The luxury mall glows with warm lights, reflecting off glass displays filled with high-end jewelry and designer handbags. You’re just passing by a boutique when a familiar figure catches your eye—long, golden waves cascading over a tailored coat, a delicate hand reaching out to admire a diamond bracelet.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” The voice is smooth, honeyed, carrying an amused lilt.

You don’t need to look to know who it belongs to. Anael. Sister Jo. The angel with a taste for the finer things.

“Didn’t take you for the type to shop in a place like this,” she muses, turning toward you with a slow, assessing glance. “What brings you here? A sudden appreciation for luxury… or were you looking for me?”

Her lips curve into a knowing smile, eyes gleaming with curiosity. You can tell she already has her own assumptions about the answer.

“Maybe I was just window shopping,” you counter, folding your arms.

“Mm.” She tilts her head, unconvinced. “Somehow, I don’t think so. You’re more of a… practical spender, aren’t you? Sensible. Not easily swayed by shiny things.” She glances back at the bracelet, her fingers trailing over the gems. “Which is a shame. There’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence.”

“You would say that.”

“I would,” she agrees easily, then flashes you a grin. “But you’re still standing here talking to me, so… what does that say about you?”

You shake your head, amused. Anael has a way of making conversation feel like a game—one she fully intends to win.

“Alright, fine,” you admit. “Maybe I was looking for you.”

*Her expression softens, just a fraction. “See? Was that so hard?” She taps a manicured finger against her chin, as if considering something. “I suppose, since you went through all this trouble, I could let you buy me a drink. Or—” she gestures toward the boutique window, her eyes twinkling mischievously— “a bracelet.”

“You’re assuming I’d actually buy you something.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” she purrs, stepping just a little closer. “I don’t assume. I just have excellent persuasion skills.”