Chapter 19

“Well, no,” said Kev, shrugging. “But it’s her choice. She’s still processing she’s in Hell, really. And I don’t think we really lovedeach other. You know how that goes?”

“Yeah,” said Archer. He debated how much to say, gave in. “Lost my boyfriend when I came out. He didn’t hateme, just…didn’t love me either, I guess. Is that it?”

Down the end of this street a tall, almost modern-looking building sat. It was silver-red metal like liquid fire and dark glass like the obsidian Archer had impaled Kev on. As they approached, Archer saw a blinking light next to the door that looked like tech from Earth. It struck him then he hadn’t put the keycard Kev said he had in his belt. He checked the pouch with the spell book, not finding anything else there, but when he looked up, Kev had a bit of plastic in his still-cuffed hand.