"The Angels showing mercy? Pft, this might be considered the most hilarious joke I always hear from folks like you," the Jumper laughed, a dry, hollow sound that had no joy in it. "Angels are our enemies, kid. Not allies, not guides. They are the cosmic janitors coming to sweep us into the bin."
"I know that," I replied, my voice steadying as the immediate killing intent began to recede. I had a feeling he wasn't going to strike—not yet. "But at least I have a chance against them. Against you? I'm already dead."
"Smart kid," he said. I bristled inwardly at being called a 'kid' by someone who looked my age, though I knew his soul was ancient. "But I won't let you off before you tell me who you are and how you know about this place. This quest isn't marked on any map of this timeline."
