Gabriel jerked in surprise, craning his head in the direction of Malcolm's voice. His breathing was quick, ragged, his eyes wide and completely sightless, staring into the distance somewhere to Malcolm's side. His gut twisted. He hadn't seen the man coming. Not just physically, but spiritually. He couldn't see the soul.

The archangel's expression rearranged itself, aiming for something close to bitter amusement and not getting anywhere near it. The pain and the growing fear overtook any mask Gabriel might have tried to muster. "Have you ever tried to build something that blew up in your face?"