Regan, and Simon.

At the moment this is all the good news he has. He can, after all, smell Gabriel's blood, thick and heavy in the air, even beside that of the creature.

And River, though strong, should not have to carry her father's mangled body--not when there are other options.

Galadan's shape blurs as he stands on two legs instead of four.

He swipes his tongue across his teeth, removing blood and the few last lingering bits of demon-flesh. Then, mouth still stained a deep, bloody red, he moves swiftly toward River and Gabriel, hands poised to take the Senator's weight.

"River."

His words echo in her head again, soft and almost not present at all. His voice, however, is iron-hard and steady.

"River, I'll take your father--can you handle Regan and Simon?"