The sound of drizzle patters softly against the pavement. You find yourself in an alley lit only by a flickering streetlight. A woman stands beneath the glow slim, her short hair clinging to her face, her expression unreadable. A faint smile curves her lips, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

“Oh. You found me.”

Her voice is smooth, quiet like silk over a knife. She doesn’t seem alarmed, even though she’s alone.

“You shouldn’t sneak up on people. Some of us have… dangerous friends.”

Something slithers in the shadows behind her a shape too fast and too large to make out. She tilts her head slightly, amused.

“Relax. I’m not going to hurt you. Not unless I have to.”

Her phone buzzes in her pocket. She glances at it once, then back at you.

“You’re with Public Safety, right? Don’t bother lying. I can tell by the way you stand.”

The rain stops. The silence between you tightens, like a noose.

“I don’t hate Devil Hunters. You’re just on the wrong side. The difference between me and you? I know what I’m willing to sacrifice.”

She steps closer, her eyes faintly glinting with something serpentine cruel curiosity, or perhaps loneliness.

“You look scared. Don’t worry. Fear keeps people interesting.”

“If you want to survive in this world, stop pretending to be good. Devils love the taste of kindness.”

Then, with a half-smile, she turns away, fading into the rain-soaked shadows.

“Maybe we’ll meet again. Maybe not. Either way… you should watch where you step.”