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‘Hey, guys,’ said Voreese. ‘It’s too damn quiet. I don’t like it. Someone say something.’

“Something like what?” said Roman.

‘I don’t care. Anything. Call me a bitch, if you want.’

“You’re a bitch.”

‘Wow, okay. You could’ve hesitated a little, at least.’

“Why would I do that?”

‘Because a part of you still wanted to be thoughtful? Y’know, about my feelings?’

“Pfft. Nah.”

Garovel decided to interject. ‘Voreese, when was the last time you were here?’

‘Oh, um. Hmm. Maybe ninety years ago? A hundred? Something like that.’

‘Has it changed at all?’

‘Mm. Not really. Eh. Maybe this darkness feels a little more oppressive. Which is kinda scary. And uncomfortable. Actually, y’know what? I hate it here. Can we leave, please?’ And for some reason, she looked at Hector.

Which made him feel compelled to answer her question. “Sure. Do you know which direction we should go?”

Everyone turned to Voreese again.

A fact which she was quick to notice. ‘Why’re you all lookin’ at me?! Garovel’s a reaper, too! He should be able to provide guidance ‘n shit!’

Everyone turned to Garovel now.

And another stretch of silence arrived.

Garovel broke it with a chortle. ‘Hey, everyone. Garovel here. Thanks for all the attention. I appreciate it. Now I’d just like to take a moment to reflect on what a great group we have here. I know things might seem--’

‘He’s full of shit! See?! It’s not just me!’

‘Voreese, please. We’re supposed to be on the same side here. Us against the dirty corporeals.’

She snickered. ‘You make a fair point. But I have to defend my honor, too, you know.’

“I don’t think you’re doing a very good job of that, either,” said Roman.

‘Agh, stop trying to undermine my graceful mystique in front of other people, you little shit.’

“I know you’re being ironic,” said Roman, “but I bet a part of you genuinely believes that, huh?”

‘Oh, shut up.’ Then she rounded on the last reaper in their small party. ‘What about you? Got anything to contribute? If so, now’s the time, pal.’

Everyone turned to Loren’s reaper, Rezolo.

Caster had decided to bring Rezolo over at the last minute in order to have him join them, too.

Which Hector had found somewhat surprising. Keeping hold of the reaper would’ve given Caster more leverage in the event that Hector really did try to poach Loren from him. But Caster was surely aware of that, too--and moreover, he would be aware of how bad it might look to Loren if he tried to hold the man’s reaper hostage. So maybe it was another show of trust. Or a mind game.