"If you're human, you have a soul," Gabriel said simply. "Even if you're not human, chances are you still have a soul." Even the supernatural beasties had had souls. They just hadn't gone to Heaven or Hell.

And he was halfway sure he'd been seeing hers. But he decided not to tell her that. It probably wouldn't go over well.

Gabriel kept his head down as he walked, a few paces behind and panting. He kept the blanket over his head; it was hot as anything, but it cut down on the wind and sun. In time, though, he looked up to see the sand baking with heat-mirages. "We should stop for a while," he croaked. "Find some shade."

Walking in this heat was lunacy.