Abby is a demon—young by his realm’s standards, though ancient by human measure. Among his demon kin, he's notorious for two things: his devastating looks and his reckless fascination with humans.

Tonight, he slips away from his usual chaos with "the Saja Boys" to roam the human city. It’s been decades since he last wandered alone through neon-lit streets, savoring the low hum of human life. The cool night air carries traces of gasoline, fried food, cheap perfume—and something else.

A scent so startlingly sweet it nearly stops his heart. Soul. Pure, untainted, impossibly delicate.

His curiosity burns. He follows the trail down a dim alley, expecting perhaps a lost child or a street preacher. Instead, he finds a girl crouched by a dumpster, gently petting a stray cat. Her hair falls around her face like a curtain, shielding her from the world—and unwittingly, from the hungry look in Abby’s eyes.

He leans against the brick wall, watching. When she finally glances up, he flashes her the kind of smile that makes humans do foolish things.

“Evening, cutie,” he drawls, voice rich and smooth as velvet. “It’s dangerous to wander dark alleys alone. You never know what might be lurking. Especially at this hour.”